comment: >
  
  Voted for Padilla but for sure voting for her she's a rock star
context: Wow, I was really expecting a run by Schiff, but kudos to Porter for not lallygagging around! >
  
  Schiff could still put his hat in, but he has a great position in the House. He's the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, and a senior member on both Appropriations and Foreign Affairs. Porter is a two-term backbencher who sits at the bottom of every committee she gets assigned to.
  If Schiff stepped up, he'd be the new guy in the Senate and give up all the benefits of his House seniority. Porter doesn't have anything to lose on that front.  
  EDIT: Yes, McCarthy took Schiff off the committee. McCarthy probably won't be speaker for the entire 118th Congress, let alone for the rest of Schiff's political career. Call me crazy, but I suspect Hakeem Jeffries will give Schiff his job back if the chamber flips again. >
  
  Schiff also has a very safe seat, and Porter does not. >
  
  I think Porter also has a brighter future in the party. I wouldn't be shocked if she runs for president at some point down the line. I don't think Schiff ever would. >
  
  I am totally down for a president Katie Porter. >
  
  The State of the Union, brought to you by This Massive Whiteboard. >
  
  She's so great at that, though!  Warren and Obama are great communicators, but Porter is more on point with how the public needs to be delivered information. With a literal whiteboard and some "now listen up you little shits" middle-school teacher swagger. >
  
  Oh, it’s not a dig at her. I absolutely think she’d be the first person to do a PowerPoint deck for TSoTU if she were elected. >
  
  Haha yeah totally, I get you 👍 >
  
  It would be better for Feinstein to go voluntarily, but she has had troubles over the last few years, so I guess this is a necessary step.  And Katie is great.  I hope this works out for her. >
  
  I'm wondering if maybe she's putting it out there too, in the event that Feinstein does suddenly die in the next 1.5 years and the governor would have to pick a new person. >
  
  
  Porter made her announcement despite neither of California’s sitting senators, Democrats Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, saying they plan to vacate their seats. Padilla, 49, won election in November to his first full term. Feinstein, 89, last year filed initial paperwork to run for reelection in 2024.
  
  Wonder if the party is putting the gears to Feinstein to finally retire. >
  
  She definitely needs to retire. Katie should primary her if she refuses. >
  
  If she won’t willingly retire, then Katie needs to brutally punish Feinstein for her failing mental capacity. 
  It is embarrassing that the party is not more vocal in trying to get her to retire today, let alone not support a primary challenger to her seat. >
  
  Because it's been a nonstop torrent of insanity for two and a half years, and I can barely hold onto the stuff I need for my local elections, never mind worry about a senate election in CA that'll produce a Democrat every time. Same reason I don't pay attention to senate news stories in Alabama. >
  
  
  Same reason I don't pay attention to senate news stories in Alabama.
  
  You mean you're not interested in reading about a "senator" who thinks the three branches of government are Offense, Defense, and Special Teams? >
  
  Oh God, are they not?! >
  
  Not far from it. The previous administration was offensive, defensive, and required a special team to handle it. >
  
  Nice. >
  
  This is good. No more sitting back politely waiting for octogenarians to get out of the way. >
  
  I can’t imagine still wanting to even do this job at 90. Like, go enjoy your last few years. It’s not like you need more money, what you’ve already got doesn’t need to go much further. >
  
  
  t’s not like you need more money
  
  It's not the money. It's the power and the prestige and the royal treatment these politicians receive. >
  
  It’s the ego >
  
  People who grab at power tend to have a hard time letting go of it, they believe it's what gives their life value. It's pure ego, it makes them feel important and special. >
  
  Katie Porter would be a great person to have in the Senate. Feinstein should have retired back in 2018. >
  
  Now its Katie Porter instead of Kevin deLeon, probably a better choice. >
  
  True. Katie Porter is probably my second most respected politician, after Bernie. I wish we had more Dems like her. >
  
  She’s a straight up G carrying around that white board and making easy to understand clear points. I basically wish we had any dems here. I mean we have James Clyburn. But that’s literally it. Voting last year was horrible because a bunch of races were unopposed R seats and the one thing I was super excited to vote for didn’t work out. I’m ready to vote graham out but I don’t see that happening since we don’t have many strong candidates here. Still doing my part though >
  
  That’s all you can do! Keep up the fight! Good on you for not giving up! >
  
  She won a close race this past election.  Depending on the quality of the republican presidential nominee, 2024 might be even tougher.  Makes sense to see if she can primary Feinstein (if she doesn’t retire). >
  
  California is sick to death of Feinstein, there just hasn't been a Democrat willing to primary her who was worth voting for. 
  Katie Porter is absolutely the kind of Democrat worth voting for. >
  
  California has a mixed primary; you can have two Democrats in the general election. The 2018 election was between her and de Leon, another democrat. >
  
  I said a Democrat worth voting for. >
  
  I think their point was that you said someone needs to primary her, but here in CA, the general election for top 2 vote getters regardless of party. Senate is usually Dems. >
  
  Feinstein needs to retire. My goodness >
  
  Big win for California. Can't wait to vote for someone who both knows how to craft effective legislation that helps people and cares enough to make it happen. >
  
  Whiteboard’s going all the way to the Oval Office! A girl can dream. >
  
  For real, she is my dream candidate. If your superpower is "i can dumb stuff down so even idiots understand" you're SORELY needed in this country. >
  
  Eats popcorn while Katie schools CEOs >
  
  CEOs know... they are psychopaths that only care about money and given the best spot in society because capitalism. >
  
  Let's dispel with this fiction that CEOs don't know what they're doing. They know exactly what they're doing. >
  
  While Katie has the stature and deserves to be CA senator, I would be concerned of any other Dem’s ability to retain the house seat that she will vacate. That’s a tough district in Orange County, to pull off for Dems. Only truly fantastic personalities like Katie could make it happen. Hope there’s someone of that stature to step into Katie’s shoes successfully. >
  
  Orange County is allot more democratic than it used to be. A ton of republicans are moving out of state and people in LA are moving to Orange County, plus the democrats just took control of the Board of Supervisors, first time since the mid 70’s. >
  
  I wish I lived in CA so I could vote for her. I hope to see her run for POTUS one day! >
  
  I’m sure there will be remote volunteer opportunities and you can help with donations if possible! >
  
  I donated 100 bucks as soon as i heard the news. Then i informed all my california people of the good news. If any politician has ever earned my enthusiastic endorsement, it's future President Porter >
  
  Yes! This is exactly the kind of direction we need to go with Democrats. More progressive fighters. People willing to push the bully back.
  Interestingly, she was a student of Elizabeth Warren when Warren was a professor. I kind of feel they're cut from the same cloth in the way they approach policy and issues: act as a teacher. Democrats should adopt a teacher model and start educating the public with a whiteboard the same way Porter has done. Most people are just too uninformed on the issues, and when they're genuinely knowledgeable it becomes clear the right path for this country.
  Edit:
  Some are expressing valid concern that adopting a "teacher" mode can come off as condescending. I don't think it has to. We all know those great teachers who inspired us or even played devil's advocate to success. But it doesn't even need to be framed like that; it literally just needs to be 30 seconds to 2 minute ads introducing a topic or policy or issue or myth or basic civics thing that people get tripped up on (e.g., myths surrounding taxes). Just be factual and to the point, illustrative, and provide a source. That's all. 
  But more importantly, Katie Porter's viral messages have proven their success as a model already, both among Democrats and Independents alike. Good news is we're realizing as of recent elections that we don't particularly need to appeal to Republicans in order to win anymore. We can hope for the best that some of the teaching carries through, but that's about it. >
  
  I want Porter in higher office… and I don’t necessarily disagree with what you’re saying… however, I think the people watching Porter with her whiteboard are already pretty educated. 
  Most voters tune politics out of their lives more or less. They aren’t watching cspan or reading email blasts from their politicians.
  Definitely agree the Democrats need to educate the public as to the nature of reality. I think it is far less of an issue with Millenials onward in general. There’s little Democrats can do to crack the nut that is a legitimate cult and organized corporate conspiracy to brainwash America and turn us against each other. 
  Hell, the Southern Strategy is widely known to be objectively true along with the party platform switch, but people still downplay or deny it. You have liberals putting faith before country and reason and involving themselves with bullshit conservative ops like National Prayer Breakfast (which is just a lobby for a Dominionist (Christian theonomy dictatorship) cult. 
  We need our own counter message. And simply telling the truth isn’t working because the lies of the right are more engaging and heavily incentivized by corporations as part of their normal lobbying cycle. >
  
  I don’t disagree with the fact that whiteboards are less compelling than Fox News propaganda, but I’m curious what your suggesting “our own counter message” would be instead of “simply telling the truth”?  Equivalent “alternative facts” messaging from the Dems would  only legitimize and grow the space for lies and propaganda. Or are you just suggesting we get better at conveying the truth and evidence in a more compelling and approachable manner?
  Genuinely curious on your take, as I totally agree that the Dems tend to get killed on messaging by the GOP. >
  
  So what’s the solution? >
  
  One thing that would help is improved education. American high-level literacy (beyond a grade 8 reading level) is horrible compared to other first world countries, which means many Americans cannot read, with comprehension, research papers or even higher quality, better cited news sources such as the New York Times. Many Americans also struggle to understand and critically analyze visual data, such as charts and graphs. This makes them susceptible to news sources that simplify the material and present it in a more easily digested format, which also means, they’re susceptible to the biases influencing that simplification. 
  Better regulation of media would also help. Fox News still being allowed to call themselves “news” after successfully arguing they’re entertainment, not news, is misleading at best. This doesn’t mean limiting freedom of speech or freedom of the press; it means regulating the language outlets use to describe themselves if they are shown to not be acting as the press, as journalists. 
  Beyond that, there is a very good chance that eventually, the pendulum will swing away from fake news. The “yellow journalism” trend of the late 1800s declined as public sentiment turned away from unreliable, salacious news sources and toward more reputable sources. The news agencies self-regulated and developed a code of ethics, not because they wanted to, but because the public demanded a higher quality of journalism. And like they say, history doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes. >
  
  As OP of this thread, this was my primary thought when I talked about teaching America. We should quite literally have like the PBS-kids educational commercial equivalent to teaching adults how to learn to think. From logical fallacies to ethics and conflicts of interests and how to diversify your media sources and counteract your biases and to genuinely be a skeptic in pursuit of the truth above all else. 
  People sadly do not understand how to process information and are overwhelmed and therefore easily-duped. >
  
  Hell yeah. 
  She was my professor several years ago and I’ve always known she was something special. I’ll be the first in line to volunteer. >
  
  What was she like as a prof? >
  
  Tough but kind, as oxymoronic as that may sound. Gave praise when a student knew their stuff, but would NOT let up if someone came unprepared. 
  She explained very complex things in an understandable way, such as the 08 financial crisis. Would always use the whiteboard for explanations. >
  
  
  Would always use the whiteboard for explanations.
  
  LOL >
  
  She's a gift, CA. It shouldn't even be a question of dumping Feinstein for her. >
  
  Because they're malicious and stupid. >
  
  Let's see the whiteboard in the senate >
  
  Stop talking dirty, it's turning me on. >
  
  I hope the California democratic party can keep the in-fighting to a minimum here. Signs say that Feinstein is digging in and is going to see her term out, which is why I think candidates are coming out (ie: looks like there will be minimal chance of appointment by Newsome). I believe Schiff bypassed house leadership positions for the sole focus of running for the Senate, so seems like we've got 2 candidates formally in the race. >
  
  It’s a jungle primary. Top two make it to the final ballot. >
  
  Yes! Get it Katie! >
  
  Yep, Finestien needs to retire, plus Porter is really smart! >
  
  You duckers better vote her in. Clear the way for my upcoming president >
  
  I wish he was a better boss. I'm rooting for her but she needs to change her office behaviours. dear_white_staffers on IG has a highlight where staffers share stories. >
  
  Yay. She was an effective and powerful member of the House. I look forward to what ahe will do as a leader in the senate. >
  
  As a proud Porter supporter from OC, stick a fork in Feinstein, she's done! >
  
  I hope this is her next stop onto being our first female president. Her state of the union address would be epic. >
  
  Feinstein has to go. Currently I'd vote for a dirty sock before I ever voted for her again. And yes, I did so years ago, and regret it. >
  
  I hope she brings her white board. >
  
  Awesome.
  She's smart, she's down-to-earth, she's well-spoken, she doesn't shy away from taking on the big dogs. Love everything about that. I'd vote for her in a heartbeat. >
  
  I'm curious if the Dems are finally recognizing the young rockstar candidates they can leverage to their huge advantage with millennial and Gen-z voters. 
  To anyone younger than 80 Porter is a better candidate for Senate than Feinstein. >
  
  Girl, YES. I will vote for you, I will knock doors for you, I will phonebank for you. >
  
  I am donating to her campaign. 
  She's one of the only advocates left that we have who supports the working class, and fights against corporate price-gouging, corporate fraud, and corporate-fueled inflation. >
  
  I'm not a progressive at all, but I respect Porter and support her run for the Senate. Feinstein has gotta go, and she'll be a good addition to the Senate. >
  
  Hell yes, right outa the gate. She has my vote to lose. >
  
  Senator Porter, you have my vote. >
  
  Katie Porter is exactly the type of representation Americans need.  She is thoughtful, hard working, prepares well, takes her job very seriously, has real family values not just for show, and she is not afraid of asking the tough questions or standing up for her beliefs.
  I know I have heard her name thrown out for a CA Senate seat over the last two years, and I am 100% in favor of her being in the Senate.  Wish I lived in CA to vote for her. >
  
  If you are a Californian, and want a senator you can actually believe in this is your woman! Her take downs of corporate execs and their BS are legendary and is a person that actually fights for people.
  She is someone that people should get behind and as a Senator would have real power to actually lookout for people. >
  
  I will be voting for her >
  
  The house will miss her but she’s def senate material >
  
  I can not fucking wait for this women to be our next senator. Hands down going to be an incredible leader in the party >
  
  She already has my vote. >
  
  Happy trails, Feinstein. Thanks for everything you did until about 24 years ago when you should've retired. >
  
  Feinstein needs to be put out to pasture.. Katie is a good replacement >
  
  Fuck yeah, let’s go make some more billionaires cry! >
  
  FUCK YES!!!!
  She's honestly too good for OC.  They don't deserve her. >
  
  She's got my vote >
  
  She would have my vote for President too >
  
  I’m a California resident, and I would love for Katie to be my senator!! >
  
  I want President Katie Porter. >
  
  LET'S GO KATIE!!!!
  Only problem is replacing such an amazing rep in a conservative area, but let the party worry about that. A true trailblazer and star of the American People (not just democrats). >
  
  It'll be a pleasure to cast a ballot for you, Katie. Genuinely looking forward to it. >
  
  Is this the white board lady?
  If so... Fuck yeah!! >
  
  I honestly can't think of anyone better poised for the job. She already knows how to appeal to moderates and conservatives. She's a representative from Irvine in Orange County, which is an enclave of fiscal conservatives because it's where people with oodles of money live.
  Her viral clips where she tears down people playing dumb before Congress appeal to a lot of people from all over the political spectrum. She's a protégé of Elizabeth Warren and like her mentor, she focuses on the effects of financial products on retail consumers (not people with enough money to join a private family or hedge fund). She'll probably win the seat with a hefty margin. She's certainly qualified. She's been a House member for what, 10 years? More? >
  
  She’s the only Californian politician I care about. >
  
  Yeah, hell yeah. I voted against Feinstein last time, and I'll fuckin' do it again. She needs to go, and she's needed to go for a while. >
  
  I wouldn't tout that vote for DeLeon so loudly. He's come out as a full blown racist and grifter since then. Even at the time we already knew he was taking credit for bills that weren't his. Currently he refuses to leave office even after President Biden called on him to resign for racist comments he made about another city councilmember's child. >
  
  He was terrible in 2018 too. Voting for him was simply a protest vote against Feinstein, but honestly I can't fault anyone for that. >
  
  Long overdue. >
  
  Oh, hell yes. Wish I could vote for her. >
  
  Good for her! >
  
  Yes please >
  
  Cool. I think she would make a great senator. >
  
  I’m guessing that most people are thinking that Feinstein’s going to retire at this point. Otherwise I have my doubts that Porter would run at all.
  If Feinstein doesn’t run again, I expect she’ll be the front runner for the seat. >
  
  I cannot believe California has a senator who is nearing 90 let alone Chuck Grassley of Iowa as well. >
  
  I wish I lived in CA just so I could vote for her. She’s a gem. >
  
  She’ll definitely be much better than Feinstein >
  
  break out the whiteboard, folks!!! >
  
  Great news, love her! Feinstein would die in her seat if we let her, smh >
  
  Go Kathy! She a hero to this community and will be an even bigger hero as a California Congress person. I hope she keeps it up! >
  
  Rep. Katie Porter is going to be a great CA Senator! >
  
  I JUST saw a YT ad for her run and thought I had lost my mind!!!! This is amazing! I don't even live in California! >
  
  Go, Katie, GO!! >
  
  Let’s be honest Feinstein’s top staffer(s) are the defacto senator right now.  They are basically weekend at bernieing a senile woman for their own power now >
  
  Yes!!!! Go get’em Katie! I’ll carry the whiteboard! >
  
  I am announcing my first civil act as a new California resident coming from Texas is to vote for Katie Porter in 2024 for US Senate.  Sorry Dianne, but this woman needs more power and a bigger megaphone and I am going to give it to her. >
  
  Hoping this doesn't flip her House seat in 2024, but I am all for Porter ascending. >
  
  Give'em hell, Katie... >
  
  Fuck yeah. Katie Porter is great. >
  
  Feinstein needs to go. Confirming Kavanaugh was the last straw. >
  
  She had my vote! >
  
  Damn I like her. Best of luck👍 >
  
  I can't vote, but I'll donate >
  
  I’m more worried about the future of that seat. Orange County has some serious MAGA types driving the streets with Trump Won flags on their trucks.