If the 1-in-10 shot happens on Tuesday and Trump legitimately wins - and it is possible - taking to the streets that day will be dumb. Save that for when all court challenges and the second impeachment fails, and Trump is making his real run at the Constitution. I'll join you. /1

I say this because if he wins, it will be because - again - not enough people took seriously the threat of authoritarianism. And protesting in 2016 was part of how people got conditioned to ignore that threat. When everything is a protest, the public gets worn out. /2

The math says it is unlikely. But if it happens, we will all need more courage and more perseverance - and an army of dedicated lawyers and legislators - more than we've needed them at any time in our modern history. THAT will be a test of courage. But hold a good thought. /3

And most important, this is no time to go all wobbly. Tell your friends and your family that this is the time to vote. Remind them what's at stake. And don't take any shit from your Trump supporting friends or family. Not now. Not this time. No more "lol whatever." /4

And don't be afraid. The thugs trying to scare people at voting stations are juvenile bullies. The thugs in the conservative media are neo-McCarthyites. And here's the secret: All of them are more scared than you are. :)

Because they know. /5

So square your shoulders and take pride in being an American and vote. And if you're one of the people who wants to affect a cynical "too cool for school" pose about voting third party or not voting, democracy needs your help against Trump right now. If you don't vote...well. /6x