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In light of Trump's insane rhetoric and demented rant, where are the Democrats who will stand up and stop him? (Original Post) lees1975 Apr 7 OP
Hey Come On; they are working on a strongly worded letter, but it must be cleared by Democratic pollsters first! Chasstev365 Apr 7 #1
Oh just stop with this tired meme mcar Apr 7 #93
Thank you. evolves Apr 7 #119
It's tough love and accurate Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #136
I disagree that it's "tough love" and it's not accurate mcar Apr 7 #207
why people still use MSM? Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #243
Oh just stop complaining about it Disaffected Apr 7 #161
Lol! 😆 Dave Bowman Apr 7 #192
Passionate strongly-worded rallies throughout the land did not result in grassroots political revolution as promised. betsuni Apr 7 #215
And where TF are YOU? Trueblue Texan Apr 7 #218
Please stop! agingdem Apr 7 #156
How would Dems stop him? I'm not sure that's possible. 3_Limes Apr 7 #2
So say and do nothing? Chasstev365 Apr 7 #4
And that would accomplish what, exactly? Wiz Imp Apr 7 #7
I refuse to be a sheep! Chasstev365 Apr 7 #10
Huh? Wiz Imp Apr 7 #18
Your answer is to sit and do nothing. Huh? Chasstev365 Apr 7 #19
Wrong. But Your answer is to do something performative that accomplishes nothiing Wiz Imp Apr 7 #27
Isn't everything Trump does performative and it's been effective with the uninformed? Chasstev365 Apr 7 #41
Right!? How many influential people affiliated with the administration do nothing of substance? ck4829 Apr 7 #52
And you think those same people are going to be impressed by a Democratic press conference? Wiz Imp Apr 7 #60
Trump is not simply "performative" - he's got ICE terrifying this country TBF Apr 7 #248
That is a weak H2O Man Apr 7 #265
So, what exactly are YOU doing, Chief? TBF Apr 7 #28
I know I called my Republican Senators yesterday and crickets... Hope22 Apr 7 #159
Let us know H2O Man Apr 7 #266
How did Mitch McConnell so effectively block Obama and Biden from 80% of what they wanted. lees1975 Apr 7 #22
He didn't. Wiz Imp Apr 7 #29
Significant legislation blocked by Republicans when Dems had a majority. lees1975 Apr 7 #216
Try again. Only one of your claims is partially true Wiz Imp Apr 7 #242
Well done! H2O Man Apr 7 #267
A voice against the insanity. That's the job of the opposition party. Scrivener7 Apr 7 #126
RFN! The head Democrats should be giving an Urgent Address to the Nation Ars Longa Apr 7 #49
This. Thank you. Scrivener7 Apr 7 #129
This would do something. Kid Berwyn Apr 7 #167
People here would sneer mcar Apr 7 #95
I feel like they are working sagetea Apr 7 #157
I was told Garland was working in the shadows too. He wasn't. Scrivener7 Apr 7 #196
And yet we still have not achieved universal healthcare when we held House, and 60-40 Senate in 2009 (briefly) Moostache Apr 7 #102
it's much easier to block progress than build something good LymphocyteLover Apr 7 #127
This is my question, too. -misanthroptimist Apr 7 #200
What Greg_In_SF Apr 7 #3
Stop their fund raising nest feathering, get together as a group and call this out. lees1975 Apr 7 #6
And what exactly would that accomplish? It would stop nothing. Wiz Imp Apr 7 #11
Only Republicans can stop the President? ck4829 Apr 7 #20
Only for the first 2 years SocialDemocrat61 Apr 7 #163
It seems a group here has become wedded to that Scrivener7 Apr 7 #133
And you could say the same thing about people insisting Democrats are always doing nothing EdmondDantes_ Apr 7 #183
So they should... give a speech? EarlG Apr 7 #170
Seems delulu if I'm being honest. BannonsLiver Apr 7 #176
I suppose it would make people like the original poster happy, at least LymphocyteLover Apr 7 #130
So, tell us how they should accomplish that. MineralMan Apr 7 #5
If I want to read right-wing drivel, TBF Apr 7 #8
Bravo!!!! Wiz Imp Apr 7 #15
And when Democrats had the majority under Obama and Biden lees1975 Apr 7 #16
🎯 Chasstev365 Apr 7 #21
Get on the phone & call Congress right fucking now - TBF Apr 7 #23
He didn't say anything about blaming Democrats Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #144
Any suggestion that Democrats should act like a true Scrivener7 Apr 7 #199
I really hope we can criticize ourselves moving forward Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #206
That's not what I said - but nice try, sport. TBF Apr 7 #250
No they didn't. Wiz Imp Apr 7 #32
Yes they did. I don't remember the exact count lees1975 Apr 7 #51
And how many Trump bills have passed the Senate? Wiz Imp Apr 7 #57
One big beautiful bill lees1975 Apr 7 #69
Zero Democrats voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Wiz Imp Apr 7 #79
Thank you. betsuni Apr 7 #96
When reality doesn't fit the narrative, just spread lies about Democrats... tritsofme Apr 7 #124
Obama had a filibuster proof majority in the senate from September 24, 2009 to Feb. 4, 2010. betsuni Apr 7 #68
And there were only 72 working days during that period. n/t markpkessinger Apr 7 #191
Wow! Wiz Imp Apr 7 #117
The implication seems to be that Democrats should filibuster Trump's war EarlG Apr 7 #182
Got it - you won't stop until you insult every democrat you can think of. n/t TBF Apr 7 #77
80%? mcar Apr 7 #98
Of course they don't. It's not remotely close to being true. Wiz Imp Apr 7 #122
Republicans were able to block THE most important thing- SCOTUS nominations Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #147
That's only because Republicans had a Senate majority. tritsofme Apr 7 #150
I'm more concerned about Republicans who have controlled SCOTUS for 75 years Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #155
Recess appointment? There was no recess. What are you even talking about? tritsofme Apr 7 #169
Incredible, isn't it? Wiz Imp Apr 7 #172
Post removed Post removed Apr 7 #190
The person who said Republicans blocked a Supreme court nominee while in Wiz Imp Apr 7 #219
of course there was a recess Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #173
No, there wasn't, the Senate held pro-forma sessions to prevent recess appointments. tritsofme Apr 7 #181
you're talking about some of his other recess apppointments Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #189
No, there was no serious path for Obama to make a recess appointment. tritsofme Apr 7 #195
Post removed Post removed Apr 7 #225
Post removed Post removed Apr 7 #230
Wow! Wiz Imp Apr 7 #238
I can see who's lacking self awareness Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #239
Again, the person who believed the Republicans blocked a Supreme Court nominee when they were in the minority Wiz Imp Apr 7 #244
You haven't elucidated anything that could have reasonably been "tried." You're just selling magic beans. tritsofme Apr 7 #241
Wrong. nt mcar Apr 7 #211
Republicans were in the MAJORITY when they blocked the Supreme Court nomination Wiz Imp Apr 7 #164
Republicans controlled the senate, had the majority in 2015. betsuni Apr 7 #166
IIRC, in the runup to the 2016 GE mcar Apr 7 #212
Look it up. lees1975 Apr 7 #193
You are absolutely right. Katinfl Apr 7 #110
Seriously! Listen, I'm the last person to be on a "Let's look at Dems" rant Prairie Gates Apr 7 #9
The REPUBLICAN, who is speaker of the House, sent them home. nt TBF Apr 7 #25
They are free agents and can go where they want Prairie Gates Apr 7 #34
You are telling me the dems can impeach the president while TBF Apr 7 #81
What in the world Prairie Gates Apr 7 #85
i think most of them are typing rhetorical questions on message boards Torchlight Apr 7 #12
Social media interns must be overwhelmed leftstreet Apr 7 #17
Senator Van Hollen is speaking on MSNOW calling him unhinged. spanone Apr 7 #13
Well, that's effective. lees1975 Apr 7 #38
You asked. spanone Apr 7 #47
Yet you think a Democratic press conference is going to do what? Wiz Imp Apr 7 #65
Swift goalposts Torchlight Apr 7 #75
Senator Van Hollen is MY Senior Senator! BlueMTexpat Apr 7 #118
The only thing they seem to be doing is complaining about Democrats Wiz Imp Apr 7 #125
Exactly! BlueMTexpat Apr 7 #264
What do you suggest they do? City Lights Apr 7 #14
For one thing, Mark Kelly needs to re-iterate his "Illegal Orders" challenge on national television. lees1975 Apr 7 #31
take a minute to look to see who is doing these things, and highlight them here. bigtree Apr 7 #40
Well, I tried Just_Vote_Dem Apr 7 #247
Those things would not "work" they are pure fantasy, you're pushing nonsense and faery tales tritsofme Apr 7 #131
Post removed Post removed Apr 7 #24
Let's see here. Here are some ideas. And the "let's do nothing"-ists can go on by ck4829 Apr 7 #26
And how does that stop Trump from dropping a nuke if he wants to do that? Wiz Imp Apr 7 #35
If he does, he does? Trump dropping a nuke is not an excuse to not do the things I listed. ck4829 Apr 7 #45
🙄 Wiz Imp Apr 7 #55
When and how did we become so weak? ck4829 Apr 7 #67
Hi... when and how did it happen? ck4829 Apr 7 #162
as if we care about this more than them bigtree Apr 7 #30
Quite a bit of power to thwart, judging from how well the Republicans have done it when they were the minority. lees1975 Apr 7 #36
You seem to think Republicans accomplished a hell of a lot more in the minority Wiz Imp Apr 7 #43
Look at their record. lees1975 Apr 7 #71
Name one Republican priority that passed the Senate due to Democratic votes? Wiz Imp Apr 7 #87
The first government shutdown. lees1975 Apr 7 #197
Not republican priority legislation. Must pass legislation. Wiz Imp Apr 7 #233
What blockade record? What legislation did they block? betsuni Apr 7 #54
that fallacy is old and tired bigtree Apr 7 #62
Uh huh. lees1975 Apr 7 #72
and there it is bigtree Apr 7 #84
They are totally uninformed and ignorant of basic facts. Wiz Imp Apr 7 #89
This! mcar Apr 7 #107
Democratic leaders could use their voices to lead an opposition. Kid Berwyn Apr 7 #180
they are bigtree Apr 7 #268
Yes, we could have had not one but two strong, qualified women mcar Apr 7 #214
For those who think the Democratic Party should do nothing, explain to me why this would be wrong: Chasstev365 Apr 7 #33
And as I stated earlier. A leadership press conference would accomplish NOTHING! Wiz Imp Apr 7 #39
We'll have to totally disagree on this Chasstev365 Apr 7 #42
Maybe not. But a leadership press conference with a court order stopping the President until Congress approves lees1975 Apr 7 #46
That court order ITAL Apr 7 #63
A stay is a win. lees1975 Apr 7 #73
You misunderstand ITAL Apr 7 #80
If the first court issued a stay, the supreme court sitting on it just extends the stay unless they remove it. lees1975 Apr 7 #201
No court is going to issue such a stay to begin with. This frame is completely divorced from reality. tritsofme Apr 7 #205
Actually if a court issues the order, it is enforceable until it is stayed. lees1975 Apr 7 #217
Yes, if a court issued that order. That's the fantasy part. tritsofme Apr 7 #226
It's incredibly depressing to read such nonsense fact-free fantasy on DU. Wiz Imp Apr 7 #236
I didn't say a Federal Court would issue a stay ITAL Apr 7 #245
For those who think the party should "stop this" act BannonsLiver Apr 7 #177
They Rebl2 Apr 7 #37
Stop with the bullshit. FIrst of all, Democrats aren't the majority party right now, because enough Americans thought lostincalifornia Apr 7 #44
What is your idea of how DEMOCRATS can stop him? hay rick Apr 7 #48
If we think real hard and click our heels 3 times. BannonsLiver Apr 7 #178
This may get me banned DonCoquixote Apr 7 #50
AIPAC keeps track. Kid Berwyn Apr 7 #174
This is exactly why both parties are refusing to exercise their war powers Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #198
THEY ARE ALL ON VACATION johnnyfins Apr 7 #53
I hope they're fucking enjoying it orangecrush Apr 7 #64
NO, THEY ARE NOT ALL ON VACATION bigtree Apr 7 #76
Anyone demanding the Democrats do something please tell us what the Democrats can do to stop this Fullduplexxx Apr 7 #56
NOT MY JOB orangecrush Apr 7 #61
For starters, show some interest by stopping your vacation and caucusing in DC. lees1975 Apr 7 #88
Then what? BannonsLiver Apr 7 #179
What are they doing? lees1975 Apr 7 #220
MAKE.SOME.FUCKING.NOISE.FFS. demmiblue Apr 7 #58
THIS THIS THIS johnnyfins Apr 7 #115
Where is Congress, period? orangecrush Apr 7 #59
It's up to us democrats to show up crud Apr 7 #66
K&R ck4829 Apr 7 #70
Why are you attacking the Dems? obamanut2012 Apr 7 #74
Good question. DURHAM D Apr 7 #78
Interesting OP doesn't have an OP calling out the GOP obamanut2012 Apr 7 #82
Why is that my job? Why can't elected Democrats in Congress do that? lees1975 Apr 7 #91
+1 orangecrush Apr 7 #97
I see you obamanut2012 Apr 7 #113
It's not your "job" to attack republicans - is that what you just said? TBF Apr 7 #263
It sure is - I tried to point out that the Republicans TBF Apr 7 #252
What do you want Democrats to do? Justice Apr 7 #83
Take a wild ass guess orangecrush Apr 7 #90
I just love the excuses that come out here whenever Democratic leadership is asked to display courage, take a risk and lees1975 Apr 7 #86
Oh, my, what do you EXPECT THEM TO DOOOO??? orangecrush Apr 7 #92
Wow obamanut2012 Apr 7 #114
Yeah, Wow orangecrush Apr 7 #123
Maybe instead of just calling Trump names SomedayKindaLove Apr 7 #143
Yes. orangecrush Apr 7 #152
Well something is better than nothing. lees1975 Apr 7 #203
And yet you sneered at the fact that Sen Van Hollen mcar Apr 7 #222
"Courage" is a meaningless word that people throw around when they don't have an effective action to suggest. FascismIsDeath Apr 7 #104
Sorry I'm 69 years old orangecrush Apr 7 #109
How about actually doing something with some risk, knowing exactly what needs to be done? lees1975 Apr 7 #209
That sounds great if you are writing a fantasy script. tritsofme Apr 7 #210
As I asked in reply #5, what, exactly, do you want them to do? MineralMan Apr 7 #106
You can see a number of people saying Democratic leadership should call a press conference. Wiz Imp Apr 7 #138
Yes. My point, exactly. MineralMan Apr 7 #139
"The only objective MorbidButterflyTat Apr 7 #259
How? mcar Apr 7 #94
Post removed Post removed Apr 7 #99
This message was self-deleted by its author orangecrush Apr 7 #103
Why don't you get in touch with the mcar Apr 7 #100
They can't stop it Bettie Apr 7 #101
"Can't" orangecrush Apr 7 #111
They can try, but we're dealing with Bettie Apr 7 #121
Many are, as shown several times in this thread mcar Apr 7 #223
Saw that after I posted Bettie Apr 7 #231
One more time DownriverDem Apr 7 #105
Comfort the afflicted orangecrush Apr 7 #108
Majority of Americans get their news/info from the BillionaireBoyzClub controlled social media sites. What NoMoreRepugs Apr 7 #112
This is tired, weak and untrue. Mr. Mustard 2023 Apr 7 #116
... orangecrush Apr 7 #128
Society is broken, this is just the latest symptom. OC375 Apr 7 #120
Where are the Republicans who will stand up and stop him? LoisB Apr 7 #132
yep, that's what we ultimately need- about 17 Republicans Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #149
Why don't you stop them? frogstar0 Apr 7 #134
Well, you've been here since 2004 orangecrush Apr 7 #146
Just another low post count, long time lurker chiming in CuriousSavage Apr 7 #194
They need to appear anywhere and everywhere karin_sj Apr 7 #135
If they had a backbone MW67 Apr 7 #137
The Republicans can't even stop him. Donny, the criminally insane, is not playing by the rules. camartinwv Apr 7 #140
Message deleted by the DU Administrators orangecrush Apr 7 #148
There are some Dems (including leaders) who enjoy war porn Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #141
Episode 3,214 of the "Where Are Democrats, Why Don't They Stop Republicans?" show: THE 80%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! betsuni Apr 7 #142
This entire thread is indicative of WHY Dems can't MuchBetterThanThis Apr 7 #145
Post removed Post removed Apr 7 #151
Saying we're divisive is divisive Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #153
Well said orangecrush Apr 7 #154
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all be Democrats just like you? NNadir Apr 8 #270
Stop him how, exactly? NT Happy Hoosier Apr 7 #158
Reconvene orangecrush Apr 7 #165
Does the gravity of the situation need underscoring? EarlG Apr 7 #188
there's a large swath that has no clue what's going on Eddie Haskell 60 Apr 7 #202
Of course it does! Are you kidding? And yes, there are large swaths Scrivener7 Apr 7 #204
If people are so checked out that EarlG Apr 7 #221
I don't know what a shadow session is, and I don't think Scrivener7 Apr 7 #228
The post of mine that you replied to EarlG Apr 7 #232
Having seen only a handful of statements this morning, I went looking for what you are seeing. Scrivener7 Apr 7 #249
I agree with you that they should be speaking out, and it is good to see them doing so EarlG Apr 7 #257
If we get through today without having a genocide on our hands, I still say the Scrivener7 Apr 7 #258
This message was self-deleted by its author Scrivener7 Apr 7 #234
I don't think they have the power to do that. Happy Hoosier Apr 7 #235
Great question. Kid Berwyn Apr 7 #160
Where are the Greens that will stop him? maxsolomon Apr 7 #168
MAGAt Republicans can't even stand up to Piggy about their shoe sizes. MorbidButterflyTat Apr 7 #171
That framing is absolute horse shit. BannonsLiver Apr 7 #175
IT IS THE REPUBLICANS' RESPONSIBILITY. THEY ARE THE MAJORITY. niyad Apr 7 #184
Being actively silenced by our billionaire criminal owned media? Initech Apr 7 #185
How exactly kacekwl Apr 7 #186
Oh Geez Not This Again NBachers Apr 7 #187
You do realize that Democrats are not just fighting TSF, but the House, the Senate and sometimes the supreme court. bluestarone Apr 7 #208
Just How Would the Democrats Stop Him? Indykatie Apr 7 #213
It's not the Democrats HAB911 Apr 7 #224
BTW, I just spent 5 minutes on Bluesky and saw a bunch of elected Democrats mcar Apr 7 #227
... TBF Apr 7 #255
Yep! MorbidButterflyTat Apr 7 #261
I see no reason why we shouldn't all be panicking. snot Apr 7 #229
Writing letters and offering words Bread and Circuses Apr 7 #237
Yeah this is the time to be vocal even if it doesn't do anything ecstatic Apr 7 #240
Here are statements from the House and Senate Democrats LetMyPeopleVote Apr 7 #246
Credit where credit is due, I am happy to see this. This is exactly where the starting point is. lees1975 Apr 7 #251
See below - one of the democratic reps also filed Articles of Impeachment. TBF Apr 7 #256
Possibly the forbearance of the Democrats could be no_hypocrisy Apr 7 #253
You can stop blaming democrats now - here is your action TBF Apr 7 #254
Too little too late- just kidding Redleg Apr 7 #260
and here bigtree Apr 7 #269
I had to do a small something. Called ( my Senator) Schumer's DC office... electric_blue68 Apr 7 #262

Chasstev365

(8,005 posts)
1. Hey Come On; they are working on a strongly worded letter, but it must be cleared by Democratic pollsters first!
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:16 AM
Apr 7

mcar

(46,225 posts)
207. I disagree that it's "tough love" and it's not accurate
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:17 PM
Apr 7

It's knee-jerk Dem bashing, as evidenced by the OPs response (38) to post 13 showing that Democrats are speaking out.

Well, that's effective.


So, it's all Dems need to be talking to the MSM about this. They are, and we get a puke emoji, or the strongly worded letter nonsense.
 

Eddie Haskell 60

(130 posts)
243. why people still use MSM?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:23 PM
Apr 7

Saying MSM is such a 1980s Republican talking point. This is 21st century where everyone has phones and their own media.

And it's going to be a bumpy ride for Dems who want to stay moderate for appeasement vs Dems who want to go more left/progressive to stand by principles. It should be a heathy and constructive discussion along with calling out what did/did not work in the past, including 'strongly worded letters.'

Saying things like 'knee-jerk Dem bashing' is just dismissive and a refusal to even entertain what the party should stand for.

betsuni

(29,201 posts)
215. Passionate strongly-worded rallies throughout the land did not result in grassroots political revolution as promised.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:32 PM
Apr 7

Where is the revolution? The establishment...

There is bitterness. But one will fight back! Written words are elite, letters, elite. Strongly worded letters -- ah, yes, the enemy will shrivel with impotent humiliation before such a clever taunting! They will be sorry. Oh, the posse will be sorry...

Trueblue Texan

(4,558 posts)
218. And where TF are YOU?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:36 PM
Apr 7

Sitting in comfort dashing insults to Dems who ARE trying to effectively address TSF’s insanity!

agingdem

(8,940 posts)
156. Please stop!
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:51 PM
Apr 7

the Dems can stop Trump if they take a veto-proof House and Senate in November ...

in the meantime Trump's cabinet and JD Vance have to invoke Section 4 of the 25th Amendment...and what are the odds the most corrupt cabinet ever and clown Vance will give up their multi-billion dollar grift?...but if they do invoke the 25th Amendment and Trump fights it, then it's up to the Congress to decide the issue with a two thirds vote to remove him.....again..what are the odds?..

if you think the No Kings marches haven't swayed even the most die-hard Republican you're wrong...they've lost Marge Green and a handful of semi-lucid loud Republicans...so there's that..

the Dems are no longer playing nice...they're everywhere..every progressive podcast/MSNOW..even FOX..raising the alarm of allowing a senile psychotic old man to remain in office another day...

3_Limes

(558 posts)
2. How would Dems stop him? I'm not sure that's possible.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:16 AM
Apr 7

Being in the minority leaves them at a big disadvantage here.

Chasstev365

(8,005 posts)
4. So say and do nothing?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:18 AM
Apr 7

At the minimum there should be a leadership press conference declaring the president of the United States is clinically insane.

ck4829

(38,013 posts)
52. Right!? How many influential people affiliated with the administration do nothing of substance?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:52 AM
Apr 7

Riley Gaines = Absolutely nothing of substance
Laura Loomer = Absolutely nothing of substance
"Gulf of America" = Absolutely nothing of substance

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
60. And you think those same people are going to be impressed by a Democratic press conference?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:58 AM
Apr 7

TBF

(36,993 posts)
248. Trump is not simply "performative" - he's got ICE terrifying this country
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:39 PM
Apr 7

and real people (and our military) are dying in Iran.

WTF is performative about THAT?

H2O Man

(79,185 posts)
265. That is a weak
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 07:29 PM
Apr 7

debating tactic that one should learn not to use in junior high school. Telling people what they think should never be mistaken for a valid debating tactic.

TBF

(36,993 posts)
28. So, what exactly are YOU doing, Chief?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:36 AM
Apr 7

Screaming at democrats on a message board? You need to call Congress, also.

Hope22

(4,831 posts)
159. I know I called my Republican Senators yesterday and crickets...
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:54 PM
Apr 7

When I asked the person who answered when would the senator be back to work she told me that Capital police had instructed her not to give his location!!! My response was that I was not a stalker and only wanted to know if there was a plan to get back to work. After a long sigh she said that Johnson has directed session to open on the 14th. So I can tell you what the Reps are doing….absolutely nothing while the Dems are hog tied and unable to even get to the floor!! For people who say Dems do nothing I suggest they watch Lawrence O’Donnell on The Last Word. People are still working. What part of being in the minority don’t people get?

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
22. How did Mitch McConnell so effectively block Obama and Biden from 80% of what they wanted.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:30 AM
Apr 7

Maybe getting his playbook out might do some good. He sure was effective whenever the GOP was in the minority.

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
29. He didn't.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:37 AM
Apr 7

Last edited Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:03 PM - Edit history (1)



Significant legislation passed under Obama and Biden:

Affordable Care Act
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Consumer Protection Act
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Inflation Reduction Act
CHIPS and Science Act
American Rescue Plan Act

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
216. Significant legislation blocked by Republicans when Dems had a majority.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:34 PM
Apr 7

Key portions of the ACA
Key portions of the infrastructure investment act including the budget
Key portions of the Inflation Reduction Act
All of the Border security initiatives
All of the immigration reform initiatives
13 different reconciliation budget bills
voting reforms aimed at restoring what the courts took out of the voting rights act

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
242. Try again. Only one of your claims is partially true
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:23 PM
Apr 7

Key portions of the ACA (mainly blocked by Democrats - Lieberman, Baucus, Ben Nelson, Blanche Lincoln, Kent Conrad, Tom Carper... )
Key portions of the infrastructure investment act including the budget (blocked by Manchin and Sinema, NOT Republicans)
Key portions of the Inflation Reduction Act (blocked by Manchin & Sinema NOT Republicans)
All of the Border security initiatives (Blocked when Republicans were in the majority in the House)
All of the immigration reform initiatives (Not ALL immigration reform initiatives were blocked, but some were.)
13 different reconciliation budget bills (LOL, by definition, Republicans couldn't block reconciliation bills. Reconcilliation bills require a simple majority. It's effectively impossible for Republicans to have blocked any reconciliation bills).
voting reforms aimed at restoring what the courts took out of the voting rights act (blocked by Manchin & Sinema)

Keep in mind, if Democrats had abolished the filibuster at any point in Obama's or Biden's terms, the SAVE Act would now be the law of the land.

Scrivener7

(59,948 posts)
126. A voice against the insanity. That's the job of the opposition party.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:57 AM
Apr 7

Not the Eyeore "Oh, bother, nothing can be done" bullshit.

Ars Longa

(556 posts)
49. RFN! The head Democrats should be giving an Urgent Address to the Nation
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:51 AM
Apr 7

Right F-ing now, The Democrats need to get their foremost political stars, (Sen's Murphy, Kelly, Beshear AOC, Newsome and others) together
and have an Urgent Address to the Nation. An address that bangs the table for the removal of Trump by 25th amendment or
Impeachment-pertaining to his latest round of unhinged-lunatic actions and statements concerning the War in Iran..
Yeah, Of course the Rs won't even take this up---But now is the time, as the Opposition Party---to be an Opposition Party, and the Voice of getting back to sanity & normallcy, and the adults In the room , And call for his REMOVAL!!

sagetea

(1,561 posts)
157. I feel like they are working
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:51 PM
Apr 7

in the shadows. I don't know...thinking that stops me from being paralyzed, anyway. I just. feel they are working in the shadows,


sage

Scrivener7

(59,948 posts)
196. I was told Garland was working in the shadows too. He wasn't.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:59 PM
Apr 7

If you're not seeing it, it's likely not happening.

Moostache

(11,251 posts)
102. And yet we still have not achieved universal healthcare when we held House, and 60-40 Senate in 2009 (briefly)
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:33 AM
Apr 7

All I am saying is that the GOP - while in the minority for much of the time and in a super minority for the first year managed to stymie and stall and delay and frustrate much of President Obama's agenda and initiatives. The GOP is just better at obstruction and delays than Democratic Party leaders.

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
6. Stop their fund raising nest feathering, get together as a group and call this out.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:20 AM
Apr 7

They still think its 1980 and the other side can be made to make a deal. I'd say this calls for pulling some money out to deliver a nationwide address stating that what Trump is doing is illegal under international law, and that Congress hasn't authorized it. The Republicans blocked 80% of what Obama wanted to do when he had a majority in both houses and they did the same to Biden. Why in the world won't we do that?

"We're not in the majority, tsk tsk tsk" is a LOSING political slogan. If they don't do anything now, they never will,

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
11. And what exactly would that accomplish? It would stop nothing.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:23 AM
Apr 7

The Democrats are not in a position to be able to stop Trump. Only the Republicans can do that.

ck4829

(38,013 posts)
20. Only Republicans can stop the President?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:29 AM
Apr 7

They were certainly a thorn in Biden's side and they were the minority then too.

Scrivener7

(59,948 posts)
133. It seems a group here has become wedded to that
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:05 PM
Apr 7

exact message when the situation is clearly calling for the voice of opposition to speak some sanity. It seems to come out of the asinine notion that any criticism or suggestion that more can be done is an attack on Democrats.

I suggest you think through your insistence that our leaders mustn't speak in a crisis, mustn't use even those avenues of protest that are open to us.

It's just a habit now, a position in an old argument the world has long moved on from, and it makes no sense.

EdmondDantes_

(1,992 posts)
183. And you could say the same thing about people insisting Democrats are always doing nothing
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:32 PM
Apr 7
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5819516-democrats-condemn-trump-iran/

Especially awkward given Democrats are in fact condemning Trump's most recent screed on Iran. Maybe the people saying Democrats aren't speaking out aren't listening.

But the OP didn't actually propose a suggestion for how Democrats in Congress stop Trump. It's easy to say someone else has to do something when you aren't making a suggestion much less doing it yourself. Given the ways to immediately stop a president are realistically convincing the president, theoretically you could use the 25th amendment, but that seems unlikely seeing how it involves getting his cabinet to go along, or I suppose there's always options that the Secret Service does their best to prevent whether that's trying to physically block Trump from his phone or fully illegal options like kidnapping him.

Even if someone introduced articles of impeachment, that's not going to be resolved by tonight.

Putting out statements on social media is faster and more likely to spread than going on MSNow, plus everyone can put out their own rather than 1 person going on a TV show.

So be clear, what exactly should be done either from my options or if I missed any? What steps aren't being taken that could stop Trump from trying to make good on his threat by tonight?

TBF

(36,993 posts)
8. If I want to read right-wing drivel,
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:22 AM
Apr 7

I'll re-subscribe to the Washington Post.

To repeat for about the 100th time: REPUBLICANS have the executive branch, REPUBLICANS are the majority in Congress, REPUBLICANS have the majority of picks on the supreme court. This is on REPUBLICANS.

This nonsense would stop if REPUBLICANS would re-convene Congress and file articles of impeachment. I promise you democrats will vote to impeach, and that is all they have the authority to do while REPUBLICANS are in charge of everything.

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
16. And when Democrats had the majority under Obama and Biden
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:26 AM
Apr 7

the Republicans effectively stopped 80% of the agenda of both. So why can't we use those same tactics and do the same? Are you saying that we don't have anyone in our party as politically devious and ingenious as Mitch McConnell was, in using the minority power to stop what ever it was they didn't want.

This is a piss-poor, whiny baby excuse. It's because no one is willing to actually risk the fallout for taking a stand.

TBF

(36,993 posts)
23. Get on the phone & call Congress right fucking now -
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:32 AM
Apr 7

And I know you don't understand the reference, and I don't care. The person who originally wrote it would understand.

The president of the free world, a REPUBLICAN, is threatening to wipe out an entire country. And you would have us blame democrats.


 

Eddie Haskell 60

(130 posts)
144. He didn't say anything about blaming Democrats
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:34 PM
Apr 7

Why are you against having more of our Dem leaders speak out? That's what this thread is about. Not blaming them.

Scrivener7

(59,948 posts)
199. Any suggestion that Democrats should act like a true
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:01 PM
Apr 7

party of opposition is interpreted as an attack by some here.

 

Eddie Haskell 60

(130 posts)
206. I really hope we can criticize ourselves moving forward
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:12 PM
Apr 7

It makes us stronger. Only thing I hope is that Democratic leaders learn from Trump the second time. The way I see it, there are two camps with two views:

-Keep moderate view and go more right thinking that will appease independents OR go left/progressive to stand with principles.

-Elect moderate Dem and push progressive issue (like Obama w/ gay marriage) OR go full progressive and drag party with them (like Trump dragged Republicans to extreme right).

TBF

(36,993 posts)
250. That's not what I said - but nice try, sport.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:48 PM
Apr 7

This thread is not about "speaking out" - this thread is clearly about blaming democrats.

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
51. Yes they did. I don't remember the exact count
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:52 AM
Apr 7

but something like 94 out of 115 bills proposed in Obama's first 100 days died in the Senate.

You can't have members voting with the other side if you want to be an effective blockade minority and they certainly were, no doubt about it and to deny that is to display ignorance of the facts.

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
69. One big beautiful bill
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:06 AM
Apr 7

with everything he wanted in it, because Democrats voted for it.

He's only been in just over a year, and yes, he has gotten more through the Senate than Obama or Biden did when they had the majority.

So you are admitting the Democrats aren't weak and helpless like your original claim that we can't do anything because we're not in the majority? Apparently you think we have done something. So why can't we do more? Because some Democrats have not gotten off sitting on their hands on this issue.

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
79. Zero Democrats voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:17 AM
Apr 7

It passed the Senate with a simple Republican majority because it was a reconcilliation bill. In fact it required Vance to break the tie.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Big_Beautiful_Bill_Act#:~:text=Before%20being%20signed%20into%20law,Democratic%20opposition%20in%20both%20houses.

After an over 24-hour vote-a-rama, the bill passed the Senate on July 1, 2025, in a mostly party-line 51–50 vote.[171] All Senate Democrats voted against the bill, and Republicans Rand Paul, Thom Tillis, and Susan Collins of Maine broke from their party to vote against the bill as well.[172] Faced with a tie vote, Republican vice president JD Vance cast a tie-breaking vote in favor of the bill.

On July 3, the House of Representatives passed the Senate version of the OBBBA in a final mostly party-line vote of 218–214.[179] Republican moderate Brian Fitzpatrick and fiscal conservative Thomas Massie, along with all Democrats, voted against the bill.[180][181]


Your ignorance of simple basic facts does your argument no favors.

There is no point in trying to argue with you because you clearly don't know what you're talking about.

betsuni

(29,201 posts)
96. Thank you.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:26 AM
Apr 7

BUT THE 80%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *lights self on fire, runs in circles screaming* OBAMA BIDEN BLAME DEMOCRATS 80% AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

tritsofme

(19,929 posts)
124. When reality doesn't fit the narrative, just spread lies about Democrats...
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:55 AM
Apr 7

Now who does that remind me of? 🤔

betsuni

(29,201 posts)
68. Obama had a filibuster proof majority in the senate from September 24, 2009 to Feb. 4, 2010.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:04 AM
Apr 7

Four months and ten days.

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
117. Wow!
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:44 AM
Apr 7

Who's ignorant of the facts?

Legislation enacted under Trump (2025 - present) 83
Legislation enacted under Biden (2021 - 2024) 639
Legislation enacted under Obama (2009 - 2016) 1294

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/statistics

EarlG

(23,681 posts)
182. The implication seems to be that Democrats should filibuster Trump's war
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:29 PM
Apr 7

How would that work?

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
122. Of course they don't. It's not remotely close to being true.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:52 AM
Apr 7

Way too many people here erroneously think that the Republicans blocked a hell of a lot more while in the minority than they actually did.

 

Eddie Haskell 60

(130 posts)
147. Republicans were able to block THE most important thing- SCOTUS nominations
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:37 PM
Apr 7

Nothing else matters more than Supreme Court. Republicans recognized this decades ago and I feel a lot of my fellow Dems struggle with this.

tritsofme

(19,929 posts)
150. That's only because Republicans had a Senate majority.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:41 PM
Apr 7

We confirmed Sotomayor and Kagan when Democrats controlled the chamber.

So not sure how your example has any relevance toward today?

 

Eddie Haskell 60

(130 posts)
155. I'm more concerned about Republicans who have controlled SCOTUS for 75 years
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:50 PM
Apr 7

Obama didn't even try recess appointment. And Republican voters know SCOTUS is priority for everything.

After Trump, I'm REALLY hoping Dems will start taking pages from GOP playbook.

tritsofme

(19,929 posts)
169. Recess appointment? There was no recess. What are you even talking about?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:11 PM
Apr 7

Obama had no options, Republicans controlled the Senate, there was no magic wand.

This sort of revisionist history is just more lies about Democrats.

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
172. Incredible, isn't it?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:19 PM
Apr 7

They're so confident in their incorrect "facts". Kind of reminds you of another group of people....

Response to Wiz Imp (Reply #172)

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
219. The person who said Republicans blocked a Supreme court nominee while in
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:37 PM
Apr 7

The minority thinks I'm ignoring facts? Unbelievable.

 

Eddie Haskell 60

(130 posts)
173. of course there was a recess
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:21 PM
Apr 7

That's insane to think they stayed the entire time. Of course, it was theoretical to appoint SCOTUS during recess but he never attempted it.

tritsofme

(19,929 posts)
181. No, there wasn't, the Senate held pro-forma sessions to prevent recess appointments.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:28 PM
Apr 7

Obama actually tried to aggressively overcome this tactic early in his second term, by declaring the pro-forma sessions invalid and determining he was able to make recess appointments.

The Supreme Court shot him down unanimously in Noel Canning and invalidated those appointments.

That decision considerably narrowed the president’s ability to make recess appointments going forward.

Glad you were able to learn something today!

 

Eddie Haskell 60

(130 posts)
189. you're talking about some of his other recess apppointments
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:50 PM
Apr 7

SCOTUS recess appointment discussion was different and they decided not to do it.

glad you learned something today.

tritsofme

(19,929 posts)
195. No, there was no serious path for Obama to make a recess appointment.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:59 PM
Apr 7

No, it wasn’t ‘different.’ The Senate used pro-forma sessions specifically to prevent a recess, and SCOTUS unanimously upheld that in Noel Canning. There was no window to make one.

Fantasy fiction that might have been posted here and fooled some fools, notwithstanding.

Response to Eddie Haskell 60 (Reply #189)

Response to Post removed (Reply #225)

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
238. Wow!
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:05 PM
Apr 7

This may be even worse than the election denying nonsense that pops up here every few weeks like clockwork. The lack of self awareness is mind boggling.

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
244. Again, the person who believed the Republicans blocked a Supreme Court nominee when they were in the minority
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:28 PM
Apr 7

and believes Obama could have appointed a Supreme Court Justice during a non-existent recess is accusing others of denying reality. Wow, Wow, Wow!!! I've never seen anything like this. And yet you continue to dig your hole deeper and deeper. Some advice: quit while you're behind.

tritsofme

(19,929 posts)
241. You haven't elucidated anything that could have reasonably been "tried." You're just selling magic beans.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:21 PM
Apr 7

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
164. Republicans were in the MAJORITY when they blocked the Supreme Court nomination
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:02 PM
Apr 7

They did not do it in the minority. It would help if you had your facts correct.

betsuni

(29,201 posts)
166. Republicans controlled the senate, had the majority in 2015.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:04 PM
Apr 7

"When McConnell's Republicans took over the Senate majority in 2015, McConnell slowed confirmation of Obama's judicial nominees to a historic low. ... Obama's nominee, Merrick Garland, never got a hearing. Most Republican senators refused to even meet him."

Dana Milbank, "The Destructionists"

mcar

(46,225 posts)
212. IIRC, in the runup to the 2016 GE
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:28 PM
Apr 7

those of us who supported HRC were told by people on the far left that SCOTUS was not important and that they would vote their "conscience" and vote against "warmonger" Hillary.

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
193. Look it up.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:58 PM
Apr 7

Remember DACA? Blocked while there was a Dem majority. Border security, remember that one? Look at the struggle to get the ACA passed, with all kinds of amendments that basically was a very weak resemblance of what was originally proposed. Hardly any fiscal or budget proposal of Obama got through intact. That's Obama.

Biden? Immigration reform, his border security bill, never passed a budget without CR, decapitated a lot of the infrastructure bill, health care reform, gun rights bills, environmental protection.

And when breaking the filibuster was proposed, Biden, an long time veteran of the Senate, said no.

Actually, there was not one Biden proposal that made it through Congress without an amendment, addition or subtraction, so it's not 80%, it's 100%.

And it all could have been resolved if someone had the courage to break that filibuster, amend the judiciary act and pack the court. That's the kind of bold, risk taking courage I'm looking for.

So politely, you are mistaken.

Prairie Gates

(8,377 posts)
9. Seriously! Listen, I'm the last person to be on a "Let's look at Dems" rant
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:22 AM
Apr 7

But if a time ever called for the Dems to call a goddamn press conference with everyone in the damn room, this is it.

Where the fuck is everybody while Trump blathers away like a crazy person?????

Prairie Gates

(8,377 posts)
34. They are free agents and can go where they want
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:38 AM
Apr 7

Apparently, they want to be nowhere while this is all happening.

Quite the statement for the midterms.

TBF

(36,993 posts)
81. You are telling me the dems can impeach the president while
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:17 AM
Apr 7

congress has been sent home by the Speaker of the House?

Tell me how that works.

Prairie Gates

(8,377 posts)
85. What in the world
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:19 AM
Apr 7

How did you get from "they don't have to go home" to "they can impeach the President on their own?"



At least attempt not to throw out ridiculous strawman arguments.

spanone

(141,961 posts)
13. Senator Van Hollen is speaking on MSNOW calling him unhinged.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:23 AM
Apr 7

and totally denoouncing all the shit.

BlueMTexpat

(15,699 posts)
118. Senator Van Hollen is MY Senior Senator!
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:44 AM
Apr 7

He's doing a LOT of meaningful things!

What are YOU doing?

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
125. The only thing they seem to be doing is complaining about Democrats
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:56 AM
Apr 7

while giving Republicans a free pass.

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
31. For one thing, Mark Kelly needs to re-iterate his "Illegal Orders" challenge on national television.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:37 AM
Apr 7

Use some of the nest-feathering billions that are raised for campaigns to give him fifteen minutes on national television to call this out in precise legal, international law and constitutional terms.

Use some of it to file a lawsuit blocking, on constitutional grounds, any Presidential order to bomb or take action on another country without congressional approval, then filibuster the approval that the GOP might give him in the Senate.

And yes, those things would work.

bigtree

(94,553 posts)
40. take a minute to look to see who is doing these things, and highlight them here.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:42 AM
Apr 7

...instead of positing that Democrats are standing still, which they most certainly are not.

I get fucking tired of being one of the only people on this board to go and find out what Democrats are doing and saying.

You're way off, and basically demagoging the party instead of amplifying their efforts and I think that's conterproductive and a damn shame that it's the go to at times like this.

We have numerous legislators who have responded in real time, in the media and in the courts. Again, take the time to look for those and amplify them on the platforms available to you.

tritsofme

(19,929 posts)
131. Those things would not "work" they are pure fantasy, you're pushing nonsense and faery tales
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:59 AM
Apr 7

There is no lawsuit to file that could accomplish this goal.

Ignorance isn’t an excuse to spread these sort of lies about Democrats.

Response to lees1975 (Original post)

ck4829

(38,013 posts)
26. Let's see here. Here are some ideas. And the "let's do nothing"-ists can go on by
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:33 AM
Apr 7

For Democrats in the minority:
* No shows of support, don't be a certain senator from Pennsylvania
* Holds on all nominees, vote no on all nominees
* Filibuster... EVERYTHING
* Press for impeachment and removal
* Keep the shutdown going, expand it
* No budgets, there will be no budgets approved
* Remember that Republicans were in the minority too and they caused problems. Be a problem

For us:
* Press Democrats on the above with repeated calls
* Slow down on spending, bill paying, and shopping or go without
* Jury nullification for anything not murder, sexual assault, armed robbery, things like that. Conservatives vibes law = nullify.
* Be vocal in opposing the administration and the war, silence is consent to the government and media
* Express skepticism in the war, don't spread military propaganda
* Express the truth... this war is dragging prices up, say it out loud. Be annoying.
* Put "normal life" on hold as painful as that may sound... cut back on going out, dates, movies, work, getting married, etc.

NOTICE: There is as much for us to do as Democrats in Congress.

Get busy.

ck4829

(38,013 posts)
45. If he does, he does? Trump dropping a nuke is not an excuse to not do the things I listed.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:44 AM
Apr 7

Or are you suggesting a more [REDACTED] approach?

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
55. 🙄
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:56 AM
Apr 7

* No shows of support, don't be a certain senator from Pennsylvania
* Holds on all nominees, vote no on all nominees
You obviously have no clue how "holds" work. All Democrats voting no on all nominees stops none from being confirmed.

* Filibuster... EVERYTHING
Already happening

* Press for impeachment and removal
Already happening.

* Keep the shutdown going, expand it
Already happening. They can't "expand" it because the rest of the government is already funded

* No budgets, there will be no budgets approved
Budgets already approved for this fiscal year. Nothing to be accomplished until next fiscal year starting October 1

* Remember that Republicans were in the minority too and they caused problems. Be a problem
No more problems than Democrats are already causing.

For us:
* Press Democrats on the above with repeated calls
Has already been happening for 15 months.

* Slow down on spending, bill paying, and shopping or go without
Wow. Destroy your own life and credit to accomplish nothing. Great advice.

* Jury nullification for anything not murder, sexual assault, armed robbery, things like that. Conservatives vibes law = nullify.
Wow. just wow.

* Be vocal in opposing the administration and the war, silence is consent to the government and media
Has been happening for 15 months

* Express skepticism in the war, don't spread military propaganda
You really think this applies to people on DU? I'd venture that 99.999% of users here are already doing this.

* Express the truth... this war is dragging prices up, say it out loud. Be annoying.
See previous entry.

* Put "normal life" on hold as painful as that may sound... cut back on going out, dates, movies, work, getting married, etc.
Wow. just wow.

ck4829

(38,013 posts)
67. When and how did we become so weak?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:03 AM
Apr 7

The country and people of the Revolutionary War, the Underground Railroad, the Labor Rights Movement, the Suffragists, the Civil Rights Movement, the Gay Rights Movement, and Black Lives Matter reduced to... this.

Wow.

I also didn't just materialize these suggestions out of thin air. They are based on the work of Gene Sharp.

Here is From Dictatorship to Democracy:
https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/FDTD7.pdf

bigtree

(94,553 posts)
30. as if we care about this more than them
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:37 AM
Apr 7

...should have voted them in a majority to be able to legislate our way out of this.

Now there's this bullshit pleading with them to do what?

What power do you imagine the minority party has to thwart the party in control of ALL branches of government, including the justice dept, the SC, and the military.

I'd really like to know, and I'm more than certain the people you're expecting to roil the last election and jump into the leadership would also like to know.

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
36. Quite a bit of power to thwart, judging from how well the Republicans have done it when they were the minority.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:39 AM
Apr 7

Look at their blockade record when Obama and Biden had majorities in both houses. And you are saying we can't do that?

I call bullshit.

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
43. You seem to think Republicans accomplished a hell of a lot more in the minority
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:44 AM
Apr 7

than they actually did.

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
71. Look at their record.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:11 AM
Apr 7

We still do not have single payer, universal health care, because of their minority blockades.

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
233. Not republican priority legislation. Must pass legislation.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:53 PM
Apr 7

No different than what happened when the roles were reversed . (of course you're aware that Democrats passed budgets with Republican votes when Republicans were in the minority, right?) Try again. You already failed because you claimed Democrats voted for the big beautiful bill.

bigtree

(94,553 posts)
62. that fallacy is old and tired
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:00 AM
Apr 7

...

Comparing the Democratic party to the republican cult is one thing, but supposing as if the present majority has some unseen power to thwart reality just because we stamp our feet is the height of sophistry.

Tell everyone who asked you on this thread how Dems are actually able to do more than the protesting they are doing now with every lever of democracy and law they have available to their minority.

Take a minute to highlight those efforts by the party and give some indication you know where the actual obstacles are.

Hollering at Dems to 'do something' is an old and worn-out canard. Republicans rolled Democrats on SOME legislation using turncoats like Manchin and Sinema in a razor-slim majority.

No such republican turncoats have revealed themselves as having enough courage to buck their party in this session; at least not enough to overcome the numbers needed for Democrats to effectively advance legislative soultions.

And you pointed to the courts as if you can't see what the rest of the nation is witnessing with the maga majority on the SC standing as the ultimate decider after two parties and myriad lower courts rule.

This isn't some slam dunk. If it was, our Democrats would have already solved it.

They have been working hard to hold republicans accountable, all throughout this crisis and before (with many successes), and you should acknowledege that instead of representing the party as flat-footed and unconcerned on something they care deeply about.


bigtree

(94,553 posts)
84. and there it is
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:18 AM
Apr 7

...the utter unseriousness of this complaint.

One minute outraged, the next, guffawing at responses.

Completely unserious, and utterly banal.

Kid Berwyn

(24,849 posts)
180. Democratic leaders could use their voices to lead an opposition.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:28 PM
Apr 7

Who knows? The part of the public who don't support insane NAZI gangster pedophiles making war on innocent people might hear something other than "Oh. There's nothing we can do!"

mcar

(46,225 posts)
214. Yes, we could have had not one but two strong, qualified women
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:32 PM
Apr 7

But one, to some, was a "warmonger" and the other a "killer."

Chasstev365

(8,005 posts)
33. For those who think the Democratic Party should do nothing, explain to me why this would be wrong:
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:38 AM
Apr 7

As I stated earlier, at minimum, there should be a leadership press conference declaring the president of the United States is clinically insane and we are all in grave danger. He needs to be removed NOW! If it's the truth, why are they afraid to publicly state it?

Trump is the ultimate "Emperor's New Clothes"; Trump is not unhinged, he's fucking insane and millions of lives may be at stake. I hope it will be another TACO, but silence us cowardice.

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
46. Maybe not. But a leadership press conference with a court order stopping the President until Congress approves
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:49 AM
Apr 7

with every Democrat in Congress standing behind it would certainly move public pressure. If Democrats aren't willing to come back early from their two week easter vacation during a real crisis like this then we've lost it anyway.

It will take turning attention away from all the campaign fund raising nest feathering to get anything accomplished. Why Democrats can't do the kind of damage to the GOP agenda that they did when Obama and Biden had congressional majorities is beyond me, it's a whiny-baby excuse. It can be done but not by sitting at home saying tsk tsk tsk. Someone actually has to DO something. And as far as I'm concerned, when that person or people actually DO something, they get my vote.

ITAL

(1,351 posts)
63. That court order
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:02 AM
Apr 7

Would likely never come - federal courts almost never weigh in on the legality of military maters. I'm not saying it couldn't be tried, but I'd give it a very low chance of working. Even then, it's a given it'd be appealed to the Supreme Court almost immediately if it went against Trump (when does he not appeal?) and they'd almost assuredly put a stay on the court order until they took up the mater...then proceed to sit on it for a few months.

ITAL

(1,351 posts)
80. You misunderstand
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:17 AM
Apr 7

The Supreme Court would put a stay on the hypothetical Court Order saying he couldn't bomb Iran without authorization or whatever it it did exactly, until the they ruled. Then they'd sit on it for awhile.

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
201. If the first court issued a stay, the supreme court sitting on it just extends the stay unless they remove it.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:03 PM
Apr 7

I doubt they'd hear it.

tritsofme

(19,929 posts)
205. No court is going to issue such a stay to begin with. This frame is completely divorced from reality.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:08 PM
Apr 7

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
217. Actually if a court issues the order, it is enforceable until it is stayed.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:36 PM
Apr 7

Stops the immediate action. Beyond that, it says someone is doing something instead of tsk tsk tsk and whining that we can't do anything because we are not in the majority. Tired of that crap.

tritsofme

(19,929 posts)
226. Yes, if a court issued that order. That's the fantasy part.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:45 PM
Apr 7

If Congress passed a law banning gravity, it would be enforceable until stayed or repealed.

Again, this entire frame is delusional.

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
236. It's incredibly depressing to read such nonsense fact-free fantasy on DU.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:58 PM
Apr 7

Thanks for trying to educate them, though they clearly don't care about reality.

ITAL

(1,351 posts)
245. I didn't say a Federal Court would issue a stay
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:28 PM
Apr 7

The argument was if the Federal Court made a ruling...the Supreme Court would stay THAT ruling.

BannonsLiver

(20,760 posts)
177. For those who think the party should "stop this" act
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:25 PM
Apr 7

Explain to me how the fuck that would happen. 😉

Rebl2

(17,883 posts)
37. They
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:40 AM
Apr 7

are vacationing just like republicans. We didn’t hire them to take multiple two week vacations every year. Time to cut back on all the time off they take.

lostincalifornia

(5,476 posts)
44. Stop with the bullshit. FIrst of all, Democrats aren't the majority party right now, because enough Americans thought
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:44 AM
Apr 7

January 6 wasn't enough to VOTE DEMOCRATIC.

Second, Congress isn't even in session.

The DEMOCRATS tried to impeach him twice to prevent exactly what we are going through, but it isn't because of the Democrats that failed, but the republicans.

Third, there are plenty of Democrats who have been speaking out on this, but when you are the minority party, thanks to the STUPIDITY of too many Americans who either voted for trump, or didn't vote, there isn't much can do without some republicans on board, and that just isn't there because the whole republican party is just as unhinged as trump.

hay rick

(9,672 posts)
48. What is your idea of how DEMOCRATS can stop him?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:51 AM
Apr 7

How about Republicans in positions of power and military officials in positions of responsibility pitching in? But Democrats have special powers or a singular responsibility? Neutralizing this rabid motherfucker should be an all non-traitor Americans' responsibility.

DonCoquixote

(13,976 posts)
50. This may get me banned
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:51 AM
Apr 7

but the answer to your question, they are scared of losing Isreali money.

bigtree

(94,553 posts)
76. NO, THEY ARE NOT ALL ON VACATION
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:15 AM
Apr 7

...simply false.

Democratic lawmakers are escalating their response to President Donald Trump's Easter post threatening strikes on Iranian infrastructure, with some openly questioning his fitness for office and raising the possibility of removal.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trumps-expletive-laden-iran-threat-103255716.html

Many congressional Democrats call Trump's threats to blow up Iran 'unhinged'
https://abcnews.com/Politics/congressional-democrats-call-trumps-threats-blow-iran-unhinged/story?id=131769484

Fullduplexxx

(8,631 posts)
56. Anyone demanding the Democrats do something please tell us what the Democrats can do to stop this
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:56 AM
Apr 7

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
88. For starters, show some interest by stopping your vacation and caucusing in DC.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:22 AM
Apr 7

Is that too much to ask? Seems so, from some people here.

demmiblue

(39,884 posts)
58. MAKE.SOME.FUCKING.NOISE.FFS.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 10:58 AM
Apr 7

Get back to D.C. and make yourselves visible. Start some good trouble!

I don’t give a flying fuck if it accomplishes nothing. You need to lead and be seen. OMG.

crud

(1,275 posts)
66. It's up to us democrats to show up
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:02 AM
Apr 7

by the hundreds of thousands to the White House and not leave until he is gone. I don't think the military will obey his orders to attack the crowd. This will be the only way he is removed.

He won't resign, he won't be impeached, because it is obvious that he will cancel the midterms, and the courts will be unable to stop this. So it will be decided in the streets.

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
91. Why is that my job? Why can't elected Democrats in Congress do that?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:24 AM
Apr 7

At least, come back from vacation and caucus and decide where they're going with this.

Too many whiny-baby excuses, not enough action.

TBF

(36,993 posts)
263. It's not your "job" to attack republicans - is that what you just said?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 06:56 PM
Apr 7

So, riddle me this. Why is it your job to attack democrats?

TBF

(36,993 posts)
252. It sure is - I tried to point out that the Republicans
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:51 PM
Apr 7

are the majority party in every way, and I was attacked for it. It makes you wonder about the motivation about certain people doing the attacking.

Had to start up my ignore list again, after emptying it out a couple days ago.

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
86. I just love the excuses that come out here whenever Democratic leadership is asked to display courage, take a risk and
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:19 AM
Apr 7

do something that shows some kind of united front against a major injustice that a renegade President is perpetrating.

I did not vote for people to go to Congress or to the state legislature to sit on their hands, plan and prep for their next election and fill a seat in a safe, predictable way. I expect them to represent my interests and the interests of those who elected them. And I have seen how this government works, and how Republicans have thwarted the desires of Presidents Clinton, Obama and Biden by using their minority status tools.

We've got to decide here if Trump really is a threat to American Democracy, and if he is, to do something about it. And that doesn't mean nest feathering campaign fundraising banquets and trips while this war crisis is going on. The Democrats are not actually going to win the mid-terms, the Republicans are going to lose it. My expectations here are high and I won't let politicians hide behing the "sorry, can't do anything, we are the minority" bullshit any longer. Do something to show you also believe, as I do, that Trump is an existential threat to Democracy.

SomedayKindaLove

(1,196 posts)
143. Maybe instead of just calling Trump names
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:33 PM
Apr 7

Every elected Dem should be demanding Trump’s cabinet evoke the 25th Amendment?

So far the only people I see calling for that are MTG, Tucker Carlson and Alex Jones.

mcar

(46,225 posts)
222. And yet you sneered at the fact that Sen Van Hollen
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:39 PM
Apr 7

had spoken on MS NOW. And at Sen Kelly's remarks.

FascismIsDeath

(225 posts)
104. "Courage" is a meaningless word that people throw around when they don't have an effective action to suggest.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:33 AM
Apr 7

"Just show courage".

How about YOU just show that you have the ability to count to 218 and 67. Do you have enough "courage" to illustrate that ability?

orangecrush

(30,761 posts)
109. Sorry I'm 69 years old
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:38 AM
Apr 7


I've seen a lot, too much perhaps, and I'm still a long way from being ready to crawl up my own ass and die.

Thank you for your concern for this matter.

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
209. How about actually doing something with some risk, knowing exactly what needs to be done?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:18 PM
Apr 7

We had a majority in both houses between 2021 and 2023 and what was accomplished during that time regarding trying the criminal on the over 90 indictments he had against him? I can certainly show Merrick Garland as an example of weakness in this regard, along with the fact that the President wouldn't push him. There is no argument that can be made to justify that gross negligence. Had he got a move on, and actually did his job, Trump would not be where he is now.

There were a lot of Democrats calling for the removal of the filibuster, used so effectively by the GOP to block most, and yes the record shows most, of Biden's agenda. Did his immigration reform bill get through intact? Did his border security bill? How much of the infrastructure bill was lopped off before it passed through? Uh huh.

Nuking the filibuster would have been followed by the packing of the Supreme Court. Majority votes in both houses would have amended the judiciary act to create enough new justice positions to give Biden the chance to appoint progressive judges who would have overturned Citizens United, restored Roe, overturned Presidential immunity and over-rode the blockades his attorneys put up which slowed down his criminal cases regarding the documents and Jan 6, or one judge could simply pick up the case. And yes, that could have happened.

So where was the courage necessary to take those steps? Huh?

tritsofme

(19,929 posts)
210. That sounds great if you are writing a fantasy script.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:21 PM
Apr 7

And just delusionally pretending that Manchin and Sinema didn’t exist.

MineralMan

(151,476 posts)
106. As I asked in reply #5, what, exactly, do you want them to do?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:34 AM
Apr 7

Others have asked you the same question, to which you have made no answer.

Why is that? Because there is no good single thing that can be done by one Democrat in Congress or elsewhere that will change the course of what is going on. Not today. Not this week. Not any time soon.

That you have made no real suggestions for action is evidence that you know that there is not some solution that just needs to be implemented.

I can do nothing, personally. Nor can you. Nor can any other individual.

So, we all share your frustration. But most of us are not calling for the impossible to be done. You are, though. So, I asked for your specific suggestions. You offered none, so I can only conclude that you have none.

Wiz Imp

(10,258 posts)
138. You can see a number of people saying Democratic leadership should call a press conference.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:26 PM
Apr 7

which would of course accomplish nothing. And it is obvious that these same people, if a press conference were held, would still complain because it didn't accomplish anything. The only objective of people like this is to trash Democrats while giving Republicans a pass.

MineralMan

(151,476 posts)
139. Yes. My point, exactly.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:28 PM
Apr 7

We need to read such posts carefully and think about what motivates them. That's what I think.

MorbidButterflyTat

(4,689 posts)
259. "The only objective
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 04:06 PM
Apr 7

of people like this is to trash Democrats while giving Republicans a pass."

Exactly. It's crystal clear.

These "where are the Democrats???" threads are all alike. Vicious accusations of Democrats being cowards, having no spines, taking money from evil sources, on "vacation," etc., crapping on every mention of what Democrats are actually doing and have done; then the added bonus of snidely ridiculing fellow DUers: cheerleaders, posse, "not MY job!!1!1"

I mean, why can't Dems wave a magic wand and DO SOMETHING???!!!!111!!!!1!!!!!

Response to lees1975 (Original post)

Response to Post removed (Reply #99)

mcar

(46,225 posts)
100. Why don't you get in touch with the
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:31 AM
Apr 7

Last edited Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:36 PM - Edit history (1)

Genocide Joe and Killer Kamala crowd and ask them why they aren’t doing something? We’re in this mess in no small part due to them.

Bettie

(19,803 posts)
101. They can't stop it
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:32 AM
Apr 7

but they can speak out about it being wrong.

I wish they would, but I doubt that they will.

Maybe one or two will raise an objection.

Bettie

(19,803 posts)
121. They can try, but we're dealing with
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:50 AM
Apr 7

an individual who is literally insane....and his party is happy with that, they will not move to stop him.

Jeez, I hate having to say this, but what are a few Democrats supposed to do to make him stop anything?

Even if he uses nuclear weapons, his party will stand behind him and say "You did real good Donny, real good!".

Bettie

(19,803 posts)
231. Saw that after I posted
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:51 PM
Apr 7

they still cant' change what's going to happen.

The madman is in control and has many, many enablers.

DownriverDem

(7,021 posts)
105. One more time
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:33 AM
Apr 7

It's the MAGA repubs you should be mad at. They are in control of the House and Senate. Please explain what exactly do you think the Dems can do? I'm tired of the attacks on the wrong politicians.

NoMoreRepugs

(12,187 posts)
112. Majority of Americans get their news/info from the BillionaireBoyzClub controlled social media sites. What
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:39 AM
Apr 7

possible message from Dems is going to overcome the algorithms UNLESS Repukes in Congress join the chorus.

Mr. Mustard 2023

(364 posts)
116. This is tired, weak and untrue.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:43 AM
Apr 7

Most Dems are fighting back and doing all they can. The corporate media won't cover them, so visit independent media and most Dems have their own social media accounts, and YouTube channels.

We're at war, and right now the Dems we have are the Dems we have, so help or at least stop whining. The Republicans are in charge of everything, so how about attacking Republicans!

Good grief.

OC375

(1,089 posts)
120. Society is broken, this is just the latest symptom.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 11:48 AM
Apr 7

We didn’t get here overnight. It will take effort to change. It could be an interesting afternoon. It’s just after 7PM in Tehran…

 

Eddie Haskell 60

(130 posts)
149. yep, that's what we ultimately need- about 17 Republicans
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:41 PM
Apr 7

Even if 25th invoked by cabinet (and i REALLY wish people would stop asking for this), Trump will contest it so would still need about 17 Republicans in Senate to remove.

frogstar0

(266 posts)
134. Why don't you stop them?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:16 PM
Apr 7

Wave your magic wand and poof all will be right in the world.

Like others I am really tiered of this why don’t the democrats stop this.
Because we need the votes.
Because we did not get the votes last election.
Please do not get into why we did not get the votes just stay with here and now.
We need the votes.
So how do we get the votes?
Not by pushing the dems do nothing trope.
We get it by planting seeds in independent and maga’s minds.
We do the very very very hard work of slowly, carefully planting the seeds that will sprout in a few minds.
We do it by turning one, or two people we know.
Every voter we turn, is two votes gained.

orangecrush

(30,761 posts)
146. Well, you've been here since 2004
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:36 PM
Apr 7

And with 257 posts, if you made one to make this point, it's worth considering.

CuriousSavage

(42 posts)
194. Just another low post count, long time lurker chiming in
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:59 PM
Apr 7

Every day we are faced with a new affront to our country and values. I am having trouble splitting my molten disgust between the republicans and the multitude of citizens that have completely tuned out. I can not have the lightest discussion about political topics anymore with anyone, even my spouse. It is too much for them to process so they shut down and start scrolling facebook or instagram.... I have never felt more alone.

I think this entire thread boils down to something that we ALL here can agree on: we appear to be on the doorstep of a catastrophe that will require many generations to recover from, if at all. Our children's children will be affected. If that's the case, it is not unreasonable to expect the people we elected to actually represent us. They have a much more effective platform than any of us, if they choose to use it. Some are, as mentioned in the responses, but this crisis calls for more.

TBH, I know that there is so much that I personally should be doing. I did not attend No Kings. I haven't called my officials 1000x. I am not complacent, but I suppose that I am part of the problem too. Fair enough. That said, our democratic representatives know that the great majority of the country and the world is against this war. They know that we are all facing economic hardship. They have big hopes for November but the next election is not guaranteed. I donated and voted for them to be my voice and not my weak sauce Vichy representative.

If this exact moment is not the time to burn some of that "dry powder" they've preserved for so long, then when is?

karin_sj

(1,377 posts)
135. They need to appear anywhere and everywhere
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:19 PM
Apr 7

Democratic, Independent, and sane Republican politicians need to be on every single TV network en masse, on the radio, on YouTube, press conferences in front of the White House, etc. They need to conduct town halls in every city they can, and wherever they can find an audience. They need to talk about how insane he is, how dangerous and immoral this is, and how the 25th amendment needs to be enacted. Anyone who has an audience should be speaking up about this as well. This is a dire emergency and I hope to God something is happening behind the scenes to stop this madman (although I don't have a lot of hope).

MW67

(205 posts)
137. If they had a backbone
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:24 PM
Apr 7

They would run the mid terms campaigns on," If you elect us to power in both houses we will shut all this insanity down with a well deserved impeachment and removal", I believe it would be a winning message, they should at least be getting every opponent to answer " Do you support what the President is doing"? I see nothing,matter of fact I hear a lot of talk about taking up maga positions and talking points, readying to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory again

camartinwv

(151 posts)
140. The Republicans can't even stop him. Donny, the criminally insane, is not playing by the rules.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:28 PM
Apr 7

I don’t know what you expect minority Democrats to do.

Response to camartinwv (Reply #140)

 

Eddie Haskell 60

(130 posts)
141. There are some Dems (including leaders) who enjoy war porn
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:32 PM
Apr 7

We all know Dems don't have the power but they should be demanding every day in front of cameras to exercise their War Powers as required by the Constitution. It seems many are slow-walking their opposition to war because they don't want to upset their AIPAC donors.

betsuni

(29,201 posts)
142. Episode 3,214 of the "Where Are Democrats, Why Don't They Stop Republicans?" show: THE 80%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:33 PM
Apr 7
145. This entire thread is indicative of WHY Dems can't
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:35 PM
Apr 7

We’re too diverse. To the point that we become DIVISIVE.
NOW isn’t the time that we act like freaking clowns and fight amongst ourselves.
Face the reality of the situation. Kicking and screaming will NOT change the behavior of these evil people. Only fuel what they want-> make “liberals” seethe..We hafta realize that.

Response to MuchBetterThanThis (Reply #145)

 

Eddie Haskell 60

(130 posts)
153. Saying we're divisive is divisive
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:43 PM
Apr 7

I'm pretty sure we ALL have the same goals. Just different opinions on how to get there.

NNadir

(38,369 posts)
270. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all be Democrats just like you?
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 07:42 AM
Apr 8

Regrettably we can't.

They do monolithic cult thinking on their side, which is why the people who buy into the cult end up paying the price.

orangecrush

(30,761 posts)
165. Reconvene
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:04 PM
Apr 7

Come back to DC and conduct shadow session, even if they are locked out.

At least it would get the press to cover it and underscore the gravity of the situation.

EarlG

(23,681 posts)
188. Does the gravity of the situation need underscoring?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:45 PM
Apr 7

This morning, the whole world witnessed the President of the USA say that he was going to kill an entire civilization.

Are there really large swaths of people out there who need to see a Democratic Party press conference before they understand how bad this is?

 

Eddie Haskell 60

(130 posts)
202. there's a large swath that has no clue what's going on
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:05 PM
Apr 7

My wife isn't into politics and she never heard of Epstein until I told her about it a couple of months ago. And I just told her about TACO this morning.

Scrivener7

(59,948 posts)
204. Of course it does! Are you kidding? And yes, there are large swaths
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:07 PM
Apr 7

of the country who don't have a clue what we are doing! And yes. A unified and constant press effort might reach some of them.

Certainly more than a couple of guys tweeting and the rest staying quiet at home.

No. The whole world didn't hear that. Only the small group that pays attention to politics. It is the job of the opposition party to oppose, and to get that message to as many as they can.

EarlG

(23,681 posts)
221. If people are so checked out that
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:39 PM
Apr 7

they didn’t hear about Trump saying he is going to kill an entire civilization at 8pm, is it going to make any difference to those people if Democrats hold a “shadow session” (whatever that may be)?

It seems to me that our most effective communicators are already doing their thing right now, on social media and in other venues. I’m not sure that holding a shadow session is going to achieve anything useful. In fact it would probably just spur another round of complaints. “Why are they standing around giving speeches in Washington instead of doing anything useful?”

Scrivener7

(59,948 posts)
228. I don't know what a shadow session is, and I don't think
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:48 PM
Apr 7

that's what anyone is talking about.

Every congressperson has a few media contacts. If they don't they don't get elected. We should have a unified statement, and every Democrat should be putting out the same statement to every one of their media contacts.

Remember Benghazi? It was a script. Every one of them recited it at every appearance and opportunity. I never watch or read right wing sources, but I sure was aware of the bullshit republican Benghazi message.

Messaging and framing do matter. We should do it.

EarlG

(23,681 posts)
232. The post of mine that you replied to
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:53 PM
Apr 7

was a reply to a post about a shadow session, which is what I was commenting on.

Aside from that, as mentioned, I’ve seen lots of Dems out there today blasting Trump and the Republicans, and they all seem to be pretty much on the same page.

Scrivener7

(59,948 posts)
249. Having seen only a handful of statements this morning, I went looking for what you are seeing.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:46 PM
Apr 7

I see that both houses have released statements in the last couple of hours, Hakeem has made a good showing, and more are chiming in.

Glad to see it.

I do think an outcry from our leaders is a worthwhile action to attempt to prevent untold thousands of murders committed in your name and mine.

EarlG

(23,681 posts)
257. I agree with you that they should be speaking out, and it is good to see them doing so
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:59 PM
Apr 7

I'm not arguing for a "do nothing" position, merely pointing out that a) some of the suggestions in this thread for what they should be doing aren't really practical or useful, and b) they are already doing things. I feel like there is sometimes a bit of a kneejerk reaction to simply assume that Dems are doing and/or saying nothing, and to start attacking them before checking to see what is actually going on.

I appreciate you taking the time to look further, and your responses to my posts.

Scrivener7

(59,948 posts)
258. If we get through today without having a genocide on our hands, I still say the
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 04:01 PM
Apr 7

Democrats need to pony up for a bot farm and a good PR team.

But that's for after we find out if we are the new axis of evil.

Response to EarlG (Reply #221)

Kid Berwyn

(24,849 posts)
160. Great question.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:55 PM
Apr 7

From what I can tell, the Democratic Party leaders are standing behind Bibi Netanyahu, in shame.

maxsolomon

(39,000 posts)
168. Where are the Greens that will stop him?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:09 PM
Apr 7

Where are the SWPs that will stop him?

Why doesn't "The Media" stop him?

MorbidButterflyTat

(4,689 posts)
171. MAGAt Republicans can't even stand up to Piggy about their shoe sizes.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:16 PM
Apr 7

But Democrats.....blah blah blah.

bluestarone

(22,376 posts)
208. You do realize that Democrats are not just fighting TSF, but the House, the Senate and sometimes the supreme court.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:18 PM
Apr 7

Let's also add the DOJ, the FBI, the delaying decisions from right wing courts. Could name things they should do that they can do to get your approval? Just name like 5 things ok? Hell, it's gonna take real honest true blooded Americans to do what needs to be done. Our only hope is November's election.THEN is when all hell should break loose. Never before has these monster rethugs done what they are doing today. They are really ganging up on our Constitution. OUR time will come to show support for our America!! Will YOU be there? I hope so!!

Indykatie

(3,870 posts)
213. Just How Would the Democrats Stop Him?
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:30 PM
Apr 7

Too often Dems ask why our politicians can't stop Trump. They have no power in DC but that doesn't mean anything apparently. I think this fuels much of the dissatisfaction with our Dem politicians.

mcar

(46,225 posts)
227. BTW, I just spent 5 minutes on Bluesky and saw a bunch of elected Democrats
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:48 PM
Apr 7

calling for the 25th Amendment, calling for Trump's removal.

5 minutes. Maybe you should have tried that before you posted this - but I kind of think you've gotten the reaction you wanted.

snot

(11,848 posts)
229. I see no reason why we shouldn't all be panicking.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:48 PM
Apr 7

I've called every congresscritter who represents me and a few that don't, and I hope everyone here is doing the same.

ecstatic

(35,125 posts)
240. Yeah this is the time to be vocal even if it doesn't do anything
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:15 PM
Apr 7

That's the part that some politicians still don't understand. I get that you feel there's nothing you can do but we need to at least hear you saying something.

Strongly.

And not hedging or weighing carefully whether tRump is a criminal or not.

Silence is disgusting and it suggests complicity.

LetMyPeopleVote

(181,201 posts)
246. Here are statements from the House and Senate Democrats
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:30 PM
Apr 7

After Trump wrote, in reference to Iran, “A whole civilization will die tonight,” the entirety of the House Democratic leadership issued this joint statement:

Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2026-04-07T17:01:15.516Z

As it turns out, it's not just House Dems: Leading Senate Democrats also issued a joint statement responding to Trump's stated plans to destroy "a whole civilization" tonight:

Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2026-04-07T18:41:16.159Z

lees1975

(7,137 posts)
251. Credit where credit is due, I am happy to see this. This is exactly where the starting point is.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:50 PM
Apr 7
https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/04/07/house-democratic-leadership-statement-on-donald-trumps-threat-to-kill-a-whole-civilization/

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu, Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene released the following statement:

Donald Trump is completely unhinged. His statement threatening to eradicate an entire civilization shocks the conscience and requires a decisive congressional response. The House must come back into session immediately and vote to end this reckless war of choice in the Middle East before Donald Trump plunges our country into World War III.

For years, Republicans have enabled and excused Donald Trump’s deeply dangerous and extreme behavior. Enough is enough. Our brave men and women in uniform have been put into harm’s way in the Middle East. Over a dozen have already been killed and hundreds injured. Gas prices are skyrocketing, the cost of living in America is out of control and billions of taxpayer dollars are being wasted on a reckless war of choice.

It’s time for House Republicans to put patriotic duty over party loyalty and join Democrats in stopping this madness.

TBF

(36,993 posts)
256. See below - one of the democratic reps also filed Articles of Impeachment.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:58 PM
Apr 7

So you can stop blaming fellow democrats now.

no_hypocrisy

(55,178 posts)
253. Possibly the forbearance of the Democrats could be
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:52 PM
Apr 7

fear of reverse psychology.

IOW:

1. If they appear challenging, it would encourage Trump to do what he's threatened. (His staff rhetorically saying, "Are you going to let them get away with talking to you (and to the public about you) like that?

2. Democrats become the proxy of Iran.

3. The more you tell Trump not to do something, the more he wants to do it. (Who's your Daddy?)

TBF

(36,993 posts)
254. You can stop blaming democrats now - here is your action
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 03:55 PM
Apr 7

Articles of Impeachment have been filed by a democratic rep from Connecticut - read here: https://democraticunderground.com/100221155161

Redleg

(6,997 posts)
260. Too little too late- just kidding
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 04:22 PM
Apr 7

This is a good start but won't likely please some of these folks who think that only Democratic officials have agency and Republicans bear no duty at all.

electric_blue68

(27,104 posts)
262. I had to do a small something. Called ( my Senator) Schumer's DC office...
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 04:57 PM
Apr 7

I told the staffer I know we're in the minority..
Still, could Schuner and a few other Dems could hold a press conference to say how insane and wrong about what Trump said.
She said (I'd forgotten) they're on recess.
I said they still coud hold it - to officially The American People how they feel.

Had to say something!

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