Way to go people. We are winning. VERY HARD WORK to come but thanks Simon for Hopium. I'm so pissed at Dan Pfeiffer for being such a DEM DOWNER. Why is he doing this right now? And whomever else?! I can't make substack comments unless I subscribe and it just isn't in my budget to afford EVERYONE! GRRR. Meanwhile, here is a piece by Timothy Snyder this morning. It's a 6 min. listen. Very clear, very chilling. Good info and perspective to have in our back pockets. https://snyder.substack.com/p/trumps-military-dictatorship-budget. I keep on calling. And I just moved to a new county in Massachusetts so I'm getting together with women friends in a new postcarding group! Calling Calling of course. Keep going everyone!!
RIGHT! He's so smart. I like his stuff. But enough is enough. He's just making people anxious now. And who are the others? I think we should call them out!
My two cents: I love Dan and the POD. I also love Simon and Hopium. We all have the right to be pissed off but I think it’s a mistake to pile on Dan. He is naturally more pessimistic and also smart. We should pay attention to his takes. My faves include the Bulwark esp Sarah Longwell and Tim Miller. Personally I am focusing my anger on the Rs and the Trumpies. Go team!
May I offer a counter-argument about Dan Pfeiffer? I have found his Message Box very on point, especially lately. He made a compelling argument about how/why Platner could win in Maine. Today’s post about the unpopularity of the Democrats was revealing, not judgmental. For example, Pfeiffer noted that the unpopularity comes from Democrats themselves, which is a net positive. In other words, the antipathy is not growing among the broader public. And he acknowledges that Democrats are very well positioned for 2026, but need to work for 2028.
You are right. I love this conversation. I am usually more measured about listening to all opinions. But I am having a moment these days.... Thanks to you and Roberta for your thoughts.
Hi Lisa, Thank you for this. You are a kindred spirit. I am so impressed with the work you're doing and I am always inspired by your comments. At this point I have calmed down and read Dan thoughtfully. I am committed to LESS reactivity at this point in my life and like to think of myself as a careful listener... So I think I'll just keep quiet and use Dan's post as education now and then. Rock on sister! We have work to do. As you say "Keep going"!
Regarding the War on Science, I am glad that you are in close collaboration with Collette Delawalla, Ph.D. (she announced that she received her Ph.D. Last week, Mazel Tov to her!) leader of Stand Up for Science. The proposed OMB rules and the proposed budget cuts are horrifying, and will destroy US science. I’m glad that this issue is one of the fundamental pillars of Hopium. There was The 2026 Weather and Climate Livestream over the past two days (https://wclivestream.com/) - 50 hours of short presentations about climate and weather research, gripping for a scientist Iike myself and also very approachable for laypeople - aimed at generating congressional calls and emails to stop the carnage. Please join in, and I look forward to Simon’s latest take on this issue.
I just saw (via ScienceAdvisor) that 4,668 comments on the OMB science rules were received in just the first week! OMB is required to respond to each unique comment, so keep at it! I’ve been involved in some Environmental Impact Reports where we buried the EIR under thousands of substantive comments, so this can work. https://fight2win.standupforscience.net/
Just a quick comment. You, and many others, have been working to recruit and support candidates across the country. But I'd like to point out that Ken Martin has been working to do that, too, working to make sure Dems are running in ALL races within a state, giving state parties funds to build their infrastructure, and visiting many states himself to recruit. In the background, he has been getting the work done to get a REAL 50-state policy off the ground in the DNC. Just because he doesn't bloviate doesn't mean he isn't fighting!
Simon, thank you for last night's great discussion.
OMG, that YouGov chart comparing Trump's first and current terms! Any semi-sane administration would be focused on trying to fix that: lift the tariffs, leave Iran, stop with the vanity projects. But Trump is not even semi-sane so he can't. (PS: Susie Wiles is the least effective Chief of Staff ever.)
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to say that Trump is seriously out of touch with reality and needs to be removed. I'm writing postcards to Ohio voters today. I'm going to write some extra ones because I'm so mad at Trump telling Caitlin Collins she's supposed to smile. (Hint: women are not here to smile.)
Thank you for writing post cards for Ohio. As a native Ohioan I assure you that we can help those who regret their previous choices. The hardest choice will be governor because of the sad misogyny and racism. They won't know how to vote without a yt male available 🤦♀️
Here's something that is bad for consumers and Republicans (but will help Dems): "The oil industry is warning the Trump administration that a Hormuz-sized hole in the world’s petroleum market is steadily draining inventories to levels that are likely to send global energy prices surging in the next several weeks, according to four executives."
Simon, thanks for our meeting last night. I'm listening to Joe Walsh right now (yes, that Joe Walsh) and he pointed out that there were some ICE vehicles around polling places in CA on Tuesday. In the past, I've done tons of postcarding, poll greeting, phonebanking and boiler room work on the backend, but never served as poll observer/watcher, although I've been trained. This year, I will volunteer to do this in the midterms here in VA, and God help me if we see ICE vehicles there.
Speaking of, my postcards for VA-01 and VA-02 are due to arrive today from Postcards to Swing States. This week, I joined a Zoom presentation from Field Team 6 because I want to get involved in voter registration drives here in VA and FT6 are considered tops in that area. Unfortunately, at the moment, they don't have any registration efforts going on here in VA. Does anyone know of any? I saw that a few folks asked Simon about voter reg in the chat/Q&A last night.
Fairfax County Dems do voter registration among many other activities. I have participated in efforts at George Mason U. and Northern Virginia Community College.
Hi, Leon. I've been involved with Arlington County Dems, but I think Fairfax does more in terms of voter reg. I just retired from teaching at NOVA, so now there won't be any conflict of interest. Thanks for the info!
Thank you, Simon, for another encouraging and energizing get-together yesterday evening.
Self-report: This morning I called my representative on the Ukraine Support Act and my senators on ICE/CBP funding. I also emailed my senators on Pulte and Blanche. Yesterday evening I donated to Turek in my state of Iowa, and I write postcards daily. I'm happy to be retired so I have time.
Thank you, Simon, for being one of the first to support "Stand Up for Science" and Colette. I appreciate your time to coach/guide Colette to get through what must be so many tough challenges. I joined the SUFS organization right away, too, since I work-write and draw about scientific research. After all, "If we don't fight, we don't win."
Self report. Hopium's Craig Peters and I will join a zoom call tonight led by the national group Renew Democracy 250. He will soon be making a presentation about the resolutions that are being passed in PA and perhaps elsewhere. In addition to the Yardley Borough resolution that recently was adopted, the Bucks County Commission will be voting on a resolution on July 1. The Bucks County PA Commission includes Hopium-supported Commissioner Bob Harvey who is running for U.S. Congress in PA-01.
I learned about Josh Turek's story last night. Thanks for adding the campaign video in today's post. It's inspiring to me to see people born with a disability rise so high. I added another $10 one time to his campaign. Postcarding today, later when I'm watching the Stanley Cup game.
I think he can be a great example of running Dems that fit what their states want, and his progressive opponent as an example of the pitfall progressives fall into by making fighting the Dem party and leaders central to their campaign as opposed to providing a vision of what progressive policies will mean for people (e.g. Mamdani)
So pleased he is running. People need to see people w disabilities in higher office, there are not nearly enough of them. He will be the second senator to use a wheelchair, which is just fantastic.
re: Rs breaking ranks on Ukraine vote. One of them was Joe Wilson from SC, whose son SC AG Alan Wilson is running for Governor.
Trump endorsed Pamela Everette the LG and not Alan last week.
watch for Joe to be more independent in the future.
Way to go people. We are winning. VERY HARD WORK to come but thanks Simon for Hopium. I'm so pissed at Dan Pfeiffer for being such a DEM DOWNER. Why is he doing this right now? And whomever else?! I can't make substack comments unless I subscribe and it just isn't in my budget to afford EVERYONE! GRRR. Meanwhile, here is a piece by Timothy Snyder this morning. It's a 6 min. listen. Very clear, very chilling. Good info and perspective to have in our back pockets. https://snyder.substack.com/p/trumps-military-dictatorship-budget. I keep on calling. And I just moved to a new county in Massachusetts so I'm getting together with women friends in a new postcarding group! Calling Calling of course. Keep going everyone!!
Agree about Dan Pfeiffer.
RIGHT! He's so smart. I like his stuff. But enough is enough. He's just making people anxious now. And who are the others? I think we should call them out!
Thank you. I will read later. He lost me a while back. Wasn't he going to do a podcast with Kellyanne Conway a few years ago?
My two cents: I love Dan and the POD. I also love Simon and Hopium. We all have the right to be pissed off but I think it’s a mistake to pile on Dan. He is naturally more pessimistic and also smart. We should pay attention to his takes. My faves include the Bulwark esp Sarah Longwell and Tim Miller. Personally I am focusing my anger on the Rs and the Trumpies. Go team!
May I offer a counter-argument about Dan Pfeiffer? I have found his Message Box very on point, especially lately. He made a compelling argument about how/why Platner could win in Maine. Today’s post about the unpopularity of the Democrats was revealing, not judgmental. For example, Pfeiffer noted that the unpopularity comes from Democrats themselves, which is a net positive. In other words, the antipathy is not growing among the broader public. And he acknowledges that Democrats are very well positioned for 2026, but need to work for 2028.
You are right. I love this conversation. I am usually more measured about listening to all opinions. But I am having a moment these days.... Thanks to you and Roberta for your thoughts.
LOL Kate, I can comment for you. What would you like me to say? I have stopped reading his column for the most part for this very reason.
Hi Lisa, Thank you for this. You are a kindred spirit. I am so impressed with the work you're doing and I am always inspired by your comments. At this point I have calmed down and read Dan thoughtfully. I am committed to LESS reactivity at this point in my life and like to think of myself as a careful listener... So I think I'll just keep quiet and use Dan's post as education now and then. Rock on sister! We have work to do. As you say "Keep going"!
Regarding the War on Science, I am glad that you are in close collaboration with Collette Delawalla, Ph.D. (she announced that she received her Ph.D. Last week, Mazel Tov to her!) leader of Stand Up for Science. The proposed OMB rules and the proposed budget cuts are horrifying, and will destroy US science. I’m glad that this issue is one of the fundamental pillars of Hopium. There was The 2026 Weather and Climate Livestream over the past two days (https://wclivestream.com/) - 50 hours of short presentations about climate and weather research, gripping for a scientist Iike myself and also very approachable for laypeople - aimed at generating congressional calls and emails to stop the carnage. Please join in, and I look forward to Simon’s latest take on this issue.
I just saw (via ScienceAdvisor) that 4,668 comments on the OMB science rules were received in just the first week! OMB is required to respond to each unique comment, so keep at it! I’ve been involved in some Environmental Impact Reports where we buried the EIR under thousands of substantive comments, so this can work. https://fight2win.standupforscience.net/
Just a quick comment. You, and many others, have been working to recruit and support candidates across the country. But I'd like to point out that Ken Martin has been working to do that, too, working to make sure Dems are running in ALL races within a state, giving state parties funds to build their infrastructure, and visiting many states himself to recruit. In the background, he has been getting the work done to get a REAL 50-state policy off the ground in the DNC. Just because he doesn't bloviate doesn't mean he isn't fighting!
I don't think you need to tell Simon about Ken Martin.
He is a BIG advocate (also a friend i think) and rightly so!
Democrats need to stay unified in their messaging, lay it out like you have.
Good to see you here Michelle!
Thank you, my dear friend.
Keep spreading the good word, and keep up the good fight! Yes, Georgia and the dream team is back, we are unified! 💙 http://election.com
Electjon.com
Simon, thank you for last night's great discussion.
OMG, that YouGov chart comparing Trump's first and current terms! Any semi-sane administration would be focused on trying to fix that: lift the tariffs, leave Iran, stop with the vanity projects. But Trump is not even semi-sane so he can't. (PS: Susie Wiles is the least effective Chief of Staff ever.)
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to say that Trump is seriously out of touch with reality and needs to be removed. I'm writing postcards to Ohio voters today. I'm going to write some extra ones because I'm so mad at Trump telling Caitlin Collins she's supposed to smile. (Hint: women are not here to smile.)
I literally can not wait until Caitlin Collins writes a book about covering this idiot. I will be first in line to buy it.
Thank you for writing post cards for Ohio. As a native Ohioan I assure you that we can help those who regret their previous choices. The hardest choice will be governor because of the sad misogyny and racism. They won't know how to vote without a yt male available 🤦♀️
Here's something that is bad for consumers and Republicans (but will help Dems): "The oil industry is warning the Trump administration that a Hormuz-sized hole in the world’s petroleum market is steadily draining inventories to levels that are likely to send global energy prices surging in the next several weeks, according to four executives."
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/04/oil-price-spike-white-house-hormuz-00949435
Simon, thanks for our meeting last night. I'm listening to Joe Walsh right now (yes, that Joe Walsh) and he pointed out that there were some ICE vehicles around polling places in CA on Tuesday. In the past, I've done tons of postcarding, poll greeting, phonebanking and boiler room work on the backend, but never served as poll observer/watcher, although I've been trained. This year, I will volunteer to do this in the midterms here in VA, and God help me if we see ICE vehicles there.
Speaking of, my postcards for VA-01 and VA-02 are due to arrive today from Postcards to Swing States. This week, I joined a Zoom presentation from Field Team 6 because I want to get involved in voter registration drives here in VA and FT6 are considered tops in that area. Unfortunately, at the moment, they don't have any registration efforts going on here in VA. Does anyone know of any? I saw that a few folks asked Simon about voter reg in the chat/Q&A last night.
Thanks, Claire
Fairfax County Dems do voter registration among many other activities. I have participated in efforts at George Mason U. and Northern Virginia Community College.
https://secure.ngpvan.com/HoeYjeWoF06BLYLOpaahmA2?Source=WebMenu
Hi, Leon. I've been involved with Arlington County Dems, but I think Fairfax does more in terms of voter reg. I just retired from teaching at NOVA, so now there won't be any conflict of interest. Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info Leon. I sent in the form to volunteer for voter reg.
Thank you, Simon, for another encouraging and energizing get-together yesterday evening.
Self-report: This morning I called my representative on the Ukraine Support Act and my senators on ICE/CBP funding. I also emailed my senators on Pulte and Blanche. Yesterday evening I donated to Turek in my state of Iowa, and I write postcards daily. I'm happy to be retired so I have time.
Daily calls are in to R members of Congress on the points referenced in Hopium today.
Thank you, Simon, for being one of the first to support "Stand Up for Science" and Colette. I appreciate your time to coach/guide Colette to get through what must be so many tough challenges. I joined the SUFS organization right away, too, since I work-write and draw about scientific research. After all, "If we don't fight, we don't win."
Self report. Hopium's Craig Peters and I will join a zoom call tonight led by the national group Renew Democracy 250. He will soon be making a presentation about the resolutions that are being passed in PA and perhaps elsewhere. In addition to the Yardley Borough resolution that recently was adopted, the Bucks County Commission will be voting on a resolution on July 1. The Bucks County PA Commission includes Hopium-supported Commissioner Bob Harvey who is running for U.S. Congress in PA-01.
link about the national grassroots organization — https://renewdemocracy250.com/
link about the zoom call(s), including RSVP — https://renewdemocracy250.com/thursday-call/
Amazing! Please report back on how it goes!
You folks have been and continue to be so awesome on this important effort! Thanks for all your hard work and inspiration.
I learned about Josh Turek's story last night. Thanks for adding the campaign video in today's post. It's inspiring to me to see people born with a disability rise so high. I added another $10 one time to his campaign. Postcarding today, later when I'm watching the Stanley Cup game.
I think he can be a great example of running Dems that fit what their states want, and his progressive opponent as an example of the pitfall progressives fall into by making fighting the Dem party and leaders central to their campaign as opposed to providing a vision of what progressive policies will mean for people (e.g. Mamdani)
So pleased he is running. People need to see people w disabilities in higher office, there are not nearly enough of them. He will be the second senator to use a wheelchair, which is just fantastic.
It’s not clear how to gift paid subscriptions. Can you put a link? Manage subscription just gives option to cancel
Try this - https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/subscribe?gift=true
Thank you! S
Dan Pfeiffer has frequently played it this way. He is smart but lies in wait and pounces. Not a team player imo
It’s money first. That’s how he and too many others make a juicy living.
Great news for democracy