I'm launching this Substack because I want a Democratic Party that fights hard for working people, gets shit done, and doesn’t lose its soul while standing up to Trump and everything he represents.
The right can’t claim it. They don’t even live it. You have to actually give a shit about people to mean it.
Plus, I just checked that out. From Wikipedia: “Tea Party protests evoked images, slogans and themes from the American Revolution, such as tri-corner hats and yellow Gadsden ‘Don't Tread on Me’ flags. The letters T-E-A have been used by some protesters to form the backronym "Taxed Enough Already.” I didn’t see anything elsewhere that shows We The People is a Tea Party co-opted phrase.
Yes, something with an action verb in it would be good. In that light compare and contrast “Make America great again” with “better together”. Hillary had an admirable sentiment, but trumps was more evocative to more people.
Instead of promoting SUPERIORITY like MAGA does (make America GREAT again), why not MAKA (make America KIND again), or MACA (make America CARE again)... Instead of macadamias, MACA-Democrats...
Guys, thanks for the ideas. Really. And please don’t take this the wrong way, but I think we’re way past brainstorming a slogan. Time to pick and move forward. WE THE PEOPLE. It’s the first three words of The Constitution. It’s the foundation of those founding principles. Cut and run.
You can get yourself a tee shirt that says it on Amazon for a mere $15. Don’t like Amazon? It’s available a zillion other places.
Welcome to the fight, as for your intentions, right the f:$;k on! We need to stop this endless cycle of playing nice while the rethugs are playing fast and loose. I’m a huge fan of Mallory, AOC, Bernie, Jasmine, and a few others exactly because they are willing to bring the fight to rethugs and they don’t ask for permission. Oh yeah, David Hogg! I’m tired of a dem party that seems more interested in circling the wagons than fighting. Circling the wagons just makes it easier to burn them all and trying to play fair with lying cheaters will ALWAYS be a lost cause.
Mike, I'm glad you're on Substack because people need a way to reach Democratic advisors and get word to the party. Clearly, writing to and calling senators and congresspeople isn't working. My friends, my colleagues, and I are so frustrated. Lots of us have energy and money to contribute, but the Democratic Party is not giving us a place to put either where we have any confidence it will be well-used.
I'm a frequent contributor to Democratic candidates, but I've been discouraged by the Democrats' lack of a plan and lack of unity. Until there's a clear plan and some unity around opposing Trump, Musk, and GOP bills and nominees at every turn, I'm not contributing another penny, and I am not alone.
Why are our senators and reps voting "yes" on anything the GOP proposes? Why are some Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, my rep, Angela Alsobrooks, and others voting "yes" on any GOP bill or to confirm GOP nominees? We realize that the Dems are not in the majority, but use the minority vote to send a clear message that we don't approve of anything the GOP is doing. It's not time for fine-tuning and filtering. If you want to energize a dispirited constituency, don't act like "we have to cooperate, but we'll take it back at the midterms." There's no business-as-usual. We're not sure how much of our democracy is going to be left by the midterms.
Democratic constituents are showing up at rallies and marches, writing to their senators and reps and calling, but we don't see the party responding in a forceful manner. If Nancy Pelosi could come back 15 years younger, I would pray for her return to unify at least one part of the legislative branch. That woman knew how to summon party discipline when it mattered. (I'm in
my early 70s and still working. This isn't an ageist comment. It's a realistic comment.)
Pull the leadership together on a party retreat and figure this out. Trump/Mush have already done so much damage. If it all stopped now, it would still take years to approach recovery.
I agree with the positive comments about Nancy Pelosi in the posts above - she was, and probably still is, the smartest and most effective politician the Dems have ever had! However, I also think she has done her service to this country (admirably!) and we should let her step back a bit at this time of her life.
We need to find someone close to her abilities to pull the Dems out of the hole they've dug themselves. That means new leaders with new "Endless Energy!" I'm 81, a lifelong Dem, but have stopped giving to the Party because of its lackluster performance, and its weakness. While I don't want the Democratic Party to become like the Goppers in the way of lies, secrets, bowing to tRump and his oligarchs, hurtful to the most needy and neglected by legislative action, etc. I think the Dems need to start standing up for what policies they stand for and believe in. We need a new leader who can corral the divided party so that we can reign in and hopefully put a big brake on this current Administration in 2026! We know the GOP is trying to activate as much of Project 2025 before 2026 and, as mentioned above, so much damage has already been done that we will still suffer from the after effects for years to come. We need to get going right now and make sure 2026 goes as we hope! I do give to individual candidates that I support throughout the country, but as a single, retired, former secretary, I am limited in funds. (Please allow me to continue as an unpaid subscriber!) I'm hearing the words I've been sending to the Party and legislators, both statewide and nationwide, for several years now without any changes. Messaging is terrible, constant asking for more money without showing any purpose other than trying to catch up to the GOP, the division in the Party is damaging, etc. I'm hoping that the horrors of the present day are the needed spark to ignite a groundswell of political education/participation/action in this country. Dems failing to bother to vote is unforgivable!
Thanks Robert! I'm hoping we can build and mobilize a community that fix what's broken in the party and stop the worst of what Trump is trying to do. Glad you're in the fight.
Sorry, hit send before I finished. So reaching that 2-3% in the middle that flip flops each election is part of the answer along with non-voters. If you can solve that equation you will be the winner! I’ll follow and act where I can. Best of luck!
About 5-6 million of us nationwide. We’ve been at this a few years now and some may feel rudderless but most are excited to see our DC leaders catching up with our activism and work. These rivers run strong and deep and IMHO are the reason we didn’t get fully shellacked by numbers at 2024. We lost, yes but it was not a landslide. Our millions did amazing work and IMO held back a red wave landslide, made them work hard for their wins and showed up 74 million strong against enormous odds for prez election. We lost yes, but mightily survived to fight again and even harder now against even more enormous odds. Definitely it’s an “ all hands on deck” time. I am so proud of all the work we did to hold off the opposition last time; now we’re called to do more. We raised millions in our Hopium Community, helped get 7 of our down ballot candidates elected, 2 Govenor’s and a couple of State Supreme Court justices.
We’ve been a learning, sharing community which has made the most of what our leader Simon has taught us as a mentor. There’s a plethora of other groups too doing the most they can do to save our democracy too.
You seem to be offering a similar learning, sharing focus in your specific area of knowledge. Thank you for that and welcome🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸
While I wholeheartedly support you and your views, my severe health issues ans poor finances preclude spending on mostly everything except essentials at this time. The Democratic Party needs to wake up and start listening to the progressive people not the wealthy donors if it is to ever recover it's legitimacy again.
Unfortunately, I don't have the money to support you, but I do support anyone who is working to make much needed changes to the Democratic Party. It's disgraceful that David Hogg has been challenged, when what he is asking for is what most of the base wants...actually, I would say the base does want those who have not fought for progressive change to be challenged. It is time for leaders like Pelosi, Schumer, Clyburn to step down. Furthermore, I hope the DNC will be forced to have a platform that opposes all corporate or PAC donations. The party cannot serve both the base voters and donors at the same time; trying to straddle this wide gap is a major reason why voters like me (and I'm 75) have lost all faith in Democrats.
I love Nancy Pelosi, lived in her district for 12 years, and frankly, there is no more effective and accomplished politician alive today. That said, it's time for her to go. Her Democratic party is finished. She fought the good fight and was beaten by Trump harnessing new energy and reaching a new constituency (one that we don't like very well; nevertheless...). We will not win the future if we keep fighting the past.
I don't limit to Pelosi, either. Schumer should resign. Clyburn should resign. It's not like there would suddenly be a vacuum in leadership; we haven't had a leader since at least the election, and in reality, it's been years. As Grandma said, "Lead, follow or get out of the way."
Not a bad rebuke, Houser. I think that I did not include Clyburn and Schumer because it would feel like giving up. Well, that's just what it is. But you are right.
Yesterday, I watched Sen. Chris Van Hollen heatedly respond to Rubio's dumb defense of his master's positions. I want to see more of that coming from the democrats, but they (as much of America) seem to be overwhelmed by the fascistic powers of persuasion. Thank Grandma for me.
I'm very glad to read your words and feel your fire. I'm in the fight too, though at 79 years old I don't think I should have to march in the streets, but here I am. I'm getting new signs ready for the next protest. :D I need exercise anyway.
Just a couple of thoughts (I tend to ramble, sorry). First, I'm not sure Democrats are bad at messaging, we're bad at cutting through the garbage spewing from the right-wing noise machine so that people HEAR the message. They have a bullhorn to yell into and an airhorn to drown us out. When people actually hear Democratic policies, they like them. I think we have to break that wall somehow.
Also, the depressing truth is that they're not going to stop. They'll keep pumping out lies, threats, and outrageous claims 24/7/365. They're trying to wear us out. I think we have to allocate resources among issues that really need extreme pushback, and those that should be recognized, but can be handled later, or without so much energy.
However, I DO NOT think we can afford to remain silent on ANY issue, no matter how outlandish. From taking back the Canal to invading Greenland, we need to recognize these as actual threats and act accordingly. Some of these are empty remarks made by a goon who needs constant validation, some are actually under consideration, some are distractions, and some will be withdrawn. We need to find the strength to move on every single one of these, instead of "laughing" them off. Let's assume he's planning to do what he says, and shove it back down his throat.
This requires a lot of people remaining engaged, which I don't believe is realistic. I know I have to quit reading all the alarming emails I get or I find myself spiraling into depression.
I suggest you:
Assemble iron-spined associates who can deal with the constant spew of filth from their firehose. Have someone keep track of Ukraine; someone else looks at senior issues like Social Security; someone else tracks LGBTQ issues; someone else does trans stuff, someone else looks at foreign policy, a team keeps an eye on the Congressional Republicans, someone with a strong stomach chronicles the disaster in Gaza, an eagle-eyed expert watches the Cabinet, etc. No one person needs to try and keep up with this intolerable flood of garbage, instead you have a team, each one dealing with just one area of the regime.
I think you'll find a lot of willing helpers here, but you have to understand (you probably already do) that most of us are hanging onto every cent. We-at least I--can't throw hundreds of dollars at you and everyone else (Field Team 6, VoteVets, Indivisible etc.), so I think what we need are concrete suggestions on how to make a difference. I call and email my senators and representative relentlessly, but it's not enough. And I don't know how to reach others who are unaware of what's happening, or have bought into the lie that both parties are the same.
Sorry not sorry for the length of this message--you're a breath of fresh air. I'm looking forward to your ideas.
Thanks for doing. When my cash flow improves after paying my taxes will try to support you. Also wish so many of the voices like yours cld combine as paid substack membership( I have a number) can take a bite.
In my view, what’s needed by the Democrats and everyone else is facing the facts of the moment and coming up with the government’s role in fixing it. For starters, the Democrats should drop the progressive, moderate , left vs right labels. Then, they should present a strategic battle plan based on their assessment of the issues.
As a society, all of us are guilty of abandoning the working class in so many ways. We’ve we’ve had our heads in the sands, still riding the post WW2 train that a college degree is your ticket to jobs and success.
I’m a moderate who believes progressives and moderates need to work together like you describe. We’re on a shaky raft IMO and we need to get to land together to show up for the fight. It gets old hearing one group or the other say there’s one way only. Nancy P did and now Hakeem is unifying his group; that’s what needed here. Less about who needs to “ win” their way and more about how we get there together. The Democratic party is the only one fighting to save our democracy right now; how do we support it with our activism? Unity, power, needed changes- dig for our powers and use them.
You’re “spot on” Irene .Regarding the working class, I just wish there could be a conversation about creating some off ramps to the prescribed need to get a college degree for two reasons. Personally, I saw the downside of it. My immigrant Irish parents were hellbent that all 5 of us should go to college but it wasn’t the right path for a couple of us. Those brothers were just as smart in different ways; ended up as very successful skilled craftsmen that called for analytical and observation skills well above mine for sure and made more money than liberal arts grad like me.
Second, I saw the talents and commitments of those in apprentice programs at the Fortune 500 manufacturing company where I worked. All the big companies back in the day had sought after apprentice programs and it erased the implicit bias that you weren’t smart if you weren’t headed to college, a prevailing opinion still.
With automation and technology, so many entry level positions no longer exist like product assembly and inspection. I saw it as it happened when product lines that once had an Inspection group and assembly team were wiped out by sophisticated machines.These were jobs on the low rung of the skill ladder but they gave access to pay and benefits that provided a ticket to supporting your family, buying a house and the promise of retirement income. Of course the corporate safety net for employees is non- existent today.
The democrats should look at what the working class really needs.The government should offer grants to cities and towns that want to expand or create technical high schools. It should offer incentives to companies to create paying apprentice programs for today’s market. We’ve left workers blowing in the wind after inevitable automation and technology took their jobs. We owe it to the young in the pipeline to offer them a path to whatever the jobs ahead.
It’s interesting what we know and don’t know about depending where we live. We’ve been fortunate to live in an area where technical courses are available so not aware of “desert” areas until recently. I’ve always been taught more education is beneficial. However I’ve known plenty of bright /brilliant people who chose not to go to college or couldn’t go.
I realized recently the animus this has created and I’m of mixed opinions about that animus. For example: I wanted to surf but I couldn’t swim good enough but I can’t blame that on other surfers.
I’ve never felt sorry for or superior to people w/o a college degree. My mom went to 3rd grade and my dad to 8th and they were darn smart people in my world. They just pushed us forever onward. Sad such a desert or grievance area exits. Work hard and excel however you choose would be my motto. I agree opportunities need to exist to offer choices. I still wish I had learned to swim better so I could surf!
I grew up in Minnesota. We had the DFL rather than Democrats. I shook Senator Humphrey's hand once! The DFL/Democratic Party I know has been about making lives better for all of us. Jobs, food, health and health care, treating each other with respect, helping people succeed--clear goals. The Democratic Party I see today has been amplifying fringe voices. I hope this Substack understands that fringes lose election after election.
Thanks for getting your voice out there.... Liking your strategies... Keep doing this, I can see how you can speak well to those on the 'other side'.... Engagement is a key...
I am glad for your intentions in this space, Mike Nellis. While you are at it, can you raise up another Democratic advisor like yourself eager to hear voters from the West Coast, also Nevada, Utah, Arizona and the Rocky Mountain states. We need to hear from EVERYBODY, not just the East Coast and Midwest and South. Thank you for all you do! Lesley from the wonderful Willamette Valley in Oregon (no, not "Will-mette'," that's "Will-lam'-ette, damm-it!") :-)
Hey when you think about rising Democratic voices, please keep Jeff Jackson in mind. The North Carolina Attorney General has a big future ahead of him, for the benefit of us all.
Very glad you are doing this. Dems are lagging- apart from a few wonderful activists- and the stories about aides sheltering Biden and preventing him from having open contact so that others could assess his mental status have me furious. They lost the election for us. Biden was a terrific president for two years or so and am sad and sorry for him. But furious at his family and Politburo.
I’m an advertising person too. Democrats haven’t even come up with a usable slogan. I’ve got one. Actually, we’ve got one.
We The People.
Yes, the party is bad at slogans imho
The party is bad at messaging in general. I'm anxious to hear your thoughts as to how we can improve.
I like WeThePeople.
I don’t know what it would be like if we could get corporations and billionaires out of the way. Thank you 🙏
We the People is the Tea Party slogan. They helped to get us in the mess we’re in today..
Personally I like reclaiming stuff from the right
Haha, they hate that too. Womp womp!
The right can’t claim it. They don’t even live it. You have to actually give a shit about people to mean it.
Plus, I just checked that out. From Wikipedia: “Tea Party protests evoked images, slogans and themes from the American Revolution, such as tri-corner hats and yellow Gadsden ‘Don't Tread on Me’ flags. The letters T-E-A have been used by some protesters to form the backronym "Taxed Enough Already.” I didn’t see anything elsewhere that shows We The People is a Tea Party co-opted phrase.
I’m using it.
How about "Free The People" instead?
Yes, something with an action verb in it would be good. In that light compare and contrast “Make America great again” with “better together”. Hillary had an admirable sentiment, but trumps was more evocative to more people.
Instead of promoting SUPERIORITY like MAGA does (make America GREAT again), why not MAKA (make America KIND again), or MACA (make America CARE again)... Instead of macadamias, MACA-Democrats...
Hi! How about, "We the Prople, pay the tariffs"...
Guys, thanks for the ideas. Really. And please don’t take this the wrong way, but I think we’re way past brainstorming a slogan. Time to pick and move forward. WE THE PEOPLE. It’s the first three words of The Constitution. It’s the foundation of those founding principles. Cut and run.
You can get yourself a tee shirt that says it on Amazon for a mere $15. Don’t like Amazon? It’s available a zillion other places.
We The People Founding Fathers Constitution American T-Shirt https://a.co/d/domzFVe
We the people. Wear it. Share it. Live it.
Absolutely
Zaley, we need that and more. We The People do what? Curl up and pull the comforter over our heads?
And one obvious question the Republicans are trying to resolve in favor of whiteness and maleness is who We are.
Welcome to the fight, as for your intentions, right the f:$;k on! We need to stop this endless cycle of playing nice while the rethugs are playing fast and loose. I’m a huge fan of Mallory, AOC, Bernie, Jasmine, and a few others exactly because they are willing to bring the fight to rethugs and they don’t ask for permission. Oh yeah, David Hogg! I’m tired of a dem party that seems more interested in circling the wagons than fighting. Circling the wagons just makes it easier to burn them all and trying to play fair with lying cheaters will ALWAYS be a lost cause.
Mike, I'm glad you're on Substack because people need a way to reach Democratic advisors and get word to the party. Clearly, writing to and calling senators and congresspeople isn't working. My friends, my colleagues, and I are so frustrated. Lots of us have energy and money to contribute, but the Democratic Party is not giving us a place to put either where we have any confidence it will be well-used.
I'm a frequent contributor to Democratic candidates, but I've been discouraged by the Democrats' lack of a plan and lack of unity. Until there's a clear plan and some unity around opposing Trump, Musk, and GOP bills and nominees at every turn, I'm not contributing another penny, and I am not alone.
Why are our senators and reps voting "yes" on anything the GOP proposes? Why are some Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, my rep, Angela Alsobrooks, and others voting "yes" on any GOP bill or to confirm GOP nominees? We realize that the Dems are not in the majority, but use the minority vote to send a clear message that we don't approve of anything the GOP is doing. It's not time for fine-tuning and filtering. If you want to energize a dispirited constituency, don't act like "we have to cooperate, but we'll take it back at the midterms." There's no business-as-usual. We're not sure how much of our democracy is going to be left by the midterms.
Democratic constituents are showing up at rallies and marches, writing to their senators and reps and calling, but we don't see the party responding in a forceful manner. If Nancy Pelosi could come back 15 years younger, I would pray for her return to unify at least one part of the legislative branch. That woman knew how to summon party discipline when it mattered. (I'm in
my early 70s and still working. This isn't an ageist comment. It's a realistic comment.)
Pull the leadership together on a party retreat and figure this out. Trump/Mush have already done so much damage. If it all stopped now, it would still take years to approach recovery.
Mush was a typo but I kind of like it.
I agree with the positive comments about Nancy Pelosi in the posts above - she was, and probably still is, the smartest and most effective politician the Dems have ever had! However, I also think she has done her service to this country (admirably!) and we should let her step back a bit at this time of her life.
We need to find someone close to her abilities to pull the Dems out of the hole they've dug themselves. That means new leaders with new "Endless Energy!" I'm 81, a lifelong Dem, but have stopped giving to the Party because of its lackluster performance, and its weakness. While I don't want the Democratic Party to become like the Goppers in the way of lies, secrets, bowing to tRump and his oligarchs, hurtful to the most needy and neglected by legislative action, etc. I think the Dems need to start standing up for what policies they stand for and believe in. We need a new leader who can corral the divided party so that we can reign in and hopefully put a big brake on this current Administration in 2026! We know the GOP is trying to activate as much of Project 2025 before 2026 and, as mentioned above, so much damage has already been done that we will still suffer from the after effects for years to come. We need to get going right now and make sure 2026 goes as we hope! I do give to individual candidates that I support throughout the country, but as a single, retired, former secretary, I am limited in funds. (Please allow me to continue as an unpaid subscriber!) I'm hearing the words I've been sending to the Party and legislators, both statewide and nationwide, for several years now without any changes. Messaging is terrible, constant asking for more money without showing any purpose other than trying to catch up to the GOP, the division in the Party is damaging, etc. I'm hoping that the horrors of the present day are the needed spark to ignite a groundswell of political education/participation/action in this country. Dems failing to bother to vote is unforgivable!
BTW, I kinda like Mush, too!
Welcome to Substack, Mike! If we sign up for you or are aware of you already, then you’re probably preaching to the choir.
Thanks Robert! I'm hoping we can build and mobilize a community that fix what's broken in the party and stop the worst of what Trump is trying to do. Glad you're in the fight.
Sorry, hit send before I finished. So reaching that 2-3% in the middle that flip flops each election is part of the answer along with non-voters. If you can solve that equation you will be the winner! I’ll follow and act where I can. Best of luck!
Working on it!!
Welcome Mike to the land of grassroots activists!
About 5-6 million of us nationwide. We’ve been at this a few years now and some may feel rudderless but most are excited to see our DC leaders catching up with our activism and work. These rivers run strong and deep and IMHO are the reason we didn’t get fully shellacked by numbers at 2024. We lost, yes but it was not a landslide. Our millions did amazing work and IMO held back a red wave landslide, made them work hard for their wins and showed up 74 million strong against enormous odds for prez election. We lost yes, but mightily survived to fight again and even harder now against even more enormous odds. Definitely it’s an “ all hands on deck” time. I am so proud of all the work we did to hold off the opposition last time; now we’re called to do more. We raised millions in our Hopium Community, helped get 7 of our down ballot candidates elected, 2 Govenor’s and a couple of State Supreme Court justices.
We’ve been a learning, sharing community which has made the most of what our leader Simon has taught us as a mentor. There’s a plethora of other groups too doing the most they can do to save our democracy too.
You seem to be offering a similar learning, sharing focus in your specific area of knowledge. Thank you for that and welcome🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸
While I wholeheartedly support you and your views, my severe health issues ans poor finances preclude spending on mostly everything except essentials at this time. The Democratic Party needs to wake up and start listening to the progressive people not the wealthy donors if it is to ever recover it's legitimacy again.
Totally understanding. Don't donate if you can—I will do my best to keep it free
Mike,
You should chat with Steve Sachs on this chain. altapolicywonk@substack.com
You all would complement one another
I’ll look into it
Unfortunately, I don't have the money to support you, but I do support anyone who is working to make much needed changes to the Democratic Party. It's disgraceful that David Hogg has been challenged, when what he is asking for is what most of the base wants...actually, I would say the base does want those who have not fought for progressive change to be challenged. It is time for leaders like Pelosi, Schumer, Clyburn to step down. Furthermore, I hope the DNC will be forced to have a platform that opposes all corporate or PAC donations. The party cannot serve both the base voters and donors at the same time; trying to straddle this wide gap is a major reason why voters like me (and I'm 75) have lost all faith in Democrats.
Thank and no worries about not being able to subscribe financially. I totally understand and I don’t want to create barriers to my content.
Keep Pelosi out of it!
I love Nancy Pelosi, lived in her district for 12 years, and frankly, there is no more effective and accomplished politician alive today. That said, it's time for her to go. Her Democratic party is finished. She fought the good fight and was beaten by Trump harnessing new energy and reaching a new constituency (one that we don't like very well; nevertheless...). We will not win the future if we keep fighting the past.
I don't limit to Pelosi, either. Schumer should resign. Clyburn should resign. It's not like there would suddenly be a vacuum in leadership; we haven't had a leader since at least the election, and in reality, it's been years. As Grandma said, "Lead, follow or get out of the way."
Not a bad rebuke, Houser. I think that I did not include Clyburn and Schumer because it would feel like giving up. Well, that's just what it is. But you are right.
Yesterday, I watched Sen. Chris Van Hollen heatedly respond to Rubio's dumb defense of his master's positions. I want to see more of that coming from the democrats, but they (as much of America) seem to be overwhelmed by the fascistic powers of persuasion. Thank Grandma for me.
“Back in the Day” it was POWER TO THE PEOPLE! I subscribe to the “fierce urgency of now”, MLK Jr.
Hi Mike,
I'm very glad to read your words and feel your fire. I'm in the fight too, though at 79 years old I don't think I should have to march in the streets, but here I am. I'm getting new signs ready for the next protest. :D I need exercise anyway.
Just a couple of thoughts (I tend to ramble, sorry). First, I'm not sure Democrats are bad at messaging, we're bad at cutting through the garbage spewing from the right-wing noise machine so that people HEAR the message. They have a bullhorn to yell into and an airhorn to drown us out. When people actually hear Democratic policies, they like them. I think we have to break that wall somehow.
Also, the depressing truth is that they're not going to stop. They'll keep pumping out lies, threats, and outrageous claims 24/7/365. They're trying to wear us out. I think we have to allocate resources among issues that really need extreme pushback, and those that should be recognized, but can be handled later, or without so much energy.
However, I DO NOT think we can afford to remain silent on ANY issue, no matter how outlandish. From taking back the Canal to invading Greenland, we need to recognize these as actual threats and act accordingly. Some of these are empty remarks made by a goon who needs constant validation, some are actually under consideration, some are distractions, and some will be withdrawn. We need to find the strength to move on every single one of these, instead of "laughing" them off. Let's assume he's planning to do what he says, and shove it back down his throat.
This requires a lot of people remaining engaged, which I don't believe is realistic. I know I have to quit reading all the alarming emails I get or I find myself spiraling into depression.
I suggest you:
Assemble iron-spined associates who can deal with the constant spew of filth from their firehose. Have someone keep track of Ukraine; someone else looks at senior issues like Social Security; someone else tracks LGBTQ issues; someone else does trans stuff, someone else looks at foreign policy, a team keeps an eye on the Congressional Republicans, someone with a strong stomach chronicles the disaster in Gaza, an eagle-eyed expert watches the Cabinet, etc. No one person needs to try and keep up with this intolerable flood of garbage, instead you have a team, each one dealing with just one area of the regime.
I think you'll find a lot of willing helpers here, but you have to understand (you probably already do) that most of us are hanging onto every cent. We-at least I--can't throw hundreds of dollars at you and everyone else (Field Team 6, VoteVets, Indivisible etc.), so I think what we need are concrete suggestions on how to make a difference. I call and email my senators and representative relentlessly, but it's not enough. And I don't know how to reach others who are unaware of what's happening, or have bought into the lie that both parties are the same.
Sorry not sorry for the length of this message--you're a breath of fresh air. I'm looking forward to your ideas.
Thanks for doing. When my cash flow improves after paying my taxes will try to support you. Also wish so many of the voices like yours cld combine as paid substack membership( I have a number) can take a bite.
In my view, what’s needed by the Democrats and everyone else is facing the facts of the moment and coming up with the government’s role in fixing it. For starters, the Democrats should drop the progressive, moderate , left vs right labels. Then, they should present a strategic battle plan based on their assessment of the issues.
As a society, all of us are guilty of abandoning the working class in so many ways. We’ve we’ve had our heads in the sands, still riding the post WW2 train that a college degree is your ticket to jobs and success.
Thank you and thanks for sharing :)
Thanks Ann Marie,
I’m a moderate who believes progressives and moderates need to work together like you describe. We’re on a shaky raft IMO and we need to get to land together to show up for the fight. It gets old hearing one group or the other say there’s one way only. Nancy P did and now Hakeem is unifying his group; that’s what needed here. Less about who needs to “ win” their way and more about how we get there together. The Democratic party is the only one fighting to save our democracy right now; how do we support it with our activism? Unity, power, needed changes- dig for our powers and use them.
You’re “spot on” Irene .Regarding the working class, I just wish there could be a conversation about creating some off ramps to the prescribed need to get a college degree for two reasons. Personally, I saw the downside of it. My immigrant Irish parents were hellbent that all 5 of us should go to college but it wasn’t the right path for a couple of us. Those brothers were just as smart in different ways; ended up as very successful skilled craftsmen that called for analytical and observation skills well above mine for sure and made more money than liberal arts grad like me.
Second, I saw the talents and commitments of those in apprentice programs at the Fortune 500 manufacturing company where I worked. All the big companies back in the day had sought after apprentice programs and it erased the implicit bias that you weren’t smart if you weren’t headed to college, a prevailing opinion still.
With automation and technology, so many entry level positions no longer exist like product assembly and inspection. I saw it as it happened when product lines that once had an Inspection group and assembly team were wiped out by sophisticated machines.These were jobs on the low rung of the skill ladder but they gave access to pay and benefits that provided a ticket to supporting your family, buying a house and the promise of retirement income. Of course the corporate safety net for employees is non- existent today.
The democrats should look at what the working class really needs.The government should offer grants to cities and towns that want to expand or create technical high schools. It should offer incentives to companies to create paying apprentice programs for today’s market. We’ve left workers blowing in the wind after inevitable automation and technology took their jobs. We owe it to the young in the pipeline to offer them a path to whatever the jobs ahead.
It’s interesting what we know and don’t know about depending where we live. We’ve been fortunate to live in an area where technical courses are available so not aware of “desert” areas until recently. I’ve always been taught more education is beneficial. However I’ve known plenty of bright /brilliant people who chose not to go to college or couldn’t go.
I realized recently the animus this has created and I’m of mixed opinions about that animus. For example: I wanted to surf but I couldn’t swim good enough but I can’t blame that on other surfers.
I’ve never felt sorry for or superior to people w/o a college degree. My mom went to 3rd grade and my dad to 8th and they were darn smart people in my world. They just pushed us forever onward. Sad such a desert or grievance area exits. Work hard and excel however you choose would be my motto. I agree opportunities need to exist to offer choices. I still wish I had learned to swim better so I could surf!
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I grew up in Minnesota. We had the DFL rather than Democrats. I shook Senator Humphrey's hand once! The DFL/Democratic Party I know has been about making lives better for all of us. Jobs, food, health and health care, treating each other with respect, helping people succeed--clear goals. The Democratic Party I see today has been amplifying fringe voices. I hope this Substack understands that fringes lose election after election.
Part of the reason I was excited to see Ken Martin take over at the DNC is because of his DFL background. I'm a Paul Wellstone Democrat.
Thanks for getting your voice out there.... Liking your strategies... Keep doing this, I can see how you can speak well to those on the 'other side'.... Engagement is a key...
I am glad for your intentions in this space, Mike Nellis. While you are at it, can you raise up another Democratic advisor like yourself eager to hear voters from the West Coast, also Nevada, Utah, Arizona and the Rocky Mountain states. We need to hear from EVERYBODY, not just the East Coast and Midwest and South. Thank you for all you do! Lesley from the wonderful Willamette Valley in Oregon (no, not "Will-mette'," that's "Will-lam'-ette, damm-it!") :-)
Hey when you think about rising Democratic voices, please keep Jeff Jackson in mind. The North Carolina Attorney General has a big future ahead of him, for the benefit of us all.
I love Jeff! He's also a client :)
Very glad you are doing this. Dems are lagging- apart from a few wonderful activists- and the stories about aides sheltering Biden and preventing him from having open contact so that others could assess his mental status have me furious. They lost the election for us. Biden was a terrific president for two years or so and am sad and sorry for him. But furious at his family and Politburo.