The Torch

pollThink: How Counts and Crosstabs Messed Up Messaging

27.02.25 10:17 PM - By New American Community - Comment(s)

There’s an old saying: when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. For Democratic politics, polling has become that hammer. It’s a powerful tool - essential for campaigns, messaging, and strategy - but it’s also led us into a trap.

The problem isn’t polling itself. The problem is how...

This Is Happening - Now: The Coming Collapse of American Democracy

27.02.25 09:16 PM - By New American Community - Comment(s)

Donald Trump is back in power. And, in just a few short weeks, his administration has begun systematically dismantling the legal and institutional guardrails meant to restrain executive power. This isn't speculation. It’s happening right now.

This isn't just about revenge. This isn't just about getti...

Why You Shouldn’t Put a Texan in the White House: Streams of Influence in American Politics

27.02.25 09:16 PM - By New American Community - Comment(s)

Power Streams and the Political Decision-Making Process

In politics, decision-making isn’t a matter of pure personal willpower or ideology - it’s shaped by streams of influence, powerful currents that guide, nudge, or even force politicians in certain directions. Picture a politician as a rubber duck...

The Gender Gap That Wasn’t: Turns Out, Identities Don't Matter - Life Experiences Do

27.02.25 09:16 PM - By New American Community - Comment(s)

For months, we were told that the 2024 election would be defined by a massive gender gap. The logic was simple: Trump is deeply unpopular with women, abortion is on the ballot, and Kamala Harris is the first black female presidential nominee from a major party to run in a general election. If ever t...

The Field 2028: JB Pritzker – "The Everyman"

27.02.25 09:00 PM - By New American Community - Comment(s)
Discussion of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's potential as a 2028 Democratic presidential candidate.

FUNDRAISING - CALL TIME GUIDE

26.02.25 08:54 PM - By New American Community - Comment(s)

Call time is the backbone of grassroots fundraising. It’s personal, effective, and essential for raising the money needed to run a competitive campaign or fund an organization. Whether you’re a candidate, PAC leader, or nonprofit director, mastering call time can make the difference between a well-f...

COMMUNITY ACTION MEETING GUIDE

26.02.25 08:53 PM - By New American Community - Comment(s)

Getting Started

Organizing is about bringing people together to build collective power. As an organizer, you can connect individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets to work effectively toward shared goals.

Hosting a meeting provides a space to discuss recent developments, explore...

A World Without NATO: The Conflict Triage Nightmare

26.02.25 08:07 PM - By New American Community - Comment(s)

In a world without NATO, the United States would quickly find itself overwhelmed by cascading conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. Each region would become more volatile, and without collective deterrence, America’s strategic flexibility - its ability to respond to threats on ...

Scandal Is Dead: How “Alpha Politics” Killed the Juiciest Political Weapon

26.02.25 08:07 PM - By New American Community - Comment(s)

There was a time when one good scandal could end a political career. That time is dead. And politicians - especially the ones who’ve figured it out - are dancing on its grave.

I. Remember When Scandals Actually Mattered?

Once upon a time, scandal was the political death penalty.

You got caught in an af...