Calling Dem lawmakers to encourage action

[killerkwip]

Does anyone have, know of, or want to help develop a script or talking points that we can use to when we call our state/federal representatives? I want to call them until they block my number.

First, Dem or otherwise we need to make them aware of our values (the populist plank, etc.) and how popular they in fact are. Second, especially for Dem lawmakers, we need to encourage them to grow a spine and show leadership. Sure they’re “not in power” and can’t do anything officially but they still can shine a light on the bad stuff that’s happening. They can go on every news show from cable to online and make noise just like the Republicans did in 2008 through 2016, and 2020 through 2024 when the Dems were “in power” (and not doing much anyway).

There is so much to include, but ideally I think this should focus on the unpopular and/or illegal things that are getting lost in the churn. Such as: Musk, the harm being done by terminating whole government agencies (CFPB, etc.), the termination of thousands of government employees without regard for repercussions, and more?

I’m sure I could come up with something, but if we unify our message and pile on the pressure started by the Move On and Indivisible campaigns maybe just maybe someone in the party will grow a spine.

[mggbwmn8]

Totally used ChatGPT for this:

Here’s a structured script and set of talking points you can use when calling your state and federal representatives. The key here is clarity, persistence, and pressure—lawmakers respond when they feel the heat.

General Call Script

Answering a staffer or voicemail:

“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City, ZIP Code]. I’m calling to express my concerns about [specific issue] and to demand that [Lawmaker’s Name] take action.”

If speaking to a staffer:

“Can you tell me where [Lawmaker’s Name] stands on this issue?”

• If they don’t know: “Please make sure they get this message. I expect a response.”

• If they give a vague/noncommittal answer: “This is a critical issue. I need [Lawmaker’s Name] to take a clear stance and show leadership. I will be following up.”

Closing statement:

“I will be calling again. We need representatives who fight for the people, not corporate interests. Thank you for passing this along.”

Key Talking Points

1. Hold Them Accountable to the Populist Plank

“The vast majority of Americans—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents—support policies like negotiating drug prices, banning private equity from buying homes, and getting money out of politics. Why isn’t [Lawmaker’s Name] leading on this?”

• Action Demanded: “I want [Lawmaker’s Name] to publicly support and push legislation on these widely popular policies.”

2. Demand They Speak Up

“Republicans spent years making noise even when they weren’t in power. Why are Democrats silent? Where is the pushback?”

• Action Demanded: “I expect [Lawmaker’s Name] to use every platform—news outlets, social media, town halls—to expose corruption and fight back against these attacks on democracy.”

3. Expose the GOP’s Anti-Democracy Agenda

“The GOP is actively dismantling government agencies, firing thousands of civil servants, and gutting consumer protections. This is chaos and corruption—where is the opposition?”

• Action Demanded: “I want [Lawmaker’s Name] to be clear: these are attacks on the American people, and they will not stand.”

4. Call Out the Billionaire Takeover

“Elon Musk and other billionaires are openly undermining democracy, silencing critics, and consolidating power. Our democracy isn’t for sale. What is [Lawmaker’s Name] doing to stop them?”

• Action Demanded: “Support stronger antitrust enforcement, break up monopolies, and stand up to tech oligarchs.”

5. No More Excuses

”‘We’re not in power’ is not an excuse. Republicans never used it. Leaders lead—whether they’re in the majority or not.”

• Action Demanded: “I expect [Lawmaker’s Name] to step up, speak out, and organize resistance—not just quietly wait for the next election.”

[mggbwmn8]

Follow-Up & Pressure

Call Weekly. Staffers track volume—flood their lines.

Organize Others. Get 5+ friends to call on the same issue.

Use Their Own Tactics. Republicans don’t back down. Neither should we.

The goal is to make them fear the consequences of inaction more than the pressure from corporate donors or party leadership. Keep calling, keep pushing. They work for us.

[drea_m_r_76]

These are great, thanks!

[eagle1]

Don’t forget to mention GROW A SPINE AND USE THE FILIBUSTER!!!

[jackc380]

I wrote to the Minority Whip expressing your same concerns and the need to garner opposition to a coup . I just looked up his office at the Senate.gov. I’m deeply frustrated by the lack of pushback in a Constitutional crises. Where are the former heads of State , ex-presidents , chiefs of staff, diplomats , and the Joint Chiefs of the Defense Department ? They have had four years to advert this melee. Jack

[eagle1]

Listening to Hakeem Jeffries throw his hands up and give up completely destroyed me.

[eclecticmisc]

This is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for, thanks. I have only called my rep once, but have signed probably a hundred petitions / letters to him.

Also, I had volunteered at the town hall to try to get my rep (Steve Cohen) to endorse the Populist Plank. How would you, or others, suggest I specifically bring endorsing the Plank to his or his staff’s attention?

It’s more than just supporting the policies, it’s actually publicly endorsing the Plank, and I don’t know if a phone call would do. Do I try to go in person to his local (Memphis) office, or try to set up an appointment? I think he has times he announces in his newsletter when constituents can meet with him, or at least used to.

I plan to mention that Ro Khanna already endorsing it, and that it is being organized by TYT (since he’s aware of it through appearing on it and being friends with Michael Shure). And of course mentioning I’m his constituent.

For the Tennessee Three (who are state reps), I’m not Justin Pearson’s constituent but he did visit my daughter’s school. The other two are in the Nashville area so I’d have to try to either email or call.

Thanks for any suggestions!

[jackc380]

I wrote to his Washington office . He is such a loser. Jack