News & Events


October 2, 2019
New Trier Democrats' Events
New Trier Democrats’ Annual Dinner
With Featured Speakers U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood & U.S. Rep. Sean Casten

Sunday, October 20, 2019
Reception 5:00pm - Dinner 6:00pm

Lauren Underwood
New Trier Democrats are excited and honored to welcome U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (IL-6) as Featured Speakers at our Annual Dinner and fundraiser. Reps. Underwood and Casten are the newest Democratic representatives from Illinois and they flipped their congressional districts from Red to Blue in 2018.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at newtrierdemocrats@gmail.com or 847-446-8030.

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How did we get Trump?

In another, more calm time in our United States, I might have observed today’s gray October skies and falling temperatures and found myself writing about the arrival of autumn – looking ahead to the blazing fall colors, cozy wool pullovers and warm holiday gatherings. Somewhere in my musings I probably would have woven in some sort of liberal political spin. However, I would have enjoyed my pleasant break from the complicated and combative world of today’s politics.
 
But it’s not gonna happen this week. And that pleasant break we’d all love to take may not come for a long time. As long as Donald J. Trump remains in the White House, the possibility for America (and the world) to experience any weeks that aren’t chaotic is quite unlikely.
 
Could impeachment remove him from office? Right now, the odds are better than fifty-fifty that Donald Trump will not be impeached by the Republican controlled Senate and will complete his first term as president. If that is the case, the prospect that Trump could be reelected is not out of the question. Some unexpected twist of fate, a disastrous screw-up by the Democratic nominee or his/her campaign, or worst of all, nefarious activities by unknown players, could hand Trump a second term.
 
I’m sure that none of us enjoy thinking about Donald Trump virtually every day of the week. But when you have a narcissistic sociopath holding the most powerful office in the world, it is difficult for that situation to not remain top-of-mind.
 
The man demands daily attention. That has been his modus operandi throughout his adult life. (Probably earlier than that.) In his younger years he depended on self-generated public relations for his self-promotion. Then along came Twitter, a communications vehicle ideal for a person driven by whim, untethered by facts, unbothered by lies, and obsessed with staying in the spotlight.
 
How in the world, did we end up with such a bizarre character as our nation’s “leader?” In my opinion, Donald Trump’s path to the Oval Office began decades ago. Here are just some of the events that have provided him with a highly receptive voter base:
 
- Nation-changing civil rights legislation leading to the Republican Party’s polarizing “Southern Strategy” 
- The lost war in Vietnam and a feeling of lost national pride
- The view presented by President Ronald Reagan that government cannot be trusted
- President Reagan’s anti-union stance and subsequent worker wage stagnation
- The widening wealth gap 
- President Clinton’s loosening of financial industry rules 
- The reckless financial practices continuing during the Bush Administration, bringing us the Great Recession of 2008
- Millions of average Americans losing jobs, life savings and homes as a result of the 2008 crash
- Economic globalization with manufacturing and jobs moving overseas
- The growth of automation and robotics reducing the need for physical “manpower”
- A growing awareness of the dangers of carbon fuels and the resulting erosion of jobs
- The 9/11 attack and resulting fear of “outsiders”
- The election of an African-American president (an "outsider")
- The growth of women’s, LGBTQ and transgender rights, disrupting "the way things have always been"
- The rise of angry conservatives with their view that any political compromise is a sign of weakness

Everything in my list (and it could have been longer) helped build the platform for Trump's successful demagoguery.

Of course, during the years represented above, our democracy had a legislative structure in place to address many of those situations. The rebuilding of our national infrastructure could have been initiated with bi-partisan support, creating new job opportunities for millions. The growth of good paying jobs in the frontiers of technology could have been encouraged. Education and skills training in those fields could have been given a much higher priority. -- Congressional gridlock stood in the way.
 
The Democrats competing for their party’s nomination in 2020 have a promising perspective on the direction our next president must take (some more than others). They’ve all witnessed the avoidable mistakes made by the Democratic Party and candidate in 2016.
 
One year from today when I look out my window, the presidential election will be only weeks away. I imagine my thoughts will all be about that event. But I deeply hope that my musings on the Wednesday after Election Day will be positive expectations for the years ahead under a Democratic President -- with occasional calm breaks away from the natural competition that is essential for our two party system.

Nels Howard
NTD Member since 1973
Other Events of Interest
Inclusion in our "Other Events of Interest" List – whether it’s a fundraising event for a specific candidate or an event concerning a particular issue – does not mean that the New Trier Democrats have endorsed that candidate or adopted that position on an issue. 
Tomorrow Night, October 3, 2019: Community Defense Forum With Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and Ram Villivalam

When : Thursday, October 3, 2019 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Where : Skokie Public Library, Petty Auditorium, 5215 Oakton, Skokie
What : Join State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and State Sen. Ram Villivalam to learn how to protect yourself and be an effective advocate for your neighbors with respect to immigration rights. They will share “know your rights” information for individuals and parents. As the only immigration attorney in the Illinois General Assembly, Jennifer will be there to answer questions, provide legislative updates, and share resources for our community. For more information, please contact Allie at 872.208.5199 or Allie@senatorram.com.
This Saturday, October 5, 2019: Campaign Rally for Brad Schneider

When : Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 1:00pm
Where : Schneider Campaign HQ, 3710 Commercial Ave., Suite 5, Northbrook
What : A campaign rally and party for Congressman Brad Schneider’s dedicated volunteers and supporters.
Lauren Underwood
This Saturday & Sunday, October 5 & 6, 2019: Weekend of Action With Team Underwood

When : Saturday & Sunday, October 5 & 6, 2019 from Noon to 3:00pm each day
Where : Naperville and Dekalb – Sign up for more details on location
What : Team Lauren Underwood is hosting a Weekend of Action on October 5th and 6th in IL14. They’ll be gathering petition signatures to get Lauren on the ballot for this election – and they need YOUR help. Will you join them?

This Sunday, October 6, 2019: Stevenson Center On Democracy Presents “Climate Change and What It Means to our Children”

When : Sunday, October 6, 2019 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Where : Stevenson House, 25200 N. St. Mary’s Rd., Libertyville (on St. Mary’s Road south of Rt.60)
What : The Stevenson Center on Democracy presents “Climate Change and What it means to our Children” featuring Adele Simmons, President, Global Philanthropy Partnership. For additional information and to RSVP,  register online .
Monday, October 7, 2019: North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic Give-Back Launch Party

When : Monday, October 7, 2019 at 5:00pm
Where : Ravinia Brewing Co., 582 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park
What : North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic holds a Give-Back Launch Party with 25% of the entire proceeds during the Party donated to the Clinic.
Thursday, October 10, 2019: Democratic Party of Evanston’s Forum “Responding to Political Hate Speech in the United States”

When : Thursday, October 10, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
Where : ETHS, main auditorium, 1600 Dodge Avenue, Evanston
What : Join the Democratic Party of Evanston at Evanston Township High School for a student-led program with national and local experts from: The Southern Poverty Law Center, The Illinois Holocaust Museum, Logan Consulting Services, LLC, and U. S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (9th).  Pre-registration is required to attend .
Sunday, October 13, 2019: Democrats of Northfield Township Luncheon With Sen. Dick Durbin

When : Sunday, October 13, 2019 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Where : The Glen Club, 2901 West Lake Avenue, Glenview
What : Democrats of Northfield Township hold their third annual fall fundraising luncheon, featuring Keynote Speaker U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Congresspersons Jan Schakowsky and Brad Schneider. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Sunday, October 13, 2019: Indo-American Democratic Organization Annual Benefit

When : Sunday, October 13, 2019, 5:30 Networking, 6:30 Program.
Where : Holiday Inn Northshore, 5300 Touhy Avenue, Skokie
What : Indo-American Democratic Organization (IADO) 40th annual banquet. IADO represents Illinois’ 270,000+ South Asian Americans. Since 1980, IADO has engaged South Asian Americans in the political process, and recruited and endorsed candidates who champion progressive policy solutions.  Register online .
Monday, October 14, 2019: Cheers For Choice Fundraiser to Support Men4Choice Advocacy

When : Monday, October 14, 2019 at 6:30pm
Where : Untitled Supper Club, 111 W. Kinzie St., Chicago
What : Support Men4Choice Advocacy and celebrate the huge wins for the reproductive rights movement in 2019.  RSVP link to purchase tickets/ or donate online.
Daniel Biss
Monday, October 14, 2019: Daniel Biss Speaks About the Illinois Fair Tax Amendment

When : Monday, October 14, 2019 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Where : Antioch Public Library, 767 North Main St., Antioch
What : A presentation by Daniel Biss on the Illinois Fair Tax Amendment. This is a non-partisan event, open to the public.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019: Chicago Foundation for Women’s Annual Luncheon

When : Tuesday, October 15, 2019, Registration 11:00am to 12:00noon, Luncheon and Keynote 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Where : Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
What : Don’t miss your chance to attend Chicago Foundation for Women’s 34th Annual Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Elaine Welteroth, former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue. Space is limited, so secure your spot today!  Register online .
Thursday, October 17, 2019: We Will Legislative Luncheon

When : Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 11:00am to 1:30pm
Where : Maggiano’s Little Italy, 4999 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie
What : Join WE WILL’s 5th Annual Fundraiser celebrating their accomplishments, legislative collaborations and women having a voice and being heard. This year’s panel is about Women of Color with confirmed panelists Donna Miller, Cook County Board Commissioner; Xza Higgina, MommyCon Founder, coalition builder; Sol Flores, Illinois Deputy Governor and Josina Morita, Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online.
Pete Buttigieg
Friday, October 18, 2019: A Conversation With Mayor Pete Buttigieg

When : Friday, October 18, 2019. Evening time To Be Announced
Where : The Lincoln Park home of Dan and Anke Tierney, address provided upon RSVP
What : An early evening reception with Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Democratic candidate for President of the United States. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online . For questions, email midwestrsvp@peteforamerica.com.
Monday, October 21, 2019: EMILY’s List Annual Ignite Change Midwest Regional Reception

When : Monday, October 21, 2019. Registration: 5:00pm; reception: 5:30pm; panel discussion: 6:30pm
Where : Fig & Olive, 104 East Oak St., Chicago
What : Join EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock and featured guests, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, discussing the crucial role of EMILY’s List and women candidates in the 2020 election. Panelists include: Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and Congresswomen Elissa Slotkin (MI-08). For additional information or to RSVP,  register online . For questions, email McCaul Nelson at mnelson@emilyslist.org.
Robyn Gabel
Tuesday, October 22, 2019: Reception Supporting State Rep. Robyn Gabel

When : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Where : The Home of Merrilee & Richard Redmond, 34 Canterbury Ct, Wilmette, IL 60091
What : Join fellow supporters for a reception in honor of Robyn Gabel, State Representative, 18th District. For questions, or to RSVP, please contact Katy Langenfeld at katy@kjdstrategies.com or (312) 600-9496.  Register online here .
Tuesday, October 22, 2019: EMILY’s List Hosts Cocktails for Change

When : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 5:30pm
Where : Hubbard Inn, 110 W. Hubbard St., Chicago
What : EMILY’s List hosts Cocktails for Change featuring Marie Newman, candidate for U.S. House (IL-03).
Tuesday, October 22, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Monthly Meeting

When : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, Parasol Room, 4th Floor, 2100 Ridge Ave, Evanston
What : Join Indivisible Evanston for its monthly meeting and hear two powerful speakers: Jill Wine-Banks, MSNBC Contributor/Legal Analyst & Former Watergate Prosecutor – “An Insider’s View on the Political Environment”; and Willie Shaw, Political Action/Civic Engagement Chair, NAACP Evanston/North Shore Branch (President Dr. Michael C. R. Nabors) – “Voting is Emotional.”
Saturday, November 2, 2019: Wisconsin Voter ID Canvass With Indivisible Evanston

When : Saturday, November 2, 2019 – see signup for time options
Where : Kenosha, Racine & Elkhorn, WI – see signup for meeting location options
What : Join Indivisible Evanston on November 2 as they canvass in THREE different counties as part of the WI Dems weekend of action. The WI Dems have requested that they send canvassers to all three locations, so please take that into account as you choose where to go. All predictive lists concur that Wisconsin, with just 10 electoral votes, could easily be the state that determines the 2020 presidential winner; our boots on the ground are needed to flip it! Sign up to CARAVAN with them from the DPOE to Racine or DRIVE DIRECTLY to either Kenosha, Racine or Elkhorn, WI on 11/2:  Sign up here.
Saturday, November 11, 2019: Northwestern Football Tailgate Extravaganza With State Sen. Laura Fine

When : Saturday, November 9, 2019 (Game time to be announced; tailgate opens 90 minutes before kickoff)
Where : Mustards Last Stand, 1613 Central St., Evanston
What : Tailgate before the Northwestern Wildcats face the Purdue Boilermakers. Tickets for just the tailgate, and for both the tailgate and the game, are available. RSVP required: Carly@ilsenatedems.org.  Link to purchase tickets/sponsorships online . For more information, please contact Carly Halstead: carly@ilsenatedems.org or 312-630-7700
Looking For Something To Do Now?

Help Text Bank For Democratic Candidates In Virginia State House Races With Sister District

Text Banking is here!

You can sign up at  this form . They expect high demand for texting lists.
Please sign up to text ONLY for the two candidates, Alex Askew and Ghazala Hashmi, that our local Sister District is supporting!

Some things to know:

You need to do some reading and training on your own. This is done online. Texting will be done at specified times. You will sign up for a texting “event” and at the scheduled time, a batch of numbers will be released. Sign-up is available now. Texting began August 17 and will continue through Election Day. You must sign up and complete all training steps at least one week before your first texting event.

More details can be found in this Sister District/Red2Blue  Texting Guide .
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When you're a member of the New Trier Democratic Organization, you have an active role in affecting the political process by: participating in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, and playing a role in deciding which candidates are endorsed. You'll also gain  free admission  to select forums and events throughout the year.    

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Paid for by the NTDO-FED and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is available on the Board’s official website (www.elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.
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