I am so glad James Talarico won. He’s a very impressive candidate, and his temperament seems tailor made for Texas.
The great thing about the Texas GOP Senate runoff between Paxton and Cornyn is that the Republican side will be forced to burn through a shitload of money before the general election campaign.
How about a shout out for Allred in this moment? When he dropped out he said it was to avoid a runnoff on the democratic side which would have been a near certainty.
That ad Simon included is a pleasure to watch, although criticizing a candidate for having an affair seems quaint in this day and age. My favorite part is Cornyn bragging about voting with the 🍊💩 99% of the time. The general election ads will write themselves.
Shouldn’t be quaint. Call me old-fashioned, but if someone isn’t true to their spouse/partner, how can we expect them to remain true to their expressed ideals and the voters?
I dropped this in yesterday's chat a few minutes ago, but I'll put it here as well so more people will see it:
Election report from NC: Current leader of the NC state senate, Phil Berger, who has amassed a ton of power over time he has been in office and who has done untold damage to the state, faced a (more?) MAGA challenger, Rockingham County sheriff Sam Page. As of right now, Sam Page is ahead of Berger by TWO votes! This is going to be fascinating to watch. A lot of independents who will support the Democrat in the general election chose the GOP ballot to help vote Berger out. But is Page better? And how will this play out in a run off, which will bring out fewer voters?
And for those who believe their vote doesn’t matter:
"The real race of the evening was the N.C. State Senate District 26 Republican nomination battle between the most powerful GOP official for the past 15 years, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, and his home county sheriff and bête noire Sam Page.
"When all the precincts reported and the results still unofficial, Page bested Berger by TWO VOTES." [My emphasis]
I lived in Virginia when an election was literally determined by pulling a piece of paper out of some pottery because the votes were equal. Control of the statehouse was at issue. You'll never convince me that every single vote doesn't matter. So glad for the good news from NC and proud of our work with Anderson Cooper.
Granted, that NC election is not yet finalized and certified. There may still be provisional ballots and votes coming from American overseas. We’ll just have to cross our fingers.
They will have to have a run off election to determine whether it will be Phil Berger (incumbent) or Sam Page (MAGA challenger). Here's the deal: They're both very MAGA. But Berger has a TON of power and has been wielding it to the detriment of the state for years. Sam Page may be worse, but he won't have the power. I honestly don't know which one of them would be better (worse?) for the state. But the GOP now has to put money into that race, and it's not at all clear what will happen. Independents in NC are allowed to pull either ballot in the primary -- which is partially why we have so many independents -- and I know a lot of left-leaning independents voted for Page as a way to disrupt things. Will those same voters turn out for a run off? Maybe? Will the MAGA faithful? Maybe! It's going to be interesting.
The Talarico/Crockett battle in Texas involved two great candidates vying for one spot. Please please please Texas…since Talarico gained the majority, don’t let the disappointment of a Crockett loss keep you from supporting Talarico in the general. She is a fantastic candidate and has a bright future in the Party. After Harris’ stinging loss following a process that discouraged many, and kept many from voting for the presidency or voting third Party, I hope we’ve learned that not supporting the Democrat allows for a President Donald J Trump. We simply cannot have a Senator Paxton…or a return of Senator Cornyn.
Texas: Here are 4 Congressional districts Texas Republicans gerrymandered to gain seats in November: CD-09, CD-28, CD-34 and CD-35. Democrats outvoted Republicans in every single one of them – and the numbers aren’t even close!
Simon, Lincoln, stick a pin in this question for later tonight or today. What’s your take on the Supreme Court ruling last night to stay a decision in Texas during the election to not let some people vote due to something, I don’t know what. Will you elaborate on that? How relevant was this decision?
The state had changed voting precincts in Dallas ( Crockett's hometown) for the Democratic primary. When people went to vote they were turned away. The County website crashed as people tried to find out where they were to vote. When they finally figured it out, they were late to the polls. A court ruled that voting could be extended to 9 p.m. Ken Paxton, the corrupt AG who was running in the Republican primary but was not affected by this, had a friendly state Supreme Court rule that votes after 7 could not be counted.
This felt like a clear dry run for November, given that (a) the Republicans created the problem (b) they (in the form of Paxton & their partisan Supreme Court) made sure the results of their shenanigans were successful, and (c) most tellingly, unless they secretly believe Talarico will be easier to beat, it's clear they wanted Crockett to win, yet what they did disadvantaged Crockett, for whom Dallas was/is a stronghold. So what else could it have been but a preview of coming attractions? Were they just messing with our heads? Playing 4D chess, figuring they could beat either of our candidates, but because Talarico looks more like he could win, he'd suck up more resources that would otherwise go to more winnable races? Have they seemed smart enough lately to play 4D chess? Rhetorical question, right?
One thing's for sure, they definitely and deliberately caused the problem that led Paxton and the Court to jump in. As I understand it from listening to the Dallas County Election Commisioner last night, since 2018, Dallas County has allowed anyone in the county to vote at any polling place (great idea, right? Why isn't everyone doing this in the digitai age?). However, either state or local law only allows this (during primaries, at least) if the two parties agree to a joint election. Otherwise, the old precinct system kicks in. The GOP refused to agree to a joint election, so on Election Day people who had voted anywhere in they wanted in the last FOUR elections (including, crucially, 8 years worth of *younger* voters who had never voted any other way) showed up, many were told they were in the wrong place, and a countywide game of musical chairs ensued.
I went to bed around midnight with virtually no Dallas votes counted and a state Court judge reversing a district court judge's ruling that because there was an error on the state's website as to where Democratic voting was to occur in Dallas and people were turned away and arrived at the polls after 7 , voting would be extended till 9:00. This was reversed due to Paxton going to court and found someone to reverse it. You mean to say Crockett didn't gain in Dallas? The percentage that is now being shown is the same as last night! Not surprising that something was underhanded in Texas. Nothing I am reading today mentions that.
I am very concerned about this as well and suspicious as to why Ken Paxton went to court to stop the votes from being counted and why the Texas Supreme Court agreed. I only hope Talarico is a fighter the way Crockett has proved herself to be and that racism isn't what was at play here. I know we aren't supposed to doubt anything here, so I will just leave it at that.
It is the Republicans who were underhanded, so I have no problem saying that. I am not contributing to Texas. I can only budget $25 a month, I had been supporting Roy Cooper. He smashed his opponent by 98%! So, I don't think he needs my help.He has never lost a race in NC. Instead it will now go to Sherrod Brown from Ohio. Just my personal decision.
Just a preview of what's coming in November--Rs in competitive places (even ones like Texas that they think shouldn't be competitive) will pull out all the tricks to be sure Ds can't/won't vote. And in many places (though, thankfully not all) they'll have sympathetic local/state judges to let them do it. Just means we have to work extra hard and plan for all contingences, no matter how underhanded.
Great news all around. I wish we could get Crockett and Talarico into the Senate. I'm sure Crockett will find another path to serve. I'll contribute something to Talarico later today. I was contributing to his primary campaign, but I stopped when I realized he was running against Crockett. I didn't really have a favorite, but I think Talarico offers an interesting new direction to the Democratic Party, and I suspect he fits Texas. I was tracking the results last night. It would be interesting to see some analysis of the results to see if it says anything about November.
Let the GOP spend more money and continue to fight each other. Maybe Trump was talking about putting Cruz in the Supreme Court so that he could put Paxton into the Senate, via Abbott, if he loses the primary or even loses in November. Paxton just seems like a real Trump guy, criminality and sexual deviancy.
I don't know, we seem to be talking down our chances in the Senate, but I'm pretty bullish on it. I think Talarico has a chance, and I even think Vindman has a chance in Florida, even though it will be tougher (I suspect). With ME, AK, IA, OH, NC... I'm probably forgetting some... I think we can do this.
Looking forward to Contrarians at 9:15, I'll listen while I'm working. Also the Hopium gathering. And later on I will write some postcards for a East Aurora NY mayoral race.
Dan Osborn as an independent in NE. I'm not sure who our Senate candidate is in IA but I do know Joni "We are All Going to Die" Ernst is retiring to find another avenue cripple our country.
Watching Hegseth get all gooey over the death and destruction he's managed to produce only 4 days into this war -- with much more to come, he promises --had me thinking he and his war should get a room.
As for the girls killed in their school: Uh, that's being investigated.
UGH could TX be more of a sh*tshow? I've followed TX politics for a long time, and the depths to which Ken Paxton and the Texas Rs will sink know no bounds. I think we're overlooking the fact that a whole lot of voters in Dallas County will be pissed off about getting their votes thrown out and overall voter suppression. I don't think it would've made a difference for Rep. Crockett, but there could be some bad blood amongst her supporters there. Will be a test for Talarico to bring them into the fold and make nice w Rep. Crockett. But we should not overlook the fact that thanks to Ken Paxton, the state Supreme Court basically made it ok to just act at the last minute to throw votes out, block voters from voting where they are accustomed to voting, etc., and the county never updated their info on the website from the redistricting, so there was incorrect info posted. The combo of incompetence and just overt corruption is just off the charts. I mean, Paxton should already BE IN JAIL - a lot of Texas Repubs are on that train. Texas is already one of the hardest states to vote in and is known as the state that's not a purple state, it's a non-voting state. IMHO it should've been blue several cycles ago. UGH UGH UGH.
Happy to see Senate Dems tear ICE Barbie to shreds yesterday, along w Sen. Tillis. I think Sen. Klobuchar was most effective. She refused to lose her cool. Booker, never one to refrain from raising his voice, called for her to step down. I'd like to see some of that same fire from him re the illegal Operation Epstein Diversion that has a larger death toll of children than of adults/service members. Shame on the entire regime.
Yeah, I'm in a mood this morning - but looking forward to our call tonight and to hearing from the great Gov. Shapiro. Keep going!
Well the only good thing about the Texas debacle, is that they have shown their hand early.
Rather this happens in the primary, than in November.
Forewarned is forearmed and Dems just have to be aware that these are the types of dirty tricks that R's will try and pull and be ready to counter in whatever ways they can.
Thank you. I lived in Fort Worth, Tx. & worked at Texas Heath - Harris Methodist Level one Trauma Hospital for 2 years… As a 6th Generation Floridian - working as a RN in the OR, helped me to now, look at innocent people who have little or no Divine direction… It’s helped me to not become angry & upset but to trust in our Crestor. Texas people welcomed me as one of their own immediately… I hope they vote for Mr. Telarico for the Senate… The only caveat is: Jasmine Crockett is also an excellent choice. It will be a tough battle… good luck to both.
PS on TX - let's also not forget that Beto's Powered X People is doing an absolutely massive voter reg campaign, which is focusing on young voters and college campuses. Let's keep an eye on what they're up to.
Hi everyone - I was happy to contribute to Talarico this morning and would have been happy to contribute to Jasmine if she had won too. As it is, we may get him in the Senate and get to keep her in the House, so win/win for us. The shenanigans with keeping the polls open and Paxton going to the Texas Supremes with then a messy decision is typical Paxton, who would run over his own mother to win a race. He is about as disgusting and vile as Trump - venal is a good descriptor, Simon. Texas has become a state captured by the worst of MAGA since I left in 2020. Talarico v. Paxton would be like a God v. Satan race!
I think the win in Arkansas (of all places!) should give all of us some hopium. Crockett and Talarico are both great Democrats. I see that Crockett announced her support for Talarico this morning -- class act -- and I am sure we haven't seen the last of her.
I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters about redistricting.
James. James. James. The right candidate for our times.
And a good week ahead for us, Simon. Look forward to these upcoming convos.
Thank you!
I am so glad James Talarico won. He’s a very impressive candidate, and his temperament seems tailor made for Texas.
The great thing about the Texas GOP Senate runoff between Paxton and Cornyn is that the Republican side will be forced to burn through a shitload of money before the general election campaign.
This WIN is strategic and as you say "tailor made" for TX
How about a shout out for Allred in this moment? When he dropped out he said it was to avoid a runnoff on the democratic side which would have been a near certainty.
That ad Simon included is a pleasure to watch, although criticizing a candidate for having an affair seems quaint in this day and age. My favorite part is Cornyn bragging about voting with the 🍊💩 99% of the time. The general election ads will write themselves.
Shouldn’t be quaint. Call me old-fashioned, but if someone isn’t true to their spouse/partner, how can we expect them to remain true to their expressed ideals and the voters?
I dropped this in yesterday's chat a few minutes ago, but I'll put it here as well so more people will see it:
Election report from NC: Current leader of the NC state senate, Phil Berger, who has amassed a ton of power over time he has been in office and who has done untold damage to the state, faced a (more?) MAGA challenger, Rockingham County sheriff Sam Page. As of right now, Sam Page is ahead of Berger by TWO votes! This is going to be fascinating to watch. A lot of independents who will support the Democrat in the general election chose the GOP ballot to help vote Berger out. But is Page better? And how will this play out in a run off, which will bring out fewer voters?
Stunning stuff:
North Carolina Democrats cast more votes by a 57%-43% margin.
https://ncpoliticscenter.substack.com/p/the-morning-after-ncs-primary-election
And for those who believe their vote doesn’t matter:
"The real race of the evening was the N.C. State Senate District 26 Republican nomination battle between the most powerful GOP official for the past 15 years, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, and his home county sheriff and bête noire Sam Page.
"When all the precincts reported and the results still unofficial, Page bested Berger by TWO VOTES." [My emphasis]
– Michael Bitzer, Center for NC Politics
I lived in Virginia when an election was literally determined by pulling a piece of paper out of some pottery because the votes were equal. Control of the statehouse was at issue. You'll never convince me that every single vote doesn't matter. So glad for the good news from NC and proud of our work with Anderson Cooper.
Granted, that NC election is not yet finalized and certified. There may still be provisional ballots and votes coming from American overseas. We’ll just have to cross our fingers.
They will have to have a run off election to determine whether it will be Phil Berger (incumbent) or Sam Page (MAGA challenger). Here's the deal: They're both very MAGA. But Berger has a TON of power and has been wielding it to the detriment of the state for years. Sam Page may be worse, but he won't have the power. I honestly don't know which one of them would be better (worse?) for the state. But the GOP now has to put money into that race, and it's not at all clear what will happen. Independents in NC are allowed to pull either ballot in the primary -- which is partially why we have so many independents -- and I know a lot of left-leaning independents voted for Page as a way to disrupt things. Will those same voters turn out for a run off? Maybe? Will the MAGA faithful? Maybe! It's going to be interesting.
Nice analysis. Thank you!
*Anderson Clayton not Cooper!!!
The Talarico/Crockett battle in Texas involved two great candidates vying for one spot. Please please please Texas…since Talarico gained the majority, don’t let the disappointment of a Crockett loss keep you from supporting Talarico in the general. She is a fantastic candidate and has a bright future in the Party. After Harris’ stinging loss following a process that discouraged many, and kept many from voting for the presidency or voting third Party, I hope we’ve learned that not supporting the Democrat allows for a President Donald J Trump. We simply cannot have a Senator Paxton…or a return of Senator Cornyn.
Crockett is a class act and came out this morning in support of Talarico. I hope she'll campaign with him, especially in Dallas.
I think this may be the key to the race in November… for Crockett supporters to turn out for JT.
She is a class act, and a brilliant woman with a long view.
Texas: Dallas County DA John Creuzot appears to have narrowly lost to his Democratic challenger Amber Givens, 52% to 48%.
Texas: Here are 4 Congressional districts Texas Republicans gerrymandered to gain seats in November: CD-09, CD-28, CD-34 and CD-35. Democrats outvoted Republicans in every single one of them – and the numbers aren’t even close!
https://x.com/tbonier/status/2029165093540212791?s=46
Simon, Lincoln, stick a pin in this question for later tonight or today. What’s your take on the Supreme Court ruling last night to stay a decision in Texas during the election to not let some people vote due to something, I don’t know what. Will you elaborate on that? How relevant was this decision?
The state had changed voting precincts in Dallas ( Crockett's hometown) for the Democratic primary. When people went to vote they were turned away. The County website crashed as people tried to find out where they were to vote. When they finally figured it out, they were late to the polls. A court ruled that voting could be extended to 9 p.m. Ken Paxton, the corrupt AG who was running in the Republican primary but was not affected by this, had a friendly state Supreme Court rule that votes after 7 could not be counted.
Thanks so much. Why am I not surprised? I wish only the worst for Paxton
This felt like a clear dry run for November, given that (a) the Republicans created the problem (b) they (in the form of Paxton & their partisan Supreme Court) made sure the results of their shenanigans were successful, and (c) most tellingly, unless they secretly believe Talarico will be easier to beat, it's clear they wanted Crockett to win, yet what they did disadvantaged Crockett, for whom Dallas was/is a stronghold. So what else could it have been but a preview of coming attractions? Were they just messing with our heads? Playing 4D chess, figuring they could beat either of our candidates, but because Talarico looks more like he could win, he'd suck up more resources that would otherwise go to more winnable races? Have they seemed smart enough lately to play 4D chess? Rhetorical question, right?
One thing's for sure, they definitely and deliberately caused the problem that led Paxton and the Court to jump in. As I understand it from listening to the Dallas County Election Commisioner last night, since 2018, Dallas County has allowed anyone in the county to vote at any polling place (great idea, right? Why isn't everyone doing this in the digitai age?). However, either state or local law only allows this (during primaries, at least) if the two parties agree to a joint election. Otherwise, the old precinct system kicks in. The GOP refused to agree to a joint election, so on Election Day people who had voted anywhere in they wanted in the last FOUR elections (including, crucially, 8 years worth of *younger* voters who had never voted any other way) showed up, many were told they were in the wrong place, and a countywide game of musical chairs ensued.
I went to bed around midnight with virtually no Dallas votes counted and a state Court judge reversing a district court judge's ruling that because there was an error on the state's website as to where Democratic voting was to occur in Dallas and people were turned away and arrived at the polls after 7 , voting would be extended till 9:00. This was reversed due to Paxton going to court and found someone to reverse it. You mean to say Crockett didn't gain in Dallas? The percentage that is now being shown is the same as last night! Not surprising that something was underhanded in Texas. Nothing I am reading today mentions that.
I am very concerned about this as well and suspicious as to why Ken Paxton went to court to stop the votes from being counted and why the Texas Supreme Court agreed. I only hope Talarico is a fighter the way Crockett has proved herself to be and that racism isn't what was at play here. I know we aren't supposed to doubt anything here, so I will just leave it at that.
It is the Republicans who were underhanded, so I have no problem saying that. I am not contributing to Texas. I can only budget $25 a month, I had been supporting Roy Cooper. He smashed his opponent by 98%! So, I don't think he needs my help.He has never lost a race in NC. Instead it will now go to Sherrod Brown from Ohio. Just my personal decision.
I'm in NC and I support that decision. Roy Cooper won two elections as governor despite the state going for Trump both times. He's very well liked.
Just a preview of what's coming in November--Rs in competitive places (even ones like Texas that they think shouldn't be competitive) will pull out all the tricks to be sure Ds can't/won't vote. And in many places (though, thankfully not all) they'll have sympathetic local/state judges to let them do it. Just means we have to work extra hard and plan for all contingences, no matter how underhanded.
agree 100%. This is the big story of last night IMHO.
I think Paxton thought that Dallas would give more votes to Cornyn and that's why he wanted the voting stopped.
Great news all around. I wish we could get Crockett and Talarico into the Senate. I'm sure Crockett will find another path to serve. I'll contribute something to Talarico later today. I was contributing to his primary campaign, but I stopped when I realized he was running against Crockett. I didn't really have a favorite, but I think Talarico offers an interesting new direction to the Democratic Party, and I suspect he fits Texas. I was tracking the results last night. It would be interesting to see some analysis of the results to see if it says anything about November.
Let the GOP spend more money and continue to fight each other. Maybe Trump was talking about putting Cruz in the Supreme Court so that he could put Paxton into the Senate, via Abbott, if he loses the primary or even loses in November. Paxton just seems like a real Trump guy, criminality and sexual deviancy.
I don't know, we seem to be talking down our chances in the Senate, but I'm pretty bullish on it. I think Talarico has a chance, and I even think Vindman has a chance in Florida, even though it will be tougher (I suspect). With ME, AK, IA, OH, NC... I'm probably forgetting some... I think we can do this.
Looking forward to Contrarians at 9:15, I'll listen while I'm working. Also the Hopium gathering. And later on I will write some postcards for a East Aurora NY mayoral race.
Dan Osborn as an independent in NE. I'm not sure who our Senate candidate is in IA but I do know Joni "We are All Going to Die" Ernst is retiring to find another avenue cripple our country.
Watching Hegseth get all gooey over the death and destruction he's managed to produce only 4 days into this war -- with much more to come, he promises --had me thinking he and his war should get a room.
As for the girls killed in their school: Uh, that's being investigated.
UGH could TX be more of a sh*tshow? I've followed TX politics for a long time, and the depths to which Ken Paxton and the Texas Rs will sink know no bounds. I think we're overlooking the fact that a whole lot of voters in Dallas County will be pissed off about getting their votes thrown out and overall voter suppression. I don't think it would've made a difference for Rep. Crockett, but there could be some bad blood amongst her supporters there. Will be a test for Talarico to bring them into the fold and make nice w Rep. Crockett. But we should not overlook the fact that thanks to Ken Paxton, the state Supreme Court basically made it ok to just act at the last minute to throw votes out, block voters from voting where they are accustomed to voting, etc., and the county never updated their info on the website from the redistricting, so there was incorrect info posted. The combo of incompetence and just overt corruption is just off the charts. I mean, Paxton should already BE IN JAIL - a lot of Texas Repubs are on that train. Texas is already one of the hardest states to vote in and is known as the state that's not a purple state, it's a non-voting state. IMHO it should've been blue several cycles ago. UGH UGH UGH.
Happy to see Senate Dems tear ICE Barbie to shreds yesterday, along w Sen. Tillis. I think Sen. Klobuchar was most effective. She refused to lose her cool. Booker, never one to refrain from raising his voice, called for her to step down. I'd like to see some of that same fire from him re the illegal Operation Epstein Diversion that has a larger death toll of children than of adults/service members. Shame on the entire regime.
Yeah, I'm in a mood this morning - but looking forward to our call tonight and to hearing from the great Gov. Shapiro. Keep going!
Can't agree more about Paxton, Lisa. He is vile.
Well the only good thing about the Texas debacle, is that they have shown their hand early.
Rather this happens in the primary, than in November.
Forewarned is forearmed and Dems just have to be aware that these are the types of dirty tricks that R's will try and pull and be ready to counter in whatever ways they can.
Vote these Repunlicans out of the Senate: OH: John Husted, ME: Susan Collins, IA: OPEN,
Vote FOR these Democrats: NC: Roy Coper, TX: Talarico
Vote FOR these Democrats running for congress in Texas:
Hockett-05, Rourk-10, Pulida-15, Rabel-10, Hook-22, Galindo-35
Thank you. I lived in Fort Worth, Tx. & worked at Texas Heath - Harris Methodist Level one Trauma Hospital for 2 years… As a 6th Generation Floridian - working as a RN in the OR, helped me to now, look at innocent people who have little or no Divine direction… It’s helped me to not become angry & upset but to trust in our Crestor. Texas people welcomed me as one of their own immediately… I hope they vote for Mr. Telarico for the Senate… The only caveat is: Jasmine Crockett is also an excellent choice. It will be a tough battle… good luck to both.
PS on TX - let's also not forget that Beto's Powered X People is doing an absolutely massive voter reg campaign, which is focusing on young voters and college campuses. Let's keep an eye on what they're up to.
Big fan of James and Jasmine and I’m sure that having her support will help James’ movement forward as well.
Hi everyone - I was happy to contribute to Talarico this morning and would have been happy to contribute to Jasmine if she had won too. As it is, we may get him in the Senate and get to keep her in the House, so win/win for us. The shenanigans with keeping the polls open and Paxton going to the Texas Supremes with then a messy decision is typical Paxton, who would run over his own mother to win a race. He is about as disgusting and vile as Trump - venal is a good descriptor, Simon. Texas has become a state captured by the worst of MAGA since I left in 2020. Talarico v. Paxton would be like a God v. Satan race!
Yes, and it is such a shame bc TX has such a rich history and fantastic people and culture. It's just infuriating.
How does Crockett keep her seat if she wasnt in yesterdays primary for the House?
By seeking the US Senate seat, she will have to wait until 2028 to get a US House seat or a Texas-wide seat.
Just donated to James T. Thank you for making this so easy on the Hopium site. Good luck to him!
Simon, thanks for the shot of good news!
I think the win in Arkansas (of all places!) should give all of us some hopium. Crockett and Talarico are both great Democrats. I see that Crockett announced her support for Talarico this morning -- class act -- and I am sure we haven't seen the last of her.
I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters about redistricting.