Seeing their faces is excruciating. I cannot imagine how their families feel. Deaths for absolutely no reason. It is hard to comprehend the sociopaths that have allowed this to happen. It is one thing for our president whom we know is truly sick, but to see so many of the sychophants allowing this to happen is truly the horror of it all. Working really hard to oust Collins, and support everyone trying to elect their blues across the country.
I feel the same, Jennifer. What a waste of beautiful young lives. I can't imagine how their parents must hate Trump and Hegseth and the Republicans who allowed him to do whatever he wants. I think I'd lose my mind with anger.
Congrats to Spain 🇪🇸. I personally was rooting for Spain over Argentina. My ancestral heritage on my Mom’s side is from Barcelona (which we traveled to a couple years ago and absolutely loved it). Was awesome to see my Sephardic Jewish roots and furthermore, what a game!
Congrats to Spain 🇪🇸. I personally was rooting for Spain over Argentina. My ancestral heritage on my Mom’s side is from Barcelona (which we traveled to a couple years ago and absolutely loved it). Was awesome to see my Sephardic Jewish roots and furthermore, what a game!
Attended an inspiring Town Hall in Reston, VA on Friday with our Congressman James Walkinshaw where voters queried him and other panelists on whether Dems are prepared for Trump officials and troops at the polls in November. One voter asked why the Dems didn't have an early response team to comment daily on remarks/actions from the administration. An idea I first heard about at Hopium!
He said Dems are doing "Tabletop Exercises" which are like War Room games in that they develop rapid response communication, plans for legal injunctions, etc. He also said a Dem spokesperson will emerge after the midterms if we take back the House.
Today I sent out the second in my series of emails to family and friends with info about Simon's House candidates. As before, there's a photo, a brief bio, links to their website and Simon's interview. I also included Georgia Dem Chair Charlie Bailey's interview to highlight the importance of strong state Dem parties. This email included Rebecca Bennett, Jamie Ager and Sarah Trone Garriott. The emails are formatted well enough to present a clear and clean look - I want them to be easily scanned - a photo and 2-3 sentence bio, and a couple of links if people want to delve into detail.
Feedback has been positive, and a few friends have told me they're forwarding them to others.
i have been stewing about the upcoming election and satan election interference. and i have come to the conclusion that we are describing this potential end of fair & free voting all wrong.
words matter. perhaps we should choose to describe it as Coup #2 for 47. short, succinct. jan 6 was the first coup attempt. nov after elections, or worse, during elections, will be the second. so lets call a snake a snake going forward. americans need to know as well in advance.
Not sure we need a meme. I think we need every elected and nominee on the blue team to include messaging that Trump will attempt to steal the election by creating a fake "emergency" to seize the ballots, possibly sending ICE or military force to the precincts on election day to intimidate and/or seize ballots. Pointing to his Thursday speech as the predicate. The blog-o-spere pundits are all over it already. Now we need to see the party get on board to get the message more mainstream.
We can de-fang the effort to some extent by setting the expectations and planning for it. I'm just reiterating what Simon has been saying for the last many weeks.
Simon talks about state wide coordinated campaigns. We need a national coordinated campaign on this topic. Get the Congress out on the Capitol steps making speeches, going on all the Sunday talk shows making speeches.
Blue team needs to demonstrate they can be pro-active, organized and "on the case" which will raise confidence in the party as fighters.
TY kitkatmia. Hopefully the bill gets traction, but regardless; My point is that DEMS NEED TO GET LOUD on election theft tactics by the administration, let alone interference.
Exhibit A, the speech by MarkWayne JimJoe BillyBob threatening election officials and Secretaries of State for any election irregularities with criminal charges.
Here is Brian Tyler Cohen and Marc Elias talking about just how fiendish this attempt is. Perhaps the State AGs can threaten Mr. TwoNames with state criminal charges (i.e. no pardon power from the president) for unlawful threats to state officials. Kick his ass, and watch him melt like the snowflake he is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5UBogsx3hw&t=478s
I'm going to call my AG, Rob Bonta, about that right now.
One thing Dems need to absolutely and completely STOP doing: swearing up and down that our elections are secure. Good grief, what an own-goal that could turn out to be. With companies owned by right-wingers manufacturing and maintaining a majority of the voting machines, along with the associated software and potentially Orwellian "security patches" (yet another extremely good reason to vote early and in person, at least in states where that's done on paper), and both the House and Senate on such a knifes edge that you only need to mess with a small subset of precincts to flip them (and not necessarily by changing votes, either--see eg Durham, NC in 2016), speaking as a tech veteran, that just seems recklessly cavalier.
I know we're worried that talking about this risks turnout, but here's the thing. 62-72% of Democrats believe 2016 was stolen. 11 months ago, 41% of Harris supporters believed the same about 2024. Given that relative normies like Don Lemon and John Pavlovich are now raising the alarm about that election, my *guess* is that percentage has spiked since then. Given this, isn't it possible that NOT talking about is the greater turnout risk, because it signals to those who believe these elections were stolen that we're "going to just roll over and let them do it again?"
It also seems to me that by continuing to weaponize the Justice Department to "prove" 2020 was stolen, Trump is "leading with his chin," or "opening the door," as the lawyers would say, providing us with an opportunity to position our concerns as nothing more than "tit for tat" politics, not a klaxon alarm that will drive people away from the polls. Eg "You want to keep pushing on 2020, Donald, OK fine, if you insist on continuing to beat 2020 beyond death, we want a full forensic audit of 2024 AND 2016. Sauce for the goose, Donald. Just asking questions, Donald."
I just think it's dangerous to let the other side continue to be the only ones who get to play offense on this critical issue, while we play nothing but defense. It makes us look guilty, and like the only ones who *can* be guilty. When we all know, from all the unconstitutional voter suppression they enage in, and the relentless lying and false promises they make, stuff that would either cause them to be sued into bankruptcy or lose their professional licenses if they were anything but politicians, that nothing could be further from the truth.
"Given this, isn't it possible that NOT talking about is the greater turnout risk, because it signals to those who believe these elections were stolen that we're "going to just roll over and let them do it again?"
100%, Mr. Thumb !
But beyond that, elected Dems need to articulate a plan to ensuring safety and security related to bomb scares (remember Detroit in 2024?), intimidation by armed thugs posing as federal agents, and outright seizure of the ballots.
Some have suggested it's better not to reveal the plan, so the red team can't plan a counter attack. I disagree. Let the people know how you will protect their vote and theirselves on election day. Make it LOUD and make it OFTEN!
... and then go indict MarkWayne TwoNames for threatening State Officials. The more I think about it, the better I like that idea.
As Simon says, "You can't score if you don't shoot."
Spain was clearly the best team. I couldn't help but think that all that kept England out of the final was Messi's last minute heroics (which was great to watch), and that England-Spain would've been a better game. Argentina looked spent and just didn't come close to matching Spain, despite the close score.
Then Trump had to make it about himself, and look just absurd. I think he wanted to stand near the Spanish team to pretend the cheering was for him.
But maybe he was distracted enough so that he couldn't protect the Tate boys from arrest for deportation to UK. The worst of the worst...
I will postcard today, and when it is clear Jackson has the nomination in ME chip in a contribution. I've been waiting for that to resolve before donating.
Very reminiscent of Italia 90, when another very average bunch were carried to the final through a combination of an ageing superstar having his (almost) last hurrah and new levels of ****housery.
This year's Argentina team, unlike the one I rooted for last time (for Messi's sake, even though France, b/c I was a Cameroon PCV, would ordinarily have been my choice), was a mirror image of Trump and MAGA in so many ways. Chaotic, anarchic, entitled, obnoxious, insulting, physically aggressive and transgressive, not terribly bright, message-sending, retribution-seeking, flag-fetishizing, imbued with "frantic patriotism" (NYT), fueled by official corruption, idolized/overhyped by our "resistance is futile" corporate media, filled with faux-tough floppers, hailing from a country run by a Trump acolyte whose wacky economics have already needed to be bailed out to the tune of $20B US taxpayer dollars.
When they finally met a team they couldn't bully, insult, aggravate, and intimidate into submission, a team that relentlessly, thoroughly outclassed them from start to finish, they showed their truest colors by responding with tantrums and the most cowardly forms of physical violence.
Granted, in addition to not destroying the country or the world, there *was* one key difference between the Albiceleste and the MAGAts: the Argentinians had a sublime presence to cover for the rest, and there's no Messi anywhere in MAGAland. Even so, from the first game (when he was more deserving of a straight red than Balogun) to the last (when he tried to trick the ref into sending off Cucurella), it seemed the team rubbed off on the "GOAT" (sorry, but that's still Pele) more than vice versa.
PS With apologies to anyone in our community who supported Argentina, may yesterday's result foreshadow the midterms...
I fear my state of Oregon is going to be the sleeper Republican pickup opportunity. While the state is solidly blue, the Democratic Governeror and the Democratic Party don't really have much to run on. Politics and government feel dysfunctional at the state level and in Portland, and people are so accustomed to Dems winning that there's a real risk of Democratic voter apathy, disatisfaction with the state of the state, and Republicans energized by the best shot they've had to win the governor's race in a generation (the Republican candidate is terrible) that they could score a victory despite the historic Dem advantage.
Which races have your concern? Senator Merkley has always seemed pretty popular and he has the encumbancy. Is there any polling you can refer to? What is your sense about Oregon State Democratic Party?
The Cook political report downgraded us from Solid Dem to Likely Dem. And it's not a surprise why. Kotek is one of the least popular governors in the country with 48% approval and 42% disapproval. The odds are still in our favor, but the fact we are badly underperforming relative to the rest of the country is disturbing.
Also, the state is having a series of problems that feel like they are just getting worse and no one has an idea how to reverse the trend. We've had a string of companies move their headquarters out of state, our public schools are performing poorly despite decent funding, a desperately needed transportation funding package imploded due to voter anger, housing prices are sky high, homelessness is surging, the list goes on. And the fact that Dems have controlled the governor's mansion since the late 80s and have controlled the state legislature for more than 20 years is helping Republicans argue that Democrats are unable to fix the problems, if not the reason we have these problems in the first place.
Our Senators and Dem members of the House are in good positions, but that might work against us since there is no candidate who is generating enthusiasm, or a competitive race where Dems REALLY want their candidate to defeat a Republican.
Being in a purple state, I hear your anxiety! Keep us posted how the engagement seems to be going! Maine had been blue and then for some time, but people became angry and blamed dems and many turned right. I hope the folks in Oregon share your concern and motivate.
I hear ya Derek, and yet I've heard this all before especially in 2018 when Kate Brown was running for a full term. Hell cook political ranked us as "Toss Up" that year and I heard the exact same "Dems have been in charge for too long" narrative being pushed. I thought we were gonna have a real nail biter and yet relatively quickly Brien prevailed. Again not trying to minimize your concerns, as I don't want a GOP governor either. Also, I'm pretty sure if a Republican did win then the legislature would still stay blue, so unless they wanted to go to town with executive orders - which would get challenged from day one in court-, they'd really have a hard time getting anything done. Again it would suck on a myriad of levels, but I think there'd be a limit to the havoc they'd be able to wreak 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 In the meantime let's make sure we don't have to find out !
Hi Derek. Turnout will be key, as Dems need to be sure to vote even if they aren't keen on Kotek. There are also some really good new Dem candidates for state-level Reps and Senators. You may already be a Neighborhood Leader, but if not, this is the way Dems make sure all Dems in their neighborhood turn in their ballots. (Senator Merkley sent me an email a few years ago to say this is the most effective way to get out the vote. So I signed up.) It's also one way to do something and not worry. For example, Linn County Neighborhood Leaders made sure they turned out enough Linn voters to help elect Bynum. 100% of the 45 Dems in my "neighborhood" in Corvallis turned in their ballots. Most NLs in Corvallis had the same experience.
If you and anyone else is interested, I can find out who you can contact to be part of the team. Online meetings are starting this month to meet each other and get organized.
Unfortunately I'm not in a position to get meaningfully involved. I have a three year old and a < 1 year old. My wife already does substantially more than 50% of the parenting and my available time has to go to taking on a fairer share of things around the house.
I use 5 Calls to call Bynum, Merkely, and Wyden, I send some postcards, and have mades some small dollar contributions (small is what I can do as daycare is expensive AF), I have gone to the big Indivisible Protests, but time is the big resource I don't have to offer despite the crisis our country is in :(
Derek - you're doing your part just with the things you're doing. Having a Democratic state (I live in Illinois) is a huge deal - this is the first time in my life I've been in a state that has the same values I do.
Hey Derek, fellow Oregonian here. I don't wanna jinx so - a huge KNOCK ON WOOD here - But I've been in Oregon about a decade and I feel like I've heard this story before. In 2018 EVERYONE was saying Oregon was a toss up - Due to then Governor Kate Brown's unpopularity, she then goes on to defeat Knute Bheuler by around 6-7 points. Then in '22 even with a spoiler in Betsy Johnson, Kotek still prevails. I guess my point is I'll believe it when I see it. Again I lived through '16 & '24 so I know anything is possible, but I think the state will prob stay pretty blue !
Yes, I also have seen us (Oregon) ranked “likely Dem” before, and we tend to be colored in light blue rather than dark blue. We shouldn’t take victory for granted, of course.
Jennifer, I'm not Charles.:-) But here's my 2 cents: I don't live in Maine, so I can't vote, but I do want to help defeat Collins. I did give some money to Platner, even though Simon had initial reservations that he hadn't been vetted (and of course his candidacy ending up going down in flames.) So can you tell me if Jackson has been vetted? I'm not sure if Simon mentioned this. I'm a center left person, not a progressive, and will only give money this time if Jackson has been vetted. I generally like Jackson's domestic plans. But I have to look at his record on Israel. I support Israel as the Jewish homeland with a right to defend itself from beyond-horrible attacks like Oct 7. But I hate Netanyahu, who is another Trump (and who Israelis were protesting even before Hamas attacked.)
He may not be a candidate you support as he has called for no tax dollars to Israel for Gaza. The October 7, 2023 attacks were beyond horrific, as were the kidnapping and torture of so many after that initial brutal day. I still have images in my mind. Please know my heart is with the Israeli people but also with innocent civilians everywhere. I completely understand you feeling unwilling to support a candidate who has views different from your own.
Thanks so much for your compassionate and understanding reply, Jennifer. Many in the Jewish community are having to make a choice. We're Americans, of course and want to defeat the Criminal-in-Chief and all of his enablers, including of course Collins! My Jewish family, friends and many in the Jewish community are horrified by what's going on in Gaza---and in other places such as Sudan and too many other areas of the world. But we disagree with candidates who have this progressive point of view about Israel, similar to Jackson. I don't envy the Jewish people who live in Maine and must make a choice.
Shelley, I have so many, many Jewish friends. Many share your exact feelings but some are actively protesting the government and are pro Palestine. My heart breaks because it has torn some of my friends' family apart- much like MAGA has. I am really glad you asked the question! Amy Fried is a retired poli-sci professor here in Maine and writes a substack. She is a friend. She and I could not really talk during GP's candidacy. She was so against him. I was so happy to see she is fully supporting Troy. (she is Jewish). Nothing is easy!!!!!!!!! Thanks again, Shelley.
I went back and found some of his commercials for Governor on Youtube and I found them very compelling. Frankly, he seems much more authentic than Platner (though maybe not as articulate-- which is not as important). He grew up in poverty and knows what folks are going through--and, sure as hell, did not go the Hotchkiss prep school. A long career in politics and serving as State Senate President tells you that he has been vetted.
Yep, all that is true Charles. Single mom, grew up Irish catholic, 5th generation logger and he will be teased for sounding like a Mainah. He was a republican against Marriage equality and women's choice but has evolved and grown and is now very much an advocate for civil rights, taxing the wealthy, pro union, healthcare for all. He will be the only card carrying union member of the US senate if he makes it! I am seeing lots of happy people today from across the spectrum. I see Rs saying they will vote for him, GP die hards, working class, Indies. People like me are ABC- Anyone But Collins, and we are a large group too.
Hi Jennifer - Rooting for whomever you choose. It looks like he's had a successful career at the statehouse, which has to be great for vetting and for name recognition. I am looking forward to donating more to Maine in the future. We need you all!
Thanks Kent! Maine has chosen. I can say I believe he has a solid shot as he pulls in voters from so many demographics. Like any candidate going against Collins the attacks against him are going to be merciless.
I submitted information on early voting to members of our church community with links to check their voter registration. I'm also sending an amplified version to our statewide members as well. our state Quaker advocacy organization has created yard signs stating: Be a Friend of Democracy: Vote!
Saturday would have been the 62nd time for my sweetheart Jean, and my 55th, at our local Tesla dealership here in Colorado. But we went to a downtown Boulder Good Trouble event with pro-democracy activist groups.
For my birthday a week ago I sent this out to our 450-person "Season's Greetings letter list (and yes, Hopium Chronicles is in here!):
The pro-democracy writers and activists I follow tell about the bad but then focus on the good: How we are going to win.
To help shift our intake and output of information from overwhelmingly "what's bad" to "what people have done, are doing, and can do," I made this this "20:80 Guide for Hope and Action":
Great resource. This links to a collection of other links to dozens of organizations doing postcards, texts, calls, voter registration, rides to polls, and other ways to help.
This is awesome, Eric--thamks; I'll definitely be making use of it and sharing with the candidates I'm working with.
One small suggestion. As long as you're referencing Hungary and dummymanders already, you might want to add something to the dummymander section that says something like "Trump ally Victor Orban's gerrymandering resulted in so many flips the opposition now has 2/3 of the seats, enough to amend the Constitution and undo all the damage Orban did to it." Here's supporr for that claim if you want/need it (gift link): https://bit.ly/orban_dummy
Actions: (1) ordered 500 get out the vote postcards for Iowa addresses via "Postcards to Swing States". I'll bring to family camp vacation - writing parties on the porch! Interested if there are other postcard writing sources that you suggest as effective. (2) Added a signature to my personal email as shown in next paragraph. I tried to make non-partisan. Open to suggestions for improving the message.
Vote Early! Why? Helps your candidates win; makes it difficult for bad actors to disrupt elections. How? In-person at early voting centers (Maryland has these!), via absentee ballot returned to Drop Box; if those options not available in your state, absentee ballot returned via USPS. We have a Democracy to Save!
Great day to be part of the resistance. I spent last week talking to extended family about voting. early, today made contributions to all the Hopium funds, called my members of Congress to object to paying for the war with Iran, the SAVE act, nationwide book bans, Blance and Clayton nominations. Today looking at the calendar for all the weekend canvassing opportunities starting in September . .commonpower.org. Fired up about democracy!
RIP to the three US service members who recently died in Trump and Bibi's outrageous war. Prayers for their loved ones.
Yes. It’s been hard to find news of their deaths on social media
Seeing their faces is excruciating. I cannot imagine how their families feel. Deaths for absolutely no reason. It is hard to comprehend the sociopaths that have allowed this to happen. It is one thing for our president whom we know is truly sick, but to see so many of the sychophants allowing this to happen is truly the horror of it all. Working really hard to oust Collins, and support everyone trying to elect their blues across the country.
I feel the same, Jennifer. What a waste of beautiful young lives. I can't imagine how their parents must hate Trump and Hegseth and the Republicans who allowed him to do whatever he wants. I think I'd lose my mind with anger.
Congrats to Spain 🇪🇸. I personally was rooting for Spain over Argentina. My ancestral heritage on my Mom’s side is from Barcelona (which we traveled to a couple years ago and absolutely loved it). Was awesome to see my Sephardic Jewish roots and furthermore, what a game!
Congrats to Spain 🇪🇸. I personally was rooting for Spain over Argentina. My ancestral heritage on my Mom’s side is from Barcelona (which we traveled to a couple years ago and absolutely loved it). Was awesome to see my Sephardic Jewish roots and furthermore, what a game!
Correction: "Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative, said the Trump administration was planning a new slate of ILLEGAL tariffs."
I don't really understand what is illegal and what is not anymore!
I assume they are still using the loophole that makes them 'legal' rather than just flouting the SCOTUS ruling?
Attended an inspiring Town Hall in Reston, VA on Friday with our Congressman James Walkinshaw where voters queried him and other panelists on whether Dems are prepared for Trump officials and troops at the polls in November. One voter asked why the Dems didn't have an early response team to comment daily on remarks/actions from the administration. An idea I first heard about at Hopium!
What did he say?
He said Dems are doing "Tabletop Exercises" which are like War Room games in that they develop rapid response communication, plans for legal injunctions, etc. He also said a Dem spokesperson will emerge after the midterms if we take back the House.
Today I sent out the second in my series of emails to family and friends with info about Simon's House candidates. As before, there's a photo, a brief bio, links to their website and Simon's interview. I also included Georgia Dem Chair Charlie Bailey's interview to highlight the importance of strong state Dem parties. This email included Rebecca Bennett, Jamie Ager and Sarah Trone Garriott. The emails are formatted well enough to present a clear and clean look - I want them to be easily scanned - a photo and 2-3 sentence bio, and a couple of links if people want to delve into detail.
Feedback has been positive, and a few friends have told me they're forwarding them to others.
thank you Kate!
i have been stewing about the upcoming election and satan election interference. and i have come to the conclusion that we are describing this potential end of fair & free voting all wrong.
words matter. perhaps we should choose to describe it as Coup #2 for 47. short, succinct. jan 6 was the first coup attempt. nov after elections, or worse, during elections, will be the second. so lets call a snake a snake going forward. americans need to know as well in advance.
Not sure we need a meme. I think we need every elected and nominee on the blue team to include messaging that Trump will attempt to steal the election by creating a fake "emergency" to seize the ballots, possibly sending ICE or military force to the precincts on election day to intimidate and/or seize ballots. Pointing to his Thursday speech as the predicate. The blog-o-spere pundits are all over it already. Now we need to see the party get on board to get the message more mainstream.
We can de-fang the effort to some extent by setting the expectations and planning for it. I'm just reiterating what Simon has been saying for the last many weeks.
Simon talks about state wide coordinated campaigns. We need a national coordinated campaign on this topic. Get the Congress out on the Capitol steps making speeches, going on all the Sunday talk shows making speeches.
Blue team needs to demonstrate they can be pro-active, organized and "on the case" which will raise confidence in the party as fighters.
didnt really mean a meme. but using the word coup2.0 puts his plans in context.
sen slotkin & other dem senators have drafted a bill to protect the elections from satan. no idea if this will pass or get repub support.
TY kitkatmia. Hopefully the bill gets traction, but regardless; My point is that DEMS NEED TO GET LOUD on election theft tactics by the administration, let alone interference.
Exhibit A, the speech by MarkWayne JimJoe BillyBob threatening election officials and Secretaries of State for any election irregularities with criminal charges.
Here is Brian Tyler Cohen and Marc Elias talking about just how fiendish this attempt is. Perhaps the State AGs can threaten Mr. TwoNames with state criminal charges (i.e. no pardon power from the president) for unlawful threats to state officials. Kick his ass, and watch him melt like the snowflake he is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5UBogsx3hw&t=478s
I'm going to call my AG, Rob Bonta, about that right now.
...Done
One thing Dems need to absolutely and completely STOP doing: swearing up and down that our elections are secure. Good grief, what an own-goal that could turn out to be. With companies owned by right-wingers manufacturing and maintaining a majority of the voting machines, along with the associated software and potentially Orwellian "security patches" (yet another extremely good reason to vote early and in person, at least in states where that's done on paper), and both the House and Senate on such a knifes edge that you only need to mess with a small subset of precincts to flip them (and not necessarily by changing votes, either--see eg Durham, NC in 2016), speaking as a tech veteran, that just seems recklessly cavalier.
I know we're worried that talking about this risks turnout, but here's the thing. 62-72% of Democrats believe 2016 was stolen. 11 months ago, 41% of Harris supporters believed the same about 2024. Given that relative normies like Don Lemon and John Pavlovich are now raising the alarm about that election, my *guess* is that percentage has spiked since then. Given this, isn't it possible that NOT talking about is the greater turnout risk, because it signals to those who believe these elections were stolen that we're "going to just roll over and let them do it again?"
It also seems to me that by continuing to weaponize the Justice Department to "prove" 2020 was stolen, Trump is "leading with his chin," or "opening the door," as the lawyers would say, providing us with an opportunity to position our concerns as nothing more than "tit for tat" politics, not a klaxon alarm that will drive people away from the polls. Eg "You want to keep pushing on 2020, Donald, OK fine, if you insist on continuing to beat 2020 beyond death, we want a full forensic audit of 2024 AND 2016. Sauce for the goose, Donald. Just asking questions, Donald."
I just think it's dangerous to let the other side continue to be the only ones who get to play offense on this critical issue, while we play nothing but defense. It makes us look guilty, and like the only ones who *can* be guilty. When we all know, from all the unconstitutional voter suppression they enage in, and the relentless lying and false promises they make, stuff that would either cause them to be sued into bankruptcy or lose their professional licenses if they were anything but politicians, that nothing could be further from the truth.
"Given this, isn't it possible that NOT talking about is the greater turnout risk, because it signals to those who believe these elections were stolen that we're "going to just roll over and let them do it again?"
100%, Mr. Thumb !
But beyond that, elected Dems need to articulate a plan to ensuring safety and security related to bomb scares (remember Detroit in 2024?), intimidation by armed thugs posing as federal agents, and outright seizure of the ballots.
Some have suggested it's better not to reveal the plan, so the red team can't plan a counter attack. I disagree. Let the people know how you will protect their vote and theirselves on election day. Make it LOUD and make it OFTEN!
... and then go indict MarkWayne TwoNames for threatening State Officials. The more I think about it, the better I like that idea.
As Simon says, "You can't score if you don't shoot."
Trump is such a monumental screwup
https://x.com/esaagar/status/2079182269193842718
Yeah I heard that this morning. The Iran war is still a big danger.
Spain was clearly the best team. I couldn't help but think that all that kept England out of the final was Messi's last minute heroics (which was great to watch), and that England-Spain would've been a better game. Argentina looked spent and just didn't come close to matching Spain, despite the close score.
Then Trump had to make it about himself, and look just absurd. I think he wanted to stand near the Spanish team to pretend the cheering was for him.
But maybe he was distracted enough so that he couldn't protect the Tate boys from arrest for deportation to UK. The worst of the worst...
I will postcard today, and when it is clear Jackson has the nomination in ME chip in a contribution. I've been waiting for that to resolve before donating.
Arg were crap and got what they deserved.
Very reminiscent of Italia 90, when another very average bunch were carried to the final through a combination of an ageing superstar having his (almost) last hurrah and new levels of ****housery.
This year's Argentina team, unlike the one I rooted for last time (for Messi's sake, even though France, b/c I was a Cameroon PCV, would ordinarily have been my choice), was a mirror image of Trump and MAGA in so many ways. Chaotic, anarchic, entitled, obnoxious, insulting, physically aggressive and transgressive, not terribly bright, message-sending, retribution-seeking, flag-fetishizing, imbued with "frantic patriotism" (NYT), fueled by official corruption, idolized/overhyped by our "resistance is futile" corporate media, filled with faux-tough floppers, hailing from a country run by a Trump acolyte whose wacky economics have already needed to be bailed out to the tune of $20B US taxpayer dollars.
When they finally met a team they couldn't bully, insult, aggravate, and intimidate into submission, a team that relentlessly, thoroughly outclassed them from start to finish, they showed their truest colors by responding with tantrums and the most cowardly forms of physical violence.
Granted, in addition to not destroying the country or the world, there *was* one key difference between the Albiceleste and the MAGAts: the Argentinians had a sublime presence to cover for the rest, and there's no Messi anywhere in MAGAland. Even so, from the first game (when he was more deserving of a straight red than Balogun) to the last (when he tried to trick the ref into sending off Cucurella), it seemed the team rubbed off on the "GOAT" (sorry, but that's still Pele) more than vice versa.
PS With apologies to anyone in our community who supported Argentina, may yesterday's result foreshadow the midterms...
I fear my state of Oregon is going to be the sleeper Republican pickup opportunity. While the state is solidly blue, the Democratic Governeror and the Democratic Party don't really have much to run on. Politics and government feel dysfunctional at the state level and in Portland, and people are so accustomed to Dems winning that there's a real risk of Democratic voter apathy, disatisfaction with the state of the state, and Republicans energized by the best shot they've had to win the governor's race in a generation (the Republican candidate is terrible) that they could score a victory despite the historic Dem advantage.
Which races have your concern? Senator Merkley has always seemed pretty popular and he has the encumbancy. Is there any polling you can refer to? What is your sense about Oregon State Democratic Party?
The Cook political report downgraded us from Solid Dem to Likely Dem. And it's not a surprise why. Kotek is one of the least popular governors in the country with 48% approval and 42% disapproval. The odds are still in our favor, but the fact we are badly underperforming relative to the rest of the country is disturbing.
Also, the state is having a series of problems that feel like they are just getting worse and no one has an idea how to reverse the trend. We've had a string of companies move their headquarters out of state, our public schools are performing poorly despite decent funding, a desperately needed transportation funding package imploded due to voter anger, housing prices are sky high, homelessness is surging, the list goes on. And the fact that Dems have controlled the governor's mansion since the late 80s and have controlled the state legislature for more than 20 years is helping Republicans argue that Democrats are unable to fix the problems, if not the reason we have these problems in the first place.
Our Senators and Dem members of the House are in good positions, but that might work against us since there is no candidate who is generating enthusiasm, or a competitive race where Dems REALLY want their candidate to defeat a Republican.
Being in a purple state, I hear your anxiety! Keep us posted how the engagement seems to be going! Maine had been blue and then for some time, but people became angry and blamed dems and many turned right. I hope the folks in Oregon share your concern and motivate.
I hear ya Derek, and yet I've heard this all before especially in 2018 when Kate Brown was running for a full term. Hell cook political ranked us as "Toss Up" that year and I heard the exact same "Dems have been in charge for too long" narrative being pushed. I thought we were gonna have a real nail biter and yet relatively quickly Brien prevailed. Again not trying to minimize your concerns, as I don't want a GOP governor either. Also, I'm pretty sure if a Republican did win then the legislature would still stay blue, so unless they wanted to go to town with executive orders - which would get challenged from day one in court-, they'd really have a hard time getting anything done. Again it would suck on a myriad of levels, but I think there'd be a limit to the havoc they'd be able to wreak 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 In the meantime let's make sure we don't have to find out !
Hi Derek. Turnout will be key, as Dems need to be sure to vote even if they aren't keen on Kotek. There are also some really good new Dem candidates for state-level Reps and Senators. You may already be a Neighborhood Leader, but if not, this is the way Dems make sure all Dems in their neighborhood turn in their ballots. (Senator Merkley sent me an email a few years ago to say this is the most effective way to get out the vote. So I signed up.) It's also one way to do something and not worry. For example, Linn County Neighborhood Leaders made sure they turned out enough Linn voters to help elect Bynum. 100% of the 45 Dems in my "neighborhood" in Corvallis turned in their ballots. Most NLs in Corvallis had the same experience.
If you and anyone else is interested, I can find out who you can contact to be part of the team. Online meetings are starting this month to meet each other and get organized.
Unfortunately I'm not in a position to get meaningfully involved. I have a three year old and a < 1 year old. My wife already does substantially more than 50% of the parenting and my available time has to go to taking on a fairer share of things around the house.
I use 5 Calls to call Bynum, Merkely, and Wyden, I send some postcards, and have mades some small dollar contributions (small is what I can do as daycare is expensive AF), I have gone to the big Indivisible Protests, but time is the big resource I don't have to offer despite the crisis our country is in :(
Derek - you're doing your part just with the things you're doing. Having a Democratic state (I live in Illinois) is a huge deal - this is the first time in my life I've been in a state that has the same values I do.
Best wishes for Oregon in the election.
Hey Derek, fellow Oregonian here. I don't wanna jinx so - a huge KNOCK ON WOOD here - But I've been in Oregon about a decade and I feel like I've heard this story before. In 2018 EVERYONE was saying Oregon was a toss up - Due to then Governor Kate Brown's unpopularity, she then goes on to defeat Knute Bheuler by around 6-7 points. Then in '22 even with a spoiler in Betsy Johnson, Kotek still prevails. I guess my point is I'll believe it when I see it. Again I lived through '16 & '24 so I know anything is possible, but I think the state will prob stay pretty blue !
Yes, I also have seen us (Oregon) ranked “likely Dem” before, and we tend to be colored in light blue rather than dark blue. We shouldn’t take victory for granted, of course.
From what I understand - my county (Multnomah County AKA Portland) is usually the hurdle that even higher running GOP noms just can't overcome.
I hope next week you will create a separate fund for Troy Jackson when he is officially endorsed by the Party. We must raise $$$ very quickly
Thanks, Charles! We sure need $ here in Maine. How are you feeling about Mr. Jackson?
Jennifer, I'm not Charles.:-) But here's my 2 cents: I don't live in Maine, so I can't vote, but I do want to help defeat Collins. I did give some money to Platner, even though Simon had initial reservations that he hadn't been vetted (and of course his candidacy ending up going down in flames.) So can you tell me if Jackson has been vetted? I'm not sure if Simon mentioned this. I'm a center left person, not a progressive, and will only give money this time if Jackson has been vetted. I generally like Jackson's domestic plans. But I have to look at his record on Israel. I support Israel as the Jewish homeland with a right to defend itself from beyond-horrible attacks like Oct 7. But I hate Netanyahu, who is another Trump (and who Israelis were protesting even before Hamas attacked.)
He may not be a candidate you support as he has called for no tax dollars to Israel for Gaza. The October 7, 2023 attacks were beyond horrific, as were the kidnapping and torture of so many after that initial brutal day. I still have images in my mind. Please know my heart is with the Israeli people but also with innocent civilians everywhere. I completely understand you feeling unwilling to support a candidate who has views different from your own.
Thanks so much for your compassionate and understanding reply, Jennifer. Many in the Jewish community are having to make a choice. We're Americans, of course and want to defeat the Criminal-in-Chief and all of his enablers, including of course Collins! My Jewish family, friends and many in the Jewish community are horrified by what's going on in Gaza---and in other places such as Sudan and too many other areas of the world. But we disagree with candidates who have this progressive point of view about Israel, similar to Jackson. I don't envy the Jewish people who live in Maine and must make a choice.
Shelley, I have so many, many Jewish friends. Many share your exact feelings but some are actively protesting the government and are pro Palestine. My heart breaks because it has torn some of my friends' family apart- much like MAGA has. I am really glad you asked the question! Amy Fried is a retired poli-sci professor here in Maine and writes a substack. She is a friend. She and I could not really talk during GP's candidacy. She was so against him. I was so happy to see she is fully supporting Troy. (she is Jewish). Nothing is easy!!!!!!!!! Thanks again, Shelley.
I went back and found some of his commercials for Governor on Youtube and I found them very compelling. Frankly, he seems much more authentic than Platner (though maybe not as articulate-- which is not as important). He grew up in poverty and knows what folks are going through--and, sure as hell, did not go the Hotchkiss prep school. A long career in politics and serving as State Senate President tells you that he has been vetted.
Yep, all that is true Charles. Single mom, grew up Irish catholic, 5th generation logger and he will be teased for sounding like a Mainah. He was a republican against Marriage equality and women's choice but has evolved and grown and is now very much an advocate for civil rights, taxing the wealthy, pro union, healthcare for all. He will be the only card carrying union member of the US senate if he makes it! I am seeing lots of happy people today from across the spectrum. I see Rs saying they will vote for him, GP die hards, working class, Indies. People like me are ABC- Anyone But Collins, and we are a large group too.
Hi Jennifer - Rooting for whomever you choose. It looks like he's had a successful career at the statehouse, which has to be great for vetting and for name recognition. I am looking forward to donating more to Maine in the future. We need you all!
Thanks Kent! Maine has chosen. I can say I believe he has a solid shot as he pulls in voters from so many demographics. Like any candidate going against Collins the attacks against him are going to be merciless.
I submitted information on early voting to members of our church community with links to check their voter registration. I'm also sending an amplified version to our statewide members as well. our state Quaker advocacy organization has created yard signs stating: Be a Friend of Democracy: Vote!
thank you!
Saturday would have been the 62nd time for my sweetheart Jean, and my 55th, at our local Tesla dealership here in Colorado. But we went to a downtown Boulder Good Trouble event with pro-democracy activist groups.
For my birthday a week ago I sent this out to our 450-person "Season's Greetings letter list (and yes, Hopium Chronicles is in here!):
The pro-democracy writers and activists I follow tell about the bad but then focus on the good: How we are going to win.
To help shift our intake and output of information from overwhelmingly "what's bad" to "what people have done, are doing, and can do," I made this this "20:80 Guide for Hope and Action":
https://the80-20list-prodemocracyresources.netlify.app/
...which has a mobile-friendly toolkit of actions anyone can take to Get Out The Vote and make November's results TOO BIG TO RIG:
https://tinyurl.com/4e2zsxmj
Everyone can find their niche. No act is too small!
Great work Eric. TY. I'm spreading that tiny URL to my network.
Great resource. This links to a collection of other links to dozens of organizations doing postcards, texts, calls, voter registration, rides to polls, and other ways to help.
This is awesome, Eric--thamks; I'll definitely be making use of it and sharing with the candidates I'm working with.
One small suggestion. As long as you're referencing Hungary and dummymanders already, you might want to add something to the dummymander section that says something like "Trump ally Victor Orban's gerrymandering resulted in so many flips the opposition now has 2/3 of the seats, enough to amend the Constitution and undo all the damage Orban did to it." Here's supporr for that claim if you want/need it (gift link): https://bit.ly/orban_dummy
Thanks, Tom, and for the tip on Hungary. I'll check it out!
Actions: (1) ordered 500 get out the vote postcards for Iowa addresses via "Postcards to Swing States". I'll bring to family camp vacation - writing parties on the porch! Interested if there are other postcard writing sources that you suggest as effective. (2) Added a signature to my personal email as shown in next paragraph. I tried to make non-partisan. Open to suggestions for improving the message.
Vote Early! Why? Helps your candidates win; makes it difficult for bad actors to disrupt elections. How? In-person at early voting centers (Maryland has these!), via absentee ballot returned to Drop Box; if those options not available in your state, absentee ballot returned via USPS. We have a Democracy to Save!
Blue Wave postcards just announced a new campaign for Nebraska. I ordered 200 cards. They require less writing than some other organizations do.
https://shop.bluewavepostcards.org/
I also donated to Iowa fund.
thank you!
Great day to be part of the resistance. I spent last week talking to extended family about voting. early, today made contributions to all the Hopium funds, called my members of Congress to object to paying for the war with Iran, the SAVE act, nationwide book bans, Blance and Clayton nominations. Today looking at the calendar for all the weekend canvassing opportunities starting in September . .commonpower.org. Fired up about democracy!
thank you!