John --

It looks like the U.S. government will shut down at the stroke of midnight. And while the chaos unfolding before that moment is a political melodrama, the chaos that comes after will cause real, avoidable harm to so many Americans.

Why? Because we're not dealing with good, reasonable "leaders" here.

Reasonable Americans, from across the political spectrum, realize that collaboration and compromise are required to get anything meaningful done in a group that has different priorities and values. This is what we do everyday at work, at home, with friends, with family. We know that we can't get everything we want just because we want it -- that's not how life works.

But that's how a small band of clowns within the House GOP Conference are behaving (you can read my candid thoughts about them over at my new Substack). They want their-way-or-the-highway, and they don't care if they have to blow-up the whole place to do it. And while this group is relatively small in number, they're holding their entire conference hostage... and the only reason they can?  FEAR. Our electoral system gives tiny factions of extremes outsized influence due to perverse partisan primaries and gerrymandering. The remaining politicians are terrified of losing a primary if they don't follow the extreme playbook, so they operate out of fear and paralyze actual governing.

Now, we'd bet the majority of every district and state is actually made up of reasonable people, regardless of whether they lean more to the right or left. But the present rules mean a partisan firebrand can win a primary with less than 10% of the electorate's support, then be all-but-assured of victory due to the district being "safe" for his or her party.

That's why Country First is mobilizing across the nation to change these rules for the better, state by state. Because it's not just about avoiding the next government shutdown... it's about every issue and every challenge our country faces.

We will never find common ground, solve the perennial problems facing us, and achieve durable solutions unless our representatives are as reasonable as the majority of Americans. And that's not a pipe dream -- we have a plan to achieve it. Country First is building and growing that movement, and we're glad to have you with us.

Country First,

Adam

PS: You can have more of my candid thoughts about our leaders, and a wide range of topics, delivered to you throughout the week by subscribing to my NEW Substack.

See something of interest? All are welcome! Click on the event to register.

COMING UP @ COUNTRY FIRST

10/16: Communications Volunteer Working Group

10/17: Electoral Reform Volunteer Working Group

10/24: Political Research Volunteer Working Group

10/25: Country First Book Club

10/30: HQ Open Forum

Each week, Country First highlights a key volunteer who has demonstrated placing Country over Party. If you would like to submit someone who has made a positive impact on your experience with Country First, please email [email protected]. 

MEET KELLI NELSON

Where are you from and how long have you been a volunteer for Country First?

I live in Reno, NV and I joined Country First about a year ago.

What has been your focus at Country First?

My focus is protecting democracy. I'm working with the Election Reform working group, trying to develop a grassroots movement here in NV to get Rank-Choice Voting across the finish line in the 2024 general election, and educate people on the important role that the USA plays with global democracy.

What was your motivation for joining Country First and how did you hear about us?

I'm terrified that our democracy is in grave peril of falling and I'd been looking for a way to be part of the solution to protect it. I followed the Jan 6th committee hearings and afterward heard Adam talk about starting Country First and felt it would fit my values and goals. 

What are your hopes for America in the coming years and generations?

I believe with education, acceptance, and community, America will continue to be the beacon for Democracy that she's been for over 200 years.

Do you think we can right the ship?

Yes, I do. But we're going to have to fight for it. Not by shedding blood, but through education, due-diligence, truth, and UNITY.

Thank you, Kelli, for all of your hard work and dedication to promoting and preserving democracy! 

MISINFORMATION

USA Today: False claim voting software permits officials to override election results | Fact Check

A Sept. 14 Instagram post includes a screenshot of a post on X, formerly Twitter, about a company that supposedly makes software used by many states during their elections. Read this USA Today fact check for the breakdown.

ComputerWeekly.com: Cyber experts set out plan to secure future US elections

A group of experts are setting out to enhance election cyber security in the United States, and restore public faith in a process tainted by interference and misinformation in the past.

STATE OF DEMOCRACY

FOX 5 Atlanta: Federal judge to hear challenge to Georgia's voting law                           

A federal judge will be taking a close look at some of Georgia's voter laws Friday to see if any of the recent changes make it harder for people of color or people with disabilities to vote. Several civil rights groups are challenging Georgia's Senate Bill 202, which was signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2021. Advocates say parts of the law make it harder for some Georgians to cast their ballots.

Washington Post: Misinformation research is buckling under GOP legal attacks 

Academics, universities and government agencies are overhauling or ending research programs designed to counter the spread of online misinformation amid a legal campaign from conservative politicians and activists who accuse them of colluding with tech companies to censor right-wing views.

Kansas Reflector: Anti-democracy moves by state lawmakers raise fears for 2024 election

In Wisconsin, Republican lawmakers are threatening to impeach both the state’s election administrator, who is highly regarded nationally, and a state Supreme Court justice despite a ruling by the state’s judicial commission that the justice had done nothing wrong — effectively nullifying a recent statewide election she won, Democrats say.

WATCH our Battle of the Bands!

SHOP our Limited Edition Signed Copies of Renegade by Adam Kinzinger! 

BRING a friend to one of our events!

Join one of our Volunteer Working Groups! As a grassroots coalition, Country First is dedicated to providing each member with the opportunity to contribute to the success of the movement. National Volunteer Working Groups are separated by interest and are aligned with one of Country First’s key pillars. 

Election Reform

Political Research

Communications 

Mending Divisions