Ex-Republicans are welcome--on condition they acknowledge what Shift the Country stands for--saving our democracy--and are willing to admit that it is in peril because of trump and his followers. We need to be up front that they may not always be comfortable with our tactics, and if they aren't, we may need to part company. They are not welcome if they hope to change our aims or focus. I can't imagine any current Republicans wanting to join... I do think it's important that Shift the Country supporters are on board with this, so thanks for asking the question, Vanessa.
Thank you Kate, and I mean that. We've ended up with saying "Together we can grow a coalition of Democrats, independents, & ex-Republicans..." I would be interested to hear more about conversations about allies and what/how we can talk about that. If you're up for a chat, text or call me at 202-556-0317 or team @ shiftthecountry . com. Appreciate this. - Vanessa
I’ve been wanting to write this somewhere: Steve Schmidt seems to be such a darling these days of cable news, his podcast, and his writings. What pisses me off is that he has never, nor have the people that think he’s so great, acknowledged, that he worked in the Bush administration. So he and all the “never Trumpers“ had a big part in bringing us to where we are right now. Of course, along with Ronald Reagan beginning in 1980. So I sometimes feel like, spare me all of your insight now. Michael Steele is another one. They have excellent insights into the current situation, but none of them ever admit their part in creating our current reality. Anyway, that’s all I have to bitch about right now.
Sometimes requiring people to pass the bar of 'admitting they were wrong' is too high of a step. They can still help and perhaps arrive at that on their own.
Thanks! I think the question of people admitting they were wrong can be an issue when we welcome them into coalitions to push back on the far-right extremism. Do we require that? I don't think we need to. But the question is sort of always out there. Sounds like an interesting article. - Vanessa
I totally appreciate that. I listen to both Schmidt and Steele, but always take their perspective with a grain of salt because of the things you say. In the end, Steele still claims the Republican party. He's got a lot of advice for Democrats, kind of, but he still won't go so far as like the Lincoln Project and say the Republican party as it is now needs to be dismantled, defeated in elections, and completely started over. -Vanessa
As Shift the Country is the only Substack I pay for, I’m bending the rules and writing this comment here. In my usual long-winded way. :) And it is marginally related to my original comment about Steve Schmidt and Michael Steele. What irritates the crap out of me is the privilege of many writers publishing on Substack--Joyce Vance, I’m looking at you. We’re not “in this together.” I agree with everything you write, and we’re on the same side. However, you are a wealthy, privileged, white woman. Your money insulates you. Writing is necessary and informs, but what are y’all with money *doing* other than writing, appearing on MSNBC, and hosting podcasts? Sounding the alarm about democracy being in danger. We *know* democracy is in danger! We’ve known it since fucking Trump rode down the golden escalator in 2015. Hell, I’ve known about it since my early 20s (I’m almost 65), when I volunteered for Planned Parenthood and we were sounding the alarm about the Supreme Court back then. Most of us can’t “put our money where our mouth is” because we don’t have money and are trying to survive. Which is exactly what you are doing, Vanessa; working to effect actual change. Putting what money you have where your mouth is and striving to build a community that will have an actual effect on preserving democracy. And the people with real money, the Elon Musks and Jeff Bezos of the world, who could solve most of the world’s problems with their billions, don’t, because they’re empty people who believe that buying yachts and social media platforms will fill them up. I am rooting for you, us, and this country.
THANK YOU. Good heavens it's definitely been a struggle. But I think we're finally getting some traction and getting a community going. Hopefully money comes too! Yeah we could use some of that kind of cash you reference for sure! 😁 -Vanessa
This is how: "principles of inclusivity and equity and taking care of humans. Government that works. Science. Freedom to manage our own health decisions and care. Stuff like that."
Present the vision in totality, let them find all within it that they resonate with. Be consistent. Be willing to 'softly educate' anyone willing to ask questions.
Right now, the majority of the country is much more aligned with these goals. Some just don't know it because the messaging they get is toxic.
Thanks! We definitely need to set up a conversation. We're going to stick with our overview blurb for now (changed to "ex-Republicans") but hopefully we can develop some new materials/handouts/etc. with you all and other volunteers. It will be cool to see what we come up with. -Vanessa
Ex-Republicans are welcome--on condition they acknowledge what Shift the Country stands for--saving our democracy--and are willing to admit that it is in peril because of trump and his followers. We need to be up front that they may not always be comfortable with our tactics, and if they aren't, we may need to part company. They are not welcome if they hope to change our aims or focus. I can't imagine any current Republicans wanting to join... I do think it's important that Shift the Country supporters are on board with this, so thanks for asking the question, Vanessa.
Thank you for that. I think you're right on. - Vanessa
I agree with "No." I am waiting for the conversation we need to have about "allies", because many who think they are, are not.
Thank you Kate, and I mean that. We've ended up with saying "Together we can grow a coalition of Democrats, independents, & ex-Republicans..." I would be interested to hear more about conversations about allies and what/how we can talk about that. If you're up for a chat, text or call me at 202-556-0317 or team @ shiftthecountry . com. Appreciate this. - Vanessa
I’ve been wanting to write this somewhere: Steve Schmidt seems to be such a darling these days of cable news, his podcast, and his writings. What pisses me off is that he has never, nor have the people that think he’s so great, acknowledged, that he worked in the Bush administration. So he and all the “never Trumpers“ had a big part in bringing us to where we are right now. Of course, along with Ronald Reagan beginning in 1980. So I sometimes feel like, spare me all of your insight now. Michael Steele is another one. They have excellent insights into the current situation, but none of them ever admit their part in creating our current reality. Anyway, that’s all I have to bitch about right now.
Sometimes requiring people to pass the bar of 'admitting they were wrong' is too high of a step. They can still help and perhaps arrive at that on their own.
This gives me an idea for an article, actually.
Thanks! I think the question of people admitting they were wrong can be an issue when we welcome them into coalitions to push back on the far-right extremism. Do we require that? I don't think we need to. But the question is sort of always out there. Sounds like an interesting article. - Vanessa
I totally appreciate that. I listen to both Schmidt and Steele, but always take their perspective with a grain of salt because of the things you say. In the end, Steele still claims the Republican party. He's got a lot of advice for Democrats, kind of, but he still won't go so far as like the Lincoln Project and say the Republican party as it is now needs to be dismantled, defeated in elections, and completely started over. -Vanessa
As Shift the Country is the only Substack I pay for, I’m bending the rules and writing this comment here. In my usual long-winded way. :) And it is marginally related to my original comment about Steve Schmidt and Michael Steele. What irritates the crap out of me is the privilege of many writers publishing on Substack--Joyce Vance, I’m looking at you. We’re not “in this together.” I agree with everything you write, and we’re on the same side. However, you are a wealthy, privileged, white woman. Your money insulates you. Writing is necessary and informs, but what are y’all with money *doing* other than writing, appearing on MSNBC, and hosting podcasts? Sounding the alarm about democracy being in danger. We *know* democracy is in danger! We’ve known it since fucking Trump rode down the golden escalator in 2015. Hell, I’ve known about it since my early 20s (I’m almost 65), when I volunteered for Planned Parenthood and we were sounding the alarm about the Supreme Court back then. Most of us can’t “put our money where our mouth is” because we don’t have money and are trying to survive. Which is exactly what you are doing, Vanessa; working to effect actual change. Putting what money you have where your mouth is and striving to build a community that will have an actual effect on preserving democracy. And the people with real money, the Elon Musks and Jeff Bezos of the world, who could solve most of the world’s problems with their billions, don’t, because they’re empty people who believe that buying yachts and social media platforms will fill them up. I am rooting for you, us, and this country.
THANK YOU. Good heavens it's definitely been a struggle. But I think we're finally getting some traction and getting a community going. Hopefully money comes too! Yeah we could use some of that kind of cash you reference for sure! 😁 -Vanessa
PS... Here's our ActBlue for anyone in a position to help! ...https://secure.actblue.com/donate/shiftthecountrynow
Lots of truth in your words, Paula! I share your sentiments. I haven't encountered you here making comments before. I hope to see more!
I'm with you Evelyn! Plus, we're getting there on more engagement. :) Thanks for keeping at the commentary. -Vanessa
This is how: "principles of inclusivity and equity and taking care of humans. Government that works. Science. Freedom to manage our own health decisions and care. Stuff like that."
Present the vision in totality, let them find all within it that they resonate with. Be consistent. Be willing to 'softly educate' anyone willing to ask questions.
Right now, the majority of the country is much more aligned with these goals. Some just don't know it because the messaging they get is toxic.
I can help. :)
Thanks! We definitely need to set up a conversation. We're going to stick with our overview blurb for now (changed to "ex-Republicans") but hopefully we can develop some new materials/handouts/etc. with you all and other volunteers. It will be cool to see what we come up with. -Vanessa