William Marvel: Groundhog Day

Cynicism merely consists of healthy skepticism, confirmed repeatedly. With a Democratic field that looks ominously like a cattle call to auditions for "This Is Your Revolution," hope for our crumbling democracy sinks lower every day. It looked as though 2016 was the nadir, when real presidential contenders shrank to an inarticulate buffoon who exemplified the worst of corporate America and a sly, pandering insider who throve on corrupt party politics. Next year we seem bound for another choice between a fool and a fox, or perhaps between two fools.

With a political novice already sitting in the White House, the door seemed open to any amateur with a little name recognition, but surprisingly only one walk-in candidate has yet appeared. Spiritual adviser Marianne Williamson is known for popular books that might be characterized as social self-help. She gave the Daily Sun a 45-minute interview, but apparently offered only one specific policy proposal — to create yet another Cabinet department. Her complaints are popular, but her solutions are vague, and she might have more scope for influence as a New Age Rasputin operating through a first lady or first man. It's disturbing how many people take her seriously.