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Jul 13
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Cindy H's avatar

The truth is only the inner circle and those close to President Biden know the truth about his stamina and health. I will support enthusiastically whomever is running. I do hope that President Biden is treated with dignity and respect. Otherwise 😡😡😡😡

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Jul 13
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Cindy H's avatar

Excellent news!

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Jul 12
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Simon Rosenberg's avatar

I am removing this post because I am just not going to let the attacks on me happen today. All of you have to grow up. If you want to leave Hopium go ahead. But these petty, ridiculous attacks on me have to stop.

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Simon Rosenberg's avatar

Calling into question my loyalty to Joe Biden or democracy is beyond the pale, insulting, ridiculous and it has no place here. It is completely counter to everything I am trying to do here with all of you, encouraging folks to move on. Anyone who is unhappy with my approach today or this week just please leave but don't come in here spreading your negativity, frustration and anger. It is self-indulgent and time to move on.

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Sarah B's avatar

I just want to express my sincere gratitude for you, Simon. Every day, your message and perspective are my light. I appreciate you and what you're doing so much, and there's an army here that feels the same!

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L.J.'s avatar

I SO agree, you are a voice of hope and reason. Every day.

Thank you, thank you.

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Simon Rosenberg's avatar

You keep attacking me, pundits and Dem elites. I am spending my time going after Trump and MAGA. For that's how we win.

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Janet HB's avatar

Maybe part of the Russian disinformation çampaign you were talking about? If you’re a target, means you’re right. Sorry you have to put up with this nonsense.

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Susan Garrity Benton's avatar

It’s probably from pros hired to harass.

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Clever's avatar

Thank you for chiding us a bit for infighting last night. I’m going to stop fighting other Dems and focus on pro-Dem, Trump is a nightmare on SM. And of course continuing to knock doors and flip the House.

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Simon Rosenberg's avatar

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Colleen McGloughlin's avatar

What is a positive response when other voters ask us about congressional dems who are vocal in their desire for Biden to “step aside?” Beyond, “Every person gets to have an opinion.”

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Carolyn from IL's avatar

That's a fine response, IMO. You could then add that neither you nor they have any control over who is the Dem candidate, and that you are laser-focused on working to elect whoever the Dems run for president. Full stop.

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Colleen McGloughlin's avatar

Thanks for the fleshing out of my answer!

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ArcticStones's avatar

"Bless your heart, Senator Bennett."

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Colleen McGloughlin's avatar

Well, I like your idea, too!

Didn’t he have a very short-lived attempt at running for Pres? He’s not memorable to me.

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ArcticStones's avatar

True. I prefer Naftali Bennett, the successful prime minister who led Israel’s most diverse governing coalition.

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Impossible Santa Wife's avatar

Yes, he was in the field, along with the OTHER current Senator from Colorado (John Hickenlooper). 2020’s Democratic primary was packed like sardines.

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Colleen McGloughlin's avatar

Thanks. They kinda blended into one person for me. No offense to friends in CO! (Said one who lives in a state who voted for Tillis and Budd! Ack!)

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Fran's avatar

What I notice is that the media grossly overemphasizes those people for the purposes of drama. There are 213 House Democrats, 47 Senate Dems, and 4 Independents who caucus with Dems. That's 264 members vs. a handful that have come out publicly. The rumors and leaks are very undermining to our current candidate, regardless of what happens, IMHO.

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Carolyn from IL's avatar

Post Script: You could conclude by asking if they'd like to learn how they can get involved, too.

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Colleen McGloughlin's avatar

I like the way you think, Carolyn from IL.

I hope you have a great weekend! Heck, I hope we all do. Would be a nice change. 😉

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Grant Gerke's avatar

The party is discussing how to preserve democracy at this moment. And either candidate is going to beat the adjudicated rapist and 34x convicted felon.

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Skyman's Follies's avatar

Same here…last night’s meeting gave me a reset

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Sarah B's avatar

I also think it's important for us to be posting in the comments sections of the NY Times and WaPo, if we're subscribers. The infighting there has seemed to be legendary. I even stopped reading it because it's so demoralizing. I think it's an important message we all can be spreading that we need to unite and keep our eyes on the prize.

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ArcticStones's avatar

I’ve considered posting comments on right-wing sites such as the National Review, Fox and Breitbart. But given the humidity, I am already showering twice a day!

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Sarah B's avatar

Haha! Yes, that's a very good idea. I sometimes get obsessed with the National Review comments section (which you can read even if you're not a subscriber). Admittedly, I have not touched that site with a 10-foot pole since the debate, just couldn't deal. But there are a lot of anguished people on that site who aren't sure what to do. It couldn't hurt to put our perspectives in there. I think you just have to be prepared. There's a VERY active commenting community there and they will most definitely jump on what you say. I haven't thrown my hat in the ring yet because it will undoubtedly be a very large rabbit hole! Still, very good idea.

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Sarah B's avatar

One last thought on this -- this is more of a dynamic with the national review. They have a smaller user base and very active commenters. You actually get to know their different voices if you read them enough! Fox and Breitbart I'm sure have a MUCH larger user base, so posting and letting it go might be more of an option....wouldn't hurt, could only help.

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ArcticStones's avatar

If I recall correctly, in 2016 National Review published what was essentially an anti-Trump issue. Since then, they have bent the knee and become Trump- and MAGA-enablers.

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Sarah B's avatar

They're all over the place with it, but I have lost all respect for Rich Lowry et al. They're definitely 'Fox'ing it up for clicks, it's gross.

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ArcticStones's avatar

I’ve read multiple articles and op-eds by Rich Lowry – and not a single one I agree with.

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Colleen McGloughlin's avatar

Is there a word we could use that would not denigrate sexworkers but would enable us to name what the whole rotten bunch really are? Media and the Fascist Party.

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ArcticStones's avatar

*Kakistocracy* is an apt term for the last Trump administration and, sadly, it’s likely to be even more descriptive for any future Trump regime. Kakistocracy means "rule by the very worst".

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Carl Selfe's avatar

I just cancelled my subscriptions to both.

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Jennifer Berg's avatar

right there with you Lynn!

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TCash's avatar

Got it Simon. “Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead!!!!”

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Simon Rosenberg's avatar

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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ArcticStones's avatar

"Damn the torpedoing, bed-wetting pundits. Full speed ahead!"

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TCash's avatar

This is when I wish Substack had better emojis 😉

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TCash's avatar

Btw does anyone have the links to register for the democratic events in Raleigh next weekend? Simon posted these perhaps 2 or 3 weeks ago

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Simon Rosenberg's avatar

I think it's on the post, above

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

Yesterday was North Carolina day on FT 6 TextArcade. Hundreds of thousands of texts sent. July 18, Florida. Field Team 6 has contact information for hundreds of thousands of unregistered likely Democrats – FAR more than we can afford to text. Text Arcade is a super-fast text bank that costs $25 a ticket. 100% of your ticket price goes to funding your 1,400 texts. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ft6arcade24

North Carolina phone banks are Mondays, 6 to 7:30 EDT https://www.mobilize.us/ft6/event/622102/

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joanne's avatar

thanks for sharing this info. just signed up!

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ArcticStones's avatar

Can we buy tickets and leave the texting to others?

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

Sure.

if you want to subsidize the concept: outregister Republicans, especially where it hurts, here's the link. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ft62024

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ArcticStones's avatar

Why is email required? I am extremely wary of giving that out. Apologies for asking, but surely full name and address should be sufficient, also for FT6’s reporting purposes?

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

Don't know.

I donate to many different groups. all do the same.

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ArcticStones's avatar

Donation made.

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Christine B in NC's avatar

Hey Simon. Thanks for the fire-filled pep talk last night. We all needed it, especially the reminder about not playing into divisions that Russian et al want to exploit as they did in 2016.

Here are a few of bits of data which are anecdotal but I take as encouraging. I have been canvassing and registering voters and volunteers for the Coordinated Campaign and  for Durham Democrats for months. In canvassing unaffiliated voters--not Democrats-- last weekend, every person I talked to said they were voting for Biden. No one said they wouldn't vote for him. I was expecting more pushback but didn't see it.

At the grocery store check out this week, a young black woman (maybe 19 or 20) was my cashier and when she asked me how I was doing I said I was pretty wiped out.  I'd been having conversations all morning about why it's important to vote for Biden/Harris no matter what with people who should be volunteering with me and she nodded her head and said, "Project 2025, right?" Then she thanked me for telling people about it and I thanked her profusely for doing the same.

So family, let's do more for sure. When you have conversations and light fires under others, we all feel much better.

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Sarah B's avatar

Oh this is so awesome and encouraging, thank you!

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Take A Breath's avatar

Love this - thanks for sharing!

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ArcticStones's avatar

Thank you for your canvassing and voter registration. A huge service to save our democracy!

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Carl Selfe's avatar

I am with you on this, Simon! My belief is that it is time to ignore the polls because right now our time is best spent pushing the Biden-Harris wagon. As each day passes, detractors must face the reality that we already see. There is no time left to change horses in the middle of the stream. There was no time yesterday. There is no time today. And tomorrow it is plain ludicrous. Damn the torpedoes…

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Jason's avatar

Thank you Simon! I have my opinion but understand it doesn't affect anything so I (mostly) keep it to myself. My focus is on spreading positive energy and doing the work! I'm going on vacation next week but am bringing a batch of postcards with me. I won't be checking the news, except for maybe Hopium. We are all on the same team!

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ArcticStones's avatar

"…538 forecast this morning has Biden at 270 and winning the election."

This is encouraging! Now up to 272, with a 51% of winning the election, Trump at a mere 48%.

In my humble opinion, a key to success will be to pivot – to an emphasis that this election is a choice between Team Biden-Harris and Team Trump-Project2025. NOT just a choice between Donald and Joe.

Far more than polls, I’m convinced this will all boil down to GOTV and new voter registration (kudos to Field Team 6!). If Democrats and democracy-favoring Independents vote at Scandinavian levels (80-percent turnout), and Republicans are stuck at American-level turnout (a mere 66.8 percent), we will have a Blue Wave.

Actually, I think we will see a Pink Tsunami, with tens of millions of pissed-off women once again saving American democracy!

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ArcticStones's avatar

Update: Things are moving in the right direction. On 538, Biden’s polling average dropped to 39.7% after the debate; it is now at 40.5%. At most, Trump’s lead jumped to 2.5%. That’s now down to 1.7% – with Team Biden-Harris still forecast to win. And there’s a helluva lot of Americans working hard to make it happen!

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Tracey Queripel's avatar

272! Great news! Once or twice I have put out the idea that Simon‘s “check and checkmate“ strategy should be the core or the foundation on top of which we build the mega tsunami which will take out Trump and all or most of MAGA. Maybe now is the time to add another state or two to that strategy.

Also, it’s time to pay more attention to New York, which I hear is slipping into battleground status.

I personally have started to work with Beto O’Rourke’s group, powered by people, to help register blue leaning young Texans to vote. The 40 Electoral College votes from that state look like a nice ripe fruit ready for us to pick! Www.poweredxpeople.org

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ArcticStones's avatar

Well, Simon did add North Carolina – and Arizona is on the list. If we take NC, it will be all but impossible for Trump to win.

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Tracey Queripel's avatar

Yes, Arizona is very important. When I give $ through Hopium, I always give to Ruben Gallego.

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Morgan's avatar

The NY Times this morning is writing off the southern swing states (including the southwest) for Biden, but we are having abortion access on the ballot this year in Arizona (and, I believe, Nevada). I think this will change the actual voter (as opposed to likely voter) balance.

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Jason's avatar

How can anyone write off anything in early July? That's bonkers and irresponsible. I'm bullish on AZ but we will see. Keep working hard!

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PeachBlossom's avatar

That's part of their strategy of getting voters too dispirited to even vote, thus ushering in their "no tax on big business" paradise.

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Jason's avatar

Exactly. What's funny is a crooked and incompetent MAGA administration is likely to tank the economy, offsetting any benefit of lower taxes.

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ArcticStones's avatar

"How can anyone write off anything in early July?"

I have long since written of the New York Times. What A.G. Sulzberger & Co are doing is unconscionable – very reminiscent of NYT’s monomanic "But her emails" articles in 2016, when they helped elect Trump.

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Eileen's avatar

A lot of journalistic malpractice going on.

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Denise Wisdom's avatar

We have an abortion amendment in FL on the ballot too. We need 60% approval. I’m working democratic VBM (Vote BY Mail) postcard campaign. BTW, Arkansas has the signatures for an amendment too. They’re going through a signature check as we speak. All hands on deck!

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ArcticStones's avatar

I’ve heard that Arkansas’ Secretary of State is pulling stunts to try to keep abortion off the ballot. I hope the petition drive and massive number of signatures force him to relent.

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Pamela Barroway's avatar

I’m writing postcards with RAC (the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism) for Floridians Protecting Freedom for Amendment 4. Pulling for y’all from New Jersey!

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ArcticStones's avatar

Morgan, we also saw the reports from Latino focus groups. They reacted very negatively to Trump’s massive lies – and unanimously expressed that they would be voting for Biden-Harris.

We can win the southwestern swing states with effective Latino outreach. High priority!

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Jason's avatar

Thankfully Ruben is a master of effective Latino outreach.

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ArcticStones's avatar

If Biden-Harris win Arizona and Nevada (in addition to Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin), that gets us to 287 Electoral Votes. If we take North Carolina as well, then Team Biden-Harris will have 303 Electoral Votes.

NB. We need a victory that cannot be denied! We need a substantial buffer to prevent the risk of Electors who are disloyal, bought or blackmailed.

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Cindy H's avatar

I subscribed to NY Times games only - I have already paid for the year - Which southern swing states? Florida? I honestly can't believe how blatant the NYT is now - we must be doing something right if they keep bashing Biden.

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Morgan's avatar

I think they said "sun belt", and that they were referring to Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina. In other words, all of the swing states except for the "Blue Wall" of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

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Cindy H's avatar

Thank you.

Well, I hope we can get some these - maybe Ruben being on the ticket will help in AZ. Nevada usually comes through🙏🏻. Any idea how we are doing in Wisconsin?

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Claudia's avatar

We're about 50/50, although I've been hearin about some massive disinformation campaigns against Tammy Baldwin.

Best thing~ tfg isn't gainin. With the RNC in a week I think Biden will continue to come up in the polls.

No one likes a liar, after all.

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ArcticStones's avatar

This! But in some cases, we have to help them spot the lies.

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Claudia's avatar

Absolutely agree!

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Cindy H's avatar

Just realized I was typing so fast this morning. I do not subscribe to the NYT! I subscribed awhile back for the games only. I have already paid for the year - games only. Would never subscribe for the paper.

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TC's avatar

It's not just the NYT. The New Republic is daily calling for Biden to exit the race which is really frustrating considering how much time Simon spends on some of the authors podcasts and whatnot. Simon will go on the the DSR podcast and do the usual analysis and explanation of where the race is, the host will agree and chuckle along that media is just freaking out, then like the next day writes an article on NR freaking out and calling for Biden to exit the race. WTF?? It's like something gets to him after he speaks to Simon and spins him up again. Just incapable of independent thoughts.

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Janet Marcotte's avatar

AZ is a tossup per 538. One in 5 AZ voters signed AZ for Abortion Access petition and 2 of the congressional districts most likely to flip from red to blue are in AZ . It’s foolish to count AZ out

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Morgan's avatar

Agreed. 823,685 signatures submitted; 2020 votes for president, 3,387,326. Over 24%. Gallego is popular, and grassroots groups are active - Indivisible is focusing on Arizona as its prime battleground state. I think we'll take it.

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Janet Marcotte's avatar

I am working on a postcard project I’m AZCD06 …. Indivisible is one of our partners. More than 100 volunteers are working to prepare 41,000 postcards with reproductive rights messages, adding personal notes. All will be mailed Sept 30 just before AZ voters receive their mail-in ballots. We are targeting voters who support reproductive rights but only score in the midrange for turn out.

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Michelle Radomski's avatar

Janet ... Do you need anymore writers for you campaign. If so, I would love to help.

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Janet Marcotte's avatar

I still have some postcards and labels tI can give to volunteers … email me at jcmarcotte@gmail.com

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L.J.'s avatar

I've recently sent out 200 from TX.

Go AZ, we can win this!

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Grant Gerke's avatar

The NYT is folding on democracy.

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Eric Mann's avatar

Agree wholeheartedly. Posted this to my feed yesterday: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hfDdywAySm8K80gT6PJWp5hs2Q-kZ25Q8fxA1HiaNKo/edit

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Jon Bierman's avatar

Thank you, Simon - wholeheartedly agree.

Last night after listening to President Biden's masterful press conference, I made another Hopium contribution to the Biden-Harris campaign. This weekend, I'll make my mid-month contributions to the slate of House candidates, to the NC Dems, to Ruben Gallego, and to the Nebraska Blue Dot. Happy to support Democrats up and down the ballot in defense of freedom and democracy! Loud and proud!

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Stephen Hanks's avatar

Simon, sorry I missed this live but viewing now. I’m a big fan. I’m launching a new weekly one-hour radio show next Saturday morning out of Sedona, AZ called “The Patriotic Progressive” and I’d love to have you as a call-in guest, if not on the 20th thee perhaps the following week or so. Could you please reach me at patrioticprogressiveusa@gmail.com

This is my blog on Medium and I’ll be moving to Substack:

https://stephenhanks.medium.com/

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Deborah Hemenway's avatar

I want to thank Simon for his words last night and his reminder here. We must stand together to win and to save democracy in our country. I remember what happened in 2000 and we cannot allow that to happen again! We have the wonderful justices Roberts and Alito because of that I really believe. Also, former president GW Bush has been totally silent about what has happened to the GOP. I saw a cartoon recently that had him covering is eyes, ears and mouth. I had hope, naively, that he would join Liz Cheney and others who are rising above party to save democracy! But again if we do not stand together and work hard, we will lose not just the election but our way of life. Thanks again, Simon.

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Take A Breath's avatar

The Repugs are a bunch of spineless cowards who are afraid of pmurt. There are too few exceptions now.

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Marge Atkinson's avatar

Simon, I hope you're talking to whoever may have influence in DC to tell them to support our great president. We can't afford to lose his expertise and all of the good he has accomplished. I cannot understand how the "leaders" do not understand the chaos and horrendous logistics it would take to front another, and at this point, non-existent candidate. None of this makes any sense except as a plot from adversaries that's working to create a Democratic debacle. Tell them to listen to US the Grassroots that will win the election for Biden.

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Claudia's avatar

I'm pullin my hair out and hollarin at these Dem defectors! WHAT are they thinkin! 14+ million of us voted Joe and Kamala in for the primary~ how dare they discount our choices!

Thanks for the good fight Marge! Love!

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Cindy H's avatar

I had a friend texting very negative, doomsday things. I said, I want to win. I am not Biden's doctor and he is running. It doesn't really matter if he said he wasn't going to run for re-election (he didn't say it), he is running. Let's not give up. Nothing I said helped. I finally said, well let's hope Biden can win bc what is important is that Trump lose. Don't think it helped but I had to stop bc the negativity was getting to me. I remained calm, cordial and didn't dismiss her feelings.

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Claudia's avatar

You are so right. There are folks who won't change their minds, no matter what we say. I know I'm the one who needs to chill. And I love the word "cordial" and your use of it. Thank you, Cindy!

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Cindy H's avatar

I believe it is important for us not to tear each other down. We all want the same thing - Trump gone! At the same time, I also do not want to engage or join the doomsday narrative. Worry is not preparation. Catastrophizing accomplishes nothing except more anxiety. Lessons I still need to remind myself. Vote Blue 💙💙

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SW's avatar
Jul 12Edited

positivity!! your use of subjunctive!! I love it! [for non grammarians: that T lose not loses]

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Cindy H's avatar

Ahhhh you made me smile. 💙

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Ctkat1's avatar

My conversations with friends has made me realize I’m too emotional about this to speak to potential voters by phone, text, or in person. So I’m giving money and writing postcards, because I don’t want to inadvertently turn away a potential voter with my verbal passion.

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Cindy H's avatar

I am not good with phone banking. Nothing wrong with doing whatever you can to help. Actually, I have to follow through with volunteering. In the meantime, my target audience is my circle of family and friends. I am hearing from people I do not speak to on a regular basis. I listen and when asked, I give my opinion. If I am told, well you just love Biden. I say, yes I love Biden and I think he has been the best president in my lifetime. But, I want a Democrat in the WH. I will vote and volunteer for whomever is running for President. That's the goal for me. Keep Trump out of the White. My love for Biden does not change that but I do want him treated with respect and dignity. Something I think George Clooney and other public figures have not done.

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