Voters don’t rally behind policy papers: they rally behind leaders they can see and believe in. Democrats must end the era of weak, divided messaging and rise with a chorus of commanding voices…
The DNC, in general, seems to only be comfortable with the status quo of the “old guard” — even if that has been sliding toward this mess for the past 40+ years. People need to actively rally around progressive candidates in primaries so we can have legislators with fire in their veins.
Nancy Mace, MAGAT exponent, R. SC, was the first woman cadet raped at the CITADEL. She is a walking contradiction, but if this is what it takes to save the country, I'd take it.
Psyops b.s. Democrats should have had a shadow government long ago. They are, sadly ineffectual, and even the vote yesterday on NDAA, 84-14, only 12 Democrats voted against cloture.
The 12 Democrats who voted against breaking the filibuster were:
Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin)
Cory Booker (New Jersey)
Edward Markey (Massachusetts)
Jeff Merkley (Oregon)
Alex Padilla (California)
Brian Schatz (Hawaii)
Tina Smith (Minnesota)
Chris Van Hollen (Maryland)
Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts)
Peter Welch (Vermont)
Ron Wyden (Oregon)
Angus King (Maine), who caucuses with the Democrats, was also a "No" vote on the cloture motion
That means 36 Democrats voted with the Republicans to break cloture.
Practically all of Trump's cabinet and even judges had Democratic Senatorial votes.
I was keeping a list, till I realized i was a waste of time.
I'm quite familiar with the term, Daniel. I happen to disagree that all you label psy ops actually is psyops. Unless you have hard evidence to support your position both our statements are opinion, not fact.
Wow Thom, this is one of your best essays. Each paragraph analyses the points needed to be embraced for democracy to survive and thrive. I especially like the idea that individual governors are experts for certain accomplishments that are meant to preserve our democracy
You and others have been saying this for months! But who is actually listening in the Democratic Party?? This idea is a strong, unified and powerful way to oppose this administration and breathe life back into a dying party. Why are they not doing this? Schumer, Jeffries et al, stop the damn naval gazing and longing for non-existent bipartisan approaches - and GET TO WORK!
Actually, a full court press is needed. WE ARE A MINORITY but if only a few Congressional Republicans oppose MAGA, all bets are off. https://jerryweiss.substack.com/
There are probably four or more MAGA probably QAnon Republicans that are genuinely concerned about Pedophiles, especially when they believe that it is only Democrats in the files.
But breaking with Trump on this, does not mean that they will break with Trump on other issues.
Jeez, it can open records that may/may not implicate him.
Psychologically, it's the toe in the water.
Can ask for common issues. Ukraine. Loss of jobs. Tarriffs. PAYGO (unforseen consquences of the Big Crappy Bill).
Meanwhile there are a number of bipartisan bills. I listed the ones from the prtoblem solvers the other day.
Press conference today. Streamed live 2 hours ago
"A bipartisan group of House members are unveiling a compromise bill Wednesday afternoon to ban stock trading by individual members of Congress and their families.
"The legislation, titled the Restore Trust in Congress Act, is expected to combine and reconcile several previously introduced bills to ban congressional stock trading by members of Congress, according to an advisory.
"Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) are among the members set to be present at the press conference."
The DNC needs to signal to voters that they are actively on board with this plan -that they are unified and working in specific ways to preserve our democracy for the people not for the billionaires in an autocratic tyrannical rule. Tyrants are cruel and abuse their power to do what they do.
I fully agree. There are a good handful of very competent Dem leaders needing to join forces in a platform and put the brakes on the idea that this party is weak and that the GOP are anything other than psychos and sycophants.
Platforms are shit canned, the day after the election, Democrat and Republican. Talking points, it is action that matters. I don't know about you but I judge a person or organization on what they do not what they say.
This is already underway. Democrats have been out there on the talk shows, the news shows, the podcasts, town halls, and in arenas all around the country. Local Democratic party members have been taking on precincts, and those folks have been knocking on doors.
There is a Blue State strategy that has been in the works devised by the Governors and Attorney Generals. It started before the election---kind of on the down-low. Just as Thom has indicated, it is time to specialize and give out assignments.
Dems have already had their share of pressers, but it is time to ramp them up. We have the talent and personalities to kick some ass and answer some questions. And by all means, the rest of us should STAY LOUD. See you in the streets.
Thom, say this on MSNBC and CNN. There are people like me that still watch cable news. A shadow cabinet is a great idea. I would add truth squads in every city and state.
If all of us call and I stress call your Senators and Representatives (Democrats) and tell them about the shadow cabinet and that you want them to set it up NOW! Read from Thom's suggestion for who to be in charge of different depts. You can of course give your own suggestions for the people. I would suggest Pete Buttigieg for something!!!! You can always follow up with filling out the forms Congress gives us to contact our Congress people.
— You reference a seemingly monolithic "public" several times.
The voting public was split: 77,300,000 voted for a maniac who ushered in the deaths of > 1 M Americans through incompetence and stupidity.
That 77.3 M are utterly brainwashed daily, pretty fearful, and, frankly, sick in the head.
They, or many of them, must somehow be deprogrammed.
Many of them think that with a quasi-strong-madman, L. Ron Hubbard type, in charge, they will be literally raptured, or reach a state of clear, I guess?
The sanity-tizing task is hard. But it is real.
How do you convince Tom Cruise that he has wasted 4 decades? Multiply Tom 77.3 M times.
The wages of [Glenn Beck's/Rush's/Ruppert's et al's] sins is Trumpism.
The GOP/Q Anon/Magat brain trust [GQM] has convinced Ordinary Americans [OA} to . . .
EAT SHIT and DIE . . . And the OA ask, "How much? And when?"
The GQM reply, "16 Tons. 3 times a day, for Life."
Message, message, message and conving the public. Platforms are forgotten after the election.
And there were 70 million registered voters that didn't vote Daniel.
Many of whom, like Muslims, voted against or didn't vote for Harris because Biden supported Israel. They fucked up and royally, and now, too late, know that they screwed the goose. and there are young males, even black and Hispanic, the manosphere who were swayed by the Republican and Trumps misogynistic macho message.
And yes there was voter interference and 4.4 Million ballots were discarded and Musk interfered in Pennsylvania, but all of that would be neutralized if those 70 million people were convinced that there is a difference in the two parties and that the Republicans would screw them, but they didn't get that message Daniel.
I heard the message from Kamala's own mouth, she wouldn't change a thing. Do I have to post youtube links?
You might recall I was very enthusiastic when she announced, I even bought Kamala hoodies and hats, then reality sat in. The same pablum speech,and talking points, whenever she was interviewed or even given a speech
She flopped and we had best admit it and correct course. instead of going on the defense and blaming others or claiming we wuz robbed.
Not doing us any good now,Daniel, the devil has the steering wheel,pedals on the gas and there are no real breaks, judicial system is a handbrake, but even Breyer issues Temporary orders giving Trumps regime the ability to continue on his path of destruction and giving him time to appeal to a compliant and complicit supreme court.
Great idea! The real question is how to make it happen. The first step would be a summit of Democratic leaders in a locked in a smoky room without the smoke, much like the conclave to elect a pope. They can’t come out until they come up with a working plan.
CALL your Congress People and tell them 'we WANT a 'Shadow Government' with actual Political Dems being head of departments! Read what Thom has given as an example of who could fill some of the positions!
Ms. Stocker, apparently you do not know what Eugene McCarthy did. If you find out, how his behavior changed things in a meaningful [but not fundamental] way; you might be able to put your advice into proper context.
These are great ideas. The Chrisma of democracy is a great thought embodied in the suggestion of "Restore Democracy" yesterday by Daniel Solomon. However, to form a movement there has to be some meat on the bones and the repetition of a clear articulation of solid ideas and approaches. Good government must be praised as a positive and remedial force for society and for a functional economy. An economy which works for workers is essential for national strength and security. Oligarchs, plutocrats, and kleptocrats with inordinate power and influence in a profoundly unequal framework spell disaster and misery. Democracy must include everyone and must allow easy access to voting. The press must be fully independent and not under any central control or big corporations with bias and undue influence. The people must be able to distinguish between propaganda produced to deceive and misinform on one side and verified and credible news and opinion based on carefully examined facts and information in a rational milieu on the other. Anything short of a movement involving a large majority of people will only lead to more chaos and confusion.
This is the most insightful and important commentary ... thank you Thom !!
We are now beyond the tipping point and sliding downhill while wringing our hands, abundantly eating junk food and watching the latest tv fad while America is on the stake. The wood has been collected and the kindling has been lit.
This approach is a knife that can and will (over some time) cut the ropes to set America free. But it must start NOW. THIS IS THE WAY!
Spread this word ... copy friends, copy your Democratic representatives, and most of all believe in a NEW HOPE!
Thom please continue pounding out this message. This is a viable path forward. Thank you again.
Unless we are ready for our country to be divided into thirds, we had better bring some good ‘ole show biz to counter the circus that has been going on since January. We’d better come up with someone or ones that can somehow unite us at least so that we are functional, once more.
Unless, our billionaire capitalists are convinced that the GOP will ultimately be more of a detriment than as asset to their future, those whoi implemented this Project 2025 and are fostering the dumbing-down of America and making middle America poor again, will still be in charge and controlling our political system.
He did finally receive the Bronze in December 2024. Better late than never? But I don’t believe he’s charismatic enough.
Too many people in this country confuse the WH with a reality tv series. They want entertainment instead of honest governance. They also glue themselves to FOX and believe they’re getting news.
Excellent Thom!! Does the leadership of the Democratic Party read your article? Can you email the handful you mentioned asking them why they aren’t forming this Shadow Government? Your knowledge of history to remind us of previous Shadow Governments is vital now ! Perhaps us the readers should call or email your article to the handful of the vocal Democrats. In reply to the message above re Jeffries and Schumer etc are you kidding!! They all receive $$$$ from AIPAC! The female candidate from orange county California a Harvard grad who aggressively attacks Republicans in the senate is an AIPAC recipient as well! Overwhelming majority of Jewish senators/ Congressman are on AIPAC PAYROLL!!!That is why Democrats are paralyzed and just give lip service in criticizing Republicans and the President!!!
The DNC is a split organization. Until the DNC unifies, we will not have a cohesive projection to the American people, and a strong leader will not be agreed upon.
The DNC messed up the 2016 by selecting HRC instead of Bernie.
That is correct in my book, Phil. The DNC acted like the massive movement for Bernie didn’t exist.
I was in the Convention in Philadelphia and nearly lost it when HRC was selected - so upset in my seat I couldn’t find my wallet that slipped out of my purse as I was emotional about the transaction.
There we were when America was about to gain traction for the people as I believed Bernie could have beaten Trump.
The DNC, in general, seems to only be comfortable with the status quo of the “old guard” — even if that has been sliding toward this mess for the past 40+ years. People need to actively rally around progressive candidates in primaries so we can have legislators with fire in their veins.
Psy ops. Who says we don't? All politics is (and are) local. Chcek out who the members actiually are.
Talk about fire in the belly. Melanie Stansbury leads this pack with eloquence.
https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/mace-melts-stansbury-stands?r=3m1bs
Nancy Mace, MAGAT exponent, R. SC, was the first woman cadet raped at the CITADEL. She is a walking contradiction, but if this is what it takes to save the country, I'd take it.
Psyops b.s. Democrats should have had a shadow government long ago. They are, sadly ineffectual, and even the vote yesterday on NDAA, 84-14, only 12 Democrats voted against cloture.
The 12 Democrats who voted against breaking the filibuster were:
Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin)
Cory Booker (New Jersey)
Edward Markey (Massachusetts)
Jeff Merkley (Oregon)
Alex Padilla (California)
Brian Schatz (Hawaii)
Tina Smith (Minnesota)
Chris Van Hollen (Maryland)
Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts)
Peter Welch (Vermont)
Ron Wyden (Oregon)
Angus King (Maine), who caucuses with the Democrats, was also a "No" vote on the cloture motion
That means 36 Democrats voted with the Republicans to break cloture.
Practically all of Trump's cabinet and even judges had Democratic Senatorial votes.
I was keeping a list, till I realized i was a waste of time.
As usual you miss the issue. Those people are NOT members of the DNC.
Irrelevant to whether 6 Republicans will cross over today.
BTW the DNC met last week. Who is YOUR rep?
Just because people disagree doesn't mean they are engaged in psy ops.
It means you spread disinformation.
Probably delivered to you by Republican/Russian psy ops. Propaganda posing as truth.
I'm quite familiar with the term, Daniel. I happen to disagree that all you label psy ops actually is psyops. Unless you have hard evidence to support your position both our statements are opinion, not fact.
It’s great when it happens. But I don’t think it happens nearly often enough.
The Old Guard has been asleep at their post for several decades now.
Wow Thom, this is one of your best essays. Each paragraph analyses the points needed to be embraced for democracy to survive and thrive. I especially like the idea that individual governors are experts for certain accomplishments that are meant to preserve our democracy
You and others have been saying this for months! But who is actually listening in the Democratic Party?? This idea is a strong, unified and powerful way to oppose this administration and breathe life back into a dying party. Why are they not doing this? Schumer, Jeffries et al, stop the damn naval gazing and longing for non-existent bipartisan approaches - and GET TO WORK!
Actually, a full court press is needed. WE ARE A MINORITY but if only a few Congressional Republicans oppose MAGA, all bets are off. https://jerryweiss.substack.com/
Check out Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) as they hold a news conference on their push to have Congress vote on the release of files related to the Epstein investigation. https://www.c-span.org/event/news-conference/reps-khanna-massie-hold-a-news-conference-on-epstein-files/436072
Need only 4 more Republicans to get all the files.
There are probably four or more MAGA probably QAnon Republicans that are genuinely concerned about Pedophiles, especially when they believe that it is only Democrats in the files.
But breaking with Trump on this, does not mean that they will break with Trump on other issues.
Jeez, it can open records that may/may not implicate him.
Psychologically, it's the toe in the water.
Can ask for common issues. Ukraine. Loss of jobs. Tarriffs. PAYGO (unforseen consquences of the Big Crappy Bill).
Meanwhile there are a number of bipartisan bills. I listed the ones from the prtoblem solvers the other day.
Press conference today. Streamed live 2 hours ago
"A bipartisan group of House members are unveiling a compromise bill Wednesday afternoon to ban stock trading by individual members of Congress and their families.
"The legislation, titled the Restore Trust in Congress Act, is expected to combine and reconcile several previously introduced bills to ban congressional stock trading by members of Congress, according to an advisory.
"Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) are among the members set to be present at the press conference."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SINklbt5GHI
Bacon and Massey and no one else, Even your Fitzpatrick will not defy Trump.
The DNC needs to signal to voters that they are actively on board with this plan -that they are unified and working in specific ways to preserve our democracy for the people not for the billionaires in an autocratic tyrannical rule. Tyrants are cruel and abuse their power to do what they do.
I fully agree. There are a good handful of very competent Dem leaders needing to join forces in a platform and put the brakes on the idea that this party is weak and that the GOP are anything other than psychos and sycophants.
Were you in Minneapolis? Do you know what the platform is? https://blueprint.democrats.org/p/help-democrats-fight-the-trump-takeover
Platforms are shit canned, the day after the election, Democrat and Republican. Talking points, it is action that matters. I don't know about you but I judge a person or organization on what they do not what they say.
Did Trump admit Musk stole Pennsylvania?
We wuz screwed.
Yep Trump sure did, but that was only one issue out of many. You are trying to keep us focused on one issue, not the others.
Let's Step It Up
This is already underway. Democrats have been out there on the talk shows, the news shows, the podcasts, town halls, and in arenas all around the country. Local Democratic party members have been taking on precincts, and those folks have been knocking on doors.
There is a Blue State strategy that has been in the works devised by the Governors and Attorney Generals. It started before the election---kind of on the down-low. Just as Thom has indicated, it is time to specialize and give out assignments.
Dems have already had their share of pressers, but it is time to ramp them up. We have the talent and personalities to kick some ass and answer some questions. And by all means, the rest of us should STAY LOUD. See you in the streets.
Thom, say this on MSNBC and CNN. There are people like me that still watch cable news. A shadow cabinet is a great idea. I would add truth squads in every city and state.
Yes Eadie apparently it is only old farts like us that even watch TV, Most of Gen X, and probably all of Gen Y and Z get theirs from social media.
I can confirm you're absolutely right. You need to force feed them to get them to watch cable T.V.
If all of us call and I stress call your Senators and Representatives (Democrats) and tell them about the shadow cabinet and that you want them to set it up NOW! Read from Thom's suggestion for who to be in charge of different depts. You can of course give your own suggestions for the people. I would suggest Pete Buttigieg for something!!!! You can always follow up with filling out the forms Congress gives us to contact our Congress people.
Great ideas, Mr Hartmann, but . . .
— You reference a seemingly monolithic "public" several times.
The voting public was split: 77,300,000 voted for a maniac who ushered in the deaths of > 1 M Americans through incompetence and stupidity.
That 77.3 M are utterly brainwashed daily, pretty fearful, and, frankly, sick in the head.
They, or many of them, must somehow be deprogrammed.
Many of them think that with a quasi-strong-madman, L. Ron Hubbard type, in charge, they will be literally raptured, or reach a state of clear, I guess?
The sanity-tizing task is hard. But it is real.
How do you convince Tom Cruise that he has wasted 4 decades? Multiply Tom 77.3 M times.
The wages of [Glenn Beck's/Rush's/Ruppert's et al's] sins is Trumpism.
The GOP/Q Anon/Magat brain trust [GQM] has convinced Ordinary Americans [OA} to . . .
EAT SHIT and DIE . . . And the OA ask, "How much? And when?"
The GQM reply, "16 Tons. 3 times a day, for Life."
I'm sorry but IMHO Harris had a GREAT message, we had a GREAT platform, and we actually won!
Here we are: https://blueprint.democrats.org/
https://democrats.org/where-we-stand/
The only MSN that actually covered the recent DNC meeting was Fox, and they are hostile and misreprent the actual position.
Message, message, message and conving the public. Platforms are forgotten after the election.
And there were 70 million registered voters that didn't vote Daniel.
Many of whom, like Muslims, voted against or didn't vote for Harris because Biden supported Israel. They fucked up and royally, and now, too late, know that they screwed the goose. and there are young males, even black and Hispanic, the manosphere who were swayed by the Republican and Trumps misogynistic macho message.
And yes there was voter interference and 4.4 Million ballots were discarded and Musk interfered in Pennsylvania, but all of that would be neutralized if those 70 million people were convinced that there is a difference in the two parties and that the Republicans would screw them, but they didn't get that message Daniel.
I heard the message from Kamala's own mouth, she wouldn't change a thing. Do I have to post youtube links?
You might recall I was very enthusiastic when she announced, I even bought Kamala hoodies and hats, then reality sat in. The same pablum speech,and talking points, whenever she was interviewed or even given a speech
She flopped and we had best admit it and correct course. instead of going on the defense and blaming others or claiming we wuz robbed.
Not doing us any good now,Daniel, the devil has the steering wheel,pedals on the gas and there are no real breaks, judicial system is a handbrake, but even Breyer issues Temporary orders giving Trumps regime the ability to continue on his path of destruction and giving him time to appeal to a compliant and complicit supreme court.
t
Repeating Republican talking points.
The SCOTUS has said to the American people, “we don’t care about you.” That is a huge part of the problem.
Great idea! The real question is how to make it happen. The first step would be a summit of Democratic leaders in a locked in a smoky room without the smoke, much like the conclave to elect a pope. They can’t come out until they come up with a working plan.
CALL your Congress People and tell them 'we WANT a 'Shadow Government' with actual Political Dems being head of departments! Read what Thom has given as an example of who could fill some of the positions!
Met (past tense) in Minneapolis last week. !st time since the election. Not in a smoky room. Out in open.
https://blueprint.democrats.org/p/from-the-beltway-to-your-backyard
Transcripts are probably available.
Ms. Stocker, apparently you do not know what Eugene McCarthy did. If you find out, how his behavior changed things in a meaningful [but not fundamental] way; you might be able to put your advice into proper context.
These are great ideas. The Chrisma of democracy is a great thought embodied in the suggestion of "Restore Democracy" yesterday by Daniel Solomon. However, to form a movement there has to be some meat on the bones and the repetition of a clear articulation of solid ideas and approaches. Good government must be praised as a positive and remedial force for society and for a functional economy. An economy which works for workers is essential for national strength and security. Oligarchs, plutocrats, and kleptocrats with inordinate power and influence in a profoundly unequal framework spell disaster and misery. Democracy must include everyone and must allow easy access to voting. The press must be fully independent and not under any central control or big corporations with bias and undue influence. The people must be able to distinguish between propaganda produced to deceive and misinform on one side and verified and credible news and opinion based on carefully examined facts and information in a rational milieu on the other. Anything short of a movement involving a large majority of people will only lead to more chaos and confusion.
First have to overthrow MAGA. All reasonable options should be considered.
This is the most insightful and important commentary ... thank you Thom !!
We are now beyond the tipping point and sliding downhill while wringing our hands, abundantly eating junk food and watching the latest tv fad while America is on the stake. The wood has been collected and the kindling has been lit.
This approach is a knife that can and will (over some time) cut the ropes to set America free. But it must start NOW. THIS IS THE WAY!
Spread this word ... copy friends, copy your Democratic representatives, and most of all believe in a NEW HOPE!
Thom please continue pounding out this message. This is a viable path forward. Thank you again.
Unless we are ready for our country to be divided into thirds, we had better bring some good ‘ole show biz to counter the circus that has been going on since January. We’d better come up with someone or ones that can somehow unite us at least so that we are functional, once more.
Unless, our billionaire capitalists are convinced that the GOP will ultimately be more of a detriment than as asset to their future, those whoi implemented this Project 2025 and are fostering the dumbing-down of America and making middle America poor again, will still be in charge and controlling our political system.
First restore democracy.
I think that if we can BROADEN our base, nature will take it's couse.
Had your governor not lied about receiving a bronze star, he might be the one.
He did finally receive the Bronze in December 2024. Better late than never? But I don’t believe he’s charismatic enough.
Too many people in this country confuse the WH with a reality tv series. They want entertainment instead of honest governance. They also glue themselves to FOX and believe they’re getting news.
Excellent Thom!! Does the leadership of the Democratic Party read your article? Can you email the handful you mentioned asking them why they aren’t forming this Shadow Government? Your knowledge of history to remind us of previous Shadow Governments is vital now ! Perhaps us the readers should call or email your article to the handful of the vocal Democrats. In reply to the message above re Jeffries and Schumer etc are you kidding!! They all receive $$$$ from AIPAC! The female candidate from orange county California a Harvard grad who aggressively attacks Republicans in the senate is an AIPAC recipient as well! Overwhelming majority of Jewish senators/ Congressman are on AIPAC PAYROLL!!!That is why Democrats are paralyzed and just give lip service in criticizing Republicans and the President!!!
The DNC is a split organization. Until the DNC unifies, we will not have a cohesive projection to the American people, and a strong leader will not be agreed upon.
The DNC messed up the 2016 by selecting HRC instead of Bernie.
The DNC needs a shake-up!
That is correct in my book, Phil. The DNC acted like the massive movement for Bernie didn’t exist.
I was in the Convention in Philadelphia and nearly lost it when HRC was selected - so upset in my seat I couldn’t find my wallet that slipped out of my purse as I was emotional about the transaction.
There we were when America was about to gain traction for the people as I believed Bernie could have beaten Trump.
“We already govern like a nation. Now we’ll do it for the whole country.” Excellent!