97 Comments
Comment removed
Jan 12
Comment removed
Expand full comment

And in other news, Adolf’s infrastructure plan calls for expanding the Autobahn network to enable rapid movement of vehicles to neighboring countries. And he has promised to enact strong wildlife protection laws.

Expand full comment

Clinton, 3 points: 1) These kinds of posts/screeds/dumps are not really welcome here. There is no go forward, just wallowing in the muck. Not really in keeping with how we do things here. 2) I will keep repeating that we cannot spend time dumping on one another - it is what they want and how they win. These are hard times, not everyone is going to make good decisions. We have to keep encouraging folks in the family to get smarter, raise their game etc as I've been writing here. 3) there is a part of our family that I call the perpetually disappointed. That kind of politics and worldview is the opposite of Hopium in my view, and something we must all fight against. I will leave this post up for now but insist that you do better in the future.

Expand full comment

In my view perpetually disappointed Democrats are our version of perpetually uninformed conservatives. One lives in sadness and darkness (ours) and one lives in blissful ignorance until the darkness of realizing everything changed years after it did (theirs). I think it was Haley Barbour who said to his Republicans "be for the future, it's going to happen anyway." I met a young person (23) today who told me that if things don't completely change with Trump this time around (what he means by this is well paying jobs for those who have little to no education, that his girl can stay home because she does not belong working, and more people need to hunt) he is going to give up on America. Many if their side believes in a world that no longer exists, many of their side no longer hold truly conservative values. The fracturing in their party on economic issues towards populism is a turn to the left for them. Both sides are mushing around to find footing in their own ways. It will be wild to see where it all lands. Helping Trump is bad I agree, but at the end of the day if he gets the things he wants to screws it up no one is going to remember if a few dems help him unless we remind people they did.

Expand full comment
Comment removed
Jan 11
Comment removed
Expand full comment

"we lost a large portion of the Latino vote in such a short period of time"

The Democrats lost Asians in Orange County (CA), and Miami-Dade County in FL shockingly flipped -- by 20 points!! The African-American Republican gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina might have been more of a stalking horse -- as was Herschel Walker's senate race here in Georgia. Candidates running mainly to erode the Democratic core base by a few points.

Either this is all a complete mystery -- which has people feeling lost -- or there's a cause that's yet to be fully grasped. I should say "multiple causes" -- but it's important to identify those that are having the greatest effect.

I have been urging friends to read Stephanie McCrummen's Atlantic piece "The Army of God Comes out of the Shadows." I strongly believe she has put her finger on the seismic shift that should concern every Democrat. It is very helpful in understanding Miami-Dade's massive shift.

Expand full comment
Comment removed
Jan 11
Comment removed
Expand full comment

To clarify: Are you feeling down because you're not seeing the right things being pointed out in the Post-Mortems? (Hey, I was feeling pretty down too... )

Expand full comment

While McCrummen’s article appears in The Atlantic, it’s paywalled there. Below is a link where non-subscribers can read it. An important if terrifying article.

https://dnyuz.com/2025/01/09/the-army-of-god-comes-out-of-the-shadows/

Expand full comment

thank you!

Expand full comment

What I took away from McCrummen's piece was this -- and it is scary:

All my life, I have lived in a country with a 2-party political system where the two parties were competing to win voters on the basis of who had the best policies to improve the lives of most Americans.

This assumption no longer holds much water, as much as I would WANT it to.

People keep asking: "Why would people vote against their best interests?" But it's THEIR best interests as those outside their sphere try to interpret them, using Democratic values.

They are fighting a religious war, and any suffering they endure is all to their ultimate benefit, because they know they will win in the end because this is good versus evil.

Tens of millions of Americans have already fallen into this -- and the trend keeps increasing. Trump's win is going to increase the momentum, unless there are strategies to address it.

Expand full comment

Please consider signing this petition to provide green cards to DACA recipients, so they need no longer fear deportation by Trump. These people were brought to our country by their parents, as small children, and the US is the only homeland they have ever known. Thank you.

https://www.change.org/p/urge-the-government-to-grant-green-cards-to-daca-recipients

Expand full comment

In general I am not a big fan of petitions. I don't think they are taken seriously in DC, and are a list building exercise for organizations.

Expand full comment

That's what I think too. I stopped signing them for that reason.

Expand full comment

I hadn't thought of them being used to build lists. But I'm not sure that's a good argument against them since they are not asking for anything besides names--no addresses or phone numbers. And my name is common, as are a lot of names. If you, Simon, or anyone else can tell me why I'm wrong about this, I'd be grateful.

Expand full comment

Actually, everyone I have seen has ended with a demand for money, so all the responses you gave never went anywhere unless you donated. Needless to say, I did not. I give donations through Hopium now.

Expand full comment

Here is one discussion posted via a nonpartisan research, teaching, and policy consortium that focuses on democracy.

https://democratic-erosion.org/2022/07/24/on-the-effectiveness-of-attention-on-online-petitions-for-social-change/ and another from CNN

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/23/us/do-online-petitions-work-trnd/index.html

Expand full comment

My impression is that most petitions are primarily data-mining operations by organizations. They seem far more effective as recruitment and funding tools than in actually achieving their stated objectives. I wish it wasn’t so...

Expand full comment

I only signed petitions associated with Robert Reich and Bernie Sanders. Just as a show of support for them. Other than that, I agree.

Expand full comment

I'm actually not sure what the problem is. They can't do much with just a name (see my response to Simon, several above).

Expand full comment

It's just the cumulative effect of getting about a 100 different emails for me. But a petition is just a petition, at the end of the day. Won't kill anyone either way. And best of luck to you with your own petition!

Expand full comment

I'm skeptical about what you're saying now that I've thought about it more, and I'm not seeing them as data-mining operations. See my response to Simon, and let me know what you think in light of it.

Expand full comment

I do see the point you made in your response to Simon.

Most of the petitions that I’ve encountered have asked for more than just my name; they generally want address and/or phone number – and I think every online petition I’ve seen requests email addresses. (I used to see petitions on e.g. the DailyKos all the time.)

When I say "data-mining", I don’t mean that’s nefarious; in fact I rarely think it is. But I do believe that for organizations petitions are a crucial tool for recruitment, often coupled with fund-raising, either immediately or down the line.

It’s challenging to build an organization. Petitions very often play an important role. And I do think petitions are less effective than we would like them to be.

Just to be clear, I am by no means dismissive of all petitions – and certainly not the one you are promoting. I really do hope it’s effective and wish you the best of luck!

Expand full comment

Thank you for your thoughts on this and your good wishes!

Expand full comment

Thanks for collecting this information in one place. I've been sharing it. For those interested in engaging with, instead of complaining about, the DNC, it's a very helpful resource. The DNC is the way it is because of lack of involvement. You want more Bernie type candidates? Then show up.

Expand full comment

Could not agree more. We all need to engage.

Expand full comment

This piece in the Washington Monthly by two DNC members an excellent synopsis of the many problems with the DNC and recommendations for improvement:

https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025/01/13/were-dnc-members-heres-what-we-need-from-the-next-party-chair/

@SimonRosenberg if you could get either or both of these folks on that would be a great addition to the discussion around DNC elections.

Expand full comment

Thanks for the link to Chorus, Simon. Happy to make a monthly contrubution. And looking forward to their DNC chair webinar.

Expand full comment

Thank you, Simon, for continuing to keep us so well informed. I read a lot of "stuff" but your posts (and watching your interviews) are always highest on the list since they contain the most substantial content. That's even more important moving forward in these difficult days. So, please keep it up--as well as letting us know about candidates and races we should consider supporting. Also very helpful.

Expand full comment

Hi Sara, I am fascinated by Snyder’s idea. Here is the first piece he posted https://open.substack.com/pub/snyder/p/shadow-cabinet?r=1hfw4t&utm_medium=ios and he has been on Rachael Maddow to talk about it. I would love to hear what others think about it.

Expand full comment

I think in order to have some semblance of accountability from the incoming regime it’s essential Their plan is to shut the flow of truth. Their plan is to only transmit propaganda. Think 1984. I believe lots of us will be incarcerated for speaking up. But that is a necessity. Having a People’s Cabinet is a wonderful idea. I am sure the Meidas+ network would participate as they are supported only by subscribers to defend facts and democracy I just wrote Ben of Meidas+ to share. A perfect fit

Expand full comment

LOVE the work that Chorus is doing, and the folks involved, including Brian Tyler Cohen. Excited to have signed up for that event and gave a small donation to their new effort. Like Courier News (also a contributor and supporter), but more left and purposefully partisan rather than getting good news out to low-info voters via straight journalism. Both efforts are much-needed antidotes to Democratic relying on legacy media and ceding the influencer landscape to the Joe Rogans. Here's a bit more on the issues and specific niche that left/progressive/Democratic media folks are trying to build. Of course, see what I've done? I've gifted a legacy media piece to explain it. LOL. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/28/us/politics/democratic-influencers.html?unlocked_article_code=1.oU4.xFg6.xT4L6PTUMmKr&smid=url-share

Expand full comment

With so much deep sadness in my heart—the fires, the coming administration—I can think of little that would lift me more than listening to Hakeem address the chamber. His rhythms, his humanity, his assurance that we will still be fighting for what is right. Thank you for sharing that today. I deeply needed it.

Expand full comment

Wow, what a great speech!

Expand full comment

It was electrifying and binding. We need much more of that right now on our side.

Expand full comment

Simon, Field Team 6 is already doing partisan registration. They have considerable experience and claim to use proven methods. Yes, it’s an outside organization – but rather than reinventing the wheel, perhaps the DNC should work with FT6 (or at least learn from them)? I am looking forward to the organization releasing state-by-state data on their work preceding the 2024 election. (Perhaps we should try to elicit this.)

May I suggest you interview someone from Field Team 6 about voter registration of new Democrats? With a focus on hard data, discussion of what worked and what didn’t.

Expand full comment

Are people watching this DNC forum? It is not filling me with confidence about the Democratic Party. The first candidate, who is running unopposed, was terrible. He may be good at raising money from wealthy donors (that's all he talked about) but I'm watching with three friends and we all cringed. The two candidates for treasurer were better (particularly the guy who talked about grassroots donors) but the moderator was so unprepared. Hope things improve.

Expand full comment

I am watching and have the same reaction about the first candidate (for Finance Chair) and the two candidates for Treasurer. But this is really disappointing. The moderator seems lost and unprepared. For an organization with a multibillion dollar budget, we should be seeing much more serious and probing questions.

Expand full comment

100%

Expand full comment

Replying to my own message with a correction. The DNC does NOT have a multibillion dollar budget. As near as I can see it's was in the mid 600 thousands last year. Still, it's a mark of how ancillary the DNC has been that the officer elections - especially those concerning folks charged with handling funds - are so lackadaisical.

Expand full comment

I, too am far from inspired, although I was not pleasantly surprised by the questions about whether or not the party should accept donations from rich people and Chris Korge did a good job answering. I hope the forum gets its feet under it soon.

Expand full comment

Alan Clendenin describes Jaime Harrison as "an absolutely remarkable Chair".

I don’t mean to rain on this looong parade of speeches but, while there are scattered thoughts, I have yet to hear much of anything about the actions that Chairman Harrison and the DNC have ACTUALLY undertaken in the aftermath of the November election.

What have they done? Launched dialog with grassroots and independent organization? Taken steps to build/rebuild state parties? If so, why are we not hearing about it? If not, WTF??

Expand full comment

Sending fundraising emails twice a day, like clockwork. Would be funny, if not so pathetic.

Expand full comment

Marketing 101: Spam your most dedicated supporters!

Expand full comment

What really lifts my spirits is reading a list of posts by people keenly interested in what happens with the DNC!! Looking forward to reading more!!

Expand full comment

There are 14 (!) candidates for Vice Chair debating. At last, some substantive comments and ideas!

Expand full comment

This is much better and the moderator (a woman who clearly prepared) is much better too.

Expand full comment

David Hogg was great!

Expand full comment

As was Adam Frisch! He made a damning observation about the DNC *never* bothering to call candidates who significantly overperform in order to ask: "How did you achieve that?" "We need to identify best practices and replicate them."

Yes!!

Expand full comment

This is why I am so mad that there are no At Large candidates from CT instead of so many from the south and north that doesn't include the already large numbers of delegates from those states. Why aren't we awarded some At Large because we have found the "secret sauce" from our state that might help in others, particularly in the northern tier?

Expand full comment

Several vice chair candidates making the comment: "The DNC is not listening and not hearing us." This is damning!

Expand full comment

The Vice-chairs are where the action is at for sure. We need to be running a candidate in every race up and down the ballot. There’s a long history of progressive activism in rural areas which has unfortunately been suppressed by the right wing.

Expand full comment

Yes, I watched the whole forum and the previous DNC Labor Council’s Chair Candidate Forum on January 6. If you missed it, here is the list of candidates https://www.demlist.com/demdaily-dnc-leadership-race-the-contenders/

We need way more Latino candidates like Artie Blanco who is running for Vice Chair. Many of the younger candidates emphasized working together, treating each other as neighbors rather than opponents, and working on shared values.

I generally favor incumbents like Treasurer Virginia McGregor and Secretary Jason Rae yet hope the DNC can bring the course change that is needed. I liked how McGregor's family business of 37 yrs is a union steel plant and her experience is excellent.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams of GA seems like a good choice for Vice Chair of Civic Engagement and Voter Participation although I like how Reyna Walters-Morgan ran two voter-protection programs in the past.

For Vice Chair, I liked how Malcolm Kenyatta of PA emphasized finding candidates for elections now at all levels (all states, judges etc.) and that we need the largest voter registration effort ever. I thought David Hogg of FL was well spoken and inspiring. Shasti Conrad WA State Chair mentioned that she works with Ken Martin and Ben Wikler.

I still like Ben Wikler and Ken Martin for Chair. Dr. Quintessa Hathaway of AR caught my attention for her organizing skills and determination to address hard issues. She talked about litigating reapportionment, mass voter registration and getting the voting rights acts passed.

Expand full comment

I watched both from the beginning to the end and I pretty much agree with your assessment. I also noted that Malcolm Kenyatta was the person who talked about getting a robust voter registration program. I like Jason Rae for secretary. I am supporting Ben Wikler for chair.

Expand full comment

I really appreciated hearing your thoughts about how we need to change and grow re our communications output and the future focus of our campaigns. Let’s return to a 50-state strategy for 2028, for God’s sake! I don’t think we need renewal but rather complete freshness, newness. Bravo for saying as much. So glad to have finally signed this household up as paying subscribers.

Expand full comment

Present an award to all staff members of the J6 committee. (Ken Harbaugh and former Congressman Denver Riggleman (R) made this suggestion recently. Both are former military intel officers.)

Expand full comment

QUESTION to Simon and the Hopium community:

WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE BIDEN DO during these last days of his presidency? Let’s concentrate on realistic and achievable actions – not pipe dreams or wishful thinking!

Expand full comment

For instance, President Biden just recently protected huge swathes of coastal waters, putting them out of reach for oil and gas extraction, at least for the time being. (Must admit I didn’t see that one coming!)

Moreover, Biden did this in a smart way that won’t be easy for Trump to undo.

Expand full comment

He is smart and strategic, and I get so beyond tired (angry) at Dems screaming at him all the time. Yes, I admit I’m tender on this issue. (I didn’t take your comment as negative in any way.)

Expand full comment

If Biden hasn't already, then something that shores up Civil Service so that T cannot wrecking ball his way through by demanding everyone sign a loyalty oath to him or else they get fired, leaving the backbone of government in the hands of T's loyalists who are wholly unqualified or dangerous.

Expand full comment

Thank you Simon for your hard work and this wonderful outline and information to learn. Have a great weekend and get some rest!

Expand full comment

Hi Simon

Thanks so much for all you do. I wanted to specifically call out your comment regarding the hundreds of "doom and gloom"texts we got during the campaign. I can't tell you the number of texts and emails I got daily asking for money and talking doom. I agree with you that it had the opposite effect. In addition to being a voter not in the battleground states, I heard many people say "their vote didn't matter". How many of those people ended up not voting. I live in New Mexico. We are forgotten most of the time and it wouldn't take very long for this state to be a toss up. I also lived in California and was infuriated that we didn't matter. Between the battleground state strategy and the doom and gloom it had to impact lower turn out. Obama was the last who had a 50 state strategy-- shouldn't someone be looking at that. I know The Dems only had 100 days but surrogates could've come visit. Thanks again

Expand full comment

Couldn’t agree more.

Expand full comment

Your mention of the "50-state strategy" and the other theme of the DNC brought to mind Howard Dean -- whose 2004 campaign is where I first heard the 50-state strategy being promoted. Howard Dean became the DNC Chair in 2005 (until 2009), and I have to believe he was very much behind employing it on Barack Obama's first campaign.

I supported Dean in 2004 and recall what to me was the funniest line ever uttered in a candidate's forum. From Rev. Al Sharpton, in a sympathetic voice: "If I spent as much as you did in Iowa and came in third, I'd scream too."

Expand full comment

Wow, the Democratic Party YouTube channel has 75k followers!! Talk about the need to build up the party infrastructure 😬

Expand full comment

And only 195 people were watching between 11am-12n.

Expand full comment

Technically I was one of them. But mostly I was skipping ahead, hoping to find meaningful and passionate debate. I finally gave up and instead hung up our laundry.

Expand full comment

You and I make 2 Hopium members, at least! I did a full hour workout at the gym, came home and sorted laundry. 🧺.

Expand full comment

Ever since Simon spoke of the importance of the DNC chair election, I wondered who are the 448 people who get to vote? The best information I could find came from Wikipedia until now: https://prospect.org/politics/2025-01-10-opening-dncs-black-box/ This article is not very flattering to the DNC and its secretive election process, but it may help explain why so few watch because so few are able to vote. To me the list was fascinating. I do personally know two people on the list from the 12 names from NC. One of whom I have personal contact information. I was also surprised to learn that Simon's name is not on the list. At a minimum, if we are to be partners in the fight there should be some way for interested individuals to weigh in on the matter via the DNC.

Expand full comment

I fully agree. I think the DNC, at a minimum, ought to have a mechanism where they invite grassroots organizations who contributed to the campaign work to weigh in, with input automatically going to DNC members eligible to vote.

Expand full comment