I haven’t seen any reports from pundits on the impact of Biden’s speech at Valley Forge, but I hope it was a stem winder. I know the theme was that Trump continues to be a threat to American Democracy and the constitutional order.
I’m not sure average American voters will take that very seriously when they see Republican congress members, Supreme Court justices, influential figures like Elon Musk, a majority of voters in Iowa, and large news organizations continue to support Trump and his philosophy.
David Brooks today discussed what Biden should talk about. He mentioned Ronald Reagan, who at the time he ran was considered to be too old. Reagan stressed positive themes and presented a sunny disposition. Brooks noted that for Trump, everything is a zero-sum game. According to Trump, there are only winners and losers, and it is a doctrine he has preached all his life.
Brooks said Biden should stress two themes. The first is law and order. (Against chaos, in Ukraine, on America’s streets where crime is down, at the ballot box, in the board rooms of companies, and yes, at the border.)
The second is the spirit of enterprise. Americans are building things. Manufacturing is up. Employment is up. The American economy is remains the strongest on the globe, and we must continue to educate to maintain that and to work together.
In other words, be optimistic. It worked for Reagan, and it makes a nice contrast to Trump’s attacks and scowling whines.
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