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🛡️ April 11, 2025 RECAP - Episode 15
“UNDER SIEGE: DEMOCRACY’S FRONT LINES IN CRISIS”
Joy. Pain. Protest. Power. And a whole lot of fire.
🎸 We’re Not Gonna Take It!
This week hit like a power chord—joy and pain in equal measure.
Joy? The Hands Off Protests were a nationwide rebellion—an anthem of resistance brought to life by over 3 million people in 1,400+ cities. We opened the show with Frank Zappa warning of fascism on Crossfire in 1986 (a clip that aged a little too well), then rolled right into the protest energy with Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” Katherine set it off with footage from the rallies from the Reno Coalition—and the feeling of pride and fight was real.
Pain? The SAVE Act (aka the SLAVE Act—yes, we said it) passed the House. Even worse? Four Democrats broke ranks and voted with the far-right. If party leaders are calling this the most oppressive voter suppression bill in history, how do any Democrats justify that vote?
👉 Make it make sense. You can’t.
🎤 The Power Chat
Katherine and I shared what it felt like on the ground—not in some sanitized boardroom, but shoulder to shoulder with the people. We’re done being polite. We want our leaders—looking at you, DNC—to stop reading polls and start feeling the pulse of this movement.
And yes, we called them out:
We’re watching you—and we’re done playing. See our entire chat here.
📚 Hit ’Em Where It Hurts: Rachel Bitecofer the “Doc” Drops In
Then the Doc popped in.
Rachel Bitecofer came through with the 🔥 strategy we need in this exact moment. Her formula?
👉 Pivot. Belittle. Attack.
This isn’t a moment for handwringing—it’s a moment for hardball and I am here for it! Rachel gave us the strategy that worked in Wisconsin, and how Virginia can be the launchpad for 2026 and 2028.
"You’re not selling your policies. You’re torching your opponent’s brand—at every turn." — Rachel Bitecofer on the Friday Power Lunch
And she’s right: The “Repuglicans” are ripe for the taking.
They’ve delivered nothing for working-class people. We have.
So stop hiding behind spreadsheets and say it with your chest.
🧠 The War Room Needs Warriors
Let’s be honest—too many decisions are being made without grassroots voices in the room. I spent 26 years in corporate America and I know the best ideas and best practices came from the front lines.
We love who’s in there. But the tent needs to grow. Want to win? Listen to Rachel.
Bring in Rachel.
Bring in the field organizers.
Bring in the base.
Because the front lines know what’s happening—and they know how to win. You can catch all of Rachel’s brilliance (and hear where she and Chuck Schumer actually agree)in its entirety right here.
⚖️ Gene Rossi Doesn’t Hold Back
Former U.S. Prosecutor Gene Rossi brought the fire we didn’t know we needed.
“The President of the United States is a criminal. A convict. And he has no moral compass.”
77 million voters cast their votes for the lunatic Trump, Let’s be clear, that says a hell of a lot about the character of his voters too — and globally, it says a lot about where America is right now. Time to get real about it. You know them too. It sounds powerful coming from Gene. Listen in.
Gene broke down: “The President of the United States is a criminal.”
The SCOTUS decision on the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia
Trump’s Executive Order attacking law firms who dared represent people suing him.
The Animal House level absurdity of a legal system under MAGA rule.
And his description of Kristi Noem in El Salvador? You’ll just have to hear it to believe it. 🎧 You can see the entire segment of the great Gene Rossi right here.
🗳️ It’s Go Time
This isn’t a drill. This is the moment.
We are a big-tent party, and it’s time we start fighting like one. We’re gearing up for the Women’s Summit, June 27–29 in McLean, VA—and you need to be there. This is one of the fights of our lifetime and we need everyone on board. When we leave this summit it will be 4 months until the Virginia elections.
Get your ticket here. Check out Network NOVA’s website for more info and hotel.
A few confirmed guests include:
Robert Hubbell
Simon Rosenberg
Antjuan Seawright
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan
Congressman Don Beyer
Abigail Spanberger, VA candidate for Governor
Neera Tanden, President and CEO, Center for American Progress
Alissa Tafti, NOVA AFL-CIO, Chair, Federal Workers Taskforce
And more are coming.
Show up for Virginia like we showed up for Wisconsin. The bell is ringing for 2025 and 2026. Let’s answer it.
The After Chat
Two words: Rachel. Stayed.
That’s it. That’s the headline.
👀 Coming Up This Friday:
Don’t miss it—because we’re going deep again with experts and advocates who know how to fight and where the battle lines are drawn:
Aaron Mukerjee – Elias Law Group LLP
Cory Amron – Women’s Lawyers on Guard
Anthony Flaccavento – RUBI (Rural Urban Bridge Initiative)
🎧 Watch the full show. Share the recap.
Bring someone new.
Because as long as democracy is under siege, we’re not backing down.
We’re Rebels. We’re Fighters. We’re Brawlers. And we’re not gonna take it anymore.
See you Friday!
— Finale & Katherine ❤️
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