RUTHFULLY YOURS

While Biden is lurking in the Bidenbunker, emerging occasionally to spot his shadow, spout some forgettable talking points, and then vanish back into the bunker, the Democrats need someone who is an actual elected official to pit against President Trump.

That’s occasionally been Governor Andrew Cuomo, unfortunately he’s a white male, and then there’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who at least isn’t a man.

As the coronavirus spreads, the Democrats might have a few more options, but they are basically stuck with a governor (and if things get desperate, mayor or two) to use as a counterweight against Trump.

Cuomo and Whitmer, despite being headline acts in the media circus, are not exactly leading the war effort. Cuomo’s big gimmick thus far was claiming to be making hand sanitizer. The provenance of the hand sanitizer continues to be up for debate.

Mainly, Cuomo has managed to build up his brand with combative press conference that don’t actually accomplish anything.

Whitmer can barely even claim that much.

Cuomo could at least contrast his leadership with the buffoon in New York City. But Cuomo, like Whitmer, ultimately can’t do more than serve as a foil for Trump.

States and cities have thus far failed to distinguish themselves with local leadership. Whitmer’s shtick, far more explictly than Cuomo, has been blaming the federal government. And while the federal government badly botched testing and failed to keep the infected out of this country, states had their own role to play and have continued botching their response with no consequences.

The Democrat circus is signaling that the loudest Dem complainers might have a shot at the White House. And that’s a terrible message.