SECOND NIGHT...

I strolled around the news media on my computer this morning, checking out the response to last night's Democratic convention, and was struck by the pettiness of some of the carping from even Democratic-friendly sources. I suppose they have to find something to say; and that the requirement for "balanced" reporting demands criticism as well as commendation. But it does seem petty to offer such generally faint praise for what I myself saw to be an imaginative and excellently-produced alternative to the usual rowdy celebration that is the political convention.

The roll-call of the states was a great improvement, with representatives speaking from the location of many different landscapes rather than the convention floor. And the speeches were greatly improved by the brevity and concision required by advance planning and the requirements of production. I found Dr. Jill Biden's speech to be gratifyingly human in its evocation of the family she and her husband overcame a double tragedy to create. It speaks well of them both as caring human beings, respectful of the needs and dignity of others.

I wonder what the Republicans can come up with to match the quality of individual and social care and responsibility that pervades this Democratic event. Who will stand up and credibly affirm the decency and compassion of the man they incomprehensibly seek to re-elect? What great achievements can they claim, from the Tr*mp years to date? A huge tax cut that benefits the wealthiest among us? The elevation to the Supreme Court of a man of at best dubious qualifications and character? The ejection or imprisonment of immigrants and their children? The (partial) erection of a ridiculous border wall? Endless (thankfully failed) attempts to deprive millions of their fellow Americans of health care? An impeached president, and a mockery of Senate trial that failed to remove him from office in time to prevent the disaster of his incompetence and neglect in face of the coronavirus pandemic? An America weakened in its position toward those hostile to its interests and distrusted by its friends? A nation riven by ancient, recently exposed hatreds and political divide? 

There will be those on the left who disagree with me when I suggest that Democrats have found acceptable common ground, a platform more progressive than any in recent memory--perhaps in the history of the country. There are those for whom nothing falling short of their ideals can possibly suffice. They fail, in my view, to take into account the need to persuade a vast majority of American voters of the wisdom and viability of the path that they propose. There will be those on the left who will surely take me to task for my approval of the Democratic party, its platform, and its presidential and vice-presidential candidates. My main concern--I'm tempted to say my exclusive concern--is victory in November, and a rededication to the true human values for which this country has stood, and must stand again.