"We need messaging that works." I agree, but as a communicator myself, I'm at a loss for what messaging can combat things like "TRUMP SAFETY/KAMALA CRIME" (one in a series of signs I saw everywhere in PA this fall). The GOP's messaging strategy seems to be: Few words. Stoke fear. Lie with gleeful abandon. It works, but it's so dishonest and disingenuous.
I already read and loved your book (and am about to re-read with friends) but would love a copy to put in my little library. Who *haven't* I reached out to this week? My mom. Friends from childhood, high school, college, post-college. Former coworkers from multiple jobs.
I almost think that’s the point. I work in marketing and live in PA and have also seen those signs, and my second reaction (after my first reaction of a major eye roll) was that it was smart, simple — even if overly-so — and distilled. I think a big part of our challenge is that Democrats love to live in the grey space and the nuance, which is where a lot of truth is, but it’s also wordy and can come across as unclear.
Case in point: I read both candidates’ policy documents. Trump’s was 16 pages, Harris’s was 82. Was Harris’s SIGNIFICANTLY more detailed? Absolutely. But I don’t think the majority of Americans are going to sift through 82 pages (hell, I would be shocked if most of Trump voters read through 16 pages) to find the details they’re interested in.
I don’t think we have to lie, but I think we have to known when to distill information enough for mass buy-in (ie: yard signs) and when to use more words and context to explain and educate!
Laura, I think (and someone can correct me if I’m wrong) that the votes are still being counted. We’re not 20 million votes shy, it’s just still ballots being counted.
Reached out to one of my very best friends from high school who just moved back to town. We're going to start a monthly women's dinner group to build community. We will need to lean on one another going forward.
I can't even read all of this because it makes me sick to my stomach. I am one of those people that have to disengage because all of this triggers my anxieties. I keep trying to check in, stay informed, but I have to keep pulling back from it all. But thank you for the work that you do.
I'm in the same boat. I did read it, but am looking forward to hearing how I can help. Feeling helpless is normal for this situation, but we can't give up.
I would also caution people not to broadcast plans in a non-protected space. Don’t text. Talk, use Signal if you need to. Turn off your location services. If it’s a sensitive conversation, go outside.
I inadvertently reached out to three preschool moms that I didn’t know very well at drop off yesterday.. they simply asked me how I was like every other day and under my dark sunglasses couldn’t hold back the tears. I didn’t have to tell them why, We all hugged and shed tears together. The collective compassion, grief, fear, rage we all shared was uniting beyond believe and I felt stronger knowing that we are here to support one another through this.
I wish we could know the future. Are we talking loss of rights or Soviet bread lines or both?! My husband is a federal employee and I’m at a federal adjacent non profit with a very large mortgage. I don’t know what to do, I feel so defeated and cannot stand not having a plan - I am not a wait and see gal, especially when it comes to my security (income/housing). I almost wish I was a clueless Trump supporter in middle America so I would be shocked when there’s no groceries instead of cheaper ones, instead of waiting for what feels like the inevitable collapse of life as we know it.
Feeling exceedingly disappointed in my state (OH) after this election, especially since it seems like Sherrod Brown lost his Senate seat, in my novice opinion, primarily due to the transphobic, xenophobic messaging of his opponent. My coping strategies, in addition to subscribing to your newsletter, have included making a recurring monthly donation to the local abortion fund, and completing an interest form to volunteer with the Ohio Women's Alliance member assistance program.
I'm also from Ohio, and it makes me furious that we just passed an abortion access measure last year but likely some of those same voters happily chose Trump this time around. I'm so sad about Sherrod and especially the messaging used against him. I feel like he truly championed working folks and I will miss having a senator that I feel wants to hear my voice on issues.
Mike Davis' post is pretty comical considering Vance denounced Trump and somehow got the highest job with him. Today, I'm ordering your book for my mom friends and I've invited them all to come with me to see Shannon Watts come speak in a couple of weeks. I emailed Newsom and am thrilled that he's already calling a special session next month to prepare. I'm emailing all of my representatives today asking what the plan is and how I can help. Take action!
I have an extremely small newsletter for my business, but I made a point to share you and your book yesterday.
I also have reached out to my sisters, friends, and cousins. I'm seeing if anyone in the same city is interested in starting a gathering where we talk and discuss civic action options.
I am so incredibly grateful for the friends I’ve made working in non-profits, some of the most educated and compassionate humans in earth - our group chat is saving our sanity right now.
Reached out to some people in my church who are struggling with this (I am, too). Trying to focus on my immediate community, knowing we’ll need strong communities to weather the days ahead.
I signed up for information on volunteering for Abigail Spanberger in her bid for Governor next year. I am scared about many things but I'm also going to remember everything you said in the podcast and here on Substack when I think about giving up.
I've reached out to my daughters (27, 20, and 14). They are all just scared, so I want to give them hope. I also went to dinner last night with like-minded friends. I'm in a very red state, so having that community is very important.
I reached out to my friend from high school who is a public defender in our city. We shared how we were feeling and talked about what we can do next. I want to learn more about what we can do as citizens to stop the MAGA agenda
"We need messaging that works." I agree, but as a communicator myself, I'm at a loss for what messaging can combat things like "TRUMP SAFETY/KAMALA CRIME" (one in a series of signs I saw everywhere in PA this fall). The GOP's messaging strategy seems to be: Few words. Stoke fear. Lie with gleeful abandon. It works, but it's so dishonest and disingenuous.
I already read and loved your book (and am about to re-read with friends) but would love a copy to put in my little library. Who *haven't* I reached out to this week? My mom. Friends from childhood, high school, college, post-college. Former coworkers from multiple jobs.
I almost think that’s the point. I work in marketing and live in PA and have also seen those signs, and my second reaction (after my first reaction of a major eye roll) was that it was smart, simple — even if overly-so — and distilled. I think a big part of our challenge is that Democrats love to live in the grey space and the nuance, which is where a lot of truth is, but it’s also wordy and can come across as unclear.
Case in point: I read both candidates’ policy documents. Trump’s was 16 pages, Harris’s was 82. Was Harris’s SIGNIFICANTLY more detailed? Absolutely. But I don’t think the majority of Americans are going to sift through 82 pages (hell, I would be shocked if most of Trump voters read through 16 pages) to find the details they’re interested in.
I don’t think we have to lie, but I think we have to known when to distill information enough for mass buy-in (ie: yard signs) and when to use more words and context to explain and educate!
This is where I am as well. I'm all about framing that matches the audience but I cannot think of how to do so with these people.
Weirdly, a friend just sent me a clip of Tressie McMillan Cottom on the Daily Show speaking to this very thing. https://www.tiktok.com/@thedailyshow/video/7434569423475772714
Thank you Emily! Curious your thoughts on why almost 20 million democrats sat out this election.
Laura, I think (and someone can correct me if I’m wrong) that the votes are still being counted. We’re not 20 million votes shy, it’s just still ballots being counted.
That makes total sense, thank you! I didn’t realize that many votes were still out.
Reached out to one of my very best friends from high school who just moved back to town. We're going to start a monthly women's dinner group to build community. We will need to lean on one another going forward.
I can't even read all of this because it makes me sick to my stomach. I am one of those people that have to disengage because all of this triggers my anxieties. I keep trying to check in, stay informed, but I have to keep pulling back from it all. But thank you for the work that you do.
I'm in the same boat. I did read it, but am looking forward to hearing how I can help. Feeling helpless is normal for this situation, but we can't give up.
I would also caution people not to broadcast plans in a non-protected space. Don’t text. Talk, use Signal if you need to. Turn off your location services. If it’s a sensitive conversation, go outside.
I inadvertently reached out to three preschool moms that I didn’t know very well at drop off yesterday.. they simply asked me how I was like every other day and under my dark sunglasses couldn’t hold back the tears. I didn’t have to tell them why, We all hugged and shed tears together. The collective compassion, grief, fear, rage we all shared was uniting beyond believe and I felt stronger knowing that we are here to support one another through this.
I wish we could know the future. Are we talking loss of rights or Soviet bread lines or both?! My husband is a federal employee and I’m at a federal adjacent non profit with a very large mortgage. I don’t know what to do, I feel so defeated and cannot stand not having a plan - I am not a wait and see gal, especially when it comes to my security (income/housing). I almost wish I was a clueless Trump supporter in middle America so I would be shocked when there’s no groceries instead of cheaper ones, instead of waiting for what feels like the inevitable collapse of life as we know it.
Feeling exceedingly disappointed in my state (OH) after this election, especially since it seems like Sherrod Brown lost his Senate seat, in my novice opinion, primarily due to the transphobic, xenophobic messaging of his opponent. My coping strategies, in addition to subscribing to your newsletter, have included making a recurring monthly donation to the local abortion fund, and completing an interest form to volunteer with the Ohio Women's Alliance member assistance program.
I'm also from Ohio, and it makes me furious that we just passed an abortion access measure last year but likely some of those same voters happily chose Trump this time around. I'm so sad about Sherrod and especially the messaging used against him. I feel like he truly championed working folks and I will miss having a senator that I feel wants to hear my voice on issues.
Decidedly in the MD/DC blue bubble here. Looking forward to reading and gaining strategies for impact.
Mike Davis' post is pretty comical considering Vance denounced Trump and somehow got the highest job with him. Today, I'm ordering your book for my mom friends and I've invited them all to come with me to see Shannon Watts come speak in a couple of weeks. I emailed Newsom and am thrilled that he's already calling a special session next month to prepare. I'm emailing all of my representatives today asking what the plan is and how I can help. Take action!
where is Shannon Watts going to be?
San Jose on Nov 20th! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-gigis-gather-with-shannon-watts-tickets-1025745802307?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse
Omg I’m in San Jose! Thank you!!! See you there!!💙
Not for only 50...I'm 43 and going! LOL Can't wait to meet you Stephanie!
Is it only for 50+??
I have an extremely small newsletter for my business, but I made a point to share you and your book yesterday.
I also have reached out to my sisters, friends, and cousins. I'm seeing if anyone in the same city is interested in starting a gathering where we talk and discuss civic action options.
I am so incredibly grateful for the friends I’ve made working in non-profits, some of the most educated and compassionate humans in earth - our group chat is saving our sanity right now.
Reached out to some people in my church who are struggling with this (I am, too). Trying to focus on my immediate community, knowing we’ll need strong communities to weather the days ahead.
I signed up for information on volunteering for Abigail Spanberger in her bid for Governor next year. I am scared about many things but I'm also going to remember everything you said in the podcast and here on Substack when I think about giving up.
I've reached out to my daughters (27, 20, and 14). They are all just scared, so I want to give them hope. I also went to dinner last night with like-minded friends. I'm in a very red state, so having that community is very important.
I reached out to my friend from high school who is a public defender in our city. We shared how we were feeling and talked about what we can do next. I want to learn more about what we can do as citizens to stop the MAGA agenda