A major party convention claimed to be energized by joy turned out to be a showcase for anger and hatred primarily directed not at the rival’s announced policy initiatives, but specifically at its high-visibility leader. A forum for serious discussion of practical approaches to complex problem solving instead became a sharply focused, vitriolic attack on a non-politician and former President sensationally alleged to be a singular “threat to democracy.” Like a football team suddenly handicapped by the loss of its star quarterback, the reigning champions are relegated to sudden revision of their playbook and a dramatically shortened training camp and preseason. For lack of coordinated policy teamwork, they have adopted an altered strategy of focused personal attack, including reliance on misdirection formations and trick plays. The public spectators have barely two months to assess team performance prior to the single-game playoff on November 5. Is that sufficient time for both squads to be at full strength for the ultimate championship contest in the interest of preserving our democratic republic? Will credible party policy or denigration of the challengers’ quarterback determine an outcome in the national interest? Phil Osifer