"Their insistence ignores reality: The 3rd District is still very red." You said what everyone needs to let sink in. I only hope that enough voters in our district will read your article and understand.
Until district 3 Democrats make up 50% or more of the district, the power lies right where she thinks it does - moderate conservatives. She doesn't need to be not Joe Kent, she just needs to be not a big fan of dictatorships.
That's a pretty low bar. What happened to expecting leaders to be honest, have integrity, and showing common decency? If she can't be for that and point out where it's lacking in the opposition, then voters will find someone who can. If moderate conservatives can't support that then we will end up with the same crap we have going on now.
I'm not sure if you're implying that she isn't honest and showing common decency or if she isn't doing enough to hold the Cheeto in Chief accountable for being bankrupt in all those areas. Genuinely not sure. If it's the former, I really don't see it, if it's the latter I agree.
Here's the thing regardless - what she's been doing, by and large, is exactly what she said she was going to do in her election. She's been laser focused on the issues she campaigned on. For me personally? I'm right there with some of her critical in wanting her to take more of a stand against this administration.
But when I voted for her, I didn't vote for her because I thought she would take Chester to task. I voted for what she's been actually working on, frankly I didn't even imagine how bad things would be at the top.
Yep, the latter. I voted for her because she understood issues of working folks and seemed smart, honest, generous, and supported Democratic Party values. I think she still does, but times have changed with many not in the mood to compromise with those who have handed the reins of power to a convicted felon out to destroy constitutional rights. To quote Jim Hightower, "There's nothing in the middle of the road but a yellow stripe and dead armadillos."
I appreciate the article, Andre. Obviously Rep. Perez does offer a winning formula for the Democrats in the politically motley 3rd District. It also seems unlikely a better candidate who can win the general will emerge from her left in a primary. I agree Brent Hennrich isn’t that person.
If MGP is the Democrat candidate next year and she’s up against another John Bircher loonie like Joe “I fabricate intel assessments to comport with Trump’s lies” Kent, she’ll certainly have my vote for the third time. But let’s not ignore her ~abject~ failures to defend the Constitution from the lawless and tyrannical Executive currently occupying the Oaf-al Office. Two in particular are glaring.
The 5th and 14th Amendments are clear; “Any person” on American soil is Constitutionally afforded due process. Yet despite the President engaging in un-Constitutional acts of kidnapping, rendition and human trafficking of foreign nationals and US Citizens alike, in responses I have received, MGP claims it would be “lawfare” to Congressionally challenge the executive orders the President is basing his deportation policies on. Poppycock.
“First they came for the Venezuelans…”
Second, the MAGA cult can lie to themselves all they want, but the events of January 6th, 2021 were an act of war on our Constitution and its method for transferring power. As a result of that terrible day, Stewart Rhodes and Enriquo Tarrio were each found guilty of sedition by a jury of their peers. When President Trump commuted Rhodes’s sentence and pardoned Tarrio, I think a reasonable person would agree he explicitly violated the 14th Amendment by giving “aid or comfort” to our enemies by freeing them from their well deserved 18 and 22 year prison sentences.
Yet despite previously (correctly) chastising the American people for their “sanguine” reaction to J6, Rep. Perez now refuses to even comment on this subject, let alone defend the Constitution as she and every other CONgresscritter swore to do. Plainly, Trump’s paroling actions are disqualifying.
At the end of the day, Donald Trump is a ~traitor~ and Rep. Perez is a complicit coward for refusing to pursue his removal from office. She didn’t swear an oath to political expedience and shrewd re-election strategies, she swore to uphold the Constitution.
Don’t get me wrong, she’s far from alone. But when the Rule of Law is in dire straits from D.C. to Longview, it looks like ‘death by a thousand abdications’ will be our ultimate demise.
Doggone if "Ol Andre hasn't given me another conundrum to ponder. And doesn't he always do it to us folks? His piece on MGP has stopped me cold.
First, let me be honest. In my college years I became a William F. Buckley, Teddy Roosevelt admirer, I admit to being conservative politically and Keysnesian in my economic philosophical bent My first vote for President was for Gerald Ford. I also voted for Reagan as he seemed to be a good and decent man and sort of "Middle of the Road" politically and for Bush Sr who I also admire. But not for the "shrub". I did vote for O'bama, but not for Trump or Hillary or even Harris or Trump last year. I think I wrote in Bullwinkle the Moose both times. Seemed appropriate actually.
John McCain I absolutely loved and felt regret I didnt vote for but did donate to and frankly I miss his wisdom more now than ever.
And I was big on Chris Christy also.
I didn't vote for either MGP or Kent. Not sure who I wrote in, maybe a former Mayor, and maybe the best ever in my cities history likely. Wish he'd been in the race.
For the first time in my life, I didn't donate to any candidate for Representative last year. I've supported both Dems and Reps depending on whether I felt comfortable with them as people, capable, not what flag they carried.
I proudly admit to my distaste for Trump. To me he's a coward for finding a way out of wearing the uniform, serving his County---being a rich kid and able to do so when so many like me had 3 options, go where we had no business and fight, try to survive or go to prison or go to Canada.
I'll probably not vote for MGP but I will donate to her. She's done some remarkable good for our district. But some votes I don't like. If she runs against a true conservative, not Trump loyalist, MAGA believer, I vote for that person and donate to as well.
I have never felt the ill will I now feel for Trump and the cowards who are enabling him. What he's doing and will continue to do to our Country, our Democracy, seniors, vets, children and his narcissism and greed infuriate me.
If your a Trumpnista, don't come visit me. We have nothing to discuss. Certainly don't ask me for money or support. What I'd have3 to say to you would only embarrass you.
Frankly I think the dnc needs to move more towards mgp's style of liberalism, or variations on it. In order to win the party needs a coalition of many different types of people. Based on polling data, currently the dnc doesn't have a coalition, it has a book club.
Regardless of how much you agree with the current platform, accepting that change is necessary in order to fight for democracy itself should be forefront on everyone's mind.
Nobody needs to abandon their core beliefs, but setting party priorities to align with what will bring in the most votes while sacrificing the least is how elections are won. Party platforms change all the time. Just ask any Republican about the civil war.
Well, politics is always a business of compromise. I never in my life voted for someone I totally agree with. And I don't think is fair to suggest that MGP is "evil." Her heart is with this district and she dislikes partisan politics, which is what a lot of voters want. I know some dems want a more reliably progressive candidate, but they'll lose the seat if they engage in that kind of political infighting.
I think what he's saying is that the only way a candidate you kind of like wins is if they are either her or someone like her. Someone that would please those calling for her to be primaried will lose, guaranteed.
Maybe you don't agree, but to me it seems clear to me that the kind of Democrat who would do things people want her to do just wouldn't win the general election. She's barely squeaked by both times as it is.
I understand sticking to ones principals, it's laudable. However to me the fight here is against the blatant abuse of power coming from the executive branch at the moment. Personally I'd rather have someone who doesn't do enough over someone who actively supports it.
"Their insistence ignores reality: The 3rd District is still very red." You said what everyone needs to let sink in. I only hope that enough voters in our district will read your article and understand.
I’m not happy with some of votes, but the fear of someone like Kent taking her place will get her my vote.
MGP has time to redeem herself. She should figure out where her power really lies. What is she for? She can't run again as not Joe Kent.
Until district 3 Democrats make up 50% or more of the district, the power lies right where she thinks it does - moderate conservatives. She doesn't need to be not Joe Kent, she just needs to be not a big fan of dictatorships.
That's a pretty low bar. What happened to expecting leaders to be honest, have integrity, and showing common decency? If she can't be for that and point out where it's lacking in the opposition, then voters will find someone who can. If moderate conservatives can't support that then we will end up with the same crap we have going on now.
I'm not sure if you're implying that she isn't honest and showing common decency or if she isn't doing enough to hold the Cheeto in Chief accountable for being bankrupt in all those areas. Genuinely not sure. If it's the former, I really don't see it, if it's the latter I agree.
Here's the thing regardless - what she's been doing, by and large, is exactly what she said she was going to do in her election. She's been laser focused on the issues she campaigned on. For me personally? I'm right there with some of her critical in wanting her to take more of a stand against this administration.
But when I voted for her, I didn't vote for her because I thought she would take Chester to task. I voted for what she's been actually working on, frankly I didn't even imagine how bad things would be at the top.
Yep, the latter. I voted for her because she understood issues of working folks and seemed smart, honest, generous, and supported Democratic Party values. I think she still does, but times have changed with many not in the mood to compromise with those who have handed the reins of power to a convicted felon out to destroy constitutional rights. To quote Jim Hightower, "There's nothing in the middle of the road but a yellow stripe and dead armadillos."
I appreciate the article, Andre. Obviously Rep. Perez does offer a winning formula for the Democrats in the politically motley 3rd District. It also seems unlikely a better candidate who can win the general will emerge from her left in a primary. I agree Brent Hennrich isn’t that person.
If MGP is the Democrat candidate next year and she’s up against another John Bircher loonie like Joe “I fabricate intel assessments to comport with Trump’s lies” Kent, she’ll certainly have my vote for the third time. But let’s not ignore her ~abject~ failures to defend the Constitution from the lawless and tyrannical Executive currently occupying the Oaf-al Office. Two in particular are glaring.
The 5th and 14th Amendments are clear; “Any person” on American soil is Constitutionally afforded due process. Yet despite the President engaging in un-Constitutional acts of kidnapping, rendition and human trafficking of foreign nationals and US Citizens alike, in responses I have received, MGP claims it would be “lawfare” to Congressionally challenge the executive orders the President is basing his deportation policies on. Poppycock.
“First they came for the Venezuelans…”
Second, the MAGA cult can lie to themselves all they want, but the events of January 6th, 2021 were an act of war on our Constitution and its method for transferring power. As a result of that terrible day, Stewart Rhodes and Enriquo Tarrio were each found guilty of sedition by a jury of their peers. When President Trump commuted Rhodes’s sentence and pardoned Tarrio, I think a reasonable person would agree he explicitly violated the 14th Amendment by giving “aid or comfort” to our enemies by freeing them from their well deserved 18 and 22 year prison sentences.
Yet despite previously (correctly) chastising the American people for their “sanguine” reaction to J6, Rep. Perez now refuses to even comment on this subject, let alone defend the Constitution as she and every other CONgresscritter swore to do. Plainly, Trump’s paroling actions are disqualifying.
At the end of the day, Donald Trump is a ~traitor~ and Rep. Perez is a complicit coward for refusing to pursue his removal from office. She didn’t swear an oath to political expedience and shrewd re-election strategies, she swore to uphold the Constitution.
Don’t get me wrong, she’s far from alone. But when the Rule of Law is in dire straits from D.C. to Longview, it looks like ‘death by a thousand abdications’ will be our ultimate demise.
“A Republic, if you can keep it”, indeed.
No, I’m not fun at parties.
Doggone if "Ol Andre hasn't given me another conundrum to ponder. And doesn't he always do it to us folks? His piece on MGP has stopped me cold.
First, let me be honest. In my college years I became a William F. Buckley, Teddy Roosevelt admirer, I admit to being conservative politically and Keysnesian in my economic philosophical bent My first vote for President was for Gerald Ford. I also voted for Reagan as he seemed to be a good and decent man and sort of "Middle of the Road" politically and for Bush Sr who I also admire. But not for the "shrub". I did vote for O'bama, but not for Trump or Hillary or even Harris or Trump last year. I think I wrote in Bullwinkle the Moose both times. Seemed appropriate actually.
John McCain I absolutely loved and felt regret I didnt vote for but did donate to and frankly I miss his wisdom more now than ever.
And I was big on Chris Christy also.
I didn't vote for either MGP or Kent. Not sure who I wrote in, maybe a former Mayor, and maybe the best ever in my cities history likely. Wish he'd been in the race.
For the first time in my life, I didn't donate to any candidate for Representative last year. I've supported both Dems and Reps depending on whether I felt comfortable with them as people, capable, not what flag they carried.
I proudly admit to my distaste for Trump. To me he's a coward for finding a way out of wearing the uniform, serving his County---being a rich kid and able to do so when so many like me had 3 options, go where we had no business and fight, try to survive or go to prison or go to Canada.
I'll probably not vote for MGP but I will donate to her. She's done some remarkable good for our district. But some votes I don't like. If she runs against a true conservative, not Trump loyalist, MAGA believer, I vote for that person and donate to as well.
I have never felt the ill will I now feel for Trump and the cowards who are enabling him. What he's doing and will continue to do to our Country, our Democracy, seniors, vets, children and his narcissism and greed infuriate me.
If your a Trumpnista, don't come visit me. We have nothing to discuss. Certainly don't ask me for money or support. What I'd have3 to say to you would only embarrass you.
How liberal or progressive are you considered to say you don't support the agenda of racist, misogynist, elitist, old white guys?
my biggest problem was her censure vote
Frankly I think the dnc needs to move more towards mgp's style of liberalism, or variations on it. In order to win the party needs a coalition of many different types of people. Based on polling data, currently the dnc doesn't have a coalition, it has a book club.
Regardless of how much you agree with the current platform, accepting that change is necessary in order to fight for democracy itself should be forefront on everyone's mind.
Nobody needs to abandon their core beliefs, but setting party priorities to align with what will bring in the most votes while sacrificing the least is how elections are won. Party platforms change all the time. Just ask any Republican about the civil war.
I don't think MGP is evil. It's a figure of speech.
So I guess what you're saying is that we need to settle yet again for the lesser of two evils?
Well, politics is always a business of compromise. I never in my life voted for someone I totally agree with. And I don't think is fair to suggest that MGP is "evil." Her heart is with this district and she dislikes partisan politics, which is what a lot of voters want. I know some dems want a more reliably progressive candidate, but they'll lose the seat if they engage in that kind of political infighting.
You hit the hail on its head, Andre. I agree completely.
I think what he's saying is that the only way a candidate you kind of like wins is if they are either her or someone like her. Someone that would please those calling for her to be primaried will lose, guaranteed.
Maybe you don't agree, but to me it seems clear to me that the kind of Democrat who would do things people want her to do just wouldn't win the general election. She's barely squeaked by both times as it is.
I understand sticking to ones principals, it's laudable. However to me the fight here is against the blatant abuse of power coming from the executive branch at the moment. Personally I'd rather have someone who doesn't do enough over someone who actively supports it.