I just signed up for the Grassroots Leaders Forum -- a great idea! -- on behalf of the Collaboration Project, an initiative of 70+ leaders of grassroots groups in 12 states launched in late August. The Collaboration Project's goal is to strategically connect and support grassroots leaders in our critical work in 2024. We have already begun offering phonebank organizer training and a meeting to establish ties among the largest postcarding groups nationwide, with working groups on additional issues about to launch now that the VA election is behind us. To learn more, including to list your group in the Directory we're building, write to Julie Greenberg, julie.collaborationproject@gmail.com
The state of play for the US Senate -- taking account funds as of Oct 1 and the most recent poll (October unless otherwise mentioned)
1. Before he withdrew, Joe Manchin, despite his $11+ M, was behind Jim Justice by 13 points. He was the most vulnerable Democratic Senator.
2. The only other race in which a Democrat was behind was NJ. If Menendez were the nominee, he was 3 points behind Chris Christie (not that Christie is running). Andy Kim, on the other hand, was 26 points ahead of Chris Christie. Kim only had $1.9 M on 10/1. If he gets an opponent, he'll need a lot more.
3. The most recent poll for Tammy Baldwin in WI was from May. She was 1 point ahead of Congressman Mike Gallagher who has been clear that he is not running. She had $6.8 million and, so far, no serious opponent.
4. Jon Tester of MT was 4 points ahead of Tim Sheehy. He had $13 M to Sheehy's $1.3 M.
5. Rep Reuben Gallego of AZ was 4 or 5 points ahead of Kari Lake in a 2 person race or a 3 person race. Gallego had $5 M, Lake reported no money, and Sinema was consistently 3rd in a 3 person race, but had $10.7 M if she really wants to spend it on a futile race.
6. Rep Elissa Slotkin of MI was 5 points ahead of ex Rep Mike Rogers. She reported $5.1 M to his less than $1 M.
7. Jacky Rosen of NV was 5 points ahead of Sam Brown. She reported $8.8 M and he reported $1 M
8. Bab Casey Jr of PA was 6 points ahead of David McCormick. Casey reported $7.3 M, McCormick had just begun.
9. Sherrod Brown of OH had 3 possible opponents. Against the closest, he was 13 points ahead. He had $11.2 M. Two of his opponents had $5 M or more.
This is not intended to encourage complacency. Even without WV, Democrats, if we can re-elect Jo Biden, can feel a little confidence about the Senate -- if we keep giving money and writing postcards and volunteering. Remember, the billionaires will give their campaigns plenty of money. We can even think about flipping some seats.
1. In FL, the last poll in June showed Rick Scott defeating Phil Ehr by 4 points. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (who had no real opposition for the nomination) began October with only $1M, Scott had $3 M (though he can add millions whenever).
2. In MO, Hawley was leading Lucas Kunce by 4 points. Hawley had $4.7 M, Kunce only $1.7 M
3. in TX, the last poll in May showed Ted Cruz defeating Colin Allred by 5 points. Allred began October with $7.9 M, Cruz with $5.7 M.
The Democrats have at least as strong a chance of flipping a Republican seat as Republicans have of flipping a seat other than West Virginia. But only if you give money, write postcards, and volunteer in other ways.
I have zero love lost for Manchin. He has not been a reliable support of Democratic positions, and starting fresh with a new
candidate that the powers-that-be will put the machinery behind is a good opportunity. But doesn’t his plan to cross the country trying to unite people
scream an intention to run for president. The last thing we need to waste resources fending off--but right on brand for Manchin to make things difficult for no good reason.
Manchin's resignation is not good. On the other hand, given his unreliability, it might be a good thing. We might lose that seat. So. We just have to flip another seat to make up for it! Will it be easy? Hah! But with hard work, we will do it. Just like we've been overachiever for several years! Message to the media (with fingers in ears): "lalalalalalala!!"
After reading Today’s Edition I realized I was not alone in feeling close to being burned out because everyday it’s a battle to protect Democracy and my state of mind. Professionally when I felt this way I took a “ time out” and spent the time doing two things. One was to contemplate what was accomplished and rejoice in how good that felt and secondly spent time planning where I was going to spend time going forward. Mid terms are over and we need to recharge our batteries for 2024 so we should use this time to celebrate the holidays with friends and family and be prepared to hit the ground the first of the year. Sometimes in life it pays to stop and let things play out without immediately reacting and this is one of those times.
I have no doubt manchin will have access to millions of campaign dollars from fossil fuel interests. every republican candidate will repeal the Biden clean energy initiatives. they will do everything possible to get Biden/Harris out of power.
we are in France now for another week. Europeans count on U.S. democracy to exist and lead democratic nations of the world. people I spoke to are scared.
it is so important for us to have a unified strategic discussion about messaging and building coalitions.
Not contesting Senate seats in every state on the issue of women’s reproductive rights is a mistake. It is an overwhelming issue for 55% of the voters-women. And most men oppose the GOP banning abortion. Howard Dean contested in every state when he chaired the Democratic National Committee. When Obama was elected he stopped doing that and lost everywhere. Democrats have an issue that should be pressed everywhere because the majority of voters agree with the Democratic position. Witness the red states where Democrats won because of the issue: Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky.
Robert’s past several newsletters have prompted me to comment on a group of subscribers to Heather Cox Richardson’s LFAA (Letters from an American) Substack who are engaged in a project for a nationwide march for democracy on July 4th. The action tentatively is titled “Rise Uo For Democracy Before It’s Too Late.” The group envisions the main event taking place in Washington D.C. on the morning of July 4th from 9:00 to 12:00 ET. Additionally, it foresees other marches across the country, perhaps embedded in existing parades and holiday events.
The March would be a call to action: uniting, inspiring, and energizing people, who know we are under threat, to commit to participating in saving our democracy and also, hopefully, waking up those asleep to the necessity and urgency. In addition to reaching out to find partners, like yourselves, to assist in bringing this event to fruition, the group also is at the stage of reaching out to standout figures, like Robert, to help bring recognition to this project.
Anyone who is interested in pursuing this work with us can write to…. This is an address I no longer use though it still picks up messages. I won’t remove it from this forum’s Comment Section for at least 24 hours.
Robert, you went far and beyond the call of duty when I mentioned “burn out”! Thank you for putting together this forum. I am going to reach out to a friend of mine who is managing our old Indivisible Facebook page. Perhaps she will join. Thanks again!
I learned some time ago not to push to stay in a relationship with someone who does not love me. I suggest we keep that thinking in our collective back pockets when we worry about the loss of Joe Manchin. Hangin out with that guy… GEZZUZ… every time you needed him he didn’t come through! In the language of the arts: you can’t count on him for sh!t
It's funny (i.e., sickening) how legal institutions (i.e. some of them) approach the interpretation of a state's ability to deny Trump a place on their ballot on the grounds he has proven himself unwilling to abide the oath to uphold our democracy. While they choose to conjure up seemingly sensible reasons to deny the impact of the legal basis for removing him from the ballot, he openly mocks our constitution by declaring publicly his intention to resort to fascist control of the FBI and DOJ and seek to imprison his opponents if reelected. We must be in Alice's Wonderland! The "courts" will prevent the sensible people from protecting themselves against this maniac and the people who thirst after the blood of American democracy. That this is Alice's Wonderland is the only thing that explains it!
As a 90 year old retired vet i spent this year as a Precinct Leader with limited success though i hope i sowed some seeds so i turned to letter writing to Virginians just wrote 100 but felt happy with the outcome. I will write either 1000 postcards and or letters for 2024. I'm definitely fired up not burned out: GO DEMS !!!
Burnout is definitely a concern, and the constant drumbeats of President Biden's age and the focus on his every challenge while ignoring any of his successes is wearing. This newsletter and community, as well as Jess Craven's Chop Wood, Carry Water and Dan Rather's Steady are my antidotes to despair.
I just reached out to Seniors Taking Action. I've been doing my own thing from my very blue state, but camaraderie is what I need most. I hope to meet some of you there.
I've read a number of books, listened to podcasts recently, where leaders and long-time activists talk about burnout. Some of the solutions -- which I know your veteran activists will discuss -- are straightforward: take time off, rotate tasks, collaborate to spread the work and the emotional toll. As a volunteer for decades, I think about animal rescue folks whose work is unceasing, dirty, hard to fund even to basic-survival levels, and devastatingly emotionally difficult on a daily basis. There are whole workshops devoted to rescue and shelter staff who can no longer deal with the necessity of their having to personally and daily euthanize perfectly healthy animals. I have no novel solutions to this problem; if you throw yourself body and soul into something that has significant downsides, you're going to burn-out unless you're really really intentional about self-care and are lucky enough to have some organizational flexibility. I wonder what Doctors Without Borders does with this problem, since they're always in such horrific environments and with never-ending crises??
I just signed up for the Grassroots Leaders Forum -- a great idea! -- on behalf of the Collaboration Project, an initiative of 70+ leaders of grassroots groups in 12 states launched in late August. The Collaboration Project's goal is to strategically connect and support grassroots leaders in our critical work in 2024. We have already begun offering phonebank organizer training and a meeting to establish ties among the largest postcarding groups nationwide, with working groups on additional issues about to launch now that the VA election is behind us. To learn more, including to list your group in the Directory we're building, write to Julie Greenberg, julie.collaborationproject@gmail.com
The state of play for the US Senate -- taking account funds as of Oct 1 and the most recent poll (October unless otherwise mentioned)
1. Before he withdrew, Joe Manchin, despite his $11+ M, was behind Jim Justice by 13 points. He was the most vulnerable Democratic Senator.
2. The only other race in which a Democrat was behind was NJ. If Menendez were the nominee, he was 3 points behind Chris Christie (not that Christie is running). Andy Kim, on the other hand, was 26 points ahead of Chris Christie. Kim only had $1.9 M on 10/1. If he gets an opponent, he'll need a lot more.
3. The most recent poll for Tammy Baldwin in WI was from May. She was 1 point ahead of Congressman Mike Gallagher who has been clear that he is not running. She had $6.8 million and, so far, no serious opponent.
4. Jon Tester of MT was 4 points ahead of Tim Sheehy. He had $13 M to Sheehy's $1.3 M.
5. Rep Reuben Gallego of AZ was 4 or 5 points ahead of Kari Lake in a 2 person race or a 3 person race. Gallego had $5 M, Lake reported no money, and Sinema was consistently 3rd in a 3 person race, but had $10.7 M if she really wants to spend it on a futile race.
6. Rep Elissa Slotkin of MI was 5 points ahead of ex Rep Mike Rogers. She reported $5.1 M to his less than $1 M.
7. Jacky Rosen of NV was 5 points ahead of Sam Brown. She reported $8.8 M and he reported $1 M
8. Bab Casey Jr of PA was 6 points ahead of David McCormick. Casey reported $7.3 M, McCormick had just begun.
9. Sherrod Brown of OH had 3 possible opponents. Against the closest, he was 13 points ahead. He had $11.2 M. Two of his opponents had $5 M or more.
This is not intended to encourage complacency. Even without WV, Democrats, if we can re-elect Jo Biden, can feel a little confidence about the Senate -- if we keep giving money and writing postcards and volunteering. Remember, the billionaires will give their campaigns plenty of money. We can even think about flipping some seats.
1. In FL, the last poll in June showed Rick Scott defeating Phil Ehr by 4 points. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (who had no real opposition for the nomination) began October with only $1M, Scott had $3 M (though he can add millions whenever).
2. In MO, Hawley was leading Lucas Kunce by 4 points. Hawley had $4.7 M, Kunce only $1.7 M
3. in TX, the last poll in May showed Ted Cruz defeating Colin Allred by 5 points. Allred began October with $7.9 M, Cruz with $5.7 M.
The Democrats have at least as strong a chance of flipping a Republican seat as Republicans have of flipping a seat other than West Virginia. But only if you give money, write postcards, and volunteer in other ways.
I have zero love lost for Manchin. He has not been a reliable support of Democratic positions, and starting fresh with a new
candidate that the powers-that-be will put the machinery behind is a good opportunity. But doesn’t his plan to cross the country trying to unite people
scream an intention to run for president. The last thing we need to waste resources fending off--but right on brand for Manchin to make things difficult for no good reason.
Manchin's resignation is not good. On the other hand, given his unreliability, it might be a good thing. We might lose that seat. So. We just have to flip another seat to make up for it! Will it be easy? Hah! But with hard work, we will do it. Just like we've been overachiever for several years! Message to the media (with fingers in ears): "lalalalalalala!!"
After reading Today’s Edition I realized I was not alone in feeling close to being burned out because everyday it’s a battle to protect Democracy and my state of mind. Professionally when I felt this way I took a “ time out” and spent the time doing two things. One was to contemplate what was accomplished and rejoice in how good that felt and secondly spent time planning where I was going to spend time going forward. Mid terms are over and we need to recharge our batteries for 2024 so we should use this time to celebrate the holidays with friends and family and be prepared to hit the ground the first of the year. Sometimes in life it pays to stop and let things play out without immediately reacting and this is one of those times.
I have no doubt manchin will have access to millions of campaign dollars from fossil fuel interests. every republican candidate will repeal the Biden clean energy initiatives. they will do everything possible to get Biden/Harris out of power.
we are in France now for another week. Europeans count on U.S. democracy to exist and lead democratic nations of the world. people I spoke to are scared.
it is so important for us to have a unified strategic discussion about messaging and building coalitions.
Hi I am a trauma psychologist
I can offer a few free meetings w a burned out grass roots leader to help with the burnout
I may be able to locate other therapists who can offer this free service as well
Dr sue grand
Drsuegrandphd@gmail.com
Not contesting Senate seats in every state on the issue of women’s reproductive rights is a mistake. It is an overwhelming issue for 55% of the voters-women. And most men oppose the GOP banning abortion. Howard Dean contested in every state when he chaired the Democratic National Committee. When Obama was elected he stopped doing that and lost everywhere. Democrats have an issue that should be pressed everywhere because the majority of voters agree with the Democratic position. Witness the red states where Democrats won because of the issue: Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky.
Robert’s past several newsletters have prompted me to comment on a group of subscribers to Heather Cox Richardson’s LFAA (Letters from an American) Substack who are engaged in a project for a nationwide march for democracy on July 4th. The action tentatively is titled “Rise Uo For Democracy Before It’s Too Late.” The group envisions the main event taking place in Washington D.C. on the morning of July 4th from 9:00 to 12:00 ET. Additionally, it foresees other marches across the country, perhaps embedded in existing parades and holiday events.
The March would be a call to action: uniting, inspiring, and energizing people, who know we are under threat, to commit to participating in saving our democracy and also, hopefully, waking up those asleep to the necessity and urgency. In addition to reaching out to find partners, like yourselves, to assist in bringing this event to fruition, the group also is at the stage of reaching out to standout figures, like Robert, to help bring recognition to this project.
Anyone who is interested in pursuing this work with us can write to…. This is an address I no longer use though it still picks up messages. I won’t remove it from this forum’s Comment Section for at least 24 hours.
Robert, you went far and beyond the call of duty when I mentioned “burn out”! Thank you for putting together this forum. I am going to reach out to a friend of mine who is managing our old Indivisible Facebook page. Perhaps she will join. Thanks again!
I learned some time ago not to push to stay in a relationship with someone who does not love me. I suggest we keep that thinking in our collective back pockets when we worry about the loss of Joe Manchin. Hangin out with that guy… GEZZUZ… every time you needed him he didn’t come through! In the language of the arts: you can’t count on him for sh!t
It's funny (i.e., sickening) how legal institutions (i.e. some of them) approach the interpretation of a state's ability to deny Trump a place on their ballot on the grounds he has proven himself unwilling to abide the oath to uphold our democracy. While they choose to conjure up seemingly sensible reasons to deny the impact of the legal basis for removing him from the ballot, he openly mocks our constitution by declaring publicly his intention to resort to fascist control of the FBI and DOJ and seek to imprison his opponents if reelected. We must be in Alice's Wonderland! The "courts" will prevent the sensible people from protecting themselves against this maniac and the people who thirst after the blood of American democracy. That this is Alice's Wonderland is the only thing that explains it!
As a 90 year old retired vet i spent this year as a Precinct Leader with limited success though i hope i sowed some seeds so i turned to letter writing to Virginians just wrote 100 but felt happy with the outcome. I will write either 1000 postcards and or letters for 2024. I'm definitely fired up not burned out: GO DEMS !!!
Burnout is definitely a concern, and the constant drumbeats of President Biden's age and the focus on his every challenge while ignoring any of his successes is wearing. This newsletter and community, as well as Jess Craven's Chop Wood, Carry Water and Dan Rather's Steady are my antidotes to despair.
I just reached out to Seniors Taking Action. I've been doing my own thing from my very blue state, but camaraderie is what I need most. I hope to meet some of you there.
I've read a number of books, listened to podcasts recently, where leaders and long-time activists talk about burnout. Some of the solutions -- which I know your veteran activists will discuss -- are straightforward: take time off, rotate tasks, collaborate to spread the work and the emotional toll. As a volunteer for decades, I think about animal rescue folks whose work is unceasing, dirty, hard to fund even to basic-survival levels, and devastatingly emotionally difficult on a daily basis. There are whole workshops devoted to rescue and shelter staff who can no longer deal with the necessity of their having to personally and daily euthanize perfectly healthy animals. I have no novel solutions to this problem; if you throw yourself body and soul into something that has significant downsides, you're going to burn-out unless you're really really intentional about self-care and are lucky enough to have some organizational flexibility. I wonder what Doctors Without Borders does with this problem, since they're always in such horrific environments and with never-ending crises??