Over the last nine months or so I have written a time or two about Patrick Schmidt, the Democrat challenging Kansas’ 2nd District Republiqan Congressman Jaqe LaTurner. But I have not written since Russia invaded Ukraine (not yet triggering global thermonuclear war).
A graduate of Tufts, Patrick Schmidt speaks Persian and Tajik, and is a former US Navy intelligence officer, credited with service on the USS Ronald Reagan and in Bahrain, and later in Washington DC. Although now only 30 years old, Patrick Schmidt is already much-published in policy journals. On day one, any Member wanting substance about the conflict or about the region would seek out Patrick Schmidt.
I am mindful that Daily Kos is proudly and faithfully a peacenik rag, although it is a peacenik rag with chops concerning foreign policy and military affairs and war issues. Kos has provided some of the best day-to-day reporting on Ukraine. I believe Kos readers understand the threat that Putin is to world peace and to justice … anywhere.
For what it is worth, I have had a cup of coffee with Patrick Schmidt all of twice. He has never said “we should terminate Putin with extreme prejudice” in my presence or (that I know of) outside of my presence. He has never said “US boots should be on the ground in Donbas.” Nothing like that. On the other hand, if you know anything about Patrick Schmidt, you know he is as serious as a heart attack about Putin and the region.
These are deadly serious times. Please donate to the candidate who is the equal of them.