Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

gab13by13

(28,536 posts)
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 07:32 AM Saturday

Every Democratic Member Of Congress Needs To Do What Bernie Is Doing

Bernie Sanders held a rally in a border town, McCallen, Texas, to a packed house.

Hey Congressional Democrats it will be up to us, the people to save our Democracy. The strategy of letting Krasnov burn it all down and then throw a boat load of money right before the election to win is a losing strategy.

A hell of a lot of people don't know what's in the Big Bad Billionaire Bill. They don't know because Congressional Magats are lying about what's in the bill.

Get the fuck out and do town halls like MSNBC did for the fired federal workers. Do town halls that put faces on the people who will be devastated by cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. Let disabled people explain, let seniors explain, let mothers with children with disabilities explain.

For fuck's sake, this Big Bad Billionaire Bill is on the door step of being passed and a huge % of the American people don't have a clue what's in store for them.

Magats have zero problem lying about what's in the bill, the sad part is that Democrats just need to tell the truth and put faces on the cuts.

Do Town halls - Time Matters.

64 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Every Democratic Member Of Congress Needs To Do What Bernie Is Doing (Original Post) gab13by13 Saturday OP
K&R spanone Saturday #1
Congressman Swawell just held one in a red district and got standing ovations. Ferrets are Cool Saturday #2
Schumer and Jeffries gab13by13 Saturday #3
Yes! allegorical oracle Saturday #6
You're expecting something of Schumer? lees1975 Saturday #45
I think Sheldon Whitehouse should do some Captain Zero Saturday #4
Yes, and try to get it on national TV like the MSNBC town hall. gab13by13 Saturday #5
A network will cover it? MrsCheaplaugh Yesterday #60
It was brilliant. Well worth the watch. Amaryllis Saturday #15
Well Democrats are kind of busy... Autumn Saturday #7
Kick & Highly Recommended Native Saturday #8
They are & have been DownriverDem Saturday #9
Then why did I touch a nerve? gab13by13 Saturday #12
You didn't DownriverDem Saturday #14
The mid terms will be way too late, gab13by13 Saturday #16
No it won't be too late DownriverDem Saturday #20
Eh what media are YOU watching? Hornedfrog2000 Saturday #27
You just beat me to it. gab13by13 Saturday #29
The news I watch tells me that Project 2025 is ahead of schedule. gab13by13 Saturday #28
The effort to steal those midterm elections is well underway and who's watching? lees1975 Saturday #52
You're right, that's too late. The effort needs to reflect the seriousness of the damage being done. lees1975 Saturday #48
I see this a lot. People complaining Dems are not doing anything and they simply are not tuned in to what they are Amaryllis Saturday #17
I watched a Martin O'Malley town hall, gab13by13 Saturday #10
He was also a governor, and knows a lot about governing. elleng Saturday #34
Schumer is keeping the powder dry LuvLoogie Saturday #11
Back when Schumer kneecapped House Dems gab13by13 Saturday #13
wasn't Carville saying the same thing at that time? Native Saturday #19
Senator Schumer voted against the CR. lapucelle Saturday #23
In the final Senate vote [...] Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of NH voted for the bill and was the only Democrat to do so. lapucelle Saturday #25
Seriously entitled viewpoint. LuvLoogie Saturday #35
! lees1975 Saturday #49
Illinois Democrats have been doing town halls murielm99 Saturday #18
I'm sure glad you have no say beyond a message board questionseverything Saturday #36
I don't hate Bernie. murielm99 Saturday #39
I wish we could see more of both of them in Illinois questionseverything Saturday #40
They are in D.C., doing their work. murielm99 Yesterday #61
All evidence points otherwise TacosUberAlles Yesterday #59
What policies? murielm99 Yesterday #62
He's called "The Amendment King" TacosUberAlles Yesterday #64
Pay attention. lees1975 Saturday #50
If Americans don't have a clue what's in store for them, that means they have been ignoring Sanders... W_HAMILTON Saturday #21
My Congressman has had several stillcool Saturday #22
This message was self-deleted by its author W_HAMILTON Saturday #24
Have you posted pictures or an article about them to help build momentum? questionseverything Saturday #37
It's virtual, which is why stillcool Saturday #42
but only BERNIE does it right! Skittles Saturday #41
I don't know why I'm so resistant stillcool Saturday #43
THIS malaise Saturday #26
Oh yes, I agree! judy Saturday #30
Finally Democrats are going to fill the position gab13by13 Saturday #31
The DNC seems to have some issues gab13by13 Saturday #32
Ah, the sternly worded rallies. Blame Democrats blame Democrats blame Democrats. betsuni Saturday #33
So tiring MorbidButterflyTat Saturday #38
... sheshe2 Saturday #53
He deserves our profound respect Joinfortmill Saturday #44
It's not just the social programs - that bill further consolidates TBF Saturday #46
K and R BadgerMom Saturday #47
If they had all been as outspoken as Bernie, Trump would already have been destroyed. Doodley Saturday #51
If they were covered as much as he is... sheshe2 Saturday #54
"...a huge % of the American people don't have a clue what's in store for them." OldBaldy1701E Yesterday #55
k and r BoRaGard Yesterday #56
No, I do not agree. It's enough for just Bernie to be doing that. Oopsie Daisy Yesterday #57
Bernie has shown how it's done and Democrats in Congress are finding their MOJO thought crime Yesterday #58
Kick Native Yesterday #63

gab13by13

(28,536 posts)
3. Schumer and Jeffries
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 08:06 AM
Saturday

should have been coordinating their membership to do this.

The courts are not going to save us, the people will save us.

Signal Gate and NLRB Gate have been swept under the carpet. Imagine if Democrats had held a town hall, and promoted it? Imagine if Democrats had gotten Malcolm Nance to moderate the town hall? Imagine if Democrats had put faces on how serious our national security was compromised?

Imagine if Democrats has invited guests to put faces on the issue? Imagine if Democrats had invited security experts, imagine if Democrats had invited a big named retired general to put a face on what Whiskey Pete did?

The MSM would have been all over such a town hall.

Musk's fucking cyber punks gave NLRB usernames and passwords to Russia and nobody apparently cared, including Congressional Democrats. I understand Democrats are the minority party, so what? Poor excuse for doing next to nothing.

lees1975

(6,636 posts)
45. You're expecting something of Schumer?
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 08:14 PM
Saturday

You'll be disappointed.

Look at all the ideas we have out here, that only a few Democrats in Congress are doing, or even listening to.

Captain Zero

(8,007 posts)
4. I think Sheldon Whitehouse should do some
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 08:10 AM
Saturday

He is very credible and a no nonsense Democrat. He should do some together with Bernie and Swalwell. He could explain to people how taco is trying to wreck the judicial system and why that is bad for voters.

gab13by13

(28,536 posts)
5. Yes, and try to get it on national TV like the MSNBC town hall.
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 08:18 AM
Saturday

If Democrats promoted such a town hall and put faces to the cuts that are coming, a network will cover it.

Put actual faces on the devastation the Big Bad Billionaire Bill will cause.

Democrats could be doing similar town halls with specific issues.

Do a town hall on the deportation fiasco and put actual faces on it. The MSM will cover it.

MrsCheaplaugh

(215 posts)
60. A network will cover it?
Sun Jun 22, 2025, 09:45 AM
Yesterday

Networks love the orange god-king psychopath. Why, they'll broadcast an empty podium simply because of the anticipation of him showing up. Networks belong to big corporate money, the force pulling the strings on the psychopath.

DownriverDem

(6,848 posts)
9. They are & have been
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 08:40 AM
Saturday

holding Town Halls. Sorry but you need a better news source if you don't know.

gab13by13

(28,536 posts)
12. Then why did I touch a nerve?
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 08:54 AM
Saturday

I mainly watch freespeechtv.org in the morning and afternoon. At 4PM I watch Nicolle Wallace and that's about it.

I am talking about taking the next step for town halls. Do town halls just for specific issues, change the format to having invited guests tell their stories, put their faces to the issue.

Upgrade the town halls to get national coverage.

I know very well that Democrats are doing town halls and they need to keep on doing them, even or especially in red districts.

Did you watch the MSNBC town hall where fired federal workers told their stories, put faces to the issue? That's what I am talking about. Sorry I didn't explain myself more clearly to you.

DownriverDem

(6,848 posts)
14. You didn't
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 09:15 AM
Saturday

But folks complain and do not know what has been going on. Focus on all the rallies and 2026 Midterms. Like I said you need a new news source. Go to Youtube (free one) and search out MeidasTouch. They will keep you updated. Also other good liberal videos will come up.

Hornedfrog2000

(278 posts)
27. Eh what media are YOU watching?
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 11:45 AM
Saturday

Because reality is showing it probably is too late already. I, and many others, dont even believe he won the last election legitimately. I mean, the FACT is that he did not win 2016 legitimately, and nothing happened. Then again won with Russia/Chinese help. But you say it isn't too late? How much worse can it get? We will be ruled for 8 years by someone who never won?

gab13by13

(28,536 posts)
28. The news I watch tells me that Project 2025 is ahead of schedule.
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 11:51 AM
Saturday

What will this country look like in a year and a half? I am talking about taking action now. Democrats' strategy in the past has been to throw boat loads of money right before the election.

My OP is being misunderstood.

Did anyone watch the MSNBC town hall where fired federal workers put a face to the cuts? That town hall was riveting.

I want Democrats to organize, preferably from Schumer and Jeffries, to do similar town halls based on specific issues putting faces to the issues.

I do not know how else to explain myself.

Waiting for the next election is a losing strategy. How many times have we been told all we have to do is GOTV and what happened? They stole the last election, Kamala Harris won.

lees1975

(6,636 posts)
52. The effort to steal those midterm elections is well underway and who's watching?
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 08:33 PM
Saturday

"Oh, we've got this." they said the last time. Yeah, they sure did.

The midterms are 17 months away. Lots of Trump damage to be done by then, as long as Democrats are raising their campaign money and making a few speeches. Question is, will we have a mid term or be under martial law by then?

lees1975

(6,636 posts)
48. You're right, that's too late. The effort needs to reflect the seriousness of the damage being done.
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 08:27 PM
Saturday

Now, not in 17 months.

There are town halls, but not enough. Honestly, every Democrat needs to be moving their town hall meetings into red districts and counties where voters are grossly misinformed, and make sure everyone knows what is going on. The media isn't going to tell the truth.

Amaryllis

(10,509 posts)
17. I see this a lot. People complaining Dems are not doing anything and they simply are not tuned in to what they are
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 09:40 AM
Saturday

doing. That town hall Swalwell did this week was absolutely brilliant.

gab13by13

(28,536 posts)
10. I watched a Martin O'Malley town hall,
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 08:44 AM
Saturday

He was a former Social Security commissioner. He opened my eyes to how Social Security is being gutted right now. It needs to be shown on national TV.

Putting actual faces to the cuts that are coming is riveting and I guarantee it will even turn more unwashed Magats against the Big Bad Billionaire bill.

Time Matters.

gab13by13

(28,536 posts)
13. Back when Schumer kneecapped House Dems
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 08:57 AM
Saturday

in voting for the CR, he went on Chris Hayes show and I heard him say he wanted Krasnov to burn it all down so that Democrats could win the next election. What he said is on video, I am just repeating it.

lapucelle

(20,271 posts)
25. In the final Senate vote [...] Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of NH voted for the bill and was the only Democrat to do so.
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 10:50 AM
Saturday
How some Senate Democrats sided with Republicans to vote against government shutdown

The advance vote: The Senate voted 62-38 to end debate on the bill – a cloture vote – and advance it to a final vote. Nine Democrats and one independent, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., voted in favor of cloture. That vote allowed the bill to pass with a simple majority in the final vote.

The final vote: About an hour after the advance vote, the Senate voted 54-46 to approve the bill.

Schumer and seven other Democratic senators who joined him to end debate on the bill voted against the measure in the final vote.

In announcing his decision Thursday, Schumer said the shutdown would be more damaging to the country because it would give Trump and billionaire Elon Musk greater leeway to cut federal spending. “As bad as passing the CR (continuing resolution) is, as I said, allowing Donald Trump to take even much more power via a government shutdown is a far worse option,” Schumer said in his statement.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2025/03/14/how-senate-voted-against-shutdown/82403575007/

murielm99

(32,044 posts)
18. Illinois Democrats have been doing town halls
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 09:41 AM
Saturday

in districts where the republicans hold office and will not have town halls. Sean Casten had a town hall in my red district. The Illinois Democratic County Chairman's Association is sponsoring this in my state. So it is being coordinated in my state.

Pay attention. Stop promoting Sanders as some sort of god and pay attention to what our actual Democrats are doing. Pay attention and stop criticizing. BS needs to go speak to the people in his own state. Or, he can stay in Washington and write some legislation of his own. Even if it does not pass, his time would be better spent that way. If BS wanted to gallivant all over the countryside, he could have stayed in the background and let someone local do the town hall under his sponsorship.

questionseverything

(10,970 posts)
36. I'm sure glad you have no say beyond a message board
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 03:59 PM
Saturday

Because Bernie hate just loses us votes and you seem full of it

murielm99

(32,044 posts)
39. I don't hate Bernie.
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 04:20 PM
Saturday

I just realize that if he ran for a national office we would lose in a landslide. Many parts of the country do despise him.

I have two wonderful Democratic senators: Durbin and Duckworth. I don't see them scurrying all over the country.

questionseverything

(10,970 posts)
40. I wish we could see more of both of them in Illinois
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 04:34 PM
Saturday

They are both good reliable democratic votes

murielm99

(32,044 posts)
61. They are in D.C., doing their work.
Sun Jun 22, 2025, 10:21 AM
Yesterday

So are wonderful people like Lauren Underwood. And Durbin has always been one of the more accessible Senators. He lives in Springfield. He surrounds himself with young aides of both genders. They work for him and learn from him. I met some of them and got to know them well when I spent some time in Springfield as county chair. Recently one of his aides came to speak to our activist group via Zoom. He keeps them busy. Loretta Durbin used to run leadership workshops for women. One year, Mrs. Durbin and her leadership graduates took over the Illinois Democratic Women's convention in Springfield. There were many small group meetings and tutorials. Of course Durbin is retiring so that is all winding down. He has served us well, but he is eighty years old.

Tammy Duckworth also gets out and about. She was a featured speaker at one of our Illinois Democratic Women's conventions. Also, I saw her at the Freeport Public library a few years ago. She was there with the 17th District's congress woman to promote someone's candidacy. That was a few years ago, because Eric Sorensen represents that district now.

Most of our elected representatives spend their time in their respective states or districts, or in DC. They don't gallivant and grandstand.

Most crowds of Democrats and most of our elected reps reflect our country's diversity. Bernie's crowds seem to be lily-white and older. We need the diversity and young people if we are going to stop this awful slide into fascism.


TacosUberAlles

(43 posts)
59. All evidence points otherwise
Sun Jun 22, 2025, 08:31 AM
Yesterday

And it's important to remember that Bernie's policies are incredibly popular.
We've lost to fascism twice. I think that's a pretty good sign that the same old same old is not only not working but completely invalid at this point. We need massive change & like it or not Bernie is leading that charge for it & inspiring lots of people & voters.

I believe that to be a very good thing.

TacosUberAlles

(43 posts)
64. He's called "The Amendment King"
Sun Jun 22, 2025, 01:54 PM
Yesterday

And one of my favorite things he's done is make sure that healthcare clinics which primarily operate in low income unserved areas communities, many of which are communities of color, and covered by the ACA. That personally impacts me & I benefit from it. Also securing more funding for LiEAP which allows poor & working class people to get their places of residence heat in the winter.

As far as policies go;

Single Payer
Green New Deal
Expansion of SS/SSI/SSDI
Ending disabled people being allowed legally to earn literal pennies in payment per hour

On and on, there's so much & he does seem to be the only person talking about a lot of it.

lees1975

(6,636 posts)
50. Pay attention.
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 08:30 PM
Saturday

Bernie and AOC are getting the crowds, have the message and are making a difference. Some others are doing the same, including here in Illinois, but others are sitting on their rear ends.

W_HAMILTON

(9,144 posts)
21. If Americans don't have a clue what's in store for them, that means they have been ignoring Sanders...
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 10:19 AM
Saturday

...and Democrats all this time, so how do you think any of this *actually* moves the needle in any way whatsoever?

Response to stillcool (Reply #22)

questionseverything

(10,970 posts)
37. Have you posted pictures or an article about them to help build momentum?
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 04:01 PM
Saturday

Or just discouraging others ?

stillcool

(34,320 posts)
42. It's virtual, which is why
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 05:51 PM
Saturday

he does it often. Who here would care what my Congressman does for the people he represents? I'd probably have to defend him for not going to some red state and putting on a show. There are plenty of people in my district who tune in, which is what matters. My State Senator also does virtual town halls. Also well attended. I don't get what you expect of me, or them, or why you think I'm discouraging anyone. People on this site are not very fond of Democrats who simply do their job to the best of their ability.

stillcool

(34,320 posts)
43. I don't know why I'm so resistant
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 05:59 PM
Saturday

something wrong with me. I really like the people who represent me. After my husband died, my state Congresswoman wrote me a beautiful email. I had crocheted her a stuffed owl (wisdom), which she has in her office on Beacon Hill. She told me he and I are always close to her. I had to move so she no longer represents me but that's what I have to deal with. How do I diss that?
oops...

judy

(1,953 posts)
30. Oh yes, I agree!
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 12:02 PM
Saturday

And all I get is requests for $$ without any indication of how it would be used. I give to Bernie and AOC because I know what they do with the money, and I think it's essential.
I am also wondering whatever happened to Kamala Harris, at a time when the Democratic Party is desperately in search of leadership. Fortunately, it looks like Gavin Newsom recently found his footing, and is moving on from his idea of discussing things with Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon...

gab13by13

(28,536 posts)
31. Finally Democrats are going to fill the position
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 12:06 PM
Saturday

on the Oversight committee that Gerry Connolly stepped down from.

June 24th, secret ballot, 4 candidates. Almost 2 months with an acting ranking member.

gab13by13

(28,536 posts)
32. The DNC seems to have some issues
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 12:37 PM
Saturday

Randi Weingarten and Lee Saunders have resigned citing dissatisfaction with chairman Ken Martin's leadership, mainly his lack of community engagement."

Not my words but it bolsters what I am posting about getting out and engaging the people.

It will be the people who save our democracy.

TBF

(35,140 posts)
46. It's not just the social programs - that bill further consolidates
Sat Jun 21, 2025, 08:16 PM
Saturday

executive power. And once Miller has everything he wants lined up, he'll work with JV to make sure they have continuity with the push to Christian Nationalism.

Trump's just a side-show folks, he's a red herring to keep people entertained (or outraged - I don't think they really care). What is going on with the Federalist Society and Project 2025 is where we need to be looking. This is a soft coup.

OldBaldy1701E

(8,137 posts)
55. "...a huge % of the American people don't have a clue what's in store for them."
Sun Jun 22, 2025, 06:13 AM
Yesterday

Like that has been any different before?

Oopsie Daisy

(5,919 posts)
57. No, I do not agree. It's enough for just Bernie to be doing that.
Sun Jun 22, 2025, 07:38 AM
Yesterday

I'd worry if "every" Democratic member of congress spent all of their time doing things like this. It's just not practical.

thought crime

(392 posts)
58. Bernie has shown how it's done and Democrats in Congress are finding their MOJO
Sun Jun 22, 2025, 08:21 AM
Yesterday

They are kicking ass.

I am frankly a little worried about Bernie working himself too hard. We need him. Another reason for others to get out there, too.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Every Democratic Member O...