The MA state legislature has been ranked the least effective of all 50 states. Even with a two year cycle and one party rule, leadership in the legislature manages to strangle most popular bills. Long gone are the days of groundbreaking bills like Romneycare and Same Sex Marriage. Massachusetts has lost its mantle of Democratic leadership. We must demand better, for our state and our nation.
California, like New York, has some very blue districts and some very red. In 2022, Democrats ceded five US House seats in districts that Biden won. That’s the same margin that we lost control of the US House by, we won’t leave these districts behind again. Their primary is March 5, 2024, which will also determine the Democratic nominee for the US Senate.
We the People- MI
From the We the People Michigan Website:
In coming together, we reject the narrative of scarcity—that giving resources to one community in Michigan takes resources away from another—and embrace a narrative of abundance. We reject narratives that pit us against one another and divide us. We believe that we are most powerful when we work together. We believe in empowering communities to determine their own futures and to tell their own stories. We recognize our shared interests, our shared challenges, and our shared destiny. We demand a government that works in the interests of the 99% rather than the 1%.
Vision:
- A Michigan where people have dignity
- A Michigan that is safe and sustainable
- A Michigan that protects democracy
- A Michigan that acknowledges our history
Why Saving Democracy Conversations will Work
This summer I spent visiting with old friends and traveling to Tennessee to meet new activists. I was reading David Peppers’ new book, Saving Democracy, and thinking about how to strengthen our activism for the upcoming elections.
I met new activists in Nashville, preparing for the special legislative session called by the Gov. Lee. There is a lot of energy there – people newly awakening to their political power and learning to use it. They are planning protests and phonebanks. They are teaching people to call their state legislators to demand action. But then they went one step further: talk to your friends and families in red districts. Tell them what is happening, ask them to call!
I met my old friends, Democrats all, but strangely disinterested in national politics. Two I would consider “center left” and they are deeply involved in their own town’s governance and battling trumpies there. But they were uninformed about Biden’s accomplishments, or the terrible straits other states are in. Another friend, a casual voter, voiced the opinion that Trump could beat Biden. But she really didn’t know any details about what has happened the last three years- either advances or defeats.
David Pepper’s major thesis is that to truly solve our democratic crisis, we must use our personal connections to breakthrough to our neighbors. It’s up to us because
- Republicans have leveraged gerrymandering to hobble democratic debate.
- The federal government imperfectly protects our rights.
- The judicial system has been hijacked by radicals using any excuse to fight the culture wars, defined more and more as simply fighting federal control.
- We are basically living in two different countries: One where education and reproductive autonomy are legal and one busy banning black history, queer books, and abortion.
Is there room for persuasion in our polarized nation?
The media enjoys the false narrative that our country is 50/50 red and blue. It makes their horse race and poll reporting simpler and more dramatic. But their ratings frame misses:
- There has been a vast realignment after Trump, with Never Trumpers leaving the Republican party and calling themselves Independent. 49% of Americans now call themselves Independent.
- Even after the largest turnout in a presidential election ever (81 million for Biden and 74 million for Trump, 2.8 million for other), there remains another 80 million people who did not vote.
- There are significant generational differences in voters within the parties. The Brookings Institute details how this generational change is dividing the GOP but uniting Democrats.
- There are significant gender differences in voters. Gen Z women in the U.S. are now 30 percentage points more liberal than their male counterparts
More and more people are describing MAGA as a cult. Please don’t engage with hardcore trumpies, especially on social media. It’s counterproductive: You will never change a cult member’s mind, and you will waste your time and energy. It’s one of the reasons they do disgusting things – they want the outrage to soak up all of people’s energy.
I would like to make it clear that no one is asking you to engage with trumpies, especially on social media.
Messaging as Activism
To advance in the battle for our democracy, we need to take our activism to the next level. And by that, I mean talking to people who say they are Independents or non-voters- in my rough estimate- that is a national footprint of 120 million opportunities. The key is that all of our personal footprints are important pieces of the national electorate. We know these people, and they will be more likely to listen to someone they know. And maybe they will activate their own footprints!
The Non-Voter. Hey, this has been me! I’ve moved a lot, and local and state elections can be baffling when you do that. It’s hard to find information about the people on the ballot, and sometimes even the job is opaque (looking at you Governor’s Council). So sometimes people just don’t vote, or maybe they leave part of the ballot blank (undervoting). In 2020, when I volunteered as a poll worker, a woman came in and yelled at us because there were other races on the ballot. She only wanted to vote for president. Undervoting is quite common.
Nonvoters’ reasons for not voting also include:
- not being registered to vote (29%)
- not being interested in politics (23%)
- not liking the candidates (20%)
- a feeling their vote wouldn’t have made a difference (16%)
- being undecided on whom to vote for (10%)
The Independent: Yes, there are some true independents, but mostly, these are people fleeing partisan negativity. 75% of the time, they lean towards one party or the other, and that shows in their voting. In these conversations, avoid negativity about the other party as the only reason to vote. The media is great at covering bad things – not good at all at talking about accomplishments. Again, listening and sharing values is a great place to start. Then just add in, “I really liked how Biden, the democrats, the candidate helped people by reducing drug prices, reforming student loans, building factories on American soil…. Lots of choices here- even better if it’s policy that helped you or someone you know personally.
The 9-Month Challenge
In the next 9 months, I know you will continue to postcard, text, canvas, phonebank and donate. But we will be giving you the tools to take your activism one step further. It’s small conversations- planting little seeds. You’ll be talking to people you know: family, neighbors, dog walkers, Uber drivers, anyone you interact with. We’ll share some messaging ideas -but remember you are leading with your values and experiences.
All our small conversations will contain the seeds to nudge people, one category at a time.
Your First Assignment
Your first assignment is to start thinking about the policies you care about in terms of your values. Why do you think voting is important? Why do you think climate mitigation is important? Why do you think gun safety is important? What do your values say about the content of education that public schools should offer? The list is different for each of us. Can you memorize a sentence about your values about any topic you want to engage on?
Lastly, I want to draw your attention to the graphic at the top of this article. It’s from an Indivisible workshop on combatting disinformation, and it’s very useful in setting goals and expectations. All our small conversations will contain the seeds to nudge people, one category at a time. Doris Kearns Goodwin, reminiscing about participating in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, said that it was powered by people connecting their private lives to public policy. I believe that is what is missing in a large portion of the electorate, and that working to change that will make a huge difference in 2024. So let’s get started!
Get Energized to Turn State Legislatures Blue
12/2/24 Democratics have 15 state trifectas after the 2024 elections. Defending our state trifectas, slowing radical Repulicans by gaining divided state governments, or even simply breaking Republican veto-proof supermajorities are the best way to protect our fellow Americans, The States Project continues to provide valuable support for these (generally) low dollar races.
2/5/24 After living with Dobbs since June 2022, we really understand the brutality and cruelty of GOP state legislatures. Whether it is refusing miscarrying women medical care, refusing to allow trans people to decide their own destinies, or refusing to expand Medicare, Red states are hurting our fellow Americans.
The States Project identifies impactful seats to champion, and even more importantly, they provide expertise to candidates. Everyday people, like you, form or donate to Giving Circles that consolidate small dollar donations into something meaningful.
Your Local Giving Circle: Swing Blue Alliance is the largest all-volunteer, Democratic grassroots organization headquartered in Massachusetts. We use innovative methods to protect our democracy, work on competitive local and national elections, and strengthen the Democratic party at the grassroots level.
Swing Blue Alliance is partnering with The States Project in 2024 because:
- State legislatures control the how’s and why’s of voting and thus directly affect who is elected to Congress, the Senate and the Presidency.
- It can be a matter of flipping or defending one or two state legislative seats to have a Democratic majority to decide crucial issues such as reproductive rights, public school funding, gun safety laws and voting rights in a state.
- The States Project will leverage our financial contributions to make sure that campaigns follow evidence-based best practices to increase Democratic votes. We can collaborate with other Giving Circles to maximize our financial and political impact.
The States Project’s effectiveness recognized in this New York Times article.
By Christine Brown 2/1/22
Right now many of us are working hard on the 2022 elections to protect and expand our majorities in the House and Senate. This is important work and must be done.
But let’s think ahead to 2024 for a moment.
The disgraced ex-president’s coup attempt only failed because people at all levels, but especially the state and local levels, refused to break the rules. And the radical Republican party is now going all in to either change those rules or replace those people or both.
The essential role of State Legislatures/Melissa Walker (callin.com)
So, while we fight for Congress, we must also devote some time and energy to the states. The good news is that small amounts of money and an influx of volunteers can make a big difference in these races.
TurnPurple2Blue.org has a lot of great ideas on how to support Democrats in state elections. But we especially love this concept of Giving Circles!
Listen to Hubbell’s interview with the Director of Giving Circles for The States Project. The full interview is here: Today’s Edition Podcast, The States Project interview with Melissa Walker.
Thank you for working so hard the last five years. Pat yourself on the back for what we did accomplish- we overcame a coup attempt to win the Presidency and the Senate!
If you’re tired, take this inspiration from Melissa Walker:
“This is the first moment in my life where I feel like I will spend the rest of my life tending to democracy in a way that I didn’t know was necessary.”
For right now, I tell myself that I can’t get tired and I won’t get tired . . . I think about how tired the civil rights leaders must have been after being beaten and waking up in hospital beds and facing that darkness . . . and I know that if those folks kept going, who am I not to keep going . . . “
Listen to Melissa’s inspiring two-minute closing remarks in her own voice, here: “I will spend the rest of my life tending to democracy / Melissa Walker.”
Positive Messaging: Voter Registration Edition
The media still hasn’t found a path forward to help protect Democracy. They uplift disinformation, don’t hold radicals accountable and cover only bad news. But you can make a real difference by talking to real people! From Uber drivers to that neighbor or relative, you may have a chance to talk about Biden’s accomplishments or other good news that the media ignores. Remember, most people do not pay for a newspaper or even watch the news – whatever the reason, they just don’t pay attention. Here are some conversation starters!
Is your Voter Registration up to date? Taylor wants you to check!
“I’ve heard you raise your voices, and I know how powerful they are. Make sure you’re ready to use them in our elections this year!”
-Taylor Swift
“What’s she saying: “I’ve been so lucky to see so many of you guys at my US shows recently, “Swift wrote in a message on her Instagram story on Tuesday, linking to vote. org’s site.” I’ve heard you raise your voices, and I know how powerful they are. Make sure you’re ready to use them in our elections this year!”
Taylor Swift’s post encouraged more than 35,000 people to register to vote on Vote.org. This is so important for our democratic coalition. Please encourage people you meet this holiday season to register to vote. Have they moved? They need to reregister. Have they voted sporadically? They should check to make sure they have not been thrown off the rolls.
Swing and/or Red States are notorious for purging voter rolls. Indeed, it doesn’t hurt to check your voting status because there are so many errors in the purging. For example, in 2019, the Director of the League of Women Voters in Ohio was going to be purged – even though she had voted consistently! This year, Virginia was caught wrongfully removing 3,400 voters. It’s all part of the Republican strategy of voter suppression.
2024 Goals: Win the House
The bad news: last year the MAGA leadership in the House blocked Senate bills, kicked funding the government down the road three times, and pursued vindictive show trials. The good news: we only need to flip 5 seats and defend the seats we won in 2022 to regain the majority. Much attention is on the Unrepresentatives, also called the Biden 18. These are potentially flippable seats where Republicans won in 2022 in a district that Biden won, and often by a very slim margin.
For February, let’s narrow the focus with early primaries and a “nesting” strategy. Such a strategy concentrates on states with both House and Senate seats we care about. The idea is that increasing turnout for the Senate seat will help get votes for the House seats (and for President Biden). Arizona works well with our nesting strategy and California is our next primary opportunity.
Arizona
Arizona has two of the “Biden 18,” David Schweikert (AZ-01), co-founder of the Republican “Freedom” Caucus and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), an anti-choice and anti LGBTQ crusader.
Force Multiplier has identified an emerging candidate to support for AZ-06, Democrat Kristen Engel. Previously elected to the Arizona State Senate, she has good qualifications and name recognition. Engel ran against Ciscomani in 2022. That election was so close; she fell short by only 5,232 votes or 1.5%. The Arizona primary is very late, August 6, and she needs support now to combat Republican attacks. Donate
Unrepresentative David Schweikert (AZ-01) also had a very slim victory, 3,195 votes or 0.8%. The Democratic primary in AZ-01 is very crowded, and we are watching for an emerging candidate here. In the meantime, we can help with donations to our excellent Arizona grassroot groups, LUCHA, NEAZ Dems and RAZA, and by sending messaging postcards for the Senate race.
California
California is home to five UnRepresentative districts (CA 13, 22, 27, 40 and 45). We can make an early difference here because of their voter-nominated primary, which takes place March 5, 2024.
All candidates, regardless of party, are listed on one ballot and the top two candidates, regardless of party, advance to the general election. We are working for turnout in these primaries because people who vote in the primary are much more likely to vote in November. Support for Democrats in the primary also strengthens candidates for November. Find Postcard opportunities here.
In addition, Force Multiplier has identified an emerging candidate to support for CA-13, Democrat Adam Gray. Previously elected to the California State Assembly, he has good qualifications and name recognition. Gray ran against Jon Duarte in 2022, and lost by a mere 564 votes or 0.4%. Let’s get him early support to fight Republican attacks. Donate
POWER
An Interfaith Multi-Racial People’s Movement
POWER is a grassroots organization of Pennsylvania congregations and individuals committed to racial and economic justice on a livable planet.
In their own words, “By investing in our work you will help reclaim our voices and ensure that elected officials serve everyone not just corporate interests and the wealthy. Decisions made by our public servants must begin to reflect the real needs of all the people. To support POWER’s work, we encourage you to make a one-time donation, or to become a POWER “Sustainer” with a recurring donation at your desired amount per month.
POWER is a Donor Choice agency with United Way. If the company you work for has a United Way drive, your employer can match your contribution to POWER. Now is the time. Please go through your employer and choose Donor Choice #52992. Thank you for supporting POWER.”
Souls to the Polls Milwaukee
Souls to the Polls Wisconsin is a non-profit organization. In their own words, “We believe that voting is our collective power– a tool we can use to build stronger, safer, and more supportive communities. Since our founding in 2013, we have united Milwaukee faith leaders and their congregations to strengthen the voting power of the Black community. Since then, we have built relationships across the state, expanding the bloc beyond Milwaukee.
We know a strong voting bloc is key to pressing state and local leaders on issues such as affordable housing, education, economic development, gun violence, and governmental transparency. Together, we are building a bloc of engaged community members in our mission to channel our faith and bring thousands Souls to the Polls. Our votes matter.”
Conversations That Break Through- Talk politics with people who do not care or do not agree
Does directly engaging people to talk politics make you anxious?
Learn to understand and break through to people who may disagree or not care. Get the skills to build up the muscles to keep your cool and have effective conversations. This session and accompanying workbook will give you the practice you need so you can connect with all voters.
Building Bridges for America
This event is hosted by Building Bridges for America. Building Bridges is an all-volunteer, nationwide group that mobilizes and empowers networks of relational grassroots organizers to support campaigns and causes based in progressive values. Learn more at www.buildingbridgesforamerica.com & give us a follow on Facebook, Instagram, & YouTube.
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