I would add to point number 1 that we need to remind voters that far from being a victimless crime, which is what Trump would have us believe, every one of the billions of dollars that he fraudulently obtained was a dollar that wasn't available to other honest, rule abiding borrowers who thus lost opportunities to grow their assets or their businesses. He wasn't just making money for himself, he was stealing money from each and every one of us.
But they know all this already in one way or another. No one doesn't know he is corrupt, petty and a horrible individual. What I have found in speaking with rational
people who lean right is that they are just less inclined to vote at all. They know he is a nut job so they won't vote for him, but their concerns about Biden exist, so they won't vote at all. I think our energies need to be framed this way: By not voting at all you are essentially voting for Trump, so that should not be an option. I'm hearing from my Muslim friends that they are so angry at Biden and want to teach him a lesson, but they know Trump is not good for them, so they won't vote at all. I then make the argument while all that makes some sense, not voting is a vote for Trump. I think we need help with this messaging as well.
I might include the lessons taught over the decades by Black people, especially Black women, who had dozens of reasons to sit out presidential elections but have mostly continued to vote Democratic anyway. OTOH, if Republicans who won't vote for Trump but can't stomach voting for an OMG Democrat want to sit out the election, that's fine with me, especially if they're in a swing state. And that's another thing: In places like Massachusetts (my state), New York, or California, not voting or voting for Bernie or whomever isn't going to do much harm. In Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, and a bunch of other states, it matters a lot.
Oh--people are absolutely avoiding looking at this stuff carefully--or imagining the reality of a second Trump administration. That reality is an authoritarian nightmare and corruption on a scale that would make Caligula blush--let alone the worries about "chaos." This is still not clear to many. My students had not heard a word about Trump's comments about Putin and our NATO allies until we discussed in class. These young people are on screen all day--consuming information at rates I cannot conceive. And yet--what they do not actually hear or know is extraordinary. People do not really "know" this already. We need to help.
These past few weeks of Dan’s messages have really been sharply focused and practical for those many of us who repeat his messages to those we want to motivate to vote.
He has a strong talent for crafting a message in a way that makes people hear it in a way that really brings the issue home.
BTW, my favorite RFK (the one from the 60s, not the current anti-vax nut) quote, in a biography by Arthur Schlesinger: “The Republicans have a well-honed skill of making their constituents vote against their own economic self interest by talking endlessly about drugs, or crime, or anti-war protests. Things that they will never address and lack the imagination or skills to solve.”
I would point out that no one is safe from Trump's financial frauds and sexual assault. That includes Republican voters. Trump is not a successful businessman, he's a fraud and, when given the chance (taking over the RNC), he will scheme to get your money too.
I would also like to see some coverage of the many small businesses and tradespeople that he has stiffed over the years. For all of his supporters that think he is a master business success, they should know that it has been on the backs of people like them.
There was a long article in the NY Times, Sunday front page as I recall, in 2015 at the start of that campaign. All about people he's hired over the years to whom he wouldn't pay the contracted payment. They could not out-lawyer him, so were forced to take smaller payments. I just searched, can't find it, will keep looking.
That he remains in a dead heat with Biden in the polls defies logic. But that is the way of things these days. I feel like all those episodes of The West Wing, and all those issues of George Magazine did nothing to prepare me for this era.
Correct. The polls defy logic therefore can't be take serious. Given the results of multiple off year elections I suspect that there are any number of voters ignored by the polls who are waiting like a coiled snake to strike trump with their votes in November.
Thank you Dan for the great advice. I will follow through whenever and wherever I can. I have a feeling that the narrative on age might be shifting, very gradually, too. That remians to be seen of course, but there are signs of more nuance emerging in the press and elsewhere. I saw an NYT story that asked if there were any voters left to be persuaded? (See: NYT, Katie Glueck, 2/16/2024). I can say from first hand experience that here are many such voters. They are 18 to 26 years old, college age students, and other young people who are woefully ill-informed. I see them everyday in my classes. The students are very open to persuasion when presented with good reasons, solid information and arguments. I find letting them come to their own conclusions is best. For that reason, the advice in Dan's Message Box herein is so very helpful and necessary. We need those voters to come around.
With the exception of the Republicans that support Trump because they solely want power, evangelical voters in Iowa literally said that Trump is there to save them. (From what?) Other Trump supporters echo that: "He will fight for us." I guess I am ignorant. Where did this need to fight come from? And fight whom?
Ezra Klein’s podcast regarding Biden’s governing vs campaigning is on my mind today. And the concern about Biden’s unchanging poll numbers because he appears frail and not in charge. Yesterday’s Trump verdict was wonderful - and so well deserved! - but today my concern is Ezra’s suggestion that Biden step aside and a new nominee be chosen at the convention this summer. He likes Biden but does not believe he presents a strong and confident enough persona on the trail. Seems unlikely to me that President Biden, proud person that he is, would step aside. But there are parallels to Justice Ginsburg,, as Ezra notes. And I’m sure Biden is quite aware of this. And, of course, which of the many able younger Dems would have Trump’s name familiarity as well as his campaign funds. Jon Favreau’s response to Ezra’s thoughts, as I read them, was for Biden to consciously be stronger, sharper, better in his public appearances. I agree but is that likely? What are your thoughts? And are the people around Biden, whom you admire, able to discuss this with him?
Why doesn’t your old boss and good Biden friend, Obama, come out and explain and campaign? He is one of our greatest political speakers, and yet he’s silent. Talk to him Dan.
Ignore polls and Nate Cohen whose polling has missed reality since 2016! See results. It seems the current 24x7 news cycle does not have same downtime wrt Friday news as used to be. Remember many were waiting for the decision to be delivered on Friday.
Sadly, I believe the Supreme Court was both culpable and probably complicit in its shocking decision yesterday to weigh in on whether Trump's in-term conduct is immune from criminal prosecution.
Here's the reasoning...
First, back in December, when special prosecutor Jack Smith asked the Supreme Court to decide the immunity issue, potentially speeding up the decision since he knew Trump's strategy was always to delay, they deferred to the Appellate Court of DC. Their decision took until earlier this month.
Second, after taking several weeks after Trump appealed the Appellate Court's strong ruling striking down Trump's immunity, the Supreme Court shockingly weighed in, saying it wanted to hear the case. A case that they refused to listen to months earlier--thereby wasting months of valuable time and throwing the Election Interference criminal trial in jeopardy by election day.
Third, and most importantly, the Supreme Court thumbed it nose at the American voters when it put into serious uncertainty whether the public would have a verdict before election day on Trump's guilt or innocence--something many Americans said would influence their choice.
Finally, and I don't use the word--complicit--lightly, the Supreme Court's failure to police its own Justices on its new ethics code regarding "recusal." Here, Justice Thomas's wife admitted involvement in the January 6th episode screams out for the Justice to stand down.
Unfortunately the fraud verdict won't matter. Swing voters want lower grocery prices, lower rent, and younger presidential candidates.
Trump has never been more popular than he is right now. Meanwhile, Biden has never been more unpopular. He's polling in the 30s. Democrats should persuade Biden to drop out and let Kamala Harris or Gretchen Whitmer or Dean Phillips be the nominee.
Do you have any idea how much time, effort, and money it takes to put together a presidential campaign, and achieve national name recognition? The only one on your list who has national name recognition now is VP Harris, and it's a mixed blessing thanks to racism and misogyny.
If that's all you've done, you don't know much about Biden's competence -- or about what the presidency involves. Dahlia Lithwick (one of the best legal & political commentators around) wrote about it the other day in _Slate._ Check it out: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/02/biden-age-controversy-vs-trump.html
Ezra Klein on this subject, just published: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/16/opinion/ezra-klein-biden-audio-essay.html Would love to hear commenters thoughts on the article. Klein differentiates between Biden's performance as President (excellent) and Biden as campaigner (no longer strong) hits home. I am so impressed with all that Biden has accomplished, despite scorching uphill battles. But...
I think what bothers me the most is that so many voters now seem to rate candidates and presidents on their 'performances' rather than their accomplishments or platform. Considering that we're talking about one of the most powerful jobs in the world, that's just crazy. A president is not a stand-up comedian (not that I'm dissing comedians... most of them are very bright and insightful people).
Agree! And oh darn, same candidates as last time, just so boring, I can't be bothered to vote. We seem to have devolved into a species that values entertainment above all. It's sad, depressing, maddening.
You know--I would just hate for the election to be "boring" with the same old candidates. ? Actually--that sentiment--especially among pundits, comics and "journalists" is giving me a headache. Biden has/had every right to run for re-election. He is the current elected first-term President after all. If there is any issue there, reflect on the manner in which Trump has overtaken the entire Republican Party. You are right--the boring thing is dreadful stuff.
I agree with President Obama's view of the gop. If an asteroid were headed to Earth threatening to kill billions of people the gop solution would be tax cuts for the wealthy.
The 86% number is truly frightening--and moving people to talk about age, memory and competence differently is just one important strategy. I like to say things like--"let's be fair;" "who is Biden fighting for;" and "do the comparison." I think we have to get people there--and a lot depends on what Joe Biden does between now and September. But I believe he has a smart team around him--and Trump will not stop saying horrible things. That's my hope.
Those who complain about Biden whether it be his age or any other distraction are never able to mention anyone who might replace him if he bows out. There are no other potential Democratic candidates who score higher than Biden against trump. The closest is Gavin Newsome who polls around 30% against trump. Biden has already proven he can beat trump and he can do it again.
I would add to point number 1 that we need to remind voters that far from being a victimless crime, which is what Trump would have us believe, every one of the billions of dollars that he fraudulently obtained was a dollar that wasn't available to other honest, rule abiding borrowers who thus lost opportunities to grow their assets or their businesses. He wasn't just making money for himself, he was stealing money from each and every one of us.
But they know all this already in one way or another. No one doesn't know he is corrupt, petty and a horrible individual. What I have found in speaking with rational
people who lean right is that they are just less inclined to vote at all. They know he is a nut job so they won't vote for him, but their concerns about Biden exist, so they won't vote at all. I think our energies need to be framed this way: By not voting at all you are essentially voting for Trump, so that should not be an option. I'm hearing from my Muslim friends that they are so angry at Biden and want to teach him a lesson, but they know Trump is not good for them, so they won't vote at all. I then make the argument while all that makes some sense, not voting is a vote for Trump. I think we need help with this messaging as well.
I might include the lessons taught over the decades by Black people, especially Black women, who had dozens of reasons to sit out presidential elections but have mostly continued to vote Democratic anyway. OTOH, if Republicans who won't vote for Trump but can't stomach voting for an OMG Democrat want to sit out the election, that's fine with me, especially if they're in a swing state. And that's another thing: In places like Massachusetts (my state), New York, or California, not voting or voting for Bernie or whomever isn't going to do much harm. In Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, and a bunch of other states, it matters a lot.
Oh--people are absolutely avoiding looking at this stuff carefully--or imagining the reality of a second Trump administration. That reality is an authoritarian nightmare and corruption on a scale that would make Caligula blush--let alone the worries about "chaos." This is still not clear to many. My students had not heard a word about Trump's comments about Putin and our NATO allies until we discussed in class. These young people are on screen all day--consuming information at rates I cannot conceive. And yet--what they do not actually hear or know is extraordinary. People do not really "know" this already. We need to help.
$50,000,000 - Trump legal fees (so far)
$88,000,000 - Trump total jury verdict to E Jean Carroll
$96,000,000 - Trump interest addon from Judge Engoron
$148,000,000 - Giuliani settlement with Shae Moss
$355,000,000 - Trump fine from Judge Engoron
$787,500,000 - Fox settlement to Dominion
$1,524,500,000 - TOTAL
Over One and a Half Billion dollars.
Lying and other shenanigans is getting expensive these days.
And, the Trump University and Trump Foundation frauds. Trump and family steal from everyone.
These past few weeks of Dan’s messages have really been sharply focused and practical for those many of us who repeat his messages to those we want to motivate to vote.
He has a strong talent for crafting a message in a way that makes people hear it in a way that really brings the issue home.
BTW, my favorite RFK (the one from the 60s, not the current anti-vax nut) quote, in a biography by Arthur Schlesinger: “The Republicans have a well-honed skill of making their constituents vote against their own economic self interest by talking endlessly about drugs, or crime, or anti-war protests. Things that they will never address and lack the imagination or skills to solve.”
Dan's messages are really helpful right now. This is our responsibility, too, I believe.
I would point out that no one is safe from Trump's financial frauds and sexual assault. That includes Republican voters. Trump is not a successful businessman, he's a fraud and, when given the chance (taking over the RNC), he will scheme to get your money too.
I would also like to see some coverage of the many small businesses and tradespeople that he has stiffed over the years. For all of his supporters that think he is a master business success, they should know that it has been on the backs of people like them.
There was a long article in the NY Times, Sunday front page as I recall, in 2015 at the start of that campaign. All about people he's hired over the years to whom he wouldn't pay the contracted payment. They could not out-lawyer him, so were forced to take smaller payments. I just searched, can't find it, will keep looking.
The boos at sneaker con were a good beginning.
That he remains in a dead heat with Biden in the polls defies logic. But that is the way of things these days. I feel like all those episodes of The West Wing, and all those issues of George Magazine did nothing to prepare me for this era.
Correct. The polls defy logic therefore can't be take serious. Given the results of multiple off year elections I suspect that there are any number of voters ignored by the polls who are waiting like a coiled snake to strike trump with their votes in November.
Thank you Dan for the great advice. I will follow through whenever and wherever I can. I have a feeling that the narrative on age might be shifting, very gradually, too. That remians to be seen of course, but there are signs of more nuance emerging in the press and elsewhere. I saw an NYT story that asked if there were any voters left to be persuaded? (See: NYT, Katie Glueck, 2/16/2024). I can say from first hand experience that here are many such voters. They are 18 to 26 years old, college age students, and other young people who are woefully ill-informed. I see them everyday in my classes. The students are very open to persuasion when presented with good reasons, solid information and arguments. I find letting them come to their own conclusions is best. For that reason, the advice in Dan's Message Box herein is so very helpful and necessary. We need those voters to come around.
How about a t-shirt/bumper sticker with "The Art of the Deal" with "Deal" crossed out and "Steal" written over it?
With the exception of the Republicans that support Trump because they solely want power, evangelical voters in Iowa literally said that Trump is there to save them. (From what?) Other Trump supporters echo that: "He will fight for us." I guess I am ignorant. Where did this need to fight come from? And fight whom?
Ezra Klein’s podcast regarding Biden’s governing vs campaigning is on my mind today. And the concern about Biden’s unchanging poll numbers because he appears frail and not in charge. Yesterday’s Trump verdict was wonderful - and so well deserved! - but today my concern is Ezra’s suggestion that Biden step aside and a new nominee be chosen at the convention this summer. He likes Biden but does not believe he presents a strong and confident enough persona on the trail. Seems unlikely to me that President Biden, proud person that he is, would step aside. But there are parallels to Justice Ginsburg,, as Ezra notes. And I’m sure Biden is quite aware of this. And, of course, which of the many able younger Dems would have Trump’s name familiarity as well as his campaign funds. Jon Favreau’s response to Ezra’s thoughts, as I read them, was for Biden to consciously be stronger, sharper, better in his public appearances. I agree but is that likely? What are your thoughts? And are the people around Biden, whom you admire, able to discuss this with him?
Favreau is right--and this is the horse we have to ride for now.
Why doesn’t your old boss and good Biden friend, Obama, come out and explain and campaign? He is one of our greatest political speakers, and yet he’s silent. Talk to him Dan.
Ignore polls and Nate Cohen whose polling has missed reality since 2016! See results. It seems the current 24x7 news cycle does not have same downtime wrt Friday news as used to be. Remember many were waiting for the decision to be delivered on Friday.
Sadly, I believe the Supreme Court was both culpable and probably complicit in its shocking decision yesterday to weigh in on whether Trump's in-term conduct is immune from criminal prosecution.
Here's the reasoning...
First, back in December, when special prosecutor Jack Smith asked the Supreme Court to decide the immunity issue, potentially speeding up the decision since he knew Trump's strategy was always to delay, they deferred to the Appellate Court of DC. Their decision took until earlier this month.
Second, after taking several weeks after Trump appealed the Appellate Court's strong ruling striking down Trump's immunity, the Supreme Court shockingly weighed in, saying it wanted to hear the case. A case that they refused to listen to months earlier--thereby wasting months of valuable time and throwing the Election Interference criminal trial in jeopardy by election day.
Third, and most importantly, the Supreme Court thumbed it nose at the American voters when it put into serious uncertainty whether the public would have a verdict before election day on Trump's guilt or innocence--something many Americans said would influence their choice.
Finally, and I don't use the word--complicit--lightly, the Supreme Court's failure to police its own Justices on its new ethics code regarding "recusal." Here, Justice Thomas's wife admitted involvement in the January 6th episode screams out for the Justice to stand down.
Unfortunately the fraud verdict won't matter. Swing voters want lower grocery prices, lower rent, and younger presidential candidates.
Trump has never been more popular than he is right now. Meanwhile, Biden has never been more unpopular. He's polling in the 30s. Democrats should persuade Biden to drop out and let Kamala Harris or Gretchen Whitmer or Dean Phillips be the nominee.
Do you have any idea how much time, effort, and money it takes to put together a presidential campaign, and achieve national name recognition? The only one on your list who has national name recognition now is VP Harris, and it's a mixed blessing thanks to racism and misogyny.
Kamala Harris can talk in complete sentences, is a better public speaker, and is fit to be president. She's far more electable than Biden.
Since when can Biden not talk in complete sentences? You sound like you've been watching too much Fox News.
You are right. I am a Harris fan--but that criticism is simply unfair and misguided.
Thanks Tony! I think Harris would make a fine President, too.
He struggles to talk in complete sentences. I know this because Ive watched him make speeches and do interviews.
If that's all you've done, you don't know much about Biden's competence -- or about what the presidency involves. Dahlia Lithwick (one of the best legal & political commentators around) wrote about it the other day in _Slate._ Check it out: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/02/biden-age-controversy-vs-trump.html
Biden has a stutter,which he has largely overcome but it does affect his speaking style.
we are watching different Biden's.
Ezra Klein on this subject, just published: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/16/opinion/ezra-klein-biden-audio-essay.html Would love to hear commenters thoughts on the article. Klein differentiates between Biden's performance as President (excellent) and Biden as campaigner (no longer strong) hits home. I am so impressed with all that Biden has accomplished, despite scorching uphill battles. But...
I think what bothers me the most is that so many voters now seem to rate candidates and presidents on their 'performances' rather than their accomplishments or platform. Considering that we're talking about one of the most powerful jobs in the world, that's just crazy. A president is not a stand-up comedian (not that I'm dissing comedians... most of them are very bright and insightful people).
Agree! And oh darn, same candidates as last time, just so boring, I can't be bothered to vote. We seem to have devolved into a species that values entertainment above all. It's sad, depressing, maddening.
Thanks Betsy! Given what's at stake, any level of apathy or willingness to 'sit out' the election as a protest (non)vote is just unconscionable.
You know--I would just hate for the election to be "boring" with the same old candidates. ? Actually--that sentiment--especially among pundits, comics and "journalists" is giving me a headache. Biden has/had every right to run for re-election. He is the current elected first-term President after all. If there is any issue there, reflect on the manner in which Trump has overtaken the entire Republican Party. You are right--the boring thing is dreadful stuff.
I agree with President Obama's view of the gop. If an asteroid were headed to Earth threatening to kill billions of people the gop solution would be tax cuts for the wealthy.
And we should always address the "elephant in the room." We can't make Joe Biden younger.
The 86% number is truly frightening--and moving people to talk about age, memory and competence differently is just one important strategy. I like to say things like--"let's be fair;" "who is Biden fighting for;" and "do the comparison." I think we have to get people there--and a lot depends on what Joe Biden does between now and September. But I believe he has a smart team around him--and Trump will not stop saying horrible things. That's my hope.
Those who complain about Biden whether it be his age or any other distraction are never able to mention anyone who might replace him if he bows out. There are no other potential Democratic candidates who score higher than Biden against trump. The closest is Gavin Newsome who polls around 30% against trump. Biden has already proven he can beat trump and he can do it again.