Franken can defeat Grassley and stand up for democracy

For nearly 50 years, Chuck Grassley has served in federal elected office, and while there may have been bright spots throughout this time, Iowans have not been well-served by his partisan antics as of late, and pure cowardice in the face of extremism.

On the contrary, Three-star Admiral Michael Franken is courage personified. He is a man who has served at the highest levels of government under both Republican and Democratic Presidents. He possesses all the trappings of a United States Senator: a thoughtful proven leader, decorated veteran with farming roots and an avuncular everyman quality that is warm and endearing. But perhaps most importantly, he has what it takes to defeat Sen. Grassley, an individual who refuses to stand up to Trumpism, which remains one of the greatest threats to our democracy in the modern era.

The admiral is a man of deep substance, a quality Iowa Democrats have yearned for in their nominees for some time. While we may not agree on every policy issue, he is willing to consider every policy position without bending to the external pressures of moneyed interests that so often shape the views of prominent political leaders.

The admiral has even demonstrated the remarkable ability to change his mind, another rare but noble quality in politicians. At the start of the election cycle, I encouraged individuals seeking office to embrace Medicare-for-All as a viable and essential framework for health care reform in America. I was proud to hear Admiral Franken publicly endorse a policy road map that can get us there at the largest gathering of Democrats in the state. And while we may have a few other differences, I’m encouraged to know that he is willing to entertain any idea that can help the American people.

We are entering a new chapter in our history, one where the core strength of our democracy is being tested in real and serious ways. The untold amount of dark money in our politics from corporate interests and the ultrawealthy has nearly supplanted the will of the people. Trumpism has not only morally corrupted many on the right, but it has fostered an extremism that has turned violent, with the Jan. 6 Insurrection serving not as the culmination, but the early warning sign of more trouble to come. And with our highest court in the land readying to dismantle civil liberties and human rights for groups of people who have fought hard to win them, the challenges before us are grievous and daunting.

At the center of all that has gone awry in this country is Charles Ernest Grassley, a man who at two years shy of his 90th birthday has served as chairman of some of the most consequential committees in the United States Senate. He may have once represented the kind of moderate conservative politics that some Iowans found reasonable, but that time is long gone. The heaviest part of it all, Sen. Grassley’s actions will impact Americans for generations to come. All because he couldn’t find the courage to stand up to a bigoted president, and the moneyed interests that have lined his campaign coffers for decades.

Now is a time for serious leaders who possess the moral fortitude and clarity of vision to lead America out of the abyss and into a new era of progress. With polling showing Admiral Franken is the only candidate within striking distance of defeating Sen. Grassley, it is imperative for all Democrats in the state of Iowa to show up on Tuesday, June 7 and cast your vote for the only candidate who can get the job done.

Stacey Walker is a Linn County Supervisor.