If you weren’t on today’s call, you should watch when he posts the recording tomorrow. He addresses this in detail. Long story short, polls are data points, which are currently all over the map. There’s tension between the data points. Media is choosing a questionable narrative based on only some of those data points. When looking at ALL the data points it actually looks pretty good for us, but we have to keep working. Do more, worry less. Cheers!
James, I felt the same way for a while. But remember 2022 ? The media pushed a story. It wanted a story, it wanted a bloodbath for us. But guess what ?! It didn't happen. There's much evidence for the same dynamic this year! I'll be honest - and I've been saying this for about a week now - I'm not sure we'll ever see the coveted roast headlines and polls ( Biden +8, + 10, + 15 etc.) but you know what ? We don't necessarily need it. I would love to see it. But if there's one thing life has taught me it's not to wait for validation - much like Simon says not to "wait for" events to deliver us from Trump. We got this James, especially if we keep calm & campaign on !
In my demographic, retired unproductive, old and in the way, IRAs, 401k's etc are up, beating inflation. Trump told the sheep to sell short. Hope they did.
In recent years, the number of women registered to vote in the U.S. has typically been about 10 million more than the number of men registered to vote. However, that gap declined to 7.4 million in 2022. In every presidential election since 1980, the proportion of eligible female adults who voted has exceeded the proportion of eligible male adults who voted.
In 2022 many "older" voters are boomers. IMHO far less "conservative" than their elders. The Democratic Party holds a substantial edge among younger voters, while the Republican Party has the advantage among the oldest groups.
About two-thirds of voters ages 18 to 24 (66%) associate with the Democratic Party, compared with 34% who align with the GOP.
*There is a similarly large gap in the partisan affiliation of voters ages 25 to 29 (64% are Democrats or lean that way vs. 32% for Republicans).
*Voters in their 30s also tilt Democratic, though to a lesser extent: 55% are Democrats or Democratic leaners, 42% are Republicans or Republican leaners.
The right wing floods the airways with bullshit. This is how a decorated Vietnam Vet lost to a guy who had been AWOL in 2004 ( Dan Rather's expose was not wrong on the facts ) because people believed John Kerry faked his wounds and lied about his Swift Boat service which was, by the way, dangerous service, much more so than anything W had done.
We should have known this though- out of voters who would care about having a veteran as POTUS candidate, how many of them would want a veteran *who turned into an anti-war activist*? Not the kinds of vets who hung out with others and clung on to that identity the rest of their lives, those types didn't like people who spoke out against the war, and were primed to believe lies about them, because they *wanted* to believe those lies. Kerry campaigned and tactic'ed fine, he just was not given a fair hearing by a country turned nutty by 9/11, sad to say. Country's head was really starting to know better, but it's *gut* and reptile brain was still, stupidly, feeling "safer" with Bush.
“But you know what? Without a SINGLE exception, those people I’ve talked to who believe the right wing lies about unemployment being at a near all time low- when you simply tell them the facts, they’re astonished AND they’re mad at Fox.”
Thanks, Don, for literally talking to those people. No w-site,social media post,App, pamphlet, ad ,text +will ever be as effective.
Simon .and others,offer us the data/tools we can use to facilitate “talk”. The REACH App does have great messaging…but please keep(literally) talking!
First off my age demographic is more likely to be Republican.
Second, the "perception" probably comes from the push poll language. In MAGAT world, economics is secondary, 90% vote against their own health and economic well being. My favorite are SSI recipients who vote for people who want to kill their main source of income. Their vote is visceral.
Third, likewise most don't know the facts. They happen to be wrong and can be set right. In court, both sides don't get to put on a case, subject to cross examination as to the size sample of the poll, the history of reliability, etc
You can join any one of about a hundred Facebook groups that are like that.
BTW I was an administrative law judge for SSA for 10 years. Putting together a group of influencers -- judges, lawyers, social workers, care givers. Here's my prototype letter, that has run in several papers:
To the editor:
Don’t slit your own throat.
As of 2023, 67,076,966 Americans received SSI. I’m sure more do now.
Republicans have threatened to kill it. Demean beneficiaries as “takers.”
Yet some SSI recipients are registered Republican!
It's ironic that some on SSI slit their own throats.
Every dime an SSI beneficiary gets is spent and proves that John Maynard Keynes was right -- causing a positive ripple effect. “Demand creates its own supply.”
Those benefits go into the hands of practically every business.
"Susheela Jayapal, a Multnomah County commissioner ... lost handily to state Rep. Maxine Dexter, after millions of dollars in last-minute spending attacking Jayapal’s record."
Many people in Oregon, who have in-depth knowledge of both candidates, are objecting to this portrayal. First and foremost, they point out that the winner, Maxine Dexter, is in fact a progressive – a progressive who knows how to get things done! Second, Dexter scored a blow-out victory. That is not because of AIPAC money. Third, many Oregonians have been discouraged by Jayapal’s record. Apparently the attack ads merely shined a light on it; it didn’t misconstrue that record.
.
Edit: Perhaps some of the Oregonians here can weigh in on this. And please correct me if I am wrong.
While I can’t speak from a deep knowledge of this specific race, I can speak as a constituent of her sister up here in Washington state, which is very similar to Oregon in many ways. We have seen a lot of pushback against some of the more extreme elements of progressivism (or whatever you want to call it) that, whether rightly or wrongly, have been associated with “urban decay” (ie lax enforcement or repeal of open use drug laws, public camping, graffiti, squatting, anti-police, etc…apologies if I mischaracterize any of these things in my quick response), as well as being perceived as anti-Israel. While we will never go ‘red’, there is a real focused shift to wanting more moderate representation willing to oppose/work on the above mentioned issues. It’s a reaction to the pendulum swinging perhaps a bit further left than the constituency actually lives on average. It’s also, in my opinion, why we’ve seen the red areas (largely rural and east of the mountains) become fairly MAGA, as they have no chance of gaining statewide power and react in extremes. Fwiw my non-professional observations.
Maricopa County, the state’s largest, will be key to winning Arizona. Fortunately, MAGA-Republicans failed to put one of their own in charge of elections there. And the good people who are in charge of Maricopa’s elections are taking election security very, very seriously!
I am really glad that these extreme measures are being implemented, while lamenting their necessity. Probably not what the MAGA crowd had in mind with their incessant demands for "election security"!
This is good to hear. I had family in Maricopa and near-by area, and probably still have cousins. Pretty dismal for a long time. I loved visiting parts of Arizona, but by and large found it to be one of the most bigoted places I've been in, so pretty much stopped going there. That's been a while back now, though, and things really look like they are changing. I am glad. Hard to grow up with "Arizona" magazine prominently in my grandparents' house and not care.
Surely you mean "Arizona Highways" magazine? In my youth I was given a gift subscription, which I treasured! I especially loved the amazing landscape photographs of David and Josef Muench, and the many excellent articles on Native American pottery and jewelry, and other fascinating topics.
Could be. Or not. This was a long time ago, in the 50s/60s (I'm pretty old). I used to devour those magazines when visiting my grandfolks on their farm in Oregon. It was one way I learned about my larger connection to the west (plus all the stories from my large extended family). Fantastic photos and discussion of things not many people talked about. Grandpa also had some interesting stuff from Arizona- I hesitate to call them artifacts because I think they actually were more personal than that.
I received my gift subscription in the early 1970s. I am told the first issue of Arizona Highways magazine was published in 1921 – which I am confident is long before our time! :)
As a former member of Oregon’s 5th congressional district (redistricting put me in the new 6th district), I’m really happy about Janelle Bynum’s victory. I think she’ll be a strong candidate with a great chance of flipping the district.
I’d also caution anyone drawing big conclusions about Portland electing former-Republican-turned-Independent Nathan Vasquez as the DA over the progressive incumbent. Oregon isn’t flipping red or rejecting liberal policies, that was in response to a local issue of drug decriminalization and the mishandling of the effects on Portland’s streets.
I also live in Portland. In addition to this correct understanding of a local issue, our DA has been the target of what I perceive has been a persistent campaign of negativity. I'm much more careful now about what I read and share. I've learned to check the record.
Thanks for all your great work, Simon. One thing you haven't talked about as much is states with abortion referendums on the ballot in 2024, but my understanding is that we now have these in Arizona, Nevada, Florida, and Missouri. I think this really bolsters our chances in Arizona and Nevada, and while flipping Florida for the presidential is a long shot (but not impossible!) it would be worth it if it helps us defeat the ghoulish Rick Scott.
Florida. Trump won by 3.2% in 2020, so we only need to flip 2%. We need greater penetration by FT 6 -- probably a million unregistered trend heavily Democratic.
Our primary is not until August. We think Debbie Mucarsel-Powell will be the senate candidate, but at this point do not know.
3.2% is closer than I'd realized. Considering that at the time Biden wasn't an incumbent, Roe hadn't yet been overturned, and abortion rights groups are fighting tooth and nail in Florida because they need to get to 60% rather than what would be a pretty automatic simple majority, that makes Florida look pretty winnable. I hope that in the states with referendums on the ballot Biden pushes some advertising explicitly tying his position to the ballot initiatives.
I live in Portland, but I grew up in Florida. Have college degrees from two different schools there. And I worked for a defense contractor in Florida. My personal belief is that Florida can go Blue in November. My experience in school and at work is that many Republicans I knew were Libertarian types that don't like bans and restrictions. I have family in Florida, and they are skeptical of my prediction that Florida votes for Biden. But my pride is on the line with my five sisters with this prediction. So, I'm boldly sticking with it!!!!!! How is that for Hopium?
I don't know this as a fact, but I bet your fellow alums and your former colleagues can spread the word to a geometric progression. It's incredible what has happened to UF, New School, and many other state institutions. I'm in a UM discussion group that used to be split, but DeSantis et al unified us.
I think you are on to something, Daniel. I know many UF grads who are riled up a. But UM?!?! OMG, I'm still angry at something Jimmy Johnson did to us Gators in the mid-80's!!!!! And, yet, here we all are united to save our beloved swampy, bug-infested sweat pit of a home state from the Orange Emperor of Idiocracy. (BTW, Jimmy kicked an unnecessary field goal with a few seconds left on the game clock just to "teach us a lesson" because we were "bad fans".)
I would like to see analyses from pollsters explaining how their Likely Voter Models for these swing states take into account the abortion referenda being on the ballots.
(Holding my breath, realizing I may well turn Blue long before this request is fulfilled...)
I still get nothing from these polls. The states needed are the same with the polls as without the polls. Let’s get to WORK on the states. Journalists are dependent on making everything a horse race. Just let me ask. Does a race horse slow down when he sees a police horse?
Here is a treat, and great background for writing! Simon on with Matt Lewis. Admittedly I am not a fan of Matt’s. Imo he just doesn’t get it and pushes back with weak retail media questions. What do you all think? Simon is incredible as always. Enjoy.
Simon- appreciating as always your perspective and deep understanding and clear explanations of the current political scene. I have recently learned about "Project 2025" designed by the Heritage Foundation. https://www.project2025.org/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
This is bigger than Trump and frightening. Jay Quo did a great piece on it yesterday. Can you comment on this?
Today's Seniors Taking Action Speaker Series featured Heather Booth. If any of you need a lift, I recommend watching the documentary about her. It is just amazing and you can check it out here: Heather Booth, American civil rights activist, feminist, and political strategist. Co-hosted with Markers For Democracy. Here’s a link to an inspiring documentary “Changing the World” about Heather https://heatherbooththefilm.com/ It is a Vimeo and it costs $2.99 to rent.
I’ve begun writing postcards to be mailed to NC in October. I do 10/day. The stamps are the donation, plus time. The picturesque postcards are free from Postcards to Swing States. It’s my way to “do more, worry less.”
Thank you for participating for NC. Bare in mind Rev, that postcarding is sort of ‘gateway’ democracy Hopium! You’ll want to experience other forms before too long! Happened to me. :-)
Can I get an Amen from other folks trippin’ on good stuff out there in Hopium-land?? ;-)
Appreciating all efforts big or small. Thank you, B
Thanks for pointing up Bynum. I am not surprised Bynum took the Dem primary. She is good. Damn good. And there are a number of young blue politicians coming up through the ranks there.
Oregon is a place to watch. It is dem controlled but radical right does everything they can to gum things up. It's not working anymore. A few years ago the Republicans got taken over by radical right wingers and it blew up on them.
I was born and grew up in Oregon, have followed the issues and politics there closely for decades from whereever I landed. Local media is a jumping off point for wanna-bes on their way up the media ladder, and tend not to hang around long enough to get a sense of local issues or dynamics. The national media covers the clicks and noise until someone (sometimes me) points out what they are missing.
If you weren’t on today’s call, you should watch when he posts the recording tomorrow. He addresses this in detail. Long story short, polls are data points, which are currently all over the map. There’s tension between the data points. Media is choosing a questionable narrative based on only some of those data points. When looking at ALL the data points it actually looks pretty good for us, but we have to keep working. Do more, worry less. Cheers!
James, I felt the same way for a while. But remember 2022 ? The media pushed a story. It wanted a story, it wanted a bloodbath for us. But guess what ?! It didn't happen. There's much evidence for the same dynamic this year! I'll be honest - and I've been saying this for about a week now - I'm not sure we'll ever see the coveted roast headlines and polls ( Biden +8, + 10, + 15 etc.) but you know what ? We don't necessarily need it. I would love to see it. But if there's one thing life has taught me it's not to wait for validation - much like Simon says not to "wait for" events to deliver us from Trump. We got this James, especially if we keep calm & campaign on !
Rosy headlines * sorry
In my demographic, retired unproductive, old and in the way, IRAs, 401k's etc are up, beating inflation. Trump told the sheep to sell short. Hope they did.
In recent years, the number of women registered to vote in the U.S. has typically been about 10 million more than the number of men registered to vote. However, that gap declined to 7.4 million in 2022. In every presidential election since 1980, the proportion of eligible female adults who voted has exceeded the proportion of eligible male adults who voted.
In 2020 52% of registered voters were ages 50 and older, up from 41% in 1996. This shift has occurred in both partisan coalitions. More than half of Republican and GOP-leaning voters (56%) were ages 50 and older, up from 39% in 1996. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/10/26/what-the-2020-electorate-looks-like-by-party-race-and-ethnicity-age-education-and-religion/
In 2022 many "older" voters are boomers. IMHO far less "conservative" than their elders. The Democratic Party holds a substantial edge among younger voters, while the Republican Party has the advantage among the oldest groups.
About two-thirds of voters ages 18 to 24 (66%) associate with the Democratic Party, compared with 34% who align with the GOP.
*There is a similarly large gap in the partisan affiliation of voters ages 25 to 29 (64% are Democrats or lean that way vs. 32% for Republicans).
*Voters in their 30s also tilt Democratic, though to a lesser extent: 55% are Democrats or Democratic leaners, 42% are Republicans or Republican leaners.
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/04/09/age-generational-cohorts-and-party-identification/
Among older voters (65 and up) male voters tend to turnout at higher rates than women voters.
The right wing floods the airways with bullshit. This is how a decorated Vietnam Vet lost to a guy who had been AWOL in 2004 ( Dan Rather's expose was not wrong on the facts ) because people believed John Kerry faked his wounds and lied about his Swift Boat service which was, by the way, dangerous service, much more so than anything W had done.
We should have known this though- out of voters who would care about having a veteran as POTUS candidate, how many of them would want a veteran *who turned into an anti-war activist*? Not the kinds of vets who hung out with others and clung on to that identity the rest of their lives, those types didn't like people who spoke out against the war, and were primed to believe lies about them, because they *wanted* to believe those lies. Kerry campaigned and tactic'ed fine, he just was not given a fair hearing by a country turned nutty by 9/11, sad to say. Country's head was really starting to know better, but it's *gut* and reptile brain was still, stupidly, feeling "safer" with Bush.
“But you know what? Without a SINGLE exception, those people I’ve talked to who believe the right wing lies about unemployment being at a near all time low- when you simply tell them the facts, they’re astonished AND they’re mad at Fox.”
Thanks, Don, for literally talking to those people. No w-site,social media post,App, pamphlet, ad ,text +will ever be as effective.
Simon .and others,offer us the data/tools we can use to facilitate “talk”. The REACH App does have great messaging…but please keep(literally) talking!
Sounds like you’re doing just fine.
First off my age demographic is more likely to be Republican.
Second, the "perception" probably comes from the push poll language. In MAGAT world, economics is secondary, 90% vote against their own health and economic well being. My favorite are SSI recipients who vote for people who want to kill their main source of income. Their vote is visceral.
Third, likewise most don't know the facts. They happen to be wrong and can be set right. In court, both sides don't get to put on a case, subject to cross examination as to the size sample of the poll, the history of reliability, etc
All laid out in DNC REACH. https://democrats.org/reach/
You can join any one of about a hundred Facebook groups that are like that.
BTW I was an administrative law judge for SSA for 10 years. Putting together a group of influencers -- judges, lawyers, social workers, care givers. Here's my prototype letter, that has run in several papers:
To the editor:
Don’t slit your own throat.
As of 2023, 67,076,966 Americans received SSI. I’m sure more do now.
Republicans have threatened to kill it. Demean beneficiaries as “takers.”
Yet some SSI recipients are registered Republican!
It's ironic that some on SSI slit their own throats.
Every dime an SSI beneficiary gets is spent and proves that John Maynard Keynes was right -- causing a positive ripple effect. “Demand creates its own supply.”
Those benefits go into the hands of practically every business.
Daniel F. Solomon
Miami
And want to change their minds?
"Trump hates dogs" works.
Proof: https://rvat.org/
"Susheela Jayapal, a Multnomah County commissioner ... lost handily to state Rep. Maxine Dexter, after millions of dollars in last-minute spending attacking Jayapal’s record."
Many people in Oregon, who have in-depth knowledge of both candidates, are objecting to this portrayal. First and foremost, they point out that the winner, Maxine Dexter, is in fact a progressive – a progressive who knows how to get things done! Second, Dexter scored a blow-out victory. That is not because of AIPAC money. Third, many Oregonians have been discouraged by Jayapal’s record. Apparently the attack ads merely shined a light on it; it didn’t misconstrue that record.
.
Edit: Perhaps some of the Oregonians here can weigh in on this. And please correct me if I am wrong.
While I can’t speak from a deep knowledge of this specific race, I can speak as a constituent of her sister up here in Washington state, which is very similar to Oregon in many ways. We have seen a lot of pushback against some of the more extreme elements of progressivism (or whatever you want to call it) that, whether rightly or wrongly, have been associated with “urban decay” (ie lax enforcement or repeal of open use drug laws, public camping, graffiti, squatting, anti-police, etc…apologies if I mischaracterize any of these things in my quick response), as well as being perceived as anti-Israel. While we will never go ‘red’, there is a real focused shift to wanting more moderate representation willing to oppose/work on the above mentioned issues. It’s a reaction to the pendulum swinging perhaps a bit further left than the constituency actually lives on average. It’s also, in my opinion, why we’ve seen the red areas (largely rural and east of the mountains) become fairly MAGA, as they have no chance of gaining statewide power and react in extremes. Fwiw my non-professional observations.
Thank you for weighing in on this!
Hate and bigotry is an expensive way to go.
Thanks Simon, looking forward to tonight's gathering!
Maricopa County, the state’s largest, will be key to winning Arizona. Fortunately, MAGA-Republicans failed to put one of their own in charge of elections there. And the good people who are in charge of Maricopa’s elections are taking election security very, very seriously!
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/22/arizona-election-security-measures-maricopa-county
I am really glad that these extreme measures are being implemented, while lamenting their necessity. Probably not what the MAGA crowd had in mind with their incessant demands for "election security"!
That's impressive. Thanks for the link.
This is good to hear. I had family in Maricopa and near-by area, and probably still have cousins. Pretty dismal for a long time. I loved visiting parts of Arizona, but by and large found it to be one of the most bigoted places I've been in, so pretty much stopped going there. That's been a while back now, though, and things really look like they are changing. I am glad. Hard to grow up with "Arizona" magazine prominently in my grandparents' house and not care.
Surely you mean "Arizona Highways" magazine? In my youth I was given a gift subscription, which I treasured! I especially loved the amazing landscape photographs of David and Josef Muench, and the many excellent articles on Native American pottery and jewelry, and other fascinating topics.
Could be. Or not. This was a long time ago, in the 50s/60s (I'm pretty old). I used to devour those magazines when visiting my grandfolks on their farm in Oregon. It was one way I learned about my larger connection to the west (plus all the stories from my large extended family). Fantastic photos and discussion of things not many people talked about. Grandpa also had some interesting stuff from Arizona- I hesitate to call them artifacts because I think they actually were more personal than that.
I received my gift subscription in the early 1970s. I am told the first issue of Arizona Highways magazine was published in 1921 – which I am confident is long before our time! :)
That was probably it then!
As a former member of Oregon’s 5th congressional district (redistricting put me in the new 6th district), I’m really happy about Janelle Bynum’s victory. I think she’ll be a strong candidate with a great chance of flipping the district.
I’d also caution anyone drawing big conclusions about Portland electing former-Republican-turned-Independent Nathan Vasquez as the DA over the progressive incumbent. Oregon isn’t flipping red or rejecting liberal policies, that was in response to a local issue of drug decriminalization and the mishandling of the effects on Portland’s streets.
A Portlander here, agree with above regarding the DA election.
I also live in Portland. In addition to this correct understanding of a local issue, our DA has been the target of what I perceive has been a persistent campaign of negativity. I'm much more careful now about what I read and share. I've learned to check the record.
Thanks for all your great work, Simon. One thing you haven't talked about as much is states with abortion referendums on the ballot in 2024, but my understanding is that we now have these in Arizona, Nevada, Florida, and Missouri. I think this really bolsters our chances in Arizona and Nevada, and while flipping Florida for the presidential is a long shot (but not impossible!) it would be worth it if it helps us defeat the ghoulish Rick Scott.
Florida. Trump won by 3.2% in 2020, so we only need to flip 2%. We need greater penetration by FT 6 -- probably a million unregistered trend heavily Democratic.
Our primary is not until August. We think Debbie Mucarsel-Powell will be the senate candidate, but at this point do not know.
Fladems has partnered with FT 6 in some texting. https://www.fieldteam6.org/
3.2% is closer than I'd realized. Considering that at the time Biden wasn't an incumbent, Roe hadn't yet been overturned, and abortion rights groups are fighting tooth and nail in Florida because they need to get to 60% rather than what would be a pretty automatic simple majority, that makes Florida look pretty winnable. I hope that in the states with referendums on the ballot Biden pushes some advertising explicitly tying his position to the ballot initiatives.
We figure that the abortion/reproductive rights issue will increase the vote by 20%.
I'm working with a veterans' group. We think we can flip a lot of voters who voted twice for Trump. Not suckers or losers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhvOVSg1kXI
I live in Portland, but I grew up in Florida. Have college degrees from two different schools there. And I worked for a defense contractor in Florida. My personal belief is that Florida can go Blue in November. My experience in school and at work is that many Republicans I knew were Libertarian types that don't like bans and restrictions. I have family in Florida, and they are skeptical of my prediction that Florida votes for Biden. But my pride is on the line with my five sisters with this prediction. So, I'm boldly sticking with it!!!!!! How is that for Hopium?
I don't know this as a fact, but I bet your fellow alums and your former colleagues can spread the word to a geometric progression. It's incredible what has happened to UF, New School, and many other state institutions. I'm in a UM discussion group that used to be split, but DeSantis et al unified us.
I think you are on to something, Daniel. I know many UF grads who are riled up a. But UM?!?! OMG, I'm still angry at something Jimmy Johnson did to us Gators in the mid-80's!!!!! And, yet, here we all are united to save our beloved swampy, bug-infested sweat pit of a home state from the Orange Emperor of Idiocracy. (BTW, Jimmy kicked an unnecessary field goal with a few seconds left on the game clock just to "teach us a lesson" because we were "bad fans".)
I would like to see analyses from pollsters explaining how their Likely Voter Models for these swing states take into account the abortion referenda being on the ballots.
(Holding my breath, realizing I may well turn Blue long before this request is fulfilled...)
I still get nothing from these polls. The states needed are the same with the polls as without the polls. Let’s get to WORK on the states. Journalists are dependent on making everything a horse race. Just let me ask. Does a race horse slow down when he sees a police horse?
Two notes:
1. Radley Balko published an excellent analysis of the deportation plans yesterday, diving deep into logistics and costs:
https://radleybalko.substack.com/p/trumps-deportation-army
2. I saw that the abortion rights ballot initiative organizers in Nevada have enough petition signatures to get on the ballot in November:
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/nevada-abortion-rights-group-signatures-petition-ballot-measure/story?id=110396174
Also, very interesting article on swing voter focus groups and fear of Trump usurping term limits:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-05-21/voters-fear-trump-won-t-leave-if-he-wins-2024-presidential-election
Here is a treat, and great background for writing! Simon on with Matt Lewis. Admittedly I am not a fan of Matt’s. Imo he just doesn’t get it and pushes back with weak retail media questions. What do you all think? Simon is incredible as always. Enjoy.
https://youtu.be/C16k5W1NMHo?si=mzeFnfsWxqWJKdgw
Simon- appreciating as always your perspective and deep understanding and clear explanations of the current political scene. I have recently learned about "Project 2025" designed by the Heritage Foundation. https://www.project2025.org/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
This is bigger than Trump and frightening. Jay Quo did a great piece on it yesterday. Can you comment on this?
Today's Seniors Taking Action Speaker Series featured Heather Booth. If any of you need a lift, I recommend watching the documentary about her. It is just amazing and you can check it out here: Heather Booth, American civil rights activist, feminist, and political strategist. Co-hosted with Markers For Democracy. Here’s a link to an inspiring documentary “Changing the World” about Heather https://heatherbooththefilm.com/ It is a Vimeo and it costs $2.99 to rent.
I’ve begun writing postcards to be mailed to NC in October. I do 10/day. The stamps are the donation, plus time. The picturesque postcards are free from Postcards to Swing States. It’s my way to “do more, worry less.”
Thank you for participating for NC. Bare in mind Rev, that postcarding is sort of ‘gateway’ democracy Hopium! You’ll want to experience other forms before too long! Happened to me. :-)
Can I get an Amen from other folks trippin’ on good stuff out there in Hopium-land?? ;-)
Appreciating all efforts big or small. Thank you, B
Thanks for pointing up Bynum. I am not surprised Bynum took the Dem primary. She is good. Damn good. And there are a number of young blue politicians coming up through the ranks there.
Oregon is a place to watch. It is dem controlled but radical right does everything they can to gum things up. It's not working anymore. A few years ago the Republicans got taken over by radical right wingers and it blew up on them.
I was born and grew up in Oregon, have followed the issues and politics there closely for decades from whereever I landed. Local media is a jumping off point for wanna-bes on their way up the media ladder, and tend not to hang around long enough to get a sense of local issues or dynamics. The national media covers the clicks and noise until someone (sometimes me) points out what they are missing.
I am so grateful for this blog. Realistic hut hopeful which wards off my baseline cynical discouragement. Thanks Simon.