No More F*cking Around. We elected you. Start acting like it (what I want to see today from Dems)

[zuul]

Link to tweet

Elizabeth C. McLaughlin @ECMcLaughlin (Founder, Gaia Project for Women's Leadership)

Instead of shouting into the ethers and dropping f-bombs all over Twitter, I'm gonna tell you what I want to see today from the Dems.

1) I want immediate implementation of @ElieNYC's brilliant idea of federalizing a force of OB/GYNs in Texas.

2) I want Manchin and Sinema stripped of committee assignments unless and until they vote to end the filibuster.

3) I want Dianne Feinstein pressured into resignation before the Sept. 14 recall election deadline so that Gavin Newsom can appoint her successor and this stupid charade of pretend confidence can end.

4) I want the DSCC and the DCCC to play hardball. No money for campaigns if you vote outside the agenda. If McConnell can make this happen, so can we.

5) I don't want to hear the word bipartisanship ever again from President Biden. Not ever. Not ever ever ever.

6) I want Roe v. Wade codified into federal law with legislation introduced TODAY.

7) I want the Green New Deal passed and codified.

8) While we're at it, NATIONWIDE MASK MANDATE.

9) I want every member of Congress who spoke at the 1/6 rally stripped of Committee assignments.

10) I want every member of Congress who voted to overturn the election stripped of Committee assignments.

11) I want the sergeant at arms of the Senate and the House empowered to detain anyone who interferes with the 1/6 committee, including by defying subpoenas. This power was used in the past and needs to be reinstated for 1/6 witnesses, including Reps.

That's for starters. But I'm just gonna say this: we've seen what they can and will do. We've known it forever and now it's bearing fruit.

NO MORE FUCKING AROUND. WE ELECTED YOU. START ACTING LIKE IT.

VOTING RIGHTS. I meant to include and did not. Pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act through the Senate today or write the tombstone for America.

And the For the People Act, obviously.

LET’S GO.

[msongs]

1. a list of action beats yakty yak every time. thanks for posting this nt

[Laura PourMeADrink]

114. +1,000,000

[NullTuples]

142. A list of action without actual action is still yackity yak

It all comes down to whether Congressional Democrats are fighting the same fight as the rest of us.

[PatrickforB]

179. Them is us. And if every single one of us here on DU called their Democrats

every day to see how they are doing on the agenda, and if we all wrote them every day to see how they are doing on the agenda, then it would happen.

Oh, and we all need to make sure we are registered and have done all we need to have in order to vote, and then VOTE. VOTE, VOTE. Don't anybody DARE sit 2022 out. Too much at stake.

The west is a tinderbox, there is a massive drought, IDA destroyed New Orleans and worked its evil way up to NYC which is now flooded.

I'm tired, tired, tired of this shit, and I'm not giving anyone a dime until they TOW THE LINE for us and start doing the stuff that needs to be done, and this list is a heck of a good place to start.

I recommend cut and paste into emails to your Democratic Congress members and Senators.

Now.

[luxmatic]

160. There is substance

What Can Democrats Do to Fight Texas’s Abortion Ban? Lots.

There are actual serious thoughts behind many of the points. The above, for example, talks about federalizing providers, using private/public funding to work around the Hyde amendment, and taking advantage of qualified immunity protections to offer consulting and abortions in Texas.

Sternly written speeches aren’t cutting it any longer. Get creative.

[FoxNewsSucks]

2. That's what we hired them for

We voted and identified the problems. We've done our part. It's their job to get it done. At this point I don't care how.

[treestar]

9. They aren't hired.

They are elected by the several states.

[hamsterjill]

24. They are paid a salary.

And it is not unreasonable to expect that they earn it.

[treestar]

68. But that is not doing what I as an individual want them to do

They work for the state or district as a whole. Even what the majority wants on each issue is not known for sure. Only where there are direct elections for an issue, like California propositions. And those have nothing to do with representatives.

[NullTuples]

159. They swore an oath to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment

"No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability."

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

271. Here's what the GQP thinks of the Constitution.

The Constitution of The United States of America

Blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah. The Second Amendment.

Here's what they think of their Oath of Office: (crickets)

[NullTuples]

275. They also love the part that they think says religion beats all other considerations

[pnwmom]

268. Of course. But they aren't only representing YOU. They are representing thousands, or,

in the case of Senators, MILLIONS of people who don't have all the same views.

[hamsterjill]

272. So, are you saying that the majority of Democrats don't want the infrastructure bill to pass?

The one that Manchin is holding hostage?

First, I would remind you that *I* am one of those millions. I have a right to expect to be represented.

Second, surely, there are SOME common areas amongst the millions, and the infrastructure bill is one of those. Who would not want it to pass, except someone like Manchin?

I don't buy the argument that you make. Sorry. I still say, pull the detractors in line and get something done. No, it's not my job nor my responsibility to figure out how to pull them in line either. That's for the party leadership to figure out.

I should say at this point, that I'm not going to argue with you over this. We obviously disagree, so I'll end my portion of the conversation at this time. Have a great day.

[pnwmom]

273. Why are you changing the subject? I'm saying that "I want, I want, I want" person

is just one person.

And I'll add that I'm sick of some progressives who attack Democrats more than Republicans. And she sounds like she's one of them.

[2naSalit]

3. K&R...

In general. A couple of those might be problematic but the majority of these I agree with 100%.

[NurseJackie]

4. This accomplishes nothing productive.

What she wants and what's possible are two different things. She needs to come to terms with that and prepare herself for disappointment. I get that she's upset and frustrated, but... this isn't productive.

I want the Green New Deal passed and codified.

Really? How? Where's the bill? The Biden Climate Plan makes much more sense and is a better start.

Instead of shouting into the ethers and dropping f-bombs all over Twitter, I'm gonna tell you what I want to see today from the Dems.

Why just "from the Dems"? Does she even know how things work? Does she think that we have some sort of super-majority? Does she understand that these things require working with the Republicans?

I want Manchin and Sinema stripped of committee assignments unless and until they vote to end the filibuster.

Ridiculous. She obviously does not want to be taken seriously.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

30. Translation:

I'll vote 3rd Party because I haven't received my pony yet.

[NurseJackie]

41. Yes. Thank you.

I hope she feels better after letting off steam. But that rant really is counterproductive and it's something that only serves to alienate her natural allies.

[johnp3907]

46. Bingo!

I’ve got zero patience for this crap.

[Demsrule86]

57. Yes so predictable.

[Hortensis]

121. Hope not. This pony doesn't exist.

My own fantasy wish list includes, right up top!, shipping the influencers that encouraged this disastrously counterproductive and astonishingly impossible list to Siberia. Those who aren't already working from there.

[betsuni]

152. +1

[EX500rider]

181. A pony with a horn on its forehead even

[live love laugh]

209. Oh YEAH!!

[ismnotwasm]

37. It's a "look at me" game

This ball was dropped in 2016.

[uponit7771]

60. Enforcing laws on the books does accomplish something productive

[NurseJackie]

64. Which ones is the OP referring to?

[uponit7771]

65. Not interfering with Congressional investigations

[NurseJackie]

74. Who is allowing this to happen?

[TiberiusB]

138. Is anything being done to reign in McCarthy's attempts at intimidation?

[link:https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/09/01/mccarthys-threat-to-telecoms-warrants-immediate-ethics-committee-inquiry-508625|

[NurseJackie]

147. Then what?

You guys are acting as if our party's leadership is absolutely clueless. They aren't. Y'all are behaving as if Biden, Harris, Pelosi and Schumer are incompetent nincompoops. It's ridiculous to continue down this path to nowhere. It accomplishes nothing.

They know what's possible. They know what's ineffective and a waste of time. I trust Nancy Pelosi to to the right thing and the smart thing. She's not going off half-cocked and screaming at the top of her lungs with her hair on fire and stomping her little feet.

I also trust our the committee chairman and all of the committee members. Not every bad thing that happens to this nation is the fault of the Democrats. Not every challenge we face is the fault of Democrats.

What useful purpose does this type of "blame-Democrats-first" rhetoric serve? It's just another example of how people are oddly willing to do and say things that create an atmosphere of fear and hopelessness and negativity. Negativity generates apathy. Apathy discourages voter turnout. Low voter turnout gives Republicans a chance to steal the elections.

[TiberiusB]

164. So, the shorter than the Iliad response is "I don't know, but it's not my job"

That's a lot of writing to just say "I trust Democrats no matter what".

Nobody is blaming everything on the Democrats. In fact, a lot of what I'm reading is "do more", not "this is all your fault".
Clueless? Nobody said that, that I've seen, or even implied it. "Incompetent" Nobody put that out there, either. Why not consider putting some effort into an actual explanation of why people should accept the current status quo and not speak up?

For instance, why is putting more pressure on the more conservative, corporate wing of the party not viable?

How is letting them block any forward progress any better?

If the Democrats don't ditch the filibuster now, what's to stop the Republicans from killing it should they retake the Senate?

Is there anything that can be passed that the Supreme Court hasn't demonstrated a willingness to strike down or look away as the GOP does at it pleases? Any Google search on "shadow docket" would be a good place to start.

If the Republicans retake both houses of Congress, could they impeach and remove Biden, with an eye toward taking the Presidency in 2024 from Harris? If a black male President drove half the country insane, what would a black female President do?

[smirkymonkey]

220. Thank YOU!

I am really tired of the idea that we have to support every single Democrat no matter how passive or even counter-productive they are. We CAN do better and we must.

[Nay]

255. Thank you! Honestly, this whole idea that we shouldn't expect a goddamn thing out

of our elected representatives is crazy. And the idea that we shouldn't demand anything? Preposterous. And, frankly, I expect a Democratic administration to be JUST AS ADAMANT about what it wants as TFG's nazis are -- yes, we are at the point where we can no longer worry about 'keeping the powder dry' or 'reaching across the aisle.' If several serving members of the Democratic Party refuse to go along with the program, I have no problem with demoting them. This is war, folks, and we can't stand around with our thumbs up our butts.

It's time to drop the hammer on these fascist bastards in whatever way possible.

[hamsterjill]

320. Awesome post!!!

Right there with you!!!

[uponit7771]

299. +1, dems in congress should get into more good trouble. Error on the side of going to far for what's

... right which is opposite of what Putin's Whore and the MAGA Cult did the last 12 years

[Demsrule86]

224. I see...so everything is the Democrats fault. They are all powerful and are just big meanies

for doing XYZ (fill in the blank). I wonder is anything ever not the Democrat's fault but perhaps the Republican's fault?

[TiberiusB]

252. Try replying to what I posted instead of repeating "stop being mean to Democrats"

It does no good to pretend that the Dems are helpless in the face of Republican mendacity, or to similarly deny that they could do better. Limiting discussions to "Team X would do better if Team Y just scored fewer runs! STOP BLAMING TEAM X FOR SCORING LESS!"

[Demsrule86]

263. The Democrats are helpless to do what some poster have demanded. This reply was meant in

general and did not target you specifically. Simply put, we need more Democrats. I stand by what I said. It does no good to blame Democrats for everything. I for one am tire of it...it is the root of all of our election losses ...starting with Clinton for sure and maybe even Carter. My favorite one was not yours actually but a poster demanding to know why we haven't Codified Roe. Right, near as I can tell, we have maybe a couple of years during Carter's term. But of course, Carter was 'personally opposed to abortion' during those years.

How about we demand that the Republicans do something and blame them for a change? Maybe we could say a few good things about our party. I am a Democrat and I support Democratic candidates and the Democratic Party always.

[luxmatic]

141. Gatekeep much?

[NurseJackie]

148. ...

[live love laugh]

210. +1

[totodeinhere]

308. +1. n/t

[Grasswire2]

5. I don't think I can say what I want to add to the list.

But I think it's time for DU to loosen the tradition by some of hunting down and alerting on members who put forward recommendations for Congressional action. Every Democrat has a voice, and should be allowed to speak his/her thought here.

Okay, I'm done. Off topic.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

116. Amen. Constructive criticism supposed to be allowed

[Hortensis]

146. Constructive criticism absolutely. But I'd argue that claiming Democrats can

do the impossible or the impossibly self destructive if they only would and being outraged that they won't is not constructive. Believing we could and should do what we won't could only lead to severe disappointment, anger and distrust against Democrats. (Gee, WHO would want that?)

As it is, an appalling number of people seem to be riding that track to the cliff. But that at least is an argument for thoughtful discussion of each of these points here, over and over and over right up to November 8, 2022, then then on to 2024.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

187. I would tend to agree with you Hortensis.. perhaps it's just because

It has been, other than the election where they we caught them flat-footed with real voting, haven't had any wins.

And the biggest governmental criminal of all time remains unindicted.

You are right each item can be explained away, but collectively they cannot.

[Hortensis]

199. Well, we'll see. I believe that "collectively" they're behaving

ethically and competently, and working their guts out, because of who they are collectively. I don't assume all their decisions will turn out to have been the best in hindsight, because that'd be impossible, but I do trust them. That doesn't take much faith for me, and no actual leap necessary.

You know, I've tried to imagine what it'd be like to have the weight of our nation and the futures of 300M people on my shoulders. How do they do it? The best I can imagine is that it's possible because they do believe in themselves and their ideals and believe they can and must do it. My best guess is also that most days they fall in bed exhausted and usually don't lie awake worrying in the middle of the night.

Very different viewpoint, but oh well. Sleep well yourself.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

221. I hear you. Great people may go to sleep exhausted. But at some point,

those on the correct side who are governed, may come to a
realization that something is wrong if we never seem to win. It will hit at different times, and some not at all.

[Hortensis]

239. "We never seem to win?" I believe that if we did not have wins

we would already be living in a form of RW authoritarian police state. 2016 almost brought on the end, and I believe if voters hadn't given Democrats solid control of the house in 2018 our government would have fallen to a Republican coup. We're in significantly better position to hold now but still in grave danger.

If only more of the electorate realized something's wrong, enough to be properly scared. Even people who don't value their vote enough to use it, or even most of their rights and freedoms, have much to lose that almost everyone does value: prosperity, comfort, safety, freedom from struggle.

Oh, well. Off to check the Caldor Fire this morning. It's beginning to look as if the home of some friends out there just may survive after all. Have a nice one.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

288. Oops should define win I guess. Successful actions

over and above keeping republicans, FG, crazies from doing horrible things. Although FG indictment would be great.

Gun control, voting rights, universal mask mandate, immigration legislation to name a few.

[Hortensis]

297. Yes, afterward I thought you might mean those kinds of wins.

Does anyone think that if the electorate in their wisdom had given us enough power we wouldn't have all those wins and many more? We'd sweep the board. Whatever. It's been a hot, anxious summer. There'll be time to regain our spirit before we have to measure up at the polls again.

Just threw together a quick and dirty "clean out the fridge" salad for dinner with a dressing made with the drippings from yesterday's grilled pork ribs, and it was the best thing I've made in some time. I'm both happy and a bit miffed.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

305. Lol... So funny how the best things are made when you

think you have nothing and have to be creative.

Takeaway... We need bigger margin in Congress. All we have now is just enough to stop them. Except in states with vile governors and state house majorities.

Been meaning to look up... What were the #s in each House and Senate when FG pushed through their off the shelf tax cuts for the rich. Remember FG never gave anyone HIS Wonderful, Beautiful plan.

[sheshe2]

304. Here are a few.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100215814116#post295


What Has Joe Biden Done As President? The Full List Of His Accomplishments

Lots more at the link.

[Demsrule86]

333. Just because 'it is allowed' doesn't mean it is helpful or wise.

We need to do all we can to try to win new voters and get registered voters to the polls...not attack our party leaders and discourage voters. Social media had a big impact in 2016 and also in 2020.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

339. ?? Of course. So we are a place where people come to

decide whether or not to become a Democrat? And it means we have to never discuss issues and positions except how perfect they are? Just toe the line like that?

[Demsrule86]

340. Telling people that are leaders are no good whiich is what I have seen surely won't encourage

people to join the party. I think perhaps going after the GOP who are the real problem is a better idea.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

341. Never saw anyone say our leaders are no good.

[Demsrule86]

342. I have.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

343. Links? Not attacks or criticism on policies/actions

but on our people?

[Demsrule86]

345. There have been a number of posts...I won't send links but do a search for the one that says

if we don't do XYZ, we don't 'deserve our majority'...there have been others.

[betsuni]

344. Constantly: Leadership's weak, caves, doesn't fight, elite, old, does nothing, needs to be replaced.

And of course the classic "establishment." Need new blood, thinking out of the box, fresh faces who will "fight."

The assumption that leadership isn't doing anything and if we just got the right leadership everyone in Congress would vote the right way and everything will be fine.

Pelosi gets it all the time, and it was a daily thing before Trump was impeached. She was personally preventing impeachment and if he was just impeached everything would be fine. As we know, it wasn't.

AOC last year in an Intercept article: "We need new leadership in the Democratic Party," said she thinks Pelosi and Schumer should be replaced because they've failed to make a succession plan. First of all, of course they have successors like Jeffries. Second, young people look up to AOC and hear her say that leadership needs to be replaced (they aren't good at their jobs) and that doesn't help encourage them to support the party.

[NewHendoLib]

136. Bravo

[Laura PourMeADrink]

321. +1 G2

[in2herbs]

6. I agree and want to add: Why wasn't Roe v. Wade codified into law in 1973 when the USSC ruled on

it? What's your excuse Democrats??? Also, it is down-right foolish to cling to "bipartisanship". In my personal life I speak to no republicans unless they first change their party affiliation to prove their disapproval with the R agenda. Otherwise, they can go live in Afghanistan where their politics will be welcomed.

[NurseJackie]

8. GMAFB.

What's your excuse Democrats???

GMAFB.

[in2herbs]

10. 52 years since Roe v. Wade. Are you saying that at no time in the past 52 years Ds couldn't have

even attempted to codify this into law? Off the top of my head we had a D majority in 2009.

[NurseJackie]

12. Lulz. Woulda coulda shoulda. YAWN!

Off the top of my head we had a D majority in 2009.

I keep hearing the same arguments about "Medicare for All" too. Woulda coulda shoulda. YAWN!

[George II]

18. "Medicare for All" wasn't initially a Democratic idea, and it was first proposed 50+ years ago....

...by a relatively "liberal" republican Senator from New York, on April 15, 1970:

[betsuni]

157. Interesting! Thank you.

[George II]

22. 48 years ago.

[Demsrule86]

25. We did not have a true 60 Majority. Kennedy was ill. We had a more conservadems then we do

now and let's not forget Lieberman so no we have not been able to 'codify' the law...but do blame Democrats once more for something a Republican has done....so useful and all.

[hamsterjill]

26. +10000

Seems some posters get all upset when you start asking questions, don’t they?

Well, it’s time to start asking these questions. The voters deserve answers.

[wellst0nev0ter]

82. Don't you know? There were all sorts of reason why 2009

was a bad year for Democrats, don'tcha know?

[hamsterjill]

90. So I've been told.

I should sit down and just stand by quietly while I watch my few remaining eights go down the s rain, right?

Well that ain’t happening.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

119. Yes and if you've been here while you can easily pick them out

[hamsterjill]

129. Been here a while, and you sure can.

It’s almost as if there’s some concerted effort or something! Nah, that could happen!!! LOL

[Hugin]

149. The committee of...

the dry powder.

I hadn't seen them around for a while. Now, bingo. I was worried the 'rona got them.

Also active during the second Impeachment. Differed with my assertion there should be some witnessing, trialing, and record entering in the Senate. Their goal was to rush through and get to the bipartisan obstruction as soon as possible.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

222. Hmm that is interesting... I want to go back and

see that. I was thinking more about being against Impeachment 1

[Demsrule86]

325. Sure can...pick out those that attack the Biden and the Democratic Party relentlessly...on say

Afghanistan among other issues.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

330. Yup, got the blind faithers, the questioners, the

Disrupters, the realists, the perpetual optimists, and everything in between.

[BumRushDaShow]

168. "Off the top of my head we had a D majority in 2009."

Remember these guys?

Could Issue of Abortion Derail Health Care Bill?

Rep. Stupak says he won't vote for bill if it contains Senate abortion language.

By HUMA KHAN via GMA
March 4, 2010, 6:40 AM
• 7 min read

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2010— -- Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., today said he and 11 other House members will not vote for the health care bill unless it includes more stringent language to prevent federal funding from going toward abortion services. "We're not going to vote for this bill with that kind of language," Stupak told "Good Morning America's" George Stephanopoulos today, referring to the Senate health care bill, which includes less restrictive language than what the Democratic lawmaker proposed in the House. Stupak said he is willing to take the criticism that will be hurled at him if he blocks the bill because of the abortion language, but that he won't back down on his principles. "I want to see health care pass. I agree... people are being priced out of the market."

"We must have health care but, boy, there are some principles and beliefs that some of us are not going to pass," he said. "We're prepared to take the responsibility. I mean, I've been catching it ever since last fall. Let's face it, I want to see health care. But we're not going to bypass some principles and beliefs that we feel strongly about." The ongoing abortion debate threatens to stall the health care bill and reflects the deep divide among Democrats. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs today said the president would like to see the House pass the health care bill before he departs for his international trip on March 18, but that does include passing the "fixes" that the White House has proposed. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., today said that the bill makes no changes to the existing law on abortion.

"There is no change in the access to abortion, no more no less. It is abortion neutral," Pelosi told reporters. "If you believe that there should be no federal funding for abortion, and if you believe that there should be no change in policy... we will pass the bill." Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius told Stephanopoulos on "GMA" that the bill is not about abortion, but about changing the health care system to ease the burden on families and small businesses facing skyrocketing insurance premiums. "I think the president has made it clear from the outset that the health reform bill should not change the status quo on abortion policy in America. That's not what this about," Sebelius said. "There will be no federal funding for abortions." "This isn't about abortion debate. It's about health reform," she added.

Proponents of more stringent abortion measures such as Stupak argue that in an insurance exchange, which is part of the health care overhaul bill, the current standing regulations on abortions will not be enough to prevent federal funding from going toward those services. "We want see a bill. But the bill that they [White House] are using as a vehicle is the Senate bill," Stupak said. "You would find in there the federal government would directly subsidize abortions, plus every enrollee in the Office of Personnel management plan, every enrollee has to pay a minimum of $1 per month toward reproductive rights which includes abortion." "Give us our language. Let's keep current law: No public funding for abortion."

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/HealthCare/abortion-issue-derail-obama-democrats-health-care-efforts/story?id=10006591

At the 11th hour before final passage of the reconciliation package for the ACA in 2010, that group of anti-abortion Democrats was about to torpedo the whole thing. It took all kinds of pretzel twisting via an "Executive Order" to secure enough votes for passage (and that included getting the Ben Nelson crew in the Senate with similar vote-blocking threats, to go along with it).

And what was the subject? Abortion.

Democrats have never had a "majority", let alone a "super majority" of progressive/left elected members of Congress.

[TiberiusB]

172. So the issue is blue dog Democrats...

These responses, whether they intend to or not, seem to make it clear that the thing consistently thwarting Democrats is other Democrats.

What happened to "blame the Republicans"?

[BumRushDaShow]

184. I agree that we should "blame the Republicans"

for their craven attacks on the rights of others because they want to control what is a "right".

However the person I was replying to wanted to know why "Democrats" who "had a majority in 2009" didn't pass legislation to make abortion legal. I gave an example of why.

[sheshe2]

276. +1000

[Demsrule86]

226. Republicans are never blamed. Everything is the Democrats fault according to some...which is why

we continue to lose elections.

[TiberiusB]

251. Media bias is a factor, but

You can't blame forum posts for Democrats losing. Gerrymandering and voter suppression are clearly to blame in many areas, along with a tendency to promote "republican lite" democrats in redder districts which often leads to a "why vote for an imitation Republican over a real one" problem. The party swing away from economic policies that protected and benefited the working class during the Reagan years and ramped up in the 90's further muddied the waters and legitimized Reagan's "government is the problem" attitude.

Today, social media has a hard right slant, and there is a lot of data showing Facebook's influence in our political discourse. None of it appears to be good. That gives nearly anyone in the U.S. or globally, with the money and resources, the ability to sway election outcomes.

[Demsrule86]

266. You absolutely can...I speak of social media...not this site...the OP came from twitter.

And social media was used to magnify and spread the attacks/lies against Hillary Clinton in 2016. The so-called emails were actually downloaded to a specific social media site: and who knows how many were fake and/or altered in some way as the Russians were involved in this attack.

Social media was used against Biden during the 2020 primary and later against Elizabeth Warren. It was used to spread lies against Biden during the election too. It was less successful in 2020 than in 2016 thankfully. When Democrats attack the party on social media, they impact our ability to attract new voters and to discourage those who are already members of our party.

[Demsrule86]

327. And here is the problem that some here refuse to acknowledge without moderate Democrats, you

cant get or hold a majority in either the house or the senate. Perhaps some should try winning GOP seats rather than going after sitting Democrats in safe seats which does nothing. There are seats we need that a progressive simple can not win. I find it heartbreaking that some of the things I really want won't happen if we have moderates in our caucus but not as heartbreaking as being in the minority which allows the GOP free reign to destroy decades of hard-won policy and enact worse policy.

[treestar]

73. How were they to know to do that?

In the 70s?

[betsuni]

161. Democrats know everything that's going to happen in the future, so if they

didn't do something in the past it's on purpose. Part of the rule to always ascribe bad intentions or inaction on purpose to Democrats, never give them the benefit of the doubt. Both sides both sides both sides but-Democrats-are-worse.

[Demsrule86]

227. Elected Democrats are just big meanies that could make all of our dreams come true if

only they would go on various TV shows and yell louder than Republicans, play 'hardball' (whatever that means), figure it out (after all they are paid by us/ this one is used when the author has no f'ing idea what can be done), and Democrat elected politicians 'allow' every bad thing to happen that happens everywhere particularly Afghanistan.

Democrat politicians better get with the program or...XYZ (fill in the blank)

The XYZ is always a threat to stay home and not vote, vote for a third party, or vote - in some extreme cases - for the Republican. This is why we can't have nice things like decent health care and middle-class tax cuts. See 2000, 2004,2010, 2014, and 2016 for examples of XYZ voting behavior.

[betsuni]

228. Perfect, exactly.

[Demsrule86]

241. Thank you!

[Sogo]

7. Perfect.

I'd send this to my Rep., but she's a Republican. Maybe I'll send it to those who want to run to unseat her.

[treestar]

11. Nobody cares what one particular individual wants

The very point of government is to have disparate people get along in peace. If something won't pass Congress, and isn't signed by the POTUS too, the nation does not want it.

[in2herbs]

13. IMO you are totally ignoring how gerrymandering is putting Rs in power with less votes. nt

[treestar]

17. But that is a separate issue

Indeed gerrymandering should be fought, so the votes will accurately reflect the cross section of voters.

[NurseJackie]

14. No amount of foot-stomping and shouting and unreasonable demands will make anything happen.

This is venting. This is NOT how go go about trying to accomplish anything. It just won't work.

[hamsterjill]

28. So, you don't think Democratic candidates should listen to their constituents?

This is a list of goals that a voter wants. She has no obligation to frame it in a way that is palatable to someone.

The list seems quite reasonable to me. Why is that a problem?

And before you charge off with an eight paragraph response, please note that I’m not going to read it.

[NurseJackie]

36. I never said that.

28. So, you don't think Democratic candidates should listen to their constituents?

I never said that.

But you do make a good point that I'll have to remember to bring up the next time someone faults Manchin for listening to his constituents.

The list seems quite reasonable to me. Why is that a problem?

This person clearly has no idea how government works. Her comments about the "Green New Deal" illustrate that clearly. What's there to vote on? Where's the bill?

And before you charge off with an eight paragraph response, please note that I’m not going to read it.

Awww. That's okay, hon. Others will.

[Hortensis]

169. If only everyone could understand that the "Green New Deal" isn't real.

It never was. It's a political platform to rally support. But there is no bill, there's no plan, there are no thousands of experts in and out of government working to create a plan. And there is no action in congress for something that doesn't exist.

All the congressional climate-related committees (many!) have been producing the Democratic plans.

The Biden/Democratic Party climate plan, developed over years with the assistance of prominent experts in every field, is HUGE, EXTREMELY EXTENSIVE, SOPHISTICATED, REAL and HAPPENING. Virtually all our legislation in some way integrates climate action into the solutions and actions for every other issue.

Here are three of Vox's "explanation" articles discussing what it's about. There are more inspiring articles from climate sites overjoyed at what we're doing, but these are kinda surveys.

Biden’s “all of government” plan for climate, explained
Rejoining the Paris agreement is just the start of Biden’s climate and clean energy policy.
https://www.vox.com/22242572/biden-climate-change-plan-explained

At last, a climate policy platform that can unite the left
The factions of the Democratic coalition have come into alignment on climate change.
https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/21252892/climate-change-democrats-joe-biden-renewable-energy-unions-environmental-justice

How Biden could actually deliver on his climate goals
The road to the 2030 goal is clear. The road to 2050 is a little murkier.
https://www.vox.com/22398456/biden-climate-change-goals-industry-buildings-agriculture

[betsuni]

178. Thank you!

[TiberiusB]

171. He isn't listening to his constituents

That's well known.

[Justice matters.]

242. His constituents are too poor to compete in DONATION$

so the Kochs & Co. are happy to purchase...

Public Funding Bill: Get big money out of politics!

[TiberiusB]

250. He's been caught on an audio recording pandering to his donors.

https://theintercept.com/2021/06/17/deconstructed-manchin-candid-leaked-audio/

There's no mystery to his position, or that of the other "moderate" (that word has to go) Dems who are absolutely the ones blocking Biden's agenda.

[Demsrule86]

62. You ask for the impossible. The list of demands can't be met not because they don't want to ...but

there are not enough of them.

[hamsterjill]

78. I ask for Democrats to figure it out.

What is your solution? Wait until 2022 when we will likely lose? Seriously, what do you propose that is going to get something done now?

All I see is posts saying “we can’t”. Just give up now because somebody didn’t vote for Hillary in 2016? Sing kumbaya as we watch democracy die? I mean, come on. Do you not see that we are in a crisis right now? Today????

What would McConnell do if the roles were reversed? He’d pull some crazy shit and probably get away with it like he always does. Why can’t Democrats figure out something? We are way beyond milk and cookies and afternoon tea. We need to get into the trenches and get something done.

Has Joe Manchin ever had an extra marital affair? Any sex abuse charges from ten years ago? Hmmm…one never knows does one?

[treestar]

87. So he gets replaced by a Republican

If you think there is something that can be done, what is it? You are merely saying Democrats should figure out some way around the system.

The Turtle gets away with it because the Republicans don't want anything to pass and they don't want government to work.

The red side gets away with it because they have more power - see the Senate, and the EC. They get land mass power.

[hamsterjill]

95. I don't care.

The situation is what it is. I didn’t make it that way. But it needs to be fixed. Pressure Manchin. Like I said, can you say for sure that he has never had an extra marital affair? Never took a bribe? Hmmm. I can’t.

[treestar]

96. That's how you want it to go?

Not on an honest vote on issues for how his constituents feel about it? Democrats could be "pressured" that way too.

And even if it were bad enough for him to resign, he'd be replaced by a Republican.

Getting a 60D Senate is the only answer.

[hamsterjill]

102. It's not for me to figure out.

Not my job. Democrats need to figure out an answer. I don’t want to live in a theocracy and if something isn’t done and FAST, I fully believe we will get there.

[Demsrule86]

120. Perhaps, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country,"

John F Kennedy said that in his inaugural address...he wanted all Americans to contribute to the public good.

[hamsterjill]

133. A little too sanctimonious for these perilous times.

We don’t have the luxury of playing the nice guy any more. That’s not a choice we made. It’s a choice forced on us by the GOP. We fight to win, or we lose everything.

[Demsrule86]

134. I don't know...JFK had a way with words...and of course he was correct. We all need to get involved.

[hamsterjill]

137. He also got killed.

We live in different times.

[Demsrule86]

140. I see...so we no longer have to be engaged in politics but we just wait until our leaders figure it

out. It is their job. OK then.

[sheshe2]

279. Obama as well:

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.

Even Bernie:

Not me. Us.

[Demsrule86]

329. I saw someone on one of these threads... Obama's signature line "the Audacity of Hope' was

changed into the 'Audacity of Nope'...some here still hate Obama-no doubt about it. And you're right President Obama was vilified much the same way Biden is being attacked today because he didn't have the ability to get it all done in two years and of course the public option was so fucking important. Once we lost the house it was game over for Democratic policy...I guess those message-voters were really saying, I want to spend six more years and get absolutely nothing in terms of legislation from yet another Democratic president... the same thing happened to Clinton in 2004.

And some shrieking 'do something right now ( on social media not talking about DUer's) message voted or stayed home in 2010 causing us to lose the house and the Republicans then gerrymandered it massively. At one point before we lost a SCOTUS pick when we lost the Senate I was driven into a state of hopeless rage as one poster opined that Pres. Obama was a 'used car salesman. President Obama was savaged even here. I thank GOD for the new rules that prevent that sort of thing.

[treestar]

177. Not responding to the question

Is one way but you’d really rather get votes teje way you described. So when that happens to Democrats it would have to be ok too.

[hamsterjill]

194. Don't care.

Not my job to figure this out. It’s the job of the party leaders and they need to start finding ways around some of these issues.

You can rail on me all you want. But I’m fed up with inaction.

[Hortensis]

173. That's not fair. Democrats are doing many other things that we CAN do

and would benefit instead of harming us.

Now, we could technically strip two very powerful senators of their "committee assignments," but aside from satisfying the anger of some, what possible good could it accomplish? Absolutely none and it'd do us tremendous harm.

And they'd remain just as powerful, conceivably even more because of all those thrilled with them for angering Democrats. U.S. senators don't NEED committee assignments to be powerful. (It's HOUSE members who do.)

As for the harm caused, I don't even want to speculate. But for sure it would cause many who voted for them in red WV and AZ to be very angry with the Democratic Party. They might well have to run for reelection as Republicans. But they could also switch parties at any time, something McConnell and company probably have wet dreams about every night.

Those who imagine that D50 - R50 with these conservative Democrats is no better than D48 - D52 without them could not be more mistaken. I shudder at the media coverage alone if those who just don't care prevailed. For once hostile media propaganda that Democrats were incredibly stupid and self destructive would be the simple truth.

[hamsterjill]

191. I'm beyond worrying about what's fair.

I want action. And obviously by most of the responses on this thread, I am not alone in my thinking.

[Hortensis]

202. Well, okay. Fwiw, some people respond to fear and frustration

by punching or kicking holes in the wall. A virtue, and luxury, of that is it only hurts their wall, and maybe them, but not others.

[hamsterjill]

205. And politicians respond to constituents who aren't buying their bull.

I have no need to punch a wall. I am quite clear about what I want accomplished. I’m just tired of the excuses about why it can’t be done. And I’m tired of being tile it’s ME who has to figure it out. That’s not my job.

I am obviously not alone either. There is a lot of frustration expressed on this thread.

[Demsrule86]

225. I ask for strong reasonable Democrats who have the ability to figure it out and work towards

a solution...and I don't mean out elected.

[treestar]

79. She can send it to her Rep and Senators

And see where that leads.

There, the tone could hurt, but the clerks will probably log it into what they hear from different voters too, not just her.

[George II]

167. Presumably that list is directed to 435 Representatives and 100 Senators. So the next time....

...Democratic Senator Manchin listens to his constituents and votes in accordance, you will support him?

By the way, Manchin has yet to NOT vote against the Biden Agenda or his positions.

[progressoid]

156. Bwahahahahaaaa...

No amount of foot-stomping and shouting and unreasonable demands will make anything happen.

Ironically, foot stomping, shooting, and venting about Sarandon is a regularly celebrated occurrence at DU. I'm sure you'll condemn those pointless posts too.

[NurseJackie]

158. Sarandon... 😜🤣😂😜

Ironically, foot stomping, shooting, and venting about Sarandon is a regularly celebrated occurrence at DU. I'm sure you'll condemn those pointless posts too.

Those aren't pointless... those are reminders of WHO IS TO BLAME for the mess we find ourselves facing. I did not support Sarandon (or her political choices, or her lies) therefore it's not pointless to me. These are mistakes that we must remember, and that we must never repeat in the future. What type of person would find that to be "pointless", I wonder. Perhaps her die-hard fans and other like-minded individuals who haunt Twitter, eh?

[TiberiusB]

170. No, they are pointless

That's an exhausting narrative that ignores reality, much as the "blame Nader" spin did 21 years ago.

A multitude of factors doomed Hillary's campaign.

Her sky high negatives, deserved or not, were a political reality and an uphill battle.

Deep rooted misogyny and a racist backlash after the Obama years.

The foolish decision to host an email server in her home. It shouldn't have become the centerpiece of the smear campaign to drag her down, thanks media, but there's no denying that slip may have cost her the election, or, more accurately Comey and his compromised allegiances did. Her numbers TANKED after he announced, against precedent, the second unwarranted investigation. That re-ignited the flames of mistrust that have dogged her for decades.

Taking high priced speaking gigs at Goldman Sachs was DUMB. Ignore whether they were legitimate or not, the optics were awful, and the response utterly predictable. The Clinton name, her history, and her gender were all liabilities in the eyes of millions, and in a system rigged to favor white conservative men, any mistake gets amplified a 1,000 fold.

The campaign was convinced they had the election in the bag and stumbled in key electoral states and with their ground game.

The party let Trump...TRUMP...co-opt the populist Bernie rhetoric and claim to be a champion of the common man. That's why he managed to snare 10% of the anti-establishment Bernie crowd.

Sarandon, and people like her, while they certainly didn't help, likely didn't tilt the scales in any meaningful way.

[NurseJackie]

185. Nonsense.

[TiberiusB]

319. well, then, consider me corrected

There's no fighting the irrefutable logic of the twin emoji assault, head slap and eye roll.

[Hortensis]

204. Tiberius, her positives were sky high when she wasn't running

for president, in the 70%s! For years she was both the most admired woman in the nation and on the planet, most notably for her work advancing the wellbeing of women and children.

Are we talking about two different people? Or about swallowing the poisoned Kool-Aid the Republicans and Russians flooded the nation with when she ran for president?

You're right that it worked far better to take her out than Biden, and for some of the reasons mentioned, particularly her gender. But also, besides new fear of tRumpism, some people had learned from that experience.

[TiberiusB]

265. Her positives were sky high among particular groups

It was fully expected that the right wing noise machine was going to hammer on her and Bill. That's been the m.o. for decades, and the negative backlash was fully predicted. Could it have been overcome? Sure, absolutely, but we should know by now that it's all about making the results close enough to steal.

Honestly, I really believe Comey put his finger on the scales when he announced the second investigation so close to the election. That left no time to recover anyone in the mushy middle and handed the narrative to Trump, who played the populist fiddle all the way to victory in just 3 swing states. Putin did his part by very accurately seeing the vast swaths of discontent among certain groups and pounced, re-enforcing a lot of simmering bias.

Manipulating the electoral vote was always the goal, and it worked then (and with Bush) and almost worked again with Biden. It's clearly the goal in 2024, which 100% explains the tsunami of voter suppression and gerrymandering. Knock out the minority vote and take advantage of a terrible system structured to favor a regressive minority party. Now, should that come to pass in 2024 and the GOP controls it all, expect blue states to get hammered with Supreme Court rulings and new federal laws intended to turn them red (or at least nullify any hope of ever winning an election again).

[Hortensis]

270. Comey had a chronically sprained finger from punching

the scales many times over many months, while appalled colleagues across the nation protested and called out his actions, separately and in groups, in vain. Serial, systematic election subversion carried out in full sight of the world. Except for who else he colluded with.

Let's remember, though, that the FBI and NYT did collude to report to the nation a week before the election that the tRump-Russia investigation found nothing and implied that it was wrapping up.

How unfair to Comey that tRump was so pathologically ungrateful.

Oh, well. What we have to focus on how is keeping them from destroying all of us.

[progressoid]

212. Yup.

[progressoid]

176. Mistakes?

mistakes that we must remember, and that we must never repeat in the future.

So what mistakes? And does foot stomping about an irrelevant actor on DU make any difference?

What type of person would find that to be "pointless", I wonder. Perhaps her die-hard fans and other like-minded individuals who haunt Twitter, eh?

I I have no idea. I'm not on Twitter and I don't keep track of her. The only time I hear about her is on DU. People here seem to have a bizarre obsession with her.

[NurseJackie]

183. That's so funny!

[progressoid]

186. What's so funny?

[NurseJackie]

198. Give it some thought...

... I'm sure it will come to you.

[progressoid]

211. I can't read your mind.

[Hortensis]

206. My best guess is the mistakes. Some helped,

some completely innocently, some deliberately, to throw the nation and progressivism itself under the Republican bus.

Surely that was a horrible mistake? We can't put it behind us yet because it's still happening and may still result in the purging of progressivism and liberalism (!) from government. If that mistake is repeated just once more, it will likely turn out to have been our last chance.

[betsuni]

196. Sarandon has been a political activist for decades and Bernie Sanders surrogate 2016/2020.

"Irrelevant actor." Her acting career has nothing to do with her activism career. Like Jane Fonda.

[progressoid]

213. That's an interesting comparison.

I wonder if Susan Sarandon wishes she had the career and political influence of Jane Fonda. And I suspect that a lot of posters here mistakenly believed that Susan Sarandon does have the political influence of Fonda.

IMHO, Sarandon is a flawed, minor influence in today's politics. She is also a convenient punching bag for people's misguided anger at leftist activists.

[betsuni]

219. I didn't make a comparison, I said they were both political activists.

Jane Fonda is a Democrat. Sarandon is not. They're both activists in addition to their acting careers.

[George II]

15. Have you done anything personally to address any of those items on your laundry list?

[Luciferous]

58. We voted them in to get these things done.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

61. Yet they didn't campaign on the Green New Deal (or Filibuster reform)

So apparently you didn't pay attention last year

[Luciferous]

71. I paid enough attention to know that if we don't start playing hardball

we will lose the midterms. Voting is only getting harder in a lot of places and we already have turnout issues for most midterms. We need to give people a reason to show up and if we aren't getting shit done, there will be a lot of people who don't bother showing up.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

84. Yep. Not paying attention if you don't think shit is getting done

There was a little war that just ended. And a big stimulus package that helped me and my family out.

[Luciferous]

162. Trump made that deal with the Taliban.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

166. So you believe Trump ended the war

Maybe peddle your Trump-humping somewhere else along with your Biden bashing.

[Luciferous]

193. No, it's a fact that he made the deal to pull the troops out. I don't see how that makes me a Biden

basher Just because I don't like Trump doesn't mean I'm going to distort the facts. I didn't even say I agreed with the deal.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

197. I just find it odd that you say Biden has done nothibg

Then Give Trump credit for what he did.

[Luciferous]

200. I didn't say Biden has done nothing, I just pointed out that Trump made the deal with the Taliban.

I don't see what's odd about pointing out a fact.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

201. Your right

You said he’s not getting shit done.

[Luciferous]

203. I said if WE aren't getting shit done people won't show up to vote. I didn't

even mention Biden.

[Demsrule86]

229. Really not show up? And what happens then? Anyone in our party who sits home and pouts and

doesn't show up deserve what they get. We are basically voting to save the long-term hard-won policy and our Republic at this point. I would crawl across broken glass to vote Democratic in all elections. We need more Democrats to do the things some on this thread are demanding not fewer Democrats. We don't need McConnell back in charge.

The Qnuts are planning a bottom-up assault on our Democracy. They plan to begin at the grassroots with school boards and low-level party seats...buckle up it is going to be a shit show and unless we change the way we do things as Democratic voters, we are likely to lose the coming war. We need to vote in midterms as well as presidential elections, show up even if we are not "in love" with a particular candidate, and vote blue no matter who. As Biden puts it "the soul of Democracy is on the ballot"-every ballot from the school board elections to the next presidential election and every election in between.

[wellst0nev0ter]

16. Sure beats whining about 2016

That's over, it's done. We control government now, pressure the holdouts to actually use that power.

[NurseJackie]

20. No we don't.

We control government now

Ridiculous. No we don't. We have a slight "majority" in a 50/50 Senate.

[wellst0nev0ter]

23. Crippling Pessimism, That's New

How about we actually do things for a change and pressure those who are standing in the way?

And since I already know what your reply will be, I'll save you the trouble: LOL!

[NurseJackie]

27. A dose of reality. That's something that I do not have trouble accepting.

Crippling Pessimism, That's New

A dose of reality. That's something that I do not have trouble accepting.

How about we actually do things for a change and pressure those who are standing in the way?

The numbers are in the way. We simply do not have this "super majority" that some people believe. I live in the real world.

[wellst0nev0ter]

33. Quitting and Surrendering

Inspiring. And Manchin can't be pressured if you give up before the fact.

[NurseJackie]

40. It's better to do what's possible than to sit around doing nothing at all...

... because of being mired down waiting for "perfect" to magically happen. I understand how politics in the real world works. Having temper tantrums isn't the way to do it.

[wellst0nev0ter]

42. The only people waiting for the "perfect"

Are those who are waiting around for a 60 vote supermajority or whatever that is never going to happen in the foreseeable future.

Use the power you have now or regret it later.

[NurseJackie]

48. No... we're willing to do what's possible now.

The only people waiting for the "perfect"

No... we're willing to do what's possible now. Nobody is "waiting around". What's holding us back are the ones who demand everything right now... the ones who aren't willing to compromise, and who threaten to vote "third party" if they can't have their pony.

Use the power you have now or regret it later.

We do not have as much "power" as you imagine. Accept reality. Be thankful for what we've got.

[wellst0nev0ter]

51. Yes, better things aren't possible

Because you and Joe Manchin say so.

[NurseJackie]

59. No... because the numbers demand that we be willing to compromise.

Yes, better things aren't possible
Because you and Joe Manchin say so.

No... because the numbers demand that we be willing to compromise. Those who are unwilling to accept that reality are the ones who are holding us back. Rational people are willing to accept incremental progress. Others would rather have temper tantrums and remain stationary... maintaining the "status-quo" with ZERO PROGRESS... with their "all or nothing right fucking now" philosophy.

It's ridiculous.

[wellst0nev0ter]

63. Someone's Willing To Compromise With Texas's Abortion Ban

Color me shocked.

[NurseJackie]

70. Lulz.

wellst0nev0ter
63. Someone's Willing To Compromise With Texas's Abortion Ban

Color me shocked.

Lulz.

[wellst0nev0ter]

75. I know, living in Gilead is HI-larious to you

[NurseJackie]

77. Nope. Guess again.

[TiberiusB]

151. So what's "possible" now?

I have a metric ton of articles about Manchin, Sinema, and the other blue dogs to make an actual, evidence supported rebuttal to the notion that it's the imaginary "pony" crowd holding everything up.


Here's a few, out of literally dozens:

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/08/moderates-blocking-joe-biden-infrastructure-squad/

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jun/13/joe-manchin-biden-agenda-senate-democrats|

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2021-06-01/biden-calls-out-2-democratic-lawmakers-for-blocking-agenda|

https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2021/8/23/22638611/federal-budget-3-5-trillion-moderate-democrats-u-s-house-jim-costa-jesse-jackson|

https://www.abc15.com/news/state/biden-calls-out-kyrsten-sinema-for-blocking-agenda

https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2021/06/22/sinema-defends-filibuster-on-same-day-its-used-to-stall-voting-rights/

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/08/joe-manchin-is-opposing-big-parts-of-bidens-agenda-as-the-koch-network-pressures-him.html

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-budget-manchin/u-s-senator-manchin-in-threat-to-biden-agenda-opposes-reconciliation-backs-filibuster-idUSKBN2BV03B

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/06/us/politics/joe-manchin-op-ed.html

https://texassignal.com/op-ed-joe-manchin-its-time-to-stop-obstructing-bidens-agenda/

[NurseJackie]

153. Accept reality. No amount of hand-wringing or demonizing will change it.

Best to learn to work within these parameters and find common ground. Nobody gets everything they want.

[Demsrule86]

76. There is nothing we can do to pressure Manchin. And Sinema is probably even more difficult.

If one looks at a situation realistically...good decisions about how to proceed can be made. We need to go all out to win the midterm and in 24 also. And attacking Democrats which includes Manchin and Sinema won't help us...we need all the ones we have now and to add to that number.

[NurseJackie]

85. Thank you for your rational and thoughtful comments.

The overwrought emotion and temper tantrums that are on display today really serve no good purpose. People need to accept reality and learn how to work within the constraints that we have. I'm just amazed at how many are willing to remain FROZEN and eager to accomplish NOTHING simply because they can't have it ALL today!

[Demsrule86]

109. You are right...the serve no purpose. We have to figure what we can do...what is realistically

possible.

[wellst0nev0ter]

89. What will happen when we win the midterm?s

THEN we will get rid of the filibuster? Or are we going to get more excusemongering from bad actors?

[Demsrule86]

111. If we get more Senators, there is a good chance that we can end the filibuster and

pass more legislation. We won't need Sinema and Manchin to do this...don't get me wrong I want as many in our majority as possible. But that is our only realistic path forward to hold the house and hopefully gain members and hold the Senate and gain members.

[wellst0nev0ter]

112. "We allowed abortions to be banned, vote for us!"

Not the slogan that's going to win voters.

[NurseJackie]

118. Who do you expect to be saying that?

"We allowed abortions to be banned, vote for us!"

Who do you expect to be saying that?

[George II]

282. Kind of like blaming the rape victim because of the way she was dressed, eh? SMDH.

Last edited Fri Sep 3, 2021, 06:50 PM - Edit history (1)

[Demsrule86]

122. How about...the Republicans want to end a woman's right to choose and access to birth control...

That might work. But Democrats did not allow abortion to be banned...you should delete that nonsense.

[DownriverDem]

132. repubs did that

It will be a great motivator for our side.

[Demsrule86]

230. Exactly right!

[Budi]

291. Says those who ignored the SC in 2016, when the warnings were all around us.

"We allowed abortions to be banned, vote for us!"
Not the slogan that's going to win voters.

Thanks for mentioning that.

It'll be hard to run a campaign with THAT record.
Those who dropped the ball then, will be reminded in their next campaign.

Your statement is noted & preserved for 2022/24.

Not to worry, they will be held to own their actions, by the voters.
💙
SC & ROE v Wade..1973-2016

[lapucelle]

296. Bri Grey finally deleted her Court 'splanin' tweet on September 1, 2021.

Does she ever get tired of being wrong?

Link to tweet

[Budi]

300. Hey Bri, the internet lives forever. Oopsie

Wow!
Telling NPRpolitics "they're 100% wong on 'the importance of SC in support of HRC"

Well came back to bite didn't it!

Here Bri, since you clearly missed it the 1st time let me remind you why your NPR reply caused you to now hit delete.
*******

Hillary Clinton: "Here's what I want in the Supreme Court"
WED, OCT 19 2016

Hillary Clinton on Wednesday described her goals for Supreme Court appointments, highlighting how her potential administration would differ from Donald Trump's.

Clinton said she wanted justices who would defend women's rights, back LGBT rights, support Roe v. Wade and reverse the Citizens United decision and its ability to funnel dark money into elections. Clinton said she wanted a court to "stand on the side of the people"
************

SEE! if Bri'd been paying attention she wouldn't be deleting today.

SC & Roe v Wade is now on the line.
Thank your friend Susan for us all too. K?
Bang up job ya did! Huh!

[betsuni]

292. "Why didn't Democrats stop Republicans from banning abortions?" Wheeeeeeee!

Here we go. The new attack: Democrats could've ended the filibuster but didn't, they sat around nibbling elite canapés doing nothing to stop the assault on innocent American lives. It's all their fault (do not forget, they CONTROL GOVERNMENT), don't vote for those monsters. Justice Democrats are on it:

"Democrats can either abolish the filibuster and expand the court, or do nothing as millions of peoples' bodies, rights, and lives are sacrificed for far-right minority rule."

[wellst0nev0ter]

294. That's a more potent message

Than saying "No We Can't!"

[betsuni]

298. Blaming the Democratic Party for the actions of a few members only works on people who don't

know how government works. Same as saying Democrats CONTROL GOVERNMENT when they have a slight House majority and 50-50 in the Senate. Won't work on Democratic voters. But knock yourself out! Have fun!

[sheshe2]

302. Correct me if I am wrong.

It is a long time since I took a civics class.The make up of the Senate today is 50-50 Senators . Our "MAJORITY" comes with our VP Kamala Harris. The VP does not attend daily sessions, does not attend daily committee hearings and has no seat on a Senate committee. Sure she can attend but as VP she has her own job to fulfill.

She has one vote, not on the daily agenda but when we need a tie breaking vote. That is not a major majority that people here are speaking of. It is ONE VOTE to break a TIE! Period.

[betsuni]

306. An anti-Democratic talking point that only works on people who can't count.

Remember College Humor's BS Math? "It feels like you're just jumping through a bunch of hoops to mask a hard mathematical truth that you don't like."

Ugh, just read a Wonkette article saying Democrats could do all sorts of things to stop Republicans from banning abortion if they just "think outside the box." It's easy! They CONTROL GOVERNMENT.

[wellst0nev0ter]

310. Imagine what the Republicans would do if the roles were reversed?

Yep, that's right. They would not wallow in empty excuses and premature resignation.

Remember the Obamacare repeal?

Democrats couldn't block that with a filibuster. It only didn't pass because Susan Murkowski was concerned just enough, and McCain was still alive.

[treestar]

94. How is he to be pressured?

What exactly are you suggesting?

[wellst0nev0ter]

101. This is a good start

JOE MANCHIN WAS HIT WITH TOUGH AD BACK HOME AFTER GOING WOBBLY ON $2,000 CHECKS


EARLIER THIS MONTH, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, one of the most conservative Democrats in Congress, appeared to have taken an unequivocal stance against new $2,000 stimulus checks. He told the Washington Post that he was “absolutely” opposed to a new round of payments, which President Joe Biden promised while campaigning for Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in Georgia. “Absolutely not. No,” Manchin said. “Getting people vaccinated, that’s job No. 1.”

(snip)

It may be no coincidence that not long after Manchin’s initial comments to the Washington Post, he was getting pounded at home by a brutal radio ad. “Joe Manchin thinks he knows better than both our president and the Democrats,” says the ad. “I guess Joe just don’t know what it’s been like to live through the pandemic. We should call his office and let him know.”

[Demsrule86]

115. So why don't progressive groups try it again...elected Democrats can't do that...what is stopping

them? Could it be because ending the filibuster is not as popular as receiving 2000 dollars in a red state like WVA?

[Nixie]

244. +1, isn't it strange that most of the Manchin extremists

don’t mind at all that their “progressive” idol uses the same tactics on the other extreme? But undermining Democrats is okay from that angle, apparently. It’s hard to believe they can’t see red state politics really exist.

[Demsrule86]

247. I didn't understand your post at first...now I get it...need more coffee. I deleted my other

post which really sounded stupid actually!

[Nixie]

249. Yes to the coffee! Having some now.

Holding out for the progressive all-or-nothing while tearing Democrats down seems to be okay to brand builder extremists. That’s all I was trying to say.

[Demsrule86]

277. I get it...great post. I was trifle out of it this morning...should have stuck to youtube vlogs!

Coffee saved me as it does every morning. I slipped on the stairs bringing in groceries a couple of days ago and threw out my back as a spoiled person who takes no medications and has few aches and pains like in none. It hurt! And I am a baby so taking a muscle relaxer at night messes with my brain.

[Nixie]

313. Ooh, I'm sorry to hear about your back! I go through

bouts of lower back pain doing that exact thing —unwittingly overdoing the lifting that is usually related to carrying in too many grocery bags. I finally saw the pattern that afflicted my back. But slipping can really put an extra wrench into things! I’ve had lots of extra carrying work lately doing things for my elderly mom, and I’ve finally figured I just have to rest my back for a day or two in between and pace myself.

Take care of yourself. I don’t like the pain pills either — maybe some Tylenol.

[Demsrule86]

336. That is what I am doing...and it is better today... I never had this before so I am well super whiny

[wellst0nev0ter]

287. Here's a good ad:

Juxtapose Manchin's wishy-washy statements with footage of flooded subways and roads.

And you're right, progressive groups like the Democratic Majority for Israel should really get on that ad campaign.

[George II]

281. Is there any Democrat in the state of West Virginia who can win a primary against Manchin AND....

....win a general election against a republican?

Manchin has proven he can win a general election in West Virginia.

[wellst0nev0ter]

284. You didn't read the post, didja?

Nobody's talking about primarying Manchin, skipper. We're just making him look bad.

[George II]

286. I did. So you want him to lose without even having a Democratic alternative? I thought we support...

....Democrats around here.

[wellst0nev0ter]

289. We want to pressure him

Not make him lose. Learn the difference.

[George II]

290. Even worse then. We need his support whenever we can get it, but no matter, just piss him off.

[wellst0nev0ter]

293. But you saw what happened the last time we pressured him?

He came around on the stimulus package.

Pressure works. Use it.

[Demsrule86]

338. I don't think he ever intended to vote against the stimulus package and there is a big difference

between giving 2000 dollars and the bill in question. The reconciliation bill has stuff that moderate WVA voters won't like at all. The $3.5 trillion is a non-started IMHO. I doubt Sinema will vote for that either. It will be reduced and hopefully, a compromise will be reached. That is how politics work. There is no way to pressure Manchin or Sinema in a 50 50 senate.

[TiberiusB]

165. Except that's a false narrative

Democrats could remove the filibuster, thus eliminating the need for the supermajority. This is well known. They simply lack the internal party cohesion to get it done.

[Demsrule86]

231. They simply lack the numbers of Democrats to get it done...we have a 50 50 majority.

[hamsterjill]

31. Well said!

Great points!!! I think a little bit of pressure is in order rather than the “we can’t” constant whining. Let’s get some things done!!!

[Demsrule86]

43. Really and again I ask you what can be done?

The only logical answer as I have opined and others on this thread is to 'elect more Democrats' not tear our elected Democrats apart on every social media venue possible and make impossible demands. This will only serve to drive people away from our party and cause us to lose elections. That is not what any of us really want. After the loss in 16 and Trump's three SCOTUS picks, this was inevitable.

[hamsterjill]

49. And again I tell you it's not my job.

The leaders of the Democratic Party sought out and campaigned for those positions. They are paid well for those jobs.

Let them figure it out. McConnell and McCarthy figure things out on the Republican side whether they have to lie, cheat or steal. Democrats need to get creative.

[Demsrule86]

81. That is the problem. It is everybody's job. Oh please stop...I am sure most Democrats would

do what you want but there are enough that it isn't going to happen...so instead of attacking them...how but we figure out what we can do to help them.

[hamsterjill]

83. You stop.

It is you replying to my posts. Feel free to put me on ignore since you disagree so vehemently.

[Demsrule86]

117. I do disagree with you. I think you are completely wrong. But I have replied to your posts

And I read them too.

[hamsterjill]

126. Then put me on ignore.

Why continue to argue?

[Demsrule86]

135. Why would I bother? I can't remember the last time I put someone on ignore.

[wellst0nev0ter]

50. Electing more democrats is going to be difficult for the foreseeable future

Because of the demographic problem (people left North Dakota because it's a cultural void, so no Democrats are going to be elected there)

In other words, we are not going to get our magical 60 vote majority again that will satisfy the institutionalists resisting change.

Use our power, change the rules and roll back this insanity. If people are standing in the way, pressure them to get out of the way.

Stop blaming Jill Stein, she's a non-entity. Focus on those who actually have power.

[wellst0nev0ter]

44. Just gotten tired of seeing the same refrain on these boards

We can't do this, we can't do that. Also you should've voted for Hilary in 2016 (I did)

[hamsterjill]

45. Me, too.

I’m sick of the whining, and damn straight I voted for Hillary. 2016 is the past. We need to deal in the here and now.

[wellst0nev0ter]

69. Funny thing is, I'm also angry at progressives who didn't vote in 2016

But I also don't want to mock and alienate them and give them a reason to not vote for Democrats in the future. We have to show them that voting for Democrats is worth the effort, and now that requires actually uniting and using the powers that we got to right wrongs.

[hamsterjill]

107. I agree.

How do we attract new voters when all we hear is “we can’t”. We need to be able to show a list of accomplishments, a list of goals, and a plan to get those goals accomplished.

[wellst0nev0ter]

108. The Audacity Of Nope Doesn't Get You Votes

Wish more people would tattoo that on their arms or something.

[Demsrule86]

232. Taking Obama's Audacity of Hope comment and doing this with it is just awful IMHO.

[Demsrule86]

67. If you mean Manchin and Sinema...there is no way to pressure them. I fail to understand how

you don't see that.

[wellst0nev0ter]

72. We aren't trying hard enough

And surrendering at the drop of the hat won't work.

[Demsrule86]

88. You can't pressure those who are vital to maintaining a majority. I don't understand how you don't

see that. They hold all the cards.

[wellst0nev0ter]

97. I don't think I've seen this much pessimism and cynicism

I seriously wonder where it comes from.

[Demsrule86]

233. It is not pessimism nor cynicism. I deal with reality and look for solutions that might work.

[betsuni]

243. Pessimism and cynicism is telling people Democrats aren't progressive,

are neoliberal ideologically and morally corrupt coastal elites beholden to lobbyists, corporations, billionaires, wealthy donors, Wall Street who despise the working/middle classes and have the same economic policies as Republicans. Only one direction this is coming from for years.

[George II]

86. Glad you said "WE"!

[treestar]

92. So pressure Manchin and Sinema and a few Republicans

Oh OK. Why didn't Schumer think of that?

All it takes is some arm-twisting, right?

[Beastly Boy]

29. It's not over, it's not done. Stop kidding yourself.

Just about every atrocity you are experiencing at the hands of the GOP today is a direct consequence of 2016.

Including the fact that we don't control the government. That was a ridiculous statement.

[wellst0nev0ter]

38. Whining about 2016 is about as useful as whining about Nader

Won't accomplish anything. What will accomplish things is pressuring the holdouts in our party who are sitting on their thumbs while the country literally drowns and burns.

[Beastly Boy]

66. It's far more useful than pretending that 2016 didn't result in lasting damage that will affect us

way past 2021.

And whining about it will actually accomplish a great deal. A lesson in history, for one. Because... Stephen Colbert!

[wellst0nev0ter]

80. Sorry, I don't do chips on my shoulders

I focus on the now and what we need to do right now, especially now that we control government.

[Beastly Boy]

104. Once again, we DON"T control the government.

At least not to the extent you pretend we do.

And an absurdly short attention span is not something I would consider a virtue.

[wellst0nev0ter]

106. Dems actually have a capacity to effect change

If they unite together like the goops, ram through changes, and roll back trumpanzee excesses.

If people are not serious about using the Dem majority we have now, then all the outrage over the Supreme Court now rings hollow.

[Beastly Boy]

128. Dems always had the capacity to affect change.

But not in the ridiculous way you propose they do it. It rarely involves ramming changes through a 50/50 Senate.

And don't talk to me about uniting together when you refuse to acknowledge 2016. Because if you paid attention then, you would have learned a lesson or two about uniting the Dems, and you would have noticed the hypocrisy in you mentioning the Supreme Court now.

But sure, it's just a chip on my shoulder. Six chips, to be accurate. I should move along and pay no attention to how those chips got onto Scotus... I mean my shoulder! Why not forget about the lessons of the past and ram through towards our status as a minority party, right?

[hadEnuf]

163. LOL

As usual, while nervously flipping through the rulebook on fighting fair the Republicans kick us square in the groin and we lay on the ground wondering how that could have happened.

We often pretend that the GOP thinks about governing the way we do. THEY DO NOT.

[hamsterjill]

257. Exactly.

The same posters on this thread insisting that nothing can get done will be whining about Dems losing in 2022 because of the fact that nothing got done. And those same posters will feign complete and utter surprise.

We’ve got to learn to fight Republicans the way Republicans fight Democrats! We don’t have the luxury of not getting into the mud. We don’t get in there, we lose every damn time. And I for one am tired of losing.

[sheshe2]

295. Welp

The same posters on this thread insisting that nothing can get done will be whining about Dems losing in 2022 because of the fact that nothing got done. And those same posters will feign complete and utter surprise.

You don't think very highly of your fellow DUers. I haven't seen one poster here " insisting that nothing can get done will be whining..because of the fact that nothing got done."

..................

Lot's more at the link. Not bad for a President that has not done ANYTHING!

What Has Joe Biden Done As President? The Full List Of His Accomplishments
As of September 2021 there are 87 verified accomplishments for Biden on the comprehensive list.

Table of Contents
Domestic Policy
Immigration/Border
Climate Change
Human Rights
COVID-19
National Security
Judiciary
Environment
Foreign Policy

snip

Biden cancelled student loan debt for more than 300,000 Americans with severe disabilities (over $5.8 billion worth of debt)

Biden increased food stamp benefits by 25% to directly help needy families

Biden canceled $55.6 million in student debt for students of for-profit schools

Biden has the narrowest pay gap between women and men in the White House of any president

Biden directed $2.5 billion in funding to specifically address America’s mental illness and addiction crisis

American Rescue Plan extended a 15% increase to SNAP funding, helping children who qualify for free lunch

The American Rescue Plan restores funding to veterans programs, including programs to assist veterans’ mental health, that had been cut under Trump

The American Rescue Plan adds boosted funding to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), providing new options for people who need health insurance and lowering costs for people already insured.

https://oliverwillis.com/joe-biden-accomplishments-the-full-list/

.........................

Back to your post:

We’ve got to learn to fight Republicans the way Republicans fight Democrats! We don’t have the luxury of not getting into the mud. We don’t get in there, we lose every damn time. And I for one am tired of losing.

So you want us to act like/ fight republicans and get in the mud, hell skip the mud we will have to wallow in a sewer if we want to fight like them. You want us, to LIE. CHEAT. STEAL. HAND out guns to start our own INSURRECTION. IGNORE NOT ONLY THE RULE OF LAW but the UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

This is how they fight, I don't believe this is who you want us to be.

[hamsterjill]

314. Sensitivity.

We don’t have the luxury of NOT getting in the mud. The Republicans control the playing field. For example, the American Rescue Plan. You know, the extended and extra unemployment benefits that were part of that FEDERAL plan? Well, they were shot down by red state governors and the Dems had no recourse. Republicans don’t play by the rules.

You don’t want to be like them? In a perfect world, you’re right. But in reality where I believe that our very democracy is at stake UNLESS we fight them, I think we need to respond in kind. We have no choice.

So we better learn to get over our minor little sensitivities and figure out how to deal with an adversary thats goal is to destroy us. We need to do whatever is necessary to fight them toe to toe and stop acting surprised when they don’t play by the rules.

I see plenty of other DU’ers on this thread, in particular, who very obviously feel the same way I do.

If my reality offends you, you’re going to just need to deal with it. I want to win. I don’t want to live under a Republican theocracy.

Now, we disagree. So you respond with another massively long and engaged post. That’s your right and privilege. But please understand that I will not engage further and I won’t be reading your response. Because in my opinion, your post just made my original point.

Have a great evening.

[sheshe2]

315. Minor little sensitivities?

So we better learn to get over our minor little sensitivities and figure out how to deal with an adversary thats goal is to destroy us. We need to do whatever is necessary to fight them toe to toe and stop acting surprised when they don’t play by the rules.

Breaking the Rule of Law and their Oath of Office, is just a minor sensitivity? You are calling for Democrats to break the law?

I see plenty of other DU’ers on this thread, in particular, who very obviously feel the same way I do.

I see plenty that don't.

But please understand that I will not engage further and I won’t be reading your response.

That's okay, I didn't want to get engaged, I am already spoken for.

PS. You don't have to read my post, others will.

Nite!

[Demsrule86]

93. Don't get me stated on fucking Nader...a 20 year war and melted economy were the result of

that fiasco...once again the Greens were involved...certainly not allies.

[Budi]

301. And now Roe v Wade. pffft. Maybe they should just stop already

How's THAT for Progressive!!

😬

[Demsrule86]

32. 2016 is the root of this problem and those who refused to vote for Hillary Clinton are to blame

no doubt. But this is just a continuation of...blame the Democrats for everything. Honestly, 'the but her email crowd' let the Democratic Party down. And now some of them are demanding that they(Democrats) DO SOMETHING! Perhaps they should have voted for the Democratic nominee.
.

[wellst0nev0ter]

39. We Did Do Something

We voted for a Democratic majority in 2020 and 2021, despite all odds.

Use that power or lose it for chrissakes.

[Demsrule86]

47. We have a 50 50 Senate. So we didn't elect enough of them. We need to do better.

And unfortunately...the SCOTUS picks are going to hound us for a generation or more.

[wellst0nev0ter]

55. It's a hell of a lot better than a McConnell Senate

Thank god we campaigned on $2,000 stimulus checks in Georgia.

And believe it or not, we CAN make changes with the Senate we got, all we need is political will from the holdouts.

Make those holdouts fall in line. Stop blaming Jill Stein, she's a non-entity.

[Demsrule86]

99. But still not sufficient for what you demand...Jill Stein is to blame as are all the rest of them.

I took special delight in campaigning against Nina Turner who is not a Democrat and electing Shontel Brown in Ohio... I live in Ohio 11. It was a little payback for what we had to endure thanks to Nina and the rest of them...and I include Sarandon as one of them.

[wellst0nev0ter]

103. You spent more time campaigning against Turner than for getting rid of the filibuster

Mazel tov.

[Demsrule86]

124. Electing Shontel Brown had a chance of success. At the moment there is nothing I can do about the

filibuster. My Senator, Sherrod Brown, would vote to eliminate it in a New York minute. Portman is leaving and doesn't give a damn about anything. I always call but it is not happening. Thanks for the congratulations...I feel good about making sure Nina Turner is not sitting in Congress. She is not a Democrat, and she helped elect Donald Trump.

[George II]

91. Yes. We "control" government for now, but have a 3-6 Supreme Court thanks to 2016.

[Demsrule86]

100. Yup and judging from this thread...many have learned no lessons from 16.

[wellst0nev0ter]

105. What are you talking about?

We elected a Dem majority in 2020. Use it.

[Demsrule86]

127. We have a 50 50 majority. We have used it in fact. But we need more Democrats in order to

deal with abortion, voting rights, etc. Manchin and Sinema will not vote to end the filibuster and I don't see any way to pressure them with our limited numbers. I think with additional Democratic Senators, we can end the filibuster. So my plan and I hope others are thinking along the same lines is to work towards a solid win in 22.

[Hortensis]

98. :) As a grandmother, I have no problem recognizing frightened rants

demanding others do the impossible -- right now! -- as a form of whining. Righteous noise isn't the camouflage some imagine when the noise is howling at the moon.

Btw, I don't understand what in the past 7 months could possibly have lead anyone to believe we control the government. Huh?

The enormous national disaster of 2016 is still ongoing. The Republicans gained enormous power and ground toward their takeover then and over the next four years. If voters hadn't given us control of the house in 2018, it'd be all over by now; but not then and not in 2020 did the electorate give us enough power to stop, much less control the Republicans.

We are still in a desperate battle for the future of our nation, and we could still all find ourselves living in a Republican police state.

[Budi]

285. SUPREME COURT, ROE V WADE, LGBTQ, CITIZENS UNITED..

Never mattered at all ...until today.

[Demsrule86]

331. And the Greens lost 2000 election for us ...so hello citizen united...not to mention

9-11, a 20-year war, tax cuts for the rich, and an economic meltdown ETC. The same group vilified Pres, Obama, for years basically culminating in the loss of the Senate. I consider it a miracle that Obama won in 12. Thank God Sanders was convinced not to run as he reportedly wanted to do so in 12. In

2016, those who hate the Democratic Party (right and left) helped elect Donald Trump who appointed three justices in his one term so now we lose the court for a decade or more. My daughter can be denied care right now in Ohio because she is gay based on a religious exemption law that passed here. And the rightie court doesn't care. I hate, despise all who helped Trump win and Clinton lose. The courts were and are a big fucking deal.

[Budi]

332. Yet they'll defend the pussy grabber & the author of "Rape Fantasies"

Makes you realize they never really were on the side of women & girl's repro rights, were they.

Pretty sick huh.

Once HRC won the popular vote by a clear number, Stein stepped in & shored up the electoral margins, eeking out just enough to seal the deal she made at Putin's table.

[Demsrule86]

334. Absolutely true. Stein is the worst. I loathe her.

[Budi]

337. This thread by dlk is worth a read thru.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100215820493
"Remember the enormous outrage when Hillary said there was a "vast right-wing conspiracy"?

This snippet from my wiki page post #33 on the RWCT is haunting:

In a convo with Lauer:

Clinton elaborated by decrying the tactics "and the kind of intense political agenda at work here". Bob Woodward recounts in his book The Agenda (1994) that the then-first lady claimed that when her husband was making his decision to run for the presidency in 1991, he reported receiving "a direct threat from someone in the Bush White House, warning that if he ran, the Republicans would go after him. 'We will do everything we can to destroy you personally,' she recalled that the Bush White House man had said."[1]

Truth is that they never stopped that threat of destroying the Clintons for defeating GHW Bush.

[Lunabell]

19. This will only happen when we get corporate money out of politics.

I don't have much hope any more. ☹

[Demsrule86]

34. This has nothing to do with corporate politics.

[Lunabell]

54. If you say so...

[Demsrule86]

130. I do say so and unless you have a way to pass an amendment up your sleeve...it won't happen...

not with this court. That was Bush's gift to us... one of many. And who helped elect him Nader and the Greens.

[George II]

110. If we keep giving up Supreme Court seats we'll NEVER "get corporate money out of politics".

[Demsrule86]

234. That is the bottom line...Roosevelt is revered and should be...but he held the office for 20 years

He didn't have to deal with 'message voting' and threats to sit out elections. Roosevelt Democrats understood the capacity for evil within the GOP party and voted accordingly...the result was legislation that changed people's lives. We need to win elections period. And blaming the Democratic Party for things Republicans do will not help in this endeavor. It drives new voters away from our party and discourages registered voters from showing up for important elections...which at the moment is all elections.

[Beastly Boy]

21. Sounds an awful lot like "shouting into the ethers and dropping f-bombs all over Twitter" to me!

First things first.

Here is my list of demands for the Dems:

1. We didn't elect enough of you. I want more Democrats elected.

That's it.

This is directed not at Democratic lawmakers, but at every Democrat who, among other things, didn't vote for Hillary in 2016, no matter the reason. Enough of making demands on the lawmakers we failed to empower to act on our demands.

[Demsrule86]

35. Mine too! Great minds think alike.

[Demsrule86]

52. Dear Elizabeth demanding such things as is in your post and blaming Democrat for everything

is the reason we are where we are today...sad to see you and others have learned nothing.

[MrModerate]

53. So that's for today. How about tomorrow? n/t

[sir pball]

56. ...

[LiberalLovinLug]

267. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."--Eleanor Roosevelt.

“Dreams are the touchstones of our character.”—Henry David Thoreau.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”—Walt Disney.

“All successful people men and women are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose.” —Brian Tracy.

“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” —Thomas Jefferson

[FreeState]

113. Do you live in CA

or are you just attacking Feinstein? I am a California voter and none of my neighbors that I know want her to resign.

[luxmatic]

131. I live in CA

And yes, I and all of my neighbors want her to resign.

[msongs]

143. some people do what's best for the team. some do not nt

[shanti]

207. I'm a Californian

3rd generation too, and even voted for her the first time, but her time is done and she needs to move on.

[AllaN01Bear]

123. good show .

attention you person from pensylvainia. buck up or leave
1: weve just spent fifty years of blah blah blah on trying to solve problems like global warming.
2: we need to end homelessness now . there are ways .
3: stop polution. there are ways .
4: feed the hungry. there are ways .
5:quit negotiating with the rs . grrr.
6: end the tax on ss now .
yes my list is simplistic , but there it is .


/revision/latest?cb=20090729102006

[Snackshack]

125. Obviously

This list is a tall order but it would be nice.

1-5 would a busy mornings worth of work but doable.

6-8 would take more time.

9-11 would be another busy mornings worth of work.


Heii at this point I would settle for the Dems to do anything that looked even remotely Democratic and in relation to what they were voted in for.

[NewHendoLib]

139. This.

[Heartstrings]

258. Thank you! nt

[NoMoreRepugs]

144. Imagine what Democrats could accomplish if we ALL pulled on the same rope.

[wnylib]

217. I think we ARE pulling on the same rope.

But are we all pulling in the same direction?

[NoMoreRepugs]

245. Exactly my point. We nuance everything to the nth degree.

Correct misspellings, grammar, punctuation, tense, scope, the third possible outcome of our actions, etc….. Repugs get behind a bumper stcker en masse, in single file and PULL.

[Demsrule86]

235. +10000

[certainot]

145. these things would be a lot easier and in some cases not impossible if people in leadership like

that would pull their earbuds out of their butts and use their positions and orgs to STOP IGNORING RW RADIO while it takes free potshots at all dems that orgs like that claim to support, completely distorts major issues with alternate realities and made-to-order constituencies, enables blue dogs, and gets racist fascist misogynist republicans elected all over the country

people like that are good for making lists but they and their orgs have been wasting our donations while getting beaten by a few hundred ignorant coordinated liars on 1500 ignored and unchallenged radio stations for 30 fucking years

next she'll be calling for us to stay home on election day because dem reps are spineless......

[Evolve Dammit]

150. That is an excellent start and most should have come easily. But for some reason(s)..... n/t

[leftstreet]

154. DURec

[Ferrets are Cool]

155. Love it!!!!

[BaronChocula]

174. THIS IS HOW DEMS SHOULD ALWAYS TALK

Democrats have been forced into moderation in order to appease militant hostile white nationalist Republicans to no end. It's why we're stuck with Sinemas and Manchins. Dems would have been more successful more times if they had faced off goppers with equal boldness in pushing through Dem priorities and repeatedly slamming gopper failure with such disdain and arrogance that no one would want to be associated with republicanism.

[NurseJackie]

180. Nonsense.

[BaronChocula]

223. Common Sense

If you think being bold in promoting Dem values while leaving goppers no quarter in weasling out of their idiocy gives rise to impractical ineffectual dreamers, you just might not be aware of the range of possibilities available.

[hamsterjill]

190. I agree.

We need a little bravado once in a while at least. Otherwise we look wimpy.

[Sewa]

215. Woo-Hoo! Best post of the day

Moderates have controlled the Democratic Party since 1976 and look at where we are now. On the verge of losing democracy. 💀🤙

[dchill]

175. A little K&R.

[PatrickforB]

182. This list is going to be cut and pasted into emails to

my US Senators and Congressman (Ken Buck - so it is a man)

I'm going to send it every day to them, and I will also be calling them every day.

From this point foreward.

To see how they are doing on the agenda.

Because I've had it up to here with the party of stupidity, denial, death, and treason (that would be Republicans in case you have not glommed on to that) and it is damned well time to FORCE our Congress to get going doing what every single one of us knows they need to do.

Every.

Single.

One.

And don't tell me about politics or reality, or what can and can't be accomplished. We need massive, sustained and vigorous action beginning NOW. No bullshit. No politics. Just doing what is damned well right. And we can help make it happen.

Blow their switchboards every day. Send emails every day. Write a handwritten letter once a week. Call the committees. Write your editors. If you have the money take out ads in papers and online and TV. Let's get this done.

Because I'll tell you darned what - Ida may have been the straw that broke this camel's back and we have a pretty narrow goddamned window to save this republic and yes, the human race. These Republican idiots are talking about abortions and immigration, and how bad Biden did getting out of the forever war, and they have to stop. This economy is fragile and it is going to begin breaking down.

This is no shit. We, every one of us, need to do everything in our legal power to get our government, that is supposed to be of, by and for us, the people wrested away from these corporate greedheads and 'christian' sharia peddlers and back on the right track.

[brooklynite]

188. The fun thing about social media is that everyone can sound "tough"...

Meanwhile, Biden, Schumer and Pelosi will be doing the hard word of governing in the real world.

[NNadir]

195. + a healthy dollop of thousands.

[Demsrule86]

236. Don't you know, it is their job to figure out how to do what every single individual member

of our party demands. Personally, I want a pony. I have wanted a pony for years. Why don't I have a pony by now...GIVE ME A PONY Sen Schumer...more .

[Tiger8]

189. My sentiments exactly!

Why bother with politics, if they can SUCCEED.

Saying you "tried" no longer cuts it for me.

[NNadir]

192. Just curious... Did you win an election?

I don't recall voting for you to pass judgement on the President, nor do I recall a primary where you were elected to be the determinant of Democratic Party Policy.

I for one, as a life long Democrat who has spent 30 years studying energy and the environment, consider the Green New Deal to be a bunch of wishful thinking horseshit that will soak up a few more trillions of dollars while doing nothing, nothing at all, zero, to address climate change, just as 50 years of cheering and throwing oodles of money at wind and solar energy has done nothing other to entrench the use and growth of dangerous fossil fuels.

I'm not part of your arrogantly declared "we," and I've voted Democratic in every election in my adult life.

[Demsrule86]

237. Well said. I agree with every word. I have voted Democratic my entire life as well.

[George II]

256. Excellent post, thanks!

[Mary in S. Carolina]

208. Replace Garland with Letitia James

She gets "things" done. Garland is not up to the job, he mentioned he needed 1600 attorney's to fight all this BS....then hire 1600 attorneys already and get to work!!!

[ecstatic]

216. +1000.

Agreed. He's either too weak or wants to do things the old way (where powerful white republican men are never held accountable).

[Demsrule86]

238. That is Biden's decision period.

[Mary in S. Carolina]

311. No Argument from Me nt

[Demsrule86]

323. I don't know what Garland is doing...old school guy. Comey was always making statements

he shouldn't...but that wasn't a good thing. I expect Biden wants to allow Justice to function as they are supposed to... independent of the executive branch. Trump wanted 'loyal cops' and Justice Department lawyers to attack those he didn't like or who threatened him in some way.

[totodeinhere]

309. Not gonna happen as long as Garland wants to stay in office. n/t

[Mary in S. Carolina]

312. See Demsrule86 above

It is Biden's call...please remember country over party. If Garland is not doing his job....he needs to go, no one is untouchable.

[Tarheel_Dem]

218. Lots of bravado. Very little substance. If Dems want to cut their own throats, do exactly what....

this "activist" author suggests.

[Demsrule86]

240. That is exactly right...their demands would most certainly cost us the midterms.

[pnwmom]

269. I agree. nt

[samplegirl]

248. Excellent post

Get on it!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[George II]

253. Who is this woman Elizabeth McLaughlin? After proclaiming: "Instead of shouting into the ethers...

....and dropping f-bombs all over Twitter", she proceeds to shout into the ethers and drop f-bombs all over Twitter!

She's just plain wrong on some of these, and it also looks like someone gave her a false definition of "codified", too.

[Nay]

254. Exactly this a thousand times. ACTION, not blather, is needed, and fast. nt

[Dustlawyer]

259. I don't think this would work.

As long as they have big campaign donors many Dems will do their bidding, not ours. Look no further than the tax the rich legislation which Dems have watered down by 75%.

I keep saying it, but until we get the money out of politics nothing substantial will change. It is why we have two senators blocking the filibuster relief.

[maliaSmith]

260. Thank you

I agree with your comments. Schumer and Pelosi need to get tougher especially Schumer. Cut all funding to Manchin and Sinema and kick them out of their comittees until they start voting for Democrat bills and policies. Manchin is going to GOP fundraisers, He is a traitor to Democrats and should lose all his comittee assignmants as should Sinema who is nuts and showed glee voting NO on increasing minimum wages. She is polling low in AZ and it shows her constituents are sick of her crap also.

[Autumn]

261. I want all that too, it's what I voted for but a lot of elected Dems won't go along with that.

[jcgoldie]

262. Not to be a wet blanket but...

What happens when you strip Manchin & Sinema of committee assignments and Manchin says he’ll be an independent and caucus with the GOP and Mitch McConnell starts setting the senate agenda again??

[Demsrule86]

278. That is the problem.

[KG]

264. I lulz'd

same ol 'we can't do that, might make some centrists vote gop!' naysaying replies I've been seeing for 20 years.

[Demsrule86]

280. given that centrists are the only reason we reclaimed the House it seems like a legitimate concern.

Power comes from winning elections not just demanding it.

[Jakes Progress]

274. All are laudable goals, but they don't matter

if we don't reenact the Voting Rights Act and add at least three members to the SC.

They won't matter because even if we did every one of them, they would be tossed out in 18 months.

How about we deal with these two most important issues first. Let's stop trying to do every thing all at once and spend all of our efforts getting these two done first. Otherwise it is just stamping angry feet in the hallway. It my make the ego feel good to list a million good initiatives, but without Voting Rights and an honest SC, it's just theater.

[Budi]

283. I wanted A Woman President in 2016 to SAVE THE SUPREME COURT.

Good luck with your wishlist with the chaos agents mucking up shit.

[Demsrule86]

303. I wanted Hillary too...and she should have won.

[Budi]

318. Someone fiddled with those 3 electoral states.

We know who it was.

1st one into WI did us in.
I remember reading about how she did that.
The recount she called for wasn't the thourough one needed. But because it had then been done, there couldn't be another recount. The more detailed one HRC would have requested.

Figures it would come from her.
Didn't she raise a few million from the bogus recount too?

Friends in high places, ya know.
The only thing green about that Party was the $$$$.



Not surprusing she'd go on to lend out her staff for 2020.
That 2016 election reminded me a lot of 2000 Gore/Bush.

[Demsrule86]

322. Stein ...her minions and supporters not only caused Hillary Clinton to lose. Next she fleeced

Democrats in a phoney recount scheme. Some here donated. I did not. She is a scam artist, Democratic Party hater, possibly a Russian paid candidate and if she is not a Republican then she is the next best thing for them...she did them a great service by electing filthy Donnie.

[Budi]

324. And then she loaned out her staff to Bernie for 2020.

That was sure nice of her.

[betsuni]

326. +1

[Demsrule86]

335. I mean that was kind of surprising really...so blatent.

[totodeinhere]

307. This is a good wish list, but some of it is not practical.

If Sinema and Manchin were stripped of committee assignments, what are we going to do if they cross over and join the Republican caucus? If that happened then a lot of things on your list, while admirable, will be off the table.

And if codifying Roe v Wade in federal law were passed, do you really think that the conservative majority on the Supreme Court would allow that law to take effect? And yes, we could try to pack the Court but Manchin has expressly come out in opposition to that so that is a non starter.

[FlyingPiggy]

316. YESSSS!!! Enough pussyfooting around. Take a stand!!

….a harder stand as mentioned in the OP!

[ck4829]

317. K&R

[gulliver]

328. It's satisfying as a rant, and fun to get out of one's system on a web site.

But it's not reality, of course. Back to work Dem voters! The fight is ours.