BY CHRIS MILLSPAUGH
For the last two weeks, in honor of the presidential election, I binge-watched the old TV series, “The West Wing,” about a U.S. President and his staff, their times in America, and how they directed the nation. Although the series started over 20 years ago, I could identify with all the characters. Led by Martin Sheen as the President, Jed Bartlett, there was also Leo, the chief of staff, Josh, the political adviser, Toby and Sam, the speech writers, C.J., the press secretary, the First Lady, Mrs. Bartlett, their three daughters, the Secret Servicemen, the Joint Chief of Staff and the generals, plus the rest of the administration staff of the fictional White House.
Oh could that only be reality today, I would be a happy camper.
However, as I viewed the Democratic Convention presented in an entirely new format because of the coronavirus pandemic, I found myself stirring anew. What was this feeling of pride I was feeling in my country? What was this excitement I felt from all the speeches and backstories? What was this renewed interest I was feeling as I received the closer look at the voters of the nation and its territories? Could this be the start of something new?
As age 80 hovers around the corner, I must, at last, admit to being a dyed-in-the-wool, yellow-dog, bleeding-heart liberal Democrat. There, I said it. Now, if the Republican fans of this column care to stop reading, I will understand. I love you, as well.
But, now, in the twilight years, I must admit that there are quite a few characters that I will never regret seeing for the rest of my life.
Let’s see… who’s first? I know—Donald J. Trump, who without a doubt is the worst President I have ever witnessed in my long life. The worst leader of the free world, this vain, egotistical, petty man has managed to tell more fact-checked lies to us than has ever been before.
Secondly, I must confess that I won’t miss the Trump children, Don Jr., Eric, Ivanka, Tiffany and their mates at all. They have all thrived incessantly in their father’s reign of darkness and ridicule of the Constitution of the United States and lowered the standards of American families far and wide.
Thirdly, I won’t shed a tear if I never hear of the members of the Republican Party leader such as Lindsay Graham, Mitch McCormick, Jim Jordan and their ilk again.
Fourth, to the press secretaries who have fashioned Trump’s actions and decisions and tried to make them plausible, I happily say, “Buh-bye!”
Fifth, the My Pillow guy. I hope he gets swallowed up in a sofa bed demonstration and is never heard of again. I’d rather rest my head on a doily.
Sixth, the Trump Cabinets (I say plural because of the many firings and hirings that have occurred), led by good ol’ Bill Barr and his suspect rule of law covering “The Orange One’s” posterior. And, let’s never forget Steve Bannon, Roger Stone (who looks like he has just stuck his finger into an electric socket) and Paul Manafort and the rest of the administration now doing time or being pardoned.
Seventh, Fox News and their sycophant commentators Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham. Let them continue to complain in vain without me.
Finally, I would prefer to omit from my life Rush Limbaugh and talk radio pundits. I shall turn them off forever. In addition, a warm adieu to the Trump base of blind followers.
I long for honest, soft-spoken folks of decency and grace whom I may admire and silently nod my head in agreement and approval.
I don’t wish to ever hear again a golf story of a President picking up his ball 20 feet off the green and declaring to his playing partners, “That was a gimmee. I make that shot every time.” I also don’t want to hear “I alone can fix it” and “I know more about science than anybody.” And, I will be happy never to hear “Mexico will pay for the wall!”
Let the historians speak now and report and judge the times this country was led by a reality show host bent upon enhancing his own image and making us the laughing stock of the planet.
Too harsh?
Nice talking to you.