50 Comments
Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

We will need a wide-field coalition in this election. We cannot afford to allow any of our biases to stand in the way of saving the Republuc. We don't need to just win an election. We have to impress the Supreme Court that we are fed up with their infidelity to the constitution and the nation.

Expand full comment
Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

Well and clearly stated. I share your disappointment with Bush 2's pusillanimity. Maybe he's "Shrub" after all.

Expand full comment

Maybe if the guy who pulled his strings as president told him what to say. Actually, where is the entire hedge? Maybe the family made a decision to to duck out.

Expand full comment
Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

Thank you again Steven, for important comments.

This comment stood out for me:

…”“In our nation’s 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump,” Dick Cheney said in a statement Friday. “He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again.””

We must vote for Kamala and Democracy!

💙💙🇺🇸💙💙

Expand full comment
Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

The only effective action we have left is active, vigorous protest and the ballot.

Raise your voice, then cast your vote. Assist others in doing both. “If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” - Frederick Douglass

Expand full comment
Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

Thank you... here was my response today to Robert Reich's article regarding women needing to vote: "Frightening what could be for us... we need to see the 2 pictures posted of how women dressed in Afghanistan in 1972 & now in 2025... terrifying to see the difference and our future if we women & men standing with us don't vote"

Expand full comment

Hear! hear! Just think, voting on principles before party. What a concept.

As of Bush, I don't think a former president has the luxury of being merely a private citizen, especially in dire times.

Thank you articulating the conundrum of being glad for Cheney's endorsement. Very helpful.

(On another note, did everyone see the Pittsburgh Penzey's video of Kamala greeting and embracing her supporters? It warms the heart. )

Expand full comment
author

A video of an actual human.

Expand full comment

Yes, it was just another reason to vote blue. She shows compassion and caring, while tfg shows hate and contempt. If you know about Penzeys spices, you know that the company supports Democrats over authoritarianism. Kamala had the perfect group of people to visit there.

Expand full comment

Yes, I choked up

Expand full comment

Everything you’ve written is correct Steven and I welcome any and every prominent Republican and their endorsement of VP Harris and Tim Walz. That said, if they intend to rebuild their party should we all emerge from this relatively unscathed, they had better collectively ask themselves, “What was my part in the lead up to a creature such as trump? How could my former party have done a better job in lifting all economic boats and not just a few? How could we have better used the economic surplus from the Clinton administration together with the good will of the world after the 9/11 attacks to build stronger ties with our allies and create a stronger domestic policy instead of barging into two credit card wars that would be destabilizing for the world and an absolute cluster fk to get out of?

That’s just a start.

If they can’t do a fearless, moral inventory(AA anyone?)on their former drunken behavior, they’ll fall right back into the same old familiar patterns that helped get us here in the first place.

Expand full comment
Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

This is just how dangerous DJT is. That the Cheney family openly endorses Kamala Harris whom they would never support her policies. I do not support the Cheney policies. But the things I truly believe as they truly believe are The Rule of Law, the checks and balances of the branches of government and they uphold their oath to protect and defend the USA and Constitution

Expand full comment

Agree 100%. I commented on a recent Steve Schmidt Substack article that even for folks who don't agree with her policies or the D platform, our country and Constitution can survive 4 years of that, but can't survive 4 more years of TFG, his basically Project 2025 platform, and his and Maga's desire to revert the country to white male dominance and sprinkle in Christian Nationalism.

Expand full comment

There's undeniably something significant happening in America right now. This emerging coalition of Democrats and Republicans united against a common threat to democracy is unprecedented. But let's not kid ourselves - this isn't some kumbaya moment of national unity. It's a desperate move by political operators who see the system they've thrived in for decades under existential threat.

The fact that Dick Cheney, of all people, is endorsing a Democratic candidate should send shivers down our spines. It's not a cause for celebration - it's a stark warning of how precarious our situation has become. These unlikely bedfellows aren't suddenly seeing eye-to-eye on policy. They're circling the wagons to protect the basic framework of our democracy. Nothing more, nothing less.

Steven and a whole contingent of major, important and trustworthy voices on Substack and other platforms talk about reaching out to everyday Americans, having conversations with anyone and everyone about the importance of this election. Being realistic, respectfully, let me be clear: I find that to be a potentially dangerous approach without thoughtful preparation. I also doubt if ninety-five percent of the people who will read this post actually know their neighbors or people in their vicinity. I certainly don't and frankly I’m not brave enough to piss off families in my gated community. Call me a chicken and hear me squawk but I’ve seen people attack people for less.

I've lived through the conflicts of the '60s and '70s. Those memories are still raw, still painful. In today's polarized climate, openly discussing politics with strangers isn't just uncomfortable - it can be downright dangerous.

But that doesn't mean we should sit idle. We need to be smart, strategic, and above all, realistic about how we engage. Here's what I do: I quietly speak with women I meet in public spaces. I'll walk up to them at our community mailbox, at the local YMCA, in stores, restaurants, wherever. I look them in the eyes, hold out my hand, and simply say, "I'm voting for Kamala and I hope you are, too." That's it. No grand speeches, no passionate, heated debates.

The response is telling. Ninety-nine percent of the time, these women grasp my hand with tears in their eyes. They whisper "yes" or just nod silently. It's a moment of connection, of shared understanding, without the risk of confrontation. This is what a real "hand across the aisle" looks like in today's America.

This approach acknowledges the gravity of our situation without ignoring the very real dangers of political discourse in public. It's about creating small moments of unity and understanding, one interaction at a time. It's not flashy, it's not going to make headlines, but it's real and it's impactful.

The polls are too close for comfort, and the threat to our democratic norms is painfully real. But we need to be smart about how we respond. It's not about winning hearts and minds with lofty rhetoric or risking ugly confrontations with the wrong person. It's about quiet resilience, strategic outreach, and a steadfast commitment to preserving our democracy.

This coalition of convenience might be our best shot at preventing a slide into authoritarianism. But make no mistake - it's a temporary measure. Once the immediate threat is dealt with, these alliances will fracture. The deep ideological divides in our nation aren't going anywhere.

For now, though, we need to focus on the task at hand. Find your own way to make a difference, however small it may seem. Be realistic about the risks and rewards of engaging with others. And above all, remember that sometimes, the most powerful actions are also the quietest. A handshake, a look of understanding, a whispered word of agreement - these small gestures can add up to something much bigger. That's how we'll get through this, one quiet conversation at a time.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Expand full comment
Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

Does anyone else have a different feeling about where things stand than the polls (and mainstream media) keeps pounding into our heads? I’m in NO WAY counting my chickens. I learned that the hard way in 2016 …. Or when FL was called for Gore on Election Night 2000 and our house party almost brought the roof down only to have it rescinded an hour later and ultimately taken away entirely by SCOTUS days later. BUT I do not have a feeling that things are as perilously close as WaPo and NYT seem actually happy about reporting to me every single morning I read the news.

I’m not looking into any mystical ball and reading tea leaves or wagering bets in Nevada. But I do have anecdotal stories and notes from people around me who normally would honestly not even know it was an election year. Hard to believe but there are more of those than you’d like to think. But they know this year. And they also seem to know that this is a monumental election. Bigger even, than the candidates. They also all know that one of the candidates sent people to desecrate the Capitol and threaten and take human life.

So I take all the information and disinformation in … and I chose to dismiss Morning Joe today telling me that the pressure is on VP Harris at the debate tomorrow. Meanwhile Trump spent the weekend posting false information on social media about fraudulent mail-in ballots. Announcing that people are afraid to ask about the (non-existent voter fraud). He’s already claiming fraud and saying that “without voter fraud we win so easily”. Setting up Jan 6 Part 2.

All versions of Part 2 will be traumatic and awful and horrifying.

He will not win.

He is not going to win.

Expand full comment

I agree with you. Women are angry about their rights being ripped away, we have not, nor will we, forget. Women registering to vote outnumber men by a large margin since Kamala has been our candidate. I have faith that women will drive this election, and we are voting for Kamala and Tim.

Expand full comment

I have to be honest - I feel that white women DID NOT pull through for HRC in 2016 and it will always haunt me. I agree that Roe and our current SCOTUS making outrageous (IMO) unethical decisions has galvanized women of all color, background, SES, red/blue state etc circumstances and we aren’t going to let it happen again. People see that one party doesn’t believe we are full human beings deserving of the rights and care and compassion of men. I agree this will be a huge motivator at the polls.

Expand full comment

I feel I must acknowledge it is likely to be a close election but believe there are a few things that are glossed over in the polls.

1. Voters want to know more about “her.” After Labor Day is typically when the potential voters less interested in politics begin to pay attention. They are considering Harris / Walz and likely waiting to hear from her at the debate and on other occasions. New ads are running to help seal the deal too.

2. More voters say trump is a ‘change’ candidate. Carville said this was the biggest factor blah blah blah. The talking heads ran with it. Someone finally asked my question today:

Do they think it is good change? Change that they want? No one seemed to know. They were relying on it as an important question - no idea what the answer could mean in an election like this. For instance, a never-trump voter (me) could easily agree he’s a change candidate (depending on the wording) but not positive change.

3. You can’t survey the Dems great ground game built over the past 18-20 months. The surge in donations allowed them to expand it. The campaign just announced it is providing $25M to down ballot candidates. (Compare that to the state of the GOP ‘ground game’ etc.)

4. I doubt the polling reflects the new voter registrations. Young people are not usually included in likely voters either. (Those folks are a big reason you need a good GOTV ground game.) There may be Republicans who don’t want to say they are ‘crossing over.’

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/sep/09/trump-campaign-rnc-ground-game-pacs

Expand full comment
Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

"George Bush dishonors the office by refusing to speak out." He does, indeed.

Expand full comment
Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

I expect that tomorrow night's "debate" will be a presentation of two extremely different Americas. One filled with anger, hate and division, and the other a country defined by decency, respect and hope for all Americans. This is Kamala's time to show Americans we can choose our future on November 5th. I'm putting my faith for Democracy continuing for another 200 years in Kamala Harris.

And if George Bush is still silent after tomorrow night; history will remember him as a coward who was unwilling to speak out at this defining moment in our history.

Expand full comment
Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

One of your best and most powerful pieces to date! Following a cult is an abt description of the throngs of mindless voters who bow to Trump!

Thank you for always making your points with clarity and honesty

Our way of life depends on our choices in the election

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Margie. Much appreciate your thoughts.

Expand full comment
Sep 9·edited Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

I do not welcome someone like Dick Cheney, but I accept him and his support of Harris. He does not stand much taller than trump, to me. Richard Cheney puts me in mind of Crusader King Richard, the Lionhearted-brave(to speak out) but derelict in noble responsibility to his country. He also made millions as chief of Halliburton, selling oil,etc to Sadam and buying Dresser Industry with its not widely known asbestos problem at the time. (Dresser was a large employer in Bradford, PA where I grew up. My homeroom teacher quit and went there. More $$ It was sad to see him walk by carrying a lunch bucket.) I have greater respect for John McCain's son.None for Dubya.

Even though a Republicans for Harris group has formed, the latest poll shows Harris at 48%, trump at 46% with 2% who knows. Far too many still wearing shirts with his picture on.

My question is-where were all these Republicans when Biden was still running? Was trump better than he? They waited until two months before the election to decide and speak out. Sooner may have helped.

Polls the day after tomorrow will show thoughts on the debate. One hopes Kamala will continue to dismiss his taunts-next question please.

Meanwhile, to save the Constitution, a free country, sanity, we Democrats welcome all skunks to vote for Harris and Walz.

Expand full comment

So very true on all points. I guess these Republicans were staying quiet until the Insurrection was followed by the in-our-faces announcement “I’m going to be a dictator …” and Project 2025. The retired senior military are getting worried. I heard one today talking about the damage that he would expect. He talked about how the president nominates military leadership and what that would mean if (as anticipated) he only appointed those who swore a loyalty oath to him. The division and confusion that would follow up and down the ranks would really wreak havoc.

So I looked up the list. It is extensive.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_positions_filled_by_presidential_appointment_with_Senate_confirmation

Expand full comment
Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

There's not a place here for any purity tests! I'm not electing Dick Cheney or Liz! Welcome aboard any person who supports democracy and opposes demented donold! Perhaps, replay W's " That's some weird shit!" regarding trump's "American carnage" speech??💙🌊🇺🇸💙🌊🇺🇸

Expand full comment

All of this looks positive and encouraging, and I am an optimist, but, I cannot help where I live (well, I guess I could technically move, but I would loose my glorious views of the Great Smoky Mountains NP), and I see people who I know are intelligent gushing over little donny, which makes me want to vomit. Mostly evangelicals. It makes me wonder why they could have such support over someone who really isn't a Christian, but I keep trying to remember where I live and the little things that keep me going. But, again, someone took our Harris/Walz sign down as all of the Trump flags and signs keep standing.

Expand full comment
author

It’s always worth talking if someone seems even halfway civil. I have found people who really haven’t thought that much about their attraction, and they can still be swayed to think anew.

Expand full comment
Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

Truth.... the polls do make me crazy... click bait "hysteria"... it's the Electoral College that needs to go. I know it will be hard if not impossible but 240 people easily "bought" cannot determine the lives of 340,000,000. As for "polls" how many do they reach out to to get the 1000-2000 respondents? 10,000? 20,000? Are they always the same respondents for the national polls? Yesterday's NYT's polls were absolutely maddening.

Expand full comment
Sep 9Liked by Steven Beschloss

I dislike Dick "Darth Vader" Cheney an iota less now. Maybe several iotas

Expand full comment