BLOG CALL SCRIPTS THE WEEK OF APRIL 16, 2018
2018-04-16Tell Senators that Gina Haspel is a Torturer. Don’t Let Trump Give Her a Promotion.
- Sen. Harris: (202) 224-3553
- Sen. Feinstein: (202) 224-3841
Caller: Hi, My name is [name] and I’m a constituent from [part of state] calling about Gina Haspel’s nomination as head of the CIA. I want Senator [name] to immediately and publicly commit to opposing this nomination. Gina Haspel carried out torture and destroyed the evidence. She is completely unqualified to lead the CIA. Will Senator [name] oppose her?
[IF STAFFER SAYS YES]
Staffer: Thank you for calling. Senator [name] shares your concerns and will be voting against this nomination.
Caller: I’m very glad to hear that—will [he/she] be making a public statement condemning this choice and urging [his/her] colleagues to oppose, as well?
Staffer: I can relay that to my boss.
Caller: Please do. Haspel is an unacceptable choice and it’s important for the senator not just to oppose her, but to use [his/her] platform to increase pressure for other senators. I’ll be watching for [his/her] statements.
[IF STAFFER SAYS NO]
Staffer: Thank you for calling. Senator [name] supports Gina Haspel’s nomination and admires her decades of public service. She did what she was asked to do by her country, in order to keep people safe.
Caller: That’s not acceptable. Torture was, and is, illegal no matter what. There are no exceptions and it’s a crime. “Following orders” is not a justification. Additionally, her cover-up of the crimes through destruction of video evidence is enough in itself for the Senator to oppose her. I urge [him/her] to re-think his position.
Staffer: I’ll relay that to the boss.
Caller: Yes, please do. I am very concerned about this nomination and will be checking back to see if the senator has changed [his/her] position.
Tell Senators to Reject Mike Pompeo’s Nomination for Secretary of State
- Sen. Harris: (202) 224-3553
- Sen. Feinstein: (202) 224-3841
Caller: Hi, my name is [name] and I’m a constituent calling from [part of state]. I’m calling because I totally oppose the nomination of Mike Pompeo to serve as Secretary of State. He denies climate science, is a war hawk, and an Islamophobe. I’m concerned he will export Trumpism all over the world if he becomes our top diplomat. Will Senator [name] be voting “no” on his confirmation?
[IF STAFFER SAYS YES]
Staffer: Yes, Senator [name] opposes Pompeo’s nomination and will be voting against confirming him.
Caller: That’s great news. I want to see Senator [name] make a clear public statement opposing Pompeo and urging [his/her] colleagues to do the same.
Staffer: I’ll relay that to the boss.
Caller: Thank you, I’ll be watching for that statement.
[IF STAFFER SAYS NO OR NOT SURE]
Staffer: Thank you for sharing your concerns. Senator [name] has concerns about Pompeo and will be sure to ask tough questions at the confirmation hearing.
Caller: That’s not enough—there’s nothing Pompeo can say at his confirmation hearing to change the fact that he would be a dangerous Secretary of State if confirmed. Trump brags that he and Pompeo are very similar, and that is dangerous. I want to see Senator publicly commit to opposing Pompeo.
Staffer: I’ll take that back to the Senator.
Caller: Thank you, I’ll check back soon to see if the Senator has opposed.
Tell MoCs to do everything in their power to rein in Trump’s Syrian escalation
- Sen. Harris: (202) 224-3553
- Sen. Feinstein: (202) 224-3841
- Rep. Garamendi: (202) 225-1880
Hello, my name is [name] and I am calling from [part of state] to express my dismay that Trump has again launched an unauthorized and strategy-free strike in Syria.
I’m calling to ask for {PERSON} to do everything in their power to rein in Trump’s escalation and urge the Administration to instead lead with diplomacy to help the people of Syria.
I want to see the United States support the investigation into the attack, and lead with a diplomatic solution to bring the bloodshed to an end. Will {PERSON} pledge to vote against any further force in Syria, and call on the Administration to seek a political solution?
In addition, if we are concerned about the people of Syria, we should immediately resettle more refugees and give them a place to flee this violence. Can [MoC] at least call on the Administration to do that?