We often quote political satirists in this space who take deserved and snarky swipes at the latest atrocity to come out of President Trump’s mouth or his beloved Twitter account.
But of the thousands of words penned this past week following Trump’s racist attacks (in which he told four minority congresswomen to “go back” to their ancestral countries), perhaps the most poignant came from the stiff-upper-lipped George Will — a long-time champion of the GOP.
“I believe that what this president has done to our culture, to our civic discourse … you cannot unring these bells and you cannot unsay what he has said, and you cannot change that he has now in a very short time made it seem normal for schoolboy taunts and obvious lies to be spun out in a constant stream. I think this will do more lasting damage than Richard Nixon’s surreptitious burglaries did.”
These are scary times, folks.
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Speaking of Trump’ tweets, Nebraska’s all-GOP House delegation voted against this week’s resolution condemning President Donald Trump’s use of a common racist trope.
Only four Republicans and one independent supported the resolution. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., voted against it despite having previously described the president’s words as “unacceptable.”
Nebraska Democrats said members voting against the resolution showed a lack of consideration for minority communities.
“To not stand up against the president’s racist tweets shows us what cowards they are, and why we must elect Democrats to represent all of our communities’ values,” said Precious McKesson, Black Caucus Chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party.
Dulce Sherman, NDP LatinX Caucus Chair, said, “It is not all about politics. It is about standing up and doing the right thing. Racism, lack of inclusion, lack of cultural identity, has no room in our state. This is not the message we want our future leaders to hear. All should be welcomed here.”
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The NDP and county Democratic parties across Nebraska are planning TV watch parties for the second round of Democratic Presidential Debates on July 30 and 31 in Detroit.
The 2020 Democratic primary debates are the best, first organizing opportunity that we have this cycle. Hosting a debate watch party is a great way to build community.
To find a watch party or sign up to host one, click here.
Also, you can submit a question to CNN for the debate.
Lastly, we are giving away two tickets to this debate in a random drawing from among our monthly donors. If you want a chance at the tickets, you have until Sunday to become a monthly donor.
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Grand Island Democrat Brian Whitecalf recently took an organizing job with We Own It, an advocacy group working for a just transition to a new economy, energy democracy and climate justice.
He is helping recruit folks to become fellows — who will be paid a monthly stipend — to help change rural electric Co-Ops for the better.
Fellows learn to harness the power of grassroots organizing from the ground up. The program offers technical training and leadership development. This same program has been part of democratic change campaigns in the U.S. and more than 60 countries around the world.
If you know anyone who Brian could follow up with, email him.
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Mark your calendar to attend valuable Blue Bench Training with the National Democratic Training Committee on Sept. 29 in Lincoln at the Graduate Hotel.
The training has three tracks: candidates, campaign staff and local party leaders/grassroots activists.
All three tracks get trained on Fundraising, Digital Organizing, Communications and Field.
Learn more about the three tracks here.
Training is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and includes a Vendor Fair where participants can meet local vendors who print yard signs, set up websites and more.
We offer lunch and snacks at no cost to attendees.
The training is free, but we do encourage people to become monthly donors to support the party-building efforts of the NDP.
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A reminder that the 2019 Helen Boosalis Luncheon, hosted by the Nebraska Democratic Women’s Caucus, will be held on August 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Lincoln Station Great Hall. This year’s theme, “Women. Vision. Change.” focuses on the forward movement of Democratic women in our state.
Proceeds from the luncheon fund scholarships for Nebraska women who are continuing their education, active in their communities and implementing progressive politics. The funds will also support candidates in Nebraska.
Get more information and purchase tickets here.
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The 2019 Nebraska State Fair is Aug. 23 through Sept 2.
NDP staff will be manning our fair booth each day, but we need volunteers to help!
Please follow this link to sign up for a shift. And feel free to share.
Also, 2020 candidates are urged to drop of campaign materials (yard signs, etc.) at our Lincoln office (3701 O St. Suite 200) before Aug. 21 that we will take to our booth for distribution.
You can also drop them by our booth once it opens on Aug. 23.
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We leave you this week with a rendering by Clay Bennet on Trump’s aforementioned comments.
–By Kevin O’Hanlon/NDP Communications Director
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IMPORTANT DATES
July 23: The Chris Janicek for U.S. Senate 2020 Listening Tour
July 30-31: Democratic Presidential Debates
Aug. 9: Helen Boosalis “Inspiring Women” Luncheon
Sept. 29: Blue Bench Training with the National Democratic Training Committee
