“On Politics, being deceived is no Excuse” Leszek Kolakowski

Patriotism has always been complex. On one hand, there are those who reject any criticisms as unpatriotic. Conversely, others fail to appreciate the abundance of their unearned birthright.  While some willingly “give their last full measure of devotion.”

The global rise of right-wing political extremism coupled with the growth of religious conservativism suggests that many are, understandably, looking for stability in a world of constant change. It was not an unreasonable response. Today it has become fertile soil for misguided dogmatism and those with bad intentions.

The lawsuit by Dominion Voting against Fox News, alleges the cable channel willingly deceived viewers for financial gain. “[Tucker] Carlson [texted], ‘Our viewers are good people and they believe it,’ he added, making clear that he did not.”

Born down in a dead man's town

The first kick I took was when I hit the ground

You end up like a dog that's been beat too much

'Til you spend half your life just coverin' up (Springsteen, Born in the USA)

In 1984 Bruce Springsteen’s song Born in the USA was played at sporting events, political rallies, and out of car windows. Many, including Ronald Reagan, incorrectly viewed the song “with star-spangled eyes.” Springsteen’s song actually spotlighted Vietnam vets who’d been ignored and neglected since the end of the war.

Come back home to the refinery

Hiring man says, "Son if it was up to me"

Went down to see my V.A. man

He said, "Son, don't you understand?"

Former diplomat Richard Haass’ bestselling book, The Bill of Obligations, The Ten Habits of Good Citizens, provides nonpartisan lessons in, what he argues, are much-needed civics. The conversation begins by coupling our rights with individual obligations to others. He also examines the damages done by those who intentionally spread conspiracies, disinformation, distrust, and division.

Haass provides an easy-to-read framework for Americans confused by the muddled waters of patriotism. Haass’ discusses the duties of responsible citizenship using ideas by Michael Sandel, whose book Justice helps readers define and understand justice; Danielle Allen, whose book Our Declaration, digs deeply into Jefferson’s ideal of equality; and Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream, which wove together scripture of fairness and freedom with Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence: re-focusing 1963 American society on Lincoln’s call for a “rebirth of freedom” (The Gettysburg’s Address).

The popularity of The Bill of Obligations suggests many are seeking to understand patriotism and their role in our model of self-governance. If you have a book club or an ache to better understand how your behaviors and values mold a ‘good society,’ Haass’ book is a thought-provoking place to further your exploration. A similar book, On Tyranny, Twenty Lesson from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder examines characteristics that thwart abusive power.

Down in the shadow of the penitentiary,

Out by the gas fires of the refinery.

I'm ten years burning down the road,

Nowhere to run, ain't got nowhere to go 

In 2014 Springsteen revisited the internal dialogue silently replayed by many Americans in the aftermath of Vietnam. The Wall, recalls his visit to the black granite memorial in Washington D.C. to find the name of his guitar teacher and early musical hero, Walter Cichon.

This black stone and these hard tears, Are all I got left now of you

I remember you in your Marine uniform laughing.

Laughing at your ship out party.

 

If your eyes could cut through that black stone

Tell me would they recognize me?

For the living time it must be served, the day goes on. (Springsteen, The Wall)

At lunch, Kerry spoke of citizenship and our national divides. ‘Where is the aspiration, those eloquent words, that leader who helps span the divides that deceivers perpetuate?’ ‘Is it time to get out of the way and let the next generation take over?’ asked Tom.  “Rugged individualism, which is something often celebrated, is clearly on the upswing in this country. The problem is that it can all too easily descend into selfishness” writes Haass. “We have a stake in the overall well-being of [our] society, which in turn translates into having a stake in the well-being of our fellow citizens.”

Perhaps, we’ll find inspiration’s ‘mourning mist’ in familiar songs, nonpartisan patriotism, and in our obligations to others.

I was born in the U.S.A. 

I'm a cool rockin' Daddy in the U.S.A. 

Engaged Citizenship and Omaha’s Free Speech Society

 

One of my earliest memories is the funeral of President Kennedy. A few months later, after the Beatles played the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, American’s trust that their government would “do what is right just about always/ most of the time,” peaked at 77%. Since then, according to PEW Research, it has slid to a paltry 20%. While confidence rose under Reagan and Clinton, today, left leaning political moderates are the most trustful of their government (32%) while conservatives bottom out at 7%.

Robert Putnam’s landmark study, ‘Bowling Alone’ documented how, over the past 72 years, Americans have become increasingly isolated and, consequently, less trusting of government, society, and each other. He argues that the lack of social engagement has created a crisis of trust and declining civic engagement.

Since 1995, Undergraduates at Bellevue University have taken a course on citizenship and founding principles. Today, the Kirkpatrick Signature Series helps over 2,000 students a year learn about their government and the importance of engaged citizenship.

No, I'll stand my ground: I won't be turned around. And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down, but I won’t back down.  

In 2016, a small group got together to implement Putnam’s ideas by forming The Omaha Free Speech Society. By bringing people together to discuss important political and social issues, we got to know our neighbors, practice verbalizing complex ideas, rebuild trust, and share coffee and donuts. The group is older, predominately white, and politically moderate. We would welcome, and be better served by, any facet of diversity

With more than 500 online members and approximately 75 regular attenders, the group recently gathered to start its seventh year. To mark the occasion, small groups explored the question, ‘What are the top 3  concerns that government actually could and should address over the next two years?’ Using a caucus style format, the membership ranked education, immigration, and Dark Money as the top issues.  

Well, I won't back down. You could stand me up at the gates of Hell, but I won't back down.

Local businessman, Jeremy Aspen argued that K-12 education needs to move from STEM to STEAM (science, technology, arts, engineering and math). “As technology progresses, we need more creative thinkers” opined Aspen. Don Frey M.D. added, “With instantaneous access to facts, student’s need to learn critical thinking so they can synthesize ideas and make good decisions.” Noting that earlier in the week, four Nebraska School District Superintendents had resigned, Susan Laughlin discussed the challenging environment for teachers and administrators. “Public educators went from dealing with COVID and learning to teach online to becoming the targets of unfair criticism from overly aggressive parents.”

In regard to immigration, “Things are mess on the border. I don’t know how (immigration) can be managed when neither party seems willing to sit down and discuss solutions,” said one guest. While issue gridlock plays well among partisans, sensible immigration laws addressing economic and security concerns would benefit all Americans.

Well, I know what's right: I got just one life. In a world that keeps on pushin' me around, I'll stand my ground. And I won't back down

Finally, the lack of transparency in governance was discussed. Concerns ranged from one members concern about, “the 2023 Cornhusker Kick Back” to the negative influences of (dark) money in politics. Many felt money allowed a select few to raise the financial and emotional costs of politics thereby pricing otherwise viable candidates and ideas out of office. The previous month, Congressman Bacon’s Campaign Manager Derek Oden and Mike Forsyth of Common Cause Nebraska discussed the 2022 midterm election. Tracy Zaiss led a discussion which was heavily critical of negative campaign ads and anonymous PAC money.

Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out. But I won't back down (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers)

The Free Speech Society may or may not successfully chip away at some of the problems facing America but it’s one of many attempts to mold a better world for future generations. It also beckons those seeking healthy bipartisan discussions.

Perhaps, if we griped less, trusted more, listened, and followed the lead of America’s Greatest Generation by rolling up our sleeves, we could make progress when, seemingly, so many want America’s model of self-governance to fail. As Coach Monlux tells his top ranked Bellevue University baseball players, “Don’t stop believing.” Indeed, don’t stop.

Keep Secret Ballots in the Nebraska Unicameral

     

     In school we learned about our Unicameral and how Nebraska’s political system is unique. As one of only two states to divide their Electoral College Votes, Nebraska voters are afforded a louder voice in Presidential elections. And arguably affords Nebraska voters the most empowered voice of any state legislature. As governor, Bob Kerry worked with Unicameral Senators. Kerry also served 12 years in the U.S. Senate. When asked, he shared that in creating the Unicameral, Norris “led the successful effort to terminate both of these institutions with a constitutional amendment that abolished one of the legislative bodies and ended the practice of identifying a candidate’s political party on the ballot. Together, these two have given Nebraskans the most efficient and responsive legislature in the Country.”

Nebraskan George Norris served in the U.S. Senate from 1913 to 1933. His legacy includes the creation of our Unicameral. Norris’ ‘Rubber & Glass Campaign’ fought for the Unicameral because it made elected officials more accountable to voters, tamped down party influence, held the governor’s office in check, and thwarted special interest groups.

Today, the vast majority of Americans view our political system as untrustworthy. PEW Research finds only 7% of conservatives and 32% of Centrist Democrats trust government.

After Watergate, Congress responded with efforts to make governance more transparent. Research found that that elected officials motivations and behaviors changed but not for the better (Zelizer). Officials took positions based upon polls, media attention, and manipulating the appearance of their actions to appease voters (Heclo). Cross-aisle engagement and compromise went down as partisan rhetoric demonizing the opposition went up and divides got deeper (Fiorina). Supporting and passing legislation was bogged down as partisans punished officials for deviations from the party line. Instead of governing, elected officials focused on reelection in lieu of tackling tough issues and making hard choices.  Statesmen morphed into politicians as Political Action Committees (PACs) and special interest groups successfully drowned out the voice of voters with big donations by funding campaigns of compliant candidates, and, as we saw in 2022, let the wealthy exploit anonymous Dark Money campaigns to run brutally negative ads against others such as those ran against Brett Linstrom and Tony Vargas.

Since its inception, 85 years ago, the nonpartisan Unicameral has voted secretly for the body’s leadership. Next week a motion is expected that will make these votes public.  This would be the culmination of an effort pushed by the Nebraska First PAC. Nebraska First was founded and funded by Trump endorsed, unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate Charles W. Herbster.

Lead by Rod Edwards, Nebraska First argues, “Electing leadership by a secret and unrecorded ballot deprives everyday Nebraskans of information they could use when deciding who to elect as their state senator. Additionally, keeping the leadership votes a secret gives even more power and influence to lobbyists, special interests, and Capitol insiders. Most citizens are not aware of this practice and most would not support the secrecy if they knew.”

Sounds reasonable, or does it?

When the nation’s founders met to write the U.S. Constitution, they cloaked the windows and forbid transcripts of the process so that participants could act and speak freely. Those who participated-in composing the Constitution, a document written and debated in secret, include George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and Roger Sherman. Of the 55 that participated, 40 had or would serve in a legislative body.

Along with Maine, Nebraska is the most moderate state in the Union. Certainly the officially nonpartisan Unicameral and the diminished role of political parties factors in to the calm and uniquely rational nature of Nebraska politics.

Today, officials bemoan the ‘brain drain’ as young Nebraskan’s move for work to other states. Over the last four years I have read approximately 1000 essays that asked students to describe America in 25 years. By very large numbers, their essays describe a failed political system, inequality, and an unhealthy cynicism of ever achieving the American Dream. Nationally, those under 40 prefer socialism to capitalism. If we’re serious about slowing Nebraska’s brain drain, elevating vitriolic partisanship is exactly the wrong thing to do.

Today, I doubt most Nebraska could name the Unicameral Speaker: Mike Hilgers steps down to become State Attorney General in January. And yet, despite the fact Nebraska voters are 49% Republican, 28% Democrats, and 23% Other, the system has worked according to Norris’ plan since 1937. Unnecessary transparency will, as we’ve all seen in the U.S. Senate and Congress, strengthen political party control, increase partisan extremism, and gag voters.

Students of our model of self-governance know that the system was designed to be slow and inefficient: thereby forcing the political debate, negotiation, and compromise. By doing so, it gives voice to those in the minority and stops political extremism.

“Nebraskans should listen to Mr. Herbster and ask themselves this question: Do you like what you seen in our Nation’s Capitol? Do you want our legislature to behave like the Congress” asks Bob Kerry.

Protect your vote and contact your State Senator today: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/senator_find.php

Unicameral Politics, Signs, Symbols, and Morfeld

 

Since COVID, I’ve taken to walking. One neighbor proudly displays his Trump / Pence campaign sign from 2016. I noticed duct tape over ‘2016’ during the 2020 election cycle. More recently, ‘Pence’ got the duct tape treatment. One sign, three messages.

Traffic came to a stop behind a pick-up truck flying a profanity-laced flag, (proving PT Barnum’s point, “No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the masses”). To my right was a mini-van of kids heading to school. I noticed mom’s awkward moment dealing with the political vulgarity.

Sign, sign. Everywhere a sign. Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind. Do this, don't do that. Can't you read the sign? (Five Man Electric Band).

In his book, Man and His Symbols, Carl Jung, a student of Freud and founder of Jungian Psychology wrote, “Man uses the spoken or written word to express the meaning of what he wants to convey.”  We love our symbols and signs by sharing them on our cars, in our yards, and on social media. Why?

Now, hey you, mister, can't you read? You got to have a shirt and tie to get a seat inside. You've got to have a membership card to get inside."

One theory is as respected members of a group, we are more secure and assured of our place in society. Almost every characteristic you use to define you, (gender, religion, ethnicity, race, age, politics, education, city, state, et, al) comes with a group imposing expectations that judge the legitimacy of your membership in the group.

However, sometimes groupthink goes too far. Senator Krysten Sinema publicly revoked partisan affiliation because she claimed, party demands compromised her integrity. Similar concerns over unhealthy partisanship have been signaled by Paul Ryan, John Boehner, George Will, Liz Cheney, Jeff Flake, Mitt Romney, and the congressional bipartisan Problem Solvers (including Don Bacon).

And the sign said, "Anybody caught trespassin' will be shot on sight. So I jumped on the fence and I yelled at the house, "Hey! What gives you the right? If God was here, he'd tell you to your face, 'Man, you're some kind of sinner”

One neighbor erected more than a dozen flagpoles. Most commemorated NASCAR drivers but included in the mix was the Gadsden ‘don’t tread on me’ flag. Created by Benjamin Franklin, the Gadsden flag signaled a warning against the authoritarian rule of England’s King George III. What was a patriotic message against government overreach recently became starkly unpatriotic. This ideology was commandeered by those seeking to “terminate” the Constitution including a former authoritarian President and Congressman Paul Gosar. In addition, The Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC), recently awarded Hungary’s illiberal Prime Minister, Viktor Orban’ with two addresses. Why are those claiming patriotism giving a platform to an authoritarian dictator? What sign are they sending?

A report by International IDEA (*1) finds that authoritarianism is rising worldwide and affecting long-stable democracies including 17 European nations, as well as 7 nations in the Americans, along with, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and the United States.

Today, the greatest danger to our model of self-governance is those who lie and conspire to deceive others by perpetuating false claims of election fraud. The foundation of American self-governance rests upon our trust and faith to rule ourselves through free and fair elections. By undermining the legitimacy of those elected, and thereby our faith in self-governance, election deniers promote authoritarian nationalism. These are the ideas that drove your forefathers to emigrate to these shores for freedom and that brave Americans “gave their last full measure of devotion” fighting against in the 1770s, 1812, 1860s, throughout the 20^th century, and in the war against terrorism. 

Sign, sign. Everywhere a sign. Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind. Do this, don't do that. Can't you read the sign?

Over the last year, four unicameral senators spoke to the Omaha Free Speech Society. Their depth of knowledge and lack of partisan point-taking was refreshing. George Norris got it right when he removed partisanship from Nebraska’s unicameral. Thankfully, Nebraska Senator Adam Morfeld has launched a group to fight extremism and misinformation in Nebraska. Godspeed Mr. Morfeld. (*2)

And the sign said, "Everybody welcome. Come in, kneel down and pray. So I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign, I said, "Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me, I'm alive and doin' fine"

 

For link:

(*1) Omaha World Herald, 12/7/2022, Jan M Olson

Report: Authoritarianism on rise as democracy weakens

 

(*2) Omaha World Herald, 12/7/2022, Martha Stoddard

Senator launches group to fight extremism and misinformation

On Such a Night - interviewing the Night Tripper, New Orleans Dr. John.

For years I tried to interview Dr. John. There were three artists I desperately wanted to interview, Dr. John, Gary Moore, and Mark Knopfler. In pursuit of an interview, someone gave me a number in New Orleans where he "hung out." If memory serves, it was Tsaint Recording Studios. I called the number and spoke to a guy named Allen. After I had hung-up the phone I realized I'd been speaking to Allen Toussaint. That was an opportunity missed.

In the early years of the Indigenous Jam, we had a very close working relationship with Joe Bonamassa and his manager, Roy. Pacific St Blues was one of the first two radio programs to play Joe's music. Today he’s a superstar and rightfully so. While some continue to lob criticism at Bonamassa, he earned his place as the top touring blues guitarist by being on-the-road and, this is important, helping open the door for others by producing their albums, letting them open shows, or appearing on their records. Bonamassa is nothing if not a faithful servant of the blues and those that play it. Several times over the early years we discussed putting together a music festival called, Joemaha.

Once when Joe was in town and I took him to the guitar shop in downtown Papillion. I don’t remember the name of the store but I think the owner’s name was Derek. There was a Robert Johnson era Gibson guitar on the wall that immediately attracted Joe’s discerning eye. Later we ate at Danny's on 72nd & Blondo. It was at Danny’s that we bumped into "Mouse" Strauss, the boxer and former bodyguard for Bob Dylan. 'Mouse' told us Dylan stories for about an hour including meeting the mysterious sage the first time while hitchhiking and picked up by Dylan’s bus. If nothing, it was a memorable story.

After eating we then headed over to 7777 Cass Streets to see Dr. John at The Music Box. Having met Mac several times by then, we were invited backstage where I introduced Joe to Mac. That was the first time I was able to introduce Joe to someone he wanted to meet. Years later, having interviewed the brother of the late Irish bluesman Rory Gallagher, Donal, on the phone, I arranged with Joe's manager for Donal to meet-up with Joe at Bonamassa's show at the Royal Albert Hall. The meeting was captured, albeit briefly, in the DVD of the sold-out concert.

The first time I met Mac Rebennack, a/k/a Dr. John was at a BB King show at the Devaney Center in Lincoln. As I recall, the line-up was The Muddy Waters Tribute Band, Dr. John, Little Feat, and BB King. The interview was in person and occurred in the men's locker room. Mac has just gotten out of rehab for a long term narcotics addiction. He seemed nervous and not really into being interviewed. Over in the corner, what I've always figured was BB's band, someone was smoking pot. The smell wafted over to our area and I assumed it was making Mac uncomfortable. In fact, probably having been interviewed by hundreds of unprepared college radio hosts, Dr. John was in guarded and bored interview mode. And, as the interview wore on, it was clear I was bombing...the interview was not going well.

I learned over the years you have to do your homework to conduct an interview. You have to get the artist into a conversation rather than a rote Q&A. By asking questions that the interviewee had not been asked a million times previously and, ideally, bringing up a topic of interest to them (which is NEVER their latest album, the tour, or who they'd screwed in the past).

I asked Mac how he got Red Tyler to tour again. "Motherfucker, how do YOU know about Red Tyler?" he shot back in an aggressive tone? As quick as I could, I listed the members in his band that I  had recognized and discussed some of their recordings. I shifted into discussions about Professor Longhair, Dave Bartholomew, and Art Neville. "Man, you are one cool cat" said Mac as he draped his arm over my shoulders. I adore Dr. John. Reluctantly, he discussed the Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street  sessions although it was clear he didn’t want to discuss it. After that, he talked and shared as though we were life-long friends. Oh, and if they have a book, bring the book. 

Catch a Wave & we’re Sitting on Top of the World

“If I say it’s safe to surf this beach Captain, it’s safe to surf this beach” Lt Colonel Bill Kilgore, Apocalypse Now (Robert Duval).

Political pundits are dissecting the red wave that wasn’t. At a time when the pendulum of political change seemed destine to swing right, voters chose gridlock. Polls indicate that 66% of voters don’t want Biden to run again, 77% are concerned about the economy, and like the current and former President, both parties hover around a 40% approval rating. What message did voters send?

“Charlie don’t surf!”

Exit polling by National Election Pool (NEP) found Democrats reported voting to protect abortion rights while Republicans reported voting on inflation. CNN credited swinging-Independents with determining the outcome. Harvard polling found that not only did more voters under 30 voters show up, but that this is the 3^rd election in a row where younger demographics determined election outcomes. In essence, voters currently under 40 are strong Democrats while blue collar Boomers shifted toward Republicans. National Public Radio reported that mortality rates among Trump voters were 2.3% per year (or 9.2% over four years). On top of this, voters across all age groups want younger candidates like Maxwell Frost – the first GenZ elected to Congress.

In his races, President Obama effectively used Identity Politics to discuss policies and issues concerning voters. For good or bad, this heightened awareness of changing racial and ethnic demographics.

"You either surf or fight. That clear?"

In 2016, older voters expressed concerned about losing their place amid demographic changes. At that time, 58% of self-identified Conservatives defined higher education as a threat to American society. In a society based on merit, these working class men and women sensed that “elites” including the wealthy, the educated, and the powerful were looking down their noses at tradesmen and hourly workers.

This sense of being marginalized lingers among older voters. In a KPTM interview, Governor-Elect Pillen, said, “we need to get rid of this nonsense” that people need a [college] degree to have merit. A TV ad by Iowa Democrat Congresswoman Cindy Axne showed two farmers declaring she would protect the benefits “we earned.”

However, voters are fed up with divisive politics. This election demonstrates a strategic shift from right versus left to middle versus extremes. According to voters, the GOP has an extremism problem: election deniers & conspiracy peddlers, the hallmark of Trumpism, were throttled in the midterm.

While Republicans reported voting on inflation worries, the results suggest something else. Described as Trump fatigue and I think this is the underlying message of the Midterm, although the future of Conservative Populism remains uncertain, GOP voters are abandoning the former president. One elected official shared a vision where conservatives could re-emerge without kowtowing to MAGA toxicity and return the nation to a healthy, functioning, two-party system.

“I love the smell of Napalm in the morning.”

Regardless of the outcome in the House, Americans are looking at two more years of political gridlock. Our system of self-governance is, by design, slow moving, intentionally inefficient, and prone to forcing moderation. It is not a democracy, nor was it ever intended to be one.

With razor thin margins and a nearby veto pen, Washington will be forced to relearn compromise and moderation. This may be the environment where Don Bacon can be most effective.

"What the hell do you know about surfing? You're from New Jersey!"

Speculation suggests Pillen will genuflect the soon-to-be former Governor into the U.S. Senate. Does the heir apparent have the visionary thinking expected by modern voters or disposition to be one among 100? Pillen would signal independence and respect to voters by opening the process to interviews.

A recent PBS Frontline episode showed how House Speaker Pelosi shut down the radical left in her party and kept the Democrats together. John Boehner, Paul Ryan, and Kevin McCarthy struggled mightily with the divisions in the GOP. The misnamed Freedom Caucus has already declared themselves against McCarthy and the GOP majority.

Recently Mitt Romney (R) shared he hopes the GOP acts to, “better for the American people” rather than “pointless investigations, messaging bills, threats, and government shutdowns." The voters have spoken: there are no victory laps this time. Voters neither support the Republican nor Biden agendas. Voters want healthy governance that addresses real world concerns over the fluff and bluff of the last six years. The party that hears voters and acts accordingly will fare best in 2024.

Charlie don't surf and we think he should
Charlie don't surf and you know that it ain't no good (The Clash)

 

Eeny Meeny Miny Moe

On Tuesday, dutiful Americans re-up their voting journey towards a better America. Nebraska’s 2d District is blessed politically. Regardless of the midterm outcome, our Representative will be credible, intelligent, and honest. Contrary to outsider PACS, neither candidate is a fascist or socialist.  

More than usual, voters seem undecided. Research indicates most voters choose their candidate on shared party identification or a candidate’s perceived friendliness. Voters then construct policy arguments to support their choice.  Nebraska’s 2d is among the most flippable Congressional seats. Simply, we are moderates whose thumbprint rests on the nation’s pulse.  

 

"Let us be lovers, we'll marry our fortunes together. I've got some real estate here in my bag" (Simon & Garfunkel, America) 

 

Nebraska’s Secretary of State reports 37.8% of 2d District voters are Republicans, 35.7% Democrats, and 26.5% ‘others.’ We can count on (approximately) ~45% voting Republican, ~44% voting Democrat, and the swinging middle determining the outcome. Former DCRP Chair Jon Tucker suggests the middle will be only 3%...well within the margin of error such that harsh weather could affect the outcome.  

 

“So we bought a pack of cigarettes and Mrs. Wagner pies. And walked off to look for America” 

 

These days, voters usually sweep a party into power giving them the White House, Senate, and House, then, at the first midterm, giving back the House and/or the Senate. Politico finds the Bacon v Vargas race a “toss up.”

 

As of late September, Bacon outspent Vargas 3 1/2:1 while PAC spending more than tripled both candidates. Interestingly, Bacon used his military title, General, in ads. As conflicts heat up in Ukraine and Taiwan, highlighting military experience makes sense. Vargas experiences in the Unicameral and School Board provides a knowledge base of statewide and K-12 Education issues.  

 

"Kathy, I'm lost", I said, though I knew she was sleeping. I'm empty and aching and I don't know why.” 

 

Gallup reports that there is wide support among the four major racial/ethnic groups for access to abortion. According to Kaiser Family Foundation, women’s reproductive healthcare recently became a top five voting issue. National Public Radio reports sporadic increases among women registering to vote. Politico’s examination of voter registration shows significant shifts from Republicans to Democrats since the Dobb’s decision. Whether abortion brings out voters is yet to be determined. 

 

While Vargas advocates letting women decide their own reproductive health issues, Bacon supports a federal abortion ban “on principle” after 15 weeks (about 3 and a half months). Becka’s Beat noted 17 Unicameral Democrats successfully prevented legislation outlawing abortion. Should Vargas and Pillen both win, it is unlikely the Governor would replace Vargas with a Democrat – thus potentially opening a pathway to outlawing abortion in Nebraska.  

 

“It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw. I've gone to look for America” 

 

Bacon is the 12^th most bipartisan member of Congress and the most likely to work across the aisle on legislation. These are prized attributes. However, a consistent criticism of Bacon is that his voting record does not sufficiently distinguish claims of moderation versus the MAGA agenda. Bacon recently vowed to not support a Trump candidacy in 2024. And he was among 35 GOP Representatives who voted to form the January 6^th commission.  

 

Other factors to consider include voter’s willingness to cross party lines as exhibited by voting Biden and Bacon (2020), or Obama & Terry (2008). The railroading of Liz Cheney, election denial, and tolerance of buffoonery by Greene, Bobbitt, Cruz, Abbott, and DeSantis, and the recent shift by the Nebraska GOP towards more strident Republicanism, might push voters leftward. 

 

A significant factor is changing demographics. A co-worker shared that neither of her sons plans to vote. Although Democrats appeal strongly to younger voters, historically older turnout is much higher. Younger voters will weigh an older, white Bacon against Vargas’ youth and first generation, Hispanic immigrant roots. 

 

“Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike. They've all come to look for America” 

 

Both candidates were well received when they spoke at the Free Speech Society. National politics will affect this race. Some will vote against Bacon and for Vargas as a stopgap against a possible 2024 Trump run.  Some will weigh ‘The devil you know’ strategy. If Bacon were to lose, who might step up in 2024? While Brett Linstrom demonstrated strong appeal among 2d District voters, a less moderate Republican could appear.  

 

Finally, midyear 2023, expect signaling from Biden to opt out of a second term. Simultaneously, despite twerking at allusions of running again, with a low approval rating, a Trump run seems unlikely. With no incumbents, expect herds of candidates from both parties to vie for the White House.  

 

“And the moon rose over an open field. All come to look for America.”