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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhere in the hell is Obama? where in the hell is Clinton? where in the hell is Harris? Where in the hell is Hillary?
Where in the hell are our "leaders". Not a peep out of any of them while these Nazis destroy the country. What is going on?
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bif
(26,929 posts)NotHardly
(2,705 posts)
Texin
(2,851 posts)
senseandsensibility
(24,808 posts)don't you? Can you imagine if the shoe was on the other foot? One thing the
last few years have taught me is that the voters need everything spelled out for them in extremely blunt language, something the Dems can't seem to get their brains around.
BidenRocks
(3,181 posts)Textbooks full of Texas propaganda and teaching to the test.
They don't teach government or Social Studies for many years.
Little wonder the uneducated are fox and chump ass kissers.
The informed are Democrats.
With education comes empathy.
summer_in_TX
(4,149 posts)But stereotypes are at the root of prejudice. Both my sons (one with an MBA, the other with a college degree in sociology) and their wives (also college grads, one magna cum laude) all voted for Trump (three times, as far as I know), to our grief and bafflement.
Our family is multi-generational liberals, it's hard to figure out what happened.
BidenRocks
(3,181 posts)Same reason Homan is having a hissy over educating immigrants on their constitutional rights.
Sorry about your family. Thanksgiving must be rough.
summer_in_TX
(4,149 posts)All four are sweet people, good parents to our 10 grandchildren, and there are other things to talk about.
I gave up trying to change their minds after one of my sons said that Trump living through the assassination attempt was a sign that God's favor was on him – "What else could it be?"
There's no arguing with blind faith like that.
Thank you for your kindness. It's been hard.
Beartracks
(14,540 posts)It doesn't mean all or any of them should be President.
==================
summer_in_TX
(4,149 posts)
Mr.Bee
(1,786 posts)He wasn't elected, he was appointed.
bluestarone
(22,041 posts)Our friend! When someone say and i quote "I don't give a fuck about our forefathers" THAT tells me a lot about this poster.
kansasobama
(1,750 posts)It is not about forefathers. We have the same intelligence level and we are in a different century. Constitution is outdated and shackled us from reforming it
bluestarone
(22,041 posts)serbbral
(333 posts)Do you mind sharing a few things you think are outdated as far as the Constitution is concerned? I wish that we did not have to rely on the Electoral College anymore.
kansasobama
(1,750 posts)And Electoral College. Life term for SC judges.
serbbral
(333 posts).....with all of those.
pnwmom
(110,247 posts)COL Mustard
(8,151 posts)Truthfully, leaders should be speaking out about the ongoing coup/ Constitutional crisis that we’re in at the moment. There’s only so much grace to give absent leaders. They need to find their voices. The clock is ticking.
True Blue American
(18,579 posts)And all we hear is silence. Carville is long in the past. The media is foisting him on us and Michael Moore. Bot are past their sale date. I am too, but am not trying to run anything.😜
DownriverDem
(7,007 posts)emails all the time. Are you on their lists?
Polly Hennessey
(8,784 posts)
Aviation Pro
(15,512 posts)The real question is where are the Cult Party leaders as they watch a rogue Not President Motherfucker commit impeachable offense after impeachable offense.
brush
(61,033 posts)is silly and shows no apparent knowlege of how our federal system works. The rethugs hold a triumvirate of power...the presidency, the Senate and House majorities, and the corrupt SCOTUS majority.
Of course Dem leaders are seeing the avalanche of EOs, are talking to each other, planning what they can do, AND MOST OF ALL WAITING FOR TRUMP AND MUSK TO FUCK UP...which is already starting to happen as food prices go up and thousand of magats are getting fired from fed agency/department jobs.
It's not even a month in office yet the stress cracks from Musk's policies and trump's incompetence are showing.
Not even one month in office I repeat yet, and this post is blaming Dems not in office instead of the perpetrators.
Give me a break.
Response to brush (Reply #24)
Post removed
brush
(61,033 posts)and Munk's overreach and trump's incompetence for rissing prices and maga job losses.
Please.
ratchiweenie
(8,194 posts)are screaming louder than they are.
brush
(61,033 posts)How smart. 
Jakes Progress
(11,213 posts)Your reply indicates that you think these leaders have decided that there is nothing that can be done. . .that we should all just accept trump as our king.
brush
(61,033 posts)of course talking to each other as to what can be done, and know quite well that the rethug Nazis are going to overreach and FUCK UP. And it's already happening as the Mush/trump admin firings of thousands of fed employees and rising prices are evidence of their Nazi incompetence and bungling.
It'll get worse too as it's not even a month in office yet the Nazi rethugs.
Do you actually thing Obama, Clinton, Biden and Hillary are not conversing with each other?
I don't.
Jakes Progress
(11,213 posts)I was referring to the post that suggested taking a nihilistic stance toward trump's takeover. You implied that there is nothing that can be done.
I simply disagree. If you have influence, you should influence.
(You are simply hoping that a secret cabal of our leaders are meeting in secret to hatch a grand plan to snatch back democracy at the most dramatic moment. How did that work out for Turkey? I do share your wish for a grand movement, but if we ordinary liberals are being asked to demonstrate and protest, I think those we have often selected and rewarded for service should perhaps be indicating that they believe there is a way out. I'm reminded of my musings about why we quit hearing from Al Gore on saving the environment. I came to believe that he had decided that it was just too late, that we had crossed the environmental Rubicon and there wasn't really a point anymore since it was too late to turn things back. Could our leaders have used their experience and historical knowledge of how government works to decide that, with the oligarchs and Kremlin in charge, there is nothing that we can do? See. I too have a nihilistic streak. Too much Turgenev.)
brush
(61,033 posts)Jakes Progress
(11,213 posts)That's not how threads work.
(Although I did reference your comments from that post in my second reply. You just have to read the whole post.)
brush
(61,033 posts)New to me and everyone else.
Jakes Progress
(11,213 posts)This isn't war. I just happen to have a different opinion.
That thread has 165 replies. Do we encompass all 165 in each reply?
I replied to a post you made.I disagreed with you, and you didn't address what I wrote, but decided to make it about another post you made. They you dash off another reply seemingly without reading all of my post. Address the issues of what I wrote not the meta of your intentions.
Sorry to bruise you. Carry on. It's fine with me if you do not think there is anything to be done. I feel that way too sometimes. But then I write a funny poster and carry it to the protest rally. To each their own. But if you get to have your own, so do I.
brush
(61,033 posts)Jakes Progress
(11,213 posts)I'm out. You can have the last word. I used to do that. I was a feisty keyboard warrior who took offense any time I was challenged. It was time consuming and not very productive.
Live long and prosper.
Blues Heron
(8,725 posts)silence=death
silence=complicity
brush
(61,033 posts)You may no know that several Dem AGs in office are actively filing suits to thwart the Nazi rethug overreach...and are having some success.
The active words being 'in office.'
HarryM
(458 posts)from using their First Amendment rights.
I hear plenty from AOC, Crockett and Saunders, and a few others, but Jeffries seems to want to choose his battles. You don't not fight everything, fight some. They are flooding the zone, their opposition has to also. They need to be called out on their lies.
Blues Heron
(8,725 posts)this is not the time for business as usual. We need to see some heavy hitters out in the streets, on the tv, on the blogs, in the opeds etc etc etc.
Did any of them go to a rally yesterday?
Hieronymus Phact
(741 posts)Public appearances and press conferences are forms of power they have access to.
True Blue American
(18,579 posts)The people are out there marching. Where are these Leaders.
When you have Michael Steele theone yelling loudest maybe we need Michael. It is clear he is through with his former party!
whathehell
(30,443 posts)Of course the Rethugs are primarily to blame, but this is a frigging emergency and a substantial defense is needed!
Felicita
(77 posts)"They're doing zip! Nada!" How do you know this? Do you really think they are all just drinking wine and doing nothing? If they yelled from a rooftop, they'd likely get shot by a MAGAt.
Maru Kitteh
(31,645 posts)
Oopsie Daisy
(6,670 posts)Looks like they pushed their luck a little too far.
sheshe2
(97,226 posts)Remember this in 2016?
US election 2016: Obama warns fate of world at stake
Published
3 November 2016
He said her Republican opponent Donald Trump was a threat to hard-earned civil rights.
President Obama was speaking at a rally in North Carolina.
Snip
"The fate of the republic rests on your shoulders," President Obama told supporters in the key battleground state of North Carolina.
"The fate of the world is teetering and you, North Carolina, are going to have to make sure that we push it in the right direction.
"I am not on the ballot, but I tell you what - fairness is on the ballot; decency is on the ballot; justice is on the ballot; progress is on the ballot; our democracy is on the ballot."
https://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-37854525
He said this in speeches all over the country, FFS!
However there were to many butt hurt people that REFUSED to vote for ‘THAT WOMAN’. He said it from the highest rooftops and from every stage! He WARNED US OVER and OVER AGAIN! Sadly far too many listened to the likes of Sarandon and Bri Bri Joy, et al, and voted third party or didn’t vote at all.
Do not lay this at the feet of Obama or the Clinton or Harris. I lay this at the feet of those voters that refused to vote for the woman…TWICE!
mcar
(45,929 posts)That's what MSM and many Dems said of HRC after the 2016 election. I recall some "pundits" laughing as they said it.
Does anyone really think the same wouldn't happen if one of them spoke out now? That is, if the media even paid any attention to them.
We had hundreds of thousands protesting all over the country yesterday and NYT and WaPo didn't report on the protests at all.
serbbral
(333 posts)Amen!!!
hannah
(414 posts)They are filing a lot of lawsuits. Did John Lewis sit at his computer and shout for someone to march for civil rights for him?
sheshe2
(97,226 posts)Rep. Eugene Vindman, VA-7, held a fantastic town hall tonight.
It was packed to the rooftops with passionate liberals making important points about federal workers, federal programs, how the most vulnerable among us will be at risk, etc.
https://democraticunderground.com/100220045873
Warnock at National Cathedral: 'Don't tell me you reject DEI when you live in a White House built by Black hands'
Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) is issuing a sharp rebuke of President Trump’s flurry of executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) since his inauguration.
https://democraticunderground.com/100220045973
betsuni
(29,006 posts)Like babies unable to understand that what they don't see still exists when they don't see it.
Funniest thing is they've been the ones constantly bashing The Establishment and the status quo -- now they want The Establishment to save them and protect the status quo? Hard to keep up with the weathervane anti-Democratic attacks! Throwing things on the wall to see if they stick.
sheshe2
(97,226 posts)They are damned if they do and then damned if they don’t.
Go figure.
MontanaMama
(24,707 posts)These were two I was not aware of.
sheshe2
(97,226 posts)
PatSeg
(53,155 posts)Democrats are often too quick to start blaming Democrats when it is the republicans who are destroying our democracy. Democratic politicians are 1000 times better than our current republican politicians.
Most of them run great campaigns and are doing an excellent job in office with what leverage they, but for some reason nearly everyone on both the left and the right expect absolute perfection from Democrats. Republicans, however, get a pass no matter what they do or don't do.
If we are going to cast stones, it should be at the people who are the cause of this destruction of our democracy, not those who are living up to their oaths to protect and defend the constitution. I am often amazed at how many truly decent people stick it out in politics. It is a thankless job.
brush
(61,033 posts)PatSeg
(53,155 posts)when I feel they deserve it, but I'm never going to criticize them for what Trump, Musk, and republican members of congress are doing. There is no way that they are responsible for the wanton lying and corruption we're witnessing on the right.
DENVERPOPS
(13,003 posts)THE perfect title for a book about the last 45+ years:
WHILE THE NATION SLEPT..................
People were walking down the jungle path, swatting at mosquitoes, and were oblivious to the herd of charging elephants.....
(elephants.....pun intended)
The most laughable group ever, were the people who called themselves: The "Reagan Democrats".....................
ESPECIALLY, after HW and his CABAL committed TREASON to "install" Reagan in the White House.....
PatSeg
(53,155 posts)material side of life, especially in the 1980s. It felt like all the dreams from the sixties and seventies of a better world got drowned out by consumerism and greed. So while everyone was wrapped up with acquiring more money and stuff, republicans were quietly dismantling the safeguards of our democracy for the betterment of the wealthy and big corporations.
We'd come so far, but people had their blinders on and voted for an actor for president oblivious to what he was doing to our country. In many respects, it has been downhill since Reagan.
DENVERPOPS
(13,003 posts)ratchiweenie
(8,194 posts)Last edited Wed Feb 19, 2025, 08:32 AM - Edit history (1)
about that is going on. They should all be on every single talk show every day railing against the Nazis but nary a peep. For that I can blame them all I want and I would be right. Unless they are appearing every day and for some reason I am just missing it.
Wifes husband
(720 posts)Running around with your hair on fire will accomplish nothing.
We are in serious trouble, and need to try to work a solution. Blaming democrats who have very little power is a waste of time
LearnedHand
(5,378 posts)They rally their troops on every single thing. They are out in front of it all, in power or not. Leaders being visible injects hurting people with courage and resolve. THIS is what's missing.
Also, it's disengenuous to pull out the "don't blame dems for this mess" strawman. That is absolutely not what this post is saying.
PatSeg
(53,155 posts)They love to sit back and watch us self-destruct while fighting with one another.
Wifes husband
(720 posts)We need to act like the adults in the room. Republican behavior should not be our guide
PatSeg
(53,155 posts)Even though I am often in panic mode, I'm not about to engage in eating our own. When I have criticizes Democrats in the past, it was usually because they weren't showing enough public support for the policies and accomplishments of the Biden administration.
slightlv
(7,751 posts)but I AM wondering where they all are, and why some of them are helping the other side... people like Fetterman, for example. Our "leaders" should be building coalitions, organizing these coalitions into demonstrations of some kind. I'm not a leader. I don't know what kinds of things can be done... but I do know the damned Republicans are GOOD at it. Are we going to all concede we can't do better than Repubs can?
I've given and donated to democratic politicians in the past. But I don't have money to throw away to leaders and others that are sitting in the background, trying not to be noticed so they don't get on trump's bad side. Musk is already coming for my SS. And, leaders or no, I will be screaming loud and proud when it comes down to that point.
How about a 66 million person march on the capitol? Not just divided among the different states, but all in one place. Are magas the only ones who can protest what they see as injustice? How about leaders calling for a strike day to show the elites just how much WE are responsible for making the economy work?
I'm not wanting to get into a pis*ing war here. I'm a true blue Democrat, made in the FDR template. I'm waiting for someone from a younger generation who has read about the Depression... about Hoover and his tariffs and FDR and his New Society... who is steeped in what it means to be a REAL Democrat to make himself (or herself) known. And, as much as I hate to say it... I don't think this country is ready now or in the near future for a man or woman of color, or for any female for that matter, to be president. The people in this country are way too bigoted for that. This last "election" should have solidified that in everyone's minds. Don't like it? Tell the leaders to do something about it!
HarryM
(458 posts)They still have the power of the First Amendment, even if they are not speaking out in person, what are they doing to combat the coup?
PatSeg
(53,155 posts)I see them out there on a regular basis, doing whatever they can to combat this nightmare. It is not like they just rolled over and gave up. They are saying plenty, loudly, and often.
happy feet
(1,275 posts)Sometimes we see what we work to see...remember, the MSM even during Democratic presidencies and congress - their guests are majority Repubs...The press wants to highlight idiots and dissension, not the mundane of good governance to bring in eyeballs and advertising revenues, unfortunately.
PatSeg
(53,155 posts)I was surprised by Democrats who really didn't see what all he'd accomplished. It's not like the information was a secret, they just weren't looking and listening.
kansasobama
(1,750 posts)I think readers are not getting the point. If Obamas speak, media and world will watch. If we speak loudly, MAGA may come and finish us.
I have to say Dems were not ready for the onslaught. Not being ready is inexcusable. I am not running away from Dems but I am allowed to take them to task for their timidity
Hekate
(100,133 posts)Try also googling about death threats, while you’re at it.
Just do a little research instead of waiting for it all to come to you.
Join Indivisible and your state & local Democratic clubs. Just recognize all the meeting & rally info seems to be on Face Book these days.
Gore1FL
(22,937 posts)Please don't spin this as blaming the current events on Democrats; it's not.
brush
(61,033 posts)Bernie, AOC and Crockett, in office, are speaking out, but the biggest bright spot are the Munk/trump admin overreach and fuck ups that are already happening.
Did you not hear Monk just this weekend in Germany, campainging for new Nazi part said "there is too much focus on past guilt."
That MFer is a pure Nazi and he and trump are to blame for this mess.
Also see post 86.
Gore1FL
(22,937 posts)You are referring me to see post 86 from post 86. Did you mean to point me to another?
electric_blue68
(26,776 posts)And yes, I heard Muck cozing up to the AfD in Getmany.
The Clinton's, Obama, Kamala, Biden; just because they're out of office - they were still our heavy hitters. Bill, Barack, and Joe as leaders of the Western world. Hillary as former Senator and Sec of State. Kamala as a very active Vice President.
These people still mean something; otherwise why else would they have speaker agencies, Hillary getting that Honorary something (I forgot) but I can "see" the photo of her in a grand Academia gown outside the ?University. Was it Oxford.
Eta
Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law from Oxford
ratchiweenie
(8,194 posts)kansasobama
(1,750 posts)ratchiweenie
(8,194 posts)what is being done to our country, but nary a peep. Some leadership!!!
brush
(61,033 posts)Maru Kitteh
(31,645 posts)No. I blame Trump voters and Musk for what is happening right now, I blame people who wanted to think of themselves as leaders who are SILENT AS THE FUCKING GRAVE right now while our democracy is burning down for their SILENCE.
They’re all pretty comfortable though. None of them will be hurt.
brush
(61,033 posts)especially ones no longer in office. And apparently you haven't heard that several in office Dem AGs are working together and having some success in filing suit against the Nazi Musk/trump admin.
In office being the operative phrase.
Maru Kitteh
(31,645 posts)I WILL call out poverty of response, abdication and surrender where I see it, permission of any notwithstanding. As a woman I’ve been “encouraged” to shut up and be nice my whole life. I’m done with it.
whathehell
(30,443 posts)judgement in certain areas, is hardly "bashing" them...We are the Party which put them in office , after all, and while we admire them overall, they're not "gods" who are above question or critique.
brush
(61,033 posts)whathehell
(30,443 posts)because none of the things I mentioned violates them. If they did, I think a number of posts here, the OP's included, would have been hidden.
Hekate
(100,133 posts)
RussBLib
(10,582 posts)...I am also curious why none of our recent presidents, and vice-presidents, or even influential previous Dem office-holders, have not spoken up in strong fashion about wtf Trump is trying to do. I'm certainly not saying it's Obama's, or Clinton's, etc fault, but I am certain they could have some valuable input about the situation. Even expressing some righteous indignation can help inspire others to action. Our Dem leadership is pretty fractured they need to press a line of attack somewhere.
https://russblib.blogspot.com
ratchiweenie
(8,194 posts)even a Dem. I repeat. Where are they. They may not be in the House, they may not be in the Senate, they may not be in office but they still have constituencies and Million, Millions, Millions of us voted for them and we don't expect them to fiddle while Rome burns. I'm just so disappointed. I still love them but hey, if the shoe fits.
Tetrachloride
(9,582 posts)Jimmy Carter had influence
of course not dominating but his had staying power
LiberalArkie
(19,708 posts)to sit back and let your opponent destroy themselves in public.
The last thing I want to hear is "Bi-partisan" anything. I want history to record that the Democratic Party was not involved and was not a collaborator.
HarryM
(458 posts)AOC, Crockett, and a few other Dems in Congress and Saunders and a few in the Senate to keep fighting?
I hope they remember this if and when it comes time for elections.
Funny that i get fund raising emails from those mentioned in the OP nearly every day, saying that they are fighting, but I don't see any of them.
What's the story?
Magoo48
(6,718 posts)They have far reaching contacts. Their resources and their expertise could bring powerful groups to bear in the looming struggle for our future freedom.
33taw
(3,327 posts)week.
newdeal2
(5,314 posts)She spoke to the actors afterwards and had some encouraging words to share.
Maru Kitteh
(31,645 posts)I gave her more money than I could afford. I’m glad she had a nice time at the play. Woop-de-fucking-doo. 
newdeal2
(5,314 posts)Why are you looking to past leaders like Obama to lead again? The times are different.
Shouldn’t a new generation be stepping up? Shouldn’t the public be protesting?
Maru Kitteh
(31,645 posts)HarryM
(458 posts)Notably AOC and Crockett speaking out all the time. As well as a few others, but former leaders still have the power of the First Amendment.
serbbral
(333 posts)ratchiweenie
(8,194 posts)Last edited Wed Feb 19, 2025, 08:35 AM - Edit history (1)
about the destruction of our entire nation. Such leadership!!!
ratchiweenie
(8,194 posts)33taw
(3,327 posts)
marble falls
(71,724 posts)33taw
(3,327 posts)RockCreek
(1,457 posts)And why is Pete B the only person from the last cabinet who I have seen commenting on social media on Cheato's and his Controller's actions?
unblock
(56,167 posts)The media has donated massively more airtime and print space to Donnie and Republican than to democrats for nearly a decade now.
I see TikToks and other snippets from Raskin, Himes, aoc, sanders, and other democrats all the time. Not on msm much, though.
LuvLoogie
(8,780 posts)mcar
(45,929 posts)ratchiweenie
(8,194 posts)I believe they are all on X but nary a peep on BlueSky or X.
happy feet
(1,275 posts)
calguy
(6,146 posts)That’s the issue here. People out of office can do nothing when our own voters didn’t show up in enough numbers to prevent the carnage going on right now. They don’t have the power, because the voters didn’t give it to them.
B.See
(8,313 posts)Which is what pisses ME, ESPECIALLY when I see statistics like those shown in the links below:
https://navigatorresearch.org/2024-post-election-survey-racial-analysis-of-2024-election-results/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/native-news-online-post-election-010418749.html
Messages of 'empowerment'? Personally I don't want to hear squat about it. Better still, SHOW ME... because apparently those messages haven't been RECEIVED... not by CERTAIN demographics, at least.
And it's not like Trump & Co. lied to us about who and WHAT they are all about.
They TOLD us of their plans:
of dictatorship, purges, loyalty tests and absolute control of government. SHOWED us their intent, in opposing diversity and inclusion, erasing Black history from school curriculum, rolling back civil rights, abortion rights, voting rights, gay rights, women's rights. TOLD us of the plans for mass roundups.
In their proposals, positions, and governance (or better still - LACK thereof) they DEMONSTRATED their designs on hobbling or sabotaging consumer rights, immunizations, health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security. Their intent to dismantle government, even DEMOCRACY itself.
They openly displayed their disdain for America's allies... their anti-NATO, anti-European, anti-democracy PRO fascist, PRO authoritarian fervor for world despots like Putin.
They SHOWED us their ideology founded upon hate for the alleged "criminals and rapists, taking 'Black jobs' and eating the cats and the dogs."
And they gleefully DISPLAYED that hate, in their final MSG rally, replete with racist diatribes, cries of "garbage island" and the confederate national anthem (and no, I didn't capitalize that sh---)
In short, they were ALL UP IN OUR FACES about it. And still some jumped ship to vote for THAT.
Jit423
(1,568 posts)I wonder if the people screaming the loudest about our past leaders even voted in 2024? And whatever our past leaders are saying is probably not being allowed to be publicized to the people.
LuvLoogie
(8,780 posts)while leaving us vulnerable to the racist Techno Broligarchs who are currently hacking and gutting our social and government infrastructure.
Our politicians are too comfy, and are more invested in preserving the traditional power structures than they are in advancing the citizenry.
If our constitution falls to pieces, whatever gets preserved in a rebuilding will be more racist and more fascist. Corporations will be entirely protected. Body cameras on law enforcement will be abolished and police given complete immunity. the minimum wage will be abolished. No laws will be valid until a new constitution is ratified. Until then law and order will be purely by force and extrajudicial punishment or tribunals in makeshift proceedings.
The voters are feeling either attacked or abandoned. Every dem congressperson should be engaged daily. That has never been true. It is still not true, even now.
We are fucked, more so than we realize. Dems don't have the voters engaged, because the Dems are lazy, and would rather cut bipartisan deals with racists and fascists. That is not a way to generate enthusiasm.
The GOPs have been at it since Lee Atwater and Nixon, which got a huge head start given everything that came before in America The Home of the Free and the Brave (white people...sort of)
SnoopDog
(2,695 posts)
samsingh
(18,398 posts)ratchiweenie
(8,194 posts)but somehow, that doesn't count?
calguy
(6,146 posts)My opinion, I’m sure, doesn’t include anyone on DU.
Hekate
(100,133 posts)
womanofthehills
(10,945 posts)In 2024.
Main reason given - genocide.
Many saw the young marching every weekend and ignored them. Dems underestimated social media and the young.
HarryM
(458 posts)Are they supposed to just give up, or continue fighting? What about all of us who did support our Party? Don't we count at all, even if they didn't win this time?
elocs
(24,486 posts)calguy
(6,146 posts)The question is why?
Kamala is a woman?
Kamala a person of color?
They just didn’t give a crap?
Mad at Biden for…. whatever?
Meowmee
(9,212 posts)from what I have seen, I haven’t seen many statements, reactions etc. whereas in the past I remember hrc commenting about os and R etc. People out of office who are major people in the party can and should be speaking out forcefully. They are still part of the party and can still help. Just like Democratic billionaires and pro democracy billionaires should be going to these demonstrations. They should be fighting for democracy as well. It would mean a lot.
The country is being destroyed and we need everyone in this fight.
Yes a lot of voters did not vote or voted against d etc. but that does not mean you give up or stay mostly silent.
Ken Mosul
(45 posts)I'm sure they're waiting for at least a few dozen R's to come to their senses.
displacedvermoter
(4,259 posts)
Scrivener7
(59,343 posts)thing about every one of us. And they are in the system that garnishes wages without the owner's permission. They can ruin anyone they want to. And they definitely want to ruin a lot of us.
Where do you draw that line of no return?
Scrivener7
(59,343 posts)But I guess we're above that. 
sunnybrook
(1,277 posts)The bribes would have to be substantial. We may get outbid
Lulu KC
(8,816 posts)
Scrivener7
(59,343 posts)
Lulu KC
(8,816 posts)No need to blush. 
berksdem
(920 posts)R's to wake up we have bigger problems. Just shoot yourself in the foot if that is the "plan."
dem4decades
(13,984 posts)Obama, Clinton, Hillary and Harris can speak up but where are the next leaders? I keep hearing about a deep bench, are they afraid to come off it?
Rebl2
(17,641 posts)AOC and Jasmine Crockett have been speaking up as well as senator Whitehouse and congressman Swalwell.
missingm
(89 posts)And Swallwell in the next administration.
AOC is a firebrand who knows how to message and works hard.
We need to replace many of these older congress members with younger people. By the way I am in my late sixties and it’s their time to take over.
sunnybrook
(1,277 posts)If they are this easily manipulated over Gaza what divisive issue can disengage them next time? I would love AOC or Crockett to break more glass ceilings but, even as a strong feminist, I don't want a presidential candidate that is woman next time.
Mariana
(15,622 posts)The majority of voters 45 and over supported Trump.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-elections/exit-polls
Backseat Driver
(4,671 posts)glad you've included me in thinking of the smart and upcoming future. I can't readily move forward having had gone to sleep and right into a M.U.S that very night of the election--always thereafter shaking my head....
Rebl2
(17,641 posts)is 70+ and I am 67 and we voted for Harris. My next door neighbor is 80 and her spouse in her fifties as well as their son voted for Harris. My sister and her husband both, both in their sixties, voted for Harris.
Mariana
(15,622 posts)sunnybrook
(1,277 posts)But they did not vote in big enough numbers
Mariana
(15,622 posts)That is likely, but it's not a given. What if more of them voted but cast their ballots for Trump?
We obviously can't count on winning elections by demanding that young people cancel out the votes of their elders. Maybe we should focus more on trying to convince more older people to vote for Democrats - assuming we still have elections after this.
Celerity
(54,249 posts)Stop blaming us (younger folk who voted in large numbers overall for Dems) when it was the older Gens who voted far more for Trump and Rethugs percentage wise than we did as a whole.
Gen X, (the older ones who will be in their 60s come 2026, 2028, and 2030, so hardly 'younger' voters as a Gen) especially have now moved significantly to the right starting in 2022 and continuing in 2024.
You want MAGA to win the day over and over, well then, keep blaming us younger folk, and keep on having septuagenarian and octogenarian Dem leaders blocking younger generations from taking the lead in terms of power positions.
I am well aware this board is vastly older than the US electorate is overall, but I will damned if I stand by and let us younger folk be made the scapegoats for a hot mess we did not create.
sunnybrook
(1,277 posts)And I believe that a majority of younger vs older voted for Kamala. And this mess has been a long time in the making, all that you said is true. I just remember the excitement we felt about the gigantic rallies.... and it seemed we mostly had the youth vote. But the Gaza issue drove many young people I know. And of course that was exploited fully by bad actors as well.
I am a musician. I had a band gig for the supposed "victory party" locally for the Democratic party that turned out to be a very different kind of local party here. We had learned songs like "Happy Days are Here Again." Two days before the gig, and this was before the election, my bass player quit in protest over the Gaza issue. Said he could not in good conscience play this event. His feelings were valid and very strong, but he wanted to wear the Palestinian flag to a Dem party event. As my husband said at the time, we are NOT pro genocide. This is anecdotal and just my experience, but I think many young people were unenthused about the election because of the very real moral issues at play with Gaza. I think that is extremely short sighted, obviously. But we were at a place of counting on the youth vote so much because that orange bastard got more of the older folks vote, which is still mind blowing to me.
Anyway, I would love for more young folks to get really engaged. I am just demoralized as we all are by this whole thing. Not meaning to bash any demographic as a whole.
serbbral
(333 posts)Why not?
Jakes Progress
(11,213 posts)I think we would lose though since America has announced itself as a mostly racist and homophobic bigot nation.
Arazi
(8,859 posts)He can actually govern and he’s a rich white guy.
Unfortunately Americans aren’t ready for any deviance from the status quo. I fear even Buttigieg is too far out of what stupid Americans will vote for since he’s gay.
Jakes Progress
(11,213 posts)I don't think we can win by running trump lite. AOC and Buttigieg may be too much for the quavering sensitivities od the right, but we need to win by running a progressive that can convince the deplorable that their only hope is another Roosevelt available.
Arazi
(8,859 posts)Wherever did you get that idea?!
He’s very VERY progressive (and he can govern)
Jakes Progress
(11,213 posts)against trump's successor was that he was rich and white. For the people that we need to have switch votes, they will only see him as lite trump - not as rich and not as white. If white and rich is the only thing they want, the republicans have a ready supply of those. They don't seem to give a damn whether he can govern or not.
I think that, however unlikely it will be, that Democrats will have to appeal to the better angels in people for republicans have lesser angels in abundance. We can't appeal to the worse parts of those deplorable, because republicans will always go lower. And if we go lower, we become them. Then what's the difference.
whathehell
(30,443 posts)You might recall that those "stupid" Americans, voted a middle class Black man into the Presidency twice...just a thought. 
BarbD
(1,406 posts)in their February 14th issue.
"They are copying the path taken by other would-be dictators like Viktor Orban....You have a move towards state-controlled media. You have a judiciary and law enforcement that seems poised to prioritize the prosecution of political opponents. You have the executive seizure of spending power so the leader and only the leader gets to dictate who gets the money."
I'm guessing Fox is continuing to gaslight their viewers, and many Americans are turning off the news in hopes that somehow the nightmare of reality will go away.
RubyRose
(318 posts)Room for others to move into prominence. I think they are giving space for others to move up.
Arazi
(8,859 posts)Along with the MOC already mentioned - AOC, Crockett, Bernie, Swalwell etc.
Pete Buttigieg could cement a 2028 presidential lead by stepping up in a BIG way right now. He’s tentatively speaking out atm but I’d love to see far more of him
ancianita
(43,284 posts)Bluecollarjonny
(1 post)to hang them selves....when it all crashes down dems will come in and save the day??? That could be the plan???
Blue Full Moon
(3,401 posts)I believe that was one of the reasons Hillary lost. They thought letting trump carry out his crazy spouts. People would see that and not vote for him.
Same is true with trump going on about Obama's birth certificate. That needed to be nipped as soon as he started it.
milestogo
(22,988 posts)
Renew Deal
(85,000 posts)Meowmee
(9,212 posts)including my father, but apparently that did not matter to many voters. They seem to want more murders/deaths etc.
Scrivener7
(59,343 posts)
KS Toronado
(23,724 posts)Lots of opinions around this website on about every subject known to man.
berksdem
(920 posts)LetMyPeopleVote
(178,838 posts)Blue Full Moon
(3,401 posts)
krawhitham
(5,069 posts)Only thing they can do is go on TV and bitch and moan about trump. Since he rocking a positive approval rating that will go over like a lead turd with the people right now. It will look a witch hunt trump always claimed it was, it will harden their positions even further and make it harder in the long run. When every day people start feeling the pain trump is causing and his approval rating starts sliding that is when you need our "leaders" to speak up.
whathehell
(30,443 posts)Sorry, but that's not been a winning strategy for us and yes, I think it would be helpful if more prominent Democrats, past president's included, would speak out. It would be a great morale booster, and give a sense of cohesion and a plan.
RussBLib
(10,582 posts)...language, if used cleverly and effectively, can move mountains and polls. And yes, left leaders have the imposing fortresses and gauntlets of right-wing media to overcome before anyone on the right can even hear them. It doesn't mean the fortress is insurmountable.
https://russblib.blogspot.com
JudyM
(29,785 posts)
progressoid
(53,102 posts)
WhiteTara
(31,254 posts)Blue Full Moon
(3,401 posts)The republicans have considered this war for decades.
GoodRaisin
(10,861 posts)milestogo
(22,988 posts)But I don't know. Anything they say just stirs the shit with Trump.
Blue Full Moon
(3,401 posts)milestogo
(22,988 posts)Or any of the others either.
Shrek
(4,415 posts)If I've learned nothing else in 22+ years here, it's the importance of dry powder.
Hotler
(13,747 posts)in those oaths. Why wasn't an EO signed by Biden declaring the orange convict a domestic enemy? If it happened, I must have missed it in the news cycle.
I thought we would have formed a round table of past Pres., VP's, AG's, military, congress and senate people to work on a strategy.
I also thought that Garland would move swift and hard on the orange convict and his henchmen just to head off what if happening now. Oh well, silly me.
Blue Full Moon
(3,401 posts)Garland? Don’t get me started on him 😡
Silent Type
(12,412 posts)
LakeArenal
(29,949 posts)Germans stayed quiet. Where did that get them?
Ironically, your User name goes with your opinion.
As to where are the past leaders…. Past.
MineralMan
(151,111 posts)We didn't elect Hillary. We didn't elect Harris. What do they owe us for that?
Maru Kitteh
(31,645 posts)Notice that was not a question. We saw them stand up in good times. That’s easy, isn’t it. This is when we find out who real leaders ARE. If they were only in it for the good times and fucking DISSAPEAR due to inadequate adoration - then good riddance.
Leaders SERVE, they stand up in good times but real leaders stand up even taller in bad times.
MineralMan
(151,111 posts)The names given are not even in government any longer. They have no power. When they did, they were roundly criticized, and by the same people we're hearing from today.
They led, but we did not follow. We just demanded more. We took every opportunity to criticize and skipped out when support was needed. And, thus we have what we have now.
I will have more to say about that shortly.
betsuni
(29,006 posts)Maru Kitteh
(31,645 posts)No more appearances seeking adoration, no more broadway play cameos, no more bullshit.
hunter
(40,636 posts)The Republican Party has drenched itself in gasoline and lit a match.
Let it burn.
Dan
(5,109 posts)Burn down, so that you can rebuild with a firm foundation.
Trump has shown that our system of government was build on a foundation of gentlemen agreements and respect for the rule of law - that’s not working when one or our two party systems is corrupt.
People ask, why aren’t our leaders saying something or doing something? Well, one reason is that they don’t have access to the media (which is controlled by the Oligarchs), and will the media speak the truth. Another reason is Trump might use there actions as grounds for Sedition.
People didn’t vote or voted for Trump - sometimes you gotta let the people eat the shit before they realize how bad it is.
sarisataka
(22,598 posts)Are they our "leaders"? It seems they, with maybe the exception of Harris, our past leaders. Shouldn't the questions be asked of our current leaders?
Response to ratchiweenie (Original post)
Name removed Message auto-removed
jalan48
(14,914 posts)Renew Deal
(85,000 posts)The only savior is the people on the street. And the country will look different by the time they get involved. Where are the people?
hadEnuf
(3,598 posts)We have been waving the rule book at Trump and MAGA and they are now ripping it to shreds in front of our faces. And we are lost.
Many of us have been screaming for years to arm up (both figuratively and literally) against these obvious lunatics and fascists, but many either didn't get it or have deluded themselves that it can't happen here. Well, it's happening here. Right now.
Democrats, Liberals, Progressive and the rest with any common sense better quickly form a common front with some "muscle" behind it or we will eventually be scattered to the wind.
Baron2024
(1,492 posts)You are exactly right.
mr715
(3,443 posts)Or did you?
betsuni
(29,006 posts)"going to the Oscars" didn't work so well demonizing and making up conspiracy theories about Biden.
tritsofme
(19,875 posts)betsuni
(29,006 posts)or they didn't see it themselves so it didn't happen and they totally, like, know for a fact that Democratic leadership gathers in wine caves sipping Chardonnay while sitting on their hands or mocked for thinking a stern rooftop shouting changes anything, etc.
oldmanlynn
(816 posts)Also the thinking might be to let it crash and burn and then maybe Americans will revolt.
I do think there is room for an energetic, charismatic leader to get us all on the same page with massive massive, massive protests
I would also say, where is Ken Martin?
ancianita
(43,284 posts)Martin’s trip, which begins Monday, will bring him to key swing states including Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, the blue state of Illinois and two red states, Texas and Missouri, according to details of the trip shared with NBC News. The stops on the trip will include a meeting with the United Steelworkers in Pittsburgh, meetings with the state Democratic Party chairs in Illinois and Missouri, and door-knocking for Democratic state House candidate Dan Goughnour ahead of his March special election outside of Pittsburgh...
“It’s time for Democrats to show up in all 3,244 counties — red, purple, blue — to make our case,” Martin added...
The decision to kick off his time leading the party with the cross-country tour speaks to the party’s need to shore up its standing across the nation and with multiple voting blocs, after a presidential election in which former Vice President Kamala Harris lost all seven of the major swing states and lost ground with key pieces of the Democratic base, including Latinos and young voters.
Asked by reporters shortly after his victory what his first priorities as chair would be, Martin said he wanted to look at the party’s finances, begin that “post-election review” and then start bringing the fight to Trump.
“We need to start getting out there right now, when the stakes are so high. If we’re not willing to start the fight right now against Donald Trump, and he’s already failing the American people, no one’s going to believe that we’re going to fight for them when they put us in power,” he said.
“So we’re going to be aggressive about litigating the case against Donald Trump. We’re going to be aggressive about standing up a war room to get back against the misinformation and disinformation campaigns that we’ve already seen in the last two weeks,” Martin said. “And we’re going to make sure that we start the planning process of getting ready for ’25, ’26 and then, of course, ’28.”
In an interview Monday on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" announcing the trip, Martin acknowledged that the party's brand has taken a significant hit recently and pegged the trip as a way to reconnect the party with voters.
"So many parts of our coalition left us this last election cycle, right?" he said. "We know that. From Latino voters to working-class households, to young voters, to women. You can go down the list, the only two groups we overperformed with last election cycle were wealthy households and college-educated voters. That's a damning indictment of the Democratic Party."
Later, he said that Democrats have started to "message to smaller and smaller parts of our coalition, and as a result we've lost the narrative, who we are as a Democratic Party."
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/new-dnc-chair-kicks-multistate-tour-takes-party-rcna192231
betsuni
(29,006 posts)the fictional Democratic Party in their heads. And of course must keep the conspiracy theory that the evil old "establishment" rigs leadership elections.
Hekate
(100,133 posts)My gods does that sound stupid. 
Do you think anybody will get it?
CountAllVotes
(22,191 posts)She hits me up for money every time.
I finally sent her $3.00 the other day. It went to the DNC, not Harris herself.
Hekate
(100,133 posts)
surrealAmerican
(11,853 posts)Look for the people who are actually doing something substantive - they are the leaders.
Chadarius
(6 posts)They did their very best. The DNC blew it by switching off of Biden in the middle of the race. The voters that were too stupid to understand how important this election was and either didn't vote or didn't vote for Kamala don't deserve a single word of help or hope from anyone. They screwed up and now they need to feel some major pain to get it through their tiny little heads that voting matters. This is sad but true. No words matter now. No prayers matter now. No protests matter now. Nothing matters except voting. The rest is all BS. Just friggin vote people!
True Blue American
(18,579 posts)
taxi
(2,691 posts)There is something that can be said that no one ever gets tired of hearing:
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
—Martin Niemöller
I won't go through the motions of asking, Where have you been?
JanMichael
(25,725 posts)It's an exclusive club and you ain't in it.
Beringia
(5,483 posts)Biophilic
(6,508 posts)I’m very conflicted but I used up more than I should have last year. Looks like I need to take care of myself this year.
usonian
(24,863 posts)ACT FIRST, and then I send money.
The silence of democratic leaders is an abomination. While the country is being destroyed.
"Silence is complicity" ... Joe Biden.
(graphic for DU)
LEAD, ATTACK. Democrats are ready to act, but leaders are cowardly and shrinking.
AOC, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Jasmine Crockett are leading.
WHERE ARE YOU?
FORCEFUL AND COURAGEOUS ACTION are needed, Dr. King and John Lewis style.
No action. No money.
Do it or democracy goes away and the entire Democratic party staff has to get jobs as WalMart greeters.
This is our "Stop Fascism" moment.
Do it now. Halt the nazi party, Putin and the gazpacho police or the country is lost to a fascist coup.
No more Jeffries and Schumer "business as usual". Do or we all die.
Thank you.
Biophilic
(6,508 posts)This is not a business as usual moment. Waiting to see what the party leaders do.
Baron2024
(1,492 posts)I agree entirely.
33taw
(3,327 posts)Several Governors and AGs are also speaking up and challenging the administration.
usonian
(24,863 posts)Here's my Way Forward to smash the GOP, the doomposts and the crickets.
Feb 10
• AOC
• Bernie Sanders
• Elizabeth Warren
• Jasmine Crockett
• others I don't mean to exclude, only to point out the most visible and cogent.
Given the heartbreaking silence from former leaders, and noting SEPARATELY those who may be in party primaries (not excluding them)
Here are my nominations. Stepping up LATE TODAY would be great, but unless there's a Dunkirk to match the Pearl Harbor, we're up shit creek.
• Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock
• Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Both gave Obama-like convention speeches.
Others to complement these powerful leaders:
• Senator Sanders
• Senator Warren
• Mark Cuban
Current governors and others
What an outstanding group of governors!
https://democraticgovernors.org/governors/ (DGA)
• Pete Buttigieg
• Armed forces top leaders
The post includes a lot more about the fascist plan, and even pushback from Silicon Valley technologists who see the misuse of technology to create a nazi regime.
Keepthesoulalive
(2,248 posts)They did everything they could to get the voters out on November 5th. It is not their place to clean up the mess. Democrats did not show up. Maybe they won’t be swayed by propaganda the next time.
True Blue American
(18,579 posts)Keepthesoulalive
(2,248 posts)Carville was not a leader and he was encouraging donors not to give to the Democratic Party until Joe was gone. We had 2 choices this election and most of the voters chose poorly. The blame for this fiasco is on the voters , not the so called leaders and not the Democratic candidate.
True Blue American
(18,579 posts)Accomplished over his lifetime and the last 4 years.
Many were so upset at the way they dumped him so do not tell me that is not why they refused to vote ,it is!
I heard it over and over.
W_HAMILTON
(10,304 posts)In the end, all these excuses could have been nipped right in the fucking bud if people simply voted for Democrats over Trump and his Republicans.
But they didn't.
Stop blaming good Democrats for not stopping bad Republicans when the good Democrats are now PRIVATE CITIZENS, JUST LIKE THE REST OF US, BECAUSE THE VOTERS DIDN'T ELECT THEM.
usonian
(24,863 posts)Not a microsecond to waste or delay
MAYBE 007 SECONDS
Question:
Presidents Biden, Obama, Clinton and Secretary Clinton, will you lead the way?
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100219900398
My answer:
Here's my Way Forward to smash the GOP, the doomposts and the crickets.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/13241934
Martin68
(27,586 posts)do something that will actually have an impact. Don't worry, the time will come, and when it does, we will start to repair the damage. But right now Trump/Musk and their minions in both houses of Congress hold the levers of power. Timing is everything.
Stpaoulboy
(50 posts)But where in the hell are some Republicans with a spine! It's absolutely mind boggling.
Stpaoulboy
(50 posts)But where in the hell are some Republicans with a spine! It's absolutely mind boggling.
True Blue American
(18,579 posts)Tetrachloride
(9,582 posts)
FirstLight
(15,771 posts)When push comes to shove, ALL of them are part of the "elite" club. They have net worth beyond what we can imagine...
And I am not of the mind that we "lost" the election or didn't "show up" for Kamala or Joe...the Election was stolen in broad daylight by the same little hackers that are dismantling things now.
I am Disappointed, especially since Michael Steele of all people is the one shouting from the fucking rooftops and our Dem HEROES are mute. It says a lot without saying a word. They might all hate Trump, but why aren't they using their weight in a way to give us any...um, I don't know...what was that word Obama used?...olh yeah, HOPE.
It may be "bad form" for former Presidents to criticize current ones, but we are so far past decorum.
I think we're truly on our own. And I share the OP's frustration. It's pretty telling.
Stop making excuses for them. They know they should be doing more too... Obama, et al *should* be called out
Passages
(3,988 posts)Obama seems to be focusing on pluralism, of all things.
Time to move past centrist capitulation to the right. It was never good policy nor good politics.
Under Obama, Democrats suffered a loss of 947 state legislative seats, 63 House seats, 11 senators, and 13 governors .
A Nobel prize winner challenges us to throw off the free market fundamentalists and reclaim our economy.
We all have the sense that the American economy―and its government―tilts toward big business, but as Joseph E. Stiglitz explains in his new book, People, Power, and Profits, the situation is dire. A few corporations have come to dominate entire sectors of the economy, contributing to skyrocketing inequality and slow growth. This is how the financial industry has managed to write its own regulations, tech companies have accumulated reams of personal data with little oversight, and our government has negotiated trade deals that fail to represent the best interests of workers. Too many have made their wealth through exploitation of others rather than through wealth creation. If something isn’t done, new technologies may make matters worse, increasing inequality and unemployment.
How Neoliberalism Failed, and What a Better Society.
The Roosevelt Institute
https://rooseveltinstitute.org › Publications
Aug 7, 2024 — As chief economist and senior fellow at the Roosevelt Institute, Joseph Stiglitz focuses on income distribution, risk, corporate governance, ...
OldBaldy1701E
(10,993 posts)OLDMDDEM
(3,155 posts)reign of terror.
Farmer-Rick
(12,599 posts)They don't have to deal with any GOPers and/or MAGA. That's not what the OP is questioning.
I almost exclusively only watch left wing media. Meidas touch, Luke Beasley, Atheist experience and a bunch of other lesser known liberal bias shows. I rarely see calls to action by our previously powerful Democratic leaders.
I rarely see them even making a squeak of protest about pedo Trump ignoring the constitution and democracy. They don't need to beg and pursued corporate media to give them a platform. Any one of those left wing media organizations would love to have any major Democratic leaders on.
Now and then, I do see Bernie, Elizabeth Warren and OC defending democracy. And even a handful of other liberal Congress critters and party leaders will come out supporting democracy. But not the top dogs, so to speak.
They don't need to convince Trump humpers of anything. They don't need to affect federal government policy. They only need to come out and verbally support protests and actions against Muskrat, pedo Trump and Putin's hostile takeover of our federal government.
But they don't and I for one am ashamed that they don't. I guess we should have got a clue when Obama squashed Occupy?
I hope that they are just stepping back and regrouping. But they better hurry up or they will totally miss the boat.
ratchiweenie
(8,194 posts)on TV and writing articles every day pointing out how dangerous this gang is but not word one from our "leaders". Harris wants to run for governor of California but she can't be bothered to comment on the current state of affairs. I don't think so.
Abstractartist
(442 posts)Ok so what are they going to do? It’s not our past leaders that can make a difference, it’s our present day leaders, (the office holders) who should be on the news every night and day. It’s the office holders who need to junk up the works, as in the house, by not bailing out the speaker when HIS moderate group votes against the MAGA shits. Democrats need to vote against anything MAGA.
The senate democrats need to filibuster the sessions and force 60 vote to pass any bill. A must in my opinion. The way things are proceeding, and most likely will continues, I can see a house and senate change in 2026.
bigtree
(94,056 posts)...as if they were in control of... anything.
Not exactly smart or even effective politics to polarize the debate, when so many affected are from both parties.
And by all means, let's just divert from the actual republicans blocking accountability to focus on people with no control over anything at all.
It's not just a questioning of them them here, it's demanding that these folks do something politically stupid and diverting from the actual democratic process as if this is an election, and not a just-elected government already in power.
That's essentially what Trump is running right now, as if he's detached from what he, himself, is promulgating and doing like some outsider against the deep state which he describes as some sort of shadow government that called all of the shots, including his prosecution.
He says this almost daily, but some folks seem to believe that playing along with the rhetoric diversion game - which is what this post is essentially demanding these out-of-power Democrats participate in - is more important than regular citizens demanding their government respond to them.
When you see national protest movements against authoritarians in other countries, you don't see the people clamouring for another figurehead to speak for them. They insist the politicians, all of them in the way of democracy or progress, respond to the people's voices, to THEIR concerns as they express them.
That would represent a true political movement in which ALL Americans concerned with the actions of the Trump regime can coalesce around, not just Democrats.
betsuni
(29,006 posts)Thank you.
Progressive dog
(7,597 posts)2/6/2025 NY Post
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy got into it with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, telling her to “sit this one out” after she needled him for touting plans to bring in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to upgrade air traffic control systems.
----------------------------
Bill Clinton might still be recovering.
Barack Obama may have stepped back.
"Can we blame America’s first Black president for not saying too much right now?"
https://www.theroot.com/with-trumps-administration-causing-this-much-chaos-why-1851756325
As for Kamala Harris, what more do you expect of her.
None of these people hold an elected office that gives them a pulpit to speak from.
karin_sj
(1,361 posts)They warned us that we could lose our democracy if he got elected. They warned us about 2025. We lost due to massive voter suppression, disinformation/lies, and (my opinion only) due to other types of election interference. But the only one who is speaking out at all is Hillary. In particular, Harris and Biden have been silent. It's really frustrating and depressing that they won't utter a peep against Musk/Trump and the corporate coup that has already gotten pretty much total control over us, doesn't follow the Constitution or any rules at all, and is now trying hard to totally stifle any type of dissent.
bigtree
(94,056 posts)...republican voters?
Wouldn't their dominance in the debate just polarize it between Dems and republicans, when all of what Trump is doing affects all Americans from both parties, or neither?
All Trump would need to do, then, is just parry every action against them as he holds all of the power, as if the people are unimportant and have no say, represented by the Democrats we already elected.
It's still an almost qually divided national legislature, so I'd focus on elevating the voices and actions of our Democratic legislators before looking to unelected, out-of-power figures with no ability to materially affect anythintg to represent our interests.
Meowmee
(9,212 posts)against elunatic and doge etc. by let by indivisible. As well as comments about what happened with usaid. I am sure she has said more about what is going on as well and is working on things with her own organization.
Ed Markey also tweeted a video of himself at a demonstration in MA on February 17th against elunatic and doge etc. Great video and speech. "Massachusetts is where revolutions are born. And the revolution against Donald Trump and Elon Musk starts here."
live love laugh
(16,343 posts)
totodeinhere
(13,688 posts)meet to forge a united front against Trump. Al Gore who had the 2000 election stolen from him should also participate.
Emile
(41,977 posts)TurboDem
(360 posts)Best possible reply!
birdographer
(2,937 posts)1. Michelle Obama is going batshit crazy over this. She is beyond pissed. It’s a little odd she is not appearing on talk shows or writing a book about it or something, but I do believe that this is impacting her strongly. Her absence from Carter’s funeral (she would have to sit next to tsf) and inauguration tells us something, IMO.
2. It’s my fantasy that Obama, Clinton(s), and Biden are getting together and discussing how to stop the total destruction of America, a country they worked hard to make a better place for her citizens. Can you even imagine (I’m gonna say no) the connections they have? The problem is to remove tsf without it coming back to bite them on the butt. It would not surprise me at all to find out that they are working on it together.
Boomerproud
(9,266 posts)NT
JI7
(93,507 posts)
GETTINGTIRED
(355 posts)backed them up..Now folks expect them to do exactly what?..
I saw them out on there before the election sounding the alarm..
I also see folks still refuse to get in the asses of the folks responsible..
The republicans..they hold the presidency.. the house ..the senate..
Call them out..
This mess should never been allowed to get this far...
I know why it did...but folks..don't really want to call it out for what it is...
Guess best hope the courts do that work.
efhmc
(16,557 posts)country really was.
Self Esteem
(2,248 posts)Bill Clinton is a relic that no one pays much attention to. He's pretty irrelevant in this day and age.
Harris lost. In fact, she lost by the largest electoral vote margin of any Democrat since Dukakis in 1988. Her reach at the moment is pretty small. Maybe she'll be better positioned in a year or two but right now, I'm not sure what she brings to the table when it comes to helping Democratic messaging.
Hillary, next to Biden, might be the most unpopular politician outside congress right now. I'm not sure she can be of much help unfortunately.
The Democrats need to find new voices because the Clinton-Biden-Harris voices aren't going to advance much in terms of public perception. They're viewed too negatively.
Obama is the only recent one whose name carries enough clout.
Hekate
(100,133 posts)They held nothing back. They left it all on the field. Whatever all the sports/war cliches are — they did it.
And what did We The People do? Elected fckng TrumpMusk.
Stop blaming the people who practically KILLED themselves trying to get Kamala elected.
Dr. Shepper
(3,236 posts)Today asking for money.
JustAnotherGen
(38,008 posts)perdita9
(1,345 posts)American voters rejected them. If American voters are upset, then they need to do the work to fix this situation, not whine for someone else to take charge.
BeyondGeography
(41,032 posts)didn’t do it for you?
betsuni
(29,006 posts)After demonizing them for so many years, now the anti-establishment types need to be told what to do by a nameless "leadership" and pretend they know everything the shadowy leadership doesn't do -- where'd that grassroots Will of The People revolution go?
"Leadership" whining is just another way to bash Democrats, insinuation they won't stop Republicans because same or worse, defending the "status quo" (meaning capitalism -- yes, like FDR, who saved capitalism, Democrats defend government, democracy, the United States: "Roosevelt took the status quo in our economic system as much for granted as his family" ).
Akakoji
(505 posts)They’re still harassing us endlessly with the same tired pitch from well paid firms.
I want an apology for them ignoring everyone who screamed for the last 12 months they were just harassing us - not communicating with us.
Obama is all over Mega trying to make believe nothing happened. I sill get ten spam mails a day from someone using my name as if they know me.
They don’t.
H2O Man
(78,949 posts)be donning Hell's Angels outfits and riding Harleys, leading the charge on the White House.
Lulu KC
(8,816 posts)I needed that! 
keepthemhonestO
(628 posts)Maybe they are just waiting for all of us to do the grassroots movement, there's nothing they can do by themselves if America doesn't wake up.
Lulu KC
(8,816 posts)It's on us, too.
keepthemhonestO
(628 posts)Like these other countries.
It could be over in 1 day if we learn from South Korea.
Lulu KC
(8,816 posts)I'm impressed by the recent demonstrations, especially at this time of year and with newly-formed grassroots orgs pulling them together. The news structure itself and the demonstrations are so decentralized that it's hard to grasp the impact in the traditional way.
But yeah, South Korea. Amazing.
keepthemhonestO
(628 posts)I've witnessed exactly what you're saying, because I see the indivisible groups doing some protest and then you got the 50501 doing other protests, literally on the same day. Course we have the other protest that somebody's organizing with different effects.
And then of course you have like that literally grassroots stuff that's happening where all of us go to our different people and say hey don't spend money and lock down your money and only buy from stores that support Democrats and support good causes and things like this. So you're right we're doing it we're getting there.
Response to keepthemhonestO (Reply #156)
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RockRaven
(19,179 posts)be looking for a different way out of it.
Raven123
(7,763 posts)This fight belongs to the current generation of elected officials. Anything they say would distract from those in a position to do something. They might make you feel better, but they aren’t going to change anything.
Jughead
(139 posts)A guy like Ted Kennedy? He would be on blast every day.
FirstLight
(15,771 posts)They have planes and passports and all their mortgages are paid ...they don't need us unless they want something.
I'm with you. I am shocked it's gone on this long and gotten this bad without any actual comments, let alone leadership.
WE didn't let this country down, WE gave our hard earned money and volunteered and raised our voices and VOTED. (The little hackers stole it fair and square, IMO)
I won't be guilted and asked "what are youuuuu doing?" when I am one person of little influence and even less money and ability to make the waves that they can.
You know it's bad when Michael Steele is the one shouting what we are all feeling and the rest of our "Heroes" have said dick.
I'm gonna go look at the Bluesky and Twitter and SEE for myself what little they are saying/doing... Just a little research. But I can bet there's nothing to be found... 
Seems like they only care about the "plight of the little guy" when they want our vote. 
Response to FirstLight (Reply #168)
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betsuni
(29,006 posts)
SidDithers
(44,333 posts)Why not spend your energy supporting the Dem leaders who are speaking out, instead of vilifying the ones that aren't?
Mayor Pete, Jamie Raskin and AOC immediately spring to mind.
Sid
Lulu KC
(8,816 posts)Sundance1220
(285 posts)Like 6 months ago, when far too many Dems were telling Hillary to STFU and stop giving her opinions. How is she to know that now she's expected to speak out?
AdamGG
(1,878 posts)so that their influence will have maximum effect.
In Dump's 1st term, you didn't see Obama routinely making comments, but he campaigned for the midterms. Honestly, I think Bush, Romney, McConnell, Pence, Cheney, Condeoleeza Rice could have a bit more influence. Obama and Clinton are preaching to the choir, though I'd bet that Barack, Michelle, Bill & Hillary will campaign for the midterms.
John Bolton has spent his life as a far right POS, but he has been actively in the media speaking out against Trump. Non Trump Republicans should be trying to appear on pro Trump media as much as possible. Our government and our international standing is being dismantled every day.
Response to ratchiweenie (Original post)
Lulu KC This message was self-deleted by its author.
AkFemDem
(2,508 posts)Are they now obligated to save the world until the day they die because they once spent 4-8 years serving at the top of the pile?
Gore1FL
(22,937 posts)It's part of the deal of accepting it for four or eight years.
RockCreek
(1,457 posts)Not all, as some are likely not in personal positions to do so (health, etc).
But I damn well don't care about The Obama's Valentines Day tweets to each other when a psychopath is tearing apart the constitution.
stillcool
(34,407 posts)in their private lives...just like you. Thank goodness they aren't subjected to the Donald-media every day, but maybe that is what people like? Something more to divide.
Response to ratchiweenie (Original post)
Lulu KC This message was self-deleted by its author.
Beringia
(5,483 posts)at their debate for the new Premier on Trump
https://lfpress.com/news/ontario-election/what-if-they-held-an-ontario-election-and-nobody-noticed
samplegirl
(13,913 posts)Inauguration which was insane because if anybody called me corrupt as many times as Trump dead Obama Biden or Hillary or Kamala none of them should've been on lookers!
I'm sure most American Democrats are wondering where the hell they are. Where is their voice? Where is their support?
Say what you want Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders are out there sending a message!
xmas74
(30,049 posts)I'd accept it. She's given more than most ever will and has been treated horribly.
As to Obama and Harris- does the media report on them or does it instead choose to sandbag Dems? Harris has put the message out there that this isn't the end but she will need to regroup. Obama has been out and about but isn't really reported on.
What I'd like to know is where are all those people who didn't show up to vote?
OneGrassRoot
(23,949 posts)Not remotely. We know the Nazis and their voters (and non-voters) are to blame.
What we’re crying out for is leadership. Leadership. It doesn’t have to be a politician. Just someone high profile and respected who can herd the cats and we can rally behind.
The idea of a multitude of leaders around the country sounds great in theory, but in the face of fascism, we need strong leadership right now.
😥😥😥😥
Response to ratchiweenie (Original post)
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KPN
(17,325 posts)the same Rs that started it. They lost too because the monster they created and unleashed in order to win the game swallowed them up whole.
JCMach1
(29,184 posts)For a long time.
Jjmc
(3 posts)Presidents Obama, Biden, Clinton as well as Hillary and Kamala. and all those who have served in government and care about our democracy should be standing up and speaking out against how trump and musk are destroying our country. We need their help ASAP.
Hekate
(100,133 posts)Baron2024
(1,492 posts)I voted for all of them and so did a lot of people. So it is some other part of "the American people" that owes them the apology.
LiberalBear
(27 posts)Obama, Harris, and especially Hillary Clinton have for years been speaking very clearly on the threat that Maga poses to American democracy. But....Obama had a sit down with Henry Gates and went on to wear a brown coat to the hallowed oval, Harris did not detail her policy plans to the man's man Joe Rogan, and Hillary committed the greatest offense...she actually showed up to congress and testified for hours before the Maga mob and they got nothing....oh and did I mention eggs cost too much, and immigrants are all criminals except the ones that pick my fruit, roof my house, and clean my hotel room.
Our actual leaders have likely come to the same conclusion that all of us parents eventually come to after trying to impart perspective to our kids.....perspective comes in large part through experience. There is no going back now from the delusional, anti-intellectual bridge jumping escapde that 50% of the American voting public have decided to drive the car of state over. We were told not to drive drunk, we were shown pictures of what the crash would look like, we were told how this wreck of an administration would harm us, we even got a four year front row seat preview and yet......thank you Fox News, Facebook, Instagram, Christian nationalism, all of the current opiates of the masses and yes......simple, objectively demonstrable "get government out of my medicare" stupidity ....here we are.
There is an old Midas commercial that put proactive car maintenance in the theme of, "pay me some now or pay me later." Well, America has selected the pay later option and is about to find out the bill for this wreck won't be cheap. Buckle up! I am sure this is what our leaders are doing.
flvegan
(66,198 posts)where do you think they are?
Besides, that powder gotta stay dry. Driest evah!!
Cha
(318,625 posts)you're doing is BASHING Compassionate Dems Who Care Deeply about their Country.
flvegan
(66,198 posts)Still didn't answer the question of the OP in any way, shape or form, but whatever. Offered up nothing, just full general non-substantive defense, deflection and blaming the messenger.
And where did I bash them? I simply stated facts. Sorry if that hurts your feelings.
It's 2am EST, powder is still dry, btw.
NH Ethylene
(31,327 posts)If Trump ignores or destroys the 2 term limit, that opens the door for others, most notably Obama. That would be richly ironic.
bluestarone
(22,041 posts)These great people are not your enemies. They have more for our country than you know!
TBF
(36,437 posts)you know - instead of blaming the victims. ymmv.
LilElf70
(1,530 posts)did all they could to get Harris over the line. Obviously it failed. They're done. Why go on? They paid their dues many times over.
Harris is most likely done. Imagine what it must feel like to get beat by a convicted felon and extreme narcissist and fascist. I'd give up too.
As for Hillary........ take your pick.
W_HAMILTON
(10,304 posts)Obama got term-limited out and if people wanted Hillary and Kamala to save them, they should have fucking voted for them.
Kashkakat v.2.0
(1,940 posts)the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. History is full of great leaders (and creative strategists) who had the ability to stand up in times of great adversity and inspire and inform, and give some sense of direction even though things look pretty dire. I dont know who those people are, it might not be any of those that OP mentioned. Leadership in a time of constitutional crisis might require a different skill set than when things were more "normal." I just hope they're out there somewhere.
Xoan
(25,570 posts)
barbtries
(31,289 posts)I think it was Obama.
this is up to We the People. there's no hero riding to our rescue, we are on our own.
generalstrikeus.com
SocialDemocrat61
(7,487 posts)They are no longer “our leaders”.
kansasobama
(1,750 posts)Yes, we love Obama, Clinton, Harris. However, we are finding excuse for our beloved leaders who are MIA. They really are fucking MIA. That is a truth. It just does not matter how much can they swing. Well, if Obama and Michelle Obama go everywhere and give speeches warning the people, media will report and people will notice. That is very important to save the country. They cannot retire when their country is burning. They are not George Bush. Silence by Obamas is absolutely maddening. I always hated the fact Michelle Obama is so adamant about not wanting to run. How can she say, absolutely no way, when the country is burning? SHAMEFUL. ARENA OF PUBLIC OPINION IS STILL IMPORTANT. Dems cannot just come in and say vote in 2026. They will lose. That is, if there is an election. Don't count on it. Hello, rigged election.
Is it okay to say. I TOLD YOU SO. Yes. How are we going to bring stupid voters to their senses?
DSandra
(1,719 posts)Dems did all they could last year to warn America about Trump. Many many voters said “fuck you, I know better than you!” We have a Cassandra moment here. If anyone is brave enough to still try to stop the coup, it’s honestly not Dems responsibility right now, but a choice.
On the other hand, we are all on the same boat and are we willing to accept this descent into the dark ages?
berkerly6240
(113 posts)seems like only the young ones with a short history in government are speaking up.
Aussie105
(7,833 posts)But choosing to stay quiet because they have no power.
And can do nothing.
Already enough voices saying the ship is sinking anyway.
Cobalt Violet
(9,976 posts)We're on our own. Some of us always have been.
synni
(766 posts)Even though they're not currently in power, their opinions do matter to the party and to the American public. We need to hold all Democrats' feet to the fire, because they are our last line of defense.
DonCoquixote
(13,954 posts)At the very least, they can get active now to at least helps us get that one inch we need to stay breathing. EVERYNE, from the small to the large, is going to be needed.
Historic NY
(39,960 posts)instead of the retired ones.
Wednesdays
(22,432 posts)Then they appear before a totally empty room, as the M$M is off chasing the latest little tidbit by TCF and Musk.
See how that works?
C Moon
(13,607 posts)
SweetieD
(1,673 posts)I don't "blame Democrats" for what is happening. And saying they are private citizens doesn't absolve them from being able to speak up.
But just like we are all private citizens and online talking about everything and outraged, I don't understand why they can't just speak up especially when they have a much larger platform.
Mike 03
(18,690 posts)Orange Turd's radar, because he is dangerous. These people are dangerous. It's easy for us to say they need to do this, and they need to do that. I'm coming around to realizing this is no fucking joke and we have very few weapons in our arsenal. We do have the budget and shutting down the government. If this administration continues to make a mockery of the judicial branch, that is ALL we have.
Besides, what exactly are they to do? Issue a strongly worded condemnation?
KG
(28,795 posts)
(haven't used a smiley on DU in about 10 years)
LonePirate
(14,361 posts)RJ-MacReady
(603 posts)I like Hillary and Obama but our side needs to read the room, we need new blood. Hillary, Bill and even Obama to an extent just don't resonate with today's party base.
4catsmom
(667 posts)the Dem women seem to be the most visible. Even Kinzinger and Steele have spoken out against Trump
lostnfound
(17,485 posts)Hell, in the case of Obama and Clinton, at least, they put their lives and the lives of their FAMILIES on the line for years.
They deserve to have time to themselves to do whatever pursuits they want to enjoy with their years remaining. JFC it drives me crazy to hear criticism of people who gave it their all for years by anyone who hasn’t been inside the ring of Washington politics.
To get to those positions of power to begin with, they had to spend some years wallowing in the mud pen of Washington politics, being attacked and unfairly accused, having their kids described in horrendous ways, receiving death threats, having thousands of hours of their lives wasted listening to the likes of Mitch McConnell droning on in the Senate chamber and sucking up to potential donors and having to deal with the media’s clickbait-gotcha tactics and being outgunned by people collecting millions from rotten billionaires and trying to persuade the American public with an IQ about room temperature’ that YOU are the honest hardworking one and the OTHER guy is a lousy casino owner/hypocrite/con man.
No F’ing thank you, i wouldn’t wish that life on me or my children.
lostnfound
(17,485 posts)Waiting for the right time to use their power is the only way they survived as long as they did in politics.
berksdem
(920 posts)when is it the right time? We are on the fast track to never returning to true democracy. If they need more than that we are truly fucked.
lostnfound
(17,485 posts)Hearts and minds of the masses. Probably more ‘minds’ than ‘hearts’ actually. There are plenty of generally good people who have been duped and lured into a fantasyland where trump is some kind of savior who will be the impetus for tearing down an evil secret state; or restoring the old America; or magically is the savior the country needs. Who have fallen into believing ‘both sides are bad’, vaccines have microchips; there are secret plots everywhere.
(Hearts are a problem too, but you can’t reprogram or enlighten most racists.)
Grapple with The Shock Doctrine, macroeconomics, fascist playbooks, and movies like Number 24 to help expand the imagination for what humanity is capable of, that’s my suggestion. Like the song Night Vision by Suzanne Vega:
By day give thanks
By night beware
Half the world in sweetness
The other in fear
When the darkness takes you
With her hand across your face
Don't give in too quickly
Find the thing she's erased
[Chorus]
Find the line
Find the shape through the grain
Find the outline
And things will tell you their name
lostnfound
(17,485 posts)Now I watch you falling into sleep
Watch your fist uncurl against the sheet
Watch your lips fall open and your eyes dim
In blind faith
I would shelter you
And keep you in light
But I can only teach you
Night vision
Night vision
Night vision
Trueblue Texan
(4,399 posts)Individuals don't have to make a lot of noise and draw attention to ourselves to fight for democracy. Sometimes the best thing to do is to be quiet and prepare while you wait and/or develop an opportunity for a strategy that might work. Otherwise, you may just be wasting time, energy, and money, and/or making things even worse. That's kind of where I am in this process of resistance.
kansasobama
(1,750 posts)Look how Merrick Garland did waiting for the correct time This silence by Dems will solidify fascism. What you say is true if there is a rule of law. Fascist will make sure 2026 is rigged.
Trueblue Texan
(4,399 posts)kansasobama
(1,750 posts)It has to be now. not 2026.
betsuni
(29,006 posts)Scubamatt
(297 posts)folks like Pete Buttigieg, Jasmine Crockett, AOC and Jamie Raskins starting to take the reigns and i love what they are doing. The people want leadership, and leadership is not silence. Leaders need to lead. That includes speaking truth to power, even when you don't control the levers of power. If anything, it is more important now for leadership to demonstrate to us and the world that we do not agree with this fascist regime. Were Republican leaders quiet when we controlled the House and Senate? Of course not. They found ways to use their messaging to shape/frame the debate by being active and present. Everywhere and anywhere - corporate media, social media, Sunday morning talk shows, town halls, etc and etc. Silence is interpreted as consent. Our leaders cannot be silent (or limit their voice to private conversations or emails asking for $).
Richard D
(10,018 posts). . . shut up. Hense, he had top-of-mind awareness during Biden's entire term.
Judi Lynn
(164,122 posts)I doubt you understand what's involved more than they do.
kelly1mm
(5,756 posts)should not be surprised though. Remember the timeline:
Nov. 4: 'Trump is a fascist and will end democracy as we know it!'
Nov. 6: 'Sorry guys we gave it the old college try! Got to make sure there is a whole of government push to ease the transition!'
serbbral
(333 posts)I agree with those who are asking why they should get involved. I also want to ask, are they really still our leaders? I think they have already done plenty and there is not much they can do. They are not in Congress anymore, so why should they be held responsible? At this point, like I stated in another thread, I think the people are going to have to change things.
Tree Lady
(13,241 posts)put up with decades of crap, the Clintons, Obama ton of racism, Harris what do you want her to say?
Let them retire and let new leaders take their place, that's what we need, young people who are bold.
Right now Trump has most the country scared shit of him.