20 Comments
User's avatar
Mark Dobias's avatar

It didn't help when Bernie was kneecapped by the DNC in 2016.

Hank Cetola's avatar

You are so correct again, Jack. It is up to courageous politicians such as Murphy, AOC, and Bernie to wake us up. And it is up to the ordinary people to rise up and object. Yes, if we wait until 2026, it may be too late. I hope the demonstrations get more extensive and louder. Keep up the good work.

Jack Lessenberry's avatar

You are too kind -- but right

Ben Sen Dan Foley's avatar

The Dems are also all we got in the land of shame so thrashing them has its consequences.

Jack Lessenberry's avatar

It's more a question of giving them some spine!

Tony Duerr's avatar

When I give thought to what Trump 2.0 is doing to this country and the tepid response of Democrat "leaders" I am more anxious than a Venezuelan with a tattoo.

Ken Schramm's avatar

Two things:

1) I am happy with where the AOC/Bernie train is headed, and we need to do whatever we can to make sure it picks up steam.

2) I am not going to spend any more time complaining about Democrats when the people who are causing all of my headaches and heartbreak are Republicans. The GOP revels in getting Dems to set up a circular firing squad. I do not want to indulge them. The GOP loves to make us clean up their messes, and they love to complain about us as we do it, and they REALLY love to watch us complain about how this Dem or that Dem is not helping enough to solve a problem the GOP made. I want to keep the invective pointed where it should be pointed.

Jack Lessenberry's avatar

Good point on the Republicans, and Democrats need to focus on them. You cannot compromise or negotiate with evil, whether in Germany in 1935 or here in 2025,

Jerry wolffe's avatar

In two years, there weren’t be freedom in America… just a mentally ill old man (being charitable here) and a foreigner programming computers so AI can do the job of thousands of federal workers who’ve been fired illegally and without cause. JW

Ken Schramm's avatar

Only if we allow it to be so.

Jack Lessenberry's avatar

I hope to hell you are wrong, but fear you are right!

Bill H (AZ)'s avatar

Jack:

I was living in Michigan when Trump WON in 2016. Here we are again after learning what Trump was like his first 4 years. Trump wins again in Michigan in 2024. Like 2016, a few million people did not vote nationally. In 2024 ~ 3 million people voted for others and many did not vote (redundancy detected) . Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and the family dog did not play a big role in 2024.

Really, I believe we are beyond the politics of Dems v Repubs. I am beginning to suspect constituents do not want a woman as the president. Both women were much smarter than Trump. Kamala put Trump in his place quite readily. I was sitting in the family room watching this take place. It was laughable. He was not happy. He chose not to show up again with Kamala on the same stage as he.

I think we should keep feeding him those low-fat McDonalds burgers.

Jack Lessenberry's avatar

Sadly, I fear you are totally right! thank you

Jack Lessenberry's avatar

Good for you! I wish more people put them on notice

Steve Horton's avatar

I got to know Senator Slotkin when she was first elected to Congress as I resided in her district. I reported on some of her stops in the area. She was very accessible, unlike her predecessor Mike Bishop who I only met once. Her office also sent out a lot of news releases that were generally policy oriented rather than partisan. She, as many know, took a bi-partisan approach and worked with Republicans (of a more moderate bent) on legislation. Given her background, she focused on national security issues. She also was on the agriculture committee which is important in the rural area I cover. Part of her time as a rep was during COVID and attention was spent on the issues this pandemic brought which affected constituents of all persuasions.

I assume she wanted to follow the same template as a senator. But as you note, perilous times call for a determined response. While she's still brand new to the position, I'm hopeful Senator Slotkin will speak out in a more forceful manner against what's being done to federal programs, the rule of law, and the attacks on the judiciary'; more so than she's done. I don't believe she's one who shirks a fight or is afraid of expressing her views. She's certainly not to be underestimated.

But it's all hands onboard, including elected officials, unions, the private sector, journalists, commentators, and the citizenry who disagree with the Administration's actions and the undermining of our democratic institutions. The response doesn't need to be saber rattling, although that's an understandable reaction. A determined use of facts, calls for adhering to shared standards of decency, a compassionate approach for those being adversely impacted has its place, and putting a spotlight on what's happening. Use whatever talents and abilities you have. But in some manner or other, take a stand.

Appreciate the stand you're taking as a journalist and citizen.

Jack Lessenberry's avatar

Thanks, Steve -- I totally agree. She was brand new when that vote was taken, and probably followed Peters' lead. I predict she will soon find her feet

Beth's avatar

You hit the nail on the head. I want everyone contacting their representatives to stress exactly your words. These are far from normal times. The only positive I can see about this, is it reveals weaknesses in a 2 party system, or perhaps the usefulness (or or harmfulness) of having political parties at all.

James Rodgers's avatar

I’ve written to our two senators about Noem and Khalil. No response from either other than a will-get-in-touch form letter.

Whitmer and Slotkin, who could be the future of the party, have been particularly disappointing. And what does Peters have to lose other than his integrity?

Andrew Sullivan was about to blow his top on Maher’s show on Friday because Bill didn’t want to discuss this most important issue. He condescended to Sullivan by telling to calm down, as if the attack on democracy might be too old hat for his audience—not entertaining enough, I suppose.

Thanks for keeping on writing about Trump’s attack on all of us.