I listened to the interview in its entirety. Ken seems like a nice guy, but I'm concerned about his ability to meet this moment. I heard A LOT of Beltway speak, and that concerns me. We don't need an establishment wonk right now, we need a fighter. Our country is in more peril now than we've ever been. I love Tim Walz, but right now we don't need more 'Minnesota Nice.' We need somebody who can rain hellfire on Trump, his minions in congress, and his unqualified nominees.
From your lips to Ken Martin’s ears, Simon. The part about the DNC treating us a partners in the fight not just donors to the cause.” And about NEW COMMS.
Ken. We need a strong leader. This is a time for a unified resistance. We, the ordinary citizens, ( and there are millions of us ) want LOUD, Unafraid leaders to guide and unify us as The New Resistance.
But it can be a good person too, and that's what I got from the interview. Ken is highly experienced and successful with a well thought-through plan and identifies the mistakes in the past, some going on for decades. But he's also decent and clearly a good team builder and community-engager. The DNC Chair does not seem like the person who will be marching and bringing lawsuits against musk.
As a Minnesotan, I have seen the good work Ken has done. He gets it and for those of us that are organizers, Ken has been there and done that. I was happy with either him or Ben and I look forward to helping Ken and the DNC in the days and weeks ahead.
Already got a text asking for $100 from Martin. In the meantime Elon musk and his allies just got COMPLETE CONTROL over the federal government’s payment system (6 trillion) and all associated data, including all of our social security numbers, from the secretary of the treasury Scott Bessent. I don’t think it is hyperbolic to say we are watching a coup unfold in front of our eyes. Could we stop acting as if everything is normal and we can just proceed with business as usual? Our leaders need to lead and message in this moment - and if they won’t, then perhaps it is time for us to engage in mass civil disobedience. What am
Yup. They didn't even talk about it on All Things Considered NPR. this along with OPM is terrifying and a new order of magnitude. We can hardly call this interference. This is takeover and it's happening now. Do I have this wrong? Hope so. But I don't think so.
Obama once said, "We are the ones have been looking for. We are the change we seek." It's our job to organize protest. If you are really looking for organized action, might I suggest hopping on Sunday's joint MoveOn/WFP/Indivisible call at 8 pm EST. I guarantee you there will be marching orders. Signup here: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/752072/
Thanks… Yes… I agree with you. Opportunties abound. And we are the leaders we have been looking for. I work with Indivisible regularly; local & National.
What I'm saying is I think we need a major figure to pull us and all the groups (not just Indivisible) all across the country, together. I don't know... maybe Ezra L could do that?
One of my all-time favorite authors and scholars, Eddie Glaude Jr., wrote the book with that title, We Are The Leaders We Have Been Looking For. I have yet to read it but I'm holding my signed copy. I thank you for your welcomed comment which has reminded me to read it, next. He wrote, "Joan, love is the key!"
I wrote something similar before I read your comment and I agree wholeheartedly. Where are the lawsuits and/or organized actions to bring attention to this lawless takeover??? Senator Wyden posted on Bluesky about it but I have not seen any reassuring response to what Bessent and Musk are doing with TAXPAYER FUNDS!
I would love to see the new DNC Chair send an email to the millions of people who donated to Kamala Harris’ Campaign, to other Democratic candidates, and to the DNC itself – an email where Ken Martin explains how people can contribute to the Democratic Party, and to the resistance, in other ways than by giving money!
Imho, it would be very inspirational and hugely beneficial if Ken Martin were to immediately signal that he is looking for PARTNERS, not donors, and explain how he invites us to MOBILIZE right now.
I like the ides Democrats can form a shadow government to broadcast a reliable daily panel stating what Dems and a government who values government would be doing now if Dems were in - do a compare and contrast of day's events- tell of any bills that are ready to go or programs we need saved. However bad it gets if we could keep this dream alive and as out front and center as possible - I'm thinking on YouTube to reach the max varied viewer.
Something like organizing a national strike. It has to actually make a difference or we are just playing patsy with the devil and watching everything we care about and worked so hard for in our lives get stolen.
THANK YOU!!! All of this self-congratulations in the midst of this extraordinary emergency is bizarre. WHERE ARE YOU SND WHY ARENT YOU WORKING FOR US NOW!!! WE NEED LEADERSHIP! How dare House Dems stay home this past week???? Meanwhile, they’ve shut down access to critical medical information that doctors like myself need to access. THEY’re SCRUBBING SCIENTIFIC DATA to remove words and articles on things like women’s health and teens at risk. They’re censoring science!!! NOW. On the middle of flu season with the highest risk of infectious disease and a huge TB outbreak. WHERE THE HELL IS OUR PARTY???
I'd also like to know how we can stop them gutting and then reforming the FBI into some kind of domestic police force for the Fuhrer. Not a peep from the Dems about someone working on how we can stop this, maybe through the courts...?
Thank you. They have to stop asking for money all the time. This is very off putting. It is not because of lack of money that we lost in November. The DNC needs to give us relevant actions, messaging, unity and hope.
Donation done! This is the first bright spot for me in what feels like a long time. Not to burden Ken right out of the gate, but our hopes are riding on you. We are standing ready to help.
I’ll continue to donate to state parties with chairs like Ben Wikler, Anderson Clayton, Lavora Barnes, candidates, and other pro-democratic organizations. The DNC doesn’t need my money.
Ok dear colleagues, but where is the Hopium? Will tomorrow's headline be,
"Fractious Democratic Party Split over DNC Leadership"
with the footnote -- Bretibart gets office in the Pentagon and see story on page 6 Showing how Trump and Musk have outsmarted the Democrats once again by taking control of the treasury, firing FBI agents all over the country, and putting idiots and Putin lackeys in cabinet positions.
I’m going to go back to not caring about the DNC. When was the last time that a DNC chair made a difference in the outcome of an election? We need leadership in the Democratic Party who will organize the Dems against this authoritarian power grab by Trump and Musk. It’s not going to come from the head of the DNC. I am looking at J.D. Pritzker who at least seems to have a spine and some rhetoric to match the moment.
💯, Ellen. I worked my tail off in the presidential successfully supporting an OR House rep in flipping one of our national seats to Blue. Like you, I’ll continue to donate to state parties with great Chairs. I am not donating to the DNC until Ken Martin lays out an aggressive PLAN OF ACTION, RESISTANCE AND DISRUPTION of the illegal assaults on our government.
I will donate. Ken was not my choice because I'm afraid he will be too "old school" - not bring enough new energy etc. We so need leadership that is action oriented, inclusive of grassroots, stepping up WAY more than has happened so far. I desperately want the DNC to succeed and fill the gaping hole of non-leadership we currently have. We need him to be loud - all the time, uncompromising non-normalizing resistance and figure out (like weeks ago) new ways to communicate with the public and with Dem supporters who are ready and willing to fight. I wish him well and will be behind him, just hoping hoping that he's the right choice.
Yes, we need Ken Martin, the chair of the Democratic National Committee to lead, but really, folks, he cannot be the voice of the party. Schumer, Jefferies, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and others who are know names need to be putting their bodies and hearts and souls out there.
How many Americans give a hoot about who the chair of the DNC is?
Elon Musk just took over the treasury of the United State and we're quibbling over who should run the DNC and arguing about whether we should are going to make some grand statement about withholding our $50 bucks if we didn't get Wikler?
What about David Hogg as vice- chair. Isn't that very good news. Put him up against weenies like Charlie Kirk in the Republican Party. David Hogg is a guy we can rally behind.
Listening to the interview, and from what I understand about MN politics, that's exactly what he's done. They are extremely successful with progressive policy in a purple state and his grassroots focus and success is undeniable. He shared that he intends to replicate that on every level all the time instead of just before elections. That does give me hope. He also addressed the messaging and branding problems as a priority so I am willing to see what he/they do. As he said, throwing the baby out with the bathwater is not going to help us win the mid-terms - if we still have elections that is...
Musk has the Federal Government checkbook. Astounding impact potential for authorized Congressional government spending in hands of an Oligarchic team not even contracted by US or authorized by Congress. Ken has a challenging job and will need resources from every nook and cranny to coordinate with the Congressional Dems and State Elected Officials! Let’s Go Big and Robustly.
No but we can be more strategic and have partnerships by all the Democratic PACs and fund raisers.We can create a unified robust multi-media communication approach as well as build a ground game in every state! Elections are occurring everywhere over the next 2 years!
It’s a shame that the first thing he did is ask for more money. I guess I’ll wait and see. At the moment the feckless Dem leadership is not getting any more money from me.
Hubbell also said: "th[ings] will get better. It is a fool’s bet to assume that the American people will sit idly by as their freedoms are stolen by a corrupt oligarch and a convicted felon destroying the government to promote their selfish interests...Soon, very soon, Americans will be called upon to leave the comfort of their homes and the anonymity of their computer screens to engage in massive, coordinated action to remind Trump and Musk that they are servants of the people, not vice-versa.
I understand those who are frustrated and angry over the seeming flat-footed response of Democratic leadership. But complaining is not a strategy. Issue spotting is not a strategy. Assigning blame is not a strategy. Taking action is a strategy. Spreading the truth is a strategy. Making the daily phone calls recommended by Jessica Craven is a strategy.
So, to the extent you can, direct all your anxious energy and anger toward action. The first time you learn of a protest march near you, show up. And the next time. And the time after that. In many nations, small protest marches gain momentum in a matter of weeks."
I'd take that bet, and I'm no fool. "The American people" -- notably the white ones -- have cheerfully sat by for centuries as freedoms were denied to people of color and, for many decades, to white women.
Most Americans don't have a clue about how economic power works, or how it's been riding roughshod over our aspiring democracy since the onset of the Reagan administration. Some 49% of the voting population thought Trump could "fix it" despite years upon years of evidence to the contrary.
Whistling past the graveyard isn't a strategy either. But hey, if it makes you feel better, by all means do it.
As a Wisconsinite, I know what Ben brought to the table having witnessed his impressive work here the past several years. I’m glad we keep him here in the Badger State, but I think our party missed out on a true change agent. This also has me concerned that the powers that be are still doubling down on old school thinking that will get us obliterated again. I listened to your interview with him from a few weeks ago where he highlighted his bona fides about working on the Gore and Kerry campaigns and I just rolled my eyes. I’m a Democrat through and through and yes - I’ll keep donating. But, I think we missed a chance to turn the page and instead elevate another party professional because it was “his turn” and went the safe route.
Ditto. I'm not a "Democrat through and through." I'm a progressive feminist fighting for economic justice through and through, and if Dems are fighting for the same things, I'll support them. Too many of them aren't. Yes, the Dems are better than the Republicans, but that's such a low bar that it's not a great testimonial. We keep settling for less, and -- surprise, surprise -- that's what we keep getting.
Congratulations! Thanks for taking this most difficult challenge.
We need action. Not just talk talk talk. A march. A public protest. The lawlessness is rampant
Did you listen to the interview? It's really informative and I learned more where the DNC Chair focus is and it was helpful.
Yes.
I listened to the interview in its entirety. Ken seems like a nice guy, but I'm concerned about his ability to meet this moment. I heard A LOT of Beltway speak, and that concerns me. We don't need an establishment wonk right now, we need a fighter. Our country is in more peril now than we've ever been. I love Tim Walz, but right now we don't need more 'Minnesota Nice.' We need somebody who can rain hellfire on Trump, his minions in congress, and his unqualified nominees.
Simon, what does the immediate future hold for Ben Wikler?
Ben is an incredibly successful Chair in Wisconsin. Why should that change?
From your lips to Ken Martin’s ears, Simon. The part about the DNC treating us a partners in the fight not just donors to the cause.” And about NEW COMMS.
Ken. We need a strong leader. This is a time for a unified resistance. We, the ordinary citizens, ( and there are millions of us ) want LOUD, Unafraid leaders to guide and unify us as The New Resistance.
Tell us you're ready and we will fight together!
But it can be a good person too, and that's what I got from the interview. Ken is highly experienced and successful with a well thought-through plan and identifies the mistakes in the past, some going on for decades. But he's also decent and clearly a good team builder and community-engager. The DNC Chair does not seem like the person who will be marching and bringing lawsuits against musk.
As a Minnesotan, I have seen the good work Ken has done. He gets it and for those of us that are organizers, Ken has been there and done that. I was happy with either him or Ben and I look forward to helping Ken and the DNC in the days and weeks ahead.
Already got a text asking for $100 from Martin. In the meantime Elon musk and his allies just got COMPLETE CONTROL over the federal government’s payment system (6 trillion) and all associated data, including all of our social security numbers, from the secretary of the treasury Scott Bessent. I don’t think it is hyperbolic to say we are watching a coup unfold in front of our eyes. Could we stop acting as if everything is normal and we can just proceed with business as usual? Our leaders need to lead and message in this moment - and if they won’t, then perhaps it is time for us to engage in mass civil disobedience. What am
I missing here?
You’re not missing anything, Gene. Just keep saying it.
Yes, it’s a coup!
https://open.substack.com/pub/roberthubbell/p/call-it-by-its-name-a-coup?r=3g6v2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
https://waleedshahid.substack.com/p/elon-musk-is-staging-a-coup?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=2579242&post_id=156270666&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=17laz1&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
🏆
The DNC Chair doesn't seem like the person leading us in the resistance. I learned a lot from listening to the interview.
Yup. They didn't even talk about it on All Things Considered NPR. this along with OPM is terrifying and a new order of magnitude. We can hardly call this interference. This is takeover and it's happening now. Do I have this wrong? Hope so. But I don't think so.
I think we need a leader in that massive civil protest; someone who stands out. Abraham Lincoln where are you? Barack Obama where are you?
Obama once said, "We are the ones have been looking for. We are the change we seek." It's our job to organize protest. If you are really looking for organized action, might I suggest hopping on Sunday's joint MoveOn/WFP/Indivisible call at 8 pm EST. I guarantee you there will be marching orders. Signup here: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/752072/
I will! Also hopping onto an indivisible meeting but both should work timing wise!
Thanks… Yes… I agree with you. Opportunties abound. And we are the leaders we have been looking for. I work with Indivisible regularly; local & National.
What I'm saying is I think we need a major figure to pull us and all the groups (not just Indivisible) all across the country, together. I don't know... maybe Ezra L could do that?
One of my all-time favorite authors and scholars, Eddie Glaude Jr., wrote the book with that title, We Are The Leaders We Have Been Looking For. I have yet to read it but I'm holding my signed copy. I thank you for your welcomed comment which has reminded me to read it, next. He wrote, "Joan, love is the key!"
Donate to Simon's fund, he will hold Ken accountable, mark my words.
Not until I see action. Loud, strong, active leadership that mobilizes the Dem MOCS and us, their constituents.
I wrote something similar before I read your comment and I agree wholeheartedly. Where are the lawsuits and/or organized actions to bring attention to this lawless takeover??? Senator Wyden posted on Bluesky about it but I have not seen any reassuring response to what Bessent and Musk are doing with TAXPAYER FUNDS!
https://waleedshahid.substack.com/p/elon-musk-is-staging-a-coup?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=2579242&post_id=156270666&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=17laz1&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
I would love to see the new DNC Chair send an email to the millions of people who donated to Kamala Harris’ Campaign, to other Democratic candidates, and to the DNC itself – an email where Ken Martin explains how people can contribute to the Democratic Party, and to the resistance, in other ways than by giving money!
Imho, it would be very inspirational and hugely beneficial if Ken Martin were to immediately signal that he is looking for PARTNERS, not donors, and explain how he invites us to MOBILIZE right now.
Gotta say, I really like this idea.
I like the ides Democrats can form a shadow government to broadcast a reliable daily panel stating what Dems and a government who values government would be doing now if Dems were in - do a compare and contrast of day's events- tell of any bills that are ready to go or programs we need saved. However bad it gets if we could keep this dream alive and as out front and center as possible - I'm thinking on YouTube to reach the max varied viewer.
Absolutely. Let’s make some noise
Something like organizing a national strike. It has to actually make a difference or we are just playing patsy with the devil and watching everything we care about and worked so hard for in our lives get stolen.
THANK YOU!!! All of this self-congratulations in the midst of this extraordinary emergency is bizarre. WHERE ARE YOU SND WHY ARENT YOU WORKING FOR US NOW!!! WE NEED LEADERSHIP! How dare House Dems stay home this past week???? Meanwhile, they’ve shut down access to critical medical information that doctors like myself need to access. THEY’re SCRUBBING SCIENTIFIC DATA to remove words and articles on things like women’s health and teens at risk. They’re censoring science!!! NOW. On the middle of flu season with the highest risk of infectious disease and a huge TB outbreak. WHERE THE HELL IS OUR PARTY???
I'd also like to know how we can stop them gutting and then reforming the FBI into some kind of domestic police force for the Fuhrer. Not a peep from the Dems about someone working on how we can stop this, maybe through the courts...?
Thank you. They have to stop asking for money all the time. This is very off putting. It is not because of lack of money that we lost in November. The DNC needs to give us relevant actions, messaging, unity and hope.
Time for the general strike Sign up here: https://generalstrikeus.com/
Another ask for money without significant action is laughable at this point.
Congrats to Ken & all those elected to the DNC positions. Donated ✅
Donation done! This is the first bright spot for me in what feels like a long time. Not to burden Ken right out of the gate, but our hopes are riding on you. We are standing ready to help.
It was Ken or Ben for me too. I am happy with the result. Let’s support Ken and rev it up folks. To the ferocious opposition!!!
No donations. They should have chosen Wikler.
Agree. I'm not donating to the DNC. Maybe if there is a good result in the midterms, I'll reconsider.
That's not helpful at all.
I’ll continue to donate to state parties with chairs like Ben Wikler, Anderson Clayton, Lavora Barnes, candidates, and other pro-democratic organizations. The DNC doesn’t need my money.
Ok dear colleagues, but where is the Hopium? Will tomorrow's headline be,
"Fractious Democratic Party Split over DNC Leadership"
with the footnote -- Bretibart gets office in the Pentagon and see story on page 6 Showing how Trump and Musk have outsmarted the Democrats once again by taking control of the treasury, firing FBI agents all over the country, and putting idiots and Putin lackeys in cabinet positions.
I’m going to go back to not caring about the DNC. When was the last time that a DNC chair made a difference in the outcome of an election? We need leadership in the Democratic Party who will organize the Dems against this authoritarian power grab by Trump and Musk. It’s not going to come from the head of the DNC. I am looking at J.D. Pritzker who at least seems to have a spine and some rhetoric to match the moment.
When Howard Dean was chair, that's when. 50 state strategy worked very well.
💯, Ellen. I worked my tail off in the presidential successfully supporting an OR House rep in flipping one of our national seats to Blue. Like you, I’ll continue to donate to state parties with great Chairs. I am not donating to the DNC until Ken Martin lays out an aggressive PLAN OF ACTION, RESISTANCE AND DISRUPTION of the illegal assaults on our government.
💯
Yes!
I will donate. Ken was not my choice because I'm afraid he will be too "old school" - not bring enough new energy etc. We so need leadership that is action oriented, inclusive of grassroots, stepping up WAY more than has happened so far. I desperately want the DNC to succeed and fill the gaping hole of non-leadership we currently have. We need him to be loud - all the time, uncompromising non-normalizing resistance and figure out (like weeks ago) new ways to communicate with the public and with Dem supporters who are ready and willing to fight. I wish him well and will be behind him, just hoping hoping that he's the right choice.
Yes, we need Ken Martin, the chair of the Democratic National Committee to lead, but really, folks, he cannot be the voice of the party. Schumer, Jefferies, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and others who are know names need to be putting their bodies and hearts and souls out there.
How many Americans give a hoot about who the chair of the DNC is?
Elon Musk just took over the treasury of the United State and we're quibbling over who should run the DNC and arguing about whether we should are going to make some grand statement about withholding our $50 bucks if we didn't get Wikler?
What about David Hogg as vice- chair. Isn't that very good news. Put him up against weenies like Charlie Kirk in the Republican Party. David Hogg is a guy we can rally behind.
Yes. Congrats to David Hogg!!!
Listening to the interview, and from what I understand about MN politics, that's exactly what he's done. They are extremely successful with progressive policy in a purple state and his grassroots focus and success is undeniable. He shared that he intends to replicate that on every level all the time instead of just before elections. That does give me hope. He also addressed the messaging and branding problems as a priority so I am willing to see what he/they do. As he said, throwing the baby out with the bathwater is not going to help us win the mid-terms - if we still have elections that is...
Musk has the Federal Government checkbook. Astounding impact potential for authorized Congressional government spending in hands of an Oligarchic team not even contracted by US or authorized by Congress. Ken has a challenging job and will need resources from every nook and cranny to coordinate with the Congressional Dems and State Elected Officials! Let’s Go Big and Robustly.
Ken Martin has a 'live or die' task - & will Hopium again draw up the clusters of candidates to contribute to?
We cannot outspend the oligarchs….
No but we can be more strategic and have partnerships by all the Democratic PACs and fund raisers.We can create a unified robust multi-media communication approach as well as build a ground game in every state! Elections are occurring everywhere over the next 2 years!
It’s a shame that the first thing he did is ask for more money. I guess I’ll wait and see. At the moment the feckless Dem leadership is not getting any more money from me.
Agreed. Show me some fight - then, maybe, I will give you my hard-earned dollars.
Meanwhile, the coup is well on its way. https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/call-it-by-its-name-a-coup?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=271358&post_id=156224507&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=1526j&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
Hubbell also said: "th[ings] will get better. It is a fool’s bet to assume that the American people will sit idly by as their freedoms are stolen by a corrupt oligarch and a convicted felon destroying the government to promote their selfish interests...Soon, very soon, Americans will be called upon to leave the comfort of their homes and the anonymity of their computer screens to engage in massive, coordinated action to remind Trump and Musk that they are servants of the people, not vice-versa.
I understand those who are frustrated and angry over the seeming flat-footed response of Democratic leadership. But complaining is not a strategy. Issue spotting is not a strategy. Assigning blame is not a strategy. Taking action is a strategy. Spreading the truth is a strategy. Making the daily phone calls recommended by Jessica Craven is a strategy.
So, to the extent you can, direct all your anxious energy and anger toward action. The first time you learn of a protest march near you, show up. And the next time. And the time after that. In many nations, small protest marches gain momentum in a matter of weeks."
I'd take that bet, and I'm no fool. "The American people" -- notably the white ones -- have cheerfully sat by for centuries as freedoms were denied to people of color and, for many decades, to white women.
Most Americans don't have a clue about how economic power works, or how it's been riding roughshod over our aspiring democracy since the onset of the Reagan administration. Some 49% of the voting population thought Trump could "fix it" despite years upon years of evidence to the contrary.
Whistling past the graveyard isn't a strategy either. But hey, if it makes you feel better, by all means do it.
As a Wisconsinite, I know what Ben brought to the table having witnessed his impressive work here the past several years. I’m glad we keep him here in the Badger State, but I think our party missed out on a true change agent. This also has me concerned that the powers that be are still doubling down on old school thinking that will get us obliterated again. I listened to your interview with him from a few weeks ago where he highlighted his bona fides about working on the Gore and Kerry campaigns and I just rolled my eyes. I’m a Democrat through and through and yes - I’ll keep donating. But, I think we missed a chance to turn the page and instead elevate another party professional because it was “his turn” and went the safe route.
Agree. I will continue to donate to state parties with good Chairs like Ben, Anderson, Lavora.
Ditto. I'm not a "Democrat through and through." I'm a progressive feminist fighting for economic justice through and through, and if Dems are fighting for the same things, I'll support them. Too many of them aren't. Yes, the Dems are better than the Republicans, but that's such a low bar that it's not a great testimonial. We keep settling for less, and -- surprise, surprise -- that's what we keep getting.
hear hear!