General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHAPPENING NOW: National Update and Call to Action With Dem Party Chair Ken Martin and Dem Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Tune in for a conversation with DNC Chair Ken Martin, Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and other legislators.watch:
FirstLight
(15,771 posts)Let me know if they come up with anything...
But if last night was as good as it's gonna get, we need MORE
...why step on actual advocacy?
I don't believe that people who do this are actually interested in anything Democrats might do, ever.
Certainly not in the interest of the party to ignore the actual, party leaders, out of hand.
And why tell me this? I expect people complaining about Democrats not doing something or the other out of critics' own personal interest to do more than just throw stones at people trying to advocate for the party and against republicans here.
What the fuck is the actual point in anyone posting Democratic advocacy here if someone is just going step all over it with misinforming slams?
What the hell do people believe we're doing here? Looking for opposition to Democrats? Fucking amazing to see complaints about Democratic messaging from people who can't be bothered to promote actual advocacy, just coming on to trash it.
Encouraging people to ignore and reject the party leaders actual messaging? For what reason?
You obviously didn't watch the exchanges, which were really important and substantive, urging US to pressure republicans as they act to protect our interests in Congress, like the entire Dem House did in voting unanimously against the republican majority budget.
And so many folks whinging about Dems today obviously are misinformed about the protests efforts of Democrats last night, belittling actual Democrats who have already run political campaigns, lecturing them to do something they thought of, or pretending they care more about confronting Trump than the people who dedicated themselves to this service; supposing the performative nonsense suggested, presented as some political certainty, is some slam dunk political plan for 214 self-confident legislators.
The stunts are short-lived, and I'd expect people who support the party to do more than repeat projections about things they expect 214 Democrats to do that some chose not.
There's no evidence any of the myriad instances where someone said they should act this way or the other would be productive beyond the moment.
There's no rebuttal of the lies in that action, for instance, but I heard many shouts out in real time at Trump from Dems attending, about the lies he was telling from the podium. Saw some on the news.
Where's the rebuttal for Americans in that walkout action against lies that Trump told and republicans intend to use as justification for the destructive cuts to Medicare and Social Security, for example?
It's silliness, and these are seasoned and responsible pols, not children who need scolding; certainly with more political chops than the people throwing stones from the outside who haven't run and won actual political campaigns against republicans.
It isn't actual advocacy against republicans to step all over the party leaders trying to inform voters. And it's not really brilliant politics to expect them to brawl like hooligans. Anyone who had been in politics for as long as I have knows well that voters don't distinguish well between two brawling parties. They just tune out, waiting to hear about them, about their concerns and needs.
The stepping on party leaders advocacy is just anti-party, and no one should expect people advocating for Democrats here and against republicans and Trump to accept this trashing of actual activism and information from the party.
MrSkunkB
(83 posts)Im mystified by these demands for more!!
Democrats have no power at the federal level. There is nothing they can do legislatively except persuade a handful of republicans to basically end their political careers by voting against Trump.
All they can do is messaging and marketing on the hopes that an election in 20 months goes well.
bigtree
(94,288 posts)...highlighting Democratic opposition efforts.
Wish she posted here.
Hekate
(100,133 posts)
shed be swamped under by the shit-flingers screaming Not enough! Never enough! Media sucks! How dare you work for M$NBC?
I cant always watch her show, but shes got my total admiration and respect.
Ms. Toad
(38,648 posts)but I wasn't.
A lot of focus on the elections two years from now - we can't wait two years.
A lot of pep rally type stuff: Trump is losing in the courts. Trump hasn't passed a single bill. We only need 3 Republicans - we're in better shape than the last time Trump was in office.
Lots of talk about going on podcasts and things other than the mainstream media. Some talk about going on Fox. Far less talk about messaging to recover the voters we lost this election.
Some talk of litigation - that was the most hopeful and most likely to be a helpful response to the immediate crisis.
Which is I guess what I found most disappointing. Despite the comments at the end of the video acknowledging that time is something we can't get back, most of the talk focused on long-term responses. We need urgent responses, now.
MrSkunkB
(83 posts)How do you stop a united party that controls all three branches of government and has a self-contained media environment.
Ms. Toad
(38,648 posts)While keeping our eyes on the midterm elections is important, the situation is far too dire to have that be the main focus.
Insisting that Trump is losing, when his losses are not putting a dent in steamrolling the country is not a plausible position. Right now, it's just not believable - and the tone of the video is way out of touch with the dire nature of the current situation. I don't like drinking sour milk, and being told that it's honey - I had just hoped for more.
As I said, focusing on litigation - and creating a specific group within Congress on litigation is a start. Congress has the power of the purse - but is not demanding it be respected. That should be a main focal point of Congressional action. It is pretty much the only piece in the entire hour-ish that gave me any hope as to what Congress is doing.
Presenting a unified front regarding Trump's nominees should be a thing - there should not be a singe Democrat voting to confirm any of his picks as long as Musk is running the show. Even if it isn't successful, it is at least taking a stand.
There are things being done outside of Congress - the Democratic Governor's group, for example, is particularly organized and effective. Interest groups have been able to litigate matters within their areas of interest.
The problem is that the approaches used by the project 2025 planners, coupled with Trump's surprising tolerance for allowing someone else to run the show, has created challenges that there is no clear way to address. Trump is, so far, ignoring Congress and ignoring the courts. That creates a constitutional crisis. That will come to a head, one way or another, when the lower court gives Trump a new deadline to pay on the USAID contracts for work already completed and he either does, or does not release the funds.
I am hopeful that the Republican's meeting with Musk will be a wake-up call - not just for Musk, but for the few Republicans it would take for Congress to put an end to the purse string grab - not just in a private meeting, but by voting with Democrats.
bigtree
(94,288 posts)...it's just a lie that this was a 'happy party' or any other derision you can come up with here to describe our Democratic leaders.
You appear to have no clue about what's happening with the party because you wouldn't just belittle the efforts to inform of seasoned pols who've actually run elections, faced down republicans and won.
You're presenting this as some sort of campaign event where you were supposed to be wowed by them. What a crock. This isn't an entertainment event, and these are hard working, serious, effective legislators that you're just trashing like the republican opposition; the other party which is supposed to be the focus of ire and insults here, not Democrats.
They cited the numbers on legislation they are working on right now. We are three republican votes away from stopping damaging cuts to Medicare and Social Security, but that's apparently a piffle to you.
The Dems are branching out, spreading our party's advocacy on social media where most people reccommend, even farther than the campaign, but you poo pooed that.
You claim to like their lawsuit, but there's absolutely nothing stopping you from looking for yourself. You don't need to rely on words that didn't satisfy you. Go look it up. That's why they mentioned it.
I'm done with obtuseness and frankly specious belittling of actual advocacy.
THIS is SAMPLE, not a treatise, of what Democrats have been doing ...
It's for the benefit of anyone looking on who might buy into your myopic description of this discussion.
Posted by Miami-Dade Democratic Party | March 01, 2025
In February 2025, Democrats across the country took bold action to protect working families, safeguard democracy, and push back against dangerous Republican policies. From defending voting rights to expanding economic opportunity, Democratic leaders at all levels of government fought for the values that matter most.
Fighting for Economic Security & Public Services
Every House Democrat voted against Trump's budget, which slashes Medicaid.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer unveiled a $3 billion road funding plan to improve roads, bridges, and transit.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Karinas Law to protect survivors of domestic violence and prevent abusers from easily accessing firearms.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers released a budget that invests billions in education and Medicaid expansionmaking the wealthy pay their fair share.
Missouri Senate Democrats voted unanimously on legislation to help seniors afford the rising cost of electricity.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bills to raise Michigans minimum wage and expand paid sick leave policies.
Defending Democracy & Voting Rights
The DNC won a major case in Wisconsin, ensuring mobile voting sites remain available to voters.
The DNC filed an amicus brief against MAGA Republicans' attempt to change Georgia election rules that would delay results and undermine trust.
The DNC filed a brief with the Ninth Circuit to counter Republican efforts to outlaw most mail and early voting in Nevada.
The DNC fought back against North Carolina Republicans attempts to interfere in fair elections through federal and state courts.
Protecting Privacy & Data from Republican Overreach
House Democrats introduced the Taxpayer Data Protection Act to permanently safeguard Americans' data from Trump and Elon Musk.
Democratic attorneys general filed lawsuits to block Elon Musk from accessing Americans data.
Senate Democrats successfully blocked Musks DOGE from accessing sensitive Department of Education data.
Democratic attorneys general filed a federal lawsuit against Musks DOGE over reckless decisions affecting public data.
Democratic attorneys general sued the Trump administration for defunding medical and public health research.
New York Attorney General Letitia James led a multi-state coalition against Trump and Musks efforts to shut down the CFPB.
Winning Elections & Strengthening Democratic Leadership
Democrat Ken Jenkins won a special election for Westchester County Executive, defeating his Trump-backed opponent.
Democrat Sean Faircloth won the special election for Maines House District 24, strengthening the Democratic legislative majority.
Democrats Ray Seigfried and Dan Cruce won both Delaware State Senate special elections.
Democrat Dan Gaiewski won the special election for Connecticuts House District 40.
DNC Chair Ken Martin traveled to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to support Democrats in crucial down-ballot elections.
Holding Trumps Administration Accountable
Every Senate Democrat voted against confirming:
Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence.
Kash Patel as FBI Director.
RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Senator Mark Warner and Senate Democrats forced Trump to back down on a federal hiring freeze.
Governor Josh Shapiro took legal action to restore Pennsylvanias funding after the Trump administration froze it.
Investing in Education & Childrens Well-Being
Arizona Democrats passed legislation to fund free school lunches statewide.
Senator Jon Ossoff successfully pushed the White House to restore HBCU scholarships.
Protecting Reproductive Rights & Civil Liberties
Virginia House Democrats passed constitutional amendments to protect reproductive freedom, voting rights, and marriage equality.
California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a first-in-the-nation plan to convert underutilized state properties into affordable housing.
Georgia Democrats introduced legislation to give tax credits to firearm owners who safely store their weapons.
____________________________
IN THE STATES: Democrats Fight Back Against Trump and MAGA Republicans Plans To Make Americans Lives Harder
Today, the DNC, DCCC, and DSCC filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and its Commissioners in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in response to Trumps executive order falsely claiming the White House has total power to dictate legal positions taken by the FEC and other independent agencies. Americans deserve free and fair elections, and Trump and Republicans shouldnt get to dictate the rules.
Nationwide: New York Times: Democratic National Committee Files Lawsuit Against Trump
Nationwide: Politico: National Dems sue over Trump executive order they say could weaponize FEC
Nationwide: NBC News: Democratic Party files first lawsuit against second Trump admin
Nationwide: The Hill: National Democrats sue over Trump order to expand White House control of independent agencies
Nationwide: Newsweek: Democratic Party Sues Donald Trump Over His Executive Power Claims
Nationwide: Reuters: Trump sued by Democrats for seeking control over election commission
Earlier this week, House Republicans passed Trumps disastrous budget bill that puts life-saving funding for health care, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes on the chopping block in order to give tax breaks to billionaires.
In Georgia: Atlanta Journal-Constitution: From food stamps to tax cuts: How the federal budget bill could affect Georgians
In Kansas: Kansas Reflector: Kansas advocates condemn U.S. House budget tied to Republicans proposed Medicaid cuts
In Maine: News Center Maine: Maine families fear impact of potential MaineCare and Medicaid budget cuts
In Minnesota: Minnesota Reformer: Health care advocates say House GOPs Medicaid cuts would harm children, people with disabilities
In Texas: El Paso Times: How the House budget would impact El Paso: Local services face cuts amid GOP plan
Nationwide: Center for American Progress: The Republican House Budget Resolutions Potential $880 Billion in Medicaid Cuts by Congressional District
As Republicans in Congress side with Trump over their own constituents, residents of Republican-held districts across the country are furious and making it clear that Republicans will pay at the ballot box for bowing down to Trump and Musk and taking reckless votes like the budget bill. As a result, some Republicans are canceling town halls altogether.
In California: Fresno Bee: Rep. Tom McClintock fails to defend congressional power
In Colorado: Colorado Newsline: Colorado Democrats urge Rep. Evans to oppose budget plan threatening Medicaid benefits
In Georgia: CNN: Angry voters confront GOP representative over Trumps push to expand his power
In Iowa: Des Moines Register: Democrats protest potential Medicaid cuts outside Zach Nunns office as GOP weighs budget
In Utah: Deseret News: Utah Rep. Blake Moore the latest GOP lawmaker to have town hall flooded with DOGE, federal layoff questions
In Wisconsin: Wisconsin Public Radio: US Rep. Glenn Grothman faces hostile crowd at Oshkosh town hall meeting
Nationwide: New York Times: Republicans Face Angry Voters at Town Halls, Hinting at Broader Backlash
Meanwhile, working families across the country are feeling the devastating effects of Donald Trump and Elon Musks federal funding freezes and attacks on critical programs and agencies.
In Kansas: KCUR: Funding freeze leaves Kansas farmers unpaid for work they already completed
In Michigan: Washington Post: She hoped Trumps victory would change her life, but not like this
In Wisconsin: Wisconsin Public Radio: These workers helped Wisconsin farmers navigate changing weather. DOGE fired them.
In Wisconsin: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: DOGE cuts 800 at NOAA, impacting weather forecasts, Great Lakes
In Oregon: KATU: Federal layoffs in Oregon likely to impact rural counties the most, state economist says
In Georgia: Atlanta Journal-Constitution: USAID cancels large contracts of Georgia peanut butter supplier
Nationwide: Axios: The states that could feel DOGE cuts the most
Nationwide: Associated Press: Where are federal jobs affected by DOGE cuts? A look at congressional districts across the US
Democrats are fighting back against Donald Trump and extreme Republicans attacks on health care and federal programs that Americans rely on.
In Ohio: Ohio Capital Journal: Ohio Democrats seek to codify reproductive care, align state law with constitutional amendment
In Florida: Florida Phoenix: Democrats file bill to repeal six-week abortion ban, want more data transparency
Nationwide: Maryland Matters: Federal judge extends order blocking devastating cap on NIH research payments
Nationwide: Associated Press: Democratic governors pitch state jobs to federal workers cut by Trump
https://democrats.org/news/in-the-states-democrats-fight-back-against-trump-and-maga-republicans-plans-to-make-americans-lives-harder/
DNC, DCCC & DSCC File Lawsuit Against Trumps Illegal Executive Order Ending Free and Fair Elections
In response to Trumps executive order falsely claiming the White House has total power to dictate legal positions taken by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and other independent agencies, the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) have sued President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, the FEC, and its Commissioners in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
DNC Chair Ken Martin, DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene and DSCC Chair Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:
Americans are legally guaranteed fair elections with impartial referees not a system where Donald Trump can dictate campaign rules he wants from the White House. Democrats will use every tool at our disposal, including aggressively confronting Trumps illegal actions in the courts, to defend Americans right to free and fair elections which are the core of our countrys democracy.
Key points from the lawsuit:
As applied to the Commission, Executive Order 14215 would eliminate [the Federal Election Campaign Acts] requirement that the executive branchs legal interpretations of FECAs provisions reflect the bipartisan consensus of an expert multimember board and replace that bipartisan consensus with the judgment of a single partisan political figurethe President of the United States.
The assertion is incompatible with nearly a centurys worth of Supreme Court precedent blessing Congresss authority to insulate certain agencies and officials from day-to-day control by the President.
As the Supreme Court has held for 90 years [
] Congress possesses the authority to insulate from presidential micromanagement agencies that are led by a multimember, bipartisan board that performs quasi-judicial and quasi-legislative functionsthat is, agencies like the FEC.
Congresss authority is especially true in this context, where the credibility of the entire regulatory enterprise would be fatally undermined if the party controlling the White House can unilaterally structure campaign rules and adjudicate disputes to disadvantage its electoral competitors.
The Court should therefore certify the question of FECAs constitutionality to the en banc D.C. Circuit under 52 U.S.C. § 30110, and then declare that FECAs provisions shielding FEC decisionmaking from presidential coercion or control are constitutionally valid and enjoin the application of Section 7 of Executive Order 14215 to the Commission as inconsistent with those provisions.
bigtree
(94,288 posts)...and you're trashing actual political action.
I fail to see the point in trashing not only advocacy, but every post that has Democrats making this effort.
I don't see a thing politically viable from the critics.
Just this dragging on actual advocacy from people who actually faced down republicans in years long elections.
I just ignore the internet slams which can't be bothered to show support for Democrats we've elected when they advocate or inform.
What hubris, supposing these measures proposed are inconsequential.
I strongly disagree. I think you want something fantastical, brushing past seasoned pols advocating and informing.
Hell, Jamie Raskin is one of the finest legislators in the party, ffs. Get fucking real.
This isn't the totality of democratic action, it's yet another part of many, many efforts in Congress and around the nation.
You're so far off here about the party's efforts, and it's actually disgusting to me how strident your misrepresentations are.
In February, Democrats across the country took bold actions against republicans and Trump.
...reposting for visibility.
Posted by Miami-Dade Democratic Party | March 01, 2025
In February 2025, Democrats across the country took bold action to protect working families, safeguard democracy, and push back against dangerous Republican policies. From defending voting rights to expanding economic opportunity, Democratic leaders at all levels of government fought for the values that matter most.
Fighting for Economic Security & Public Services
Every House Democrat voted against Trump's budget, which slashes Medicaid.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer unveiled a $3 billion road funding plan to improve roads, bridges, and transit.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Karinas Law to protect survivors of domestic violence and prevent abusers from easily accessing firearms.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers released a budget that invests billions in education and Medicaid expansionmaking the wealthy pay their fair share.
Missouri Senate Democrats voted unanimously on legislation to help seniors afford the rising cost of electricity.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bills to raise Michigans minimum wage and expand paid sick leave policies.
Defending Democracy & Voting Rights
The DNC won a major case in Wisconsin, ensuring mobile voting sites remain available to voters.
The DNC filed an amicus brief against MAGA Republicans' attempt to change Georgia election rules that would delay results and undermine trust.
The DNC filed a brief with the Ninth Circuit to counter Republican efforts to outlaw most mail and early voting in Nevada.
The DNC fought back against North Carolina Republicans attempts to interfere in fair elections through federal and state courts.
Protecting Privacy & Data from Republican Overreach
House Democrats introduced the Taxpayer Data Protection Act to permanently safeguard Americans' data from Trump and Elon Musk.
Democratic attorneys general filed lawsuits to block Elon Musk from accessing Americans data.
Senate Democrats successfully blocked Musks DOGE from accessing sensitive Department of Education data.
Democratic attorneys general filed a federal lawsuit against Musks DOGE over reckless decisions affecting public data.
Democratic attorneys general sued the Trump administration for defunding medical and public health research.
New York Attorney General Letitia James led a multi-state coalition against Trump and Musks efforts to shut down the CFPB.
Winning Elections & Strengthening Democratic Leadership
Democrat Ken Jenkins won a special election for Westchester County Executive, defeating his Trump-backed opponent.
Democrat Sean Faircloth won the special election for Maines House District 24, strengthening the Democratic legislative majority.
Democrats Ray Seigfried and Dan Cruce won both Delaware State Senate special elections.
Democrat Dan Gaiewski won the special election for Connecticuts House District 40.
DNC Chair Ken Martin traveled to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to support Democrats in crucial down-ballot elections.
Holding Trumps Administration Accountable
Every Senate Democrat voted against confirming:
Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence.
Kash Patel as FBI Director.
RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Senator Mark Warner and Senate Democrats forced Trump to back down on a federal hiring freeze.
Governor Josh Shapiro took legal action to restore Pennsylvanias funding after the Trump administration froze it.
Investing in Education & Childrens Well-Being
Arizona Democrats passed legislation to fund free school lunches statewide.
Senator Jon Ossoff successfully pushed the White House to restore HBCU scholarships.
Protecting Reproductive Rights & Civil Liberties
Virginia House Democrats passed constitutional amendments to protect reproductive freedom, voting rights, and marriage equality.
California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a first-in-the-nation plan to convert underutilized state properties into affordable housing.
Georgia Democrats introduced legislation to give tax credits to firearm owners who safely store their weapons.
____________________________
IN THE STATES: Democrats Fight Back Against Trump and MAGA Republicans Plans To Make Americans Lives Harder
Today, the DNC, DCCC, and DSCC filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and its Commissioners in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in response to Trumps executive order falsely claiming the White House has total power to dictate legal positions taken by the FEC and other independent agencies. Americans deserve free and fair elections, and Trump and Republicans shouldnt get to dictate the rules.
Nationwide: New York Times: Democratic National Committee Files Lawsuit Against Trump
Nationwide: Politico: National Dems sue over Trump executive order they say could weaponize FEC
Nationwide: NBC News: Democratic Party files first lawsuit against second Trump admin
Nationwide: The Hill: National Democrats sue over Trump order to expand White House control of independent agencies
Nationwide: Newsweek: Democratic Party Sues Donald Trump Over His Executive Power Claims
Nationwide: Reuters: Trump sued by Democrats for seeking control over election commission
Earlier this week, House Republicans passed Trumps disastrous budget bill that puts life-saving funding for health care, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes on the chopping block in order to give tax breaks to billionaires.
In Georgia: Atlanta Journal-Constitution: From food stamps to tax cuts: How the federal budget bill could affect Georgians
In Kansas: Kansas Reflector: Kansas advocates condemn U.S. House budget tied to Republicans proposed Medicaid cuts
In Maine: News Center Maine: Maine families fear impact of potential MaineCare and Medicaid budget cuts
In Minnesota: Minnesota Reformer: Health care advocates say House GOPs Medicaid cuts would harm children, people with disabilities
In Texas: El Paso Times: How the House budget would impact El Paso: Local services face cuts amid GOP plan
Nationwide: Center for American Progress: The Republican House Budget Resolutions Potential $880 Billion in Medicaid Cuts by Congressional District
As Republicans in Congress side with Trump over their own constituents, residents of Republican-held districts across the country are furious and making it clear that Republicans will pay at the ballot box for bowing down to Trump and Musk and taking reckless votes like the budget bill. As a result, some Republicans are canceling town halls altogether.
In California: Fresno Bee: Rep. Tom McClintock fails to defend congressional power
In Colorado: Colorado Newsline: Colorado Democrats urge Rep. Evans to oppose budget plan threatening Medicaid benefits
In Georgia: CNN: Angry voters confront GOP representative over Trumps push to expand his power
In Iowa: Des Moines Register: Democrats protest potential Medicaid cuts outside Zach Nunns office as GOP weighs budget
In Utah: Deseret News: Utah Rep. Blake Moore the latest GOP lawmaker to have town hall flooded with DOGE, federal layoff questions
In Wisconsin: Wisconsin Public Radio: US Rep. Glenn Grothman faces hostile crowd at Oshkosh town hall meeting
Nationwide: New York Times: Republicans Face Angry Voters at Town Halls, Hinting at Broader Backlash
Meanwhile, working families across the country are feeling the devastating effects of Donald Trump and Elon Musks federal funding freezes and attacks on critical programs and agencies.
In Kansas: KCUR: Funding freeze leaves Kansas farmers unpaid for work they already completed
In Michigan: Washington Post: She hoped Trumps victory would change her life, but not like this
In Wisconsin: Wisconsin Public Radio: These workers helped Wisconsin farmers navigate changing weather. DOGE fired them.
In Wisconsin: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: DOGE cuts 800 at NOAA, impacting weather forecasts, Great Lakes
In Oregon: KATU: Federal layoffs in Oregon likely to impact rural counties the most, state economist says
In Georgia: Atlanta Journal-Constitution: USAID cancels large contracts of Georgia peanut butter supplier
Nationwide: Axios: The states that could feel DOGE cuts the most
Nationwide: Associated Press: Where are federal jobs affected by DOGE cuts? A look at congressional districts across the US
Democrats are fighting back against Donald Trump and extreme Republicans attacks on health care and federal programs that Americans rely on.
In Ohio: Ohio Capital Journal: Ohio Democrats seek to codify reproductive care, align state law with constitutional amendment
In Florida: Florida Phoenix: Democrats file bill to repeal six-week abortion ban, want more data transparency
Nationwide: Maryland Matters: Federal judge extends order blocking devastating cap on NIH research payments
Nationwide: Associated Press: Democratic governors pitch state jobs to federal workers cut by Trump
https://democrats.org/news/in-the-states-democrats-fight-back-against-trump-and-maga-republicans-plans-to-make-americans-lives-harder/
DNC, DCCC & DSCC File Lawsuit Against Trumps Illegal Executive Order Ending Free and Fair Elections
In response to Trumps executive order falsely claiming the White House has total power to dictate legal positions taken by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and other independent agencies, the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) have sued President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, the FEC, and its Commissioners in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
DNC Chair Ken Martin, DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene and DSCC Chair Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:
Americans are legally guaranteed fair elections with impartial referees not a system where Donald Trump can dictate campaign rules he wants from the White House. Democrats will use every tool at our disposal, including aggressively confronting Trumps illegal actions in the courts, to defend Americans right to free and fair elections which are the core of our countrys democracy.
Key points from the lawsuit:
As applied to the Commission, Executive Order 14215 would eliminate [the Federal Election Campaign Acts] requirement that the executive branchs legal interpretations of FECAs provisions reflect the bipartisan consensus of an expert multimember board and replace that bipartisan consensus with the judgment of a single partisan political figurethe President of the United States.
The assertion is incompatible with nearly a centurys worth of Supreme Court precedent blessing Congresss authority to insulate certain agencies and officials from day-to-day control by the President.
As the Supreme Court has held for 90 years [
] Congress possesses the authority to insulate from presidential micromanagement agencies that are led by a multimember, bipartisan board that performs quasi-judicial and quasi-legislative functionsthat is, agencies like the FEC.
Congresss authority is especially true in this context, where the credibility of the entire regulatory enterprise would be fatally undermined if the party controlling the White House can unilaterally structure campaign rules and adjudicate disputes to disadvantage its electoral competitors.
The Court should therefore certify the question of FECAs constitutionality to the en banc D.C. Circuit under 52 U.S.C. § 30110, and then declare that FECAs provisions shielding FEC decisionmaking from presidential coercion or control are constitutionally valid and enjoin the application of Section 7 of Executive Order 14215 to the Commission as inconsistent with those provisions.
...don't try to tell me this isn't consequential. You're just dead wrong about the party and our leaders.
Ms. Toad
(38,648 posts)I listened to every painful minute of it. Those who spoke either entirely lack the sense of urgency that the current situation demands - OR - they are unable to convey that they understand it.
You listing a whole bunch of other stuff that wasn't in the video has zero bearing on what I heard in the video - I wasn't commenting on anything beyond the video. I stand by what I said about the video in the OP.
bigtree
(94,288 posts)..where do people get off pretending they care more than legislators who've actually gotten up off of their asses and run against republicans.
Saying Jamie Raskin 'lacks urgency' more than strains credulity, it's just bullshit.
And again, if you drop all of the performative expectations about a fucking discussion, there is a good measure of advocacy in there. They're not campaigning, and that isn't the totality of their actions or statements.
What in the world is with picking them apart like they're opposition pols? I don't fucking get it.
I bother to look past my own personal antipathies, and, I can see Democrats on every level - not only fighting back, but having successes.
It makes no sense at all to take this one discussion and make like it's the beat-all. It's an opportunity to inform yourself about the party leadership, getting to meet them for many others, and maybe motivate you to maybe do more to pressure republicans than just hyper-critiquing your own party.
The criticisms are just not credible to me. Seasoned pols advocating vs. anon internet critics. No brainer.
And I'm still wondering why so many think it's some kind of political acumen coming onto DU and slamming actual Democratic advocacy on this public forum, just trashing posts advocating about our Dem leaders and other Democrats, all the while complaining about someone else's messaging.
Ms. Toad
(38,648 posts)I listened to it, hoping it would be just that. It wasn't. It was a lot of unrealistic happy talk that is out of touch with the urgency of the situation.
I never said the video was the totality of what Democrats were doing, or even the totality of what members of Congress were doing. I simply said I had hoped for more when I spent an hour of my time listening to a bunch of folks telling me that things aren't that bad now and will be even better in two years when we win the house back.
I have devoted a considerable amount of my life to activism, including working on behalf of the Democratic Party. If you don't like my opinion of the video - tough noogies.
bigtree
(94,288 posts)...I've taken the time to explain, and you've just ignored.
You've misrepresented the discussion I posted, trashed the participants, and you're denigrating our Democratic leaders over your own stated antipathies. I'm not interested in discussing those with you anymore.
I don't appreciate people dragging on Democratic advocacy with specious arguments and false complaints. I have no interest in that at all. I think it's disgusting and sad.
The title of the vid? JFC.
That wasn't an invitation to step all over Democratic leaders discussing their priorities.
Ms. Toad
(38,648 posts)You are free to your opinion. It doesn't have to match mine.
But notice that I'm not calling you or your opinions disgusting, or questioning whether or not you are telling the truth about your opinion, or about your summary of the video.
And I'm also not posting one thing - and then complaining that anyone reading it doesn't take into account 6 million things that are completely unrelated to the video when expressing an opinion on the video. Your explanation of all those other things has zero to do with my opinion of the video in the OP.
SocialDemocrat61
(7,654 posts)Unless democrats exceed my artificially high bar that I set to feed my own ego, they are not doing enough
Nanjeanne
(6,590 posts)a simple bulletpoint or brief paragraph of the specific things that the DNC is doing over the next few months.
And maybe a simple bulletpoint or paragraph of the actions they are organizing for us Dems to participate in.
That would really help me as Im not sure how specific legislation is going to get passed in this Congress so Im more interested in the specific plans Ken Martin said the DNC is planning now. Elections are a long way ahead and if Dems arent doing something to get steam their chances of winning some in a few years are small.
Thanks.