256 Comments
User's avatar
carolannbart's avatar

The sexism and misogyny are a part of the larger corruption that is allowed to prevail in the US.

Kathy Tankersley's avatar

Agreed, it’s the baseline bigotry as well as racism baked into our culture. We, as a country, have been systematically brainwashed to believe only white powerful men have substance and “knowledge “ to lead us and it’s a nonstop 24/7 litany of right wing grievances, and propagandizing by the media. This male dominated BS ideology has cemented American identity, despite the stupidity of it.

Geraldine L Sheremeta's avatar

Agree 100%. Very tiring and maddening. As a woman, old now, did not think we’d be fighting.harder than in the 70s. This is very, very bad. 2026 is only way to check him, even tho dems are not much better. VOTE and check to see your vote is counted. 🙊🙉🙈

Kathy Tankersley's avatar

Yup, I am in my 70’s, always voted democrat, never would vote repugs. I am steaming mad at the “purity “ voters who stayed away from voting in ‘24 because of “reasons”. How could they not understand the flaring, exploding red lights warning of the future disastrous consequences of 45/47 and republicans taking power again. One important objective was to keep that rapey felon and his mafia regime out of office . Alas, but no, we have a large segment of voters who don’t have a clue and don’t believe yet the real consequences of not voting for Harris, keeping the felon and his death cult out of power. What is looming for all of us not in the top 10% is going to be catastrophic, buckle up.

Geraldine L Sheremeta's avatar

Wish I knew. .But still

Voting. .That,'our duty.💗.

gerri caldarola's avatar

As another old Geraldine (82), you are correct and it's tiring

Mitch Ritter's avatar

Any relation to the late great activist and Grill Chef at Berkeley's Betty's Ocean View Diner named Phil Sheremeta or sometimes misspelled as Sharameta? His passing way too young is sorely missed in Bay Area activist community. Not to mention in culinary circles....

Warmly and most appreciatively

May His Spirit Be Ascended with

ranks of Activist\Artist\Workers of the World

Via

Tio Mitchito

TM

Robin's avatar

We need to support Katie Porter. Styer is just another f-ing billionaire.

Kathy Tankersley's avatar

Yup, I am leaning Porter, Becerra. Both good candidates.

Monte Hickmon's avatar

Seems to be world wide via the Epstein files

MEGAN WINDELER's avatar

I'm with Jess. I am a fan of Betty Yee. But her name recognition is not so great. But a competent governor with more legislative skills than ego would be wonderful.

Valerie's avatar

I was prepared to *not* like Tom S. but after hearing him speak in my hometown last night, I’m a fan. He is against the Gaza genocide according to his reply to a question on the matter.

Emma's avatar

I am curious about him. Going to check him out more.

S. A. Linden's avatar

If he is against the genocide, he'd better get it out there fast. These billionaires who would rather take AIPAC for their campaigns than dip into their own private stockpile are not to be trusted.

Obviously, even *if* they refuse AIPAC $$, they still have to fear a ferocious battle w/ opponents who do. But if ALL of them refused . . . dream on.

Colleen Wetteland's avatar

Why is Bianco still in the running? He stole ballots! He's a thief!

Punkette's avatar

Agree 💯, Colleen. I formerly lived in Riverside County and can attest that “Sheriff” Bianco is a dangerous lunatic.

Emma's avatar

And then some. He shouldn't even be in law enforcement.

Punkette's avatar

Amen, sister! 👍🏼

Colleen Wetteland's avatar

What happened with the suit Rob Bonta brought against him?

Punkette's avatar

Colleen, I found this update dated April 10th, from Riverside CA news:

AG Bonta, Sheriff Bianco agree to pause Riverside court fight as California Supreme Court takes over ballot seizure case

https://kesq.com/news/local-news/2026/04/10/ag-bonta-sheriff-bianco-agree-to-pause-riverside-court-fight-as-california-supreme-court-takes-over-ballot-seizure-case/

Colleen Wetteland's avatar

So nothing really yet. Do we trust Bianco to preserve all seized materials? I know nothing about the person other than he sounds like a criminal to me! I don't live in CA (only wish I did), but it being the 4th largest economy in the world it is very important. By the way, I think Bonta would make an excellent Gov!

Thank you for the update!

Punkette's avatar

I personally don’t trust Bianco, or any Republican. Grrr. We’ll see how this case plays out at the CA Supreme Court. And I agree about Rob Bonta! He is fab. 💙

Colleen Wetteland's avatar

Totally agree with your assessment of R's! I sincerely hope the CA Supreme Court do the right thing!!! That Bianco guy sounds like he should be in jail!

Colleen Wetteland's avatar

And CA's system of primaries is so effed up! I'm with you - there doesn't sound like there are any really great candidates!

Colleen Wetteland's avatar

I'm so disgusted with my local county commissioners - they just moved an AI data center forward when there were at least 100-200 of us in the room because we are opposed to it!

lauren's avatar

Newsom supports AI and incredibly he supports Trump about Cuba. I would like to see what other democratic politicians say; aside from

Pramila jayapal, the silence is terrifying. most progressive candidates in this race are porter and Steyer and yet the public doesn’t like either of them.

James Rankin's avatar

How about Tony Thurmond? This is the first I've heard of him, but looking over his record, he looks pretty progressive with a decent amount of relevant experience. He's for a billionaire tax, California Medicare for All & abolishing ICE. For those who have issues with Porter & Steyer, the 2 best known candidates still in the race, & among the most progressive, Thurmond appears to be the most natural alternative.

Lois Heyman's avatar

Tony Thurmond is a great choice, I voted for him for his current position when I lived in CA but he has zero name recognition even within the state. He was just part of the Newsom landslides.

S. A. Linden's avatar

I just looked him up and he was reared (and assuming he still practices) a form of "black Judaism" that is quite oriented toward Israel. So I would guess that he will always vote for Israel and accept their influence in state politics.

gerri caldarola's avatar

Seems too soon for Porter to be manager of the 4th largest economy in the world. Steyer at least has been a strong environmental supporter.

Hysteria Winns's avatar

He made his money off fossil fuels!!!!!!! And private prisons.

karen sundberg's avatar

Yes, this corruption is so overwhelming. And yes, sexism & misogyny are rampant. The total disregard for human lives & abuse of all of us. It’s so disgusting & overwhelming. I heard today 70-80% of the money goes to destroying others via war, DHS, ICE. And they want more money. My mind can’t comprehend

Amber Coverdale Sumrall's avatar

Kamala needs to enter this race, one she can win! Otherwise it looks terribly bleak.

S. A. Linden's avatar

Not yet, I believe. Didn't Jess say there were a few days left? They were talking so fast I might have missed the filing date.

S. A. Linden's avatar

Thanks. I heard the "M" and thought maybe it was in early May.

Punkette's avatar

I wish it was! Arghhh 😤

Punkette's avatar

The timing of Swalwell’s downfall is a huge red flag for me. Dump and the GOP win, and we Californians lose. 😡

S. A. Linden's avatar

It *was* for me, since I'm an equal-opportunity skeptic, but once the other news came out about the multiple victims and the gory details, it was thumbs down.

Amber Coverdale Sumrall's avatar

It is the absolute worst given the current candidates.

Punkette's avatar

Agree, Amber. I am so tired of having to hold my nose when I vote - but this is a five-alarm fire, so I will.

Amber Coverdale Sumrall's avatar

Yes, and a lot will come down the pike between now and then.

Emma's avatar

No way could kamala win

gerri caldarola's avatar

don't think she could win this time...actually... sad as it may be. She does not seem to me the fighter, the manager of the complete overhaul we need.

BESS HUBBARD's avatar

Kamala Harris would win CA Governor in a landslide. She won California in 2024 Presidential race. Everyone knows who she is. And she's all about affordability and going after price gougers. Plus she's a fighter. You must have missed her as a Senator in hearings, or as AG or DA in court rooms. That's just a thing they say about her because she's a woman who smiles. She's all spine.

paul's avatar

The filling date needs to change so she can run and win . Dems need to fight with new sence of winning at all costs no matter what

Emma's avatar

I did not miss her as DA. I would not vote for her and neither will anyone I know.

Malya's avatar

Great conversation. Love you both!

HarveyCan 58's avatar

Please no! Is there really a constituency for that?

Leigh Ann's avatar

Thought the same thing! 😢😢

gerri caldarola's avatar

Pelosi, Schumer, et al have to go

Emma's avatar

Yesterday ideally. Add in jeffries.

Humanitarians Unite!'s avatar

The Swalwell deal is just one more example of how sexually sick our society is. I think this is what everyone is missing. The pedophilia is connected to the rest of it. It’s all connected and all of it starts when we are children in our homes. Sexual predation is learned. And we are culturally taught that we don’t talk about what happens in our homes when we’re children..

S. A. Linden's avatar

And Waj and Jess were wondering how they get elected, but much of Swalwell's behavior began *after* he was elected, didn't it? Or does he have a past history that has come to light now?

BESS HUBBARD's avatar

Xavier Becerra is my first choice. He's got the best experience and he's on the right side of many issues. I hadn't heard about the police brutality issue before. But I saw this article from his time in office. AG Becerra calling for a misconduct database so bad cops can't be rehired. This is good policy. I'm going to keep researching.

https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2020/06/15/becerra-wants-law-to-decertify-california-police-for-misconduct-1293014

Raven's avatar

Pelosi backing Newsom is going to be his downfall.

S. A. Linden's avatar

Newsom is kind of his own downfall as well.

Polly Post's avatar

We need strong candidates (independents or democrats) that actually will be progressive!

Doug Spraley's avatar

I want AOC moving into leadership.

S. A. Linden's avatar

She'd be wonderful, but it's not her time yet. Like Mamdani, she's a NYC product and very suited for that demographic. Powers that be would try to crucify her on the national scene. Let her build up a bit more political power and then BAM!

Humanitarians Unite!'s avatar

I think the word you’re looking for is depravity.

JG's avatar

I’m a democrat in California. At the moment I have absolutely no idea of who to vote for. Not a great slate of candidates to say the least.

BESS HUBBARD's avatar

Check out Elizabeth Booker Houston on FB and her comments on California. Myron J Clifton, another very good political voice on FB and IG. Our field is wide but after a bit of research it became clear for me Xavier Becerra is our best bet. Most experienced, on the right side of the issues, including immigration and healthcare, fought 45 and won 100+ times in court protecting DACA, ACA and sanctuary status, etc. He is a fighter with a long track record of wins. He's been in a couple of debates too and they're all on youtube. All the best!

Hysteria Winns's avatar

Dems all need to come together around the new front runner or else we're gonna get a Maga republican.