Oh thank you for this. I wish we could shout this message from the rooftops. So important to see the impressive and important progress that can be made, and how high-functioning the Democrats are. (With obvious exceptions.) Democrat’s are governing.
Yes; as I wrote a few weeks ago, governing is hard. But we shouldn't confuse the fact that it is hard with failure. Being out of power is easier because you don't have to make difficult choices.
1. Democrats need to get the job done. Agree on a $2T reconciliation bill and pass both the BBB reconciliation and the infrastructure package. Don't linger. 2. In Texas, Beto O'Rourke for Governor and Matthew Dowd (ex Bob Bullock Dem, quit as a GW Bush Rep, now a Dem again) for Lt. Governor make a formidable pair to take on Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick. Blue leadership at the top would make a big difference for Texas.
Leonard, always glad to hear your comments. When I was writing about the future of Texas's gubernatorial contests, I was surprised that the only polling related to a Abbott vs Matthew McConaughey match-up, with McConaughey leading despite the fact that he hasn't identified which party he belongs to. And Beto took on a lot of baggage by running for president, which forced him to run to the left of his usual positions--making it more difficult for him to win in conservative Texas. Thoughts??
It is hard to take McConaughey seriously -- but who knows? Beto was damaged by his interlude seeking the presidency, less, I think in terms of policy issues and more because a second loss discourages potential supporters. Nevertheless, he has frozen everybody out of running (at least so far) and he has enough backing so he will be the nominee for governor. In Texas the governor and lt. governor do not, in legal terms, run as a ticket. But if Beto and Dowd can make a ticket for themselves I think that would be novel enough and moderate enough to create momentum toward a win. They'll need a lot of money, though.
In my "neighborhood " solid reports are that the 50% who are registered Republican are divided into 3 groups 2 of which oppose trump. I see hope in Whitman's stance .
Yesterday I was forced to realize that things are far more threatening to America than I realized on election day in 2020. When I voted last November, I never imagined that around the corner would come a time when election outcomes in this country could be subject to widespread manipulation. The idea that truth in election results was at risk was beyond my consciousness - and I have been voting since 1964. Barely 11 months ago I trusted elections. With that gone, it's more like we're in the middle of freezing waters and our massive and supposedly unsinkable cruise ship has hit an iceberg and there is no time for action.
I am proud to be a Democrat and I am pleased with the work they are doing, but Manchin and Sinema are traitors, helping to sink the ship when they possessed the ability to avoid the iceberg. All that's left is the sound of the band.
Is that how our democracy dies, at the hands of two uncaring people? Millions suffer, and our beautiful,
precious democracy is lost because of two uncaring people. Is that the end of our story? Seems impossible.
I know you are right. And I am grateful for the things that others are doing to take action. The whole thing is very depressing to me, but it does make me hopeful when people like you are cheering is cheering us onward. 👍
Agreed; the party that is now called the GOP is not the Republican Party. It has been killed by Trump. The fact that such a weak and vile man could so easily kill the GOP suggests that it was rotten already.
Oh thank you for this. I wish we could shout this message from the rooftops. So important to see the impressive and important progress that can be made, and how high-functioning the Democrats are. (With obvious exceptions.) Democrat’s are governing.
Yes; as I wrote a few weeks ago, governing is hard. But we shouldn't confuse the fact that it is hard with failure. Being out of power is easier because you don't have to make difficult choices.
1. Democrats need to get the job done. Agree on a $2T reconciliation bill and pass both the BBB reconciliation and the infrastructure package. Don't linger. 2. In Texas, Beto O'Rourke for Governor and Matthew Dowd (ex Bob Bullock Dem, quit as a GW Bush Rep, now a Dem again) for Lt. Governor make a formidable pair to take on Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick. Blue leadership at the top would make a big difference for Texas.
Leonard, always glad to hear your comments. When I was writing about the future of Texas's gubernatorial contests, I was surprised that the only polling related to a Abbott vs Matthew McConaughey match-up, with McConaughey leading despite the fact that he hasn't identified which party he belongs to. And Beto took on a lot of baggage by running for president, which forced him to run to the left of his usual positions--making it more difficult for him to win in conservative Texas. Thoughts??
It is hard to take McConaughey seriously -- but who knows? Beto was damaged by his interlude seeking the presidency, less, I think in terms of policy issues and more because a second loss discourages potential supporters. Nevertheless, he has frozen everybody out of running (at least so far) and he has enough backing so he will be the nominee for governor. In Texas the governor and lt. governor do not, in legal terms, run as a ticket. But if Beto and Dowd can make a ticket for themselves I think that would be novel enough and moderate enough to create momentum toward a win. They'll need a lot of money, though.
Beto as Governor would be grand! I only hope Abbot’s election fraud machine does not overcome Beto.
Fingers crossed.
In my "neighborhood " solid reports are that the 50% who are registered Republican are divided into 3 groups 2 of which oppose trump. I see hope in Whitman's stance .
That is encouraging news!
Yesterday I was forced to realize that things are far more threatening to America than I realized on election day in 2020. When I voted last November, I never imagined that around the corner would come a time when election outcomes in this country could be subject to widespread manipulation. The idea that truth in election results was at risk was beyond my consciousness - and I have been voting since 1964. Barely 11 months ago I trusted elections. With that gone, it's more like we're in the middle of freezing waters and our massive and supposedly unsinkable cruise ship has hit an iceberg and there is no time for action.
I am proud to be a Democrat and I am pleased with the work they are doing, but Manchin and Sinema are traitors, helping to sink the ship when they possessed the ability to avoid the iceberg. All that's left is the sound of the band.
Is that how our democracy dies, at the hands of two uncaring people? Millions suffer, and our beautiful,
precious democracy is lost because of two uncaring people. Is that the end of our story? Seems impossible.
Sad.
Janet, I understand your worries, but America is a lot bigger than Manchin and Sinema--and Trump. Don't give up!
I know you are right. And I am grateful for the things that others are doing to take action. The whole thing is very depressing to me, but it does make me hopeful when people like you are cheering is cheering us onward. 👍
You are the very best. Avoid the collision, quit worrying about the damage. Texas will always be Texas, and the GOP we knew is gone.
Agreed; the party that is now called the GOP is not the Republican Party. It has been killed by Trump. The fact that such a weak and vile man could so easily kill the GOP suggests that it was rotten already.
What you said.