Hi Friend, Movements are about seizing moments. That is what our movement is doing now, even in the heat of summer, when many of you are, understandably, a little checked out on well-earned holidays with family and friends. But there are some big moments happening now. Our North Star remains two-party solutions to the nation’s biggest challenges, regardless of cross pressures, personalities, or the kind of political soap opera too many in the media like to put at the center of our national conversation. We think about all of this not as an overwrought Washington, D.C. drama, but, rather, ask: How can we help improve the real lives of America’s working families through smarter policies, driven by innovative thinkers in both parties? On that score, there are three storylines dominating our political conversation as we head into the end of the week. First, once again, we stand with and applaud Senator Joe Manchin, a strong voice for the imperative of crafting bipartisan policy solutions that resonant with folks across the country, standing up for relevant policies that can get inflation under control, rather than make it worse. And being willing to politely disagree with the members of the extreme wing of his own party when he believes they are wrong. To put it simply, the cost of prescription drugs is a lot more important to most Americans right now than subsidies for expensive electric vehicles. Second, we need to find a way to push over the finish line some version of a package that will allow us to better compete with China economically, while also protecting our national security when it comes to semiconductors and other high-tech necessities. We don’t know exactly how such a two-party bill will get to President Biden’s desk, but we know it is imperative that we take the broad bipartisan and business support for such a measure and turn it into a law pronto. Finally, columnist David Brooks frames up the uncertainties in our current political climate and argues that we need to turn such disarray into opportunity, rather than wallow in crisis: Americans are detaching from the two political parties. Far more Americans consider themselves independents than consider themselves either Democrats or Republicans, and independents may be growing more distinct. And there’s some research that suggests independents are increasingly not just closeted members of the two main parties but also hold different beliefs, which put them between parties. Sixty-two percent of Americans believe a third party is needed. Sixth, disgust with the current system is high. A majority of American voters believe that our system of government does not work, and 58 percent believe that our democracy needs major reforms or a complete overhaul. Nearly half of young adult voters believe voting does not affect how the government operates. So before you head back to the beach (or wherever….), please do these three things: 1. Support Senator Manchin for his courage and wisdom on social media or with an email. | 
