In the months since the 2020 election and the attempt at overturning its result on January 6, it has become evident that our enemies on the right are on the march. While they are fewer in number than we are, they have a unified command, a common message, a massive media/propaganda apparatus, and a base that has been ginned up to a fever pitch.
They also have a coherent and realistic plan to overturn the 2024 election if they can’t win it outright in the Electoral College. Their plan is two-fold: to suppress the vote and abuse the election administration process to overturn election results.
If they succeed in this plan, the government will soon become, in every sense, a political tool of the far right. Democracy is the first thing they seek to destroy, as a precondition for destroying everything else.
Although many commentators in the center and on the left have expressed alarm at this situation, the most common responses have covered the spectrum from complacency to defeatism. We believe there is another way forward, which is to try to assemble a resistance against this attack that focuses on the states where the battle is being most intensely waged. That’s where our allies are; that’s where we can make the most difference and maximize our impact.
We know that many of you share the belief that this fight – though daunting – is winnable, and we are asking you to join us. The steps we are proposing to take in assembling the resistance are three-fold.
FIRST. To map out, as best we can, the different and diverse battles to fight in key states.
SECOND. To make contact with activist organizations in key states, to the extent possible, to identify opportunities for BJ peeps to participate in actions planned by other organizations, to raise funds in support of those actions, and to make activist organizations aware that we are potentially available in support of their activities.
THIRD. To make a difference in the fight against disinformation, with a specific, directed effort.
What we can potentially do is harness the power of this community to do something strategic.
In a series of posts over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be sharing the planning we’ve done so far. But before we get into the specifics, we first wanted you to know where we are coming from and what our goals are, which is the purpose of this post.
Some of you will recall that last June, a number of us began a pilot project to put together a system that would be a tool for both ourselves and perhaps others who want to understand how these state-level battles are developing across the country, to be better able to join them more effectively.
Thanks to the many volunteers who worked on the pilot project, those early efforts taught us so much about the process, about what worked and what didn’t, all of which was incorporated as we moved to the next phase.
We made it through the 7-state pilot test phase, and through the second phase of taking what we learned from the pilot project, refining our plans, expanding our thinking, and creating an interactive database, which when fully implemented will function as both a source of information and as a resource that identifies opportunities for action.
We are at the point now of sharing our thinking more widely, creating a read-only version of the database so you can all see what we’re working toward, and inviting the wider Balloon Juice community to get involved. What you will see in the database is a framework, not a completed set of information. There’s a lot of work to be done to flesh it all out.
After the second meeting with Adam Schiff, there was a lot of talk about what we can do to stop the damage, turn things around, and win in November. Here on Balloon Juice – because of our numbers and our passion – we are uniquely positioned to be able to make a difference; what remains to be seen is how much interest there is in getting involved in this particular effort.
Bottom line, eyes on the prize: the overarching goals for this project are to fight voter suppression and election subversion efforts, to fight disinformation, and to win. Collecting information isn’t the point, it’s just the means to an end, which is making sure that our political action is as strategic as our fundraising.
We believe that for political activists, it’s all hands on deck time. If you believe that, too, we hope you will let us know your thoughts about what you have read so far, and we are here to answer any questions you might have at this point.
Thanks for listening; we’re looking forward to hearing what you think!
We Have a Tado Pupdate!
David Fud
This sounds amazing and I will eagerly look forward to more info. I kind of wish I had jumped into the earlier project, but I am very glad to see it come to this stage of fruition.
SuzieC
I am 100% in. Focus has to be on massive voter turnout.
Fair Economist
This sounds exciting!
Al Nichols
Hello all. I’m one of the folks who’s been working on this project. I’m excited about it and all of us hope that you all will be as well. There is a lot of work that needs to be done.
WaterGirl
There is a ton of work to be done. Happy to see some interest and excitement. Putting this out there is a bit like throwing a party and wondering if anyone will come. Only there’s a million times more at stake than a party.
Almost Retired
For those of you on the second Adam Schiff book club call, he was very impressed by the targeted and strategic thinking that went into our fundraising and anti-voter suppression efforts. This project will take it to the next level
prostratedragon
Still interested in helping if you need me.
WaterGirl
@Almost Retired: I was really pleased when John Cole said he wants in on the project, too.
Sure Lurkalot
I’m a volunteer. Let me tell you something you already know–WaterGirl is indefatigable! Everyone’s efforts to date are all contributing to what’s going to be a great tool to get involved.
Did you read Rick Scott’s 11-point vision for America? What Greg Abbott and Ken Paxton are up to in Texas regarding transgender children?
I wish this call for activism could just be a labor of love but it’s a labor of necessity. I hope many of you will join the fight!
Benw
@SuzieC: massive turnout especially in the swing states will be super important! I’m really stoked that here’s an opportunity for folks in big blue states to help support that effort.
WaterGirl
@prostratedragon: We do need you!
We’re going to have a link to sign up to get involved. I’m pretty sure the link will be in our next post on Friday afternoon.
Al Nichols
@prostratedragon: We definitely need you. In coming posts (this is the first of five we’re planning) we’re going to have more details on what needs to be done, webforms to sign up to participate, and further discussion of the plan.
TEL
This is part of why I’m a regular at this site. I mostly lurk, but I also donate $ & time where I can. It keeps me from feeling helpless about what’s happening right now with the republican party and in our country.
WaterGirl
@TEL: Does that mean you’re in?
WaterGirl
@Sure Lurkalot: What do you think of the graphic? We supplied the words, MazeDancer did the design.
CindyH
I mostly lurk and I’m in – will look out for the signups etc
UncleEbeneezer
Love this!! I run an Indivisible group and am active in a couple similar FB groups where I have a bit of influence. Anything that I can bring into those spaces and encourage people to do, I will be happy to do so.
MomSense
We are the little top 10,000 blog that could
WaterGirl
@MomSense: Why didn’t we think of adding that to the graphic? :-)
Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes
Just hoping that in light of conservative attacks on voting rights, rampant gerrymanders and brutal policies regarding trans youth that the ACLU can abandon its general goal of unfettered free speech for Nazis for a hot minute.
japa21
Just went to the site. Obviously still in early stages, but the amount of work you folks have done already is amazing.
WaterGirl
Folks who are interested… start thinking about what states you have a connection to and that you might want to help with. Some of the roles are state-specific, and some of the research is across all the states. Of course, by all, I mean all the “key” states.
We won’t be doing anything in IL or CA, for instance. :-)
H.E.Wolf
This is awesome. Huge thanks to everyone who has brought the project through its initial stages.
Balloon Juice jackals remind me of those images featuring a myriad of little minnows, forming up into the shape of a very big fish!
Almost Retired
@Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes: Stay tuned! Not exactly 100% responsive to your comment, but the join-the-fight project will have a participatory social media bullshit-resistance function as well.
WaterGirl
@H.E.Wolf: We had about 40 folks participate in the 7-pilot state project, which was really great. Since the initial pilot, Alan, Curt, Benw, Lisa and I have been helping to steer the ship. And I want to credit the person doing the database programming, but I’ll be damned if I can remember what his nym is, and I can’t out him with his name. I’ll ask about his nym before the next post.
Al Nichols
@japa21: We’re pretty happy with the framework we have in place. But now we have to put out a call to people who will help fill it out. Put muscles on the skeleton, in other words.
japa21
@WaterGirl:
However, to folks in those states, keep an eye out for opportunities on the local level to make a difference.
Texasboyshaun
I commented on Tado’s thread for those that want to read it.
WaterGirl
@Texasboyshaun: Will go look now. You must be the Shaun who is having to give up Tado. I lost my sweet pup a week ago and I can only imagine how hard it is to let Tado move on to a new family.
WaterGirl
@japa21: And folks in the blue states can absolutely still contribute to the Join the Fight project.
Sure Lurkalot
@TEL:
I have those feelings too and all too often. Working on this project has helped immensely!
japa21
This is just a random thought, so it can be safely ignored. One thing I have noticed on the Dem side is that there are so many groups trying to focus on the same end, electing Dems, that they sometimes work to cross purposes and financially, a large pie of funds is split into so many small pieces that the effectiveness is diluted.
It seems to me a project such as this may perhaps lead to more coordination between groups with a better utilization of funds. It may be an additional positive outcome. But then this may have already been discussed amongst all of you in your planning.
And WG, as I and others have said before, you have been a guiding light to us jackals.
Billcoop4
Wishing for a hill near the TX governor’s mansion and a day of full gravity.
And someone clever.
BC
Sure Lurkalot
@WaterGirl: I love it and it evokes more than one “meaning” for me. That we need to build a brick house so the pigs can’t blow it down. That we have to build our democracy brick by brick.
ETA Thanks MazeDancer!
jnfr
Looking forward to hearing more.
TEL
@WaterGirl: I am in!
WaterGirl
@Sure Lurkalot: Glad to hear it. The wall evokes more than one meaning for me, too. I think MazeDancer did a wonderful job, but I wondered what others think.
Almost Retired
@japa21: Exactly! We can’t be everywhere and do everything, but we can collectively figure out where our efforts can make the most difference. Like with Voces and Four Directions, etc. and elsewhere. Obviously, we won’t partner with all of the activist organizations we have identified and intend to contact, but we’ll use this process to figure out where BJ can make a difference. That’s way more satisfying (and way more fun) than just doing what every other Democratic-leading group of activists is doing. And I second and third your observation re WaterGirl.
WaterGirl
@jnfr: Yay! Our next post is scheduled for 1:30 on Friday afternoon. Give or take, depending on what’s happening in the world and with other posts. But somewhere in the neighborhood of 1:30 blog time.
Sure Lurkalot
@Texasboyshaun: Best of luck to you in NJ and I hope you find the low key dream job that will right the course. Getting the heck out of Texas…pivotal!
Another Scott
@Sure Lurkalot: Thank you, WG, and everyone, for these efforts. It sounds great.
re Paxton, ACLU Texas is on it:
(via Popehat)
We have to fight them every single day. Thanks for all you’re doing!
Cheers,
Scott.
Mike in NC
Our rotten media need to spend more time covering the mendacity of the governors of Texas and Florida.
WaterGirl
@Mike in NC: Maybe our Social Media Initiative will be able to help with that.
Al Nichols
Folks, I have to drop off the call now, but looking forward to talking more on Friday.
Chief Oshkosh
WG, JtF sounds great. I’m excited about participating on some level.
WaterGirl
@Chief Oshkosh: Oh, good. I am super pleased to see the interest in this!
Avalie
I’m in! Just let me know what you need and when
WaterGirl
I am going to close up shop for the night, but will check back in the morning. Look for another thread with more details on Friday afternoon.
My thoughts are with the people of Ukraine.
WaterGirl
@Avalie: So glad to hear that!
Nancy
Eager to learn more, will be looking for the post with info.
Sandia Blanca
Not sure if this is the appropriate place to put this, but the Texas Democrats have a number of initiatives up and running on the voter protection front. I participate by answering calls to the Voter Assistance Hotline, letting people know if they’re registered, where and when they can vote, what ID to bring, etc. I would like to see this added to the list, since you have accurately categorized our state as “hair on fire.” Details here: Action Center | Texas Democratic Party (texasdemocrats.org)
Benw
@Nancy: cool. Next post coming Friday:
NimmoENull
I’m in
Almost Retired
@Sandia Blanca: Excellent! Thanks. This is super helpful. And a sterling example of the power of BJ crowd-sourcing this fight!
cain
As of Monday, I am unemployed again. Yay. So yeah, I’m happy to help!
FelonyGovt
Still interested and will do what I can.
sab
I am in. Already contributing $ to a couple of local campaigns (local as local candidates aiming for Federal office.) Also for some statewide offices ( judges on Ohio S Ct.)
Always willing to canvass door to door. Hate phonebanks. H.E. Wolf postcard thing sounds appealing.
Marmot
I’m in Texas and I’m in. With a couple other very worried people, I’ve been doing voter registration other stuff since the 1/6 anniversary. Could use more.
Laura Too
Late, but I’m in. Will do my best to get to the thread tomorrow in a timely manner.
Brantl
I am in as well. Let me know what you need.
eachother
Join the Fight might consider bumper stickers. With .org etc.
Cafe Press distributed. sets of 10? Priced to cover costs and costs themselves may be too much?
I would buy a set.