Thread by @SusanBordo

Thread:
Some Democrats, while urging people to vote for Biden, mourn how “underwhelming” he is, and how lacking in “charisma.” Reminds me a little of the “I’ll vote for her, but holding my nose” stuff that dragged enthusiasm for Hillary way, way down. 1/

The media (and the campaign itself) is emphasizing Biden’s capacity for empathy—and that is, indeed, a tremendously attractive quality. But I want to put a word in for something else that has become very evident about Biden (and that perhaps wasn’t so clear before): 2/

He is collaborative, willing to share power, and appreciative of the strengths of others. These are qualities that are so important if we want the diverse, democratic country whose promise is now in danger of being destroyed by a authoritarian crazy man. 3/

We have so many phenomenal Democrats—particularly women and esp. women of color, who are not just “the base” but the caretakers and soul of Democracy—standing on the brink of power. 4/

We want someone who will share power with Kamala and all the other incredible women who have emerged to claim space that we’ve been deprived of, side by side with the men who aren’t threatened by it. 5/

My main point: Please let’s not fall into media-driven discourse that makes “charisma” a top priority, and stop saying things like “He wasn’t my first choice, but....”
Remember that charisma can be just as dangerous as it is compelling. 6/

Charisma is subjective. It’s also the appeal of cultists and authoritarians, as well as our greatest leaders. Jim Jones and Hitler, to to their followers, were seen as charismatic. And Incredible as it may seem, Trump supporters see him as charismatic. 7/

Let’s think “team” instead of “star.”
At the DNC, there were brilliant speeches by inspiring individuals, but the “star” of the convention was the American people. That’s what the convention conveyed to me, and it’s what made me proud, once again, to be a Democrat.
8/

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