In this Issue –

Events:

• Black Caucus Book Club 
• Salzburg Meet-Up
• Experienced Dems Meet-Up
• Debate Watch Party
• Solidarity Sundays
• Women’s Caucus Film Night
• Thanksgiving Dinner

Issues & Actions:

• EMEA Meeting Recap
• Gearing up for 2020 

Reviews:

• Solidarity Sundays 
• Black Caucus Book Club

Members Corner:

• Trump and the Trade Unions 
• Art Opening

Our Executive Committee meetings are normally held at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. The next meetings will be held on:

• Wednesday, November 13
• Wednesday, December 11

Members are welcome to join us at the meetings! Please contact Jennifer at chair@democratsabroad.at for the location.

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Events 

Global Black Caucus Book Club

Join us at Cafe Weimar on Thursday, November 7 at 7 p.m. when we will meet to discuss April Ryan’s book Under Fire: Reporting from the Front Lines of the Trump White House.

When: November 7, 2019, 7:00 p.m. 

Where: Cafe Weimar, 1090 Vienna

RSVP: Facebook or Democrats Abroad

Salzburg Meet-Up 

We’re happy to announce that Salzburg members have recently become active! We hope you’ll join us at our November meet-up. The next meet-up will not be until January 17 - so make plans to attend!

When: November 15, 2019, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Salzburg 5020

RSVP: Mary Beth Kollert · m.kollert@democratsabroad.at or Salzburg November Meet-Up

Experienced Dems

We hope you’ll join us at the monthly meeting of Experienced Democrats. Remember, experience comes in all ages!

When: November 19, 2019, 6:00 p.m. 

Where: Cafe Museum, 1010 Vienna

RSVP: Facebook or Experienced Dems

Primary Debate Watch Party

Join us to watch the fifth Democratic presidential debate which will take place on Nov. 20 near Atlanta – that means we’ll be watching it on November 21 in Vienna at Beaver Brewing Company. 

This time the debates will be moderated by four women – Rachel Maddow, Andrea Mitchell, Ashley Parker, and Kirsten Welker. Forbes magazine wrote, “With men reporting twice as much as women on evening news broadcasts of major networks, it is about time more female journalists are in the spotlight.”

What effect, if any, do you think an all women panel will have? Let us hear from you on Facebook.

When: November 21, 2019, 7:00 p.m. 

Where: Beaver Brewing Company

RSVP: Please RSVP on Facebook or at Democrats Abroad Events. The restaurant has asked that we let them know how many people to expect. Thanks for your cooperation! 

Sol Sun – Welcome to Kitchen Table Talk

We’ll be tackling issues from Kitchen Table Talks to discuss policy issues that matter to Americans abroad. Our talk's feedback will help shape the 2020 Democrats Abroad Platform.

Can’t make it but you’re interested in moderating a talk? Click here to read our Kitchen Table Talk Tool Kit (or download the pdf) and find out more.

When: November 24, 2019, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  

Where: Amerlinghaus, 1070 Vienna

RSVP: Facebook or Democrats Abroad Events

Women’s Caucus Film Night – Toni Morrison

Meet the Women’s Caucus as we get together to watch the new Toni Morrison documentary “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am” featuring Toni Morrison, Angela Davis, Fran Lebowitz, Oprah Winfrey, Walter Mosley, Russell Banks, and Robert Gottlieb. This film portrait received rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival – you won’t want to miss it!

We’ve reserved twenty tickets so DA members can sit together as a group. Please purchase your ticket online ahead of time here and send me an email to let me know.

Or you can buy your ticket at the door by November 18 – tell them you’re with DA, as they’ll be keeping a list. The screening will most likely sell out, so we can’t guarantee tickets on the day of. 

We’ll meet up at 7 p.m. at Amerlinghaus for drinks beforehand. Let me know by the 18th if you’ll be coming so I can reserve a table.

– Hilary Monihan, Women’s Caucus Chair

When: November 25, 2019, 8:15 movie

Where: Filmhaus, Spittelberggasse 3, 1070 Vienna

RSVP: h.monihan@democratsabroad.at

Thanksgiving – A Feast With All The Fixings

On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m., we invite our Democratic friends and families to our annual Thanksgiving Dinner.

We have made reservations for 80 at Melker Stiftskeller in the 1st district. We’ll have a large private room all to ourselves under the arches of an almost 600 year old cellar built and owned by the monks from Melk. There will be a buffet with a 3-course feast including pumpkin soup, turkey with all the fixings – mashed potatoes, roasted red beets and sweet potatoes, green beans, red cabbage, stuffing, knoedel, homemade cranberry sauce – and dessert. 

If you can, please bring a pumpkin or pecan pie to share. They are always very appreciated!

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Tickets are 25 Euros for adults and 12 Euros for children under 12. This event sold out last year and we have already sold more than half of the tickets, so be sure to reserve yours asap!

– Jennifer Rakow-Stepper, Chair

When: November 28, 2019, 7:00 p.m. 

Where: Melker Stiftskeller, 1010 Vienna

RSVP: Thanksgiving Dinner

Issues & Actions:

Dems Abroad Back in DC – Time to Call Congress!

Democrats Abroad is back on Capitol Hill again this week to talk to Congress about Residency Based Taxation, FATCA reform, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) fixes and other recommendations aimed at reducing the burden U.S. taxation places uniquely on Americans living abroad. 

Please help us demonstrate the enormous support that exists across the Americans abroad community for these critical reforms by reaching out to your elected representatives some time between the 4th and 8th of November.   This campaign guide has all you need to call or write your members of Congress.

– Carmelan Polce, Taxation Task Force Chair

EMEA Meeting Recap

Jennifer and Juan (and Katie – former DAA Chair and DA Global Chair)  joined approximately 100 other Democrats Abroad leaders, activists, and members from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa region in Athens, Greece in mid-October for the semi-annual regional meeting. Over the weekend we focussed on approaches to getting out the vote in 2020 with lots of team building and opportunities to get to know and exchange ideas with other DA leaders. This was my second regional meeting and Juan’s first. It was a fabulous weekend and the Athens team did a great job organizing! 

Gearing up for 2020

Over the next months, this column will provide a space for the thoughts, opinions and announcements from both the DA Executive Committee and our members. While we may not endorse or support any particular candidate before the primaries, we are interested in sharing ideas about what Democrats can and will do to win up and down the ballot in 2020.

– Jennifer Rakow-Stepper, Chair 

l. Social Media Superheroes!

Democrats Abroad Austria is really excited to announce the formation of our new Communications Committee! These young people with a wealth of talent and experience will be transforming our social media platforms and helping us reach even more Americans living in Austria than ever before. Be sure to say hello to (l to r) Sophie Spiegelberger, Jessica Mijnssen, Amanda Grossman, (Brett Carnito, IT support), and Hunter Christopher the next time you see them at an event!

ll. Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary in Brief

Democrats Abroad is the official Democratic Party arm for the millions of Americans living outside the United States, and the Democratic National Committee recognizes Democrats Abroad as a state – just like New Jersey or Wyoming. And just like all the other states, DA may hold a primary to select our presidential nominee. Unlike the other states, we only choose a presidential nominee. DA Delegates will go to the Democratic Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from July 13-16, 2020. Here's how you can be involved in the three steps that will happen between now and then:

• Sign candidate Petitions!Each campaign needs at least 300 valid Democrats Abroad members to sign their petition by January 6, 2020 to be included on the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary ballot
• Vote in the DA GPP! The Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary will run from March 3 to March 10, 2020 at hundreds of voting centers around the world – including Vienna and other locations in Austria.
• Be a Delegate! Democrats Abroad will send 21 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee Wisconsin in July 2020. 8 of these delegates will be our members on the Democratic National Committee. The remaining 13 will be selected during our regional and global conventions in Toronto, Canada, May 15-17, 2020. Democrats Abroad will also send alternates, committee members and a convention page.

lll. Election Countdown

On November 3rd the countdown begins... one year to take action.

• 92 days until the Iowa Caucuses (February 3rd)
• 121 days until Super Tuesday and the Democrats Abroad primary (March 3rd)
• 253 days until the start of the 2020 Democratic National Convention (July 13th)
• 331 days until the first Presidential Debate (September 29th)
• 366 days until the Presidential Election (November 3rd)  

*All calculations start from November 3, 2019.

**366 days is correct; 2020 is a leap year!

– Amanda Grossman, DAA Comms Committee

We Can’t Win Without You! 

DA Austria is looking for people to fill the following positions so together we can dump Trump and elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 2020!

It will take a village to do all the things we need to do. Here are some opportunities to help:

1. Take our Volunteer Survey. Have an hour to spare? We are looking for volunteers in all areas and with any time availability.
2. DA Austria is looking for members interested in heading our Get Out the Vote, Media Relations and other vital positions. Find out more information about how to join our team. 
3. Do you have an idea? We're looking for suggestions on how we can connect with more Americans in Austria, find places to advertise, events to have, and any suggestions you have to get more people to vote.  Bookmark this link and submit your ideas at any time.

Reviews:

Solidarity Sundays #27:  

Impeachment 4.0 (Or How To Get Rid of A President On the 4thTry)

What can we expect from this impeachment process? What might America look like when the smoke clears? Can our Constitution save us?

Tanya Lolonis led a civics review on October 28th on disciplining a President who abuses his constitutional power. Congress has impeached — accused of misconduct — three Presidents; it has never removed one.

What kind of offense did the Founding Fathers believe merited ejecting a President?  High Crimes and Misdemeanors do not refer to felonies or legal crimes. “High” crimes are committed by public officials, while “Misdemeanors” refer to “ill behavior; evil conduct; fault; or mismanagement.” In essence, an impeachable crime is a judgment call.

–Tanya Lolonis, Member at Large, Solidarity Sundays Coordinator

READ MORE

GBC Book Club 8: Becoming by Michelle Obama 

The members of the GBC book club met once again to discuss another great book, this time Becoming, an autobiography written by the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. Michelle Obama is the epitome of intellect, compassion, strength, and beauty. Her book goes behind the scenes of the presidency from her perspective as a wife, mother, and First Lady and all of the baggage, stress and craziness that comes with it. Every newsworthy moment during Obama's presidency was given a unique framing and background from Michelle herself, making those stories even more memorable. We all know how accomplished Michelle Obama is with degrees from Ivy League institutions, but she remains humble. She stays grounded by remembering all of the people who helped shape her: her family, who worked tirelessly to provide her and her brother a better life; her community, who gave her toughness, strength and identity; and her teachers who saw her potential and helped her grow. We ended with a quote about continued personal growth: “For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.” 

Join us at Cafe Weimar on Thursday, November 7 at 7 p.m. when we will meet to discuss April Ryan’s book Under Fire: Reporting from the Front Lines of the Trump White House. 

– Faith Hall Herbold, Member at Large, Black Caucus Coordinator

Member’s Corner

Vernissage – American Artist Marcus Jansen

When: November 7, 2019, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Galarie Amart, Halbgasse 17, 1070 Vienna

RSVP: Info

Trump and the Trade Unions – public discussion with leading US trade unionist Stuart Appelbaum

No one is indifferent to US President Donald Trump’s political policies: be it foreign policy, global economic, or migration policy. With one year to go before the US presidential election, what are the consequences of Trump’s policies for Americans? How has the social and labor market situation changed under Trump? How is the working population doing? What role do trade unions play in the US? What are the chances for the Democrats?

A public discussion with Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), Vice President of the American Federation of Trade Unions (AFL-CIO).

Welcome introduction: Wolfgang Katzian, ÖGB President

Moderation: Sophia Reisecker, GPA-djp international secretary

Questions from the audience are welcome! Simultaneous interpretation will be provided into German and English.

Afterwards you will be invited to a small snack.

When: Monday, November 11, 2019, 5:30 p.m. (admission 5:00 p.m.)

Where: ÖGB Catamaran, Wilhelmine Moik conference room Johann-Böhm-Platz 1, 1020 Wien(U2 Donaumarina)

RSVP: Info & registration

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter.

We value your membership, and we hope to see you at an event soon!

What can we expect from this impeachment process? What might America look like when the smoke clears? Can our Constitution save us?

Tanya Lolonis led a civics review on October 28th on disciplining a President who abuses his constitutional power. Congress has impeached — accused of misconduct — three Presidents; it has never removed one.

What kind of offense did the Founding Fathers believe merited ejecting a President?  High Crimes and Misdemeanors do not refer to felonies or legal crimes. “High” crimes are committed by public officials, while “Misdemeanors” refer to “ill behavior; evil conduct; fault; or mismanagement.” In essence, an impeachable crime is a judgment call.

The first president to be impeached by Congress, Andrew Johnson, was impeached for being a jerk.  Racist, defiant, and demagogic, he was despised for sabotaging Reconstruction. Nonetheless, senators acquitted him to preserve the balance of powers — the principle of Executive independence from the Legislature. Significantly, Nancy Pelosi has not focused the inquiry on his policies, but on his abuse of Executive power — attempting to profit politically from his office. 

Richard Nixon denied involvement in Watergate for 16 months. Hard evidence — a tape confirming his role in the coverup— turned the public, and his party, against him. Pelosi and Schiff learned the lesson of Nixon’s impeachment:  proof matters.

Bill Clinton’s impeachment concerned neither balance of power (Johnson) nor abuse of presidential power for political advantage (Nixon), but misdeeds outside his constitutional role. His popularity determined his fate:  he was never in danger of conviction by the Senate. Similarly, President Trump stokes his popularity with his base to keep GOP Senators behind him.

The politics of impeachment are fluid and dynamic, changing daily — even hourly. If the House votes to impeach the President, will the Democratic majority be punished in 2020? Rewarded? Will the President survive impeachment to run for re-election with the largest war-chest in presidential campaign history? Or will Senators, sensing fatal political fallout, abandon the President, make him the first to be removed from office?

What makes this impeachment process different from the first three is this:  the Framers expected a Donald Trump. They did not expect a Mitch McConnell, a Matthew Gaetz, a Kevin McCarthy. They did not account for political parties cooperating across branches of government to protect a President.It is a fundamental change in our constitutional order:  we no longer have the ambition of one branch checking the ambition of another; we have personal ambition protecting personal ambition. This process is moving fast:  we’ll know soon if our system will hold.

–Tanya Lolonis, Member at Large, Solidarity Sundays Coordinator