Here is something inspiring. When President Joe Biden revealed that he was facing late-stage prostate cancer that metastasized to his bones, I mailed him a Catholic Mass Card of recurring prayers for healing and comfort. It is a common way for Catholics to acknowledge a hardship and express concern. This week I received a thank-you letter from him, and posted a scanned copy of it here to see. https://drive.google.com/file/d/11-tGX5kLK7JNtds-ZtGsNIP0t5-aJdlt/view?usp=sharing
This is the text of it.
Office of Joe and Jill Biden
May 19, 2026
Dear Deborah,
Jill often quotes a poet who said: “Don't turn away. Keep your gaze on the bandaged place. That's where the light enters.” I'm strengthened knowing how much light is yet to come into my life, even and especially during the most difficult times. Now, facing my recent diagnosis, is no different.
Jill and I are always humbled by your prayers, support, and well wishes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your message. Thank you for your light.
In addition to being one of America's most accomplished presidents (the list would be long), Joe Biden is the epitome of brilliance, intuitiveness, kindness, and inclusion. He is one of history's greatest Americans.
Deborah - I used to be a chiropractor, and once went to a seminar that Dr. Janet Travell, JFK's White House doctor held. She was in her late 80s, needed assistance to walk, but got on stage and demonstrated her ground-breaking trigger point therapy on volunteers. I wrote her a letter afterward to thank her and tell her what her career had meant to a young practitioner. She typed a letter to me, with White-Out corrections, thanking me and inviting me to tell her about my practice. She died shortly after. It's one of my prized possessions and has been on my wall ever since. I love having heroes in my life!
What grace. What class. We used to have Presidents with those qualities. We can and will again. Thanks, Deborah, for sending the letter and Mass Card to President Biden and his family, and thanks for sharing the heart-warming response. We must ALL keep the faith (and do the work).
Thank you Deborah. I wrote to President Biden at the end of his term thanking him for his service to our country. I should not have been surprised when I received a reply. After hearing Anita Hill state that the letters she received after she testifies were a source of comfort, I started sending notes to folks I felt were unsung heroes or had been unjustly attacked. (Dr. Ford when she testified against Kavanagh, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Secretary Anthony Blinken, and other people who work in our state government. I also wrote notes to voters who spoke to us during canvassing. Our church has a program to write notes to incarcerated people. The power of the written word.
You are not being overly dramatic. This was the plan from the beginning. Just as making ICE a gestapo was. Just as making it so that only white men can vote (make America great AGAIN means pre-civil war. Project 2025 made that clear)
This is the reason that so many in our "base" are hot under the collar. We understand what it is up and it seems to us that too many of our leaders/reps just don't understand what time it is. I'm glad you are saying this Simon because because they consider you to be a sane reasonable person. The rest of us, no matter how intelligent and well informed we may be, have been repeatedly dismissed as over-reacting, which just makes us angrier and more panicked.
Norm’s Publishers Roundup on The Contrarian today: “consider the evidence represented by the word of over 100 former judges. Their bar complaint asking the New York State Bar to investigate Blanche for multiple ethics issues is a shocking expose.”
Thanks so much, Simon, for laying out the facts and encouraging us to take action. I have decided to become a walking sign for democracy by wearing a political hat each morning on my morning dog walk. Today, my husband and I wore our hats (mine is RESIST and his is DOWN WITH KINGS) to the very large Madison, WI, art fair. We had several good discussions as a result with people who have been reluctant to engage in similar messaging. Every little bit spreads and spreads and spreads. . .
Yeah....it's time for the Dem Party to speak up about what's coming. It's what the American People need from them now. John Thune needs to be literally shamed out of the Senate when we get to the other side of this. What a disappointing human he has turned out to be.
In context of the communism message Republicans are trying on, a "who's the real threat to democracy?" message may resonate. However, people will ultimately put themselves and their families first and if they can't get a job or put food on the table, I believe that will win out over threat to democracy. Isn't that part of the messaging misstep from 2024?
It's completely possible to connect the corruption with kitchen table issues. In fact, it's all part of the same story and I think it's irresponsible to ignore either side!
I am stoked about us raising $50K in 2 days for Maine Dems. I think this show of support for them after a disastrous week in Maine must give them strength to go forward strong and proud toward a new candidate who can win. I am so proud to be a part of this community! Thank you for your commitment to democracy.
Turning a really unfortunate and terrible thing for a state party into assistance in their time of need, rather than piling on, is a virtuous thing to do. It's what healthy families do for each other. More and more I am convinced that our country is going to come out of this outrageous ugly mess stronger and better. Thanks, Simon!
Dems must connect the dots to help people see the accumulative erosion of our democracy. Kitchen table issues provide only a few dots and become part of the bigger discussion.
The dots take us from Trump’s obsession to make voting harder simply to recast democracy in his image. The dots include his focus to erode first amendment rights of citizens and the media (and it’s obligation to make government accountable)
The dots include Trumps secret goon squad that sweeps families away to concentration camps… shooting innocent people along the way.
The dots include Trumps illegal tariffs and his war against Iran ..and the negative effect on people’s everyday lives- including kitchen table issues
The dots include Trumps vanity projects bringing self glory as he renames the Kennedy Center, tearing down part of the White House, making an arch for himself and making a mess out of the Reflection Pool … all unauthorized actions amplifying his need to set himself above the law.
The dots need to include SCOTUS rulings designed to give Trump unconstitutional powers.
Connect all the dots …. And Trump’s approval drops under 30.
Connect the dots to help people see and understand the danger to our republic.
I tend not to be conspiracy-minded, but I find myself speculating whether Republicans are hiding the seriousness of Mitch McConnell’s health problems in order to avoid an early Kentucky election for his replacement. I’m sure they feel best served by delaying it until the ordinary Midterms in November.
Yes, I think it's more about that seat being vacant, and the GOP losing a vote, if only temporarily. The seat is R+15, very red. Would love a Dem to win it, but that's unlikely.
Senate confirmations and other votes: Are there any pressure points that can be pushed to increase the odds of Fetterman voting sensibly – i.e. with the rest of the Democratic caucus?
With regards to “everyone deserves a chance”, I do wish that a certain young Austrian artist named Adolf had been admitted to art school back in the day!
Oh I think that this is obviously just what you and so many others are saying. I sincerely hope Gov. Beshear schedules the special election to force proof of life/ability to function. CNN released the videos of McConnell being put in the ambulance. There was no rushed, panicked living saving frenetic energy taking place. It was as if he were not revivable. Let’s force the Rs have on this one.
According to KY statutes, the Governor can not schedule the election until the seat is officially vacated (resignation, death or expulsion -- House Bill 622 adopted in 2024 https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/24rs/hb622.html).
If the seat becomes vacant within 56 days of the November 3 election (after Tues. Sept 8), there would not be enough time to hold a special election under the current law. However, this article says: "There is also the question of potential legal action. Some constitutional experts say language in the state and U.S. Constitution may still give the governor the power to appoint a temporary successor, leaving significant uncertainty around what would actually happen if a Senate seat opened up."
McConnells term is up in January. Even if there were a special election, say in late August or September, wouldn't the term be for a matter of several weeks? The speculation I have heard is that Republicans fear that Thomas Massie could run and win the seat, but the field is already set for November. I checked Google and couldn't find any polling on the head to head between Barr (R) and Booker (D) since the May primary. Simon, can you enlighten us on this?
The last factual information we heard about Mitch, he was unconscious on the floor in his home with a heart attack (cardiac arrest.) It is widely speculated that he is either dead or brain dead. His wife, Elain Chau, flew to China on planned family business two days before he dropped, and just returned this last Tuesday, saying that McTurtle's medical condition did not warrant her early return. Thune and Borasso came out on the same day last week to each say they had a 20 minute phone call with Mitch about policy: Iran, tariffs, SAVE act., etc.
Is it credible? I doubt their statements. When a reporter asked his staff directly, is Mitch brain dead? the answer was he is still recovering and working for the people of Kentucky. Okay, but they didn't say "No, he is not brain dead." It's been four weeks and no peep from Mitch. He is still hospitalized and the reporting is no one has seen him.
Yesterday I called my House member, Jimmy Panetta about this. I suggested that Democrats should be making noise before the public about this. Get LOUD Dems. I think Simon is right, that this situation is a trial balloon to see what they might get away with if Trump has a similar misfortune during the rest of his term.
Today, I'm calling MoCs about Blanche and Clayton and the other authoritarian nightmares that Simon laid out for us today. Much bigger issues to be sure, but McConnell's condition and how we remain in the dark is not superfluous.
Yep. If a special election is held to fill Mitch McConnell's seat, the winner would serve only until the new Senator is sworn in following the November 3 election. That's January 1, 2027. What we don't know for sure is what will happen if he dies after Sept. 8 because it will be too late for a special election, and there may be an opportunity for Governor Bershear to appoint a U.S. Senator. That is untested, and will be a legal and political brawl.
May I ask a naive question? How did it come to pass that people - Democrats! - would embrace the narrative that "Democrats suck"? Are they nuts? Especially when every day for the past several years, too many years, we have been bombarded by the really sucky things that the Republicans are doing to us, our democracy, and the world by their daily, hourly illegal and immoral behavior. What the hell are they thinking? Is it a luxury to criticize without thinking? To be so jaded or bored that you want to tear your own house, your own future down? Foul your own nest? Is this Republican dirty tricks or brain-dead commentary? Wake up people!! Democrats are fighting for our survival - both young Democrats and old ones - we're devoting our amazing amounts of time and money to survive and thrive as a country, as a planet. Quit the whining and join us!
I can't really answer your question with data, but I can tell you about my 21-year-old son, who indeed used to say that Democrats suck. He thought they were terrible on Gaza and ignored issues like housing. To be clear, he did not vote for Trump and considers the GOP to be completely corrupt and disgusting, but he used to say Democrats were bad as well and that we needed a new party. No longer. He now agrees that the Democrats are on the right side of history and can be a party to implement the changes that he thinks are needed for his generation.
I think a lot of it has to do with not learning American history and civics. I am an academic librarian, and let me tell you, what "the youngs" don't know about recent history - I'm talking Watergate- is ALARMING.
I think there's also something to be said about the social perks and leniency of having embraced the Ds-suck talking point. You can position yourself within social circles that have a D foundation, thereby giving license to criticism, while also finding a place among non-D social circles because you are critical and perhaps impressionable to change.
I'm doing some heavy edits on something, so my eyes are pretty stressed, and I hope that comes out right!
In my opinion, there are probably several factors why people believe and repeat this falsehood, least of which is if you hear something over and over, it becomes a mantra. I have heard life long, voting Democrats and certainly my son and his friends repeat this. When asked why? Corporate interests, Gaza, weakness, etc. I point out that Gaza is much worse now under Trump. I also point out republicans took a woman's right to choose away not Democrats. Biden and Obama put a Latina, a Jewish person and Black woman on the court. I say the parties are not the same (another mantra that is often repeated). Wasn't it Goebbels that said "a lie, oft repeated, becomes fact"?
Thank you for using your influential voice to criticize the “only talk about kitchen table issues” narrative popular among out-of-touch consultants. Smart, thoughtful leaders like John Ossoff understand how to explain that the kitchen table issues are all bound up with the issues of corruption and the assault on our democracy - it’s all connected and voters care about the whole mess.
Thank you. Proud of how the Maine Dems have responded. On the other hand, these Repug *&^%&%^s are pathetic. They're not telling us WTF the deal is w McConnell, they f-ed up a fountain AND the reflecting pool, and now he's doing goddess knows what w the columns on the WH portico. UGH. They are turning us into the s-hole country Orange is so fond of talking about. Sigh.
I am doing what I can by working for voting rights and election security: writing postcards to encourage voting, working a weekly shift at VoteRiders to help voters get the ID they need to vote, and researching election data for the DNC (the Elec Asstnc Commission data is being assumed to be compromised and unreliable). We can't do everything, but we can all do something.
Very proud of Gov. Sherrill, who this week signed a bill protecting NJ residents from paying for energy consumption by data centers. Keep going!
I am very disappointed that your recommended candidates for winning the House doesn’t include Randy Villegas in CA22. He is an exciting, authentic, passionate candidate. Exactly who we need fighting for the people in the poorest district in California.
Mary there is no reason to approach this from a place negative sentiment. I've said repeatedly that we will be expanding this list. Make the case for your candidate, don't denigrate while doing so. It is a far less effectively advocacy tactic as it pisses off the person you are trying to persuade. The default progressive sentiment of being angry and disappointed with the "establishment" is corrosive and tiresome.
The primary reason our endorsements have been delayed have been do to dealing with the fallout of the Platner fiasco in recent weeks. It has eaten up an incredible amount of our time, and delayed the roll out of various things I just haven't had time to do.
I am shocked that saying I am disappointed is viewed as denigrating and angry. I never said a word about “the establishment “. So how can my comment be corrosive and tiresome?
If you are disappointed be disappointed in Bernie, Morris Katz, and everyone who put shoved Platner down our throats and covered for him these last several months. The cost of this fiasco to the Party in terms of time, money, and national brand is incalculable. My next wave of House endorsements are coming soon.
As for tone disappointment is a deeply negative sentiment. Here's Claude - Yes — disappointment is generally classified as a negative sentiment/emotion. It arises when reality falls short of an expectation or hope, and it typically carries an unpleasant emotional tone (closer to sadness or letdown than anger, but still negative rather than neutral or positive).
No need for it to be expressed here. We work very, very hard here. Make your case. No reason to cast in terms of disappointment or run your advocacy for something important through negative sentiment. It goes against the very core of everything we try to do here which is to respond to their negative sentiment with positive sentiment. We lift people up and don't tear them down. I am disappointed too that my House endorsements are late and for that I blame Platner, Bernie and the whole horseshit crew beyond this terrible episode.
Simon, thank you for this reply. And for leaving open the possibility of endorsing Randy Villegas, who I also think is a great candidate. I would love to listen to an interview with him. I have been supporting him on my own, and would also do so through a Hopium link should that come to pass. Many activists in the CA Bay Area have taken a special interest in our Central Valley, doing what we can to help those disenfranchised communities get better representation. A friend of mine is hosting a concert that is a fund raiser for Randy, which should be great!
Zero reason to think your suspicions about Thune bleed into conspiracy. On every occasion to choose principle over power, Thune and nearly the entire GOP caucus has chosen power.
I agree with you Simon. The general public that doesn’t pay attention to politics are clueless to the dangers that this administration is causing to our way of life. The GOP has been successful in scaring people into thinking the Dems are going to turn their boys into girls, let murders and rapists into the country and let immigrants take things away from Americans. We need to put a (real) scare into our messaging. This is scary stuff! We don’t even have to make things up. The corruption and loss of rights are happening in plain sights and we have the receipts!
Congrats to the Maine Dems for outlining a clear, organized process for selecting a new Senate nominee. And Congrats to US for raising over $50,000 in a matter of days to help them do it. Looking forward to Susan Collins' concession speech but lots of work to do between now and then. Let's GO!!!
Here is something inspiring. When President Joe Biden revealed that he was facing late-stage prostate cancer that metastasized to his bones, I mailed him a Catholic Mass Card of recurring prayers for healing and comfort. It is a common way for Catholics to acknowledge a hardship and express concern. This week I received a thank-you letter from him, and posted a scanned copy of it here to see. https://drive.google.com/file/d/11-tGX5kLK7JNtds-ZtGsNIP0t5-aJdlt/view?usp=sharing
This is the text of it.
Office of Joe and Jill Biden
May 19, 2026
Dear Deborah,
Jill often quotes a poet who said: “Don't turn away. Keep your gaze on the bandaged place. That's where the light enters.” I'm strengthened knowing how much light is yet to come into my life, even and especially during the most difficult times. Now, facing my recent diagnosis, is no different.
Jill and I are always humbled by your prayers, support, and well wishes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your message. Thank you for your light.
Keep the faith,
Joe Biden
In addition to being one of America's most accomplished presidents (the list would be long), Joe Biden is the epitome of brilliance, intuitiveness, kindness, and inclusion. He is one of history's greatest Americans.
Oh Deborah, that gets framed and displayed on your wall! What a cool thing for them to do!!!! <3
Great idea ... with the envelope too!
Deborah - I used to be a chiropractor, and once went to a seminar that Dr. Janet Travell, JFK's White House doctor held. She was in her late 80s, needed assistance to walk, but got on stage and demonstrated her ground-breaking trigger point therapy on volunteers. I wrote her a letter afterward to thank her and tell her what her career had meant to a young practitioner. She typed a letter to me, with White-Out corrections, thanking me and inviting me to tell her about my practice. She died shortly after. It's one of my prized possessions and has been on my wall ever since. I love having heroes in my life!
It's also an heirloom for passing down. Make sure you designate where you want it to go.
What grace. What class. We used to have Presidents with those qualities. We can and will again. Thanks, Deborah, for sending the letter and Mass Card to President Biden and his family, and thanks for sharing the heart-warming response. We must ALL keep the faith (and do the work).
OMG! Thank you so much for sharing this!
Thank you Deborah. I wrote to President Biden at the end of his term thanking him for his service to our country. I should not have been surprised when I received a reply. After hearing Anita Hill state that the letters she received after she testifies were a source of comfort, I started sending notes to folks I felt were unsung heroes or had been unjustly attacked. (Dr. Ford when she testified against Kavanagh, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Secretary Anthony Blinken, and other people who work in our state government. I also wrote notes to voters who spoke to us during canvassing. Our church has a program to write notes to incarcerated people. The power of the written word.
You are not being overly dramatic. This was the plan from the beginning. Just as making ICE a gestapo was. Just as making it so that only white men can vote (make America great AGAIN means pre-civil war. Project 2025 made that clear)
This is the reason that so many in our "base" are hot under the collar. We understand what it is up and it seems to us that too many of our leaders/reps just don't understand what time it is. I'm glad you are saying this Simon because because they consider you to be a sane reasonable person. The rest of us, no matter how intelligent and well informed we may be, have been repeatedly dismissed as over-reacting, which just makes us angrier and more panicked.
Norm’s Publishers Roundup on The Contrarian today: “consider the evidence represented by the word of over 100 former judges. Their bar complaint asking the New York State Bar to investigate Blanche for multiple ethics issues is a shocking expose.”
The bar complaint:
https://dea5edf3-e27d-4adc-a42a-b9c082bc3167.usrfiles.com/ugd/dea5ed_b024aad49d1049c1ab03f01e8f1aa7fc.pdf
Thanks so much, Simon, for laying out the facts and encouraging us to take action. I have decided to become a walking sign for democracy by wearing a political hat each morning on my morning dog walk. Today, my husband and I wore our hats (mine is RESIST and his is DOWN WITH KINGS) to the very large Madison, WI, art fair. We had several good discussions as a result with people who have been reluctant to engage in similar messaging. Every little bit spreads and spreads and spreads. . .
Yeah....it's time for the Dem Party to speak up about what's coming. It's what the American People need from them now. John Thune needs to be literally shamed out of the Senate when we get to the other side of this. What a disappointing human he has turned out to be.
In context of the communism message Republicans are trying on, a "who's the real threat to democracy?" message may resonate. However, people will ultimately put themselves and their families first and if they can't get a job or put food on the table, I believe that will win out over threat to democracy. Isn't that part of the messaging misstep from 2024?
It's completely possible to connect the corruption with kitchen table issues. In fact, it's all part of the same story and I think it's irresponsible to ignore either side!
I am stoked about us raising $50K in 2 days for Maine Dems. I think this show of support for them after a disastrous week in Maine must give them strength to go forward strong and proud toward a new candidate who can win. I am so proud to be a part of this community! Thank you for your commitment to democracy.
I had a long talk with Devon yesterday and they are so thrilled with this support.
Thank you everyone! This was a righteous thing we did!
Thank you for arranging this Hopium opportunity. It feels really good.
Turning a really unfortunate and terrible thing for a state party into assistance in their time of need, rather than piling on, is a virtuous thing to do. It's what healthy families do for each other. More and more I am convinced that our country is going to come out of this outrageous ugly mess stronger and better. Thanks, Simon!
Dems must connect the dots to help people see the accumulative erosion of our democracy. Kitchen table issues provide only a few dots and become part of the bigger discussion.
The dots take us from Trump’s obsession to make voting harder simply to recast democracy in his image. The dots include his focus to erode first amendment rights of citizens and the media (and it’s obligation to make government accountable)
The dots include Trumps secret goon squad that sweeps families away to concentration camps… shooting innocent people along the way.
The dots include Trumps illegal tariffs and his war against Iran ..and the negative effect on people’s everyday lives- including kitchen table issues
The dots include Trumps vanity projects bringing self glory as he renames the Kennedy Center, tearing down part of the White House, making an arch for himself and making a mess out of the Reflection Pool … all unauthorized actions amplifying his need to set himself above the law.
The dots need to include SCOTUS rulings designed to give Trump unconstitutional powers.
Connect all the dots …. And Trump’s approval drops under 30.
Connect the dots to help people see and understand the danger to our republic.
Can we keep it?
The dots include a President who cannot string enough words together to speak a sane paragraph. What more does 🇺🇸 need??
I tend not to be conspiracy-minded, but I find myself speculating whether Republicans are hiding the seriousness of Mitch McConnell’s health problems in order to avoid an early Kentucky election for his replacement. I’m sure they feel best served by delaying it until the ordinary Midterms in November.
They fear the seat would go blue. This is a very reasonable suspicion.
and be vacant until it was filled after a special election is held
Yes, I think it's more about that seat being vacant, and the GOP losing a vote, if only temporarily. The seat is R+15, very red. Would love a Dem to win it, but that's unlikely.
Senate confirmations and other votes: Are there any pressure points that can be pushed to increase the odds of Fetterman voting sensibly – i.e. with the rest of the Democratic caucus?
We can only hope.
No doubt he will be a yes on Blanche, because everyone 'deserves a chance'!!
With regards to “everyone deserves a chance”, I do wish that a certain young Austrian artist named Adolf had been admitted to art school back in the day!
Oh I think that this is obviously just what you and so many others are saying. I sincerely hope Gov. Beshear schedules the special election to force proof of life/ability to function. CNN released the videos of McConnell being put in the ambulance. There was no rushed, panicked living saving frenetic energy taking place. It was as if he were not revivable. Let’s force the Rs have on this one.
According to KY statutes, the Governor can not schedule the election until the seat is officially vacated (resignation, death or expulsion -- House Bill 622 adopted in 2024 https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/24rs/hb622.html).
If the seat becomes vacant within 56 days of the November 3 election (after Tues. Sept 8), there would not be enough time to hold a special election under the current law. However, this article says: "There is also the question of potential legal action. Some constitutional experts say language in the state and U.S. Constitution may still give the governor the power to appoint a temporary successor, leaving significant uncertainty around what would actually happen if a Senate seat opened up."
https://www.lex18.com/news/state-of-the-commonwealth/kentucky-law-requires-special-election-to-fill-vacant-u-s-senate-seat-not-appointment
McConnells term is up in January. Even if there were a special election, say in late August or September, wouldn't the term be for a matter of several weeks? The speculation I have heard is that Republicans fear that Thomas Massie could run and win the seat, but the field is already set for November. I checked Google and couldn't find any polling on the head to head between Barr (R) and Booker (D) since the May primary. Simon, can you enlighten us on this?
The last factual information we heard about Mitch, he was unconscious on the floor in his home with a heart attack (cardiac arrest.) It is widely speculated that he is either dead or brain dead. His wife, Elain Chau, flew to China on planned family business two days before he dropped, and just returned this last Tuesday, saying that McTurtle's medical condition did not warrant her early return. Thune and Borasso came out on the same day last week to each say they had a 20 minute phone call with Mitch about policy: Iran, tariffs, SAVE act., etc.
Is it credible? I doubt their statements. When a reporter asked his staff directly, is Mitch brain dead? the answer was he is still recovering and working for the people of Kentucky. Okay, but they didn't say "No, he is not brain dead." It's been four weeks and no peep from Mitch. He is still hospitalized and the reporting is no one has seen him.
Yesterday I called my House member, Jimmy Panetta about this. I suggested that Democrats should be making noise before the public about this. Get LOUD Dems. I think Simon is right, that this situation is a trial balloon to see what they might get away with if Trump has a similar misfortune during the rest of his term.
Here's the reporting about the cardiac arrest on June 14. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/paramedics-responded-cardiac-arrest-mcconnells-home-day-hospitalizatio-rcna352660
Today, I'm calling MoCs about Blanche and Clayton and the other authoritarian nightmares that Simon laid out for us today. Much bigger issues to be sure, but McConnell's condition and how we remain in the dark is not superfluous.
Yep. If a special election is held to fill Mitch McConnell's seat, the winner would serve only until the new Senator is sworn in following the November 3 election. That's January 1, 2027. What we don't know for sure is what will happen if he dies after Sept. 8 because it will be too late for a special election, and there may be an opportunity for Governor Bershear to appoint a U.S. Senator. That is untested, and will be a legal and political brawl.
If the seat is left empty, that can only help the Democrats (although a Democrat appointed by Beshear would be better!).
May I ask a naive question? How did it come to pass that people - Democrats! - would embrace the narrative that "Democrats suck"? Are they nuts? Especially when every day for the past several years, too many years, we have been bombarded by the really sucky things that the Republicans are doing to us, our democracy, and the world by their daily, hourly illegal and immoral behavior. What the hell are they thinking? Is it a luxury to criticize without thinking? To be so jaded or bored that you want to tear your own house, your own future down? Foul your own nest? Is this Republican dirty tricks or brain-dead commentary? Wake up people!! Democrats are fighting for our survival - both young Democrats and old ones - we're devoting our amazing amounts of time and money to survive and thrive as a country, as a planet. Quit the whining and join us!
I can't really answer your question with data, but I can tell you about my 21-year-old son, who indeed used to say that Democrats suck. He thought they were terrible on Gaza and ignored issues like housing. To be clear, he did not vote for Trump and considers the GOP to be completely corrupt and disgusting, but he used to say Democrats were bad as well and that we needed a new party. No longer. He now agrees that the Democrats are on the right side of history and can be a party to implement the changes that he thinks are needed for his generation.
Yay for him!!
I think a lot of it has to do with not learning American history and civics. I am an academic librarian, and let me tell you, what "the youngs" don't know about recent history - I'm talking Watergate- is ALARMING.
I think there's also something to be said about the social perks and leniency of having embraced the Ds-suck talking point. You can position yourself within social circles that have a D foundation, thereby giving license to criticism, while also finding a place among non-D social circles because you are critical and perhaps impressionable to change.
I'm doing some heavy edits on something, so my eyes are pretty stressed, and I hope that comes out right!
I agree - it is!
In my opinion, there are probably several factors why people believe and repeat this falsehood, least of which is if you hear something over and over, it becomes a mantra. I have heard life long, voting Democrats and certainly my son and his friends repeat this. When asked why? Corporate interests, Gaza, weakness, etc. I point out that Gaza is much worse now under Trump. I also point out republicans took a woman's right to choose away not Democrats. Biden and Obama put a Latina, a Jewish person and Black woman on the court. I say the parties are not the same (another mantra that is often repeated). Wasn't it Goebbels that said "a lie, oft repeated, becomes fact"?
Good for you! We definitely need to have these discussions!
Thank you for using your influential voice to criticize the “only talk about kitchen table issues” narrative popular among out-of-touch consultants. Smart, thoughtful leaders like John Ossoff understand how to explain that the kitchen table issues are all bound up with the issues of corruption and the assault on our democracy - it’s all connected and voters care about the whole mess.
🎯
Thank you. Proud of how the Maine Dems have responded. On the other hand, these Repug *&^%&%^s are pathetic. They're not telling us WTF the deal is w McConnell, they f-ed up a fountain AND the reflecting pool, and now he's doing goddess knows what w the columns on the WH portico. UGH. They are turning us into the s-hole country Orange is so fond of talking about. Sigh.
I am doing what I can by working for voting rights and election security: writing postcards to encourage voting, working a weekly shift at VoteRiders to help voters get the ID they need to vote, and researching election data for the DNC (the Elec Asstnc Commission data is being assumed to be compromised and unreliable). We can't do everything, but we can all do something.
Very proud of Gov. Sherrill, who this week signed a bill protecting NJ residents from paying for energy consumption by data centers. Keep going!
I am very disappointed that your recommended candidates for winning the House doesn’t include Randy Villegas in CA22. He is an exciting, authentic, passionate candidate. Exactly who we need fighting for the people in the poorest district in California.
Mary there is no reason to approach this from a place negative sentiment. I've said repeatedly that we will be expanding this list. Make the case for your candidate, don't denigrate while doing so. It is a far less effectively advocacy tactic as it pisses off the person you are trying to persuade. The default progressive sentiment of being angry and disappointed with the "establishment" is corrosive and tiresome.
The primary reason our endorsements have been delayed have been do to dealing with the fallout of the Platner fiasco in recent weeks. It has eaten up an incredible amount of our time, and delayed the roll out of various things I just haven't had time to do.
I am shocked that saying I am disappointed is viewed as denigrating and angry. I never said a word about “the establishment “. So how can my comment be corrosive and tiresome?
If you are disappointed be disappointed in Bernie, Morris Katz, and everyone who put shoved Platner down our throats and covered for him these last several months. The cost of this fiasco to the Party in terms of time, money, and national brand is incalculable. My next wave of House endorsements are coming soon.
As for tone disappointment is a deeply negative sentiment. Here's Claude - Yes — disappointment is generally classified as a negative sentiment/emotion. It arises when reality falls short of an expectation or hope, and it typically carries an unpleasant emotional tone (closer to sadness or letdown than anger, but still negative rather than neutral or positive).
No need for it to be expressed here. We work very, very hard here. Make your case. No reason to cast in terms of disappointment or run your advocacy for something important through negative sentiment. It goes against the very core of everything we try to do here which is to respond to their negative sentiment with positive sentiment. We lift people up and don't tear them down. I am disappointed too that my House endorsements are late and for that I blame Platner, Bernie and the whole horseshit crew beyond this terrible episode.
Simon, thank you for this reply. And for leaving open the possibility of endorsing Randy Villegas, who I also think is a great candidate. I would love to listen to an interview with him. I have been supporting him on my own, and would also do so through a Hopium link should that come to pass. Many activists in the CA Bay Area have taken a special interest in our Central Valley, doing what we can to help those disenfranchised communities get better representation. A friend of mine is hosting a concert that is a fund raiser for Randy, which should be great!
Zero reason to think your suspicions about Thune bleed into conspiracy. On every occasion to choose principle over power, Thune and nearly the entire GOP caucus has chosen power.
I agree with you Simon. The general public that doesn’t pay attention to politics are clueless to the dangers that this administration is causing to our way of life. The GOP has been successful in scaring people into thinking the Dems are going to turn their boys into girls, let murders and rapists into the country and let immigrants take things away from Americans. We need to put a (real) scare into our messaging. This is scary stuff! We don’t even have to make things up. The corruption and loss of rights are happening in plain sights and we have the receipts!
Congrats to the Maine Dems for outlining a clear, organized process for selecting a new Senate nominee. And Congrats to US for raising over $50,000 in a matter of days to help them do it. Looking forward to Susan Collins' concession speech but lots of work to do between now and then. Let's GO!!!