LFG! Whilst I am so heartbroken for Joe, I am in awe of his selflessness. It's been rather gut-wrenching to watch his very public and rather brutal evisceration, particularly after his sacrifices over the years. But, what a stunning act of patriotism. I am all-in for making sure we have a President Kamala Harris. Just typing that makes me all kinds of choked up. I know it won't be easy, and we are in the fight of our lives, but I am so ready for this! To borrow a phrase, I'm also fired up and ready to go!
We need to take on the same mindset that the MAGAt’s have ie: we’ve already won! No doubting Thomas’s are needed here. As someone said on threads “Get your Chucks on ladies, we got a glass ceiling to smash!” Let’s do this!
Confidence is good. But saying “the same mindset as the MAGAt’s have” kind of gives me the creeps. What we need to say is that Kamala is a great candidate who shares our values and that all Americans who care about freedom—real freedom, like the right to control your own body, freedom of belief, freedom of expression, that sort of thing—need to vote for in November.
I shared in your messages recently that we needed to make a change to shake up a remarkably stable race, and am both relieved and excited. I’m also furious with the NYT for writing a piece headlined "Vice President Harris was often derided as out of her depth. Now she could lead the Democratic ticket.” The first sentence starts “Vice President Kamala Harris, who has struggled for nearly four years in President Biden’s shadow…” It seems like President Biden’s patriotic decision coupled with the likelihood of the first Black woman to lead a major party’s presidential ticket is the obvious framing, so why is a reputable news organization trying to put us behind the 8-ball from the jump? How do we counter those who want to deny this historic moment and keep the momentum with Trump?
I whole-heartedly agree that Biden has been a dedicated public servant, an outstanding President, and is now legendary for his selfless act.
Instead of complaining about the NYTimes not promoting our campaign, we need to accept that the mainstream press isn’t on our payroll. Promoting our ticket is our job. Finding arguments that push back successfully against whatever the news media may be saying is our job. The important thing isn’t what the Times says (the people we need to reach don’t read it), it’s what we say and how that comes across to people who aren’t sure about how voting for Democrats benefits them. Don’t let the Times psych you out.
Too late Susan the NYT was very successful in freaking out a lot of people over her e-mails, but you are right now that they have fully shown us who they are, fish wrap is too good for them. The billionaires and corporate media will get their comeuppance in this election.
True. But--I am not against pointing out how our FOURTH ESTATE is failing the Republic in the 21st Century. Yes--we need to do our own work. But--I hate the way the press/media keeps making it difficult.
I dipped my toe into the NYT yesterday and saw the headline and read the article. They couldn't even start with some of her accomplishments. It's just so predictable. I've lost all respect for their political coverage
what you report of the Times' Kamala coverage since yesterday should put to rest assurances from journalists (thinking of Virginia Heffernan, an excellent reporter at the LA Times) that the incredibly biased coverage Biden was saddled with would not transfer to the new candidate. Heffernan said the storyline dies with the Biden-gotta-quit story. seemed glib and way too rosy at the time, now the Times has put it to rest: they will continue to go after the Dem nominee with abandon while they soften coverage of Trump, as has become their habit.
we should not look for fairness in coverage of Kamala or god forbid any other Dem candidate. it sucks, but that's the deal.
But really, do we fear NYT coverage? They're not going to turn Dem voters into Trump voters unless they start throwing in free lobotomies with a subscription.
it matters not bc the Times is directly persuading voters. but the narratives they pursue so relentlessly sometimes, Biden's age and her emails for example, or even WMD...have a big role in setting the tone and angle of conversations on other media platforms, from MSNBC to Fox and beyond. Biden's actual age issue was hard to assess bc the information systems were so polluted by constant reminders of it, some real some not, but cited constantly even in stories where they had little or no salience. kind of like how the late night hosts' constant Biden-old jokes reinforced the narrative in a fun way but def kept it in viewers' mind, even if they didn't much notice.
You are right. I gritted my teeth for a year over But her emails, which may go down in history as the most overblown critique in a presidential election.
Hillary would apologize, the press would continue to press for a better apology, then justify their fixation with: “Of course it’s a huge story. She keeps apologizing for it.”
First, I want to share that minutes after Biden's announcement and his endorsement of Harris, my 20-year-old daughter texted me and said she wants to write postcards for Harris. She would have voted for Biden and she knows how much I love him (I love Harris, too) and she would have written them for Biden but I could feel her excitement ... Second, f--- Joe Manchin. He shouldn't even be allowed on the convention floor.
The youths on TikTok are into Harris! There’s a mashup of Taylor Swift’s “Look What you Made Me Do” and Harris’s coconut comment and there are just videos after videos with college kids in like, Texas, mouthing Harris’ words with the caption “sorry dad voting blue 💙💙💙”
My 31 year old son, a lawyer, sent same. He was never in love with Biden, and he said he believes all of his friends will be excited about the election now and ready to work.
Biden stepped aside to unite a party on the brink of tearing itself apart. For that he is a hero. Republicans never thought he would actually step aside, hoping only the constant negative press and Democratic infighting would be enough to drag him down so they could win. He call their bluff and now they're stuck with a 78 year old lunatic rapist felon, while we will likely have a smart capable woman of color at the top of our ticket. But make no mistake, corporate media, MAGA and our foreign enemies aren't finished trying to divide us. Don't fall for it. Let's unite behind Harris and kick the shit out of Trump and Vance in November.
My doubts about Harris as a candidate (and, truth to tell, about Biden's motives for picking her as VP) were never about her abilities. They were, and still are, about the racism and sexism of the electorate, as well as of the mega-donors, and I'm not primarily talking about MAGAs here. Now I'm going to do my bit to prove that my doubts were unfounded, or at least obsolete.
Susanna, it is my belief that so much of the country is ready and excited about a woman and one of color. Part of my family is black and the texts of excitement from them kept on coming. Black women made an enormous difference in recent elections. I think it is time and that yes we are ready. I am not afraid. I know they will go after her and people are with T BECAUSE of that very fear and hatred but we do not need them.
Ideal choice. By the way: I will add that I would rather lean against racism and misogyny than give into it one more time. This is about building a multiracial democracy--or not. The hell with trying to guess what the bad guys want.
I certainly agree with your praise for Biden and the way Harris handled herself and her staff since the feeding frenzy began. I would like to add to your statement: "A few weeks ago, many in the pro-Biden camp argued that Biden had to stay in because Kamala Harris couldn’t beat Trump." Some of this concern has to do with the racism and misogyny (this also affected Hillary) in the US, and which has already started against Harris. But, I was impressed with the support Harris received and how it grew as the day went on. We need to keep this momentum going. I'd also like to add that Joe Manchin is a sleazy opportunist and apparently, he didn't get the memo. At 76, Manchin is too old.
I'll only say this - for as much energy as too many Democrats (including a few too many of the Crooked Media empire) spent on tearing Biden down, they had best use all that and more to work to get Harris elected.
Sigh... Surely you have heard the phrase "beating a dead horse..."
Your post reads as though you are once-removed from Democrats. Can you read the room -- we are happy to have flummoxed the MAGA at least temporarily, and very happy to rally together in unity. Please join us and leave Banquo behind.
It's been one day since a fantastic president was forced out of the race, at least in some part by hysteria and fearmongering from the people Ken is talking about. Some of us are still a little bitter. it doesn't mean we won't work our assses off for Kamala Harris — I certainly will — but it's not all water under the bridge for me. When someone shows me who they are, I believe them.
Well - this year we’ve been holding weekly GOTV events and registration drives in the Detroit church I serve since February . We have local candidates and election officials in on the regular. It’s not affiliated with the sainted vote save America team, but I think we’ve been bloody well doing the work for a very long time.
They were concerned about optics because optics are a huge part of what wins. They just want to save democracy. Fair mission. They have as much right as you do to be concerned about who will win, period. By "vibes" I don't know what you mean, so I will assume they were thinking about the youth vote, etc. Now kids are excited.
My daughter (22) is terrified that the circular firing squad has so damaged the party that Trump will return to office. She has no faith in the party leaders and others (like the PSA crew) not to kneecap Kamala in the same way they buried Biden with their ‘concern’.
It would also be great if you kept your energy positive instead of dissing a critical resource for those of us not in swing states.
I'm sorry for your disappointment. I am disappointed too - I really wanted Joe to turn it around and start effectively prosecuting the case against MAGA. But here we are, and I'm choosing to enthusiastically and energetically press forward to elect Kamala or whoever becomes the anti-MAGA candidate. I hope you can do the same.
I just don’t plan on letting these guys off the hook for knee-capping Biden. I hope that they are honest about helping to bully Biden out of the race - and I hope they make up for it by working their asses off to get Kamala elected (and without their usual concern trolling about the Biden administration’s perceived policy failures).
I am not able to divine motives when unstated. I credit Dan and his colleagues with being honest when they said they were motivated by the great chance of losing the election to a fascist.
The fact that you think Joe Biden can be bullied is weird to me. The voters have been saying for a year that they thought Biden too old to run. That margin among Dems was reaching 75% when he dropped out. Donors heard the voters, and added their own observations, and party leaders did the same urging Biden to step aside at the eleventh hour.
So beyond all that, how do you divine (pardon the expression) motives and decide that adding their voices to a large chorus is bullying?
Ken, Some people on this site just wont let their hatred of Biden subside. it is sickening but i am ignoring them and working my ass off for Kamala and sanity.
Brilliant, Dan. I particularly appreciate your explanation of the lack of endorsement from President Obama and Jeffries. I was not concerned but am pretty annoyed at the “newscasters” and random people pointing it out.
Big love to Joe Biden. I know you all feel so deeply heartbroken and grateful for his leadership.
I want your opinion because I think we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to chart a new course as Democrats and our messaging.
1. No big platitudes. Change the message. We already know Donald Trump is a threat to democracy. How about "This man is so old and weird he thinks Hannibal Lector is a real person."
"This convict is beholden to the writers of Project 2025. They even picked his VP. Who's running the show here?"
2. No more "this isn't who we are" or any of that nonsense. This IS who we are. Speak about it. Young people do not want more of the same. Us saying "this is a nation built on blah blah blah" is a lie. Instead, "I hear you. This has been a real bummer. Let's throw that coconut into the ocean and crack open a new story" (lol I know that is cheesy but so is Kamala!)
3. No more "he's unfit for office". We all know that.
4. He's old and weird, old and weird, old and weird
One more thing... Doug Emhoff's daughter is a Genn Z icon. Get her out there!
Ohhhhh I forgot about Ella Emhoff. Get that woman out on TikTok.
(Though side note, I got into TikTok for the first time last night and nearly cried there was so much pro-Harris content. From the youths! The youths are making coconut meme Taylor swift Charlie xcx content! It’s glorious!)
You've GOT to get on Tiktok. I don't know what the algorithm is doing but it's just feeding me video after video of college aged kids amped up for Harris. They believe (not entirely wrongly) that their opposition to Biden (for Gaza, for being old, for not saying the word "abortion") was actually HEARD by democrats. There's a lot of "We manifested this!! LFG!!!! HARRIS2024!!" They are feeling validated and hopeful. They believe that they can actually get through to democratic leadership and that that leadership will do MOMENTOUS things for them--like get the incumbent president to step aside. That's fucking awesome. I'm so jazzed right now.
Just wanted to say thank you to whoever on Kamala's team that reads Message Box for getting my tagline - "Old and weird" into their messaging. I feel seen and excited. :)
LFG! Whilst I am so heartbroken for Joe, I am in awe of his selflessness. It's been rather gut-wrenching to watch his very public and rather brutal evisceration, particularly after his sacrifices over the years. But, what a stunning act of patriotism. I am all-in for making sure we have a President Kamala Harris. Just typing that makes me all kinds of choked up. I know it won't be easy, and we are in the fight of our lives, but I am so ready for this! To borrow a phrase, I'm also fired up and ready to go!
SAME!
Yes!! Wrenching and brutal, yet, as you said, a stunning act of selflessness.
Also, love any use of the word whilst.
We need to take on the same mindset that the MAGAt’s have ie: we’ve already won! No doubting Thomas’s are needed here. As someone said on threads “Get your Chucks on ladies, we got a glass ceiling to smash!” Let’s do this!
Confidence is good. But saying “the same mindset as the MAGAt’s have” kind of gives me the creeps. What we need to say is that Kamala is a great candidate who shares our values and that all Americans who care about freedom—real freedom, like the right to control your own body, freedom of belief, freedom of expression, that sort of thing—need to vote for in November.
I shared in your messages recently that we needed to make a change to shake up a remarkably stable race, and am both relieved and excited. I’m also furious with the NYT for writing a piece headlined "Vice President Harris was often derided as out of her depth. Now she could lead the Democratic ticket.” The first sentence starts “Vice President Kamala Harris, who has struggled for nearly four years in President Biden’s shadow…” It seems like President Biden’s patriotic decision coupled with the likelihood of the first Black woman to lead a major party’s presidential ticket is the obvious framing, so why is a reputable news organization trying to put us behind the 8-ball from the jump? How do we counter those who want to deny this historic moment and keep the momentum with Trump?
I whole-heartedly agree that Biden has been a dedicated public servant, an outstanding President, and is now legendary for his selfless act.
Instead of complaining about the NYTimes not promoting our campaign, we need to accept that the mainstream press isn’t on our payroll. Promoting our ticket is our job. Finding arguments that push back successfully against whatever the news media may be saying is our job. The important thing isn’t what the Times says (the people we need to reach don’t read it), it’s what we say and how that comes across to people who aren’t sure about how voting for Democrats benefits them. Don’t let the Times psych you out.
Too late Susan the NYT was very successful in freaking out a lot of people over her e-mails, but you are right now that they have fully shown us who they are, fish wrap is too good for them. The billionaires and corporate media will get their comeuppance in this election.
True. But--I am not against pointing out how our FOURTH ESTATE is failing the Republic in the 21st Century. Yes--we need to do our own work. But--I hate the way the press/media keeps making it difficult.
Marc, we all know that at 188 years old, the nyt is much too decrepit to function logically. It is way past time the nyt was 'put out to pasture"
I dipped my toe into the NYT yesterday and saw the headline and read the article. They couldn't even start with some of her accomplishments. It's just so predictable. I've lost all respect for their political coverage
what you report of the Times' Kamala coverage since yesterday should put to rest assurances from journalists (thinking of Virginia Heffernan, an excellent reporter at the LA Times) that the incredibly biased coverage Biden was saddled with would not transfer to the new candidate. Heffernan said the storyline dies with the Biden-gotta-quit story. seemed glib and way too rosy at the time, now the Times has put it to rest: they will continue to go after the Dem nominee with abandon while they soften coverage of Trump, as has become their habit.
we should not look for fairness in coverage of Kamala or god forbid any other Dem candidate. it sucks, but that's the deal.
But really, do we fear NYT coverage? They're not going to turn Dem voters into Trump voters unless they start throwing in free lobotomies with a subscription.
it matters not bc the Times is directly persuading voters. but the narratives they pursue so relentlessly sometimes, Biden's age and her emails for example, or even WMD...have a big role in setting the tone and angle of conversations on other media platforms, from MSNBC to Fox and beyond. Biden's actual age issue was hard to assess bc the information systems were so polluted by constant reminders of it, some real some not, but cited constantly even in stories where they had little or no salience. kind of like how the late night hosts' constant Biden-old jokes reinforced the narrative in a fun way but def kept it in viewers' mind, even if they didn't much notice.
You are right. I gritted my teeth for a year over But her emails, which may go down in history as the most overblown critique in a presidential election.
Hillary would apologize, the press would continue to press for a better apology, then justify their fixation with: “Of course it’s a huge story. She keeps apologizing for it.”
This is worrisome--for sure.
F the NYT. Haven't we felt that for so long now?
Yes!
I have not read the NYT piece. That sounds dreadful--but coin of the realm of late. Thanks for pointing it out. I will loom for it.
First, I want to share that minutes after Biden's announcement and his endorsement of Harris, my 20-year-old daughter texted me and said she wants to write postcards for Harris. She would have voted for Biden and she knows how much I love him (I love Harris, too) and she would have written them for Biden but I could feel her excitement ... Second, f--- Joe Manchin. He shouldn't even be allowed on the convention floor.
The youths on TikTok are into Harris! There’s a mashup of Taylor Swift’s “Look What you Made Me Do” and Harris’s coconut comment and there are just videos after videos with college kids in like, Texas, mouthing Harris’ words with the caption “sorry dad voting blue 💙💙💙”
I had to laugh (not in any way disparagingly) at your first sentence. It is something that my kids would expect me to say.
Thanks for sharing. I'm not on TikTok but that's great news.
Neither am I but my students sent me some wonderful stuff from TikTok last night. It does move fast.
Same, my 22 yo daughter. Fired up, ready to go!
Wait a sec. Joe Manchin represents a new generation. 77 year-old hillbillies!!
He need an elegy.
Haha! Yes!
My 31 year old son, a lawyer, sent same. He was never in love with Biden, and he said he believes all of his friends will be excited about the election now and ready to work.
Biden stepped aside to unite a party on the brink of tearing itself apart. For that he is a hero. Republicans never thought he would actually step aside, hoping only the constant negative press and Democratic infighting would be enough to drag him down so they could win. He call their bluff and now they're stuck with a 78 year old lunatic rapist felon, while we will likely have a smart capable woman of color at the top of our ticket. But make no mistake, corporate media, MAGA and our foreign enemies aren't finished trying to divide us. Don't fall for it. Let's unite behind Harris and kick the shit out of Trump and Vance in November.
My doubts about Harris as a candidate (and, truth to tell, about Biden's motives for picking her as VP) were never about her abilities. They were, and still are, about the racism and sexism of the electorate, as well as of the mega-donors, and I'm not primarily talking about MAGAs here. Now I'm going to do my bit to prove that my doubts were unfounded, or at least obsolete.
Susanna, it is my belief that so much of the country is ready and excited about a woman and one of color. Part of my family is black and the texts of excitement from them kept on coming. Black women made an enormous difference in recent elections. I think it is time and that yes we are ready. I am not afraid. I know they will go after her and people are with T BECAUSE of that very fear and hatred but we do not need them.
I am praying you are right, and I am with you and Kamala all the way.
I forgot to tell you Tony she is picking me for VP. Lol.
Ideal choice. By the way: I will add that I would rather lean against racism and misogyny than give into it one more time. This is about building a multiracial democracy--or not. The hell with trying to guess what the bad guys want.
Yes! Fired up and ready to go. @90 yrs in Tennessee. Thanks Dan!
Any chance you need an adopted granddaughter? ;) I feel like my Nanny would have loved all of this, sadly she's been gone 16 years.
I’m ALL IN
Fired up and ready to go too!!
This is so well-written that it could be a part of a speach at the DNC in a few weeks. This is why I'm a proud subscriber.
I certainly agree with your praise for Biden and the way Harris handled herself and her staff since the feeding frenzy began. I would like to add to your statement: "A few weeks ago, many in the pro-Biden camp argued that Biden had to stay in because Kamala Harris couldn’t beat Trump." Some of this concern has to do with the racism and misogyny (this also affected Hillary) in the US, and which has already started against Harris. But, I was impressed with the support Harris received and how it grew as the day went on. We need to keep this momentum going. I'd also like to add that Joe Manchin is a sleazy opportunist and apparently, he didn't get the memo. At 76, Manchin is too old.
I'll only say this - for as much energy as too many Democrats (including a few too many of the Crooked Media empire) spent on tearing Biden down, they had best use all that and more to work to get Harris elected.
Sigh... Surely you have heard the phrase "beating a dead horse..."
Your post reads as though you are once-removed from Democrats. Can you read the room -- we are happy to have flummoxed the MAGA at least temporarily, and very happy to rally together in unity. Please join us and leave Banquo behind.
It's been one day since a fantastic president was forced out of the race, at least in some part by hysteria and fearmongering from the people Ken is talking about. Some of us are still a little bitter. it doesn't mean we won't work our assses off for Kamala Harris — I certainly will — but it's not all water under the bridge for me. When someone shows me who they are, I believe them.
Curious how many doors you knocked canvassing and how many calls you made phone banking last week.
If few or none, then go to https://votesaveamerica.com/, sign up, and step up.
Well - this year we’ve been holding weekly GOTV events and registration drives in the Detroit church I serve since February . We have local candidates and election officials in on the regular. It’s not affiliated with the sainted vote save America team, but I think we’ve been bloody well doing the work for a very long time.
the phrase "sainted Vote Save America team" still delivers a bit of a message though, doesn't it?
Yep - it was intended to - too many on the Crooked Media roster decided to go after Biden, far more concerned about vibes and optics than substance.
But then again, they were always lukewarm in their support of Biden and vaguely dismissive of his policy wins, so it didn’t really surprise me.
They were concerned about optics because optics are a huge part of what wins. They just want to save democracy. Fair mission. They have as much right as you do to be concerned about who will win, period. By "vibes" I don't know what you mean, so I will assume they were thinking about the youth vote, etc. Now kids are excited.
My daughter (22) is terrified that the circular firing squad has so damaged the party that Trump will return to office. She has no faith in the party leaders and others (like the PSA crew) not to kneecap Kamala in the same way they buried Biden with their ‘concern’.
That's fantastic!
It would also be great if you kept your energy positive instead of dissing a critical resource for those of us not in swing states.
I'm sorry for your disappointment. I am disappointed too - I really wanted Joe to turn it around and start effectively prosecuting the case against MAGA. But here we are, and I'm choosing to enthusiastically and energetically press forward to elect Kamala or whoever becomes the anti-MAGA candidate. I hope you can do the same.
I definitely plan to continue the work.
I just don’t plan on letting these guys off the hook for knee-capping Biden. I hope that they are honest about helping to bully Biden out of the race - and I hope they make up for it by working their asses off to get Kamala elected (and without their usual concern trolling about the Biden administration’s perceived policy failures).
I am not able to divine motives when unstated. I credit Dan and his colleagues with being honest when they said they were motivated by the great chance of losing the election to a fascist.
The fact that you think Joe Biden can be bullied is weird to me. The voters have been saying for a year that they thought Biden too old to run. That margin among Dems was reaching 75% when he dropped out. Donors heard the voters, and added their own observations, and party leaders did the same urging Biden to step aside at the eleventh hour.
So beyond all that, how do you divine (pardon the expression) motives and decide that adding their voices to a large chorus is bullying?
Ken, Some people on this site just wont let their hatred of Biden subside. it is sickening but i am ignoring them and working my ass off for Kamala and sanity.
Brilliant, Dan. I particularly appreciate your explanation of the lack of endorsement from President Obama and Jeffries. I was not concerned but am pretty annoyed at the “newscasters” and random people pointing it out.
Fired up and ready to go!
Big love to Joe Biden. I know you all feel so deeply heartbroken and grateful for his leadership.
I want your opinion because I think we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to chart a new course as Democrats and our messaging.
1. No big platitudes. Change the message. We already know Donald Trump is a threat to democracy. How about "This man is so old and weird he thinks Hannibal Lector is a real person."
"This convict is beholden to the writers of Project 2025. They even picked his VP. Who's running the show here?"
2. No more "this isn't who we are" or any of that nonsense. This IS who we are. Speak about it. Young people do not want more of the same. Us saying "this is a nation built on blah blah blah" is a lie. Instead, "I hear you. This has been a real bummer. Let's throw that coconut into the ocean and crack open a new story" (lol I know that is cheesy but so is Kamala!)
3. No more "he's unfit for office". We all know that.
4. He's old and weird, old and weird, old and weird
One more thing... Doug Emhoff's daughter is a Genn Z icon. Get her out there!
Ohhhhh I forgot about Ella Emhoff. Get that woman out on TikTok.
(Though side note, I got into TikTok for the first time last night and nearly cried there was so much pro-Harris content. From the youths! The youths are making coconut meme Taylor swift Charlie xcx content! It’s glorious!)
Ohhhh!!! That’s so awesome!!
You've GOT to get on Tiktok. I don't know what the algorithm is doing but it's just feeding me video after video of college aged kids amped up for Harris. They believe (not entirely wrongly) that their opposition to Biden (for Gaza, for being old, for not saying the word "abortion") was actually HEARD by democrats. There's a lot of "We manifested this!! LFG!!!! HARRIS2024!!" They are feeling validated and hopeful. They believe that they can actually get through to democratic leadership and that that leadership will do MOMENTOUS things for them--like get the incumbent president to step aside. That's fucking awesome. I'm so jazzed right now.
Just wanted to say thank you to whoever on Kamala's team that reads Message Box for getting my tagline - "Old and weird" into their messaging. I feel seen and excited. :)
Exciting times!! Happy for Joe’s adulations, and for the country’s renewed ability to save itself… The case will be made.
The choice will now clearly be law or no law, rights or no rights, decency or foulness…. And on and on, contrast after clarifying contrast.
Thanks, Dan. This is the first post of yours that I have held energized by in several weeks. Let’s F go!