I love this plan. I really tried to extend the various messages that you described so articulately during the presidential campaign to my few connections on Facebook (though I am really sort of sick of supporting Facebook) doing things like describing the elements of the Biden/Harris plan rather than focusing on Our disgusting president. My skills in developing material are weak however. https://www.facebook.com/100000376983206/posts/3460611333961399/?d=n Though I suppose I get full credit for trying. The territory that I would add to your list, though it might seem like an outlier, is how to replace the structural loss of unbiased local news outlets. You have had a lot to say about this, and I think this is a key structural element that needs to find a way to survive in some form in our Internet-based society. Maybe all we can do is keep our ear to the ground listening for examples of truth tellers who find a way to make truthtelling work in a world that doesn’t seem to pay for objective journalism. Thanks, Dan. You are a gift.
Really, really good point Sheila. The loss of local, unbiased news outlets (we don't even bother with the local paper anymore, it was bought up by Sinclair and that shows) is a big problem. And, I finally just deleted my FB account. So I wonder what outlets we do have, esp when not much can be done in person for the foreseeable future. Facebook just cannot be the only way to communicate.
Actually, there is a fairly decent (as far as I can tell so far) model of a non-p online newspaper in Orange County (CA) I follow since my young son started graduate school at UCI this past fall. I began reading it bc I wanted to understand covid in S. Cal (as now just so many family there, including my 86 year old thriving Dad, but many more, and my child now) -- and bc the politics of OC have been so Republican for so long, plus non-compliance with covid restrictions have been a clinic in white privilege pushback for "freedom." OC is changing but there is so much money there in bad hands. This newspaper turned out to be a godsend about a variety of issues. Maybe someday all of Dan's followers here will band together and make things like this happen elsewhere? The newsletter is Voice of Orange County. Check it out as a model for good.
Thank you for all you're doing. It's very appreciated. I wanted to ask you about Jan 6. I've read where if they can stretch the hearings our for 5 days it goes to the House, where Trump will be elected. Then on to the Supreme Court? Do you know if this could happen?! Are the odds good that the Supreme Court will do the right thing? Yikes! Thanks!
In addition to seconding all the substantive praise for this plan, I would add that you'll also offer your readers some much-needed humor. It wouldn't quite be true to say I appreciate that as much as the knowledge, expertise, and strategy advice that you share with us, but none of those would be worth as much as they are without your sense of humor.
Re: “Curation for Donating and Volunteering” - thank you!! I’ve been a broken record asking for this (although I’d still like to see Crooked Media shepherd an organized Adopt-a-State-like program).
Thank you for all of the meaningful contributions (and calming wisdom) in 2020, and the goals you have planned for this year. As the founder of a volunteer organization that recruits candidates and manages local campaigns, it would be invaluable to have the advice and guidance of someone with your knowledge and personal experience. Perhaps it can become your next book? Local campaign managers could definitely use a playbook. After witnessing what our candidates have achieved locally once elected, the significance of city government and school board officials has been driven home to more people in my community. I am hopeful it will spread!
Your insights and networking are invaluable. Thanks for being my eyes and ears on the country. I would ask what are our choices if we really do win Georgia. Can we make Stacy Abrahms Queen? When she lost the Governor's race I was thinking "Big Whop", why are people trying to make her VP? But then Georgia turned Blue, I felt JFC? I know it is still too much to hope for and we know that polls are like all models, wrong but useful. Still I can't think of a person who has done more to make America Great than Stacy and she should be recognized for it. At least get Crooked Media to do a T-Shirt that says something like "Stacy Abrams, Queen of the 2020 Election Cycle."
This approach is most welcome. Especially the attention to down ballot candidates and local organizing where we know the rubber meets the road on important issues and developing talent. Ongoing thanks for your insights helping us navigate all that has passed and the waters ahead. Happy new year.
Dan, thanks as always for your clarity. Love this signposting issue! And applaud the points of focus you’ve chosen, though it’s a weighty handful of your you’ve set yourself. Happy new year!
I love this plan. I really tried to extend the various messages that you described so articulately during the presidential campaign to my few connections on Facebook (though I am really sort of sick of supporting Facebook) doing things like describing the elements of the Biden/Harris plan rather than focusing on Our disgusting president. My skills in developing material are weak however. https://www.facebook.com/100000376983206/posts/3460611333961399/?d=n Though I suppose I get full credit for trying. The territory that I would add to your list, though it might seem like an outlier, is how to replace the structural loss of unbiased local news outlets. You have had a lot to say about this, and I think this is a key structural element that needs to find a way to survive in some form in our Internet-based society. Maybe all we can do is keep our ear to the ground listening for examples of truth tellers who find a way to make truthtelling work in a world that doesn’t seem to pay for objective journalism. Thanks, Dan. You are a gift.
Really, really good point Sheila. The loss of local, unbiased news outlets (we don't even bother with the local paper anymore, it was bought up by Sinclair and that shows) is a big problem. And, I finally just deleted my FB account. So I wonder what outlets we do have, esp when not much can be done in person for the foreseeable future. Facebook just cannot be the only way to communicate.
Actually, there is a fairly decent (as far as I can tell so far) model of a non-p online newspaper in Orange County (CA) I follow since my young son started graduate school at UCI this past fall. I began reading it bc I wanted to understand covid in S. Cal (as now just so many family there, including my 86 year old thriving Dad, but many more, and my child now) -- and bc the politics of OC have been so Republican for so long, plus non-compliance with covid restrictions have been a clinic in white privilege pushback for "freedom." OC is changing but there is so much money there in bad hands. This newspaper turned out to be a godsend about a variety of issues. Maybe someday all of Dan's followers here will band together and make things like this happen elsewhere? The newsletter is Voice of Orange County. Check it out as a model for good.
Love this plan!! Especially curation for volunteering-- I have a million questions about what has what kind of impact...
Thank you for all you're doing. It's very appreciated. I wanted to ask you about Jan 6. I've read where if they can stretch the hearings our for 5 days it goes to the House, where Trump will be elected. Then on to the Supreme Court? Do you know if this could happen?! Are the odds good that the Supreme Court will do the right thing? Yikes! Thanks!
In addition to seconding all the substantive praise for this plan, I would add that you'll also offer your readers some much-needed humor. It wouldn't quite be true to say I appreciate that as much as the knowledge, expertise, and strategy advice that you share with us, but none of those would be worth as much as they are without your sense of humor.
Re: “Curation for Donating and Volunteering” - thank you!! I’ve been a broken record asking for this (although I’d still like to see Crooked Media shepherd an organized Adopt-a-State-like program).
Thank you for all of the meaningful contributions (and calming wisdom) in 2020, and the goals you have planned for this year. As the founder of a volunteer organization that recruits candidates and manages local campaigns, it would be invaluable to have the advice and guidance of someone with your knowledge and personal experience. Perhaps it can become your next book? Local campaign managers could definitely use a playbook. After witnessing what our candidates have achieved locally once elected, the significance of city government and school board officials has been driven home to more people in my community. I am hopeful it will spread!
Your insights and networking are invaluable. Thanks for being my eyes and ears on the country. I would ask what are our choices if we really do win Georgia. Can we make Stacy Abrahms Queen? When she lost the Governor's race I was thinking "Big Whop", why are people trying to make her VP? But then Georgia turned Blue, I felt JFC? I know it is still too much to hope for and we know that polls are like all models, wrong but useful. Still I can't think of a person who has done more to make America Great than Stacy and she should be recognized for it. At least get Crooked Media to do a T-Shirt that says something like "Stacy Abrams, Queen of the 2020 Election Cycle."
I would love to see her as chair of the DCCC or similar. Any chance of that happening? How can people support such an effort?
LOVE it.
This approach is most welcome. Especially the attention to down ballot candidates and local organizing where we know the rubber meets the road on important issues and developing talent. Ongoing thanks for your insights helping us navigate all that has passed and the waters ahead. Happy new year.
Smart areas of focus. Thank you
Dan, thanks as always for your clarity. Love this signposting issue! And applaud the points of focus you’ve chosen, though it’s a weighty handful of your you’ve set yourself. Happy new year!