The question of who is the stronger leader could decide the election. The vice president needs to keep making the case that Donald Trump is a weak man.
I am an old lady who grew up in a family headed by a bully. It was a daily litany of put-downs. It was a daily litany of threats. It was a caldron of toxic masculinity.
I never respected trump because he is obviously cut from that same cloth. He mocks others. He spews hatred and contempt. He foments violence with his demagoguery.
Speaking for myself only, I an NOT going back! I am voting for civility. I am voting for inclusion. I am voting for equality. I am voting for decency. Only one party’s candidates offer that: the Democrats. Harris/Walz have my vote.
You know, one of the strongest things a person can do is to allow themselves to be vulnerable. To take down the performative veneer of an impenetrable wall that cannot be broken nor breached. We all know how much Donald Trump enjoys his walls. The ones he dreams of building and the ones he hides behind. A truly strong person understands that protection necessarily requires the courage to bridge gaps and form relationships. To show honesty and compassion and empathy. To recognize extending a hand will keep us so much safer than extending an insult or a judgment or a gun.
As a woman, I could expound upon the topic of toxic masculinity. But I think the discussion may be more powerful coming from men towards and among other men. So I really appreciate this article. Using the recently popularized phrase ‘permission structure’ … I think seeing men like President Barack Obama speak so openly and lovingly about parenting his daughters gives other men the pathway and the opportunity to do the same. A ‘strongman’ acts/thinks/behaves as if he and his ilk are better than others. Better than men who aren’t ‘manly’. CERTAINLY better than women. A STRONG MAN recognizes that his strength originates from his kindness. Just as America’s strength is rooted in welcoming immigrants from all over the world. Not from building a literal or metaphorical wall to keep them all away.
And as an aside, speaking as a mother, a woman, a wife; never is my husband stronger then when he is changing our kids’ diapers, taking them on a picnic at the park, teaching them to play chess, watching their soccer games, listening to them talk and cry … and then allowing them to see his own tears.
I love waking up and reading Steven’s wisdom, surely on display today. In thinking about the disparity in men versus women it seems this is simply a carryover from history. Times are changing, guys. Don’t vote with your testosterone, vote with your heart and common sense. Women have shown us the wisdom in preferring Kamala Harris for President, and we need to move forward with grace and strength. Do not be a part of the problem embodied by Trump. Be a part of the burgeoning solution which will be effectively led by Kamala and Tim.
Kamala Harris is being masterful in projecting character, warmth, humor, intelligence and strength. We could not ask for a better, more experienced candidate. However, the fact that the majority of men still profess that Trump is somehow "stronger," is entirely due to their misogyny. Let's hope that Barack Obama, a man of true character and strength, will be able to chip away from enough of Trump's male supporters to make a difference. I believe he will. Barack is on a mission.
If only so many more were as strong as John McCain when he answered that woman questioning Barack Obama: He is a decent man and a person that you do not have to be scared as president of the United States. A strong man has it in him to not be jealous of another man or try to tear him down in order to look better himself.
We need a steady hand at the helm to guide us through some very rough waters.
The role of president is not about grabbing for power or basking in personal pseudo-glory. It's about sacrifice, decency, hard work, wisdom and personal integrity.
You've stated the obvious, Steven, that said, I can honestly say I blame Corporate Media's constant coverage of trump and his lies.Reporting that his Lies are "Alternative Facts"or the "Both Sides" BS line. The people who support trump, simply, don't know anything,but what their dear leader tells them, and the Fox,OAN etc.Echo his talking points.This is why you,and all the other progressive journalist, have become so Important to us. We're getting close to the November election and I'm proudly voting for Kamala Harris.Thank You, Steven, for your insight this morning ☕ and will reStack ASAP 💯👍💙🌊
And yesterday, after another toxic headline in the NYTimes, I canceled my subscription. It used to be Sun. in print; daily digitally. For years, Sun. Times was the treat to look forward to. I do not understand how and why they've done what they've done. A powerful voice could've made a difference. It was enough. It hurt to cancel - to not support the good journalists there and the distributors and the customer service people but I can't. Substack has been my salvation for news and commentary.
Obama is right! Trump is not strong, and not a good leader. He's a bully, who cozies up to strongmen because he thinks that makes him look tough. And look at how Harris handled him during their debate by standing up to him and calling him a disgrace. That's how you handle a bully. The story about him giving away covid testing machines to Putin when Americans were desperate for them, brought it all home for me again. Trump could not care less the American people and he proves it over and over again.
True leadership expressing real power is definitely needed in this country and Kamala Harris can deliver it! Not only is it what she embodies, she helps everyone else discover and exhibit their leadership potentials also - she recognizes that everyone has value, strength to share and unflinchingly stands up for it. Power is most effective when you share it, because it exponentially magnifies itself when others join forces. Weakness feeds on others, is parasitic and makes things fearful and ugly.
There is no such thing as a strong society when there is oppression of any kind. Oppressors ultimately thwart themselves through all their efforts to put others down, stunting progress, resulting in energy lost that they could have used for growth instead.
When our efforts are free of exclusivity and privilege, they expand, when they are constricted and selfish they contract and do much harm. We all need to practice true leadership and stick up for what is true, right, good and kind right where we are. Kamala expresses the best leadership because she understands that a nation (or any organization) is only as strong as every last member in it! With pizazz, humor and intelligence, she vitalizes and energizes, and helps us find our potentials. True leaders broaden visions, look at horizons see beyond limitations and encourage their people.
It is about time we get this woven into our culture and toss out the toxic notions of what power is. The notion that strength is about putting others at risk, or abusing them (oh the list is long..) is so weak and unproductive; it needs to be replaced by a broader, joyfully inclusive, truly democratic, synergetic potency.
I vote for Kamala and her sense of mightiness for the people! ALL people!
I wish we had a billboard for this comment by Barack Obama that Steve included. Here is that excerpt.
“”Then he laid out his case for Kamala Harris: “Real strength is about working hard and carrying a heavy load without complaining. Real strength is about taking responsibility for your actions and telling the truth even when it’s inconvenient. Real strength is about helping people who need it and standing up for those who can’t always stand up for themselves. That is what we should want for our daughters and for our sons, and that is what I want to see in a president of the United States of America.””
I'd contribute to the billboard. Where tho' would we need it or in how many places? I swore that THIS election, I'd not give my little bit of money. Yet, it is prob my last election and I can't live my last years under the very sick person that too many praise. KAMALA and TIM for the People .. Obviously.
How strong is a man who, as president, could not pay attention to daily briefings unless he was complimented after every four or five sentences?Concerned only with himself, not the citizenry of his country or the world.Because he doesn't care, because he has no idea of how to govern or tackle problems, he resorts to name calling. His latest is Communist Kamala. And now I hear his "people" repeating that. I am reminded of the words from a little song, but I change the last line. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words WILL NEVER HURT ME.
I also think of Who's afraid of the big bad wolf? Just about every Republican congressman, governor, judge, reporter, newspaper . I can think of two who are promising a house of bricks that will withstand all that is aimed at it: Kamala Harris & Tim Walz. So let trump huff and puff. That's all he is made of.
You know, after so long detailing Trump’s many, many, many faults … why have we seemed to have forgotten his despicable betrayal of the Kurds on the behalf of yet another strongman?
Obama had a message specific to his observation of a less enthusiasm for Harris by Black men:
— And you are thinking about sitting out? Part of it makes me think — and I'm speaking to men directly — part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren't feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and you're coming up with other alternatives and other reasons for that.”
Obama said, “women in our lives have been getting our backs this entire time."
“When we get in trouble and the system isn’t working for us, they’re the ones out there marching and protesting,” he said.
Earlier this morning MSNBC reported (WSJ article) that among the groups coming into FL to assist with recovery are neo-Nazis white supremacists (specifically Patriot Front). They are taking video to edit to portray themselves as an organized group of civic minded men as they spread false information about FEMA on social media.
I am an old lady who grew up in a family headed by a bully. It was a daily litany of put-downs. It was a daily litany of threats. It was a caldron of toxic masculinity.
I never respected trump because he is obviously cut from that same cloth. He mocks others. He spews hatred and contempt. He foments violence with his demagoguery.
Speaking for myself only, I an NOT going back! I am voting for civility. I am voting for inclusion. I am voting for equality. I am voting for decency. Only one party’s candidates offer that: the Democrats. Harris/Walz have my vote.
That this is even up for question is mind-bending. And infuriating.
Right you are, Al.
Absolutely. Couldn't agree more.
You know, one of the strongest things a person can do is to allow themselves to be vulnerable. To take down the performative veneer of an impenetrable wall that cannot be broken nor breached. We all know how much Donald Trump enjoys his walls. The ones he dreams of building and the ones he hides behind. A truly strong person understands that protection necessarily requires the courage to bridge gaps and form relationships. To show honesty and compassion and empathy. To recognize extending a hand will keep us so much safer than extending an insult or a judgment or a gun.
As a woman, I could expound upon the topic of toxic masculinity. But I think the discussion may be more powerful coming from men towards and among other men. So I really appreciate this article. Using the recently popularized phrase ‘permission structure’ … I think seeing men like President Barack Obama speak so openly and lovingly about parenting his daughters gives other men the pathway and the opportunity to do the same. A ‘strongman’ acts/thinks/behaves as if he and his ilk are better than others. Better than men who aren’t ‘manly’. CERTAINLY better than women. A STRONG MAN recognizes that his strength originates from his kindness. Just as America’s strength is rooted in welcoming immigrants from all over the world. Not from building a literal or metaphorical wall to keep them all away.
And as an aside, speaking as a mother, a woman, a wife; never is my husband stronger then when he is changing our kids’ diapers, taking them on a picnic at the park, teaching them to play chess, watching their soccer games, listening to them talk and cry … and then allowing them to see his own tears.
Perfect. Well said!
I love waking up and reading Steven’s wisdom, surely on display today. In thinking about the disparity in men versus women it seems this is simply a carryover from history. Times are changing, guys. Don’t vote with your testosterone, vote with your heart and common sense. Women have shown us the wisdom in preferring Kamala Harris for President, and we need to move forward with grace and strength. Do not be a part of the problem embodied by Trump. Be a part of the burgeoning solution which will be effectively led by Kamala and Tim.
Be a part of the solution, indeed. Thanks, Richard.
Kamala Harris is being masterful in projecting character, warmth, humor, intelligence and strength. We could not ask for a better, more experienced candidate. However, the fact that the majority of men still profess that Trump is somehow "stronger," is entirely due to their misogyny. Let's hope that Barack Obama, a man of true character and strength, will be able to chip away from enough of Trump's male supporters to make a difference. I believe he will. Barack is on a mission.
If only so many more were as strong as John McCain when he answered that woman questioning Barack Obama: He is a decent man and a person that you do not have to be scared as president of the United States. A strong man has it in him to not be jealous of another man or try to tear him down in order to look better himself.
We need a steady hand at the helm to guide us through some very rough waters.
The role of president is not about grabbing for power or basking in personal pseudo-glory. It's about sacrifice, decency, hard work, wisdom and personal integrity.
Kamala Harris possesses these qualities.
You've stated the obvious, Steven, that said, I can honestly say I blame Corporate Media's constant coverage of trump and his lies.Reporting that his Lies are "Alternative Facts"or the "Both Sides" BS line. The people who support trump, simply, don't know anything,but what their dear leader tells them, and the Fox,OAN etc.Echo his talking points.This is why you,and all the other progressive journalist, have become so Important to us. We're getting close to the November election and I'm proudly voting for Kamala Harris.Thank You, Steven, for your insight this morning ☕ and will reStack ASAP 💯👍💙🌊
And yesterday, after another toxic headline in the NYTimes, I canceled my subscription. It used to be Sun. in print; daily digitally. For years, Sun. Times was the treat to look forward to. I do not understand how and why they've done what they've done. A powerful voice could've made a difference. It was enough. It hurt to cancel - to not support the good journalists there and the distributors and the customer service people but I can't. Substack has been my salvation for news and commentary.
Obama is right! Trump is not strong, and not a good leader. He's a bully, who cozies up to strongmen because he thinks that makes him look tough. And look at how Harris handled him during their debate by standing up to him and calling him a disgrace. That's how you handle a bully. The story about him giving away covid testing machines to Putin when Americans were desperate for them, brought it all home for me again. Trump could not care less the American people and he proves it over and over again.
Thank you for this post!
True leadership expressing real power is definitely needed in this country and Kamala Harris can deliver it! Not only is it what she embodies, she helps everyone else discover and exhibit their leadership potentials also - she recognizes that everyone has value, strength to share and unflinchingly stands up for it. Power is most effective when you share it, because it exponentially magnifies itself when others join forces. Weakness feeds on others, is parasitic and makes things fearful and ugly.
There is no such thing as a strong society when there is oppression of any kind. Oppressors ultimately thwart themselves through all their efforts to put others down, stunting progress, resulting in energy lost that they could have used for growth instead.
When our efforts are free of exclusivity and privilege, they expand, when they are constricted and selfish they contract and do much harm. We all need to practice true leadership and stick up for what is true, right, good and kind right where we are. Kamala expresses the best leadership because she understands that a nation (or any organization) is only as strong as every last member in it! With pizazz, humor and intelligence, she vitalizes and energizes, and helps us find our potentials. True leaders broaden visions, look at horizons see beyond limitations and encourage their people.
It is about time we get this woven into our culture and toss out the toxic notions of what power is. The notion that strength is about putting others at risk, or abusing them (oh the list is long..) is so weak and unproductive; it needs to be replaced by a broader, joyfully inclusive, truly democratic, synergetic potency.
I vote for Kamala and her sense of mightiness for the people! ALL people!
We need. billboard!
I wish we had a billboard for this comment by Barack Obama that Steve included. Here is that excerpt.
“”Then he laid out his case for Kamala Harris: “Real strength is about working hard and carrying a heavy load without complaining. Real strength is about taking responsibility for your actions and telling the truth even when it’s inconvenient. Real strength is about helping people who need it and standing up for those who can’t always stand up for themselves. That is what we should want for our daughters and for our sons, and that is what I want to see in a president of the United States of America.””
Thank you, Barack.”
————-
Thank YOU Steve
I'd contribute to the billboard. Where tho' would we need it or in how many places? I swore that THIS election, I'd not give my little bit of money. Yet, it is prob my last election and I can't live my last years under the very sick person that too many praise. KAMALA and TIM for the People .. Obviously.
How strong is a man who, as president, could not pay attention to daily briefings unless he was complimented after every four or five sentences?Concerned only with himself, not the citizenry of his country or the world.Because he doesn't care, because he has no idea of how to govern or tackle problems, he resorts to name calling. His latest is Communist Kamala. And now I hear his "people" repeating that. I am reminded of the words from a little song, but I change the last line. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words WILL NEVER HURT ME.
I also think of Who's afraid of the big bad wolf? Just about every Republican congressman, governor, judge, reporter, newspaper . I can think of two who are promising a house of bricks that will withstand all that is aimed at it: Kamala Harris & Tim Walz. So let trump huff and puff. That's all he is made of.
You know, after so long detailing Trump’s many, many, many faults … why have we seemed to have forgotten his despicable betrayal of the Kurds on the behalf of yet another strongman?
Very important/All of it. Every reply here is so important too!
Thank you all!
Obama had a message specific to his observation of a less enthusiasm for Harris by Black men:
— And you are thinking about sitting out? Part of it makes me think — and I'm speaking to men directly — part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren't feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and you're coming up with other alternatives and other reasons for that.”
Obama said, “women in our lives have been getting our backs this entire time."
“When we get in trouble and the system isn’t working for us, they’re the ones out there marching and protesting,” he said.
Earlier this morning MSNBC reported (WSJ article) that among the groups coming into FL to assist with recovery are neo-Nazis white supremacists (specifically Patriot Front). They are taking video to edit to portray themselves as an organized group of civic minded men as they spread false information about FEMA on social media.
My god! One would think women have never led a country before 🙄🤯. Republicans love the poorly educated.
Good point about difference in Harris today vs. convention speech. I believe it must be due to different speech writers/consultants.