For those writing postcards about Prop 50 in CA (and PA state Supreme Court) there are now cartoon postcards specifically designed for both those races (plus VA cards as well to have even Repub voters demand town halls). https://cartoonsfordemocracy.myshopify.com/
Our local Democratic group’s field team is planning for the upcoming canvassing. If you haven’t already, and you are in California, maybe contact your own local Democratic group or Mobilize.us. Even if you don’t knock doors, you may be able to help with the organization, assemble literature, etc. A two-hour shift can make a real difference.
Thank you, Simon! I guess Joni Ernst's career is "going to die."
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to demand action on RFK. I reminded them that American taxpayer dollars funded the development of the COVID vaccine. Now, Americans who want the vaccine are being told they can't get it? That's wrong on a million levels. I'm over 65, but my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson aren't. They need the COVID vaccine, too.
Yes, great to see Joni Ernst’s career being the casualty here!
The DownBallot just minutes ago published a good analysis of Ernst’s withdrawal. Even better: Ernst isn’t the only one! Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley has announced she is declining to run for another term.
Imho, this is double great news for Democrats and democracy!
The DownBallot writes here: "Conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley just announced her retirement. She was up for reelection in April. Liberals now have an even better chance to increase their majority from 4–3 to 5–2."
Catherine - I also live in Md. Van Hollen & Alsobrooks are my reps. too… I have made several calls to their offices. I feel like they are already working very hard on our behalf.
Still worth calling?
And I would feel more productive writing postcards to Virginia. Glad you sent the link.
I've been writing one of my famous cathartic letters, this one to Kennedy, and it's probably not fit for public viewing. Still, it gets it out of my system for a bit, much like regular saline nasal spray, which relieves some congestion for a short while and is harmless.
I put some $ in the hats of Spanberger and Sherrill, and that helps a bit too.
I've been contributing regularly to Abigail Spanberger and once to the California effort for redistricting but I'm well past my 'discretionary income' and there are just so many worthy goals I want to support.
My gifts in 2025 have been modest, as I went overboard with my contributions in 2024, not just to campaigns, but also to independent media.
Yesterday, I attempted to make a gift subscription to an independent media platform, but there was an issue with the credit card processing software on the website, indicating it didn't go through. I then processed the payment through PayPal, and, of course, wouldn't you know it, BOTH transactions were successful. I just let it be.
Simon - thank you for reposting the clip from your interview with Leon Krauze earlier this year! I remembered the sentiment-and I agree- but not the source!!!
Rest up everyone. See you in the trenches starting Tuesday.
All these populist demagogues have similar features. Chavez did some of the same things as AMLO. I think in the first term, in fact, Trump was doing the same thing using twitter to communicate directly and repeatedly with his followers. I guess now he uses Truth Social primarily plus press conferences. He feels immediate to them and he's repeating what they need to hear every day.
The thing about AMLO is that he did not destroy democracy in Mexico. Some of the same impulses Trump has were there, but he failed. In the book "Democracy's Resilience to Populism's Threat", Kurt Weyland examines the AMLO case along with Chavez who succeeded, and many others who failed. The general conclusion about AMLO and others who fail is that they did not succeed in solving one or two major crisis situations. And manufacturing bogus crises, as Trump is doing, doesn't seem to work very well either (according to Weyland's analysis).
Chavez had a massive oil price spike he leveraged to send checks to poor Venezuelans. This increased his popularity, and put him in a position to destroy democracy.
I think the comparison is very relevant, and the insight is important for how to deal with these creatures. Thanks for conducting the interview.
Remember the government checks that went out bearing Trump's signature? Apparently many people viewed these as if they came directly out of Trump's pocket.
Sadly, probably getting rich and having less stress than she deserves by working for a "lobbying firm" that will do its darndest to get rid of Medicaid and other safety nets. But she deserves gravedigger.
Great news about Joni Ernst. Little cracks become big cracks. Since "we're all going to die," I guess Ernst decided to hasten her political demise. Hooray for that.
Second, reposting from late yesterday: Brian Tyler Cohen interviews Abigail Spanberger. He pressures her about following California's lead on redistricting and she patiently and repeatedly stands her ground about why it's appropriate for California, and not appropriate at this time for Virginia. If even half the congressional democrats (house and senate) had the fire that she demonstrates here, this thing would look a whole lot different today. As we raise our game, they will raise theirs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNnu1HdW-lg
Simon, thanks for posting Leon Krauze. Very timely.
I donated to Spanberger yesterday, today it is Mikie Sherrill and Jon Ossoff
I don't know if it's good that Ernst will not run for re-election. She was carrying a lot of bad baggage, not least of which was her "everybody's going to die" answer to the health insurance crisis. Now someone will run who doesn't have that baggage but does have the coveted "R" next to his/her name. Generally, it's great news when an incumbent drops out but not necessarily this time. We'll see.
Barbara, come on. Stop it. It’s 100 percent good news. We get our top recruits, theirs refuse to run. All of their candidates will have baggage. Incumbency is a big deal. Take the wins when they come and this is a big win. My friends in the Senate are elated.
Agree Simon. Iowa political landscape is shifting. Deep red MAGA northwest Iowa just elected a Democrat. Rod Sand, Democrat, is running for governor. The Iowa incumbent governor, Kim Reynolds, is not running for reelection. Rob Sand is Iowa’s State Auditor. A middle of right and left. Appeals to all. Iowa Nice may be coming back. Current Republicans have turned Iowa backwards.
I sincerely want to thank you for your post. I laughed until tears came out when I read: "coveted R." I really needed that.
It took me back to my childhood (50s/60s) and a character I had forgotten. He was a manically depressed hyena -- who hung around with Lippy the Lion -- and whose name was Hardy Har Har. "Oh Dear... Oh My ... looks like they've got the coveted R."
Thanks for all you do, Simon. Might I suggest you seek out Rachel Bitecofer, who has written the book "Hit 'Em Where it Hurts," which talks about how Dems need to politicize everything and slam Republicans every day, like you've been saying.
This is exactly my feelings about how Trump won in 2024. He NEVER went away. He was always in the news and the Democrats are still not using that playbook. Where are the press conferences??? Trump does something illegal or immoral almost everyday and we should have multiple Democratic leaders rushing to hold press conferences and post on all social media platforms to point out the destruction of our democracy, what better policy looks like and what we as individuals can do for our country (remember JFK, the good Kennedy).
It is taking a while for Democrats to resign ourselves to doing things we consider improper or just gross. Some people, like Newsom, are starting to try such things. I wish it hadn’t taken so long for people to rise to the occasion, but it feels like that is finally starting to happen.
Democrats also needed time to figure out what norm-breaking we could do without causing long-term damage. I think next year will be very different from this year, with a more aggressive Democratic Party.
This "Ice Recruitment Recruitment Song" speaks for itself. Priceless!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjGHf7OvglM
That guy is great.
Thank you! This is fabulous.
He is correct in his song when he said those guys in ICE just want to feel like men. They are just a bunch of bullies.
Perfect song. Thank you!
well, he certainly covers it! thanks, Arctic!
emailed my US Rep and both Senators (all R's) re: the need to replace Sec Kennedy with someone competent.
For those writing postcards about Prop 50 in CA (and PA state Supreme Court) there are now cartoon postcards specifically designed for both those races (plus VA cards as well to have even Repub voters demand town halls). https://cartoonsfordemocracy.myshopify.com/
Our local Democratic group’s field team is planning for the upcoming canvassing. If you haven’t already, and you are in California, maybe contact your own local Democratic group or Mobilize.us. Even if you don’t knock doors, you may be able to help with the organization, assemble literature, etc. A two-hour shift can make a real difference.
Love that idea. I can imagine a recipient being more likely to give it a look
CVS is not providing vaccines in 16 states, including NY and Florida, due to that dead bear loving jerk. GET HIM OUT!!
I’m getting an Rx from my MD, not letting them deny me! 🤬Then working to do what I can to help others in need.
Is that what I should do re: the COVID vaccine? I'm going to see my doctor in less than a couple of weeks. I'll ask him about that.
Thank you, Simon! I guess Joni Ernst's career is "going to die."
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to demand action on RFK. I reminded them that American taxpayer dollars funded the development of the COVID vaccine. Now, Americans who want the vaccine are being told they can't get it? That's wrong on a million levels. I'm over 65, but my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson aren't. They need the COVID vaccine, too.
I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters today.
Could you supply a link to the VA postcard process you're participating in? This is something I could do.
https://postcards4va.com/
Many thanks, doing this right now!
Yes, great to see Joni Ernst’s career being the casualty here!
The DownBallot just minutes ago published a good analysis of Ernst’s withdrawal. Even better: Ernst isn’t the only one! Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley has announced she is declining to run for another term.
Imho, this is double great news for Democrats and democracy!
https://www.the-downballot.com/p/breaking-two-midwest-conservatives
I am sorry. But what's the backstory about SC Rebecca Bradley? From your post, this is good news.
A very conservative state supreme court justice. This post has more info and Bradley’s press release (obviously with her bias):
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:alqdxbp33ceoyly2o46nvcrc/post/3lxkhuhweos22
The DownBallot writes here: "Conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley just announced her retirement. She was up for reelection in April. Liberals now have an even better chance to increase their majority from 4–3 to 5–2."
Thank you!
Catherine - I also live in Md. Van Hollen & Alsobrooks are my reps. too… I have made several calls to their offices. I feel like they are already working very hard on our behalf.
Still worth calling?
And I would feel more productive writing postcards to Virginia. Glad you sent the link.
I've been writing one of my famous cathartic letters, this one to Kennedy, and it's probably not fit for public viewing. Still, it gets it out of my system for a bit, much like regular saline nasal spray, which relieves some congestion for a short while and is harmless.
I put some $ in the hats of Spanberger and Sherrill, and that helps a bit too.
I've been contributing regularly to Abigail Spanberger and once to the California effort for redistricting but I'm well past my 'discretionary income' and there are just so many worthy goals I want to support.
Oh, I get it, I do!!!
My gifts in 2025 have been modest, as I went overboard with my contributions in 2024, not just to campaigns, but also to independent media.
Yesterday, I attempted to make a gift subscription to an independent media platform, but there was an issue with the credit card processing software on the website, indicating it didn't go through. I then processed the payment through PayPal, and, of course, wouldn't you know it, BOTH transactions were successful. I just let it be.
I think a thousand $5 donations might be better than one $5000 donation.
You bet! That's a great way to think of it!
Woot!Woot! Ernst is out!
I made such an exclamation when I read the news here that my dogs ran over to me barking. :)
Simon - thank you for reposting the clip from your interview with Leon Krauze earlier this year! I remembered the sentiment-and I agree- but not the source!!!
Rest up everyone. See you in the trenches starting Tuesday.
We have a country to save!!!!
All these populist demagogues have similar features. Chavez did some of the same things as AMLO. I think in the first term, in fact, Trump was doing the same thing using twitter to communicate directly and repeatedly with his followers. I guess now he uses Truth Social primarily plus press conferences. He feels immediate to them and he's repeating what they need to hear every day.
The thing about AMLO is that he did not destroy democracy in Mexico. Some of the same impulses Trump has were there, but he failed. In the book "Democracy's Resilience to Populism's Threat", Kurt Weyland examines the AMLO case along with Chavez who succeeded, and many others who failed. The general conclusion about AMLO and others who fail is that they did not succeed in solving one or two major crisis situations. And manufacturing bogus crises, as Trump is doing, doesn't seem to work very well either (according to Weyland's analysis).
Chavez had a massive oil price spike he leveraged to send checks to poor Venezuelans. This increased his popularity, and put him in a position to destroy democracy.
I think the comparison is very relevant, and the insight is important for how to deal with these creatures. Thanks for conducting the interview.
Remember the government checks that went out bearing Trump's signature? Apparently many people viewed these as if they came directly out of Trump's pocket.
Yep. We call him an idiot because he is so ignorant and ridiculous, but he has this sort of feral cunning. He knows how to manipulate people.
Chavez was on TV between 3 and 5 hours a day every day.
What do you think Ernst's next career move will be?
Hospital chaplain?
Gravedigger?
Maybe polling work as a spirit medium?
Trump will appoint her head of some agency for which she is totally unqualified and where she can do maximum damage.
He can employ her as his personal chaplain and gravedigger, then.
Death Panel cheerleader.
Maybe an Elvira style horror movie host?
Sadly, probably getting rich and having less stress than she deserves by working for a "lobbying firm" that will do its darndest to get rid of Medicaid and other safety nets. But she deserves gravedigger.
Great news about Joni Ernst. Little cracks become big cracks. Since "we're all going to die," I guess Ernst decided to hasten her political demise. Hooray for that.
Farewell Joni... take the wins, baby
All political careers die.
Two great interviews. First up, two of my all-time favorite hero patriots Marc Elias interviews Jamie Raskin for 45 minutes... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDLIgNzb5FM
Second, reposting from late yesterday: Brian Tyler Cohen interviews Abigail Spanberger. He pressures her about following California's lead on redistricting and she patiently and repeatedly stands her ground about why it's appropriate for California, and not appropriate at this time for Virginia. If even half the congressional democrats (house and senate) had the fire that she demonstrates here, this thing would look a whole lot different today. As we raise our game, they will raise theirs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNnu1HdW-lg
Simon, thanks for posting Leon Krauze. Very timely.
I donated to Spanberger yesterday, today it is Mikie Sherrill and Jon Ossoff
Don’t let the door hit ya where the Good Lord split ya
I don't know if it's good that Ernst will not run for re-election. She was carrying a lot of bad baggage, not least of which was her "everybody's going to die" answer to the health insurance crisis. Now someone will run who doesn't have that baggage but does have the coveted "R" next to his/her name. Generally, it's great news when an incumbent drops out but not necessarily this time. We'll see.
Barbara, come on. Stop it. It’s 100 percent good news. We get our top recruits, theirs refuse to run. All of their candidates will have baggage. Incumbency is a big deal. Take the wins when they come and this is a big win. My friends in the Senate are elated.
Agree Simon. Iowa political landscape is shifting. Deep red MAGA northwest Iowa just elected a Democrat. Rod Sand, Democrat, is running for governor. The Iowa incumbent governor, Kim Reynolds, is not running for reelection. Rob Sand is Iowa’s State Auditor. A middle of right and left. Appeals to all. Iowa Nice may be coming back. Current Republicans have turned Iowa backwards.
I sincerely want to thank you for your post. I laughed until tears came out when I read: "coveted R." I really needed that.
It took me back to my childhood (50s/60s) and a character I had forgotten. He was a manically depressed hyena -- who hung around with Lippy the Lion -- and whose name was Hardy Har Har. "Oh Dear... Oh My ... looks like they've got the coveted R."
Iowa political landscape is changing.
Thanks for all you do, Simon. Might I suggest you seek out Rachel Bitecofer, who has written the book "Hit 'Em Where it Hurts," which talks about how Dems need to politicize everything and slam Republicans every day, like you've been saying.
She spoke at the same conference with Simon as keynote speaker in Albuquerque last week. Seems they know one another quite well.
This live-stream interview with historian Heather Cox Richardson is well worth watching, in addition to Simon’s Hopium presentations and interviews.
https://open.substack.com/live-stream/54993
This is exactly my feelings about how Trump won in 2024. He NEVER went away. He was always in the news and the Democrats are still not using that playbook. Where are the press conferences??? Trump does something illegal or immoral almost everyday and we should have multiple Democratic leaders rushing to hold press conferences and post on all social media platforms to point out the destruction of our democracy, what better policy looks like and what we as individuals can do for our country (remember JFK, the good Kennedy).
It is taking a while for Democrats to resign ourselves to doing things we consider improper or just gross. Some people, like Newsom, are starting to try such things. I wish it hadn’t taken so long for people to rise to the occasion, but it feels like that is finally starting to happen.
Democrats also needed time to figure out what norm-breaking we could do without causing long-term damage. I think next year will be very different from this year, with a more aggressive Democratic Party.
I hope Newsom sets Donald's few remaining hairs on fire by attacking him for removing Kamala Harris's Secret Service protection.
I had not seen that. Sigh.
Normally, it is 6 months after their term expires, but Biden had signed an executive order giving her 18 months.