A Tale of Two Speeches
On Tuesday night, a recently-elected official gave an inspiring speech addressing the concerns of all Americans. It was a speech that explicitly referenced that our shared values are bigger than any one party. It focused on what unites us rather than what divides us.
This speech, given by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, was preceded by 90 minutes of Donald Trump’s extremism, derision, hyperbole, and lies before a joint session of Congress. The contrast between these two speeches couldn’t have been more stark, and their juxtaposition epitomized the deep divisions that exist in our country regarding values and leadership.
Trump’s speech was meandering and dark. He obfuscated on the economy and castigated anyone who disagrees with him, mocking members of Congress. Slotkin was concise, pointed, and forward-looking. She discussed Trump’s broken promise to deliver for working class Americans, given the devastating economic impact of his tariffs and deep budget cuts. Perhaps most importantly, she provided Americans with clear calls to action.
THREE CALLS TO ACTION
Senator Slotkin’s speech answered the most important question of the moment: “What can we do in this moment to defend our democracy?” Her answer to this question is below, in three parts, with additional commentary and specific links for you to take action.
“First, don’t tune out. It’s easy to be exhausted, but America needs you now more than ever. If previous generations had not fought for democracy, where would we be today?”
#1: DON’T TUNE OUT
We understand the instinct to tune out. This last election was crushing, and every day brings an onslaught of offenses from this White House. Chasing each and every word and action of this president can be exhausting, so instead, focus on whether members of Congress acquiesce to or push back against his demands, and remember that three members of Congress work for you – two in the Senate and one in the House.
We have strong Democrats in Congress, including four Democratic Senators who won states that Kamala Harris lost – Jacky Rosen in Nevada, Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin, Ruben Gallego in Arizona, and Elissa Slotkin in Michigan. Senator Slotkin won by approximately 20,000 votes, which is less than one-half of one percent. Slotkin’s was the closest Senate race in the country, and she won not just with Democratic support, but also with the support of split-ticket voters who voted for Donald Trump.
Democrats have won and will continue to win elections by speaking to the values and concerns of the American people – as Senator Slotkin did so clearly on Tuesday night – and our work to support and elect them has never been more important.
Is tuning out an option? Donald Trump wants nothing more than for you to look the other way as he debases our democracy, decimates our democratic institutions, and tramples over the rule of law. Our democracy won’t survive the next four years if we fail to pay attention. Monitor select developments of particular interest to Jewish Americans on JDCA’s TrumpWatch.
“Second, hold your elected officials, including me, accountable. Watch how they’re voting. Go to town halls and demand they take action. That’s as American as apple pie.”
#2: HOLD YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ACCOUNTABLE
You may not think that writing or calling your members of Congress makes a difference, but it does. I worked in four congressional offices, and each of them tallied constituent mail and calls by topic – dividing them into categories of “for” or “against” an issue – on a daily basis. Every member of Congress is aware of the messages they’re receiving from constituents, and you can easily make your views known so long as you have a mailing address in their state and district.
With a few clicks here, you can simultaneously write to your three members of Congress, urging them to oppose deep Trump budget cuts. Click here to oppose Trump’s unconstitutional power grabs, urging your members of Congress to reassert their constitutional authority. With two clicks, you can send six letters in less than one minute.
Democrats and Republicans alike need to hear from their constituents about Trump’s actions to strengthen their resolve to oppose them. Live in a red state or district? Even better – contact your Republican members of Congress. We need a handful of Republicans to wake up and remember that they work for you, not Donald Trump or Elon Musk.
Prefer to call? No problem. The number is 202-224-3121. Ask for your senators and representative, listed here. A short script for your call is here.
“Three, organize. Pick just one issue you’re passionate about — and engage. And doom scrolling doesn’t count. Join a group that cares about your issue, and act. And if you can’t find one, start one. Some of the most important movements in our history have come from the bottom up.”
#3: ENGAGE AND ORGANIZE
This may be the easiest call to action, because if you’ve received this email and already read this far, you’re likely either a part of – or interested in becoming a part of – JDCA. We’re here for you, as a movement and community, to mobilize and engage members of Congress on key issues of importance to Jewish Americans.
We know that “the future of our democracy” was the number one issue for Jewish voters in the past two elections, but our work doesn’t end there. In addition to defending democracy, we’re also focused on combating antisemitism and extremism, protecting our freedoms and rights, defending Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, and supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship.
This week alone we had multiple meetings with senators focused on those issues to ensure they know where the vast majority of Jewish Americans stand. We hope you’ll join us by signing up for our organizing efforts and virtual events. We’ll soon be announcing our annual Week of Action, where you can join us in virtual meetings with your members of Congress. And – if you haven’t already – become a member of JDCA in 2025 to support our efforts. Your support as a member makes our work possible, and members are invited to join special events, including our upcoming discussion with Simon Rosenberg.
BECOME A MEMBER OF JDCA IN 2025
Want to make a difference in an election happening in three and a half weeks? Join our efforts to ensure that Judge Susan Crawford becomes the next Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice, where – as the liberal swing vote on that divided court – she’ll decide on key issues such as abortion access, voting rights, and redistricting. Thinking of sitting it out? Keep in mind that Elon Musk isn’t sitting this one out – he’s pouring millions into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race in support of Crawford’s opponent because he knows just how important this single seat is in a swing state. We know as well, and encourage you to join us in winning this key election.
Senator Slotkin’s speech was personal for me. I grew up in the House district that she flipped from red to blue in 2018 after it was held by a Republican for nearly two decades, and – because of the strength of her vision for uniting and delivering for everyday Americans – she was elected and re-elected to that seat three times, only to be followed by her ascent to the Senate. Elections matter, and in Elissa’s case, 0.3% of the vote in Michigan made the difference. We have to continue to be a part of this work to ensure that leaders like Elissa, not the guy who spoke (for far too long!) before her on Tuesday night, represent us.
Shabbat Shalom,
Halie Soifer
CEO, Jewish Democratic Council of America