what a beatdown!

I trust everyone watched the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and that shambolic former president last night. If you didn't here's a spoiler alert: she crushed, humiliated, and shamed him all night long. It's not just me saying it. Here's Steve Schmidt, former Republican operative: "Trump looked like a schlub for most of the debate. His shoulders were crumpled into a position of loserdom and weakness. His eyes were lowered and his head down because that is the position of subordination, defeat and humiliation. He was disemboweled by Kamala Harris, who destroyed him by becoming the first American in a decade to stand toe-to-toe with him, and call him out with eloquence, precision and devastating examples. [She] did what none of the men Trump rolled over could do. She emasculated him, shamed him, humiliated him, held him to account, expressed contempt, dismay and wonderment, while dismissing him with a look that was worth ten million words."

I could round up dozens of similar takes, but I don't have to because a diarist at Daily Kos has already done the work. He cites a wide variety of media outlets with links. So give yourself a little treat and cruise through the list. Of course if you have the time, you might want to watch the whole thing. Maybe even again! It was that thrilling. If you have less time, you might want to watch the Washington Post's ‘I’m talking now’: Most memorable lines from the Trump-Harris debate (about 10 minutes).

The New York Times has published a long article — 2024 Presidential Election Calendar — that details the dates for absentee balloting and early in person voting in pretty much every state. Though, oddly, Wisconsin does not make the list of states with voting by mail options, it does list October 31 for the last date to request an absentee ballot. If you want to vote by mail in this state, you should know that absentee ballots begin to be mailed on September 19. And you probably should request one at My Vote now. The article is a reminder that Election Day starts NOW and ENDS on November 5!

The Brennan Center has a great piece on How Voting Laws Have Changed in Battleground States Since 2020, including in Wisconsin. Here's their account: "Lawmakers in Wisconsin have made multiple attempts over the past few years to enact restrictive legislation. They would have succeeded but for Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who vetoed at least seven restrictive bills that the Republican-controlled legislature passed. Four would have restricted the mail voting process, making it harder to apply for, or have a mail ballot counted. The fifth would have made it more difficult to join and remain on the state’s permanent mail voting list. The sixth and seventh would have mandated the Wisconsin Elections Commission to verify with the Division of Motor Vehicles that registered voters are citizens. Motor vehicle data is often outdated, meaning that people who have become naturalized citizens may be wrongfully purged."

One of those last two, verifying the citizenship of voters, is going to appear on your November 5 ballot as a potential Wisconsin Constitutional Amendment. It is already illegal for non-citizens to vote and the instances of such voting are vanishingly rare. So from the jump, the amendment is unnecessary. If passed, it would change the current language — "Every United States citizen age 18 or older who is a resident of an election district" is a qualified voter — to say "Only a United States citizen age 18 or older who is a resident of an election district is a qualified voter." The League of Women Voters explains why this apparently meaningless change is nevertheless "harmful and can diminish our voting rights." The League will hold a webinar on the topic on Tuesday, September 17 at 7pm Central Time. You can register here.

Also the League has now published its Voter Guide — VOTE411.org — with essential information for Wisconsin voters ahead of the November 5 election. It has also published a podcast — This is What Democracy Sounds Like — with Carlene Bechen discussing the new maps.

The Milwaukee Chapter of the League is providing Voter Registration Training on Thursday, September 12, from 3:00 - 4:00pm at No Studios, 1037 W McKinley Ave. You will learn how to register people to vote using MyVote.WI.gov, including what is acceptable photo ID. Registration is required. You can also use the online tutorial, both in a text version and in a video version.

Three additional ways to DO SOMETHING have come to my attention this week:

The Jodi Habush Sinykin campaign is seeking places to put large Jodi signs. So, do you have a high-visibility yard, or a friend who does? We want to put the 8' x 4' and 4' x 4' signs all over the district!! Please reach out to [email protected] for sign requests.
Become part of the DPW Voter Protection program. It's critical, and there are many opportunities to help, including observing, manning phones, etc. Sign up for training. The highest priority for the VoPro team is recruiting poll observers. They are the eyes and ears around the state. Sign up to be a poll observer. And here is a document with all their volunteer opportunities.
Apartment and condo buildings are hard to reach when canvassing. We are looking to have a Democrat in every building in Shorewood to be the point of contact. You will be a given a list of building tenants and a script to reach the Democrats in these residences and invite them to be a part of this innovative program. To be a recruiter, contact Keith Schmitz.

And as usual, there's a copious list of events you can participate in over the next few weeks.

EVENTS

Wednesday, September 11

Neighbor Night with Dana Glasstein, 4:30 - 6:00pm
Heritage Settlement Park, 780 Homestead Trail, Grafton
Meet and Greet your Grafton neighbors and hear more about how Dana Glasstein, Assembly candidate in the NEW 22nd Assembly District will be A Voice for All. Sign up.

Canvassing for Jodi Habush Sinykin, 5:30
Colectivo, 11205 Cedarburg Road, Mequon
Knock on doors in Mequon with Team Jodi! We will talk to voters in Mequon/Thiensville about issues important to them as they head to the polls this year and share our excitement for Jodi Habush Sinykin, Kamala Harris, Tammy Baldwin, and Democrats up and down the ballot! Never canvassed before? No problem! We'll provide training! Sign up.

Thursday, September 12

Pancakes and Tales of Terror, 9:00am
Shriners Temple, 3000 W@ Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
Join the League of Progressive Seniors, Souls to the Polls, and SEIU Wisconsin for a free breakfast buffet to discuss the impact that Project 2025 will have on programs that support senior citizens (including Social Security and medical care) ahead of the November election. Plus, hear from expert Colin Seeberger (Center for American Progress, Washington D.C.) to learn more about the issues and what you can do to make a difference!. Sign up. For more information email Karen Royster.

LuAnn Bird for State Assembly Fundraiser, 5:00 - 7:00pm
2815 E Oklahoma, Milwaukee
Jackie Boynton, Dain Maddox, Patty Yunk, Stephanie Sue Stein, Barb Notestein, Tom Callan, Sally Callan, Dick Buschmann, Karen Royster, Marlene Ott, Patricia Dunn, and Dave Weingrod with the League of Progressive Seniors Invites you to a fundraiser for LuAnn Bird, running in the 61st Assembly District, a red-to-blue, very flippable seat. RSVP.

Neighbor Night with Dana Glasstein, 6:30 - 8:00pm
address provided upon RSVP
Please join our hosts, Margie Spoerl and Steve Kulick, for a fundraiser to support Dana Glasstein for State Assembly! Dana will fight to protect reproductive freedoms, uphold our democratic principles, fund our public schools, and expand access to affordable healthcare. As a concerned citizen, Dana was a petitioner in the lawsuit that ended the extreme partisan gerrymander in Wisconsin. With fairer maps, we can build a strong majority to ensure that the voices and values of ALL residents in our district can be heard. Sign up.

Jodi Habush Sinykin Grafton Meet and Greet, 6:30 - 8:30pm
address provided upon RSVP
RSVP to [email protected]

Friday, September 13

Port Washington Canvass with Jodi Habush Sinykin!, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Java Dock, 116 W Grand Ave, Suite 101, Port Washington
Knock on doors with Team Jodi in Port Washington! We will talk to voters in Port Washington about issues important to them as they head to the polls this year and share our excitement for Jodi Habush Sinykin, Kamala Harris, Tammy Baldwin, and Democrats up and down the ballot! Never canvassed before? No problem! We'll provide training! Sign up.

Saturday, September 14

Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
95th and Beurleigh
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday. This week we are standing with the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Sunday, September 15

LWV: The International Day of Democracy, 3:00 - 5:00pm
Central United Methodist Church, 639 N 25th St, Milwaukee
The International Day of Democracy, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2007 to promote and uphold democratic principles. The day's goals include:
• Advocating for democracy as a fundamental human right
• Promoting democracy as a key component of effective governance and global peace
• Assessing the global status of democracy
• Mobilizing political will and resources to address global problems
Registration is required. There is no fee.

Monday, September 16

DPMC General Meeting, 6:00pm
GCIU Milwaukee Labor Council, 633 S Hawley Rd, Milwaukee
Please join us for the September General Membership Meeting.

Tuesday, September 17

Jodi Habush Sinykin Mequon Meet and Greet10:00 - 11:30am
address pm RSVP
RSVP to [email protected].

Menomonee Falls Canvass with Jodi Habush Sinykin! 5:00 - 7:00pm
Fiddleheads, N88 W16621, Appleton Ave, Menomonee Falls
Knock on doors with Team Jodi in Port Washington! We will talk to voters in Menomonee Falls about issues important to them as they head to the polls this year and share our excitement for Jodi Habush Sinykin, Kamala Harris, Tammy Baldwin, and Democrats up and down the ballot! Never canvassed before? No problem! We'll provide training! Sign up.

Vote No: November 5 Constitutional Amendment, 6:00pm
Virtual
The Constitutional Amendment on the November 5 ballot is harmful and can diminish our voting rights. Join the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin on Tuesday, September 17 at 7 pm for this virtual program to learn why you should vote no to this constitutional amendment. Learn what's at stake. This constitutional amendment aims to divide us. Let's come together and vote no! Register for the Webinar.

Wednesday, September 18

Green Tie Milwaukee, 6:00 - 8:30pm
Turner Ballroom, 1040 Vel R. Phillips Avenue, Milwaukee
Green Tie Milwaukee is next Wednesday! The guest list is filling up with supporters, activists, award winners, elected officials, and conservation voters just like you. Will you celebrate with us? We still have limited tickets available, get yours now! We can't wait to recognize and hear from our award winners Sharon Adams, Dan Lenz and Carlene Bechen representing Law Forward, and our own Kerry Schumann. We'll also hear from Jodi Habush Sinykin and Angela Stroud, two standout, visionary candidates working to bring more conservation voices to the state legislature. Join Wisconsin Conservation Voters to celebrate, reflect, and get fired up for November! Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided. Wear what makes you feel fun and a little fancy. Green accessories encouraged! Secure your ticket.

DPOC General Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join us at our monthly general meeting, typically the 3rd Wed of each month at 7 pm at our Grafton Office. Get caught up on the latest local politics while helping us elect people to office. Thanks to Fair Maps, we have an opportunity to elect people to the 22, 23, and 59 Assembly Districts as well as the 8th and 20th Senate Districts. Zoom links for the meeting are sent to paid DPOC members.

Friday, September 20

Your Help is Needed! 9:30am
Knickerbocker Hotel, 1028 E Juneau
Join us as we DO SOMETHING! We will have two easy-to-do activities.
1. Working Families is piloting a postcard system to our contacts. It is all completed on one's smartphone.
2. We will be writing letters for candidates who are running in close races.
Please let us know if you plan to attend.

Fox Point/Bayside Canvass with Team Jodi Habush Sinykin for State Senate! 5:00 - 7:00pm
Starbucks Bayside, 383 W Brown Deer Rd, Bayside
Knock on doors with Team Jodi in Fox Point! We will talk to voters in Fox Point/Bayside about issues important to them as they head to the polls this year and share our excitement for Jodi Habush Sinykin, Kamala Harris, Tammy Baldwin, Deb Andraca and Democrats up and down the ballot! Never canvassed before? No problem! We'll provide training! Sign up.

Monday, September 23

PATH TO VICTORY BRIEFING, 4:00 - 5:00pm
Pfister Hotel, 424 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
For the first time in over a decade, we have legislative maps the will give Democrats an even playing field to compete with Republicans. Join State Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein to get an in-depth look at how we are going to retake the Democratic Majority. The event will feature DPW Chairman Ben Wikler and Jodi Habush Sinykin as well as Leader Hesselbein. Email Sam to RSVP!

Tuesday, September 24

Port Washington Meet and Greet, 5:00 - 6:30pm
3639 E Norport Dr, Port Washington
Join us for a Port Washington Meet and Greet with our Ozaukee County Candidates:
    •  John Zarbano, 6th Congressional District;
    •  Jody Habush Sinykin, Senate District 8;
    •  Dana Glasstein, Assembly District 22;
    •  Jack Holzman, Assembly District 59.
Contributions always welcome and appreciated. The links above will take you to each candidate's donation page.

SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday, September 25

Port Washington Canvass with Team Jodi Habush Sinykin for State Senate! 5:00 - 7:00pm
116 W Grand Ave, Port Washington
Knock on doors with Team Jodi in Port Washington! We will talk to voters in Port about issues important to them as they head to the polls this year and share our excitement for Jodi Habush Sinykin, Dana Glasstein, Kamala Harris, Tammy Baldwin, and Democrats up and down the ballot! Never canvassed before? No problem! We'll provide training! Sign up.

Friday, September 27

2024 Wisconsin Student Voting Summit, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Virtual
Join us for the 4th Annual Wisconsin Student Voting Summit, hosted by Campus Vote Project and Milwaukee Area Technical College. Friday, September 27th, will be a hybrid program from 12 - 3 PM, join on Zoom or in-person at MATC. Saturday, September 28th will be in-person at MATC from 10 AM - 5 PM. Learn how to inspire students to vote and have a great election! Thank you to our partners and sponsors: Voter Riders, Students Learn Students Vote, All Voting is Local, Do Something, Common Cause, Braver Angels, Action for Climate Emergency, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, Souls to the Polls, and the Fair Maps Coalition. Register.

Menomonee Falls Canvass with Team Jodi Habush Sinykin for State Senate! 5:00 - 7:00pm
Fiddleheads, N88W16621 Appleton Ave, Menomonee Falls
Knock on doors with Team Jodi in Menomonee Falls! We will talk to voters in the Falls about issues important to them as they head to the polls this year and share our excitement for Jodi Habush Sinykin, William Walter, Kamala Harris, Tammy Baldwin, and Democrats up and down the ballot! Never canvassed before? No problem! We'll provide training! Sign up.

Neighbor Night with Dana Glasstein, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Mequon (exact address upon RSVP)
Meet and Greet at Jennifer Mackinnon's home in Mequon. Learn about how you can help make the NEW Assembly District 22 Blue on November 5. Sign up.

Thursday, October 10

2024 Emergency Gun Violence Summit, 8:00am -4:00pm
Baird Center, 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
Register for Wisconsin's largest gun violence prevention event, organized by Forward Latino and the 80% Coalition, a group of nearly 40 advocacy, business, faith-based, and service organizations! Come hear from survivors, national and local experts, faith-based leaders, elected officials, and advocates to learn what you can do to be the change we need. These presenters will share proven ways to prevent gun violence, including evidence-based policy reforms and violence intervention strategies. You'll leave the summit knowing how to become an even more effective gun violence prevention advocate. This summit is free for supporters of Grassroots North Shore.