It’s very early, but I think that Trump and what’s-his-name are beginning to look like the Wizard—gasbags that are starting to deflate. (Yes, the wish is father to the thought, and I know I am susceptible. So just putting the thought out there for later confirmation or refutation.). On our side, NYT reports that there were 40,000 attendees at the White Dudes for Harris meeting last night. But I’m afraid I won’t be at the Zoom call with Harris tonight, because I have a conflict. I’ll be making calls for her to voters. There were more than 100 people calling last week, but I bet there’ll be two or three times that number tonight.
Focus for Democracy raised more than $5MM the other night for Galvanize and Accelerate Change. IMHO Democrats would be golden if FT 6 raised that kind of money. https://www.fieldteam6.org/fund-the-mission
I was on the 2 hour, Women for Harris Zoom last night. At one time they said there was over 100,000. The only thing that worried me are men not for her? Or as usual more women go to these? Hoping it's just more women go. Please tell me men are still for her. And I don't just mean us but the rest of the voting population.
In general, it's women who are working the hardest for Democrats in this election, Maureen. I don't know why, but my own brother will not write postcards, but he WILL give money. I'll accept that!
I think women probably feel more threatened by Trump, in no small part because of abortion, but also because women have more endurance for this sort of thing. But I'd certainly entertain any other ideas anyone has.
I probably have the first HARRIS bumper sticker in the country. I made it. I've looked for others, but haven't seen any, despite, among other things, a long highway drive in Massachusetts that was pretty crowded.
Women are absolutely threatened by Trump, Vance and the rest of the ugly people! But that doesn't explain why men haven't stepped up and supported women in this situation! It's as if men believe that what the Republicans are saying they will do if Trump is re-elected WILL NOT AFFECT THEM!!! It will affect every person in this country. Not just women. It's inexcusable!
One more thing I forgot to say. If anyone can find the recording from last night of Ana Navarro please post it we need to pass that around. She was fabulous! Probably the best speaker on the call and they were all great.
Thank you for posting this. Please if you were not there please listen starting at 154:40. This will definitely pump you up. And give you answers to comments from others. I need to listen to it a few times to have them ready when needed.
I was on the zoom last night and after an exhausting day, a 2-hour zoom is a lot. It’s great that they want to save the star power until the end but I didn’t make it until then. I gave up after 90 minutes. Some of these women went on way too long and there were just too many speakers. And my husband watched with me and agreed.
I did have a fleeting thought that when the deflation happens (first gradually and then suddenly-- as quoted by HCR) we will look back and say I wonder why we ever considered him to be a real threat. Of course that was just a fleeting thought and the threat is real.
I love babysitting my grandchild. I assume she enjoys me as well. I hope it’s the same for you three.
Thanks for the insightful discussion of the Supreme Court proposals.
Finally, you correctly make us aware of the swing in momentum and enthusiasm in a very short time. This is wonderful to feel, but a reminder that the pendulum swings and can go back the other direction on some news including international news. Also, I expect that Russia and other countries will meddle. In other words, we must keep hammering at all the reasons that the demented, fascist, traitor, racist, rapist, sneaker salesman, business fraud, insurrectionist, must never be in a position of power to ruin our lives, including that he paid $134,000 and committed 34 felonies to hide that when Melania had a baby Donald had sex with Stormy D.
DK, your opening line, "I love babysitting my grandchild," reminded me of what a speaker - Amanda Weinstein - on the Zoom call last evening with Senator Elizabeth said. She said don't run government like a corporation but, rather, like a family. A family doesn't "fire" a child for having healthcare needs or being nonproductive. A family coalesces to provide the care that child needs in order to become whole.
Minor correction: Trump paid Daniels $130K to cheat in his 2016 election (aka “Election interference”). He withheld crucial information from voters at a pivotal moment in the election. It likely would have swung the election in Clinton’s favor, IMHO.
Check this relationship map of President Biden’s Bold Move To Reform Corrupt Supreme Court. Follow the rampant corruption, and the role of Leonard Leo, Harlan Crowe, Charles Koch, other billionaires and the Heritage Foundation.
People have noted that the mega Zoom calls for Harris over the past week have been electric, as sparked by Black Women for Harris on the very day that Biden endorsed her as the presidential candidate. Moreover, they have not just been a moment, but have emerged as an ongoing movement, a phenomenon, history in the making, and a new enormously effective form of campaigning. ICYMI here are links to today's big calls on 7/29/24:
Women for Harris National Organizing Call (2 1/2 hours of amazingly inspiring women) with the bottom line messaging bullet points:
White Dudes for Harris (Some women crashed this call. Social media had snippets of men redefining healthy masculinity to model for boys, uplifting women, following the lead of strong Black women, helping change the trajectory of the world, and helping Kamala Harris crash the glass ceiling. They raised $4 million for the Harris campaign. Very good, dudes! And let's note that "In 2022, American women typically earned 82 cents for every dollar earned by men." While additive, since Women for Harris raised more than $12 million, a reasonable target for men would be $14 million. Catch up, dudes! BTW, we can donate to these various campaigns on behalf of people we love. I donated on behalf of my young white dude sons!)
The NYT coverage began with calling the event "bizarre." Ah, would that they could see the Bizarro world of a Donald Trump rally and report on it with similar superior condescension. But the article offers a summary list of some of the speakers. At 3 hours and 20 minutes, there was some repetition, and I thought more than once that I should turn this off and write some postcards or do something less passive, but then a new angle, a new speaker would pop up. One of the organizers and host of the evening was organizer Ross Morales Rocketto, whom (mea culpa), I had never heard of before. But he and his co-organizers did a masterful job of stacking the program to be interesting with voices across a wide spectrum -- yet I would have liked to hear more rural and Southern voices, though former Mayor of New Orleans and Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana was very good. And for all the NYT yucks about Adam Schiff's bobblehead of "the Dude," in honor of Jeff Bridges presenting on the call, or Mark Hamill getting Luke Skywalker ribbing, other famous actors and musicians like Josh Groban, Sean Astin, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and others spoke eloquently about their stake in this election and their commitment to their families and to Kamala Harris's campaign. Pete Buttigieg and Tim Walz were impressive, and clearly were taking this gathering of white men seriously. Long time coach and teacher, Governor Walz, who has emerged as a potential VP, called himself "the anti-Tommy Tuberville" and got off one of the best lines of the night: "One person's socialism is another person's neighborlyness," holding up a small-town boy's understanding of how the country should work. Activist David Hogg was eloquent in his call for action and his recounting of the success in beating back, slightly, the insane guns -everywhere policies of Trump. The speakers were informed, precise, and on message. Trumpists like to make fun of the Democrats' Hollywood connection, but just because one works in the arts or entertainment doesn't mean one doesn't care about the country or is a fatuous know-nothing (Sean Astin [Rudy!] is completing a master's degree in public policy). Two of my favorite speakers were Jimmy Williams, Jr, the General President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, who detailed the greatness of Biden-Harris's actions for American working men and women and the labor movement, noting that 77% of younger workers now want to join a union. That is a huge difference from a few years ago (even if my notes are off by 30%). And writer and clinical professor of marketing Scott Galloway impressed with his analysis, which alas, by that time I failed to note in detail, but I didn't miss Galloway's commitment to give $50,000 as a challenge match for the evening. As an academic, I am always impressed when professors and administrators give for important causes, including their own universities and colleges. Another donor-presenter was Congressman Steny Hoyer of Maryland, 85 years-old and full of fire. He contributed $50,000 as did donor non-speaker LinkedIn co-founder billionaire Reid Hoffman. (Hoffman is giving $7 million to Kamala Harris's super PAC.).
All in all, an exhilarating night. While Ellie Kona is right, given the 200,000 men who logged in, the dollar take should have been larger; but I sensed in a lot of the $10, $20, gifts noted in the runner below a certain tentativeness, a puzzlement even about the Dude thing and what this is all about. And many of the curious calling in, I am sure, have already given to the Harris campaign in other way, which is also true for the women donors, of course. I am a 75 year old retired guy, but I don't know that I ever thought of myself as a dude, except ironically. But I am convinced, White Men for Harris is a serious venture with a serious challenge. 43% of white American males eligible to vote in the 2020 election DID NOT VOTE. (CAWP, Center for American Women and Politics, https://cawp.rutgers.edu/facts/voters/gender-differences-voter-turnout#NPGR) And of those who voted, just 40% of white men voted for Biden. In 2016, Hilary Clinton received only 32% of the white male votes (Pew Research Center, https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/06/30/behind-bidens-2020-victory/). Serious work ahead. And the men behind White Dudes for Harris, are serious. As an old college friend used to say, "We are not playing with babies here." The multiplying interest groups and flash communities coming together for Harris is very exciting.
Thank you very much, Patrick for taking the time to provide this detail on the White Dudes call. I missed it because I was on the Red Wine & Blue call (Elizabeth Warren did a masterful job of explaining how Project 2025 will financially hurt all but the most wealthy) and then joined the Women for Kamala Harris DNC call. All excellent messages from excellent messengers!
Thank you. I'm glad, and not at all surprised, that the Red Wine & Blue call with Elizabeth Warren went well, and I'm getting a report on the Women for Kamala Harris DNC call from my wife. I hesitated to write so much; but, following Robert's invitation, I wanted to try to give some sense of the texture of the call. I love Elizabeth Warren's ability to combine outrage with clarity, a rare feat.
Wow! Thank you so much for providing the truly inspiring highlight reel of last night's White Dudes call. Particularly loved the inclusion of Tim––the anti-Tommy Tubberville––Walz's zinger "One person's socialism is another person's neighborlyness." Walz is a progressive in rural America's clothing.
I agree with you on Walz, he's a true prairie populist, a threatened species out here in the Midwest and Plains, but one with a noble ancestry of labor leaders and politicians like Robert "Fighting Bob" La Follette, Congressman, Senator, and Governor of Wisconsin; Hubert Humphrey; Eugene McCarthy; and Mother Jones (Mary G. Harris Jones). Thanks.
Thank you, Patrick, for your detailed report! These mega zooms are developing into ongoing events, so let’s see what the white dudes do next. When Kamala announces her VP will be another energizing opportunity! Lots more men of all stripes and means will be excited to join!
"The Harris campaign also posted a quick reply to Trump's claim on Monday that the Biden-Harris record on crime was 'terrible.'”
In response, the Harris campaign should capitulate on this claim, pointing out that crime is so rampant that we now have a convicted felon running for president.
Thank you, as always, Robert. The energy and joy behind Kamala is palpable and I’m here for it! But… It is staggering to me that you even have to write these sentences: “The complete answer to the worry of Republican legislative interference is to ensure a landslide victory that does not depend on a single state (or two or three). The larger the winning margin by Kamala Harris, the less likely it will be that Republicans will even attempt to interfere in the results.”
We’ve been in this defensive battle for so long it’s become normalized. Winning an election fair and square is no longer enough. I occasionally lift my head above the fray and think back to the time before TFG and how we never imagined the chaos and damage this wanna-be dictator would bring. Even with the good news and positive momentum, this ugly blackness lurks just over the horizon.
HELP PLEASE --- I tried to get on the Harris for Women call last night and wasn't able to access the actual call no matter how many times I circled through the steps and the tag said welcome.
Today is my 75th birtrhday and I absolurewly want tro be on the HaRRIS CALL TONIGHT .. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS but I don't want to miss out again tonight!). Advice from anyone who knows that the problewm is - welcome!
So sorry you were not able to join the live Zoom, it is so frustrating dealing with technology sometimes, especially when you are so full of fervor for the cause.
We have less than 100 days left to each do what we can in our circle of influence,
to support the future we want to see,
and to reject going back to a past with fewer rights than we fought so tenaciously to obtain.
PLEASE check out your local Democratic Party for volunteer opportunities.
Don't worry. The National Organizing Call with VP Harris tonight should also be available after the fact on YouTube, though it sure is exciting to be part of history in real time!
I had the same problem, Joanna - Happy Birthday! Still don't know why, but while I was able to register, the folks at Mobilize never sent me a link to join the Zoom meeting.
Happy Birthday, Joanna. My wife Chris had some trouble, but finally got it 8and was very energized by the call. Gloria Steinem was on! I have not received the full rundown because before the Harris for Women call ended, the White Dudes for Harris call started. It lasted 3 hours and 20 minutes. More on that below.
Think about it friends, technical glitches are unpleasant and frustrating, but the simple fact that people are knocking down doors (electronic) to hear more and donate, as Chris and I both did last night, and be with people who are adding to our knowledge and enthusiasm is very en -- golly gee -- couraging.
The white dudes meeting link said in small print that the link was not being used and to click on the YouTube link provided. It was a bit confusing. I was expecting a zoom type link, not YouTube. The first time I clicked on the YouTube link I got the usual assortment of recommended videos, nothing about the Dudes meeting. The second time it worked.
I, too, was unable to access Women For Harris last night after trying unsuccessfully to get the link. I signed up yesterday morning so I thought there would be no problems but I was wrong.
I too was frustrated until suddenly around 7:20 I was on the zoom. I am so excited by the probable Harris presidency that I forgave whoever for the technical glitches! Please — watch your STATE LEGISLATIVE races - these representatives may try again to bring on a “Jan 6” coup. Support your Democratic candidates up and down the ticket!!!
Joanna —While my iPad continued to “spin”’ I easily got in thru my phone. Persistence with my iPad finally paid off. Keep trying and use whatever devices you have … Happy Birthday!!
I'm so sorry you weren't able to access the call tonight. Thankfully I was able to do it by copying and pasting the link that was emailed to me. I know that sinking feeling of wanting to be there and the frustration of it not working. It was an amazing gathering of women from across the spectrum of age, beginning with Gloria Steinem and ending with Chelsea Clinton. I hope you'll be able to see it on YouTube.
I know it's unlikely, but just imagine, for a moment, that Justice Thomas resigns. The world, outside of the inner MAGA, knows he is the worst justice by leagues on a scale of corruption. If Roberts had a back-bone, he would have found a good, low key way to usher Thomas out the door with grace. But those were the old days. 18 years tenure would be reasonable. As would an enforceable code of ethics. Mike Johnson (R-LA-4th) says reform is dead on arrival. For our oh-so-holy Speaker to be against an enforceable ethics code, he's had to throw his much vaunted ethics in the garbage grinder. Which I guess he already did when he signed the MAGA pledge of allegiance.
As long as we cannot trust SCOTUS it is hard to trust that they won't be involved in shenanigans to give the election to Trump. I realize people see saying that as a call not to vote, but I do not intend it that way. Germans are direct. This has been my concern, and I think the American people should be prepared to take it to the streets while Biden is still president if any such thing happens and protest until they stop. There is a lot of money behind the Heritage Foundation and Trump. I would like to know if anyone knows whether there are now big funders of Trump's that are giving to Harris too. I know there is a producer in Hollywood who shares my name and she has given to both sides each time, which always discomforted me because I did not want people assuming I would give to the Republican party.
Please, let's stop using terms like "shenanigans" and "antics" to describe what the Court and the republicans will do. Those terms make it sound like they are doing comedy.
As linda says this is not a call to stay home and not vote. But Republicans will challenge the election regardless of how wide the margin. They’ll just say the steal was the biggest ever.
I also think they are not earning my tax dollars, which is where they get their pay. Seems like a class action lawsuit. I guess one should name the justices specifically that do not seem to be earning their keep. My list has 6 names on it, but I would accept 2 or 3.
“There is a lot of money behind the Heritage Foundation and Trump. I would like to know if anyone knows whether there are now big funders of Trump's that are giving to Harris too.”
Linda, sorry about the similar name in Hollywood.I’m sure there are deep-pocket,dual-funders with those wanting to “hedge their bets”.
There is a very critical local race here with a lot of nefarious shenanigans going on. Not surprising local millionaire biz owner contributed to both candidates. I am taking it “to the streets” by volunteering for the ethical candidate .It all starts at the local level !
And GOTV for a Harris blowout.! It will NOT be Bush V Gore.Thanks for all you’re doing “across the pound”.
I was on the White Dudes for Harris call. Most of the speakers were great, and the event raised over $4 million. What's not to like? I have a couple of observations. Not long before the call, Governor Cooper withdrew from the VP race. Seeing him speak last night made me understand why he took himself out of the running. His energy doesn't match the moment. It’s hard not to think Pete Buttigieg isn't the best choice, but I understand why it may not be ideal politically. I'm guessing it will be Tim Walz if they stay away from Josh Shapiro due to his stance on Israel.
A few of us in my new online postcarding group have received our cards and will start writing them over Zoom calls soon. This enthusiasm is contagious.
I concur. Buttigieg was on Jon Stewart last night and received one of the longest standing ovations I've ever witnessed when he arrived on stage. I'm not a big Stewart fan recently, but he definitely brought his A-game to this one. The interview with Pete is a must see. Walz would be my enthusiastic second choice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jli0_oKMG-0&t=356s
On her show last night, Rachel Maddow discussed that Trump is not campaigning to garner votes. She deduced, probably correctly, that he is once again going to try to steal the election. I agree with Robert that we have to vote for Kamala in such obscenely large numbers that there will be no doubt about who won.It still makes me a bit nervous because Trump has no scruples and will try to win at any cost. I will continue to do all that I can each day to promote Harris and Democrats. I am involved in getting Ohioans to vote for our super Senator, Sherrod Brown, who is running for re-election against another Trumper, Bernie Moreno.
It’s very early, but I think that Trump and what’s-his-name are beginning to look like the Wizard—gasbags that are starting to deflate. (Yes, the wish is father to the thought, and I know I am susceptible. So just putting the thought out there for later confirmation or refutation.). On our side, NYT reports that there were 40,000 attendees at the White Dudes for Harris meeting last night. But I’m afraid I won’t be at the Zoom call with Harris tonight, because I have a conflict. I’ll be making calls for her to voters. There were more than 100 people calling last week, but I bet there’ll be two or three times that number tonight.
The final tally was 190,000 “dudes” attending and well over $4 million raised!
Including The Dude himself—Jeff Bridges🥰
And me
Good
I think the number was at least twice the 40,000. And a at least $4M was raised when I went to sleep.
my husband was there and he saw 67,000 people there on counter at one point.
Focus for Democracy raised more than $5MM the other night for Galvanize and Accelerate Change. IMHO Democrats would be golden if FT 6 raised that kind of money. https://www.fieldteam6.org/fund-the-mission
Also Forgotten Democrats meeting is Friday, August 2 at noon. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEscOCopjsqG9JzrFKgkbSrklap79NQnBeJ#/registration
Thanks Daniel! You’re a great advocate for Field Team 6! I will be attending.
I am shocked that the NYT reported anything positive.
Was the headline belittling?
IMO, Jon, more important that you'll be making phone calls rather than attending the Zoom.
I was on the 2 hour, Women for Harris Zoom last night. At one time they said there was over 100,000. The only thing that worried me are men not for her? Or as usual more women go to these? Hoping it's just more women go. Please tell me men are still for her. And I don't just mean us but the rest of the voting population.
In general, it's women who are working the hardest for Democrats in this election, Maureen. I don't know why, but my own brother will not write postcards, but he WILL give money. I'll accept that!
I think women probably feel more threatened by Trump, in no small part because of abortion, but also because women have more endurance for this sort of thing. But I'd certainly entertain any other ideas anyone has.
I probably have the first HARRIS bumper sticker in the country. I made it. I've looked for others, but haven't seen any, despite, among other things, a long highway drive in Massachusetts that was pretty crowded.
Women are absolutely threatened by Trump, Vance and the rest of the ugly people! But that doesn't explain why men haven't stepped up and supported women in this situation! It's as if men believe that what the Republicans are saying they will do if Trump is re-elected WILL NOT AFFECT THEM!!! It will affect every person in this country. Not just women. It's inexcusable!
men who don't believe all the bad things GOPers are saying they'll do if 45 gets back in are delusional.
One more thing I forgot to say. If anyone can find the recording from last night of Ana Navarro please post it we need to pass that around. She was fabulous! Probably the best speaker on the call and they were all great.
She was the best- she's on fire to beat the Dumpster and elect Harris!! The energy was contagious.
Here’s the whole zoom call on YouTube. I think Ana Navarro was about 3/4 in.
https://www.youtube.com/live/lQRO50A6ogE?si=RF6gyynHiOOIX9v_
Thank you for posting this. Please if you were not there please listen starting at 154:40. This will definitely pump you up. And give you answers to comments from others. I need to listen to it a few times to have them ready when needed.
I was on the zoom last night and after an exhausting day, a 2-hour zoom is a lot. It’s great that they want to save the star power until the end but I didn’t make it until then. I gave up after 90 minutes. Some of these women went on way too long and there were just too many speakers. And my husband watched with me and agreed.
I did have a fleeting thought that when the deflation happens (first gradually and then suddenly-- as quoted by HCR) we will look back and say I wonder why we ever considered him to be a real threat. Of course that was just a fleeting thought and the threat is real.
Robert Hubbell, your newsletter arrived before HCR tonight, so I listened to it first.
PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST THANKS
for the range of important information
(UNLIKE TV news sources)
you so reliably supply,
but even more important,
the OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT / ACTION that you include each day!
Change is hard!
Change being forced upon a majority by a minority with nefarious intentions,
combined with the sense of powerlessness
when impacted by the climate crisis
and a once-in-a-century pandemic,
has been so overwhelming as to be immobilizing.
The antidote to despair is action,
and with action, organizing with like-minded well-intended people.
GRATEFUL for you CALM delivery, the factual presentation, and the hope
that accompanies the urging to engage
rather than to allowing us to sit on the couch and cower in fear and despair.
What we are facing,
decades of planning and stripping away of rights
with a playbook by ideologic imposers who ignore the humanity of persons
and have linked forces with a malignant personality cult figure,
is frankly terrifying.
But this is a dragon it turns out we will not face alone.
There are more of us than there are of them.
RESISTANCE IS NOT FUTILE.
WE WILL NOT GO BACK.
I love babysitting my grandchild. I assume she enjoys me as well. I hope it’s the same for you three.
Thanks for the insightful discussion of the Supreme Court proposals.
Finally, you correctly make us aware of the swing in momentum and enthusiasm in a very short time. This is wonderful to feel, but a reminder that the pendulum swings and can go back the other direction on some news including international news. Also, I expect that Russia and other countries will meddle. In other words, we must keep hammering at all the reasons that the demented, fascist, traitor, racist, rapist, sneaker salesman, business fraud, insurrectionist, must never be in a position of power to ruin our lives, including that he paid $134,000 and committed 34 felonies to hide that when Melania had a baby Donald had sex with Stormy D.
He isn’t just weird. He is dangerous
DK, your opening line, "I love babysitting my grandchild," reminded me of what a speaker - Amanda Weinstein - on the Zoom call last evening with Senator Elizabeth said. She said don't run government like a corporation but, rather, like a family. A family doesn't "fire" a child for having healthcare needs or being nonproductive. A family coalesces to provide the care that child needs in order to become whole.
Minor correction: Trump paid Daniels $130K to cheat in his 2016 election (aka “Election interference”). He withheld crucial information from voters at a pivotal moment in the election. It likely would have swung the election in Clinton’s favor, IMHO.
The New York County DA and jury agreed with you. So major! And a common mischaracterization in the media.
I trained as a professional journalist, back in the day. The intentional dumbing-down of this case has driven me crazy!
Check this relationship map of President Biden’s Bold Move To Reform Corrupt Supreme Court. Follow the rampant corruption, and the role of Leonard Leo, Harlan Crowe, Charles Koch, other billionaires and the Heritage Foundation.
https://thedemlabs.org/2024/07/29/biden-bold-move-reform-corrupt-supreme-court/
People have noted that the mega Zoom calls for Harris over the past week have been electric, as sparked by Black Women for Harris on the very day that Biden endorsed her as the presidential candidate. Moreover, they have not just been a moment, but have emerged as an ongoing movement, a phenomenon, history in the making, and a new enormously effective form of campaigning. ICYMI here are links to today's big calls on 7/29/24:
Women for Harris National Organizing Call (2 1/2 hours of amazingly inspiring women) with the bottom line messaging bullet points:
1. Prosecutor versus felon
2. Looking forward, not backward
3. Reproductive rights
https://www.youtube.com/live/lQRO50A6ogE?si=RF6gyynHiOOIX9v_
White Dudes for Harris (Some women crashed this call. Social media had snippets of men redefining healthy masculinity to model for boys, uplifting women, following the lead of strong Black women, helping change the trajectory of the world, and helping Kamala Harris crash the glass ceiling. They raised $4 million for the Harris campaign. Very good, dudes! And let's note that "In 2022, American women typically earned 82 cents for every dollar earned by men." While additive, since Women for Harris raised more than $12 million, a reasonable target for men would be $14 million. Catch up, dudes! BTW, we can donate to these various campaigns on behalf of people we love. I donated on behalf of my young white dude sons!)
https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/03/01/the-enduring-grip-of-the-gender-pay-gap/
https://www.youtube.com/live/dnnKXuYcDU0?si=U9e0hJ4iBcUSL9hy
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on "impacting generations to come, " making "that bastard wake up afterwards..."
https://www.threads.net/@yasharali/post/C-CFvA1x4i5/?xmt=AQGzMqFPA3cFA0Ki8TO2Z-EVgbnslCR2b_sBzLYF7zCYzA
Next up, Latino Men for Kamala on Wed., July 31, at 7:30 pm ET:
https://www.threads.net/@erika_lucas07/post/C-B_xmcRXt5/?xmt=AQGzznqmRzDP2dCHDY8criuBuvOtG6AZK10WXejcE_t4vw
98 days for all of us to find a way to step up and make it happen!
Also coming up: Cat and Dog Ladies Unite for Kamala!
https://www.threads.net/@nickknudsenus/post/C-B_YNqRZ5M/?xmt=AQGzw6KpdHOkxG_9k683zMXz8D9tfCDRBZC8x2qoJ0vs3w
Please ask all of them to partner with FT 6. https://www.fieldteam6.org/
Ellie's summary of the White Dudes for Harris call last night is very helpful, and the NYT has amended its coverage to note the $4 million raised and the 200,000 participants. I think this link should be accessible to all: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/29/us/politics/kamala-harris-white-dudes.html?unlocked_article_code=1._E0.zkoJ.JpH5B8nDXT96&smid=url-share
The NYT coverage began with calling the event "bizarre." Ah, would that they could see the Bizarro world of a Donald Trump rally and report on it with similar superior condescension. But the article offers a summary list of some of the speakers. At 3 hours and 20 minutes, there was some repetition, and I thought more than once that I should turn this off and write some postcards or do something less passive, but then a new angle, a new speaker would pop up. One of the organizers and host of the evening was organizer Ross Morales Rocketto, whom (mea culpa), I had never heard of before. But he and his co-organizers did a masterful job of stacking the program to be interesting with voices across a wide spectrum -- yet I would have liked to hear more rural and Southern voices, though former Mayor of New Orleans and Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana was very good. And for all the NYT yucks about Adam Schiff's bobblehead of "the Dude," in honor of Jeff Bridges presenting on the call, or Mark Hamill getting Luke Skywalker ribbing, other famous actors and musicians like Josh Groban, Sean Astin, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and others spoke eloquently about their stake in this election and their commitment to their families and to Kamala Harris's campaign. Pete Buttigieg and Tim Walz were impressive, and clearly were taking this gathering of white men seriously. Long time coach and teacher, Governor Walz, who has emerged as a potential VP, called himself "the anti-Tommy Tuberville" and got off one of the best lines of the night: "One person's socialism is another person's neighborlyness," holding up a small-town boy's understanding of how the country should work. Activist David Hogg was eloquent in his call for action and his recounting of the success in beating back, slightly, the insane guns -everywhere policies of Trump. The speakers were informed, precise, and on message. Trumpists like to make fun of the Democrats' Hollywood connection, but just because one works in the arts or entertainment doesn't mean one doesn't care about the country or is a fatuous know-nothing (Sean Astin [Rudy!] is completing a master's degree in public policy). Two of my favorite speakers were Jimmy Williams, Jr, the General President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, who detailed the greatness of Biden-Harris's actions for American working men and women and the labor movement, noting that 77% of younger workers now want to join a union. That is a huge difference from a few years ago (even if my notes are off by 30%). And writer and clinical professor of marketing Scott Galloway impressed with his analysis, which alas, by that time I failed to note in detail, but I didn't miss Galloway's commitment to give $50,000 as a challenge match for the evening. As an academic, I am always impressed when professors and administrators give for important causes, including their own universities and colleges. Another donor-presenter was Congressman Steny Hoyer of Maryland, 85 years-old and full of fire. He contributed $50,000 as did donor non-speaker LinkedIn co-founder billionaire Reid Hoffman. (Hoffman is giving $7 million to Kamala Harris's super PAC.).
All in all, an exhilarating night. While Ellie Kona is right, given the 200,000 men who logged in, the dollar take should have been larger; but I sensed in a lot of the $10, $20, gifts noted in the runner below a certain tentativeness, a puzzlement even about the Dude thing and what this is all about. And many of the curious calling in, I am sure, have already given to the Harris campaign in other way, which is also true for the women donors, of course. I am a 75 year old retired guy, but I don't know that I ever thought of myself as a dude, except ironically. But I am convinced, White Men for Harris is a serious venture with a serious challenge. 43% of white American males eligible to vote in the 2020 election DID NOT VOTE. (CAWP, Center for American Women and Politics, https://cawp.rutgers.edu/facts/voters/gender-differences-voter-turnout#NPGR) And of those who voted, just 40% of white men voted for Biden. In 2016, Hilary Clinton received only 32% of the white male votes (Pew Research Center, https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/06/30/behind-bidens-2020-victory/). Serious work ahead. And the men behind White Dudes for Harris, are serious. As an old college friend used to say, "We are not playing with babies here." The multiplying interest groups and flash communities coming together for Harris is very exciting.
Thank you very much, Patrick for taking the time to provide this detail on the White Dudes call. I missed it because I was on the Red Wine & Blue call (Elizabeth Warren did a masterful job of explaining how Project 2025 will financially hurt all but the most wealthy) and then joined the Women for Kamala Harris DNC call. All excellent messages from excellent messengers!
Thank you. I'm glad, and not at all surprised, that the Red Wine & Blue call with Elizabeth Warren went well, and I'm getting a report on the Women for Kamala Harris DNC call from my wife. I hesitated to write so much; but, following Robert's invitation, I wanted to try to give some sense of the texture of the call. I love Elizabeth Warren's ability to combine outrage with clarity, a rare feat.
Wow! Thank you so much for providing the truly inspiring highlight reel of last night's White Dudes call. Particularly loved the inclusion of Tim––the anti-Tommy Tubberville––Walz's zinger "One person's socialism is another person's neighborlyness." Walz is a progressive in rural America's clothing.
I agree with you on Walz, he's a true prairie populist, a threatened species out here in the Midwest and Plains, but one with a noble ancestry of labor leaders and politicians like Robert "Fighting Bob" La Follette, Congressman, Senator, and Governor of Wisconsin; Hubert Humphrey; Eugene McCarthy; and Mother Jones (Mary G. Harris Jones). Thanks.
Thank you, Patrick, for your detailed report! These mega zooms are developing into ongoing events, so let’s see what the white dudes do next. When Kamala announces her VP will be another energizing opportunity! Lots more men of all stripes and means will be excited to join!
I forgot to include that men want to protect the health of the women and girls in their lives.
"The Harris campaign also posted a quick reply to Trump's claim on Monday that the Biden-Harris record on crime was 'terrible.'”
In response, the Harris campaign should capitulate on this claim, pointing out that crime is so rampant that we now have a convicted felon running for president.
(Please look up the meaning of capitulate.)
I know what it means. My comment was snark. Sorry that wasn't clear.
Words matter, and I'm so happy VP Harris is not mincing them.
If term limits somes before the Supreme Court, won’t all the justices have to recuse themselves?
Sounds like a Stephen Wright question
Your right, Stephen! I love Steven Wright! Heir to Beckett and Chico Marx (why a duck?) a man for all seasons and especially pepper..
Ha! I was thinking of Stephen Wright yesterday!
Yes, but 6 won't recuse. Thus the Ethics question.
Thank you, as always, Robert. The energy and joy behind Kamala is palpable and I’m here for it! But… It is staggering to me that you even have to write these sentences: “The complete answer to the worry of Republican legislative interference is to ensure a landslide victory that does not depend on a single state (or two or three). The larger the winning margin by Kamala Harris, the less likely it will be that Republicans will even attempt to interfere in the results.”
We’ve been in this defensive battle for so long it’s become normalized. Winning an election fair and square is no longer enough. I occasionally lift my head above the fray and think back to the time before TFG and how we never imagined the chaos and damage this wanna-be dictator would bring. Even with the good news and positive momentum, this ugly blackness lurks just over the horizon.
Remember when high school football fans just 'went home' after their team lost?
I want that back.
HELP PLEASE --- I tried to get on the Harris for Women call last night and wasn't able to access the actual call no matter how many times I circled through the steps and the tag said welcome.
Today is my 75th birtrhday and I absolurewly want tro be on the HaRRIS CALL TONIGHT .. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS but I don't want to miss out again tonight!). Advice from anyone who knows that the problewm is - welcome!
Happy birthday Joanna!
So sorry you were not able to join the live Zoom, it is so frustrating dealing with technology sometimes, especially when you are so full of fervor for the cause.
We have less than 100 days left to each do what we can in our circle of influence,
to support the future we want to see,
and to reject going back to a past with fewer rights than we fought so tenaciously to obtain.
PLEASE check out your local Democratic Party for volunteer opportunities.
Many links are available through Mobilize.us
OUR THANKS FOR YOUR LIVED EXPERIENCES AND DETERMINATION TO MAKE HISTORY NOW.
Happy birthday, Joanna!
Women for Harris National Organizing Call (2 1/2 hours of amazingly inspiring women) with the bottom line messaging bullet points:
1. Prosecutor versus felon
2. Looking forward, not backward
3. Reproductive rights
https://www.youtube.com/live/lQRO50A6ogE?si=RF6gyynHiOOIX9v_
Don't worry. The National Organizing Call with VP Harris tonight should also be available after the fact on YouTube, though it sure is exciting to be part of history in real time!
@Joanna _ I think you should call me! (for readers, she's a personal friend and an occasional computer help client)
Thanks Annamarie -- I think it was just the volume of requests. Is that possibl;e?
My link arrived at 3+ a.m.
I had the same problem, Joanna - Happy Birthday! Still don't know why, but while I was able to register, the folks at Mobilize never sent me a link to join the Zoom meeting.
Hi Lynell, I think that they were overwhelmed by requests. I received my link at 3:29 a.m. I hope tonight will work! Joanna
Fingers crossed!
Happy Birthday, Joanna. My wife Chris had some trouble, but finally got it 8and was very energized by the call. Gloria Steinem was on! I have not received the full rundown because before the Harris for Women call ended, the White Dudes for Harris call started. It lasted 3 hours and 20 minutes. More on that below.
Think about it friends, technical glitches are unpleasant and frustrating, but the simple fact that people are knocking down doors (electronic) to hear more and donate, as Chris and I both did last night, and be with people who are adding to our knowledge and enthusiasm is very en -- golly gee -- couraging.
The white dudes meeting link said in small print that the link was not being used and to click on the YouTube link provided. It was a bit confusing. I was expecting a zoom type link, not YouTube. The first time I clicked on the YouTube link I got the usual assortment of recommended videos, nothing about the Dudes meeting. The second time it worked.
I, too, was unable to access Women For Harris last night after trying unsuccessfully to get the link. I signed up yesterday morning so I thought there would be no problems but I was wrong.
I too was frustrated until suddenly around 7:20 I was on the zoom. I am so excited by the probable Harris presidency that I forgave whoever for the technical glitches! Please — watch your STATE LEGISLATIVE races - these representatives may try again to bring on a “Jan 6” coup. Support your Democratic candidates up and down the ticket!!!
You are so right about state legislature races. Spread the word how important this is.
The States Project strategically selected Democratic candidates in key states:
https://statesproject.org/get-involved/give-smart/
https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/1XQhnyD/Tending-to-Democracy
Happy Birthday Jo!
Yeah. I had trouble too, but with the help of a friend watching it on You Tube I finally got in.
Joanna —While my iPad continued to “spin”’ I easily got in thru my phone. Persistence with my iPad finally paid off. Keep trying and use whatever devices you have … Happy Birthday!!
I'm so sorry you weren't able to access the call tonight. Thankfully I was able to do it by copying and pasting the link that was emailed to me. I know that sinking feeling of wanting to be there and the frustration of it not working. It was an amazing gathering of women from across the spectrum of age, beginning with Gloria Steinem and ending with Chelsea Clinton. I hope you'll be able to see it on YouTube.
What we need to do to underscore a Harris win is to elect Democrats to the House and Senate. Take back the government.
And all downballot races including and maybe equally important state legislative races!
I know it's unlikely, but just imagine, for a moment, that Justice Thomas resigns. The world, outside of the inner MAGA, knows he is the worst justice by leagues on a scale of corruption. If Roberts had a back-bone, he would have found a good, low key way to usher Thomas out the door with grace. But those were the old days. 18 years tenure would be reasonable. As would an enforceable code of ethics. Mike Johnson (R-LA-4th) says reform is dead on arrival. For our oh-so-holy Speaker to be against an enforceable ethics code, he's had to throw his much vaunted ethics in the garbage grinder. Which I guess he already did when he signed the MAGA pledge of allegiance.
House Rep Joseph Morelle introduces a constitutional amendment: Rep. Morelle’s Push to Overturn Presidential Immunity Ruling:
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/restoring-accountability-rep-morelles-push-to-overturn-presidential-immunity-ruling/?
Yesterday, through ChopWood/CarryWater, Jessica Craven suggested that we contact our reps to get behind this proposal.
As long as we cannot trust SCOTUS it is hard to trust that they won't be involved in shenanigans to give the election to Trump. I realize people see saying that as a call not to vote, but I do not intend it that way. Germans are direct. This has been my concern, and I think the American people should be prepared to take it to the streets while Biden is still president if any such thing happens and protest until they stop. There is a lot of money behind the Heritage Foundation and Trump. I would like to know if anyone knows whether there are now big funders of Trump's that are giving to Harris too. I know there is a producer in Hollywood who shares my name and she has given to both sides each time, which always discomforted me because I did not want people assuming I would give to the Republican party.
This has long been my concern, as well. The Supreme Court gave the presidency to George W, I absolutely believe they plan to do it now for Trump.
Just as we can count on foreign interference in the election, we can count on SCOTUS shenanigans as well.
Bush/Gore was over a very close race in ONE very key state. If this race is tight in 1-3 states, we may see SCOTUS antics.
But as Robert has indicated, we need to ensure large margins in as many states as we can.
Please, let's stop using terms like "shenanigans" and "antics" to describe what the Court and the republicans will do. Those terms make it sound like they are doing comedy.
Good point. Noted.
As linda says this is not a call to stay home and not vote. But Republicans will challenge the election regardless of how wide the margin. They’ll just say the steal was the biggest ever.
Exactly!
I’m sure that some SCOTUS members are ALREADY involved in shenanigans to give election to trump.
..." the American people should be prepared to take it to the streets" ...
Exactly. I would like to see a massive demonstration outside the Supreme Court on the first day of the next term. I would certainly be there!
Dan, that is the date. They open October 7, 2024 according to their calendar.
https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/calendarsandlists.aspx
I also think they are not earning my tax dollars, which is where they get their pay. Seems like a class action lawsuit. I guess one should name the justices specifically that do not seem to be earning their keep. My list has 6 names on it, but I would accept 2 or 3.
“There is a lot of money behind the Heritage Foundation and Trump. I would like to know if anyone knows whether there are now big funders of Trump's that are giving to Harris too.”
Linda, sorry about the similar name in Hollywood.I’m sure there are deep-pocket,dual-funders with those wanting to “hedge their bets”.
There is a very critical local race here with a lot of nefarious shenanigans going on. Not surprising local millionaire biz owner contributed to both candidates. I am taking it “to the streets” by volunteering for the ethical candidate .It all starts at the local level !
And GOTV for a Harris blowout.! It will NOT be Bush V Gore.Thanks for all you’re doing “across the pound”.
I was on the White Dudes for Harris call. Most of the speakers were great, and the event raised over $4 million. What's not to like? I have a couple of observations. Not long before the call, Governor Cooper withdrew from the VP race. Seeing him speak last night made me understand why he took himself out of the running. His energy doesn't match the moment. It’s hard not to think Pete Buttigieg isn't the best choice, but I understand why it may not be ideal politically. I'm guessing it will be Tim Walz if they stay away from Josh Shapiro due to his stance on Israel.
A few of us in my new online postcarding group have received our cards and will start writing them over Zoom calls soon. This enthusiasm is contagious.
I concur. Buttigieg was on Jon Stewart last night and received one of the longest standing ovations I've ever witnessed when he arrived on stage. I'm not a big Stewart fan recently, but he definitely brought his A-game to this one. The interview with Pete is a must see. Walz would be my enthusiastic second choice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jli0_oKMG-0&t=356s
On her show last night, Rachel Maddow discussed that Trump is not campaigning to garner votes. She deduced, probably correctly, that he is once again going to try to steal the election. I agree with Robert that we have to vote for Kamala in such obscenely large numbers that there will be no doubt about who won.It still makes me a bit nervous because Trump has no scruples and will try to win at any cost. I will continue to do all that I can each day to promote Harris and Democrats. I am involved in getting Ohioans to vote for our super Senator, Sherrod Brown, who is running for re-election against another Trumper, Bernie Moreno.