Earlier this week, I watched Donald Trump’s Iowa town hall with Sean Hannity on Fox News. I suspect that most of you didn’t watch it, but there were some important takeaways. The audience was energized, and certainly acted like they were on the “winning” team. Trump was brutal when talking about President Biden and his cognitive and physical abilities. The crowd’s reaction was cruel and malicious. There’s no question that Trump’s campaign against Biden will be unrestrained.
I have said it once, I will say it again . We need to fund schools, school equipment, teachers like we fund the Military. Education is a weapon and we are unarmed. I did not grow up - Disrespecting the President of the United states . No matter if my parents agreed or disagreed with his policies. You just didn't make such crass comments. We just didn't make Crass comments about People in General . Like Trump with his gang at some Mall USA ..the leader of Bullies / making fked up comments about those walking by- Trump is base. Garish, low quality - Slothy, disinclination to exertion , laziness - wants the protection from jail ..and the side money he can make from his favorite dictators, by being president. He has no real desire to be Public servant of our Country.
When did China become this big Enemy of ours? I"m not sure I understand that. Its not like we have to be all Warm and Fuzzy toward China - but, with respect and at arms distance, with monitoring . China is a good trading partner. Our Farmers were really excited about those contracts they had with China ..China is innovative, Creative, open to make deals and make money. they have terrific food. LOL ..In my opinion , China had a lab accident . or someone did. Trump praised them numerous times during the pandemic for their transparency. China also gave us the Genome sequence of the virus in record time. This saved us time in the making of vaccines . They didn't have to do that. What I saw, was trump had a protocol to follow left by Bush, and by Obama ..but he didn't want to follow it. When it was clear that thousands upon thousands of Americans were dying (and trump took no responsibility) China, became the scape goat. The Loss of those China contracts to our farmers was tremendous . Farmers were now bailed out in socialist style payments by our government for 4 years. Many went bankrupt/ many sold / and many committed suicide. And Black Farmers were left OUT of those socialist style bail outs ALL together.
Anywho..I got off on a tangent ..
1) We should be teaching our children to never be that cruel and malicious.
2) We shouldn't elect a fker like trump who is that cruel, that malicious and that evil ..hes like the leader of ..its cool to be cruel ..disgusting
3) Sadly..yes..Biden needs to get across the country - travel - get the message OUT.
Democrats (even in congress and senate ) are not big on the messaging . ..the Rallies ...the fan fare. If you look on X - every single republican in congress comes out with the Message du jour ..
Democrats in Congress ..go for days and days without posting. its a bit frustrating .
I spend a lot of time on X - but i have very few followers because i refuse to import my address book ..
My comments do not get augmented also because i do not have a check next to my name and I refuse to pay for it.
I think you may have gotten bedazzled by the trump town hall bullshit. (a little) I am not taking what he is saying lightly...but Democrats will Vote ..that is the important part..2020 showed us that when Americans CAN vote - they DO vote ..and not for Republicans.
Steve, you make your point elegantly. I fear Trump’s headed for a victory as well. Too many variables all falling into place to ignore that right now, he is the front runner.
(1). Trump has the party in lock step with his draconian agenda.
(2). Trump has an entire ecosystem dedicated to carrying his water. It’s not just Fox and the “usual suspects”: it’s Univision which is the preferred news source for half of all Latino voters and local affiliates like Sinclair Broadcasting that allows Trump acolytes to disseminate farcical nonsense on Trump’s behalf, without allowing democrats equal access.
(3). We have the three stooges running third party campaigns. Kennedy, Stein and West. All could take enough votes away from Biden in swing states to tip the election. Stein, singlehandedly handed two swing states to Trump in 2016.
(4). We have the Israel/Palestinian War, tearing the Democratic Party apart. Young and Muslim voters vow to sit out or vote third party. This could not only hand the presidency to Trump, but both the house and Senate. Democrats already have an uphill battle to keep the senate; this could be the death kneel!
That said, let’s think about Trump’s first term:
Trump put tariffs on China, causing them to retaliate against a $42 billion annual agricultural exports to China. This required the US taxpayer to bail out the agricultural industry for $42 billion a year; the second largest bailout in US history, after the financial bailout of 2008.
Trump canceled the JCPOA; Iran now has the
capability to go nuclear any time they want with enough highly enriched uranium to make at least six bombs. Are we safer today? I think not! It also helped elect the most conservative government in Iran since it took power in 1979. And now Hamas attacks Israel.
Trump betrays the Kurds, and now all Allie’s are suspicious of whether Trump will abandon them, pushing them closer to China economically and for security. He also signs the DOHA agreement releasing 5,800 hardened Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters with American blood on their hands and reduces US forces from 25k to 2.5k, setting up the withdrawal for failure.
Trump almost withdrew from NATO. In a second term, he will and Putin gets his puppet, Russia swallows Ukraine, and NATO not only falls apart, western stock markets plunge. Winner; Putin. Losers: Europe, the western world and America.
Trump adds $8.2 trillion to the debt, threatens the Federal Reserve Chair if he increases interest rates under his administration (so Powell capitulates), and after an incompetent response to COVID, we get a recession and high inflation.
Bottom line: Trump’s foreign policy was a disaster. His infrastructure weeks, a joke. He destroyed a $42 billion farming export industry that still hasn’t recovered. Added more debt in four years than either Bush or Obama did in eight years. And he left office with a recession, 7 million fewer jobs than when he came into office, and an unemployment rate of 6.9%, when the unemployment rate was 4.9%, when he took office.
A second Trump administration won’t be as gentle. He intends to remake government by staffing the entire government with loyalists; he will staff the judiciary with Federalist Society judges; forget abortion rights should they take all three branches of government. He will end Obamacare, drug companies will have carte blanche to raise prices and the world will abandon us. And this doesn’t include his most draconian policy proposals.
Robert, While I wholly relate to your initial 4 points that astutely underscore, layer-by-layer, justification for heeding Schmidt’s warning, I found your follow-up synopsis (familiar to most, if not all, of us) of Trump’s first term not nearly as engaging as hearing your thoughts as to how we tackle the terrifying conflation of factors you referenced that jointly could result in a crushing defeat.
I agree, but I’m not political scientist. I have no clue except the right-wing media is in Trump’s court, and the MSM is afraid to take him on; they legitimize him and his policies.
My only thought is we need to reach the youth and make damn sure they know what’s at stake for their future if Trump wins. We need to invoke fear as a motivator.
What’s your solution? I admit, I’m dumbfounded...:)
Robert, I believe Schmidt is right. Not just Biden, but Dems overall, have to be willing to engage in war. One can’t play fair with people who don’t play fair. There are no rules. The other side has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to attain power. Therefore, as Schmidt repeatedly has stated, Dems need to go where the trouble is in this country, the trouble Donald Trump is stoking, and, contrary to Trump who presents himself as “the savior,” Democratic leadership needs to show an alternate, admittedly arduous, path that seeks to show they can work on legitimate issues and grievances.
Hi Robert and all here on this thread. I feel it is urgent that we understand and educate about how social media algorithms are designed and the damage it does to the users' minds and therefore to the future of our Democracy. There is an eye-opening Netflix documentary (2020) called 'The Social Dilemma' that I highly recommend. Here is the link to the trailer:
Gen Z, They are young and are all over the internet. They know the stakes and shout them out by vote.
Now down here, where it matters, the youth speak out.
My grandson is one that reads, and he will vote Blue. Keep aiming the facts to the youth, this is what we all need. And another thing the teens in schools in MI, do not call out other children for being who they are, even if doesn't align with what's been aired by some Republicans. They don't judge a book by it's cover. I liked learning that. This youth are much more informed, and delve, into the internet, as if they were raised on it!
President Biden does not need to go low ie: brutally mocking trump personally as trump does Biden. All he has to do is as Steve says here: Loudly, firmly and wherever he speaks to tell the truth. The truth about agenda 2025. The truth about fascism , political violence, racism, antisemitism, misogyny, and every vile thing that trump and MAGA stand for. The President and all office holding Democrats need to hone this message, sharpen their mental and verbal swords with constant and deliberate and relentless forward marching straight into the battlefield. If they do this I believe their crowds will be energized. I know I will be.
Listening to Steve Schmidt’s remarks this morning, I was reminded of a statement from American writer Rebecca Solnit, who had said, “A vote is a chess move, not a valentine.” I can say, unequivocally, that her portrayal mirrors the sentiments of nearly every voter I’m aware of who will cast a ballot for Biden next November. Conversely, I’m not aware of a single Trump voter for whom a vote for Trump is not a valentine.
Given that in a country of some 330 million in which the presidency will be decided by some 400,000 votes, I submit, that unless Biden can summon the decisive leadership Schmidt calls for, leadership this moment demands from Biden, we have every reason to be deeply concerned by the masses whose votes, from the heart, for Trump this November will be a valentine.
Magdalena, Thank you for your comment, which shores up my argument. To clarify, were the presidential election decided by the popular vote, I’d be far less concerned. But Republicans, who know their only shot at the presidency is through the electoral college, won’t have it. And given that amending the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both U.S. Chambers plus ratification by three-fourths of the States, I doubt we’ll see a popular vote for the Presidency in our lifetimes. I further would note, as much as I’d love to see the National Interstate Compact reach the requisite 270 electoral vote threshold, the amount of gerrymandered state legislatures makes that equally impossible, at least in the foreseeable future.
If you follow Marc E Elias ( sp ) democracy docket - he’s been winning in case after case on the unfair maps - the outrageous gerrymandering - he’s also a great place to donate any loose change you may have ! He works tirelessly and has a great track record
Magdalena, Like you, I closely follow Marc Elias and, in fact, am eager to hear his thoughts regarding recent court developments related to the rights of individuals and private civic organizations to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. I believe a case is pending that would establish that only the U.S. Attorney General could file a suit.
On January 6th 2021 an act of war was perpetrated on The United States by its sitting President..Yes, people are being charged, tried and convicted..Even people at the top of this attack are facing legal consequences..
We have a media who but for a few, seem indifferent to the crisis at hand..
And there are other people who have yet to be contained..like Mike Flynn, who is a traitor of the highest order..as is Mike Johnson the Speaker of the House, very dangerous people..who are a clear and present danger to the Republic..
More so than ever, we are in Desperate Times that must be met with Desperate Measures..There is a domestic war party planning its attack against our Democracy..
Where are the Desperate Measures to meet this moment?
Yes, and Trump says he'll use the military on day one for retribution against his perceived enemies. He will use 'desperate measures', yet he is the leader of an ongoing republican coup against our country! He and his insurrectionist mob needed to be shut down and jailed long ago! Where are our desperate measures to obliterate an attempted fascist take over?!
Yes Lisa, this is the question I have been asking for years now..I don't understand how all of this is allowed..The Democratic Party, left leaning Independents and Moderate Conservatives (As there is no longer a Republican Party) all who want our Democracy to survive and flourish must rally to crush this insurgency! There is more that must be done than to cast a vote..
Quote: "The crowd’s reaction was cruel and malicious." End quote. That, in a nutshell, defines Trump. He is enshrouded with a darkness and evil that appeals to the unrequited. They are people who feel that they have been disenfranchised, and they will drink every poison availed to sanctify their hate, their meanness, their ugly and violent natures. Many if not most are Christian evangelicals and fundamentalists. They await with fierce anticipation the "rapture", a mythical event that is just that: mythical. Those folk are consumed with hate and rage. Donald Trump energizes that darkness, and they thrive on it. They see "goodness' where in fact there is only darkness; an estrangement from the very God and Christ they claim to follow. They are, in fact, enemies of the Most Holy.
You are welcome and a thanks to you! I heard the following on a film I was watching over the weekend: "The Devil only comes for those who fear him." Evil succeeds only among the willing.
Unfortunately for decades the "Religious Right" has been chipping away at our democracy,
The Heritage foundation is behind the push to change this country into a white Christian, male dominated society; the rise of women in society, minorities getting better jobs etc, is a huge thread to their power. The sadistic cruelty of the abortion law is playing out in Texas, it is clear that these people are not "pro life", but anti women. Why do American women accept this, why are there no big demonstration (like pussy hats).
How can these uneducated politicians dictate to doctors how to do their job? (99 yrs in jail if they
perform an abortion). Every day the GOP comes with more draconian measures.
Our election are so rigged, by the right wing, that Biden will need millions more votes than Trump to win. With the gerrymandering, photo i.d. laws and kicking black voters of the voting list (all the result of the corrupt Supreme Court ruling) there is very little chance that any democrate will ever win again.
The Media and the Dems have been lousy at demonstrating how dangerous Trump is, reminding the public of his horrible reign of power. People have amnesia about; defunding the EPA (lots of toxic waste in our water), doctors and nurses in garbage bags begging for help,30,000 lies, ICE terrorizing
the immigrants (that is why we the prices went up, no more cheap labor
pulling out of NATO (the end of western dominance)
EVERYONE who is pro-choice needs to make it clear that the anti-abortion cohort are pro-birth and anti-woman. If people like Ken Paxton were pro-life they would want the best care that saves the woman’s life and fertility for future lives.
Gisele, thanks for posting this NYT article. Journalist Anjali Huynh reports: "But speaking in Las Vegas on Friday, Mr. Biden didn’t hold back.
“Trump just talks to talk,” he said at the Carpenters International Training Center in Las Vegas, a union hub favored by Democrats. “We walk the walk.”
And then his words turned even sharper: “He likes to say America is a failing nation. Frankly, he doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about.”
President Biden also talks about his infrastructure plan vs Trump's failing lack of plan in 4 years. Biden IS stepping up his messaging.
Steve Schmidt and other effective speakers and writers, please get behind our POTUS because he is one of the most effective Presidents our country has seen in decades. Let's help BIDEN with messaging. UNITE BEHIND BIDEN 2024! Thanks.
We need a united front to beat down the maga attacks and to keep Trump out of the White House and give the courts a chance to put him where he belongs, the jail house.
As I’m sure many of you experience on a daily basis, I receive requests for money from many pro-democracy causes. I’ve decided to put my donations exclusively into the Biden campaign since they have the best ability to create long and effective ads. Just sayin’
Thank you, Lisa. I worry that Steve's doom and gloom will be a self fulfilling prophecy. He should be repeating Biden s remarks as you have. Surely he was aware of them if he's paying attention. C'mon, Steve!
Hi, I don't think President Biden will go so low at to use 'name calling'. He will use Trump's own words against him, and he will use accurate terms like Fascist. Biden is a man of wisdom, compassion, and huge accomplishments. He will outwit Trump in his own way. Thanks.
Trump has grabbed the disgruntled middle class, once the bastion of the DEMS promising to bring them back to prosperity. DEMS (Biden) need to fight like hell to bring them back.
Here is an idea: How about some or lots of Democrats vote in the Republican primaries for whichever candidate is most likely to beat Trump?
I know this would mean that such Democrats couldn’t vote in the Democratic primaries. But it would split the Republican vote --- perhaps enough that Trump would not win. And it might even result in another Republican candidate winning --- perhaps Chris Christie who is far from perfect but much much better than Donald Trump.
I am a Canadian Liberal, but if I were an American Democrat, my motto would be “ANYONE BUT TRUMP”!
I like your way of thinking. Being as conniving as the R's would be justice.
As a NJ resident where Christie was governor, I despise him. He's merely a smarter, slicker Trump, and certainly less obvious than Trump. I would cheerfully "use" him to defeat Trump if that were a possibility. Still, I would not want to see him as POTUS.
Biden needs to show some enthusiasm, some inspiration, and some gump! The voters are in need of the Biden grab! Am feeling he is on his heels and taking it for granted that this election is going to be a “given” thing! NOT! Well, it is on the sharp edge and there is plenty of time? Trump sees the lay-out! This is his second attempt, and Trump is no longer an “apprentice.”
Biden needs to show he is serious about this! Meet the people, ask them to vote and help him! Put it out there and unhook from the Hunter legal news and tripping to Rehoboth Beach! Do this in the Biden part-time! Need to show concern. Our country is worried, concerned, and ready to help prevent the collapse of our lives! Ask, admit the issues, and stop wasting time!
I do think Biden is out there meeting the people. He just doesn't get the media coverage that Trump gets. He's not as "sensational" and conspicuous. I fault the media greatly for Trump in the first place. All about the ratings and $$$.
Trump has all the time he wants to be out on the stump. President Biden is busy being President. As all incumbents who are doing their job representing the people effectively, the campaign travels don’t begin in earnest until election year. Of all people, Steve, you should understand that.
Yes! Biden IS the master of legislation and diplomacy both domestically and internationally. He is turning our country around. Anyone who doesn't see that is ignorant, stubborn, MAGA-CULT indoctrinated, or just not paying attention. Biden has decades of experience and wisdom and knowledge that is light years beyond Dean Phillips and all other candidates put together. THAT is why he is POTUS, despite a speech impediment that he has had all of his life. Biden's strengths must be supported. President Biden needs to continue his already historic work, while people who are talented speakers with messaging skills, especially ones who have some influence and can fight MAGA (Steve) support him. Thanks.
Right on, Marsha!🌹 One reason Biden is the compassionate humanitarian he truly is is because of the many challenges he's faced in his life. BIDEN 2024 -Let's DO THIS!! xo
I don’t understand with the stakes so high, democracy on the line, that the democrats are sleep walking through this campaign. If Biden is again to feeble to hit the campaign trail, make the TV rounds, do press conferences, get out in the public, then he shouldn’t be running. At the very least, surrogates from the party should be getting his message out. Someone had to tell the people his accomplishments and the dangers a Trump 2.0 would have on the country. Trump will paralyze the country in world affairs and destroy our economy. Competence will be traded for loyalists. How many bankruptcies, fraudulent enterprises by Trump does it take to figure that he would crash our economy? Get that message out there Democrats!
I believe you’re placing WAY TOO MUCH credit for those attendees at Trump’s rally. It’s a CULT, and these people are CULT-FOLLOWERS; - reason and intelligent decisions are nowhere to be found in a cult. However, you are right about Biden,- now is the time for him to make his case to the people, and hopefully he’ll rise to the occasion. In our superficial society, Biden could stand a bit of “bronzer” and Botox himself...it certainly wouldn’t hurt his image overall.
I have said it once, I will say it again . We need to fund schools, school equipment, teachers like we fund the Military. Education is a weapon and we are unarmed. I did not grow up - Disrespecting the President of the United states . No matter if my parents agreed or disagreed with his policies. You just didn't make such crass comments. We just didn't make Crass comments about People in General . Like Trump with his gang at some Mall USA ..the leader of Bullies / making fked up comments about those walking by- Trump is base. Garish, low quality - Slothy, disinclination to exertion , laziness - wants the protection from jail ..and the side money he can make from his favorite dictators, by being president. He has no real desire to be Public servant of our Country.
When did China become this big Enemy of ours? I"m not sure I understand that. Its not like we have to be all Warm and Fuzzy toward China - but, with respect and at arms distance, with monitoring . China is a good trading partner. Our Farmers were really excited about those contracts they had with China ..China is innovative, Creative, open to make deals and make money. they have terrific food. LOL ..In my opinion , China had a lab accident . or someone did. Trump praised them numerous times during the pandemic for their transparency. China also gave us the Genome sequence of the virus in record time. This saved us time in the making of vaccines . They didn't have to do that. What I saw, was trump had a protocol to follow left by Bush, and by Obama ..but he didn't want to follow it. When it was clear that thousands upon thousands of Americans were dying (and trump took no responsibility) China, became the scape goat. The Loss of those China contracts to our farmers was tremendous . Farmers were now bailed out in socialist style payments by our government for 4 years. Many went bankrupt/ many sold / and many committed suicide. And Black Farmers were left OUT of those socialist style bail outs ALL together.
Anywho..I got off on a tangent ..
1) We should be teaching our children to never be that cruel and malicious.
2) We shouldn't elect a fker like trump who is that cruel, that malicious and that evil ..hes like the leader of ..its cool to be cruel ..disgusting
3) Sadly..yes..Biden needs to get across the country - travel - get the message OUT.
Democrats (even in congress and senate ) are not big on the messaging . ..the Rallies ...the fan fare. If you look on X - every single republican in congress comes out with the Message du jour ..
Democrats in Congress ..go for days and days without posting. its a bit frustrating .
I spend a lot of time on X - but i have very few followers because i refuse to import my address book ..
My comments do not get augmented also because i do not have a check next to my name and I refuse to pay for it.
I think you may have gotten bedazzled by the trump town hall bullshit. (a little) I am not taking what he is saying lightly...but Democrats will Vote ..that is the important part..2020 showed us that when Americans CAN vote - they DO vote ..and not for Republicans.
Without proper education in civics, history, and critical thinking skills, we're doomed. Thanks.
Steve, you make your point elegantly. I fear Trump’s headed for a victory as well. Too many variables all falling into place to ignore that right now, he is the front runner.
(1). Trump has the party in lock step with his draconian agenda.
(2). Trump has an entire ecosystem dedicated to carrying his water. It’s not just Fox and the “usual suspects”: it’s Univision which is the preferred news source for half of all Latino voters and local affiliates like Sinclair Broadcasting that allows Trump acolytes to disseminate farcical nonsense on Trump’s behalf, without allowing democrats equal access.
(3). We have the three stooges running third party campaigns. Kennedy, Stein and West. All could take enough votes away from Biden in swing states to tip the election. Stein, singlehandedly handed two swing states to Trump in 2016.
(4). We have the Israel/Palestinian War, tearing the Democratic Party apart. Young and Muslim voters vow to sit out or vote third party. This could not only hand the presidency to Trump, but both the house and Senate. Democrats already have an uphill battle to keep the senate; this could be the death kneel!
That said, let’s think about Trump’s first term:
Trump put tariffs on China, causing them to retaliate against a $42 billion annual agricultural exports to China. This required the US taxpayer to bail out the agricultural industry for $42 billion a year; the second largest bailout in US history, after the financial bailout of 2008.
Trump canceled the JCPOA; Iran now has the
capability to go nuclear any time they want with enough highly enriched uranium to make at least six bombs. Are we safer today? I think not! It also helped elect the most conservative government in Iran since it took power in 1979. And now Hamas attacks Israel.
Trump betrays the Kurds, and now all Allie’s are suspicious of whether Trump will abandon them, pushing them closer to China economically and for security. He also signs the DOHA agreement releasing 5,800 hardened Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters with American blood on their hands and reduces US forces from 25k to 2.5k, setting up the withdrawal for failure.
Trump almost withdrew from NATO. In a second term, he will and Putin gets his puppet, Russia swallows Ukraine, and NATO not only falls apart, western stock markets plunge. Winner; Putin. Losers: Europe, the western world and America.
Trump adds $8.2 trillion to the debt, threatens the Federal Reserve Chair if he increases interest rates under his administration (so Powell capitulates), and after an incompetent response to COVID, we get a recession and high inflation.
Bottom line: Trump’s foreign policy was a disaster. His infrastructure weeks, a joke. He destroyed a $42 billion farming export industry that still hasn’t recovered. Added more debt in four years than either Bush or Obama did in eight years. And he left office with a recession, 7 million fewer jobs than when he came into office, and an unemployment rate of 6.9%, when the unemployment rate was 4.9%, when he took office.
A second Trump administration won’t be as gentle. He intends to remake government by staffing the entire government with loyalists; he will staff the judiciary with Federalist Society judges; forget abortion rights should they take all three branches of government. He will end Obamacare, drug companies will have carte blanche to raise prices and the world will abandon us. And this doesn’t include his most draconian policy proposals.
Be afraid.....
Thanks, Robert, for the concise outline of these critical facts re: Trump's track record, and what it bodes for the future.
Robert, While I wholly relate to your initial 4 points that astutely underscore, layer-by-layer, justification for heeding Schmidt’s warning, I found your follow-up synopsis (familiar to most, if not all, of us) of Trump’s first term not nearly as engaging as hearing your thoughts as to how we tackle the terrifying conflation of factors you referenced that jointly could result in a crushing defeat.
I agree, but I’m not political scientist. I have no clue except the right-wing media is in Trump’s court, and the MSM is afraid to take him on; they legitimize him and his policies.
My only thought is we need to reach the youth and make damn sure they know what’s at stake for their future if Trump wins. We need to invoke fear as a motivator.
What’s your solution? I admit, I’m dumbfounded...:)
Robert, I believe Schmidt is right. Not just Biden, but Dems overall, have to be willing to engage in war. One can’t play fair with people who don’t play fair. There are no rules. The other side has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to attain power. Therefore, as Schmidt repeatedly has stated, Dems need to go where the trouble is in this country, the trouble Donald Trump is stoking, and, contrary to Trump who presents himself as “the savior,” Democratic leadership needs to show an alternate, admittedly arduous, path that seeks to show they can work on legitimate issues and grievances.
100%!...:)
Hi Robert and all here on this thread. I feel it is urgent that we understand and educate about how social media algorithms are designed and the damage it does to the users' minds and therefore to the future of our Democracy. There is an eye-opening Netflix documentary (2020) called 'The Social Dilemma' that I highly recommend. Here is the link to the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaaC57tcci0
Agree Lisa! I saw that documentary a few years ago.... you are 💯 right
Gen Z, They are young and are all over the internet. They know the stakes and shout them out by vote.
Now down here, where it matters, the youth speak out.
My grandson is one that reads, and he will vote Blue. Keep aiming the facts to the youth, this is what we all need. And another thing the teens in schools in MI, do not call out other children for being who they are, even if doesn't align with what's been aired by some Republicans. They don't judge a book by it's cover. I liked learning that. This youth are much more informed, and delve, into the internet, as if they were raised on it!
Thanks for the reads smart folks!
President Biden does not need to go low ie: brutally mocking trump personally as trump does Biden. All he has to do is as Steve says here: Loudly, firmly and wherever he speaks to tell the truth. The truth about agenda 2025. The truth about fascism , political violence, racism, antisemitism, misogyny, and every vile thing that trump and MAGA stand for. The President and all office holding Democrats need to hone this message, sharpen their mental and verbal swords with constant and deliberate and relentless forward marching straight into the battlefield. If they do this I believe their crowds will be energized. I know I will be.
And yes, to add to the above to magnify the strengths of free Democratic America which will be completely destroyed by the trump agenda.
Right On!! Thanks. xo
Hi Lisa! XO
Listening to Steve Schmidt’s remarks this morning, I was reminded of a statement from American writer Rebecca Solnit, who had said, “A vote is a chess move, not a valentine.” I can say, unequivocally, that her portrayal mirrors the sentiments of nearly every voter I’m aware of who will cast a ballot for Biden next November. Conversely, I’m not aware of a single Trump voter for whom a vote for Trump is not a valentine.
Given that in a country of some 330 million in which the presidency will be decided by some 400,000 votes, I submit, that unless Biden can summon the decisive leadership Schmidt calls for, leadership this moment demands from Biden, we have every reason to be deeply concerned by the masses whose votes, from the heart, for Trump this November will be a valentine.
Our elections are broken too. The electoral college is not balanced - only in America , the candidate who wins the popular vote - loses -
In my opinion , that means that many votes simply don’t count . Republicans haven’t won the popular vote in over 14 years since George W Bush
Magdalena, Thank you for your comment, which shores up my argument. To clarify, were the presidential election decided by the popular vote, I’d be far less concerned. But Republicans, who know their only shot at the presidency is through the electoral college, won’t have it. And given that amending the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both U.S. Chambers plus ratification by three-fourths of the States, I doubt we’ll see a popular vote for the Presidency in our lifetimes. I further would note, as much as I’d love to see the National Interstate Compact reach the requisite 270 electoral vote threshold, the amount of gerrymandered state legislatures makes that equally impossible, at least in the foreseeable future.
If you follow Marc E Elias ( sp ) democracy docket - he’s been winning in case after case on the unfair maps - the outrageous gerrymandering - he’s also a great place to donate any loose change you may have ! He works tirelessly and has a great track record
Magdalena, Like you, I closely follow Marc Elias and, in fact, am eager to hear his thoughts regarding recent court developments related to the rights of individuals and private civic organizations to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. I believe a case is pending that would establish that only the U.S. Attorney General could file a suit.
Funny, no one there knows Biden has been traveling the country for the past 3 years. Talk about lopsided news. FOX ENTERTAINMENTstinks!
Knock on doors in your neighborhood ...
i think this moment IS that important.
On January 6th 2021 an act of war was perpetrated on The United States by its sitting President..Yes, people are being charged, tried and convicted..Even people at the top of this attack are facing legal consequences..
We have a media who but for a few, seem indifferent to the crisis at hand..
And there are other people who have yet to be contained..like Mike Flynn, who is a traitor of the highest order..as is Mike Johnson the Speaker of the House, very dangerous people..who are a clear and present danger to the Republic..
More so than ever, we are in Desperate Times that must be met with Desperate Measures..There is a domestic war party planning its attack against our Democracy..
Where are the Desperate Measures to meet this moment?
Yes, and Trump says he'll use the military on day one for retribution against his perceived enemies. He will use 'desperate measures', yet he is the leader of an ongoing republican coup against our country! He and his insurrectionist mob needed to be shut down and jailed long ago! Where are our desperate measures to obliterate an attempted fascist take over?!
Yes Lisa, this is the question I have been asking for years now..I don't understand how all of this is allowed..The Democratic Party, left leaning Independents and Moderate Conservatives (As there is no longer a Republican Party) all who want our Democracy to survive and flourish must rally to crush this insurgency! There is more that must be done than to cast a vote..
Absolutely! We no longer have a two-party system! We have the Dems and a Republic coup/ attempted fascist take over! We need desperate measures!
Quote: "The crowd’s reaction was cruel and malicious." End quote. That, in a nutshell, defines Trump. He is enshrouded with a darkness and evil that appeals to the unrequited. They are people who feel that they have been disenfranchised, and they will drink every poison availed to sanctify their hate, their meanness, their ugly and violent natures. Many if not most are Christian evangelicals and fundamentalists. They await with fierce anticipation the "rapture", a mythical event that is just that: mythical. Those folk are consumed with hate and rage. Donald Trump energizes that darkness, and they thrive on it. They see "goodness' where in fact there is only darkness; an estrangement from the very God and Christ they claim to follow. They are, in fact, enemies of the Most Holy.
Well said! Thanks.
You are welcome and a thanks to you! I heard the following on a film I was watching over the weekend: "The Devil only comes for those who fear him." Evil succeeds only among the willing.
Thanks, Vince -I'm copying this quote to my desktop to share with others!
Unfortunately for decades the "Religious Right" has been chipping away at our democracy,
The Heritage foundation is behind the push to change this country into a white Christian, male dominated society; the rise of women in society, minorities getting better jobs etc, is a huge thread to their power. The sadistic cruelty of the abortion law is playing out in Texas, it is clear that these people are not "pro life", but anti women. Why do American women accept this, why are there no big demonstration (like pussy hats).
How can these uneducated politicians dictate to doctors how to do their job? (99 yrs in jail if they
perform an abortion). Every day the GOP comes with more draconian measures.
Our election are so rigged, by the right wing, that Biden will need millions more votes than Trump to win. With the gerrymandering, photo i.d. laws and kicking black voters of the voting list (all the result of the corrupt Supreme Court ruling) there is very little chance that any democrate will ever win again.
The Media and the Dems have been lousy at demonstrating how dangerous Trump is, reminding the public of his horrible reign of power. People have amnesia about; defunding the EPA (lots of toxic waste in our water), doctors and nurses in garbage bags begging for help,30,000 lies, ICE terrorizing
the immigrants (that is why we the prices went up, no more cheap labor
pulling out of NATO (the end of western dominance)
EVERYONE who is pro-choice needs to make it clear that the anti-abortion cohort are pro-birth and anti-woman. If people like Ken Paxton were pro-life they would want the best care that saves the woman’s life and fertility for future lives.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/08/us/politics/biden-las-vegas-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.E00.S9ye.-Fm_05YnzczV&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
Gisele, thanks for posting this NYT article. Journalist Anjali Huynh reports: "But speaking in Las Vegas on Friday, Mr. Biden didn’t hold back.
“Trump just talks to talk,” he said at the Carpenters International Training Center in Las Vegas, a union hub favored by Democrats. “We walk the walk.”
And then his words turned even sharper: “He likes to say America is a failing nation. Frankly, he doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about.”
President Biden also talks about his infrastructure plan vs Trump's failing lack of plan in 4 years. Biden IS stepping up his messaging.
Steve Schmidt and other effective speakers and writers, please get behind our POTUS because he is one of the most effective Presidents our country has seen in decades. Let's help BIDEN with messaging. UNITE BEHIND BIDEN 2024! Thanks.
Yes I hope Steve will drop this whole Dean Phillips “project”. It is going to hurt Biden in the process of going NOwhere.
Laura agree with your comment but Steve isn’t going to support Biden with his actions or his words
I’ve accepted that..Marsha
Marsha🌹, did you read the comment by JWO in the comments above today?
He posted a Washing Post article about Dean Phillips calling Biden a 'threat to Democracy.' It was certainly discouraging :-( Vote Biden 2024!!
Lisa my heart hurts that Steve is with Dean Phillips my
Membership in the warning feels ??????
They just automatically renewed and morally
Feel like cannot
Support just sad!!!
Don’t understand!!!
Grieving, Marsha
I guess I should unsubscribe from him at this point, truly.
Laura feel the same way first there was Sarah Palin and now the
Decision ..dean Phillips !!!
Steve Schmidt now has his pac
To control donations to his choice
Dean Phillips … STAY Stong
BIDEN 2024 and save our country
My grandchildren care! Marsha 🌹
Lisa kudos to you and your words I’m 100% for BIDEN
Let’s help support Biden 2024
UNITE Vote Biden 2024..
Democracy Yes, Marsha 🌹
Lisa YOU inspire … know that
Together BIDEN 2024 YES✅
Karen Williams Ty together we can
Help Biden win 2024 and save our
Democracy ✅Marsha 🌹
We need a united front to beat down the maga attacks and to keep Trump out of the White House and give the courts a chance to put him where he belongs, the jail house.
Well reported and well said.
As I’m sure many of you experience on a daily basis, I receive requests for money from many pro-democracy causes. I’ve decided to put my donations exclusively into the Biden campaign since they have the best ability to create long and effective ads. Just sayin’
Joey … you made my heart
Feel hugged … I’m 100%
Supporting BIDEN 2024
I’m grateful for your comment tonight bless you
Together with BIDEN we are saving our democracy for
My grandchildren, Marsha
BRAVA Lisa KUDOS
Yes I’m also grateful we have
Our POTUS and history will record all he’s accomplished
With him at the helm NATO and
The USA is safe!!! 🌹Marsha
Amen
Thank you, Lisa. I worry that Steve's doom and gloom will be a self fulfilling prophecy. He should be repeating Biden s remarks as you have. Surely he was aware of them if he's paying attention. C'mon, Steve!
this article is really good
one thing I remember from the Obama years. HE too never mentioned Bush's name He usually said the Past administration . Without using Bush name.
I wonder if Biden would be polling better if he started calling Trump names ..
like the Rapist
or the FRAUD ..or the a hole
Hi, I don't think President Biden will go so low at to use 'name calling'. He will use Trump's own words against him, and he will use accurate terms like Fascist. Biden is a man of wisdom, compassion, and huge accomplishments. He will outwit Trump in his own way. Thanks.
Trump has grabbed the disgruntled middle class, once the bastion of the DEMS promising to bring them back to prosperity. DEMS (Biden) need to fight like hell to bring them back.
Here is an idea: How about some or lots of Democrats vote in the Republican primaries for whichever candidate is most likely to beat Trump?
I know this would mean that such Democrats couldn’t vote in the Democratic primaries. But it would split the Republican vote --- perhaps enough that Trump would not win. And it might even result in another Republican candidate winning --- perhaps Chris Christie who is far from perfect but much much better than Donald Trump.
I am a Canadian Liberal, but if I were an American Democrat, my motto would be “ANYONE BUT TRUMP”!
I like your way of thinking. Being as conniving as the R's would be justice.
As a NJ resident where Christie was governor, I despise him. He's merely a smarter, slicker Trump, and certainly less obvious than Trump. I would cheerfully "use" him to defeat Trump if that were a possibility. Still, I would not want to see him as POTUS.
Biden needs to show some enthusiasm, some inspiration, and some gump! The voters are in need of the Biden grab! Am feeling he is on his heels and taking it for granted that this election is going to be a “given” thing! NOT! Well, it is on the sharp edge and there is plenty of time? Trump sees the lay-out! This is his second attempt, and Trump is no longer an “apprentice.”
Biden needs to show he is serious about this! Meet the people, ask them to vote and help him! Put it out there and unhook from the Hunter legal news and tripping to Rehoboth Beach! Do this in the Biden part-time! Need to show concern. Our country is worried, concerned, and ready to help prevent the collapse of our lives! Ask, admit the issues, and stop wasting time!
I do think Biden is out there meeting the people. He just doesn't get the media coverage that Trump gets. He's not as "sensational" and conspicuous. I fault the media greatly for Trump in the first place. All about the ratings and $$$.
Trump has all the time he wants to be out on the stump. President Biden is busy being President. As all incumbents who are doing their job representing the people effectively, the campaign travels don’t begin in earnest until election year. Of all people, Steve, you should understand that.
Yes! Biden IS the master of legislation and diplomacy both domestically and internationally. He is turning our country around. Anyone who doesn't see that is ignorant, stubborn, MAGA-CULT indoctrinated, or just not paying attention. Biden has decades of experience and wisdom and knowledge that is light years beyond Dean Phillips and all other candidates put together. THAT is why he is POTUS, despite a speech impediment that he has had all of his life. Biden's strengths must be supported. President Biden needs to continue his already historic work, while people who are talented speakers with messaging skills, especially ones who have some influence and can fight MAGA (Steve) support him. Thanks.
Lisa well said…Biden was
Bullied as a child for stuttering
…disabled children and parents
Get behind Biden …it’s not what you say you will do it’s what you DO …so what if Biden stumbles in speaking LOOK AT THE
ACCOMPLISHMENTS….
Our Freedoms are being violated BIDEN 2024🌹Marsha
Right on, Marsha!🌹 One reason Biden is the compassionate humanitarian he truly is is because of the many challenges he's faced in his life. BIDEN 2024 -Let's DO THIS!! xo
I don’t understand with the stakes so high, democracy on the line, that the democrats are sleep walking through this campaign. If Biden is again to feeble to hit the campaign trail, make the TV rounds, do press conferences, get out in the public, then he shouldn’t be running. At the very least, surrogates from the party should be getting his message out. Someone had to tell the people his accomplishments and the dangers a Trump 2.0 would have on the country. Trump will paralyze the country in world affairs and destroy our economy. Competence will be traded for loyalists. How many bankruptcies, fraudulent enterprises by Trump does it take to figure that he would crash our economy? Get that message out there Democrats!
I believe you’re placing WAY TOO MUCH credit for those attendees at Trump’s rally. It’s a CULT, and these people are CULT-FOLLOWERS; - reason and intelligent decisions are nowhere to be found in a cult. However, you are right about Biden,- now is the time for him to make his case to the people, and hopefully he’ll rise to the occasion. In our superficial society, Biden could stand a bit of “bronzer” and Botox himself...it certainly wouldn’t hurt his image overall.