I read one comment from a reader on substack the other who said your work is what keeps them going despite being circled in by threats from the Trump regime.
I agree with that sentiment, but what really keeps me going is the people like that. The ones who can find hope in the darkest days of our democracy. The ones who can push forward, no matter what comes.
⬆️"The ones who can find hope in the darkest days of our democracy. The ones who can push forward, no matter what comes. Those are the people that give me inspiration.
Last night I joined the first of the National postcarding parties for VA House of Delegates candidates. Five of the candidates joined the zoom to tell their stories and for Q&A. Several had run before and lost, but had out-performed in their red district. With the mess that Trump is making, they felt compelled to run again. The grit and determination of people like them keeps me going and gives me hope!
One of them, Dr. Mark Downey, is a pediatrician with 4 kids. He felt compelled to run for a THIRD time because of the proposed cuts in healthcare and their impact on his own kids, his patients, and their families. (The Big Ugly Bill obviously hadn't passed when he decided to run). Plus, he wanted to give his youngest son (who just turned 18 this year) a chance to vote for his dad!
Two of the candidates on the Zoom last evening are first time candidates in super-red districts where they are not expected to win. But they are fighting HARD because they believe Democrats in their districts deserve a choice! Plus it should bring out Democrats for the statewide races and force the previously unopposed incumbents to put some moeny into their own races instead of funneling it into more competitive races.
Cindy Green is running in an R+53 district where the last time a Democrat ran was 2011. (I'm writing postcards for her campaign with Postcards to Voters).
The other first timer, Melody Cartwright, is running in an R+28 district and she was cold-called by someone in the state party who had googled "female' "activist" and her home town. Such are the lengths the VA Dems will go to to leave no House seat unchallenged!
FYI, if you would like to make a contribution to the 27 underdog Democratic candidates running in the reddest VA districts (R+16 to R+64), check out this ActBlue link: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/vavaluepack27
I think they are listening to the establishment consultants who have been telling them Kamala lost because she went too far to the left. I think she lost because she let the GOP define the narrative and spent too much time on defense rather than offense. Some of that could be because of how long it took Biden to step down.
Every time I click on Scott's links to send letters, I get responses back from Gillibrand and Kennedy but never from Schumer. He probably fell asleep at nap time and forgot to wake up.
I have 2 Democratic Senators, and a Democratic Representative. I hear from all three of them often. Especially from Andy Kim, I get emails from him at least once a week.
I'm okay with setting a mandatory retirement age for those in Congress...in DC and at the state level. And also making sure race/sex/gender are actually represented. I'm sick of people Schumer's age in charge. Thomas too. They don't need the money. Others actually need that money.
As a former Texan, I appreciate Talirico a bit more than Allred, who opportunistically jumped on the bash Biden train to appeal to TX right wingers during the last election. I had financially invested in Allred and was deeply disappointed, even as I was frustrated by Biden's insistence on running. Talirico has been a rock.
CROCKETT: “Our oath is to the Constitution and to the people, not the powerful.”
All citizens take the oath; renew your oath! As a precinct worker I take the oath to defend our constitution every time I serve. With humility and deep sense of purpose. Let’s get to it! Do we all know the oath? Scott- do you want to include it in an upcoming post as a public service?
I have wondered that. I just know I will not vote for anyone that thinks this Republican Party is the solution to anything! So bring on the new candidates, Dems and independents, with big ideas the people support, and hope the heck we get the chance to weigh in at the next election!
Thank you Scott for all you do to keep us informed. I so hope the Dems use ALL of the tools in their box up to and including withholding votes for the CR coming up later this month. I know a shut down is always a last resort but I truly do not believe they can pass up this opportunity to use their power the protect the American people. I suppose the question is this "even if they do get some concession from the trifecta, can the Repubs. be trusted to follow through with integrity?"
Claire: Make them fight and watch them lose! It's weird to be rooting for a gov't shutdown, but with THIS gov't, I think it's a good option right now. (Def. need to get rid of the BBB lock, stock and barrel.)
Anne Applebaum interviewed by Cam reporting from Kiev said, in response to a question about hope: take action! That is the single most important thing to generate hope. See the interview on YouTube. So many topics addressed and that was the cherry 🍒 on top I want to use Crockett phrasing on my protest sign for next time out!!
And I was with an international sailing group last night, Canadians, couple of Germans, 2 Aussies, Hong Kong, Venezuela!, Bahamas etc. We had some frank talk about their horror at seeing what’s happening in America.
What's given me inspiration? Overall, and at the risk of sounding like a suck-up, I have to say that The Dworkin Report and its upbeat, positive, "Onward!" message keeps me going. Other substacks are great, too, but the tone of this one really lifts my spirits in this grim time. Thanks, Scott!
NEW: Tell Congress: Pass the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act: https://tinyurl.com/3yfw2m7a
NEW: Tell Congress: Demand Kennedy Resign: https://tinyurl.com/2324bmrh
Tell Congress: Demand answers about Trump’s visibly deteriorating health: https://tinyurl.com/sk9xm38v
Tell Congress: Protect our use of voting by mail: https://tinyurl.com/bde676xm
Tell Congress to push back on Trump’s DC takeover: https://tinyurl.com/2jpp94yk
Tell Congress to support law to unmask ICE: https://tinyurl.com/bp8cau82
Tell Congress save the National Weather Service: https://tinyurl.com/bdbur8df
Tell Congress to investigate the Jeffrey Epstein trafficking case: https://tinyurl.com/4pfh2p4f
Links to everything we are doing: https://www.dworkinsubstack.com/p/how-were-fighting-trump
New ones - now done. Thank you for the links.
I read one comment from a reader on substack the other who said your work is what keeps them going despite being circled in by threats from the Trump regime.
I agree with that sentiment, but what really keeps me going is the people like that. The ones who can find hope in the darkest days of our democracy. The ones who can push forward, no matter what comes.
Those are the people that give me inspiration.
Me too
⬆️"The ones who can find hope in the darkest days of our democracy. The ones who can push forward, no matter what comes. Those are the people that give me inspiration.
Last night I joined the first of the National postcarding parties for VA House of Delegates candidates. Five of the candidates joined the zoom to tell their stories and for Q&A. Several had run before and lost, but had out-performed in their red district. With the mess that Trump is making, they felt compelled to run again. The grit and determination of people like them keeps me going and gives me hope!
One of them, Dr. Mark Downey, is a pediatrician with 4 kids. He felt compelled to run for a THIRD time because of the proposed cuts in healthcare and their impact on his own kids, his patients, and their families. (The Big Ugly Bill obviously hadn't passed when he decided to run). Plus, he wanted to give his youngest son (who just turned 18 this year) a chance to vote for his dad!
Two of the candidates on the Zoom last evening are first time candidates in super-red districts where they are not expected to win. But they are fighting HARD because they believe Democrats in their districts deserve a choice! Plus it should bring out Democrats for the statewide races and force the previously unopposed incumbents to put some moeny into their own races instead of funneling it into more competitive races.
Cindy Green is running in an R+53 district where the last time a Democrat ran was 2011. (I'm writing postcards for her campaign with Postcards to Voters).
The other first timer, Melody Cartwright, is running in an R+28 district and she was cold-called by someone in the state party who had googled "female' "activist" and her home town. Such are the lengths the VA Dems will go to to leave no House seat unchallenged!
FYI, if you would like to make a contribution to the 27 underdog Democratic candidates running in the reddest VA districts (R+16 to R+64), check out this ActBlue link: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/vavaluepack27
I have to say it’s exciting to see MAGA so terrified of Mamdani. They have a new boogie man and it’s backfiring on them. Epic.
And the Democrats! Lol! Go Mamdani!
Yes! The reaction from Dem leadership is so puzzling.
I think they are listening to the establishment consultants who have been telling them Kamala lost because she went too far to the left. I think she lost because she let the GOP define the narrative and spent too much time on defense rather than offense. Some of that could be because of how long it took Biden to step down.
Indeed. It's time for new, innovative, caring replacements for the old status quo in the party. People want things to get done.
I second that.
The new young Dems will save the party and our democracy
Let’s hope the old dems figure that out, sooner than later.
I feel like a broken record Dorothy.
Schumer and the Antiques, move aside for the next generations… you’re past your prime.Quit being so damned arrogant!!
Every time I click on Scott's links to send letters, I get responses back from Gillibrand and Kennedy but never from Schumer. He probably fell asleep at nap time and forgot to wake up.
I hear only occasionally from my Rep and never from my Sens. I wonder what the percentage of replies is?
I have 2 Democratic Senators, and a Democratic Representative. I hear from all three of them often. Especially from Andy Kim, I get emails from him at least once a week.
That’s great. Not all elected officials are the same. In my 50- some years Rep weekly as a voter, I have never heard from my Sen/Reps weekly.
Just a reminder-you're never hearing from the Senator/Rep. It's their assistant you hear from/don't hear from.
Completely agree
I'm okay with setting a mandatory retirement age for those in Congress...in DC and at the state level. And also making sure race/sex/gender are actually represented. I'm sick of people Schumer's age in charge. Thomas too. They don't need the money. Others actually need that money.
And the old ones who can't seem to find a voice, need to retire.
Well, that would be great, but some of us oldsters think the “old” Dems are wrong.
But my understanding is the young went for trump….i hope you’re right
The dumb went for Trump and they were not all young, just stupid and lazy!
The Latinos went for Trump and now they’re regretting it!
James Talirico is excellent; I hope to catch it live.
We need to throw our support behind Graham Platner of Maine as well! Let’s kick Susan Collins to the curb❗️
I love Talerico but I also love Colin Allred. I wish they weren't running against each other. We need them both.
As a former Texan, I appreciate Talirico a bit more than Allred, who opportunistically jumped on the bash Biden train to appeal to TX right wingers during the last election. I had financially invested in Allred and was deeply disappointed, even as I was frustrated by Biden's insistence on running. Talirico has been a rock.
I will likely have Colin on too
True… 😞
Here it is Donna in case you missed it! I hope to interview Graham in the next few weeks
https://www.dworkinsubstack.com/p/watch-texas-has-a-fighter-his-name
I did miss it, so thank you!
Me too
https://www.dworkinsubstack.com/p/watch-texas-has-a-fighter-his-name
I heard him speak in Lewisville, TX, a few weeks ago.
He is just what our country needs right now, the kind of
multi-vitamin for energizing, focusing and leading that we are
all hungry for in our leaders. Go James!!
https://www.dworkinsubstack.com/p/watch-texas-has-a-fighter-his-name
Thank you for EVERYTHING Scott and all the Meidas Mighty for getting me through some dark hours. Power to the people 💪
Thank YOU!
Thank you Scott.
Yes, and Aaron Parnas!
I will try to have him on again, and one of the Meidas bros again too
https://www.dworkinsubstack.com/p/aaron-parnas-with-scott-dworkin-live
CROCKETT: “Our oath is to the Constitution and to the people, not the powerful.”
All citizens take the oath; renew your oath! As a precinct worker I take the oath to defend our constitution every time I serve. With humility and deep sense of purpose. Let’s get to it! Do we all know the oath? Scott- do you want to include it in an upcoming post as a public service?
I will take a look at that Nancy!
That Trump realy think we are going to believe that it’s not his signature? Then whose is it?
Whoever got in their time machine to go back 15 years and forge it 🤣🤣🤣
Excellent range of significant issues
Yes, action is inspirational. I never get tired of quoting this line “the antidote to despair is action”.
YES Pam!
Absolutely! Aptly stated!
Time for a change in the democratic party. Schumer out Jeffries out move on or speak out against trump at every turn
I don't believe they are capable of being angry enough to fight rump.
I have wondered that. I just know I will not vote for anyone that thinks this Republican Party is the solution to anything! So bring on the new candidates, Dems and independents, with big ideas the people support, and hope the heck we get the chance to weigh in at the next election!
Then we don’t need them on key positions in congress . It’s time to fight fire with fire or go home🇺🇸
Then it’s time fight fire with fire or go home .
Thank you Scott for all you do to keep us informed. I so hope the Dems use ALL of the tools in their box up to and including withholding votes for the CR coming up later this month. I know a shut down is always a last resort but I truly do not believe they can pass up this opportunity to use their power the protect the American people. I suppose the question is this "even if they do get some concession from the trifecta, can the Repubs. be trusted to follow through with integrity?"
Make the repugs fight for to keep the gov open. Get rid of the BBB cuts!!!
Claire: Make them fight and watch them lose! It's weird to be rooting for a gov't shutdown, but with THIS gov't, I think it's a good option right now. (Def. need to get rid of the BBB lock, stock and barrel.)
Anne Applebaum interviewed by Cam reporting from Kiev said, in response to a question about hope: take action! That is the single most important thing to generate hope. See the interview on YouTube. So many topics addressed and that was the cherry 🍒 on top I want to use Crockett phrasing on my protest sign for next time out!!
October 18!!!
Claire, there a protests going on every week! Don't wait more than a month!!
Please check out K. Starling's substack. Here's a link to an article from Saturday:
https://open.substack.com/pub/thepeopledissent/p/tens-of-thousands-take-to-dc-and?
Check back on Thursday or Friday for an update for protests in the coming week.
YES! Action!
Program correction: journalist in Kiev who interviewed Applebaum is Caolan Robertson. Check out his excellent reporting on YouTube
We will soak up every single drop of good news!! Let’s keep up this momentum ✊!!
And I was with an international sailing group last night, Canadians, couple of Germans, 2 Aussies, Hong Kong, Venezuela!, Bahamas etc. We had some frank talk about their horror at seeing what’s happening in America.
What's given me inspiration? Overall, and at the risk of sounding like a suck-up, I have to say that The Dworkin Report and its upbeat, positive, "Onward!" message keeps me going. Other substacks are great, too, but the tone of this one really lifts my spirits in this grim time. Thanks, Scott!
You rock Wis!