Sorry Simon, I disagree with your assessment of Slotkins rebuttal as someone from Michigan who voted for her and actively engaged in helping to get her elected.
Watch Bernie Sanders rebuttal to see the HUGE difference. Slotkin is NOT a warrior that this moment calls for one. Her speech was typical, milk toast and deference to Reagan.
As a County Party Chair the majority of our elected Dems are NOT meeting this "House on Fire" moment.
I know that her reference to Reagan has become a thing so let me address it, plainly, for I think it is wrong, dangerously wrong. The biggest split we are seeing in the Republican Party leadership right now is over Trump's dishonoring of Reagan's legacy and his embrace of Putin and Russia. If we are going to turn these small cracks I've been talking about into bigger ones and turn Republicans against Trump the most powerful place we have to do this right now is over Russia. This evocation of Reagan was deeply strategic and effective, and the response from some in the family - like yours above - is wrong and I believe deeply corrosive. This was a very, very good speech, a clear evolution in our own understanding and articulation of the moment and the dismissal of it by some it some of the craziest shit I have ever seen since I've been in the business.
Not everyone has to be Bernie. He can do his house on fire moment. This is someone who just won an election in a swing state in a hard year - something Bernie has never done - and served our country at the Pentagon and CIA - and the immediate, casual dismissal of the potential power of the speech is literally shocking to me. If we become a movement of the perpetually disappointed we are handing this country over to them.
I love Bernie Sanders. I lived in Vermont and got to vote for him during his first run for the House of Representatives. I bought a reprint of his 1987 “musical” (he spoke his parts while competent musicians did the singing) c.d. during his presidential run and played it on endless loop during my commutes. Bernie is a man to rouse hearts and stir imaginations, and to mentor young upcoming heart-rousers and activists. His place in history is assured.
My takeaway: It is unfortunate that women still must consider perception as 9/10s of the game: I believe Slotkin's even demeanor, while considered anodyne to some, enabled most people -- including those persuadable and on the fence about what is going on - to be fully present for her content. I watched it twice - and I can't say I do that with most elected officials (even, increasingly, my own). It was a win in my book, and a smart one at that.
agree. A articulate woman is threatening to a lot of men. Think about the insult last year putting a women in the kitchen . The comparison couldn't be greater.
Right! She won the state as did Trump. So we need to listen to her. I thought it was the best rebuttal I've heard. I just hope that people were still awake after Trump's. lengthy pack of lies.
I think the points Senator Slotkin made were spot on and spoke to the things middle America really cares about - prices and security. Kudos to her. She made her points in basic english and without the theatrics. This heavily contrasted with the paddle, cane waving Democrats on the House floor, and Trump. He does drama 24/7. I believe Americans are sick of theatrics.
Slotkin was sincere and articulate .. her speech served the honest and logical ideas we all agree upon.. BUT as a stand alone it was preaching to the choir. It created no follow up or buzz or media playback. We are living in a news environment that Trump created and excels in. We can't be in a gunfight with just a knife. If that is Joanne's point, I totally agree. We can express views without being disappointed.
Also, I really really love the diversity of opinions expressed in this forum. However, we are all in an arena that we have never been before. We all need to be free wheeling and honest in expression without being told we are WRONG. Different OPINIONS are never wrong they are just DIFFERENT.
I agree with using Reagan more. I've been doing it with my family members. It's a know your audience situation. Slotkin was speaking to the general public, not to Democrats. So invoking Reagan, who is still very popular with the general public as far as I know, makes sense.
I am showing my age. Just think what we could do with a tax rate that high! Eisenhower built a highway system!! Of course those paying rates that high would probably move to another country, so sad. I'll wave my hanky at them. What was Reagan's? About 39%?
Agreed- Reagan isn't my bag, but he is viewed fondly by, frankly, the most consistent and active voting bloc- seniors. Younger voters, along with more progressive democrats, tend to complain the most about candidates being out of touch, but then they turn around and stay home and don't back it up with their votes. If we want more firebrand types, then more firebrand types need to get out there and vote in larger numbers. Otherwise, it looks like crazy ranting.
Sen. Slotkin’s speech reminded me of the campaign event with Liz Cheney and Kamala Harris during which I wept with pride to see truly patriotic bipartisanship and hear such necessary healing words. Slotkin’s rebuttal was, I think, brilliant and a fantastic foil for that Kitchen-aide Republican mess we saw in last year’s “rebuttal” to Joe Biden.
Yep. Slotkin was pitch perfect in tone and rhetorical strategy. People need to remember that Democrats need to appeal to more than their base if we want our country back. By reminding average voters - many of whom aren’t involved in politics beyond sound bites - that Republicans have not only betrayed the oath that they took to preserve the Constitution, the rule of law, and democracy, but that their prior idol Reagan, for all his faults, upheld and even sold these ideas to the world, showcased GOP weakness, hypocrisy, and betrayal all at the same time.
You're kidding yourself if you think invoking Reagan (or Liz Cheney or other so called reasonable Republicans) helps the Democrats. Did it work for Harris?
I tend toward a more gestalt analysis, because anything less is short-sighted. I appreciated the contrast between Slotkin (Democrats) and Trump (GOP) and Democrats sounding like the adults in the room, which is important. There is a time and place for Democrats to have both fire (for policy and progress) AND tempered seriousness (representing stability). And right now with all the chaos, and after Trump’s horrific ‘speech’, I think people who hear Slotkin’s rebuttal will be reassured by the calm thoughtfulness. Finally, if you believe that denigrating Democrats at every turn will help induce more people to support/vote for Democrats, I have a bridge to sell you.
The invocation of Reagan is supposed to help Republicans and independents bridge the gap, not Democrats. Finding and working those bridges is called “doing good politics;” and good political strategy is what Democrats need to do now. We need Republican support for Democratic sanity in the Congress. Now. Not two years from now. Now.
Trump just surrendered the Cold War. You bet everyone should be talking about Reagan all the time.
I was skeptical of Slotkin because of some of her post election comments, but, yes, she was the woman for the job. Among all the other things, all the centrist pundits will take her seriously.
I think it is really important to recall that Senator Slotkin referenced an era where there could be Republicans and Democrats in the same family without it leading to irreconciliable toxicity. By contrast, the sad fact of the matter is that now, we have an era of hyper polarisation. Trump and co want us to be arguing amongst ourselves so we cannot form an effective, united front. They will use lies, bots and algorithms to amplify division. Decent, values-driven people of a wide multiplicity of views urgently need to forge an effective pushback to this voracious, self-serving, lying, craven power grab. This is urgent. The window is closing. Fascism is beckoning.
If you are referring to Bernie Sanders’ rebuttal, may I suggest adding a link?
(I may watch both Slotkin and Sanders later, but so far I must admit I’ve not dived into anything having to do with the Mad King’s speech – other than Simon’s write-up today.)
I agree she said mostly the right words and themes but not the right energy.
I think her message will work with someone who already was going to watch on TV the oppositions rebuttal, but I only watched it because Simon said it was good. It is not a message that is going to walk on it's own.
She spent a paragraph saying Trump is corrupt and out of touch when she should of just said "this dude is an F'en criminal who trying to steal your social security. OVER MY DEAD BODY WILL THAT HAPPEN! I will talk my self to death filibustering him and his goons stealing your social security!"
Edit: To clarify, I think is the Decorum is the problem. I do not care that she talked about Reagan, it is good to try to peel off their weakly held members of the coalition. The problem is she essentially said her message he is stealing from the weakest members of our community but looked like she was giving the weather report. If someone was stealing things from one of her disabled veterans family members home there would be more outrage. This is what is missing. I hate Trump but I could follow his message with the volume off, not this. When people say I know what he is thinking that is what they mean. I am not even so sure the hits on Elon will land on Trump because Trump radiates dislike and disinterest in Elon anytime they are on screen together.
Disagree with your "She should have said". The tone and timbre you’re suggesting does not dovetail with everyone’s personality.
More importantly, I don’t see any benefit to be gained by Senator Eissa Slotkin adopting phrasing anything like you suggested. Our Democratic politicians do speak with different voices – ranging from AOC to Raskin to Slotkin. This has value and is worth acknowledging.
Look, it touched all my political likes and beliefs and it was a well reasoned argument that I bought. However, I already intend to not only vote for the next Dem I can, I plan on giving money to the next one I can.
Maybe when people say we only talk to the highly educated this is what they mean. She sounded like homework. I love homework, but not everyone does.
<<<Maybe when people say we only talk to the highly educated this is what they mean. She sounded like homework. I love homework, but not everyone does.>>> BINGO, Josh. In my FB feeds, people have moved from the frontal cortex to the limbic regions of fear and rage.
Having read @Josh and @Pam Salem’s responses to you, I acknowledge their concerns. AND we have AOC, Jasmine Crockett, Ro, Bernie, to fire up the folks who “don’t like homework” .
It’s the diversity. To my mind, it’s critical to our coalition. I did think “what about the disabled/differently abled at one point in her speech, but overall, I came back to we need the diversity. Good speech Elisa.
I'm not sure where I fall. I agree that not everyone wants the tone or message Bernie offers. In particular I think the way he approaches economics often sounds anticapitalist and doesn't do much for people who could be reached by connecting with their economic aspirations.
However, I do think all Dems should be trying to sound as unfiltered and plainspoken as possible. This is because so many people who are non-partisans or weak partisans are distrustful of traditional politicians. On top of that, social media has encouraged that kind of regular person to regular person style and people have gotten into it.
Watching Hakeem Jeffries' video on Bluesky felt like seeing him try on this mode of communication. It was awkward at first but he quickly picked up steam - not surprising since he's a very sharp guy. So I'd encourage Senator Slotkin and others to try a more unfiltered approach.
"I do think all Dems should be trying to sound as unfiltered and plainspoken as possible."
This is a huge point and I couldn’t agree more!
I actually thought Senator Slotkin sounded very plainspoken. Well prepared and highly articulate, yes – and her rebuttal was disciplined and admirably well-structured. And despite numerous claims here to the contrary, I though she seem natural and passionate.
This is something I miss in Bernie Sanders’ speeches; all too often he sounds like a broken record, and his content really is not sufficiently varied. Whereas Slotkin made a lot more important points and arguments in just 10.5 minutes than Bernie typically does within a similar time frame.
I agree with this. I think Democrats keep missing that Trump's emotional valence--his "I will fight for you" energy--is a big part of his appeal and it is something that Democrats can adopt as well in response to the truly outrageous things Trump/Musk are doing now to the American people. People need to believe that Democrats care and are willing to fight hard for them.
Trump's emotional valence--his "I will fight for you" energy--is a big part of his appeal. That is an excellent description. Do I have your permission to steal it?
I like your comment about the decorum issue. I think that is valid in general. Emotion is what communicates with a lot of people -- gets their attention. If the urgency isn't in the voice, the body language, they won't derive urgency from the verbal presentation.
The thing I don't know is what is the right level. I have long ago learned that I'm just kinda a weird person, in that I can't gauge other people's reactions by my own. So I always feel at a loss in terms of these things. I mean, I literally don't see how anyone could believe Trump when he says anything -- he comes off like a televangelist, but people believe those guys too. I hated the The Three Stooges. I hated the Honeymooners. Other people though those things were funny. Huge numbers of other people. So I don't fucking have a clue, really.
I prefer British humor on the whole because of the satire. Americans have met the moment with Colbert, Stewart and the master Carlin. What I hate is the punching down that seems to be so much a part of American comedy…the stupid jokes that start with “my wife…” etc.
I have seen Yes, Minister. But on the whole, I spend so much time watching news politics I never have time for entertainment. Once a week my bestie and I get together for movie night. Sometimes we watch British mysteries, sometimes Dr. Who or actual movies. This week we watched Argo and it really hit hard in a way it might nor have at another time.
Love Carlin! He had the solution to America’s homeless crisis; a personal favorite is where Carlin compares the language of baseball and [American] football. Robin Williams on the origin of golf is also a hoot.
And I have replayed Stephen Colbert’s performance at the 2006 White House Correspondence Dinner more than once. Priceless!
The Colbert 2006 White House Correspondence dinner was breath-taking. W hated it. He was squirming in his seat. I was astonished at his (Colbert's) courage.
Too nice is a big problem. I was disquieted last night listening to the "decorum" of most of the Democrat commentators on the Moveon.org State of the Union last night. https://www.youtube.com/live/PJF7wjXoM_4?si=9Wt44bqjcySm_1-U As Prof Scott Galloway commented about a month ago, these guys (Musk and co) are going gangsta. Yes, pushing back through the court system is essential, but these guys are not playing by the rules; they are ruthless, near-psychopathic and cruel. I am not sure what "taking the gloves off" looks like, but being nice and polite is not going to cut it.
Yep…if people see people acting normally they won’t understand things are not normal. Being emotional about what is happening is normal. I think her message was good but the tone needs to shift.
What is our confidence level that our government is or is not sharing intelligence directly with Russia? Prior to this cabinet my confidence was close to 100% not sharing. Now it’s flipped. If you’re not communicating that as massive alarm then what are you doing? Reagan isn’t just rolling in his grave he’s closer to resurrecting to exact zombie revenge.
Agreed. I thought she hit the mark, and I was proud that she represents the best of our military who cares enough about our country to serve and run for office. I really liked her connecting clearly that billionaires are chainsawing our treasure and treasury and every one of us will feel it. And to stay involved. And leadership is growing more and more powerful. I liked her clarity. I also saw Bernie, and loved him, of course, but Slotkin is our younger generation of patriots and leaders.
I agree that we needed a much more forceful dissent. Trump is destroying so many of the things that make this country Great that many people aren't aware of, the NIH, NOAA, justice department that believes in the rule of law and gets it right much of the time, universities where cutting edge research and teaching is done. Let's get somebody out there who can really make Americans see the disasters that are coming our way. Slotkin is articulate, and I believe her heart is in the right place, but she is A middle of the road democrat, not someone who I think understands how dangerous the oligarchy is. And if she does understand it she should've said it.
Joanne, I was born and raised in Michigan (Dearborn), and have been a lifelong Democrat -- although here in Georgia for the last 40 of my 70+ years. I listened to Slotkin's reply a couple of times now -- and want to make a separate comment below.
She was speaking from downriver Wyandotte -- and that sounded like "home" to me. We've got that damned beautiful Gordie Howe Bridge ready to be opened soon -- and what a damned shame this has all become. Justin Trudeau has turned out to be a real statesman -- and has unified all of Canada. (LOL.. maybe it was Trump.)
Very striking reflections from a leading British military strategist, Andrew Fox. Unfortunately it is paywalled, for subscribers only. But let me quote a choice passage:
"We are now at the point where we should be having open conversations about requiring the US to remove its forces from Europe. We should, at minimum, pull European exchange officers from US HQs to send a message...
"From Trump’s stance, we can reasonably assume that those US forces in Europe will not do anything for us if we are attacked (other than acting as human shields, at best). At this point, we must be seriously concerned about which side US forces would weigh in on. There is every chance they could try and force a pro-Russian ceasefire on us, as they are trying to do in Ukraine, should the other side’s “deal” be more attractive to Trump."
"Moreover, Trump’s posture and many of his cabinet appointments make the USA a security threat to Europe, both directly and diplomatically. Gabbard and Patel are clear security threats, and the other members of the Five Eyes intelligence community must start withholding vital intelligence from Washington as a priority.
"Frozen Russian assets must be repurposed to fund the Ukrainian war effort. Domestic production must ramp up. Ukraine must be given full scope to use our weapons however they see fit, including striking targets within Russia.
"We must acknowledge that, under Trump, the US is no longer a security guarantor for Europe. Europe still has some muscles to flex; we should flex them. It will be painful and expensive for us, but national security is worth some pain and expense."
"The critical shortfall in Europe is ammunition. Rapid increase in air-to-ground missiles is a must. We are not facing a war where we must go on the offensive. Maintaining our borders is enough. We will unlikely need to take and hold ground with armour and infantry. Any conflict with Russia will need to exploit our significant air superiority. That means our fighter jets need missiles, and lots of them.
"This may seem drastic, but Trump’s transactional approach demands that we prepare for the worst-case scenario I have articulated. This scenario may not come to fruition, but we must be ready if it does."
The deeply concerning facet is Starlink. Withdrawing Ukraine's access to this vital service was reportedly (per UK Guardian newspaper) used as a bargaining chip by Trump's negotiatiors recently as they forced Zelensky to the table on the minerals deal. (I feel sick to the stomach as I even recall it.) Musk has far too much power there and what does he care about the future of Liberal democracy? This is all so precarious. Unprincipled man-children with alarming access to power.
Musk cares very much about the future of liberal democracy. He wants to make damn sure he and his cronies kill it of so that liberal democracy never again interferes with his enrichment and exercise of power.
Yes, allowing Musk to freely use Starlink to pressure and shake down foreign governments, of which America has been an ally and protector, is unconscionable. Utterly deplorable!
Response from Rob Bresnahan-R (PA-08), one of the 17 target districts (and my district) regarding the recent budget measure vote, which I vehemently opposed (and let him know that)...as for this response, I'll believe it when I see it:
Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns with the recently passed budget resolution.
H. Con. Res. 14, which passed the House of Representatives on February 25, 2025, was a procedural step to start federal budget negotiations and does NOT change any current laws.
If a final reconciliation bill is put in front of me that guts the benefits my neighbors rely on, I will not vote for it. My position on this has not and will not change.
The current budgetary process has two parts. First, both the House and the Senate each vote on a budget resolution, a bill that creates a general spending framework for Congress. By passing this resolution, the House started the process of negotiating with the Senate for a final framework, which must be agreed to by both chambers. Next, after the House and Senate decide on the final framework, instructions are given to specific committees to create laws which meet certain budget goals.
The House vote was a necessary step to start the negotiation process for the current budget resolution, which aims to get our nation’s spending under control and ensure that the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) does not expire. This legislation provided tax cuts to middle and working class families, including the majority of constituents in our district. If they expire, the standard tax deduction would be cut in half, increasing taxes on 91% of taxpayers. The average American would see a 22% tax increase, and 40 million Americans would see the Child Tax Credit Cut in half. Overall, failure to extend TCJA would cost the economy 6 million jobs and small businesses would lose their 20% pass through deduction.
The budget resolution also provides an avenue for necessary border security measures. Negotiations include funding for U.S. Border Patrol agents to protect the southern border, as well as to make critical investment in national defense to counter Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.
Social Security is an entitlement program completely separate from the budget reconciliation process, and I will always defend it and fight to ensure Americans get the benefits they have earned.
As your federal Representative, I recognize how important it is we get our spending under control, while balancing the need to protect programs that our Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) friends and neighbors rely on. I will fight to protect working-class families in NEPA and stand with President Trump in opposing gutting Medicaid.
It is an honor serving as your representative in Congress. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at (202) 225-5546 or by visiting my website. You can keep up to date with what I’m doing in Washington by subscribing to my e-newsletter. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram.
Thank you for posting this- I like you, will only believe it when I see it. I believe his “I will stand with Trump” but it’s laughable that Trump opposes gutting Medicaid. He also calls Social Security an “entitlement program”. Which honestly boils my blood.
I think R's like him are looking for a way to have their cake and eat it, too. Heather Cox Richardson in her Politics Chat yesterday predicted that R;s like him (btw she didn't name him specifically) will say they aren't going to cut Medicaid and Food Stamps directly and it won't show up in a bill as such. However, they are likely to come up with procedures which will create problems with continuing to deliver the service to Americans so that the services are delivered so slowly or ineffectively that they are worthless or the procedures for applying take such a long time that they will give up. Kinda like their plan for SSA.
It sounds like you have a close eye on him. Keep up the pressure. Let him know you know they can't pull the wool over our eyes. I don't have a swing R for my House District. He is full on MAGA (1st term but been on 47's team since day 1) and he's on the new House subcommittee that "oversees" DOGE). But I still call and write to him 2-3 times per week.
What is fascinating about his whole position in this letter and when I get staffers is that he commits to "no cuts in medicaid" AND also "stands WITH Trump". It's all smoke and mirrors to cover what he DOES stand for: permanent tax cuts to wealthy, including himself. We wouldn't have to worry about program funding if they would take the deficit exploding tax cuts off the table. I keep saying to the staff that I want him to stand UP to Trump, and stand WITH his constituents.
The Rebuttal was awwsoommme! what a beautiful concise message and delivery - Thank you Senator Slotkin for being part of the fresh new vision, incorporating the best of who we have been, with who we can and will be - and the new Congressional leaders we will elect as we move forward
Simon, I understand we need to stay united but for those of us working on the ground I/we are NOT feeling supported by our elected officials. We are doing protests, sign making events, creating billboards, flyers, postcards, yard signs and contacting elected officials on a variety of issues constantly. My Senators, Peters & Slotkin in my opinion are NOT rising to this moment and also NEVER respond to our emails or letters.
Joanne, we discuss this every day here. Our work is compelling them to greater action. We do not whine here we fight. We have seen clear escalation of the actions House Dems are taking in the past week. This speech was in my mind the most compelling, clear articulation from the establishment party about the threats we face - economic, national security, democracy - and a clear call to keep fighting. That's all good, progress. We are not where we want to be but we are evolving, growing, getting smarter perhaps not at the pace you want but to deny the progress is corrosive and self-defeating. And let's be clear, as you can tell from my own writing, I am yelling loudly every day that we must be doing more, acting with greater urgency but I am not denigrating or criticism. We are not the problem here - they are, and we need to stay focused on this and not fall into factionalism. And to be clear - we do no have to be unified. Bernie can do his thing, Slotkin hers. But we cannot fall into or encourage factionalism. We are all playing different positions on the same team.
My point is that those who choose to be perpetually disappointed and spend time sharing that disappointment rather than encouraging greater action - like calling Slotkins office and thanking her for stepping up last night, or all the positive self-reports people do here every day so we can learn from one another, get strong, more effective - we are depressing our side and creating an impression of weakness in our ranks rather than strength.
I am particularly frustrated with your post for it is the very first one and casts a pall on our discourse all day long. I understand the sentiment but spreading negative sentiment, constantly being disappointed in our side is how we lose this thing not how we win it.
Simon, you are a smart guy, but you are not getting the message. Your comments on TV are nice mellow comments, like who you are, but we need the democrats showing their frustration and maybe screaming their lungs out. Slotkin did nothing close to that. Our reps in congress not responding does not help either. I wrote an email showing my frustration, if not yelling to my rep. No response. We need to communicate with the public that is not educated on these issues and what we are doing is not working. I have said what I think and I feel better but that won't solve this huge problem that we have.
Brian, respectfully, this is a ridiculous comment. We are the message. No one has fought harder or more effectively to move our electeds into action than this community. We are doing the work and not whining. It is all we can do, and as I have said in the long run it may be better for the sustainably and effectiveness of the movement that We The People are building this movement from the bottom up than it being forced on us from the top down.
Simon, You are probably right about everything that you say. I would agree with your valid approach if we were not close to destroying our government and democracy. Slotkin was probably right about most of what she is portraying-except RayGuns. I think that the "decorum" that was displayed last night by Al Green may have had more of an effect than what Slotkin was trying to communicate. Who listened to her mostly besides democrats?
We are not connecting with the people that need to hear this including your incredibly great website.
From NPR Politics newsletter this morning: "The Democratic response from Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan was an important one. She was strong, drew on a bipartisan upbringing and CIA background and delivered a message Democrats should pay attention to."
Milktoast, oopps I don't want to be. disruptive. Yes they are right but what about the republicans that watch fox noise or nothing at all. We need to convert more than just a few of them! Most of them might be fine people but they are uneducated and we are not reaching them! MAKE GOOD TROUBLE!
This is quite a long debate in the community this morning. These days are gonna happen.
Personally, Al Green's ACTION was the #1 highlight for me. The tone and action are important. As are the words. What Slotkin said was great. Bernie's message and tone were also excellent. But both of them are just talking. I wish many more Dems in that house had taken actions similar to Al Green's last night.
I think the most poignant comment in the media sphere in the aftermath was on Colbert last night. He held up a little sign that said "Try doing something."
Then Pete Buttigieg got on after the monologue and basically said, "just wait... things will get worse for the American people, and Trump's popularity will continue to drop." That looks like the playbook. Who knows if it will work, but we all have our opinions.
We can't just normalize it, but you don't have to shriek, even though it is a hair-on-fire epoch.
Our allies are helping rein in Trump with their counter tariffs responses. Today there begins a 40 day boycott of Target according to CNN business page. I'm getting a transparency stencil designed for the back window of my car that says "Be a patriot, sell your swasticar" I have an upside down US flag in my front garden. When people ask me how it's going, I say, "Better than most, considering we are in a coup." This includes at the grocery store or the bank or where-ever. I participated in a bake sale for Ukraine over the weekend. I write postcards for Susan Crawford.
The problem that people have been wrestling with in this debate this morning is the words are just a normalizing sort of response, Congress doing congress, battling over "policy" But the policy debate is now; do we follow the Constitution or not? Do we allow an unelected billionaire to deconstruct our government and close down all our long held services so billionaires can take trillions from the working class"
Talking is talking... If we take the lead on actions, as we have with all the wonderful organizing I read about in here every day from all of you fabulous Hopioids... Perhaps our electeds will follow. Colbert is right.
Thank you, Simon. For myself, I am not interested in having people yell at me or try to manipulate emotions. I appreciate the information you prepare for us, guidelines for action and focus on positive forward steps.
Brian: There’s a certain collection of guys in right-wing Washington carrying on like tantrumming two-year-olds. The last thing we need is to try to out-tantrum them.
I am not saying act like an idiot like they are. I think Al Green showing improper decorum worked better than most of these valid approches that are not working. Why didn't they all do that?
MAKE GOOD TROUBLE Sorry I should not have yelled.:-)
I agree Joanne! I was especially troubled by Sen Schatz's comments in the moveon.org separate virtual session with him, Sen Murphy and others last night - "there's only so much we can do, you need to accept that - it's really down to the grassroots" - I left numerous comments during the talk that this was unacceptable - they need to do what they are asking us to do - being in the minority is no excuse - we aren't asking them to win when they can't - we are asking them to be fierce, loud, and public in their challenges and recriminations, just we are being - even if GOP Congress will not budge, we are trying to change heart and mind of at least the small number of Republicans that might flip the house, and regardless, to reach out to everyday Americans with the message that we hear you; they do not; it's an outrage what they are doing...
I woke up this morning absolutely irate that those who are going to be hit hard by the weather in these next few weeks will have NO HELP from FEMA. Having suffered through the congressional denial of aid to the states hit by Sandy, I understand the helplessness, the despair and the feeling of betrayal. I derive no satisfaction from the suffering of others. I won't spend my money in many of those states, but denying people food, water and shelter out of spite is unjustifiable cruelty.
Calling Sens. Kim & Booker re Social Security cuts again, and contacting our AG re criminal referrals. (BTW, the vindictive regime in South Jersey is now suing the AG for investigating their corruption -as if he has nothing else to do but defend himself vs. that cr*p.)
We conducted a well attended teach-in on the current regime for students and university community yesterday. As we draw closer to graduation time, more are starting to grasp what's really going on. They asked thoughtful questions and I'm optimistic more will be moved to take action. KEEP GOING!
Not only will they not receive help after the weather hits, they won't even know it's coming thanks to the cuts in NOAA and the National Weather Service! Outrageous!
This is a post is from a friend's attorney in North Carolina:
As a new attorney, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. Although I did not anticipate then that our democracy and our Constitution would ever be in such jeopardy, I am afraid that is where we find ourselves today. I ask you to stand up with me and show your support for our democracy, for the Constitution and for the rule of law. I will be walking a route around the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Capitol from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday beginning March 11th. It will be a peaceful protest. I will try to keep my website (www.dykeslawfirm.com) updated with any changes. I will be working remotely from DC, and, at the moment, I plan to be in DC for about a month. My plans may vary as I see what other protests are already scheduled in DC.
I am thankful for and proud of the many lawyers, judges and legislators who have committed countless hours and shown immense courage in upholding and standing up for our Constitution and the rule of law. I believe our country is teetering on the edge of becoming a dictatorship.
Once the current administration defies a federal court order or the Supreme Court puts up only a paltry barrier to the actions of this administration, I fear that our democracy will be in tatters, and we will be living in an authoritarian regime.
Hopefully, the Supreme Court will rule against the threat to birthright citizenship. While not in any way diminishing the issue, I believe that birthright citizenship is a decoy allowing the Supreme Court to give the impression that it is upholding the Constitution, while it lets other actions of the administration, which are just as or more damaging, stand. The Supreme Court is wary of what will happen if it rules against the current administration and the current administration ignores those rulings. Either way, whether it is a flagrant defiance of a court order or if the Supreme Court does not uphold the law, our democracy is in jeopardy. The current administration has fired the top JAG officers of all branches of the military and will replace them with persons who are loyal to this administration. Those officers are the ones who can say “no” if the president issues an unlawful order to the military, including orders to take actions against U.S. citizens in the United States.
Listening to the news, I keep hearing pleas to the American people to stand up against what the current administration is doing. I feel it is time to get out of my comfort zone and my comfortable lifestyle and do what the American people have done before. I know there have been many protests, but I feel a united protest is needed to elicit meaningful impact. I know that this may not be the appropriate venue for this message, but I need to use all the “voices” I have.
This is a call to action, regardless of whom you voted for or your political affiliation. You may not at first see how you can drop everything and head to DC, but if you can find a way, please join me there.
Simon, I am so pleased to hear you talk about a second angle of messaging. Did you read The Atlantic article “Democrats Are Acting Too Normal In her response to Trump’s address, Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin failed to capture the hallucinatory nature of our national politics.”
Yeah the vibe the greater party is giving off is the neighbor has ugly camper in the front yard and and we are pretty sure that is against a city ordinance.
I don't accept the apology. We are in this together, and like you, I am doing my best every day. I am grateful that you are here, that you are doing the work, and our goal should be to spend as much time as we can lifting each other up, taking that next step and not dwelling on our failures and disappointments. I am spending time here with you for the sentiments you shared are widely shared in our family, and we need to work through them, together, in my mind, if we are to win.
I also understand that campaigned as a moderate in a pretty red/purple area. I will rally behind her as best I can but I'm heartbroken over her votes to confirm Noem, Duffy, Burgundy, Rubio. I have legit concerns about Ds bending too far to the right in our efforts to win over (or strengthen the spines of) Rs, elected or otherwise.
I do hear what Simon is saying here and I get the need to focus on D solidarity. I also believe the nation and voters want strong, forceful leadership.
Two points here. I am not calling for unity or even solidarity. I don't think movements should sing from one song sheet. Coalitions are diverse, and in that diversity is our strength. What I calling for is to resist factionalism, and the choice to fight one another rather than Republicans. As for the votes you are disappointed in what happens when we starting bringing Republicans over to our side to counter Trump. Are we going to be spending our time trashing them for their previous votes? We cannot win against Trump unless we bring along moderates and Republicans into this fight. It is why what I recommend here is for us to spend as little time as possible being disappointed - of course I am fucking disappointed with where we are, which is clear from my writing everyday - but I am not dwelling on it, nor I am spending my time communicating that to you. It is my mind a self-indulgent and corrosive form of political engagement right now that we simply do not the luxury of engaging in. it is demobilizing rather than mobilizing. What I am trying to do here is keep moving this thing forward; keep us learning from our mistakes; seizing opportunities; keep getting us stronger, better, more effective. And I encourage everyone here to join me in that, how uncomfortable it may feel.
I couldn’t agree with you more Simon. It is so important that moderates and yes republicans are part of our fight to save our democracy. To have a winning message we have to appeal to all Americans. I think that Elissa Slotkin’s rebuttal was terrific and inspiring, and exactly the message the country needs to hear now !
Honest question, what kind of actions would you like to see more of? For me, I would like more press conferences, hearings, etc., but also some performative stuff like rallies at grocery stores or with medicaid enrollees, sit-ins where appropriate, going viral with creative/fiery videos with social media influencers. I realize these ideas are not fully fleshed out but I'm also not paid by the party to come up with answers for how to mix it up. I remember traveling through Michigan during the election. Every Republican ad focused on the transgender issue rather than the economy. They successfully captured one relatively miniscule issue from the Dem platform and ran with it. Somehow, the Dems need to do the same. OK, rant over!
I am old enough to remember ACT-UP making good trouble to push for HIV/AIDS treatments and the thing they were amazing at was creating spectacle. They needed to do that because they had no power in the conventional sense, but it captured media attention and put real pressure on political and corporate actors. We need to be creative in the same way and tell stories about how the GOP's actions are affecting real people; with any luck some Dem electeds will join us.
I would like to see Democrats recruit a team of democratically-minded billionaires. And, yes, I am serious! I would like to see them buy out Sinclair Broadcast, the Washington Post, The New York Times, TikTok, and ideally also Fox News and Musk’s Xitter – and transform each of these into more serious, truth-seeking news media.
Edit: Let me add, all the local newspapers owned by Gannett and New Media/GateHouse.
I cannot agree more with this sentiment. It is a tough reality for some in our coalition but we NEED big money donors. But I, like you, would like to see those people buy big organizations (and small town newspapers/radio and TV). You can get a lot of bang for your dollar by owning 50 papers throughout the country in my view versus one WaPO. I remember about 20 years ago Forum Communications (conservative) started buying up papers in the upper midwest. Took them from daily papers to twice weekly, race to the bottom. Those are opportunities for our wealthy now to absorb and push out better content. I also believe we need to scrap much of the bothsidesism and just level with folks. Tim Walz saying people want Universal Health Care after all this stuff I believe is spot on. We need to get to the other side of this but to do it we need BOLD ideas by BOLD people who do not hold back.
Millionaires and billionaires invest in news media; far better if more of those who do so believe in democracy rather than Fascism. I’m not talking about donors.
I loved how he directly spoke to the concerns of poor people who often get lost in the shuffle. I'm with Green in being tired of this group getting constantly scapegoated as "lazy" and "undeserving" and frankly what is driving a lot of the "fraud, waste, and abuse" talk. When he said "healthcare is wealthcare" during an interview after his actions, that was a fantastic moment.
I just clicked on the link. I didn't any of the thing last night and I couldn't tell what Green was saying. The first that that struck me was that Trump seemed like he was hardly able to speak and of course was with the stupid mandate shit. And that there was a lot of booing from our side. Of course, there was no mandate to destroy our weather service, close our parks, steal out healthcare of have Elon Musk in our confidential information and that is what even people who don't usually pay attention are seeing. The fact that people are even going to town halls is notable. Normally few ever attend such things. That is what I feel hope from. People standing in front of Tesla dealerships. I feel certain that many of those people have never done anything like that before.
I have attended several town halls recently. And I always feel so much better after attending. I think these things are starting to break through across the country - like the protesting when J.D. Vance went to ski in Vermont - there was strong awareness of being sold out to Russia. Of course, we're a bit 'spoiled' in Oregon as our Senator Ron Wyden has held town halls ever since he was elected to office. Every year he holds a town hall in every county in Oregon (there are 36 counties). This is a big commitment. The recent town halls with large audiences help build community and solidarity, and teach you empathy. At last night's town hall, ordinary citizens told their stories, and often the story was one of incredible courage. There were several parents who told stories about their children with rare diseases, or autism, and/or severe disabilities. Medicaid and NIH are lifelines for them, and even so, many or them are barely keeping their heads above water. These parents are so brave, advocating for their children which sounded like another full-time job on top of just regular parenting. And in almost every case, the amount of money being spent on this is some tiny percentage of the overall budget, and cutting it won't make a dent in providing billionaires their $4 trillion tax cut. Really the only way that billionaires get their $4 trillion tax cut is by the US taking on debt on their behalf and/or raiding Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid which will just weaken the US. Ron Wyden gets the contact info for these people and follows up with them. In one town hall, some MAGA people attended with their red hats, and Ron Wyden had his staff include them in the follow-on discussion that occurred. My neighbor told me that Ron Wyden interviewed her during COVID - she was a small business owner, and he wanted to know how he could help small business owners survive the COVID pandemic. She said he was a good listener and had good ideas. So keep calling your Congress people and tell them what you need. Figure out ways to get through to them - tell them Ron Wyden's doing it - why aren't they?
This is a weird question, because I’m sure there is more than one person with your name in the US, but does The College of Creative Studies mean anything to you?
Yes. I didn’t watch last night but the Democratic pushback from within the audience really made news, as well as Democrats who walked out. This is why I’m reluctant to push back on Slotkin. We do need Democrats to be more confrontational but that needs to happen strategically. And it sounds like it did last night.
They made non-traditional news. I watched through HoosLeft, and MSNBC was on split screen. MSNBC kept the camera very focused on the triad at the top. Very little panning to the audience, except when focusing on the victims trump had on as guests.
Let’s make the shift in our language away from, “Dem’s aren’t doing enough” to “I can’t wait to see more Dem’s acting like _______ when s/he did _______ yesterday.”
By explicitly naming the actions you prefer to see, you’re encouraging that behavior while also withholding from t***p any satisfaction he might feel about Democratic infighting.
Good morning friends and fellow warriors - Senator Slotkin did us proud last night. I'm proud that the leadership gave her the floor, a freshman Senator. She's got the receipts and will be part of the new Dem leadership. Looking forward to seeing you all twice today! Keep the faith. We CAN prevail. Kent
I sincerely apologize to the community for starting everyone's day with my negative comments and this will never happen again. I do stand by my thoughts on Slotkins speech last night. This is my Senator who voted YES on two of trumps cabinet picks: Bondi & Rubio.
Here is my response to the idea that we are going to be spending the next three years criticizing Senators for bad votes they took rather than praising them when they do the right thing today (from another comment on this thread):
Two points here. I am not calling for unity or even solidarity. I don't think movements should sing from one song sheet. Coalitions are diverse, and in that diversity is our strength. What I calling for is to resist factionalism, and the choice to fight one another rather than Republicans. As for the votes you are disappointed in what happens when we starting bringing Republicans over to our side to counter Trump. Are we going to be spending our time trashing them for their previous votes? We cannot win against Trump unless we bring along moderates and Republicans into this fight. It is why what I recommend here is for us to spend as little time as possible being disappointed - of course I am fucking disappointed with where we are, which is clear from my writing everyday - but I am not dwelling on it, nor I am spending my time communicating that to you. It is my mind a self-indulgent and corrosive form of political engagement right now that we simply do not the luxury of engaging in. it is demobilizing rather than mobilizing. What I am trying to do here is keep moving this thing forward; keep us learning from our mistakes; seizing opportunities; keep getting us stronger, better, more effective. And I encourage everyone here to join me in that, how uncomfortable it may feel.
I have found the best way to apologize is to delete an offending post. That way people who want to be constructive don't get waylaid by the negativity.
Agree with Brian. Do not delete - all our replies, unless deleted by Simon, expand our conversation and our evolving thought process. I read 'disappointment' rather than 'negativity', which made me feel understood in that regard.
Why should she delete her post?! I agree with her and so do a lot of others. We should be able to share our thoughts here. Toxic positivity has many downsides. Just because we don’t agree with the approach, or lack thereof, of establishment Dems, doesn’t mean we’re trying demoralize or be “corrosive.”
I totally agree with you. There is nothing wrong with your post. It is not “wrong” or “corrosive.” Simon gets big mad whenever anyone isn’t in lock step with establishment Dems.
That was a very, very good speech. Being mad about the Reagan line is wild. Politics has always involved using the opposition's sacred cows against them - in 20 years I promise you that Rs will be invoking Barak Obama to try and make inroads. The idea that we're going to fight about stupid shit like that is so self-defeating. Treat it like a buffet. When you go to Golden Corral do you pick out the one food you hate the most, pile it on your plate, and then complain about having to eat it? Jesus, God. Slotkin is on our team. If you don't like the speech, fine. Go amplify Bernie's message. If you don't like Bernie's response, great, focus on Slotkin's. Take what you like, leave the rest. The purity shit is a huge reason the entire party backed itself into a corner and lost the last election.
United focused action like ACT-UP or the Republican strategy of TV ads doubling-down on trans issues can be hugely effective. But we don't seem to be there. So our Unity is to fight on all fronts and move forward. At some point, all those fronts will resolve into a Unity of Strategy and Action.
I particularly like "Slotkin is on our team"...and need to remember that "insert name here" is on our team, even though s/he isn't doing things the way I think things ought to be done or that make me feel better.
It will take more than one approach and one message to build the coalition that will win future elections. The team's goal is to gain power so as to stop and re-direct the direction into the authoritarianism we are in, stop the illegality, and stop the dismantling of our government. Power comes from having majorities in Congress and occupying the WH. And we don't have any of that kind of power, yet.
Some leaders can be cut-throat, some can be cautious, some can talk numbers, some can talk "real"...and...some listeners will like and some will be turned off by different styles. But the bottom line is: "insert name here" is on our team.
I agree with you. I just don’t understand how anyone on the team can speak about any of this with an even tone. I mean that strategically and emotionally. Our country is being sold out to Russia. Our intelligence agencies might be sharing info directly with murderous dictators. The administration is not playing by the rules. Why is decorum the right thing? The message can be the same yet be delivered in a way that communicates emergency. I think that’s what is needed. It feels like there’s a vast under-reaction to what’s happening before our eyes.
"Nobody"??
I have removed this post for it contained false information and was spiteful and not constructive.
Sorry Simon, I disagree with your assessment of Slotkins rebuttal as someone from Michigan who voted for her and actively engaged in helping to get her elected.
Watch Bernie Sanders rebuttal to see the HUGE difference. Slotkin is NOT a warrior that this moment calls for one. Her speech was typical, milk toast and deference to Reagan.
As a County Party Chair the majority of our elected Dems are NOT meeting this "House on Fire" moment.
I know that her reference to Reagan has become a thing so let me address it, plainly, for I think it is wrong, dangerously wrong. The biggest split we are seeing in the Republican Party leadership right now is over Trump's dishonoring of Reagan's legacy and his embrace of Putin and Russia. If we are going to turn these small cracks I've been talking about into bigger ones and turn Republicans against Trump the most powerful place we have to do this right now is over Russia. This evocation of Reagan was deeply strategic and effective, and the response from some in the family - like yours above - is wrong and I believe deeply corrosive. This was a very, very good speech, a clear evolution in our own understanding and articulation of the moment and the dismissal of it by some it some of the craziest shit I have ever seen since I've been in the business.
Not everyone has to be Bernie. He can do his house on fire moment. This is someone who just won an election in a swing state in a hard year - something Bernie has never done - and served our country at the Pentagon and CIA - and the immediate, casual dismissal of the potential power of the speech is literally shocking to me. If we become a movement of the perpetually disappointed we are handing this country over to them.
I love Bernie Sanders. I lived in Vermont and got to vote for him during his first run for the House of Representatives. I bought a reprint of his 1987 “musical” (he spoke his parts while competent musicians did the singing) c.d. during his presidential run and played it on endless loop during my commutes. Bernie is a man to rouse hearts and stir imaginations, and to mentor young upcoming heart-rousers and activists. His place in history is assured.
My takeaway: It is unfortunate that women still must consider perception as 9/10s of the game: I believe Slotkin's even demeanor, while considered anodyne to some, enabled most people -- including those persuadable and on the fence about what is going on - to be fully present for her content. I watched it twice - and I can't say I do that with most elected officials (even, increasingly, my own). It was a win in my book, and a smart one at that.
agree. A articulate woman is threatening to a lot of men. Think about the insult last year putting a women in the kitchen . The comparison couldn't be greater.
This is a good place to remind ourselves to focus on the actual enemy and not spend our energy on Monday-morning quarterbacking our own team.
Right! She won the state as did Trump. So we need to listen to her. I thought it was the best rebuttal I've heard. I just hope that people were still awake after Trump's. lengthy pack of lies.
There is no reason to try to shame people who disagree with you. None of us have the only true opinion.
I think the points Senator Slotkin made were spot on and spoke to the things middle America really cares about - prices and security. Kudos to her. She made her points in basic english and without the theatrics. This heavily contrasted with the paddle, cane waving Democrats on the House floor, and Trump. He does drama 24/7. I believe Americans are sick of theatrics.
It’s not theatrics to be fucking furious at our country being sold out to Russia
Listen to this man….that’s the emotion I think is needed.
https://substack.com/@thetonymichaels/note/c-97468912?r=dgxi1&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Slotkin was sincere and articulate .. her speech served the honest and logical ideas we all agree upon.. BUT as a stand alone it was preaching to the choir. It created no follow up or buzz or media playback. We are living in a news environment that Trump created and excels in. We can't be in a gunfight with just a knife. If that is Joanne's point, I totally agree. We can express views without being disappointed.
Also, I really really love the diversity of opinions expressed in this forum. However, we are all in an arena that we have never been before. We all need to be free wheeling and honest in expression without being told we are WRONG. Different OPINIONS are never wrong they are just DIFFERENT.
I agree with using Reagan more. I've been doing it with my family members. It's a know your audience situation. Slotkin was speaking to the general public, not to Democrats. So invoking Reagan, who is still very popular with the general public as far as I know, makes sense.
Previously (before Trump won), I have made the point that Democrats should argue for "a return to Reagan tax rates".
I like Eisenhower's even better! The top bracket is 91%
Well, yes. But I was playing off the fact that Republicans have virtually canonized Saint Ronald. (At least the pre-Trump Republicans did.)
I am showing my age. Just think what we could do with a tax rate that high! Eisenhower built a highway system!! Of course those paying rates that high would probably move to another country, so sad. I'll wave my hanky at them. What was Reagan's? About 39%?
Agreed- Reagan isn't my bag, but he is viewed fondly by, frankly, the most consistent and active voting bloc- seniors. Younger voters, along with more progressive democrats, tend to complain the most about candidates being out of touch, but then they turn around and stay home and don't back it up with their votes. If we want more firebrand types, then more firebrand types need to get out there and vote in larger numbers. Otherwise, it looks like crazy ranting.
Sen. Slotkin’s speech reminded me of the campaign event with Liz Cheney and Kamala Harris during which I wept with pride to see truly patriotic bipartisanship and hear such necessary healing words. Slotkin’s rebuttal was, I think, brilliant and a fantastic foil for that Kitchen-aide Republican mess we saw in last year’s “rebuttal” to Joe Biden.
The women in the kitchen with a cross on rebuttal is an extremely low bar.
Sen. Slotkin leapt over that low water mark and met the bar set by Harris and Cheney.
If you say so.
Yep. Slotkin was pitch perfect in tone and rhetorical strategy. People need to remember that Democrats need to appeal to more than their base if we want our country back. By reminding average voters - many of whom aren’t involved in politics beyond sound bites - that Republicans have not only betrayed the oath that they took to preserve the Constitution, the rule of law, and democracy, but that their prior idol Reagan, for all his faults, upheld and even sold these ideas to the world, showcased GOP weakness, hypocrisy, and betrayal all at the same time.
You're kidding yourself if you think invoking Reagan (or Liz Cheney or other so called reasonable Republicans) helps the Democrats. Did it work for Harris?
I tend toward a more gestalt analysis, because anything less is short-sighted. I appreciated the contrast between Slotkin (Democrats) and Trump (GOP) and Democrats sounding like the adults in the room, which is important. There is a time and place for Democrats to have both fire (for policy and progress) AND tempered seriousness (representing stability). And right now with all the chaos, and after Trump’s horrific ‘speech’, I think people who hear Slotkin’s rebuttal will be reassured by the calm thoughtfulness. Finally, if you believe that denigrating Democrats at every turn will help induce more people to support/vote for Democrats, I have a bridge to sell you.
I agree with you that Slotkin's calm and thoughtfulness were very good aspects of her speech. And overall I thought it was a solid rebuttal.
The invocation of Reagan is supposed to help Republicans and independents bridge the gap, not Democrats. Finding and working those bridges is called “doing good politics;” and good political strategy is what Democrats need to do now. We need Republican support for Democratic sanity in the Congress. Now. Not two years from now. Now.
Trump just surrendered the Cold War. You bet everyone should be talking about Reagan all the time.
I was skeptical of Slotkin because of some of her post election comments, but, yes, she was the woman for the job. Among all the other things, all the centrist pundits will take her seriously.
Really glad to see that that front is open now.
I think it is really important to recall that Senator Slotkin referenced an era where there could be Republicans and Democrats in the same family without it leading to irreconciliable toxicity. By contrast, the sad fact of the matter is that now, we have an era of hyper polarisation. Trump and co want us to be arguing amongst ourselves so we cannot form an effective, united front. They will use lies, bots and algorithms to amplify division. Decent, values-driven people of a wide multiplicity of views urgently need to forge an effective pushback to this voracious, self-serving, lying, craven power grab. This is urgent. The window is closing. Fascism is beckoning.
If you are referring to Bernie Sanders’ rebuttal, may I suggest adding a link?
(I may watch both Slotkin and Sanders later, but so far I must admit I’ve not dived into anything having to do with the Mad King’s speech – other than Simon’s write-up today.)
A terrific Bernie-burner for some of us, that i agree with, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQjKGKUKpQc
but also agree that Slotkin's will gather more into our tent and was pitch-perfect in that regard. Applause for BOTH
Same here.
I agree she said mostly the right words and themes but not the right energy.
I think her message will work with someone who already was going to watch on TV the oppositions rebuttal, but I only watched it because Simon said it was good. It is not a message that is going to walk on it's own.
She spent a paragraph saying Trump is corrupt and out of touch when she should of just said "this dude is an F'en criminal who trying to steal your social security. OVER MY DEAD BODY WILL THAT HAPPEN! I will talk my self to death filibustering him and his goons stealing your social security!"
Edit: To clarify, I think is the Decorum is the problem. I do not care that she talked about Reagan, it is good to try to peel off their weakly held members of the coalition. The problem is she essentially said her message he is stealing from the weakest members of our community but looked like she was giving the weather report. If someone was stealing things from one of her disabled veterans family members home there would be more outrage. This is what is missing. I hate Trump but I could follow his message with the volume off, not this. When people say I know what he is thinking that is what they mean. I am not even so sure the hits on Elon will land on Trump because Trump radiates dislike and disinterest in Elon anytime they are on screen together.
Disagree with your "She should have said". The tone and timbre you’re suggesting does not dovetail with everyone’s personality.
More importantly, I don’t see any benefit to be gained by Senator Eissa Slotkin adopting phrasing anything like you suggested. Our Democratic politicians do speak with different voices – ranging from AOC to Raskin to Slotkin. This has value and is worth acknowledging.
Look, it touched all my political likes and beliefs and it was a well reasoned argument that I bought. However, I already intend to not only vote for the next Dem I can, I plan on giving money to the next one I can.
Maybe when people say we only talk to the highly educated this is what they mean. She sounded like homework. I love homework, but not everyone does.
<<<Maybe when people say we only talk to the highly educated this is what they mean. She sounded like homework. I love homework, but not everyone does.>>> BINGO, Josh. In my FB feeds, people have moved from the frontal cortex to the limbic regions of fear and rage.
Having read @Josh and @Pam Salem’s responses to you, I acknowledge their concerns. AND we have AOC, Jasmine Crockett, Ro, Bernie, to fire up the folks who “don’t like homework” .
It’s the diversity. To my mind, it’s critical to our coalition. I did think “what about the disabled/differently abled at one point in her speech, but overall, I came back to we need the diversity. Good speech Elisa.
I'm not sure where I fall. I agree that not everyone wants the tone or message Bernie offers. In particular I think the way he approaches economics often sounds anticapitalist and doesn't do much for people who could be reached by connecting with their economic aspirations.
However, I do think all Dems should be trying to sound as unfiltered and plainspoken as possible. This is because so many people who are non-partisans or weak partisans are distrustful of traditional politicians. On top of that, social media has encouraged that kind of regular person to regular person style and people have gotten into it.
Watching Hakeem Jeffries' video on Bluesky felt like seeing him try on this mode of communication. It was awkward at first but he quickly picked up steam - not surprising since he's a very sharp guy. So I'd encourage Senator Slotkin and others to try a more unfiltered approach.
"I do think all Dems should be trying to sound as unfiltered and plainspoken as possible."
This is a huge point and I couldn’t agree more!
I actually thought Senator Slotkin sounded very plainspoken. Well prepared and highly articulate, yes – and her rebuttal was disciplined and admirably well-structured. And despite numerous claims here to the contrary, I though she seem natural and passionate.
This is something I miss in Bernie Sanders’ speeches; all too often he sounds like a broken record, and his content really is not sufficiently varied. Whereas Slotkin made a lot more important points and arguments in just 10.5 minutes than Bernie typically does within a similar time frame.
That said, we need both.
I agree with this. I think Democrats keep missing that Trump's emotional valence--his "I will fight for you" energy--is a big part of his appeal and it is something that Democrats can adopt as well in response to the truly outrageous things Trump/Musk are doing now to the American people. People need to believe that Democrats care and are willing to fight hard for them.
Yeah the vibe we are giving off is far to close to "You know the HOA rules say your trashcans cannot be visible from the street."
I would much prefer "these criminals are stealing from my sick brother!" And guess what it is true they are doing that kind of thing.
Trump's emotional valence--his "I will fight for you" energy--is a big part of his appeal. That is an excellent description. Do I have your permission to steal it?
Of course!
I like your comment about the decorum issue. I think that is valid in general. Emotion is what communicates with a lot of people -- gets their attention. If the urgency isn't in the voice, the body language, they won't derive urgency from the verbal presentation.
The thing I don't know is what is the right level. I have long ago learned that I'm just kinda a weird person, in that I can't gauge other people's reactions by my own. So I always feel at a loss in terms of these things. I mean, I literally don't see how anyone could believe Trump when he says anything -- he comes off like a televangelist, but people believe those guys too. I hated the The Three Stooges. I hated the Honeymooners. Other people though those things were funny. Huge numbers of other people. So I don't fucking have a clue, really.
(I also hated the Honeymooners and the Three Stooges.)
Hey, we also share being articulate introverts. Not math tho :(
Allow me to recommend the British series "Coupling" – a raunchier and far-funnier version of "Friends".
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0237123/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_coupling
If you prefer the realm of politics, there is "Yes Minister" and the subsequent "Yes, Prime Minister",
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080306/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086831/?ref_=tt_mlt_i_1
...as well as "Spitting Image".
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086807/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_in_0_q_spitting%2520image
(Yes, all of these are British – and the better for it.)
I prefer British humor on the whole because of the satire. Americans have met the moment with Colbert, Stewart and the master Carlin. What I hate is the punching down that seems to be so much a part of American comedy…the stupid jokes that start with “my wife…” etc.
I have seen Yes, Minister. But on the whole, I spend so much time watching news politics I never have time for entertainment. Once a week my bestie and I get together for movie night. Sometimes we watch British mysteries, sometimes Dr. Who or actual movies. This week we watched Argo and it really hit hard in a way it might nor have at another time.
Love Carlin! He had the solution to America’s homeless crisis; a personal favorite is where Carlin compares the language of baseball and [American] football. Robin Williams on the origin of golf is also a hoot.
And I have replayed Stephen Colbert’s performance at the 2006 White House Correspondence Dinner more than once. Priceless!
The Colbert 2006 White House Correspondence dinner was breath-taking. W hated it. He was squirming in his seat. I was astonished at his (Colbert's) courage.
That language of Baseball (played on a diamond) vs American Football (played on a gridiron) is superb Carlin.
“…hated the Three Stooges, hated the Honeymooners …“ me too.
Hopium is clearly a hotbed of stupid comedy hatred LOL!
Too nice is a big problem. I was disquieted last night listening to the "decorum" of most of the Democrat commentators on the Moveon.org State of the Union last night. https://www.youtube.com/live/PJF7wjXoM_4?si=9Wt44bqjcySm_1-U As Prof Scott Galloway commented about a month ago, these guys (Musk and co) are going gangsta. Yes, pushing back through the court system is essential, but these guys are not playing by the rules; they are ruthless, near-psychopathic and cruel. I am not sure what "taking the gloves off" looks like, but being nice and polite is not going to cut it.
I want this energy at minimum
https://substack.com/@thetonymichaels/note/c-97468912?r=dgxi1&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Yep…if people see people acting normally they won’t understand things are not normal. Being emotional about what is happening is normal. I think her message was good but the tone needs to shift.
What is our confidence level that our government is or is not sharing intelligence directly with Russia? Prior to this cabinet my confidence was close to 100% not sharing. Now it’s flipped. If you’re not communicating that as massive alarm then what are you doing? Reagan isn’t just rolling in his grave he’s closer to resurrecting to exact zombie revenge.
It was wonderful to be addressed by a Patriot, a Hero and a Statesman last night.
Thank you, Senator Elissa Slotkin !
Agreed. I thought she hit the mark, and I was proud that she represents the best of our military who cares enough about our country to serve and run for office. I really liked her connecting clearly that billionaires are chainsawing our treasure and treasury and every one of us will feel it. And to stay involved. And leadership is growing more and more powerful. I liked her clarity. I also saw Bernie, and loved him, of course, but Slotkin is our younger generation of patriots and leaders.
I agree that we needed a much more forceful dissent. Trump is destroying so many of the things that make this country Great that many people aren't aware of, the NIH, NOAA, justice department that believes in the rule of law and gets it right much of the time, universities where cutting edge research and teaching is done. Let's get somebody out there who can really make Americans see the disasters that are coming our way. Slotkin is articulate, and I believe her heart is in the right place, but she is A middle of the road democrat, not someone who I think understands how dangerous the oligarchy is. And if she does understand it she should've said it.
Joanne, I was born and raised in Michigan (Dearborn), and have been a lifelong Democrat -- although here in Georgia for the last 40 of my 70+ years. I listened to Slotkin's reply a couple of times now -- and want to make a separate comment below.
She was speaking from downriver Wyandotte -- and that sounded like "home" to me. We've got that damned beautiful Gordie Howe Bridge ready to be opened soon -- and what a damned shame this has all become. Justin Trudeau has turned out to be a real statesman -- and has unified all of Canada. (LOL.. maybe it was Trump.)
I totally agree with you.
EUROPEAN SECURITY: "Trump Has Changed Everything"
Very striking reflections from a leading British military strategist, Andrew Fox. Unfortunately it is paywalled, for subscribers only. But let me quote a choice passage:
"We are now at the point where we should be having open conversations about requiring the US to remove its forces from Europe. We should, at minimum, pull European exchange officers from US HQs to send a message...
"From Trump’s stance, we can reasonably assume that those US forces in Europe will not do anything for us if we are attacked (other than acting as human shields, at best). At this point, we must be seriously concerned about which side US forces would weigh in on. There is every chance they could try and force a pro-Russian ceasefire on us, as they are trying to do in Ukraine, should the other side’s “deal” be more attractive to Trump."
https://mrandrewfox.substack.com/p/trump-has-changed-everything
(2) Andrew Fox continues:
"Moreover, Trump’s posture and many of his cabinet appointments make the USA a security threat to Europe, both directly and diplomatically. Gabbard and Patel are clear security threats, and the other members of the Five Eyes intelligence community must start withholding vital intelligence from Washington as a priority.
"Frozen Russian assets must be repurposed to fund the Ukrainian war effort. Domestic production must ramp up. Ukraine must be given full scope to use our weapons however they see fit, including striking targets within Russia.
"We must acknowledge that, under Trump, the US is no longer a security guarantor for Europe. Europe still has some muscles to flex; we should flex them. It will be painful and expensive for us, but national security is worth some pain and expense."
Long overdue - use those frozen assets.
(3) And…
"The critical shortfall in Europe is ammunition. Rapid increase in air-to-ground missiles is a must. We are not facing a war where we must go on the offensive. Maintaining our borders is enough. We will unlikely need to take and hold ground with armour and infantry. Any conflict with Russia will need to exploit our significant air superiority. That means our fighter jets need missiles, and lots of them.
"This may seem drastic, but Trump’s transactional approach demands that we prepare for the worst-case scenario I have articulated. This scenario may not come to fruition, but we must be ready if it does."
The deeply concerning facet is Starlink. Withdrawing Ukraine's access to this vital service was reportedly (per UK Guardian newspaper) used as a bargaining chip by Trump's negotiatiors recently as they forced Zelensky to the table on the minerals deal. (I feel sick to the stomach as I even recall it.) Musk has far too much power there and what does he care about the future of Liberal democracy? This is all so precarious. Unprincipled man-children with alarming access to power.
Musk cares very much about the future of liberal democracy. He wants to make damn sure he and his cronies kill it of so that liberal democracy never again interferes with his enrichment and exercise of power.
Yes, allowing Musk to freely use Starlink to pressure and shake down foreign governments, of which America has been an ally and protector, is unconscionable. Utterly deplorable!
Exactly what my husband and I said to each other -- Trump mentions WWIII -- which side would we be on?
Response from Rob Bresnahan-R (PA-08), one of the 17 target districts (and my district) regarding the recent budget measure vote, which I vehemently opposed (and let him know that)...as for this response, I'll believe it when I see it:
Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns with the recently passed budget resolution.
H. Con. Res. 14, which passed the House of Representatives on February 25, 2025, was a procedural step to start federal budget negotiations and does NOT change any current laws.
If a final reconciliation bill is put in front of me that guts the benefits my neighbors rely on, I will not vote for it. My position on this has not and will not change.
The current budgetary process has two parts. First, both the House and the Senate each vote on a budget resolution, a bill that creates a general spending framework for Congress. By passing this resolution, the House started the process of negotiating with the Senate for a final framework, which must be agreed to by both chambers. Next, after the House and Senate decide on the final framework, instructions are given to specific committees to create laws which meet certain budget goals.
The House vote was a necessary step to start the negotiation process for the current budget resolution, which aims to get our nation’s spending under control and ensure that the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) does not expire. This legislation provided tax cuts to middle and working class families, including the majority of constituents in our district. If they expire, the standard tax deduction would be cut in half, increasing taxes on 91% of taxpayers. The average American would see a 22% tax increase, and 40 million Americans would see the Child Tax Credit Cut in half. Overall, failure to extend TCJA would cost the economy 6 million jobs and small businesses would lose their 20% pass through deduction.
The budget resolution also provides an avenue for necessary border security measures. Negotiations include funding for U.S. Border Patrol agents to protect the southern border, as well as to make critical investment in national defense to counter Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.
Social Security is an entitlement program completely separate from the budget reconciliation process, and I will always defend it and fight to ensure Americans get the benefits they have earned.
As your federal Representative, I recognize how important it is we get our spending under control, while balancing the need to protect programs that our Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) friends and neighbors rely on. I will fight to protect working-class families in NEPA and stand with President Trump in opposing gutting Medicaid.
It is an honor serving as your representative in Congress. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at (202) 225-5546 or by visiting my website. You can keep up to date with what I’m doing in Washington by subscribing to my e-newsletter. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram.
Sincerely,
Rob Bresnahan, Jr.
Member of Congress
Thank you for posting this.
Thank you for posting this- I like you, will only believe it when I see it. I believe his “I will stand with Trump” but it’s laughable that Trump opposes gutting Medicaid. He also calls Social Security an “entitlement program”. Which honestly boils my blood.
I read that he said it was a scam.
what about the tax cut to billionaires?
I think R's like him are looking for a way to have their cake and eat it, too. Heather Cox Richardson in her Politics Chat yesterday predicted that R;s like him (btw she didn't name him specifically) will say they aren't going to cut Medicaid and Food Stamps directly and it won't show up in a bill as such. However, they are likely to come up with procedures which will create problems with continuing to deliver the service to Americans so that the services are delivered so slowly or ineffectively that they are worthless or the procedures for applying take such a long time that they will give up. Kinda like their plan for SSA.
It sounds like you have a close eye on him. Keep up the pressure. Let him know you know they can't pull the wool over our eyes. I don't have a swing R for my House District. He is full on MAGA (1st term but been on 47's team since day 1) and he's on the new House subcommittee that "oversees" DOGE). But I still call and write to him 2-3 times per week.
What is fascinating about his whole position in this letter and when I get staffers is that he commits to "no cuts in medicaid" AND also "stands WITH Trump". It's all smoke and mirrors to cover what he DOES stand for: permanent tax cuts to wealthy, including himself. We wouldn't have to worry about program funding if they would take the deficit exploding tax cuts off the table. I keep saying to the staff that I want him to stand UP to Trump, and stand WITH his constituents.
The Rebuttal was awwsoommme! what a beautiful concise message and delivery - Thank you Senator Slotkin for being part of the fresh new vision, incorporating the best of who we have been, with who we can and will be - and the new Congressional leaders we will elect as we move forward
Simon, I understand we need to stay united but for those of us working on the ground I/we are NOT feeling supported by our elected officials. We are doing protests, sign making events, creating billboards, flyers, postcards, yard signs and contacting elected officials on a variety of issues constantly. My Senators, Peters & Slotkin in my opinion are NOT rising to this moment and also NEVER respond to our emails or letters.
Joanne, we discuss this every day here. Our work is compelling them to greater action. We do not whine here we fight. We have seen clear escalation of the actions House Dems are taking in the past week. This speech was in my mind the most compelling, clear articulation from the establishment party about the threats we face - economic, national security, democracy - and a clear call to keep fighting. That's all good, progress. We are not where we want to be but we are evolving, growing, getting smarter perhaps not at the pace you want but to deny the progress is corrosive and self-defeating. And let's be clear, as you can tell from my own writing, I am yelling loudly every day that we must be doing more, acting with greater urgency but I am not denigrating or criticism. We are not the problem here - they are, and we need to stay focused on this and not fall into factionalism. And to be clear - we do no have to be unified. Bernie can do his thing, Slotkin hers. But we cannot fall into or encourage factionalism. We are all playing different positions on the same team.
My point is that those who choose to be perpetually disappointed and spend time sharing that disappointment rather than encouraging greater action - like calling Slotkins office and thanking her for stepping up last night, or all the positive self-reports people do here every day so we can learn from one another, get strong, more effective - we are depressing our side and creating an impression of weakness in our ranks rather than strength.
I am particularly frustrated with your post for it is the very first one and casts a pall on our discourse all day long. I understand the sentiment but spreading negative sentiment, constantly being disappointed in our side is how we lose this thing not how we win it.
Simon, you are a smart guy, but you are not getting the message. Your comments on TV are nice mellow comments, like who you are, but we need the democrats showing their frustration and maybe screaming their lungs out. Slotkin did nothing close to that. Our reps in congress not responding does not help either. I wrote an email showing my frustration, if not yelling to my rep. No response. We need to communicate with the public that is not educated on these issues and what we are doing is not working. I have said what I think and I feel better but that won't solve this huge problem that we have.
Brian, respectfully, this is a ridiculous comment. We are the message. No one has fought harder or more effectively to move our electeds into action than this community. We are doing the work and not whining. It is all we can do, and as I have said in the long run it may be better for the sustainably and effectiveness of the movement that We The People are building this movement from the bottom up than it being forced on us from the top down.
Simon, You are probably right about everything that you say. I would agree with your valid approach if we were not close to destroying our government and democracy. Slotkin was probably right about most of what she is portraying-except RayGuns. I think that the "decorum" that was displayed last night by Al Green may have had more of an effect than what Slotkin was trying to communicate. Who listened to her mostly besides democrats?
We are not connecting with the people that need to hear this including your incredibly great website.
All of the democrats should have done what Al Green did in lock step. The time for being nice and polite is over.
Although my Rep. Stansbury walked out with Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost, that was a personal choice. https://www.wesh.com/article/florida-congressman-walks-out-trump-joint-address-protest/64048739
It is also appropriate for those who chose to Stand Their Ground because Congress is OUR HOUSE and we will not be driven away from it by the bullies.
From NPR Politics newsletter this morning: "The Democratic response from Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan was an important one. She was strong, drew on a bipartisan upbringing and CIA background and delivered a message Democrats should pay attention to."
Milktoast, oopps I don't want to be. disruptive. Yes they are right but what about the republicans that watch fox noise or nothing at all. We need to convert more than just a few of them! Most of them might be fine people but they are uneducated and we are not reaching them! MAKE GOOD TROUBLE!
IMHO
This is quite a long debate in the community this morning. These days are gonna happen.
Personally, Al Green's ACTION was the #1 highlight for me. The tone and action are important. As are the words. What Slotkin said was great. Bernie's message and tone were also excellent. But both of them are just talking. I wish many more Dems in that house had taken actions similar to Al Green's last night.
I think the most poignant comment in the media sphere in the aftermath was on Colbert last night. He held up a little sign that said "Try doing something."
Then Pete Buttigieg got on after the monologue and basically said, "just wait... things will get worse for the American people, and Trump's popularity will continue to drop." That looks like the playbook. Who knows if it will work, but we all have our opinions.
We can't just normalize it, but you don't have to shriek, even though it is a hair-on-fire epoch.
Our allies are helping rein in Trump with their counter tariffs responses. Today there begins a 40 day boycott of Target according to CNN business page. I'm getting a transparency stencil designed for the back window of my car that says "Be a patriot, sell your swasticar" I have an upside down US flag in my front garden. When people ask me how it's going, I say, "Better than most, considering we are in a coup." This includes at the grocery store or the bank or where-ever. I participated in a bake sale for Ukraine over the weekend. I write postcards for Susan Crawford.
The problem that people have been wrestling with in this debate this morning is the words are just a normalizing sort of response, Congress doing congress, battling over "policy" But the policy debate is now; do we follow the Constitution or not? Do we allow an unelected billionaire to deconstruct our government and close down all our long held services so billionaires can take trillions from the working class"
Talking is talking... If we take the lead on actions, as we have with all the wonderful organizing I read about in here every day from all of you fabulous Hopioids... Perhaps our electeds will follow. Colbert is right.
I love this comment!
Thank you, Simon. For myself, I am not interested in having people yell at me or try to manipulate emotions. I appreciate the information you prepare for us, guidelines for action and focus on positive forward steps.
Brian: There’s a certain collection of guys in right-wing Washington carrying on like tantrumming two-year-olds. The last thing we need is to try to out-tantrum them.
I am not saying act like an idiot like they are. I think Al Green showing improper decorum worked better than most of these valid approches that are not working. Why didn't they all do that?
MAKE GOOD TROUBLE Sorry I should not have yelled.:-)
Thank you Simon.
I agree Joanne! I was especially troubled by Sen Schatz's comments in the moveon.org separate virtual session with him, Sen Murphy and others last night - "there's only so much we can do, you need to accept that - it's really down to the grassroots" - I left numerous comments during the talk that this was unacceptable - they need to do what they are asking us to do - being in the minority is no excuse - we aren't asking them to win when they can't - we are asking them to be fierce, loud, and public in their challenges and recriminations, just we are being - even if GOP Congress will not budge, we are trying to change heart and mind of at least the small number of Republicans that might flip the house, and regardless, to reach out to everyday Americans with the message that we hear you; they do not; it's an outrage what they are doing...
I totally agree with you and you are not the first one to offer a constructive criticism of Slotkin’s speech.
I woke up this morning absolutely irate that those who are going to be hit hard by the weather in these next few weeks will have NO HELP from FEMA. Having suffered through the congressional denial of aid to the states hit by Sandy, I understand the helplessness, the despair and the feeling of betrayal. I derive no satisfaction from the suffering of others. I won't spend my money in many of those states, but denying people food, water and shelter out of spite is unjustifiable cruelty.
Calling Sens. Kim & Booker re Social Security cuts again, and contacting our AG re criminal referrals. (BTW, the vindictive regime in South Jersey is now suing the AG for investigating their corruption -as if he has nothing else to do but defend himself vs. that cr*p.)
We conducted a well attended teach-in on the current regime for students and university community yesterday. As we draw closer to graduation time, more are starting to grasp what's really going on. They asked thoughtful questions and I'm optimistic more will be moved to take action. KEEP GOING!
Not only will they not receive help after the weather hits, they won't even know it's coming thanks to the cuts in NOAA and the National Weather Service! Outrageous!
This is a post is from a friend's attorney in North Carolina:
As a new attorney, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. Although I did not anticipate then that our democracy and our Constitution would ever be in such jeopardy, I am afraid that is where we find ourselves today. I ask you to stand up with me and show your support for our democracy, for the Constitution and for the rule of law. I will be walking a route around the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Capitol from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday beginning March 11th. It will be a peaceful protest. I will try to keep my website (www.dykeslawfirm.com) updated with any changes. I will be working remotely from DC, and, at the moment, I plan to be in DC for about a month. My plans may vary as I see what other protests are already scheduled in DC.
I am thankful for and proud of the many lawyers, judges and legislators who have committed countless hours and shown immense courage in upholding and standing up for our Constitution and the rule of law. I believe our country is teetering on the edge of becoming a dictatorship.
Once the current administration defies a federal court order or the Supreme Court puts up only a paltry barrier to the actions of this administration, I fear that our democracy will be in tatters, and we will be living in an authoritarian regime.
Hopefully, the Supreme Court will rule against the threat to birthright citizenship. While not in any way diminishing the issue, I believe that birthright citizenship is a decoy allowing the Supreme Court to give the impression that it is upholding the Constitution, while it lets other actions of the administration, which are just as or more damaging, stand. The Supreme Court is wary of what will happen if it rules against the current administration and the current administration ignores those rulings. Either way, whether it is a flagrant defiance of a court order or if the Supreme Court does not uphold the law, our democracy is in jeopardy. The current administration has fired the top JAG officers of all branches of the military and will replace them with persons who are loyal to this administration. Those officers are the ones who can say “no” if the president issues an unlawful order to the military, including orders to take actions against U.S. citizens in the United States.
Listening to the news, I keep hearing pleas to the American people to stand up against what the current administration is doing. I feel it is time to get out of my comfort zone and my comfortable lifestyle and do what the American people have done before. I know there have been many protests, but I feel a united protest is needed to elicit meaningful impact. I know that this may not be the appropriate venue for this message, but I need to use all the “voices” I have.
This is a call to action, regardless of whom you voted for or your political affiliation. You may not at first see how you can drop everything and head to DC, but if you can find a way, please join me there.
Simon, I am so pleased to hear you talk about a second angle of messaging. Did you read The Atlantic article “Democrats Are Acting Too Normal In her response to Trump’s address, Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin failed to capture the hallucinatory nature of our national politics.”
Yeah the vibe the greater party is giving off is the neighbor has ugly camper in the front yard and and we are pretty sure that is against a city ordinance.
Thanks Josh, your read of the vibe is spot on.
I apologize.
I don't accept the apology. We are in this together, and like you, I am doing my best every day. I am grateful that you are here, that you are doing the work, and our goal should be to spend as much time as we can lifting each other up, taking that next step and not dwelling on our failures and disappointments. I am spending time here with you for the sentiments you shared are widely shared in our family, and we need to work through them, together, in my mind, if we are to win.
Simon says... I don't accept the apology? Did you mean "no need to apologize, we are all in this together"?
I also understand that campaigned as a moderate in a pretty red/purple area. I will rally behind her as best I can but I'm heartbroken over her votes to confirm Noem, Duffy, Burgundy, Rubio. I have legit concerns about Ds bending too far to the right in our efforts to win over (or strengthen the spines of) Rs, elected or otherwise.
I do hear what Simon is saying here and I get the need to focus on D solidarity. I also believe the nation and voters want strong, forceful leadership.
Two points here. I am not calling for unity or even solidarity. I don't think movements should sing from one song sheet. Coalitions are diverse, and in that diversity is our strength. What I calling for is to resist factionalism, and the choice to fight one another rather than Republicans. As for the votes you are disappointed in what happens when we starting bringing Republicans over to our side to counter Trump. Are we going to be spending our time trashing them for their previous votes? We cannot win against Trump unless we bring along moderates and Republicans into this fight. It is why what I recommend here is for us to spend as little time as possible being disappointed - of course I am fucking disappointed with where we are, which is clear from my writing everyday - but I am not dwelling on it, nor I am spending my time communicating that to you. It is my mind a self-indulgent and corrosive form of political engagement right now that we simply do not the luxury of engaging in. it is demobilizing rather than mobilizing. What I am trying to do here is keep moving this thing forward; keep us learning from our mistakes; seizing opportunities; keep getting us stronger, better, more effective. And I encourage everyone here to join me in that, how uncomfortable it may feel.
Perfect From Shrimont Mishra below: "We need more "good trouble" from the Dems".
I couldn’t agree with you more Simon. It is so important that moderates and yes republicans are part of our fight to save our democracy. To have a winning message we have to appeal to all Americans. I think that Elissa Slotkin’s rebuttal was terrific and inspiring, and exactly the message the country needs to hear now !
We need more "good trouble" from the Dems. For all they are doing, seems not enough to capture both public and media attention.
I agree with this 100 million percent!
Honest question, what kind of actions would you like to see more of? For me, I would like more press conferences, hearings, etc., but also some performative stuff like rallies at grocery stores or with medicaid enrollees, sit-ins where appropriate, going viral with creative/fiery videos with social media influencers. I realize these ideas are not fully fleshed out but I'm also not paid by the party to come up with answers for how to mix it up. I remember traveling through Michigan during the election. Every Republican ad focused on the transgender issue rather than the economy. They successfully captured one relatively miniscule issue from the Dem platform and ran with it. Somehow, the Dems need to do the same. OK, rant over!
I am old enough to remember ACT-UP making good trouble to push for HIV/AIDS treatments and the thing they were amazing at was creating spectacle. They needed to do that because they had no power in the conventional sense, but it captured media attention and put real pressure on political and corporate actors. We need to be creative in the same way and tell stories about how the GOP's actions are affecting real people; with any luck some Dem electeds will join us.
I would like to see Democrats recruit a team of democratically-minded billionaires. And, yes, I am serious! I would like to see them buy out Sinclair Broadcast, the Washington Post, The New York Times, TikTok, and ideally also Fox News and Musk’s Xitter – and transform each of these into more serious, truth-seeking news media.
Edit: Let me add, all the local newspapers owned by Gannett and New Media/GateHouse.
I cannot agree more with this sentiment. It is a tough reality for some in our coalition but we NEED big money donors. But I, like you, would like to see those people buy big organizations (and small town newspapers/radio and TV). You can get a lot of bang for your dollar by owning 50 papers throughout the country in my view versus one WaPO. I remember about 20 years ago Forum Communications (conservative) started buying up papers in the upper midwest. Took them from daily papers to twice weekly, race to the bottom. Those are opportunities for our wealthy now to absorb and push out better content. I also believe we need to scrap much of the bothsidesism and just level with folks. Tim Walz saying people want Universal Health Care after all this stuff I believe is spot on. We need to get to the other side of this but to do it we need BOLD ideas by BOLD people who do not hold back.
There are already too many billionaire donors involved in the Dem party.
Millionaires and billionaires invest in news media; far better if more of those who do so believe in democracy rather than Fascism. I’m not talking about donors.
The billionaires will want something for their money just like donors.
Texas Representative Al Green brought it on last night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GxKuikGOXQ
Agree! Appreciated his fire!
I loved how he directly spoke to the concerns of poor people who often get lost in the shuffle. I'm with Green in being tired of this group getting constantly scapegoated as "lazy" and "undeserving" and frankly what is driving a lot of the "fraud, waste, and abuse" talk. When he said "healthcare is wealthcare" during an interview after his actions, that was a fantastic moment.
I just clicked on the link. I didn't any of the thing last night and I couldn't tell what Green was saying. The first that that struck me was that Trump seemed like he was hardly able to speak and of course was with the stupid mandate shit. And that there was a lot of booing from our side. Of course, there was no mandate to destroy our weather service, close our parks, steal out healthcare of have Elon Musk in our confidential information and that is what even people who don't usually pay attention are seeing. The fact that people are even going to town halls is notable. Normally few ever attend such things. That is what I feel hope from. People standing in front of Tesla dealerships. I feel certain that many of those people have never done anything like that before.
I have attended several town halls recently. And I always feel so much better after attending. I think these things are starting to break through across the country - like the protesting when J.D. Vance went to ski in Vermont - there was strong awareness of being sold out to Russia. Of course, we're a bit 'spoiled' in Oregon as our Senator Ron Wyden has held town halls ever since he was elected to office. Every year he holds a town hall in every county in Oregon (there are 36 counties). This is a big commitment. The recent town halls with large audiences help build community and solidarity, and teach you empathy. At last night's town hall, ordinary citizens told their stories, and often the story was one of incredible courage. There were several parents who told stories about their children with rare diseases, or autism, and/or severe disabilities. Medicaid and NIH are lifelines for them, and even so, many or them are barely keeping their heads above water. These parents are so brave, advocating for their children which sounded like another full-time job on top of just regular parenting. And in almost every case, the amount of money being spent on this is some tiny percentage of the overall budget, and cutting it won't make a dent in providing billionaires their $4 trillion tax cut. Really the only way that billionaires get their $4 trillion tax cut is by the US taking on debt on their behalf and/or raiding Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid which will just weaken the US. Ron Wyden gets the contact info for these people and follows up with them. In one town hall, some MAGA people attended with their red hats, and Ron Wyden had his staff include them in the follow-on discussion that occurred. My neighbor told me that Ron Wyden interviewed her during COVID - she was a small business owner, and he wanted to know how he could help small business owners survive the COVID pandemic. She said he was a good listener and had good ideas. So keep calling your Congress people and tell them what you need. Figure out ways to get through to them - tell them Ron Wyden's doing it - why aren't they?
This is a weird question, because I’m sure there is more than one person with your name in the US, but does The College of Creative Studies mean anything to you?
Yes. I didn’t watch last night but the Democratic pushback from within the audience really made news, as well as Democrats who walked out. This is why I’m reluctant to push back on Slotkin. We do need Democrats to be more confrontational but that needs to happen strategically. And it sounds like it did last night.
They made non-traditional news. I watched through HoosLeft, and MSNBC was on split screen. MSNBC kept the camera very focused on the triad at the top. Very little panning to the audience, except when focusing on the victims trump had on as guests.
I have yet to read or hear what Congressman Al Green actually said. Any chance you could provide some insight?
He shouted out that trump had no mandate to cut Medicaid. The speaker warned Congressman Green several times to sit down, then ordered him removed from the Chamber. Here is the gist. https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5177256-al-green-donald-trump-joint-address-protest-medicaid-cuts/
Thank you, that was helpful.
NM CD1 Representative Melanie Stansbury also got into good trouble last night.
Politico called it the first protest of the night. https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/03/04/trump-joint-address-to-congress/melanie-stansbury-sign-00212725
Her sign "This is NOT normal" was ripped out of her hands in the House Chamber by a bully rep from TX. Here is the local news coverage. https://www.koat.com/article/trump-address-sign-melanie-stansbury/64044189
Excellent! I applaud Stansbury’s every effort!
Ariella Elm presents a listing of Democrats’ “good trouble” activities on her substack each day:
https://ariellaelm.substack.com/p/daily-dems-doing-the-work-making-3dd
Let’s make the shift in our language away from, “Dem’s aren’t doing enough” to “I can’t wait to see more Dem’s acting like _______ when s/he did _______ yesterday.”
By explicitly naming the actions you prefer to see, you’re encouraging that behavior while also withholding from t***p any satisfaction he might feel about Democratic infighting.
THANK YOU
Good morning friends and fellow warriors - Senator Slotkin did us proud last night. I'm proud that the leadership gave her the floor, a freshman Senator. She's got the receipts and will be part of the new Dem leadership. Looking forward to seeing you all twice today! Keep the faith. We CAN prevail. Kent
I sincerely apologize to the community for starting everyone's day with my negative comments and this will never happen again. I do stand by my thoughts on Slotkins speech last night. This is my Senator who voted YES on two of trumps cabinet picks: Bondi & Rubio.
Here is my response to the idea that we are going to be spending the next three years criticizing Senators for bad votes they took rather than praising them when they do the right thing today (from another comment on this thread):
Two points here. I am not calling for unity or even solidarity. I don't think movements should sing from one song sheet. Coalitions are diverse, and in that diversity is our strength. What I calling for is to resist factionalism, and the choice to fight one another rather than Republicans. As for the votes you are disappointed in what happens when we starting bringing Republicans over to our side to counter Trump. Are we going to be spending our time trashing them for their previous votes? We cannot win against Trump unless we bring along moderates and Republicans into this fight. It is why what I recommend here is for us to spend as little time as possible being disappointed - of course I am fucking disappointed with where we are, which is clear from my writing everyday - but I am not dwelling on it, nor I am spending my time communicating that to you. It is my mind a self-indulgent and corrosive form of political engagement right now that we simply do not the luxury of engaging in. it is demobilizing rather than mobilizing. What I am trying to do here is keep moving this thing forward; keep us learning from our mistakes; seizing opportunities; keep getting us stronger, better, more effective. And I encourage everyone here to join me in that, how uncomfortable it may feel.
I have found the best way to apologize is to delete an offending post. That way people who want to be constructive don't get waylaid by the negativity.
Not a good way to bring up valid points and have a discussion of those points. Hers was not negativity.
Agree with Brian. Do not delete - all our replies, unless deleted by Simon, expand our conversation and our evolving thought process. I read 'disappointment' rather than 'negativity', which made me feel understood in that regard.
Why should she delete her post?! I agree with her and so do a lot of others. We should be able to share our thoughts here. Toxic positivity has many downsides. Just because we don’t agree with the approach, or lack thereof, of establishment Dems, doesn’t mean we’re trying demoralize or be “corrosive.”
All Dems voted for Rubio. It was unanimous.
Disgusting
I totally agree with you. There is nothing wrong with your post. It is not “wrong” or “corrosive.” Simon gets big mad whenever anyone isn’t in lock step with establishment Dems.
That was a very, very good speech. Being mad about the Reagan line is wild. Politics has always involved using the opposition's sacred cows against them - in 20 years I promise you that Rs will be invoking Barak Obama to try and make inroads. The idea that we're going to fight about stupid shit like that is so self-defeating. Treat it like a buffet. When you go to Golden Corral do you pick out the one food you hate the most, pile it on your plate, and then complain about having to eat it? Jesus, God. Slotkin is on our team. If you don't like the speech, fine. Go amplify Bernie's message. If you don't like Bernie's response, great, focus on Slotkin's. Take what you like, leave the rest. The purity shit is a huge reason the entire party backed itself into a corner and lost the last election.
Amen, amen! Preach!!! I'm so sick of people who think a circular firing squad is the best solution. Find your people and march from there!
United focused action like ACT-UP or the Republican strategy of TV ads doubling-down on trans issues can be hugely effective. But we don't seem to be there. So our Unity is to fight on all fronts and move forward. At some point, all those fronts will resolve into a Unity of Strategy and Action.
Love this response! Especially the Golden Corral comparison.
I particularly like "Slotkin is on our team"...and need to remember that "insert name here" is on our team, even though s/he isn't doing things the way I think things ought to be done or that make me feel better.
It will take more than one approach and one message to build the coalition that will win future elections. The team's goal is to gain power so as to stop and re-direct the direction into the authoritarianism we are in, stop the illegality, and stop the dismantling of our government. Power comes from having majorities in Congress and occupying the WH. And we don't have any of that kind of power, yet.
Some leaders can be cut-throat, some can be cautious, some can talk numbers, some can talk "real"...and...some listeners will like and some will be turned off by different styles. But the bottom line is: "insert name here" is on our team.
I agree with you. I just don’t understand how anyone on the team can speak about any of this with an even tone. I mean that strategically and emotionally. Our country is being sold out to Russia. Our intelligence agencies might be sharing info directly with murderous dictators. The administration is not playing by the rules. Why is decorum the right thing? The message can be the same yet be delivered in a way that communicates emergency. I think that’s what is needed. It feels like there’s a vast under-reaction to what’s happening before our eyes.
The Trump Depression
One of the economics writers I pay attention to is Robert Kuttner. I believe many here may find this to be of interest.
Intro: "Donald Trump is on track to be the first president to deliberately engineer a severe depression."
https://prospect.org/economy/2025-03-05-trump-depression/