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Mar 4, 2024
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Irene's avatar

Impressive Evan.

Making a tectonic shift ( it felt like) to get all the relevant data rather than react to the chum out there has been one of my personal challenges and evolutions. I thank Simon deeply for endlessly educating we on HC about not getting jerked around by incomplete information. Reading respectful civil discourse supported by data and thoughtful analysis has been ( IMO) one of the learning joys of this community. I also had to read Simon’s NDN stuff to understand the depth and breadth of his knowledge: how the heck could this guy be so confident in his analysis? Oh, ok-an Einstein of political analysis; kinda like Biden himself- experienced, seen it all done it all in his fields. He’ll clearly wrestle with anyone but be sure and support it with proof. Lessons learned and glad to be here.

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Simon Rosenberg's avatar

Irene thanks for this comment. I try really hard here to create disciplined engagements where we 1) have data to back up our arguments 2) attempt to liberate ourselves from believing we need to respond to ridiculous meme and arguments 3) engage with more positive sentiment, relentlessly. 4) be truthful at all times. We are a great country, are a very good people, and we all need to act that way at every moment. If we operate from love of country and fight hard with passion we will defeat MAGA, a movement which betrays America in word and deed every day. Keep fighting - S

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Irene's avatar

Simon,

First: you are welcome.

Secondly, IMO we are all deeply fortunate to have stepped into your Hopium Chronicles learning environment with the level of expertise you offer. Your generosity ( and patience) amazes me. Thank you.

I just realized I had forgotten to respond back to you after reading your note above.

I wanted to ( highly) recommend you send HC members the points you list above, especially new members who are confusing their opinions and beliefs with the facts and data. IMO it might help those new to learning this info that you are presenting as an analyst/academic or a scientist NOT as a pollster or political writer. I think they would understand they are approaching an educational opportunity and maybe not be such jerks. OR weave these ideas into your introductory HC info. It is so descriptive of the style you will follow and the goals you have for the community members. It may be helpful to all. Thanks for supporting the fight. Irene

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Mar 4, 2024
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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

Evan, that poll is biased and doesn't represent the country as a whole. There is absolutely NO WAY more women are supporting Trump since the Dobbs decision than did before it.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least to discover that some ultra-right wing podcaster or AM Radio host is telling Trump supporters to lie and claim to be a Democrat if they get called by a pollster to skew the results.

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Jane Rabbit's avatar

Can anyone help? How do I register for an account with Markers for Democracy so that I can get addresses to mail postcards to? It says I need to be verified to create an account...but it doesn't recognize my email to verify me. I did get a "verify your address" email this afternoon, but it was from "noreply@t.ourproshop.com," with no other identifying info so it looks exactly like spam! Is that email from the postcards people, does anyone know?

I have begun organizing a postcard-writing table at my UU church on Sundays, starting next week. I'm buying the initial batch of postcards, stamps, markers. But without an account at Markers for Democracy, I can't get addresses. And without being verified I can't get an account. And without clicking on a spammy-looking email I can't seem to get verified. Help pls??

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Claudia Miller's avatar

Good morning Jane. So glad you asked! I am a writer with Markers for Democracy and many others too. So many of the grassroots groups offer post carding. Go to MarkersForDemocracy dot org (though write it like a normal web site address) click on Postcarding at the top of the page and you will then see how to make an account and get going! Anyone can do this! If you have any issues, post on Hopium and we can get you answers. Post To Voters, Activate America, Field Team 6, Commit To Democracy, Center for the Common Good, also have post carding opportunities. Just do a search for their name, click and subscribe too!

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

Hi Claudia, did you mean Postcards to Voters in your post above or is there a different postcarding group I hadn't heard of before?

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Claudia Miller's avatar

Hi Cheryl, PostCards To Voters is another/separate group, they are not part of Markers For Democracy/Postcards For Democracy. Tony the Democrat 'runs' Postcards to Voters. With that group, though, you will need to provide a sample of a postcard for them to review. Not sure why, but they area other excellent group and are also on & active on Facebook

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Claudia Miller's avatar

Sorry for the errors in my post. I didn't realize I made a typo! Yes, I meant Postcards to Voters! Thanks Cheryl.

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Claudia Miller's avatar

Jane, it looks like the link you got was for their pro shop which is where they sale their postcards. I would go back to their web site and scroll down to the bottom of the page where you will find a 'contact' link. Ask them for their help with the site. Good luck!

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Claudia Miller's avatar

Oops should be 'sell postcards'

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WhoopDeeDoo Basil's avatar

Were you trying via Markers for Democracy or via Vote Forward? I did run into a few snags when I got going with Vote Forward, but eventually got worked out. There are other writing groups as well, such as Activate America, Civics Center (letters), and Postcards to Swing States. (Personally, I think Activate America is the most user friendly. You can choose from several campaigns [for example, recently I have written for Ruben Gallego's and Sherrod Brown's campaigns, and for the CA primary]). Indivisible Marin and Jess Craven's "Chop Wood, Carry Water" substack are also great info resources.

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

Markers for Democracy has a pro shop for purchasing postcards.

They are very picky so make sure you answer all the questions like "where did you hear aboutr us?" and IIRC you have to also enter your home address. It is easy to overlook. I'm headed out, but if you still need help, I'll check back when I get home.

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WhoopDeeDoo Basil's avatar

More info from Cheryl Johnson, from a comment she made on last night's "Today's Edition" substack by Robert Hubbell, that may be helpful to you:

"I want to put in a plug for Vote Forward (www.votefwd.org) which will be launching their first 2024 campaigns on Wednesday (the day after Super Tuesday). They combine high-tech data analytics to find low-propensity voters with heart-felt hand-written messages from their grassroots volunteers to motivate these folks to go out and vote. If you are not yet a volunteer, please sign up: https://votefwd.org/instructions. To read about their impact in past elections check out this article: https://votefwd.org/impact.

Vote Forward wants to start 2024 off with a bang, so they encouraged their vounteers to host an in-person or virtual letter-writing party. Here is a link to some of the virtual events that are open to the public: https://www.mobilize.us/?event_type=27&is_virtual=true. If it is a regularly occuring event it will show "See Details & More Times" vs. simply "See Details"."

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

Thanks for the repost. That saves me from having to repost it here! ;-)

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Simon Rosenberg's avatar

Great work everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

Hi Jane, Claudia makes some good recommendations for how to get addresses (or names & addresses, depending on the group).

Postcards to voters (www.postcardstovoters.org) always has a 3-day turn around and doesn't always have campaigns for candidates, so they may not be your best choice for your purpose. They pretty much always have a campaign to FL voters for re-registering for vote by mail (VBM).

I do think Activate America (www.activateamerica.vote) and Field Team 6 (www.fieldteam6.org) would be better options since they always have several campaigns going simultaneously and usually have "mail as you complete, but no later than xx/xx/xx" campaigns. In addition, you are not restricted to using specific postcards, which simplifies the logistics.

Grassroots Democrats (https://grassrootsdems.org/) also has campaigns but there is often a time lag of a day or two before you get the names and addresses. (In contrast, Activate America usually emails your addresses in minutes and you download addresses directly for Field Team 6 from their website).

Reclaim Our Vote is through the Center for Common Ground (https://www.centerforcommonground.org/reclaim-our-vote) and writes postcards to lower propensity BIPOC voters in VA, NC, SC, GA, and AL. Their current campaign is to voters in Cobb Co., GA for the primaries. (They will also have a campaign soon for the VA primaries). However, they require their volunteers to review a training video and also to use their postcards which can only be used for their campaigns. This may or may not work for your intended purpose.

Postcards 4 VA (postcards4VA.com) doesn't have any current campaigns at the moment, but you can sign up to get an email when they become available. This is also a self-serve option that would work well for your purposes although some candidates may require you to use specific postcards.

Progressive Turnout Project has a postcarding campaign, Postcards to Swing States (https://www.turnoutpac.org/postcards/), which is not yet underway but is ideally suited for groups of postcard writers. You choose from 2 or 3 short non-partisan generic "get out the vote" GOTV messages and you hold onto postcards to mail before the election. I think they will up to speed in early May.

Markers for Democracy does have a place to distribute names and addresses (https://postcards.markersfordemocracy.org/), but so far the campaigns I have seen on their website have mostly been quick turnaround (with the caveat that I only started with them recently). The postcard names and addresses also have a self serve platform very similar to that of Field Team 6 and Postcards4VA. I would encourage everyone who is available in the morning (east coast time) to attend some of their postcarding zooms - they have fascinating guest speakers! Sign up for the Zoom sessions is on Mobilize.us.

I would suggest setting up accounts at several of these grass roots organizations so that you always have LOTs of postcarding options.

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Irene's avatar

Hi Jane,

Another resource to consider is BlueWave.

https://www.bluewavepostcards.org/about/faq

Simple to purchase their “ kits” on line plus send address labels as part of kit( which I love) they apply a comment and ask you to write a specific sentence in your personal writing. It’s a great system for newbie postcarders like me. You can buy anywhere from 100/$12 to 2000 cards for large groups. They always make purchase of stamps available if you prefer to purchase on line ( I do) the cost is the same as the post office.

I especially admire the group doing this: all professionals who volunteer their time. They do specific campaigns quarterly until they run out then notify subscribers when new campaign starting. They also offer subscribers the option of donating to cover the cost of postcarding for those who want to but cannot afford to. Good luck!

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Jane Rabbit's avatar

Holy moly, thanks everyone! We're off and running. Postcards galore. Wonderful to have so many resources so well organized. Thank you!!

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Seth Hathaway's avatar

Simon, thanks for including all links for donations in every newsletter. I prefer to make donations through your link to actblue. After reading the WAPO piece on NC Governor candidate Robinson, I was super motivated to donate monthly to NCDC. GO BLUE!

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Simon Rosenberg's avatar

thank you.

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

If you haven't already, check out https://www.realmarkrobinson.com/

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gildedtwig's avatar

I’m heartened to read that VP Kamala has called for an immediate cease fire in Gaza. I’m sending a postcard to Joe Biden. Also, recommend texting through White House dot gov link. Simon, thanks for everything everyday for everybody. ❤️🤍💙

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Simon Rosenberg's avatar

yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Annette D. (North Carolina)'s avatar

Just watched the Pete Buttigieg video. It's fabulous and exactly the type of communication we need to be spreading. It is worth the 5 minutes of your time to view it.

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Simon Rosenberg's avatar

Thanks Annette!

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

I agree 💯percent! we need more "stories" that people can relate to and realize just how important infrastructure is - rather than waiting until it fails you. Fixing stuff may not be glamorous, but it sure is necessary.

I subscribed to the YouTube channel so I will get a notification when they upload another video to the series.

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wes edwards's avatar

Easy way to fight the info war: follow and share Pete Buttigieg social media and posts collected at https://youtube.com/@wintheeravideoarchive4389?si=-wkyGoEnadovPnp1

He does more media in more places than I can keep track of ... most on very popular topics of jobs, economy and infrastructure

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ArcticStones's avatar

Very encouraging to see how President Biden is deploying his Cabinet members! They are underscoring the successful implementation and benefits of Biden’s policies. That positive narrative matters! I can only hope it cuts through the noise and the bias.

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alienchords's avatar

Motivated again! Just donated to NCDC

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Simon Rosenberg's avatar

thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Ryan Bradley's avatar

I have to leave several online political groups because they keep pushing these bad polls and saying to any source that refute this data is the same as Breitbart.

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CGW's avatar

Re: Biden's age, etc. . . .

I'd like to see Biden challenge Trump to, say, a 5K or10K bike ride/race. Or even a 5K or 10K walk. (And, no, Trump doesn't get to use a golf cart.)

Perhaps followed by a debate on a few specified topics where each side chooses a questioner, the questioners choose a timekeeper, and then Biden's choice questions Trump, and vice versa, with the timekeeper not asking questions, just keeping time and ruling on challenges on whether questions are out of order because they're not related to the agreed-upon topics -- in my view, a better test of mental fitness than the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) <https://mocacognition.com/> that Trump has bragged about passing (e.g., <https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/21/donald-trump-cognitive-test-closer-look>).

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Kathy's avatar

“This is the time for storytelling, and all of us have a role to play,” Buttigieg told Politico“

Look up your area on the White House/Invest.gov tracker. I found so many infrastructure projects in my red Fl county !

Many stories to tell…

If Private Investments pops up on the map, click on it and Public Infrastructure will be a choice.⬇️

https://www.whitehouse.gov/invest/

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Irene's avatar

Hi Kathy,

I was blown away with the story telling “ messaging” Buttigieg did on his videos. Simon added it to his writing today for our review. I think a few more of these will neutralize the complaint we’re always hearing about Dems not messaging enough!🤞🏻

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Bryan Mccue's avatar

I know Jeff is a bit “rough” (which I like) but good take on polling to my mind

https://open.substack.com/pub/jefftiedrich/p/two-more-shit-polls-from-the-new?r=1r2e5n&utm_medium=ios

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Michael's avatar

Just subscribed to Jeff after reading your link

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Merrill's avatar

PUSH BACK TO THE NEW YORK TIMES.

Today a wrote the following comment to several journalists at the NYTimes. Please send the Times your thoughts. The journalists addresses and positions are at thend of this message.

FAKE NEWS at THE FAILING NEW YORK TIMES

The Times has lost its objectivity and descended into journalistic partisan persuasion with its flagrant use of broadly non-representative GOP biased polls to demean Joe Biden and hurt his chances for reelection.

It does make your loyal subscribers think of Trump's frequent reference to the Times as FAKE NEWS or THE FAILING NEW YORK TIME. Trump is wrong in most things, but perhaps he's not wrong about the Times.

I assure you, millions of your subscribers are furious. Several are organizing grassroots campaigns to get NYTs subscribers to cancel subscriptions as a way to stop funding the candidacy of Donlad Trump.

Or, perhaps Murdoch is offering to purchase the Times and all of you are auditioning to make the cut.

I cannot imagine that the Times organization believes a convicted rapist, financial fraudster, and yet to be convicted felon, would be dictator and congenital liar should be elected president again. Ever.

But it's hard to ignore the mounting evidence against the Times.

Yours.

Merrill Weingrod

401-480-8003

Write to:

joe.kahn@nytimes.com

Joe is the Editor in Chief

Nate.Cohn@nytimes.com

Nate is the chief political analyst

david.halbfinger@nytimes.com

david is the politics editor

ruth.igielnick@nytimes.com

ruth is the Times polling editor

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Eileen's avatar

Super Tuesday tomorrow! Cast one for Biden if you're in one of the states and waited til the last minute like I have!

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

I early voted on the first day as Simon suggested. That has left time for me to phonebank and get otehrs to the polls.

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ArcticStones's avatar

While Allen H. Weisselberg will plead guilty to perjury, I think it most unfortunate that the prosecution has been unable to turn him. Sadly, he will not be testifying against Trump.

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Irene's avatar

It was great Susan sent an “ Action Alert” about Rudy Salas in Central California.

That election is on March 5th. Democrat voter turnout has been low. IMO bc we are all used to being “ blue” and kidda take it for granted. We have work to do!

I donated and am requesting friends to join phone bank. According to a candidate over two million calls have been made to GOTV.

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