So about that enthusiasm gap

For months, we’ve heard about the “enthusiasm” gap: The notion that supporters of Donald Trump are more “enthusiastic,” therefore the polling is under-reporting Trump’s real standing.

On it’s face, it’s hard to understand exactly why this is. After all, you can vote doing the polka and drinking a margarita while singing happy songs, and your vote counts the same as the person who has literal tears of sorrow splashing on the screen.

Rally success, even if there’s not a pandemic and you’re not murdering your supporters by holding them, mean little. Yes, the voters were happy and a good time was had by all, but people aren’t going to Trump’s rallies to figure out if they want to vote for him. They’re going to them because they’re voting for him. He’s not gaining votes at those rallies.

Discussing enthusiasm is really meant to be a measure of motivation. But enthusiasm isn’t the only measure of it. In fact, I contend that determination means much more than that.

If you’re the coach of a football team, what would you rather see? An enthusiastic team or a determined team? I choose determined.

Enthusiasm is thin. Determination is deep.

Enthusiasm wanes. Determination sustains.

Enthusiasm quits. Determination endures.

Enthusiasm celebrates. Determination fights.

Determination isn’t as loud. It’s not silly. It’s not dancing to Village People songs (oblivious to the irony).

Determination acts. Determination does.

Determination is giving more than $3.5 billion dollars. Democrats are absolutely smashing fundraising records. In doing so, they’re turning previously unthinkable races into competitive ones.

Jamie Harrison is on the brink of winning Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat, and has Graham, literally going on TV begging for funds because he’s being so completely and thoroughly outspent.

Determination is waiting for hours on the first day of early voting because you have to. And that’s where you see something important, because votes actually do make a difference.

Across the country, people are lining up around the block just to cast their ballot. It’s not like they have to vote on day one. They can come back and vote then. So why wait for hours?