"We have no power" is bull. 3 things our Democratic leaders can do today.

[Scrivener7]

There have been MANY good suggestions floated here and elsewhere about how to mount an effective voice of opposition. Here are my favorite three. Please add your own.

1. As Tim Walz suggested – republicans won’t hold town halls because people hate what they’re doing. EVERY Democratic Rep and Senator should host a town hall in a republican district. That would be 485 town halls, 485 assemblies of irate people in red areas being given a chance to tell the republicans that we don’t want this.

The next two would require hiring a PR firm to do the grunt work, and selecting one Democrat with excellent communication and organization skills to be a Democratic Communications Director. Someone like Pete or Stacy.

2. A daily or weekly message to Democrats by our Communications Director. This could be a traditional press conference, or have a newsletter or text format. But it could be a quick rundown that includes:
a. What Mump wrecked that day or week and how it hurts Americans.
b. Protest and boycott opportunities
c. Actions our leaders are taking to counteract what Mump ruined.
d. Stories of actual Americans being ruined by Mump's policies.

3. Tell people directly how Mump is hurting them specifically. Some groups are already being disproportionately affected. The PR firm can identify targeted opportunities for Democrats to inform people how their personal location or cohort is being hurt. (This requires only a list pull. It's easy and cheap.) Democratic leaders can inform those people in the town halls described in #1. We could buy billboard or local ad space for the biggest things. And they could use the energy of OUR frustration to mobilize US. We are ALL dying to do something that will have an impact. USE THAT. In the daily or weekly message, give US a coordinated message to spread and tell us where to best spread it on local social media.

In the 2016 election, a shocking amount of disinformation came from a miniscule number of social media accounts. That disinformation permeated all of social media. Can you imagine the impact if we used the same methods to spread the TRUTH? (It wouldn’t hurt for us to get some bots of our own!)

I’m sure the usuals will bring the usual responses to try and shut this conversation down as unreasonable criticism, so let me anticipate those.
First, “What have YOU done.” Yes, we ALL need to do something. And yes, I am doing all the things. But that’s not the subject of this OP. This is about opportunities for our leaders to be an effective voice of opposition in this war. And make no mistake. This IS a war.
Second, “Why don’t you criticize republicans!” THIS IS CRITICIZING REPUBLICANS! That’s the point. If we want our criticism to have ANY effect, it needs to be coordinated. It’s just spitting into the wind if each of us is trying to do it on our own. But if our leaders use our energy and coordinate our message, we won't be ignored.

[BoRaGard]

1. Bang the frikken drum

Thanks for this

[SheltieLover]

2. Absofuckingloutely!

[Bettie]

3. The Communications Director is a great idea

Give those reporters who aren't allowed in the briefing room something to report!

And the town halls in other places would be great too.

Criticizing republicans on this board does nothing. We do talk about the horrific things they do, but we have ZERO influence over that band of vile dickheads. One would hope that we have at least a tiny bit of influence over Democratic lawmakers.

[Scrivener7]

5. This exactly. But, if we were coordinated, our voice against those republicans would be huge.

[Bettie]

6. Also, a rapid response team

so that every time there is fuckery (and it's almost constant) there are people ready to go and talk about it in front of any camera in the area.

[Scrivener7]

7. Yes. And even on a weekly basis. How many times do we tune into a Sunday morning show

and see only republicans, or an outsized representation of republicans?

[LuvLoogie]

78. Yeah, but maybe give him a nickname like, uh I don't know...

Speaker!!

[Scrivener7]

80. No, not the Speaker. Someone for whom communication with the constituency is their only task.

A perfectly safe rep, or someone who is not currently in Congress but who we know is a kick-ass communicator and organizer.

[LuvLoogie]

82. I think their are some social media gurus working on that with Members of congress.

There should be a political big brother program between members of Congress and members of state legislatures. For instance maybe Justin Jones of Carolina and Al Green of Texas could start a collaboration politically. Townhall streams together.

I know what you are saying, but this is something that should have occurred during Barack Obama's tenure. If we had done that we would not have lost congress in 2010 and gotten behind in redistricting. I don't know why Democrats could not see this.

Leadership does not think out of the box.

[Scrivener7]

83. That state/Federal link would be a great idea. That would make it easier to put targeted messages directly

into hyper-local places.

We want red areas to be just as mad as we are.

[GiqueCee]

108. Pete.

[gab13by13]

4. You Absolutely Nailed It.

Imagine if Democrats had united and held 485 town halls last night instead of holding laughable tiny signs.

This is the post of the year, it needs to be repeated if it is swept under the rug.

I am thinking about joining Indivisible because they are also active in town halls.

Throwing out the billionaires is going to be up to us, unwashed citizens.

The people are ready to fight, we need town halls, and get on social media, the people will come.

Thanks again for this post.

[NewHendoLib]

8. Yes, please!

[dalton99a]

9. Kick

[Nanjeanne]

10. Kick.

[Tom_Foolery]

11. Kick

[demmiblue]

12. K&R

Hopefully the resident finger-wagger doesn't attack this post.

[Scrivener7]

13. Lol!!

[gab13by13]

23. Thank you, made me laugh out loud.

[Scrivener7]

29. Ummmm ...

[demmiblue]

84. Of course...

it was only a matter of time!

[Hotler]

14. We are powerless until both the House and Senate votes a unified NO. That's the first step. Play as a team.

Some members think that just because we don't have the votes they might as well vote with the fascist. Senator John Hickenlooper said, “what’s the use of resisting?”

3 Democrat Senators Vote To "Implement Trump's Policy" After GOP Senator and Bernie Sanders Say No
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/3-democrat-senators-vote-to-implement-trump-s-policy-after-gop-senator-and-bernie-sanders-say-no/ar-AA1A0eZY?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=4ef47065dca2479880113fff31e3886a&ei=18

[Scrivener7]

16. But I bet that, if our opposition was clear and loud, those reps' constituents would eventually make sure they

didn't vote with the republicans.

[wryter2000]

67. Oh, sure

If we tell people the truth, they'll all vote for Dems. This is all the Democrats' fault for not having a message.



Is this Democratic Underground or Dems Are Weak and Useless Underground?

I came here to get caught up with what the orange abomination said last night, and all I get is Dem bashing.

[Scrivener7]

74. Well, I didn't say any of that, but you be you! Thanks for the kick!

[Passages]

15. Yep. 100%

I suspect some of the criticism shield is up in part because some have more affection for certain Dems than others, and/or a type of Democrat..progressive or centrist etc.

The fact that Johnson recently stated, NO MORE town halls, " so THEIR constituents won't be able to complain should be the most obvious counter move Democrats should make.

Have those town halls so they can complain, and we listen and we teach, we talk about policy etc. We do enough of them until we are hoarse and confident we are gaining ground for 2026.

[Scrivener7]

17. I think some people really need to believe that, underneath it all, all is well and the guardrails will hold.

I get the desire to believe that.

But we have to know better by now.

[Passages]

20. The reality could not be more stark.

You don't lose the House, Senate, and White House when you are doing well on policy and delivering. Of course, there were other factors to include... Biden's serious issues and a lack of a primary did not help us.

The job of the politician is to convince and to lead. My fear is there is this Carville dangerous notion that voters will flip-flop back to you without us changing. IF we deliver big next time we are in power...IMHO, we will not see such shifts in the elections again. We can and must maintain majorities for the foreseeable future. The GOP is an illegitimate group and a dangerous one.

It was a powerful moment back in 2016 to watch a demagogue destroy the Republican Party all by himself.

Where we are today as Democrats must change.

Among Democrats, 14 percent think the system is working either very well (1 percent) or somewhat well (13 percent), while 80 percent think it is working either not so well (32 percent) or not well at all (48 percent).
https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3919

[Scrivener7]

21. Carville and this notion that we should "keep our powder dry" in the face of a coup are very, very harmful.

[Passages]

25. He doesn't want to see policy go to the left, he didn't support Biden when he did it.

I find the man disingenuous and egotistical, too.

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

60. Honestly what does left-right even mean anymore. MORE LIKE oligarchs VS the rest of us (per a local

talk host on Civic Radio here in WI, IMHO excellent way of framing this). This is not 2023 anymore.

[Scrivener7]

64. Good point. And that's exactly the one we need to get across.

[gab13by13]

30. Yup, that is the last thing we should do.

Rachel had a lady from the Philippines on her show who said they lost their democracy in 6 months and it won't take that long here.

Rachel asked, what should we do, she said, fight them at stage 1. Rachel asked, are we at stage 1, the lady replied, we are way beyond stage 1.

[yellow dahlia]

110. Agreed.

Whose side is he on?

[DENVERPOPS]

62. I remember reading somewhere

That Dem donor's contributions are way off since the election, including especially the larger donors.......can't imagine why.......

[lefthandedskyhook]

72. Got a fund raising text from Jeffries:

Replied with the suggestion that he grow a spine before asking for money

[DENVERPOPS]

86. I think that that is becoming the trend.....

There are many comments on DU about this or that etc.........Some people are commenting about individuals that are complaining about the Dems.
I would think that it is fair to have constructive criticism about what the dems have or have not done, and to question what they are going to do with the money they are asking for.....
Obviously, I think the drop in donations has something to do with the people having given money, and in their way of thinking, true or not, the Dem Politicians haven't delivered much in return.........

To my way of thinking, with out a plan, and a person who is qualified to lead and get things done, I am not sending any more money.
And then there is the question has this gone past the "point of no return". There were many times the Repubs should have been challenged BIG TIME, the greatest of those, was the 2000 election, although in all reality, the 1980 election should have been the first.

[stopdiggin]

40. thanks you for perfectly illustrating the point (by conjuring 'criticism shield' )

the objections are not directed at people suggesting (or engaging) in resistance and opposition ....

The 'criticism shield' - as you so nicely put it - is aimed at the myriad posts that are bellowing, "Democrats are doing nothing !" - "Bending knee." - "Sitting on their hands !"

That tact is both, a) not true, and b) destructive to both the message and the brand.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

[Passages]

54. Criticism that is approved by some and not by others.

Some are not effective and likely never will be unless they are told to start reflecting what their constituents want from them.


Reality:
Among Democrats, 14 percent think the system is working either very well (1 percent) or somewhat well (13 percent), while 80 percent think it is working either not so well (32 percent) or not well at all (48 percent).
https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3919

[stopdiggin]

87. with the responsibility for how 'the system is working' resting squarely on ... ?

but go ahead and beat up on your representative (or, more dogmatic and trenchantly, Dems in general) ...
But please don't try to tell me that in doing so you're fixing anything about the way the 'system' is working - or delivering for the people.

[Passages]

89. The voters already told them, loud and clear.

I'm not sure they will respond accordingly for us to make gains again...we'll see.

Among Democrats, 14 percent think the system is working either very well (1 percent) or somewhat well (13 percent), while 80 percent think it is working either not so well (32 percent) or not well at all (48 percent).
https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3919

[leftstreet]

18. DURec

[Doodles]

26. Send this to the Dem leaders!

These are such great ideas. #1 especially. Walz said the other day, I’ll have town halls for the Republicans who refuse. Do it all!

[Wild blueberry]

19. Good ideas!

Thank you.

[benfranklin1776]

22. Absolutely right ✊🏼 What you suggest is a MUST DO!

I am sick of national Dems being in perpetual reactionary mode. While we definitely need the rapid response team you suggest we most assuredly need an aggressive Rooseveltian/Trumanesque coordinated daily approach like you’ve outlined that drives the narrative: how and why their actions are directly responsible for betraying the foundational principles of our country, causing real and painful damage to our fellow human beings, and screwing we the People individually, and the myriad ways we, by contrast, would use the tools of our government to be a force for good in improving individual people’s lives. As Simon Rosenberg says, we need to be loud and proud and relentless in driving our message home.

[Scrivener7]

28. For decades, our side has been saying, "Well, they own the media." That's true. But we've known

that for decades and there are things we can try to get around that. It's really way past time we try some of them. We only shoot ourselves in the foot if we keep using the same excuse and leave it at that.

As FDR said, "Try everything."

[benfranklin1776]

46. Exactly right!

And people forget that during FDR’s time the national media was, like now, hostile to progressivism so he got his message out using other ways-fireside chats, weekly radio addresses, New Deal social clubs. Moreover, prior to him being elected progressive ideas were regularly relayed and amplified by the party in communities and by unions and reform organizations who regularly met with and educated their members on these matters on a one to one basis. As you say he and his people tried everything and had good success with much of it. So too we can and should do the same.
Governor Waltz’s idea of holding town halls in districts where the Rethuglican cowers and hides is a great idea to start with. But implementing your suggestions are a must also ✊🏼

[Scrivener7]

75. I agree about Waltz. That man is such a communications talent.

It goes right to the heart of all the issues at once. Their cowardice, their destructive policies, our being on the side of the ones republicans are hurting.

[benfranklin1776]

88. Precisely! He sets the perfect tone and has the right fighting message for this moment in time.

A combination of Thomas Paine and Knute Rockne. He and Pete Buttigieg, AOC, Jasmine Crockett, Al Green, and Maxwell Frost need to take turns doing these, or all at once ✊🏼
AOC, Jasmine Crockett and Maxwell Frost have been doing these virtually already so they need to mix it up in and do some in person like Bernie Sanders. The man gets overflow crowds for a reason.

[bigtree]

24. the only one they haven't yet done is the Walz thing

...but you have to actually go look to see their messaging.

Many people who don't look any farther than their own antipathies to see what Democrats are actually doing might not know that most Democrats, especially the leadership, is engaged in a daily budget fight right now, as well as blocking and opposing other legislative attempts by republicans in committee and on the floor.

Some stone-throwers from the outside believe that legislators have as much time as they do for performative political acts which are presumably intended to influence the very people bashing Democrats to exercise THEIR OWN responsibility to oppose the REPUBLICANS in power and control with phone calls and other appeals.

The presumption here is that Dems protesting is going to influence voters, right? In an off-election year? What is the actual value in that, compared to the actual work they do in the Capitol to influence legislation. You know, the place where they do the job they were elected for?

There's advocacy right there in the congressional record for us to post and promote, almost every legislator has a political operation with many posting daily to their own youtube accounts, But people treat work in Congress like it's some abstraction to our politics, instead of it's lifeblood.

So much emphasis here on the theater that it obscures and diminishes the fact that our Democrats are the ONLY people in the rooms where these republican bills are being processed and voted on. That the most important work that they do, outside of winning their own elections.

I do understand though, why people who don't hold that responsibility feel free to practice and promote the performative stuff.

But elected Dems have day jobs which, during periods like budget time are more consequential than just worrying over influencing someone on the internet to advocate against republicans; something basic and obvious in which they shouldn't need Congressfolk to motivate them.

[Scrivener7]

33. Thank you for the kick.

[bigtree]

34. since they include my posts

...you're welcome to them.

Posted by Miami-Dade Democratic Party | March 01, 2025

In February 2025, Democrats across the country took bold action to protect working families, safeguard democracy, and push back against dangerous Republican policies. From defending voting rights to expanding economic opportunity, Democratic leaders at all levels of government fought for the values that matter most.

Fighting for Economic Security & Public Services

Every House Democrat voted against Trump's budget, which slashes Medicaid.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer unveiled a $3 billion road funding plan to improve roads, bridges, and transit.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Karina’s Law to protect survivors of domestic violence and prevent abusers from easily accessing firearms.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers released a budget that invests billions in education and Medicaid expansion—making the wealthy pay their fair share.

Missouri Senate Democrats voted unanimously on legislation to help seniors afford the rising cost of electricity.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bills to raise Michigan’s minimum wage and expand paid sick leave policies.

Defending Democracy & Voting Rights

The DNC won a major case in Wisconsin, ensuring mobile voting sites remain available to voters.

The DNC filed an amicus brief against MAGA Republicans' attempt to change Georgia election rules that would delay results and undermine trust.

The DNC filed a brief with the Ninth Circuit to counter Republican efforts to outlaw most mail and early voting in Nevada.

The DNC fought back against North Carolina Republicans’ attempts to interfere in fair elections through federal and state courts.

Protecting Privacy & Data from Republican Overreach

House Democrats introduced the Taxpayer Data Protection Act to permanently safeguard Americans' data from Trump and Elon Musk.

Democratic attorneys general filed lawsuits to block Elon Musk from accessing Americans’ data.

Senate Democrats successfully blocked Musk’s DOGE from accessing sensitive Department of Education data.

Democratic attorneys general filed a federal lawsuit against Musk’s DOGE over reckless decisions affecting public data.

Democratic attorneys general sued the Trump administration for defunding medical and public health research.

New York Attorney General Letitia James led a multi-state coalition against Trump and Musk’s efforts to shut down the CFPB.

Winning Elections & Strengthening Democratic Leadership

Democrat Ken Jenkins won a special election for Westchester County Executive, defeating his Trump-backed opponent.

Democrat Sean Faircloth won the special election for Maine’s House District 24, strengthening the Democratic legislative majority.

Democrats Ray Seigfried and Dan Cruce won both Delaware State Senate special elections.

Democrat Dan Gaiewski won the special election for Connecticut’s House District 40.

DNC Chair Ken Martin traveled to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to support Democrats in crucial down-ballot elections.

Holding Trump’s Administration Accountable


Every Senate Democrat voted against confirming:
Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence.
Kash Patel as FBI Director.
RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Senator Mark Warner and Senate Democrats forced Trump to back down on a federal hiring freeze.

Governor Josh Shapiro took legal action to restore Pennsylvania’s funding after the Trump administration froze it.

Investing in Education & Children’s Well-Being


Arizona Democrats passed legislation to fund free school lunches statewide.

Senator Jon Ossoff successfully pushed the White House to restore HBCU scholarships.

Protecting Reproductive Rights & Civil Liberties

Virginia House Democrats passed constitutional amendments to protect reproductive freedom, voting rights, and marriage equality.

California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a first-in-the-nation plan to convert underutilized state properties into affordable housing.

Georgia Democrats introduced legislation to give tax credits to firearm owners who safely store their weapons.

____________________________

IN THE STATES: Democrats Fight Back Against Trump and MAGA Republicans’ Plans To Make Americans’ Lives Harder

Today, the DNC, DCCC, and DSCC filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and its Commissioners in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in response to Trump’s executive order falsely claiming the White House has total power to dictate legal positions taken by the FEC and other independent agencies. Americans deserve free and fair elections, and Trump and Republicans shouldn’t get to dictate the rules.


Nationwide: New York Times: Democratic National Committee Files Lawsuit Against Trump

Nationwide: Politico: National Dems sue over Trump executive order they say could weaponize FEC

Nationwide: NBC News: Democratic Party files first lawsuit against second Trump admin

Nationwide: The Hill: National Democrats sue over Trump order to expand White House control of independent agencies

Nationwide: Newsweek: Democratic Party Sues Donald Trump Over His Executive Power Claims

Nationwide: Reuters: Trump sued by Democrats for seeking control over election commission

Earlier this week, House Republicans passed Trump’s disastrous budget bill that puts life-saving funding for health care, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes on the chopping block in order to give tax breaks to billionaires.

In Georgia: Atlanta Journal-Constitution: From food stamps to tax cuts: How the federal budget bill could affect Georgians

In Kansas: Kansas Reflector: Kansas advocates condemn U.S. House budget tied to Republicans’ proposed Medicaid cuts

In Maine: News Center Maine: Maine families fear impact of potential MaineCare and Medicaid budget cuts

In Minnesota: Minnesota Reformer: Health care advocates say House GOP’s Medicaid cuts would harm children, people with disabilities

In Texas: El Paso Times: How the House budget would impact El Paso: Local services face cuts amid GOP plan

Nationwide: Center for American Progress: The Republican House Budget Resolution’s Potential $880 Billion in Medicaid Cuts by Congressional District

As Republicans in Congress side with Trump over their own constituents, residents of Republican-held districts across the country are furious and making it clear that Republicans will pay at the ballot box for bowing down to Trump and Musk and taking reckless votes like the budget bill. As a result, some Republicans are canceling town halls altogether.

In California: Fresno Bee: Rep. Tom McClintock fails to defend congressional power

In Colorado: Colorado Newsline: Colorado Democrats urge Rep. Evans to oppose budget plan threatening Medicaid benefits

In Georgia: CNN: Angry voters confront GOP representative over Trump’s push to expand his power

In Iowa: Des Moines Register: Democrats protest potential Medicaid cuts outside Zach Nunn’s office as GOP weighs budget

In Utah: Deseret News: Utah Rep. Blake Moore the latest GOP lawmaker to have town hall flooded with DOGE, federal layoff questions

In Wisconsin: Wisconsin Public Radio: US Rep. Glenn Grothman faces hostile crowd at Oshkosh town hall meeting

Nationwide: New York Times: Republicans Face Angry Voters at Town Halls, Hinting at Broader Backlash

Meanwhile, working families across the country are feeling the devastating effects of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s federal funding freezes and attacks on critical programs and agencies.


In Kansas: KCUR: Funding freeze leaves Kansas farmers unpaid for work they already completed

In Michigan: Washington Post: She hoped Trump’s victory would change her life, but not like this

In Wisconsin: Wisconsin Public Radio: These workers helped Wisconsin farmers navigate changing weather. DOGE fired them.

In Wisconsin: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: DOGE cuts 800 at NOAA, impacting weather forecasts, Great Lakes

In Oregon: KATU: Federal layoffs in Oregon likely to impact rural counties the most, state economist says

In Georgia: Atlanta Journal-Constitution: USAID cancels large contracts of Georgia peanut butter supplier

Nationwide: Axios: The states that could feel DOGE cuts the most

Nationwide: Associated Press: Where are federal jobs affected by DOGE cuts? A look at congressional districts across the US

Democrats are fighting back against Donald Trump and extreme Republicans’ attacks on health care and federal programs that Americans rely on.

In Ohio: Ohio Capital Journal: Ohio Democrats seek to codify reproductive care, align state law with constitutional amendment

In Florida: Florida Phoenix: Democrats file bill to repeal six-week abortion ban, want more data transparency

Nationwide: Maryland Matters: Federal judge extends order blocking ‘devastating’ cap on NIH research payments

Nationwide: Associated Press: Democratic governors pitch state jobs to federal workers cut by Trump

https://democrats.org/news/in-the-states-democrats-fight-back-against-trump-and-maga-republicans-plans-to-make-americans-lives-harder/


DNC, DCCC & DSCC File Lawsuit Against Trump’s Illegal Executive Order Ending Free and Fair Elections

In response to Trump’s executive order falsely claiming the White House has total power to dictate legal positions taken by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and other independent agencies, the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) have sued President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, the FEC, and its Commissioners in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

DNC Chair Ken Martin, DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene and DSCC Chair Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:

“Americans are legally guaranteed fair elections with impartial referees – not a system where Donald Trump can dictate campaign rules he wants from the White House. Democrats will use every tool at our disposal, including aggressively confronting Trump’s illegal actions in the courts, to defend Americans’ right to free and fair elections which are the core of our country’s democracy.”

Key points from the lawsuit:

“As applied to the Commission, Executive Order 14215 would eliminate [the Federal Election Campaign Act’s] requirement that the executive branch’s legal interpretations of FECA’s provisions reflect the bipartisan consensus of an expert multimember board and replace that bipartisan consensus with the judgment of a single partisan political figure—the President of the United States.”

“The assertion is incompatible with nearly a century’s worth of Supreme Court precedent blessing Congress’s authority to insulate certain agencies and officials from day-to-day control by the President.”

“As the Supreme Court has held for 90 years […] Congress possesses the authority to insulate from presidential micromanagement agencies that are led by a multimember, bipartisan board that performs quasi-judicial and quasi-legislative functions—that is, agencies like the FEC.”

“Congress’s authority is especially true in this context, where the credibility of the entire regulatory enterprise would be fatally undermined if the party controlling the White House can unilaterally structure campaign rules and adjudicate disputes to disadvantage its electoral competitors.”

“The Court should therefore certify the question of FECA’s constitutionality to the en banc D.C. Circuit under 52 U.S.C. § 30110, and then declare that FECA’s provisions shielding FEC decisionmaking from presidential coercion or control are constitutionally valid and enjoin the application of Section 7 of Executive Order 14215 to the Commission as inconsistent with those provisions.”

[Scrivener7]

37. And again, thank you!

[stopdiggin]

42. thank you! (sometimes you have to pound that point really HARD ..)

in order to get anything across.

"The Dems are doing nothing !" Ummm. That's not really true .. ?
Yesterday, today, tomorrow ...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

[Scrivener7]

44. PS after your edit: This is a GREAT case for why a communications director would be REALLY helpful.

So thanks again! I didn't expect so much support from you for these ideas.

[bigtree]

48. you can see the linked portion is from the Democratic party - democrats.org/news

...and, you're welcome.

IN THE STATES: Democrats Fight Back Against Trump and MAGA Republicans’ Plans To Make Americans’ Lives Harder

Today, the DNC, DCCC, and DSCC filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and its Commissioners in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in response to Trump’s executive order falsely claiming the White House has total power to dictate legal positions taken by the FEC and other independent agencies. Americans deserve free and fair elections, and Trump and Republicans shouldn’t get to dictate the rules.


Nationwide: New York Times: Democratic National Committee Files Lawsuit Against Trump

Nationwide: Politico: National Dems sue over Trump executive order they say could weaponize FEC

Nationwide: NBC News: Democratic Party files first lawsuit against second Trump admin

Nationwide: The Hill: National Democrats sue over Trump order to expand White House control of independent agencies

Nationwide: Newsweek: Democratic Party Sues Donald Trump Over His Executive Power Claims

Nationwide: Reuters: Trump sued by Democrats for seeking control over election commission

Earlier this week, House Republicans passed Trump’s disastrous budget bill that puts life-saving funding for health care, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes on the chopping block in order to give tax breaks to billionaires.

In Georgia: Atlanta Journal-Constitution: From food stamps to tax cuts: How the federal budget bill could affect Georgians

In Kansas: Kansas Reflector: Kansas advocates condemn U.S. House budget tied to Republicans’ proposed Medicaid cuts

In Maine: News Center Maine: Maine families fear impact of potential MaineCare and Medicaid budget cuts

In Minnesota: Minnesota Reformer: Health care advocates say House GOP’s Medicaid cuts would harm children, people with disabilities

In Texas: El Paso Times: How the House budget would impact El Paso: Local services face cuts amid GOP plan

Nationwide: Center for American Progress: The Republican House Budget Resolution’s Potential $880 Billion in Medicaid Cuts by Congressional District

As Republicans in Congress side with Trump over their own constituents, residents of Republican-held districts across the country are furious and making it clear that Republicans will pay at the ballot box for bowing down to Trump and Musk and taking reckless votes like the budget bill. As a result, some Republicans are canceling town halls altogether.

In California: Fresno Bee: Rep. Tom McClintock fails to defend congressional power

In Colorado: Colorado Newsline: Colorado Democrats urge Rep. Evans to oppose budget plan threatening Medicaid benefits

In Georgia: CNN: Angry voters confront GOP representative over Trump’s push to expand his power

In Iowa: Des Moines Register: Democrats protest potential Medicaid cuts outside Zach Nunn’s office as GOP weighs budget

In Utah: Deseret News: Utah Rep. Blake Moore the latest GOP lawmaker to have town hall flooded with DOGE, federal layoff questions

In Wisconsin: Wisconsin Public Radio: US Rep. Glenn Grothman faces hostile crowd at Oshkosh town hall meeting

Nationwide: New York Times: Republicans Face Angry Voters at Town Halls, Hinting at Broader Backlash

Meanwhile, working families across the country are feeling the devastating effects of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s federal funding freezes and attacks on critical programs and agencies.


In Kansas: KCUR: Funding freeze leaves Kansas farmers unpaid for work they already completed

In Michigan: Washington Post: She hoped Trump’s victory would change her life, but not like this

In Wisconsin: Wisconsin Public Radio: These workers helped Wisconsin farmers navigate changing weather. DOGE fired them.

In Wisconsin: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: DOGE cuts 800 at NOAA, impacting weather forecasts, Great Lakes

In Oregon: KATU: Federal layoffs in Oregon likely to impact rural counties the most, state economist says

In Georgia: Atlanta Journal-Constitution: USAID cancels large contracts of Georgia peanut butter supplier

Nationwide: Axios: The states that could feel DOGE cuts the most

Nationwide: Associated Press: Where are federal jobs affected by DOGE cuts? A look at congressional districts across the US

Democrats are fighting back against Donald Trump and extreme Republicans’ attacks on health care and federal programs that Americans rely on.

In Ohio: Ohio Capital Journal: Ohio Democrats seek to codify reproductive care, align state law with constitutional amendment

In Florida: Florida Phoenix: Democrats file bill to repeal six-week abortion ban, want more data transparency

Nationwide: Maryland Matters: Federal judge extends order blocking ‘devastating’ cap on NIH research payments

Nationwide: Associated Press: Democratic governors pitch state jobs to federal workers cut by Trump

link: https://democrats.org/news/in-the-states-democrats-fight-back-against-trump-and-maga-republicans-plans-to-make-americans-lives-harder/

[Scrivener7]

49. Great reasons for a Democratic Communications director!

[bigtree]

50. you know they have a 'war room,' right?

from January:

The Democratic National Committee is tapping veterans of the wildly popular @KamalaHQ social media team for a new rapid response push ahead of Donald Trump's return to office, Axios learned.

Why it matters: The push is the latest sign of the party's efforts to rebrand and bring in new audiences after a disappointing 2024 cycle.

Driving the news: The new rapid response @FactPostNews initiative will try to combat online misinformation and respond to Trump administration actions by pushing out memes, videos and graphics.

The account will be run by many of the same people who led the @KamalaHQ social media account during the 2024 campaign.

@FactPostNews will start on X, Threads, and Bluesky and will eventually expand to TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

"The Republican disinformation machine is powerful, but we believe a stronger weapon is giving people the facts about how Trump and his administration are screwing over the American people," DNC chief mobilization officer Shelby Cole said in a statement.

Between the lines: The account will also take a branding cue from social media accounts that have huge, loyal followings, such as PopCrave and PopBase.

The war room relaunch is the latest example of the Democratic Party trying to sharpen its online presence — particularly on alternative media platforms — after the election revealed that Trump's media strategy broke through.

twitter: https://x.com/FactPostNewsLs


... keep up.

[Scrivener7]

63. I do. That's why I think the ideas I have presented are necessary.

[ZRB]

90. Why won't they do something?????!!!!!

Oh wait…

[summer_in_TX]

104. Kick!

Thank you, bigtree!


I was hoping to bookmark this, but don't seem to be able to. I wonder if that's because it isn't an OP?

[Cirsium]

47. Still bashing Dems, I see

...you have to actually go look to see their messaging...

That's a problem.

Some stone-throwers from the outside believe that legislators have as much time as they do for performative political acts which are presumably intended to influence the very people bashing Democrats to exercise THEIR OWN responsibility to oppose the REPUBLICANS in power and control with phone calls and other appeals.

Not sure just who you are bashing there.

The presumption here is that Dems protesting is going to influence voters, right? In an off-election year? What is the actual value in that?

There's another problem. Republicans push their agenda 24/7 all year every year.

There's advocacy right there in the congressional record for us to post and promote.

And yet another problem. Legislation is not advocacy. Earlier in your post you were saying that advocacy has no value, now you say it does so long as it is about legislation.

So much emphasis here on the theater ...the performative stuff...

Well, that is what you are doing, too. You are just dramatizing the lives of those i power., while making those not in power the villains. You are punching down. That alienates voters, divides the base, and blocks progress. You advocate an anti-democratic top down approach to politics.

Other here, the ones you constantly malign and insult, see things differently. They see the people as the most important element in politics, not the politicians. They think that the politicians work for us, we don't work or them.

Advocacy > public sentiment > elections > legislation

That is the effective path to progressive change and overthrowing the power of the right wing.

This is not:

Money > horse race > elections > loyalty > advocacy

[ms liberty]

27. K&R. This all day

[gab13by13]

31. Isn't there another Congressional vacation coming up?

Just saying, Do it!

[mountain grammy]

32. YES!

Especially the news conferences.. get out there! And, in the chamber, obstruct, obstruct, obstruct!!

[Farmer-Rick]

35. We need to revive occupy

Maybe Obama will help build that movement this time.

You notice how the Republicans embrace their Nazi movement? We need to get a movement going.

[MrSkunkB]

101. At least you're only trying to revive an idea from 20 years ago

I swear I saw someone call for fireside chats. Because radio is the way we communicate, I guess.

I’m being overly sarcastic, but what would a new Occupy movement hope to achieve? I was the right age for it the last time, and I can’t quite remember what the original goals were. And I have two RATM records on vinyl.

I feel like the left’s big problem right bow is nothing feels real or organic.

[Farmer-Rick]

102. Occupy was about the bail outs for bankers

And austerity for the workers. Well, it started that way. It later became an attack on the American oligarchs and their excessive wealth and power in government. And they were right. The oligarchs, the Wall street filthy-rich, were/are a tyrantical force supporting a f*cking pedo idiot and his drug addled monkey.

At least Occupy is newer than the Nazi movement and fascist ideology. Even the very stupid Libertarians are older than Occupy. So making fun of it's age is kind of nonsensical.

A movement will bring attention to the destruction of our government. May wake people up. They are in the midst of shock. Read the shock doctrine by Naomi Kline. She explains it. She focuses on economic shock but it applies to any social destabilizing force. It causes paralysis, stun silence, shock. It's what the Dems and the majority of citizens are going through now.

[summer_in_TX]

105. No, Occupy accomplished nothing.

Its leaderless model didn't lead to them deciding on any joint action to accomplish anything of significance. Unfortunately.

[Emile]

36. K & R

[W_HAMILTON]

38. That is not power -- that is just speaking out. And Democrats are already doing that.

And guess what? Democrats did that plenty BEFORE THE FUCKING ELECTION -- and it didn't matter.

The American electorate is too easily swayed by the pro-Republican corporate media and the rightwing propaganda machine. More "speaking out" isn't going to change that, because if it did, we wouldn't have Republicans in complete control of the federal government in the first fucking place.

[Scrivener7]

39. Thank you for the kick.

[gab13by13]

43. You are too nice,

I need to learn from you. Maybe later, 😊

Democrats are already doing so much, but we need to go out and look hard to see it and find it.

To me, that's their problem in a nut shell.

[Scrivener7]

69. There are two things. That AND our voices are not being coordinated.

We're each trying to do a million things on a small level. If they would funnel us into 5 huge things, imagine the impact.

[Blubird]

41. Great ideas

These are great ideas. Now if our democratic reps would put these ideas into action, there would be a counter narrative!

Right now everything is an echo chamber.

[CaptainTruth]

45. Great ideas! For item #2, check out WTF Just Happened Today?

It's a good summary I look at regularly.
Yes, our leaders should be communicating this info regularly! For now, I look at that site.

https://whatthefuckjusthappenedtoday.com/

[Scrivener7]

70. Thank you for this! Bookmarking.

[CuriousSavage]

51. AMEN

There is a certain logic to giving the republicans enough rope to hang themselves but these are extraordinary circumstances that call for aggressive tactics. They are counting on us becoming weary, depressed and overcome with the pace of their destruction. The lack of a focused, clear and loud counter message is only helping their efforts. Decorum is dead. The old rules were for yesterday's game. We are in completely new territory. All I can think of are those movies where a leader steps in front and rallies his (her) troops when facing overwhelming opposing forces. We have the numbers. We have the message. We remember the promise of America. Damn it, give us a voice, a vision for a better future, a call to arms... hundreds of millions are desperately listening for something and will step up.

I don't understand the current mindset of so many in Congress. We lack power in the 3 branches but we must not yield an inch. Not give them a single vote. They have demonstrated their loyalties to Trump/Putin and no longer have the best interests of the country or it's citizens. Our last hope may be the midterms. Efforts must start NOW.

[samnsara]

52. a weekly 'fireside chat'..would surely be welcomed

[kerouac2]

53. "The More You Know" style ads should be airing daily - especially in swing states

A "the more you know" style ad that is quick, clear and 5th grade simple to understand.

[Scrivener7]

57. Oh, man. That's a great idea!!

[mwmisses4289]

55. You don't see anyone being our leaders?

Then you be the leader you want.

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

56. Excellent! To expand upon your thoughts re communications -item #2

Suggestion, you might want to add 1 more bullet point - speak to us too, your constituency!!! Speak to those of us who voted for Harris/Walz and who understand totally what is going on and how the word "coup" is indeed appropriate. There are some mainstream commentators and even more repubs now saying things like only so many more months left to democracy.

Ever since the election Ive been waiting for just someone to channel FDR and tell us in plain language WTF is going on and to reassure us that the only thing to fear is fear itself. Theres a balance to be struck between honesty/ telling it like it is without sugar coating AND keeping spirits up. This is something they might want to talk to Zelensky about and get a few pointers!!!! Take inspiration from any/ all the former soviet nations, how they fought for independence. Everyone makes parallels with Hitler/Nazism, but how Russian tactics are countered may be more useful.

Per Naomi Klein (who wrote the Shock Doctrine years ago) there is power in understanding how these tactics (disinformation, psy-ops, the "flood the zone with bullshit" thing )work and what the intention is (confuse, demoralize, From there strategies to counter and resist can be found.

YES IT IS THIS SERIOUS!!!! Its scary enough that this is happening without our leaders seeming to be MIA (which granted may be partly due to lack of reporting) or when you do hear/read Dem or left leading commentators they seem to think its still 2023 and saying stuff like "we have to do better reaching out to rural working class" without realizing that so many of us Dem voters already ARE rural and/or working class !!!! I wish theyd speak to US and not our wayward acquaintances and siblings who went MAGA. Lots of families out here in the real world who are divided and maybe even not speaking to each other. STOP BUYING INTO THE REPUBLICAN slur that Dems are "elitist" and out of touch.

[Scrivener7]

59. This should be an OP. There is SO much in there. Thank you!

[yellow dahlia]

111. I have one of the same pet peeves.

"YES IT IS THIS SERIOUS!!!! Its scary enough that this is happening without our leaders seeming to be MIA (which granted may be partly due to lack of reporting) or when you do hear/read Dem or left leading commentators they seem to think its still 2023 and saying stuff like..."

Thank you.

Awareness of the psy-ops and brainwashing and propaganda and disinformation is hugely important. I wish more "leaders" were willing to counter narrative.

All this talk about messaging that has to be "canned". How about talking about policies and facts and how you're going to address the specific problems.

And the idea that the party has to cater their message to a certain population. What is wrong with being a "big tent" party?

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

58. Speaking of communications - is there any thinking re: secure communications if/ when the oligarchs decide to

take it down and/or censor? Which btw is one common feature of authoritiarian take overs.

Is Blue sky secure - more or less? Im not on twit or butt book.

[Scrivener7]

61. This Starlink contract has me scared to death. We'll be over the same barrel as the Ukranians.

[ancianita]

107. Don't be. There are other choices for Americans out there, as South American leaders also know.

(posted elsewhere)

[yellow dahlia]

113. Right. We all have our antennae up. n/t

[yellow dahlia]

112. Good questions. n/t

[orangecrush]

65. The thugs have razor thin majorities

In the House and Senate.

You would think there were 10 Democrats in each from the way they act.

[Scrivener7]

66. I wish I could wish we were the kinds of people to strong-arm some republicans at the fringe.

Michael Corleone-style.

But I just can't bring myself to wish that.

[dwayneb]

68. I agree it's time for ACTION

Why would anyone consider this unreasonable criticism? This is a time for Activism. It is not enough to simply analyze or illuminate or document the damage that the Fascist Right is causing to our democracy. Not enough to post words on some backwater Internet forum.

We have to stop crying and get off our ass to get the ball moving. I like your ideas. And full disclosure I blame myself as much as anyone for how we got here. Should have been more politically active and engaged when I was a whippersnapper.

Remember when Lou Reed said the following in "There is No Time"?

This is no time for congratulations
This is no time to turn your back
This is no time for circumlocution
This is no time for learned speech

This is no time to count your blessings
This is no time for private gain
This is the time to put up or shut up
It won't come back this way again

This is no time for phony rhetoric
This is no time for political speech
This is a time for action
Because the future's within reach

[yellow dahlia]

114. The time is now. n/t

[Scubamatt]

71. BRAVO!!!

Well said!!!!!

[Scrivener7]

73. TY!

[Jazz Jon]

76. Get Loud

Everybody needs to be screaming and shouting against the Trump Administration. Loud and often, over and over. Online ( not too effective) at town halls, letters to editors, calls to your congresspeople and senators (even Democrats because they dont do much without our pressure), holding signs, mass protests, boycotts and more. I am being as loud as I know how. I am going to my congressmans town hall this coming Saturday. This is no time to stay home and wring your hands.

[Moostache]

77. Define "PROGRESS 2026" NOW!!!!

Vote OUT Project 2025.
Vote IN PROGRESS 2026.

Make it happen. ATTACK for fuck's sake. Get ugly, get mad, get in their faces this time... The "Brooks Brothers Riot" in 2000 was the turning point and we have been largely getting rolled ever since then....

FLA 2000
Iraq WMD 2002
Ohio 2004
Citizens United
Subprime Mortgage crisis (crashed world economy)
"Death Panels"
Gorsuch
Cavanaugh
Comey-Barrett
2016 Russian interference
COVID-19 (1,000,000+ DEAD - including my mother)
2020 Insurrection
Ad Nauseum Hunter Biden laptop nonsense

Seriously, there's enough over the last 25 years alone to make any sane person want to seriously consider violent opposition in place of what has clearly been a nearly uninterrupted slide into the mouth of chaos and the loss of the republic under our noses. Getting seriously angry is not a suggestion, or a call to arms...it is a survival requirement now.

[yellow dahlia]

115. Right. When is enough enough?

So sorry about your mom.

[lefthandedskyhook]

79. Be progressive and persuasive!

KICK!

[Beringia]

81. Thanks, I was hoping someone would post something for an action plan, Relief!

[The Grand Illuminist]

85. Speech does not win wars.

True action and sacrifice does. The way of the 60s is long long dead and gone. It is time to bring fear to them and use their playbook. There are no options left.

[Meowmee]

91. Great ideas lets hope they get implemented 👏🏻

[BrianTheEVGuy]

92. BRING BACK HOWARD DEAN

Specifically, his fifty state strategy. Go into deep red country and explain how their elected officials have sold them to foreign billionaires and the Kremlin.

[Scrivener7]

95. Wouldn't that be great? I agree.

[AmericaUnderSiege]

93. Never take a plea of powerlessness from a politician.

Tell them that if they don't feel up to the task, then they shouldn't be asking for the job.

[Scrivener7]

96. Well, at least they should never say, "We have no power."

[3825-87867]

94. Wouldn't it be simpler to just sue the shit out of them

as they did to the Democrats!
Surely we have to have a GARLAND somewhere in our midst?
Sue EVERYTHING they do.
Throttle the system with whatever laws and interpretatioins of them as they did to us!
Create every delay possible.
Bring every little thing before the courts AND the SCOTUS.
Tie up all their BS with every court suit possible.

Too easy?

[Scrivener7]

98. I think they're doing that. But we have a unique opportunity. You and I and people like

us are desperate to do something meaningful. And right now we have a historically powerful message. The truth of what they are doing is not filtering down to the average voter and the average voter has no idea of the tsunami of shit about to hit him. If we have a coordinated message right now, we can spread the truth. We can tell them who did this to them. We can give them an alternative.

[whathehell]

97. Excellent ideas..I'm sending them to both

of my Democratic senators ( and Dem congressman) tout suite!

[Scrivener7]

99. Wow. Thanks! That's great!

[whathehell]

116. You betcha!

[MrSkunkB]

100. This is largely a media message

The town hall idea is interesting and different, but the I the other two ideas are just messaging.

Which begs the questions, what message and what outlets?

We can debate the content part, but where are you doing this? A few weeks ago I saw a post demanding newspaper editorial denouncing Trump. Which is funny because nononebreads newspapers.

I assume this needs to be on YouTube and insta and TikTok and Spotify and five other sites my kids use that I’ve never heard of. But what format? Who hosts? Some no name congressperson reading a policy paper for 20 minutes will only serve to create content for DailyWire.

[sprinkleeninow]

103. So if my monthly SS benefit payment is messed with...

my source of income...I need to take it to the streets? Banging pots and pans?

Not privileged to hold an office in the government. Whose salaries are being paid by my tax dollars.

[srobertss]

106. Thank you

Great suggestions. I've already encouraged my senators to fill in the void left by republican lack of town halls. I think my next recommendation will deal with the communications idea.

[Snoopy 7]

109. Once again

Once again we find ourselves in the 'we can't' isle. Why? Quite simply our opposition is being dictated by a CORPORATE DEMOCRAT. Why else would he say 'His (H Jeffries) wish for a “solemn” response invoked a word often used by his predecessor as top Democratic leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, who had little patience for freelance activism at high-profile, high-stakes moments.'. And what do Jeffries and Pelosi have in common(?) they are both CORPORATE DEMOCRATS. We are fighting a gun fight with a pair of children's sissors. We may want "decorum" but it's only one sided the republican party doesn't know the meaning of decorum. They fight dirty to get their way and when the democratic party fights back the republicans scream decorum and the democratic party cowers.