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Common Defense

@commondefense

The largest grassroots Veteran community. Fighting for a country that works for ALL of us. We organize. We vote. We win. Join us → https://teapaw.org/t.co/iDMtssmSqz

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Joined August 2016
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Photo by Common Defense (@commondefense)Photo by Common Defense (@commondefense)Photo by Common Defense (@commondefense)Photo by Common Defense (@commondefense)Photo by Common Defense (@commondefense)Photo by Common Defense (@commondefense)Photo by Common Defense (@commondefense)Photo by Common Defense (@commondefense)Photo by Common Defense (@commondefense)Photo by Common Defense (@commondefense)
Well, JD Vance got one thing right: the war was part of the reason they lost. But it wasn’t the only one. Voters also saw cruelty, corruption, and incompetence. Veterans and military families know the cost of leaders putting politics over people. It’s time to start listening.
This image features JD Vance sitting with his hands clasped. Above him is a speech bubble with the quote: "The reason we lost is the war. The president himself said so last night." - Vice President JD Vance. The background shows a map of the region around the Strait of Hormuz, including Oman, Fujairah, and nearby islands.

ALT This image features JD Vance sitting with his hands clasped. Above him is a speech bubble with the quote: "The reason we lost is the war. The president himself said so last night." - Vice President JD Vance. The background shows a map of the region around the Strait of Hormuz, including Oman, Fujairah, and nearby islands.

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Common Defense retweeted
NIAC (@NIACouncil) profile picture
NIAC
@NIACouncilNov 6
40 civil society organizations – including @commondefense, @demandprogress, @justfp and NIAC Action – are demanding Congress act on its mandate from voters to end the Iran war by cutting off funding for it beginning with the upcoming government funding expiration on December 11, 2026. “Congress must ensure that any subsequent continuing resolution, appropriations measure, or other funding or authorization legislation explicitly prohibits any funding for the ongoing, unauthorized hostilities against Iran,” the letter declares. It goes on to urge lawmakers “to commit now that, beginning with the December 11 funding deadline, they will not advance or support legislation that continues open-ended funding for these unauthorized hostilities, and will insist on a funding ban for the war.” The letter comes as Democratic lawmakers are debating publicly how to use their historic mandate to end the Iran war, with many key lawmakers and other party leaders coming out explicitly in support of a funding ban for the Iran war. That list includes Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed (D-MI), top Democratic House appropriator Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), House Armed Services Committee ranking member Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Several of these individuals have clear Presidential aspirations and can tell that political winds are blowing decisively against the Iran war and in favor of lawmakers putting a serious check on the disastrous war. “President Trump is being pushed by unapologetic cheerleaders of this disastrous war to escalate and make good on his threats to ‘destroy’ the rest of Iran,” said NIAC President @jabdi. “Now, with a clear mandate from voters, is the time for decisive action to terminate the Iran war before it reignites. Not next year, but right now.” “The midterms delivered a clear mandate to end Trump’s war,” said Cavan Kharrazian, Senior Policy Advisor with Demand Progress. “Congress needs to act on that mandate in the lame duck, not wait until next year. Democratic leaders must commit now to opposing any funding bill that fails to explicitly prohibit funding for the war on Iran. They have the leverage to force this fight. They need to use it.” “Voters just gave Democrats an overwhelming mandate to end this war. They must act on that mandate and refuse to send Trump and Pete Hegseth a blank check for war, even temporarily through a continuing resolution. Anything else would be a blatant betrayal of the American people, and risk making Democrats complicit in the war crimes Trump has threatened,” said @ErikSperling, executive director of Capitol Hill-based advocacy organization Just Foreign Policy. “Cutting off war funding will push Trump toward diplomacy, which should be the top priority. With his threat to follow through with threats to attack Iran, it is a moral imperative for Congress to use their power of the purse and pull the plug.” Read the full letter: niacouncil.org/40-organizati…
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He’s gonna be a little busy getting impeached anyway.
Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) profile pictureJake Sherman
@JakeShermanNov 5
🚨🚨From a source close to incoming Tennessee Gov. Marsha Blackburn: "[Pete Hegseth] is not being considered [for Senate]. This is nothing more than Washington, D.C., spin from a bunch of consultants with nothing better to do. The Blackburn team is focused on the transition, not entertaining baseless speculation. Dc won't pick the next senator."
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Update: it did. 😎🌊
The National Interest (@TheNatlInterest) profile pictureThe National Interest
@TheNatlInterestNov 4
A recent poll of US military servicemembers by @commondefense found that most are not happy with how the US military is being led. Will that show in the election results tonight? Read more about the poll here: nationalinterest.org/blog/bu…
Image from The National Interest (@TheNatlInterest)
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BREAKING NEWS: @SamForstag has officially been declared the winner for Montana's 1st District!
The image features three pictures of a person named Sam Forstag, set against a blue background with the word "VICTORY!" in a yellow banner. The person is shown wearing different outfits, including one with a parachute harness. The text "Veterans Endorse" and the logo for "Common Defense" are also present.

ALT The image features three pictures of a person named Sam Forstag, set against a blue background with the word "VICTORY!" in a yellow banner. The person is shown wearing different outfits, including one with a parachute harness. The text "Veterans Endorse" and the logo for "Common Defense" are also present.

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Michigan spoke loud and clear last night by electing Abdul El-Sayed! And they didn't stop there, they also elected progressives Will Lawrence and Donavan McKinney and re-elected our longtime ally, Rashida Tlaib! Congrats: @AbdulElSayed / @WeWillMi / @DonavanMI13 / @RashidaTlaib
Image from Common Defense (@commondefense)
Image from Common Defense (@commondefense)
Image from Common Defense (@commondefense)
Image from Common Defense (@commondefense)
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The veterans of Common Defense endorsed Deb Haaland for Governor over a year ago because we knew she was the best choice for New Mexico and for veterans. Congratulations to the FIRST indigenous woman to ever lead a state!
Image from Common Defense (@commondefense)
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TA 👏 LA 👏 RI 👏 CO!!! Texas, you made this happen! veterans and military families showed up and showed out tonight!
Image from Common Defense (@commondefense)
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Let's go Georgia! We are sending Senator Jon Ossoff back to the Senate!
Image from Common Defense (@commondefense)
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It’s the final countdown! Polls are open until 7pm local time in Florida and if you are in line at 7pm, they must let you vote, so stay in line and vote for @AngieNixon!!! #VeteransForAngie
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Vote for these powerhouses all along the west coast and up into the Treasure State!
Image of a map of the United States with Alaska, California, Nevada, and Montana highlighted in yellow with words across the the top that say “get out the vote West” and then pictures of candidates endorsed by Common Defense: Mary Peltola, Sara Jacobs, Angela Gonzales-Torres, Sam Forrest, and Aaron Ford.

ALT Image of a map of the United States with Alaska, California, Nevada, and Montana highlighted in yellow with words across the the top that say “get out the vote West” and then pictures of candidates endorsed by Common Defense: Mary Peltola, Sara Jacobs, Angela Gonzales-Torres, Sam Forrest, and Aaron Ford.

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The southwest and places like Texas have been counted out, but not anymore! Let’s show everyone what organized people can do and flip Texas blue!
Image of a map of the United States with Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado highlighted in yellow with words across the the top that say “get out the vote Southwest” and then pictures of candidates endorsed by Common Defense: Yassamin Ansari, Adelita Grijalva, Jason Crow, Eileen Laubacher, Deb Haaland, Gina Hinojosa, and James Talarico.

ALT Image of a map of the United States with Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado highlighted in yellow with words across the the top that say “get out the vote Southwest” and then pictures of candidates endorsed by Common Defense: Yassamin Ansari, Adelita Grijalva, Jason Crow, Eileen Laubacher, Deb Haaland, Gina Hinojosa, and James Talarico.

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The Midwest is going to be all about firsts tonight! We are gonna send the first indigenous woman and the first Muslim man to the Senate with Peggy and Abdul and Minnesota is going to elect its first female governor with Amy! The time is now!
Image of a map of the United States with Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, and Minnesota highlighted in yellow with words across the the top that say “get out the vote Midwest” and then pictures of candidates endorsed by Common Defense: JB Pritzker, Juliana Stratton, Abdul El-Sayed, William Lawrence, Donavan McKinney, Rashida Tlaib, Peggy Flanagan, Amy Klobuchar, Matt Little, Betty McCollum, Kelly Morrison, Ilhan Omar, Fred Wellman, Kristina Knickerbocker, and Sherrod Brown.

ALT Image of a map of the United States with Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, and Minnesota highlighted in yellow with words across the the top that say “get out the vote Midwest” and then pictures of candidates endorsed by Common Defense: JB Pritzker, Juliana Stratton, Abdul El-Sayed, William Lawrence, Donavan McKinney, Rashida Tlaib, Peggy Flanagan, Amy Klobuchar, Matt Little, Betty McCollum, Kelly Morrison, Ilhan Omar, Fred Wellman, Kristina Knickerbocker, and Sherrod Brown.

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Northeast and New England! Let’s win this! Polls are open!
Image of a map of the United States with Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York highlighted in yellow with words across the the top that say “get out the vote Northeast” and then pictures of candidates endorsed by Common Defense: Sarah McBride, Adam Hamawy, Analilia Mejia, Darializa Avila Chevalier, Brad Lander, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pat Ryan, Claire Valdez, Chris Rabb, Mary Gay Scanlon, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, Summer Lee, Justin Wagner, and Tom Periello.

ALT Image of a map of the United States with Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York highlighted in yellow with words across the the top that say “get out the vote Northeast” and then pictures of candidates endorsed by Common Defense: Sarah McBride, Adam Hamawy, Analilia Mejia, Darializa Avila Chevalier, Brad Lander, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pat Ryan, Claire Valdez, Chris Rabb, Mary Gay Scanlon, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, Summer Lee, Justin Wagner, and Tom Periello.

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Polls are open in the southeast! It’s time we elect Fighters For The People not the billionaires! Fighters like Angie and Ossoff and Justin and Roy! And veterans like Shawn and Tony and Ceretta and Richard!
Image of a map of the United States with Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee highlighted in yellow with words across the the top that say “get out the vote South” and the. Pictures of candidates endorsed by Common Defense: Angie Nixon, Shawn Harris, Tony Kozycki, Jon Ossoff, Ceretta Smith, Roy Cooper, Richard Ojeda, and Justin Pearson.

ALT Image of a map of the United States with Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee highlighted in yellow with words across the the top that say “get out the vote South” and the. Pictures of candidates endorsed by Common Defense: Angie Nixon, Shawn Harris, Tony Kozycki, Jon Ossoff, Ceretta Smith, Roy Cooper, Richard Ojeda, and Justin Pearson.

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Our new polling with @DataProgress found 73% of veterans in #AZ and #NC say they feel left behind, and 64% say the military has been used for partisan purposes in recent years. Veterans showed up for this country. We deserve a country that stands up for us, too.
Poll results from Data for Progress showing opinions of U.S. military veterans in Arizona and North Carolina on whether the country is on the right track or wrong track. Results indicate varying levels of dissatisfaction, with majorities in each category believing the country is on the wrong track. The graphic includes logos for Data For Progress and Common Defense.

ALT Poll results from Data for Progress showing opinions of U.S. military veterans in Arizona and North Carolina on whether the country is on the right track or wrong track. Results indicate varying levels of dissatisfaction, with majorities in each category believing the country is on the wrong track. The graphic includes logos for Data For Progress and Common Defense.

This infographic presents survey results from U.S. military veterans in Arizona and North Carolina regarding their representation in national political debates. The chart shows percentages of responses ranging from "Completely" to "Not at All," divided by categories such as political affiliation (Democrats, Independents/Third Party, Republicans), age group (under 45, 45+), and state (AZ, NC). Most veterans in AZ and NC feel their voices are represented "Very Little" or "Not at All." Logos for Data for Progress and Common Defense are at the bottom.

ALT This infographic presents survey results from U.S. military veterans in Arizona and North Carolina regarding their representation in national political debates. The chart shows percentages of responses ranging from "Completely" to "Not at All," divided by categories such as political affiliation (Democrats, Independents/Third Party, Republicans), age group (under 45, 45+), and state (AZ, NC). Most veterans in AZ and NC feel their voices are represented "Very Little" or "Not at All." Logos for Data for Progress and Common Defense are at the bottom.

Survey results on whether veterans and military families feel left behind by politicians and society. Participants: Veterans categorized by political affiliation (Democrats, Independents, Republicans) and age groups (under 45, 45+). Findings: 73% in Arizona (AZ) and 75% in North Carolina (NC) agree. Survey by Data for Progress and Common Defense.

ALT Survey results on whether veterans and military families feel left behind by politicians and society. Participants: Veterans categorized by political affiliation (Democrats, Independents, Republicans) and age groups (under 45, 45+). Findings: 73% in Arizona (AZ) and 75% in North Carolina (NC) agree. Survey by Data for Progress and Common Defense.

Survey results from Data for Progress and Common Defense, showing opinions of U.S. military veterans in Arizona and North Carolina on whether political leaders have used the military for partisan purposes in recent years. The chart includes breakdowns by political distribution, age groups, and specific states. Majorities across various groups agree with the statement, with notable divisions in opinion.

ALT Survey results from Data for Progress and Common Defense, showing opinions of U.S. military veterans in Arizona and North Carolina on whether political leaders have used the military for partisan purposes in recent years. The chart includes breakdowns by political distribution, age groups, and specific states. Majorities across various groups agree with the statement, with notable divisions in opinion.

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This week, we hosted a Veterans Town Hall alongside @TraversforAZ, @AmericanLegion, @commondefense, and @Vets_FWD to hear directly from our community’s veterans. Keeping our promise to our heroes means making sure they get the care they need, the benefits they earned, and the secure future their families deserve. Thank you to all the veterans and family members who came out to share their stories and priorities with us. What veteran issues matter most to you? Drop them in the comments below. 👇
Image from Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (@RepYassAnsari)
Image from Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (@RepYassAnsari)
Image from Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (@RepYassAnsari)
Image from Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (@RepYassAnsari)
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Common Defense retweeted
Action Corps (@theactioncorps) profile picture
Action Corps@theactioncorpsOct 30
What a day! On Oct 20, peace advocates rallied at congressional offices in nearly 40 cities, backed by almost 100 organizations, all with one message: Peace with Iran! Here's what happened in NY State @RepGregoryMeeks @RepJeffries @NIACouncil @commondefense #PeaceWithIranNOW
Image from Action Corps (@theactioncorps)
Image from Action Corps (@theactioncorps)
Image from Action Corps (@theactioncorps)
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Common Defense retweeted
Action Corps (@theactioncorps) profile picture
Action Corps@theactioncorpsOct 30
Pennsylvania brought energy! Constituents rallied at congressional offices on 10/20 with one message: Peace with Iran NOW. @RepDwightEvans @RepBrianFitz @NIACouncil @commondefense #PeaceWithIranNOW
Image from Action Corps (@theactioncorps)
Image from Action Corps (@theactioncorps)
Image from Action Corps (@theactioncorps)
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Community members and Common Defense veterans set up a peaceful vigil this morning at Broadview Detention Center near Chicago to honor some of those killed by ICE this year. They were met with pepper spray and aggression. Just another day of standing up to authoritarianism.
Image from Common Defense (@commondefense)
Image from Common Defense (@commondefense)
Image from Common Defense (@commondefense)
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