Politics

I’m going to go out on a limb today and suggest that the story of a pet squirrel can help explain the result of this week’s presidential election.

This past weekend, my wife and I attended her life-long friend’s daughter’s wedding. It was a beautiful fall day in Washington—the air was crisp, the leaves that framed the gazebo’s lawn had changed color, the bride was beautiful, and the groom was dashing in his Marine Corps dress blues.

Without doubt, the most asked question I’ve received this week is, “Jamie. Who’s going to win the election?”

As a kid, I just couldn’t stomach cooked green bell peppers, even those stuffed with ground beef and my grandmother’s homemade tomato sauce. I knew they were healthy and came from our back yard garden. And it went without saying that they were good for me—filled with antioxidants and packed with vitamins. It didn’t matter, my immature palate couldn’t handle the intense taste and aroma.

I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news…The good news is that much of official Washington remains away from the city on recess…the bad news is that they’ll be back right after Election Day for a hectic lame duck session that will run right up to the holidays. Earlier this week, the good news was that I took advantage of Maryland’s early voting period…the bad news is that I’ll have to wait nearly a month to find out who wins.

I know it’s a little more than 9 months out, but where are you on your New Year’s resolutions? Did you already meet them, stick with them; do you even remember them? To be honest, I started mine—to get in better shape—late; made some really good progress early; but have since plateaued. Sure, I’ve still got about three months left, and who’s really counting, right?

The counter-culture author, and original gonzo journalist, Hunter S. Thompson is credited with the quote, “Half of life is just showing up.” Actor and director Woody Allen put his own spin on the quote, saying “80% of success is showing up.” I had my own “just showing up” moment last week on a business trip to Nashville. No, it wasn’t the presentation I gave; I actually put in quite a few hours constructing, tweaking, and practicing it

It’s that time of year…many of us spend our Fridays under the lights, Saturdays in college towns, or Sundays at tailgates melding with our football fan tribes. Our team is our team; our coach is our coach; and our quarterback is our quarterback…until they’re not.

A recent National Journal poll found that 67% of Washington insiders believe that Vice President Harris will win the popular vote but lose the Electoral College (see graph; the Washington office participates in the poll). On five previous occasions, including two of the last six elections, candidates have won the Electoral College, and the presidency, despite losing the popular vote.

Official Washington is still on its unofficial month-long August recess. While members of Congress, congressional staffers, administration officials, and federal bureaucrats will begin to trickle back into the city after Labor Day, Congress will not reconvene until September 9.