Sign in

davidphelps1.bsky.social

@davidphelps1.bsky.social
707 followers 1.5K following 42 posts

Founder/Managing Director Blue States PAC; Sen. Edward M Kennedy alumni; Australian by birth, American by choice; online fundraiser; email copywriter; survivor of four presidential campaigns. Unashamed liberal.

PostsRepliesMedia
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 4h
Thirty years of Republican control. Thirty-three days to Election Day. Project 140 is helping 35 Florida Democrats give voters a choice. Meet the people doing this work in my first Countdown essay. davidphelps2015.substack.com/p/thirty-yea...
davidphelps2015.substack.com
Thirty years. Thirty-three days.
Countdown: Margie Stein’s Project 140 backs 35 Democrats for the Florida Legislature. The final phase is getting them heard.
000
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
In red-leaning Montgomery County, Tennessee, Democrats spent years becoming visible, recruiting candidates and building an organization ready for opportunity. Then they flipped four commission seats. davidphelps2015.substack.com/p/all-presen...
davidphelps2015.substack.com
All present and accounted for
In a fast-growing, Republican-leaning Tennessee county, Democrats spent five years building a year-round presence—then flipped four commission seats and won an 11-seat majority.
000
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Training transfers information. Infrastructure transfers capacity. My new essay proposes a 3,100 County Challenge: $15,000–$20,000 annually for county Democratic organizations, beginning in 2027—with local leaders deciding how best to use it. davidphelps2015.substack.com/p/what-happe...
davidphelps2015.substack.com
What happens after the training ends?
When the screen goes dark, local Democrats still need the resources to turn what they learned into action.
000
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Manistee County, Michigan, didn’t turn blue in 2024. Its Democrats kept showing up anyway, distributing food, helping students, organizing precincts and keeping their office open. That’s how neighbors build trust over time. My new essay: davidphelps2015.substack.com/p/the-little...
davidphelps2015.substack.com
The little county that could
In rural Michigan, Democrats are building credibility by becoming the neighbors people know will show up
023
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Some volunteers knock on 100 doors. Others address 20 postcards. Some give an afternoon; others give one hour. They are different parts of the same song, and they need to know they are not singing alone. My new essay, “Voices”: davidphelps2015.substack.com/p/what-a-dem...
davidphelps2015.substack.com
What a Democratic majority sounds like
Every movement begins when someone raises a voice. It succeeds when the rest of us find our part and join the chorus
000
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Washington County, TN, Democrats flipped three commission seats, won a school-board race in a county Trump carried by nearly 40 points. A place doesn’t become competitive before people compete. It becomes competitive because they do. davidphelps2015.substack.com/p/two-counti...
davidphelps2015.substack.com
The counties that stopped waiting
More than 2,000 miles apart, Democrats in two Republican counties are proving that political change begins before a place turns blue.
000
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Congress accounts for fewer than 500 of the more than 40,000 offices on the ballot this November. The rest will shape our schools, courts, counties and communities. We cannot ask Democrats to compete everywhere without building capacity everywhere. davidphelps2015.substack.com/p/power-is-o...
davidphelps2015.substack.com
Power is on the ballot
We call them "down-ballot" races. But power doesn't diminish as you move down the ballot.
000
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
What if the person filling out a volunteer form isn’t only saying: I have three hours available Saturday. What if they’re also asking: Is there a place for me here? Silence answers that question, too. My new essay: davidphelps2015.substack.com/p/the-volunt...
davidphelps2015.substack.com
The volunteers we never call back
Democrats spend enormous energy finding people willing to help. What happens if they raise their hands, and nobody answers?
000
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Before anyone asks for a vote, someone has to listen. Before anything can change, someone has to listen and understand. My latest essay is about leadership, listening — and why, after all these years, the front porch still wins. davidphelps2015.substack.com/p/the-front-...
davidphelps2015.substack.com
The front porch still wins
The greatest leaders don't begin with answers. They begin by listening.
010
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Turnout begins long before Election Day, when local Democrats build trust one conversation, one volunteer shift, and one community event at a time. My new essay is for the county chairs, volunteers, precinct leaders and organizers who never really leave. open.substack.com/pub/davidphe...
open.substack.com
The people who stay
Why every campaign is built on people most voters will never know
000
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
What if every campaign dollar had more than one job? What if it didn't simply help elect Democrats, but also strengthened local businesses, preserved community knowledge, and left every county better prepared for the next election? My latest essay: open.substack.com/pub/davidphe...
open.substack.com
Every campaign dollar has two jobs.
What if every dollar Democrats spend left a community stronger than it found it?
000
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Campaigns don't begin in October. They begin long before anyone is paying attention. My latest @Substack explores why July may matter more than October, and why investing early in local Democrats is one of the smartest things we can do. open.substack.com/pub/davidphe...
open.substack.com
Why July matters more than October
Before anyone is watching
000
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
davidphelps2015.substack.com/p/the-people...
davidphelps2015.substack.com
The people doing the hard work of democracy
What one conversation taught me about how democracy renews itself
010
davidphelps1.bsky.social @davidphelps1.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
We don't own democracy. We borrow it. My latest essay reflects on America's 250th birthday and the ordinary citizens who quietly keep democracy alive. davidphelps2015.substack.com/p/we-were-in...
davidphelps2015.substack.com
We were invited in
Why democracy is something we borrow, not something we own
000
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Adam Kinzinger @adamkinzinger.substack.com · 23/06/2025
This is the 22 year old the administration has put in charge of preventing a domestic response by Iran or any terror group
95842951206
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Rogue Citizen One @roguecitizenone.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
My little hometown of Lakeport, CA (Pop: 5k), showed up today. Share your pics below from big towns and small! #NoKings 1/2
1547695
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Brandon Friedman @brandonfriedman.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
No joke, Trump has to fire all of them now. They're a sabotage risk to the administration.
1854992895
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Adam Kinzinger @adamkinzinger.substack.com · 05/06/2025
Between the Elon Trump fallout and 30 percent of dead Russian bombers this is shaping up to be a pretty nice little week
2688752897
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Mike Drucker @mikedrucker.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
hahahahahahahahahahhahahahahaha (breath) hahahahahahaha
Tweet from Kanye West saying “Broooos please noooooo 🫂   We love you both so much”
636256103182
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
NotafanofFacism @notafanoftrump.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Booker needs to read the room.
0102
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Auntie M1 @auntiem1.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
WTF @booker.senate.gov ?
1243
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
bonbon64119.bsky.social @bonbon64119.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
@booker.senate.gov JFC man....seriously? What is wrong with you?
1524
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Jeannette @jeannettesarpola.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Wtf is wrong with booker?
1172
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Mjrdude @mjrdude.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Booker: every time I think he’s got greatness in him, he proves me wrong.
1869
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
The New York Times @nytimes.com · 25/04/2025
Judge Hannah Dugan, the Wisconsin judge who was arrested on Friday morning on charges of obstructing immigration enforcement, spent most of her legal career working on behalf of low-income people and marginalized groups. Here's what to know.
nytimes.com
Who Is the Wisconsin Judge Arrested in Immigration Dispute?
41499652581
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
“Let me be clear” is starting to annoy me as much as “at the end of the day.” These unnecessary words seem to be contagious, spreading out of control from one politician and media member to another.
3962896325
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Yes, judges plural — one in NM, one in Wisconsin
1049451
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
The Trump administration is ignoring Supreme Court orders and arresting judges who defy them. Seems sorta bad?
421784304
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Charlie Sykes @sykescharlie.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Who can forget the immortal words of FDR in 1940: “Adolph, STOP!” www.cnn.com/2025/04/24/e...
cnn.com
Trump writes ‘Vladimir, STOP!’ after Russia launches deadliest strikes on Kyiv since last summer | CNN
US President Donald Trump said he is “not happy” after Russia launched its deadliest wave of attacks on Kyiv in nine months, telling President Vladimir Putin to “STOP!” as he attempts to push Ukraine ...
3949979
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
José Orta @orta69.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
ICE is traumatizing children. Schools, Churches and Hospitals should be off limits to ICE.
910646
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Senator Chris Van Hollen @vanhollen.senate.gov · 18/04/2025
I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar. Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return.
Photo of Senator Chris Van Hollen with Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
805812267925542
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Allison Gill @muellershewrote.com · 18/04/2025
Dear senators who think you can’t do anything, Today, Senator Van Hollen - through diplomatic pressure - got a meeting with Abrego Garcia in El Salvador. So that thing you’re thinking about doing? DO IT. ~ All of Us
8695308613818
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Sherrilyn Ifill @sifill.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
My “spidey-sense” is saying we should keep our eyes on this. www.reuters.com/world/us/top...
reuters.com
Exclusive: Top Hegseth advisor Dan Caldwell put on leave in Pentagon leak probe
One of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's top advisors, Dan Caldwell, was escorted out of the Pentagon on Tuesday after being identified during an investigation into leaks at the Department of Defense, a U.S. official told Reuters.
2033044834
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
ceej @ceej.online · 15/04/2025
Why would anyone choose to go to Columbia now? “Columbia University: We Roll Over For Fascists”
2056432
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Noelle @finallynoelle.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Listen Chuck, I know your brows are furrowed to the max and if you had some pearls you'd be clutching them the way you clutch on to your Dem "leadership" but...take some action? Are you aware of what Sen Chris Van Hollen is doing? How about you hop on that wagon? Or just step down. That works too.
54892184
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Carl Quintanilla @carlquintanilla.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
This is beautiful. And American. 🇺🇸 @apnews.com storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
342062395
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Adam Parkhomenko @adamparkhomenko.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Someone got called into the principals office
102990591389
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Ben Collins @bencollins.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Why
1542820115
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
John Fugelsang @johnfugelsang.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
I derive pleasure from the misfortune of people who don't know the meaning of 'Schadenfreude.'
5095682
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
The Lincoln Project @lincolnproject.us · 26/03/2025
Let it begin.
1964330575839
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Pete Buttigieg @petebuttigieg.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Well, they lied. Obviously.
19776897210325
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Kyle Cheney @kyledcheney.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
You really can’t script this. The same week the Trump admin invokes the state secrets privilege to deny Boasberg info, he is assigned the lawsuit over the Trump administration’s apparent carelessness with state secrets.
12880181384
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
The Isaac Who Came In From the Butler @isaacbutler.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
The Burn After Reading presidency.
1546153
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Kyle Griffin @kylegriffin1.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Sen. Andy Kim is calling on Pete Hegseth to resign.
1616595889
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Patti in Colorado. 💙🏞️💙 @pattiwincolorado.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
In a sane world.....
011
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
David Nir @davidnir.com · 26/03/2025
The Democrat who announces a primary challenge to Dick Durbin today, rather than waiting for him to announce his retirement, will raise $10 million in a week.
562444564
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Thom Tillis casting the deciding vote to confirm Hegseth, and his shameful silence yesterday, should be a major issue in the 2026 NC Senate race.
706332647865
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Morgan J Freeman @mjfree.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Trump is laying fertile ground for another 9/11. We are not safe.
781295250
Reposted by @davidphelps1.bsky.social
Hoodlum 🇺🇸 @nothoodlum.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Pretty snazzy hypocrite, granny.
997121542676