The usual is usual because it usually happens. We think we know exactly what is going to occur, because what we suppose is what most often comes to pass. 

But in a moment, everything can change. We learn this lesson again and again in life. A new job we didn’t think we would earn. Dramatic news about our health outcomes – good or bad. The passing of a beloved family member or friend. These events, very understandably, hit us differently because of their perceived positive or negative impact on our lives. But what is true about all of them is that they knock us off our axis – they remind us that, in an instant, everything can be different. 

For me, the moment that Joe Biden announced he was leaving the race for President was such a moment. This political season had grown stagnant. We were left in a contest between two historically aged candidates. That was the least of my concerns, even though it was the concern that ultimately proved electorally fatal to Biden. More important, we were left with two candidates who had made their unflinching support for Israel crystal-clear. We were left with Biden tacking to the right on immigration, implementing restrictions on asylum-seekers that Trump has favored. We were left with Biden approving more permits for fossil fuel drilling on public lands than did Trump. As a progressive, I of course could never support Donald Trump, and many of Biden’s policies were preferable. But our goal should never be to reach for the lowest common denominator. I don’t know if I ever could have supported Biden in his reelection bid if he hadn’t at least changed course on Gaza. 

But now, history has shifted. What else is possible in this moment? Will the nominee be Harris, as seems likely in the immediate aftermath of Biden’s departure? Will someone step up to challenge her? Whomever it is who takes the mantle, might they be more agile than Biden and adopt more progressive policies, if for no other reason than to win this election with the support they need from people of color and young people? 

It would be easy to look at this moment and judge it as more of the same. New Democratic nominee – same as the old nominee. Harris seems to be locking up the nomination, and why would she deviate from the policies of the administration in which she was VP? But I can’t think that way right now. That is not the recipe with which change is made. For things to be different, we must believe that they can be different. Not naively, looking up at the stars and hoping one will grant us a wish. But doing the work to make them different. Joining with a group trying to influence the outcome. Speaking out about these issues with those whom you know and those whom you don’t. Exerting the influence that you have for a better world – one where Palestinians and all people are free to live their lives, where we support those displaced from their countries by our government’s own policies, where we are actively addressing the climate crisis rather than enabling fossil fuel companies. 

We see again and again that change is possible. Is it likely? As likely as Joe Biden was to drop out of the race. Which is to say – maybe just likely enough.

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