I’ll probably get pilloried for this, but I’d chose Liz Cheney.
Not because I agree with her beliefs, not because I think she would usher in reforms or societal changes that would advance liberal, or even ethical, agenda.
No, none of that would happen. But, as a nation, we would survive. It would put an abrupt end to the MAGA movement. That is the greatest threat to our nation and the sooner and deader we can make the MAGA movement, the better off everyone will be, MAGAts included.
She would work with both the Democrats and Republicans in Congress to actually get things done. I am not sure that will happen with any Democrat, or most other Republicans. You will never get this current crop of Republican Senators and Representatives to work with any Democratic President.
If I couldn’t vote no, maybe I should pick one of the world’s existing constitutional monarchs. Make a study to find whichever of them seems most sincerely and completely both committed to democracy and uninterested in personal power. Pick them.
I just dunno’ about that. I respect the hell out of her for her position on TFG and 1/6, but she has NeoCon in her DNA, meaning: I’d probably have to do a great deal more than hold my nose to pull the lever for her.
But, truly, huge respect to her for throwing herself on an orange grenade.
But none of them wields executive power. A ceremonial head of state (hosting state visits, being polite to all and sundry and visiting community events and activities to acknowledge and promote good works) is one thing.
Actually directing government (knocking heads together, doing deals to get legislation through and executive implementation, persuading the public that something unpopular is the right thing to do, etc) is very different - and takes a lot more than having the right image and opinions.
Sorry, I prefer my monarchs selected by some watery tart throwing swords at them. It is the only way to be sure of their divine right to wield supreme executive power.
IIRC Heinlein also advocated for using something other than “where you live” as a basis for picking representatives, a concept I’ve always found intriguing.
Gretchen Whitmer would be my pick. Heck, she’s my choice for 2024 and I like Joe Biden.
No matter how admirable, my vote would never be for a Republican, for the simple reason that we need to rebalance the SCOTUS and a Republican would only make it worse.
Based on the thread, I’ll throw in my support for Whitmer.
Yes, I also considered just giving them a proper King, or Queen.
Market it as, “America was founded on notion that The People were best suited to govern themselves. Well, the last twenty years have proven that that’s a crock! 40% of the people don’t even bother to vote, half of those who do vote voted for an insane person, and half the people elected are determined to deny the vote to everyone on the opposite side. That’s not democracy, so fuck it, let democracy really die! Long Live the King!”
Put just the right condescending, sneering tone on it, and maybe we shame the US electorate into actually doing their job properly again. American Revolution 2.0!
Yep. And while I also like her, I don’t see her as electable not just because gasp she’s no’ got a, you know, but because she comes across like a stern schoolteacher. Not that we don’t need it, but we know that almost half the country has no sense here, and sure won’t vote for someone they fear will hector them for the next four years.