One thing: You guys, just like Joe Biden, insisting on the "usual" courtesy and civility, essentially saying, "We (dems/liberals/progs/etc) aught do all we can to to help make the transition to the Trump adminstration as smooth as possible." I am repulsed by this ass-sucking bullshit. I think we should sabotage Trump, the stinking transition. peaceful transfer of power (horseshit!!), in every way possible. We should be putting sand in gas tanks, we should be throwing banana peels and grenades,, we should be pulling rugs out from under them. The fundamental cause of this massive failure to defend democracy is the rot of cowardice in the liberal move,ent. The liberal cause is filled with the most despiable, weakling, give-peace-a-chance, GDed cowards!
Personally, although I hear what you're saying and feel your anger and disgust, I have no desire to be complete anti-democracy fucktards like the other side and throw a temper tantrum blame game when things don't go my way. That doesn't make me a coward. And I don't agree with your "fundamental cause of this massive failure" as such. There's much more to it than cowardice. If you don't think racism, sexism, and outright hate didn't have a lot to do with it, then I'll politely agree to disagree. Ahem, that doesn't make me a coward either.
I think you missed it, Mike. My little rant here is about those who lost the election, not those who won it. Also, I specifically imply here that standing in opposition to what you do not agree with is not what cowards do.
Okay, I apparently lost the plot with "I am repulsed by this ass-sucking bullshit. I think we should sabotage Trump". If that's how you feel, I don't read or see that as "standing in opposition", but rather becoming and acting like the things about MAGA that we've bitched about since 2016. Anyway, all good. Trying to understand your comment, not start an argument. I clearly missed your point, twice.
I wonder if it is time to consider secession. The red states seem opposite the blue states in every important aspect. Why not the Northeastern United States of America? I would actually love to see N.Y. N.J. and the New England states apply for union with Canada as the eleventh province. Del. and Maryland could join us.
They could become the Western United States of America and our closest ally or the 12th Canadian province. Other sane states could decide on their future status.
I hope you all realize I am engaging in "brainstorming" in these most recent posts. Ocassionally, brainstorming plants the seed of an achievable goal.
Nice of you to suggest that the northeastern States secede and join Canada. This would add approx 42M people to our 40M! Alas, I’m not sure that your compatriots would be ready to bite the bullet of Canada’s high taxes, much colder winters and a plethora of other significant differences like cultural, housing costs and the price of gas. However, your cost of health and drug care would be substantially less than in the US.
The climate would not change due to a change in borders! I think the advantages of Canada's economics system outweigh the burden of higher taxes. Cultures are not stagnant; they are in a constant state of flux and I think Canadian and North Eastern American cultures are closer to each other than to American Southern culture. Let the red states wallow in their own cess pool of ignorance, racism, bigotry, and "Chistian" nationalism.
Your response provides little information on 🇨🇦 weather systems, or your lack of knowledge of our second official language and culture - French. I think that because we have access to American TV programs in both of our official languages (yes American tv programs are dubbed in French for people who prefer to watch them in their native language), does not constitute sharing a culture. I might agree with you that Canadians who buy properties and/ or spend their winters (read up to 182 days per year) in Florida have an affinity for warmer winter weather, but i would be loathe to attribute it to sharing a culture. How else would you attribute French Canadians, better known here as Québécois who spend time on the East coast of Florida, live amongst a million other Québécois who migrate to that part of Florida and open their own bakeries and restaurants, and publish a French newspaper. I’ll grant you, they all speak English, but again speaking English does not in itself constitute sharing a culture. And as a native French Canadian who speaks and writes English and French as they are both my native language, I can tell you that speaking a language is only a part of a culture. I subscribe to Substacks to keep abreast of the political climate in the US as I have family ties there, as I do with 🇫🇷 where I have grandchildren and friends, but I am still French Canadian at heart, even with my paternal Irish surname.
Before succession, we should lean into Federalism and ping out the countours of the 10th Amendmendment, thinking about the multi-state coalitions you mentioned below.
Jeff, what specific actions could states take, individually or as coalitions, to protect themselves from unconstitutional demands, such as executive orders, court decisions, and even legislation bound to be enacted by the Maga administration?
Do we refuse to comply, for example, with attempts to round up immigrants and deport them?
Do we, in NYS, forbid federal agents from collecting ruinous tariffs on items imported at our ports?
Do we allow access to abortion, IVF, and birth control in the face of a national ban?
"Nullification" and "states' rights," claimed by what would become the Confederate States of America, is what led to the American Civil War. I am wondering if blue states used this tactic today, would a second civil war ensue. Is it worth the risk? I say YES. Because doing the right thing is always best. We can't let evil win out. Fighting is worth it to prevent Maga and its white supremacist "christian" evangelical cultists from taking over the U.S.A.
I would rather be dead than live under the system put forth in Project 2025.
I agree. When do the libs get tired from getting “owned”? When will they start learning how to play the game the GOP has so masterfully played? And for the love of god can the DNC get rid of Jamie Harrison and get someone in who has a clue?
Steve, I never wanted to believe this could happen; it shattered my world, leaving me numb and hollow. The weight of it presses down, grief crashing in waves, raw and overwhelming. But even in this fog of disbelief and pain, your platform continues to be a source of strength, reminding me that I can pull myself up and move forward—stronger than before. Thank you for that. Appreciate the video & discussion.
Great conversation! Thanks Medhi and Steve. The proverbial body isn't even cold yet, so there will be plenty of time to perform a more detailed postmortem of this election.
I think it’s time to surrender to the simple truth. He won overwhelmingly. The R’s took back the Senate and maintained the House. Cruz cruised. Lake is on the precipice of winning. Plenty of other ghastly results too. It was a route for the R’s. A party that couldn’t even pick a speaker. Let’s be clear. This is now Trump’s country and probably has been since 2016 He is the face of this country. He is representative of the kind of person this country apparently wants and certainly “deserves”as its leader. Sorry. And to my fellow Dems, it ain’t about the messaging. Or the hand Harris was dealt with Biden’s unpopularity and late pull out. Or her shortcomings as a candidate. Blah. Blah. Blah. That doesn’t explain the Congressional results. This country belongs to the under informed, the biased, the haters, the uneducated and to those who aren’t invested in their government to care enough. It’s a bad thing, yes. But how unbelievable is it to think that Trump was the 1st politician in 250 years to have engaged these people? It’s not like there are any more of them (the uneducated, underinformed and yes, the stupid) now than ever before. There’s probably less . But Trump got to them and mobilized them. No one else ever has . I only wish that Trumps accomplishment as a candidate translated to any skill sets as a leader. We all know as unbelievably effective as he is as a candidate (alas) that he possesses not a single attribute for governance, leadership or the public good. And this paradox may well become the single greatest tragedy to befall this country and the world in the 21st century. We’ll simply have to see. I’m hoping like hell that I can suspend my interest in politics public affairs and the greater good and just plug in to my life, family and career until he’s gone in 4 years. But, for the first time we all have to seriously admit there is now a chance that a sitting politician could actually blow things up for all of us as individuals and as a country. I remember some were similarly worried like this when Reagan came in. The risk now is much much higher than it’s ever been that a calamity could occur that could impact us as individuals.
After listening for the past few days to…friends…pundits…everyone…my mind is overridden with grief…not because of the outcome of the election…but because of all the scenarios of back-seat drivers giving us nothing but what if’s or should haves…
First of all, there is no doubt in my opinion that a woman should immediately be the head of the Democratic Party as Kamala Harris still got close to half of our country’s vote when she had a mere one-hundred day of a fabulously executed campaign of inclusiveness filled with integrity and values we seem to have lost with the existence of a person like Donald J Trump who was given license to “steal” an election through lying and gross behavior usually never accepted by anyone running for public office. He was not yet held accountable for the crimes…and I mean crimes against our country…so what should people feel? They are enamored by his “skill” to overcome it all up to the point of being elected President of the Country he wanted to take over…it Is ludicrous but true and those of us who saw the light should not give up our values or direction but make them clearer.
And…as far as all of those disenfranchised men they speak about…they cannot have it both ways. Families today need two incomes to survive…not due to any one party but to the striving for a better life wanted by all…cell phones in every part of our country …rich or poor…designer handbags whether fake or real are the essence of our society to include those name brand sneakers for men and women…everyone wants it all! Women have enabled these men to feel downtrodden because they are still doing ions more than them when it comes to taking part in marriage and the duties, they have to do daily…walking and chewing gum is our innate ability while these men are complaining…it is absurd! Let’s get real…saying it is the Democrats fault for Trump having won is taking the responsibility away from each and every person who voted for the man who got away with it all. Women who voted for him are no better than the woman living in an abusive marriage and keeping going back for more. The men who voted for him accepted his behavior towards the women they love or maybe really …don’t love.
Kamala Harris should be the one to continue her path through leadership…not to be thrown away because of faulty reasons for our failure to get over the finish line. Seeing ads now showing men in Maga hats saying the ceiling will never be broken using foul language as well should be the impetus to move on…with a smile on our faces…because we Democrats know…that the only time we have won is when we need a shovel to clean up what Republicans do during their terms in office.
Sadly - Trump held up a mirror and most voting Americans saw themselves and vice versa. We have to understand that the United States is not made up of good people. This is the fundamental issue. We cannot depend on the midterms or other elections - people are reluctant to change. White women voted for Trump despite the roll back of reproductive rights. Hispanics, despite hopefully seeing their connection to the people at the border, rejected compassion and embraced xenophobia. People of color know he's a racist - they didn't seem to mind either. Cubans in Miami- those who fled a fascist dictatorship, vote consistently for the fascist Trump. Biden is a decent, good man. Trump is not and is proud of it, as are his supporters. We cannot escape this FACT - we are not who we thought we are.
Thank you for your courage, competence, and compassion. The first 180 days will be horrific.
As a 20 year US Army veteran, and 100% disabled one, I understand that Trump wishes to close the Veteran's Administration, and wish to take our pensions away., Please cover this in a future posting.
Thanks so much for moving ahead. I was not able to attend it on time and also the Zoom. It is a ray of sunshine in the sea of despair. But clearly you have been right. My local handy man friend who told me why he voted and what motivated him to vote for the first time and he pretty much confirmed what you have been saying about most voters like him.
We can keep deliberating but truthfully that was one of the first things people who in fact did vote for Kamala Harris said once Biden passed the torch… “Do you think we are ready for this when it is the most important election of our lives”? Thinking back on this…I too thought that but being who I am I insisted in my own mind that we were ready, especially her being the messenger for women’s rights… “Who else could do it better but a woman”?... I asked myself.
What a loss for our country both for men and women as taking the rights of one is taking it from all. Harris has so much to offer as both a role model for young girls to aspire to and the true picture of someone who was born into a country filled with racism when you had to work harder when of color especially as a woman and to achieve any career meant unending accomplishment to prove herself…and she did it! Everything about Kamala Harris represented a positive direction. She aspired to go up…not down… by working hard…not with a silver spoon. Nothing wrong with having it a little easier…as we desire that for ourselves and our children but not at the expense of others.
It's uncanny that white women in general did not vote for her…leading into the feeling once again of racism. They voted for Trump as well as the right to abortion which is an oxymoron! It’s also a signal as to where African American men and Latin men sit in todays electorate…too many voted for Trump!
Kamala Harris has to get back on the stage…not as a candidate but as the fighter she said she is…and continue her journey as it has many doors to open in her young life. We need her smiles and joy at a time of cynicism She could be Trump’s nightmare if her talents are used to fruition!
Crisscross: Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor and became president of Germany after Paul Hindenburg's death, i.e., Hitler was not elected by the German People to the office of president. Donald Trump was not appointed as president; he was elected president by the American People.
One thing: You guys, just like Joe Biden, insisting on the "usual" courtesy and civility, essentially saying, "We (dems/liberals/progs/etc) aught do all we can to to help make the transition to the Trump adminstration as smooth as possible." I am repulsed by this ass-sucking bullshit. I think we should sabotage Trump, the stinking transition. peaceful transfer of power (horseshit!!), in every way possible. We should be putting sand in gas tanks, we should be throwing banana peels and grenades,, we should be pulling rugs out from under them. The fundamental cause of this massive failure to defend democracy is the rot of cowardice in the liberal move,ent. The liberal cause is filled with the most despiable, weakling, give-peace-a-chance, GDed cowards!
Personally, although I hear what you're saying and feel your anger and disgust, I have no desire to be complete anti-democracy fucktards like the other side and throw a temper tantrum blame game when things don't go my way. That doesn't make me a coward. And I don't agree with your "fundamental cause of this massive failure" as such. There's much more to it than cowardice. If you don't think racism, sexism, and outright hate didn't have a lot to do with it, then I'll politely agree to disagree. Ahem, that doesn't make me a coward either.
I think you missed it, Mike. My little rant here is about those who lost the election, not those who won it. Also, I specifically imply here that standing in opposition to what you do not agree with is not what cowards do.
Okay, I apparently lost the plot with "I am repulsed by this ass-sucking bullshit. I think we should sabotage Trump". If that's how you feel, I don't read or see that as "standing in opposition", but rather becoming and acting like the things about MAGA that we've bitched about since 2016. Anyway, all good. Trying to understand your comment, not start an argument. I clearly missed your point, twice.
I wonder if it is time to consider secession. The red states seem opposite the blue states in every important aspect. Why not the Northeastern United States of America? I would actually love to see N.Y. N.J. and the New England states apply for union with Canada as the eleventh province. Del. and Maryland could join us.
What about the west coast?
They could become the Western United States of America and our closest ally or the 12th Canadian province. Other sane states could decide on their future status.
I hope you all realize I am engaging in "brainstorming" in these most recent posts. Ocassionally, brainstorming plants the seed of an achievable goal.
Nice of you to suggest that the northeastern States secede and join Canada. This would add approx 42M people to our 40M! Alas, I’m not sure that your compatriots would be ready to bite the bullet of Canada’s high taxes, much colder winters and a plethora of other significant differences like cultural, housing costs and the price of gas. However, your cost of health and drug care would be substantially less than in the US.
The climate would not change due to a change in borders! I think the advantages of Canada's economics system outweigh the burden of higher taxes. Cultures are not stagnant; they are in a constant state of flux and I think Canadian and North Eastern American cultures are closer to each other than to American Southern culture. Let the red states wallow in their own cess pool of ignorance, racism, bigotry, and "Chistian" nationalism.
Your response provides little information on 🇨🇦 weather systems, or your lack of knowledge of our second official language and culture - French. I think that because we have access to American TV programs in both of our official languages (yes American tv programs are dubbed in French for people who prefer to watch them in their native language), does not constitute sharing a culture. I might agree with you that Canadians who buy properties and/ or spend their winters (read up to 182 days per year) in Florida have an affinity for warmer winter weather, but i would be loathe to attribute it to sharing a culture. How else would you attribute French Canadians, better known here as Québécois who spend time on the East coast of Florida, live amongst a million other Québécois who migrate to that part of Florida and open their own bakeries and restaurants, and publish a French newspaper. I’ll grant you, they all speak English, but again speaking English does not in itself constitute sharing a culture. And as a native French Canadian who speaks and writes English and French as they are both my native language, I can tell you that speaking a language is only a part of a culture. I subscribe to Substacks to keep abreast of the political climate in the US as I have family ties there, as I do with 🇫🇷 where I have grandchildren and friends, but I am still French Canadian at heart, even with my paternal Irish surname.
Quebec, mon pays! Je te salut!
Before succession, we should lean into Federalism and ping out the countours of the 10th Amendmendment, thinking about the multi-state coalitions you mentioned below.
Jeff, what specific actions could states take, individually or as coalitions, to protect themselves from unconstitutional demands, such as executive orders, court decisions, and even legislation bound to be enacted by the Maga administration?
Do we refuse to comply, for example, with attempts to round up immigrants and deport them?
Do we, in NYS, forbid federal agents from collecting ruinous tariffs on items imported at our ports?
Do we allow access to abortion, IVF, and birth control in the face of a national ban?
Would violent civil war follow such actions?
The concept is called “nullifcation” and there is some precedent.
"Nullification" and "states' rights," claimed by what would become the Confederate States of America, is what led to the American Civil War. I am wondering if blue states used this tactic today, would a second civil war ensue. Is it worth the risk? I say YES. Because doing the right thing is always best. We can't let evil win out. Fighting is worth it to prevent Maga and its white supremacist "christian" evangelical cultists from taking over the U.S.A.
I would rather be dead than live under the system put forth in Project 2025.
Wonkette wrote a newsletter gaming that very thing out from a future perspective looking back. It was very good.
Did they write about secession only, or the possibility of union with Canada?
They pictured a divided US, much like Gilead. Wonkette is here on Substack & can be read for free
Thank you; I did not know about Wonkette. I certainly am interested in checking it out.
I agree. When do the libs get tired from getting “owned”? When will they start learning how to play the game the GOP has so masterfully played? And for the love of god can the DNC get rid of Jamie Harrison and get someone in who has a clue?
Steve, I never wanted to believe this could happen; it shattered my world, leaving me numb and hollow. The weight of it presses down, grief crashing in waves, raw and overwhelming. But even in this fog of disbelief and pain, your platform continues to be a source of strength, reminding me that I can pull myself up and move forward—stronger than before. Thank you for that. Appreciate the video & discussion.
Great conversation! Thanks Medhi and Steve. The proverbial body isn't even cold yet, so there will be plenty of time to perform a more detailed postmortem of this election.
I think it’s time to surrender to the simple truth. He won overwhelmingly. The R’s took back the Senate and maintained the House. Cruz cruised. Lake is on the precipice of winning. Plenty of other ghastly results too. It was a route for the R’s. A party that couldn’t even pick a speaker. Let’s be clear. This is now Trump’s country and probably has been since 2016 He is the face of this country. He is representative of the kind of person this country apparently wants and certainly “deserves”as its leader. Sorry. And to my fellow Dems, it ain’t about the messaging. Or the hand Harris was dealt with Biden’s unpopularity and late pull out. Or her shortcomings as a candidate. Blah. Blah. Blah. That doesn’t explain the Congressional results. This country belongs to the under informed, the biased, the haters, the uneducated and to those who aren’t invested in their government to care enough. It’s a bad thing, yes. But how unbelievable is it to think that Trump was the 1st politician in 250 years to have engaged these people? It’s not like there are any more of them (the uneducated, underinformed and yes, the stupid) now than ever before. There’s probably less . But Trump got to them and mobilized them. No one else ever has . I only wish that Trumps accomplishment as a candidate translated to any skill sets as a leader. We all know as unbelievably effective as he is as a candidate (alas) that he possesses not a single attribute for governance, leadership or the public good. And this paradox may well become the single greatest tragedy to befall this country and the world in the 21st century. We’ll simply have to see. I’m hoping like hell that I can suspend my interest in politics public affairs and the greater good and just plug in to my life, family and career until he’s gone in 4 years. But, for the first time we all have to seriously admit there is now a chance that a sitting politician could actually blow things up for all of us as individuals and as a country. I remember some were similarly worried like this when Reagan came in. The risk now is much much higher than it’s ever been that a calamity could occur that could impact us as individuals.
WOMEN…DON’T DESPAIR…BE THERE!!
After listening for the past few days to…friends…pundits…everyone…my mind is overridden with grief…not because of the outcome of the election…but because of all the scenarios of back-seat drivers giving us nothing but what if’s or should haves…
First of all, there is no doubt in my opinion that a woman should immediately be the head of the Democratic Party as Kamala Harris still got close to half of our country’s vote when she had a mere one-hundred day of a fabulously executed campaign of inclusiveness filled with integrity and values we seem to have lost with the existence of a person like Donald J Trump who was given license to “steal” an election through lying and gross behavior usually never accepted by anyone running for public office. He was not yet held accountable for the crimes…and I mean crimes against our country…so what should people feel? They are enamored by his “skill” to overcome it all up to the point of being elected President of the Country he wanted to take over…it Is ludicrous but true and those of us who saw the light should not give up our values or direction but make them clearer.
And…as far as all of those disenfranchised men they speak about…they cannot have it both ways. Families today need two incomes to survive…not due to any one party but to the striving for a better life wanted by all…cell phones in every part of our country …rich or poor…designer handbags whether fake or real are the essence of our society to include those name brand sneakers for men and women…everyone wants it all! Women have enabled these men to feel downtrodden because they are still doing ions more than them when it comes to taking part in marriage and the duties, they have to do daily…walking and chewing gum is our innate ability while these men are complaining…it is absurd! Let’s get real…saying it is the Democrats fault for Trump having won is taking the responsibility away from each and every person who voted for the man who got away with it all. Women who voted for him are no better than the woman living in an abusive marriage and keeping going back for more. The men who voted for him accepted his behavior towards the women they love or maybe really …don’t love.
Kamala Harris should be the one to continue her path through leadership…not to be thrown away because of faulty reasons for our failure to get over the finish line. Seeing ads now showing men in Maga hats saying the ceiling will never be broken using foul language as well should be the impetus to move on…with a smile on our faces…because we Democrats know…that the only time we have won is when we need a shovel to clean up what Republicans do during their terms in office.
You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they've tried everything else.
Winston Churchill
We move to Vancouver. A wonderful city in a civilized country.
Sadly - Trump held up a mirror and most voting Americans saw themselves and vice versa. We have to understand that the United States is not made up of good people. This is the fundamental issue. We cannot depend on the midterms or other elections - people are reluctant to change. White women voted for Trump despite the roll back of reproductive rights. Hispanics, despite hopefully seeing their connection to the people at the border, rejected compassion and embraced xenophobia. People of color know he's a racist - they didn't seem to mind either. Cubans in Miami- those who fled a fascist dictatorship, vote consistently for the fascist Trump. Biden is a decent, good man. Trump is not and is proud of it, as are his supporters. We cannot escape this FACT - we are not who we thought we are.
Thank you for your courage, competence, and compassion. The first 180 days will be horrific.
As a 20 year US Army veteran, and 100% disabled one, I understand that Trump wishes to close the Veteran's Administration, and wish to take our pensions away., Please cover this in a future posting.
Thanks so much for moving ahead. I was not able to attend it on time and also the Zoom. It is a ray of sunshine in the sea of despair. But clearly you have been right. My local handy man friend who told me why he voted and what motivated him to vote for the first time and he pretty much confirmed what you have been saying about most voters like him.
Netanyahu is an empty suit, existing, like Trump, only to stay out of jail.
…She is a She…a Woman…a Woman of Color…
We can keep deliberating but truthfully that was one of the first things people who in fact did vote for Kamala Harris said once Biden passed the torch… “Do you think we are ready for this when it is the most important election of our lives”? Thinking back on this…I too thought that but being who I am I insisted in my own mind that we were ready, especially her being the messenger for women’s rights… “Who else could do it better but a woman”?... I asked myself.
What a loss for our country both for men and women as taking the rights of one is taking it from all. Harris has so much to offer as both a role model for young girls to aspire to and the true picture of someone who was born into a country filled with racism when you had to work harder when of color especially as a woman and to achieve any career meant unending accomplishment to prove herself…and she did it! Everything about Kamala Harris represented a positive direction. She aspired to go up…not down… by working hard…not with a silver spoon. Nothing wrong with having it a little easier…as we desire that for ourselves and our children but not at the expense of others.
It's uncanny that white women in general did not vote for her…leading into the feeling once again of racism. They voted for Trump as well as the right to abortion which is an oxymoron! It’s also a signal as to where African American men and Latin men sit in todays electorate…too many voted for Trump!
Kamala Harris has to get back on the stage…not as a candidate but as the fighter she said she is…and continue her journey as it has many doors to open in her young life. We need her smiles and joy at a time of cynicism She could be Trump’s nightmare if her talents are used to fruition!
Crisscross: Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor and became president of Germany after Paul Hindenburg's death, i.e., Hitler was not elected by the German People to the office of president. Donald Trump was not appointed as president; he was elected president by the American People.
Going to listen now - election + long ass work week… 😵💫. Mehdi’s great I’m sure.
Until Inauguration Day, I feel Uncle Sam is a Dead Man Walkin’
This was Awesome, Steve, you two are a Tower of Power ! Really enjoyed it, Thank You, and will reStack ASAP 💯👍