I am so frustrated with the wasting of energy and time that people entertaining switching candidates are doing. Looking at the Tories as they removed one candidate, then another, and now the people have removed the Tories. That is a good thing for England, but will not be a good thing for the US if the Dems do that. Yesterday Heather Cox Richardson spoke to Democrats Abroad. She was wonderful. She said while she is not a Biden insider and does not know any more about his health than anyone else, when she has spoken to him he has been fine. She also said that one reason that candidates who come in late in the game do not win is because 1) the money does not transfer to them. It cannot legally do that, and also the delegates do not transfer. Apparently George Clooney does not know this. The people who are saying replace Biden lack the imagination to see this. HCR also pointed out that people have skin in the game for Biden that can not so easily be replaced and that whoever replaced him would be fodder for a media frenzy of attacks, which would take the attention off of Trump. The press is not letting go of trying to push Biden out, but we should not be letting the press determine who our president is, particularly not tantruming, entitled, oligarch like Sulzberger, the owner of the NYT, who is shitting all over Biden because Biden would not do his bidding. He wants to show everyone the NYT owner is more powerful than the sitting president who won't do his bidding. I stand behind Biden. The press is unreliable, the people are who count. I see the majority sticking with Biden, even those who want to replace him. My 19-year old daughter is considering whether she would make a tiktok video with me supporting Biden so we reach the youth. I have said, Biden is a genius, gifted politician. We should take advantage of every day that we can from him, while his equally bright younger, protegee Harris learns more and more from him and develops the global contacts she will need to ensure our leadership place in the world, just like Biden did when he was Obamas VP. There was dithering about supporting Obama on the second run, but not in the Black community. That is true with Biden too.
You expressed what I’m feeling! Your daughter should definitely make a TikTok video with you supporting Biden. We need the youth to turn out! Thank you again for expressing your thoughtful response!
Thank you for writing what I think every time I keep hearing Biden should step aside - with who, and how would that work at this point in the election cycle, since there would also be the issue of navigating the ballot change in some of the states as well. I'm going to step back from reading/watching as much as I have been and get postcarding instead. I'm with the Biden/Harris ticket for a myriad of reasons that I've thoroughly considered. I just hope that both of them, and their families, as human beings, can weather this with their sanity intact.
Thanks, Linda .And yes on the TikTik video. Your daughter appears as wise as you!
Yes, the press is complicit.I live in a Fl coastal community. A story in my local Gannett paper today had this (I kid you not) headline….” Could more shark attacks help Trump get elected? “
Of course, political scientists determined the evidence was “inconclusive”. I reported the story to the Media and Democracy Project for a Dishonorable Mention.
Thanks for the link. A lot of stories deserve a dishonorable mention. Living in Florida I can understand his fear of sharks, but the rest of the craziness is just out there. It sounds so crazy. Reminds me of the news that my Scottish roommate used to read with titles like An Alien Ate My Child, which she loved to read while eating Cadbury eggs that her dad would send her. We all knew this stuff was not real, until somehow some people lost sight of that.
I too stand behind President Biden, but the drip, drip, drip is taking a toll. It's not helpful when influential people use their positions to publicly try to force their agendas.
I've said this several times in the past two weeks: "Should we be thinking about replacing President Biden? Absolutely not! Should we be thinking about contingency plans and the future? Absolutely!"
I still feel that way, even more so. Until such time as President Biden decides to step aside of his own volition, I believe we should support him. But both he and the rest of the Democratic leadership should be thinking about contingency plans and the future. To be unprepared for what may be coming would be inexcusable.
In the meantime, I believe we should be focusing on the fact that Biden's presidency is a team effort for the greater good, while the previous occupant's was anything but.
I agree. It is not helpful. Next week is the Republican National Convention. It should be interesting. Let the Republicans say bad things as they will do, but it should not be coming from the Democrats. AOC is behind Biden! As my daughter said, no young people are reading Substacks, they also are not watching the debates, they are watching Taylor Swift and TikTok.
I think it would be a terrible idea for Biden to drop out of the race. Changing horses in midstream does not go well. Clooney in his op-ed piece did not even have an idea of who to suggest as a candidate. Primary voters chose Biden. It is not up to George Clooney to second guess us, especially since he has NO better idea. My mother always told me that I should not criticize someone if I had no other ideas; I should keep my mouth shut. Clooney should follow my mother's advice.
I have said this more fully below, but as long as Joe Biden is in the race, he is the most important issue. That is a recipe for disaster. He could—and should—step aside, endorse Kamala Harris and give her all of his support, including asking his advisers and staff to support her actively, and his supporters to contribute to her campaign.
Easy to say, virtually impossible to do. How will we distract attention from Biden's appearance, his cadence, how strong his voice is? Yes, those are irrelevant to actual governance but they are what people--voters, not just the press--are watching. (I'm sure you agree that telling voters they are wrong, or dumb, is not good strategy.) It's not that Biden didn't say the right things--or some of them--during the debate, but they went unheard. It is dreadfully unfair, but it is what it is. Defeating Trump and the fascists is more important than re-electing Joe Biden or, indeed, than Joe Biden. That is what needs to be done, and at this point I simply cannot agree that keeping him in the race is the best way to achieve that goal
Well said. I'm a physician (and not a clairvoyant/political expert) but I clearly see Biden as an elderly man unfit to serve another full term. I feel the nation is hungry for a ticket of younger, stronger Democratic candidates who can powerfully rebut Trumpism. And btw by comparison make Trump the impaired elderly guy in the race. (I also am amused that none of my family and friends ever express the same rah-rah optimism about the result of the upcoming election as I read in these comments.)
So, you disagree with the medical experts who have actually examined Biden and subjected him to a battery of tests? Or are you not making a medical diagnosis?
Today's ABC/WaPo/IPSOS poll: 85% (!!!!) think Biden is too old. Even a majority of Democrats agree with that assessment. He is currently a very suboptimal candidate and, if he has an on-camera neurological mishap as the official candidate of the Democratic Party before Election Day, this election is over.
Wouldn't the same be true of Trump? If he had "an on-camera neurological mishap" the election would be over. Why are we positing disasters scenarios only about Biden, but not Trump?
You pick the worst organizations to make a case to me. I have my own mind, and I trust it more than any news agency who is owned by an oligarch. At this point the US news is creating news, not just reporting it. Who responds to those polls? I have deleted 3 this morning. I don't care what they say, that is not how I am getting my thoughts out there. So, they have a skewed sample of anxious people, who are used to immediate gratification and have no staying power. That is something Biden has in droves, which is why we have gotten budget after budget passed, and funding for Ukraine, because he outwaits, while using diplomacy, absolutely everyone. As a teacher, I have noticed both from the children and their parents the increasing need for immediate gratification, and it has added extra work to have to train this out of the children. So, these overly anxious people who expect everything to be in their control, and who are very anxious, so that all the therapy, Xanax and yoga does not calm them down. Prof. and therapist Lisa Damour says that some of the anxiety comes from being anxious about being anxious. I have a lot of friends who have been told by their therapist to avoid the news. We are all anxious, but some just have better strategies for dealing with it. We all need to wait, and do what the conventional wisdom, research if you call it, tells us to do. Also, I mix up names all the time. Yet, I manage to make myself clear. I would not have so effectively taught hundreds of children if I were not able to. My husband and daughter do not take it personally when I call one the other, which has happened on more than one occasion. I have done this all my life and do not have a stutter. I do know people personally who have had stutters. I have taught some of them, and again, the intolerance is just awful. Each person that criticizes Biden for that, when he communicates perfectly well, is heading in the direction of punishing imperfection. Is that what we should be doing? NO WE SHOULD NOT! We should be avoiding fascism. Getting rid of Biden is not the way to do it, so can you still vote for him. I suggest you read this Substack by Andra Watkins called How Project 2025 Will Ruin Your Life. https://project2025istheocracy.substack.com/
I am also going to ask you to file a complaint with the IRS against the Heritage Foundation. A friend shared this from Mastadon, and another person posted the advice from the Chop Wood, Carry Water Substack. I have complied them together with the link.
Seen on Mastodon. At this link you can download a PDF form to file a complaint to the IRS, requesting that they revoke the Heritage Foundation‘s non-profit status. Fill out the form and mail it to: eoclass@irs.gov
This is what is suggested on the sample form to fill in:
Based on the statements of Kevin Roberst, the Heritage Foundation’s president, on June 11 and July 2, the foundation’s mission is no longer solely “research and education,” but now includes preparing for a possibly bloody revolution.
Specifically, in an interview on “The War Room” on July 2, Roberts stated that the Heritage Foundation has developed a prominent series of policy plans (Project 2025) to overhaul the federal government under a Republican president, and that the country was “in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be”
Sure sounds like Roberts and the other authors of Project 2025 are planning to start a bloody war as part of the Heritage Foundation’s mission.
The Heritage Foundation clearly and overtly supports presidential candidate Donald Trump. This show the organization is an 'action organization' and therefore violates the code allowing for tax exemption under 501(c)(3). This is fraudulent. Action must be taken.
You'll need more information about The Heritage Foundation to be able to fill out IRS complaint form 13909. This information is from Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water:
The Heritage Foundation's street address is 214 Massachusetts Ave. N.E., city is Washington, state is D.C. Zipcode is 20002
Their tax ID/EIN was tricky to submit - you cannot have a hyphen so it's 237327730
You can name both John P. Bakiel (VP of Finance) and Kevin Roberts (President).
Jessica suggested saying something like:
The Heritage Foundation clearly and overtly supports presidential candidate Donald Trump. This show the organization is an 'action organization' and therefore violates the code allowing for tax exemption under 501(c)(3). This is fraudulent. Action must be taken.
She says, "I just completed my complaint and found that it is easy to submit electronically." I could not figure out how to do that, so if anyone can, please share.
… which reminds me: Long after Biden’s disastrous debate performance, I read an account of all the travel and functions that preceded the debate. It surely was exhausting, and would have been so for a person half of Biden’s age.
Why hasn’t Biden’s poor performance been attributed more often to *fatigue*? I think he certainly looked tired.
However, fatigue doesn’t fit the chosen narrative of an inept Biden; so …
We all understand how aging works. But it doesn't work the same for everyone.
As I have said before, "Joe should withdraw" is not a plan. The question of "What next"" needs to be considered in considering whether Joe should withdraw.
My mom is 90. She had a stroke at 87. Until then she was fine. Her mother lived to be 99.5. She started deteriorating at 98 and then went to live in a nursing home. I am in an art group with a woman who is 92. She still drives, rides her bike, and takes public. Lives on her own, has dynamic things to say about art, goes to exhibits in other cities with her grandchildren, and is actually very politically active just like all of the people I know in their 90s, which at this point, since my mom lives independently in a senior retirement building I know more and more people in their 90s who are vibrant. I also know that no one is asking Warren Buffett to step down at 93 because he is making them money. Well Biden is making everyone better off, even the extreme wealthy because they are not living in a third world country, which has its limitations even if you can get cheap labor, and don't pay taxes. The time to complain about Bidens age was in the primaries. Biden is the candidate and the choices were abysmal. Harris will step in if need be. That is why we have a VP. Kennedy was not old and yet Johnson needed to step in. This is our system. I woke up to German news telling me that the Biden administration had shared intelligence with Germany that averted a murder plot on the owner of a weapons manufacturer because he is supplying weapons to Ukraine. Apparently there were plots to kill others in the arms industry too. This kind of info is unlikely to have been shared by a Trump admin. And slowly the arms leaders would be killed off and Ukraine too. So, it is not helpful to wishful think that Biden did not win the primary, the point when there was time to have a different candidate. Now, we all need to throw ourselves behind the candidate we have. Here is a link to learning about Project 2025.
Seen on Mastodon. At this link you can download a PDF form to file a complaint to the IRS, requesting that they revoke the Heritage Foundation‘s non-profit status. Fill out the form and mail it to: eoclass@irs.gov
This is what is suggested on the sample form to fill in:
Based on the statements of Kevin Roberst, the Heritage Foundation’s president, on June 11 and July 2, the foundation’s mission is no longer solely “research and education,” but now includes preparing for a possibly bloody revolution.
Specifically, in an interview on “The War Room” on July 2, Roberts stated that the Heritage Foundation has developed a prominent series of policy plans (Project 2025) to overhaul the federal government under a Republican president, and that the country was “in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be”
Sure sounds like Roberts and the other authors of Project 2025 are planning to start a bloody war as part of the Heritage Foundation’s mission.
The Heritage Foundation clearly and overtly supports presidential candidate Donald Trump. This show the organization is an 'action organization' and therefore violates the code allowing for tax exemption under 501(c)(3). This is fraudulent. Action must be taken.
You'll need more information about The Heritage Foundation to be able to fill out IRS complaint form 13909. This information is from Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water:
The Heritage Foundation's street address is 214 Massachusetts Ave. N.E., city is Washington, state is D.C. Zipcode is 20002
Their tax ID/EIN was tricky to submit - you cannot have a hyphen so it's 237327730
You can name both John P. Bakiel (VP of Finance) and Kevin Roberts (President).
Jessica suggested saying something like:
The Heritage Foundation clearly and overtly supports presidential candidate Donald Trump. This show the organization is an 'action organization' and therefore violates the code allowing for tax exemption under 501(c)(3). This is fraudulent. Action must be taken.
I just completed my complaint and found that it is easy to submit electronically. No need to email. She says, "You'll get a download of your submittal for your records." I could not figure out how to do this. If you can, can you please share it.
I am not hungry for that neither is my 19 year old daughter. Frankly no inexperienced person can manage what Biden has managed. Let Harris get more seasoning. No one has more powerfully rebut Trumpism than Biden. NO one is winning against Trump with no time to get money, and they cannot have the money Biden raised, and they cannot get his delegates. So, what will they have? The divided enthusiasm of the constituency that is least likely to vote, while those of us like me in the demographic that is most reliable and turns out the most numbers should be forgotten. My 19 year old daughter, 20 year old niece, 23 and 28 year old nephews are all set to vote for Biden and none of them watched the debate. That is old people stuff. No one that I know is planning on voting for Trump though I know some who do not vote. Trump is more impaired. Not hard to point it out, but the press won't. The math skills do not seem to be too great.
Thank you -- finally a comment I agree with. I've been doing my best to rally behind Biden, but I've had it. This increasingly feels like The Emperor's New Clothes -- well, I'm the kid who's not afraid to say what I see with my own two eyes. I agree with Clooney's article, and I think it just might express what his friend Obama is saying privately but cannot say out loud. In 2020, Biden said he'd be a bridge to a generation of leaders who are the future of the country. https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/09/politics/joe-biden-bridge-new-generation-of-leaders/index.html What happened? Why can't he be satisfied with his very impressive legacy and go out on top? I fear his inability to comprehend how his stubbornness and ego are endangering the county is a symptom of a serious mental decline. There's so much talent in the Dem party, and so very much at stake in this election. It's insane that we're not running the candidate with the very best chance of appealing to young people and low-information/independent voters. That being said, I'll continue to write postcards and text as I've been doing since 2016, but I'm terrified.
I'm more terrified of a convicted felon having our country's military secrets and his finger on the nuclear armaments. Why is no one talking about this? He can't even visit foreign countries since he is currently awaiting a few other trials.
Were VP Harris to accede to the Presidency, I would suggest Tony Blinken. But Governor Whitmer has a lot of potential to help electorally, and there’s nothing I’d like more than to see two women demolish Trumpism.
Prior to this hyper-kerfuffle, I had contemplated a Biden/Harris win, and then after a few years a Biden retirement, with new-President Harris having more experience than anyone other than Biden, and two years or more to “prove herself” - while each year, more and more millions of potential voters turn 18, and others shuffle off Hamlet’s mortal coil. I think Harris would have no trouble winning in 2028, assuming the economy continues its success.
Good to know we have your vote. I do not personally know anyone who is not voting for Biden. So, I am not that worried as long as people know what the issues are. We have 4 months to make that crystal clear, so I continue to slog through Project 2025. I will be working a lot of events where Americans Abroad might show up, and my team plans to try to recruit them. Potential 11 mil votes abroad. Not 160 mil, but still can make a difference.
“Harris learns more and more from him and develops the global contacts she will need to ensure our leadership place in the world”
Linda Weide – Obliquely, you make an important point: None of the people who’ve been mentioned as alternatibes to Biden have *any* foreign policy experience. The Biden opponents would have him replaced by a tyro – at a time when foreign policy is critical.
Well put. I have been under the impression that VP Harris could access the funds, since she is on the same ticket. Perhaps I’m misinformed.
I’m quite optimistic, still (perhaps a bit less than two weeks ago...). I think whoever were to replace Mr. Biden would still win. My only strong opinion is that IF IF IF Biden decides not to run leapfrogging Harris would be wrong both morally and electorally.
I think either Biden or Harris could win. If Biden remains, I feel certain VP Harris will be out there on the campaign trail more and more.
Harris will benefit from more seasoning with global affairs like Biden got with Obama. I do believe she could get the money, but I don't know about the delegates. She is the only one who could get either. They are both doing a great job campaigning, and lots of people did not see the debates and don't read the NYT or the WaPo. CNN is a pity, but I am optimistic too.
Actually, I do not know this personally, this is what Heather Cox Richardson said yesterday when she spoke to my group, Democrats Abroad. She said, Obama gave Biden the international experience by sending him out to develop personal connections. That is what Harris has been doing too under Biden, not to say she is not going around domestically too. One way I have been following them is from the Substack, What Did Joe Biden Do Today. https://whatdidbidendotoday.substack.com/
1. Clooney came across like the amateur he is. He has committed the cardinal sin of a big time donor, thinking that makes him an expert in politics.
Here is the comment I sent to the New York Times in response to Clooney's guest essay.
"George who?
The guy who was in the Senate? nope
The guy who met with foreign leaders? nope
The guy who vaccinated 200 million Americans in 90 days? no
That make believe guy? yep"
So in a sea of virulent anti-Biden comments there was my comment with a hopeful 1,022 other Americans who believe in Joe Biden. I have been saying this for 6 months. There is a silent majority in this Country who are going to rise up and vote MAGA off the political map. We are the voters who are outraged at the people who think they can take our Democracy. That's the bottom line right there. The Project 2025 people have vastly underestimated us. The media thinks they have brainwashed us.
So, it was wonderful to read of Mr. Hubbell's time spent with the often-ignored Americans working for Democracy.
Thank You Mr. Hubbell. You have no idea how much this has helped. I have been walking around broken hearted at the turn of events in this election and terrified of the brainwashing campaign perpetuated by the media.
Re: 1. above -- Clooney's wife, Amal, is a British citizen. Clooney is a wealthy U.S. citizen but one who resides in France with his wife and family. The idea Mr. Clooney knows what is best for those of us who live year-round in the U.S. carries no weight with me. I don't think he risks much with a Trump Presidency. Most of the rest of us do.
George knows well how to make tv and movies, and likely knows even the minutia and perhaps some of the legalities involved in those projects. He doesn't know what's involved in a presidential election for a country of 330 million people, the legalities and minutia of such an awesome undertaking.
Well said, Robert! John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator, was interviewed by Lawrence O'Donnell the other night. His opinion about Joe Biden when it comes to national security buttressed my opinion that Joe Biden is up to the task. Kirby's interview starts at minute 4:45, but particularly as to his opinion of Biden, start at minute 9:20 to hear what he has to say.
With all due respect, George Clooney has lived in a scripted world created by Hollywood where the ending has already been written.
As to Clarence Thomas, Jay Kuo writes: "Early last week, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting a special counsel to investigate possible violations of law by Justice Thomas. We only learned of the letter on Tuesday of this week after the senators went public with their request."
And Kuo followed up with this beautiful metaphor: "Cynically viewed, perhaps Thomas could sense that a request for a special counsel in his case was imminent, and like a squid fleeing for its life, he wanted to squirt some legal ink in the path of his pursuers."
Damn, it has been such a busy dealing with 97 year old motherinlaw issues day that have yet to read Jay. I will not let it go. Stef is on top of it as usual.
I continue to wonder whether the power that scotus assigned to presidents could now be used agains alito and thomas -- I don't know exactly how -- -something like - by execute order you have to respond to a supoena to the Senate Judiciary - or to Merrick Garland. I believe when things are this desperate - you fight fire with fire. If trump is cut from the same cloth as hitler - then we should any means possible to get rid of him (and the despicable supremes)
Wouldn't surprise me. Thomas looks like he's half asleep most of the time, but I suspect he is very alive to threats to his comfy standard of living--so nicely augmented by his copious bribe-taking. (The corrupt unJustices can say " but it's a gratuity" all they wish. It will NEVER be anything other than BRIBERY in mine or any other reasonable person's eyes.)
Yes, Thomas is a total Russian bot. Sick of his angry, entitled comments as if we care or as if he has any relevance to life in America. His wife and he should be escorted out of the country. What kind of world is it where we allow a life-time justice can be married to an insurrectionist, and another one (Alito)can fly the flag of a political party, and nothing happens to them????? Call me crazy. But that dog don’t hunt!!!! We must pack the Court and change the rules of qualifications for these sanctimonious nerds in black robes. Let them go out and be mouthpieces for MAGA - but not on the highest court in the land!!!!
Clooney is biased as Biden refused his requests, on behalf of his wife, an ICC prosecutor, to accept Clooney's request for cease fire in Gaza. This was on the heels of a Biden fundraiser in which Clooney heatedly supported Biden. Ah what we do for love...
I am sure many more intelligent than I connected the dots. Never a fan of George 's movie but admired his support of democracy. Can't even admire him as a supporter of Democracy.
I remain stunned by the number of people who don't seem to realize the danger we are in. Fascism is sitting at our doorstep courtesy of the Republican candidate.
It is so simple if only people would let it. Like this:
I support the Democratic nominee for President.
Right now, that is Joe Biden. If that changes, I will support that nominee.
Thank you for pointing to this, Judy. I actually mentioned it to a friend last night. I read about it as it was happening and hoped it wouldn't result in even the appearance of a quid pro quo. (Biden acting on behalf of a request from one who was headlining a high-priced fundraiser for his campaign.) And I say this as a strong advocate of a ceasefire in Gaza.
Still, I am not turning away from Biden.
And where is The Times on this detail following Clooney's op-ed? I will search for its status on it, not too hopeful I'll find mention of it at this stage. (And I'm on it since my Times cancellation goes into effect shortly, thankfully.)
In a NY Times search, I didn't find mention of the issue, prior to or following Clooney's op-ed. (Something I could have missed). Found the article where I first read about it, in The WaPo, another whose subscription is on its way out for me:
June 6, 2024 [The Washington Post] 'George Clooney called White House to defend wife’s work on Israel warrants'
I look forward to Lawrence O'Donnell and avoid all the other talking heads. Last night was no exception. He featured the entire Nancy Pelosi interview on Morning Joe which was more encouraging than the tidbits shared by the media.
Lawrence also focused on Biden's unscripted appearance at the union gathering where he shook hands and greeted attendees and spoke about unions building the middle class. Well done.
He shared Kamala's speech to her sorority in Dallas.
He pointed out that few in the media would see the Biden appearance.
Whatever happens, Biden is owed respect for his years of service instead of op-eds geared to telling the world what you think should happen.
I'm with Biden/Harris and have signed up for the fundraiser July 18th.
Joy Reid did a fantastic job of explaining the horrorific plans Project 2025has for our DOJ which includes vigorously restricting voter access and making the FBI directly under Trump’s commands, basically his personal army.
Those tidbits from the media you reference were deliberately misleading as part of the mainstream media’s campaign to push Biden out because he has never been deferential enough or cool enough for them. Yesterday I saw a chyron on a TV screen in my hotel lobby about people turning on Biden that specifically mentioned Pelosi and George Clooney. The next one was “Has Biden lost Hollywood” because those are the people our entertainment news industry thinks matter. Them and the MAGAites they keep interviewing in diners and demanding we empathize with. These same people have zero respect for the Democratic voters and I think many are finally realizing that fact.
Whoever the candidate will be, the bottomline remains: It will be an election, a choice between democracy and autocracy (or worse). Unfortunately, most voters are not political science majors so they most probably won't be sufficiently alarmed by 'autocracy'.
This morning I come across a comment to Joyce Vance' Civil Discourse newsletter: "This is no longer Biden vs Trump. This is bigger and should be emphasized as such in the campaign. This is DEMOCRACY vs PROJECT 2025." So true! Someone then suggested that this should become a central issue and argument in the ongoing campaign writing postcards. Good idea. And the text should include the very useful link to a word-searchable format of Project 2025
And let's not forget about the instrument which will be used to ram Project 2025 down the throat of every aspect of the American society. Read up on Schedule F. It is part and parcel of Project 2025. As to its origin and purpose and to understand what its authors had in mind (looking at you Steve Bannon) just google 'Gleichschaltung.'
In Nazi Germany, Gleichschaltung had a key path of implementation through the schools. Teachers and administrators had to belong to the Nazi Party and teach the Nazi curriculum. Children were brainwashed to pledge their allegiance--their lives--to the Führer and to report their parents for any dissent. Within 10 years, the Nazis successfully grew a rabidly devoted generation of youths who near the end of the war were conscripted into the army and fed amphetamines to amp up their zeal to fight to the death.
Fast forward to today's Republicans' growing privatization of our public education system, school board takeovers, book bans, and imposition of religious curriculum, for starters.
Ellie, thank you for this terrifying reminder of how Nazism spread through indoctrinating youth. The Republican approach to shutting down discourse is already happening in the Florida public schools and also Oklahoma, to name two. Chillingly, the Heritage Foundation, before it's hard turn to the fascist right with Project 2025, was behind public school privatization, vouchers, and other anti-democratic initiatives.
Robert Hubbell, thanks so much for your cogent and thoughtful assessment of this chaotic situation. Many posts have left me frustrated and anxious. No one is denying that Biden had a faltering debate performance, and as he himself admitted, is not as full of vigor as he was in 2020. But, discord is inevitable when the two camps (He should stay vs He should go) are so publicly farther and farther apart by the hour. The Democrats still haven’t learned the lesson that the GOP lives by–UNITY!. All this public angst among Democratic leadership and celebs over Biden just serves to weaken not just Biden's position, but the Democratic party as a whole. Trump and the GOP are gleefully watching the debacle unfold. All this wrangling can make the GOP appear more decisive, translation “stronger”, even if their platform is rooted in facism and bigotry, Biden’s doctor has said he is neurologically intact. Democrats should openly present a united front in supporting him, while earnestly and quietly working behind the scenes to get to the best solution to this dilemma. I think Biden’s successes have earned him that. Plus, it's just common sense. Doing so helps the electorate to not panic or become increasingly confused, even disgusted and not vote, or God-forbid vote for Trump.
You and we, your Substack community, have lamented the lopsided reporting that has lambasted and minimized Biden's impressive accomplishments since the beginning of his presidency, while either ignoring or even bolstering Trump's dangerous and unethical lying, race-baiting and irreverence for the rule of law. The press is still having their way with excoriating Biden and the Dems, while giving a wink and a nod to Trump's depravity. My belief is that the so-called liberal media ain't so liberal. Remember President Reagan and Charlton Heston started out as Democrats, with the latter even marching with Dr. King, until he morphed into the infamous NRA poster child. The press is surely not exempt from bias, and they clearly have shown it against Biden throughout his presidency.
To me, the problem has always been the perceived lack of viability by some of VP Harris as a presidential candidate. Mexico just elected its first female president. Is the USA ready to do the same, especially one who is of color? If Biden steps aside, do they reject her for another candidate, splintering the electorate who voted them both into office? George Clooney’s scathing critique of Biden could serve to do.just that. Do those calling for Biden’s withdrawal have a viable option to Harris? Like you, I believe joining in the grassroots network diligently working for Biden–Harris is our best antidote for anxiety. Personally, I still have confidence in Biden–and in Harris. I also continue to pray for them– their health and well-being–and I ask God to help lead them and the Dems to the best solution to this thorny situation, for the good of our nation and us all.
I am one of those thousands (millions?) of formerly politically non-active women who now writes postcards, donates politically, volunteers as an election worker, and am now starting a States Project Giving Circle. I used to absolutely hate politics and never understood anyone’s interest in them. Now I understand the vital importance and will never be politically inactive again!
When I think about the fact that I, of all people, am now highly engaged politically, it confirms exactly what Robert says in this newsletter. We women have been activated and are passionate, committed, and driven to save our rights, and our democracy (along with the 10% of men who join us- let’s get that number up, guys)!!!
I’ve done it for a couple of different ones.: Activate America and Postcards to Swing States, though there are others as well. Some organizations provide postcards for you (PSS) and others you have to purchase your own (AA)- I bought mine from Amazon.
If you buy your own, one personal recommendation/preference I have for postcards is look for ones that have the graphics and address lines on the front and a completely blank back. The ones that have the graphics completely covering the front are a bit harder to use because there’s much less room to write both your message and the address on the back. (Though that’s how the PSS postcards are).
Either way, postcarding is a great way to help GOTV (get out the vote, if you’re a newbie)!
Speaking of Clarence: Notice how the MAGA Supreme Court cleverly distinguishes a tip from a bribe? Trump proposes making tips tax-free. The 'tips' Clarence has received from billionaires. And the MAGA Supreme Court's decision to grant Trump immunity for his deadly insurrection. Follow the money (and 'tips') with this interactive map.
"Tax-Free Tip or a Bribe? Follow the money in Trump’s Scheme To Reward Justices Who Gave Him Immunity"
On Lawrence O'Donnell's show last night, Whitehouse said that Garland has not responded to his and Wyden's request for an investigation into Thomas's gift taking. Garland is dithering again, like he did for all those months before he appointed Jack Smith.
Wow! I hadn't made the connection between the "decision" and the tax-free proposal. Add that to the other "decisions," and it's starting to look a lot like quid pro quo. Maybe next we'll hear that asking for "favors" is no more than encouraging tips.
Robert, I'm trying to stay hopeful. I truly am. I'm in the hospital recovering from hip surgery, and one of the things I did last night was make a much larger donation to Biden’s campaign than I had any business doing. This is not the first of those since this crisis began. Last weekend, I signed up for a GOTV postcard campaign to work on as I recover. I’ve turned off the TV after listening to Michael Cohen say that every Democratic voter is in mortal danger if Trump wins. I don’t need my latent paranoia stoked by a redemption-seeking criminal with a New York accent. Some of this is helpful, but it’s not enough.
One of the things about a hospital stay is that they don't let you sleep for long. Every couple of hours, they're poking and prodding and doing what they do. As a result, I started my Substack rounds early. I'm not a huge fan of Robert Reich, but his headline caught my eye, asking who it is trying to push Biden out. His conclusion is it's the Democratic donor class. It was like a lightbulb going off. He gave possible evidence for this, including Biden’s remark on Morning Joe (I didn't see it, but I did read the transcript), where he says he will not let the millionaires drive him from the race. It makes perfect sense and explains Clooney’s op-ed; he’s their good-looking Hollywood spokesman. It also explained the cancellation of the large donor event at the Democratic Convention being canceled. Can the grassroots networks overcome the exit of the majority of influential donors? Can Biden fight them back? I honestly don't know. One of my biggest concerns is that these forces want a completion for the nomination. That's a recipe for disaster. If Biden does bow to pressure, the only choice is VP Harris. Anything else is a clown show.
So, where does that leave me? It leaves me fighting for Joe until the bitter end; then, I fight for Kamala until that same end. The stakes are too high for this nonsense, and I repeat my fervent hope that these powerful people come to their senses NOW!
I hope you get to go home from the hospital soon! And indeed, the stakes are much too high for this utter nonsense. Take care. I've had my time in hospitals myself, so I know it can be like living in a different universe as a patient inside those walls.
Get well soon! Wishing you a healthy healing ! I had spine surgery in March and I feel great...best thing I ever did after years of pain! I want to add here that Christopher Bouzy, found of on Spoutible, is sane and balanced and has excellent pods (he calls them) with grassroots supporters on ! Please jump over there as well!
I would love to see a Robert Hubbell - Christopher Bouzy get together in some way!
Wow, this is so uplifting Robert. This was good for my brain in providing a course-correction into what our reality actually is- grassroots.
My sister in law in Minnesota turned me on to the #ResistanceLive broadcast this week, with Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin who is a staunch Biden supporter. She is getting the truth out about the nonsense the Democrats are putting us through. In yesterday's broadcast, she mentioned that not having Biden as the nominee would bring overwhelming problems that the naysayers are not addressing- "we will see without question, if Biden is replaced, there will be lawsuits dropped by trump's team in every state where Biden won a primary". "Consider what it would be like to have trump UNOPPOSED on a ballot in your state!"
If this could really happen, then the turncoats need to be educated ASAP!
I read your articles daily along with those written by Joyce Vance and Heather Cox Richardson. You always give me a sliver of hope which is truly needed in these political times. Starting in 2016, I joined the grassroots program Postcards to Swing States. I faithfully write postcards each year to AZ, NC, VA, and GA, and have encouraged family and friends to get involved.
Thank you for continuing to explain the complicated political situations. As you, Joyce, and Heather have explained, we are in this together.
I actually feel physically ill this morning, from the braying of the hyenas, feasting on the reputation of a good man. When I worked in corporate Wall Street, this is exactly what would happen to people. When they want you taken down and want your position, they gossip continually, and then it becomes a hate fest, meant to drive one out. And someone else would get your position. I saw it happen to other people and also experienced it myself. It's a human game to want another's money and power ( not that I had those lol) but envy is the way of most humans, as I have seen, starting in middle school and then witnessing it all my 67 years. Anyway, I felt physically ill this morning. I need to step away form social media and only do news in tidbits. I cancelled NYT in 2016 and just now cancelled WAPO. I became a paid subscriber here and I am choosing two more sub stack,s but very carefully. I need a balance of optimism and reality, like how I see Mr. Hubbell writes. I also see the balance of reality and optimism on Spoutible. Christopher Bouzy has that same gift. So, I left the Dead Bird, I am deactivating Threads and sparingly using Spoutible. I need to stay sane and I need to manage the anger I feel at the Democratic Party. I'm not leaving the Dem, so I can vote in my NJ primaries. I'm pissed. But I will leave someday. I will never forget this evil mess.
Let me add to your confidence. I tried getting press for my 1-person grassroots Biden-T-shirt brigade. The CBS producer I spoke to kept asking what negative comments I received. None. What about from people in Trump shirts? I see a lot of “AK-47 flag shirts” in FL—but zero negative comments. 👕🛒
Crickets.
The grassroots orgs are being overlooked because none of them are throwing pipe bombs or setting fires.
The press finds the needle of bad news in the haystack and reports they found a stack of needles.
All the good news about Biden is not news. And unfortunately bad news about Trump is a shoulder shrug so HE gets the opposite treatment.
I’m still convinced we’ll see a blue wave and crush Trump. My biggest fear is how truly unbelievable our victory will seem to MAGA. And to The NYT and Trump will use THAT to whip up violence again. I wonder… is he still immune?
Rainbows and butterflies don’t make the news. 🌈🦋but I promise if you wear a Biden shirt — the positive responses will feel more powerful than the NYT headlines.
I am so frustrated with the wasting of energy and time that people entertaining switching candidates are doing. Looking at the Tories as they removed one candidate, then another, and now the people have removed the Tories. That is a good thing for England, but will not be a good thing for the US if the Dems do that. Yesterday Heather Cox Richardson spoke to Democrats Abroad. She was wonderful. She said while she is not a Biden insider and does not know any more about his health than anyone else, when she has spoken to him he has been fine. She also said that one reason that candidates who come in late in the game do not win is because 1) the money does not transfer to them. It cannot legally do that, and also the delegates do not transfer. Apparently George Clooney does not know this. The people who are saying replace Biden lack the imagination to see this. HCR also pointed out that people have skin in the game for Biden that can not so easily be replaced and that whoever replaced him would be fodder for a media frenzy of attacks, which would take the attention off of Trump. The press is not letting go of trying to push Biden out, but we should not be letting the press determine who our president is, particularly not tantruming, entitled, oligarch like Sulzberger, the owner of the NYT, who is shitting all over Biden because Biden would not do his bidding. He wants to show everyone the NYT owner is more powerful than the sitting president who won't do his bidding. I stand behind Biden. The press is unreliable, the people are who count. I see the majority sticking with Biden, even those who want to replace him. My 19-year old daughter is considering whether she would make a tiktok video with me supporting Biden so we reach the youth. I have said, Biden is a genius, gifted politician. We should take advantage of every day that we can from him, while his equally bright younger, protegee Harris learns more and more from him and develops the global contacts she will need to ensure our leadership place in the world, just like Biden did when he was Obamas VP. There was dithering about supporting Obama on the second run, but not in the Black community. That is true with Biden too.
You expressed what I’m feeling! Your daughter should definitely make a TikTok video with you supporting Biden. We need the youth to turn out! Thank you again for expressing your thoughtful response!
I love you for this. Thank You.
Thank you for this. I stand with President Biden
Thank you Linda, I could not have said that better myself, and I have been trying.
Thank you for writing what I think every time I keep hearing Biden should step aside - with who, and how would that work at this point in the election cycle, since there would also be the issue of navigating the ballot change in some of the states as well. I'm going to step back from reading/watching as much as I have been and get postcarding instead. I'm with the Biden/Harris ticket for a myriad of reasons that I've thoroughly considered. I just hope that both of them, and their families, as human beings, can weather this with their sanity intact.
Natalie, that sounds like a good plan. I am about to stop texting with my friend and dive back into Project 2025. It is such "scintillating" reading.
Break out the virtual full-suit PPE, Linda - I can only bring myself to read summaries of it.
I agree! I'm so upset at Nicolle Wallace that i cant watch her now!
Thanks, Linda .And yes on the TikTik video. Your daughter appears as wise as you!
Yes, the press is complicit.I live in a Fl coastal community. A story in my local Gannett paper today had this (I kid you not) headline….” Could more shark attacks help Trump get elected? “
Of course, political scientists determined the evidence was “inconclusive”. I reported the story to the Media and Democracy Project for a Dishonorable Mention.
https://mediaanddemocracyproject.substack.com/
Thanks for the link. A lot of stories deserve a dishonorable mention. Living in Florida I can understand his fear of sharks, but the rest of the craziness is just out there. It sounds so crazy. Reminds me of the news that my Scottish roommate used to read with titles like An Alien Ate My Child, which she loved to read while eating Cadbury eggs that her dad would send her. We all knew this stuff was not real, until somehow some people lost sight of that.
Ohmy... I didn't think I could be surprised any more at the insanity of what gets published, but... Ohmy... 🤦🏼
I knew it, Sharks are Democrats!
Would that Democrats were sharks !
I too stand behind President Biden, but the drip, drip, drip is taking a toll. It's not helpful when influential people use their positions to publicly try to force their agendas.
I've said this several times in the past two weeks: "Should we be thinking about replacing President Biden? Absolutely not! Should we be thinking about contingency plans and the future? Absolutely!"
I still feel that way, even more so. Until such time as President Biden decides to step aside of his own volition, I believe we should support him. But both he and the rest of the Democratic leadership should be thinking about contingency plans and the future. To be unprepared for what may be coming would be inexcusable.
In the meantime, I believe we should be focusing on the fact that Biden's presidency is a team effort for the greater good, while the previous occupant's was anything but.
I agree. It is not helpful. Next week is the Republican National Convention. It should be interesting. Let the Republicans say bad things as they will do, but it should not be coming from the Democrats. AOC is behind Biden! As my daughter said, no young people are reading Substacks, they also are not watching the debates, they are watching Taylor Swift and TikTok.
… and we’ve been repeatedly told that young people are the best-“educated” generation ever. Hmmmmm.
I think it would be a terrible idea for Biden to drop out of the race. Changing horses in midstream does not go well. Clooney in his op-ed piece did not even have an idea of who to suggest as a candidate. Primary voters chose Biden. It is not up to George Clooney to second guess us, especially since he has NO better idea. My mother always told me that I should not criticize someone if I had no other ideas; I should keep my mouth shut. Clooney should follow my mother's advice.
Like the tictok idea
Bravo!
And the dithering class has to make a livng somehow. Maybe they are qualified enough to take orders at Jack in The Box.
Please make that TikTok video!
I have said this more fully below, but as long as Joe Biden is in the race, he is the most important issue. That is a recipe for disaster. He could—and should—step aside, endorse Kamala Harris and give her all of his support, including asking his advisers and staff to support her actively, and his supporters to contribute to her campaign.
He is if we allow that to happen. That is true is in every race for any office. Our job is to make Trump and project 2025 the issue.
Easy to say, virtually impossible to do. How will we distract attention from Biden's appearance, his cadence, how strong his voice is? Yes, those are irrelevant to actual governance but they are what people--voters, not just the press--are watching. (I'm sure you agree that telling voters they are wrong, or dumb, is not good strategy.) It's not that Biden didn't say the right things--or some of them--during the debate, but they went unheard. It is dreadfully unfair, but it is what it is. Defeating Trump and the fascists is more important than re-electing Joe Biden or, indeed, than Joe Biden. That is what needs to be done, and at this point I simply cannot agree that keeping him in the race is the best way to achieve that goal
🤬
Well said. I'm a physician (and not a clairvoyant/political expert) but I clearly see Biden as an elderly man unfit to serve another full term. I feel the nation is hungry for a ticket of younger, stronger Democratic candidates who can powerfully rebut Trumpism. And btw by comparison make Trump the impaired elderly guy in the race. (I also am amused that none of my family and friends ever express the same rah-rah optimism about the result of the upcoming election as I read in these comments.)
So, you disagree with the medical experts who have actually examined Biden and subjected him to a battery of tests? Or are you not making a medical diagnosis?
Today's ABC/WaPo/IPSOS poll: 85% (!!!!) think Biden is too old. Even a majority of Democrats agree with that assessment. He is currently a very suboptimal candidate and, if he has an on-camera neurological mishap as the official candidate of the Democratic Party before Election Day, this election is over.
Wouldn't the same be true of Trump? If he had "an on-camera neurological mishap" the election would be over. Why are we positing disasters scenarios only about Biden, but not Trump?
You pick the worst organizations to make a case to me. I have my own mind, and I trust it more than any news agency who is owned by an oligarch. At this point the US news is creating news, not just reporting it. Who responds to those polls? I have deleted 3 this morning. I don't care what they say, that is not how I am getting my thoughts out there. So, they have a skewed sample of anxious people, who are used to immediate gratification and have no staying power. That is something Biden has in droves, which is why we have gotten budget after budget passed, and funding for Ukraine, because he outwaits, while using diplomacy, absolutely everyone. As a teacher, I have noticed both from the children and their parents the increasing need for immediate gratification, and it has added extra work to have to train this out of the children. So, these overly anxious people who expect everything to be in their control, and who are very anxious, so that all the therapy, Xanax and yoga does not calm them down. Prof. and therapist Lisa Damour says that some of the anxiety comes from being anxious about being anxious. I have a lot of friends who have been told by their therapist to avoid the news. We are all anxious, but some just have better strategies for dealing with it. We all need to wait, and do what the conventional wisdom, research if you call it, tells us to do. Also, I mix up names all the time. Yet, I manage to make myself clear. I would not have so effectively taught hundreds of children if I were not able to. My husband and daughter do not take it personally when I call one the other, which has happened on more than one occasion. I have done this all my life and do not have a stutter. I do know people personally who have had stutters. I have taught some of them, and again, the intolerance is just awful. Each person that criticizes Biden for that, when he communicates perfectly well, is heading in the direction of punishing imperfection. Is that what we should be doing? NO WE SHOULD NOT! We should be avoiding fascism. Getting rid of Biden is not the way to do it, so can you still vote for him. I suggest you read this Substack by Andra Watkins called How Project 2025 Will Ruin Your Life. https://project2025istheocracy.substack.com/
I am also going to ask you to file a complaint with the IRS against the Heritage Foundation. A friend shared this from Mastadon, and another person posted the advice from the Chop Wood, Carry Water Substack. I have complied them together with the link.
IRS complaint
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/irs-complaint-process-tax-exempt-organizations
Seen on Mastodon. At this link you can download a PDF form to file a complaint to the IRS, requesting that they revoke the Heritage Foundation‘s non-profit status. Fill out the form and mail it to: eoclass@irs.gov
This is what is suggested on the sample form to fill in:
Based on the statements of Kevin Roberst, the Heritage Foundation’s president, on June 11 and July 2, the foundation’s mission is no longer solely “research and education,” but now includes preparing for a possibly bloody revolution.
Specifically, in an interview on “The War Room” on July 2, Roberts stated that the Heritage Foundation has developed a prominent series of policy plans (Project 2025) to overhaul the federal government under a Republican president, and that the country was “in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be”
Sure sounds like Roberts and the other authors of Project 2025 are planning to start a bloody war as part of the Heritage Foundation’s mission.
The Heritage Foundation clearly and overtly supports presidential candidate Donald Trump. This show the organization is an 'action organization' and therefore violates the code allowing for tax exemption under 501(c)(3). This is fraudulent. Action must be taken.
See NYTimes reporting of this incident on July 3rd: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/03/us/politics/heritage-foundation-2025-policy-america.html
You'll need more information about The Heritage Foundation to be able to fill out IRS complaint form 13909. This information is from Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water:
The Heritage Foundation's street address is 214 Massachusetts Ave. N.E., city is Washington, state is D.C. Zipcode is 20002
Their tax ID/EIN was tricky to submit - you cannot have a hyphen so it's 237327730
You can name both John P. Bakiel (VP of Finance) and Kevin Roberts (President).
Jessica suggested saying something like:
The Heritage Foundation clearly and overtly supports presidential candidate Donald Trump. This show the organization is an 'action organization' and therefore violates the code allowing for tax exemption under 501(c)(3). This is fraudulent. Action must be taken.
She says, "I just completed my complaint and found that it is easy to submit electronically." I could not figure out how to do that, so if anyone can, please share.
… which reminds me: Long after Biden’s disastrous debate performance, I read an account of all the travel and functions that preceded the debate. It surely was exhausting, and would have been so for a person half of Biden’s age.
Why hasn’t Biden’s poor performance been attributed more often to *fatigue*? I think he certainly looked tired.
However, fatigue doesn’t fit the chosen narrative of an inept Biden; so …
https://substack.com/home/post/p-146383306
Joe Biden would be 82 taking office if he wins the election and 86 at the end of the term. Age takes its toll. His age shows now, understandably so.
It’s time he takes the thanks due him and step aside
We all understand how aging works. But it doesn't work the same for everyone.
As I have said before, "Joe should withdraw" is not a plan. The question of "What next"" needs to be considered in considering whether Joe should withdraw.
Of course “What’s next,” needs to be considered.
Joe is too old to be trying to win a term that will take him to 86.
Looking for the strongest candidate is the task at hand now.
My mom is 90. She had a stroke at 87. Until then she was fine. Her mother lived to be 99.5. She started deteriorating at 98 and then went to live in a nursing home. I am in an art group with a woman who is 92. She still drives, rides her bike, and takes public. Lives on her own, has dynamic things to say about art, goes to exhibits in other cities with her grandchildren, and is actually very politically active just like all of the people I know in their 90s, which at this point, since my mom lives independently in a senior retirement building I know more and more people in their 90s who are vibrant. I also know that no one is asking Warren Buffett to step down at 93 because he is making them money. Well Biden is making everyone better off, even the extreme wealthy because they are not living in a third world country, which has its limitations even if you can get cheap labor, and don't pay taxes. The time to complain about Bidens age was in the primaries. Biden is the candidate and the choices were abysmal. Harris will step in if need be. That is why we have a VP. Kennedy was not old and yet Johnson needed to step in. This is our system. I woke up to German news telling me that the Biden administration had shared intelligence with Germany that averted a murder plot on the owner of a weapons manufacturer because he is supplying weapons to Ukraine. Apparently there were plots to kill others in the arms industry too. This kind of info is unlikely to have been shared by a Trump admin. And slowly the arms leaders would be killed off and Ukraine too. So, it is not helpful to wishful think that Biden did not win the primary, the point when there was time to have a different candidate. Now, we all need to throw ourselves behind the candidate we have. Here is a link to learning about Project 2025.
https://project2025istheocracy.substack.com/
Or you can download the document. I am slogging through it myself.
I also suggest that you can put the hurt on the Heritage Foundation which wrote it. I have 2 sources that make recommendations for what to say.
IRS complaint
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/irs-complaint-process-tax-exempt-organizations
Seen on Mastodon. At this link you can download a PDF form to file a complaint to the IRS, requesting that they revoke the Heritage Foundation‘s non-profit status. Fill out the form and mail it to: eoclass@irs.gov
This is what is suggested on the sample form to fill in:
Based on the statements of Kevin Roberst, the Heritage Foundation’s president, on June 11 and July 2, the foundation’s mission is no longer solely “research and education,” but now includes preparing for a possibly bloody revolution.
Specifically, in an interview on “The War Room” on July 2, Roberts stated that the Heritage Foundation has developed a prominent series of policy plans (Project 2025) to overhaul the federal government under a Republican president, and that the country was “in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be”
Sure sounds like Roberts and the other authors of Project 2025 are planning to start a bloody war as part of the Heritage Foundation’s mission.
The Heritage Foundation clearly and overtly supports presidential candidate Donald Trump. This show the organization is an 'action organization' and therefore violates the code allowing for tax exemption under 501(c)(3). This is fraudulent. Action must be taken.
See NYTimes reporting of this incident on July 3rd: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/03/us/politics/heritage-foundation-2025-policy-america.html
You'll need more information about The Heritage Foundation to be able to fill out IRS complaint form 13909. This information is from Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water:
The Heritage Foundation's street address is 214 Massachusetts Ave. N.E., city is Washington, state is D.C. Zipcode is 20002
Their tax ID/EIN was tricky to submit - you cannot have a hyphen so it's 237327730
You can name both John P. Bakiel (VP of Finance) and Kevin Roberts (President).
Jessica suggested saying something like:
The Heritage Foundation clearly and overtly supports presidential candidate Donald Trump. This show the organization is an 'action organization' and therefore violates the code allowing for tax exemption under 501(c)(3). This is fraudulent. Action must be taken.
I just completed my complaint and found that it is easy to submit electronically. No need to email. She says, "You'll get a download of your submittal for your records." I could not figure out how to do this. If you can, can you please share it.
I am not hungry for that neither is my 19 year old daughter. Frankly no inexperienced person can manage what Biden has managed. Let Harris get more seasoning. No one has more powerfully rebut Trumpism than Biden. NO one is winning against Trump with no time to get money, and they cannot have the money Biden raised, and they cannot get his delegates. So, what will they have? The divided enthusiasm of the constituency that is least likely to vote, while those of us like me in the demographic that is most reliable and turns out the most numbers should be forgotten. My 19 year old daughter, 20 year old niece, 23 and 28 year old nephews are all set to vote for Biden and none of them watched the debate. That is old people stuff. No one that I know is planning on voting for Trump though I know some who do not vote. Trump is more impaired. Not hard to point it out, but the press won't. The math skills do not seem to be too great.
Thank you -- finally a comment I agree with. I've been doing my best to rally behind Biden, but I've had it. This increasingly feels like The Emperor's New Clothes -- well, I'm the kid who's not afraid to say what I see with my own two eyes. I agree with Clooney's article, and I think it just might express what his friend Obama is saying privately but cannot say out loud. In 2020, Biden said he'd be a bridge to a generation of leaders who are the future of the country. https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/09/politics/joe-biden-bridge-new-generation-of-leaders/index.html What happened? Why can't he be satisfied with his very impressive legacy and go out on top? I fear his inability to comprehend how his stubbornness and ego are endangering the county is a symptom of a serious mental decline. There's so much talent in the Dem party, and so very much at stake in this election. It's insane that we're not running the candidate with the very best chance of appealing to young people and low-information/independent voters. That being said, I'll continue to write postcards and text as I've been doing since 2016, but I'm terrified.
Tama, Biden never said he would be placeholder. Can you please correct that misstatement so that others don't repeat it? Here is a link to the true facts: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/joe-biden-denies-mulling-term-pledge-elected-president/story?id=67662497
I just edited my comment to reflect that he said "bridge" not "placeholder" and included a link to the article.
He assumed Trump would not run again at that time
Biden beat trump once. He will again
Here is what American History Prof says about the idea of Biden dropping out, in interview on Public Notice Substack.
https://www.publicnotice.co/p/kevin-kruse-interview-biden-drop-out-convention
I'm more terrified of a convicted felon having our country's military secrets and his finger on the nuclear armaments. Why is no one talking about this? He can't even visit foreign countries since he is currently awaiting a few other trials.
And who should Kamala pick as her running mate? The answer is blindingly obvious: Taylor Swift!
Were VP Harris to accede to the Presidency, I would suggest Tony Blinken. But Governor Whitmer has a lot of potential to help electorally, and there’s nothing I’d like more than to see two women demolish Trumpism.
Prior to this hyper-kerfuffle, I had contemplated a Biden/Harris win, and then after a few years a Biden retirement, with new-President Harris having more experience than anyone other than Biden, and two years or more to “prove herself” - while each year, more and more millions of potential voters turn 18, and others shuffle off Hamlet’s mortal coil. I think Harris would have no trouble winning in 2028, assuming the economy continues its success.
George Clooney might be available. I bet Dean Phillips is looking for something to occupy his time.
All I can say is, this is not happening. So, are you not voting for Biden because he stayed in the race?
I would vote for a yellow dog over Trump. It’s not me you need to worry about, it’s 160 million other voters.
Good to know we have your vote. I do not personally know anyone who is not voting for Biden. So, I am not that worried as long as people know what the issues are. We have 4 months to make that crystal clear, so I continue to slog through Project 2025. I will be working a lot of events where Americans Abroad might show up, and my team plans to try to recruit them. Potential 11 mil votes abroad. Not 160 mil, but still can make a difference.
I can tell you that there are people in my part of the south who would vote Biden, but not Kamala Harris because she is a woman of color.
Perfect, make the video!
“Harris learns more and more from him and develops the global contacts she will need to ensure our leadership place in the world”
Linda Weide – Obliquely, you make an important point: None of the people who’ve been mentioned as alternatibes to Biden have *any* foreign policy experience. The Biden opponents would have him replaced by a tyro – at a time when foreign policy is critical.
Very short-sighted.
Well put. I have been under the impression that VP Harris could access the funds, since she is on the same ticket. Perhaps I’m misinformed.
I’m quite optimistic, still (perhaps a bit less than two weeks ago...). I think whoever were to replace Mr. Biden would still win. My only strong opinion is that IF IF IF Biden decides not to run leapfrogging Harris would be wrong both morally and electorally.
I think either Biden or Harris could win. If Biden remains, I feel certain VP Harris will be out there on the campaign trail more and more.
Harris will benefit from more seasoning with global affairs like Biden got with Obama. I do believe she could get the money, but I don't know about the delegates. She is the only one who could get either. They are both doing a great job campaigning, and lots of people did not see the debates and don't read the NYT or the WaPo. CNN is a pity, but I am optimistic too.
I kinda thought Obama got his chops on global affairs from Biden. No disrespect towards Obama. I really thought that was part of the deal.
Actually, I do not know this personally, this is what Heather Cox Richardson said yesterday when she spoke to my group, Democrats Abroad. She said, Obama gave Biden the international experience by sending him out to develop personal connections. That is what Harris has been doing too under Biden, not to say she is not going around domestically too. One way I have been following them is from the Substack, What Did Joe Biden Do Today. https://whatdidbidendotoday.substack.com/
Thanks for that wise perspective, Linda.
May I respectfully suggest that you change " and that whomever replaced him" with " and that whoever replaced him"?
Thanks. Done.
Thanks, Linda.
Some thoughts per Mr. Hubbell's newsletter:
1. Clooney came across like the amateur he is. He has committed the cardinal sin of a big time donor, thinking that makes him an expert in politics.
Here is the comment I sent to the New York Times in response to Clooney's guest essay.
"George who?
The guy who was in the Senate? nope
The guy who met with foreign leaders? nope
The guy who vaccinated 200 million Americans in 90 days? no
That make believe guy? yep"
So in a sea of virulent anti-Biden comments there was my comment with a hopeful 1,022 other Americans who believe in Joe Biden. I have been saying this for 6 months. There is a silent majority in this Country who are going to rise up and vote MAGA off the political map. We are the voters who are outraged at the people who think they can take our Democracy. That's the bottom line right there. The Project 2025 people have vastly underestimated us. The media thinks they have brainwashed us.
So, it was wonderful to read of Mr. Hubbell's time spent with the often-ignored Americans working for Democracy.
Thank You Mr. Hubbell. You have no idea how much this has helped. I have been walking around broken hearted at the turn of events in this election and terrified of the brainwashing campaign perpetuated by the media.
We will prevail.
Re: 1. above -- Clooney's wife, Amal, is a British citizen. Clooney is a wealthy U.S. citizen but one who resides in France with his wife and family. The idea Mr. Clooney knows what is best for those of us who live year-round in the U.S. carries no weight with me. I don't think he risks much with a Trump Presidency. Most of the rest of us do.
Good points. Thanks.
George Clooney isn't smart enough to have an opinion, much less say it out loud. Just because you're rich doesn't mean you are smart.
My dad’s favorite comment in this case, “More money than brains.”
Yes yes yes Barbara Mullen
Amen! Double Amen to your gratitude paragraphs.
George knows well how to make tv and movies, and likely knows even the minutia and perhaps some of the legalities involved in those projects. He doesn't know what's involved in a presidential election for a country of 330 million people, the legalities and minutia of such an awesome undertaking.
❤️❤️❤️
Well said, Robert! John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator, was interviewed by Lawrence O'Donnell the other night. His opinion about Joe Biden when it comes to national security buttressed my opinion that Joe Biden is up to the task. Kirby's interview starts at minute 4:45, but particularly as to his opinion of Biden, start at minute 9:20 to hear what he has to say.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDfj7wjMCM0
With all due respect, George Clooney has lived in a scripted world created by Hollywood where the ending has already been written.
As to Clarence Thomas, Jay Kuo writes: "Early last week, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting a special counsel to investigate possible violations of law by Justice Thomas. We only learned of the letter on Tuesday of this week after the senators went public with their request."
https://statuskuo.substack.com/p/upping-the-ante-on-thomas
Thomas may have known about what was coming which led to his comments about a special counsel possibly being unconstitutional?
And Kuo followed up with this beautiful metaphor: "Cynically viewed, perhaps Thomas could sense that a request for a special counsel in his case was imminent, and like a squid fleeing for its life, he wanted to squirt some legal ink in the path of his pursuers."
How could I have forgotten that gem from Jay, Stefan! Thanks for posting it here.
Damn, it has been such a busy dealing with 97 year old motherinlaw issues day that have yet to read Jay. I will not let it go. Stef is on top of it as usual.
I continue to wonder whether the power that scotus assigned to presidents could now be used agains alito and thomas -- I don't know exactly how -- -something like - by execute order you have to respond to a supoena to the Senate Judiciary - or to Merrick Garland. I believe when things are this desperate - you fight fire with fire. If trump is cut from the same cloth as hitler - then we should any means possible to get rid of him (and the despicable supremes)
Wouldn't surprise me. Thomas looks like he's half asleep most of the time, but I suspect he is very alive to threats to his comfy standard of living--so nicely augmented by his copious bribe-taking. (The corrupt unJustices can say " but it's a gratuity" all they wish. It will NEVER be anything other than BRIBERY in mine or any other reasonable person's eyes.)
bribery, by any other name, still stinks, TL!
100% agree! Not just ordinary stink, either, but because it is the Supreme Court the stink is even more foul. A "supreme stink", as it were.
Ooh, that's good, TL!
Yes, Thomas is a total Russian bot. Sick of his angry, entitled comments as if we care or as if he has any relevance to life in America. His wife and he should be escorted out of the country. What kind of world is it where we allow a life-time justice can be married to an insurrectionist, and another one (Alito)can fly the flag of a political party, and nothing happens to them????? Call me crazy. But that dog don’t hunt!!!! We must pack the Court and change the rules of qualifications for these sanctimonious nerds in black robes. Let them go out and be mouthpieces for MAGA - but not on the highest court in the land!!!!
I’ve been a big fan of investigating Ginni Thomas for years!
Clooney is biased as Biden refused his requests, on behalf of his wife, an ICC prosecutor, to accept Clooney's request for cease fire in Gaza. This was on the heels of a Biden fundraiser in which Clooney heatedly supported Biden. Ah what we do for love...
Oh gosh. You are right! Wow! No one else has thought of this.
Lawrence O'Donnell mentioned this fact last night
Oh did he. I don't own a TV so miss stuff like that unless I go looking for specific people.
I probably should put O'Donnell on my radar to check in with.
He's been a great Biden supporter
You can listen to his episode on YouTube
I am sure many more intelligent than I connected the dots. Never a fan of George 's movie but admired his support of democracy. Can't even admire him as a supporter of Democracy.
I remain stunned by the number of people who don't seem to realize the danger we are in. Fascism is sitting at our doorstep courtesy of the Republican candidate.
It is so simple if only people would let it. Like this:
I support the Democratic nominee for President.
Right now, that is Joe Biden. If that changes, I will support that nominee.
Thank you for pointing to this, Judy. I actually mentioned it to a friend last night. I read about it as it was happening and hoped it wouldn't result in even the appearance of a quid pro quo. (Biden acting on behalf of a request from one who was headlining a high-priced fundraiser for his campaign.) And I say this as a strong advocate of a ceasefire in Gaza.
Still, I am not turning away from Biden.
And where is The Times on this detail following Clooney's op-ed? I will search for its status on it, not too hopeful I'll find mention of it at this stage. (And I'm on it since my Times cancellation goes into effect shortly, thankfully.)
In a NY Times search, I didn't find mention of the issue, prior to or following Clooney's op-ed. (Something I could have missed). Found the article where I first read about it, in The WaPo, another whose subscription is on its way out for me:
June 6, 2024 [The Washington Post] 'George Clooney called White House to defend wife’s work on Israel warrants'
https://wapo.st/3zLicYC
Thanks
TY, Judy.
Thank you for reminding us. I will pass along!
Thank you, Robert, for your wisdom.
I look forward to Lawrence O'Donnell and avoid all the other talking heads. Last night was no exception. He featured the entire Nancy Pelosi interview on Morning Joe which was more encouraging than the tidbits shared by the media.
Lawrence also focused on Biden's unscripted appearance at the union gathering where he shook hands and greeted attendees and spoke about unions building the middle class. Well done.
He shared Kamala's speech to her sorority in Dallas.
He pointed out that few in the media would see the Biden appearance.
Whatever happens, Biden is owed respect for his years of service instead of op-eds geared to telling the world what you think should happen.
I'm with Biden/Harris and have signed up for the fundraiser July 18th.
Joy Reid did a fantastic job of explaining the horrorific plans Project 2025has for our DOJ which includes vigorously restricting voter access and making the FBI directly under Trump’s commands, basically his personal army.
Those tidbits from the media you reference were deliberately misleading as part of the mainstream media’s campaign to push Biden out because he has never been deferential enough or cool enough for them. Yesterday I saw a chyron on a TV screen in my hotel lobby about people turning on Biden that specifically mentioned Pelosi and George Clooney. The next one was “Has Biden lost Hollywood” because those are the people our entertainment news industry thinks matter. Them and the MAGAites they keep interviewing in diners and demanding we empathize with. These same people have zero respect for the Democratic voters and I think many are finally realizing that fact.
Whoever the candidate will be, the bottomline remains: It will be an election, a choice between democracy and autocracy (or worse). Unfortunately, most voters are not political science majors so they most probably won't be sufficiently alarmed by 'autocracy'.
This morning I come across a comment to Joyce Vance' Civil Discourse newsletter: "This is no longer Biden vs Trump. This is bigger and should be emphasized as such in the campaign. This is DEMOCRACY vs PROJECT 2025." So true! Someone then suggested that this should become a central issue and argument in the ongoing campaign writing postcards. Good idea. And the text should include the very useful link to a word-searchable format of Project 2025
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24088042-project-2025s-mandate-for-leadership-the-conservative-promise
And let's not forget about the instrument which will be used to ram Project 2025 down the throat of every aspect of the American society. Read up on Schedule F. It is part and parcel of Project 2025. As to its origin and purpose and to understand what its authors had in mind (looking at you Steve Bannon) just google 'Gleichschaltung.'
In Nazi Germany, Gleichschaltung had a key path of implementation through the schools. Teachers and administrators had to belong to the Nazi Party and teach the Nazi curriculum. Children were brainwashed to pledge their allegiance--their lives--to the Führer and to report their parents for any dissent. Within 10 years, the Nazis successfully grew a rabidly devoted generation of youths who near the end of the war were conscripted into the army and fed amphetamines to amp up their zeal to fight to the death.
Fast forward to today's Republicans' growing privatization of our public education system, school board takeovers, book bans, and imposition of religious curriculum, for starters.
Ellie, thank you for this terrifying reminder of how Nazism spread through indoctrinating youth. The Republican approach to shutting down discourse is already happening in the Florida public schools and also Oklahoma, to name two. Chillingly, the Heritage Foundation, before it's hard turn to the fascist right with Project 2025, was behind public school privatization, vouchers, and other anti-democratic initiatives.
Andra Watkins provides a quick read with quotes and page numbers:Project 2025: Christo-fascist Core Principles to Reshape US Education
https://open.substack.com/pub/project2025istheocracy/p/project-2025-christo-fascist-core?r=fqsxl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
📣
Yep, that's the idea.
Here is a QR code for the Biden Campaign introduction to Project 2025 (with the QR code currently available on stickers and tote bags):
https://www.threads.net/@tlduryea/post/C9KwUG7O2Vg/?xmt=AQGzKiKkjzNPby6AvDnb5X3R2GvkFAaVg9xnqNouq98KGg
Robert Hubbell, thanks so much for your cogent and thoughtful assessment of this chaotic situation. Many posts have left me frustrated and anxious. No one is denying that Biden had a faltering debate performance, and as he himself admitted, is not as full of vigor as he was in 2020. But, discord is inevitable when the two camps (He should stay vs He should go) are so publicly farther and farther apart by the hour. The Democrats still haven’t learned the lesson that the GOP lives by–UNITY!. All this public angst among Democratic leadership and celebs over Biden just serves to weaken not just Biden's position, but the Democratic party as a whole. Trump and the GOP are gleefully watching the debacle unfold. All this wrangling can make the GOP appear more decisive, translation “stronger”, even if their platform is rooted in facism and bigotry, Biden’s doctor has said he is neurologically intact. Democrats should openly present a united front in supporting him, while earnestly and quietly working behind the scenes to get to the best solution to this dilemma. I think Biden’s successes have earned him that. Plus, it's just common sense. Doing so helps the electorate to not panic or become increasingly confused, even disgusted and not vote, or God-forbid vote for Trump.
You and we, your Substack community, have lamented the lopsided reporting that has lambasted and minimized Biden's impressive accomplishments since the beginning of his presidency, while either ignoring or even bolstering Trump's dangerous and unethical lying, race-baiting and irreverence for the rule of law. The press is still having their way with excoriating Biden and the Dems, while giving a wink and a nod to Trump's depravity. My belief is that the so-called liberal media ain't so liberal. Remember President Reagan and Charlton Heston started out as Democrats, with the latter even marching with Dr. King, until he morphed into the infamous NRA poster child. The press is surely not exempt from bias, and they clearly have shown it against Biden throughout his presidency.
To me, the problem has always been the perceived lack of viability by some of VP Harris as a presidential candidate. Mexico just elected its first female president. Is the USA ready to do the same, especially one who is of color? If Biden steps aside, do they reject her for another candidate, splintering the electorate who voted them both into office? George Clooney’s scathing critique of Biden could serve to do.just that. Do those calling for Biden’s withdrawal have a viable option to Harris? Like you, I believe joining in the grassroots network diligently working for Biden–Harris is our best antidote for anxiety. Personally, I still have confidence in Biden–and in Harris. I also continue to pray for them– their health and well-being–and I ask God to help lead them and the Dems to the best solution to this thorny situation, for the good of our nation and us all.
Thank you for seeing thru the media bullshit. If dithering were an Olympic sport the Dems would take gold every time.
That's their specialty. Masters of Dithering.
I am one of those thousands (millions?) of formerly politically non-active women who now writes postcards, donates politically, volunteers as an election worker, and am now starting a States Project Giving Circle. I used to absolutely hate politics and never understood anyone’s interest in them. Now I understand the vital importance and will never be politically inactive again!
When I think about the fact that I, of all people, am now highly engaged politically, it confirms exactly what Robert says in this newsletter. We women have been activated and are passionate, committed, and driven to save our rights, and our democracy (along with the 10% of men who join us- let’s get that number up, guys)!!!
For which org do you write postcards? Would like to do that. TIA.
I’ve done it for a couple of different ones.: Activate America and Postcards to Swing States, though there are others as well. Some organizations provide postcards for you (PSS) and others you have to purchase your own (AA)- I bought mine from Amazon.
If you buy your own, one personal recommendation/preference I have for postcards is look for ones that have the graphics and address lines on the front and a completely blank back. The ones that have the graphics completely covering the front are a bit harder to use because there’s much less room to write both your message and the address on the back. (Though that’s how the PSS postcards are).
Either way, postcarding is a great way to help GOTV (get out the vote, if you’re a newbie)!
You also have to purchase your own postcard stamps for any of the organizations, I believe.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Speaking of Clarence: Notice how the MAGA Supreme Court cleverly distinguishes a tip from a bribe? Trump proposes making tips tax-free. The 'tips' Clarence has received from billionaires. And the MAGA Supreme Court's decision to grant Trump immunity for his deadly insurrection. Follow the money (and 'tips') with this interactive map.
"Tax-Free Tip or a Bribe? Follow the money in Trump’s Scheme To Reward Justices Who Gave Him Immunity"
https://thedemlabs.org/2024/07/10/tax-free-tips-or-bribes-trumps-scheme-to-reward-justices-who-gave-him-immunity/
Do we have a graphic yet for Clarence Thomas' yacht trip to Russia with a helicopter ride to Putin's hometown?
https://www.rawstory.com/supreme-court-justice-clarence-thomas-2668711384/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/clarence-thomas-accepted-free-yacht-070633968.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall
P.S. Love the work of Democracy Labs!
On Lawrence O'Donnell's show last night, Whitehouse said that Garland has not responded to his and Wyden's request for an investigation into Thomas's gift taking. Garland is dithering again, like he did for all those months before he appointed Jack Smith.
Coming right up tomorrow.
Wow! I hadn't made the connection between the "decision" and the tax-free proposal. Add that to the other "decisions," and it's starting to look a lot like quid pro quo. Maybe next we'll hear that asking for "favors" is no more than encouraging tips.
Robert, I'm trying to stay hopeful. I truly am. I'm in the hospital recovering from hip surgery, and one of the things I did last night was make a much larger donation to Biden’s campaign than I had any business doing. This is not the first of those since this crisis began. Last weekend, I signed up for a GOTV postcard campaign to work on as I recover. I’ve turned off the TV after listening to Michael Cohen say that every Democratic voter is in mortal danger if Trump wins. I don’t need my latent paranoia stoked by a redemption-seeking criminal with a New York accent. Some of this is helpful, but it’s not enough.
One of the things about a hospital stay is that they don't let you sleep for long. Every couple of hours, they're poking and prodding and doing what they do. As a result, I started my Substack rounds early. I'm not a huge fan of Robert Reich, but his headline caught my eye, asking who it is trying to push Biden out. His conclusion is it's the Democratic donor class. It was like a lightbulb going off. He gave possible evidence for this, including Biden’s remark on Morning Joe (I didn't see it, but I did read the transcript), where he says he will not let the millionaires drive him from the race. It makes perfect sense and explains Clooney’s op-ed; he’s their good-looking Hollywood spokesman. It also explained the cancellation of the large donor event at the Democratic Convention being canceled. Can the grassroots networks overcome the exit of the majority of influential donors? Can Biden fight them back? I honestly don't know. One of my biggest concerns is that these forces want a completion for the nomination. That's a recipe for disaster. If Biden does bow to pressure, the only choice is VP Harris. Anything else is a clown show.
So, where does that leave me? It leaves me fighting for Joe until the bitter end; then, I fight for Kamala until that same end. The stakes are too high for this nonsense, and I repeat my fervent hope that these powerful people come to their senses NOW!
I hope you get to go home from the hospital soon! And indeed, the stakes are much too high for this utter nonsense. Take care. I've had my time in hospitals myself, so I know it can be like living in a different universe as a patient inside those walls.
The sentence in the second paragraph should read “One of my biggest concerns is that these forces want a competition for the nomination”
You'll be more upbeat when you're home. Heal fast, feel good. We're gonna be okay.
Get well soon! Wishing you a healthy healing ! I had spine surgery in March and I feel great...best thing I ever did after years of pain! I want to add here that Christopher Bouzy, found of on Spoutible, is sane and balanced and has excellent pods (he calls them) with grassroots supporters on ! Please jump over there as well!
I would love to see a Robert Hubbell - Christopher Bouzy get together in some way!
Dean, get well soon!
Wow, this is so uplifting Robert. This was good for my brain in providing a course-correction into what our reality actually is- grassroots.
My sister in law in Minnesota turned me on to the #ResistanceLive broadcast this week, with Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin who is a staunch Biden supporter. She is getting the truth out about the nonsense the Democrats are putting us through. In yesterday's broadcast, she mentioned that not having Biden as the nominee would bring overwhelming problems that the naysayers are not addressing- "we will see without question, if Biden is replaced, there will be lawsuits dropped by trump's team in every state where Biden won a primary". "Consider what it would be like to have trump UNOPPOSED on a ballot in your state!"
If this could really happen, then the turncoats need to be educated ASAP!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7HjQHcFp_o
Wow!
I read your articles daily along with those written by Joyce Vance and Heather Cox Richardson. You always give me a sliver of hope which is truly needed in these political times. Starting in 2016, I joined the grassroots program Postcards to Swing States. I faithfully write postcards each year to AZ, NC, VA, and GA, and have encouraged family and friends to get involved.
Thank you for continuing to explain the complicated political situations. As you, Joyce, and Heather have explained, we are in this together.
Sincerely, Irene Trudell
I actually feel physically ill this morning, from the braying of the hyenas, feasting on the reputation of a good man. When I worked in corporate Wall Street, this is exactly what would happen to people. When they want you taken down and want your position, they gossip continually, and then it becomes a hate fest, meant to drive one out. And someone else would get your position. I saw it happen to other people and also experienced it myself. It's a human game to want another's money and power ( not that I had those lol) but envy is the way of most humans, as I have seen, starting in middle school and then witnessing it all my 67 years. Anyway, I felt physically ill this morning. I need to step away form social media and only do news in tidbits. I cancelled NYT in 2016 and just now cancelled WAPO. I became a paid subscriber here and I am choosing two more sub stack,s but very carefully. I need a balance of optimism and reality, like how I see Mr. Hubbell writes. I also see the balance of reality and optimism on Spoutible. Christopher Bouzy has that same gift. So, I left the Dead Bird, I am deactivating Threads and sparingly using Spoutible. I need to stay sane and I need to manage the anger I feel at the Democratic Party. I'm not leaving the Dem, so I can vote in my NJ primaries. I'm pissed. But I will leave someday. I will never forget this evil mess.
We cancelled NYT and WaPo is on the bubble.
Let me add to your confidence. I tried getting press for my 1-person grassroots Biden-T-shirt brigade. The CBS producer I spoke to kept asking what negative comments I received. None. What about from people in Trump shirts? I see a lot of “AK-47 flag shirts” in FL—but zero negative comments. 👕🛒
Crickets.
The grassroots orgs are being overlooked because none of them are throwing pipe bombs or setting fires.
The press finds the needle of bad news in the haystack and reports they found a stack of needles.
All the good news about Biden is not news. And unfortunately bad news about Trump is a shoulder shrug so HE gets the opposite treatment.
I’m still convinced we’ll see a blue wave and crush Trump. My biggest fear is how truly unbelievable our victory will seem to MAGA. And to The NYT and Trump will use THAT to whip up violence again. I wonder… is he still immune?
The solution:
Stand up & Stand out.
DemsMakeLifeBetter.org
BeantownStrong.org
There are 116 days to show Biden Pride pre 11/5.
Rainbows and butterflies don’t make the news. 🌈🦋but I promise if you wear a Biden shirt — the positive responses will feel more powerful than the NYT headlines.
Shawn, thanks for trying to get press with the CBS producer. Not surprised you heard 🦗🦗.
Let’s all be like Shawn ! 👕🛒
So sane! Thanks.