Hi, all, and happy Tuesday! I hope you had a spectacular holiday weekend and got plenty of rest. Lord knows you’ve earned it. I myself did not rest; I attended the California Democratic Party' convention all weekend. I am an elected delegate, so pretty much had no choice. But it’s OK—I love the convention! It was in Los Angeles, so I didn’t have far to travel, and the speaker lineup was pretty great. The highlights of the weekend were getting to hear from all three candidates for Feinstein’s seat, listening to an incredible speech by Maxwell Frost, and getting a selfie with Katie Porter. 🤯
Keep up the good work and keep searching for young candidates who will electrify the democratic party. We need young blood to keep up with the ever changing politics and counter the next move republicans make to threaten democracy.
Thanks for the quick, encouraging summary of the "deal." As talks were languishing, I was advocating that President Biden invoke the 14th Amendment if necessary. I had confidence that he had a strategy, and it seems that he did. If the deal does fall apart, though, I hope he'll use the 14th to keep things going while Congress figures out how to actually do its job.
I was initially disappointed in President Biden's subdued speech, especially with McCarthy continuing his shenanigans, but Biden's response to a reporter's question about eliminating the debt ceiling restored my confidence that he's looking at the long game. With McCarthy, when all is said and done, there's almost always more said than done.
Jay Kuo's analysis is excellent (thanks for sharing), and I had similar thoughts as the news settled in. However, one of the reasons we're in this predicament is that we allow the Republicans to control our narrative. Laying low until the debt ceiling is de-debacled is a great short-term strategy, but we must make the Republicans pay for their abuse of their limited power, and the debt ceiling must be removed from their toolbox.
I'm cautiously optimistic that when all the spinning is done, what precipitates from this deal will actually be a net positive.
I agree, Jay's piece really underscores how critical it is for now that Democrats under-celebrate. And I, too, am cautiously optimistic. Despite the MVP provision, which I really, really hate.
You have galvanized me over and over again, thanks for all your hard work. Whenever possible, I'd be enormously grateful if you could send out word about an event - like today's Reproductive Justice webinar - early enough to make participation possible. It was just what I needed for talking points to take on a pain in the butt state senator! but alas, your letter arrived too late. Either way, I'm committed and focused, in no small way inspired by you.
Yes, I realize I did post that too late. I had so many great events to amplify last week this was the earliest I could get it in but you're not the only one who wanted to go and missed it. I'm going to try to get a link to a recording and if I do Ill put it in the newsletter ASAP. Thanks!
Ugh, I don't have TikTok nor Instagram. Bet it was a good video!
My two Senators (Kaine and Warner) don't seem to be aligned regarding the MVP. Senator Warner has committed to signing on to the bill with the MVP as part of it. Of course, Senator Kaine is said to be crafting an amendment to keep the MVP separate from the debt ceiling bill.
The below article gave an extended explanation for why Biden is in favor of granting the permits necessary to allow the MVP to proceed. Mostly, it seems, it has everything to do with keeping Manchin's Democratic seat in West Virginia in 2024.
Senator Kaine wrote me a long, detailed response regarding his part in the history of the MVP. Here is an excerpt: "As part of a bargain to ensure the passage of the historic Inflation Reduction Act, which I was proud to support as the biggest step the United States has ever taken to address climate change, Senate leadership agreed to take up separate legislation to ensure the completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP)..."For many years, I have received input from Virginians about the MVP. However, I was not consulted about this deal, and I did not support the pipeline provisions in it pertaining to the Mountain Valley Pipeline."
His full response was sent to me on May 23, 2023. Seems like it's all changed now.
I'm glad Mr. Frost is turning out to be a capable Congressman because I can't avoid a mental picture of Max Frost and the Troopers in 'Wild in the Streets' every time I hear his name.
Keep up the good work and keep searching for young candidates who will electrify the democratic party. We need young blood to keep up with the ever changing politics and counter the next move republicans make to threaten democracy.
That's why I talk up Run For Something at every possible opportunity.
Thank you for the link to Jay Kuo! I'm not familiar with his work - but I am now! 🤗 Very clear and level-headed.
He is a WONDERFUL read every time. Really recommend subscribing.
I did 😎
Thanks for the quick, encouraging summary of the "deal." As talks were languishing, I was advocating that President Biden invoke the 14th Amendment if necessary. I had confidence that he had a strategy, and it seems that he did. If the deal does fall apart, though, I hope he'll use the 14th to keep things going while Congress figures out how to actually do its job.
I was initially disappointed in President Biden's subdued speech, especially with McCarthy continuing his shenanigans, but Biden's response to a reporter's question about eliminating the debt ceiling restored my confidence that he's looking at the long game. With McCarthy, when all is said and done, there's almost always more said than done.
Jay Kuo's analysis is excellent (thanks for sharing), and I had similar thoughts as the news settled in. However, one of the reasons we're in this predicament is that we allow the Republicans to control our narrative. Laying low until the debt ceiling is de-debacled is a great short-term strategy, but we must make the Republicans pay for their abuse of their limited power, and the debt ceiling must be removed from their toolbox.
I'm cautiously optimistic that when all the spinning is done, what precipitates from this deal will actually be a net positive.
I agree, Jay's piece really underscores how critical it is for now that Democrats under-celebrate. And I, too, am cautiously optimistic. Despite the MVP provision, which I really, really hate.
Sounds like it may have been needed to gain support from Manchin. Let's hope it's not a sign of things to come.
You have galvanized me over and over again, thanks for all your hard work. Whenever possible, I'd be enormously grateful if you could send out word about an event - like today's Reproductive Justice webinar - early enough to make participation possible. It was just what I needed for talking points to take on a pain in the butt state senator! but alas, your letter arrived too late. Either way, I'm committed and focused, in no small way inspired by you.
Yes, I realize I did post that too late. I had so many great events to amplify last week this was the earliest I could get it in but you're not the only one who wanted to go and missed it. I'm going to try to get a link to a recording and if I do Ill put it in the newsletter ASAP. Thanks!
I tried twice to register for the abortion webinar, but never got a response. Will it be rebroadcast somewhere? Thanks. Susan
Oh no really? I will reach out and get a recording, then post it in the newsletter. Sorry about that!
Thanks so much . I really want to be better informed about this. I’m visiting Idaho and Montana this summer. 😊🙏
Ugh, I don't have TikTok nor Instagram. Bet it was a good video!
My two Senators (Kaine and Warner) don't seem to be aligned regarding the MVP. Senator Warner has committed to signing on to the bill with the MVP as part of it. Of course, Senator Kaine is said to be crafting an amendment to keep the MVP separate from the debt ceiling bill.
The below article gave an extended explanation for why Biden is in favor of granting the permits necessary to allow the MVP to proceed. Mostly, it seems, it has everything to do with keeping Manchin's Democratic seat in West Virginia in 2024.
https://cardinalnews.org/2023/05/30/manchin-gets-a-new-deal-on-the-mountain-valley-pipeline-in-the-debt-ceiling-bill-will-this-one-finally-stick/
Senator Kaine wrote me a long, detailed response regarding his part in the history of the MVP. Here is an excerpt: "As part of a bargain to ensure the passage of the historic Inflation Reduction Act, which I was proud to support as the biggest step the United States has ever taken to address climate change, Senate leadership agreed to take up separate legislation to ensure the completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP)..."For many years, I have received input from Virginians about the MVP. However, I was not consulted about this deal, and I did not support the pipeline provisions in it pertaining to the Mountain Valley Pipeline."
His full response was sent to me on May 23, 2023. Seems like it's all changed now.
That article is really helpful, thank you. And I think it's got it about right.
I'm glad Mr. Frost is turning out to be a capable Congressman because I can't avoid a mental picture of Max Frost and the Troopers in 'Wild in the Streets' every time I hear his name.