LOVE. THIS. SO. HARD. @BobbyBigWheel & @Futurenow are tracking every time that Dem presidential hopefuls have helped state legislative candidates—SO crucial to winning back power. Gillibrand & Warren are in the lead: https://t.co/4fMJH3jaW5 pic.twitter.com/YOzCJwfToC
— David Nir (@DavidNir) July 11, 2019
More here from @ByMattStevens https://t.co/v2OoAfmRHa
— David Nir (@DavidNir) July 11, 2019
… The idea is that rebuilding the party nationally depends on the hard work of winning seats in state legislatures around the country. With that in mind, the two-year-old Future Now Fund, working with the progressive think tank Data for Progress, is trying to apply pressure to the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates by ranking them in terms of who is doing the most to help Democrats win state legislative races…
Future Now Fund and Data for Progress ranked the 2020 Democrats using a point system that assigned different values to a range of actions taken. For instance, candidates earned one point for boosting a state legislator through social media, two points for citing a state legislator or candidate in emails to their national campaign list and three points for appearing in person with a state legislator at a public event. Those points were doubled if a 2020 Democrat showed support for a candidate or lawmaker outside the early-voting states of Iowa or New Hampshire.
The groups started tracking candidates’ activities May 1, and officials say they will release updated rankings each month until the Democrats select a nominee for president.
John Halpin, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank that was not associated with the ranking project, said he found the methodology employed by Future Now Fund reasonable and praised their work.
“With all the money and energy going in to the presidential election, the need to develop and support the Democratic bench at the state and local level too often gets ignored,” Mr. Halpin said. “This project provides voters with a good sense of who is putting in the effort to help state political voices and who is not.”…
Details behind the rankings at the link, if you wanna argue.
Paul Waldman, at the Washington Post, “The Democratic primary is starting to take shape”:
Presidential primary campaigns are not fair. Well-qualified candidates struggle to get their message out. Demagogues find a ready audience. Self-fulfilling prophecies by the media elevate some and kneecap others. The campaign is often absurdly disconnected from the actual job that a president does. When it’s over, we almost never say, “Well, that went well.”
The purpose of the whole thing is for a party not just to pick a champion but to decide who it is and what it wants for the future. And in that way, as messy as the process is, it usually works. Donald Trump really did represent who Republicans were and what they wanted in 2016, just as Barack Obama did the same for Democrats in 2008.
And right now — still with 6½ months to go before the first vote — the field of 25 Democrats running for president is coalescing into a shape…
If you want to pore through every recent poll, you can find them all gathered at FiveThirtyEight or RealClear Politics, but here’s how I would sum up what’s happening at the moment:– Biden, who entered the race polling at nearly 40 percent, is dropping — but he’s still in the lead.
– Warren has the most momentum; she now appears to be in second place.
– Sanders is on a long, slow decline; having been the alternative to Biden all along, he’s now in danger of being passed by others.
– Harris comes in next.
– Buttigieg follows her, but it’s unclear if he’ll be able to garner more support despite his eye-popping fundraising.
– Everyone else is struggling mightily….… And here’s another secret: Reporters would love a race that came down to Warren and Biden. We love contrasts. Biden says the problem is President Trump; Warren says Trump is a symptom of a larger rigged system. Biden wants modest change; Warren wants radical change. Biden is as establishment as it gets; Warren isn’t exactly an outsider, but she ticks off enough insiders to make it seem like she might be.
There’s still time for other candidates to increase their support and join that top tier. But the campaign is ruthless. Once story lines are established, they create hooks for both reporters and voters to understand the race and what it represents.
If you’re a moderate, everything that’s happening now is encouraging you to gravitate toward Biden and not, say, former Colorado governor John Hickenlooper or Sen. Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), whose ideological profiles are similar to his. If you’re interested in sweeping change, what you see in the news makes you think that Warren and perhaps not Sanders is the right vehicle for that change. While unforeseen events can alter the landscape, that encouragement will become only more emphatic as time goes on.
To repeat, it’s not fair. But the choices are going to become fewer very soon.
Nate Silver’s (not dissimilar) conclusions:
The top tier is Biden, Harris and Warren. They're the ones who are both (i) polling fairly well right now and (ii) have the clearest path to maintain/expand their coalition.
Warren's behind the other two in endorsements, so I have her a tick behind them overall, but not by much.
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) July 11, 2019
Candidates in the 3rd tier (Booker, Klob, Castro, Beto) might have more ability to build a broad coalition. But not sure there's any particular reason to think they'll get a surge. Booker & Castro had good debates but still overshadowed. Voters like the top 3-5 candidates a LOT.
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) July 11, 2019
I, for one, will not be particularly disappointed to see the bottom-ranked dozen or so candidates drop away.
satby
Even though the majority were good candidates, there were too many. And out of a field of 20+, 19+ were destined to lose. That’s the way it was always going to be. I’m just hoping it’s Warren or Harris that comes out on top. And that Sanders continues to sink like the millstone he is.
And my mayor (or Castro) as VP candidate would be icing on the cake.
eclare
@satby: Yes, sad to see Castro not getting a bump from the first debates. He was good.
satby
@eclare: I like a lot of the younger candidates! They won’t win the nomination this time, but the future of the Democratic party and the country looks better with such a talented bench.
RAVEN
Goddamn it, we got a new fridge last week and I put all my frozen fish in the old one we moved downstairs. We’re having people over for dinner and I just went down and the GFI tripped and all of the fish is ruined!
satby
@RAVEN: oh shit, that’s awful! Sorry raven.
JPL
@RAVEN: That is awful!
RAVEN
So I went back down to clean it up and there is still some ice on some of the fish even though there is water all over the bottom of the freezer and floor. “When in doubt, throw it out”???
Where OL Azur when I need him?
NotMax
One or two, minimum, will not make the cut for the September lecternpalooza. The others I’m grudgingly okay with getting three attempts at bat, even if it means putting up with the distraction of the stuck at the bottom, going nowhere fast cohort until the onset of cold weather (a season when folks will naturally gravitate to those who catch fire).
@satby
Meaning no disrespect toward you, the more I see of your mayor the less I find there to see – in today’s context, that is. Like someone who did a cannonball into a still pond, he made a big splash (congratulations due him for that) and now the ripples are dissipating. I will give him this, he’s become someone to note how he grows into the expectations for higher office. Heck, come time for the race in 2032 he’ll be only 50.
NotMax
@RAVEN
Major bummer. First thought is don’t re-freeze, instead toss anything over six months old, give the rest a sniff test after thawing, cook as much as you can which passes muster and then freeze the cooked portions.
Baud
Haha. Nate’s going to get angry tweets for placing Bernie in the second tier.
Never! Taking it all the way to the convention!
NotMax
@Baud
“To the convention! And beyond!”
– Baud Lightyear
:)
satby
@RAVEN: if it’s still cold it may be ok. But NotMax is right, anything still cold would need to be cooked not refrozen. If it still has ice on it it’s at least refrigerator cold, so probably safe to eat. If it’s merely cool, probably not. Has to be at 40° or below to be considered safely refrigerated.
NotMax
As an experiment, yesterday cranked out a loaf of potato bread using yams instead. Not bad, not bad at all.
RAVEN
@NotMax: Oh no, I wouldn’t refreeze. There is enough “redfish on the halfshell” to take care of tonight and I’ll toss the rest. I’m still nervous because the last thing I want to do is get someone sick.
My wife had people for lunch Thursday and it was still on.
satby
@NotMax: no problem, but he’s going to be great as he gets older. He has more black and Hispanic support in this area than the media reports, so it’s a shame he was painted as appealing exclusively to whites. But he’s young, and he has years.
But, having been around Obama when he was an organizer in Chicago before he ran for office, and now watching Pete, I see a lot of similarities in temperament and approach. We did pretty well with those qualities in a leader.
satby
The market calls (bellows really). Everyone have a good day!
Baud
This is a weak spot for Harris, because I think she hasn’t been clear about the private insurance issue.
NotMax
@RAVEN
September and Louisiana is just around the corner.
BTW, did you see the mention of The Ghost Army documentary yesterday morning?
rikyrah
@RAVEN: .
????
Derelict
It would be wonderful if Democrats actually put some effort in at the state level. However, if past experience is any guide, state-level organizations will be left to wither because the DNC can only focus on the presidency. Back when I did political consulting, getting money out of the DNC for state and local candidates was nearly impossible. They would only allocate resources to candidates who were an absolute 100% sure win. Everything I’ve seen in the 15 years since then says that practice hasn’t changed.
So good on Gillibrand, Warren, et al. for bolstering the state-level candidates and organizations. We need that kind of organizational boosting if we’re ever going to be effective.
rikyrah
Good Morning, Everyone ? ??
Baud
@rikyrah:
Good morning.
Baud
@Derelict:
The DNC’s job is to focus on the presidency. The DLCC is responsible for state legislative elections.
Raven
@NotMax: Yea, sorry I got distracted by WORK! I knew about the inflatables but less about the whole effort. I can’t wait to watch it.
plato
@Baud: Is dnc’s job description set in stone? Time to change it with changing times?
Baud
@plato:
If you’ve got a better plan please share.
plato
@Baud: I already did.
plato
Chyron HR
Yeah, but he’ll be back in first place once God sends another bird down to mark him as the chosen one again.
plato
Rooting for Serena’s record today.
Baud
@plato: Where?
waratah
@eclare: the fact that Castro could not get enough support in his own state should tell you something. Someone that did not have the courage to take on the Republicans in his own state. Now that he has been on Facebook begging for one dollar donations to be on the debates, I will be curious to see his politcal future in Texas.
Joey Maloney
A more damning indictment is hard to imagine.
waratah
@satby: I think the media has been trying to pick our candidate. Lol I might have noticed this because they have hit my candidate really hard with Republican talking points.
NotMax
@waratah
The media falls into two camps.
Camp A operates on the assumption that media coverage drives polling.
Camp B operates on the assumption that polling drives media coverage.
Camp B, historically, has constantly been gaining dominance. Sad to say, but there it is.
Baud
@waratah:
That’s Journalism 101 these days.
geg6
Morning, Juicers! I just can’t with politics today. It’s too beautiful a day to think about stuff that will ruin it.
Had good evening last night. Got wings at the local pub and watched “Bohemian Rhapsody.” I had seen it in the theater back when it came out but John hadn’t. And being that he is over a decade older, I don’t think he was a big Queen fan. But he really loved it.
Big graduation party for my niece today. She is such a great young woman and we are sooooo proud of her! It’s also my sister’s 65 birthday, so we are celebrating that, too. And my older niece is very pregnant and today is her due date. No movement happening on that front but maybe younger niece’s party will trigger something. I can’t wait to meet her baby girl!
Will be too busy to check in but have a great day, all!
waratah
@NotMax: I agree with you on the polls.
Baud
@geg6:
Have a glorious day.
Immanentize
@RAVEN:
That is really sad. If the freezer was on Thursday and the door has been closed since, quite a bit of the fish probably stayed in the 20s until you found it yesterday. Sadly this happened to us during hurricane Sandy and we lost a few things in our freezer after three and a half days; But we didn’t lose that much. So you should be ok with the stuff that was iced.
Besides the smell test, toss anything with even a bit of discoloration. If only the pups could talk, their noses would be useful. The fish itself was just blocks of ice that had to themselves first melt then warm beyond freezing. You should be good with any still icy stuff. Good luck!
OzarkHillbilly
@RAVEN: If there is ice on the fish, it’s OK to eat.
MomSense
@RAVEN:
Oh no!!!
Baud
Wapiti
@OzarkHillbilly: That would be my take as well; anything that still has ice on it is 32 degrees or lower.
Chyron HR
Allow me to give you a preview of the actual literal cover story of the Washington Post Magazine this week:
“America is ignoring Kirsten Gillibrand–Is it her fault or ours?”
AH HAHAHAHAHAHA
Immanentize
I really stopped by this morning to share some life shit. I have been a bit on edge and perhaps making less than no sense — but neither does this —
The Immp was diagnosed with stomach cancer this week. Good CT so everyone thinks it is stage 1. We started an early warning regimen after he was tested genetically and they found the same variant his Mom had which is highly correlated to diffuse stomach cancer (CDH1, a nasty gene indeed). He has a very high chance of complete cure after treatment. Sadly, the treatment is radical surgery — complete stomach removal. We are off to see the surgeon Wednesday. The part that is really crushing him (and me) is that this means he will probably not be able to get to college this fall. That is making me the most anxious for him and sad. Funny how people think.
When he found out what the solution was, the Immp did not hesitate and told the Doc, “Get this shit out of me!” He also wanted to know if he will be able to burp after his stomach was out (Cancer Doc wasn’t really sure — stay tuned). The Immp is very healthy (otherwise) and strong and is certain to do quite well. His father is another matter.
debbie
@RAVEN:
Not worth getting sick from, says someone who’s gotten sick from food plenty of times.
OzarkHillbilly
@Immanentize: Jesus fucking Christ. I got no words, only hopes for the 2 of you.
Baud
@Immanentize:
Oh, no. So glad you caught it early. College will always be there.
debbie
@Immanentize:
I’m welling up from just reading this. I feel just horrible for both of you and wish there was something we could do that would have concrete results.
Scuffletuffle
@Immanentize: Holy shit, that is such awful news. I am so sorry for you both for having to deal with this. The one positive note is that the Imp seems to have an optimistic perspective. Wishing you both strength and courage!
Another Scott
@Immanentize: I’m so very sorry. :-( Thank you for letting us know.
Don’t sweat delaying college for a year. Lots of people do that, for lots of reasons, and it often works out well.
Fingers crossed for your son. Hang in there, both of you.
Best wishes,
Scott.
JPL
@Immanentize: Hugs to both of you. What awful news.
waratah
@Immanentize: I fell like crying you two did not deserve this.
Please keep us updated.
frosty
@Immanentize: Oh shit! Hang in there and lean on us when you need to. It’s good you had the warning to catch it early.
Kathleen
@Immanentize: Oh no. I am so so sorry to hear this. But based on what you said about his mental and physical health I have every confidence he will be OK. That doesn’t make it any easier for either of you. I am holding you both in light and peace.
May seem OT but I do have a point! The mother of a friend of mine who I believe is in her 70’s was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer several months ago. My friend, who is a doctor, took her to Ohio State on the advice of her doctor friends. She had surgery in April and her first post surgical test results found no trace of the element (don’t remember technical word my friend used) of the cancer in her system. She will be undergoing 6 chemo treatments but she is feeling fine. I just wanted to give you a good news story. ETA: She told my friend what she really wanted was 2 more years with her husband. My friend said it looks like there’s a good chance she will have that.
And no, you were not at all incoherent. I enjoyed as always your trenchant observations.
frosty
@RAVEN: My wife would throw it all out. I’d keep the food that was still cold enough…. but I probably wouldn’t feed it to anyone but me.
mere mortal
It’s kind of nuts that Swalwell probably got a big dose of recognition and goodwill by being the first candidate to bow out.
OzarkHillbilly
@Immanentize: I take it back, I have one word for this:
Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck
fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck….
Kay
@Baud:
I’m mad at both Warren and Harris for letting media define this so narrowly. I get it- they both backed Bernie’s bill so they were going to be asked about the most controversial part of Bernie’s bill and nothing else, but they know better than to allow that. Don’t let them define your policies. There’s 25 ways to do “Medicare for All”. If they say “we demand a one word answer on health care” just say no, I’m not answering that in one word, because that lets Chuck Todd define the Democrats health care plan. That’s not a policy question- it’s a cross examination and they get to testify on their own plans before Chuck Todd gets them on cross. Kamala Harris can challenge Biden on school integration without signing on to a 1974 bill that Biden opposed. She doesn’t have to accept that definition of “busing” – that’s ridiculously narrow and over-determined. He’s only able to do the dumb “one word answer” or “raise your hand” because he’s skipping right to cross examining the witness on the testimony they didn’t get a chance to give. Warren screwed up first on it and then Harris. Biden, for all his many faults and his reputation for “gaffes” knew better, probably because he’s done this before.
satby
@Immanentize: OMIGOD, I’m so sorry Immanentize! I’m glad the prognosis is good, but what a terrible thing to happen to the Immp. He’s going to get to his college, I’m sure they’ll be happy to defer until he’s ready. Sending love to you both my friend.
low-tech cyclist
@Baud: When Howard Dean was DNC chair in the mid-2000s, didn’t he move money out to the states as part of his 50-state strategy? If so, it’s not impossible.
And the DNC raises several times as much money as the DLCC does (DNC raised $6.8M in May alone, DLCC raised just over $6M so far this cycle through the end of April, in what was a record off-year haul for the DLCC and a mediocre month for the DNC) so it could make a big difference in the DLCC’s resources.
OzarkHillbilly
@mere mortal: Submitting to reality is soooo out of vogue these days.
gene108
@Immanentize:
OMG! I am so sorry for you and The Immp. Prayers for a speedy recovery
Baud
@Kay:
Yeah. I kind of wish one of them had adopted a middle ground between Biden and Bernie. I think it’ll be too easy to scare monger getting rid of private insurance.
geg6
@Immanentize:
Oh my heaven, my heart is with you and the Immp! College can wait, but his health can’t. Wow, what a shock this must be. Good thoughts heading to you both.
MomSense
@Immanentize:
Imm, my heart is breaking for you. Immp is young and strong and he will kick cancer’s disgusting ass. Do not doubt that. But – this is a monumental burden for you both after all that you have been through so please allow everyone here and in your real life world to help. If you want to rage or just escape – whatever you need from the jackal pack – we’ve got you.
Also Maine is not far from Boston. There are a bunch of us who can bring soup, feed tabby cat, clean the house. Let us know.
Barbara
@Immanentize: Internalizing the curse words. Please, please let us know if there is anything you need. Sending you wishes for healing and strength. GD.
Baud
@low-tech cyclist:
You can’t give money to something without taking it from something else. You have to explain what the DNC should cut if you want it to spend money on something else.
Immanentize
@OzarkHillbilly: Not quite enough fucks for how I’m feeling….
Thank you all. It is amazing how much your kind words mean to me. And it ends up you also helped create a mini-insight which are far too few and too mini these days. It’s been a ponder why the college deferral was so hard for me. I work at a University — I know they happen all the time for far less cause. But you all pointing out that it can and will wait made me realize that I have defined my parenting role after Julie’s death as keeping August on track and delivering him happily to college. And I have devoted pretty much everything to that one clear goal. It was tangible! It was achievable. It got me out of bed every morning when I preferred to not. But now, well job not done I guess.
But thanks all — you brought me a breakthrough! which will let me get on with it better
Tom Levenson
@Immanentize: I’m so sorry to hear this. Nothing but good wishes for your son and you.
OzarkHillbilly
dnfree
@RAVEN: so sorry! So much work and effort! NotMax’s advice is exactly right. Don’t refreeze as is. Quality will be affected even if it’s not spoiled. It would help if you had some idea whether the power went out last week or yesterday. Outlet could be bad or moving the refrigerator could have broken something inside?
Kristine
@Immanentize: My best wishes for you both.
Kay
@Baud:
Maybe they know now and they won’t do it again. They are allowed to present their plans before Chuck Todd cross examines them on the specific parts of “a” plan and insists on yes or no answers. If he wants to run this like a legal proceeding and insist Harris use busing as a specific term of art (meaning- I don’t know- however they feel like defining it) he has to follow the whole process not just the easy part he likes.
OzarkHillbilly
@Immanentize: There’s always more where that came from:
Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck
fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck….
You’ll get him there, of that I have no doubt.
NotMax
@Immanentize
Dumbstruck.
Trust that you both have bottomless online support and may that add in some measure to his and your strength.
dnfree
@Immanentize: so sorry, and what a shock to you just as the happy beginning of the next phase was in sight. Glad it was caught early but life certainly isn’t fair. Best wishes for you that your son recovers quickly and that you have the strength to see it through.
tokyocali (formerly tokyo expat)
@Immanentize: Delurking to say how sorry I am and how much you need to believe in the power of youth. Little Immp sounds like a fighter. He’ll beat this. You have to believe that.
Son number two needed a year before he could get into uni. Son number three is now in the same process. It’s not uncommon in Japan. As an undergrad prof, I see it all the time. The kids make friends and find their place. Don’t worry about uni. Get him through this and let the rest sort itself out.
Barbara
@RAVEN: You could label it clearly, refreeze and use it as bait for your next fishing trip?
Uncle Cosmo
@Chyron HR: Come down from Soshulist Heaven to take a dump on his rumpled-thin-wite-haired noggin, one hopes – remembering this classic Far Side cartoon & contemplating this venerable old joke….
Baud
@Kay:
I hope Kamala won’t. I’m not sure Warren doesn’t stick close to Bernie for her own strategic reason. We’ll see.
MomSense
@Immanentize:
School will be there when he’s healthy. Are there friends who are staying in the Boston area who can give Immp some cheer while he’s going through treatment? It’s a touchy thing for a parent to arrange, but it might be a good idea to find out from Immp how much friend contact he wants at the various stages of recovery.
Same for you. I know your friends will want to be helpful but we are not always good at it. If you don’t have a good counselor or support person already, please find one for yourself. Your focus is on Immp but he will be looking to you and skilled support helps.
Dorothy A. Winsor
@Immanentize: OMG. There are no words. Fuck cancer.
Barbara
@Immanentize: I wouldn’t worry about deferring school. Perhaps somewhere in the midst of treatment and recovery Immp will find a way to put his considerable talent to use to help him get through this. I have a feeling you are only going to admire him more and more. Now I really am crying.
Kay
@Immanentize:
I’m sorry. You probably know this and I don’t know if it’s any comfort to you but they really have gotten better with kids, medical providers. They treat them differently than they do adults, it’s a whole protocol and the people who work with them are so committed to talking to them and explaining things and acting as advocates that you really feel they’re well cared for.
Just One More Canuck
@Immanentize: my best hopes for a speedy recovery
rikyrah
Matt Murphy (@MattMurph24) Tweeted:
You know why the Freedom Caucus ran roughshod over the House GOP? Because the leadership sat back and did nothing. House Dem leadership isn’t about to make the same mistake with Justice Dems. https://twitter.com/MattMurph24/status/1150026234258173954?s=17
Kay
@Baud:
I don’t care if they “stick close to Bernie” but at this stage of the game they should avoid letting debate moderators define their health care policy in such ludicrously narrow and wholly negative ways.
rikyrah
@Immanentize:
Oh Imma..
Not Little Imma???
Sending every positive prayer I have for his recovery????
Dorothy A. Winsor
@Immanentize: You know what it’s like. Often a year’s delay lets them grow up more and they handle college better. But still, this is scary, even when you’re given all the reassurance in the world. Here’s another good ending: a friend of mine was diagnosed with uterine cancer, had the surgery, and is completely clear. I did scare her and she’s hyper alert now, which I understand. I just googled what life is like without a stomach and apparently it’s more manageable that I thought. This delay gives Immp time to learn to manage that too, though cafeteria/restaurant eating might be a challenge.
SiubhanDuinne
@Immanentize:
OMG, Imm, what terrible news. I’m dreadfully sorry, but glad they caught it early. As others have pointed out, lots of people defer college, and Immp is a resourceful kid. Thanks for sharing this distressing news. Big hugs and good wishes to you both.
Spanky
@Immanentize: @OzarkHillbilly:
Oddly enough, exactly the same thing I said when I read that.
So, so glad it was found early and with a really good prognosis. We’re here. Just ask.
JanieM
Immanentize: I haven’t been around BJ long enough to know the backstory, but it’s easy enough to read between the lines. I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this! Like everyone else here, I’ll be sending good thoughts your way. As to this:
When the universe knocks you off course, the job is redefined. You’ve already realized that rationally, but it’s hard to take in emotionally — I’ve been down that path with a family member whose life was derailed by health problems, and it takes a while to internalize replacing the old job with the new one.
Baud
@Kay:
They have to own whatever they’re plan is going to do, whether that means pure single payer or something else. If Chucky says, raise your hand, what are you going to do? I personally would raise my finger, but the Man isn’t about to let me in the debate stage.
Gin & Tonic
@Immanentize: Man, you’ve really been dealt a crap hand. Best I can do is offer my sympathies, if you’re still around in this thread. Even if you’re not. Hoping for the best possible outcome.
laura
@Immanentize: I’m hoping that all goes well for your son, and for you.
Spanky
It would no doubt amuse Immp to no end to hear that there are a couple of hundred (at least!) jackals out here ready to mother/aunt/uncle him.
zhena gogolia
@Immanentize:
Oh, my God, that is so sad. I wish you both all the strength you need in the coming months.
FWIW, I started college late because of emergency surgery, and it all worked out fine. I hope the same for your son.
Fair Economist
@Immanentize: So sorry to hear that, but grateful it was caught early with a good prognosis. Don’t sweat the timing – there’s no better period in adult life to take a break to beat cancer than between high school and college.
All my best hopes and wishes to you and the Immp.
Mary G
@Immanentize: Oh, no. That is unbearable. Fuck cancer.
The Immp is a wonderful kid with a great attitude and you are going to get through this. If there is anything we can do to help let us know. You must be a wreck right now.
rikyrah
Federico Chispas (@dfsparks) Tweeted:
Y’all can miss me with the kumbaya takes. The entire philosophical and political thrust of the Justice Dems is that the dem establishment is as much their enemy as the Republicans are. That’s their messaging consistently. You can’t ask others to ignore that. https://twitter.com/dfsparks/status/1149896870333825024?s=17
rikyrah
Wakandan War Dog (@Kennymack1971) Tweeted:
This is my last word on Justice Democrats and their allies for now.
Fuck them. As an organization and a crew.
And any simp wringing their hands that Democrats FINALLY stood up to their kneecapping bullshit in the name of “civility” and “unity”
Fuck them too. https://twitter.com/Kennymack1971/status/1150036514417643521?s=17
MomSense
@rikyrah:
I don’t want to go after a single Dem this cycle. It doesn’t make any sense. Every penny, every person we have has to be united in defeating every possible Republican. If we are in good shape in 2024 or 28 – then let’s consider it. Right now? Political malpractice.
rikyrah
Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) Tweeted:
By reaching the final, Serena Williams’ career prize money will move past $90 million. She is the only woman in history to earn over $50 million. https://twitter.com/ReemAbulleil/status/1150033805501194240?s=17
rikyrah
Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) Tweeted:
Important non-Trump story:
Black & Latino ppl are being locked out of the weed industry.
Me: “When you look around that cannabis industry as an African-American woman what do you see?”
Wanda James, owner of marijuana dispensary: “White men. White men. White men. White men.” https://t.co/695ffvfPKL https://twitter.com/Yamiche/status/1149815035952324609?s=17
Miss Bianca
@Immanentize: WTF WTF oh, Imm – what terrible news for you and Immp. I’m not a praying kind of gal, but I make exceptions for my jackal pack. You, Immp, and Scotian are all in my thoughts today.
stinger
@Immanentize: Gosh, what a bad news/good news/bad news rollercoaster. Hoping for the best for your fine young man — and his dad.
RileysEnabler
@Immanentize: So hard to hear this, but harder to live. I’m sorry you’re having to live this. Sending my love to the Imm family. Also – I’m in Houston and if it helps in any way, would happily host you and/or Imp for college stuff whenever he is able to roll. I can also taxi, deliver supplies or support – whatever y’all need when he gets to Rice.
Domestic short hair tabby
@Immanentize: oh no, so sorry to hear this. Glad you were proactive and for the hopeful prognosis, but that is devastating news
Tenar Arha
@Immanentize: I’m sorry to hear this, & my best wishes to you & Immp. Don’t worry, college will wait for him.
Barbara
@Fair Economist: “No better time” being a disproportionately relative concept in this case! Like there being no better time to declare bankruptcy. Sorry, I couldn’t help it because it made me smile.
Jinchi
I’m starting to think this is a two-woman race between Warren and Harris.
Sanders was able to build himself a base in 2016, because he was the only option to Clinton’s left during that campaign. If Warren had been in that race, we would barely remember his name. This year, he’s been coasting on that base and name recognition, but I expect his support to collapse as people get to know the other candidates.
Biden is the “safe” moderate, establishment Democrat, also coasting on name recognition and an undeserved reputation as the “most electable” candidate. He might be able to hold on into the primaries, but outside of Joe Scarborough and the true “Never Trumpers”, I haven’t seen anyone who is passionate about this guy’s candidacy.
Warren’s been on a long steady climb. Harris still has to demonstrate that she can capitalize on her post-debate surge, but if she can do that, I think she’s the most likely to pop Biden’s bubble.
Eric
@Immanentize: incredibly sorry to hear. will you be BCH or jimmy find clinic at all? I know my way around both reasonably well and would help any way I could. I have no words but wish you all best. If I can help we can connect off site if you want.
Emma is in for a week of terrible chemo of which yesterday and last night were brutal. Hoping today better.
Kay
There’s another school he was skulking around, later, not as an employee but as a donor. It’s in Michigan. A private school/summer camp. He wanted to be a “god parent” to a 13 year old girl, but her mother refused to allow further contact.
Scotian
@Immanentize:
So sorry to hear this, now you and yours are in my prayers, and I am glad your situation/outcome has better odds than mine, may it be so. You take care of yourselves, love each other and ride this nasty breaker wave out. As I have seen for others and as well as myself the love and support of the jackels for those in need and pain shows some of why I’ve always thought humans were worth the troubles we can also cause. So you have that too, just like I, a relative stranger. Cherish these friends for they clearly cherish you, well all of us, especially in times like ours.
Damn, the cancer train car justa keeps filling up, that really sucks.
Gbbalto
@Immanentize: So sorry to hear this but glad it was caught early. The very best of luck to your son and you.
HRA
@Immanentize:
I send you positive thoughts as is vastly known the most important part in healing for your son by the medical field. As someone who had to deal with having to change my college plans, it will happen for him in the future.
Elizabelle
@Immanentize: Youth and early detection should make short work of this cancer, but very sad to hear that you and Immp face another trial. Like you needed one!
Any college or uni will be lucky to have Immp, once he is healed and rested up. You two are both made of strong stuff.
Hugs also to Scotian and Eric’s Emma and anyone else with health challenges.
debbie
@Kay:
Shades of Brett K.?
scav
@Immanentize: My response to the first was the universal “blaaaaauuurrrrrrhhhhhhhhh!” with underlying wishes. But as for the second, about jobs being done? You managed to raise Immp to be more than college ready, he’s managing actual life, real messy life with aplomb: mere college will be a walkover.
chris
Probably dead thread but this book review by Henry Farrell at Crooked Timber looks interesting and appropriate. The book is State Capture: How Conservative Activists, Big Businesses, and Wealthy Donors Reshaped the American States — and the Nation
chris
@Immanentize: Jesus, that’s scary and awful. My heart goes out to you and the Imp.
Ivan X
@Another Scott: Concur. I took two years between high school and college. I don’t think it presents a life obstacle.
Awful news, though, but great that it was caught early.
low-tech cyclist
@Baud: OK, what did Dean take money away from, and was it worth it?
And just in general, where’s the best use of the money?
Fact is, a Presidential candidate will raise literally billions for her/himself. Back before Presidential campaigns had so much money, the DNC’s help was a significant boost, but that’s no longer true. What’s the DNC going to do that will make a significant difference in the Presidential race, other than refuse to let candidates participate in a debate over climate change?
But a little money goes a long way in state legislature races. Just sayin’.
Formerly disgruntled in Oregon
@Immanentize: So much love and cosmic strength to the Imp, and to you, my friend.
sigyn
@Immanentize: Nice. The Universe has ordered another round of terror for Immanentize. (((hugs)))
With such a good prognosis, I can see why you’re focused on being worried about college, but this will only be a slight hiccup in Immp’s plans for the future. Colleges love nontraditional students!
sigyn
@rikyrah: “White men. White men. White men. White men.”
That’s how you know that full legalization is inevitable.
low-tech cyclist
@Immanentize: Just want to toss in my thoughts and prayers for you and your son. That’s a real tough break for you both. (How the hell does one’s digestive system work without a stomach, anyway? Don’t feel you have to answer that right now.) But like the others have said, the way your son is facing this head-on is a testament to the way you’ve raised him. Hope the surgery goes smoothly, they get it all, and he recovers well.
chopper
@Immanentize:
damn. well, stage 1. that’s pretty fucking hopeful at least. oy gevult. tell the kid we’re all pulling for him.
Formerly disgruntled in Oregon
@Baud: @Kay:
Kamala is getting closer. I thought her answer about “Medicare for All” on The View was okay. Answer: She supports it. “What about my private insurance?” Answer: She supports supplemental private insurance.
It’s in the 2nd half of the clip, starts around 1:30. Link not happening (FYFWP), but search for “YouTube Kamala Harris The View Don Jr Medicare”
opiejeanne
@Scotian: Now you’re making me cry. Take care, Scotian. We are all thinking of you.
MisterForkbeard
@Immanentize: Wow, that’s awful. Good on Immp for being so strong – you mist be proud of him despite all the rest of your worries. :(
opiejeanne
@Immanentize: Life’s not fair. Mother Nature’s a bitch and so is cancer. I’m keeping you in my prayers and sending positive thoughts your way for both of you.
Almost forgot: FUCK CANCER!
The Lodger
@Immanentize: Horrible news but I’m proud of the Immp’s reaction. College can wait, take care of your health first.
opiejeanne
@Eric: Sending prayers and good thoughts for you and Emma.
And fuck cancer.
Richard Guhl
@Immanentize: As a pastor, I have seen how shattering and unnerving such news can be for both child and parents. Even when there’s complete recovery, the anxiety endures. I will certainly pray for your son, you, and the whole medical team who will care for him.
I applaud your decision to share this hard news, because you are helpless to affect the outcome, but your son needs you, and you need a caring support-community to be with you through this — wherever you find it.
Clearly, people here want to be that for you.
Cacti
@Baud:
I think “Medicare for all” is weak spot in general for those using it. They’re being too cagey as to what it means in terms of coverage, costs, implementation, etc.
Unless they’re actually wanting everyone to have Medicare in its present form: an insurance that pays 80% of covered services, and costs about $375 per month in premiums.
In which case, we’ll get destroyed at the ballot box.
James E Powell
@Jinchi:
Sanders support from “the left” was too small to be called a base. I estimate it to be about half of what he has now. The support Sanders got in 2016 was because he was the only male in the race after Iowa and because a the press/media and a large number of people just hate Hillary Clinton. The press/media coverage of our female candidates is the same moronic, sexist bullshit, but it is nothing like the years of hatred they had for Hillary.
MagdaInBlack
@Immanentize:
My instant response, like so many others here, is
“WTF ! cant the universe give us some time to breathe before the next kick? ”
I am so very sorry for this development, and so very glad the prognosis is good.
College will be there and so will he. You’ve done your job very well, it seems to me.
No One You Know
@Immanentize: I’m so sorry… it’s cruel to watch but it sounds like the hard walk has a good chance of ending well. Immp’s bold defiance is heartening. Take good care of yourself too; worry is inevitable. I’m trying to use worry as fuel to tackle hard decisions in my own difficulties…it makes a virtue of the inevitable, and from fear, creates power.
May the Force be with you.
Amir Khalid
@Immanentize:
Adding to the pile my good wishes for you and the Immp. Hang in there, guys.
Omnes Omnibus
@Immanentize:
If he is going into it with this attitude, you both already have a head start. Remember to take care of yourself while taking care of the Immp. You’ll need the energy, and you won’t want the Immp worrying about you. Good wishes for you both. Fuck cancer.
ETA: It was kind of fun watching you be “salty” yesterday. I am so sorry that this was the cause.
Quinerly
@Immanentize: speechless
Just reading this.
Have no words to express what I’m feeling.
So, so sorry.
MomSense
@Eric:
I’m so sorry Emma had a rough chemo. Big hugs and support to you both.
Fuck fucking cancer.
Kent
@NotMax:
These are not mutually exclusive assumptions. They can both be true and probably both are.
Kent A Lind
@Jinchi:
I tend to agree. I also think that Warren will gain the majority of Sanders supporters as Sanders collapses while Harris will gain the majority of Biden supporters as Biden collapses. That will leave us kind of where we were in 2016 with Harris edging out Warren on the basis of slightly broader support and a better primary path through CA and the South the same way that Clinton edged out Sanders.
Ruckus
@Immanentize:
Damn, Damn, DAMN.
Hope it’s stage one. Hope it is 100% fixable. DAMNIT.
Is there anything we can do? Anything you need?
Richard Guhl
@Cacti:
The Sanders version of Medicare for All supposedly takes care of all the co-pays and deductibles, plus covering stuff present Medicare doesn’t. At the same time, he promises that it will mean tremendous savings overall.
There’s no way you can square that circle.
Sanders dishonestly asserts that just by cutting out the profits of evil drug and health insurance companies and getting rid of their overpaid CEOs, we can expand coverage like he proposed and get savings, too!
Well, that’s a lie. The only way you can get the kind of savings he suggests is by subjecting providers to a massive haircut on income.
Now, who might squawk about that?
Right now, hospitals and nursing homes depend on private health insurance to cover their costs, because neither Medicare nor Medicaid do. Medicare would have to up reimbursement by at least 10% over present levels.
I suspect the one million employees of the health insurance industry and their counterparts who file claims for providers might yelp too. Implementing M4A in four years, as Sanders suggests would mean firing those folks.
And then there are the union and professional people who would enjoy only marginal improvement in care for a significant hike in their taxes.
What all these groups have in common is that they have clout and know how to scream at their Representatives.
This doesn’t even begin to touch other obvious obstacles.
Ruckus
@MomSense:
I have a different take.
There are those who are trying to screw the democratic party from both sides, all of the right and some of the left. Unity is great, but the far left is not trying to unify with the majority, they are seeing this as a chance to destabilize and win with the far, far left. They won’t of course because we in the squishy middle don’t do this, and those on the right have all gone all in on the far right, which is why drumpf’s numbers are stable. All the things we see as horribly right wing they see as strengths. The far left sees an opening, using the squishy middle as a battle ground. It’s why BS kept up his air of I’m winning after most of us shot him down. It’s why the far left is moderating their tone but not the message. It’s why there are 10,000 people running for the dem nomination. It’s the wild, wild west in politics land – everyone for themselves.
IOW it does make a difference who we run and who we vote for. While it is true that any dem is better than any republican, in the context that faces us, the far left wants to set the field in motion to win and take positions away from real democrats.
We are fighting a political war on two fronts and our enemies are still our enemies. We need to choose carefully about who we want to represent and lead us. The majority is still the squishy middle, the outliers are not our friends. The difference is how far left or right the squishy middle spreads and what can we do about that.
Ruckus
@Ivan X:
I took 6 yrs between HS and college. Of course 4 yrs of that was military with the other two trying to figure that out. Many of my cohorts had similar paths, it was a time when life felt devoid of much choice. There are others here who took even longer times. And in the end it mattered not, I ended up not doing what I had hopped college was for. Still I’ve lived, enjoyed and am still here to not enjoy our current maladministration. Life is what comes at you, the good, the bad, the inbetween and the control we think we have is fleeting at best. I try to make the best of each day, always have and it’s worked out, about normal, how it always does, some days you lose, some days you win, and some days you just coast.
JanieM
@Ruckus: @Ruckus: As so often, I can simply say “What Ruckus said,” especially to the last part of #150.
I was driving to the vigil in Augusta last night and turned the radio on, only to hear some smarmy bastard on NPR going on about the failings of the Democratic leadership, generational transition, blah blah blah. Turned out to be the pathologically self-regarding Seth Moulton. To borrow a word, blech.
Ruckus
@JanieM:
Thanks!
The vast majority of us see ourselves through our own eyes. We aren’t reflective or intuitive. We are what lives in our heads. We can look outside ourselves if we try but we have to actually try. We can also look around and if we are honest, compare ourselves to the greater assembly. We rarely do this, it’s often horrifying. Most of us, most often put ourselves on a pedestal before we compare, so that we always look at the very least good or better. But it’s a false sense of comparison, because it not real, it’s not fair. I think men are worse at this but it’s a societal issue not gender. Seth just has a much higher pedestal that he places himself on. And the brand of pedestal he uses is called Pompous Arrogant Ass. It’s a very popular brand in the circles he runs in.
Sister Golden Bear
@Immanentize: Probably a dead thread by now, but just wanted to say that I’m holding you, Imp and the rest of your family in my thoughts.
Brantl
@RAVEN: Temp it, don’t just throw it away!
Barbara
@Eric: So sorry to hear this, and not knowing the details, let me just send you my wishes for the best outcome possible. Recalling my dad’s experience with chemo, it gets harder and harder, and I hope it is helping Emma on the way to healing.
Jinchi
@James E Powell:
I know the Bernie hatred is strong on this site, but he did get 44% of the primary vote, (about 13 million people) largely from younger voters who thought Clinton was too establishment and too conservative. These same groups actively tried to recruit Elizabeth Warren against Clinton that year, and many of them backed Barack Obama in 2008. The overwhelming majority of them ultimately went on to vote for Clinton against Trump.
I don’t understand the need to pretend that these people don’t exist, or to insist that they must be either gullible, hateful or sexist.
J R in WV
@Immanentize:
Sorry for the bad news, very glad it was caught early and that the medics intend to hit it hard and successfully. Had an acquaintance who was a pediatric oncologist who told me it was really hard when he started back in the mid 1970s, but since then the success rate went from single digits to north of 90%, and that was back in the late 1980s.
Also, regarding college… I first went to college right out of high school, and struggled before getting drafted in 1970. I actually enlisted in the Navy to avoid the Army or Marines. But years later, in 1980, I sent back to college, with a whole new more adult attitude and got my BsCs with many semesters on the Dean’s List. Which wasn’t going to happen the first time around.
Immp will do fine whenever he starts college, and his plans may change with these new events happening. That’s all good too. Best wishes for all of the Immanentize family and friends!!!
JR
Cacti
@Jinchi:
Helping to elect Donald Trump earned him every bit of it.
WaterGirl
@Immanentize: Oh, Imm. I have no words, only tears.
May you have Peace to soothe you, grace to hold you, love to comfort you.
Anything you need, we’re here.
GrandmaBear
@Immanentize: Very late to this thread, but as someone who just went through a similar situation with my granddaughter- apparently healthy 7 year old with a stage one cancer diagnosis coming out of nowhere- I understand. Your life & little Imma’s will take a hard left turn, and all your priorities will change. Suddenly things that seemed important will become optional. Let them. This won’t be forever, but the detour will make you both stronger and closer. And college can wait.
Humdog
@Immanentize: I know this is a very late response, but I have been thinking of you all week since I read a comment that referenced bad health news for your family. My mother died of cancer when I was young and the loss has stamped everything about me for the balance of my life, in positive and many negative ways. I cannot imagine how your son is dealing with this. My dad lost his wife to cancer in December and then his father the following October and I am not sure how he found his way through it. I don’t have words of comfort. When my sister came down with cancer some 25 years after Mom passed, I remember having lots of hope that they have new treatments, but when my sister got better, I really resented her, for no good reason. I hated that she found doctors mom couldn’t, hated that god loved her and her kids more than god loved my mom and me. I was an adult and went completely irrational over what should have been a celebrated miracle. I guess I want to say I feel for your family and I hope you and your son are able to roll with many irrational emotions coming out of the deep subconscious. Docs seem to fight child cancers harder than everything, so lots of hope to cling to. But maybe seek out counseling for both of you through all this, too. I am so sorry.