By Elliott Brack
Editor and publisher
SEPT. 18, 2018 | Do you sense something unusual going on this political season? And, if so, will it directly affect the outcome of the 2018 elections?
From scattered races so far in 2018 throughout the nation, there seems to be a willingness of the majority of voters to return to reasonable conventional thinking, and surprise the electorate with the winning candidate. It’s happened enough that some are taking notice.
What’s fueling all this? We anticipate several factors that we think might be behind this change in the field:
The Me Too movement. During the past year, our nation has seen major figures in several industries tossed out on their ear for allegations that they abused women. Many times these allegations have not been proven, but the industry felt that there were sufficient reasons to terminate those individuals so sullied.
Women sticking together. Never before have we seen how more women have come together around issues, frustrated by the inaction of today’s hyper-partisan politics. Women supporting women show a new powerful force that may change the face of politics.
The Catholic Church continues to roil the world with allegations of sexual misconduct of its priests, adding to the idea that cover-ups of all kinds must be exposed. While not directly related to politics, this fuels women—and men—who insist on higher moral standards that we haven’t seen in politics in the recent past.
Trump female supporters: Two years ago, they strongly supported President Trump, but now more and more are fed up with his methods to not only question him, but to consider throwing support to candidates who challenge the president.
Add another element: the nation has more qualified female candidates than ever before, who have stuck their neck out and taken on establishment candidates, often within their own party. This move may not change the count between parties, but may influence their own party, whether GOP or Demo, to pay more attention to issues important to women.
The year 2018 may simply boil down to years of whispered allegations of sexual malpractice suddenly ringing true, or workforce discrimination, or other female issues, and becoming the turning point for many women….and some men, too.
You’re heard such words before giving men the benefit of the doubt:
“Oh, he’s still a nice guy, he just loves to be among women.”
“He really doesn’t mean any harm.”
“He pinches all the girls.”
“Don’t pay any attention to him. He’s really a family man.”
Uh huh. Fewer people are thinking this way today.
In 2018, phrases like that are no longer acceptable at any level. Big corporations know that if they don’t clean house of such shenanigans, their business will suffer. And not only that, but members of the board of directors of firms may be out of a seat on the board themselves if they don’t carefully examine potential indiscretions.
Look how quickly CBS moved recently in dismissing two top executives, including its chairman. And it could also perhaps trigger much earlier retirements for many executives, trying to protect their golden parachutes, before any allegations are made public against them. Many know that they themselves have been in the forefront of sexual misconduct against women.
This Me Too Movement could end up being a story bigger than the Trump story, as it changes not only the business world, but perhaps politics, too, in giving our country a better moral climate……and more female elected officials.
The Good Old Boys may have had their day, caught up in their own machinations. It could change politics forever. And it might have started in 2018.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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