Five (actually six) Things from the DNC

It's Five Things Friday! But my list grew over the week to around twenty because t here was just so much! But I cut and cut and cut and managed to whittle my list down to six.

1. The Gus Walz “That’s my dad” moment

   (AP photo/Matt Rourke)

   

   That moment when Gus’s tears ran down his cheeks like an open spout while he stood cheering and ugly sobbing, so proud of his dad, Vice Presidential candidate, Tim Walz. “That’s my Dad!” he shouted to the people next to him with unabashed love in his eyes and an utter lack of curated prim and properness. I went through half a box of Kleenex on the couch, blowing snot and soaking up tears, watching this glorious child experience this momentous event in his life.

   Gus is a neurodivergent kid, and he was the sweetest sight to behold. Watching the way this ordinary midwestern American family interacts in such an affectionate and embracing way tugged, stretched and snapped all the heart strings right out of my body. They are inclusive and joyful. Ordinary people. Ordinary people living extraordinary lives.

   Also, Tim Walz might be just the kind of father figure our country is desperate for. Guidance and leadership from a role model who is a solid, decent, wholesome, inclusive, kind, flannel-clad man of integrity. He is a fresh example of goodness in toxic times.

2. Pete Buttigieg speaking my love language

   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

   

   My love language is thoughtful communication across difference. Building bridges and tearing down walls. Seeking to listen and understand those who have different views- not demonizing and dehumanizing difference as Trump has a habit of doing, as he has normalized hateful rhetoric across this country.

   The manner in which we engage in political discussion with people of difference says as much about who we are as the views we hold. Pete not only preaches this, but he embodies it so well. Let’s shut down the cruel rhetoric and bring decency back to the United States. Let’s resurrect kindness and bury the toxic hatred.

   Life goal: a conversation with Pete on the Wheat & Willow podcast! One can dream (and this week has given me permission to dream!).

3. Women of color can save the world

   (AP photo)

   

   Women of color have said the most powerful, convicting and compelling things all week at this convention! I’ve been on my feet for every one of them. When I ran out of tissues I grabbed a roll of toilet paper. If these strong, compassionate, intelligent women held all the positions of power in our country I’m convinced that things would actually get done, and in a no-nonsense, cut-the-crap-and-get-down-to-business, efficient and humane kind of way. And everyone would be better off. Everyone.

   I know this isn’t the world we live in. But maybe it should be.

4. Obama-love and hope for the future

   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

   

   These two are the adorablest, and it was so good to see their radiance and remember to keep. Hope. Alive. They did not mince their words. They gave it to us straight. We are not going back. But we all have to work hard to make it so. I’m going to figure out my part and throw myself into it.

5. Adam Kinzinger, former Republican member of Congress.

   SLAM. DUNK.

   In sum: Donald Trump has sapped the soul out of the Republican party, which is no longer a party of principle or conservatism. Kamala Harris is our pathway to preserving democracy. Regardless of our political views, preserving democracy needs to be top priority in this critical moment in history. Watch the video for his full remarks. Seriously. Watch it.

6. Kamala/Mamala/Future President Harris bringing compassion, hope, passion, justice and *JOY* back to American politics.

   (AP photo)

   

   She is an extraordinary woman of compassion and justice with a vision for an America fueled by an “opportunity economy” in which EVERYONE will have an opportunity to not just survive, but to thrive.

   She has worked hard for everything she has- nothing was handed to her as a child except a strong head on her shoulders and a community of encouragement to support her along the way. She vows to be a president for all the people, always putting country over party.

   Meanwhile Donald Trump continues to sow chaos, increasingly reveals his disdain for democracy, and seeks to serve himself and his wealthiest friends. And we are Not. Going. Back.

   

   Now lace up your Converse shoes, and let’s hit the ground running!