When we look back at this time in history . . . it could be called the Rise of ZOOM . . . or the Rise of COVID-19 . . . or the last gasps of in-person voting. Most of our personal interactions are ZOOM meetings or webinars and although we sorely miss eating together, chatting and interacting as a group, there are some advantages! We can check in on meetings far and wide–in places we would never drive to . . . we’ll think of other advantages . . . in due time. This week we have quite a few ZOOM experiences to choose from. We’ve signed up for most!

UVDem’s maiden voyage with ZOOM presenting Maynard Goldman as our guest worked out quite well and was positively received. The link to it is below and we strongly suggest you give it a listen if you weren’t there on Monday night. Maynard had some interesting historical anecdotes and gave us a lot to think about re what could be coming next in this era of the rise of COVID-19. Thanks to Maynard for a very very special evening.

Maynard speculated about the upcoming general election and how the vote will be handled. We have heard from the Secretary of State and the Governor and it looks like we will be downloading an application for a mail-in ballot. Stock up on envelopes and stamps and make sure friends and family do it! You can Zoom into Open Democracy on Friday for the latest updates on NH voting.

Our Governor is all over the map these days (not literally)–although he is generous with himself, he is less so with people who find themselves going for unemployment compensation. He’s also generous with the federal monies coming New Hampshire’s way—he has declared that he alone will be deciding who receives the money. Hmm. So these and many many other Trumpian moves make looking into the Lebanon Dems’ ZOOM meetings with Andru Volinsky and Dan Feltes so necessary. We’re thinking they are must-see “TV.” Let’s get out there and make sure there is a Democrat in the governor’s office this November! Two great choices–both/either would be terrific as our next governor.

This should be the week we hear about VP Biden’s VP pick committee—he has so many qualified, smart, articulate people to chose from. Until they all come up with the perfect candidate, we are going to continue to highlight one short-lister each week. Today, we’re highlighting Gretchen Whitmer, a strong candidate. We’re thinking he can’t go wrong with any of the women on his short list. Can’t wait.

And finally, next up is the UVDems program on May 18. It will be a chat with Russ Muirhead who has written a book on conspiracy theories. Fits right in with our other-worldly, un/reality that we are living every day. Put it on your calendars!

Stay home, stay safe.

For the full email with ZOOM links, click here!

• UVD Monday Night Program Video with Maynard Goldman: Could Covid-19 Infect the November 2020 Elections?
• Sen. Maggie Hassan, Interview NHPR
• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Interview, Washington Post
• Sununu Sad Facts
• May 1, Open Democracy, Absentee ballots and Covid-19, ZOOM
• May 5, NHDP Social Media Training
• May 7, UV Research Team discuss research on COVID-19, ZOOM
• May 14, Lebanon Democrats ZOOM Chat with Andru Volinsky
• May 18, UVD May ZOOM Program: Conspiracy Thinking in American Democracy Today

Ahh the women, the women—Joe Biden has so many wonderful choices. Why not get to know them now? During the primaries we got to know the amazing people who stepped up to run for president. Now it’s time to get to know those women on Joe’s short list.

We are starting out with Stacy Abrams. The Atlantic Magazine profiles Stacy Abrams as a very, very compelling candidate. In the coming weeks, we will highlight other women on the short list so you can get to know them . . . Gretchen Whitmer is up next.

And speaking of women . . . Annie Kuster has an interview with NHPR outlining her thoughts about the rescue bills being passed, AND our very own Jeanne Shaheen gives this week’s Democratic address. We are so proud of the women in our delegation! Let’s keep sending them to Washington to fight for us!

Don’t forget to register for our ZOOM program this Monday, the 27th. Although the future looks hazy from here, others have been making predictions . . . hope it will be more interesting than terrifying! Scroll down for link. 

Speaking of voting . . . the governor has now said that New Hampshire can have mail-in voting because we are all at risk. That’s good news. Now we have to compel the Secretary of State and our local districts to prepare by budgeting for more printing/mailing. Plus we need to have a strong law proclaiming that anyone can vote by mail. See the links below and let’s encourage our Secretary of State to do the right thing.

And btw, go get that COVID-19 tracker on your phone or tablet. We need to be prepared for the next outbreak and this could be a way for our scientists and brainiacs to figure out what’s coming at us.

Don’t forget to use your trusty mask, wave at people, no hugging and stay safe. We are doing an amazing job at this.

Click the link for full email:

• Stacy Abrams interview, Politics from the Atlantic;
• Kuster interview, NHPR;
• Senator Shaheen Democratic address;
• Voting reform – NH;
• April 27, UVD April program on Zoom.