If I had known that Schiff was going to pull this I wouldn't have

[senseandsensibility]

voted for him in the CA Senate primary. I would have gone with my heart and supported Barbara Lee. I know many DUers have posted about this and are angry/and or disappointed and so am I.

Please keep in mind that he is currently running for Senate in CA. I can not imagine that he would do this so publicly if he thought it would hurt him in the race.

Is he right? I don't know. But as a lifelong CA resident, I can not see this helping him. So in addition to being disappointed, I am also confused. It seems to be a reckless move with no Plan B.

[NoRethugFriends]

9. well that's just ridiculous

[Goodheart]

21. So, I thought the rule of this site is that we're supposed to SUPPORT Democratic candidates?

I'm not going to press the ALERT button, but tell us how you didn't break that rule?

[marble falls]

29. Barbara Lee is a good Democratic Congresswoman.

[Klarkashton]

2. He is running essentially unopposed.

He knows he could have a field day for the next 4 years as Trump's opposition, so it's win win.

[wryter2000]

6. Welcome to DU

Whether or not he's unopposed, dragging Biden down is a bad look and a really bad idea.

[NoRethugFriends]

11. ridiculous. you're saying he doesn't give a shit about the country

As opposed to thinking whether you agree or not that he is doing what he thinks is best for the country

[Klarkashton]

13. No, he's saying it.

[onecaliberal]

48. Steve Garvey is running against him. He is NOT unopposed.

[Klarkashton]

49. Like I said essentially unopposed.

[onecaliberal]

55. They are TIED. It's not a for sure.

[spooky3]

67. Not so, per polls

https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/senate/general/2024/california/garvey-vs-schiff

Schiff has a huge lead over Garvey.

[onecaliberal]

69. I don't buy the polls.

[spooky3]

74. Ok, so what other evidence is there that the race is close?

The polls are probably not off by the 20 point margin shown in the link I posted.

[obamanut2012]

82. lol they aren't tied by any means

[iluvtennis]

70. Disagree. Steve Garvey has name recognition and Schiff is afraid that LA Dodgers sports star status will

bring Garvey Dem votes.

Bur asking Joe Biden to step down is not the answer. Schiff needs to campaign and show contrast to Garvey"s MAGA mantra.

[Cha]

89. Yeah, I was wondering If this had

something to do with CA Voters?

As in that angle? Why he was Goring Out of his Way to get PJB to Drop out ... Even going after the Donors!!

[iluvtennis]

91. It's just my take on things Cha. Otherwise, what Schiff is doing is illogical. n/t

[Cha]

92. Well I think your take

makes sense. We know Schiff had a Strategy in the primary.

[wryter2000]

3. I did vote for Barbara Lee

She's been my congressperson for eons, and we love her.

I have a question about "so publicly." The latest thing I heard was a report of something he said on a call, which he neither confirmed nor denied. I didn't think it was all that public. Is there more s**t I don't know about?

[senseandsensibility]

7. He's said it on the record

now.

[wryter2000]

10. Damn

I don't suppose it would do any good to call him again.

[senseandsensibility]

17. It seems like many called him yesterday

when it was not on the record, and he still went on the record today . So I guess that didn't dissuade him.

[wryter2000]

20. He needs to get a sense of the anger out here

Nicole Wallace has been feeling it. She and another "Biden is in trouble" type were commiserating with each other the other day about how badly they've been treated. Tough.

[senseandsensibility]

24. Barf

Yeah, they are the real victims.

[Bookreadingliberal53]

30. Nicole Wallace has gone that way because she's afraid Trump is going to come after her family nt

[flamingdem]

4. Some think Schiff wants Kamala out so he can run in 2028

Just speculation but who knows. Is he that ambitious? Steve Schmidt is mentioned as being involved due to Schiff's use of the term "pass the torch".

[regnaD kciN]

32. I've often thought that there's a hidden agenda behind this...

…and not just one of “rich donors pulling the strings,” but about one or another prominent Democratic politician stirring things up for their own political advancement.

I haven’t said much about it publicly because 1) while I have several possible suspects, I can’t figure out who it is, and 2) even if I was certain about it, any accusation would be certainly banned as “bad-mouthing Democrats.”

Having said that, I have nothing but contempt for anyone who is approaching this as “forget about the presidential race; we need to focus on protecting our Congressional seats” or, worse, as “we can lose this time so I can win in 2028.” If Trump wins in November, can anyone seriously believe that he’ll let a Democratic majority in Congress hinder him, or that there will be a free election in 2028?

[DENVERPOPS]

40. Lincoln said it best:

"A statesman is interested in future generations, a politician only in the next election"..................

I cannot believe these politicians !!!!!!!!!! They must not have children or grand children, or are only interested in themselves.
(And I suspect the later is the raw truth)

[58Sunliner]

42. You are not the only one who thinks there is another agenda.

[TasminCat]

58. Remember the line from the original Dune film: "I see plans within plans."

[Boomerproud]

46. He's delusional then.

[PortTack]

59. Yes..that is delusional!

[travelingthrulife]

5. They talk to their rich donors who want tax cuts and de-regulation

I voted for him as well to reward him for the terrific job he did during both impeachments. Sigh.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

86. This 👆

[leftstreet]

87. +1

Yep

[Sogo]

8. Maybe it's not too late.

Those who voted for him should ask him to step aside if he is going to hurt the party.

[NoRethugFriends]

12. do you really think he's trying to hurt the party??

[Sogo]

23. Whether nor not he's trying is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is that he IS,

as are all the fat cat donors who think they can waltz in and negate the primary votes.

WTF? Are we supposed to start all over with some yet un-named individual who is, according to Schiff and his Biden betrayers, capable of snapping their fingers and pulling out a victory, with no national name recognition, no record, no organization on the ground, no experience on a national or international stage, etc., etc....Talk about a recipe for not winning!

[sagetea]

28. I don't think he's TRYING to hurt the party

He (Schiff) IS hurting the party. period.


sage

[NoRethugFriends]

35. do you think you are more knowledgeable about this than he is

And again I don't know what is the correct decision as to whether he should withdraw

[sagetea]

36. No. I do not.

I DO however step back and view a bigger picture of what I see and hear and try to make sense of it.

Are you more knowledgeable?

sage

[NoRethugFriends]

38. I am not necessarily more knowledgeable

However I think it is likely that Adam Schiff is more knowledgeable than either of us, and is not acting out of personal gain. And I do think it's going to happen. That doesn't mean he's correct of course.

[PortTack]

60. Yes I do because it doesn't serve his own ambitions.... and that seems really obvious

[onecaliberal]

54. I did just that.

[hlthe2b]

14. Newsom needs to call out this bullshit. WTF is in the water out there?

As far as I can tell, Spielberg and Tom Hanks (and many others) still stand behind Biden...I hope there are a lot more that I don't know to google.

[Polly Hennessey]

15. I went with my heart and voted for Katie.

[Emile]

25. If I lived out west that's who I would have voted for.

[onecaliberal]

75. Me too.

[Mz Pip]

79. Me, too

I thought she’d make a terrific senator.

[OneGrassRoot]

16. Do you think this is about higher political ambition, not just on his part but others as well?

To my amazement, VP Harris is rarely mentioned. It's as if nearly everyone, voters and politicians alike, want to pretend she isn't next in line. Maybe some of these politicians want to expedite things, hoping she'd pick them as VP?

This still makes no sense to me. At this late date to not be solidly unified is perplexing and infuriating.

[senseandsensibility]

22. Yes, I find the fact that he is not suggesting Harris

to be suspect. One way or another, and I obviously don't know the details, there are political aspirations at work here. Not just for Schiff, but for others who are pulling this in the Dem party.

[Sympthsical]

37. Doubtful

Both Harris and Newsom work better than he would, and he knows it. I think he's far more likely to have his eye on Majority Leader someday than the presidency.

The idea that he wants to run in 2028 doesn't make any sense when Harris and Newsom are still in the mix. Schiff wouldn't pull support for that kind of thing even in his own state.

[Mme. Defarge]

18. So today my mind "went there".

Has Putin. . .?

[kimbutgar]

19. My thoughts exactly

I regret voting for him now. But will hold my nose and vote for him because Garvey is horrible.

[TommieMommy]

26. So disappointed ☹️

What the hell I never thought he would go against Joe Biden. What happened to supporting your fellow Democrats.

[XanaDUer2]

27. Tried emailing him. No go

Called his dc office. I could at least leave a message. I'm out of district. I said how disturbed I am, Joe is the nominee and we need to support him. Has schiff lost his fucking mind?

[ZonkerHarris]

31. I was Katie Porter all the way. Adam needs to step down for a replacement.

[Emile]

33. If he can't back the Democratic President, I agree.

[MOMFUDSKI]

34. You've

been had.

[FHRRK]

39. with you!

And suggest we call his office and let them know that we are far from happy with the bullshit games.

[we can do it]

57. Posted this yesterday.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100219166775

[BootinUp]

41. I don't care to discuss it. Let Biden's team handle it. Nt

[Turbineguy]

43. If the GOP can get the democrats to destroy themselves,

They won't have to cheat (as much).

[Boomerproud]

47. You just nailed it in one sentence.

[Zilli]

44. I haven't noticed that Schiff has come out for President Biden, dispelling the idea that our President should drop out.

So, if Schiff doesn't publicly support President Biden he will, for me, become a candidate who I vote for while holding my nose. This member of Congress may have mislead the voters but, no matter, the vote will be for a Senate majority, not for the man. Maybe he can the look forward to the possibility of being primaried next time around.

I'd still rather write in Katie, but we need the majority so . . . . .

[Bev54]

73. Schiff came out publicly today, that is why the discussion

[W_HAMILTON]

45. There's a reason why this bullshit is happening now.

Because everyone pulling this shit now knew they would face SEVERE backlash if they tried this back when they were still accountable to the voters back when the primaries were still going on.

It's the most cowardly, anti-democratic shit I've seen in quite some time. Absolutely deplorable. These Democrats doing this should be ashamed of themselves.

[PortTack]

61. Nailed it!

[jaxexpat]

50. So, what do you want? An intelligent man or a straightforward man?

Political people are, ultimately, gamblers. Adam is betting you're gonna let him skate on this miscalculation.

Lots of things up in the air these days. Historically it's pretty unusual for a candidate to have 100% support from all quarters. In fact, it's never the case and no one should be expecting it to be this time. It's only when your system of government and your civilization dangle by a thread that it's even a thing.

Because, when you need a hero to save the day and you go looking for one, that's the time when you come up to the wall of reality that says, "there are no heroes, you must save your own day". No need to panic, it's just mother nature's way of saying, hi.

[ancianita]

51. CALL Schiff -- [phone]

Staff will listen and forward your message. I've done this many times, and it has some effect.

I'll call him, tho' I'm not a CA constituent. And I'm going to ask him...
1. Are you getting paid to help Trump’s cause? Either way, WHY would you want to nullify the 14,000,000 of Democratic Party base and the 4,000 delegates who back Biden?

2. Do you want to turn the Chicago DNC convention into an embarrassing mess when in your heart you know that no one can do for this country and the world what Biden can?

3. On the ground we Democrats are confident in Joe Biden.
It's you who does not earn Democratic voters' confidence in your qualifications or character as a candidate for the Senate. You need to represent the CA base, not donors' interests. Silicon Valley is Mammon. You cannot serve two masters, Mr. Schiff.

[Cha]

84. Mahalo!

[ancianita]

85. If you called, Mahalo back!

ALL calls matter when it comes to divisive party leadership.

[Cha]

90. Yes it Does.. and I will Call so

you're Welcome!

[ms.pamela]

52. Schiff

I just called his office in DC the message recording was completely filled at his California office. My sister called yesterday we both don't live in California but our daughters do and both regret voting for him. Silicon Valley is coming hard down on the Democrats because they fear stronger regulations coming. I am sure the tech industries are pressuring Nancy Pelosi and maybe even Patty Murray. I told him that even though I am not a constituent I donate to Democrats across the nation and his behavior was very detrimental to not only the party but the nation. I let him know that these tech moguls don't own the country and every Democrat and Independent I know are still voting for Biden as they can not stand Trump.

[EastBayGuy]

68. Yeah, I got the voice mailbox full message too, then called DC.

I told him I live in the Bay Area and I am disgusted that he choose millionaire donors over loyalty to our chosen nominee. So, no more money and I am writing in Katie Porter in November.

[Bev54]

76. Send a fax if you can

[BadgerMom]

53. I can't help but think about all of the tech money in California.

So many of the now-wealthy technologists and venture capitalists want the tax cuts Republicans have in store. So many have deep, deep pockets. So many I’ve met have incredible egos. And so many of these folks have some ties or just physical proximity to Stanford, Schiff’s alma mater. It doesn’t surprise me that he would be in their thrall. I’m just deeply disappointed.

One habit the Republican base has picked up that I half-heartedly admire is their willingness to primary their own. Just sayin’. The next election isn’t so very far away. (If we still have elections then, of course).

[dlk]

56. Does Schiff name a replacement?

Otherwise, what’s the point?

[A Physicist]

64. Save the United States from

Last edited Thu Jul 18, 2024, 06:16 AM - Edit history (1)

Trump's fascist dictatorship seems like a good motivation to me.

[dlk]

93. Realistically, at this late stage, whom would that be?

Talk is cheap.

[elleng]

62. as I suspected, and I can't see this helping him either.

(I live in MD, incidentally.)

[A Physicist]

63. I will now ActBlue and send Schiff

a large donation for being brave enough to say what needed to be said. Trump is an existential threat to democracy; we need a candidate that can defeat him.

[Blue Owl]

66. Well please tell us who that cadidate is -- it's getting pretty late in the game don't you think?

Sure Joe was a bit tired and off during the ridiculous circus event that CNN called a "debate" -- but in every appearance since then, Joe has been back in good health, taking names, and kicking tRump's ass.

You say we need a candidate that can defeat tRump -- well Joe is the only guy who has done it thus far in history, and he is on track to do it again.

[A Physicist]

94. Gretchen Whitmer

In 2016 Trump barely wins the EV by 304 to Hillary’s 227, he loses the popular vote by 46.1% to 48.2%. He barely wins the following states, but he does win them, and they were the key. Look at the EV maps from 2016 versus 2020, the only states that flip are: Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona. Simply by flipping these states in 2016, Trump won, and simply by flipping these states in 2020, Biden won, and simply by flipping them back, Trump will win again. The vote in five states mean the difference between fascist dictatorship and democracy. Like it or not, it is what it is. Based on polling averages, Trump has an advantage in each state of Arizona/5.7%, Georgia/3.9%, Michigan/1.3%, Pennsylvania/4.5%, Wisconsin/3.0%. Without Michigan, Trump still wins by 286 EV. Whitmer would virtually guarantee Michigan and likely also take the Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

[Elessar Zappa]

72. Good.

I’ll donate to Biden in honor of your post.

[we can do it]

78. Crickets from all of them spewing the crap.

[onecaliberal]

77. Go right ahead Donald.

[EastBayGuy]

88. Yes, who is the replacement? But go ahead donate to the candidate that is a shoe-in.

Next try leaving Schiff a message at his office number, you can't the voice mailbox is full.

[chowder66]

65. I'm voting for him because he's a good rep. I'm in his district but I'm also confused and disappointed.

He will be hearing from me soon.

[paulrevere2018]

71. What I posted on his FB page where he is being skewered.

I too am very disappointed in Representative Schiff's failure to rally the party to support the President. How did he come to this decision? Did he get caught up in a huge protest on the streets calling for President Biden's withdrawal? Or was he sitting in a room with a bunch of nervous advisors? Get off your ass and get out and rally the troops. Stop worrying about fundraising and your Senate run and fight for the President and your country!

[BurnDoubt]

80. Late to the Party

There IS no other way. We've got a shot with The Guy We've Got. Everything else is fantasy/nightmare. It would be good to look like we're enthused about The Guy who can save our Democracy. We CAN do this. But not if we capitulate before we get to VOTE. I, for one, am voting for Joe as long as he is in. Enthusiastically. Anybody out there in the Bonus Round knows we could be found dead on the shitter tomorrow, and what used to be The Constitution provides for that eventuality, and we have a very able understudy. We've got this. See if you can get your head in the only game in town. IF there was another VIABLE option, THEN a discussion would be appropriate. As it is, we're just making ourselves look weak and confused. NOBODY votes for that.

[senseandsensibility]

81. Welcome to DU

You made some very good points!

[Starry Messenger]

83. I voted for Lee & knew Schiff was all ego

Last year you couldn’t say a word against him without getting flack from folks, I was surprised since this forum was very pro-Lee historically.