So glad you're back home, Simon. Hope you had some success fishing yesterday. Looking forward to the meeting with Stuart Stevens this afternoon. Love it when you two get together.
1. Create a forum where the Dems are seen as speaking with one voice
Hold weekly or periodic press briefings where your best Democratic leadership speakers and allies speak to current events. Use it as an opportunity to talk about what Democrats believe and will do. Don't try and do too much in each press conference. See what works.
It’s great for individual members of Congress to appear on different media platforms but lacking is a sense of the Dems speaking unified together. There’s no “there” there.
2. Dems need to find a way to ease out anyone over 75 from running again. Dems need new voices, energy, and ideas. It also helps to re-brand the Dems and gain more appeal . Is it fair? Maybe not. Will it help? ,Yes. Play to win. Anyway, what’s so fair about a political system that has built in advantages for incumbents that are difficult for challengers to overcome?
Protested yesterday in South St Louis. Maybe 150 people. Way down from enormous crowds previously but that's to be expected. An older crowd for sure. Multiple protests in the metro area.
Jerry Nadler leading the way. In his statement yesterday that he won't seek re-election, he suggested its time to turn the generational dial, or words to that effect
Nadler, 78, told the New York Times in an interview published Monday he was convinced it was time for generational change and that a younger person “can maybe do better, can maybe help us more.”
Glad Simon is live with an interview today. I believe Trump is making some type of announcement at 2 eastern today. Whatever it is, I’ll be glad to hear it discussed.
It is said it's about the Department of Defense. Probably his "rapid response force", or whatever they are calling it. He also might announce the name is now "Department of War". Something stupid and depressing.
I'm glad everyone is back at it. I've been writing postcards for Mikie Sherrill's race, focussed on voter registration. Not really time to do much more than that at the moment. But I'm very grateful when I see everyones' ambitious efforts.
Simon, thanks for the renewed focus! I hope you'll record and post your talk with Stuart; I'm going to miss it due to an appointment. A court just ruled Trump's use of National Guard in California violates the posse comitatus.
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen about RFK taking the COVID vaccine, developed with American tax dollars, away from so many Americans. I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters today.
Called Senators Cortez Masto & Rosen to urge them to fire RFKJ right now. Had to leave a VM with CCM's office, but I got a live person at Rosen's office who was very nice. Hope it helps.
And I'm sorry, Simon, but I am going to be that person again...
Please, everyone, while you're helping VA & NJ, please also help with the PA Supreme Court races this November. If the three justices who are up are not retained, there will be a 2-2 D/R deadlock on the court...which will be a real problem when (not if) the Sore Loser MAGA Republicans sue when they lose at the ballot box.
VA has Dem candidates running in all 100 House of Delegates districts. See article above. 27 of them get NO funding from VA Dems. Consider contributing through Charles GABA’s VA Value Pack 27: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/vavaluepack27
I just called my two AZ senators to remind them of the four items in the Hopium agenda. Especially firing RFK Jr. I let them know that as a Registered Respiratory Therapist his mandates against vaccines are unacceptable and a danger to all of our health. I don't know why more in my profession are not speaking out. Flu and COVID viruses can easily turn into secondary bacterial infections leading to pneumonia. People still die from pneumonia. I also called Senator Cassidy's office even though I'm not a constituent of his to let him know he's responsible for RFK Jr as head of HHS.
Simon, can you provide a link to sign up for Wednesday's Hopium meeting.
Your post leaves one with the impression that flu and Covid vaccines are not available. Flu vaccines are most certainly available, and the approval of the 2025-2026 update to Covid is coming soon.
I didn't say the vaccines weren't available. RFK JR wants to limit the COVID vaccine to those over 65 and high risk individuals. I don't like that he's unilaterally making choices for the public because of his ideology. That is not in the best interest of the health of the general public.
13 states and DC currently require prescriptions. Besides Florida, New York, Arizona, and Pennsylvania require them. In three states—Massachusetts, New Mexico and Nevada—pharmacies cannot administer the COVID vaccine without ACIP approval, even WITH a prescription. (ACIP > Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) That panel will meet later this month, and is expected to approve the updated vaccine.
Thomas not excited about these posts today. They are downplaying the significance of what Kennedy and his team is doing to undermine the vaccine regime in the US - the whole regime - which caused the mass exodus out of the CDC last week and threw America into a public health emergency. As a DC resident under 65 I can no longer get a vaccine without a Rx, unlike every other vaccine widely available. Why? What's the science here? There is no science here. Why did we stop funding the mRNA vaccines which literally just saved tens if not hundreds of millions of lives? If you are going to play here you need to provide back up, links etc to everything you are writing and be clear what groups you are referring when you make assertions about availability. I want to be clear it is simply unacceptable for anyone here to soft peddle what Trump and Kennedy are doing right now. The COVID vaccine is NO LONGER WIDELY AVAILABLE. Please be clear about that. There will be no anti-science here.
If it appears I am downplaying the significance of the policies, it is because my more immediate concern is human health and well-being.
mingo's first post left me with an impression that flu and Covid vaccines -- and they mentioned flu -- would not be available. I was concerned that anyone might get a misconception, since that is not true.
Before posting back to mingo, I contacted my county health department (GA), and found that I could get a Moderna Covid booster if I wanted one right away. My nine doses have been Pfizer, so I'd like to think I could get that one at my pharmacy when the latest booster gets approved.
As for links, I'll go back and edit what my search for states requiring prescriptions brought me. If you think there is something else I need to do, please let me know.
I logged on to Walgreens to schedule the flu and Covid vaccines for me and my husband (we live in Illinois) like we've been doing for several years. There's now a notice under the Covid option that says "The 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine is for everyone ages 65 and older and patients under 65 with certain health conditions and/or risk factors. Patients should ensure that at least two months have passed since their last dose." Then there's a link with a list to the different risk factors/conditions that could apply to a heck of a lot of folks in this country under 65 (especially physically inactive: that fits us couch potatoes to a T). I went ahead and made the appointments. I'm interested to see what others' experiences are like in different states because I've heard some can't even get appointments. One thing I'm concerned about is insurance coverage and how that plays out. We can absorb the costs, but many can't.
Thank you for the terrific call to action, Simon. This must have taken ages to write.
I believe my senators are already on health care so I am going to focus my calls on ICE today. Because I am from Minneapolis, I’m also going to suggest they add an assault weapons ban.
That's a good question. It seems to be that the totals raised haven't increased very much? I get emails and texts constantly (as we all do) directly from the candidates, but I always donate directly through Hopium so that it increases our totals here.
I resumed calls to my Republican congressman and Senator Cruz, reminding them of their responsibility to set tariffs, not the President. I also urged them to stop the ICE rampage against immigrants who have done nothing wrong, mentioning that we are headed into an autocracy.
I donated to Graham Platner — new candidate running for Susan Collins seat in Maine. Interesting working class candidate who seems to have remarkable momentum already.
You’re inspiring me instead of fear I know I have a voice and am working hard for Kelly Perry Hyland in our local Suffolk County Legislature in New York. She is fighting hard against a lying Trump republican incumbent.
Thanks Simon for giving me more hope and adrenaline.
I’m wanting to donate to Sherrod Brown. Is there a reason his campaign is not listed in the fundraising goals?
Simon explained that for now he's focusing on must win races.
Thank you for letting me know. Nevertheless, I’ve become a monthly donor. I’ve already supported the other campaigns.
Me too!!!!
So glad you're back home, Simon. Hope you had some success fishing yesterday. Looking forward to the meeting with Stuart Stevens this afternoon. Love it when you two get together.
Two things Democrats could do.
1. Create a forum where the Dems are seen as speaking with one voice
Hold weekly or periodic press briefings where your best Democratic leadership speakers and allies speak to current events. Use it as an opportunity to talk about what Democrats believe and will do. Don't try and do too much in each press conference. See what works.
It’s great for individual members of Congress to appear on different media platforms but lacking is a sense of the Dems speaking unified together. There’s no “there” there.
2. Dems need to find a way to ease out anyone over 75 from running again. Dems need new voices, energy, and ideas. It also helps to re-brand the Dems and gain more appeal . Is it fair? Maybe not. Will it help? ,Yes. Play to win. Anyway, what’s so fair about a political system that has built in advantages for incumbents that are difficult for challengers to overcome?
Protested yesterday in South St Louis. Maybe 150 people. Way down from enormous crowds previously but that's to be expected. An older crowd for sure. Multiple protests in the metro area.
Jerry Nadler leading the way. In his statement yesterday that he won't seek re-election, he suggested its time to turn the generational dial, or words to that effect
Nadler is 78 and was first elected in 1992.
Nadler, 78, told the New York Times in an interview published Monday he was convinced it was time for generational change and that a younger person “can maybe do better, can maybe help us more.”
Was not aware of this, thanks for sharing. Yes, it's time!
Glad Simon is live with an interview today. I believe Trump is making some type of announcement at 2 eastern today. Whatever it is, I’ll be glad to hear it discussed.
It is said it's about the Department of Defense. Probably his "rapid response force", or whatever they are calling it. He also might announce the name is now "Department of War". Something stupid and depressing.
Subtext: I'm not dead.
Well yeah that too. But they’ve had enough time to get the android clone up and running, so we’ll never know.
"I'm not dead yet. I'm feeling much better."
In fact I’d like to go for a walk! Monty Python & the Holy Grail.
Space Command going to Huntsville. Cause their shit don't stink, I was told in 77. Really a way to punsh blue and reward red.
I've mistaken recent pics of Trump - fat face, bulbous nose/mouth agape - for W.C. Fields.
I'm glad everyone is back at it. I've been writing postcards for Mikie Sherrill's race, focussed on voter registration. Not really time to do much more than that at the moment. But I'm very grateful when I see everyones' ambitious efforts.
I was calling my senators and rep even during the recess. No matter what, they won't hear the last of me!
Simon, thanks for the renewed focus! I hope you'll record and post your talk with Stuart; I'm going to miss it due to an appointment. A court just ruled Trump's use of National Guard in California violates the posse comitatus.
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen about RFK taking the COVID vaccine, developed with American tax dollars, away from so many Americans. I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters today.
Called Senators Cortez Masto & Rosen to urge them to fire RFKJ right now. Had to leave a VM with CCM's office, but I got a live person at Rosen's office who was very nice. Hope it helps.
And I'm sorry, Simon, but I am going to be that person again...
Please, everyone, while you're helping VA & NJ, please also help with the PA Supreme Court races this November. If the three justices who are up are not retained, there will be a 2-2 D/R deadlock on the court...which will be a real problem when (not if) the Sore Loser MAGA Republicans sue when they lose at the ballot box.
LFG!
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/8/27/2275167/-Don-t-let-this-Virginia-disaster-happen-again
VA has Dem candidates running in all 100 House of Delegates districts. See article above. 27 of them get NO funding from VA Dems. Consider contributing through Charles GABA’s VA Value Pack 27: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/vavaluepack27
I just called my two AZ senators to remind them of the four items in the Hopium agenda. Especially firing RFK Jr. I let them know that as a Registered Respiratory Therapist his mandates against vaccines are unacceptable and a danger to all of our health. I don't know why more in my profession are not speaking out. Flu and COVID viruses can easily turn into secondary bacterial infections leading to pneumonia. People still die from pneumonia. I also called Senator Cassidy's office even though I'm not a constituent of his to let him know he's responsible for RFK Jr as head of HHS.
Simon, can you provide a link to sign up for Wednesday's Hopium meeting.
Your post leaves one with the impression that flu and Covid vaccines are not available. Flu vaccines are most certainly available, and the approval of the 2025-2026 update to Covid is coming soon.
I didn't say the vaccines weren't available. RFK JR wants to limit the COVID vaccine to those over 65 and high risk individuals. I don't like that he's unilaterally making choices for the public because of his ideology. That is not in the best interest of the health of the general public.
In Florida you need a prescription to get a Covid vaccine. How stupid is that?
13 states and DC currently require prescriptions. Besides Florida, New York, Arizona, and Pennsylvania require them. In three states—Massachusetts, New Mexico and Nevada—pharmacies cannot administer the COVID vaccine without ACIP approval, even WITH a prescription. (ACIP > Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) That panel will meet later this month, and is expected to approve the updated vaccine.
https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/cvs-health-walgreens-shift-covid-vaccine-policies-providers-say-new-fda-criteria-creates
Thomas not excited about these posts today. They are downplaying the significance of what Kennedy and his team is doing to undermine the vaccine regime in the US - the whole regime - which caused the mass exodus out of the CDC last week and threw America into a public health emergency. As a DC resident under 65 I can no longer get a vaccine without a Rx, unlike every other vaccine widely available. Why? What's the science here? There is no science here. Why did we stop funding the mRNA vaccines which literally just saved tens if not hundreds of millions of lives? If you are going to play here you need to provide back up, links etc to everything you are writing and be clear what groups you are referring when you make assertions about availability. I want to be clear it is simply unacceptable for anyone here to soft peddle what Trump and Kennedy are doing right now. The COVID vaccine is NO LONGER WIDELY AVAILABLE. Please be clear about that. There will be no anti-science here.
If it appears I am downplaying the significance of the policies, it is because my more immediate concern is human health and well-being.
mingo's first post left me with an impression that flu and Covid vaccines -- and they mentioned flu -- would not be available. I was concerned that anyone might get a misconception, since that is not true.
Before posting back to mingo, I contacted my county health department (GA), and found that I could get a Moderna Covid booster if I wanted one right away. My nine doses have been Pfizer, so I'd like to think I could get that one at my pharmacy when the latest booster gets approved.
As for links, I'll go back and edit what my search for states requiring prescriptions brought me. If you think there is something else I need to do, please let me know.
I logged on to Walgreens to schedule the flu and Covid vaccines for me and my husband (we live in Illinois) like we've been doing for several years. There's now a notice under the Covid option that says "The 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine is for everyone ages 65 and older and patients under 65 with certain health conditions and/or risk factors. Patients should ensure that at least two months have passed since their last dose." Then there's a link with a list to the different risk factors/conditions that could apply to a heck of a lot of folks in this country under 65 (especially physically inactive: that fits us couch potatoes to a T). I went ahead and made the appointments. I'm interested to see what others' experiences are like in different states because I've heard some can't even get appointments. One thing I'm concerned about is insurance coverage and how that plays out. We can absorb the costs, but many can't.
(Like)
Thank you for the terrific call to action, Simon. This must have taken ages to write.
I believe my senators are already on health care so I am going to focus my calls on ICE today. Because I am from Minneapolis, I’m also going to suggest they add an assault weapons ban.
I made my calls, and I also told Senator Klobuchar that I wanted to see her name among the Dems who are ferociously fighting back.
Simon, are the "amounts listed" as raised for our selected candidates updated each day or week?
That's a good question. It seems to be that the totals raised haven't increased very much? I get emails and texts constantly (as we all do) directly from the candidates, but I always donate directly through Hopium so that it increases our totals here.
Great Labor Day gathering in San Francisco yesterday. I'd say the theme was "All together now!" Gonna take all, in their own ways. https://happening-here.blogspot.com/2025/09/san-francisco-labor-day-2025.html
I resumed calls to my Republican congressman and Senator Cruz, reminding them of their responsibility to set tariffs, not the President. I also urged them to stop the ICE rampage against immigrants who have done nothing wrong, mentioning that we are headed into an autocracy.
Are any of these guys aware and do they care?
I donated to Graham Platner — new candidate running for Susan Collins seat in Maine. Interesting working class candidate who seems to have remarkable momentum already.
You’re inspiring me instead of fear I know I have a voice and am working hard for Kelly Perry Hyland in our local Suffolk County Legislature in New York. She is fighting hard against a lying Trump republican incumbent.
Thanks Simon for giving me more hope and adrenaline.