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Need Optimism? Think Josh Harder

July 13, 2022 By Eric Caine 6 Comments

Congressman Josh Harder CA-10
Clark Kent?

With the nation lurching ever closer to a totalitarian theocracy and the Valley’s own Kevin McCarthy defining “lily-livered” down in hopes of becoming Speaker of the House of Representatives, there are multitudes of reasons to be pessimistic about our political future. Nonetheless, Valley citizens shouldn’t despair; there are points of light in the darkness. Just think back four and a half years ago and ponder how far we’ve come.

Early in 2018, no one expected Josh Harder to become the Valley’s youngest new member of Congress while representing California Congressional District 10. At the time, Jeff Denham was deemed invincible. Only Michael Eggman, a popular beekeeper from Turlock, was believed to have any chance at all to unseat the incumbent Republican, and even his prospects were dim.

Even after Harder prevailed in a primary stacked with the most impressive slate of Democrats in anyone’s memory, most political insiders, including Democrats, expected an easy Denham win in the General Election.

Bespectacled and nerdy, Harder appeared to be the perfect foil for Denham, the rangy western boot-wearing Republican who sometimes showed up for campaign events riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Close observers of Harder’s campaign, those who had followed him from the beginning, began thinking he might have a chance, especially after he prevailed in a primary that featured Eggman, Sue Zwahlen, and Virginia Madueno. Despite his Clark Kent image, Harder was turning out to be Superman. On the campaign trail, he was indefatigable.

His campaign staff featured bright young adults with specialties ranging from mathematics to messaging. And, up close, Harder seemed less nerd than hard-charging businessman.

In a marathon series of town hall meetings and informal gatherings, he was well prepared on issues ranging from local water conflicts to foreign policy. An intent listener, he spoke one-on-one with hundreds of potential constituents. On the November 6 Election Day, Josh Harder was still running hard, appearing at voting locations around the district and seeking last-minute votes. Surprising most everyone, Harder unseated Denham with a come-from-behind win.

Josh Harder with flag
Superman? Even better, Congressman Josh Harder

In retrospect, Josh Harder’s victory over Jeff Denham seemed pre-ordained. The Turlock native, despite attempts to paint him as an outsider, proved ideally suited to represent his district. Once in office, he exceeded high standards for bipartisanship and constituent service.

Today, after redistricting established new boundaries, Congressman Harder has moved north to California Congressional District 9, where he faces stiff competition from San Joaquin County Supervisor Tom Patti. Nonetheless, Nate Silver, Sabato’s Crystal Ball, and the Cook Political Report all rate Harder with better than even chances of winning in the new district.

That’s not the only encouraging news. Despite the likelihood of Democratic losses nationwide, Valley voters have shown confidence in a host of new Democratic candidates, beginning with Esmeralda Soria and including Jessica Self, Tim Robertson, and Rudy Salas.

With both the nation’s political parties doddering from the effects of aged leadership, local Democrats’ infusion of young blood is an encouraging sign for the future, especially since all the new candidates have advanced to November’s General Election, despite poor turnout in the primary.

In 2018, young Josh Harder showed candidates can win by embracing traditional Democratic values that support middle and working-class Americans. Today, he’s joined by a cohort of candidates representing those same values, and all of them have good chances of winning next November. Democrats can win if they turn out — that’s reason enough to be optimistic, especially with Josh Harder leading the way.

 

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: California Congressman Josh Harder, Esmeralda Soria for Assembly, Jess Self, Jessica Self for Assembly, Josh Harder, Tim Robertson for Senate

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Damon Woods says

    July 14, 2022 at 8:11 am

    you forgot to post the clause, paid for by the committee for Josh Harder. Ask Josh how many mules he used in the last election?

    Reply
  2. Gary Barton says

    July 14, 2022 at 9:58 pm

    “Totalitarian theocracy”
    Thanks for the laugh, Eric.

    Reply
    • Eric Caine says

      July 16, 2022 at 9:15 am

      You are welcome Mr. Barton. Here’s some more laughs:https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/16/opinion/ireland-abortion-roe.html#commentsContainer

      Reply
  3. Elaine Gorman says

    July 16, 2022 at 9:27 am

    Josh Harder has been a good congressman for SJV residents. I still support him, even though he has moved north. I hope that the people who live in San Joaquin county can convince him to be a better advocate for the environment, and protect/improve delta and riparian sustainability.

    Reply
  4. John says

    August 20, 2022 at 1:02 pm

    Hi Eric, Please let me know what you’ve been drinking. Josh Harder is good for the Valley. Have you gotten gas lately, gone to the grocery store, gone out to eat!
    Yes, if your delusional it’s all rainbows and lollipops. Josh Harder is running commercials, saying he wants to lower gas prices, while voting for policies that will only result in higher prices at the pump. You know as well as I do that the democratic party wants to shut down oil and gas, which can only result in higher gas prices, and in turn, higher prices for all goods and services

    Reply
    • Eric Caine says

      August 20, 2022 at 2:17 pm

      Hi John: Yes, Josh is also responsible for the higher gas prices in England and other countries, where prices are even higher than here. You left out the higher prices for food and the backed up almond supplies in the Valley and climate change. He caused all that too. He is one powerful Congressmember.

      Reply

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