In its online coverage of Donald Trump’s speech following his recent criminal conviction, The New York Times included a photo of a banner unfurled near the site of the speech. The banner was emblazoned with Trump’s scowling face, and the words “Trump or Death.” Like virtually all Republican rhetoric today, the banner was simultaneously disturbing and ridiculous. But it was also big and bold, qualities that Democrats must emulate on behalf of progressive ideals during this election year.

Many Democrats, me included, sometimes feel despair because Trump is currently neck-and-neck with Joe Biden in this year’s presidential contest. Nevertheless, the election is months away, and a victory in November is well within reach. Few people would claim that Biden is an exciting speaker, a visionary thinker, or a progressive.

Yet among impartial people, few would deny that he is also decent, hard-working, and dedicated to making America the best place it can be.

Are such qualities exciting? Yes, particularly in contrast to Trump’s all-encompassing destructiveness. To ensure Biden’s victory, Democrats should be as big and bold about his good qualities as Republicans are about Trump’s criminality. We should put up lawn signs, contribute money when possible, wave flags, write letters, participate in phone banks and get-out-the-vote efforts, and find other ways to create energy over Biden’s reelection and progressive political views in general.

Ultimately, it is far easier to feel enthusiasm for a boring yet honorable candidate than for a greedy, hate-filled despot — and newly convicted felon.

Scott Norris

Florence