As a native Californian, I haven't been a big fan of Newsom over the years - he's been too slick, too close to the rich, showing style over substance. Who knew that that last trait would prove to be just what the Democrats could use in preparation for 2026. He may be just the voice to lead the Democrats out of their policy-bound wilderness.
Excellent piece Shankar. And today’s a two-fer, very impressive!…:)
That said, thank you, it’s about time we have newsletters focusing on authoritarian and fascist regimes. And you may be right, Trump won’t stop the election, unless he feels he will get slaughtered.
And although everything you say is true, nothing about Trump or MAGA is rational; and anyone trying to justify or down play this movement, suffers from “normalcy bias.”
Furthermore, stopping the election wouldn’t be how they win. SCOTUS is taking up the final passages of the Voter Rights Act, and most likely will completely gut it, without dismantling it completely; leaving it toothless.
Moreover, we already saw the results of their last SCOTUS opinion in Shelby county v Holder. And within a year, over 250 voter suppression laws were enacted; suppressing millions of votes.
In addition, we see states deny up to 25% of the votes in minority precincts (undercounts) based on specious voter claims that have also shifted elections.
My point, there are many ways these cheap snake oil salesmen can skin a cat, and so far, they seem to be getting away Scot-free using legal tactics and means, brought to us by the most corrupt SCOTUS this nation has ever known! IMHO…;)
Good one Shankar! I wondered when you might be moved to divert your laser attention from Ukraine to the political battle ground of diminishing democracy in the USA. Nicely depicted too!
“Political physics” 😄 is one way of looking at it and Gavin is just about to apply some large leverage 😂
Yes, we know you have to get back to Ukraine where you are most surely needed, but please do keep popping back for more timely commentary on the State of the Union where things are about to get complicated.
Accepting the risk of sounding like a Val-Gal (and yes, I grew up in what is now Silicon Valley in California) I'll begin with an OMG!!!! Where and when did you find the time to extend your military and NATO expertise into the area of cultural anthropology and psychology? My undergrad degree was in Behavioral Science, which includes both, plus sociology. I'm stunned. And heartened by your support for Gavin Newsom, who's fast becoming a god in my Pantheon. Keep it up. We need your sturdy insights. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. Leigh M. Horne
Started studying psychology as a hobby during down time and got addicted to books. From there it went into studying movements and narcissism. It all circles nicely if you think about. Who caused NATO?
My East Coast anti-Trump friends dismiss Newsom as "a pretty boy." His speech about ICE's round-ups and arrests of immigrants in L.A. was scathing and fearless. The media buried it in silence the next day. Newsom's also a quick-thinking extemporaneous speaker. So far he's never been on the back foot. He knows California's strength and Is not afraid to back it against Trump's obvious assault.
Well, I don't know who your East Coast anti-Trump friends are, but I can tell you this East Coast anti-Trumper thinks Newsom is doing an awesome job standing up to that Jackass Abbott, and speaking out against Trumpkopf's illegal actions in L.A.
Powerful argument. Wish it didn’t resonate, which only underscores the power of the argument. Wishes don’t win many street fights and hope (as someone smarter than me once said) is not a plan.
Thank you Shankar. Antennas Up. Received this signal across our wonderful country. As you posted this I listed to an interview from 3 months ago with Gov Newsom and Brian Tyler Cohen and thought. Huh. Newsom really does “Get It”. So glad you wrote this excellent article!
You have put your finger right on it. We finally see a Democrat fighting with both words and actions. Just stop with the "we must all work together" bs and using a knife in a gunfight. Too bad it has taken them so long to do something.
Do it Gov. Gav! I believe JB Pritzker is contemplating the same action, as is Kathy Hochul. I've just sent a message to Hochul insisting that she gerrymander New York right now. I hope she actually sees it. More than that, I hope she actually does it. It's way past time.
Okay, that makes sense. Unfortunately, it was court ordered - we didn't have a choice. This time is different because Abbott set the precedent - also unfortunately.
I hope the dems can carve out enough to offset all the GOP’s new gains. I am concerned by reports in NYT and WaPo that they may not find enough since it’s been gerrymandered to the maximum in the last census
I agree with several of the folks below, Shankar. This seems to me to be a very cogent analysis of our situation! I never expected to see a post like Newsom's from a D governor. I had to read it twice to feel confident it was real. It gave me a good laugh. Like others below, I've been of mixed mind about him. But Newsom's recent actions are ones I wish all the D leadership would emulate.
As a native Californian, I haven't been a big fan of Newsom over the years - he's been too slick, too close to the rich, showing style over substance. Who knew that that last trait would prove to be just what the Democrats could use in preparation for 2026. He may be just the voice to lead the Democrats out of their policy-bound wilderness.
So glad others feel this way.
I’m not a Californian but have been watching Newsom for sometime (10 years), and his “style” turned me off. Who woulda’ thunk I’d be a fan.
Great article! Newsom is out there trolling Trump and the republicans. I love it.
Excellent piece Shankar. And today’s a two-fer, very impressive!…:)
That said, thank you, it’s about time we have newsletters focusing on authoritarian and fascist regimes. And you may be right, Trump won’t stop the election, unless he feels he will get slaughtered.
And although everything you say is true, nothing about Trump or MAGA is rational; and anyone trying to justify or down play this movement, suffers from “normalcy bias.”
Furthermore, stopping the election wouldn’t be how they win. SCOTUS is taking up the final passages of the Voter Rights Act, and most likely will completely gut it, without dismantling it completely; leaving it toothless.
Moreover, we already saw the results of their last SCOTUS opinion in Shelby county v Holder. And within a year, over 250 voter suppression laws were enacted; suppressing millions of votes.
In addition, we see states deny up to 25% of the votes in minority precincts (undercounts) based on specious voter claims that have also shifted elections.
My point, there are many ways these cheap snake oil salesmen can skin a cat, and so far, they seem to be getting away Scot-free using legal tactics and means, brought to us by the most corrupt SCOTUS this nation has ever known! IMHO…;)
Good one Shankar! I wondered when you might be moved to divert your laser attention from Ukraine to the political battle ground of diminishing democracy in the USA. Nicely depicted too!
“Political physics” 😄 is one way of looking at it and Gavin is just about to apply some large leverage 😂
Yes, we know you have to get back to Ukraine where you are most surely needed, but please do keep popping back for more timely commentary on the State of the Union where things are about to get complicated.
Yea. Newsom moved me. He needs support.
Accepting the risk of sounding like a Val-Gal (and yes, I grew up in what is now Silicon Valley in California) I'll begin with an OMG!!!! Where and when did you find the time to extend your military and NATO expertise into the area of cultural anthropology and psychology? My undergrad degree was in Behavioral Science, which includes both, plus sociology. I'm stunned. And heartened by your support for Gavin Newsom, who's fast becoming a god in my Pantheon. Keep it up. We need your sturdy insights. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. Leigh M. Horne
Started studying psychology as a hobby during down time and got addicted to books. From there it went into studying movements and narcissism. It all circles nicely if you think about. Who caused NATO?
You are tremendous!
Thx Sara..
Nicely done, bravo!…:)
We’re in a war to take back our democracy from the wealthy overlords and their dupes -MAGA creeps with nothing to lose but their own stupidity !
Know this and take a stand!
Get ready to fight back now!
Waiting til 2026 is too late!
United in race, gender and religion WE STAND!
Divided by racism, sexism and religious hatred we fall to the white, wealthy, “Christian,” assholes!
YES, Shankar.
My East Coast anti-Trump friends dismiss Newsom as "a pretty boy." His speech about ICE's round-ups and arrests of immigrants in L.A. was scathing and fearless. The media buried it in silence the next day. Newsom's also a quick-thinking extemporaneous speaker. So far he's never been on the back foot. He knows California's strength and Is not afraid to back it against Trump's obvious assault.
Well, I don't know who your East Coast anti-Trump friends are, but I can tell you this East Coast anti-Trumper thinks Newsom is doing an awesome job standing up to that Jackass Abbott, and speaking out against Trumpkopf's illegal actions in L.A.
Powerful argument. Wish it didn’t resonate, which only underscores the power of the argument. Wishes don’t win many street fights and hope (as someone smarter than me once said) is not a plan.
Thank you Shankar. Antennas Up. Received this signal across our wonderful country. As you posted this I listed to an interview from 3 months ago with Gov Newsom and Brian Tyler Cohen and thought. Huh. Newsom really does “Get It”. So glad you wrote this excellent article!
I finally decided to subscribe to you because of this essay.
Everyone notice how similar GN's message is to a Trump tweet! We need other Demo leaders to step up and challenge the MAGAt universe in this manner.
Welcome!!
You have put your finger right on it. We finally see a Democrat fighting with both words and actions. Just stop with the "we must all work together" bs and using a knife in a gunfight. Too bad it has taken them so long to do something.
Do it Gov. Gav! I believe JB Pritzker is contemplating the same action, as is Kathy Hochul. I've just sent a message to Hochul insisting that she gerrymander New York right now. I hope she actually sees it. More than that, I hope she actually does it. It's way past time.
NYC made a god awful mess last time. Hope they do it right.
NYC? Did you mean NYS? NYC didn't have much say in the court ordered state electoral map.
NYS. Sorry.
Okay, that makes sense. Unfortunately, it was court ordered - we didn't have a choice. This time is different because Abbott set the precedent - also unfortunately.
I hope the dems can carve out enough to offset all the GOP’s new gains. I am concerned by reports in NYT and WaPo that they may not find enough since it’s been gerrymandered to the maximum in the last census
Shankar, a very powerfully written essay! Thank you once again for all that you do!
Thank you...
I agree with several of the folks below, Shankar. This seems to me to be a very cogent analysis of our situation! I never expected to see a post like Newsom's from a D governor. I had to read it twice to feel confident it was real. It gave me a good laugh. Like others below, I've been of mixed mind about him. But Newsom's recent actions are ones I wish all the D leadership would emulate.
Agree! If you are the only one who plays by the rules in a game you aren’t upholding the rules but you are a sucker who’s gonna lose everything.