Democracy-Defending Focus
Courtesy of Alexander Graham Bell: “The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.”
This Week
I’ve watched most of the 35 televised U.S. Presidential debates. On June 27th, Joe Biden turned in the rock-bottom worst performance. On September 10th, Kamala Harris turned in the best. My skepticism has turned into full-fledged awe. Each morning, I check out the latest polls, hoping for something like:
But it’s still damn close. For what’s at stake, consider the terror Trump is inflicting on Springfield, Ohio, based on a lunatic, wholly-fabricated tweet. He ignores repeated pleas to call off the dogs, from a town where 60% voted for him in 2020. Now imagine Trump back in the White House. Out for vengeance. Commanding the military. A staff and Cabinet from Project2025. Mobs of heavily-armed vigilantes, protected by the President’s unchecked pardon power. In J.D. Vance’s words — “America’s Hitler.”
Democracy Moneyball
We need to turn back Trump’s attack. But how? At this point in the cycle, STOP donating to high-profile campaigns. They’ll flush your $’s down the media-buy toilet, or never even spend it. You can do better. Explore the Democracy Moneyball website’s recommendations for effective uses of your democracy-saving dollars. Share this perspective with others. Consider this week’s suggestions below. Now more than ever, bring strategic focus to your efforts.
Focus For Democracy
Remarkable filmmaker Amy Ziering connected me with Focus For Democracy. Last week, I joined 3,000 (!) others for one of their Zoom sessions. Co-founder Aaron Frank started by making a data-informed case for moneyball donations, explaining how they set priorities by rigorously analyzing an initiative’s cost per net democratic vote. That night, they raised money for two featured groups — Working America and Good to Vote. $4,453,720 (!!). In a single one-hour Zoom session. No typo. Moneyball on steroids. I urge you to join their next event — Sunday, September 22nd, at 8 pm EDT. Register at bit.ly/F4D22Sep. Be prepared to be blown away, and lend your support!
Arizona
There’s a lot at stake in Arizona – 11 electoral votes, a U.S. Senate seat, and two U.S. House seats rated as toss-ups by The Cook Political Report. Also, a shift of just one seat in the AZ House and in the Senate flips control in a state rife with election deniers. Moneyball territory. The impressive 31stStreet is organizing an online fundraiser for six winnable state-level AZ candidates on Wednesday, September 25th, 7-8 pm EDT. Register here. Or just donate here. These candidates will make effective on-the-ground use of your $’s.
Last Week Follow-up
Thanks to those who stepped up to support the National Security Leaders For America bus tour. While we got them most of the way to their goal, they’d love a few more bucks of support. Donate below.
Thanks,
Ted (tdintersmith@gmail.com)