Autopsy? We Aren't Dead Yet

Belated homage to Memorial Day.  For his part, the president is creating more war dead and injured soldiers. Mike Johnson sent House members home because there were enough votes to stop this illegal and immoral war in Iran. Now to the barely whispered opposition from anywhere except us, the citizens who are demanding change.

 I reject 100% of Republicans and 92.75% of Democrats.   Um Senator Cassidy, finding your conscience and voice after you lost the primary election is too little too late.  According to Ted Cruz, dozens of GOP Senators verbally attacked Barely Acting AG Todd Blanche in private over the Kash for Rioters fund.  Really- that was the last straw?  Admittedly this payoff for future violence beggars belief along with the eternal IRS free pass for the Trump family but again, really?

Trump is openly engaging in more insider trading than the entire Congress combined.  He’s more corrupt than 535 of them in aggregate.  But funding aimed toward January 6ers is the first time any of you admit there is a problem?  Oh wait.  Many of those same Congress members were there during the violent insurrection.  The conservative’s #1rule: how does this affect me? Inre Trump, the adjudicated rapist- you don't win a slander suit twice if your story isn't true. His actual criminal convictions .  More if Jack Smith had enjoyed almost any support and less MAGA judges. Dominating the Epstein files after two agencies had been redacting his name for a year.

Back to the Democrats.  I am a non-partisan in asking: where are the leaders? Kudos to Zohran Mamdani.  So many accomplishments in 4 months.  Promise kept. Some people are sniping: is that all? Give him time.  He is undoing decades of bad decisions and policies. Now more progressive are emerging and running for office, but first, they have to navigate through the narrow and corrupt Democratic party leadership.  The folks who questioned David Hogg's elected leadership position. Look at him now.  And why on earth is Ken Martin and not Ben Wikler in charge?   But here we come to the so-called autopsy. 

Yes let us wallow in past mistakes and not forge forward.  Granted I am a long time strategist but I knew what the Democrats were doing wrong in real time.  Don't forget that there are two different constituencies. Blue- Biden is too old.  Red- Ok- old age, dementia, war crimes, sex crimes, corruption treason, but he's our guy.

 So Here is my (Barrie’s) analysis. First, stop for the love of all that is holy kowtowing to Trump ever.  I see you Colorado Governor. Now what went wrong with the Dems in 2024:

• Harris did not have enough runway 

• Harris pivoted to the right on issues like immigration

• Harris did not declare support for all human rights- from Gaza to LGBTQ

• She did not acknowledge and denounce past mistakes, - the Democratic party’s and her own.

• She shelved Tim Walz- does this party even want to win?

• She thought she could peel off additional voters by campaigning with the Cheneys! 

 There are, of course other factors.  Algorithms favor the GOP, as does dark money. The so-called legacy media doesn't do its job and right-wing folks are relentless. For example, we really don't know the extent of what Elon Musk did.  Voter suppression has been ongoing for decades.  Not voter fraud.  Is that clear Governor Polis?  Tina Miller, a GOP government official who actually tried to create systemic fraud.  Let her serve her time.

 Here's a thought.  Democrats and any Republicans:  Campaign on the issues. Real issues.  Hi Ken Paxton who has been under indictment for more than a decade: Who cares if- maybe James Talarico shops at Whole Foods.  (Please, just not on Tuesday.). Or is a vegan- he is not. There are critical challenges facing Texas.   But Paxton and many others cannot cite the needs of their constituents or even want to generate change and needed policies 

 Don't be all talk and no walk.  There are some glib progressives with nothing to showand some problematic choices.  But words that go viral. Instead:  Instead: This is what I intend to do and how I will make it happen.  Well equipped/funded schools and accessible healthcare transcends party lines. For voters. There are unlimited issues to gain voters' support. 

Too bad there isn't time to parse Jeff Bezos' bizarre and revealing interview. The entire IRS shakedown and a short excursion through Trump's most recent corruption. Not just the highlights but everything.

Don't expect this government to help you if you are struggling with gas prices/inflation food insecurity or losing healthcare. Or you don't want toxic chemicals pouring in everywhere. Illegal wars.  Etc. to infinity.

 Hey anyone or podcasters who really want to generate change...invite on #DSOT and/or spread the message. Yes let's talk about the latest outrage but here is something that is safe/elegant and effective that we can do. Never forget that we have massive economic heft. Try to transfer as much money from Amazon et.. al. to your neighbors and friends. Union shops/ farmers' markets and local artisans. Tell people and together we won't shop on Tuesday.

 #DSOT. #UPM