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 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.
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 Jixon 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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Thank you Adam. I voted and I definitely still will 🤺🤺🤺. Thank you for your encouragement. You are a true patriot !!
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. :-)
Please take care of yourself. We will see you when you feel it's right for you! Take care!
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 yourselves and only participate when you can. I have been there myself! I will be praying for you 🙏🏻!!
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 Jixon 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.
Rest whenn you need to. Because we all cannot give up the fight
Feeling pummeled by the incessant machinations of our times? VOTE and assist those who might need it!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.