I am crying. I am frightened. I am sad that my grandmother and father survived the Holocaust in Poland and here I sit afraid. I dont understand. Not sure I want to. I need to grieve and then decide how I will get back to work. I promised my grandmother I would never forget what she went through. She said if we/I did, it would happen again. I am afraid she is correct.
My Polish language tattoo on my left forearm says "just keep going" . It was my grandmother's famous phrase. She survived unimaginable loss and trauma under similar political regimes. I promised her I would not forget. I will keep going. I have to. For her, for my children, for their children.
Stay strong and try to have some faith in the goodness of people that they will not let it come to that. I still believe in the goodness of people, even MAGA people.
Adam I don't know how you manage to keep your optimism going, but I really admire your courage and I agree with you that we just have to keep on keeping on. Thank you for being strong and helping us not give up
My trust in humanity has been broken many times but I still want to give people at least a chance. If that trust is broken then it would be foolish not just be passive about it but you may be right.
It's not so much the goodness of people or lack thereof, but how quickly and easily so many unpatriotic and unAmerican things have become normalized. The Overton Window has shifted so fast. Do I think there were good people among the average German citizen during Hitler's reign? Yes, I do. See the problem here?
I fear that Trump and his goons are going to order some high- profile military tribunals and executions to terrorize us and shut us all up. I hope I'm wrong. I feel
like a stranger in my own country. I don't recognize this place anymore. I'm grateful for all the brave people- you, Adam, and Liz Cheney, the generals, even the comedians like Bill Maher and Jimmy Kimmel who speak the truth. I'm old and sick- I won't live long enough to see this ship right itself, but people like you give me hope.
My husband is in the military and I am worried about the rot spreading. If any institution can withstand the contamination, it's our military, but for four more years, and perhaps, beyond? I don't know.
Lisa, don't give the blowhard so much credit. He lives to fire people so Lina Kahn is gone as is Jack Smith... the DOJ is wrapping up its federal trials already. But are any of us here surprised? Nope.
He'll re-emerge in all his bullshit glamour glory and bask in it for a bit. Then he'll pardon the Jan. 1st insurrectionists (if possible) and fire every government employee and replace them with clueless know nothings. Yeah, let's see how that goes...people don't receive the benefits that they are used to and they're just gonna sit by and endlessly wait? I don't think so. And frankly, as soon as some of these things are settled, here comes the coup. The financial one.
And Musk has said, "Well, this getting rid of 2 trillion of debt is gonna be painful for awhile...".
M'k , Mr. Megalomaniac who wants to pay as little as possible to his faithful servants (aka employees) as well as avoid all payroll corporate taxes. Along with refusing to pay child support to at least one of his unfortunate children.
Mari, IMO we are all going to have to suffer great economic decline in this country to get his supporters away from thinking he's the best. I cannot imagine if he dies in office (he's 78 now and looks to be in terrible shape, but hey, keep eating KFC) what would happen with Vance. Not sure if all the supporters would be ok with him to elect him again. So time will tell us and we all need to stay together, support Adam and those like him for whatever they can do to improve this country after it's sunk by this coming administration. I think Elon is right, we will suffer but lets see how long it goes on. If real estate goes up in price, rents on apartments, groceries will definitely go up, if all these tariffs are imposed as he says, we in for a world of hurt. Then if Russia takes over Ukraine, and with N. Korea and maybe even China involved set their sites on us, God help us.
We are no longer the United States of America, we are Divided states. Not saying we can't get back to unity. But for now, ...........
Normalization is our biggest enemy in recent years, and currently. Ordinary citizens who bake pies for their neighbors are going to eventually normalize citizen deportation and even worse horrors. Don't believe it? Watch.
I'm so sorry. I think we need to keep things in perspective...he's not Hitler. Hitler may be one of his heros (I do believe that to be the case), but he's no Hitler. Keep your head up. Understand how generational trauma can be playing into your emotions...and don't let it freeze you. (As someone with PTSD, I'm doing this myself.). Hang in there.
All valid points. He is not Hitler - yet. His beliefs, his supporters, might just be. I am also certain my Polish family and friends once said similarly. For certain, generational trauma, cellular memory is also at play. I am taking the day to practice some self care before I start thinking about next steps and what I can do to help prevent the future I am fearing. I may go visit my grandmothers grave this weekend to convene with her as well.
I know, I do. I'm just looking at this bumbling fool...and I do know Hitler was that too...I think, I hope, that there are enough checks and balances here...
My Cardiologist that I saw today said his 71 year old father said " Hell, I've been through all these elections for years, and it all seems the same. People moan about it, and yet we somehow survive as a nation. I don't know if I believe that completely, but it is true that for over 200 years of bickering we are still here. We have to fight the fascism though. We can't let what our parents fought and died for get forgotten! That would just be WRONG!
yes I have been through all these elections too but this is another level. this is a person and group who have found the loopholes of our rule of law and Constitution and willing to use them. they will fundamentally change our federal government and judiciary as much as they can. This is a person who doesn't care about checks and balances, willing to appoint people without the Senate confirming anyone. This is a person and group who don't care about ethics or civility. This is a person and group willing to threaten individuals and groups to get what they want. It will be hard for people to go against that.
Thank you for sharing, Suz. While I admit that I am not super optimistic that people will change (I tend to wish people were more able to be a certain way and have a harder time accepting that they are just who they are, so this has been a struggle to witness), I do want to comment on your tattoo. Just keep going. I have been pondering to myself what it could and will be like under an autocratic rule. We know we're going there now and it is very unfamiliar to most of us. I have a friend who used to live in Russia and lives in another country now. I decided I'm going to message her and ask her a simple question: how did you do it? How do we survive this? (Now note, she is young and I was pretty surprised at some of the stuff she was saying publicly when Russian invaded Ukraine. I think her youth did not have repression the experience that subsequently they then had. She was feisty. And perhaps a bit naive. Not for me to know. She was brave. I saw that. And yes, she did get arrested three times and after the third time there was a distinct change and she got quiet. Then a year or so later was able to leave the country for a safe(r) one.). But. I want to hear from people who are making it through this. I know their lives are hard and maybe not our ideal. But they are doing it. I have no Venezuelan friends. nor North Korean, nor even Chinese. So I can't ask them. And unless they are out it is probably hard to get a real answer because it can endanger them to say things. I lived in Jordan in the Middle East during ISIS for a period of time and yes, I know the feeling that anything you say in a text or anywhere else can be watched.
So. My point is that I love your grandmother's famous phrase. Because Poland went through it. Really went through it. And your grandmother definitely did. So I'm going to put "just keep going" up somewhere in my house. And learn from those who have done it. All over the world. For many, many years.
We can do it too. It won't be our ideal or, as Adam says, I am not really looking forward to it. But let's find ways to strengthen ourselves and hold each other up and "just keep going." I'm with Adam. Assuming there is an election in 4 years, I'm guessing that there will be a lot of unhappy people who will blame the current administration for it, as they just did (accurate or not, but in Trump's case, blame will be accurate, because this is not going to be good). Maybe there will be some who remain in denial. We don't have to influence them all. We have to be able to touch _enough_ of them.
Hang in there, Suz. You are not alone. I'm sad that your grandmother is correct. I am a previous trauma therapist, so I know trauma is inherited and that you carry it within you. This feels very, very real to you. And indeed, it is real. It's not in your head, but you also probably feel it even more intensely than many of us. Be in shock. Grieve. Be angry. Reach out to those who you can reach out to. Never, never forget you are not alone and there are many with us. It will be a hard time. And we will "just keep going." And perhaps over time we can roll it back again the other way.
Lovely reply. Thank you. Truly. FWIW, I am currently reading Alexei Navalny (Russian opposition leader/lawyer/activist) memoir. I recommend. It could be a primer for our future - certainly lessons on what we might experience.
I totally understand as my family lived thru much loss and terror as well because of Hitler and Stalin. Somehow we have to keep strong and be vigilante.
We're gonna be ok. I want him to do all he says he will, then all of the eedjits in the country who were taken by this con man will be slapped in the face with what they truly voted for.
I was at a bar last evening (as I have been on 1 night each week with a lifelong friend for 46 years). I'm pretty certain that my friend voted for trump again! At that time the race had not been called. At some point I put my hand on my friend's shoulder and said "Mark my words. If trump wins, his supporters will all live to regret it." I got the feeling that he took this as a threat, but it was not. So I continued on by saying "His supporters all think that he will do good things for them, but he will not. The only one he cares about is himself and his rich friends. They all drank the kool aid." He still said that he thinks things will be okay. I replied that it will be years, if not decades, to recover from the damage trump has done. We then changed the subject. I'm very disappointed today and emotionally down, so I am going to do nothing for a day or two while 'recharging my batteries' 😉. Then I will get back to doing whatever I can to 'right the ship'!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 I just pray that trump doesn't destroy USa in the meantime!
I have to point out that a person who has the ability to manipulate half the country into overlooking his grotesque and malign character will be able to find new scapegoats when things go south on his watch. There may be no one as effective at this as Trump.
I think that those who voted for him do not honestly believe that he will do the things that he says he will do. Talk about being delusional! Imagine their chagrin when he actually does do those grotesque and despicable things!
This is EXACTLY how I feel. And it's worse because it's such a tainted, bitter, loss. The betrayal of core values...emotionally and physical pain. Last night I sobbed into my husband's shoulder like I had lost a dear loved one. That's how it feels, but somehow, worse.
Richard, very brave of you to be honest with your friend! I truly do not think maga people believe he will do all the evil he purports. I believe we will be able to win over these magas in the future. Sad we had to get to this place to reach bottom. As we said the other day, we have to be be open to accept them to our side and not say "I told you so!"☺️ Rest up!
I've thought about that and decided to respond to them by saying "You got what you asked for so I don't understand why you are so upset." when they start bellyaching.
I hear you and I understand the concern. But those who are stunned to see the result of what they've wished for are the first to turn around... "What the hell did I do?! I've been had!"
And no one wants to be taken advantage of; truly one of the worst feelings in the world. Betrayal stings badly and has a long memory.
I'm pretty much there, too. I want all of us to get what was voted for. Wish there was some way to insulate those of us who tried mightily to avoid this outcome, and my heart aches for the vulnerable people groups who will be most impacted. But we need to get this out of our system....and how else can we? I feel we need to suffer the disease people chose and then more may hopefully long for the cure (ie democratic norms and principles)?? We are a deeply selfish and myopic country. If this is what it takes, well, let's get started. Let's eat it up to the last morsel, and then some. I shudder to think of what's about to unfold.
It's the day after the disaster that was 2024 election.
I know that this is going to require a great personal sacrifice on your part but there is no other way now. You have to splinter the Republican party in order to save our democracy. You need to splinter the party and form a TRUE conservative party where conservatives can claim the middle ground between Democrats and MAGA Republicans. You might get some from the moderate right and the moderate left to join the party.
This may kill your political career but the country needs this to happen because we're teetering toward becoming Russia.
I'm a left leaning vet but I would support you in this effort till the end. I literally just paid for substack subscription just to send this message to you.
I also just subscribed to thank Adam for his sacrifice to our country in practically every way imaginable, and to thank him for being here and uplifting us this morning.
"The world is a dangerous place to live in, not because people are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." Albert Einstein.
We are not those people; we are the people who will continue to give it all we have to turn the ship back in the right direction - time, effort, patience!
It's my hope a viable 3rd party rises from the ashes of this debacle. A moderate centrist party is just what we need. A party with which both extremes must deal in order to govern.
I have been saying it all along, it was Democratic Party's election to lose. We need a party that will depart from identity politics, race-baiting and class warfare, a party that will represent majority of Americans, including politically homeless like many of us, but also a party which would absolutely stop vilifying and denigrating the other side. I am certain that the country is craving restoration of civility and respect and true law and order for all. Here is CNN exit poll, to prove my point https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2024/politics/2020-2016-exit-polls-2024-dg/
Adam has already broken off from the maga GOP and formed the group, Country over Party. As far as I know, no one has formed an actual new political party yet? I agree that it's needed
Thank you Adam for your message and your Substack and the community you've created here. I agree with everything you said. Your point "How do you talk to people where they're at rather than where you want them to be." Yes, this is it. This is where we need to focus our attention.
Absolutely! Need a few days but then ready to get back to working toward a better choice for our country. Thanks Adam, for your stability and encouragement this afternoon. It was much needed and appreciated!! It is reassuring to know there is a voice of reason in the midst of this difficult situation. Keep up the good fight! ❤️💙🇺🇸
Anyone notice how all the accusations of voter fraud have suddenly stopped? Apparently, it’s only fraudulent when he loses. I’m just numb today. And disgusted. I’m hoping this brings about the beginnings of a legitimate 3rd party with Adam and other brave, TRUE patriots leading us forward.
In a despicable paradox, I feel safe to go grocery shopping today, knowing that there are no angry MAGAs patrolling the streets as I expected. Just happy, (vengeful) MAGAs, feeling self satisfied.
I will take your encouragement to heart, but I'm deeply depressed and concerned. My worries are for those that will be persecuted by the Trump administration; LGBTQ, people of color, immigrants, legal and illegal, and people like you Adam and Liz and so many others that are on his enemies list. And certainly not least is the damage he'll do to the environment and our economy. Those will not be easy to recover from in 4 years, but will be effects that last for decades or longer.
There will be no avoidance from climate disaster now. Our time was very short to act; now closed. I fear not for myself, being 72, but for my grandchildren. My son, the father of two toddlers is in deep despair because he KNEW. He just can’t get past his guilt at bringing innocent life into this world that he knew was on the brink. He had a sliver of hope before last night. Now he is in a very dark place - and he has an advanced degree in “positive psychology”. And I don’t know how to help him. Because he’s not wrong, and I can’t insult him by pretending he is.
So true. Add to that the Senate flipped Red and it looks like the House might too. It doesn't look like there are any guardrails left in Washington to defend USa!
David, I too am grieving for those who will be persecuted by the Trump Administration and those who support him. I’m also concerned for my children and grandchildren and the world we are leaving them. I also agree that those who voted for this conman will soon see who he is and that he will not follow through with his promises. Right now I will take Adam’s advice seriously and work proactively to help our country. However, right now we need to rest and recover from last night’s nightmare!
The ACA will stay only if big business decrees it - which they probably will because insurance companies and big Pharma have been reaping the financial rewards. It has nothing to do with what’s right for the people.
We knew this was a possible outcome, and it brought me down hard. At first. Now I know we have to keep up the fight, no matter what. It’s up to all of us to fight back against every extremist move they will attempt. That’s done by starting at the local level, then county, state and Federal. We won’t go back.
Sadly, I think states will cease to be a “bulwark”. They will eviscerate “states rights”, which was always a scam for the benefit of the right wing only.
Understand the feelings of despair from many. However, we will continue to fight against the new regime stepping on human rights. There are quite a few governors and states’ attorneys general who will join you Adam in this battle. As will I.
You are very optimistic, but I genuinely don't believe he will be running the country. Those who are pulling strings in the background are planning to destroy our democracy. Without action, there may be no democracy left to save.
This is my belief as well. He is too old, too incoherent, too lost to be doing anything effectively. He is the puppet for Thiel, Bannon, Elon, Putin and others.
I believe his unhinged narcissistic personality could throw chaos into the plans of those who hope to pull strings behind the scenes. Maybe this clown show will help us regain some control at the midterms?🤞🏼
Adam, I am very concerned about your safety and that if your family. Also I am worried for Liz Cheney. I am grieving for our country, NATO, the world, Ukraine. I saw a quote a long time ago that said, loosely, When fascism arrives in the U.S. it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross. We are there now.
Yes, so many are worried about you and the Bulwark community, and the rest of the media and our heroes if this day came. Part of me wants to imagine you all making sure you're safe, even though I know you want to stay to protect our Democracy.
You’re a better man than i. I can’t kill myself, I don’t have that luxury, I have grandchildren and a family, but my first instinct is to search for a democracy elsewhere and ways to live there and leave here. I do not believe this nation will recover over the next millennium, and I have very few years left as it is. I just don’t want to support it in any way. It is morally indefensible to be an American.
Let's not talking about those grave things. This too shall pass. I don't mean that we should be passive. We should voice our opposition as loudly as possible but we just have to endure the next 4 years and hope that Trump doesn't break our democracy too much.
You hit the nail on the head: It is morally indefensible to be an American after 11/5/24. This country, collectively, is no better than any monster out there we claim to despise.
I am crying. I am frightened. I am sad that my grandmother and father survived the Holocaust in Poland and here I sit afraid. I dont understand. Not sure I want to. I need to grieve and then decide how I will get back to work. I promised my grandmother I would never forget what she went through. She said if we/I did, it would happen again. I am afraid she is correct.
My Polish language tattoo on my left forearm says "just keep going" . It was my grandmother's famous phrase. She survived unimaginable loss and trauma under similar political regimes. I promised her I would not forget. I will keep going. I have to. For her, for my children, for their children.
Good to grieve. Otherwise we can’t keep going. Thanks for sharing.
Stay strong and try to have some faith in the goodness of people that they will not let it come to that. I still believe in the goodness of people, even MAGA people.
Sorry, but I don’t believe they will stay on the right side of morality. Their tendency toward mob behavior is well established.
Adam I don't know how you manage to keep your optimism going, but I really admire your courage and I agree with you that we just have to keep on keeping on. Thank you for being strong and helping us not give up
The alternate isn't a choice. 💪🏼🇺🇸✌🏼♥️
Agree.
My trust in humanity has been broken many times but I still want to give people at least a chance. If that trust is broken then it would be foolish not just be passive about it but you may be right.
They already believe absurdities; it’s a short leap to committing atrocities, according to people who are smarter than me.
It's not so much the goodness of people or lack thereof, but how quickly and easily so many unpatriotic and unAmerican things have become normalized. The Overton Window has shifted so fast. Do I think there were good people among the average German citizen during Hitler's reign? Yes, I do. See the problem here?
I fear that Trump and his goons are going to order some high- profile military tribunals and executions to terrorize us and shut us all up. I hope I'm wrong. I feel
like a stranger in my own country. I don't recognize this place anymore. I'm grateful for all the brave people- you, Adam, and Liz Cheney, the generals, even the comedians like Bill Maher and Jimmy Kimmel who speak the truth. I'm old and sick- I won't live long enough to see this ship right itself, but people like you give me hope.
My husband is in the military and I am worried about the rot spreading. If any institution can withstand the contamination, it's our military, but for four more years, and perhaps, beyond? I don't know.
Lisa, don't give the blowhard so much credit. He lives to fire people so Lina Kahn is gone as is Jack Smith... the DOJ is wrapping up its federal trials already. But are any of us here surprised? Nope.
He'll re-emerge in all his bullshit glamour glory and bask in it for a bit. Then he'll pardon the Jan. 1st insurrectionists (if possible) and fire every government employee and replace them with clueless know nothings. Yeah, let's see how that goes...people don't receive the benefits that they are used to and they're just gonna sit by and endlessly wait? I don't think so. And frankly, as soon as some of these things are settled, here comes the coup. The financial one.
And Musk has said, "Well, this getting rid of 2 trillion of debt is gonna be painful for awhile...".
M'k , Mr. Megalomaniac who wants to pay as little as possible to his faithful servants (aka employees) as well as avoid all payroll corporate taxes. Along with refusing to pay child support to at least one of his unfortunate children.
Be careful what you wish for...
Mari, IMO we are all going to have to suffer great economic decline in this country to get his supporters away from thinking he's the best. I cannot imagine if he dies in office (he's 78 now and looks to be in terrible shape, but hey, keep eating KFC) what would happen with Vance. Not sure if all the supporters would be ok with him to elect him again. So time will tell us and we all need to stay together, support Adam and those like him for whatever they can do to improve this country after it's sunk by this coming administration. I think Elon is right, we will suffer but lets see how long it goes on. If real estate goes up in price, rents on apartments, groceries will definitely go up, if all these tariffs are imposed as he says, we in for a world of hurt. Then if Russia takes over Ukraine, and with N. Korea and maybe even China involved set their sites on us, God help us.
We are no longer the United States of America, we are Divided states. Not saying we can't get back to unity. But for now, ...........
Lisa, I so hope you aren't correct, but I'm terrified that you are.....
Normalization is our biggest enemy in recent years, and currently. Ordinary citizens who bake pies for their neighbors are going to eventually normalize citizen deportation and even worse horrors. Don't believe it? Watch.
The wrong succeeds when those who do right let it happen. And, unfortunately, that's easy to do when one is intimidated. Alas!
Agree.
Thank you, Adam. Your writing and videos give guidance and hope!
Love Your Words Here Very Much
it will take years
I'm so sorry. I think we need to keep things in perspective...he's not Hitler. Hitler may be one of his heros (I do believe that to be the case), but he's no Hitler. Keep your head up. Understand how generational trauma can be playing into your emotions...and don't let it freeze you. (As someone with PTSD, I'm doing this myself.). Hang in there.
All valid points. He is not Hitler - yet. His beliefs, his supporters, might just be. I am also certain my Polish family and friends once said similarly. For certain, generational trauma, cellular memory is also at play. I am taking the day to practice some self care before I start thinking about next steps and what I can do to help prevent the future I am fearing. I may go visit my grandmothers grave this weekend to convene with her as well.
I know, I do. I'm just looking at this bumbling fool...and I do know Hitler was that too...I think, I hope, that there are enough checks and balances here...
he and his people have already described their plan to circumvent those checks and balances. and now he has the people ready and willing to do it.
hitler wasn't hitler until he was. it did get better but look how long it took and how far to the bottom it went. but we cannot give up the fight.
He's not Hitler...
Agree. He could be a new and improved version.
True.. but he's too stupid...really...he's a moron.
Hugs
My Cardiologist that I saw today said his 71 year old father said " Hell, I've been through all these elections for years, and it all seems the same. People moan about it, and yet we somehow survive as a nation. I don't know if I believe that completely, but it is true that for over 200 years of bickering we are still here. We have to fight the fascism though. We can't let what our parents fought and died for get forgotten! That would just be WRONG!
yes I have been through all these elections too but this is another level. this is a person and group who have found the loopholes of our rule of law and Constitution and willing to use them. they will fundamentally change our federal government and judiciary as much as they can. This is a person who doesn't care about checks and balances, willing to appoint people without the Senate confirming anyone. This is a person and group who don't care about ethics or civility. This is a person and group willing to threaten individuals and groups to get what they want. It will be hard for people to go against that.
Dear Suz, I'm with you. Our ancestors taught us through their tragedies how quickly mob violence can be stirred up by demagogues.
Thank you for understanding.
I am also crying, frightened and sad.
Thank you for sharing, Suz. While I admit that I am not super optimistic that people will change (I tend to wish people were more able to be a certain way and have a harder time accepting that they are just who they are, so this has been a struggle to witness), I do want to comment on your tattoo. Just keep going. I have been pondering to myself what it could and will be like under an autocratic rule. We know we're going there now and it is very unfamiliar to most of us. I have a friend who used to live in Russia and lives in another country now. I decided I'm going to message her and ask her a simple question: how did you do it? How do we survive this? (Now note, she is young and I was pretty surprised at some of the stuff she was saying publicly when Russian invaded Ukraine. I think her youth did not have repression the experience that subsequently they then had. She was feisty. And perhaps a bit naive. Not for me to know. She was brave. I saw that. And yes, she did get arrested three times and after the third time there was a distinct change and she got quiet. Then a year or so later was able to leave the country for a safe(r) one.). But. I want to hear from people who are making it through this. I know their lives are hard and maybe not our ideal. But they are doing it. I have no Venezuelan friends. nor North Korean, nor even Chinese. So I can't ask them. And unless they are out it is probably hard to get a real answer because it can endanger them to say things. I lived in Jordan in the Middle East during ISIS for a period of time and yes, I know the feeling that anything you say in a text or anywhere else can be watched.
So. My point is that I love your grandmother's famous phrase. Because Poland went through it. Really went through it. And your grandmother definitely did. So I'm going to put "just keep going" up somewhere in my house. And learn from those who have done it. All over the world. For many, many years.
We can do it too. It won't be our ideal or, as Adam says, I am not really looking forward to it. But let's find ways to strengthen ourselves and hold each other up and "just keep going." I'm with Adam. Assuming there is an election in 4 years, I'm guessing that there will be a lot of unhappy people who will blame the current administration for it, as they just did (accurate or not, but in Trump's case, blame will be accurate, because this is not going to be good). Maybe there will be some who remain in denial. We don't have to influence them all. We have to be able to touch _enough_ of them.
Hang in there, Suz. You are not alone. I'm sad that your grandmother is correct. I am a previous trauma therapist, so I know trauma is inherited and that you carry it within you. This feels very, very real to you. And indeed, it is real. It's not in your head, but you also probably feel it even more intensely than many of us. Be in shock. Grieve. Be angry. Reach out to those who you can reach out to. Never, never forget you are not alone and there are many with us. It will be a hard time. And we will "just keep going." And perhaps over time we can roll it back again the other way.
Lovely reply. Thank you. Truly. FWIW, I am currently reading Alexei Navalny (Russian opposition leader/lawyer/activist) memoir. I recommend. It could be a primer for our future - certainly lessons on what we might experience.
I agree, Suz. He was and is such an inspiration.
I totally understand as my family lived thru much loss and terror as well because of Hitler and Stalin. Somehow we have to keep strong and be vigilante.
We're gonna be ok. I want him to do all he says he will, then all of the eedjits in the country who were taken by this con man will be slapped in the face with what they truly voted for.
I was at a bar last evening (as I have been on 1 night each week with a lifelong friend for 46 years). I'm pretty certain that my friend voted for trump again! At that time the race had not been called. At some point I put my hand on my friend's shoulder and said "Mark my words. If trump wins, his supporters will all live to regret it." I got the feeling that he took this as a threat, but it was not. So I continued on by saying "His supporters all think that he will do good things for them, but he will not. The only one he cares about is himself and his rich friends. They all drank the kool aid." He still said that he thinks things will be okay. I replied that it will be years, if not decades, to recover from the damage trump has done. We then changed the subject. I'm very disappointed today and emotionally down, so I am going to do nothing for a day or two while 'recharging my batteries' 😉. Then I will get back to doing whatever I can to 'right the ship'!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 I just pray that trump doesn't destroy USa in the meantime!
I have to point out that a person who has the ability to manipulate half the country into overlooking his grotesque and malign character will be able to find new scapegoats when things go south on his watch. There may be no one as effective at this as Trump.
Don’t forget JD Vance.
And he did that last time.
I think that those who voted for him do not honestly believe that he will do the things that he says he will do. Talk about being delusional! Imagine their chagrin when he actually does do those grotesque and despicable things!
Exactly!
I hear you Richard, I had to take a personal day from work to try and process everything. At this moment, I feel like my country has died.
This is EXACTLY how I feel. And it's worse because it's such a tainted, bitter, loss. The betrayal of core values...emotionally and physical pain. Last night I sobbed into my husband's shoulder like I had lost a dear loved one. That's how it feels, but somehow, worse.
We are grieving
Richard, very brave of you to be honest with your friend! I truly do not think maga people believe he will do all the evil he purports. I believe we will be able to win over these magas in the future. Sad we had to get to this place to reach bottom. As we said the other day, we have to be be open to accept them to our side and not say "I told you so!"☺️ Rest up!
No, there will definitely be some "I told you so(s)!" ;-) Will be hard to resist, but must do... Lol
🤣
Good sport, Cindy! 😘
I've thought about that and decided to respond to them by saying "You got what you asked for so I don't understand why you are so upset." when they start bellyaching.
THAT is the only thing that could save us. When the MAGAs have had enough.
Agreed. Magas will have to be painfully and personally betrayed by Trump and his GOP crew before they will oppose him.
Hear, hear!
As we will all be slapped in the face.
I hear you and I understand the concern. But those who are stunned to see the result of what they've wished for are the first to turn around... "What the hell did I do?! I've been had!"
And no one wants to be taken advantage of; truly one of the worst feelings in the world. Betrayal stings badly and has a long memory.
I'm pretty much there, too. I want all of us to get what was voted for. Wish there was some way to insulate those of us who tried mightily to avoid this outcome, and my heart aches for the vulnerable people groups who will be most impacted. But we need to get this out of our system....and how else can we? I feel we need to suffer the disease people chose and then more may hopefully long for the cure (ie democratic norms and principles)?? We are a deeply selfish and myopic country. If this is what it takes, well, let's get started. Let's eat it up to the last morsel, and then some. I shudder to think of what's about to unfold.
It's the day after the disaster that was 2024 election.
I know that this is going to require a great personal sacrifice on your part but there is no other way now. You have to splinter the Republican party in order to save our democracy. You need to splinter the party and form a TRUE conservative party where conservatives can claim the middle ground between Democrats and MAGA Republicans. You might get some from the moderate right and the moderate left to join the party.
This may kill your political career but the country needs this to happen because we're teetering toward becoming Russia.
I'm a left leaning vet but I would support you in this effort till the end. I literally just paid for substack subscription just to send this message to you.
Thanks i appreciate this.
I also just subscribed to thank Adam for his sacrifice to our country in practically every way imaginable, and to thank him for being here and uplifting us this morning.
I just subscribed because I need to keep hearing people voice thoughts that are like mine.
Yes. That’s what is saving me today. This and The Bulwark community.
Exactly, that’s why I subscribe after Adam did his first Substack. I knew I needed this community.
Me too. Turning to clearly someone with a moral compass and a leader. It's hard to know where to turn...
Parker, Adam, and all others here: I am with you!
"The world is a dangerous place to live in, not because people are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." Albert Einstein.
We are not those people; we are the people who will continue to give it all we have to turn the ship back in the right direction - time, effort, patience!
I'm a centrist Democrat and agree with you totally. I do think many moderates on both sides of the center would join in.
It's my hope a viable 3rd party rises from the ashes of this debacle. A moderate centrist party is just what we need. A party with which both extremes must deal in order to govern.
I have been saying it all along, it was Democratic Party's election to lose. We need a party that will depart from identity politics, race-baiting and class warfare, a party that will represent majority of Americans, including politically homeless like many of us, but also a party which would absolutely stop vilifying and denigrating the other side. I am certain that the country is craving restoration of civility and respect and true law and order for all. Here is CNN exit poll, to prove my point https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2024/politics/2020-2016-exit-polls-2024-dg/
I've been calling myself politically homeless since 2016. I'm glad to learn I'm not the only one who feels this way.
Adam has already broken off from the maga GOP and formed the group, Country over Party. As far as I know, no one has formed an actual new political party yet? I agree that it's needed
I’m in mourning right now and may have to give myself a few days to pout….then let’s go Adam! Not ready to give up. Not going back!
Amen
Thank you Adam for your message and your Substack and the community you've created here. I agree with everything you said. Your point "How do you talk to people where they're at rather than where you want them to be." Yes, this is it. This is where we need to focus our attention.
I'm so grateful to you and this community.
Absolutely! Need a few days but then ready to get back to working toward a better choice for our country. Thanks Adam, for your stability and encouragement this afternoon. It was much needed and appreciated!! It is reassuring to know there is a voice of reason in the midst of this difficult situation. Keep up the good fight! ❤️💙🇺🇸
Thanks, Teresa. I needed to read this as I sit here tearing up.
Anyone notice how all the accusations of voter fraud have suddenly stopped? Apparently, it’s only fraudulent when he loses. I’m just numb today. And disgusted. I’m hoping this brings about the beginnings of a legitimate 3rd party with Adam and other brave, TRUE patriots leading us forward.
In a despicable paradox, I feel safe to go grocery shopping today, knowing that there are no angry MAGAs patrolling the streets as I expected. Just happy, (vengeful) MAGAs, feeling self satisfied.
Yup...I noticed.
I will take your encouragement to heart, but I'm deeply depressed and concerned. My worries are for those that will be persecuted by the Trump administration; LGBTQ, people of color, immigrants, legal and illegal, and people like you Adam and Liz and so many others that are on his enemies list. And certainly not least is the damage he'll do to the environment and our economy. Those will not be easy to recover from in 4 years, but will be effects that last for decades or longer.
There will be no avoidance from climate disaster now. Our time was very short to act; now closed. I fear not for myself, being 72, but for my grandchildren. My son, the father of two toddlers is in deep despair because he KNEW. He just can’t get past his guilt at bringing innocent life into this world that he knew was on the brink. He had a sliver of hope before last night. Now he is in a very dark place - and he has an advanced degree in “positive psychology”. And I don’t know how to help him. Because he’s not wrong, and I can’t insult him by pretending he is.
And Ukraine, and Gaza, and NATO……
So true. Add to that the Senate flipped Red and it looks like the House might too. It doesn't look like there are any guardrails left in Washington to defend USa!
David, and the damage trump will do to our already fractured relationships with our allies.
David, I too am grieving for those who will be persecuted by the Trump Administration and those who support him. I’m also concerned for my children and grandchildren and the world we are leaving them. I also agree that those who voted for this conman will soon see who he is and that he will not follow through with his promises. Right now I will take Adam’s advice seriously and work proactively to help our country. However, right now we need to rest and recover from last night’s nightmare!
I've honestly been having a panic attack for the past 12 hours because I'm only alive right now because of the ACA.
We will be here with you. The ACA will stay i think
The ACA will stay only if big business decrees it - which they probably will because insurance companies and big Pharma have been reaping the financial rewards. It has nothing to do with what’s right for the people.
Heartbroken 💔
We knew this was a possible outcome, and it brought me down hard. At first. Now I know we have to keep up the fight, no matter what. It’s up to all of us to fight back against every extremist move they will attempt. That’s done by starting at the local level, then county, state and Federal. We won’t go back.
Sadly, I think states will cease to be a “bulwark”. They will eviscerate “states rights”, which was always a scam for the benefit of the right wing only.
I’m grateful for you and your decency. You are a true patriot. Thank you for showing us your strength and helping us find ours. 💙
Total feeling of sadness. Read a post about a phrase the Navy Seals use when faced with adversity, “Full Benefit!”
I guess we have to view this as an opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger!”
To all the anti-Trumpers out there…FULL BENEFIT!
Please explain.
Understand the feelings of despair from many. However, we will continue to fight against the new regime stepping on human rights. There are quite a few governors and states’ attorneys general who will join you Adam in this battle. As will I.
Thanks!
Those laws will no longer matter. We are up against something much bigger.
You are very optimistic, but I genuinely don't believe he will be running the country. Those who are pulling strings in the background are planning to destroy our democracy. Without action, there may be no democracy left to save.
This is my belief as well. He is too old, too incoherent, too lost to be doing anything effectively. He is the puppet for Thiel, Bannon, Elon, Putin and others.
I believe his unhinged narcissistic personality could throw chaos into the plans of those who hope to pull strings behind the scenes. Maybe this clown show will help us regain some control at the midterms?🤞🏼
I understand your feelings but I pray you're wrong! 🙏
Adam, I am very concerned about your safety and that if your family. Also I am worried for Liz Cheney. I am grieving for our country, NATO, the world, Ukraine. I saw a quote a long time ago that said, loosely, When fascism arrives in the U.S. it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross. We are there now.
Yes, so many are worried about you and the Bulwark community, and the rest of the media and our heroes if this day came. Part of me wants to imagine you all making sure you're safe, even though I know you want to stay to protect our Democracy.
Me too. I wonder if we will even know, once the revenge starts. I’m terrified.
You’re a better man than i. I can’t kill myself, I don’t have that luxury, I have grandchildren and a family, but my first instinct is to search for a democracy elsewhere and ways to live there and leave here. I do not believe this nation will recover over the next millennium, and I have very few years left as it is. I just don’t want to support it in any way. It is morally indefensible to be an American.
Let's not talking about those grave things. This too shall pass. I don't mean that we should be passive. We should voice our opposition as loudly as possible but we just have to endure the next 4 years and hope that Trump doesn't break our democracy too much.
You hit the nail on the head: It is morally indefensible to be an American after 11/5/24. This country, collectively, is no better than any monster out there we claim to despise.
Sadly, I agree.
Thank you, Adam! For everything. We have lots of work ahead.