Chop Wood, Carry Water 2/20
Hey, all, and happy Thursday.
I don’t know about you, but I’m fired up. Something about Trump declaring himself a King yesterday gave me new energy and determination. It also gave me hope. Why? Because Trump is doing exactly what we thought he’d do: he’s wildly overplaying his hand. Good. The more he overreaches the harder we’ll hit him. Independent voters didn’t vote for a monarchy. Harris voters definitely didn’t. Some Trump voters did—they’re too far gone to care—but they’re a relatively small subset of the American electorate. Most Americans adamantly don’t want a self-styled king telling them what to do. Period.
We knew that Americans wouldn’t like the reality of Trump; his posting an AI generated image of himself wearing a crown in front of a Manhattan skyline will hopefully hasten their disillusionment. This is good, because the one thing upon which all political strategists seem to agree is that lowering Trump’s approval rating is critical.
So please make sure everyone you know is aware of the facts: yesterday Trump attempted to end New York City’s congestion pricing program. Never mind that the program is popular, has been successful, and is driving up revenue in the state. Never mind that it’s brought traffic and air pollution down dramatically. Never mind that Republicans claim to respect and revere “states’ rights.” Trump meddled in New York’s business, concluded he’d successfully killed the program, and then wrote “LONG LIVE THE KING” on social media.
If that doesn’t make Americans want to vomit then I don’t know what will.
Fortunately, Kathy Hochul has vowed to fight Trump’s move in court. In the meantime, she says, the program will continue. Good! This is the kind of belligerent response we should always see from Democratic lawmakers. Now if only Hochul would have the courage to remove Eric Adams—keep calling her, New Yorkers!
Speaking of belligerence, I’ve received word about a shift in approach from Senate Democrats. I think you’ll like it!
As you may know, Senate Republicans are taking up their budget bill today. It's what we’ve already discussed: massive giveaways to the GOP’s wealthy donors paid for by cutting Medicaid, education, ACA subsidies, nutritional assistance, and more.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that, starting at 4PM ET today, Democrats are going to fight back. How? By slowing things down as much as they can and making this process as difficult as possible by offering as many amendments as they can muster. This is exactly what we’ve been asking them to do! They intend to go as long as they can into the wee hours of Friday. And they’re going to get on social media with every large creator who will have them and talk about it! I may even be doing an Instagram Live with a Dem Senator tonight. I’ll keep you posted!
Now you may ask, “but will any of this stop the bill from passing in the Senate?” The answer is no. The bill will be passed using reconciliation, which requires a simple majority—something Senate Republicans have. Not to mention that this version of the budget is likely not the one Republicans will ultimately pursue—Trump has expressed a preference for the House’s much bigger, crueler version.
Those facts notwithstanding, what Democrats can and should do is slow Republicans down at every pass, make their actions as painful and politically costly as possible, and make sure everyone knows what they are trying to pull over on Americans. That’s what they’re now resolving to do.
The larger point is that Democratic leadership is aware that what they’ve been doing isn’t working. They’ve heard your calls for a change in approach and they’re heeding them. They’re willing to—and I quote an insider here—”dramatically shift strategy.” Good! Let’s all make sure we get on social media and amplify it!
We’re witnessing a lot of historic change right now. Much of it is awful, but some of it is positive and long overdue. Forcing our lawmakers to interact with their constituents where they actually are and in ways they can understand is a big and meaningful development. Let’s hope it lasts!
Look. This is slow, grinding work, folks. We’re up against unbelievably powerful forces. We’re not going to win overnight, and a lot of bad stuff will happen in the interim. I won’t sugarcoat that fact. But the opposition is coalescing. It’s evolving. It’s finding its strategy. We will beat them if we simply keep at it and don’t quit. We will.
I am confident of this because I am confident in you. And even more confident in us.
So let’s keep using our voices. Let’s keep those Congressional phones ringing off the hook. Let’s keep demanding better from our lawmakers. Let’s keep talking to our friends and family about what’s happening. Let’s keep voting with our consumer dollars. Let’s stay loud. Let’s stay connected. Let’s stay rested. It’s early days in this fight but I’m encouraged by what I’m seeing and you should be, too.
I could go on, but instead I’m going to give you your actions for the day. After all, we could talk until the cows come home about what’s happening in our country.
But history isn’t changed by talk. It’s changed by action.
So let’s go shape history one more time.
P.S. — I’m thrilled to announce that the first episode of my new podcast with Steve Pierson, The Practivist Pod, just dropped this morning! Here’s the Practivist website with links to various podcast platforms or here it is on Apple. Our first guests are Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg from Indivisible! Enjoy!
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m calling because I know that the Senate will be voting on Trump’s reverse Robin Hood budget later this week—the one that robs from the poor to give to the rich. I want to say that I’m completely opposed to it and I expect the Senator to fight against it tooth and nail—especially any cuts to Medicaid or SNAP.
[If Democrat add:] I hear Democrats are planning on gumming up the works any way they can and I’m glad to hear it. Senate Democrats need to use every tool at their disposal to block all aspects of Trumps’s and the Republican’s agenda. You may not be able to stop everything but you can make their lives hell and you should. Thanks.
[If GOP add:] I also have questions about the 200 billion dollars in deportation funding this budget includes.
Will ICE continue to arrest, detain and deport indiscriminately, including targeting long-settled immigrants, those who have had legal status, and even U.S. citizens?
As inflation and the cost of living continue to hurt everyday Americans, how will indiscriminate deportations of long-settled essential workers help lower prices and combat inflation?
Will this funding continue to prioritize the arrest of immigrants who pose no public safety threat over terrorism and the fight against fentanyl?
I’d like my answers in writing, please. Thanks. [H/T America’s Voice]
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m calling because I know that the House will soon be voting on Trump’s reverse Robin Hood budget—the one that robs from the poor to give to the rich. I want to say that I’m completely opposed to it and I expect the Congressmember to fight against it tooth and nail—especially the cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.
[If Democrat add:] I hear Senate Democrats are planning on gumming up the works any way they can to slow the passage of this bill and I’m glad to hear it. House Democrats should do the same. There is no aspect of Trump’s agenda that should get a free pass from you guys. Fight like hell. Thanks.
[If GOP add:] I also have questions about the 200B in deportation funding this budget includes.
Will ICE continue to arrest, detain and deport indiscriminately, including targeting long-settled immigrants, those who have had legal status, and even U.S. citizens?
As inflation and the cost of living continue to hurt everyday Americans, how will indiscriminate deportations of long-settled essential workers help lower prices and combat inflation?
Will this funding continue to prioritize the arrest of immigrants who pose no public safety threat over terrorism and the fight against fentanyl?
I’d like my answers in writing, please. Thanks. [H/T America’s Voice]
Extra Credit ✅
Indivisible is asking those of us with a very specific set of Dem lawmakers to call them to stop the SAVE Act from passing. This bill can’t pass without some Democratic support—our job is to make sure it has none. So…
If you are represented in the HOUSE by: Shomari Figures, Josh Harder, Jared Moskowitz, April McClain Delaney, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Jared Golden, Donald Davis, Tom Suozzi, John Mannion, Susie Lee, Marcy Kaptur, Vicente Gonzalez, Henry Cuellar or Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, please call today and urge them to vote no. And then share with friends in your district!
Use Indivisible’s handy call tool and script to call your representative
And/or, use their email tool to email your representative
Also…
If you are represented by one of these twelve senators -- Cortez Masto, Fetterman, Gallego, Hassan, Kelly, Ossoff, Peters, Rosen, Shaheen, Slotkin, Warner, or Warnock -- please call them today and urge them to vote no. And then urge friends in your state to call as well!
Use Indivisible’s handy call tool and script to call your senator(s)
And/or, use their email tool to email your senator(s)
Get Smart! 📚
The Center for Common Ground and Workers Circle are teaming for a series of trainings on how to be an effective advocate from your hometown.
This month, they will examine the executive branch's lawless overreach of power and how we can insist on urging our members of Congress to take action. The Trump Administration has been pushing the boundaries of its authority, disregarding the checks and balances that are fundamental to our democracy.
Messaging! Messaging! Messaging! 📣
Join the DNC Digital Organizing team for a National Organizing Call to meet newly elected DNC Chair Ken Martin and hear about what it looks like to organize in 2025. This virtual call will take place on Monday, February 24th at 6pm ET/3pm PT. RSVP below to receive the Zoom link!
During this 30 minute call, the moderators will introduce the Chair, and have a short Q+A. If you would like to submit a question for Q+A, please do so in your RSVP.
Give 💰!
Field Team 6 - the only organization doing partisan voter registration in swing states - is raising funds for three crucial elections. Every $1 delivers a voter!
Donate here to help us win in WI.
Donate here to help us fight for two FL House seats.
For donors and the donor curious: Join this 30-minute Zoom on Wednesday 2/26 to hear from Founder Jason Berlin about how Field Team 6 plans to take back the House in '26 and the rest in '28.
Win Races! 🗳
HEY CALIFORNIA!!
Election Date - Feb 25
CA Assembly District 32. Make calls this weekend for educator and community leader Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone! This is a jungle primary with the top vote-getters moving on to the general election. This farm district with a large immigrant community is ripe for picking!
Volunteer - https://forms.gle/e4ipcezGqz7MzbUv6
Can't volunteer? Donate - https://secure.actblue.com/donate/voteccb
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
[To: all three reps] [H/T] [Text SIGN PFCNSM to 50409, or to @Resistbot on Apple Messages, Messenger, Instagram, or Telegram]
I am writing to urge you to vote against any legislation seeking to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, including H.R. 899. Eliminating the department would devastate students, teachers, and families across the country.
The Department of Education is responsible for overseeing federal student loan programs, enforcing civil rights protections, and ensuring low-income students receive the resources they need. Without it, states would be left to fend for themselves, deepening inequality and leaving millions of students behind.
Public education should be a right for everyone, not a privilege for the wealthy. The Department of Education ensures that students with disabilities receive proper support, that Title IX protections remain in place, and that federal funding reaches the schools and students who need it most. Eliminating it would be a catastrophic mistake.
I strongly urge you to stand against this reckless legislation and protect the future of education in America. Please confirm that you will vote against any attempt to abolish the Department of Education.
OK, you did it again! You’re helping to save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
Hey folks. I strongly urge all of us on “Jessica’s team” to also be part of Hopium chronicles: “Simon Rosenberg” team! They compliment each other perfectly. Their TO DOS are similar but not exactly the same. Jess is a cheerleader kick ass radical mover and shaker. Simon is a long time political strategist. His talks are detailed and helpful. Please join. Both groups need us.
One more thing. Simon has been talking about being very very careful when joining an in person rally or protest. The stakes are high. The other side wants violence. Always make sure you know who is organizing and speaking and that you trust them. Always make sure someone knows where you are. Always remember that you could be arrested. This is not a game we’re in. It is serious and there are cruel and nasty forces at play.
Be safe everyone. Love you all!
Hi Jessica,
First, thank you for all you do to help spur us to action! Your ideas are wonderful!
Second, I want to make a suggestion for you to possible consider sharing with your subscribers. Today I fired off emails to the Democratic leaders (Schumer, Jeffries, & Ken Martin) as well as to the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and to my CA senators (Schiff and Padilla) and Congressional Rep (J. Panetta). I asked them to strongly consider holding scheduled a News Conference EVERY SINGLE DAY to alert the public as to specific current egregious actions that are being done by Trump and Musk each day to undermine our Democracy and harm our citizens. I believe that the Dems must increase their visibility by getting in front of the cameras and microphones each day so people can really see what is going on and see what the Dems are doing to fight back against this tyranny and fascism. So I am hoping that you can ask your readers to do the same. Thank you!