Quote of the Day

Progressive-led cities like Seattle, Smith argues, are killing Democrats’ brand with fringe rhetoric and well-publicized failures on crime, drugs and homelessness.

And yet, Smith says, he’s seen “a fierce resistance on the left side of the political spectrum to even consider the possibility that they should adjust some of their approaches.”

Smith’s crusade — which has upset some local elected officials and activists — is attracting national attention as Democrats debate why they lost and their best route out of the political wilderness.

After Trump defeated Kamala Harris in November, Smith told The Wall Street Journal “the extreme left is leading us into a ditch.”

In a recent New Yorker profile, Smith blamed his party’s woes on the “new left,” whose policies “have utterly and completely failed.” He singled out King County for funding programs with a leftist bent, including one that describes its work as fighting “cis-hetero patriarchy” and a move toward “getting rid of the criminal justice system.”

Jim Brunner and Daniel Beekman
March 19, 2025
Rep. Smith’s crusade against Democrats’ left wing gets attention, flak | The Seattle Times

Smith is my representative in the U.S. House. It appears he has a clue on at least a few topics. However, I don’t expect him to make a meaningful difference in their political direction. I’m seeing him and his colleagues in a future “ditch” of their own making. They just can’t help themselves.

Quote of the Day

Rutgers Health researchers have made discoveries about brown fat that could pave the way for helping people stay physically fit as they age.

A team from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School found that mice lacking a specific gene developed an unusually potent form of brown fat tissue, which extended lifespan and increased exercise capacity by approximately 30%. The team is now working on a drug that could replicate these effects in humans.

…

In the meantime, techniques such as deliberate cold exposure can increase brown fat naturally. Studies have found such efforts to produce short-term benefits that range from enhanced immune system function to improved metabolic health, but Vatner said none of the studies have run long enough to find any effect on healthful aging.

He added that most people would prefer to increase brown fat levels by taking pills rather than ice baths and is optimistic about translating the newest finding into an effective medication.

Rutgers University
March 17, 2025
Exercise in a Pill? Brown Fat Discovery May Extend Lifespan and Boost Fitness

Hmmm… I don’t think taxpayers should be subsidizing healthcare. But there doesn’t seem to be a good way out of it at this point. But this gives me an idea.

In order to receive taxpayer subsidized healthcare, I think people should engage in a healthy lifestyle. This would help to minimize their burden on taxpayers. No recreation drugs (this includes tobacco and alcohol). Healthy foods. At least moderate exercise. Wearing seat belts when traveling. Fire extinguishers in your home. Maintaining a healthy weight. No high-risk recreational activities. Etc., etc.

And now, there is another item we can add to the list of requirements!

One of the qualifications for subsidizes should be wearing no more clothes than that needed to prevent frostbite. Of course, this would require repealing all laws against public nudity. I don’t have a problem with that.

The alternative would be verification of their daily ice baths. I don’t have a problem with that either.

Quote of the Day

Takeaways on Why Democrats Have a Cultural Disconnect with the Working Class

1. Overemphasis on Identity Politics
   Many working-class voters feel Democrats prioritize niche identity-based groups with overbroad, unifying messages, making them feel excluded rather than included.
2. The “Faculty Lounge” Problem
   Democrats are often viewed as judgmental, out-of-touch, and dismissive of those without elite education or progressive views. This makes the party seem disconnected from everyday people.
3. Failure to Prioritize Economic Concerns
   While voters struggle with jobs, wages, and inflation, Democrats are seen as more focused on cultural and social issues than on economic progress and opportunity.
4. Weak Messaging & Communication
   The party’s language is often vague, politically correct, or overly intellectual, making it hard for working class voters to connect with Democratic policies.
5. Fear of Dissent Within the Party
   Democrats are perceived as intolerant of internal debate, where questioning progressive orthodoxy results in backlash rather than open discussion. Candidates and operatives need to feel more comfortable just
   saying NO to activist groups and unpalatable far-left ideas.
6. Attachment to Unpopular Institutions
   Democrats are seen as defending elite institutions (academia, media, government bureaucracy) while being critical of institutions working-class people value (churches, small businesses, police).
7. Allowing the Far Left to Define the Party
   Activist groups and progressive staffers push unpopular cultural positions, making it seem like Democrats are more extreme than they actually are. Operatives and campaigns must remember that activist groups exist to promote their single issue and raise money around it, not to make Democrats electable.
8. Reactionary Rather Than Proactive
   Democrats often let Republicans set the terms of cultural debates (e.g., crime, immigration) instead of clearly defining their own positions in a way that resonates with voters.
9. Overreliance on Buzzwords & Political Correctness
   Terms like “pregnant people” and “Latinx” alienate working-class voters who see them as out of touch with real-world terms and vocabulary.
10. Lack of a Positive National Identity Message
    Democrats focus too much on America’s flaws (racism, sexism, inequality) without acknowledging the country’s progress and potential, making them seem pessimistic and unpatriotic.

Takeaways on Why Democrats Are Not Trusted by the Working Class on the Economy

1. Vilification of Wealth
   Democrats are seen as hostile to success, indifferent to people’s desire to attain wealth, while reflexively attacking wealthy business leaders instead of promoting economic mobility and aspiration.
2. Disconnected Messaging
   Democrats focus on broad economic indicators instead of acknowledging real struggles like high prices and stagnant wages, making voters feel dismissed and unheard.
3. No Clear Economic Vision
   Democrats lack a cohesive, inspiring economic agenda and often present a laundry list of policies rather than a unifying vision.
4. Over-Prioritization of Social Issues
   Economic policy is often framed through the lens of identity politics rather than broad-based prosperity, making working-class voters feel overlooked.
5. Perceived Government Overreach
   Voters see Democrats as favoring excessive regulations, inefficient spending, and programs that don’t directly benefit them.
6. Failure to Own Mistakes
   Democrats defend flawed policies and institutions instead of acknowledging failures and committing to reforms that would improve economic trust.
7. Republicans as the “Aspirational” Party
   GOP messaging suggests they want voters to be rich, while Democrats are seen as focusing on redistribution rather than wealth creation.
8. Climate Policy Viewed as Anti-Growth
   The emphasis on climate change is seen as harming job opportunities and economic growth, especially in working-class communities.
9. The Break Room vs. the Board Room
   Democratic economic messages often come from elites, celebrities, and politicians rather than working class voices that voters can relate to.
10. Failure to Address Economic Anxiety
    Voters believe Democrats care more about the very poor than the struggling middle class and fail to provide a clear path to economic security. Voters often believe they are wealthier than the people Democrats talk about.

Takeaways on How Democrats Can Reconnect Culturally with the
Working Class

1. Move Away from Identity Politics
   Stop addressing voters as identity blocs and instead focus on shared American values.
   Use plain language and avoid jargon or abbreviations that can alienate voters. Acknowledge that people have multiple identities (e.g., Black and a veteran) rather than reducing them to one label.
2. Emphasize Shared Values and Cultural Alignment
   Frame rights as about “freedom and justice,” not just identity-based concerns.
   Highlight similarities between marginalized groups and mainstream American values.
   Embrace patriotism, community, and traditional American imagery (e.g., farms, main streets).
3. Rebalance the Party’s Cultural Messaging
   Reject fringe positions that alienate the median voter.
   Avoid overly moralistic or condescending messaging; speak plainly and directly.
   Allow candidates to express personal faith and values without fear of backlash.
4. Reduce Far-Left Influence and Infrastructure
   Build a moderate Democratic infrastructure, including media, talent pipelines, and communications networks.
   Push back against far-left staffers and groups that exert a disproportionate influence on policy and messaging.
   Ban far-left candidate questionnaires and refuse to participate in forums that create ideological purity tests.
5. . Engage with the Working Class in Their Spaces
   Get out of elite circles and into real communities (e.g., tailgates, gun shows, local restaurants, churches).
   Own the failures of Democratic governance in large cities and commit to improving local government.
   Show up in unfriendly media spaces and engage with voters outside traditional Democratic strongholds.
6. Improve Democratic Communication & Media Strategy
   Conduct a comprehensive study on media consumption to better understand how to reach voters.
   Develop a stronger, more relatable Democratic media presence (podcasts, social media, sports broadcasting).
   Encourage candidates to be bold, engaging, and authentic in their messaging rather than overly polished.
7. Embrace Moderation, Individualism, and Masculinity
   Reconnect with values like hard work, rugged individualism, and entrepreneurialism.
   Be more accepting of masculinity and male voters who feel alienated from the party.
   Shift focus from progressive “mission creep” to core Democratic issues that resonate broadly.
8. Revise Democratic Fundraising Priorities
   Move away from the dominance of small-dollar donors whose preferences may not align with the broader electorate.
   Give candidates and campaigns more flexibility in how they spend funds without excessive donor constraints.

Takeaways on How Democrats Can Rebuild Economic Trust with
Working-Class Voters

1. Acknowledge Struggles & Speak to Real Concerns
   Recognize that while the economy may be improving broadly, many families are still struggling.
   Avoid dismissing economic anxieties—speak directly to the concerns of working-class voters with tangible solutions. As progressives, we all discussed among our friends and family how expensive things were but politically only wanted to talk about how much better things are getting.
2. Shift Messaging Away from ‘Handouts’
   Many working-class voters reject policies seen as giveaways (e.g., student loan forgiveness, universal basic income).
   Frame policies around opportunity, empowerment, and work rather than redistribution.
   Small language shifts matter—focus on “better wages” instead of “minimum wage.”
3. Prioritize Simple, Tangible Policies
   Advocate for middle-class tax cuts, support public education, and propose spending cuts where needed.
   Ensure policies are easy to understand and feel relevant to daily life.
4. Integrate & Engage with the Business Community
   Democrats need to stop demonizing wealth and corporations broadly.
   Engage with small businesses, business podcasts, podcasts like “Earn Your Leisure” that reach the aspiring class, and entrepreneurs to discuss economic policies.
5. Be Pro-Aspiration & Pro-Capitalism in a Smart Way
   Recognize that working-class voters value upward mobility and economic success.
   Have a prosperity gospel aimed at the working class.
   Call out corporate abuses individually instead of attacking “corporations” as a whole.
6. Reform Government & Address Inefficiencies
   Take government complaints seriously and commit to improving its efficiency.
   Push for systemic reforms rather than just defending the status quo.
7. Center Every Conversation on the Economy
   Lead with economic messaging in speeches, ads, and policy proposals.
   Avoid leading with cultural issues—focus on jobs, wages, and cost-of-living concerns.
8. Engage Rural & Non-College Voters
   Show up in rural communities and places where Democrats are unpopular.
   Listen to non-college voters without judgment, making their concerns central to policy conversations.
9. Embrace Populism Thoughtfully
   Critique corporate excess and corruption but avoid an anti-capitalist stance.
   Be bold in challenging inefficient institutions while maintaining credibility as pragmatic reformers.
10. Showcase Working-Class Voices & Candidates
    Recruit candidates who come from working-class backgrounds and have relatable life experiences.
    Use messengers that working-class voters trust—business leaders, skilled laborers, and community figures.

Third Way
February 2025
Comeback Retreat

Via Dems Unveil New Plan to Beat MAGA: More Gun Shows and Less AOC.

I’m surprised. They have a clue. I thought they were totally clueless and tone deaf.

Two things should now be crystal clear to everyone:

1. They do not have economic or social principles.
2. They do have a tribal identity and a desire for power.

Other things of note:

• They still think of people in terms of class.
• Their culture of deception is tacitly acknowledged and encouraged.
• No mention of abortion policy.
• No mention of gun policy.

Respond appropriately.

Quote of the Day

I can promise moving forward that we Democrats will fix our broken system of imaginary cheating. Otherwise, it might appear Republicans like Trump only say cheating occurred when they lose, and say everything went smoothly when they win.

That, of course, would be absurd.

Shame on us Democrats.

Rex Huppke
November 8, 2024
Opinion: I guess Trump won because Democrats forgot to cheat. Oops!

Prior to the election, everyone I talked to privately about the election expected “they will cheat, just like last time.” They said things like, “Nothing has changed. So how can there be a different outcome?”

Is Huppke correct? Have the elections have been essentially honest and the widespread belief the 2020 election was stolen is just another mass delusion?

I did not have an answer. While I knew some things had changed, my impression was the changes were not significant enough to make a difference.

So, was the vote just so overwhelming in Trump’s favor that the Democrats couldn’t cheat hard enough? If that were true, then at least some of the polls should have predicted a solid win for Trump.

Did Trump cheat enough to win? Maybe. But you would think the “cheating Democrats” would have been able to catch them and get the courts to intervene.

Did the Democrats believe the domestic and global political scene was so toxic they did not want to be at the helm when the Titanic hit the iceberg? Maybe. But weren’t they scared that if Trump got into power again, he would exact a heavy price on those he believed to have wronged him?

As I have essentially given up on legislative action to protect our RKBA, I have also given up on getting the truth on anything political from any news media. Video of speeches is frequently edited to eliminate context. Deep fakes are getting more and more common and nearly impossible to detect. So even those are not really trustworthy. Yes, if the person in the video doesn’t complain about it being fake via some other channel, then it probably is not a fake. But it is getting to be more and more effort to determine the truth with any confidence.

I just want to crawl into my underground bunker in Idaho and come out as needed for sunlight, exercise and producing and gathering food.