Making the holidays happier

There’s blood in the water.

Sure, Donald “It’s all about me!” Trump has been teasing the MAGA crowd with the idea that he might run for president again in 2028. He tosses out this red meat for his audience, saying “I would love to do it,” and similarly ridiculous statements, both because it keeps the cameras on his pitiful need for attention and – more importantly – keeps the suckers sending in financial contributions.

After all, his super PAC MAGA Inc. has already raised over $200 million for the 2028 campaign, and another $400 million has been collected by “dark money” groups.

The 22^nd Amendment specifies “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice…” Naturally, like with so many other Constitutional limits, he and his devoted masses (a word which in this case I would argue has one too many ms!) seem willing to overlook the law, arguing that the ends justify the means.

The majority of Americans believing the 79-year-old Trump’s age and health are having negative impacts on his job performance notwithstanding.

While these baloneys do everything they can to “own the libs,” here are a few things happening simultaneously that may help you appreciate how much his influence is increasingly loud … but temporary. Because he commands attention, but attention does NOT equal control. The system, the party and global actors are already moving on from the Donald Trump era. Consider this:

1. Foreign allies are increasingly delaying big commitments, preferring to see who leads the US after 2028.

2. Diplomats are speaking more often about containment and continuity beyond Trump.

3. GOP lawmakers are distancing themselves from him more often on difficult votes.

4. Trump endorsements matter less than in the past.

5. The administration is leaning even more on executive orders (rather than legislation), meaning they can be easily undone in three years.

6. Media coverage is increasingly asking what will last and what will get quickly undone by the next president.

7. Courts are more willing to pause or block White House actions.

8. Corporations and universities are treating Trump policies as short-term conditions, not permanent shifts.

9. Conversations at every media level are focused on a narrative of succession and legacy.

   
   

   To the question of his legacy, we should be focusing on:

   
   

   A)     His inability to manage the economy, including the imposition of illegal tariffs.

   B)     The weakening of democratic norms.

   C)    The 25 documented lies he tells on an average day.

   D)    The intentional governing by division.

   E)     The importance of shifting the courts and elected officials towards a progressive perspective.

   F)      Tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of everyone else.

   G)    Weakening of foreign alliances that are all his fault.

   H)    How we can all learn a lesson from Donald Trump.

   
   

Donald Trump will ultimately be remembered for teaching Americans what they could lose, rather than for actually building anything of value. To succeed, we MUST take these lessons into the coming year.

Because 2026 is going to be OUR year to shine, but there’s a lot of work – and a long way to go - between here and there.

Finally, recognizing that the Democratic Party is a big, multi-hued tent (compared to the white tent that is the Republican Party), I offer you our version of a holiday celebration. It’s perfect for phone wallpaper, holiday cards, or framing.

See you at the ballot box!

Rob