There is no more important maxim in politics than Maya Angelou’s admonition: "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." As we head into the final week of the election, here are just a few of the people and institutions showing us who they are:
Donald Trump: In 2020, he coyly said that his message to the Proud Boys was to stand by and stand back. Now he dons their colors as he throws a fascist rally in New York. He has not only lied about the 2020 election, but he has already begun actively lying about the results in 2024.
Glenn Youngkin: Once eager to present himself as a moderate, the term-limited Virginia governor has flouted federal voting laws to show his MAGA street cred. Expect him to seek a job in a Trump administration or crawl back under a rock if Trump loses.
Mike Johnson: No one other than Donald Trump was more instrumental in the events of Jan. 6 then the disgraced Speaker of the House. Now, feeling his power slip away, Johnson has started outright lying about Kamala Harris to please his boss.
Big Media: A recent New York Times poll shows that only 21% of Americans think the mainstream media is good for democracy. That was before billionaire owners of two of the biggest newspapers — the LA Times and Washington Post — announced they will not endorse for president this year. Those who study authoritarianism call it “anticipatory obedience.” I call it cowardice.
Democrats: Yes, Democrats are worried. Since the fate of American democracy is at stake, they have good reason to be concerned. Yet, they are also executing a ground game around the country that is something to behold. While Republicans narrow their coalition, Democrats are growing theirs. In politics, the campaign with momentum and joy usually wins.
