Some months ago, I stumbled upon your work on Substack. I am so glad I did! The 'noise' and disinformation from media and MAGA, among others, are getting louder with each passing day as we approach the election of Nov 2024. The odious "45" is getting desperate now, which translates to his becoming ever more dangerous, in my view. And it is only February!
I just want to communicate to you how important your commentary is to me. You encourage and inspire me to remain engaged in the resistance. Thank you! I especially like these thoughts from your newsletter today:
"Here’s a news flash for Nate Cohn (and other pollsters): November 2024 IS a special election. It is an election in which an aspiring dictator who attempted a coup and incited an insurrection seeks re-election. It doesn’t get any more special than that. Democracy is on the ballot and is represented by a decent, successful president who seeks to represent the interests of all Americans. So, too, are issues relating to reproductive liberty, healthcare, voting equality, the climate crisis, LGBTQ equality, and the rule of law. Anyone who believes Democrats will not turn out in historic numbers in November isn’t paying attention."
I agree 100% ! Thank you for your work! -Nancy Becker
Nate Cohn must know that Gen Z comprise 40% of the electorate and are not accurately represented in the polls and trend 70%+ Democratic. We ought to concentrate on them. I've sent Field Team 6 and my local congressional candidate emails to that effect and reference Taylor Swift's 287 million Instagram followers but so far crickets.
The DNC is apparently braindead, as the major reason why Democratic voters do not show up is that BLM supported the Cuban government when we had riots. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/black-lives-matter-faces-backlash-statement-cuba-protest-rcna1438. Blacks did not show up to vote for Val Demings who is Black, in the last election. BLM has also said some antisemitic crap, and South Florida has a high Jewish population. This needs to be fixed ASAP.
Rather than criticizing Blacks, I recommend you try to find a postcard-writing group that focuses on areas of high populations of minorities. I am writing postcards to Northeast Arizona to get Native Americans to make sure their registration is done in time for the election coming up. I have found that reading Robert's newsletter is good,, but not enough. When you are upset about something, join a group that is taking action to fix the problem you are upset about. I think you will find it helps calm you down. It has certainly helped me. Apologies if you are already doing this!
Republicans and their leader know that the key to their retaining or gaining power is voter suppression and dilution. They suppress the vote through intimidation, fatalism, projection, obstruction, obfuscation, and disingenuity. They dilute the effect of votes through gerrymandering and by marginalizing those who don’t stand with them. As Nate Cohn suggests, turnout by an informed electorate is the answer. As Robert said, we are the “the Resistance.” Vocalizing and mobilizing the Resistance is the way to inform the electorate and inspire turnout. Let’s keep it up!
2024 is THE special election. Anyone who doesn't realize that hasn't been paying attention. We must squelch the ambitions of the dictator wannabe AND remove a lot of his minions so we can get the business of governing back on track. 2023 has already gone down as one of the worst years in terms of getting anything of value done in Congress and 2024 seems like it might reach a new low. But there is the election IF, and only if, we take advantage of it.
Well said, Nancy. Robert has created a community of inspired readers engaged and ready to make a difference in November 2024! Moreover, he monitors and acknowledges the good thoughts and resources his readers provide. He engages with us in ways few, if any, bloggers do. In short, he cares and curates this wonderful community of thoughtful exchanges.
I saw the word Resistance and it made me smile. When Trump was elected, I had a bumper sticker on my car and my laptop. I went to so many rallies, marches and to Sen Collins office over and over begging her to do the right thing.
I haven’t been thinking of the work I do as a keyboard warrior since 2021 as the Resistance- but it is. We work differently. We work smart. We do not march- we gather ballot signatures to get basic human rights on the ballot.and we organize with the primary goal of getting out the vote.
We need to remember that as Robert says- we are it. It feels good to think of this work as the Resistance-the Resistance to Fascism. However, it isn’t just liberals. Cohn gets that wrong, as does all the media. It is a pro-democracy coalition. It started with liberals, but there are a lot of centrists, Independents and even Republicans in this fight now.
It is going to take awhile to completely defeat MAGA. When history is written, our names won’t be there-but this organic movement will be. It is a privilege to be part of it.
When Trump signed that POS Musilm ban, I dropped everything at my work, ran to LAX (my nearest international airport) and joined thousands of protesters there, including immigration lawyers, ACLU lawyers, who had pop-up tables there to help people just arriving into this chaos. I took video of the chants welcoming people- it was so historic, and I knew then it was the beginning of an important movement that would make change. The time is now.
Jill and I were at that protest! Having been to LAX hundreds of times, it felt strange walking through the airport causeway, lined with police on both sides. But it was tremendous. I hope that we can sustain and summon that passion when necessary.
Yes! I came to post what you so eloquently expressed. And it’s thanks to Robert Hubbell and writers like him as well as the grass roots organizations that have sprang up to work for the side of democracy. The former to provide clarity and guidance and the latter to provide outlets for our energies.
This is the solution - all of us joining the movement to fight back against this attempt to tear apart our precious democracy. We have to start early - like NOW - and keep at it. I love being associated with the Resistance!
Willis gets to have a personal life. That probably helps keep her going during an extremely stressful trial. In addition, if she is dating someone who is involved in the prosecution then no one has to worry about her inappropriately spilling secrets of the case. It seems likely that someone who works as much as she does would have a hard time meeting someone outside of her work sphere. I resent that this has even become a thing. She shows that the relationship has not broken the law. Let's move on.
Well said. Most people I know who became couples met at work. You explain it well. There is nothing in this situation that reflects unethical behavior. And now on to the next MAGA invention.
They are wearing out the immigration issue by refusing to help fix it. Grassley and company should get an award for revealing GOP cynical political crassness.
Next? The Great Taylor Swift Super Bowl Conspiracy! Yup. Attack the most popular singer and personality on the planet and contrive that she is part of fixing a football game for Joe Biden. You can't make this stuff up. The script wouldn't sell in Hollywood. Egads.
Yesterday, we were cruising in my blue Honda Civic 🚙, windows down, on a gorgeous Fl day.😎. A guy passes us, rolls down his window ,and starts a full-on rant about my bumper sticker while waving his cigarette.I laughed and told hubby the guy probably thought I was a Swifty. Guilty as charged ! 💃
A couple months back I received an anonymous, snail letter in response to one of my Letters To Ed. Anonymous quoted me and spewed a litany of Faux News talking points.
According to Opinion Editor this has happened to others.
Pretty DESPARATE if they’re writing anonymous snail mails to us “mature”👩🏻🦳 letter writers and barking at Reg To Vote bumper stickers !!
Is there a better word than ABSURD to describe this situation? Republicans are making so many mistakes, it would be funny if the stakes weren't so high! They are playing with fire to attack Taylor Swift. The good news is it might just motivate more young people to vote.
I can't wait to see what happens with the Swift Conspiracy! The Late Night Guys sure had fun with that! As someone who listens to traditional, mostly British Isles, music, I'm unfamiliar with her music, but very much enjoyed her solo Tiny Desk Concert, done for NPR in 2019. Check it out if you're like me, or even if you're not: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvVnP8G6ITs
As she said, that's a lot of people crammed into a tiny office! Anyway, she really does come across as a nice human being, without a lot of ego getting in her way.
Whenever someone disses Taylor Swift I direct them to this video ... I'm not a big fan of overblown stage theatrics by any singer songwriter or performer but when you see Taylor in that close––almost claustrophobic environment––poised beyond her years or experience and delivering her impeccable lyrics with grace and humor, never missing a beat or note, you'd have to be pretty hard-hearted for it not to resonate. Thanks for posting.
You're welcome! Nice to know another fan of the video - of course, I just checked, and it's had 19 million views, so ..... Meanwhile, though, I hope this stupid conspiracy theory isn't causing her any kind of grief.
I spend some time last night on Wikipedia getting to "know" her. Wow. Her accomplishments are phenomenal. Aside from her music, her drive, her business acumen, her personal values, her many philanthropic efforts and her genuine "niceness," Taylor Swift is remarkable and I probably will be watching that Super Bowl game just to cheer for her and her beau!
I haven't learned all that much about her, just that I know she's a force for good in the world, and a great role model for girls. Thanks for telling me! I did learn that, early on, white supremacists thought of her as a "pure aryan goddess" - YUK!! They were disabused of that notion pretty quickly! I can't stand football, or I'd join you in cheering them on!
Grassley should do the right thing and stop hanging on to his Senate seat at 90 or 91. It was very sad to hear him stand at a podium with Trump during his last election campaign to embrace Trump saying, “Of course I endorse Trump, I’d be a fool not to endorse the Republican leading candidate.” (A little bit of paraphrasing.)
NO!! Senator Grassley, you are a fool who stands as yet another former Republican who understood governance and has turned away for the sake of your ego and power aligned with the criminal and corrupt fool at the head of the party. You are shameless and unable to accept that you are only good to Trump as long as you kiss the ring of his vanity and divisiveness.
He also made statements during the J6 insurrection that seemed to indicate he was "in on the plan" and ready to count those votes the way the tfg wanted them counted.
I think we are challenged by this phenomenon since we also had Feinstein die in office at 90. The age issues should not be the issue but voters need to confront the behaviors and failure to govern in the interests of the country.
It makes me so angry that this is even a thing. The irony of it all is not lost on me - the least of Trump's legal woes is the hush-money case in NY in which he illegally tried to cover-up an illicit affair in order to influence an election. But the prosecutor who has charged him with much more serious conduct that amounts to an attempt to overturn 250 years of democracy and the peaceful transfer of power, is not allowed to date someone. She has to be above reproach, while he (so far) gets away with attempting to destroy a nation and being allowed to try it again. And why? I think we all know the reasons for the double standard here.
Thank you Linda. I am also very resentful of this attack on Ms. Willis. You make such a good point about her quite obviously not having time to meet people outside of her current responsibilities at work.
I do recall this being the case when Ms Willis started to formulate the Georgia investigation into TFG: "Ellis and Willis have been at odds over the notorious Fulton County Jail, which has gained national attention over its conditions and number of inmate deaths."
"Willis said the commission is using her office as a scapegoat for the county’s inaction involving the jail and other parts criminal justice system, long before she took office."
They don't want any media attention on their criminal boss so everything else (Willis, Swift, and on and on) becomes the focus. The criminal Trump should be the focus, the only focus. He and his minions are dragging his coming to justice out as long as they can. Justice delayed is justice denied.
I agree with you. Unfortunately the Republicans in Georgia will try to use this as an excuse to tank the trial. They already passed that law last year that gives them the power to remove a D.A. This now falls into their lap and they will make the most of it.
I live in Georgia and the 'resistance' is growing stronger. The repubs considered getting rid of Willis when she first filed the Trump et. al. indictments, but there was too much public pushback. I hope we can continue to push back. Going after Willis for having a private life is absurd.
I understand your comments and if this was a normal situation, I would agree but the optics on a workplace romance is bad and has given the opposirion ammunition.
I am saying we should not be contributing to making it not a normal situation. Can we leave that to the Republicans, who see perversion in a Dr. Seuss book? I think we should not support the double standards that are in play here. Let us not hold her to a higher standard, she is already meeting it. She gets to be with whom she wants to as do we all.
I agree, among thinking people in this group it is not a problem, but outside of this group and even among like minded folks it is seen as a problem because it is blasted everywhere. I will say no more, other than in my little universe, my friends are shaking their heads.
The way to change the culture is not to join it but to resist and go your own way. I am suggesting that we go the way of not "Slut Shaming" Fani Willis, which is basically what this amounts to, and not getting all prurient about her behavior. Dems don't need to be like Republicans or avoid doing everything in life in order to avoid their histronics. I we have to behave in ways that only the Republicans can find no fault in, then we have lost the battle already. Also, let us look at Fani as someone who is standing up to Trump and stand along with her! That is where I stand. If she has not done anything wrong, then like with the Hunter Biden situation, I don't need to know the prurient details. MTG should not be encouraged, or even sided with. If our democracy cannot stand up to her having a relationship with the person she is attracted to, then she has lost choice, as have all women who cannot get abortions.
Wow... If a male DA had hired a female attorney for this role and then got involved in a romantic/sexual entanglement with that subordinate, and they were Republicans, I wonder if folks would be this breezy about it.
Sorry, but it is closer to (and perhaps over) the border of appropriateness than it might look. Definitely over the border of poor judgement. Is it unethical in the legal profession? I don't know. Is it a violation of workplace policy? Maybe.
People do meet at work... I've been there! Still one has to carefully consider all the angles as we are not living in the 70s any longer. This was ill-advised given the stakes: nothing less than the fate of the nation! A somewhat bizarre case of self-sabotage, especially after more than 2+ years of preparing this case.
I believe in the narrative of the case. It's brilliant. However, just prosecuting Trump for the phone call in mid-2021 would have been plenty. That was crime enough. Obvious. Get that over with and then go get laid all you want. Sadly, the case may now be tarnished and further delayed.
Does the unprofessional conduct negate the evidence? No, not at all. But it gives the opposition something to sink their claws into, thus a self-inflicted wound.
Today's Edition was too good not to share, so I shared on my Facebook page. The fear that I want to learn how to combat is that as good as things are for the Democrats right now, and historically have been for the country under Democratic leadership, the Republicans will go to ANY LENGTHS to seize power, and cheat their way in. You never know what they will create to obstruct justice and what other shoe will drop to change the course of history. I do believe that we are facing evil. We can never go back to what was "normal". The NEW normal needs to be an engaged and educated majority of Americans who understand the fragility of our Democracy and want to participate, and don't feel that "Politics"is only a dirty word. I dream we get a trifecta this November so that President Biden can sign into law abortion protection and a woman's right to choose, and the John Lewis Voting Act, for starters.
YES YES and YES. ALL OF IT and more. I know we can get it done - as we are working to get the majority in the House, we can't lose the Senate. I know we can make it happen.
Sigh. The misogyny and racism in the attacks on Fani Willis are blatant. What about all the MEN who have affairs and never get dinged or mentioned anywhere? It is so clearly a hit job and we all know it. I'm sorry we have to spend any time on the issue at all.
One of the things I am genuinely grateful for from the MAGA-R's is how they've made formerly complacent and non-participating D's like me habitual voters. The T years showed me how fragile our democracy is when we don't participate -- truly awful people will take it from you and then make economic slaves and social outcasts of you in true authoritarian fashion. So, to Mr. Hubbell's point, yes, 2024 is a Special Election -- as is every single election from here on out -- federal/state/local. I will never be convinced otherwise for as long as I live. Off to write GOTV postcards for NY-3. Happy Saturday, everyone!
Over the last 10 days more than a million of Germans turned out in dozens of spontaneous manifestations in big cities as well as smaller towns all over Germany. They repudiated the rhetoric of hate and division of rightwing extremists after some especially despicable activities and plans of the rightwing party AfD were discovered. The AfD (Alternative for Germany) currently holds about 10% of the seats in Parliament and gets 20% of support in polls but has no chance to be part of a future coalition.
Still Germans clearly demonstrated that they don't intend to be the proverbial frog in the kettle who doesn't realize the continuous heating up of the water until it is too late. The exemplary show of strength by the silent majority will give confidence to Germans and hopefully also to decent people in other nations who have to deal with the ugly face of autocracy as well as rightwing populism and nationalism to stand up for their values and convictions.
It seems Germany and the Germans have learned from their painful history and decades of fighting discrimination, prejudice and intolerance are reflected in the clear stand, taken by so many.
And you are right, Robert. November 2024 is a special election. The alternatives are clear. And Democrats as well as democrats should be turning out in historic numbers.
In this context, I recommend the article, “Germany has Finally Woken Up” in today’s NYT print edition. In addition to reporting on events Mr. Schlüter describes, this article contains important observations that apply to American politics.
For example, “[A] general sense of discontent has tipped over into disdain.” *Disdain*: that’s one of the widespread liberal/progressive attitudes that Democrats must fight.
And: “[T]he far right is not about having horrific ideas – it is about enacting horrific ideas.”
of the credit in getting out those resisters. Historically people were unaware of Special
elections and now with postcarding and active phone banking and canvassing, us volunteers have organized to get that information out in a timely way. We have organized efforts to get people to the polls, we provide hotlines for people who need assistance. It's not just that people are angry and fearful, it's that there is an network staffed by volunteers making sure the necessary information is out there. If you are not already a member, Join one of those groups in your state. We need all hands on deck in 2024.
Yes it is about doing the work. What’s interesting, is that pundits look at polls or looked at money raised, but they don’t have a mechanism for understanding the level of effort that’s being put in on the ground by volunteers.
I think they are both important, as well as other forms of activism like phonebanking and canvassing. Sister District has actually done some interesting experiments on the impact of specific postcarding tactics, e.g. see here:
Last evening while cooking dinner I was happy to hear an interview with Congressman Jim Clyburn regarding our 2024 elections. Then after dinner I saw him interviewed on PBS Newshour. Let's hope the media continues to move away from the negative narrative and avoidance of the positive outcomes of the current federal administration.
As he was formerly a history teacher, Rep Clyburn was asked what he would teach in the classroom today:
" I would be spending every day teaching about the election of 1876 in the United States of America.
I'll be saying to them, Reconstruction came to an end by one vote. Jim Crow became the law of the land by one vote. Are you going to be the one vote that brings an end to what everybody has called the second reconstruction? Let's hope not."
"The second reconstruction." What a great way to frame it.
From the Congressman: " Joe Biden is doing what he said he would do, and the American people are beginning to feel it."
Rep Clyburn tells us "this campaign is going to be one on turnout" and "I maintain, the best way to turn voters out is not on television, it's on the ground. You've got to get boots on the ground, and we need to make a significant investment in boots on the ground".
We know this to be true. This is why we are so appreciative for the efforts of Robert, Jessica Craven, Simon Rosenberg and others for leading in our important "boots on the ground" campaign movement. Onward to the reelection of Joe Biden!
I am part of the Resistance. Until 2020, I had never voted a straight Democrat in my life. My goal in 2020 was to see every Republican defeated in my district, in my state and in the country. I live in a very red county in Florida so none of my candidates won, except for Biden. After voting straight Republican for over 45 years, I decided I wanted nothing to do with a political party that worshiped at the altar of Trump. My Resistance is not just to help Democrats get elected. It is to keep Republicans from winning.
In most presidential elections, naysayers about the incumbent treat the economy as the issue that trumps everything else. This time that can’t work. And they already got Roe reversed, so they can’t vote for him only for that issue. So they are silent on the economy and noisy on immigration with no intention to solve it. They tell falsehoods about the safety of the world under Trump while Biden navigates hot spots at war. But if people stick to the traditional lens of the economy, there is little to dispute.
Roe being reversed is important in both sapping the energy of those who wanted that result; and for activating large groups of otherwise less engaged people who are outraged.
I would venture a guess that Nate Cohn has no clue how the women of this country feel, nor has he a way of factoring in our numbers or our outrage. All the better. Viva La Resistance!
Two quick comments, the first about Nate Cohn’s theory. I disagree that this is “liberal voters becoming extraordinarily motivated…” I think it’s sane and rational voters, liberal and conservative, who recognized early on that Trump was completely unqualified for ANY office. It’s voters in the 80+ percent of Americans who oppose absolute abortion bans and an equally high percentage who aren’t okay with Confederate flags making a comeback in their capital. Let’s avoid the liberal v. conservative trap—we need both in this pro-democracy coalition.
Second, and this is anecdotal. I have posted here frequently about various voter registration opportunities here in Texas. I had been pleased to be hearing from one or two new volunteers a month joining our various teams. In the last week, I’ve added one a day. Something’s going on…
This certainly ends the week on a high note but of course anything can happen in the next few months. The best news of the week was the EU support of Ukraine. I always feel with the extremists in congress being led by Trump who in turn is Putin’s puppet will continue to destroy, destroy, destroy, versus the Biden approach with the Democrats to build, build, build. Let’s hope and pray the side of the good and democracy prevails. Thank you Robert!
Turnout Yes, but we have to work for it! It has actually been pretty apparent for a number of years that we have a core of committed Super-blue Dems who turn out and give us a leg up in special and other low salience elections. And careful analysis by Michael Podhorzer demonstrates the key role of infrequent voters in recent high visibility elections. But "turning out" large numbers of our supportive but infrequent voters does not come easy. Ironically the lion's share of campaign resources, especially, but not limited to the huge amounts on television, targets the elusive and almost rare swing voter.
There are a good number of ways that we can shift the emphasis toward infrequent voters, beginning with not waiting until late September to reach out to them. A list of such ways is fairly straightforward to compile. And of course it needs to be blended with "persuasion" messages of how Dems are better for their lives. A testimony to your efforts Robert, is that many of the
"Opportunities for Engagement" you advance, often do align with bringing out infrequent voters.
This has been the unfortunate "go to" campaign strategy of the U.S. election-industrial complex: "...the lion's share of campaign resources, especially, but not limited to the huge amounts on television, targets the elusive and almost rare swing voter."
I agree with this. It’s so important to turn out infrequent Democratic voters. That takes work by on-the-ground grassroots groups and State Democratic Parties. These groups don’t garner a lot of attention, but it’s so critical to support them.
I want to step back and take a somewhat wider view. I suggest that what we’re seeing is something I did not expect, at least not so soon: Donald Trump is becoming yesterday’s news. The page hasn’t turned, but I sense it turning, and that will become more apparent in the weeks to come. I know that to tens of millions Trump is still very much in the headlines, but with each day he becomes, thank [insert deity of choice here], a figure of the past.
Jon, I’m feeling it too. Stairway to Heaven dominated the Rock World in the 70’s. Its a bit tired today. We heard it then when it was fresh, now its kinda, “yeah ok, here comes the guitar solo again”. (But her emails)
Even fake outrage gets old and the fans want new material. Being a criminal kinda takes the sting outta the Mongol Orange One
I don’t know whether DJT is becoming a figure of the past (a criticism that’s made of Biden), but I do think DJT is getting *stale*. I wonder how widespread that feeling is getting (Independents, e.g.?).
If “stale” could be attached to DJT, it might get under his skin and so be powerful politically.
It's a bit like "media burnout" isn't it? How many hideous photographs a day can we tolerate? How many misleading headlines? How much breathless commentary? I'm not a marketing person by any stretch of the imagination, but it does seem that his popularity has peaked and his cake is now being overbaked, thus inedible!
Happy Saturday morning everyone!
Please do not direct comments AT one another; feel to disagree with comments all you want. But don't make it personal.
I have deleted three comments this morning.
If you see other comments that should be removed, click on the three dots on the bottom right of the comment and click "Report."
Dear Robert Hubbell,
Some months ago, I stumbled upon your work on Substack. I am so glad I did! The 'noise' and disinformation from media and MAGA, among others, are getting louder with each passing day as we approach the election of Nov 2024. The odious "45" is getting desperate now, which translates to his becoming ever more dangerous, in my view. And it is only February!
I just want to communicate to you how important your commentary is to me. You encourage and inspire me to remain engaged in the resistance. Thank you! I especially like these thoughts from your newsletter today:
"Here’s a news flash for Nate Cohn (and other pollsters): November 2024 IS a special election. It is an election in which an aspiring dictator who attempted a coup and incited an insurrection seeks re-election. It doesn’t get any more special than that. Democracy is on the ballot and is represented by a decent, successful president who seeks to represent the interests of all Americans. So, too, are issues relating to reproductive liberty, healthcare, voting equality, the climate crisis, LGBTQ equality, and the rule of law. Anyone who believes Democrats will not turn out in historic numbers in November isn’t paying attention."
I agree 100% ! Thank you for your work! -Nancy Becker
That's the clarity and encouragement I was refering to earlier. Robert is on the mark and keeps us focused.
...and grounded!
Nate Cohn must know that Gen Z comprise 40% of the electorate and are not accurately represented in the polls and trend 70%+ Democratic. We ought to concentrate on them. I've sent Field Team 6 and my local congressional candidate emails to that effect and reference Taylor Swift's 287 million Instagram followers but so far crickets.
My district is heavily registered Democratic but has a Batistiana MAGAT representative, the hypocrite Maria Elvira Salazar. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/fabiola-santiago/article284854271.html#src=taboola-in-article-inm-v1
The DNC is apparently braindead, as the major reason why Democratic voters do not show up is that BLM supported the Cuban government when we had riots. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/black-lives-matter-faces-backlash-statement-cuba-protest-rcna1438. Blacks did not show up to vote for Val Demings who is Black, in the last election. BLM has also said some antisemitic crap, and South Florida has a high Jewish population. This needs to be fixed ASAP.
Rather than criticizing Blacks, I recommend you try to find a postcard-writing group that focuses on areas of high populations of minorities. I am writing postcards to Northeast Arizona to get Native Americans to make sure their registration is done in time for the election coming up. I have found that reading Robert's newsletter is good,, but not enough. When you are upset about something, join a group that is taking action to fix the problem you are upset about. I think you will find it helps calm you down. It has certainly helped me. Apologies if you are already doing this!
Republicans and their leader know that the key to their retaining or gaining power is voter suppression and dilution. They suppress the vote through intimidation, fatalism, projection, obstruction, obfuscation, and disingenuity. They dilute the effect of votes through gerrymandering and by marginalizing those who don’t stand with them. As Nate Cohn suggests, turnout by an informed electorate is the answer. As Robert said, we are the “the Resistance.” Vocalizing and mobilizing the Resistance is the way to inform the electorate and inspire turnout. Let’s keep it up!
2024 is THE special election. Anyone who doesn't realize that hasn't been paying attention. We must squelch the ambitions of the dictator wannabe AND remove a lot of his minions so we can get the business of governing back on track. 2023 has already gone down as one of the worst years in terms of getting anything of value done in Congress and 2024 seems like it might reach a new low. But there is the election IF, and only if, we take advantage of it.
Well said, Nancy. Robert has created a community of inspired readers engaged and ready to make a difference in November 2024! Moreover, he monitors and acknowledges the good thoughts and resources his readers provide. He engages with us in ways few, if any, bloggers do. In short, he cares and curates this wonderful community of thoughtful exchanges.
He and Jill are amazing.
WOW, I learn so much from Robert H.
Today - I wonder what Trump might do (worst than ever!!!) if NOT on Maine ballot???
Susan Griffiths
I saw the word Resistance and it made me smile. When Trump was elected, I had a bumper sticker on my car and my laptop. I went to so many rallies, marches and to Sen Collins office over and over begging her to do the right thing.
I haven’t been thinking of the work I do as a keyboard warrior since 2021 as the Resistance- but it is. We work differently. We work smart. We do not march- we gather ballot signatures to get basic human rights on the ballot.and we organize with the primary goal of getting out the vote.
We need to remember that as Robert says- we are it. It feels good to think of this work as the Resistance-the Resistance to Fascism. However, it isn’t just liberals. Cohn gets that wrong, as does all the media. It is a pro-democracy coalition. It started with liberals, but there are a lot of centrists, Independents and even Republicans in this fight now.
It is going to take awhile to completely defeat MAGA. When history is written, our names won’t be there-but this organic movement will be. It is a privilege to be part of it.
Have a great weekend everyone!!!
When Trump signed that POS Musilm ban, I dropped everything at my work, ran to LAX (my nearest international airport) and joined thousands of protesters there, including immigration lawyers, ACLU lawyers, who had pop-up tables there to help people just arriving into this chaos. I took video of the chants welcoming people- it was so historic, and I knew then it was the beginning of an important movement that would make change. The time is now.
Jill and I were at that protest! Having been to LAX hundreds of times, it felt strange walking through the airport causeway, lined with police on both sides. But it was tremendous. I hope that we can sustain and summon that passion when necessary.
Yes! I came to post what you so eloquently expressed. And it’s thanks to Robert Hubbell and writers like him as well as the grass roots organizations that have sprang up to work for the side of democracy. The former to provide clarity and guidance and the latter to provide outlets for our energies.
Hear, hear!
I used to have a t-shirt with one word: Resistance. Wish I had kept it.
Maybe someone will follow through on that idea, Annette. Wouldn't it be great if many of us wore a tee shirt with the word RESISTANCE on it?
How about this?
RESIST
......Autocracy
......Nihilism
......Cruelty
......Everywhere
Let’s use “C-A-N” Everywhere!?
I guess I missed the mark - it's Resistance with the "ance" spelled out.
I like the ANCE. Good idea.
This is the solution - all of us joining the movement to fight back against this attempt to tear apart our precious democracy. We have to start early - like NOW - and keep at it. I love being associated with the Resistance!
In that spirit, I suggest readers check out the bulwark podcasts. They are brilliant, funny and furious.
Willis gets to have a personal life. That probably helps keep her going during an extremely stressful trial. In addition, if she is dating someone who is involved in the prosecution then no one has to worry about her inappropriately spilling secrets of the case. It seems likely that someone who works as much as she does would have a hard time meeting someone outside of her work sphere. I resent that this has even become a thing. She shows that the relationship has not broken the law. Let's move on.
Well said. Most people I know who became couples met at work. You explain it well. There is nothing in this situation that reflects unethical behavior. And now on to the next MAGA invention.
They are wearing out the immigration issue by refusing to help fix it. Grassley and company should get an award for revealing GOP cynical political crassness.
Next? The Great Taylor Swift Super Bowl Conspiracy! Yup. Attack the most popular singer and personality on the planet and contrive that she is part of fixing a football game for Joe Biden. You can't make this stuff up. The script wouldn't sell in Hollywood. Egads.
Yesterday, we were cruising in my blue Honda Civic 🚙, windows down, on a gorgeous Fl day.😎. A guy passes us, rolls down his window ,and starts a full-on rant about my bumper sticker while waving his cigarette.I laughed and told hubby the guy probably thought I was a Swifty. Guilty as charged ! 💃
My bumper sticker ➡️ Register To Vote
Yes, you could not make this stuff up !
Wow. So he doesn't want people to register to vote...because? Oh, I get it. He's afraid The Resistance will vote. He SHOULD be afraid!
Coming to visit the Sunshine State next month. Hope I don't have to deal with him.
My wonderful Blue voting Mom in Law is turning 97.
Yes, they are afraid of the Resistance ! 💙
A couple months back I received an anonymous, snail letter in response to one of my Letters To Ed. Anonymous quoted me and spewed a litany of Faux News talking points.
According to Opinion Editor this has happened to others.
Pretty DESPARATE if they’re writing anonymous snail mails to us “mature”👩🏻🦳 letter writers and barking at Reg To Vote bumper stickers !!
Is there a better word than ABSURD to describe this situation? Republicans are making so many mistakes, it would be funny if the stakes weren't so high! They are playing with fire to attack Taylor Swift. The good news is it might just motivate more young people to vote.
I can't wait to see what happens with the Swift Conspiracy! The Late Night Guys sure had fun with that! As someone who listens to traditional, mostly British Isles, music, I'm unfamiliar with her music, but very much enjoyed her solo Tiny Desk Concert, done for NPR in 2019. Check it out if you're like me, or even if you're not: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvVnP8G6ITs
As she said, that's a lot of people crammed into a tiny office! Anyway, she really does come across as a nice human being, without a lot of ego getting in her way.
Watched it. Thanks! Love the Tiny Desk. Such variety.
She is humble and her message in the first song is spot on. Not my music, but seems like my kind of person!
What you said! I'm glad you watched it.
Whenever someone disses Taylor Swift I direct them to this video ... I'm not a big fan of overblown stage theatrics by any singer songwriter or performer but when you see Taylor in that close––almost claustrophobic environment––poised beyond her years or experience and delivering her impeccable lyrics with grace and humor, never missing a beat or note, you'd have to be pretty hard-hearted for it not to resonate. Thanks for posting.
You're welcome! Nice to know another fan of the video - of course, I just checked, and it's had 19 million views, so ..... Meanwhile, though, I hope this stupid conspiracy theory isn't causing her any kind of grief.
I spend some time last night on Wikipedia getting to "know" her. Wow. Her accomplishments are phenomenal. Aside from her music, her drive, her business acumen, her personal values, her many philanthropic efforts and her genuine "niceness," Taylor Swift is remarkable and I probably will be watching that Super Bowl game just to cheer for her and her beau!
I haven't learned all that much about her, just that I know she's a force for good in the world, and a great role model for girls. Thanks for telling me! I did learn that, early on, white supremacists thought of her as a "pure aryan goddess" - YUK!! They were disabused of that notion pretty quickly! I can't stand football, or I'd join you in cheering them on!
Grassley should do the right thing and stop hanging on to his Senate seat at 90 or 91. It was very sad to hear him stand at a podium with Trump during his last election campaign to embrace Trump saying, “Of course I endorse Trump, I’d be a fool not to endorse the Republican leading candidate.” (A little bit of paraphrasing.)
NO!! Senator Grassley, you are a fool who stands as yet another former Republican who understood governance and has turned away for the sake of your ego and power aligned with the criminal and corrupt fool at the head of the party. You are shameless and unable to accept that you are only good to Trump as long as you kiss the ring of his vanity and divisiveness.
He also made statements during the J6 insurrection that seemed to indicate he was "in on the plan" and ready to count those votes the way the tfg wanted them counted.
I think we are challenged by this phenomenon since we also had Feinstein die in office at 90. The age issues should not be the issue but voters need to confront the behaviors and failure to govern in the interests of the country.
Yes, Bill!
It makes me so angry that this is even a thing. The irony of it all is not lost on me - the least of Trump's legal woes is the hush-money case in NY in which he illegally tried to cover-up an illicit affair in order to influence an election. But the prosecutor who has charged him with much more serious conduct that amounts to an attempt to overturn 250 years of democracy and the peaceful transfer of power, is not allowed to date someone. She has to be above reproach, while he (so far) gets away with attempting to destroy a nation and being allowed to try it again. And why? I think we all know the reasons for the double standard here.
She's black and female! Horrors!
Isn't is ironic that the avocates for DJT throw shade at someone's sexual immorality!
Thank you Linda. I am also very resentful of this attack on Ms. Willis. You make such a good point about her quite obviously not having time to meet people outside of her current responsibilities at work.
I do recall this being the case when Ms Willis started to formulate the Georgia investigation into TFG: "Ellis and Willis have been at odds over the notorious Fulton County Jail, which has gained national attention over its conditions and number of inmate deaths."
"Willis said the commission is using her office as a scapegoat for the county’s inaction involving the jail and other parts criminal justice system, long before she took office."
https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/01/22/fulton-official-grills-da-fani-willis-over-alleged-relationship/
They don't want any media attention on their criminal boss so everything else (Willis, Swift, and on and on) becomes the focus. The criminal Trump should be the focus, the only focus. He and his minions are dragging his coming to justice out as long as they can. Justice delayed is justice denied.
I agree with you. Unfortunately the Republicans in Georgia will try to use this as an excuse to tank the trial. They already passed that law last year that gives them the power to remove a D.A. This now falls into their lap and they will make the most of it.
I live in Georgia and the 'resistance' is growing stronger. The repubs considered getting rid of Willis when she first filed the Trump et. al. indictments, but there was too much public pushback. I hope we can continue to push back. Going after Willis for having a private life is absurd.
I understand your comments and if this was a normal situation, I would agree but the optics on a workplace romance is bad and has given the opposirion ammunition.
I am saying we should not be contributing to making it not a normal situation. Can we leave that to the Republicans, who see perversion in a Dr. Seuss book? I think we should not support the double standards that are in play here. Let us not hold her to a higher standard, she is already meeting it. She gets to be with whom she wants to as do we all.
The sooner Fani Willis can get her trials underway, the sooner news reports will shift to what’s transpiring in the trials.
I agree, among thinking people in this group it is not a problem, but outside of this group and even among like minded folks it is seen as a problem because it is blasted everywhere. I will say no more, other than in my little universe, my friends are shaking their heads.
The way to change the culture is not to join it but to resist and go your own way. I am suggesting that we go the way of not "Slut Shaming" Fani Willis, which is basically what this amounts to, and not getting all prurient about her behavior. Dems don't need to be like Republicans or avoid doing everything in life in order to avoid their histronics. I we have to behave in ways that only the Republicans can find no fault in, then we have lost the battle already. Also, let us look at Fani as someone who is standing up to Trump and stand along with her! That is where I stand. If she has not done anything wrong, then like with the Hunter Biden situation, I don't need to know the prurient details. MTG should not be encouraged, or even sided with. If our democracy cannot stand up to her having a relationship with the person she is attracted to, then she has lost choice, as have all women who cannot get abortions.
You know, we can play this “optics” tape only so far. At some point jurists must speak to the law, not optics and a person’s personal life.
Wow... If a male DA had hired a female attorney for this role and then got involved in a romantic/sexual entanglement with that subordinate, and they were Republicans, I wonder if folks would be this breezy about it.
Sorry, but it is closer to (and perhaps over) the border of appropriateness than it might look. Definitely over the border of poor judgement. Is it unethical in the legal profession? I don't know. Is it a violation of workplace policy? Maybe.
People do meet at work... I've been there! Still one has to carefully consider all the angles as we are not living in the 70s any longer. This was ill-advised given the stakes: nothing less than the fate of the nation! A somewhat bizarre case of self-sabotage, especially after more than 2+ years of preparing this case.
I believe in the narrative of the case. It's brilliant. However, just prosecuting Trump for the phone call in mid-2021 would have been plenty. That was crime enough. Obvious. Get that over with and then go get laid all you want. Sadly, the case may now be tarnished and further delayed.
Does the unprofessional conduct negate the evidence? No, not at all. But it gives the opposition something to sink their claws into, thus a self-inflicted wound.
Today's Edition was too good not to share, so I shared on my Facebook page. The fear that I want to learn how to combat is that as good as things are for the Democrats right now, and historically have been for the country under Democratic leadership, the Republicans will go to ANY LENGTHS to seize power, and cheat their way in. You never know what they will create to obstruct justice and what other shoe will drop to change the course of history. I do believe that we are facing evil. We can never go back to what was "normal". The NEW normal needs to be an engaged and educated majority of Americans who understand the fragility of our Democracy and want to participate, and don't feel that "Politics"is only a dirty word. I dream we get a trifecta this November so that President Biden can sign into law abortion protection and a woman's right to choose, and the John Lewis Voting Act, for starters.
And legislation expanding the courts. And real immigration reform, including protection for DREAMERs.
YES YES and YES. ALL OF IT and more. I know we can get it done - as we are working to get the majority in the House, we can't lose the Senate. I know we can make it happen.
Thanks for sharing!
Sigh. The misogyny and racism in the attacks on Fani Willis are blatant. What about all the MEN who have affairs and never get dinged or mentioned anywhere? It is so clearly a hit job and we all know it. I'm sorry we have to spend any time on the issue at all.
One of the things I am genuinely grateful for from the MAGA-R's is how they've made formerly complacent and non-participating D's like me habitual voters. The T years showed me how fragile our democracy is when we don't participate -- truly awful people will take it from you and then make economic slaves and social outcasts of you in true authoritarian fashion. So, to Mr. Hubbell's point, yes, 2024 is a Special Election -- as is every single election from here on out -- federal/state/local. I will never be convinced otherwise for as long as I live. Off to write GOTV postcards for NY-3. Happy Saturday, everyone!
Me, too, Stacey. Every thing you said. Never complacent again - VOTE BLUE 📫
This is my postcard writing weekend too. My husband recently jumped on the bandwagon and we will write them today while having coffee and chatting.
I love thinking about all of us in our houses and with groups taking action like this - not knowing each other but all with one purpose.
Your comment just gave me truth bumps! Warms my heart to know you guys are in it with me! I have 21 more to go! 💪🏼✊🏼
Over the last 10 days more than a million of Germans turned out in dozens of spontaneous manifestations in big cities as well as smaller towns all over Germany. They repudiated the rhetoric of hate and division of rightwing extremists after some especially despicable activities and plans of the rightwing party AfD were discovered. The AfD (Alternative for Germany) currently holds about 10% of the seats in Parliament and gets 20% of support in polls but has no chance to be part of a future coalition.
Still Germans clearly demonstrated that they don't intend to be the proverbial frog in the kettle who doesn't realize the continuous heating up of the water until it is too late. The exemplary show of strength by the silent majority will give confidence to Germans and hopefully also to decent people in other nations who have to deal with the ugly face of autocracy as well as rightwing populism and nationalism to stand up for their values and convictions.
It seems Germany and the Germans have learned from their painful history and decades of fighting discrimination, prejudice and intolerance are reflected in the clear stand, taken by so many.
And you are right, Robert. November 2024 is a special election. The alternatives are clear. And Democrats as well as democrats should be turning out in historic numbers.
In this context, I recommend the article, “Germany has Finally Woken Up” in today’s NYT print edition. In addition to reporting on events Mr. Schlüter describes, this article contains important observations that apply to American politics.
For example, “[A] general sense of discontent has tipped over into disdain.” *Disdain*: that’s one of the widespread liberal/progressive attitudes that Democrats must fight.
And: “[T]he far right is not about having horrific ideas – it is about enacting horrific ideas.”
The Grassroots deserve a good deal
of the credit in getting out those resisters. Historically people were unaware of Special
elections and now with postcarding and active phone banking and canvassing, us volunteers have organized to get that information out in a timely way. We have organized efforts to get people to the polls, we provide hotlines for people who need assistance. It's not just that people are angry and fearful, it's that there is an network staffed by volunteers making sure the necessary information is out there. If you are not already a member, Join one of those groups in your state. We need all hands on deck in 2024.
Yes it is about doing the work. What’s interesting, is that pundits look at polls or looked at money raised, but they don’t have a mechanism for understanding the level of effort that’s being put in on the ground by volunteers.
Postcards vs sending money. Interesting to see data on what works.
I think they are both important, as well as other forms of activism like phonebanking and canvassing. Sister District has actually done some interesting experiments on the impact of specific postcarding tactics, e.g. see here:
https://sisterdistrict.com/b/research/holding-anti-abortion-legislators-to-account/
Last evening while cooking dinner I was happy to hear an interview with Congressman Jim Clyburn regarding our 2024 elections. Then after dinner I saw him interviewed on PBS Newshour. Let's hope the media continues to move away from the negative narrative and avoidance of the positive outcomes of the current federal administration.
As he was formerly a history teacher, Rep Clyburn was asked what he would teach in the classroom today:
" I would be spending every day teaching about the election of 1876 in the United States of America.
I'll be saying to them, Reconstruction came to an end by one vote. Jim Crow became the law of the land by one vote. Are you going to be the one vote that brings an end to what everybody has called the second reconstruction? Let's hope not."
"The second reconstruction." What a great way to frame it.
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/02/1228747415/rep-jim-clyburn-frames-election-as-choice-between-loud-noise-and-quiet-diplomacy
From the Congressman: " Joe Biden is doing what he said he would do, and the American people are beginning to feel it."
Rep Clyburn tells us "this campaign is going to be one on turnout" and "I maintain, the best way to turn voters out is not on television, it's on the ground. You've got to get boots on the ground, and we need to make a significant investment in boots on the ground".
https://www.pbs.org/video/vote-2024-1706912924/
We know this to be true. This is why we are so appreciative for the efforts of Robert, Jessica Craven, Simon Rosenberg and others for leading in our important "boots on the ground" campaign movement. Onward to the reelection of Joe Biden!
I am part of the Resistance. Until 2020, I had never voted a straight Democrat in my life. My goal in 2020 was to see every Republican defeated in my district, in my state and in the country. I live in a very red county in Florida so none of my candidates won, except for Biden. After voting straight Republican for over 45 years, I decided I wanted nothing to do with a political party that worshiped at the altar of Trump. My Resistance is not just to help Democrats get elected. It is to keep Republicans from winning.
“Viva de Resistance”!!!!
Thank you for being part of the Resistance!
In most presidential elections, naysayers about the incumbent treat the economy as the issue that trumps everything else. This time that can’t work. And they already got Roe reversed, so they can’t vote for him only for that issue. So they are silent on the economy and noisy on immigration with no intention to solve it. They tell falsehoods about the safety of the world under Trump while Biden navigates hot spots at war. But if people stick to the traditional lens of the economy, there is little to dispute.
Roe being reversed is important in both sapping the energy of those who wanted that result; and for activating large groups of otherwise less engaged people who are outraged.
I would venture a guess that Nate Cohn has no clue how the women of this country feel, nor has he a way of factoring in our numbers or our outrage. All the better. Viva La Resistance!
Two quick comments, the first about Nate Cohn’s theory. I disagree that this is “liberal voters becoming extraordinarily motivated…” I think it’s sane and rational voters, liberal and conservative, who recognized early on that Trump was completely unqualified for ANY office. It’s voters in the 80+ percent of Americans who oppose absolute abortion bans and an equally high percentage who aren’t okay with Confederate flags making a comeback in their capital. Let’s avoid the liberal v. conservative trap—we need both in this pro-democracy coalition.
Second, and this is anecdotal. I have posted here frequently about various voter registration opportunities here in Texas. I had been pleased to be hearing from one or two new volunteers a month joining our various teams. In the last week, I’ve added one a day. Something’s going on…
Cathy. You are so right about the prodemocracy coalition. It is our strength. Binary language part of what brought us to this place.
💙 💙💙, Cathy !
Great post and thank you for your good work.
Wow, that’s good news! Something going on indeed!!
This certainly ends the week on a high note but of course anything can happen in the next few months. The best news of the week was the EU support of Ukraine. I always feel with the extremists in congress being led by Trump who in turn is Putin’s puppet will continue to destroy, destroy, destroy, versus the Biden approach with the Democrats to build, build, build. Let’s hope and pray the side of the good and democracy prevails. Thank you Robert!
Turnout Yes, but we have to work for it! It has actually been pretty apparent for a number of years that we have a core of committed Super-blue Dems who turn out and give us a leg up in special and other low salience elections. And careful analysis by Michael Podhorzer demonstrates the key role of infrequent voters in recent high visibility elections. But "turning out" large numbers of our supportive but infrequent voters does not come easy. Ironically the lion's share of campaign resources, especially, but not limited to the huge amounts on television, targets the elusive and almost rare swing voter.
There are a good number of ways that we can shift the emphasis toward infrequent voters, beginning with not waiting until late September to reach out to them. A list of such ways is fairly straightforward to compile. And of course it needs to be blended with "persuasion" messages of how Dems are better for their lives. A testimony to your efforts Robert, is that many of the
"Opportunities for Engagement" you advance, often do align with bringing out infrequent voters.
This has been the unfortunate "go to" campaign strategy of the U.S. election-industrial complex: "...the lion's share of campaign resources, especially, but not limited to the huge amounts on television, targets the elusive and almost rare swing voter."
I agree with this. It’s so important to turn out infrequent Democratic voters. That takes work by on-the-ground grassroots groups and State Democratic Parties. These groups don’t garner a lot of attention, but it’s so critical to support them.
I want to step back and take a somewhat wider view. I suggest that what we’re seeing is something I did not expect, at least not so soon: Donald Trump is becoming yesterday’s news. The page hasn’t turned, but I sense it turning, and that will become more apparent in the weeks to come. I know that to tens of millions Trump is still very much in the headlines, but with each day he becomes, thank [insert deity of choice here], a figure of the past.
This feels true: " Donald Trump is becoming yesterday’s news."
Jon, I’m feeling it too. Stairway to Heaven dominated the Rock World in the 70’s. Its a bit tired today. We heard it then when it was fresh, now its kinda, “yeah ok, here comes the guitar solo again”. (But her emails)
Even fake outrage gets old and the fans want new material. Being a criminal kinda takes the sting outta the Mongol Orange One
I don’t know whether DJT is becoming a figure of the past (a criticism that’s made of Biden), but I do think DJT is getting *stale*. I wonder how widespread that feeling is getting (Independents, e.g.?).
If “stale” could be attached to DJT, it might get under his skin and so be powerful politically.
It's a bit like "media burnout" isn't it? How many hideous photographs a day can we tolerate? How many misleading headlines? How much breathless commentary? I'm not a marketing person by any stretch of the imagination, but it does seem that his popularity has peaked and his cake is now being overbaked, thus inedible!