Filmmaker, activist and outspoken Bernie Sanders supporter Michael Moore sent out an email Sunday morning, via MoveOn.org, stating he will be voting for the Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. In the subject box of his email Moore admits he never thought he’d vote for Hillary, but he’s definitely #WithHer now. And given the stakes, Moore urges all voters to not become complacent and to get out the vote. He’s talks about his experience canvasing door to door, and speaking with Trump supporters.
“They are decisive, organized, and disciplined. They are up at 5 a.m., organizing for their candidate.”
Hillary volunteers/supporters are doing the same, but our history shows, and most Democrats know by now, that if we stay home, we lose. And the stakes are too high. With at least one assured Supreme Court vacancy, this 2016 election is even more critical.
Moore says that due to Clinton’s “stunning” debate victories and Trump’s continuous “implosions,” many Democrats are thinking Clinton has a secured win, which can lead to folks not bothering to vote—and that’s exactly how Trump can win. The filmmaker encourages down-ballot voting to help win back the Senate, and implores progressives, who are still not sure about Hillary, to get out and vote not only to stop Trump, but to also allow senators like Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) a stronger voice in Congress to continue their work.
“No matter what you think about Clinton's chances right now, our task from now through Election Day is clear: We must turn out voters. Because we need to be absolutely sure that Trump loses. And we need to make sure we get a Democratic Senate—one with Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren leading the way.”
Read Michael Moore’s full message below the fold.
Dear fellow MoveOn member,
I just got back from Ohio, where I performed and filmed a one-man show in front of an audience consisting of many undecided voters, third-party voters, former Bernie supporters like me, people who are thinking of not voting—and yes, even Trump supporters, many of whom used to be part of the middle class and are now justifiably angry and thinking of Trump as their means of revenge against a system that has left them behind.
It was clear while I was in Ohio—and it's clear as I sit here at home in Michigan, also a battleground state—that this election could go seriously, seriously wrong, especially if there's low voter turnout. I can’t knock on enough doors to swing the election by myself. Which is why I’m writing you today with a simple request:
While I was making my new movie, "Michael Moore In TrumpLand," I spoke to many Trump supporters, and I’ve gotta tell you: They are decisive, organized, and disciplined. They are up at 5 a.m., organizing for their candidate.
And let’s be honest: For a number of reasons, there are a lot of progressive-leaning voters who aren't yet tuned in or fiercely committed to voting for Hillary Clinton. They might vote, but they need a personal reminder about why this is so important.
And then look at the hurdles that are thrown up to stop poor, Black, and Latino folks from voting. There are longer lines in Democratic-leaning neighborhoods in big cities, and many states have discriminatory voter purges and ID laws. Voter suppression is what our side faces every election.
We can win only if we get out the vote and protect the right to vote. We have to do EVERYTHING WE CAN DO to stop Trump, repudiate his politics on Election Day, and hold Republicans up and down the ballot accountable for his toxic campaign.
And that's what MoveOn is doing, especially in key swing states. Which is why I’m asking you:
Will you chip in $2.70, or whatever you can afford, to help fund MoveOn’s work to turn out voters—and protect the right to vote—in key swing states? Click here right now if you can.
Working hard from now to Election Day is critical—both to keep Trump out of the White House and to take back the Senate.
After meeting so many Trump supporters, I have to tell you quite honestly that Trump could still win the White House. He may win, in part, because so many Hillary supporters—thanks to her stunning victories in the debates and his continued implosions—have now sat back, relieved and confident that the "election is in the bag!" Maybe you feel the same way, or maybe not.
No matter what you think about Clinton's chances right now, our task from now through Election Day is clear: We must turn out voters. Because we need to be absolutely sure that Trump loses. And we need to make sure we get a Democratic Senate—one with Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren leading the way.
Let's make sure we win this. And let's try to win resoundingly—so that we can take back the Senate, send Trump to the dustbin of history, and show other would-be Trumps that America is better than this. Misogyny, racism, and narcissistic greed are being proudly represented on this November ballot by its messianic candidate. Together, let's send a powerful message that their days are over.
Onward!
—Michael Moore
P.S. If you want to see my new movie, just click here to get it from iTunes. At my request, they've made it affordable for everyone. Also, MoveOn and I are working together to give voters in swing states more opportunities to see the film. Tell your friends about the movie, and then go knock on some doors or make some calls, for victory on November 8!
Want to support MoveOn's work? Senator Elizabeth Warren says, "I'm so enthusiastic about MoveOn's smart and targeted plan to hire a network of organizers in key battleground states to mobilize and train volunteers to knock on hundreds of thousands of doors. It's bold and ambitious—and exactly what is needed to help swing Senate races, resoundingly defeat Donald Trump, and give Democrats a fighting chance to take back the House." Will you chip in to help make it all possible? Click here to chip in $2.70, or whatever you can afford.
During Moore’s staunch support of Bernie Sanders in this year’s Democratic primaries, he made some pretty harsh jabs at Hillary Clinton. I have admired Michael Moore greatly in the past for his whistle-blowing documentaries that exposed gun sales/violence Bowling for Columbine” (see trailer), the Bush/Cheney Iraq War, Fahrenheit 911 (see trailer), the corrupt healthcare system Sicko (see trailer), as well as other award-winning films. But I admit I lost much of much respect by his relentless and damaging attacks against Clinton while it was happening. I imagine, in many ways, this email was difficult for him. But given Michael Moore’s influence, his now not only helping Hillary, he is helping us to win back the Senate (and perhaps the House). And I’ll fucking take that. After the cold and ugly primary wars, many of us have had to swallow our pride, party-up and work together to win.
So, thank you to Michael Moore. And thank you to all the folks at MoveOn.org, the hardworking people at Daily Kos, the hundreds of thousands of Democratic campaign volunteers, and the millions of Democrats who have gone, or will be going to the polls to ensure our democracy and stop guarantee a tyrant like Donald Trump does not win. Because with Hillary Clinton, we truly are #StrongerTogether.
Click here to sign up for a phonebanking shift with MoveOn. You’ll be calling voters in the swing states in no time.
Related:
Michael Moore Nails Every Racist, War-Mongering, Pseudo-Christian, RW Gun Extremist - In One Tweet
Michael Moore to progressives: Vote up-down ballot, hold GOP accountable, Trump can win—here's why
#BernieOrBust? Michael Moore, Noam Chomsky and Bill Maher Have Some Advice For You
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