I too could not bear to watch the convention. But I did read the mainstream media reports. And I just want to point out something not noted tonight by either WAPO or the NY Times:
J D Vance is the least qualified candidate for vice-president ever to be nominated, including Sarah Palin and Dan Quayle. Other than 4 years in the military (where he only attained the rank of corporal), his only public service is 18 months as a U.S. Senator.
Palin was a Mayor for 6 years and a Governor for 2 1/2 years. Quayle was a U.S. Representative for 4 years and a U.S. Senator for 8 years.
I can't wait for Vice-President Harris to debate him in September!
And what a perfect running mate for the least qualified candidate for president there ever was! He committed treason and 34 felonies and still he is eligible to run for president😢
As I read your comment, I'm totally in agreement with you on DJT and JDV being unqualified and in fact there are a lot of republicans in office that are unqualified which begs me to wonder, who or what is in charge of the republican side? I shudder to think who or what that is. I could theorize and get real dark, but it does make me wonder or is it just they are all crazy for attention? As Robert stated, stay focused on the job at hand and re-elect Joe Biden.
On a different note, yesterday afternoon I spent 3 hours in election poll worker training along with about 50 other citizens in my county of around 462K voters. I have to say it was very informative and from what I saw and learned, at least in my county, I feel very secure in the whole process of everyone's vote counting no matter what side you are on. In addition, there was no politics involved by anyone in attendance, just fellow citizens like me wanting to get involved and help make democracy work. I even ran into an acquaints son that said he had been wanting to do this ever since he was eligible to vote, and he was fulfilling that wish as was I. To be a little part of the process is a good thing, so do something, anything to help democracy.
Lori, like our friends son, I too had been thinking about this for a while. I just thought I can’t sit idly by and watch from the sidelines. I need to be a part of the action, however small this part is. HAGDay.
It is also totally predictable if you look at the caliber of people he tapped for cabinet level positions. With a few rare exceptions, they wee totally unqualified for the jobs to which they were appointed!!
Jerry, I believe I’m on solid ground in asserting that the deciding factor in presidential elections rests largely, if not solely, with the top of the ticket. In that regard I greatly appreciate how Robert rightly derided lawmakers who publicly have aired they are resigned to losing in November. Frankly, I’m stunned, regardless of one’s sense of whether Biden should step aside or stay in the race, that, if it ends up Joe Biden is the nominee out of the Convention, anyone would doubt we’re all going to have to come together to save our democracy and defeat Trump and his MAGA acolytes.
Trump would have done himself better to tap a woman who was maybe a Vet and/or of diverse culture. Fortunately, he was true to form and picked a privileged white guy from a state he might have already had in the bag. It's an "All MAGA" ticket. It won't help him very much.
Harvey, The wisdom of Trump’s VP pick aside, I believe the Presidential race ultimately will rest with how a relatively small number of voters from a handful of districts in a handful of states choose between Biden and Trump.
I totally agree, Barbara. That's why these national polls are basically useless. Biden won by 7 million popular votes last time but the victory was about much smaller margins in a handful of states. This is leads me to so much worry and insomnia. And now, it will more than ever depend on local election officials to
administer, count, and certify the actual voting. In that case it might not come down to thousands of voters but to the individual conscience of a couple dozen citizens. That's a very narrow margin.
Harvey, Setting aside that GOP-controlled state legislatures, for some time, have been laying the groundwork for Trump and his allies to return to power whether or not they win enough votes, it also is of note that post the June 27th debate, the event intended to change the trajectory, the number of battleground states, instead of shrinking, has expanded. Polling data (admittedly instructive, not predictive) show that Biden, in varying degrees, has lost traction in 13 states: ME, NH, PA, VA, NC, GA, MI, WI, MN, CO, NM, AZ, NV
Please note I don’t write to add to anyone’s insomnia, but to suggest that the best antidote to anxiety might be not only to work harder but also smarter.
Adam Schiff just requested for Biden to step down. I think there's pressure around this preliminary convention vote. I reconciled to going ahead with Biden /Harris because I feel the DNC will possibly fumble such a huge, challenging transition. They weren't messaging well pre-debate and what should have been an incumbent triumph was anything but. How are they going to run Harris as the first black female candidate? That will be challenging for America despite her qualifications. Or will they start over at the convention? That will also anger a lot of people to see her maybe passed over. I think it's still an over-reaction to the debate but the party keeps roiling. Either way it's a huge roll of the dice. Not sure which direction is "working smarter" but I believe Trump can be defeated based on domestic and foreign policy. We've had nothing but chaos, cruelty, corruption, crime, and death since 2015. There's no bottom to it.
That's viewed as "common knowledge" for Presidential elections, but more and more research is indicating that local down ballot candidates have an equal or slightly greater impact on turnout and voting success. When quality local candidates generate enthusiasm down ballot, they have a beneficial impact on the top of the ticket.
Terry, While I’m well aware groups like David Hogg’s Leaders We Deserve, which focus largely on state (plus some House) races, operate according to that premise, so far we’re finding that down ballot races, expressly in battleground states, show the down ballot candidates exceeding Joe Biden’s numbers by as many as ten points. Ultimately, in my view, an unprecedented host of factors are at work that make November highly unpredictable. Hence we must hunker down and work as though our fundamental freedoms and rights depend on it, because they do.
I'm also looking forward to a Vance/Harris debate. Should persuade many women to vote the Democratic ticket based on widely differing views on women's reproductive health. A good reason to keep the ticket as it is, i.e., Biden for president and Harris for Vice president.
Karen, regarding the debate, my concern becomes “what softball questions will they tee up that provides Vance the opportunity to ignore completely while giving MAGA campaign speeches
If the format doesn’t have a mechanism to prevent this, Harris might as well stay home
Here’s a thought, if Vance refuses to address the first question, he gets no more questions until he does. Harris gets the rest of the questions in order and answers them as Vance is asked, “do you want to answer the first question now?”
Dave- I agree. He will use the playbook that Trump did. I have all the faith in the world in Kamala (and Joe) but the way the debate is set up, rational thoughtful candidates are set up to lose.
Yep, and hence they shouldn’t be called debates. Debates require judgement on the presentation of facts. Points deducted for lying on stage.
What we now have is a unpaid for ad for Trumpism with complicit moderators who’s job it is to fan the flames of chaos, selling trainwrecks as entertainment
Honestly, unless format rules prevent this, face to face “interactions” are not beneficial to honest brokers
Yes. As I noted in another comment, the “moderator’s” questions determine the outcome of the debate. And, so far, I have very little confidence any of them will moderate fairly.
You raise a very interesting point that I haven’t seen anywhere else: that the “moderators” actually determine the direction of the debate. What we saw a couple of weeks ago in the Biden/Trump fiasco should convince us all. Oh, for the days of Walter Cronkite, et al!
We can begin to recognize that the media is complicit in the chaos we are experiencing. Giving them control in these public displays of partisan shenanigans is not helpful to democracy
The moderators said they weren't there to fact check. And they didn't. That was Biden's job and he didn't do very well. We should not pass the buck on that. Several times, though, the moderators did point out that Trump did not answer the question that had been posed and repeated the question he evaded. I thought that had a definite effect and was embarrassing for Trump after 3 or 4 examples. They did well in that regard. But I agree the format was flawed.
Why people think we've had debates in the last several decades is beyond me. They are media marketing soundbites. In my 37 years of voting, I've never once not known who I was voting for straight away. I don't think I've watched since the first time Obama did his and he also tanked it, as did Clinton.
It's pretty clear that at least part of Vance's appeal to Trump is ol' J.D.'s outstanding 'lickspittle abilities'. It must appeal to Trump to be able to dangle such a prize that a (real) best-selling author, Yale graduate, former marine will contort himself into a pretzel just to get close to the power that he, the Melon Felon, will wield as King Donald. Vance is a sleazy toadying hypocrite--nothing more/nothing less.
Vance has provided some damning evidence as to his state of confusion here. Enough film exists to show his true thoughts regarding trump. When someone shows you who they are, believe them. VP Harris will surely bring out the Beast in him!
Widdle Jimmy Vance is a disgrace to the Marines. He reminds me of an old sailor joke about the other member of the naval service: "You can always tell a Marine, you just can't tell him very much."
Only if it makes the news. I'm glad at least one paper is saying it. It really, really bugs me that the media is so fixated on the debate that they ignore the 2 dozen Biden appearances, etc. And ignore the fact that Donald has been essentially hiding since the debate.
Vance has not passed any legislation either. To be fair he hasn't been there very long and that's the point. Trump loves incompetence and docility around him. Look at the Federal judges they appointed. Many were considered unqualified by the American Bar Association. Vance is another such dolt and placeholder.
All in for Biden Harris ticket. Many of my friends and acquaintances agree. Writing thousands of letters and postcards. Many phone banking and texting. Grassroots disregards mainstream media and is focused on winning 🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Did you happen to be on the Red, Wine and Blue sponsored Zoom with Heather Cox Richardson with 35,000 attendees last night? Grassroots is alive and going strong!
Yes! It was amazing!!! Right? We know we are on the right side. We need to find comfort, support and inspiration from each other. We need to stay focused and persistent in end game: 🌊🌊
There’s some wisdom in tuning into key points at least… My grandson showed me the Amber Rose speech and …talk about polar opposite to Project 2025 and the whole audience is cheering as though it’s their platform… Shameful! Anything to win over voters who aren’t really paying attention. But I’m not watching either… Just trying to tune in to things that could be significant during these last months up to November 5.
Now that they have a firm ticket, we have something to cheer about. The worst president in the history of the nation has selected the least qualified and most right wing candidate as a running mate. It doesn’t get any better than that. “The Despicable Duo”. I like “The Biden/Harris" ticket even better now…..we might even get a bounce in the polls from Haley supporters now. And for all you Democratic members of Congress and supposed supporters of the party who are withholding full throated support of our existing ticket, I only want to remind you "if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with". Now get on board and win this thing, or go down fighting against the LEAST QUALIFIED opponents you could wish for.
After the latest judicial travesty Professor Lawrence Tribe posted on Twitter: "Judge Cannon just did the unthinkable." Other observers reacted with "Unbelievable!" Taking into account all that happened since the elections in 2016 and preparing for what still is in store I am afraid we will have to redefine "unthinkable" and we will have to redefine "unbelievable."
While the judicial take on the latest farce is pretty clear it would be worthwhile to look into the practical aspects: How do the Federalist Society, their plants at the Supreme Court and 'judge' Cannon communicate? Emails and normal phone calls are too easy to detect, they leave traces. So are they using some burner phones like common street thugs? Or do they have some more sophisticated dark web channels? Copy and paste of a 93-page decision might be a problem just using a burner.
I will NOT watch the RNC. I will not click on any article about it. It is old news, lies, hate speech and anti-democratic attacks on those who respect the American Constitution and the laws and principles on which this nation was founded. We were all immigrants at one time in the past…except for the few Native Americans who have survived the last 2 centuries. I thought America was moving forward, but since 2016, we seem to be in self destruction mode🥲. I support Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for Another term and hope and pray we defeat the convicted felon whom his cult like followers have crowned as their “redeemer”. I am not ready for a narcissistic autocrat to rule as president with the backing of a corrupt Supreme Court which has given the office of President
I watched a few minutes of the RNC out of curiosity then switched it off. There's just been so much negative political news in the past 3 weeks that the only thing I can think of to be grateful about in politics is that there has been a surge of interest and inquiry into Project 2025 and its goal of taking the country back 50-60 years or more. Hopefully as more Americans start paying attention to election events and news, and especially to the SOURCES of their information, We the People will prevail.
I am so grateful for Robert and his newsletters, as well as Joyce, HCR, Simon, Dan Rather, Jess Craven and many others who deliver regular doses of sanity to us. I am also grateful for the communities built here on Substack, and for the other readers.
Thank you, Robert. Tonight's Newsletter helped me realize why I've read your reports for a few years now. I've been genuinely worried about Joe Biden's chances against Trump, but, like you, I am with President Biden. I'm not throwing bouquets when I state that in my opinion you hit three home runs tonight. Specifically:
1. I was very distressed and shocked when I read about Judge Aileen Cannon's ruling. Your thoroughly researched and incisive response (read put-down) to the ruling, relieved my angst. Needless to say, I fervently hope Judge Cannon's ruling is overturned.
2. Based on what I've read, JD Vance's super-MAGA views, in combination with those of Trump, would constitute a grave and vicious threat to our democracy. You told it like it is.
3. Your dressing down of the senior congressional Democrats who want to "undermine Biden", thus resulting in a Trump victory, was good medicine.
Later on in the campaign I will definitely write some postcards. For now, I can hit the sack and sleep better.
Also stunning: Last evening, Red Wine & Blue hosted a webinar featuring Heather Cox Richardson. Over 30,000 people were on Zoom at the start of the event, and several thousand more were entering the Zoom as the event was proceeding!
Regarding Joe Biden: Talk about throwing somebody under the bus without due process! Like you, Robert, I am all in for Joe and Kamala until they decide not to be.
Regardless, contact the DNC to let them know your thoughts: 202-863-8000 or,
Every day I get madder..so everyday, I reach out with a different message to the DNC. I will spend today making a list of non-supporting Congressional leaders. They have ignored my and other Biden/Harris primary voters. They will not get my support going forward. But, at least, I read Robert and HCR and others that give me a path to positive action.
One of the biggest challenges ahead of us is a growing defeatism that has frustrated me to no end. I mean, I get it. Sometimes, the excrement flies at us so fast that we can’t help but walk away with some stink. I had to have a three-hour conversation with a friend on Sunday, grounding us both. That got us through Sunday. Then Monday happened.
Within five minutes of the Florida woman playing the part of Judge announcing her decision, my Facebook feed was full of doom and gloom—the full-bore Armageddon treatment. Memes about the end of the world seemed to multiply like overreacting bunnies at Easter. There was even one guy offering to teach classes on how to live under authoritarianism. It was bad.
In reaction, I convened an emergency conference on Messenger with some of my closest friends in a music community I’m part of and asked everyone’s thoughts on group action. After some back-and-forth, including several of us talking about actions we are or have already taken, I brought up postcarding. Five minutes later, we decided to work on Michigan with Postcards to Swing States. With us all being in different States, we agreed to hold working sessions on Zoom. Ten minutes later, all our supplies were ordered, and the Heathens Postcarding Consortium was born. Now, I don't like talking about what I do in terms of campaign activities. It’s not something enjoy; I like talking about issues, but yesterday felt like a day to get some folks involved as opposed to watch so many friends engage in a collective doom spiral.
I can't state this any more clearly: We do not have time to fall victim to despair. What we do doesn't matter as long as it’s in the interest of winning this election. Biden is our candidate, and MAGA and Project 25 are our enemies. It really is that simple.
Thank you! Your reaction from fear to concrete efforts to save our country is inspiring! I’m also doing Postcards to Swing States to Michigan. And will add Wisconsin and Pennsylvania soon. My very best wishes to you and your group! You’re the best of us!!
What a news day! - I ignored the disgusting convention but did watch the disgusting interview by Lester Holt. As if we needed another blatant example of the media's irresponsible bias, Holt had the temerity to push Biden about 'his responsibility' in some part for the shooting. Not a word about republicans pushing for looser and looser restrictions on guns. I wanted to scream. Then more about 'have you watched your debate performance given that you said you might not have watched it?' - Biden did say, actually, I know it was bad, I WAS THERE!! More blather about his looking lost and confused but NOTHING about trump and his lies. Biden did push back as to when will the press have trump in an interview and push him about his lies etc (no need to recite them again) Not a single question about policy, future plans. It was another sham interview whose main purpose was to undermine Biden. My view is that Biden ought NOT do any more of these interviews. There is nothing to be gained and the bad make up, and awful close ups do nothing positive. He should continue like Harry Truman at his rallies which is to give em hell. These interviews and debates are clearly not his forte. Given that he is the President, he should give a series of 30 minute talks to the nation explaining what he has done and what trump will do. I will continue to work hard for Biden. This constant 'drip drip' though is a challenge to all of us.
Very clear analysis, it seems to me, Derek. Even "friendly" interviewers act like prosecutorial agents who are trying to get Joe Biden to admit some heinous plan to "target" Donald Trump. Trump takes no responsibility. On the other hand, Joe Biden, like the good Catholic boy that he is, nurtured in a certain time and place, takes on the sins of the world and feels an empathy and a responsibility for the welfare of all in his country. After the shooting, he called Trump to express his concern. Trump laughed at the attack that almost killed Paul Pelosi. Biden is a good man who has surrounded himself with women and men whose free thinking and ideas he encourages. (Remember in the primary debates Kamala Harris directly confronted Biden about his long ago views on busing. His response: he selects her as his running mate. OK, Vance called Trump "America's Hitler" and he selected him as running mate, but only after Vance denounced those earlier views and abased himself with his change of heart and soul and mind and denounced his past errors. Vance is a creep, selected as a running mate by a soulless narcissist. He adds nothing to the ticket but a groveling obeisance, 18 months experience as a senator, and a shape shifting immorality.
Just WHO are those senior congressional Democrats who are undermining the Biden Campaign by leaking to the DC press? They need to be outed so their constituents can call them and give them an earful!
I live in blue trifecta Minnesota. Sunday afternoon, I gathered with 35+ Indivisible volunteers at a library in St. Paul to write postcards to voters in Georgia, Wisconsin and Minnesota. We ranged in age from maybe low 30s to 80s. For two hours, we wrote and chatted about politics; mostly what more we could do to reelect Biden/Harris and what local campaigns needed our help (and where could we buy some of the cool T-shirts people were wearing - all with get out the vote themes.)
I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop - there are plenty of so-called leaders among Minnesota’s trifecta and federal Dems that have called for Biden to step down. Not even a whisper in this group.
Can’t tell you how energizing it was to sit among my fellow Dems and row in the same direction. No hand wringing or agonized complaints about Biden being too old. And very little discussion about what happened to Trump other than lots of advice for how Indivisible and other groups are working to keep their volunteers safe.
Sending that very positive, cooperative, let’s get it done vibe to all. We have an election to win and democracy is on the line!
I just finished up a small batch of postcards for a school board election in Tennessee - mailing them today. Getting into the postcarding groove. Woohoo! 😊 Pinged my state and local county Dem orgs a few days ago about their efforts for grass roots involvement, which as far as I can tell has been little to none here in South Carolina. Nothing from them yet - I'd love to be able to connect with similar minded people locally. So disappointed. 😞 May try to get a church based group together for postcarding - I'm a radical liberal Episcopal, like the rest of my church, and Diocese, for that matter. 😄
I am so , so grateful Robert, that you have the capacity to step outside this bubble of horror with your mind-blowing passion for astral photography. I feel a part of something sane, and significant when I ponder these images you bring us. Here on earth, JD Vance provides yet another large crack in the trump party plan to hand America to Putin. Watching Heather Cox Richardson, and the other women last night, I see better now the sick world of trump infected people. 2025 is a chaotic mess, contradicting itself repeatedly throughout the thing. This reflects the amateur construction and writing of it by many different people who never learned to compare notes with the other traitors. HCR said that 70% of Americans have little to no idea as to the dangers to the entire world this thing proposes. I hope to live long enough to see the smart and fiery young Democrats prevail at the highest level. Talking to you AOC !
Leonard Leo is no doubt the one telling Cannon what to do. He is evil enough to place three illegitimate justices on the bench, he is motivated to dismiss the charges against Trump by using Cannon. She did invoke Thomas’s ruling three times. This is all in the Project 2025 plan. What’s really crazy is that ProPublica recently revealed that wealthy Christian nationalists have a secret society called Ziklag. Here’s the article: https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-ziklag-secret-christian-charity-2024-election
This linked article is extremely important; lengthy to read through. It almost feels like it must be a conspiracy theory, but it rings true. Would have to say - perhaps good intentions (ie the tenants of Christianity) but actions to obtain these intentions sound criminal and ominous to read
Upon learning of JD Vance's selection, a sense of calm descended on me, and I felt more sure of Dem's victory that I have in months. He is trumpier than Trump, and will alienate any Republicans who were hoping for a less extreme platform.
I too could not bear to watch the convention. But I did read the mainstream media reports. And I just want to point out something not noted tonight by either WAPO or the NY Times:
J D Vance is the least qualified candidate for vice-president ever to be nominated, including Sarah Palin and Dan Quayle. Other than 4 years in the military (where he only attained the rank of corporal), his only public service is 18 months as a U.S. Senator.
Palin was a Mayor for 6 years and a Governor for 2 1/2 years. Quayle was a U.S. Representative for 4 years and a U.S. Senator for 8 years.
I can't wait for Vice-President Harris to debate him in September!
.
And what a perfect running mate for the least qualified candidate for president there ever was! He committed treason and 34 felonies and still he is eligible to run for president😢
As I read your comment, I'm totally in agreement with you on DJT and JDV being unqualified and in fact there are a lot of republicans in office that are unqualified which begs me to wonder, who or what is in charge of the republican side? I shudder to think who or what that is. I could theorize and get real dark, but it does make me wonder or is it just they are all crazy for attention? As Robert stated, stay focused on the job at hand and re-elect Joe Biden.
On a different note, yesterday afternoon I spent 3 hours in election poll worker training along with about 50 other citizens in my county of around 462K voters. I have to say it was very informative and from what I saw and learned, at least in my county, I feel very secure in the whole process of everyone's vote counting no matter what side you are on. In addition, there was no politics involved by anyone in attendance, just fellow citizens like me wanting to get involved and help make democracy work. I even ran into an acquaints son that said he had been wanting to do this ever since he was eligible to vote, and he was fulfilling that wish as was I. To be a little part of the process is a good thing, so do something, anything to help democracy.
As for Aileen Cannon, is anyone really surprised?
No one can be surprised, but I am disheartened at the future of our justice system!
I would expand your comment to include the entire of our Constitution.
Agreed, Patricia!
Feel you...
Thank you, Bill, for taking action!
Lori, like our friends son, I too had been thinking about this for a while. I just thought I can’t sit idly by and watch from the sidelines. I need to be a part of the action, however small this part is. HAGDay.
In case you’ve missed them, do read MacLean’s “Democracy in Chains,” and Maddow’s “Prequel.”
I came here to say the exact same thing!!
It is also totally predictable if you look at the caliber of people he tapped for cabinet level positions. With a few rare exceptions, they wee totally unqualified for the jobs to which they were appointed!!
Amazing that many of them were either fired or quit, and most of them have said he's unfit.
Exactly.
Jerry, I believe I’m on solid ground in asserting that the deciding factor in presidential elections rests largely, if not solely, with the top of the ticket. In that regard I greatly appreciate how Robert rightly derided lawmakers who publicly have aired they are resigned to losing in November. Frankly, I’m stunned, regardless of one’s sense of whether Biden should step aside or stay in the race, that, if it ends up Joe Biden is the nominee out of the Convention, anyone would doubt we’re all going to have to come together to save our democracy and defeat Trump and his MAGA acolytes.
Trump would have done himself better to tap a woman who was maybe a Vet and/or of diverse culture. Fortunately, he was true to form and picked a privileged white guy from a state he might have already had in the bag. It's an "All MAGA" ticket. It won't help him very much.
Harvey, The wisdom of Trump’s VP pick aside, I believe the Presidential race ultimately will rest with how a relatively small number of voters from a handful of districts in a handful of states choose between Biden and Trump.
I totally agree, Barbara. That's why these national polls are basically useless. Biden won by 7 million popular votes last time but the victory was about much smaller margins in a handful of states. This is leads me to so much worry and insomnia. And now, it will more than ever depend on local election officials to
administer, count, and certify the actual voting. In that case it might not come down to thousands of voters but to the individual conscience of a couple dozen citizens. That's a very narrow margin.
Harvey, Setting aside that GOP-controlled state legislatures, for some time, have been laying the groundwork for Trump and his allies to return to power whether or not they win enough votes, it also is of note that post the June 27th debate, the event intended to change the trajectory, the number of battleground states, instead of shrinking, has expanded. Polling data (admittedly instructive, not predictive) show that Biden, in varying degrees, has lost traction in 13 states: ME, NH, PA, VA, NC, GA, MI, WI, MN, CO, NM, AZ, NV
Please note I don’t write to add to anyone’s insomnia, but to suggest that the best antidote to anxiety might be not only to work harder but also smarter.
Adam Schiff just requested for Biden to step down. I think there's pressure around this preliminary convention vote. I reconciled to going ahead with Biden /Harris because I feel the DNC will possibly fumble such a huge, challenging transition. They weren't messaging well pre-debate and what should have been an incumbent triumph was anything but. How are they going to run Harris as the first black female candidate? That will be challenging for America despite her qualifications. Or will they start over at the convention? That will also anger a lot of people to see her maybe passed over. I think it's still an over-reaction to the debate but the party keeps roiling. Either way it's a huge roll of the dice. Not sure which direction is "working smarter" but I believe Trump can be defeated based on domestic and foreign policy. We've had nothing but chaos, cruelty, corruption, crime, and death since 2015. There's no bottom to it.
That's viewed as "common knowledge" for Presidential elections, but more and more research is indicating that local down ballot candidates have an equal or slightly greater impact on turnout and voting success. When quality local candidates generate enthusiasm down ballot, they have a beneficial impact on the top of the ticket.
Terry, While I’m well aware groups like David Hogg’s Leaders We Deserve, which focus largely on state (plus some House) races, operate according to that premise, so far we’re finding that down ballot races, expressly in battleground states, show the down ballot candidates exceeding Joe Biden’s numbers by as many as ten points. Ultimately, in my view, an unprecedented host of factors are at work that make November highly unpredictable. Hence we must hunker down and work as though our fundamental freedoms and rights depend on it, because they do.
I'm also looking forward to a Vance/Harris debate. Should persuade many women to vote the Democratic ticket based on widely differing views on women's reproductive health. A good reason to keep the ticket as it is, i.e., Biden for president and Harris for Vice president.
Karen, regarding the debate, my concern becomes “what softball questions will they tee up that provides Vance the opportunity to ignore completely while giving MAGA campaign speeches
If the format doesn’t have a mechanism to prevent this, Harris might as well stay home
Here’s a thought, if Vance refuses to address the first question, he gets no more questions until he does. Harris gets the rest of the questions in order and answers them as Vance is asked, “do you want to answer the first question now?”
But then again; moderators. Ughhh
Dave- I agree. He will use the playbook that Trump did. I have all the faith in the world in Kamala (and Joe) but the way the debate is set up, rational thoughtful candidates are set up to lose.
Yep, and hence they shouldn’t be called debates. Debates require judgement on the presentation of facts. Points deducted for lying on stage.
What we now have is a unpaid for ad for Trumpism with complicit moderators who’s job it is to fan the flames of chaos, selling trainwrecks as entertainment
Honestly, unless format rules prevent this, face to face “interactions” are not beneficial to honest brokers
Sad but true.
Yes. As I noted in another comment, the “moderator’s” questions determine the outcome of the debate. And, so far, I have very little confidence any of them will moderate fairly.
You raise a very interesting point that I haven’t seen anywhere else: that the “moderators” actually determine the direction of the debate. What we saw a couple of weeks ago in the Biden/Trump fiasco should convince us all. Oh, for the days of Walter Cronkite, et al!
We can begin to recognize that the media is complicit in the chaos we are experiencing. Giving them control in these public displays of partisan shenanigans is not helpful to democracy
The moderators said they weren't there to fact check. And they didn't. That was Biden's job and he didn't do very well. We should not pass the buck on that. Several times, though, the moderators did point out that Trump did not answer the question that had been posed and repeated the question he evaded. I thought that had a definite effect and was embarrassing for Trump after 3 or 4 examples. They did well in that regard. But I agree the format was flawed.
Why people think we've had debates in the last several decades is beyond me. They are media marketing soundbites. In my 37 years of voting, I've never once not known who I was voting for straight away. I don't think I've watched since the first time Obama did his and he also tanked it, as did Clinton.
Perfect description: “media marketing sound bites.”
Would Vance just flood the zone with sh*t like trump did?
You need to ask?
I view JD Vance as a gift. David Pepper knows a thing or too about Ohio politics.Vance is not a popular guy..
https://open.substack.com/pub/davidpepper/p/breaking-view-from-ohio-the-short?r=fqsxl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
It's pretty clear that at least part of Vance's appeal to Trump is ol' J.D.'s outstanding 'lickspittle abilities'. It must appeal to Trump to be able to dangle such a prize that a (real) best-selling author, Yale graduate, former marine will contort himself into a pretzel just to get close to the power that he, the Melon Felon, will wield as King Donald. Vance is a sleazy toadying hypocrite--nothing more/nothing less.
Vance has provided some damning evidence as to his state of confusion here. Enough film exists to show his true thoughts regarding trump. When someone shows you who they are, believe them. VP Harris will surely bring out the Beast in him!
Vance is sly enough and weaselly enough to be the one to invoke the 25th.
Thanks for sharing. Not unexpected at all. And there is lots more to come. I am quite sure he wasn't seriously vetted.
That was my reaction as well. Others under consideration have been vetted more thoroughly. Let's see what's under them rocks!
Widdle Jimmy Vance is a disgrace to the Marines. He reminds me of an old sailor joke about the other member of the naval service: "You can always tell a Marine, you just can't tell him very much."
The pick of Vance is fealty to Putin.
Hopefully the choice of Vance will cost the Republicans millions of Slavic American votes, given Vance's opposition to Ukraine.
https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2024/04/23/jd-vances-dismissive-attitude-toward-ukraine-is-an-insult-to-70000-ukrainian-americans-in-ohio/
Only if it makes the news. I'm glad at least one paper is saying it. It really, really bugs me that the media is so fixated on the debate that they ignore the 2 dozen Biden appearances, etc. And ignore the fact that Donald has been essentially hiding since the debate.
Vance has not passed any legislation either. To be fair he hasn't been there very long and that's the point. Trump loves incompetence and docility around him. Look at the Federal judges they appointed. Many were considered unqualified by the American Bar Association. Vance is another such dolt and placeholder.
Sadly, his running mate is even less qualified, yet is running at least eveb against one of the most experienced and seasoned politicians in the US.
Yessiree!! That debate will be a stunner!! Cannot wait!!
All in for Biden Harris ticket. Many of my friends and acquaintances agree. Writing thousands of letters and postcards. Many phone banking and texting. Grassroots disregards mainstream media and is focused on winning 🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Did you happen to be on the Red, Wine and Blue sponsored Zoom with Heather Cox Richardson with 35,000 attendees last night? Grassroots is alive and going strong!
Yes! It was amazing!!! Right? We know we are on the right side. We need to find comfort, support and inspiration from each other. We need to stay focused and persistent in end game: 🌊🌊
Ditto to all you say here plus… We have a Blue Wave emoticon built right in! Superb! I’m using this far and wide!
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Back atcha!!!
GO BLUE!!!💙🧢🦋🐳🔵🔹🧵🔷🎽📘🩵🪁🛜🟦 - FUN!!!!! 3rd grade teacher here! Gotta mix in the fun!!! 🌊🌊🌊
Register, register, register. Swamp Republicans. Millions of unregistered trend Democratic.
FT 6 has texted well over a million in the past several days. Thanks to a donor, texts to Arizona today and tomorrow. https://www.fieldteam6.org/
Thursday is Florida day on FT 6 Textarcade. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ft6arcade24bamk.
Also Florida day on FT 6 phonebank. https://www.fieldteam6.org/actions
💯 love ft6!!! Keep up good work.
I am absolutely disregarding the MSM. I also am not watching the MAGA convention. What's to see?
💯 nothing to watch
There’s some wisdom in tuning into key points at least… My grandson showed me the Amber Rose speech and …talk about polar opposite to Project 2025 and the whole audience is cheering as though it’s their platform… Shameful! Anything to win over voters who aren’t really paying attention. But I’m not watching either… Just trying to tune in to things that could be significant during these last months up to November 5.
💯
Now that they have a firm ticket, we have something to cheer about. The worst president in the history of the nation has selected the least qualified and most right wing candidate as a running mate. It doesn’t get any better than that. “The Despicable Duo”. I like “The Biden/Harris" ticket even better now…..we might even get a bounce in the polls from Haley supporters now. And for all you Democratic members of Congress and supposed supporters of the party who are withholding full throated support of our existing ticket, I only want to remind you "if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with". Now get on board and win this thing, or go down fighting against the LEAST QUALIFIED opponents you could wish for.
After the latest judicial travesty Professor Lawrence Tribe posted on Twitter: "Judge Cannon just did the unthinkable." Other observers reacted with "Unbelievable!" Taking into account all that happened since the elections in 2016 and preparing for what still is in store I am afraid we will have to redefine "unthinkable" and we will have to redefine "unbelievable."
While the judicial take on the latest farce is pretty clear it would be worthwhile to look into the practical aspects: How do the Federalist Society, their plants at the Supreme Court and 'judge' Cannon communicate? Emails and normal phone calls are too easy to detect, they leave traces. So are they using some burner phones like common street thugs? Or do they have some more sophisticated dark web channels? Copy and paste of a 93-page decision might be a problem just using a burner.
I’ve wondered the same thing. Thanks for putting it out there.
The R's look and act an awful lot like an organized crime family.
I will NOT watch the RNC. I will not click on any article about it. It is old news, lies, hate speech and anti-democratic attacks on those who respect the American Constitution and the laws and principles on which this nation was founded. We were all immigrants at one time in the past…except for the few Native Americans who have survived the last 2 centuries. I thought America was moving forward, but since 2016, we seem to be in self destruction mode🥲. I support Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for Another term and hope and pray we defeat the convicted felon whom his cult like followers have crowned as their “redeemer”. I am not ready for a narcissistic autocrat to rule as president with the backing of a corrupt Supreme Court which has given the office of President
I watched a few minutes of the RNC out of curiosity then switched it off. There's just been so much negative political news in the past 3 weeks that the only thing I can think of to be grateful about in politics is that there has been a surge of interest and inquiry into Project 2025 and its goal of taking the country back 50-60 years or more. Hopefully as more Americans start paying attention to election events and news, and especially to the SOURCES of their information, We the People will prevail.
I am so grateful for Robert and his newsletters, as well as Joyce, HCR, Simon, Dan Rather, Jess Craven and many others who deliver regular doses of sanity to us. I am also grateful for the communities built here on Substack, and for the other readers.
Thank you, Robert. Tonight's Newsletter helped me realize why I've read your reports for a few years now. I've been genuinely worried about Joe Biden's chances against Trump, but, like you, I am with President Biden. I'm not throwing bouquets when I state that in my opinion you hit three home runs tonight. Specifically:
1. I was very distressed and shocked when I read about Judge Aileen Cannon's ruling. Your thoroughly researched and incisive response (read put-down) to the ruling, relieved my angst. Needless to say, I fervently hope Judge Cannon's ruling is overturned.
2. Based on what I've read, JD Vance's super-MAGA views, in combination with those of Trump, would constitute a grave and vicious threat to our democracy. You told it like it is.
3. Your dressing down of the senior congressional Democrats who want to "undermine Biden", thus resulting in a Trump victory, was good medicine.
Later on in the campaign I will definitely write some postcards. For now, I can hit the sack and sleep better.
You MUST write postcards, make phone calls or canvass, Larry! Start today, if possible. We need you out there!
Stunning nebula pic, Robert!
Also stunning: Last evening, Red Wine & Blue hosted a webinar featuring Heather Cox Richardson. Over 30,000 people were on Zoom at the start of the event, and several thousand more were entering the Zoom as the event was proceeding!
Regarding Joe Biden: Talk about throwing somebody under the bus without due process! Like you, Robert, I am all in for Joe and Kamala until they decide not to be.
Regardless, contact the DNC to let them know your thoughts: 202-863-8000 or,
https://democrats.org/contact-us/
Thanks for the link to the DNC, Lynell. I've sent them my disgust with those anonymous party leaders who are doing the work for the Republicans.
Every day I get madder..so everyday, I reach out with a different message to the DNC. I will spend today making a list of non-supporting Congressional leaders. They have ignored my and other Biden/Harris primary voters. They will not get my support going forward. But, at least, I read Robert and HCR and others that give me a path to positive action.
One of the biggest challenges ahead of us is a growing defeatism that has frustrated me to no end. I mean, I get it. Sometimes, the excrement flies at us so fast that we can’t help but walk away with some stink. I had to have a three-hour conversation with a friend on Sunday, grounding us both. That got us through Sunday. Then Monday happened.
Within five minutes of the Florida woman playing the part of Judge announcing her decision, my Facebook feed was full of doom and gloom—the full-bore Armageddon treatment. Memes about the end of the world seemed to multiply like overreacting bunnies at Easter. There was even one guy offering to teach classes on how to live under authoritarianism. It was bad.
In reaction, I convened an emergency conference on Messenger with some of my closest friends in a music community I’m part of and asked everyone’s thoughts on group action. After some back-and-forth, including several of us talking about actions we are or have already taken, I brought up postcarding. Five minutes later, we decided to work on Michigan with Postcards to Swing States. With us all being in different States, we agreed to hold working sessions on Zoom. Ten minutes later, all our supplies were ordered, and the Heathens Postcarding Consortium was born. Now, I don't like talking about what I do in terms of campaign activities. It’s not something enjoy; I like talking about issues, but yesterday felt like a day to get some folks involved as opposed to watch so many friends engage in a collective doom spiral.
I can't state this any more clearly: We do not have time to fall victim to despair. What we do doesn't matter as long as it’s in the interest of winning this election. Biden is our candidate, and MAGA and Project 25 are our enemies. It really is that simple.
Thank you! Your reaction from fear to concrete efforts to save our country is inspiring! I’m also doing Postcards to Swing States to Michigan. And will add Wisconsin and Pennsylvania soon. My very best wishes to you and your group! You’re the best of us!!
Thank you. Go, Heathens! 🎶
Awesome!!
What a news day! - I ignored the disgusting convention but did watch the disgusting interview by Lester Holt. As if we needed another blatant example of the media's irresponsible bias, Holt had the temerity to push Biden about 'his responsibility' in some part for the shooting. Not a word about republicans pushing for looser and looser restrictions on guns. I wanted to scream. Then more about 'have you watched your debate performance given that you said you might not have watched it?' - Biden did say, actually, I know it was bad, I WAS THERE!! More blather about his looking lost and confused but NOTHING about trump and his lies. Biden did push back as to when will the press have trump in an interview and push him about his lies etc (no need to recite them again) Not a single question about policy, future plans. It was another sham interview whose main purpose was to undermine Biden. My view is that Biden ought NOT do any more of these interviews. There is nothing to be gained and the bad make up, and awful close ups do nothing positive. He should continue like Harry Truman at his rallies which is to give em hell. These interviews and debates are clearly not his forte. Given that he is the President, he should give a series of 30 minute talks to the nation explaining what he has done and what trump will do. I will continue to work hard for Biden. This constant 'drip drip' though is a challenge to all of us.
Very clear analysis, it seems to me, Derek. Even "friendly" interviewers act like prosecutorial agents who are trying to get Joe Biden to admit some heinous plan to "target" Donald Trump. Trump takes no responsibility. On the other hand, Joe Biden, like the good Catholic boy that he is, nurtured in a certain time and place, takes on the sins of the world and feels an empathy and a responsibility for the welfare of all in his country. After the shooting, he called Trump to express his concern. Trump laughed at the attack that almost killed Paul Pelosi. Biden is a good man who has surrounded himself with women and men whose free thinking and ideas he encourages. (Remember in the primary debates Kamala Harris directly confronted Biden about his long ago views on busing. His response: he selects her as his running mate. OK, Vance called Trump "America's Hitler" and he selected him as running mate, but only after Vance denounced those earlier views and abased himself with his change of heart and soul and mind and denounced his past errors. Vance is a creep, selected as a running mate by a soulless narcissist. He adds nothing to the ticket but a groveling obeisance, 18 months experience as a senator, and a shape shifting immorality.
Just WHO are those senior congressional Democrats who are undermining the Biden Campaign by leaking to the DC press? They need to be outed so their constituents can call them and give them an earful!
I live in blue trifecta Minnesota. Sunday afternoon, I gathered with 35+ Indivisible volunteers at a library in St. Paul to write postcards to voters in Georgia, Wisconsin and Minnesota. We ranged in age from maybe low 30s to 80s. For two hours, we wrote and chatted about politics; mostly what more we could do to reelect Biden/Harris and what local campaigns needed our help (and where could we buy some of the cool T-shirts people were wearing - all with get out the vote themes.)
I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop - there are plenty of so-called leaders among Minnesota’s trifecta and federal Dems that have called for Biden to step down. Not even a whisper in this group.
Can’t tell you how energizing it was to sit among my fellow Dems and row in the same direction. No hand wringing or agonized complaints about Biden being too old. And very little discussion about what happened to Trump other than lots of advice for how Indivisible and other groups are working to keep their volunteers safe.
Sending that very positive, cooperative, let’s get it done vibe to all. We have an election to win and democracy is on the line!
I just finished up a small batch of postcards for a school board election in Tennessee - mailing them today. Getting into the postcarding groove. Woohoo! 😊 Pinged my state and local county Dem orgs a few days ago about their efforts for grass roots involvement, which as far as I can tell has been little to none here in South Carolina. Nothing from them yet - I'd love to be able to connect with similar minded people locally. So disappointed. 😞 May try to get a church based group together for postcarding - I'm a radical liberal Episcopal, like the rest of my church, and Diocese, for that matter. 😄
I am so , so grateful Robert, that you have the capacity to step outside this bubble of horror with your mind-blowing passion for astral photography. I feel a part of something sane, and significant when I ponder these images you bring us. Here on earth, JD Vance provides yet another large crack in the trump party plan to hand America to Putin. Watching Heather Cox Richardson, and the other women last night, I see better now the sick world of trump infected people. 2025 is a chaotic mess, contradicting itself repeatedly throughout the thing. This reflects the amateur construction and writing of it by many different people who never learned to compare notes with the other traitors. HCR said that 70% of Americans have little to no idea as to the dangers to the entire world this thing proposes. I hope to live long enough to see the smart and fiery young Democrats prevail at the highest level. Talking to you AOC !
Leonard Leo is no doubt the one telling Cannon what to do. He is evil enough to place three illegitimate justices on the bench, he is motivated to dismiss the charges against Trump by using Cannon. She did invoke Thomas’s ruling three times. This is all in the Project 2025 plan. What’s really crazy is that ProPublica recently revealed that wealthy Christian nationalists have a secret society called Ziklag. Here’s the article: https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-ziklag-secret-christian-charity-2024-election
This linked article is extremely important; lengthy to read through. It almost feels like it must be a conspiracy theory, but it rings true. Would have to say - perhaps good intentions (ie the tenants of Christianity) but actions to obtain these intentions sound criminal and ominous to read
Thomas’s “ruling” was merely his *opinion*. No other member of SCOTUS signed on to it.
Was he writing it for Cannon to give her a semblance of legitimacy?
RE, your celestial photos. I love ‘em. Keep them coming. Hubbell vs Hubble, you win 🏅 😊😊
Upon learning of JD Vance's selection, a sense of calm descended on me, and I felt more sure of Dem's victory that I have in months. He is trumpier than Trump, and will alienate any Republicans who were hoping for a less extreme platform.
Per NBC, you can thank Don Jr and Eric for the Vance pick. Supposedly, tfg was going to select Burgum until they persuaded him otherwise.
I would love to have that same sense of calm, but you certainly have a point.