Steve, those of who admire you and your work support you, despite all the BS and backstabbing. Your reputation for honesty and integrity is steadfast here. 🫵
It gives me sorrow to see how you, of all people, had to endure the above and, on top of it all, the threats to you and your family. What your supporters do know is that Joe Biden was elected. You were pivotal for this outcome in your appearances in the media which gave off such good energy and the will to fight for America. The fact that you were attacked personally proves how you ticked off so many Trumpists. When generosity and character fail, as you describe above, yours did not and I am grateful for it. And you continue to show your gratitude to your followers as you offer your assessment above. Today is a good day.
This sounds like a horror show and seems somewhat commensurate with the BS that is taking place everywhere in our country amongst people who have a corrupt stake in gaining power and holding onto wealth and fame. I’m sorry that this happened to you and to an organization that could have, should have been better. It made me very sad to read about this. Again, I’m truly sorry.
Steve, Thank you - once again - for your fearless transparency in exposing this behind-the-scenes "Chernobyl" of a mess. As I said in a previous post, I have absolutely no doubt that you, once aware of the morass of the "combustible mix of self-importance, arrogance, grievance and despicable behaviour", followed your conscious to the high ground. The very fact that you remain distanced from an organization that still retains some - somehow - degree of notoriety speaks volumes. There is one descriptive word that is missing from many LP "leaders", after serving 28 years in the US Army and almost 14 more in the DOD, that I always came to trust, admire and follow: that word is "selfless". Many reading this might think "selfless" behavior has gone AWOL as a descriptor of leaders today, and of course, in many, many cases, it has. But there are still a "few good men" and certainly women, and those who claim neither pronoun, among us. I count you among them, sir.
Wow! Thank you Steve. I just want to thank you for having the integrity to write this. I will continue to lift you in prayer as you share your personal insights. Stay strong.
I watched the series over the weekend and have started watching it again. So many questions. There are parts that remind me of everything I hated about teams in Corp America. Other parts that excited me as I watched the unfolding of innovative thinking and accomplishments. Then there are the people. Frustrating, but typical in many ways. In the end, I felt disappointment that something with such accomplishment and future potential fell apart. We desperately need the dynamics now. It is a shame. Looking forward to reading more
Well after a night’s sleep, not necessarily a good one, with many of the things I wanted to say playing out in my mind with their eloquence likely lost forever, I will attempt something coherent.
I have never created a company that needed a board of directors, I worked as a freelancer, hired for my skills and then discard when no longer needed, the politics of control was not something that I participated in, I helped create great wealth, but it was for others. I joined (helped support) TLP because of my deep loathing, and that is a kind word, for that piece of shit whose name it actually pains me to utter. That loathing animated much of what I have written since the founding of TLP, including monthly contributions, I knew nothing about the inside politics, all I cared about was defeating the insipid imbecile, and I might have made a deal with the devil to do it, thankfully it never came to that, providence was on our side. The fact that there were millions like me is very encouraging, I am nothing special, except maybe to myself and some of my family, as part of TLP, we were able to influence the outcome of the election, watching post election, it’s amazing just how powerfully we have impacted our society, and likely will for a long time to come, that is the reason I use my name in my posts.
We all know how much the lure of money can corrupt what might have been a good intention, and the presence of a great deal of it was evidently too much to resist for some, no surprise there, with that huge pot of cash came the power, that was so intoxicating. Power can corrupt, as we have all witnessed, it has a siren song that seemingly few can resist, only people with great fortitude can resist it’s spell. Being human means that we all are susceptible to the seductive nature of the power that wealth brings, you don’t have to look far to see that manifestation, the ruling media elites are perfect examples.
I “joined” TLP because of one man, and that was Steve Schmidt, and his desire to eviscerate our common enemy, we are brothers in arms as it were. The battle is not over, and will be played out for years to come, victory will come to the steadfast who don’t loose sight of the goal. If we want a better country for our grandchildren and their grandchildren, we will have to work for it and risk much in the process. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. We all move on in life, we have no choice, it’s the nature of life to change, you can either embrace change or resist it, in the end resistance is futile, change is inevitable. From the sound of it, TLP taught Steve and many others with direct connection to it some valuable lessons, about themselves and others, lessons that he and they will hopefully take with them on their journeys to help us build a more perfect union. As my brothers in arms in Viet Nam knew, if I said I have your back, I meant it. My heartfelt thanks 🙏 to all of those people who helped end the insipid one’s presidency, we are in this fight together, and I’ve got your back.
Steve, I just read Jane – Ashley‘s comment above and was about to take a more gentle tack. We have been watching the Showtime series. We loved supporting the Lincoln project in 2020, and often felt that they were keeping us sane in insane times. It was disturbing and sad to find out the internal problems. Also, I read your essay about your childhood abuse and appreciate you having the guts to put that out there. As a mental health provider, I know how hard it is to tell your story to another person much less the world. I see you as the male version of a friend of mine, much higher in morals than most of the rest of us, and that’s a good thing. I would like to ask you though to tell us, what could you have done better? I suspect there’s some thing(s)… I’d like to hear that also. All in all, I love reading your daily essays and look forward to many more!
I gave money to the Lincoln Project primarily because u were behind it. Got an appreciation for u from appearances on Nicolle’s show. When you went all quiet I stopped support (plus, mission was accomplished). No regrets, no resentment. I, too, have found myself in disheartening work situations (not a spring chicken) and have lost some friends in the Trump years as you have. It all hurts, and I really appreciate your willingness to pull no punches. Be well Steve. Be kind to yourself.
If it matters, all of this is news to me, as I had no involvement whatsoever with this organization. Loved the image, don’t recall supporting. Doubt we contributed. We watched from afar and hoped for the result. This is a failure of POLC: planning, organization, leadership, and control. Simple.
Steve, I am a huge fan of yours, but you can't have it both ways. It can't be that you were the braintrust behind TLP, but everything that happened was someone else's fault. TLP has done and is continuing to do amazing work. Massaging your own ego by attacking people so publicly--former friends I would wager--looks petty and narcissistic. Why would you do something that is clearly against the interests of the most common and important goal--defeating fascism and the MAGA movement? While you are an amazing writer, I don't see how your history lessons are as impactful as the work TLP is engaged in right now. You are spending too much time trying to craft and message your legacy while Rome burns. I get that Maggie Haberman did you wrong, but you need to get over it and whatever slight you feel about TLP being able to move on without you and start rowing in a more productive direction.
This makes me sad. You are brilliant and right now your bitterness has you looking like a wounded dog that's lashing out at the wrong people. I have been and will be a proud donor to TLP. I have never heard anyone in that organization say a bad word about you. I have met Reed Galen and spoken with Stuart Stevens on the phone and they both seem to be really good human beings.
Frankly, I don't see how you monetizing your experience with TLP is much different than the others. I don't care how rich the founders get if they get the job done. It will be money well spent. Is there a dollar amount high enough to sacrifice one's life or that of your family to this cause? You yourself understand and are living the real dangers of taking such a high profile stance against Trump. I also don't care how profane Rick Wilson is. So what? Please, for the love of the country, find another path through this. You are widely admired and respected, but, imo, this just makes you look small. I wish there could be some rapprochement between you guys--especially you, Rick and Reed. You were a great team. Unfortunately, it appears there is too much water under the bridge at this point. But, for your own sake, you need to get out of this vengeful place. It's not healthy for the country or for you. You have more important things to spend your time on than this. Your time and talent are being wasted with these posts. It might feel good right now, but I don't believe they will age well.
I am sorry to come down so hard. I know you must be hurting inside and I wish I had some magic to ease your pain. I'm certain you and your family have suffered greatly. It's clear--at least to me, this fear has turned to anger. My sense is this anger is being directed against the wrong people. It's not that you haven't illustrated some valid criticisms of TLP. It's just not the time. There is too much work to be done and you seem to be unwittingly working against the cause. Your wounded ego has you spinning out in a bad direction.
All that being said, I am so grateful to you for getting TLP off the ground and for helping secure a Biden victory in 2020. I know TLP made the difference. You can take that to your grave. You should be held up with the others as an American hero. Thank you, Steve. I hope you can find some peace and redirect.
Steve, those of who admire you and your work support you, despite all the BS and backstabbing. Your reputation for honesty and integrity is steadfast here. 🫵
It gives me sorrow to see how you, of all people, had to endure the above and, on top of it all, the threats to you and your family. What your supporters do know is that Joe Biden was elected. You were pivotal for this outcome in your appearances in the media which gave off such good energy and the will to fight for America. The fact that you were attacked personally proves how you ticked off so many Trumpists. When generosity and character fail, as you describe above, yours did not and I am grateful for it. And you continue to show your gratitude to your followers as you offer your assessment above. Today is a good day.
I am glad to read anything you write. Your honesty and ethics show in every piece you write. Keep doing what you do. Thank you for your work.
"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." Joseph Campbell
It is interesting to see who the Lincoln Project Heroes are: the ones who genuinely gave to a purpose greater than themselves. Thank you, Steve.
Steve My ESTEEM for you continues to Expand….My heart aches for the trauma and disappointments BUT Please Know
You Honor Yourself And Your Family And
THE WARNING….I TRUST, RESPECT And
HONOR your HONESTY…I proudly stand
With and beside you…Blessings, Marsha!
Keep the Faith and together we will stop
The Nazi Fascist Nationalist Republican
Maga Cult….We Vote, Donate, Work and
We Save Our Freedom We Save Our Democracy ..We Save Our Country💜✅
You all did good and important work, thank you isn’t enough.
This sounds like a horror show and seems somewhat commensurate with the BS that is taking place everywhere in our country amongst people who have a corrupt stake in gaining power and holding onto wealth and fame. I’m sorry that this happened to you and to an organization that could have, should have been better. It made me very sad to read about this. Again, I’m truly sorry.
Steve, Thank you - once again - for your fearless transparency in exposing this behind-the-scenes "Chernobyl" of a mess. As I said in a previous post, I have absolutely no doubt that you, once aware of the morass of the "combustible mix of self-importance, arrogance, grievance and despicable behaviour", followed your conscious to the high ground. The very fact that you remain distanced from an organization that still retains some - somehow - degree of notoriety speaks volumes. There is one descriptive word that is missing from many LP "leaders", after serving 28 years in the US Army and almost 14 more in the DOD, that I always came to trust, admire and follow: that word is "selfless". Many reading this might think "selfless" behavior has gone AWOL as a descriptor of leaders today, and of course, in many, many cases, it has. But there are still a "few good men" and certainly women, and those who claim neither pronoun, among us. I count you among them, sir.
Wow! Thank you Steve. I just want to thank you for having the integrity to write this. I will continue to lift you in prayer as you share your personal insights. Stay strong.
I watched the series over the weekend and have started watching it again. So many questions. There are parts that remind me of everything I hated about teams in Corp America. Other parts that excited me as I watched the unfolding of innovative thinking and accomplishments. Then there are the people. Frustrating, but typical in many ways. In the end, I felt disappointment that something with such accomplishment and future potential fell apart. We desperately need the dynamics now. It is a shame. Looking forward to reading more
wow, thought I knew, nope, didn't
Well after a night’s sleep, not necessarily a good one, with many of the things I wanted to say playing out in my mind with their eloquence likely lost forever, I will attempt something coherent.
I have never created a company that needed a board of directors, I worked as a freelancer, hired for my skills and then discard when no longer needed, the politics of control was not something that I participated in, I helped create great wealth, but it was for others. I joined (helped support) TLP because of my deep loathing, and that is a kind word, for that piece of shit whose name it actually pains me to utter. That loathing animated much of what I have written since the founding of TLP, including monthly contributions, I knew nothing about the inside politics, all I cared about was defeating the insipid imbecile, and I might have made a deal with the devil to do it, thankfully it never came to that, providence was on our side. The fact that there were millions like me is very encouraging, I am nothing special, except maybe to myself and some of my family, as part of TLP, we were able to influence the outcome of the election, watching post election, it’s amazing just how powerfully we have impacted our society, and likely will for a long time to come, that is the reason I use my name in my posts.
We all know how much the lure of money can corrupt what might have been a good intention, and the presence of a great deal of it was evidently too much to resist for some, no surprise there, with that huge pot of cash came the power, that was so intoxicating. Power can corrupt, as we have all witnessed, it has a siren song that seemingly few can resist, only people with great fortitude can resist it’s spell. Being human means that we all are susceptible to the seductive nature of the power that wealth brings, you don’t have to look far to see that manifestation, the ruling media elites are perfect examples.
I “joined” TLP because of one man, and that was Steve Schmidt, and his desire to eviscerate our common enemy, we are brothers in arms as it were. The battle is not over, and will be played out for years to come, victory will come to the steadfast who don’t loose sight of the goal. If we want a better country for our grandchildren and their grandchildren, we will have to work for it and risk much in the process. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. We all move on in life, we have no choice, it’s the nature of life to change, you can either embrace change or resist it, in the end resistance is futile, change is inevitable. From the sound of it, TLP taught Steve and many others with direct connection to it some valuable lessons, about themselves and others, lessons that he and they will hopefully take with them on their journeys to help us build a more perfect union. As my brothers in arms in Viet Nam knew, if I said I have your back, I meant it. My heartfelt thanks 🙏 to all of those people who helped end the insipid one’s presidency, we are in this fight together, and I’ve got your back.
Steve, I just read Jane – Ashley‘s comment above and was about to take a more gentle tack. We have been watching the Showtime series. We loved supporting the Lincoln project in 2020, and often felt that they were keeping us sane in insane times. It was disturbing and sad to find out the internal problems. Also, I read your essay about your childhood abuse and appreciate you having the guts to put that out there. As a mental health provider, I know how hard it is to tell your story to another person much less the world. I see you as the male version of a friend of mine, much higher in morals than most of the rest of us, and that’s a good thing. I would like to ask you though to tell us, what could you have done better? I suspect there’s some thing(s)… I’d like to hear that also. All in all, I love reading your daily essays and look forward to many more!
I gave money to the Lincoln Project primarily because u were behind it. Got an appreciation for u from appearances on Nicolle’s show. When you went all quiet I stopped support (plus, mission was accomplished). No regrets, no resentment. I, too, have found myself in disheartening work situations (not a spring chicken) and have lost some friends in the Trump years as you have. It all hurts, and I really appreciate your willingness to pull no punches. Be well Steve. Be kind to yourself.
If it matters, all of this is news to me, as I had no involvement whatsoever with this organization. Loved the image, don’t recall supporting. Doubt we contributed. We watched from afar and hoped for the result. This is a failure of POLC: planning, organization, leadership, and control. Simple.
Steve, I am a huge fan of yours, but you can't have it both ways. It can't be that you were the braintrust behind TLP, but everything that happened was someone else's fault. TLP has done and is continuing to do amazing work. Massaging your own ego by attacking people so publicly--former friends I would wager--looks petty and narcissistic. Why would you do something that is clearly against the interests of the most common and important goal--defeating fascism and the MAGA movement? While you are an amazing writer, I don't see how your history lessons are as impactful as the work TLP is engaged in right now. You are spending too much time trying to craft and message your legacy while Rome burns. I get that Maggie Haberman did you wrong, but you need to get over it and whatever slight you feel about TLP being able to move on without you and start rowing in a more productive direction.
This makes me sad. You are brilliant and right now your bitterness has you looking like a wounded dog that's lashing out at the wrong people. I have been and will be a proud donor to TLP. I have never heard anyone in that organization say a bad word about you. I have met Reed Galen and spoken with Stuart Stevens on the phone and they both seem to be really good human beings.
Frankly, I don't see how you monetizing your experience with TLP is much different than the others. I don't care how rich the founders get if they get the job done. It will be money well spent. Is there a dollar amount high enough to sacrifice one's life or that of your family to this cause? You yourself understand and are living the real dangers of taking such a high profile stance against Trump. I also don't care how profane Rick Wilson is. So what? Please, for the love of the country, find another path through this. You are widely admired and respected, but, imo, this just makes you look small. I wish there could be some rapprochement between you guys--especially you, Rick and Reed. You were a great team. Unfortunately, it appears there is too much water under the bridge at this point. But, for your own sake, you need to get out of this vengeful place. It's not healthy for the country or for you. You have more important things to spend your time on than this. Your time and talent are being wasted with these posts. It might feel good right now, but I don't believe they will age well.
I am sorry to come down so hard. I know you must be hurting inside and I wish I had some magic to ease your pain. I'm certain you and your family have suffered greatly. It's clear--at least to me, this fear has turned to anger. My sense is this anger is being directed against the wrong people. It's not that you haven't illustrated some valid criticisms of TLP. It's just not the time. There is too much work to be done and you seem to be unwittingly working against the cause. Your wounded ego has you spinning out in a bad direction.
All that being said, I am so grateful to you for getting TLP off the ground and for helping secure a Biden victory in 2020. I know TLP made the difference. You can take that to your grave. You should be held up with the others as an American hero. Thank you, Steve. I hope you can find some peace and redirect.