From coast to coast, Republicans are refusing to debate their Democratic opponents. A race-by-race rundown of the most egregious cases of debate-dodging.
Articles
Putin’s Information Operations Spread Discordant Ideologies Abroad
Russia doesn't really have a distinct ideology, instead appealing to base human feelings and instincts to evoke an emotional reaction and control the masses. Sound familiar? This piece was originally published in The Kyiv Post When speaking about modern Russian ideology, most experts agree that it, as such, simply does not exist. I have already noted … Continue reading Putin’s Information Operations Spread Discordant Ideologies Abroad
PODCAST: Alessandra Biaggi, Caitlin Clarkson Pereira & Christina Sappey (Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 118)
Sophy and Kelly speak with three women running for their state legislatures: Alessandra Biaggi, who is running for New York State Senate in District 34 (00:35-25:20); Caitlin Clarkson Pereira, who is running for Connecticut State House District 132 (26:30-51:18); and Christina Sappey, who is running for Pennsylvania State House District District 158 (52:09-1:09:00).
Call Senators & Tell Them to Postpone the Kavanaugh Vote
Your Action Call your Senators and tell them to insist a vote on the Kavanaugh nomination by the Senate Judiciary Committee be postponed until the sexual assault allegation can be fully evaluated. Background Everyone knew Brent Kavanaugh was an extremely conservative judge when he was nominated, raising serious questions about the future of Roe v. … Continue reading Call Senators & Tell Them to Postpone the Kavanaugh Vote
How to Make Trump into the Anchor that Sinks Republicans in November
Trump may not be on the ballot in 2018 but he can still drag down his party's chances at the midterm elections. The Navigator has tested several messages and learned that while several work to enthuse Democrats, many have the side effect of not being effective with Independents. If we're going to have a blue wave, … Continue reading How to Make Trump into the Anchor that Sinks Republicans in November
Chronicles of an Outsider: Volume 3
The month of August presented so many topics to discuss. I provide this series as a way to look at these topics from a different set of eyes. My aim is to create an open and insightful dialogue, and remind everyone that in some way or another, we have all been on the outside. CHICAGO … Continue reading Chronicles of an Outsider: Volume 3
PODCAST: Spread the Vote with Kat Calvin (Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 121)
Download | iTunes | Spotify Sophy and Kelly speak with Kat Calvin, the founder of a 501c3 nonprofit called Spread the Vote, that helps eligible voters obtain government-issued photo IDs. They discuss the difficulties and expenses that people can face in obtaining photo IDs to vote, how Spread the Vote connects with people who need IDs in five states, … Continue reading PODCAST: Spread the Vote with Kat Calvin (Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 121)
Black and White
With high-profile victories by African Americans in the Florida and Georgia Democratic gubernatorial primaries, and as the campaign season heats up – we grit our teeth with the knowledge that this could get ugly. Ron DeSantis and Brian Kemp are Republicans primed to run race-baiting campaigns against Andrew Gillum and Stacey Abrams. Hopefully the elections … Continue reading Black and White
PODCAST: Andrew Janz, Jessica Morse & Julia Peacock (Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 119)
The road to taking back the House goes through California. Sophy and Kelly speak with three Democratic nominees for Congress in California: Andrew Janz in CA-22 (00:29-16:13); Jessica Morse in CA-04 (16:54-35:24); and Julia Peacock in CA-42 (36:33-1:02:39).
Tell the Senate NO to the Perjuring, Corrupt Judge Kavanaugh
Your Action Call your Senators at (202) 224-3121 and tell them to vote NO on Judge Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court. Background Everyone knew Brett Kavanaugh was an extremely conservative judge when he was nominated, raising serious questions about the future of Roe v. Wade, the pre-existing coverage provision of the ACA, affirmative action … Continue reading Tell the Senate NO to the Perjuring, Corrupt Judge Kavanaugh
Blue Wave Status Report: Two Months Left to Flip It Blue
Exactly two months from today - on November 6th, 2018 - Americans will cast their ballots and decide whether we're still serious about maintaining a democracy that adheres to the rule of law. In this article, we present a comprehensive list of US Congressional candidates from the most competitive races. Be sure to click over … Continue reading Blue Wave Status Report: Two Months Left to Flip It Blue
PODCAST: Lorie Burch & Linsey Fagan (Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 117)
Kelly speaks with two Democratic nominees for Congress from Texas: Lorie Burch in TX-03 and Linsey Fagan in TX-26. They talk grassroots campaigning with small-dollar donations, running in traditionally Republican districts, transparency and accountability, Elvis, and the less glamorous side of campaigning.
Candidate Interview: Shannon Souza, Oregon SD-01: Poverty, Logging & More
Southwest Oregon is Trump Country. As the Democratic nominee for the Oregon State Senate, District 1, Shannon Souza hopes to buck the trend and join the “Blue Wave.” In one of the most conservative areas of Oregon, Souza will face incumbent Republican Dallas Heard in the general election on Nov. 6. While we have been … Continue reading Candidate Interview: Shannon Souza, Oregon SD-01: Poverty, Logging & More
WATCH: California Democrats Attack the GOP Culture of Corruption
Recent spots from CA candidates Andrew Janz, Ammar Campa-Najjar, Harley Rouda & Mike Levin show Democrats' willingness - and even eagerness - to call out corruption. Conspiracies. Cover-ups. Campaign finance fraud. Ponzi schemes. This election year may turn on Democrats' ability to expose GOP corruption and cast themselves as the sane and principled party that … Continue reading WATCH: California Democrats Attack the GOP Culture of Corruption
How We Start Supporting Workers, Again
In this Labor Day Op-Ed, CA-39 Democratic nominee Gil Cisneros lays out his priorities intended to lift up the American worker. “It is one of the characteristics of a free and democratic modern nation that it have free and independent labor unions. . . When union workers assemble with freedom and independence in a convention like this, … Continue reading How We Start Supporting Workers, Again
The Intersection of Racism, Climate Change & Environmental Deregulation
Back in April, I had the fortunate opportunity to speak at the 2018 Democratic Gala of DuPage County. The keynote speaker at this event was the mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulin Cruz. I was blown away by her poise and ability to captivate the entire room. As she recalled the events of Hurricane Maria, … Continue reading The Intersection of Racism, Climate Change & Environmental Deregulation
Democratic Unity – The Only Way to Create a Blue Wave
Associate Editor Keith Pochick walks us convincingly through the critical importance of Democratic unity in 2018. A must-read Op-Ed. “A prison administrator dealing with captured American enlisted men for the first time should be warned: Expect no brotherly love, even between brothers. There will be no cohesion between the individuals. Each will be a sulky … Continue reading Democratic Unity – The Only Way to Create a Blue Wave
Why Russian “Soft Power” is Much More Dangerous Than Western “Soft Power”
Analyzing Moscow's efforts to undermine Western democracies, we can identify its several main channels of influence. Among them are propaganda (both broadcasting their own media to foreign audiences and bribing the local media), bribing officials and politicians, building corrupt ties through business lobbies, and working with various segments of the population to exacerbate friction, dissatisfaction … Continue reading Why Russian “Soft Power” is Much More Dangerous Than Western “Soft Power”
Massachusetts: Vote Yes on 3 to Answer the Call of Equality and History
After the 2016 election, my wife and I did a lot of soul-searching, as did many Americans. The election results reminded us of the unpredictability of life and warned us not to take the future for granted. We acted on that and decided to finally move our family to Massachusetts. We wanted our sons to … Continue reading Massachusetts: Vote Yes on 3 to Answer the Call of Equality and History
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose: It’s Time to Focus on the Midterms
What can YOU do to impact the Special Counsel Investigation? Not much. What can YOU do to ensure that an opposition party gets elected to provide a check on Trump? Everything. Use your time wisely. Over the next 70 days, there will undoubtedly be a firestorm of news. Indictments. Denials. Disinformation. Indignation. Firings. Litigation. Subpoenas. … Continue reading Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose: It’s Time to Focus on the Midterms
Lessons of Governmental Failures in Protecting our Water
Half a century ago, Pennsylvania native Rachel Carson authored “Silent Spring” and, for all Americans, stirred the consciousness and brought into sharp focus the environmental destructiveness and widespread poisoning of wildlife resulting from governmentally-sanctioned pesticides. Unfortunately, we are discovering all too late the degree to which our national leadership has lost its focus. And governmental … Continue reading Lessons of Governmental Failures in Protecting our Water
Dissent as a Patriotic Act of Faith
Throughout our history as a nation, when Americans realize the laws of our country and the values of our country do not coincide, we make our dissatisfaction known. This was true of the men and women who rebelled against the British Crown and remains a part of our cultural heritage to this day. Since the … Continue reading Dissent as a Patriotic Act of Faith
Urgent CTA: Protect Mueller – Reps Must Vote No on Rosenstein Contempt
Your Action Call your Republican representative and tell them to vote NO on Rosenstein contempt. Background Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) never expected their July threat to impeach Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein to succeed. It was a procedural move that didn’t require Speaker Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) consent. … Continue reading Urgent CTA: Protect Mueller – Reps Must Vote No on Rosenstein Contempt
PODCAST: Ohio’s Aftab Pureval & Dr. Vanessa Enoch – Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 114
Kelly speaks with two Democratic nominees for Congress in Southwestern Ohio: Aftab Pureval in the 1st Congressional District (00:27-17:22); and Dr. Vanessa Enoch in the 8th Congressional District (18:38-41:14). They discuss the concerns of the districts and the state of the races.
Thoughts From Coal Country
Trump intends to roll back regulations on the coal mining industry even farther. Environmental implications aside, propping up coal will economically and socially devastate our communities. If you grew up in the rust belt like me, you know what hopelessness looks like: crumbling infrastructure, charred landscapes, and despondent residents who love to talk about “back … Continue reading Thoughts From Coal Country
The Trauma of Parental Separation Can Last a Lifetime
700 children are still separated from their families. The long-term impacts will devastate them. I know, because it happened to me. When I was a baby I was separated from my parents. The details of the story are lost, but I do know that when I was days or weeks old I was left in … Continue reading The Trauma of Parental Separation Can Last a Lifetime
PODCAST: Senate Candidate Jenny Wilson (UT) – Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 113
Kelly speaks with Jenny Wilson, Salt Lake County Councilwoman and candidate for US Senate from Utah. They discuss Jenny's deep connection to Utah, the changing politics of the state, how big money has a corrupting influence on federal politics, women in Utah politics, and raising children in this political environment. This podcast can also be … Continue reading PODCAST: Senate Candidate Jenny Wilson (UT) – Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 113
PODCAST: Mayor Ted Terry & Maureen Shaw – Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 111:
Kelly talks to Ted Terry, Mayor of Clarkston, Georgia (00:27-30:04), and Maureen Shaw, candidate for Borough Council in Allendale, New Jersey (30:56-50:30). They discuss the challenges and rewards of small town politics and the increased progressive energy they see.
Democrats Need a Louder Message
Given the GOP's ongoing assault on Democracy, Americans need a strong alternative to Trumpism. And it needs to be louder, because I don't hear it. I am a Democrat, and I want our party to win and stand for something. Unfortunately, due in part to the coverage that the media provides, I really don’t see … Continue reading Democrats Need a Louder Message
Resistance Movements in Russia & the U.S.: Similarities and Differences
Russian journalist Kseniya Kirillova explores how vulnerabilities in the American resistance movement are similar to - and different than - those in Russia's opposition movement. This piece was originally published in The Loyal Opposition In 2015, I wrote an article in which I explored the primary methods that Russian propaganda uses to try to discredit the Russian opposition, … Continue reading Resistance Movements in Russia & the U.S.: Similarities and Differences
URGENT: Randolph County, GA Needs Immediate Help to Stop GOP Suppression!
There is an IMMEDIATE need for volunteers to canvass and contact the people of Randolph County to obtain 900 signatures. If you live near Randolph County PLEASE sign up to help canvass for signatures tomorrow! If you would like to assist in funding the effort to keep these polling places open, you can donate to … Continue reading URGENT: Randolph County, GA Needs Immediate Help to Stop GOP Suppression!
Call the Senate about the Secure Elections Act by 8/22 to Protect Our Votes
The Senate Rules Committee will begin deliberations about the Secure Elections Act this Wednesday, August 22, 2018. The bill must be amended to protect our votes. This Wednesday, August 22, 2018, the Senate Rules Committee will consider amendments to the Secure Elections Act. Please contact all members of the Senate Rules Committee (contact info linked … Continue reading Call the Senate about the Secure Elections Act by 8/22 to Protect Our Votes
WATCH: Democrat Jamie McLeod-Skinner’s Amazingly Effective Ad
The Oregon Democrat, running a phenomenal campaign in OR-02 to defeat Greg Walden, is showing Democrats across the country how to connect with rural voters. And mean it. Oregon's 2nd Congressional District is huge, covering well over half of the square mileage of the 9th largest state in the union. Most people think of … Continue reading WATCH: Democrat Jamie McLeod-Skinner’s Amazingly Effective Ad
PODCAST: Teachers Running for Office – Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 108
Sophy and Kelly speak with three teachers running for their state legislatures. First Sophy talks to Christine Porter Marsh, who is running for State Senate in Arizona LD 28 (00:30-19:41); then Kelly chats with Carri Hicks, who is running for State House in Oklahoma House District 40 (20:17-41:49); finally Sophy speaks with Craig Hoxie, who … Continue reading PODCAST: Teachers Running for Office – Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 108
Want Better Government? Survey Says: Vote for Women.
Studies, real-life experience show that more women in power equals better leadership, better policy, better outcomes. The numbers are nigh unto astonishing. Women, reported FiveThirtyEight.com on Aug. 10, are competing in 69 percent of open Democratic Congressional primaries this year (races in which there’s no incumbent Democrat). As of that date, women had won 65 … Continue reading Want Better Government? Survey Says: Vote for Women.
#StandOnEveryCorner Launches National Website
Americans Go Offline, Embrace Neighborhood Democracy Movement 13: Practice corporeal politics Power wants your body softening in your chair & your emotions dissipating on the screen. Get outside. Put your body in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people. Make new friends & march with them. - Timothy Snyder - On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons I believe the … Continue reading #StandOnEveryCorner Launches National Website
PODCAST – The Constitution Demands It: The Case for Impeachment, w/ John Bonifaz (Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 109)
Kelly and Sophy talk to John Bonifaz, Co-Founder and President of Free Speech For People, and Co-Author of The Constitution Demands It: The Case for the Impeachment of Donald Trump. In the book, Bonifaz, and co-authors, Ron Fein and Ben Clements, lay out the grounds for impeaching Trump now, and explain why we should not wait for … Continue reading PODCAST – The Constitution Demands It: The Case for Impeachment, w/ John Bonifaz (Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 109)
DEF CON Hackers Take Aim at Voting Systems, and the Results Are Terrifying
Last year, in the wake of the 2016 election hacking and interference, DEF CON, one of the world’s largest hacking conventions, created The Vote Hacking Village (“Voting Village”). During its inaugural event the Voting Village successfully hacked one voting machine in 90 minutes. In less than one day the hackers discovered and exploited vulnerabilities in … Continue reading DEF CON Hackers Take Aim at Voting Systems, and the Results Are Terrifying
Free-College-For-All Would Benefit the Capitalist System
Equal access to the employment marketplace through educational access would help maximize free-market competition. Very few people ever have the privilege to work for the sake of pleasure or passion. Work is something we pursue in order to sustain society and life, and in most systems this pursuit is considered a virtue. Realistically, this is … Continue reading Free-College-For-All Would Benefit the Capitalist System
PODCAST: The Ohio House, w/ Cassimir Svigelj, Jeff Richards, & Brett Pransky – Two Broads Talking Politics
Sophy and Kelly speak with three Democratic nominees for the Ohio House: Cassimir Svigelj, who is running for the 16th District (00:28-19:38); Jeff Richards, who is running for the 66th District (20:17-45:47); and returning guest Brett Pransky, who is running for the 77th District (46:39-56:51).
Dismantling Republican Faux-Patriotism
One of the more common tropes in modern American politics is the claim that the Republican Party has a monopoly on patriotism. A flag flying in front of a home or a “Support Our Troops” bumper sticker is often assumed to signify the right-wing political affiliation of its owner. However, it’s clear upon deeper reflection … Continue reading Dismantling Republican Faux-Patriotism
PODCAST: The Politics of Louisiana – Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 106
Sophy and Kelly talk the politics of Louisiana with Lamar White, Jr., founder and publisher of The Bayou Brief. Then they chat with Justin DeWitt, Democratic candidate for Louisiana's 6th Congressional District (23:04), and Mimi Methvin, Democratic candidate for Louisiana's 3rd Congressional District (41:51).
WATCH: Alexandra Chandler, the First Transgender US Congressperson?
A brand new & compelling campaign video highlights this fascinating candidate for Congress in Massachusetts' 3rd Congressional District. Alexandra Chandler is an exceptionally qualified candidate for Congress in MA-03. On 9/11, her wife Catherine was deep below Manhattan on the subway when the towers fell. She spent hours in suspense, not knowing if Catherine had … Continue reading WATCH: Alexandra Chandler, the First Transgender US Congressperson?
PODCAST: Bryce Tache & #StandOnEveryCorner – Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 105
Sophy and Kelly speak with activist Bryce Tache, who started the Stand On Every Corner movement to encourage regular American citizens to protest the Trump regime in their home neighborhoods regularly. He has protested in a park near his Minneapolis home every evening 6-7PM for 46 days. At least 40 of these have popped up … Continue reading PODCAST: Bryce Tache & #StandOnEveryCorner – Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 105
Dear Voters of All Affiliations: Thank You For Participating in Democracy
I am about to say something that will make my campaign manager need an aspirin, but: You should always vote for the candidate who YOU believe is the best choice for the office. Always. Even if it is an alternative-party candidate with little chance of winning the election. Because.... Firstly, I am an idealist who … Continue reading Dear Voters of All Affiliations: Thank You For Participating in Democracy
No More Pay to Play in North Alabama
My opponent, Rep. Mo Brooks, is caught up in a pay-to-play scandal with convicted felons. Will he do the right thing and return his dirty campaign donations? In late July, AL.com reporter Kyle Whitmire outlined a massive political scandal in Alabama. According to Whitmire’s article, “It was the greatest astroturfing scheme ever brought to light … Continue reading No More Pay to Play in North Alabama
It’s Time to Rescue Old Glory from Trumpism and the un-American GOP
For too long, the left has allowed the right to own and define our patriotic symbols. But symbols matter. With Trumpism taking hold, the opposition need to fly - and fight for - the American flag. #WeAreThePatriots We’re at a pivot point in American history. The country could either succumb numbly to the expanding darkness, … Continue reading It’s Time to Rescue Old Glory from Trumpism and the un-American GOP
Call Congress! Tell Them To Support the New Russia Sanctions Bill.
Your Action Call your Senators and urge them pass the Menendez/Graham Russia sanctions bill (S. 3336) Background All of Trump’s senior national security officials, in a joint press conference last week, warned that Russia has undertaken “pervasive” efforts to interfere in the 2018 midterms, with both targeted propaganda and attempted hacking of campaign emails. Trump, however, continues … Continue reading Call Congress! Tell Them To Support the New Russia Sanctions Bill.
Some Things Shouldn’t Be For Profit
In this piece, Mike Siegel (Democrat for US Congress in TX-10) takes on the private prison industry - which is profiting immensely off of immigrant family detention. “The billion-dollar industry of detaining immigrant kids.” This one headline poignantly captures the ills of our society. The Trump administration’s family detention policy, which has already caused irreparable harm … Continue reading Some Things Shouldn’t Be For Profit
ACT NOW: One Day Left to Oppose 2020 Census “Citizenship Question”
The US Public has until 11:59pm EST on Tuesday 8/7 to comment on the proposed addition of a Citizenship question to the 2020 Census. Do it. Here's the link. Background Trump officials pushed Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and the Census Bureau to add a question to the 2020 Census that would ask respondents to share … Continue reading ACT NOW: One Day Left to Oppose 2020 Census “Citizenship Question”