"To paraphrase Biden’s remarks today, protesting his policies is consistent with the finest traditions of American democracy; threatening to abandon democracy because of policy disagreements is not."
I am voting for Biden because We Do Better With Biden! As I have repeatedly said to people who are angry with Biden for supporting our ally Israel, is that not voting for Biden does not punish him, in fact he personally will live longer (this is assuming he can leave the country and go elsewhere if Trump as president decided to prosecute him), but that the rest of us will be punished because we will have to live with an authoritarian whose craziness knows no bounds. It certainly won't be helping the people of Gaza! Not casting a vote is casting a vote for Treacherous-treasonous-tantruming-TOTALITARIAN-traitor-Trump!
Something encouraging on this depressing situation. A group of pro-democracy GenZ activists have announced a summer Tour to Save Democracy, during which they will travel by bus to swing districts to help elect democrats. https://tourtosavedemocracy.org/
One can be dissatisfied with Biden's handling of the Mid-East while still being even more dissatisfied and worried about Trump's proposals under Project 2025 to subvert and weaponize the DOJ, to change civil service rules so that all heads of all Departments are loyalists above any other qualification, to pack the courts with other horribles like Aileen Cannon and Clarence Thomas, and his last 3 picks, to subvert democracy in Ukraine, to pardon J/6 insurrectionists, to further enrich himself through gross violations of the emoluments restrictions. Should I continue?
Two weeks ago AOC had a very good comment on the necessity to support Biden (and democracy) in November despite disagreeing on Gaza. It should be heard by all those who are contemplating to sit the elections out. Her comment is especially important as she is someone who resonates with the people we have to reach.
Just like there are some who eagerly await the weaponization of the DOJ and a public vendetta against former opposition officials. I just hope we can avoid that train wreck.
I received a few calls the last couple of days from friends who were stunned by the Time Magazine piece.
“Did you know about Trump’s plans?” they asked, “why didn't anyone know about this?”
I asked them if they had read the Heritage Foundation’s 2025 Project, and none had. I also noted that the media has chosen not to cover the most egregious of Trump’s messaging but that it isn't hidden. I sent links to this newsletter, Hopium Chronicles, Jay Kuo, and Joyce Vance. All of them have read Heather Cox Richardson already. I suggested they take note of the ways to get involved. All of them also brought up the protests and if I thought they would prevent Bidem from winning. I answered that it was a fluid situation but that I was still hopeful as long as people learn about what alarmed them and we all work to spread that information. Everyone I spoke to agreed. I think it is that simple. Either we make people understand that this is not a choice between two men but rather between an open society where we can work to improve lives or an autocratic regime where our fundamental rights disappear. The latter cannot be allowed to happen, but we have to make sure everyone knows the threat and what they can do to prevent it.
Most of here live in a bubble where we are well-informed and well-equipped to help defeat Trump. Most people are not, and therein lies both challenge and opportunity.
"Why didn't anyone know about this?" Wow. Have they been living under a rock? But that is exactly the problem. Many do. We are living in a bubble being well-informed and thus understandably concerned and alarmed. But so many live in a different bubble which seem to be incredible difficult to pop. That is the huge challenge in preparing for November.
Wouldn't it be great if those actors (Lithgow, Benning, et al) who performed a reading of the Mueller report could do something similar with Project 25?
That is actually a good idea. Not the whole text, though. It's close to 1000 pages (yes, they are planning meticulously). But the introduction would do. It's 17 pages, titled 'A Promise to America'. More appropriately it should be called 'A Threat to America'.
Living under a rock, yes, some are. Others use almost all of their energy to deal with taking care of their families, small children, teens with troubles, elderly parents, and issues of their own. Major media are making it hard to learn what’s behind what is going on. For whatever reason, they avoid providing context to their daily reports.
A simple example: Biden proposed spending X Trillion on (I forget what). Friend: Gosh, that’s a lot of money to dump into the economy. Won’t it cause inflation? Me: That amount is to spend over ten years. Friend: I didn’t know that. Me: The defense budget is approved for one year at a time. Times ten years the amounts can be compared. . .
The words “over ten years” was a tiny bit of context that was nearly always left out.
You are right. All the more important to reach out to those people and plop their bubble. Those facing the challenges you mentioned are those who would suffer even more should MAGA take over.
Thanks for the insight Dean into those folks who are surprised at the Time cover story. You and all of us, are fortunate that you have friends who will call you up and engage and share their surprise. You mention the bubbles and those in between. There's a lot of discrete bubble out there, including the I'm-for-Trump-if-he-sprouted-horns-and-ate everyone in the courtroom bubble, the I'm-a-business-person-and Trump-will lower-my-taxes-bubble (see yesterday's NYT's piece https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/30/business/georgia-black-entrepreneurs.html?smid=url-share), the No-One-in-their-Right-Mind-Will-Vote-for-Trump,-so-why-worry-bubble (the 2024 version of the 2016 death spiral) and the I-am-not-into-politics-so-who-cares bubble, to name a few. All need to be addressed and tirelessly by all means possible. Thanks for sharing this and thank you for your conversations with your friends. I hope we will all see signs of friends and associates who have awakened to the threat.
Robert: "In 2020, more than 77 million eligible voters “did not vote”—as compared to 81 million who voted for Biden and 74 million who voted for Trump. We should focus our efforts on registration and get out the vote campaigns. There is plenty of ground to be made up among the population of voters who stayed home in 2020."
FT6 has identified about 13 million who trend heavily Democratic using data mining. elections. 60% of unregistered voters have never been asked to register! "Using our one-of-a-kind database and every outreach method possible (phone and text, postcard, email and targeted ad, and in-person too), where new Democratic voters will make the most impact – in the most flippable states and districts."
We work with them. FT6 doesn't do GOTV. Lots of other groups do.
In March, in one day, FT6 added 11,000 new North Carolina voters.
This is the FT 6 Brief:
The battle to win it all in 2024 runs straight through North Carolina. Obama won NC in 2008, and Biden only lost in 2020 by 1.3%. It’s key to our chances of taking back the House & keeping the White House!
To take back the House, we need to re-elect Don Davis (NC-01)! We need to elect Democrat JOSH STEIN as Governor, and flip NC blue for the White House. We’re gonna need to register a horde of new NC Democrats – especially to vote by mail. This is a job for Field Team 6!
DEMOCRATS…
...are the only major party fighting Trumpism and the extremist MAGA Republicans.
...and the only party fighting for abortion rights, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.
...are fighting to expand health care rather than take it away.
...are fighting to make college more affordable, not less.
...are addressing the climate crisis, not denying it until it’s too late to take action.
REPUBLICANS...
...are waging a national war on voting rights, and fighting to raise taxes on the middle class so they can give tax cuts to the rich.
...are fighting to eliminate access to healthcare.
Registration deadline for the General Presidential Election on November 5, 2024 is October 11, 2024.
Absentee ballot application deadline for the General Presidential Election is October 29, 2024.
October 17, 2024 through November 2, 2024 at 3pm is the early voting period for the November 5, 2024 General Presidential Election. Check for early voting sites and schedules here.
You can also register and vote at the same time with one-stop early voting (October 17 - November 2 at 3pm). There is no same day registration on Election Day.
If you need help getting an ID, contact VoteRiders.org or call/text 1-844-338-8743.
VOTER REGISTRATION SAMPLE GREETINGS
Our most successful openings:
“Excuse me, can you help me save our democracy? I’m registering Democrats to vote.”
“Good morning! Can I register you as a Democrat today?”
Or connect on the issues:
“Excuse me, can you help me fight for women’s rights today?”
“Hello, can you help me fight for civil rights?”
“Hi! Can you help us save the environment?”
“Good morning, can you help me save Social Security and Medicare?”
“Can you help me fight for affordable healthcare?”
If someone shows interest, follow up with:
“Great! I’m registering Democrats to vote by mail! Are you a citizen?”
...and start registering them right away!
Make these your own! Let people know that the presidential election on November 5, 2024 will determine whether we get to keep our democracy, so please vote for Democrats up and down the ballot.
And once you register someone, ask them:
If they’d like to get handy election reminders
If they’d like to volunteer with us to help register Democrats
If they’d like help with voting – if so, introduce them to BlueVoterGuide.org – the progressive voter guide that turns your sample ballot into a simple ballot
I am also involved with a NC veterans' group and a project to flip SSI recipients who have been slitting their own throats by supporting Republicans who would eliminate their benefits.
Daniel, I have another question about Field Team 6. I'm trying to decide which postcards to buy. Have you found more or less success with any particular designs? I'm wondering whether some of the more left-wing ones might turn some people off. Thanks!
I have not read the full text of President Biden’s speech about the campus protestors until today. If I have not read these comments millions of other voters also have not read them. An under reported situation especially at Columbia is the number of protesters who were not students and were outside agitators. Most voters unfortunately have no real understand of the complex issues and history associated with the Israel and Hamas conflict. You can blame Israel for some of their actions and mistakes and you certainly blame Hamas attacking Israel but you can’t blame Biden for working hard to end the conflict. Ask yourself what would the former guy falling asleep in the courtroom would have done and his chances of negotiating a peace agreement. I am confident that if a cease fire and hostage release is possible the Biden Administration will find it. The bigger question is will it make any difference to voters
This is what I have been feeling, and you expressed it so well!
“An under reported situation especially at Columbia is the number of protesters who were not students and were outside agitators. Most voters unfortunately have no real understand of the complex issues and history associated with the Israel and Hamas conflict. You can blame Israel for some of their actions and mistakes and you certainly blame Hamas attacking Israel but you can’t blame Biden for working hard to end the conflict.”
My thoughts exactly Stephan! Outside agitators are actively stirring the pot to create as much confusion as possible in order to discredit Biden's accomplishments! Please, let's give our "peacefully" protesting university students some credit for having more intelligence and common sense than the Maga morons in Congress!!!
Exactly. It's not impossible that some of the students are exhibiting poor judgment but I'm pretty sure most of the violence is coming from right-wing outsiders.
Dear Robert, like so many, I'm completely torn up over the Gaza/Israel conundrum. I was a student protester in the 1970s against the Vietnam war, an evil fomented by our own government. In the current case, protesting against a war fomented by a foreign state is trickier, and Biden is stuck in a nasty web. The fact that two factions are fighting against each other when the real evil is Hamas is very sad indeed. Hamas is to blame; and Netanyahoo is undeniably monstrous. But it saddens my heart to see and hear young people vilify each other, forgetting the forest for the trees.
Biden has proposed a 2 state solution, which is a significant change from prior administrations, and is a very pro-Palestinian viewpoint. It isn't enough for the protesters, but I wonder how many of them are aware of that (and support it).
With the exception of the Trump administration which negotiated the Abraham Accords and thus opened an opportunity for Netanyahu to kill off the last remnants of a two-state solution all prior administrations (some more actively and convincingly than others, but still) supported that solution.
Right on! Write on! Your comments about Biden’s support of peaceful protest being a fundamental, and essential, facet of America’s economic, social, and political history are grounded in fact. Recent violent protests strike me as being inspired by an intention to create havoc for, and doubts about, our remarkably dedicated incumbent president. In other words, have unfriendly operatives been assigned to college campuses to intentionally incite violence six months before our next election?
Robert, you can add "student loan forgiveness" to your list of reasons students and others should consider when waffling about voting for President Biden
If you hear any pro-Palestinian protesters state that they will not vote for Biden due to Netanyahu's war, they need to be reminded of one thing. Biden will protect their right to free speech and peaceful assembly. By not waging the power of their vote, they place a vote for the guy that just might have them shot when they peacefully assemble.
While it's good to see the energy of students in making their voices heard, I just wish they could be bothered to do this related to the impending threat to everyone on this planet related to climate change. The poorest countries that have done nothing to contribute to global warming will be the most seriously effected.
Hamas has brought forth the worst of Israel, a horrific response that led to stopping the peace movement and empowering the crazies as well as getting Gaza destroyed and thousands of civilians killed.
Now the reaction to this on colleges and soon in the streets will play into the calculating hands of Netanyahu, Putin and those that want the fascist authoritarian to win. He promises a ban on Muslims, millions in camps, military in the streets, shutting down those that object. And that’s just the stuff that is tangential to this topic. There is so much more horrible things that will happen.
Please, we’ll intentioned people, let’s not keep compounding the mistakes. Think through what we’re doing and the consequences.
I disagree. Netanyahu and the political side he is beholden to want this. They see Gaza and what the rest of the world thinks of Jews and Israel as minor in the big picture.
I think they see it necessary to act in a way that will prevent attacks from their other enemies. Their situation is precarious. Being gentler and more reasoned in Gaza would not have led to a more reasoned response from Iran and its proxies, but the opposite.
“World opinion” favorable to Israel is a perishable commodity – especially in the case of Gaza.
In an interview I heard, the head of the American Civil Liberties Union recounted that antisemitic activities and incidents shot up *immediately* after Hamas’s invasion of October 7. That was *weeks before* Israel began military action in Gaza.
I believe there was little possibility that “world” sympathy for Israel could have been sustained, even with a liberal Israeli government.
I agree it is a perishable commodity but the sentiment has certainly gotten worse and the actions of Israel only justified in certain peoples minds the reason they are antisemitic
If a person is antisemitic, what alternative actions should Israel have taken to turn them against Hamas and into sympathizers with *any* kind of Israeli war effort against Hamas?
You have a way with words! "But the natural tendency to “blame” the president for events over which he has no control has been converted into a cudgel by every side in a polygonal dispute that has endured for millennia." Polygonal indeed I laughed out loud. Thanks as always for your steady hand and clear voice.
There is an archetypal pattern in troubled times: the people is innocent and blame the king, the emperor, the pharaoh.... That is one driver for authoritarian rule, and a reason for those wanting to impose authoritarian rule to create troubled times, or tout the impression of troubled times. And it works to the extent that the president of the US is held accountable for gas prizes, which he is far from being in control of!
American students have the possibilities to express themselves, but in this situation, when authoritarian nations, empires, and local oligarchs are on the march against the US, its institutions and constitution, there must first of all be meticulous scrutiny of undue influence on making the times troubled, rather than beating useful idiots.
Thank you, Robert, for your ongoing support of the Dems Make Life Better campaign! We appreciate the great mention in this edition of your newsletter, as well as the wonderful testimonial you provided for the website: "The number one request (read: complaint) I hear from readers is that Democrats must do a better job of messaging. Well, here it is: “Dems Make Life Better.” The message has the virtue of being true, succinct, and memorable! Tell a friend—and buy a t-shirt!
We're excited about the launch of the expanded campaign with a full range of DMLB products including unisex, fitted and toddler tees in English; unisex and fitted tees in Spanish; embroidered caps; lawn signs, buttons and even a dog bandana! All products are now American-made, union-printed, carbon neutral and feature the Union Bug. And the site includes two key resources, a “Meaningful Conversations Guide” and a summary of “How Dems Make Life Better” which are both easily downloadable from the site.
Fellow readers - We hope you will check out the site at https://www.demsmakelifebetter.org/, buy some products and help spread the word in your daily lives - "Dems DO Make Life Better." Thank you!
I wear my shirt regularly and have been sharing the link. It's an easy way to spread the message and engage others in thoughtful conversation. Plus, it's a comfy shirt, good quality. Thanks for your work on this campaign.
"To paraphrase Biden’s remarks today, protesting his policies is consistent with the finest traditions of American democracy; threatening to abandon democracy because of policy disagreements is not."
Yep.
I'm voting for Joe Biden.
I am voting for Biden because We Do Better With Biden! As I have repeatedly said to people who are angry with Biden for supporting our ally Israel, is that not voting for Biden does not punish him, in fact he personally will live longer (this is assuming he can leave the country and go elsewhere if Trump as president decided to prosecute him), but that the rest of us will be punished because we will have to live with an authoritarian whose craziness knows no bounds. It certainly won't be helping the people of Gaza! Not casting a vote is casting a vote for Treacherous-treasonous-tantruming-TOTALITARIAN-traitor-Trump!
Yes!
Good point!
1000%! His comments on the protests confirm that he is the only choice! Robert's observations are spot on!
Something encouraging on this depressing situation. A group of pro-democracy GenZ activists have announced a summer Tour to Save Democracy, during which they will travel by bus to swing districts to help elect democrats. https://tourtosavedemocracy.org/
Annette. Thanks for posting this
This is so great! And the video is very powerful. Bravo!
One can be dissatisfied with Biden's handling of the Mid-East while still being even more dissatisfied and worried about Trump's proposals under Project 2025 to subvert and weaponize the DOJ, to change civil service rules so that all heads of all Departments are loyalists above any other qualification, to pack the courts with other horribles like Aileen Cannon and Clarence Thomas, and his last 3 picks, to subvert democracy in Ukraine, to pardon J/6 insurrectionists, to further enrich himself through gross violations of the emoluments restrictions. Should I continue?
Two weeks ago AOC had a very good comment on the necessity to support Biden (and democracy) in November despite disagreeing on Gaza. It should be heard by all those who are contemplating to sit the elections out. Her comment is especially important as she is someone who resonates with the people we have to reach.
https://twitter.com/mehdirhasan/status/1781120448186462407
Really missing Mehdi Hasan on MSNBC.
Very powerful and cogent statement by AOC. Share it wherever you can.
Thanks for posting it, Stefan.
I’m really missing Mehdi as well, and wish MSNBC would get rid of Katy Tur & Andrea Mitchell & bring him back!
Amen!
I don't watch MSNBC (or any TV news), but I discovered Mehdi Hassan here on Substack. Have you seen his Substack? It's great.
Thanks for sharing this video. I had not seen it and am hopeful that many young Americans who follow AOC will see this important interview!!
Two different audiences view these facts. Hopefully more voters will react negatively to Project 2025
Just like there are some who eagerly await the weaponization of the DOJ and a public vendetta against former opposition officials. I just hope we can avoid that train wreck.
I received a few calls the last couple of days from friends who were stunned by the Time Magazine piece.
“Did you know about Trump’s plans?” they asked, “why didn't anyone know about this?”
I asked them if they had read the Heritage Foundation’s 2025 Project, and none had. I also noted that the media has chosen not to cover the most egregious of Trump’s messaging but that it isn't hidden. I sent links to this newsletter, Hopium Chronicles, Jay Kuo, and Joyce Vance. All of them have read Heather Cox Richardson already. I suggested they take note of the ways to get involved. All of them also brought up the protests and if I thought they would prevent Bidem from winning. I answered that it was a fluid situation but that I was still hopeful as long as people learn about what alarmed them and we all work to spread that information. Everyone I spoke to agreed. I think it is that simple. Either we make people understand that this is not a choice between two men but rather between an open society where we can work to improve lives or an autocratic regime where our fundamental rights disappear. The latter cannot be allowed to happen, but we have to make sure everyone knows the threat and what they can do to prevent it.
Most of here live in a bubble where we are well-informed and well-equipped to help defeat Trump. Most people are not, and therein lies both challenge and opportunity.
"Why didn't anyone know about this?" Wow. Have they been living under a rock? But that is exactly the problem. Many do. We are living in a bubble being well-informed and thus understandably concerned and alarmed. But so many live in a different bubble which seem to be incredible difficult to pop. That is the huge challenge in preparing for November.
Wouldn't it be great if those actors (Lithgow, Benning, et al) who performed a reading of the Mueller report could do something similar with Project 25?
That is actually a good idea. Not the whole text, though. It's close to 1000 pages (yes, they are planning meticulously). But the introduction would do. It's 17 pages, titled 'A Promise to America'. More appropriately it should be called 'A Threat to America'.
Great idea!!
WOW! That's a great idea. I wonder if this is in the works.
It’s the people in between the bubbles we must reach.
Living under a rock, yes, some are. Others use almost all of their energy to deal with taking care of their families, small children, teens with troubles, elderly parents, and issues of their own. Major media are making it hard to learn what’s behind what is going on. For whatever reason, they avoid providing context to their daily reports.
A simple example: Biden proposed spending X Trillion on (I forget what). Friend: Gosh, that’s a lot of money to dump into the economy. Won’t it cause inflation? Me: That amount is to spend over ten years. Friend: I didn’t know that. Me: The defense budget is approved for one year at a time. Times ten years the amounts can be compared. . .
The words “over ten years” was a tiny bit of context that was nearly always left out.
You are right. All the more important to reach out to those people and plop their bubble. Those facing the challenges you mentioned are those who would suffer even more should MAGA take over.
Thanks for the insight Dean into those folks who are surprised at the Time cover story. You and all of us, are fortunate that you have friends who will call you up and engage and share their surprise. You mention the bubbles and those in between. There's a lot of discrete bubble out there, including the I'm-for-Trump-if-he-sprouted-horns-and-ate everyone in the courtroom bubble, the I'm-a-business-person-and Trump-will lower-my-taxes-bubble (see yesterday's NYT's piece https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/30/business/georgia-black-entrepreneurs.html?smid=url-share), the No-One-in-their-Right-Mind-Will-Vote-for-Trump,-so-why-worry-bubble (the 2024 version of the 2016 death spiral) and the I-am-not-into-politics-so-who-cares bubble, to name a few. All need to be addressed and tirelessly by all means possible. Thanks for sharing this and thank you for your conversations with your friends. I hope we will all see signs of friends and associates who have awakened to the threat.
"... a reader posted an angry note in the Comment section that said, “So, you are telling us to sit down and shut up. We won’t do it.”
I hate it when the political morons claim they're on my side.
I feel the same way, but then I remember that they can vote too, and I try to figure out how to make sure they vote with us.
1. Project 2025.
2. Trump hates dogs.
Excellent arguments.
So crazy that probably 2. will sway more people. But whatever it takes!
Exactly.
Like his friend Kristi Noam who seems to be bucking to be his VP!
Republicans kill dogs.
Republicans kill women.
Republicans kill hope.
Republicans kill you.
🤯
Hyperbole? I think not. This is where Defendant is heading.
Next Dem ad campaign?
Robert: "In 2020, more than 77 million eligible voters “did not vote”—as compared to 81 million who voted for Biden and 74 million who voted for Trump. We should focus our efforts on registration and get out the vote campaigns. There is plenty of ground to be made up among the population of voters who stayed home in 2020."
FT6 has identified about 13 million who trend heavily Democratic using data mining. elections. 60% of unregistered voters have never been asked to register! "Using our one-of-a-kind database and every outreach method possible (phone and text, postcard, email and targeted ad, and in-person too), where new Democratic voters will make the most impact – in the most flippable states and districts."
https://www.fieldteam6.org/actions
Good points but it’s up to the states Democratic Party organizations to get these folks on board. In NC with new leadership this is happening.
We work with them. FT6 doesn't do GOTV. Lots of other groups do.
In March, in one day, FT6 added 11,000 new North Carolina voters.
This is the FT 6 Brief:
The battle to win it all in 2024 runs straight through North Carolina. Obama won NC in 2008, and Biden only lost in 2020 by 1.3%. It’s key to our chances of taking back the House & keeping the White House!
To take back the House, we need to re-elect Don Davis (NC-01)! We need to elect Democrat JOSH STEIN as Governor, and flip NC blue for the White House. We’re gonna need to register a horde of new NC Democrats – especially to vote by mail. This is a job for Field Team 6!
DEMOCRATS…
...are the only major party fighting Trumpism and the extremist MAGA Republicans.
...and the only party fighting for abortion rights, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.
...are fighting to expand health care rather than take it away.
...are fighting to make college more affordable, not less.
...are addressing the climate crisis, not denying it until it’s too late to take action.
REPUBLICANS...
...are waging a national war on voting rights, and fighting to raise taxes on the middle class so they can give tax cuts to the rich.
...are fighting to eliminate access to healthcare.
...support Trumpism’s racist, sexist, anti-democracy, obstructionist agenda.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Registration deadline for the General Presidential Election on November 5, 2024 is October 11, 2024.
Absentee ballot application deadline for the General Presidential Election is October 29, 2024.
October 17, 2024 through November 2, 2024 at 3pm is the early voting period for the November 5, 2024 General Presidential Election. Check for early voting sites and schedules here.
You can also register and vote at the same time with one-stop early voting (October 17 - November 2 at 3pm). There is no same day registration on Election Day.
If you need help getting an ID, contact VoteRiders.org or call/text 1-844-338-8743.
VOTER REGISTRATION SAMPLE GREETINGS
Our most successful openings:
“Excuse me, can you help me save our democracy? I’m registering Democrats to vote.”
“Good morning! Can I register you as a Democrat today?”
Or connect on the issues:
“Excuse me, can you help me fight for women’s rights today?”
“Hello, can you help me fight for civil rights?”
“Hi! Can you help us save the environment?”
“Good morning, can you help me save Social Security and Medicare?”
“Can you help me fight for affordable healthcare?”
If someone shows interest, follow up with:
“Great! I’m registering Democrats to vote by mail! Are you a citizen?”
...and start registering them right away!
Make these your own! Let people know that the presidential election on November 5, 2024 will determine whether we get to keep our democracy, so please vote for Democrats up and down the ballot.
And once you register someone, ask them:
If they’d like to get handy election reminders
If they’d like to volunteer with us to help register Democrats
If they’d like help with voting – if so, introduce them to BlueVoterGuide.org – the progressive voter guide that turns your sample ballot into a simple ballot
I am also involved with a NC veterans' group and a project to flip SSI recipients who have been slitting their own throats by supporting Republicans who would eliminate their benefits.
You might address this stuff on your Substack.
Daniel, I am writing postcards for NC through FT6; first time with them but not the last!
I am an NC resident . Thank you for this valuable information. I will be using it going forward in my community to register voters.
Thanks for posting this.
Daniel, I looked at Field Team Six the other day and may participate. How do they know how many voters they're registering though?
I don't know about every state but in Florida, it's public record when people register.
Check out this device. You can look up yourself. https://www.fieldteam6.org/voterizer
Thank you!
Daniel, I have another question about Field Team 6. I'm trying to decide which postcards to buy. Have you found more or less success with any particular designs? I'm wondering whether some of the more left-wing ones might turn some people off. Thanks!
No. I have the public school ones.
I have not read the full text of President Biden’s speech about the campus protestors until today. If I have not read these comments millions of other voters also have not read them. An under reported situation especially at Columbia is the number of protesters who were not students and were outside agitators. Most voters unfortunately have no real understand of the complex issues and history associated with the Israel and Hamas conflict. You can blame Israel for some of their actions and mistakes and you certainly blame Hamas attacking Israel but you can’t blame Biden for working hard to end the conflict. Ask yourself what would the former guy falling asleep in the courtroom would have done and his chances of negotiating a peace agreement. I am confident that if a cease fire and hostage release is possible the Biden Administration will find it. The bigger question is will it make any difference to voters
This is what I have been feeling, and you expressed it so well!
“An under reported situation especially at Columbia is the number of protesters who were not students and were outside agitators. Most voters unfortunately have no real understand of the complex issues and history associated with the Israel and Hamas conflict. You can blame Israel for some of their actions and mistakes and you certainly blame Hamas attacking Israel but you can’t blame Biden for working hard to end the conflict.”
My thoughts exactly Stephan! Outside agitators are actively stirring the pot to create as much confusion as possible in order to discredit Biden's accomplishments! Please, let's give our "peacefully" protesting university students some credit for having more intelligence and common sense than the Maga morons in Congress!!!
Exactly. It's not impossible that some of the students are exhibiting poor judgment but I'm pretty sure most of the violence is coming from right-wing outsiders.
Dear Robert, like so many, I'm completely torn up over the Gaza/Israel conundrum. I was a student protester in the 1970s against the Vietnam war, an evil fomented by our own government. In the current case, protesting against a war fomented by a foreign state is trickier, and Biden is stuck in a nasty web. The fact that two factions are fighting against each other when the real evil is Hamas is very sad indeed. Hamas is to blame; and Netanyahoo is undeniably monstrous. But it saddens my heart to see and hear young people vilify each other, forgetting the forest for the trees.
Biden has proposed a 2 state solution, which is a significant change from prior administrations, and is a very pro-Palestinian viewpoint. It isn't enough for the protesters, but I wonder how many of them are aware of that (and support it).
With the exception of the Trump administration which negotiated the Abraham Accords and thus opened an opportunity for Netanyahu to kill off the last remnants of a two-state solution all prior administrations (some more actively and convincingly than others, but still) supported that solution.
Right on! Write on! Your comments about Biden’s support of peaceful protest being a fundamental, and essential, facet of America’s economic, social, and political history are grounded in fact. Recent violent protests strike me as being inspired by an intention to create havoc for, and doubts about, our remarkably dedicated incumbent president. In other words, have unfriendly operatives been assigned to college campuses to intentionally incite violence six months before our next election?
Robert, you can add "student loan forgiveness" to your list of reasons students and others should consider when waffling about voting for President Biden
Credit due to my husband George for the student loan forgiveness suggestion, him being more awake at the time 😁
If you hear any pro-Palestinian protesters state that they will not vote for Biden due to Netanyahu's war, they need to be reminded of one thing. Biden will protect their right to free speech and peaceful assembly. By not waging the power of their vote, they place a vote for the guy that just might have them shot when they peacefully assemble.
While it's good to see the energy of students in making their voices heard, I just wish they could be bothered to do this related to the impending threat to everyone on this planet related to climate change. The poorest countries that have done nothing to contribute to global warming will be the most seriously effected.
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/3473642-esper-trump-asked-about-shooting-protesters-in-the-legs-or-something-after-george-floyd-death/
Hamas has brought forth the worst of Israel, a horrific response that led to stopping the peace movement and empowering the crazies as well as getting Gaza destroyed and thousands of civilians killed.
Now the reaction to this on colleges and soon in the streets will play into the calculating hands of Netanyahu, Putin and those that want the fascist authoritarian to win. He promises a ban on Muslims, millions in camps, military in the streets, shutting down those that object. And that’s just the stuff that is tangential to this topic. There is so much more horrible things that will happen.
Please, we’ll intentioned people, let’s not keep compounding the mistakes. Think through what we’re doing and the consequences.
Netanyahu had an opportunity to have the world side with Israel and like Trump let his ego and possible criminal charges.
I disagree. Netanyahu and the political side he is beholden to want this. They see Gaza and what the rest of the world thinks of Jews and Israel as minor in the big picture.
I think they see it necessary to act in a way that will prevent attacks from their other enemies. Their situation is precarious. Being gentler and more reasoned in Gaza would not have led to a more reasoned response from Iran and its proxies, but the opposite.
“World opinion” favorable to Israel is a perishable commodity – especially in the case of Gaza.
In an interview I heard, the head of the American Civil Liberties Union recounted that antisemitic activities and incidents shot up *immediately* after Hamas’s invasion of October 7. That was *weeks before* Israel began military action in Gaza.
I believe there was little possibility that “world” sympathy for Israel could have been sustained, even with a liberal Israeli government.
I agree it is a perishable commodity but the sentiment has certainly gotten worse and the actions of Israel only justified in certain peoples minds the reason they are antisemitic
I don’t understand:
If a person is antisemitic, what alternative actions should Israel have taken to turn them against Hamas and into sympathizers with *any* kind of Israeli war effort against Hamas?
You have a way with words! "But the natural tendency to “blame” the president for events over which he has no control has been converted into a cudgel by every side in a polygonal dispute that has endured for millennia." Polygonal indeed I laughed out loud. Thanks as always for your steady hand and clear voice.
There is an archetypal pattern in troubled times: the people is innocent and blame the king, the emperor, the pharaoh.... That is one driver for authoritarian rule, and a reason for those wanting to impose authoritarian rule to create troubled times, or tout the impression of troubled times. And it works to the extent that the president of the US is held accountable for gas prizes, which he is far from being in control of!
American students have the possibilities to express themselves, but in this situation, when authoritarian nations, empires, and local oligarchs are on the march against the US, its institutions and constitution, there must first of all be meticulous scrutiny of undue influence on making the times troubled, rather than beating useful idiots.
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