You highlight a point I have been trying to make since 2015. We can disagree and debate policy and remain friends. Morality, ethics and lawlessness are non- negotiable. I continue to be horrified at the number of people, old friends and family, who turn a blind eye, or justify, that behavior.
I've seen little change among Republican family and friends. They'd sooner cut off their hands than vote Democratic. To them, that's a vote for people of color, illegal immigrants, LGTBQ, and abortion rights. Nothing else matters to them--not Trump's lies, his criminal behavior, the Iran War, the economy, or how he disparages our allies. We may never find common ground on certain issues, but what disheartens me most is their racism and their blind eye toward cruelty.
I think a lot of the reasons for our red friends for turning a blind eye to the many shocks and horrors (ICE, no justice for the killings by ICE, the incredibly large numbers of people arrested and flown out to prisons, etc etc etc) are the high number of decadent, inhumane and illegal actions Trump and his merry men and women are executing. It's numbing and is confusing what to worry about next.
My ultra-right family, and friends justify anything he says does. Many, I know had differing views prior to him, taking office. Their ability to so easily go along with whatever he says, lead me to believe that they are truly brainwashed. I understand your frustration.
Only when you find out that they don’t have the morals and values that you surround yourself with. That’s certainly your choice. I don’t spend time with anyone who supports facism, illegal behaviors, mysogyny or pedophilia. Even if I’m related to them. I question the values of anyone who supports people such as that.
I cannot disown family. Not for differing political viewpoints. It does, however, at times, with some more than others, make conversing very difficult.
So well said. I WISH I had this language with my friends who wrinkle their noses and act like they're swatting away flies, saying stuff like, "oh, I don’t like to talk politics or oh, I never get into that stuff." To be so compartmentalized in your like must be liberating - or suffocating for living in denial?
That should be a bumper sticker. One I would proudly put on my car next to the one I have there now: "Are we great yet? Because I just feel embarrassed." I am amazed how many people stop me in parking lots and say that's how they feel too!
The ultimate sacrifice for his country. Wondering if he could have done more by staying away from his homeland but have to respect his patriotic commitment.
i will always support adam, as well as all the people who join him on his substack. and i will always vote ... no matter what.
however, right now i have to step back because my health is being adversely affected because of all that is constantly happening. every day brings something else we have to face and deal with. right now i just can't keep this up. physically, emotionally, intellectually, i am suffering more than i realized. i'll be back, but for now, keep on posting, and keep up the fight. i stand with you.
I relate to this. As a detail-oriented information junkie I realized the cost to my health and took a deliberate break ( I got off social media and took a one month hiatus from Substack subscriptions). When I resumed I got more intentional about what I stayed with and my subscription to Adam’s Substack was non-negotiable! Many of us need breaks in order to keep showing up.
Do take good care of yourself, Crazy Cat Lady. That's most important.
And, BTW, do *not* watch the Parnas Report this morning. Aaron carelessly popped up a very disturbing image without warning. I'm still reeling from it.
Yes, I’m quitting the scrolling to see everyone’s comments and posts. We all know it’s bad. I’m following Adam consistently because I trust him to give facts, and to make reasoned, unbiased explanations. Then I check out the otters, dogs and cats, and the landscape pics. Then I’m done. Doing things that ramp up my frustration and anxiety are not helpful.
I will definitely vote blue and hope we unseat all of Trump's supporters and enablers. I was a lifelong Republican from the time I could vote when Nixon left office until Donald Trump took office in 2016. That Republican party has been on hiatus since Trump and very little good if anything has come from it. Maybe someday we will return to that Republican party although I'm not even sure I'd go back because I now look at myself as a moderate independent open to new ideas and ways of thinking. Vote in November for change!
Hungarians understood what was at stake and united to oust Orban and his regime. Americans understand what's at stake here, too--but many aren't on board with liberal policies and ideals. Democrats believe in equality and diversity; that everyone has the right to healthcare and other social programs that benefit society. Trump has wasted billions of dollars since he took office but done nothing to improve Americans' lives. You'd think that would turn the tide this November, but unless some Republicans and a lot of Independents vote for Democratic candidates, nothing will change in our country. Here's hoping!🤞
Thank you for continuing to encourage the people, Adam— it truly takes that encouragement and sliver of hope to keep our heads up and continue the work. People power at its best.
Republicans have redrawn district lines to bank seats before a single vote is cast — five in Texas alone, upheld by the Supreme Court, with Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio adding more. California's voter-approved counter-map claws back roughly five, but the net map still tilts several seats toward a party that holds the House by only 218–213. Taking the chamber will require overwhelming margins — the kind opposition movements need in places like Hungary, where the playing field itself is rigged. Trump's hold on his base appears unshakeable; no argument or scandal moves them. The election won't be decided by persuading his supporters but by winning independents decisively — and by whether that margin can be large enough to overcome a map built to make votes count unequally.
Great article- you write so diplomatically. I am extremely liberal in my political beliefs and feel this election will determine our government staying a democracy. I support any and all people who dont support Trump. I wish the independent journalists , including the writers at the NYTS, just cool it on the DSA. We know that small fringe group is crazy. We think Mandami is working out great but geez - give us a break about the small group overall. We are not going to vote for these nuts but honestly some of their arguments hit home. Stop the freakout about the DSA- no we are not going to end up in a commune from the 60's. Let's concentrate on the cruelty and corruption of the Trump administration. Journalists- stop grabbing at low hanging fruit.
This is exactly right. I grew up in a family structure where everyone had to believe what the parents believed. That held until they drove two of their daughters away and I started drawing lines in the sand aka boundaries.
Point: we are never going to agree about everything. That’s what makes us a free country. And THAT is worth fighting for to keep the monsters out. We can deal with each other.
Not only it is important to vote (and vote blue) but to work on a blue campaign. Canvass, walk the streets, house to house, stuff envelopes, write post cards, attend local, candidate sponsored breakfasts/brunch/luncheons/dinners. Support local blue candidates any way you can; from Governor to School Committees. Voting is the result of all the pre-work that is put into action before November. Do whatever you can, whenever you can, however you can for as long as you can! That's the way we win.
Ida, I have done and continue to do many of the things you recommend for getting the word out, In addition, I have a Facebook Page called Concerned Citizen with 415,000+ followers. Started it on July 10, 2017 eight days after my WWII 98 year old father died. Before his death I promised him that I would do something to honor his life "well lived." He was a lifelong progressive Democrat and shared my feelings about #45. Never would I have thought it could/would get worse but here we are staring at an existential crisis for our democracy depending on the outcome of the midterms. If interested, my page can be found at www.facebook.com/sniems .
You take responsibility for your actions and recognized one vote was a mistake - you own it. That is what, Adam, you are honorable, humble, courageous, and able to lead by example. You have what those clowns in the House of MAGAts never will - valor, honesty, morality, and ethics. Thank you for helping all of us stay hopeful and motivated to save our democracy.
While I admit hope is not a plan, I am hopeful that republican efforts to gerrymander congressional districts will backfire spectacularly. By attempting to reinforce their numbers in close districts they have weakened majorities in previously strongly republican districts. If, as some polling suggests, democrats hold up to a 10 point advantage, republicans may have made both previously close and strongly leaning republican districts competitive. While we must plan how to fight republican efforts to rig the vote in 2026, we can still have hope. Planning and hoping are not mutually exclusive.
You highlight a point I have been trying to make since 2015. We can disagree and debate policy and remain friends. Morality, ethics and lawlessness are non- negotiable. I continue to be horrified at the number of people, old friends and family, who turn a blind eye, or justify, that behavior.
I've seen little change among Republican family and friends. They'd sooner cut off their hands than vote Democratic. To them, that's a vote for people of color, illegal immigrants, LGTBQ, and abortion rights. Nothing else matters to them--not Trump's lies, his criminal behavior, the Iran War, the economy, or how he disparages our allies. We may never find common ground on certain issues, but what disheartens me most is their racism and their blind eye toward cruelty.
I think a lot of the reasons for our red friends for turning a blind eye to the many shocks and horrors (ICE, no justice for the killings by ICE, the incredibly large numbers of people arrested and flown out to prisons, etc etc etc) are the high number of decadent, inhumane and illegal actions Trump and his merry men and women are executing. It's numbing and is confusing what to worry about next.
It seems that another main reason is that they turn a blind eye to actual news and facts and rely instead on Fux Noise.
Amen! They have no idea what they're missing by watching the Fox News pablum
My ultra-right family, and friends justify anything he says does. Many, I know had differing views prior to him, taking office. Their ability to so easily go along with whatever he says, lead me to believe that they are truly brainwashed. I understand your frustration.
Yes, and no matter what, it's not feasible to disown family you've loved for a lifetime.
Only when you find out that they don’t have the morals and values that you surround yourself with. That’s certainly your choice. I don’t spend time with anyone who supports facism, illegal behaviors, mysogyny or pedophilia. Even if I’m related to them. I question the values of anyone who supports people such as that.
I cannot disown family. Not for differing political viewpoints. It does, however, at times, with some more than others, make conversing very difficult.
I wouldn’t know. I no longer have any contact with those people.
So well said. I WISH I had this language with my friends who wrinkle their noses and act like they're swatting away flies, saying stuff like, "oh, I don’t like to talk politics or oh, I never get into that stuff." To be so compartmentalized in your like must be liberating - or suffocating for living in denial?
What I tell everyone? Apathy is the death of democracy.
Yes! It riles me up when someone says -my vote doesn’t matter or why bother? They’re all crooks.
VOTE. and if you don’t, you do t get to complain.
That should be a bumper sticker. One I would proudly put on my car next to the one I have there now: "Are we great yet? Because I just feel embarrassed." I am amazed how many people stop me in parking lots and say that's how they feel too!
I have friends who say they do not follow the news because it gives them high blood No kidding!
I meant high blood pressure.
Thank you for the encouragement for 2026. We need a Blue Tsunami.
But I'm also interested in 2028. Kinzinger 2028?
"You are not allowed to give up." Alexei Navalny
He died, trying.😢
The ultimate sacrifice for his country. Wondering if he could have done more by staying away from his homeland but have to respect his patriotic commitment.
i will always support adam, as well as all the people who join him on his substack. and i will always vote ... no matter what.
however, right now i have to step back because my health is being adversely affected because of all that is constantly happening. every day brings something else we have to face and deal with. right now i just can't keep this up. physically, emotionally, intellectually, i am suffering more than i realized. i'll be back, but for now, keep on posting, and keep up the fight. i stand with you.
I relate to this. As a detail-oriented information junkie I realized the cost to my health and took a deliberate break ( I got off social media and took a one month hiatus from Substack subscriptions). When I resumed I got more intentional about what I stayed with and my subscription to Adam’s Substack was non-negotiable! Many of us need breaks in order to keep showing up.
diane - thanks so much. i greatly appreciate your post, and it is so helpful to me. i will never give up adam's substack either.
Do take good care of yourself, Crazy Cat Lady. That's most important.
And, BTW, do *not* watch the Parnas Report this morning. Aaron carelessly popped up a very disturbing image without warning. I'm still reeling from it.
Take good care. Sending love your way. :-)
Understand completely, I have felt that way may days. Take some decompress, to come back with renewed energy.
God bless you & keep you safe.
Please take care of yourself. We will see you when you feel it's right for you! Take care!
Yes, I’m quitting the scrolling to see everyone’s comments and posts. We all know it’s bad. I’m following Adam consistently because I trust him to give facts, and to make reasoned, unbiased explanations. Then I check out the otters, dogs and cats, and the landscape pics. Then I’m done. Doing things that ramp up my frustration and anxiety are not helpful.
you are so right. thanks for the suggestions. i appreciate them.
Please take care of yourselves and only participate when you can. I have been there myself! I will be praying for you 🙏🏻!!
Thank you Adam. I voted and I definitely still will 🤺🤺🤺. Thank you for your encouragement. You are a true patriot !!
I will definitely vote blue and hope we unseat all of Trump's supporters and enablers. I was a lifelong Republican from the time I could vote when Nixon left office until Donald Trump took office in 2016. That Republican party has been on hiatus since Trump and very little good if anything has come from it. Maybe someday we will return to that Republican party although I'm not even sure I'd go back because I now look at myself as a moderate independent open to new ideas and ways of thinking. Vote in November for change!
Vote like Hungarians. 77 %. Vote, drive others to polls, help register, and make sure your family, especially your kids, vote. Its their future.
Hungarians understood what was at stake and united to oust Orban and his regime. Americans understand what's at stake here, too--but many aren't on board with liberal policies and ideals. Democrats believe in equality and diversity; that everyone has the right to healthcare and other social programs that benefit society. Trump has wasted billions of dollars since he took office but done nothing to improve Americans' lives. You'd think that would turn the tide this November, but unless some Republicans and a lot of Independents vote for Democratic candidates, nothing will change in our country. Here's hoping!🤞
Thank you for continuing to encourage the people, Adam— it truly takes that encouragement and sliver of hope to keep our heads up and continue the work. People power at its best.
Republicans have redrawn district lines to bank seats before a single vote is cast — five in Texas alone, upheld by the Supreme Court, with Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio adding more. California's voter-approved counter-map claws back roughly five, but the net map still tilts several seats toward a party that holds the House by only 218–213. Taking the chamber will require overwhelming margins — the kind opposition movements need in places like Hungary, where the playing field itself is rigged. Trump's hold on his base appears unshakeable; no argument or scandal moves them. The election won't be decided by persuading his supporters but by winning independents decisively — and by whether that margin can be large enough to overcome a map built to make votes count unequally.
Feeling pummeled by the incessant machinations of our times? VOTE and assist those who might need it!
Rest whenn you need to. Because we all cannot give up the fight
Great article- you write so diplomatically. I am extremely liberal in my political beliefs and feel this election will determine our government staying a democracy. I support any and all people who dont support Trump. I wish the independent journalists , including the writers at the NYTS, just cool it on the DSA. We know that small fringe group is crazy. We think Mandami is working out great but geez - give us a break about the small group overall. We are not going to vote for these nuts but honestly some of their arguments hit home. Stop the freakout about the DSA- no we are not going to end up in a commune from the 60's. Let's concentrate on the cruelty and corruption of the Trump administration. Journalists- stop grabbing at low hanging fruit.
This is exactly right. I grew up in a family structure where everyone had to believe what the parents believed. That held until they drove two of their daughters away and I started drawing lines in the sand aka boundaries.
Point: we are never going to agree about everything. That’s what makes us a free country. And THAT is worth fighting for to keep the monsters out. We can deal with each other.
Not only it is important to vote (and vote blue) but to work on a blue campaign. Canvass, walk the streets, house to house, stuff envelopes, write post cards, attend local, candidate sponsored breakfasts/brunch/luncheons/dinners. Support local blue candidates any way you can; from Governor to School Committees. Voting is the result of all the pre-work that is put into action before November. Do whatever you can, whenever you can, however you can for as long as you can! That's the way we win.
Ida, I have done and continue to do many of the things you recommend for getting the word out, In addition, I have a Facebook Page called Concerned Citizen with 415,000+ followers. Started it on July 10, 2017 eight days after my WWII 98 year old father died. Before his death I promised him that I would do something to honor his life "well lived." He was a lifelong progressive Democrat and shared my feelings about #45. Never would I have thought it could/would get worse but here we are staring at an existential crisis for our democracy depending on the outcome of the midterms. If interested, my page can be found at www.facebook.com/sniems .
Excellent work. Thank you for the service you provide to keep democracy alive.
Yes Ida. ANYTHING we can.
You take responsibility for your actions and recognized one vote was a mistake - you own it. That is what, Adam, you are honorable, humble, courageous, and able to lead by example. You have what those clowns in the House of MAGAts never will - valor, honesty, morality, and ethics. Thank you for helping all of us stay hopeful and motivated to save our democracy.
While I admit hope is not a plan, I am hopeful that republican efforts to gerrymander congressional districts will backfire spectacularly. By attempting to reinforce their numbers in close districts they have weakened majorities in previously strongly republican districts. If, as some polling suggests, democrats hold up to a 10 point advantage, republicans may have made both previously close and strongly leaning republican districts competitive. While we must plan how to fight republican efforts to rig the vote in 2026, we can still have hope. Planning and hoping are not mutually exclusive.
“Pray as though everything depended on God (however you define that higher power); work as though everything depended on you.”
"Pray; but when you pray, move your feet." --African proverb