Dems like Tammy Baldwin gaining or losing traction?

Let’s talk about why the democrats, like Tammy Baldwin, are actually losing traction with voters. Despite the fascist policies the trump administration and other republicans are standing behind, I did, in fact say “losing traction.”

The same tactics that have worked for years are no longer effective.  

We are officially in uncharted territory when it comes to politics.  Decorum and Respectful requests aren’t getting the job done.  Let’s be honest, they haven’t been doing their job for a long time, and that’s why Americans are so frustrated with our government in general. It’s also why Americans chose the promise of “action” over the promise of liberty and justice for all.

One of my own biggest frustrations with our government is how no one seems to be able to work together to get something done.  Their jobs are to represent their constituents, and yet, here they are not doing anything to help us.  I have supported my own senator, Tammy Baldwin – Democrat of Wisconsin, for several years.  I did this because I could see her taking what looked like cohesive action toward the interests that her constituents found important.  

Every year she’s been in office, I’ve received a survey to tell her what I wanted her to work on.  She led by example as our house and state senators are now doing the same thing. Unfortunately, I see how her counter parts are being disingenuous – offering options that benefit their own agenda but mean nothing to the Wisconsin voters.

We’ve seen democrats winning elections all over the country in super red states – but I’m not sure how much longer that will last, because despite the wins, we’re not seeing any changes.

Now is the time we need Tammy Baldwin to do MORE

It’s 2026, and we are watching signs of the rise of fascism and giant red flags that we will soon lose our democracy to authoritarian rule. This is the time that we need BOLD action in service of your constituents. It’s NOT the time for polite letters to people; this is the time to work WITH the people in the Senate and take bold action to ensure future generations have the opportunity to say “We the people.”

This is the time you march your high-heeled pumps into Ron Johnson’s office (our other WI state senator) and say, “What the actual fuck?” (Bonus points for screaming here.)

I know it’s not that simple, Tammy.

I know that women for centuries have had to work twice as hard for less pay, and that sitting in a government office can feel like a privilege that you are honored to have.  How women are painted in media affects your decision, I’m sure: “Tammy Baldwin goes into an insane hormonal rampage.” I understand the fear of losing respect and the concern about what power you’ll have the ability to yield after an “apparent” nervous breakdown.  

I also understand how powerful raw emotion is and can be. We witnessed it in the Kavanaugh hearings – when, despite the composure and brevity of Christine Ford, the raw emotion of Kavanaugh being angry and upset won him the nomination for the Supreme Court.

Now is not the time for decorum and demure; right now is the time of passionate inspiration. Of brave and inspired action. It’s why Jeffries and Newsom are getting so much traction in the media and becoming loved by democrats.  We expect you to stand for liberty and justice for all.  

We pledged allegiance to a flag and a people that stood for liberty and justice for all.  

Here’s what Baldwin is doing that’s not working.

Tammy, you have been a successful politician for longer than I’ve been alive, so I don’t presume to tell you how to do your job. That said, I do have some expertise is in the study and practicality of both leadership and psychology. With that I’ve come to understand a bit more about what motivates people to take action. The time when presidents had tact, poise, true leadership qualities, and were personally admirable even if we detested certain policies, those times are done. It’s evident that neither the American people, nor those that you work with in the republican party, care about those things anymore.

This means that the old way of working isn’t going to work.  

Issuing “Demands” from your comfy office on Capitol Hill in written format isn’t going to do it.  Issuing press releases that candidates aren’t fulfilling their promises isn’t going to do it. Likewise, asking hard questions and waiting patiently for answers while promising that you’re committed to working with a party that is NOT committed in any way to working with you IS NOT GOING TO DO IT.

I respect the tactful and considerate ways. I respect the sincerity in “I really want to work WITH you.” But right now the republican party is using this moment to make democrats who want to work together look weak and you’re playing right into their hands. I wrote this blog post in response to an email from Tammy’s office that said that she and 21 other senators “demanded that the trump administration and Linda McMahon release funding.” What it sounded like: “Tammy Baldwin led 21 other senators in stamping their feet in frustration.”

I know Democrats do not hold the seats in the Senate or the House to lead the charge on much of anything. But, let’s be real here, stamping your feet is NOT going to get it done. “Demanding” anything to ears that don’t care to entertain your demands will get you nowhere.

I don’t work on Capitol Hill, but you do Tammy.

I can’t imagine the pressure you all are under. Whether its republicans or democrats, I can’t imagine what you’ve had to go through to get to where you are today. I wont understand what it might look like for you to be able to accomplish anything with all of the red tape, procedural bull, and party “unity” you have to deal with.  The only thing I can tell you is what would restore my trust. Right now I don’t see that any of my national representatives are doing their jobs.  

Bold Action –

Publicly call out representatives on both sides of the aisle for voting in favor of their parties and their donors instead of for the people.  Denounce the performative actions and demand real work from your colleagues. Please sit in their offices until they commit to doing the real work to overhaul the systems we have in place. Work hand in hand with your republican counterparts to pass reform and to strengthen our constitution NOW – before it’s too late.  

Do you want to help constituents trust you? Renounce your parties and recommit to giving a voice back to your constituents instead of your donors. Pass legislation outlawing PAC funds, and get money out of politics.  Pass legislation that gives third-party candidates a genuine fighting chance. Have discussions around ranked choice voting and anti-gerrymandering legislation.

Tammy, you could have been doing all of this all along.

Listen, I know you are only one person, but Tammy Baldwin, you convinced 1.6 million people to vote for you.  We believe in you and what you stand for, what you do.  If you can do that, you can convince a few hundred other people to do the right thing by their voters. Maybe I’m oversimplifying this, and maybe it’s not as easy as it sounds. I get it, people are stubborn, and you can’t help it if the Republicans have fallen into delusionville, USA. You can, however, STOP pretending that things are the same as what they have always been.  

Things are NOT the same.  We are closer now to a governmental authoritarian overhaul than we’ve ever been before.  Stop pulling punches and take off the gloves already.  Your constituency needs more from you… not next week or next month but RIGHT NOW.  It’s a new year. 2026 – it’s time for you and the rest of the politicians to do what we are paying you way more than the average voter to do.  Protect our constitution.. protect us… and help others understand that they are being written into the history books right now. The question is, when it’s all said and done, how do you want to be framed in the history books?

An offer to get your traction back

Hire me.  

I know that sounds a bit audacious, but it’s time to reconnect with constituents, and if you want to do that, then let me start working on your behalf. Let me help our congress re-connect.  Not superficially but deeply.  I’m happy to have meetings with your fellow lawmakers, and maybe I’ll see things that I don’t understand from way up here in Wautoma, WI. If you give me a chance, I’ll be happy to write a follow-up piece about what I learn.

If hiring me isn’t an option, then visit the podcast and listen to what some Americans have to say.  I’m actively inviting guests to come and chat, so I’m happy to invite you too.