100% needed this. In fact, I went back to my inbox to see if you had a new post after I read Nate Cohn’s latest from yesterday.
The thing keeping me going is the Kansas abortion referendum. With polls relying so much on modeling, there’s no way they can predict something based on a current phenomenon - the first election since Jan 6 and the overturning of Roe.
Thanks for this, Dan. Action counts most here and helps build resilience against all the noise.
That said, the number of Dem emails and texts that quote these polls is insane. I get the DSCC, Democrats.org, and local campaigns need to raise funds to fight here, but shouldn't they also be touting the talking points more fully? Money is important but driving a more positive echo-chamber on the actual action points you've laid out seems a better play.
I am watching no cable news. Not reading the NY Times or Washington Post. I glimpse the headlines in my new feed, but do not read the articles. I read several Substack newsletters, this being one. Daily I read Letters From an American, Today's Edition newsletter, and Robert Reich. Some days I don't read anything.
My need for sanity is greater than my need to be informed.
Thanks Dan - I really needed this. After reading today's New York Times I was just about to run out in front of a car. I realize they need to sell papers, but wow.
Anyway - thanks so much. I cannot believe that people will vote for house reps that will turn around and stall the budget just so they can cut social security and medicare. Again - thank you. I will try and keep my own council and continue to contribute to good candidates even in the wee hours of the campaign.
Thank you for the best single sentence I have read in months: “ Always remember that there is a diverse, pro-democracy, pro-truth, anti-MAGA majority in the country”.
I ignore polls and the people who tout them. I think they’re broken and Nate Silver is probably going to have to seek employment as a weatherman next year.
I hope we can activate as many of the good folk that Dan described in that encouraging sentence.
A blessing on your house, Dan. I have been on the pollercoaster, and I've been doing what I can to make sure Dems win up and down the ballot in my state and elsewhere. I'm scaring the dog every time I yell at the terrible political ads. I'm dropping off my ballot, and getting the house clean for a Halloween party. Now I just have to yell at Morning Joe as he spews his ableist BS about John Fetterman.
After the inaccurate polling from the last few election cycles, I have been skeptical about the polls for quite some time...so thank you for re-affirming this. I am inspired and hopeful when I look at the individual candidates that are out there are on the front lines. We have many great candidates up against some extremely week ones. This keeps me going.
I've been telling myself this for a couple of weeks. Thanks for confirming. And yes, the antidote is to canvass, make phone calls, even write GOTV postcards.
As Dan has encouraged us, let's turn our anxiety into action. How about turning off the TV news and using that time to call voters? INTERACTIVE conversations are THE most important tactic this close to the election. While canvassing ideal, it's not feasible for most people in blue districts. However, phonebanking IS feasible for every volunteer. Thanks to Activate America, you can make calls on your own most anytime via the CallHub automated dialer which increases the number of live conversations! You will also be are leaving voicemail messages with important voter information. You can hop on when you have a short window of time and make ten calls or so, then hop off until your next free window. Watch this 4 minute video and you'll be ready to start making calls! It's easy and gratifying to be on the front lines with voters. Available campaigns include, PA - John Fetterman, NC - Cheri Beasley, NV - Catherine Cortez Masto, WI - Mandela Barnes, GA - Raphael Warnock. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8K7L7776D0
I love this “They [polls] are mood altering statistical drugs.” So true!! I’m barely reading anything from now until the election. Just makin’ those calls.
Great points! I want to see Dems sharpen message that James Carville was emphasizing this week. R’s “solution” for inflation include cutting SS, Medicare and tax cuts for wealthy ala Luz Truss.
I turned off the Alex Wagner show this morning.. (I listen by podcast and I miss Rachel!) Yes, I was getting nauseous. Like with the Queen's death - the election gives the ever-hungry-for-something-to -air on the 24/7 news cycle a focus. Thanks for the exhortation to ignore the polls!
100% needed this. In fact, I went back to my inbox to see if you had a new post after I read Nate Cohn’s latest from yesterday.
The thing keeping me going is the Kansas abortion referendum. With polls relying so much on modeling, there’s no way they can predict something based on a current phenomenon - the first election since Jan 6 and the overturning of Roe.
Thanks for this, Dan. Action counts most here and helps build resilience against all the noise.
That said, the number of Dem emails and texts that quote these polls is insane. I get the DSCC, Democrats.org, and local campaigns need to raise funds to fight here, but shouldn't they also be touting the talking points more fully? Money is important but driving a more positive echo-chamber on the actual action points you've laid out seems a better play.
Maybe I'm just an idealist?
I am Facebook Instagram and mailing this to all
My friends. I live and activize in NH and if one more person asks if Maggie will make it I may scream..
I am watching no cable news. Not reading the NY Times or Washington Post. I glimpse the headlines in my new feed, but do not read the articles. I read several Substack newsletters, this being one. Daily I read Letters From an American, Today's Edition newsletter, and Robert Reich. Some days I don't read anything.
My need for sanity is greater than my need to be informed.
Thanks Dan - I really needed this. After reading today's New York Times I was just about to run out in front of a car. I realize they need to sell papers, but wow.
Anyway - thanks so much. I cannot believe that people will vote for house reps that will turn around and stall the budget just so they can cut social security and medicare. Again - thank you. I will try and keep my own council and continue to contribute to good candidates even in the wee hours of the campaign.
Thank you for the best single sentence I have read in months: “ Always remember that there is a diverse, pro-democracy, pro-truth, anti-MAGA majority in the country”.
I ignore polls and the people who tout them. I think they’re broken and Nate Silver is probably going to have to seek employment as a weatherman next year.
I hope we can activate as many of the good folk that Dan described in that encouraging sentence.
A blessing on your house, Dan. I have been on the pollercoaster, and I've been doing what I can to make sure Dems win up and down the ballot in my state and elsewhere. I'm scaring the dog every time I yell at the terrible political ads. I'm dropping off my ballot, and getting the house clean for a Halloween party. Now I just have to yell at Morning Joe as he spews his ableist BS about John Fetterman.
After the inaccurate polling from the last few election cycles, I have been skeptical about the polls for quite some time...so thank you for re-affirming this. I am inspired and hopeful when I look at the individual candidates that are out there are on the front lines. We have many great candidates up against some extremely week ones. This keeps me going.
The media needs the horse race for their ratings. So thanks for this.
I've been telling myself this for a couple of weeks. Thanks for confirming. And yes, the antidote is to canvass, make phone calls, even write GOTV postcards.
Thank you Dan--and everyone around me thanks you.
As Dan has encouraged us, let's turn our anxiety into action. How about turning off the TV news and using that time to call voters? INTERACTIVE conversations are THE most important tactic this close to the election. While canvassing ideal, it's not feasible for most people in blue districts. However, phonebanking IS feasible for every volunteer. Thanks to Activate America, you can make calls on your own most anytime via the CallHub automated dialer which increases the number of live conversations! You will also be are leaving voicemail messages with important voter information. You can hop on when you have a short window of time and make ten calls or so, then hop off until your next free window. Watch this 4 minute video and you'll be ready to start making calls! It's easy and gratifying to be on the front lines with voters. Available campaigns include, PA - John Fetterman, NC - Cheri Beasley, NV - Catherine Cortez Masto, WI - Mandela Barnes, GA - Raphael Warnock. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8K7L7776D0
I love this “They [polls] are mood altering statistical drugs.” So true!! I’m barely reading anything from now until the election. Just makin’ those calls.
Great points! I want to see Dems sharpen message that James Carville was emphasizing this week. R’s “solution” for inflation include cutting SS, Medicare and tax cuts for wealthy ala Luz Truss.
I turned off the Alex Wagner show this morning.. (I listen by podcast and I miss Rachel!) Yes, I was getting nauseous. Like with the Queen's death - the election gives the ever-hungry-for-something-to -air on the 24/7 news cycle a focus. Thanks for the exhortation to ignore the polls!
I find it amazing that in my 57 years I have never been asked questions for a poll. I take every poll I see with a shaker full of salt!