Last week’s blog featured a small number of key lessons for the Democrats in the aftermath of the recent mid-term elections: 1) don’t underestimate the desire and ability of Donald Trump as he seeks to protect himself and his agenda; remember, just because an action or policy is unethical or illegal, it doesn’t mean anything to him;  2) a rural/urban divide exists but, with a political approach that focuses  on personal consequences and the truth, Democrats can positively appeal to those rural voters seeking assistance and respect; 3) a move to impeach should await the findings of the Mueller probe. There must be irrefutable evidence that “significant” crimes have been committed by Trump; and 4) the Democrats cannot sustain future electoral success if they weaken their leadership for the sake of political spite and personal benefit.

It is this latter lesson that now, as I write, most needs to be stressed. The current House Democratic leader and past-and-maybe future Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, deserves election to the latter position. This is vital if the Democrats are to succeed  in promoting a Congressional agenda that supports—and does not hinder—the defeat of Trump in two years. Currently, as was pointed out in The New York Times (11/19/2018), some Democrats, in their efforts to torpedo Pelosi’s candidacy, are conducting a “weird jihad” designed to “oust her.” History reveals that jihads rarely succeed and often turn on the initiator(s). The country cannot afford to have that happen.

By the way, when you seek to (democratically) oust someone from their position, you should have a replacement in mind that offers more than a fresh face. The question for Democratic insurgents: Who? They have been unable to answer that question or even find a potential candidate to step forward. Few politicians want to commit potential political suicide.

While the Democrats attempt to seek common ground, our fool-in-chief continues to act like a chastised child as a result of themed-term elections. He publicly confronts military leaders (past and present), and complains about how much work he has to do as President. In reality, his lying continues, he seems petrified of the Mueller probe and he remains unhinged. If this country is to prosper, we need Democrats to create a policy agenda that steers a middle-course that will appeal to those who may have voted for Trump. Such an agenda requires leadership from seasoned politicians such as Nancy Pelosi. Instead, right now, we see certain Democrats acting like children playing “capture the flag” Enough!