It's time to go bold and blow the GOP old guard out of the water. Collins isn't as horrible as most; she's found certain moments to defy the party line. But she'll carry a history of complicity into her upcoming retirement.
Any politician that has voted for the #BBBbetrayal and let ACA subsidies die cannot claim “family values.” They've proven that the only families they value have seven-digit bank accounts.
If they sliced up the New Deal and LBJ-era social safety nets, they need to be #FTR - #FinalTermRepublicans. They should no longer be helping Trump in his #SquanderingAmericasGreatness.
Are we sure we still have a two party system? The Republicans have basically become the party of racists, liars and worse. the Democratic Party is still in the hands of the ultra wealthy. It might seem to outsiders that Trump is leading us to a time of great upheaval, one that may only suggest changes such as those brought about by successful nonviolent revolutions that then successfully installed a better functioning systems of governance. Sometimes deep meaningful change is the path to the future.
You’re right to question whether we still have a two-party system.
We don’t.
We have one donor class with two marketing departments.
The GOP sells grievance. The Democrats sell competence, kinda. Both deliver the same thing upstairs: protected wealth, captured regulators, a tax code written by the people it exempts, and a healthcare system designed to bankrupt the sick.
Collins voting one way or another is theater. Swapping one party label for another doesn’t fix that. The machinery keeps producing the same output because the machinery is the point.
A real opposition refuses corporate money, refuses AIPAC money, refuses crypto money, and treats Medicare for All and antitrust as the floor, not the ceiling. None of that happens at scale because the people who’d have to do it are funded by the people who’d lose.
The upheaval is coming. The question is whether it gets organized into something humane or harvested by the next strongman with better branding.
Nonviolent, disciplined, economically literate is the only version that ends well. Everything else is the suffering machine changing costumes.
The Dems big message: we're not as bad as the trumpers.
Platner and Momdami, to name two, have resonated with average Americans by pointing out what we have been complaining about for years.
Out with the old guard. All we Dems have done is fundraise while the trumpers were plotting a coup. Are we going to let them succeed or are we going to vote for those who will actually fight for us?
I'm sick of Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. Neither man has the stones for what is ahead.
Both Schumer and Jeffries are in their rolls because of fears of being primaried by AIPAC. Progressives like Jayapal don’t toe that line; we need more of that independent spirit at the top of the Dem hierarchy. It’s time that our millions push for the #ForThePeopleAct2. Like the 2021 H.R.1 original, it would mandate public not private funding for campaigns and severe superPAC restrictions. That’s how we minimize AIPAC and all the right-wing billions that steer agendas on both sides. #FTPA2 will need to be updated to counter all the new election theft tactics like gerrymandering on steroids and targeted voter purges.
Thanks, AGP, and I want to add some information (I've gotten from Wikipedia just now) for the benefit of any readers of this (like myself) who are not fully familiar with all the acronyms you and others use here: "H.R." indicates a "House Resolution" which is the type of "motion" (proposal to consider creating a new law) that's made in writing (rather than verbally as is sometimes done) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The first of these particular H.R.'s that are called a "For the People Act" was introduced in 2019 and the second in 2021 by Democrats - and both were thwarted by Republicans. The official full title of the proposed new law is: "An act to expand Americans' access to the ballot box and reduce the influence of big money in politics, and for other purposes." And "AIPAC" means "American Israel Public Affairs Committee" and "...has been called one of the most influential lobbying groups in the U.S." - FRANK TALK, jr.
Your marketing skills to impale the Trump/GOP brands are exactly what the progressive movement needs! Messaging that a two year old would understand on the media airwaves is kryptonite for the democratic status quo.
Voters are totally angry and pissed at the old guard of Democrats and Republicans. Trump is a criminal felon who violated the federal law against insurrection and should be in jail. Establishment Democrats, Biden and AG Garland failed to enforce the law from 2021 to 2024. Trump’s lying about protecting the working class by lowering prices on Day One, bringing manufacturing jobs back to America, and never starting a foreign war got him reelected. The news media support Trump by accepting and repeating the lying every hour without correction. Trump should have blocked from holding office and being on the ballot in 2024, but the Supreme Court violated their oath office refused to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Trump was an insurrectionist in 2021 who incited the insurrection on January 6, 2021. Specifically, the federal crime of insurrection is defined in 18 U.S. Code § 2383 - Rebellion or insurrection which clearly states who is guilty of the felony crime with this language.
“Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.”
The insurrection in 2025 that continues in 2026 was planned by Project 2025, as led by Trump, with engagement and assistance from members of his administration, Republicans in Congress and six justices on the Supreme Court to install a lawless, fascist autocracy that destroys affordability and has ICE agents murdering American citizens in the streets. Are No Kings protests about violation of the First Amendment, voting rights, and civil rights good enough to get Democrats elected in 2029? Hell No!
To convince voters to elect Democrats in 2028, Democrats need a PROJECT 2029 with descriptions of solutions to core problems including affordability, and COMMITMENTS TO IMMEDIATELY ENFORCE THE FEDERAL LAW, 18 U.S. CODE § 2383 AGAINST INSURRECTION, which means prosecuting, convicting and imprisoning Trump, member of his administration, Republicans in Congress, and six justices on the Supreme Court.
I will forever curse President Biden and Merrick Garland. Are you telling me that at their first meeting, Biden did not say "On day one, we throw trump's ass in jail?"
If that did not happen, what monumental hubris. And stupidity.
Start with getting rid of Citizens United. Did you mean Rebels, not rebets? progressive people are not rebels, They are main stream citizens who are becoming the majority in the Democratic Party,
Clearly, Independents now have the power. I still have some faith in the Democrats, but they have been totally ineffective. I've been saying for a long time that Democrats need to get out into the public with the voters and listen to their concerns and speak to them, honestly, like Mamdani. Get away from corporate money. Simplistic, but the general idea
I think that so many of us in the public have been too busy with dealing with our own problems in our daily lives that we have not had the time and opportunity to slow down and study and understand enough of the firehose of information about the inner workings of the "machinery," etc.
Now what may be more important, than getting out and listening to the public, is to find better ways to simplify the information and market it effectively! We need to move beyond yelling curses at a few names of individuals and groups. it's time to start breaking this mess into understandable concepts delivered by adept communicators.
For the most part, the public are saying, essentially, "We're hurting and we want someone to make it stop."
It seems to me that we may need to find a way to move toward publicly financed elections without all the wasted money and wasted months that lead up to our elections. Of course, this requires safeguards, etc. - so we have to do a lot of cleaning up of this current mess first. This is an enormous mess to clean up, and it is of enormous importance...
Excellent concise summary of exactly what we currently have--"one donor class with 2 marketing departments" and conversely what we need --"an organized upheaval that is nonviolent, disciplined and economically literate". You are so right that "everything else is the suffering machine changing costumes". Beautifully worded description of our situation here Johan. Thank you.
This is the part that keeps standing out to me too. So many people can feel that something deeper than partisan dysfunction is happening. The public senses that trust has eroded not only in politicians, but in institutions, economic systems, and the stories holding society together.
But I also think that realization creates responsibility. If people are losing faith in the current system, then what comes next matters enormously. History shows that periods of upheaval can move toward greater justice and participation, or toward fear, scapegoating, and authoritarianism.
That’s why I keep coming back to the importance of organizing at the community level, building relationships, rebuilding civic life, and developing leaders grounded in ethics, compassion, and accountability rather than branding and spectacle.
Deep change may indeed be coming. The question is whether we help shape it consciously and humanely, or leave the vacuum to be filled by the loudest and most cynical forces.
Problem, is that you cannot refuse the money. Obama spent one billion $$$ getting elected back in 2012. Trump is floating in oceans of money, much of it given to him outside of the reporting system.
It's like redistricting. Democrats cannot unilaterally disarm and agree not to take the money when Republicans are raking it in. That won't work There needs to be a system in which the donations are regulated all around, just like Congressional districting.
And I fully agree - we have one donor class with two marketing departments. Well said.
And that is exactly why we need to get money out of politics. Even candidates who really want to represent their constituents have to waste far too much time raising funds just to avoid being buried under an avalanche of slick, paid campaigns with unlimited money.
So: the government itself should provide the funds for candidates who have garnered clear support from their base, and each candidate who qualifies gets the SAME amount of money, ads, air time and so on. NO private donations or personal fortunes may be used. The election cycle should also have clear set timelines. Each campaign cycle should begin no more than 18 weeks before an election day. No ads, no TV appearances - let's let incumbents focus on DOING THEIR JOB, not on the next election cycle! And that provides a bonus of peaceful, restful, pay-attention-to-your-life-, friends-and-family time.
I for one am SO tired of never getting a break from politics.
Myra, my thoughts exactly! I’m receiving waaaaayyyyy too many emails asking for contributions - from OTHER STATES! I’m feeling guilty that I cannot contribute. But after reading many of the above comments, yours in particular, I’ve decided its OK to just delete and report SPAM! Or unsubscribe.
I don’t agree that the two parties both deliver the same thing upstairs. I’d rather say they deliver too much of the same thing upstairs. I’m objecting to the Tweedledee tweedle dumb characterization of the two parties that fosters political disengagement.
In the US you "have one donor class with two marketing departments." but your donor class is merely the US division of the International Oligarch Cartel. Tech surveillance nazis, Libertarian swivel heads and common 1%ers, aligned with the Christo-nationalists. Overseas divisions include deranged despots, dictators and feudal Theocracies. They don't have a formal organisation, only their common interests, but don't doubt they work together when it suits them.
Marc, Bob's list is great. The growth of independents is important as well. Is the two party system cracking up? That would be great.
I'm missing attention for the way politicians connect with the voters. The habit of mass rallies and big donations is still something to change. But how and when?
Tom - Too early to tell. In some states independents can only vote democrat or republican in certain races. That leaves a lot of people who don’t wish to participate against their own wishes not voting because they have to continue to choose a party that is not aligned with their interests. At least that’s how it is in Ohio and it’s why I still can’t get my youngest to vote. Once they start to have children maybe this will change as they grow to understand that their votes really do affect their future and that of their family. Feel like I have let them down by not convincing them of that fact already but hopefully they’ll come around.
And, yes, mass rallies and big corporation/dark money needs to go.
I saw an interview with Kat Abughazaleh who is using her headquarters and rallies as a distribution center for those in need. She's running for Democratic primary for Illinois's 9th Congressional District. I really loved her message and her process.
Babette - Walk and chew gum at the same time - what a concept!! ;) I’m glad that she is doing both and hopefully can show others that it is possible. Taking care of others is what we all should be doing but it’s a shame that some have abandoned that simple idea.
Sharon, I think a winner takes all system is not good. Better is a proportional representation, but the risk is that you get to many parties. Tradition and political behaviour will be leading... In Germany is a 5% thresshold; that is a solution, but preferable?
We do have two parties, Mr. Nevas: one American and one anti-American Traitors all guilty, again, of "High Treason Against the United States" through not one, but TWO oil wars of aggression!
So who is less of an insider in the California gubernatorial race, Becerra or Steyer? Few think another billionaire is the solution to too many billionaires in government. But few would look at Biden's cabinet as revolutionaries on the ramparts.
I appreciate your view. We have needed to create change in this country for many decades and I have worked to see that change since I was a young adult in the Reagan years. Now that so many people are feeling the pain at the pump, in the grocery store line, in housing/utility costs, in lost wages, and in their communities as well as bearing witness to the havoc this regime is wrecking with ICE and internationally, I am hopeful the body politic will recognize and exercise their (our) power and strip Trump and his ilk—throughout the world—of theirs. Let's start with restoring our voter and reproductive rights, end Citizen United, set Supreme Court appointee term limits, stop allowing the Pentagon unrestricted access to our tax dollars, and breaking up monopolies in all industries across the board. And encourage all the Gen Z's we know to stay informed, think critically, and get involved in the reshaping of the world they are inheriting.
we have a non party but potentially great home for prople walking away from the Dem Party: Democratic Socialists of America. They could become really powerful if more voters would join then.
I disagree - I am from Maine. Collins is precisely as horrible, if not moreso. She only votes against the GOP when her vote doesn't count: when there's a safe majority to ensure a bill will pass, and by her action she can preserve her carefully cultivated - and bogus - image as a "moderate, bi-partisan." When she first ran for Senate she pledged to serve no more than two terms; she's now running for her sixth. She hasn't held a town hall meeting since the Clinton administration. As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee she has done NOTHING to stand up to Trump's use of Executive Orders to bypass Congress' Constitutionally granted spending authority. Her votes to confirm some of Trump's worst Cabinet offices - not to mention Brett Kavanaugh - have done massive damage to our democracy. And let's not forget her vote against Trump's second impeachment because ... she declared that she thought he had "learned his lesson." Susan Collins is a blight on the Senate - and she has to go.
Ellen, I have puzzled over Collins ability to get reelected term after term? What do Mainers see in her that I cannot? I think your list of her weaknesses and foibles matches mine. She votes with her party and Republican President's unless she has leadership approval to vote against. She has made many egregiously bad votes supporting unqualified nominees. I believe Platner will be a breath of fresh air if elected.
Maine is divided into two Congressional districts. The First District is in the southern, more prosperous, more densely populated and more liberal part of our state; the Second is more rural, poorer and much more conservative. It's a true blue-red split, and that's reflected in voting patterns. Unlike all other states except Nebraska, Maine splits its electoral votes in Presidential elections, awarding two based on the overall statewide vote, and one vote for the outcome of the vote in each congressional district. In 2024, Kamala Harris took three and Trump one. Susan Collins' success can be attributed to her ability to bring funding - and therefore jobs - to Maine, largely because of her seniority-based clout. The bread-and-butter issues matter more to people in our state; we have the oldest population in the nation, and a declining job base, which causes young people to leave for employment opportunities elsewhere. Case in point is Bath Iron Works, which builds U.S. Navy ships and components and relies heavily on defense contracts; it employs 4,300 people (2020 figure), and Collins has been successful in steering work there. She touts her ability to "bring home the bacon," which drives her electoral success. Increased scrutiny during her most recent terms - of her votes to confirm Trump's Cabinet and Supreme Court appointees as well as against his second impeachment - has heightened opposition (and fury) to her; however, her past campaigns against traditional-down-the-line Democratic-Party opponents have been exceptionally well funded by a variety of right-wing PACs and individuals, including Leonard Leo. This campaign is going to be brutal, down and dirty - from the same shady GOP sources - but we are hopeful for Graham Platner
At long last someone is saying it out loud!!!! It has been worrying me how the Democrats are seemingly not getting the message. Are sitting on their old hierarchy. They need the young loud progressives. Now! Yes, some of those in line towing the party credo for years in the hope of swimming to the top of the barrel will fall by the wayside. Someone needs to throw a firecracker into the barrel. Urgently!! Or November will be a disaster.
We need term limits. They would blunt the seniority abuses and hierarchical nature of not only the Democratic Party, but of Congress itself. Currently, politicians’ only goal is to get re-elected, resulting in dependence on corporations and whoever else will spend top dollar.
Term limits are elections. Some people lose, others stay and come back, get more knowledge and experience, and get to know better about what they are doing. We need both short-term and long-term people in the two Houses. Term limits would limit both us and the US.
Agree with your points. And they should also apply to complicit Democrats who said or did nothing, or just performed weak theater when it was opportune. We need to vote them out as well.
Personally, I would go one step further based on Nazi Bunkerboy's cleansing of legal asylum seeking immigrants: there should ABSOLUTELY be a "truth and reconciliation commission" once Americans regain power. THEY can decide who goes to a blue collar prison . . . and who gets executed for "High Treason Against the United States" like Bunkerboy Itself.
There are perhaps three 'types' that can galvanize excitement in the Democratic Party. The first is the "working class" type--like Platner (I actually think AOC was an early example too.). The second is the "charismatic" political visionary--like Mamdani, and Sanders. The third type is the centrist with military credentials, like Mark Kelly, and Spanberger. We should be embracing all three types. The party needs this kind of diversity.
We cannot make the identity of the party about race and gender for 2028. And a nominee from California is a terrible idea. Let's be creative. Broad tent. Common sense. Respect for the constitution, for unions, for universal health care. In favor of expanding the Court. Some humility.
Jill - “ We cannot make the identity of the party about race and gender for 2028.” - Agree with you and can we also drop the pretense about religion being as important as it once was? Times have changed and so has the view about religion to a lot of the younger generations. Before you had to be either a believer in the church (I remember when a person being a catholic elicited gasps) or you didn’t get very far in politics. That’s before the era of T who believes in no one but himself and only steps into a religious ceremony when it suits him. So, in the era of dems, republicans and independents why does a person’s religious beliefs define them? The younger generations seem to have less religious affiliations than the older generations. Who cares what they practice - if they practice anything at all - the only questions should be about whether they can do the job in a qualified manner and have the best interests of everyone in their hearts.
Anon, for me, my religion is deeply personal. While I practice my faith to the best of my ability, I do not feel it has any place in politics! There is no one religion! That is why I believe when our country was founded they made sure there was a separation of church and state and I believe it should stay that way!
We humans still have deep spiritual needs. Just have to find way to let that side of ourselves evolve—-not necessarily through organized religion. It’s the part of us that responds to the better angels in our nature, so should be cultivated.
I love what you so beautifully said. We all do have "deep spiritual needs" but those can definitely be met outside the confines of any organized religion. At almost 80, the ever evolving spiritual part of me is the most important part and focus of my life but I left organized religion when I was 14 because I saw how much division and hatred that all manmade religions created with their sense of superiority over all others. I find and hear intuitively the creator's voice inside me and yes as you so eloquently said, "it's the part of us that responds to the better angels in our nature". It guides us to act with moral values. Thank you Threads! Church and state should always be separate as one's "religion" or spirituality should be a free personal choice of every human.
Threads - I’m not knocking organized religion but I don’t think that it should be a prerequisite to how “good” a candidate is going to be. I don’t necessarily believe in any type of religion but I do think that people should be free to believe in what resonates with them without discounting other people’s beliefs. I might not have a religion that calls to me but my spouse was Catholic when we met. They now call themselves a lapsed Catholic and I have tried to tell them that they don’t need to go to a building just to continue to pray and practice what they believe in. Unfortunately, with both of our respective previous careers, we have seen both the beauty and ugliness of what humanity can do so I believe that had something to do with their decision to stop. That and the hypocrisy that they saw from both the congregation and the priests. My biggest hang up is that some churches seem to “interpret” the Bible to how it suits them so I prefer to believe in what I can see, touch and feel in my heart. I used to go out into nature to soothe my soul but now being housebound maybe I am just lost and cranky. What you wrote was powerful and I appreciate your response.
Anon, Peggy, Lilla, Dorothy -- I appreciate the thoughtful way you approach discussion here. To me, part of being a decent person involves trying to discern between genuine truths and valuable perspectives, and the kinds of beliefs or narratives we sometimes adopt simply because they comfort us or reinforce group identity.
I don’t believe people should be obstructed -- by governments, institutions, or even family systems-- from exploring spiritual or philosophical questions in ways that are thoughtful and humane. What matters most to me is whether those paths move us toward greater honesty, humility, compassion, responsibility, and justice.
These are themes I’ve found myself reflecting on in my own writing as well.
And Anon, I can relate. I also left the Catholic Church. I’ve never quite thought of myself as a “lapsed Catholic,” though --- more as someone who eventually found beliefs and ways of understanding that felt more aligned with my conscience and values.
I agree. Religious people when in power also tend to use their beliefs to shape policy that affects all of us. I would prefer a whole government of non-believers, then at least we wouldn't have superstition to muddy the waters.
J.Nol - Either non-believers or those who believe so deeply about their own religion that they recognize that everyone should be able to feel that way about their own faith and not try to mold everyone into their own religion.
As Barack Obama said once in endorsing Ben Cardin over Michael Steele in a Maryland Senate race that year. Don't tell me what a person looks like, I want to see what you stand for. What matters to me is not what a person looks like, I want to know what you stand for."
My ideal ticket would be Pete Butegieg at the top and Stacy Abrams as VP. But you can already see the Right wing conservatives and the Christian nationalists preparing for battle rather than thinking or listening or transforming or following the teachings of Jesus Christ. Religion certainly has “f ed “ with evolution and the common good.
Speaking truth and love and to the spiritual longing that humanity is desperately trying to find… takes a special communicator. A lot of work is needed.
Please elaborate: “we can’t make it about gender”. Is that code speak for “the bros (and their women) won’t vote for a woman, so we might as well give it up on that idea” ?
Not at all, Nancy, and I'm sorry if my comment implied that. Harris did not run on gender, nor did Obama run on race. It's not about the candidate's race and gender, its about how the party frames the issues that matter most to the majority of voters.
Gender and race are simply not winning issues right now, and we need to win.
So specifically, are you saying, as many others actually are whether or not publicly, that America won’t vote for a woman President so don’t nominate one?
I do not agree. I’m sorry, but I don’t want a democratic Donald Trump. I want an intelligent, actually a brilliant president. Someone much smarter than me. I want a liberal, compassionate, educated human being that I’m assured isn’t a pedophile or a racist or a narcissist. I want them to understand the American people and their needs. A good education or training in whatever their interest or field, health care, fair income and child care… basic needs like food and shelter. I want them to have integrity, values and believe in what they say and believe it so much they don’t have to lie. I don’t care what religion they are as long as they believe in something…a higher power than themselves. Is this possible? I hope so because if not we aren’t going to have a country and nothing will save us if we don’t save ourselves.
I agree with you. We don't even know who Platner is yet, He may become a great Senator-but we don't know that yet. I agree that we need someone younger with new ideas but after Trump I want someone who looks and acts presidential-someone who stands up to bullies but someone who also has a soft side. The candidate not only has to fix all the things that have been decimated by Trump but he has to have a soft side- be a balm to the giant bleeding injury that Trump has inflicted on all of us.
There are major problems with Platner. He has misrepresented his background. He is not from the working class. He lied about his tattoo. I do not likely dishonesty. Democrats need to quit trusting people like Fetterman and Platner out of desperation.
Well, between Platner and Collins, Platner would get my vote if I lived in the state. He may grow into the job, or not. What he represents is important. If he turns out to be a scoundrel, or not truly interested in the needs of his constituents, they can vote him out later. Life is risk. If we want to always feel safe, than change can never happen and the oligarchs and tech billionaires win, and the middle class and true representative democracy becomes a dim memory.
I believe Platner said he was drunk at the time overseas when he got his tattoo telling and showed his Nazi tattoo to the audience. So he’s running as a Democrat?
To be clear, the tatoo Platner had is a skull and cross bones. He is not a "pirate", nor has he ever commandeered, to our knowledge, a Jolly Roger flag flying pirate ship. Nor, do I believe, is he a Nazi. To put things in perspective (PSB reporting), "The first-time political candidate said he got the skull and crossbones tattoo in 2007, when he was in his 20s and in the Marine Corps. It happened during a night of drinking while he was on leave in Croatia, he said, adding he was unaware until recently that the image has been associated with Nazi police."
If you think Black voters are going to vote for man with a Nazi tattoo who has said racist things in the past, you simply don't know Black people. They are tired of Democrats who want to ignore them, telling them that we need to have "centrists" who ignore race, and that
THEY are the problem, They are not the problem. They have been the most reliable Democratic voters. Democrats want their votes, but they keep telling them to shut up.
You're suggesting that past mistakes should keep Platner from running for office because he can't be trusted, ever. I get it, but what are the choices here, the same stale pablum, lackluster dems, many of whom are painfully "ineffective". Platner is neither perfect nor ideal, but this fight needs to be won. Who else has put on the gloves and stepped into the ring?
Wouldn't it be nice if elected officials were held 'legally' to their oaths of office and to the promises that got them elected, or face consequences?
Understandable. Platner is likely to win in the mainly white state of Maine, and if he does, all we can do is watch and see how he handles himself in the senate, and the types of alliances he makes. Ultimately, all that matters is how he performs as a US Senator. But it should be noted that in high school, Platner protested GW Bush's war in Iraq, and was voted by his class as most likely to start a revolution.
So, Betty, you want Pope Leo to quit his day job and run for President?
Evil lies loudly and prolifically, and is attractive to the lazy reality avoiders. Look at Fox "News" and WWF....both are entertainment for people who don't want to think. If you watch either, you are becoming brainwashed as to what "normal" is.
Goodness is too polite, quiet, and assumes in private, you'll always do the right thing. Even the Pope can't counter the loud, evil, 24/ 7 / 365 lies of Trump.
The bottom line is evil is easy, good takes work. It's easier to follow evil and not think than it is to read, think, and do good.
DC is a slaughterhouse supported by meat eaters...the Pope can't fight the devil handing out olive pens to Rubio.
SCOTUS gave immunity to the President so theoretically he could kill the Pope televised in the oval office. and get away with it. The Pope has no such immunity.
Betty Moyers, thank you for using the word "liberal", which is much more complex and full of history than "progressive", a word I only rarely use, if at all. Also, what about Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota? He sorta fits your description.
I am a Liberal. I use it all the time. I think that is one of the problems with Democrats. We act like we are ashamed of who we are! Stop changing with the wind and stand for what you believe in. I don’t care what people say about going to the middle and pleasing everyone. That is crazy! Our goal should be standing for what is right not pleasing. Tim Waltz is not strong enough to win.
I’m a lifelong democrat, an old white dude, and involved professionally in finance. I’m exactly who the stalwarts in the DCCC probably think wants to stay with the old guard. Well, I’m also a lifelong progressive, tired of seeing democrats pick the “safe” conciliatory middle of the road choice, and finding failure at every option.
I’m also a democratic donor and I’ve got a message for democratic leadership: HEAR ME - I will not suffer your incompetence any more. I will only monetarily support democrats who are young, progressive in belief, and willing to vocally and actively oppose the fascism of the Republican Party. No more reconciliation. No more appeasement. (I’m looking at you, Schumer !).
If we are going to save the U.S. from dictatorship, we can’t afford to elect another Fetterman. DO BETTER , or we’ll found a New Democratic Party that will leave you behind.
Prof. Reich, although you consistently use the word “young” in this offering, I will avoid thinking you have something against “old.” But because you have sewn "young "and "dynamic" and the tantalizing "progressive" to their bios, put me in the corner clapping for their success.
Like you, I am a fan of Zohran Mamdani, despite being an old Jew living in Chicago. Sadly, many of my landsmen are angry at me. Just the fact that Netanyahu and Trump are buddies is enough to speed me to Young and Progressive.
And as a lifelong Democrat, like others with that label, I am disappointed that my party has not been able to figure out a way to get Trump out of our lives and into a jail cell. So count me in with the young progressives. If Bernie Sanders is allowed in, they should have no problem with this old Jewish grandmother taking a hopefully cushioned seat.
Young progressive. Remarkable ability to galvanize. Take back control of Congress. Music to my increasingly elderly ears.
You took the words right out of my mouth!! I was thinking about Bernie, and it's not the age thing, it's the lack of independent thinking and imagination and energy thing. But there is still this undercurrent of misogyny. Elizabeth Warren is endlessly vilified, but Bernie isn't. Just think about that. Whenever I vote for a male candidate, I have this little pause in my head.
When families started needing 2 full-time incomes just to pay the bills, they became the working class, regardless of education and white- or blue-color work. After all, it was union workers in the auto industry that built the middle class in the mid-20th century. Otherwise, why should a single mother with a good job have to struggle so much? Once we take the blinkers away from our eyes, we will realize this.
That one's precious idea of being somehow different from the working class, just because we maybe sit in front of a computer pushing metaphorical paper around, makes us members of a different class of people--the middle class. We are all the middle and working class, except for the small percentage of super wealthy individuals. Our politics is, and has been for at least 60 years, about divide and conquer.
Correct. But most of my former colleagues in the advertising industry would be loathe to describe themselves that way. And their "salaried" 40 hours/wk job is actually 60-80 hours/wk, not including time they spend working on the way to and from work, and at home and on weekends, for which they are not compensated. So my "effective" hourly wage was more or less half of what it appeared to be, and it gave me a lousy QOL with toxic stress. Most white collar so-called workers do not identify with the working class, as defined by marketers and politicians, and are encouraged to see that their needs differ from those of unionized or not hourly wage workers.
" The loftiest peaks rise from the lowest depths and their shining summits glorify their hidden foundations. The highest eloquence springs from the lowliest sources and pleads trumpet-tongued for the children of the abyss." Eugene V. Debs
I have been seeing the terrible gulf between a public who feel the effects of policy and care about it, though often incoherently, and a Democratic Party that's been structured round Orderly Progression Through the Ranks*, and the two aren't compatible.
Political consultants and pundits out of that fundamentally rightwing shop, the Virginia School of Political Economy, have groomed pols and much of the public to seek the Non-Offensive, the Middling, and that's not cutting it.
Where the public wants change and a Zohran Mamdani steps out and charms them, despite ooh aah hrrrm being brown and Muslim, we get excellent policy.
I'm concerned about the nation getting a Graham Platner instead, with his sketchy past unavowed and apparently unreported until it was outed. Or better but still not the policy giant we want, a Mark Kelly, a VETERAN! whom Trump HATES! and who is a man of character but, well, that's a thin resume, too, and apt to nothing-doing.
I've been very bothered in seeing so many replies to your candidate queries focusing on eliminating candidates, often for demographics, rather than on looking at potential candidates from a speculative and positive policy perspective.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Professor Reich, you have hit the nail on the head!! Yes, I will cast my vote for anti-establishment candidates! Why? Because I am sick to death of these politicians that suck at the proverbial teat of crony capitalism. I wanted Bernie Sanders. When he wasn't on the ticket, I voted for Hillary Clinton when she ran against the orange man. Now, I am looking at candidates like Graham Platner, James Talarico and others who simply will not "bend the knee" anymore to large corporations and the oligarchs who think they will always run this country! I will select candidates who will have nothing to do with "crony capitalism". If we are going to repair our country, we need those that are willing to kick these corporations and oligarchs that are meddling, buying and manipulating the politicians out of our government. The so-called 'Democratic Establishment' needs an overhaul now! Every one of them that has lost touch with the American voter and think they "know" what the people want needs a refresher course on why they are where they are in the first place! For us to be able to correct and restore what these republicans have destroyed, we have to fix our own party first! Both parties need a course correction and it is high time "We the People" did that! Excellent post today, Professor Reich! Thank you! Keep fighting, America! Stay strong and stay safe!
Peggy, Could it be in a perverse way, T.Rump is potentially doing the US a favour precisely because he is so patently crass, corrupt and corrosive it provides the impetus to have this conversation and consider such radical change at all?
As an outsider looking in from UK (where we have our own problems), I was completely bewildered by Bidens nomination for the 2024 Presidential and it came with the sickening realisation that in their own way, the Dems of today are almost as invested in big corporations as the Republicans.
Clear that the Super PACs and PACs need to go and some patient rebuilding and reinforcement of US Government and Institutions to go back to the nuts and bolts of the Constitution as originally intended, has to happen before the US can really move forward. You have my support ( in so far as that matters) providing Religion stays out of Politics.
Sharon, I also subscribe to a substack called "Crisis and Transition" and you are right that the Democratic party is as deeply invested in big corporations as the republicans are. Mr. Logan has written a very powerful piece on "Where are the leaders you are talking about?" to address where we are at this moment. These politicians have drawn from the dark money well and do not want that to change. These young candidates coming up are speaking out about that, and I believe they understand what "We the People" are calling for better than the leaders in the Democratic Party. These young candidates are "listening" to us which is something our leaders have stopped doing. Yes, Citizens United needs to be done away with and any other dark money that is flowing into politicians' pockets. I also feel the old guard needs to step aside and let these young leaders take the reins. I feel confident they would be able to tackle the quagmire that is in Washington, clean it out and get our country back to moving in the right direction. I also agree that we had to have someone like the orange man open our eyes to our complacent attitude that our country would always be strong, free and united. The orange man has shown all of us that to remain uninvolved in our politics leads to this kind of chaos and corruption. Thank you so much for your support, Sharon. It means a lot to those of us fighting so hard right now!
Thanks for recommendation Peggy. We only get the Politicians we deserve and have forgotten how much effort it took to achieve the freedoms we take for granted now. Am very much hoping that our Electoral cycle (National not Local) here will be after the T.Rump travesty has been indubitably shown for what it is but we have our threat in the form of Farage and our own reasons to be vigilant.
At least you know to stay vigilant, Sharon! We stopped being vigilant and now are fighting like hell to save our Democracy! I hope you enjoy Crisis and Transition!
YES, Sharon! I agree with you that we had to have the MAGA's run their course and show the world how immense the disaster would be. I regret some of the damage is as catastrophic as it is, and the human suffering has been as severe as it is, but tragically, we needed to see it play out. Trump has shown the world exactly how awful authoritarian kleptocracy is, and Orbán's defeat may not have happened without him.
Our system has been broken for years, and especially since Reagan delivered government to the oligarchy/corporate interests. We needed trump to show us the outcome, and his presidency is the wrecking ball we needed.
Where we go from here? We have the opportunity to clear the rubble and rebuild something new, something that works for everyone AND saves the planet. As Peggy mentioned, the Substack "Crisis and Transition" has some good ideas. The time to plan is upon us.
I'll be looking for architects of change, and shunning the status quo.
The changing of the guard is a difficult process. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel -however, the tunnel we are currently in is filled with unfamiliar faces of people I really don't know. I'll have to trust in the judgment of other in order to find the next generation of leaders we will need in order to continue this country's dedication to a Democratic order that will define us in the future.
The demographics here - us reading and commenting, are on the older end of the spectrum - 60s, 70s and 80s. We’re still vital and we care. In general we have admirable financial assets and the leisure to think deeply. We have the benefit of experience and wisdom. However, we shouldn’t make the same error as J Biden, RB Ginsberg, DJ Trump and other seniors. Hanging on never beats moving on! We must accept that it’s no longer our world - we had our shot. The Project 2025 movement has skunked us and the damage will not be repaired in our lifetimes. SO, our best practice under the circumstances is to promote and support younger progressives with vision and magnetism. There is no familiar silver bullet candidate with a face and track record we know who is ready to step into harness and propel us to the promised land. We must understand that rebuilding our freedom team will take time. We can grieve but we should not give up. We can share our opinions but should not inflict them on those who are rising to take our places. We may not be happy about our position in the present moment but we should still set a good example with grace and courage - like the best grandparents from our memories and imagination.
Hubert--I don't object to change as long as it's for the better. What disturbs me--I don't see that happening. I live below the poverty line--so my opinions come from the dirt, the same dirt that built this country, and I hate to see what she is becoming.
What frustrates me about Democrats, and politicians overall, is a failure to lay out what they would like to happen. Mainstream, establishment populations have aspirations to power rather than a desire to pursue systemic change. I want to see specific policies: universal (single payer) healthcare, empowered EPA, stronger environmental actions by the Forest Service; Dept of Interior, and Dept of Agriculture; a rise in the minimum wage and more protections for unions; a break up of monopolies and corporate giants who can arbitrarily raise prices; clear and just immigration reform providing a path to citizenship; better funding for education from pre-school to graduate school, and much more. If politicians are reluctant to spell these things out, then they should not get our vote. I want to hear active rejection of the billionaire objective, not just opposition to our idiot president and his team. Mere opposition without policy does not produce change.
I get what you say Robert, but you are describing a democracy in our country that is not working the way it is supposed to, that is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. We have a dysfunctional set up right now, and that is just the way the Republican Party wants it. The oyster farmer in Maine might win, but he is not the answer for the nation. Until the big money, and political parties, are removed from the situation, it will never work, and that ain't gonna happen.
As a boomer, I can definitely see that it is time to hand the political reins over to new, younger, dynamic candidates who truly are representing the people and not corporations. I was a Bernie supporter back in 2016 and would really like to see young progressives move the party and the country forward in 2026 and 2028.
The new progressives are just what the country needs, not the old incumbents who are comfortable legislating for those who contribute the most money to them, and not for the benefit of regular citizens. Common sense and 'the common good' have taken a back seat for too long.
I have met Platner personally on 3 occasions at town halls and I am impressed with his humanity and integrity. He is passionate about his policies and as a liberal feminist they align with my beliefs. At one town hall a woman in Q and A expressed how hurt she was by a Reddit he made in the past. He publicly apologized. After the meeting as the place had mostly cleared out, he sought out that woman and talked to her one on one. He is the real deal and I miss that compassion for the governed.
I suspect that the big donors are tempering the party’s message. Or perhaps the party anticipates this and is self censoring. Anti-establisment frightens them. They would rather win the argument than win the election.
It's time to go bold and blow the GOP old guard out of the water. Collins isn't as horrible as most; she's found certain moments to defy the party line. But she'll carry a history of complicity into her upcoming retirement.
Any politician that has voted for the #BBBbetrayal and let ACA subsidies die cannot claim “family values.” They've proven that the only families they value have seven-digit bank accounts.
If they sliced up the New Deal and LBJ-era social safety nets, they need to be #FTR - #FinalTermRepublicans. They should no longer be helping Trump in his #SquanderingAmericasGreatness.
Are we sure we still have a two party system? The Republicans have basically become the party of racists, liars and worse. the Democratic Party is still in the hands of the ultra wealthy. It might seem to outsiders that Trump is leading us to a time of great upheaval, one that may only suggest changes such as those brought about by successful nonviolent revolutions that then successfully installed a better functioning systems of governance. Sometimes deep meaningful change is the path to the future.
You’re right to question whether we still have a two-party system.
We don’t.
We have one donor class with two marketing departments.
The GOP sells grievance. The Democrats sell competence, kinda. Both deliver the same thing upstairs: protected wealth, captured regulators, a tax code written by the people it exempts, and a healthcare system designed to bankrupt the sick.
Collins voting one way or another is theater. Swapping one party label for another doesn’t fix that. The machinery keeps producing the same output because the machinery is the point.
A real opposition refuses corporate money, refuses AIPAC money, refuses crypto money, and treats Medicare for All and antitrust as the floor, not the ceiling. None of that happens at scale because the people who’d have to do it are funded by the people who’d lose.
The upheaval is coming. The question is whether it gets organized into something humane or harvested by the next strongman with better branding.
Nonviolent, disciplined, economically literate is the only version that ends well. Everything else is the suffering machine changing costumes.
Johan 🐌
The Dems big message: we're not as bad as the trumpers.
Platner and Momdami, to name two, have resonated with average Americans by pointing out what we have been complaining about for years.
Out with the old guard. All we Dems have done is fundraise while the trumpers were plotting a coup. Are we going to let them succeed or are we going to vote for those who will actually fight for us?
I'm sick of Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. Neither man has the stones for what is ahead.
Both Schumer and Jeffries are in their rolls because of fears of being primaried by AIPAC. Progressives like Jayapal don’t toe that line; we need more of that independent spirit at the top of the Dem hierarchy. It’s time that our millions push for the #ForThePeopleAct2. Like the 2021 H.R.1 original, it would mandate public not private funding for campaigns and severe superPAC restrictions. That’s how we minimize AIPAC and all the right-wing billions that steer agendas on both sides. #FTPA2 will need to be updated to counter all the new election theft tactics like gerrymandering on steroids and targeted voter purges.
Schumer and Jefferies don’t worry about being primaried by AIPAC, they are essentially paid employees of a AIPAC.
… check out the amount of “contributions“ each have received on the open secrets website. Congress is basically just their side gig.
Thanks, AGP, and I want to add some information (I've gotten from Wikipedia just now) for the benefit of any readers of this (like myself) who are not fully familiar with all the acronyms you and others use here: "H.R." indicates a "House Resolution" which is the type of "motion" (proposal to consider creating a new law) that's made in writing (rather than verbally as is sometimes done) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The first of these particular H.R.'s that are called a "For the People Act" was introduced in 2019 and the second in 2021 by Democrats - and both were thwarted by Republicans. The official full title of the proposed new law is: "An act to expand Americans' access to the ballot box and reduce the influence of big money in politics, and for other purposes." And "AIPAC" means "American Israel Public Affairs Committee" and "...has been called one of the most influential lobbying groups in the U.S." - FRANK TALK, jr.
Your marketing skills to impale the Trump/GOP brands are exactly what the progressive movement needs! Messaging that a two year old would understand on the media airwaves is kryptonite for the democratic status quo.
yeildo14
Yes.
Voters are totally angry and pissed at the old guard of Democrats and Republicans. Trump is a criminal felon who violated the federal law against insurrection and should be in jail. Establishment Democrats, Biden and AG Garland failed to enforce the law from 2021 to 2024. Trump’s lying about protecting the working class by lowering prices on Day One, bringing manufacturing jobs back to America, and never starting a foreign war got him reelected. The news media support Trump by accepting and repeating the lying every hour without correction. Trump should have blocked from holding office and being on the ballot in 2024, but the Supreme Court violated their oath office refused to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Trump was an insurrectionist in 2021 who incited the insurrection on January 6, 2021. Specifically, the federal crime of insurrection is defined in 18 U.S. Code § 2383 - Rebellion or insurrection which clearly states who is guilty of the felony crime with this language.
“Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.”
The insurrection in 2025 that continues in 2026 was planned by Project 2025, as led by Trump, with engagement and assistance from members of his administration, Republicans in Congress and six justices on the Supreme Court to install a lawless, fascist autocracy that destroys affordability and has ICE agents murdering American citizens in the streets. Are No Kings protests about violation of the First Amendment, voting rights, and civil rights good enough to get Democrats elected in 2029? Hell No!
To convince voters to elect Democrats in 2028, Democrats need a PROJECT 2029 with descriptions of solutions to core problems including affordability, and COMMITMENTS TO IMMEDIATELY ENFORCE THE FEDERAL LAW, 18 U.S. CODE § 2383 AGAINST INSURRECTION, which means prosecuting, convicting and imprisoning Trump, member of his administration, Republicans in Congress, and six justices on the Supreme Court.
I will forever curse President Biden and Merrick Garland. Are you telling me that at their first meeting, Biden did not say "On day one, we throw trump's ass in jail?"
If that did not happen, what monumental hubris. And stupidity.
You are so right! Platner and Mondani should serve as a warning to those in power in the Democratic Party.
If I have a choice on the ballot between a Democrat and a candidate from the Democratic Socialists of America, I'm voting for the DSA candidate.
Same here. I want REAL change. Not more of the same.
Roger that!
What the change that these rebets are going to offer us?
Start with getting rid of Citizens United. Did you mean Rebels, not rebets? progressive people are not rebels, They are main stream citizens who are becoming the majority in the Democratic Party,
Clearly, Independents now have the power. I still have some faith in the Democrats, but they have been totally ineffective. I've been saying for a long time that Democrats need to get out into the public with the voters and listen to their concerns and speak to them, honestly, like Mamdani. Get away from corporate money. Simplistic, but the general idea
- Karen Cooper
I think that so many of us in the public have been too busy with dealing with our own problems in our daily lives that we have not had the time and opportunity to slow down and study and understand enough of the firehose of information about the inner workings of the "machinery," etc.
Now what may be more important, than getting out and listening to the public, is to find better ways to simplify the information and market it effectively! We need to move beyond yelling curses at a few names of individuals and groups. it's time to start breaking this mess into understandable concepts delivered by adept communicators.
For the most part, the public are saying, essentially, "We're hurting and we want someone to make it stop."
It seems to me that we may need to find a way to move toward publicly financed elections without all the wasted money and wasted months that lead up to our elections. Of course, this requires safeguards, etc. - so we have to do a lot of cleaning up of this current mess first. This is an enormous mess to clean up, and it is of enormous importance...
We Dems have indeed been totally ineffective. And that is being generous. Limp d*cks is where I'd go.
‘One donor class with two marketing departments’. Brilliant! Says it all…
Excellent concise summary of exactly what we currently have--"one donor class with 2 marketing departments" and conversely what we need --"an organized upheaval that is nonviolent, disciplined and economically literate". You are so right that "everything else is the suffering machine changing costumes". Beautifully worded description of our situation here Johan. Thank you.
Ditto.
This is the part that keeps standing out to me too. So many people can feel that something deeper than partisan dysfunction is happening. The public senses that trust has eroded not only in politicians, but in institutions, economic systems, and the stories holding society together.
But I also think that realization creates responsibility. If people are losing faith in the current system, then what comes next matters enormously. History shows that periods of upheaval can move toward greater justice and participation, or toward fear, scapegoating, and authoritarianism.
That’s why I keep coming back to the importance of organizing at the community level, building relationships, rebuilding civic life, and developing leaders grounded in ethics, compassion, and accountability rather than branding and spectacle.
Deep change may indeed be coming. The question is whether we help shape it consciously and humanely, or leave the vacuum to be filled by the loudest and most cynical forces.
Problem, is that you cannot refuse the money. Obama spent one billion $$$ getting elected back in 2012. Trump is floating in oceans of money, much of it given to him outside of the reporting system.
It's like redistricting. Democrats cannot unilaterally disarm and agree not to take the money when Republicans are raking it in. That won't work There needs to be a system in which the donations are regulated all around, just like Congressional districting.
And I fully agree - we have one donor class with two marketing departments. Well said.
And that is exactly why we need to get money out of politics. Even candidates who really want to represent their constituents have to waste far too much time raising funds just to avoid being buried under an avalanche of slick, paid campaigns with unlimited money.
So: the government itself should provide the funds for candidates who have garnered clear support from their base, and each candidate who qualifies gets the SAME amount of money, ads, air time and so on. NO private donations or personal fortunes may be used. The election cycle should also have clear set timelines. Each campaign cycle should begin no more than 18 weeks before an election day. No ads, no TV appearances - let's let incumbents focus on DOING THEIR JOB, not on the next election cycle! And that provides a bonus of peaceful, restful, pay-attention-to-your-life-, friends-and-family time.
I for one am SO tired of never getting a break from politics.
Myra, my thoughts exactly! I’m receiving waaaaayyyyy too many emails asking for contributions - from OTHER STATES! I’m feeling guilty that I cannot contribute. But after reading many of the above comments, yours in particular, I’ve decided its OK to just delete and report SPAM! Or unsubscribe.
One donor class with two marketing departments. Ouch!
I don’t agree that the two parties both deliver the same thing upstairs. I’d rather say they deliver too much of the same thing upstairs. I’m objecting to the Tweedledee tweedle dumb characterization of the two parties that fosters political disengagement.
Well said. Thank you.
In the US you "have one donor class with two marketing departments." but your donor class is merely the US division of the International Oligarch Cartel. Tech surveillance nazis, Libertarian swivel heads and common 1%ers, aligned with the Christo-nationalists. Overseas divisions include deranged despots, dictators and feudal Theocracies. They don't have a formal organisation, only their common interests, but don't doubt they work together when it suits them.
Marc, Bob's list is great. The growth of independents is important as well. Is the two party system cracking up? That would be great.
I'm missing attention for the way politicians connect with the voters. The habit of mass rallies and big donations is still something to change. But how and when?
Tom - Too early to tell. In some states independents can only vote democrat or republican in certain races. That leaves a lot of people who don’t wish to participate against their own wishes not voting because they have to continue to choose a party that is not aligned with their interests. At least that’s how it is in Ohio and it’s why I still can’t get my youngest to vote. Once they start to have children maybe this will change as they grow to understand that their votes really do affect their future and that of their family. Feel like I have let them down by not convincing them of that fact already but hopefully they’ll come around.
And, yes, mass rallies and big corporation/dark money needs to go.
I saw an interview with Kat Abughazaleh who is using her headquarters and rallies as a distribution center for those in need. She's running for Democratic primary for Illinois's 9th Congressional District. I really loved her message and her process.
Babette - Walk and chew gum at the same time - what a concept!! ;) I’m glad that she is doing both and hopefully can show others that it is possible. Taking care of others is what we all should be doing but it’s a shame that some have abandoned that simple idea.
Yes Anon, I can understand. My grandson has a lot of right wing convictions, but visits a left wing university. How come?
But I try to bring him to think about politics, with a bit more nuance, very slowly...
Two party dominance is over in the UK, Labour losing ground to Left (Greens) and Right (Reform UK and Donald’s little helpers).
Sharon, I think a winner takes all system is not good. Better is a proportional representation, but the risk is that you get to many parties. Tradition and political behaviour will be leading... In Germany is a 5% thresshold; that is a solution, but preferable?
Completely agree Tom. Am hoping that that is what comes out of this upheaval.
We do have two parties, Mr. Nevas: one American and one anti-American Traitors all guilty, again, of "High Treason Against the United States" through not one, but TWO oil wars of aggression!
Not the traditional parties that there used to be. Plus tech upheaval. Uninspiring candidates. Awe inspiring technology.
So who is less of an insider in the California gubernatorial race, Becerra or Steyer? Few think another billionaire is the solution to too many billionaires in government. But few would look at Biden's cabinet as revolutionaries on the ramparts.
I appreciate your view. We have needed to create change in this country for many decades and I have worked to see that change since I was a young adult in the Reagan years. Now that so many people are feeling the pain at the pump, in the grocery store line, in housing/utility costs, in lost wages, and in their communities as well as bearing witness to the havoc this regime is wrecking with ICE and internationally, I am hopeful the body politic will recognize and exercise their (our) power and strip Trump and his ilk—throughout the world—of theirs. Let's start with restoring our voter and reproductive rights, end Citizen United, set Supreme Court appointee term limits, stop allowing the Pentagon unrestricted access to our tax dollars, and breaking up monopolies in all industries across the board. And encourage all the Gen Z's we know to stay informed, think critically, and get involved in the reshaping of the world they are inheriting.
And these young democratic candidates are a breath of fresh air. Pete B. Is my guiding light.
Amen!
we have a non party but potentially great home for prople walking away from the Dem Party: Democratic Socialists of America. They could become really powerful if more voters would join then.
I disagree - I am from Maine. Collins is precisely as horrible, if not moreso. She only votes against the GOP when her vote doesn't count: when there's a safe majority to ensure a bill will pass, and by her action she can preserve her carefully cultivated - and bogus - image as a "moderate, bi-partisan." When she first ran for Senate she pledged to serve no more than two terms; she's now running for her sixth. She hasn't held a town hall meeting since the Clinton administration. As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee she has done NOTHING to stand up to Trump's use of Executive Orders to bypass Congress' Constitutionally granted spending authority. Her votes to confirm some of Trump's worst Cabinet offices - not to mention Brett Kavanaugh - have done massive damage to our democracy. And let's not forget her vote against Trump's second impeachment because ... she declared that she thought he had "learned his lesson." Susan Collins is a blight on the Senate - and she has to go.
Ellen, I have puzzled over Collins ability to get reelected term after term? What do Mainers see in her that I cannot? I think your list of her weaknesses and foibles matches mine. She votes with her party and Republican President's unless she has leadership approval to vote against. She has made many egregiously bad votes supporting unqualified nominees. I believe Platner will be a breath of fresh air if elected.
Maine is divided into two Congressional districts. The First District is in the southern, more prosperous, more densely populated and more liberal part of our state; the Second is more rural, poorer and much more conservative. It's a true blue-red split, and that's reflected in voting patterns. Unlike all other states except Nebraska, Maine splits its electoral votes in Presidential elections, awarding two based on the overall statewide vote, and one vote for the outcome of the vote in each congressional district. In 2024, Kamala Harris took three and Trump one. Susan Collins' success can be attributed to her ability to bring funding - and therefore jobs - to Maine, largely because of her seniority-based clout. The bread-and-butter issues matter more to people in our state; we have the oldest population in the nation, and a declining job base, which causes young people to leave for employment opportunities elsewhere. Case in point is Bath Iron Works, which builds U.S. Navy ships and components and relies heavily on defense contracts; it employs 4,300 people (2020 figure), and Collins has been successful in steering work there. She touts her ability to "bring home the bacon," which drives her electoral success. Increased scrutiny during her most recent terms - of her votes to confirm Trump's Cabinet and Supreme Court appointees as well as against his second impeachment - has heightened opposition (and fury) to her; however, her past campaigns against traditional-down-the-line Democratic-Party opponents have been exceptionally well funded by a variety of right-wing PACs and individuals, including Leonard Leo. This campaign is going to be brutal, down and dirty - from the same shady GOP sources - but we are hopeful for Graham Platner
Ka-ching! Another “worse than Hitler”!
At long last someone is saying it out loud!!!! It has been worrying me how the Democrats are seemingly not getting the message. Are sitting on their old hierarchy. They need the young loud progressives. Now! Yes, some of those in line towing the party credo for years in the hope of swimming to the top of the barrel will fall by the wayside. Someone needs to throw a firecracker into the barrel. Urgently!! Or November will be a disaster.
We need term limits. They would blunt the seniority abuses and hierarchical nature of not only the Democratic Party, but of Congress itself. Currently, politicians’ only goal is to get re-elected, resulting in dependence on corporations and whoever else will spend top dollar.
Term limits are elections. Some people lose, others stay and come back, get more knowledge and experience, and get to know better about what they are doing. We need both short-term and long-term people in the two Houses. Term limits would limit both us and the US.
I don't know. People keep voting for them. They don't elect themselves.
Agree with your points. And they should also apply to complicit Democrats who said or did nothing, or just performed weak theater when it was opportune. We need to vote them out as well.
Absolutely!
Thank you A Glass…
You’ve nailed it.
I hope following readers will recognise the points you make.
Regards, Anthony
Personally, I would go one step further based on Nazi Bunkerboy's cleansing of legal asylum seeking immigrants: there should ABSOLUTELY be a "truth and reconciliation commission" once Americans regain power. THEY can decide who goes to a blue collar prison . . . and who gets executed for "High Treason Against the United States" like Bunkerboy Itself.
I am sad about her departure/retirement. That means I will have to retire my beloved Senator Susan Collins "He's learned his lesson" Award. /s
And the Democratic old guard! I was upset Biden resurface. I know why he did, but he needs to get out of the media immediately.
There are perhaps three 'types' that can galvanize excitement in the Democratic Party. The first is the "working class" type--like Platner (I actually think AOC was an early example too.). The second is the "charismatic" political visionary--like Mamdani, and Sanders. The third type is the centrist with military credentials, like Mark Kelly, and Spanberger. We should be embracing all three types. The party needs this kind of diversity.
We cannot make the identity of the party about race and gender for 2028. And a nominee from California is a terrible idea. Let's be creative. Broad tent. Common sense. Respect for the constitution, for unions, for universal health care. In favor of expanding the Court. Some humility.
Jill - “ We cannot make the identity of the party about race and gender for 2028.” - Agree with you and can we also drop the pretense about religion being as important as it once was? Times have changed and so has the view about religion to a lot of the younger generations. Before you had to be either a believer in the church (I remember when a person being a catholic elicited gasps) or you didn’t get very far in politics. That’s before the era of T who believes in no one but himself and only steps into a religious ceremony when it suits him. So, in the era of dems, republicans and independents why does a person’s religious beliefs define them? The younger generations seem to have less religious affiliations than the older generations. Who cares what they practice - if they practice anything at all - the only questions should be about whether they can do the job in a qualified manner and have the best interests of everyone in their hearts.
Anon, for me, my religion is deeply personal. While I practice my faith to the best of my ability, I do not feel it has any place in politics! There is no one religion! That is why I believe when our country was founded they made sure there was a separation of church and state and I believe it should stay that way!
I feel a lot like you,Peggy
Peggy - As usual…so beautifully written!
Thank you, Anon!
We humans still have deep spiritual needs. Just have to find way to let that side of ourselves evolve—-not necessarily through organized religion. It’s the part of us that responds to the better angels in our nature, so should be cultivated.
I love what you so beautifully said. We all do have "deep spiritual needs" but those can definitely be met outside the confines of any organized religion. At almost 80, the ever evolving spiritual part of me is the most important part and focus of my life but I left organized religion when I was 14 because I saw how much division and hatred that all manmade religions created with their sense of superiority over all others. I find and hear intuitively the creator's voice inside me and yes as you so eloquently said, "it's the part of us that responds to the better angels in our nature". It guides us to act with moral values. Thank you Threads! Church and state should always be separate as one's "religion" or spirituality should be a free personal choice of every human.
Threads - I’m not knocking organized religion but I don’t think that it should be a prerequisite to how “good” a candidate is going to be. I don’t necessarily believe in any type of religion but I do think that people should be free to believe in what resonates with them without discounting other people’s beliefs. I might not have a religion that calls to me but my spouse was Catholic when we met. They now call themselves a lapsed Catholic and I have tried to tell them that they don’t need to go to a building just to continue to pray and practice what they believe in. Unfortunately, with both of our respective previous careers, we have seen both the beauty and ugliness of what humanity can do so I believe that had something to do with their decision to stop. That and the hypocrisy that they saw from both the congregation and the priests. My biggest hang up is that some churches seem to “interpret” the Bible to how it suits them so I prefer to believe in what I can see, touch and feel in my heart. I used to go out into nature to soothe my soul but now being housebound maybe I am just lost and cranky. What you wrote was powerful and I appreciate your response.
Anon, Peggy, Lilla, Dorothy -- I appreciate the thoughtful way you approach discussion here. To me, part of being a decent person involves trying to discern between genuine truths and valuable perspectives, and the kinds of beliefs or narratives we sometimes adopt simply because they comfort us or reinforce group identity.
I don’t believe people should be obstructed -- by governments, institutions, or even family systems-- from exploring spiritual or philosophical questions in ways that are thoughtful and humane. What matters most to me is whether those paths move us toward greater honesty, humility, compassion, responsibility, and justice.
These are themes I’ve found myself reflecting on in my own writing as well.
And Anon, I can relate. I also left the Catholic Church. I’ve never quite thought of myself as a “lapsed Catholic,” though --- more as someone who eventually found beliefs and ways of understanding that felt more aligned with my conscience and values.
Threads - You just wrote how I feel but so much better than I could ever put into words. It was powerful to me. Thank you for that!
I agree. Religious people when in power also tend to use their beliefs to shape policy that affects all of us. I would prefer a whole government of non-believers, then at least we wouldn't have superstition to muddy the waters.
J.Nol - Either non-believers or those who believe so deeply about their own religion that they recognize that everyone should be able to feel that way about their own faith and not try to mold everyone into their own religion.
As Barack Obama said once in endorsing Ben Cardin over Michael Steele in a Maryland Senate race that year. Don't tell me what a person looks like, I want to see what you stand for. What matters to me is not what a person looks like, I want to know what you stand for."
My ideal ticket would be Pete Butegieg at the top and Stacy Abrams as VP. But you can already see the Right wing conservatives and the Christian nationalists preparing for battle rather than thinking or listening or transforming or following the teachings of Jesus Christ. Religion certainly has “f ed “ with evolution and the common good.
Speaking truth and love and to the spiritual longing that humanity is desperately trying to find… takes a special communicator. A lot of work is needed.
Phyllis, I agree and feel sad because it seems impossible.
100% agree, Jill!
And they should debate one another honorably and intelligently.
Leave the ugliness with the trumpsters.
Please elaborate: “we can’t make it about gender”. Is that code speak for “the bros (and their women) won’t vote for a woman, so we might as well give it up on that idea” ?
Not at all, Nancy, and I'm sorry if my comment implied that. Harris did not run on gender, nor did Obama run on race. It's not about the candidate's race and gender, its about how the party frames the issues that matter most to the majority of voters.
Gender and race are simply not winning issues right now, and we need to win.
So specifically, are you saying, as many others actually are whether or not publicly, that America won’t vote for a woman President so don’t nominate one?
Not at all.
Couldn’t agree more. On every point.
I do not agree. I’m sorry, but I don’t want a democratic Donald Trump. I want an intelligent, actually a brilliant president. Someone much smarter than me. I want a liberal, compassionate, educated human being that I’m assured isn’t a pedophile or a racist or a narcissist. I want them to understand the American people and their needs. A good education or training in whatever their interest or field, health care, fair income and child care… basic needs like food and shelter. I want them to have integrity, values and believe in what they say and believe it so much they don’t have to lie. I don’t care what religion they are as long as they believe in something…a higher power than themselves. Is this possible? I hope so because if not we aren’t going to have a country and nothing will save us if we don’t save ourselves.
I agree with you. We don't even know who Platner is yet, He may become a great Senator-but we don't know that yet. I agree that we need someone younger with new ideas but after Trump I want someone who looks and acts presidential-someone who stands up to bullies but someone who also has a soft side. The candidate not only has to fix all the things that have been decimated by Trump but he has to have a soft side- be a balm to the giant bleeding injury that Trump has inflicted on all of us.
There are major problems with Platner. He has misrepresented his background. He is not from the working class. He lied about his tattoo. I do not likely dishonesty. Democrats need to quit trusting people like Fetterman and Platner out of desperation.
Well, between Platner and Collins, Platner would get my vote if I lived in the state. He may grow into the job, or not. What he represents is important. If he turns out to be a scoundrel, or not truly interested in the needs of his constituents, they can vote him out later. Life is risk. If we want to always feel safe, than change can never happen and the oligarchs and tech billionaires win, and the middle class and true representative democracy becomes a dim memory.
I agree, but these should not be our only choices.
Oh, but they won’t vote him out. Incumbents have tremendous job security. but I agree about taking risks.
I like your thought process,Jean
Agree, Pat. I have also read that Platner has a past history of misogynistic and homophobic statements. He claims he’s not that person anymore, but I find it disturbing. Hope you can open this: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/11/17/opinion/opinion-contributor/graham-platners-campaign-reeks-of-misogyny/
I believe Platner said he was drunk at the time overseas when he got his tattoo telling and showed his Nazi tattoo to the audience. So he’s running as a Democrat?
To be clear, the tatoo Platner had is a skull and cross bones. He is not a "pirate", nor has he ever commandeered, to our knowledge, a Jolly Roger flag flying pirate ship. Nor, do I believe, is he a Nazi. To put things in perspective (PSB reporting), "The first-time political candidate said he got the skull and crossbones tattoo in 2007, when he was in his 20s and in the Marine Corps. It happened during a night of drinking while he was on leave in Croatia, he said, adding he was unaware until recently that the image has been associated with Nazi police."
If you think Black voters are going to vote for man with a Nazi tattoo who has said racist things in the past, you simply don't know Black people. They are tired of Democrats who want to ignore them, telling them that we need to have "centrists" who ignore race, and that
THEY are the problem, They are not the problem. They have been the most reliable Democratic voters. Democrats want their votes, but they keep telling them to shut up.
You're suggesting that past mistakes should keep Platner from running for office because he can't be trusted, ever. I get it, but what are the choices here, the same stale pablum, lackluster dems, many of whom are painfully "ineffective". Platner is neither perfect nor ideal, but this fight needs to be won. Who else has put on the gloves and stepped into the ring?
Wouldn't it be nice if elected officials were held 'legally' to their oaths of office and to the promises that got them elected, or face consequences?
Understandable. Platner is likely to win in the mainly white state of Maine, and if he does, all we can do is watch and see how he handles himself in the senate, and the types of alliances he makes. Ultimately, all that matters is how he performs as a US Senator. But it should be noted that in high school, Platner protested GW Bush's war in Iraq, and was voted by his class as most likely to start a revolution.
Yeah I’m concerned that Plaintner could be another bozo like Fetterman.
He has a Nazi tattoo! All these candidates are horrible.
So, Betty, you want Pope Leo to quit his day job and run for President?
Evil lies loudly and prolifically, and is attractive to the lazy reality avoiders. Look at Fox "News" and WWF....both are entertainment for people who don't want to think. If you watch either, you are becoming brainwashed as to what "normal" is.
Goodness is too polite, quiet, and assumes in private, you'll always do the right thing. Even the Pope can't counter the loud, evil, 24/ 7 / 365 lies of Trump.
The bottom line is evil is easy, good takes work. It's easier to follow evil and not think than it is to read, think, and do good.
DC is a slaughterhouse supported by meat eaters...the Pope can't fight the devil handing out olive pens to Rubio.
SCOTUS gave immunity to the President so theoretically he could kill the Pope televised in the oval office. and get away with it. The Pope has no such immunity.
That's the America we live in.
But I believe it can change. It has too. I can have hope and I will continue too. Everyone in this country is not ignorant.
I am with you Betty. I love what Pete kept saying in Tulsa as he held a town hall meeting… “ it doesn’t have to be this way”
Correct, everyone is not ignorant, but thru gerrymandering Retrumpicans can win elections.
Sorry! Should be to …auto
Betty - Damnnnn…love what you said!
Betty Moyers, thank you for using the word "liberal", which is much more complex and full of history than "progressive", a word I only rarely use, if at all. Also, what about Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota? He sorta fits your description.
I am a Liberal. I use it all the time. I think that is one of the problems with Democrats. We act like we are ashamed of who we are! Stop changing with the wind and stand for what you believe in. I don’t care what people say about going to the middle and pleasing everyone. That is crazy! Our goal should be standing for what is right not pleasing. Tim Waltz is not strong enough to win.
I’m a lifelong democrat, an old white dude, and involved professionally in finance. I’m exactly who the stalwarts in the DCCC probably think wants to stay with the old guard. Well, I’m also a lifelong progressive, tired of seeing democrats pick the “safe” conciliatory middle of the road choice, and finding failure at every option.
I’m also a democratic donor and I’ve got a message for democratic leadership: HEAR ME - I will not suffer your incompetence any more. I will only monetarily support democrats who are young, progressive in belief, and willing to vocally and actively oppose the fascism of the Republican Party. No more reconciliation. No more appeasement. (I’m looking at you, Schumer !).
If we are going to save the U.S. from dictatorship, we can’t afford to elect another Fetterman. DO BETTER , or we’ll found a New Democratic Party that will leave you behind.
Amen amen amen
Better yet take over the existing party.
You tell ‘em,Aaron!,,
Prof. Reich, although you consistently use the word “young” in this offering, I will avoid thinking you have something against “old.” But because you have sewn "young "and "dynamic" and the tantalizing "progressive" to their bios, put me in the corner clapping for their success.
Like you, I am a fan of Zohran Mamdani, despite being an old Jew living in Chicago. Sadly, many of my landsmen are angry at me. Just the fact that Netanyahu and Trump are buddies is enough to speed me to Young and Progressive.
And as a lifelong Democrat, like others with that label, I am disappointed that my party has not been able to figure out a way to get Trump out of our lives and into a jail cell. So count me in with the young progressives. If Bernie Sanders is allowed in, they should have no problem with this old Jewish grandmother taking a hopefully cushioned seat.
Young progressive. Remarkable ability to galvanize. Take back control of Congress. Music to my increasingly elderly ears.
You took the words right out of my mouth!! I was thinking about Bernie, and it's not the age thing, it's the lack of independent thinking and imagination and energy thing. But there is still this undercurrent of misogyny. Elizabeth Warren is endlessly vilified, but Bernie isn't. Just think about that. Whenever I vote for a male candidate, I have this little pause in my head.
Beautifully said, Elaine!
Well said, Elaine!! As an 80 yr old lifelong Democrat, your words are a balm to my soul. Thank you ❤️
I'm 87. Welcome to the still-breathing (poorly) group. Read my recent Substack: https://elainemsoloway952805.substack.com/p/my-warranty-is-expiring
👏👏👏👏👏👏
Prof. I'm verklempt!
The Democrats have to listen to the working class or they will lose.
Keith--We are the working class..
When families started needing 2 full-time incomes just to pay the bills, they became the working class, regardless of education and white- or blue-color work. After all, it was union workers in the auto industry that built the middle class in the mid-20th century. Otherwise, why should a single mother with a good job have to struggle so much? Once we take the blinkers away from our eyes, we will realize this.
Jean--realize what??
That one's precious idea of being somehow different from the working class, just because we maybe sit in front of a computer pushing metaphorical paper around, makes us members of a different class of people--the middle class. We are all the middle and working class, except for the small percentage of super wealthy individuals. Our politics is, and has been for at least 60 years, about divide and conquer.
Jean--If you have a job and you work at it 40 hours a week you are a member of the working class.
Correct. But most of my former colleagues in the advertising industry would be loathe to describe themselves that way. And their "salaried" 40 hours/wk job is actually 60-80 hours/wk, not including time they spend working on the way to and from work, and at home and on weekends, for which they are not compensated. So my "effective" hourly wage was more or less half of what it appeared to be, and it gave me a lousy QOL with toxic stress. Most white collar so-called workers do not identify with the working class, as defined by marketers and politicians, and are encouraged to see that their needs differ from those of unionized or not hourly wage workers.
" The loftiest peaks rise from the lowest depths and their shining summits glorify their hidden foundations. The highest eloquence springs from the lowliest sources and pleads trumpet-tongued for the children of the abyss." Eugene V. Debs
Gregg--The branches of a tree will bear no fruit if its roots are rotten..
"When I rise it will be with the ranks, and not from the ranks." E.V. Debs
Gregg--Strength in number is a comforting endeavor.
It can be, yes.
Yepper
Yes.
Yes!
And to the retirees... for those of us whose only source of income is Social Security.
I have been seeing the terrible gulf between a public who feel the effects of policy and care about it, though often incoherently, and a Democratic Party that's been structured round Orderly Progression Through the Ranks*, and the two aren't compatible.
Political consultants and pundits out of that fundamentally rightwing shop, the Virginia School of Political Economy, have groomed pols and much of the public to seek the Non-Offensive, the Middling, and that's not cutting it.
Where the public wants change and a Zohran Mamdani steps out and charms them, despite ooh aah hrrrm being brown and Muslim, we get excellent policy.
I'm concerned about the nation getting a Graham Platner instead, with his sketchy past unavowed and apparently unreported until it was outed. Or better but still not the policy giant we want, a Mark Kelly, a VETERAN! whom Trump HATES! and who is a man of character but, well, that's a thin resume, too, and apt to nothing-doing.
I've been very bothered in seeing so many replies to your candidate queries focusing on eliminating candidates, often for demographics, rather than on looking at potential candidates from a speculative and positive policy perspective.
* For white people and men especially.
Thanks Mary Ann.
Just as A Glass 1/8 Full has nailed it, likewise have you.
I hope readers take your points to heart.
Regards, Anthony.
Something about Robert’s list of candidates,bothers me too.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Professor Reich, you have hit the nail on the head!! Yes, I will cast my vote for anti-establishment candidates! Why? Because I am sick to death of these politicians that suck at the proverbial teat of crony capitalism. I wanted Bernie Sanders. When he wasn't on the ticket, I voted for Hillary Clinton when she ran against the orange man. Now, I am looking at candidates like Graham Platner, James Talarico and others who simply will not "bend the knee" anymore to large corporations and the oligarchs who think they will always run this country! I will select candidates who will have nothing to do with "crony capitalism". If we are going to repair our country, we need those that are willing to kick these corporations and oligarchs that are meddling, buying and manipulating the politicians out of our government. The so-called 'Democratic Establishment' needs an overhaul now! Every one of them that has lost touch with the American voter and think they "know" what the people want needs a refresher course on why they are where they are in the first place! For us to be able to correct and restore what these republicans have destroyed, we have to fix our own party first! Both parties need a course correction and it is high time "We the People" did that! Excellent post today, Professor Reich! Thank you! Keep fighting, America! Stay strong and stay safe!
Peggy, Could it be in a perverse way, T.Rump is potentially doing the US a favour precisely because he is so patently crass, corrupt and corrosive it provides the impetus to have this conversation and consider such radical change at all?
As an outsider looking in from UK (where we have our own problems), I was completely bewildered by Bidens nomination for the 2024 Presidential and it came with the sickening realisation that in their own way, the Dems of today are almost as invested in big corporations as the Republicans.
Clear that the Super PACs and PACs need to go and some patient rebuilding and reinforcement of US Government and Institutions to go back to the nuts and bolts of the Constitution as originally intended, has to happen before the US can really move forward. You have my support ( in so far as that matters) providing Religion stays out of Politics.
Sharon, I also subscribe to a substack called "Crisis and Transition" and you are right that the Democratic party is as deeply invested in big corporations as the republicans are. Mr. Logan has written a very powerful piece on "Where are the leaders you are talking about?" to address where we are at this moment. These politicians have drawn from the dark money well and do not want that to change. These young candidates coming up are speaking out about that, and I believe they understand what "We the People" are calling for better than the leaders in the Democratic Party. These young candidates are "listening" to us which is something our leaders have stopped doing. Yes, Citizens United needs to be done away with and any other dark money that is flowing into politicians' pockets. I also feel the old guard needs to step aside and let these young leaders take the reins. I feel confident they would be able to tackle the quagmire that is in Washington, clean it out and get our country back to moving in the right direction. I also agree that we had to have someone like the orange man open our eyes to our complacent attitude that our country would always be strong, free and united. The orange man has shown all of us that to remain uninvolved in our politics leads to this kind of chaos and corruption. Thank you so much for your support, Sharon. It means a lot to those of us fighting so hard right now!
Thanks for recommendation Peggy. We only get the Politicians we deserve and have forgotten how much effort it took to achieve the freedoms we take for granted now. Am very much hoping that our Electoral cycle (National not Local) here will be after the T.Rump travesty has been indubitably shown for what it is but we have our threat in the form of Farage and our own reasons to be vigilant.
At least you know to stay vigilant, Sharon! We stopped being vigilant and now are fighting like hell to save our Democracy! I hope you enjoy Crisis and Transition!
Yes, again
YES, Sharon! I agree with you that we had to have the MAGA's run their course and show the world how immense the disaster would be. I regret some of the damage is as catastrophic as it is, and the human suffering has been as severe as it is, but tragically, we needed to see it play out. Trump has shown the world exactly how awful authoritarian kleptocracy is, and Orbán's defeat may not have happened without him.
Our system has been broken for years, and especially since Reagan delivered government to the oligarchy/corporate interests. We needed trump to show us the outcome, and his presidency is the wrecking ball we needed.
Where we go from here? We have the opportunity to clear the rubble and rebuild something new, something that works for everyone AND saves the planet. As Peggy mentioned, the Substack "Crisis and Transition" has some good ideas. The time to plan is upon us.
I'll be looking for architects of change, and shunning the status quo.
Me, too, Paula!
Hear! Hear!
The changing of the guard is a difficult process. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel -however, the tunnel we are currently in is filled with unfamiliar faces of people I really don't know. I'll have to trust in the judgment of other in order to find the next generation of leaders we will need in order to continue this country's dedication to a Democratic order that will define us in the future.
The demographics here - us reading and commenting, are on the older end of the spectrum - 60s, 70s and 80s. We’re still vital and we care. In general we have admirable financial assets and the leisure to think deeply. We have the benefit of experience and wisdom. However, we shouldn’t make the same error as J Biden, RB Ginsberg, DJ Trump and other seniors. Hanging on never beats moving on! We must accept that it’s no longer our world - we had our shot. The Project 2025 movement has skunked us and the damage will not be repaired in our lifetimes. SO, our best practice under the circumstances is to promote and support younger progressives with vision and magnetism. There is no familiar silver bullet candidate with a face and track record we know who is ready to step into harness and propel us to the promised land. We must understand that rebuilding our freedom team will take time. We can grieve but we should not give up. We can share our opinions but should not inflict them on those who are rising to take our places. We may not be happy about our position in the present moment but we should still set a good example with grace and courage - like the best grandparents from our memories and imagination.
Hubert--I don't object to change as long as it's for the better. What disturbs me--I don't see that happening. I live below the poverty line--so my opinions come from the dirt, the same dirt that built this country, and I hate to see what she is becoming.
What frustrates me about Democrats, and politicians overall, is a failure to lay out what they would like to happen. Mainstream, establishment populations have aspirations to power rather than a desire to pursue systemic change. I want to see specific policies: universal (single payer) healthcare, empowered EPA, stronger environmental actions by the Forest Service; Dept of Interior, and Dept of Agriculture; a rise in the minimum wage and more protections for unions; a break up of monopolies and corporate giants who can arbitrarily raise prices; clear and just immigration reform providing a path to citizenship; better funding for education from pre-school to graduate school, and much more. If politicians are reluctant to spell these things out, then they should not get our vote. I want to hear active rejection of the billionaire objective, not just opposition to our idiot president and his team. Mere opposition without policy does not produce change.
Wayne, add in an aggressively progressive tax structure and you've written a pretty good party platform for the Dems.
Agreed. I could not think of everything in a fast comment. I am sure with time a team of good thinkers could come up with a better list.
I’m still waiting to hear what the Dems plan to do as well.
I get what you say Robert, but you are describing a democracy in our country that is not working the way it is supposed to, that is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. We have a dysfunctional set up right now, and that is just the way the Republican Party wants it. The oyster farmer in Maine might win, but he is not the answer for the nation. Until the big money, and political parties, are removed from the situation, it will never work, and that ain't gonna happen.
As a boomer, I can definitely see that it is time to hand the political reins over to new, younger, dynamic candidates who truly are representing the people and not corporations. I was a Bernie supporter back in 2016 and would really like to see young progressives move the party and the country forward in 2026 and 2028.
The new progressives are just what the country needs, not the old incumbents who are comfortable legislating for those who contribute the most money to them, and not for the benefit of regular citizens. Common sense and 'the common good' have taken a back seat for too long.
I have met Platner personally on 3 occasions at town halls and I am impressed with his humanity and integrity. He is passionate about his policies and as a liberal feminist they align with my beliefs. At one town hall a woman in Q and A expressed how hurt she was by a Reddit he made in the past. He publicly apologized. After the meeting as the place had mostly cleared out, he sought out that woman and talked to her one on one. He is the real deal and I miss that compassion for the governed.
I suspect that the big donors are tempering the party’s message. Or perhaps the party anticipates this and is self censoring. Anti-establisment frightens them. They would rather win the argument than win the election.
Bob, I think you are very right in this. Sad, but true.
"They would rather win the argument than win the election."
🎯 🎯 🎯
Obama won the primary in 2008 because Hillary was the establishment.
Meg--Obama would have own if his dog was his running mate.