General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhy is it so hard for Dems to AT LEAST hold a press conference.
to set the record straight that WE aren't the perpetrators of violence and that trump et al are trying to foment fear and stiffle dissent?
Why is it so hard?

I dont know what else they have to do as the minority party except explain how bad the Trump administration and Republicans are 24/7.
Seriously, are they really trying to craft legislation thats going nowhere?
leftstreet
(37,319 posts)That's all I ever hear
Although they still haven't figured out how to get back the 6+ million reliably Democratic voters who voted Biden, but not Harris
Iris
(16,677 posts)Keepthesoulalive
(1,831 posts)What station will carry it. All of the stations are owned by collaborators. Young people meaning people under 50 do not look at tv. The media has been completely taken over. Dont blame democrats blame Americans who are too self absorbed to give a shit about anything. November is where we should have been involved, now its just trying to wait for the midterms .
Bluetus
(1,569 posts)Other democracies have tactics like maintaining a "Shadow cabinet" to talk openly about where the opposition disagrees with the administration in power. I guess we don't think that is dignified or polite enough.
I would suggest that the answer to the question in the thread title is that we have the wrong people in charge, but then somebody would report me for not being sufficiently understanding of everybody operating within the Democratic Party, so I'm not going to do that.
yellow dahlia
(3,093 posts)Oeditpus Rex
(42,750 posts)
Keepthesoulalive
(1,831 posts)That might be helpful.
Oeditpus Rex
(42,750 posts)Highly doubtful, since you'd certainly conclude everything I say is controlled by the corporate masters and the government
Or are they the same thing? I forget.
choie
(6,107 posts)or should they just throw their hands up and do shit?
Keepthesoulalive
(1,831 posts)Schmitt and others are on YouTube I dont know about TikTok , they are about to be purchased by a republican billionaire. Sometimes the influencers are over the top but they do the research and bring the receipts. There is a no kings march coming up soon. Reddit and substack also are very good for information. The American people allowed these monsters in. They must fight peacefully of course to get it back. Epstein.
progressoid
(51,971 posts)There are platforms other than TV.
Keepthesoulalive
(1,831 posts)X,Facebook, and TikTok are not going to platform democrats and they are responsible for the problems we have now. The American people dont care , Texas and all the red states are not going to listen to democrats. Maybe suffering will change minds but if you can find a candidate that can shake things up, support him or her and have that person represent you in the midterms. They are flooding the zone with crazy and a media bullhorn. The Yankees I assume they are still in The Bronx had a moment of silence for a racist in a multi ethnic borough. I think you know where the rich stand and it is not with us.
NCDem47
(3,045 posts)Would anyone hear it?
If a well-meaning Democrat or Democrats hold a press conference, would anyone cover it?
unblock
(55,636 posts)For not being able to get a strong liberal/democratic message out through that biased media that fires people for gently noting that Charlie Kirk was largely indifferent to school shootings yet routinely gives megaphones to right-wing lies and propaganda and even calls for violence.
Go see a rally or podcast from your favorite democratic politician, it's very likely to be far more to your liking.
Funny how democratic politicians can get a strong message out when they control the microphone, or it's controlled by someone friendly, but they can't get that kind of message out the msm....
Bluetus
(1,569 posts)Regardless of how biased the media is, can you say that we are doing everything possible to stand up to the fascists?
unblock
(55,636 posts)I think if democratic leadership adopted a stronger, fighting, unified stance, the media would simply start shutting them down. Not inviting them back, working with republicans to create pseudo-scandals about them, new programs with shouting matches featuring 4 republicans and one democrat, etc.
This is the result of the right pouring trillions of dollars over the last 45 or so years into controlling and dominating the media landscape. We are far, far too late in joining that fight and mere messaging is no match for controlling the microphone in a highly propagandistic media environment.
Bluetus
(1,569 posts)Maybe the game is already lost. Maybe there is truly nothing we can do now.
Many of us are frustrated because we have been trying to sound the alarms for a generation or more, always to face a chorus of "Just sit down and shut up. The system is strong. It will take care of itself."
Well, it didn't. It could be that Trump will succeed in installing such a totalitarian government that we all end up in prison or worse. But in that case, the regime can eventually round all of us up anyway based on the vast amount of data already controlled by the Big Data companies, so what is gained by lying low? If we still have a pulse -- and I am told that if comment about elected Democrats I will be banned here, so I won't say anything about the quality of opposition at the Party level -- we should be using every breath we have to fight this to the end.

usonian
(20,685 posts)Last edited Tue Sep 16, 2025, 01:51 AM - Edit history (1)
Law of life. If you don't do it, it's because you don't want to.
UNACCEPTABLE
https://www.democraticunderground.com/13244034 TWF
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220640586 GD
While lie after lie after lie is spread about radical left wing terrorists
Which, by the way DO NOT EXIST
Who is calling out the lies on the big stage?
As far as I can tell, Bernie Sanders, Governor Pritzker, and Elizabeth Warren.
Joe needs to take care of Joe.
And sincere best wishes for his health.
Expect zero from most media.
Party and dignitaries with clout are not standing up to this false and illegal barrage of direct threats
illegal under accepted interpretation of the first amendment.
And the Democratic party leadership?
NADA, ZILCH, ZIP, NIL, BUPKIS, RIEN
Youre as useless as bowling shoes at an ice rink.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/13244015
^^^^^^^ Now is the time for the party to come to the aid of all good men. ^^^
And women and others.
Dont wait for divine intervention. It aint happening.
So-called leaders.
Read this and get off your lame asses.
AND CALL OUT THE LIES FORCEFULLY AND REPEATEDLY
Or we all lose ours.
yellow dahlia
(3,093 posts)usonian
(20,685 posts)He might like it!
LearnedHand
(5,033 posts)sheshe2
(93,880 posts)A shine box is a shoe shine box.
NADA, ZILCH, ZIP, NIL, BUPKIS, RIEN
Go home and get your fucking shine box!
A shoe shine box, that is pretty insulting to our two black congressional leaders, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Joe Neguse.
Response to sheshe2 (Reply #48)
usonian This message was self-deleted by its author.
sheshe2
(93,880 posts)Melon
(788 posts)Response to sheshe2 (Reply #59)
usonian This message was self-deleted by its author.
RockRaven
(18,028 posts)It would be soooo embarrassing.
live love laugh
(15,909 posts)Doodley
(11,390 posts)Why is John Oliver able to deconstruct and explain what is happening and how bad it is for us all, but our lawmakers aren't able to do that?
Oeditpus Rex
(42,750 posts)on 'Why it's not our fault'.
"Capitol Hill reporters opt to cover opening of flower show."
choie
(6,107 posts)Or should they just sit on their asses and do jackshit? Woe is me, I'm a Democratic leader and can't do anything. Waaah!
Oeditpus Rex
(42,750 posts)"Democrats to hold press conference on 'Why it's their fault'.
"Capitol Hill reporters opt to cover demolition derby."
Keepthesoulalive
(1,831 posts)If you dont like the leaders primary them. Get out the vote also lets raise money for our alternate candidates. Be very careful of kingmakers they can influence an election. We have our signs for our candidates in Virginia and indivisible as well as the Democratic Party are holding fundraisers. We are putting out our information on different Reddit platforms. Im working for that change we are working to keep the legislature in democratic hands and turn over the governorship. People dont know who their local representatives are why should they care what some guy from New York says. Go local.
choie
(6,107 posts)who know how to do social media? Jesus Christ, this is 2025.
NCDem47
(3,045 posts)that was shut down cold.
MuseRider
(34,951 posts)So sorry, I was in and out but what I heard was darned good. He had a crowd behind him and in front. He can sure cause excitement in a crowd.
Bernie may not be your cup of tea but I find him very good at this.
He certainly is not afraid of getting out there and busting some balls (as they say).
I find it very exciting listening to Bernie. At least you can hear or read it knowing he is honestly
speaking his truth...(sorry, it got dark typing in a dark room and a dim screen.
choie
(6,107 posts)and he's one of the only ones out there, not surprisingly.
W_HAMILTON
(9,535 posts)Not a damn thing.
The time to be """out there""" was when we had a chance to stop all this shit in is tracks at the ballot box. Back then, when it actually mattered, his wife was telling everyone it didn't matter who we voted for as long as we voted and some of his other top surrogates have since been attacking Democrats ever since.
I'm sorry, that's not the solution -- it has been and still is THE PROBLEM.
EDIT: This bullshit right here -- on Election Day 2016:
Link to tweet
MuseRider
(34,951 posts)I sure wish he was younger.
electric_blue68
(23,919 posts)Last edited Tue Sep 16, 2025, 03:07 AM - Edit history (1)
3xs/wk. Usually M, W, F.
Right now keep on Epstein files, then like highlight 2 major issues/lies re drumphf, each presser, plus what Dems have done, or hope to do if getting back the Presidency, and at least one chamber of Congress if not both (preferably!!!)
Is that sooooo difficult?!
I shall give Schumer's (my Sen) office a call.
Does anyone contact the DNC, as well?
gab13by13
(29,837 posts)proclaiming the greatest threat to our nation comes from white supremacists.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the statistics support that, Krasnov's lying mouth is the only counter.
Keepthesoulalive
(1,831 posts)They would not listen because they are complicit. Anything about the dear departed was met with lies.
This country is screwed up they constantly go back to the southern strategy and it works. The horrible things that man said should have been met with derision but instead it was cheered. They didnt have a problem with a rapist and a felon. America left rational a long time ago.
Hekate
(99,502 posts)Oh look! Squirrel!! 🐿️
And off the reporters go like a pack of floppy eared dogs.
🐿️
myohmy2
(3,677 posts)...they're just plain scared of trump and the republicans...
...it's easier to hide than get whacked...
...
Silent Type
(11,207 posts)they should just let the Kirk matter run its course. Dont think well come out ahead bickering about his death. People have already made up their mind, anyway.
Bread and Circuses
(1,166 posts)Orrex
(66,051 posts)Abolishinist
(2,761 posts)choie
(6,107 posts)ReRe
(11,987 posts)"what should we do? what should we do?
what should we do?
"
Parallax El
(16 posts)Stop watching "TV".
HoosierDebbie
(445 posts)Who do I ever see to listen to? The one that comes to mind is Newsom. Pritzker when Chicago is involved. Bernie gets a lot of attention. Maybe more Dem leaders from a variety of geographical areas and political positions should organize "rallies" and go on tour. Rotate leaders depending on location. DO SOMETHING to get attention to increase audience members and attract both local and national media. Include humor as well as constructive criticism. Broadcast live online. Post bits online. Create a special website for rallies, with lots of updates, interviews and, most importantly, tell Dems what to do to help end this dreadful regime and era.
Dems need to coordinate efforts. How great would it be to see well known governors to coordinate efforts together instead of trying to make headway alone?
tirebiter
(2,643 posts)NJCher
(41,484 posts)I don't know what theirs is, but I wouldn't say anything.
There's an old saying: Whats the sense of wrestling with a pig? You both get all over muddy . . . and the pig likes it.'
Trump is not worthy of response or the time spent in composing one. to Bernie, who has done this so long it's second nature. He can respond off the cuff.
My other reason would be they might as well say, "Proceed, Governor," like what Obama said in a presidential debate. Trump is so busy destroying himself, I don't see any reason to interrupt him.
Whatever they say isn't going to do much good, so why bother at all.
choie
(6,107 posts)is exactly what got us into this shithole. Just proceed, and we won't hold anyone accountable for the Iraq war.
If you think what they say isn't going to do any good, then let's hang it all up! The least they can try to do is rally the troops (that would be the members of the Democratic party and people of good will).
Jesus the learned helplessness is just unreal!
NJCher
(41,484 posts)As a career, Im a professional communicator. I know how this works.
However, youre important because you are a voter.Thats your feeling, and it matters.
Im telling you that what can be said in this situation is not going to make a difference in this environment. Other posters on this thread have noted that, too.
You should outline what you want them to say. Maybe you can think of something that will make a difference. I just dont see it.
Duncan Grant
(8,824 posts)We need marching orders and some tlc for morale. We need the democratic leadership to magnify the zeitgeist, create community and common cause. This shouldnt be hard.
Edit: The right just declared war and retribution on democrats last week. It was a moment of clarity I wont soon forget.
LeftInTX
(34,006 posts)Bernie also has more time for traveling because he's not a committee cochair since he isn't a member of the Democratic Party.
They're having a press conference tomorrow morning at 9:30 am EDT. (I know. It sounds like a snoozefest) But Bernie preaches about healthcare and it is important. Just saying, they are working and they are having a press conference. It's just probably not going to be a knockout, drag em out, hit fest!
Expectations
Reality

BigmanPigman
(53,807 posts)That attitude got us here in the first place. OK, let me have it DU! Oh my, am I speaking out of turn?!?
Comey and Garland got us here, too. Fuck both of them!!!!!
pbmus
(13,038 posts)It will be too late
H2O Man
(77,946 posts)I've been writing more on a couple other sites where readers include Democrats and independents who are strongly opposed to the felon, maga, and the destruction of the United States. Thus, I did not see this post until being selected for jury duty at around 12:35 am/est. I will have to look at DU:GD closer.
I would like to see a press conference with Democratic Party leaders and the victims of Epstein. Our party leaders would not even have to talk much at all. By just being there, they would be seen to be endorsing the need to give these ladies a public stage.
I understand a good friend here is correct in noting the corporate media will not provide proper coverage, if any at all, if these party leaders hold a usual press conference. Indeed, they do not cover it when an AOC, or a Bernie, or a Jasmine Crockett speaks to a large audience.
My friend did mention podcasts. We know that the maga has used podcasts to organize and energize their base. We know that has included maga politicians appearing on podcasts, including the felon himself. Yet our party has not made a significant attempt to organize and energize our base on podcasts.
AOC, Bernie, and Jasmine Crockett organize and energize their audiences. Our leaders should learn from their example. Obviously, a Chuck Schumer isn't as charismatic as, say, Jasmine. But he could appear with her.
JI7
(92,663 posts)why don't you support those that are setting the record straight ?
There are many liberal and democratic people on social media doing it.
social media is whether Charlie Kirk was popular.
You keep missing the real problem and stop stuck on tv and cable news.
choie
(6,107 posts)do not equal t.v. They can just stick a damn ipnone camera in front of their faces and livestream on instagram and lecture for all I care. JUST DO SOMETHING!
JI7
(92,663 posts)LeftInTX
(34,006 posts)Health care just isn't vogue anymore.
https://www.c-span.org/event/news-conference/senate-democrats-holds-news-conference-on-affordable-care-act-tax-credits/436458
The Texas Democratic Party holds numerous press conferences.
Keepthesoulalive
(1,831 posts)Our state reps in Virginia come to all of the meetings , they listen they talk and they educate us as to what is happening in the senate. No young people attend the meetings because why i dont have answers. Most people will tune out they dont care about policy , they want sound bites and good vibes. If you are only concerned during presidential elections then the most popular will win no matter what the policies.. their is a site on Reddit Leopards ate my face, he told them what he was going to do and he is doing it but it only matters because they are being affected.
betsuni
(28,356 posts)not doing enough, not using the right magic words to stop Trump and all bad Republican things. If those strongly worded magic speeches worked, the revolution would have happened years and years ago.
SocialDemocrat61
(5,689 posts)support democrats rather than constantly complaining about them.
choie
(6,107 posts)And, you don't know what the hell I do.
murielm99
(32,354 posts)sheshe2
(93,880 posts)SocialDemocrat61
(5,689 posts)on them doing what you personally want.
betsuni
(28,356 posts)they will *poof* turn into Republicans ( believing there is only a sliver of difference between the two parties).
In this culture the inhabitants think they are actually saving the country by demonizing Democrats this way.
madibella
(201 posts)bigtree
(92,593 posts)...here are the pressers that matter to Americans:
Dems shouldn't be spending time defending themselves.