Two hours ago, I (properly masked, of course) popped into a Ralphs Market to get a few items. I was in the checkout line with my few items when a man in the adjoining line began screaming. He was not totally coherent but I gather he was ordering us to all vote for Donald Trump because — this was his argument not mine — people in the "stupid states" were voting the Biden-Harris ticket and we have an obligation to save America by making sure Trump wins California. In case you're curious: Yes, he had a mask on.
Speaking as someone who probably has more chance of winning my state's 55 electoral votes than Donald has, I don't think that's so. And even if the guy in the checkout line has the power to convert every single person he can scream at between now and November 3rd, I don't think Donald is carrying the Golden State. Donald doesn't either. I'd hate to think how many commercials and ads you folks in the swing states are being deluged with from both sides. We're getting almost none of it out here because Biden didn't think he needed it and Trump decided to spend his campaign money in states where he had a prayer.
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the guy in the checkout line campaigning for his guy but come on. Politics is supposed to be The Art of the Possible. The Survey USA poll, which is the main one that surveys California, has Biden at 65%. Which is why I'm not out in the streets of Wyoming with a Biden placard today.
Anyway, I had a few minutes before they'd start ringing up my groceries so I just listened to the guy rant for a minute or two. Some of it was about Black Lives Matter and some of it was about Hillary and some of it was about Kamala and there was something in there about pedophilia…but I didn't know what the f he was talking about and neither did he. Pedophilia is a terrible crime/sickness and it's a shame people now think it's just an accusation to be hurled wildly at anyone you hate for any reason. How about if we save that one for when there's actual evidence of child molestation?
Someone said to the ranter, "You're wasting your time." Other voices agreed. I leaned over and asked, "Could I make a suggestion? Trump's not going to carry California but he's got a shot at least in Florida. Why don't you get on a plane to Orlando or Miami, find a Piggly Wiggly market and be real annoying and rude to shoppers there?"
And the guy, so help me, said "Y'know, that's not a bad idea…"