The reelection of the President to another term in office is history now. And of course, it didn’t take long for the political pundits and Monday morning quarter backers to weigh in on why the race ended as it did.
As a self-confessed political junkie, I too feel quite qualified to weigh in on this topic from a "Rabbi's eye view".
Allow me to lay out three important lessons from this particular election cycle.
This election was won / lost due to three primary reasons. Let's call it the three "D''s: Definition, Delay and Details.
DEFINITION: Throughout the spring, the losing side of this election was subjected to an intense barrage of never ending negative advertising that all but defined negatively whom and what the standard bearer represented. That the receiving end of this did not even attempt to try seize the initiative early on was a terrible mistake. And an elementary one at that.
This should serve as a lifetime lesson for all of us. This trype of approach is one doomed to failure. We dare not allow for events to shape our lives. As in "reacting" to events instead of being proactive. Being defined instead of defining who we are.
We must define (inspired by our holy Torah, of course) the parameters of how we intend to perform the holy task of being an Ohr LaGoyim -- or light unto the nations -- and be very much in control of our own narrative.
DELAY: The losing side relied heavily on an end-game strategy of waiting for the debates to shift / pivot the story to an angle they wished to promote. This of course is (and was) a correct course to follow. allowing for a strong finish. However, to succeed in this requires a zero sum total effort of giving 100% of oneself, 100% of the time.
How often do we hear of the grand plans people make for when they retire…the learning they plan on doing when they’ve reached a point of a less structured or demanding lifestyle...Or the places they plan on visiting someday.
Well, that someday is now. And It is about this sense of invincibility that our sages warn – if not now, when!
DETAILS: Ground Game. Focusing on each and every detail and of each and every person. Details, details, details… amazingly, it may very well have boiled down to the simple ground game that the winning side had kept in place since the last election. (which speaks volumes about being in a constant state of campaigning). The much vaunted outreach effort of those in the winning team, was arguably the greatest reason they won.
This is also very much the story of our lives. Focusing on reaching out to our children, loved ones or even friends. Thinking of their needs and concerns, and doing this every day (not only for four years!), and most importantly, of never ever, giving up on anyone.
Our “ground game” is a little easier. For our playbook is the Torah; and the Torah, of course, is extremely detailed and attuned to all of our strengths and weaknesses. It is also a surefire path to victory, of a life blessed with success materially and spiritually.