Some of us remember the Cuban Missile Crisis, the 13-day showdown between the US and the former Soviet Union. We carried our transistor radios to and from school, awaiting word of the need to shelter. It was the most dangerous form of negotiating, and it was serious business. Now we are subjected to trade war bluster, public deal-making that fits into a 24-hour cycle and can be flexed and repeated. This is a nation reeling from recent disasters -- fires, plane crashes-- and a real need to take care of ourselves, not be subjected to manufactured crises for puffery.
Sorry, but as long as anyone "expects" the opposition to come from elected Democrats, there is no story to tell - other than for the MSM to accuse elected Congressional Democrats of "playing politics" and not giving the Trump Administration a fair shot from the start. It is a way of life we must advocate for - not a political Party or Policy.
Ordinary people need to challenge Trump and his team with their outrage. It is the public that needs to get the necessary "Attention" (as Chris Hayes addresses in his latest book). There are tens of millions of fence sitters who hate Trump, but do not know which way to jump when they leave the fence. Fighting Trump's efforts must come from the Street - not from substacks or podcasts. It certainly will not arise from the MSM or the professional pol class. That is the way I see it.
We need to stop expecting our salvation to come from Democratic leadership or elected individuals from Blue States (Governors). They can certainly do the "official blocking through legal challenges, which they now are beginning to do. Pleased stop suggesting, however, that Democratic leadership "speaking harshly" to anyone will make the difference.
I repeat, the effective energy for change must come from the Street (in D.C., in every Capitol in every state - red and blue - and in every county seat (no matter how small the initial groups may start out). The effort must be non-violent to succeed. Back to the 50-60s we should go. Time to brush off our public protest skills and voices. 2025 - Hell No, It Won't Sell!
So much has happened since you wrote this, I’m eagerly awaiting today’s (Wednesday) newsletter with your keen observations.
Caroline Kennedy and Tim Walz were added to my list of Democratic “disrupters” who clearly show some moxie and verve and are great examples of leadership and communication.
The others are:
AOC
Mark Cuban
Gretchen Whitmer
Tim Walz
Josh Shapiro
Caroline Kennedy
Jess Piper
Elissa Slotkin
Gavin Newsom
Jasmine Crockett
Ben Wickler
David Hogg
Chris Murphy
Maxwell Frost
Amy Klobuchar
(not in any particular order)
Democrats need to start an Outrage Machine before it’s too late:
• More outrageous attention grabbing podcasts and stop being polite. (Glad you are starting up again!)
• Like where’s our, or ANY, radio space??? Those airwaves are all sucked up by MAGA (of course owned by GOPher M/B’aires) Find different stations.
• Select comedians and offer them subsidized opportunities for specials or tours to get the snark out there
• Where are the mid-city sized tours of influencers (from list above) seizing on themes of outrage? Attention grabbing for sure.
I’m going to go take a nap now and start a fresh day when I wake up. From now on it’s always going to be something.
AOC is an express ticket to electoral defeat at the national level. She's what's wrong with the Democratic party that it is alienating working people. AOC may have working class roots, but she's in there with elite, entitled progressives who do not know what ordinary Americans are like.
Chuck Schumer has to go. As soon as the Dem Caucus figures out how ineffective and lost he is, the better. I agree with Bill Kristol that sounding the alarm, loud and often is absolutely necessary. More importantly, Dems need to tie the Senate in knots, stop procedures cold. "Not on our watch," should be the rallying cry. It makes me sick to my stomach that they are so feckless. Glad Augie got to have a nice ride. He's such a handsome boy.
Where are the Dems' Mitch McConnell? He ruthlessly used every tool at his disposal as GOP *minority* leader to delay, deter, derail Obama's first term.
The fundamental problem is that Republicans are generally better at wielding power and messaging than Democrats.
Rachel Maddow just did a take down on what Trump is really doing. He's following Thiel's playbook, who is the real boss of Vance, and his pal Curtis Yarvin. Yarvin is a real insanity. He thinks Americans should get over their phobia about dictators and accept it with tech bros like him in charge. Among Yarvin's ideas - get rid of everything in the government and turn them over to CEOs. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/21/curtis-yarvin-trump If you don't know who he is, start learning about him. He wants to take over everything most Americans believe in.
Anyone who is uneasy about Curtis Yarvin or who straight-out loathes him owes it to themselves to listen to the takedown by the hosts of the "Decoding the Gurus" podcast. They really know their stuff and they are savage.
"In this long-anticipated episode, Matt and Chris venture into the peculiar world of Curtis Yarvin—a reactionary blogger, tech entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed monarchist. Known to his early followers by the pseudonym "Mencius Moldbug," Yarvin has become a prominent figure in the "dark enlightenment" and neo-reactionary circles. Some have even hailed him as an "intellectual powerhouse" of the modern far-right, with endorsements from influential figures like Peter Thiel and J.D. Vance.
But what is Curtis really all about? In this episode, the decoders revisit the Triggernometry swamp to examine the political insights unearthed by the hard-nosed journalists Konstantin and Francis during their ferocious intellectual exchange with Yarvin.
Prepare for thrilling revelations, including the historical figures and movements Yarvin has catalogued in his encyclopedic memory, his pick for the best Elizabethan monarch, and the surprising number of non-monarchs he believes are secretly running monarchical regimes. True to form, Yarvin’s rhetorical style is nothing if not meandering. So get ready for a whirlwind tour through his "mind palace," exploring topics like Soviet Russia, Elizabethan England, Shakespearean conspiracy theories, and a fantasy world of reactionary and techno-libertarian musings—not to mention the obligatory lab-leak narratives.
Is Yarvin an edgy intellectual, a provocative contrarian, or just a verbose windbag with run-of-the-mill conspiratorial takes and a moody teenager's perspective on history? Matt and Chris tackle these questions, striving to decode Yarvin’s vision for society—and hoping, against all odds, that he might in the end just answer a single question.
Excellent column. I am a lifelong Democrat and am pissed as hell that I’m being loud where I can and Senators are almost mum or maybe numb. If I was a Senator I’d be on the tv every minute possible. Honestly, they need to grow some balls. And Fetterman needs to grow up, wear pants and get out of some quasi middle ground. There is no more middle ground.
SNAP on The Lion in Winter (O'Toole/Hepburn edition + John Barry music), The Mouse that Roared, and Only Murders -- have you tried Brian Forbse's The Wrong Box?
Some of us remember the Cuban Missile Crisis, the 13-day showdown between the US and the former Soviet Union. We carried our transistor radios to and from school, awaiting word of the need to shelter. It was the most dangerous form of negotiating, and it was serious business. Now we are subjected to trade war bluster, public deal-making that fits into a 24-hour cycle and can be flexed and repeated. This is a nation reeling from recent disasters -- fires, plane crashes-- and a real need to take care of ourselves, not be subjected to manufactured crises for puffery.
The pattern appears to be:
1. Trump does something egregiously awful.
2. Lawyers, legislators and journalists say it’s illegal, criminal and against the constitution.
3. Nothing happens.
Rinse and repeat!
Well said, Charlie! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
No survivors. Who exploits a tragedy to get in a zinger about a past administration? A shameless, petulant child.
Sorry, but as long as anyone "expects" the opposition to come from elected Democrats, there is no story to tell - other than for the MSM to accuse elected Congressional Democrats of "playing politics" and not giving the Trump Administration a fair shot from the start. It is a way of life we must advocate for - not a political Party or Policy.
Ordinary people need to challenge Trump and his team with their outrage. It is the public that needs to get the necessary "Attention" (as Chris Hayes addresses in his latest book). There are tens of millions of fence sitters who hate Trump, but do not know which way to jump when they leave the fence. Fighting Trump's efforts must come from the Street - not from substacks or podcasts. It certainly will not arise from the MSM or the professional pol class. That is the way I see it.
We need to stop expecting our salvation to come from Democratic leadership or elected individuals from Blue States (Governors). They can certainly do the "official blocking through legal challenges, which they now are beginning to do. Pleased stop suggesting, however, that Democratic leadership "speaking harshly" to anyone will make the difference.
I repeat, the effective energy for change must come from the Street (in D.C., in every Capitol in every state - red and blue - and in every county seat (no matter how small the initial groups may start out). The effort must be non-violent to succeed. Back to the 50-60s we should go. Time to brush off our public protest skills and voices. 2025 - Hell No, It Won't Sell!
Charlie - From a nobody to a somebody I respect - although disagree with occasionally - sending only good thoughts to you at Yale. Smiles!
So much has happened since you wrote this, I’m eagerly awaiting today’s (Wednesday) newsletter with your keen observations.
Caroline Kennedy and Tim Walz were added to my list of Democratic “disrupters” who clearly show some moxie and verve and are great examples of leadership and communication.
The others are:
AOC
Mark Cuban
Gretchen Whitmer
Tim Walz
Josh Shapiro
Caroline Kennedy
Jess Piper
Elissa Slotkin
Gavin Newsom
Jasmine Crockett
Ben Wickler
David Hogg
Chris Murphy
Maxwell Frost
Amy Klobuchar
(not in any particular order)
Democrats need to start an Outrage Machine before it’s too late:
• More outrageous attention grabbing podcasts and stop being polite. (Glad you are starting up again!)
• Like where’s our, or ANY, radio space??? Those airwaves are all sucked up by MAGA (of course owned by GOPher M/B’aires) Find different stations.
• Select comedians and offer them subsidized opportunities for specials or tours to get the snark out there
• Where are the mid-city sized tours of influencers (from list above) seizing on themes of outrage? Attention grabbing for sure.
I’m going to go take a nap now and start a fresh day when I wake up. From now on it’s always going to be something.
AOC is an express ticket to electoral defeat at the national level. She's what's wrong with the Democratic party that it is alienating working people. AOC may have working class roots, but she's in there with elite, entitled progressives who do not know what ordinary Americans are like.
Meant mid-sized cities (not mid-city)
Adding a new name to my list- Jack Schlossberg
Chuck Schumer has to go. As soon as the Dem Caucus figures out how ineffective and lost he is, the better. I agree with Bill Kristol that sounding the alarm, loud and often is absolutely necessary. More importantly, Dems need to tie the Senate in knots, stop procedures cold. "Not on our watch," should be the rallying cry. It makes me sick to my stomach that they are so feckless. Glad Augie got to have a nice ride. He's such a handsome boy.
Where are the Dems' Mitch McConnell? He ruthlessly used every tool at his disposal as GOP *minority* leader to delay, deter, derail Obama's first term.
The fundamental problem is that Republicans are generally better at wielding power and messaging than Democrats.
Oh boy, do I agree with you on Chuck Schumer!! His comedian niece Amy Schumer should take over immediately‼️
Or find someone in the Senate who’s got that gift of gab. And STOP reading your script word for word. Talk to us‼️
YES! TIME TO ROAR
Time to make January 6 look like children
IT IS TIME
IT IS TIME FOR CIVIL WAR 2.0
Rachel Maddow just did a take down on what Trump is really doing. He's following Thiel's playbook, who is the real boss of Vance, and his pal Curtis Yarvin. Yarvin is a real insanity. He thinks Americans should get over their phobia about dictators and accept it with tech bros like him in charge. Among Yarvin's ideas - get rid of everything in the government and turn them over to CEOs. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/21/curtis-yarvin-trump If you don't know who he is, start learning about him. He wants to take over everything most Americans believe in.
Anyone who is uneasy about Curtis Yarvin or who straight-out loathes him owes it to themselves to listen to the takedown by the hosts of the "Decoding the Gurus" podcast. They really know their stuff and they are savage.
Spoiler: he's a total put-on.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"In this long-anticipated episode, Matt and Chris venture into the peculiar world of Curtis Yarvin—a reactionary blogger, tech entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed monarchist. Known to his early followers by the pseudonym "Mencius Moldbug," Yarvin has become a prominent figure in the "dark enlightenment" and neo-reactionary circles. Some have even hailed him as an "intellectual powerhouse" of the modern far-right, with endorsements from influential figures like Peter Thiel and J.D. Vance.
But what is Curtis really all about? In this episode, the decoders revisit the Triggernometry swamp to examine the political insights unearthed by the hard-nosed journalists Konstantin and Francis during their ferocious intellectual exchange with Yarvin.
Prepare for thrilling revelations, including the historical figures and movements Yarvin has catalogued in his encyclopedic memory, his pick for the best Elizabethan monarch, and the surprising number of non-monarchs he believes are secretly running monarchical regimes. True to form, Yarvin’s rhetorical style is nothing if not meandering. So get ready for a whirlwind tour through his "mind palace," exploring topics like Soviet Russia, Elizabethan England, Shakespearean conspiracy theories, and a fantasy world of reactionary and techno-libertarian musings—not to mention the obligatory lab-leak narratives.
Is Yarvin an edgy intellectual, a provocative contrarian, or just a verbose windbag with run-of-the-mill conspiratorial takes and a moody teenager's perspective on history? Matt and Chris tackle these questions, striving to decode Yarvin’s vision for society—and hoping, against all odds, that he might in the end just answer a single question.
https://decoding-the-gurus.captivate.fm/episode/curtis-yarvin-the-edgelords-guide-to-monarchy-40k
I have only two comments,Charlie:
1. I believe it’s time for a coup and
2. I don’t allow my dogs in the front seat even if they’re strapped in. Back seat only and strapped in.
I adore your Substacks
1. Absolutely not.
2. Yup!
3. Ditto :-)
Excellent column. I am a lifelong Democrat and am pissed as hell that I’m being loud where I can and Senators are almost mum or maybe numb. If I was a Senator I’d be on the tv every minute possible. Honestly, they need to grow some balls. And Fetterman needs to grow up, wear pants and get out of some quasi middle ground. There is no more middle ground.
Please check out MSNBC - that's where the Ds are speaking out. CNN has surrendered.
SNAP on The Lion in Winter (O'Toole/Hepburn edition + John Barry music), The Mouse that Roared, and Only Murders -- have you tried Brian Forbse's The Wrong Box?