So thankful for you and your wife and everything you risked and everything you suffered. We see you, and we appreciate you. You may have lost some friends but you gained a lot more new ones. As you said, breathe!! And let’s get back to it. 👍🏻
David Sirota frequently asks his guests the three things they would do. Here are three things I'd do. Dismantle ICE, release the Epstein files, and the following. Several Democrats and progressive organizations have compiled separate tax reform proposals. I envision having these proposals consolidated into one bill that will benefit the vast majority of Americans. This consolidated bill, "True Tax Reform 2027: The Sequel," will be drafted over the next few weeks and introduced to Congress in early January. Please share with your Democratic representatives, others, and restack.
Right there with you, Pat. A 43 year marriage is riding on my being able to tamp down my joy at Tuesday's election results. Sad for both of us that we can't fully celebrate getting our country back.
55 year marriage here, I watched my brilliant rightwing conservative turned into a changed person by Fox News’ lies all I could do is ban it in the living room. I think we need to hold news media accountable for lies on air WTH!
Pat, so sorry for you and others in that position. I feel lucky that almost all of my family and friends are on the same "side" that I am. The one MAGA family member is on her own...
The Epstein Files are the biggest obstacle. How can a real, respectful debate about anything happen when one party wants a child rapist/sex trafficker in charge. The MAGAs/Repugs WANT a child rapist in charge. What's wrong with this picture?
Uh... did you ever talk to a GOP voter? Have you ever encountered any of them telling you that they're convinced that he's a rapist AND want such a person to lead the country?
In real life, MAGA voters have been brainwashed into believing that it's Democrats who are the rapists. That was what the entire focus on the Epstein files on the right was all about, remember?
How does anyone get around the mindset of those who have allowed themselves to be brainwashed? I have 3 sets of family members whom I totally avoid ANY conversation with regarding politics because they all have an unproven explanation for whatever issue comes up. They actually believe this stuff!! So, for me, politics are totally off the table. Go into your bedroom, alone, and do your happy dance!! Celebrate with friends!! Idiots will usually remain idiots for the rest of their lives. Best example of that: DT!!!
No one "allows" himself to be brainwashed. You're strongly underestimating the power of neofascist propaganda if you think that people actively decide to become victims of its propaganda.
The first thing we need to do is to stop judging our loved ones and start trying to understand them. If we're too caught up in our own emotional reactivity (which is obviously more than understandable; I've been there myself too), then WE slam the door.
Watch the interview Tim Miller of The Bulwark did yesterday with pastor Hamilton, who won a Senate seat in red Kansas. In it, he explains how to speak with "The Other". It IS a matter of first cultivating our own emotional intelligence a bit more. Then, we truly need to practice what we preach and, as Kamala Harris said, "learn to see ourselves in the face of a stranger", including when that stranger is actually a family member. THEY don't have the resources anymore to be able to do so, but WE do.
Talarico had the same message: "love thy neighbor". It's this PRACTICE that we need to cultivate IF we want democracy to survive and thrive. There is no other option, as history has shown.
I'm praying that in the wake of this nightmare, Dems take the high road and seek to do SOMETHING on a bipartisan basis to remind Americans of what our unique system was capable of when compromise was still its super power. Anyone who lives in California as I do should be wary of one-party supermajority. My own Democratic party has had a stranglehold on the levers of power for decades and we've not exactly hit it out of the park with regard to our biggest issues: homelessness and housing supply. I truly believe that some healthy Republican counter-balance would benefit us in the long run. This, of course, presumes that some rational version of the GOP can be reconstituted to replace the cult that it has become under Trump. Yes, I'm overjoyed and hope we put a muzzle on ICE, release the Epstein files and systemically attack the breathtaking corruption in which Trump and his minions have engaged. But restoration of a system that can accommodate divergent points of views is essential, too. Just saying...
You hit it exactly right, Adam, as usual. I stayed up late Tuesday to happily watch the results come in. On Wednesday night I slept better than I have for a long time! But yes, there's so much work to be done, and to be done in the right way. Thanks so much for your leadership!
Thank you for being a reliable voice of reason these past 10 years. Yes, we do need to breathe a bit and then keep going. Lots of work still to do and it will get done as long as we can let go of taking credit for it. Forward progress not backward retribution.
You have been the voice of sanity for the last several years. I have appreciated all that you did to hold this president accountable. The people who voted you out of Congress did a great disservice to the American people. I am sure the loss of your political family has played heavily on your emotional and mental psyche. However, I am thankful you have chosen to continue keeping us sane and informed. I hope that you will consider a return to politics as a Texas resident. Texans have finally broken the hold of a very corrupt administration. Perhaps, I will once again be a proud Texan.
My priorities going forward: End the war and appoint a competent and honorable Secretary of Defense; reform medical care, starting with the dismissal of RFK Jr; fair taxes, where the wealthy pay their share; restore aid to Ukraine and tougher sanctions on Russia, welcome back our allies and reject Russia, China and North Korea. That’s a start!
If Democrats had won narrowly, you could argue that this was ONLY about people's wallets. But a historic tsunami... that cannot but be interpreted as a massive, collective rejection of everything that a neofascist GOP stands for (although most voters may still not realize THAT this is neofascism and may have just voted on one or two issues that hit their personal lives the most).
That's a HUGE relief.
Then there is what Democrats now have the legal power to do, including in Texas against neofascist Musk. And in Montana, almost two-thirds of the people just approved a measure on the ballot that takes big money out of campaigning (after Hawaii already did so too).
Still, I also agree with what you wrote at the end of your article today, Adam. I already see some of my fellow progressives once again being utterly irrational and, frankly, anti-democratic. Without knowing ANYTHING about Jeffries and Schumer, they want their heads, even though both together just orchestrated the biggest blue victory in half a century.
Yes, poll after poll shows that on many key issues, a majority of the American people actually support progressive ideas. But in a democracy, that's never enough. We also need a majority of people in Congress to support these ideas, and right now, once again, most of those flipping GOP seats ran on more centrist ideas, so progressives will continue to be a MINORITY in Congress. That's much better than nothing, but it also means that before our ideas can be DEMOCRATICALLY signed into law, it's we progressives ourselves who need to talk with those who disagree with us until we can convince them of the fact that our ideas are the most rational and moral ones out there. And if we fail to convince, that's on us, not on any Democratic leader out there who, by definition, has to lead a VERY broad coalition and therefore negotiate compromises between all factions in Congress.
Adam, I feel the exact same way—-just a much needed exhale, a bit of celebration and the amazing diversity of governors and senators that hopefully can get something accomplished! It is nice to not coach myself to breathe in and out, and not be reaching for my anti-anxiety meds on too regular a basis, or chug Pepto to calm my stomach!!!
So thankful for you and your wife and everything you risked and everything you suffered. We see you, and we appreciate you. You may have lost some friends but you gained a lot more new ones. As you said, breathe!! And let’s get back to it. 👍🏻
David Sirota frequently asks his guests the three things they would do. Here are three things I'd do. Dismantle ICE, release the Epstein files, and the following. Several Democrats and progressive organizations have compiled separate tax reform proposals. I envision having these proposals consolidated into one bill that will benefit the vast majority of Americans. This consolidated bill, "True Tax Reform 2027: The Sequel," will be drafted over the next few weeks and introduced to Congress in early January. Please share with your Democratic representatives, others, and restack.
Still can’t breathe I live with someone who is MAGA. I want to dance for joy. I care about that person but we can’t talk. Not about this.
Right there with you, Pat. A 43 year marriage is riding on my being able to tamp down my joy at Tuesday's election results. Sad for both of us that we can't fully celebrate getting our country back.
55 year marriage here, I watched my brilliant rightwing conservative turned into a changed person by Fox News’ lies all I could do is ban it in the living room. I think we need to hold news media accountable for lies on air WTH!
Pat, so sorry for you and others in that position. I feel lucky that almost all of my family and friends are on the same "side" that I am. The one MAGA family member is on her own...
What do you think is the biggest obstacle to having a real, respectful debate about politics between the two of you?
The Epstein Files are the biggest obstacle. How can a real, respectful debate about anything happen when one party wants a child rapist/sex trafficker in charge. The MAGAs/Repugs WANT a child rapist in charge. What's wrong with this picture?
Uh... did you ever talk to a GOP voter? Have you ever encountered any of them telling you that they're convinced that he's a rapist AND want such a person to lead the country?
In real life, MAGA voters have been brainwashed into believing that it's Democrats who are the rapists. That was what the entire focus on the Epstein files on the right was all about, remember?
How does anyone get around the mindset of those who have allowed themselves to be brainwashed? I have 3 sets of family members whom I totally avoid ANY conversation with regarding politics because they all have an unproven explanation for whatever issue comes up. They actually believe this stuff!! So, for me, politics are totally off the table. Go into your bedroom, alone, and do your happy dance!! Celebrate with friends!! Idiots will usually remain idiots for the rest of their lives. Best example of that: DT!!!
No one "allows" himself to be brainwashed. You're strongly underestimating the power of neofascist propaganda if you think that people actively decide to become victims of its propaganda.
The first thing we need to do is to stop judging our loved ones and start trying to understand them. If we're too caught up in our own emotional reactivity (which is obviously more than understandable; I've been there myself too), then WE slam the door.
Watch the interview Tim Miller of The Bulwark did yesterday with pastor Hamilton, who won a Senate seat in red Kansas. In it, he explains how to speak with "The Other". It IS a matter of first cultivating our own emotional intelligence a bit more. Then, we truly need to practice what we preach and, as Kamala Harris said, "learn to see ourselves in the face of a stranger", including when that stranger is actually a family member. THEY don't have the resources anymore to be able to do so, but WE do.
Talarico had the same message: "love thy neighbor". It's this PRACTICE that we need to cultivate IF we want democracy to survive and thrive. There is no other option, as history has shown.
YES WE CAN!!
You speak well but have no idea who you are speaking to, thank you.
I'm praying that in the wake of this nightmare, Dems take the high road and seek to do SOMETHING on a bipartisan basis to remind Americans of what our unique system was capable of when compromise was still its super power. Anyone who lives in California as I do should be wary of one-party supermajority. My own Democratic party has had a stranglehold on the levers of power for decades and we've not exactly hit it out of the park with regard to our biggest issues: homelessness and housing supply. I truly believe that some healthy Republican counter-balance would benefit us in the long run. This, of course, presumes that some rational version of the GOP can be reconstituted to replace the cult that it has become under Trump. Yes, I'm overjoyed and hope we put a muzzle on ICE, release the Epstein files and systemically attack the breathtaking corruption in which Trump and his minions have engaged. But restoration of a system that can accommodate divergent points of views is essential, too. Just saying...
Ok, let's try to be concrete.
What typically "Republican" idea would improve homelessness and housing supply in CA?
Hope all good things come your way, Adam.
You hit it exactly right, Adam, as usual. I stayed up late Tuesday to happily watch the results come in. On Wednesday night I slept better than I have for a long time! But yes, there's so much work to be done, and to be done in the right way. Thanks so much for your leadership!
Thank you for being a reliable voice of reason these past 10 years. Yes, we do need to breathe a bit and then keep going. Lots of work still to do and it will get done as long as we can let go of taking credit for it. Forward progress not backward retribution.
Watching, supporting and cheering for you all from overseas. It is as important to us in Europe as it is for your Country. Thank you for all you do.
You have been the voice of sanity for the last several years. I have appreciated all that you did to hold this president accountable. The people who voted you out of Congress did a great disservice to the American people. I am sure the loss of your political family has played heavily on your emotional and mental psyche. However, I am thankful you have chosen to continue keeping us sane and informed. I hope that you will consider a return to politics as a Texas resident. Texans have finally broken the hold of a very corrupt administration. Perhaps, I will once again be a proud Texan.
Yes. Big sigh of relief but stay the course.
My priorities going forward: End the war and appoint a competent and honorable Secretary of Defense; reform medical care, starting with the dismissal of RFK Jr; fair taxes, where the wealthy pay their share; restore aid to Ukraine and tougher sanctions on Russia, welcome back our allies and reject Russia, China and North Korea. That’s a start!
Exactly, relief is what I feel too.
If Democrats had won narrowly, you could argue that this was ONLY about people's wallets. But a historic tsunami... that cannot but be interpreted as a massive, collective rejection of everything that a neofascist GOP stands for (although most voters may still not realize THAT this is neofascism and may have just voted on one or two issues that hit their personal lives the most).
That's a HUGE relief.
Then there is what Democrats now have the legal power to do, including in Texas against neofascist Musk. And in Montana, almost two-thirds of the people just approved a measure on the ballot that takes big money out of campaigning (after Hawaii already did so too).
Still, I also agree with what you wrote at the end of your article today, Adam. I already see some of my fellow progressives once again being utterly irrational and, frankly, anti-democratic. Without knowing ANYTHING about Jeffries and Schumer, they want their heads, even though both together just orchestrated the biggest blue victory in half a century.
Yes, poll after poll shows that on many key issues, a majority of the American people actually support progressive ideas. But in a democracy, that's never enough. We also need a majority of people in Congress to support these ideas, and right now, once again, most of those flipping GOP seats ran on more centrist ideas, so progressives will continue to be a MINORITY in Congress. That's much better than nothing, but it also means that before our ideas can be DEMOCRATICALLY signed into law, it's we progressives ourselves who need to talk with those who disagree with us until we can convince them of the fact that our ideas are the most rational and moral ones out there. And if we fail to convince, that's on us, not on any Democratic leader out there who, by definition, has to lead a VERY broad coalition and therefore negotiate compromises between all factions in Congress.
Nobody "brung" me but "I'm dancing on my own"!!!
Adam, I feel the exact same way—-just a much needed exhale, a bit of celebration and the amazing diversity of governors and senators that hopefully can get something accomplished! It is nice to not coach myself to breathe in and out, and not be reaching for my anti-anxiety meds on too regular a basis, or chug Pepto to calm my stomach!!!
Well said Adam. Thanks.
Amen!