56 Comments
May 23·edited May 24Liked by Jessica Craven

Made my three calls and noticed my Representative (Katherine Clark) had posted the following statement on her website today. "Justice Alito has displayed flags at his homes that support insurrection against our government, promote religious nationalism, and attack free and fair elections. This is not just another example of extremism that has overtaken conservatism. This is a threat to the rule of law and a serious breach of ethics, integrity, and Justice Alito’s oath of office. At minimum, he must recuse himself from any cases involving January 6th, Donald Trump, and the security of our elections. Anything less will tarnish our judicial system and democracy." I couldn't find comparable statements from my senators.

Expand full comment
author

Good for her!!

Expand full comment

That’s a beautiful statement. Thanks for sharing.

Expand full comment
May 23Liked by Jessica Craven

Regarding Biden’s fuller life story - I’d encourage anyone who can listen to the full interview Biden did with Howard Stern to do so, there’s all of the stories he shared in the Morehouse speech and so much more (details about how he met his first wife are like straight out of a rom com and SO sweet). I think (and hope) the full interview will be posted eventually for people who don’t have a Sirius subscription - and waiting 'til closer to the election is probably a good thing b/c look at what a difference it made for this undecided voter who called in (and he is not alone):

“I was really torn about who I was going to vote for - to the point I was gonna vote for [someone random] - but this completely changed [my mind] … like he’s a true American … it was really something … like I was torn and I think a lot of people are just going to sway in [Biden's] direction [after hearing this interview] b/c the media is nothing but people tearing him down and making him out to be some feeble minded old man who doesn’t know what he’s doing and that kinda was my opinion prior, but to get to see and hear how coherent he was, it was just like a couple guys sitting around a grill, having a couple beers ... I just think it was f-ing awesome”

– Steve (a Howard Stern Caller after listening to the Biden interview)

Expand full comment
author

Wow that's amazing!

Expand full comment

I agree that the interview by Stern with Biden was effective in humanizing Biden, and throughout the discussion it was quite clear that Biden has no apparent cognitive issues and a self-deprecating sense of humor. I wish he was 10-20 years younger but then he wouldn't have the life experiences that have made him what he is now as our President.

Expand full comment
May 24Liked by Jessica Craven

Biden’s age works to his advantage.

Expand full comment
May 23Liked by Jessica Craven

"Let’s call Dick Durbin again. I know he’s useless, but we have to try." That made me laugh, and then I called the 618 number and left a message. I also called my Colorado Senators and Rep. Neguse, and in these calls and messages used the phrase multiple times: "Evil flourishes when good people do nothing."

Expand full comment
author

YES!

Expand full comment
May 23Liked by Jessica Craven

I truly don't understand the country we're in when Matt Stoller and you have to do the work of the entire Biden White House and Campaign communications team. It's beyond surreal.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for saying that, because I do sometimes feel like I'm carrying the weight of that on my shoulders almost singlehandedly, as far as content creation goes. I'm not, of course, but the feeling is real.

Expand full comment
May 23·edited May 23

Truly, you must pace yourself. It's not sustainable.

You cannot do, and shouldn't feel obligated to do, what many, many people paid very large sums of money have utterly failed to do.

At this point, unless the Biden team shifts into ANY gear, we just have to hope that enough people are frightened by the prospect of a devastating dictatorship.

Expand full comment
May 23Liked by Jessica Craven

very Inspiring! I've never taken as many actions as I did today! Thanks Jess!

Expand full comment
author

Amazing, Janie! Thank you!

Expand full comment
May 24Liked by Jessica Craven

I’ve called my very Republican MAGA elected officials, Graham, Scott and Timmons, (every night) and leave my concerns on voicemail regarding this whole Alito debacle, but of course we know where their bread is buttered.

Expand full comment
author

But still. I'm so glad you're doing it.

Expand full comment
May 23Liked by Jessica Craven

As a long time paid subscriber, I have NO interest in video content. I am hopeful that we will not lose your wonderful written word newsletter.

Expand full comment
author

Oh gosh I didn't mean instead of. Good Lord! No! LOL this newsletter will remain written. No one wants to see that much of me. 😄

Expand full comment

Yes to video and making substack an improved Tik Tok!

Expand full comment
author

OK!

Expand full comment
May 23Liked by Jessica Craven

I called my 2 senators in MD, Durbin, and Schumer. I hope Durbin gets inundated with calls.

Expand full comment
author

THANK YOU!

Expand full comment

Thank you for encouraging people to call!

Expand full comment
May 24Liked by Jessica Craven

Fantastic information and work on your part. Thank you so much.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Vickie!

Expand full comment
May 24Liked by Jessica Craven

Regarding video: I'm a reader, would not subscribe to video.

Expand full comment
author

Good to know thank you!

Expand full comment
May 24Liked by Jessica Craven

I don't need videos, but if you think it would help the cause, great. Just don't over extend yourself. You don't need to do it all. We all appreciate you and want you to stay healthy.

Expand full comment
author

Good point. Thank you!

Expand full comment

Molly's comment shows how important Biden's debate performance will be. His jumping out front to take charge of the debate format is a good example of being in charge when needed. Never thought he would be the one to need a direct line to the voters. OrangeO equals Hitler as a propaganda machine and President Biden will need to duplicate SOTU address. Tricky to keep the important contrast of Civility and still throw hard punches. Love, Doc www.dykers.com

Expand full comment
author

Agree on all counts.

Expand full comment
May 23Liked by Jessica Craven

@Jess, I encourage you to replicate your wonderful TikTok videos onto Substack so they can be seen and shared by a much different demographic. You are creating INCREDIBLE short videos that clearly and strategically educate voters, unwinding years of misinformation and propaganda about topic after topic. I believe your appreciative followers could propagate your work more broadly if it weren't buried within the mysterious (and feared) TikTok algorithm. Do it!

Patti

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Patti. Although I do post it all on youtube and IG, too! But I am definitely considering.

Expand full comment

@Jess, I knew about your Instagram feed, but somehow hadn't tracked on your YouTube feed! For others who want to find you there: https://www.youtube.com/@jesscraven101

Expand full comment
May 24Liked by Jessica Craven

Wow !! How wonderful to see spirits rising to the call !! Great work ya’all. The election reader just moved to positive. Thank you so much Jessica….Hire staff.

Expand full comment
author

haha I really may need to.

Expand full comment
May 24Liked by Jessica Craven

I prefer to read but I know many others prefer to watch/listen to audio/video, so if you do videos maybe select for the most urgent topics (hard to choose as it's like multiple dumpster fires out there).

Take care of yourself first and then your family, and know that you are making a difference out there. 5 more months to go...

Expand full comment