Sunday Morning Coffee 6 September 2020

We should be getting ready for the Annual Labor Day Parade here in Des Moines, Iowa. But, like many things...well, you know. Welcome
 to Sunday Morning Coffee the stories you've seen, or perhaps missed, all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to do starting before the sun comes up.  Let's go:

The Atlantic

Just a couple of days after the shocking story about hateful comments by the president toward dead and wounded military personal and it's nearly disappeared from the news.  The scathing article penned by Jeffrey Goldberg, the managing editor of The Atlantic, would have been enough to take down any candidate for any office...except for "45". We are so accustomed to the lies and the outrage that it makes us numb. Maybe that's been the plan all along.

However, now, days later more and more people are coming forward saying what was written is true. Even Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin who was attacked by "45" (who demanded that she be fired) has doubled down on her confirmation of the story saying on the air, “I can tell you that my sources are unimpeachable. I feel very confident with what we have reported at Fox."

So Did He Say Those Things

History would indicate he did.  Here is a clip from CNN anchor and military spouse Brianna Keilar:

I believe Goldberg.

The Biden Response

I watched a presser about this with Vice President Biden and the contrast was acute. He made mention that he was angry, "I'm the most angry now than at any point in any campaign...". And he ticked off several reasons as to why. When a reporter said his followers wanted him to show more anger and outrage and asked why Biden didn't show more anger the answer was this: "You must be, presidential. It's what America wants..."  Yep.

Yet Another Conspiracy Theory

And our own Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) is named in this report from The Hill: Top Republicans are seeking to downplay the heavy toll of the coronavirus, in part by pointing to a conspiracy theory that the number of deaths is much lower.

"...Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Rep. Roger Marshall (R-KS), who are both in competitive Senate races, have all pointed in recent days to the widely debunked theory that COVID-19 deaths in the United States total just 10,000 instead of the more than 180,000 recorded by health officials." You are reading that as a direct quote from the story.

Taking a page from the playbook of "45" the idea is just lie and folks will believe it. Here is a link to the story. 

Unfit

Look, I am an unabashed Democrat and I have lived through the administrations of both parties. While I have had many disagreements with policies of both parties I don't think I've ever been so dismayed by the actions of the President of the United States than I am today. This man has no honor, no decency, no compassion. He is a liar, a fraud and dangerous for our democracy. He is unfit and we've got 57 days before the election.  He must be defeated, overwhelmingly, at the polls on November 3rd. We must do this...

Trolls

When you're outspoken on issues that supporters of "45" or, really, any Republican, hold they get hot. The first thing they do is call folks names. While I delight in baiting them their lack of civility is...well factual. They adore a man who supports racist ideas, conspiracy theories, lies daily, grabs women by the pu**y and brags about it. The list is long and you all have seen it. Stunning That the governor of my state is in that camp says all you need to know.  That election comes in 2022.

Vote Polk 2020

I am holding in my hand a roadmap put out by the Polk County Democrats that aims to flip the Iowa House to the Democrats, get closer in the Iowa Senate, re-elect Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA) and elect Theresa Greenfield to the U.S. Senate. Oh yeah...and send "45" the the dust-pan of history.  This ain't my first rodeo but it is the first time I've seen such a detailed plan that is not only working...but will work moving forward. Try this on: As of yesterday 40% of the Democrats in Polk County, Iowa have requested a mail in ballot. That is a huge number and I can tell you we're not done. Every day there are people out there calling friends and neighbors block by block. Setting up voter registration tables in parking lots and in driveways. Now, it's one thing to get folks to register and ask for a ballot but getting those in and counted comes next and YES, that too is in this plan. Bottom line...we will crush the GOP at least in this county. While none of this would be possible without the hundreds (yes, hundreds) of volunteers it takes leadership to move the ball and we've got that in spades!

Polk County Steak Fry Tickets

Get 'em while they are HOT! Even if you're not a resident of this county you can still join us in person or virtually. The work that has gone into this event has been amazing. People have devoted days, weeks and months to the planning. Come on, chip in 35 bucks and join us next weekend.  Here is a link to get your tickets.

The Cindy Axne Event

Hot on the heels of the Polk County Steak Fry is a special event for Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA) that will feature former South Bend, Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg on the 15th of September. Here is a link for you so you might join us! From the campaign: "Join Cindy Axne & Mayor Pete Buttigieg for a virtual rally kicking off 50 Days until Election Day! The most important election of our lifetime is fast approaching and it's going to take each and every one of us getting involved in these final days to bring Cindy across the finish line. We can't wait to see you all there!" 

You really should join us!  Here is a LINK to that EVENT! 

Betty Devine for Polk County Supervisor

Last week I sat down for a virtual interview with Betty Devine who is seeking to flip Polk County District One from red to BLUE.  Who is she, what she believes is important, her 40 years (yes...40!) working for Polk County.  If you've not yet met Betty and of know much about this race here is a LINK to that conversation. 

Partly Personal

I'll miss being in the Labor Day Parade. For years I've participated with my friends from the various unions. I remember, back in 2016, how many people were on the route with signs supporting The Donald. We didn't see that in 2017 or 2018 or 2019.  And, given the current state of the economy I would doubt we would have seen much of that this year. However, there is no parade because Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) has botched her handling of COVID19 in this state while she clings to the demented rational of the president. We'll remember governor.

Today I get to finish up my route getting Democrats to request a ballot. Many communities, including mine, are doing a massive Get Out The Vote effort in a neighbor to neighbor program that was launched by our friends in Urbandale. The goal is to connect with every Democrat who has not yet requested a ballot.  Leading this effort has been the workhorse, Allison Engle who has done a masterful job in recruiting people to do the work.  Thank you so much!!

And, it's been months since I've been able to hug my grandchildren.

Thanks for reading, have a wonderful Labor Day and remember to thank the Unions!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[George Ensley]

This is one of your BEST Sunday Morning Coffee letters ever!
All the Best!
George Ensley