The attacks on Ali Velshi's monologue yesterday - "Where's the Party?" are out of line.

[yellow dahlia]

Ali is right. The Democratic leadership is is not meeting the moment. We need war time consiglieri. The “same old same old” tactics are not good enough.

The Dems have a reputation for bringing a pencil to a gunfight for a reason. The Dems have to give up on the idea of going along to get along.

I have been criticizing Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries since the beginning of this take over. They were standing back and letting things play out, because they were convinced that the grifter and his minions would self destruct as a result of their extreme actions. They figured they could then pick up the pieces, and win the mid terms. Schumer even said something along the lines of watching the poll numbers going down and that is what we want to see. From my perch, they did not take into account the enormity of the devastation that would ensue. Is this a time to be focused on poll numbers?

When DOGE was actively taking over federal buildings and agencies, Chuck Schumer was out front holding Maxine Waters' hand chanting “We will win”. Win what? This is not a football game.

Why didn't members of Congress enter the federal buildings that DOGE employees prevented them from entering? The Treasury and other agencies are their purview. They shouldn't have backed down. They should have gotten arrested, if necessary.

The excuse I have heard over and over again in the past eight months is – the Dems are in the minority...and they can't do anything. Yes, they can. Look what Tuberville did to hold up military promotions. I heard someone say the other day - “What would Mitch do?' The Dems are finally using what little power they have to pursue the Epstein files. What – destroying USAID and other agencies wasn't important enough? Violating Article 1 powers wasn't enough? Firing IG's wasn't enough?

Does anyone remember the CR? There was supposed to be a party line held on voting for the CR. Schumer said he was holding that line. He flipped at the last minute.

Strongly worded letters don't meet the moment.

When Corey Booker spent twenty-five hours on the Senate floor, he and his staff did a great job of framing all the facets of the take over, and the dangers to our Democracy. It was passionate and informative. He created an opening, an atmosphere of sorts, that set the stage for a paradigm shift. There needed to be a next move that created that paradigm shift. That best next move would have been for Schumer to step aside, so someone with the ability to lead in this moment, could do so. It didn't happen. The momentum was lost.

It has seemed to me that Schumer and Jeffries have held some of their members back. There are Dems in Congress who are actively trying to save our Democracy, but they are not the leadership. Chris Murphy is one of those who is focused on addressing the urgency of the moment. Chris van Hollen stuck his neck out. Jamie Raskin is the strongest voice for our Constitution. There are some voices in the House that I would like to see getting more air time, such as Melanie Stansbury. That is not the end of the list.

Finding fault with how our reps are doing their job is the perogative of “We the People”. We elect them and we pay them to be there (supposedly) fighting for us. Criticism is not disloyalty. But I do believe that our representatives not giving their all for us during this Constitutional crisis is a betrayal of their oath.

Ali Velshi is only pointing out what many others of us have observed. (I just heard John Fugelsang make the same point I made earlier – questioning why the members of Congress did not insist on entry to Federal buildings.)

Ali Velshi is one of the smartest people on television. He does a fantastic job of getting granular on a topic. He provides history and background and context. He brings in experts for deep analysis. After his monologue, (Where's the Party?) he had a lengthy discussion with Norm Ornstein and Jason Stanley. They agreed the Democratic leadership is not meeting the moment. They are sounding the alarm. The situation is dire. The clip(s) of the discussion have not yet appeared online, and I will post the video when it shows up.

Meanwhile, Malcolm Nance had an excellent conversation with Steve Schmidt in a podcast on Friday. They came to the same conclusion – Dem leadership is not meeting the moment. Schmidt said the consultants are part of the problem. I agree. Schmidt said the Democratic party needs to work as a team. I agree.

I do not believe Ali Velshi was attacking the Democratic party or the leaders. Ali Velshi is extremely intellectually rigorous. He was identifying a problem that exists in reality. There is no room for error here. We are watching our Constitutional Republic be destroyed.

When the people on this forum (or that woman on Blusky*) attack Ali they are not helping the situation. I am sure he did not intend to offend anyone's sensibilities - Ali Velshi strives to inform. Perhaps everyone could learn more if they listened to each other. Perhaps we should try to avoid division amongst ourselves. Perhaps we should presume that we are on the same team.

(*I may take the time to address her attack, point by point, but for now – this post is long enough.)

[Deuxcents]

1. I agree with you, yellow dahlia. I watched Ali Velshi's show and then re- watched it again when posted here

Ali Velshi made it clear his remarks were not political as he’s not a member of any party..he’s a journalist, and a damn good one. He is asking the questions and making the observations that our media is not interested in or incapable of doing. Good post, dahlia 👏

[yellow dahlia]

6. Thank you.

[mcar]

2. Out of line? Really?

Gee, how dare I offer some criticism of a news anchor. Horrors, how out of line that is.

In the meantime, actual Democrats are criticized on this board every day, with the same tired tropes - while never acknowledging what they are doing.

I will criticize any media figure I want to at any time.

Out of line.

[JustAnotherGen]

3. Agree

[Cha]

8. I know.. Really? "out of line".. lol! Ariella Elm

Last edited Sun Aug 31, 2025, 10:58 PM - Edit history (1)

Helped Velshi out. She told him Where The Party is... that he didn't seem to know about.

Ariella Elm

[yellow dahlia]

13. Are you kidding?

Helped Velshi out?

He doesn't know where the party is?

Velshi explained he does not speak as a Democratic. He is a journalist.

And guess what - there are many Dems who are analyzing the actions of the party leaders. Steve Schmidt, John Fugelsang in just the past couple of days. When I remember others, I will be sure to add them. I don't even know who this Ariella influencer is, but does she really speak for the whole party? If she does, then perhaps that is why some look for a third party.

[JustAnotherGen]

44. Journalists

Can be questioned and every word pulled apart and dissected.

[yellow dahlia]

48. I did not say journalists can't be criticized.

I do it often. When I do, I make sure I am excruciatingly correct with my facts and anlysis. That Ariella person was not, as I pointed out. I will more directly pull apart and dissect her blusky post later. She apparently identifies herself as journalist.

The questions I asked were:
Helped Velshi out?
He doesn't know where the party is?

I highly doubt a self appointed influencer with dubious accusations helped Ali out.
Why do self appointed influencers think they know where the party is. Hopefully she does not represent the party. If she does, we are doomed.

[JustAnotherGen]

49. Based on what i read

On Social Media by Far Left Activists. . .

We've already lost and we are a dead party committing evil every day. No joke. I'd take her over the Twitter Activists any day. If they put 3% of their energy into not hating the Democratic Party we could turn it around. A lot of them are not Americans who think its funny that Genocide Kamala bullshit hurt marginalized people. This woman? She's an American.

Start there. Also - she's not married to a Hedge Fund Manager.

[yellow dahlia]

52. You identified part of the problem - Social Media.

I would suggest you either fact check the propagandists on social media, or get away from them.

I have never read what is on X - I assume it has been taken over by propaganda. Malign actors are trying to influence people through X and social media. Perhaps the people identifying themselves as left wing activists are "plants".

[JustAnotherGen]

53. No - I'm not X

Black Threads has a few brave souls that go over there to grab what the Troll Farms are pushing out so we can laugh at them.

Suggestion noted - but Black Threads is where the actual real life activists connect, identify people in our community in need, survival tips, gun tips, Selfish preservation/protection is happening.

You don't get that at DU or in the media. We are moving in stealth and planning for total collapse. It's coming. I've been connected with a few Black farmers who chose to not farm this year other than their own subsistence, their church's needs, their local food pantries. Myself and other Black agribusiness owners who can go a decade without harming our finances have sponsored them (Family owned and expanded since 1866).

We are back in 1877 - and behaving like that. That's something Velshi and his Hedge wife will never understand. It's not in their DNA.

The point is - the Dominant Culture in America has no idea what's coming.

[yellow dahlia]

58. The dominant culture is not aware of what is going on - yes.

And that is one of my biggest concerns. I spend much of my time disseminating information, bringing visibility to the issues, and fact checking. I call and write to members of Congress, all over the country (not just my own). I am doing what I can to be a part of the solution.

I blame media for the uninformed masses. MSNBC is the only broadcast news that is bringing the facts to their audience. They don't just present opinions - they bring in the best experts. Ali Velshi provides granular analysis and background for the issues. Ali is one of many on MSNBC who has been sounding the alarm...for awhile now.

Do you know Ali's background? He was born in Kenya, and raised in South Africa. He was a "colored" Muslim in Apartheid South Africa. His family eventually moved to Canada. He has a lot in his DNA. He is not one of the enemies in these very scary times. I don't fault someone for being a financial manager - that is an us and them "trick".

[JustAnotherGen]

154. I don't care

If it doesn't center Black Americans -

Who have CONSISTENTLY voted for the Greater Good of All Americans -

I simply don't care.

We will not ever forget the Far Leftists throwing us back to 1877. It's not a thing.

Also - Try AP news and The Guardian - you will get better information from there. Talking heads are ratings hogs - so they will say whatever gets engagement and clicks and views.

ETA - There are Black Americans who descended from enslaved people. We are a unique experience and voice in American that Ali Velshi doesn't share.

[LeftInTX]

161. Ali Velshi isn't Black. Velshi's family comes from India.

Velshi was born in Kenya around 1968 and moved to Canada in 1971.
Velshi was raised in Canada.

His parents grew up in South Africa.
Indians had their issues in Africa, but that's a totally different topic.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Velshi

[Chemical Bill]

81. Just one point...

I think that if Ali's wife used her hedge fund for evil, one of the two would not want to be married to the other. Money is not by itself an evil thing, as you obviously know.

[lapucelle]

170. Neither Steve Schmidt nor John Fugelsang are Democrats. N/T

[yellow dahlia]

9. Indeed, you can criticize anyone you want at any time.

We have free speech...for now.

I differentiate between attacks and constructive criticism with intellectually rigorous analysis.

I work toward being a part of the solution, not the problem.

[mcar]

16. Pencil to a gunfight

Strongly worded letters.

Yeah, that’s constructive.

[emulatorloo]

40. Yeah and it is also false bullcrap.

Almost as if we’re seeing coordinated talking points designed to depress Dem turnout in 2026.

Note to alerters: am totally not talking about the OP. I think they are honest and acting in good faith.

But I think they are a victim of the bad faith negativity being espoused on social media by ‘influencers’ who want Democrats destroyed for some reason or another.

[yellow dahlia]

50. Sorry to disappoint you, other people don't tell me what I think.

I don't get my information from social media. I am not thirty - something.

I have been saying the Dems bring a pencil to a gun fight for years. Lately I have used expressions like teddy bear to a missile attack.

Some of us have similar observations, because the mistakes Democratic leadership are making is blatantly obvious. Their mistakes risk our freedom and the futures of those we love.

People like me are not staying home in 2026, or 2028. We are showing up.

We are showing up on the streets of this country protesting and bringing visibility to the issues on a daily basis. Many of us are old and tired and would rather be doing something else. We would like to think that the Democratic leadership could also work as hard to save Democracy, as we do. (They work hard to save their jobs.) If they can't meet the moment, let those that can within the party lead the way.

[mcar]

59. Not constructive criticism as you claim that's all you do

It's simply bashing Democrats, which pushes the "Dems suck" feeding frenzy.

[emulatorloo]

152. I'm not 'disappointed' in you. However I agree w bigtree. Your sources are only telling half-truths

and employing the most cynical of negative spin. With a large helping of blaming Democrats for what Republicans do.

You’d do well with putting aside those false narratives you’re consuming and embracing and listen hard to what bigree is saying. And the concrete facts and supporting evidence they are providing.

What they are saying is very subtantative. As opposed to negative sloganeering and rage bait yr buying into.

[Cha]

14. Ariella Elm says Velshi wants to have a

discussion with her about her BlueSky posts.

Apparently he doesn't think she's "out of line..".

https://democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=20601376

Mahalo for your OP, mcar

[Bev54]

15. I am not sure people on here have read her entire thread on what the dems have actually been doing

none of which was addressed by Velshi. That is what she is calling out and for those here that put out the same old "dems do nothing" mantra would do well to read her entire thread.

[Cha]

17. That's a really good suggestion, Bev.

Mahalo!

[yellow dahlia]

27. I read the whole thread.

I don't form opinions unless I read the data or content.

I will address each of her points tomorrow. It is late.

From what I can figure out, she is a self made "influencer". Don't get me started.

[Ilikepurple]

34. Why do I have to read an entire unsubstantiated thread by an influencer to get this info?

The Democratic leadership is failing in the sphere of public information and influence. Sometimes I’m not sure if I belong to a political party or a sports team booster club. And if that’s what we are, we need more noise during the off season if we want to keep season ticket sales up. Is what we are doing really the best we can do? By many accounts I guess yes? I applaud the clever bureaucratic efforts to slow down the Trump machine by our reps, but I’d like to see better efforts to get democratic and anti-MAGA talking points out there. Also, Arielle lost me at 30k volunteers sent to Iowa. Talk about republican talking points.
“Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann downplayed the result, saying in a statement that “national Democrats were so desperate for a win that they activated 30,000 volunteers and a flood of national money to win a state senate special election by a few hundred votes.” I’m guessing Ken Martin was puffing up his role a bit or because if it takes 30,000 volunteers to get 2,000 votes, we may need a different strategy.

[yellow dahlia]

63. Thank you for your salient points.

[lapucelle]

102. Why did you have to get news from an influencer? Because "journalist" Ali Velshi sucks at his actual job.

Ali has researchers and staff to do the leg work that he is to lazy to do himself. He gets hours of airtime each week, but for some reason Ali chooses not to report the actual news.

Velshi spends his time time rehearsing, performing, and pontificating (with dramatic intonation), but dedicates neither time nor energy to doing his actual job which is reporting the news (including everything that Democrats are and have been doing), not play acting the part of bewildered pundit.

The man is an unmitigated ass and a boor to boot.

[mcar]

116. As does most of the MSM

It's cheap and easy to trash Democrats and follow RW framing. With some exceptions, even MSNBC does it.

[Ilikepurple]

165. I've never watched. Velshi's performance isn't germane to my point.

I’m still at a loss how you take this so personally. I’m not sure if this is a response to me or just opportunistic criticism of Ali and his fans. Sometimes I feel like I accidentally joined an organized religion where the leaders are more important than the doctrine. My point was that we live in a representative government. As democrats, our party leaders are most likely to listen in these extremely partisan times, so some of us go after our reps. It is said the Democratic Party has no control over the levers of government, but neither do we the Democratic Party voters. We do have our voice and they have theirs. In between election cycles it seems natural to try to improve both our messages and their delivery methods. I don’t care if people criticize journalists like Velshi or our political leaders. They are professionals whose jobs are to either advocate or inform and should be able to defend their positions. The media is making it very hard for the Democratic Party to control messaging, but I have to think what we are doing now isn’t the best use of our voices and resources building up to midterms.

[lapucelle]

169. You asked a question, and I answered it.

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

I guess it's a good thing that folks are "building up to midterms", but I'm doing what I do each and every cycle: working hard to elect Democrats in races big and small.

Election day is November 4, 2025. Democrats are running for office everywhere. We should all be doing whatever we can NOW to GOTV.

[Ilikepurple]

174. Velshi is not the only avenue to get the message out.

We can disagree about the effectiveness of current Democratic Party messaging, but I do thank you for all your time and effort in supporting this board and democrats party wide.

[BaronChocula]

33. And not only that...

There are no practical specifics of what X Democrat SHOULD be doing (unless it's a suggestion of what Democrats already have been doing).

I think the "Where's the party" crowd are frustrated like the rest of us, but wish we had someone like trump from 2021-2024 who was a "party leader" because he led a cult. I don't want a friggin' cult. I want a party and the reality is when a party is out of power THERE IS NO NOMINAL SINGLE LEADER. What we have is a party of leaders coast to coast standing up at every level from small towns to Texas legislatures to the senate floor (and it's Cory Booker, not Corey Booker as typed in the op).

In his long-winded monolog, Velshi pointed to the fighters in the party "out there." He pointed to Iowa for electing a Democratic state senator (in an election that could not have been won without Democratic leadership), Democrats in the Texas legislature, Gov Newsom, Gov Pritzker, Bernie Sanders, AOC, The Two Tennessee Justins, etc. yet failed to realize and acknowledge THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE FOR DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP AT THE MOMENT.

I understand not being a total fan of Chuck Schumer. I can understand questioning the motives of Hakeem Jeffries, but they are only congressional leaders and finger-pointing them for not coordinating a nationwide point-by-point agenda to stop a democratically elected authoritarian certainly isn't what anyone should expect them to do. Do I miss Harry Reid at a time like this? Absolutely, but would he be able to live up to what the "Where's the party" crowd are expecting? No.

I understand Club Velshi because we're all frustrated, but in order to move on I think we need to be realistic about expecting a singular armored Democrat on a horse with a one-size-fits-all war plan.

[mcar]

60. This is what I object to as well

It's cheap, easy and trendy to slam elected Democrats as spineless, etc, then say it's constructive criticism. Hint: it's not.

Can/should elected Democrats be doing more? Sure. So let's hear some workable ideas - and let's not ignore what they are doing (a la Velshi).

Then the criticism would be much more credible.

[BaronChocula]

62. Yes!

A thousand times YES!

[yellow dahlia]

66. I am not expecting a single armored Democrat. I don't think a superhero

can come rescue us. They all need to armor up.

I believe there needs to be a team mentality. A good team plays to the strengths of the various players. There are some strong players in the Democratic party. I have been concerned that some of them have been held back, as Schumer and Jeffries try to "control" their caucuses.

Some are great communicators and explainers like Chris Murphy, Jamie Raskin, Elizabeth Warren, and more. Some are great fighters like Newsom, Bernie Sanders, AOC, Jasmine Crockett, etc. Some are a little bit of both like Pritzger, Chris van Hollen, Eric Swallell, and Melanie Stansbury.

And it's not just me saying they aren't functioning as a team. In a podcast w/ Malcolm Nance on Friday, Steve Schmidt made the same observation.

Early on in this "take over" the Dems missed some opportunities. When they were being prevented from entering Federal buildings, they should not have backed off. They should have gained access to the agencies under their purview (Article 1).

The Dems in Congress should have been in front of every camera everywhere explaining to the people what was going on that violated they're power in Article 1 of the Constitution. The people could have benefited from a civics lesson. The Dems are being convinced, by consultants and strategists, that they should talk "simple" to the people. I disagree. But no one asked me.

[BaronChocula]

73. I certainly don't disagree with everything you said

I suppose there's always more that can be done. As for Schmidt and Nance, they're great at sounding the alarms of what we already know, but I don't credit them for much else. If it seems like the party isn't functioning as a team it's because when a party is out of power no one person sets one single game plan. As we both referenced, we have many great leaders who bring their strengths in messaging and in all, their messaging is harmonious. Their messaging on National Guard deployment is in sync. Their messaging on kidnapping people without due process is in sync. Their messaging on tariffs is in sync. And so on.

I don't know enough about the entirety of congressional strategy under Jeffries and Schumer, but I honestly don't know if things would be any different if Democratic posses marching into federal agencies would have put us in any better position. Would it have? I praise my senator Alex Padilla for standing up to their clueless Homeland Security secretary and getting arrested for it, but all that did was show what we know - we're up against an authoritarian regime.

I think as we get further into midterm season we will see more Democrats in front of cameras. This is just my opinion, but early messaging has negligible returns given the interest/attention of the bulk of Americans. Add to that, Democratic messaging is way more difficult than republican messaging. Without getting too deep in weeds, I've said here on DU as much as I can that the republican party gets the White Man's Pass. republicans get way more credit and way more passes than they deserve. Any generic poll will find that republicans are trusted more with the economy and foreign policy in general though that contradicts the data. It's because when people look at the parties they see a republican party of nearly all white men. When they look at the Democratic Party they see far fewer white men and this makes way more white voters less at ease. Democratic messaging faces far more skepticism among white voters. It's in our country's DNA.

Thank you if you've read this far.
And thank you for such an engaging OP.

[yellow dahlia]

82. Thank you for being willing to listen,

and for being engaged.

[mcar]

117. Plus that is not Schmit and Nance's only message

I hear Nance on Stephanie Miller's show on a regular basis. He does not trash Democrats.

And are we talking Steve Schmidt? The guy who gave us Sarah Palin?

'K

[murielm99]

153. Agree.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

166. I agree

How are these attacks out of line?

[sheshe2]

4. Well...

Ali Velshi is one of the smartest people on television.

Responded to Ariella and wants to talk.

For everyone screaming at Velshi, he or his team did see my full thread. They are interested in discussing further. Please stop calling him out on my behalf.

I will let you know if this becomes anything. I really really hope it does.

— Ariella Elm (@ariellaelm.bsky.social) 2025-08-31T19:07:58.462Z

Pretty dayum cool isn't it. He took her words seriously and wants to listen to what more she has to say. He didn't shut her out, he wants to talk.

[Cha]

10. "...Ali Velshi wants to talk with Ariella Elm.. "

Ariella Elm is Way Cool!

Thanks, she!

[sheshe2]

11. Pretty cool indeed, Cha.

He wants to hear what she has to say. He obviously did not consider her comments a call out.

[Cha]

12. Exactly.. Hopefully it will lead to

him learning some things about our Dems and the jobs they're busy doing for Us.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

55. I hope that Velshi follows up

[Bobstandard]

5. You and " that woman on BlueSky are both right

Going to war with each other would not be helpful. Direct your ire and well reasoned arguments against our real enemies.

[Bev54]

18. It is quite ok for someone to call out the media, who once again do not provide information to their viewers

of the things the dems have been doing. The media are always quick to divide dems but never to give them the credit they deserve for what they have been doing. We never hear about what they have done because the media does not cover it. So if you read her thread on this subject, you will find she has given her well reasoned arguments that his reporting was not entirely accurate and lacked information.

[Bobstandard]

47. I agree with you, her, and the OP

It’s glaringly obvious that the MSM does not cover Democratic Party achievements adequately or fairly. And don’t get me started on their willful blindness to Trumps increasing disability vs their gleeful piling on to Republican digs at Joe’s health and acuity. That’s what we get when the wealthy control the media.

[sheshe2]

7. "That woman"?

[BlueSpot]

19. I think both "types" are important for their own reasons

Somebody has to know Robert's Rules of Order (or whatever they use) backwards and forwards. Needless to say, you have to have someone that knows the particular institution's rules back and forth. They need people who have insights into ways of bending those rules to their benefit and blocking those who would bend them for their own. I bet there are tons of other things like this. I think all those "behind the scenes" people probably fit into this category.

But we also need people who make noise. People (generally in safe seats) who can go out on a limb to raise awareness of things. To critique. To explain all the stupid shit that is going on, educate us and give us the idea that there are some people in power who see things our way.

The news isn't covering anything right. Journalism sure isn't what it used to be. So we're not getting any truth on the nightly news. But all the fighting can't be deep underwater. We the people need to see some splashes to know something's going on down there. I think (just my opinion) is that maybe people want more of the loud voices right now because we want to be reassured that a fight really is happening. Newsom is great example of that. Somebody is taking it back to Trump. Pritzker too. Bernie's on tour as well. Is that enough?

I suspect many Democrats aren't all as focused in like some DUers and some good talking points for the water cooler at work would be helpful. Stuff you could back up with video, ya know? The loud voices are really helpful for that sort of thing. And for keeping certain questions circulating.

Both sides of the coin are necessary. But I think a lot of this feedback really means we really just want/need to see more splashes.

[yellow dahlia]

25. I always say the best way to manage a team is to play to various strengths.

Right now - team work should win over egos...IMHO.

[alimbalt]

20. Back in February ...

... this guy told the Dems to hold their water.

https://gvwire.com/2025/02/25/james-carville-the-best-thing-democrats-can-do-in-this-moment/

[mcar]

61. Fortunately they ignored him

[creeksneakers2]

84. Carville is only one guy

And nobody listened to him. His advice would have made sense if we were going into a total economic collapse and Trump could have avoided responsibility by blaming Democrats. But that's not what happened and I haven't heard Carville's idea lately. The rest of the party is fighting all the way.

[AverageOldGuy]

21. Today's Democrats: A band of hungry, pissed off lions led by a gaggle of sheep.

Two comments and some suggestions, or something.

ONE. Look at Newt Gingrich. Hate him all you want, he was successful in painting Democrats as socialists, communists, baby killers, while portraying Republicans as saviors of the US.

TWO. Why don’t Congressional Democrats use the tactics that helped Republicans?


ONE: The words we use.

In 1990 Gingrich – a Congressional back-seater of no particular consequence, sent to all Republicans running for office a memo titled “ Language: A Key Mechanism of Control.” This memo had two lists of words – one list was positive, friendly, helpful words, the other was negative, frightening, accusatory words. He urged Republicans to use the positive words when referring to themselves or other Republicans, use the negative words when referring to Democrats. They did exactly that and still do to this day. Democrats have never done such a thing.

Read about it here: https://archive.org/details/286852-stolberg/mode/2up

Why in God’s name have we not done the same thing?

TWO: Speaking out.

In both House and Senate, everything that happens, every word that is spoken, every document that is introduced is recorded in the Congressional Record. There’s a process known as “extending remarks.” If a Member is speaking on the floor, his/her time is limited, so, the speaker can ask that his/her remarks be extended then submit a written document that is recorded in the Congressional Record.

HOWEVER – Members can also speak on the floor for as long as they want after the House or Senate has adjourned for the day. Gingrich had his people gather on the empty House floor after adjournment daily, in a small group of 5 – 6 people, each of them would then speak for as long as they wanted. The others would sit around the speaker, making it appear that the House or Senate was in session and listening when, in fact, everyone except the speaker and his/her friends had gone home. The CSPAN cameras focused on the speaker, not on the empty chamber. The person speaking would then use the video back home to show himself/herself standing up against the evil, wicked Democrats when, in fact, it was all a farce. BUT GODDAM IT, IT WORKED!!!! CSPAN video was also used by the news media to portray the speaker as doing something great while, in fact, he/she was speaking to an empty chamber.

Which leads to some questions:

1. Where is the list of words Democrats should use when speaking of Republicans and their policies and Democrats and our policies?

2. And when – or IF – we develop such a list, who will crack the whip and force us to use the list?

3. Nothing is stopping Democratic members of Congress from standing on the Capitol steps, with the cameras rolling, denouncing Trump and his ass-kissing lackeys in Congress. There should be one such event EVERY GODDAM DAY – the cameras love it.

4. Why don’t we see Democrats on the floor at night extending remarks?

5. Why are there no Democrats leading marches on the White House – I’m 80, I have trouble walking, I’m 35 minutes from Capitol Hill by train and I can board the train 3 minutes from my apartment, I’ll be there every day - - - but there is no one to lead us.

Seems to me the Democratic Party today is a band of hungry lions led by cowardly sheep.

[yellow dahlia]

23. You have identified some key points. Communication! Strategy!

Thank you!

[creeksneakers2]

85. Because the speeches from the steps have to find a way

to public ears. Republicans have a propaganda apparatus. We don't. The best we can do is have as many of us as possible flooding social media. We already have that.

[iemanja]

22. Some seem to believe we owe fealty

to our representatives, as though our role is to serve them rather than recognizing they work for us. If we accept the status quo, we will become a permanent minority party. That helps no one but MAGAs.

[yellow dahlia]

24. Indeed. Fealty to "party" and to ideology are getting in the way pf solutions.

IMHO

[creeksneakers2]

86. Nope

Turning people against our leadership without a valid reason is what is hurting us. It will hurt turnout.

[iemanja]

89. Have you seen the polls about Democratic party favorability?

Candidates doing well are those that take on the Republican party with gusto. The enablers have extremely low favorability. Democrats want people who fight, not cave. Your scenario is a losing one.

[creeksneakers2]

91. The party as a whole has bad rating.

Mostly because of the hoax being spread that they aren't fighting. Schumer caved on something but I've seen very little of this
"caving" you are talking about. Most of Trump's bills get zero Democratic votes. Give me an example of an enabler and how they enabled.

[iemanja]

92. Schumer and those who voted for the CR

The DNC that poll tests every phrase and tells Democrats not to raise key issues. Democrats who line up to oppose winning candidates, like Mamdani in NY. Those are a few unhelpful responses.

[creeksneakers2]

93. What key issues had the DNC told Democrats not to talk about?

Not many time a nominee doesn't get the party's support. Mamdani is an exception. We owe him our loyalty but he is going to hurt the party more than help. Republicans are going to claim we are all socialists.

[iemanja]

95. The GOP called Biden and Harris Marxists

They call the entire party Marxists, and you want to kowtow to them because they will continue to call us socialists. I don't make political decisions based on what Republicans think. It's clearly not about winning to you but enforcing your beliefs that are out of touch with voters.

Have a good night.

[creeksneakers2]

135. I know

But it doesn't help to give them ammunition. I agree though that if somebody gets the Democratic nomination we should stand behind them.

I'm not at all out of touch with voters. Very few socialist candidates win general elections. Even in New York City Mamdani is polling well under 50% Here are the registration statistics: Democratic 47.54%; Republican 22.94%; Independence 2.23%; Conservative 1.29%; Working Families .45%; Green .13%; Libertarian .11%; independent and other 25.30%.

.

[lapucelle]

171. Chuck Schumer voted AGAINST the CR, as did every Democrat in the Senate , except for Jeanne Shaheen.

https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00133.htm

[betsuni]

173. Thank you! I must remember the facts next time that lie shows up.

[lapucelle]

175. That particular piece of misinformation gets repeated so often

that I have the link to the Congressional record bookmarked.

Maybe "journalist" Ali Velshi can do a piece on it to set the record straight. Isn't that what Velshi gets paid $2,000,000 - $3,000,000 a year to do?

[58Sunliner]

26. I know there are dems doing important work and responding to the moment.

That being said my criticism is what I perceive as a cohesive front of messaging and response in the dem leadership. There have been what I perceive as failures to fight tooth and nail which is what the situation warrants. Some dems actually voted for his shitty legislation and shitty nominees. If your hair is still on fire because someone says some are not meeting the moment, then to me it looks like denial.

[msongs]

28. some dems are already doing a lot? fine, I say..do more..and even more nt

[yellow dahlia]

29. Exactly.

Some don't get as much attention as they should.

Chris Murphy has been focusing on the priority of saving Democracy. There are other strong people in both the Senate and House. The good explainers and communicators stand out - Jamie Raskin, Sheldon Whitehouse, Bernie Sanders, Eric Swallwell. Maxwell Frost, and many more. And then there are some really good fighters in both chambers - Melanie Stansbury, Chris van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, AOC. Jasmine Crockett, Corey Booker. There are many I have left out, but it's late. I hope Sherrod Brown gets re-elected - we need him back.

[BWdem4life]

30. I have to say...

I have never seen Democratic leadership "meet the moment" since Robert Bork.

That's a big part of the reason we are where we are.

[yellow dahlia]

31. There is a lot of (unfortunate) history that got us here.

Part of it was the "same old same old"...and playing nice.

I believe "we" have an opportunity to do it better...but.

[Crunchy Frog]

32. This has been a known and much discussed problem with the Democratic Party for as long as I've been on DU,

which is over 20 years. During that entire time, they have had a tendency to show weakness, fold, or apologize for themselves in the face of increasingly brazen and aggressive acts by the republicans. This needed to be addressed a long time ago, and I fear that our country may now be past the point of no return.

We aren't going to stop fascism by pretending that everything is just hunky dory with our party. I'm not even sure that electoral politics will play a part in our country getting out of its current situation; if we even can get out of it.

[yellow dahlia]

35. Thank you. We share a concern.

"I'm not even sure that electoral politics will play a part in our country getting out of its current situation; if we even can get out of it."

Unless the Democratic party and its leaders embrace a paradigm shift and some new tactics, and elevate those capable of meeting the moment, there will not be any fair politics or free elections in the future.

I am worried about future generations, and I am tired of those who keep screwing this up.

[ClimateChangeisReal]

36. Ali's monologue was brilliant!

Ali said out loud what I've been thinking for the last 25 years. Bravo Ali. Keep up the great work.

[dwayneb]

172. Yes but being brilliant and being right are not going to win this war

We can post truth all day long, we can analyze the situation and understand the root cause, we can point out the obvious dangers that MAGA presents to all of us. We can make eloquent impassioned speeches.

But without a concrete strategy, a concrete plan, and leaders to execute that plan, being right does absolutely nothing to help up win the war against fascism.

[J_William_Ryan]

37. "Ali is right."

Ali is wrong.

Democratic leadership cannot ‘meet the moment’ – whatever that’s supposed to be – absent access to the levers of power.

Making defiant speeches or engaging in political grandstanding isn’t going to stop Trump.

And now Democrats are doing what Republicans want Democrats to do: fight amongst themselves.

[LeftInTX]

39. Exactly!!!!!

[Chemical Bill]

51. Rosa Parks found the levers of power at the front of the bus. n/t

[thebigidea]

113. you can't shame the shameless. Civil disobedience isn't going to do jack shit to a Republican administration

this isn't the LBJ admin.

[Chemical Bill]

123. Fair point...

but the bus boycott hit the city's pocketbook. What do we have that can do that?

[LearnedHand]

56. Then how have republicans successfully blocked legislation

When out of power? How have they, as the minority party for decades, wrested away the levers of power? All while OUT of power!

[LeftInTX]

38. "Democrats need to fight". Al Green got up during Trump's speech and shouted.

"We need more like him"

Guess what? Al Green lost his seat

Texas Democrats fought. Guess what?
The maps passed anyway.
Everyone is being punished. And they're planning to punish every House Democrat by eliminating their seats. Which is pretty easy to do in Texas.

So, those of you who want to endlessly cast stones, please think.
Elected people are not slaves.

And locally: "Representative so and so needs to stand up to the Republicans more. He doesn't do anything. He's milquetoast" Guess what? He did and he lost his committee assignment and it was a devasting blow to millions of Texans. I always wondered why he lost his committee assignment and he told us. And one guy said to him, "Well you know why I'm on your butt".

Our state reps only earn $7,200/year.
Each one who left the state has accrued $10,000 in fines!
Talk about slavery! They owe more than they earn!

Do any DUers want to come Texas to make noise? And yet I see DU members say, "I'm afraid to set my foot in Texas". Good grief!

We often expect the impossible from people.

[betsuni]

41. Thank you! Fighting won't inspire voter stampedes to the polls, lack of yelling won't make voters stay home

weeping into a tub of ice cream.

[mcar]

64. Thank you for this

Drove me crazy when I saw OPs here slamming our TX Democrats as "caving" when they came back. These people have families and jobs, they are (mostly) not millionaires. They could not stay away indefinitely.

They made their point, brought attention to the travesty, and inspired other states to act. I applaud them.

[yellow dahlia]

68. If you're not going to stand up for Democracy and the Constitution, don't run for office.

It should be about protecting Democracy and the Rule of Law...not a seat in Congress.

[LeftInTX]

71. Al Green's district was completely eliminated. Now we're down one less Democratic seat.

And now they're pushing to eliminate Democratic seats in the Texas House. But please, keep complaining about Democrats. If you think Briscoe Cain is gonna stand up for Democracy and Rule of Law, I've got a surprise for you! Of course, you will just complain about Democrats more because Democrats have less seats available. If you don't like it, come to Texas and run for office.

[Chemical Bill]

155. Wait...

Al Green pushed back at the grifter, so repugs eliminated his district.

Are you presenting this as a good reason to not push back?

If repugs cheat, and we object, they cheat worse? Is that the message?

[LeftInTX]

159. Yes! That's the way it is in Texas. They're abusive.

Last edited Tue Sep 2, 2025, 04:21 PM - Edit history (1)

It's an abusive relationship.

Many of the Dems are POC. During the redistricting session, the guy who drew the maps literally said, "This is all about politics. We don't have to consider race anymore". "This district went for Trump 60%". He said this directly to a Black member of the committee. All questions about diluting communities of color were deflected with, "It's about politics now. It's to make the districts more Republican per the Supreme Court".
Watch: https://house.texas.gov/videos/22492

And now they want to punish the Dems for breaking quorum, by redistricting again. At the minimum all, they need do is move the district a few blocks so that the rep no longer lives there and is ineligible. And they literally have said, "This will be the Democrats punishment". At the most they could gerrymander the hell out of the House, so that GOP has a permanent super majority.

It basically "put up or shut up" around here. It's Jim Crow all over again. Have you see that outrageous law suits that Ken Paxton files? Remember that woman who went to prison for attempting to vote? https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/28/texas-illegal-voting-conviction-crystal-mason/

Look at what Abbott did to migrants with razor wire.

[Scrivener7]

163. Believe it or not, yes it appears that is the case.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

138. It's so easy

for people to demand sacrifices from others.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

167. Al may run in CD 18 next cycle which now includes a great deal of his old district

Time will tell

[littlemissmartypants]

42. Has this been cross posted to...

The Way Forward?

https://democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1324

Statement of Purpose
Discuss the future of the Democratic Party and the left, strategies to rebuild the party's influence and reach, and tactics to retake political power from the right. REMINDER: Forum Hosts are only responsible for locking off-topic discussions in this forum, they are not responsible for locking discussions which may violate the DU rules. Please be aware that while the rules prohibit "bashing" of Democratic public figures, the rules also allow for constructive criticism. Between those two positions lies a large grey area, and if you want to avoid getting posts removed by Jury in this forum, remember that not everyone on DU may have the same appreciation or dislike for the same politicians that you do. If you treat your fellow DU members with respect and try to post in a civil manner, you will rarely have any problems. Posting derogatory nicknames for center-to-left politicians, groups of DU members, or individual DU members, will increase your chances of getting a post removed.

Just a suggestion.
❤️

[Scrivener7]

43. I agree. I think the "How Dare You Say More Can Be Done" posse has found their new Emptywheel.

They'll be trotting out those 6 points daily right up till the moment our Democracy and civil rights crash down around our ears.

[yellow dahlia]

45. That is absolutely the point.

Some of us are trying to figure out how to save Democracy. Apparently others are more hooked on the world of "influencers".

[Scrivener7]

46. Yes. One would think our recent experiences would have cured us of believing those influencers

who insist, "All is well! All is being done that can be done!" even as our own eyes and ears tell us differently.

At least they've stopped saying, "This isn't a Law and Order episode!" I suppose we can be thankful for that.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

54. I disagree

These and similar attacks helped elect trump and will only help trump in the midterms .

[yellow dahlia]

69. I disagree.

That premise is a distraction and a smoke screen from really happened. It creates the illusion of an "excuse".

Some Dems are falling for that propaganda. They think they need to define a message to compensate for a made up "excuse".

No one lost an election because some in the Democratic party are holding the leaders' feet to the fire. No one lost an election because some are analyzing the strategy of the consultants.

If you can understand that the way to win it is to rig it, then you can see how the "excuse" masks the truth.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

72. Again, I think that you are WRONG

I was a Clinton delegate to the 2016 National Convention and saw what attacks on the party can do to an election up close. I like Velshi for the most part but I disagree with his material in this case.

[yellow dahlia]

78. From my perch, it is clear that the "blame game" became an excuse,

which justified the election "results" in 2016 and 2024.

Clinton didn't lose. Harris didn't lose.

Which consultants told the Dems not to stand up for Democracy by insisting on paper ballot hand recounts...because they didn't want to look like the other guy?

Democratic leadership needs to get fierce right now to save Democracy and fight for free and fair elections.

[creeksneakers2]

88. Do you have an evidence that fraud occurred?

[yellow dahlia]

96. For 2024, there is so much data.

Begin with the work being done by Election Truth Alliance.

I can elaborate on my first hand observations from my perch. Unfortunately cogent cohesive analysis takes more time (and mental energy) than I have right now.

[creeksneakers2]

131. Well, I Googled your Election Truth Alliance.

First thing I saw there was about 2024 in North Carolina. They were making a big deal out of Democrats doing better in races outside of the presidential race. Nothing suspicious about this really though, since Trump about as well as he did about as well as he did in 2016 and he won there in 2020 also. Republicans were badly hurt by a gubernatorial nominee who made disastrous comments on a pornographic website. Other than that Republicans did just fine down ballot: https://ballotpedia.org/North_Carolina_election_results,_2024

I didn't read everything there but if they had any real evidence of fraud I think it would be prominent. I saw none. Election fraud would be extremely difficult to pull off, probably impossible to change enough votes to change the outcome/.

[creeksneakers2]

136. Fine with me if you don't respond.

But if you post things I disagree with I'm free to challenge them.

[Chemical Bill]

156. Have you read The Conyers Report? ,n/t

[creeksneakers2]

87. That's right

If the Bernie people would have all come home in 2016 we may never have had Trump in the first place.

Bernie Sanders Voters Helped Trump Win and Here's Proof

https://www.newsweek.com/bernie-sanders-trump-2016-election-654320

[LeftInTX]

75. I see you joined Nov 5, 2024. (Election Day)

Did you do anything to get Democrats elected?

[yellow dahlia]

76. Three things

1) Mr. Dahlia and I spent huge (to us) amounts of money to get Democrats elected, in 2024 and 2020.
2) You're being rather confrontational. What does it matter when I joined DU? Mr. Dahlia has been a member for 20 years.
3) Harris didn't lose.

[bigtree]

57. where is the coverage of what our leaders are saying EVERYDAY?

...what are the critics posting, for that matter?

What's the point in demanding something they neglect to promote when and where it happens?

When they do, it's always this complaint that what Dems said wasn't good enough - without a bit of self-awareness that complaining about their leadership while just ignoring them is just sophistry, not actuall the messaging they say they want for Democrats.

Where are the posts of what our Dem leaders are doing and saying. Where are the posts supporting and elevating those efforts?

It's easy to cheer Dem governors who voters cared eough to give Dem legislative majorities to do more than just talk and block republican bills. Many of these same Dem critics hobbled our party in the Senate and House with complaints all throught the election, when all they needed to do was vote in a Dem majority and nitpick later.

It's just amazing to me that people are still compelled to attack legislators who have ACTUALLY FOUGHT REPUBLICANS AND WON to get where they are. No one handed them those seats.

In fact, it's a damn cheap shot, a lot of it coming from people in the media who aren't even Democrats, like Nicolle Wallace, McCain's campaign manager who picked Sarah Palin. Or any of the number of anti-Trump republicans who pine for their old dog-whistle party, who can't seem to find ONE good thing about Democrats to promote. NEVER. But they've come on with all of this concern and advice for Democrats this week.

One of them I saw had a youtube post up that said something like, 'CONSERVATIVES ARE OUTRAGED! Have advice for Democrats to fight back.'

The fucking shit, what?


...why are Dem critics sleeping on this?

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Sunday slammed President Donald Trump's statement that he might deploy National Guard troops to Chicago
https://msn.com/en-us/news/politics/jeffries-pans-idea-of-dispatching-national-guard-to-chicago/ar-AA1L7VFs

"there’s no basis, no authority... we should not simply allow Donald Trump to play games with the lives of the American people as part of his effort to manufacture a crisis and create a distraction because he’s deeply unpopular."
https://jeffries.house.gov/2025/08/24/leader-jeffries-we-are-fighting-hard-to-make-life-better-for-the-american-people/

...or this?

Hakeem Jeffries @RepJeffries Aug 19
House Republicans thought we would not forcefully respond to their gerrymandering power grab in Texas.

Democrats are hitting back hard.

And the Trump sycophants have the nerve to complain. Get lost.
x.com/RepJeffries/status/1957940155236471138

...this?

Hakeem Jeffries @RepJeffries
Donald Trump promised to end the war in Ukraine on day one.

Instead.

He pardoned hundreds of violent felons who brutally beat police officers while attacking the Capitol.
8:35 AM · Aug 15, 2025

Hakeem Jeffries @RepJeffries
The Trump administration canceled the Secret Service protection for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Why would they do such a reckless thing?

Republicans are psychotically consumed by revenge.

These extremists are unfit to govern and dangerous to the American way of life.
5:15 PM · Aug 29, 2025



Hakeem Jeffries @RepJeffries
Donald Trump is bullying companies, micromanaging corporate decision-making and trying to take over the Federal Reserve.

Hugo Chavez would be proud.

Why aren’t Republicans and so-called defenders of the free market complaining?

Complete phonies.
10:34 AM · Aug 26, 2025

Hakeem Jeffries @RepJeffries
The so-called Secretary of HHS is a failure who peddles conspiracy theories and pushes junk science.

Appointing an unqualified lackey as acting head of the Centers for Disease Control endangers the health of the American people.

You deserve better.

Hakeem Jeffries @RepJeffries
Attorney General Tish James, Senator Adam Schiff and Ambassador John Bolton dared to challenge Donald Trump.

That is why the Department of Justice has been vengefully weaponized against them.

We will never bend the knee to far right extremists.
3:12 PM · Aug 23, 2025


Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer
Trump broke the law to raise your prices. How dumb is that?
9:05 PM · Aug 29, 2025

...Bernie became president when he said this, but the actual Democrat, the Senate Dem leader got ignored:

Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer
Fire RFK Jr. now.
1:12 PM · Aug 29, 2025

Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer
RFK Jr.’s stubborn, pigheaded, and conspiracy-based attacks on proven science are going to make many more people sick and cause more deaths.

Americans are in greater danger every day RFK Jr. remains as HHS Secretary.

By keeping RFK Jr. in charge of HHS, Trump is doubling down on his own failure.

Trump must admit his mistake and remove Kennedy now.
9:22 AM · Aug 29, 2025

Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer
Trump knew RFK Jr. would be a disastrous pick to lead health care in America, and he nominated him anyway.

Trump made this mistake, and now he must fire RFK Jr. immediately.
9:05 AM · Aug 29, 2025

Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer
America is staring down next month’s government funding deadline on September 30.

It’s clear neither Trump nor Congressional Republicans have any plan to avoid a painful and entirely unnecessary shutdown.

With Trump's illegal "pocket rescission":

They seem eager to inflict further pain on the American people, raising their health care costs, compromising essential services, and further damaging our national security.
11:54 AM · Aug 29, 2025

Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer
Epstein Don is ready to put everyone he can in danger to distract you from how he's hiding the Epstein files.

Or maybe he just needs the money to pay for his weekly golf trips and JD's crazy number of vacations.
11:49 AM · Aug 29, 2025


...where were his critics on this?

Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer Aug 21
Taking away people’s health care to pay for tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy is the MOST UNPOPULAR legislation in decades with the American people.

NO SHIT

That’s Trump’s big, ugly accomplishment.
9:45 AM · Aug 21, 2025

Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer
St. Mary’s Hospital in Montgomery County, NY is on the frontlines of Trump’s devastating Medicaid cuts to rural hospitals

Standing there today with healthcare workers:

We are pushing legislation to reverse Trump’s Medicaid cuts and lower healthcare costs for families



...here?

Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer
Trump’s new action attacks the VA, its workforce, and workers’ rights.

That's how he treats America's veterans.

I’m standing together with veterans and unions in Central NY today to fight back to protect veterans’ healthcare.
6:33 PM · Aug 28, 2025



...why are Dem critics sleeping on this??

Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer Aug 27
Historically bad nominees deserve a historic level of scrutiny by Senate Democrats.




...why aren't Dem critics highlighting and promoting this?

Schumer Announces New Legislation – Standing With Frontline Capital Region Doctors & Nurses – To Make Healthcare More Affordable, Reverse GOP Cuts Before Permanent Damage Is Done And 1.5 Million New Yorkers Lose Healthcare, And Extend ACA Tax Credits To Keep Healthcare Affordable For Families

Schumer: We Must Reverse These Awful GOP Medicaid Cuts And Protect Healthcare For Capital Region

As the fallout from Trump’s devastating Medicaid cuts in their “Big Ugly Betrayal” law begins in the Capital Region and Mohawk Valley, and over 1.5 million New Yorkers projected to lose healthcare, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced his new legislation – the Protecting Health Care And Lowering Costs Act – to repeal these devastating healthcare cuts and permanently extend the ACA premium tax credits that are set to expire at the end of this year, which if not extended will raise families healthcare costs.

Standing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Montgomery County, listed as one of NY’s hospitals at greatest risk due to financial distress, where 37% of the population is covered by Medicaid, Schumer explained we have only begun to feel the negative impacts of Trump’s Medicaid cuts – with hospitals around the country reducing staff and cutting back on services, including in the Capital Region just last week, where one hospital stopped offering outpatient surgical procedure, citing looming Medicaid cuts.

“Trump’s ‘Big, Ugly Betrayal’ is one of the most devastating bills for Capital Region healthcare we’ve ever seen. More than 30,000 New Yorkers in the Capital Region and thousands more in the Mohawk Valley are expected to lose healthcare, with our rural communities hit the hardest,” said Senator Schumer. “This is a gut punch to Capital Region healthcare and will hurt so many seniors, families, and children who rely on Medicaid just to survive. St. Mary’s Hospital was already one of the most financially distressed hospitals in the state. Every year, they receive nearly 28% of their annual revenue from Medicaid, and if we don’t reverse these cuts, it could be devastating for so many hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare centers across Upstate NY.”

Schumer continued, “That’s why I’m announcing a new bill that will repeal all of Trump’s healthcare cuts and extend premium tax credits that Republicans would otherwise let expire in December. The fallout is just beginning from the devastating cuts in this horrible bill, with rural hospitals across the country seeing higher healthcare costs, longer ER wait times, and more. We must right this wrong, and Senate Democrats will lead the way to protect our hospitals and make healthcare more affordable.”

Schumer’s new legislation would reverse all the health care cuts in the “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” including those to Medicaid, and would permanently extend the ACA premium tax credits. The entire Democratic caucus has signed on to co-sponsor the legislation. The full text of the legislation can be seen here. As currently written, the Republican-passed legislation would kick nearly 15 million people across America off their health insurance and total more than one trillion dollars in health care cuts, all to help pay for bigger tax breaks for billionaires.

In the Capital Region, the average couple is expected to pay an increased $341 per month, higher than the statewide average, due to the elimination of premium tax credits in Trump’s bill. In the Mohawk Valley, the average couple is expected to pay an increased $270 per month, a whopping 49% increase. Senate Democrats are fighting back and pushing to reverse these devastating cuts and extend tax credits to make health care affordable. Overall, these cuts could rip away health coverage for over 30,000 New Yorkers in the Capital Region's 20th Congressional District, while also increasing ER wait times, increasing out-of-pocket costs & premiums, reducing medical services, and blowing huge holes in county budgets.

St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, which was named by the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform as at risk due to financial distress, is one of New York’s rural hospitals that will be hit hardest by federal cuts due to how much of its annual revenue comes from Medicaid payments. St. Mary’s receives $40 million of its revenue from Medicaid annually, 28% of its billable revenue, to treat over 35,000 unique Medicaid patients.

“Cuts to Medicaid and Medicare would have a devastating impact on small, independent hospitals like St. Mary’s, which serve a predominantly rural community with otherwise limited access to essential healthcare services. We are a lifeline for tens of thousands of patients in Montgomery and Fulton counties,” said Jeff Methven, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare. “We consider it the ultimate privilege and responsibility to secure the future of our community’s hospital, but we cannot do it alone. We are grateful to Senator Schumer for his commitment to patients throughout New York state and for his leadership on this issue.”

In addition, Schumer said the GOP healthcare cuts will shift the costs of care to local governments, resulting in agonizing decisions with county executives and state legislators forced to decide where to make up for the huge budget hole caused by the staggering loss in federal funding. Counties like Montgomery and taxpayers across the Capital Region and Mohawk Valley will be forced to shoulder the burden of increased costs of Medicaid, using more local dollars to manage people’s coverage with less federal funding coming in.

The GOP’s plan to cut Medicaid has already started to hit the Capital Region with experts saying this is only the beginning. Ellis Medicine recently announced it was moving outpatient surgical procedures performed at Bellevue Woman’s Center in Niskayuna to its main campus in Schenectady due to uncertainty about federal Medicaid cuts. Patients worry this is the first step in the Niskayuna hospital’s eventual closure.

Layoffs have hit hospitals in other parts of Upstate NY. Earlier this year, Garnet Health laid off 42 employees and cut programs for Hudson Valley patients, citing the disastrous Medicaid cuts in the GOP’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Last week, Kaleida Health announced it will close Buffalo Therapy Services clinics, leading to more layoffs. Nathan Littauer Hospital, already dependent on Medicaid for 15% of its total revenue, is also bracing for the impact of these cuts, which jeopardize care for nearly 21,000 Medicaid patients in Fulton County.

Schumer said this is a dark preview of what could come now that the GOP has enacted the largest healthcare cut in history to pay for their tax cuts for billionaires and wealthy corporations. The GOP’s Medicaid cuts threaten to force healthcare facilities to cancel services, reduce staff, and rip away healthcare from thousands of seniors and kids. Overall, New York State estimates that the state will lose $13.5 billion because of the new federal healthcare cuts. With Congressional Republicans already panicking about the devastating impact of these unpopular cuts, Schumer is pushing Senate Democrats to lead the way in fixing their mistake to protect healthcare for millions of Americans.

"The Iroquois Healthcare Alliance representing more than 50 hospitals and health systems across 32 counties in Upstate and rural New York strongly supports Senator Schumer's Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act as it would help ensure continued access to vital healthcare for communities across Upstate," said Kevin M. Kerwin, Esq., President and CEO of IHA. "H.R. 1 includes provisions that will have serious consequences for hospitals across our region, threatening to reverse the progress we've made to stabilize healthcare in Upstate and rural New York. Our hospitals experience a unique set of challenges and serve as the healthcare safety net for their communities – whether for mental health, physical health, other social service needs, or serving as economic drivers – and these cuts threaten to destabilize hospitals in Upstate and rural New York. Hospitals in Upstate and rural New York need a lifeline, not cuts. The communities our hospitals serve depend on the actions we take now to preserve access to care."

https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-fallout-from-trumps-medicaid-cuts-threatens-healthcare-for-over-30000-in-the-capital-region-schumer-announces-new-bill-to-reverse-gop-medicaid-cuts-protect-rural-hospitals-lower-healthcare-costs-and-save-county-budgets-from-paying-for-trumps-cuts

August 19, 2025
SCHUMER SECURES $6.5+ MILLION IN FEMA FUNDING FOR JASPER-TROUPSBURG CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AND STEUBEN COUNTY TO BOLSTER ONGOING FLOOD RECOVERY AND HELP COMMUNITY REBUILD STRONGER

Schumer Says FEMA Funding For School District Is Crucial Step For Getting Kids Back Into Their School And Reimbursing For Tremendous Costs Incurred By The District From The Flooding During Tropical Storm Fred, And For Steuben County From Tropical Storm Debby
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-secures-65-million-in-fema-funding-for-jasper-troupsburg-central-school-district-and-steuben-county-to-bolster-ongoing-flood-recovery-and-help-community-rebuild-stronger

August 21, 2025
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NIAGARA COUNTY LABORERS’ LOCAL NO. 91 TO RECEIVE $67 MILLION, THANKS TO SCHUMER’S HISTORIC PENSION FIX LAW, TO RESTORE AT-RISK PENSIONS FOR 570+ UNION WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases

August 14, 2025
Schumer Announces New Legislation – With Frontline Mohawk Valley Doctors & Nurses – To Make Healthcare More Affordable, Reverse GOP Cuts Before More Permanent Damage Is Done, And Extend Healthcare Tax Credits Families Use To Keep Their ACA Premiums Affordable
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-the-fallout-from-trumps-devastating-medicaid-cuts-begins-threatening-healthcare-for-thousands-in-the-mohawk-valley-schumer-announces-new-bill-to-reverse-gop-medicaid-cuts_protecting-local-hospitals-lowering-healthcare-costs-and-saving-county-budgets-from-having-to-pay-for-trumps-cuts

...'separated from reality'

'Separated from reality': Senate Republicans fume as Dems use Epstein saga to block Trump's agenda
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/separated-from-reality-senate-republicans-fume-as-dems-use-epstein-saga-to-block-trumps-agenda/ar-AA1LaHve

[mcar]

65. Please make this its own OP

[betsuni]

67. Yes, please make this an OP!

[yellow dahlia]

70. I applaud your bringing together of information and data.

Yes - Schumer and Jeffries are doing their jobs.

But I posit - does that mean they are meeting the moment?

Clearly some of us do not think so. The reason we care is because the stakes are SO high.

[bigtree]

74. please

...there's nothing in what Velshi said that does anything to confront republicans, or, more importantly, elect Democrats.

That's what we need to be focused on right now, not nitpicking the people actually doing that job.

And, yes, they're doing their jobs, which used to mean more than the political performance expectations this political generation has made the standard for their acceptance. (you do know it's not actually Newsom clowning on his X account, right, but his staff, and that he's 'doing his job' too?)

When Democrats hold majorities they not only fight, as they are right now, they win for the American people on more than just scoring political points against republicans.

Let Velshi argue that Democratic majorities don't move American forward, EVERY TIME. He's making a diverting and specious argument about a party out of power with no legislative means to do anything; unlike the governors who have Dem majorities to advance bills through their legislatures and have their governor sign them.

That does not exist for the Democrats he's taking these cheap shots at; Democrats he doesn't bother to have on to shove his revisionist-with blinders-on takes on our party back in his mouth.

We have a BINARY political system in which the choices are a regime which is ignoring laws, courts, and the American people as they dismantle the government and our democracy, and Democrats who govern fairly, responsibly, forcefully, and effectively when in power..

These other concerns about volume and semantics can be addressed and resolved in a Democratic majority. Without one, it's just acrimony and recrimination without any legislative vehicle to do anything but stand outside of the halls of power and complain.

Bayard Rustin, a leading organizer of the March on Washington said in his book, 'Strategies for Freedom' that for a movement or political concern to do more than complain it needs to have a legislative goal attached, to transform agitation into action.

Where is the legislative goal in what Velshi is asking us to focus on as a party? How do we make those happen?

[yellow dahlia]

80. It is not Ali's job to get Dems elected.

He is not supposed to ask you to focus on a legislative goal. He explained he is a journalist, and not pushing a political agenda. He is reporting a very real issue in the Democratic party. Did you watch the video of the segment? I watched it twice.

Ali Velshi reports the bad things Republicans are doing, every day.

[bigtree]

98. lol

...he's not part of anything but a compromised news org.

That's the limit of his experience with legislative politics.

What's his claim to superiority over our elected Democrats? His ability and willingness to throw stones at the wrong party?

Ali's experience is in performative politics so it's not a surprise he's trying to talk Democrats into a navelgazing focus on themselves. He's in the business of horse races and stirring up controversy for clicks and ratings, and the claim that he's not pushing a political agenda as he talks out of his ass about Democrats who he only pays attention to as he denigrates them is really something.

'Pay attention to Velshi instead of our elected Democrats' - someone who does NOTHING but run his mouth - while asserting that our elected officials are 'just doing their job,' isn't a cogent argument and it just invites this kind of disconnect from what Democrats are actually doing, vs. what Velshi thinks is so important in what he blabs on and on about on teevee.

Anyone can point to Trump and tell us what he's done wrong. That it's remarkable to see that from a reporter tells us all we need to know about the value of their gaslighting obviousness.

And look how far this convo is from what our Democrats are actually doing and saying. THAT"S what should concern you here. All of this conjecture about them and not a bit care to amplify actual advocacy and action from the people we elected.

That's the problem, imo. People always point to republicans and ask why they are successful in their bull, and it's because they don't allow themselves to splinter and divide like Democrats are susceptible to; and corporate journos with a show to sell know just how to get Democrats eating at their own, for whatever brilliant reason they do that divisive thing for.

[yellow dahlia]

100. You may be conflating politics and journalism.

Ali Velshi is not an every day news person. MSNBC is the only media outlet that is getting substantiated info to their audience. They are not the enemy. They are not perfect, but they are doing the best job in the realm of cable and broadcast tv.

"Ali's experience is in performative politics..."
Do you watch Velshi? Ali started in local news. He then became an economics reporter. He has reported from Ukraine - a war zone. The way you are portraying Ali and his monologue is "off base".

I am not sure I understand some of your "scolding". I absorb all the info available to me. I listen to Democrats...and their leaders. I watch C-Span. I am a politics and information wonk, because of the threat that exists. I don't share random opinions without research.

But like I said, I don't understand all your points.

The reason Repukes are cohesive is because they are being bribed or extorted. They care about their seat in Congress more than they do their grandchildren.

[bigtree]

101. so is he, and so does the op. I'm not enamored of Velshi. He puts me to sleep.

...and he has certainly come out strong against Trump.

But like you intimate about Democrats, that's his job, or should be.

What's beyond his title is Velshi telling Democrats, who he can't be bothered to cover with any regularity or detail other than in derisive lecturing about people who've already fought and won against actual republicans, how to politick.

He presents a fraction of what they say and do that suits him and pretends the rest isn't worth his time. We're not debating accountable public servants. You're presenting this teevee news entertainer as some outstanding political expert, and I just think he's as derivative and parroting of the pack as any other in that business.

He and the rest of the gaslighters give Trump all of their words and only mention Democrats when they can use them to put others down, as they've done with Newsom; supposing his advantaging a Democratic majority in his state represents some superior politicking in comparison to those who don't have a majority to play off of.

It's a cheap shot from him, but it's par for Democratic party critics.

I appreciate your descriptions of yourself, but I didn't intend to personalize anything I wrote and direct it toward your own efforts or advocacy. I do intend to make clear that highly paid teevee broadcasters with motivations other than what we elected our Democrats for need to be viewed with much more skepticism and cynicism than our Dem pols, but your mileage may vary.

[yellow dahlia]

103. I'm sorry. As I said in my previous reply -

"I don't understand all your points."

If you don't watch Velshi, then why do you have such a strong opinion about him. If you don't like Velshi...fine..don't watch him.

You may have a difference strategy than me for saving Democracy. I'm going with mine.

[bigtree]

105. it's your own assertion that I don't watch him

...maybe read more carefully.

Just vote for the party that's not fascist. How hard is that for people, if they're not in support of fascists?

It's not rocket science, and people should take more responsibility for their own lives and put an end to this by voting for the party that's not trying to end democracy.

Whoever needs convincing of that is simply the problem here, not Democrats.

[yellow dahlia]

107. OMFG! No one in the discussion has said they're not voting for the party that's not fascist.

Certainly not me. Expecting the leaders to lead is a completely different discussion.

I work really hard to listen and be intellectually rigorous. You have lost me.

[bigtree]

108. jesus.

...

Velshi: ‘Time for Some of Those Leaders to Step Aside’

Velshi first. Fuck him.

Done.

[sheshe2]

112. Bingo.

Nailed it!!!

[mcar]

118. big tree, I love you

What you are saying falls on deaf ears. But it is real, true, and important.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

137. Deaf and obstinate

[Oopsie Daisy]

149. Indeed. One is NOT a friend of Democrats...

... when one seems to be more intent on harming the party and depressing the vote and contributing to the "both parties are the same" narrative.

[creeksneakers2]

90. What does "meeting the moment" mean? More symbolic vagaries.

[yellow dahlia]

94. Acting like a war time consigliere.

Acting like this is a critical moment.

Taking a war time "footing".

Thinking outside the box.

Bucking norms.

Taking risks.

Being effective.

Meeting the moment is a phrase that I think says a lot w/ a few words. I tend to be verbose, so I am happy when I can use a phrase that encapsulates a concept.

I will try and ruminate on times in history when people "met the moment".

I welcome examples from others.

We often hear stories of heroism in battle - perhaps some of our DU vets can describe it better than me.

[mcar]

119. Vague nothingisms

[betsuni]

139. Sounds like one of those "inspirational" business seminars.

[Oopsie Daisy]

151. Or copying and pasting from an online catalog of those tired old inspirational posters

Teamwork:
"Teamwork: Together Everyone Achieves More"
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

Success:
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success."
"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally."

Perseverance:
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."
"Perseverance: The hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did."

Innovation:
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

Leadership:
"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality."
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."

Determination:
"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will."
"Determination: It’s not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference."

Excellence:
"Excellence is not a skill, it's an attitude."
"Strive for excellence, not perfection."

[creeksneakers2]

125. Nothing specific

Because its not real.

[Chemical Bill]

106. Meeting the moment.

The first person I think of is Zelensky. He's giving his country the leadership they need in this awful time.

Biden met the moment, he passed legislation against the evil repugs, and over the Manchin/Sinema roadblock. He did so much better than many of us imagined he could or would.

Chris van Hollen went to El Salvador and met the moment. If he were Senate Minority Leader things might look different.

[yellow dahlia]

120. Zelenskyy is a perfect example.

[creeksneakers2]

126. Nothing specific there either.

What SPECIFICALLY should they do?

[betsuni]

140. Real leaders have that special je ne sais quoi magic (no old people with glasses on their noses, no tweets after church)

Last edited Tue Sep 2, 2025, 08:03 AM - Edit history (1)

and have seen the movie "The Godfather."

Like when your eyes meet a stranger's across a crowded room, reading the first page of a novel that will become a favorite, gently squeezing a perfectly ripe avocado. You just know.

[creeksneakers2]

146. I don't see a specific objection there.

I'm not getting any elsewhere either. I think its because the complainers don't actually have a case.

I hope you haven't joined the dislike older people movement that jerk that got kicked off the DNC is pushing.

[betsuni]

147. Guess I'd better add the sarcasm thing.

[creeksneakers2]

148. I'll reread it with that in mind.

[betsuni]

150. Democrat-bashers mock Schumer's glasses and Jeffries one tweet mentioning God.

Insults and name-calling ("constructive criticism" -- as if) is all there is because there is no explaining any of their opinions. They just know. Anyone who doesn't hate Democrats is the enemy not on their side, in a cult, paying fealty, towing the line, in an echo chamber, etc. Always the same script.

[Chemical Bill]

158. You're really big on the whole...

idea that nobody can complain if they can't solve the problem.

That's not an honest position.

[betsuni]

109. Another way to insinuate they're out-of-touch elites sipping champagne cocktails at the Status Quo Bar & Grill

in D.C., chuckling over the success of their devious plot to ignore the moment and hold people back.

Meanwhile, brave authentic pure fighting spirit Voice of The People heroes consistently meet the moment with strongly worded essays and rallies and fundraising emails and strongly worded conspiracies demonizing Democrats as corrupt.

[bigtree]

110. and how effective have these whingers been against republicans as they attack Democrats

...after pulling this Dems 'should step aside bull' for years now, through the election we lost, time for them to 'step aside.'

They don't have a clue about how election cycles work and they don't care. They're anarchists who fantasize about clearing the political slate and assuming power for themselves in the vacuum. Morons.

[Chemical Bill]

157. This isn't about yellow dahlia...

not being able to compensate for the inability of Democratic leadership to solve our problems. Your insistance that yellow dahlia come up with specific solutions only highlights your lack of reason.

Symbolic vageries might be the best description of the very thing Ali is describing.

[LeftInTX]

127. They are caucus leaders, not cheerleaders. There is a huge difference.

Last edited Mon Sep 1, 2025, 11:58 PM - Edit history (1)

That's why AOC. Jasmine Crockett and Bernie Sanders are more effective at this...Geez....

It's the leaders' job to manage 45 Democratic Senators and 212 House members. It's their job to assure that the business of the House and Senate gets done. It's their job to whip votes. It's their job to provide guidance and strategy to committee chairs and other members. It's their job to make sure that members don't go astray, don't go rogue and show up for work. It's their job to assure that training and guidance is provided for other members. It's their job to "herd cats".

AOC and Jasmine are not even committee chairs. Neither is Bernie. None of those three are in leadership positions. So when they aren't doing business in the House, they are free to do other things with their time. Leadership is a full-time management position. Do you expect them to not do their jobs? You know what would happen if they took up protesting and neglected their duties?

Schumer and Jefferies are "cat herders"
The leaders jobs are mundane and procedural. That's why you don't see them engaging in "larger" than life stunts. Their jobs are very unglamorous and full of things such as procedures, procedures, procedures and making sure that everyone is following procedures.

A governor is different, because they are an executive. They can engage in PR stunts. In some respects that is part of what governors do. They aren't bogged down with procedures the way legislative bodies are.

We need a civics class around here.

[betsuni]

141. Thank you. I think people get it in their heads that leaders mean activists for causes they believe

the majority of the American people want (which they don't, and all this "owe fealty" nonsense that supporters of Democrats don't allow criticism is projection), Of course "constructive criticism" means the opposite of what it actually means. Killing the messenger, straw men, gaslighting, always always always the personal attack -- a daily parade of logical fallacies and eternal ignorance of how government works.

[sheshe2]

111. I agree with everyone, Make This An OP!

[LetMyPeopleVote]

168. WOW, thank you for this post

Please make it an OP

[Irish_Dem]

77. In wartime, the losing side must have some vigorous debate.

Before it is too late.

I agree with Schmidt and Nance about the advisors and consultants.
US generals said the same thing when the US did not do enough to help Ukraine
right after the invasion. Bad advice was being given to our leaders.

Makes me wonder who these advisors and consultants are exactly.

[yellow dahlia]

79. As always, you bring logic and reason to the debate, ID.

[sheshe2]

121. And facts.

As did bigtree, along with the receipts.

[creeksneakers2]

83. The few suggestions you actually made were symbolic

And would not have changed anything. Remember, MAGAs are brainwashed and it will take more than some symbolic gestures to change their minds. And our leaders would have to have gotten arrested in the process of carrying out your suggestions.

These attacks on Democrats are very counter productive. One of the main reasons were are here was lower turnout on our side in 2024. When pollsters probed why they were told Democrats weren't fighting enough, You are spreading that same negative message and it isn't true. They are also hurting our approval ratings, which hurts fundraising.

The best way to get something done is for all of us to pull together, not apart. We need to attack Republicans and do everything possible to get as many as possible to show up and vote the Fascists out in 2026.

Would you please explain to me how Schumer and Jeffries held members back? If you have any suggestions that would make a difference I'd love to read them.

[yellow dahlia]

97. I can respond to all your challenges, but right now it would take time and mental capacity

that I do not possess. I will get back to you with cogent replies when I have the time and energy.

[creeksneakers2]

128. no answer

Last edited Tue Sep 2, 2025, 12:17 AM - Edit history (1)

If you had one real practical suggestion you could have typed it with about the same number of words.

[yellow dahlia]

130. I'm sorry - you're being rude.

I am mentally spent for the day. It is not about how long it takes for me to type a word. When I share a thought I examine it for efficacy and rigorosity. I don't spew whatever thought comes to my mind.

I posited that others might have good examples. Chemical Bill offered up the quintessential example - President Zelenskyy. He was thrown into an untenable situation, and he rose to the occasion...no one knew he had it in him.

I will no longer waste my valuable energy responding to your challenges. You do not come to the debate with respect and grace.

[creeksneakers2]

132. I'm sorry if you found me rude

But I'm not buying your explanation for not having an answer.

[yellow dahlia]

133. Now you're calling me a liar?

I get tired...especially my brain. I put thought into my words.

I am not answerable to you. You are not polite enough for me to engage with you.

[creeksneakers2]

162. Nothing forces you to.

I didn't exactly call you a liar. That's against the rules. But I think I'm allowed to say I don't believe you. You started backing out because you said you were too tired at post #97. I see you were able to respond to a fan at #124.

[Irish_Dem]

99. Developing a coherent agreed upon strategy WOULD PULL THE PARTY TOGETHER.

But to do that we must have some vigorous debate first.

OP is making excellent points along these lines.

If we are supposed to sit down and shut up as you suggest, we are going to lose everything.

[yellow dahlia]

104. Thanks ID.

How do we convince people to put preconceived paradigms aside, so they can learn from each other?

I don't actually expect you to answer that question...mostly rhetorical.

[Irish_Dem]

142. Research shows that every time a truth bomb hits cult members, some of the peel off from the leader.

Of course some cult members then double or triple down.

The point I am making is that we look at the available research, consult with
cult experts, etc and make some plans. There are experts in various fields who
can help tremendously. Ex military, CIA, academics, etc.

I think a major problem is that we are not using the experts to help us,
or not the right ones.

I consider this a wartime effort and we need to bring in the big guns asap.

[creeksneakers2]

129. I'm not asking anybody to shut up.

If you have a valid suggestion I'd love to read it. But these false claims that Democrats aren't trying do nothing but help the GOP. Want a coherent strategy? Attack Republicans and only not Democrats with false claims.

[Irish_Dem]

143. I did make a valid argument.

That the OP is correct and making valid points.
It was a comment of support, not a working strategy comment.
I don't have to make strategy comments to support someone doing good work.

I make some specific strategy suggestions in another recent comment on this thread.

In wartime you don't tell the losing side to shut up and keep going in the wrong direction.
You ask for all and any opinions to chart a better course.
Once the decisions are made then you tell people to shut up and support the leader.

We are very far away from that point in time.

[creeksneakers2]

145. I don't see what you say you said

Do you think getting rid of consultants would change things?

I don't agree about the OP. I think its all just vagaries with no substance.

[Chemical Bill]

160. Lower turnout on our side...

was mostly due to repug cheating. Voter purges, targeted ads full of lies, lack of access in Democratic districts, the list goes on. There is evidence of widespread election fraud, which Democratic leadership, as well as some here on DU, turn a blind eye to.

Ali didn't cause any of those. Neither did yellow dahlia. Democratic leadership is in a better position to fight this than either Ali or yellow dahlia.

If, as you say, polls show Democrats saying that their leaders are not fighting enough, why do you insist that yellow dahlia solve it or shut up?

[Gimpyknee]

114. My sentiments exactly.

[yellow dahlia]

115. Thank you.

I am stunned that so many are defensive of a self proclaimed "influencer", and attacking an intellectually rigorous and honest journalist....of whom there are too few.

[Scrivener7]

122. It isn't really so many. It is just a few swarming you as so many others have been swarmed in the past.

You have been admirably civil and reasonable in the face of it.

[yellow dahlia]

124. Thank you for your gracious comment.

[betsuni]

144. TL;DR: Missing moments and holding their members, leaders must be replaced by war time consigliere

like Tom Hagen in "The Godfather" -- "You're out, Tom"; they have betrayed us, "I know it was you, Schumer and Jeffries. You broke my heart."

[msfiddlestix]

164. Small and friendly quibble, i saw him in clip back then saying: " We Are Winning!!"

I was astounded at the sheer absurdity and willful blindness which in turn filled me with profound anxiety fear and depression resulting in a state of panic and hopelessnesss.
The challenges we are facing requires intellectual honesty at minimum with a clear eyed view of reality, not some silly ass pep talk declaring victory while democracy, constitution and our institutions are being torched.