After showing the video clip of Schumer and Pelosi, huddled and on the phone with Jeff Rosen, Stephen Colbert commented, “This footage reveals a superhuman level of composure by the Speaker. I guess it’s true what they say, behind every successful man, is Nancy Pelosi saying, “Chuck please. I’ll handle this.““
I liked Joy Reid’s comment: after playing the portion of the video in which Nancy Pelosi referred to the desecration “poo-poo,” Reid declared she had “won the week”: “President AND Grandma!”
Too many Trumplets scoff. Ask why did she bring in a camera crew to follow her, etc., etc., etc. I have given up trying to speak with those who choose to support those who use them.
She brought her daughter/ filmmaker and grandson to celebrate and record what should have been a joyous occasion. Many other members of Congress brought their families as well.
These are the people we must embrace and believe in. It is so difficult when there are so many who chose the dark side. Nancy Pelosi is a marvel. We need more like her.
From what I've seen, the camera crew was her daughter. Even if it wasn't, in this day of the smart phone, a recording was inevitable; fortunately, this one survived the day.
And it's noted that Alexandra Pelosi is a journalist and documentary filmmaker. It's fantastic that she was able to capture this. It's important to note, she was not the only family member in the Capitol that day. As I recall, Rep Jamie Raskin's daughter was also present. I imagine these congress people had their family present that day to witness an important part of democracy, the count of the Electoral College ballots. It's amazing that those family members were present to witness such an alarming event in our country's history!
What’s even more amazing (if you can call it that) is that Republicans who saw the threats to family members continue to defend these insurrectionists. So much for family values.
When people say stuff like that to me I always redirect to the fact they now have video proof that Steve Scalise lied about Nancy Pelosi not doing anything to get help during the attack. It’s not like he was in the corner unaware of what she was doing, he was standing 5 feet away and saw point blank that she tried to get help while he later lied to intentionally deflect from the actions of 45’s violent pawns. Keep the heat on the GOP when they deflect like this in a discussion.
I’m a photographer. I almost always have a regular camera with me, in addition to my cell phone. It’s what you do if that’s what you do, and Pelosi‘s daughter is a documentarian.
Pelosi’s daughter and family were present to see the historical event of the electoral count. That daughter is an award winning documentarian, no doubt using her cellphone.
GOP: We just love Project Verona’s and how they expose the left!
Also GOP: Why did Nancy Pelosi’s granddaughter have her phone on her that day, and why did she film a completely chilling and unprecedented historical event? 🤔
I know I speak for many of your readers in wishing you blessings for the nuptials of your daughter. May the young couple be blessed with a happy marriage and a wonderful family, and a household filled with love.
Absolutely. As a newly married man myself, I understand now how very different it is to be married as opposed to courtship, and marriage is a wonderful bond. Much peace and love to the new nuptials!
On October 16, 1993, (a Saturday), it had been raining all week in Santa Margherita Ligure, where we were to be married. That morning sun came through the French doors to the balcony of my hotel, a beam of sun made its way across the room to light the flowers a friend had given me and the gold of what would be my husband's ring. it was a magic day, 29 years later the best thing I did in my life. The one piece I would give to your daughter is "remember to be fully present, to have moments that are just your new spouse and you. We went in and out of that--hadn't know there was a risk, but I will never forget his face lighting up when he saw me and the beautiful wedding bouquet of white flowers in his hands.
I send good wishes to the daughter of the man who has given so much this year. This weekend you are giving back something he may have dreamed of when you were little. I wish you both love and joy, humor, patience, and the knowledge that the memories you make from play and work together will serve as equity to get you through times that are hard. Viva gli sops!
An interesting comment to take out of context, too, since many GOP influencers try to say the Dems have no courage, strength, or anger. I wish they’d get their story straight—are the Dems soft, hippie “betas” or are they violent malcontents? One thing we do know is the GOP stalwart politicians fought (or ran, in Josh Hawley’s case) for their lives during the capitol siege and tried to pretend they were something else for their “base” on TV.
Robert and "my managing editor" a hearty Mazel Tov on this wonderful weekend. As Lisa Young said "no checking comments." This weekend cannot be repeated so don't miss a moment. Can't wait to hear a few comments about the festivities and thank you for all you do to keep us keeping on.
Your missive yesterday underscored just how connected you are to VIPs who are fighting for our Democracy!
I re-submit this idea because I believe it has even more merit today.
Previously your readers have responded positively. I ask that you consider acting on it before it is too late!
Countless leaders have warned of the threat our democracy faces from Donald Trump.
They have stated their views individually and artfully but have gone silent afterward.
They need to stop being nice, and speak as one, NOW, or our Democracy will be gone! They need to be General Patten rallying his troops in front of our American flag.
Here is a draft pitch asking our country’s highly placed leaders, who have spoken out as individuals, to consolidate their thoughts to now speak in unison for our Democracy.
_______
DO YOUR DUTY – VOTE DEMOCRAT!!!
<<< IMAGE (Poster from WW II) – "UNCLE SAM – I WANT YOU >>>
Uncle Sam wants YOU – the multitude of leaders, who swore the oath to “protect the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic” – to speak in one voice for our Democracy, NOW.
Steve Schmidt on 10/2/2022 in The Warning wrote, “The greatest of all American inventions is the peaceful transition of power under the Constitution. The bloodying of that transfer by Donald Trump and the lieutenants and co-conspirators of his extremist cause is among the most despicable acts ever perpetrated against America. It was a crime against all of us… both living and dead.”
Ten U.S Senators and 139 U.S. Representatives, all Republicans, dishonored their oaths while in office. Just hours after the attack on our Capitol and their own colleagues, they voted against election certification and instead pledged fealty to a mendacious insurrectionist.
For seven years we have been living with the clear present and future danger Donald J. Trump and his disciples are to Democracy.
Many of you have eloquently warned about the threat our democracy faces, but often these warnings are followed by silence.
Enough already! Silence and individuality are no longer viable!
Together, agree on a statement that articulates the danger we face.
Stand as one and demand that everyone does their duty and votes the Democratic ticket across the board, by mail or in person, on November 8th.
Failure to vote to protect our individual rights is not an option.
Create a broadsheet with your cry to arms under Uncle Sam’s image. Identify the threat that Republican election deniers represent to our Democracy and your plea to vote, List the prominent signatories below.
Circulate it to targeted races throughout the country based on these two LINKS:
Uncle Sam says, “Get it done NOW – Ballots are already in the mail!”
_______
Suggested Who’s Who List of “YOU” Signatories:
Former Presidents Obama, Bush, Clinton, Carter; VPs Cheney, Quale, Gore; White House Chiefs of Staff, Kelly, Mulvaney?; former Cabinet members, Mattis, Rumsfeld, Califano, Kissinger, Ramsey Clark, James Baker, Leon Panetta, William Cohen, Esper, Hagel, Kerry, Carter; CIA Directors, Brennan, Coates, Morrell, Haspel; National Security Advisors; past Chairmen of RNC, DNC; former JCS members, Admiral Mullen, General Dempsey, General Pace; State Governors; Judges, O’Connor, Souter, Kennedy, Breyer, Luttig, et al.
The signatories should be bipartisan, in large print so their names are prominent.
________
These statements come to mind from some leaders who swore the oath.
Admiral Mullen's comments after 6/1/2020 teargassing in front of the White House is an example. I particularly remember William Cohen’s articulate comments on MSNBC in the days after January 6th. And Judge Luttig’s warnings were stark during the January 6th hearings.
________
NOTE: The LINK to an article in SALON "Biden's Historic Speech was Too Damn Nice – No hand of friendship to fascists" is below.
It underscores that the time for polite, equivocating discourse is over. Biden needs to set the tone – he and the leaders I describe need to act and speak clearly and decisively.
There are no “better angels” left in the Republican party with the balls to honor their oaths. Like Trump, the Republican caucus tells you this over and over with their lack of a platform and their “no votes” on every bill that would defend voting and individual rights before the Congress.
The time for “pussy footin” is long past. "Launch the attack now!"
It is spot on and deserves your complete attention. The "leaders" I list, and others you might include, need to tell it like it is or we will lose our Democracy!
Yes, Yes, Yes, damn it. 81 million voters have been waiting for this for two years. The time is running out. Somebody needs to wake Biden and Harris , the DNC, and all Dems with access to the Media they need to make this the number one priority to tell all election deniers and Trump straight out "We won. Trump lost. Show your evidence or shut up and stand down. You are traitors denying a legitimate American election."
Speaker Pelosi was a calm and focused leader during the January 6th insurrection. Her intelligence and know how most certainly saved lives. As we approach the midterms, I am dismayed by the total lack of presence of the national democratic party, its surrogates and of President Obama and First Lady Obama. Each of these entities appear missing. Why are we not hearing about the DNC's financial support of the many senate races in play - OH, NC, GA, FLA, ARZ for example? Why do we not see democratic surrogates in national news coverage and at rallies? Where are the Obamas and the Clintons, and other national democratic leaders? The democrats do not appear to have the killer instinct, the game plan or the follow through to win in this extremely high stakes election. I pray I am wrong. Otherwise, the likes of Jim Jordan and Josh Hawley will run our country down the drain.
I agree to an extent. Many people feel that the Obamas and Clintons could have a certain negative baggage. Keeping these races focused on the local aspect to these elections and apart from the big national faces is more advantageous than bringing in “Washington elites.”
There’s a part of me that also despises the blaming of democrats or republicans for the elections they lose. Many, many voters can be terribly uninformed even with millions of dollars put into ads and outreach. Many voters in the 2008 election thought Obama had a magic wand to solve all their problems, and when reality set in and voters got frustrated they sat out the 2010 election and let the GOP take over that election cycle. To this very day, many people don’t realize how catastrophic that election was for giving the GOP the infrastructure to dominate elections. It is ultimately up to citizens to be engaged with their democracy and freedom if they wish to keep it.
Point is, keep the heat on the GOP. Every bit of energy getting angry at the Dems is energy spent giving the GOP a space to divide us.
I really don't hang the election results on Dem leaders who are no longer in office. I believe that voters are responsible for election results and have ample opportunities to understand what's at stake. We have only our fellow citizens to blame when they don't care to participate in our democracy. Personal responsibility is front and center in this discussion, with too many Americans seemingly too lazy or too selfish to take seriously their role in their own governance. I hope I am being pessimistic. I hope for a large voter turnout that will finally turn our nation toward a better future.
Agree 100%. As we can say, the national silence is deafening. Where are the prime-time all-country ads defending democracy from the DNC (Jaime Harrison, we're looking at you!!)? Maybe we should start calling the DNC headquarters and hound them into action??
Jamie Harrison was the wrong choice, just as Garland was the wrong choice. We have 81 million voters and irrefutable evidence on our side of Republican sedition, and corruption and Trump's crimes and the Republicans are getting away with running candidates that are traitors and election deniers and will probably win the midterms because the Dems are such wimps.
I think Democrats are much more quiet than Republicans which doeS not them less effective. Frankly Obama and Clinton won’t change many people’s minds but campaigns like Fetterman is running will. We just don’t have a Fox News equivalent
Obama will be campaigning for Gov Evers and Mandela Barnes in Milwaukee, WI the end of October. Milwaukee is key to winning and I think he will be effective in getting out the vote there.
I just saw in the news today that Obama is campaigning in Georgia and I think somewhere else. I know in our area, candidates are trying to distance themselves from the national leaders, who are not popular and keep the election about the local candidates.
Headed out now to assist overseas voters using www.votefromabroad.org. Yesterday at the outdoor market, 2 men came up to me with their VFA t-shirts, one of whom is the Dems Abroad treasurer in Madrid. We are everywhere. Reach out to all your groups--someone has a friend, colleague or relative living abroad. This link may help: Is your ONE U.S. Midterm vote worthwhile? https://middletonma.gov/303/The-Power-of-One-Vote
If you are one of the 6.5 million US citizens living abroad you can definitely vote in the upcoming election!! Go to votefromabroad.org to request your overseas ballot. But hurry because time is running out! Please share this with any US expatsyou know!
Having been in UK for 22 years, there Dems Abroad are very active reaching out to the students and expat community to give them info re how to vote abroad. Uniform rules apply for all abroad.
I don't think enough praise (if that's the right word?) can be given to Nancy Pelosi. The composure, focus and true grit she showed on January 6th were utterly remarkable and cannot be underscored. I am grateful she is the Speaker.
Again Robert, a hearty Mazel Tov to your daughter, her new husband and your entire family. Enjoy!
When I was a child my parents many times said to me “ you have to appreciate what you have. Don’t take any of it for granted “ I was a child born right after WWII and that experience shaped the thoughts of my parents and upbringing. This week as I watched President Biden interact with citizens across the country and saw the J6th video of Nancy Pelosi I realized that we are under appreciating these two individuals and what they are doing and mean to our country. Nothing fancy, not a lot of hype and straight honest dialogue that you can trust and believe. Most importantly look hard at the list of accomplishments they have racked up since this administration began governing. Decent hard working people working together to protect our country, lives and freedoms. We all cannot afford to lose any of this because the alternative is frightening and unacceptable. Maybe we should judge all candidates running for office against the character of President Biden and Nancy Pelosi. They sure could use some help and assistance.
I have thought a lot about that question. I think many voters are like sports fans dedicated to a team ( MAGA ) and hate the other team regardless. I’m a big sports fan and love my Philly teams and hate the Celtics, Cowboys and Mets even when they clearly have better teams and players. It’s the same mentality but what everyone forgets is they get 100% of the media coverage and only represent about 30% of all voters. They have been given more attention than they deserve and have in some cases brainwashed.
Happy wedding weekend! Such a wonderful testimony to the parenting of Robert and Jill! Blessings to their family! Robert tells the story that he started this newsletter for the purpose of providing calming assurance to his daughters that we will be okay after Trump was elected--okay with ongoing vigilance for how to keep our democracy.
I don't think Robert would mind our being "defiant, and unrelenting in doing everything possible to claim as many victories as possible...to win enough to...flip a few state legislatures," as through any donations in the name of his work to help save democracy! You can contribute to meeting the goal of funds to be distributed by The States Project to the good legislative candidates in the most pivotal states--by this Monday, October 17!
A set of donors who support our work are so excited about the power of Giving Circles that they've offered to match every dollar raised by the Giving Circles community through our fundraising deadline of 11:59pm PT Monday, October 17, 2022, up to $60,000 total across all Giving Circles! The first $1,000 of every individual donation will be matched, until we reach the total $60,000 match amount.
The match works like this: Any and all donations from Saturday 10/15 through Monday 10/17 at 11:59pm PT will be matched up to $1,000 per individual gift until we reach the $60,000 cap!
It's the last week where The States Project believes we can spend effectively (earlier dollars do more and there are diminishing returns on late $). Onward! :)
Thank you, Michael! You heard it straight from the source, Melissa Walker, Head of Giving Circles at The States Project, whom Robert interviewed on his podcast this past January.
I am enjoying the comments which praise Nancy, the unflappable and heroic woman who has done such a terrific job keeping the House in order. My thought, when I saw that video, was — this lady had 8 children. She knows how to deal with chaos. How abut a Medal of Freedom for her?
Is it any surprise that Nancy Pelosi like other STRONG female leaders are often criticized in such hateful ugly ways. It’s our white misogynistic culture. Look at Hillary and Gretchen Whitmer, to name two others.
In the 70s as a college student at Rutgers, I did an independent study on McCarthyism. To me there were two features that were eye openers.
First, grown adults experienced irrational fear of events outside their control (Russia going nuclear, China taken over by Mao). When times get tough, some of us rise to the occasion. Too many revert to selfish impulses. Harm gets done and we lower ourselves.
The other was a power play by the new rich in TX and OK to push aside old wealth as GOP political players. Primarily wildcat oil men like the Murchisons, they financed the immaturity of libertarianism against what they saw as the restrictions of the New Deal. Immature people never recognize that complete freedom is the danger instead of trading a reasonable amount so all prosper. They came of age under Reagan.
I get frustrated when friends make fun of Hee Haw Trumpists. An all-too-easy target that doesn't explain why successful people support him. To me, when facing hard issues like pandemic, economic suffering, immigration, societal change, religion and politics moves again toward being selfish and narcissistic...collectively narcissistic. Christianity without Christ.
What it has taught me is that too many humans are devoid of the mental makeup to band together to get past threats. They push women, children, the frail and weak out of the way, making up a false narrative of empty courage to justify their own lack of maturity and real courage. No mistake: ignorance is a factor, but the truth is that it is willful ignorance. And they have found their pied piper, whether in McCarthy or Trump. We have to find the good souls and grownups and join together to offset this contagion of weakness and loss of character. We must seize the narrative and hold up the mirror as did attorney Welch: "have you no sense of decency?" And do so as our politics are financed by the wealthiest, self-seeking sliver of our polity. We have our work cut out.
After showing the video clip of Schumer and Pelosi, huddled and on the phone with Jeff Rosen, Stephen Colbert commented, “This footage reveals a superhuman level of composure by the Speaker. I guess it’s true what they say, behind every successful man, is Nancy Pelosi saying, “Chuck please. I’ll handle this.““
POTUS was MIA, VPOTUS was (wisely) not getting in the car, Speaker of the House is next in line. Nancy Pelosi was doing her Presidential duties.
In a very presidential way, a way that we had not seen in four years.
I liked Joy Reid’s comment: after playing the portion of the video in which Nancy Pelosi referred to the desecration “poo-poo,” Reid declared she had “won the week”: “President AND Grandma!”
Too many Trumplets scoff. Ask why did she bring in a camera crew to follow her, etc., etc., etc. I have given up trying to speak with those who choose to support those who use them.
She brought her daughter/ filmmaker and grandson to celebrate and record what should have been a joyous occasion. Many other members of Congress brought their families as well.
These are the people we must embrace and believe in. It is so difficult when there are so many who chose the dark side. Nancy Pelosi is a marvel. We need more like her.
From what I've seen, the camera crew was her daughter. Even if it wasn't, in this day of the smart phone, a recording was inevitable; fortunately, this one survived the day.
And it's noted that Alexandra Pelosi is a journalist and documentary filmmaker. It's fantastic that she was able to capture this. It's important to note, she was not the only family member in the Capitol that day. As I recall, Rep Jamie Raskin's daughter was also present. I imagine these congress people had their family present that day to witness an important part of democracy, the count of the Electoral College ballots. It's amazing that those family members were present to witness such an alarming event in our country's history!
What’s even more amazing (if you can call it that) is that Republicans who saw the threats to family members continue to defend these insurrectionists. So much for family values.
And being pro-life.
(...and isn't it interesting that the R's were scampering too-Remember Josh Hawley?)
Yes, and the VP’s wife and at least one of their kids...how scary for them all
Sadly, Jamie Raskin's daughter told him she never ever wanted to enter the Capitol again, which I read in his marvelous book, Unthinkable.
Yes, I remember that…it really hit him hard. I had the audible version, loved listening to him.
Mike Pence also had family there.
I think that was his daughter in the picture of him on the phone
.
this is junk from a troll. Don't waste your time.
I just learned to delete Mercedes Lydon.
When people say stuff like that to me I always redirect to the fact they now have video proof that Steve Scalise lied about Nancy Pelosi not doing anything to get help during the attack. It’s not like he was in the corner unaware of what she was doing, he was standing 5 feet away and saw point blank that she tried to get help while he later lied to intentionally deflect from the actions of 45’s violent pawns. Keep the heat on the GOP when they deflect like this in a discussion.
Sadly, they don't believe that these are facts.
I’m a photographer. I almost always have a regular camera with me, in addition to my cell phone. It’s what you do if that’s what you do, and Pelosi‘s daughter is a documentarian.
Yes!
Pelosi’s daughter and family were present to see the historical event of the electoral count. That daughter is an award winning documentarian, no doubt using her cellphone.
I know. It is trying to get through to those who obstinately refuse to see the truth that is all around them.
GOP: We just love Project Verona’s and how they expose the left!
Also GOP: Why did Nancy Pelosi’s granddaughter have her phone on her that day, and why did she film a completely chilling and unprecedented historical event? 🤔
Cam B-Nancy's DAUGHTER is a documentarian by profession; so naturally she'd have been there w/her phone. She was w/Nancy as a family member.
It was her daughter and many family members attend. Old news lady
It was her daughter filming
I know I speak for many of your readers in wishing you blessings for the nuptials of your daughter. May the young couple be blessed with a happy marriage and a wonderful family, and a household filled with love.
Absolutely. As a newly married man myself, I understand now how very different it is to be married as opposed to courtship, and marriage is a wonderful bond. Much peace and love to the new nuptials!
Absolutely! May it be a beautiful day that will live long in everyone’s hearts! Enjoy!
On October 16, 1993, (a Saturday), it had been raining all week in Santa Margherita Ligure, where we were to be married. That morning sun came through the French doors to the balcony of my hotel, a beam of sun made its way across the room to light the flowers a friend had given me and the gold of what would be my husband's ring. it was a magic day, 29 years later the best thing I did in my life. The one piece I would give to your daughter is "remember to be fully present, to have moments that are just your new spouse and you. We went in and out of that--hadn't know there was a risk, but I will never forget his face lighting up when he saw me and the beautiful wedding bouquet of white flowers in his hands.
I send good wishes to the daughter of the man who has given so much this year. This weekend you are giving back something he may have dreamed of when you were little. I wish you both love and joy, humor, patience, and the knowledge that the memories you make from play and work together will serve as equity to get you through times that are hard. Viva gli sops!
That was supposed to be "Viva gli sposi!"
I'm going to punch him in the nose.
They're going to arrest me and I'll go to jail.
And I'll be very happy.
This is constantly being taken out of context in omitting that she was speaking about TFG trespassing on the Capitol at that time
Actually, it was when she was told that he WANTED to get into the Capitol that she said that. Luckily, he was thwarted.
An interesting comment to take out of context, too, since many GOP influencers try to say the Dems have no courage, strength, or anger. I wish they’d get their story straight—are the Dems soft, hippie “betas” or are they violent malcontents? One thing we do know is the GOP stalwart politicians fought (or ran, in Josh Hawley’s case) for their lives during the capitol siege and tried to pretend they were something else for their “base” on TV.
This comment alone made me wish she would have run for President. She voiced what so many of us feel.
Robert and "my managing editor" a hearty Mazel Tov on this wonderful weekend. As Lisa Young said "no checking comments." This weekend cannot be repeated so don't miss a moment. Can't wait to hear a few comments about the festivities and thank you for all you do to keep us keeping on.
To ROBERT HUBBELL from Robert K!
Your missive yesterday underscored just how connected you are to VIPs who are fighting for our Democracy!
I re-submit this idea because I believe it has even more merit today.
Previously your readers have responded positively. I ask that you consider acting on it before it is too late!
Countless leaders have warned of the threat our democracy faces from Donald Trump.
They have stated their views individually and artfully but have gone silent afterward.
They need to stop being nice, and speak as one, NOW, or our Democracy will be gone! They need to be General Patten rallying his troops in front of our American flag.
Here is a draft pitch asking our country’s highly placed leaders, who have spoken out as individuals, to consolidate their thoughts to now speak in unison for our Democracy.
_______
DO YOUR DUTY – VOTE DEMOCRAT!!!
<<< IMAGE (Poster from WW II) – "UNCLE SAM – I WANT YOU >>>
Uncle Sam wants YOU – the multitude of leaders, who swore the oath to “protect the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic” – to speak in one voice for our Democracy, NOW.
Steve Schmidt on 10/2/2022 in The Warning wrote, “The greatest of all American inventions is the peaceful transition of power under the Constitution. The bloodying of that transfer by Donald Trump and the lieutenants and co-conspirators of his extremist cause is among the most despicable acts ever perpetrated against America. It was a crime against all of us… both living and dead.”
Ten U.S Senators and 139 U.S. Representatives, all Republicans, dishonored their oaths while in office. Just hours after the attack on our Capitol and their own colleagues, they voted against election certification and instead pledged fealty to a mendacious insurrectionist.
For seven years we have been living with the clear present and future danger Donald J. Trump and his disciples are to Democracy.
Many of you have eloquently warned about the threat our democracy faces, but often these warnings are followed by silence.
Enough already! Silence and individuality are no longer viable!
Together, agree on a statement that articulates the danger we face.
Stand as one and demand that everyone does their duty and votes the Democratic ticket across the board, by mail or in person, on November 8th.
Failure to vote to protect our individual rights is not an option.
Create a broadsheet with your cry to arms under Uncle Sam’s image. Identify the threat that Republican election deniers represent to our Democracy and your plea to vote, List the prominent signatories below.
Circulate it to targeted races throughout the country based on these two LINKS:
60 Percent of Americans will have an Election Denier on the Ballot this Fall > https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/republicans-trump-election-fraud/
Democracy on the ballot – How many election deniers are on the ballot in November and what is their likelihood of success? > https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2022/10/07/democracy-on-the-ballot-how-many-election-deniers-are-on-the-ballot-in-november-and-what-is-their-likelihood-of-success/
Uncle Sam says, “Get it done NOW – Ballots are already in the mail!”
_______
Suggested Who’s Who List of “YOU” Signatories:
Former Presidents Obama, Bush, Clinton, Carter; VPs Cheney, Quale, Gore; White House Chiefs of Staff, Kelly, Mulvaney?; former Cabinet members, Mattis, Rumsfeld, Califano, Kissinger, Ramsey Clark, James Baker, Leon Panetta, William Cohen, Esper, Hagel, Kerry, Carter; CIA Directors, Brennan, Coates, Morrell, Haspel; National Security Advisors; past Chairmen of RNC, DNC; former JCS members, Admiral Mullen, General Dempsey, General Pace; State Governors; Judges, O’Connor, Souter, Kennedy, Breyer, Luttig, et al.
The signatories should be bipartisan, in large print so their names are prominent.
________
These statements come to mind from some leaders who swore the oath.
Admiral Mullen's comments after 6/1/2020 teargassing in front of the White House is an example. I particularly remember William Cohen’s articulate comments on MSNBC in the days after January 6th. And Judge Luttig’s warnings were stark during the January 6th hearings.
________
NOTE: The LINK to an article in SALON "Biden's Historic Speech was Too Damn Nice – No hand of friendship to fascists" is below.
It underscores that the time for polite, equivocating discourse is over. Biden needs to set the tone – he and the leaders I describe need to act and speak clearly and decisively.
There are no “better angels” left in the Republican party with the balls to honor their oaths. Like Trump, the Republican caucus tells you this over and over with their lack of a platform and their “no votes” on every bill that would defend voting and individual rights before the Congress.
The time for “pussy footin” is long past. "Launch the attack now!"
https://www.salon.com/2022/09/09/joe-bidens-historic-speech-was-too-damn-nice-no-hand-of-friendship-to-fascists/
It is spot on and deserves your complete attention. The "leaders" I list, and others you might include, need to tell it like it is or we will lose our Democracy!
Very respectfully submitted, RK
Robert K: Not silence..never silence! But I will also work on your suggestions. And have now adopted the mantra “UNCLE SAM WANTS YOU!
Thank you for this, hope enough care
Yes, Yes, Yes, damn it. 81 million voters have been waiting for this for two years. The time is running out. Somebody needs to wake Biden and Harris , the DNC, and all Dems with access to the Media they need to make this the number one priority to tell all election deniers and Trump straight out "We won. Trump lost. Show your evidence or shut up and stand down. You are traitors denying a legitimate American election."
Speaker Pelosi was a calm and focused leader during the January 6th insurrection. Her intelligence and know how most certainly saved lives. As we approach the midterms, I am dismayed by the total lack of presence of the national democratic party, its surrogates and of President Obama and First Lady Obama. Each of these entities appear missing. Why are we not hearing about the DNC's financial support of the many senate races in play - OH, NC, GA, FLA, ARZ for example? Why do we not see democratic surrogates in national news coverage and at rallies? Where are the Obamas and the Clintons, and other national democratic leaders? The democrats do not appear to have the killer instinct, the game plan or the follow through to win in this extremely high stakes election. I pray I am wrong. Otherwise, the likes of Jim Jordan and Josh Hawley will run our country down the drain.
I agree to an extent. Many people feel that the Obamas and Clintons could have a certain negative baggage. Keeping these races focused on the local aspect to these elections and apart from the big national faces is more advantageous than bringing in “Washington elites.”
There’s a part of me that also despises the blaming of democrats or republicans for the elections they lose. Many, many voters can be terribly uninformed even with millions of dollars put into ads and outreach. Many voters in the 2008 election thought Obama had a magic wand to solve all their problems, and when reality set in and voters got frustrated they sat out the 2010 election and let the GOP take over that election cycle. To this very day, many people don’t realize how catastrophic that election was for giving the GOP the infrastructure to dominate elections. It is ultimately up to citizens to be engaged with their democracy and freedom if they wish to keep it.
Point is, keep the heat on the GOP. Every bit of energy getting angry at the Dems is energy spent giving the GOP a space to divide us.
I really don't hang the election results on Dem leaders who are no longer in office. I believe that voters are responsible for election results and have ample opportunities to understand what's at stake. We have only our fellow citizens to blame when they don't care to participate in our democracy. Personal responsibility is front and center in this discussion, with too many Americans seemingly too lazy or too selfish to take seriously their role in their own governance. I hope I am being pessimistic. I hope for a large voter turnout that will finally turn our nation toward a better future.
Agree 100%. As we can say, the national silence is deafening. Where are the prime-time all-country ads defending democracy from the DNC (Jaime Harrison, we're looking at you!!)? Maybe we should start calling the DNC headquarters and hound them into action??
Jamie Harrison was the wrong choice, just as Garland was the wrong choice. We have 81 million voters and irrefutable evidence on our side of Republican sedition, and corruption and Trump's crimes and the Republicans are getting away with running candidates that are traitors and election deniers and will probably win the midterms because the Dems are such wimps.
I think Democrats are much more quiet than Republicans which doeS not them less effective. Frankly Obama and Clinton won’t change many people’s minds but campaigns like Fetterman is running will. We just don’t have a Fox News equivalent
Obama will be campaigning for Gov Evers and Mandela Barnes in Milwaukee, WI the end of October. Milwaukee is key to winning and I think he will be effective in getting out the vote there.
The Clinton’s carry too much baggage to help!
Agree with your assessment, Cynthia!
I just saw in the news today that Obama is campaigning in Georgia and I think somewhere else. I know in our area, candidates are trying to distance themselves from the national leaders, who are not popular and keep the election about the local candidates.
Obama is in Georgia , Michigan and Wisconsin. He needs to drive voter turnout. What we really need is Michele talking to women
Headed out now to assist overseas voters using www.votefromabroad.org. Yesterday at the outdoor market, 2 men came up to me with their VFA t-shirts, one of whom is the Dems Abroad treasurer in Madrid. We are everywhere. Reach out to all your groups--someone has a friend, colleague or relative living abroad. This link may help: Is your ONE U.S. Midterm vote worthwhile? https://middletonma.gov/303/The-Power-of-One-Vote
If you are one of the 6.5 million US citizens living abroad you can definitely vote in the upcoming election!! Go to votefromabroad.org to request your overseas ballot. But hurry because time is running out! Please share this with any US expatsyou know!
I do not know any expats, but think this is a wonderfully important post, Kelly!
Having been in UK for 22 years, there Dems Abroad are very active reaching out to the students and expat community to give them info re how to vote abroad. Uniform rules apply for all abroad.
I don't think enough praise (if that's the right word?) can be given to Nancy Pelosi. The composure, focus and true grit she showed on January 6th were utterly remarkable and cannot be underscored. I am grateful she is the Speaker.
Again Robert, a hearty Mazel Tov to your daughter, her new husband and your entire family. Enjoy!
When I was a child my parents many times said to me “ you have to appreciate what you have. Don’t take any of it for granted “ I was a child born right after WWII and that experience shaped the thoughts of my parents and upbringing. This week as I watched President Biden interact with citizens across the country and saw the J6th video of Nancy Pelosi I realized that we are under appreciating these two individuals and what they are doing and mean to our country. Nothing fancy, not a lot of hype and straight honest dialogue that you can trust and believe. Most importantly look hard at the list of accomplishments they have racked up since this administration began governing. Decent hard working people working together to protect our country, lives and freedoms. We all cannot afford to lose any of this because the alternative is frightening and unacceptable. Maybe we should judge all candidates running for office against the character of President Biden and Nancy Pelosi. They sure could use some help and assistance.
I couldn't agree more with you Stephen. Why do so many refuse to acknowledge this?
I have thought a lot about that question. I think many voters are like sports fans dedicated to a team ( MAGA ) and hate the other team regardless. I’m a big sports fan and love my Philly teams and hate the Celtics, Cowboys and Mets even when they clearly have better teams and players. It’s the same mentality but what everyone forgets is they get 100% of the media coverage and only represent about 30% of all voters. They have been given more attention than they deserve and have in some cases brainwashed.
Democracy ROCKSTAR Nancy Pelosi!!!
Happy Family Wedding Weekend, except no checking comments/messages!!! Enjoy/cherish this special time!!! Best wishes from your Colorado Fan Club!
Happy wedding weekend! Such a wonderful testimony to the parenting of Robert and Jill! Blessings to their family! Robert tells the story that he started this newsletter for the purpose of providing calming assurance to his daughters that we will be okay after Trump was elected--okay with ongoing vigilance for how to keep our democracy.
I don't think Robert would mind our being "defiant, and unrelenting in doing everything possible to claim as many victories as possible...to win enough to...flip a few state legislatures," as through any donations in the name of his work to help save democracy! You can contribute to meeting the goal of funds to be distributed by The States Project to the good legislative candidates in the most pivotal states--by this Monday, October 17!
https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/1XQhnyD/Tending-to-Democracy
News flash! Announcement from The States Project!
2022 Giving Circles Final Weekend Match
A set of donors who support our work are so excited about the power of Giving Circles that they've offered to match every dollar raised by the Giving Circles community through our fundraising deadline of 11:59pm PT Monday, October 17, 2022, up to $60,000 total across all Giving Circles! The first $1,000 of every individual donation will be matched, until we reach the total $60,000 match amount.
The match works like this: Any and all donations from Saturday 10/15 through Monday 10/17 at 11:59pm PT will be matched up to $1,000 per individual gift until we reach the $60,000 cap!
Spread the word, tell your friends!
Thank you! Donated and shared on FB and Twitter. I am so grateful to have found this community as well as Heather Cox Richardson's!!
Thanks to you I just contributed.
Why the October 17 deadline?
It's the last week where The States Project believes we can spend effectively (earlier dollars do more and there are diminishing returns on late $). Onward! :)
Thank you, Michael! You heard it straight from the source, Melissa Walker, Head of Giving Circles at The States Project, whom Robert interviewed on his podcast this past January.
Thank you for your support, and Arizona is key!
May all the love and happiness that surround your daughter and her husband at the ceremony and celebration be with them every day of their marriage.
And enjoy every minute of this harried, hectic, heart-filled event in all of your lives.
I am enjoying the comments which praise Nancy, the unflappable and heroic woman who has done such a terrific job keeping the House in order. My thought, when I saw that video, was — this lady had 8 children. She knows how to deal with chaos. How abut a Medal of Freedom for her?
Is it any surprise that Nancy Pelosi like other STRONG female leaders are often criticized in such hateful ugly ways. It’s our white misogynistic culture. Look at Hillary and Gretchen Whitmer, to name two others.
She had five. As if that wasn't enough to teach her to deal with chaos and recalcitrant children (masking as congress people).
In the 70s as a college student at Rutgers, I did an independent study on McCarthyism. To me there were two features that were eye openers.
First, grown adults experienced irrational fear of events outside their control (Russia going nuclear, China taken over by Mao). When times get tough, some of us rise to the occasion. Too many revert to selfish impulses. Harm gets done and we lower ourselves.
The other was a power play by the new rich in TX and OK to push aside old wealth as GOP political players. Primarily wildcat oil men like the Murchisons, they financed the immaturity of libertarianism against what they saw as the restrictions of the New Deal. Immature people never recognize that complete freedom is the danger instead of trading a reasonable amount so all prosper. They came of age under Reagan.
I get frustrated when friends make fun of Hee Haw Trumpists. An all-too-easy target that doesn't explain why successful people support him. To me, when facing hard issues like pandemic, economic suffering, immigration, societal change, religion and politics moves again toward being selfish and narcissistic...collectively narcissistic. Christianity without Christ.
What it has taught me is that too many humans are devoid of the mental makeup to band together to get past threats. They push women, children, the frail and weak out of the way, making up a false narrative of empty courage to justify their own lack of maturity and real courage. No mistake: ignorance is a factor, but the truth is that it is willful ignorance. And they have found their pied piper, whether in McCarthy or Trump. We have to find the good souls and grownups and join together to offset this contagion of weakness and loss of character. We must seize the narrative and hold up the mirror as did attorney Welch: "have you no sense of decency?" And do so as our politics are financed by the wealthiest, self-seeking sliver of our polity. We have our work cut out.