I volunteered my heart out on this election cycle. I was so distraught at the outcome, I'd all but give up on fighting any more. Thanks to you & reading "Man's Search for Meaning", I'm now a co-lead with MoveOn in their Community Support team. I needed just what you were providing to get me up off the floor & back to fighting for our democracy. Really, you saved me
This is so important. So I will repeat what you said: “Our main job will be to make sure Americans know what’s happening, and understand that it wouldn’t have happened with Democrats in charge. We must provide an opposition party’s vision of how things could look instead. It is vital!”
So well said, Jess.
Good health and much hope to all for the holidays and into the New Year!
In 1964, Lyndon Johnson launched the War on Poverty to improve the lives of America's neediest citizens. The GOP hated it. In 2024 the Trump/Musk/MAGA/GOP/Billionaires have launched the War on the Poor so they can pay trillions to our richest citizens that they need to keep America "Free". This will not end well for the rich. The MAGA should re-read the history of the French Revolution and fascism in Mussolini's Italy. It didn't end well for leaders then. We will see that the rich in the US cannot drag down the lives of 150 million Americans, even if Musk, the MAGA guru, spends 24 hours texting that he can.
Thanks, Jessica, for all your hard work. It's super helpful to have small things to focus on each day, especially when chaos seems to descend about every 30 sec!
First I am new to your newsletter post election but I LOVE IT. It makes me so empowered. Thank you so, SO much. I just spoke with staff at Congresswoman Meng’s office and they said the House Oversight Committee vote was done as a secret vote and no one knows how each person voted. I expressed my disgust. Perhaps an update to share with your readers.
Also, my NY senators never answer the phone. Always a voicemail! Disgusting too. Let me know if you have any advice for getting through to those who don’t bother staffing the phones.
Hi, Erin. Yes, I thought I'd written that it was a secret vote. And I'm sure the Republican who voted our way will never, ever admit it. Gaetz had a lot of enemies, so with the vote being secret it doesn't surprise me that one of his own turned on him.
As for your NY Senators not answering, first of all, a voice mail counts just as much as speaking to someone directly, as long as you leave your full name and zip code (and address for good measure if you're a new caller). Your other alternative is to bookmark their official websites. Then you can simply go to their "Contact me" form whenever you want to make a comment and even copy and paste my scripts there as a note. (You'll have to edit them a tiny amount, and can, of course, also add your own comments.) But they will take those letters just as seriously as they take a phone call--especially because you'll have to fill out your full address in order to send the form.
Since the speaker is next in the line of succession after the VP, can a speaker be elected who isn’t eligible (due to non birthright citizenship like for example Musk) to be President?
That's an excellent question! Hadn't even thought of that! I'm sure it'll come up if they get serious about him, which I pray to God they don't. It seems that would be an insurmountable obstacle.
My husband (who’s a lawyer but not a Constitutional specialist) thinks that yes, that they would just skip over him if it came to that. Hopefully this as yet untested theoretical question will remain in the theoretical realm!!
I called my Congresswoman today regarding her vote on the oversight committee and was told that the information on how individual Congress members voted is not public information, only the final result. Is this true? I hope I'm not being fed misinformation by my Congresswoman. Thanks
They tell you that because they don't want to have to explain why the Congressperson voted other than the way you wanted them to. All recorded votes are available here: https://www.congress.gov/. I use this a lot when I'm following up on earlier letters and calls or to catch up if I've looked away for a few days to preserve mental health.
I take offense at Trusk as I think Elon always comes first. So Mump or actually MuUmp so when you say it the sound of throwing up a little comes through . . .
On the subject of letting them hit bottom, that's how I feel also. Whatever happens next is what needs to happen. Sometimes stuff has to get worse before it gets better, and that's where we are. I'm just glad to know there's a whole bunch of us checking in to see what we can do every day. Appreciate you and everybody else here
disturbed by your urging readers to complain about members voting for Gerry Connolly. First of all, he’s not that old and acts even younger. It sort of smacks of ageism. Connolly is tough and has been very articulate and effective in debating republicans. Please reconsider your attacks on this great Democratic member of Congress.
I honestly don’t understand why we’re fighting against Connolly. I’ve heard a lot of ageism, ableism….I haven’t heard any reason AOC needs to be chair right now. And I’d feel the same if it were they other way around. Can’t she and Connolly put their heads together? I really want to fight Republicans, not part of my own party.
I have a few reasons that I object. First, Connolly has throat cancer and needs medical treatment. He cannot possibly be up for a job as important as Oversight will be at this moment. Second, AOC had the position in the bag until Nancy Pelosi, who has a grudge against her, intervened. It's purely petty politics, and I've had enough of that from the Speaker Emerita. But mostly, AOC is hugely popular and beloved and voters connect with her--even Trump voters. They can HEAR her. They feel she's one of them--because in many ways she is. She's also one of the best messengers we have--articulate, smart, quick on her feet, and telegenic. It matters! Mostly, a huge part of the Dem party base supported her and she would have been great at the job. Even Republicans are celebrating that she didn't get elevated, as they KNOW how good she would have been. It was a colossal fumble and a self-inflicted injury. It may not matter to you, but to the young people we desperately need to win back--and to progressives, and many others--it was a big betrayal. Just bad politics all around.
You’ve worked so hard, given yourself to this entirely. You’re a hero. We’ve all been kicked in the teeth. Sending you a big hug. So many huge fights ahead.
I like to believe they are both more concerned with saving the American people from Trump, Musk, and fascist oligarchy, than they are with who has a title. Put out the fire. Then we can save the trophies.
Jessica Craven is my hero! Thanks for all you do!
Happy Holidays!
No, thank YOU!
I volunteered my heart out on this election cycle. I was so distraught at the outcome, I'd all but give up on fighting any more. Thanks to you & reading "Man's Search for Meaning", I'm now a co-lead with MoveOn in their Community Support team. I needed just what you were providing to get me up off the floor & back to fighting for our democracy. Really, you saved me
I can't thank you enough ♥️
This is so important. So I will repeat what you said: “Our main job will be to make sure Americans know what’s happening, and understand that it wouldn’t have happened with Democrats in charge. We must provide an opposition party’s vision of how things could look instead. It is vital!”
So well said, Jess.
Good health and much hope to all for the holidays and into the New Year!
And to you as well, Dori!
In 1964, Lyndon Johnson launched the War on Poverty to improve the lives of America's neediest citizens. The GOP hated it. In 2024 the Trump/Musk/MAGA/GOP/Billionaires have launched the War on the Poor so they can pay trillions to our richest citizens that they need to keep America "Free". This will not end well for the rich. The MAGA should re-read the history of the French Revolution and fascism in Mussolini's Italy. It didn't end well for leaders then. We will see that the rich in the US cannot drag down the lives of 150 million Americans, even if Musk, the MAGA guru, spends 24 hours texting that he can.
I agree. I'm listening to a history of the French revolution right now and oof! The similarities! Very wild stuff.
Thanks, Jessica, for all your hard work. It's super helpful to have small things to focus on each day, especially when chaos seems to descend about every 30 sec!
Have a safe, peaceful and sane holiday.
You too, Beth! I'm sure I'll be in touch quite a bit next week. It seems unlikely to stay quiet for a minute.
Hi Jessica!
First I am new to your newsletter post election but I LOVE IT. It makes me so empowered. Thank you so, SO much. I just spoke with staff at Congresswoman Meng’s office and they said the House Oversight Committee vote was done as a secret vote and no one knows how each person voted. I expressed my disgust. Perhaps an update to share with your readers.
Also, my NY senators never answer the phone. Always a voicemail! Disgusting too. Let me know if you have any advice for getting through to those who don’t bother staffing the phones.
Many thanks!
Erin
Hi, Erin. Yes, I thought I'd written that it was a secret vote. And I'm sure the Republican who voted our way will never, ever admit it. Gaetz had a lot of enemies, so with the vote being secret it doesn't surprise me that one of his own turned on him.
As for your NY Senators not answering, first of all, a voice mail counts just as much as speaking to someone directly, as long as you leave your full name and zip code (and address for good measure if you're a new caller). Your other alternative is to bookmark their official websites. Then you can simply go to their "Contact me" form whenever you want to make a comment and even copy and paste my scripts there as a note. (You'll have to edit them a tiny amount, and can, of course, also add your own comments.) But they will take those letters just as seriously as they take a phone call--especially because you'll have to fill out your full address in order to send the form.
Since the speaker is next in the line of succession after the VP, can a speaker be elected who isn’t eligible (due to non birthright citizenship like for example Musk) to be President?
That's an excellent question! Hadn't even thought of that! I'm sure it'll come up if they get serious about him, which I pray to God they don't. It seems that would be an insurmountable obstacle.
Excellent question. Can a speaker be elected who isn’t an elected representative?
Yes. They can. But as to whether or not someone who's incapable of serving as President can be speaker? Another question.
My husband (who’s a lawyer but not a Constitutional specialist) thinks that yes, that they would just skip over him if it came to that. Hopefully this as yet untested theoretical question will remain in the theoretical realm!!
MUSK as Speaker???? OMG.
Meanwhile, happy holidays and thanks for all you do.
Let's hope it's just a joke. Although with this crew you never know.
Thanks so much, Jess! Do something fun - you deserve it, and fun and joy are armor
They sure are! And I will! Lots of family time ahead. And you have a lovely holiday, too!
Rand Paul suggested Elon Musk be next speaker of the house? This has to be a joke. Or rumor. WTF?!
He did.
How much fun would that be? I'd have to buy a lot of popcorn for the circus.
I called my Congresswoman today regarding her vote on the oversight committee and was told that the information on how individual Congress members voted is not public information, only the final result. Is this true? I hope I'm not being fed misinformation by my Congresswoman. Thanks
They tell you that because they don't want to have to explain why the Congressperson voted other than the way you wanted them to. All recorded votes are available here: https://www.congress.gov/. I use this a lot when I'm following up on earlier letters and calls or to catch up if I've looked away for a few days to preserve mental health.
Yeah but this one was secret, Dave, as it was a vote on a committee position, not a bill.
Thanks Jessica.
Thank you, Dave!
My office said the same thing
It was secret.
I take offense at Trusk as I think Elon always comes first. So Mump or actually MuUmp so when you say it the sound of throwing up a little comes through . . .
Mump isn't bad! Or Mumpsk!
On the subject of letting them hit bottom, that's how I feel also. Whatever happens next is what needs to happen. Sometimes stuff has to get worse before it gets better, and that's where we are. I'm just glad to know there's a whole bunch of us checking in to see what we can do every day. Appreciate you and everybody else here
I’m
disturbed by your urging readers to complain about members voting for Gerry Connolly. First of all, he’s not that old and acts even younger. It sort of smacks of ageism. Connolly is tough and has been very articulate and effective in debating republicans. Please reconsider your attacks on this great Democratic member of Congress.
I honestly don’t understand why we’re fighting against Connolly. I’ve heard a lot of ageism, ableism….I haven’t heard any reason AOC needs to be chair right now. And I’d feel the same if it were they other way around. Can’t she and Connolly put their heads together? I really want to fight Republicans, not part of my own party.
I have a few reasons that I object. First, Connolly has throat cancer and needs medical treatment. He cannot possibly be up for a job as important as Oversight will be at this moment. Second, AOC had the position in the bag until Nancy Pelosi, who has a grudge against her, intervened. It's purely petty politics, and I've had enough of that from the Speaker Emerita. But mostly, AOC is hugely popular and beloved and voters connect with her--even Trump voters. They can HEAR her. They feel she's one of them--because in many ways she is. She's also one of the best messengers we have--articulate, smart, quick on her feet, and telegenic. It matters! Mostly, a huge part of the Dem party base supported her and she would have been great at the job. Even Republicans are celebrating that she didn't get elevated, as they KNOW how good she would have been. It was a colossal fumble and a self-inflicted injury. It may not matter to you, but to the young people we desperately need to win back--and to progressives, and many others--it was a big betrayal. Just bad politics all around.
100%.
The Dems have just alienated a bunch of 20- and 30-something voters by continuing with their "Old Guard" gerontocracy.
You’ve worked so hard, given yourself to this entirely. You’re a hero. We’ve all been kicked in the teeth. Sending you a big hug. So many huge fights ahead.
Agree. My understanding is that he's never been a chair and this was his shot to be one and he's ready to fight . . .
I like to believe they are both more concerned with saving the American people from Trump, Musk, and fascist oligarchy, than they are with who has a title. Put out the fire. Then we can save the trophies.