178 Comments

These are definitely exciting times. In his selfless act of stepping out of the race for his second term as president, President Biden has brought a resurgence of hope to the Democratic Party. He will go down in history as a great president who put country first. Vice President Harris is off to an incredible start. Her joyfulness and spirit are bringing Democrats back together and more solid in their drive to defeat Trump.

Now I have to have a deep discussion with my grandchildren who have not voted in an election. They feel that their vote does not matter. They also believe that politicians only care about power. Hopefully, they will be invigorated by Vice President Harris’s campaign enough to go to the polls and vote.

Expand full comment

Only a vote not cast doesn't matter – well that's actually wrong this year. It will be a vote for the felon.

In 2016, two weeks before the elections, I met with the Secretary of State of a red state. He was Republican and had not been in that position for long. When he came across statistics that in the preceding midterm elections only a little more than 10% of the 18 to 25 years old cohort had voted he was shocked and felt he had to do something about it (yes, those were the times, decent Republicans still existed). The reactions of his fellow Republicans was "What do you care?"

I wish you luck with your grandchildren. It might help if you tell them that it might very well be the last time they have the chance to vote

https://x.com/ruthbenghiat/status/1817014492313661551

Expand full comment

I have been telling people in both Germany who are American and in the US that not voting is being political too. I have told my daughter, who is in university in Germany, that voting in this election or any is more important than going to classes or any thing that the university can do for her. You can fix those mistakes. This is one that you might not get a chance to fix. Of course, voting Abroad she has to make sure to vote and get it in the mail in a timely manner. I will help her both by nagging judiciously, and by helping her go over her ballot to make sure she fills it out right.

Expand full comment

*In Germany*, of all places, standing to the side, pretending that opposing a man like Trump is optional?

Don’t they teach German history in Germany?

Expand full comment

We do. That's why in federal elections we have a participation of around 75%.

Expand full comment

American students in Germany are not required to take German history if it does not fit in their program of studies. If they did not have it in the USA, which I can well imagine they did not, then they may not understand how this time is like the 1930s in many ways. Or how Hitler rose to power. So, I can imagine a lot do not know Germany history like my daughter does, because she took it here in Germany.

Expand full comment

Add that to the growing list of things American kids don't learn because they are not taught.

Expand full comment

Yes, Ruth Ben-Ghiat’s opinion really counts. I’ve been impressed by her Substack and interviews.

Expand full comment

Yes, Virginia! My grands vote, but Israel/Gaza war has put them off. Thank goodness Kamala has a different angle on that situation. What a brilliant move to candidate Harris!

Expand full comment

I really hope a ceasefire is place before September. I'd hate for the US election to be decided by the Israel / Gaza conflict and voter apathy....

Also if anyone claims they care about Palestine then they will vote to make sure Trump who doesn't support a 2 state solution and encourages Israel to end the war by any means possible doesn't return to office. If anyone claims to care so much about Israel / Gaza but doesn't vote then they seem like they just like the moral superiority of not having to make a less than perfect decision. We do not live in a perfect world.

Expand full comment

Remember: Hamas doesn’t support a 2-state solution.

Expand full comment

It is interesting and sad that too many democrats are against the position of this administration and so will not vote for it, yet don't get the fact that Trump has indicated his disgust for the Muslim community and his willingness to let Netanyahu do whatever he wants. How does this make any sense

Expand full comment

Also, Putin is a big Hamas supporter.

Expand full comment

I need a good one for people (particularly the parents of people in a so-called "safe state") who think they can make a third party protest vote or stay home with no bad effects. I nearly burst a blood vessel when I heard this from a friend about one of their kids. When asked why it mattered, I talked about how a massive win will be needed to counterract all of the efforts that will be made by Republicans to undermine the election results. That didn't hit home. (They don't spend as much time reading Democracy Docket as I do.) The only thing I said that sort of hit home was that the media reaction to a massive voter turnout and win will itself be meaningful. Looking for even better arguments.

Expand full comment

Ask them what kind of future do they want? One with freedom, prosperity, opportunity, the ability to thrive, safe from gun violence, freedom to be who you want to be, freedom to make your own decisions? Or a future that the government controls your life, takes away all your freedoms, only wealthy billionaires can thrive? There’s also a good possibility that the next president will pick supreme court justices. Which president do you want to pick them? Also tell them about project 2025. Research has shown that voters who learn about it will vote for Democrats.

Expand full comment

Love your response to this very important question, Abbi. Unfortunately my favorite family member is one of those unrealistic idealists who does not seem to grasp the risk. She feels she is being principled. I am going to be more blunt when we have this discussion again - "it's a binary choice: fascism or democracy" plain and simple; but like your idea of adding project 2025 to the mix.

Expand full comment

Keep talking to her. See my above comments to another reply. Talk about her values and then tell her how MAGAs want to destroy those values and that’s why we need to vote. Trump just said that he would fix it so there wouldn’t be anymore elections if he’s elected. It’s all over Social Media. Whether MSM covers it is another matter. For right now, tell her to vote, so we have elections in 2028 and then she can work hard to elect who she likes. Have her watch this video that I posted on twitter: https://x.com/abbij1961/status/1817159746316599799?s=46&t=nr2n_n5w45zBpCMqbdbVlA

Expand full comment

Excellent advice and thoughts, Abbi. I think it is important to "engage" the person in conversation with questions, as difficult as that may be. A great friend, younger than I by a good shot, was dying in 2019, but still engaged, still in the discussion and very alert and active. When I was with him a few weeks before he passed I bemoaned Trumpists, and he said he engaged them by asking questions. Telling someone the choice is between democracy and fascism, may not be as successful as asking "What kind of America, what kind of world do you want?" Then listen. And ask, "Who will move us toward that America, that world? Trump or Harris? They may say, NEITHER! That's the response of nihilistic types who will only be happy when they are in command. But most, I hope will say, the Democrats are far from perfect, but the Republicans are against every freedom and that young people, old people, Black and white, rich and poor, have valued and experienced around the world.

Expand full comment

Much thanks Abbi! A great resource...we have to share every bit of information in a manner that is to the point.

Expand full comment

Good work keeping up the posts on social media.

Expand full comment

Please check out this repository of information on Project 2025 designed for people whose eyes would glaze over if you sent them a link to the 2025 document:

https://www.digitaldrumbeat.com/p/the-big-list-of-resources-about-project

Expand full comment

Good selection.

Expand full comment

Good advice Abbi though I question whether the very concept of "future" is maybe too abstract for some young people. Many people remain immortal in their own eyes, far into adulthood. Thus, future can wait, as they are busy having fun. DonOLD's pledge last night to never have to vote again appeals greatly to this inherent laziness in many people. The future? Not my problem. I'm all good!

Expand full comment

Maybe, but pointing out that their rights, someone they love, or friends rights are going to be gone. For young people, gun safety and climate change are huge issues for them. Do you want to live in a place where you can breathe clean air or do you want to drink clean water when you turn on your faucet? Do you want to go to school and feel confident that no one will shoot you.

Expand full comment

Sorry, I just posted the same thing. Hate to be redundant.

Expand full comment

I just ran across this:

”The greatest menace to freedom is an inert people.”

– Justice Louis Brandeis

Expand full comment

Jim, I sure hope you're wrong! And actually, I suspect you are, because a lot of young people are very concerned about climate change; also all those shootings in schools. And of course, the more immortal they think they are, the more climate change will have an impact on them.

Expand full comment

Excellent point about Project 2025. The more people learn about it, the less they like it.

Expand full comment

At the entrance to a grocery store recently I was stopped by a young woman who asked if I was registered to vote. "Sure am," I said with enthusiasm. She then asked me to sign a form to pledge support for the Green Party on the ballot (this is in Massachusetts). I said, "Not this election. With everything at risk, it has to be Democrat all the way." She told me it doesn't matter in our blue state, and I told her that this year, the popular vote will be very important, to help send a clear message. She was downright angry, which made me think she was getting that message from others, which made me happy.

Expand full comment

Great discussion. I think "The popular vote sends a message" is a good tack to take.

Expand full comment

I'm pretty impatient with the Greens, frankly. I'm a longtime environmentalist myself, but I'm still sore about the Greens purity-testing Al Gore into the hanging chads horror in Florida that gave us GW Bush as president -- and the invasion of Iraq and the long, horrible war that followed. 😡

Expand full comment

The first election after which I cried.

Expand full comment

Make sure they understand the need to vote in state and local elections. Also, make sure they understand how critical Supreme Court appointments are. These don't really help with the top-of-the-ticket issue, but getting them to the polls to vote D has to be a start.

Expand full comment

bluevoterguide.org or vote411.org are good resources for getting educated on how to vote on down-ballot issues.

Expand full comment

You need to tie specific 2025 sections directly to the. As well as the comments Trump made last night in Florida about this will be the last time people will have to vote.

Expand full comment

Oh my GAWD! He said what?! Good, he said it out loud- I will send that to the people who tell me “oh, no… that would never happen”.

I fully expect nothing but the worst from orange and the GOP. They are think tanking as I write- looking for any sleazy way to hobble our democracy. I expect they will get worse but we have to keep the pressure and the positive vibes going

Expand full comment

Former President Donald Trump told Christians on Friday to vote “just this time” and claimed they “won’t have to do it anymore” after the election in November.

“Four more years, you know what? It’ll be fixed, it’ll be fine. You won’t have to vote anymore,” the GOP presidential nominee told the crowd at the conservative Turning Point Action event in 

Florida (https://www.huffpost.com/news/topic/florida?ncid=APPLENEWS00001)

Expand full comment

Many will react: “He couldn’t *really* have meant that!” I would respond, “Why should you want to take a chance?” Others may come up with more effective responses.

Expand full comment

Wow, sounds like some entitled young people who clearly don't understand what is at risk! Is this still their position now that Kamala is going to be at the top of the ticket?

How about "what happens if everybody in your age group decided the same thing, that somebody else would take up their slack?" The GOP doesn't think that way and that is how we got Trump in the first place.

With respect to "just staying home" I think the most persuasive arguement is to talk about down ballot races and how this effects their lives directly. Even though the electoral votes in a "safe" red or blue state may be a foregone conclusion, the same may not be the case for other races. In 2020, Cheri Beasley lost her bid for reelection for NC Supreme Court by 401 votes out of 5.39M votes cast!! In 2022, the GOP picked up more seats in the NC Supreeme Court and as a result we have one of the most gerrymandered state legislatures in the country. In 2018(?), a VA state house seat was tied and the Republican won it in a coin toss! Everyone's vote matters - especially in down ballot races!

A NC voter registration nonprofit, You Can Vote, has some great handouts relating to how the down ballot races directly impact voter's lives. I especially like the "Who's on the Ballot?" and "What's on the Ballot?" handouts, both of which can be found here: https://www.youcanvote.org/handouts. Obviously this is very state specific especially wrt the names of the offices, but you could use this as a template to map issues to various offices in your state.

For example, the current incumbent for NC Commisioner of Insurance, Mike Causey, has been there for 2 terms (8 years) and raised the maximum insurance premiums permitted in the state 18 times! It shouldn't surprise you that he is getting big $$$ in campaign contributions from the Insurance lobby!! A current NC state senator, Natasha Marcus, who got gerrymandered out of her district (she literally no longer lives in it), is running againt him with a slogan that we need to defeat "Rate HIke Mike".

Expand full comment

As part of Sister District, I live the downballot message all day long :-). In MA we also have a handful of ballot measures which might interest people.

Expand full comment

Ordinarily, I’d say, “Vote for the person”. Not this time – so much is at stake that Republicans need to receive a strong message, to be hit over the head until they become a democratic (small d) party.

Expand full comment

Protest votes work in smaller or local elections. For the Statewide or Nationwide voting, we don't have to like the 2 party system but it is the reality we live in. Maybe your kids can vote for the party that supports rank choice voting and making voting easier? I was a diehard libertarian when I was in high school / college, then the real world punched me in the face lol. It's easier to be contrarian, think you are smarter than the old heads and nitpick a problem instead of realizing how tough problems realize complex solutions, and we have to work with what we have.

Expand full comment

Philly T. I reprint your last sentence for emphasis. "It's easier to be contrarian, think you are smarter than the old heads and nitpick a problem instead of realizing how tough problems realize complex solutions, and we have to work with what we h."

I think this is a major problem. The Internet has made us all "experts," and given a microphone where each of us can broadcast from little fiefdoms of self-love and righteousness. "I am right and you are wrong." We wear our hard carapaces of self-esteem like armor. That's why it is so hard to talk across the divides, but planting some seeds of doubt and -- even fear -- might crack that shell, but it cracks more easily perhaps with questions. Well, what would you do about Gaza? Or how would you feel if the Republicans did do away with voting, just as Trump said he would?

Expand full comment

Also tell them that ttfg is telling his followers to just get out and vote this once - they won't have to do it again, because it will be "fixed." Perhaps that will wake them up?

Expand full comment

Tell them what happened in 2000, when so many Democrats cast a protest vote (or stayed home because Al Gore flunked their purity test) that we ended up with President George W. Bush -- who, in the wake of 911, invaded the wrong country and embroiled us in a ruinous war that went on for many years, killed countless people, wounded countless more, and destabilized the entire Middle East. A presidential election -- especially this one -- is WAY too important for this sort of thing.

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
Jul 27
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

I think the problem isn't that they don't care about that stuff--it's that they think living in a solidly blue state that their vote doesn't matter--because there's no chance the state won't go for Harris.

Expand full comment

“The most important action we can take is to bring disaffected and previously unmotivated voters back to (or into) the political process in 2024.”

This feels key to me. I was around family members yesterday who were discussing what they saw as increased chances of Trump not winning and how terrible for the country that would be. They are not silly MAGA people, but they are convinced immigration is out of control (I’m in Texas) and leading to all sort of ills. Engaging with them would be pointless.

I think reaching previously inactive eligible voters is key, and Harris brings not only a clear message of why Republicans must be defeated but also a clear vision of an America I believe most people want.

I plan to spend a lot of time on college campuses these next few months. I’m in the Dallas area—let me know if you’d like to join me.

Expand full comment

Cathy, do your family members feel that Trump's term was successful in handling the immigration ishsues? You note that "Engaging with them would be pointless." But maybe asking them questions like what do they think should be done? Might be possible. Arrogant of me to even presume to advise you on this, but trying to be helpful to you as a person who has taught me a lot. In the last few months I have been surprised at what some of my family and friends think (sometimes shocked) when I just ask them questions. Chip away.

Expand full comment

I think that's a good idea. I had actually thought about saying something to the effect of that I would like to learn from them what's driving their thinking. I don't want to argue or try to persuade, frankly, but I would just love to hear their thoughts. Unfortunately, they have been fed so much bad information at this point (e.g., immigrants are responsible for more crime, etc.) that it's hard to see how they change their minds. These are very generous, good people who give a lot to charities, are very good to their (small business) employees, etc.. But they also have strong feelings that everyone should work hard and pull themselves up by their bootstraps, although they of course were born into white, functional families who could send them to college, etc.

During COVID, again despite being well educated, they were convinced Fauci was not being honest--that he was the villain in all this, although they have gotten their vaccines, as their concierge doctors recommended.

It seems to be an overwhelming feeling that business is good and government is bad, full of people who are out to destroy us all.

I just don't get it, but it's also a pretty sad way to live.

Expand full comment

Thoughtful unpacking of the situation, thank you. Your comment suggests one angle that might help. Traditional Republicans (a la Reagan) want to be left alone by the government. Project 2025 and the Dobbs ruling, etc. lead to an ever more intrusive government foisting religious views and ordering our lives in ways that we are only beginning to realize.

Expand full comment

I think that’s right. I typically voted Republican until about ten years ago. It’s just not the same party.

I was at UT Austin when Roe v. Wade happened. I remember most women, of all ages and both parties, being so relieved because of the coat hangar abortions that were so awful and of course dangerous. These monstrous decisions of course impacted lower income women the most. Safe abortion care was seen as a a reasonable, civilized healthcare issue.

And now we have the government taking away our healthcare options. Incredible.

Expand full comment

I like your comment It’s much clearer about this phenomenon in the character of voters and who the ones we need to target to vote.

Expand full comment

Out of control immigration can be a problem and not just in the US rightwing and nationalistic parties are concentrating their agenda on that issue. Not surprisingly the felon forbade Reps in the House to pass a measure to control immigration.

I gave lots of talks on the issue in the US mentioning that Germany around 2015 and 2016 within 6 months took in nearly 1 million refugees, mostly from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Different culture, different religion, different language. Yes, there were problems but we managed.

And to put it into perspective, to compare it with what you in the US are facing I told the audience that Germany has a population of 82 million and the size of Montana.

This is something that might catch the attention of students when you are talking to them. And it should make them think if it really is such a burning problem that they would want to throw away their country over it.

Expand full comment

I can't tell you what to say to your grandkids, but I would ask them "If voting didn't matter then how come all the people who want you to feel apathetic, still go out there and vote? How come they joke about taking your voting power away or keep telling you the system can't work?". Gently remind them that our right to vote was earned in blood, sweat and tears, hopefully it will motivate a few of them to either seek office or vote themselves.

Expand full comment

Keep working on your grandchildren. They will have many meaningful elections in their lives, especially if Democrats win the White House. And there are local elections that can have a huge impact on their lives too. Where did they get the idea that their vote doesn't matter? Despite the despair and grief I felt when Reagan won after casting my first presidential vote for Jimmy Carter, I have never missed a vote since then!

Expand full comment

Share this 1 minute Seneca Project video.To note, Charlie Kirk is not just a supporter of Trump but founder/head of far-right youth group Turning Point USA.📣

https://x.com/senecaprojectus/status/1810372496878874790

Expand full comment

My children also bought into the “all politicians are only in it for themselves “ narrative. Not sure how to counteract that thinking, looking for suggestions.

Expand full comment

Watch Kamala

Expand full comment

And I would add to that. Suggest they research Katie Porter, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Jamie Raskin for starters. Look at their record and the outcomes of their work in Congress. They are by no means rich or turning their service into wealth. These are just three people off the top of my head; there are more.

Expand full comment

Also Jon Ossof of GA is amazing

Expand full comment

Imo, that line is propaganda from the right that is designed to put people off from voting. It's essentially a self fulfilling prophecy because people who believe it don't vote, and those who just want power get voted in.

I'm not sure if that will stick, but it's something I would try to counter that belief.

Also, it's how democracy works - elected representatives - the alternative is far worse.

Expand full comment

Ooh. That is accurate- only to an extent. Sure, with power comes the opportunity to be ‘in it for one’s self’. That, dear children, is the world we are living in. However the United States of America has democracy to balance that human ‘stuff’ out. The Constitution is there for just that kinda stuff. The Democrats have shown that they defer to the Constitution.

Sadly the GOP has allowed trump and his minions to play mental masturbation with our norms and our rules and the Constitution. Bottom line:

Project 2025 is the play book that outlines, in writing, what being in it for themselves will really be like. Kids need to know that they have had the luxury of being raised post ‘civil rights’. Those rights and the fairness that comes with them can go away.

Expand full comment

Some of the strong and valuable suggestions that come to my mind sound like reading assignments for "extra credit," and probably would not be effective. We are asking them to educate themselves, when powerful forces want them to not vote. SO, maybe concede that "politicians want power," but what Republicans want will take away freedom of choice, voting rights, clean air, etc -- things your children value and in Trump's support for Putin he may bring a world war, which would sort of like, you know, mess up their plans for the rest of their lives. "All politicians are in it for themselves."h OK, which self do you want to empower? Trump, misogynist, rapist, fraudster, narcissist who doesn't give a damn about them or Kamala Harris who will use her power to make life better for all of us, particularly women, the middle class, and poor people, as well as young people and all who participate in the American economy.

Expand full comment

“maybe concede that ‘politicians want power,’" –

But *good* politicians want power so they can do *good* things (cite Biden Administration accomplishments, civil rights legislation, etc.). Without power, all they can do is talk.

Expand full comment

Good point. Several generations of young people have had a dose of "leadership development" in schools and colleges. When I taught that sort of thing, my team emphasized the question, "Leadership for what? What do you want the POWER to do?" Many wannabe leaders aren't sure? They just want the power, the authority, the money, and the praise. With Trump, we are in a horrible spot -- a leader who wants to do things with his power but the only thing he wants to do is provide "retribution," vengeance, and cruelty and pain.

He's Conan the Barbarian on a golf cart.

Expand full comment

The President of the United States just stepped aside because he thought it was in the best interest of our country.

Expand full comment

I think there's hope that the social media explosion in favor of Kamala will help. I think that's where a lot of the cynicism was coming from. Maybe you let the vibe change and just keep talking about project 2025 and the contrast with the bright future Democrats are working for. Are your kids at all concerned about climate change? There's such a huge difference there.

Expand full comment

Just keep reminding them that Progress isn't a straight line and it almost never comes as quickly as we need it to. Certain groups have been working for 5 decades to take women's rights away, we can't be mad just because we haven't made progress in a couple years. If they feel so upset about the current system tell them to get involved, not just voting, but volunteering or running for local office. Be the change they want to see.

Expand full comment

Many are, but there are more who can work for equity and inclusion who bring wonderful skills to the table. If they don’t want to be productive in their jobs or who refuse to follow the mandate of voters, work to replace them.

Expand full comment

“They also believe that politicians only care about power.” —

It’s a matter not of “power”, but of how power is *employed*.

Remind your grandchildren and others that power often is a key ingredient in accomplishing good things. And it certainly is important for defeating those who would do harm.

Expand full comment

Sometimes we don't want to tell the youth in our lives how dire things are, but this might be the time to do it. Knowing what they care about and how it might be effected might help make a difference.

Expand full comment

Godspeed, Virginia!

Expand full comment

Go Grandma!!! 💛

Expand full comment

"We are Stardust" - Crosby Stills and Nash at Woodstock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nivr4YZzzME

Expand full comment

Thank you TC. Love this.

Expand full comment

A quote about stardust, from a theoretical physicist, Lawrence Krauss, "A Universe From Nothing":

"Every atom in your body came from a star that exploded. And the atoms in your left hand probably came from a different star than your right hand. It really is the most poetic thing I know about physics. You are all stardust. You couldn’t be here if stars hadn’t exploded, because the elements - the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, iron, all the things that matter for evolution - weren’t created at the beginning of time. They were created in the nuclear furnaces of stars, and the only way for them to get into your body is if those stars were kind enough to explode. So, forget Jesus. The stars died so that you could be here today."

Expand full comment

It’s truly humbling, isn’t it? We are here and what we are because of a series of what might be considered chance events.

Expand full comment

An important moment to meet MAGA with KAMA.

Kind Acts Make Amends.

MAGA can only be countered with an open hand— not a line in the sand.

Kind Act will expand the Dems reach. Turn this enthusiasm into an invitation.

Wear your enthusiasm proudly and loudly.

DemsMakeLifeBetter.org

All you White Dudes for Kamala — to make a difference, make yourselves seen. And get caught being kind.

Kind Acts Make Amends.

To paraphrase Obama, Don’t gloat—vote.

Expand full comment

I'm listening to NPR weekend edition as I read these notes. Here is what I just sent to the program. Feel free to use or modify and send everywhere:

Neither in this article nor in the headline summary that included Trump's appearance in Florida yesterday did you address the most important thing that was said. From The Hill: " Former President Trump at a Friday event hosted by the conservative Christian organization Turning Point Action urged Christians to vote, saying they wouldn’t have to do it again if they got out there in November and elected him because “everything” would be “fixed.”

“Christians, get out and vote, just this time,” Trump exclaimed to a cheering crowd in West Palm Beach, Fla.

“You won’t have to do it anymore. Four more years, you know what, it will be fixed, it will be fine, you won’t have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians” he added.

“I love you Christians. I’m a Christian. I love you, get out, you gotta get out and vote. In four years, you don’t have to vote again, we’ll have it fixed so good you’re not going to have to vote,” Trump said."

This is one of the most important things he has said publicly, probably the most direct promise to end free and fair elections. Please cover it with the attention it deserves.

Expand full comment

Yes, PLEASE put this on front pages everywhere! “Fair and balanced” has failed us and our country. The mainstream media is deliberately sleepwalking us through an ongoing coup.

Expand full comment

Robert, thank you for showing us a super nova. It is beautiful! I did not understand all of your explanation, but the idea that we are stardust is blowing my mind!

Expand full comment

Yes! Reminds me of Joni Mitchell’s poetic song - “we are stardust, we are golden, and we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden”

Expand full comment

“We are stardust, we are golden, and we have got to get ourselves back to the garden” Joni Mitchell

Expand full comment

Just watched Celine Dionne singing a powerful “L’Hymne à l’amour” at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony -- the perfect climax to this inspiring week.

Expand full comment

We are riding a joyous wave and need to keep riding it for the next 100 days--keep up our efforts to Get Out The Vote in massive numbers for Democrats up and down the ballot. Trump Republicans are not campaigning for votes; they are preparing their January 6 internal coup 2.0. That reality is sobering:

https://donmoynihan.substack.com/p/will-voters-decide-the-2024-election

While feeling the terror of that prospect, and if successful, their Project 2025 to follow, we must also:

1. Persevere in our election work,

2. Support The States Project and Democratic state legislature candidates, and

3. Support the Marc Elias crew to prepare now for the inevitable legal challenges by Republican MAGAts.

GOTV!

Expand full comment

And Sister District for state leg https://sisterdistrict.com/

Expand full comment

We are NOT going back!

Expand full comment

Robert, I’d love for you to post all your astronomical photos in one newsletter. They are outstanding and the accompanying descriptions make outer space a little more accessible. I still find it hard to fathom light years, though.

Expand full comment

Thank you Robert. I appreciate your encouragement to rest this weekend. I have been very excited about Harris as well as exhausted from the roller coaster ride of the past month since the debate. We must take care of our selves, rest & renew so we are ready to roll and win this election this November!

Expand full comment

Friends, we have a rare gem in RH. He gives us a daily dose of enthusiasm, encouragement, and information to help us navigate the political waters. Then, with his telescope and remarkable astrophotography skills, he shows us that many of the night sky objects that may appear to the naked eye as simple points of light are, in fact, wondrous objects that reveal our origins, amaze us, and inspire us. Armed with the right tools, he helps us see these things clearly and for what they are.

Expand full comment

Barack Obama brought hope, Trump brought hate, Biden brought healing and Harris will move us forward. I heard the attached song and it should be the theme song of the campaign. It’s called “ Put a Woman in Charge” a song written by Rosanne Cash. Skip the ad in the beginning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FciQeRGYFlw

Expand full comment

I posted that song on FB last week. Glad to see it’s getting around. Perfect timing for this song! Love it! And I love that a man sings it!

Expand full comment

I agree I hope it becomes an anthem.

Expand full comment

Big texting day for FT 6. Register more Democrats to save the world.

https://www.fieldteam6.org/about-us

Pet lovers unite.

https://danielsolomon.substack.com/p/pet-owners-unite

Expand full comment

Lucian K. Truscott is reporting that Trump said this at a recent event. Why isn’t it front page news? “Christians, get out and vote! Just this time! You won’t have to do it anymore. Four more years, you know what? It will be fixed, it will be fine. You won’t have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians. I love you, Christians. You got to get out and vote. In four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good, you don’t have to vote.”

Expand full comment

Also by HCR, and the video shared by Joyce Vance, Katie Phang, Anne Applebaum and others on social media. I think this just happened last night. I hope the media catches up.

Expand full comment

Yes, Trump’s statement about only voting this time because it will be unnecessary in the future is another example of him saying what he intends to do if he is POTUS. His Project 2025 also spells out his intentions.This stuff isn’t being hidden and is out there for all to see.I watched the terrifying”Aftermath” on YouTube and it scared the bejesus out of me.

Expand full comment

I just googled it. Saw that it has been picked up by The Hill, Rolling Stone and Huff Post, but looks like WaPo didn't talk about it in their covereage of the event. Didn't see anything from NYT or any TV networks or NPR. We need to all talk about it, share it, and write letters. They will probably slowly pick it up if it gets enough steam behind it.

Expand full comment

I first read about it in WaPo’s online edition - as I was headed to the crossword. Don’t know about their print edition. Scary times.

Expand full comment

Read this and wonder where the outrage is.

Expand full comment

Yes! Why isn’t this front-page news?! The Day One Dictator is now shouting the “quiet parts” out loud.

Expand full comment

Well, he just gave the Democrats more fuel to fight for our freedoms and our democracy! I’m sure Kamala Harris will be talking about this.

Expand full comment