The main reason I upgraded to a paid subscription is so that I could comment about this and plead with Adam to switch parties or else form and lead a 3rd party made up of moderate Dems and non-MAGA disenchanted Republicans.
I think that I detected an undercurrent of what you desire in Adams video. If we all can contribute creative ideas for a platform that will appeal to most voters, perhaps a new political party is possible.
Sounds like a good idea. If one was quite close to where I live I would attend. As a retired senior I have limited resources for distant travel. I also think that in-person meetings are more effective.
It is, as evidenced by the likes of Musk, Bezos, and others who threw lots of big money into this election. The electorate needs to find a way to take big money out of the process. In the past I have suggested that (1) campaign ads (from ANY source, including PACs) be provided by the media as Government funded Public Service Announcements (PSAs) with equal time/funding given to each candidate and (2) every candidate can ONLY talk about what they will do or why someone should vote for them - NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS. These are only ideas that I have had. I'm certain others can come up with better ideas to accomplish taking big money out of campaigning.
Hear hear, I second the motion, I've always leaned to the left, but Adam would most likely be the first republican I'd actually vote for, assuming he still would identify as such. But yes, another party to stand away from the extremists would also be a fantastic approach and could very well gain a good amount of traction with the disenfranchised on both sides of the fence.
Or...hear me out... what if Democrats and Republicans share a ticket and blow up the entire antiquated system. A third party still only stands to split the vote. A coalition ticket would be strong.
There is one. Forward. Adam and Country First and all the others of either legacy party who despise authoritarians like Trump need to unite under one banner. I don't particularly care which banner, as long as they stand for the best ideals in this country.
All of the third parties have a small following. If these groups can somehow form a coalition then there is a chance. There are plenty of disaffected GOP and Dem voters looking for a new home, and reaching out to them could have a positive result. BTW, these will always be a grassroots effort starting with local communities. If the leadership of organizations like Country First, Forward, No Labels, Represent.Us, Open Primaries, and Unite America (and any others) were to start a dialog it could lead to something. There is a real need for something like this. Remember, strength in numbers. (BTW, I signed up on the Forward website a couple of years ago. There are a few others from Delaware.)
Thank you for the reply. I am soooo depressed at the thought of stopping support of Ukraine. It's the same thing that France and England did to the Czechs after WWI. They forced them to give up the Sudetenland for "appeasement". Look how well that worked out. I am afraid that Trump will also pull out of NATO. We ARE NATO!!!!! The world is falling part and Trump is the reason why. Frankly, I hope the Iranians get him!
And a coalition ticket would tend to appeal to moderate voters from all political persuasions, reducing the 'us versus them' mentality as well as the more extremist tendencies of both current political parties.
I think I agree with your point, but would word it a bit differently. All of us considering a third party should realize there is another order of business first. Thought of a successful third party within the current electoral structure is delusional. There are too many barries to entry. The first order of business is major electoral reform - open primaries, independent redistricting commission, campaign finance reform. Those are high hills to climb, but you don't attack the enemy head on, until you have weakened them first.
Agree, I don't think that third parties are any good when you have the kind of Constitution that the US has. They really only work in parliamentary governments. Imagine trying to get a President elected with three parties and the electoral college? What a mess that would be unless the electorate swallowed Congress picking the President every time. And I don't think that would fly....
That is why it is time for the Electoral College to be discontinued and every vote counts equally. Our Constitution doesn't specify a number of political parties and we have had many elections with a third party, sometimes actually garnering a lot of votes. Ross Perot actually got around 20 million votes when he ran. Yes, it tends to take voters away from one or the other major party, And yes, it is a difficult uphill endeavor and an incredible amount of work to build a new party and secure the necessary support, framework, funding, administration, and experienced leaders. Of course, just based on the number of staff and officials who resigned from Trump's previous term would make a good start. A new party likely wouldn't be successful for several elections, but I think about the millions of supporters Bernie Sanders had in his run and the disappointment when he dropped out. But the support he had was from the working class which the Democratic Party has all but lost. Anyway, it is something to consider. I'm sure it is a pipe dream. But I do think that the Republican Party of old is likely gone forever and should be renamed the MAGA Party.
Very good points. I think the issues with third party so far in the US are (and these are just a couple):
1. Lack of funding to get the message countrywide. When H. Clinton ran against Trump, we actually voted for a third party candidate. The guy was actually from Utah, Evan McMullin (heard of him, that’s my point), and he ran solely because he felt both Trump and H. Clinton were ethically flawed and so was Washington. He never came close, we thought of our vote as a kind of “protest” vote and then when we saw that Trump was elected, we were horrified. We did have a hierarchy: whereas we didn’t like Clinton, we would have voted for her over Trump. But ranking isn’t a choice.
2. One-issue politics. I’d never vote for Sanders. Not because I disagree with him on ethics but because he’s too extreme, too one issue. He wouldn’t care if inflation were soaring as long as there was social justice (if I’m misunderstanding him, I apologize, that’s my impression.) Of course I believe in social justice, it has a higher value for me than getting to outer space does. I believe in reproductive rights even though I am in my 70s (maybe BECAUSE I am in my 70s and saw too much) but no matter how much the Obamas tried to raise consciousness, it doesn’t matter as much to men and to some women who were raised to believe their main role in life is to have children.
3. Could a third party speak with any authority that they had the wherewithal to solve the issues they were talking about? Trust of the established parties is already low, would a third party restore that trust? Not right now, that’s for sure. You also said that.
Looking at other countries that have more than two main parties, you can see how long it took for them to establish themselves and some parties, like the Greens in Canada and the Lib Dems in the UK, have never come close to the seat of power nationally. I think—and I am only in the early stages of this—the best hope we have going forward for the kind of United States we all once thought existed, Lady Liberty, a chicken in every pot, opportunity for all, no racism, etc., etc…., is to do a lot more grassroots politicking and show kindness and caring the get-go, try to establish trust and links to people and parties at a local level. And get them to identify those good results with the gov’t.
A very long time ago, my parents went on a Caribbean cruise and met a couple of Cubans who had immigrated to Florida. They told my stepmom a story about Cuba that she found powerful: they said that the way Castro infiltrated was that, when he came into power, the teachers were told to teach a certain way. They were told to have the children close their eyes and pray to God for a candy. Then they were told to open their eyes—nothing. Then they were told to close their eyes again and pray to Castro. The teacher quietly put a candy on each child’s desk and, when they opened them, the teacher said “That’s who grants your wishes.”
Simplistic and perhaps untrue but there’s a lesson there, a very basic lesson about politics and authoritarianism.
Even having the Electoral votes for the state to be allocated proportionally would be a start. I think the Founders never realized what the future held when they wrote the Constitution, but they did put in Article V!
We NEED to split the vote! 63% of voters wanted to choose so.ething else. The two major parties have lost it!
I think it is VERY possible to create a unified platform.
We can all agree Demicracy is important.
We can all agree that personal freedom is important.
We can all agree integrity is important.
We can all agree that free enterprise is essential.
We can all agree equal opportunity needs to be protected.
Let's start with what we all agree on. Let's not focus on what separates us! The list if agreed upon items will grow abd help us develop an agenda for a new party.
There are plenty of centrist Democrats who feel alienated by identity politics. I really appreciate Adam's focus on solutions. Whatever form a third party or coalition ticket might take, I firmly believe the task ahead is to find ways to empower the reality-based center.
Yes but not just disenchanted Republicans, but disenchanted Americans. How do former Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Green, current Independents etc, all fit in the same room. What's binds us is the desire for representative government and desire to tackle issues, not exploit their existence for political leverage. But that organization needs to be big tent organization. There is strength in numbers
YOU BET! I am sick of what the Republican Party has become. Patti Davis, Reagan's daughter was interviewed I think by Meet the Press. She was asked what her father would think of what the party has become under Trump. She said he would be heartbroken and appalled and would NOT be a part of it. The GOP is now the Godawful Obsolete Party! Please Adam, would you and maybe Liz and Mitt, Jeff Flake, et al, save us from this misery. I know it would take money. Maybe we can have OUR Billionaires too. I know that it would take a lot of work but it would really be worth it! Maybe we could call it the RINO party because we couldn't kiss Trumps fat ass without sticking our sharp horns up his Butt! It's food for thought.
Yeah, I agree. The Lincoln Party perhaps? But, if that should materialize... they should think strategically, and not run against the Democratic party, since I would consider them allies. But it could make sense to run candidates of that newly formed party were Democrats have no chance of succeeding anyway (in red/deep red districts), or their candidate is extremely weak.
We wouldn't want to imply that the Party is based just on Republicans which the Lincoln Party or RINO Party as someone suggested. The "new" Party needs to appeal to moderate Democrats and disenchanted and moderate Republicans. So any name would need to be generic and representative of every American - Democrat, Republican, Independent. I was thinking something like the Moderate Party, the Centrist Party, the Majority Party, American Constitution Party. The most appropriate name would be "the Normal Party". LOL
And the color that represents them would be Purple, which is often used to describe states that are more centrist in their voting patterns by sometimes siding with either of the two current parties.
The name will come, at some point we need the stakes in the ground for the big ideas. I propose strong defense, grow the economy for everyone, respect for the rule of law, support of the Constitution and the rights it protects and freedoms it gives, and sensible regulations that protect the American people and support small business growth.
How about a New Party comprised of Disenchanted Republicans, Green Party folks wanting to strengthen their chance of sharing their best ideas effectively and Democrats willing to share their best ideas for working folks of all races?
It’s a little like starting a new political platform, whatever shape it takes, named or nameless. Everything eventually gets a name but what’s important now is what you’re talking about: reestablishing a forward looking vision that resonates.
100% on board with this - thank you! Including the part about stepping back and pacing ourselves for the long haul.
Just a few comments:
- on the transgender commercials: I am very concerned that the hate and vitriol will easily spill over to innocent biological females who don’t look “feminine enough” and the slippery slope goes all the way down to killing title IX, women’s sports leagues, and other professions where women have the opportunity to accumulate wealth and power.
- I really believe that in formulating a new platform we need to go out and engage with the people who voted for the winner. I think it is a big mistake that Ds have made to explicitly or implicitly exclude males, especially white males, from their coalition.
- we cannot have a victim mentality and cannot have a narrative that focuses on rectifying historical grievances.
- it might be worth looking back at some aspects of Pete Buttigieg’s platform when he ran as Mayor Pete in 2020.
- many people even loyal Ds are frustrated with the inefficiencies and waste in government and not knowing how their tax dollars are spent. Fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability might resonate well.
- we need social media and podcast channels that pop. I just became aware today of Bari Weiss’s site The Free Press and how influential it has become.
- sometimes maybe the end justifies the means. we need a savvy media strategist to help us get into the feeds and channels of the majority, recognizing that emotion sells.
Another goal for me would be try, some way, some how, to get the obscene amount of money out of politics. Again the Supreme Court effis it all up. Why should someone be allowed to funnel several billion dollars into a campaign and we never know who it is. The amount of money in this election cycle could completely save all the worlds problems I swear. THAT is part of what is destroying us.
You are correct about cis women getting caught up in the transphobia; we've been seeing this already happening in sports and those ridiculous "bathroom laws" where police were called on cis women and harassed. We all suffer with gender policing, and I think that we need more and better education and engagement on trans issues - which includes more welcoming forums for people with questions to be able to ask good faith questions and get answers/info without fearing being called "evil" for not understanding things.
Love your suggestion about social media and podcasts! We had the same problem with talk radio back in the 90s and 00s where conservative talk radio like Limbaugh got so much more funding and support compared to liberal talk radio, and that media reached a LOT of people on their commutes. And we're seeing similar things happening now. So finding ways to create, promote, and boost progressive content, especially by men of different backgrounds, would be a GREAT strategic issue for people to work on. And making it about offering community first, ideas second, is the way the do it. Men and boys are starving for belonging and community right now, and the only ones offering it where they're not being judged is right wing media. That needs to change. If you build it, they will come!
But also to Adam’s point about there being some aspects of the party plank that we grin and bear/rationalize to go along:
- I struggle with abortion. I think there is something deeply morally troubling about it, but I also think childbearing and family decisions are intensely private matters. Instead of coming out so forcefully pro-abortion, I would like to see a platform that focuses on privacy and agency in healthcare decisions. We (men and women) should all have the right to consult with who we want in these matters without a government mandate.
- labor unions. Instead of categorically supporting labor unions, I’d like to frame the issue as understanding the need for workers to have safe and humane working conditions.
- marijuana legalization. Is this really a hot button issue if it’s already legalized in the states?
- lowering the cost of prescription drugs. This presumes that everyone is or should be dependent upon prescription drugs. Could we focus on incentivizing healthy habits?
I guess my main beef is that the historical D platform just seems a little dated and tone deaf, more like pandering to their supporting special groups than actually addressing real issues that people care about.
Changing the lens on the issues is part of the point, I think. How do we learn a shared perspective that will prevent billionaires/extremists from weaponizing our individual values against the unity that is crucial for meaningful impact?
-pro-life is a weaponized term. Its implications make it so. You are correct, healthcare privacy is the essential element (for so many reasons). Circumstances of health can be unpredictable necessitating difficult and deeply private decisions. We should not want to decide for others, if we object to the idea of others deciding for us.
-think workforce support and engagement; let the workforce tell us what they need, not the other way around.
- safety in marijuana use should be where we’re headed, if we want to make progress on this issue. Protesting its use when it has been a part of our culture for decades is a waste of money, resources and time.
-an all-inclusive party must consider the economic impact of healthcare across the lifespan, but yes more focus should be placed on health promotion and disease mitigation…think diverse and multigenerational healthcare needs. Health promotion is far less expensive than treatment and disease management can be performed by a variety of licensed healthcare disciplines (crucial when considering supposed physician shortages)…think about changing the billing structure to support this change.
We also cannot ignore the facts, though. It is true, supported by data, that the birth rate in the US has been declining, and if you are the government this is a problem for economic, political, and national security reasons. But, I think as Adam has hinted at, there should be humane, cost effective ways of encouraging and supporting family making without punishing people who choose not to. We should look at the reasons people are choosing not to have families. The problem is that it is more expensive to support families than to criminalize abortion, and it is hard to impose efficiency and accountability on government-supported programs.
What right wing media has done really well is include just enough moderate content to be able to frame themselves as the “truth”, “independent,” “free press”, “fair and balanced,” etc. This draws people in and once these outlets are filling people’s feeds (via attention based algorithms), it’s game over unless the viewer really has strong self discipline and intentionally seeks out a variety of sources.
Another thing I think they’ve done really well is A/B testing of different themes and messages on the different social media platforms to see which ones have traction or go viral.
What right wing media has done really well is include just enough moderate content to be able to frame themselves as the “truth”, “independent,” “free press”, “fair and balanced,” etc. This draws people in and once these outlets are filling people’s feeds (via attention based algorithms), it’s game over unless the viewer really has strong self discipline and intentionally seeks out a variety of sources.
I also want to mention infuriating but effective micro targeting. Some examples:
- the awful transgender commercial was shown to us when we were watching a college football game on the SEC channel, but not via our local channels into Northern California
- the pro-Trump commercials beamed into our area literally and disingenuously parroted Harris talking points: I will be a president for all people, etc.
Oh wow. I hadn't heard about that micro-targeting. The political Right has always been extremely effective at this type of thing in my experience. I hate it, but I have to respect it.
Thanks! And if anyone is in here listening on behalf of the incoming administration, I offer these thoughts for consideration. As always, I support whoever is President and hope they are successful! ❤️🇺🇸
Get some rest and stay safe, Adam. We're gonna get through this. Look at all you have been through already and focus on the future. I'm with you about not letting anger burn us out to the point of inaction.
I also agree about there needing to be open minds about truly finding a "new way forward." My Democracy Coalition (aka dream team) is: you, Walz, Pritzker, Raskin, and Crockett.
I'm at the point in my voting life where I see candidates as Moderate or Not... regardless of affiliation.
I hope with all my heart for another fair, free election in our country. Sending you so much love and light in this time. Stay brave, Adam. We see you and appreciate you.
Don't feel hopeless. To a certain extent, anger is a good thing, as long as we utilize our anger to take action towards correcting whatever it is that we feel angry about. That is the healthy response to anger. Anger in the absence of taking any effort to correct its cause results in a hopeless feeling and makes us feel even worse.
As James Connolly, one of the Irish rebel leaders in 1916 said before he was murdered by the British in retaliation for his part in the Rising, "We shall rise again." And so they did, and out of that came Eire - the Republic of Ireland. These people think they have a monopoly on the use of force. They do not.
As you may recall from some earlier correspondence, I was a combat Marine at the "tip of the spear" in my younger days, and even at my age, I can still handle a rifle, which, like riding a bicycle, you never forget.
I hoped I had left those days behind, but it looks like the world is intent on pushing me back into it. Pity, but there it is. I hope it doesn't come to that but if it does, there are many like me who believe as we do who would be willing to stand up once more. I can think of no better things than in standing up for everything I believe to be right, among which is the Constitution (written by one of my cousins, which include the first five Presidents of this country) after the Revolution (which my thrice great-grandfather fought in)
Other things worth defending are Black and other minority rights (which my great-grandfather helped gain by his participation as a Union soldier in the Civil War), and other important values, like women's rights.
I have never gone down easy, and I never will, so let whoever wants to harm me or my kin or friends, or destroy democracy come as they will, I will be ready - and woe to those who come with ill intent.
I am 73 now and I don't expect Trump to be here another four years. He could go bang at any time because of his horribly dissipated lifestyle. Vance or whatever his name is today can be removed from office solely on his inexperience and the falsehoods that he pushes. I look for MAGA to unravel as voters realize the mistake they made.
Knowing Putin, Kim, etc. I halfway expect incoming threats if not actual attacks as America is seen by these people as being at its weakest point.
Should the Dems take the House in 2026, I look for lots more trouble for MAGA. A few months of full-scale Project 2025 should turn off most of their fans.
I'm going to stand up here for the Democratic Party. Ive been a proud Democrat all my life and while I don't 100% agree with every single policy position, they are the party that most aligns with my values. The MAGA party is very good at taking something like compassion or empathy and labeling it "woke", then twisting it into something warped and sinister. If wanting everyone to have equal rights and protections, whether it's women or trans people, or Black people, or people with disabilities, is woke then guilty as charged. And the way they demonized DEI is off the charts. The Democratic Party is the party that brought you Social Security & Medicare, voting rights, an affordable healthcare option - we want women to make their own healthcare decisions and now bleed out in parking lots. We want sensible gun reforms so that kids aren't terrified to go to school. Why do people think that's extremist? Because you're led to believe that these moderate, sensible policies are "extreme left" or "woke". Like, how does someone else's pronouns affect your life? I ask this because apparently people are willing to throw away our democracy because it bothers them so much.
I haven't given up on the Democratic Party. I just want to beat the existence out of MAGA...and we need a new approach that still acknowledges our beloved ideals/ identity but that doesn't leave us in a stalemate... again.
I agree. I am a lifelong Democrat, but I am a moderate and not really in line with the far left branch of our party or what they call "identity politics". I am definitely for equality and rights, but instead of focusing too much on the issues of the few, I wanted Dems to focus on the majority while ensuring that we were inclusive of everyone. I am fed up with the right villainizing undocumented immigrants. I live in Texas and I can't even imagine how anything would get done without these immigrants who are willing and actually do the jobs few Americans are willing to do. No one would get a new roof, get their house built, yards mowed, house remodeled or painted, roads built or improved, etc. I do not believe that they are what Trump says. I am sure, like any segment of population, there may be some who become a criminal, but every one that I have encountered has been a very hard worker, very respectful, and honest. But ever since the Jan 6th hearings, I have been in awe of Adam Kinzinger. He is the most ethical and honest Republican since John McCain and I enjoy watching and getting his perspective on CNN. All year I had hoped that he would throw his hat in the ring and run as a Democrat candidate. I truly think he could have won. I know that a combined moderate Rep and Dem Party is an ideal concept and I hope it can be realized at some point. But, in the meantime, Adam doesn't have a prayer of winning a seat or presidency in the MAGA majority party. So I truly wish he would make the move over to the Dem Party and help us move to the middle! My opinion anyway.
Perhaps the country is no longer what we once thought it was. I'm not convinced that any post mortem will sufficiently explain why so many people support an angry autocratic leader of such obviously low character. If Trump is in fact a "transformational leader" then what does that say about us as a nation now and what would be the catalyst for change?
By the way, isn't it rich that the man who lies about foreign countries releasing convicts from their prisons and sending them to the US is going to do exactly that when he pardons the convicted J6 rioters?
Exactly. And I disagree with Pres Biden again since I just read today that he will not pardon his son. Trump will pardon himself, scared off Jack Smith, he will pardon his Jan 6th thugs, and I keep seeing nasty House GOP reps claiming they are going full force against Hunter. Jeez. He isn't anybody in our government. Give it a rest. But that is the influence Trump has brought to our government now - vengeance and retribution and chaos. I have no doubt that they will decide to impeach Pres Biden like happened to Trump after Jan 6th and they will probably try to go after Hillary again. I'm sick of this. They get nothing accomplished that is good for America while they are hunting "witches". Certainly Hunter was guilty of some wrongdoing, but he is a private citizen and this should not be a focus of Congressional hearings.
I understand your sentiment, but I commend Biden for standing on principal. Until this summer, this country operated on the principal that no one is above the law. That changed when the Supreme Court (whom, except for three Justices, I no longer have any respect for), decided that a President, acting in an official capacity, is now immune from prosecution (i.e. is above the law). Just because trump, his 'stacked' Supreme Court and other maga loyalists see themselves as above the law, doesn't make it right for anyone with decency and character to stoop so low.
The catslyst for change will be the intense pain every American will feel as a result of mass deportations, price increases due to trump's tariffs, pardoning of convicted J6 felons, weaponization of the Justice Department and many other promises trump has made. The time will come when his supporters (along with the rest of us) will feel that pain and look elsewhere for a better America.
And, unfortunately, for all of us, he will be demanding and appointing only loyalists to him, so there will be no safeguards in place to prevent him from throwing out the Constitution, taking over the Justice Department, etc. like we had the last time. With a MAGA Senate and House we have no one to protect our Democracy from a president focused on vengeance.
True, and all of those things may come to pass. As I have said before, trump's supporters will live to regret their support for him. The more 'off the rails' he and his yes-men go, and the faster it happens, the sooner his supporters will feel the pain and stop supporting him.
Exactly! What could make good people, and I personally know, good people that proudly voted for him, voted for this monster.. think the democrats got too far off track thinking everyone would see Trump and MAGA for what it was and believe they, even though very progressive, would still be the best option. I don’t think college students calling for global infitada and support for terrorism is non violent free speech, it’s just not. It’s hateful evil raising its head and dems needed to condemn it harshly, and root out the support for it at the source.
Adam, I appreciate your unwavering commitment to your ideals, convictions and tenets to sane governance. Most of those in this Substack community possess those same principles. We are not a coalition of cookie cutter beliefs as some of us have differing opinions on how to solve issues. But what we do believe is that there is a way to discuss the differences and still see and know that other person is a human being with loved ones and a story just like us. We won’t give up helping to make this country a more perfect union that works for all Americans. After all, isn’t that the whole point of a government, to exist “for the people”, to help them live their best lives? Otherwise why have a government. You lead, we will follow.
I agree. I'm ashamed to say I had to Google Wes Moore... WOW, he's impressive. Adam is still my favorite, but I admire all 3 (Adam, Pete, and Wes) for their military service and because they truly embody service leadership & loyalty to our Constitution.
I consider myself a moderate. Depending on the issue I lean conservatively or liberally (though to the reactionary MAGA wingnuts, I'm considered a "radical"). I am thankful for common sense, honest people like you, and especially am very thankful that you are an "old school Republican" who isn't intertwined with Christofascist chicanery.
It's nice knowing that people like you exist and are out there working tirelessly to ensure we keep as much of our current freedoms as possible with the looming threat of MAGA in charge.
I would love to see easier metrics on candidates. While they may be funded by big donors, our vote elects them and we need clear info on who is funding them, how they have voted, have they been arrested for DUI? etc. (The young voters I speak with don't feel confident evaluating candidates - they are used to looking at google ratings when evaluating things.)
And so many of my friends are fiscally conservative but socially progressive (i.e. trust women & their doctors to make medical & reproductive decisions and "mind your own business" regarding what consenting adults do in their bedroom/who they love/their family situation)
This is a good point about people losing our attention spans and our critical thinking skills. It is only going to get worse as AI becomes more pervasive in doing our thinking for us. I wish there was a way we could incentivize tech away from their worst impulses.
Adam for POTUS 2028 (hopefully there will be a free and fair election)!
The main reason I upgraded to a paid subscription is so that I could comment about this and plead with Adam to switch parties or else form and lead a 3rd party made up of moderate Dems and non-MAGA disenchanted Republicans.
I think that I detected an undercurrent of what you desire in Adams video. If we all can contribute creative ideas for a platform that will appeal to most voters, perhaps a new political party is possible.
I think a series of C1 conclaves should be organized across the country
Sounds like a good idea. If one was quite close to where I live I would attend. As a retired senior I have limited resources for distant travel. I also think that in-person meetings are more effective.
It’s all about the money!
It is, as evidenced by the likes of Musk, Bezos, and others who threw lots of big money into this election. The electorate needs to find a way to take big money out of the process. In the past I have suggested that (1) campaign ads (from ANY source, including PACs) be provided by the media as Government funded Public Service Announcements (PSAs) with equal time/funding given to each candidate and (2) every candidate can ONLY talk about what they will do or why someone should vote for them - NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS. These are only ideas that I have had. I'm certain others can come up with better ideas to accomplish taking big money out of campaigning.
Yes!!!!
Hear hear, I second the motion, I've always leaned to the left, but Adam would most likely be the first republican I'd actually vote for, assuming he still would identify as such. But yes, another party to stand away from the extremists would also be a fantastic approach and could very well gain a good amount of traction with the disenfranchised on both sides of the fence.
Absolutely!
Isn’t it time that a 3rd party be formed by the disenchanted Republicans?
Or...hear me out... what if Democrats and Republicans share a ticket and blow up the entire antiquated system. A third party still only stands to split the vote. A coalition ticket would be strong.
There is one. Forward. Adam and Country First and all the others of either legacy party who despise authoritarians like Trump need to unite under one banner. I don't particularly care which banner, as long as they stand for the best ideals in this country.
Freeman,I absolutely agree. See my post. Who is going to herd the cats?
Oooh, let's not mention cats anymore....
Tnx., Frank. I generally don't post these days, because I haven't time to keep up with these threads, but thank you for the kind comment.
THAT is a real question and when egos start getting in the way , we get the results we got on Tuesday.
We belong to the Forward Party, but it has a VERY small following, unfortunately.
All of the third parties have a small following. If these groups can somehow form a coalition then there is a chance. There are plenty of disaffected GOP and Dem voters looking for a new home, and reaching out to them could have a positive result. BTW, these will always be a grassroots effort starting with local communities. If the leadership of organizations like Country First, Forward, No Labels, Represent.Us, Open Primaries, and Unite America (and any others) were to start a dialog it could lead to something. There is a real need for something like this. Remember, strength in numbers. (BTW, I signed up on the Forward website a couple of years ago. There are a few others from Delaware.)
Thank you for the reply. I am soooo depressed at the thought of stopping support of Ukraine. It's the same thing that France and England did to the Czechs after WWI. They forced them to give up the Sudetenland for "appeasement". Look how well that worked out. I am afraid that Trump will also pull out of NATO. We ARE NATO!!!!! The world is falling part and Trump is the reason why. Frankly, I hope the Iranians get him!
And a coalition ticket would tend to appeal to moderate voters from all political persuasions, reducing the 'us versus them' mentality as well as the more extremist tendencies of both current political parties.
I agree with this - been thinking the same. It's time. Let the Phoenix (bird) rise from the ashes with a clearer, cleaner, more inclusive intent.
I think I agree with your point, but would word it a bit differently. All of us considering a third party should realize there is another order of business first. Thought of a successful third party within the current electoral structure is delusional. There are too many barries to entry. The first order of business is major electoral reform - open primaries, independent redistricting commission, campaign finance reform. Those are high hills to climb, but you don't attack the enemy head on, until you have weakened them first.
Agree, I don't think that third parties are any good when you have the kind of Constitution that the US has. They really only work in parliamentary governments. Imagine trying to get a President elected with three parties and the electoral college? What a mess that would be unless the electorate swallowed Congress picking the President every time. And I don't think that would fly....
That is why it is time for the Electoral College to be discontinued and every vote counts equally. Our Constitution doesn't specify a number of political parties and we have had many elections with a third party, sometimes actually garnering a lot of votes. Ross Perot actually got around 20 million votes when he ran. Yes, it tends to take voters away from one or the other major party, And yes, it is a difficult uphill endeavor and an incredible amount of work to build a new party and secure the necessary support, framework, funding, administration, and experienced leaders. Of course, just based on the number of staff and officials who resigned from Trump's previous term would make a good start. A new party likely wouldn't be successful for several elections, but I think about the millions of supporters Bernie Sanders had in his run and the disappointment when he dropped out. But the support he had was from the working class which the Democratic Party has all but lost. Anyway, it is something to consider. I'm sure it is a pipe dream. But I do think that the Republican Party of old is likely gone forever and should be renamed the MAGA Party.
Very good points. I think the issues with third party so far in the US are (and these are just a couple):
1. Lack of funding to get the message countrywide. When H. Clinton ran against Trump, we actually voted for a third party candidate. The guy was actually from Utah, Evan McMullin (heard of him, that’s my point), and he ran solely because he felt both Trump and H. Clinton were ethically flawed and so was Washington. He never came close, we thought of our vote as a kind of “protest” vote and then when we saw that Trump was elected, we were horrified. We did have a hierarchy: whereas we didn’t like Clinton, we would have voted for her over Trump. But ranking isn’t a choice.
2. One-issue politics. I’d never vote for Sanders. Not because I disagree with him on ethics but because he’s too extreme, too one issue. He wouldn’t care if inflation were soaring as long as there was social justice (if I’m misunderstanding him, I apologize, that’s my impression.) Of course I believe in social justice, it has a higher value for me than getting to outer space does. I believe in reproductive rights even though I am in my 70s (maybe BECAUSE I am in my 70s and saw too much) but no matter how much the Obamas tried to raise consciousness, it doesn’t matter as much to men and to some women who were raised to believe their main role in life is to have children.
3. Could a third party speak with any authority that they had the wherewithal to solve the issues they were talking about? Trust of the established parties is already low, would a third party restore that trust? Not right now, that’s for sure. You also said that.
Looking at other countries that have more than two main parties, you can see how long it took for them to establish themselves and some parties, like the Greens in Canada and the Lib Dems in the UK, have never come close to the seat of power nationally. I think—and I am only in the early stages of this—the best hope we have going forward for the kind of United States we all once thought existed, Lady Liberty, a chicken in every pot, opportunity for all, no racism, etc., etc…., is to do a lot more grassroots politicking and show kindness and caring the get-go, try to establish trust and links to people and parties at a local level. And get them to identify those good results with the gov’t.
A very long time ago, my parents went on a Caribbean cruise and met a couple of Cubans who had immigrated to Florida. They told my stepmom a story about Cuba that she found powerful: they said that the way Castro infiltrated was that, when he came into power, the teachers were told to teach a certain way. They were told to have the children close their eyes and pray to God for a candy. Then they were told to open their eyes—nothing. Then they were told to close their eyes again and pray to Castro. The teacher quietly put a candy on each child’s desk and, when they opened them, the teacher said “That’s who grants your wishes.”
Simplistic and perhaps untrue but there’s a lesson there, a very basic lesson about politics and authoritarianism.
Even having the Electoral votes for the state to be allocated proportionally would be a start. I think the Founders never realized what the future held when they wrote the Constitution, but they did put in Article V!
What about computers designing electoral districts?
I have seen articles on how this works but I'm not that computer saavy.
We NEED to split the vote! 63% of voters wanted to choose so.ething else. The two major parties have lost it!
I think it is VERY possible to create a unified platform.
We can all agree Demicracy is important.
We can all agree that personal freedom is important.
We can all agree integrity is important.
We can all agree that free enterprise is essential.
We can all agree equal opportunity needs to be protected.
Let's start with what we all agree on. Let's not focus on what separates us! The list if agreed upon items will grow abd help us develop an agenda for a new party.
That is a positive stance. Keep what works and go on from there!
Interesting! Now that's thinking out of the box!
There are plenty of centrist Democrats who feel alienated by identity politics. I really appreciate Adam's focus on solutions. Whatever form a third party or coalition ticket might take, I firmly believe the task ahead is to find ways to empower the reality-based center.
I'm one of those centrist Democrats (and long ago Republican). Just joined here.
Welcome Margaret! We need you!
Lets get a mission statement, visions and goals going after we’ve had a breather.
There's one of our management leaders!!
Yes but not just disenchanted Republicans, but disenchanted Americans. How do former Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Green, current Independents etc, all fit in the same room. What's binds us is the desire for representative government and desire to tackle issues, not exploit their existence for political leverage. But that organization needs to be big tent organization. There is strength in numbers
Yes, John. You stated it better than I did. Democracy, Ecology and Equity!
YOU BET! I am sick of what the Republican Party has become. Patti Davis, Reagan's daughter was interviewed I think by Meet the Press. She was asked what her father would think of what the party has become under Trump. She said he would be heartbroken and appalled and would NOT be a part of it. The GOP is now the Godawful Obsolete Party! Please Adam, would you and maybe Liz and Mitt, Jeff Flake, et al, save us from this misery. I know it would take money. Maybe we can have OUR Billionaires too. I know that it would take a lot of work but it would really be worth it! Maybe we could call it the RINO party because we couldn't kiss Trumps fat ass without sticking our sharp horns up his Butt! It's food for thought.
Yeah, I agree. The Lincoln Party perhaps? But, if that should materialize... they should think strategically, and not run against the Democratic party, since I would consider them allies. But it could make sense to run candidates of that newly formed party were Democrats have no chance of succeeding anyway (in red/deep red districts), or their candidate is extremely weak.
We wouldn't want to imply that the Party is based just on Republicans which the Lincoln Party or RINO Party as someone suggested. The "new" Party needs to appeal to moderate Democrats and disenchanted and moderate Republicans. So any name would need to be generic and representative of every American - Democrat, Republican, Independent. I was thinking something like the Moderate Party, the Centrist Party, the Majority Party, American Constitution Party. The most appropriate name would be "the Normal Party". LOL
And the color that represents them would be Purple, which is often used to describe states that are more centrist in their voting patterns by sometimes siding with either of the two current parties.
or the New Democracy Party....?
I like that. Or another idea is the All American Party.
OR the UNITED PARTY?
The name will come, at some point we need the stakes in the ground for the big ideas. I propose strong defense, grow the economy for everyone, respect for the rule of law, support of the Constitution and the rights it protects and freedoms it gives, and sensible regulations that protect the American people and support small business growth.
Country First Party????
How about a New Party comprised of Disenchanted Republicans, Green Party folks wanting to strengthen their chance of sharing their best ideas effectively and Democrats willing to share their best ideas for working folks of all races?
Our mascot could be a rhino. Never a lion.
Good suggestion, but perhaps rather an American animal?
It’s a little like starting a new political platform, whatever shape it takes, named or nameless. Everything eventually gets a name but what’s important now is what you’re talking about: reestablishing a forward looking vision that resonates.
100% on board with this - thank you! Including the part about stepping back and pacing ourselves for the long haul.
Just a few comments:
- on the transgender commercials: I am very concerned that the hate and vitriol will easily spill over to innocent biological females who don’t look “feminine enough” and the slippery slope goes all the way down to killing title IX, women’s sports leagues, and other professions where women have the opportunity to accumulate wealth and power.
- I really believe that in formulating a new platform we need to go out and engage with the people who voted for the winner. I think it is a big mistake that Ds have made to explicitly or implicitly exclude males, especially white males, from their coalition.
- we cannot have a victim mentality and cannot have a narrative that focuses on rectifying historical grievances.
- it might be worth looking back at some aspects of Pete Buttigieg’s platform when he ran as Mayor Pete in 2020.
- many people even loyal Ds are frustrated with the inefficiencies and waste in government and not knowing how their tax dollars are spent. Fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability might resonate well.
- we need social media and podcast channels that pop. I just became aware today of Bari Weiss’s site The Free Press and how influential it has become.
- sometimes maybe the end justifies the means. we need a savvy media strategist to help us get into the feeds and channels of the majority, recognizing that emotion sells.
really good points
Another goal for me would be try, some way, some how, to get the obscene amount of money out of politics. Again the Supreme Court effis it all up. Why should someone be allowed to funnel several billion dollars into a campaign and we never know who it is. The amount of money in this election cycle could completely save all the worlds problems I swear. THAT is part of what is destroying us.
Agreed. Why is Elon here?
Great observation Pamela! This really needs to be regulated! Plus not allowing free rein on election lies as freedom of speech!
Great points here!
You are correct about cis women getting caught up in the transphobia; we've been seeing this already happening in sports and those ridiculous "bathroom laws" where police were called on cis women and harassed. We all suffer with gender policing, and I think that we need more and better education and engagement on trans issues - which includes more welcoming forums for people with questions to be able to ask good faith questions and get answers/info without fearing being called "evil" for not understanding things.
Love your suggestion about social media and podcasts! We had the same problem with talk radio back in the 90s and 00s where conservative talk radio like Limbaugh got so much more funding and support compared to liberal talk radio, and that media reached a LOT of people on their commutes. And we're seeing similar things happening now. So finding ways to create, promote, and boost progressive content, especially by men of different backgrounds, would be a GREAT strategic issue for people to work on. And making it about offering community first, ideas second, is the way the do it. Men and boys are starving for belonging and community right now, and the only ones offering it where they're not being judged is right wing media. That needs to change. If you build it, they will come!
But also to Adam’s point about there being some aspects of the party plank that we grin and bear/rationalize to go along:
- I struggle with abortion. I think there is something deeply morally troubling about it, but I also think childbearing and family decisions are intensely private matters. Instead of coming out so forcefully pro-abortion, I would like to see a platform that focuses on privacy and agency in healthcare decisions. We (men and women) should all have the right to consult with who we want in these matters without a government mandate.
- labor unions. Instead of categorically supporting labor unions, I’d like to frame the issue as understanding the need for workers to have safe and humane working conditions.
- marijuana legalization. Is this really a hot button issue if it’s already legalized in the states?
- lowering the cost of prescription drugs. This presumes that everyone is or should be dependent upon prescription drugs. Could we focus on incentivizing healthy habits?
I guess my main beef is that the historical D platform just seems a little dated and tone deaf, more like pandering to their supporting special groups than actually addressing real issues that people care about.
Changing the lens on the issues is part of the point, I think. How do we learn a shared perspective that will prevent billionaires/extremists from weaponizing our individual values against the unity that is crucial for meaningful impact?
-pro-life is a weaponized term. Its implications make it so. You are correct, healthcare privacy is the essential element (for so many reasons). Circumstances of health can be unpredictable necessitating difficult and deeply private decisions. We should not want to decide for others, if we object to the idea of others deciding for us.
-think workforce support and engagement; let the workforce tell us what they need, not the other way around.
- safety in marijuana use should be where we’re headed, if we want to make progress on this issue. Protesting its use when it has been a part of our culture for decades is a waste of money, resources and time.
-an all-inclusive party must consider the economic impact of healthcare across the lifespan, but yes more focus should be placed on health promotion and disease mitigation…think diverse and multigenerational healthcare needs. Health promotion is far less expensive than treatment and disease management can be performed by a variety of licensed healthcare disciplines (crucial when considering supposed physician shortages)…think about changing the billing structure to support this change.
This is good work.
We also cannot ignore the facts, though. It is true, supported by data, that the birth rate in the US has been declining, and if you are the government this is a problem for economic, political, and national security reasons. But, I think as Adam has hinted at, there should be humane, cost effective ways of encouraging and supporting family making without punishing people who choose not to. We should look at the reasons people are choosing not to have families. The problem is that it is more expensive to support families than to criminalize abortion, and it is hard to impose efficiency and accountability on government-supported programs.
What right wing media has done really well is include just enough moderate content to be able to frame themselves as the “truth”, “independent,” “free press”, “fair and balanced,” etc. This draws people in and once these outlets are filling people’s feeds (via attention based algorithms), it’s game over unless the viewer really has strong self discipline and intentionally seeks out a variety of sources.
Another thing I think they’ve done really well is A/B testing of different themes and messages on the different social media platforms to see which ones have traction or go viral.
What right wing media has done really well is include just enough moderate content to be able to frame themselves as the “truth”, “independent,” “free press”, “fair and balanced,” etc. This draws people in and once these outlets are filling people’s feeds (via attention based algorithms), it’s game over unless the viewer really has strong self discipline and intentionally seeks out a variety of sources.
I also want to mention infuriating but effective micro targeting. Some examples:
- the awful transgender commercial was shown to us when we were watching a college football game on the SEC channel, but not via our local channels into Northern California
- the pro-Trump commercials beamed into our area literally and disingenuously parroted Harris talking points: I will be a president for all people, etc.
Oh wow. I hadn't heard about that micro-targeting. The political Right has always been extremely effective at this type of thing in my experience. I hate it, but I have to respect it.
I agree with your points. Good starting place to spur more conversations
Thanks! And if anyone is in here listening on behalf of the incoming administration, I offer these thoughts for consideration. As always, I support whoever is President and hope they are successful! ❤️🇺🇸
Yes!! Great points!
Get some rest and stay safe, Adam. We're gonna get through this. Look at all you have been through already and focus on the future. I'm with you about not letting anger burn us out to the point of inaction.
I also agree about there needing to be open minds about truly finding a "new way forward." My Democracy Coalition (aka dream team) is: you, Walz, Pritzker, Raskin, and Crockett.
I'm at the point in my voting life where I see candidates as Moderate or Not... regardless of affiliation.
I hope with all my heart for another fair, free election in our country. Sending you so much love and light in this time. Stay brave, Adam. We see you and appreciate you.
Well dang Mr. Kinzinger 😭 started out the video thanking us had me tearing up. Thank you for speaking truth! 💙
You're absolutely right, Adam. Time to get rid of either/or, liberal/conservative, and build upon common values and goals.
Thank you, Adam. I'm just so angry. The bullies won and that's not how it's supposed to be! I am glad you are ready to fight, but I feel so hopeless.
Ya i get it. and take some time to feel that. Its ok. When youre ready, lets roll
Don't feel hopeless. To a certain extent, anger is a good thing, as long as we utilize our anger to take action towards correcting whatever it is that we feel angry about. That is the healthy response to anger. Anger in the absence of taking any effort to correct its cause results in a hopeless feeling and makes us feel even worse.
As James Connolly, one of the Irish rebel leaders in 1916 said before he was murdered by the British in retaliation for his part in the Rising, "We shall rise again." And so they did, and out of that came Eire - the Republic of Ireland. These people think they have a monopoly on the use of force. They do not.
As you may recall from some earlier correspondence, I was a combat Marine at the "tip of the spear" in my younger days, and even at my age, I can still handle a rifle, which, like riding a bicycle, you never forget.
I hoped I had left those days behind, but it looks like the world is intent on pushing me back into it. Pity, but there it is. I hope it doesn't come to that but if it does, there are many like me who believe as we do who would be willing to stand up once more. I can think of no better things than in standing up for everything I believe to be right, among which is the Constitution (written by one of my cousins, which include the first five Presidents of this country) after the Revolution (which my thrice great-grandfather fought in)
Other things worth defending are Black and other minority rights (which my great-grandfather helped gain by his participation as a Union soldier in the Civil War), and other important values, like women's rights.
I have never gone down easy, and I never will, so let whoever wants to harm me or my kin or friends, or destroy democracy come as they will, I will be ready - and woe to those who come with ill intent.
Semper Fidelis,
Jim
F. J. Taylor
USMC )Ret.)
Sllava Ukraini!!!!!
I am 73 now and I don't expect Trump to be here another four years. He could go bang at any time because of his horribly dissipated lifestyle. Vance or whatever his name is today can be removed from office solely on his inexperience and the falsehoods that he pushes. I look for MAGA to unravel as voters realize the mistake they made.
Knowing Putin, Kim, etc. I halfway expect incoming threats if not actual attacks as America is seen by these people as being at its weakest point.
Should the Dems take the House in 2026, I look for lots more trouble for MAGA. A few months of full-scale Project 2025 should turn off most of their fans.
AMEN. MAGA's destructive tendencies will do just that -destroy them!
I'm going to stand up here for the Democratic Party. Ive been a proud Democrat all my life and while I don't 100% agree with every single policy position, they are the party that most aligns with my values. The MAGA party is very good at taking something like compassion or empathy and labeling it "woke", then twisting it into something warped and sinister. If wanting everyone to have equal rights and protections, whether it's women or trans people, or Black people, or people with disabilities, is woke then guilty as charged. And the way they demonized DEI is off the charts. The Democratic Party is the party that brought you Social Security & Medicare, voting rights, an affordable healthcare option - we want women to make their own healthcare decisions and now bleed out in parking lots. We want sensible gun reforms so that kids aren't terrified to go to school. Why do people think that's extremist? Because you're led to believe that these moderate, sensible policies are "extreme left" or "woke". Like, how does someone else's pronouns affect your life? I ask this because apparently people are willing to throw away our democracy because it bothers them so much.
I haven't given up on the Democratic Party. I just want to beat the existence out of MAGA...and we need a new approach that still acknowledges our beloved ideals/ identity but that doesn't leave us in a stalemate... again.
I agree. I am a lifelong Democrat, but I am a moderate and not really in line with the far left branch of our party or what they call "identity politics". I am definitely for equality and rights, but instead of focusing too much on the issues of the few, I wanted Dems to focus on the majority while ensuring that we were inclusive of everyone. I am fed up with the right villainizing undocumented immigrants. I live in Texas and I can't even imagine how anything would get done without these immigrants who are willing and actually do the jobs few Americans are willing to do. No one would get a new roof, get their house built, yards mowed, house remodeled or painted, roads built or improved, etc. I do not believe that they are what Trump says. I am sure, like any segment of population, there may be some who become a criminal, but every one that I have encountered has been a very hard worker, very respectful, and honest. But ever since the Jan 6th hearings, I have been in awe of Adam Kinzinger. He is the most ethical and honest Republican since John McCain and I enjoy watching and getting his perspective on CNN. All year I had hoped that he would throw his hat in the ring and run as a Democrat candidate. I truly think he could have won. I know that a combined moderate Rep and Dem Party is an ideal concept and I hope it can be realized at some point. But, in the meantime, Adam doesn't have a prayer of winning a seat or presidency in the MAGA majority party. So I truly wish he would make the move over to the Dem Party and help us move to the middle! My opinion anyway.
Perhaps the country is no longer what we once thought it was. I'm not convinced that any post mortem will sufficiently explain why so many people support an angry autocratic leader of such obviously low character. If Trump is in fact a "transformational leader" then what does that say about us as a nation now and what would be the catalyst for change?
By the way, isn't it rich that the man who lies about foreign countries releasing convicts from their prisons and sending them to the US is going to do exactly that when he pardons the convicted J6 rioters?
Exactly. And I disagree with Pres Biden again since I just read today that he will not pardon his son. Trump will pardon himself, scared off Jack Smith, he will pardon his Jan 6th thugs, and I keep seeing nasty House GOP reps claiming they are going full force against Hunter. Jeez. He isn't anybody in our government. Give it a rest. But that is the influence Trump has brought to our government now - vengeance and retribution and chaos. I have no doubt that they will decide to impeach Pres Biden like happened to Trump after Jan 6th and they will probably try to go after Hillary again. I'm sick of this. They get nothing accomplished that is good for America while they are hunting "witches". Certainly Hunter was guilty of some wrongdoing, but he is a private citizen and this should not be a focus of Congressional hearings.
I understand your sentiment, but I commend Biden for standing on principal. Until this summer, this country operated on the principal that no one is above the law. That changed when the Supreme Court (whom, except for three Justices, I no longer have any respect for), decided that a President, acting in an official capacity, is now immune from prosecution (i.e. is above the law). Just because trump, his 'stacked' Supreme Court and other maga loyalists see themselves as above the law, doesn't make it right for anyone with decency and character to stoop so low.
The catslyst for change will be the intense pain every American will feel as a result of mass deportations, price increases due to trump's tariffs, pardoning of convicted J6 felons, weaponization of the Justice Department and many other promises trump has made. The time will come when his supporters (along with the rest of us) will feel that pain and look elsewhere for a better America.
And, unfortunately, for all of us, he will be demanding and appointing only loyalists to him, so there will be no safeguards in place to prevent him from throwing out the Constitution, taking over the Justice Department, etc. like we had the last time. With a MAGA Senate and House we have no one to protect our Democracy from a president focused on vengeance.
True, and all of those things may come to pass. As I have said before, trump's supporters will live to regret their support for him. The more 'off the rails' he and his yes-men go, and the faster it happens, the sooner his supporters will feel the pain and stop supporting him.
Exactly! What could make good people, and I personally know, good people that proudly voted for him, voted for this monster.. think the democrats got too far off track thinking everyone would see Trump and MAGA for what it was and believe they, even though very progressive, would still be the best option. I don’t think college students calling for global infitada and support for terrorism is non violent free speech, it’s just not. It’s hateful evil raising its head and dems needed to condemn it harshly, and root out the support for it at the source.
Adam, I appreciate your unwavering commitment to your ideals, convictions and tenets to sane governance. Most of those in this Substack community possess those same principles. We are not a coalition of cookie cutter beliefs as some of us have differing opinions on how to solve issues. But what we do believe is that there is a way to discuss the differences and still see and know that other person is a human being with loved ones and a story just like us. We won’t give up helping to make this country a more perfect union that works for all Americans. After all, isn’t that the whole point of a government, to exist “for the people”, to help them live their best lives? Otherwise why have a government. You lead, we will follow.
Well Said!
With Adam, Pete and Wes, I see an incredible coalition of talent to lead the resistance and form a new, majority party
I agree. I'm ashamed to say I had to Google Wes Moore... WOW, he's impressive. Adam is still my favorite, but I admire all 3 (Adam, Pete, and Wes) for their military service and because they truly embody service leadership & loyalty to our Constitution.
I consider myself a moderate. Depending on the issue I lean conservatively or liberally (though to the reactionary MAGA wingnuts, I'm considered a "radical"). I am thankful for common sense, honest people like you, and especially am very thankful that you are an "old school Republican" who isn't intertwined with Christofascist chicanery.
It's nice knowing that people like you exist and are out there working tirelessly to ensure we keep as much of our current freedoms as possible with the looming threat of MAGA in charge.
We need to Demand Better Leaders (DBL), period.
I would love to see easier metrics on candidates. While they may be funded by big donors, our vote elects them and we need clear info on who is funding them, how they have voted, have they been arrested for DUI? etc. (The young voters I speak with don't feel confident evaluating candidates - they are used to looking at google ratings when evaluating things.)
And so many of my friends are fiscally conservative but socially progressive (i.e. trust women & their doctors to make medical & reproductive decisions and "mind your own business" regarding what consenting adults do in their bedroom/who they love/their family situation)
We do not have a party.
This is a good point about people losing our attention spans and our critical thinking skills. It is only going to get worse as AI becomes more pervasive in doing our thinking for us. I wish there was a way we could incentivize tech away from their worst impulses.