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So, the world has experienced a seismic shift in just a few short weeks - it’s not just Americans who are breathing a bit more deeply. One of the benefits of living abroad is you get to have friends and conversations with people from other countries - and get the perspective of non-Americans who are also living outside our boarders. And a recurring theme has been, What the hell has happened to America? And while that conversation hasn’t disappeared, at least THIS American doesn’t feel like I have to be defending or making excuses right now.
The way in which the Democratic Party has coalesced around Harris has been nothing short of extraordinary. All worries about infighting and gamesmanship and open conventions went out the window with the lightning-fast effort to make her candidacy not just inevitable but the best of all possible alternatives.
For the first time in almost a decade, I am experiencing joy around our political future, and a renewed sense of hope and possibility. Granted, I am very on-line - more so than most people - but now I am reading articles that are no longer about the end of democracy but about how we are mobilizing to protect it, listening to smart takes from smart people about how to get on the offense, seeing memes and TikTok videos of GenZ having a field day with a candidate that excites them. I - along with so many others - am watching virtually every demographic group mobilize and compete for bigger fundraising numbers (resulting in an historic, $310M war chest for July). And mostly, being able to cry for joy watching her enter a stadium to Beyonce’s Freedom - with cheering so loud you can’t even hear the music. And for this Swiftie, it almost feels like Taylor Swift’s world dominance has finally been replaced by something almost as worthy. (speaking about Joy - Insert Simone Biles)
Likewise has fundraising, volunteers and membership ballooned in Democrats Abroad worldwide. Any minute now Harris will announce her Vice President - and the two will embark on a whirlwind tour of swing states. She will do probably two rallies a day, meetings with unions, call-ins to local radio stations and more with every waking minute. Unlike Biden, she is free from the burden of having to “president”, as well as campaign - and it’s impossible to ignore the gifted orator she has become. This tour will be followed by a week of the convention - with Democrats dominating the airwaves and news cycles.
That’s going to drive Donald Trump nuts. And I, for one, am here for all of it.
He and the GOP are going to do everything they can to tear down Vice President Harris: they will attack her heritage, her bona fides, her gender, and her “blackness.” They will say she’s a socialist, soft on immigration, and too Woke. They will speak in code when they have to and pull out the slurs when they just don’t care. We are already watching it in play. If the polls keep going in the direction that they are, it’s going to get even uglier. Much uglier.
What’s our job?
Keep focussed - we need to win. Don’t get distracted by bulls*** controversy and don’t waste your time in on-line arguments just to win. You don’t even know anymore that you are arguing with a real person.
Stay united - whomever she chooses as her running mate, is a result of a LOT of conversation and strategy. This is bigger than any one policy. If you are going to register a protest vote, because you don’t like their position on something, you are passively voting for Trump. There’s no time for purity test when we’re staring into the face of facism. The assignment hasn’t changed: if we don’t win, it’s game over for all the policies you want to fight for. We need to win, and we need to win big.
Commit to getting five friends and family members to register and vote - whether they are in Portugal or somewhere else in the world. You would be surprised how many people are still not registered, simply because they don’t know how.
Harris deserves this - she’s fantastic. Let’s not fight among ourselves - not now. Let’s say Amen and sprint to the finish line with a sabotage-proof majority in the White House and Congress.
There’s a lot going on. Let’s get to it.
Yes - I'm a broken record. Last I checked, almost 80% of Portugal DA members had requested their 2024 ballots. That's fantastic. But that doesn't reflect ALL Democrats who are here - please make sure to remind everyone you meet - even casually - that this is one election they don't want to sit out. Send them to votefromabroad.org.
Portugal is on fire with enthusiastic Democrats. Yesterday, August 4th, we hosted almost 80 people on the Silver Coast at the lovely home of Jon and Clayton (leaving out last names). We sold swag, registered tons of new voters, made new friends, toasted our exciting candidate, and took a poll on her VP candidate. There are many more events through the month and into September.
Go to our Events Page and RSVP for the one that interests you!
Aug 8th: Happy Hour in Lisbon for GenX-pats. 6pm. Come together for an evening of community and conversation. Bring a friend!
Aug 9th: Wine, Snacks & Letters from the Algarve. 4p Join us as we write postcards to DAPT members reminding them why we must vote!
Aug 11: Vila Nova de Gaia GOTV Meet-up. 3pm. Join us for Sunday Funday for food, drinks and voter registration drive. Bring a friend who has not registered!
Aug 14: Thomas Zimmer Webinar and Project 2025. 5pm. Come for our Q&A with one of the foremost experts on the Christian conservatives' blueprint for America. You think you know about it? Arm yourself with information so you can represent the horror that is in store if Republicans win.
Aug 15: Cascais Coffee Hour, 10am. Come for an energizing conversation about the upcoming election.
Aug 15: Setubal Meet-up! 4:30p Our regular monthly gathering at Setubal's newest watering hole. Come hear the latest news about the upcoming election.
Aug 25: Greater Algarve LGBTQ Meet-up. 4:30p. Join us for a gathering in Tavira at the Black Anchor Irish Pub. live music!
Folks - one of the easiest things you can do to get involved is to follow our social media - in Portugal virtually everyone is on Facebook - it's the best way to find about local events and problem solve. Virtually EVERYONE is on Americans & Friends PT. Please go now to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads:
Facebook
Instagram
Threads
We can ALWAYS use your skills - please contact me directly if you'd like to get involved. I will plug you in. [email protected]
This is always my favorite part because I'm such a news and podcast junkie. If you aren't yet subscribing to Heather Cox Richardson and Joyce Vance's newsletters, I highly recommend them. Short of that, here are a couple that stood out for me in the past month:
Heather Cox Richardson: July 28, 2024
On Project 2025: Heather Cox Richardson on Youtube
Kara Swisher's On - interview with Rachel Maddow
Vanity Fair - Learn about the tech bro billionaire's larger plan
Joyce Vance Alert on Project 2025
and for those who missed it, fascism expert and historian, Timothy Snyder gave an exclusive presentation on Project 2025 to DA members. Give a listen - it's fantastic.
Thanks to everyone - you are all amazing.
Sally DeSipio
Chair, Democrats Abroad Portugal
DA Portugal
https://www.democratsabroad.org/
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