This election result isn't about Dem messaging. Their messaging during the campaign was about helping the middle class, continuing with sound economic policies, affordable healthcare and education, the rights of women, strengthening the border, unity. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz formed a balanced ticket filled with character, intellect, and genuine love for this country, and they eloquently delivered their vision better beautifully. This election result is about racism, misogyny, lack of education—and an irresponsible media that caters to those realities. There is no messaging that can overcome prejudice and ignorance, and those two factors are the only explanation for Trump even being the nominee and getting 75 million votes. We need to stop pretending there is some perfect Democratic candidate or magic messaging to reach people who have abandoned objective reality and chosen to embrace their fears and phobias, while failing to do the slightest bit of work to know what candidates' policies and plans are. The Dems didn't fail America, they just exist in a nation where far too many people don't pay attention or care to understand what's actually happening. Maybe they will now.

Vladimir Shklyarov, Russian ballet star, dies aged 39 after falling from building theguardian.com/stage/2024/n…

So...today I learned that a woman I used to admire is a TERF. Imagine voting for the downfall of the United States b/c you're afraid of trans women in sports when trans folks are such a teeny % of our population.