Painting the entire party with the same brush is easy to do, and unfair. There are many who are fighting everyday, visibly, and many others behind the scenes. My rep is a member of "The Squad"...she's done a remarkable job for our district, and has been very vocal, protesting, demonstrating, against Hair Furor's policies. I'm fully expecting the words "bipartisan", "friends", "colleagues" to be overused by Democratic Party Leadership in the coming weeks, allowing them to be backed into a corner and blamed for not accommodating the terrorists, otherwise know as "Republicans", and caving to further demands. I'm baffled as to why party leadership is so afraid to take the language and tactics of the Republicans and turn the tables on them. In a world of Schumers and Jeffries, be like AOC, be like Jasmine Crockett, be like Moskowitz, be like Jamie Raskin. The leadership is there, it's just not in The Leadership.
Yes. Knee jerk Democrats need to get off their knees. People are angry that we have not been giving the degree of pushback required.. no one is really out there leading except for Newsom- a beginning, just a beginning.
Wholly agree. Let your members of Congress on both sides that if they do their jobs honorably and they follow their oaths, we’ll back them. Further, call out anyone who supports Trump and has passed ridiculous legislation or allowed wholly incompetent people to be named to Federal offices. I’d ask my Representative “Did you support the nomination of RFK,Jr.?” If so, why? Let them babble their way with stupid answers and following that babbling ask”What are you doing for us by being a Member of Congress?”
It's time for the professional Dem haters to stop recycling cliches and tropes about "Democrats getting a spine". I know it's a profitable business model but I'm not subsidizing it anymore. It is not helpful.
I'm right there with you. These people were always part of the problem-nothing the Dems do is every good enough. Many of these 'critics' happily smeared Clinton, Harris and Biden and hold the Dems to impossible standards of purity.
There is NO bipartisanship to be had whatsoever. Democrats have to wake up and play rough. Use different words then if you don't like spine. This is not about the cost of groceries and kitchen table issues which is what I hear Democrats want to talk about. It's about a lot more before that that is existential!
First, Democrats continue to work with Republicans every day who are willing to introduce legislation that would benefit constituents (see Khanna/Massie for one example). They are also working with Republicans to get funding restored for agencies/projects in their Districts. My Rep worked with Republicans to get the Ukraine Kidnapped Children hotline restored. Second, I trust Democrats are working on the dreaded "kitchen table issues" because that's what they're hearing from Constituents. Third, Democrats know nothing can begin to get fixed unless they can be majority in House and Senate to they're focused on getting elected. Fourth, many Dem reps actually flip red/purple seats and need votes from Independents and some Republicans to be reelected so they need to parse communication more carefully. It's easy to run your mouth and "be brave" if you're in an uber blue district or state. Fifth, to say Dems have "no spine" when Rep McIver from NJ was indicted to checking ICE facility, Dems in Texas being fined and terrorized because they took a stand against extreme gerrymandering and Dem House Reps in Minnesota being murdered with more Dem targets on the shooter's list. See also Dem governors, mayors, state attorneys general who are resisting invasions by government and filing court cases every day to protect voting rights. Sixth, at the national level Jeffries and Schumer are using rules and procedures to delay and block bills/confirmations (Jeffries' 8 hour speech in the House to delay Big Bad Bill/Schumer currently delaying confirmations). It's not "glamorous" or "stirring" neither is it "cowardly". I suspect other factors are at play with the Schumer/Jeffries pile ons but I will refrain from going there.
These secondary issues you point out where there is yes bipartisanship that help to keep Republicans in office. They are not resisting Trump. They are repairing damage, including at home and nibbling around the edges of a corrupt and lawless Executive. They are not using their powers. Will they combine with Democrats to impeach? Hell no.
The complaint against Democrats ( registering in polls too) is that they are not being strong enough given the reality we face which is existential. Strength lies in numbers-- like the GOP/MAGA knows. One person being brave is great but it's treacherous.
Your Part 5 b - yes this is true. The courts have more than they can handle.
6th- rules and procedures work just so much. The MAGA march on.
Jeffries speech was 2 months ago-- Cory Booker 5 months ago. Marches happen sporadically and are great. In the meantime MAGA have been galloping ahead daily.
Others in Congress have not followed, some people are calling it theater.
I have no "factors that are in play" besides watching what is happening and feeling that the response is not doing it. I try not to despair and I do not.
RFK,Jr caught people's attention... and will more when they get sick. The tariffs threat will keep prices rising. Economists say we are headed for a slump.
People will again be angry at Democrats for not being strong enough to save us from this because they don't get what a democracy means and they want a daddy ( not Trump) to come and save us. At this belated point more engagement from the ground is needed. We may agree on that. These are extraordinary times. It's now or else..... People have to learn the painful way, if they do. But I don't despair. I am beginning to think that given humanity- this, ours, is a very difficult experiment and we are still too busy "getting and spending, laying waste our powers".
I agree that these times call for extraordinary measures. They also call for putting your head down and "doing your job". Nibbling around the edges has resulted in actual quantifiable benefits for constituents. I also believe Congress needs to use rules and procedures to its advantage when they can because we as a country have to keep exercising our Constitution muscles and keeping them as strong as we can. That's why it's important that there's some balance between accomplishments by "staying a course" and taking extraordinary measures as required. Dems will not be perfect. But as you said people will be angry at Dems regardless of what they do because "daddy" and I agree with that. I also think media hate Dems anyway but that's another discussion. I do think on balance, considering all of the factors deliberately lined up against them, I think the Dems, Jeffries and Schumer included, are doing an incredible job under crushing circumstances. I would like to see them be less self critical in public but that is yet another discussion LOL!. Thanks for your respectful engagement.
I would not say the media-too broad- hates Democrats.
We have more Constitutional muscle than we are using.. and we have had norms that we depended on that have been tested and broken.
Democrats of course will not be perfect but we should not rest on that thought. The mule needs a whip.
It's tough to stay the course when the other side takes the liberty of being a lawless wrecking ball. It's tough to keep rowing when there are holes being drilled in the boat we are on. People who know what we are up against and care want to see fight and toughness. That is why Newsom gave hope.
I like the idea of Democratic non-cooperation.. not showing up-- going on strike. Maybe more theater, but in *concerted* action.
The MAGA in Congress and some fragile Democrats are so afraid of being primary-ed. Which is why you hear "spineless".
Democrats are not in power but it is not hard to believe they will have most of the people if they get loud and tough.
That is not to take away praise for what some try to do individually (Raskin, Schiff and others).
I am missing a realistic assessment and rethinking of the danger we are in and a plan. I am missing a televised conference of elders, of Democrats Independents and old style Republicans about this situation.. address the nation. That before Trump declares the state of emergency (insurrection) and sends more troops.
The 2026 midterms are critical to focus on at every level and now because it is critical to Trump/MAGA and they fear they will lose.People need to be on guard or we lose. They threaten at every level and with uniforms and masks and they KNOW people are vulnerable.
Schumer is way too weak to lead the democratic party at this time. He will cave because he thinks that the senate is a place for compromise like it used to be. He is unfit for the current situation. Step aside Grandpa.
The old man in the cheaters pictured at the top of this post does not and will not want to shut down the government. He must be made to understand that hardball is the game being played here, not badminton. Write and email your senators and congresspeople, and to Schumer himself, and insist on no capitulation or you’ll take your vote to a primary candidate. Talk in plain language about the economy, and the Constitution, and what you expect to be upheld.
I think some people in Congress are playing a wait and see game with Trump. Well, spoiler alert, what you see is what you get and every step he takes is a backwards one in terms of growing our country and improving living conditions for our citizens.
You cannot have bipartisanship when one side fundamentally does not believe in bipartisanship! Dems need to wake up. How can you have a bipartisan agreement to avoid a shutdown when “The administration has declared its right to deploy an illegal “pocket rescission” through which it refuses to spend funds that are already required by law.”? Great idea, outlaw “pocket rescissions” in the bill itself. Ha, ha! It’s already illegal and the administration will ignore that provision like it will any other proffered by Dems in the bipartisan agreement! Dems will, in the end, get nothing if they vote to keep the government open. To be honest, given the increasingly fascist moves of the government, we are all likely better off/safer with it closed.
Current Democratic leadership is NOT up to this. We need change!
I am sick of bipartisanship and goody two shoes high road spineless Schumer...and so are many others. He's the face of Democrats weakness and caving in and why the Democrats are so low in the polls. Jeffries is looking like a close second to this sentiment. There is NO bipartisanship to be had whatsoever. Stop it!!
Even though Schumer is nearly hopeless in this fight, if we inundate his office with comments at least he won’t do what he does thinking that Americans agree with it……
Love the old car analogy. On his own, Schumer will pursue this as he always has…. Old school. He is accountable though to the caucus that he leads…and if they make it very clear that they won't cooperate with capitulation, then he will have to get out of the way.
Say and repeat, say and repeat, say and repeat: Separation of powers, Separation of powers. Separation of powers. Fair minded Members of Congress should also, as many do with their nightly prayers, say and repeat a their oaths of office. And if they feel fearful of Trump and his lackeys, remember that we have your back if you do your job correctly, if you “protect and defend” us from this craziness.
They should take a real stand for democracy and refuse anything until the foundations are shored up. Trump is killing unions, trying to rig voting and filling our election w corruption so only if pro act, ban on money in politics(as much as our shitty SCOTUS will allow, gerrymandering ban and John Lewis voting rights act are passed should they approve a damn thing
That for trying to wake dems from their slumber. Dems grow a spine? Dems grow pens to write strongly worded letters to fascist, maga, dictator, wannabee. Asking dems to grow a spine is like asking a cow to learn to drive, like asking a fish to run a marathon. Come on. Dems will cave, they will gain nothing and when the stuff hits the fan, repubs will blame dems for voting for the big billionaire's tax bill. I can hear the nervous shaking of dem leadership as they say, but what if we stand up to the bully and someone doesn't like us for it? We need to please everyone, all the time, and still find a way to lose power! What have weal dems given America? trump twice...
It's almost comical if it wasn't so tragic. I detest republicans and will never vote for one again, but corporate dems are so pathetic, weak, feeble,and afraid that they mke me nauseous. Dems play defense ALL the time while repubs go on the attack even if it's in support of child sexual predators. Dems play pattycake against the bully and wonder why they get sand kicked in their faces and have to run home crying that the bully didn't play fair. I have heard Stuart Stevens say more than oce, better strong and wrong than weak and right. Dems never got that message, and doubtgully ever will with their current 'leadership'.
This is certainly one of the meatiest posts in a long time. But then the Republicans, Trump, Inc., and all of his followers continue to provide grist for the mill. I found your comment about gerrymandering to be very important because that particular action shows just how desperate and fearful Republicans are: While gerrymandering isn’t illegal, it does severely tip the scales of fairness in elections which can be simply achieved if they’d just let the process go without being impeded by lies of “unfairness” and cheating charges which far and away are so untrue (I did say lying, didn’t I?).
I think there's time and place for dramatic demonstrations of resistance for sure. It has to be a situation where the protest is about a clear cut wrong or violation of rights plus clear communication about why and what the desired outcome is.
The biggest reason to shut down the government is that even if the GOP agreed to some funding Trump will just refuse to spend it, so any agreement will be meaningless and the Dems will look like weak chumps again, just in time for the midterms.
I agree completely! This is not the time to cave to Trumps demands. Health care is critical to every citizen. While I’m writing I have to add that I want to see impeachments of every Cabinet member starting with Kennedy, our no nothing,privileged HHS Secretary. I have read opinions that this might actually gain traction. Or maybe start with Kristi Noem, our Secretary of Homeland Security. So many to choose from!
It’s sadly true that the Republican politicians no longer care. And why should they? Many of their seats are secure; while the poor goes hungry and loses its health insurance, the pols still will be funded (tax breaks for its donors, a comprehensive health plan); fear of the Orange Menace. The Dems? Stand up, for God’s sake!
Painting the entire party with the same brush is easy to do, and unfair. There are many who are fighting everyday, visibly, and many others behind the scenes. My rep is a member of "The Squad"...she's done a remarkable job for our district, and has been very vocal, protesting, demonstrating, against Hair Furor's policies. I'm fully expecting the words "bipartisan", "friends", "colleagues" to be overused by Democratic Party Leadership in the coming weeks, allowing them to be backed into a corner and blamed for not accommodating the terrorists, otherwise know as "Republicans", and caving to further demands. I'm baffled as to why party leadership is so afraid to take the language and tactics of the Republicans and turn the tables on them. In a world of Schumers and Jeffries, be like AOC, be like Jasmine Crockett, be like Moskowitz, be like Jamie Raskin. The leadership is there, it's just not in The Leadership.
Yes. Knee jerk Democrats need to get off their knees. People are angry that we have not been giving the degree of pushback required.. no one is really out there leading except for Newsom- a beginning, just a beginning.
Wholly agree. Let your members of Congress on both sides that if they do their jobs honorably and they follow their oaths, we’ll back them. Further, call out anyone who supports Trump and has passed ridiculous legislation or allowed wholly incompetent people to be named to Federal offices. I’d ask my Representative “Did you support the nomination of RFK,Jr.?” If so, why? Let them babble their way with stupid answers and following that babbling ask”What are you doing for us by being a Member of Congress?”
It's time for the professional Dem haters to stop recycling cliches and tropes about "Democrats getting a spine". I know it's a profitable business model but I'm not subsidizing it anymore. It is not helpful.
I'm right there with you. These people were always part of the problem-nothing the Dems do is every good enough. Many of these 'critics' happily smeared Clinton, Harris and Biden and hold the Dems to impossible standards of purity.
Thank you! 100%.
There is NO bipartisanship to be had whatsoever. Democrats have to wake up and play rough. Use different words then if you don't like spine. This is not about the cost of groceries and kitchen table issues which is what I hear Democrats want to talk about. It's about a lot more before that that is existential!
First, Democrats continue to work with Republicans every day who are willing to introduce legislation that would benefit constituents (see Khanna/Massie for one example). They are also working with Republicans to get funding restored for agencies/projects in their Districts. My Rep worked with Republicans to get the Ukraine Kidnapped Children hotline restored. Second, I trust Democrats are working on the dreaded "kitchen table issues" because that's what they're hearing from Constituents. Third, Democrats know nothing can begin to get fixed unless they can be majority in House and Senate to they're focused on getting elected. Fourth, many Dem reps actually flip red/purple seats and need votes from Independents and some Republicans to be reelected so they need to parse communication more carefully. It's easy to run your mouth and "be brave" if you're in an uber blue district or state. Fifth, to say Dems have "no spine" when Rep McIver from NJ was indicted to checking ICE facility, Dems in Texas being fined and terrorized because they took a stand against extreme gerrymandering and Dem House Reps in Minnesota being murdered with more Dem targets on the shooter's list. See also Dem governors, mayors, state attorneys general who are resisting invasions by government and filing court cases every day to protect voting rights. Sixth, at the national level Jeffries and Schumer are using rules and procedures to delay and block bills/confirmations (Jeffries' 8 hour speech in the House to delay Big Bad Bill/Schumer currently delaying confirmations). It's not "glamorous" or "stirring" neither is it "cowardly". I suspect other factors are at play with the Schumer/Jeffries pile ons but I will refrain from going there.
These secondary issues you point out where there is yes bipartisanship that help to keep Republicans in office. They are not resisting Trump. They are repairing damage, including at home and nibbling around the edges of a corrupt and lawless Executive. They are not using their powers. Will they combine with Democrats to impeach? Hell no.
The complaint against Democrats ( registering in polls too) is that they are not being strong enough given the reality we face which is existential. Strength lies in numbers-- like the GOP/MAGA knows. One person being brave is great but it's treacherous.
Your Part 5 b - yes this is true. The courts have more than they can handle.
6th- rules and procedures work just so much. The MAGA march on.
Jeffries speech was 2 months ago-- Cory Booker 5 months ago. Marches happen sporadically and are great. In the meantime MAGA have been galloping ahead daily.
Others in Congress have not followed, some people are calling it theater.
I have no "factors that are in play" besides watching what is happening and feeling that the response is not doing it. I try not to despair and I do not.
RFK,Jr caught people's attention... and will more when they get sick. The tariffs threat will keep prices rising. Economists say we are headed for a slump.
People will again be angry at Democrats for not being strong enough to save us from this because they don't get what a democracy means and they want a daddy ( not Trump) to come and save us. At this belated point more engagement from the ground is needed. We may agree on that. These are extraordinary times. It's now or else..... People have to learn the painful way, if they do. But I don't despair. I am beginning to think that given humanity- this, ours, is a very difficult experiment and we are still too busy "getting and spending, laying waste our powers".
thanks...
I agree that these times call for extraordinary measures. They also call for putting your head down and "doing your job". Nibbling around the edges has resulted in actual quantifiable benefits for constituents. I also believe Congress needs to use rules and procedures to its advantage when they can because we as a country have to keep exercising our Constitution muscles and keeping them as strong as we can. That's why it's important that there's some balance between accomplishments by "staying a course" and taking extraordinary measures as required. Dems will not be perfect. But as you said people will be angry at Dems regardless of what they do because "daddy" and I agree with that. I also think media hate Dems anyway but that's another discussion. I do think on balance, considering all of the factors deliberately lined up against them, I think the Dems, Jeffries and Schumer included, are doing an incredible job under crushing circumstances. I would like to see them be less self critical in public but that is yet another discussion LOL!. Thanks for your respectful engagement.
I would not say the media-too broad- hates Democrats.
We have more Constitutional muscle than we are using.. and we have had norms that we depended on that have been tested and broken.
Democrats of course will not be perfect but we should not rest on that thought. The mule needs a whip.
It's tough to stay the course when the other side takes the liberty of being a lawless wrecking ball. It's tough to keep rowing when there are holes being drilled in the boat we are on. People who know what we are up against and care want to see fight and toughness. That is why Newsom gave hope.
I like the idea of Democratic non-cooperation.. not showing up-- going on strike. Maybe more theater, but in *concerted* action.
The MAGA in Congress and some fragile Democrats are so afraid of being primary-ed. Which is why you hear "spineless".
Democrats are not in power but it is not hard to believe they will have most of the people if they get loud and tough.
That is not to take away praise for what some try to do individually (Raskin, Schiff and others).
I am missing a realistic assessment and rethinking of the danger we are in and a plan. I am missing a televised conference of elders, of Democrats Independents and old style Republicans about this situation.. address the nation. That before Trump declares the state of emergency (insurrection) and sends more troops.
The 2026 midterms are critical to focus on at every level and now because it is critical to Trump/MAGA and they fear they will lose.People need to be on guard or we lose. They threaten at every level and with uniforms and masks and they KNOW people are vulnerable.
Schumer is way too weak to lead the democratic party at this time. He will cave because he thinks that the senate is a place for compromise like it used to be. He is unfit for the current situation. Step aside Grandpa.
The old man in the cheaters pictured at the top of this post does not and will not want to shut down the government. He must be made to understand that hardball is the game being played here, not badminton. Write and email your senators and congresspeople, and to Schumer himself, and insist on no capitulation or you’ll take your vote to a primary candidate. Talk in plain language about the economy, and the Constitution, and what you expect to be upheld.
I think some people in Congress are playing a wait and see game with Trump. Well, spoiler alert, what you see is what you get and every step he takes is a backwards one in terms of growing our country and improving living conditions for our citizens.
The Dems need to protect the public lands in this budget process. It is the only chance we have to stop the ravaging of these assets.
You cannot have bipartisanship when one side fundamentally does not believe in bipartisanship! Dems need to wake up. How can you have a bipartisan agreement to avoid a shutdown when “The administration has declared its right to deploy an illegal “pocket rescission” through which it refuses to spend funds that are already required by law.”? Great idea, outlaw “pocket rescissions” in the bill itself. Ha, ha! It’s already illegal and the administration will ignore that provision like it will any other proffered by Dems in the bipartisan agreement! Dems will, in the end, get nothing if they vote to keep the government open. To be honest, given the increasingly fascist moves of the government, we are all likely better off/safer with it closed.
Current Democratic leadership is NOT up to this. We need change!
I am sick of bipartisanship and goody two shoes high road spineless Schumer...and so are many others. He's the face of Democrats weakness and caving in and why the Democrats are so low in the polls. Jeffries is looking like a close second to this sentiment. There is NO bipartisanship to be had whatsoever. Stop it!!
Email and call your Senator and tell them so. They are not hearing enough from a wide swath of constituents. Email Schumer too.
I have--my Senators are aware-- Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey.. Jim McGovern all super.
Schumer I have not...yet. I do not have much hope for him-
Even though Schumer is nearly hopeless in this fight, if we inundate his office with comments at least he won’t do what he does thinking that Americans agree with it……
maybe- but constitutionally ( small c) I don't think he can rise up to this. it's like driving a car from another era in today's traffic. thanks
Love the old car analogy. On his own, Schumer will pursue this as he always has…. Old school. He is accountable though to the caucus that he leads…and if they make it very clear that they won't cooperate with capitulation, then he will have to get out of the way.
Democrats in the House must demand Congress take back their tariff power!
Say and repeat, say and repeat, say and repeat: Separation of powers, Separation of powers. Separation of powers. Fair minded Members of Congress should also, as many do with their nightly prayers, say and repeat a their oaths of office. And if they feel fearful of Trump and his lackeys, remember that we have your back if you do your job correctly, if you “protect and defend” us from this craziness.
Great points ALL, Paul.
Schumer needs to delete ‘bipartisanship’ from his vocabulary!!
Schumer needs to retire.
They should take a real stand for democracy and refuse anything until the foundations are shored up. Trump is killing unions, trying to rig voting and filling our election w corruption so only if pro act, ban on money in politics(as much as our shitty SCOTUS will allow, gerrymandering ban and John Lewis voting rights act are passed should they approve a damn thing
That for trying to wake dems from their slumber. Dems grow a spine? Dems grow pens to write strongly worded letters to fascist, maga, dictator, wannabee. Asking dems to grow a spine is like asking a cow to learn to drive, like asking a fish to run a marathon. Come on. Dems will cave, they will gain nothing and when the stuff hits the fan, repubs will blame dems for voting for the big billionaire's tax bill. I can hear the nervous shaking of dem leadership as they say, but what if we stand up to the bully and someone doesn't like us for it? We need to please everyone, all the time, and still find a way to lose power! What have weal dems given America? trump twice...
It's almost comical if it wasn't so tragic. I detest republicans and will never vote for one again, but corporate dems are so pathetic, weak, feeble,and afraid that they mke me nauseous. Dems play defense ALL the time while repubs go on the attack even if it's in support of child sexual predators. Dems play pattycake against the bully and wonder why they get sand kicked in their faces and have to run home crying that the bully didn't play fair. I have heard Stuart Stevens say more than oce, better strong and wrong than weak and right. Dems never got that message, and doubtgully ever will with their current 'leadership'.
This is certainly one of the meatiest posts in a long time. But then the Republicans, Trump, Inc., and all of his followers continue to provide grist for the mill. I found your comment about gerrymandering to be very important because that particular action shows just how desperate and fearful Republicans are: While gerrymandering isn’t illegal, it does severely tip the scales of fairness in elections which can be simply achieved if they’d just let the process go without being impeded by lies of “unfairness” and cheating charges which far and away are so untrue (I did say lying, didn’t I?).
I think there's time and place for dramatic demonstrations of resistance for sure. It has to be a situation where the protest is about a clear cut wrong or violation of rights plus clear communication about why and what the desired outcome is.
The biggest reason to shut down the government is that even if the GOP agreed to some funding Trump will just refuse to spend it, so any agreement will be meaningless and the Dems will look like weak chumps again, just in time for the midterms.
I agree completely! This is not the time to cave to Trumps demands. Health care is critical to every citizen. While I’m writing I have to add that I want to see impeachments of every Cabinet member starting with Kennedy, our no nothing,privileged HHS Secretary. I have read opinions that this might actually gain traction. Or maybe start with Kristi Noem, our Secretary of Homeland Security. So many to choose from!
It’s sadly true that the Republican politicians no longer care. And why should they? Many of their seats are secure; while the poor goes hungry and loses its health insurance, the pols still will be funded (tax breaks for its donors, a comprehensive health plan); fear of the Orange Menace. The Dems? Stand up, for God’s sake!