I would ask Gendebien if he intends to be a genuine standup person who runs his own race and tour the whole region town by town, or if he will allow himself to be milked by outside consultants who secretly believe he can’t win, taking their advice. His AI video of Stefanik was a bad start. I liked Paula Collins last time, but the party didn’t really support her.
As a followup answer, Gendebien appeared to be totally on his own at the picnic, just him and his wife, no handlers, so I suspect this is still a bare bones campaign. If Stefanik does run for governor, it will be interesting to see if DCCC gets into this race as a possible flip.
If you read Paula Collins substack, you will know that the DNC will only support you if you take your marching orders from them... if you hire their consultants and pay to be told what to do.
the DNC likes to shoot itself in the foot and force Democratic candidates to take a shoot to the foot as well.
And if you look at the history of DNC support in NY21.. everyone - - but the DNC - - will notice = it isn't working.
One just needs to look at the turnout for AOC in Plattsburgh to see what people want... and it aint what the DNC is selling.
Gendebien has been touring the district already as he's serious about his candidacy and chances. He even drove himself down for an appearance at the Moreau Community Center before a full house of supporters about a month ago, and I occasionally run across news that he appears elsewhere. He's been active even before StefaniQ got stabbed in the back by her leader. BTW, so as not to get the community center involved, the facility does not take positions on political matters and the center can be rented by anyone willing to pay the usual fee.
I think the attack ad put out by Gendebien's campaign was sloppy and in poor taste. Might have been a misstep in that it would alienate moderate Republican voters who may have been having doubts about Stefanik. The fact that she voted to defund PBS and NPR/NCPR should be hammered home at every opportunity.
As I wrote in a comment to the Greenwich Journal/Salem Press, Democrats should take note: the political ads showing Stefanik stabbing Elmo in the back practically film themselves!
I didn't have a problem with the parody as it was humorous and was something that really got under StefaniQ's skin (or her Mafia-like campaign mutts) to help expose her Achilles heel -- she can dish it out but can't take it. And it was done well in advance of next year's election, plus it may have appealed to younger voters who may be key in the election. There's time to decide which direction Gendebien's campaign will take.
I wonder if Gendebien went to Plattsburgh yesterday to hear Reps AOC and Tonko. I think we need more than a "moderate" milk-toast Democrat to win this district. Thank you to Richard, I should have used milquetoast, rather than milk-toast. No disrespect to Blake the dairy farmer, only to point out that I believe we need a more progressive candidate.
The Washington County Democratic Committee Annual Picnic is happening Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 1-4 PM, at Hick's Orchard in Granville, right in our backyard!
I didn't get there until 1:45 or so and didn't leave until after the cloudburst around 4.
I disagree. I look at AOC and Bernie Sanders. and clearly others do too.
If you look at polls of what Americans want, it is a progressive agenda. It isn't radical, it is affordable health care. It isn't evil, it is finding a way to stop school shootings. It isn't crazy, it is stopping tax breaks for the rich at the expense of safety nets for the poor.
And if you listen to republicans like pos_tfnKKK they lie about how Radical those two are.. which I guess (if you look at the polls) is how radical most Americans (including the republicans who choose to think)
This is our problem Edward - so many are misinformed or non informed - we have to figure out how to fix it. We all gravitate to our "like-minded" "news sources" some tell the truth, some stretch the truth and many just out and out lie. (Similar to our elected officials...)
ª republicans need an uninformed public.. it's why they hate education, even the schools they went to
ª the ignorant want to be ignorant or have had so many years of being trained to be ignorant, they don't know what reality is anymore.. AND they fear change*
* I remember listeing to rusty limbaugh about 20 years ago and he was saying: "Imagine you are a democrat and waking up and find out out you have been lied to all along..."
A funny scam on rusty's part... because that was his MO, keeping people uninformed. How could he tell people how to think, if they would actually have the wherewithal to analyse reality.
It is also why when a democrat is asked to prove something, they can... But when you ask a magAhole to prove what they believe to be true, they will call you names.
take w-tuck.. wants to question everything, but can not prove a single thing s/he says... it's why he likes the name 'tucker' the who asks suggestive questions that are in themselves lies: "why is Russia bad, I see no crime in this subway?"
I don't think most people understand the definition of "socialism." I sometimes think they get it mixed up with "communism." It's the first question I would ask if someone criticizes socialism: Define it.
Unless "milk-toast" was a reference to Gendebien's profession as a dairy farmer, the word is milquetoast. It refers to a timid, meek, or unassertive person, often used as an insult or a way to describe someone lacking in strength or courage. The term originated from the name of a comic strip character, Caspar Milquetoast, who was known for his timidity.
"Milk toast" is a separate term referring to a dish of toasted bread soaked in warm milk, often considered a bland and comforting food
Several towns in northern Saratoga County, including Moreau, enjoyed two blissful years as part of Tonko's 20th district. Then, the state Legislature's Democratic majority decided to place us back in the 21st as of January after losing its initial gerrymandering attempt in court. I'm still angry with that decision.
Gendebien is not a politician so I'll give him a pass on the attack ad but please explain to me how has electing politicians to represent us in NYS or Washington benefitted us thus far? I'll vote for a hardworking farmer any day.
Remember... I am the person who has said lyin' pos_tfnkkk, needs to have " lyin' " as part of her name
I said it before she refused to take the no lie pledge (you would think a person who always lie would not suddenly have a standard of not wanting to lie about her lying.
I have suffered a bit of umbrage from both republicans AND democrats for saying this and repeating this... But I stand by it and know that it seems no matter how much she lies (and pos_tfnKKK lies a f-ing LOT) people resist calling her a liar... I guess they think it is not true or not civil, but it is true which makes it neither civil or uncivil, but just a fact.
And being civil about dishonest people is a waste of time!
I heard the only show she watches is "The Apprentice" over and over again. Kind of like that scene from an old movie, I think it was something like "Space Odyssey," where a character is tied to a chair with toothpicks used to keep his eyes open, watching the same video repeatedly.
Kathy and Barb were right around the corner from my desk and we often met at the copier. Kathy always took a moment to say a friendly hello and ask, "how is Pete doing today?" It would remind me that the issues she was helping people with on any particular day were likely more important than any matter that I was working on.
As I said when she retired, "she was one in a million." Also saw Barb last night and she seems to be doing well. Barb worked 49 years for The Post-Star.
Republicans are filled with hope that America can be made great again while Democrats are filled with fear, manifr-ested as Trump Dreangemnet Syndrome.
I know Blake Gendebien. Not only will he not lie, he'll do his best to represent the best interests of the people in this district. That would be a welcome change from the lack of representation we have now.
Fascinating to see the comments and threads here. I've met Blake on several occasions and had lot of private time chatting with him at the Warren County DEM golf/dinner on 13th at Cronin's. Very down to earth, really hard working farmer and I believe an honest straight shooter. Given that the election is not until a year from November, he's got plenty of time to get around the district and build a base and marketing team. I did note the complaint about the DNC and the type of campaign managers the former candidates have had, and IMO NONE of them understood the dynamics of the 21st District. DNC also NEVER put a dime in to their campaigns so they shouldn't get to have any choice in the matter if they aren't ponying up. Blake has already built a very decent war chest and he's got time to make it bigger. While I don't have a crystal ball, I seriously doubt Stefanik will run for this seat ever again. I think it's either NYS Governor, or she is hoping for another position higher up in DC. Trump can't run again, and by late fall the Big Bullshit Bill bombs will be exploding and if tariff BS continues, the economy will be tanking. Good that he promised not to lie, but whoever they choose as REP candidate you can count on some whoppers.
Just an FYI from the front lines of the battle to retain independent journalism: The Washington Post just lost yet another Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist amid a growing staff revolt against the newspaper’s change in direction under the second MAGA administration.
After almost two decades at his desk, opinion columnist Jonathan Capehart has now taken a buyout, Axios reported Monday, while planning to continue his journalistic work as PBS political analyst and co-host of MSNBC’s The Weekend show.
I would ask Gendebien if he intends to be a genuine standup person who runs his own race and tour the whole region town by town, or if he will allow himself to be milked by outside consultants who secretly believe he can’t win, taking their advice. His AI video of Stefanik was a bad start. I liked Paula Collins last time, but the party didn’t really support her.
These outside consultants are the only ones who win - $$.
As a followup answer, Gendebien appeared to be totally on his own at the picnic, just him and his wife, no handlers, so I suspect this is still a bare bones campaign. If Stefanik does run for governor, it will be interesting to see if DCCC gets into this race as a possible flip.
an indirect reference to pos_tfnKKK who only appears (or goes anywhere for that matter) if she has two things:
A cadre of evil (i.e. alexAsshat deGRASSe) and a troop of security.
Those are good questions. I talked to him about doing a future interview, so I will add them to the list. Others have questions, let me know.
I agree that an AI video -- even if announced as such -- is a bad idea.
It's tricky.
If you read Paula Collins substack, you will know that the DNC will only support you if you take your marching orders from them... if you hire their consultants and pay to be told what to do.
the DNC likes to shoot itself in the foot and force Democratic candidates to take a shoot to the foot as well.
And if you look at the history of DNC support in NY21.. everyone - - but the DNC - - will notice = it isn't working.
One just needs to look at the turnout for AOC in Plattsburgh to see what people want... and it aint what the DNC is selling.
Gendebien has been touring the district already as he's serious about his candidacy and chances. He even drove himself down for an appearance at the Moreau Community Center before a full house of supporters about a month ago, and I occasionally run across news that he appears elsewhere. He's been active even before StefaniQ got stabbed in the back by her leader. BTW, so as not to get the community center involved, the facility does not take positions on political matters and the center can be rented by anyone willing to pay the usual fee.
I think the attack ad put out by Gendebien's campaign was sloppy and in poor taste. Might have been a misstep in that it would alienate moderate Republican voters who may have been having doubts about Stefanik. The fact that she voted to defund PBS and NPR/NCPR should be hammered home at every opportunity.
And... point out the local reporting done by WAMC and NCPR.
I would add that it isn't a funding problem when it comes to Public Broadcasting that is a problem for pos_tfnKKK and the other lying republicans..
It is that it is one of the few media sources that hold politicians accountable (democrats and republicans).
The woman/party that can't take a 'No Lie Pledge' is more about suppressing than openness
Suppressing facts and voters they don't agree with
That is exactly the case with NCPR.
it is just a matter of time (likely days or hours) before, a la hmpy trmPEDOphile, that pos_tfnKKK starts suing the media for reporting the facts...
not only does she not accept the 'No Lie Pledge'
can't can't accept reality
With the current concern over AI, I would agree.
As I wrote in a comment to the Greenwich Journal/Salem Press, Democrats should take note: the political ads showing Stefanik stabbing Elmo in the back practically film themselves!
ha ha, I have to search that...
This is funnier in light of Elmo's twitter account being hacked
couldn't resist
https://i.ibb.co/bGn2vW8/stefanik-elmo.jpg
couldn't find this...here is one I made
I hadn’t seen an ad showing that, I was just thinking it would be crazy for the Democrats not to make one!
that link is to one I made.. with her supporter attacking Elmo
here is one with pos_tfnKKK withthe knife
https://i.ibb.co/b5ZtQHr7/stefanik-stab-elmo.jpg
I didn't have a problem with the parody as it was humorous and was something that really got under StefaniQ's skin (or her Mafia-like campaign mutts) to help expose her Achilles heel -- she can dish it out but can't take it. And it was done well in advance of next year's election, plus it may have appealed to younger voters who may be key in the election. There's time to decide which direction Gendebien's campaign will take.
I wonder if Gendebien went to Plattsburgh yesterday to hear Reps AOC and Tonko. I think we need more than a "moderate" milk-toast Democrat to win this district. Thank you to Richard, I should have used milquetoast, rather than milk-toast. No disrespect to Blake the dairy farmer, only to point out that I believe we need a more progressive candidate.
Not sure what time the Plattsburgh event was, but he was in Washington County from 1 until at least 4 p.m.
It was 12-2 Sunday
Here's what my invitation said:
The Washington County Democratic Committee Annual Picnic is happening Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 1-4 PM, at Hick's Orchard in Granville, right in our backyard!
I didn't get there until 1:45 or so and didn't leave until after the cloudburst around 4.
I disagree. I look at AOC and Bernie Sanders. and clearly others do too.
If you look at polls of what Americans want, it is a progressive agenda. It isn't radical, it is affordable health care. It isn't evil, it is finding a way to stop school shootings. It isn't crazy, it is stopping tax breaks for the rich at the expense of safety nets for the poor.
And if you listen to republicans like pos_tfnKKK they lie about how Radical those two are.. which I guess (if you look at the polls) is how radical most Americans (including the republicans who choose to think)
I do not think AOC or Bernie are radical.
Nope.. as I wrote.. it's not radical it's what people want.
I am reminded that it is also what the people who say they don't want.. when it is actually explained to them.
That was true for all healthcare legislation; gun control.
Just as the big bad bullMANURE was not what people wanted when that was explained to them.
To say people who watch fox news need to be deprogrammed is an understatement.. ha
This is our problem Edward - so many are misinformed or non informed - we have to figure out how to fix it. We all gravitate to our "like-minded" "news sources" some tell the truth, some stretch the truth and many just out and out lie. (Similar to our elected officials...)
there are several problems with this:
ª republicans need an uninformed public.. it's why they hate education, even the schools they went to
ª the ignorant want to be ignorant or have had so many years of being trained to be ignorant, they don't know what reality is anymore.. AND they fear change*
* I remember listeing to rusty limbaugh about 20 years ago and he was saying: "Imagine you are a democrat and waking up and find out out you have been lied to all along..."
A funny scam on rusty's part... because that was his MO, keeping people uninformed. How could he tell people how to think, if they would actually have the wherewithal to analyse reality.
It is also why when a democrat is asked to prove something, they can... But when you ask a magAhole to prove what they believe to be true, they will call you names.
take w-tuck.. wants to question everything, but can not prove a single thing s/he says... it's why he likes the name 'tucker' the who asks suggestive questions that are in themselves lies: "why is Russia bad, I see no crime in this subway?"
also.. on reflection.. I did not mean to imply you did (if that is what you are saying)...
I don't think most people understand the definition of "socialism." I sometimes think they get it mixed up with "communism." It's the first question I would ask if someone criticizes socialism: Define it.
...Socialism = taking care of ourselves: with our own tax dollars...
Unless "milk-toast" was a reference to Gendebien's profession as a dairy farmer, the word is milquetoast. It refers to a timid, meek, or unassertive person, often used as an insult or a way to describe someone lacking in strength or courage. The term originated from the name of a comic strip character, Caspar Milquetoast, who was known for his timidity.
"Milk toast" is a separate term referring to a dish of toasted bread soaked in warm milk, often considered a bland and comforting food
Thank you for the correction Richard. I’ll double check my posts next time for correct spelling and grammar.
Color me skeptical about this campaign. I’m glad I’m not in this district.
I would love to opt out, but this district also produced Chris Gibson and Kirsten Gillibrand as moderates willing to work across the aisle.
Several towns in northern Saratoga County, including Moreau, enjoyed two blissful years as part of Tonko's 20th district. Then, the state Legislature's Democratic majority decided to place us back in the 21st as of January after losing its initial gerrymandering attempt in court. I'm still angry with that decision.
Gendebien is not a politician so I'll give him a pass on the attack ad but please explain to me how has electing politicians to represent us in NYS or Washington benefitted us thus far? I'll vote for a hardworking farmer any day.
Maybe everybody had their ticket already?
I'll take that answer! It may be true.
Remember... I am the person who has said lyin' pos_tfnkkk, needs to have " lyin' " as part of her name
I said it before she refused to take the no lie pledge (you would think a person who always lie would not suddenly have a standard of not wanting to lie about her lying.
I have suffered a bit of umbrage from both republicans AND democrats for saying this and repeating this... But I stand by it and know that it seems no matter how much she lies (and pos_tfnKKK lies a f-ing LOT) people resist calling her a liar... I guess they think it is not true or not civil, but it is true which makes it neither civil or uncivil, but just a fact.
And being civil about dishonest people is a waste of time!
Kathy hammel was the best
As I said, one of the sweetest people you will ever meet.
I was lucky enough to hear AOC and Paul Tonkos speak at a Town Hall yesterday in Plattsburgh.
A great reminder that Stefanik has not delivered for NY 21 and we need new leadership.
It gave me hope to hear AOC and to see how many people showed up.
It was also a reminder that Stefanik has not had a Town Hall here in 2017.
I have a question.
If Stefanik took a pledge NOT to lie, what would she talk about?
Well, anything would have to be an improvement. Sports! What TV shows she watches!
I heard the only show she watches is "The Apprentice" over and over again. Kind of like that scene from an old movie, I think it was something like "Space Odyssey," where a character is tied to a chair with toothpicks used to keep his eyes open, watching the same video repeatedly.
What a wonderful & powerful group! Thanks for sharing!
Great post. I miss small town life in the ADK.
Kathy and Barb were right around the corner from my desk and we often met at the copier. Kathy always took a moment to say a friendly hello and ask, "how is Pete doing today?" It would remind me that the issues she was helping people with on any particular day were likely more important than any matter that I was working on.
As I said when she retired, "she was one in a million." Also saw Barb last night and she seems to be doing well. Barb worked 49 years for The Post-Star.
Republicans are filled with hope that America can be made great again while Democrats are filled with fear, manifr-ested as Trump Dreangemnet Syndrome.
I know Blake Gendebien. Not only will he not lie, he'll do his best to represent the best interests of the people in this district. That would be a welcome change from the lack of representation we have now.
Fascinating to see the comments and threads here. I've met Blake on several occasions and had lot of private time chatting with him at the Warren County DEM golf/dinner on 13th at Cronin's. Very down to earth, really hard working farmer and I believe an honest straight shooter. Given that the election is not until a year from November, he's got plenty of time to get around the district and build a base and marketing team. I did note the complaint about the DNC and the type of campaign managers the former candidates have had, and IMO NONE of them understood the dynamics of the 21st District. DNC also NEVER put a dime in to their campaigns so they shouldn't get to have any choice in the matter if they aren't ponying up. Blake has already built a very decent war chest and he's got time to make it bigger. While I don't have a crystal ball, I seriously doubt Stefanik will run for this seat ever again. I think it's either NYS Governor, or she is hoping for another position higher up in DC. Trump can't run again, and by late fall the Big Bullshit Bill bombs will be exploding and if tariff BS continues, the economy will be tanking. Good that he promised not to lie, but whoever they choose as REP candidate you can count on some whoppers.
Just an FYI from the front lines of the battle to retain independent journalism: The Washington Post just lost yet another Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist amid a growing staff revolt against the newspaper’s change in direction under the second MAGA administration.
After almost two decades at his desk, opinion columnist Jonathan Capehart has now taken a buyout, Axios reported Monday, while planning to continue his journalistic work as PBS political analyst and co-host of MSNBC’s The Weekend show.
I suspect there will be more.