The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
Trump keeps insisting that the midterm elections are about him, that he’s on the ballot. For once, I agree with him. The persistent gap between his historic high disapproval and very low approval rates is telling. Americans have had enough of Trump’s chaos, corruption, cruelty and stupidity, including endless war.
Trump’s costly Iran War (along with his irrational trade wars) hit Wisconsin hard: higher gas and grocery store prices, farmers unable to afford the soaring costs for fertilizer and diesel fuel, while rising interest rates make buying a house unaffordable. Meanwhile, millions have lost healthcare coverage and food aid to pay for tax cuts/dodges for the rich.
“Throughout his three presidential campaigns, (Trump) has claimed again and again to be the savior of working-class America. Those claims, however, mask his real agenda: to protect and enhance the wealth and income of the superrich—most importantly himself—while leaving driblets behind for the struggling working class” (NYT columnist Tom Edsall). But Trump dismissed reality: “The only thing we’re doing badly at is public relations.”
As Election Day nears, instead of an “October surprise,” there’s worse. “The U.S. and Israeli militaries have developed specific plans for renewed strikes against Iran after the American midterm elections, according to U.S. officials and other people briefed on the deliberations….” U.S. and Israeli militaries have stepped up exercises….” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel to decide new strikes” (NYT).
On Tuesday, November 3, Wisconsin voters can help extinguish Trump’s 5-alarm fires at home and abroad by voting for Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley and Democratic House candidates, including Rebecca Cooke, in the 3rd Congressional District (CD). Crowley and Cooke are exceptional political leaders who appeal to Democrats, Republicans and independents. My friend, former GOP state Senator Dale Schultz, told me recently: “No one is coming to save us except ourselves.” Voters can stop the madness.
Schultz spoke at the No Kings rally in Dodgeville, attended by hundreds. He said that he had never forgotten the lessons of Watergate and could not ignore Trump’s corruption and abuses of power. While not making any endorsements (he is working on nonpartisan long-term political reforms), he praised Crowley and Cooke. He was impressed that Crowley helped pass Act 12, a bipartisan deal that increased shared revenue for all of Wisconsin – cities, small towns, rural areas and suburbs. And Schultz strongly complimented Cooke for running a positive, grassroots campaign.
Crowley and Cooke are the real deal. They represent change, problem-solving, and getting things done. Crowley is running on his accomplishments while serving as Milwaukee County executive. Cooke offers fresh, energetic leadership that hears all, including farmers, in the 3rd CD. They are pragmatic and empathic. Crowley and Cooke are also forward-looking. Their opponents, principally funded by billionaires, live in the past. All Wisconsinites will have a seat at the table with Crowley and Cooke. You can vote your hearts and ideals on Tuesday, November 3. Please vote for Crowley and Cooke.
Kaplan wrote a guest column from Washington, D.C., for the Wisconsin State Journal from 1995 – 2009.
