The Senate passed the appropriations bill shortly after midnight on Saturday morning, and President Joe Biden signed it Saturday afternoon. In his statement after he signed the bill, Biden was clear: “Congress’s work isn’t finished,” he said. “The House must pass the bipartisan national security supplemental to advance our national security interests. And Congress must pass the bipartisan border security agreement—the toughest and fairest reforms in decades—to ensure we have the policies and funding needed to secure the border. It’s time to get this done.”
The former Fourth Estate now prefers the controversy and circus atmosphere of the Jerry Springer show instead of providing a vital service to defend and strengthen democracy. It is all about revenue, profit, and return on investment. They should all be paying rent for use of public airwaves -and the rent collected should be directed at actually fulfilling a public purpose.
Ronna would make a terrific guest on Springer or other chair throwing table flipping venues.
This is only briefly touched on at the top of today's letter, but I spent time typing this up, eager to hear thoughts, so...
My mind is still on focused on the undecided fate of the security bill, and the inter-party splits with regards to each component. President Biden seems to be correct in ascertaining that controversial is not mutually exclusive from broadly popular. Isn't that what democracy is supposed to result in? The procurement of policy that is broadly popular, regardless of vociferousness of the inevitable opposition, or whether that opposition resides primarily within cohorts you are ostensibly more aligned with?
I feel like I have developed a certain brand in my infrequent appearances here. It's a little sincere, a little spicy, and a whole lotta late night ramble. Somehow - to my surprise - I have found myself the last few months pushing back on the rhetoric of many of my fellow beloved online denizens, somehow attempting to be the voice of grim pragmatism with regards to the most incendiary conflict of recent times. It's been a bit dizzying, and I guess it's my own fault for getting myself into such a position by being such a stickler for consistency.
It occurs to me that if we are to criticize the Republicans for allowing their actions - with regards to Ukraine, China, immigration, or anything else - to be dictated by a faction of their party when popular opinion shows the will of the people prefers the opposite, then we should make sure that we are not being hypocritical in expecting Democratic leaders to follow a particular faction of their party over wider public opinion with regards to Israel (or anything else). Most of Joe Biden's staying power over his inarguably lengthy and resilient career has been a dogged determination to stick towards the reasonable center of public opinion regardless of whatever view is loudest at any given time. We seem to mostly be of the view on this forum that this careful moderation and deal-making with an emphasis on uniting differing factions toward common sense goals is a strength, yes? I think that as intelligent citizens and self-aware consumers of information related to current events, we should be honest with ourselves about how our opinions on a matter compare with that of the median voter. Having passionate or contrary opinions is obviously acceptable or even encouraged, but we cannot put ourselves in a winning position as a pro-democracy community if we refuse to acknowledge where the center currently lies. The median voter decides our direction as a nation, and we cannot keep the median voter close to us by denying or disregarding the legitimacy of their current views. We cannot start a productive conversation when we act like the other persons' starting place is unacceptable in its entirety.
With that in mind, Pew Research surveyed approximately 13,000 Americans a few weeks ago to provide a comprehensive view on their current attitudes toward the war. (Hear that, NYT? 13 THOUSAND. Not 800.) Their findings:
- Despite the wide news coverage and passionate responses among many, the median American does not seem to prioritize the conflict in terms of what they care about issue-wise. Approx. 25-30% of people have an unsure or non-response to almost every question asked, only half know there have been more Palestinian casualties, and less than a quarter have been following the news closely.
- Americans clearly view the Israeli campaign as having a valid justification (58%-15% in favor), and think the opposite of Hamas (22-49).
- Opinion is very split with regards to whether Israel's methods of fighting are acceptable or unacceptable, with neither view close to majority (34% acceptable, 38% not).
- The Israeli government is now viewed negatively by a bare majority (51%), but has only lost a sliver of support since 2022 (currently 41%, down from 47). This negativity pales in comparison to that directed towards the Palestinian Authority (23-68). Hamas is essentially universally condemned.
- American sympathies still lean towards the Israeli people in general, although most have some sympathy for the general population of Palestine as well; 57% of Americans share *some* sympathy for the common people in both groups. Israeli people are viewed overwhelmingly positively (64-27), while Palestinians are also viewed positively but more narrowly (50-41). 31% of Americans express they sympathize *more* with the Israelis, while only 16% say the reverse for the Palestinians.
- With regards to USA involvement, there is majority support for aid to Gazans (50-19), and for the USA to play some diplomatic role (55-27). Support for further military aid to Israel is decidedly mixed (36-34).
- Biden is getting a "wait and see" reaction from most of the public, despite the loud praise or anger from certain quarters. 40% of respondents are reserving judgement while another 20% find his leadership evenly balanced. Only a few percent more express the view he favors Israel too much versus those saying he favors Palestine too much.
- As has been widely noted, opinions diverge notably when comparing age demographics. Respondents under 30 sympathize more with the Palestinians, and a plurality find the Israeli campaign unacceptable. Yet non-responses are also highest among the young, and even among this group Israel has the advantage regarding whose reasons for fighting are more valid. Americans age 50 and over overwhelmingly sympathize with Israel, overwhelmingly find its reasons valid, and deem the campaign acceptable by a 20-point margin.
As an addition, I found immensely sobering this recent piece by David Brooks (I know, I too am surprised). Ignore the simplistic and provocative header, as has become unfortunately du jour at the NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/24/opinion/gaza-israel-war.html
Wren suggested that Pence’s public split from Trump is “the latest sign that Trumpism is now permanently and irrevocably divorced from its initial marriage of convenience with…Reaganism.”
Though I don't think the split is as dramatic as it nay appear. Trump is the crude Mafioso, while other Party of Plutocracy "Republicans" have much milder manners but a similar agenda of domination and exploitation, genteel but heavy handed aristocrats. They don't use catsup, let alone fling it at the walls. Reagan may have entertained a bit more noblesse oblige, but still torpedoed "government of the people, by the people, for the people", promoting plutocracy in it's stead. Mobster-like Trump is just a variation of that. Just maximizing profit by any means necessary.
How can the dimwits in charge of NBC be so epically stupid??? They clearly learned nothing from CNN’s similar embarrassment, and felt the need to prove that they can be even more moronic. Sad.
Hopefully someone there will show some sense and not only reverse this idiotic deal, but fire the morons that approved it.
The leaders of NBC decided McDaniel would add to their un-credibility and provide an opportunity to maybe muscle in on the Fox News audience. Propaganda journalism might be good for the bottom line.
Very interesting newsletter. I hope the 1890s shift to honest, in-depth reporting predicts the future. At least two other variables are at play, this time: 1) The internet; 2) “Active measures” propaganda by foreign powers whose first goal is to distract and destabilize the U.S. and the West.
Will they shift, and what will drive them to shift?
For me NBC’s hiring of Ronna McDaniel as a ‘political analyst’ is the nadir of CBS/NBC/ABC ‘news.’
I recall when TV news was CBS, NBC, and ABC [there was no ‘cable news’—and, until, 1946-1947, no television.]
My family would be glued to Edward R. Murrow’s THIS IS LONDON broadcasts on Sundays during WW II. Later, my dad, who met Murrow during the war, had his advertising client—Campbell Soup—sponsor Murrow on a nightly news program.
Murrow was insistent that news should not be interrupted by commercials. A brief Campbell’s ad started and ended his broadcasts, with no mid-broadcast interruptions. I was privileged to know Murrow, his wife Janet, and his son Casey.
Murrow was THE most respected news commentator of his time. His programs on McCarthyism helped break the back of this calumny. His spoke out forthrightly on a diversity of issues, especially in his pioneer SEE IT NOW series.
He was also a co-founder of THIS I BELIEVE, an exceptional program that reached 39 million CBS listeners weekly and was a best selling book.
Murrow, who became director of the United States Information Agency, died in 1963. By then Walter Cronkite was the ‘news voice’ of CBS. It was thought that, after the Tet offensive in Vietnam in January 1968, Cronkite’s assessment that the US wasn’t winning had a significant impact on the American public and President Johnson.
There have been a number of distinguished news casters on CBS, NBC, and ABC over the years. Personally, I am not aware of any in recent years.
McDaniel, who had been chairperson of the Republican National Committee since 2017 until recently kicked out by Trump, was a loyal MAGA supporter. She bought into Trump’s BIG LIE about the 2020 presidential election and was not distressed by January 6th.
Apparently NBC executives thought that by hiring her they might attract some Fox News viewers.
AWWWK! They have further sullied NBC’s integrity. Chuck Todd and others have protested. Earlier on Fox News several commentators have protested the MAGA posture of some Fox front liners.
More of this is essential, if the major news channels seek to be respected for what they spew forth.
I can barely watch MSNBC now, WTH. With Ronna the traitor on board, maybe it will become Fox lite. Just what the country needs. God, I hope she self-immolates on her first “take one for the team” utterance. But I won’t be watching.
As to a change of mood, if Harlan Crow is behind it, count me more than skeptical. Isn’t he the Texas arse with the world’s largest collection of Nazi memorabilia? And behind the buying of Clarence and Ginni. Project 2025 anyone???
Bless you, Heather. (And I am not at all religious, in any sense.)
The work you are doing, to convey truth to Americans in these perilous times, is nearly without parallel.
You are certainly a heck of a lot braver, and more persuasive, than most of our elected "representatives.".
If the USA survives this Trump madness, someday, there should be statues and streets with your name.
But, first, collectively, let's win the present war, a 2nd Civil War, against ignorance, hate, and tribalism.
The knowledge of American history, its advances and setbacks, that you are providing us, is like providing 155mm to the Ukraine.
Essential ammunition for sincere Americans, to save our country.
I write this as an expat-American, living in NZ for over 30 years. So, temporarily, I am safe from the potential Trump 2.0 fascism.
Only temporarily...WWII should have taught us that such movements have to be stopped at their commencement, otherwise their jackboots arrive everywhere..
Thank you again, and I look forward to renewing my subscription to your lifeline of information, to save our country..
Funny, ¿isn't it? 🤨 Trump screeches that re-electing President Biden will make America a 'banana republic'. 🍌 Self-evident political flatulence. 🤭 ¿Why? 🤔 Because President Biden and the rest of us know that re-electing Trump will make America a republic gone bananas! 😃
Where to start? I have quit watching CNN in the morning because Poppy Harlow is no longer on. I can't stand to even hear Joe's voice (of Morning Joe on MSNBC). He certainly thinks much too highly of himself. He never shuts up. And now NBC has further tarnished their image. I guess I can watch cartoons on PBS. At least Big Bird is a 'real' cartoon character. We don't need to Bring in the Clowns - our major broadcasting stations has done that for us. Thank you Chuck Todd. And thank you Heather. Living now, as I do, in New Mexico, I do hope you were awed, as I am, by the Southwest. We just need to hold onto our wild country. And you are one of our best bets in helping in that effort.
I see suggestions to "Speak up. Speak out. Vote. Pray." That is not nearly not enough. Volunteer to work in swing states and for contested Senate and House races. Most of us live close enough to one or more of these races to make a difference! WORKING is a force multiplier. Your one vote could be multiplied by 100 that you get to the poles! I And working on campaigns is a wonderful and rewarding experience. I met and worked with many wonderful people. Just as I did in the '60s and '70s in the Civil Rights Movement in Chicago and Cairo, Il. And when I went to these places to work, I was welcomed into the homes and spare bedrooms of local supporters, and made new friends. I've done it twice for Obama and for Hillary; now I'm too old, and we send money. If for some reason you can't work, send money! Politics is not a spectator sport!
Again, clearing my head of reactions and distress to historically based relief that we may have been here before, and we will move forward into potentially creative new ground for waking up to the responsibility for our DEMOCRACY. WE Are willing and able to do the WORK of learning how to THINK and SPEAK UP for our AMERICAN way of LIFE. Truth can Win Out.
Thank you Heather.
The former Fourth Estate now prefers the controversy and circus atmosphere of the Jerry Springer show instead of providing a vital service to defend and strengthen democracy. It is all about revenue, profit, and return on investment. They should all be paying rent for use of public airwaves -and the rent collected should be directed at actually fulfilling a public purpose.
Ronna would make a terrific guest on Springer or other chair throwing table flipping venues.
Thank you and welcome back Heather.
“MAGA Republicans appear to be in trouble.”
Be still my beating heart.
Thank you, Heather.
''MAGA Republicans appear to be in trouble.''
And since many do judge by appearances, enough said (for now).
Speak up. Speak out. Vote. Pray.
This is only briefly touched on at the top of today's letter, but I spent time typing this up, eager to hear thoughts, so...
My mind is still on focused on the undecided fate of the security bill, and the inter-party splits with regards to each component. President Biden seems to be correct in ascertaining that controversial is not mutually exclusive from broadly popular. Isn't that what democracy is supposed to result in? The procurement of policy that is broadly popular, regardless of vociferousness of the inevitable opposition, or whether that opposition resides primarily within cohorts you are ostensibly more aligned with?
I feel like I have developed a certain brand in my infrequent appearances here. It's a little sincere, a little spicy, and a whole lotta late night ramble. Somehow - to my surprise - I have found myself the last few months pushing back on the rhetoric of many of my fellow beloved online denizens, somehow attempting to be the voice of grim pragmatism with regards to the most incendiary conflict of recent times. It's been a bit dizzying, and I guess it's my own fault for getting myself into such a position by being such a stickler for consistency.
It occurs to me that if we are to criticize the Republicans for allowing their actions - with regards to Ukraine, China, immigration, or anything else - to be dictated by a faction of their party when popular opinion shows the will of the people prefers the opposite, then we should make sure that we are not being hypocritical in expecting Democratic leaders to follow a particular faction of their party over wider public opinion with regards to Israel (or anything else). Most of Joe Biden's staying power over his inarguably lengthy and resilient career has been a dogged determination to stick towards the reasonable center of public opinion regardless of whatever view is loudest at any given time. We seem to mostly be of the view on this forum that this careful moderation and deal-making with an emphasis on uniting differing factions toward common sense goals is a strength, yes? I think that as intelligent citizens and self-aware consumers of information related to current events, we should be honest with ourselves about how our opinions on a matter compare with that of the median voter. Having passionate or contrary opinions is obviously acceptable or even encouraged, but we cannot put ourselves in a winning position as a pro-democracy community if we refuse to acknowledge where the center currently lies. The median voter decides our direction as a nation, and we cannot keep the median voter close to us by denying or disregarding the legitimacy of their current views. We cannot start a productive conversation when we act like the other persons' starting place is unacceptable in its entirety.
With that in mind, Pew Research surveyed approximately 13,000 Americans a few weeks ago to provide a comprehensive view on their current attitudes toward the war. (Hear that, NYT? 13 THOUSAND. Not 800.) Their findings:
- Despite the wide news coverage and passionate responses among many, the median American does not seem to prioritize the conflict in terms of what they care about issue-wise. Approx. 25-30% of people have an unsure or non-response to almost every question asked, only half know there have been more Palestinian casualties, and less than a quarter have been following the news closely.
- Americans clearly view the Israeli campaign as having a valid justification (58%-15% in favor), and think the opposite of Hamas (22-49).
- Opinion is very split with regards to whether Israel's methods of fighting are acceptable or unacceptable, with neither view close to majority (34% acceptable, 38% not).
- The Israeli government is now viewed negatively by a bare majority (51%), but has only lost a sliver of support since 2022 (currently 41%, down from 47). This negativity pales in comparison to that directed towards the Palestinian Authority (23-68). Hamas is essentially universally condemned.
- American sympathies still lean towards the Israeli people in general, although most have some sympathy for the general population of Palestine as well; 57% of Americans share *some* sympathy for the common people in both groups. Israeli people are viewed overwhelmingly positively (64-27), while Palestinians are also viewed positively but more narrowly (50-41). 31% of Americans express they sympathize *more* with the Israelis, while only 16% say the reverse for the Palestinians.
- With regards to USA involvement, there is majority support for aid to Gazans (50-19), and for the USA to play some diplomatic role (55-27). Support for further military aid to Israel is decidedly mixed (36-34).
- Biden is getting a "wait and see" reaction from most of the public, despite the loud praise or anger from certain quarters. 40% of respondents are reserving judgement while another 20% find his leadership evenly balanced. Only a few percent more express the view he favors Israel too much versus those saying he favors Palestine too much.
- As has been widely noted, opinions diverge notably when comparing age demographics. Respondents under 30 sympathize more with the Palestinians, and a plurality find the Israeli campaign unacceptable. Yet non-responses are also highest among the young, and even among this group Israel has the advantage regarding whose reasons for fighting are more valid. Americans age 50 and over overwhelmingly sympathize with Israel, overwhelmingly find its reasons valid, and deem the campaign acceptable by a 20-point margin.
Read the full details here: https://www.pewresearch.org/2024/03/21/majority-in-u-s-say-israel-has-valid-reasons-for-fighting-fewer-say-the-same-about-hamas/
As an addition, I found immensely sobering this recent piece by David Brooks (I know, I too am surprised). Ignore the simplistic and provocative header, as has become unfortunately du jour at the NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/24/opinion/gaza-israel-war.html
Thoughts?
Wren suggested that Pence’s public split from Trump is “the latest sign that Trumpism is now permanently and irrevocably divorced from its initial marriage of convenience with…Reaganism.”
Though I don't think the split is as dramatic as it nay appear. Trump is the crude Mafioso, while other Party of Plutocracy "Republicans" have much milder manners but a similar agenda of domination and exploitation, genteel but heavy handed aristocrats. They don't use catsup, let alone fling it at the walls. Reagan may have entertained a bit more noblesse oblige, but still torpedoed "government of the people, by the people, for the people", promoting plutocracy in it's stead. Mobster-like Trump is just a variation of that. Just maximizing profit by any means necessary.
Thank you.
How can the dimwits in charge of NBC be so epically stupid??? They clearly learned nothing from CNN’s similar embarrassment, and felt the need to prove that they can be even more moronic. Sad.
Hopefully someone there will show some sense and not only reverse this idiotic deal, but fire the morons that approved it.
McDaniel; “I vas oonly followink oordahs!”
But TFG chucked her out anyway. Not loyal enough.
The leaders of NBC decided McDaniel would add to their un-credibility and provide an opportunity to maybe muscle in on the Fox News audience. Propaganda journalism might be good for the bottom line.
Oops! Or maybe not.
Very interesting newsletter. I hope the 1890s shift to honest, in-depth reporting predicts the future. At least two other variables are at play, this time: 1) The internet; 2) “Active measures” propaganda by foreign powers whose first goal is to distract and destabilize the U.S. and the West.
Will they shift, and what will drive them to shift?
For me NBC’s hiring of Ronna McDaniel as a ‘political analyst’ is the nadir of CBS/NBC/ABC ‘news.’
I recall when TV news was CBS, NBC, and ABC [there was no ‘cable news’—and, until, 1946-1947, no television.]
My family would be glued to Edward R. Murrow’s THIS IS LONDON broadcasts on Sundays during WW II. Later, my dad, who met Murrow during the war, had his advertising client—Campbell Soup—sponsor Murrow on a nightly news program.
Murrow was insistent that news should not be interrupted by commercials. A brief Campbell’s ad started and ended his broadcasts, with no mid-broadcast interruptions. I was privileged to know Murrow, his wife Janet, and his son Casey.
Murrow was THE most respected news commentator of his time. His programs on McCarthyism helped break the back of this calumny. His spoke out forthrightly on a diversity of issues, especially in his pioneer SEE IT NOW series.
He was also a co-founder of THIS I BELIEVE, an exceptional program that reached 39 million CBS listeners weekly and was a best selling book.
Murrow, who became director of the United States Information Agency, died in 1963. By then Walter Cronkite was the ‘news voice’ of CBS. It was thought that, after the Tet offensive in Vietnam in January 1968, Cronkite’s assessment that the US wasn’t winning had a significant impact on the American public and President Johnson.
There have been a number of distinguished news casters on CBS, NBC, and ABC over the years. Personally, I am not aware of any in recent years.
McDaniel, who had been chairperson of the Republican National Committee since 2017 until recently kicked out by Trump, was a loyal MAGA supporter. She bought into Trump’s BIG LIE about the 2020 presidential election and was not distressed by January 6th.
Apparently NBC executives thought that by hiring her they might attract some Fox News viewers.
AWWWK! They have further sullied NBC’s integrity. Chuck Todd and others have protested. Earlier on Fox News several commentators have protested the MAGA posture of some Fox front liners.
More of this is essential, if the major news channels seek to be respected for what they spew forth.
I can barely watch MSNBC now, WTH. With Ronna the traitor on board, maybe it will become Fox lite. Just what the country needs. God, I hope she self-immolates on her first “take one for the team” utterance. But I won’t be watching.
As to a change of mood, if Harlan Crow is behind it, count me more than skeptical. Isn’t he the Texas arse with the world’s largest collection of Nazi memorabilia? And behind the buying of Clarence and Ginni. Project 2025 anyone???
Bless you, Heather. (And I am not at all religious, in any sense.)
The work you are doing, to convey truth to Americans in these perilous times, is nearly without parallel.
You are certainly a heck of a lot braver, and more persuasive, than most of our elected "representatives.".
If the USA survives this Trump madness, someday, there should be statues and streets with your name.
But, first, collectively, let's win the present war, a 2nd Civil War, against ignorance, hate, and tribalism.
The knowledge of American history, its advances and setbacks, that you are providing us, is like providing 155mm to the Ukraine.
Essential ammunition for sincere Americans, to save our country.
I write this as an expat-American, living in NZ for over 30 years. So, temporarily, I am safe from the potential Trump 2.0 fascism.
Only temporarily...WWII should have taught us that such movements have to be stopped at their commencement, otherwise their jackboots arrive everywhere..
Thank you again, and I look forward to renewing my subscription to your lifeline of information, to save our country..
Funny, ¿isn't it? 🤨 Trump screeches that re-electing President Biden will make America a 'banana republic'. 🍌 Self-evident political flatulence. 🤭 ¿Why? 🤔 Because President Biden and the rest of us know that re-electing Trump will make America a republic gone bananas! 😃
Thank you Heather! We continually need your perspective. Bless you for taking the time to sort through this.
Where to start? I have quit watching CNN in the morning because Poppy Harlow is no longer on. I can't stand to even hear Joe's voice (of Morning Joe on MSNBC). He certainly thinks much too highly of himself. He never shuts up. And now NBC has further tarnished their image. I guess I can watch cartoons on PBS. At least Big Bird is a 'real' cartoon character. We don't need to Bring in the Clowns - our major broadcasting stations has done that for us. Thank you Chuck Todd. And thank you Heather. Living now, as I do, in New Mexico, I do hope you were awed, as I am, by the Southwest. We just need to hold onto our wild country. And you are one of our best bets in helping in that effort.
I see suggestions to "Speak up. Speak out. Vote. Pray." That is not nearly not enough. Volunteer to work in swing states and for contested Senate and House races. Most of us live close enough to one or more of these races to make a difference! WORKING is a force multiplier. Your one vote could be multiplied by 100 that you get to the poles! I And working on campaigns is a wonderful and rewarding experience. I met and worked with many wonderful people. Just as I did in the '60s and '70s in the Civil Rights Movement in Chicago and Cairo, Il. And when I went to these places to work, I was welcomed into the homes and spare bedrooms of local supporters, and made new friends. I've done it twice for Obama and for Hillary; now I'm too old, and we send money. If for some reason you can't work, send money! Politics is not a spectator sport!
Again, clearing my head of reactions and distress to historically based relief that we may have been here before, and we will move forward into potentially creative new ground for waking up to the responsibility for our DEMOCRACY. WE Are willing and able to do the WORK of learning how to THINK and SPEAK UP for our AMERICAN way of LIFE. Truth can Win Out.