I am the Chair of Cheboygan County Democratic Party in a red district. I listen to you every chance I get. Yesterday on the Meidas Touch you talked about Biden needing to message from the bottom up. This is what we are doing all over Northern Michigan and beyond but if you have any messaging posters/flyers that we can share on social media and our websites we will happily upload and share widely. Help with this could be a game changer.
Trump said he would not support a European country if Russia invaded if any Nato country were in arrears with its full funding. That should scare everyone or is Northern Michigan not afraid of fascist dictators?
And North Korea is threatening the USA with bombing. We need realistic foreign policy in these very precarious times. Perhaps Northern Michigan residents are isolationists? If so, we need to posit an argument that engages their hearts and minds.... others may have a better solution.
Joanne, we don't produce materials for direct contact with voters, but create arguments, language and data for those who do. Do folks have sources to recommend to Joanne?
Joanne get on Jess Craven’s Substack Chop Wood Carry Water, she is a dynamic activist and probably has tons of links or advice. Thank you for your efforts in Michigan
Joanne, I work with a group that focuses on the 6 states that are essential to win in November and of course MI is one of those. We are looking to partner with groups in Michigan. I do not know how we could connect, but we are specifically looking to focus there with those who live in Michigan - they know Michigan best!
Wanted to share from my fave columnist,Scott Maxwell, at the Orlando Sentinel as he responded to questions from readers today.
Reader: I loved your story this week about Tom Keen’s upset victory. [“Something weird is happening in Florida: Democrats are winning“] Thanks for being able to stand in that middle space and say this is a good sign without feeling the need to promise the moon come November. You get extra points from me for mentioning your cat by name. Thomas
Maxwell:Yeah, I’m not predicting a blue wave in Florida this fall. But the recent Democratic surprises were worth noting. As for the cat, I never considered myself a cat guy. But the kids brought Leona home from the shelter one day when they were little. Now, the kids are gone, and Leona’s still here. I have to admit I quite like her. And funny cat names. Maybe we’ll name our next cat Sheboygan.
Thanks for this pep talk! After the really dismaying reporting in NYT (probably will cancel my subscription) it helps to hear a voice of sanity. I’m going out tomorrow to hand out flyers to commuters in Tom’s district. Looking forward to that!
At no time since the Civil War has it been so easy to see which candidates to oppose. If they don't DENOUNCE the 2020 loser and wannabe dictator, work against them, from school board to president!
Time for this nation to have a clear conversation about aging.
Contrast Warren Buffett with Elon Musk, both of them idolized by millions of people. One is 93 but still smart, articulate, and has a lifetime of knowledge. The other is about 50 and doing drugs with members of Tesla's board (don't get me started on the legal risks...).
Age is one factor among many, and we need to recognize that people are living longer -- and are often living quite well. Warren Buffett and Joe Biden (and Jill) are exemplars in how to age well.
Agreed. We are living longer and more productive lives, which is one reason why in my New Republic essay I talk about the need for us to start having a broader conversation about improving life expectancy and overall public health and quality of life for all people.
Yes, we Americans need a much more grounded, specific conversation about improving 'health span', which is fundamental to quality of life.
This conversation is badly needed, and perhaps Joe Biden can join Warren Buffett in being an unwitting catalyst for talking about healthy aging. All of us need a *better* conversation -- with specifics -- about this general topic.
As someone who was recently widowed, I really appreciated Dr. Biden's note. Bringing Beau into this left me seething. I still think this despicable hit job will backfire on the republicans.
Thank you for sharing. I am so sorry for your loss.
And may I say, from your typing fingers to god’s ears! The hit job should back fire. Anyone with sense and experience should be able to see it for what it is.
Lotsa ways Republicans play dirty, uncivil, vulgar, deceitful, Margaret.
What other behavior to expect when led by thug, wannabe dictator, and grabber of places on women where ideologue allies on Supreme Court have also arrogated, installed, usurped themselves?
Yes I read it. I subscribe to his substack. Also highly recommend Snyder’s book, On Tyranny. I keep a copy next to my bed. Every morning I read one chapter. When I get to the end of the book, I start over. Even better than Powder Milk Biscuits, it gives me the strength to get up and do what needs to be done. And reminds me just what that is.
Vary your diet, Sky, with another of Timothy Snyder's, "Bloodlands."
It shows both the Soviet and the German sides gone berserk in mass killing of Jews and other vulnerable populations throughout WWII. A fitting set of reminders of how peoples led at every level by dictators, autocrats, and nationalists can go really quite entirely mad.
Thank you I will check it out after I have recovered from R. Maddow’s Prequel. That book is brutal. I knew there was an anti-war isolationist contingent here in USA prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. But I had no idea the presence and extent of antisemitism. I listened to the book (Maddow is the narrator). There were times when I was physically ill. And if you substitute “Russia and Russians” for “Germany and Germans” you pretty much get where we are now.
Thanks for everything you have done to help Tom Suozzi get to and cross the finish line in this very close special election. The donations show the power of our grassroots movement. Thanks again for kicking off the Sundays For Suozzi postcarding parties. Markers is hosting a Special Election Night Postcard Zoom on Tuesday at 9 pm. The Hopium community is invited to join. https://www.mobilize.us/markersfordemocracy/event/605269/
Ellen, I tried at the last minute to join this afternoons 2 pm phone bank, but got an automated response that the zoom link would be sent the morning of the phone bank. ARGH! I can sign up for the 4pm zoom although it won't be able to stay the whole time, but I expect I will get the same automated response.
Hi Ellen, the organizer for Grassroots Dems lost their Zoom session and emailed everyone the zoom link (including me) so I was able to participate for the last hour or so. I'm taking a break and will do a lttle more calling this afternoon. I think the district is really saturated - some people mentioned getting multiple phone calls already.
I was also impressed by this letter from Jill Biden. This line especially I am committing to memory to use: "Joe is 81, that’s true, but he’s 81 doing more in an hour than most people do in a day."
I realized I hadn't signed up for todays phone bank so I sighed up 20 minutes before the phone bank. Got an email back saying I would receive the zoom link the morning of the phone bank. Really??? I have never had issues signing up at the last minute for events! ARGH! anyone have the zoom link?
Do you mean for Tom? Here's the link they said we could use tomorrow and Tuesday to just drop in. Tomorrow starts at 4. I can't remember Tuesday's but it's earlier.
Thanks Simon. We are already working on using the 6 point argument you discussed on Meidas Touch: Verified rapist
Committed largest financial fraud in U.S. history.
Led an Insurrection.
Stole American secrets.
His family, Melania, Don Jr., Ivanka and Eric have taken a massive amount of foreign money and grifted money from small dollar MAGA donors.
Responsible for the S.C. Dobbs decision.
Putting it into a poster for websites and social media. I asked because we are always looking for new ideas as we ramp up our messaging. Will continue to listen for new ideas. Thank you!
You only cheat and play games with the rules if you losing. All of this is a sign of desperation of a team that knows its losing.
Signed up to help Tom with calls. Joe Biden is a wise president and when he has a house and Senate Katy bar the door.
thank you Guy!
I am the Chair of Cheboygan County Democratic Party in a red district. I listen to you every chance I get. Yesterday on the Meidas Touch you talked about Biden needing to message from the bottom up. This is what we are doing all over Northern Michigan and beyond but if you have any messaging posters/flyers that we can share on social media and our websites we will happily upload and share widely. Help with this could be a game changer.
Trump said he would not support a European country if Russia invaded if any Nato country were in arrears with its full funding. That should scare everyone or is Northern Michigan not afraid of fascist dictators?
And North Korea is threatening the USA with bombing. We need realistic foreign policy in these very precarious times. Perhaps Northern Michigan residents are isolationists? If so, we need to posit an argument that engages their hearts and minds.... others may have a better solution.
Joanne, we don't produce materials for direct contact with voters, but create arguments, language and data for those who do. Do folks have sources to recommend to Joanne?
Have you checked out DemCast (https://demcastusa.com/)? They have lots of good stuff that is social media ready.
Cheryl no I haven't but I will now. Much appreciated!
Joanne get on Jess Craven’s Substack Chop Wood Carry Water, she is a dynamic activist and probably has tons of links or advice. Thank you for your efforts in Michigan
Thank you, I will !!
Joanne, I work with a group that focuses on the 6 states that are essential to win in November and of course MI is one of those. We are looking to partner with groups in Michigan. I do not know how we could connect, but we are specifically looking to focus there with those who live in Michigan - they know Michigan best!
Joanne, I’m in a red district adjacent to Orlando. Supported Tom Keen and now Suozzi In NY.
Do you follow Jess Craven @ https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/ She offers lots of great messaging resources.
Wanted to share from my fave columnist,Scott Maxwell, at the Orlando Sentinel as he responded to questions from readers today.
Reader: I loved your story this week about Tom Keen’s upset victory. [“Something weird is happening in Florida: Democrats are winning“] Thanks for being able to stand in that middle space and say this is a good sign without feeling the need to promise the moon come November. You get extra points from me for mentioning your cat by name. Thomas
Maxwell:Yeah, I’m not predicting a blue wave in Florida this fall. But the recent Democratic surprises were worth noting. As for the cat, I never considered myself a cat guy. But the kids brought Leona home from the shelter one day when they were little. Now, the kids are gone, and Leona’s still here. I have to admit I quite like her. And funny cat names. Maybe we’ll name our next cat Sheboygan.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/02/08/readers-sound-off-on-airport-newspaper-parental-rights-leona-cat-commentary/?share=naw0toitdeodneawwlco
A shout out to Cheboygan ( with a C!)
That blue wave in Florida is coming…🌊
Thanks for this pep talk! After the really dismaying reporting in NYT (probably will cancel my subscription) it helps to hear a voice of sanity. I’m going out tomorrow to hand out flyers to commuters in Tom’s district. Looking forward to that!
Thank you Linda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great foot-soldiering!!!
Excellent! On the calls today we got a lot of people who are enthusiastic about Tom!
I received Jill's email last night and it touched my heart. Donated right away when I got up this morning. I can't imagine what she is going through.
Me too! I sent a larger donation than I normally would. I hope many people will do that!
Thank you Marte!
Thank you, Annette.
I wonder if fundraising numbers went up after the report. I really think this may have backfired.
NATO remarks should fill the papers now- how on earth can that be overlooked.
Nothing has made me angrier than that report full of partisan shots at our president. Beyond shameful.
I am happy to have written postcards and donated to Tom. I’m hopeful we’ll have another blue win this Tuesday!
At no time since the Civil War has it been so easy to see which candidates to oppose. If they don't DENOUNCE the 2020 loser and wannabe dictator, work against them, from school board to president!
Agreed.
Time for this nation to have a clear conversation about aging.
Contrast Warren Buffett with Elon Musk, both of them idolized by millions of people. One is 93 but still smart, articulate, and has a lifetime of knowledge. The other is about 50 and doing drugs with members of Tesla's board (don't get me started on the legal risks...).
Age is one factor among many, and we need to recognize that people are living longer -- and are often living quite well. Warren Buffett and Joe Biden (and Jill) are exemplars in how to age well.
Agreed. We are living longer and more productive lives, which is one reason why in my New Republic essay I talk about the need for us to start having a broader conversation about improving life expectancy and overall public health and quality of life for all people.
Yes, we Americans need a much more grounded, specific conversation about improving 'health span', which is fundamental to quality of life.
This conversation is badly needed, and perhaps Joe Biden can join Warren Buffett in being an unwitting catalyst for talking about healthy aging. All of us need a *better* conversation -- with specifics -- about this general topic.
I really like this idea.
As someone who was recently widowed, I really appreciated Dr. Biden's note. Bringing Beau into this left me seething. I still think this despicable hit job will backfire on the republicans.
I don’t know you but let me say I am so sorry for your loss. Stay strong.
Thank you.
Echo that, sorry for your loss Margaret.
Thanks.
It made me cry -- thought of my sweet Mom. You NEVER forget the date; Hur is just a low-rent R hit man.
And peace to you, Margaret 🤗
Thank you for sharing. I am so sorry for your loss.
And may I say, from your typing fingers to god’s ears! The hit job should back fire. Anyone with sense and experience should be able to see it for what it is.
Lotsa ways Republicans play dirty, uncivil, vulgar, deceitful, Margaret.
What other behavior to expect when led by thug, wannabe dictator, and grabber of places on women where ideologue allies on Supreme Court have also arrogated, installed, usurped themselves?
I hope everyone has read this seminal article by Tim Snyder - Yale historian
https://open.substack.com/pub/snyder/p/putins-genocidal-myth?r=e5jty&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Yes I read it. I subscribe to his substack. Also highly recommend Snyder’s book, On Tyranny. I keep a copy next to my bed. Every morning I read one chapter. When I get to the end of the book, I start over. Even better than Powder Milk Biscuits, it gives me the strength to get up and do what needs to be done. And reminds me just what that is.
Vary your diet, Sky, with another of Timothy Snyder's, "Bloodlands."
It shows both the Soviet and the German sides gone berserk in mass killing of Jews and other vulnerable populations throughout WWII. A fitting set of reminders of how peoples led at every level by dictators, autocrats, and nationalists can go really quite entirely mad.
Thank you I will check it out after I have recovered from R. Maddow’s Prequel. That book is brutal. I knew there was an anti-war isolationist contingent here in USA prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. But I had no idea the presence and extent of antisemitism. I listened to the book (Maddow is the narrator). There were times when I was physically ill. And if you substitute “Russia and Russians” for “Germany and Germans” you pretty much get where we are now.
Thanks for the link. I wish all the GOP traitors to their oath were forced to read this and then get grilled about why they are Putin puppets.
Thanks for everything you have done to help Tom Suozzi get to and cross the finish line in this very close special election. The donations show the power of our grassroots movement. Thanks again for kicking off the Sundays For Suozzi postcarding parties. Markers is hosting a Special Election Night Postcard Zoom on Tuesday at 9 pm. The Hopium community is invited to join. https://www.mobilize.us/markersfordemocracy/event/605269/
Ellen, I tried at the last minute to join this afternoons 2 pm phone bank, but got an automated response that the zoom link would be sent the morning of the phone bank. ARGH! I can sign up for the 4pm zoom although it won't be able to stay the whole time, but I expect I will get the same automated response.
Did you sign up with this link? https://www.mobilize.us/suozziforcongress/event/596611/
There is also a phonebank with Grassroots Dems HQ (but make sure you note the correct time as they use PT): https://www.mobilize.us/grassrootsdemocratslahq/event/605114/
Yes I did. Grassroots Dems did the same thing and sent out an automated email to ask my friends to join but no zoom link.
I texted the campaign. I guess it is possible (but unlikely) that the phonebanks are full.
Hi Ellen, the organizer for Grassroots Dems lost their Zoom session and emailed everyone the zoom link (including me) so I was able to participate for the last hour or so. I'm taking a break and will do a lttle more calling this afternoon. I think the district is really saturated - some people mentioned getting multiple phone calls already.
Takes a village!
Just donated
Thank you Rob!!!!!
I was also impressed by this letter from Jill Biden. This line especially I am committing to memory to use: "Joe is 81, that’s true, but he’s 81 doing more in an hour than most people do in a day."
Off to do Suozzi calls.
Thank you Joan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I realized I hadn't signed up for todays phone bank so I sighed up 20 minutes before the phone bank. Got an email back saying I would receive the zoom link the morning of the phone bank. Really??? I have never had issues signing up at the last minute for events! ARGH! anyone have the zoom link?
Do you mean for Tom? Here's the link they said we could use tomorrow and Tuesday to just drop in. Tomorrow starts at 4. I can't remember Tuesday's but it's earlier.
https://zoom.us/j/91617724466#success
I like Dr. Biden’s comment, “Joe has wisdom, empathy, and vision.” That’s the campaign in a nutshell: Vision over division.
I like that!
Thanks Simon. We are already working on using the 6 point argument you discussed on Meidas Touch: Verified rapist
Committed largest financial fraud in U.S. history.
Led an Insurrection.
Stole American secrets.
His family, Melania, Don Jr., Ivanka and Eric have taken a massive amount of foreign money and grifted money from small dollar MAGA donors.
Responsible for the S.C. Dobbs decision.
Putting it into a poster for websites and social media. I asked because we are always looking for new ideas as we ramp up our messaging. Will continue to listen for new ideas. Thank you!