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Tina Rhea's avatar

Just donated to Talarico for the second time -- first time was when Stephen Colbert interviewed him, the interview that Colbert wasn't allowed to show on CBS. The rule that, if you give one candidate publicity, you have to give it to all of them, didn't apply to late-night talk shows, but CBS decided that it did anyway. So Colbert did a nice long interview and posted it on YouTube, emphasizing on his show where it was and why he wasn't showing it there. I forget how many views it got on YouTube, but it was several times more than usually watched Colbert.

I donated to Talarico then because he struck me as a great candidate for Texas. He looks and sounds like a preacher, or someone who is sweet about asking if you're saved, which is not my thing but should get a lot of ears in Texas. Even so, he's not one of those fake "Christian" nationalists who don't know what's really in the Bible but try to shove their ugly version of it down your throat and into the lawbooks and into the public schools despite the Constitution. Talarico says those people worship power and are betraying Jesus. He's intelligent and concerned about what's best for people, how to help the ones who've been screwed by Trump and his lousy economy. He's fought hard for the separation of church and state, and his Christian religion is simple: Love God, and love your neighbor-- no exception for race, sexual orientation, immigration status, or anything else. That includes Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, atheists, agnostics, etc. "and forcing our religion down their throats is not love." And he emphasizes that "the real fight in this country is not left versus right; it's top versus bottom."

Colbert segment is 15 minutes here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiTJ7Pz_59A

Joan Eisenstodt's avatar

And that the GOP/MAGA is going after him as "not man enough" is just such pathetic pandering. I'd want any man I knew to be like him and never like Paxton who is like trump in all he does.

Jocelyn B's avatar

Thanks for posting the link. I saw it at the time, and it made me like him.

Anastasia Pantsios's avatar

This is why my only donation so far has been to Beto O'Rourke's Powered by People organization, which has a very extensive and detailed campaign to not just register but also turn out voters to get Talarico elected.

Keiko Ichiye's avatar

Thank you! Indeed, Beto is great at getting out the vote.

Anastasia Pantsios's avatar

He's got it calculated as to how many more voters he would've needed to beat Cruz, and he's ultra-focused on getting those voters for Talarico.

Lynn Little's avatar

Already donating monthly to Talarico, but adding $100 here to support Status Kuo efforts.

Brenda Bonin's avatar

Yes, Jay! James is the real thing! I live in Texas. I've got the tshirt, hat, and sign in my yard. Phone banking and donate regularly. Thank you for having our backs here in Texas!

Judith Swink (CA)'s avatar

I'm not religious but it was clear to me from the first time I saw/heard Talarico that he is absolutely the real thing. Thank you for your added endorsement. Just as important as electing Talarico to the U.S. Senate is ensuring that Ken Paxton does not rise to the U.S. Senate.

HarrisWalz FTW 2024's avatar

Serious question, Jay: is there a way I can donate and not be harassed for more donations from not just Talarico, but from random Dem candidates?

I'm hundreds of miles away from Texas but do believe this is a very important race, and it's a crying shame that he and Jasmine Crockett can't both be on the ballot. Different styles, both very needed voices.

I give my cell number out to as few businesses and health care providers as I can, and yet I have request for money popping up now and again. From what I hear, it's not as bad as the people who have willingly used their cell for such things. Still...I don't want it, and I don't know why they'd want their numbers reported as spam.

If you (or anyone who read this) has helpful advice, I'd like to hear it.

Tina Rhea's avatar

I never leave my phone number; it's usually optional. I don't know if anybody calls, because we have a landline with an answering machine: "You have reached the X and Y household. Please start leaving a message. If you sound like someone we want to talk with, one of us will probably pick up." At least 90% of calls don't leave a message. Some of those we pick up on are laughing.... If you get email messages you don't want, most or all of them have a link you can hit if you don't want them to send more messages.

HarrisWalz FTW 2024's avatar

Unfortunately, with voicemail on the landline instead of a separate answering machine, we no longer have the option to screen calls. Wish we did.

As far as links in emails, with all due respect, are you nuts? That's exactly what people who send that stuff want you to do. Sure, if it's a retailer, website, or a news source to which you subscribe that sends you one or more emails a day, or some other entity with whom you're already connected, "unsubscribe" is almost always an option.

I hit "report spam and delete" for every fundraising text I get. Have gotten one or two in which the wording makes it sound as if it's from the Rs, too, pretending to be the good guy.

Joan Eisenstodt's avatar

Me too. I got one for Cornyn before the primary and I wondered on what list I was that could've done that!

Patrice Curedale's avatar

I think you are correct to be concerned. Don't give your phone number. there is probably a way to mail a check! And guess what, if you open the text and mark it as "spam" you risk getting More space because then "they" (probably the clueless, inept - or infiltrated? - DNC) will know it's a "live" number! They're shooting themselves in the foot.

HarrisWalz FTW 2024's avatar

I misspoke. I hit "spam and block," which shouldn't tell them anything at all. However, if I mail a check, they then have my home address.

Even if I marked it as spam and deleted, how would the senders know?

Judith Swink (CA)'s avatar

I may be wrong but I believe that political campaigns require both name and address plus occupation for their required campaign reports. I donate only online with my credit card so at least I'm also gaining frequent flier miles toward my Christmas flight to join family back east.

I donate directly to candidates and not PACs or the various iterations of the Democratic Party. Somehow they think I'm registered as a Democrat although that hasn't been true since sometime in the 1990s. I also do donate to the Democratic AGs organization, though, and a couple of get out the vote entities.

HarrisWalz FTW 2024's avatar

I'm a registered Independent, and yet somehow they've gotten my information. Yes, my preference would be for specific candidates, but I don't know how careful they are with their lists. Wonder if any of them promise not to share them.

Jocelyn B's avatar

I get about 3 text messages a day from politicians. I block them - it makes me crazy.

Judith Swink (CA)'s avatar

Like you, I receive many texts and emails from Dems asking for donations. I think it probable that many if not all result from campaigns using the required, publicly-available campaign reports of donations & donors. Not much we can do about that if we want to make donations at all.

I do donate to a number who are not California candidates but my response to the texts & emails is simply to delete them as I view what has come in. This includes the repetitive requests from campaigns I donate to. That won't stop them from arriving but I already know which ones I will donate to as I can afford to do so. Easy enough to click on 'delete'.

As for phone calls, I can't recall when I last received a phone call back when I had a landline asking for a political donation. I delete my phone # when I fill in a form. I now use only my cell phone. If I don't recognize the caller's number, I don't answer then block. I now receive surprisingly few calls from unknown numbers.

HarrisWalz FTW 2024's avatar

Except it's also annoying as hell because I will NEVER donate through my phone to anyone, for any cause. I'd rather go through a legit website, and all of them request phone numbers. I actually have a landline, but some sites (other than political) are set up to take only cell numbers, which bugs the heck out of me. Not sure if there are any in which I've simply put my landline #. Hmmm...maybe I could try that with ActBlue. Will think about it.

Judith Swink (CA)'s avatar

Nor will I re donating by phone especially never in response to a text request for donation. When I had a landline, I simply didn't answer the phone, eventually turned the ringer off once I was mostly using my cell, used a mechanical answering machine and if no message is left (no blinking light), I assume it was not from someone I wanted to hear from.

Every site I do donate through online has a phone number box clearly marked as Optional. It's usually filled in so I erase it but the reality is that almost anyone can find our addresses and landline numbers. Some like WhitePages are free (and sometimes out of date) but both WhitePages and a number of other online resources require a fee to access more detailed info including cell numbers and email addresses. People have no idea how much information about us is out there and accessible one way or another.

Teresa G's avatar

I don’t live in Texas. Been to visit a few times

I directly have donated to Taltico’s campaign directly.

Also same with Osoff

Joan Eisenstodt's avatar

YES to Osoff! So many we need to keep like Kelly too. And bring back Sherrod!

Nancy Loomis's avatar

I'm already donating $25/month to him, displaying my yard sign and car stickers, and my "I'm a Tala-freako" t shirt arrived yesterday! He is the real deal and has been my state representative doing the work here in Texas.

LHS's avatar

Love that T-shirt saying!

Mark Chatfield's avatar

As a Texan, I'm already helping to fund James. And I'm signing up for block walks and GOTV efforts. I truly believe that the perfect conditions have developed to begin to turn Texas purple. Please consider funding the campaign. Helping James Talarico will also help Gina Hinojosa who is running against Gov Abbott, which would be truly wonderful.

Joan Eisenstodt's avatar

Thank you, Mark, for all you are doing. AND my hope is Hinojosa wins too. It's gonna be a long night in November. And we know the GOP will contest all Dem wins regardless of margins. I fear a Franken-Coleman again or worse, Bush-Gore. Need to save up energy for it all.

JudiLI's avatar

Give what you can. There are several postcard writing groups for Talarico, find one and start writing! Contact your friends and relatives in Texas to ask them to support Talarico. We all need to do what we can to have this great man elected to the Senate!

Judith Swink (CA)'s avatar

I've used both Postcards to Voters postcardstovoters.org and Letters to Voters votefwd.org

There are others, an online search for postcards or letters to voters will bring them up.

JudiLI's avatar

Thanks for posting this, I should have put in a link for postcards!

Cats 🐈🐈‍⬛'s avatar

Could you share the groups that you are writing Talarico postcards with me, please? I am interested in signing up.

Nancy Schwartz's avatar

Already sending in a monthly donation. Go James!! I live in California but have Texas roots.

Jaime Ramirez's avatar

I really like Talarico & think he's just the right person who can appeal to Texas voters. But beware of attempts to cheat by the very corrupt Paxton, who is part of the very corrupt cabal that has been running & ruining Texas for the past decade or so, & is supported by that extremely corrupt Trump, who cheats at everything, including elections.

There are other important elections. We need to keep Ossoff's seat in Georgia, support Sherrod Brown in Ohio (another state with a lot of electoral funny business), take Alaska with Peltola, Maine with Platner, & Florida (is that Hinojosa? -- another state subject to suspicious election results). It's possible Democrats could take other states, including Iowa & even Louisiana & Mississippi if we can forestall Republican attempts to steal them.

Cats 🐈🐈‍⬛'s avatar

Gina Hinojosa is running for governor of Texas.

Jaime Ramirez's avatar

Thank-you! Saw her name running for some important position.

Joan Eisenstodt's avatar

I posted above that I expect for every Dem win in Nov. massive objections from GOP and recounts like Franken-Coleman years ago. The "leader of the pack" has already said it and Paxton too as you noted. We have to try our best to ensure fair elections and vote counting and NOT another 1/6. (btw: Trump is going to use the Smithsonian Mall for a Trump/MAGA Rally v. the intended celebration of the US 250 from end of June through July 4. Last night's fireworks were at 1:30 a.m. in DC - those of us who could hear them are livid. Pilots going into DCA last night complained of the lights that were in their flight path in and out, all from the WH nonsense. A friend in SW DC, near the Potomac, took photos of the light beams into the sky. Be grateful you aren't here!

Judith Swink (CA)'s avatar

I've also been donating to Deb Haaland who is running for governor in New Mexico. Important to keep NM blue.

Leah Robin's avatar

Happy to donate, but those "suggested" donation amounts were wild.

Tina Rhea's avatar

As cats think: If you don't ask, you don't get. Might as well start with a big number, just in case. A few people will say, "Oh, what the hey" and hit it.

Anastasia Pantsios's avatar

They always start with these outrageous amounts, usually more than my monthly grocery budget.

Sunni's avatar

I agree!! I really wish fundraising campaigns wouldnt push those high gift levels, also because there are so many important races many of us try to support on limited budgets.

Anastasia Pantsios's avatar

I kind of get what they're doing, but I just laugh at them.

Patrice Curedale's avatar

he started with $10, and he didn't say "monthly.' I am still considering, because I don't love the idea of a Seminary grad in Any gov office, and I believe the GOP strategy is leaning heavily on "DINOs" as well as every other trick in the book. Look at Mahan for Governor in CA, running as a Dem while backed by Peter Thiel and the PE Real Estate sheisters like Rick Caruso. Also, I was hoping for Jasmine Crockett. Also Katie Porter.

I guess I'm just tired of electing same ol' Dems... I hope I'm wrong about Talarico, but personally I found Colbert's interview Unfair, since mail in votes had already won, AND they were waxing on about what a "real Christian" does and ugh. No.

Joan Eisenstodt's avatar

Thanks. I too have problems with those who spout one religion. I think Talarico is great - had also hoped for Crockett - and have donated. I have to hope that his use of religion will not filter into the laws that are presented. We are among the minority I think in viewing these races with some trepidation.

Joan Eisenstodt's avatar

I have a standard amount I give and it is not in their brackets! I HATE that elections are so costly when people are without food, shelter, healthcare. We need Citizens United to go buh-bye.

Victoria Shelar's avatar

I don't normally donate to campaigns other than in my state of VA, but you write such good campaign copy, Jay, I couldn't resist donating. Besides, I've heard him speak on Colbert, and he's terrific. Hope he wins, he seems like the real deal!

Barbara Buchanan's avatar

We can't send much, but I hope every bit goes to keeping Ken Paxton out of office. He has slid through charges for SO much corruption. And he is, based on the stories I've read over several years, just as self-centered, profit-driven as T2.0.

pammyjo30's avatar

I'm in Indiana and still donated to Talarico. I've been watching him since the Texas Democrats left the state to avoid a quorum on redistricting. I was impressed by him then, and continue to be. I'm hoping he can help to flip Texas.

Judith Swink (CA)'s avatar

I'm in California and have donated to Talarico, Roy Cooper NC , Sherrod Brown OH, Deb Haaland (for governor of New Mexico), John Ossoff GA, Mary Peltola AK, Chris Pappas NH, both Vindmans (VA & FL) and a few others. I'm fortunate to be in a position to do all of that and have to spread out the donations but at age 82, I figure that's the best and most important use of my resources at this time.

Joan Eisenstodt's avatar

And I'm in DC where we continue to have taxation without voting representation and donate to my home state (Ohio) and others. I'm also writing postcards when I can physically for different races, many for local races which are critically important. I use

postcardstovoters.org or join@tonythedemocrat.org- that came from Steve Brodner's substack. I got great postcards on Etsy and bought thin Sharpies for writing so they don't run from sweaty hands or rain! I'm 79 and in ill health so can only do what I can do!

Judith Swink (CA)'s avatar

Good for you. Every bit counts. Sharpie's are especially good because the ink dries so quickly - I use them on the back of photographs bcz they dry so quickly.

I had to give up postcards because trying to fit the requested message cramps my hand and makes my writing a mess. Letters to Voters votefwd.org provides a template that one prints out on letter paper then the writer has space to add a sentence or two about why s/he believes voting is so important. Not such a cramped space. Writer provides paper and envelopes. Postage is more but given what we're fighting for, and against, it's worth the cost for those of us who can afford it.

Joan Eisenstodt's avatar

Nodding in agreement about what has to be fit in. I have to concentrate because my writing is .. interesting! Thanks for the information about votefwd. Whatever we can do must be done.

Jill Fenner's avatar

Would live to donate but no PayPal option 😕

TreeDogRain's avatar

I wasn't sure about the "secure.numero.ai" payment portal in this link, so switched over to the primary Talarico donation portal via Act Blue. It offers a PayPal option.