Sen. Romney ushered in courage. What do we do with it?

Sue Corth and others cheer Sen. Mitt Romney’s vote to convict President Donald Trump on one of the articles of impeachment during a rally outside of the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020. Romney’s Utah office is located in the building. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

There are many people in America who are having conversations about our politics, hypocrisy and democracy. At the center of the conversations is the unanswered question that hangs in air — that question that continues to loom with uncertainty and exasperation — “now what?”

For three years, Americans have been mired in a morass of confusion, diversions, rabbit holes, finger pointing, twittering and red herrings. Americans are exhausted from the side shows and embarrassed by the drama. Many of us need relief, change and answers on a few “now what” questions, such as:

Now what about the Bernie Sanders factor? Last week Politico reported that a small group of Democratic National Committee members are trying to weaken Bernie’s campaign before the convention. If this is true, Democrats should be prepared for this strategy to backfire. Bernie’s base is unyieldingly loyal. Their posture in supporting Bernie seems to be “Bernie or no one.” We learned this from the 2016 election. Bernie’s base follows him passionately and defends him fiercely. If Bernie is the nominee, the other candidates will probably get behind him quickly. Conversely, if Sen. Sanders does not prevail as the nominee, he should immediately give a full-throated endorsement of the nominee and encourage his base to support the nominee. In this election, there is little time for collecting ourselves, wound licking and pouting. Rebounding quickly and getting behind the nominee should be in the contingency plan of every candidate. Seasoned politicians should know this.

Now what about the 2020 voting process? We know as confirmed by many government sources that there was meddlesomeness in our voting process. Yet, it does not appear that the foreign infiltrations of 2016 have been fixed. There has been no communication, at least in the public domain about a cyberwall erected to prevent interference in our elections. The Iowa debacle, although not a foreign interference act, does not give us a lot of hope in devices and technology supporting our voting process.

While the president was focused on Joe Biden and the Democrats are focusing on Bernie, Mike Bloomberg has experienced some serious traction. Now what about Bloomberg? Bloomberg could be a formidable candidate and should be on the debate stage. Many people have already decided that Biden is their candidate, without becoming acquainted with Bloomberg. However, after Biden’s Iowa performance, confidence may be waning. Bloomberg has some challenges to overcome, but he is a strong leader who should not be discounted. This is not an endorsement of Bloomberg, but whomever faces the incumbent on the debate stage must have gravitas, grit, guts and great debate skills.

Now that the Senate has voted on the articles of impeachment? Now what? What about the Democrats and their strategy? Now what will Republicans do next?

Now what do we do about the stranger, the unwanted visitor, the one that was cast out because they had outlived their usefulness and decided to return? What do we do about the courage that entered the room — quivering, facing backlash, standing alone, risking it all, yet trusting God. Courage — once a friend, now a foe. Once esteemed, now estranged. Once respected, now rejected. Courage — that seemed like an elusive quality no longer embodied by politicians. Courage — regarded as a relic among past victories, etched on the headstone of war heroes, survivors and pioneers. Courage — the protagonist once used to regale and inspire leaders, seemed forgotten. Courage — previously abandoned and banished, returned on Feb. 5, 2020, cloaked with honor, integrity and steadfastness.

For Bernie, Bloomberg and Biden, now will have to wait until the Democratic National Convention decides the nominee. For those who surrendered to fear, deserted democracy and left courage in the lurch, the people will speak at the ballot box.

Now what do we do with courage and the one, Sen. Mitt Romney who ushered it in? Nelson Mandela said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” Sen. Romney’s triumphant yet humble display of courage was reminiscent of John McCain’s vote against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Courage should be rewarded. Sen. Mitt Romney should be thanked and applauded. Thank you, Mitt Romney for your courage.

Theresa A. Dear is a strategist at The Human Capital Strategy Group. Visit her website at theresaadear.com.

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