Comedian Lily Tomlin famously remarked that "reality is a collective hunch." Profound or not, it does shine a light on our current polarization. The hunch is collective when it is based on a set of facts we all can see. The shared set of facts is getting smaller.

Some political leaders intentionally undermine facts. Former presidential spokesperson Kellyanne Conway called them "alternative facts." What's dangerous about this is it tears at the fabric of self-government.

Governments rely on public acceptance for legitimacy. Monarchs rely on rigid social order; dictators rely on force; tyrants rely on fear.

Democracy relies on an idea: on common ideals of fairness and the rule of law. These ideals in turn rest on trust that facts are not just a matter of opinion, but actually matter.

Whoever wins on Nov. 5, half the voters will feel government does not represent them. The assault on facts has weakened the legitimacy of our democratic republic.

Vermont's small size insulates us somewhat. But even Vermont's political discourse is getting infected. Negative ads and personal attacks ratchet up each election cycle.

This year the relationship between the Governor and the Legislature has grown far more partisan. The Governor has been campaigning vigorously to defeat Democratic Senate and House candidates, raising money and giving personal endorsements.

Beyond healthy vigor, we have seen relentless finger-pointing against the "supermajority," as though voters didn't intend to elect these legislators; unfounded claims about the Affordable Heat Act; and most jarring, exploiting—actually stoking—anger about education finance and property taxes.

National politics come to Vermont.

I hope we can pull back from the abyss of negativity, and debate issues on their merits and the actual—not "alternative"— facts. Our democracy depends on it.

I welcome your feedback. https://www.campbellforvermont.com.

Event Info

Oct 31, 2024, 10 to 11:30 AM

Nov 2, 2024, 10:30 to 11:30 AM

Nov 5, 2024, 8 AM to 8 PM