Thank you so much for posting the video. Last night I had to make a choice between this and our leadership Zoom for Giving Circles. My GC is "Tending to Democracy" and we are considering which state to put our resources toward. I really needed to what they had to say about North Carolina and now being able to see your Zoom made my decision the right one. Thanks again.
Let’s hope that doesn’t lead the brass to pressure journalists to make it even like they did in 2016. This is what someone who worked for the supposedly “too woke” NPR in 2016:
“ I and a couple of other editorial leaders were encouraged to make sure that any coverage of a Trump lie was matched with a story about a lie from Hillary Clinton. Another colleague asked what to do if one candidate just lied more than the other. Another silent response.”
Funny how Uri Berliner slamming NPR for being “too woke” has gotten so much media coverage but this shocking response from someone else who worked there showing just how wedded to faux balance/bothsidesim NPR is has been ignored.
A quick question about the rise in the subscription cost:
1. Since I am a paid subscriber and my subscription renews in May when the increase goes into effect; are you going to offer the $45 to renewals? If would be nice for those of us who have been here since the beginning.
2. And since I have a couple of weeks before the increase, if you are not offering the same price for renewals, do we renew now?
And I hate to say this: but increases such as these, across the board, are part of the reason that inflation remains higher than the Fed wants--everywhere I go, the cost goes up--even when it's hard to see how the underlying supply chain has created the need for increases.
"So if you want to lock in the current lower rate, consider subscribing today. You will lock in that lower rate for all time, and get all that you can from this site for the 2024 election."
That suggests to me that you have the $45 rate forever as an existing subscriber.
Yes, in the Substack platform, which I am still new to, your original subscription rate is grandfathered in for all time. So if you paid $45 you will be charged $45. But it's also important for all of you to check to make sure your renewal happened properly, and your card was charged. I explain in that same post how to do that. For if you don't you might lose membership/paid subscriber benefits.....thank you all! Best, S
As for the price increase, my annual subscription rate is far below what almost all other prominent authors on the Substack platform charge. Many charge far more than $50. If you don't think it is worth it, don't subscribe. I think folks get great value here, particularly as I post six days a week and many Substacks which charge far more produce far less content.
"I think folks get great value here, particularly as I post six days a week and many Substacks which charge far more produce far less content".
I agree 💯percent. I recommend your substack all the time.
But I do like that you allow the free subscribers access to most of the content - not just an occasional public post or even only post a teaser where you have to subscribe to read the rest of the article (ugh!). This is a great public service for those who are on very tight budgets.
Yes, Cheryl, thanks for mentioning this. I keep all the written content on here free to help reach a larger audience. So paid subscribers are helping make that possible and make the work we do together reach many more people than would be possible if I put much of what's here behind a paywall, which is also very common.
The other thing I do for free, which is not nearly as visible, is all the presentations I do to grassroots groups each week. I do 2-3 free presentations a week, usually a full 60 minutes. Last night for example I spoke to a group of Dems in Jacksonville, home of Donna Deegan. Since the founding of Hopium I estimate I have done over 150 free presentations to grassroots groups, it could be much more. Paid subscribers also make all that possible.
This is off topic. Could you please tell Democrats to stop inundating donors email with fundraising requests. I know several people who won’t donate anymore because their email inbox was overwhelmed. That is not a small thing for many of us.
The latest ad is very powerful! JoJo is absolutely right - Donald Trump gave "lip service" but Joe Biden is the one who has done an incredible amount to benefit ordinary Americans - in terms of both job creation and the projects themselves (e.g., infrastructure, green energy, etc.). It is even more incredible when you consider the number of GOP MAGAts in Congress who are willing to shaft their constituents in order to deny Biden a "win".
I posted this yesterday, but I want to remind everyone who writes postcards of an urgent campaign from Postcards to Voters (www.postcardstovoters.org) for a special election in house district NY-26. Early voting runs April 20-28 and election day is April 30. We need to hold this seat if we want to flip congress in November - and it would be great if we could continue our streak of Democratic out performance in special elections.
It would indeed. I bet you could find some of those folks. I understand Trump’s lawyers just said “see you in court,” knowing the workers wouldn’t have enough money to hire lawyers. Such a sad excuse for a human being.
With Kari Lake telling her fans to pack their Glock, and the 🍊 One's constant call to attack, I must say I fear for the inevitable violence that will take place. Be careful out there. This Maggotty Mob is crazy.
I’ve seen the same clip from yesterday where he says “I’m from the 80’s” & invoked Reagan. I believe we all have learned WORDS are meaningless until ACTIONS show results ☎️202 225 4965 SpeakerJohnson’s
I am writing with interest for your perspective and possibly support of ND US senatorial candidate Katrina Christiansen (https://www.katrinaforussenate.com). The state previously had a democratic leader in place Mary Kathryn "Heidi" Heitkamp (2013-2019) so the state and the position may be viable? Thank you
Thank you, Simon, for suggesting that we all call our Members of Congress and ask them to fight for funding for Ukraine. It is easy for all of us, in an election year, to become singularly focused on electoral work and neglect the crucial advocacy work needed with our elected officials to do the right thing. I'm glad you are using your considerable reach to suggest ways to continue to advocate during this all-important election year.
Would you please post all the things that we should mock Trump on in a single post. I haven’t seen the transcript of the video yet. I will look for it myself but if you have it available, please posted it was so good
I got one for you, Trump has the physique and agility of a Snowman. The biggest difference between Trump and a Snowman is Trump would never let a carrot that close to his mouth.
I want to correct a post that I made couple days ago. When comparing jobs lost during the pandemic, according to a Pew research study (link below), the US lost many more jobs than European union, normalized by population. The US workforce was reduced by 6.5% while the EU workforce was reduced by only 1.3%. So in comparing apples to apples, Trump did a lot worse.
Roberto, at the core of our engagement a few days ago was my request you refrain from posting here for a few weeks for the arguments you were making as someone with no background in politics, Economics, government or public policy were wrong and misleading, and that I didn't want to allow what I believed to be false narratives from influencing our community and their understandings. Your posting this correction is a confirmation that my concerns about your work were valid, and I once again ask that you refrain from posting here for a few weeks, and that you change your approach to how you engage this community if you decide to re-engage later this spring - Simon
Thank you for this! I've been lurking for a while but finally subscribed today.
I have a question for anyone who has been closely following the Ohio presidential ballot saga: is it possible for the Democrats to host a virtual convention before the physical convention in Chicago in order to nominate Joe Biden in advance of the Ohio ballot deadline?
I know the sudden spasm of rule-following by Ohio Attorney General Frank LaRose is just more Republican cheating tactics, but I have little faith that the relevant courts will honor precedent when it seems to favor Democratic interests and I'm a bit worried that if the DNC tries to go this route, the Republicans will run out the clock and prevent Biden from being on the ballot. I feel we have to beat them at their own game.
Even if Biden's presence on the ballot makes no difference in terms of the Electoral College numbers (Ohio is a red state, after all), it is surely important for the down-ballot races. Any idea how this situation can be resolved in the Democrats' favor while there's still time?
Alison, this is something Democratic Party leaders are working on, and have to work out. There isn't much we can do here. In general I try to stay away from the things where there isn't a role for us, as without an action we can take it is just a worry thing. If you are worried, please make a call for Ukraine today!
"I'm a bit worried that if the DNC tries to go this route, the Republicans will run out the clock and prevent Biden from being on the ballot".
There is always the write-in ballot route. Biden beat Trump in terms of % of vote received in the NH primaries and Biden was not on the ballot. IIRC Lisa Murkowski won her AL Senate seat running as an independent after she lost a primary to a Tea Party candidate.
I feel pretty confident that OH has the grassroots muscle after the special elections in 2023 in August and November to get a write-in campaign up and running. There have to be a bunch of still pissed off women in OH who would love to give the middle finger to AG Frank LaRose.
It will be interesting to see how the polls move once Trump becomes a convicted felon. There is no precedent so hard to say. It’s gotta have some measurable effect?
Michigan House back under Democratic control, after a special election Tuesday for 2 House seats. This gives Gov. Whitmer a trifecta of Democratic leadership again. Look for good things to happen in Michigan. And, for Michigan to stay BLUE in the November presidential election. GO BLUE!
Journalists ought to make a series of articles / reports that compare Democratic trifectas with Republican trifectas. Compare what we do with what they do. Policies matter!
I was in tears by the end of this. That often happens. LOL!
One important thing you can do right now is help register new Democrats. These are people who will get activated and later get out to vote to save our country and the world.
Field Team 6 <fieldteam6.org> is a great org dedicated to finding new Democrats and adding to the voter rolls. There are a variety of ways to participate that can accommodate any budget. If you have money but no time you can donate of course - it takes money to obtain the lists of phone numbers and addresses that we contact. But there are options (training provided):
to phone bank,
text bank,
do in person voter drives,
write postcards
social media outreach
Something for everyone, most you can do right at home. You can find something to fit around whatever your schedule may be. As a bonus, it is a group of helpful encouraging people really focused on doing the work instead of arguing.
Simon says, "Do more, worry less." It really works, at least it did for me. Part of the fear we experience is caused by a feeling of powerlessness. When you do work, it gets your blood up. Yes the threat is real - that's why we're here. Fighting back feels so good.
Lyn, I agree 100% and have been writing FT6 postcards to women in Don Davis's House discrict (NC-01) about reproductive rights and to people 30 - 50 in NC about climate change.
As Nancy Pelosi said, “Don’t agonize, organize! One thing you can do is to please consider joining us on Mon nights to call AZ Dem voters to sign them up to vote by mail. Let’s get AZ voters to vote for #BidenHarris4More, @RubenGallego, Ds down ballot, and to support the ballot initiative to save abortion rights. Please sign up here:https://ssprogressiveaction.org/2024-eoa/
Trump going down by 8 - 10 points sounds almost shocking at first blush, but given that so much of what he's done in his political career has been unprecedented I'm thinking it's not out of the question. He goes big.
I live in MN-5 and called Rep Ilhan Omar’s office this morning to urge her to vote for aid to Ukraine. I doubt it will move her position, as she seems to think any aid to Ukraine is an escalation of the war. This thought process is super frustrating because it condenses to, “Russia is at fault, but Ukraine should just surrender to minimize civilian suffering.”
Thank you so much for posting the video. Last night I had to make a choice between this and our leadership Zoom for Giving Circles. My GC is "Tending to Democracy" and we are considering which state to put our resources toward. I really needed to what they had to say about North Carolina and now being able to see your Zoom made my decision the right one. Thanks again.
Seems the press is finally realizing that Trump isn't leading anymore.
https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-presidential-election-polls-2024-1889218
Let’s hope that doesn’t lead the brass to pressure journalists to make it even like they did in 2016. This is what someone who worked for the supposedly “too woke” NPR in 2016:
“ I and a couple of other editorial leaders were encouraged to make sure that any coverage of a Trump lie was matched with a story about a lie from Hillary Clinton. Another colleague asked what to do if one candidate just lied more than the other. Another silent response.”
https://slate.com/business/2024/04/npr-diversity-public-broadcasting-radio.html
Funny how Uri Berliner slamming NPR for being “too woke” has gotten so much media coverage but this shocking response from someone else who worked there showing just how wedded to faux balance/bothsidesim NPR is has been ignored.
A quick question about the rise in the subscription cost:
1. Since I am a paid subscriber and my subscription renews in May when the increase goes into effect; are you going to offer the $45 to renewals? If would be nice for those of us who have been here since the beginning.
2. And since I have a couple of weeks before the increase, if you are not offering the same price for renewals, do we renew now?
And I hate to say this: but increases such as these, across the board, are part of the reason that inflation remains higher than the Fed wants--everywhere I go, the cost goes up--even when it's hard to see how the underlying supply chain has created the need for increases.
"So if you want to lock in the current lower rate, consider subscribing today. You will lock in that lower rate for all time, and get all that you can from this site for the 2024 election."
That suggests to me that you have the $45 rate forever as an existing subscriber.
Yes, in the Substack platform, which I am still new to, your original subscription rate is grandfathered in for all time. So if you paid $45 you will be charged $45. But it's also important for all of you to check to make sure your renewal happened properly, and your card was charged. I explain in that same post how to do that. For if you don't you might lose membership/paid subscriber benefits.....thank you all! Best, S
As for the price increase, my annual subscription rate is far below what almost all other prominent authors on the Substack platform charge. Many charge far more than $50. If you don't think it is worth it, don't subscribe. I think folks get great value here, particularly as I post six days a week and many Substacks which charge far more produce far less content.
"I think folks get great value here, particularly as I post six days a week and many Substacks which charge far more produce far less content".
I agree 💯percent. I recommend your substack all the time.
But I do like that you allow the free subscribers access to most of the content - not just an occasional public post or even only post a teaser where you have to subscribe to read the rest of the article (ugh!). This is a great public service for those who are on very tight budgets.
Yes, Cheryl, thanks for mentioning this. I keep all the written content on here free to help reach a larger audience. So paid subscribers are helping make that possible and make the work we do together reach many more people than would be possible if I put much of what's here behind a paywall, which is also very common.
The other thing I do for free, which is not nearly as visible, is all the presentations I do to grassroots groups each week. I do 2-3 free presentations a week, usually a full 60 minutes. Last night for example I spoke to a group of Dems in Jacksonville, home of Donna Deegan. Since the founding of Hopium I estimate I have done over 150 free presentations to grassroots groups, it could be much more. Paid subscribers also make all that possible.
I think our monthly paid subscribers meetings by themselves make the paid subscription worth the money.
I agree. Great value for receiving your hopeful messages, wonderful presentations and videos!! Definitely worth the price!!!
This is off topic. Could you please tell Democrats to stop inundating donors email with fundraising requests. I know several people who won’t donate anymore because their email inbox was overwhelmed. That is not a small thing for many of us.
Great new Biden ad - thanks for posting!
The latest ad is very powerful! JoJo is absolutely right - Donald Trump gave "lip service" but Joe Biden is the one who has done an incredible amount to benefit ordinary Americans - in terms of both job creation and the projects themselves (e.g., infrastructure, green energy, etc.). It is even more incredible when you consider the number of GOP MAGAts in Congress who are willing to shaft their constituents in order to deny Biden a "win".
I posted this yesterday, but I want to remind everyone who writes postcards of an urgent campaign from Postcards to Voters (www.postcardstovoters.org) for a special election in house district NY-26. Early voting runs April 20-28 and election day is April 30. We need to hold this seat if we want to flip congress in November - and it would be great if we could continue our streak of Democratic out performance in special elections.
Just mailed a stack. Thanks for the heads up yesterday. 💙
Donald Trump consistently shafted his workers throughout his business career.
Indeed! And that would make a series of great ads – focus on the jobs, lives and companies that were destroyed as a result.
It would indeed. I bet you could find some of those folks. I understand Trump’s lawyers just said “see you in court,” knowing the workers wouldn’t have enough money to hire lawyers. Such a sad excuse for a human being.
With Kari Lake telling her fans to pack their Glock, and the 🍊 One's constant call to attack, I must say I fear for the inevitable violence that will take place. Be careful out there. This Maggotty Mob is crazy.
I’m reading that Mike Johnson is now saying he’ll bring the Ukraine aid bill to the floor before the recess. Can anyone confirm this?
We are hopeful this will happen, which is why we have to keep calling.....
I’ve called everyone I can find on more than one list - including Mike Johnson.
Interestingly some have asked for my address including Mark Alford - my 4th District representative.
I hear the vote will be on Saturday evening, but it won’t be on the senate bill that passed.https://twitter.com/aprilsparkles1/status/1780620136795258899
I certainly hope so. This bunch seems to always be on recess.
I’ve seen the same clip from yesterday where he says “I’m from the 80’s” & invoked Reagan. I believe we all have learned WORDS are meaningless until ACTIONS show results ☎️202 225 4965 SpeakerJohnson’s
Her craziness compared to Ruben Gallego’s sanity should be a boost for him.
I am writing with interest for your perspective and possibly support of ND US senatorial candidate Katrina Christiansen (https://www.katrinaforussenate.com). The state previously had a democratic leader in place Mary Kathryn "Heidi" Heitkamp (2013-2019) so the state and the position may be viable? Thank you
She seems like a fantastic candidate - a real credit to the whole country. An impressive person.
Thank you, Simon, for suggesting that we all call our Members of Congress and ask them to fight for funding for Ukraine. It is easy for all of us, in an election year, to become singularly focused on electoral work and neglect the crucial advocacy work needed with our elected officials to do the right thing. I'm glad you are using your considerable reach to suggest ways to continue to advocate during this all-important election year.
thanks Susan!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Simon,
Would you please post all the things that we should mock Trump on in a single post. I haven’t seen the transcript of the video yet. I will look for it myself but if you have it available, please posted it was so good
I will write it up in the coming days.....
Thank you so very much
I got one for you, Trump has the physique and agility of a Snowman. The biggest difference between Trump and a Snowman is Trump would never let a carrot that close to his mouth.
You call it mocking I call it a good rank out session. Showing my age and Where I grew up. Lol.
Just telling the truth should be scary enough.
Maybe you want to include this:
I want to correct a post that I made couple days ago. When comparing jobs lost during the pandemic, according to a Pew research study (link below), the US lost many more jobs than European union, normalized by population. The US workforce was reduced by 6.5% while the EU workforce was reduced by only 1.3%. So in comparing apples to apples, Trump did a lot worse.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/04/15/fewer-jobs-have-been-lost-in-the-eu-than-in-the-u-s-during-the-covid-19-downturn/
Roberto, at the core of our engagement a few days ago was my request you refrain from posting here for a few weeks for the arguments you were making as someone with no background in politics, Economics, government or public policy were wrong and misleading, and that I didn't want to allow what I believed to be false narratives from influencing our community and their understandings. Your posting this correction is a confirmation that my concerns about your work were valid, and I once again ask that you refrain from posting here for a few weeks, and that you change your approach to how you engage this community if you decide to re-engage later this spring - Simon
Thank you for this! I've been lurking for a while but finally subscribed today.
I have a question for anyone who has been closely following the Ohio presidential ballot saga: is it possible for the Democrats to host a virtual convention before the physical convention in Chicago in order to nominate Joe Biden in advance of the Ohio ballot deadline?
I know the sudden spasm of rule-following by Ohio Attorney General Frank LaRose is just more Republican cheating tactics, but I have little faith that the relevant courts will honor precedent when it seems to favor Democratic interests and I'm a bit worried that if the DNC tries to go this route, the Republicans will run out the clock and prevent Biden from being on the ballot. I feel we have to beat them at their own game.
Even if Biden's presence on the ballot makes no difference in terms of the Electoral College numbers (Ohio is a red state, after all), it is surely important for the down-ballot races. Any idea how this situation can be resolved in the Democrats' favor while there's still time?
Alison, this is something Democratic Party leaders are working on, and have to work out. There isn't much we can do here. In general I try to stay away from the things where there isn't a role for us, as without an action we can take it is just a worry thing. If you are worried, please make a call for Ukraine today!
And welcome aboard!
OK, thank you for that! I'm committed to "do more," and am working on "worry less."
"I'm a bit worried that if the DNC tries to go this route, the Republicans will run out the clock and prevent Biden from being on the ballot".
There is always the write-in ballot route. Biden beat Trump in terms of % of vote received in the NH primaries and Biden was not on the ballot. IIRC Lisa Murkowski won her AL Senate seat running as an independent after she lost a primary to a Tea Party candidate.
I feel pretty confident that OH has the grassroots muscle after the special elections in 2023 in August and November to get a write-in campaign up and running. There have to be a bunch of still pissed off women in OH who would love to give the middle finger to AG Frank LaRose.
Good point about the grassroots. Thank you.
I understand they have a very strong and well organized grassroots campaign in Ohio. Don’t underestimate the Buckeyes.
It will be interesting to see how the polls move once Trump becomes a convicted felon. There is no precedent so hard to say. It’s gotta have some measurable effect?
I hope someone doesn’t hold out for a hung jury….
Michigan House back under Democratic control, after a special election Tuesday for 2 House seats. This gives Gov. Whitmer a trifecta of Democratic leadership again. Look for good things to happen in Michigan. And, for Michigan to stay BLUE in the November presidential election. GO BLUE!
Yes, I forgot to mention this today, will tomorrow. Thank you!
Journalists ought to make a series of articles / reports that compare Democratic trifectas with Republican trifectas. Compare what we do with what they do. Policies matter!
I was in tears by the end of this. That often happens. LOL!
One important thing you can do right now is help register new Democrats. These are people who will get activated and later get out to vote to save our country and the world.
Field Team 6 <fieldteam6.org> is a great org dedicated to finding new Democrats and adding to the voter rolls. There are a variety of ways to participate that can accommodate any budget. If you have money but no time you can donate of course - it takes money to obtain the lists of phone numbers and addresses that we contact. But there are options (training provided):
to phone bank,
text bank,
do in person voter drives,
write postcards
social media outreach
Something for everyone, most you can do right at home. You can find something to fit around whatever your schedule may be. As a bonus, it is a group of helpful encouraging people really focused on doing the work instead of arguing.
Simon says, "Do more, worry less." It really works, at least it did for me. Part of the fear we experience is caused by a feeling of powerlessness. When you do work, it gets your blood up. Yes the threat is real - that's why we're here. Fighting back feels so good.
Lyn, I agree 100% and have been writing FT6 postcards to women in Don Davis's House discrict (NC-01) about reproductive rights and to people 30 - 50 in NC about climate change.
Super! Thank you! And I have been texting to NC!
As Nancy Pelosi said, “Don’t agonize, organize! One thing you can do is to please consider joining us on Mon nights to call AZ Dem voters to sign them up to vote by mail. Let’s get AZ voters to vote for #BidenHarris4More, @RubenGallego, Ds down ballot, and to support the ballot initiative to save abortion rights. Please sign up here:https://ssprogressiveaction.org/2024-eoa/
Great suggestion!
Trump going down by 8 - 10 points sounds almost shocking at first blush, but given that so much of what he's done in his political career has been unprecedented I'm thinking it's not out of the question. He goes big.
I live in MN-5 and called Rep Ilhan Omar’s office this morning to urge her to vote for aid to Ukraine. I doubt it will move her position, as she seems to think any aid to Ukraine is an escalation of the war. This thought process is super frustrating because it condenses to, “Russia is at fault, but Ukraine should just surrender to minimize civilian suffering.”
That must be frustrating indeed. I’ve had it with self-righteous fanatics.