7/11 🎬 RECAP: “Defeated? No. Defiant? Always.” We are leaning in for the long game.

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7/11 🎬 RECAP: “Defeated? No. Defiant? Always.” We are leaning in for the long game.

The highlights from the LIVE show right in your inbox! HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE!

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Jul 14, 2025

We can get through Hard Things!

How can a week be both devastating and invigorating? Welcome to the Trump Regime America. Yes, “The Big Ugly Bill” passed. No surprise there. But it still hit hard. And let’s be clear—Lisa Murkowski is no John McCain.

But, if you were with us at the Women’s Summit, you know: we’re not defeated—we are defiant as we were surrounded by 700 fierce resisters from across the country. They joined us for three days of workshops, amazing speakers, political insiders, an introduction to new technologies, authors, and fantastic networking opportunities. We walked away filled with energy, strategy, and solidarity. Our cups were full!

(Check out the Women’s Summit photos from the 3 days and 5 stages at bottom of the page).

Women’s Summit POWER UP - Finale Norton’s POWER DROP

“Hey Hey Hey,” We are Defiant Always!

So, no we are not defeated, we are defiant, always. We kicked off Friday’s show with a remarkable piece of music. It will lift your spirit and energize your soul. Michael Franti’s “Hey Hey Hey” set to images from the summit (thanks to Katherine!). It’s joyful, and guaranteed to stay in your head—in the best way. Watch the music video here.

Congressman Bobby Scott on “The Big Ugly Bill”

We couldn’t have asked for a more prepared and passionate guest to break it all down. Congressman Bobby Scott joined us to unpack how this bill will devastate communities around the country and in Virginia.

He stayed through the entire after chat, answering every question and offering real clarity on what Democrats can do to push back. That’s leadership.
[Listen to the Congressman’s full segment here.]

Fool Me Once? Out-Register Them.

At the Summit, TargetSmart’s Tom Bonier gave us a wake-up call: Republicans out-registered Democrats in 2024. We are falling behind. The time to act is now.

That’s why we brought in Tram Nguyen, Co-Executive Director of New Virginia Majority. She’s helped register 200,000+ voters since 2015. She shared hard truths about how same day registration has impacted registration.

We need smarter strategies: voters aren’t flocking to registration tables—so we’ve got to get creative, meet them where they are, and bring our innovation game.
[Watch Tram’s segment here.]

Rural Ground Game: Fighting the Big Bill with Stories!

Rural Ground Game’s Lynlee Thorne showed us what it means to fight fascism with humanity and stories. Her team has made 30,000+ calls and connected with voters in news deserts, where people have no idea what’s coming their way—especially with the looming Medicaid cuts hitting in 2026.

The stories from the phone calls so far are heartbreaking. But they’re our call to action. Let’s join Rural Ground Game on July 17th to make even more calls that matter. These aren’t just voters—these are neighbors who’ve been left behind and will be left even further behind. We can’t let them be ignored. Their stories can bring a big victory to Virginia and be a resounding clap of thunder for the country that we will not give in to fascism. It’s just that important.
[Listen to Lynlee’s full segment here.]

🧩 “Humpty Dumpty Had a Great Fall” — Ms. Margaret Morrison.

To close out Fridays show we were joined by one of the summit’s most profound voices, Ms. Margaret Morrison, who once marched with John Lewis. Ms. Margaret reminded us of something powerful: maybe we can’t put the old America back together again. But, what we build now—together—can be better.

Ms Margaret can bring stillness and quiet to any room, even a zoom room..
[Watch her full segment here.]

AfterChat Surprise: Congressman Scott Wasn’t Done.

That’s right—he stayed. Our after chat is never recorded, but when something didn’t sit right with the Congressman, he jumped back in to clear it up. That’s the level of engagement and honesty we need in this fight. We were also graced with Delegate Vivian Watts who shared more about the bill and uncovered hidden details that voters need to know. This after chat was exceptional and infomative.

📣 Bring Your People!

If you’re coming to Power Lunch alone, you’re doing it wrong. Bring your friends, your neighbors, your sister who’s “not really political” (yet). This is where we learn, strategize, and fight forward. Each week, we will continue what we started at the Summit—bringing it home, and getting better and prepared for the fight we are in. This is not a drill. Send them to FridayPowerLunch.com!

🌟 Next Friday, July 18

We're introducing Power Packs—our innovative strategy incubators—and showcasing the nine we’re supporting in 2025. These are our candidates, doing the real work, in real communities and activists helping them every step of the way! Want to win Virginia? Start here.