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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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).
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?
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
Kelly speaks with two Democratic women running for office: Brianna Westbrook, who is running for the State Senate in Arizona LD22; and Alexandra Chandler, who is running for US Congress in Massachusetts District 3. They discuss their backgrounds and reasons for running for office, along with the state of the races and the issues they … Continue reading PODCAST: Brianna Westbrook & Alexandra Chandler, on Two Broads Talking Politics Ep. 104
Kelly and Sophy talk the politics of Minnesota with Laurie Wolfe, co-leader of Indivisible MN03, including the many interesting elections to watch in the upcoming primary. Then they chat with with Kirsten Kennedy, candidate for Congress from Minnesota's 8th Congressional District (30:15-57:40), and Ian Todd, candidate for Congress from Minnesota's 6th Congressional District (58:32-1:15:06).
Kelly spoke with two Democratic nominees for US Congress in Ohio, both facing long-time Republican incumbents: Ken Harbaugh in the Ohio 7th District running against Bob Gibbs (00:28-12:58) and Janet Garrett in the Ohio 4th District running against Jim Jordan (13:49-29:22). Both Ken and Janet are November Democrats.
Lisa Brown, Democratic Candidate for WA-05, on how she'll take on the pay-to-play system when she replaces Cathy McMorris Rodgers in Congress. I hear from people in every part of eastern Washington that they’re frustrated with a dysfunctional Congress and don’t feel like their representatives are working for them. It’s the same sentiment across the … Continue reading Dysfunctional Congress
In the 100th episode of Two Broads Talking Politics, Kelly talks with Saskia Young, Director of Swing Left Academy about what the Academy is and how it trains organizers to get out and do the groundwork of campaigning, and about the importance of canvassing. Then Sophy interviews Kelly about her experience going out canvassing with … Continue reading PODCAST: Two Broads Talking Politics, Episode 100: CANVASSING! with Saskia Young
I'm Sharice Davids. I want to fight in Congress for health and well-being of the people of Kansas' 3rd Congressional District. My story: Today, too many people have the odds stacked against them. I know what that’s like. But even when I didn’t have much, I still had opportunity. Because of my mom’s service in … Continue reading WATCH: “My Story” by Sharice Davids
Sophy and Kelly talk with Grace Caldara, the Director of Engagement at Pantsuit Nation, about how Pantsuit Nation went from a small Facebook group for a few friends to a secret 2016 election support group to a national organization with a voice in our post-2016 political life.
Harnessing the flood of activists coming via groups like Swing Left and Indivisible can be a challenge. The Katie Hill CA-25 campaign shows how to maximize enthusiasm.In the good old days – B.D. (before Donald) – Democratic candidates for the U.S. House could count on one hand the kind of organizations they could turn to … Continue reading A Good Problem: Many Democratic Campaigns Are Awash in Blue Wave Volunteers
Sophy and Kelly talk with three Democratic women running for State Assembly in Wisconsin, all facing Republican incumbent men: Alyson Leahy in the 85th Assembly District (00:31-15:54); Lillian Cheesman in the 15th Assembly District (16:42-37:44); and Erin Tracy in the 40th Assembly District (38:20-39:46).
Democratic Candidate in MN-08, Kirsten Kennedy, on our moral imperative to welcome asylum seekers and enact open-hearted immigration policies. Last summer, my eldest daughter spent two and a half months working and interpreting in a refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesvos. Despite her short stay, her weekly emails and personal accounts opened our … Continue reading Give Us Your Tired, Your Poor
Two Broads Talking Politics talks with three Democratic nominees for Congress in Utah, all facing Republican incumbents: Shireen Ghorbani in the Utah 2nd district (00:35-21:30); James Courage Singer in the Utah 2rd district (22:20-45:55); and Lee Castillo in the Utah 1st district (46:26-1:04:07). Episode also available via podcatcher apps like Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify, … Continue reading Podcast: Two Broads Talking Politics, Episode 96: The Utah Democrats
Democratic Candidate Kirsten Kennedy (MN-08), on the problem of money in our politics, and what we should do about it. The majority of Americans want big money out of politics, so do I. We’ve wanted it for a very long time. Candidates since 2010 have pledged to end Citizens United, yet it’s still here. So … Continue reading Money is as Money Does: The Catch-22 of Big Money in Politics
Two Broads Talking Politics talks with Sean Casten, respected scientist, clean energy entrepreneur, author, and Democratic nominee for Congress in the Illinois 6th district, a district Hillary Clinton won by 7 points in 2016. They talk climate change, government regulation, immigration reform, and the unpopularity of the Republican incumbent. Episode also available via podcatcher apps … Continue reading PODCAST: Two Broads Talking Politics, Episode 95: Sean Casten
My name is Justin DeWitt and this is the story of the land I love and why I’m taking a stand on it for the love of what I believe to be true. I am not a politician. I am a surveyor. And as I surveyor I know floodplains can’t be lobbied into not flooding. … Continue reading WATCH: The Land I Love
Trump's steep tariffs risk $83 billion in revenue for Louisiana businesses. Democrat Justin Dewitt will defend the people of LA-06. The growing Trade War hurts everyone, but Louisiana most of all. Steep tariffs on steel and aluminum now threaten thousands of working and middle class jobs at ports across Louisiana, putting at risk more than … Continue reading I’m Fighting Alongside Louisiana’s Working Class
Associate Editor Keith Pochick offers some critical planks for a Dem platform that would frame the party's values. “If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.” -- Thomas Paine. The 2018 midterms are rapidly approaching and Democratic enthusiasm is higher than most of us can ever … Continue reading Creating A Strong, Cohesive Democratic Platform
Democratic Candidate Brett Pransky (OH-77) explains why moral appeals won't work with Trump: he values political wins over human life. Before we begin, I’d like to ask a small favor. Reach into your pocket, a desk drawer, or that cup we all keep in our cars, and grab a quarter. Look at it. Both sides. … Continue reading Transactional Humanity
I knew from an early age what made me different. I knew, too, how it could impact my future when I watched my home state pass a constitutional amendment saying I couldn’t get married. I knew, also, what needed to change so my love would be accepted and treated fairly. Since watching that wave of … Continue reading Being a Gay Democrat in the South
Democrats have to thread the needle by both acknowledging past failures and unifying to preserve and protect American democracy from Trumpism. A debate has been unfolding in the Resistance. It's a debate we’ve avoided, but one we've needed for a while, because wave elections, like the one we need to put this country back on … Continue reading The Party of Inclusion
Catherine Krantz, US House Candidate in TX-04, shares what she's hearing on the trail: Texas is ready for legalization. Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in the world. 150 million users worldwide according to the World Health Organization. In Town Halls all across northeast Texas, Texans of all kinds ask me about legalizing cannabis. … Continue reading Legalizing Marijuana in Texas: Shockingly Non-Controversial
Today, on our nation's birthday, I’m releasing my plan and priorities for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District It’s never easy to pick the primary concerns you’re going to work on in Congress, and we certainly aren’t dismissing any other important issues. But all roads to a better district, state, and nation have to start somewhere, and … Continue reading My Priorities for Minnesota’s 8th District and America
America is a majestic ship, constructed in the late 1700s ― worn-in, but still seaworthy. We (the passengers) co-own the vessel and hire the crew. For the most part, we agree on certain things: people should have a right to live peacefully; we should come together in times of distress and when our values are … Continue reading Our Sinking Ship of State: A Metaphor
But do postcards motivate voters? And how do ‘postcarders’ stay on the right side of FEC rules? DWP writer Marcy Miroff Rothenberg explores... It began modestly in early 2017, when Americans who were opposed to the nominations of Jeff Sessions as U.S. Attorney General and Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education answered a plea from … Continue reading Old is New Again, as Activists Use Handwritten Postcards For Voter Outreach
This is high-stakes political chess. Mueller, the 2018 elections, the preservation of democracy, and even impeachment are all factors in a Democratic response strategy to Trump's SCOTUS pick. Donald Trump got a huge political win when Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement last week. As soon as the news came out, Democrats everywhere let out … Continue reading Trump Already Won on SCOTUS, but Democrats Can Win the War
Kirsten Kennedy is a Democratic hopeful for the open seat in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District. The primary will be held on August 14th. Hi... my name is Kirsten Kennedy and I am running to be the first Congresswoman from Minnesota's 8th Congressional District. Minnesota's 8th is a beautiful part of our great state - it … Continue reading Hi. I’m Kirsten Kennedy, and I’m Running for Congress.
During the 2018 midterm elections, Democrats could easily entangle themselves in the never-ending web of Trump ethical scandals, trying to pin their Republican opponents down through "guilt by association". Every day, the President dishonors the office he holds, prompting public outcry – as well as outraged responses from Democratic lawmakers and Democrats running for office. … Continue reading To Flip Congress, Democratic Candidates Need to Focus on Local Issues
Daryl Boling, candidate for the PA State House (D-152), shares his eloquent, no-nonsense plan for curbing gun violence in America. In the wake of the Parkland shooting — and the subsequent shaking of our nation’s ethical compass for gun safety, particularly as it guides us toward better protection of our children and families — it is poignant and telling … Continue reading And the Children Will Lead Them All…
OH-02 Democratic nominee Jill Schiller shines a light on her opponent's tacit approval of the Trump policy that led to the separation of children and parents. (Originally published in the Chillicothe Gazette, 6/22/18) Like so many Americans, I have been appalled by images of children being rounded up along our southern border and separated from … Continue reading Wenstrup Failed Ohioans by Looking the Other Way on “Zero Tolerance”
CA-25 Democrats end a competitive primary by vowing to unite behind Katie Hill, against Trump rubber-stamp Steve Knight. If there’s one good thing to come out of the moral, ethical, diplomatic and policy disaster that is the Donald Trump presidency, it’s that grassroots Democrats seem determined not to let a Hillary-versus-Bernie battle to the death … Continue reading California Democrats Unite To Win
Democrat Mike Siegel means business. Today he announces a new CROWDPAC effort aimed at igniting young voters & "reclaiming" TX-10 from Michael McCaul. According to Cook Political Report, Texas' 10th Congressional District has a Partisan Voting Index rating of R+9, meaning that the district is roughly 9 points to the right of the general electorate. … Continue reading “Let’s Clean House”
Peter Joffrion, Democratic Nominee in Alabama's 5th Congressional District, on why he's the candidate of the people that Alabamians need. An aging cohort of North Alabama workers are worried about their ability to retire. Empty factories are scattered across our district’s rural areas. Families are dodging bankruptcy due to the mounting costs of medical bills … Continue reading North Alabama Deserves Better
Najaah Daniels, Campaign Manager for NV-04 candidate Pat Spearman (D), reflects on Spearman's strength & readiness to lead. For·ti·tude: courage in pain or adversity. My commitment to public service began 15 years ago. Although 10 years old at the time, I experienced intense tribulation. I have vivid memories of trips to battered women’s shelters, methadone … Continue reading Democrat Pat Spearman Embodies Fortitude Beyond Fear
Eight states will identify nominees across 85 US House races on Tuesday, 6/5. Here's what to watch for. One-fifth of all House races across the country will nominate Democratic and Republican standard-bearers this Tuesday, in the biggest 2018 election prior to November 6th. Of the 85 races where nominations are up for grabs, 30 of … Continue reading June 5th is 2018’s Super Tuesday. Here are the Races to Watch.
Harley Rouda has earned an avalanche of endorsements - everyone from the local Indivisible chapter to national progressive organizations.California’s 48th Congressional District has been the source of drama on the left this election cycle, with reports of “infighting” between the camps of two contenders – businessman Harley Rouda and stem cell scientist Hans Keirstead. These … Continue reading In the Battle for Endorsements, Rouda Trounces Keirstead in CA-48
I'm Sharice Davids, and I'm running for US Congress to unseat Kevin Yoder in Kansas' 3rd District. Here's why I'm going to win. I don’t look like your typical Congressman. But your typical Congressman doesn’t look like America. When I look at our current Congressional leadership, I see a homogeneous group of mostly wealthy, mostly … Continue reading I’m in it to Win it. Join Me.
Democrat Sharice Davids, running for Congress in KS-03, channels the passion and frustration of Americans in her inspiring first ad. Watch out, Kevin Yoder. Sharice Davids is coming for your job, and she seems like kind of a badass. Yes, Sharice went to Cornell Law and was a White House Fellow. But did you know … Continue reading WATCH: “The Fighter” – The Best Political Ad of 2018
Young or old, black or brown, unemployed or barely hanging on...you may feel abandoned. But you're not. Hang in there. As I’ve been thinking about the coming 2018 Election and potential blue wave, I haven’t been able to shake the image of a strong, brave polar bear on an ice floe, in the middle of … Continue reading An American Sea Change
On Twitter, users have historically been able to go through a process to get "verified" by submitting a request to Twitter support. If granted, users get a nifty blue check mark next to their name that is meant to prove that they are indeed who they purport to be. This has helped guard against … Continue reading How Political Candidates Can Get Verified on Twitter
