Sending healing thoughts your way, MM. We need you in this fight.

And may you restore your health and join all of us to vote in person or at the ballot box (to return that mailed ballot--hopefully still present for states that allow it).

Regardless, to your improved and restored health and to the determined fight ahead!

First - I hope you are doing as well as possible and make it to 2032 election and beyond. This place will be lessened tremendously when your voice and perspective cross over and move on.

Secondly - you are goddamn right AND I am goddamn terrified that the messaging from the party leadership is adequate to this task. I am terrified that the best outcome won't be enough and the chaos of the C.H.U.D-in-chief will lead us to utter ruin and devastation that will take generations to recover from (if ever).

All good thoughts and wishes to you though MM, in the end its people that matter and you're one of the ones we need going forward if only to provide wisdom, perspective and patience to those of us who might be more inclined to despair or reactionary movement.

among those we know. Each us us needs to convince one or more people who might not vote to go to the pools and vote for every Democrat they see on their ballot. Get one and you double the power of your vote. Get two and you triple it.

It's so simple. But we don't do it often enough. Not enough of us do it.

That has been my message here for every election, and I do it myself.

Can you provide more detail? I can't tell if this is commentary on:

Women nominees
Neglecting rural/working class voters
Centrism

What do we need to avoid doing?

There is a lot of scapegoating whenever Democrats lose elections and often the left flank is blamed for the problems of Democrats. It is interesting Obama-Trump voters are never blamed for 2016 but they are the ones that swung the election in Trump's favor.

the left has never been represented by the Democratic party, except by default, since that's the only way to vote that makes any sense. But progressives are frequently blamed. It's a myth.

I am not sure when the counties will mail out the ballots. But, MN has a no excuse absentee ballot policy. So, you could get one relatively soon from your county.

By-the-way, everyone is wishing you the best for a long and prosperous future!

I have always appreciated your commentary, especially as a fellow Minnesotan. Selfishly, I hope that your health does not bar you from continuing to contribute until long after the election and the inauguration of a new Congress. I am 77 and I am fond of saying that I just want to live long enough to know how this turns out! By that, I mean: do we or do we not successfully keep this Republic? Hang in there and focus most of all on your health. I don't know if you have family with/near you, but if you need anything (home-cooked food, a ride to somewhere, good conversation) let me know. I think we are both in the Metro.(not sure how personal info can be exchanged, though). You are much appreciated!

I have a lovely wife who worries about me. Lots of friends, too. I have recovered quickly from what happened, and have made some lifestyle changes.

But life after 80 is subject to surprises. So...

My primary care doctor just shook his head a little the other day when I saw him. I have already weaned myself off supplemental oxygen, carefully and effectively. I'm monitoring myself well, too.

You will make it to 2028 and beyond, I believe. Thank you for encouraging all of us to vote no matter what.

This IS our last chance. No do overs. I hope you're here to cast that ballet in 28 and years to come. Please take care of yourself.

You are incredible.

Knowing you voted in this midterm would mean a lot to me. But I promise you I am not taking this election for granted.

In 2028.

count on it

No matter how sick you or I get between now and then, WE'VE GOT TO OUTLIVE the treasonous, imbecilic orange shitbag!!!

I've got a boatload of fireworks I've been saving for the day he finally CROAKS, and I intend to fire them all off while having a glass or two of the bubbly!!!

You're right and it will take us getting out of our comfort zones and reaching others.
Take good care of yourself, we need you!

Healing Vibes to you! ☮️💙

You might be asking a lot around here.

... we need to engage the independent voters to connect with us and come over to our side. If we can't or won't do that, we won't have a chance of winning. In 2024 we didn't get enough indies, plus some of our own Dem voters stayed home.

As much as I love the ideals of the Democratic Party, I hate that we lose sight of the goal so often by engaging in petty squabbles and in-fighting. The independent voters don't want to hear that stuff and they turn off... maybe it's because they haven't been "entertained." (That's the only reason I can think of as to why someone would choose Chump over a Democratic candidate.)

Mineral Man, please stay healthy and live to fight another day.

Or am I missing the point.

through write-in votes.

Like it or not, the Democrat or the Republican wins. Nobody else has a chance in 99% of elections. So, make your choice count. If you vote for someone who is a sure loser, you end up as the loser, and we all lose.

Just vote for the better candidate from one of the two parties. That is always the Democrat, almost 100% of the time. It's simple. Anything else is a complete waste of time.

Others fought for, were beaten, jailed, bled, and died for my right to vote! The BEST I can do is honor them all by VOTING!!

Share my message please.

It's my chance to decide how things are run. My candidates don't always win, but I always vote for the Democrat!

We need to win big in the upcoming midterms

Perfectly said