Ted Cruz and Jim DeMint ground things to a halt in the Senate quite effectively during the Obama era, and Democrats should take a cue from them for Trump's appointments: Demand hearings or hold their own.
Sorry, old Dem here and you lost me at Ted Cruz and the Green Eggs and Ham filibuster re “the potential government takeover with healthcare..” And there seems to be an assumption that Democrats are just going to lay down and die. We don’t need Amanda Carpenter preaching to Democrats. Ugh. Why don’t you talk to the listeners about what WE can do. My representatives are totally are in the bag with Trump—I don’t have anyone to write or call—so short of going to the streets to protest, what do I do? We can make a big show of fighting but when he gets his way on everything in the end, then what? I say we learn from what just happened, wait for the fuck-ups, and be ready for the next election cycles.
Tim is correct. Do little except media stunts. Let the actual stuff happen and ensure people know about it. Stop being the hall monitors of US liberalism.
Just a note. I have become a little wary of Rick Wilson. And I saw on Bluesky that The Lincoln Project was listed in a block list of Blue Anon folks which included a lot of the usual suspects, JoJo from Jerz, Brooklyn Dad Defiant etc. I think a lot of us have been through it with these people and want nothing more to do with false predictions and half-truths.
Rick Wilson lies. I don’t trust him. He seems like what I’m learning is typical for Republicans….lying is fine. Rules and norms don’t matter as long as you win.
Have to respectfully disagree with Amanda regarding her “better than the talking heads” comment. The obvious punk song to end anything should be by The Clash and in this instance I suggest “Know your rights,” “revolution rock,” or the somewhat depressing “complete control.” Though if Tim ever reads this Orville Peck is punk so anything by him counts.
Elaborating on my earlier post, Robert Kennedy advised that we focus on and work toward good, as opposed to allowing our energy to be depleted by outrage over the malfeasance of others. In addition, any action no matter how small when combined with actions of millions of others for good can make a big difference.
Amanda’s points remind me of the messages in Robert Kennedy’s Cape Town address on Day of Affirmation, 1966. That address speaks to the current situation in the US. I am inspired by its message.
Amanda, good on you for knowing about Gene Sharp’s work. Check out the works of Gandhi as well, perhaps MLK Jr., Vaclav Havel, Timothy Snyder. Michael Moore is working along these lines-- get in touch with him. Read David Halberstam’s “The Children”. Peter Pomerantsev’s books on propaganda are also worthwhile. Read Arendt’s essay, “Personal Responsibility Under a Dictatorship” and her book, analyzing the American Revolution, “On Revolution”. Frederick Douglass has a great line during the Civil War, that the Confederates were waging war on human conscience and human justice."
I'm having a hard time seeing how the Democrats can apply the techniques of the Tea Party. Maybe I'm remembering it wrong, but all of the Tea Party protestations about the "Constitution", "personal freedom", "small government", "rule of law", "fiscal responsibility", "family values", and "patriotism" were all lies. Trump proved that. They were just thin veneers of respectability which disguised the true reason for its support: the hatred against a half-black and half-white president.
I cannot see how Democrats can use those same techniques. The technical battles against Trump in DC must be paired with some sort of demagoguery and populist messaging for the regular people on the streets who pay no attention to politics. Unfortunately, I don't think demagoguery and lies work well on the Democratic side right now.
Lies are probably a non-starter for Democrats, I agree. (In an ideal world, they would be non-starters for everyone, but here we are.)
However, I think that some solid demagoguery could work wonders for Democrats, the folks who sat out this election, and perhaps some Independents, too. If the emotional appeals are what get people in the door, the facts and policies don't need to change; they just need to be recast in emotional terms. (Also not what I wish politics to be... and again, here we are.)
Sorry, old Dem here and you lost me at Ted Cruz and the Green Eggs and Ham filibuster re “the potential government takeover with healthcare..” And there seems to be an assumption that Democrats are just going to lay down and die. We don’t need Amanda Carpenter preaching to Democrats. Ugh. Why don’t you talk to the listeners about what WE can do. My representatives are totally are in the bag with Trump—I don’t have anyone to write or call—so short of going to the streets to protest, what do I do? We can make a big show of fighting but when he gets his way on everything in the end, then what? I say we learn from what just happened, wait for the fuck-ups, and be ready for the next election cycles.
Wasn't it the Tea Party and their tactics that birthed MAGA in the first place? Not sure thats the template we want to canonize.
When did Elon learn to code?
Yes, he will shut down Congress over Gabbard. Because it’s about demonstrating his power rather than accomplishing anything.
Tim is correct. Do little except media stunts. Let the actual stuff happen and ensure people know about it. Stop being the hall monitors of US liberalism.
Just a note. I have become a little wary of Rick Wilson. And I saw on Bluesky that The Lincoln Project was listed in a block list of Blue Anon folks which included a lot of the usual suspects, JoJo from Jerz, Brooklyn Dad Defiant etc. I think a lot of us have been through it with these people and want nothing more to do with false predictions and half-truths.
And, I’m with Amanda.
Rick Wilson lies. I don’t trust him. He seems like what I’m learning is typical for Republicans….lying is fine. Rules and norms don’t matter as long as you win.
You rock Amanda! Was uplifting to hear you determination 👍
Have to respectfully disagree with Amanda regarding her “better than the talking heads” comment. The obvious punk song to end anything should be by The Clash and in this instance I suggest “Know your rights,” “revolution rock,” or the somewhat depressing “complete control.” Though if Tim ever reads this Orville Peck is punk so anything by him counts.
Elaborating on my earlier post, Robert Kennedy advised that we focus on and work toward good, as opposed to allowing our energy to be depleted by outrage over the malfeasance of others. In addition, any action no matter how small when combined with actions of millions of others for good can make a big difference.
The 49.9% that voted against should increase their savings. Spend less.
Good pod. Uplifting. Where do I sign up for the protests?
Amanda’s points remind me of the messages in Robert Kennedy’s Cape Town address on Day of Affirmation, 1966. That address speaks to the current situation in the US. I am inspired by its message.
Amanda, good on you for knowing about Gene Sharp’s work. Check out the works of Gandhi as well, perhaps MLK Jr., Vaclav Havel, Timothy Snyder. Michael Moore is working along these lines-- get in touch with him. Read David Halberstam’s “The Children”. Peter Pomerantsev’s books on propaganda are also worthwhile. Read Arendt’s essay, “Personal Responsibility Under a Dictatorship” and her book, analyzing the American Revolution, “On Revolution”. Frederick Douglass has a great line during the Civil War, that the Confederates were waging war on human conscience and human justice."
Love me some all caps Amanda 👍
I'm having a hard time seeing how the Democrats can apply the techniques of the Tea Party. Maybe I'm remembering it wrong, but all of the Tea Party protestations about the "Constitution", "personal freedom", "small government", "rule of law", "fiscal responsibility", "family values", and "patriotism" were all lies. Trump proved that. They were just thin veneers of respectability which disguised the true reason for its support: the hatred against a half-black and half-white president.
I cannot see how Democrats can use those same techniques. The technical battles against Trump in DC must be paired with some sort of demagoguery and populist messaging for the regular people on the streets who pay no attention to politics. Unfortunately, I don't think demagoguery and lies work well on the Democratic side right now.
Lies are probably a non-starter for Democrats, I agree. (In an ideal world, they would be non-starters for everyone, but here we are.)
However, I think that some solid demagoguery could work wonders for Democrats, the folks who sat out this election, and perhaps some Independents, too. If the emotional appeals are what get people in the door, the facts and policies don't need to change; they just need to be recast in emotional terms. (Also not what I wish politics to be... and again, here we are.)
As the saying goes, you can wish in one hand and crap in the other...
Thanks Amanda. I appreciate your passion!