Okay, I'm going to close this loop because some of you are clearly way off track. I'm from Tennessee, proud of my state, I hate our politics. That said, we've got a lot of good things to offer and if you don't understand what the TriStar is, well that's your fault not mine. 1/2

Also, did you not see where I tagged the party whip, and Senate minority leader, both of which are white? Stop taking that this issue is about race. This is about leadership. They ain't got it. Also the house is the peoples house. Ps. You look like a bunch of fucking clowns. ✌️ 2/2

I see Jeffries differently because of his role as minority House leader and Dems being in the minority in unprecedented circumstances. There is zero linkage to the WH, zero partisanship and this is our first go around with a dictator who has the support of a large portion of the country.

The job of the minority leader is getting into the majority. You're not going to do that if you're sitting in the shadows, on your hands. He's not even winning over Democrats, much less swing voters.

He's the leader of a legislative caucus. He held the caucus together in opposition to HR1 - the atrocious budget bill. That's his job, and he was elected to it by the members of the Democratic caucus. He will also do what he can to support the House Reps in their re-election races.

This! I keep asking people in his threads whether they've even bothered to understand what his job is before they try and manage him. Some people believe they actually elected him to the House leader job. 🙄

I think that's correct, and it's so crazy. People just don't understand the roles of Congressional leaders. Also, because republicans aren't trying to pass much beyond the budget, there's not much happening in Congress. Finally, people choose to flaunt their loud ignorance...ugh.

We probably should try to do something about that. If I get time this weekend, I'll work on a graphic. Clearly, it's a widespread gap. 🎯 EXCELLENT point about the level of activity in congress. People are used to congress having a lot more activity and sway in our politics. GOP is playing possum.

Would love to have a graphic about this! Dang, I wish Bsky had bookmarks. I'll just do a screenshot instead. Playing possum is right, so much easier to avoid having to answer for their fealty to the felon in the White House.

I use the 📌. Then I can search back. Admittedly, I often forget to look though.

That’s a fantastic idea!

It's embarassing how little they know about how Congress works. Just embarassing.

Yes. I'm realizing being a part of the solution may mean trying to do something about it. I had no idea people knew so little and I'm frustrated that they can't be bothered to Google. It's like fire-aim-not ready. 😳 Even then - when given facts, they double down.

Absolutely agree. I write a couple of blog posts each week on what Democrats are doing. Because even on a site for Democrats people are loudly ignorant or choose to be negative. If I can help a person or two each week understand better then it's worth my time.

Is there a link? That would come in handy.

Here's my latest. I do them on Wednesdays and Sundays; plus when I have time I do a more focused one. Anyone can read, but you need an account to comment. www.dailykos.com/stories/2025...

@lindaleepeacock.bsky.social does an amazing and thorough roundup of the activities of the Congressional Black Caucus on Thursdays. Here's her latest one from yesterday. www.dailykos.com/stories/2025...

Thanks!

There's a mindset for some that they double down instead of re-examining their beliefs bc to admit they were wrong somehow makes them feel bad. I don't understand it bc why wouldn't you want to be more educated instead of staying less educated?

Yup, unless you just want to troll.

Good point. What kind of people get off on trolling, though? Don't they have lives they could be living?

They could easily be paid agitators.

Which majority please? The elected majority? Maybe you should've done more to make sure Democrats were able to win and take Congress. But sure, blaming a Black man makes more sense to you. You're just racist, your arguments are invalid.

You horseshoe idiots couldn’t hit water if you fell out of a fuvking boat.

Now.. that certainly doesn't match your bio.

Oh yes it does. And that you don’t know that does not surprise me.

These assholes think that we if say stop the hate or love conquers all they can get away with bullshit assholery bc IT’S IN YOUR BIO. They don’t know what stop the hate means. They don’t have a clue about love your neighbor. I don’t owe hateful strangers undermining the good guys a damn thing.

They don't love their neighbors. They are happy to stomp all over them if those neighbors fail to bend the knee to their demands. They are fine with fascism bc they stupidly think they are safe from its effects, and DGAF if others are harmed. No better than MAGA, really. Horseshoe theory is right.

Naw they are actively allowing the murder of babies and mothers. Of children. Of the addicted, sick, poor, and the unhoused. They dgaf about voting, their civic duty or have one ounce of compassion. They are trash ppl who cause harm and are proud of it. Soulless ghouls.

Self-centered and very ignorant people. They benefit from white supremacy so are happy to enable more of it. I don't have them in my real life for a reason.

Wimp ass little D.

My aim isn't to convert you to my perspective. I think he's doing what he can, all things considered. We'll agree to disagree.

Hmmmm... 🤔. I had to stop and reflect on that for a moment. At the bottom line, I agree. It's early in the term. The infighting within the party is mortal combat. The task of calibrating for the onslaught daily with one party (and helpers from our side) united against democracy is mind-blowing.

If you are deeply concerned about a democratic majority in the House of Representatives, good news, citizen! Get to work on that in your neighborhood, your county, your community. We don’t have a person to waste, who genuinely wants Democrats to win.

I couldn't agree more. Please share and sign up!! Tennessee's 7th district need your help. 📱 www.nwpctn.org/events-1/tak...

Excuse me, I’m busy in my own neighborhood, in my own Democratic party precinct, and county. This message is for your neighbors, if you will talk to them. It appears you have moved closer to the point. Perhaps you’ll stop beating up the House leader for city politics.

That’s the voters job, ding dong. Electeds don’t “get into the majority” by themselves, unless they’re Trump, Musk or some cheating Republican. Get your butt out there if you want him in the majority and convince voters.

The job of the minority leader or even the Speaker is to herd cats and count votes. Period.

Oh, and to give the very occasional 25-hour speech 😉

That was Booker.

You’re right, I meant to refer to the “magic minute” which was 8.5 hours

🎯 Thanks for reminding me of that. I'll have to mention that the next time they attack him for "doing nothing".

No, no, that doesn’t count! It’s only useless theatrics when Black politicians do it. When Bernie and AOC host rallies, it’s the fighting spirit we need, though.

Right???? I had to correct a statement today saying all he ever talks about is inflation? 😳 People get caught up in mob mentality.

Some of my people will drown waiting for a white male lifeguard.

Unfortunately, true. 🥺

That's what I keep trying to get people to see. He's doing his job. He makes an easy punching bag because he's within reach so people just go to town without thinking it through.

Which he does. His caucus is together, unlike Johnson’s. Jeffries is good at it, thank you for pointing it out.

He is really good at it. As we are in the minority right now, that's important and necessary work. Not always easy, either.

Voters don't choose you unless you have something good to offer and a voice that they resonate with. I'm not saying he can do it himself. But he's not helping himself either.

1) Voters who will only vote if something benefits them betrays a deep selfishness & foolishness. A rising tide raises all ships, harm mitigation benefits all in invisible ways. 2) Ppl who treat it as a popularity contest and not life or death betray their privilege. You *think* it wont hurt you.

White voters haven't voted majority D since the civil rights act and integration. This isn't about issues- Harris ran on kitchen table issues. This is about white voters choosing whiteness & a bunch of pasty chucklef*cks giving them cover with "BUT THE ISSUESSSS"

Good meme. I don't want to know people who only vote for their own benefit. If they don't understand harm reduction/mitigation, then they aren't actually allies anyway. No one has to earn my vote bc I always vote for harm reduction, even if I don't like the candidate bc I am an adult.

^^^ This!!!

💯

Oh my God, this! These folks don’t realize what it says about their humanity that they have to be convinced to vote for reducing harm. Dear God. They sound like Hannibal Lecter deciding the world is better with Clarice in it.

I once had to choose between David Duke and Edwin Edwards for governor. The Klan grand wizard and the charming but corrupt career politician. I stood in line for 4 hours to vote for Edwards bc harm reduction matters. Edwards didn't take Louisiana backwards (that would be Jindal later), Duke is VILE.

Thank you! I appreciate neighbors like you, devoted to harm reduction 🥰

I'm in Washington now, and we get giant bound pamphlets on every single candidate, including their activities, endorsements, community involvement, and positions. Way easier to vote, too, as it's by mail. I still vote for harm reduction, though. No GOP, no Leftists if there's a real Dem running.

Uh oh.. that's a hornets nest right there. People that had a hard time choosing between what she offered and what he did can't even be trusted with eating utensils. Who's going to convince them that not having a fork in their eye is better?

First the got rid of Joe bc he was TOO SUCCESSFUL Then they refused to vote for Kamala Harris- the most PROGRESSIVE Senator They claim it was bc of dead Palestinians but killing millions of kids here and world wide is A-OK with these ghouls. Tfoh. They voted fascism over democracy and they will pay

When I read the DSA manifesto and saw they advocated for dismantling USAID it explained a lot.

Oh, I missed something there. Yikes.

Oh my ever loving God, I did not know that. Just another reason I don’t trust those mofos with this precious nation.

"Abolish USAID, NED, Voice of America, and other governmental agencies..." It's under the International Solidarity, Anti-Imperialism, and Anti-Militarism section. DSA Political Platform - Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) www.dsausa.org/dsa-politica...

Omg. Murderers. No wonder!! This totally checks out. Thank you Blue!

There’s been horrific war in Syria for years and they can’t even point it out on a map. Fuck them.

God forbid we feed children. Fuck these bastards.

omg Talk about promoting genocide, these people need to be pushed out of every governmental role.

I didn’t either and I thought I paid attention. They’re so infuriating.

I just wanna spit in their faces when they talk about dead children, when they are happy to let American children die every day for their purity politics.

That’s how you know they are evil. Vile.

I think you’ve forgotten all about what white voters will do to protect white supremacy. Harris had a platform for all working people, veterans, families, elders, etc. it’s the best plan for America I’ve seen in a long time. But white people would not be governed by her. Your premise is faulty.

This nation deserves what it gets by bypassing Kamala and Hillary . Why? White supremacy and misogyny. Period. All perpetrated by wimpy crying bitch ass white loser little boys who cry all day every day. All while we are dying from pregnancy. They can f all the way off. Losers from hell -wimps.

They could not survive in an adult woman’s body.

These wimps prove every fuvking day why we are the superior sex. They are scared of us. Bastards.

cc: allll the voters who voted for Biden but couldn’t bring themselves to vote for Harris. We tried, but too many entitled Dems decided they needed to prove their purity because they didn’t agree with every word out of Kamala’s mouth. They really showed us.

What they showed us is that the only candidate they will approve must be a white man. And now they want us to fix what they broke. I'm not helping them. I'm good with helping the actual base, not the fair weather allies who think the rest of us owe them some kind of duty.

I tried a different path today. I thought... maybe it's me. 🤣 I agree that the House and Senate leaders are highly visible and do influence voters. But you already know how I feel about the voters having failed and now being accountable.

You tried. The voters chose fascism and now don't want to fix what they broke. And they are going after the Black minority leader, not their own fellow whites, as if he is responsible for how they voted for fascism.

This.

Right? They do nothing but complain and are at best, fair weather allies as they use the Dems, but if the Dems don't bow down enough to their demand, then trash the Dems. Such MAGA behavior. If you want different people in office, VOTE FOR THEM. It really is that simple.

Also, I just realized there’s a bunch of thread I missed so I’m scrolling up! You did take that different path and I like it, it’s the other folks that show us they aren’t interested in real unpacking of the situation, just a bash fest.

😘😘😘 If only it wasn’t such disingenuous from these folks! I don’t hear concern, I hear bashing black Democratic leadership. That’s just never gonna work for this old lady😌

But He doesn't. He's polling at 25%, at best. There's no messaging, there's no central ideology, there's no game plan for 2026, and all he keeps doing is coming out and saying the cost of living is an issue that the Republicans aren't tackling. Weak.

My point is not to prove you wrong. We are all feeling the urge to see something big happen to stop this horrible nightmare. I'd like nothing more than a Deadpool moment right now, speaking of comic books. It's to get us to think about the expectations.

I'm taking polls with a grain of salt right now. I work with data for a living. The questions are not being constructed for the circumstances. In the last 30 days, he's spoken out on: - Gun violence - Medicaid Cut Reversal - Guard Deployment - Redistricting - Investigating Norman ...among others.

You only get one go around with a dictator. That’s how it works.

Agreed. So we better stop attacking our generals and fight the opposition.

I asked you to share those for two reasons. One is I love that you recognize that Dems aren't just sitting around playing marbles. The other was to understand what you'd like to see in Jeffries that is not satisfying. I agree that your choices were good examples of how we can reach people.

The earliest days of a fascist takeover are the only point in which you really have leverage. It's time to get off your ass and fight. Hakeem is not doing all that he could. Period.

Mark, short of changing his communication style and personality to be more appealing from your perspective, what can he do that he's not doing?

Hakeem, @chuckschumer.com @whipkclark.bsky.social , @kenmartin.bsky.social Are not meeting the moment. They know it, you know it, we all know it. Constructive criticism doesn't mean I'm going to vote for the opposition btw. It's intended to help us grow our base authentically and openly

You didn't strike me as the turncoat type. Otherwise, this would be a different conversation. 🙂 There is no American precedent for meeting this moment without violence. Voters didn't equip our army. I'm keeping my powder dry for the enemy. Hopefully, we can discuss again in better times. 👋🏽

Leftists want Dems to get violent and basically repeat J6 or else they are unhappy. Voters chose fascism and that's not the fault of Dems. If you have to be convinced to choose democracy, then you have the privilege of believing fascism won't harm you. I'm appalled at that self-centered take.

I agree that many of the alt-left are angling for violence. Oddly enough, they aren't out in the streets. 🤔 They're trying to send proxies. I guess they figure a collapsed country will be easier to reshape than actually doing the work of building coalition.

Good points. A collapsed country means democracy and capitalism failed, and they have to chance to takeover. Notice how they aren't protesting Shitler's Gaza stuff? They were gung ho to protest Starbucks and universities when Biden was in office. Now? Crickets.

There is no doubt that the alt-left is a mirror of the alt-right. Gaza was never the point. Palestinians wanted Harris. She was clearly the better alternative. They weaponized the conflict to ensure Harris didn't get in. That would have kept the country stable and delayed their plans.

100% true.

What are you doing? Besides waiting for Black people to save your white ass

Who is your political hero and what are they doing in this moment?

Politics isn't a game of heroes. This isn't a comic book. But for example. People who actually are doing something IMO: @maxwellfrost.bsky.social @robertgarcia.bsky.social @repstansbury.bsky.social @repstevenhorsford.bsky.social @jayapal.house.gov Do I need to continue?

What are they doing that you feel is effective? Genuine question.

I thought you were a Democrat? You don't even know what your own team is doing. @oversightdemocrats.house.gov

I am. I'm specifically trying to understand what you view as effective action.

Speaking out

I love Walz. His position as a beloved governor gives him some latitude and I really like his plainspeak.

Relatability

He's another winner. Intelligent and down to earth.

Communication

Although this clip didn't have sound for me, I've actually watched him multiple times. I think his logic and communication style are effective too.

youtu.be/EnOx-HKBIwk?...

Fix Appalachia before you try coming for anybody’s neck.

He blocked me with a quickness. Truth hurts! 😂

Bahahahaha. PAB!

His state is shit but he thinks the minority leader should fix everything that white people broke.

The unmitigated gall!

Say it with us YOU HATE BLACK PEOPLE! Having the Tennessee flag, home of the KKK as your pfp proves it.

Actual Black person here. Not approving of Hakeem Jeffries’ approach doesn’t make someone racist. Or using the Tennessee state flag on your profile. Another example would be @thetnholler.bsky.social. Play nice.

I get what you’re saying. My comments are directed at specifically white people that point fingers at Leader Jeffries for his in action when he doesn’t have the control to fix anything compared to white people. Thank you for your insight.

Welcome. I hear you. We don’t want to ask Democratic leadership to compromise their integrity and the situation doesn’t allow for much more than protest. Any creative opposition is greatly needed. If we can encourage disappointed Trumpers to support a Democrat that is a win. Hang in there!

Thank you 😊

Easy there, tiger. 😊 ... I love your enthusiasm, but I think they live in TN.

You’re right my assumptions get the better of me a lot.

🫂

It's weird that he's flying the flag of a very confederate state. He's the first Dem (allegedly) that flies his red state flag as a profile pic that I've seen. Why would you ever fly the flag of a confederate loser state?

Okay y'all. I don't know the man, and he and I clearly disagree. However, he did make a post about helping TN politics. 😂 We're all antsy about the toxic environment the Jeffries attackers created, but we're thinkers too. 🤓

I agree. With that being said I’m stepping away. It’s…

I totally get it. I have to take a break myself sometimes.

Thank you for your support and guidance.

The good guys have to stick together. Tough times. 💙

My point is that he should be fixing the problems in the state he loves enough to fly their flag, despite how crappy that state is, not demanding that the Minority Leader "do more" for him. This is how his state votes:

Agreed. Charity begins at home.

That’s what I thought of.

Yeah, I saw where you were going and don't really disagree. He doesn't talk like a Dem or act like one, and he flies the flag of a confederate state, but wants us to know he's involved with a "local county party," whatever that means. His state is shit but he thinks he knows how Congress work.