No matter the news on Trump... indictment, fraud, defamation,impeachment ,rape, lies, treason( consorting with our known enemies) etc., you never hear a Republican criticize him publicly. This holds true for all GOP wrongdoers..never an attack from Party loyalists. The Democrats,however, fill their own favorable media outlets, print, cable and social, attacking our own( e.g.,one nude picture forced Katie Hill's resignation... Biden is too old, you get the point). It's time we used "our pulpits" wisely rather than producing more fodder for the GOP and Fox News to regurgitate. We do not need to continue to shoot ourselves in the foot. And just in case anyone has forgotten , GET OUT THE VOTE!!!!
This is a perennial problem with the so-called progressive movement. People have their pet causes and issues and find it difficult to coalesce. We are, by nature, a diverse and somewhat ragtag group. It saddens me though, that far-left progressives haven't learned from the Ralph Nader debacle, and continue to splinter and attack Biden for various perceived failings.
What our herd of cats doesn't seem to understand is that unless Biden is re-elected, nothing good will happen. Their cherished causes will either fizzle out or the trumplicans will kill them.
Well, we can say the same for Joe Lieberman and his “no labels” nonsense. You may have seen that he was on CNN telling the country that they will have their slate of candidates by the end of month. This is the man who tagged along with John McCain all through the Obama-McCain run for president. He is also the man from Connecticut (the insurance state) who did nothing to help President Obama.
All these third party candidates certainly are free in America to make a run at the presidency. Yet, given the stakes it is just as difficult to comprehend their misguided energies as it is to make sense of those who treat DJT like “just another candidate.”
Really folks, the path forward is to recognize and work every day for President Joseph R. Biden.
Completely agree with you. Personally, I still believe Bernie Sander’s opposition, and run for President against Hillary caused a sufficient number of Democratic voters to obtain or look for reasons to obstain and hence we have today’s Supreme Court. If that is not an object lesson, I do not know what is.
I can’t say how disturbing it is to hear some of the things that my democratic family members and friends talk about. Biden’s age. “Welp’ I say, “elect Biden and let’s get a younger/ experienced person in there next time- if trump gets in we may not vote again.” Then I get a sigh, and… “Oh no, that won’t ever happen- wha- you think trump… no, he won’t stay in power”. Me “OMG- don’t take my word for it- where are you getting your news?”.
I then cite that trump’s pals in congress have withheld prompting the military leaders - WHY? (I can’t determine if the last four of the four star generals has been promoted yet- I don’t think they have(been googling for ten minutes)).
Maybe trump wants Tuberville to keep those positions open so that if trump is president again he can put his pals in top military leadership positions and then he won’t be opposed by the military and he won’t ever have to leave the WH. He tells us every day that he wants to be Czar- better listen to him.
So plz let’s just elect Joe Biden on the KISS principle!
All of which is a good pitch for Ranked Choice Voting. MA is close to joining ME and Alaska by voting in RCV. I SOOO wish it was universal - for every election including the presidency. I might like to vote meaningfully for a "green candidate" or a "peace candidate" - knowing that my second choice - a vote for a Democrat would have power. It could give voice to fledgling parties and concerns while not doing an "Eliot Cutler" (may he rot in prison forever).
Also, I for one, don't see anything wrong with criticizing and critiquing someone like Joe Biden and simultaneously and thoroughly supporting his candidacy. He has been the best president in my lifetime. I am all in for Joe. But he, like all of us, is far from perfect. I write letters to the WH frequently expressing support and offering opinions.
Anyway, to your point, a vote for RFK Nutcase or anyone other that Biden (even not voting) is a vote for Trumpian Fascism.
Critique is a valuable aid to increased effectiveness; criticism is just carping to get attention. The difference is important, and understanding that may be essential to our ability to work together and keep the failed insurrectionist out of the White House.
I did a walking tour in Maine the summer after the Bush v Gore v Nadar election and one of the tour leaders proudly announced that she had voted for Nadar - it was like a badge of honor for her! She didn't take kindly to my comment that people like her got us W as president - but it is the truth!
I take your point and agree about the Nader voters, but the Supreme Court, I think, gave Bush the presidency. Sandra Day O'Connor specifically, which she later said she regretted. Have I got that right?
Good news about the ending of the Biden impeachment sham. He and Harris make a strong team. I am hoping to see further Republican party implosion vis a vis more members of the House resigning, as well as more Republicans speaking out against Treacherous-treasonous-traitor-Trump!
When the election is over on November 5, 2024, will we be hearing Taps being played for the passing of our Democracy or will we be hearing Reveille for the re-awaking and survival of our Democracy?
Let’s keep calm, work hard, and vote BLUE all the way through for the House, the Senate and the Presidency. Just remember and practice this important advice:
“You can’t wring your hands and roll up your sleeves at the same time.”
Patricia Nell Scott Schroeder (July 30, 1940 – March 13, 2023), Colorado's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives 1973-1997
Together we can make it happen! Susan Highfield, PA
Will do…although we are in a very red area,.here in my voting district two of our precincts are in the top five of active democratic voters in the state as a percentage of our population.
When hearing about Pence's refusal to endorse trump my first reaction was 'wow, even invertebrates can grow a spine!' But reading about the reasons for his about-face brought me back to reality. Lying, cheating and plotting to end democracy was not among them.
As to the latest developments in Georgia, Florida and New York: Can the US judicial system embarrass itself more and sink any lower? I am afraid the answer is yes. The world is watching in disbelief.
One thing the Quadefendant has shown us is that our systems of government and justice are based on an innate fairness and decency doctrine. He's exposed a weakness in that doctrine by devoting all his energies to the opposite. I guess that's why he appeals to opponents of the status quo, but it's astonishing that he appeals to so-called conservatives.
Stephan, everyday there is a give away to Trump by the US justice system. I no longer have confidence that Trump will go to any trials before the election
Well, he wasn’t a coward on January 6, 2021. Surely we can’t ask any more of him since he is a deeply flawed “Catholic” who has a history of pushing anti-abortion laws and targeting gay, transgender, queer gender choices.
Today’s newsletter is a breath of fresh fearlessness. My confidence in the inevitability of a second Biden term has never wavered. The shift in the news coverage is due to the fact that Biden and Harris are now trumpeting their achievements. After 3 years of being all-action, they are now all-action AND all-talk.
WE have been deeply engaged—and frustrated by the lack of positive coverage that Biden deserved. But now the shift has begun and Biden’s accomplishments will become un-ignorable even by his detractors and the unengaged.
OPEN YOUR ARMS. Be gracious as fence sitters and former detractors abandon their team and search for belonging. DO NOT GLOAT. Zip your “I told you so.” 🤐 EMBRACE THEM. Pull out a chair for our new guests. Welcome these Prodigal voters to our party with a party 🎉
Find “Decoding Fox News” on Substack, hear what THEY have been HEARING, and your Trump-loving friends, family and neighbors become instantly forgivable.
(it’s the opposite of what we read here and JUST AS COMPELLING.)
It takes tremendous courage and strength to abandon a cult.
As Upton Sinclair wrote “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it.” For MAGA, the “salary” is “belonging”
For them, switching to Biden is an abandonment of what they’ve held tightly for so long. MAGA provided an outward celebration that provided instant connection.
Biden has not inspired a movement like Obama (or Trump). Because, he has been all action. Because he is not a great orator, it is up to US to dial up the “talk.”
I’m wearing a Biden shirt on every grocery run til 11/5/24. Buy one (or three) at BeantownStrong.com on Etsy and JOIN ME IN TURNING OUR PARTY INTO A WELCOME PARTY. 🎉
That's commendable. Really. And I'm happy you live in an area where you feel safe venturing out wearing a shirt supporting Biden. I'm serious about that.
I'm also dead serious when I say my wearing the same shirt would result in people getting in my face and being confrontational on several levels. That I'm old woman would not matter and may even encourage men with bullying tendencies. Not to mention, I'm sure it'd be way too small for me.
I lived in blue Illinois for over 6 decades and red Wisconsin for the past 8 years and the difference is stark. Where I'm presently at, the general populace wants their world to stay the way it is. Different ideas are not welcome, full stop. I won't even go into racism, alternate lifestyle intolerance or the open cry for revenge against perceived wrongs.
What would cause MAGA thinking to change course? The majority live in states that have been GOP dominated for a long time and those governments don't work in their constituents best interests. The 'Raising Taxes' boogeyman has been held over their head for decades. People pride themselves on being 'tough', doing without and accepting what's handed to them. Few MAGA in red states venture in areas different than their own and often have nothing to compare their lives with, other than what they see online or on cable.
That being said, I believe there's an unsettling undercurrent in feeling that they've been left behind and short changed, especially among the young.
"Red" populations exhibited cult-like tendencies even before the label could be solidly applied.
Two thing's I think could turn opinions: trump's abhorrent morals and people simply being sick unto death of hearing about him and his ilk.
DL Johnson, I’m sorry you don’t feel safe in your area to sport your Biden gear. I will tell you this. I am I. Florida and fully expected to be confronted… to my utter surprise… NOTHING. The lack of pushback gave me a new faith in humanity. People are horrible on line. In person… in public areas like grocery stores, anyway, they are kind. I wouldn’t choose to wear my Biden shirt to a bar. But in stores where people are with families… kindness is batting 1000. That’s on 25 grocery runs since 1/1/24. Give it a try… I think you will be pleasantly surprised. And I promise you will give someone who feels like you do HOPE.
I and my family have seen several off center folks ranting about Biden and/or their religious beliefs in the local Walmart. No one approaches them and they occasionally act out.
What I'm saying is, I won't put myself in harms way for the lack of discretion in choosing where to visually display my political leanings; that's just an unfortunate, hard truth. I settle for donating more than I should and post carding for the Dem's needing support. But I understand and appreciate your point.
I appreciate your concerns 100% And I wouldn’t advocate for anyone putting themselves at risk.
I was afraid to do this in Florida… and it hit me… if Trump wins, the boldness of his followers will only grow worse. Much worse.
I’m in south East Florida which is a little bluer than other areas. But the trucks and flags with F* Biden or Let’s Go Brandon seemed designed to shut down debate… so… I had to do the opposite.
Their goal is to persuade moderate women and they have short videos that can be shared with others. Do you have friends with whom you might fee comfortable sharing some of their materials?
So beautifully said, Shawn! Your big-hearted advice reminded me of a great Substack I recently read which talks about ways for us to explain Democratic values with a few examples being: 1) We believe in EMPATHY and SOLIDARITY, 2) Democrats give a sh*t about what happens to other people, 3) We actually care what happens to other people, even if we don’t know them personally" and more. Here's the link - https://reframingamerica.substack.com/p/what-we-can-say?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=email
A PS to readers - Another great t-shirt option is the Dems Make Life Better shirt available here. https://www.customink.com/fundraising/demsmakelifebetter. We will soon be launching a stand-alone website for the campaign, with additional merchandise, so if you want to stay in touch with the campaign please fill out the form linked at the top of the webpage and then scroll to the bottom and click "go to campaigns" to purchase.
Last night began on Apple TV the 7 episode dramatized series based on James L Swanson’s book “Manhunt: the 12 Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer” Secretary of War Edwin Stanton states after the horrific act of the first American Presidential assassination by a racist, Confederate sympathizer, whether historically accurate or not , is a gem: “We replace our Presidents with elections, not with coups.”
A quick question re: the delayed release of the documents ftom the Souther District of NY for the Alvin Bragg NY hush money / election fraud case:
Wasn't this the same office that Trump demand Barr replace Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York? Yesterday I posted a musing whether Trump had someone buried deep in the organization that purposely kept items back in order to delay the receiving of documents. This is like a Mafia movie; expect more of these things. Remember the guy arrested several years ago out of the NY office of FBI with Russian ties?
I read the article in the Times about what the 17 former Trump cabinet members had to say about him. All well and good——yet only two of the 17 said they would not vote for him in 2024. What does that say about the value of their criticisms?
No one said it was going to be easy. The Willis decision was a disappointment but it was not fatal. Mike Pence’s refusal to indorse Trump was not surprising but was part of his hypocrisy when he should have said all those things when he was running for President but was too scared of losing the Trump base who already wrote him off. I believe there would be a tipping point when the house of cards for Trump falls apart and each week new little things are added to the fire. For some evangelical voters Pence comments mean something and maybe his statement will peal away a few voters for Trump.
Plus it identifies a path for others from the Trump administration to take. Let's hope...plus this strategy of upsetting the Republican majority apple cart by quiting Congress might be the most effective tool to be used, and provides some protection from violence/harassment by the MAGA folks. I think this strategy has them and Fox / OAN flummoxed.
Ken Buck's retirement will lead to a special election - I think appointments happen more for Senate seats where you can't afford a vacancy, but I guess it depends on the state
In keeping with the theme of getting out the vote, I "borrowed" this post from the gang over at heathersherd. If you remember, the Tennessee 3 is made up of the 2 Justins and Gloria Johnson, a white woman who is running for Senator in the U.S. Congress to replace Marcia Blackburn. The following gives a backstory to set the stage. Here's the point: there is a group of musical artists who released a new song called "Tennessee Rise," which is imbedded in this link. They hope to raise funds for Ms. Johnson's campaign. IMO, it is a superb piece of music, performed by a very diverse set of artists. You can see the lyrics below the imbedded link to help you follow along.
What a lineup!! I adore the Tennessee Three and when Gloria Johnson announced she was running against Blackburn, I immediately sent her my contribution. Her ad was great too. I pray Tennesseans vote for her!
Good morning Robert. Thank you for telling us about Vote Riders and their webinars. Just a quick note that Vote Forward is the non-profit to sign up with for readers who wish to write letters to unregistered voters in North Carolina and other key states.
Let’s not ignore the threat from minor party candidates. Who is funding RFkJr, No Labels and the others and are Russian bots involved? Please, let’s get ahead of this before it has become an even more obvious danger.
Why, why, why didn't the U.S. Attorney for the SDNY turn over these documents months ago? AG Garland, it is imperative that you get to the bottom of this. Now.
Thank you for the take on the Judge McAfee decision. I keep reading various interpretations of what this decision and the circus that led up to it mean and it has been frustrating because the take has mostly seemed to overlook the offensive nature of it all which you clarify so neatly.
Well we might not get a trial anywhere before November but the fact that his misdeeds are constantly in the news and more of the other side are stepping up in their resistance to “That Man” is important. That SCOTUS punted the issues before them and essentially said “let the people decide as well as the legislature” in of itself is a corruption and destruction of the third branch of Government. Their decisions however has been a wake up call to the electorate of the coming authoritarian rule. So let’s use the cards we have been dealt to our advantage. Thanks Robert.
Observation:
No matter the news on Trump... indictment, fraud, defamation,impeachment ,rape, lies, treason( consorting with our known enemies) etc., you never hear a Republican criticize him publicly. This holds true for all GOP wrongdoers..never an attack from Party loyalists. The Democrats,however, fill their own favorable media outlets, print, cable and social, attacking our own( e.g.,one nude picture forced Katie Hill's resignation... Biden is too old, you get the point). It's time we used "our pulpits" wisely rather than producing more fodder for the GOP and Fox News to regurgitate. We do not need to continue to shoot ourselves in the foot. And just in case anyone has forgotten , GET OUT THE VOTE!!!!
This is a perennial problem with the so-called progressive movement. People have their pet causes and issues and find it difficult to coalesce. We are, by nature, a diverse and somewhat ragtag group. It saddens me though, that far-left progressives haven't learned from the Ralph Nader debacle, and continue to splinter and attack Biden for various perceived failings.
What our herd of cats doesn't seem to understand is that unless Biden is re-elected, nothing good will happen. Their cherished causes will either fizzle out or the trumplicans will kill them.
Well, we can say the same for Joe Lieberman and his “no labels” nonsense. You may have seen that he was on CNN telling the country that they will have their slate of candidates by the end of month. This is the man who tagged along with John McCain all through the Obama-McCain run for president. He is also the man from Connecticut (the insurance state) who did nothing to help President Obama.
All these third party candidates certainly are free in America to make a run at the presidency. Yet, given the stakes it is just as difficult to comprehend their misguided energies as it is to make sense of those who treat DJT like “just another candidate.”
Really folks, the path forward is to recognize and work every day for President Joseph R. Biden.
R’s in sheep’s clothing = No Labels
Exactly...
Completely agree with you. Personally, I still believe Bernie Sander’s opposition, and run for President against Hillary caused a sufficient number of Democratic voters to obtain or look for reasons to obstain and hence we have today’s Supreme Court. If that is not an object lesson, I do not know what is.
Exactly Jenn.
I can’t say how disturbing it is to hear some of the things that my democratic family members and friends talk about. Biden’s age. “Welp’ I say, “elect Biden and let’s get a younger/ experienced person in there next time- if trump gets in we may not vote again.” Then I get a sigh, and… “Oh no, that won’t ever happen- wha- you think trump… no, he won’t stay in power”. Me “OMG- don’t take my word for it- where are you getting your news?”.
I then cite that trump’s pals in congress have withheld prompting the military leaders - WHY? (I can’t determine if the last four of the four star generals has been promoted yet- I don’t think they have(been googling for ten minutes)).
Maybe trump wants Tuberville to keep those positions open so that if trump is president again he can put his pals in top military leadership positions and then he won’t be opposed by the military and he won’t ever have to leave the WH. He tells us every day that he wants to be Czar- better listen to him.
So plz let’s just elect Joe Biden on the KISS principle!
All of which is a good pitch for Ranked Choice Voting. MA is close to joining ME and Alaska by voting in RCV. I SOOO wish it was universal - for every election including the presidency. I might like to vote meaningfully for a "green candidate" or a "peace candidate" - knowing that my second choice - a vote for a Democrat would have power. It could give voice to fledgling parties and concerns while not doing an "Eliot Cutler" (may he rot in prison forever).
Also, I for one, don't see anything wrong with criticizing and critiquing someone like Joe Biden and simultaneously and thoroughly supporting his candidacy. He has been the best president in my lifetime. I am all in for Joe. But he, like all of us, is far from perfect. I write letters to the WH frequently expressing support and offering opinions.
Anyway, to your point, a vote for RFK Nutcase or anyone other that Biden (even not voting) is a vote for Trumpian Fascism.
Critique is a valuable aid to increased effectiveness; criticism is just carping to get attention. The difference is important, and understanding that may be essential to our ability to work together and keep the failed insurrectionist out of the White House.
Well said. Critique with an aim of improving. Constructive criticism with a goal of building.
These are ideas that are foreign to and seem threatening to the MAGA fascists. But WE can welcome such things as powerful tools to improve the world.
Scary that this is even a discussion in the 21st Century.
Thanks Bill. You would think we'd have learned by now.
I did a walking tour in Maine the summer after the Bush v Gore v Nadar election and one of the tour leaders proudly announced that she had voted for Nadar - it was like a badge of honor for her! She didn't take kindly to my comment that people like her got us W as president - but it is the truth!
I take your point and agree about the Nader voters, but the Supreme Court, I think, gave Bush the presidency. Sandra Day O'Connor specifically, which she later said she regretted. Have I got that right?
And Sandra Day O'Connor's regret is worth about as much as Lee Atwater's "deathbed" confessions. Too little, too late.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/11/was-gary-hart-set-up/570802/
And so is James Comey’s regret. He gave us Trump in the first place,
I wouldn't bet a dime that Comey's supposed regret is sincere.
Well said..
Amen, Bob!!!
Good news about the ending of the Biden impeachment sham. He and Harris make a strong team. I am hoping to see further Republican party implosion vis a vis more members of the House resigning, as well as more Republicans speaking out against Treacherous-treasonous-traitor-Trump!
T4
Love your alliteration!
What happened to the impeachment of Mayorkas? Is there any time limit for the house to send this to the Senate?
Maybe House members would like to keep the impeachment where it is – where they can mouth off about it to their hearts’ content.
When the impeachment resolution goes to the Senate, it will be quickly dispatched.
When the election is over on November 5, 2024, will we be hearing Taps being played for the passing of our Democracy or will we be hearing Reveille for the re-awaking and survival of our Democracy?
Let’s keep calm, work hard, and vote BLUE all the way through for the House, the Senate and the Presidency. Just remember and practice this important advice:
“You can’t wring your hands and roll up your sleeves at the same time.”
Patricia Nell Scott Schroeder (July 30, 1940 – March 13, 2023), Colorado's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives 1973-1997
Together we can make it happen! Susan Highfield, PA
Please ask all Democratic groups to partner with Field Team 6. https://www.fieldteam6.org/actions
Will do…although we are in a very red area,.here in my voting district two of our precincts are in the top five of active democratic voters in the state as a percentage of our population.
https://everystateblue.org
And with that Reveille for the re-awakening of democracy will be the push forward to throw Trump in prison! How exciting that will be!
🥳🎉🙌🏻🍾🥂🎈
Yea, Susan! I'm quoting you in this week's local Indivisible newsletter!
I’m honored! Thanks!!! 😊
When hearing about Pence's refusal to endorse trump my first reaction was 'wow, even invertebrates can grow a spine!' But reading about the reasons for his about-face brought me back to reality. Lying, cheating and plotting to end democracy was not among them.
As to the latest developments in Georgia, Florida and New York: Can the US judicial system embarrass itself more and sink any lower? I am afraid the answer is yes. The world is watching in disbelief.
One thing the Quadefendant has shown us is that our systems of government and justice are based on an innate fairness and decency doctrine. He's exposed a weakness in that doctrine by devoting all his energies to the opposite. I guess that's why he appeals to opponents of the status quo, but it's astonishing that he appeals to so-called conservatives.
He appeals to a specific type of Conservative. The kind that embraces the hierarchical order more than the small government aspect.
Agree with you Stefan but at this point any refusal from a GOP member I will take.
Stephan, everyday there is a give away to Trump by the US justice system. I no longer have confidence that Trump will go to any trials before the election
Don't forget total unfitness for office on every level. Pence is a coward.
Well, he wasn’t a coward on January 6, 2021. Surely we can’t ask any more of him since he is a deeply flawed “Catholic” who has a history of pushing anti-abortion laws and targeting gay, transgender, queer gender choices.
I feel the same way 😵💫
Today’s newsletter is a breath of fresh fearlessness. My confidence in the inevitability of a second Biden term has never wavered. The shift in the news coverage is due to the fact that Biden and Harris are now trumpeting their achievements. After 3 years of being all-action, they are now all-action AND all-talk.
WE have been deeply engaged—and frustrated by the lack of positive coverage that Biden deserved. But now the shift has begun and Biden’s accomplishments will become un-ignorable even by his detractors and the unengaged.
OPEN YOUR ARMS. Be gracious as fence sitters and former detractors abandon their team and search for belonging. DO NOT GLOAT. Zip your “I told you so.” 🤐 EMBRACE THEM. Pull out a chair for our new guests. Welcome these Prodigal voters to our party with a party 🎉
Find “Decoding Fox News” on Substack, hear what THEY have been HEARING, and your Trump-loving friends, family and neighbors become instantly forgivable.
(it’s the opposite of what we read here and JUST AS COMPELLING.)
It takes tremendous courage and strength to abandon a cult.
As Upton Sinclair wrote “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it.” For MAGA, the “salary” is “belonging”
For them, switching to Biden is an abandonment of what they’ve held tightly for so long. MAGA provided an outward celebration that provided instant connection.
Biden has not inspired a movement like Obama (or Trump). Because, he has been all action. Because he is not a great orator, it is up to US to dial up the “talk.”
I’m wearing a Biden shirt on every grocery run til 11/5/24. Buy one (or three) at BeantownStrong.com on Etsy and JOIN ME IN TURNING OUR PARTY INTO A WELCOME PARTY. 🎉
That's commendable. Really. And I'm happy you live in an area where you feel safe venturing out wearing a shirt supporting Biden. I'm serious about that.
I'm also dead serious when I say my wearing the same shirt would result in people getting in my face and being confrontational on several levels. That I'm old woman would not matter and may even encourage men with bullying tendencies. Not to mention, I'm sure it'd be way too small for me.
I lived in blue Illinois for over 6 decades and red Wisconsin for the past 8 years and the difference is stark. Where I'm presently at, the general populace wants their world to stay the way it is. Different ideas are not welcome, full stop. I won't even go into racism, alternate lifestyle intolerance or the open cry for revenge against perceived wrongs.
What would cause MAGA thinking to change course? The majority live in states that have been GOP dominated for a long time and those governments don't work in their constituents best interests. The 'Raising Taxes' boogeyman has been held over their head for decades. People pride themselves on being 'tough', doing without and accepting what's handed to them. Few MAGA in red states venture in areas different than their own and often have nothing to compare their lives with, other than what they see online or on cable.
That being said, I believe there's an unsettling undercurrent in feeling that they've been left behind and short changed, especially among the young.
"Red" populations exhibited cult-like tendencies even before the label could be solidly applied.
Two thing's I think could turn opinions: trump's abhorrent morals and people simply being sick unto death of hearing about him and his ilk.
DL Johnson, I’m sorry you don’t feel safe in your area to sport your Biden gear. I will tell you this. I am I. Florida and fully expected to be confronted… to my utter surprise… NOTHING. The lack of pushback gave me a new faith in humanity. People are horrible on line. In person… in public areas like grocery stores, anyway, they are kind. I wouldn’t choose to wear my Biden shirt to a bar. But in stores where people are with families… kindness is batting 1000. That’s on 25 grocery runs since 1/1/24. Give it a try… I think you will be pleasantly surprised. And I promise you will give someone who feels like you do HOPE.
Maybe in Milwaukee, but here, where I live, no.
I and my family have seen several off center folks ranting about Biden and/or their religious beliefs in the local Walmart. No one approaches them and they occasionally act out.
What I'm saying is, I won't put myself in harms way for the lack of discretion in choosing where to visually display my political leanings; that's just an unfortunate, hard truth. I settle for donating more than I should and post carding for the Dem's needing support. But I understand and appreciate your point.
I appreciate your concerns 100% And I wouldn’t advocate for anyone putting themselves at risk.
I was afraid to do this in Florida… and it hit me… if Trump wins, the boldness of his followers will only grow worse. Much worse.
I’m in south East Florida which is a little bluer than other areas. But the trucks and flags with F* Biden or Let’s Go Brandon seemed designed to shut down debate… so… I had to do the opposite.
"I settle for donating more than I should and post carding for the Dem's needing support".
Please don't undervalue your contribution to this fight! If everyone contributed a little we would be in good shape!
Are you familiar with Galvanize Action --https://www.galvanizeaction.org/?
Their goal is to persuade moderate women and they have short videos that can be shared with others. Do you have friends with whom you might fee comfortable sharing some of their materials?
https://playbook.galvanizeaction.org/
So beautifully said, Shawn! Your big-hearted advice reminded me of a great Substack I recently read which talks about ways for us to explain Democratic values with a few examples being: 1) We believe in EMPATHY and SOLIDARITY, 2) Democrats give a sh*t about what happens to other people, 3) We actually care what happens to other people, even if we don’t know them personally" and more. Here's the link - https://reframingamerica.substack.com/p/what-we-can-say?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=email
A PS to readers - Another great t-shirt option is the Dems Make Life Better shirt available here. https://www.customink.com/fundraising/demsmakelifebetter. We will soon be launching a stand-alone website for the campaign, with additional merchandise, so if you want to stay in touch with the campaign please fill out the form linked at the top of the webpage and then scroll to the bottom and click "go to campaigns" to purchase.
I love my DEMS MAKE LIFE BETTER SHIRT!
Love this piece, Shawn! Thanks for giving us the site where we can buy a tee shirt.
Try this link too. https://www.customink.com/fundraising/demsmakelifebetter
Last night began on Apple TV the 7 episode dramatized series based on James L Swanson’s book “Manhunt: the 12 Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer” Secretary of War Edwin Stanton states after the horrific act of the first American Presidential assassination by a racist, Confederate sympathizer, whether historically accurate or not , is a gem: “We replace our Presidents with elections, not with coups.”
I read the book; it is a real page-turner. I'm sure the series will do it justice, DDD.
A quick question re: the delayed release of the documents ftom the Souther District of NY for the Alvin Bragg NY hush money / election fraud case:
Wasn't this the same office that Trump demand Barr replace Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York? Yesterday I posted a musing whether Trump had someone buried deep in the organization that purposely kept items back in order to delay the receiving of documents. This is like a Mafia movie; expect more of these things. Remember the guy arrested several years ago out of the NY office of FBI with Russian ties?
Thanks for reminding me, I vaguely remember “the guy.”
I don't remember his name, but know he was arrested.
I read the article in the Times about what the 17 former Trump cabinet members had to say about him. All well and good——yet only two of the 17 said they would not vote for him in 2024. What does that say about the value of their criticisms?
Not to mention their character.
I am much more impressed by these honest testimonials:
https://rvat.org/#testimonials
Pence said he wouldn't endorse Trump, wouldn't vote for Biden, and that how he votes is his own business. His in-your-face morality is worthless, IMO.
No one said it was going to be easy. The Willis decision was a disappointment but it was not fatal. Mike Pence’s refusal to indorse Trump was not surprising but was part of his hypocrisy when he should have said all those things when he was running for President but was too scared of losing the Trump base who already wrote him off. I believe there would be a tipping point when the house of cards for Trump falls apart and each week new little things are added to the fire. For some evangelical voters Pence comments mean something and maybe his statement will peal away a few voters for Trump.
Plus it identifies a path for others from the Trump administration to take. Let's hope...plus this strategy of upsetting the Republican majority apple cart by quiting Congress might be the most effective tool to be used, and provides some protection from violence/harassment by the MAGA folks. I think this strategy has them and Fox / OAN flummoxed.
Members leaving Congress is an easy way to disavow the current Republican leadership and it does not have a lot of risks.
The resignations merely open the door for bad people to be appointed to Congress by the Republican governors.
Ken Buck's retirement will lead to a special election - I think appointments happen more for Senate seats where you can't afford a vacancy, but I guess it depends on the state
In keeping with the theme of getting out the vote, I "borrowed" this post from the gang over at heathersherd. If you remember, the Tennessee 3 is made up of the 2 Justins and Gloria Johnson, a white woman who is running for Senator in the U.S. Congress to replace Marcia Blackburn. The following gives a backstory to set the stage. Here's the point: there is a group of musical artists who released a new song called "Tennessee Rise," which is imbedded in this link. They hope to raise funds for Ms. Johnson's campaign. IMO, it is a superb piece of music, performed by a very diverse set of artists. You can see the lyrics below the imbedded link to help you follow along.
https://www.wonkette.com/p/allison-russell-brandi-carlile-so?utm_medium=email
What a lineup!! I adore the Tennessee Three and when Gloria Johnson announced she was running against Blackburn, I immediately sent her my contribution. Her ad was great too. I pray Tennesseans vote for her!
Beautiful song, thanks for sharing, Lynell. And keep on "borrowing" 😉
Good morning Robert. Thank you for telling us about Vote Riders and their webinars. Just a quick note that Vote Forward is the non-profit to sign up with for readers who wish to write letters to unregistered voters in North Carolina and other key states.
https://votefwd.org/
https://votefwd.org/campaigns - lots of voters already adopted!!
https://votefwd.org/instructions
Let’s not ignore the threat from minor party candidates. Who is funding RFkJr, No Labels and the others and are Russian bots involved? Please, let’s get ahead of this before it has become an even more obvious danger.
Why, why, why didn't the U.S. Attorney for the SDNY turn over these documents months ago? AG Garland, it is imperative that you get to the bottom of this. Now.
Thank you for the take on the Judge McAfee decision. I keep reading various interpretations of what this decision and the circus that led up to it mean and it has been frustrating because the take has mostly seemed to overlook the offensive nature of it all which you clarify so neatly.
The decision not to actively and sincerely criticize US policy in Israel, either by citizens, or by the President, is deeply troubling.
Well we might not get a trial anywhere before November but the fact that his misdeeds are constantly in the news and more of the other side are stepping up in their resistance to “That Man” is important. That SCOTUS punted the issues before them and essentially said “let the people decide as well as the legislature” in of itself is a corruption and destruction of the third branch of Government. Their decisions however has been a wake up call to the electorate of the coming authoritarian rule. So let’s use the cards we have been dealt to our advantage. Thanks Robert.