We recorded this episode on Wednesday, November 12th, just before the big tranche of Epstein documents were released. Our focus was on the end of the shutdown and the way that happened even if this week that seems long, long ago.
We don’t usually do episodes that sit close to the political news cycle, but last week’s frustration with Chuck Schumer and Democratic leadership felt too big to ignore.
After months of being told Democrats had one piece of leverage — the shutdown — the moment they used it, leadership shifted to “Well, actually, we never had leverage.” The whiplash is real, especially when real people’s health care hangs in the balance.
“I don’t want a gentleman. I want a fighter.”
A Politico piece quoting Senator Dick Durbin kicked off our conversation. Durbin praised Schumer for being a “gentleman” when told in advance that Durbin would vote for the deal. That’s… not what this era calls for.
The deeper question:Are Democratic leaders still trying to navigate Trump + Project 2025 with pre-Trump instincts?
Durbin even said in January that resisting Project 2025 was “brand new” and they needed time to figure it out — despite over a year of warning signs. It raises the concern that the old guard doesn’t grasp how much the rules have changed.
Where optimism shows up: the grassroots
We do have some optimistic thoughts after our grousing session!
Groups like Indivisible and 50/51 aren’t shrugging. They’re angry — and they’re gearing up to primary Democratic incumbents who are out of step with the moment. We’ve worked with Indivisible since 2016, and seeing them embrace a Tea Party–style strategy from the left feels like a meaningful shift.
More than 7 million people turned out for No Kings Day. That’s the raw material of political change. Replacing Schumer or other leaders isn’t “divisive” — it’s healthy democracy. It signals that voters want brawlers, strategists, and people who understand that this is not a normal political cycle.
A quick note on format
We recorded this episode on November 12th, and by the time you read this, Schumer’s situation may have already changed. Usually we avoid super-timely episodes for this reason, they can expire fast.
This Week’s Actions
* Write postcards for December special elections.One is in Tennessee for a House seat — another chance to add a Democrat to Congress.
* Shop small and local as you prep for the holidays.Live your values with your dollars.
* Carry “know your rights” cards to share with those who may need them.
* Call your senators and representatives (the 5 Calls app makes it easy).You can even tell your senator it’s time for new leadership if that’s where you are.
* Stay connected:Email hello@acouplethinks.comListener survey: survey.acouplethinks.com
Joyful Moments
Lisa’s joy this week is mostly relief: Aaron’s travel and Jolie’s Thanksgiving plans now look unlikely to be disrupted by the shutdown. And of course, Tucci the rapidly growing kitten continues to be a little chaos machine of joy and distraction.
Aaron’s joy: heading to Denver to see friends, and the reassuring Southwest email confirming his flight is unaffected. Also: deciding just how many masks to pack.
We’ll be back in your feed next Tuesday, right on schedule. Thanks for listening, caring, and staying engaged even in the messy weeks.
