Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

The republican ‘Pastor’ of the House is an odious authoritarian little creep.

They punch you in the face and then start crying because their fist hurts.

Stop using mental illness to avoid talking about armed white supremacy.

The “burn-it-down” people are good with that until they become part of the kindling.

Everybody saw this coming.

The line between political reporting and fan fiction continues to blur.

Every reporter and pundit should have to declare if they ever vacationed with a billionaire.

You passed on an opportunity to be offended? What are you even doing here?

Just because you believe it, that does not make it true.

The poor and middle-class pay taxes, the rich pay accountants, the wealthy pay politicians.

Following reporting rules is only for the little people, apparently.

I did not have this on my fuck 2025 bingo card.

Republicans: The threats are dire, but my tickets are non-refundable!

If rights aren’t universal, they are privilege, not rights.

Accused of treason; bitches about the ratings. I am in awe.

Dear elected officials: Trump is temporary, dishonor is forever.

A sufficient plurality of insane, greedy people can tank any democratic system ever devised, apparently.

Hey hey, RFK, how many kids did you kill today?

Giving in to doom is how we fail to fight for ourselves & one another.

Peak wingnut was a lie.

Not so fun when the rabbit gets the gun, is it?

The fight for our country is always worth it. ~Kamala Harris

“In the future, this lab will be a museum. do not touch it.”

Fuck these fucking interesting times.

You are here: Home / Organizing & Resistance / Don't Agonize - Organize / Open Thread: Stacey Abrams Will Give the State-of-the-Union Response

Open Thread: Stacey Abrams Will Give the State-of-the-Union Response

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Historically this opportunity has been seen as… well… a bit of a career-killer for rising new talents. But Ms. Abrams says she’s up for the job, and to be sure, she is neither Jodi Ernst nor Bobby Jindal. I may actually have to watch stream her speech!

In Essence, last week:

… “Sometimes you have to be the loser so that the people can be the victor,” Abrams told filmmaker Ava DuVernay during a recent conversation about democracy and diversity. The pair sat down to chat at the National Day of Racial Healing, hosted by DuVernay’s ARRAY Alliance and the Kellogg Foundation…

“Democrats win by telling our story, by engaging communities early and authentically, and by fighting for every vote that shares our values,” she said. “But too often on the Democratic side of the aisle, the ones who share our values are the ones who least likely to be asked to share their voices”.

Abrams is hoping Dems follow her example and continue to reach out to those who may not have voted in the past.

“So what my campaign demonstrated…is that if you go into communities and treat them with respect, regardless of race, they will vote if we tell them we trust them,” she said. “So I want us to have 2020 candidates who are actually doing the work of expanding the electorate, not trying to convince people who’ve already told us they don’t like us to change their mind just this once.”…


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81Comments

  1. 1.

    Jeffro

    However this got decided upon…I dunno…it just seems like a new Democratic Party to me. More willing to fight. More willing to make the argument. More willing to embrace its own diversity and the rightness of its ideas (and an understanding that the majority of this country is really with them).

    Normally when what I think I’m seeing aligns 100% with what I want to see, I do a double- or triple-check. But I did and the feeling is still there. So…go Stacey! And go Dems – the country is with you!

  2. 2.

    5x5

    I think she can do this; she has it in her. She is very good.

    I feel like I’m just giving platitudes, but I’m really feeling hopeful.

  3. 3.

    glory b

    Suppose her speech gets higher ratings than Trumps? Just like Nancy and Chuck’s!
    His blow up would be awesome!

  4. 4.

    Adam L Silverman

    @Jeffro: Combination of a number of things. Among them:
    1) Recognition that the damage Gingrich did to the House, McConnell has now done to the Senate, so it isn’t business as usual.
    2) Recognition that if the Republican Party and the RNC is so program that it could let the President take over the party, then it would let anyone take over the party. And the next person who tries will likely be worse.
    3) Generational change within the Democratic Party coinciding with broadening of the coalition that is the Democratic Party.
    4) Significant differences in communication technologies from the early to mid 00s to now. Now if Pelosi or Schumer are ignored, they have major ways to get their messages out.

  5. 5.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @Jeffro:
    I totally agree. Pelosi has been a real treat to see in action, busting Trump’s balls. A united and reinvigorated Democratic Party is here and I genuinely feel hopeful for 2020. Trump’s caving is just the beginning. Prepare for the next 18 months to be more of the same, humiliation after humiliation.

    I plan on watching Stacy Abrams this Tuesday and will not watch Trump, as per usual. I can’t stand to watch or listen to him.

  6. 6.

    Omnes Omnibus

    Where are all the people who were saying that the Dems didn’t have a deep bench and were unwilling to give new people a chance?

  7. 7.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    First time in a long time I haven’t rolled my eyes at the person selected for this.

  9. 9.

    Kraux Pas

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    Where are all the people who were saying that the Dems didn’t have a deep bench and were unwilling to give new people a chance?

    On 24 hour news networks.

  10. 10.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @Omnes Omnibus:
    I remember them. People like Kropadope and goblue72. Thankfully they haven’t been seen for sometime. They’re too busy screeching about Hildebeast running or gearing up to support DR. Jill Stein’s presidential run. Has she announced again? This woman has some ego, if she’s not a Russian useful idiot. She never won statewide office in Massachusetts. What makes her think she could win POTUS?

    BTW, are you ready for the arctic blast? You guys are really going to get hit hard (in Wisconsin, right?).

  12. 12.

    James E Powell

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    Where are all the people who were saying that the Dems didn’t have a deep bench and were unwilling to give new people a chance?

    Searching for negative things to say about all the new people who earned a chance in the Democratic party.

  15. 15.

    Kraux Pas

    @??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??:

    I remember them. People like Kropadope (<- I am he) and goblue72.

    Funny, I distinctly remember saying many times that they had lots of good people that I was disappointed they didn’t run. Get your facts right.

    They’re too busy screeching about Hildebeast running or gearing up to support DR. Jill Stein’s presidential run.

    Again wrong. I voted for Hillary. She was also the only presidential candidate I donated to that cycle.

  18. 18.

    tobie

    Stupid question…but will a front pager post when Trump’s done with his miserable speech, so those of us avoiding Trump can tune in to hear Stacey Abrams?

  19. 19.

    Adam L Silverman

    @tobie: No. You watch all of it or none of it. You don’t get ice cream if you don’t eat your Liver and Brussels Sprouts.//

  24. 24.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @Omnes Omnibus:
    All the local schools, academies churches, technical schools and local universities, including mine, are closed tomorrow. Some are even close through Thursday. Temps are only going to be -3 with a night low of -9. A person on the radio said that heating systems in most houses around here in NE Ohio might not function well in -10 temps.

    I left my windshield wipers standing up and my gas tank half-full.

  27. 27.

    Omnes Omnibus

    @??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??: My gas tank is half full, my oil is the right kind and fairly recent, my coolant levels are good, and the battery is only about a year old. My Saab starts with no issues at -10, but I’ve never had to try it at -25. We’ll see what happens; I am betting that she starts up just fine.

  28. 28.

    FelonyGovt

    My friend flew from LA to Chicago yesterday and it took her something like 16 hours. Stuck on the runway here, then circling there, for so long that they ran low on fuel and had to stop in Indianapolis.

  31. 31.

    Adam L Silverman

    @Kraux Pas: Yes, when prepared properly. Most people don’t prepare them properly and most people don’t think they’re delicious.

  37. 37.

    poleaxedbyboatwork

    For me, one great utility (among many) of Abrams making the SOTU response for the Dems is her voter turnout model is a direct refutation and repudiation of the hide-bound reactionary self-defeating Dem go-to to ever be trying to get more white-guy worms in their fish-bucket, base-depressive and base-alienating side-effects be damned. You know, insipidly courting large swathes of a demographic that just ain’t into you. Fuck that.

    Galvanize the base, givem something to vOTE *for*. Reach out to non-voters, expand the electorate. In-fucking-spire peoples.

    The two parties have long since polarized and completed their respective realignments that they’ve undergone since the white backlash to the civil rights era and the consequent Southern strategy reactionary revanchism that followed.

    It’s gratifying to see a pol who understands this reality and acts accordingly.

  38. 38.

    Kraux Pas

    @Adam L Silverman:

    Yes, when prepared properly. Most people don’t prepare them properly and most people don’t think they’re delicious.

    I’ve had several different delicious preparations but, when all else fails, bacon makes everything delicious.

    @??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??:

    Sorry. Maybe I mixed you up with someone else?

    Maybe you mixed up what what you’re supposed to be mad at me for, which I would characterize as: “I refused to be held accountable for every moronic thing ever said on Twitter. People persisted in doing so. So I pitched a week long fit which some people deem more consequential than ten years of other posts.”

  40. 40.

    Jeffro

    @Kraux Pas: @Adam L Silverman: I’ve already converted/won over 1 of my kids to ‘properly’ done Brussels sprouts (ie, tossed with olive oil and garlic, then roasted in the oven). Kid #2 is next. Mrs. Fro considers this a crime against humanity but geez hon they are delicious!! (the sprouts, not the kids)

  41. 41.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @?BillinGlendaleCA:
    On Sunday, it’s going to be a high of 47. Truly bizarre weather.
    @Omnes Omnibus:

    My car’s still new and should start up fine as well, although I have noticed that it’s been a little sluggish starting lately due to how cold it’s been.

  42. 42.

    Mike in NC

    Will studiously avoid listening to Fat Bastard’s ridiculous lies and nonstop bragging, but might tune in for the D response.

  44. 44.

    Kraux Pas

    @poleaxedbyboatwork:

    For me, one great utility (among many) of Abrams making the SOTU response for the Dems is her voter turnout model is a direct refutation and repudiation of the hide-bound reactionary self-defeating Dem go-to to ever be trying to get more white-guy worms in their fish-bucket

    Ah, the ever-elusive illusory swing voter.

  45. 45.

    Jeffro

    @Adam L Silverman: I think Pelosi (and perhaps Schumer, but eh) are more forward-thinking than folks think. Pelosi has already clearly had some strategic discussions with AOC and her crew, and they are covering the full field of fire (if that’s the right term) and have each others’ backs. Pelosi is not letting up – she’s actually ramping up – and yeah, I think Dems all around have long since woken up to what the GOP is really about these days. Too many folks in the leadership have seen the classified briefings about where the GOP’s money has been coming from, what trumpov & co were really up to during the campaign, etc etc. It has put a lot of steel into their spines and for that, the Republic should be grateful.

  46. 46.

    West of the Rockies

    @5×5:

    I’m with you. I think she is relatable, sincere and eloquent. I hope we hear much more from her.

  47. 47.

    Jeffro

    @Omnes Omnibus: I’m just going to make an assumption there, Omnes. Also, it would be short-sighted to add them to my diet, as I need them to carry my genes forward into the next generation and beyond. ;)

  50. 50.

    Adam L Silverman

    @Jeffro: I like them shredded and tossed in olive oil, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, and then roasted in the oven.

  52. 52.

    Adam L Silverman

    @Jeffro: Pelosi also didn’t get a lot of credit for holding the line on Social Security privatization when in the minority in 2004-2005.

  56. 56.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @Omnes Omnibus:
    Well, that make sense. Sweden can be pretty cold. My car’s South Korean if it means anything; a Kia Forte. It’s handled great so far and it has seat warmers too!

  59. 59.

    Kraux Pas

    @Jay:

    Dave halfs them, cooks them in a hot wok with toasted sesame oil and 5 Spice, just until they are a touch caramelized.

    Omg, I just decided on half my dinner tomorrow.

  60. 60.

    Kraux Pas

    @Peale:

    I don’t know. That Kiddo Diet is supposed to be good for you. Much easier to keep to than paleo or vegan

    Problem is they take forever to produce and are difficult to lure.

    There is a proven technique, though.

  62. 62.

    smike

    @Adam L Silverman:
    “…if you don’t eat your Liver and Brussels Sprouts.”

    Hey now, Brussels Sprouts can be tasty (cook 2 bacon slices, remove bacon, add chopped sprouts to the bacon grease, cover with water and cook until water evaporates, then sprinkle the broken up bacon over the sprouts and eat.) Last time I had liver it was grilled and surprisingly tasteless.

  64. 64.

    Achrachno

    “a bit of a career-killer for rising new talents.”

    Doesn’t that mostly apply to RW non-talents like Jindal? His response was among the most memorable, unfortunately for him.

  66. 66.

    Mike in NC

    @smike: I love Brussels sprouts but despise peas. I’ll pick them out of everything, especially chicken pot pies. Really the only vegetable I hate.

  67. 67.

    eemom

    @?BillinGlendaleCA:

    It’s going to be hellish here too, rain is predicted.

    Once, many years ago, I was taking a deposition in LA, and at some point in the middle of the afternoon my local counsel took me aside and asked if I’d be ok if he left early. I said I’d be fine and I hoped there wasn’t anything wrong.

    Not exactly wrong, he responded — it was just that it was raining, and he had to drive.

  70. 70.

    tobie

    @Adam L Silverman: Oh c’mon. Please don’t make me do it. Watching Trump is seriously bad for my health. Others here, and especially our valued front pagers, have a much stronger constitution, for which I am endlessly grateful.

  73. 73.

    J R in WV

    @smike:

    Last time I had liver it was grilled and surprisingly tasteless.

    Tasteless… hmmm. Isn’t that a huge improvement? ;-)

  74. 74.

    Jay

    “Whilst all this is going on, there is some really serious damage being done. As has been planned for a while, the European Medicines Agency has moved from London to Amsterdam. With it will go not only 900 jobs but a central part of the ecosystem of the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries – which are strategically crucial for the UK and in which the UK has been a leading global player. It’s worth recalling that in April 2017 the first Brexit Secretary, David Davis, opined that there should be no reason why it couldn’t stay in Britain post-Brexit. Like so many other Brexiter claims, it was known to be nonsense by experts but their knowledge was dismissed and mocked.

    We now have companies spending huge amounts of money on stockpiling goods in warehouses in case of there being no deal, and almost every day brings news of another company moving its Headquarters out of Britain. The entire P&O fleet is to be re-registered in Cyprus. A group of leading food retailers have written a letter to MPs warning in stark terms of the dangers of food shortages. In any other time that would be seen as extraordinary. Now, it barely survives one day of the news cycle. And, of course, as with every other warning it is immediately trashed as Project Fear or, with the cynicism of the unworldly, as an excuse by supermarkets to unnecessarily raise prices.”

    http://chrisgreybrexitblog.blogspot.com/2019/01/brexit-bewilderment-dismay-and-shame.html?m=1

  76. 76.

    Jay

    “Every Brexiter MP and commentator is an instant expert on the food industry, just as they are the car industry or aerospace, knowing far more than those who actually work in and run those businesses. Or, for those of such self-evident ignorance that any claim to expertise would cause instant laughter, a more boorish approach is taken. Hence one of the most shameful of recent events, when Mark Francois, Deputy Chair of the ERG, denounced the CEO of Airbus, and one of the UK’s most important employers, for being German, tore up his letter warning of the consequences of no deal, and talked about his own father having stood up to German ‘bullying’ on D-Day. It would be hard to find a more compelling image of the silliness and sheer nastiness of the Brexit Ultras.”

    Sound familiar?

  78. 78.

    Mnemosyne

    Given what Abrams’ area of specialty is, I hope she hits on voting rights and voter suppression in the recent election. Hard.

  79. 79.

    Dan B

    @Adam L Silverman: Julia Child has a recipe for liver, with bacon, Madeira, and shallots. We’ve been dazzled by oven roasted (charred) curried Brussels Sprouts that could not be a more satisfying winter vegetable.

    So… can we puree and char – with a fragrant orangeness containing fresh, not stale dry, turmeric – Trumps SOTU? (T’s reign as well, please)

    Back to the kitchen of earthly desires (and dreams) for me.

  80. 80.

    Dan B

    @Jeffro: There’s still the “liberal billionaires” who could save us / USA / democracy / human rights. But there is a strong thread of: us super intelligent, super hard working, super disciplined, never depressed, “worthy of leading” elite.

    Howard Schultz is one example. Accomplishment without adequate self examination or humility.

    Does a used car salesman huckster become the best choice to pilot the ship of state when it’s already on the shoals? Or does someone who sold a version of modern American coffee houses that recreated a coffee house in Verona deserve the crown? I know the brain who made Schultz a billionaire. I hope I never see that “brain” again.

    Long story. There is evil in the world but much / most of it seems benign.

  81. 81.

    Ken

    I wonder if Abrams will have a “plan B” speech in case Trump has a complete meltdown at the SOTU.

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