Have I finally figured it out? Is the strategy of the incumbent party in power to lower the temperature of ideological tensions with other nations by reshaping America more in their autocratic images? Is the problematic California model of governance readily transferable to the other 49 states? Can historical party branding still be expected to prevail if the product appearance and flavor are so radically changed? The public is asked to believe that a failed Presidential candidate in 2020 has, by reason of an undistinguished term as an emergency understudy, suddenly been transformed and energized once the emergency was revealed. The despicable cover-up of an age-challenged President now is supposed to warrant promotion of his symbolic but unqualified statutory successor by casually bypassing conventional nomination and selection. Is there a better example of “swamp” corruption of the democratic process? Thinking voters need to ask themselves if deception and duplicity merit reward. Should we applaud and place unquestioned trust in those who foresee “joy” in the arduous and selfless assignment of combating an extensive list of pressing problems to be overcome? “Hope” is not a replacement for confidence in addressing situations with enormous consequences for world order. Phil Osifer