The final push.

November 4, 2023

          The main purpose of this extra edition of the newsletter is to open the Comments section to paying subscribers. The level of discourse in the Comments section continues to be outstanding despite difficult subjects about which readers strongly disagree. Thanks to those readers who are sharing their thoughts in a responsible, thoughtful manner. I have been impressed by the depth of knowledge shared by many readers. Thanks for educating me!

          As always, please be respectful and “like” worthy comments to promote them to the attention of others. Readers can “report” abusive comments by clicking on the ellipsis (three periods) to the far right of each comment.

The final push for Election Day, November 7, 2023

          Important state-wide elections will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023—although early voting has been in progress for weeks.

          Elections in Ohio (Issue 1 to amend the state constitution to protect reproductive decisions) and Virginia (state Senate and House) are among the most important elections to be decided on Tuesday. Also important is Democratic Governor Andy Beshear’s effort to win a second term in deep-red Kentucky. Many readers have been engaged in registration and “get out the vote” efforts in all three states. We owe them a debt of gratitude!

          But it is not too late to help! Jessica Craven of Chop Wood Carry Water put together a helpful list of phone banks for Virginia that are still looking for volunteers to get out the vote and cure ballots. See Chop Wood, Carry Virginia!

          Remember, if you are eligible to vote in Ohio, VOTE YES on ISSUE 1 on Tuesday.

          When the polls close on Tuesday, we must be able to say that we left no stone unturned, no voter forgotten, no voice unheard. At root, the “American experiment” is about the right of a free people to self-determination. By helping to “get out the vote,” we are promoting the foundational act of democracy. Keep up the good work!

The news in brief.

         A brief comment before turning to the news: I can tell from the rate of “opens” of daily newsletters and the dip in new subscriptions that many readers are struggling to deal with the difficult news stories over the last four weeks. So, rather than analyze the news in depth for the weekend, I will link to articles that cover stories that you may want to read—or not.

          I acknowledge the difficulties that many readers have shared about the impact the events have had on their lives, family relations, and friendships. Thank you for sharing. I am honored. I read every email but am sometimes at a loss for words about the difficult circumstances described by readers. And, as to some emails, I believe that the best response is to not respond. So, don’t think I am ignoring your emails. I am here to listen if you want to share, and I consider everything that readers say, even if I don’t respond. If you want to reach out to me directly, just hit “reply” to the email that contains the newsletter.

          Finally, if you send a link to an article that you would like me to read, please include a very brief description of the article and your thoughts about its substance so I can be sure the link is not a “phishing’ attempt. Thanks!

News.

• Secretary of State Blinken asked Israel to agree to a humanitarian pause; Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the request unless the hostages are returned first. AP News, Israel resists US pressure to pause war, wants hostages back first | AP News.

• Iran, Russia, and China have begun online campaigns to support Hamas and attack Israel and the US. See NYTimes, In a Worldwide War of Words, Russia, China and Iran Back Hamas, (Accessible to all.)

• President Biden visited Lewistown, Maine, to mourn victims of mass shooting. NBC News, Biden visits Lewiston, Maine, after mass shooting.

• Judge Engoron has extended his gag order to Trump's lawyers after they continued to attack his court clerk. The Guardian, Judge in New York fraud trial extends gag order to Trump’s legal team | Business.

• Republicans propose drastic reduction to EPA. House GOP approves cutting EPA budget by nearly 40 percent  | The Hill

• Appeals court grants administrative stay of Judge Chutkan’s gag order against Trump. The Hill, Appeals court pauses Trump gag order in federal election interference case.

• Business Insider, Mark Meadows' Book Publisher Is Suing Him, Claiming He Lied in His Book.

Commentary.

• Op-ed, Fred Kaplan in Slate, Israel must loudly arrest the West Bank settlers killing Palestinians—or risk losing all moral authority in this war.

• Op-ed by Isaac Herzog in NYTimes, The President of Israel: This Is Not a Battle Just Between Israel and Hamas. (Accessible to all.)

• Editors blog by Josh Marshall in Talking Points Memo, Are American Jews Caught in a Tide of Anti-Semitism? (Accessible to all.)

Opportunities for reader engagement.

Join Jessica Craven and Walk the Walk.

          I received the following note from Jessica Craven or Chop Wood Carry Water:

Join me along with Walk the Walk USA this Tuesday, November 7th at 5:30pm PT / 8:30pm ET for the next evidence-backed strategy session in Walk the Walk USA’s 2023 Zoom series.

We’ll be in conversation with the amazing Pablo Rodriguez, Executive Director of Communities for a New California, exploring the critical role that California could play next year for the future of U.S. democracy and what needs to be done right now in order to win up and down the ballot in 2024. Sign up in advance here for this special event!

Help stop the “No Labels” attempt to hand the election to Trump.

          I received the following from long-time readers Steve E. and Sarah O.

Monday, 11/6, 2pm ET— Stop No Labels—Update Call—Virtual Event—RSVP HERE to receive the Zoom link

Please Share the Invite With Your Friends.

The threat of a No Labels third-party bid helping to elect Donald Trump is imminent and real. No Labels leaders claim their “unity ticket” will defy history, all credible polling, and the judgment of every election expert to win the election. This is a dangerous fantasy. Even a well-financed third party won’t come close to winning, but it would spoil the race on behalf of Trump. No Labels already has gained access to the ballot in twelve states, including four presidential battlegrounds, and they are raising tens of millions of dollars. Joe Biden is on track to narrowly win a head-to-head race. But if a serious third-party candidate is on the ballot, he will lose, and we will witness the catastrophe of Trump returning to power. 

Opposition to the No Labels bid has united the Democratic coalition. MoveOn and Third Way have taken the lead in pushing back. They have collaborated on op-eds, democratic leadership and congressional briefings, media appearances, and a grassroots organizing campaign to stop No Labels from fielding a spoiler in the race. Please join leaders from both groups for an update on this critical work. Speakers: Rahna Epting, Executive Director, MoveOn and Matt Bennett, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs, Third Way.  RSVP HERE

Concluding Thoughts.

          These are difficult times. Be kind to one another. Reach out to friends and family who may be suffering in silence. Recognize that we can’t solve global problems by “winning” an argument with friends or family. Sometimes, being in the company of one another is enough—or maybe all that is possible. If so, accept that blessing and be patient. The world will change soon enough—and when it does, we will still need friends and family.

          Talk to you on Monday. Stay strong!