The MAGA societal wet dream is succeeding beyond their wildest dreams inside a government that is experiencing multiple points of structural failure. Where are the Democrats?
Two comments: first, let’s not forget Rep. Jasmine Crockett and her work as well; and second, my observation is that Democrats are fighting this fight ethically. The problem with that is the enemy (MAGAts and their Republican enablers) are fighting dirty. I think Democrats need to take to heart the adage: “when they go low, you go lower” 🤷🏽♂️
To be very clear, I am not advocating for any illegal activity. I’m simply advocating for a smarter approach. Before you can fight the GOP, you have to focus on a united front. The reason the GOP are successful in opposition, is they are masters of obstruction.
I agree with you 💯 But to quote a famous poet: “sometimes you gotta pop out and show ‘em” 💪🏽 Otherwise we and our ethics will be standing in a gas chamber.
Sad but true. And you can bet a million that the maga GOP will scream “criminals! flouting the law! ad nauseum, and the sycophantic citizenry will swallow it all without a moment of self-reflection.
You asked about Substack. I get most of my relevant news and opinions from Substack and the Guardian. Mainstream news is mostly managed and engaged in normalization of the crises we are seeing. There is a democratization in Substack which is appealing and a lot of reporting on the ground from regular people. Also, there are a lot of trusted sources who regularly post on the site ( think Heather Cox Richardson, Paul Krugman, Robert Reich ). This could be the last of our domestic free press.
Yes all are voices I very much trust. I absolutely love Substack. I find it liberating to simply write freely. I know there are prominent hard right voices like Curtis Yarvin and friends here too. I have no issue with that, but the more popular it becomes, the more the trolls will arrive to disrupt.
I’m pretty active on Substack too, but lately the far-right has infiltrated to troll around. Luckily they can be blocked, but it is annoying and even frightening. One guy was really stalking me for a while. Just kept changing his profile, but definitely the same person.
John Jennings You "get your opinions from Substack and The Guardian"? You aren't supposed to just take other peoples opinions onboard wholesale. The idea is that you hear a variety of "facts" and viewpoints and work out from there what seems true and reasonable to you. Just accepting opinions as they're handed to you is exactly why so many fuckwits are right wing. They don't want to do the work of thinking for themselves, they just want to be told what to believe. You don't sound like a moron, so perhaps a change of wording is needed.
Agree! I don’t know why they don’t have a more cohesive strategy. I think Schumer is a big problem. Also what about this DOGE whistleblower issue? Why isn’t everyone talking about it? I know there are so many things going on but I feel like this is getting ignored?
The Meidas Touch Network is growing and reaching people, and is surpassing Fox (Entertainment) News in downloads and views. They have a YouTube channel, a podcast and are here on Substack.
Yes I cut cable to only internet and Use u tube, blue sky and Substack as my news feeds and for podcasts! I can doom scroll all day if i want and never run out of new recent news and opinions….allll day! 😂
Aside from a handful of Democrats, the party is invisible. It is embarrassing, disappointing, and entire demotivating. The ONLY thing I hear from the Dems is a need for money, of which I receive dozens of requests daily. For what? To the party I say: Get in touch after you've begun to show a backbone and begin to execute a plan. Until then, should there even be a need for party affiliation, I am now, officially, an Independent.
would also love to know where 90% of the dems in office are and why they think being quiet serves them and our country. there was supposed to be a 'shadow' cabinet with raskin and schiff and yet re: abrego garcia, AP ban, etc - there's been nothing. They should be speaking out daily and I don't think it should fall on the rest of us who care a lot to REMIND them. If they can't follow thru with their claims to speak up, then they are no better than the rest of the dems promising nothing and doing nothing.
I ABSOLUTELY AGREE Michelle. I’m frankly bitterly disappointed as you may have gathered. I have a lot to say on this. Tune in on Friday when I’ll expand my thinking on this. I understand messaging but more than that I’m a software developer and database specialist. I’m nobody in the big scheme of things, but I have a strategy I’ve worked on at both a messaging and technical level for over 2 years. I’m looking forward to sharing moving forward.
Why are Dem reps not attending the Tesla, Hands Off & other protests? Cant they go to their oppositions’ town halls & start acting like citizens, get better at listening. Jasmine spoke on Red Wine & Blue this week about just being real, being human. Unless you’re a real jerk I think this is what is needed. The Dems are seen as part of the problem, part of the govt scam & corruption scheme, being out of touch.
Great article. Just sent an excerpt to my Senator. You are absolutely right there needs to be a unified plan executed by the Democrats. Get the hell on youtube.
I worked with Sarah Klee Hood in NY 22 in 2022, it was a tough primary. She had no money and had to get really creative with Ad buys etc. I created campaign Ads for both Social media and local TV. Her YouTube channel was highly successful and we took an 8 point gap to 4 points. I’m hoping she’ll run again.
If we agree with this, we need to make a push to get this message to our dems in congress - although I feel like many of us have - much to the surprise of some dems at their town halls... but maybe even more so now? How about pulling in Leaders We Deserve too? I will renew my efforts to contact my elected officials who are all dems. thanks, Also, while I enjoy hearing dems in congress making strong statements while they are in session, against what the republicans are proposing, I don't see that as much more than performative... too many Paul Revere's and not enough George Washingtons...
You have hit the nail on the head Kerry, there is far too much performative politics going on. I have a very large notepad I scribble my thoughts on and there are so many questions. It’s a real indicator that they are sitting silent.
They need to get out in public places like AOC and Bernie, and tell the truth about whats going on in this country. They need to call it by name and show proof. When they stay in Congress they are telling a different story: that everything's basically ok, no need to worry too much. And this is because the Democrats are also, like the Republicans, in thrall to lobbyist and large donor money.
We don't have a party that represents the working people of this country, but if enough of us stop funding them, maybe they'll put on their big boy pants and do some work for their constituents even if they don't like it.
if there's time - and a free and fair election - both of which look doubtful at this moment, although I am open to completely unexpected events that might change the course this regime is on.
Substack is for intellectuals. I don’t think its a vehicle to touch the masses in anyway. I am beyond worried. I think agent provocateurs and violence will lead to insurrection/martial law being imposed.
No Bob you are not paranoid and that’s what I love about Substack. There’s nowhere to hide, yet the community are so supportive to amateurs like me. It blows me away.
I don’t think you are paranoid. Trump et al are setting up to infiltrate the hands off protests and start grabbing people using facial recognition. Wear a mask!!
Also, the Democrats are nowhere to be found. Keep spouting the intellectual talk and they will get nowhere. New messaging needed.
Well I call you out then on your April 16 post and ask you to do better. It's not a partisan issue but an American issue. Lets all send messages to both parties and independents to ask them to right these wrongs. Stop pointing fingers at parties. Hold this administration accountable for tearing down the checks and balances and harming citizens, harming refugees who were granted asylum, and for ignoring the rule of law every day.
How about we stop talking party lines and make sure we speak to Americans?! Send messages to all reps not just one side. This is an American issue. If we keep talking parties it puts up a wall before a message can be communicated.
Im an in dependent. Maybe we should all become independent for this moment because the division in the party lines are a-lot of the problem!!
“There needs to be a strategy to focus attention on what is about to happen,”
I agree, but how can anyone see the big picture when trump himself seems not to know what he’s going to do next? Has there ever been an historical moment where a great leader was able to define a plan to fight total incoherence?
Ahh, OK, I think I was probably clumsy with my explanation. Trump can do nothing now about the inflation and price rises that are coming. It’s just a matter of the level of increase. Also we have to think about other areas like addressing the attempt to dismantle the judiciary among other things.
Two comments: first, let’s not forget Rep. Jasmine Crockett and her work as well; and second, my observation is that Democrats are fighting this fight ethically. The problem with that is the enemy (MAGAts and their Republican enablers) are fighting dirty. I think Democrats need to take to heart the adage: “when they go low, you go lower” 🤷🏽♂️
To be very clear, I am not advocating for any illegal activity. I’m simply advocating for a smarter approach. Before you can fight the GOP, you have to focus on a united front. The reason the GOP are successful in opposition, is they are masters of obstruction.
I agree with you 💯 But to quote a famous poet: “sometimes you gotta pop out and show ‘em” 💪🏽 Otherwise we and our ethics will be standing in a gas chamber.
I certainly am not forgetting Jasmine Crockett, I’m a big advocate, in cabinet she’d be deputy AG
Sad but true. And you can bet a million that the maga GOP will scream “criminals! flouting the law! ad nauseum, and the sycophantic citizenry will swallow it all without a moment of self-reflection.
Do you want to play by the rules or win?
Republicans do what it takes to win. I find it repulsive but many in this country just want to win regardless.
You asked about Substack. I get most of my relevant news and opinions from Substack and the Guardian. Mainstream news is mostly managed and engaged in normalization of the crises we are seeing. There is a democratization in Substack which is appealing and a lot of reporting on the ground from regular people. Also, there are a lot of trusted sources who regularly post on the site ( think Heather Cox Richardson, Paul Krugman, Robert Reich ). This could be the last of our domestic free press.
Yes all are voices I very much trust. I absolutely love Substack. I find it liberating to simply write freely. I know there are prominent hard right voices like Curtis Yarvin and friends here too. I have no issue with that, but the more popular it becomes, the more the trolls will arrive to disrupt.
I’m pretty active on Substack too, but lately the far-right has infiltrated to troll around. Luckily they can be blocked, but it is annoying and even frightening. One guy was really stalking me for a while. Just kept changing his profile, but definitely the same person.
Yes it’s an unfortunate consequence of popular liberal voices setting up camp here.
John Jennings You "get your opinions from Substack and The Guardian"? You aren't supposed to just take other peoples opinions onboard wholesale. The idea is that you hear a variety of "facts" and viewpoints and work out from there what seems true and reasonable to you. Just accepting opinions as they're handed to you is exactly why so many fuckwits are right wing. They don't want to do the work of thinking for themselves, they just want to be told what to believe. You don't sound like a moron, so perhaps a change of wording is needed.
Agree! I don’t know why they don’t have a more cohesive strategy. I think Schumer is a big problem. Also what about this DOGE whistleblower issue? Why isn’t everyone talking about it? I know there are so many things going on but I feel like this is getting ignored?
Well rest assured I’ve been talking about it.
The old time Democratic party is letting Bernie Sanders do the work because he's better at uniting the people
Which part? The whistleblower? I worry it is getting overshadowed by all the other things that Trump is doing. It really needs air time.
The Meidas Touch Network is growing and reaching people, and is surpassing Fox (Entertainment) News in downloads and views. They have a YouTube channel, a podcast and are here on Substack.
Yes, Meidas are for me the gold standard. Their growth is absolutely vital for 2026.
Yeah, multiply the Bernie Sanders/AOC crowds by just a dozen other Dem groups of 2. Where are they? Don't they see the Sanders/AOC crowds?
Yes I cut cable to only internet and Use u tube, blue sky and Substack as my news feeds and for podcasts! I can doom scroll all day if i want and never run out of new recent news and opinions….allll day! 😂
Aside from a handful of Democrats, the party is invisible. It is embarrassing, disappointing, and entire demotivating. The ONLY thing I hear from the Dems is a need for money, of which I receive dozens of requests daily. For what? To the party I say: Get in touch after you've begun to show a backbone and begin to execute a plan. Until then, should there even be a need for party affiliation, I am now, officially, an Independent.
I hear you Alan. It’s so very frustrating. Activists should not have to tell them to get their act together
would also love to know where 90% of the dems in office are and why they think being quiet serves them and our country. there was supposed to be a 'shadow' cabinet with raskin and schiff and yet re: abrego garcia, AP ban, etc - there's been nothing. They should be speaking out daily and I don't think it should fall on the rest of us who care a lot to REMIND them. If they can't follow thru with their claims to speak up, then they are no better than the rest of the dems promising nothing and doing nothing.
I ABSOLUTELY AGREE Michelle. I’m frankly bitterly disappointed as you may have gathered. I have a lot to say on this. Tune in on Friday when I’ll expand my thinking on this. I understand messaging but more than that I’m a software developer and database specialist. I’m nobody in the big scheme of things, but I have a strategy I’ve worked on at both a messaging and technical level for over 2 years. I’m looking forward to sharing moving forward.
Why are Dem reps not attending the Tesla, Hands Off & other protests? Cant they go to their oppositions’ town halls & start acting like citizens, get better at listening. Jasmine spoke on Red Wine & Blue this week about just being real, being human. Unless you’re a real jerk I think this is what is needed. The Dems are seen as part of the problem, part of the govt scam & corruption scheme, being out of touch.
It puzzles me too Emilie.
Great article. Just sent an excerpt to my Senator. You are absolutely right there needs to be a unified plan executed by the Democrats. Get the hell on youtube.
I worked with Sarah Klee Hood in NY 22 in 2022, it was a tough primary. She had no money and had to get really creative with Ad buys etc. I created campaign Ads for both Social media and local TV. Her YouTube channel was highly successful and we took an 8 point gap to 4 points. I’m hoping she’ll run again.
If we agree with this, we need to make a push to get this message to our dems in congress - although I feel like many of us have - much to the surprise of some dems at their town halls... but maybe even more so now? How about pulling in Leaders We Deserve too? I will renew my efforts to contact my elected officials who are all dems. thanks, Also, while I enjoy hearing dems in congress making strong statements while they are in session, against what the republicans are proposing, I don't see that as much more than performative... too many Paul Revere's and not enough George Washingtons...
You have hit the nail on the head Kerry, there is far too much performative politics going on. I have a very large notepad I scribble my thoughts on and there are so many questions. It’s a real indicator that they are sitting silent.
They need to get out in public places like AOC and Bernie, and tell the truth about whats going on in this country. They need to call it by name and show proof. When they stay in Congress they are telling a different story: that everything's basically ok, no need to worry too much. And this is because the Democrats are also, like the Republicans, in thrall to lobbyist and large donor money.
We don't have a party that represents the working people of this country, but if enough of us stop funding them, maybe they'll put on their big boy pants and do some work for their constituents even if they don't like it.
if there's time - and a free and fair election - both of which look doubtful at this moment, although I am open to completely unexpected events that might change the course this regime is on.
Point on comments. Ty!
Substack is for intellectuals. I don’t think its a vehicle to touch the masses in anyway. I am beyond worried. I think agent provocateurs and violence will lead to insurrection/martial law being imposed.
Am I paranoid???
No Bob you are not paranoid and that’s what I love about Substack. There’s nowhere to hide, yet the community are so supportive to amateurs like me. It blows me away.
I don’t think you are paranoid. Trump et al are setting up to infiltrate the hands off protests and start grabbing people using facial recognition. Wear a mask!!
Also, the Democrats are nowhere to be found. Keep spouting the intellectual talk and they will get nowhere. New messaging needed.
Thank you…I would like to hear your extended thoughts.
Hey Beth, THANK YOU, for your input, I’ll drop more thoughts on Friday.
The democrats are largely corporate and/or AIPAC owned are basically dog walked by their masters a la the 90% you mentioned.
They aren’t going to do a damn thing because citizens united, stock trading have made them wealthy and they enjoy the power.
This is why corporate democrats constantly try and extinguish any movement to the left because it’s in direct opposition to their survival.
At this point, I consider 90% of democrats to be somewhere between center right and MAGA lite.
You’ll get no pushback from me. The challenge is how to tackle that in these challenging times. It gives me pause for thought I have to say.
Well I call you out then on your April 16 post and ask you to do better. It's not a partisan issue but an American issue. Lets all send messages to both parties and independents to ask them to right these wrongs. Stop pointing fingers at parties. Hold this administration accountable for tearing down the checks and balances and harming citizens, harming refugees who were granted asylum, and for ignoring the rule of law every day.
How about we stop talking party lines and make sure we speak to Americans?! Send messages to all reps not just one side. This is an American issue. If we keep talking parties it puts up a wall before a message can be communicated.
Im an in dependent. Maybe we should all become independent for this moment because the division in the party lines are a-lot of the problem!!
“There needs to be a strategy to focus attention on what is about to happen,”
I agree, but how can anyone see the big picture when trump himself seems not to know what he’s going to do next? Has there ever been an historical moment where a great leader was able to define a plan to fight total incoherence?
Ahh, OK, I think I was probably clumsy with my explanation. Trump can do nothing now about the inflation and price rises that are coming. It’s just a matter of the level of increase. Also we have to think about other areas like addressing the attempt to dismantle the judiciary among other things.
Agreed.