In 2016 and 2020 my neighborhood abounded with multiple signs pushing presidential candidates and their vice-presidential running mates.
While walking my dog in 2016 I would smile when we’d trot past a Clinton/Kaine sign and sigh when I saw Trump/Pence.
Much the same in 2020 except Clinton/Kaine became Biden/Harris.
And now it’s 2024 and another presidential campaign looms. The same dog accompanies me around the block as we look for this election’s crop of signs.
Nary a one! Well, except for that in the middle of a front lawn that said, “FOR RENT.”
The only exception to this is on the truck back door window of one of our neighbors. There is a decal of Trump. But even this neighbor has so far not placed a sign in his yard. And the decal appeared months ago, well before anyone knew what was going to happen as far as candidates are concerned.
It’s interesting that this person with the hideous decal and bad signs in the past is also one of the nicest people I have ever met. He is always pleasant and has done many favors for me and my wife. I consider him a friend and would not like to lose such a friendship because of political differences.
And I think this gives some insight as to why there are no signs displayed for presidential candidates. Even though there have been some for lesser races prior to a recent primary. But none involving the big contest.
I have some thoughts as to why that might be.
My neighborhood is composed of mostly middle-class families who respond pleasantly to “Good morning” and “How are you today?” In the past campaigns there have been roughly the same number of Democratic signs displayed as Republican ones.
What I think, what I hope, is that everyone is getting tired of the deep divisions in our country and pine for an improvement in political discourse. I think there must be a feeling that, while differences in outlook certainly exist, it is not necessary to shout out to the world how you feel. I’m hoping there is a desire on both sides not to hurt the feelings of others or threaten the tranquility of our neighborhood. I know that is why I have elected to not display a sign.
If I’m right, and this feeling manifests itself in pockets across the country, it makes me think that perhaps the revolution promised by the nut jobs if Trump doesn’t win will not have wide appeal.
I hope I’m right.
FULL DISCLOSURE: Just this morning, on the very day I intended to post this, our walk found that last night my “I don’t want to lose friend” had placed a Trump sign on his lawn that included the message “Save America Again.” Is this just the beginning? Sigh. I still hope I’m right. But I feel sad.
While walking my dog in 2016 I would smile when we’d trot past a Clinton/Kaine sign and sigh when I saw Trump/Pence.
Much the same in 2020 except Clinton/Kaine became Biden/Harris.
And now it’s 2024 and another presidential campaign looms. The same dog accompanies me around the block as we look for this election’s crop of signs.
Nary a one! Well, except for that in the middle of a front lawn that said, “FOR RENT.”
The only exception to this is on the truck back door window of one of our neighbors. There is a decal of Trump. But even this neighbor has so far not placed a sign in his yard. And the decal appeared months ago, well before anyone knew what was going to happen as far as candidates are concerned.
It’s interesting that this person with the hideous decal and bad signs in the past is also one of the nicest people I have ever met. He is always pleasant and has done many favors for me and my wife. I consider him a friend and would not like to lose such a friendship because of political differences.
And I think this gives some insight as to why there are no signs displayed for presidential candidates. Even though there have been some for lesser races prior to a recent primary. But none involving the big contest.
I have some thoughts as to why that might be.
My neighborhood is composed of mostly middle-class families who respond pleasantly to “Good morning” and “How are you today?” In the past campaigns there have been roughly the same number of Democratic signs displayed as Republican ones.
What I think, what I hope, is that everyone is getting tired of the deep divisions in our country and pine for an improvement in political discourse. I think there must be a feeling that, while differences in outlook certainly exist, it is not necessary to shout out to the world how you feel. I’m hoping there is a desire on both sides not to hurt the feelings of others or threaten the tranquility of our neighborhood. I know that is why I have elected to not display a sign.
If I’m right, and this feeling manifests itself in pockets across the country, it makes me think that perhaps the revolution promised by the nut jobs if Trump doesn’t win will not have wide appeal.
I hope I’m right.
FULL DISCLOSURE: Just this morning, on the very day I intended to post this, our walk found that last night my “I don’t want to lose friend” had placed a Trump sign on his lawn that included the message “Save America Again.” Is this just the beginning? Sigh. I still hope I’m right. But I feel sad.
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