"A senior White House official accidentally leaked details of plans to send an elite army unit to Portland, in the latest intelligence leak by the Trump administration.
"Anthony Salisbury, a top deputy to Stephen Miller, the influential White House policy adviser, was observed using Signal in a public place to discuss a plan to deploy the army’s 82nd airborne division to Portland, the Democratic-run Oregon city which Donald Trump has repeatedly castigated as being “war-ravaged”."
Simon I’m happy that it was a good week. But my belief is that until Chuck Schumer is replaced by a capable leader, the Democratic Party, as a whole, will continue to tread water and not make progress. He is the elephant in the living room.
Dan, we go into battle with the army we have not the one we wish we had.
Understand the point of view. Suggest it is a waste of your time and our time to spending time on it. Schumer just did what everyone has wanted him to do and it isn't enough. That's how we lose, not how we win.
Dan, like you, I’ve been on edge expecting Schumer to capitulate but thankfully he’s listening. Maybe (in this case) what he lacks in youth and bravado, he makes up in wisdom and experience. Maybe that’s been his secret weapon all along? Looks like Republicans fell for it too.
Ok, maybe I’m reaching a bit but maybe not…
Either way, he’s clearly listening to us, and for that, he’s made me second guess my early skepticism.
I’ve been expressing disappointment with Senator Klobuchar on here lately, but she’s been up there with Schumer standing tall in this moment. She’s also beginning to weave morality into her rhetoric—as one of the Pod Save guys suggested Democrats start doing, to wrest control of that narrative from the Republicans. I just called to thank her for both.
And I’m so happy to see that tweet from the Judiciary Dems. No one to the left of actual Nazis wants this, and I am glad to see them call it out.
Teach them what we expect of them. Little cracks become big cracks. Courage is contagious. LFG.
I'm not sure either of them are the people for the job right now, but they are the people IN the jobs, and I'm very glad to see them hit higher gears now.
I posted this on Substack to Lt. Colonel Ritche's post about the abomination that was the Hegseth/Trump meeting of the generals. This is probably not the exact place to copy my reply , but here it is...
"Thank you For your service, Lieutenant Colonel. We will not let this country fall to a fascist regime. Tomorrow I will visit Arlington Cemetery to honor my father, 1st Lt, US Army, WWII. Purple heart, Bronze star, Silver Star. He did not have part of his skull blown off and live with a metal plate in his head for the rest of his life to let that happen. As his first daughter, I will do everything I can to stop this. While at the cemetery I will also visit and honor the service men and women in section 60. Thank you for your service, Sir."
Thanks for this great post. I'm spending time this weekend organizing my Dad's military papers for donation to the World War II Museum in New Orleans, and I'm so grateful they have agreed to accept and preserve this bit of history. He, too, was a Bronze Star recipient, and it makes me cry every time I think of the sacrifices he and my Mother made for this country--a country neither would recognize. Then I wipe my eyes and say, "get back to work trying to salvage and improve the great country they helped build."
Thank you for your response, KBH. That's wonderful that they will accept your father's military papers for donation to the WWII Museum in New Orleans. You remind me that I haven't been down to the WWII Memorial in Washington in a while. That's something Trump and the Repubs cannot close. You final comment -- "I wipe my eyes and say, get back to work trying to salvage and improve the great country they helped build" is so very beautiful and could've been taken from my own mind and soul right now. I've learned more about the Bronze Star recently and realize that it is in some ways a more prestigious award than I had originally known. If you ever come to Washington, let me know. I LOVE showing people around Arllington Cemetery and the other majestic monuments here that we will never let Trump touch.
THANK YOU! I, too, love Washington and try as Trump might, he can't destroy the history, the monuments and the spirit of the people. My husband and I have volunteered on Honor Air flights--taking veterans to DC to see their memorials. Always a very moving experience.
Here is my question: I am being bombarded for donations from Democrat candidates all over the country running for all levels of government. I can't support most of them, especially given the needs of the local food bank, etc. I wonder if I should first support candidates/issues that will be voted on in November and hold back on the 2026 elections? I have already sent postcards supporting Prop. 50 in CA and contributed 3 times to that. In other words, how do I prioritize?
Here's what I'm doing now that it's fall: Until the Nov elections, I am supporting the governors Simon is highlighting, Prop 50, and the Audacity Fund. I'm also putting a bit of money into the primary race for MN Senate. When that's over, I will turn my attention to 2026, focusing on the candidates Simon has picked, as well as Minnesota Gov and Senate.
I believe deeply in building infrastructure that lasts beyond a specific race and builds wider capacity, so I was excited to see and contribute to the Audacious Expansion Fund along with the immediate priorities (Spanberger, Sherrill, CA Prop 50). I've got local races to contribute to as well, and the democracy orgs that are fighting the court cases, so my donations to the other Hopium funds have been smaller.
I get texts and emails like everyone else about candidates around the country, which I've decided to appreciate rather than be annoyed by - they show passion, energy, diverse backgrounds, a growing bench. (Then I type stop.)
Great advice! And after the horrific exposé about the Mothership, I would recommend never donating through an email or text. Go to Hopium or the campaign's own website.
I wasn't thinking about Mothership when I wrote that comment, but with your reminder, I hope we get some information about Mothership shutting down or changing its ways, or exactly which associated campaigns are scammy. I might give to others (soft spot for teachers who run, or DLCC, for ex.), but that expose left so many questions.
i think the chicago story deserves a lot of ink in the MSM. no warrants? and entire apt bldg? we are not safe in our homes now? dont think any american would abide by this. needs to be huge on social media. will there be legal action??? has pritzger made a statement? seems really over the top and unconstitutional. elected dems need to speak out about his. helicopters and rapelling ice agents? naked kid zip tied? what have we come to?
I agree!! Beyond belief … why isn’t this horrendous story “out there” big time ?? Anyone have any updates on that ? I can call my Md reps … will that help tho?
Watching Simon's words to the paid subscribers' meeting, I'm getting a different perspective on the overall picture. I think the admin. especially those responsible for p2025 has known for a while T was on shaky grounds re: health and sanity, and tried to ease him out [Elon's attack on him] and replace him with JD, but of course T won't budge. they're in a race against his deteriorating health to implement their program which was already failing thanks to our, American People's, pushback. They have the worst of all possible worlds on their side, not to minimize how very dangerous it is now: T weak and failing with iron grip on their side, ppl hate Vance anyway, time is running out for them. Their problem is Maga will not follow Vance. I think we're doing everything right, so impressed with Schumer et al. go team!
Wow SW, this analysis really hits the mark! Yes we are so distraught about our situation, but at the same time there is such encouragement in taking advantage of their tactical weaknesses —that is our great opportunity.
Thank you. imo JD Vance is a real problem because he is so unpleasant and disliked on a personal level. Simon emphasized the T admin in a bubble and unable to calibrate reality. They think they can slot JD in, but personality matters.
I certainly do not want JD Vance sitting in the Oval Office; he's smarter and better packaged than the evil orange menace but he is also under the thumbs of Peter Thiel, Curtis Yarvin, etc. and is just as evil if not more so than DJT.
We have to Run through the first p.o.s. to get to the next for 2028.
JD is coniving and smarter, but he's weird and not a leader. Plus we can all call him a couch-f*cker and he wears eyeliner and has had 3 different names.
They got no front man after two-dolls.. I agree with SW. Vance is weak... no one likes him... At ALL!
agree. no front man. there is fracturing going on. and this shut down is happening at a time when ppl are finding out what they / we will be billed for health care.
Uhhh,yes but believe trumps handlers positioned Pompeo /Sununo in follow up positions for whenever trump goes down. It will be a MAGA -GOP war the Libertarian groups intend to win. Koch Foundation, Heritage group, Thiel, Musk, SCOTUS, etc,etc.
All trumps careful handlers. He’s been their “ useful idiot” so far following where Vought is leading.
Well represented with Grim Reaper video; surprised so much political honesty from them.
Fully agree with your comment: we proud patriots/activists are doing so much and how wonderfully impressive it is. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
I’ve been making my calls primarily with the demand he be removed. He’s demented to the point where he shouldn’t be left alone with a book of matches much less the nuclear codes.
How many No Kings signs do you think we'll see employing the phrase: FUCK THEM KIDS?
Also, what's in the water now at CNN? Some good moments with some anchors recently nailing the Repubs on their talking points in real time, not allowing them to skip on to the next lie before addressing the current drivel that came out of their mouths.
Seems to me there are two fights going on. One is the political fight, in which Democrats are doing quite well – although the message could be better-honed and sharper. The other is the fight for power. Russ Vought, key architect of Project 2025 and Trump’s Director of the Office of Management and Budget, has been preparing for this shutdown for years. Fortunately, Democrats and lawyers are fighting like hell to not let the Trump Regime get away with measures that are blatantly illegal.
PS. I am more than a bit worried about Mikie Sherrill, our gubernatorial candidate in the still-blue state of New Jersey. Recent interviews with her have been downright painful to watch – and Jack Cattarelli’s has been capitalizing on that.
I really do hope Sherrill pulls through, but she has to pull her act together and may need significant outside help. New Jersey is NOT a state Democrats can afford to lose!
She is up 8 in the latest Fox News poll, 50-42, and the Gateway Tunnel fiasco is doing enormous harm to the Rs there. She is up 8 on average in the public polls over the last 6 weeks.
Good to hear about Gateway Tunnel. I got caught up on podcasts last night (after being on the road this week) and Ron Filipowski was saying that Vought and Miller are policy ideologues who don’t consider political or electoral ramifications of their actions. That made me feel hopeful.
Just donated $25 to Sherrill. Looking forward to a vindicating election night for my birthday this year. 🥳
I’ve actually been really impressed with her interviews. Particularly since the leak of her military record, she has been on her game—on message, passionate, leading by example.
The current landscape is not the usual and Simon's analysis is so important, imo, for understanding this moment. One thing that jumps out at me is the number of clips I'm running across of farmers outraged at loss of their markets juxtaposed with 20b. bailout of Argentina. There is no need for leadership to talk about it, that fact has a life of its own and elected officials in ag. based states are talking about it.
And I still think the 'morning of the long knives' was a terrible mistake on their part. Getting all the flag officers and their aides together for an in person event ...
A UNC professor was put on leave earlier this week after people affiliated with Turning Point USA flagged him for having been a part of a group called the Redneck Revolt in 2016 (the group was disbanded in 2019). Thousands of staff and faculty signed a petition and hundreds rallied in support of him and he was reinstated after it was determined that he posed no threat to the university and had not violated any policies. Victory!
Glad to see my alma mater backtracked on this. The accusation as described in the WRAL and Daily Tar Heel stories was awfully thin gruel--based on a social media post from a Turning Point USA official about a flyer found at Georgetown University! It just shows the extent which authoritarian tactics engender fear and overreaction among public officials.
Indeed! I was impressed that a colleague who is here on a green card had the guts to sign the petition. She said she couldn't live with herself if she didn't stand up for what is right.
I like forward to continued boos and heckling throughout the Country like these heard in Washington, D.C. No login required. Somehow I imagine karaoke booing. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNnqLpOpsds/?hl=en and
Meidas Touch has a new video about Trump's spiritual advisor, who just pled guilty to sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl and was sentenced to 6 months in prison (a miracle he was sentenced at all; Trump will no doubt pardon him). How had I missed this story?! Yet another thing to blast all over the media. These people are such scum!
I wrote about this on HCR comment section today. And to be clear 6 months in a county prison, not a state penitentiary. Sound familiar? Ms. Maxwell is moved to a country club prison, Look at the first deal Epstein had in Florida, and of course the Tate brothers are flown on a private plane to Florida so that they do not stand trial abroad for rape and sex trafficking. GOP : Guardians of the Pedophiles (perverts, and pussy grabbers)
state polling in nj is not stellar; murphy was cruising in the polls and it was far closer in the end, like 3 points. this is what has people worried; not sure how far ahead harris was but nj went from like double digits for biden to around 5 for harris; there are jack c signs everywhere; i do not know the effect of the military records reveal, but i'd say people do think it was dirty; so while i do share people's concerns over this race, as someone who will be affected directly by it, i do not see real momentum in polling for jack c, at least not now, and the recent moves nationally by r's are pissing people in nj off. and, we tend to be an irritable bunch to begin with.....
I can’t speak to the quality of NJ polling and wholeheartedly agree that the closer than expected results for Murphy 2.0 and Harris are unnerving, but a win is a win. I’m leaning into that and crossing my fingers she pulls it off. 🤞
Actually, I’m doing more than hoping. I’m working to get her elected!!!
Here in Missouri instead of focusing on saving Rep. Cleaver's House seat and challenging vulnerable Rep. Ann Wagner, Democrats are reassembling the circular firing squad as Cori Bush tries for a comeback against Freshman Democrat Wesley Bell.
Self reporting on local election coming to our small town in NY Nov 4th. We were able to recruit 2 great candidates for our town election which has only one democrat who is Deputy Town Supervisor. We are trying to increase us, decrease them. This note is from our Town Justice candidate who is running for office for the first time. She is a superlative candidate with incredible credentials. We have knocked on 80% of the doors of democrats and independents so far.
“The whole newsletter looks fantastic. Thank you, Karen! And those canvassing numbers--wow!
We're a little more than four weeks away from the election--hard to believe!--and I just want to say thank you, to all of you, for the work you're doing--and were doing, long, long before I came along. I decided to run because I felt like I had to do something--I was too disengaged, lamenting the state of the world without taking steps to make it better. Not only have I gotten the great pleasure of getting to know all of you, you've shown me exactly what it looks like to be engaged in the way that I wanted to be.
I'm really so glad to be doing this crazy thing with all of you.
Thanks, Simon! Woo hoo - I just got this great news via email from RootsAction!
CORI BUSH IS BACK!
Cori Bush has just entered the race for her former seat in Congress!
From 2021 to 2025, Cori Bush represented Missouri's first congressional district. In many ways, she represented most of the rest of the nation as well -- those of us with Congressional delegations unwilling to strongly challenge militarism or corporate oligarchy.
Bush brought not just stronger positions but also new tactics to Capitol Hill, staging sit-ins and sleep-ins, one of which saved countless families from eviction.
In 2024 Bush was defeated by right-wing and AIPAC money that flooded into a Democratic Party primary.
There are now reasons to hope that AIPAC's powers are waning, and that Bush will prove to have simply been against genocide too soon for some people. 💙💙💙
"A senior White House official accidentally leaked details of plans to send an elite army unit to Portland, in the latest intelligence leak by the Trump administration.
"Anthony Salisbury, a top deputy to Stephen Miller, the influential White House policy adviser, was observed using Signal in a public place to discuss a plan to deploy the army’s 82nd airborne division to Portland, the Democratic-run Oregon city which Donald Trump has repeatedly castigated as being “war-ravaged”."
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/04/us-military-portland-oregon-trump-administration
When I look at Trump, the GOP and the Supreme Court, I think of these words from Walt Whitman from before the Civil War:
Are those really Congressman? are those the great Judges? Is that the President?
Well - I guess Petey Boy won't have to give Salisbury a lie detector test, it's all over the news that he's the leaker!
Simon I’m happy that it was a good week. But my belief is that until Chuck Schumer is replaced by a capable leader, the Democratic Party, as a whole, will continue to tread water and not make progress. He is the elephant in the living room.
Dan, we go into battle with the army we have not the one we wish we had.
Understand the point of view. Suggest it is a waste of your time and our time to spending time on it. Schumer just did what everyone has wanted him to do and it isn't enough. That's how we lose, not how we win.
https://wapo.st/476zCx8 gift article "Democrats’ defiance on shutdown shows a new, tougher approach to Trump"
Dan, like you, I’ve been on edge expecting Schumer to capitulate but thankfully he’s listening. Maybe (in this case) what he lacks in youth and bravado, he makes up in wisdom and experience. Maybe that’s been his secret weapon all along? Looks like Republicans fell for it too.
Ok, maybe I’m reaching a bit but maybe not…
Either way, he’s clearly listening to us, and for that, he’s made me second guess my early skepticism.
I’ve been expressing disappointment with Senator Klobuchar on here lately, but she’s been up there with Schumer standing tall in this moment. She’s also beginning to weave morality into her rhetoric—as one of the Pod Save guys suggested Democrats start doing, to wrest control of that narrative from the Republicans. I just called to thank her for both.
And I’m so happy to see that tweet from the Judiciary Dems. No one to the left of actual Nazis wants this, and I am glad to see them call it out.
Teach them what we expect of them. Little cracks become big cracks. Courage is contagious. LFG.
Every time I see or hear Klobuchar now, I think of you, Anne.
Glad to read that she's closer to hittin' the notes for your ears, as Chuck is for mine!
I'm not sure either of them are the people for the job right now, but they are the people IN the jobs, and I'm very glad to see them hit higher gears now.
Exactly.
I posted this on Substack to Lt. Colonel Ritche's post about the abomination that was the Hegseth/Trump meeting of the generals. This is probably not the exact place to copy my reply , but here it is...
"Thank you For your service, Lieutenant Colonel. We will not let this country fall to a fascist regime. Tomorrow I will visit Arlington Cemetery to honor my father, 1st Lt, US Army, WWII. Purple heart, Bronze star, Silver Star. He did not have part of his skull blown off and live with a metal plate in his head for the rest of his life to let that happen. As his first daughter, I will do everything I can to stop this. While at the cemetery I will also visit and honor the service men and women in section 60. Thank you for your service, Sir."
@Glenn Kirschner @Simon Rosenberg @Steve Schmidt @Matthew Dowd
Thanks for this great post. I'm spending time this weekend organizing my Dad's military papers for donation to the World War II Museum in New Orleans, and I'm so grateful they have agreed to accept and preserve this bit of history. He, too, was a Bronze Star recipient, and it makes me cry every time I think of the sacrifices he and my Mother made for this country--a country neither would recognize. Then I wipe my eyes and say, "get back to work trying to salvage and improve the great country they helped build."
Thank you for your response, KBH. That's wonderful that they will accept your father's military papers for donation to the WWII Museum in New Orleans. You remind me that I haven't been down to the WWII Memorial in Washington in a while. That's something Trump and the Repubs cannot close. You final comment -- "I wipe my eyes and say, get back to work trying to salvage and improve the great country they helped build" is so very beautiful and could've been taken from my own mind and soul right now. I've learned more about the Bronze Star recently and realize that it is in some ways a more prestigious award than I had originally known. If you ever come to Washington, let me know. I LOVE showing people around Arllington Cemetery and the other majestic monuments here that we will never let Trump touch.
THANK YOU! I, too, love Washington and try as Trump might, he can't destroy the history, the monuments and the spirit of the people. My husband and I have volunteered on Honor Air flights--taking veterans to DC to see their memorials. Always a very moving experience.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🏻
Here is my question: I am being bombarded for donations from Democrat candidates all over the country running for all levels of government. I can't support most of them, especially given the needs of the local food bank, etc. I wonder if I should first support candidates/issues that will be voted on in November and hold back on the 2026 elections? I have already sent postcards supporting Prop. 50 in CA and contributed 3 times to that. In other words, how do I prioritize?
I offer my advice on where to put your resources every day on this site.....
Here's what I'm doing now that it's fall: Until the Nov elections, I am supporting the governors Simon is highlighting, Prop 50, and the Audacity Fund. I'm also putting a bit of money into the primary race for MN Senate. When that's over, I will turn my attention to 2026, focusing on the candidates Simon has picked, as well as Minnesota Gov and Senate.
I believe deeply in building infrastructure that lasts beyond a specific race and builds wider capacity, so I was excited to see and contribute to the Audacious Expansion Fund along with the immediate priorities (Spanberger, Sherrill, CA Prop 50). I've got local races to contribute to as well, and the democracy orgs that are fighting the court cases, so my donations to the other Hopium funds have been smaller.
I get texts and emails like everyone else about candidates around the country, which I've decided to appreciate rather than be annoyed by - they show passion, energy, diverse backgrounds, a growing bench. (Then I type stop.)
Great advice! And after the horrific exposé about the Mothership, I would recommend never donating through an email or text. Go to Hopium or the campaign's own website.
I wasn't thinking about Mothership when I wrote that comment, but with your reminder, I hope we get some information about Mothership shutting down or changing its ways, or exactly which associated campaigns are scammy. I might give to others (soft spot for teachers who run, or DLCC, for ex.), but that expose left so many questions.
i think the chicago story deserves a lot of ink in the MSM. no warrants? and entire apt bldg? we are not safe in our homes now? dont think any american would abide by this. needs to be huge on social media. will there be legal action??? has pritzger made a statement? seems really over the top and unconstitutional. elected dems need to speak out about his. helicopters and rapelling ice agents? naked kid zip tied? what have we come to?
I agree!! Beyond belief … why isn’t this horrendous story “out there” big time ?? Anyone have any updates on that ? I can call my Md reps … will that help tho?
"Trump’s public remarks and postings this week have been without question the most unhinged and untethered of his 2nd term."
What if we started a grassroots campaign and all shouted from the rooftops "25th Ammendment!", every day, all the time?
Trump is way way cray cray.! We need to get Maga to say "Trump is not crazy!"
Then we say "He is so, Is so, Is so!!!" Meet them as the 9 year olds they are. Then watch them melt like snowflakes.
Thats how we make that the national narrative... the conversation "we all want to be in"
Whaddyall think?
Watching Simon's words to the paid subscribers' meeting, I'm getting a different perspective on the overall picture. I think the admin. especially those responsible for p2025 has known for a while T was on shaky grounds re: health and sanity, and tried to ease him out [Elon's attack on him] and replace him with JD, but of course T won't budge. they're in a race against his deteriorating health to implement their program which was already failing thanks to our, American People's, pushback. They have the worst of all possible worlds on their side, not to minimize how very dangerous it is now: T weak and failing with iron grip on their side, ppl hate Vance anyway, time is running out for them. Their problem is Maga will not follow Vance. I think we're doing everything right, so impressed with Schumer et al. go team!
A very astute analysis. I completely agree!
Thank you!
Wow SW, this analysis really hits the mark! Yes we are so distraught about our situation, but at the same time there is such encouragement in taking advantage of their tactical weaknesses —that is our great opportunity.
Thank you. imo JD Vance is a real problem because he is so unpleasant and disliked on a personal level. Simon emphasized the T admin in a bubble and unable to calibrate reality. They think they can slot JD in, but personality matters.
I certainly do not want JD Vance sitting in the Oval Office; he's smarter and better packaged than the evil orange menace but he is also under the thumbs of Peter Thiel, Curtis Yarvin, etc. and is just as evil if not more so than DJT.
We have to Run through the first p.o.s. to get to the next for 2028.
JD is coniving and smarter, but he's weird and not a leader. Plus we can all call him a couch-f*cker and he wears eyeliner and has had 3 different names.
They got no front man after two-dolls.. I agree with SW. Vance is weak... no one likes him... At ALL!
25th Amendment TIME!!!!
agree. no front man. there is fracturing going on. and this shut down is happening at a time when ppl are finding out what they / we will be billed for health care.
Uhhh,yes but believe trumps handlers positioned Pompeo /Sununo in follow up positions for whenever trump goes down. It will be a MAGA -GOP war the Libertarian groups intend to win. Koch Foundation, Heritage group, Thiel, Musk, SCOTUS, etc,etc.
All trumps careful handlers. He’s been their “ useful idiot” so far following where Vought is leading.
Well represented with Grim Reaper video; surprised so much political honesty from them.
Fully agree with your comment: we proud patriots/activists are doing so much and how wonderfully impressive it is. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
I’ve been making my calls primarily with the demand he be removed. He’s demented to the point where he shouldn’t be left alone with a book of matches much less the nuclear codes.
How many No Kings signs do you think we'll see employing the phrase: FUCK THEM KIDS?
Also, what's in the water now at CNN? Some good moments with some anchors recently nailing the Repubs on their talking points in real time, not allowing them to skip on to the next lie before addressing the current drivel that came out of their mouths.
More No King Signs: "It's Your DUTY to disobey illegal orders."
Don't know, but I saw a pic from Portland today and the protest sign said Fight Truth Decay.
Love it!
yes!
I only watch TV news at odd moments here and there, but Jim Scioto did a good job yesterday evening grilling a GOP congressman (I forget who it was).
Seems to me there are two fights going on. One is the political fight, in which Democrats are doing quite well – although the message could be better-honed and sharper. The other is the fight for power. Russ Vought, key architect of Project 2025 and Trump’s Director of the Office of Management and Budget, has been preparing for this shutdown for years. Fortunately, Democrats and lawyers are fighting like hell to not let the Trump Regime get away with measures that are blatantly illegal.
PS. I am more than a bit worried about Mikie Sherrill, our gubernatorial candidate in the still-blue state of New Jersey. Recent interviews with her have been downright painful to watch – and Jack Cattarelli’s has been capitalizing on that.
I really do hope Sherrill pulls through, but she has to pull her act together and may need significant outside help. New Jersey is NOT a state Democrats can afford to lose!
She is up 8 in the latest Fox News poll, 50-42, and the Gateway Tunnel fiasco is doing enormous harm to the Rs there. She is up 8 on average in the public polls over the last 6 weeks.
Thank you! Delighted to hear that, I had not seen the polls.
She is up eight in Zogby poll yesterday
My son just saw Mikie and Jack live at the same event in NJ. He said she soared and he bombed.
Good to hear about Gateway Tunnel. I got caught up on podcasts last night (after being on the road this week) and Ron Filipowski was saying that Vought and Miller are policy ideologues who don’t consider political or electoral ramifications of their actions. That made me feel hopeful.
Just donated $25 to Sherrill. Looking forward to a vindicating election night for my birthday this year. 🥳
I’ve actually been really impressed with her interviews. Particularly since the leak of her military record, she has been on her game—on message, passionate, leading by example.
I agree
The current landscape is not the usual and Simon's analysis is so important, imo, for understanding this moment. One thing that jumps out at me is the number of clips I'm running across of farmers outraged at loss of their markets juxtaposed with 20b. bailout of Argentina. There is no need for leadership to talk about it, that fact has a life of its own and elected officials in ag. based states are talking about it.
And I still think the 'morning of the long knives' was a terrible mistake on their part. Getting all the flag officers and their aides together for an in person event ...
Adam Smith interview is wonderful! thanks, Simon
A nice story about not obeying in advance out of UNC-Chapel Hill: https://www.wral.com/news/local/unc-professor-dwayne-dixon-reinstated-october-2025/
A UNC professor was put on leave earlier this week after people affiliated with Turning Point USA flagged him for having been a part of a group called the Redneck Revolt in 2016 (the group was disbanded in 2019). Thousands of staff and faculty signed a petition and hundreds rallied in support of him and he was reinstated after it was determined that he posed no threat to the university and had not violated any policies. Victory!
Glad to see my alma mater backtracked on this. The accusation as described in the WRAL and Daily Tar Heel stories was awfully thin gruel--based on a social media post from a Turning Point USA official about a flyer found at Georgetown University! It just shows the extent which authoritarian tactics engender fear and overreaction among public officials.
Indeed! I was impressed that a colleague who is here on a green card had the guts to sign the petition. She said she couldn't live with herself if she didn't stand up for what is right.
I like forward to continued boos and heckling throughout the Country like these heard in Washington, D.C. No login required. Somehow I imagine karaoke booing. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNnqLpOpsds/?hl=en and
https://www.facebook.com/reel/24152509264441528
protests in NYC yesterday https://www.facebook.com/reel/772090305583330
Here's some more uplifting protests. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1953695115206123
Meidas Touch has a new video about Trump's spiritual advisor, who just pled guilty to sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl and was sentenced to 6 months in prison (a miracle he was sentenced at all; Trump will no doubt pardon him). How had I missed this story?! Yet another thing to blast all over the media. These people are such scum!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qCCFzoFrGk
What the generals saw: "All girls under 16 years old are now... 16 years old."
https://youtu.be/p_g5Zjnp520?si=4AoijYHgfWEMZrOc
I wrote about this on HCR comment section today. And to be clear 6 months in a county prison, not a state penitentiary. Sound familiar? Ms. Maxwell is moved to a country club prison, Look at the first deal Epstein had in Florida, and of course the Tate brothers are flown on a private plane to Florida so that they do not stand trial abroad for rape and sex trafficking. GOP : Guardians of the Pedophiles (perverts, and pussy grabbers)
Zogby has Sherrill up eight yesterday
state polling in nj is not stellar; murphy was cruising in the polls and it was far closer in the end, like 3 points. this is what has people worried; not sure how far ahead harris was but nj went from like double digits for biden to around 5 for harris; there are jack c signs everywhere; i do not know the effect of the military records reveal, but i'd say people do think it was dirty; so while i do share people's concerns over this race, as someone who will be affected directly by it, i do not see real momentum in polling for jack c, at least not now, and the recent moves nationally by r's are pissing people in nj off. and, we tend to be an irritable bunch to begin with.....
I can’t speak to the quality of NJ polling and wholeheartedly agree that the closer than expected results for Murphy 2.0 and Harris are unnerving, but a win is a win. I’m leaning into that and crossing my fingers she pulls it off. 🤞
Actually, I’m doing more than hoping. I’m working to get her elected!!!
Here in Missouri instead of focusing on saving Rep. Cleaver's House seat and challenging vulnerable Rep. Ann Wagner, Democrats are reassembling the circular firing squad as Cori Bush tries for a comeback against Freshman Democrat Wesley Bell.
hey, Fred Wellman is challenging Ann Wagner.https://www.wellmanformo.com/meet-fred
https://nitter.poast.org/FPWellman
Self reporting on local election coming to our small town in NY Nov 4th. We were able to recruit 2 great candidates for our town election which has only one democrat who is Deputy Town Supervisor. We are trying to increase us, decrease them. This note is from our Town Justice candidate who is running for office for the first time. She is a superlative candidate with incredible credentials. We have knocked on 80% of the doors of democrats and independents so far.
“The whole newsletter looks fantastic. Thank you, Karen! And those canvassing numbers--wow!
We're a little more than four weeks away from the election--hard to believe!--and I just want to say thank you, to all of you, for the work you're doing--and were doing, long, long before I came along. I decided to run because I felt like I had to do something--I was too disengaged, lamenting the state of the world without taking steps to make it better. Not only have I gotten the great pleasure of getting to know all of you, you've shown me exactly what it looks like to be engaged in the way that I wanted to be.
I'm really so glad to be doing this crazy thing with all of you.
Eliza”
Local work is so important!
Thanks, Simon! Woo hoo - I just got this great news via email from RootsAction!
CORI BUSH IS BACK!
Cori Bush has just entered the race for her former seat in Congress!
From 2021 to 2025, Cori Bush represented Missouri's first congressional district. In many ways, she represented most of the rest of the nation as well -- those of us with Congressional delegations unwilling to strongly challenge militarism or corporate oligarchy.
Bush brought not just stronger positions but also new tactics to Capitol Hill, staging sit-ins and sleep-ins, one of which saved countless families from eviction.
In 2024 Bush was defeated by right-wing and AIPAC money that flooded into a Democratic Party primary.
There are now reasons to hope that AIPAC's powers are waning, and that Bush will prove to have simply been against genocide too soon for some people. 💙💙💙