Endless whining about how we're all screwed, two weeks before the election, isn't going to help in the least.

Then, after that ... start to build up progressive candidates at the state and local levels. Stop blaming others and do something.

We won't have a progressive President until we do that. Not that some on DU would ever be happy with that person. But you have to start somewhere.

this isn't about getting a progressive President. It's not about any one election or any one candidate. It's about the massive corruption of the entire system. Or are you denying that's a reality?

If you can't focus in life, you never get anything done.

You just stare at big problems frozen like a deer in headlights.

1. Join progressive groups (DFA, WFP, DSA), contribute to them when possible, promote them when you can. Not only is it difficult to change things when you on your own, it’s difficult to even keep well informed about what’s going on. I’ve found these groups invaluable for keeping track of what’s happening, especially locally.
2. Try to stay informed about all elections and take them seriously. If you don’t know anything, say, about the board of election candidates, try to do some research and ask around, and at least try to understand where they stand on some positions. You might not become very well informed overnight, but it beats just picking someone at random in the voting booth.
3. If you know that there’s a good candidate, spread the word and let others know. We have local boards here, and I think people appreciate any information you can give them. Let your friends and family know that the election is important and how this candidate can improve things.
4. Also be cautious when you find yourself supporting someone because they’re “a good person.” That’s usually a sign that you’ve been taken in by a good smile and don’t really know what distinguishes this candidate from their opponents.
5. If your locality allows referendums, make use of them.

Express yourself in every way you know how.

Sometimes there are more people on your side than you think.

pack the SCOTUS even more than they have already.

As to what I suggest - well it is a long shot but we still need to vote and we also need to get out the vote. As we saw in 2008 minority voters are the key and we need to help get them registered and to the polls etc. As I see it this and the courts are our only hope left.

I am going to do what I can - how about all of you?

I saw a post on DU a couple of days ago that said, "Not voting is not a rebellion, it is a surrender."

We need to start with making inroads at the local level -- school boards, municipal positions, county positions. Most importantly, we need to take over the positions across this country (often county clerk) that supervise the election process.

Second, we need to recruit good, enthusiastic, non-Wall St. type candidates. We need people that actually have experienced what the average American has experienced. We need people with good ideas who are not afraid to take on the establishment and don't have a bunch of skeletons in their closet. These people are out there, in our schools, in our universities, in our clinics and hospitals and factories... we need to find them.

Third, I think we force the Democrats to seriously fight for some of our policies or let the DC Dems face strong primary challengers. Especially in the so-called "blue" states, there is no excuse to have these centrist, DINO-type candidates.

we can. This is what the Rs did years ago when they started building their power base. One thing they had then that we do not have and probably never will have is corporations and the rich on our side.

Hopefully we will be getting someone much better than idiot Bachmann here in MN. The voters in her district should remember that the idiots they send to congress reflect on all MN.

Right now, I would say "no". But in the mid-to-long(sic) run? What if the GOP, and its corrupt Supreme Court, really *does* openly attack democracy. What if millions of people really *do* get disenfranchised. What if they quit pretending and openly embrace authoritarianism, tell us that we're a republic, not a democracy, and just say in plain English they don't want blacks, women, and non-property holding whites to vote? Anyone think this is impossible? I don't. Some right-wing commentators are already all but saying this. When that day comes, will we have no choice but to go outside the "system"? Huey Long probably couldn't have accomplished anything, had he not taken the actions he did, given the stranglehold Standard Oil had on Louisiana. This thought--a "charismatic" left leader, a Long, an American Chavez...it scares me to death. But what the GOP has in mind scares me even more.

Voting is nothing more than an illusion of choice now days, yes we must vote and should at least go through the motions, even if you just go and randomly check boxes to make your choice at least you participated in the illusion to try and change things.

Personally I do not think real change will happen via the ballot box in this country anymore, but I am still hopeful for the time being so I participate in the illusion.

If one wants a real voice you best pony up 7, 8, or 9 figure checks, otherwise nobody really cares or gives a crap what you have to say.

It is just the way it is….....