Clearly even the European far right consider MAGA Neo-Nazis to be too extreme!
"French far-right leader Jordan Bardella has cancelled his speech at the US Conservative Political Action Conference conference after former Trump aide Steve Bannon appeared to make a Nazi salute at the end of his speech last night."
Did not get as much attention, but please read all of this. Happening in Oregon too in our only GOP held district. Let's just say, WE the people are NOT happy!
We have heard about Trump pressing Zelenskyy to "make a deal" and sign over the rights to Ukraine’s mineral deposits. Timothy Snyder has a fascinating article where he provides more details.
hand over their precious minerals w/o US guaranteed future support and negotiating w/o them? who would take this deal? its not even a deal, its extortion.
It’s pathetic to see all sycophants in the White House, and elsewhere, stroking Trumps ego and licking his boots. And, frankly, they are kissing more than his ring…
Bill Nigut (recently retired after 4 decades covering the GA scene) called Greg Bluestein "the hardest working reporter in Georgia.) Bluestein co-hosts the one-hour, weekday show on local NPR called "Politically Georgia." We're lucky to have him.
By the way, at the end of the video he lists 5 things we can do right now to help shift the tide. Number 5 is supporting the two house Florida races coming April 1.
That’s great! I wish Ken Martin would put those "Five Things We Can Do Right Now" in an email – and send it to the millions of people who are part of the Democratic grass roots!
Ken lists his 5 things at 46 minutes into the video. I took these notes:
1. Fill state and local party committee seats. Contact your state Democratic Party and ask what seats need to be filled.
2. Show up at townhalls of our Democratic representatives to support and thank them for their work. (Too often we turn on each other)
3. Protest at local Trump properties and Musk businesses. (“…take the fight to them”)
4. Engage in online communities to push back on right wing disinformation.
5. Help with the Florida congressional special elections. Go to Floridadems.org to volunteer… “public sentiment has shifted significantly in the past three weeks” despite these being heavily Republican districts …”we can win.”
After watching the interview linked here I am definitely making an additional donation to help Ken. I hope others will watch and be encouraged as well. I’m delighted that he went on the widely watched Politics Girl program. That speaks volumes right there. She is brilliant and no nonsense. Just what we need in media in this critical moment.
Called McGuire AGAIN, this time a voicemail, about holding a similar town hall. Also, wrote Youngkin to shame him for his spinelessness in standing up for our federal workforce. Wrote an email to Tillis (even though he's NC and I'm in VA) just HEAPING PRAISE on him for his stand and asking him to quietly convince his colleagues to join the right side of history.
One of the representatives you listed with yesterday's video was Monica de la Cruz. She's my representative from TX-15 and I've been calling her CONSTANTLY (probably along with many more). The calls must be getting through to her if she is actually is talking to Mike Johnson.
This Tuesday, 25 February, Maine will hold a special election. This is for the state representative of District 24, which includes part of Bangor, Brewer, Orono, and all of Veazie. Democrats have a majority of just a couple seats in the Maine legislature, so this election matters. The Democratic candidate is Sean Faircloth.
Hey Simon, what about focusing on turning Republican senators who were just elected this year? With six year terms, they won't have to have another election until after Trump's term. Which hopefully the new president would be a Democrat. Wishful thinking, but maybe he and Elon would even be in jail by their next election. I know it's a lot of what if and "hopium" thinking, but I feel like that's how the Republicans think. Far ahead even if things don't always pan out.
God, I love that video of our Courageous Citizen. And I do think the courage is catching and that people who aren't helping us right this ship are starting to feel a little left out. So join us, I say. I implore. Meanwhile, watching Rachel Maddow break down the new polling last night is something one might dance to. And watching Joe Rogan slide and Meidas rise, I mean: Yes. More of this please. We're doing it. I adore all of you in this community.
I think a big part of the "dam" that Thursday's town hall has broken open is the threat of being "primaried" -- that the Trumpists have held over the heads of all those who refuse to bend the knee to the king. Rest assured that in GA-7, a Trump-endorsement is going to be a kiss of death.
Just a quick note a month later --- and after all that has happened.
I'm in GA-11, which is solidly red. We have open primaries. I believe it is critical for both parties to put up candidates who will commit to restoring constitutional norms, and also commit to holding in-person town halls. It has been well established that the current incumbent is committed to neither. He should be primaried, and I would encourage any independent and fellow Democrat to cross over in the primary and vote to throw this incumbent out.
Roger Wicker is getting a lot of praise lately for speaking out against Russia and Putin. The man is 73 years old and will hold his office until 2030 so he has no worries about reelection. If he feels this strongly why did he vote for Pete Hegseth, Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, et al? Words don't really matter if you are not willing to put action behind it.
If we are to bring people to an a true anti-Trump coalition we are going to have to forgive a lot of people for their past transgressions, including millions of voters. It may suck but it is necessary.
First, I don't want to press this point too much (just so as not to distract the community). Second, I do this with all due respect, and I am happy to hear any pushback/thoughts you might have on this, Simon.
However, I think there is a clear distinction between voters who sincerely (for whatever reason) did not fully know what they were getting and Republican Senators who knew exactly what kind of man Trump was and still got behind him anyway. Despite their oath to God and to country.
To me, it's the difference between JD Vance ("America's Hitler") and your average voter in Appalachia. So while I will applaud Senator Wicker if he continues on the path of criticizing Trump to its full consequences, I will not give him any credit if he goes down the path of McConnell. What McConnell has done is, at best, "cheap grace."
Disillusioned working-class voters are one thing. Republican Senators who knowingly cower in the face of their oath to protect and defend the Constitution are another. That said, if Wicker continues to do what he does and "perseveres to the end" like Liz Cheney and others did, then yes, he could use our forgiveness.
Not Simon, and temperamentally I agree with you. But I think with respect the stakes are so high to just flip our position and cast aside one of our greatest triumphs and contributions that we ought to take what pressure we can get on Trump to not sell out Ukraine and open the door to Putin taking more territory in Eastern Europe in years to come.
If I may add, a senator who at 73 begins to rethink [MS !!!] - that's a difficult process personally and many appear to lack the courage. imo, one waits for the call and tries to be there when the friend/ acquaintance in an abusive relationship finally calls for help; one answers and helps and doesn't ask why didn't you call me a month ago before it got this bad.
Yes, I thought about that as I was writing. I distinguish, e.g., Vance, Musk, T and others - who imo are on the side of hostile governments. Southerners, espousers of the lost cause, etc., are in a particular blind spot, remarkable if one appears to be being shaken loose. and btw, re: my analogy, Tillis has spoken of death threats, and along those lines remarkable that Pence is now speaking out. Do you think that ppl who blithely take food from starving children would think twice about ... ?
Simon, I want to thank you for your Wednesday talks with subscribers. I plan my Pacific time commute around the 4pm start, and I find them deeply comforting and inspiring. As for actions, I’m in a local activist group, we are planning, communicating, inspiring and hoping. I have stepped up my communication with my personal contacts to raise awareness and rally opposition to Republicans. My calls to my reps are once per week.
On a related note, would it be possible to have the DNC hire or subcontract Rep. Katie Porter? Obviously, she is out of office after her Senate run. However, she is probably the best economic communicator that the Democrats have. With the Republicans pressing for their Tax Bill, she could explain the numbers in common terms. SINCE SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE, AND MEDICAID ARE ON THE MENU TO COVER $5 TRILLION IN TAX CUTS, WE ARE DEALING WITH A CLASS AND ECONOMIC WAR!!
Let me be cynical. SOME WALL STREET PROS TOLD THE DOLOS CREW TO GET THEIR RECESSION IN EARLY. A recession should allow bond yields to come down (remember the target of the Treasury Secretary), and it would probably also force the Fed to cut rates (what Dolos wants). Since we still have legislative process in spite of the illiberal aspirations of Dolos and Leon, the Republican party-line in a recession is to — CUT TAXES AND DEREGULATE. They would say the following: “It is a crisis - after all; you do not raise taxes in a recession.”
This Republican sentiment about a recession would provide cover (especially with Right-wing media ringing the bell) for members in at risk districts (i.e CA and NY). They do not care about their constituents. They only care about lower taxes (and their donors)!!
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.S.: Here are some ideas for BLACK HISTORY MONTH: https://time.com/charter/6253458/black-history-month-how-to-observe/ . From the “Middle Passage” (chained in the holds of slave ships) to more recent history (a POTUS and a VPOTUS), think about their perseverance! Take their example.
Obviously what Trump is doing will weaken the economy, drive up inflation, and lead to recession. Take a look at the markets today, markedly down. How the GOP chooses to spin it is beyond our control. We have to be LOUD that Trump/Musk has created the downturn. Stop tariffs and tradewars. Stop exporting taxpaying migrants.
and finally Patrick, as Simon says repeatedly, trashing the Dems is doing the GOPs work for them. More and more Blues are getting more muscular these days. If you want to complain, do it directly to your representatives by calling them. Focus on the wins.
Bitecofer, imo, though witty and knowledgeable about polling, did not understand the depth of the problem in a number of extended interviews with her and some others that I saw a couple years back. Congress and the Senate are fighting through the courts. We really do not know everything they are doing. but rudderless in no way applies. Hopium here, giving us guidelines very important for our part.
that video! goosebumps! now x 1000 and everywhere! thanks, Simon.
Bannon makes Nazi salute at CPAC
Clearly even the European far right consider MAGA Neo-Nazis to be too extreme!
"French far-right leader Jordan Bardella has cancelled his speech at the US Conservative Political Action Conference conference after former Trump aide Steve Bannon appeared to make a Nazi salute at the end of his speech last night."
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/feb/21/europe-live-latest-news-ukraine-russia-war-trump-macron-starmer
It was obvious to everyone, except for the corporate media in this country, who want to keep their access at the cost of our democracy
Did not get as much attention, but please read all of this. Happening in Oregon too in our only GOP held district. Let's just say, WE the people are NOT happy!
https://www.eastoregonian.com/news/local/bentz-s-pendleton-town-hall-draws-major-crowd-criticism/article_37e90854-efec-11ef-873a-973ac780137c.html
This is great. Thank you.
Saw this on Maddow!
I clicked on link.🔗 it said not found. Will try again typing in search bar.
We have heard about Trump pressing Zelenskyy to "make a deal" and sign over the rights to Ukraine’s mineral deposits. Timothy Snyder has a fascinating article where he provides more details.
https://snyder.substack.com/p/recoup-the-costs
hand over their precious minerals w/o US guaranteed future support and negotiating w/o them? who would take this deal? its not even a deal, its extortion.
They are going to make a deal on this and now Trump's spokesperson is saying that Trump will win the Nobel Peace Prize.
It’s pathetic to see all sycophants in the White House, and elsewhere, stroking Trumps ego and licking his boots. And, frankly, they are kissing more than his ring…
They are so far up Trump's dirty behind.
Please call your Senator(s) and rep(s) and tell them to call out the lies and the bootlicking, while our country is being threatened from within.
So proud of my people. I am sorry I was not there. Bluestein is an outstanding reporter.
Bill Nigut (recently retired after 4 decades covering the GA scene) called Greg Bluestein "the hardest working reporter in Georgia.) Bluestein co-hosts the one-hour, weekday show on local NPR called "Politically Georgia." We're lucky to have him.
DNC chair Ken Martin with in-depth interview on Politics Girl, Lee MacGowan. I was deeply impressed with Ken after watching this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbLYjvUsa5I
By the way, at the end of the video he lists 5 things we can do right now to help shift the tide. Number 5 is supporting the two house Florida races coming April 1.
That’s great! I wish Ken Martin would put those "Five Things We Can Do Right Now" in an email – and send it to the millions of people who are part of the Democratic grass roots!
Agree. This should be on the DNC website and be sent out to all grassroots supporters. This is something we could amplify quickly.
Send your comment to the DNC here https://democrats.org/contact-us/ or contact your state's members of the DNC.
Ken lists his 5 things at 46 minutes into the video. I took these notes:
1. Fill state and local party committee seats. Contact your state Democratic Party and ask what seats need to be filled.
2. Show up at townhalls of our Democratic representatives to support and thank them for their work. (Too often we turn on each other)
3. Protest at local Trump properties and Musk businesses. (“…take the fight to them”)
4. Engage in online communities to push back on right wing disinformation.
5. Help with the Florida congressional special elections. Go to Floridadems.org to volunteer… “public sentiment has shifted significantly in the past three weeks” despite these being heavily Republican districts …”we can win.”
Thank you!
After watching the interview linked here I am definitely making an additional donation to help Ken. I hope others will watch and be encouraged as well. I’m delighted that he went on the widely watched Politics Girl program. That speaks volumes right there. She is brilliant and no nonsense. Just what we need in media in this critical moment.
Thank you! Great interview
My calls are in to WI’s Republicans. Writing more postcards for WI Judge Crawford. I’m committed to sticking with it - thanks for your encouragement.
Called McGuire AGAIN, this time a voicemail, about holding a similar town hall. Also, wrote Youngkin to shame him for his spinelessness in standing up for our federal workforce. Wrote an email to Tillis (even though he's NC and I'm in VA) just HEAPING PRAISE on him for his stand and asking him to quietly convince his colleagues to join the right side of history.
Yes, please keep sharing progress you are seeing in your states. I can share them here on Hopium.
Great leadership Simon.
One of the representatives you listed with yesterday's video was Monica de la Cruz. She's my representative from TX-15 and I've been calling her CONSTANTLY (probably along with many more). The calls must be getting through to her if she is actually is talking to Mike Johnson.
I think I sense the rumbling of an earthquake. An American earthquake. Amazing news, thank you, Simon!
MAINE SPECIAL ELECTION
This Tuesday, 25 February, Maine will hold a special election. This is for the state representative of District 24, which includes part of Bangor, Brewer, Orono, and all of Veazie. Democrats have a majority of just a couple seats in the Maine legislature, so this election matters. The Democratic candidate is Sean Faircloth.
Hey Simon, what about focusing on turning Republican senators who were just elected this year? With six year terms, they won't have to have another election until after Trump's term. Which hopefully the new president would be a Democrat. Wishful thinking, but maybe he and Elon would even be in jail by their next election. I know it's a lot of what if and "hopium" thinking, but I feel like that's how the Republicans think. Far ahead even if things don't always pan out.
God, I love that video of our Courageous Citizen. And I do think the courage is catching and that people who aren't helping us right this ship are starting to feel a little left out. So join us, I say. I implore. Meanwhile, watching Rachel Maddow break down the new polling last night is something one might dance to. And watching Joe Rogan slide and Meidas rise, I mean: Yes. More of this please. We're doing it. I adore all of you in this community.
I think a big part of the "dam" that Thursday's town hall has broken open is the threat of being "primaried" -- that the Trumpists have held over the heads of all those who refuse to bend the knee to the king. Rest assured that in GA-7, a Trump-endorsement is going to be a kiss of death.
The spell is evaporating.
Just a quick note a month later --- and after all that has happened.
I'm in GA-11, which is solidly red. We have open primaries. I believe it is critical for both parties to put up candidates who will commit to restoring constitutional norms, and also commit to holding in-person town halls. It has been well established that the current incumbent is committed to neither. He should be primaried, and I would encourage any independent and fellow Democrat to cross over in the primary and vote to throw this incumbent out.
Roger Wicker is getting a lot of praise lately for speaking out against Russia and Putin. The man is 73 years old and will hold his office until 2030 so he has no worries about reelection. If he feels this strongly why did he vote for Pete Hegseth, Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, et al? Words don't really matter if you are not willing to put action behind it.
If we are to bring people to an a true anti-Trump coalition we are going to have to forgive a lot of people for their past transgressions, including millions of voters. It may suck but it is necessary.
First, I don't want to press this point too much (just so as not to distract the community). Second, I do this with all due respect, and I am happy to hear any pushback/thoughts you might have on this, Simon.
However, I think there is a clear distinction between voters who sincerely (for whatever reason) did not fully know what they were getting and Republican Senators who knew exactly what kind of man Trump was and still got behind him anyway. Despite their oath to God and to country.
To me, it's the difference between JD Vance ("America's Hitler") and your average voter in Appalachia. So while I will applaud Senator Wicker if he continues on the path of criticizing Trump to its full consequences, I will not give him any credit if he goes down the path of McConnell. What McConnell has done is, at best, "cheap grace."
Disillusioned working-class voters are one thing. Republican Senators who knowingly cower in the face of their oath to protect and defend the Constitution are another. That said, if Wicker continues to do what he does and "perseveres to the end" like Liz Cheney and others did, then yes, he could use our forgiveness.
Not Simon, and temperamentally I agree with you. But I think with respect the stakes are so high to just flip our position and cast aside one of our greatest triumphs and contributions that we ought to take what pressure we can get on Trump to not sell out Ukraine and open the door to Putin taking more territory in Eastern Europe in years to come.
Take a close look at Kaliningrad. I think it will be a future hotspot and an excuse to grab the 3 Baltics.
If I may add, a senator who at 73 begins to rethink [MS !!!] - that's a difficult process personally and many appear to lack the courage. imo, one waits for the call and tries to be there when the friend/ acquaintance in an abusive relationship finally calls for help; one answers and helps and doesn't ask why didn't you call me a month ago before it got this bad.
Hello SW,
Interesting thoughts. Just thought I would submit my reply to Simon's reply to your consideration as well.
Yes, I thought about that as I was writing. I distinguish, e.g., Vance, Musk, T and others - who imo are on the side of hostile governments. Southerners, espousers of the lost cause, etc., are in a particular blind spot, remarkable if one appears to be being shaken loose. and btw, re: my analogy, Tillis has spoken of death threats, and along those lines remarkable that Pence is now speaking out. Do you think that ppl who blithely take food from starving children would think twice about ... ?
You make some good points here. Thanks for your thoughts. I think you may very well be right.
Simon, I want to thank you for your Wednesday talks with subscribers. I plan my Pacific time commute around the 4pm start, and I find them deeply comforting and inspiring. As for actions, I’m in a local activist group, we are planning, communicating, inspiring and hoping. I have stepped up my communication with my personal contacts to raise awareness and rally opposition to Republicans. My calls to my reps are once per week.
Simon et al.:
Do you agree with Professor Bitecofer that the Dems are functionally rudderless? Here is her most recent “Stat of The Week”: https://thecycle.substack.com/p/stat-of-the-week?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=242338&post_id=157555694&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=bmf2j&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email . Her analysis seems to fade the negative polls for Dolols and his party from earlier this week. I’d appreciate your thoughts.
On a related note, would it be possible to have the DNC hire or subcontract Rep. Katie Porter? Obviously, she is out of office after her Senate run. However, she is probably the best economic communicator that the Democrats have. With the Republicans pressing for their Tax Bill, she could explain the numbers in common terms. SINCE SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE, AND MEDICAID ARE ON THE MENU TO COVER $5 TRILLION IN TAX CUTS, WE ARE DEALING WITH A CLASS AND ECONOMIC WAR!!
Let me be cynical. SOME WALL STREET PROS TOLD THE DOLOS CREW TO GET THEIR RECESSION IN EARLY. A recession should allow bond yields to come down (remember the target of the Treasury Secretary), and it would probably also force the Fed to cut rates (what Dolos wants). Since we still have legislative process in spite of the illiberal aspirations of Dolos and Leon, the Republican party-line in a recession is to — CUT TAXES AND DEREGULATE. They would say the following: “It is a crisis - after all; you do not raise taxes in a recession.”
This Republican sentiment about a recession would provide cover (especially with Right-wing media ringing the bell) for members in at risk districts (i.e CA and NY). They do not care about their constituents. They only care about lower taxes (and their donors)!!
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.S.: Here are some ideas for BLACK HISTORY MONTH: https://time.com/charter/6253458/black-history-month-how-to-observe/ . From the “Middle Passage” (chained in the holds of slave ships) to more recent history (a POTUS and a VPOTUS), think about their perseverance! Take their example.
Obviously what Trump is doing will weaken the economy, drive up inflation, and lead to recession. Take a look at the markets today, markedly down. How the GOP chooses to spin it is beyond our control. We have to be LOUD that Trump/Musk has created the downturn. Stop tariffs and tradewars. Stop exporting taxpaying migrants.
and finally Patrick, as Simon says repeatedly, trashing the Dems is doing the GOPs work for them. More and more Blues are getting more muscular these days. If you want to complain, do it directly to your representatives by calling them. Focus on the wins.
Bitecofer, imo, though witty and knowledgeable about polling, did not understand the depth of the problem in a number of extended interviews with her and some others that I saw a couple years back. Congress and the Senate are fighting through the courts. We really do not know everything they are doing. but rudderless in no way applies. Hopium here, giving us guidelines very important for our part.
I also have really mixed feelings about her work.