Justin Berardi

Because we can’t handcuff Trump or make him love us

While watching the hit TV show Ted Lasso this past summer, I came across a short and very powerful speech that touched on the importance of choosing to believe in hope and love while letting go of fear, envy, and shame.

The sentiment immediately struck me as relevant to the times, especially since Kamala Harris had just secured the Democratic ticket and there was a fresh wave of energy moving through the country. The enthusiasm around her was infectious, as was the sense of goodwill and good faith that her optimism projected—much like Ted Lasso himself.

I’d already been on the lookout for a speech with a certain kind of philosophical tone and message because I planned to put together a short video aimed at capturing the current political climate through the lens of pop culture. It was pure coincidence that Harris’s chosen running mate turned out to be Tim Walz, whose personality also happens to bear resemblance to the beloved “coach” character.

Beyond the overarching theme of the speech, which touched on ideas related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, there was one key line that jumped out most. It’s a line Lasso delivers in reference to a character who has left the team in a lurch—stranded at a pivotal moment where the future is on the line and unmoored with deep questions around who they are and what they stand for.

“It’s not like we could handcuff him… Or make him love us.”

This line encapsulates the reason we must seize the opportunity available to us in this election. 

In spite of Donald Trump’s well-documented illegal, unethical, and unconstitutional actions, we cannot seem to hold him accountable in a court of law. Moreover, his rampant hate and seething vitriol make it impossible for him to exhibit enough humanity to treat all Americans with love or even respect. He has repeatedly shown us that he will not accept the consequences of his actions, nor will he be forced into providing us with the base level of care and consideration we are entitled to demand of our leaders in this democracy. We can stand up for what’s right but can’t compel him to do the same. We can love, but we cannot make him love.

Right now, we are that team facing that critical moment of doubt. But we also have the chance to finally put the specter of yet another Trump administration behind us. To put up a flag for what we choose to believe in despite the forces trying to tear us apart. To move forward and keep growing with love for each other and the hope that our best days lay ahead.

Let’s choose to believe in Harris-Walz—they empower us to believe in ourselves and one another. And as Ted Lasso says, “That’s fundamental to being alive.”

Justin Berardi is a creative director/producer. Find the one-minute video by searching #HarrisLasso on YouTube.