"from JohnAvlon.com:

"I'm a native New Yorker and the grandson of immigrants. They inspired in me a deep love for our country and an appreciation that the blessings of America cannot be taken for granted.

I've warned about dangers to our democracy for over a decade — in books, columns and on TV. This election is not a drill. Now's the time for us all to stand up and get off the sidelines.

We need to build the broadest possible coalition to defeat Donald Trump, defend democracy and win back the House from his extreme MAGA minions. That's why I'm running for Congress in New York's 1st district."

"If you've seen me on CNN or my appearances on Real Time with Bill Maher or the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, you know that I've consistently called out the unhinged extremism and poisonous polarization in our politics. I've tried to be a voice of reason in unreasonable times, preaching the need to focus on common facts and common ground so we can find solutions to our common problems."

"Abraham Lincoln once said the proper role of government is to do for people what they cannot do so well for themselves on an individual basis. To that end, the next member of Congress needs to fight for federal investment in climate change mitigation, improved transportation, and help for working families that reduces the cost of living while improving their quality of life. We need to stand up for a woman's right to choose. We need to have the common sense to understand that public safety is a fundamental civil right."

"Now is one of those times in our nation's history when we're all called to stand up for something bigger than ourselves. We can't afford to pretend that a presidential nominee who praises dictators and threatens democracy is normal. We need to confront lies with facts and darkness with light. It's time for us all to put country over party. I'm running for Congress to do just that."

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