I really am confused. TRUMP was president when COVID hit. How is BIDEN responsible for someone's business collapsing because of a global pandemic? All this tells me is that Fox News was very successful at broadcasting MAGA propaganda. Political amnesia is a terrible disease.
Exactly! As long as these Republicans and MAGAS stay in the Fox bubble, there is no hope. Perhaps when the country implodes, a few will realize that they were lied to by mainstream media and every single person working on behalf of Trump. Just wait until the feeding-frenzy begins.
Remember that the various "rescue" bills Biden promoted pumped a LOT (too much ) extra credit into the economy. Biden's intent was good, but those extra dollars() created a LOT of inflation! And, although prices rose quickly and held steady, THE WEALTHY WERE NOT PAYING TOO MANY PEOPLE A LOT MORE MONEY!
WHOA! We have the lowest inflation rate in the WORLD. Read before you spout the MAGA party nonsense. The price of eggs? Ever heard of avian flu? Over 73 million egg layers have been affected by HPAI as of August 2024, sending egg prices soaring to a record average of $4.82 per dozen in January 2023 following a string of HPAI detections. Don't know how to tell you this, but Pres. Biden has nothing to do with the price of food. So you're in favor of people being hungry, homeless, without health care and under educated, your time has come. The felon will bring this all home for you.
Carol-Ann, you are spot on, but Fox News and a lack of critical thinking, on the part of many citizens had them making a choice, ( trump) that I think they will come to regret. Many of these people only know of trump previously, from the producer, Burnette's show, " The Apprentice;" this show being a lifeline thrown trump's way at that time. He was in financial decline at that point. After all, he had numerous failed business' & bankruptcies.
I'm from NYC & CT. We knew just who & what trump was, and honesty & honorable behavior wasn't his strong suit. His buzz phrase shouldn't have been "you're fired." It should have been, to the many contractors he shorted pay for their services, " so sue me!" Actually, I think it was. And two failed casinos in Atlantic City?? Seriously, how does one fail in that business, in that city?
A few factors swung some folks trump's direction. 1st, you can't blame a president for corporations price gouging for profits, but they did blame Biden/ Harris.
2nd, the propaganda from the right & the likes of Fox, along with a population that over 54% read at a 7th grade level or below; doesn't tend to lend itself towards solid critical thinking skills. That there's an estimated 20%, that read at a 3rd grade or lower level, is very concerning. So some folks rely on news being dissected/ explained by entertainment networks like a Fox. That they're digesting & regurgitating the news with their ( or their network owner's) particular slant, in lieu of actually just reporting the facts, has allowed the news in many cases, to be biased & partisan. And many folks can't or won't, listen to what they're saying critically. IMO, It has become a "plug & play" world sadly, to this country's demise; from a democracy to a oligarchy/ authoritarian ruling class, I fear. The upcoming 4 years will be challenging, with many unexpected, unintended consequences, I fear.
Bonnie, are you still living in NY? I only ask because I'm never sure who, either on Lucas' Substack or Jess Piper's (who is great btw), in the comments section is here in Missouri or who is joining in from another state.
I'm 41yo & have lived in Springfield, MO my whole life. My parents have lived here their whole lives. So had my grandparents. My husband (who I started dating my freshman yr of highschool & married at 18yo just 5 months out of high school when I got pregnant.) has lived here his whole life also.
I realize that was maybe TMI on the personal information, I decided to include it because, in many ways, I'm a walking small town cliche. However, after my we had 2 sons, I did go to school to get my bachelor's in nursing & have been a NICU nurse for 10 years.
So, with that background information, I can tell you that yes.. the disinformation & conspiracy theories flow heavily around here. It's not just amongst uneducated people either.
I discovered over the summer that my friend I've known since 4th grade is a Trump voter. She's a Nurse Anesthesist (CRNA), she's extremely intelligent & successful. We don't see or talk to each other like we used to but, when she was in college, she was very much an advocate for the environment, she voted for stem cell research in in 2006, she was pro-choice, her uncle & his husband are family members she's very close with. So, around here, the Trump supporters range from the extreme, "the gov't controls the weather, the Haitians in Ohio are eating people's pets, chem trails, & the child trafficking, blood drinking Democrats" to people who are very educated &, by typical standards, normal. Even the "normal" people, though, still believe in some level of the disinformation about the Democrats.
You are correct, it's the Fox Prop watchers who have this strong dislike for the Democrats. Except they don't ever specify why exactly. Which, I think goes back to Rush Limbaugh. However, hosts like Bill O'Reilly, Bongino, Tucker Carlson, Jesse Watters, etc Anyone who watches them long enough is going to have a negative opinion of Democrats.
I watch sometimes just to figure out what they other side is hearing & it's pretty amazing actually. They manage to turn everything Biden does into something negative. Shortly after the Oct 7th attack on Israel, back when Biden was publicly showing our full support for Israel, I watched Hannity do a segment about the college protestors who support Gaza & just beat them down. Then, in the same episode, he went on to spin negative rhetoric about Biden in his reporting of Biden's support for Israel. It was obnoxiously impressive. I read a Fox News article the other day about Biden. It explained how he lowered gas prices by selling oil from our reserve & actually turned that into a negative story about him also. After reading the article, an impressionable Republican would find themselves angry at Biden for lowering gas prices at the pump!
Here is the problem, it's not that there aren't intelligent people here. There are. It's civics in general. The overwhelming majority of people around here, no matter how many degrees they have, know next to nothing about how the government works.
When I talk to these people who list off the ways they're struggling or things they want to see fixed & 99% of the time they are upset about state issues that are in the hands of our state legislature. They're upset about how our personal property taxes keep going up. They're mad our schools are underfunded & the teachers are underpaid. They can't find available childcare & can't afford it if they do find it.
They make just over the line to qualify for SNAP or Medicaid. So they go to the ER for healthcare treatment & have astronomical medical bills. We voted to expand Medicaid here in Missouri but many people have no idea. They just go without health insurance.
Many of the people here in Missouri want what it is Democrats have tried to give them but they aren't aware (or they don't believe) that these are Democratic policies. They aren't aware that the things in their everyday lives are state issues controlled by state government. Which, our state legislature is a Republican super majority & every statewide office is held by a Republican as well.
Yet, because the president is a Democrat & Fox along with Tik Tok & people on social media constantly convince them that everything is awful & it's the Democrats fault, that's what they believe. I try to explain this to them. Try to tell them that all or most of the things they're not happy about are controlled by an almost entirely Republican Missouri government.
There aren't Democrats around here to combat the narrative about Democrats that has spread & cemented into the views of the people around here. Lucas has given us a good start. Jess Piper is doing her part too as far as trying to let the people of Missouri actually hear from Democrats. It's hard to have these conversations without coming across as condescending. I feel like I end up coming across as "civicsplaining" when I try to explain state governmenr & who is in charge in our state government.
Austen, no. I am no longer in NYC, though had family there for a long time. I moved from CT. down to Florida first, then Georgia, in 2006.
( Believe it or not. LOL) I was from a staunchly Republican family ( old style..not today's maga style republican), who deviated from the party to register as an Independent in the mid 70's. I daresay, I'm a bit older than you & retired from a career in Insurance. I was a Service rep, then an agent; then was invited by a Marine Insuance manager to "come to the dark side" as a Senior Marine Underwriter for one of the country's largest carriers. I didn't look back.
So here I sit, in red/ purple state Georgia, living in a smallish town in Georgia; where the prevailing politics lean decidedly Red. I was the only one in my neighborhood to have a Harris/ Walz sign up on my lawn. My sister who moved down, to an adjacent town by me, several years ago said she was afraid to put up a Harris sign. My attitude frankly was, some of these folks have trump signs up. You're entitled to have a Harris sign. F'em if they don't like it. We should be able to agree to disagree, without worrying someone's going to burn down your house. It should inspire healthy debate, but sadly it too often does not, in some of these small towns.
To say we were disappointed in the Harris loss, is an understatement; but life must go on & us that opposed that "other" republican choice, must gracefully accept the loss & not roll over; should we find our new administration furthering the notion of an authoritarian government.
In closing, I've donated to Lucas as well over the years. I wish the election had ended with his winning in Missouri. Sadly, it didn't. But darn he fought hard. Got out there & spoke to the people. He's his own man & I respect that.
Best of luck to the citizens of your state & please wish me the same here. Uphill climb, but if you feel strongly, have serious convictions about which side history will say is on the side of " right," its worth it. Sadly, I think many who voted trump, will find the road ahead these 4 years, will be paved with unintended, unexpected consequences. Sadly, we'll all experience them. Be well. Wish you were closer. It'd be nice to have more folks here to share things of this nature with, during these times.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph 😖 If you don't know how much the price of food rose globally because of a once in a century HUMAN virus, you couldn't possibly have a clue about what Avian flu is doing to the price of eggs and chicken.
If we had a reality based true/false test before you could vote, no Republican could be elected ever again.
Odd that they state Democrats are liars. Trump said he knew nothing of Project 2025. They’re implementing it in their choices before his term begins. Trump loves the poorly educated.
Many people, from doctors to engineers to laborers voted for Trump. It has nothing to do with education level. It is invalid when we slam people for being poorly educated (euphemism for being stupid). Trump supporters know Trump and like him. They know him differently than we do and rate him with a different set of values than we do.
I disagree with their rating and value structure, but I still respect it.
I do not know their value system and I suspect it varies, but I suspect it values loyalty and obedience at a higher level than most Democrats (like me) value loyalty and obedience. I tend to value creativity, problem solving and fairness.
And yes, I am angry with Trump voters because of the harm he will cause, but somehow I still need to respect their choice. The good news is Republicans are in control of all 3 parts of government (Presidency, Congress and Supreme Court), so anything from here on will be on them. Although I suspect Trump will blame anything bad on Democrats.
We need to be prepared for that with a very sound message delivery system. Without it Fox, et al will dominate the message delivery and everyone will believe the Democrats are to blame. Even thought it will not be possible.
We need that message delivery system to win if future elections allow Democrats to compete.
I believe there are two issues. The poorly educated, which too often reflects a lack of critical thinking skills & those upper middle & wealthy class individuals who are looking for 1) Further tax breaks & incentives 2) Along with cutting programs that assist the poor & working class.
They don't need it, so they don't want additional taxes going towards those programs. Sadly programs that provide meals for needy children at school, educational programs like Head Start, for impoverished pre-k children that provide educational enrichment & support towards preparation for school; those are often the programs that republicans go after first, when they're looking for tax cuts. Additionally, health care coverage provided at reduced premiums towards those who can't afford to pay the going rate; they've already said they're going after the ACA. SADLY FOR SOME, the next 4 years could get ugly. And regardless of what some republicans have said about Social Security, leaving it alone; it is always a target for them. I guess we'll see & respond accordingly.
I read a great article in the New Yorker .... I don't think I saved it though. But it goes along with your point that you're making. People can be really educated & intelligent in their field of study & their profession while also being ignorant about civics. The article mentions that, in fact, civics is one of the subjects that the most people know the least about.
As with any subject, an intelligent person can sound ignorant when speaking regarding something they know very about. That's everyone. No one knows everything about everything.
The problem, & this is my perspective not necessarily from the article, is the Dunning Kruger effect is an epidemic these days. People thinking their Google search makes them smarter than their doctors, that their Tik Tok videos make them experts regarding civics, etc. No one wants to listen anymore! So many don't open their minds to learn because they already think they know everything. They seek out information that confirms their beliefs rather than anything that challenges them & there in lies the problem. How we fix it? I have absolutely no idea...
The disinformation system dominates. Democrats didn't do enough over past few decades for working people. I have been a loyal democrat, but I don't trust them... the leadership will not change.
It is so sad that people will vote a straight party ticket when they know someone is not right for the job. I voted for you because I think you would have been perfect as our senator and think that Hawley is a pampered, spoiled individual that has done nothing for Missouri. I hope you run again in the next election and win. Furthermore, I voted for Kamala Harris too because everything Trump has been saying and doing comes from Hitler's playbook. I pray I am wrong, and that Trump does not become a dictator. God bless you and your family.
I’m sorry, but why is the average person so against the Democrats? Why are Democrats so bad at explaining what their positions are and why those positions are better? Democrat policies have brought the vast majority of jobs(over 90% of jobs in the last 30 years were gained under Democrats presidents) and navigated us through a global pandemic that brought recessions to many countries. All Republicans ever do is give tax breaks to the rich which never trickle down to the working class, yet those same workers think Republicans want to help them…it’s very frustrating to have people who routinely vote against their own interests. Democrats need better messaging.
I believe Trump won, as well as Hawley, because of misinformation/disinformation. We have FOX NEWS spouting disinformation about Biden and Democrats. Things that are untrue! We have radio stations in the rural areas who are spouting Republican lies. Did the people who voted for Trump and Hawley vote to lose their Veterans Healthcare? Or Affordable Healthcare? Did they vote to send vouchers to the wealthy, which will hurt our rural public schools, who don’t have private schools available? Our small schools are already on 4 day weeks because they can’t afford to keep the buildings open 5 days a week.
Someone I knew who'd lived in Missouri for a few years; upon moving back, he referred to it as the state of " Misery." It would sadly seem so..
My question is, the story was out there about Fox's main shareholder, Rupert Murdoch ( driven out of Australia for the same divisive behavior); where he was testifying in a court case about their approach to " news" ( which really isn't news). He said it wasn't about the "red" or "blue," but about the "green." ( money)
So truth flies out the window, or more apropos, over the airwaves, when there's money to be made. Moral compass, be damned.
We Democrats don't talk, promote or advocate enough for common, everyday things! We are far too "principled"; trying to get the everyday voters to join us in our "reaching for the stars". MOST people just want to live a fairly simple life; the BIG PROBLEMS confuse and irritate most people. During 20 years of community college teaching, I found that political principles really don't mean much to the average voter(s)!
And, I think Harris, because Biden kept saying our economy was bouncing back, didn't hammer home how things would keep looking as the economy kept recovering and things the administration could do in her term to ease the struggle. She spoke about buying a house, child tax credits, etc. that only served to alienate those who couldn't envision buying a house or who either didn't have kids or their kids were out 9f tye house- or who we older than a newborn. I think all of the things she did talk about were good things, civil rights, etc. But, that wasn't where the majority of voters landed. That being said, this was not a landslide or a mandate. I'm also not throwing out cheating on Trumps part. He only always telegraphs his plays. This isn't as much a Democrat messaging problem as it is a perfect storm of tensions in the middle east, cult behavior on the Republican side, mainstream media taking his side and misinforming the public. Harris being held to Biden's Administration as if she were calling the shots and then getting hit with the "no experience or doing nothing in the Administration" b.s. that everyone tagged her for. But, everyone who voted for him is in for a rude awakening.
Great questions and I voted Harris for the same reasons you did. The simplest answer is that the Democratic Party is as beholden to rich donors as the GOP, they’re just different donors (or the same); in either case the Dems/Biden did NOT confront the price gouging we experienced in the form of inflation which hit all us typical people really hard. The economy is ONLY doing well for investors and shareholders, not people who buy two bags of groceries for $125. Why else would VP Harris campaign with Liz Cheney of all people and ignore Bernie and Chris Hollen and other Senators who care about ordinary Americans? Hawley is an A1 asshole.
Clearly the Democratic Party needs a better brand. But I have to wonder? How is it that these voters know exactly what the Democratic Party does, does not do, etc.? My fear is they learn from the Republicans who trash the Dems religiously. My lesson learned is that we need to talk with rural voters and Republicans 24/7.
It’s no secret that Missouri is a red republican state to the roots, so why are voters blaming the Democrats? When was the last time democrats decided any issue in this state?
This is common all across the country and it is one thing the Democrats are not responsible for. Media of all types has been taken over by the right wing. Local newspapers are gone and if still present give nothing of facts to the people as to how and who in the government is directly affecting their lives. Talk radio is owned lock-stock-and-barrel by them. Christian radio broadcasts more lies. Cable TV is going under and with it goes regular viewing of things like MSNBC and CNN, PBS and local news shows. You did an excellent job as did Kamala Harris and Democrats running all over the country. But Mr Musk just bought himself a country we presumed was our own - with his multi-million campaign of lies targeted at both Democratic and Republican voters with message tailored to fit their fears.
Thank you so much for running, you and your team did an amazing job. Do you have a feel for where Trump voters get their information? TV, radio, internet? Or maybe friends and family? I have to wonder about the very large amount of disinformation that the political right delivers. I wish Democrats were better at fighting back against it.
I hope you will continue your fight to bring good things back to Missouri (I've been around long enough to remember well Gov. Carnahan). I contributed all I could to your campaign. And will again if you run for anything again! We need your integrity and understanding of what is good for our State!
Bears repeating , thank you for your service! It is disheartening that so many people are so misinformed and misguided. I proudly displayed your sign in my yard, and have kept it for the future. Hopefully there will be a place in government before six years is up, that you would be interested in!
Thanks for that report about the voters in Missouri, Lucas! Obviously, we Democrats did NOT fully realize how significant the economic problems were for so many people...WE SHOULD HAVE! Also, Biden should have declared his intentions NOT to run in 2024! That would have allowed some other Democratic candidates to work out a good campaign. YET, Karamla (and a supporting cast(s) of thousands) did a great job IN PROMOTING OUR GENERAL PRINCIPLES! AND IN just !)& days too! I KNOW THAT MY OLDEST GRANDSON AND HIS WIFE (living in WEBSTER GROVE voted for you! ) azz
Keep on going! I would not support the DJT Party for President BoneSpurs...under any circumstances, and hope the US Military is still honorable to the American people.
I really am confused. TRUMP was president when COVID hit. How is BIDEN responsible for someone's business collapsing because of a global pandemic? All this tells me is that Fox News was very successful at broadcasting MAGA propaganda. Political amnesia is a terrible disease.
Exactly! As long as these Republicans and MAGAS stay in the Fox bubble, there is no hope. Perhaps when the country implodes, a few will realize that they were lied to by mainstream media and every single person working on behalf of Trump. Just wait until the feeding-frenzy begins.
We really need to bring back the #FairnessDoctrine!
Remember that the various "rescue" bills Biden promoted pumped a LOT (too much ) extra credit into the economy. Biden's intent was good, but those extra dollars() created a LOT of inflation! And, although prices rose quickly and held steady, THE WEALTHY WERE NOT PAYING TOO MANY PEOPLE A LOT MORE MONEY!
WHOA! We have the lowest inflation rate in the WORLD. Read before you spout the MAGA party nonsense. The price of eggs? Ever heard of avian flu? Over 73 million egg layers have been affected by HPAI as of August 2024, sending egg prices soaring to a record average of $4.82 per dozen in January 2023 following a string of HPAI detections. Don't know how to tell you this, but Pres. Biden has nothing to do with the price of food. So you're in favor of people being hungry, homeless, without health care and under educated, your time has come. The felon will bring this all home for you.
Carol-Ann, you are spot on, but Fox News and a lack of critical thinking, on the part of many citizens had them making a choice, ( trump) that I think they will come to regret. Many of these people only know of trump previously, from the producer, Burnette's show, " The Apprentice;" this show being a lifeline thrown trump's way at that time. He was in financial decline at that point. After all, he had numerous failed business' & bankruptcies.
I'm from NYC & CT. We knew just who & what trump was, and honesty & honorable behavior wasn't his strong suit. His buzz phrase shouldn't have been "you're fired." It should have been, to the many contractors he shorted pay for their services, " so sue me!" Actually, I think it was. And two failed casinos in Atlantic City?? Seriously, how does one fail in that business, in that city?
A few factors swung some folks trump's direction. 1st, you can't blame a president for corporations price gouging for profits, but they did blame Biden/ Harris.
2nd, the propaganda from the right & the likes of Fox, along with a population that over 54% read at a 7th grade level or below; doesn't tend to lend itself towards solid critical thinking skills. That there's an estimated 20%, that read at a 3rd grade or lower level, is very concerning. So some folks rely on news being dissected/ explained by entertainment networks like a Fox. That they're digesting & regurgitating the news with their ( or their network owner's) particular slant, in lieu of actually just reporting the facts, has allowed the news in many cases, to be biased & partisan. And many folks can't or won't, listen to what they're saying critically. IMO, It has become a "plug & play" world sadly, to this country's demise; from a democracy to a oligarchy/ authoritarian ruling class, I fear. The upcoming 4 years will be challenging, with many unexpected, unintended consequences, I fear.
Bonnie, are you still living in NY? I only ask because I'm never sure who, either on Lucas' Substack or Jess Piper's (who is great btw), in the comments section is here in Missouri or who is joining in from another state.
I'm 41yo & have lived in Springfield, MO my whole life. My parents have lived here their whole lives. So had my grandparents. My husband (who I started dating my freshman yr of highschool & married at 18yo just 5 months out of high school when I got pregnant.) has lived here his whole life also.
I realize that was maybe TMI on the personal information, I decided to include it because, in many ways, I'm a walking small town cliche. However, after my we had 2 sons, I did go to school to get my bachelor's in nursing & have been a NICU nurse for 10 years.
So, with that background information, I can tell you that yes.. the disinformation & conspiracy theories flow heavily around here. It's not just amongst uneducated people either.
I discovered over the summer that my friend I've known since 4th grade is a Trump voter. She's a Nurse Anesthesist (CRNA), she's extremely intelligent & successful. We don't see or talk to each other like we used to but, when she was in college, she was very much an advocate for the environment, she voted for stem cell research in in 2006, she was pro-choice, her uncle & his husband are family members she's very close with. So, around here, the Trump supporters range from the extreme, "the gov't controls the weather, the Haitians in Ohio are eating people's pets, chem trails, & the child trafficking, blood drinking Democrats" to people who are very educated &, by typical standards, normal. Even the "normal" people, though, still believe in some level of the disinformation about the Democrats.
You are correct, it's the Fox Prop watchers who have this strong dislike for the Democrats. Except they don't ever specify why exactly. Which, I think goes back to Rush Limbaugh. However, hosts like Bill O'Reilly, Bongino, Tucker Carlson, Jesse Watters, etc Anyone who watches them long enough is going to have a negative opinion of Democrats.
I watch sometimes just to figure out what they other side is hearing & it's pretty amazing actually. They manage to turn everything Biden does into something negative. Shortly after the Oct 7th attack on Israel, back when Biden was publicly showing our full support for Israel, I watched Hannity do a segment about the college protestors who support Gaza & just beat them down. Then, in the same episode, he went on to spin negative rhetoric about Biden in his reporting of Biden's support for Israel. It was obnoxiously impressive. I read a Fox News article the other day about Biden. It explained how he lowered gas prices by selling oil from our reserve & actually turned that into a negative story about him also. After reading the article, an impressionable Republican would find themselves angry at Biden for lowering gas prices at the pump!
Here is the problem, it's not that there aren't intelligent people here. There are. It's civics in general. The overwhelming majority of people around here, no matter how many degrees they have, know next to nothing about how the government works.
When I talk to these people who list off the ways they're struggling or things they want to see fixed & 99% of the time they are upset about state issues that are in the hands of our state legislature. They're upset about how our personal property taxes keep going up. They're mad our schools are underfunded & the teachers are underpaid. They can't find available childcare & can't afford it if they do find it.
They make just over the line to qualify for SNAP or Medicaid. So they go to the ER for healthcare treatment & have astronomical medical bills. We voted to expand Medicaid here in Missouri but many people have no idea. They just go without health insurance.
Many of the people here in Missouri want what it is Democrats have tried to give them but they aren't aware (or they don't believe) that these are Democratic policies. They aren't aware that the things in their everyday lives are state issues controlled by state government. Which, our state legislature is a Republican super majority & every statewide office is held by a Republican as well.
Yet, because the president is a Democrat & Fox along with Tik Tok & people on social media constantly convince them that everything is awful & it's the Democrats fault, that's what they believe. I try to explain this to them. Try to tell them that all or most of the things they're not happy about are controlled by an almost entirely Republican Missouri government.
There aren't Democrats around here to combat the narrative about Democrats that has spread & cemented into the views of the people around here. Lucas has given us a good start. Jess Piper is doing her part too as far as trying to let the people of Missouri actually hear from Democrats. It's hard to have these conversations without coming across as condescending. I feel like I end up coming across as "civicsplaining" when I try to explain state governmenr & who is in charge in our state government.
Austen, no. I am no longer in NYC, though had family there for a long time. I moved from CT. down to Florida first, then Georgia, in 2006.
( Believe it or not. LOL) I was from a staunchly Republican family ( old style..not today's maga style republican), who deviated from the party to register as an Independent in the mid 70's. I daresay, I'm a bit older than you & retired from a career in Insurance. I was a Service rep, then an agent; then was invited by a Marine Insuance manager to "come to the dark side" as a Senior Marine Underwriter for one of the country's largest carriers. I didn't look back.
So here I sit, in red/ purple state Georgia, living in a smallish town in Georgia; where the prevailing politics lean decidedly Red. I was the only one in my neighborhood to have a Harris/ Walz sign up on my lawn. My sister who moved down, to an adjacent town by me, several years ago said she was afraid to put up a Harris sign. My attitude frankly was, some of these folks have trump signs up. You're entitled to have a Harris sign. F'em if they don't like it. We should be able to agree to disagree, without worrying someone's going to burn down your house. It should inspire healthy debate, but sadly it too often does not, in some of these small towns.
To say we were disappointed in the Harris loss, is an understatement; but life must go on & us that opposed that "other" republican choice, must gracefully accept the loss & not roll over; should we find our new administration furthering the notion of an authoritarian government.
In closing, I've donated to Lucas as well over the years. I wish the election had ended with his winning in Missouri. Sadly, it didn't. But darn he fought hard. Got out there & spoke to the people. He's his own man & I respect that.
Best of luck to the citizens of your state & please wish me the same here. Uphill climb, but if you feel strongly, have serious convictions about which side history will say is on the side of " right," its worth it. Sadly, I think many who voted trump, will find the road ahead these 4 years, will be paved with unintended, unexpected consequences. Sadly, we'll all experience them. Be well. Wish you were closer. It'd be nice to have more folks here to share things of this nature with, during these times.
It's not your fault, as long as you are not condescending, that people choose to view it that way.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph 😖 If you don't know how much the price of food rose globally because of a once in a century HUMAN virus, you couldn't possibly have a clue about what Avian flu is doing to the price of eggs and chicken.
If we had a reality based true/false test before you could vote, no Republican could be elected ever again.
Well global supply chains broke in 2020 and then WW3 started in 22. Biden needed to communicate that
Odd that they state Democrats are liars. Trump said he knew nothing of Project 2025. They’re implementing it in their choices before his term begins. Trump loves the poorly educated.
Many people, from doctors to engineers to laborers voted for Trump. It has nothing to do with education level. It is invalid when we slam people for being poorly educated (euphemism for being stupid). Trump supporters know Trump and like him. They know him differently than we do and rate him with a different set of values than we do.
I disagree with their rating and value structure, but I still respect it.
I do not know their value system and I suspect it varies, but I suspect it values loyalty and obedience at a higher level than most Democrats (like me) value loyalty and obedience. I tend to value creativity, problem solving and fairness.
And yes, I am angry with Trump voters because of the harm he will cause, but somehow I still need to respect their choice. The good news is Republicans are in control of all 3 parts of government (Presidency, Congress and Supreme Court), so anything from here on will be on them. Although I suspect Trump will blame anything bad on Democrats.
We need to be prepared for that with a very sound message delivery system. Without it Fox, et al will dominate the message delivery and everyone will believe the Democrats are to blame. Even thought it will not be possible.
We need that message delivery system to win if future elections allow Democrats to compete.
I believe there are two issues. The poorly educated, which too often reflects a lack of critical thinking skills & those upper middle & wealthy class individuals who are looking for 1) Further tax breaks & incentives 2) Along with cutting programs that assist the poor & working class.
They don't need it, so they don't want additional taxes going towards those programs. Sadly programs that provide meals for needy children at school, educational programs like Head Start, for impoverished pre-k children that provide educational enrichment & support towards preparation for school; those are often the programs that republicans go after first, when they're looking for tax cuts. Additionally, health care coverage provided at reduced premiums towards those who can't afford to pay the going rate; they've already said they're going after the ACA. SADLY FOR SOME, the next 4 years could get ugly. And regardless of what some republicans have said about Social Security, leaving it alone; it is always a target for them. I guess we'll see & respond accordingly.
I read a great article in the New Yorker .... I don't think I saved it though. But it goes along with your point that you're making. People can be really educated & intelligent in their field of study & their profession while also being ignorant about civics. The article mentions that, in fact, civics is one of the subjects that the most people know the least about.
As with any subject, an intelligent person can sound ignorant when speaking regarding something they know very about. That's everyone. No one knows everything about everything.
The problem, & this is my perspective not necessarily from the article, is the Dunning Kruger effect is an epidemic these days. People thinking their Google search makes them smarter than their doctors, that their Tik Tok videos make them experts regarding civics, etc. No one wants to listen anymore! So many don't open their minds to learn because they already think they know everything. They seek out information that confirms their beliefs rather than anything that challenges them & there in lies the problem. How we fix it? I have absolutely no idea...
**very little about
The disinformation system dominates. Democrats didn't do enough over past few decades for working people. I have been a loyal democrat, but I don't trust them... the leadership will not change.
It is so sad that people will vote a straight party ticket when they know someone is not right for the job. I voted for you because I think you would have been perfect as our senator and think that Hawley is a pampered, spoiled individual that has done nothing for Missouri. I hope you run again in the next election and win. Furthermore, I voted for Kamala Harris too because everything Trump has been saying and doing comes from Hitler's playbook. I pray I am wrong, and that Trump does not become a dictator. God bless you and your family.
This is a shame, as they have no idea that Trump and Trumpism is going to ruin Missouri and our country. Do you have plans to run again?
I’m sorry, but why is the average person so against the Democrats? Why are Democrats so bad at explaining what their positions are and why those positions are better? Democrat policies have brought the vast majority of jobs(over 90% of jobs in the last 30 years were gained under Democrats presidents) and navigated us through a global pandemic that brought recessions to many countries. All Republicans ever do is give tax breaks to the rich which never trickle down to the working class, yet those same workers think Republicans want to help them…it’s very frustrating to have people who routinely vote against their own interests. Democrats need better messaging.
I believe Trump won, as well as Hawley, because of misinformation/disinformation. We have FOX NEWS spouting disinformation about Biden and Democrats. Things that are untrue! We have radio stations in the rural areas who are spouting Republican lies. Did the people who voted for Trump and Hawley vote to lose their Veterans Healthcare? Or Affordable Healthcare? Did they vote to send vouchers to the wealthy, which will hurt our rural public schools, who don’t have private schools available? Our small schools are already on 4 day weeks because they can’t afford to keep the buildings open 5 days a week.
AND, Fox News is an entertainment channel with little to no oversight.
Someone I knew who'd lived in Missouri for a few years; upon moving back, he referred to it as the state of " Misery." It would sadly seem so..
My question is, the story was out there about Fox's main shareholder, Rupert Murdoch ( driven out of Australia for the same divisive behavior); where he was testifying in a court case about their approach to " news" ( which really isn't news). He said it wasn't about the "red" or "blue," but about the "green." ( money)
So truth flies out the window, or more apropos, over the airwaves, when there's money to be made. Moral compass, be damned.
We Democrats don't talk, promote or advocate enough for common, everyday things! We are far too "principled"; trying to get the everyday voters to join us in our "reaching for the stars". MOST people just want to live a fairly simple life; the BIG PROBLEMS confuse and irritate most people. During 20 years of community college teaching, I found that political principles really don't mean much to the average voter(s)!
And, I think Harris, because Biden kept saying our economy was bouncing back, didn't hammer home how things would keep looking as the economy kept recovering and things the administration could do in her term to ease the struggle. She spoke about buying a house, child tax credits, etc. that only served to alienate those who couldn't envision buying a house or who either didn't have kids or their kids were out 9f tye house- or who we older than a newborn. I think all of the things she did talk about were good things, civil rights, etc. But, that wasn't where the majority of voters landed. That being said, this was not a landslide or a mandate. I'm also not throwing out cheating on Trumps part. He only always telegraphs his plays. This isn't as much a Democrat messaging problem as it is a perfect storm of tensions in the middle east, cult behavior on the Republican side, mainstream media taking his side and misinforming the public. Harris being held to Biden's Administration as if she were calling the shots and then getting hit with the "no experience or doing nothing in the Administration" b.s. that everyone tagged her for. But, everyone who voted for him is in for a rude awakening.
Great questions and I voted Harris for the same reasons you did. The simplest answer is that the Democratic Party is as beholden to rich donors as the GOP, they’re just different donors (or the same); in either case the Dems/Biden did NOT confront the price gouging we experienced in the form of inflation which hit all us typical people really hard. The economy is ONLY doing well for investors and shareholders, not people who buy two bags of groceries for $125. Why else would VP Harris campaign with Liz Cheney of all people and ignore Bernie and Chris Hollen and other Senators who care about ordinary Americans? Hawley is an A1 asshole.
Clearly the Democratic Party needs a better brand. But I have to wonder? How is it that these voters know exactly what the Democratic Party does, does not do, etc.? My fear is they learn from the Republicans who trash the Dems religiously. My lesson learned is that we need to talk with rural voters and Republicans 24/7.
24/7, and for that media is quite useful in addition to 1 on 1.
It’s no secret that Missouri is a red republican state to the roots, so why are voters blaming the Democrats? When was the last time democrats decided any issue in this state?
This is common all across the country and it is one thing the Democrats are not responsible for. Media of all types has been taken over by the right wing. Local newspapers are gone and if still present give nothing of facts to the people as to how and who in the government is directly affecting their lives. Talk radio is owned lock-stock-and-barrel by them. Christian radio broadcasts more lies. Cable TV is going under and with it goes regular viewing of things like MSNBC and CNN, PBS and local news shows. You did an excellent job as did Kamala Harris and Democrats running all over the country. But Mr Musk just bought himself a country we presumed was our own - with his multi-million campaign of lies targeted at both Democratic and Republican voters with message tailored to fit their fears.
Ii recommend everyone read Robert Reich's article "The Musk rat" and Thom Hartmann's opinion at Alternet titled "The end of left-leaning news?"
Gosh people on this SS really get it. The media shortcomings of dems that is.
So well said!
Thank you so much for running, you and your team did an amazing job. Do you have a feel for where Trump voters get their information? TV, radio, internet? Or maybe friends and family? I have to wonder about the very large amount of disinformation that the political right delivers. I wish Democrats were better at fighting back against it.
Please continue what you are doing and telling the truth. You are inspirational.
I hope you will continue your fight to bring good things back to Missouri (I've been around long enough to remember well Gov. Carnahan). I contributed all I could to your campaign. And will again if you run for anything again! We need your integrity and understanding of what is good for our State!
Bears repeating , thank you for your service! It is disheartening that so many people are so misinformed and misguided. I proudly displayed your sign in my yard, and have kept it for the future. Hopefully there will be a place in government before six years is up, that you would be interested in!
Thanks for that report about the voters in Missouri, Lucas! Obviously, we Democrats did NOT fully realize how significant the economic problems were for so many people...WE SHOULD HAVE! Also, Biden should have declared his intentions NOT to run in 2024! That would have allowed some other Democratic candidates to work out a good campaign. YET, Karamla (and a supporting cast(s) of thousands) did a great job IN PROMOTING OUR GENERAL PRINCIPLES! AND IN just !)& days too! I KNOW THAT MY OLDEST GRANDSON AND HIS WIFE (living in WEBSTER GROVE voted for you! ) azz
Keep on going! I would not support the DJT Party for President BoneSpurs...under any circumstances, and hope the US Military is still honorable to the American people.
Thank you Lucas!
So every person you spoke with was an abject idiot?
He didn't say that at all.....but if that is the way you interpret it......
Every comment he listed was just full of inaccurate information. So that led me to believe the people are woefully ignorant.
Many of the folks Lucas spoke with said they voted for him, although some voted for Trump.
Still sound stupid.
well you can't fix stupid so if we want something we can take action on we are going to have to come up with something else that needs fixing.