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Bluetus

(3,377 posts)
23. GOP election-rigging isn't the best campaign issue for the Dems, but it it worth fighting
Tue Jun 23, 2026, 09:53 AM
Jun 23

The most powerful issue right now is not abortion, not immigration, not election-rigging, not the ballroom, not the reflecting pool, not the Iran war.

This most powerful issue today, BY FAR, is AI data centers. People all across the country and all across the political spectrum are enraged. First, they see AI as being mostly about the Surveillance State. They see it correctly as the billionaires ripping off taxpayers for sweetheart deals that provide no benefits to the local community: no jobs, higher electrical rates, wate of precious water, etc. This issue is potent, and ought to be the centerpiece of every campaign. And Dems should have a consistent position. Not just a vague "We don't like AI data centers", but something with real teeth, like: "We are going to enact legislation that requires every new data center to build reneable power systems (wind, solar, etc) that generates TWICE the amount of energy that the data center will consume. And the excess power will go onto the grid for free, LOWERING taxpayers' monthly electrical bills. And after 10 years, all that generation capacity becomes the property of the taxpayers, with the data centers paying regular consumer rates for the electricity they use."

Sound crazy? Maybe it is, but in negotiation, you start with a strong position, and this is a position that huge majoritties will favor. In other words, we need to get in front of this parade before the Republicans grab the issue and cloud everything so they can keep giving favors to the billionaires.

Having said that, we can walk and chew gum. Certainly Trump's Jim Crow law is worth talking about, and it could be the deciding margin in Maine, Alaska, Iowa ... Make the Republicans own it. And even if they back off, keep pounding them as if they might still come back and try it at any time.

Recommendations

7 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Trump would have had 3 reliable votes most likely if not for his burning those bridges SSJVegeta Jun 23 #1
GOP election-rigging isn't the best campaign issue for the Dems, but it it worth fighting Bluetus Jun 23 #23
The Atlantic just posted a fluff piece about how data centers are good SSJVegeta Jun 23 #26
What are the odds that the article was written by AI? Bluetus Jun 23 #36
It's Maine awesomerwb1 Jun 23 #31
I'll believe it when I see it. Ray Bruns Jun 23 #2
You are exactly right chicoescuela Jun 23 #3
This message was self-deleted by its author rampartd Jun 23 #4
When you are right, you are right! displacedvermoter Jun 23 #5
He will bribe, blackmail or bully them all to get what wants. NCDem47 Jun 23 #10
I'm afraid you're right, NCDem. Diamond_Dog Jun 23 #17
Yep awesomerwb1 Jun 23 #32
Cowards MoseShrute Jun 23 #6
The best time would have been at his first impeachment trial. tanyev Jun 23 #7
So, the real vote on the Save America Act will just be postponed MadameButterfly Jun 23 #8
An Elephant never forgets no_hypocrisy Jun 23 #9
Sigh lonely bird Jun 23 #11
No they won't Miguelito Loveless Jun 23 #12
They talk a good game but when push comes to shove, they always cave. Katinfl Jun 23 #13
I'm kind of surprised that THIS is where Republicans have decided to draw the line. Ol Janx Spirit Jun 23 #14
Nothing to lose Bayard Jun 23 #15
Now is the time?? agingdem Jun 23 #16
And they only care now Hieronymus Phact Jun 23 #18
I think they're getting a lot of nasty-grams from their voters FakeNoose Jun 23 #19
They're so afraid of constituent wrath agingdem Jun 23 #33
thats 3 of 5 needed quakerboy Jun 23 #20
Bring it to floor, vote it down and then I will take them seriously Raven123 Jun 23 #21
"Republicans?" More like "outgoing Republicans?" Martin68 Jun 23 #22
Welcome to 1861 Tetrachloride Jun 23 #24
When they are threatened and pee their pants let's see how they vote. NoMoreRepugs Jun 23 #25
Well, that's a check that's sure to bounce... n/t TygrBright Jun 23 #27
Fuck the lot of them. The damage is done. Blue Owl Jun 23 #28
Senate repubs: We are all Susan Collins now... Wounded Bear Jun 23 #29
Too little mgardener Jun 23 #30
Here's comes one of those Susan Collins "concern" rants underpants Jun 23 #34
I wonder how many holdouts can still be bought with enough money. ananda Jun 23 #35
Duh LilElf70 Jun 23 #37
F U C K . O F F . Senate Republicans. progressoid Jun 23 #38
to be fair Skittles Jun 24 #46
Way past time for that check. republianmushroom Jun 23 #39
They worry about the midterms and don't care about anyone but themselves. 33taw Jun 23 #41
Far too little, far too late dlk Jun 23 #40
lol, do I laugh or cry? hibbing Jun 23 #42
I don't think they will do anything RainCaster Jun 23 #43
I'll hold off to see what they do. And how they do it. calimary Jun 23 #44
Yeah, they'll get right on that . . . hatrack Jun 23 #45
They're doing this only to give themselves cover for the midterms Orrex Jun 24 #47
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