I interviewed Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin about her response to Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress, the current state of the Democratic Party, and what Democrats can do to fight back.
Thanks for the link. Better Late than never. This is what critical thinking requires: context and information: objective and verifiable. Eyes Open And ears Listening! Great job of bringing a sober view of the day's actions!!
Aaron, I don’t think anyone sees her as a leader of anything. I barely heard anyone speak about her except for her horrible cabinet nominations. I think Jasmine Crockett AOC and AL Green have gotten way more talk. She is another corporate Democrat that leans right more than anything.
I wouldn't say he's either Clueless or inept. As she stated, she is from a swing area, so she has constituents on both sides to consider and placate. Understanding constituents is essential in politics to keep your job and her salaried position (which is a key driver here); she has to act in the best interest of the Michigan people she represents (a mixed crowd), so she didn't vote the way you would've wanted. Also, it's politics, and everything is a quid pro quo.
Aaron, I just got a list of the Dems that voted to censure Rep. Al Green. Ten Democrats voted to censure Green: Reps. Ami Bera of California, Ed Case of Hawaii, Jim Costa of California, Laura Gillen of New York, Jim Himes of Connecticut, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, Jared Moskowitz of Florida, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Wahsingont and Tom Suozzi of New York. We need to be a UNITED FRONT! I'm writing to them all.
I was on the phone all morning with Sen Himes’s office. They were rude and dismissive. They said it was bc of a precedent he set in 2009z as soon as I questioned that further they hung up on me sooo not too happy about that.
Warning: this is a rant and no one needs to read it lol but thank you for the space to get my frustration out…
I of course then called all three offices.
The first person said they couldn’t speak on the senator’s behalf and that I could, “Go look it up on CNN” when I asked why it wasn’t available on his website they said they didn’t have an answer for that.
So, I proceeded to try and find it online and it was absolutely nowhere. I called back, the next person told me that they couldn’t speak on the senator’s behalf but he spoke on CNN. I told them that it is impossible to find and that it should be made available on his website. They said they were, “working on it” I told them that their constituents are mostly at or below poverty level making access to this information almost impossible. They said they were, “mailing out letters to his constituents” I told them that not standing in solidarity with Sen. Murphy and Sen. Blumenthal makes the CT Democratic Party look weak. They said they would pass along the information.
Next call, about an hour later, still nothing on the website. The representative in DC was able to reiterate what Himes said on CNN. I told them that 2009 was a long time ago. It’s 2025 and we are in unprecedented political turmoil. I also asked how they thought it looked that he voted to censure Wilson (rep) but then censure Green (dem) during an $880 million dollar tax cut aimed at Medicaid. I told them that Himes needs to be reminded that he doesn’t just represent the rich people in district 4 he represents Bridgeport. As I was confirming that they would pass along the message, they hung up on me.
I finally ended the morning by calling Sen. Murphy and Sen. Blumenthals offices to thank them for their hard work. Rant over. If you got this far, Godspeed.
P.S. the MoveOn call bank training on Wednesday was fun and informative. Highly recommend anyone with spare time, a computer/ tablet and a phone to try it out. It’s a great way to get people comfortable with contacting their local representatives.
What?! Why did they vote to censure him? And what exactly does that even mean? Does that mean he loses his seat??? This is why the Dem party is not strong. They don't support one another.
No. They basically call him to the head of the class where he explains himself and they formally ‘berate’ him with the vote on censure. He doesn’t lose his seat or spots on committee - it’s basically a fancy reprimand.
100%. We need agreement across all sections of the country that we do not want a dictator who lets his crazy friend undertake a crime spree in our government technology. We have to overcome small differences for the sake of our Democracy. Slotkin won in the purplest of districts….I don’t have to like everything she does to want to hear her.
I think your interviews are a good idea BUT I also think you need to know HOW that person voted on the various circus committee members' confirmations... and WHY - a simple question to Slotkin might have been "tell us why you voted to confirm Noem... etc" Right now Dems need to be a 100% united front - there is NO room for error here or even 1 count less than 100%. Slotkin says about Noem "While I have some concerns, I also voted to advance Governor Kristi Noem’s nomination " IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS you need to VOTE NO!!!
Preaching! During a hostile government takeover it’s important that we have an actual opposition party to counter the fascist ideals sprouting in the house and senate. If the face of the Democratic Party is already giving into their terms and cabinet picks three weeks in there won’t be much difference from Slotkin and the GOP.
Slotkin is capitulating to the right when she’s trying to get democrats to accept her view of immigration as a national emergency, especially because she’s voting for the S.5 “Laken Riley Act” she’s said our “immigration system is broken”, the way we treat immigrants and asylum seekers is what’s broken. This has already caused our neighbors to be deported just under the suspicion that they’ve committed a crime, this act is a violation of due process. The more senators like slotkin ratchet to the right, the less work republicans have to do to pass legislation circumventing due process, and destroying America, our parks and infrastructure are on the line and our “democratic representatives” seem to be of the same mind of those across the aisle.
I think you are over reacting to what she said. Our immigration policies are broken. We need to fix them, not deport people the way Trump is doing. Fixing something that’s isn’t good isn’t a bad thing. Do you realize it takes 3-5 years to become a citizen here? And in some states even longer. Please look it up. It is a very situation oriented thing and not easy to become a citizen here.
I have family members who became citizens through work visas so I understand somewhat, however Slotkin voting tells me all I need to know. She’s not voting to make the naturalization process easier or more efficient, or calling for more vetting on the background of immigrants, she’s calling for all immigrants committing crimes, despite being naturalized American citizen, to be deported. Voting for S.5 and stating there’s an emergency at the border are both wrong and “listening” to her won’t tell me anything, watching how she votes will.
Canadian here. We would like to see the Democrats show as much spine in standing up to Trump as our prime minister did. I think these unprecedented times call for unprecedented approaches, and while I’m all for respectful discourse, the Republicans threw that out the window a long time ago, so why shouldn’t the Democrats take off their gloves a bit? Elbows up, people! (PS: I’m horrified that any Dems censured Al Green. I would have rather seen them join him!)
I am afraid with need more than Ellisa Slotkin, good as she is. She was picked to do this because she is a person who represents what the Democratic party must evolve to be. I don't see her as the primary spokesperson. We need a new FDR to address the country though all the possible media every day to warn of Trumpism, his version of Nazism. It isn't my idea, but I expanded on what a few others have been saying here: https://halbrown.substack.com/p/the-democrats-need-one-person-to
How about not voting for his crazy cabinet picks like Slotkin did?
Yeah I'm not really interested in what she has to say.
She did not vote for 11 of Trumps cabinet picks.
And? I didn't kill anyone today either, but if I kill someone tomorrow, there are consequences. Killing one is enough.
Exactly!! They should be NO on everything for four years!
Why don’t you ask her reasons for that? It’d be interesting to hear her answers. I just may ask her myself.
Just click the link I posted earlier and read her reasons on her website.
Sorry I don’t see a link. Guess I will check it out myself. But thank you anyway. 👍
Why don’t you ask her why she did? That’d be interesting.
I don't have to. She put it on her website and I can read.
Oh, so she said why then.
For real!!!!!
Like?
From the horse's mouth: https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-slotkin-statement-after-floor-and-committee-action-on-trump-administration-nominees/
So now what?
Big NOPE supporting her!! Look who she voted for!!
Thanks for the link. Better Late than never. This is what critical thinking requires: context and information: objective and verifiable. Eyes Open And ears Listening! Great job of bringing a sober view of the day's actions!!
Aaron, I don’t think anyone sees her as a leader of anything. I barely heard anyone speak about her except for her horrible cabinet nominations. I think Jasmine Crockett AOC and AL Green have gotten way more talk. She is another corporate Democrat that leans right more than anything.
So that’s what you’re hung up on? Ok.
That's how clueless and inept that you are? OK.
I wouldn't say he's either Clueless or inept. As she stated, she is from a swing area, so she has constituents on both sides to consider and placate. Understanding constituents is essential in politics to keep your job and her salaried position (which is a key driver here); she has to act in the best interest of the Michigan people she represents (a mixed crowd), so she didn't vote the way you would've wanted. Also, it's politics, and everything is a quid pro quo.
Great Posting. Wonderful observation!
Aaron, I just got a list of the Dems that voted to censure Rep. Al Green. Ten Democrats voted to censure Green: Reps. Ami Bera of California, Ed Case of Hawaii, Jim Costa of California, Laura Gillen of New York, Jim Himes of Connecticut, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, Jared Moskowitz of Florida, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Wahsingont and Tom Suozzi of New York. We need to be a UNITED FRONT! I'm writing to them all.
I was on the phone all morning with Sen Himes’s office. They were rude and dismissive. They said it was bc of a precedent he set in 2009z as soon as I questioned that further they hung up on me sooo not too happy about that.
What??? That’s awful.
Warning: this is a rant and no one needs to read it lol but thank you for the space to get my frustration out…
I of course then called all three offices.
The first person said they couldn’t speak on the senator’s behalf and that I could, “Go look it up on CNN” when I asked why it wasn’t available on his website they said they didn’t have an answer for that.
So, I proceeded to try and find it online and it was absolutely nowhere. I called back, the next person told me that they couldn’t speak on the senator’s behalf but he spoke on CNN. I told them that it is impossible to find and that it should be made available on his website. They said they were, “working on it” I told them that their constituents are mostly at or below poverty level making access to this information almost impossible. They said they were, “mailing out letters to his constituents” I told them that not standing in solidarity with Sen. Murphy and Sen. Blumenthal makes the CT Democratic Party look weak. They said they would pass along the information.
Next call, about an hour later, still nothing on the website. The representative in DC was able to reiterate what Himes said on CNN. I told them that 2009 was a long time ago. It’s 2025 and we are in unprecedented political turmoil. I also asked how they thought it looked that he voted to censure Wilson (rep) but then censure Green (dem) during an $880 million dollar tax cut aimed at Medicaid. I told them that Himes needs to be reminded that he doesn’t just represent the rich people in district 4 he represents Bridgeport. As I was confirming that they would pass along the message, they hung up on me.
I finally ended the morning by calling Sen. Murphy and Sen. Blumenthals offices to thank them for their hard work. Rant over. If you got this far, Godspeed.
P.S. the MoveOn call bank training on Wednesday was fun and informative. Highly recommend anyone with spare time, a computer/ tablet and a phone to try it out. It’s a great way to get people comfortable with contacting their local representatives.
Halaluya !!! Thanks for your courage to speak your thoughts!! Speak Out Loudly!!
Sometimes What is not said speaks more loudly than what we would seek for information. Carry on. Question Everything in the search for truth!!
What?! Why did they vote to censure him? And what exactly does that even mean? Does that mean he loses his seat??? This is why the Dem party is not strong. They don't support one another.
No. They basically call him to the head of the class where he explains himself and they formally ‘berate’ him with the vote on censure. He doesn’t lose his seat or spots on committee - it’s basically a fancy reprimand.
Wow and it's so wrong. MTG can do whatever she wants and no one says anything
Yep. Hypocrisy at its worst. What they’ve done to our government is disgust and inexcusable.
I was able to call just two Reps, having chest pains now so will do more when I can and will have my husband help make the calls.
I am from CT and soooo upset about this.
Why are dems censuring Al? Ridiculous. They’re ceding their authority to the wrongs.
Agree
People need to stop worrying about what is liberal or conservative. Who cares? We need to do better for the people and serve the world as we are able.
100%. We need agreement across all sections of the country that we do not want a dictator who lets his crazy friend undertake a crime spree in our government technology. We have to overcome small differences for the sake of our Democracy. Slotkin won in the purplest of districts….I don’t have to like everything she does to want to hear her.
I think your interviews are a good idea BUT I also think you need to know HOW that person voted on the various circus committee members' confirmations... and WHY - a simple question to Slotkin might have been "tell us why you voted to confirm Noem... etc" Right now Dems need to be a 100% united front - there is NO room for error here or even 1 count less than 100%. Slotkin says about Noem "While I have some concerns, I also voted to advance Governor Kristi Noem’s nomination " IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS you need to VOTE NO!!!
Preaching! During a hostile government takeover it’s important that we have an actual opposition party to counter the fascist ideals sprouting in the house and senate. If the face of the Democratic Party is already giving into their terms and cabinet picks three weeks in there won’t be much difference from Slotkin and the GOP.
Excellent Observation!! Now this is what we need to be about . . . Open and Respectful Conversations!~!
Interview suggestions: Jasmine Crockett, Maxwell Frost, Cory Booker, AOC - sense a theme here - the leadership we need!
I'd love to see an interview with Eric Swalwell too.
Yes. Love him.
Slotkin is capitulating to the right when she’s trying to get democrats to accept her view of immigration as a national emergency, especially because she’s voting for the S.5 “Laken Riley Act” she’s said our “immigration system is broken”, the way we treat immigrants and asylum seekers is what’s broken. This has already caused our neighbors to be deported just under the suspicion that they’ve committed a crime, this act is a violation of due process. The more senators like slotkin ratchet to the right, the less work republicans have to do to pass legislation circumventing due process, and destroying America, our parks and infrastructure are on the line and our “democratic representatives” seem to be of the same mind of those across the aisle.
I think you are over reacting to what she said. Our immigration policies are broken. We need to fix them, not deport people the way Trump is doing. Fixing something that’s isn’t good isn’t a bad thing. Do you realize it takes 3-5 years to become a citizen here? And in some states even longer. Please look it up. It is a very situation oriented thing and not easy to become a citizen here.
I have family members who became citizens through work visas so I understand somewhat, however Slotkin voting tells me all I need to know. She’s not voting to make the naturalization process easier or more efficient, or calling for more vetting on the background of immigrants, she’s calling for all immigrants committing crimes, despite being naturalized American citizen, to be deported. Voting for S.5 and stating there’s an emergency at the border are both wrong and “listening” to her won’t tell me anything, watching how she votes will.
She is a middle of the road decorum is more important that democracy no spine neoliberal. Who is owned by AIPAC and other big corporations
Canadian here. We would like to see the Democrats show as much spine in standing up to Trump as our prime minister did. I think these unprecedented times call for unprecedented approaches, and while I’m all for respectful discourse, the Republicans threw that out the window a long time ago, so why shouldn’t the Democrats take off their gloves a bit? Elbows up, people! (PS: I’m horrified that any Dems censured Al Green. I would have rather seen them join him!)
Did the Dems really do that? I read it was the Repubs.
10 Democrats voted to censure. Garbage representatives.
She's a disappointment in Michigan. We could have had Hill Harper.
(SMH) Sorry. I’m from Michigan and I like Slotkin much better. Guess, to each their own.
She's a DINO. Don't be surprised when she declared to be an Independent
Absolute sham of a resistance. There is no opposition party.
I’m a Michigan resident and I thought it was a great interview. Hope she if given another chance by many of you. She is a good leader.
She is a conservative in blue clothing. I’m from Michigan and she was just the lesser of 2 evils we had to vote for. Controlled opposition
I’m from Michigan too, and you are totally wrong.
Ok!
Slotkin’s positions are everything that is wrong and has been wrong with the Democratic Party. Choosing her to give the rebuttal was a mistake.
I wish Aaron, would've asked her why she voted for the Laken Riley Act.
Awesome interview!
Thank you!
I am afraid with need more than Ellisa Slotkin, good as she is. She was picked to do this because she is a person who represents what the Democratic party must evolve to be. I don't see her as the primary spokesperson. We need a new FDR to address the country though all the possible media every day to warn of Trumpism, his version of Nazism. It isn't my idea, but I expanded on what a few others have been saying here: https://halbrown.substack.com/p/the-democrats-need-one-person-to
Like Pete Buttigege