I have tried so hard to explain to those in my circle that the only factions in the GOP are the John Roberts/Mitch McConnell faction that is dismantling democracy methodically one step at a time, and the Trump faction that is trying to burn it down all at once.
In my experience, this is the single hardest thing to get people to recognize. How do we do it? Should we just focus on those things more likely to land instead? There is this mindset that 2022 is important, but 2024 is what really counts. It's incredibly difficult to convey that 2022 could end it all without sounding as crazy as a MAGA.
I keep thinking about Anat Shenker-Osorio saying that what's needed isn't to say what's popular, but to make popular what needs to be said. And lordy, I really need help doing that on this most fundamental and lethal threat to the country.
At least in some states, the Dems had a somewhat effective state level "election protection" mobilization in 2020. Volunteers taking calls and getting in lawyers where needed. That will be all the more necessary in the fall.
Yes, spot on Dan. Your message needs to infuse the Democratic Party. Played on repeat. The hearings must have a broad aperture. Coup enablers like Barr and Stepien writing off trump as crazy, delusional aligns with the McConnell playbook - ditch trump, keep his lying, cheating and oligarchical corruption & power grab.
They weren’t condemning the coup as much as auditioning to be part of coup 2.0.
I often think about a long-game for Dems that may sound crazy, but hey, why not? With so many people able to work remotely from home (thank you Covid), why can't Dems begin to move to red districts or even states like the Dakotas, set up shop and vote Blue? Time to spread out a bit from the deep blue coastal states.
While watching the first January 6 committee hearing the other day, it occurred to me that the laser-focus of the January 6 committee hearings on Trump (and some of his allies) is dangerous b/c the rot is now party-wide. My fear is that the committee (perhaps b/c of Cheney's influence?) will not widen the aperture to let the American public view the threat that is much bigger than just Trump. Think Ginni Thomas, for example.
Well stated. This will likely require a big mobilizing effort on a precinct level by Democrats to counter the GOP treachery. Do you have any insight into what the Democrats are preparing to do?
There is much to be genuinely anxious about and it comes at us from myriad directions. But three times I have been calm and confident: the two impeachments and this hearing. What makes me feel so is observing witnesses and investigators who are so conscientious, committed and brave. Marie Yovanovitch, Caroline Edwards and many many others. I felt good that people like that were there. And a bit surprised.
My hope is that Marc Elias has this kind of people around him, lots of them, and that they’re talking seriously with the DNC (though Jaime Harrison seems like weak tea). From us they need money ( lots of it), poll workers, campaign volunteers of all types of jobs. We need the brains and expertise of Dan and others like him to shape our efforts. (Cornball Alert) I personally hope that I can do my job with the dedication I have seen by some in these hearings.
One last thing—quit listening to Hacks On Tap and others who have suddenly become defeatists. Too depressing.
Thank you, Dan. What is our action plan besides not voting for these people in our local elections? Also, I saw your book was NYT#6! Great news; I’m looking forward to it showing up in the mail some day soon!
"This is a difference in approach, not outcome."
This, this, this.
I have tried so hard to explain to those in my circle that the only factions in the GOP are the John Roberts/Mitch McConnell faction that is dismantling democracy methodically one step at a time, and the Trump faction that is trying to burn it down all at once.
In my experience, this is the single hardest thing to get people to recognize. How do we do it? Should we just focus on those things more likely to land instead? There is this mindset that 2022 is important, but 2024 is what really counts. It's incredibly difficult to convey that 2022 could end it all without sounding as crazy as a MAGA.
I keep thinking about Anat Shenker-Osorio saying that what's needed isn't to say what's popular, but to make popular what needs to be said. And lordy, I really need help doing that on this most fundamental and lethal threat to the country.
When they accuse you of something, expect that is the thing they are doing.
At least in some states, the Dems had a somewhat effective state level "election protection" mobilization in 2020. Volunteers taking calls and getting in lawyers where needed. That will be all the more necessary in the fall.
Yes, spot on Dan. Your message needs to infuse the Democratic Party. Played on repeat. The hearings must have a broad aperture. Coup enablers like Barr and Stepien writing off trump as crazy, delusional aligns with the McConnell playbook - ditch trump, keep his lying, cheating and oligarchical corruption & power grab.
They weren’t condemning the coup as much as auditioning to be part of coup 2.0.
I often think about a long-game for Dems that may sound crazy, but hey, why not? With so many people able to work remotely from home (thank you Covid), why can't Dems begin to move to red districts or even states like the Dakotas, set up shop and vote Blue? Time to spread out a bit from the deep blue coastal states.
While watching the first January 6 committee hearing the other day, it occurred to me that the laser-focus of the January 6 committee hearings on Trump (and some of his allies) is dangerous b/c the rot is now party-wide. My fear is that the committee (perhaps b/c of Cheney's influence?) will not widen the aperture to let the American public view the threat that is much bigger than just Trump. Think Ginni Thomas, for example.
Well stated. This will likely require a big mobilizing effort on a precinct level by Democrats to counter the GOP treachery. Do you have any insight into what the Democrats are preparing to do?
There is much to be genuinely anxious about and it comes at us from myriad directions. But three times I have been calm and confident: the two impeachments and this hearing. What makes me feel so is observing witnesses and investigators who are so conscientious, committed and brave. Marie Yovanovitch, Caroline Edwards and many many others. I felt good that people like that were there. And a bit surprised.
My hope is that Marc Elias has this kind of people around him, lots of them, and that they’re talking seriously with the DNC (though Jaime Harrison seems like weak tea). From us they need money ( lots of it), poll workers, campaign volunteers of all types of jobs. We need the brains and expertise of Dan and others like him to shape our efforts. (Cornball Alert) I personally hope that I can do my job with the dedication I have seen by some in these hearings.
One last thing—quit listening to Hacks On Tap and others who have suddenly become defeatists. Too depressing.
Thank you, Dan. What is our action plan besides not voting for these people in our local elections? Also, I saw your book was NYT#6! Great news; I’m looking forward to it showing up in the mail some day soon!