From Frances Langum:
Getting Introduced by the Mayor of Austin
…this speech introducing Pete, is a barnburner, and also a funny attack on Donald Trump, worth the listen, and applicable to many Democratic candidates for president (all of whom wish their introducer’s speeches were this good). Good on ya, Steve Adler, mayor of Austin, Texas:
Let me ask you this question: Wouldn’t it be great if we had a president who was really smart? I mean really really really smart. Somebody who spoke multiple languages, including having a beautiful command of English.
Wouldn’t it be great, if we had a president who understood that freedom is sacred? And sometimes “freedom to,” like freedom to be who you are, and to love who you want, is as important as freedom from someone you fear. Who helps us understand and grow from what we fear, instead of weaponizing fear for political gain.
Wouldn’t it be great if we had a president who was genuinely humble? Who knows good policy cannot be uncoupled from facts and science. Who stands for democracy and knows that our country’s march toward progress happens when we increase our access to the ballot, and that wealth inequality threatens that very democracy.
Wouldn’t it be great if we had a president who listens? And actually answers questions. And in his answers teaches us something about nuance. Someone we would want our children to emulate. Someone who rallies our better souls.