Devote your time and energy to getting others organized and mobilized. It's going to take a grassroots movement of Americans to take our country back from those who seek to divide us. (Photo: Screenshot)
9 Ways to Stay Sane During the Primaries
We’ve been through dark times before, but we have come out stronger on the other side. We will do so again.
As the presidential primaries get underway, it's easy to get burnt out or overwhelmed by all the candidates and their platforms. Here are 9 ways to stay sane through the madness of the presidential primaries.
1. Look for a candidate with the right ingredients to inspire you and others. The next president will have to be someone who can bring together Americans from all walks of life -- across race, class, gender, ethnicity, and religion -- into a movement against the hatred, bigotry, and cronyism that now pervades Washington.
2. Don't get distracted by the horserace, who's up or who's down in the polls. Focus on the substance: What their vision is for the country and how it will affect all of our lives.
3. Reach out to independents. Avoid political labels, and talk kitchen table issues like the rising cost of health care, housing and education. Focus on solutions rather than slogans or what you hear on cable news.
4. Get involved. Devote your time and energy to getting others organized and mobilized. It's going to take a grassroots movement of Americans to take our country back from those who seek to divide us.
5. Study up on the candidates and their positions on issues you care about and see if they align. Visit their websites to explore their policy positions, read independent analyses of their proposals, dig deeper into their records in elected office.
6. Take a deep breath. The most important goal is to reclaim our democracy and forge an economy that works for all. Don't succumb to divisiveness or carping criticism of other primary candidates. And remember that you can stay centered, mentally, regardless of how close you are to the political center.
7. Make sure you're registered to vote, and know when and where to vote. The work you put into learning about the candidates means little if you don't actually show up on Election Day. Once you're registered, make sure your friends and family are too.
8. Follow the money. Some candidates have already pledged not to take money from wealthy donors or corporate political action committees. Make sure all of them follow suit.
9. Lastly, don't lose faith in America. We've been through dark times before, but we have come out stronger on the other side. We will do so again.
We are at a crossroads
This country and this world are at a monumental crossroads. In a few short weeks, US voters will have an opportunity to beat back the forces of fascism and confront the billionaires who are rigging the economy, our media system, and our democracy, making it increasingly impossible for ordinary people to get by. We’re not just talking about the election. We’re talking about what must be done once these fascist elements are vanquished from power. We need a bolder set of solutions than what either major party has so far been willing to offer and a working-class movement ready to fight like hell for it. Trump didn't emerge from nowhere. The conditions that fueled MAGA authoritarianism were created by decades of radical neoliberal economic policies and a corrupt political system dominated by corporate interests. They slashed taxes on the super-rich, promising that the benefits would trickle down. They said giveaways to the corporate titans would make life more affordable for the rest of us. It was all bullshit. And when a bitter, betrayed populace searches for someone to blame, right-wing demagogues have little trouble finding scapegoats. People know when they're being lied to, but you won't hear any of this from the corporate media. Only independent journalism—powered and funded by people who believe in building a better world—can deliver truly trustworthy daily news. Our Fall Campaign is underway, and we need your help. To power our newsroom through the rest of the year, we need to raise $125,000 by midnight on October 31. So if you share our vision, please contribute whatever you can to sustain our work. |
As the presidential primaries get underway, it's easy to get burnt out or overwhelmed by all the candidates and their platforms. Here are 9 ways to stay sane through the madness of the presidential primaries.
1. Look for a candidate with the right ingredients to inspire you and others. The next president will have to be someone who can bring together Americans from all walks of life -- across race, class, gender, ethnicity, and religion -- into a movement against the hatred, bigotry, and cronyism that now pervades Washington.
2. Don't get distracted by the horserace, who's up or who's down in the polls. Focus on the substance: What their vision is for the country and how it will affect all of our lives.
3. Reach out to independents. Avoid political labels, and talk kitchen table issues like the rising cost of health care, housing and education. Focus on solutions rather than slogans or what you hear on cable news.
4. Get involved. Devote your time and energy to getting others organized and mobilized. It's going to take a grassroots movement of Americans to take our country back from those who seek to divide us.
5. Study up on the candidates and their positions on issues you care about and see if they align. Visit their websites to explore their policy positions, read independent analyses of their proposals, dig deeper into their records in elected office.
6. Take a deep breath. The most important goal is to reclaim our democracy and forge an economy that works for all. Don't succumb to divisiveness or carping criticism of other primary candidates. And remember that you can stay centered, mentally, regardless of how close you are to the political center.
7. Make sure you're registered to vote, and know when and where to vote. The work you put into learning about the candidates means little if you don't actually show up on Election Day. Once you're registered, make sure your friends and family are too.
8. Follow the money. Some candidates have already pledged not to take money from wealthy donors or corporate political action committees. Make sure all of them follow suit.
9. Lastly, don't lose faith in America. We've been through dark times before, but we have come out stronger on the other side. We will do so again.
As the presidential primaries get underway, it's easy to get burnt out or overwhelmed by all the candidates and their platforms. Here are 9 ways to stay sane through the madness of the presidential primaries.
1. Look for a candidate with the right ingredients to inspire you and others. The next president will have to be someone who can bring together Americans from all walks of life -- across race, class, gender, ethnicity, and religion -- into a movement against the hatred, bigotry, and cronyism that now pervades Washington.
2. Don't get distracted by the horserace, who's up or who's down in the polls. Focus on the substance: What their vision is for the country and how it will affect all of our lives.
3. Reach out to independents. Avoid political labels, and talk kitchen table issues like the rising cost of health care, housing and education. Focus on solutions rather than slogans or what you hear on cable news.
4. Get involved. Devote your time and energy to getting others organized and mobilized. It's going to take a grassroots movement of Americans to take our country back from those who seek to divide us.
5. Study up on the candidates and their positions on issues you care about and see if they align. Visit their websites to explore their policy positions, read independent analyses of their proposals, dig deeper into their records in elected office.
6. Take a deep breath. The most important goal is to reclaim our democracy and forge an economy that works for all. Don't succumb to divisiveness or carping criticism of other primary candidates. And remember that you can stay centered, mentally, regardless of how close you are to the political center.
7. Make sure you're registered to vote, and know when and where to vote. The work you put into learning about the candidates means little if you don't actually show up on Election Day. Once you're registered, make sure your friends and family are too.
8. Follow the money. Some candidates have already pledged not to take money from wealthy donors or corporate political action committees. Make sure all of them follow suit.
9. Lastly, don't lose faith in America. We've been through dark times before, but we have come out stronger on the other side. We will do so again.