Last year you wrote about Onondaga County (NY) legislature flipping blue. This year Oswego County has 17 Dem candidates for legislature- attempting to flip the county leg blue for the first time in 60 years. Usually we have 1 or 2 Dems and 22-23 Republicans. It's a tough uphill battle. We are also lucky enough to have Alissa Ellman running against MAGA Claudia Tenney for Congress. We have a good shot !!
Jess, kudos for your initiative! Question: what is your criteria for “Progressive?” Mine is simple: upfront voiced rejection of the Israel lobby like Donavan McKinney in Chicago and of course, Mamdani. Both paragons of straightforward values comparisons and unequivocal dedication to constituent needs.
Out of curiosity, why does rejection of Israel take such a priority? I feel like the subtext of demands for opposing Israel is that it takes priority over defeating Republicans. Not in the nebulous question of "electability" during primaries, but during the general election when if the Democrats loses, a MAGA stooge takes power.
Israel trained and continues to train ICE. All of the major Metropolitan Police Department in the United States have been trained by Israel. Including Richmond. The Virginia Israel advisory board for example perpetuates violations of international law using Virginia taxpayer money to obtain grants and do not represent any constituents in Virginia. The head of their board is a former IDF. The overwhelming influence of AIPAC in the US Congress goes far beyond political lines spending millions of dollars to defeat candidates. The saturation of our politics by Zionist Israeli influences include Israel manufacturing of arms by Israeli companies such as ELBIT. Public Surveillance, Arms manufacturing, pollution violations of DEQ regulations, the platform for data centers. The list would take pages.
And stretches for decades not just in politics but an economic manipulation. Not a matter of political parties.
As a hobbyist on understanding propaganda and conspiracy theories, I had not expected something like out of Glenn Beck or some other right wing nonsense. Yes, AIPAC, Israel, and Netanyahu are terrible, but the fact you've decided there is some massive web of Israeli influence that is makes them responsible for ICE, police brutality, data centers, and everything else you've thrown in, that's resurrecting "dual loyalty," "Israel controls the economy," "international Israeli conspiracy," and "Zionists control the US government." If you don't recognize those, I'd suggest learning the roots of those and think carefully about whether you really ought to trust groups saying the exact same thing
Can we recommend candidates who are less progressive than we would like but the alternative is a DSA aligned candidate who takes positions that Fox News normally have to lie about Democrats wanting? E.g. Defund the police, open borders, unilateral lifting of sanctions on Iran, that type of thing?
I would hope so, if we don’t let in people who are not exactly on our page, we will lose to the Republicans because they’re organized, we can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Good question,Derek.Sharing this from Meidas Touch/Ron Filopowski for those unaware…
The DSA Fox Interview
Question four turned to the Democratic Socialists of America and a much-discussed Fox News interview given by the group’s vice chair. Ron admits he was surprised the DSA agreed to go on Fox at all, and more surprised by how readily its vice chair confirmed, on the record and without hedging, a list of positions from the party’s actual platform: abolishing the Senate, replacing the presidency and the Supreme Court, eliminating borders entirely with automatic amnesty and citizenship for anyone currently in the country, defunding the Defense Department to the point of dissolving the military, abolishing prisons outright, and having the government seize ownership of most large corporations. Ron notes that he and many others have spent real energy defending DSA candidates against lazy “communist” smears, pointing instead to their popular, affordability-focused messaging on kitchen-table issues. That defense gets harder, he argues, once a party official is on camera enthusiastically owning positions that sound less like European-style democratic socialism and more like something further left — and doing so without a hint of wanting to walk any of it back. Ron’s assessment is that a handful of these positions poll in the 10-20% range nationally, which is a ceiling, not a coalition, and a serious problem if DSA wants to grow beyond a fringe faction inside the Democratic Party rather than become one.
Thanks for sharing this since I don’t have a paid subscription.
And HOLY FUCK is this my worst fears about the DSA. Whether its hubris, arrogance, an attempt to sabotage the Democratic party and progressives, incompetence, or narcissim, they are the right wing’s wet dream for what they can now declare Democrats stand for.
Add to that their Platner gaslighting, incompetence, and nearly handing Collins a reelection victory on a silver platter, I can only pray sensible people like Mamdani, AOC, and (hopefully) Sanders consider this a 5 alarm fire they have to intervene on, denouncing the DSA and either threaten to leave, or don’t threaten and just leave, setting up an alternative (and politically competent) progressive leadership organization.
This is great news. I’m in Montana until after Labor Day with limited WiFi access. But I’m keeping up as best I can by doing a lot of reading. There are lots of folks here that don’t know about Substack and all the grassroots activity. I try to educate them whenever I can. One conversation at a time. I just finished Stuart Steven’s book, It Was All A Lie, about the Republican Party. Stevens used to be a Republican strategist. He left when Trump was elected. It’s a very good, 200 page read.
In Vermont, the democratic primary for Governor is August 11th. The Progressive candidate, Amanda Janoo is running against Aly Richardson who is much more of a centrist Dem. Highly recommend recommending Amanda!
Hi Jess. I know you’ll be supporting many excellent candidates. I wanted to add one if I could: Pam Delancy is running for Congress in Georgia’s Tenth District (the seat held by Mike Collins who is running against Jon Ossoff). Pam is up against a MAGA unqualified man who is heavily supported by the Georgia GOP. He stands toe to toe with Trump. Pam threw her name in the ring in the primary at the very last minute and with just 9k, managed to win. But, she’s running in a very gerrymandered district that has been notoriously red. She is a retired Army Colonel with 39 years in the military—the last 6 in the Pentagon writing health care policy for soldiers and veterans. Her progressive policies lean heavily on health care for all and affordability. She also supports a fair and just immigration policy. When challenged about where we will get the funds for universal health care, she responds, “We got the money out of thin air for this illegal war and for unnecessary ballrooms, we can find the money for the people.” I hope you will consider her. Let me know if you’d like more information.
Take a look at Elizabeth Lee AZ CD5, to replace Andy Biggs. She will run against Trump-endorsed Mark Lamb, former rogue sheriff hounded by sex scandals. Lee has created an astonishing huge and inclusive grass roots coalition, she takes NO PAC money, she needs everyone’s help!
Sorry to say that, I am sort of in the thick of it in Texas. My house representative is Wesley Hunt (the sponsor of the Hunt amendment). He’s been getting an earful from me on this. What a complete horror show that is!
Secondly, John Corman is one of my senators. Every message I leave for him ends with, “ you owe Donald Trump. Nothing… He kicked your feet out from under you.” I’ve also been leaving messages about Todd Blanche, reminding him that he has a duty to his constituents and not to a guy who thinks he’s the president’s lawyer. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that somebody from Texas is needling these jackasses.
Please uplift Jeromie Whalen who is a progessive running against Richie Neal in Massachusetts. Whalen has excellent ideas and they are all laid out on his campaign page- no hiding
WHY? Why would the DNC want to ban RCV??!! It should be the national form of voting!!! How could they say they want the people to be represented and then ban the best way to get there?! (Besides the very ability to vote!)
Please check out a progressive, young Democrat Jarrett Keohokalole who is running in HI-01 congressional district in Hawai`i to defeat Democrat (?) Rep. Ed Case, who has voted far too many times as though he were a Republican over the past 20 years. Hawai`i needs better!
Last year you wrote about Onondaga County (NY) legislature flipping blue. This year Oswego County has 17 Dem candidates for legislature- attempting to flip the county leg blue for the first time in 60 years. Usually we have 1 or 2 Dems and 22-23 Republicans. It's a tough uphill battle. We are also lucky enough to have Alissa Ellman running against MAGA Claudia Tenney for Congress. We have a good shot !!
That’s great, Amy!
I
Jess, kudos for your initiative! Question: what is your criteria for “Progressive?” Mine is simple: upfront voiced rejection of the Israel lobby like Donavan McKinney in Chicago and of course, Mamdani. Both paragons of straightforward values comparisons and unequivocal dedication to constituent needs.
Out of curiosity, why does rejection of Israel take such a priority? I feel like the subtext of demands for opposing Israel is that it takes priority over defeating Republicans. Not in the nebulous question of "electability" during primaries, but during the general election when if the Democrats loses, a MAGA stooge takes power.
Israel trained and continues to train ICE. All of the major Metropolitan Police Department in the United States have been trained by Israel. Including Richmond. The Virginia Israel advisory board for example perpetuates violations of international law using Virginia taxpayer money to obtain grants and do not represent any constituents in Virginia. The head of their board is a former IDF. The overwhelming influence of AIPAC in the US Congress goes far beyond political lines spending millions of dollars to defeat candidates. The saturation of our politics by Zionist Israeli influences include Israel manufacturing of arms by Israeli companies such as ELBIT. Public Surveillance, Arms manufacturing, pollution violations of DEQ regulations, the platform for data centers. The list would take pages.
And stretches for decades not just in politics but an economic manipulation. Not a matter of political parties.
As a hobbyist on understanding propaganda and conspiracy theories, I had not expected something like out of Glenn Beck or some other right wing nonsense. Yes, AIPAC, Israel, and Netanyahu are terrible, but the fact you've decided there is some massive web of Israeli influence that is makes them responsible for ICE, police brutality, data centers, and everything else you've thrown in, that's resurrecting "dual loyalty," "Israel controls the economy," "international Israeli conspiracy," and "Zionists control the US government." If you don't recognize those, I'd suggest learning the roots of those and think carefully about whether you really ought to trust groups saying the exact same thing
Thank you for sharing our work again!
We're the Burning River Brigade!
Can we recommend candidates who are less progressive than we would like but the alternative is a DSA aligned candidate who takes positions that Fox News normally have to lie about Democrats wanting? E.g. Defund the police, open borders, unilateral lifting of sanctions on Iran, that type of thing?
I would hope so, if we don’t let in people who are not exactly on our page, we will lose to the Republicans because they’re organized, we can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Good question,Derek.Sharing this from Meidas Touch/Ron Filopowski for those unaware…
The DSA Fox Interview
Question four turned to the Democratic Socialists of America and a much-discussed Fox News interview given by the group’s vice chair. Ron admits he was surprised the DSA agreed to go on Fox at all, and more surprised by how readily its vice chair confirmed, on the record and without hedging, a list of positions from the party’s actual platform: abolishing the Senate, replacing the presidency and the Supreme Court, eliminating borders entirely with automatic amnesty and citizenship for anyone currently in the country, defunding the Defense Department to the point of dissolving the military, abolishing prisons outright, and having the government seize ownership of most large corporations. Ron notes that he and many others have spent real energy defending DSA candidates against lazy “communist” smears, pointing instead to their popular, affordability-focused messaging on kitchen-table issues. That defense gets harder, he argues, once a party official is on camera enthusiastically owning positions that sound less like European-style democratic socialism and more like something further left — and doing so without a hint of wanting to walk any of it back. Ron’s assessment is that a handful of these positions poll in the 10-20% range nationally, which is a ceiling, not a coalition, and a serious problem if DSA wants to grow beyond a fringe faction inside the Democratic Party rather than become one.
https://meidastouch.substack.com/p/ask-the-editor-in-chief-barrons-silence?
Thanks for sharing this since I don’t have a paid subscription.
And HOLY FUCK is this my worst fears about the DSA. Whether its hubris, arrogance, an attempt to sabotage the Democratic party and progressives, incompetence, or narcissim, they are the right wing’s wet dream for what they can now declare Democrats stand for.
Add to that their Platner gaslighting, incompetence, and nearly handing Collins a reelection victory on a silver platter, I can only pray sensible people like Mamdani, AOC, and (hopefully) Sanders consider this a 5 alarm fire they have to intervene on, denouncing the DSA and either threaten to leave, or don’t threaten and just leave, setting up an alternative (and politically competent) progressive leadership organization.
This is great news. I’m in Montana until after Labor Day with limited WiFi access. But I’m keeping up as best I can by doing a lot of reading. There are lots of folks here that don’t know about Substack and all the grassroots activity. I try to educate them whenever I can. One conversation at a time. I just finished Stuart Steven’s book, It Was All A Lie, about the Republican Party. Stevens used to be a Republican strategist. He left when Trump was elected. It’s a very good, 200 page read.
In Vermont, the democratic primary for Governor is August 11th. The Progressive candidate, Amanda Janoo is running against Aly Richardson who is much more of a centrist Dem. Highly recommend recommending Amanda!
RESTACK ALL THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION... Especially NOW!!
Hi Jess. I know you’ll be supporting many excellent candidates. I wanted to add one if I could: Pam Delancy is running for Congress in Georgia’s Tenth District (the seat held by Mike Collins who is running against Jon Ossoff). Pam is up against a MAGA unqualified man who is heavily supported by the Georgia GOP. He stands toe to toe with Trump. Pam threw her name in the ring in the primary at the very last minute and with just 9k, managed to win. But, she’s running in a very gerrymandered district that has been notoriously red. She is a retired Army Colonel with 39 years in the military—the last 6 in the Pentagon writing health care policy for soldiers and veterans. Her progressive policies lean heavily on health care for all and affordability. She also supports a fair and just immigration policy. When challenged about where we will get the funds for universal health care, she responds, “We got the money out of thin air for this illegal war and for unnecessary ballrooms, we can find the money for the people.” I hope you will consider her. Let me know if you’d like more information.
Take a look at Elizabeth Lee AZ CD5, to replace Andy Biggs. She will run against Trump-endorsed Mark Lamb, former rogue sheriff hounded by sex scandals. Lee has created an astonishing huge and inclusive grass roots coalition, she takes NO PAC money, she needs everyone’s help!
Sorry to say that, I am sort of in the thick of it in Texas. My house representative is Wesley Hunt (the sponsor of the Hunt amendment). He’s been getting an earful from me on this. What a complete horror show that is!
Secondly, John Corman is one of my senators. Every message I leave for him ends with, “ you owe Donald Trump. Nothing… He kicked your feet out from under you.” I’ve also been leaving messages about Todd Blanche, reminding him that he has a duty to his constituents and not to a guy who thinks he’s the president’s lawyer. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that somebody from Texas is needling these jackasses.
Enjoy your vacation, Jess
Dammit, that should’ve read John Cornyn… Boo on AutoCorrect
Please uplift Jeromie Whalen who is a progessive running against Richie Neal in Massachusetts. Whalen has excellent ideas and they are all laid out on his campaign page- no hiding
I heard about Jeromie from an activist friend who lives in his district and donated to support him.
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Let us help! Will you share any details at hello[at]sway[dot]co?
WHY? Why would the DNC want to ban RCV??!! It should be the national form of voting!!! How could they say they want the people to be represented and then ban the best way to get there?! (Besides the very ability to vote!)
Please check out a progressive, young Democrat Jarrett Keohokalole who is running in HI-01 congressional district in Hawai`i to defeat Democrat (?) Rep. Ed Case, who has voted far too many times as though he were a Republican over the past 20 years. Hawai`i needs better!
Thanks, Jess!!!!
It took me a half dozen tries, but I was determined to sign up for Sway.
How do we have a local candidate from my district in California?
Jackie Elward for State Representative for Sonoma and Marin Counties.