Yet again, Robert Hubbell provides an island of calm, considered thought in today’s ocean of swirling cross currents. The performative absurdities of the right-wing Republican extremists in the House are creating a mass of issues for Democrats to run against in the fall. Couple this with Trump’s courtroom antics and it is increasingly clear that we Democrats will almost certainly take back the House and hold the presidency in November. And, despite a daunting playing field, I am increasingly confident we will hold the Senate. The GOP will go into this year’s election led by a deeply flawed individual, one who just might become a convicted felon ere long. Watching the Republican Party commit seppuku is quite enjoyable for this lifelong progressive Democrat.
The formidable Republican candidate for Senate in Ohio proudly announced that he got the endorsement of Charlie Kirk. Yes, there is hope to hold the Senate in November.
Colleen and Stefan, thanks for highlighting Charlie Kirk's support for Moreno. As most of the Today's Edition community is probably aware, Kirk is a leader of the younger generation of MAGA. His Turning Point USA, which is a "nonprofit 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote freedom," collects tax deductible donations, shills for far-right candidates, sets up TPUSA clubs on campuses and sells t-shirts with slogans like "Your Government is lying to you." (These would have been absolutely true when Trump was President). Kirk is sleazy, writing books saying that college is worthless while luring college students to "conferences" and "leadership development" meetings to inculcate a mindless devotion to far-right ideology. If you are not fully aware of this group, I urge you to spend an unpleasant few minutes on their very slick website. When I was a college president, I would frequently get questions at alumni gatherings such as "Why are there so many liberal college professors," and "Why are conservative voices silenced on campus?" Meanwhile, Charlie gets rich and powerful.
Joe Biden is a decent person. He demonstrates the good character that the founders thought people in elected office would exhibit. He works without fanfare to govern in ways that benefit ordinary citizens. We need more fanfare about what's being done to help regular citizens. It's a shame that actual good governance depends as much as it does on the good character of the people in office. People like tRump, McConnell, Newt Gingrich and others show how bad character can greatly damage our country.
I think the GOP is performative but not absurd. Has no one read GOP congresspeople Turner and McCaul actually stating their party is following a line of Russian propaganda furnished to them by Putin? Every MAGA vote against Ukraine is a vote to hand Putin success. Have you noticed the GOP deathblow to FISA prohibits Americans from spying on Putinists (like themselves) in our country? This is rigidly-disciplined, highly performative execution of a plan handed to them by Trump people, who got it from Putin. Why are we not supporting these brave Republicans who blew the whistle on their party?
Just reading Robert's explanation of the Democrat's and President Biden's steady, determined leadership in a nearly evenly divided government, imagine what is possible if we can rid ourselves of the destructive adherents to the Quadefendant and the man himself. Let's make it so!
And let's hope that out of the ashes of the Republican Party rises an entity dedicated to preserving our democracy and representing the valid interests of many of our citizens, and willing to compromise to achieve the greatest common good.
Republicans were never built to represent the valid interests of our citizens because their core belief in a smaller government and low taxes for the wealthy interferes with helping all citizens. .
I agree that they're not built to represent all citizens, but neither are Democrats. The Republican Party today uses the ends to justify the means, and takes advantage wherever it can. The Quadefendant personifies them. What they fail to acknowledge is that the common good is a rising tide that lifts all boats, and that all Americans deserve a fair chance.
Bob Morgan, you are exactly right. We live in a symbiotic relationship with one another. It is as simple as that. Republicans go to great lengths to deny it, which, even before the insanity that is MAGA, has been endlessly detrimental to that common good.
By "represent," I was conflating "represent" with "reflect," for expediency. Democrats, in my opinion, do not reflect the views of all citizens any more than Republicans do, but are much more fair-minded in their representation, and try to make sure everyone benefits equally.
Beginning in the 1970s, large numbers of powerful Democrats began to denigrate working-class and rural people (“flyover country”, e.g.). It shouldn’t have been that way, but it’s been large-scale and persistent.
Not surprisingly, many have returned the denigration with hostility.
Can you name those "powerful Democrats." Your answer is a generalization and probably unsupported by fact. Do you seek to present both sides? Since Reagan, Democrats have been the champions of democracy and the fight for equalitty. Granted, not much progress has been made.
The first thing that comes to my mind is Hillary Clinton’s infamous “deplorables” statementc which may have cost her the 2016 Presidential election.
The second thing is the use of “flyover country”, a put-down that I understand is greatly resented.
And then there are many Comments that have been made from time to time on Robert Hubbel’s blog. Unfortunately, I didn’t save them in anticipation of writing this response. (Oops – we’re not “powerful”!).
Yes! And their incessant nonsense of an unregulated capitalism is what feeds the billionaires. We need a government that respects businesses that are working for a better tomorrow, not funding stockholders and way, way overcompensating CEOs. Have you taken note of the golden parachute the Boeing CEO is expected to get upon walking out the door?
Excellent edition, restacking this with an excerpt.
"Slowly, methodically, and carefully, President Biden has helped a wounded and weakened Speaker get to the point of bringing Biden’s bills to the floor over objections from the Speaker’s own party. Few presidents have demonstrated the legislative skill and dealmaking Biden has exhibited over the last three years.
Amid the chaos and din, President Biden has been in the background, working quietly to promote the interests of the American people and its allies. It takes a special kind of person to be willing to suffer insults in public while achieving success in private. That fact alone speaks volumes about Joe Biden's character and discipline."
We are damn lucky to have Biden in the White House. Best president of my lifetime, and almost certainly among the top five. Some presidential scholar is going to have a very interesting time tracing the development of his character and discipline.
Democracy is hard. Tyranny is easy. Democracy is messy, but it is better than the alternative forms of government. I’m still waiting for someone to explain to me how the President Biden administration is failing and destroying our country. Maybe I should ask a Republican governor who has accepted the federal funding and support that President Biden administration has created…?
Robert, I got up early as usual. And I have been reading a lot today. Your last paragraph bears repeating over and over. Thank you for highlighting the excellent job President Biden has been doing.
"Amid the chaos and din, President Biden has been in the background, working quietly to promote the interests of the American people and its allies. It takes a special kind of person to be willing to suffer insults in public while achieving success in private. That fact alone speaks volumes about Joe Biden's character and discipline."
Only experienced, confident and competent leaders and managers know how to lead as Joe Biden does.
Someone said that the political campaigns for the presidency are a marathon not a sprint. As someone who has actually run a marathon the only way you can make it to the finish line is by steady measured running and not getting ahead of yourself or your physical abilities. That is what President Biden is doing by meticulously crisscrossing the country and demonstrating his leadership and experience. The Trump act has run it course and the House extreme antics only confirms to many that the Republicans cannot effectively govern and that Majorie Taylor Greene is not who we want as the defacto leader of the House.
When I hear someone say Trump's trials are an unfair burden on his campaigning, I respond by pointing out that Biden is running a country while campaigning.
Robert, you're being too kind when you write: "Trump and MAGA extremists are play-acting in the pretend world of performative politics." Though certainly true, it's also true that being led around and down into the political sewers by Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA 14) and Thomas Massie (KY 4) has brought today's GOP into the extraordinary position of proactively being of much greater help to Putin than to Biden. Helping out the Soviet Union was one thing that Reagan did not do.
A “cartoon” on the Editorial page of the Minneapolis Star Tribune today was infuriating. It (rightly) portrays Trump as a handcuffed felon and (wrongly) portrays Biden as a feeble old man in a wheelchair with an IV drip. It’s entitled “Contestants for the Most Powerful Job in the World”. I sent in a letter to the editor. They owe their readers an apology.
Thank you, Barbara. You are right that this cartoon needs to be called out. What I wrote to the editor, Suki Dardarian.
"Ms. Dardarian:
It was disappointing to see the editorial cartoon in your paper portraying Donald Trump as a handcuffed felon and President Biden as a feeble old man in a wheelchair with an IV drip with the title “Contestants for the Most Powerful Job in the World”.
I support President Biden and the excellent job he is doing to serve and protect the United States and to make life better for everyone. But what I object to in the cartoon is its intellectual laziness and cruelty. Donald Trump is under criminal indictment, as yet not handcuffed. Joe Biden is not in a wheelchair, nor is he incapacitated. Please consider how much more stupid the cartoon would be if he were in a wheelchair! Would the Star Tribune publish a cartoon scorning old people in general or of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt for being wheelchair bound? I am afraid the answer is, "Yes, of course, if it got us a chuckle and made us feel superior."
I worked for a time as a gag writer and idea man for cartoonists and this cartoon is lazy and arrogant, an attempt to show how much better the cartoonist (and your readers) are than a president who is working everyday for the American people and a former president who is trying to overthrow the country and the constitution and is proud of that. The false equivalency between the two is driven by the smugness of the cartoonist and, sadly, the arrogance and moral and political blindness of your newspaper as it cannot see the difference between these two very different leaders. For 11 years I was the sole advisor of a college newspaper. I guided rather than edited those papers, but I would never have allowed the sort of slap dash cutesiness of this cartoon pass without severe discussion. Your role is more powerful, and your readers are poorer for your abdication of your duty.
Joe Biden is a great president, probably the best since FDR. I mention that, because we should recognize and enjoy it while it is happening, and not just wait for history to acknowledge it.
When friends express doubts I always say something similar. Particularly when people talked about Biden being old, which thankfully is being talked about less (thanks MSM for finally moving on). I remind friends about what FDR was able to accomplish when in severe physical decline. I also remind them that much as we loved Obama's oratory he was notably less good at getting things done with a difficult Congress.
Thank you Robert. It is essential that Democrats take advantage of this moment to demonstrate the virtues of sanity and purpose. Also this is a bare knuckle fist fight and they must stay in the ring for the fifteen rounds between now and November. We must also push the media when people like Chris Sonunu speak of Republican values respond that there no longer exists a Republican Party in any way shape of form. They are also using the “disastrous Biden policies” approach and respond with the facts.
16 million veterans. They are influential. Multiply that number by friends, family, patriotic supporters. A huge percentage supported Trump X 2. They can be flipped. Last night in Pennsyltucky were I was born and raised as the song goes, Biden invoked "not suckers and losers" for the first time and MSM picked it up. IMHO this is the visceral attack that hits 'em where it hurts.
IMHO we can flip MOST Trump veteran supporters. When you meet them at the bar at the Legion, VFW, AmVets, ets, and say those magic words, "not suckers or losers," and watch them choke on their beer.
8.81 million self-identified Polish Americans.
Today Trump met with the Polish President at Trump Tower. Trump ally Putin has said in essence, Ukraine first, Poland next. Most Polish Americans supported Trump (as did Ukrainian Americans). IMHO Trump's "government in exile" is a violation of the Logan Act. which criminalizes negotiation by unauthorized American citizens with foreign governments having a dispute with the United States. The intent behind the Act is to prevent unauthorized negotiations from undermining the government's position. This is another group, that to support Trump are like chickens supporting Colonel Sanders.
The magic words "Trump hates dogs" and "Trump stole from kids with cancer" work, too.
Otherwise, I still think we can sweep if we expand the base. Potentially 13 million non registered people trend heavily Democratic. Register Democrats - save democracy.
Does re-stating something someone else has said without additional commentary really conflict with the gag order? For the childish, silly little man that he is, D Trump is extremely intentional in his ‘messaging.’ I believe his tactic is to ‘poke at’ the Judge, to test the limits of patience and decorum without seeming overt in online posts. I contend that if the ex President senses the process is not going in his favor -that his fundraising effect on his minions or his headline grabbing success is waning, he will get himself “arrested.” The intent now in every legal case is to slow the process until after the election. Then all bets are off. Yes, even in a State court.
The actions in Arizona state house to allow the 1864 law to stand may be enough to awaken voters to pay attention to what's happening down-ballot. Unfortunately, Democrats have historically been much less likely to vote for their down-ballot candidates--by a wide margin--than Republicans and we have been paying the price. If you are interested in diving into the details, Sister District Action Network has been exploring this phenomenon for many years. They write (https://sisterdistrict.com/b/states-and-stats/2024/april/_) "The difference between the two parties is stark: across 10 battleground states over 8 years, contested down-ballot Democrats experienced ballot roll-off 80% of the time, compared to only 37% for their Republican counterparts" They will be presenting their findings and what we can do about it on Monday (12 PDT 3 EDT), link to register is here https://www.mobilize.us/sisterdistrictactionnetwork/event/615748/?referring_vol=1506848&rname=Barbara&share_context=event_details&share_medium=copy_link
This is a question, maybe a questionable comment. So often it seems that the election is about who raises the most money. Shouldn't it be about who is most qualified? How do these two things blend? or not? Chris Sununu's defense of Republicans because they are not Democrats may have traction because that's a way more money can be raised? In Jamie Raskin's book, Unthinkable, he talks about the activities of youth in going door to door to advocate and inform. What happened to this kind of campaigning? Are people afraid they will be shot if they knock on a door or hold neighborhood rallies.
Sadly, some people are afraid to knock on doors. I ran (and lost) for state rep in NH two years ago and I am running again. Some people that helped out last time said they won’t go door knocking because they are afraid. Some people don’t want to put lawn signs…..we can’t let fear rule. I will never bow to the MAGA dirty tactics. AND I sent my letter to Sununu saying how disgusted I was to hear him say he’ll support Trump no matter what.
Congratulations on your persistence. I wish you success, and glad you responded to Sununu - how shocking his comments were!
Meanwhile, what does the money do? I don't watch TV so I guess I'm missing that? I imagine that people running carry on large bags of money, a la Scrooge McDuck and have a "my bag is bigger than your bag" contest or another contest of similar irrelevance to the concerns in the election? And is the money contest like polls? catchy and misleading? I really don't get it.
Lee, Florida Rep. Anna Eskamani is very popular in her Orlando district.She takes NO corporate donations. She founded People Power For Florida https://www.peoplepowerforflorida.com/ and has been able to recruit many youth. She’s also boots-on-the-ground every day and at multiple events.That is what it takes !
She’s also brillant and can talk/debate circles around her GOP colleagues!💙
Lee, good question. And no, they don't blend. But in the absence of a functioning campaign finance law and thanks to the SCOTUS Citizens United decision nothing will change.
Yet again, Robert Hubbell provides an island of calm, considered thought in today’s ocean of swirling cross currents. The performative absurdities of the right-wing Republican extremists in the House are creating a mass of issues for Democrats to run against in the fall. Couple this with Trump’s courtroom antics and it is increasingly clear that we Democrats will almost certainly take back the House and hold the presidency in November. And, despite a daunting playing field, I am increasingly confident we will hold the Senate. The GOP will go into this year’s election led by a deeply flawed individual, one who just might become a convicted felon ere long. Watching the Republican Party commit seppuku is quite enjoyable for this lifelong progressive Democrat.
The formidable Republican candidate for Senate in Ohio proudly announced that he got the endorsement of Charlie Kirk. Yes, there is hope to hold the Senate in November.
https://open.substack.com/pub/popularinformation/p/senate-nominee-bankrolled-by-far?r=41p0j&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Colleen and Stefan, thanks for highlighting Charlie Kirk's support for Moreno. As most of the Today's Edition community is probably aware, Kirk is a leader of the younger generation of MAGA. His Turning Point USA, which is a "nonprofit 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote freedom," collects tax deductible donations, shills for far-right candidates, sets up TPUSA clubs on campuses and sells t-shirts with slogans like "Your Government is lying to you." (These would have been absolutely true when Trump was President). Kirk is sleazy, writing books saying that college is worthless while luring college students to "conferences" and "leadership development" meetings to inculcate a mindless devotion to far-right ideology. If you are not fully aware of this group, I urge you to spend an unpleasant few minutes on their very slick website. When I was a college president, I would frequently get questions at alumni gatherings such as "Why are there so many liberal college professors," and "Why are conservative voices silenced on campus?" Meanwhile, Charlie gets rich and powerful.
Joe Biden is a decent person. He demonstrates the good character that the founders thought people in elected office would exhibit. He works without fanfare to govern in ways that benefit ordinary citizens. We need more fanfare about what's being done to help regular citizens. It's a shame that actual good governance depends as much as it does on the good character of the people in office. People like tRump, McConnell, Newt Gingrich and others show how bad character can greatly damage our country.
The success in the Senate will be determined by the strength of the candidate, effective messaging and voter turnout.
I think the GOP is performative but not absurd. Has no one read GOP congresspeople Turner and McCaul actually stating their party is following a line of Russian propaganda furnished to them by Putin? Every MAGA vote against Ukraine is a vote to hand Putin success. Have you noticed the GOP deathblow to FISA prohibits Americans from spying on Putinists (like themselves) in our country? This is rigidly-disciplined, highly performative execution of a plan handed to them by Trump people, who got it from Putin. Why are we not supporting these brave Republicans who blew the whistle on their party?
Just reading Robert's explanation of the Democrat's and President Biden's steady, determined leadership in a nearly evenly divided government, imagine what is possible if we can rid ourselves of the destructive adherents to the Quadefendant and the man himself. Let's make it so!
And let's hope that out of the ashes of the Republican Party rises an entity dedicated to preserving our democracy and representing the valid interests of many of our citizens, and willing to compromise to achieve the greatest common good.
Republicans were never built to represent the valid interests of our citizens because their core belief in a smaller government and low taxes for the wealthy interferes with helping all citizens. .
I agree that they're not built to represent all citizens, but neither are Democrats. The Republican Party today uses the ends to justify the means, and takes advantage wherever it can. The Quadefendant personifies them. What they fail to acknowledge is that the common good is a rising tide that lifts all boats, and that all Americans deserve a fair chance.
Bob Morgan, you are exactly right. We live in a symbiotic relationship with one another. It is as simple as that. Republicans go to great lengths to deny it, which, even before the insanity that is MAGA, has been endlessly detrimental to that common good.
Can you explain in what way or manner Democrats are not built to represent all citizens?
By "represent," I was conflating "represent" with "reflect," for expediency. Democrats, in my opinion, do not reflect the views of all citizens any more than Republicans do, but are much more fair-minded in their representation, and try to make sure everyone benefits equally.
Beginning in the 1970s, large numbers of powerful Democrats began to denigrate working-class and rural people (“flyover country”, e.g.). It shouldn’t have been that way, but it’s been large-scale and persistent.
Not surprisingly, many have returned the denigration with hostility.
Can you name those "powerful Democrats." Your answer is a generalization and probably unsupported by fact. Do you seek to present both sides? Since Reagan, Democrats have been the champions of democracy and the fight for equalitty. Granted, not much progress has been made.
The first thing that comes to my mind is Hillary Clinton’s infamous “deplorables” statementc which may have cost her the 2016 Presidential election.
The second thing is the use of “flyover country”, a put-down that I understand is greatly resented.
And then there are many Comments that have been made from time to time on Robert Hubbel’s blog. Unfortunately, I didn’t save them in anticipation of writing this response. (Oops – we’re not “powerful”!).
Yes! And their incessant nonsense of an unregulated capitalism is what feeds the billionaires. We need a government that respects businesses that are working for a better tomorrow, not funding stockholders and way, way overcompensating CEOs. Have you taken note of the golden parachute the Boeing CEO is expected to get upon walking out the door?
https://fortune.com/2024/03/25/dave-calhoun-exit-compensation-boeing-ceo-success-million-riding/
Republicans reward the large donors to their campaigns. It’s a financial transaction
Well, post-Civil-War Republicans, anyway.
Excellent edition, restacking this with an excerpt.
"Slowly, methodically, and carefully, President Biden has helped a wounded and weakened Speaker get to the point of bringing Biden’s bills to the floor over objections from the Speaker’s own party. Few presidents have demonstrated the legislative skill and dealmaking Biden has exhibited over the last three years.
Amid the chaos and din, President Biden has been in the background, working quietly to promote the interests of the American people and its allies. It takes a special kind of person to be willing to suffer insults in public while achieving success in private. That fact alone speaks volumes about Joe Biden's character and discipline."
We are damn lucky to have Biden in the White House. Best president of my lifetime, and almost certainly among the top five. Some presidential scholar is going to have a very interesting time tracing the development of his character and discipline.
Exactly right! In that last paragraph, Robert has put his finger on why Biden has had a rare effectiveness in actually governing the country!
Democracy is hard. Tyranny is easy. Democracy is messy, but it is better than the alternative forms of government. I’m still waiting for someone to explain to me how the President Biden administration is failing and destroying our country. Maybe I should ask a Republican governor who has accepted the federal funding and support that President Biden administration has created…?
Robert, I got up early as usual. And I have been reading a lot today. Your last paragraph bears repeating over and over. Thank you for highlighting the excellent job President Biden has been doing.
"Amid the chaos and din, President Biden has been in the background, working quietly to promote the interests of the American people and its allies. It takes a special kind of person to be willing to suffer insults in public while achieving success in private. That fact alone speaks volumes about Joe Biden's character and discipline."
Only experienced, confident and competent leaders and managers know how to lead as Joe Biden does.
I second that compliment to the last paragraph of today's Today's.
Someone said that the political campaigns for the presidency are a marathon not a sprint. As someone who has actually run a marathon the only way you can make it to the finish line is by steady measured running and not getting ahead of yourself or your physical abilities. That is what President Biden is doing by meticulously crisscrossing the country and demonstrating his leadership and experience. The Trump act has run it course and the House extreme antics only confirms to many that the Republicans cannot effectively govern and that Majorie Taylor Greene is not who we want as the defacto leader of the House.
When I hear someone say Trump's trials are an unfair burden on his campaigning, I respond by pointing out that Biden is running a country while campaigning.
Good, important observation.
I like that comparison with running a marathon.
Robert, today's Edition, assisted by Republican insanity and greed (a 5% vig to DJT??), was one of your most inspiring yet. You keep us going!
Robert, you're being too kind when you write: "Trump and MAGA extremists are play-acting in the pretend world of performative politics." Though certainly true, it's also true that being led around and down into the political sewers by Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA 14) and Thomas Massie (KY 4) has brought today's GOP into the extraordinary position of proactively being of much greater help to Putin than to Biden. Helping out the Soviet Union was one thing that Reagan did not do.
A “cartoon” on the Editorial page of the Minneapolis Star Tribune today was infuriating. It (rightly) portrays Trump as a handcuffed felon and (wrongly) portrays Biden as a feeble old man in a wheelchair with an IV drip. It’s entitled “Contestants for the Most Powerful Job in the World”. I sent in a letter to the editor. They owe their readers an apology.
Thank you, Barbara. You are right that this cartoon needs to be called out. What I wrote to the editor, Suki Dardarian.
"Ms. Dardarian:
It was disappointing to see the editorial cartoon in your paper portraying Donald Trump as a handcuffed felon and President Biden as a feeble old man in a wheelchair with an IV drip with the title “Contestants for the Most Powerful Job in the World”.
I support President Biden and the excellent job he is doing to serve and protect the United States and to make life better for everyone. But what I object to in the cartoon is its intellectual laziness and cruelty. Donald Trump is under criminal indictment, as yet not handcuffed. Joe Biden is not in a wheelchair, nor is he incapacitated. Please consider how much more stupid the cartoon would be if he were in a wheelchair! Would the Star Tribune publish a cartoon scorning old people in general or of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt for being wheelchair bound? I am afraid the answer is, "Yes, of course, if it got us a chuckle and made us feel superior."
I worked for a time as a gag writer and idea man for cartoonists and this cartoon is lazy and arrogant, an attempt to show how much better the cartoonist (and your readers) are than a president who is working everyday for the American people and a former president who is trying to overthrow the country and the constitution and is proud of that. The false equivalency between the two is driven by the smugness of the cartoonist and, sadly, the arrogance and moral and political blindness of your newspaper as it cannot see the difference between these two very different leaders. For 11 years I was the sole advisor of a college newspaper. I guided rather than edited those papers, but I would never have allowed the sort of slap dash cutesiness of this cartoon pass without severe discussion. Your role is more powerful, and your readers are poorer for your abdication of your duty.
Brilliant! Thank you.
Joe Biden is a great president, probably the best since FDR. I mention that, because we should recognize and enjoy it while it is happening, and not just wait for history to acknowledge it.
When friends express doubts I always say something similar. Particularly when people talked about Biden being old, which thankfully is being talked about less (thanks MSM for finally moving on). I remind friends about what FDR was able to accomplish when in severe physical decline. I also remind them that much as we loved Obama's oratory he was notably less good at getting things done with a difficult Congress.
Thank you Robert. It is essential that Democrats take advantage of this moment to demonstrate the virtues of sanity and purpose. Also this is a bare knuckle fist fight and they must stay in the ring for the fifteen rounds between now and November. We must also push the media when people like Chris Sonunu speak of Republican values respond that there no longer exists a Republican Party in any way shape of form. They are also using the “disastrous Biden policies” approach and respond with the facts.
Bare knuckles.
16 million veterans. They are influential. Multiply that number by friends, family, patriotic supporters. A huge percentage supported Trump X 2. They can be flipped. Last night in Pennsyltucky were I was born and raised as the song goes, Biden invoked "not suckers and losers" for the first time and MSM picked it up. IMHO this is the visceral attack that hits 'em where it hurts.
I am in a DNC veteran's discussion group and one of our members is Fred Wellman, who is also chair of Forgotten Democrats. https://forgottendemocrats.org/ Fred is also a MeidasTouch personality. https://twitter.com/FPWellman?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor The No 1 movie running on TV is Midas Touch, and Ken Harbaugh's, "Against All Enemies" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjaUDqvdDHI. Groups like Vote Vets support Biden -- because Trump is a traitor. https://votevets.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjaUDqvdDHI
IMHO we can flip MOST Trump veteran supporters. When you meet them at the bar at the Legion, VFW, AmVets, ets, and say those magic words, "not suckers or losers," and watch them choke on their beer.
8.81 million self-identified Polish Americans.
Today Trump met with the Polish President at Trump Tower. Trump ally Putin has said in essence, Ukraine first, Poland next. Most Polish Americans supported Trump (as did Ukrainian Americans). IMHO Trump's "government in exile" is a violation of the Logan Act. which criminalizes negotiation by unauthorized American citizens with foreign governments having a dispute with the United States. The intent behind the Act is to prevent unauthorized negotiations from undermining the government's position. This is another group, that to support Trump are like chickens supporting Colonel Sanders.
The magic words "Trump hates dogs" and "Trump stole from kids with cancer" work, too.
Otherwise, I still think we can sweep if we expand the base. Potentially 13 million non registered people trend heavily Democratic. Register Democrats - save democracy.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
Good points and there are millions of unspoken and ignored citizens we need to encourage to vote.
"...like chickens supporting Colonel Sanders .." is the most perfect line I've heard yet!
Does re-stating something someone else has said without additional commentary really conflict with the gag order? For the childish, silly little man that he is, D Trump is extremely intentional in his ‘messaging.’ I believe his tactic is to ‘poke at’ the Judge, to test the limits of patience and decorum without seeming overt in online posts. I contend that if the ex President senses the process is not going in his favor -that his fundraising effect on his minions or his headline grabbing success is waning, he will get himself “arrested.” The intent now in every legal case is to slow the process until after the election. Then all bets are off. Yes, even in a State court.
Bravo, Hakeem Jeffries.
The actions in Arizona state house to allow the 1864 law to stand may be enough to awaken voters to pay attention to what's happening down-ballot. Unfortunately, Democrats have historically been much less likely to vote for their down-ballot candidates--by a wide margin--than Republicans and we have been paying the price. If you are interested in diving into the details, Sister District Action Network has been exploring this phenomenon for many years. They write (https://sisterdistrict.com/b/states-and-stats/2024/april/_) "The difference between the two parties is stark: across 10 battleground states over 8 years, contested down-ballot Democrats experienced ballot roll-off 80% of the time, compared to only 37% for their Republican counterparts" They will be presenting their findings and what we can do about it on Monday (12 PDT 3 EDT), link to register is here https://www.mobilize.us/sisterdistrictactionnetwork/event/615748/?referring_vol=1506848&rname=Barbara&share_context=event_details&share_medium=copy_link
Valuable analysis.
Robert- You are all things to all people- please continue to do your brilliant work 🙏🏻
This is a question, maybe a questionable comment. So often it seems that the election is about who raises the most money. Shouldn't it be about who is most qualified? How do these two things blend? or not? Chris Sununu's defense of Republicans because they are not Democrats may have traction because that's a way more money can be raised? In Jamie Raskin's book, Unthinkable, he talks about the activities of youth in going door to door to advocate and inform. What happened to this kind of campaigning? Are people afraid they will be shot if they knock on a door or hold neighborhood rallies.
Sadly, some people are afraid to knock on doors. I ran (and lost) for state rep in NH two years ago and I am running again. Some people that helped out last time said they won’t go door knocking because they are afraid. Some people don’t want to put lawn signs…..we can’t let fear rule. I will never bow to the MAGA dirty tactics. AND I sent my letter to Sununu saying how disgusted I was to hear him say he’ll support Trump no matter what.
Lorna, thank you for running, twice !❤️🤍💙
Congratulations on your persistence. I wish you success, and glad you responded to Sununu - how shocking his comments were!
Meanwhile, what does the money do? I don't watch TV so I guess I'm missing that? I imagine that people running carry on large bags of money, a la Scrooge McDuck and have a "my bag is bigger than your bag" contest or another contest of similar irrelevance to the concerns in the election? And is the money contest like polls? catchy and misleading? I really don't get it.
Lee, Florida Rep. Anna Eskamani is very popular in her Orlando district.She takes NO corporate donations. She founded People Power For Florida https://www.peoplepowerforflorida.com/ and has been able to recruit many youth. She’s also boots-on-the-ground every day and at multiple events.That is what it takes !
She’s also brillant and can talk/debate circles around her GOP colleagues!💙
It’s been documented that face to face campaigning is very effective and we need to do more of it.
Lee, good question. And no, they don't blend. But in the absence of a functioning campaign finance law and thanks to the SCOTUS Citizens United decision nothing will change.