The poll question - “What is the MOST important issue” really bothers me when it gets interpreted as THIS is the only issue we should campaign on, The “kitchen table” versus “democracy” framing is the exemplar. We can campaign on more than one issue at a time, and indeed, need to! “Either-Or” should become “Yes-And.”
The next sentence in G. Elliot Morris' newsletter today will let you feel less bothered:
"When we let respondents name their top three problems, instead of forcing them to pick one, the gap widens further: 62% select prices, 40% name jobs and the economy, and 33% pick health care. Elections and democracy comes fourth at 25%."
Thank you for referring to that, I’ll turn my bother dial down a bit, but the interpretation and operationalization by the “consultant” class (or at least some of them) leaves a to to be desired. I think democracy is a bedrock issue that allows for progress in every other area. And it gets many former Republicans on board (i.e. Bulwark crew).
Yup, especially in its varied framings. Morris uses elections & democracy. I've seen it show up as democracy & rule of law, democracy & corruption, etc. In any combination, it's in the top few issues people care about.
Democracy and civil rights and civil liberties is a top tier voting issue for many many voters and should be treated that way by the family. No Kings is a voting issue, not just kitchen table issues.
The “Either-Or” framing pervades our society - I come across it frequently in environmental science where the issues are inherently multivariate and misinterpretation abounds. At our (and many species’) peril.
For we need to be clear what this data says - that Dems should be talking about prices, the economy, democracy, and health care. All of them. Even with inflation at 39% it means 61% have a different issue that matters to them and we must be talking to them too. It's not a choice, it is an "and" and yes I think this has become, somehow, confusing to people.
Of course, they are not unrelated. High prices are a result of the corruption of our democracy. Corruption is simply stealing taxpayer money. Evidently, corruption is breaking through to the apolitical as a key issue. A cool commercial might be an invoice Trump sends to each American of what we have paid him, or what he wants us to pay for. So, I just divided 1.8 billion by 160 million taxpayers. It's about $11 a person. It could go on and on to a total of what he wants EACH of us to pay him, except his cronies. Bringing the corruption home may help. Staggering numbers don't stagger anymore. Just a thought.
Your reference to the consultant class is also a concern of mine. Simon often mentions the narrow focus (blinders?) of the consultant class. He, and many others, have also criticized them, for their strategy in 2024 presidential election.
My concern is leadership might well be too sclerotic to move away from their old-fashioned approach. We can't afford to miss the opportunity presented by the midterms, and if adjustments aren't made this cycle but we still win the House and hopefully the Senate due to a desperately compromised GOP... then there will be even less incentive to make change for 2028.
I just hope these issues are really being wrestled with, and action behind the scenes will show our concerns to be unfounded.
G. Elliott Morris is not a member of the "consultant class," which is a group of pundits who opine on political issues. Morris is dedicated to the numbers (hence the name of his book and his Substack) and goes where they lead. He was accurate on the Virginia and New Jersey governors' races when so many people predicted those would be close.
Remember when then TX-governor Risk Perry was running for prez on 3 policies. And he could only remember 2? That's why you don't take a shotgun approach to messaging. & "democracy" was not a winning issue in 2016 or 2024. But "it's the economy, stupid" worked to focus Dems in 1992.
I think we've seen that "Yes-And" strategy discussed and employed by the many House and Senate candidates Hopium has endorsed and is supporting. In the interviews Simon has conducted, the candidates have raised numerous issues--inflation, jobs, healthcare, corruption, the importance of strengthening our democracy--that they are discussing with voters on the campaign trail. So, while polls may try to parse issues into bits and try to force respondents into saying one item is more important than the others, our candidates don't appear to be doing that. They are listening to a wide range of voter concerns and responding to them. At least, that's what I've seen in these interviews. If voters tell candidates that inflation is killing them, then candidates need to pay attention to that. But it doesn't mean they can't also say that a corrupt administration is one reason inflation is so high--tariffs, a stupid war in Iran, etc.
The recent developments in New Jersey will give our County Councilmembers more reason to support an ordinance to restrict detention facilities in the county. It should be noted: a recently elected Democrat from a rural district is leading the effort. My sense is that there is potentially widespread support for restricting detention centers among rural folks, and this Councilmember knows her constituents.
The ordinance is scheduled to be taken up this afternoon. I'm planning to attend, even though public comment is not allowed at this particular hearing. In lieu of that, I'd like to make a plug for getting to know your local officeholders. I've been working on this for over a year now. When four of the Councilmembers see me in chambers today, they will know that I'm cheering them on.
Hawaii has passed a law to over-ride CItizens United in their state. Ali Velshi reported on it this weekend. Imagine a world where Citizens United became irrelevant. Fingers crossed that this law will stand up to the inevitable appeals. Fifteen other states, including California and New York are pursuing this idea as well. Bring it on!
I'm so excited to see that these states are fighting back on Citizens United and not waiting on 'taking back the house'.
So much of what is going on has made me feel sort of helpless, but this is an example of states being creative and addressing issues much more quickly than I was expecting.
It got me thinking about the antisemitism conversation that we need to have. Ross' recent book is "The Secret War Against Hate: American Resistance to Antisemitism and White Supremacy"
There are whole generations who have no idea that hate and violence against Blacks and Jews went together throughout the US 1900s, that white Christian supremacists plotted and carried out violence against both (but the different groups weren't united till 2016. Prior to that, he describes them as suffering from the "too many fuhrers" problem).
I will never understand how ignorant most politicians are regarding Tech/IT. There must be someone in the center or on the left that understands what's been happening right under their noses.
Donating to Ohio, even though when we went to vote in the Primary, for District 12, Court of Appeals, there were 2 Republicans running unapposed. Unchallenged!! We just turned around and went back home.
That's a state party issue. Dems can't win if they don't run.
This is one of the benefits of Doug Jones running for Gov in AL. He's put together a Change ticket. I heard that there's a Dem running for every seat in AL. I'm not sure it's THAT complete. But even if it's just every STATEWIDE seat, that's a big improvement.
I called my representatives to say the president is out of touch with reality and must be removed from office. I'm writing postcards to Ohio voters today.
Thanks for covering the ugly scene at Delaney Hall, where Sen. Kim was pepper sprayed & injured while trying to deescalate a standoff in which ICE was trying to move protestors by pressing forward with armored vehicles. He has been inside multiple times, twice just this past weekend. Four other House members from NJ were there - Rob Menendez, Nellie Pou, LaMonica McIver and Analilia Mejia - as was Gov. Sherrill, who was NOT permitted in the building. This fact alone made national news. She's pissed off, and we should all be. And let's not overlook the fact that the reason they were all there is the brave, relentless advocacy of folks on the ground, in particular the wife of one of the detainees, who's been there since winter. I've been saying all along - people underestimate Andy Kim bc of his small stature and quiet demeanor, but he is a total badass who took on the political machine here in NJ--and I am not at all surprised that he was there standing up for constituents. This is why elections matter, folks--none of these people would be in office if we hadn't knocked doors, made calls, and turned out at the ballot box.
Paxton is a vile piece of trash, and I can't wait to see Talarico send him packing. Off to DC tomorrow to see Bruce, so will miss the call - I'll report back anything of note. Will also see his final show of the tour in Philly on Sat.
I hope you enjoy the show, Lisa. I’ve been a fan for decades and am very grateful for his voice in this moment. Got to see him in southern CA last month.
I appreciate your posts. Thank you for all you’re doing!
People just need to understand that what they have to do is get out and vote. If you’re worried about going to voting voting groups that them can be the most help by helping to provide transportation to people. I wish I could do some of that, but I’m still in the hospital, but I’m looking forward to putting my vote in and hoping that enough people will that we can get back to the country that I think most of us love not perfect for sure working on it.
The poll question - “What is the MOST important issue” really bothers me when it gets interpreted as THIS is the only issue we should campaign on, The “kitchen table” versus “democracy” framing is the exemplar. We can campaign on more than one issue at a time, and indeed, need to! “Either-Or” should become “Yes-And.”
The next sentence in G. Elliot Morris' newsletter today will let you feel less bothered:
"When we let respondents name their top three problems, instead of forcing them to pick one, the gap widens further: 62% select prices, 40% name jobs and the economy, and 33% pick health care. Elections and democracy comes fourth at 25%."
Thank you for referring to that, I’ll turn my bother dial down a bit, but the interpretation and operationalization by the “consultant” class (or at least some of them) leaves a to to be desired. I think democracy is a bedrock issue that allows for progress in every other area. And it gets many former Republicans on board (i.e. Bulwark crew).
Yup, especially in its varied framings. Morris uses elections & democracy. I've seen it show up as democracy & rule of law, democracy & corruption, etc. In any combination, it's in the top few issues people care about.
Democracy and civil rights and civil liberties is a top tier voting issue for many many voters and should be treated that way by the family. No Kings is a voting issue, not just kitchen table issues.
Thanks Simon - that is why I am here at Hopium and out on the streets every week.
The “Either-Or” framing pervades our society - I come across it frequently in environmental science where the issues are inherently multivariate and misinterpretation abounds. At our (and many species’) peril.
For we need to be clear what this data says - that Dems should be talking about prices, the economy, democracy, and health care. All of them. Even with inflation at 39% it means 61% have a different issue that matters to them and we must be talking to them too. It's not a choice, it is an "and" and yes I think this has become, somehow, confusing to people.
Of course, they are not unrelated. High prices are a result of the corruption of our democracy. Corruption is simply stealing taxpayer money. Evidently, corruption is breaking through to the apolitical as a key issue. A cool commercial might be an invoice Trump sends to each American of what we have paid him, or what he wants us to pay for. So, I just divided 1.8 billion by 160 million taxpayers. It's about $11 a person. It could go on and on to a total of what he wants EACH of us to pay him, except his cronies. Bringing the corruption home may help. Staggering numbers don't stagger anymore. Just a thought.
Your reference to the consultant class is also a concern of mine. Simon often mentions the narrow focus (blinders?) of the consultant class. He, and many others, have also criticized them, for their strategy in 2024 presidential election.
My concern is leadership might well be too sclerotic to move away from their old-fashioned approach. We can't afford to miss the opportunity presented by the midterms, and if adjustments aren't made this cycle but we still win the House and hopefully the Senate due to a desperately compromised GOP... then there will be even less incentive to make change for 2028.
I just hope these issues are really being wrestled with, and action behind the scenes will show our concerns to be unfounded.
Yes! And what is this stuff about Ken Martin and the report????
Hold leadership feet to the proverbial fire - that's our job. :)
G. Elliott Morris is not a member of the "consultant class," which is a group of pundits who opine on political issues. Morris is dedicated to the numbers (hence the name of his book and his Substack) and goes where they lead. He was accurate on the Virginia and New Jersey governors' races when so many people predicted those would be close.
Remember when then TX-governor Risk Perry was running for prez on 3 policies. And he could only remember 2? That's why you don't take a shotgun approach to messaging. & "democracy" was not a winning issue in 2016 or 2024. But "it's the economy, stupid" worked to focus Dems in 1992.
He was going to shut down 3 federal agencies. One was Energy, but he couldn't remember it. Then some idiot made that idiot Secretary of Energy.
I think we've seen that "Yes-And" strategy discussed and employed by the many House and Senate candidates Hopium has endorsed and is supporting. In the interviews Simon has conducted, the candidates have raised numerous issues--inflation, jobs, healthcare, corruption, the importance of strengthening our democracy--that they are discussing with voters on the campaign trail. So, while polls may try to parse issues into bits and try to force respondents into saying one item is more important than the others, our candidates don't appear to be doing that. They are listening to a wide range of voter concerns and responding to them. At least, that's what I've seen in these interviews. If voters tell candidates that inflation is killing them, then candidates need to pay attention to that. But it doesn't mean they can't also say that a corrupt administration is one reason inflation is so high--tariffs, a stupid war in Iran, etc.
thank you, NCDems for using the felon's quote against him in your ad. Could more Dems, or Democratically-aligned superpacs, etc do this please?
The Pope has been one of the bright spots. I'm a Twins fan... but I'll cheer for the White Sox at least just a little bit.
I agree about the Pope being a bright spot! I'm not Catholic, but we shouldn't discount how important his voice is in the world! Go White Sox! :)
Thank you for your report this morning.
The recent developments in New Jersey will give our County Councilmembers more reason to support an ordinance to restrict detention facilities in the county. It should be noted: a recently elected Democrat from a rural district is leading the effort. My sense is that there is potentially widespread support for restricting detention centers among rural folks, and this Councilmember knows her constituents.
The ordinance is scheduled to be taken up this afternoon. I'm planning to attend, even though public comment is not allowed at this particular hearing. In lieu of that, I'd like to make a plug for getting to know your local officeholders. I've been working on this for over a year now. When four of the Councilmembers see me in chambers today, they will know that I'm cheering them on.
Here is a link to the draft ordinance:
https://whatcom.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8035476&GUID=50E5A067-DC1B-4A57-A725-4FECB4FA8D3B#docaccess-7e3a9ccd32c0da566fa1b86b287fd2bd
Hawaii has passed a law to over-ride CItizens United in their state. Ali Velshi reported on it this weekend. Imagine a world where Citizens United became irrelevant. Fingers crossed that this law will stand up to the inevitable appeals. Fifteen other states, including California and New York are pursuing this idea as well. Bring it on!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBGpEcPrbso
Montana is also pursuing this.
Yes, Velshi mentions Montana. It's coming up in November, right?
I'm so excited to see that these states are fighting back on Citizens United and not waiting on 'taking back the house'.
So much of what is going on has made me feel sort of helpless, but this is an example of states being creative and addressing issues much more quickly than I was expecting.
Last night's Rachel Maddow hour showed her interview with Steven J Ross at the 92nd St Y in NYC. On YouTube, it's audio only: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Elebwq3VjqU
It got me thinking about the antisemitism conversation that we need to have. Ross' recent book is "The Secret War Against Hate: American Resistance to Antisemitism and White Supremacy"
https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/secret-war-against-hate-9781635578010/
There are whole generations who have no idea that hate and violence against Blacks and Jews went together throughout the US 1900s, that white Christian supremacists plotted and carried out violence against both (but the different groups weren't united till 2016. Prior to that, he describes them as suffering from the "too many fuhrers" problem).
I will never understand how ignorant most politicians are regarding Tech/IT. There must be someone in the center or on the left that understands what's been happening right under their noses.
https://substack.com/@thiswillhold/note/p-194987381?r=2w2fkz
It's easier to understand when you look at their age.
Yes, but I'm 70 and I get it.
Donating to Ohio, even though when we went to vote in the Primary, for District 12, Court of Appeals, there were 2 Republicans running unapposed. Unchallenged!! We just turned around and went back home.
That's a state party issue. Dems can't win if they don't run.
This is one of the benefits of Doug Jones running for Gov in AL. He's put together a Change ticket. I heard that there's a Dem running for every seat in AL. I'm not sure it's THAT complete. But even if it's just every STATEWIDE seat, that's a big improvement.
"And Cornyn allies are furious that the president decided to jump in for the candidate they view as both morally objectionable..."
What do they expect from a "morally objectionable" president? Have they never heard the tale of the frog & the scorpion?
Simon, thank you; I love that ad!
I called my representatives to say the president is out of touch with reality and must be removed from office. I'm writing postcards to Ohio voters today.
Love the ad!
Now that we have 12 win-the-House candidates, is it time to raise the goal to 1.2 million?
Thanks for covering the ugly scene at Delaney Hall, where Sen. Kim was pepper sprayed & injured while trying to deescalate a standoff in which ICE was trying to move protestors by pressing forward with armored vehicles. He has been inside multiple times, twice just this past weekend. Four other House members from NJ were there - Rob Menendez, Nellie Pou, LaMonica McIver and Analilia Mejia - as was Gov. Sherrill, who was NOT permitted in the building. This fact alone made national news. She's pissed off, and we should all be. And let's not overlook the fact that the reason they were all there is the brave, relentless advocacy of folks on the ground, in particular the wife of one of the detainees, who's been there since winter. I've been saying all along - people underestimate Andy Kim bc of his small stature and quiet demeanor, but he is a total badass who took on the political machine here in NJ--and I am not at all surprised that he was there standing up for constituents. This is why elections matter, folks--none of these people would be in office if we hadn't knocked doors, made calls, and turned out at the ballot box.
Paxton is a vile piece of trash, and I can't wait to see Talarico send him packing. Off to DC tomorrow to see Bruce, so will miss the call - I'll report back anything of note. Will also see his final show of the tour in Philly on Sat.
Keep going!
I was at both MSG shows. I was very moved by them.
I hope you have a blast 'cause you deserve it!
I hope you enjoy the show, Lisa. I’ve been a fan for decades and am very grateful for his voice in this moment. Got to see him in southern CA last month.
I appreciate your posts. Thank you for all you’re doing!
Thank you. I will be writing a review of one or both upcoming shows, will share here if folks would like to read. :)
Andy Kim is a badass and I am so grateful for his part in killing the county line!!!
Enjoy DC and BRUCE!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’d love to read it!
People just need to understand that what they have to do is get out and vote. If you’re worried about going to voting voting groups that them can be the most help by helping to provide transportation to people. I wish I could do some of that, but I’m still in the hospital, but I’m looking forward to putting my vote in and hoping that enough people will that we can get back to the country that I think most of us love not perfect for sure working on it.
I hope you have a speedy recovery!
Thank you for your thoughtful note. I appreciate it. Sorry to be so long getting back.
Daily calls are in to WI Republican Members regarding the Ukraine support act, Iran, Epstein cover up and his never ending vanity projects.
What happened to Senator Kim, was a horrible, unfortunate experience! I hope he will recuperate quickly.
I've been calling my Two Congressmen and two Senators as well, reminding them the importance of passing the UKRAINE SUPPORT ACT HR2913.
I tell them, I will be calling everyday until the Bill is passed.
I know Senator Kim got pepper sprayed but how did his hand get injured? What happened to his hand?
It doesn't give any information about what happened to Senator Kim's hand?
Thank you. 🙂
Kendall Scutter is on MSNOW talking about politics in Tx: You literally have a criminal running against a choirboy.
Can't you just listen to that on a loop?