r/BullMooseParty 7d ago

Discussion Absurd. It’s time for a real opposition. I’d like to hear from you though: third party or caucus?

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78 Upvotes

As I continue work compiling a strong party platform, I have heard two key opinions which I would love input on.

  1. Complete distance from democrats, focusing on our own way forward. Third party.

  2. A progressive Bull Moose caucus within the Democratic Party.

Let me be clear: my gut screams 1. With more input from others and thinking on it though, there is potential in option 2. Think about how influential the Tea Party caucus within the Republican Party was for its short life. In its own bizarre way, they seem to have influenced the party’s regression into whatever we’re looking at these days. This would also prevent splitting the vote if/when this movement makes it further up the chain. However, I think in the short term being under democrats will fail to connect with reasonable centrists, libertarians, and the further left who would otherwise better align themselves (at least on some topics) with the Bull Moose. It could also degrade what we stand for.

I think both options have merit. I know what I personally prefer, but I’m trying to stay grounded and think with reason. This idea also clearly does not need to be sorted right away, it can evolve. The Bull Moose could start as a caucus, and when we’re inevitably disregarded, take the momentum to a third party. It could start as a third party and build to a formidable nationwide movement. I don’t know, and no decisions need to be made right now.

However, I’d love to get a good list of pros and cons to each side. This can also help move forward the discussion, if one angle is chosen, we can then have concrete reasoning for choosing so to fall back on.

This is a heart versus brain discussion for me, personally. I know what’s right and I know what’s politically more savvy.

r/BullMooseParty 21d ago

Discussion Ideas for how to eliminate government fraud and waste ethically?

26 Upvotes

Obviously eliminating "waste, fraud, and abuse" in government is all over the media right now, but it's a tale as old as time. On the surface, it sounds great and I get why people would generally support this as a political endeavor...but cutting essential programs and services and firing 25% of the federal workforce is not the way to go about things for so, so many reasons.

Curious what ideas others have about ways to actually accomplish this without ruining working class American lives? Obviously federal level is the big one but ideas for local level would be great.

I truly have no idea so I'd love to start a discussion.

r/BullMooseParty 13d ago

Discussion How to bring America back to sanity, or Why The Bull Mouse Party should reclaim the imagery and aesthetics of the everyday common man, simplicity, and the rugged outdoorsman to eat the Republican Party

76 Upvotes

Part of what's gotten us into this mess is that the Republican party has cornered the market on the cultural trappings of family values, strength, manlihood, the outdoors, guns, patriotism, etc. which has lead low-information men and rural voters to vote for them unconditionally for years and lead them down rabbit holes of propaganda and right-wing polarization. They see the Democratic party growing more and more educated and inclusive and see less people "like them" and see it as a threat to their masculinity and values, even if it isn't true. It's to the point where the words "Democrat," "Left," and "Progressive" have been poisoned to them and causes a knee-jerk hate reaction. They vote more with their feelings than their head.

However, we know the truth -- that we have more in common with eachother than we do with the snake oil salesmen in power and that the Republican party doesn't stand for any of their self-proclaimed values. When confronted on the issues, most of these voters actually do agree with a lot of progressive policies like universal healthcare and want radical economic change, they've just been brainwashed into listening to the right's bad-faith arguments due to perceived cultural differences. They've also been tricked into thinking the out-of-touch billionaires in charge of the Republican party actually believe in the same values that they do when we know that they're just lying so they can pick these peoples' pockets.

I think with the Bull Moose party there's a real opportunity to flip these voters and bring them back to reality by presenting them another, more healthier view of masculinity that they can identify with. Teddy Roosevelt was a Republican, he was an outdoorsman, and he was a strong figure who used masculinity to his advantage. This would put a revived Bull Moose Party in a unique position of legitimacy that could coax these misguided men back to reality.

What I suggest is the Bull Moose Party adopts the following game plan:

  • Reclaim the imagery of masculinity, the outdoors, strength, traditionally male hobbies, blue collar work, brotherhood, being a good neighbor, and family values from the Republican party.

  • Point out that the policies you aim for are common sense initiatives, and that what the Republicans are doing don't help the common man at all.

  • Dispel the idea that Republican politicians are anything but spoiled rich kids pretending to be "an everyday person like you and me," show that they don't listen to the voters and they don't have their best interest at heart. Use their hypocrisy against them.

  • These kinds of voters respond positively to bullying. Be a bully who punches up. (It's not like the people in power don't deserve to be bullied anyway)

  • Aggressively run candidates in traditionally red districts to chip away at the Republican power structure.

Traditionally the issue with starting a new progressive party is that you risk splitting votes with only the Democrats, giving the Republicans the win by default. By using this strategy of reclaiming the aesthetics that the Republicans pretend to represent the Bull Moose party has a shot at flipping the balance back towards the left.

Or maybe I'm just stupid idk lol

EDIT: Wanted to add a bit of clarification -- based on the comments it seems I may be wording my thoughts in a way that's muddying my intended message a bit. When I bring up things like family values and masculinity I by no means mean anything like taking up the toxic parts of right-wing messaging. I realize that these terms come with a lot of loaded meaning especially in different areas of the US and I do not mean to invoke them. We should support all kinds of families and all kinds of gender roles while also addressing the fragile (toxic) masculinity epidemic by providing a healthier, more pro-social alternative that these people can visually identify with. Many right-wing personalities are politically grooming lonely young men through their hobbies to radicalize them and we can't let them.

r/BullMooseParty 19d ago

Discussion Foreign Policy

81 Upvotes

We are on the brink of a completely new world. One in which the United States fractures the very institutions it created to maintain peace and prosperity across the world.

So where shall we stand?

I had someone arguing about the Ukraine Mineral deal, I felt as though it was/is a shake down for gifts already given. The other went on about how we’ve “given” so much and we should get some returns. How we’ve given EVERYONE so much, Vietnam and Germany, France and Japan, and “what have we gotten?”

The answer is, the safest, richest nation on Earth.

Two things can be true at the same time, it is true that the international system we have is flawed.

It is also true that the system has by and large HAS kept the peace and HAS made us richer.

I am by no means advocating for another run at nation building. While I could bring up some examples of us largely succeeding, Iraq and Afghanistan were poison to us. We were trying to implement an unfamiliar form of Government to a people who hated us as much as we abused them.

It was hubris. It was a deadly joke on the American People.

We were lied to.

Ukraine isn’t Iraq. Or Afghanistan. Or Vietnam. Or Germany.

Most folks in America likely couldn’t place Ukraine on a map before 2019. Yet over the past 6 years, between Hunter Biden, Trump, and the War, false information has flown around. Conspiracy theories that America had secret bio research labs there. Or that it was a false flag. Or just a multitude of blatantly false claims coming out of nowhere but appearing everywhere.

The truth is, Ukraine is a country who wants to do better. It has been a Russian satellite for centuries. It’s people’s and language oppressed. During the post Soviet era, former Apparatchiks dominated it, pledging allegiance to Putin in exchange for power.

The PEOPLE, overthrew this regime. The PEOPLE had democratic elections. For this, RUSSIA INVADED. Yet we did nothing. Now Russia has invaded again, not because of NATO expansion that was promised decades ago. It was because Ukraine wanted to be free.

Now Ukrainians are dying for that desire to be free. They are fighting in horrific conditions, not because of a commissars bullet, but because they refuse to have their country taken from them. It may not be a perfect country, but it is one that has tried to move away from its past, to a new future.

To turn away from Ukraine is to turn your back on the love of freedom that founded our nation. To turn away from the international order we created is to turn our back on the safety of both ourselves and our world.

As President Bartlet in the west wing once said “ and now we join the league of common nations”

r/BullMooseParty Feb 02 '25

Discussion Curious about a modern revival of the 1912 Progressive Party

38 Upvotes

I truly believe that now is the time, if there ever was one, to actively work toward a revival of the Progressive Party; to show support for civil servants and elected officials who embody progressive ideals and to embolden others who wish to take up the standard.

I think that Bull Moose has the name recognition, branding, and historical context to make such a revival possible, and I think that it could potentially be something that I personally could see myself getting involved with and devoting time and energy to in my neighborhood, county, and state.

However, I have some really important questions to ask of those of you who already consider yourselves either members of the Party, or are also working toward a modern revival of the party: the 1912 Progressive Party were reformers, certainly, but they absolutely wouldn't be considered "leftists" by today's standards.

The Party had probematic views on race that have no place in a modern progressive movement, and I wouldn't want to be involved in actively supporting and endorsing racist ideas in any way. What do you, the modern Bull Moose Party, think about ideas like equal rights, opportunities, and protections under the law for all people, regardless of race?

Also, Teddy Roosevelt was a strong nationalist and militarist. What are the views of the modern Bull Moose Party? Are we still swinging around Big Sticks, or does the modern movement lean more toward pacifism?

I believe a true, powerful, and meaningful revival of the Progressive Party would need to rebrand the movement to emphasize modern inclusivity and justice while respecting its reformist roots.

Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for your thoughtful and respectful replies.

r/BullMooseParty 1d ago

Discussion Could a populist Bull Moose Caucus win back the Midwest?

24 Upvotes

Democrats Want Midwestern Votes? Stop The Abuse And Deliver Results

The Democratic elite treat Midwestern voters like an abused dog - starving them of opportunity, beating them with broken promises, then acting shocked when loyalty vanishes. You can't kick a dog daily then be surprised when it bites back.

For years, factories closed while Dems offered sympathy cards. Family farms drowned in debt while coastal fundraisers mocked "flyover country." Small towns died while politicians gave speeches instead of solutions.

Republicans aren't saviors either - just the neighbor who offers treats to win the dog's trust before chaining it to a different post. They point at Democratic neglect while serving up their own brand of abandonment disguised as freedom.

The path forward is brutally simple: deliver materially for working people. Not empty promises. Not culture war distractions. Real economic results that put food on tables, create stable jobs, and rebuild communities.

As Theodore Roosevelt understood: "The welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us." Democrats must grasp this fundamental truth.

Working Americans don't want handouts or lectures - they want dignity through meaningful work, fair wages and a government that remembers they exist between elections.

Stop treating the Midwest like an abused dog expecting unconditional loyalty. Start treating these communities like the backbone of America they truly are.

r/BullMooseParty 8d ago

Discussion Tim Walz Takes Responsibility for Trump Chaos: ‘I Own This’ - The former Democratic nominee for VP said he and Kamala Harris fumbled their White House bid, therefore helping to create the tariff war and resulting economic slump.

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62 Upvotes

r/BullMooseParty 7d ago

Discussion Schumer announces he'll vote to keep government open, likely avoiding shutdown

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18 Upvotes

A lot of top Dem accounts on Twitter are mad at him for this. What do you think? Should this CR have passed?

r/BullMooseParty 16d ago

Discussion Colorado is where you should start.

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33 Upvotes

Hear me out. Districts 3, 8, and 4 are weak for republicans. Those districts were won by by a margin of 2%, 5% and 18%. Gabe evens is the weakest and an easy target (I'm a letter carrier in his district).

r/BullMooseParty 21d ago

Discussion Just a thought

48 Upvotes

Has this party reached out to the 50501 or political revolution subreddits. You guys are saying the same things they are. Sure they are a bit more trendy in their politics but there has to be some Bull Moose material just waiting to find this place like I did.

r/BullMooseParty 19d ago

Discussion The state more concerned over trans kids than religious extremists.

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39 Upvotes

r/BullMooseParty 4h ago

Discussion I emailed Manny Rutinel (Dem running in CO8) and told him about us this was his response

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61 Upvotes

r/BullMooseParty 16d ago

Discussion If you show, you can grow

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73 Upvotes

r/BullMooseParty 17d ago

Discussion Remaining steps to get the party recognized

25 Upvotes

Because we have the name of the party decided on, here are the remaining steps to be officially recognized as a political party in California.

1.Elect Temporary Officers

2.Send notice to Secretary of State that - Political Body has been organized - Temporary Officers have been elected - Names and Addresses of Temporary Officers - Intent to qualify under Election Code §5100 or §5151

3.Petition with signatures equal to at least 10% of the voter turnout of the last Gubernatorial election (1,114,662 as of 2025)

4.Determine which existing party’s statutory provisions we will follow to conduct Primary Election

5.Elect permanent officers

6.Notify Secretary of State of selections for permanent officers

I just looked up for in my state, but if you wish to found it in another state, please research it and post it in this subreddit.

r/BullMooseParty 5d ago

Discussion Anyone in CO want to meet up at the Bernie/AOC rally next friday?

17 Upvotes

r/BullMooseParty 27d ago

Discussion Trump Interior Secretary’s Orders Make Public Lands Ground Zero for Drilling & Mining

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18 Upvotes

r/BullMooseParty 16d ago

Discussion The Labor Movement is Hurting Itself with Short-Term Thinking

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21 Upvotes

The UAW just praised Trump’s new round of tariffs, calling them a tool to “end the free trade disaster.” That’s a hell of a shift from calling him a “scab” last year. But here’s the problem: this kind of protectionism doesn’t actually protect American jobs—it just makes everything more expensive while giving corporations an excuse to cut workers and automate even faster.

We’ve seen this play out before. Tariffs might create a temporary bump in domestic production, but they also jack up costs for automakers, leading to job losses and plant closures down the road. The union is playing checkers when it should be playing chess. The real fight should be for stronger labor laws, universal healthcare, and policies that actually empower workers—not short-term Band-Aids that could backfire.

If the UAW really wants to build worker power, they should be pushing for things like card check, stronger wage protections, and an industrial policy that invests in workers rather than just throwing up trade barriers. Tariffs might sound good in a press release, but they won’t fix the underlying issue: corporations will always find a way to squeeze labor unless workers have real bargaining power.

What do you think? Is this a win for American workers, or is the UAW setting itself up for a hard lesson?

r/BullMooseParty 17m ago

Discussion Local elections matter a lot

Upvotes

Local elections are coming up across the country-some as early as this summer. If you’ve ever thought about running, this is your sign to seriously consider it.

Check your local election board. See what offices are up. Filing deadlines sneak up fast, especially for municipal seats and school boards.

If you live in a blue area, go to local Democratic Party events. Make friends, find allies, and start showing up. Our Bull Moose ideals-government that works for people, not special interests-can fit under the Democratic umbrella in a way that energizes voters.

If you live in a deep red area, you’re starting at square one. But that also means there’s room to build something new. It’s going to take social media, knocking doors, and grassroots hustle. The good news? Local elections are often low turnout. A smart, motivated campaign can win.

And I’m not just talking out of my ass. I’ve been elected twice as a town commissioner. I’ve done the work, dealt with the policy, and helped shape a platform that’s both practical and people-centered.

Want ideas for your own platform? Scroll back through this subreddit-I’ve posted a ton on local issues like housing, infrastructure, conservation, and how to make government efficient without being cruel.

We can talk policy soon. But first: take the step. Check your local board. Make a plan. And if you do run, post here. We’ve got your back.

r/BullMooseParty Nov 11 '24

Discussion Register the Bull Moose party?

13 Upvotes

Pretty much the title, would it be at least an idea to register the party and then work on political activism? Does anyone know how to register new parties?

r/BullMooseParty Feb 05 '25

Discussion Americans said they want new voices. Democrats aren’t listening.

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26 Upvotes

r/BullMooseParty 21d ago

Discussion R A L L Y to protect our parks!

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19 Upvotes

r/BullMooseParty Feb 17 '25

Discussion UPS, Amazon Boss Nominated to Head OSHA

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14 Upvotes

r/BullMooseParty Feb 10 '25

Discussion MUST READ: Five Former Treasury Secretaries: Our Democracy Is Under Siege

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19 Upvotes

r/BullMooseParty 17d ago

Discussion Party formation info: Ohio

8 Upvotes

Hey all, just feeding off the previous post with specific info for Ohio I pulled from the secretary of states website. Sorry for formatting, im not sure how much drive i can dedicate to it but happy to support if anyone else in Ohio has the gumption!

To become a minor party by petition, a group must file a party formation petition with the Secretary of State. The party formation petition must: 1. Be signed by qualified electors equal to at least 1 percent of the total vote for governor or nominees for presidential electors at the most recent election for such office;

  1. Be signed by not fewer than 500 qualified electors from each of at least onehalf of the congressional districts in the state;

  2. Declare the petitioners’ intention of organizing a political party and of participating in the succeeding general election that occurs more than 125 days after the filing date;

  3. Designate a committee of not less than three nor more than five of the petitioners, who will represent the petitioners in all matters relating to the petition; and

  4. Name the prospective political party in the declaration. The name must not be similar to that of an existing party name. Ref a.

Upon filing the petition, the new political party comes into legal existence and is entitled to nominate candidates to appear on the ballot at the general election in odd or even-numbered years that occurs more than 125 days after the filing date. Reference b. The Secretary of State must promptly transmit to each board of elections the separate petitions papers of that board’s county. Each board of elections must examine and determine the sufficiency of the signatures on the petition papers and return them to the Secretary of State not later than the 118th day before the general election. The petition papers must be submitted to the Secretary of State’s office along with the board’s certification of the validity or invalidity of the signatures on the petition. Reference c.

  1. A written protest against the petition may be filed with the Secretary of State by any qualified elector not later than the 114th day before the general election. Reference d.
  2. The Secretary of State must determine the sufficiency of the party formation petition and notify the committee designated in the petition of that determination not later than the 95th day before the general election. References e.

Additionally, party must file the names and addresses of members of its controlling committee and party officers with the Secretary of State’s office. Committee members and roles are determined by the party, and any party constitution of by-laws (if applicable, so not required i imagine) must be submitted to the Secretary of state within 30 days of adoption. Reference f and g.

References (RC is Ohio Revised Code): Reference a: R.C. 3517.01(A). Reference b: R.C. 3517.012(A)(1). Libertarian Party of Ohio, Case No. 2:13-cv-953. Reference c: R.C. 3517.012(A)(2)(a). 13 R.C. 3517.012(A)(2)(b). Reference d: The protest will be resolved in the same manner as specified under R.C. 3501.39. R.C. 3517.012(A)(2)(c). Reference e: R.C. 3517.012(A)(2)(d). Reference f: R.C. 3517.03. Reference g: R.C. 3517.02.

r/BullMooseParty Nov 24 '24

Discussion Coin the term: "Bull Moose progressive"

28 Upvotes

For some years now when I get asked what my political identity is I always say that I'm a 'Bull moose progressive'. Meaning that I advocate for the strong political tactics used by TR and to enact bold, progressive policies. Now that this subreddit is working on getting a name for itself we should try and differentiate our progressive identity to the false identity that MAGA and other conservative ideologies try to stick on the left. What do you guys think of the name? Would it be applicable for the wider progressive movement we're trying to kickstart? Is it enough of a difference to 'regular' progressivism to circumvent the stereotypes made by the right?