By Mike Reid | June 2023

Dear wealthy Stanford graduates, and other tech millionaires: Could you spare $500,000?

Because, for the first time in forever, your $500,000 gift will be matched.

Yes, that's right.

Your impact will be doubled.

By donating $500,000, your donation will have the impact of a $1,000,000 donation.

But you will save $500,000.

Obviously, you've achieved success to the point where you have the financial means to donate $500,000, so I don't need to tell you about the value of saving $500,000.

But wait, that's not all. I swear to god, it gets even better.

Because not only will your donation be doubled, but someone else's donation will also be doubled. So now that I really think about it, your gift will actually be QUADRUPLE matched.

In other words, if you donate right now, your $500,000 donation will make the impact of a $2,000,000 donation, but you will save a full $1.5 million.

Look, I get it. For an everyday American, donating $500,000 would likely be impossible.

However, for wealthy Stanford grads such as but not limited to Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn and a partner at Greylock Partners with a net worth of approximately $2.1 billion, or individuals akin to but not necessarily Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and Founders Fund, with a net worth around $4.7 billion, or those comparable to someone like Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp, who boasts a net worth of roughly $2.4 billion, well a $500,000 donation would hardly be noticed at all.

That's because if you subtract $500,000 from $2.4 billion, you're left with $2,399,500,000.

And you'll never hear anyone say their worth is $2.3995 billion - not only would it come off as insanely specific, it's also worth noting that these figures are typically estimates to begin with. So essentially, to these individuals $500,000 is so small, it's functionally equal to $0.

Here's a look at what it was like at Stanford in 1991 when Generation X was in college. Back then, Reid Hoffman and Peter Thiel had just graduated and Brian Acton was a sophomore.

Donate $500,000 now and kickstart an epic quadruple match, as your generous gift will be matched by the next person who donates the same amount. Not only will your contribution be matched, but you'll also be the catalyst for the following donor's gift to be matched as well. This incredible opportunity to have a quadruple impact on the cause can only happen if you act immediately, so please donate right away and be part of this powerful chain of giving.
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Imagine a day at Stanford University in 1991 – a world utterly devoid of the digital amenities we're steeped in today. Picture waking up, not to the soft glow of your smartphone's alarm, but to the jarring bell of a mechanical clock.

Your agenda for the day? Scribbled in a physical planner.

Off to class you'd go, armed not with a feather-light MacBook Air, but with heavy textbooks.

Writing a paper? You'd make your way to the bustling computer lab, because owning a personal computer was still a luxury. There, you’d navigate through the arcane art of MS-DOS or the nascent Windows 3.0 on a large, clunky desktop. Saving your work? You’d trust your precious words to a floppy disk, a far cry from today's ubiquitous cloud storage.

Imagine yourself as a bright-eyed Stanford student or a fresh graduate stepping out into the world in 1991. You're brimming with ambition, desire for change, you're a proud Democrat.

You watched in 1980, heart sinking, as the charismatic Ronald Reagan, the movie star-turned-politician, defeated the earnest incumbent Jimmy Carter, running for a second term.
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Reagan took an astounding 489 electoral votes to Carter's humble 49, and the popular vote told the same tale with 50.7% to Carter's 41%. It was a resounding defeat that left you and the Democratic Party reeling.

By 1984, the sting of loss had only deepened. You watched the affable Reagan sweep the nation a second time, against the honorable Walter Mondale. The electoral map was awash with red. Reagan secured a staggering 525 electoral votes to Mondale's 13.

The popular vote was just as decisive; Reagan drew in nearly 59% to Mondale's 41%.

Four years later in 1988, you clung to hope. Your heart pounded as you watched Vice President George H.W. Bush go head-to-head against Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis. But the Reagan years had bolstered the Republicans' standing, and Bush emerged victorious. He secured 426 electoral votes to Dukakis' 111, and the popular vote was split at 53.4% for Bush to Dukakis' 45.6%.

By 1991, with a decade of Republican presidencies behind you, the desire for change was nothing short of a roar. The nation was in a recession, and it felt like the perfect moment.

The 1980 election was a stark and painful lesson - the downfall of Jimmy Carter, a then-incumbent, who managed to garner a mere 49 electoral votes. It was a devastating blow, a crushing humiliation that served as a grim reminder of how the mighty can fall. This dark chapter in our history still casts its long shadow today, reminding us of what could happen if we fail to act. But now, let's pivot our gaze to the future, and let's be infused with hope and optimism. Recall 1992. At this point, Bill Clinton was still an obscure name, yet he rose against all odds to claim victory. We are on the cusp of a similar transformative moment in American Democracy. But we can't make this leap without your support. This is the hour of urgency. Your immediate contribution of $500,000 will be the tide that turns the game in our favor. So, please, we implore you to take action. Donate $500,000 immediately.
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And then there was Bill Clinton, the young, vibrant Governor of Arkansas. His charisma and energy were infectious. He represented the New Democrat - a centrist with a compassionate heart. His saxophone performance on The Arsenio Hall Show wasn't just entertaining, it was symbolic. Here was a politician who understood you, who wanted to invest in affordable education, better healthcare, and improved job opportunities.

Yes, the 1992 primaries were fraught with controversy, but your belief in Clinton never wavered. His vision resonated with yours and that of your generation. You watched, your heart in your throat, as the election results started coming in.

And then, the unimaginable happened. State by state, the tide turned blue.

For the first time in your politically conscious life, your candidate had won. The Democrats were back in the White House, and the future was bright. That feeling of indescribable joy, relief, and hope? That was the essence of being a young Democrat in the 1990s.

Fast forward to the 2000s and it's now the oldest of the Millennials who are in college.

But the early 2000s were still a backwards time, at least compared to the world of today.

There were absolutely no iPhone in our pockets - they wouldn't arrive until 2007.

Instagram wouldn't exist until 2010.

Twitter wouldn't come into existence until 2006.

Spotify? That didn't come about until 2008.

Uber was unheard of until 2009.

And not until 2009 was the world introduced to Bitcoin.

And in 2005, Senator Barack Obama supported civil unions, legal recognition for same-sex couples that offered some protections of marriage but fell short of full marriage rights.

Picture 2005, a time when the memory of Stanford's last Big Game victory was completely forgotten, and the prior year witnessed a shattering defeat, losing 6-41. It was 2005, when Facebook was merely a platform for "poking" people, iPhones were 1,000% non-existent, and the most controversial feature of that advertisement - featuring university president John Hennessy - was the pervasive cigarette smoking. This was an archaic era, a period akin to the Stone Age, a world that the Older Millennials had to navigate, an undoubtedly challenging epoch. Precisely because of these factors, we are soliciting your generous donation of $500,000 to correct these past inequities and amend the narrative. The urgency is real, the need is now. We implore you, we need your immediate and generous contribution of $500,000. Your prompt action can change the narrative. Time is of the essence.
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Imagine yourself as a college student in 2005 - with gay marriage only legal in the state of Massachusetts and two full years before the ShamWow commercial first aired - caught up in the swirling currents of the world around you. Your formative years were shaped by unsettling images of 9/11, wars in distant lands, and the harsh realities of global politics.

And then, as if a light shone through the darkness, there emerged a beacon of hope, a young senator named Barack Obama. He was not a typical politician - he was young, charismatic, and he spoke with a passion and a sincerity that resonated with you and your peers.

Obama's message found fertile ground on college campuses. His commitment to affordable education and healthcare reform, his thoughtfulness on foreign policy issues, and his promises to address the challenge of climate change spoke to your concerns, your aspirations. You saw in him a leader who recognized the struggles of your generation, who was eager to elevate the voices that had been overlooked and neglected.

The son of a Kenyan father and a white mother from Kansas, Obama embodied the America you believed in, one of diversity, opportunity, and boundless potential. And when he spoke, you felt a thrill of optimism run through your veins. Perhaps, under his leadership, the deep-seated divisions could be healed, and the country could move forward together.

We stand at a pivotal moment in time, reminiscent of 2007, back when Barack Obama stirred the nation with his message of unity and hope. But creating powerful videos back then was an uphill battle, demanding Herculean efforts in the absence of tools like the iPhone. Today, in 2023, we must channel the spirit of that historic campaign and leverage today's technology to bring about change. This is where we plead for your help. We need $500,000 now. Not tomorrow, not next week, but right now. Your substantial contribution will enable us to create poignant, compelling narratives that can rally hearts and minds around our cause, just as Obama did back in 2007. Time is of the essence, and we are counting on you. Please, make this significant investment in our shared future today.
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Election night in 2008 was electric. You and your friends huddled around the TV, nerves and excitement tangling as you watched the results roll in. And when it was finally announced - Barack Obama, President-elect - you felt the ground shift beneath you. This was a new era, a time of hope and possibility. The future was still uncertain, but for the first time in a long time, you felt genuine excitement about what was to come.

And in the chill of the Washington winter, on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, Obama stood on the steps of the Capitol and took the presidential oath of office. His election as the first African American President had been an undeniable testament to the progress the country had made, and his inauguration marked the start of a period of hope and anticipation.

Once in office, Obama moved quickly to tackle one of the most divisive issues of our time - healthcare. His proposed reforms aimed to extend coverage to the uninsured, lower costs, and provide new consumer protections. However, his vision was met with fierce opposition from Republicans and even some Democrats. What followed was an intense struggle, filled with dramatic late-night votes, impassioned speeches, and high-stakes negotiations.

The fight over Obamacare, as it was popularly known, was marked by both fervor and frustration. Advocates argued it was a necessary step toward a fairer society, one where every citizen had a right to healthcare. Detractors saw it as an overreach of government power, a risky venture that could undermine the economy. The public discourse became a stormy sea of misinformation and fearmongering, further deepening the divide.

The 2010 midterms proved to be a crushing defeat for the Democrats. The party lost control of the House of Representatives, and its majority in the Senate was significantly reduced.

The vigorous resistance to Obamacare had galvanized the GOP base, and their candidates rode a wave of dissatisfaction all the way to Capitol Hill. For many Democrats, it felt like a public rebuke, a harsh penalty for pursuing their vision of a better healthcare system.

The years that followed were challenging, marked by political gridlock and intensified partisanship. Yet, even in the face of these difficulties, the Obama administration pressed forward, striving to make good on their promise of progress and change. They understood the reality that progress is hard-won, often demanding tenacity, compromise, and an unwavering belief in the possibility of a better future.

Now, picture yourself as a college student in 2015. You're living in the age of smartphones and social media. Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat - these aren't just apps, they're extensions of your self, tools of self-expression and windows to the wider world. Your generation is plugged in, digitally interconnected, in ways that the generations before you never were.

Please, if your financial means are sufficient, grasp the sheer disparity between a $1 and a staggering $500,000 donation. A dollar, though helpful, is a mere ripple in the ocean, while half a million could unleash a tsunami of change, its force of impact sending shockwaves. It's more than just a donation; it's an explosive trigger for that could catapult the Democrats into realms of success we've only dreamed of. Time is racing against us, and the opportunity to enact such monumental change is teetering on the brink of now. Your swift action could be the crucial turning point, the nerve center of a dynamically shifting landscape. Immerse yourself in this trembling moment of potential.
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Meanwhile, in 2015 the country is gearing up for another election. On the Democratic side, it's Hillary Clinton, the seasoned politician with decades of experience, versus Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont with a no-nonsense approach and a radical message about wealth inequality and corporate greed.

As a young person in a world of student loans, job insecurity, and a rising cost of living, Bernie's message hits home. You feel seen, heard. Bernie gets it. He understands the frustration of working hard and still struggling to make ends meet. He's not afraid to call out the billionaires, the corporations, the special interests that seem to have more say in your government than you do.

As a passionate young supporter of Bernie Sanders, you threw yourself heart and soul into his 2016 presidential campaign. You found yourself captivated by the Vermont senator's message, inspired by his unapologetic progressivism, his call for a political revolution. You wore the campaign t-shirt like a badge of honor, brandishing the emblem of a movement that resonated with your vision of a more equitable America.

Your Twitter timeline became a battlefield, each tweet and retweet a volley in the fierce digital war of ideas. The hashtags #FeelTheBern and #BernieOrBust became your rallying cries, tokens of a shared hope, a collective defiance against a political establishment that felt increasingly distant and indifferent to the concerns of ordinary Americans.

But then, the harsh realities of political calculus set in. Despite the fervor of Bernie's base, it was Hillary Clinton who clinched the Democratic nomination. The news hit you like a punch to the gut. It wasn't just disappointment. It felt like betrayal, a rude awakening to the mechanisms of power that seemed to perpetuate the status quo.

You felt a gnawing sense of injustice, the sting of disillusionment. The system seemed rigged, favoring the entrenched over the emerging, the establishment over the insurgent. It felt like a rebuke, a curt dismissal of the cries for change that had fueled Bernie's campaign.

Democrats, the stakes have never been higher than now. We all recall 2016, when our misguided focus was simply proving "Trump is worse," while our candidate's unpopularity went unaddressed. The outcome was disastrous. We cannot, and we will not, repeat that mistake. Our party urgently needs your immediate action. Your donation of $500,000 stands between our shared vision for America and the stark reality of a nation in peril. If you don't contribute, it will not merely be a missed opportunity. It will be a decision that lets America down when she needs you the most. The wealth you have accumulated thanks to Silicon Valley technology will be a hollow victory if our nation crumbles. Make the decision. Donate $500,000. Be the hero America needs. Act now to change the future.
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The shockwaves of November 2016 were felt across America. An election, set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving social and political landscape, saw the first female nominee of a major political party, Hillary Clinton, facing off against Donald Trump, a man whose campaign seemed to defy every norm and expectation. This was more than a political battle; it was a stark clash of ideologies, a fight for the very soul of the nation.

Trump's victory came as a shock. For young college students like you, who had thrown their support behind Bernie Sanders and then, albeit reluctantly for some, behind Hillary Clinton, it was a devastating blow. It felt like a reversal of all the progress that had been made, a repudiation of everything you had hoped for, everything you had fought for.

The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Your world was turned upside down as you grappled with the reality of a Trump presidency. The rhetoric of his campaign, marked by divisive language and an appeal to populist sentiment, seemed at odds with the ideals of unity that you and your peers championed.

But even in the face of this setback, you did not lose hope. You understood that the movements you were part of, the conversations you had started, and the values you held dear were not dictated by the outcome of one election. They were bigger than that.

Being on the front lines of change - advocating for social justice, pushing for environmental responsibility, fighting for affordable education and healthcare - these were not battles that could be lost in a single election. They were ongoing struggles, and though the path had suddenly become more challenging, you were not deterred.

The conversations around dorm room study tables, the peaceful protests on campus lawns, the impassioned debates on social media platforms - these did not stop. If anything, they took on a new urgency. There was a palpable sense of resilience. Your belief in a more fair and just society remained unshaken, even in the face of daunting adversity.

Reflect on the year 2017, when Trump first assumed the presidency. Now, picture a potential scenario where he secures victory again in the 2024 election, a possibility given his current lead in the nomination race and his track record of defying expectations. Imagine this triumph being a decisive one, leading to a term in office from January 2025 to January 2029. Is it inconceivable to you? Do you run the risk of repeating your denial of 2015-2016? And what about the $500,000 — do you not possess it, or are you unwilling to contribute? Envision a future where you look back with a heavy heart, burdened by the knowledge that your actions could have made a difference. Consider the lifetime of regret casting a long, inescapable shadow over your days and nights. The world moves forward, but you remain shackled to your past decisions, mired in a sea of remorse. Stop. And donate $500,000 immediately.
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Graduating in 2017, you entered a world in a state of flux, with political upheavals that left many disillusioned, but also more determined than ever to make a difference. Suddenly, there was an energized wave of new candidates emerging on the political scene. They were young, diverse, and defiantly optimistic, and they were intent on shaking up the status quo.

They came from all walks of life: educators, veterans, scientists, activists. They were individuals who had witnessed the tumultuous state of politics and decided that they could no longer be bystanders. Many were first-time candidates, people who had never even thought of running for office before. They were everyday Americans who wanted to make a difference, and they were answering the call to service.

So you rolled up your sleeves and got to work. You campaigned for these new faces with a fervor and dedication that surpassed anything the older generations had seen, especially in a midterm election. You canvassed neighborhoods, made phone calls, engaged in spirited discussions on social media, and organized events.

Your energy and engagement seeped into every corner of the Democratic Party, igniting a fervor around house challengers that was unprecedented. These weren't politicians with familiar names; they were people no one had heard of before. Yet, their stories were compelling, their visions for the future inspiring. You saw in them the leaders of tomorrow.

The tranquility of the 2000s, buoyed by Obama's dream of hope and change, paled in comparison to the stormy reality thrust upon the graduates of 2017 and 2018. They found themselves in an era marked by Trump's reign in the White House and a Republican stronghold on the House and Senate. These fresh-faced graduates, the youngest of the Millennials, swiftly transitioned from wide-eyed to seasoned fighters on the political battlefield. It was during the gritty off-year midterm election of 2018 that they embraced the mantle of change, lifting up new voices, supporting house challengers, and altering the political equation. The foot soldiers of 2018, once naive, showed a strength and resolve that belied their years, driving the Democrats back to power in the House with a message of unity and inspiration that echoed across America. Your generous donation of $500,000 is a salute to these risk-takers - the vibrant younger Millennials and the candidates of 2018 - who braved the odds and rewrote history.
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And so, you pressed on. You continued to engage in discourse, to challenge the status quo, to advocate for the issues that mattered to you. Despite the political upset, you knew that in the grand narrative of social and political progress, this was but a single chapter.

In the face of adversity, you grew up fast, turning your energy and passion into maintaining the momentum of change. The future remained unwritten, and in it, you saw not just the challenges but the opportunities, not just the obstacles but the potential for change.

Not all of these candidates were successful in their bids. The world of politics is a tough terrain, and losses were inevitable. But even in defeat, there were important victories. These new voices had raised issues that mattered, pushed boundaries, and energized a generation of voters. They had proven that anyone, regardless of their experience, could step up.

Some of these new contenders did succeed against all odds. Take Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, for instance. A former bartender, she ran a grassroots campaign and managed to unseat a ten-term incumbent in New York's 14th district. Her victory was not just a political upset; it was a message of hope and a testament to the power of grassroots activism.

These were the impossible stories of 2018, narratives of young, dynamic individuals who stepped into the political arena and challenged the norm. It was a testament to the power of young voices and the possibilities that lay ahead. The landscape of American politics was changing, and you were not just a witness, but an active participant in that transformation.

The dynamic younger Millennials, the indefatigable field organizers, and the devoted finance directors must now transition into the pivotal roles of campaign managers and other critical leaders for the 2024 elections. However, the pressing demand extends much further. It is these younger Millennials who will act as a bridge between older generations and Generation Z. They serve as the essential link, fostering dialogue between different generations. They are the vibrant nomads who, at a moment's notice, can traverse the country, much like our efforts for Obama in 2008. Yet, this isn't 2008 - Generation Z won't emulate Millennials' path as field organizers. The 2024 elections require an unparalleled strategy, something completely fresh, a transformation steered by the enthusiastic younger Millennials. Something that your generous $500,000 donation can support.
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Now, imagine being a college student in January 2020, returning to campus after a restful winter break, buzzing with the excitement of a new semester and the upcoming presidential election. The Democratic field was full of options, each bringing something unique:

Stepping back into the ring for a second time was Senator Bernie Sanders.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg made his impressive debut on the national political scene.

In the Senate corner, we had Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris, who would later ascend to the Vice Presidency.

Also from the Senate, Amy Klobuchar, Kirsten Gillibrand, Michael Bennet, and Cory Booker.

Adding a dash of Alaskan grit was former Senator Mike Gravel.

From the House of Representatives, Tulsi Gabbard, Seth Moulton, Tim Ryan, and Eric Swalwell put their hats in the ring. Former Representatives John Delaney and Joe Sestak, as well as congressional aspirant Richard Ojeda, also added their voices to the mix.

Entrepreneur Andrew Yang and spiritual author Marianne Williamson.

Governors Steve Bullock, Jay Inslee, Deval Patrick, and John Hickenlooper.

Julian Castro, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Wayne Messam, the Mayor of Miramar, Florida.

Billionaires Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer.

Beto O'Rourke.

Bill de Blasio.

And, of course, ultimately emerging as the nominee, was former Vice President Joe Biden.

However, the vibrant political discourse was abruptly overshadowed by the sudden arrival of the Great Pandemic. The coronavirus, a distant news item during the holiday season, was now a global crisis, and by March, it had changed everything. Universities shut down, classes moved online, and you found yourself back at home, trying to navigate the strange new world of Zoom lectures and virtual study groups. Your bustling campus life was replaced with a screen, and it felt so disconnected, so outrageously unnatural.

Amid the havoc wreaked by the unrelenting pandemic, the political sphere seemed to have caught its own strain of surrealism. From the bustling roster of Democratic contenders, emerged Joe Biden, a beacon of optimism in the dystopian reality, ready to face off with the sitting President Donald Trump. The debates that ensued, however, ventured far beyond the realm of the ordinary. In fact, they danced on the precipice of the downright bizarre.

Give it a try. Immerse yourself in the agonizing hour and 36 minutes of the Trump vs. Joe Biden face-off. Go ahead, step into the excruciating reality of reliving that single, soul-crushing debate in its entirety. With each ticking moment, the decision bears heavily on you: can you stomach the prospect of any more of this, of living this potential reality? Or do you see the gleaming alternative, that thrilling opportunity to drop the curtain on this spectacle, to quell the chaos, to extinguish the unbearable thought of a Trump/Biden rematch? Your $500,000 donation is the golden ticket out of the madness. Imagine the impact - your sizable contribution putting a decisive end to the torment, swiftly ushering in relief. Your generous $500,000 donation will become a symbol of change and sanity.
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October 2020 brought with it the indelible sense of autumn: the turning leaves, the chill in the air, the muffled sound of television screens airing debates and commentary. Yet, there was a lingering feeling of unease. The country was in the grip of a pandemic. College campuses were half-empty, classes being conducted remotely. Students found themselves navigating an unfamiliar landscape of virtual learning, social distancing, and constant health concerns, all while the noise of the impending election loomed in the background.

Then, President Trump tested positive for COVID-19. The news sent shockwaves through the nation, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already tumultuous campaign season. You watched in real-time as the president was whisked off to Walter Reed Medical Center.

The vice presidential debate offered a more civil but still intense exchange, memorable for the fly that landed on Vice President Pence's head and stole the show.

The next debate was cancelled following President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis.

In the midst of all this, early voting began in many states. Millions of Americans, undeterred by the pandemic, turned out to vote in record numbers. For many college students, it was your first time voting in a presidential election. Despite the challenges, you donned your masks, armed yourselves with hand sanitizer, and stood in line to cast their ballots. It was a testament to your determination, your resolve to have your voices heard as young voters.

Picture yourself as a lighting designer, an actor, or doing anything you did in college. Now, imagine doing it 100% over the internet, through Zoom. How well would you have coped? Probably not as well as Generation Z, who had their traditional college experience taken from them and never returned, only to graduate into Joe Biden's America. Intriguingly, in today's America, Democrats are even more despondent than we were during Trump's tenure. What will it take, Democrats? Do we need to suffer defeat in 2024 to reignite our passion? Should we endure another four years under Donald Trump or Ron DeSantis or whoever else because we can't rally our forces? Is that the path we should tread? Because that's the direction we're heading towards unless you donate $500,000 immediately.
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Election night 2020 was a roller coaster of emotions, with the results hanging in the balance for days. Three states emerged as key battlegrounds where the margins were alarmingly close: Arizona, Wisconsin, and Georgia.

In Arizona, with its 11 electoral votes, the margin was slim, with Biden ultimately winning by just 10,457 votes, a narrow 0.30% victory. This state had traditionally been a Republican stronghold, and Biden's win marked a significant shift in its political landscape.

Wisconsin, with its 10 electoral votes, was another nail-biter. Biden won by just 20,682 votes a margin of 0.63%, another agonizingly close race.

Then there was Georgia, a traditionally red state with its 16 electoral votes up for grabs. The race in Georgia was so tight it felt like walking on a razor's edge. The margin was only 11,779 votes, a minuscule 0.23% difference.

In total, these three crucial states contributed 37 electoral votes to Biden's total. And what was remarkable was that the combined margin of victory in these states was a mere 42,918 votes. This was democracy in action, a stark reminder that every single vote matters. The fate of the presidency hinged on these few tens of thousands of votes among many millions.

Indeed, had those razor-thin margins in Arizona, Wisconsin, and Georgia swung in favor of Donald Trump, the Electoral College would have teetered into a precarious 269-269 tie, plunging the presidential election into uncharted waters. With each state delegation in the house then casting a single vote, Trump would have been reelected.

However, Joe Biden won.

The spring of 2021 was a period of optimistic anticipation as President Joe Biden declared that America would be on track to return to normal by the Fourth of July. This was the light at the end of the tunnel you and so many others had been waiting for - the chance to reclaim the rhythms of everyday life that the pandemic had abruptly halted.

Hope surged further when the Biden administration made a surprising announcement: masks would no longer be necessary, not even indoors or around unvaccinated people, provided you were fully vaccinated yourself. After over a year of hiding behind masks and maintaining distance, this felt like the long-awaited permission slip to breathe freely, to see and embrace loved ones, to return to a semblance of the life you once knew.

But as it often happens in life, the trajectory of the pandemic did not follow a straight line.

Just when it seemed like you were on the cusp of reclaiming normalcy, the circumstances shifted. The guidance changed, masks were back, and a sense of déjà vu seeped in. Then came the news of the Delta variant in the fall of 2021, a more contagious version of the virus that started another surge in cases, another round of restrictions.

The winter of 2022 brought more unsettling news - the Omicron variant.

It felt like a gut punch, a cruel twist in a saga that seemed to have no end. The constant flux, the back and forth between hope and despair, the persistent uncertainty, it took a toll not just on you, but on the entire nation.

It felt as if America was bending under the weight of this relentless adversary.

The November 2022 midterms arrived with an air of tension. The memories of the exhilarating 2018 midterms were still fresh in your mind, where a wave of new, vibrant Democratic candidates challenged the status quo and won unexpected victories. However, the mood in 2022 was starkly different. The Democrats held a slender majority in the House, but the energy and momentum that had propelled them in 2018 seemed to have ebbed away.

When the results came in, Democrats had lost their House majority. The margin was frustratingly small – just another 6,675 votes in key races would have preserved Democratic control. The sense of disappointment was palpable. It was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after the years of fervent activism and rallying behind candidates who promised change.

Yet, amidst this setback, there were voices within the Democratic Party declaring victory.

It felt confusing, even surreal. A victory? You pondered on the notion. How could this be construed as a victory when it felt like the past years under President Biden had been marked by a constant sense of struggle? The Democrats had failed to go on the offensive in these midterms, had failed to believe they could win, had failed rally the voters like 2018.

Their declaration of victory seemed misplaced, even tone-deaf, given the prevailing climate of despair and frustration. To you, it highlighted a dissonance, a disconnect between the leadership and the realities faced by the electorate. It felt like a missed opportunity, a failure to truly acknowledge the challenges faced and the work that remained to be done.

So in the spring of 2023, when Joe Biden announced his decision to run for a second term, the news hit like an unexpected jolt. Amid the swirling doubts about his age and energy, his decision was met not with widespread enthusiasm but rather a collective intake of breath.

His announcement was quietly made, a whisper against the storm of political noise.

You couldn't help but question the strategy of the Democrats - your party.

Can Joe Biden truly shepherd America all the way to 2029? Is there not a more visionary plan they can put forward? Is their current blueprint really the best they can conceive? Does it meet the challenges that lie ahead? Is it truly sufficient for the road we must traverse?

You found yourself weighed down by these questions, your mind circling them like a moth to a flame. A sense of disquiet settled within you. Joe Biden was the President, yes, but was he truly the leader America needed to guide it through the 2020s?

The Democrats, your party, once the home of youthful passion and optimism, seemed to have lost their forward thrust. Why wasn't there a better plan, a roadmap more attuned to the complexities of the times? Was this truly the best they had to offer? Is this good enough?

Is Joe Biden's advertising team out of sync with reality? Are they attuned to what Generation Z requires to feel enthused, motivated, and become the driving force that will catapult him to success? No. Look no further than the glaring omission of talking lemons to understand: Joe Biden is struggling to connect with Generation Z. With your generous contribution of $500,000, we will create opportunities for Generation Z to craft political messaging that not only inspire their peers but also strike a chord with the Baby Boomer generation. We will showcase these concepts before live audiences, providing Americans shared experiences, camaraderie, and a respite from digital screens through the magic of live theater. Donate $500,000 with urgency and immediacy unparalleled in your life.
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These questions echo in your mind as you face the coming electoral season. Doubt lingers in the back of your thoughts, like an unwelcome guest. It's not just about Joe Biden, really, though he's the figurehead of the movement. It's about the Democratic Party itself - your party - and whether it has the grit, the vision, and the adaptability to chart a path forward in these rapidly changing times.

And yet, your party, the Democrats, seem to be hobbled by an inertia that is both frustrating and worrying. They appear slow to adapt, entrenched in established strategies and failing to ignite the kind of passionate support they once could. In the face of these challenges, Biden’s decision to seek a second term feels less like a bold assertion of continuity and more like an uninspiring choice by default.

The announcement failed to generate the excitement or the hope you desperately crave.

Can Biden effectively helm the country into 2029? Is the Democratic Party equipped to foster genuine progress? The questions persist, and with them, a growing desire for change - not just of faces, but of strategies, of vision. There is a need for a plan that is not just ‘good enough’ but one that is transformative, inspiring, and forward-looking.

And so, you start to see things from a different perspective. Instead of blaming other Americans for their differing views, you recognize that it's time for a shift, time to focus on what unites us as a nation. You come to understand that American elections resemble those high school popularity contests - where the most liked, the most relatable candidate prevails. And perhaps that’s not such a terrible thing. After all, it's part of the democratic fabric that makes up America, a fabric woven with the threads of every citizen's voice.

With the intensity of a marathon runner lunging towards the finish line, you are drawn towards a vision of American politics that has humor, joy, and lightness at its core. It's an antidote to the current bitter narrative, yet it's so far from the norm that it sends jitters down your spine. An image of the political arena with the Democrats and Republicans battling not over ideologies or power, but over who can bring the most fun and positivity, leaves you on edge. It’s exciting, it’s nerve-wracking, it’s uncharted territory.

As you mull over the prospects for the 2024 elections, an idea flashes in your mind, one as unexpected as it is intriguing: what if Mayor Pete were voiced by comedian John Mulaney?

At first, it strikes you as preposterous. But then, why not? Why couldn't this work?

Mulaney, after all, is universally loved. His humor transcends political lines.

Republicans, Democrats, independents – everyone seems to have a soft spot for Mulaney's charismatic wit. His ability to paint vivid pictures with his words, to capture audiences with his animated storytelling – it's truly a talent.

Moreover, Mulaney's comedic delivery is known for its softer, more playful tone. Compared to this, Pete's own voice could potentially sound more assertive and masculine. In a debate or a public address, when the audience hears Pete's real voice following a stint of Mulaney-voiced content, the contrast could work in his favor, projecting him as a stronger figure.

With your donation of $500,000, we will conduct daily tests of jokes in front of a live audience. We will carefully select the best jokes to support the Democratic nominee, perhaps Mayor Pete. Undeniably, Pete as the nominee will make it much easier to create amusing content compared to Biden. Additionally, given Joe Biden's potential lifespan, likely shorter based on actuarial tables (no offense), your donating $500,000 would be very much appreciated. By doing so, we will counter the threat of deep fakes with our arsenal of deep jokes. America is yearning for laughter, entertainment, or anything uplifting, and your contribution of $500,000 is a crucial step in saving our country.
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It's an audacious thought, a gamble even, but the more you consider it, the more it seems to make sense. In a world constantly shifting, challenged by crises, and overwhelmed by the relentless march of technology, perhaps this is exactly the kind of innovative, outside-the-box thinking that could change the face of the 2024 elections. Maybe, just maybe, John Mulaney voicing Mayor Pete is the unexpected twist that America needs.

Regardless of how unconventional, it is, undeniably, at least a new idea – something that isn't so common in today's political landscape, mired as it is in tradition and hesitation.

Compared to this, consider the alternative: a campaign with Joe Biden as the protagonist, his voice echoing through the halls of American politics, familiar and predictable. His voice carries the weight of experience, wisdom, and a consistent record. But, in this rapidly evolving world, dominated more and more by AI, doesn't it seem almost... antiquated?

A pang of anxiety echoes in your chest. You can't help but question, despite the respect you have for Biden, despite his accomplishments, is it enough? Is it sufficient for the dynamic, rapidly changing landscape of our time? The idea unnerves you, sets your nerves on edge.

The gnawing worry doesn't leave you - you know, in the depth of your being, that it won't be enough. You can feel it, a chilling whisper of dread.

You recognize the absurdity of the plan - live political theater?

Tap dancing and discussing politics as a backdrop for generating original, theatrical political sketches? Sketches that are crafted, re-crafted, and polished until they are so universally hilarious that even Republicans in the audience can't help but burst into laughter?

The blueprint is thus: the main show, complete with its politically-charged tap dancing and discussion, is to act as the anchoring platform. From this nucleus, a flurry of sketches will be born, each adjusted and refined until they extract a universal chorus of laughter from the audience – no matter their political preferences. This goal itself is already a lofty ambition.

But it's the subsequent phase that truly induces an excited flutter in your chest.

Once a sketch succeeds in tickling both Democrats and Republicans in the crowd, it's slated for its own spin-off production. These offshoots will then embark on their own journeys of experimentation, evolution, and creation, each carving out its distinct comedic path.

The objective? To weave a network of comedy, a symbiotic habitat of humor, one that scales over political walls and fosters a sense of unity. These spin-offs are not merely meant to be byproducts, but to serve as transformative platforms, each boasting its distinct charm and allure. Each could potentially garner a fanbase that even overshadows the original concept.

The whole idea stirs your fascination. The potential is explosive; the implications, profound.

What if this could indeed be realized? What if this could spark a novel epoch of political engagement, touching hearts across the entire political panorama? What if humor is indeed the missing puzzle piece to bridging divides, restoring equilibrium, and cultivating unity?

And so, your finger hovers over the mouse, an electric tension fills the room. It's more than a mere transaction; it's a statement, a promise, a pledge. With your heart pounding like a drum, you commit yourself financially to the cause you believe in: $500,000. You swallow at the number, it's substantial, yet you know its magnitude reflects the gravity of the moment.

With each click, you are no longer a silent bystander in the world of politics, you are a key player, part of a passionate team working towards change. The enormity of the decision sends a rush of adrenaline up your spine, making you realize the true stakes of your actions.

The impact of your $500,000 donation echoes far beyond the financial realm; it sets off a match campaign that will go down in history, dwarfing every previous effort of its kind.

Just like that, your contribution is matched by another donor inspired by your actions. Your influence is amplified twofold, allowing you to make a $1,000,000 impact for a half the cost.
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Yet, the doubling of your donation is not the conclusion, but merely the first step of a series.

Your matched $500,000 now presents a new opportunity: a chance for the new total of $1,000,000 to be matched. This leads to a cumulative effect, a domino chain of financial support, and suddenly your impact has quadrupled. You marvel at the brilliant arithmetic of it all: you've contributed $500,000, and yet your influence has ballooned to $2,000,000.

And then it happens: Your pioneering leadership incites other millionaires in Silicon Valley to follow suit, each committing $500,000 of their own. Your solitary act of commitment transforms into a collective roar for change. The Democrats mobilize, employing thousands and then hundreds of thousands of Americans, revitalizing an economy teetering on the brink of obsolescence due to AI-induced job losses.

As you watch this unfold, you can't help but feel a surge of relief, coupled with a strange sense of vindication. It was you who helped trigger this economic revival, this rush of American opportunities. And you did it just in time, as AI technology continues to evolve, threatening to render more traditional jobs obsolete.

Your contribution sparked a transformation, a revival of hope in an economy shaken by technological disruption. You had no idea what the answer to AI-induced obsolescence was, but now you see the potential solution unfolding before your eyes.

A single dollar, while appreciated, merely skims the surface, creating an insignificant disturbance. Yet, half a million dollars can set off a cataclysmic wave of transformation, its reverberations resonating across our cause. This is no ordinary donation; it's a detonating catalyst poised to rocket our mission into spheres of victory we've only dared to envisage. The hands of time are in a frenzied sprint against us, the golden chance to ignite such colossal change is precariously perched on the edge of this very second. Your immediate intervention could pivot the tides, serving as the beating heart of a rapidly evolving panorama. Plunge headfirst into this moment of raw, untapped potential.