59 Comments

Why have the Dems done so little to command the narrative and promote the truth? We’re 5 weeks away and I’m seeing nothing like what Republicans usually do.

The 1/6 Committee is one thing and the sparse individual political ads by candidates are another thing. But I’m shocked and disillusioned at the Democratic institutions and their apparent lack of cohesiveness and repeated messages on a national marketing level.

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If you were running the DNC, would you use fear and moral outrage over the loss of fair elections, republicans threat to impeach Biden and investigate everyone in sight if they control Congress, loss of separation of church and state, stacked judiciary, potential end to social security, slashing budgets for social safety net, etc. to turn out voters? If so, how?

Dems are finally saying out loud what has been obvious for some time to historians and news junkies – Democracy is at stake. In my view they have not done enough to explain why that is so, why it matters, why it is necessary for people to vote for dems, at least until voting rights and fair elections are secured. Republicans have used fear and moral outrage very effectively, even if they are manufacturing it with lies. Dems have for too long relied on the idea that if they create enough good legislation that improves people’s lives they will win. People who don’t follow news won’t even know that legislation exists or how it will help them.

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Can you address the issue of dark money behind current GOP decisions and policies? I assume even the nut cases would not be so loud in their hatred if they were not being funded.

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Steve, there are already so many questions to occupy 2 hours of your time. I would be perfectly content with hearing responses to those issues. If you have additional time, please consider how best I can broach the subject of how today's Republican party is not the same as Eisenhower's party, or even McCain's party. I mentioned Tim Ryan to my sister and how I'd like to vote for him and against Vance. I left Cincinnati about 30 years ago and we haven't talked politics since then. So many in my family have failed to keep current, as hard as it is to believe that, and they assume I am just being the same flaming liberal as I was during Vietnam and Watergate. My sister says Tim is way too far left for her. Tim?? I'm afraid to about presidential votes.

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Steve, I remember back in 2015-2016, the GOP was crowing about its "deep bench" of political talent and how the future of the party was healthy and vibrant. This boast has aged like milk. Do you see anyone remaining in the party who has a high profile and who possesses even anything close to a baseline-acceptable set of ethics, much less statesmanship? The only ones I know of either lost re-election (like Cheney) or are stepping down (like Kinzinger). There is my outgoing governor Larry Hogan if we're grading on a curve (he is fairly popular and likely would be reelected if he was free to run again, but there’s plenty of criticism of him within the state).

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I feel strongly that this Oct. 6 Warning meeting needs to focus on the mid-terms. I have done what I can to donate to Val Demings and Tim Ryan. I have very little money. I'm taking out a home loan, partly so I can donate to the candidates that need support the most to DEFEAT MAGA in the very near future elections. Who is most important to support in these next weeks? Also, I hope we can discuss the messaging Democrats need to be using more, including EQUALITY, CHOICE, and 'Democracy or Autocracy'. It is too easy to get lost in the issues. Democracy is on the line NOW.

Thanks.

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I have read many articles about the threat to civil war in the US. Do you believe this is really possible? I know the MAGA people are NOT large in numbers only about 15% of the voting population. However, there are many who I believe they would take up guns if there was a call to the streets for violence. The world seems to be leaning toward fascist governments do we need to be paying more attention to this movement?

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My great concern is that SCOTUS will throw our voting rights back to the states which will end our Democracy.

Do you see any solution to this? How do you think Democrats, Biden & Americans will react as a result?

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What happened to the 140+ civil suits against tRump that were going to be filed by all of the law enforcement officers that were either killed or wounded on J6? I can’t recall any of these suits being filed. I understood that the total amount of damages would have truly bankrupted him, overwhelming even the amounts raised by his daily grifting of MAGATS?

Second question: what must happen in order for a successful effort to have the 14th Amendment eliminate tRump’s ability to run for any elected office? Is indictment sufficient, or must the nation endure a trial? And would that trial move forward regardless of the election cycle? (I am not ignoring the likelihood that his cult would treat it as further victimization, nor would it force him to STFU.)

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Your take on the likelihood we can keep the House and Senate?

I and many others are working at the grassroots level for registering voters, and GOTV efforts. I try hard to ignore polling and coverage of it. I toot the “everyone sane needs to get out and vote, every election at every level” horn regularly in my personal life and on social media.

But you’re more familiar with the playing field and which seats are in play and which are most needed.

Thanks as always for your intelligent, articulate, well informed takes, and historical perspectives. Yours is among my several favorite newsletters I look for daily.

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To what degree to you think Russia interfered with the USA, in elections or ortherwise, in the past 7 years?

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Wow you have a lot of questions to choose from. Here is one more: Do you think that the missing top secret documents and the 2 billion dollars given to Jared Kushner are connected?

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I will not be zooming in, but I have this topic pressing me since earlier today that should be addressed by Democratic candidates and it is climate change. We are living now, in America and in the world, the effects of catastrophic events. How can America be, finally, the leader that will encourage other countries to follow suit in advancing technological change in energy production to eliminate emissions so caused and that alter the lives of so many around the world? It is not only wars that cause great movements of peoples, but also climate change forces people to move away from dead earth (my words to describe lands that do not produce comestibles). Right now, in America, we deal with the aftermath of climatic catastrophes hands on, often by rebuilding in the wrong places and rebuilding badly. This is still a problem that affects rich countries and should be reimagined. Or is it that we have all the tools available already to perfect the mitigation of damage from such catastrophes? Anybody running for office should be concerned and proactive about climate change, especially those who run in states prone to such disasters.

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How do we create a new political structure that is fair and equitable? Is this possible? How to we create uniform redistricting and voter laws? Is this possible. What’s the playbook? Why aren’t these questions being actively addressed?

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A religion question, or perhaps two. I noted a comment you made that you were considering conversion to Judaism. I'm Jewish (happy New Year, by the way) & whether or not you did convert, I was intrigued by that comment-- given your history as an outspoken and tough political operative, I did not think religion was an important part of your life. Perhaps I was mistaken. Or perhaps things have changed. In either case, question 1: has studying Judaism affected your outlook on life? And question 2: do you think Democrats are doing enough to call out the antisemitic discourse in some Republican campaigns?

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Dear Steve, my wife and i wonder: How Democrats can effectively message the fact that the (scary) Christian Nationalists, who now seem to be ideologically running the GOP, are only PSEUDO-CHRISTIANS, not authentic Christians? These fascists with their pathological authoritarianism (see Robert Altemeyer's work on the Authoritarian Personality) don't represent anything that Jesus stood for, and in fact the GOP has for decades been trampling and stomping on Jesus' most salient Social Gospel teachings (caring for the most vulnerable in our midst).

The pseudo-Christians' and GOP's much trumpeted "support for the sanctity of life" is a travesty, because their policies and laws show they don't at all care for SENTIENT LIFE (sentient beings with a nervous system who can feel pain & anguish), but rather worship the INSENTIENT (vegetative) LIFE of the fetus-- which is not at all sentient, let alone any kind of "person," until at least week 16-20 in a pregnancy.

Meanwhile the anti-abortion / anti-choice laws will kill thousands and eventually millions of girls & women. And other GOP forms of insanity-- such as obstructing solutions to climate change, and environmental preservation, and obstructing progressive Democrat policies for universal healthcare and families' wellbeing and economic prosperity-- will only further threaten the "sanctity of (sentient) life."

In war or any crucial struggle, the old adage is to "take away the strength of your opponent." The GOP for too long has gotten away with posturing as the party with "Christian values." In our opinion, it's time to take away that messaging advantage and show that they are in fact PSEUDO-Christians, and that progressive Democrats are the party trying to promote the values that Jesus actually stood for.

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I’m interested in our chances of keeping the house. I’ve heard from some that it’s a done deal we will lose it. One of your posts seemed to be leaning in that direction. But I think that’s incompatible for our democracy and wonder if we have a realistic chance to retain the House. If not, haven’t we already in effect lost our democracy?

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Hello and Bravo Zulu for your relentless honesty. How would you fix our our cultural perceptions of truth and rebuild American values -- moving away from simplistic notions of "America" to more authentic and evolved sensibilities? I'm thinking of silly methods like fact checking, reasoning, and made-up history and wondering how you would relace the old "City on a Hill" with a new "Broken Vessel" that is molded for perfection, but is allowed to be just shy of the myth. (sorry to be so abstract, but i know you can handle it...).

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Please explain the core aim of the modern “Federalist Society” and theory of “originalism?” How might SCOTUS alter the judiciary, legislative and executive powers?

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I would love to learn more about the Belt-way culture/class. K-street J-street Lunch joints. How DC really operates.

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A question to ponder, Steve.

While it is unlikely that the Dems will win the House this November, if America is lucky enough to end up with a Democratic majority in the Senate AND the House, what do you think they should do to protect our democracy from today’s Republican Party?

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Where is Marsha Shalloway? I miss your comments and passion, Marsha, please come back.

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Addendum: 2 billion dollars reportedly given to Jared Kushner by the Saudis

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What helps you wake up every day and keep fighting? There are days (like when I see yet another report that the GQP will take the House because people care more about inflation and gas prices than the survival of democracy) that it seems completely hopeless.

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Simple question--I think. Historically the US has always had the fringe elements (know-nothings to John Birch society). MAGAs are the most recent, virulent outbreak. When we are past this, can this group be reintegrated into the American Experiment or do we write them off as lost.

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If most Americans want a moderate president, one that avoids the worst of the extremes of both parties (e.g. election denial, identity politics and pronouns, anti-semitism at both ends), is there a democrat that can provide what most want?

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What happened to a link for today?

Do you give money back?

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I know it's late for questions, but I'm wondering what you thought of Olivia Nuzzi's article in New York Magazine. Fair or no?

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It seems in the U.S. of A that the choice of Dems or Republicans is kind of a these guys or those guys, depending on the price of gas, when the choice is so stark. Surely people are aware of Republican attacks on democracy, personal choice, social security and so many issues where the public will SUFFER severe consequences, yet the polls swing back and forth as if it were all kind of generic. Is this ignorance or stupidity and how do you blast through it?

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So many questions. I guess my biggest one is why are election deniers allowed to keep denying something that is proven fact? Is it a 1st amendment right to to push an “alternative fact” that has already caused death and destruction? Can’t the press stop asking “do you believe Joe Biden is the legitimately elected president”, and instead confront each one of them by asking what they plan to achieve by lying to their constituents? And ask policy questions! We know they bitch about inflation, but no one asks them what they plan to do about it. Sorry, there’s a question in there somewhere. I’m just supremely disgusted at what the press allows these jerks to get away with. Thanks, Steve for what you do. Happy to be a subscriber.

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Oct 3, 2022·edited Oct 4, 2022

Looking forward to your “Ask Me Anything” event!

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Oct 3, 2022·edited Oct 3, 2022

Steve, I believe what wins is "winning". Democrats must point out that the GOP is not "winning"! IOW, their present and future failures must be presented to the voters. For example, Roe. They have failed ALL women. Roe isn't strictly abortion. It's about women's rights to physically and psychologically healthy lives. Too few stories have been told about what these "chastity belt" laws will do to women. I was a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and I know full well what women (as well as their caring partners) go through. These laws accuse, shame, dehumanize women, placing them in psychological and physical harm's way. From the "don't spread your legs" to "you're just a bad mother" and ALL that's in between, the woman has total responsibility. Men, on the other hand, are responsible for NOTHING! How can a woman, who agrees with abortion or not, be ok with having zero freedoms for her own psychological and physical futures? Dems must paint this picture for those who don't realize the magnitude of what this removal of the "right to privacy" does to an entire sex and even more to women of color and poor women! The repubs, like Scott in his news interviews yesterday, say "bring people together!" - BUT, they vote to take away freedoms from half of a nation!! That's bringing republican men, not people, together!

The Dems must use the word "winning" regarding their policies, while describing how the GOP's policies, like "Roe", are in the "losing" lane.

Aside: Dems seem to come out with too many ads that say they are behind, essentially begging to give now, before midnight, etc. ..... ! When I see ads saying the Democratic candidate is in the "winning" lane (IOW, I am ahead, but your wildly appreciated support will insure I stay there), I'm much more inclined to spend my money on her/his campaign. It's like a horse race: you NEVER put your money down on the horse people perceive as losing. That's why trump got support - according to him, he is ALWAYS the "Winner" - lethally, they followed the original Putin Pied Piper!

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A few weeks ago I posted an idea for all of your subscribers to donate $5 a week for the last five weeks of campaigning to five candidates your had written about..Hobbs, Shapiro, Fetterman, Ryan and Warnock..Or a one time donation of $25 to each...I pitched for us to donate and in kind you would post what you wrote about their opponents in those states as publicly as possible. Twitter threads, Op Eds in local papers, Facebook posts etc etc. If it all went perfectly, say you have 1000 subscribers and they all participated, it would mean $25,000 to each DEM..This coming week is week one..I have made my donations to each of these DEMs, I hope more of us here will do the same..

This morning I posted a reminder before inadvertently deleting the original post. However, I believe everyone who subscribes, along with you has seen it..I guess my question is do you feel inclined to publicly blanket these states as best as possible with those remarks about Oz, Walker, Vance, Lake and Mastriano as we are headed down the stretch to election day? Thanks for all you do to tell the truth and educate..

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America, we have a problem, but it's always had an issue or two. If we don't get global warming under control, overcrowding under control or some solutions to each the below will be the least of our problems. The real issue is to many agendas and no one wants to work together or compromise with each other. They only want what they want and not what's good for the American PEOPLE. But of course the American people have always been last on the list, everyone's list, including their own. We need to incorporate the KISS method in America. Keep It Simple Stupid.

Thank You Steve for all you do!

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Any insight into why so many millions will vote for a terrible, almost tragic candidate (see: Herschel Walker) vs. an outstanding Democratic opponent ( Senator Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock?).

For an arrogant, corrupt & frankly incompetent governor (See: Greg Abbott) vs. a decent,hard working opponent ( Beto O'Rourke)?. I could go on....and on.

Is it lack of Dem. GOTV efforts? Dem Messaging? Poor Dem candidates? (Although GOP candidates this cycle are awful).

Is it our piss-poor " both sides" mainstream media?. Or the decades of pure propaganda & lies from right-wing media like Fox & various radio/podcast hosts w/ huge audiences ? Is it "white victim syndrome"? Fear of immigration?.Gerrymandering?

WHY ARE SO MANY SO GULLIBLE?

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The push behind the Article V approach to a Constitutional convention and The Who and Why it’s dangerous to this country.

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1. SCOTUS is clearly compromised - what should @POTUS and the WH be doing to correct that?

2. DOJ and AG Garland are taking way too long to indict and arrest TFG and his entourage - what in your view needs to happen

3. I see a lot of criticism of Dems not doing enough, and yet @POTUS and the DEMS are doing more for the people than GOP and previous administrations; what needs to happen to inspire more support? Should they hire you, Rick Wilson, The Lincoln Project, Politics Girl, Medias Touch - to get their messaging on target.

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When did pollster start breaking out election results by education? It seems to me that it tracks with the rise of Fox News.

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If it were exclusively up to you, what 3 statements would define the ideal narrative for the Dems heading into the midterms?

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A religion question, or perhaps two. I noted a comment you made that you were considering conversion to Judaism. I'm Jewish (happy New Year, by the way) & whether or not you did convert, I was intrigued by that comment-- given your history as an outspoken and tough political operative, I did not think religion was an important part of your life. Perhaps I was mistaken. Or perhaps things have changed. In either case, question 1: has studying Judaism affected your outlook on life? And question 2: do you think Democrats are doing enough to call out the antisemitic discourse in some Republican campaigns?

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@RonFilipkowski and @JennyCohn1 on twitter, have both suggested they have solutions to the anti-democracy movements. How can we combine moderates and libs to rapidly build a powerful coalition to counter the damage being done and quickly implement a successful strategy to save our country from fascism and war. We need a strong, intelligent bold leader like you or Ron. Would a blended presidential ticket of Dem/Rep be possible?

For example - Buttigieg/Cheney or Harris/Kinzinger, Cuban/Haley?

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How on earth can Clarence Thomas be involved in ANY issue involving the insurrection what with his wife being the concierge of the Proud Boys, conspiracy theorists and Mark Meadows? Is the SCOTUS that tone deaf and are there really no guardrails in our laws to protect America from such a blatant attack on the rule of law?

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I surf around the tv and print media to learn what I can and learn to form my own views (not opinions) for elections and letters to legislators on various topics. Living in Texas, we are surrounded by most of the worst politicians ever. If we don't have an election outcome that puts the Christian Nationalists-Evangelicals-i.e. the White Taliban out on the street we are in trouble. What happens if they are not put out on the street? What do we do to keep the Union in place?

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