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Aaron Parnas's avatar

If the videos don't play, I will post them individually as well, but it may be a glitch on the platform, just refresh the page a few times!

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Jeanne Schumacher's avatar

Wish there were subtitles for deaf people like me

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Aaron Parnas's avatar

I will post them with subtitles!

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Kathy Nichols's avatar

Thank you for all you’re doing Aaron. This has been such a difficult time and you’ve made it a bit less harrowing by letting us know what’s really happening !

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Robin Meyer's avatar

Excellent job! Can’t wait to hear more.

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Sandra Mapson's avatar

Thank you so much‼️👍

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Sue Munda's avatar

Thank you! THIS is what we need! I’m so grateful to you for being there, asking questions and letting us know wth is going on. Keep up the great work! We really need you & appreciate you!

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Jeanne Schumacher's avatar

Thank you!😊

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Sandra Mapson's avatar

Me as well‼️ we need all the access ‼️ we need to know what they're saying. Thank you.

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Mishtu's avatar

Videos did not work on app — but do work in browser. At least for me. Great listening to these short 1-1s. The senators seem less guarded than recently in mainstream media interviews.

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Marilyn Mosier's avatar

I had a long lag before the videos played but once they started playing it was flawless.

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Rhoda Ozen's avatar

Thank you because I cannot play them either. Appreciate it Aaron and do hope you’re feeling better.

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Jenn Sam's avatar

Ok!! Thanks for doing this!

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Michele's avatar

I am suggesting you get a small wireless microphone when interviewing folks as some were hard to hear. Thank you so very much for doing what you do.

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Darla Sergeant's avatar

I agree.

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1LEAPYR 🇺🇸🗽🔔's avatar

Thank you. Definitely not working for me. Was wondering if it’s Elon trying to manage us getting information out. So sad to think that way.

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Nancy Katzman's avatar

Thanks, and thanks for all of this

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Mary Jones's avatar

I have refreshed a couple of times, but the last six videos do not play

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KAREN CARLSON's avatar

Several went just so far and stopped. I have had this problem with many of your recent posts. I watch them on my phone. Thanks for what you are doing. Good job!

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Tiffany's avatar

The videos are playing for me! Would’ve been nice to hear some stronger answers other than “we’re going to do everything we can, and the people need to mobilize.” Basically the same answer each senator gave.

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Amanda's avatar

Ugh. Who's the leader of the Democratic party? And the answer is...... No one. He couldn't even answer one simple question. And others are all quitting instead of fighting back. Reminds me of bidens farewell speech....y'all are all fucked and I'm outta here.

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Andi Gomez's avatar

I went to my districts congressman’s town hall this week—same answers! They’re not saying anything we don’t already know and it’s frustrating.

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Alisa Berry's avatar

Came here to say that all they said is we need to keep protesting and we need to keep electing them.

It’s not what we want or need to hear.

Just like republicans, most did not answer the questions before them. A few did.

I appreciate the time and effort on your behalf Aaron for asking the questions but Democrats are not answering

The videos played fine for me but I watched in my browser from the email. I do think it’s a Substack glitch because tried them here and similar issues.

Overall, the Democrats seem to be waiting for us to gather a large enough army with enough money to defeat the republicans before they are willing to do anything.

This is why we are here. We need people actually representing us.

People who are willing to take a pay cut if necessary to balance a budget. Roll back some of their benefits before rolling back ours. You see it’s not happening to them. It’s happening to us.

That’s the message that I am taking from this.

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Chris Pickett's avatar

Same, I was feeling fairly good this morning, and then I watched all the Dem senators essentially throw up their hands.

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K.'s avatar

that's exactly how I felt watching these

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Amanda's avatar

https://youtu.be/5JpwyYRd7fk?si=3FgT-_y2s_Czss9I people need to watch this. Bernie is calling for us the people to act now.

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Lisa's avatar

I totally agree with you. Not one senator had any actual plan. I felt very defeated listening to their responses which just pointed out the issues the general public is already aware of and no one had any type of plan on how to stop what's going on. It seemed like the only plan was the senator who said - we need to flip those seats in two years...

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Tiffany's avatar

Which even then is a ridiculous thing to say…if we don’t do something NOW there either won’t be any more elections, or if there are, they won’t be free and fair! They know that. Not to mention, they’re rendering themselves useless, so he’s just going to get rid of congress all together.

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Tatiana Heather's avatar

Love that Aaron is doing these interviews. But everyone's giving the same neutral answers as if they've been handed talking points to use when interacting with the media. (Which they probably have.) We the people can only do so much. We elect and pay Congress to handle the rest!!!

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Tiffany's avatar

This is exactly what I thought. These are PR responses. Doesn’t help the impression a lot of us have that the little they’re doing to push back, is all just political theater to keep us from revolting ourselves until it’s too late. Save from AOC, Jasmine Crockett, Bernie, and a handful of others.

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Tim's avatar

YES!! - THIS!! Especially Senator Chris Murphy - you asked him: "Who is the LEADER of the Democrats right now?" - NO ANSWER!!! This is why we - the citizens of the US who did NOT vote for President Musk and his side-kick Dementia Don - are asking WHO IS LEADING US?!!?? They have no direction or plan and right now we need LEADERSHIP!!

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Kim B's avatar

I would have loved to hear from Republicans on their reasons why they won’t uphold their oath to the constitution.

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Andi Gomez's avatar

This! Can you interview republicans instead, and ask them what they’re doing to stop Trump? I wanna hear their confessions

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Spirit Fire People's avatar

I’ve asked my republican house rep, Tom McClintock, and it’s like their trip to Maralago was all about memorizing the rhetoric as talking points. Basically he fully supports all of it and the president is within his legal rights to do so. Then there were lies too, such as doge has security clearance, they’re saving money, the immigrants are all here illegally and need to go, democrats are “hiding them,” trump turned on the faucet in California …. It just is sickening.

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Elizabeth's avatar

I would like to know why my Republican senators are not checking messages. Voicemails are all full and not one person is answering.

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Betsy's avatar

So, my Republican House representative I have emailed him regarding Medicaid and I got a generic letter what it is. I know and very familiar. So, I sent another email letting him know I know what it is and requested a town hall meeting as many of his constituents are worried and terrified! The email o got back was a joke about setting up his office oh he hears my concerns! Well he will get another email! He will not answer my question!

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Andi Gomez's avatar

It almost feels like we need to protest at a local level now too. Go to our senators and congressman office and protest them to do something!

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Jana B's avatar

Absolutely THIS!! Call them out. Hold their feet to the fire. Demand explanations as to why they are working against the the constitution and the American people who they are supposed to be fighting for!

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Spirit Fire People's avatar

They don’t see it as against the constitution and they lie. Period.

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Amber's avatar

This is what I want! I want to hear from republicans. We know the dems always say the same thing. I wanna hear what the republicans have to say

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Paula Pelosi's avatar

We know what Republicans have to say. They just voted for cutting things like Medicaid instead of cutting tax breaks for the rich. They have voted for RFK Jr and Cash Patel and Pete Hegseth and on and on. They lie and are learning to lie even more frequently by what they are learning from the liar in chief.

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Fyreshell's avatar

That's what I was hoping for as well. Asking the democrats is pointless now. They are really toothless now, and the only hope is in the courts. What we need is some republicans to shake loose from whatever hypnotic trance they're under and step to the plate for the republic.

But if DT and his thugs decide to openly defy the courts, it will be up to the military to step in and defend the Constitution by removing him from power.

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Paula Sanders's avatar

Yes!!!!

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Rebekha Simms's avatar

Hear Here!! More content, more context, and enough with the circular conversations with little substance but an incredible amount of rhetoric.

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Keely Vanacker's avatar

First my positives: They seem to at least understand the seriousness that we weren't really getting before. And they at least seem prepared to put some fillibusters together. Negatives: How many of these Senators are on Fox News? Rogan Show etc.? The message just can't be said to the liberal echo chamber. It has to reach middle America too.

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Rebecca's avatar

Yes, this Keely 👏 I emailed, called, and sent a letter to every single rep (yes it took me forever) with this message. Pete B is the only one I’ve seen regularly going into their echo chambers. Silence is an even riskier tactic. We need more to do so!

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Kelly Peery's avatar

I mean, the problem is that those media outlets have to invite them on. If they’re in with Trump, what’s the advantage of having them on? They’re not going to purposefully plant a seed of doubt amongst their supporters.

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Keely Vanacker's avatar

Fox News might be harder, but Hannity had Carville on the other night. The least the Dems can do is to start reaching out. And if they say no, then publicly call them out on it.

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Rebekha Simms's avatar

Hear here!!!

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Kathy T's avatar

Fabulous job Aaron! Great questions. You did exactly what we needed you to do. Bravo!

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LJacobi's avatar

Videos are not playing for me. Anyone else?

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Heidi Jess's avatar

Same here

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Gillian G.'s avatar

I’m able to watch the videos if I open the article in a browser and not on the Substack app

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JebW's avatar

Go back to the post and try again. Thats what worked for me.

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SelmaG's avatar

Same

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Jenn Sam's avatar

Nope dead links

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ellmarree's avatar

Yes I cannot get them to play!

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Nancy Katzman's avatar

Yes!!

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Malia's avatar

I could watch on browser but not in Substack. This is incredible direct journalism, Aaron. Thank you so much for bringing your dedication, energy and intellect to this pivotal moment.

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Leslie's avatar

I’m sick to death of listening to their resumes! It’s the same rhetoric!! Worthless, he’s saying we the people must have a civil war to stop this when the senate could stop this Immediately

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Amanda's avatar

Agree 💯. Everyone is ducking a running. No one is actually fighting back because I don't think they even know what the fuck to do at this point. Our whole system needs to be torn down and redone. Like our parties are fucked. And everyone is screaming they can't wait for the next election but who you gonna vote for. Who's standing up with any direction going forward. Who. Like who.........

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Tiffany's avatar

The way things are going, there won’t be a next election.

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Amanda's avatar

Yes I agree with that as well. But most still see it happening. How do we wake people up to see. Actually see what's happening

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Tiffany's avatar

I think it’s the hardest thing of all, which is to not publicly shame and humiliate ppl who “come out” and admit they were conned and they regret their vote. Ppl see how we treat them, and opt to stay in denial to avoid being treated that way too. We have to start creating a safe place for those voices, because the more that speak up and are treated with some level of respect, the more others will come out and speak up too. Then they can educate themselves and their maga friends and family, and speak to them in a language they understand and as someone they’re a lot more likely to listen to than us. THEN, united as Americans, we will have enough pissed off ppl to step up and do what needs to be done. Together. Afterward we get our country back, we can address the elephant in the room…why did you let yourself get conned by a felon, rapist, racist, etc… and where do we go from here.

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Amanda's avatar

My husband and i have been saying this same thing. Just admit you were conned. Lied to and move on. It's no big deal. Sitting back in denial is the big deal

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Tiffany's avatar

Exactly, but the ball is in our court right now, because some people have done what you’ve said, and have been completely blasted by thousands if not millions! This is not the time for that. We don’t have time to hold grudges and bicker. We need to unite and figure out what to do about it! 😩

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Jess's avatar

Couldn’t agree with this more

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Rebekha Simms's avatar

Well Said !!!

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Leslie's avatar

And then what. What do we do next because we already know we will have a constitutional crisis. In fact, we’re already there. Do we the people have to literally defend this country through another civil war because our elected officials won’t stop this?

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Anthony Fournier's avatar

How exactly are Democrats supposed to stop this when Republicans control the House, Senate, Presidency, and Supreme Court? Blaming Democrats for the consequences of people not voting for them doesn’t make sense. Instead of pointing fingers at the wrong side, energy would be better spent holding Republicans accountable. If you don’t like what’s happening, I hope you voted—and I hope you voted for Democrats—because otherwise, you’re contributing to the problem.

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Alisa Berry's avatar

I did vote. Democrats need to stop with the rhetoric and start saying what they actually mean.

Personally, I think they are the reason we are here. They didn’t give the American public enough reasons to elect them. Republicans lied and got their votes. But they at least heard their constituents.

Obviously I don’t want more lies but I think they are out of touch with what is really happening because it’s not happening to them. Are they getting fired? Are their benefits at stake? Are they facing a pay cut?

No

They don’t understand what it is like to live paycheck to paycheck or to have to fight your insurance company for months to get medications that you need to live a healthy life. They want you to be sick and not stand up to them.

I’m fed up with all of them

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Rebekha Simms's avatar

I Like This one!!

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Leslie's avatar

Not only do I vote blue I also work the polls I also talk to everyone I come in contact with about the importance to vote! How about you? Also, the republican senators CAN stop this immediately they could have stopped it from day one! Research your history, the republicans ended Richard Nixon they can but refuse to end Donald Trump

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Amanda's avatar

https://youtu.be/5JpwyYRd7fk?si=3FgT-_y2s_Czss9I here's an answer Ive found and don't know why more aren't talking about it. Bernie sanders is calling for us to stand up.

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Paula Sanders's avatar

Love Bernie!!!! He is right, they are not going to fight this battle for us, we have to fight it for ourselves!!!

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Darla Sergeant's avatar

I sincerely hope Bernie can come forth more often in ALL the media and continue to be a louder leader and motivator for the whole country regardless of whatever party he chooses to represent! Wouldn't it be nice if he (or someone like him - male or female - ) could be the face of the Democratic party...

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Amanda's avatar

You answered your own question. They did too. They aren't going to help us. This is now our fight. Dismantle and fire them all. Every single one of them. And rebuild it. We rebuild it. Because for the people by the people seems to have gone way to for the big money by the big money

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mark hovanec's avatar

Thanks for all of your hard work, Aaron. I believe your authenticity gives the people you speak with the ability to be more direct and (vulnerable) as a politician can get. Can't wait to see a before and after portrait of you in 4 years.

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Pat Barker's avatar

Thank you. All of the questions were great, just wish we had more answers.

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Daniel Schweber's avatar

If Cory Booker praises the civil rights protests why isn’t he leading and organizing new ones? They were elected as community organizers!!!

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Alisa Berry's avatar

Amen! Why are they not leading or organizing protests?

What can they do? The same thing they tell us to do.

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Ellie's avatar

Thank you Aaron 🥰

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Liz Darling's avatar

I appreciate that a lot of them feel the same as I/we do. But that also alarms me. Why do we have a system in which our leaders are feeling as hands tied and helpless as we do? They all essentially said "yeah it sucks and I think it's illegal and I think there's a constitutional crisis but it's up to the people to change things!" Excuse me? What are you suggesting? Can you lay it out for us? Can you LEAD us? The one even said "yeah, it's scary" and my tears welled up because if this senator is scared like I am then our future feels bleak honestly.

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Julie's avatar

I read what you have written, Aaron and I listened to all of the videos. I felt like the answers that you received from your hard questions were meh. They tried to tell us about their history of fighting back earlier but that is irrelevant now. We NEED to have them fighting back NOW and finding their backbone. They need to be going to their Republican counterparts and talking with them about the real dangers and results of their actions and calling them out publicly. They need to be demanding answers not just asking them and giving up when they aren't given acceptable answers.

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S. Michelle's avatar

💯 agree

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Leslie's avatar

Social security is our money. We paid for this with every paycheck!! WTAF???

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Chris Pickett's avatar

Exactly! Are they going to stop taking it out of my paycheck too?

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