It’s always fascinating that "yelling and shouting" is rarely the most effective way to "be loud". People have allergies to and defenses against the "yelling and shouting", which prevents the message from reaching home.
There are better ways, and they require knowledge and insight, credible messengers, tailoring of the message and well-chosen media.
Yes, I think you are right that those second-guessers are gaslighting, maybe even themselves. Harris lost the popular vote by a ridiculously small margin, and we should keep that in mind. And all the stuff you mention.
I’d appreciate 3 points on the 4 most dangerous nominees, Gabbard, Hegseth, Kennedy and Patel. This will allow me to communicate more than a “Vote No” opinion. I follow up with #PostcardsForAmerica as well to encourage others to do the same. 3 points make a succinct message. Thank you.
Check the previous Hopium newsletters using the search icon to the right of the title. There's plenty of information, including in the chat where we posted our comments to our legislators.
For example... We Oppose Tulsi Gabbard who is a Russian propagandist and therefore unfit for Director of National Intelligence. We Oppose Pete Hegseth who was selected for being a Fox News host and a Christian nationalist. He lacks the qualities and experience we need in our Defense Secretary. We Oppose Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary because he promotes vaccine misinformation and other medical misinformation. Subsequent policies will undermine the public health system of the United States and threaten our educational system as more students are unvaccinated. We oppose Kash Patel as F.B.I. Director: he has little law enforcement experience and is a critic of the Bureau based on conspiracy theories and MAGA extremism.
I have one reason for each of them: This is a complex and dangerous world filled with enemies of democracy and societal norms; it is not a world in which a person who is totally unqualified for an office or agency--because unfit, uneducated, uninformed and inexperienced--to be given a position of power, because they have no ability to function in that position other than to destroy all that is under their authority. This is not a time, and these are not jobs, that allow for incompetence.
Thank you, Simon for your work resisting Trump and championing truth, science and support for Democracy. Looking forward to much more activism in the future.
My wife and I were able to change our Inauguration hotel and plane tickets, so we are traveling to Washington DC to visit the Smithsonian African-American History Museum and Holocaust Memorial Museum for a few days before attending the Womens March on Saturday, January 18th. It is important to physically gather and protest. I hope all who are capable will travel to DC for the March. The resistance continues.
Yay you & your wife for attending the Women's March! You do it, too, for those of us that would like to be there but are unable. Thank you for your work on behalf of Democracy.
Our last ditch effort. “The upshot is that Donald Trump remains constitutionally disqualified from the presidency and may not lawfully serve in that office or any other unless Congress removes the disqualification by two-thirds majorities of both houses. Nothing in Trump v. Anderson changes that legal reality.”
William Baude and Michael Paulsen, Harvard Law Review, Sweeping Section Three under the Rug: A Comment on Trump v. Anderson
Takes 20% of members of Congress to shift the burden to Trump.
Does anyone have insight into whether GOP senators and representatives are considering their legacies. Iowa's senators Grassley and Ernst don't seem to be.
I think they care about money and power. There really isn't any legislative legacy with the short-term rare exceptions for a Speaker or majority leader possibly. Even McConnell or Newt level evil against America won't be remembered beyond the century mark nor more than a footnote in a history book.
This is not an administration or enterprise. What we are about to experience is a deeply unstable regime. Which IMO needs all hands on deck to get to work as soon as we can.
Powerful thoughts on the incoming administration by historian Timothy Snyder, author of the best-selling book "On Tyranny". Snyder is christening the Musk-Trump Administration’s intended remake of the USA as *Trumpomuskovia*. More than anything, this is "a state of mind". However, WE NEED NOT SUBMIT – and certainly we should "never obey in advance"!
Happy New Year Simon. Thank you for keeping us up to date on what we need to know. That chart about vaccines and diseases is stark! Hope it shows up on the Senate Floor if JFK Jr. gets as far as a confirmation hearing! Onward.
For those of us who live in the Northeast corridor, please keep in mind the intense transportation infrastructure running between Boston and DC as among the countless reasons to oppose Gabbard, Hegseth and Patel.
Why don’t you bring Democrats like James Caraville and Rahm Emmanuel into the discussion of our parties future. Much of what they say addresses the core issue of why we lost and what we’ll need to do to win again. Your analysis of the 2022 election I think was deep and correct whereas your analysis of the 2024 election I think has been shallow and wrong so your follow on strategies for how you want to lead this community are not, in my humble opinion ~ convincing
Bringing James Caraville and Rahm Emmanuel into the discussion means we listen to there opinions ~ they may be old but they are also wise and know how to win. Think Clinton and 1992 and how Rahm organized the successful takeover of the house in 2006, listening to those in the old timers in party is a good thing. I cast my fiest vote 55 years ago
For months, Simon repeatedly underscored that 2024 would be a close election! After 5 November, Simon has repeatedly said we did not have the election we all wanted. Moreover, and importantly, Simon has invited and led a soul-searching dialog about the path forward right here on Hopium!
Personally, I find all this very convincing.
My suggestions of people to interview include Heather Cox Richardson and Timothy Snyder. (James Carville is a broken record, as is Rahm Emanuel; and both are getting plenty of press coverage elsewhere.)
Yes, I am just expressing my opinion. Likewise my suggestions of people to interview.
I would be very interested in hearing your analysis of what went wrong with the 2024 Presidential Election. Personally, I really thought Kamala Harris would win. The result came as a shock.
I read a piece by Carville today that seemed simplistic—that now the Democrats should focus entirely on the economy—as in everyday prices. He did mention alternative media, much in the terms Simon has already been discussing. Not much else. I think it’s too early to figure out the issues for 2028. And Carville seemed to be saying Democrats should move away from Trump and threats to democracy. But it would seem now is the time to focus a lot on that.
Pat, assuming your comments today are in good faith and not meant to inflame or troll, a few responses: 1) you spelled my former Clinton 1992 colleagues Carville's and Emanuel's names wrong. 2) I have said, repeatedly, I am not going to make the what happened, what comes next a conversation not just my take. Felt it would be richer and more beneficial for all - the opposite of shallow. So I am bringing many other voices in, and have posted at least 40 times since the Election 3) I try very hard to make this place the opposite of the angry, quick insults and comments we see on social media. Ask that folks not just express opinions - like shallow, wrong and unconvincing - but back them up with arguments, data and links. You don't do that here, and essentially just throw out a bunch of shit without backing it up. Not acceptable, and not how we do things here. How was I wrong? What is shallow? Why is our current path not acceptable to you? Need to do more here. 4) If you are unhappy and don't want to be part of the community please leave. Since the Election our community has grown and and many are happy. If you aren't please leave and do so without feeling compelled to insult and demean. Thank you - S
And in case you missed it here is my most comprehensive analysis to date that has my 6 major takeaways from the election so far
including importance of our down ballot wins, need for new coalition; invest in getting louder; finally win the big economic argument with the right; a new reform agenda; not abandon democracy and freedom frame. This a comprehensive look at what happened and where we go from here, far more so than many have offered. Perhaps you missed it.
It’s always fascinating that "yelling and shouting" is rarely the most effective way to "be loud". People have allergies to and defenses against the "yelling and shouting", which prevents the message from reaching home.
There are better ways, and they require knowledge and insight, credible messengers, tailoring of the message and well-chosen media.
Thank you, totally agree.
Yes, I think you are right that those second-guessers are gaslighting, maybe even themselves. Harris lost the popular vote by a ridiculously small margin, and we should keep that in mind. And all the stuff you mention.
Totally agree. She was a great candidate.
Also agree that Harris was a wonderful candidate.
I’d appreciate 3 points on the 4 most dangerous nominees, Gabbard, Hegseth, Kennedy and Patel. This will allow me to communicate more than a “Vote No” opinion. I follow up with #PostcardsForAmerica as well to encourage others to do the same. 3 points make a succinct message. Thank you.
Check the previous Hopium newsletters using the search icon to the right of the title. There's plenty of information, including in the chat where we posted our comments to our legislators.
For example... We Oppose Tulsi Gabbard who is a Russian propagandist and therefore unfit for Director of National Intelligence. We Oppose Pete Hegseth who was selected for being a Fox News host and a Christian nationalist. He lacks the qualities and experience we need in our Defense Secretary. We Oppose Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary because he promotes vaccine misinformation and other medical misinformation. Subsequent policies will undermine the public health system of the United States and threaten our educational system as more students are unvaccinated. We oppose Kash Patel as F.B.I. Director: he has little law enforcement experience and is a critic of the Bureau based on conspiracy theories and MAGA extremism.
Focus on states with GOP senators, and advise self-described believers to ask God for the strength to do the right thing.
I have one reason for each of them: This is a complex and dangerous world filled with enemies of democracy and societal norms; it is not a world in which a person who is totally unqualified for an office or agency--because unfit, uneducated, uninformed and inexperienced--to be given a position of power, because they have no ability to function in that position other than to destroy all that is under their authority. This is not a time, and these are not jobs, that allow for incompetence.
Thank you, Simon for your work resisting Trump and championing truth, science and support for Democracy. Looking forward to much more activism in the future.
My wife and I were able to change our Inauguration hotel and plane tickets, so we are traveling to Washington DC to visit the Smithsonian African-American History Museum and Holocaust Memorial Museum for a few days before attending the Womens March on Saturday, January 18th. It is important to physically gather and protest. I hope all who are capable will travel to DC for the March. The resistance continues.
Yay you & your wife for attending the Women's March! You do it, too, for those of us that would like to be there but are unable. Thank you for your work on behalf of Democracy.
Nice! Have a wonderful time! It is rebranded as The People's March for unity with the MLK March. "We will unite in a feminist-led day of action. We will demand and defend our freedoms against fascism. We will demonstrate our collective strength, sending a clear message: Our freedoms are inalienable, and we will not allow them to be threatened." https://www.womensmarch.com/ and register here https://action.womensmarch.com/events/dcpeoplesmarch or https://www.mobilize.us/womensmarch/event/742704/
As in previous yers, there are also local marches that are officially affiliated with the national Women’s March.
🔸"Fascist politics seeks to undermine public discourse by attacking and devaluing education, expertise, and language.
🔸Intelligent debate is impossible without an education with access to different perspectives, a respect for expertise"
"How Fascism Works the Politics of Us and Them", Stanley, p63
Enlightening the new year
Keep it shining brother
Our last ditch effort. “The upshot is that Donald Trump remains constitutionally disqualified from the presidency and may not lawfully serve in that office or any other unless Congress removes the disqualification by two-thirds majorities of both houses. Nothing in Trump v. Anderson changes that legal reality.”
William Baude and Michael Paulsen, Harvard Law Review, Sweeping Section Three under the Rug: A Comment on Trump v. Anderson
Takes 20% of members of Congress to shift the burden to Trump.
Thanks, Simon. HNY!
Hope everyone rested and celebrated w family and friends.
I love the Applebaum quote.
It’s very important to NOT let their dysfunction and chaos overwhelm our well-being and paralyze needed action.
Please everyone: take 5 min tomorrow to call your Reps and Senators to reject the clown-car cabinet appts: Patel, RKjr, Gabbard and Hegseth.
Here’s a dandy app to get contact info on your Congressional reps.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/call-your-reps/id1182169306
I bought ‘On Tyranny’ the day after the election.
On Prof Snyder’s rec, refer to the tinpot dictator as the Mump Oligarchy.
Humor and ridicule are effective tools to weaken strongmen.
See his glossary:
https://open.substack.com/pub/snyder/p/the-mump-oligarchy-a-glossary?r=nynq8&utm_medium=ios
Does anyone have insight into whether GOP senators and representatives are considering their legacies. Iowa's senators Grassley and Ernst don't seem to be.
They're too stupid to think long term.
I think they care about money and power. There really isn't any legislative legacy with the short-term rare exceptions for a Speaker or majority leader possibly. Even McConnell or Newt level evil against America won't be remembered beyond the century mark nor more than a footnote in a history book.
This is not an administration or enterprise. What we are about to experience is a deeply unstable regime. Which IMO needs all hands on deck to get to work as soon as we can.
https://robertreich.substack.com/p/trump-will-overplay-his-hand-be-ready
Very interesting article. Highly recommended.
Powerful thoughts on the incoming administration by historian Timothy Snyder, author of the best-selling book "On Tyranny". Snyder is christening the Musk-Trump Administration’s intended remake of the USA as *Trumpomuskovia*. More than anything, this is "a state of mind". However, WE NEED NOT SUBMIT – and certainly we should "never obey in advance"!
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jan/01/timothy-snyder-trump-musk-russia-ukraine-putin
Happy New Year Simon. Thank you for keeping us up to date on what we need to know. That chart about vaccines and diseases is stark! Hope it shows up on the Senate Floor if JFK Jr. gets as far as a confirmation hearing! Onward.
For those of us who live in the Northeast corridor, please keep in mind the intense transportation infrastructure running between Boston and DC as among the countless reasons to oppose Gabbard, Hegseth and Patel.
Why don’t you bring Democrats like James Caraville and Rahm Emmanuel into the discussion of our parties future. Much of what they say addresses the core issue of why we lost and what we’ll need to do to win again. Your analysis of the 2022 election I think was deep and correct whereas your analysis of the 2024 election I think has been shallow and wrong so your follow on strategies for how you want to lead this community are not, in my humble opinion ~ convincing
Bringing James Caraville and Rahm Emmanuel into the discussion means we listen to there opinions ~ they may be old but they are also wise and know how to win. Think Clinton and 1992 and how Rahm organized the successful takeover of the house in 2006, listening to those in the old timers in party is a good thing. I cast my fiest vote 55 years ago
Shallow analysis? I think you are woefully wrong!
For months, Simon repeatedly underscored that 2024 would be a close election! After 5 November, Simon has repeatedly said we did not have the election we all wanted. Moreover, and importantly, Simon has invited and led a soul-searching dialog about the path forward right here on Hopium!
Personally, I find all this very convincing.
My suggestions of people to interview include Heather Cox Richardson and Timothy Snyder. (James Carville is a broken record, as is Rahm Emanuel; and both are getting plenty of press coverage elsewhere.)
I said I believe his analysis of what happened in 2024 was wrong, in my judgement, shallow ~ you are certainly permitted to your own opinion
Yes, I am just expressing my opinion. Likewise my suggestions of people to interview.
I would be very interested in hearing your analysis of what went wrong with the 2024 Presidential Election. Personally, I really thought Kamala Harris would win. The result came as a shock.
Then why are you here?
I read a piece by Carville today that seemed simplistic—that now the Democrats should focus entirely on the economy—as in everyday prices. He did mention alternative media, much in the terms Simon has already been discussing. Not much else. I think it’s too early to figure out the issues for 2028. And Carville seemed to be saying Democrats should move away from Trump and threats to democracy. But it would seem now is the time to focus a lot on that.
It begs the question of why we lost
Way back when I was playing basketball, the answer to that question was: "The other team scored more points."
What caused you to think you were going to win?
Pat, assuming your comments today are in good faith and not meant to inflame or troll, a few responses: 1) you spelled my former Clinton 1992 colleagues Carville's and Emanuel's names wrong. 2) I have said, repeatedly, I am not going to make the what happened, what comes next a conversation not just my take. Felt it would be richer and more beneficial for all - the opposite of shallow. So I am bringing many other voices in, and have posted at least 40 times since the Election 3) I try very hard to make this place the opposite of the angry, quick insults and comments we see on social media. Ask that folks not just express opinions - like shallow, wrong and unconvincing - but back them up with arguments, data and links. You don't do that here, and essentially just throw out a bunch of shit without backing it up. Not acceptable, and not how we do things here. How was I wrong? What is shallow? Why is our current path not acceptable to you? Need to do more here. 4) If you are unhappy and don't want to be part of the community please leave. Since the Election our community has grown and and many are happy. If you aren't please leave and do so without feeling compelled to insult and demean. Thank you - S
And in case you missed it here is my most comprehensive analysis to date that has my 6 major takeaways from the election so far
- https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/for-dems-its-a-time-for-re-imagination
including importance of our down ballot wins, need for new coalition; invest in getting louder; finally win the big economic argument with the right; a new reform agenda; not abandon democracy and freedom frame. This a comprehensive look at what happened and where we go from here, far more so than many have offered. Perhaps you missed it.
Got it