News & Events


June 12, 2019

The upside of 23 candidates for president --
 
Over the past few days I’ve finally gotten the feeling that the Democratic Party’s campaign to unseat Donald Trump in 2020 is seriously underway. We’ve seen the showcasing of a number of Democrats in California. Iowa just hosted presentations from nearly all of our many primary candidates. We’re starting to see our presidential hopefuls differentiate themselves and their ideas from each other while also pointing out the many ways President Trump is harming the long-term interests of everyday Americans.
 
As of right now there are (I think) 23 Democrats who have officially declared they believe they can defeat Donald Trump next year. (Actually at this point the total number of Democrats who have submitted their names as presidential candidates to the Federal Election Commission is an incredible 254!)
 
Unless in the coming months some charismatic game changer emerges from those other 231 presidential hopefuls, the 23 names now considered legitimate challengers will not get any larger. (But never say “never.”)
 
Even 23 competitors for the presidency is a large crowd for interested voters to sort out. At the moment, the two Democrats with the largest percentage of national name recognition and support are Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. Biden’s percentage is somewhere in the mid-thirties, Sanders’ is a bit less. Candidates, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg each have respectable double-digit support percentages. And beyond those candidates there are a number of other impressive men and women with the potential to rise in popularity.
 
However, to put all that in perspective, the Washington Post recently noted that on about this date four years ago Hillary Clinton led the pack of Democratic candidates with a 57% ranking. With 236 days until the Iowa caucuses, there is no Democrat with close to the voter support Clinton had already sewn up in 2015.
 
Realistically, I think our much different situation today is a very good thing. Donald Trump controls the “bully pulpit” of the White House. He also has the support of his personal propaganda network, Fox News, as well as conservative AM radio networks. He can spew out endless disinformation and outright lies daily.

So, the more months that pass with multiple Democratic candidates presenting their messages to American voters, the more Trump's messaging power is diluted. Month after month, between now and next summer, voters will be exposed to a range of intriguing and hopeful ideas; they will meet a variety articulate, intelligent, caring Democratic candidates serious about helping them. And with each month of such messaging, Trump will be weakened.
 
Add to that scenario, months of Democratic candidates pointing out the lies, failures and betrayals Trump has committed against his most avid supporters. (And who knows what revelations about Trump’s corruption may be exposed as a result of future Congressional hearings.)
 
Of course, President Trump can always create headlines to take attention away from what our party’s candidates are saying. But even that tactic has its limits. Trump’s recent “Mexican crisis” -- solved when he saved the day with an agreement that was actually already in place -- is an example of how phony his distractions are becoming. These ploys may continue to impress his most loyal supporters but the general public is getting wise to the game he repeatedly plays.
 
If there were just one, or even two or three, Democrats with a serious chance to win the White House next year, Trump’s attack plan would be much simpler. But with so many really sharp Democrats getting press coverage, spreading their messages via every form of media and meeting potential voters face to face in town halls across America, Donald Trump is going to be driven crazier than he already is. --- Plus he’s going to have to come up with 23 derogatory nicknames. Being a bully isn’t supposed to be so complicated. Poor Donald.

Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973
New Trier Democrats' Events
Visit New Trier Democrats this Summer at Area Sidewalk Sales

Visit us at the upcoming Glencoe, Winnetka and Wilmette Sidewalk Sales. We would love to see you – whether to chat politics, sign up to become a member, check out local volunteering opportunities or fill out a political survey.

Glencoe Sidewalk Sale: June 29, 2019 from 9:00am to 3:00pm

Winnetka Sidewalk Sale: July 19, 2019 from 9:00am to 3:00pm

Wilmette Summerfest & Sidewalk Sale: July 20, 2019 from 9:00am to 3:00pm
July 22, 2019: New Trier Democrats’ Annual Meet & Greet

When : Monday, July 22, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
What : It’s our Annual Meet & Greet at Avli! We will have delicious Greek nibbles, refreshing drinks and lots of liberal conversation with fellow Democrats, office holders and candidates. This is a great opportunity to see your local representatives in person, as well as candidates running for office. Don’t miss this event!
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, June 13, 2019: Jewish Council On Urban Affairs’ Acts Of Change Dinner

When : Thursday, June 13 at 5:45pm
Where : Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie St., Chicago
What : The JCUA holds its 2019 Annual Acts of Change Dinner honoring Rabbi Capers Funnye. For additional information or to purchase tickets,  register online  or contact Jill Katz, Director of Development, at 312-663-0960 or email [email protected].
Monday, June 17, 2019: Author Rebecca Sive Discusses Her Book “Vote Her In” With Jan Schakowsky

When : Monday, June 17, 2019 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Where : The Book Stall, 811 Elm Street, Winnetka
What : Rebecca Sive is joined by her special guest, Congresswomen Jan Schakowsky, for a discussion about Ms. Sive’s new book,  Vote Her In: Your Guide to Electing Our First Woman President . The event is free and open to the public.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s June Meeting

When : Tuesday, June 19, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Lorraine G. Morton Civic Center, Parasol Room, 4th Floor, 2100 Ridge Ave, Evanston
What : Indivisible Evanston hosts it’s June Monthly Meeting. The topic for this meeting is, “Fighting for election integrity – before it’s too late.” Presenters include: Jay Young, Executive Director of Common Cause Illinois, who will discuss “H.R.1 – A Roadmap for Fairer Elections”; and Georgia Logothetis, Assistant Director of Common Cause Illinois, who will discuss “Money in Elections – Leveling the Playing Field.”
Wednesday, June 19, 2019: Sister District Project’s Winnetka Wine, Dessert & Skype Fundraiser With Alex Askew

When : Wednesday, June 19, 2019 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Where: Home of Lisa Flanagan (Address provided after RSVP)
What : Join Sister District Project for an opportunity to learn about the crucial importance of state legislatures, and to meet their candidate,  Alex Askew ! Alex, candidate for the 85th District of the Virginia House of Delegates (Virginia Beach), will join them by Skype at 7:45 pm. Democrats are just one seat down in both the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate. Sister District is helping candidates like Alex win so they can flip both houses of the legislature blue. Virginia is one of the most gerrymandered states in the country. The legislature that is elected in 2019 will redraw district maps for the next decade. For more information or to RSVP,  register online .
Thursday, June 20, 2019: LWV of Glenview/Glencoe’s Lunch & Learn on Gun Violence

When : Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 11:30am to 1:00pm
Where : Hackney’s, 1514 E. Lake Avenue, Glenview
What : Join the League of Women Voters of Glenview/Glencoe for an informative presentation, “Educating the Public On Gun Violence – How to Become Active in Prevention and Status for Legislation,” with speaker Sara Knizhnik from Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence Coalition. The cost is $20 per person, payable cash or check at door. Guests are always welcome. Questions? Contact Jane Ballengee at [email protected]. For more information or to RSVP,  visit their event page . Please RSVP by June 14.
Thursday, June 20, 2019: MWRD Commissioner Debra Shore’s Summer Solstice Celebration

When : Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where : Erie Café, 536 W. Erie, Chicago
What : Come celebrate the Chicago River’s continuing revival at Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Commissioner Debra Shore’s Summer Solstice event. Free valet parking. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Monday, June 24, 2019: IDCCA’s Second Annual Summer Brews

When : Monday, June 24, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where : District Brew Yards, 417 North Ashland, Chicago
What : The Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association (IDCCA)  hosts Summer Brews, a Meet & Greet for Young Professionals. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online  or email Dan Kovats at [email protected] or call 217-753-3380.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019: An Evening at the Chicago Cultural Center With Toni Preckwinkle

When : Tuesday, June 25, 2019 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Where : Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St, Chicago
What : Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President, hosts an evening at the Chicago Cultural Center. For additional information or to RSVP, email  [email protected].
Bob Morgan
Tuesday, July 9, 2019: Rep. Bob Morgan’s Summer Kickoff

When : Tuesday, July 9, 2019 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Where : District Brew Yards, 417 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. Street parking off Ashland Green & Pink Line Station and the Ashland & Grand bus stop.
What : Kick off the summer with an evening in support of State Representative Bob Morgan. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online  or contact Joey Slater at 312-448-8014 or email [email protected].
Wednesday, July 10, 2019: State Sen. Gabel’s Chief of Staff Available for Assistance

When : Wednesday, July 10, 2019 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Where : New Trier Township Hall, 739 Elm St., Winnetka
What : Robyn Gabel’s Chief of Staff, Karen McCormick, will be available to answer questions about State of Illinois services. Township residents and neighbors are encouraged to drop by during the scheduled office hours.
Tuesday, July 16, 2019: Rooftop Reception For Robyn Gabel

When : Tuesday, July 16, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where : Five & Dime Rooftop, 1026 Davis St, Evanston
What : Join Robyn Gabel, Illinois State Representative for the 18th District, for her Annual Summer Reception. To RSVP or for more information contact Katy Langenfeld at 312-600-9496 or [email protected], or  register online .
Thursday, July 18, 2019: Youth Brain Trust’s Launch Party

When : Thursday, July 18, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights
What : The Youth Brain Trust is a progressive, student run non-profit focused on increasing civic engagement among youths. On Thursday, July 18th, The Youth Brain Trust will be officially launching at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in Arlington Heights, IL. The event will take place from 7-9pm on the second floor. Free parking will be available downstairs. Speakers list will be released soon. For more information,  please visit their event page .
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