2024 New Years (Politics) Resolutions!

To keep sane, stay strong, and help us win!

Hi, all, and happy New Year!

Here are my 2024 New Year’s resolutions—at least where politics are concerned. Please feel free to adopt as many of them as seem useful to you.

1. I will do everything that I am able to do to help save democracy. Notice I say everything, because this, if there ever was one, is the year to leave it all on the field. But I add “that I am able” because we must all work within our own limits. Some will be able to do more, some less. It’s OK. Let’s all just do as much as we humanly can, while being honest about what that is.

2. I will spread good news relentlessly. Part of how we’ll win is by spreading the word about all the great things Democrats—and Biden—have accomplished. We know what they are. Many, many Americans don’t. Every one of us must now become an Ambassador for Biden and the Democratic party. (Also, keeping morale up is going to be key. This will help.)

3. I will ask everyone I talk to if they are registered to vote, and help them register if they aren’t. Whether they’re my barista, Lyft driver, babysitter, or dentist—if they’re not obviously a Trump supporter I will tell them “your voice matters!” and I will make sure they are ready to vote.

4. I will remind potential third-party voters—and everyone!—of the Rebecca Solnit quote: “Voting is a chess move, not a Valentine.” Even if we don't particularly like Biden for whatever reason, even if we hate him, by NOT voting OR by voting for a third-party candidate, we are giving a vote to Trump. Again, we understand this. Less informed voters may not.

5. I will ignore polls. Like, IGNORE THEM. They. Have. No. Purpose. Whether they are “good” or “bad” our work remains the same. They are also deeply unreliable and heavily manipulated. So why look at them?

6. I will stay in the day and do what I can. Obsessing about what will happen in November, or next month, or even next week is pointless. I will ask, every day, “What can I do to be helpful to our cause today?” And I will do that.

7. I will remember to eat, to sleep, and to recreate. I will stay in touch with friends and nurture my relationships. I will take breaks from the news and be in nature. I will meditate. I will exercise. None of this is so I can be a “self-help”poster child. All of it is to make me a more effective tool for helping to save democracy.

8. I will “go where it’s warm.” In other words, I will seek out calm, determined, and generally hopeful sources of information. They must, of course, also be factual, but they should not be fear-mongering, cynical, or hysterical. I will gravitate towards those who aren’t just dwelling on the problem, but are proposing solutions.

9. I will remember, and repeat often to friends and family, that “the many are more powerful than the money.” This is not just wishful thinking. We have seen it over and over again. Remembering it is key.

10. I will write the following and post it on my bathroom mirror: “The object in this mirror is stronger than it appears.” Then I will remember it. We can do this. We must do this. And we will.

That’s it. Now let’s get to work.

P.S. If you prefer a video version of this message you can find and share it here.