One interesting tidbit about population shifting south … I know a lot of people like to dismiss it, but the southern and southwestern United States will be unlivable for most people in the not so distant future. It’s partly why millionaires and billionaires are buying up places like Montana and have their eyes on Greenland. Climate change is happening whether we believe in it or not.
Ben, man, this is the wake-up. “Demography is destiny only if you do the work.” Seats follow people, not nostalgia.
Receipts. Texas and Florida are on track to gain multiple House seats by 2030. Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, South Carolina, Tennessee could add seats. California and New York likely lose. Keep chasing the old Blue Wall and you top out around a 259-EV ceiling in 2032. That is a math problem, not a vibes problem.
So you move now, not in six years. Shift monthly dollars and organizers into the fast-growth counties. Build voter-protection rosters that can cure ballots and staff precincts on day one. File the map cases early and keep them funded. Recruit mayors and school-board winners this fall so you have congressional talent by 2030. Add Spanish-language and Black rural radio to the media buys and leave it on all year.
If this lands, forward Ben’s post to your county chair or drop it in the group chat tonight. MTN gave you the map. Plant the seeds where the people are moving and keep watering through 2030.
Btw I keep a Sun Belt receipts tracker for organizers at www.xplisset.com.
NY actually saw its population increase last year, Is it possible that smart people look at blue states as walls against authoritarian overreach? Could a stronger safety net, more civil, labor, voting,, women's and LGBTQ rights of blue states start attracting disenfranchised wanderers? Could access to better educational opportunities, greener tech, lower gun crimes and murder rates attract people to blue states? As a whole, blue states have a better quality of life than red states. Maybe blue states should withhold the excess fed taxes they pay to support GOP welfare states that take in more than they give.
Demographics might be destiny, but as red states become hotter, drier, with more frequent powerful tornado, droughts, water shortages, killer heat waves, hurricanes and flooding because they don't give a damn about climate change or the lives of their own people, blue states could look like lifeboats. Almost 3/4 of the US GDP comes from blue states. Maybe clueless dems could push the benefits of their blur state bastions, instead of disregarding blue state benefits. That's a different way of thinking. Of course, corporate dems are not known for thinking outside the box...
You're right. I'm from NY originally. (Love it still!) I live in Washington State now. My husband was in theCoast Guard for 20 yeas--we were here when he retired and I never wanted to move again! Fortunately, we love it here and far more important, would NEVER live in a backwards republiCRAP state. I love and cherish my freedoms too much.
So let me suggest one other thing. In so called Rust Belt cities like mine (Pittsburgh) there are not only vibrant cultural, nightlife and culinary attractions, but first rate universities and colleges, including postdoctoral programs of note. And the rents are affordable! A really nice apartment, in a well-maintained building, across the street from a nice brew pub with outdoor seating, two blocks from restaurants and shops, is up for lease. Two bedrooms, large private balcony, off-street parking, lite rail and bus stops one block away. The rent? $1200 a month, yo. You might advise the young to come here, tilt the scales, and get their needs met at the same time. Seriously.
Sounds good to me! So much of what I read or hear is that living in the southeast (or south in general) is so much cheaper than the more northern states. Might be true but LIVING in the south is.......well......put it this way....not good. (Lived there so I know from experience.) I'd rather be going forward--like Democrats do in Democrat "states" than going backward like the republiCRAPS do in republicrap "states.
Right. I lived in both GA and NC. Brrr. Or, sometimes, AAAAAAH! It's so hot from June to the end of October that you can fry an egg on the sidewalk. If you could find a sidewalk. There are chiggers, which are mites the side of a pinhead than leave DOZENS of extremely itchy, fifty-cent piece size bites that itch like the devil for days on end. And then there are the people. Too many are dyed in the wool racists (sorry to say this) and otherwise heir to retrograde attitudes about class and privilege, not to mention sexist. (Well, that is everywhere, more or less.) Pittsburgh has a lovely climate with four seasons to enjoy, as none of them are harsh. No hurricanes. No sinkholes (yet), No humidity that drips from the porch cielings. And the folks are Midwestern nice. Love 'em.
Thanks for your response. I've lived in New York (born and raised on Long Island), Delaware, Alaska, and Florida (Miami). Florida was/is the absolute pits. Hot-hot from May through September, and hot from October through April. No thank you! By the way, people think drivers in NY are bad. They're perfect compared to Miami (and the rest of Florida)! (All the moves thanks to my husband being in the military.) We live in Washington State (where my husband retired) and love it! I'd never live in the Southeast again.
I've lived in 7 different states, in large and small towns and big cities, and have found Pittsburgh a really nice surprise. Not only are we (so far, fingers crossed) seemingly immune from the most common forms of climate change disasters, but it is a very green place now, and our trees are along the line of Vermont for fall color. I'm a gardener, and I've never had such an easy time because it rains at least once a week, and there are hardly any biting insects, or destructive ones. The south was soooo buggy, OMG! And, as the people here are diverse, I can eat my way around the world by sampling cuisine from just about everywhere. And I wasn't kidding about the people, they are chatty, helpful and as friendly as can be. (Oops. Sorry to let the cat out of the bag, but I guess I just can't help it!)
What if many of the people moving to those states are Dems?! That would benefit the Dem party. Until there’s a Constitutional Convention, our political system will be weighted to those who act quickly and with the least concern for fairness. Gavin Newsom has it right…. for now.
In Canada, we have "Elections Canada". And independent organization that ensures all Ridings (districts) arre equally represented. All electio. Rules are followed and ping stations are neutral. All provinces and territories elections are run and counted the same way. How could you ever have a concensus when you run 50 different election s with 50diffeerent ways of doing it to elect one leader? Parryies don't choose the district, the district picks the candidate
That's what need to have HERE. Unfortunately, I doubt it will ever happen. Especially as long as the republiCRAPS are in charge of the majority of the states.
And the Democrats are still picking up million $$$$ payouts from AIPAC!!! When will they put USA first over Israel.....who have healthcare...abortion care.......
I read that when they talked about it today to put it on the California ballot there were lots of people there to say no and not very many supporters. It needs to be supported to even get on the ballot
Absolutely. Put it this way--we definitely wouldn't be stuck with The Idiot Dictator Criminal Deranged Moron Psycho in the Oval Office like we are now if we didn't have that.
The most important thing for Democrats to do is GET RID OF THE ELECTORAL VOTE BS and change to elect whoever gets the greatest popular vote. For now, Newsom's fight fire with fire seems to be our only immediate option.
There should not be a single uncontested race in this country. If Dems don't expanding their efforts into every space, we're done. Give red state/county voters a reason to vote Dem - and not just because Trump is bad.
Will people keep moving to these southern states when more troublesome weather arrives with no advanced notice because of the weather cuts, which will take time to get back? Will they be able to afford to live there? Will there be jobs available for those that want to move. Will there be real estate available and affordable? The commentator today certainly knows the answers and these are just questions that I have. I remember, after the last hurricane in Florida, that a lot of people were saying that they were leaving because they could no longer afford to rebuild and that the insurance was too high and/or they couldn't get insurance.
First, clean the Democratic house! They've been completely out of touch for years and continue to have their heads in the sand. Until all of them are gone, we're screwed.
Check out the different parties platforms. They reflect the values of the voters they represent. The Democratic Party isn’t perfect, but it’s not out of touch in my opinion. It’s championed my values for the 47 years I’ve been a voter.
The Democratic Party champions my values, too, but only in words and not in actions. I applaud the concerted efforts to achieve equality for everyone, regardless of who or what they choose to be, their color, their race, their religion, the gender of their choice, their handicaps, etc. But pursuing that objective while a significant portion of the population lacks adequate food, adequate healthcare, and adequate education is focusing on the wrong inequalities. For the past 50+ years, the ultrawealthy have been extracting wealth from all of us and have left many without a living wage. That's where the focus is needed!
Great points Roger. I agree there needs to be more focus on priorities that will help the most people. There is so much injustice & it’s getting worse. The Democratic Party is diverse, made up of voters of many backgrounds and needs that require representation. The Republican party is more homogeneous in my opinion, so they might not be pulled in quite as many directions. Meanwhile we all need to speak up so the party evolves to better represent the best in us.
I should add: Trump is promising a chicken in every pot, which he can't deliver. His fantasy about returning all those well-paying manufacturing jobs to the U.S. is absurd. He is unaware that those were well-paying because they were union jobs. His administration is the most anti-union in many decades. Manufacturing isn't coming back for a host of other reasons. What does come back will be done by robots. Meanwhile, his captive Senate just took food and healthcare away from millions more people. That's where we need to be paying attention.
Sorry, but I just don't think either current major political party is going to be relevant in the future. We've had the same two parties for decades, and this is where we are. I voted Democratic for 60 years. Never voted for a Republican ever. Nope. I just don't think they have the vision or power to cut it any more. Republicans delivered fascism, and the Democrats delivered 'wait and see.'
One interesting tidbit about population shifting south … I know a lot of people like to dismiss it, but the southern and southwestern United States will be unlivable for most people in the not so distant future. It’s partly why millionaires and billionaires are buying up places like Montana and have their eyes on Greenland. Climate change is happening whether we believe in it or not.
Greenland just signed a deal..........a real deal.....Canada and Denmark......TacoTits and his pile of dogshit gangsters are out.
One of 20 or more wake-up calls, although the 2024 election results still heavily smell of rigging, most likely done by Musk/Thiel tech.
Newsom is fighting fire with fire. We must redistrict to defend democracy against fascism. Here is a no kings anthem we can keep singing together at protests: https://democracydefender2025.substack.com/p/no-kings-anthem
Ben, man, this is the wake-up. “Demography is destiny only if you do the work.” Seats follow people, not nostalgia.
Receipts. Texas and Florida are on track to gain multiple House seats by 2030. Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, South Carolina, Tennessee could add seats. California and New York likely lose. Keep chasing the old Blue Wall and you top out around a 259-EV ceiling in 2032. That is a math problem, not a vibes problem.
So you move now, not in six years. Shift monthly dollars and organizers into the fast-growth counties. Build voter-protection rosters that can cure ballots and staff precincts on day one. File the map cases early and keep them funded. Recruit mayors and school-board winners this fall so you have congressional talent by 2030. Add Spanish-language and Black rural radio to the media buys and leave it on all year.
If this lands, forward Ben’s post to your county chair or drop it in the group chat tonight. MTN gave you the map. Plant the seeds where the people are moving and keep watering through 2030.
Btw I keep a Sun Belt receipts tracker for organizers at www.xplisset.com.
NY actually saw its population increase last year, Is it possible that smart people look at blue states as walls against authoritarian overreach? Could a stronger safety net, more civil, labor, voting,, women's and LGBTQ rights of blue states start attracting disenfranchised wanderers? Could access to better educational opportunities, greener tech, lower gun crimes and murder rates attract people to blue states? As a whole, blue states have a better quality of life than red states. Maybe blue states should withhold the excess fed taxes they pay to support GOP welfare states that take in more than they give.
Demographics might be destiny, but as red states become hotter, drier, with more frequent powerful tornado, droughts, water shortages, killer heat waves, hurricanes and flooding because they don't give a damn about climate change or the lives of their own people, blue states could look like lifeboats. Almost 3/4 of the US GDP comes from blue states. Maybe clueless dems could push the benefits of their blur state bastions, instead of disregarding blue state benefits. That's a different way of thinking. Of course, corporate dems are not known for thinking outside the box...
You're right. I'm from NY originally. (Love it still!) I live in Washington State now. My husband was in theCoast Guard for 20 yeas--we were here when he retired and I never wanted to move again! Fortunately, we love it here and far more important, would NEVER live in a backwards republiCRAP state. I love and cherish my freedoms too much.
Excellent points!
So let me suggest one other thing. In so called Rust Belt cities like mine (Pittsburgh) there are not only vibrant cultural, nightlife and culinary attractions, but first rate universities and colleges, including postdoctoral programs of note. And the rents are affordable! A really nice apartment, in a well-maintained building, across the street from a nice brew pub with outdoor seating, two blocks from restaurants and shops, is up for lease. Two bedrooms, large private balcony, off-street parking, lite rail and bus stops one block away. The rent? $1200 a month, yo. You might advise the young to come here, tilt the scales, and get their needs met at the same time. Seriously.
Sounds good to me! So much of what I read or hear is that living in the southeast (or south in general) is so much cheaper than the more northern states. Might be true but LIVING in the south is.......well......put it this way....not good. (Lived there so I know from experience.) I'd rather be going forward--like Democrats do in Democrat "states" than going backward like the republiCRAPS do in republicrap "states.
Right. I lived in both GA and NC. Brrr. Or, sometimes, AAAAAAH! It's so hot from June to the end of October that you can fry an egg on the sidewalk. If you could find a sidewalk. There are chiggers, which are mites the side of a pinhead than leave DOZENS of extremely itchy, fifty-cent piece size bites that itch like the devil for days on end. And then there are the people. Too many are dyed in the wool racists (sorry to say this) and otherwise heir to retrograde attitudes about class and privilege, not to mention sexist. (Well, that is everywhere, more or less.) Pittsburgh has a lovely climate with four seasons to enjoy, as none of them are harsh. No hurricanes. No sinkholes (yet), No humidity that drips from the porch cielings. And the folks are Midwestern nice. Love 'em.
Thanks for your response. I've lived in New York (born and raised on Long Island), Delaware, Alaska, and Florida (Miami). Florida was/is the absolute pits. Hot-hot from May through September, and hot from October through April. No thank you! By the way, people think drivers in NY are bad. They're perfect compared to Miami (and the rest of Florida)! (All the moves thanks to my husband being in the military.) We live in Washington State (where my husband retired) and love it! I'd never live in the Southeast again.
Pittsburgh is a hidden gem! Don't let the word get out.
I've lived in 7 different states, in large and small towns and big cities, and have found Pittsburgh a really nice surprise. Not only are we (so far, fingers crossed) seemingly immune from the most common forms of climate change disasters, but it is a very green place now, and our trees are along the line of Vermont for fall color. I'm a gardener, and I've never had such an easy time because it rains at least once a week, and there are hardly any biting insects, or destructive ones. The south was soooo buggy, OMG! And, as the people here are diverse, I can eat my way around the world by sampling cuisine from just about everywhere. And I wasn't kidding about the people, they are chatty, helpful and as friendly as can be. (Oops. Sorry to let the cat out of the bag, but I guess I just can't help it!)
What if many of the people moving to those states are Dems?! That would benefit the Dem party. Until there’s a Constitutional Convention, our political system will be weighted to those who act quickly and with the least concern for fairness. Gavin Newsom has it right…. for now.
Good point, Kevin.
Constitutional Convention not a good idea right now, Republicans control too many states.
Agreed, but it needs to be a future goal if we win the Trifecta in ‘28.
In Canada, we have "Elections Canada". And independent organization that ensures all Ridings (districts) arre equally represented. All electio. Rules are followed and ping stations are neutral. All provinces and territories elections are run and counted the same way. How could you ever have a concensus when you run 50 different election s with 50diffeerent ways of doing it to elect one leader? Parryies don't choose the district, the district picks the candidate
That's what need to have HERE. Unfortunately, I doubt it will ever happen. Especially as long as the republiCRAPS are in charge of the majority of the states.
And the Democrats are still picking up million $$$$ payouts from AIPAC!!! When will they put USA first over Israel.....who have healthcare...abortion care.......
No they aren't, but believe what you want.
Where is the proof........where are the actions.........there is none, only silence
I read that when they talked about it today to put it on the California ballot there were lots of people there to say no and not very many supporters. It needs to be supported to even get on the ballot
We need to get rid of the Electoral College.
Absolutely. Put it this way--we definitely wouldn't be stuck with The Idiot Dictator Criminal Deranged Moron Psycho in the Oval Office like we are now if we didn't have that.
national popular vote initiative. Check it out.
Absolutely!
The most important thing for Democrats to do is GET RID OF THE ELECTORAL VOTE BS and change to elect whoever gets the greatest popular vote. For now, Newsom's fight fire with fire seems to be our only immediate option.
There should not be a single uncontested race in this country. If Dems don't expanding their efforts into every space, we're done. Give red state/county voters a reason to vote Dem - and not just because Trump is bad.
Will people keep moving to these southern states when more troublesome weather arrives with no advanced notice because of the weather cuts, which will take time to get back? Will they be able to afford to live there? Will there be jobs available for those that want to move. Will there be real estate available and affordable? The commentator today certainly knows the answers and these are just questions that I have. I remember, after the last hurricane in Florida, that a lot of people were saying that they were leaving because they could no longer afford to rebuild and that the insurance was too high and/or they couldn't get insurance.
First, clean the Democratic house! They've been completely out of touch for years and continue to have their heads in the sand. Until all of them are gone, we're screwed.
Check out the different parties platforms. They reflect the values of the voters they represent. The Democratic Party isn’t perfect, but it’s not out of touch in my opinion. It’s championed my values for the 47 years I’ve been a voter.
The Democratic Party champions my values, too, but only in words and not in actions. I applaud the concerted efforts to achieve equality for everyone, regardless of who or what they choose to be, their color, their race, their religion, the gender of their choice, their handicaps, etc. But pursuing that objective while a significant portion of the population lacks adequate food, adequate healthcare, and adequate education is focusing on the wrong inequalities. For the past 50+ years, the ultrawealthy have been extracting wealth from all of us and have left many without a living wage. That's where the focus is needed!
Great points Roger. I agree there needs to be more focus on priorities that will help the most people. There is so much injustice & it’s getting worse. The Democratic Party is diverse, made up of voters of many backgrounds and needs that require representation. The Republican party is more homogeneous in my opinion, so they might not be pulled in quite as many directions. Meanwhile we all need to speak up so the party evolves to better represent the best in us.
I should add: Trump is promising a chicken in every pot, which he can't deliver. His fantasy about returning all those well-paying manufacturing jobs to the U.S. is absurd. He is unaware that those were well-paying because they were union jobs. His administration is the most anti-union in many decades. Manufacturing isn't coming back for a host of other reasons. What does come back will be done by robots. Meanwhile, his captive Senate just took food and healthcare away from millions more people. That's where we need to be paying attention.
Agree!!!
Release the Epstein Files!
Sorry, but I just don't think either current major political party is going to be relevant in the future. We've had the same two parties for decades, and this is where we are. I voted Democratic for 60 years. Never voted for a Republican ever. Nope. I just don't think they have the vision or power to cut it any more. Republicans delivered fascism, and the Democrats delivered 'wait and see.'