Perhaps the rumors of the existence of Republican moderates – with or without a spine – are exaggerated. However, with continuing public pressure we may succeed in moderating a few. And a few is all America needs. Moreover, we can lend them a conscience and a spine, or at least help them stand upright while they vote.
I keep telling my GOP senators that they are on the wrong side of history. Eventually maybe they'll do the right thing, but that isn't going to stop me from doing the right thing!
If I could be granted just one minute with Representative Steube, I would ask him this: "Our Constitution delegates the power to impose tariffs in Article One to the Congress. Do you approve that President Trump has declared -- with no justified basis -- that there is a national emergency so that he could usurp Congress's powers and impose tariffs on the entire world?"
(Aside: A president abusing his power and acting in a way that violates the constitution does -- IMO -- great harm to the United States.)
My old grassroots group has been calling MAGAt Congressman Ben Cline and asking the aide who answers: "Did Congressman Cline take an oath to uphold the Constitution?'' Yes. "Does Congressman Cline believe in due process as written in our Constitution?" Well, I'll pass your question on to the Congressman.
Reminding these guys that they took an oath, often with their hands on the bible, is always a good thing, IMHO.
Your cynicism is both unwelcome here and misplaced. Prominent Republicans are now making OUR arguments about the central legislative initiative of the early Trump era. This is a huge win for us, and evidence that work does matter, that we can change minds, that their control over the daily discourse can be overcome, and that MAGA can be defeated. We don't know when there will be a true meaningful break from Trump but the only way it happens is with early, initial steps like this.
Chris, my point here is that you already wrong and misunderstanding the transaction and what is happening here. It is not about being right - this is not about you. 12 House Republicans just adopted our argument about Trump's highest legislative priority. THIS IS A HUGE FUCKING WIN. It shows we can change minds, win debates, and as I said when their thing collapses, which it will someday, the break will start like this. So we just keep working it, building support, taking the wins when they come and keep getting stronger, and making them weaker. We never know when the break will come but if we cynically don't work these moments when they arise the break will never come.
Its easy to see past as prologue, but that idea is a trap in these unprecedented days. This group is working under the assumption that the GOPs will cave when they fear their own electoral chances by staying with Trump more than they fear going against Trump.
Its not about a spine or what they believe is right with these people. Its about which way the wind blows. Hopium's pressure strategy helps shift the winds of change. Simon's essay today points to the polling that shows the cracks.
Our 5th amendment rights of due process has never been more clearly under direct attack and the entire Republican caucus is crickets at best. So, its not about spine or the constitutional order... they have already demonstrated their shortcomings about that.
Let the church say amen. I'm a skeptic of the highest order when it comes to this sort of thing, and even I realize how paradigm-shifting this might be. (Though I will say, since I joined this community, my usually icy outlook has been slowly thawing. (Thank you for that, by the way sir.))
A comment to support Simon - to even SEE that Ciscomani added his signature to a letter opposing steep cuts to Medicare IS a BFD!!!! He is relentless in his voting/supporting Trump and is ALWAYS justifying the insanity. IT IS HUGE
A dozen House Republicans fire warning shot to Mike Johnson
That’s the heading of the Axios article on this. Excerpt:
The 12 lawmakers wrote in a letter to Johnson and other GOP leaders that many of them represent "districts with high rates of constituents who depend on Medicaid. Balancing the federal budget must not come at the expense of ... their health and economic security"
What's the evidence that these Republicans are "making OUR arguments," as opposed to, say, taking the pulse of their districts and worrying about their re-election chances? Of course these positions can co-exist, but based on recent and not-so-recent history, Chris's comment was firmly based in reality. I'm disappointed by your defensiveness about it.
Did you read the quotes of the Republican Members? They are literally our arguments about the importance of Medicaid. And I not being defensive. I am incredibly disappointed at this whole exchange for it reflects a profound misunderstanding of everything we are doing here and what is required for us to win. Cynicism is as much an enemy of our progress as the right wing noise machine itself for it tells us that our work doesn't matter - which is what they want us to believe.
I see that several comments in this thread have been deleted. Were they deleted by the OP or by you? I hope not the latter. Fwiw, it's very possible to be realistic without being cynical. If more upper-level Democrats had realistically assessed and responded to what the Republicans have been up to for many years, we might not now be in this extremely dangerous place.
any hint that some republicans might be coming to their senses is welcome news, and i'm not one who even thinks we should have a republican party anymore, so if i think this is great news, trust me it is.
I’ve seen a few pretty hardcore MAGA accounts making videos about how Trump should obey the Supreme Court. That’s a big deal given that he’s deliberately challenging their authority and therefore the constitution. It’s the bare minimum but we desperately need to keep that minimum intact.
I know you were asking more about elected officials, but public opinion from their own voters is what will pressure them to change.
I was inspired by Tom Petty’s Gen-X classic “I Won’t Back Down” on my drive into work this morning. I’m adding it to the anti-Trump playlist that I started in 2016.
A few different thoughts rattling around my head this morning. First, it has always struck me as peculiar that Trump seems to fall under the sway of people who are using him for their own ends. Yesterday I connected the dots and realized that perhaps our Mad King is actually a Mad Tsar! Mad Tsar Donald now has several different Rasputins whispering in his ear, and I have the strong sense that these Rasputins would rather that the other ones would go away. All of them pushing their own agendas means that his boat is taking on a lot of water.
First, we have Rasputin Stephen Miller, who is working hard to push his pro-White anti-immigrant racist agenda. He would probably rather that Donald not do all this insane tariff nonsense because the news gets focused on economics, where Donald is very weak, instead of on his racist narrative.
Next up is Rasputin Peter Navarro, whose grip on Donald has not weakened, despite alarming numbers in the polls.
And then there’s Rasputin Laura Loomer, who is pitching all sorts of conspiracy theories and succeeded in having the Donald fire a bunch of national security officials. I’m not sure what her agenda is.
And let’s not forget Elon, whom I would argue is not a Rasputin, but someone with whom Donald has crafted an uneasy alliance so that they can fleece the public. I’m sure they loathe one another, but Donald has given Elon free rein over the federal workforce (and databases).
And of course there is the Mac Daddy of them all, Vladimir Putin, Rasputin in chief.
We are in a very dangerous time, and I’m very worried that we might soon have a “wag the dog” moment, but I do sense quite strongly that these Rasputins are working at cross purposes and that if the American people can band together, we can sink the ship. It’s going to take a lot of courage, but there are more of us than of them, and momentum is shifting.
Which leads me to my next big idea for today. I believe that Simon is 100% correct that we need a Letter to America. I would love to see an artistic collaboration between a few of our top historians, politicians with inspiring rhetoric like Raphael Warnock or Cory Booker, and musicians like Lin-Manuel Miranda. Can you imagine a Letter to America that is also the musical hit of the summer? That would have REACH! Miranda could put out a version and other artists could riff off of it. It could be on murals, on the radio, in Schoolhouse Rock-type TikToks, and on YouTube.
I won’t back down, y’all! We’re just getting started!!!!
In these dark days, and just before holiday weekend, i am thankful for our Constitution, Booker, AOC & Bernie, Chris Murphy, Sen Van Hollen going to El Salvador concentration camp, the courts & judges, Harvard, Rachel & Lawrence, whistleblowers, Hopium and last but not least, Felon47/repubs incompetence and overreach every single time! My song:
"yeah I won't back down... gonna stand my ground... you can stand me up to the gates of hell.... but I won't back down.... yeah, I ... wont.... back... down.... Hey baby, there aint no easy way out, but I won't back down.
Excellent song! If I might make a suggestion to add to your list: Mary Chapin Carpenter wrote 2007's On With the Song as a rebuke of the W. Bush Admin and in support of the (Dixie) Chics who were lambasted for criticizing Bush. It's astonishing how her brilliant words translate to right now, though she was addressing current events at that time. I have it on repeat right now!
A. If the women of America were to suddenly arm themselves and "stand their ground" to defend women’s reproductive right, Republican legislators even in Red states (edit: especially in Red states) would be pushing for gun control in a hurry!
If I recall correctly, California passed stricter gun control under Governor Ronald Reagan. What triggered that change of heart? The Black Panthers started arming themselves to defend Black communities!
More guns does not equal safer, quite the contrary. I can show you stats.
The current terminology is Gun Safety, not gun control. I would refer to Moms Demand Action, Giffords, Brady etc. for guidance, I can steer you in the right direction.
Also, Simon, maybe having Moms Demand Exec Director Angela Ferrell-Zabala as a guest? Concealed Carry Mandate is a big, big issue.
OR... Have Democrats become the chief advocates for the Second Amendment. The original purpose of the right to keep and bear arms was to support the natural right of self defense and to repel the danger of a federal army. The way things are going...
It is extremely important to understand that every single person admitted to Greene's town hall was vetted in advance. they had to prove they were constituents, and the area around Acworth is pretty deep red. I live just down the road in Marietta - walking distance from where Leo Frank was lynched on August 17, 1915. Not in Greene's district, but ALL of Cobb County is talking about it. (More below.)
Democrats need to make each of the states in which we have a trifecta into an exhibition window for good governance. In most states we can and should do better with regards to policy, and we need to communicate those good policies more positively and clearly.
Here is a proposal: establish a Democratic equivalent to ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council), the right-wing think tank that prepares policy blueprints that Republican-controlled states implement.
Self Report: I called Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen and Congressman Raskin. I told Senator Van Hollen how proud I am of his efforts to stand up for due process and asked him to support Senator Kaine's resolution and to prevent death by a thousand cuts to Social Security. I asked Senator Alsobrooks and Congressman Raskin to support Senator Kaine's resolution and Social Security. I also popped 30 postcards to NJ in the mail.
PS: Jen Kiggans is a snake and not really a "moderate" Republican. She's just scared for the moment about her seat. Supporting Abigail Spanberger for Governor will do a lot to damage Kiggans, as I think Spanberger may well have coat tails.
Looking forward to tonight's subscriber zoom. One thing I'd love to hear you address, Simon, is whether Democrats are doing anything to register voters. It's not too early to start now for 2026.
A word about your podcast with Stuart Stevens and Rick Wilson: Terrific. What a fascinating discussion using the Harvard letter as a stepping off point. From highlighting the power of state AGs to Rick's reminder that the Declaration of Independence already holds in its great writing a list of Trump's abuses, this is will be a podcast I will cite and return to again. I immediately shared it with friends. Everyone should take the time to listen to it. I hope this threesome becomes a regular gig. Thank you, Simon.
I agree. Three brilliant, principled fighters. I have always appreciated the aggressive confrontational approach of Lincoln Project, I guess because it is congruent with my personality :) --- and my rage.
Yeah I agree. The discussion raised my understanding of the Letter to America idea, and Rick Wilson’s comparison to the Contract with America in terms of being a rallying point was interesting. A good example of hearing out diverse points of view if the conversation is a constructive one.
Stuart Stevens has been saying for the past week that Democratic AG's should start arresting those in their states basically kidnapping people off the streets. ICE & Homeland Security should be arrested for breaking the law.
It's happening in blue states not just red states. Happened her in CT where they abducted a man from his lawyer's car in front of the court house where he was working on adjusting his visitor visa. No convictions, no criminal record. He was a Polish man who overstayed his visitor visa.
From his attorney:
"As I began to reverse out of my parking spot; my car was suddenly blocked by 4 black vehicles. I was instructed to shut off my engine. My car was boxed in on three sides. Several ATF and ICE agents wearing black masks approached my car and removed my client."
"If you overstay a tourist visa, there are ways you can fix your status. You may be eligible if you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21.
You must have entered the U.S. legally, even if your visa expired and you should not have any criminal offenses or other immigration violations. This guy was in the process of adjusting his status."
"Armed ATF and ICE agents in black ski masks for what is basically a civil infraction? ATF agents?! For a civil infraction? The guys that go after gun runners and people smuggling explosives? This guy overstayed a legal visa.”
I call Senator Thune every day reminding him of his oath to the constitution and exhorting him to stop the constitutional overreach! Leaning on tariffs!
Glad to see Nicole Malliotakis in that group of Rs. I helped leaflet in her district on this topic a few weeks ago. And I know Indivisible went out again this past weekend (couldn't join this time). Our work is having an effect!
Also inspired with how you, Simon, are relentless in making your points no matter who you’re talking to. Loved the interview yesterday. Those guys are great but you are speaking so strongly and loudly these days. Over and over! It’s impressive how hard you are working. It inspires me to say it like it is to my friends. We’re still all too polite and soft spoken.
Money question asked of the group conversation. No one is going to outspend the trillionaires, but if a hundred million of us each gives a little, maybe we can have an impact. Our personal situation is that we live on a fixed income since I am a retired artist/educator on a pension from NYS. We have always donated a few dollars a month to the local food pantries, but when we received Economic Impact money, we donated it all to Democratic elections. Now we get more than a dozen solicitations a day by mail and Email that seem worthwhile. The question is, with so few dollars a month to spend, where will it do the greatest good in the present catastrophe? (We will not abandon pantries.)
Report on Congressional response that I received regarding tariffs:
Dear Dr. Potter,
Thank you for contacting me about President Trump’s chaotic tariff policies. I appreciate hearing from you and am grateful you took the time to share your thoughts. Trump’s tariffs won't force foreign producers to cut their prices; they will lead to higher prices for both domestic and foreign products alike.
I oppose Trump’s tariff strategy and their negative impacts on our economy.
Trump claims that his tariffs will force foreign sellers in countries like Mexico, Canada, and China to lower their prices so as not to lose American customers. But in the real world, foreign sellers have not cut their profits by lowering their prices just because of U.S. tariff policy. For example, in the last Trump Administration, the tariffs imposed on China did not force Chinese producers to lower their prices. Instead, U.S. importers and consumers paid almost entirely for Trump’s tariffs through higher prices.
These tariffs also impact the price of domestically produced goods by causing U.S. producers to raise prices if their supply chain relies on imported raw materials subject to the tariffs. U.S. car makers are a prime example, as their manufacturing plants in the United States rely on certain imported auto parts from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, if prices of imported goods rise, domestic producers can increase the price of their own goods. This happened in 2018 after Trump placed tariffs on imported washing machines, as U.S. manufacturers like Whirlpool and GE hiked their own prices even though they were not subject to the tariffs.
Thank you again for taking the time to reach out and share your thoughts with me. Your voice is important to me and hearing your thoughts about the issues helps me to better serve our communities. If you’d like to keep up to date on what I am working on in Washington on behalf of New Mexico’s First Congressional District and our communities, you can subscribe to our newsletter here, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky, Threads, and TikTok.
Thank you. Melanie is a star that is shining brightly. She is the leading Democrat on the DOGE Oversight Subcommittee. Here is an example of her tenacity.
Thanks, Deborah. I had seen this earlier and it gave me hope for a new crop of talented, smart folks. I'm so lucky to have Tim Kaine and Mark Warner as my senators, but I'm stuck with a terrible loser of a rep. Best, Lee
Thank you for sharing these responses. Deborah. They are important for us to see, as they can be shared with other offices who are not as diligent in their replies.
Simon or Lincoln sent an email earlier this week with the registration link. Could the emails be in your spam folder or going to another of your email addresses? Once you find the email, you just click on the link to register. After you register, Lincoln sends you the zoom link. Hope to see you tonight!
Susan, three ways 1) it's in our emails most days 2) there is an Events tab on the Nav bar that always has the link 3) all posts you receive are searchable on the site. See you tonight!
I called the offices of my members of Congress. I left messages for my senators, and I spoke to a staffer for Rep. Larsen. The staffer knows me well. After I made my little speech, she wanted to make sure there wasn't anything else I wanted to add!
Today I also watched this video excerpt from Sen. Grassley's town hall yesterday:
People are incensed about the regime's treatment of immigrants and their refusal to adhere to SCOTUS's ruling. At one point, Sen. Grassley complained that all people wanted to do was discuss Trump! Well, duh.
Oh, and I enjoyed an audience member reading the oath of office to Sen. Grassely. I don't watch these to listen to Sen. Grassley's dissembling, but rather to watch courageous Americans stand up and use their voices against tyranny.
Perhaps the rumors of the existence of Republican moderates – with or without a spine – are exaggerated. However, with continuing public pressure we may succeed in moderating a few. And a few is all America needs. Moreover, we can lend them a conscience and a spine, or at least help them stand upright while they vote.
Keep calling the legislators of both parties!
It’s not an either or – we need to do both. Nobody here is losing sight of anything,
I keep telling my GOP senators that they are on the wrong side of history. Eventually maybe they'll do the right thing, but that isn't going to stop me from doing the right thing!
I tell mine the same thing, in every communication.
My rep, Greg Steube of FL 17, definitely NOT a moderate Republican, sent out a one question poll last week:
Do you support President Trump's decision to impose tariffs as a way to address trade imbalances that harm the United States?
• Yes
O No
• Unsure
That has got to say something about the pressure Republicans are feeling.
Good. There can never be enough pressure on Steube. Nor on my rep, Mast.
It is definitely a sign!
If I could be granted just one minute with Representative Steube, I would ask him this: "Our Constitution delegates the power to impose tariffs in Article One to the Congress. Do you approve that President Trump has declared -- with no justified basis -- that there is a national emergency so that he could usurp Congress's powers and impose tariffs on the entire world?"
(Aside: A president abusing his power and acting in a way that violates the constitution does -- IMO -- great harm to the United States.)
My old grassroots group has been calling MAGAt Congressman Ben Cline and asking the aide who answers: "Did Congressman Cline take an oath to uphold the Constitution?'' Yes. "Does Congressman Cline believe in due process as written in our Constitution?" Well, I'll pass your question on to the Congressman.
Reminding these guys that they took an oath, often with their hands on the bible, is always a good thing, IMHO.
I do this every single time I call Cornyn and Cruz!
"Do you believe that secure borders are a requirement of national sovereignty?" "Absolutely."
"Do you believe Canada, Greenland, and Panama have grounds to fear for the security of their borders?"
(I mean, come on now... in 60 days you turn Canada into an adversary??)
The trump cult are up to their necks in massive lawlessness and insanity.
Your cynicism is both unwelcome here and misplaced. Prominent Republicans are now making OUR arguments about the central legislative initiative of the early Trump era. This is a huge win for us, and evidence that work does matter, that we can change minds, that their control over the daily discourse can be overcome, and that MAGA can be defeated. We don't know when there will be a true meaningful break from Trump but the only way it happens is with early, initial steps like this.
Chris, my point here is that you already wrong and misunderstanding the transaction and what is happening here. It is not about being right - this is not about you. 12 House Republicans just adopted our argument about Trump's highest legislative priority. THIS IS A HUGE FUCKING WIN. It shows we can change minds, win debates, and as I said when their thing collapses, which it will someday, the break will start like this. So we just keep working it, building support, taking the wins when they come and keep getting stronger, and making them weaker. We never know when the break will come but if we cynically don't work these moments when they arise the break will never come.
Take the wins when they come folks.
Its easy to see past as prologue, but that idea is a trap in these unprecedented days. This group is working under the assumption that the GOPs will cave when they fear their own electoral chances by staying with Trump more than they fear going against Trump.
Its not about a spine or what they believe is right with these people. Its about which way the wind blows. Hopium's pressure strategy helps shift the winds of change. Simon's essay today points to the polling that shows the cracks.
Our 5th amendment rights of due process has never been more clearly under direct attack and the entire Republican caucus is crickets at best. So, its not about spine or the constitutional order... they have already demonstrated their shortcomings about that.
Thank you, Simon.
Let the church say amen. I'm a skeptic of the highest order when it comes to this sort of thing, and even I realize how paradigm-shifting this might be. (Though I will say, since I joined this community, my usually icy outlook has been slowly thawing. (Thank you for that, by the way sir.))
A comment to support Simon - to even SEE that Ciscomani added his signature to a letter opposing steep cuts to Medicare IS a BFD!!!! He is relentless in his voting/supporting Trump and is ALWAYS justifying the insanity. IT IS HUGE
A dozen House Republicans fire warning shot to Mike Johnson
That’s the heading of the Axios article on this. Excerpt:
The 12 lawmakers wrote in a letter to Johnson and other GOP leaders that many of them represent "districts with high rates of constituents who depend on Medicaid. Balancing the federal budget must not come at the expense of ... their health and economic security"
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/16/mike-johnson-budget-medicaid-house-republicans
Suffice it to say, this is a BDD (Big Damn Deal)! The letter was signed by:
– David Valadao (R-Calif.)
– Don Bacon (R-Neb.)
–Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.)
– Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.)
–Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.)
– Jen Kiggans (R-Va.)
– Young Kim (R-Calif.)
– Robert Wittman (R-Va.)
– Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.)
– Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.)
– Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.)
– Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.).
What's the evidence that these Republicans are "making OUR arguments," as opposed to, say, taking the pulse of their districts and worrying about their re-election chances? Of course these positions can co-exist, but based on recent and not-so-recent history, Chris's comment was firmly based in reality. I'm disappointed by your defensiveness about it.
Did you read the quotes of the Republican Members? They are literally our arguments about the importance of Medicaid. And I not being defensive. I am incredibly disappointed at this whole exchange for it reflects a profound misunderstanding of everything we are doing here and what is required for us to win. Cynicism is as much an enemy of our progress as the right wing noise machine itself for it tells us that our work doesn't matter - which is what they want us to believe.
Thank you, Simon.
I see that several comments in this thread have been deleted. Were they deleted by the OP or by you? I hope not the latter. Fwiw, it's very possible to be realistic without being cynical. If more upper-level Democrats had realistically assessed and responded to what the Republicans have been up to for many years, we might not now be in this extremely dangerous place.
any hint that some republicans might be coming to their senses is welcome news, and i'm not one who even thinks we should have a republican party anymore, so if i think this is great news, trust me it is.
I’ve seen a few pretty hardcore MAGA accounts making videos about how Trump should obey the Supreme Court. That’s a big deal given that he’s deliberately challenging their authority and therefore the constitution. It’s the bare minimum but we desperately need to keep that minimum intact.
I know you were asking more about elected officials, but public opinion from their own voters is what will pressure them to change.
I was inspired by Tom Petty’s Gen-X classic “I Won’t Back Down” on my drive into work this morning. I’m adding it to the anti-Trump playlist that I started in 2016.
A few different thoughts rattling around my head this morning. First, it has always struck me as peculiar that Trump seems to fall under the sway of people who are using him for their own ends. Yesterday I connected the dots and realized that perhaps our Mad King is actually a Mad Tsar! Mad Tsar Donald now has several different Rasputins whispering in his ear, and I have the strong sense that these Rasputins would rather that the other ones would go away. All of them pushing their own agendas means that his boat is taking on a lot of water.
First, we have Rasputin Stephen Miller, who is working hard to push his pro-White anti-immigrant racist agenda. He would probably rather that Donald not do all this insane tariff nonsense because the news gets focused on economics, where Donald is very weak, instead of on his racist narrative.
Next up is Rasputin Peter Navarro, whose grip on Donald has not weakened, despite alarming numbers in the polls.
And then there’s Rasputin Laura Loomer, who is pitching all sorts of conspiracy theories and succeeded in having the Donald fire a bunch of national security officials. I’m not sure what her agenda is.
And let’s not forget Elon, whom I would argue is not a Rasputin, but someone with whom Donald has crafted an uneasy alliance so that they can fleece the public. I’m sure they loathe one another, but Donald has given Elon free rein over the federal workforce (and databases).
And of course there is the Mac Daddy of them all, Vladimir Putin, Rasputin in chief.
We are in a very dangerous time, and I’m very worried that we might soon have a “wag the dog” moment, but I do sense quite strongly that these Rasputins are working at cross purposes and that if the American people can band together, we can sink the ship. It’s going to take a lot of courage, but there are more of us than of them, and momentum is shifting.
Which leads me to my next big idea for today. I believe that Simon is 100% correct that we need a Letter to America. I would love to see an artistic collaboration between a few of our top historians, politicians with inspiring rhetoric like Raphael Warnock or Cory Booker, and musicians like Lin-Manuel Miranda. Can you imagine a Letter to America that is also the musical hit of the summer? That would have REACH! Miranda could put out a version and other artists could riff off of it. It could be on murals, on the radio, in Schoolhouse Rock-type TikToks, and on YouTube.
I won’t back down, y’all! We’re just getting started!!!!
In these dark days, and just before holiday weekend, i am thankful for our Constitution, Booker, AOC & Bernie, Chris Murphy, Sen Van Hollen going to El Salvador concentration camp, the courts & judges, Harvard, Rachel & Lawrence, whistleblowers, Hopium and last but not least, Felon47/repubs incompetence and overreach every single time! My song:
Simon & Garfunkel "Bridge Over Troubled Water".
Tom Petty (RIP) I Won't Back Down....Fabulous idea. I love it. I really think you're on to something.
"yeah I won't back down... gonna stand my ground... you can stand me up to the gates of hell.... but I won't back down.... yeah, I ... wont.... back... down.... Hey baby, there aint no easy way out, but I won't back down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvlTJrNJ5lA
...this video version has his entire Travelling Wilburys on back up vocals.
Ringo plays the doctor for the earth as part of the video. Enjoy... mb
TY Tom Petty, you really rocked it, man
yeah we need to reclaim it after Orange misappropriated it.
Excellent song! If I might make a suggestion to add to your list: Mary Chapin Carpenter wrote 2007's On With the Song as a rebuke of the W. Bush Admin and in support of the (Dixie) Chics who were lambasted for criticizing Bush. It's astonishing how her brilliant words translate to right now, though she was addressing current events at that time. I have it on repeat right now!
Q. What’s the fastest way to enact gun control?
A. If the women of America were to suddenly arm themselves and "stand their ground" to defend women’s reproductive right, Republican legislators even in Red states (edit: especially in Red states) would be pushing for gun control in a hurry!
If I recall correctly, California passed stricter gun control under Governor Ronald Reagan. What triggered that change of heart? The Black Panthers started arming themselves to defend Black communities!
More guns does not equal safer, quite the contrary. I can show you stats.
The current terminology is Gun Safety, not gun control. I would refer to Moms Demand Action, Giffords, Brady etc. for guidance, I can steer you in the right direction.
Also, Simon, maybe having Moms Demand Exec Director Angela Ferrell-Zabala as a guest? Concealed Carry Mandate is a big, big issue.
Well, this was a quip to underscore that many Republicans are even more opposed to abortion rights than they are to gun control.
I know, just putting the facts out there. :) No negative intentions. Thanks for all you do!
OR... Have Democrats become the chief advocates for the Second Amendment. The original purpose of the right to keep and bear arms was to support the natural right of self defense and to repel the danger of a federal army. The way things are going...
I really like your insightful analysis and creative proposal to build out THE LETTER TO AMERICA!
I see several media reports of the MTG town hall yesterday but would appreciate first hand accts from Hopiumity.
It is extremely important to understand that every single person admitted to Greene's town hall was vetted in advance. they had to prove they were constituents, and the area around Acworth is pretty deep red. I live just down the road in Marietta - walking distance from where Leo Frank was lynched on August 17, 1915. Not in Greene's district, but ALL of Cobb County is talking about it. (More below.)
Democrats need to make each of the states in which we have a trifecta into an exhibition window for good governance. In most states we can and should do better with regards to policy, and we need to communicate those good policies more positively and clearly.
Here is a proposal: establish a Democratic equivalent to ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council), the right-wing think tank that prepares policy blueprints that Republican-controlled states implement.
Love this!
Would love to, but lame duck Gov. Murphy is too cozy w Orange. Platkin has fortunately taken up the slack. Stay tuned on Dem-controlled state house...
Lots of good news in your post today, Simon!
Self Report: I called Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen and Congressman Raskin. I told Senator Van Hollen how proud I am of his efforts to stand up for due process and asked him to support Senator Kaine's resolution and to prevent death by a thousand cuts to Social Security. I asked Senator Alsobrooks and Congressman Raskin to support Senator Kaine's resolution and Social Security. I also popped 30 postcards to NJ in the mail.
PS: Jen Kiggans is a snake and not really a "moderate" Republican. She's just scared for the moment about her seat. Supporting Abigail Spanberger for Governor will do a lot to damage Kiggans, as I think Spanberger may well have coat tails.
Looking forward to tonight's subscriber zoom. One thing I'd love to hear you address, Simon, is whether Democrats are doing anything to register voters. It's not too early to start now for 2026.
A word about your podcast with Stuart Stevens and Rick Wilson: Terrific. What a fascinating discussion using the Harvard letter as a stepping off point. From highlighting the power of state AGs to Rick's reminder that the Declaration of Independence already holds in its great writing a list of Trump's abuses, this is will be a podcast I will cite and return to again. I immediately shared it with friends. Everyone should take the time to listen to it. I hope this threesome becomes a regular gig. Thank you, Simon.
I agree. Three brilliant, principled fighters. I have always appreciated the aggressive confrontational approach of Lincoln Project, I guess because it is congruent with my personality :) --- and my rage.
Longtime subscriber to Resolute and Lincoln, happy about the "merger"!
I shared it with all my postcard writers. It was excellent and equal parts scary and motivating. Kind of like life these days!
Yeah I agree. The discussion raised my understanding of the Letter to America idea, and Rick Wilson’s comparison to the Contract with America in terms of being a rallying point was interesting. A good example of hearing out diverse points of view if the conversation is a constructive one.
It was a very content rich discussion at an unusually high level.
Self report: Contacted both Michigan senators to ask support for Kaine proposal and to do letter and daily press conference. Fingers crossed...
Stuart Stevens has been saying for the past week that Democratic AG's should start arresting those in their states basically kidnapping people off the streets. ICE & Homeland Security should be arrested for breaking the law.
It's happening in blue states not just red states. Happened her in CT where they abducted a man from his lawyer's car in front of the court house where he was working on adjusting his visitor visa. No convictions, no criminal record. He was a Polish man who overstayed his visitor visa.
From his attorney:
"As I began to reverse out of my parking spot; my car was suddenly blocked by 4 black vehicles. I was instructed to shut off my engine. My car was boxed in on three sides. Several ATF and ICE agents wearing black masks approached my car and removed my client."
"If you overstay a tourist visa, there are ways you can fix your status. You may be eligible if you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21.
You must have entered the U.S. legally, even if your visa expired and you should not have any criminal offenses or other immigration violations. This guy was in the process of adjusting his status."
"Armed ATF and ICE agents in black ski masks for what is basically a civil infraction? ATF agents?! For a civil infraction? The guys that go after gun runners and people smuggling explosives? This guy overstayed a legal visa.”
We have MN AG Keith Ellison booked for next week and we are shooting to have a Dem AG on every two weeks or so.
Brilliant! Greatly looking forward to that.
I want to make a big pitch for our feisty and fantastic Michigan state AG, Dana Nessel!
NICE! Love him. Can't wait for AG Platkin!
I have pitched MA AG Andrea Campbell before - she’s a fighter!
Great idea. Look forward to it.
I call Senator Thune every day reminding him of his oath to the constitution and exhorting him to stop the constitutional overreach! Leaning on tariffs!
I do the same!
Glad to see Nicole Malliotakis in that group of Rs. I helped leaflet in her district on this topic a few weeks ago. And I know Indivisible went out again this past weekend (couldn't join this time). Our work is having an effect!
Also inspired with how you, Simon, are relentless in making your points no matter who you’re talking to. Loved the interview yesterday. Those guys are great but you are speaking so strongly and loudly these days. Over and over! It’s impressive how hard you are working. It inspires me to say it like it is to my friends. We’re still all too polite and soft spoken.
Thanks again.
Yes to Letter to America. And thank you Simon...!!
Money question asked of the group conversation. No one is going to outspend the trillionaires, but if a hundred million of us each gives a little, maybe we can have an impact. Our personal situation is that we live on a fixed income since I am a retired artist/educator on a pension from NYS. We have always donated a few dollars a month to the local food pantries, but when we received Economic Impact money, we donated it all to Democratic elections. Now we get more than a dozen solicitations a day by mail and Email that seem worthwhile. The question is, with so few dollars a month to spend, where will it do the greatest good in the present catastrophe? (We will not abandon pantries.)
First step, donate to the campaigns Simon recommends.
Report on Congressional response that I received regarding tariffs:
Dear Dr. Potter,
Thank you for contacting me about President Trump’s chaotic tariff policies. I appreciate hearing from you and am grateful you took the time to share your thoughts. Trump’s tariffs won't force foreign producers to cut their prices; they will lead to higher prices for both domestic and foreign products alike.
I oppose Trump’s tariff strategy and their negative impacts on our economy.
Trump claims that his tariffs will force foreign sellers in countries like Mexico, Canada, and China to lower their prices so as not to lose American customers. But in the real world, foreign sellers have not cut their profits by lowering their prices just because of U.S. tariff policy. For example, in the last Trump Administration, the tariffs imposed on China did not force Chinese producers to lower their prices. Instead, U.S. importers and consumers paid almost entirely for Trump’s tariffs through higher prices.
These tariffs also impact the price of domestically produced goods by causing U.S. producers to raise prices if their supply chain relies on imported raw materials subject to the tariffs. U.S. car makers are a prime example, as their manufacturing plants in the United States rely on certain imported auto parts from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, if prices of imported goods rise, domestic producers can increase the price of their own goods. This happened in 2018 after Trump placed tariffs on imported washing machines, as U.S. manufacturers like Whirlpool and GE hiked their own prices even though they were not subject to the tariffs.
Thank you again for taking the time to reach out and share your thoughts with me. Your voice is important to me and hearing your thoughts about the issues helps me to better serve our communities. If you’d like to keep up to date on what I am working on in Washington on behalf of New Mexico’s First Congressional District and our communities, you can subscribe to our newsletter here, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky, Threads, and TikTok.
Sincerely,
Rep. Melanie Stansbury
Member of Congress
Excellent! Impressive work.
She seems like a rising star!
Thank you. Melanie is a star that is shining brightly. She is the leading Democrat on the DOGE Oversight Subcommittee. Here is an example of her tenacity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvSm74tQt6Y&ab_channel=TYTInvestigates
Thanks, Deborah. I had seen this earlier and it gave me hope for a new crop of talented, smart folks. I'm so lucky to have Tim Kaine and Mark Warner as my senators, but I'm stuck with a terrible loser of a rep. Best, Lee
She is fantastic! She has that Katie Porter tenacity! Great to see the younger generation of DEMS who are smart, savvy, and unshakeable!
Thank you for sharing these responses. Deborah. They are important for us to see, as they can be shared with other offices who are not as diligent in their replies.
I am a paid subscriber, but do not know how to join these weekly sessions???
Any help is much appreciated !
Simon or Lincoln sent an email earlier this week with the registration link. Could the emails be in your spam folder or going to another of your email addresses? Once you find the email, you just click on the link to register. After you register, Lincoln sends you the zoom link. Hope to see you tonight!
You can always go to the events link at the top of this newsletter and reply to register and receive the current Zoom link. There is also a link towards the end of today's inform-letter. Here is the direct link. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HZ83FI8QSWGHDvsoGNcvZA?_gl=1*1u84xlw*_gcl_au*MTA3MzAyMjA4My4xNzM3MDczMzAz*_ga*MjcwNTUwODE0LjE2OTQzMDE5MjQ.*_ga_L8TBF28DDX*MTc0NDU4ODIwMi42NjIuMS4xNzQ0NTg4Mzk0LjAuMC4w#/registration
Susan, three ways 1) it's in our emails most days 2) there is an Events tab on the Nav bar that always has the link 3) all posts you receive are searchable on the site. See you tonight!
I called the offices of my members of Congress. I left messages for my senators, and I spoke to a staffer for Rep. Larsen. The staffer knows me well. After I made my little speech, she wanted to make sure there wasn't anything else I wanted to add!
Today I also watched this video excerpt from Sen. Grassley's town hall yesterday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbfPt8o8h5A
People are incensed about the regime's treatment of immigrants and their refusal to adhere to SCOTUS's ruling. At one point, Sen. Grassley complained that all people wanted to do was discuss Trump! Well, duh.
Oh, and I enjoyed an audience member reading the oath of office to Sen. Grassely. I don't watch these to listen to Sen. Grassley's dissembling, but rather to watch courageous Americans stand up and use their voices against tyranny.