Steve, you often hit the nail on the head, but, it’s unsurprising that people reject the message. Everything we once counted on is crumbling and denial is the inevitable first human response. Your recommendations of the Luttig interview and Timothy Snyder’s heart wrenching post today were spot on.
We are facing the end of what was and the beginning of we know not what. We need truth tellers to help us find a new way. Please keep writing.
Steve, you’re right—clarity without action is despair dressed as wisdom. The truth is simple: no savior is coming. We are the remedy or we are the ruin. To march, to vote, to organize is not charity—it is survival. Every street is a forum. Every neighbor is a witness. Every ballot is a weapon.
If you claim to love freedom, then live like it. Speak as if your voice can move the earth. Stand as if your children’s future is watching. Act as if history will remember your silence. Liberty is not a gift; it is a burden we must carry, together, now.
Incredibly busy, big life shifts, all good! I broke the bank saving an old family estate, tried to sell it for four years and have decided my Higher Power wants me to turn it into a retreat/spa. Lots of protest actions, not much painting but that’s OK for now.
How are you?! I’ll be heading your way later in the month. Let’s grab a slice of pizza somewhere!
Perhaps there will be better days ahead. I had a small glimpse of elation the other day. In trying to research my great uncle’s military story from World War 2 — of which there is only minimal family oral history — I discovered two days ago through the resources at Ancestry.com that he had been awarded the Bronze Star. No one in my family — at least the ones alive today — knew this about him. So, this made my weekend and I am appreciative of things.
I feel like technology has moved the world too far, too fast. It grabs so much of our attention and dollars. The value our own histories is lost. I am glad for your discovery and hope you have family to share it with. And I'm appreciative of your great-uncle's sacrifice and service.
Thanks Josette. There are some details within the family history, but not much. My next step will be to make a request to the Department of Defense for information on the circumstances of the Bronze Star. His detachment was at Buchenwald, my family knew that, but no other details. I would like to know about the why he was awarded it and preserve any documents, if they still exist.
Bronze Stars are valor awards, you don’t get them for doing guard duty, you get one after you have put your life on the line for others, somebody has to have seen it and put you in for it. For every soldier that gets one there are probably a dozen that should have received it.
I had the opportunity recently to spend time with two good friends in their homes. My first visit was met with my very good girlfriend of 15+ years having become an ostrich. The only topics we could talk about were very surface and superficial.
My second visit with my girlfriend and her husband was similar but also added denialism.
As I sit here back in my home I am pondering this and thinking maybe we have gone out separate ways. And, I cannot help thinking that this is a national problem. Very disheartening.
I will never stop fighting back. I will never stop protesting. But that’s just me.
I am facing the same wrenching conclusion with a dear friend of many years. So many people are acting as though life is normal because the raids, the confiscations, the eliminations of services, etc haven't touched them yet. I find it very frustrating and a little crazy-making--like there are dual realities--one for me and another for them. If I beat the drum too much they politely ignore me. We have to start making new communities.
Yes, we have to start making new communities! Some people-- I am thinking it's the majority-- do not have a strong moral compass. The good news is, we need only a small percentage of our population-- E.Chenoweth says 3.5%-- to gather in resistance and building anew. The passive ones will do whatever is going on around them.
I'm not saying it's easy or fun, but we do have a path.
I don’t know if you read these comments, but I have been a Warning subscriber since it was only YouTube and you had 38K followers. I’ve been a fan since you managed the McCain campaign (I’m in AZ) and I loved GAME CHANGE. Then followed you through The Lincoln Project and now here. I’ve been on X, Threads, BlueSky blabbing and tweeting or whatever it’s called. I’ve done the protests. And it all just keeps going downhill on the daily. I have no platform. YOU DO. Millions of people listen to you. I LOVED it when you handed it to Vinny on the PBD podcast. I would love to see you OUT THERE. Do Pod Save America and the Bulwark with Tim Miller. Go on JOE ROGAN and The Nelk Boys. Shit, do Call Her Daddy. THIS is how you reach young voters. They don’t read Substack. Launch a pressure campaign to fire Schumer and Jeffries. You ran LP. You have the platform and the skills to be viral every day. Do spots on CNN with toxic Scott Jennings and sit with Nicole on MSNBC. You have the reach. And the power.
Julie is right, re young people & Substack. I have been following Steve Schmidt since well before the 2020 election. His voice is very special. Whenever he was on, I stopped what I was doing and listened.
I appreciate your recommendations and I hope Steve considers what you have suggested. More people need to hear this great American.
I am a realist so I have no problem with you telling it like it is. Having said that, we have to believe that if we continue to fight back, we can stop these monsters. But I do agree with Judge Luttig. The damage has been done and we will have to rebuild. We will need an honest post mortem to begin the climb out of this hole. Our system of checks and balances only works when everyone in the system, believes in it and actually checks and balances behavior that is against the constitution and common decency.
We have to rebuild something that plugs all the loopholes that got us to this place, not go back to what we had which is broken. Hard lessons learned over the past 50 years of deliberate chipping away at the common good, but those lessons will be helpful for the long term.
Exactly. We are at a terrible point. Things didnt get like this overnight. Accountability went out the window first in a hiss, then as a large airstream, and now finally as a nuclear explosion. Repairs can be made over time. Iron clad measures need to be developed to ensure accountability and punishment in every area.
"Do you appreciate the moral catastrophe of that? Does your family, your neighbors, your friends?
If not, soon they will."
I believe that a growing number of Americans, certainly approaching and perhaps surpassing 50% of the population, is very aware that we face a "moral catastrophe." Drastic steps are justified when facing a "moral catastrophe," the utter and complete destruction of our belief in human dignity and freedom.
Please go to the site Jody Gorran is recommending. Read the peition he is asking you to send to Democratic governors. It calls for Democratic governors "to preemptively mobilize their National Guards." This is the kind of strong message and powerful stance necessary to force Trump to back down or face rebellion.
I have wavered on whether or not blue states should secede and form separate nations or petition for admission to Canada as provinces. I now believe it is the the only way to preserve true American values, values we share with our Northern neighbor but not with red states that elect governors like Abbott and senators like Mace, Graham, Cruz, Rubio, and Tuberville, and representatives like MTG, Lee et. al.
Extreme measures could indeed become rational. For now, let's focus on getting rid of Dunsall Schumer..who perfectly represents the do-nothing wing of the democratic party..and work to flush Trump/MAGA through the process the Founders created. Trump is likely near his end. The blowhard has not spoken in a week and in the pics of him that have been released this weekend he looks like death warmed over. Once he is gone, the fog may lift enough for the Dems to take the House and the Senate in 2026. If that occurs, the game is on and we may be able to, slowly, right the ship. In the meantime, protest, harass your elected officials at every level, and be prepared to engage in non-violent civil disobedience. BL- all is not lost. The good guys can still win, but it will take all of us.
I agree that stronger action right now would be appropriate. I watched the mayor of Chicago's press conference and read his Executive Order. It seemed rather tepid. I've been advocating for governors and mayors to claim and exert their power. I read something today about the White House lawyer exploring the "art of the possible." I can just see the Dem lawyers sitting around the Gov's office debating whether they can close the roads in advance of the troops. Well, could we just ask, "What's the worst that could happen?" And assess from that risk? I doubt that Trump evens asks. He just says, "Do it!" and fires those who don't. I'm not advocating a compete disregard for law but for maximum exercise of rights. And the people need leadership. The people in the best position to give it are in elected positions. For the most part, they're not doing it. They're very slow to act. And very cautious when they do. And that silence, that timidity reinforces a natural tendency of the populace toward denial and disbelief that immediate action is required. Plus, having read the recent PEW report on Americans' view of ICE, I could only return to my thought that the Blue states should give strong consideration to negotiating secession. "Roughly seven-in-ten Republicans (72%) express a favorable view of ICE, while 21% see the agency unfavorably.
Governor Pritzker will take strong actions against any attempt on Trump's part to send federalized southern NG's or the American military into Chicago:
"In his message, Pritzker called Trump's plans to send in the National Guard "unprecedented," "unwarranted," "illegal," "unconstitutional" and "un-American."
"If it sounds to you like I am alarmist, that is because I am ringing an alarm. One that I hope every person listening will heed, both here in Illinois and across the country," Pritzker said. "Over the weekend, we learned from the media that Donald Trump has been planning for quite a while now to deploy armed military personnel to the streets of Chicago. This is exactly the type of overreach that our country's founders warned against."
Senator Tammy Duckworth said:
"Donald Trump never had the courage himself to raise his right hand and serve his country in uniform, but let me just say from personal experience - and that consists of 23 years in the military, 17 of which, proudly as a member of the Illinois National Guard - that the men and women who are brave enough to wear this country's flag on their shoulder are doing so to defend our nation's rights and freedoms, not to protect a tin-pot dictator's thin skin or to police their own neighbors," she said. "It's not what they signed up for, and it's certainly not what their training is focused on."
I've listened to Pritzker twice, and he didn't sound like his hair was on fire. He didn't sound as creative as the Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner. I've been carrying around a sign "Arrest ICE" with a picture of a toppled Statue of Liberty, but Krasner has me thinking maybe ICE could be arrested....for many things, with much more frequency, They probably have some limited immunity, but their legal authority is not unlimited. Krasner's creative thinking and announcing is what I'd like to see more of from the people in office.
Steve, please keep writing. I read and listen to everything you put out and have since the before times (2022). Your work is a crucial touchstone of truth that I gauge other media by. The historical references and speeches you abundantly share have educated and inspired me. "Face reality squarely but know you will prevail." I take action now every day partly because of your missives. Thank you Steve
Steve, There is no one, no one, who is writing better than you on the topic of the American crisis. It is just so horrific that whatever words one chooses feel inadequate to the moment. But you are clear and consistent. The problem is the same one faced by the Revolutionaries of 1775 and 1776, calling others to awareness and action. It is only the action by the people that will bring life to the fine words in your screeds, and the excellent words of many others. It is the popular uprising that is needed, whether that man makes it through the next week or month or year, or whether we face JD instead as public enemy #1. Because the fascist project 2025 is widespread and has done such damage already. Because we are already seeing the end of the American global Empire of 80 years, for better or worse, and now we need to recapture our nation from the oligarchy, restore our democratic republic, and reimpose a government by law in the pursuit of prosperity and freedom for all. Your frustration is justified but we also look to you for a vision of hope. Happy Labor Day - from another Steve
I believe the plan of the Oligarchy, Tech-Bros Billionaires along with the likes of Nazi Steven Miller and the unholy creators of P-2025 is to faze out and get rid of the giant lump of orange lard that they used to get themselves here, now that tRUMP is at the point where he needs diapers, has to be spoon feed baby food and has to have a constant IV of an amphetamine cocktail to keep him upright ....realizing that his usefulness is all but used up to serve their needs.... they now have the groomed couch fucking puppet that wears eyeliner and crossdresses (no offense to those that do) ready to be installed to further the agenda of the rich, powerful and extremely criminal insane 1%......no need for the maga base since this cabal of evil and greed will have no need for elections since they are well on the way of eliminating them......subscribed, always share and restack.
I agree that Trump's days are numbered, that he's a demented cat's paw. I hope you have access to a community with an Indivisible.org group, and can listen in on the "What's the Plan" Thursday 3-4 PM ET. I say this because you sound like you could use the company of like-minded people, who are working hard to figure out what we can do. And we could use you!
“There have been so many lies told to so many people in America over the last 25 years. The bill has come due.” It’s more like 44 years. The neoliberal cruelties and lies and destruction delivered by the Ayn Rand-admiring Ronald Reagan paved the way to our current fascistic government. The Republican Party happily played along, revealing its true core. The Democratic Party chose the Neville Chamberlain model, abandoning its claimed beliefs to the detriment of its credibility. Fascism is winning because the Republican Party is winning, its utter corruption consuming the Executive, Legislative, and (fatally?), Judicial branches of government.
I think Judge Luttig’s assessment is accurate. The only thing that will have a chance of reversing the trajectory is the kind of mass uprising they had in South Korea, but doesn’t seem likely here. Too many in power who didn’t have to have rolled over, and too many ordinary citizens who don’t like what is happening still seem disconnected. I know people who try not to read too much about what’s going on because they “don’t want to be upset.”
The research of Erica Chenoweth et al. has shown that only about 3.5% of the population need to rise up against a rotten regime to topple it. This "3.5% rule" is important to know and share because so many people think we have to get to 51% or higher. They despair of that, and then withdraw and hide. Which is exactly what any authoritarian regime wants! We don't have to become a self fulfilling prophecy. We don't have to 'hope' -- we have to do what is right.
Yes, but one of the features of what they identified as a successful nonviolent resistance movement is:
“The ability to create loyalty shifts among key regime-supporting groups such as business elites, state media, and—most important—security elites such as the police and the military.”
So far, the elites in business, law, entertainment, media, and higher education have mostly bent the knee and kissed the ring. There has been no noticeable public dissent from our military about being used as political theater. Nothing from retired generals or protests from currently serving National Guard. Have even the DC police protested against making January 6ers into heroes? If they have, I missed it.
This is not the work of a few months. For 17 months after the Watergate break-in was exposed (as not a random break-in), as scandalous development after scandalous development were exposed and rocked the country, the Republicans circled the wagons around Nixon. It was 17 months of high tension before the dam broke (with the John Dean testimony) and a delegation of Republican heavy-hitters told Nixon he should resign, or be removed from office.
Some elite law firms bent the knee to Trump. And lost a lot of talent. Other law firms did not.
The self-censoring and anticipatory obedience are well-known (if distressing) reactions to authoritarian breakthrough, perhaps especially of the'big business' interests.
Without searching for them I have seen 3 videos by National Guardsmen speaking against their deployment. I am sure half of them at least are angry, disgusted. Reenlistment will drop.
And as to the top brass? I don't expect them to speak out-- that's a taboo in the military. But I do expect them to be talking amongst themselves-- after all, a bunch of them signed a public letter before the election saying Trump is a huge threat to national security.
I don't really want to hear them speak out. I want people to be Doing.
DC police? If they are working, they are vulnerable. Their paycheck and healthcare and pensions are at risk. They cannot speak without risking everything, so we can't really ask them to.
Blue state administrators are talking with one another, looking to salvage public health and who knows what else-- now that the federal government has fallen into hostile hands. The "soft secession" will take shape. But it will be many more months of resisting, gumming up the works, connecting with others and collaborating, fighting and just keeping on fighting.
You won't hear any of this from mainstream media-- the Washington Post, the NYT, the LA Times and TV. All we'll get out of them is fog.
You're already on Substack. For a morale boost, hop on over to Indivisible.org. Or find your local group. Or start one? Every Thursday, 3-4 pm ET "What's the Plan" with some updates and a lot of Q&A. Strategic thinkers, also excellent trainings from time to time. The zoom tops out at 20,000 people, but once you're signed up you'll get the recording. And another big "No Kings Day" like day of protests is coming up! You are not alone--far from it, you've got a lot of company. But it's an tra-marathon, not a sprint.
I’ve been accused of being too Negative. I’ve been sounding the alarm about Trump since the 1980s. I had no idea he would be president then, but I use to scream at the TV and write to TV channels about them putting that asshole’s face on my TV. He is the worst of the worst type of human being. The sickest fuck in the world and this country has enabled him since birth.
I appreciate your brutality of the TRUTH of what’s going on and what’s to come. I’m an old man, but I have a son who isn’t yet 20 yrs old who we adore. He is kindest most wonderful strong young man you would ever want to meet. The thought of him entering adulthood in the midst of the Trump catastrophe makes me sick to my stomach.
Before this cataclysmic extinction level disaster is fixed my sweet son is most likely going to end up a battle tested hardened soldier like so many in the Ukraine are forced to become. I have no illusions. We either flee this “Trump Shit Hole” or we will be shouldering a rifle to kill that Son of Bitch and his pathetic idiot cabinet and Cult members.
I realize you want a nonviolent approach and I understand you can’t say things to suggest violence as an answer to this Trump Thuggery, but I can. Sadly, the Trump Regime and his Cult members will continue to tear this nation apart while looting it until that fucker is DEAD! Full Stop! No amount of words and no amount of sacrifice will stop a Horrid Disgusting fully Enabled Tyrant with that much power. His cult will rage no matter how he dies and then weaken and perhaps humanity can continue on. Hitler’s Nazi Death Cult didn’t end until Hitler was completely pounded into hiding and shot himself in the head. 100 million people across the globe died and Europe looked like Gaza today before that happened. Why do people pretend things are magically going to get better as long as Trump breaths? I’ll never understand that level of false positivity and bullshit. Ever!
I share your rage. I find strength and comfort in getting involved in resistance ACTION. No one is coming to save us, and that's fine. I'm not going anywhere because this is my country and I have standing to protect the rest of the world from the evil sprouting here. I suggest you and your darling son get involved in your local Indivisible.org group. Or start one yourselves. Indivis. is all volunteer, it is strategic, clear-eyed, non-violent (which is the only hope of succeeding) and it's immensely valuable to connect with others who are working hard to figure out what exactly we can do to fight back. Action is the best antidote to anxiety and depression.
And as someone who lived in NYC 1975-1985, I am amazed at two things. First, that Trump was never hauled up short by the law. Everyone knew he was a con-man. Second, that some people find him 'charismatic' and think he's a Successful Businessman!!! His whole first term I avoided listening to him and did pretty well at not even looking at his face. Now on Substack I am often exposed to both, and marvel that anyone can calmly listen to his whiny and bizarre ramblings. We Americans must have a lot of drunken old gramps or uncles that we give a pass to!
You write "Before there can be a new season of hope there must be hours of reckoning for the failed political leadership of a great political party that was called to defend America against MAGA — and failed. The hope era won’t begin until the pathetic Schumer era ends." I find it astonishing that you seem to be blaming Democrats for the continued destruction of America's core principles. I vehemently disagree. It is the Republican party, every last one of them in Congress, that have destroyed this nation.
I do think the attack on Schumer is excessive, but he very much needs to step aside ASAP. Steve sometimes sounds like Bill Maher attacking "wokeness" as a nearly equal evil as republican gangsterism.
Well, the Democratic establishment failed in its great duty to LISTEN to We the People and then, only then, articulate proposals for making life better for the vast majority of Americans. Instead, the party establishment repeatedly relied on explanations that had failed many times before. All so the Dems would not risk offending the Top 10% which is their actual constituency. Granted, the Republicans represent only the Top 1%-- but they have had the discipline over decades to work towards a unified goal. Read G. Lakoff's "Don't Think of an Elephant." From 2004. Revised 2014. Have the Schumercrats paid attention? No. They're convinced they will be okay no matter what. They have failed democracy.
I respectfully disagree that Democrats failed in making life better for the vast majority of Americans. Joe Biden's presidency was economically successful for working class Americans: the infrastructure bill added scores of jobs to states, invested millions in climate change, provided college debt relief. All of this destroyed without blinking an eye by Republicans in the first 200 days of the asshole's presidency.
Don’t forget that Biden in his wisdom gave us Garland, who in his wisdom gave the clown again, instead of having him arrested with all of his enablers the week after he was sworn in as AG.
Thank you for your long rebuttal to my point. You have exactly proven my point. I know that protesting gives you a warm fuzzy feeling and helps build a sense of community so you don’t feel isolated. Hurray! Welcome to Middle School.
The reality is that these billionaires are billionaires because average every day Americans have made them billionaires. You still don’t understand the economics of the Musk takedown. It wasn’t the protests it was the collapse of market share. Musk didn’t fold because you hurt his feelings. Musk was only politically involved because he was making scads of money off of the government.
Of course I know about citizen United. Who doesn’t. It only matters because wealthy donors know that they can financially support corrupt politicians and people will buy their shit regardless. Stop buying their shit. They will stop donating. You don’t need the Supreme Court.
The fact that you think my comments are directly related to a lack of experience protesting is laughable. I sense you have had some experience at Junior College, which is laudable but forget the social scientists. Perhaps a good history course would deepen your understanding. Dwight Eisenhower sounded the alarm on the military industrial complex a long time ago.
Even some understanding of cause and effect would be helpful. Why do you think Australians and other democratic countries have strict rules about campaign finance. It’s because the public expects it. Do you think avarice is a uniquely American experience? It’s not. But highly educated citizens recognize the potential for corruption and expect that their elected officials address it. You don’t have that expectation. Your moral rail and ethical guidelines come from the Supreme Court. End of discussion.
Your analysis of democrats - nice people, think the best of others, is your explanation of the typical niave American. Pleasant, positive. Until of course, they see the light and go to a protest. Then they understand they are in a Cold War, thank heavens. Oh, and the American constitution and rule of law… the foundation of the republic is based on a system of checks and balances. A big part of that is having an educated and knowledgeable citizen. The American people are at war with themselves. They don’t even vote in their own self interest - because they can’t figure out what it is.
The Cold War???
I respect Steve’s intellect and many others but we are dealing with very limited capacity to turn this thing around. That’s why people are losing hope. If protesting makes you feel better do it until your head falls off. At least your head won’t hurt about having to think things through.
Paul: I'm not sure if you are replying to my comment but, if you are, may I ask what you do for a living (besides insult people you know nothing about)?
Let’s pause. Have you considered that the Dems “forced” what should be their base into the arms of Trump? The tapping of Hollywood stars to rally the base was tone deaf and campaign malpractise of the highest level. Biden didn’t help nor did the democratic powers who thought they could sneak Biden in. For a Maga base who thrives on conspiracy theories the dems played right into that narrative. There is a culture to politics. That culture is what Obama referenced when he said insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the same result. How many readers say - “I must do something - I’ll keep protesting”. Guess what you aren’t doing anything. You are no better than Schumer.
However, you have current experience, in being successful but don’t understand it. You brought down the richest man in the world who was gutting government, illegally and unashamedly. Was it the protests on the streets. No, it was not. It was the rich consumers, environmentally conscious consumers, status loving consumers who stopped buying and could not get rid of their Teslas.
You have identified that oligarchs are “in charge?” Take them down. How many protest for 6 hours then go home and order hundreds of dollars from Amazon.
Do a reality check. You are consumers. That’s all you are. Politically you are consumers. Start telling politicians what you will need to vote for them. How about asking for something that increases the power of your vote - taking money out of politics would be a good start.
Maybe if you started paying attention to what is happening in the world around you would be a better use of time than endlessly protesting. See what Australia is doing on this issue.
Quit bitching about Fox News. Pick 10 advertisers and boycott them. Pick the ones your demographic supports.
Don’t like Texas gerrymandering - boycott products made there.
Quit underestimating yourselves. The blue states are financially superior. Act like it.
Start reframing to break the cultural cycle you are in politically. Take a page out of Newsome’s playbook.
Trump is the best thing you have going for you. You’d be lucky to run against him. He is a gift. Run against him and the rich oligarchs. Who said “it is the economy stupid.”
I hear this dismissal of protests as useless from time to time.
You are mistaken-- I suspect you have not been to more than a few protests. You haven't talked to people, or you would know that the Tesla protesters were/ are rich, educated and environmentally concerned people! (Musk basically took himself down, though-- but we all knew that bromance could not last). You don't seem to know the issues re campaign money (the suggestion to 'get rid of money in politics' runs into something called the US Supreme Court's green light in Citizens United).
US politicians pick their voters, not vice versa. That's what gerrymandering accomplishes, and the last time non-partisan districting came up, every Dem voted for it and every Republican voted against it.
Social scientists have shown that only the top 10% have representation. The Democrats cater to the 10%, the Republicans to the 1%. The rest of us only get policy victories when the top 10% agree with it.
Back to your dismissal of protests. At the beginning of Trump.2 many Democrats confirmed highly questionable appointees. Went along. And stayed quiet. The protests-- and the people protesting who also called their Washington legislators--shifted many Dems from Go Along to resisting. The No Kings Day rallies, between 5-6 million Americans in 2,100 locations in all 50 states, added up to perhaps the largest mass demonstration in American history. Our Dem. politicians are not so out of touch as to ignore that-- especially because that day was just the most visible event (minimized by mainstream media) but they're aware there's plenty more going on. (You will not read about it or hear about it on anything like the big mainstream media. That does not mean there isn't a lot of jousting going on!)
There's a whole generation of fighters campaigning to get their footing in the party at state and federal level, and they aren't buying into the same old stuff. That won't be decided until November'26.
In addition to firing a shot through the rigging of our timid Dem Party, a main function of protests is to provide moral support and build community. Many people feel isolated. They get to a demonstration where hundreds and even thousands of people have shown up? (I live in a city of 50k, a blue dot in a mostly red sea) Their horizons expand. They get connected to online and on the ground communities that are tackling the ways in which we can collapse this authoritarian regime.
Does Australia have a cabal of fascist billionaires who have been steadfastly plotting to overthrow democracy for the last 80+ years? Since shortly after America helped defeat fascism in WW II, in fact.That's what we're fighting here now. In other words, human nature- the dark side.
Some/ many? of your suggestions are already in the works-- and they are not the work of days or weeks or even months. Democrats tend to be pleasant, positive, helpful people who don't want to think badly of others. It's not a moment's work to get them to realize we are at war-- still a cold war, thank heavens--against a mindset that rejects the foundation of "American." The Constitution and the rule of law. There are many good people stepping up in various and many ways. And you know what has put the wind in their sails? Protests! All those people you dismiss as hypocrites, clueless, etc.
I can carry on for a lot longer than this, but for now I'll leave it here:
The next protest you learn about, get out there and talk to the people.
Steve, you often hit the nail on the head, but, it’s unsurprising that people reject the message. Everything we once counted on is crumbling and denial is the inevitable first human response. Your recommendations of the Luttig interview and Timothy Snyder’s heart wrenching post today were spot on.
We are facing the end of what was and the beginning of we know not what. We need truth tellers to help us find a new way. Please keep writing.
You're right Diane, and if Steve's incisive writing didn't hit the nail on the head we wouldn't spend time here.
Thank you, Steve, for your incredibly hard work, grit, gifts and devotion to Democracy!❤️
Yes... And for those who think Steve is too hard on the Democratic status quo, I say, "pull your heads out".
It’s that tough love thing isn't it?
Someone has to talk about the 800 lb gorilla in the room. The current Dem. leadership certainly doesn’t want to.
Right On!🥊💥
Steve, you’re right—clarity without action is despair dressed as wisdom. The truth is simple: no savior is coming. We are the remedy or we are the ruin. To march, to vote, to organize is not charity—it is survival. Every street is a forum. Every neighbor is a witness. Every ballot is a weapon.
If you claim to love freedom, then live like it. Speak as if your voice can move the earth. Stand as if your children’s future is watching. Act as if history will remember your silence. Liberty is not a gift; it is a burden we must carry, together, now.
Wow. Beautifully said, thank you.
Isn’t he some writer?! I want him to write a new national anthem.
Hey you're back! I was wondering what happened to you.
Incredibly busy, big life shifts, all good! I broke the bank saving an old family estate, tried to sell it for four years and have decided my Higher Power wants me to turn it into a retreat/spa. Lots of protest actions, not much painting but that’s OK for now.
How are you?! I’ll be heading your way later in the month. Let’s grab a slice of pizza somewhere!
Thank you for this powerful reply.
Keep fighting, Steve!
Perhaps there will be better days ahead. I had a small glimpse of elation the other day. In trying to research my great uncle’s military story from World War 2 — of which there is only minimal family oral history — I discovered two days ago through the resources at Ancestry.com that he had been awarded the Bronze Star. No one in my family — at least the ones alive today — knew this about him. So, this made my weekend and I am appreciative of things.
I feel like technology has moved the world too far, too fast. It grabs so much of our attention and dollars. The value our own histories is lost. I am glad for your discovery and hope you have family to share it with. And I'm appreciative of your great-uncle's sacrifice and service.
Thanks Josette. There are some details within the family history, but not much. My next step will be to make a request to the Department of Defense for information on the circumstances of the Bronze Star. His detachment was at Buchenwald, my family knew that, but no other details. I would like to know about the why he was awarded it and preserve any documents, if they still exist.
Bronze Stars are valor awards, you don’t get them for doing guard duty, you get one after you have put your life on the line for others, somebody has to have seen it and put you in for it. For every soldier that gets one there are probably a dozen that should have received it.
Thanks for letting me know.
Glad to hear you found this, John; yes, something to appreciate and to be proud of!
I had the opportunity recently to spend time with two good friends in their homes. My first visit was met with my very good girlfriend of 15+ years having become an ostrich. The only topics we could talk about were very surface and superficial.
My second visit with my girlfriend and her husband was similar but also added denialism.
As I sit here back in my home I am pondering this and thinking maybe we have gone out separate ways. And, I cannot help thinking that this is a national problem. Very disheartening.
I will never stop fighting back. I will never stop protesting. But that’s just me.
I am facing the same wrenching conclusion with a dear friend of many years. So many people are acting as though life is normal because the raids, the confiscations, the eliminations of services, etc haven't touched them yet. I find it very frustrating and a little crazy-making--like there are dual realities--one for me and another for them. If I beat the drum too much they politely ignore me. We have to start making new communities.
Yes, we have to start making new communities! Some people-- I am thinking it's the majority-- do not have a strong moral compass. The good news is, we need only a small percentage of our population-- E.Chenoweth says 3.5%-- to gather in resistance and building anew. The passive ones will do whatever is going on around them.
I'm not saying it's easy or fun, but we do have a path.
I don’t know if you read these comments, but I have been a Warning subscriber since it was only YouTube and you had 38K followers. I’ve been a fan since you managed the McCain campaign (I’m in AZ) and I loved GAME CHANGE. Then followed you through The Lincoln Project and now here. I’ve been on X, Threads, BlueSky blabbing and tweeting or whatever it’s called. I’ve done the protests. And it all just keeps going downhill on the daily. I have no platform. YOU DO. Millions of people listen to you. I LOVED it when you handed it to Vinny on the PBD podcast. I would love to see you OUT THERE. Do Pod Save America and the Bulwark with Tim Miller. Go on JOE ROGAN and The Nelk Boys. Shit, do Call Her Daddy. THIS is how you reach young voters. They don’t read Substack. Launch a pressure campaign to fire Schumer and Jeffries. You ran LP. You have the platform and the skills to be viral every day. Do spots on CNN with toxic Scott Jennings and sit with Nicole on MSNBC. You have the reach. And the power.
Julie is right, re young people & Substack. I have been following Steve Schmidt since well before the 2020 election. His voice is very special. Whenever he was on, I stopped what I was doing and listened.
I appreciate your recommendations and I hope Steve considers what you have suggested. More people need to hear this great American.
I am a realist so I have no problem with you telling it like it is. Having said that, we have to believe that if we continue to fight back, we can stop these monsters. But I do agree with Judge Luttig. The damage has been done and we will have to rebuild. We will need an honest post mortem to begin the climb out of this hole. Our system of checks and balances only works when everyone in the system, believes in it and actually checks and balances behavior that is against the constitution and common decency.
We have to rebuild something that plugs all the loopholes that got us to this place, not go back to what we had which is broken. Hard lessons learned over the past 50 years of deliberate chipping away at the common good, but those lessons will be helpful for the long term.
Exactly. We are at a terrible point. Things didnt get like this overnight. Accountability went out the window first in a hiss, then as a large airstream, and now finally as a nuclear explosion. Repairs can be made over time. Iron clad measures need to be developed to ensure accountability and punishment in every area.
FIGHT BACK! If YOU Live in a Blue State, follow this link and Contact Your Governor!
https://open.substack.com/pub/jodygorran/p/if-you-live-in-a-blue-state-contact?r=68rn&utm_medium=ios
"Do you appreciate the moral catastrophe of that? Does your family, your neighbors, your friends?
If not, soon they will."
I believe that a growing number of Americans, certainly approaching and perhaps surpassing 50% of the population, is very aware that we face a "moral catastrophe." Drastic steps are justified when facing a "moral catastrophe," the utter and complete destruction of our belief in human dignity and freedom.
Please go to the site Jody Gorran is recommending. Read the peition he is asking you to send to Democratic governors. It calls for Democratic governors "to preemptively mobilize their National Guards." This is the kind of strong message and powerful stance necessary to force Trump to back down or face rebellion.
I have wavered on whether or not blue states should secede and form separate nations or petition for admission to Canada as provinces. I now believe it is the the only way to preserve true American values, values we share with our Northern neighbor but not with red states that elect governors like Abbott and senators like Mace, Graham, Cruz, Rubio, and Tuberville, and representatives like MTG, Lee et. al.
Extreme measures could indeed become rational. For now, let's focus on getting rid of Dunsall Schumer..who perfectly represents the do-nothing wing of the democratic party..and work to flush Trump/MAGA through the process the Founders created. Trump is likely near his end. The blowhard has not spoken in a week and in the pics of him that have been released this weekend he looks like death warmed over. Once he is gone, the fog may lift enough for the Dems to take the House and the Senate in 2026. If that occurs, the game is on and we may be able to, slowly, right the ship. In the meantime, protest, harass your elected officials at every level, and be prepared to engage in non-violent civil disobedience. BL- all is not lost. The good guys can still win, but it will take all of us.
I agree, But we need to be prepared!
I agree that stronger action right now would be appropriate. I watched the mayor of Chicago's press conference and read his Executive Order. It seemed rather tepid. I've been advocating for governors and mayors to claim and exert their power. I read something today about the White House lawyer exploring the "art of the possible." I can just see the Dem lawyers sitting around the Gov's office debating whether they can close the roads in advance of the troops. Well, could we just ask, "What's the worst that could happen?" And assess from that risk? I doubt that Trump evens asks. He just says, "Do it!" and fires those who don't. I'm not advocating a compete disregard for law but for maximum exercise of rights. And the people need leadership. The people in the best position to give it are in elected positions. For the most part, they're not doing it. They're very slow to act. And very cautious when they do. And that silence, that timidity reinforces a natural tendency of the populace toward denial and disbelief that immediate action is required. Plus, having read the recent PEW report on Americans' view of ICE, I could only return to my thought that the Blue states should give strong consideration to negotiating secession. "Roughly seven-in-ten Republicans (72%) express a favorable view of ICE, while 21% see the agency unfavorably.
In contrast, Democrats overwhelmingly rate ICE negatively (13% favorable, 78% unfavorable)."
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2025/08/27/republicans-views-of-justice-department-fbi-rebound-as-democrats-views-shift-more-negative/?utm_source=Pew+Research+Center&utm_campaign=e22c94cc3c-Weekly_8-30-25&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e22c94cc3c-400352989#homeland-security-immigration-and-customs-enforcement
Say a prayer for divine intervention. Couldn't hurt.
Governor Pritzker will take strong actions against any attempt on Trump's part to send federalized southern NG's or the American military into Chicago:
"In his message, Pritzker called Trump's plans to send in the National Guard "unprecedented," "unwarranted," "illegal," "unconstitutional" and "un-American."
"If it sounds to you like I am alarmist, that is because I am ringing an alarm. One that I hope every person listening will heed, both here in Illinois and across the country," Pritzker said. "Over the weekend, we learned from the media that Donald Trump has been planning for quite a while now to deploy armed military personnel to the streets of Chicago. This is exactly the type of overreach that our country's founders warned against."
Senator Tammy Duckworth said:
"Donald Trump never had the courage himself to raise his right hand and serve his country in uniform, but let me just say from personal experience - and that consists of 23 years in the military, 17 of which, proudly as a member of the Illinois National Guard - that the men and women who are brave enough to wear this country's flag on their shoulder are doing so to defend our nation's rights and freedoms, not to protect a tin-pot dictator's thin skin or to police their own neighbors," she said. "It's not what they signed up for, and it's certainly not what their training is focused on."
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/pritzker-sends-warning-to-trump-on-national-guard-threat-do-not-come-to-chicago/3814727/
I've listened to Pritzker twice, and he didn't sound like his hair was on fire. He didn't sound as creative as the Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner. I've been carrying around a sign "Arrest ICE" with a picture of a toppled Statue of Liberty, but Krasner has me thinking maybe ICE could be arrested....for many things, with much more frequency, They probably have some limited immunity, but their legal authority is not unlimited. Krasner's creative thinking and announcing is what I'd like to see more of from the people in office.
Superb!
Steve, please keep writing. I read and listen to everything you put out and have since the before times (2022). Your work is a crucial touchstone of truth that I gauge other media by. The historical references and speeches you abundantly share have educated and inspired me. "Face reality squarely but know you will prevail." I take action now every day partly because of your missives. Thank you Steve
Here's hoping you and your readers have a Good and Safe Labor Day, and will reStack ASAP 💯👍💙
Done!
Steve, There is no one, no one, who is writing better than you on the topic of the American crisis. It is just so horrific that whatever words one chooses feel inadequate to the moment. But you are clear and consistent. The problem is the same one faced by the Revolutionaries of 1775 and 1776, calling others to awareness and action. It is only the action by the people that will bring life to the fine words in your screeds, and the excellent words of many others. It is the popular uprising that is needed, whether that man makes it through the next week or month or year, or whether we face JD instead as public enemy #1. Because the fascist project 2025 is widespread and has done such damage already. Because we are already seeing the end of the American global Empire of 80 years, for better or worse, and now we need to recapture our nation from the oligarchy, restore our democratic republic, and reimpose a government by law in the pursuit of prosperity and freedom for all. Your frustration is justified but we also look to you for a vision of hope. Happy Labor Day - from another Steve
I believe the plan of the Oligarchy, Tech-Bros Billionaires along with the likes of Nazi Steven Miller and the unholy creators of P-2025 is to faze out and get rid of the giant lump of orange lard that they used to get themselves here, now that tRUMP is at the point where he needs diapers, has to be spoon feed baby food and has to have a constant IV of an amphetamine cocktail to keep him upright ....realizing that his usefulness is all but used up to serve their needs.... they now have the groomed couch fucking puppet that wears eyeliner and crossdresses (no offense to those that do) ready to be installed to further the agenda of the rich, powerful and extremely criminal insane 1%......no need for the maga base since this cabal of evil and greed will have no need for elections since they are well on the way of eliminating them......subscribed, always share and restack.
I agree that Trump's days are numbered, that he's a demented cat's paw. I hope you have access to a community with an Indivisible.org group, and can listen in on the "What's the Plan" Thursday 3-4 PM ET. I say this because you sound like you could use the company of like-minded people, who are working hard to figure out what we can do. And we could use you!
“There have been so many lies told to so many people in America over the last 25 years. The bill has come due.” It’s more like 44 years. The neoliberal cruelties and lies and destruction delivered by the Ayn Rand-admiring Ronald Reagan paved the way to our current fascistic government. The Republican Party happily played along, revealing its true core. The Democratic Party chose the Neville Chamberlain model, abandoning its claimed beliefs to the detriment of its credibility. Fascism is winning because the Republican Party is winning, its utter corruption consuming the Executive, Legislative, and (fatally?), Judicial branches of government.
I think Judge Luttig’s assessment is accurate. The only thing that will have a chance of reversing the trajectory is the kind of mass uprising they had in South Korea, but doesn’t seem likely here. Too many in power who didn’t have to have rolled over, and too many ordinary citizens who don’t like what is happening still seem disconnected. I know people who try not to read too much about what’s going on because they “don’t want to be upset.”
The research of Erica Chenoweth et al. has shown that only about 3.5% of the population need to rise up against a rotten regime to topple it. This "3.5% rule" is important to know and share because so many people think we have to get to 51% or higher. They despair of that, and then withdraw and hide. Which is exactly what any authoritarian regime wants! We don't have to become a self fulfilling prophecy. We don't have to 'hope' -- we have to do what is right.
Yes, but one of the features of what they identified as a successful nonviolent resistance movement is:
“The ability to create loyalty shifts among key regime-supporting groups such as business elites, state media, and—most important—security elites such as the police and the military.”
So far, the elites in business, law, entertainment, media, and higher education have mostly bent the knee and kissed the ring. There has been no noticeable public dissent from our military about being used as political theater. Nothing from retired generals or protests from currently serving National Guard. Have even the DC police protested against making January 6ers into heroes? If they have, I missed it.
This is not the work of a few months. For 17 months after the Watergate break-in was exposed (as not a random break-in), as scandalous development after scandalous development were exposed and rocked the country, the Republicans circled the wagons around Nixon. It was 17 months of high tension before the dam broke (with the John Dean testimony) and a delegation of Republican heavy-hitters told Nixon he should resign, or be removed from office.
Some elite law firms bent the knee to Trump. And lost a lot of talent. Other law firms did not.
The self-censoring and anticipatory obedience are well-known (if distressing) reactions to authoritarian breakthrough, perhaps especially of the'big business' interests.
Without searching for them I have seen 3 videos by National Guardsmen speaking against their deployment. I am sure half of them at least are angry, disgusted. Reenlistment will drop.
And as to the top brass? I don't expect them to speak out-- that's a taboo in the military. But I do expect them to be talking amongst themselves-- after all, a bunch of them signed a public letter before the election saying Trump is a huge threat to national security.
I don't really want to hear them speak out. I want people to be Doing.
DC police? If they are working, they are vulnerable. Their paycheck and healthcare and pensions are at risk. They cannot speak without risking everything, so we can't really ask them to.
Blue state administrators are talking with one another, looking to salvage public health and who knows what else-- now that the federal government has fallen into hostile hands. The "soft secession" will take shape. But it will be many more months of resisting, gumming up the works, connecting with others and collaborating, fighting and just keeping on fighting.
You won't hear any of this from mainstream media-- the Washington Post, the NYT, the LA Times and TV. All we'll get out of them is fog.
You're already on Substack. For a morale boost, hop on over to Indivisible.org. Or find your local group. Or start one? Every Thursday, 3-4 pm ET "What's the Plan" with some updates and a lot of Q&A. Strategic thinkers, also excellent trainings from time to time. The zoom tops out at 20,000 people, but once you're signed up you'll get the recording. And another big "No Kings Day" like day of protests is coming up! You are not alone--far from it, you've got a lot of company. But it's an tra-marathon, not a sprint.
I just reposted this with the following notation:
"Words destined for American history books, if truth is ever published again."
I’ve been accused of being too Negative. I’ve been sounding the alarm about Trump since the 1980s. I had no idea he would be president then, but I use to scream at the TV and write to TV channels about them putting that asshole’s face on my TV. He is the worst of the worst type of human being. The sickest fuck in the world and this country has enabled him since birth.
I appreciate your brutality of the TRUTH of what’s going on and what’s to come. I’m an old man, but I have a son who isn’t yet 20 yrs old who we adore. He is kindest most wonderful strong young man you would ever want to meet. The thought of him entering adulthood in the midst of the Trump catastrophe makes me sick to my stomach.
Before this cataclysmic extinction level disaster is fixed my sweet son is most likely going to end up a battle tested hardened soldier like so many in the Ukraine are forced to become. I have no illusions. We either flee this “Trump Shit Hole” or we will be shouldering a rifle to kill that Son of Bitch and his pathetic idiot cabinet and Cult members.
I realize you want a nonviolent approach and I understand you can’t say things to suggest violence as an answer to this Trump Thuggery, but I can. Sadly, the Trump Regime and his Cult members will continue to tear this nation apart while looting it until that fucker is DEAD! Full Stop! No amount of words and no amount of sacrifice will stop a Horrid Disgusting fully Enabled Tyrant with that much power. His cult will rage no matter how he dies and then weaken and perhaps humanity can continue on. Hitler’s Nazi Death Cult didn’t end until Hitler was completely pounded into hiding and shot himself in the head. 100 million people across the globe died and Europe looked like Gaza today before that happened. Why do people pretend things are magically going to get better as long as Trump breaths? I’ll never understand that level of false positivity and bullshit. Ever!
May it be so.
I share your rage. I find strength and comfort in getting involved in resistance ACTION. No one is coming to save us, and that's fine. I'm not going anywhere because this is my country and I have standing to protect the rest of the world from the evil sprouting here. I suggest you and your darling son get involved in your local Indivisible.org group. Or start one yourselves. Indivis. is all volunteer, it is strategic, clear-eyed, non-violent (which is the only hope of succeeding) and it's immensely valuable to connect with others who are working hard to figure out what exactly we can do to fight back. Action is the best antidote to anxiety and depression.
Thank you.
You are welcome!
And as someone who lived in NYC 1975-1985, I am amazed at two things. First, that Trump was never hauled up short by the law. Everyone knew he was a con-man. Second, that some people find him 'charismatic' and think he's a Successful Businessman!!! His whole first term I avoided listening to him and did pretty well at not even looking at his face. Now on Substack I am often exposed to both, and marvel that anyone can calmly listen to his whiny and bizarre ramblings. We Americans must have a lot of drunken old gramps or uncles that we give a pass to!
Hear! Hear!
You write "Before there can be a new season of hope there must be hours of reckoning for the failed political leadership of a great political party that was called to defend America against MAGA — and failed. The hope era won’t begin until the pathetic Schumer era ends." I find it astonishing that you seem to be blaming Democrats for the continued destruction of America's core principles. I vehemently disagree. It is the Republican party, every last one of them in Congress, that have destroyed this nation.
I do think the attack on Schumer is excessive, but he very much needs to step aside ASAP. Steve sometimes sounds like Bill Maher attacking "wokeness" as a nearly equal evil as republican gangsterism.
Well, the Democratic establishment failed in its great duty to LISTEN to We the People and then, only then, articulate proposals for making life better for the vast majority of Americans. Instead, the party establishment repeatedly relied on explanations that had failed many times before. All so the Dems would not risk offending the Top 10% which is their actual constituency. Granted, the Republicans represent only the Top 1%-- but they have had the discipline over decades to work towards a unified goal. Read G. Lakoff's "Don't Think of an Elephant." From 2004. Revised 2014. Have the Schumercrats paid attention? No. They're convinced they will be okay no matter what. They have failed democracy.
I respectfully disagree that Democrats failed in making life better for the vast majority of Americans. Joe Biden's presidency was economically successful for working class Americans: the infrastructure bill added scores of jobs to states, invested millions in climate change, provided college debt relief. All of this destroyed without blinking an eye by Republicans in the first 200 days of the asshole's presidency.
Don’t forget that Biden in his wisdom gave us Garland, who in his wisdom gave the clown again, instead of having him arrested with all of his enablers the week after he was sworn in as AG.
Thank you for your long rebuttal to my point. You have exactly proven my point. I know that protesting gives you a warm fuzzy feeling and helps build a sense of community so you don’t feel isolated. Hurray! Welcome to Middle School.
The reality is that these billionaires are billionaires because average every day Americans have made them billionaires. You still don’t understand the economics of the Musk takedown. It wasn’t the protests it was the collapse of market share. Musk didn’t fold because you hurt his feelings. Musk was only politically involved because he was making scads of money off of the government.
Of course I know about citizen United. Who doesn’t. It only matters because wealthy donors know that they can financially support corrupt politicians and people will buy their shit regardless. Stop buying their shit. They will stop donating. You don’t need the Supreme Court.
The fact that you think my comments are directly related to a lack of experience protesting is laughable. I sense you have had some experience at Junior College, which is laudable but forget the social scientists. Perhaps a good history course would deepen your understanding. Dwight Eisenhower sounded the alarm on the military industrial complex a long time ago.
Even some understanding of cause and effect would be helpful. Why do you think Australians and other democratic countries have strict rules about campaign finance. It’s because the public expects it. Do you think avarice is a uniquely American experience? It’s not. But highly educated citizens recognize the potential for corruption and expect that their elected officials address it. You don’t have that expectation. Your moral rail and ethical guidelines come from the Supreme Court. End of discussion.
Your analysis of democrats - nice people, think the best of others, is your explanation of the typical niave American. Pleasant, positive. Until of course, they see the light and go to a protest. Then they understand they are in a Cold War, thank heavens. Oh, and the American constitution and rule of law… the foundation of the republic is based on a system of checks and balances. A big part of that is having an educated and knowledgeable citizen. The American people are at war with themselves. They don’t even vote in their own self interest - because they can’t figure out what it is.
The Cold War???
I respect Steve’s intellect and many others but we are dealing with very limited capacity to turn this thing around. That’s why people are losing hope. If protesting makes you feel better do it until your head falls off. At least your head won’t hurt about having to think things through.
Paul: I'm not sure if you are replying to my comment but, if you are, may I ask what you do for a living (besides insult people you know nothing about)?
Let’s pause. Have you considered that the Dems “forced” what should be their base into the arms of Trump? The tapping of Hollywood stars to rally the base was tone deaf and campaign malpractise of the highest level. Biden didn’t help nor did the democratic powers who thought they could sneak Biden in. For a Maga base who thrives on conspiracy theories the dems played right into that narrative. There is a culture to politics. That culture is what Obama referenced when he said insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the same result. How many readers say - “I must do something - I’ll keep protesting”. Guess what you aren’t doing anything. You are no better than Schumer.
However, you have current experience, in being successful but don’t understand it. You brought down the richest man in the world who was gutting government, illegally and unashamedly. Was it the protests on the streets. No, it was not. It was the rich consumers, environmentally conscious consumers, status loving consumers who stopped buying and could not get rid of their Teslas.
You have identified that oligarchs are “in charge?” Take them down. How many protest for 6 hours then go home and order hundreds of dollars from Amazon.
Do a reality check. You are consumers. That’s all you are. Politically you are consumers. Start telling politicians what you will need to vote for them. How about asking for something that increases the power of your vote - taking money out of politics would be a good start.
Maybe if you started paying attention to what is happening in the world around you would be a better use of time than endlessly protesting. See what Australia is doing on this issue.
Quit bitching about Fox News. Pick 10 advertisers and boycott them. Pick the ones your demographic supports.
Don’t like Texas gerrymandering - boycott products made there.
Quit underestimating yourselves. The blue states are financially superior. Act like it.
Start reframing to break the cultural cycle you are in politically. Take a page out of Newsome’s playbook.
Trump is the best thing you have going for you. You’d be lucky to run against him. He is a gift. Run against him and the rich oligarchs. Who said “it is the economy stupid.”
I hear this dismissal of protests as useless from time to time.
You are mistaken-- I suspect you have not been to more than a few protests. You haven't talked to people, or you would know that the Tesla protesters were/ are rich, educated and environmentally concerned people! (Musk basically took himself down, though-- but we all knew that bromance could not last). You don't seem to know the issues re campaign money (the suggestion to 'get rid of money in politics' runs into something called the US Supreme Court's green light in Citizens United).
US politicians pick their voters, not vice versa. That's what gerrymandering accomplishes, and the last time non-partisan districting came up, every Dem voted for it and every Republican voted against it.
Social scientists have shown that only the top 10% have representation. The Democrats cater to the 10%, the Republicans to the 1%. The rest of us only get policy victories when the top 10% agree with it.
Back to your dismissal of protests. At the beginning of Trump.2 many Democrats confirmed highly questionable appointees. Went along. And stayed quiet. The protests-- and the people protesting who also called their Washington legislators--shifted many Dems from Go Along to resisting. The No Kings Day rallies, between 5-6 million Americans in 2,100 locations in all 50 states, added up to perhaps the largest mass demonstration in American history. Our Dem. politicians are not so out of touch as to ignore that-- especially because that day was just the most visible event (minimized by mainstream media) but they're aware there's plenty more going on. (You will not read about it or hear about it on anything like the big mainstream media. That does not mean there isn't a lot of jousting going on!)
There's a whole generation of fighters campaigning to get their footing in the party at state and federal level, and they aren't buying into the same old stuff. That won't be decided until November'26.
In addition to firing a shot through the rigging of our timid Dem Party, a main function of protests is to provide moral support and build community. Many people feel isolated. They get to a demonstration where hundreds and even thousands of people have shown up? (I live in a city of 50k, a blue dot in a mostly red sea) Their horizons expand. They get connected to online and on the ground communities that are tackling the ways in which we can collapse this authoritarian regime.
Does Australia have a cabal of fascist billionaires who have been steadfastly plotting to overthrow democracy for the last 80+ years? Since shortly after America helped defeat fascism in WW II, in fact.That's what we're fighting here now. In other words, human nature- the dark side.
Some/ many? of your suggestions are already in the works-- and they are not the work of days or weeks or even months. Democrats tend to be pleasant, positive, helpful people who don't want to think badly of others. It's not a moment's work to get them to realize we are at war-- still a cold war, thank heavens--against a mindset that rejects the foundation of "American." The Constitution and the rule of law. There are many good people stepping up in various and many ways. And you know what has put the wind in their sails? Protests! All those people you dismiss as hypocrites, clueless, etc.
I can carry on for a lot longer than this, but for now I'll leave it here:
The next protest you learn about, get out there and talk to the people.