Dear John,

So, what happens on Wednesday, November 4^th?  Is democracy dead?  Are we dancing in the streets?  Are we frozen with fear and uncertainty?

Let’s talk about it.  We won’t know every election result right away.  Some states don’t start counting till Election Day, like Wisconsin & Pennsylvania.  Other close states accept mail-in ballots past Election Day, like Michigan & Ohio.  (Minnesota accepts them till November 10^th.)

But while we may not know every result, trends may be clear.  If President Trump loses Florida or North Carolina (two early counting states) he will have a very hard time re-winning the Electoral College.

Or, for example, if Biden is blowing out Trump in Minnesota, there may not be enough outstanding mail ballots to change the Election Night tally.  (We started processing, but not totaling, our mail-in ballots on October 20^th.)

Given all this, two things seem clear.  First, we’ll need to be able to act with confidence during uncertainty.  That’s why we’ve been preparing for the last six Fridays.  A quick review of our recommendations:

#1: Remember to focus on the future.

#2: Win a majority of the votes.

#3: Inoculate your friends and family.

#4: Follow credible reporters.

#5: Prepare to act from Election Day to Inauguration Day.

Second, this is a moment that’s calling us to be big.  If on November 4^th, we’re in a fight to save our democracy, we’ll need allies, even those with whom we normally disagree.  When, in other countries, democracies have been under assault, former opponents have joined together to save it.  It’s sometimes referred to as a ‘Popular Front’.  It’s a kind of full-scale civil society response where progressives join with centrists and with normally non-political people to defend democratic institutions.  This is a moment to welcome and work with unlikely allies.  (This is our recommendation #6.)

If, on the other hand, the election is more or less over by November 4^th, we’ll still have a lot to heal and repair.  Where the Trump Administration has been divisive and destructive, we can decide to be constructive and visionary.  We’re going to build a state and country where everyone belongs, where the people and places we love get the care they need.

We know it’s a lot, friends, but we also believe we’re exactly the right people for this moment.  We’re going to lead with love and joy and imagination. 

That’s what’s going to happen on Wednesday, November 4^th.

Until then, let’s read, watch, and listen together.

Here’s what we’re reading, watching, and listening to this week: 

1. New Zealand 

Jacinda Arden won her re-election campaign for Prime Minister of New Zealand in a landslide. Read this celebration of Prime Minister Arden and women leading in politics and a look at her leadership. 

2. Time is Longer

A beautiful essay for now. Read it and breathe.

3. Care for All

The U.S. has lots to learn about providing and supporting family care from countries around the world. Read this.

4. Podcast

An obituary for the land – this New York Times podcast came out in September. It’s wild and beautiful. Listen here.

5. Suffragette Sisters

This piece tells the story of Black women suffragettes that won’t be forgotten. Read it here.

6. #EndSARS

Women are leading the mass movement to end police brutality in Nigeria. Follow what’s happening.

7. Deep Conversations

Winning in rural America is the key to a progressive future. Shout out to our national affiliate, People’s Action. Watch this.

8. Twitch

AOC and Ilhan crushed it this week. Pop culture and politics…we love to see it.

9. GOTV Playlist

Been waiting for this debut album from Ela Minus. Listen to acts of rebellion, out today. Add megapunk to your GOTV playlist.

10. TV

Add Ted Lasso on Apple+ to your fall watch list. It’s a sweet, heartwarming, hilarious, and nearly impeccable example of men showing their full range of tender emotions. Watch it and listen to the show’s star and writer, comedian Jason Sudeikis speak with Brené Brown.

That’s a wrap. Send us what you're reading.

--Kenza Hadj-Moussa & Chris Conry