Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't trump still owe this money even as president because it's a state civil case? He can only rid himself of federal crimes, I believe. Of course, should trump ever again darken our White House, the rule of law will not exist.
Hi Vickie, I think you are mostly correct however if Trump is reelected I'm sure he will find ways to thwart any state charges against him. And I think I recall Andrew Wiseman commenting on this a while back on the Lawrence O'Donnell show. Let's win in November and then prosecute Trump and is accomplices with vigor! And we will show the Trump faithful what "weaponiztion" of the government actually looks like. I say that in jest of course and that is what they will accuse a 2nd Biden administration of but our cause is just. Carry on... :)
Oh no, you don't need to research anything. I understand your point its just that we can't underestimate Trump’s malfeasance. Thank you for your reply. 😊
"In the long run, he’d like to see Democrats pushing a one-state solution with equal rights for Palestinians and Israelis. But for now, Abusalah says, there’s nothing Biden can do to earn his vote back. At this point, he figures, the only way that Democrats will learn not to take Arab American votes for granted — as they have, in his view — is for Biden to lose, even if that means a second Trump presidency."
While I appreciate all the good news that you share we need to address this directly. It doesn't seem that just assuming they will vote for Biden in November when the stark differences continue is a sufficient strategy. Even with the moves that Biden is making in his approach to the war this might be deeper than that. The margin of victory for Biden in Michigan in 2020 was ~150,000 votes. The Listen to Michigan campaign was hoping for 10k votes in our primary last month- they got 100k.
I'd like your thinking on how to approach this and to talk about it.
So these folks think the answer is to teach Democrats a lesson by getting Trump elected? Truly a cut-off-your-nose-to-spite-your-face strategy. They need to wake up. Biden is doing his best in an incredibly difficult situation. TFG doesn't give two f's about Gaza or starving Palestinians. He's already said that Israel is welcome to "finish the job." As bad as it is now, it could become exponentially worse.
Myself I'm looking at Michigan, Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina. Any of those are doable and IMHO if Biden gets one of them he wins. Looking at Georgia in one poll Biden has went from 6 behind to just 2 behind lately. Not that I'm very concerned on polling but I do believe they can tell us somewhat about momentum. One other thing about poling is one poll had Biden carrying non whites by just 57-35 and 18-35 by just 49- 46 still Trump was only 4 points ahead . Something is screwy there and in other polls Biden is crushing it per 60 and olders they just aren't making any sense.if anyone has better info please tell me.
One other thing in 2020 democrats didn't canvas door to door because of COVID but this cycle will be different.
Very true about the door canvassing. I hope this makes all the difference both to Biden and down ballot. Still calming myself down after reading that WaPo Article that Eve shared. Cannot believe that man has suddenly become ok with the prospect of another Trump Presidency. I'm hoping that his "activism" does not eat through Biden's support. I haven't listened to him much lately, but Michael Moore had also been making ugly noises about Biden and GAZA. I hope Biden, or at least his team have an idea of how to deal with this. Who knows may be it isn't as bad as we all fear..... The last thing this needs is complications.... More deep breaths!
Absolutely. And my response would be, okay, you protested with your vote. You have been heard. Joe Biden is doing his best. While he is president, there is hope. Elect TFG, and ongoing death and destruction is assured.
As a North Carolinian, I really appreciate Simon’s focus on NC. Our new Dem Party Chair, Anderson Clayton, and her team are amazing. And we have some terrific grassroots groups as well. We can do it, NC!
I thought I was feeling a little too happy this morning and had found nothing to worry to about.... Seriously WTF is wrong with this guy?! Don't get me wrong, I know we as a political party should NEVER take any group for granted. I also have my own issues with Biden's handling of the GAZA situation but this is just destructive and spiteful. I hope not too many people listen to this disrupter. I just read the article against my better judgement and am as dumbfounded as I am semi-panicked. I also hope Biden and his team are watching this. Heavy sigh.... and deep breaths.
I'm going to choose not to read this article, although have read several Facebook posts and other sources on this topic. This "purity politics" and belief that there is some perfect President or leader, with perfect policies, who makes perfect decisions and if I don't get what I want or disagree with their policies, I'll show them and not vote, vote 3rd party, or vote for their opponent is unimaginable to me. I'll cut off my nose to spite my face thinking. I partially blame men and women who were staunch pro-life and unable to look beyond their personal bubble and beliefs, who voted for Trump and Republicans. Roe v. Wade was overturned, IVF banned in AL, birth control is on the line. John Pavlovitz, Christian Pastor, author, and activist has written about Gaza and purity politics. The suffering and destruction to our country, Americans, immigrants, Gaza, Ukraine, the constitution, law and order, the US and world economy and more will be horrific if Trump is re-elected.
Good choice - I read it against my better judgement - but have since cooled off. As others have pointed out - it has been over a couple weeks since this was published. Like Simon and others have said, it's something that we just have to accept, address as best we can ( which I think we are) and additionally make up ground elsewhere. Also when I think about it I know no two electorates are exactly alike from election to election (Not everyone who voted for Obama in 2008 voted for him in 2012). The man in the article is clearly a person whom cannot be reasoned with on this topic. Just like those in the Trump cult - he and "some" with his mindset are simply not available, but I don't think we should make tea leaves of this. It will take work & I think many Democratic politicians are listening (see DarcyMcK's comment )Some will come home. Others will be new to the fold. Coalition building : complicated but that's what our party does!
That uncommitted got to 100,000 probably had more to do with turnout than with enthusiasm - the 13% was in line with prior Michigan primaries and approximately what Obama saw in 2012. That said, I think the most salient argument isn't that most of these voters can be won back with peace and a plan for rebuilding in Gaza (though I think most of them can), but that Nikki Haley got 296,328 votes in Michigan that same night. For every uncommitted Democrat, there were 3 Haley Republicans. Biden wants to win his skeptics over. He won't succeed with 100% of them, but Trump isn't even trying.
Hello Eve ~ We have a similar situation in Minnesota. I live in a suburban district with a substantial Palestinian population. In the past they were dependable Precinct Chairs as well as delegates to our DFL (MN's Democratic Farmer Labor Party) Senate District, Congressional District and State conventions. In protest, they have not participated in our caucus or conventions this spring.
As our Senate District Outreach & Inclusion Officer I am reaching out to the Arab American community slowly. Intentionally. Offering them an ear to listen, attending their IFTARs as a guest during Ramadan, appointing them to the Resolutions & Platform committees. Giving them a voice.
Last Friday, March 16 2024, we had a state-wide DFL dinner fundraiser with over 1,500 DFLers in attendance. Of all the speeches, US Senator Tina Smith spoke directly to the "Uncommitted" primary voters, of which many were in the room as MN State House of Representatives. She emphasized "We hear you. We are listening. We can work on this together." It was powerful. And emotional.
As Simon R. says "We are a big family with many different voices." Democrats are good at listening. It is our great advantage. Not sure exactly where this quote came from but I think it's appropriate "You have two ears and one mouth, use them accordingly". Feel our Democratic leaders, specifically President Biden, is really good at that.
Thank you for the work you are doing! As I said elsewhere on this thread I'm still reeling from that shared WaPo Article. But your post is a good reminder how challenging it is to be a big tent party, and so the work never stops. I have to admit his has made me very nervous.
Hold fast Simon R's daily reminder "Do more. Worry less."
Work at finding opportunities to ease your nervousness. Some suggestions ... attend an Arab American community event, attend an Iftar as a guest during the season of Ramadan which is happening now, find a Arab American restaurant and enjoy an enriching meal. Work at knowing more. Knowledge is power. Power can overcome nerves. You can do it Jarrod.
This is fantastic. We need to do this in Michigan but I am not involved in Dem party politics statewide to know how to begin. Maybe we can connect to figure this out. There needs to be intentional outreach and listening on both sides.
It would be wonderful to visit Eve. Not sure what the protocol is for sharing personal information with one another. Do you know how to send a private message as Hopium subscribers?
Thank you Eve and Darcy for what you are doing, and the spirit in which you are approaching this. A few notes we as we move forward: 1) we should overstate how big the audience is for this conversation. About 90,000 Arab-Americans voted for Biden in 2020 in MI; uncommitted in MI received 13% this time, 11% when Obama ran in 2012. I view this as a challenge for us to manage, not a threat to the Biden candidacy. But like any challenge, if left unmanaged it can become more serious. 2) Biden has actually been responsive to many of the most significant criticisms from those unhappy with his management of this issue - he negotiated a cease fire (which Hamas walked away from), he has broken with Bibi and is pressuring him to adopt a sensible path forward, working in concert with regional actors, etc. The continual dismissal of Biden's efforts to be responsive to his critics is unhelpful and needs to be challenged in my view. 3) We will never be able to accommodate or satisfy someone advocating for a one state solution; and the things he says here about Trump standing up to Bibi when Jared Kushner just talked about seizing Gaza's beaches and building beach front property them is LOL ridiculous. Some of these voters will not come home, and we have to be smart to try go make up this ground elsewhere in MI, which I think we can. But since this piece was written it is very clear that Trump is for letting Bibi finish the job, and Biden is doing everything he can to prevent that.
My biggest concern about this is not the Arab American community although I think listening and reaching out to them is important. It is that this boycotting of Biden over the situation in Gaza has spread to young people, many of whom do not know the history of the situation in the Middle East and have a more rigid approach to it than the situation warrants. We cannot afford to lose them to third party candidates or not voting for any Presidential candidate. To restate what Simon said above "like any challenge, if left unmanaged can become more serious".
Any organizing/reaching out must include Arab Americans but needs to be broader.
True about the date, and I may have overreacted to the article slightly upon reading it as well. No two elections are alike. While the man's anger is shared by others - it has been pointed out by others much more level headed than me on this comment thread - this is nature coalition building. It's never easy, BUT our side works, listens and includes others.
Hey Simon! Where's your Hopium Chronicles merch? A friend who I turned on to HC says she'd happily wear a "Hopium Addict" t-shirt. Part of the proceeds could help fund critical races maybe?
With the caveat that I don't put a ton of stock in approval polls (https://www.weekendreading.net/p/dont-panic-about-bidens-approval), I want to share a little extra evidence of Biden's upswing lately. American Research Group published their March approval numbers for Biden today: 46% approve, 50% disapprove. This is up from 43%/51% in February and 40%/54% in January. All told, an improvement in net approval of 10% over the last couple months! Always nice to see.
Just for context, after Jan 6 Quinnipiac found solid majority of people thought Trump should never be allowed to hold office again. His favorability improved, then sank again after Jan 6 hearings. Remind people of how he left--the chaos and violence. They won't go back to that.
I wrote two days ago to my senators and congressman about the Israeli Hamas issue. The very next day I heard back from Sen. Blumenthal who is extremely concerned about Gaza. He does support Israel, but in a defensive posture only. Apparently money is going for an additional iron dome and missiles for the domes. Something I support. I did notice he said nothing about Bibi, but I think he is unwilling to get ahead of the President on this issue.
As far as Michigan goes, I would like to remind them about the Muslim ban. I really wouldn't be too concerned about them voting for Trump. They might be staying home. We should be prepared to fight for North Carolina.
I've ordered my postcards. When should we be prepared to write postcards for our candidates? I thought I would start, just not mail yet.
This kind of dismissal only ads fuel to the fire. It is exactly this kind of taking them for granted that led to where we are now. They need to be listened to with intentional outreach.
I am not dismissing them. Their speaker for them is-does he really represent them all? That we can't get them back? Secretary Blinken has been trying to help Gaza . But can't move Bibi. I have called my senators, representatives and emailed the White House (fortunately all are Democrats) to let Israel go their own way without us if this continues. That the Prime Minister has no concern for Gazans or Israeli captives. His own people want him out. The only money we should be spending is for the missiles for the dome (those can't be used as offensive weapons). I am fairly certain even that could be stopped, or conditions put on Israel if the Israeli's go into Rafah, guns a blazing. I suspect that the invasion has not happened yet because Bibi is putting his finger in the wind to see which way the wind blows. I hate what is happening in Gaza AND the West Bank. Please don't insinuate that I am taking the Muslim-Americans for granted. My concern is more for the Muslims and Christian Gazans.
Wish I could come today to listen to Rep. Ruben Gallegos, the future senator from AZ, for whom I’ve already written many postcards (through Activate America)! But I had already signed up for another Zoom at exactly that time with the future congressman from CA-41, Will Rollins—an amazing D candidate who almost won there in 2022. Looking forward to watching the replay.
I keep having this recurring dream that the media (the whole universe communicating news) refused to report any information, discussion or pictures of DJT. for a whole week. After this respite from his infectious, venal assault on our society, we all realize the value of the Amish practice of "shunning". Then I awaken to DJT all the time, every where I turn and I want to go back to dreamland.
I remember how the day of the 2016 election I thought finally, I won't have to hear Trump's bloviating after today. 8 years and an insurrection later......I am doing all that I can to help out Biden, the House and the Senate since the cancer has spread.
Couldn't have said it better - I will work as hard as I can for as long as I have to I order to defeat that malignant tumor every time he keeps popping up. We got this ! Collectively we can be ready for any trick he and his friends dish up. Stay focused!
Simon- do you have a tally of how much the Hopium community has raised for all candidates so far over the last year? Because we are donating MONEY and I feel like we may soon be approaching (or perhaps we have already achieved) $500k total donations. Amazing!
Just finished watching Ruben Gallego! Such a decent human being and great candidate for Arizona. He knows his constituents and their concerns/issues well.
I’m hoping you’ll make this shareable. People need to see the kind of intelligence and compassion he brings to the table. I’d vote for him if I could!
My “tribe” contributed to him this month and we’re primed and ready to do more!
About that supposed swing of African American voters to Trump . . . Nearly 200,000 Black voters cast a ballot in Georgia's March 12 presidential primary, and 95% requested a Democratic ballot. “Turnout is the bigger concern, not persuasion and conversion”, said Cliff Albright, co-founder and executive director of the Black Voters Matter Fund
I’ve been thinking a lot about Donald’s increasingly extreme behavior and language. Why is he getting more extreme in a time when classical politics would say you need to veer back to center? He’s not stupid.
One theory I have is that he’s trying to awaken an even more extreme part of the base. Is there a bloc of voters to the right of his 2016 coalition that’s larger and until now uninvolved? He pulled this off successfully in 2016 when he attracted people from outside the then-known left, “independent “ and right voters.
I am not trying to be a Debbie Doubter.... but Simon I hope the WH and Biden HQ are aware of the latest antics of Cleta Mitchell laying the seeds to contest large numbers of voters ballots in 2024.
And Marc Elias is ringing the alarm that RNC is being turned into a judge shopping litigation machine to poke holes in swing state voting manuals and voter laws, essentially finding scraps of legal footing to literally rig 2024. Tfg is toooo desperate.
Is turnout and enormous popular vote our only weapon against this attack? Back to postcards now...... thanks everyone still working.....
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't trump still owe this money even as president because it's a state civil case? He can only rid himself of federal crimes, I believe. Of course, should trump ever again darken our White House, the rule of law will not exist.
Hi Vickie, I think you are mostly correct however if Trump is reelected I'm sure he will find ways to thwart any state charges against him. And I think I recall Andrew Wiseman commenting on this a while back on the Lawrence O'Donnell show. Let's win in November and then prosecute Trump and is accomplices with vigor! And we will show the Trump faithful what "weaponiztion" of the government actually looks like. I say that in jest of course and that is what they will accuse a 2nd Biden administration of but our cause is just. Carry on... :)
Oh no, you don't need to research anything. I understand your point its just that we can't underestimate Trump’s malfeasance. Thank you for your reply. 😊
Simon- I live in Michigan and am concerned about what is happening in the Arab American community. This WaPo article is on the front page of today's Ann Arbor News: https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/power/2024/03/07/he-campaigned-biden-michigan-now-hes-working-defeat-him/
This is from that article:
"In the long run, he’d like to see Democrats pushing a one-state solution with equal rights for Palestinians and Israelis. But for now, Abusalah says, there’s nothing Biden can do to earn his vote back. At this point, he figures, the only way that Democrats will learn not to take Arab American votes for granted — as they have, in his view — is for Biden to lose, even if that means a second Trump presidency."
While I appreciate all the good news that you share we need to address this directly. It doesn't seem that just assuming they will vote for Biden in November when the stark differences continue is a sufficient strategy. Even with the moves that Biden is making in his approach to the war this might be deeper than that. The margin of victory for Biden in Michigan in 2020 was ~150,000 votes. The Listen to Michigan campaign was hoping for 10k votes in our primary last month- they got 100k.
I'd like your thinking on how to approach this and to talk about it.
So these folks think the answer is to teach Democrats a lesson by getting Trump elected? Truly a cut-off-your-nose-to-spite-your-face strategy. They need to wake up. Biden is doing his best in an incredibly difficult situation. TFG doesn't give two f's about Gaza or starving Palestinians. He's already said that Israel is welcome to "finish the job." As bad as it is now, it could become exponentially worse.
Yes but we need to listen to what they are saying. Not what we wish they heard.
Myself I'm looking at Michigan, Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina. Any of those are doable and IMHO if Biden gets one of them he wins. Looking at Georgia in one poll Biden has went from 6 behind to just 2 behind lately. Not that I'm very concerned on polling but I do believe they can tell us somewhat about momentum. One other thing about poling is one poll had Biden carrying non whites by just 57-35 and 18-35 by just 49- 46 still Trump was only 4 points ahead . Something is screwy there and in other polls Biden is crushing it per 60 and olders they just aren't making any sense.if anyone has better info please tell me.
One other thing in 2020 democrats didn't canvas door to door because of COVID but this cycle will be different.
JMHO
Very true about the door canvassing. I hope this makes all the difference both to Biden and down ballot. Still calming myself down after reading that WaPo Article that Eve shared. Cannot believe that man has suddenly become ok with the prospect of another Trump Presidency. I'm hoping that his "activism" does not eat through Biden's support. I haven't listened to him much lately, but Michael Moore had also been making ugly noises about Biden and GAZA. I hope Biden, or at least his team have an idea of how to deal with this. Who knows may be it isn't as bad as we all fear..... The last thing this needs is complications.... More deep breaths!
Michael Moore has a new podcast out and he's back at work in for Biden. It's a strong call for activism and he's not wrong. Go to Rumble episode #311. It's also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqdShgnQXII&list=PLkiOSLd6ZnJ5UPUbGjthKsmiYn2rdHUnH&index=1
you mean he's calling on people to support Biden again ? Just asking because I'm trying not to go down many rabbit holes today
Absolutely. And my response would be, okay, you protested with your vote. You have been heard. Joe Biden is doing his best. While he is president, there is hope. Elect TFG, and ongoing death and destruction is assured.
The Republican Party has a surprise for Abusalah. Trump tried a Muslim ban. In the Heritage Project 2025 plan, some US citizens could lose status and be deported. https://www.niskanencenter.org/project-2025-unveiling-the-far-rights-plan-to-demolish-immigration-in-a-second-trump-term/
Which is why it's important to put additional states in play like North Carolina.
We can crush them. https://danielsolomon.substack.com/p/register-democrats-save-the-world?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=742145&post_id=142824253&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=zc69i&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
As a North Carolinian, I really appreciate Simon’s focus on NC. Our new Dem Party Chair, Anderson Clayton, and her team are amazing. And we have some terrific grassroots groups as well. We can do it, NC!
I thought I was feeling a little too happy this morning and had found nothing to worry to about.... Seriously WTF is wrong with this guy?! Don't get me wrong, I know we as a political party should NEVER take any group for granted. I also have my own issues with Biden's handling of the GAZA situation but this is just destructive and spiteful. I hope not too many people listen to this disrupter. I just read the article against my better judgement and am as dumbfounded as I am semi-panicked. I also hope Biden and his team are watching this. Heavy sigh.... and deep breaths.
I'm going to choose not to read this article, although have read several Facebook posts and other sources on this topic. This "purity politics" and belief that there is some perfect President or leader, with perfect policies, who makes perfect decisions and if I don't get what I want or disagree with their policies, I'll show them and not vote, vote 3rd party, or vote for their opponent is unimaginable to me. I'll cut off my nose to spite my face thinking. I partially blame men and women who were staunch pro-life and unable to look beyond their personal bubble and beliefs, who voted for Trump and Republicans. Roe v. Wade was overturned, IVF banned in AL, birth control is on the line. John Pavlovitz, Christian Pastor, author, and activist has written about Gaza and purity politics. The suffering and destruction to our country, Americans, immigrants, Gaza, Ukraine, the constitution, law and order, the US and world economy and more will be horrific if Trump is re-elected.
Good choice - I read it against my better judgement - but have since cooled off. As others have pointed out - it has been over a couple weeks since this was published. Like Simon and others have said, it's something that we just have to accept, address as best we can ( which I think we are) and additionally make up ground elsewhere. Also when I think about it I know no two electorates are exactly alike from election to election (Not everyone who voted for Obama in 2008 voted for him in 2012). The man in the article is clearly a person whom cannot be reasoned with on this topic. Just like those in the Trump cult - he and "some" with his mindset are simply not available, but I don't think we should make tea leaves of this. It will take work & I think many Democratic politicians are listening (see DarcyMcK's comment )Some will come home. Others will be new to the fold. Coalition building : complicated but that's what our party does!
Do you have a link to the John Pavlovitz article on Gaza and purity politics?
https://johnpavlovitz.substack.com/p/gaza-maga-and-why-burning-it-all-80e
https://johnpavlovitz.substack.com/p/the-lefts-purity-politics-is-a-gift
That uncommitted got to 100,000 probably had more to do with turnout than with enthusiasm - the 13% was in line with prior Michigan primaries and approximately what Obama saw in 2012. That said, I think the most salient argument isn't that most of these voters can be won back with peace and a plan for rebuilding in Gaza (though I think most of them can), but that Nikki Haley got 296,328 votes in Michigan that same night. For every uncommitted Democrat, there were 3 Haley Republicans. Biden wants to win his skeptics over. He won't succeed with 100% of them, but Trump isn't even trying.
Tens of thousands of unregistered women in Michigan, maybe 100,000. Trend heavenly Democratic. https://www.fieldteam6.org/actions
Hello Eve ~ We have a similar situation in Minnesota. I live in a suburban district with a substantial Palestinian population. In the past they were dependable Precinct Chairs as well as delegates to our DFL (MN's Democratic Farmer Labor Party) Senate District, Congressional District and State conventions. In protest, they have not participated in our caucus or conventions this spring.
As our Senate District Outreach & Inclusion Officer I am reaching out to the Arab American community slowly. Intentionally. Offering them an ear to listen, attending their IFTARs as a guest during Ramadan, appointing them to the Resolutions & Platform committees. Giving them a voice.
Last Friday, March 16 2024, we had a state-wide DFL dinner fundraiser with over 1,500 DFLers in attendance. Of all the speeches, US Senator Tina Smith spoke directly to the "Uncommitted" primary voters, of which many were in the room as MN State House of Representatives. She emphasized "We hear you. We are listening. We can work on this together." It was powerful. And emotional.
As Simon R. says "We are a big family with many different voices." Democrats are good at listening. It is our great advantage. Not sure exactly where this quote came from but I think it's appropriate "You have two ears and one mouth, use them accordingly". Feel our Democratic leaders, specifically President Biden, is really good at that.
Touch my heart. Thank you for the thank you.
You can do it too Vickie. Everyone in the Hopium family is good at doing more and worrying less.
Hi Vickie ~ I'm interested in your practices on how you are registering voters at your local community college. Please share.
Thank you for the work you are doing! As I said elsewhere on this thread I'm still reeling from that shared WaPo Article. But your post is a good reminder how challenging it is to be a big tent party, and so the work never stops. I have to admit his has made me very nervous.
Hold fast Simon R's daily reminder "Do more. Worry less."
Work at finding opportunities to ease your nervousness. Some suggestions ... attend an Arab American community event, attend an Iftar as a guest during the season of Ramadan which is happening now, find a Arab American restaurant and enjoy an enriching meal. Work at knowing more. Knowledge is power. Power can overcome nerves. You can do it Jarrod.
Thank you for the words of wisdom. That piece rattled me more than most things have lately. Sounds like your efforts in MN are making a difference!
This is fantastic. We need to do this in Michigan but I am not involved in Dem party politics statewide to know how to begin. Maybe we can connect to figure this out. There needs to be intentional outreach and listening on both sides.
It would be wonderful to visit Eve. Not sure what the protocol is for sharing personal information with one another. Do you know how to send a private message as Hopium subscribers?
I just sent a message to you using your personal substack profile/handle. Take a look.
Thank you Eve and Darcy for what you are doing, and the spirit in which you are approaching this. A few notes we as we move forward: 1) we should overstate how big the audience is for this conversation. About 90,000 Arab-Americans voted for Biden in 2020 in MI; uncommitted in MI received 13% this time, 11% when Obama ran in 2012. I view this as a challenge for us to manage, not a threat to the Biden candidacy. But like any challenge, if left unmanaged it can become more serious. 2) Biden has actually been responsive to many of the most significant criticisms from those unhappy with his management of this issue - he negotiated a cease fire (which Hamas walked away from), he has broken with Bibi and is pressuring him to adopt a sensible path forward, working in concert with regional actors, etc. The continual dismissal of Biden's efforts to be responsive to his critics is unhelpful and needs to be challenged in my view. 3) We will never be able to accommodate or satisfy someone advocating for a one state solution; and the things he says here about Trump standing up to Bibi when Jared Kushner just talked about seizing Gaza's beaches and building beach front property them is LOL ridiculous. Some of these voters will not come home, and we have to be smart to try go make up this ground elsewhere in MI, which I think we can. But since this piece was written it is very clear that Trump is for letting Bibi finish the job, and Biden is doing everything he can to prevent that.
My biggest concern about this is not the Arab American community although I think listening and reaching out to them is important. It is that this boycotting of Biden over the situation in Gaza has spread to young people, many of whom do not know the history of the situation in the Middle East and have a more rigid approach to it than the situation warrants. We cannot afford to lose them to third party candidates or not voting for any Presidential candidate. To restate what Simon said above "like any challenge, if left unmanaged can become more serious".
Any organizing/reaching out must include Arab Americans but needs to be broader.
That article was published originally on March 7. A lot has happened since then. The situation has some fluidity.
True about the date, and I may have overreacted to the article slightly upon reading it as well. No two elections are alike. While the man's anger is shared by others - it has been pointed out by others much more level headed than me on this comment thread - this is nature coalition building. It's never easy, BUT our side works, listens and includes others.
My only consolation should Trump win, is that people who vote against their better interests will sow what they reap.
Hey Simon! Where's your Hopium Chronicles merch? A friend who I turned on to HC says she'd happily wear a "Hopium Addict" t-shirt. Part of the proceeds could help fund critical races maybe?
Encouraging news from of all places ... Idaho?!?
https://open.substack.com/pub/davidpepper/p/running-everywherein-idaho?r=1aiy5t&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
With the caveat that I don't put a ton of stock in approval polls (https://www.weekendreading.net/p/dont-panic-about-bidens-approval), I want to share a little extra evidence of Biden's upswing lately. American Research Group published their March approval numbers for Biden today: 46% approve, 50% disapprove. This is up from 43%/51% in February and 40%/54% in January. All told, an improvement in net approval of 10% over the last couple months! Always nice to see.
Just for context, after Jan 6 Quinnipiac found solid majority of people thought Trump should never be allowed to hold office again. His favorability improved, then sank again after Jan 6 hearings. Remind people of how he left--the chaos and violence. They won't go back to that.
I wrote two days ago to my senators and congressman about the Israeli Hamas issue. The very next day I heard back from Sen. Blumenthal who is extremely concerned about Gaza. He does support Israel, but in a defensive posture only. Apparently money is going for an additional iron dome and missiles for the domes. Something I support. I did notice he said nothing about Bibi, but I think he is unwilling to get ahead of the President on this issue.
As far as Michigan goes, I would like to remind them about the Muslim ban. I really wouldn't be too concerned about them voting for Trump. They might be staying home. We should be prepared to fight for North Carolina.
I've ordered my postcards. When should we be prepared to write postcards for our candidates? I thought I would start, just not mail yet.
This kind of dismissal only ads fuel to the fire. It is exactly this kind of taking them for granted that led to where we are now. They need to be listened to with intentional outreach.
I am not dismissing them. Their speaker for them is-does he really represent them all? That we can't get them back? Secretary Blinken has been trying to help Gaza . But can't move Bibi. I have called my senators, representatives and emailed the White House (fortunately all are Democrats) to let Israel go their own way without us if this continues. That the Prime Minister has no concern for Gazans or Israeli captives. His own people want him out. The only money we should be spending is for the missiles for the dome (those can't be used as offensive weapons). I am fairly certain even that could be stopped, or conditions put on Israel if the Israeli's go into Rafah, guns a blazing. I suspect that the invasion has not happened yet because Bibi is putting his finger in the wind to see which way the wind blows. I hate what is happening in Gaza AND the West Bank. Please don't insinuate that I am taking the Muslim-Americans for granted. My concern is more for the Muslims and Christian Gazans.
Wish I could come today to listen to Rep. Ruben Gallegos, the future senator from AZ, for whom I’ve already written many postcards (through Activate America)! But I had already signed up for another Zoom at exactly that time with the future congressman from CA-41, Will Rollins—an amazing D candidate who almost won there in 2022. Looking forward to watching the replay.
I keep having this recurring dream that the media (the whole universe communicating news) refused to report any information, discussion or pictures of DJT. for a whole week. After this respite from his infectious, venal assault on our society, we all realize the value of the Amish practice of "shunning". Then I awaken to DJT all the time, every where I turn and I want to go back to dreamland.
I remember how the day of the 2016 election I thought finally, I won't have to hear Trump's bloviating after today. 8 years and an insurrection later......I am doing all that I can to help out Biden, the House and the Senate since the cancer has spread.
Couldn't have said it better - I will work as hard as I can for as long as I have to I order to defeat that malignant tumor every time he keeps popping up. We got this ! Collectively we can be ready for any trick he and his friends dish up. Stay focused!
Simon- do you have a tally of how much the Hopium community has raised for all candidates so far over the last year? Because we are donating MONEY and I feel like we may soon be approaching (or perhaps we have already achieved) $500k total donations. Amazing!
I think we about at $800,000 at the low end right now. Amazing stuff. Thank you all.
I’ve had a hard morning at work and this little dose of Hopium has brightened my lunch time.
Thank you! Great Zoom meeting with Ruben!
Simon,
Just finished watching Ruben Gallego! Such a decent human being and great candidate for Arizona. He knows his constituents and their concerns/issues well.
I’m hoping you’ll make this shareable. People need to see the kind of intelligence and compassion he brings to the table. I’d vote for him if I could!
My “tribe” contributed to him this month and we’re primed and ready to do more!
💪💙
About that supposed swing of African American voters to Trump . . . Nearly 200,000 Black voters cast a ballot in Georgia's March 12 presidential primary, and 95% requested a Democratic ballot. “Turnout is the bigger concern, not persuasion and conversion”, said Cliff Albright, co-founder and executive director of the Black Voters Matter Fund
https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-primary-does-not-show-increase-in-african-american-support-for-trump/MI5SZEWQMBCZ7MQSQ5VWBTA2G4/?utm_cohort=evening_campaign_1-evening_cohort_1-aee4fc57871cf5cc34d4182e4f7b18c959ed39e752d6046d427a85cace201b1f&utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EveningRead&utm_content=9366372
I’ve been thinking a lot about Donald’s increasingly extreme behavior and language. Why is he getting more extreme in a time when classical politics would say you need to veer back to center? He’s not stupid.
One theory I have is that he’s trying to awaken an even more extreme part of the base. Is there a bloc of voters to the right of his 2016 coalition that’s larger and until now uninvolved? He pulled this off successfully in 2016 when he attracted people from outside the then-known left, “independent “ and right voters.
I am not trying to be a Debbie Doubter.... but Simon I hope the WH and Biden HQ are aware of the latest antics of Cleta Mitchell laying the seeds to contest large numbers of voters ballots in 2024.
https://open.substack.com/pub/documented/p/meet-michigans-conspiracy-driven?r=2bffub&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
https://youtu.be/QmmyeZATFms?si=5AZQKbn4hXyhqPZd
And Marc Elias is ringing the alarm that RNC is being turned into a judge shopping litigation machine to poke holes in swing state voting manuals and voter laws, essentially finding scraps of legal footing to literally rig 2024. Tfg is toooo desperate.
Is turnout and enormous popular vote our only weapon against this attack? Back to postcards now...... thanks everyone still working.....
Here is Marc from Democracy Docket diving into this. I wonder if Simon could interview him and discuss defense.
https://youtu.be/biaqEIhy5UY?si=GMbkhX7Yg2rzOGVf