JDCA Weekly Wrap Up: Stop Kavanaugh, take action
Friends,
This week, the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) has focused on blocking Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. With the nomination just clearing a procedural vote in the Senate, it is clear that the final vote will occur in the next day or two. What is not clear is how all senators will vote on the nomination. It’s not too late to join JDCA in urging your senators to VOTE NO and doing everything you can to block Kavanaugh from a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. We have 24 hours. Please sign our petition below, and share with others!
JDCA is deeply concerned about where we are as a country, and what the Kavanaugh confirmation process has revealed. When the President of the United States mocks a victim of sexual assault, we can and must do better. When the FBI investigation of Kavanaugh is rushed, incomplete, and intentionally narrow in its scope, we can and must do better. And when the Senate votes by the narrow margin of 51-49 to advance this confirmation, we can and must do better – and we will do so in November.
For JDCA, the Kavanaugh nomination has underscored the importance of each an every vote – in the Senate, in the House, and at the polls. We have the chance to change the composition of Congress in just 32 days, and JDCA is launching a national operation to Get Out the Jewish Vote for Democrats in November. Join and expand our efforts by supporting JDCA today, and volunteering with JDCA in the midterms. The stakes are just too high to sit on the sidelines. Read on to learn more…
Jewish Dems Oppose Kavanaugh
Just hours ago, the Senate voted to advance Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court. The more we review Kavanaugh’s testimony from last week, the more it becomes clear that he not only lied under oath, but he also lacks the judicial temperament required to serve on the Supreme Court. This is a view shared by former conservative Justice Stevens, who asserted this week that while he thinks Kavanaugh is qualified, he demonstrated political biases that are disqualifiying for the Supreme Court. This should alarm all Americans. Senate Republicans have done all they can to steamroll this nomination, including by giving senators a very limited amount of time to review an FBI investigation marred by an artificially narrow, White House-constrained scope. This is a lifetime appointment and the credibility of the Supreme Court is at stake. For the sake of our democracy, the Supreme Court should and must stand as an institution above politics.
As the Senate rushes to a final vote on Kavanaugh this weekend, please TAKE ACTION TODAY by signing our petition and by telling your senators to vote NO on Kavanaugh. It’s not too late to make a difference.
Jewish Dems are Appalled by Trump’s Mocking of Dr. Ford
JDCA is appalled that President Trump mocked Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony at a rally in Mississippi earlier this week. This behavior would not be tolerated by children or adults, and is especially reprehensible when the bully at the microphone is the President of the United States. This week has left us more determined than ever to defeat Republicans in Congress who have supported Trump and his agenda. JDCA rejects misogyny, bigotry, and hatred. We are thrilled that women will play a key role in this election, both as candidates and at the polls, and we stand with Dr. Ford and others who have been marginalized by this administration and Congress when we vote our values in November.
What are you doing in the next 32 days? Volunteer!
JDCA is here to help you make a difference in the midterms, and you don’t have to wait until you cast your ballot to ensure your voices are heard. Check out JDCA’s endorsed candidates and volunteer opportunities, and join us by serving as midterm volunteer. Canvassing and phone-banking is effective and fun, and all volunteers will receive a Jewish Dems shirt and button (see below!). Additionally, if you’d like to create a JDCA phone bank or canvass, just let us know.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
CHICAGO: Sunday October, 7, 3:00-6:00 pm – Join JDCA Executive Director Halie Soifer and other JDCA volunteers in Barrington, Illinois to canvass for IL House candidate Sean Casten. Sign-up here.
CALIFORNIA: Wednesday, October 10, 5:30-8:30 pm (and every Wed. until the election)– Join JDCA Board Member Ada Horwich and other JDCA volunteers in LA phonebanking for CA candidates. Sign-up here.
YOUR HOME: Thursday, October 11, 5:00-8:00 (and every Thurs. until the election) – Join JDCA in a virtual phonebanking for PA candidates. You can do this from your own home! Sign-up here.
VIRGINIA: Sunday, October 14, 3:00-6:00 – Join JDCA Vice Chair Barbara Goldberg Goldman and other JDCA volunteers to canvass for VA House candidate Jennifer Wexton. Convenient for all our MD, DC, and northern VA supporters! Sign-up here.
COMING SOON – email us at [email protected] to create a canvass or phone bank near you, and check back for additional opportunities. Remember – the elections are just 32 days away!
Shabbat Shalom,
Ron Klein
Chair, Jewish Democratic Council of America