A lot to celebrate. But also worth mentioning is that in both Ohio and Virginia state officials purged a lot of voters just before these elections . Voter suppression in many forms will continue to be a tool in Republican run states and we have to do all we can to highlight and combat it.
I thought about that purge, Laura, in Virginia and wondered if that was going to negatively affect the result. Though many R's still won throughout the state, fortunately, enough D's won to capture the House and Senate. Yay!
I see the “purge of voters” as having a silver lining--now it is known exactly who needs to get their registrations cleared up before the next election.
Robert has been a wonderful promoter of The States Project Giving Circles and national support for the Virginia state legislature candidates--who WON!!!!! Woo hoo!!! On behalf of the Tending to Democracy Giving Circle, thank you for heeding the call with your generous $22,000 of donations that went to the Virginia candidates' campaigns! And thank you to all the voter registration workers, post carders, door knockers, and ballot curers--our enormous efforts paid off to assert Democratic majority in Virginia as a huge template for the country's preservation of democracy against the encroachment of authoritarianism!
From The States Project:
"Friends,
Together, we won both chambers in the Virginia General Assembly. Not only did we successfully defend the Virginia Senate majority, we flipped the House of Delegates. This victory is only possible because of you.
It’s been over 20 years since Democratic state legislative candidates in Virginia outperformed the previous cycle's Democratic candidate for governor. Tonight, we broke that streak. We made history. Again.
Thank you for paying attention during a year when others tuned out. Thank you for investing in these critical, yet too often overlooked, races. Thank you for staying in the fight.
Because of you, lawmakers in both chambers hold the power they need to defend democracy, protect abortion access, and improve the lives of all Virginians.
We’ll have more to share soon, but tonight, please know that you have our heartfelt gratitude.
Many thanks, Ellie, for getting the word out about the States Project Tending to Democracy well ahead of yesterday's elections! I really think it made the difference in the outcome.
Well, Ms. Lynell in Virginia, we're all in this together! So relieved for you and for all of us! Savoring the moment, then we'll gear up for more in 2024!
Thank you Ellie for your post highlighting the impact of The States Project Giving Circles (Tending to Democracy donors can be proud of their role in VA victories.) and ALL the hard work by EVERYONE everywhere to register and GOTV for Democracy. I feel a strengthened sense of hope that we who believe in Democracy 🗽can defeat the forces of Fascism in our beloved country. 🇺🇸 Today, I celebrate so many victories. Tomorrow I get back to work! Thank you all🙏🏻❤️🤍💙👍🏻
Nov 8, 2023·edited Nov 8, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Bravo, Robert! I believe much of the success is due to your clear-eyed analyses and advice, as well as the great work and encouragement of others like HCR, Jess Craven, Simon, and so many more. Congratulations all!
My wife and I served as poll workers yesterday in a very red district in NJ. I have to say, with few exceptions, and even with high turnout of Republicans, everyone was positive and supportive of the election process. Despite all of the drama and the incessant protestations of the Defendant about rigged elections, none of that was even remotely evident.
Finally, your comment in Lesson 4, "We need to trust that we can out-organize, out-register, and out-motivate Republicans," reminded me of something I wrote down last night for future reference: "It's not enough to just VOTE OUT the Republicans; we need to OUTVOTE them at every turn!"
Agree with your shout out to the motivators! I couldn’t do it with out them- I also worked as a ballot clerk and was told we would have a slow day as it was”just municipal “ elections- and it was not slow- and people commented all day about the orderly process ! Am soooooo motivated to keep going!!!!
Nice, KC! I was quite surprised at the turnout as well, and frankly, a bit concerned since we're in a strong Republican area. The results confirm that numbers count, and we need to keep reminding others.
Interesting happenings in another part of NJ - follow me on this because it's complicated but ultimately good news:
When we first moved here 25 years ago, the town used to elect "Country Club Republicans" to the Town Council (think Millicent Fenwick.)
But over the years that changed and Democrats have been dominant since 2016 and Biden won the town by about a 2:1 margin
Last night two Republicans were elected to the Town Council. But it's the how that is interesting.
They ran as a third party and none of their campaign literature identified them as Republicans
They claimed to be Democrats who were against the local Democratic party "machine" politics (the county is overwhelmingly blue) and so were forced to run on the Republican ticket to get on the ballot
Without boring you with details of a local race, the Democrats were hobbled by a controversial mayor who wound up dropping out of the race over the summer.
The takeaway (and good news) is that the GOP brand is now so toxic that they realized they'd never win running as actual Republicans.
So while I guess we should be on the lookout for "Republicans in Sheep's Clothing" the fact that the overall GOP brand is that toxic in once-red suburbs should be good news.
(And yes, there's really no reason for suburban town councils to be partisan but that's unlikely to change.)
So they're Republicans claiming to be Democrats running as Republicans? Sounds like typical chaos from today's Republican party. I'm sure if these two screw everything up, it'll be the Democrats' fault.
Thank you to your and your wife for your work in NJ.
I agree the Rs must be outvoted every time. Still- it is sad that it has come to this - my God- we used to be able to work together. I know, I know, those days are over-at least for now. Now, onward!
Thanks, Karen. I hope it's really emblematic of the inevitable pendulum swings that occur with successive party changes at the top. Perhaps once the Defendant is found guilty, some folks will awaken the realization that in a democracy, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, unless one part tries to take all the marbles.
Robert, I also credit you for doing the work. You are a bastion against depression about the state of the world with your unrelenting optimism and support for progressive causes. Thank you!!!!
I write largely because, having watched MSM’s coverage of the returns, I was struck by not hearing a single reference to the vast network of nationwide grassroots organizing that had had a substantial hand in every one of last night’s contests. I advise we not lose sight of this fact over the next year as we read / listen to these prognosticators report on our prospects for 2024.
This is an important observation: ". . . by not hearing a single reference to the vast network of nationwide grassroots organizing that had had a substantial hand in every one of last night’s contests."
Grassroots organizations don't fit into the major media narrative. Barbara Jo is right. We need to make sure it becomes so.
Personally, the MSM has lost all credibility with me. It is extra work to find sources to read that are not solely one-sided. MSM used to be a standard bearer but that is lost now.
@LH, While I still benefit from certain MSM news programs, particularly from specific guests, I increasingly am finding that my understanding of the issues has grown exponentially from my exposure to a host of astute Substacks, replete with Comment Sections that afford us the privilege of learning from one another.
There are a few journalists I still follow, however, like you, Substack has been a great platform to gain exposure to much more. It has been an excellent resource for suggested readings and so much more.
Ha! "specific guests" The advantage to recording programs is so that ya can fast forward to particular conversations and cut out most of the bs. Long live Substack.
Same here Barbara! I am tuning out the MSM more and more. I too find my Substack authors, like Robert, provide a higher quality of information, from credible sources, with the bonus of learning from all readers who contribute to the Comments section.
That could be a good thing Barbara Jo. If the effectiveness of the organizing efforts got the notice it deserved based on the results there is a greater than zero chance that Republican organizations will get fired up to do the same. That particular dog is best left asleep.
Dave, I’m not certain I agree. I would think it a benefit to amplify that individual efforts, in fact, do matter. As for Republicans, who already have stepped up their grassroots organizing, I’m not bothered by their possibly “get[ting] fired up” because, from what I’ve seen, they suck at it.
I've been following the election results with glee. Then I saw reports from SuperTalk Mississippi and the Mississippi Free Press that numerous polling places ran out of ballots. There were reportedly over 100 people in line at one place and many in line elsewhere. The election people supposedly were "Oh So Suprised" at the turnout and ran to get more ballots to deliver to the polling places, but, oh my goodness, they didn't get enough. So had to take time to go get more. I'm in Memphis, on the border with North Mississippi. My mom's family comes from MS. That place is beyond reprehensible. Is anyone surprised the governor is Republican. Not me.
There should be a serious investigation of the "ballot shortage" in an area with substantial registration by Black voters. A rule of thumb should be ballots = registered voters +10%.
Although we should call for overturning elections with caution, circumstances in Mississippi deserve close scrutiny.
Of course, Robert. Absolutely. The craven depravity of the "powers that be" in MS are beyond the pale. I thought the same thing: that the feds should investigate this and perhaps stage a new election. The folks with power in MS know no shame; their abuse of blacks has no bottom. It's a relentless abyss. This tactic was a stunning example of "how they roll" down there. It's sickening.
If there is no consequence this will be added to the R toolbox as another way to take the vote away from the people. We'll see more of this in the critical presidential election unless it's made clear it won't be allowed.
I should have added: The running-out-of-ballots-gambit should give pause to those who advocate use of paper ballots as the cure to voter fraud attempts.
Tate Reeves is one of the most corrupt governors ever in the South, and possibly in the whole United States. The people of Mississippi deserve an investigation of this as soon as possible. I would not put anything past Republicans trying to cling to power there, as they saw a potentially great candidate in Brandon Presley who might upset their stronghold on state politics.
It’s the margin of victory that surprised me. Presley ran a solid campaign, the average citizen distrust Tate Reeves and he still won with over 51% of the vote. It's depressing.
Meanwhile the man in charge of our polling place yesterday was wearing a T shirt that read:
“Normal isn't coming back. Jesus is. -Revelation 14
I think my adopted state is irredeemable.
*** My wife made some calls and sent pictures of this shirt to the ACLU and others and found it was perfectly legal. IN A POLLING PLACE.
Also, good for your wife for doing that. We need to stand up to this theocracy that they are trying to impose on us. Everyone has a right to practice their faith in private; we don’t need the government to shove it down our throats. And Tate Reeves is not exactly an example of Christian morals from everything I’ve heard about him.
Dean, I was so sorry to hear this. This business of running out of ballots and leaving 100 or more people standing in line troubles me; something about this stinks to high heaven, to use an expression my mother said frequently. One has to wonder how many people did not get to vote because of this. It may not have changed the outcome of the election, but a 51% margin isn’t that large, which is why I think the DOJ should investigate all the suspicious voter suppression instances to see what’s behind them. I guess we can assume, unless we learn otherwise, that it was an innocent mistake because of large voter turnout, but I find it very suspicious. Another woman who is originally from Mississippi, but not living there anymore, commented on another Substack site that she is absolutely sure this was deliberate.
But the DOJ can investigate this sort of stuff. They have done it before, so it’s a matter of someone bringing it to their attention. I’m not sure who that person would be, because surely no one in the government there would do it, but it warrants an investigation.
Reporting in from Philadelphia. The real election was the primary, as we're a Blue city. But, we had statewide judge elections, and an interesting City Council strategy. There are two seats reserved for the Minority Party, which have been Rs, for 70 years. Last election, Kendra Brooks ran on the Working Families Party and won one of those seats. This time, she and her running mate Nicolas O'Rourke both won, so that's two Progressive pick-ups for City Council.
The news behind the news here is that they ran a comprehensive organizing game, bringing in so many younger people across the city, and people worked their butts off. They came out to vote for Kendra and Nic, and that adds to the statewide total, where Daniel McCaffrey easily won an open Supreme Court seat.
Nightmarish as it has been since 2016, I am blown away by the depth of political engagement by people who previously, at best, showed up to vote (like myself) but now work on winning elections year-round. It is a major commitment, and nothing motivates people like winning!
PS Bucks County swept out the Moms for Liberty schoolboard, and it went all-Dem. Hurrah!
I am following local politics a lot more closely than I did before, but understanding the ins and outs of Philly/PA politics are a fulltime job. Not that you would know anything about starting out doing something on a lark that has turned into a huge movement :-)
In my little corner of Virginia, we ushered in Russet Perry as our state Senator. Sadly, my pick for Delegate, Rob Banse, lost to a longtime office holder in Loudoun County. But the important thing is that Virginia will have a Democratic House and Senate in its General Assembly. Far away from where I live, I post-carded for Bonita Anthony for HD 91. I wrote at least 200 postcards for her, and possibly 300 (I lost count!). Was super excited to see that she won!
Here in Loudoun County, we also won a few and lost a few of the down-down ballot positions.
My husband was a big hit at the Democratic table yesterday. He is so charismatic that I wouldn't be surprised if he changed a couple of the minds of some voters as they headed inside to vote! He even headed down to the Republican table; I think it was mostly to show them that it was OK to smile every once in a while. Unfortunately, they were more interested in converting him to their camp rather than they being converted to his!
Hi all, and thank you RH for your steady hand through this excruciating moment we find ourselves in both in the US and in two terrible wars abroad. Along with the constant negativity around Biden is the important and repeated here there and everywhere complaint that Kamala Harris is some version of awful. This is meant to intensify voters’ fears about Biden’s age. Can we examine this media narrative and perhaps supply a better counter narrative ? What positive things has she accomplished and how can we promote them?
Very good points. I will address tonight. BTW, I understand the criticisms of V.P. Harris. I was one of her doubters in 2020. But she is reportedly connecting with young, diverse voters. We. need that!
She’s been a beacon in re-establishing our global relationships. They love her overseas. I don’t get the disconnect and why the administration hasn’t done a better job of highlighting her results.
So much for Nate Cohn and the NYTs efforts to fabricate "historic tectonic shifts" in the electoral landscape. It was a hot "story" for a few days and their journalists owned the headlines. But reality just checked in and all those newly minted Republican voters, Hispanic, black and youth seemed to not show up in Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and several other states. Maybe their next poll will try harder to find objective trends and not journalistic opportunities.
The lesson for us? Work hard everyday to get Democrats elected! There's a landslide coming to a Congressional district and White House near you in 2024.✌️
I want to say again that this struggle/fight is bringing democracy-loving Americans together across state lines. We are working hard in Texas, but I am realistic that victory everywhere is not possible. As an Texan, I look to this site to see where I can help in Virginia, in Ohio, etc., because elections there impact all of us. Thanks to all who share those opportunities.
This states stuff in terms of values (e.g., what is a “Texas value” when it comes to a woman’s right to see healthcare?) is baloney.
Stay strong, Cathy. I am going to be in Texas for the eclipse in April. Let's organize a meeting of readers of the newsletter. write me at rhubbell@outlook.com
Cathy, We do have a very rough road here in Texas but we will keep fighting the good fight. Thank you for your efforts. There’s so much great stuff happening here in San Antonio at the grassroots level. It’s encouraging. As a native Texan I too question the meaning of “Texas values” as its bantered about these days.
Also, the J6 coup participant running for mayor of Derby CT lost. So far, all coup participants and aiders and abettors have lost their elections.
Good information! Thanks for highlighting!
A lot to celebrate. But also worth mentioning is that in both Ohio and Virginia state officials purged a lot of voters just before these elections . Voter suppression in many forms will continue to be a tool in Republican run states and we have to do all we can to highlight and combat it.
I thought about that purge, Laura, in Virginia and wondered if that was going to negatively affect the result. Though many R's still won throughout the state, fortunately, enough D's won to capture the House and Senate. Yay!
Perhaps it should be a crime to purge the voting rolls within two months of an election.
Sounds like a plan!
Plus an honest attempt to contact the purged voter via DMV registered address.
Perhaps? For sure it should be!
I see the “purge of voters” as having a silver lining--now it is known exactly who needs to get their registrations cleared up before the next election.
That's an interesting perspective. When a voter is purged, are they notified?
No.
How did they do that? What can we do about it? Thank goodness so many people were motivated to vote!
Hi, Laura!
Robert has been a wonderful promoter of The States Project Giving Circles and national support for the Virginia state legislature candidates--who WON!!!!! Woo hoo!!! On behalf of the Tending to Democracy Giving Circle, thank you for heeding the call with your generous $22,000 of donations that went to the Virginia candidates' campaigns! And thank you to all the voter registration workers, post carders, door knockers, and ballot curers--our enormous efforts paid off to assert Democratic majority in Virginia as a huge template for the country's preservation of democracy against the encroachment of authoritarianism!
From The States Project:
"Friends,
Together, we won both chambers in the Virginia General Assembly. Not only did we successfully defend the Virginia Senate majority, we flipped the House of Delegates. This victory is only possible because of you.
It’s been over 20 years since Democratic state legislative candidates in Virginia outperformed the previous cycle's Democratic candidate for governor. Tonight, we broke that streak. We made history. Again.
Thank you for paying attention during a year when others tuned out. Thank you for investing in these critical, yet too often overlooked, races. Thank you for staying in the fight.
Because of you, lawmakers in both chambers hold the power they need to defend democracy, protect abortion access, and improve the lives of all Virginians.
We’ll have more to share soon, but tonight, please know that you have our heartfelt gratitude.
Onward.
Andrew Grunwald
The States Project"
Many thanks, Ellie, for getting the word out about the States Project Tending to Democracy well ahead of yesterday's elections! I really think it made the difference in the outcome.
Well, Ms. Lynell in Virginia, we're all in this together! So relieved for you and for all of us! Savoring the moment, then we'll gear up for more in 2024!
Thank you Ellie for your post highlighting the impact of The States Project Giving Circles (Tending to Democracy donors can be proud of their role in VA victories.) and ALL the hard work by EVERYONE everywhere to register and GOTV for Democracy. I feel a strengthened sense of hope that we who believe in Democracy 🗽can defeat the forces of Fascism in our beloved country. 🇺🇸 Today, I celebrate so many victories. Tomorrow I get back to work! Thank you all🙏🏻❤️🤍💙👍🏻
Bravo, Robert! I believe much of the success is due to your clear-eyed analyses and advice, as well as the great work and encouragement of others like HCR, Jess Craven, Simon, and so many more. Congratulations all!
My wife and I served as poll workers yesterday in a very red district in NJ. I have to say, with few exceptions, and even with high turnout of Republicans, everyone was positive and supportive of the election process. Despite all of the drama and the incessant protestations of the Defendant about rigged elections, none of that was even remotely evident.
Finally, your comment in Lesson 4, "We need to trust that we can out-organize, out-register, and out-motivate Republicans," reminded me of something I wrote down last night for future reference: "It's not enough to just VOTE OUT the Republicans; we need to OUTVOTE them at every turn!"
Bob, thanks for all that you and your wife do! For those not familiar with Bob's substack, it can be located here: https://bobmorgan.substack.com/
Thanks, Robert! I appreciate the appreciation!
"Lesson four" - !
Agree with your shout out to the motivators! I couldn’t do it with out them- I also worked as a ballot clerk and was told we would have a slow day as it was”just municipal “ elections- and it was not slow- and people commented all day about the orderly process ! Am soooooo motivated to keep going!!!!
Nice, KC! I was quite surprised at the turnout as well, and frankly, a bit concerned since we're in a strong Republican area. The results confirm that numbers count, and we need to keep reminding others.
Interesting happenings in another part of NJ - follow me on this because it's complicated but ultimately good news:
When we first moved here 25 years ago, the town used to elect "Country Club Republicans" to the Town Council (think Millicent Fenwick.)
But over the years that changed and Democrats have been dominant since 2016 and Biden won the town by about a 2:1 margin
Last night two Republicans were elected to the Town Council. But it's the how that is interesting.
They ran as a third party and none of their campaign literature identified them as Republicans
They claimed to be Democrats who were against the local Democratic party "machine" politics (the county is overwhelmingly blue) and so were forced to run on the Republican ticket to get on the ballot
Without boring you with details of a local race, the Democrats were hobbled by a controversial mayor who wound up dropping out of the race over the summer.
The takeaway (and good news) is that the GOP brand is now so toxic that they realized they'd never win running as actual Republicans.
So while I guess we should be on the lookout for "Republicans in Sheep's Clothing" the fact that the overall GOP brand is that toxic in once-red suburbs should be good news.
(And yes, there's really no reason for suburban town councils to be partisan but that's unlikely to change.)
So they're Republicans claiming to be Democrats running as Republicans? Sounds like typical chaos from today's Republican party. I'm sure if these two screw everything up, it'll be the Democrats' fault.
Thank you to your and your wife for your work in NJ.
I agree the Rs must be outvoted every time. Still- it is sad that it has come to this - my God- we used to be able to work together. I know, I know, those days are over-at least for now. Now, onward!
Thanks, Karen. I hope it's really emblematic of the inevitable pendulum swings that occur with successive party changes at the top. Perhaps once the Defendant is found guilty, some folks will awaken the realization that in a democracy, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, unless one part tries to take all the marbles.
Robert, I also credit you for doing the work. You are a bastion against depression about the state of the world with your unrelenting optimism and support for progressive causes. Thank you!!!!
I'm going to suggest that part of the reason we did better was because our cause is noble and the GOP's cause is the opposite.
♥️♥️♥️
So true!
I write largely because, having watched MSM’s coverage of the returns, I was struck by not hearing a single reference to the vast network of nationwide grassroots organizing that had had a substantial hand in every one of last night’s contests. I advise we not lose sight of this fact over the next year as we read / listen to these prognosticators report on our prospects for 2024.
This is an important observation: ". . . by not hearing a single reference to the vast network of nationwide grassroots organizing that had had a substantial hand in every one of last night’s contests."
Grassroots organizations don't fit into the major media narrative. Barbara Jo is right. We need to make sure it becomes so.
Personally, the MSM has lost all credibility with me. It is extra work to find sources to read that are not solely one-sided. MSM used to be a standard bearer but that is lost now.
@LH, While I still benefit from certain MSM news programs, particularly from specific guests, I increasingly am finding that my understanding of the issues has grown exponentially from my exposure to a host of astute Substacks, replete with Comment Sections that afford us the privilege of learning from one another.
There are a few journalists I still follow, however, like you, Substack has been a great platform to gain exposure to much more. It has been an excellent resource for suggested readings and so much more.
Ha! "specific guests" The advantage to recording programs is so that ya can fast forward to particular conversations and cut out most of the bs. Long live Substack.
Agreed. Now how to we get the currently, non-activist audiences to tune in too?
Same here Barbara! I am tuning out the MSM more and more. I too find my Substack authors, like Robert, provide a higher quality of information, from credible sources, with the bonus of learning from all readers who contribute to the Comments section.
Yes!!
I totally agree, Barbara!
So do I.
That could be a good thing Barbara Jo. If the effectiveness of the organizing efforts got the notice it deserved based on the results there is a greater than zero chance that Republican organizations will get fired up to do the same. That particular dog is best left asleep.
Dave, I’m not certain I agree. I would think it a benefit to amplify that individual efforts, in fact, do matter. As for Republicans, who already have stepped up their grassroots organizing, I’m not bothered by their possibly “get[ting] fired up” because, from what I’ve seen, they suck at it.
You may be right, and I may be too cynical. Either way, we need to ensure that the energy and commitment level remain high.
I've been following the election results with glee. Then I saw reports from SuperTalk Mississippi and the Mississippi Free Press that numerous polling places ran out of ballots. There were reportedly over 100 people in line at one place and many in line elsewhere. The election people supposedly were "Oh So Suprised" at the turnout and ran to get more ballots to deliver to the polling places, but, oh my goodness, they didn't get enough. So had to take time to go get more. I'm in Memphis, on the border with North Mississippi. My mom's family comes from MS. That place is beyond reprehensible. Is anyone surprised the governor is Republican. Not me.
There should be a serious investigation of the "ballot shortage" in an area with substantial registration by Black voters. A rule of thumb should be ballots = registered voters +10%.
Although we should call for overturning elections with caution, circumstances in Mississippi deserve close scrutiny.
Of course, Robert. Absolutely. The craven depravity of the "powers that be" in MS are beyond the pale. I thought the same thing: that the feds should investigate this and perhaps stage a new election. The folks with power in MS know no shame; their abuse of blacks has no bottom. It's a relentless abyss. This tactic was a stunning example of "how they roll" down there. It's sickening.
If there is no consequence this will be added to the R toolbox as another way to take the vote away from the people. We'll see more of this in the critical presidential election unless it's made clear it won't be allowed.
Running out of ballots! That’s a new voter suppression gambit, at least for me.
I should have added: The running-out-of-ballots-gambit should give pause to those who advocate use of paper ballots as the cure to voter fraud attempts.
Obviously, they will stop at nothing! I don't know how they sleep at night!
Those without a conscience sleep soundest of all.
Tate Reeves is one of the most corrupt governors ever in the South, and possibly in the whole United States. The people of Mississippi deserve an investigation of this as soon as possible. I would not put anything past Republicans trying to cling to power there, as they saw a potentially great candidate in Brandon Presley who might upset their stronghold on state politics.
It’s the margin of victory that surprised me. Presley ran a solid campaign, the average citizen distrust Tate Reeves and he still won with over 51% of the vote. It's depressing.
Meanwhile the man in charge of our polling place yesterday was wearing a T shirt that read:
“Normal isn't coming back. Jesus is. -Revelation 14
I think my adopted state is irredeemable.
*** My wife made some calls and sent pictures of this shirt to the ACLU and others and found it was perfectly legal. IN A POLLING PLACE.
Also, good for your wife for doing that. We need to stand up to this theocracy that they are trying to impose on us. Everyone has a right to practice their faith in private; we don’t need the government to shove it down our throats. And Tate Reeves is not exactly an example of Christian morals from everything I’ve heard about him.
Dean, I was so sorry to hear this. This business of running out of ballots and leaving 100 or more people standing in line troubles me; something about this stinks to high heaven, to use an expression my mother said frequently. One has to wonder how many people did not get to vote because of this. It may not have changed the outcome of the election, but a 51% margin isn’t that large, which is why I think the DOJ should investigate all the suspicious voter suppression instances to see what’s behind them. I guess we can assume, unless we learn otherwise, that it was an innocent mistake because of large voter turnout, but I find it very suspicious. Another woman who is originally from Mississippi, but not living there anymore, commented on another Substack site that she is absolutely sure this was deliberate.
Yeah, it certainly seems suspicious. Sadly, nothing will come of it. This state is just that corrupt.
It occurred to me that Bennie Thompson could do something about bringing it to the DOJ’s attention.
But the DOJ can investigate this sort of stuff. They have done it before, so it’s a matter of someone bringing it to their attention. I’m not sure who that person would be, because surely no one in the government there would do it, but it warrants an investigation.
Polls predict. Elections prove.
Good one! 👏
Reporting in from Philadelphia. The real election was the primary, as we're a Blue city. But, we had statewide judge elections, and an interesting City Council strategy. There are two seats reserved for the Minority Party, which have been Rs, for 70 years. Last election, Kendra Brooks ran on the Working Families Party and won one of those seats. This time, she and her running mate Nicolas O'Rourke both won, so that's two Progressive pick-ups for City Council.
The news behind the news here is that they ran a comprehensive organizing game, bringing in so many younger people across the city, and people worked their butts off. They came out to vote for Kendra and Nic, and that adds to the statewide total, where Daniel McCaffrey easily won an open Supreme Court seat.
Nightmarish as it has been since 2016, I am blown away by the depth of political engagement by people who previously, at best, showed up to vote (like myself) but now work on winning elections year-round. It is a major commitment, and nothing motivates people like winning!
PS Bucks County swept out the Moms for Liberty schoolboard, and it went all-Dem. Hurrah!
Wow! you should take up writing a substack on politics in Philadelphia. Thanks for the good news. And the part about school boards!
I am following local politics a lot more closely than I did before, but understanding the ins and outs of Philly/PA politics are a fulltime job. Not that you would know anything about starting out doing something on a lark that has turned into a huge movement :-)
Yeah Bucks County! Smart people live there, including my brother! Pennsylvania did well overall!
Great to hear this! Did texting campaign for Kendra and Nic so it’s great to find out the results 🎉
They worked incredibly hard, and a billionaire Jeffrey Yass threw a lot of money to slime them the past few weeks. But, they prevailed!
Great news! Thank you Betsy!
In my little corner of Virginia, we ushered in Russet Perry as our state Senator. Sadly, my pick for Delegate, Rob Banse, lost to a longtime office holder in Loudoun County. But the important thing is that Virginia will have a Democratic House and Senate in its General Assembly. Far away from where I live, I post-carded for Bonita Anthony for HD 91. I wrote at least 200 postcards for her, and possibly 300 (I lost count!). Was super excited to see that she won!
Here in Loudoun County, we also won a few and lost a few of the down-down ballot positions.
My husband was a big hit at the Democratic table yesterday. He is so charismatic that I wouldn't be surprised if he changed a couple of the minds of some voters as they headed inside to vote! He even headed down to the Republican table; I think it was mostly to show them that it was OK to smile every once in a while. Unfortunately, they were more interested in converting him to their camp rather than they being converted to his!
Attitude is everything! Applause for your husband.
Awwww, Lynell, I just love that! :)
Congratulations from Germany! Democracy has won.
It is because of a Robert Hubbell that I write post cards to swing states. This time I had Virginia. HOORAY!
Yes! Our group of four wrote over 900 postcards and letters to VA and OH. Today we feel great and are amped up to do even more in the coming months.
Hi all, and thank you RH for your steady hand through this excruciating moment we find ourselves in both in the US and in two terrible wars abroad. Along with the constant negativity around Biden is the important and repeated here there and everywhere complaint that Kamala Harris is some version of awful. This is meant to intensify voters’ fears about Biden’s age. Can we examine this media narrative and perhaps supply a better counter narrative ? What positive things has she accomplished and how can we promote them?
Very good points. I will address tonight. BTW, I understand the criticisms of V.P. Harris. I was one of her doubters in 2020. But she is reportedly connecting with young, diverse voters. We. need that!
She’s been a beacon in re-establishing our global relationships. They love her overseas. I don’t get the disconnect and why the administration hasn’t done a better job of highlighting her results.
I heard that she gets rousing welcomes and enthusiastic applause at her college campus appearances.
Thanks.
Polls, Schmolls!! This is a good day, and I'm going to enjoy that for a bit. Then.... back to work!
So much for Nate Cohn and the NYTs efforts to fabricate "historic tectonic shifts" in the electoral landscape. It was a hot "story" for a few days and their journalists owned the headlines. But reality just checked in and all those newly minted Republican voters, Hispanic, black and youth seemed to not show up in Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and several other states. Maybe their next poll will try harder to find objective trends and not journalistic opportunities.
The lesson for us? Work hard everyday to get Democrats elected! There's a landslide coming to a Congressional district and White House near you in 2024.✌️
Such a good, uplifting letter, Robert. Thank you!
I want to say again that this struggle/fight is bringing democracy-loving Americans together across state lines. We are working hard in Texas, but I am realistic that victory everywhere is not possible. As an Texan, I look to this site to see where I can help in Virginia, in Ohio, etc., because elections there impact all of us. Thanks to all who share those opportunities.
This states stuff in terms of values (e.g., what is a “Texas value” when it comes to a woman’s right to see healthcare?) is baloney.
We’re Americans.
Stay strong, Cathy. I am going to be in Texas for the eclipse in April. Let's organize a meeting of readers of the newsletter. write me at rhubbell@outlook.com
Cathy, We do have a very rough road here in Texas but we will keep fighting the good fight. Thank you for your efforts. There’s so much great stuff happening here in San Antonio at the grassroots level. It’s encouraging. As a native Texan I too question the meaning of “Texas values” as its bantered about these days.