A Message from Co-Presidents Carol Pauley and Kathy Hardy

A Crack in the Wall? Between recent events and public opinion, it looks like we’re seeing a MAGA movement that is facing some serious issues. Trump’s approval rating overall, and on a variety of single issues, is steadily declining, even among his staunchest allies.

Why is our outlook a little brighter today? Well…

• The November 4 elections showed a significant Democrat surge, flipping the Virginia governorship and scoring decisive victories in New Jersey and New York City. Dems also made gains in state legislatures, driven by voter dissatisfaction with Trump’s economic policies.
• Republicans refuse to back down on the Epstein vote. Trump has withdrawn his support for Marjorie Taylor Greene, an outspoken supporter of releasing the Epstein files. And he was unable to convince Lauren Boebert to change her demand to release files, despite pressure from the Oval Office.
• Trump lowered tariffs on coffee, beef, bananas, and other many food items. It seems the public really doesn’t believe that someone else besides the consumer pays the tariffs, and they’re letting their dissatisfaction show.
• The public, while satisfied that Trump has secured the southern border, is clearly unhappy with ICE and US Border Patrol running through cities wearing masks and waving guns. The inhumane treatment of immigrants was recently denounced by the Pope, Catholic bishops, and Evangelical clerics as the “opposite of pro life.”
• The Republic-controlled senate recently thumbed their nose at Trump when he called for repeal of the filibuster to end the government shutdown.
• When Trump’s allies tried to tell him that his economic policy was taking the country in the wrong direction, his response was to suggest a 50-year mortgage. The proposal was received with scorn from MAGA faithful in general and his housing czar, Bill Pulte, in particular. A 50-year mortgage, while offering lower monthly payments, would be most beneficial to the banks.
• The public recently panned Trump for suggesting that more H1B visas are needed to bring in trained foreign workers. He said the US population is lacking in certain talent. Statements like that don’t go over very well, even with the MAGA crowd.
• Colombia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have stopped sharing certain intelligence with the US because they consider the administration’s strikes on small boats illegal. The public doesn’t approve of the strikes either and is strongly opposed to a US invasion of Venezuela.

So, are we seeing the breakup of MAGA? No. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Maybe. Is there a crack in the wall? Absolutely.

Our song this month is Crack in the Wall by Suzanne Vega (2014):

A crack appeared upon a wall,

A door sprang up behind it

Each of these so finely drawn

I could not believe I found it

Where do we go from here? We’re still in the fight for our democracy. We must continue to take the fight to Donald Trump – look at what a great job Gavin Newsom is doing in California. As Heather Cox Richardson said in October, “This is our time to get out there. To hold firm. To exercise the right to vote. To get our friends out there voting. To continue to put pressure on our elected representatives. To continue to make it easier for other people to vote. And to create the kind of nation that we want to have going forward.”

Our final thought is about dealing with the stress we’re feeling in the current political climate. Andy Borowitz’s grandfather said it nicely: “Every day, take a walk, read a book, make a friend.”

We are in this together.

Carol and Kathy

At Noon on November 24^th after the general meeting.

Help Us Brainstorm on How to Enhance Our Social Media Presence

Bring a bag lunch.

What should we be using? FB, Instagram, Blue Sky, Twitter, etc.?

How do we reach young voters? 

How can we reach other communities?

Should we consider paid ads?

Bring your experience, knowledge and ideas.  All ideas welcome.

2026 Slate of Officers

At our upcoming meeting, we have the opportunity to vote in our slate of officers for the 2026 Board of Directors, with the Vice President positions currently open. This is a pivotal moment for our Democratic Women's Club, as new Vice Presidents can play a crucial role in driving positive change. We encourage all members to consider stepping into these leadership roles, as they align perfectly with our mission of advancing Democratic values and fostering civic engagement. By embracing this opportunity, you can not only enhance your personal and professional growth but also strengthen our community and collective advocacy efforts. Every voice matters, and your participation is vital in shaping our ourganization's future. If you are interested in either of the VP positions, please feel free to reach out to Carol or Kathy for further discussion; we are here to support you!

Proposed Slate Nominations

Democratic Women’s Club of Worcester County

2026

Board of Directors

Co Presidents - Carol Pauley and Kathy Hardy

Vice President Administration – Vacant

Vice President Programs – Vacant

Treasurer - Dana Barney

Recording Secretary - Debra Fisher-Reynolds

Corresponding Secretary - Vivian Koroknay

Members At Large:

Debi Doyle

Donna Kessling

Cherie McNett

Tish Michel

Bev Thomas

Estella Santos

What Our Members are Reading and Want to Share

From Linda Linzey - The Hideous Symbol of MAGA Corruption by Jennifer Rubin https://open.substack.com/pub/contrarian/p/the-hideous-symbol-of-maga-corruption?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

From Vivian Koroknay - Voters Rejected Authoritarianism - and Chose a Bigger, Bolder Democracy by Stacy Abrams https://open.substack.com/pub/staceyabrams/p/voters-rejected-authoritarianismand?r=eo2cv&utm_medium=ios

PAC Notes

November 10, 2025

Protect, Challenge, Defend and Build

Help Plan Our Political Activities

Actions

• Bookmarks for Democracy
• Fall for Freedom Event – will be at OP library on Nov. 21^st from 1-3 pm
• Will ask people to bring a canned good with focus on individual items
• Donation of books to library – bring up at DWC board meeting
• Using the Mamie Eisenhower Library Project for Republican Women (a national program) as a model, could the DWC donate books to the library, with a DWC bookplate that reflect Democratic beliefs and values. Will discuss at next DWC Board meeting.

Indivisible Weekly Actions - Wednesdays in Jan and Feb

• Meet regularly at Panera Wednesdays at 2 pm from mid January through February
• Plan action for the week
• Bookmarks for democracy
• Postcards to young dems (what age?). Postcards to include information on Worcester County Democratic events, invite to events (such as fundraiser at Poncho and Lefty’s.)
• Testimony, letter to editors

Action Alerts

• Local Food Pantry Donations
• Consider donations to help immigrants?

School Board

• Next meeting Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 at 6:30 pm – NOTE EVENING MEETING

Election Board

• Next meeting - Wed. January 7, 2025 at 10 am in Snow Hill

Letter to the Editor Campaign

• Topic Ideas – will develop list of articles needed and send to LTE writers group

Other

• MD Town Hall Report
• They have had suggestions to wear t-shirts that will start conversations with voters.
• They have a program to contest every seat in Md in 2026

No PAC Meeting in December

Next PAC Meeting January 12, 2026