So, not only did Trump-endorsed Dan Cox upend the Hogan-backed Kelly Schultz (mail-in ballots for GOP few enough to make a comeback statistically impossible), but it looks like Marilyn Mosby will lose her primary as well. I worked a polling place yesterday, and I will say there was an energy I have not experienced as a Maryland voter in elections past. People are waking up and paying attention. Cox's victory and Mosby's probable loss are clear indicators.
Who isn't waking up? The media. I turned on a local radio station this morning, and the talking heads are convinced Cox gets trounced by Moore in the general. Their line of thinking is moderate Republicans in the state are turned off by Cox and will sit out the November election. However, I think they're wrong this time. Cox spent the entire primary engaging with as many Maryland citizens as he could. The entire premise of his candidacy, while fundamentally America (and Maryland) First, is that he wants to make things better for all Marylanders. He debated Democrats during the primaries. He believes his ideas are good ideas, and he spends every second of every day to get others to buy in. He doesn't care what your party affiliation is. I am generally the first to give in to my inner cynic, but I believes this guy is the real deal, and I think the media underestimates him at their own peril. (end rant)
Regardless of the road ahead, I am very thankful for today 😊
So far Cox has been willing to talk to anyone in the media who'll listen. I think Schultz's strategy was to let him talk because he's sooooo crazy no one would vote for him. Problem for her though is he's not crazy. He spoke articulately about his ideas, and he never backed down from his opinions, all while being relentlessly cheerful. That's how he beat her, by not hiding and not capitulating. I do hope he gets help from the MAGA folks. It can only help.