A Woman Without A Party

Today is the “first Tuesday after November 1” and in one year that will mean election day. Those that know me well, know that I am somewhat of a political junkie. Embarrassingly, my guilty pleasure is evidenced through my DVRs settings, with a total of five out of seven series recordings being: three Sunday morning shows, Morning Joe and Real Time with Bill Maher. I care deeply about the national policies being debated. And, of course, I try to never miss a political debate from beginning to end, because to be honest, the soundbites are misleading and the weekly/daily news is completely jaded. I judge for myself how the candidates answer the questions and react to one another, rather than being told how to think about it by a talking head, or social media.

Politics engages me in multiple ways. First, the country’s leaders are debating serious, multi-faceted, complex policy decisions that could have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. I’m intrigued with the problem solving and systems thinking that is needed to build comprehensive, thoughtful approaches to dealing with public policy long term. But, the immature, outlandish behavior in both parties reminds me of a bad soap opera that I know is a complete waste of time, but I just can’t seem to look away.

I am a clear independent, in every sense of the word. 

I am not a one-issue voter. I have voted for both Democrats and Republicans. I have given money to Democratic candidates and to Republican candidates. I put time and effort in trying to sort through the rhetoric to find the facts and understand the issues from multiple sides and angles. This probably stems from growing up and continuing to spend time with family and friends in red states. But, also living in and caring about very blue communities including San Francisco and Chicago.

See, I know that Trump supporters are not evil. And, I know that Bernie supporters are not out to ruin the country. The reason I know this is because I love, respect and argue with people on both of those extremes. 

I unapologetically believe in capitalism (duh, I’m a venture capitalist). But the reason I believe so deeply in the idea of capitalism is because it represents freedom to me. I am deeply concerned about our fiscal challenges not only because of the debts younger generations will inherit but because I believe we have lost a sense of personal accountability and responsibility. I reject the idea that government should solve all our problems. I am socially liberal and believe all people have a right to live their life in any manner they want. And, it’s my fierce believe in the “Live, and Let Live” mantra that supports my belief that no one should be required to support another’s choices.  I believe in the power of legal immigration to help build our nation. I believe it is hypocritical for us to be pointing fingers at foreign involvement in our political elections when we have been influencing foreign elections for years. I have a good friend that insists I am a Libertarian. But, honestly that label does not fit either – because I think there are places where government intervention is important…like the environment.

I am a woman without a party. 

I am the swing voter that neither side is speaking to. I used to think there were LOTS of us. Now, I am fearful that the divisiveness – unlike anything I have seen in my lifetime – continues to grow and that the leaders on both sides are advancing it, depending on it and taking advantage of it. 

Here is a message for all 2020 political candidates: Rise Above It. 

Prove that you are worthy of the office. Earn my vote, and my Dad’s vote and my nephew’s vote. Speak to all of us. Give us something to come together on around the Thanksgiving table. Because if you win the office, you are responsible for leading all of us.