Simon, welcome back to MA! I won't ask when you graduated from Tufts...but I hope you have/had a great reunion. I interviewed you early in my podcasting days, and I'd love to chat again about importance vs news and building communities of action to fight MAGA and the information war. I'll be in touch directly, but in case you're reading your comments, thought I'd mention it here. I'm www.freedomoverfascism.us. I talked to you last for my podcast in July 2023, and I'd love to catch up again.
Today there is an election in Poland, and it is a very consequential one.
"Since winning power back from the hands of his populist rivals a year and a half ago, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has faced one very stubborn roadblock to his plans: the country’s president."
Here is a reminder what the current PiS-aligned (and MAGA-Trump-aligned) incumbent Andrez Duda has been doing since Tusk became Prime Minister again:
"The stakes for Tusk, and for Europe, are huge: the presidential palace has been the last political stronghold of PiS, which led an eight-year assault on the independence of the country’s judicial system, media and cultural bodies before Tusk ousted their government in late 2023. Tusk has re-aligned Warsaw with Brussels, where fellow leaders have cast him as a blueprint for scrubbing a country free of populism, at a time when most centrist leaders on the continent are succumbing to opposition from the right.
"Freely wielding the presidential veto, Duda has blocked several attempts by Tusk to unpick the legacy of PiS’s transformation of the Polish state, including judicial reforms that have been a centerpiece of Tusk’s agenda. He has also stalled progress on bills relating to hate crime and contraception access, either by vetoing bills or sending them into legal gridlock."
According to polling, as someone has noted on another forum, Poland’s Presidential Election is likely to go to a runoff. The two leading candidate are Rafał Trzaskowski of Tusk’s party, Civic Platform, and Karol Nawrocki, of Duda’s PiS. Should a candidate fail to get a majority, the decisive runoff will be held on 1 June.
My thoughts: 1. DNC needs to stop fighting among themselves (get it together!). 2. If culture is downstream from politics—Dems need to have many more communicators who can weave in & out of regular convo’s & political info (no approvals needed!) 3. TikTok was huge for the Rs in 2024…we need more on TikTok & what’s the next TikTok? (Let’s not get behind the Rs). (Check out Dylan Page & Hank Green on TikTok.) 4. Louder! A few words, not a policy statement!
Regarding #1, The DNC isn’t fighting among themselves. Kalin Freed filed a challenge to the DNC elections on procedural grounds as is her right to do according to the DNC bylaws. David Hogg is the one who Has chosen to go around all these new shows and podcasts and trash. Talk the Democrats all while he’s fundraising. David has discovered it’s more lucrative to trash talk Democrats than it is to do the actual work, the actual work like Malcolm Kenyatta is doing.
As far as the rest, Biden and Harris understood the need for alternate forms of engagement and that is why for their entire four years they embraced social media influencers and invited them to White House and VP residence events. They and the DNC invited 200+ social media influencers and there were 15,000 regular media there. I follow a lot of those influencers and they did great interviews. They did great media and they were doing great things. The unfortunate part is that most people follow big accounts that aren’t necessarily pro Dem. Like the Never Trumper accounts. Just because they’re against Trump doesn’t mean they’re pro Dem. There are some like Ron Filipkowski with Midas touch who is generally really fighting for the pro Dem side. But for the most part, a lot of the never Trumper‘s diss Democrats under the guise of giving “advice“. And a lot of them just talk about Trump 24/7 also sucking all the air out of any other news.
I wish people were more invested in following accounts that were actually promoting Democrats and curating democratic content like Ariella Elm and Qondi Ntini does. Both of them are creative and informative and enthusiastic about our Democratic candidates, our Democratic committees, and all things democratic which is a breath of fresh air.
There is one phrase that needs to be retired, "kitchen table issues." No, families do not sit around an Ozzie and Harriet kitchen table anymore and discuss the family budget, or more to the point, even talk around that table. Let's make it closer to "life changing issues." We need to be better prepared to respond to the way families interact now. These are life changing issues. We need to find away to use every manner we can to speak to every member of this country - not just those last century traditional images of furrowed brow moms and dads puzzling out their budget. "Kitchen table issues" have changed. They are now, all too often, life changing issues. The children of that kitchen table couple are now looking to lead. Present our ideas in a way they relate to and use language that is already in their lexicon.
Simon, thank you for the comprehensive and compelling data.
Today, I'm writing postcards for Virginia. We can't be complacent; the Rs will use Elon's money to fight as hard as they can for Virginia. I hope Dems have a plan for how they'll manage the fact that even when the Rs lose, they try to reverse the results in court and by taking away powers from the seats where they lost. What the Dem AGs did -- planning for how to hit the ground running after an election -- has to become standard practice.
I'm thinking a lot about the AG interview you did this week and the suggestion that once we are back in power, we need to fix problems. We need an expanded Supreme Court that works under an ethics law with teeth. We need enabling legislation for the Emoluments Clause. We need the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. For starters. We need the ERA.
Again, thanks for everything. Here's feed back for you from today's questions: The focus you provide is terrific. I am so dedicated to working hard, but I need riverbanks in which to work. This is because 1) I get overwhelmed with how big the job is, and how urgent EVERYTHING feels. 2) I am still-working therapist AND i have granddaughters. I have a block of time every day to read, catch up, and then DO. I am so impressed with everyone here who seems to respond to the firehose of actions with such equanimity (including you). I think you should provide, for us, whatever you feel capable of, because it is immensely helpful analysis, as well as guidance on priorities. I am finding myself not able to get to it all each day - especially the podcasts, but when I do get to it, I believe it's all the right stuff. Wish I had more time and equanimity, but there's just so much a person can digest. Thanks for everything. And thank you to all of you working so hard. You are a daily inspiration.
I'll admit I'm unsure of speaking for Simon or anyone, so please forgive me if I'm out of line, but I had a near physical collapse some months ago just from the stress (also dealing with an aging father). I was getting specific physical symptoms that told me I was heading toward a breakdown, and what good would that do? So I gave myself permission to step back and to "only do what I could reasonably do," and let go of the rest, including thinking about it every freaking minute - that does no good. And not only did that get my feet back under me (after a few weeks), but somehow it made the political work easier. I've carried an American flag in two protest already and will continue. Just the thought of showing up for a protest would've stressed the hell out of me before, but now it feels exciting and freeing. Point being - this is a marathon and it's essential we stay upright and in the game. We're not going to fix this in a day; it's going to be a long journey, and I think it's important we adapt to that. Which, ironically, in my case, made me able to do more.
P.S. As staying upright is a political act right now, your work as a therapist is doing political good every day. Don't burn out!
Thank you for telling us your story and how you turned it around. I also am always looking for actions that help me feel like a participating American. Contributing to our democracy.
Steve. Thank you so much for this. No one is out of line in this community (unless of course we start shaming each other... that is mean!). I so appreciate your share. Makes me feel like I have comrades... not just in the work, but in the daily lived experience of it. I too, just took a big break... went out to my old home in Durango CO, to housesit dog, horses, greenhouse... hung out with friends, hiked all the old haunts... and felt SO Happy. Did some calls, but basically trusted that all of you would carry the load for a while. Thank you for encouragement. I always think of John Lewis and MLK, and Nelson Mandela... and am humbled. Be well!
Thank you, Kate! I always get nervous when I start giving people advice. : )
So glad you got a break! We have to remember that even soldiers in the midst of war get pulled back for R&R. Dogs and horses in Colorado sounds wonderful.
you know this better than I, but the D response has to be shorter and tied to some comparison with him...every day he or his especially classless comms shop put out multiple incomprehensible or juvenile statements which the press at all levels blithely repeat..and the public needs a framework to know that he is NOT FOR YOU. College is for athletes not scholars..he is giving away our great strength in health care and technology research..no one from the Trump Adminstration including him have visited or commented on the terrible storms, most of which have been in red states.. health care is not for people who work hourly jobs that don't include benefits..no raids of big ag, nursing homes, trucking firms, construction where the workforce is heavily immigrant...they go after small places like restaurants and car washes..he doesn't care about Israel, Ukraine or any other place of conflict...he doesn't have the mental capacity nor the staff to do the hard work....
They're trying to wear us down....but we need to keep our voices loud and proud....one day at time.....on all our civil rights. https://www.dailyhaikuforyou.com
Scotti Romberg, from Albuquerque, first of all, great interview with our Atty Gen Raul Torrez. I have great legislators for our US delegation, Melanie Stansbury, Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan. I have been able to write a letter to Sen. Thune, who is not my Senator or from my party. But since his website allows me to write him, I have been pressing him two days in a row to abandon the MAGA strategy and think of his constituents in South Dakota and around the country who are relying on the government to be there for them. We were once respected and emulated around the world and now we are the world's pariah. I can not send a letter to Mike Johnson, so I will try to leave a voice message. My representative and Senators hear from me as well.
I am glad you will be a voice for the party going forward. The Dems must get loud and ugly. Really really loud. I am furious that the national party is attempting to boot David Hogg. I am furious that Schumer will not step aside. I truly do not know if the Democrats can be saved! Trump is as awful as he has ever been. None of that has changed! Here we are 11 years out from knowing this and they are still trying to get a handle on "the message".
The Dems are not trying to boot David Hogg. The neutrality rule is an outgrowth of the Bernie-Hillary situation and has been a decade in the works. The latest issue about the VP election was raised months ago, before Hogg announced his Leaders We Deserve campaign. The fact that he is mischaracterizing both is incredibly disappointing to me. We need young leaders and he could be one, should be one, but I don't have time for this framing it all as about himself. And I'm in a district he's likely to focus on, but interestingly there is no "contact us" button on his website and as far as I can tell, LWD is not reaching out to talk with grassroots leaders.
Switching from venting to appreciating - I am amazed at what the new NDC has accomplished already. 150+ town halls in red districts, running campaigns now (not waiting till next year) in flippable districts to press GOP-ers for no votes, a massive refocus on states and grassroots, offering online workshops and grassroots town halls...
Yes, they have a newsletter called The Blue Print - on Substack! @dncgrassrootsteam
On Bluesky, they have @factpostnews , but that's more focused on issue and legislative action updates. Their substack is about party decisions and actions. And of course, my favorite source is Jane Kleeb. I've seen three interviews by Simon of Jane Kleeb, all of them super interesting and the last one had a lot of intra-party updates now that she's the chair of the state party chairs.
Can't wait to see Dem platform for 2026. My ideas: Mexico City and Havana get teams in mlb
to better all relationships as all love baseball. Start on long-term plan for border which should be elevated train impossible to sneak over. Also start high tech Silicon Valley type city in Northern Mex. New team in NBA back in Vaancouver. Alcatraz to be marine science center shared with Canada. Calif Gov launches new tourist dept with main goal getting travel back with Canada.
They have to know we hate Trump more than they do and suffer from his job losses..
I think you know Democratic consultant Will Robinson https://willrobinson.substack.com/. My version of his advice: We lost in 2024 and other races because the right wing is communicating with a small slice of voters who only get their information online and, except for campaign ads which are too-little too-late, our side does not have a real counter-effort. So, these voters hear only one side and are, therefore, believing right-wing lies. Our major funders could do what the right wing does and fund bots and trolls aimed at the same voters. Whether they did or not, our side needs to empower our activists to get key messages and memes to their own friends/followers and some of that would reach these essential voters. This would take a kind of organizing that the Party and our funders don't like -- empowering our activists.
Apparently I should pay more attention to my college reunion related emails. I'm not at my Tufts reunion today. But I will be at a lunch of statewide grassroots org leaders, and will try for some focus on July 4. I hope there's something worth reporting in about later.
Simon, welcome back to MA! I won't ask when you graduated from Tufts...but I hope you have/had a great reunion. I interviewed you early in my podcasting days, and I'd love to chat again about importance vs news and building communities of action to fight MAGA and the information war. I'll be in touch directly, but in case you're reading your comments, thought I'd mention it here. I'm www.freedomoverfascism.us. I talked to you last for my podcast in July 2023, and I'd love to catch up again.
EYES ON POLAND’s VOTERS!
Today there is an election in Poland, and it is a very consequential one.
"Since winning power back from the hands of his populist rivals a year and a half ago, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has faced one very stubborn roadblock to his plans: the country’s president."
Here is a reminder what the current PiS-aligned (and MAGA-Trump-aligned) incumbent Andrez Duda has been doing since Tusk became Prime Minister again:
"The stakes for Tusk, and for Europe, are huge: the presidential palace has been the last political stronghold of PiS, which led an eight-year assault on the independence of the country’s judicial system, media and cultural bodies before Tusk ousted their government in late 2023. Tusk has re-aligned Warsaw with Brussels, where fellow leaders have cast him as a blueprint for scrubbing a country free of populism, at a time when most centrist leaders on the continent are succumbing to opposition from the right.
"Freely wielding the presidential veto, Duda has blocked several attempts by Tusk to unpick the legacy of PiS’s transformation of the Polish state, including judicial reforms that have been a centerpiece of Tusk’s agenda. He has also stalled progress on bills relating to hate crime and contraception access, either by vetoing bills or sending them into legal gridlock."
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/16/europe/poland-presidential-election-tusk-intl
According to polling, as someone has noted on another forum, Poland’s Presidential Election is likely to go to a runoff. The two leading candidate are Rafał Trzaskowski of Tusk’s party, Civic Platform, and Karol Nawrocki, of Duda’s PiS. Should a candidate fail to get a majority, the decisive runoff will be held on 1 June.
thanks so much Arctic, for giving news on this election
As expected, Poland’s Presidential Election will require a runoff. Results today:
Trzaskowski (PO-EPP): 31.6% (+1.2)
Nawrocki (PiS-ECR): 29.8% (-13.7)
Mentzen (Kon-ESN|PfE): 14% (+7.3)
Zandberg (Razem-LEFT): 6% (+6.0)
Braun (KKP-NI): 5.4% (+5.4)
...
+/- vs. Last election results
https://bsky.app/profile/europeelects.bsky.social/post/3lphsvrndko2c
My thoughts: 1. DNC needs to stop fighting among themselves (get it together!). 2. If culture is downstream from politics—Dems need to have many more communicators who can weave in & out of regular convo’s & political info (no approvals needed!) 3. TikTok was huge for the Rs in 2024…we need more on TikTok & what’s the next TikTok? (Let’s not get behind the Rs). (Check out Dylan Page & Hank Green on TikTok.) 4. Louder! A few words, not a policy statement!
Regarding #1, The DNC isn’t fighting among themselves. Kalin Freed filed a challenge to the DNC elections on procedural grounds as is her right to do according to the DNC bylaws. David Hogg is the one who Has chosen to go around all these new shows and podcasts and trash. Talk the Democrats all while he’s fundraising. David has discovered it’s more lucrative to trash talk Democrats than it is to do the actual work, the actual work like Malcolm Kenyatta is doing.
As far as the rest, Biden and Harris understood the need for alternate forms of engagement and that is why for their entire four years they embraced social media influencers and invited them to White House and VP residence events. They and the DNC invited 200+ social media influencers and there were 15,000 regular media there. I follow a lot of those influencers and they did great interviews. They did great media and they were doing great things. The unfortunate part is that most people follow big accounts that aren’t necessarily pro Dem. Like the Never Trumper accounts. Just because they’re against Trump doesn’t mean they’re pro Dem. There are some like Ron Filipkowski with Midas touch who is generally really fighting for the pro Dem side. But for the most part, a lot of the never Trumper‘s diss Democrats under the guise of giving “advice“. And a lot of them just talk about Trump 24/7 also sucking all the air out of any other news.
I wish people were more invested in following accounts that were actually promoting Democrats and curating democratic content like Ariella Elm and Qondi Ntini does. Both of them are creative and informative and enthusiastic about our Democratic candidates, our Democratic committees, and all things democratic which is a breath of fresh air.
*Kalyn Free
There is one phrase that needs to be retired, "kitchen table issues." No, families do not sit around an Ozzie and Harriet kitchen table anymore and discuss the family budget, or more to the point, even talk around that table. Let's make it closer to "life changing issues." We need to be better prepared to respond to the way families interact now. These are life changing issues. We need to find away to use every manner we can to speak to every member of this country - not just those last century traditional images of furrowed brow moms and dads puzzling out their budget. "Kitchen table issues" have changed. They are now, all too often, life changing issues. The children of that kitchen table couple are now looking to lead. Present our ideas in a way they relate to and use language that is already in their lexicon.
Lots of discussions take place in the car while driving to church, to grocery shop, etc.
Simon, thank you for the comprehensive and compelling data.
Today, I'm writing postcards for Virginia. We can't be complacent; the Rs will use Elon's money to fight as hard as they can for Virginia. I hope Dems have a plan for how they'll manage the fact that even when the Rs lose, they try to reverse the results in court and by taking away powers from the seats where they lost. What the Dem AGs did -- planning for how to hit the ground running after an election -- has to become standard practice.
I'm thinking a lot about the AG interview you did this week and the suggestion that once we are back in power, we need to fix problems. We need an expanded Supreme Court that works under an ethics law with teeth. We need enabling legislation for the Emoluments Clause. We need the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. For starters. We need the ERA.
Yes yes yes!
I feel trump is just the front guy as the republicans in Congress are the ones calling the shots.
Hey Simon,
Again, thanks for everything. Here's feed back for you from today's questions: The focus you provide is terrific. I am so dedicated to working hard, but I need riverbanks in which to work. This is because 1) I get overwhelmed with how big the job is, and how urgent EVERYTHING feels. 2) I am still-working therapist AND i have granddaughters. I have a block of time every day to read, catch up, and then DO. I am so impressed with everyone here who seems to respond to the firehose of actions with such equanimity (including you). I think you should provide, for us, whatever you feel capable of, because it is immensely helpful analysis, as well as guidance on priorities. I am finding myself not able to get to it all each day - especially the podcasts, but when I do get to it, I believe it's all the right stuff. Wish I had more time and equanimity, but there's just so much a person can digest. Thanks for everything. And thank you to all of you working so hard. You are a daily inspiration.
I'll admit I'm unsure of speaking for Simon or anyone, so please forgive me if I'm out of line, but I had a near physical collapse some months ago just from the stress (also dealing with an aging father). I was getting specific physical symptoms that told me I was heading toward a breakdown, and what good would that do? So I gave myself permission to step back and to "only do what I could reasonably do," and let go of the rest, including thinking about it every freaking minute - that does no good. And not only did that get my feet back under me (after a few weeks), but somehow it made the political work easier. I've carried an American flag in two protest already and will continue. Just the thought of showing up for a protest would've stressed the hell out of me before, but now it feels exciting and freeing. Point being - this is a marathon and it's essential we stay upright and in the game. We're not going to fix this in a day; it's going to be a long journey, and I think it's important we adapt to that. Which, ironically, in my case, made me able to do more.
P.S. As staying upright is a political act right now, your work as a therapist is doing political good every day. Don't burn out!
Thank you for telling us your story and how you turned it around. I also am always looking for actions that help me feel like a participating American. Contributing to our democracy.
Steve. Thank you so much for this. No one is out of line in this community (unless of course we start shaming each other... that is mean!). I so appreciate your share. Makes me feel like I have comrades... not just in the work, but in the daily lived experience of it. I too, just took a big break... went out to my old home in Durango CO, to housesit dog, horses, greenhouse... hung out with friends, hiked all the old haunts... and felt SO Happy. Did some calls, but basically trusted that all of you would carry the load for a while. Thank you for encouragement. I always think of John Lewis and MLK, and Nelson Mandela... and am humbled. Be well!
Thank you, Kate! I always get nervous when I start giving people advice. : )
So glad you got a break! We have to remember that even soldiers in the midst of war get pulled back for R&R. Dogs and horses in Colorado sounds wonderful.
you know this better than I, but the D response has to be shorter and tied to some comparison with him...every day he or his especially classless comms shop put out multiple incomprehensible or juvenile statements which the press at all levels blithely repeat..and the public needs a framework to know that he is NOT FOR YOU. College is for athletes not scholars..he is giving away our great strength in health care and technology research..no one from the Trump Adminstration including him have visited or commented on the terrible storms, most of which have been in red states.. health care is not for people who work hourly jobs that don't include benefits..no raids of big ag, nursing homes, trucking firms, construction where the workforce is heavily immigrant...they go after small places like restaurants and car washes..he doesn't care about Israel, Ukraine or any other place of conflict...he doesn't have the mental capacity nor the staff to do the hard work....
Stay strong everyone!
They're trying to wear us down....but we need to keep our voices loud and proud....one day at time.....on all our civil rights. https://www.dailyhaikuforyou.com
Check it out!
Scotti Romberg, from Albuquerque, first of all, great interview with our Atty Gen Raul Torrez. I have great legislators for our US delegation, Melanie Stansbury, Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan. I have been able to write a letter to Sen. Thune, who is not my Senator or from my party. But since his website allows me to write him, I have been pressing him two days in a row to abandon the MAGA strategy and think of his constituents in South Dakota and around the country who are relying on the government to be there for them. We were once respected and emulated around the world and now we are the world's pariah. I can not send a letter to Mike Johnson, so I will try to leave a voice message. My representative and Senators hear from me as well.
You can send it by USPS. 😎 When I was in the fifth grade back in 1972, they made us do it that way.
I am glad you will be a voice for the party going forward. The Dems must get loud and ugly. Really really loud. I am furious that the national party is attempting to boot David Hogg. I am furious that Schumer will not step aside. I truly do not know if the Democrats can be saved! Trump is as awful as he has ever been. None of that has changed! Here we are 11 years out from knowing this and they are still trying to get a handle on "the message".
The Dems are not trying to boot David Hogg. The neutrality rule is an outgrowth of the Bernie-Hillary situation and has been a decade in the works. The latest issue about the VP election was raised months ago, before Hogg announced his Leaders We Deserve campaign. The fact that he is mischaracterizing both is incredibly disappointing to me. We need young leaders and he could be one, should be one, but I don't have time for this framing it all as about himself. And I'm in a district he's likely to focus on, but interestingly there is no "contact us" button on his website and as far as I can tell, LWD is not reaching out to talk with grassroots leaders.
Switching from venting to appreciating - I am amazed at what the new NDC has accomplished already. 150+ town halls in red districts, running campaigns now (not waiting till next year) in flippable districts to press GOP-ers for no votes, a massive refocus on states and grassroots, offering online workshops and grassroots town halls...
I am in agreement with you about David Hogg.
how do you follow the new NDC actions? blue sky? do they have a newsletter? thanks
Yes, they have a newsletter called The Blue Print - on Substack! @dncgrassrootsteam
On Bluesky, they have @factpostnews , but that's more focused on issue and legislative action updates. Their substack is about party decisions and actions. And of course, my favorite source is Jane Kleeb. I've seen three interviews by Simon of Jane Kleeb, all of them super interesting and the last one had a lot of intra-party updates now that she's the chair of the state party chairs.
Can't wait to see Dem platform for 2026. My ideas: Mexico City and Havana get teams in mlb
to better all relationships as all love baseball. Start on long-term plan for border which should be elevated train impossible to sneak over. Also start high tech Silicon Valley type city in Northern Mex. New team in NBA back in Vaancouver. Alcatraz to be marine science center shared with Canada. Calif Gov launches new tourist dept with main goal getting travel back with Canada.
They have to know we hate Trump more than they do and suffer from his job losses..
I like this!
I think you know Democratic consultant Will Robinson https://willrobinson.substack.com/. My version of his advice: We lost in 2024 and other races because the right wing is communicating with a small slice of voters who only get their information online and, except for campaign ads which are too-little too-late, our side does not have a real counter-effort. So, these voters hear only one side and are, therefore, believing right-wing lies. Our major funders could do what the right wing does and fund bots and trolls aimed at the same voters. Whether they did or not, our side needs to empower our activists to get key messages and memes to their own friends/followers and some of that would reach these essential voters. This would take a kind of organizing that the Party and our funders don't like -- empowering our activists.
Getting On The Right Side Of Opportunity/Winning The Big Economic Argument
Apparently I should pay more attention to my college reunion related emails. I'm not at my Tufts reunion today. But I will be at a lunch of statewide grassroots org leaders, and will try for some focus on July 4. I hope there's something worth reporting in about later.
Thank you for all your hard work! I appreciate you.