It’s been a month since the election, and it’s been a tough month to be a Democrat (and an American). Trump is quickly installing his team and implementing his agenda. With President Biden overseas and Kamala Harris in the background, it feels as if Trump is already in office. Democrats are depressed and divided. We can’t even agree on why Harris lost, let alone the path forward.

I understand the fury and sadness of those who put it all on the line to win this election. Many folks need a break from politics. They don’t want to hear another word about this election. They would love to mute the word “Trump” from their social media feeds and their lives.

I get that.

I have also heard the opposite from so many members of the Message Box community who are looking for the most impactful ways to get out of this mess. Some want volunteer opportunities, others are starting organizations, and some are considering running for office.

Everyone who needs a break should take one. Politics — and this newsletter — will be here when you are ready to re-engage. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

I spent this painful month digging into all of the available data, analyzing points from smart observers, and talking to people who worked on the effort to elect Kamala Harris.

There is more research and analysis to do. We will get more precise data when the voter files are updated early next year. In the coming weeks and months, Message Box will focus on three key priorities:

1. Analyzing what happened in this election and exploring how Democrats can rebuild our coalition;

2. Strategizing how to fight back against the Right-Wing media machine dominating American politics; and

3. Identifying the best ways to respond to the dangerous actions and appointments of the Trump Administration.

I hope you’ll follow along and join me in this important process. We’ve brought in a number of new members in recent months. I consider it a privilege that so many of you want to read what I write about politics.

If you are not yet a paid subscriber and are interested in supporting this work, I am offering a 20% discount on paid subscriptions for a year.

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As dark as things may seem right now. I was there in 2004. George W. Bush had just won reelection despite the arrogance, corruption and incompetence that led to the Iraq War. Like Trump, Bush made gains with Black and Latino voters and people were talking about a permanent Republican majority. Two years later, the Democrats took the House and Senate. Two years after that, Barack Obama won the White House in a romp. We can come back from this, but it will take work. The road back will be hard, but it will be righteous.