Hi, all, and happy Tuesday. There’s a lot going on; the Georgia indictments are huge news, and I trust you’ve read many excellent takes on them by now. Me, I’m going to be the one person who gives them (relatively) short shrift. Why? Because while these indictments are incredibly important to our democracy and the rule of law there is little, aside from messaging about them correctly (I have a section on that below) that we can
I couldn't agree more. The DOJs around the country have stepped up to do their job.
They can deal the crime family at the heart of MAGA.
We on the other hand have a landslide election victory to win in 2024..
The Dems can run on our current economic turnaround and good jobs in the USA, support for women's health, the return of America to world leadership, improving environmental policies, support for LGBTQ, and so on .
The GOP gets to run on support for a mob boss and his crime family..
If we don't see a landslide, we're not doing our job..👍
Definitely. I tell people that every second they are reading about or thinking about Trump is a second they could have been doing something to fix the problem. Or even just doing something pleasant that they enjoy. Lots of things to do beyond that.
The talking points are good. We must also emphasize that this story is being told by Trump insiders. They were the "people in the room", not democrats. This is not some democratic fable but a narrative told by the inner circle!
Thank you for this very honest, clear-eyed look at our current situation. We need to wrest power away from theMAGA crowd that has taken over the Republican Party. We have got to put all our energy into voting them out and reimagining the country we want.
Ciao Jessica, thanks. Once again you've nailed it. This is exactly the message that I needed to hear this morning. Even though there is so much that is out of my control, there are actions I can take every day to help shift the needle to democracy. This para in particular made me cry (in a good way) "That is what will not just save, but reform and reimagine the country we" love. That is what will destroy MAGA Republicanism. That is what will preserve our freedoms." So back to work on taking my daily actions and trusting that there are millions of us doing the same and that we will prevail in the end. Thanks again for everything you so! ps to Jessica's followers - if you know a student that will be studying abroad this year they can vote! Tell them to go to www.votefromabroad.org to request their overseas ballot.
For those of us who do not use (have never used) facebook, instagram, LinkedIn or twitter, is there a way to (a) view and read the Media Tool Kit, and (b) share it with others by e-mail? or (gasp!) by printing and mailing a copy?
I attended the Swing Blue Alliance Virginia "postcarding experiment" meeting this evening. It was very encouraging to hear the candidates in the target races give their elevator talks. The experimental design seems sound to me on the face of it (though I am not a social scientist by trade). Postcards will be sent to (presumed) Democrats that did not vote in all four of the most recent statewide elections, and to (presumed) non-partisan voters who did not vote in all four of those elections AND who are under 50 years of age. The trial group of 50,000 randomly selected voters across 170 separate precincts will receive standardized postcards (printed in Massachusetts) and a uniform hand-written message. The districts for these elections each have more (presumed) Democrats than (presumed) Republicans, but recently Republican candidates have won election due to higher turnout rates. This suggests opportunity to make a difference, which is good.
Fair warning, however -- so far I have not found it straightforward to determine how to sign up to get involved as an individual postcard-writer for this initiative. Swing Blue Alliance appears to be oriented around local "hosts" or organizers who pull together postcard-writing crews, and in this case (and perhaps others) they require use of their postcards (printed in Massachusetts) with minimum order of 300 postcards (at a cost of about $216 plus shipping costs). That is well outside of my comfort level financially, even with the hope of being reimbursed by whatever "crew" I could pull together (as suggested on the call). During the session someone mentioned a way to ask Swing Blue Alliance for help finding a local group who is working on this initiative, but the links posted in chat were not helpful in that regard. So....not sure whether this is one that I will be able to help with.
The session was recorded and the organizers said they would send a link to participants on the call.
I really liked the candidates a lot. I hope that they win their races.
Thank you so much for this breakdown, Bill. And sorry to steer you to an event discussing a campaign in which you aren't able to participate. I have ordered cards for my hub here in LA through SBA, but I order in the thousands as my hub is very large and active. I'd forgotten there was no real way for individuals to participate. Again, I hope I didn't waste your time! And today I will put the Postcards 4 VA campaign, which will be an excellent fit for you, in the newsletter.
SBA's Susan Labandibar cc'ed me on a message to someone at Markers for Democracy. It would be swell if I can get plugged into the rural Virginia SBA initiative via MfD, but perhaps it is even better to be reminded that living as I do on the cusp of NYC there are worlds of opportunity. Jessica, thanks, now and always.
Thanks Jessica,
I couldn't agree more. The DOJs around the country have stepped up to do their job.
They can deal the crime family at the heart of MAGA.
We on the other hand have a landslide election victory to win in 2024..
The Dems can run on our current economic turnaround and good jobs in the USA, support for women's health, the return of America to world leadership, improving environmental policies, support for LGBTQ, and so on .
The GOP gets to run on support for a mob boss and his crime family..
If we don't see a landslide, we're not doing our job..👍
Right on!
Thank you for the reminder that as engrossing as the details of the Trump stuff can be the real work we must engage in is elsewhere.
Definitely. I tell people that every second they are reading about or thinking about Trump is a second they could have been doing something to fix the problem. Or even just doing something pleasant that they enjoy. Lots of things to do beyond that.
Wow! Brava! That's a great reminder.
I completely agree. Many more productive things to do.
Yes to all of this!
Very welcome!
The talking points are good. We must also emphasize that this story is being told by Trump insiders. They were the "people in the room", not democrats. This is not some democratic fable but a narrative told by the inner circle!
Right!
Love your intro, Jessica. My sentiments exactly.
Thanks, Lynell.
Here's another opportunity to write postcards 4 Virginia. They make it easy to join and get started:
https://postcards4va.com/
Yes! I've put this in before and I will again. Great org.
Thank you for this very honest, clear-eyed look at our current situation. We need to wrest power away from theMAGA crowd that has taken over the Republican Party. We have got to put all our energy into voting them out and reimagining the country we want.
Yes. We do. And thank YOU.
Great message, Jess! We can't allow the chaos around the 4 indictments with 91 felony charges to distract us from the goal. Onward!
Writing more postcards for gun safety laws.
Thank you, Susan!
Thank you for your logical cogent advice.
You're welcome, Barbara! Thanks for reading it!
I never miss it! I’ve copied to friends.
Ciao Jessica, thanks. Once again you've nailed it. This is exactly the message that I needed to hear this morning. Even though there is so much that is out of my control, there are actions I can take every day to help shift the needle to democracy. This para in particular made me cry (in a good way) "That is what will not just save, but reform and reimagine the country we" love. That is what will destroy MAGA Republicanism. That is what will preserve our freedoms." So back to work on taking my daily actions and trusting that there are millions of us doing the same and that we will prevail in the end. Thanks again for everything you so! ps to Jessica's followers - if you know a student that will be studying abroad this year they can vote! Tell them to go to www.votefromabroad.org to request their overseas ballot.
Yes! And I still owe you a TikTok. I'm back from vacay and will make it this week. I'm VERY behind. (:
For those of us who do not use (have never used) facebook, instagram, LinkedIn or twitter, is there a way to (a) view and read the Media Tool Kit, and (b) share it with others by e-mail? or (gasp!) by printing and mailing a copy?
You can still view and read it--there may be an email possibility in there. You might explore it and see?
I attended the Swing Blue Alliance Virginia "postcarding experiment" meeting this evening. It was very encouraging to hear the candidates in the target races give their elevator talks. The experimental design seems sound to me on the face of it (though I am not a social scientist by trade). Postcards will be sent to (presumed) Democrats that did not vote in all four of the most recent statewide elections, and to (presumed) non-partisan voters who did not vote in all four of those elections AND who are under 50 years of age. The trial group of 50,000 randomly selected voters across 170 separate precincts will receive standardized postcards (printed in Massachusetts) and a uniform hand-written message. The districts for these elections each have more (presumed) Democrats than (presumed) Republicans, but recently Republican candidates have won election due to higher turnout rates. This suggests opportunity to make a difference, which is good.
Fair warning, however -- so far I have not found it straightforward to determine how to sign up to get involved as an individual postcard-writer for this initiative. Swing Blue Alliance appears to be oriented around local "hosts" or organizers who pull together postcard-writing crews, and in this case (and perhaps others) they require use of their postcards (printed in Massachusetts) with minimum order of 300 postcards (at a cost of about $216 plus shipping costs). That is well outside of my comfort level financially, even with the hope of being reimbursed by whatever "crew" I could pull together (as suggested on the call). During the session someone mentioned a way to ask Swing Blue Alliance for help finding a local group who is working on this initiative, but the links posted in chat were not helpful in that regard. So....not sure whether this is one that I will be able to help with.
The session was recorded and the organizers said they would send a link to participants on the call.
I really liked the candidates a lot. I hope that they win their races.
After posting this comment -- of course -- I found a place to post an inquiry about local events /organizers == https://swingbluealliance.org/write-postcards/
Thank you so much for this breakdown, Bill. And sorry to steer you to an event discussing a campaign in which you aren't able to participate. I have ordered cards for my hub here in LA through SBA, but I order in the thousands as my hub is very large and active. I'd forgotten there was no real way for individuals to participate. Again, I hope I didn't waste your time! And today I will put the Postcards 4 VA campaign, which will be an excellent fit for you, in the newsletter.
SBA's Susan Labandibar cc'ed me on a message to someone at Markers for Democracy. It would be swell if I can get plugged into the rural Virginia SBA initiative via MfD, but perhaps it is even better to be reminded that living as I do on the cusp of NYC there are worlds of opportunity. Jessica, thanks, now and always.