Great ideas and very thoughtful takes. Thank you! Before I dive in today, though, let me give you mine. If I were advising Biden, I’d obviously focus on Manchin and Sinema. But I'd emphasize that the two of them want different things.
Manchin, for example, is willing to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices with Big Pharma – a hugely popular idea that would save the government (and consumers) hundreds of billions a year. But Sinema is dead-set against this because she’s in the pocket of Big Pharma – one of her major sources of campaign money. (Manchin is also pushing his own plan to tax prescription opioids, which Big Pharma and Sinema are against).
On the other hand, Sinema supports putting a price on carbon pollution – which Manchin, from a coal state (and with his own coal interests) firmly opposes. Manchin also wants to nix tax rebates for clean energy, and almost all other climate measures in the bill.
So I’d approach each separately, offering carrots and threatening sticks. (Obviously, go easy on the sticks because you don’t want either to switch to the Republican Party -- which would mean Biden can't get anything done.)
In exchange for Manchin’s support of climate policies, Biden might offer billions in economic development for West Virginia – everything from federal tax rebates to corporations investing there to extra funding for public schools and universities. And gently threaten that if Manchin doesn’t accept the deal, Biden will make it public, so West Virginians will know what Manchin has rejected to protect dwindling coal jobs and his own coal interests.
With Sinema, it’s all about attention and money. I’d advise Biden to quietly offer her the full support of the DNC in her 2024 reelection campaign (and threaten that if she doesn’t cooperate, she gets nothing), or, if she’s interested, the next major cabinet job that opens (but not HHS, given her connections to Big Pharma). Meanwhile, find out from her and her closest friends (if she has any) what other ambitions she might have (who knows? she may dream of becoming US ambassador to France).
At the same time, I’d advise Biden to very quietly court a few Republican senators (Susan Collins, for example), offering whatever he can. Remember, he needs only one Republican defection to eliminate Sinema’s and Manchin’s bargaining leverage.
Dispel the misconceptions about "socialism"! Explain to Americans that they don't want their SS to go away. They want their roads paved. They want public schools and public transportation. They want a local Post Office. They want their banked money to be protected by FDIC. They want military. All these things, and more, are provided by government!!! AND do whatever it takes to pass Build Back Better, Infrastructure and Voting Legislation.
1) Pick the most photogenic, well-spoken members of the House and Senate and have them as the active spokespeople for whatever is going on that will show positive movement and benefit Americans. That does not include Schumer, whose day is past, or the Whip, Clyburn, wonderful person but not inspiring speaker.
2) Have those spokespeople promoting what's in the $350 BILLION/year bill that the Democrats are proposing. Don't discuss the cost, just the need and how we'll all benefit.
3) Have a person-to-person with recalcitrant Progressives in the House and let them know that if they don't approve the basic $100 BILLION/year infrastructure program and get it going immediately with a lot of hoopla, emphasizing fixed roads, no lead or other poisons in our drinking water, and all the other great benefits. Get that passed and sign next week. Done and out and hiring.
4) ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK Republicans in the House and Senate for having no programs, no proposals, and just voting against everything that will improve the lives of average Americans. They won't even agree to pay for the $8 TRILLION debt they amassed over the past four years. OUTRAGE!! Must it be said that the chosen Public Relations people (item #1, above) should hammer home the same talking points, over and over and over again ?
5) More Biden talks with America, but from the Oval Office and not any venue where he has to jerkily show off his arthritis and age by walking 50 feet to a podium.
6) Did I mention 'ATTACK'? It's the reason so many Republicans are in office, they're always attacking for some made-up reason or another. By comparison, the Democrats seem somnolent and do-nothing. Let's take a major page from the Republicans (which they took from the tactics that grew Nazism in Germany and Austria) that really gooses up people and gets them excited. Keep in mind that people follow the line of attack. No one follows sleepy people.
There are so many parts to this situation because the situation reflects the everyday urgency that is not addressed and not prioritized. The message is disorganization, and the message is a poor understanding of the situation and people who are not up to the job, or who are too driven by their sense of their own legacy (even Bernie, he's right that his signature piece will be his legacy, but he has to wait until voting rights are guaranteed, and consequences are meted out for criminals who've been in power too long. We deserve his and Biden's legacy, but they are impatient and playing their egos instead of reading the situation).
Biden and Schumer should ask themselves what would McConnell, and other republicans do, and go ahead and do similarly with the holdout democrats (I expect it comes to unearthing scandals, or even, and likely, threatening to prosecute likely existing offenses, and I expect there are both. They might do the same with McConnell---I don't understand why that's never been done); terrible, but unfortunately, it's come to that.
They need to learn how to message to the American people, making clear what they are offering, and making clear what republicans are obstructing and trying to take away. Messaging is a huge weakness.
And, they are doomed if they don't prioritize the voting act---no one will work hard to vote for democrats up for election to keep their jobs, if they won't work for themselves (and with new voting laws put in place, and with gerrymandering, saying 'get out the vote' is a ridiculous response---that's the point, it's a rigged system based on cheating and set up for the republicans to defeat the democrats. Rigged----based on cheating----out in the open----with a supreme court hostile to voters).
Finally, Garland should start prosecuting, or step aside. How is 'will Donald Trump run again' even a question that can be asked when he should be prosecuted (along with others). He should not be able to run the republican party from prison and that should be repeated frequently and acted upon. An elected official who commits a crime is a criminal, and that's all they are. An insurrection is not a normal situation. Garland needs to decide if he is a jurist or an attorney general who understands the urgency of the country. He can choose, and he can step down, allowing Biden to appoint an 'acting attorney general' instead (not try and have an attorney general approved, please, just go straight to 'acting' as we've seen so often). In a timely manner, there needs to be a top-down review of all employees. It's hard to trust when we see so few things being addressed.
The sense of urgency is lacking----there is no reflection of understanding of the 'non-normal,' and there is no sense of prioritizing what must be done---
The disorganization looks bad and is spreading---and it is disorganized and un-prioritized. Inaction or standing back, patience, they are looking like weakness and a poor understanding of the urgency the country faces, and they do not fit. The democrats are falling over themselves (except Pelosi, who is amazing in focus and strength).
Get it together on these fronts or forfeit, because that is the inevitable outcome.
And, time to invest in some younger politicians, who understand that unfortunately things have changed, and the rules of behavior aren't based on decorum, and who are not shocked by that. Because things have changed. And as with evolution ----you adapt or you risk extinction. And adaptation doesn't include unethical or immoral or illegal legislating, but it does have to reflect the current situation and how to get to the place of being allowed to legislate. And, then, the democrats can show what they really care about, and I believe it's the welfare of the American people. They shouldn't allow it to be such a secret.
To unclog Congress for the Biden/Democratic agenda, Biden needs to unclog Democrats in the Senate. He should unabashedly come out against the filibuster, loud and clear. Biden should lean heavily on Schumer to accomplish this. Schumer should tell Manchin and Sinema that if they end up voting against the Democratic agenda they will be stripped of committee assignments, and Manchin's chairmanship, and be sent to the back benches for the rest of their terms. If Manchin wants to flip to the Republicans, ask him what sort of chairmanship they would be likely to give him! Likely both of them, once identified as traitors, would get very little in the way of power among Republicans. Are the Republicans going to bounce a Republican senator in order to give Manchin a chairmanship? Likely they will both end up as political has-beens. The objection is that means giving the Senate away to McConnell: sorry, McConnell is already in charge of the Senate and the only way Schumer can gain control is to get his two problem children in line with...all the rest of the Democrats.
As Biden's chief adviser, the First thing, in regard to inflation, immediately do the Following:
• Joe, speak to the nation directly, [Not a press secretary], Joe No-Malarkey Biden, saying:
He realizes Rising prices hit Low and middle income Americans especially hard; and remind folks about the child tax credit, [that N0 Republican voted for]; this extra tax Credit has, in addition to
easing price increases on mom’s & dad’s, it has actually reduced child poverty by 20%
• He will immediately seek to activate the National Guard in states with ports to help distribute All the cargo containers pilling up at ports;
• Mobilize Army Engineers to Repair All the Damage caused by this seasons tropical storms in the Gulf states where distribution of products, Especially food is hindered.
• Initiate a Price Parity model for Farming; this will Help mostly small farmers, stabilize prices, turn the tables on the casino economic players, and in the long run help the US and the World
• These and other measures that are being looked into will help the Supply Chain issues, and start to ease prices, and Make US more secure.
Remind you the Most important action needed is to get the Build Back Better initiative on track by doing what you can, [within reason], to please the holdouts Manchin and Sinema;
Keep focus on narrowing the Massive Wealth inequality Gap.
We need a combination of Mass Traction economic progress to counter the false prophets, disinformation, and just one, yes only 1 process reform* now: End the Filibuster.
as James Carville said it best, “It’s the economy stupid”.
The filibuster has to be reformed. Manchin and Sinema must be exposed for what they are taking from lobbyists. The two bills must pass soon as well as the John Lewis voter bill. Use the 14th amendment to bar Trump from holding office ever again! Prosecute all representatives who aided the Jan 6 rioters. Pass legislation to secure a woman's right to choose.
I'd like to see him hit the morning talk shows. Explain his proposals - which are wildly popular. His power is limited by the two doofuses that call themselves Dems (Manchin and Sinema), but he needs to gather as much public, VOCAL support as possible by using the bully pulpit.
Cultivate the message, "These bills are FOR the people, not the rich." Republicans work for the rich and Trump (who is NOT popular with the majority). Keep the message simple and repeat it as often as possible.
Joe, speak to the people, simplify your message and make it to the point! Say things like....
"We live in the wealthiest nation in history. Our most senior citizens can't afford glasses, hearing aids or going to the dentist. Join me in telling Congress that we MUST Build Back Better!"
"Why aren't women getting back to work? They can't afford childcare. Join me in telling Congress that we MUST Build Back Better!"
"The wealthiest amongst us benefit the most from our system of government. They need to begin paying their fair share once again. Join me in telling Congress that we MUST Build Back Better!"
Joe, get the people more involved in helping you push your Build Back Better agendas through Congress!!!
For god sake — Hire a PR firm to create effective talking points for the Democrats, how can we get it constantly so wrong. This legislation is being supposed by 96% of the Dems. Help Joe and Krysten how they can join and keep their seats. As noted here, help Biden communicate the value of a stronger America and place the blame squarely on the Republicans for blocks progress and how they are in the pocket of big business
Bring it to the people in an address. Address and reassure about this and Afghanistan. Directly and plainly. And you've got to talk to the Trump fans when you do it. Cite the precedents of the New Deal and the unprecedented World Pandemic. Call for the people to demand that their elected officials stop playing along party lines and be responsive to people's needs. At the same time, regulate the news industry again so that people can get real news instead of constant negative opinions.
Great ideas and very thoughtful takes. Thank you! Before I dive in today, though, let me give you mine. If I were advising Biden, I’d obviously focus on Manchin and Sinema. But I'd emphasize that the two of them want different things.
Manchin, for example, is willing to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices with Big Pharma – a hugely popular idea that would save the government (and consumers) hundreds of billions a year. But Sinema is dead-set against this because she’s in the pocket of Big Pharma – one of her major sources of campaign money. (Manchin is also pushing his own plan to tax prescription opioids, which Big Pharma and Sinema are against).
On the other hand, Sinema supports putting a price on carbon pollution – which Manchin, from a coal state (and with his own coal interests) firmly opposes. Manchin also wants to nix tax rebates for clean energy, and almost all other climate measures in the bill.
So I’d approach each separately, offering carrots and threatening sticks. (Obviously, go easy on the sticks because you don’t want either to switch to the Republican Party -- which would mean Biden can't get anything done.)
In exchange for Manchin’s support of climate policies, Biden might offer billions in economic development for West Virginia – everything from federal tax rebates to corporations investing there to extra funding for public schools and universities. And gently threaten that if Manchin doesn’t accept the deal, Biden will make it public, so West Virginians will know what Manchin has rejected to protect dwindling coal jobs and his own coal interests.
With Sinema, it’s all about attention and money. I’d advise Biden to quietly offer her the full support of the DNC in her 2024 reelection campaign (and threaten that if she doesn’t cooperate, she gets nothing), or, if she’s interested, the next major cabinet job that opens (but not HHS, given her connections to Big Pharma). Meanwhile, find out from her and her closest friends (if she has any) what other ambitions she might have (who knows? she may dream of becoming US ambassador to France).
At the same time, I’d advise Biden to very quietly court a few Republican senators (Susan Collins, for example), offering whatever he can. Remember, he needs only one Republican defection to eliminate Sinema’s and Manchin’s bargaining leverage.
What do you think?
Friends, I've got to head off now. Please keep this dialogue going. And, once again, many thanks for participating in this experiment.
Do what McConnell would do if the roles were reversed - get rid of the Filibuster.
Use media repeatedly to spell out what the bill would provide by :
1. explaining what is in the bill in simple language and who it will help
2. show the cost is not outrageous by comparing what will be spent each year versus what we give to Israel every year and programs for other causes.
Dispel the misconceptions about "socialism"! Explain to Americans that they don't want their SS to go away. They want their roads paved. They want public schools and public transportation. They want a local Post Office. They want their banked money to be protected by FDIC. They want military. All these things, and more, are provided by government!!! AND do whatever it takes to pass Build Back Better, Infrastructure and Voting Legislation.
1) Pick the most photogenic, well-spoken members of the House and Senate and have them as the active spokespeople for whatever is going on that will show positive movement and benefit Americans. That does not include Schumer, whose day is past, or the Whip, Clyburn, wonderful person but not inspiring speaker.
2) Have those spokespeople promoting what's in the $350 BILLION/year bill that the Democrats are proposing. Don't discuss the cost, just the need and how we'll all benefit.
3) Have a person-to-person with recalcitrant Progressives in the House and let them know that if they don't approve the basic $100 BILLION/year infrastructure program and get it going immediately with a lot of hoopla, emphasizing fixed roads, no lead or other poisons in our drinking water, and all the other great benefits. Get that passed and sign next week. Done and out and hiring.
4) ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK Republicans in the House and Senate for having no programs, no proposals, and just voting against everything that will improve the lives of average Americans. They won't even agree to pay for the $8 TRILLION debt they amassed over the past four years. OUTRAGE!! Must it be said that the chosen Public Relations people (item #1, above) should hammer home the same talking points, over and over and over again ?
5) More Biden talks with America, but from the Oval Office and not any venue where he has to jerkily show off his arthritis and age by walking 50 feet to a podium.
6) Did I mention 'ATTACK'? It's the reason so many Republicans are in office, they're always attacking for some made-up reason or another. By comparison, the Democrats seem somnolent and do-nothing. Let's take a major page from the Republicans (which they took from the tactics that grew Nazism in Germany and Austria) that really gooses up people and gets them excited. Keep in mind that people follow the line of attack. No one follows sleepy people.
There are so many parts to this situation because the situation reflects the everyday urgency that is not addressed and not prioritized. The message is disorganization, and the message is a poor understanding of the situation and people who are not up to the job, or who are too driven by their sense of their own legacy (even Bernie, he's right that his signature piece will be his legacy, but he has to wait until voting rights are guaranteed, and consequences are meted out for criminals who've been in power too long. We deserve his and Biden's legacy, but they are impatient and playing their egos instead of reading the situation).
Biden and Schumer should ask themselves what would McConnell, and other republicans do, and go ahead and do similarly with the holdout democrats (I expect it comes to unearthing scandals, or even, and likely, threatening to prosecute likely existing offenses, and I expect there are both. They might do the same with McConnell---I don't understand why that's never been done); terrible, but unfortunately, it's come to that.
They need to learn how to message to the American people, making clear what they are offering, and making clear what republicans are obstructing and trying to take away. Messaging is a huge weakness.
And, they are doomed if they don't prioritize the voting act---no one will work hard to vote for democrats up for election to keep their jobs, if they won't work for themselves (and with new voting laws put in place, and with gerrymandering, saying 'get out the vote' is a ridiculous response---that's the point, it's a rigged system based on cheating and set up for the republicans to defeat the democrats. Rigged----based on cheating----out in the open----with a supreme court hostile to voters).
Finally, Garland should start prosecuting, or step aside. How is 'will Donald Trump run again' even a question that can be asked when he should be prosecuted (along with others). He should not be able to run the republican party from prison and that should be repeated frequently and acted upon. An elected official who commits a crime is a criminal, and that's all they are. An insurrection is not a normal situation. Garland needs to decide if he is a jurist or an attorney general who understands the urgency of the country. He can choose, and he can step down, allowing Biden to appoint an 'acting attorney general' instead (not try and have an attorney general approved, please, just go straight to 'acting' as we've seen so often). In a timely manner, there needs to be a top-down review of all employees. It's hard to trust when we see so few things being addressed.
The sense of urgency is lacking----there is no reflection of understanding of the 'non-normal,' and there is no sense of prioritizing what must be done---
The disorganization looks bad and is spreading---and it is disorganized and un-prioritized. Inaction or standing back, patience, they are looking like weakness and a poor understanding of the urgency the country faces, and they do not fit. The democrats are falling over themselves (except Pelosi, who is amazing in focus and strength).
Get it together on these fronts or forfeit, because that is the inevitable outcome.
And, time to invest in some younger politicians, who understand that unfortunately things have changed, and the rules of behavior aren't based on decorum, and who are not shocked by that. Because things have changed. And as with evolution ----you adapt or you risk extinction. And adaptation doesn't include unethical or immoral or illegal legislating, but it does have to reflect the current situation and how to get to the place of being allowed to legislate. And, then, the democrats can show what they really care about, and I believe it's the welfare of the American people. They shouldn't allow it to be such a secret.
The president needs to have "fireside chats" regularly on TV like FDR did!! The people are uninformed!
To unclog Congress for the Biden/Democratic agenda, Biden needs to unclog Democrats in the Senate. He should unabashedly come out against the filibuster, loud and clear. Biden should lean heavily on Schumer to accomplish this. Schumer should tell Manchin and Sinema that if they end up voting against the Democratic agenda they will be stripped of committee assignments, and Manchin's chairmanship, and be sent to the back benches for the rest of their terms. If Manchin wants to flip to the Republicans, ask him what sort of chairmanship they would be likely to give him! Likely both of them, once identified as traitors, would get very little in the way of power among Republicans. Are the Republicans going to bounce a Republican senator in order to give Manchin a chairmanship? Likely they will both end up as political has-beens. The objection is that means giving the Senate away to McConnell: sorry, McConnell is already in charge of the Senate and the only way Schumer can gain control is to get his two problem children in line with...all the rest of the Democrats.
As Biden's chief adviser, the First thing, in regard to inflation, immediately do the Following:
• Joe, speak to the nation directly, [Not a press secretary], Joe No-Malarkey Biden, saying:
He realizes Rising prices hit Low and middle income Americans especially hard; and remind folks about the child tax credit, [that N0 Republican voted for]; this extra tax Credit has, in addition to
easing price increases on mom’s & dad’s, it has actually reduced child poverty by 20%
• If you're paying more for meat at the grocery store, you're seeing the effects of concentration and consolidation in the meat processing industry. And, he will update Americans on his Administrations Progress on ending this Here's the data -- and what the Biden Administration is doing about it --https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/blog/2021/09/08/addressing-concentration-in-the-meat-processing-industry-to-lower-food-prices-for-american-families/
• He will immediately seek to activate the National Guard in states with ports to help distribute All the cargo containers pilling up at ports;
• Mobilize Army Engineers to Repair All the Damage caused by this seasons tropical storms in the Gulf states where distribution of products, Especially food is hindered.
• Initiate a Price Parity model for Farming; this will Help mostly small farmers, stabilize prices, turn the tables on the casino economic players, and in the long run help the US and the World
• These and other measures that are being looked into will help the Supply Chain issues, and start to ease prices, and Make US more secure.
Remind you the Most important action needed is to get the Build Back Better initiative on track by doing what you can, [within reason], to please the holdouts Manchin and Sinema;
Keep focus on narrowing the Massive Wealth inequality Gap.
We need a combination of Mass Traction economic progress to counter the false prophets, disinformation, and just one, yes only 1 process reform* now: End the Filibuster.
as James Carville said it best, “It’s the economy stupid”.
*= process reforms alone will NOT save democracy.
the stupid 1/2 way of doing things as chosen by the dem party is what brought out the trumpsters in the first place,
without bold moves we may as well curl up n hide for what comes next.
The filibuster has to be reformed. Manchin and Sinema must be exposed for what they are taking from lobbyists. The two bills must pass soon as well as the John Lewis voter bill. Use the 14th amendment to bar Trump from holding office ever again! Prosecute all representatives who aided the Jan 6 rioters. Pass legislation to secure a woman's right to choose.
I'd like to see him hit the morning talk shows. Explain his proposals - which are wildly popular. His power is limited by the two doofuses that call themselves Dems (Manchin and Sinema), but he needs to gather as much public, VOCAL support as possible by using the bully pulpit.
Cultivate the message, "These bills are FOR the people, not the rich." Republicans work for the rich and Trump (who is NOT popular with the majority). Keep the message simple and repeat it as often as possible.
Joe, speak to the people, simplify your message and make it to the point! Say things like....
"We live in the wealthiest nation in history. Our most senior citizens can't afford glasses, hearing aids or going to the dentist. Join me in telling Congress that we MUST Build Back Better!"
"Why aren't women getting back to work? They can't afford childcare. Join me in telling Congress that we MUST Build Back Better!"
"The wealthiest amongst us benefit the most from our system of government. They need to begin paying their fair share once again. Join me in telling Congress that we MUST Build Back Better!"
Joe, get the people more involved in helping you push your Build Back Better agendas through Congress!!!
For god sake — Hire a PR firm to create effective talking points for the Democrats, how can we get it constantly so wrong. This legislation is being supposed by 96% of the Dems. Help Joe and Krysten how they can join and keep their seats. As noted here, help Biden communicate the value of a stronger America and place the blame squarely on the Republicans for blocks progress and how they are in the pocket of big business
Bring it to the people in an address. Address and reassure about this and Afghanistan. Directly and plainly. And you've got to talk to the Trump fans when you do it. Cite the precedents of the New Deal and the unprecedented World Pandemic. Call for the people to demand that their elected officials stop playing along party lines and be responsive to people's needs. At the same time, regulate the news industry again so that people can get real news instead of constant negative opinions.