Ever since Kamala upended this race and lit a fire under the electorate, I've been skeptical of the "tied" narrative. I actually DON'T believe this race hangs on a few yahoos who will vote depending which side of the bed they get up on. Kamala has been a clear and strong favorite the whole time.
Had a long chat with my wife about this. She agrees with the female pundits: Women's rage has been mostly ignored, and instead people are scratching their heads at the (mostly worthless) national polls. From there we get a narrative that this thing is a coin toss. Give me a break.
My dread has given way to optimism and now, excitement. We're on the cusp of a new era. All the anecdotal evidence, enthusiasm, common sense, and faith in humanity reads Kamala Harris. It actually kind of bothers me that people think so little of our country, in ourselves, and in our neighbors that we're willing to believe the MAGA lie--always blustering, without evidence--that they are inevitable. It's such bullshit. Come on down off the ledge and let's watch as Kamala, ever-underestimated, always superb, blows the roof off.
Well said, I agree! The women's vote in this election has been overlooked and underestimated. After enjoying reproductive freedom for 50 years, the removal of these rights by a predominantly male Supreme Court has justifiably enraged many women and compelled them to defend those freedoms at the ballot box. This issue affects all women, regardless of their party affiliation, as independents and Republicans join in defending the reproductive rights of their daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters.
I'm so glad you've said this Dan - this is what I've been saying to people who doubt her - just look at what she's done in such a short period of time! She's united Democrats, energised the base, created an election platform, chosen a running mate, held a successful DNC, pasted Trump in a debate and worked like hell around the country. She has won the endorsement of disenfranchised Republicans, celebrities and disaffected Democrats in just over 100 days, all in the shadow of Biden's presidency. She has played Trump like a fiddle. I hope she gets in just to see what she could do to unite Americans - I think she can heal the hurt of the last 9 years. What an amazing woman.
Great filled with important perspective as we move into the final 24 hours. When talking about Harris's uphill climb, I wish you would have addressed the complete abdication of responsibility of the GOP to evacuate any of their moral and strategic standing to nominate for the third time a historically unpopular person. This race is close not only because of Harris, but because of the extreme cowardice and husked out shell that is the GOP. It's worked in our favor, so it's good, I guess. But it was an incredibly dangerous (and arguably unnecessary) move. I just feel like we put all this attention on Democrats' (and Democratic women's) campaigns and precious little on the depravity of the GOP, which is on full display this cycle. Ok, rant over.
Great rant! My feelings too. “the complete abdication of responsibility of the GOP to evacuate any of their moral and strategic standing…”. They sure did. And we had to listen to a 🤡 clown evacuate his bowels and mouth on our Constitution and Democracy.
The Harris campaign is stellar. They pulled it off w no stone unturned. I’m hopeful we can win. I think the general polls are weak and rigged too much w GOP junk polls. I trust the campaign looking at their internal polling. And the recent Iowa poll showed me the Rep and Dem women and how Dobbs has changed the game.
Organizations are a reflection of the leader - and based on the truly magnificent campaign, Harris is an outstanding leader and person. I'm not an insider, but from the outside it is clear to me that she has hired great people and let them do their jobs. It's clear that there has been a strategy, and that she and the campaign have learned and adjusted along the way. They've been able react quickly and tactically without losing their core messaging and being pulled away from their strategy. If nothing else, it's great to see Dems on the national stage pull off such a great campaign.
I was giddy watching Kamala Harris on SNL this weekend. Then the Ohio poll made me happy, especially knowing what I know about Iowa organizers. I know these things don't signal victory, but I feel good about my candidate. That's something. I think about all the people who may be holding their noses as they vote for a felon who is a cheating man-baby. I'm taking the day away from the coverage, and I live near a place with hot spring pools. I've got a 7 pm reservation, and I will by home by 8:30, ready to tune in.
Harris has been an amazing candidate, I daresay the right candidate at the right time despite the doubts and so-called shortcomings she was perceived as having when she was tapped. If she loses, it will not be because she was a flawed candidate or that the process or campaign was suboptimal; indeed, that loss will lie squarely at the feet of lazy, racist, and naive Americans who have harboured-- even nurtured--lives of grievance and resentment. Their ignorance of history makes them easy prey for a would-be authoritarian leader in an era of populist disinformation and nativist propaganda.
Given that the nation has not fixed the electoral college problem, that complacency combined with American Exceptionalism has instilled a belief that the nation could never find itself choosing between authoritarianism and democracy, and that much of the American landscape is captive to a cult of truthiness and chronic victimhood, I have little hope that the nation can be salvaged if she loses.
What she's been able to accomplish in such a short time bodes well for her in the role of President. Well-organized, disciplined, on message, empathetic, clear communicator, tough when it comes to upholding values, does her homework, works hard and doesn't complain, picks good surrogates, lets others shine, welcomes outside viewpoints, treats people with respect and dignity, listens. We're lucky to have her
Thanks Dan! It's a marvel what Kamala Harris and her campaign have been able to do. They aren't just the good guys, they're the better guys, and their talent and commitment give me a boost of confidence. (Anyone know if Coach is giving any pep talks, Friday Night Lights style? I want as much of that vibe as I can get between volunteer shifts.)
Not to be a downer, but win or lose The Democratic party needs to do some soul searching about how we keep getting this close to losing the country to authoritarianism. That being said I hope brighter days are ahead.
I don’t necessarily blame the Democratic Party for that …. The general population in the US has become very complacent and uninformed. I am not sure there is anything that the party can do to break through that on its own
I keep remembering a focus group from a few months ago, shortly after Biden dropped out. Participants were in the same age group (25 to 30-ish). Some college or a college degree. Male and female. When asked where they got their news, the answers were Tik Tok, The Daily Show, Instagram and various social media sites. No one mentioned any legitimate news source.
I don’t see how a candidate breaks through that. You either tailor your message to some minute-long sight or sound bite or abandon these voters to your opponent. How can anyone get to the real issues or events like this?
True. But I think a large part of the problem is MSM and the misinformation onslaught. How do we keep people well-informed and away from extremism? Rhetorical.
Thank you, Dan. I have read your and a few other anti-Trump newsletters since Harris entered the race, and you have to a person been reality based and transparent. I don’t know any of you, but to a person you seem like people I’d be proud to know: good citizens, good neighbors, good parents, good friends. I have to believe that there are enough of us to beat back the anti-democracy forces for another day. And also, I’m pretty sure that women and over 65s are going to turn out to have been underestimated. This is our country too, and we’d like it back please.
I echo everything you said, Dan. I am so thankful for Harris and Walz, they gave me hope and a belief that we can be better. No matter how this turns out I will take that joy and continue to work hard to ensure that we live up to our ideals.
Long-term (meaning beyond this 2024 election), my biggest concern is the fractured media and especially the right wing media spewing so many outrageous lies. How do we as a country combat such daily disinformation? This issue really concerns me - as much as Dump himself. I know, in the meantime, eyes on the prize and first things first.
Remember January 21, 2017 when 4 million women marched on Washington, D. C. and other cities because DJT posed a threat to women's rights? The 2024 election can be won by Kamala Harris, in large part because women are organized and working all over the country to get out the vote. The SCOTUS Dobbs' decision and measures on several state ballots to protect women's right to abortion and, therefore, to health care are front and center this election. I am in a positive mood due to all of the things Dan has listed about the campaign combined with the women's rights issues magnified by the misogynistic comments of Trump and Vance in the last 2 weeks. I gather from MSNBC that undecided voters are breaking more for Harris than Trump.
Your take on Biden losing in a landslide sounds like you are doing damage control regarding your Pod Save America bros efforts to tank his run. Some of us will never forget how you guys jumped ship even if she wins.
I think they were honest. I was a Biden supporter, though one who wished he stepped aside due to age and lack of vigor. Literally one minute into the debate, my wife and I turned to one another in a very “oh, no” moment.
Biden’s deterioration since the SOTU was shocking. And obvious to all. These very experienced guys saw the deterioration and realized its implications.
Had the PSA guys strongly supported Biden they would have been dishonest with us. Their job was not to be loyal to a certain candidate, but to help the Dem ticket win.
I count on them for their honesty, insight, and experience.
Respectfully, I see the Biden debate and the PSA reax situation differently. I think the PSA crew merely grasped how most of the country could not unsee what had been done and its subsequent impact. I was going to vote Joe no matter what, but I’ll acknowledge that the June 27 debate left me disillusioned.
I was (and remain) furious about their post-debate tipsy pants-shitting podcast episode, and I was definitely in the "that's not even feasible" camp when it came to replacing him, but the polls said what they said, and it did not in fact look good for Joe Biden. That's just a fact.
Greetings from an ex-pat American in Germany. Your analysis of the achievements of Kamala Harris and her team certainly resonates with me! What an achievement it has been. Over here, we are all chewing our nails and praying our prayers, for a Trump victory would have horrific repercussions for us in Europe. And as always, Dan, a loud and heartfelt thank you to you and your team for keeping us up to speed from afar. Please, Americans, please : do what the world needs on Nov 5. Many years ago, I „opted out“, but my heart in still in it….
Ever since Kamala upended this race and lit a fire under the electorate, I've been skeptical of the "tied" narrative. I actually DON'T believe this race hangs on a few yahoos who will vote depending which side of the bed they get up on. Kamala has been a clear and strong favorite the whole time.
Had a long chat with my wife about this. She agrees with the female pundits: Women's rage has been mostly ignored, and instead people are scratching their heads at the (mostly worthless) national polls. From there we get a narrative that this thing is a coin toss. Give me a break.
My dread has given way to optimism and now, excitement. We're on the cusp of a new era. All the anecdotal evidence, enthusiasm, common sense, and faith in humanity reads Kamala Harris. It actually kind of bothers me that people think so little of our country, in ourselves, and in our neighbors that we're willing to believe the MAGA lie--always blustering, without evidence--that they are inevitable. It's such bullshit. Come on down off the ledge and let's watch as Kamala, ever-underestimated, always superb, blows the roof off.
Well said, I agree! The women's vote in this election has been overlooked and underestimated. After enjoying reproductive freedom for 50 years, the removal of these rights by a predominantly male Supreme Court has justifiably enraged many women and compelled them to defend those freedoms at the ballot box. This issue affects all women, regardless of their party affiliation, as independents and Republicans join in defending the reproductive rights of their daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters.
Great post!
I'm so glad you've said this Dan - this is what I've been saying to people who doubt her - just look at what she's done in such a short period of time! She's united Democrats, energised the base, created an election platform, chosen a running mate, held a successful DNC, pasted Trump in a debate and worked like hell around the country. She has won the endorsement of disenfranchised Republicans, celebrities and disaffected Democrats in just over 100 days, all in the shadow of Biden's presidency. She has played Trump like a fiddle. I hope she gets in just to see what she could do to unite Americans - I think she can heal the hurt of the last 9 years. What an amazing woman.
Great filled with important perspective as we move into the final 24 hours. When talking about Harris's uphill climb, I wish you would have addressed the complete abdication of responsibility of the GOP to evacuate any of their moral and strategic standing to nominate for the third time a historically unpopular person. This race is close not only because of Harris, but because of the extreme cowardice and husked out shell that is the GOP. It's worked in our favor, so it's good, I guess. But it was an incredibly dangerous (and arguably unnecessary) move. I just feel like we put all this attention on Democrats' (and Democratic women's) campaigns and precious little on the depravity of the GOP, which is on full display this cycle. Ok, rant over.
Great rant! My feelings too. “the complete abdication of responsibility of the GOP to evacuate any of their moral and strategic standing…”. They sure did. And we had to listen to a 🤡 clown evacuate his bowels and mouth on our Constitution and Democracy.
The Harris campaign is stellar. They pulled it off w no stone unturned. I’m hopeful we can win. I think the general polls are weak and rigged too much w GOP junk polls. I trust the campaign looking at their internal polling. And the recent Iowa poll showed me the Rep and Dem women and how Dobbs has changed the game.
Dan's stated thesis for this post was "I wanted to take a moment to reflect on Kamala Harris and her campaign," and I'm glad he did!
He's certainly covered the other side's failings quite thoroughly this election season.
Organizations are a reflection of the leader - and based on the truly magnificent campaign, Harris is an outstanding leader and person. I'm not an insider, but from the outside it is clear to me that she has hired great people and let them do their jobs. It's clear that there has been a strategy, and that she and the campaign have learned and adjusted along the way. They've been able react quickly and tactically without losing their core messaging and being pulled away from their strategy. If nothing else, it's great to see Dems on the national stage pull off such a great campaign.
Thanks Dan for all the great work.
I was giddy watching Kamala Harris on SNL this weekend. Then the Ohio poll made me happy, especially knowing what I know about Iowa organizers. I know these things don't signal victory, but I feel good about my candidate. That's something. I think about all the people who may be holding their noses as they vote for a felon who is a cheating man-baby. I'm taking the day away from the coverage, and I live near a place with hot spring pools. I've got a 7 pm reservation, and I will by home by 8:30, ready to tune in.
Harris has been an amazing candidate, I daresay the right candidate at the right time despite the doubts and so-called shortcomings she was perceived as having when she was tapped. If she loses, it will not be because she was a flawed candidate or that the process or campaign was suboptimal; indeed, that loss will lie squarely at the feet of lazy, racist, and naive Americans who have harboured-- even nurtured--lives of grievance and resentment. Their ignorance of history makes them easy prey for a would-be authoritarian leader in an era of populist disinformation and nativist propaganda.
Given that the nation has not fixed the electoral college problem, that complacency combined with American Exceptionalism has instilled a belief that the nation could never find itself choosing between authoritarianism and democracy, and that much of the American landscape is captive to a cult of truthiness and chronic victimhood, I have little hope that the nation can be salvaged if she loses.
What she's been able to accomplish in such a short time bodes well for her in the role of President. Well-organized, disciplined, on message, empathetic, clear communicator, tough when it comes to upholding values, does her homework, works hard and doesn't complain, picks good surrogates, lets others shine, welcomes outside viewpoints, treats people with respect and dignity, listens. We're lucky to have her
Thanks Dan! It's a marvel what Kamala Harris and her campaign have been able to do. They aren't just the good guys, they're the better guys, and their talent and commitment give me a boost of confidence. (Anyone know if Coach is giving any pep talks, Friday Night Lights style? I want as much of that vibe as I can get between volunteer shifts.)
Not to be a downer, but win or lose The Democratic party needs to do some soul searching about how we keep getting this close to losing the country to authoritarianism. That being said I hope brighter days are ahead.
I don’t necessarily blame the Democratic Party for that …. The general population in the US has become very complacent and uninformed. I am not sure there is anything that the party can do to break through that on its own
I keep remembering a focus group from a few months ago, shortly after Biden dropped out. Participants were in the same age group (25 to 30-ish). Some college or a college degree. Male and female. When asked where they got their news, the answers were Tik Tok, The Daily Show, Instagram and various social media sites. No one mentioned any legitimate news source.
I don’t see how a candidate breaks through that. You either tailor your message to some minute-long sight or sound bite or abandon these voters to your opponent. How can anyone get to the real issues or events like this?
True. But I think a large part of the problem is MSM and the misinformation onslaught. How do we keep people well-informed and away from extremism? Rhetorical.
Thank you, Dan. I have read your and a few other anti-Trump newsletters since Harris entered the race, and you have to a person been reality based and transparent. I don’t know any of you, but to a person you seem like people I’d be proud to know: good citizens, good neighbors, good parents, good friends. I have to believe that there are enough of us to beat back the anti-democracy forces for another day. And also, I’m pretty sure that women and over 65s are going to turn out to have been underestimated. This is our country too, and we’d like it back please.
I echo everything you said, Dan. I am so thankful for Harris and Walz, they gave me hope and a belief that we can be better. No matter how this turns out I will take that joy and continue to work hard to ensure that we live up to our ideals.
Long-term (meaning beyond this 2024 election), my biggest concern is the fractured media and especially the right wing media spewing so many outrageous lies. How do we as a country combat such daily disinformation? This issue really concerns me - as much as Dump himself. I know, in the meantime, eyes on the prize and first things first.
Harris has been phenomenal! I do wonder what 3/4 of the Country is unhappy about though.
Remember January 21, 2017 when 4 million women marched on Washington, D. C. and other cities because DJT posed a threat to women's rights? The 2024 election can be won by Kamala Harris, in large part because women are organized and working all over the country to get out the vote. The SCOTUS Dobbs' decision and measures on several state ballots to protect women's right to abortion and, therefore, to health care are front and center this election. I am in a positive mood due to all of the things Dan has listed about the campaign combined with the women's rights issues magnified by the misogynistic comments of Trump and Vance in the last 2 weeks. I gather from MSNBC that undecided voters are breaking more for Harris than Trump.
I remember. I was there. Harris winning will be the reward for eight years of hell
Your take on Biden losing in a landslide sounds like you are doing damage control regarding your Pod Save America bros efforts to tank his run. Some of us will never forget how you guys jumped ship even if she wins.
I think they were honest. I was a Biden supporter, though one who wished he stepped aside due to age and lack of vigor. Literally one minute into the debate, my wife and I turned to one another in a very “oh, no” moment.
Biden’s deterioration since the SOTU was shocking. And obvious to all. These very experienced guys saw the deterioration and realized its implications.
Had the PSA guys strongly supported Biden they would have been dishonest with us. Their job was not to be loyal to a certain candidate, but to help the Dem ticket win.
I count on them for their honesty, insight, and experience.
For sure. And nothing is more clear today than this--Joe Biden was not up for the campaign we needed.
Respectfully, I see the Biden debate and the PSA reax situation differently. I think the PSA crew merely grasped how most of the country could not unsee what had been done and its subsequent impact. I was going to vote Joe no matter what, but I’ll acknowledge that the June 27 debate left me disillusioned.
I was (and remain) furious about their post-debate tipsy pants-shitting podcast episode, and I was definitely in the "that's not even feasible" camp when it came to replacing him, but the polls said what they said, and it did not in fact look good for Joe Biden. That's just a fact.
Greetings from an ex-pat American in Germany. Your analysis of the achievements of Kamala Harris and her team certainly resonates with me! What an achievement it has been. Over here, we are all chewing our nails and praying our prayers, for a Trump victory would have horrific repercussions for us in Europe. And as always, Dan, a loud and heartfelt thank you to you and your team for keeping us up to speed from afar. Please, Americans, please : do what the world needs on Nov 5. Many years ago, I „opted out“, but my heart in still in it….