I think I'm getting ready to run for my district Rep here in Extra Red Middle Missouri ... Any tips, evidently most of the Dem funds goes to the citys... An issue, that I think is a big player in how MO went from purple to red. Anyway, any tips since you've been rubbing elbows with politicians this year?
I lived in St Joseph,MO for 8 years. Calling that state red is a great understatement. However, there are some really great people who live there. Some are even rabidly blue. You just have to find them. I think trumps's tariffs will provide you with some talking points because they will hit some of the family businesses pretty hard. Myself, if I were running for office, I'd blame the GOP rather than Trump/Maga because it might be a less bitter pill for individuals to swallow. Just saying.
I think you're correct to blame the GOP. Trump and his maggots wouldn't have gotten this far without compliant Republicans. I blame them for not stopping this mess and allowing it to fester.
Patricia,I live in red St. Joseph, Missouri now and have been amazed at the small yet growing number of protesters on the Belt and Frederick intersection. I'm surrounded by MAGAts.
Hi there! I was born and raised in Cape Girardeau, lived there from 1986 until 2004, then joined the military, spent 20 years away, and now I’m back.
When I left — before 9/11 and the Bush years — Missouri was still a purple state. After 9/11, we shifted deep red.
I’m about 90% sure that shift happened because in rural areas, the only news reaching people was conservative talk radio — voices like Rush Limbaugh dominated. That kind of messaging shaped the culture and pushed Missouri firmly to the right.
I have to respectfully disagree with you. Missouri has not always been deeply red. We were a purple state with strong conservative values, yes — but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that we fully tipped over.
Will Westmoreland is in Missouri and is a dem rural campaign and elections expert! He seems like a genuinely nice person, and I'm sure if you reached out he would help.
I’m going to be selfish and ask about me. As an LGBTQ+ person, what are the signs to look for to know when it’s time to get out of the country? I know humor can be found in this question, but I am legitimately worried especially since they have all our data from SS and know exactly who is married to a same sex person.
You are not selfish! The answer will help many people and families who need resources. We are working on a plan for our 19 year old transgender kid- we have limited financial resources. I’m terrified of waiting too long.
Paul id plan now for in case u need to leave quickly. Like decide where. How. What’s needed to get there. Do u have friends or family out of country u could rely on. Get Your passport. Pack an important folder with all legal pw ull need (birth certificate etc) and I call it a bug out bag. A backpack with essentials and my legal pw and cash that won’t trigger any eyebrows. Locate a visa free country. One less thing to plan. Try not to have to fly so you don’t get caught up in tsa bs
Thank you. I need something like this, give me a list that I can check off. I’m so anxious I can’t think straight. My husband is a VA employee, it’s coming at us on multiple fronts.
I’ll keep u in my prayers. My hubby is a disabled vet who also works for Dod. So I get it. Omg do I get it. I think I’m handling the what’s gotta be done stage a bit better because I just had my house flood twice in 18 months and literally had to make snap decisions without curling in a ball and having a nervous breakdown so I’ve been in edge for years. But literally I’m ready to leave too.
I started planning to get away last August as a dressed in case as of the morning. After election day I became a full blown prepper. The problem is, my health took a sudden downturn and i'm broke now!
Such good suggestions everyone is making! Thanks for the venue to do so Aaron. My teen ‘brown grand boys’ thought I was nuts to suggest they carry ID,etc. a few weeks ago and now I think they understand why.😡
In my opinion, the sooner, the better. I mean that because I love you. Hate crimes against ALL marginalized groups are significantly on the rise, and quickly.
I’m a mental health counselor and I can tell you that this is a great question and one my clients and I wrestle with daily. Everyone will have a different idea but you might consider your line in the samd that says time to leave (after prepping). Sometimes it may not be leave the country but may mean living closer to the border in a safe state like WA or MN. Both states make it easy to cross the border legally or otherwise. We often would canoe in and out of Canada from the boundary waters of MN…
How can we ever stop this regime? It seems so futile. I’m trying to stay positive but the right is so brainwashed. My own father told me on Easter morning that he would alienate me if I spoke about politics again. How can you not right now?! Everything is just so fucked. 😞
I hope you are taking care of yourself daily to keep from burning out ❤️
Why does it seem that there is no punishment after the Trump Administration has been found guilty of not following court orders? It seems like the cases of the Trump Administration are just like the personal cases against him before he took office. They just drag on with no punishment. Why is this happening? He's deporting citizens, he's breaking the rule of law, he's eliminating or punishing anyone who disagrees with him, he's allowing access to all personal information we thought was protected, he's doing everything he can to hurt those who need help the most. He lies to the American people in every conversation. He's tearing apart the very principles our government was founded on. How is this happening with no repercussions. Is he really above the law?
No question just yet. Just wanted to remind everyone that they are not alone. I know it's a scary time. I know people from all walks of life trust Aaron to provide them with the news and the things we hear are horrifying most days. As the parent of a autistic young adult, a child with a complex diagnosis, a child who is part of the LGBTQA+ community, and a Native American, I feel like I'm constantly in fight or flight mode. But there is still some good in this country, and that's worth fighting for. Thinking of all of you in a good way. ❤️❤️❤️
I'm guessing many of us who are parents and grandparents look at you not only as a highly skilled journalist and a trusted source of information but also as member of our extended "family" since it feels like we are on a journey together. Our relationship is multi dimensional because of the times in which we live. Emily Metzger asked about your wife with the same curiosity I feel. It's a desire to know about a fellow traveler. That said, absolutely you must protect her and your privacy and safety at all costs. You have taken on a huge task of great importance to all of us and we fear for your safety and that of your wife. Remember, you are Parnas Powerful!
Hey Aaron! Without intending to, I found pictures of you guys online the other day. Let me know if you want more info. I’ll try to see how I came across it again in case you didn’t mean for those images to be public. 💗
As lovely as that would be, I would worry about her safety. We all know how much Trump loves to threaten and demean the spouse and family of his "enemies". 😟
I've read comments and thoughts from Trump voters. Some do not believe Trump was convicted of anything; some believe anybody either kidnapped by ICE or deported were given due process. It's frightening.
Do we have a chance of getting our democracy back?
Agree! Do we have a chance of getting our democracy back is the #1 key question and wondering the same thing, but not seeing anyone talking about it, just circles around and around, how is this all going to play out for future generations?
I'm not sure of you can answer this but - Can the DOJ attorneys who are facilitating the nonsense (gross understatement !) in courtrooms be sanctioned by the bar? Loose their credentials?
Is it true that people like Pam Bondi could be “brought before” the Florida state bar for possible disbarment; based on her statements after the Supreme Court ruled against the administration in a stunning 9-0 ruling?
Your father is very proud of you! He was so excited on his podcast to say he was going to lunch with you! Thanks to both of you for your good work! Stay safe.
I really appreciate getting my news through you. I hope you stay safe so you can continue this work. What issue do you see as the one that will finally make Republicans truly stand up to Trump?
Hi ... I love how you take the bad news and condense it to a very manageable time, so that I can keep up with it. I try to keep up daily with the horrible news, but I really appreciate what you do. (And if you're ever in San Francisco, would love to treat you to a meal.) Thanks.
I think I'm getting ready to run for my district Rep here in Extra Red Middle Missouri ... Any tips, evidently most of the Dem funds goes to the citys... An issue, that I think is a big player in how MO went from purple to red. Anyway, any tips since you've been rubbing elbows with politicians this year?
Thanks!
Start with your local clubs and caucuses! They know the area the best.
I lived in St Joseph,MO for 8 years. Calling that state red is a great understatement. However, there are some really great people who live there. Some are even rabidly blue. You just have to find them. I think trumps's tariffs will provide you with some talking points because they will hit some of the family businesses pretty hard. Myself, if I were running for office, I'd blame the GOP rather than Trump/Maga because it might be a less bitter pill for individuals to swallow. Just saying.
I think you're correct to blame the GOP. Trump and his maggots wouldn't have gotten this far without compliant Republicans. I blame them for not stopping this mess and allowing it to fester.
Patricia,I live in red St. Joseph, Missouri now and have been amazed at the small yet growing number of protesters on the Belt and Frederick intersection. I'm surrounded by MAGAts.
Hi there! I was born and raised in Cape Girardeau, lived there from 1986 until 2004, then joined the military, spent 20 years away, and now I’m back.
When I left — before 9/11 and the Bush years — Missouri was still a purple state. After 9/11, we shifted deep red.
I’m about 90% sure that shift happened because in rural areas, the only news reaching people was conservative talk radio — voices like Rush Limbaugh dominated. That kind of messaging shaped the culture and pushed Missouri firmly to the right.
I have to respectfully disagree with you. Missouri has not always been deeply red. We were a purple state with strong conservative values, yes — but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that we fully tipped over.
Best of luck! 💙
Missourian here. I like where you’re going with this. Also, how can we overcome the suppression? We voted for amendment 3 and now what?
I think what we NEED to do is A. Vote em out. And B. Draft a bill amending that portion of the constitution that says they can override our vote.
Needs to go in those steps, but as soon as we can do that... We should.
Will Westmoreland is in Missouri and is a dem rural campaign and elections expert! He seems like a genuinely nice person, and I'm sure if you reached out he would help.
https://www.thebackfortyofficial.com/
IG: westmorelandpops
Maybe check in with Jess Piper, too, to see what she learned from running for office?
Good luck!!
Good for you!. Have you contacted Jess Piper? She's doing great work in MO
Yes I have!!
I’m going to be selfish and ask about me. As an LGBTQ+ person, what are the signs to look for to know when it’s time to get out of the country? I know humor can be found in this question, but I am legitimately worried especially since they have all our data from SS and know exactly who is married to a same sex person.
You are not selfish! The answer will help many people and families who need resources. We are working on a plan for our 19 year old transgender kid- we have limited financial resources. I’m terrified of waiting too long.
Paul id plan now for in case u need to leave quickly. Like decide where. How. What’s needed to get there. Do u have friends or family out of country u could rely on. Get Your passport. Pack an important folder with all legal pw ull need (birth certificate etc) and I call it a bug out bag. A backpack with essentials and my legal pw and cash that won’t trigger any eyebrows. Locate a visa free country. One less thing to plan. Try not to have to fly so you don’t get caught up in tsa bs
Thank you. I need something like this, give me a list that I can check off. I’m so anxious I can’t think straight. My husband is a VA employee, it’s coming at us on multiple fronts.
I’ll keep u in my prayers. My hubby is a disabled vet who also works for Dod. So I get it. Omg do I get it. I think I’m handling the what’s gotta be done stage a bit better because I just had my house flood twice in 18 months and literally had to make snap decisions without curling in a ball and having a nervous breakdown so I’ve been in edge for years. But literally I’m ready to leave too.
I started planning to get away last August as a dressed in case as of the morning. After election day I became a full blown prepper. The problem is, my health took a sudden downturn and i'm broke now!
You do the best you can.
Great info. Great suggestion.
On the East Coast I've heard the line to emigrate to Toronto, Canada is backed up to Miami Florida! 😅Funny/not funny
Such good suggestions everyone is making! Thanks for the venue to do so Aaron. My teen ‘brown grand boys’ thought I was nuts to suggest they carry ID,etc. a few weeks ago and now I think they understand why.😡
In my opinion, the sooner, the better. I mean that because I love you. Hate crimes against ALL marginalized groups are significantly on the rise, and quickly.
I’m a mental health counselor and I can tell you that this is a great question and one my clients and I wrestle with daily. Everyone will have a different idea but you might consider your line in the samd that says time to leave (after prepping). Sometimes it may not be leave the country but may mean living closer to the border in a safe state like WA or MN. Both states make it easy to cross the border legally or otherwise. We often would canoe in and out of Canada from the boundary waters of MN…
How can we ever stop this regime? It seems so futile. I’m trying to stay positive but the right is so brainwashed. My own father told me on Easter morning that he would alienate me if I spoke about politics again. How can you not right now?! Everything is just so fucked. 😞
I hope you are taking care of yourself daily to keep from burning out ❤️
Why does it seem that there is no punishment after the Trump Administration has been found guilty of not following court orders? It seems like the cases of the Trump Administration are just like the personal cases against him before he took office. They just drag on with no punishment. Why is this happening? He's deporting citizens, he's breaking the rule of law, he's eliminating or punishing anyone who disagrees with him, he's allowing access to all personal information we thought was protected, he's doing everything he can to hurt those who need help the most. He lies to the American people in every conversation. He's tearing apart the very principles our government was founded on. How is this happening with no repercussions. Is he really above the law?
Yes, is he EVER going to be held accountable?
Aaron, do you have an answer? As an attorney, is this how the courts work?
I will be eagerly awaiting his answer Sheila!!
No question just yet. Just wanted to remind everyone that they are not alone. I know it's a scary time. I know people from all walks of life trust Aaron to provide them with the news and the things we hear are horrifying most days. As the parent of a autistic young adult, a child with a complex diagnosis, a child who is part of the LGBTQA+ community, and a Native American, I feel like I'm constantly in fight or flight mode. But there is still some good in this country, and that's worth fighting for. Thinking of all of you in a good way. ❤️❤️❤️
Well said and thank you for the encouragement! ❤️
🥰
💙💙💙
Do you see any evidence that Republicans might actually cross the aisle and break from Trump? (Probably wishful thinking, but a girl can dream...)
Yes 100%. Don Bacon has called on Hegseth to resign. Murkowski/Collins have called out Trump. I suspect there will be more.
But will there be enough to make a difference?
thank you for that answer
I call Thom Tillis almost daily. Just makes me feel better, not that it matters to him.
🙏💙
When can we meet your lovely wife?!
Probably never, unfortunately with threats to our safety, I try to keep my personal life quiet :)
I'm guessing many of us who are parents and grandparents look at you not only as a highly skilled journalist and a trusted source of information but also as member of our extended "family" since it feels like we are on a journey together. Our relationship is multi dimensional because of the times in which we live. Emily Metzger asked about your wife with the same curiosity I feel. It's a desire to know about a fellow traveler. That said, absolutely you must protect her and your privacy and safety at all costs. You have taken on a huge task of great importance to all of us and we fear for your safety and that of your wife. Remember, you are Parnas Powerful!
💯
totally understood! I wish you two the best in everything!!
SMART!!!
Hey Aaron! Without intending to, I found pictures of you guys online the other day. Let me know if you want more info. I’ll try to see how I came across it again in case you didn’t mean for those images to be public. 💗
Google can search out what is public about you online and give you the ability to ask for it to be removed.
Agree!
Good for you
I totally agree with you and as much Family as you can
Also please be SAFE 🦋
Very wise
As lovely as that would be, I would worry about her safety. We all know how much Trump loves to threaten and demean the spouse and family of his "enemies". 😟
Yeah what Cindy said, and he’s said thank you to these requests in the past but he wants to keep his relationship separate from this work.
I've read comments and thoughts from Trump voters. Some do not believe Trump was convicted of anything; some believe anybody either kidnapped by ICE or deported were given due process. It's frightening.
Do we have a chance of getting our democracy back?
Agree! Do we have a chance of getting our democracy back is the #1 key question and wondering the same thing, but not seeing anyone talking about it, just circles around and around, how is this all going to play out for future generations?
I'm not sure of you can answer this but - Can the DOJ attorneys who are facilitating the nonsense (gross understatement !) in courtrooms be sanctioned by the bar? Loose their credentials?
Maybe—if they lie, yes. Otherwise, not really
That is where my question is.
Is it true that people like Pam Bondi could be “brought before” the Florida state bar for possible disbarment; based on her statements after the Supreme Court ruled against the administration in a stunning 9-0 ruling?
This should be executed.
What is a story that we are overlooking because of the amount of news? (And thanks for what you do.)
How bad the economy actually is doing. Not enough people are talking about it.
I told my sister the other day how bank the economy was. She's MAGA. She told me I was crazy. 🤷
Let's do what they do, and start a rumor how bad the economy is. :-)
https://paulkrugman.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web is talking about the economy on here.
Missouri overturning abortion rights amendment and sick leave bill...
Your father is very proud of you! He was so excited on his podcast to say he was going to lunch with you! Thanks to both of you for your good work! Stay safe.
I really appreciate getting my news through you. I hope you stay safe so you can continue this work. What issue do you see as the one that will finally make Republicans truly stand up to Trump?
I think Medicaid cuts.
I hope they do! This will effect my son negatively! As well as so many others!
Why so? A lot seem to echo trumps platform to get rid of it/cut
Because (I think) the great majority of their maga constituents are either on Medicaid or their immediate family is
No question today…Just a huge Thank You for keeping it real!
Thank YOU
Do we know what’s happening regarding SSA. And for a non political question what’s your favorite ice cream flavor
No updates on SSA right now, and either butter pecan or pistachio!
Omg I LOVE BUTTER PECAN!
So many things to worry about, I',m trying to limit how much I let in. Senior citizen here.
This idea about paying women $5000 per baby makes me sick. Besides $5000 running out very quickly, then what to do? I can see it being abused.
My teaching background was in low economic areas. I worry enough about that population without this.
How likely is it? Or is something else we're supposed to take as a "joke"?
Hi ... I love how you take the bad news and condense it to a very manageable time, so that I can keep up with it. I try to keep up daily with the horrible news, but I really appreciate what you do. (And if you're ever in San Francisco, would love to treat you to a meal.) Thanks.