Hey Democratic Leadership:

[Chasstev365]

Why can't you hold a press conference today showing the juvenile video and say in the mist of the government shutdown and with one of the biggest protests in US history, this is what Donald Trump spends his time doing on your dime.

WTF America?

[Quanta]

1. Right?!

WE showed up and showed out this weekend, now get YOUR asses in gear and represent us with the same passion and bravery the American people have shown.

[QueerDuck]

2. That's the job for the media, pundits, YouTubers...

and other online activists and armchair quarterbacks. Our elected reps can't waste time calling press conferences and responding to every idiotic thing Trump posts.

[Orrex]

7. How about responding to **anything** that Trump does?

Rather than waiting for his bullshit to marinade in the media and online for three or four days before they issue a droning, five-paragraph statement?

Every time this happens, and it happens daily, they're effectively saying "we have no response to Trump's madness and no plan for dealing with it."

I'm sure they'd rather online activists, YouTubers and "armchair quarterbacks" do the heavy lifting for them, but we didn't elect them to hand off their duties to amateurs, randos and part-timers.

[QueerDuck]

18. LOL 😂🤣

They have, but to do so every single time is an idiotic distraction. And when they do call out his insanity, there's always a predictable response demanding that Democrats should tell us what we're FOR rather than what we're AGAINST, and rather than amplifying Trump's message. I think it's clear that the dedicated grievance hunters and other assorted Dem haters will always find some petty complaint to split hairs over and to take undeserved cheap shots at Democrats.

[Orrex]

20. And it's clear that the cheerleaders will always be ready to shield Dems from their responsibility

[MorbidButterflyTat]

43. That is utter crap

Yes, why doesn't Dem leadership bring massive amounts of attention to some idiotic video which was meant to deflect and distract from the historic protests against him, and do the deflecting and distracting FOR HIM.

Can't you see that?

You bet I'm a Democratic cheerleader! I thought that was the point of this website, not snarkily criticize Democrats and other DUers.

[betsuni]

46. Yes, when they respond they're accused of only being reactionary and only "We're not as bad as Trump, vote for us"

and having no message and not standing for anything.

"Cheerleaders" as an insult for supporters of Democrats was very popular propaganda used to help Trump ten years ago. As if Democrats are corrupt and worse than Republicans and a cult.

[Orrex]

50. "Cheerleaders" means something very different in the current context.

Specifically, it refers to the diehard defenders of sluggish mediocrity who are so quick to pounce when anyone has the audacity to hope that elected Democrats do something more substantive than strongly worded letters in response to Trump's daily and expanding assault on the nation.

The cheerleaders typically scold the critics for not doing more than the elected Democrats, as if we were all elected and all took oaths to defend the Constitution.

Overall, the defining characteristic of a cheerleader is that they will attack fellow DUers by ridicule, insult, gatekeeping and gaslighting simply for having the nerve to question the status quo that brought us here.

[betsuni]

54. That doesn't exist. "Status quo" is the fantasy that Democrats are corrupt with the same economic policies

as Republicans because they are controlled by wealthy donors, billionaires, oligarchs, corporations. That they're terrified of what are in reality the usual liberal Democratic issues of equality, higher wages, jobs, strong social safety net, affordable education, health care, housing, environmental protection, campaign finance reform, taxing the wealthy and corporations, etc. -- claiming these are democratic socialist issues that Democrats know nothing about and despise because they abandoned the working class for Wall St. and are all establishment elites who only care about money, that all dysfunction in politics is about money and everyone is corrupt (Them) except for the morally pure (Us).

Just saw one of the leaders of the fantasy say that Democrats must make a choice which side they're on and gave example of health care as a human right and not a privilege. Democrats have been saying that since the '70s (Ted Kennedy's fiery speeches from then are on YouTube) and it's been in the party platform since 1992.

A fictional Democratic Party as enemy. Only helps Republicans.

[Orrex]

55. Well, I hope one day that we can live in this future that you imagine

Someone posting on an anonymous internet forum is no obstacle to the people charged with delivering that future.

[QueerDuck]

57. This "all-hands-on-deck" moment is NOT an invitation to sabotage and sink the ship.

What good purpose is served when people continually try to falsely portray the Democratic party as corrupt, or out of touch, or inept, or too old, etc etc. Our beloved party will never be perfect... who is? Nobody is. But instead of punching down, wouldn't it be better to lift-up. Grow the party... accentuate the positive! Don't amplify and exaggerate our party's flaws. Why try to "punish" the party for being imperfect? Why do the purists insist on an all-or-nothing philosophy that (predictably) ends up benefitting the GOP and leaving those who are most vulnerable with NOTHING instead of half-a-loaf (so to speak). The GOP, Trump, and Russia absolutely LOVE the "my way or the highway" folks and the "leave it blank" folks who are willing to cut off their own noses. Being dismissive of the "anonymous forum" is a mistake. There's actually a REASON that the Russian (and GOP) folks invest millions in the troll farms and bots that help to create and influence this bullshit anti-Democrat sentiment. Why contribute to it? Why amplify it? To what end... the elusive "perfection"?? Some fantasy of a Socialist revolution? (Oh, pardon me... a "Democratic Socialist" revolution?) Please. Give me a fucking break.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

58. I'm wondering...

since this thread was posted on Sunday morning, how many outrageous, illegal, unethical examples of corruption has *rump engaged in.

I wonder how many press conferences the Democratic leadership is expected to hold per day to satisfy the disgruntled purists.

[Orrex]

59. You're certainly adept at the straw man argument.

Wait, I know--let me pick a flaccid viewpoint and assign it to you, and then mock you for it.


What, exactly, do you grant us permission to expect of our elected Democrats? We've got "strongly worded letters" covered quite nicely. If only there were more to be done. If only.

[QueerDuck]

62. Ahhh... a nerve has been struck, I see.

Fascinating.

[Orrex]

64. Nope, that's more of your gaslighting

A person responds to a false claim and is then called out for responding to the false claim. Classic.

[QueerDuck]

65. Nice try. I'm smarter that I'm being given credit for...

and a good judge of character.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

68. What argument?

I responded to QueerDuck.

But, since you responded to me, I'll ask you...do you honestly think a press conference highlighting every *rump outrage is a good idea? Especially for a stupid video one of his cult obviously produced? Feeding the beast's ego is exactly what he and his MAGAts want.

And, the "strongly worded letter" BS criticism is really old. Maybe try a new disingenuous schtick.

[Orrex]

70. Here's an interesting view from a famous far-right extremist

Maybe you can tell him that his criticism is really old?

That's another hallmark of the cheerleaders, by the way: they howl and wail when a DUer dares to ask more of our elected Democrat leadership, but when an actual elected Democrat articulate the same view, the cheerleaders somehow overlook it.

[QueerDuck]

67. Press conferences, million dollar ad buys ...

... car washes, bake sales, public access punditry, sabotage, betrayal... all the usual performative and virtuous stuff. Sigh.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

69. Yes

It's so depressing witnessing the MAGAt Republican victories which inevitably result.

[Orrex]

60. It's flattering that you imagine me to be capable of such sabotage

Expressing disappointment in Democratic leadership should be a hallmark of a free and democratic society. Instead, the gatekeepers leap into action every time someone fails to be sufficiently effusive in their praise of the speaker.

[QueerDuck]

61. You're flattered? Really? Wow.

Interesting word choice. It tells me more than I was expecting. Good to know. Thanks for the honesty.

[Orrex]

63. First day on the internet, eh?

Well, take a look around and let us know if you have any questions.

[QueerDuck]

66. Ahh... resorting to personal insults? LOL.

Okay. Whatever. Oh well... That reveals much, too.

[themaguffin]

56. not every, but they need pick their battles & the right messaging at the right time from Dem leaders could go

a long way.

[Keepthesoulalive]

4. I keep thinking this is

Democratic what should I complain about what the dem leadership is not doing today underground.

[Orrex]

8. Perhaps you're looking for the Democratic Fantasists' Rosecolored Underground

Meanwhile in the real world, our well-funded elected officials can take comfort in the knowledge that they have a throng of cheerleaders out there running cover for them.

[Keepthesoulalive]

9. I'm hardly a cheerleader

But expecting the democrats to break through the bootlicking billionaire controlled media to get the message out is insane. We must find other avenues and when they show tiny bit of spine back them up. If you follow and attempt to debunk every crazy thing trump says you will get nowhere, it may feel good but it is counterproductive. The man is a toddler wrapped in an imbecile. When you allow a small group of people to amass great wealth and power they can rule the world.

[Orrex]

10. It just seems like there must be some other strategy to consider

beyond "let him do and say and have whatever he wants as much as he wants and for as long as he wants with no accountability whatsoever until he gets tired of it."

Many a victim has been badly pummeled while ignoring the bully and waiting for them to get bored.

[Keepthesoulalive]

13. The people and institutions that were supposed to protect our democracy

Have been purchased. The power we have is the power of the purse and protesting. Disney got the message and so did target. Stop giving legacy media eyeballs until they get the message. When we pay attention to the idiot it gives him legitimacy and because they want access they will not allow anyone to fact check him. Find ways around the zookeepers.

[Orrex]

15. I'm sorry, but I have no patience for accusations of TDS

I get enough of that from his fuckhead droolers on social media, so please don't presume to scold me for "paying attention to the idiot." Telling me that I "give him legitimacy" is pure, 100% gaslighting.

So, if you if you wag your finger at those who pay attention to him, and if ignoring him simply isn't an option in reality, what strategy do you propose?

I live in a poorly-educated, low income red county that's gotten steadily redder in every election for the past 30 years. I'd like something a little more substantive from our elected officials than strongly-worded letters and impassioned request for campaign contributions.

[Keepthesoulalive]

19. First off

You asked what could be done I gave you my best guess. If you choose to obsess over his every insane utterance have at it. The man is a con and this New York expat knows all about him, he lives for attention and grifting, the rubes love him. You live in a red area and I have asked this question maybe you can answer . What will it take to make them not vote for republicans? What do they want from government?

[Autumn]

14. What I do know is that Bernie, AOC and Jasmine manage quite well

to break through the bootlicking billionaire controlled media to get their message out. I wonder how they manage to do it.

[Keepthesoulalive]

21. That message must translate into votes

We are talking about democrats trying to hold press conferences to debunk his nonsense people who hate trump get pissed off, people who love trump get all tingly and think he is a great leader who tells it like it is. I love our firebrands and I applaud Bernie for going on YouTube and the other outlets but trying to get in front of a camera every time he utters garbage is not a strategy that will gain voters.

[Autumn]

23. And it does translate into votes. All three are extremely popular

and not just with Democrats. When Bernie holds a rally in a red zone Republican shows up. And they listen.

Garbage my ass, here's some garbage for you

presidents come and presidents go, and through it all god is still on his throne.

Pure garbage.

[Keepthesoulalive]

27. I don't think that was the appropriate thing for the minority leader to say

Considering we have many non believers in our party. I was referring to trump’s garbage. Bernie has a following , nice. I don’t believe Jeffries is the right person for this situation, we need a stronger and more strategic leader. I see a great deal of anger perhaps you can get your fellow red staters to vote for what is best for our country instead of their hatred and pettiness.

[Autumn]

29. The only things that Republicans have is hatred and pettiness.

I live in a red area in a blue state. I see their hatred everyday. I'm glad you meant Trump when you said garbage I'm used to defending him from a lot of people here so when it comes to AOC and Bernie I'm a bit touchy.

Peace

[Keepthesoulalive]

30. Got you

I live in a red area in a blue college town. Rumor has it that the post office can’t hire local’s because they have had some issues with law enforcement.

[bcbink]

49. Yes they do.

California is certainly breaking through

[Keepthesoulalive]

25. This old lady goes to the local meetings

I will be working the democratic table on Election Day. I was taught in school about the power of propaganda by my Jewish teachers. I see that power right now with the influencers, social media, the churches and the news media. I saw the changes when Nixon resigned and the republican mafia started crawling into every nook of government, people like Ailes. If you find me naive perhaps you should not engage with me in the future.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

44. I appreciate your posts.

[Keepthesoulalive]

47. Thank you

I appreciate this.

[littlemissmartypants]

5. Why empower him by signal boosting his nonsense?

Do we want him to have that power? Why have him believing we even give him a second thought?
Or have him believing that we even acknowledge his childish bullhockey?

Why dignify it with a reply?

He needs to be flicked off like a bug.

I spit in his general direction. Then I move on.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

45. .

[LudwigPastorius]

11. Hmm...continue to work on resolving the government shutdown while...

protecting the ACA subsidies, or take the time to retort Trump’s weak attempt at trolling?

I know what I’d rather have them doing.

[Autumn]

16. Who is leadership working with to resolve

the government shutdown and to protect the ACA ? The Republican have been sent home.

[LudwigPastorius]

31. Jeffries was on This Week this morning trying to inform people and put pressure on the Republicans to negotiate.

So, he is "working the crowd", bypassing Republicans and speaking directly to their constituents.

And, it's not like members of Congress don't have cell phones. I wouldn't be surprised if back channel talks are happening because the GOP knows this is bad for them and it can't go on.

[Autumn]

33. We all know the Republicans are not going to negotiate

The GOP doesn't give a single fuck if people have healthcare. They want the tax breaks and control. The BBB gives them what they want and the SC will make sure they keep control through redistricting.

Personally I very much doubt that there are any back channel talks going on.

[Quanta]

12. I don't think it's unreasonable to hope that our leaders might use this moment

to highlight the madman's lack of fitness for office. Stunts like this could be used advantageously by the right politician to advance the cause of the Democratic Party. We can go high while they go low and still point out the depths of their depravity. A bit more spine and passion would be nice. They can do more than one thing at a time, or at least get staffers and/or volunteers on the task. Scheduling a TV interview or two to take full advantage of this unforced error might be a smart and good thing.

[Chasstev365]

17. Thank you. That is was what I was going for.

[Keepthesoulalive]

22. Scheduling it with who and how.

We have been basically cut out from the Sunday shows for years. They don’t care to hear what we have to say. People don’t watch news like they used to. We saw the passion yesterday. We must find new ways to get our message out.

[W_HAMILTON]

35. Our leaders have been highlighting how unfit this fucker is for office FOR THE PAST DECADE.

[Quanta]

37. No need to yell.

My point was merely that a situation like this could very easily be used to advance our party's goals.

[W_HAMILTON]

41. There is when some are saying our leaders need to do something they've been doing for a decade.

[Quanta]

48. No, there really isn't, but you do you, Booboo

My point is that the opposition is on their back foot. A good strategist would take advantage of this moment to deliver a knockout blow.

[betsuni]

36. Leaders have been saying he's unfit for office since 2016, as he displays his unfitness every day for all to see.

2016 Hillary Clinton: "Donald Trump's ideas aren't just different, they're dangerously incoherent. ... just a series of bizarre rants, personal feuds and outright lies. He's not just unprepared. He is temperamentally unfit to hold an office that requires knowledge, stability, and immense responsibility."

And every Democratic leader since then. Obviously.

[Quanta]

38. I was merely talking about in relation to this specific incident.

Obviously.

[betsuni]

40. Meeting the "moment" by just the "right politician" with "spine and passion" is the daily whine about Democrats

not doing things, being weak and spineless, having no message, that they're not going on TV, not doing the "smart" thing, not doing this and not doing that and must be scolded and told what they should do. Every day.

Oops, this is meant as reply to #38.

[orangecrush]

24. Kick

[UT_democrat]

28. Contact yr reps

I just contacted all three of my reps in Utah with a link to the truth, social video and ask them to please explain it

[SocialDemocrat61]

32. Can we please stop with the purity tests

and demands of performative bs the party should be doing? Let them work on things that actually matter.

[QueerDuck]

39. It's a nice thought. Good luck with that ...

those types of purity tests are often coupled with unreasonable silly and impossible demands... or are paired inseparably with performative virtue signaling... I'm reminded of feral cats marking their territory... but in the end it serves no good or useful or meaningful purpose.

[betsuni]

34. News was good strong positive, the people out there protesting. The people. That's WTF America was doing.

Jeffries has been really great on TV!

[MorbidButterflyTat]

42. Hey,

WHY bring more attention to this monster? What possible good would that do?

Is there anyone anywhere in the universe who doesn't know what he is?

The government is shutdown. Dems have better things to do than flame that asshole.

[Emile]

51. Timing Is Everything

[awesomerwb1]

52. Good start but not enough

Years ago they should've set up their own propaganda counter network on social media.

They should've started focus groups, young Dems recruiting and training.

No proactive actions, always sheepishly reacting from behind.

[usonian]

53. Talk about these two mirror images.

[LymphocyteLover]

71. how do you know they haven't?

The media doesn't cover everything and often neglect Dems saying things