Why aren't we hearing this over, and over, and over?

[pat_k]

30. I think more and more of our "old dog" electeds are learning new tricks.

In some ways, it's not so much coming up with the perfect strategy but simply getting out there and DOING SOMETHING. You learn what does and does not work by engaging.

Simon Rosenberg had a take on the CR non-showdown that I think was spot on:

As people have heard me say this week I am not sure that letting the Republicans shut the government down was a good idea though for reasons different than what Senator Schumer articulated in his statement last night (please read it). To me the most compelling reason to pass the CR and keep the government funded is that WE ARE NOT ADEQUATELY PREPARED for the fight that would have ensued. Simply, Senator Schumer has failed to use these last few months to start forging his team into an effective fighting force. The decision not to use the most outrageous Trump nominees to test new tactics, introduce new arguments and upgrade Senate and House comms was one of the biggest political mistakes I’ve seen since I came to Washington more than 30 years ago. 6 million people could have been put to work making the case in every state and district against these outrageous nominees. We could have leaned on Dems to lead protests in red states, putting pressure on the wobbly Rs, and start building our political muscle for future battles - as the House Dems are doing right now. Ads could have runs in red states - as House Dems are doing right now. This decision to not use these nominees to start understanding how to fight Trump was not a strategic decision - it was one based on an antiquated understanding of how the game is played these days. And it was wrong, leaving us inadequately prepared to mount a serious fight over the terrible CR and Trump’s ongoing assault on our government and our Constitutional order.

II think the entire post is a must read -- he points out a number of positive signs (like members of the House and AGs stepping up) and provides some "marching orders" for the folks out here.
https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/old-dogs-and-new-tricks-a-letter

Our Democratic electeds are a long way away from being the "fighting force" we need, but I am encouraged to hear more of them are out there trying new things. I think it is sinking in that they must recreate themselves. They are figuring out that their skills as "legislators" or "administrators" are fine, but those are not the skills or capacities we need from them in the current crisis. What we need are information warriors. As Simon points out, serious investment in revamping and expanding Senate and House comms operations -- particularly the Senate -- is way overdue. I hold out hope they will get on the stick because if they don't ... too awful to think about. All we can do is keep pushing them to start acting with the level of urgency and ferocity the 47 crisis demands.

It is not all doom and gloom on the social media front either. There are signs the reach of sane voices is growing. For example, the news that the MeidasTouch podcast has left Joe Rogan in the dust. I don't know if that is driven by our success in getting louder or growing anger at 47 bringing in viewers, but whichever it is, it is good to hear.