Sequels are always better, right? (via LucasFilm)

And here we are again.

In contrast to Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris’ biggest mistake may have been that she was the candidate of the incumbent party. It is clear a mix of nostalgia, disgruntlement over prices, and religious fervor delivered this result. It is difficult to fathom that Harris could have overcome that.

Some will second guess Joe Biden dropping out—or even trying to run for a second term at all. Perhaps an open contest would have brought enough dialogue to shake the electorate loose of its preconceived notions. Or perhaps not.

Some Americans were clearly motivated by bigotry and hate. Our sense is that the emphasis on transgender issues in Republicans’ advertisements was misunderstood. Perhaps it was a base motivating effort. It certainly worked.

More frustrating are how some voters are simply tuned out. Many such persons are not unreachable in the abstract. Yet, in our fractured media and, to a lesser extent, amid geographic sorting, nobody ever hears the other side. They never hear the alternative argument except as a funhouse distortion or the whatever they hear is too brief to matter.

It is more possible than ever to avoid any information about the weightier subjects in life. That is before we get to the deluge of misinformation and malign disinformation out there.

Ironically, one such deluge is coming now. There are no simple answers for what Democrats must do next. Barring tyranny, Donald Trump will not be on a ballot again and just as Obama had done for Democrats, Trump may have papered over many problems Republicans have.

Indeed, but for the pandemic, he probably would have won four years ago before. Countless elections have shown that the brand of Trump is what people want, if not any particular policy. Not only is it his (false) brand as a businessman, but it is Rorschach test. People see whatever they want.

We will not retreat as we considered before. There are still too many stories to tell in the Pioneer Valley and the commonwealth. Voices cannot be dulled now.

The commonwealth, and indeed much of New England, offer some respite as they did in the last Trump term. Localities and the state and their leadership will not trespass as we fear the federal government might. But this is no forcefield. The Supreme Court looms and Trump will likely have appointed a majority of it by the time these four years end, assuming they end.

Our greatest immediate concern is abroad. Ukraine likely has little choice but to accept half a loaf or hope Europe will stand up on its behalf. The Baltics and Poland may, and possible even France and the UK. However, the US, even if Trump does not withdraw from NATO—legally he cannot do so without the Congress—will shut off the tap.

In the meantime, look out for those around you, if possible. Whatever happens will require smarter approaches from the opposition. Every offense cannot inflame pointless outrage. History has shown it often does not change anything and only exhausts. It may be best to save strength for the biggest threats or, better yet, the midterms.

For now, we must prepare but also write and speak for as long as we can.