If we don't get out of "our lanes" sometimes, we don't move forward at a pace of our choice, but the choice of others. Let's keep smiling, finding the joy, and stepping out there.
I like Mr. (and Mrs.) Walz a lot. I DO care about who the VP pick is. And, oh, yeah, I'm feeling hopeful!
Thank you for the encouragement regarding stepping out of our lanes. I needed that.
I don't know much about Mrs. Walz, though she's an English teacher, so I feel that connection. I love how both Walz and Harris come from humble roots and to this day, care a great deal about the middle class.
I don't think I've ever paid as much attention to the VP pick before. This is in part due to Walz being on the ticket, but also because JD Vance is the other VP choice - and he is not an acceptable option for me.
Thank you for reading and sharing. I appreciate you.
I don’t stay in my lane with writing, I do have a general theme, but I stray from that quite often. I manage to keep a following, but occasionally I’ll get someone who storms off like Trump throwing a temper tantrum. Not very often, though. I think it’s important to express where you stand of important issues of the day that affect all of us, because those issues impact our health and well-being, which in turn affects our writing and creative expression.
I do read people’s writing with whom I disagree politically because I am curious about what makes people tick. But of late, the people I used to read and disagree with seem to be agreeing with me more and more. I have always been liberal and a Democrat, but I did vote for John McCain when I lived in Arizona, and I find that so many of the ex-Republicans who have rejected Trump and the disintegration of their party are sounding more and more liberal. Or I wonder if I am more moderate as I get older. Still, I cannot relate to the MAGA people at all. I think and feel they are brainwashed, gullible, and ignorant. I don’t apologize for saying that.
I love Tim Walz. I personally was hoping for Mayor Pete, next Josh Shapiro, I didn’t know much about Tim Walz, but I was open to any of her potential picks. Looks to me like she chose the best candidate overall. We need a person who appeals to a wide swath of people. He can talk like a regular guy, plus he has the lived experience of a regular guy. He’s genuine, and I love his sense of humor. I think he is a perfect complement to Kamala Harris, and together they are going to do great things for our country. Now if we could just remember that the only way we will maximize their impact is to vote down ballot accordingly, and too many voters don’t understand how important that is.
I need to stop because my comment will end up longer than your post. You got me going again, Nancy!
Thanks for the encouragement about "lane changing"! I believe it's important to take a stand politically too. I've lost even more followers this week due to this post, but so be it. Grief and breast cancer will always be a focus for me in advocacy, but I care about a lot of different issues. And intend to keep writing about whatever I want.
I've always been a democrat, too, though probably a middle-of-the-road sort. It's interesting you voted for McCain. I did not. He was a man of good character. That's what we need in our leaders. That's the part that perplexes me about folks who love Trump. I don't think they're ignorant. Conned, yes. And now, it's hard to admit you've been wrong. So, there's that too.
Tim Walz is a regular guy, that's for sure. I think he and Harris make a terrific ticket. I'm really excited about it. You're right about voting down ballot accordingly, too. So important!
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I appreciate you.
Amen to all of this, Alene! MAGA people are indeed brainwashed and a lot of other things I won't say. It is nothing like the Republican party of yesterday. It has totally disintegrated. Hoping Harris and Walz win.
I agree with you one thousand percent on this one....Harris and Walz are a breath of fresh air in this political season. I am so tired of hearing about what a terrible country this is, all , of course, because of Democrats. That's the gloom and doom being spread by our friends, the Republicans. And also, of course, only THEY can solve all these problems and issues. I am so ready for some lightness and joy in my life. I'm a huge political junkie, and i got to the point where I just didn't want to listen to any more. That is just not me. Now I am finding myself engaged and excited again. And, dare I say, hopeful?
I am so ready for some lightness and joy in politics, too. Like you, I was finding it hard to want to listen to any of the political stuff before Biden dropped out. The constant focus on his age was getting old, and, of course, after that debate... When he did drop out, it was like turning on a switch. So glad most got behind Harris immediately. I hope the women (and the men) of this country really send a powerful message and help the Dems win by a landslide so there can be no question whatsoever about it not being a stolen election.
So glad you're feeling hopeful again. I am too. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate you.
I do agree with you - 100%. And there should be a new saying - "Substack means never having to stay in your lane!" You should write about whatever you want, and if a few people unsubscribe, it's their loss! That said - I haven't written my own political post yet but I am thinking about it. It's not subscribers I worry about, it's more family and friends. But darn, I should be allowed to express what I believe, right? Anyhow, great post. I was hoping for Secretary Mayor Pete. Just goes to show - Madame Harris knows more than I do. I am won over by Walz! And I am so dang hopeful it hurts! Thanks, Nancy!
I love that saying about Substack that you came up with! I hope you do write that political post. I'd love to read it. You should absolutely be able to express what you believe!
I agree that Sec Buttigieg would've been a great choice too. That man can think and talk on his feet! Intelligently! I'm glad you've been won over by Walz. This ticket is so inspiring. I love your enthusiasm - so dang hopeful it hurts!
Thank you for reading and chiming in. I appreciate you. I'll be waiting for that post!
Thanks, Nancy! I’ve got a couple other posts I’m working on that I want to get out first, but I will start seriously considering doing a political one. You’ve inspired me with your post - keeping it all positive - so I might be okay if I can manage to do that as well!
As soon as I heard of Harris' VP pick, I thought of you, as I knew you were from Minnesota. I went to this lovely state as part of a work business trip years ago, and we took buses around part of the state, and it is a beautiful state and Minnesota Nice is a thing I got to experience firsthand. I visited the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (very impressive) and I went to Mall of America (panic city!).
Anyway, I do not believe that we each have a lane we're supposed to stay in all the time. That idea is preposterous. As you know, I've left my "lane" a few times. Normally, I do enjoy listening to the other side, but not when the other side is Trump and his followers. I do believe the Republican party of today has no redeeming qualities. Not one.
I'm cautiously optimistic about Harris/Walz. I say "cautious" because the race is still too close for my liking. And I don't want to be surprised in a bad way like when Clinton lost against Trump in 2016.
My question is, why is this race so close? I was discussing this with a friend, and I stated -- and here I'm going to plug the field I taught for a valid reason -- it's because many people don't value the humanities and literature. The liberal arts help people better understand the world and their place in it. It leads to empathy and understanding about other cultures and a diverse society.
Anyway, I realize that I'm droning on, but your post is so important. I love the joy emanating from the Harris and Walz campaign. It is infectious, and I hope the momentum continues through Election Day and beyond!
You're sweet to think of me first when you heard the news. Oh, and I have not been to the MN Landscape Arboretum. And I've only been to the Mall of America two times. I'm not a fan of big shopping malls, shopping, or crowds. Or massive parking ramps.
I don't blame the regular people for the Trump mania. I blame the leaders of the Rep party. They've completely failed to lead. Even Nikki Haley who said Trump was unfit, caved and endorsed him. And what happened to Chris Christie?
As for your question about why is this race so close - I haven't figured that out yet either. I kind of stopped trying. You make an interesting point about the humanities and literature. You might be on to something there.
I love how the joy and optimism is emanating from the Harris/Walz campaign too. It just feels like the winds have shifted. Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate you.
I'm from Minnesota's 1st District and have already voted for Tim Walz as my Representative in Congress and Governor 7 or 8 times. He's the real thing when you meet him in person or listen to him speak. I also know my life-long educator father voted for him and it was a joy for us having the only active teacher serving in Congress and also the highest ranking enlisted soldier to ever serve in Congress. I am thrilled to have Walz on the ticket! Also for anyone who hasn't heard of Walz before, checkout what his former high school students and staff say about him.
It's wonderful to hear from a real Minnesotan and someone who's actually followed and voted for Tim Walz many times. I didn't know he was the highest ranking enlisted soldier to ever serve in Congress. I love that he was a social studies teacher - just like Dad. Great suggestion for folks that don't know him to check out what his former students and staff have to say about him.
Walz definitely feels like the real deal when you observe and listen to him speak. Truly a gifted communicator. I'm excited he's on the ticket. I know it's premature, but I am feeling way more confident we can win now with a Harris/Walz ticket. What a difference a month makes. Thank you for reading and sharing. I appreciate you.
Nancy, here's to Minnesota "nice" and all the kindness and goodwill that comes with it. Ever since I saw that well-circulated picture of Tim Walz hugging a baby piglet, I was a fan. We live in a time when decency and caring count for so much. It feels like soothing balm after the ugly-hearted rhetoric of JD and Donald.
Yes, that was a delightful photo of Gov Walz. I completely agree that decency and caring count for so much. Character and integrity have always mattered most to me when I vote for president. This remains true today. Clearly, there is only one ticket that exemplifies strong moral character.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing some thoughts. I appreciate you.
stepping out of "your lane" once in awhile appeals to me. Cancer cannot be our only life's concern. Have always paid some attention to the VP pick; only 1 heartbeat away....this time though Republican VP choice is even more crucial for me; and this one scares the Bejeesus out of me.
Being from CA did not know anything about Tim Walz but if VP Harris is comfortable with him I will be too. When Kamala Harris became our Democratic Presidential Candidate I was able to start watching the news again. As a lifelong Democrat I will always honor President Biden's service to country. Presidential Candidate Harris has brought some joy back into my life.
Thank you for your supportive words. I completely agree that cancer needn't and shouldn't be our only life concern. Besides, healthcare is a political issue, and who's president matters a great deal in Cancer World.
As a Californian, it's not surprising you were unfamiliar with Walz. Harris made a brilliant decision in choosing him. Like you, I will always honor Biden's service to this country. And yes, isn't it refreshing to watch the news again without constantly cringing and worrying? Harris and Walz have brought back the joy in following politics.
Kamala Harris has been a joke as the VP! I will never vote for her. Trump may be an ass with his words but the country was much better off with him as president! 🤷🏼♀️ Those who think MAGA people are “brainwashed” might just want to look in a mirror.
You and I disagree about which is the better ticket. For me, integrity and good character are most important and always have been. To me, the choice is clear. Even you say Trump is an ass with his words. Words matter. Quite a lot. Even more when you're the president.
As far as the country being better off with Trump, I guess that's a question for each of us to answer. Depends on what you mean by better off. The families who lost loved ones to COVID with Trump at the helm, certainly might not feel better off. Don't get me wrong, I don't blame Trump for the nearly million deaths to COVID, but his handling of that crisis was a debacle. And people died because of that.
Thank you for reading my article and taking time to share your thoughts. I appreciate you.
Hadn't really heard about Tim Walz before. Wondering what his stance is on Healthcare. Yes the pick of vice president should have some importance. I am open to reading both sides of politics. I would classify myself as more moderate.
I don't know where you're from, but regardless, I'm sure a lot of people hadn't heard of Tim Walz before last week. I would think his position on healthcare aligns with Kamala's and other democrats.
Good for you for being open to reading both sides of politics! That is admirable, especially these days. I agree with you that the VP pick is really important.
Thank you for reading and taking time to comment. I appreciate you.
You aren't specific about what frightens you about Tim Walz, so I can't speak to your concerns. I do know that character and integrity are what matter most to me. I'm far more frightened by JD Vance being a step away. He has no experience governing whatsoever. And that's not even speaking to his positions.
I'm sorry to see you go, Carolyn. Rest assured, I'll still be talking about breast cancer! You're welcome back any time. My best to you.
If we don't get out of "our lanes" sometimes, we don't move forward at a pace of our choice, but the choice of others. Let's keep smiling, finding the joy, and stepping out there.
I like Mr. (and Mrs.) Walz a lot. I DO care about who the VP pick is. And, oh, yeah, I'm feeling hopeful!
Truth. We do sometimes need to get out of our lanes to move forward.
Hi Liz,
Thank you for the encouragement regarding stepping out of our lanes. I needed that.
I don't know much about Mrs. Walz, though she's an English teacher, so I feel that connection. I love how both Walz and Harris come from humble roots and to this day, care a great deal about the middle class.
I don't think I've ever paid as much attention to the VP pick before. This is in part due to Walz being on the ticket, but also because JD Vance is the other VP choice - and he is not an acceptable option for me.
Thank you for reading and sharing. I appreciate you.
I don’t stay in my lane with writing, I do have a general theme, but I stray from that quite often. I manage to keep a following, but occasionally I’ll get someone who storms off like Trump throwing a temper tantrum. Not very often, though. I think it’s important to express where you stand of important issues of the day that affect all of us, because those issues impact our health and well-being, which in turn affects our writing and creative expression.
I do read people’s writing with whom I disagree politically because I am curious about what makes people tick. But of late, the people I used to read and disagree with seem to be agreeing with me more and more. I have always been liberal and a Democrat, but I did vote for John McCain when I lived in Arizona, and I find that so many of the ex-Republicans who have rejected Trump and the disintegration of their party are sounding more and more liberal. Or I wonder if I am more moderate as I get older. Still, I cannot relate to the MAGA people at all. I think and feel they are brainwashed, gullible, and ignorant. I don’t apologize for saying that.
I love Tim Walz. I personally was hoping for Mayor Pete, next Josh Shapiro, I didn’t know much about Tim Walz, but I was open to any of her potential picks. Looks to me like she chose the best candidate overall. We need a person who appeals to a wide swath of people. He can talk like a regular guy, plus he has the lived experience of a regular guy. He’s genuine, and I love his sense of humor. I think he is a perfect complement to Kamala Harris, and together they are going to do great things for our country. Now if we could just remember that the only way we will maximize their impact is to vote down ballot accordingly, and too many voters don’t understand how important that is.
I need to stop because my comment will end up longer than your post. You got me going again, Nancy!
Hi Alene,
Thanks for the encouragement about "lane changing"! I believe it's important to take a stand politically too. I've lost even more followers this week due to this post, but so be it. Grief and breast cancer will always be a focus for me in advocacy, but I care about a lot of different issues. And intend to keep writing about whatever I want.
I've always been a democrat, too, though probably a middle-of-the-road sort. It's interesting you voted for McCain. I did not. He was a man of good character. That's what we need in our leaders. That's the part that perplexes me about folks who love Trump. I don't think they're ignorant. Conned, yes. And now, it's hard to admit you've been wrong. So, there's that too.
Tim Walz is a regular guy, that's for sure. I think he and Harris make a terrific ticket. I'm really excited about it. You're right about voting down ballot accordingly, too. So important!
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I appreciate you.
Amen to all of this, Alene! MAGA people are indeed brainwashed and a lot of other things I won't say. It is nothing like the Republican party of yesterday. It has totally disintegrated. Hoping Harris and Walz win.
I agree with you one thousand percent on this one....Harris and Walz are a breath of fresh air in this political season. I am so tired of hearing about what a terrible country this is, all , of course, because of Democrats. That's the gloom and doom being spread by our friends, the Republicans. And also, of course, only THEY can solve all these problems and issues. I am so ready for some lightness and joy in my life. I'm a huge political junkie, and i got to the point where I just didn't want to listen to any more. That is just not me. Now I am finding myself engaged and excited again. And, dare I say, hopeful?
Hi Lynda,
I am so ready for some lightness and joy in politics, too. Like you, I was finding it hard to want to listen to any of the political stuff before Biden dropped out. The constant focus on his age was getting old, and, of course, after that debate... When he did drop out, it was like turning on a switch. So glad most got behind Harris immediately. I hope the women (and the men) of this country really send a powerful message and help the Dems win by a landslide so there can be no question whatsoever about it not being a stolen election.
So glad you're feeling hopeful again. I am too. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate you.
I do agree with you - 100%. And there should be a new saying - "Substack means never having to stay in your lane!" You should write about whatever you want, and if a few people unsubscribe, it's their loss! That said - I haven't written my own political post yet but I am thinking about it. It's not subscribers I worry about, it's more family and friends. But darn, I should be allowed to express what I believe, right? Anyhow, great post. I was hoping for Secretary Mayor Pete. Just goes to show - Madame Harris knows more than I do. I am won over by Walz! And I am so dang hopeful it hurts! Thanks, Nancy!
Hi Cherie,
I love that saying about Substack that you came up with! I hope you do write that political post. I'd love to read it. You should absolutely be able to express what you believe!
I agree that Sec Buttigieg would've been a great choice too. That man can think and talk on his feet! Intelligently! I'm glad you've been won over by Walz. This ticket is so inspiring. I love your enthusiasm - so dang hopeful it hurts!
Thank you for reading and chiming in. I appreciate you. I'll be waiting for that post!
Thanks, Nancy! I’ve got a couple other posts I’m working on that I want to get out first, but I will start seriously considering doing a political one. You’ve inspired me with your post - keeping it all positive - so I might be okay if I can manage to do that as well!
I love "Substack means never having to stay in your lane!" Very clever!!
Hi Beth,
I love it too! Cherie is clever indeed!
Hi Nancy,
As soon as I heard of Harris' VP pick, I thought of you, as I knew you were from Minnesota. I went to this lovely state as part of a work business trip years ago, and we took buses around part of the state, and it is a beautiful state and Minnesota Nice is a thing I got to experience firsthand. I visited the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (very impressive) and I went to Mall of America (panic city!).
Anyway, I do not believe that we each have a lane we're supposed to stay in all the time. That idea is preposterous. As you know, I've left my "lane" a few times. Normally, I do enjoy listening to the other side, but not when the other side is Trump and his followers. I do believe the Republican party of today has no redeeming qualities. Not one.
I'm cautiously optimistic about Harris/Walz. I say "cautious" because the race is still too close for my liking. And I don't want to be surprised in a bad way like when Clinton lost against Trump in 2016.
My question is, why is this race so close? I was discussing this with a friend, and I stated -- and here I'm going to plug the field I taught for a valid reason -- it's because many people don't value the humanities and literature. The liberal arts help people better understand the world and their place in it. It leads to empathy and understanding about other cultures and a diverse society.
Anyway, I realize that I'm droning on, but your post is so important. I love the joy emanating from the Harris and Walz campaign. It is infectious, and I hope the momentum continues through Election Day and beyond!
Hi Beth,
You're sweet to think of me first when you heard the news. Oh, and I have not been to the MN Landscape Arboretum. And I've only been to the Mall of America two times. I'm not a fan of big shopping malls, shopping, or crowds. Or massive parking ramps.
I don't blame the regular people for the Trump mania. I blame the leaders of the Rep party. They've completely failed to lead. Even Nikki Haley who said Trump was unfit, caved and endorsed him. And what happened to Chris Christie?
As for your question about why is this race so close - I haven't figured that out yet either. I kind of stopped trying. You make an interesting point about the humanities and literature. You might be on to something there.
I love how the joy and optimism is emanating from the Harris/Walz campaign too. It just feels like the winds have shifted. Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate you.
I'm from Minnesota's 1st District and have already voted for Tim Walz as my Representative in Congress and Governor 7 or 8 times. He's the real thing when you meet him in person or listen to him speak. I also know my life-long educator father voted for him and it was a joy for us having the only active teacher serving in Congress and also the highest ranking enlisted soldier to ever serve in Congress. I am thrilled to have Walz on the ticket! Also for anyone who hasn't heard of Walz before, checkout what his former high school students and staff say about him.
Hi Mark,
It's wonderful to hear from a real Minnesotan and someone who's actually followed and voted for Tim Walz many times. I didn't know he was the highest ranking enlisted soldier to ever serve in Congress. I love that he was a social studies teacher - just like Dad. Great suggestion for folks that don't know him to check out what his former students and staff have to say about him.
Walz definitely feels like the real deal when you observe and listen to him speak. Truly a gifted communicator. I'm excited he's on the ticket. I know it's premature, but I am feeling way more confident we can win now with a Harris/Walz ticket. What a difference a month makes. Thank you for reading and sharing. I appreciate you.
I'm thrilled about the Harris/Walz ticket! I'm praying that they win. The thought of Trump getting back in horrifies me.
Hi Holly,
I'm thrilled that you're thrilled! And yes, a repeat of a Trump presidency is worrisome, to say the least.
Thank you for chiming in. I appreciate you.
Nancy, thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you too and love your column. It helps me more then I can say.
Hi Holly,
What a lovely thing to say. You're very kind.
Nancy, here's to Minnesota "nice" and all the kindness and goodwill that comes with it. Ever since I saw that well-circulated picture of Tim Walz hugging a baby piglet, I was a fan. We live in a time when decency and caring count for so much. It feels like soothing balm after the ugly-hearted rhetoric of JD and Donald.
Hi Stephanie,
Yes, that was a delightful photo of Gov Walz. I completely agree that decency and caring count for so much. Character and integrity have always mattered most to me when I vote for president. This remains true today. Clearly, there is only one ticket that exemplifies strong moral character.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing some thoughts. I appreciate you.
The most important “lane” is character. I live in Indiana but grew up in Georgia in the same county as Jimmy Carter. I share your values.
Hi Cephas,
Yes, character matters above all else. Thank you for expressing your view on this too.
stepping out of "your lane" once in awhile appeals to me. Cancer cannot be our only life's concern. Have always paid some attention to the VP pick; only 1 heartbeat away....this time though Republican VP choice is even more crucial for me; and this one scares the Bejeesus out of me.
Being from CA did not know anything about Tim Walz but if VP Harris is comfortable with him I will be too. When Kamala Harris became our Democratic Presidential Candidate I was able to start watching the news again. As a lifelong Democrat I will always honor President Biden's service to country. Presidential Candidate Harris has brought some joy back into my life.
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your supportive words. I completely agree that cancer needn't and shouldn't be our only life concern. Besides, healthcare is a political issue, and who's president matters a great deal in Cancer World.
As a Californian, it's not surprising you were unfamiliar with Walz. Harris made a brilliant decision in choosing him. Like you, I will always honor Biden's service to this country. And yes, isn't it refreshing to watch the news again without constantly cringing and worrying? Harris and Walz have brought back the joy in following politics.
Thank you for chiming in. I appreciate you.
Kamala Harris has been a joke as the VP! I will never vote for her. Trump may be an ass with his words but the country was much better off with him as president! 🤷🏼♀️ Those who think MAGA people are “brainwashed” might just want to look in a mirror.
Hi Tracey,
You and I disagree about which is the better ticket. For me, integrity and good character are most important and always have been. To me, the choice is clear. Even you say Trump is an ass with his words. Words matter. Quite a lot. Even more when you're the president.
As far as the country being better off with Trump, I guess that's a question for each of us to answer. Depends on what you mean by better off. The families who lost loved ones to COVID with Trump at the helm, certainly might not feel better off. Don't get me wrong, I don't blame Trump for the nearly million deaths to COVID, but his handling of that crisis was a debacle. And people died because of that.
Thank you for reading my article and taking time to share your thoughts. I appreciate you.
Hadn't really heard about Tim Walz before. Wondering what his stance is on Healthcare. Yes the pick of vice president should have some importance. I am open to reading both sides of politics. I would classify myself as more moderate.
Hi Esther,
I don't know where you're from, but regardless, I'm sure a lot of people hadn't heard of Tim Walz before last week. I would think his position on healthcare aligns with Kamala's and other democrats.
Good for you for being open to reading both sides of politics! That is admirable, especially these days. I agree with you that the VP pick is really important.
Thank you for reading and taking time to comment. I appreciate you.
Oh Nancy… I have looked into Walz and am actually frightened to think of him one step from the presidency… for many reasons…
I really don’t want to have your or anyone’s politics in my inbox… so I will be unsubscribing too.
I will miss your take on the BC issues as I continue to deal with it…. Good luck.
Hi Carolyn,
You aren't specific about what frightens you about Tim Walz, so I can't speak to your concerns. I do know that character and integrity are what matter most to me. I'm far more frightened by JD Vance being a step away. He has no experience governing whatsoever. And that's not even speaking to his positions.
I'm sorry to see you go, Carolyn. Rest assured, I'll still be talking about breast cancer! You're welcome back any time. My best to you.