Welcome Zach looking forward to getting to know you. And Adam I’m always curious as a fellow Illini- what are your future plans? Back in the grind? Thanks for everything.
Welcome, Zach. You have joined up with an amazing man of incredible courage, morals and honesty. I look forward to hearing your insight on what we are seeing in this country.
Welcome Zach and I’m looking forward to the two of bringing us into the behind the scenes in campaigns. I have a question? Have either of you heard about Americanpromise.net? they’re working on a constitutional amendment that gets citizen United money and dark money out of politics. 23 states have signed on and 14 more are in the process of working on it.
Zach, welcome aboard! Adam’s insight has been my anchor over the past year, and after seeing you two in action on video, I’m thrilled to have you join the mix. I can't wait to see what you add to this remarkable discussion—so glad you're here.
I am a former Democrat, and now a registered Independent. I am not happy with either party, although I support some issues from both sides of the aisle. Sometimes I do not know what I can do to help make this country seem less dark. Thank you both for the ray of light.
Zach. As I viewed your contributions to recent topics with Adam, I’ve respected your ability to provide insights without bravado. Your communications and insights have been offered using a credible delivery, authenticity and balance. You and Adam are a worthy team. Welcome!
Welcome Zach. Thank you Adam for enriching this platform. I am a retired professional woman with 4 grandchildren. I have always been a democrate but Adam is one of the very few Substack person that I trust. I live in a very blue state and am sickened and scared, hourly, by what is happening in the country that I have always been proud of. I will have 3 granddaughters soon, one due any day. I hope and pray that we can get to a place again where I hope they will have all of the freedoms that I grew up with. Looking forward to continued honest information from you folks.
My advice: On videos, speak clearly and articulate without obscure metaphors. Don't laugh WHILE talking (no one can understand folks who do); don't interrupt each other; and remember that some of us have an understanding of political rhetoric and legal concepts and don't need you to repeat everything on every video or recap or dumb things down. Other than that, make sure we know your biases so we can filter them. Present facts as facts and opinion as opinion.
Thank you for the hard work you are doing here -- thank you both.
That was a rough welcome or is it your e-mail tone? Were you just trying to let them know what you expect. By the way laughing should never stop, it's the only thing keeping us sane.
I think laughter is needed it’s like oxygen at times, I don’t like anything that feels scripted. I was just hoping for some quick hit videos and I will absolutely admit some things need to be dumbed down for me.
Again -- I don't mind laughter, but people who speak publicly need to learn to laugh first, and then talk. I do understand that some things need to be simplified for comprehension, but I caution against over-simplification which can result in inaccuracy. Thank you.
I didn't say not to laugh. I said not to laugh WHILE talking. (I used to tell my son -- chew, swallow, then talk.) I like laughter but if one laughs WHILE talking, the talking cannot be understood. I'm not sure if it's a rough welcome, my e-mail tone, or what; but I did try to articulate my expectations. If they did not want readers to articulate their expectations, my apologies. I'm happy to refrain from articulating my expectations in the future, but if as a reader and follower, if I can't articulate my expectations to a podcaster or essayist, I will politely leave the fold.
* I wondered if you thought that Adam had actually done some of those things you listed off. I’m big on ‘enunciation’ & some of the things you mentioned — was a medical office assistant/ transcriptionist.
Ah-hem. I have often wondered if he is chewing tobacco while filming. But then, he once talked about having emergency dental surgery. So, yes, he is sometimes hard to follow from the standpoint of enunciation. As for other things -- I know what I think his biases are, so I'm protected, but he does sometimes state things as "fact" that are his opinion. For example, he made a statement in a recent video that law enforcement can discharge their firearms under certain circumstances, and his statement was not legally accurate and was phrased in a very pro-law-enforcement presumption. He followed it by stating that ICE / CBP had gone too far, and I agree with that; but as an attorney, I knew his presumption of what law enforcement "can normally do" was not legally accurate and did show his pro-law-enforcement bias.
Nah, Corrine don’t let the Kevins get you down. I thought it was very helpful and well thought out. A bit blunt, yeah…but look at the times we’re living in. We all must wear a skin of armor these days.
I’m old-as-the-hills too, Corinne, and my adult children say I’m too blunt. But when I have something to say, superfluous words seem unnecessary, so I get where you’re coming from.
I thought you were clear and cordial in expressing your expectations! We must be able to do that. I agree with others that laughter can be fine, but too often, and in the MSM as well, hosts and guess laugh uproariously at this or that and talk over each other excitedly. That doesn't enhance my viewing experience. I also don't really like long videos. I'm a fast reader and can get through a lot of text, but a 45-60 minute video taxes my time commitment. That's just me.
Thank you. You know, it's funny you say that. I have a small YouTube channel of my own, and I am also an essayist. My essays are usually fairly short; and sometimes my YouTube videos are way too long!
Wow, that's I guess the way you roll, not my cup of tea. Thanks for responding I have a much better understanding of your viewpoint. Congratulations on reaching many years, I too am one of those types however I am so glad that being a lawyer and "blunt" ness go hand in hand had not realized. that.
I completely understand. I'm not being original when I say, not only am I not everyone's cup of tea, I'm probably not even tea. I'm more like, single malt whiskey, neat, with a sliver of lime. But I respect all points of view and thank you for yours.
Thank goodness not everyone spends all day on politics. You’re in the right place for a breakdown of the latest news. Tell us what more we can do to help!
You make a fair point, but please know that one does not have to be a politician to understand politics, law, or policy. My guess is that your intuitive understanding takes you a long way! My only concern is that often when commentators simplify things, they take them so far down as to be incorrect. That's all. I'm so glad you commented! I am grateful for any community of which I am a part, virtual or otherwise.
I understand what you’re saying. I just enjoy laughter because it’s relatable and having good conversation. I think it’s great how we are all different but can share in an experience/conversation and you are obviously very intelligent. Have a wonderful day!
Unfortunately some people need things "dumbed down" because they're ordinary people not politically savvy. Ignoring that segment of viewers shows arrogance and insulting.
That's an interesting and fair point. I don't intend to be arrogant or insulting. I usually assume most folks can and do understand things. My difficulty with over-simplification is that it sometimes leads to misstatements, and then folks can get misinformed. But please accept my apology for any negative implications that my words inadvertently conveyed.
No problem, I was raised and schooled around politics, even had them taught in school during Civics & Government classes. Parents of different parties with one active in local politics kept me interested but I know a lot of my friends and acquaintances had to be spoon fed the information. Some still do and I'm a terror about making people of all ages know why their knowledgeable vote is so important.
I'm only 82, from a long lived family and plan on doing this for the next 20 or so years.
I'd say two things I'd like to hear about frequently as we approach the elections this year: 1) What are the key House races and the news about them? 2) What efforts are being made to mobilize the voters we need to gain (I'd say youth, especially young men, non-MAGA Republicans, and Hispanics in various states), and how are those efforts working?
Well, for starters, I’d like to know more about how the elected rep/staffer relationship has developed and evolved over time. How are staff identified by the rep? What is the typical division of labor? Etc. Thanks!
My friends and I have been desperate for high quality analysis of the important races this year so we can target our resources most efficiently and effectively. Looking forward to your insights Zach.
That sounds great. We are particularly interested in identifying specific candidates in races that appear to be winnable and will flip R held seats, both national and state level seats. We need to build from the ground up and take back local government and state houses too not just the House and Senate. Primary candidates who can win general elections in their communities, no litmus or purity tests. Thanks for being in the fight!
Welcome, Zach. Sounds like you and Adam will definitely make a great team. I, too, left the party that was home to me my entire life once it became unrecognizable to me. I’d like for you and Adam to opine on the Dominion voting machines being bought by a MAGA supporter and whether or not that’s a concern for us in 2026, 2028 and beyond. With Elon throwing money into races again and jumping back into bed with R’s (probably a bad metaphor for the Epstein bunch, but I digress), his hacking prowess along with MAGA ownership of the voting machines sure seems like a solid worry. As you well know, their plan is to never lose another election. So, please let us hear your sage wisdom and thoughts on this. Thanks so much.
YES, this!! Very important stuff, Lori! How on earth does a MAGA supporter buy Dominion machines? Unless you mean this person is an authority to do so. And after being paid almost a billion dollars by Faux News, I would think Dominion is taking extraordinary steps to ensure the unhackability of them.
Frankly, I think we need to go back to paper ballots. There are some benefits to being analog.
I don’t know if the person who bought Dominion is an “authority” but I do know it’s a MAGA Trump bootlicker. Jasmine Crockett had pledged to stay on this story a few months ago but she announced her candidacy for Senator shortly thereafter and I haven’t heard anything more.
What good news, Adam and Jake! One of the things I'm most interested in right now is how we somehow move toward uniting the pro-democracy movement. I don't mean that we should have a controlling umbrella organization or 100% try to dictate the message themes. I just mean more collaboration, more coordination of efforts. Perhaps we start with a conference of as many Rubins, Meiselases, Rosenbergs, HC Richardsons, Cravens, Eliases, Krugmans, Reichs, Katzes, J. Vanceses, Ben-Ghiats, Applebaums and people from Mother Jones, Pro Publica, The Guardian, Politico and The Atlantic. That's just a start on a list. I do see these people appearing on each other's programs, but it seems to me that more collaboration and coordination would make us MUCH stronger.
Welcome, Zach!
Welcome Zach looking forward to getting to know you. And Adam I’m always curious as a fellow Illini- what are your future plans? Back in the grind? Thanks for everything.
Who knows?! Day by day
Dare I say that's spoken like a true politician?!
Thank you! Very glad to be here
Welcome Zach! Just diving in here with a note about something that went down in Atlanta at a Bd of Election; https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/28/fbi-search-warrant-fulton-county-georgia?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Looks awfully bad coming from this FBI.
Terrifying. Apparently eliminating the maintenance of chain of custody eliminates the proof of voting results. Tyranny in action.
of Georgia. So important to hear from him.
Adam, please interview Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff o
Welcome, Zach. You have joined up with an amazing man of incredible courage, morals and honesty. I look forward to hearing your insight on what we are seeing in this country.
I hope us loyal subscribers will b amongst the first to know. Best from Evanston
Welcome Zach and I’m looking forward to the two of bringing us into the behind the scenes in campaigns. I have a question? Have either of you heard about Americanpromise.net? they’re working on a constitutional amendment that gets citizen United money and dark money out of politics. 23 states have signed on and 14 more are in the process of working on it.
Welcome Zach!
Very sorry you left Illinois!
Zach, welcome aboard! Adam’s insight has been my anchor over the past year, and after seeing you two in action on video, I’m thrilled to have you join the mix. I can't wait to see what you add to this remarkable discussion—so glad you're here.
Many thanks, Gary. This is a special group of folks. Honored to be a part of it.
I applaud Adam for a move that shows he’s in this for the country.
Adam, thank you for all you are doing.
Zach, Welcome, and thank you as well.
I am a former Democrat, and now a registered Independent. I am not happy with either party, although I support some issues from both sides of the aisle. Sometimes I do not know what I can do to help make this country seem less dark. Thank you both for the ray of light.
Susan, thank you for your comment and welcome. With your help we will make this community a bright spot in a crazy world!
Zach. As I viewed your contributions to recent topics with Adam, I’ve respected your ability to provide insights without bravado. Your communications and insights have been offered using a credible delivery, authenticity and balance. You and Adam are a worthy team. Welcome!
Thank you Marty. We do our best! More to come soon
Welcome Zach. Thank you Adam for enriching this platform. I am a retired professional woman with 4 grandchildren. I have always been a democrate but Adam is one of the very few Substack person that I trust. I live in a very blue state and am sickened and scared, hourly, by what is happening in the country that I have always been proud of. I will have 3 granddaughters soon, one due any day. I hope and pray that we can get to a place again where I hope they will have all of the freedoms that I grew up with. Looking forward to continued honest information from you folks.
Looking forward to hearing more. Welcome Zach!
Happy to be here. More to come soon!
So glad to have Zach on board ‘officially’. I’ve enjoyed seeing you work together; you provide good perspectives & balance.
Many thanks, Coastie. We will be rolling more out soon. Let us know what you think
Love this.
Welcome!
My advice: On videos, speak clearly and articulate without obscure metaphors. Don't laugh WHILE talking (no one can understand folks who do); don't interrupt each other; and remember that some of us have an understanding of political rhetoric and legal concepts and don't need you to repeat everything on every video or recap or dumb things down. Other than that, make sure we know your biases so we can filter them. Present facts as facts and opinion as opinion.
Thank you for the hard work you are doing here -- thank you both.
That was a rough welcome or is it your e-mail tone? Were you just trying to let them know what you expect. By the way laughing should never stop, it's the only thing keeping us sane.
I think laughter is needed it’s like oxygen at times, I don’t like anything that feels scripted. I was just hoping for some quick hit videos and I will absolutely admit some things need to be dumbed down for me.
Again -- I don't mind laughter, but people who speak publicly need to learn to laugh first, and then talk. I do understand that some things need to be simplified for comprehension, but I caution against over-simplification which can result in inaccuracy. Thank you.
I didn't say not to laugh. I said not to laugh WHILE talking. (I used to tell my son -- chew, swallow, then talk.) I like laughter but if one laughs WHILE talking, the talking cannot be understood. I'm not sure if it's a rough welcome, my e-mail tone, or what; but I did try to articulate my expectations. If they did not want readers to articulate their expectations, my apologies. I'm happy to refrain from articulating my expectations in the future, but if as a reader and follower, if I can't articulate my expectations to a podcaster or essayist, I will politely leave the fold.
Corrine I hope you don’t let Anyone shut you up. All voices need to be heard…. Most of us know to take what we need & leave the rest…….
Thank you. I appreciate your note.
Your ideas were good & pls keep sharing.
— It just felt weighted as most stick, no carrot.
But they will be accustomed to that in their work.
Thank you.
🌿 Welcome, Corinne!
* I wondered if you thought that Adam had actually done some of those things you listed off. I’m big on ‘enunciation’ & some of the things you mentioned — was a medical office assistant/ transcriptionist.
Ah-hem. I have often wondered if he is chewing tobacco while filming. But then, he once talked about having emergency dental surgery. So, yes, he is sometimes hard to follow from the standpoint of enunciation. As for other things -- I know what I think his biases are, so I'm protected, but he does sometimes state things as "fact" that are his opinion. For example, he made a statement in a recent video that law enforcement can discharge their firearms under certain circumstances, and his statement was not legally accurate and was phrased in a very pro-law-enforcement presumption. He followed it by stating that ICE / CBP had gone too far, and I agree with that; but as an attorney, I knew his presumption of what law enforcement "can normally do" was not legally accurate and did show his pro-law-enforcement bias.
Nah, Corrine don’t let the Kevins get you down. I thought it was very helpful and well thought out. A bit blunt, yeah…but look at the times we’re living in. We all must wear a skin of armor these days.
I'm a lawyer, a writer, and old-as-the-hills, so bluntness might come easier to me than to many. Thank you.
I’m old-as-the-hills too, Corinne, and my adult children say I’m too blunt. But when I have something to say, superfluous words seem unnecessary, so I get where you’re coming from.
I thought you were clear and cordial in expressing your expectations! We must be able to do that. I agree with others that laughter can be fine, but too often, and in the MSM as well, hosts and guess laugh uproariously at this or that and talk over each other excitedly. That doesn't enhance my viewing experience. I also don't really like long videos. I'm a fast reader and can get through a lot of text, but a 45-60 minute video taxes my time commitment. That's just me.
Thank you. You know, it's funny you say that. I have a small YouTube channel of my own, and I am also an essayist. My essays are usually fairly short; and sometimes my YouTube videos are way too long!
Wow, that's I guess the way you roll, not my cup of tea. Thanks for responding I have a much better understanding of your viewpoint. Congratulations on reaching many years, I too am one of those types however I am so glad that being a lawyer and "blunt" ness go hand in hand had not realized. that.
I completely understand. I'm not being original when I say, not only am I not everyone's cup of tea, I'm probably not even tea. I'm more like, single malt whiskey, neat, with a sliver of lime. But I respect all points of view and thank you for yours.
Lol! You go girl!
Backatcha, sistah!
I need things explained (Dummied down) and is why I am on this Substack. Sorry. I’m not a politician.
Thank goodness not everyone spends all day on politics. You’re in the right place for a breakdown of the latest news. Tell us what more we can do to help!
You make a fair point, but please know that one does not have to be a politician to understand politics, law, or policy. My guess is that your intuitive understanding takes you a long way! My only concern is that often when commentators simplify things, they take them so far down as to be incorrect. That's all. I'm so glad you commented! I am grateful for any community of which I am a part, virtual or otherwise.
I understand what you’re saying. I just enjoy laughter because it’s relatable and having good conversation. I think it’s great how we are all different but can share in an experience/conversation and you are obviously very intelligent. Have a wonderful day!
You make fair points. Diversity, equity, and inclusion enrich our world!
You have a wonderful day, too!
It would be helpful to tell what acronyms stand for before using them in conversations.
Unfortunately some people need things "dumbed down" because they're ordinary people not politically savvy. Ignoring that segment of viewers shows arrogance and insulting.
That's an interesting and fair point. I don't intend to be arrogant or insulting. I usually assume most folks can and do understand things. My difficulty with over-simplification is that it sometimes leads to misstatements, and then folks can get misinformed. But please accept my apology for any negative implications that my words inadvertently conveyed.
No problem, I was raised and schooled around politics, even had them taught in school during Civics & Government classes. Parents of different parties with one active in local politics kept me interested but I know a lot of my friends and acquaintances had to be spoon fed the information. Some still do and I'm a terror about making people of all ages know why their knowledgeable vote is so important.
I'm only 82, from a long lived family and plan on doing this for the next 20 or so years.
Long life and good health -- may you have both.
Thank you for your service to the universe as an educator.
CC
I'd say two things I'd like to hear about frequently as we approach the elections this year: 1) What are the key House races and the news about them? 2) What efforts are being made to mobilize the voters we need to gain (I'd say youth, especially young men, non-MAGA Republicans, and Hispanics in various states), and how are those efforts working?
I am working on a big picture look at the campaign landscape. We will dive into specific races as they develop.
Welcome aboard, Zach! I look forward to reading your insider insights!
Thank you Frank. A pleasure to be here. Let us know what else you’d like to hear more about
Well, for starters, I’d like to know more about how the elected rep/staffer relationship has developed and evolved over time. How are staff identified by the rep? What is the typical division of labor? Etc. Thanks!
My friends and I have been desperate for high quality analysis of the important races this year so we can target our resources most efficiently and effectively. Looking forward to your insights Zach.
Glad to be of service, Becky. A first look at the big picture campaign landscape is coming soon. We will dive into specific races as they develop
That sounds great. We are particularly interested in identifying specific candidates in races that appear to be winnable and will flip R held seats, both national and state level seats. We need to build from the ground up and take back local government and state houses too not just the House and Senate. Primary candidates who can win general elections in their communities, no litmus or purity tests. Thanks for being in the fight!
Welcome, Zach. Sounds like you and Adam will definitely make a great team. I, too, left the party that was home to me my entire life once it became unrecognizable to me. I’d like for you and Adam to opine on the Dominion voting machines being bought by a MAGA supporter and whether or not that’s a concern for us in 2026, 2028 and beyond. With Elon throwing money into races again and jumping back into bed with R’s (probably a bad metaphor for the Epstein bunch, but I digress), his hacking prowess along with MAGA ownership of the voting machines sure seems like a solid worry. As you well know, their plan is to never lose another election. So, please let us hear your sage wisdom and thoughts on this. Thanks so much.
YES, this!! Very important stuff, Lori! How on earth does a MAGA supporter buy Dominion machines? Unless you mean this person is an authority to do so. And after being paid almost a billion dollars by Faux News, I would think Dominion is taking extraordinary steps to ensure the unhackability of them.
Frankly, I think we need to go back to paper ballots. There are some benefits to being analog.
I don’t know if the person who bought Dominion is an “authority” but I do know it’s a MAGA Trump bootlicker. Jasmine Crockett had pledged to stay on this story a few months ago but she announced her candidacy for Senator shortly thereafter and I haven’t heard anything more.
What good news, Adam and Jake! One of the things I'm most interested in right now is how we somehow move toward uniting the pro-democracy movement. I don't mean that we should have a controlling umbrella organization or 100% try to dictate the message themes. I just mean more collaboration, more coordination of efforts. Perhaps we start with a conference of as many Rubins, Meiselases, Rosenbergs, HC Richardsons, Cravens, Eliases, Krugmans, Reichs, Katzes, J. Vanceses, Ben-Ghiats, Applebaums and people from Mother Jones, Pro Publica, The Guardian, Politico and The Atlantic. That's just a start on a list. I do see these people appearing on each other's programs, but it seems to me that more collaboration and coordination would make us MUCH stronger.
Love these ideas!! Have HCR & Adam ever done anything together? I would love to see that! (If they have, I’ve missed it).
Mari, I have not seen it either.