I door knocked for Mikie Sherrill in her first campaign. She’s the real deal. Not just smart, competent and professional but also charming and funny. Apparently this did not come thru on the campaign trail. But if you listen to the start of her victory speech, you’ll hear her
personality shine. More of that Mikie. And good luck!
What a great speech! I LOVED that she address individual towns in NJ and what their most desired "wants" are. When a candidate (now Governor-elect Sherrill) can individualize that way, that tells me that they listen to people and know the task ahead! Congrats!
Exactly, let’s call Mamdani a democratic socialist as there is a difference between socialist and democratic socialist.
“The main difference is that democratic socialism advocates for achieving socialist goals through a democratic political system, while socialism can refer to a broader economic and political ideology that historically has involved more centralized state control. Democratic socialists work within existing democratic structures to achieve goals like universal healthcare, free college, and stronger worker protections, whereas "socialism" can sometimes imply a more revolutionary or state-controlled approach to the economy.”
There is a reason that Scandinavian countries are at the top of the "happiness list" every year. They are far from the "hell pits" that MAGA describes. Biden tried to give us some of our taxes back and Donald has shut it all down. It, along with his other antics has cost thousands of jobs.
great comment. thank you. the radical right like to attach the ECONOMIC principles of socialism with the POLITICAL doctrine of communism, but the economic principles of socialism operates in a range of political doctrines. seeing as there is no state economy of pure capitalism anywhere in the world, and likewise no state economy of pure communism anywhere in the world, i would suggest that economic socialism is the defacto economic strategy of all democracies....(yeah i know the fundamentalists in the trump repugnican party will flip their ignorant lids about that)...
Karla, thanks for responding. I fear most will just assume "Democratic Socialism" or a "Democratic Socialist" only means a socialist who is also a Democrat. Yet, in any discussion about socialism, there is more to consider.
One is that whenever this issue comes up, those against socialism only limit their argument to countries where it's been quite abusive (ie. Russia). It's not only that those arguing never mention the countries where Democratic Socialism has been very successful (ie. Scandinavian countries), it's that those arguing seem not to ever be aware of these countries. When being put in a position to have to debate socialism with someone, whose knowledge is limited to, usually, just one country is very frustrating.
Another is the misconception that any debate in the US is about Capitalism vs Socialism. Yet, the truth is we have successful programs within our own structure of government. They include the police and fire departments. However, the most glaring socialist program is our public educational system, as a couple or someone, who has two or more children doesn't pay more tax for education than someone or a couple, who has one or no children. Also, social security, which as been a very successful program is socialism in a very basic form. This is true with most insurance programs of any kind.
So, as much as The Right presents this issue as either capitalism or socialism. the truth is it isn't about that. It's about how much socialism we want in our govt. policies. Framing this correctly is important because the side that gets to Frame the issue is, usually, the side that wins.
Yes, I agree, our paying into ss makes it a bit different, but I think the similarity is greater than the difference. I say this because if I live longer than what my input covers, I would continue to receive benefits. This is because there are those who die before they have received the full amount of their benefits - some pass before they receive any benefits. Of course, the reverse would also be true; If I pass before I receive back my input, what I put in would go to someone else. I'm fine with that. Insurance works in a similar way.
I think we have a lot to learn from both winners. It's nice to have some youthful winners. Mikie offers us moderation. Mamdani offers us a voice. He speaks to the younger generation, which we need.
Ah, Adam, your focus on New Jersey obscured a terribly important detail...about Virginia, where every single single county in the state bled red last night as the blue pushed from the inside out -- even the ruby-reddest of places. Democrats picked up at least 13 seats in the House of Delegates giving them a near supermajority in the legislature as well.
Yes, thanks for mentioning that. Virginia is getting clobbered by Trump and helped along by their current terrible governor Youngkin. It will be nice to see him out the door and I'm thrilled with the dem seats picked up in their House.
that is good to hear. thank you. i would love to know, if possible, were they card carrying republicans that have changed their minds about being associated with the trump republican party? or was it powered by the independents who are asking for forgiveness for their trump-repugnican votes in 2024?
Imagine what would happen if we drove a wooden stake through the heart of FOX News by defunding them. Defund with an indirect strategy that gets ad buying companies to quit buying ads. Coordinate a national campaign to deny ad buying executives their bonuses if they buy ads on FOX(48% of FOX revenue is ad revenue). That will change the playing field strategically. Start with Home Depot.
I don’t watch fox news, so it would be helpful to have a list of advertisers to boycott. I already boycott home depot, so who else will never see daylight from my wallet?
A national program needs a single brand implacably boycotted-even after they give up and quit buying ads to demonstrate to other company executives what will happen to them if they don’t quit buying FOX ads and suborning hate and division in the U.S. That being said, here’s a place to get FOX ads buying companies.
Well done family! If we had an organization headed by someone with access to the movers and shakers like Meidas Touch we would own the media sphere just like FOX does now.
That would be awesome. Too many people turn on Fox News because that’s just what they are use to ~ not because it’s a honest & reputable News Station. These are the more uninformed voters, of course. To tackle that problem Our Public Education System needs serious updating from Middle School on Up Countrywide in regards to how our Government & Constitution works.
All of it helps! We can turn the narrative on its head with a strategic approach to defunding FOX. We need a leader with access to movers and shakers like Meidas Touch.
This is my dream. I firmly believe a primary share of the blame for Trump and MAGA's rise and the awful state of our politics is due to the lies, fearmongering and distortions of Pox News.
I can't tell you how relieved I am to see two such highly capable women national security experts--Mikie and Abigail Spanberger--in high positions of elected office. I hope they get to spend their time on helping families in their states, but if our dictator put the military in our streets, they will not be rolled over.
It wasn't against all odds, he was leading the whole time...and was expected to win
We can't learn anything as far as most elections go because NYC is super liberal, so it won't help in places with independents and disaffected conservatives...
I am not a fan...but, NYC can vote for whoever they want, let's and wait and see what he does , he is very young and maybe too idealistic and not aware of how this is oing to be
Agreed. We need both-candidates who listen and are willing to work for their electorate. Both Mikie Sherrill and Zohran Mamdani did this and showed their voters what they wanted to see.
Yes. Why does any kuddos to Momdani have to come with qualifiers (on every substack "show"? If there is actual/factual information that I should know about Mamdani, I would like the folks I watch/listen to/read here on Substack, (which I love/need/want, though none are infallible) to just tell me. The only thing I know of is the Tim Miller episode in which Tim Miller made a statement that was used to pose a question to Mamdani, but Mamdani was then being spoken of as if he had organically inserted [a] statement. Not being coy or crass, genuinely have not been able to find the factual kernel that allows for the outright fear mongering to the more "subtle" dismissal of Mamdani. (Please no haters, I'm happy to be directed to cited information).
Congrats to everyone on the Blue Wave! Sometimes we have to hold a nose for a few issues- I am a life-long Independent and normally evaluate all candidates that way. But these are NOT normally times, and we have to stop f@scism in its tracks, before it tank-rolls over us. Yay, PA! We and the other blue-voting states HELD THE LINE!
I listened to her victory speech and was so impressed with her style: genuine and kind, while also conveying great strength and fortitude. This is the attitude we need if we are to heal our nation. I listened to Spanberger’s speech, and she conveyed the same warmth, authenticity and resolve. And…I listened to Mamdani’s speech, which was strong and visionary. While I hope the press doesn’t run wild - as if the NYC election was all that happened last night - I do think it was important because the turnout of young people was enormous. He engaged a demographic that needs to be involved in shaping our future.
great comment, thank you. yes yes yes....the young are going to have to live through however the next 50 years turn out, so they should be as motivated as the 60' and 70's young were.....
firstly, anyone in congress 70 or older should be replaced with young people (preferably under 55y/o), and the oldies with all their experience and wisdom should be providing FREE MENTORING services to the young replacements (because i've a feeling the oldies will try and charge for their 'public service' knowledge, because they'll be out of the gravy-train class that ensured that no congressional representative leaves congress without having become a major millionaire)....no matter the so-called party affiliation. the mentally diminished feinstein/biden/raegan etc scenarios should NEVER happen again.
I liked what the Pod Save America crew had to say. The lesson should be to run candidates that make sense for the area that they are wanting to govern or represent. Zohran makes sense for NYC and Mikie makes sense for New Jersey. Overall a very happy and great night!
I agree! I think the same could be said for New Jersey though! What works there isn’t going to work universally. I’m a big fan of Mikie but I don’t think she would necessarily be the right choice in a state like California or Oregon. That’s what I was trying to say.
I agree that the road to 2026 success runs through centrists like Sherrill. And yet, after reading the NYT account of Mamdani’s campaign, I hesitate to brush him off as someone we can’t learn from. He is rewriting campaign rules, reaching new constituencies, and mending fences — stuff campaigners of all political persuasions can try. Whoever heard of a campaign soccer match and campaign scavenger hunt, and yet thousands showed up.
He also is the first Democratic Socialist elected to a position that demands results. If he fails, we can all dismiss him and resume promoting centrists. But if he succeeds — and he has already shown many signs of political savvy — we have to ask how.
IT'S TIME TO GO TO WAR AGAIN! THIS TIME IT'S NIGERIA!
Why? A CNN Poll Reports That Trump's Approval Plummets to 37%.
Have you noticed an increasingly obvious pattern of Trump threatening or actually engaging in warfare against foreign countries or on the high seas whenever he suffers a public humiliation?
The idea of taking the country to war to distract the public from heinous acts or public humiliations was Trump's brainstorm right after his public humiliation on June 14 when the draft dodger-in-chief got the military parade he deserved.
June 14, 2025 was billed as the military parade to end all parades, which would lead to the glorification of Donald Trump on his 79th birthday as The Master of the Universe, which would even transcend his claim that he "rules the country and the world".
As we all know, the line of straggly soldiers slovenly marching out of step with a proud display of indifference was a huge fiasco, and a total humiliation to Trump.
So was it then a mere coincidence that at that very moment, he just happened to do a quick turn-around, reject the assessment of his own intelligence organizations and tell Iran and the world that unless Iran agrees to "unconditional surrender", the U.S. would join in Israel's attack on Iran, which is exactly what Trump ordered?
Did it work? You bet it did. It took the entire world's attention off the egg on Trump's face and onto the question of whether he was leading us into a nuclear war.
Since then, a long list of domestic political setbacks for Trump and his menagerie of political clowns and servile politicians became increasingly interspersed with threats of invading Venezuela, Mexico, and also of doggedly blowing up and murdering 60-61 people in 13-15 boats on the high seas off Latin and South America who were suspected of being drug traffickers, regardless of whether women or children were on board.
Have all these brutal attacks, threats of invasions, and sending one of our huge aircraft carriers into the waters off the coast of South America distracted the America people from the Trump family's huge grifting campaigns, Trump's demolition of the East Wing of the White House to build a ballroom to host his billionaire contributors, his use of blackmail to force the Democrats to vote for his bill to reduce medical care for the lower and middle classes, and from the efforts of the vast majority of Americans to force the opening of the Epstein files to the light of day?
Not exactly, but with CNN reporting today that Trump's approval rating has plummeted to an all-time low of 37%, Trump needs another big distraction, like another war.
And sending our paratroopers into Nigeria by portraying himself as The Last Great Crusader leading a Holy War against the infidels who are allegedly persecuting Christians in Nigeria is just what his MAGA cult and evangelical followers will eat up.
Our new Department of War, headed by a former celebrity newscaster and TV host, stands ready, willing and able to launch our military forces against whomever Trump has the sudden urge to attack
It makes perfect sense that he would use threats of war (which nobody wants) with random countries where we have no strategic interests (Nigeria) to distract from the damage his policies and actions are doing.
He’s at war in this country, too, specifically Chicago and suburbs. Just after No Kings the ICE/Gestapo raids ramped up big time. Little children were tear-gassed as they approached in a Halloween parade. Governor Pritzker asked Noem to refrain from ICE activities while trick or treating was happening. Her reply was that ICE would increase activities. Which they did, raiding wealthy and poor areas of the city and suburbs, pulling people out of their cars, punching protesting neighbors in the face, arresting U.S. citizens who didn’t have proof of citizenship (does anyone carry proof of citizenship?) attacking journalists, and much more. It’s war here, and coming soon to all blue cities not already targeted. But we’re fighting back, blowing whistle alerts, videotaping, using the courts—resisting!
is there anyway the city law enforcement can help? maybe if the city passed a law (as in San Francisco) that it's a crime to mask your face and law enforcement ID in the city limits? or that teargas may only be used by city law enforcement or by approval of city law enforcement and anyone else using it is committing a criminal offence? the republicans and the rightwing supreme court has always been about 'state's rights', but ofcourse trump is all about federal rights (i.e. dictator trump's rights). either we implement stronger states rights or we separate from the union.... Western America (CA/OR/WA) and North Eastern America (NJ to ME). all the J6 criminals who are working for the icestapo are having a great time terrorizing people while being paid 6figure salaries out of tax payer $'s. shameful...
Ajay ess, One of my new heroes is Chicago Judge Sarah Ellis, who has issued orders for ICE to wear video recorders, give warnings before using tear gas, show proof of violence, when the protesters in the videos she has been shown are completely peaceful, etc; She required ICE/Nazi thug Bovino to appear in her court daily to report progress on these orders, which are being brazenly broken by the masked ICE, who are terrorizing and breaking into people's homes with no warrants, doing whatever they want. Judge Ellis' order to Bovino regarding daily appearances was stricken down by another federal judge. But she persists. And the Extreme Court? Forget it, of course, no help there. We, the neighbors, are all carrying whistles to alert when ICE is nearby, then videotaping and reporting their crimes. The local media are on the scene, often being tackled or detained, as are clergy. So we're taking action in Chicagoland, backed by our wonderful Governor Pritzker and other electeds. Our attorney general has joined with other attorneys general in over 24 lawsuits against this criminal regime. So far, ICE gleefully rampages. But we will prevail.....
People outside of Chicago have told me that they didn't know this was going on in such an extreme way, so I'm trying to alert everyone. Tear gassing little children? Are you kidding me? It's just sheer terror for these little thugs (I'm sure some of them are the pardoned Jan. 6ers) to show their so-called power. And it IS terrifying, for all of us.
Mike Nellis at endless urgency also has detailed the icestapo in chicago…. as with everything we do to resist these fascists….REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT is the best approach. thanks for shining that light….
As a Jerseyite, I'm thrilled that she's our new governor, and I agree completely with these points. I have several friends and family members who do or did live in her Congressional district, and all were solidly impressed with her work. I'm really looking forward to watching her in the years ahead.
I am so heartened by the change in these elections. It tells me that Trump‘s forceful way of doing business has resulted in a powerful backlash and that backlash is the change our country needs. I am so happy and so proud of Mikey Sherrill. I can’t wait until we take back our Congress with the midterms. The fight isn’t over, but we’ve got Trump and MAGA on the ropes!
I door knocked for Mikie Sherrill in her first campaign. She’s the real deal. Not just smart, competent and professional but also charming and funny. Apparently this did not come thru on the campaign trail. But if you listen to the start of her victory speech, you’ll hear her
personality shine. More of that Mikie. And good luck!
What a great speech! I LOVED that she address individual towns in NJ and what their most desired "wants" are. When a candidate (now Governor-elect Sherrill) can individualize that way, that tells me that they listen to people and know the task ahead! Congrats!
I hope the entire party can benefit from/learn from her talking points! She is great!
It was a great night, and we definitely need more Mikie’s! However, let’s call Mamdani a democratic socialist.
Exactly, let’s call Mamdani a democratic socialist as there is a difference between socialist and democratic socialist.
“The main difference is that democratic socialism advocates for achieving socialist goals through a democratic political system, while socialism can refer to a broader economic and political ideology that historically has involved more centralized state control. Democratic socialists work within existing democratic structures to achieve goals like universal healthcare, free college, and stronger worker protections, whereas "socialism" can sometimes imply a more revolutionary or state-controlled approach to the economy.”
I was about to leave the same message and also had to look up the difference between the two. Thank you both for your comment.
There is a reason that Scandinavian countries are at the top of the "happiness list" every year. They are far from the "hell pits" that MAGA describes. Biden tried to give us some of our taxes back and Donald has shut it all down. It, along with his other antics has cost thousands of jobs.
great comment. thank you. the radical right like to attach the ECONOMIC principles of socialism with the POLITICAL doctrine of communism, but the economic principles of socialism operates in a range of political doctrines. seeing as there is no state economy of pure capitalism anywhere in the world, and likewise no state economy of pure communism anywhere in the world, i would suggest that economic socialism is the defacto economic strategy of all democracies....(yeah i know the fundamentalists in the trump repugnican party will flip their ignorant lids about that)...
Thank you!
Thank you! There is a pretty big difference.
Your explanation is interesting, thank-you. However, I'm wondering from where you received this quote, as I'm sure to pass it along.
You can google it, also Wikipedia has information and others.
https://www.businessinsider.com/difference-between-socialist-and-democratic-socialist-2018-6
Karla, thanks for responding. I fear most will just assume "Democratic Socialism" or a "Democratic Socialist" only means a socialist who is also a Democrat. Yet, in any discussion about socialism, there is more to consider.
One is that whenever this issue comes up, those against socialism only limit their argument to countries where it's been quite abusive (ie. Russia). It's not only that those arguing never mention the countries where Democratic Socialism has been very successful (ie. Scandinavian countries), it's that those arguing seem not to ever be aware of these countries. When being put in a position to have to debate socialism with someone, whose knowledge is limited to, usually, just one country is very frustrating.
Another is the misconception that any debate in the US is about Capitalism vs Socialism. Yet, the truth is we have successful programs within our own structure of government. They include the police and fire departments. However, the most glaring socialist program is our public educational system, as a couple or someone, who has two or more children doesn't pay more tax for education than someone or a couple, who has one or no children. Also, social security, which as been a very successful program is socialism in a very basic form. This is true with most insurance programs of any kind.
So, as much as The Right presents this issue as either capitalism or socialism. the truth is it isn't about that. It's about how much socialism we want in our govt. policies. Framing this correctly is important because the side that gets to Frame the issue is, usually, the side that wins.
well for SS and Medicare people pay into it who work so it's a little different.
Yes, I agree, our paying into ss makes it a bit different, but I think the similarity is greater than the difference. I say this because if I live longer than what my input covers, I would continue to receive benefits. This is because there are those who die before they have received the full amount of their benefits - some pass before they receive any benefits. Of course, the reverse would also be true; If I pass before I receive back my input, what I put in would go to someone else. I'm fine with that. Insurance works in a similar way.
Also, most think "Democratic Socialism" is a democrat who is a socialist. Thank you for showing what Democratic Socialism is.
Thanks for that explanation.
Economic inequality is at the root of a lot of the problems. Democratic Socialism has (and deserves) a place in the discussion.
Bernie, AOC and Mamdani are all good people.
I think we have a lot to learn from both winners. It's nice to have some youthful winners. Mikie offers us moderation. Mamdani offers us a voice. He speaks to the younger generation, which we need.
Also important that we have the best candidate for the specific electorate.
Ah, Adam, your focus on New Jersey obscured a terribly important detail...about Virginia, where every single single county in the state bled red last night as the blue pushed from the inside out -- even the ruby-reddest of places. Democrats picked up at least 13 seats in the House of Delegates giving them a near supermajority in the legislature as well.
I can't even think when that happened last.
Yes, thanks for mentioning that. Virginia is getting clobbered by Trump and helped along by their current terrible governor Youngkin. It will be nice to see him out the door and I'm thrilled with the dem seats picked up in their House.
Yes, happy to be a Virginia resident!
that is good to hear. thank you. i would love to know, if possible, were they card carrying republicans that have changed their minds about being associated with the trump republican party? or was it powered by the independents who are asking for forgiveness for their trump-repugnican votes in 2024?
👆🏻this
Imagine what would happen if we drove a wooden stake through the heart of FOX News by defunding them. Defund with an indirect strategy that gets ad buying companies to quit buying ads. Coordinate a national campaign to deny ad buying executives their bonuses if they buy ads on FOX(48% of FOX revenue is ad revenue). That will change the playing field strategically. Start with Home Depot.
I don’t watch fox news, so it would be helpful to have a list of advertisers to boycott. I already boycott home depot, so who else will never see daylight from my wallet?
A national program needs a single brand implacably boycotted-even after they give up and quit buying ads to demonstrate to other company executives what will happen to them if they don’t quit buying FOX ads and suborning hate and division in the U.S. That being said, here’s a place to get FOX ads buying companies.
https://whoadvertiseson.org/
Thanks for this link…shared it immediately.
Thanks, David. I don’t use any of the products that are advertised. But will keep an eye on it to see if things change.
My family stopped shopping at Home Depot cold turkey earlier this year when we learned of their maga zeal and financing
Well done family! If we had an organization headed by someone with access to the movers and shakers like Meidas Touch we would own the media sphere just like FOX does now.
That would be awesome. Too many people turn on Fox News because that’s just what they are use to ~ not because it’s a honest & reputable News Station. These are the more uninformed voters, of course. To tackle that problem Our Public Education System needs serious updating from Middle School on Up Countrywide in regards to how our Government & Constitution works.
All of it helps! We can turn the narrative on its head with a strategic approach to defunding FOX. We need a leader with access to movers and shakers like Meidas Touch.
This is my dream. I firmly believe a primary share of the blame for Trump and MAGA's rise and the awful state of our politics is due to the lies, fearmongering and distortions of Pox News.
I agree 100%. FOX is outright vile.
I can't tell you how relieved I am to see two such highly capable women national security experts--Mikie and Abigail Spanberger--in high positions of elected office. I hope they get to spend their time on helping families in their states, but if our dictator put the military in our streets, they will not be rolled over.
I really admire you, Adam. But I believe we need more Mikie Sherrills AND Mamdanis.
Yes, I agree. I was very disappointed to read Adam’s comment about the Democrats not learning anything from Mamdani’s huge win against all odds!
Seems to be an ongoing theme, unfortunately
It wasn't against all odds, he was leading the whole time...and was expected to win
We can't learn anything as far as most elections go because NYC is super liberal, so it won't help in places with independents and disaffected conservatives...
I am not a fan...but, NYC can vote for whoever they want, let's and wait and see what he does , he is very young and maybe too idealistic and not aware of how this is oing to be
100% agree.
Agreed. We need both-candidates who listen and are willing to work for their electorate. Both Mikie Sherrill and Zohran Mamdani did this and showed their voters what they wanted to see.
Yes. Why does any kuddos to Momdani have to come with qualifiers (on every substack "show"? If there is actual/factual information that I should know about Mamdani, I would like the folks I watch/listen to/read here on Substack, (which I love/need/want, though none are infallible) to just tell me. The only thing I know of is the Tim Miller episode in which Tim Miller made a statement that was used to pose a question to Mamdani, but Mamdani was then being spoken of as if he had organically inserted [a] statement. Not being coy or crass, genuinely have not been able to find the factual kernel that allows for the outright fear mongering to the more "subtle" dismissal of Mamdani. (Please no haters, I'm happy to be directed to cited information).
Congrats to everyone on the Blue Wave! Sometimes we have to hold a nose for a few issues- I am a life-long Independent and normally evaluate all candidates that way. But these are NOT normally times, and we have to stop f@scism in its tracks, before it tank-rolls over us. Yay, PA! We and the other blue-voting states HELD THE LINE!
great comment. thank you. :)
Adam, the big winner is E Pluribus Unum. Just look at the demogs.
E Pluribus Unum...I think the regime forgot (or rather, actively ignores, or trying to eradicate!) how integral that is to who we are!
I think we need to pay attention to all the successes of yesterday. They all matter. Onward through the fog to 2026 and beyond. We got this!
I listened to her victory speech and was so impressed with her style: genuine and kind, while also conveying great strength and fortitude. This is the attitude we need if we are to heal our nation. I listened to Spanberger’s speech, and she conveyed the same warmth, authenticity and resolve. And…I listened to Mamdani’s speech, which was strong and visionary. While I hope the press doesn’t run wild - as if the NYC election was all that happened last night - I do think it was important because the turnout of young people was enormous. He engaged a demographic that needs to be involved in shaping our future.
great comment, thank you. yes yes yes....the young are going to have to live through however the next 50 years turn out, so they should be as motivated as the 60' and 70's young were.....
firstly, anyone in congress 70 or older should be replaced with young people (preferably under 55y/o), and the oldies with all their experience and wisdom should be providing FREE MENTORING services to the young replacements (because i've a feeling the oldies will try and charge for their 'public service' knowledge, because they'll be out of the gravy-train class that ensured that no congressional representative leaves congress without having become a major millionaire)....no matter the so-called party affiliation. the mentally diminished feinstein/biden/raegan etc scenarios should NEVER happen again.
I liked what the Pod Save America crew had to say. The lesson should be to run candidates that make sense for the area that they are wanting to govern or represent. Zohran makes sense for NYC and Mikie makes sense for New Jersey. Overall a very happy and great night!
I think that's what Adam meant but Dems not learning from Mamdani--it doesn't translate universally. NYC is unique.
I agree! I think the same could be said for New Jersey though! What works there isn’t going to work universally. I’m a big fan of Mikie but I don’t think she would necessarily be the right choice in a state like California or Oregon. That’s what I was trying to say.
I agree that the road to 2026 success runs through centrists like Sherrill. And yet, after reading the NYT account of Mamdani’s campaign, I hesitate to brush him off as someone we can’t learn from. He is rewriting campaign rules, reaching new constituencies, and mending fences — stuff campaigners of all political persuasions can try. Whoever heard of a campaign soccer match and campaign scavenger hunt, and yet thousands showed up.
He also is the first Democratic Socialist elected to a position that demands results. If he fails, we can all dismiss him and resume promoting centrists. But if he succeeds — and he has already shown many signs of political savvy — we have to ask how.
IT'S TIME TO GO TO WAR AGAIN! THIS TIME IT'S NIGERIA!
Why? A CNN Poll Reports That Trump's Approval Plummets to 37%.
Have you noticed an increasingly obvious pattern of Trump threatening or actually engaging in warfare against foreign countries or on the high seas whenever he suffers a public humiliation?
The idea of taking the country to war to distract the public from heinous acts or public humiliations was Trump's brainstorm right after his public humiliation on June 14 when the draft dodger-in-chief got the military parade he deserved.
June 14, 2025 was billed as the military parade to end all parades, which would lead to the glorification of Donald Trump on his 79th birthday as The Master of the Universe, which would even transcend his claim that he "rules the country and the world".
As we all know, the line of straggly soldiers slovenly marching out of step with a proud display of indifference was a huge fiasco, and a total humiliation to Trump.
So was it then a mere coincidence that at that very moment, he just happened to do a quick turn-around, reject the assessment of his own intelligence organizations and tell Iran and the world that unless Iran agrees to "unconditional surrender", the U.S. would join in Israel's attack on Iran, which is exactly what Trump ordered?
Did it work? You bet it did. It took the entire world's attention off the egg on Trump's face and onto the question of whether he was leading us into a nuclear war.
Since then, a long list of domestic political setbacks for Trump and his menagerie of political clowns and servile politicians became increasingly interspersed with threats of invading Venezuela, Mexico, and also of doggedly blowing up and murdering 60-61 people in 13-15 boats on the high seas off Latin and South America who were suspected of being drug traffickers, regardless of whether women or children were on board.
Have all these brutal attacks, threats of invasions, and sending one of our huge aircraft carriers into the waters off the coast of South America distracted the America people from the Trump family's huge grifting campaigns, Trump's demolition of the East Wing of the White House to build a ballroom to host his billionaire contributors, his use of blackmail to force the Democrats to vote for his bill to reduce medical care for the lower and middle classes, and from the efforts of the vast majority of Americans to force the opening of the Epstein files to the light of day?
Not exactly, but with CNN reporting today that Trump's approval rating has plummeted to an all-time low of 37%, Trump needs another big distraction, like another war.
And sending our paratroopers into Nigeria by portraying himself as The Last Great Crusader leading a Holy War against the infidels who are allegedly persecuting Christians in Nigeria is just what his MAGA cult and evangelical followers will eat up.
Our new Department of War, headed by a former celebrity newscaster and TV host, stands ready, willing and able to launch our military forces against whomever Trump has the sudden urge to attack
I think you are on to something here.
It makes perfect sense that he would use threats of war (which nobody wants) with random countries where we have no strategic interests (Nigeria) to distract from the damage his policies and actions are doing.
He’s at war in this country, too, specifically Chicago and suburbs. Just after No Kings the ICE/Gestapo raids ramped up big time. Little children were tear-gassed as they approached in a Halloween parade. Governor Pritzker asked Noem to refrain from ICE activities while trick or treating was happening. Her reply was that ICE would increase activities. Which they did, raiding wealthy and poor areas of the city and suburbs, pulling people out of their cars, punching protesting neighbors in the face, arresting U.S. citizens who didn’t have proof of citizenship (does anyone carry proof of citizenship?) attacking journalists, and much more. It’s war here, and coming soon to all blue cities not already targeted. But we’re fighting back, blowing whistle alerts, videotaping, using the courts—resisting!
is there anyway the city law enforcement can help? maybe if the city passed a law (as in San Francisco) that it's a crime to mask your face and law enforcement ID in the city limits? or that teargas may only be used by city law enforcement or by approval of city law enforcement and anyone else using it is committing a criminal offence? the republicans and the rightwing supreme court has always been about 'state's rights', but ofcourse trump is all about federal rights (i.e. dictator trump's rights). either we implement stronger states rights or we separate from the union.... Western America (CA/OR/WA) and North Eastern America (NJ to ME). all the J6 criminals who are working for the icestapo are having a great time terrorizing people while being paid 6figure salaries out of tax payer $'s. shameful...
Ajay ess, One of my new heroes is Chicago Judge Sarah Ellis, who has issued orders for ICE to wear video recorders, give warnings before using tear gas, show proof of violence, when the protesters in the videos she has been shown are completely peaceful, etc; She required ICE/Nazi thug Bovino to appear in her court daily to report progress on these orders, which are being brazenly broken by the masked ICE, who are terrorizing and breaking into people's homes with no warrants, doing whatever they want. Judge Ellis' order to Bovino regarding daily appearances was stricken down by another federal judge. But she persists. And the Extreme Court? Forget it, of course, no help there. We, the neighbors, are all carrying whistles to alert when ICE is nearby, then videotaping and reporting their crimes. The local media are on the scene, often being tackled or detained, as are clergy. So we're taking action in Chicagoland, backed by our wonderful Governor Pritzker and other electeds. Our attorney general has joined with other attorneys general in over 24 lawsuits against this criminal regime. So far, ICE gleefully rampages. But we will prevail.....
thanks for sharing....the fight of the brave and the free must continue...
People outside of Chicago have told me that they didn't know this was going on in such an extreme way, so I'm trying to alert everyone. Tear gassing little children? Are you kidding me? It's just sheer terror for these little thugs (I'm sure some of them are the pardoned Jan. 6ers) to show their so-called power. And it IS terrifying, for all of us.
Mike Nellis at endless urgency also has detailed the icestapo in chicago…. as with everything we do to resist these fascists….REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT is the best approach. thanks for shining that light….
So sad! You're provided an apt summary of the pugilistic regime!
As a Jerseyite, I'm thrilled that she's our new governor, and I agree completely with these points. I have several friends and family members who do or did live in her Congressional district, and all were solidly impressed with her work. I'm really looking forward to watching her in the years ahead.
Last night’s elections proved the quality of candidates matter.
Hopefully, we are on a course correction back to democracy .
I am so heartened by the change in these elections. It tells me that Trump‘s forceful way of doing business has resulted in a powerful backlash and that backlash is the change our country needs. I am so happy and so proud of Mikey Sherrill. I can’t wait until we take back our Congress with the midterms. The fight isn’t over, but we’ve got Trump and MAGA on the ropes!