Thomas J. Raleigh · Author · Essayist · Raconteur · Est. 1950

The Democratic Party Challenge – And My Golf Game

✕ Thomas J. Raleigh · October 7, 2026 · 2 min read

Okay, I still adhere to the 2-party system. Only because there is a whole lotta room on either side of the spectrum, so folks can weigh in.

And, most know my politics, including my golf buddies.

As it relates to the upcoming mid-terms, and for the Democratic Party, the #1 priority for me is to support collaborative leaders who are inclusive, inspiring, advocate systemic change, can set national goals, and develop the policies to get there.

My #1 priority in golf is a lot simpler. Break 85, and maybe even 80 by sticking to the plan.

So, for what it’s worth …

My experience with the Democratic Party during Biden’s four years is sort of like my golf game on the final hole, yesterday.

Year 1, Joe starts off managing us through COVID-19 with the $1.9T American Rescue Plan. Not bad until the Afghanistan withdrawal damaged his image.  I start off on a difficult par four with a nice two hundred yard drive a little “left of center”, but I find myself still 140 yards out behind a tree.

Year 2, Joe secures some landmark bipartisan packages with the Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. Then inflation hits 9.1% mid-year throwing consumers into a tailspin. My 7-iron shot to the green starts off majestically. Then catches the very top of that tree some 40 yards out.

Year 3, Joe’s not doing badly with his post-pandemic recovery job growth, but now must manage a divided House after Republicans take the mid-terms. I get it to the green, but somehow manage to step into a substantial dog pile on my way back to the cart.

And you know what? That stink doesn’t go away!

Year 4, Joe made it this far, and it’s time for reelection.  But the economy keeps going down the tubes. He’s too old, it’s showing, and he’s forced to bow out. My 3rd shot was fairly good, and I’ve got an even chance to make par.  But the other guys are yelling at me because I’m tracking dog shit onto the green. It threw me off my game. I proceed to three putt and finish with a double bogey.

Simple moral to the story.  Democrats need to find candidates who can inspire, are inclusive, stay the course, and achieve shared national goals, without stepping into dog shit.

NUFF SED!!!

✕

Nuff sed.

Add your voice. Free, and no password.

Check your inbox. Click the link and you can comment right away.
Hmm, that didn’t work. Give it another try.

Never miss one.

New essays land here first and go out by email the same day. No spam, no noise, just the writing.

Check your inbox — one click to confirm and you’re in.
Hmm, that didn’t work. Give it another try.
Nuff Sed calling card Nuff Sed calling card, alternate