Yes! Yes! Yes! So grateful to her for speaking out the truth always and especially in this case. We all need to continue to demand that they be fired for putting our military members at risk, and our national security at risk. They will continue to do so if they are not fired.
For too long, I have taken it for granted that my blue state Senators do the right thing. Now I am paying attention to what Duckworth and Durbin are actually doing, and Duckworth is coming up roses. I first noted that she held the line and voted against all Trump’s nominees except Rubio (she’s probably sorry for that vote now). And her votes since and her outspokenness have reassured me that she will do the right thing.
Not so much Durbin—he makes me anxious, which reminds me to write him to ask him to vote no on his initiative to sunset section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This is not the time to end a free speech provision and play into the hands of the powerful, wealthy and corrupt who will surely use the end of the provision to their advantage. Durbin’s concerns are laudable, but specific and surely there are more targeted ways to address them. https://chicago.suntimes.com/other-views/2025/02/28/durbin-repeal-section-230-legislation-free-speech-social-media-seth-stern
When I told my husband about Durbin’s work on this, in collaboration with Republican Senator Grassley, his reaction was that Durbin’s energies are needed elsewhere. This is not how we need how we need him to be leading right now.
I, too, am ashamed that my two blue state Senators (Schumer and Gillibrand), abjectly caved on the continuing resolution. I both phoned and emailed each of them to urge and then plead with them to put up a strong fight, all to no avail.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth has repeatedly demonstrated that she has the courage, intelligence, integrity and will to fight against the Trump regime's ongoing onslaught against our country's institutions and to fight for the American people. I think that she would be an excellent choice to replace Sen. Schumer as Senate Minority Leader.
NYer here. It's not just the CR. WHERE ARE THEY? (Sorry, not yelling at you!) I call their offices several times a week to ask why we don't see leadership from either. You should see Gillibrand's IG: people are calling her out in comments, but is anyone paying attention? I just called again (you can reach a human at her NY office: 212-688-6262) to say where is she? All I see is IG posts, but no leadership, that she's got to communicate with her constituents, that if she can't show leadership she needs to step down and relinquish her seat to someone who can.
Agree, it's much bigger than just the CR, but that was a red line for me. I appreciate and thank you for letting me know that you were not yelling at me. We need to stick together in this most important fight.
Senator Gillibrand has always been active regarding preserving Social Security and Veterans Administration. She also persisted in getting better legal process for military sexual assault cases. I subscribe to her "New York Minute" which has weekly updates on a variety of issues. How she voted regarding the resolution does not negate all her other work.
"Durbin's energies?" I didn't know he had any. He sure didn't show any when he was the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In fact, he and Garland share the fault for the orange felon becoming president again more than anyone else.
May I, respectfully, submit another name to the infamous list of greasing drumpf's journey to an illegitimate rest home sojourn in The Peoples' House..
mitch mc connell .!
Quisling extraordinaire...take a well deserved bow!
Oh yes, Mitch is definitely #1 on my list, but in this case I was speaking only of Democrats.
To me, all republicons - especially their politicians - have been beneath contempt since Ronald Reagan and his dirty election advertising, not to mention Iran contra.
Must be nice though to live in a state where there is a chance your representatives are listening to you. I live in TN (Blackburn, Hagerty, Kustoff). I can tell you, progressive voices are entirely unheard here. Entirely. I write many nastigrams to these pseudo-persons, and every time I feel hollow and hopeless. Their positions in Congress are safe as can be, with the willfully illiterate and backward thinking triple-Trumper constituency they enjoy.
She is the one of very few with a spine, courage and intelligence to see what is going on and speaking out about it. She has no fear of retribution like so many others. She is a true leader. Her party should be taking notes and be ashamed.
She is a true hero. The rest of the spineless Dems should take lessons from her. I am so tired of them not standing strong against tyranny. Yes that is you…Chuck Schumer and you have waffled so much over the years, you are a disgrace. Without Nancy Pelosi at your side, you couldn’t lead the Senate out of a paper bag. How could just 8 representatives out of more than 200. Have so much hubris to think that they alone would have it right. Pathetic.
Agree that both Jamie Raskin and Chris Murphy have shown their spines to great effect, and that we need leaders like them, Tammy Duckworth and AOC in both houses of Congress.
I am so very tired of reading news articles reporting that Democrats are in disarray and have no one who could effectively take over the position of Senate Minority leader currently held (Ineffectively) by Schumer. Both Senators Duckworth and Murphy are eminently capable of assuming Schumer's minority leadership position, and I would be happy to see either of them do so.
Nay didn't say they were spineless. But the fact is, when we can count on one hand the number of Dems willing to speak up forcefully as this administration tries to drag us into authoritarianism speaks volumes. When we're hearing reports about 'moderate Democrats in the senate' being concerned that AOC and Bernie are leading the public fight, the senate Democratic caucus has a spine problem.
Tammy Duckworth is my hero. She is brave, strong, and fearless, speaks the truth about Trump and Republicans, as well as about Democrats.
You and Nay bring up a few critical points, "If moderate Senate democrats are concerned that Bernie and AOC are leading the public fight, then why aren't these Senators out there? Could it be because they can't draw crowds, or are afraid to speak to the angry and frustrated Democrats, Republicans, and Independents at these rallies, who are desperately craving the leadership and hope that only Sanders and AOC are providing?
Yes, they, promise a different vision of America, with which these voters may or may not agree. But, what they also promise is that they will continue working tirelessly to speak out against Trump and his oligarchs, pull no punches, and do everything in their power, to stop them from destroying our democracy, dismantling our government and all the programs and institutions we depend upon to survive and flourish.
This is no longer about the differences between moderates and liberals, it is about those who are fighting and those who are folding.
And it's surely not about business as usual. They want Democrat leaders and members, who promise and deliver. FYI..."Attendees at the Arizona rallies were the focus group of Sen. Chuck Schumer’s nightmares. They talked about 'backbone' about as often as they talked about 'fascism.'"
Brava, Susan! Spot on! Instead of complaining about Bernie and AOC leading the charge, the mod Dems can get out there with them! Nobody's stopping them, and their constituents, regardless of party label, would be applauding them!
Jane, I can't thank you enough. In a different draft, I actually suggested that all Congressional Democrats should watch and learn from the "Fight the Oligarchy" videos. Actually, watching them is my new hobby when I'm demoralized by Democratic inaction. Democratic voters have been yearning for leadership since the day after the election. And, no one but Bernie and AOC, have stepped forward. You might enjoy the Mother Jones article about the Tempe event. Mike Murphy, who wrote it, is very insightful. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/03/bernie-sanders-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-fight-oligarchy-tour/
This is why we need to be writing/emailing/calling our Democratic leadership as well as those in the Republican Party to "grow spines" and step up. It is no time for acquiescence or complacency. Neither of these tactics will foster the change that we need.
She may have fear, but she doesn't let that stop her from acting and speaking out to defend our veterans and Americans whose voices are not backed by million dollar campaign contributions.
Yes, she is one of the few. The other two politicians who I have heard speak up are Jim Hines, a House Representative from CT, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, the two Senators from CT. My mother was very active in CT politics about 15 years ago and actively campaigned for all three. Both Jim Hines and Chris Murphy had represented a very conservative district in CT (parts of Fairfield County). All three have a lot of integrity and have become a lot more active when Trump came to power. There are other individual Democratic politicians speaking up, as well as criticizing the Democratic Party for not actively fighting the what I call the GOoF (Grand Order of Fascists) party. And let’s not forget Bernie Sanders and AOC, of the progressive wing are still part of the Democratic Party. All are fighting for our Democracy. I know I am missing other Democrats who are speaking up (and criticizing their party). I will throw my support to them but not one nickel to the Democratic Party. There are Democratic state governors and Democratic State AGA’s as well who are taking an active role in fighting back.
We need to separate the wheat from the chaff in the Democratic Party and to use another idiom, don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. I vote in NY and unless the candidate running against Schumer in his next primary is a total dunce, I will be voting against Schumer. 8 years ago, I would not be voting for AOC if she ran against him (I’m socially progressive but a economy centrist). We need her badly at this time. Today I truly hope she does primary him, wins the primary and the general election. know a lot of people would be voting for her. Kirsten Gillibrand also has to go. She needed to go after she went after Al Franken. Our Democratic milquetoast governor also needs to be primaried.
GREAT comment, Elizabeth. Jason Crow of CO has been another powerful voice among the Dems, as has Gov. JB Pritzker of IL and Gov. Tim Walz of MN.
But, when we keep being told by Dems that Trump is an existential threat to this country - and he is - and then we can count on one hand the number of Dems willing to publicly fight that threat, something is wrong with the Democratic caucus. They need an injection of spine! The idea that we can wait until the mid-terms next year to start fighting back is ludicrous.
Gillibrand's a very strong advocate for protecting women (and men) from sexual assault in the military. As such I can understand why she went after Franken. Schumer is the one who forced him out before the Senate Ethics committee investigation Frankenhad asked for could take place not Gillbrand. Gillibrand was trying to protect women from sexual assault. He has still not admitted that his groping women is wrong, only that HE feels bad that people "misunderstood" him. Classic abuser statement. I support addressing this issue when it occurs in Any party.
When the Democratic Party as a whole starts sounding, consistently, like Tammy Duckworth, it may win back my $upport. Otherwise, I am totally done with throwing away my political contributions on a tepid, feeble response to this Orwellian nightmare of the GOPs Project 2025 destruction of our nation.
It’s amazing, isn’t it, they don’t do a damned thing about this yet every day they shamelessly pound us with their begging for more and more. I’m with you, Ed, until they collectively grow a pair and stand up to this shit, they’re not getting another penny from me. What the hell does it take to wake this party up?
I wholeheartedly agree with these comments. I'm sharing a link that was posted this morning in the comments for another Substack. It gives me hope to hear what Chris Murphy has to say -- he has a vision of what the Ds need to do, and Jon Stewart was a perfect engineer for this interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqLfXzzPB0g&t=237s
YES I pissed to get numerous requests for donations everyday. Even from Kamala Harris. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN SINCE CON MAN TOOK OFFICE MONTHS AGO??? Jasmine Crockett has been active and very vocal plus AOC
Call or email your elected Democrats and tell them, personally and very clearly, what you’ve written here. They need to hear from their constituents on this, urgently and forcefully .
I tell my Congresspeople, "Not one more dime from me. Maybe if you feel our complaints in your campaign coffers, you'll grow a pair." And I mean it. Not one more dime from me.
I know how you feel. I wrote the same to Schumer and Gillibrand after they caved to PINO. I feel betrayed by the two senators who I have always believed cared about us, their constituents. And I'm really sick of ACT BLUE's dozen or so daily e-mails asking for more contributions.
I am so done with responding to the endless daily pleas for donations from the Democratic Party, but continue to give directly to candidates I believe will fight and have even the slightest chance of winning.
When and until the DNC comes up with a radically new plan for the party, they're not getting a dime out of me. I give now to those who speak up and speak out only.
Yet, if you don't support Democrats, Trump and the MAGA Party win, and win, and win.
You really have no choice if you want the nightmare to end; support your Democratic leaders. Vote for them. Push them if you have to. But do NOT withhold your vote from them.
I will continue to vote for decent, moral individuals who respect proven fact. In these days of abject moral and intellectual degradation of the Republican Party, that means I will be voting for Democrats. But I refuse to waste my dollars any more. Every new depravity of the Trump/Musk/Project 2025 administration is yet another illustration of the pathetic failures of the Democratic Party. Even Senator Cory Booker’s brave filibuster doesn’t actually do anything concrete.
On a more personal note, I also appreciate her understanding of the real world implications of the Signal scandal for ordinary men and women in uniform.
She's a veteran. She knows bone-deep what was at stake when those profoundly arrogant, profoundly corrupt, profoundly stupid men followed the advice of the Project 2025 crowd, and conducted their business on an "app" whose greatest utility is that it leaves no trace: the record is wiped after a few days, leaving nothing for the archivists or, more importantly, the prosecutors, to pore through. It allows these aspiring authoritarians to do their dirty work under an impenetrable shroud of secrecy (impenetrable, that is, unless you happen to be an agent of a hostile power who has cracked the device and is listening in: it's not that impenetrable from THEIR perspective).
One of my kids served in a battle zone, and if he'd been betrayed like this, from the top--left potentially exposed to hostile fire because the bloomin' Secretary of Defense, a Fox weekend host with a history of drunkenness and abusive behavior, wanted to conduct business like the rest of this vile administration, without leaving a prosecutable trace--I'd be even angrier and more appalled than I already am. On behalf of all the kids out there right now, I feel a mother's rage.
Senator Duckworth is a righteous woman speaking in a righteous voice. More, please.
She was the only Senator at Kegsbreath's hearing to demand he recite the names of ASEAN countries to showcase his profound knowdge of the diolomatic requirements of being Secretary of Defense. He couldn't name even one. "YOU'RE NOT QUALIFIED!" she yelled as he sat there smirking, boasting about some side-issue to distract from the obvious.
At a particular moment, it doesn't matter what you feel, it matters only what you say and what you do. Something a wounded veteran who risked all for her/his country gets implicitly.
Dick Durbin is like Chuck Schumer. Both have been around too long past their sell by date and have lost their edge (and possibly their spines). It's time for them to be replaced.
I'm not buying that. A smart, tough, brave wounded veteran would run rings around Trump or anyone else the Repubs would put up against her. I think she's been the subject of speculation in the past and has been clear in not wanting to run, but I know she'd be my #1 choice and I think she could win.
I hope you're right. I look at the male Gen Z. They are misogynistic.I call them swippers. All they can do is swipe right or up on their phones. Don't know what a book or news paper is. They love PINO'S trash talk. And certain men, of certain cultures, want women to go backwards. I'd love to see Duckworth run.
(I am replying to myself.) I am also a realist. To get the now disillusioned PINO voters, it has to be a tall, (taller candidates have always won since the advent of TV), more middle of the road white male. I know, I know. But the good old USA is in the state it's in due to what Larry Wilmore called Blacklash. Those vicious Republicans who foamed at the mouth when Obama was POTUS for 8 years. That's why we're lumbared with Orange PINO. I could be wrong.
more women in charge would be very helpful...they would not be talking about attacking Greenland. they would be talking about making America greater by attacking America's wealth inequality,homeless problem,reading problem,food insecurity problem, and stuff like that.......
We need more people with spine. Too many people and institutions in this country are showing the spinelessness of the GOP politicos. The law firms. The universities. If we don't stand up against Trump he will not stop with the demands until he has us all on our knees. When people and institutions cave to a dictator, it takes hope away from others and they are more likely to succumb. When people stand up this inspires others to stand up. I wish the April 5 protest (which I will attend and hope you will too) had a motto more along the lines of "Stand Up" or "Resist" rather than "Hands Off." But whatever -- turn out!
Not all law firms and not all universities. see Georgetown and others, speaking out bravely, and the firms defending other firms on these issues. Don’t lump them all together, recognize courage when it manifests. This is the inspiration you seek.
Thomas - the one that I'm attending (in Bennington, Vermont) is focused on: Remove (Corrupt politicians); Reverse (the damages); Reclaim (our democracy). That says it for me! 12 to 1pm on April 5th, Main St @ the 4 Corners (US 7 & Vt 9). If you're close by!
The ABA, the state bar of Michigan, the LA county bar, the New York City Bar have all spoken out for the rule of law but the media coverage has been almost 100% crickets. Shameful. The ABA has made 2 statements, 2/11 and 3/3. The others are later. The NYCBar has gotten many other local and other smaller bar associations to sign on: more than 50 already. Please Substack readers share this neglected story. Every state bar in the country ought to be signing on.
That page was last updated 3/26 so maybe there are more state bars joining by now, but among others, these are surprisingly absent: California, New Jersey, New York and Vermont. If you know or someone you know is an active member of any missing state bar, please urge them to urge their state to join. It ought to be all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico. No state bar should have a problem defending the rule of law!
Totally agree, but after reading in the NYT this morning that Skadden Arps was engaged in discussions with the Trump "administration" even before being hit with an executive "order" targeting the firm (obeying in advance to autocratic threats), I was heartened to learn that both Jenner & Block and Wilmer Hale, two law firms that were in fact targeted by such executive "orders" this week filed lawsuits today to challenge same, following Perkins & Coie's bold lead in being the first to bring such a lawsuit. Kudos to them and to the law firms representing them!
She's a terrific example of new leadership emerging. I messaged both my Senators that I respect Chuck Schemer's past accomplishments, but it's time for change. We cannot win this battle via kindness, podcast, or MSNBC.
Ditto! I did the same. This is not politics as usual. Yesterday Harry Dunn told Jim Acosta that the Dems can't sit back and let the MAGA's destroy themselves. It's not going to work. Michelle Obama's "when they go low, we go high" isn't going to work, either. The Dems have to fight dirty, just at the MAGA's do. There is no other way.
We can revert to 'nice' after we win back majorities in both houses of Congress. Until then, smiles against a hoard with knives will only get us stabbed and sliced. Break out the knives and let the fight be equal.
"Her outspokenness is something we have come to expect, crave, and appreciate. Ever since Trump assumed office, Duckworth has been sounding the alarm and regularly blasting the Musk-Trump serial disasters."
"Assumed" indeed. Trump assumes he is president, but he is president in name only (PINO). Musk is the real president. He owns Trump, bought and paid for by Musk.
The Musk/Trump/Vance administration has done exactly NOTHING positive for the American people. The administration has only spread misery. They have destroyed so much since taking office.
Duckworth tells it like it is. Where are all the other Democrats?
Mitch has to rally more Repubs to do the RIGHT thing to stop this madness. Mitch, JUST DO IT!!
Repubs will either be primaried out or voted out by their constituents. They’re out either way. Better to go out as a patriot 🇺🇸 rather than being complicit in fascism.
To my knowledge, Mitch has never done anything unless he sees it as advantageous to himself. But then that is the problem with most Republican congressmen lately. Self ahead of party ahead of country.
After refusing to convict and remove when the House gave him and his cohorts the impeachment process - twice, and monkeying with the rules (also twice) to foist two Supreme Court Justices of questionable bent upon us, he's no patriot and never will be. He is, however, a lame duck as his retirement is immanent.
Mitch is why we're here. He stacked the Supreme Court and now they've ruled Trump can, to keep it short, do whatever the hell he wants. Plus, Mitch was always good at pandering to the cameras, but destroying the Republic. He had two opportunities to be rid of Trump and he lobbied the other Republicans to keep him. Nah. Mitch can go f himself.
She's a true warrior.
Yes, a true warrior and a patriot. As are the people at the Contrarian and all of us who support them. Kudos and gratitude to all.
Yes! Yes! Yes! So grateful to her for speaking out the truth always and especially in this case. We all need to continue to demand that they be fired for putting our military members at risk, and our national security at risk. They will continue to do so if they are not fired.
For too long, I have taken it for granted that my blue state Senators do the right thing. Now I am paying attention to what Duckworth and Durbin are actually doing, and Duckworth is coming up roses. I first noted that she held the line and voted against all Trump’s nominees except Rubio (she’s probably sorry for that vote now). And her votes since and her outspokenness have reassured me that she will do the right thing.
Not so much Durbin—he makes me anxious, which reminds me to write him to ask him to vote no on his initiative to sunset section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This is not the time to end a free speech provision and play into the hands of the powerful, wealthy and corrupt who will surely use the end of the provision to their advantage. Durbin’s concerns are laudable, but specific and surely there are more targeted ways to address them. https://chicago.suntimes.com/other-views/2025/02/28/durbin-repeal-section-230-legislation-free-speech-social-media-seth-stern
When I told my husband about Durbin’s work on this, in collaboration with Republican Senator Grassley, his reaction was that Durbin’s energies are needed elsewhere. This is not how we need how we need him to be leading right now.
I, too, am ashamed that my two blue state Senators (Schumer and Gillibrand), abjectly caved on the continuing resolution. I both phoned and emailed each of them to urge and then plead with them to put up a strong fight, all to no avail.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth has repeatedly demonstrated that she has the courage, intelligence, integrity and will to fight against the Trump regime's ongoing onslaught against our country's institutions and to fight for the American people. I think that she would be an excellent choice to replace Sen. Schumer as Senate Minority Leader.
NYer here. It's not just the CR. WHERE ARE THEY? (Sorry, not yelling at you!) I call their offices several times a week to ask why we don't see leadership from either. You should see Gillibrand's IG: people are calling her out in comments, but is anyone paying attention? I just called again (you can reach a human at her NY office: 212-688-6262) to say where is she? All I see is IG posts, but no leadership, that she's got to communicate with her constituents, that if she can't show leadership she needs to step down and relinquish her seat to someone who can.
Agree, it's much bigger than just the CR, but that was a red line for me. I appreciate and thank you for letting me know that you were not yelling at me. We need to stick together in this most important fight.
Haha--definitely not yelling at you! And I didn't yell at Gillibrand's poor staffer, either, though I did display emotion. :)
Senator Gillibrand has always been active regarding preserving Social Security and Veterans Administration. She also persisted in getting better legal process for military sexual assault cases. I subscribe to her "New York Minute" which has weekly updates on a variety of issues. How she voted regarding the resolution does not negate all her other work.
They are mine too. Useless. Tammy is a fighter.
I live in TN. Be thankful for what you have representing you in Congress. I am represented by triple-Trumpers.
I greatly appreciate your depth of analysis and commentary. Thank you for raising my awareness about section 230 of the Comunications Decency Act.
"Durbin's energies?" I didn't know he had any. He sure didn't show any when he was the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In fact, he and Garland share the fault for the orange felon becoming president again more than anyone else.
Arkansas Blue....
May I, respectfully, submit another name to the infamous list of greasing drumpf's journey to an illegitimate rest home sojourn in The Peoples' House..
mitch mc connell .!
Quisling extraordinaire...take a well deserved bow!
Oh yes, Mitch is definitely #1 on my list, but in this case I was speaking only of Democrats.
To me, all republicons - especially their politicians - have been beneath contempt since Ronald Reagan and his dirty election advertising, not to mention Iran contra.
Well said...spot on!
Must be nice though to live in a state where there is a chance your representatives are listening to you. I live in TN (Blackburn, Hagerty, Kustoff). I can tell you, progressive voices are entirely unheard here. Entirely. I write many nastigrams to these pseudo-persons, and every time I feel hollow and hopeless. Their positions in Congress are safe as can be, with the willfully illiterate and backward thinking triple-Trumper constituency they enjoy.
She is the one of very few with a spine, courage and intelligence to see what is going on and speaking out about it. She has no fear of retribution like so many others. She is a true leader. Her party should be taking notes and be ashamed.
She is a true hero. The rest of the spineless Dems should take lessons from her. I am so tired of them not standing strong against tyranny. Yes that is you…Chuck Schumer and you have waffled so much over the years, you are a disgrace. Without Nancy Pelosi at your side, you couldn’t lead the Senate out of a paper bag. How could just 8 representatives out of more than 200. Have so much hubris to think that they alone would have it right. Pathetic.
Jamie Raskin and Chris Murphy are hardly spineless. They too have been speaking out. We need leaders like them all in both houses of Congress.
Agree that both Jamie Raskin and Chris Murphy have shown their spines to great effect, and that we need leaders like them, Tammy Duckworth and AOC in both houses of Congress.
I am so very tired of reading news articles reporting that Democrats are in disarray and have no one who could effectively take over the position of Senate Minority leader currently held (Ineffectively) by Schumer. Both Senators Duckworth and Murphy are eminently capable of assuming Schumer's minority leadership position, and I would be happy to see either of them do so.
Nay didn't say they were spineless. But the fact is, when we can count on one hand the number of Dems willing to speak up forcefully as this administration tries to drag us into authoritarianism speaks volumes. When we're hearing reports about 'moderate Democrats in the senate' being concerned that AOC and Bernie are leading the public fight, the senate Democratic caucus has a spine problem.
Tammy Duckworth is my hero. She is brave, strong, and fearless, speaks the truth about Trump and Republicans, as well as about Democrats.
You and Nay bring up a few critical points, "If moderate Senate democrats are concerned that Bernie and AOC are leading the public fight, then why aren't these Senators out there? Could it be because they can't draw crowds, or are afraid to speak to the angry and frustrated Democrats, Republicans, and Independents at these rallies, who are desperately craving the leadership and hope that only Sanders and AOC are providing?
Yes, they, promise a different vision of America, with which these voters may or may not agree. But, what they also promise is that they will continue working tirelessly to speak out against Trump and his oligarchs, pull no punches, and do everything in their power, to stop them from destroying our democracy, dismantling our government and all the programs and institutions we depend upon to survive and flourish.
This is no longer about the differences between moderates and liberals, it is about those who are fighting and those who are folding.
And it's surely not about business as usual. They want Democrat leaders and members, who promise and deliver. FYI..."Attendees at the Arizona rallies were the focus group of Sen. Chuck Schumer’s nightmares. They talked about 'backbone' about as often as they talked about 'fascism.'"
Brava, Susan! Spot on! Instead of complaining about Bernie and AOC leading the charge, the mod Dems can get out there with them! Nobody's stopping them, and their constituents, regardless of party label, would be applauding them!
Jane, I can't thank you enough. In a different draft, I actually suggested that all Congressional Democrats should watch and learn from the "Fight the Oligarchy" videos. Actually, watching them is my new hobby when I'm demoralized by Democratic inaction. Democratic voters have been yearning for leadership since the day after the election. And, no one but Bernie and AOC, have stepped forward. You might enjoy the Mother Jones article about the Tempe event. Mike Murphy, who wrote it, is very insightful. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/03/bernie-sanders-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-fight-oligarchy-tour/
I agree wholeheartedly and I should have mentioned that. There are a couple of others. But the majority are lacking.
This is why we need to be writing/emailing/calling our Democratic leadership as well as those in the Republican Party to "grow spines" and step up. It is no time for acquiescence or complacency. Neither of these tactics will foster the change that we need.
She may have fear, but she doesn't let that stop her from acting and speaking out to defend our veterans and Americans whose voices are not backed by million dollar campaign contributions.
Yes, she is one of the few. The other two politicians who I have heard speak up are Jim Hines, a House Representative from CT, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, the two Senators from CT. My mother was very active in CT politics about 15 years ago and actively campaigned for all three. Both Jim Hines and Chris Murphy had represented a very conservative district in CT (parts of Fairfield County). All three have a lot of integrity and have become a lot more active when Trump came to power. There are other individual Democratic politicians speaking up, as well as criticizing the Democratic Party for not actively fighting the what I call the GOoF (Grand Order of Fascists) party. And let’s not forget Bernie Sanders and AOC, of the progressive wing are still part of the Democratic Party. All are fighting for our Democracy. I know I am missing other Democrats who are speaking up (and criticizing their party). I will throw my support to them but not one nickel to the Democratic Party. There are Democratic state governors and Democratic State AGA’s as well who are taking an active role in fighting back.
We need to separate the wheat from the chaff in the Democratic Party and to use another idiom, don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. I vote in NY and unless the candidate running against Schumer in his next primary is a total dunce, I will be voting against Schumer. 8 years ago, I would not be voting for AOC if she ran against him (I’m socially progressive but a economy centrist). We need her badly at this time. Today I truly hope she does primary him, wins the primary and the general election. know a lot of people would be voting for her. Kirsten Gillibrand also has to go. She needed to go after she went after Al Franken. Our Democratic milquetoast governor also needs to be primaried.
GREAT comment, Elizabeth. Jason Crow of CO has been another powerful voice among the Dems, as has Gov. JB Pritzker of IL and Gov. Tim Walz of MN.
But, when we keep being told by Dems that Trump is an existential threat to this country - and he is - and then we can count on one hand the number of Dems willing to publicly fight that threat, something is wrong with the Democratic caucus. They need an injection of spine! The idea that we can wait until the mid-terms next year to start fighting back is ludicrous.
I will never forgive her for going after Franken. A Democrat who eats her own.
Gillibrand's a very strong advocate for protecting women (and men) from sexual assault in the military. As such I can understand why she went after Franken. Schumer is the one who forced him out before the Senate Ethics committee investigation Frankenhad asked for could take place not Gillbrand. Gillibrand was trying to protect women from sexual assault. He has still not admitted that his groping women is wrong, only that HE feels bad that people "misunderstood" him. Classic abuser statement. I support addressing this issue when it occurs in Any party.
Thanks Elizabeth for mentioning those who are all in!!!!! You are so right! I am also from NY. WTH!
Well stated! I'm in total agreement!!
When the Democratic Party as a whole starts sounding, consistently, like Tammy Duckworth, it may win back my $upport. Otherwise, I am totally done with throwing away my political contributions on a tepid, feeble response to this Orwellian nightmare of the GOPs Project 2025 destruction of our nation.
It’s amazing, isn’t it, they don’t do a damned thing about this yet every day they shamelessly pound us with their begging for more and more. I’m with you, Ed, until they collectively grow a pair and stand up to this shit, they’re not getting another penny from me. What the hell does it take to wake this party up?
I wholeheartedly agree with these comments. I'm sharing a link that was posted this morning in the comments for another Substack. It gives me hope to hear what Chris Murphy has to say -- he has a vision of what the Ds need to do, and Jon Stewart was a perfect engineer for this interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqLfXzzPB0g&t=237s
Yes. I watched that.
Agreed. No more contributions without true representation.
Ha. You beat me to "grow a pair".
YES I pissed to get numerous requests for donations everyday. Even from Kamala Harris. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN SINCE CON MAN TOOK OFFICE MONTHS AGO??? Jasmine Crockett has been active and very vocal plus AOC
Love Jasmine and AOC is growing into a true leader day by day.
Call or email your elected Democrats and tell them, personally and very clearly, what you’ve written here. They need to hear from their constituents on this, urgently and forcefully .
I tell my Congresspeople, "Not one more dime from me. Maybe if you feel our complaints in your campaign coffers, you'll grow a pair." And I mean it. Not one more dime from me.
I know how you feel. I wrote the same to Schumer and Gillibrand after they caved to PINO. I feel betrayed by the two senators who I have always believed cared about us, their constituents. And I'm really sick of ACT BLUE's dozen or so daily e-mails asking for more contributions.
I am so done with responding to the endless daily pleas for donations from the Democratic Party, but continue to give directly to candidates I believe will fight and have even the slightest chance of winning.
When and until the DNC comes up with a radically new plan for the party, they're not getting a dime out of me. I give now to those who speak up and speak out only.
Yet, if you don't support Democrats, Trump and the MAGA Party win, and win, and win.
You really have no choice if you want the nightmare to end; support your Democratic leaders. Vote for them. Push them if you have to. But do NOT withhold your vote from them.
I will continue to vote for decent, moral individuals who respect proven fact. In these days of abject moral and intellectual degradation of the Republican Party, that means I will be voting for Democrats. But I refuse to waste my dollars any more. Every new depravity of the Trump/Musk/Project 2025 administration is yet another illustration of the pathetic failures of the Democratic Party. Even Senator Cory Booker’s brave filibuster doesn’t actually do anything concrete.
She deserves all the praise.
On a more personal note, I also appreciate her understanding of the real world implications of the Signal scandal for ordinary men and women in uniform.
She's a veteran. She knows bone-deep what was at stake when those profoundly arrogant, profoundly corrupt, profoundly stupid men followed the advice of the Project 2025 crowd, and conducted their business on an "app" whose greatest utility is that it leaves no trace: the record is wiped after a few days, leaving nothing for the archivists or, more importantly, the prosecutors, to pore through. It allows these aspiring authoritarians to do their dirty work under an impenetrable shroud of secrecy (impenetrable, that is, unless you happen to be an agent of a hostile power who has cracked the device and is listening in: it's not that impenetrable from THEIR perspective).
One of my kids served in a battle zone, and if he'd been betrayed like this, from the top--left potentially exposed to hostile fire because the bloomin' Secretary of Defense, a Fox weekend host with a history of drunkenness and abusive behavior, wanted to conduct business like the rest of this vile administration, without leaving a prosecutable trace--I'd be even angrier and more appalled than I already am. On behalf of all the kids out there right now, I feel a mother's rage.
Senator Duckworth is a righteous woman speaking in a righteous voice. More, please.
She was the only Senator at Kegsbreath's hearing to demand he recite the names of ASEAN countries to showcase his profound knowdge of the diolomatic requirements of being Secretary of Defense. He couldn't name even one. "YOU'RE NOT QUALIFIED!" she yelled as he sat there smirking, boasting about some side-issue to distract from the obvious.
At a particular moment, it doesn't matter what you feel, it matters only what you say and what you do. Something a wounded veteran who risked all for her/his country gets implicitly.
Amen!
Amen. Thanks for your praise.
So proud to have such a strong, fierce women from Illinois representing me! She needs to have a word with her colleague, Dick Durbin.
Dick Durbin is like Chuck Schumer. Both have been around too long past their sell by date and have lost their edge (and possibly their spines). It's time for them to be replaced.
Duckworth is like a female version of “Give em hell Harry’ she would make an amazing commander and chief.
This country is too racist for that. There are so many, even women, voters who won't vote for a women. Especially a non Caucasian. Sad.
This country is too racist for that. There are so many, even women, voters who won't vote for a women. Especially a non Caucasian. Sad.
I'm not buying that. A smart, tough, brave wounded veteran would run rings around Trump or anyone else the Repubs would put up against her. I think she's been the subject of speculation in the past and has been clear in not wanting to run, but I know she'd be my #1 choice and I think she could win.
I hope you're right. I look at the male Gen Z. They are misogynistic.I call them swippers. All they can do is swipe right or up on their phones. Don't know what a book or news paper is. They love PINO'S trash talk. And certain men, of certain cultures, want women to go backwards. I'd love to see Duckworth run.
(I am replying to myself.) I am also a realist. To get the now disillusioned PINO voters, it has to be a tall, (taller candidates have always won since the advent of TV), more middle of the road white male. I know, I know. But the good old USA is in the state it's in due to what Larry Wilmore called Blacklash. Those vicious Republicans who foamed at the mouth when Obama was POTUS for 8 years. That's why we're lumbared with Orange PINO. I could be wrong.
She's such a fighter! She puts her male counterparts to shame! They need to man up and show half the courage she has.
more women in charge would be very helpful...they would not be talking about attacking Greenland. they would be talking about making America greater by attacking America's wealth inequality,homeless problem,reading problem,food insecurity problem, and stuff like that.......
I see trump has cancelled food delivery to a food bank in Delaware.........
don't think this is what the MAGAS had in mind....
perhaps the stuff magas thought they were voting for.........
Sen. Duckworth is in the "Best of America" class. Keep this woman warrior safe.
All anti-Trump/Musk demonstration should take place in front of Republican's local offices.
Sit ins?
Lobby their consstituents, donors.
We need more people with spine. Too many people and institutions in this country are showing the spinelessness of the GOP politicos. The law firms. The universities. If we don't stand up against Trump he will not stop with the demands until he has us all on our knees. When people and institutions cave to a dictator, it takes hope away from others and they are more likely to succumb. When people stand up this inspires others to stand up. I wish the April 5 protest (which I will attend and hope you will too) had a motto more along the lines of "Stand Up" or "Resist" rather than "Hands Off." But whatever -- turn out!
Not all law firms and not all universities. see Georgetown and others, speaking out bravely, and the firms defending other firms on these issues. Don’t lump them all together, recognize courage when it manifests. This is the inspiration you seek.
Thomas - the one that I'm attending (in Bennington, Vermont) is focused on: Remove (Corrupt politicians); Reverse (the damages); Reclaim (our democracy). That says it for me! 12 to 1pm on April 5th, Main St @ the 4 Corners (US 7 & Vt 9). If you're close by!
The ABA, the state bar of Michigan, the LA county bar, the New York City Bar have all spoken out for the rule of law but the media coverage has been almost 100% crickets. Shameful. The ABA has made 2 statements, 2/11 and 3/3. The others are later. The NYCBar has gotten many other local and other smaller bar associations to sign on: more than 50 already. Please Substack readers share this neglected story. Every state bar in the country ought to be signing on.
The ABA had now added a third statement, this one collecting the names of all the bar associations (state, local, issue-based) that have signed on.
https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2025/03/bar-organizations-statement-in-support-of-rule-of-law/
That page was last updated 3/26 so maybe there are more state bars joining by now, but among others, these are surprisingly absent: California, New Jersey, New York and Vermont. If you know or someone you know is an active member of any missing state bar, please urge them to urge their state to join. It ought to be all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico. No state bar should have a problem defending the rule of law!
The NYC and NY County bar associations were on the ABA list, but I was shocked that the NY State bar association was not.
Pressure the Federalist Society.
I would like to add that you should read Joyce Vance substack from just now, she lists the brave law firms engaged in fighting back!
Totally agree, but after reading in the NYT this morning that Skadden Arps was engaged in discussions with the Trump "administration" even before being hit with an executive "order" targeting the firm (obeying in advance to autocratic threats), I was heartened to learn that both Jenner & Block and Wilmer Hale, two law firms that were in fact targeted by such executive "orders" this week filed lawsuits today to challenge same, following Perkins & Coie's bold lead in being the first to bring such a lawsuit. Kudos to them and to the law firms representing them!
Absolutely and shame on Skadden!
This is what true courage looks like. Pay attention Chuck.
She's a terrific example of new leadership emerging. I messaged both my Senators that I respect Chuck Schemer's past accomplishments, but it's time for change. We cannot win this battle via kindness, podcast, or MSNBC.
Ditto! I did the same. This is not politics as usual. Yesterday Harry Dunn told Jim Acosta that the Dems can't sit back and let the MAGA's destroy themselves. It's not going to work. Michelle Obama's "when they go low, we go high" isn't going to work, either. The Dems have to fight dirty, just at the MAGA's do. There is no other way.
We can revert to 'nice' after we win back majorities in both houses of Congress. Until then, smiles against a hoard with knives will only get us stabbed and sliced. Break out the knives and let the fight be equal.
"Her outspokenness is something we have come to expect, crave, and appreciate. Ever since Trump assumed office, Duckworth has been sounding the alarm and regularly blasting the Musk-Trump serial disasters."
"Assumed" indeed. Trump assumes he is president, but he is president in name only (PINO). Musk is the real president. He owns Trump, bought and paid for by Musk.
The Musk/Trump/Vance administration has done exactly NOTHING positive for the American people. The administration has only spread misery. They have destroyed so much since taking office.
Duckworth tells it like it is. Where are all the other Democrats?
Senator Duckworth is a true American Hero!
Go Sen Duckworth. Beat senator Chuck Fuckworth
Mc Connell agrees re Ukraine. https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/03/27/congress/mitch-mcconnell-russia-ukraine-peace-00255827
Only takes 3 to flip the House. https://jerryweiss.substack.com/
Mitch has to rally more Repubs to do the RIGHT thing to stop this madness. Mitch, JUST DO IT!!
Repubs will either be primaried out or voted out by their constituents. They’re out either way. Better to go out as a patriot 🇺🇸 rather than being complicit in fascism.
To my knowledge, Mitch has never done anything unless he sees it as advantageous to himself. But then that is the problem with most Republican congressmen lately. Self ahead of party ahead of country.
My experience is that if Elaine says jump, he'll ask how high.
Yup. After she has the $$$.
no, how much
They're Republicans. All we want them to do is disassociate from the axis of evil.
Yes, we do!! If they do that, WE & THEY will survive this mess.
After refusing to convict and remove when the House gave him and his cohorts the impeachment process - twice, and monkeying with the rules (also twice) to foist two Supreme Court Justices of questionable bent upon us, he's no patriot and never will be. He is, however, a lame duck as his retirement is immanent.
Mitch is why we're here. He stacked the Supreme Court and now they've ruled Trump can, to keep it short, do whatever the hell he wants. Plus, Mitch was always good at pandering to the cameras, but destroying the Republic. He had two opportunities to be rid of Trump and he lobbied the other Republicans to keep him. Nah. Mitch can go f himself.
In toldthat the tax collector was on his way to Damascus,,,,,
I'll be grateful if it comes to pass .. and so will the nation.