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Do Democrats have anything to lose in using Republican gerrymandering tactics against them?
MSNBC· 2025-08-16 21:18
Democracy & Political Landscape - The discussion emphasizes the importance of actively fighting for and preserving democracy, as it is not self-executing [1][2] - Former President Obama is re-engaging in politics, offering advice and support to Democrats, particularly concerning redistricting efforts [2][3][11] - California is taking proactive measures to counter perceived attempts to "rig the system," specifically referencing actions by Donald Trump [6][7] - The debate includes the potential for Democrats to engage in gerrymandering to counter Republican efforts, while also advocating for a national independent redistricting commission [8][9][10] Democratic Party & Future Strategy - The Democratic Party is described as a "big tent party" needing to inspire voters and embrace diverse candidates who can win elections [16][17] - The discussion highlights the need for the Democratic Party to present a positive vision for the future, focusing on reimagining key areas like healthcare, education, and the economy, rather than solely opposing Republicans [13][14] - The importance of individual voices in preserving democracy is emphasized, alongside the influence of prominent figures like Obama [12][13]
‘These are extraordinary times’: California unveils new maps to counter Texas gerrymandering
MSNBC· 2025-08-16 14:44
After leaving the state in protest of the Republican redistricting plan for two weeks, Texas Democrats plan to return home Monday as Governor Greg Abbott has called yet another special session of the state legislature. But the nationwide redistricting fight is far from over. Late last night, California Democrats released proposed maps that would likely flip five Republican held seats, giving Democrats 48 of the state's 52 districts, up from 43.It's a direct counter to Republican gains in Texas. State lawmak ...
'Ready to play hardball': Dem lawmakers fight back on redistricting
MSNBC· 2025-08-15 16:00
And joining us now is Texas State Representative Maha Pa. She is the vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus and one of the members who had fled the state. Uh, Representative, thanks for being here.You and your fellow Democrats have laid out some conditions for returning home, including ending that special session and allowing time for California to introduce its own maps. So, those two things happen, but at the end of the day, the governor is calling another special session. The redistricting plans movin ...
MSNBC Highlights — Aug. 14
MSNBC· 2025-08-15 10:43
Let's bring in NBC's Peter Alexander in Anchorage. That is, of course, where the summit will be taking place. And with me here in studio, independent journalist Philip Bump. Richard Stangle served as under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs under President Obama. And retired Army Colonel Jack Jacobs is a Medal of Honor recipient and an MSNBC military analyst. Gentlemen, welcome all. Um, Peter, you first. What more can you tell us about how this is all going to unfold tomorrow? Well, ...
The Last Word With Lawrence O’Donnell - Aug. 14 | Audio Only
MSNBC· 2025-08-15 10:42
Politics & Governance - Gavin Newsom and California are challenging Donald Trump's attempts to rig congressional districts, advocating for democratic processes against perceived Republican gerrymandering [4][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][22][23][24][25][28][30] - The report highlights the contrast between Democratic and Republican approaches to governance, particularly regarding transparency and accountability, referencing the Epstein files [7][8][9] - California's redistricting process is presented as a transparent and public alternative to alleged backroom deals in other states [23] Economics & Policy - Donald Trump's economic policies, including tariffs, are criticized for leading to higher prices and inflation, impacting consumers and seniors [52][53][57][58][60][61][64][65] - The report discusses the potential conflict of interest involving Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant and his soybean farmland in North Dakota, raising concerns about trade negotiations with China [78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89] - Social Security is highlighted as a crucial anti-poverty program, with concerns raised about potential Republican efforts to cut Medicaid by 900 billion, Medicare by 500 billion, and the Affordable Care Act by 300 billion [38][39][40][41][44][46][47][48][49][50][51] International Relations - Donald Trump's approach to the war in Ukraine is criticized, with claims that he has failed to solve the conflict and is aligning with Vladimir Putin's position [65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76] - Vladimir Putin is seen as gaining from meetings with Donald Trump, potentially normalizing relations and changing the subject away from Ukraine [73][74][75][76] Social Issues - The report emphasizes the importance of protecting vulnerable communities and addressing issues such as healthcare and deportation [34][36] - The legacy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the Social Security Act is celebrated, highlighting the importance of economic security and social safety nets [38][39][40][41][44][45]
California official on redistricting: Time to ‘fight back or roll over’
MSNBC· 2025-08-15 00:50
Political Landscape & Gerrymandering - California is taking a stand against gerrymandering, viewing it as a threat to democracy [1][4] - California is moving with urgency to release maps, introduce a constitutional amendment, and pass it out of both chambers of the legislature with a two-thirds majority to put it on the ballot [2][3] - The goal is to let the people of California decide on the boundaries, not politicians [3] - Texas Democrats wish Texas would give the power to the people and let them decide [8] - Republicans are allegedly trying to steal 15 seats through redistricting in Texas, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Indiana [11] Moral Responsibility & Call to Action - California feels a moral responsibility to the entire country to fight against authoritarianism [7] - California is ready to step up and defend democracy [20] - It's time for people who have been indecisive to defend democracy [16] Criticism & Concerns - Republicans' policies are hugely unpopular [12] - There is buyer's remorse among voters [13] - Texas Governor Abbott is criticized for being weak and not standing tall [15]
Newsom: 'Donald Trump, you have poked the bear'
MSNBC· 2025-08-14 21:28
Today is Liberation Day in the state of California. And as Senator Schiff said, as Senator Schiff said, Donald Trump, you have poked the bear and we will punch back. And here we are an open and plain sight before one vote is cast in the 2026 midterm election.And here he is once again trying to rig the system. He doesn't play by a different set of rules. He doesn't believe in the rules.And as a consequence, we need to disabuse ourselves >> of the way things have been done. >> It's not good enough to just hol ...
Senate loses power and purpose as Trump runs amok unchecked by Republicans
MSNBC· 2025-08-14 10:36
Joining me now is Democratic Senator from Connecticut, Chris Murphy. Uh, Senator Murphy, thank you so much for being here with me. There's a lot I want to talk to you about.I just want to start with I kind of just gave my overview of what I see as this dictator, aspiring dictator. When did we just start calling him a dictator. um actions that include everything from this effort to militarize our nation's streets, including the city that you and I spend a lot of time in to um go after private sector companie ...
NY State Senate Majority Leader urges Americans to elect State legislatures 'to defend democracy'
MSNBC· 2025-08-12 03:28
Governor Gavin Newsome is appealing straight to Donald Trump to stop the Republican plan to rig Texas's congressional map. Today, Newsome sent a letter telling Trump he'd prefer to let independent bodies draw congressional districts, not partisan legislatures. But he wrote, "Cal cannot stand idly by as this power grab unfolds." Not sure if that message will land with a president who says the quiet part out loud.I think we get five and there could be some other states. We're going to get another three or fou ...
'Deeply unpopular': Republican Congressman slams nationwide redistricting efforts
MSNBC· 2025-08-11 01:37
Redistricting Concerns & Proposed Solutions - The industry observes growing concerns over mid-decade redistricting efforts by both parties, viewing it as disruptive and unpopular [1][4][5][10][11] - A proposed bill aims to void new maps adopted after November 2024, maintaining current maps to address mid-decade redistricting standoffs [1] - The industry highlights the need for a truce in the redistricting war, advocating for a return to traditional, once-a-decade redistricting after the census [12][14] Political Implications & Party Stances - The report suggests that redistricting efforts could empower political figures and potentially dismantle independent commissions designed for fair elections [5][7][8] - The analysis points out that while both parties have engaged in gerrymandering, the current mid-decade fight is primarily driven by one party [10][15] - The industry notes an increasing number of individuals from both sides are supporting the proposed bill, indicating a desire to focus on more pressing issues [12] Impact on Representative Government & Democracy - The report emphasizes that unscheduled redistricting can arbitrarily remove communities from their representatives, negatively impacting representative government [4] - The industry expresses concern that attempts to bend the rules of the game contribute to disillusionment and distrust in the political process [19] - The analysis underscores the importance of finding common ground in setting the basic parameters of politics to maintain a healthy democracy [17][18]