In the serene coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine, former President George H.W. Bush sought solace, endeavoring to
refurbish our souls and recharge our batteries
before the tumultuous return to the political arena in the fall.
Traditionally, August was a period of respite in Washington, marked by congressional recess and presidential vacations, heralding the unofficial commencement of campaign season after a much-needed summer hiatus.
However, the relentless churn of politics and the ubiquity of smartphones have transformed August into a battleground of its own.
In days gone by, August was a sacrosanct month on both sides of the aisle. Politicians and the public alike welcomed the break from pressing issues, leading to a harmonious interlude. It was widely accepted that “no good legislation ever comes out of Washington after June,” as humorously noted by FDR’s Vice President John Nance Garner.
In contrast, today’s August has witnessed an unending political frenzy. Even President Joe Biden, in his August retreats, couldn’t escape business disruptions – from Maui wildfires to the Inflation Reduction Act and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. This year alone, we’ve seen a former president indicted twice, racially charged incidents, an active shooter scare at the Capitol, a police raid on a small-town newspaper amid debates on press freedom, an ongoing Hollywood strike, and the inaugural GOP presidential debate for 2024.
Notably, even ordinary citizens can’t escape the political maelstrom.
Take, for instance, Liam Lucas, a nature enthusiast trekking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He found that even in the wilderness, sporadic smartphone notifications kept him abreast of distant geopolitical events, shattering the tranquility he sought.
In today’s age of remote work and ubiquitous Wi-Fi, political figures and their observers are never truly disconnected. “Back in the day, if news broke in August, one could hardly find a politician to interview,” recalls Debra Caruso Marrone, a former journalist turned PR professional. Nowadays, they remain accessible, even in remote locales, thanks to mobile phones.
The August recess was once a hallowed tradition, epitomized by Senator Barry Goldwater’s full month off before launching his 1964 presidential campaign. However, unforeseen events, such as President Nixon’s sudden resignation in 1974, shattered such expectations. The advent of air conditioning in government buildings allowed congressional business to extend into summer, leading to concerns of lawmakers losing touch with constituents and the erosion of democracy.
Margaret Chase Smith, the first woman to serve in both the House and Senate, pushed for a mandatory August break to avoid legislating under stressful conditions. Her efforts succeeded, granting senators and secretaries a much-needed respite for decades.
Presidents, of course, never truly vacationed, especially with the Cold War’s constant threat of nuclear war. Today, most Americans carry smartphones, using them to consume news, while political engagement has grown in the 21st century.
In a world where campaign season blends with governance, August has lost its calm. Congress often fails to meet the budget deadline, setting the stage for potential government shutdowns, and smartphones ensure politicians are never truly off duty, even during vacations.
Critics argue that the nation’s problems never take a summer break, making political downtime a luxury. Yet, moments like President Bush’s infamous response to a captive American oilfield worker’s spouse reveal the need for balance. Clinical psychologist Avigail Lev emphasizes the importance of stepping away from the relentless news cycle, advocating for a break to restore trust, understanding, and personal well-being.
