OMG, Ossoff! OMG, Murphy! OMG, Mendoza--her ad was fantastic!!! So proud to be supporting these folks and many other virtuous patriots. Will try to dig deep into the wallet for more money before the June 30 deadline. As Robert Strauss, former DNC Chair during the Nixon Reign of Terror used to say, "give 'till it quits hurting." That's what we need to do. Give until Trump and the MAGA Rs quit hurting us and our country.
Yes! I have it on my list today to go through donations and see where I can make additions and best use of funds. Love both GA senators - I was an early Warnock volunteer way back when thanks to Vote Save America and I can def say that the GA Dems had their act together getting both of them to the finish line - plus had a lot of help from the national party. A good friend is active with the Dems in the Atlanta Metro area and she keeps me up to date - I'll post anything I hear of note.
I saw this article in Inside Climate News https://insideclimatenews.org/news/24062026/analysis-shows-democrats-embrace-climate-hushing/. There is mention of “Democratic strategists” saying we should not bring the climate issue up, even though it is an existential risk to our “civilization.” Back to “kitchen table issues” I guess, the ability to address multiple issues seems to be beyond the vision of our establishment strategists. The War on Science, energy, national security, pollution, immigration, are all wrapped into a destabilized climate. There are millions of “low-propensity environmental voters” out there to motivate (check out environmentalvoter.org). Maybe El Niño will have its vote this year…….
I sure hope you're right. As far as I'm concerned, any Democratic "strategist" who told the Harris campaign to make the clear errors that Simon warned against should be blacklisted from involvement in this campaign or any more going forward. Sure they've made enough millions to be unemployed for a while.
I agree with you that the strategists have flattened out a lot of messaging to the point where it’s not just limited on the issues that we talk about but also one dimensional and Bland. That being said though, just because an issue is important doesn’t mean it’s the right one to make the center of your campaign if your goal is to win. We can’t do anything about climate change we don’t win power back, and I’m sorry, but the American people are prioritizing other things right now. So, I don’t think the article is wrong from the perspective of decentralizing it in the talking points, but that doesn’t mean they won’t do anything about it when they win power back. Joe Biden didn’t run on climate change, but his administration managed to make every bill that they passed to some degree or another and advancement toward mitigating climate change. We have to be smart. We have to run on shared universal American themes, and we need a candidates who not only authentically embodies those themes, but can articulate them comfortably.
Right, Steve. The reality is that there are kitchen table issues (eg good jobs, energy costs) that doing the right thing on climate would help address, and that's how climate should be deployed--as a solution to a problem, rather than as the problem. If people want to bring up climate directly, it should be in economic terms as well, eg by creating a futures market (seeded by tax increases on the wealthy) that gives every American a financial stake in the future in the present day, via options that can only be exercised by those who have done everything it's assumed all people will do in order to guarantee the option will hold its value in the future.
Ossoff, Shapiro, Beshear, Newsom, Murphy, Talarico, AOC, and more—my god, Democrats have a historically strong bench right now. Real talent. Real range. Real stars. We are blessed.
And yes, I include AOC. We survive and win as a big-tent party. The urge to “self-wedge” over labels is political malpractice—looking at you, Fetterman, Carville, and the 12 House Dems who felt compelled to sign that absurd “I am a capitalist” letter yesterday.
Nobody wins by shrinking the tent just to prove they’re the most acceptable person inside
I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment that we win as a big tent party!
I have noticed on Bluesky frequent posts claiming that the Democrats are in a civil war (e.g. CNN), centrist/moderates are panicking (e.g. John Pavlovitz), and centrist/moderates need to watch out (e.g. Dean Obadellah (sp?)). I reject all those premises.
My mantra remains: all politics is local, we unify around a set of basic principles, we deliver.
Yeah, Pavlovitz is panicking, and it's interesting and telling that CNN apparently isn't sharing what he's panicking about. He's very concerned, for example, about growling evidence that Trump, the GOP, Musk, Russia, and China stole the 2024 election, and that nobody in the mainstream media is talking about it, after having gone out of their way to maximize the implications of his "decisive" "resounding" "sweeping" 1.4% win. CNN, for example, claimed he had a "mandate" to implement Project 2025, which polled less popular than *socialism* in pre-election polling (only 7% of *Republicans* supported it), which caused Trump to deny even having read it (one of the few things he's ever said that I believe). Just like the media blew off evidence that the 2004 election was stolen by similiar (ie electronic) means:
Evidence which now includes analysis showing that voting machines produced by right-wing owned companies showed a consistent rightward shift in support for Bush from 2000 to 2004, while other machines (mainly in the *Republican* Great Plains and Mountain West) showed the same leftward shift captured by the exit polls that predicted Kerry had won the election.
Gotta say, I wholeheartedly support James Carville drawing a red line in the sand against the antisemitism that is becoming all too prevalent in growing swathes of the Democratic Party, especially amongst the far left and the DSA.
Embracing or tolerating that is NOT a question of “big tent”!
I agree with you. But I think Democrats need to tread carefully here, too, because it will be exploited by the extremists looking to divide and MSM looking to stoke fear. There’s no one on JCOK’s list of talents who I think is anti-Semitic.
Darializa Chevalier, OTOH, is a no go for me because of her open embrace of the October 7th attack, among other reported deeply radical ideas.
As a family I hope we separate the wheat from the chaff and not feed the narratives I have seen on Bluesky.
Yes, but some of the extremists who are running under the Democratic brand really *are* seeking to divide. In fact, some aren’t really even in favor of the Democratic Party – which is one of Carville’s points.
I do think prominent DSA supporters, and those with close ties should speak out against these types of attacks. Mamdani just burned some goodwill by endorsing Chevalier. Is it going to damage his career? Doubtful for now, but hey, long term? I don't know. I do know, I look at him with more caution than I did before. I am disappointed in him and in AOC for her recent comments Jen Psaki's show.
I agree Mamdani burned some political capital by endorsing Darializa Chevalier, and warrants being viewed with more suspicion. I interpret AOC’s comments as more nuanced. There is always something to learn from those who win the most votes.
Agree. I'm disappointed that there isn't a prominent progressive who publicly and loudly spoke out against the hateful harassment of Scott Wiener yesterday. I think AOC should have been the one doing this, leading from the front and drawing a clear line that stuff like that is not acceptable.
The video is difficult to watch. It reminds me when my husband and I went to see Biden and Obama before Biden dropped out. Upon leaving, we were almost accosted by protestors. Police were off to the side. We had to exit through designated exits.
The protestors literally got in our faces and with raised fists, shouted baby killer, shouted we supported genocide. If I had turned ever so slightly, we would have been touching. It was unbelievably scary. The protestors were behind a thin rope but we had to walk right by them. The area was very narrow. Most of us looked down as we walked by. People were saying, just look down and don't engage.
Agree with you about AOC and other silent prominent progressive voices.
I agree! Let him win GA first 😆 🙏. 2028 may be too soon for him too, mind you. Have a feeling the final slate of candidates for the next election will be Newsom, Kelly, Pete, Shapiro, and Beshear. Possibly Harris too. She’s a wildcard. All of whom I’d be more than content with 🙏. For Harris, if not President then please dear God, AG 🙏🙏🙏.
If she doesn’t become President next, whomever does (Dem obv 🙏 hopefully) would be a fool not to do everything possible to ensure she gets that position.
Selfishly, I would love for him to serve a full 2nd term for my state and then run for president for 2036. He would then be in his late 40's with more experience under his belt.
If he has presidential ambitions (I'm not saying he does), then he should run in 2028. The field is not strong, there is nobody else who has the appeal he has, and I also think you have to strike while the iron is hot. For example, Chris Christie probably should have run in 2012 but he didn't, and then when he waited to run later it was too late.
Agree. And Ossoff is right to concentrate on GA now, not be fanning the flames of presidential candidate talk. 2028 comes after 2026 win. We'll see what happens if the Dems flip House and possibly Senate - it may be a very different world.
Sen. Murphy laying out the foundation very well of the corruption for Trump's impeachment and his regime next year. Trump is on borrowed time right now and so are those around him.
Sen. Murphy came to the floor last year documenting the first 100 days of corruption. The pace of his corruption has grown dramatically. Sen. Murphy lays out the corruption since April 7, 2025.
Stephen Miller mentioned is gaining wealth just like his boss buying stock in Palantir in the tune of $250,000. Miller oversees ICE, gives a no-bid contract to Palantir, investors like Miller get rich.
Evidence for his impeachment next year and his regime in the Cabinet mounting in the House and Senate everyday. Everyday they rob from us. Everyday!
I didn't see an "opt-in" question anywhere in the donation process. Are you saying that if ActBlue had already stored my contact info, that means I've opted in? But in that case, I didn't see an "opt out" option either.
My big worry about Mendoza is that her opponent has put out at least ten times more signs than Mendoza. And they are many times the size of hers. You can read them across a busy intersection. Same as the last election ,which he won.
Another way to help these awesome candidates is to donate to FieldTeam6.org, the only group registering eligible likely Democrats in these key districts and states. Yes, get out the vote. And also create new voters (and new voters vote!).
Good LORD, Ossoff keeps leveling up his game…. if he runs he’s gonna be a force to be reckoned with in 28. What a great universal message he has stitched together. And it’s everything Simon‘s been talking about… Yes there’s certainly a nod to the kitchen table issues, but that is a rally and cry to make a decision collectively what America actually is… That is the best antidote to MAGA message I’ve heard from anybody. Stunned
Simon, given this next week is likely to produce the final major rulings by SCOTUS before their recess, do you have any instincts concerning their potential rulings on birthright citizenship, mail in ballots, and early voting? Don’t they and the GOP know they too, NEED mail in ballots and early voting to try and win 🤔?!? Trying to rely on my instincts that none will be overturned even by THIS SCOTUS but these days, it’s just hard to know 🤷♂️🙏.
Simon, I really Marvel as to what You and all of Us with HOPIUM are attaining. It feels as if we have been getting closer to this climax of Winning, and it is so powerful and exciting! I feel this Election will be One of the best in a long time, because We will be Winning against One of the Worst in a long time!! We are so lucky to have the best Candidates who are Proud wonderful Democrats that will make this happen. From Jon Ossof in Georgia to Mary Peltoa in Alaska!
Simon and Fam, did you all see NC Governor Josh Stein’ win in having the Confederate Flag removed from the State Fair? He may be a quiet force similar to Roy Cooper (interesting how they both have similar governing styles) but he was also their former AG. Never underestimate a god AG!!! Just like Shapiro, just like Harris, we could keep going ✌️🙌.
I hadn't heard this! Great news. Roy Cooper was our AG before he was governor, then Josh Stein, and now we have the fantastic Jeff Jackson. Having these amazing AGs has protected us from the GOP supermajority in the legislature (to some degree).
Add Xavier Becerra as former California AG and now headed for Governorship. Would like to our current AG Bonta continue on if he leaves the AG position.
OMG, Ossoff! OMG, Murphy! OMG, Mendoza--her ad was fantastic!!! So proud to be supporting these folks and many other virtuous patriots. Will try to dig deep into the wallet for more money before the June 30 deadline. As Robert Strauss, former DNC Chair during the Nixon Reign of Terror used to say, "give 'till it quits hurting." That's what we need to do. Give until Trump and the MAGA Rs quit hurting us and our country.
Yes! I have it on my list today to go through donations and see where I can make additions and best use of funds. Love both GA senators - I was an early Warnock volunteer way back when thanks to Vote Save America and I can def say that the GA Dems had their act together getting both of them to the finish line - plus had a lot of help from the national party. A good friend is active with the Dems in the Atlanta Metro area and she keeps me up to date - I'll post anything I hear of note.
Keep going!
I still have chills and goosebumps after just watching Ossoff’s speech… That guy has really developed some serious chops. Feeling very inspired
Agree! Mendoza's ad is fantastic!!
Simon, thank you, especially for the inspiring ads!
I watched Senator Ossoff's speech yesterday and was really impressed. He gives off kind of a young Abraham Lincoln vibe.
We're getting more much-needed rain here in Maryland and I'm inside, working on my postcards to Ohio voters.
I would describe his vibe as "Kennedyesque" (JFK, not RFK Jr.)
I saw this article in Inside Climate News https://insideclimatenews.org/news/24062026/analysis-shows-democrats-embrace-climate-hushing/. There is mention of “Democratic strategists” saying we should not bring the climate issue up, even though it is an existential risk to our “civilization.” Back to “kitchen table issues” I guess, the ability to address multiple issues seems to be beyond the vision of our establishment strategists. The War on Science, energy, national security, pollution, immigration, are all wrapped into a destabilized climate. There are millions of “low-propensity environmental voters” out there to motivate (check out environmentalvoter.org). Maybe El Niño will have its vote this year…….
the era of dem strategists creating messaging is behind us now. authenticity wins the day!
I sure hope you're right. As far as I'm concerned, any Democratic "strategist" who told the Harris campaign to make the clear errors that Simon warned against should be blacklisted from involvement in this campaign or any more going forward. Sure they've made enough millions to be unemployed for a while.
Depends on the strategist. There are the broilerplate incompetents – and then there is Simon Rosenberg.
I agree with you that the strategists have flattened out a lot of messaging to the point where it’s not just limited on the issues that we talk about but also one dimensional and Bland. That being said though, just because an issue is important doesn’t mean it’s the right one to make the center of your campaign if your goal is to win. We can’t do anything about climate change we don’t win power back, and I’m sorry, but the American people are prioritizing other things right now. So, I don’t think the article is wrong from the perspective of decentralizing it in the talking points, but that doesn’t mean they won’t do anything about it when they win power back. Joe Biden didn’t run on climate change, but his administration managed to make every bill that they passed to some degree or another and advancement toward mitigating climate change. We have to be smart. We have to run on shared universal American themes, and we need a candidates who not only authentically embodies those themes, but can articulate them comfortably.
Right, Steve. The reality is that there are kitchen table issues (eg good jobs, energy costs) that doing the right thing on climate would help address, and that's how climate should be deployed--as a solution to a problem, rather than as the problem. If people want to bring up climate directly, it should be in economic terms as well, eg by creating a futures market (seeded by tax increases on the wealthy) that gives every American a financial stake in the future in the present day, via options that can only be exercised by those who have done everything it's assumed all people will do in order to guarantee the option will hold its value in the future.
Ossoff, Shapiro, Beshear, Newsom, Murphy, Talarico, AOC, and more—my god, Democrats have a historically strong bench right now. Real talent. Real range. Real stars. We are blessed.
And yes, I include AOC. We survive and win as a big-tent party. The urge to “self-wedge” over labels is political malpractice—looking at you, Fetterman, Carville, and the 12 House Dems who felt compelled to sign that absurd “I am a capitalist” letter yesterday.
Nobody wins by shrinking the tent just to prove they’re the most acceptable person inside
I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment that we win as a big tent party!
I have noticed on Bluesky frequent posts claiming that the Democrats are in a civil war (e.g. CNN), centrist/moderates are panicking (e.g. John Pavlovitz), and centrist/moderates need to watch out (e.g. Dean Obadellah (sp?)). I reject all those premises.
My mantra remains: all politics is local, we unify around a set of basic principles, we deliver.
Yeah, Pavlovitz is panicking, and it's interesting and telling that CNN apparently isn't sharing what he's panicking about. He's very concerned, for example, about growling evidence that Trump, the GOP, Musk, Russia, and China stole the 2024 election, and that nobody in the mainstream media is talking about it, after having gone out of their way to maximize the implications of his "decisive" "resounding" "sweeping" 1.4% win. CNN, for example, claimed he had a "mandate" to implement Project 2025, which polled less popular than *socialism* in pre-election polling (only 7% of *Republicans* supported it), which caused Trump to deny even having read it (one of the few things he's ever said that I believe). Just like the media blew off evidence that the 2004 election was stolen by similiar (ie electronic) means:
https://thiswillhold.substack.com/p/clint-curtis-and-the-vote-flipping?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=7y800
Evidence which now includes analysis showing that voting machines produced by right-wing owned companies showed a consistent rightward shift in support for Bush from 2000 to 2004, while other machines (mainly in the *Republican* Great Plains and Mountain West) showed the same leftward shift captured by the exit polls that predicted Kerry had won the election.
Gotta say, I wholeheartedly support James Carville drawing a red line in the sand against the antisemitism that is becoming all too prevalent in growing swathes of the Democratic Party, especially amongst the far left and the DSA.
Embracing or tolerating that is NOT a question of “big tent”!
Agree. Now, "I support Israel" suddenly means I support genocide and/or Netanyahu which is absurd.
I agree with you. But I think Democrats need to tread carefully here, too, because it will be exploited by the extremists looking to divide and MSM looking to stoke fear. There’s no one on JCOK’s list of talents who I think is anti-Semitic.
Darializa Chevalier, OTOH, is a no go for me because of her open embrace of the October 7th attack, among other reported deeply radical ideas.
As a family I hope we separate the wheat from the chaff and not feed the narratives I have seen on Bluesky.
Yes, but some of the extremists who are running under the Democratic brand really *are* seeking to divide. In fact, some aren’t really even in favor of the Democratic Party – which is one of Carville’s points.
Separate the wheat from the chaff. Control the narrative before the party is defined by others.
That is precisely Carville’s point: some of the people on the extreme left are seeking to redefine the Democratic Party. And not in a good way.
That chaff *does* need to be separated from the wheat!
Came across this post this morning. I hope you enjoy the humor! 😊
https://bsky.app/profile/nytpitchbot.bsky.social/post/3mpdztrhku22y
I do think prominent DSA supporters, and those with close ties should speak out against these types of attacks. Mamdani just burned some goodwill by endorsing Chevalier. Is it going to damage his career? Doubtful for now, but hey, long term? I don't know. I do know, I look at him with more caution than I did before. I am disappointed in him and in AOC for her recent comments Jen Psaki's show.
I agree Mamdani burned some political capital by endorsing Darializa Chevalier, and warrants being viewed with more suspicion. I interpret AOC’s comments as more nuanced. There is always something to learn from those who win the most votes.
Agree. I'm disappointed that there isn't a prominent progressive who publicly and loudly spoke out against the hateful harassment of Scott Wiener yesterday. I think AOC should have been the one doing this, leading from the front and drawing a clear line that stuff like that is not acceptable.
The video is difficult to watch. It reminds me when my husband and I went to see Biden and Obama before Biden dropped out. Upon leaving, we were almost accosted by protestors. Police were off to the side. We had to exit through designated exits.
The protestors literally got in our faces and with raised fists, shouted baby killer, shouted we supported genocide. If I had turned ever so slightly, we would have been touching. It was unbelievably scary. The protestors were behind a thin rope but we had to walk right by them. The area was very narrow. Most of us looked down as we walked by. People were saying, just look down and don't engage.
Agree with you about AOC and other silent prominent progressive voices.
The Talarico acceptance speech was incredible. Maybe add that one
Ossoff is the best rally speaker since Obama. He is so good in that format.
He is, and Warnock is prolly second best.
presidential material!!!
I agree if only I could trust the country would have the audacity to elect a Jewish President, especially amidst these times 🤷♂️🙏. Same with Shapiro.
i worry about that, but then we put up our best if they win, they win. he hasn't indicated he wants to go further yet. one election at a time.
I agree! Let him win GA first 😆 🙏. 2028 may be too soon for him too, mind you. Have a feeling the final slate of candidates for the next election will be Newsom, Kelly, Pete, Shapiro, and Beshear. Possibly Harris too. She’s a wildcard. All of whom I’d be more than content with 🙏. For Harris, if not President then please dear God, AG 🙏🙏🙏.
I'm for AG Harris - the job allows her to be as sharp and hard-nailed as she can be, instead of wussying around.
If she doesn’t become President next, whomever does (Dem obv 🙏 hopefully) would be a fool not to do everything possible to ensure she gets that position.
Selfishly, I would love for him to serve a full 2nd term for my state and then run for president for 2036. He would then be in his late 40's with more experience under his belt.
If he has presidential ambitions (I'm not saying he does), then he should run in 2028. The field is not strong, there is nobody else who has the appeal he has, and I also think you have to strike while the iron is hot. For example, Chris Christie probably should have run in 2012 but he didn't, and then when he waited to run later it was too late.
Agree. And Ossoff is right to concentrate on GA now, not be fanning the flames of presidential candidate talk. 2028 comes after 2026 win. We'll see what happens if the Dems flip House and possibly Senate - it may be a very different world.
Does anyone know if he writes his own stuff? Because, in this instance, it wouldn't surprise me.
I've heard he does
Yup, he doesn't strike me as someone who needs to speak someone else's words.
Wow. He is amazing.
He's sort of the James Brown ("hardest working man in showbusiness") of politics as I recall, I don't think anyone in the Senate outworks him.
Sen. Murphy laying out the foundation very well of the corruption for Trump's impeachment and his regime next year. Trump is on borrowed time right now and so are those around him.
Sen. Murphy came to the floor last year documenting the first 100 days of corruption. The pace of his corruption has grown dramatically. Sen. Murphy lays out the corruption since April 7, 2025.
Stephen Miller mentioned is gaining wealth just like his boss buying stock in Palantir in the tune of $250,000. Miller oversees ICE, gives a no-bid contract to Palantir, investors like Miller get rich.
Evidence for his impeachment next year and his regime in the Cabinet mounting in the House and Senate everyday. Everyday they rob from us. Everyday!
whole of govt grifting!
Forgive me if I missed this somewhere, but if we DO want our contact info shared with a campaign, how do we give our affirmative permission?
When you donate you will be able to "opt-in" to giving your info. Previously it was automatic.
I didn't see an "opt-in" question anywhere in the donation process. Are you saying that if ActBlue had already stored my contact info, that means I've opted in? But in that case, I didn't see an "opt out" option either.
When did you donate?
This morning. When I click on the "Donate" button embedded in your Substack post, I'm routed to ActBlue, which says: "Welcome back, Carolyn!
We already have your ActBlue donor information on file." From there, the donation process is identical to when I donate directly to candidates.
I'd love an answer to your question too.
My big worry about Mendoza is that her opponent has put out at least ten times more signs than Mendoza. And they are many times the size of hers. You can read them across a busy intersection. Same as the last election ,which he won.
If it gives any comfort, I still see Spencer Pratt signs up - not as many as before the election but a few.
Another way to help these awesome candidates is to donate to FieldTeam6.org, the only group registering eligible likely Democrats in these key districts and states. Yes, get out the vote. And also create new voters (and new voters vote!).
Good LORD, Ossoff keeps leveling up his game…. if he runs he’s gonna be a force to be reckoned with in 28. What a great universal message he has stitched together. And it’s everything Simon‘s been talking about… Yes there’s certainly a nod to the kitchen table issues, but that is a rally and cry to make a decision collectively what America actually is… That is the best antidote to MAGA message I’ve heard from anybody. Stunned
I have a crush on him, to be honest....
To be fair, so do I and I'm a straight man!!
The guy is like a GQ model.
Yup, I can understand it. Very John Garfield vibes about him.
😂. He is crush worthy.
Simon, given this next week is likely to produce the final major rulings by SCOTUS before their recess, do you have any instincts concerning their potential rulings on birthright citizenship, mail in ballots, and early voting? Don’t they and the GOP know they too, NEED mail in ballots and early voting to try and win 🤔?!? Trying to rely on my instincts that none will be overturned even by THIS SCOTUS but these days, it’s just hard to know 🤷♂️🙏.
Simon, I really Marvel as to what You and all of Us with HOPIUM are attaining. It feels as if we have been getting closer to this climax of Winning, and it is so powerful and exciting! I feel this Election will be One of the best in a long time, because We will be Winning against One of the Worst in a long time!! We are so lucky to have the best Candidates who are Proud wonderful Democrats that will make this happen. From Jon Ossof in Georgia to Mary Peltoa in Alaska!
Simon, Shouldn’t Roy Cooper be included in the new winning the senate campaign?
The fund’s descriptive text says “six” but lists only 5. So I think it just needs to be fixed.
Yes I mistakenly left it off the description today. The fund is all six. Thanks all!
Simon and Fam, did you all see NC Governor Josh Stein’ win in having the Confederate Flag removed from the State Fair? He may be a quiet force similar to Roy Cooper (interesting how they both have similar governing styles) but he was also their former AG. Never underestimate a god AG!!! Just like Shapiro, just like Harris, we could keep going ✌️🙌.
Didn't know this. Great news. Can you believe people actually want to have Confederate Flags up? I bet Alito does.
I hadn't heard this! Great news. Roy Cooper was our AG before he was governor, then Josh Stein, and now we have the fantastic Jeff Jackson. Having these amazing AGs has protected us from the GOP supermajority in the legislature (to some degree).
Add Xavier Becerra as former California AG and now headed for Governorship. Would like to our current AG Bonta continue on if he leaves the AG position.