ALAMOSA — With more than 8,000 viewers tuning in live across three platforms, Colorado U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper held a tele-town hall on Wednesday evening.  

“We’re facing something we’ve never seen before,” he said. “Real opponents to democracy won an election and now they’re attacking every level of our government. Trump proposes deep cuts to Medicaid to fund a tax break where more than half of the breaks benefit the top 5 percent - who don’t need a break. They’re firing thousands of workers across the government with no plan, leaving national parks, veterans needing services, even the weather service in the lurch. 

“He’s attacked our allies while cozying up to Putin, one of the greatest adversaries in the world. And if any Republican dares to stand up to him, the wealthiest man on earth threatens to fund a primary opponent with hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

“This is a fundamental test of our democracy,” he said. 

In contrast, Hickenlooper then listed accomplishments under the Biden administration. 

“We built new roads and bridges and airports were modernized through a bipartisan infrastructure act. We passed the PACT Act for veterans, a bill that expanded health care to a larger extent than any time in history. The Inflation Reduction Act cut energy costs, created jobs and drove green energy transition. The IRA – 70 percent of the benefits of that bill went to red states. Seventy percent. Republicans don’t talk about that. We made progress and created jobs - we can’t afford to lose all that we accomplished.” 

Hickenlooper then briefed viewers. 

On Tuesday, U.S. House Republicans passed a Continuing Resolution (C.R.) to fund the government until September. “It was crafted without getting any Democratic negotiations or input.”  He then said the C.R. was “dangerous”.  

“[The Republicans] want to give Trump unchecked control over the nation’s spending,” he said. “The Constitution is clear. Congress holds the power of the purse. This bill would wipe out congressional oversight, letting Trump direct funding however he wants, including cutting funding for science, veteran programs, housing. However he wants. 

“I’m not going to give the president more authority to undermine powers that rightly belong to Congress. This is a fundamental test. I will vote no.” 

While Hickenlooper was speaking, multiple comments in Live Chat reflected significant frustration with what some saw as a lack of resistance from the Democrats.  

Along those same lines, Hickenlooper was asked, what is the Democratic strategy to limit Trump’s and Musk’s overreach? 

“Trump thrives on chaos. The media eats it up and then real issues get buried and ignored. We have to cut through the noise and apply public pressure, especially in the House. Force Republicans to face up to the pain they’re creating. 

“We’re going to fight back, throwing votes down on the senate floor, challenging illegal actions in the White House or agencies wherever we see those actions. Whistleblowers are stepping up and we’re making sure they have what they need to go public.” 

He then acknowledged the main obstacle to opposing the administration’s actions. 

“Democrats are in the minority in both houses, but we learned from McConnell that we still have power, and we’re going to use every tool we have to disrupt.”  

He also called out the judicial branch, saying the courts have to hold the administration accountable. “There are a couple thousand lawyers litigating every instance where the administration has broken the law and about 100 ongoing legal challenges to this administration’s actions.” About 41 of them have already paused or restrained some of the president’s initiatives, he added. 

“Republicans may have a majority in the House and Senate, but it’s slim,” he said, advocating for building pressure on the most vulnerable.  

“There are about 50 districts where Republicans are vulnerable, and we need to hold them accountable. To do that, we’re going to be holding town halls, uplifting and posting and publishing local stories about how the administration’s cuts and mass firings are hurting people. We need to get so loud they can’t drown us out.” 

Hickenlooper then made a plea to those listening. 

“I understand your anger and frustration. I know people are hurting. But anger doesn’t always help you do what you need to get done. Getting involved can help you feel better. We need to apply pressure on Republicans. 

“They’re flooding the zone and it’s a crazy news cycle. We need to show our strength up and down the ballot. Our democracy is legitimately being threatened, but we can’t do this without you. We’re all in this together. You need to stay engaged. You need to stay loud. You are the bread and butter of our ability to push back and to win.” 

Late Friday afternoon, the Senate passed the C.R. with nine Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, voting with Republicans to avoid the shut down, despite voicing opposition to what the C.R. contained.  

The remainder of Democratic senators, who spoke out strongly against the C.R., held fast on voting “no.”  Both Senator Hickman and Senator Bennet were among them.