I don’t want to focus on Trump himself — but on the social evils that give rise to people like him. I don’t want the campaign to be about unseating Trump for its own sake — but on building a democracy and society where such people can never control or exploit the public.
As we know, tyrants are easily replaced. And the less popular Trump becomes, the easier he is for other corporate elites to replace. If most Americans don’t really care about social justice, then America’s days really are numbered. But if most of the public is firmly on the side of progress, then I believe we can easily win if we do the right things.
It is not safe to stand up. But it is very doable with the right strategy and great popular support.
Matt, I totally agree that the Democrats’ message need not be either just about the economy or just about democracy, and I’m tired of hearing Dems can’t get it together to clarify the messaging. It’s just not that complicated.
Millions of protesters are much more than lawn signs, Mike, and it's best to think of them as a singular voice of resistance against autocracy rather than as vehicles for persuading MAGA supporters (who will be the last to abandon Trump, if ever) or moving votes in the next election. I am cautiously optimistic because this kind of resistance is the only thing that prevents autocracy from becoming permanent. First you protect the right to vote, then you make the case to voters.
We all learned in 2016 about the intersection of forecasting, the electoral college, and voters who don't want to tip their hand, Matt. It was a rough lesson!
Resistance isn't bad, but it seems to me that voting against autocracy matters a lot more than protesting autocracy. It's hard for me to get excited or optimistic about protesting when I know that a) getting the required number of votes is harder than resisting, and b) Dems messed up two of the last three Presidential elections. Many of us Dems are as racist and misogynist as most Trumpkins, we take our constituencies for granted, and we ain't as good at growing our base as we need to be (so far, anyway).
I want you to be right here. But, the more pragmatic view is there is a disturbingly high possibility that you aren't. :-( [LOL -- just to be clear, any possibility that you are wrong is disturbing!]
stay in the steets
get out there
this works best when the pressure os kept on
think antiwat Vietnam protests
civil rights marches
we MUST keep the pressure on them
WE have the power
I don’t want to focus on Trump himself — but on the social evils that give rise to people like him. I don’t want the campaign to be about unseating Trump for its own sake — but on building a democracy and society where such people can never control or exploit the public.
As we know, tyrants are easily replaced. And the less popular Trump becomes, the easier he is for other corporate elites to replace. If most Americans don’t really care about social justice, then America’s days really are numbered. But if most of the public is firmly on the side of progress, then I believe we can easily win if we do the right things.
It is not safe to stand up. But it is very doable with the right strategy and great popular support.
Matt, I totally agree that the Democrats’ message need not be either just about the economy or just about democracy, and I’m tired of hearing Dems can’t get it together to clarify the messaging. It’s just not that complicated.
Well said
Meanwhile, I talked to a Trumpkin friend yesterday who loved the patriotic military parade. LOL—more than Trump, Melania, and Rubio did, apparently!
Point being: I fear that protests are like lawn signs: they don’t vote.
Keep protesting, etc. But: I’m not sure any new votes were locked up for Dems in 2025-2028. Crossing my fingers.
I see no reason to be cautiously optimistic yet. Hoping for a reason soon!
Millions of protesters are much more than lawn signs, Mike, and it's best to think of them as a singular voice of resistance against autocracy rather than as vehicles for persuading MAGA supporters (who will be the last to abandon Trump, if ever) or moving votes in the next election. I am cautiously optimistic because this kind of resistance is the only thing that prevents autocracy from becoming permanent. First you protect the right to vote, then you make the case to voters.
We all learned in 2016 about the intersection of forecasting, the electoral college, and voters who don't want to tip their hand, Matt. It was a rough lesson!
Resistance isn't bad, but it seems to me that voting against autocracy matters a lot more than protesting autocracy. It's hard for me to get excited or optimistic about protesting when I know that a) getting the required number of votes is harder than resisting, and b) Dems messed up two of the last three Presidential elections. Many of us Dems are as racist and misogynist as most Trumpkins, we take our constituencies for granted, and we ain't as good at growing our base as we need to be (so far, anyway).
I want you to be right here. But, the more pragmatic view is there is a disturbingly high possibility that you aren't. :-( [LOL -- just to be clear, any possibility that you are wrong is disturbing!]