Kay Hively: Thoughts on the 2020 presidential election

The 2020 national election is heating up and especially the Democrats are having a big tussle. Slowly they are thinning out the last of the potential candidates. Some who have dropped out probably got what they wanted by just getting their names better known. Some, I suspect, will try again.

Republicans went through this process in 2016 with a long list of candidates. This can be exciting, but disappointing as well. In the end, one will remain and go on to the big fight.

This is how it will be this time as well and may the best candidate survive.

There is a bit of intrigue for the candidates and their close supporters as time progresses. It is always something of a circus outside the actual candidate camps and among party officials as they struggle to earn votes.

The air waves are filled with many supporters of each candidate and the two political parties. Everyone wants to bring news of their candidate and appeal for the voters support. Many of these people, on both side of the fight, find their way to the television political talk shows as “hired guns.”

Even Hillary Clinton has come out politically, even though most previous presidents and their wives steered clear of politics, usually because they know how difficult the job is and leave it to others. They understand their time has past and the future belongs to others.

There is a rumor that Mrs. Clinton is starting a podcast to promote her political views and promote people who generally believe as she does.

If you are like me, you may be scratching your head about what a podcast is. It is a radio talk show that goes nationwide. There are special networks that broadcast these podcast. I understand the Clinton podcast is said to be on the same network as conservatives commentators Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.

That will be something.

As I said, I heard only a rumor about the Clinton podcast so we will have to wait and see.

But, nonetheless, we will have a chance to watch the activities in the 2020 election and enjoy the fireworks. There will be lots of finger pointing and accusations.American democracy is a beautiful thing and we should be proud of what our forefathers have given us.

But just between you and me, I hope when the dust settles, the country can come together and get some things done.

(Kay Hively is a historian, author, and former editor, reporter and columnist for the Neosho Daily News and Neosho Post.)