71 Comments
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Jim North's avatar

Mike, As expected, you are both gracious, and honest to a fault. That only deepens the respect I have for you.

Last night, I found myself in panic mode, but today I am calm. For as dark as things may seem, we are still immensely fortunate compared to the good people of Ukraine. If they, under the leadership of Zelensky, can risk their lives every day and fight for their freedom in a kinetic war with Russia, then we can get up, dust ourselves off and risk a fraction of what the Ukrainians are risking to fight for our freedoms here.

I think I can speak for most of us here when I say, we love you and appreciate you, Mike Madrid!

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Aimee Alessi's avatar

Thanks for metaphorical slap to snap out of it! Was needed and perspective is back, disappointed yes but another beautiful day here in California.

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Lbckirk's avatar

As a white woman I am so disappointed once again by the lack of support to women. Am I shocked, not really but definitely saddened. I think there is plenty of finger pointing to go around but something definitely has to change and the sooner the better.

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Thomas Colón's avatar

Thank you, Mike. I’m a 64 year-old Nuyorican and I initially resisted your approach but I’ve been defeated into open-mindedness. I’ll be listening, and I sincerely thank you for your efforts.

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Mike Madrid's avatar

Thank you 🙏🏼. Welcome. Your voice is much needed. I look forward to learning from you

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Max B's avatar

Just want to thank you for the work you did trying to get Kamala elected.

I keep hearing you and others say Democrats have abandoned working class people. Can you make a video or post explaining how? Democrats support unions (R's don't), they passed the chips and science act (R's want to repeal), the infrastructure act to help create jobs (R's want to repeal), they want to protect and expand healthcare (trump wants to repeal the ACA). There are so many examples. I really want to understand.

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Edris Michaels's avatar

Mike this article and your book need to be required reading.

As per politico this morning they want to push out Sotomayor and replace the only Latino Supreme Court Justice with ANOTHER black woman Justice Childs ? So on a court of 9 justices (where there is disproportionate black representation they want to make the court 1/3 black and zero Latinos???) Ok well that sounds like a recipe for further electoral DISASTER.

I am a long time Latino Dem activist heavily involved in the Obama movement This is not the play. This would be devastating.

Best

Edris

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Edris Michaels's avatar

Thank you Mike for everything you have done and your amazing insight!!

As per politico this morning there is a movement to .push out Sotomayor and replace the only Latino Supreme Court Justice with ANOTHER black woman? So on a court of 9 justices (where there is disproportionate black representation they want to make the court 1/3 black and zero Latinos???) Ok well that sounds like a recipe for further electoral DISASTER.

I am a long time Latino Dem activist heavily involved in the Obama movement and This is definitely not the play. This would be devastating.

Best

Edris

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Evan Kammler's avatar

Mike, all I ask if you is this: Never tell me what I want to hear. Give me the facts, give me your honest opinion based on those facts, and when it’s a judgement call use your experience and tell me it’s a judgement call. I truly appreciate your efforts over the years. Thank you.

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MTPGoHoos's avatar

Mike thank you for your candor and accountability. You didn’t fail us. I look forward to continuing to read your work as a paid subscriber.

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Peggy Smith's avatar

Mike: I hear you regarding the working class because I am part is the working class & I have seen it close up, locally. I have called it out locally as well. Please, Mike, stay straight up no chaser. John Heilman is right now calling out Democrats on MSNBC for not being the party of the working class.

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Brad Kitson's avatar

Voting in a lying, fascist, felon, rapist, traitor will be fine, right?

About 18M fewer people voted in 2024. It looks like they don't give a shit about democracy and the rule of law. Trump has a mandate to end elections. Autocracy has won.

Why should anyone respect the law when we've elected a felon running away from numerous indictments? The lesson is crime pays.

Everything I learned as a kid was a lie. You get elected President if you're a massive liar. Only a sucker would treat others as they would like to be treated. Treat them like shit. Target women. Target innocent Americans like Ambassador Yovanovitch. Target immigrants. Target teachers. Target doctors. Target trans kids.

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Linda L Kelley's avatar

I can't like this comment, but I share your bitterness about how the mythology of American history and the nature of America blinded us, or many of us, to the real dangers.

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Brad Kitson's avatar

No need to project bitterness on me. That's silly.

Republicans chose to play with fire. This is the base they nurtured. We are now going to get burned.

The only question is how far will they choose to go. There is nothing to stop them. Trump can legally do just about anything he wants.

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Linda L Kelley's avatar

Well, I'M bitter that the people who most insisted that we revere the Founding Fathers as saints and convinced too many of us that it couldn't happen here are bending the knee to a Golden Calf! So I guess you're right that I'm projecting. And I agree with your assessment.

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Aaron S's avatar

Mike, thank you for all of your hard work and candor. I’ve been around since the squirrel days and you remain one of the top political analysts I recommend people follow. For now, hoping that the dems take the House and the next few years are more sweet than bitter for all of us.

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Eleanor Torres's avatar

I am not so sure my family will be okay. I am not so sure democracy will survive. Without guard rails, I see an extremely grim future which will have devastating impact economically and on the world stage. I honestly cannot see what hope there is.

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Publis's avatar

I agree. I see massive shocks coming and I see a permanent degredation of our position in the world led by people like Bannon who absolutely want that.

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Rachel F's avatar

No. my guess is that the pendulum will swing back. I thought GW Bush would be the end of everything...then we got Obama. In the meantime I plan to focus on two things: defending our most vulnerable and protecting our institutions ( I can't listen to talk about SCOTUS or The Electoral College or the filibuster. Sure the US can tinker later if that seems like the best course but let's wait till the plane has landed. It will be ok.

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Marisa Gutierrez's avatar

I'm disappointed with the outcome. You gave us clear information & it was based on intellectual insight- no one can be mad about that. I appreciate the honesty. I appreciate the foundation we should consider for the future...

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Anthony Cisneros's avatar

Thank you, Mike, for the candor, thoughtfulness and sincerity. You’re a good person. Strong and wise. I look forward to your insight as we navigate these next years.

I’ll admit, right now I’m filled with a feeling of hopelessness. But in my heart I know it will pass.

Inhale, exhale. One foot in front of the other.

I look to family and friends for the strength to recover and move forward.

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Jennie Snyder's avatar

I am reeling today. Lots of thoughts and emotions swirling. Mostly, I feel angst about what’s in store for our country. Mike, It takes guts to admit when we are wrong. I agree that finger pointing does not serve us in this moment or going forward. I think we have far too much blame and division in our politics (and in our world). As always, I appreciate your honesty and clarity. Thank you for your perspective.

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Joanna Holden Greenshields's avatar

I have made the decision to leave, the USA permanently. I won’t emotionally survive 4 more years of Trump, one with no guard rails in place, no checks or balances. My son left during the first administration and is happy living in Europe. My two daughters also have dual citizenship, and will probably join me in the next year or two. It wasn’t an easy decision, but one I made before this election. I don’t recognize this country anymore. As an avid reader of European history, I’m bitterly disappointed with the outcome. I’m also very, very afraid.

My best to you all. I will continue to follow on Substack.

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