Finally sending this thing out
I really need to send this thing out more regularly, huh?
Few things going on:
1. Kirsten Gillibrand
I've been spending quite a bit of time talking to Democratic donors and activists about their thoughts on 2020 -- particularly whether they think Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) has been hurt because she called for Al Franken to resign after multiple women accused him of sexual harassment. I found that the anger against Gillibrand still runs deep -- and there are donors out there who say they won't support her because of what she did. Billionaire George Soros is the most notable one, but I talked to others who agreed with his view. Gillibrand responded to Soros in a statement to me -- the first time she's commented on what he said:
If standing up for women who have been wronged makes George Soros mad, that’s on him. But I won’t hesitate to always do what I think is right. For nearly a year, we have seen countless acts of courage as women and men have spoken hard truths about sexual assault and sexual harassment and demanded accountability.
I stand with them in this new watershed moment of important change in our society on what we deem as acceptable,” she added. “It is clear that we must put our morals and the valuing of women ahead of party loyalty. When someone does something wrong, you have to speak up and be counted, whether it’s President Trump, or a Democratic colleague.
That statement is significant -- you don't usually see Democratic lawmakers standing up to one of the party's biggest donors. I also talked to plenty of folks who see a fair amount of sexism in the attacks Gillibrand is facing and are standing by her even more.
Would love if it you'd check out my whole piece here: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/kirsten-gillibrand-al-franken-2020_us_5b58994ae4b0b15aba945e79
2. Netroots Nation
I just got back from Netroots Nation in New Orleans. I haven't been there in years but it felt like a good year to go back. And I was right! Some 2020 prospects were in attendance, and I moderated a discussion with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. If you're interested in watching, the full video is here: https://www.facebook.com/NetrootsNation/videos/10156392917539827/
3. New newsletter!
My former colleague, Judd Legum (he founded ThinkProgress.org) has started a great new newsletter, and you should check it out -- Popular Information. Popular Information is different from most political newsletters in that it's not designed for the DC elite -- it tailored for anyone and everyone who gives a damn about the future of the country. It comes out four days a week, first thing in the morning. The content is stellar and you should really give it a try. You can sign up at https://popular.info.
4. Something to buy
Since I have a baby now, I'm making lots of scrambled eggs. (Kids love scrambled eggs!) But I hate cleaning the pan after them. This pan is amazing though -- the egg comes right out. And it cooks other things well too. I know this sounds like an ad, but it's not. I just appreciate this pan. (Bon Appetit loves it too.)