U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Washington, will not attend President Donald Trump’s joint Congressional address, citing significant concerns over the administration’s actions.
My Senator, Patty Murray “I will not be attending President Trump’s address to Congress,” Murray stated in a press release. “The state of the union is that the President is spitting in the face of the law and he is letting an unelected billionaire fire cancer researchers and wreck federal agencies like the Social Security Administration at will.”
Last night on MSNBC , Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) said at that time, she was undecided, but pointed out that if all the Dems boycotted, then the Rs could have their staffers fill the empty seats. Today she announced she is attending, and bringing with her the president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (could not find what CWA stands for). The main thing will be to see how the Dems in attendance do good pageantry--a generally important tactic that Prof. Timothy Snyder just talked about earlier on a Zoom with Red Wine & Blue (look for the video--it's great!).
I found this answer to what CWA means, and I did not know that either! Another new thing learned: "Since 2004, AFA has been part of the Communications Workers of America, an affiliate of AFL–CIO."
Congrats to Senator Murphy! I also did not watch, but being in Central European Time do not watch any of these things in real time, and nothing Trump says afterwards either.
Here is my Governor JD Pritzker of Illinois telling us how it is in a minute.
I mostly live in Germany. Democrats Abroad are talking about protesting Tesla dealers around the world, since we are not allowed to protest against specific politicians. I was someone who suggested this to my region and looked up where the Tesla dealers are in my city. There are 2. They do not just sell Teslas. That is good because sales are down 60% since last year. We are also planning on going to the Women's Day Marches in our cities.
What I would like to see is Democrats showcasing fired federal workers who tell us their stories. It must be made real to people. Most Democrats speaking out is important.
I also think our democratic legislators should be developing legislation to counter what Trump is doing. It not so that these bills can be passed right now, but to show that they are doing something that counters the bad. So, they should address everything he has done, and then everything that is still in Project 2025 to do, and create bills and trot them in front of the press. It will force upon people the idea that things can be different. They are in a position to do this, we are not.
Outstanding post - I agree completely that Democrats need to propose and publicize legislation that completely counters what Trump and Republicans are doing. The legislation Democrats propose today can be used in the 2026 campaign and could become the legislation passed in 2027 when they win back Congress.
it "should" be simple, not courageous, to do what is "right."
However, with the threats to oneself and one's family by this increasingly brutal - even homicidal - dictator wannabe, it appears those still using the label "GOP" have been strongarmed or seduced into complete obedience.
The opposite of Timothy Snyder's First Lesson in On Tyranny - Do Not Obey In Advance.
I'm really grateful for your posts. You are clear and you are not fear-mongering, and I always come away understanding things better and somehow feeling a bit hopeful. Thanks so much. Enjoy your trip!
Days like today, breathing normally can feel like a monumental act of self-care. On the plus side, I joined a substantial crowd protesting at the Fox News building. There was a dude in a tricorne hat!
My suggestion was for Democrats to fill up the chamber all together with the Republicans and be completely disingenuous of looking forward to Donald’s address. Then, just as he was getting under way with his speech I was suggesting that ALL Democrats get up and leave en masse. That would have infuriated the little boy. And it would have prevented the Republicans from filling the empty seats in advance. I’m guessing that would have generated some notoriety in the corp media. But it would have been an incredible statement.
Wish someone had thought of that. Perhaps at the first lie have someone shout out, "Liar" (as in the time when it was done unfairly to Obama) and then all walk out.
There is more going on here. Hakeem Jeffries and Ken Martin are having a virtual event on Wednesday evening. Wednesday morning Hakeem Jeffries is having an event on the Capitol steps with people who have been laid off by DOGE. We will update you when you return. Take some time away from all of this news.
Thank you for sharing this! I am definitely going to attend the virtual event! I will spread the word! Did you have a link? I am going to look for it to share..
There is much excellent advice in today's column, Robert. I quote what I think is the best and most important:
"We must free ourselves from custom, decorum, parliamentary procedure, and the silly anxiety of “what will people think?” Trump is playing a game in which he counts on the fact that we will continue to play by the rules while he does not. That asymmetry of rule-following ensures that he always has the upper hand. No more.
"We can no longer remain in reactive mode in which we follow scripted responses. We must engage in political attacks that are unexpected, asymmetrical, and forceful. Rather than being on our back foot, we must keep Trump and the GOP off-balance."
But I think you got one thing wrong: Protesters who showed up at GOP town halls have NOT shut down the ability of Republicans to meet with their constituents completely. What the protesters have done is, I think, even more important: They have forced Republicans to AVOID their constituents because of the embarrassment and hassle they will experience if they do actually do their jobs and meet with the people who they represent. This is THEIR anti-democratic and cowardly response to the democratic process working as it should. Shame on them for hiding from their bosses instead of facing the music and either attempting to justify the unjustifiable or choosing to change their tune,
Attended a protest here in Redwood City, CA today. About 150 people showed up at one of the busiest intersections in town with signs, etc. Peaceful, but noisy. Every time the lights changed a new group of cars honked in support of our signs supporting democracy, anti-dictator, anti-Musk, etc. I did notice that very few Tesla drivers honked, but a few did wave. A couple of the best signs were "F-ELON" and "Holy Fascism, Batman. Stop the Coup". Yes, we need to keep taking it to PINO Trump as hard and fast as we can.
Dems need to put together their own Project 2027 to show what they will do when elected. To do this have some behind-the-scenes think tank sessions with a variety of perspectives presented on the path forward. Allow any disagreements to be settled out of the public eye. The goal would be to create a bold plan that stops the tyrannical takeover of our Democracy and moves us back into the light of freedom. People could get behind that.
You're absolutely right, Robert, about following rules. It goes against my nature to be selfish, disruptive, and disrespectful, but trump and the other two stooges leave me no choice. We have to take care of ourselves if we want to be able to take care of others.
Right. Yes, it's like learning to play a new, depraved instrument. But those are the cards we've been dealt. We have the advantage of intelligence and ingenuity, so it shouldn't be so difficult to develop effective tactics. Their instrument is a blunt, incessant hammer. Unfortunately it managed a unified, domineering messaging campaign that bludgeoned their base into mobilization.
Look, we have been in the trenches for ten years. We will not give up as Trump/Musk/MAGA get more disgusting and diabolical every day. We cannot wait for "everyday Americans" to wake up. Next week, I board a plane for Missoula, MT, to await the birth of our second grandchild. I want her to grow up in a sane democracy, not ruled by greedy guts who believe they are kings and know better what is good for everyone else. Because they don't. They never did care about anything other than themselves and making a buck, or a deal, or pissing on the graves of folks who don't look like them, act like them, or who believe true wealth, like true love, is hard won and hard to come by. I will boycott every product, every concert, every bloody business these, mostly guys, push in our faces. As Heather Booth puts it beautifully, "Organize with love at the center." Let's keep going with heads held high.
Yes, I was glad to see Wyden duck out early and address his constituents + directly. There's a mutual exchange between Dems that needs to take place in this crisis, and they are starting to respond well. Regarding Schumer, we can only apply pressure. He was elected unanimously, and actually has great command of Senate procedure, which is essential for making things effective in that rigid institution (think McConnell, but the other side). This is not to say that Schumer is ideal to meet this existential crisis. I don't know the best answer there.
The best response for Dems tonight is to laugh, snicker, giggle and guffaw in response to everything Trump says. Make him look like the idiot he is. It will drive him insane(r)!
Yep--no audience would steal his oxygen. No one to poke at, prod and provoke. No one to look down at, just his sycophants and culties (whom he actually despises even while basking in their self-serving praise and applause).
Growing up in New York, I also have to tune the youtube channel out every time he comes on in a clip. There are thuggishly smooth speech patterns and legerdemain that instantly gets under my skin.
Ontario's Doug Ford is giving Trump a taste of his own medicine, announcing, with a broad grin, a 25% surcharge on all energy exported to New York, Michigan and Minnesota.
U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Washington, will not attend President Donald Trump’s joint Congressional address, citing significant concerns over the administration’s actions.
My Senator, Patty Murray “I will not be attending President Trump’s address to Congress,” Murray stated in a press release. “The state of the union is that the President is spitting in the face of the law and he is letting an unelected billionaire fire cancer researchers and wreck federal agencies like the Social Security Administration at will.”
https://mynorthwest.com/mynorthwest-politics/sen-murray-to-skip/4056877
Last night on MSNBC , Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) said at that time, she was undecided, but pointed out that if all the Dems boycotted, then the Rs could have their staffers fill the empty seats. Today she announced she is attending, and bringing with her the president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (could not find what CWA stands for). The main thing will be to see how the Dems in attendance do good pageantry--a generally important tactic that Prof. Timothy Snyder just talked about earlier on a Zoom with Red Wine & Blue (look for the video--it's great!).
I liked the idea of Dems attending and then all getting up as he started and exiting.
I found this answer to what CWA means, and I did not know that either! Another new thing learned: "Since 2004, AFA has been part of the Communications Workers of America, an affiliate of AFL–CIO."
Congrats to Senator Murphy! I also did not watch, but being in Central European Time do not watch any of these things in real time, and nothing Trump says afterwards either.
Here is my Governor JD Pritzker of Illinois telling us how it is in a minute.
https://youtu.be/XzouRu91rQU?si=ZnHEX6LkGghayKSG
I mostly live in Germany. Democrats Abroad are talking about protesting Tesla dealers around the world, since we are not allowed to protest against specific politicians. I was someone who suggested this to my region and looked up where the Tesla dealers are in my city. There are 2. They do not just sell Teslas. That is good because sales are down 60% since last year. We are also planning on going to the Women's Day Marches in our cities.
What I would like to see is Democrats showcasing fired federal workers who tell us their stories. It must be made real to people. Most Democrats speaking out is important.
I also think our democratic legislators should be developing legislation to counter what Trump is doing. It not so that these bills can be passed right now, but to show that they are doing something that counters the bad. So, they should address everything he has done, and then everything that is still in Project 2025 to do, and create bills and trot them in front of the press. It will force upon people the idea that things can be different. They are in a position to do this, we are not.
Outstanding post - I agree completely that Democrats need to propose and publicize legislation that completely counters what Trump and Republicans are doing. The legislation Democrats propose today can be used in the 2026 campaign and could become the legislation passed in 2027 when they win back Congress.
Governor Pritzker is a champion.
it "should" be simple, not courageous, to do what is "right."
However, with the threats to oneself and one's family by this increasingly brutal - even homicidal - dictator wannabe, it appears those still using the label "GOP" have been strongarmed or seduced into complete obedience.
The opposite of Timothy Snyder's First Lesson in On Tyranny - Do Not Obey In Advance.
I'm really grateful for your posts. You are clear and you are not fear-mongering, and I always come away understanding things better and somehow feeling a bit hopeful. Thanks so much. Enjoy your trip!
I agree!!
What Laurie said!
I agree!
Agree!
Days like today, breathing normally can feel like a monumental act of self-care. On the plus side, I joined a substantial crowd protesting at the Fox News building. There was a dude in a tricorne hat!
Thank you for attending.
My suggestion was for Democrats to fill up the chamber all together with the Republicans and be completely disingenuous of looking forward to Donald’s address. Then, just as he was getting under way with his speech I was suggesting that ALL Democrats get up and leave en masse. That would have infuriated the little boy. And it would have prevented the Republicans from filling the empty seats in advance. I’m guessing that would have generated some notoriety in the corp media. But it would have been an incredible statement.
Wish someone had thought of that. Perhaps at the first lie have someone shout out, "Liar" (as in the time when it was done unfairly to Obama) and then all walk out.
Or small signs held up:
🤥🤥👖on🔥
they did have the small signs - paddles.
The comment I made was before the state of the union and we didn’t know they would have signs.
Well, for once the Democrats would be in the news cycle...as Krasnov would say: it makes for great television.
Several Dems who attended brought constituents who are directly hurt by Trump's actions.
There is more going on here. Hakeem Jeffries and Ken Martin are having a virtual event on Wednesday evening. Wednesday morning Hakeem Jeffries is having an event on the Capitol steps with people who have been laid off by DOGE. We will update you when you return. Take some time away from all of this news.
Thank you for sharing this! I am definitely going to attend the virtual event! I will spread the word! Did you have a link? I am going to look for it to share..
Agree! Brian Schatz said as much too :)
"We must shape the narrative by becoming the story."
Absolutely, let's be proactive, become protagonists.
This man gets WAY too much deference. He deserves none at all.
There is much excellent advice in today's column, Robert. I quote what I think is the best and most important:
"We must free ourselves from custom, decorum, parliamentary procedure, and the silly anxiety of “what will people think?” Trump is playing a game in which he counts on the fact that we will continue to play by the rules while he does not. That asymmetry of rule-following ensures that he always has the upper hand. No more.
"We can no longer remain in reactive mode in which we follow scripted responses. We must engage in political attacks that are unexpected, asymmetrical, and forceful. Rather than being on our back foot, we must keep Trump and the GOP off-balance."
But I think you got one thing wrong: Protesters who showed up at GOP town halls have NOT shut down the ability of Republicans to meet with their constituents completely. What the protesters have done is, I think, even more important: They have forced Republicans to AVOID their constituents because of the embarrassment and hassle they will experience if they do actually do their jobs and meet with the people who they represent. This is THEIR anti-democratic and cowardly response to the democratic process working as it should. Shame on them for hiding from their bosses instead of facing the music and either attempting to justify the unjustifiable or choosing to change their tune,
Attended a protest here in Redwood City, CA today. About 150 people showed up at one of the busiest intersections in town with signs, etc. Peaceful, but noisy. Every time the lights changed a new group of cars honked in support of our signs supporting democracy, anti-dictator, anti-Musk, etc. I did notice that very few Tesla drivers honked, but a few did wave. A couple of the best signs were "F-ELON" and "Holy Fascism, Batman. Stop the Coup". Yes, we need to keep taking it to PINO Trump as hard and fast as we can.
Did you see the pic of the Tesla in Cali in Jess Craven’s post yesterday ?Could be AI but looks real to me. 😂
https://open.substack.com/pub/chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions/p/chop-wood-carry-water-34-073?
Great news, love these signs!
Dems need to put together their own Project 2027 to show what they will do when elected. To do this have some behind-the-scenes think tank sessions with a variety of perspectives presented on the path forward. Allow any disagreements to be settled out of the public eye. The goal would be to create a bold plan that stops the tyrannical takeover of our Democracy and moves us back into the light of freedom. People could get behind that.
And if anybody follows this excellent advice, please stop opposing the movement to keep women sports for women.
I agree. I think one of the mistakes the Dems have made in the past is a complete mishandling of the culture wars.
Enjoy your vacation. I like the boycott idea, but here is another intriguing possibility: https://open.substack.com/pub/gregolear/p/sotu-stfu-how-the-opposition-party?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2jsw1
Thank-you for the ink to Greg. His ideas for protest are great. His assessment of the Dem leadership is unfortunately accurate. It is now up to us.
I suspect it always has been.
excellent; thanks.
Greg gives great “no-bullshit” take on all of this. Thank you, Dave Conan’s, for posting the link!!!
I follow Greg too and i loved what he wrote!
You're absolutely right, Robert, about following rules. It goes against my nature to be selfish, disruptive, and disrespectful, but trump and the other two stooges leave me no choice. We have to take care of ourselves if we want to be able to take care of others.
Right. Yes, it's like learning to play a new, depraved instrument. But those are the cards we've been dealt. We have the advantage of intelligence and ingenuity, so it shouldn't be so difficult to develop effective tactics. Their instrument is a blunt, incessant hammer. Unfortunately it managed a unified, domineering messaging campaign that bludgeoned their base into mobilization.
Look, we have been in the trenches for ten years. We will not give up as Trump/Musk/MAGA get more disgusting and diabolical every day. We cannot wait for "everyday Americans" to wake up. Next week, I board a plane for Missoula, MT, to await the birth of our second grandchild. I want her to grow up in a sane democracy, not ruled by greedy guts who believe they are kings and know better what is good for everyone else. Because they don't. They never did care about anything other than themselves and making a buck, or a deal, or pissing on the graves of folks who don't look like them, act like them, or who believe true wealth, like true love, is hard won and hard to come by. I will boycott every product, every concert, every bloody business these, mostly guys, push in our faces. As Heather Booth puts it beautifully, "Organize with love at the center." Let's keep going with heads held high.
That made me smile. Thank you. Wishing a sweet time with your newest family member!
One of my Senators, Ron Wyden will be holding an on-line town hall. I want Chris Murphy to replace Chuck Schumer as Senate Leader. Can we do that?
Yes, I was glad to see Wyden duck out early and address his constituents + directly. There's a mutual exchange between Dems that needs to take place in this crisis, and they are starting to respond well. Regarding Schumer, we can only apply pressure. He was elected unanimously, and actually has great command of Senate procedure, which is essential for making things effective in that rigid institution (think McConnell, but the other side). This is not to say that Schumer is ideal to meet this existential crisis. I don't know the best answer there.
Yes, but Robert said now is not the time to play by the rules, and Chris Murphy would shake things up.
The best response for Dems tonight is to laugh, snicker, giggle and guffaw in response to everything Trump says. Make him look like the idiot he is. It will drive him insane(r)!
I think they should walk out enmass
Yep--no audience would steal his oxygen. No one to poke at, prod and provoke. No one to look down at, just his sycophants and culties (whom he actually despises even while basking in their self-serving praise and applause).
What a happy day 1/20/20 was!
I’m not watching the address tonight. I detest his voice and his visage.
Growing up in New York, I also have to tune the youtube channel out every time he comes on in a clip. There are thuggishly smooth speech patterns and legerdemain that instantly gets under my skin.
Having grown up in New York, I knew about him for decades and understood immediately how evil he is.
Exactly! Since the 70s / 80s. Which makes it all the more unbelievable how other parts of the country can fall for his schtick.
Ontario's Doug Ford is giving Trump a taste of his own medicine, announcing, with a broad grin, a 25% surcharge on all energy exported to New York, Michigan and Minnesota.