Matt Seyfang
@mseyfang.bsky.social
Recovering lawyer, old campaign hand, anti-Trump and fascism, pro-democracy, Ukraine and NATO. 33-year HIV survivor, cancer survivor. Still a Kamala Harris fan.
The comments on this are unhinged. Folks need to take a Valium and chill. There are more battles to fight and people are burning themselves out with misplaced rage.
Many feel betrayal and frustration, and the feelings are hot right now.
I get it. I have my own feelings.
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I get it. I have my own feelings.
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November 11, 2025 at 6:21 AM
The comments on this are unhinged. Folks need to take a Valium and chill. There are more battles to fight and people are burning themselves out with misplaced rage.
Lawrence knows the Senate and what motivates Senators. A good analysis.
@lawrenceodonnell.msnbc.com: With Trump's shutdown ending, Dems are closer than ever to forcing Epstein files release youtu.be/Eqe0Suhoats?...
November 11, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Lawrence knows the Senate and what motivates Senators. A good analysis.
This is why you allow things time to be digested rather than spouting off. This is thoughtful and rational rather than rash and emotional.
November 11, 2025 at 5:39 AM
This is why you allow things time to be digested rather than spouting off. This is thoughtful and rational rather than rash and emotional.
This describes so many Republicans these days...
Word of the Day is ‘catchfart’ (17th century): an obsequious individual who sucks up to the boss and always follows the political wind.
November 11, 2025 at 2:34 AM
This describes so many Republicans these days...
Very good discussion.
"There's a difference, between identity politics and trying to be culturally competent." On the latest episode of #AtOurTable, @chuckrocha.bsky.social reacts to critiques of the Democratic Party and how they do identity politics. #PullUpASeat https://youtu.be/fkBdXFonDR0?si=boPTVhoc6-CLJC92
Black and Latino Men on the Democratic Party
In this episode we bring together three of Washington’s top political minds — Chuck Rocha, Albert Morales, and Khalil Thompson — for a candid conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing men of color in Democratic politics. From the lack of Black- and Latino-owned consulting firms to the need for culturally competent messaging and leadership, the panel unpacks how power, access, and authenticity shape campaigns — and what it’ll take to truly diversify the party’s future. Plus: concrete fixes that turn rhetoric into results.
Glossary:
Coordinated Campaign
A joint effort between the political party and candidates to share resources, data, and messaging during elections.
DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee)
The national organization that recruits, funds, and supports Democrats running for the U.S. House of Representatives.
DGA (Democratic Governors Association)
The committee that helps elect and support Democratic governors across the country.
DNC (Democratic National Committee)
The governing body of the Democratic Party that manages national strategy, sets party rules, and organizes the Democratic National Convention.
DSCC (Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee)
The party organization focused on electing and reelecting Democrats to the U.S. Senate.
IE (Independent Expenditure)
Money spent by outside groups to support or oppose candidates without coordinating directly with campaigns.
NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)
A 1994 trade deal that eliminated tariffs between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, reshaping manufacturing and labor politics.
Rooney Rule
A policy requiring at least one candidate from an underrepresented background be interviewed for leadership or coaching positions, adopted from the NFL.
-- Timestamps --
00:00 - From East Texas to Politics: Chuck Rocha's Unique Path
05:17 - Albert Morales on Early Campaign Challenges and Invaluable Political Advice
10:55 - Empowering Black Men: Khalil Thompson's Civic Engagement Work
15:08 - The Need for Black and Latino-Owned Consulting Firms
23:16 - Navigating Identity Politics with Cultural Competency
26:41 - Identifying the Core Issues in Democratic Campaign Strategy
29:37 - How Polling and Consultants Shape Campaign Messaging
43:12 - Challenging the Consultant Cabal: Opening Doors for Diverse Firms
50:59 - Why Constituent Service is the Game Changer in Politics
01:05:29 - A Powerful Example of Constituent Service in Action
01:11:48 - Analyzing 2024 Voter Shifts and Democratic Challenges
01:19:11 - Addressing Disinformation and the Need for New Leadership
01:23:33 - SYAD
01:28:55 - Looking Ahead: Key Races and Candidates for 2026
01:31:55 - Thank You and Episode Credits
youtu.be
November 11, 2025 at 1:41 AM
Very good discussion.
The impending collapse of air traffic control would have eventually led to airlines furloughing pilots, flight attendants and other staff. Millions would have had holiday travel plans ruined. Allowing the shutdown to continue had real costs...
My neighbors have missed 3 paychecks. And some still have to go to work. There were no good choices. But forcing senate repubs to pass a bill that reduces harm and that the house has to also pass is a net good strategy. Some of y'all have never had to deal with rock-and-a-hard-place / harm reduction
November 11, 2025 at 12:45 AM
The impending collapse of air traffic control would have eventually led to airlines furloughing pilots, flight attendants and other staff. Millions would have had holiday travel plans ruined. Allowing the shutdown to continue had real costs...
I agree, but there's an antisemitism problem in the left, too. That may be an uncomfortable problem for some, but it is equally corrosive and toxic.
“When you decide to look past antisemitism for political purposes, you can’t be shocked when that antisemitism eventually goes too far.”
Right-wing antisemitism has been festering for years and it comes from the top. The acceptance of Holocaust deniers into the mainstream is a symptom, not a cause.
Right-wing antisemitism has been festering for years and it comes from the top. The acceptance of Holocaust deniers into the mainstream is a symptom, not a cause.
The fundamental miscalculation behind the GOP's antisemitism crisis
Tucker Carlson hosted Nick Fuentes, a white supremacist and Holocaust denier, on his show; now Republicans are in chaos over antisemitism.
forward.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:02 PM
I agree, but there's an antisemitism problem in the left, too. That may be an uncomfortable problem for some, but it is equally corrosive and toxic.
This is the conundrum Democrats have. *None* of the options are good. This is why one's outrage should be directed at Republicans rather than the 8 who voted for cloture. This is shades of gray stuff and is not nearly as clear cut as the outrage instigators want you to think.
The choices were "bad" or "more bad."
That's the way it's going to be, since my fellow white people decided we should elect this absolute Nazi twatwaffle.
There aren't going to be good options for a long while. Maybe not again in my lifetime.
Start thinking collectively, fellow clears.
That's the way it's going to be, since my fellow white people decided we should elect this absolute Nazi twatwaffle.
There aren't going to be good options for a long while. Maybe not again in my lifetime.
Start thinking collectively, fellow clears.
November 10, 2025 at 8:51 PM
This is the conundrum Democrats have. *None* of the options are good. This is why one's outrage should be directed at Republicans rather than the 8 who voted for cloture. This is shades of gray stuff and is not nearly as clear cut as the outrage instigators want you to think.
My thoughts on the shutdown deal. I wouldn't have voted for it, but I can see why some did. First, we're right back in the same place at the end of January. Second, it forces the House Republicans to convene and act. Grijalva gets sworn in. It's not exactly a done deal, either. 1/4
November 10, 2025 at 8:36 PM
My thoughts on the shutdown deal. I wouldn't have voted for it, but I can see why some did. First, we're right back in the same place at the end of January. Second, it forces the House Republicans to convene and act. Grijalva gets sworn in. It's not exactly a done deal, either. 1/4
Elections matter.
Virginians deserve the right to marry who they love — full stop. I’m relieved that the Supreme Court decided to maintain this landmark precedent.
Virginia, come January, know that you will have a Governor who will always protect your right to marry.
Virginia, come January, know that you will have a Governor who will always protect your right to marry.
BREAKING: The Supreme Court rejects a call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
November 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Elections matter.
The Biff Tannen timeline was a little too on point, though...
They unfortunately got so many predictions wrong
November 8, 2025 at 11:54 PM
The Biff Tannen timeline was a little too on point, though...
There's something seriously wrong with him. This is just shameful behavior from a sitting Senator.
Tuberville: “We just saw what happened in NY. We lost NY. It will be completely Muslim in 3-4 years. That’s what they want. And it’s going to spread throughout the country.”
November 8, 2025 at 8:22 PM
There's something seriously wrong with him. This is just shameful behavior from a sitting Senator.
This one is R+10, which makes it within the realm of possibility if you look at VA-Gov and NJ-Gov which were also 10% swings over 2021. Uphill for sure, but worth the effort. Motivated Dem turnout might win this one.
It’s all gas, no brakes here in Nashville as we organize to elect @aftynbehn.bsky.social as Tennessee’s newest congressional representative.
If you live in TN-07, YOU have a special election coming up on Tuesday, December 2. Make your plan to vote at IWillVote.com.
If you live in TN-07, YOU have a special election coming up on Tuesday, December 2. Make your plan to vote at IWillVote.com.
November 8, 2025 at 8:19 PM
This one is R+10, which makes it within the realm of possibility if you look at VA-Gov and NJ-Gov which were also 10% swings over 2021. Uphill for sure, but worth the effort. Motivated Dem turnout might win this one.
Affordability year is the new infrastructure week...
November 8, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Affordability year is the new infrastructure week...
The other problem is adverse selection, which leads to a death spiral among insurers as only those with known medical conditions purchase insurance. That's the reason there was an insurance mandate in the ACA.
The advantage of regular insurance is that you pool risk. You don’t know how much you’ll need, so you pay the average. You get more back if you need it, and less if you don’t. With self-insurance, you have to basically save up to the maximum you might need, so it’s on hand when needed.
November 8, 2025 at 7:20 PM
The other problem is adverse selection, which leads to a death spiral among insurers as only those with known medical conditions purchase insurance. That's the reason there was an insurance mandate in the ACA.
Was this taken after having his nose up Putin's ass?
November 8, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Was this taken after having his nose up Putin's ass?
Might I suggest, then, The Orange (Lump of Excrement) Bowl.
Flights are being cancelled. Food assistance is suspended. Government employees are going without pay.
But priorities are being taken care of:
But priorities are being taken care of:
November 8, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Might I suggest, then, The Orange (Lump of Excrement) Bowl.
I haven't forgotten those times or her tireless advocacy for everyone living with HIV in a time when few cared.
A Light in Very Dark Days: Nancy Pelosi and AIDS
A Light in Very Dark Days: Nancy Pelosi and AIDS
www.nytimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 4:08 PM
I haven't forgotten those times or her tireless advocacy for everyone living with HIV in a time when few cared.
Reposted by Matt Seyfang
KBJ threaded the needle thanks to CA1’s unfinished business.
-if she denied the admin stay, the full SCOTUS woulda stepped in to override her.
-if she immediately referred the case to the full Court, they coulda dragged feet.
-instead she boxed them in to act quickly once she does refer the case.
-if she denied the admin stay, the full SCOTUS woulda stepped in to override her.
-if she immediately referred the case to the full Court, they coulda dragged feet.
-instead she boxed them in to act quickly once she does refer the case.
November 8, 2025 at 3:14 AM
KBJ threaded the needle thanks to CA1’s unfinished business.
-if she denied the admin stay, the full SCOTUS woulda stepped in to override her.
-if she immediately referred the case to the full Court, they coulda dragged feet.
-instead she boxed them in to act quickly once she does refer the case.
-if she denied the admin stay, the full SCOTUS woulda stepped in to override her.
-if she immediately referred the case to the full Court, they coulda dragged feet.
-instead she boxed them in to act quickly once she does refer the case.
Absolutely not. These ideas seem to rise on an 80-year cycle. We need to send a clear message that will be heeded once 2105 rolls around. We owe this to future generations, just as the WW2 generation tried to do in Nuremberg and the Civil War generation failed to do after Appomattox.
Once it flips - and it will - should Dems/Progressives show any mercy?
November 7, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Absolutely not. These ideas seem to rise on an 80-year cycle. We need to send a clear message that will be heeded once 2105 rolls around. We owe this to future generations, just as the WW2 generation tried to do in Nuremberg and the Civil War generation failed to do after Appomattox.
The easiest shortcut to becoming politically savvy is to listen to Black folks. It's that easy.
No they refuse to accept that black voters are smart, savvy, make intelligent choices & saw his bullshit wouldn’t fly nationwide. They’ve always attacked our intellect while they chase politicians that say “ I can fart sunshine” & they fall in line like sheep.
November 7, 2025 at 10:20 PM
The easiest shortcut to becoming politically savvy is to listen to Black folks. It's that easy.
The fact that one is not oppressed at the moment while some are oppressed does not mean one is not up next on the menu. A government capable of oppression can turn its sights on you in a heartbeat. And will.
Here's where I disagree with @radiofreetom.bsky.social. It's true that the average person in the US, right now, doesn't feel particularly oppressed. But the average person in Germany, in 1933, didn't feel particularly oppressed. They weren't the ones being targeted.
November 7, 2025 at 10:17 PM
The fact that one is not oppressed at the moment while some are oppressed does not mean one is not up next on the menu. A government capable of oppression can turn its sights on you in a heartbeat. And will.
Just in case you haven't seen this tale of sadistic cruelty being done in our name. "Broadview" deserves to enter the lexicon alongside Anderson Andersonville and Manzanar.
A family friend was telling us about what her husband shared about his experience in Broadview before he was deported back to Mexico. She's been sharing to friends and family because she's just in disbelief & horror what her husband told her. She wasn't able to talk to him until he was in Mexico.
November 7, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Just in case you haven't seen this tale of sadistic cruelty being done in our name. "Broadview" deserves to enter the lexicon alongside Anderson Andersonville and Manzanar.
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White people need to start holding white people accountable. That's the only way it happens.
Black people can't fix this and we don't have unlimited reserves of power to keep saving everyone from white people's decisions.
Black folks keep saying this and wp keep pretending to be helpless.
Black people can't fix this and we don't have unlimited reserves of power to keep saving everyone from white people's decisions.
Black folks keep saying this and wp keep pretending to be helpless.
November 7, 2025 at 10:09 PM
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