Presidential Paradigm Shift: "Join the Evolution"

"I'm not running against anyone, I am running with everyone."

Marianne Williamson, 2020 Presidential candidate

When I first heard Marianne Williamson say that she was "running with everyone," something clicked. It made perfect sense to me and suggested a new paradigm for a transformational 2020 presidential campaign. Although running to win, Marianne and an incredible group of candidates are rising up, with a sense of urgency, to save our country and the world from a myriad of escalating disasters. This election cycle offers an opportunity to go beyond destructive politics as usual. To heal our country, the process itself - not just the candidate it produces - must be part of the solution.

When I ask people about the candidates, most say they are not paying attention, it is too early, there are too many candidates, it is ridiculous and terrible for the Democratic Party. That makes sense according to the old, superficial paradigm - the horse race with a front-runner, who must be the one who can defeat Trump.

In the old paradigm, candidates are a collection of individuals competing to win the nomination. The horse race is a bitter, demeaning campaign that consumes us for almost two years. It divides us and brings out the worst in many. It is a two-dimensional battle of Republican against Democrat, conservative against liberal, good against evil. Candidates must find faults in the others and their policies in a zero sum game with one winner.

The horse race reduces us into simplistic categories, artificially pitting people against each other, even if they share values and goals. It does not allow for healing and limits what might be possible. Even if a Democrat wins, many in Trump's base will feel bereft, betrayed and angry. Mistrust, hostility and fear will make it difficult for the new president. We will remain divided.

Are we doomed to repeat the horse race? This crop of candidates, inspired by Marianne's attitude, could create something new and qualitatively different. The time is ripe.

We will explore how candidates can

 · Overcome negativity dominance

 · Intentionally constitute themselves a field, as in field theory

 · Elevate public discourse

 · Synergize instead of compete

 · Charge the field to develop best policies with widest appeal

 · Sort themselves out into positions that allow each to give their gifts and manifest their vision for USA whether or not they are the president

 · Campaign as a collective force

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