Just before midnight last night, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office has “uncovered significant evidence indicating that the Trump Organization used fraudulent and misleading asset valuations on multiple properties to obtain economic benefits, including loans, insurance coverage, and tax deductions for years” and is taking legal action “to force Donald Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump to comply with our investigation.” She concluded: “No one is above the law.”
Yesterday was big for many reasons. The fight against authoritarianism by people who believe in democracy was at the heart of it all. Democracy can’t lose in the long run because people who feel the sting of authoritarianism will always look to democracy to right their wrongs. The Supreme Court said trump isn’t privileged enough to be able to block the committee; his records pertaining to the 1/6 mob insurrection incited by him will now get handed over. Putin hesitates to play his hand against the Ukrainians because of what it might cost him and his oligarch buddies, personally; their billions are mostly in the west. The looming sanctions scare them and the oligarchs are thinking that Vlad has overplayed his pair of 8s; Russia doesn’t have much real power anymore that’s why Putin wants to invade their neighbor like some bully trying to grab a classmate’s lunch money. He’s starting to think again before his paltry pair of 8s turn into something even less valuable. NATO is standing firm and should he proceed Russia will further isolate itself and …yes, at a big financial cost to the prime antagonist and his closest friends in Russia. Hey, they could all get so ticked off by the sanctions that they decide to throw in with Navalny and replace Putin. Meanwhile old trump is facing the inevitable consequences of his lifetime of cheating and lying overplay….he’s destined for a Lear like finish on the heath of lost golf courses, hotels and office buildings. No way he gets back into politics. The mendacity of Manchin and Senema has finished them, too. The American people really hate villains like them; it’s very deep in our guiding mythology. The image of Sinema’s Tik Tok worthy betrayal….shaking hands with the gloating R senators ….will be as permanent as Lady MacBeth’s indelible spot, in the minds of the majority of American voters. Rest assured Schumer and Pelosi won’t give in on voting rights and Joe Biden won’t stop until the best elements of both BBB and the Voting Rights legislation are signed into law. 78 year old Joe is a real gamer. How about his 2 hr news conference yesterday? The fight goes forward against the foreign and domestic antagonists of democracy. It’s an endless one so if you’re tired of it at the moment rest awhile… the fight will be there waiting for you whenever you’re ready to begin again.
Hear, hear. Your lips to God’s ear. I so hope that everything you have written comes to fruition. And, might I add, I am so tired of hearing that Biden’s is a failed presidency. Of course I’m from Delaware, but…
The so-called "liberal" mainstream media has been absolutely relentless in their finger pointing and shouting "fail" at every point...despite the Biden Administration's relentless efforts at trying to corral and alleviate the pandemic (with active efforts to sabotage mask mandates and vaccinations by the right wingers and constant criticism by--mostly vaccinated--GQP politicians), passing a major financial bill and other positive moves. NONE of the positive accomplishments and ALL of the negative set-backs are shouted from the media rooftops.
Personally I am sick to death of it. I have cancelled my subscription to both the Times and the Post with letters stating why. It's so obvious that the broadcasting of bad news is meant to make another election campaign into a titanic struggle (drama is a best seller!) and is clearly motivated by greed alone: gloom and doom fattens the bottom line....bluebirds and daisies plainly do not. Grrrr.
I am sick and tired of both the media’s and the ‘progressive’ Democrats’ sustained attacks, while President Biden is engaged in a four-year marathon. He won a election with an 8 million vote majority which only provided a slim edge in the House and a a 50/50 Senate
Biden inherited a real mess, domestically and globally. He and his professional team have addressed these with competence, despite three virus hurricanes and such distractions as Putin’s hissy fits.
Biden has steered a careening ship of state back on to a positive course. He has addressed our pandemic problems better than most other countries.He has initiated essential legislation, some of which has so far been stymied by Republicans and two recalcitrant Democratic senators. The economy is significantly better than naysayers had predicted.
Today President Biden is commencing his second year in office. I would hope that the fact-based media would acknowledge Biden’s substantial achievements and that a Democratic team would coalesce behind President Biden for the long-term good of a vast majority of the American people.
This is another media issue including the more liberal media. The first thing they report is that Biden has failed in his efforts to require vaccinations for companies over 100 people. They next mention that the Biden efforts to require vaccinations of health care workers were successful and upheld by the Supreme Court. I would’ve said President Biden was successful before the US Supreme Court with respect to requiring vaccinations of healthcare workers. The Supreme Court held that the requirement of all companies of 100 or more was too broad so such a requirement might be upheld for companies more directly affected by healthcare concerns.
TLMills I was so disgusted by the endless stream of "gotcha" questions from the MSM reps at the Biden news conference that I wanted to reach into the screen and strange a few of the questioners. You expect the Faux News guy to be a jerk and he didn't disappoint. But when everyone prefaces their question with the same litany of Joe's failures, setbacks, and disappointments, you lose credibility. This applies to almost all the MSM people there. I guess they think if they are trying to make the Biden agenda/administration look bad, they look bad. There were a few questioners, particularly two women, who just went on and on. There needs to be a time limit on the whole affair, and a limit of one question and a single follow up one. I read the NYT and Wapo, am disgusted with both, but I am not canceling as there are writers who I value their opinion. And as I am retired, I need things to do some days. I missed the guy from Faux who asked something about Biden being senile. That was stupid, and stupid is as stupid does. But the more respectable outlets and their White House correspondents struggles to rise about the ignorance of the Faux jerk. I recommend The Bulwark, Heather Cox Richardson, and Jon Chait on NYMag as worth my time. Joe Biden was great! He is authentic, suffers fools way better than I do, and when D. Sanger from NYT wanted to talk international relations, you could see the depth of knowledge and experience our President has in that area. Go Joe!
Those ridiculous questions were, in my opinion, evidence not of "journalism" but of immature people in a "press corps" who are trying to make a name for themselves. If they think that insulting a president is the way to do that, they are sadly mistaken. Biden should only call on those who demonstrate respect, both in demeanor and in the nature of the question itself. He should just ignore the wannabe reality show players...because, seriously, they have all been watching too much "Apprentice President" for the past four years and have forgotten their manners, assuming they ever even had such.
Actually, I think Biden acquitted himself well. He deliberately called on questioners/commentators across the board, was polite, but cut them off at the knees when they embarrassed themselves - not him. If anything, Biden proved his mental fitness by standing for almost two hours, facing down a shocking number of "gotcha" questions. The aggressively negative "journalists" proved that they have an agenda that is not merely impolite, but designed to offend, and for no good reason.
Bill how much I agree with your assessment of these "reporters" I just keep thinking "what is the matter with them?" I wish i could just be in that mosh pit and ask "Mr President, how do you do it?" You have acknowledged the virus for what it is and taken charge as quickly as you could to right the ship, brought all these jobs to the economy, embraced our traditional allies,worked behind the scenes to deal with the Ukraine crisis, dealt with such traitorous behavior from your own party when you are simply trying to do what the majority of this country needs (BBBetter) ...what is your workout routine?
Prez mentioned Peloton, although he said Jill often beats him to the early morning bike.
But don’t mention that to Marco Rubio as he will go on a rant about all the Peloton riding,caramel macchiato drinking, NYT reading, quinoa bowl eating liberals.
Would love to see a debate between him and Val Demmings!
I feel less pain about having ditched WaPo's good writers because Heather always tells us in two words what they said. The rest was literally driving me mad. And yes, they ask why you're cancelling, so I told them.
I agree, there are some writers from the Times and the Post who are worth reading and I may renew my subscription after this upcoming campaign season.
I read Dr. Richardson everyday and try to catch as many of her live "posts" (Tuesdays and Thursdays) as I can. I also listen to news on NPR (although disliking the turn to corporate sponsorship that they felt compelled to make). I miss TRMS and will look for The Bulwark and there are a couple of others that seem unbiased (BBC, Reuters) as well. Thanks.
Uh what savvy? they are allying themselves with negativity, not knowledge. We just had 4 years with a tyrannical imbecile and they and their carping critical questions cannot distinguish a working president from a buffoon. This is so destructive
Agreed. The guy that went on about Joe’s mental competence was incredibly rude and ought to be uninvited to future press conferences. Joe did well to to ignore him and move on.
We live in a ‘what have you done for me Today’ culture!! The policies passed in 2021 which provided support for the families and single adults who needed it is Old news!
The fact that McConnell does not understand that African Americans ARE Americans is appalling and belies his ignorance!
As noted in a recent HCR ‘epistle’, the legislatures in the red states are have enacted laws that beget Election Fraud, yes you can vote, but the state will decide whose vote counts!!
Imagine some state’s legislature affirms Scalia’s version of the second amendment, but that state passes a law as to how many weapons and ammunition can be manufactured in the state per year!!
I picked up on McConnell's ignorant statement - hope it comes back to bite him where it hurts - in the voting booth! Not necessarily the vote against HIM, but against a few of these Repubs who are sitting quietly like little mice, afraid to differ from Mcc's orders.
McConnell's statement, though maybe a slip of the tongue, seems nevertheless a slip of the Freudian nature. It won't matter because his base in Kentucky obviously believe the same way. I don't expect he'll get any flak for it.
That one did jump out at me too. I wouldn't be surprised if he issues a clarification as I am sure many Black voters in KY vote for Mitch, and he can't afford to lose them.
“We live in a ‘what have you done for me Today’ culture!! The policies passed in 2021 which provided support for the families and single adults who needed it is Old news!”
And therein lies the problem.
Come midterms, just what great reasons to vote for them will the Democratic candidates have to bring to the voters?
Simply saying that Republicans would be even worse just won’t cut it.
Simply saying “Well, we beat up on Trump “ just won’t cut it.
Simply saying “Well, what about January 6?” just won’t cut it.
Liberals will vote for liberals and conservatives for conservatives; those minds are made up and unchangeable. The election will be decided by the middle based on issues that impact them on a daily basis.
What counter argument can Democrats make about inflation and gas prices between now and midterms? What recent positive accomplishments can the Democrat present to the voters?
What “recent positive accomplishments” can Republicans present to voters? We pay them to govern-all they do is obstruct. They won’t even debate the issues never mind helping to resolve our problems.
President Biden has come out and openly admitted his missteps.And I and others have written DNC to work better at talking more about what he has got done. Poor guy, it’s been “Wack-A-Mole from day one.I’m beginning to wonder if this is what the Belarus thing is about ? Donnie doesn’t do the Bullying in that match up with Putin. But recall the ‘R’s’ did the same game with Obama. Biden is getting paid back for President O making Big Baby Donnie getting laughed at the Press Corp. dinner over the Birther thing. In Lion King when Simba is born he is held up for all to see. So Pres. O played that and said” We finally have proof of My birth “. Now at this dinner they all make fun of each other . Well Big Baby Poo-Pooed cuz Ppl were dying LOL ! He was crammed in the audience.No where to run ! It really was hilarious.TFG is a very sick puppy.
See below from Christy, ditto for me. Trump started off on the wrong foot on the escalator ride, and never recovered. I know those who worship at the feet of Donnie Lardo think Biden deserves to be attacked since Dems attacked Trump. I know this is hard to accept, but to compare a pathological liar to a decent human being is not an apples to apples comparison. I am sure after '22 Biden will be impeached. I predict he will not be removed from office by the Senate for lack of enough votes to convict, and his ratings will go up just like they did for the last stupid impeachment of one Wm. J. Clinton.
I dont open head lines in the Washington Post emails. If one looks interesting, i Google the story. There are usually several other media outlets for the same story that don’t require cookies and are often more interesting.
I am too tired of hearing Biden is a failed presidency. It is the Republicans that are a failed party. I would describe the voting rights act demise for the present as follows. The Republicans are successful again in blocking voting rights for all Americans.
Keith: Thank you for your response. I find most of even well-meaning efforts to 'wake us up to the realities' of the present moment have either a condescending or defeatist undertone that actually encourages people to stick their heads in the sand further or to choose indifference. Some of the efforts are so grounded in fear that you feel helpless to do much of anything but doom scroll. Your response, to me, is grounded hope---you acknowledge the realities before us, but point out the sweet spots. I really can't thank you enough.
Glad to do so…there is plenty of reason to be hopeful. Democracy wins the long game but the way forward is not without challenges that remind us how precious our democracy truly remains.
Beautifully said: "The American people really hate villains like them; it’s very deep in our guiding mythology. The image of Sinema’s Tik Tok worthy betrayal….shaking hands with the gloating R senators ….will be as permanent as Lady MacBeth’s indelible spot, in the minds of the majority of American voters."
What the Senate GOP did last night was put a period to the end of their party. As you said, they gave themselves a "V" on their foreheads of "villain" and there will be no erasing that telltale sign for the rest of their sorry lives.
Thanks, Ellen. However, I shall never be at peace until we all hear these words from #45's mouth "A horse, a hose, my kingdom for a horse." Shakespeare nailed with Richard the Third's dying battlefield speech.
Hey Keith - In the “long run” we’ll all be dead. Look I appreciate your analysis, including the condemnation of the traitor “Cinema”.
Unfortunately we are now in the firm grasp not of authoritarian rule BUT Fascist rule. The authoritarian label forgoes the blatant racism, Christo-Fascism, misogyny, homophobia and other dark aspects of what is not a minority, but a bedrock view.
This is why we Democrats and America go apoplectic and clutch our collective pearls over much needed Socialist reform policies and instead hold onto the impotent Centrist Democrats and the sacrosanct policy of BS meritocracy. A policy that protects the wealth of 9% of the population.
I’d like to think that eventually (after I’m long dead) that the mass of Americans locked into modern serfdom will rise up against the Billlionaire fascist loving right, but if Brazil, Hungary, Russian and China are any form of indicator; it will likely never happen.
I might point out that the realm of Feudalism reigned for well over 1,000 years.
A reign of over 1,000 years, where have I heard that one before?
After republicans have suppressed voting rights to the point that a democrat will never be elected, it will take decades, possibly forever, to reverse minority rule.
Thank you for recommending this. Jessica just commented about Emmett Till, and because I just engaged with my middle schoolers about Till, this will be a great follow-up discussion. Thank you again!
Best part of the Press Conference was when Joe was asked about the 47% of Americans who think he has a mental disorder, according to a pompous Newsmax journalist: "What do you think they mean?" JB: "I have no idea." (next journalist).
Keith, I like your response, but I need to say something about your bully comment. Our bully country has stolen Afghanistan's lunch money by keeping the $millions that are owed to that country locked up in a U.S. bank. Meanwhile, millions of citizens of Afghanistan are starving.
Biden - "a real gamer?" Hardly, that is if he's cunning in the service of the people, not Fat Money. Were he passionate about Build Back Better and the voting bill passing, he'd have laid a ton of presidential power on Ms Sinema and Mr. Yacht Man-chin til they started wiggling "oh, please please release me oh my presidente"..."I'll lie and cheat in any direction you please. I can swing where ever you want me to, just free me from thy chains!" "Oh, Lordy." There's absolutely no point in listing the myriad of broken presidential promises of his.He is tidy;his teeth are bright white.But - since this earth is our only home and it's burning down it is needful to note that his passion to mediate climate change is not as deep as his desire to please the oil barons - witness, his dispersal of more leases for drilling in the Gulf than the licentious, sly, sociopathic, meglomaniac crook who is his predecessor. As for authoritarianism. Once it's installed it's like crab grass and bamboo. "Pakistan, Thailand, Chile, Haiti, Greece, the Baltic republics, Republican Spain, Egypt, Algeria, Lebanon, Iran, the Congo, Meiji Japan . . . no, there are too many. Democracy is one of the most fragile and unstable forms of government there is."quora.com.
The overarching problem is that Biden, like most of his political contemporaries, has uncritically embraced the idea that unlimited growth is, and should be one of the main goals of society - even if it means compromising the environment that sustains that society.
A rather backward view, wouldn't you say? Like believing in bi-partisanship today where one of the "bi"s is not "bi" at all but unrelentingly unilateral.
Did they ever ask the Cyber Ninjas if they worked on any of Trump Fam. devices ? Doubt they will find anything. I’m hoping for at best the New York property scam.
“Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) assured reporters that concerns about Black voting were misplaced because: ‘African American voters are voting in just as high a percentage as Americans.’ “
O. M. G. Mitch the Merciless once again invokes that nasty old belief that Black people AREN’T AMERICANS. I could just spit fire.
In the recent book "The Dawn Of Everything - A New History of Humanity" authors Graeber and Wenrow refer to "the Americans" when speaking of First Nations people whose cultural roots were/are deep in this land in contrast to Europeans who imposed colonial domination, calling it the 'Law of the Land' ... the audacity - the presumption that so called white people are the only true Americans ... speaks volumes ... a select breed calling for isolation and containment.
100%. Nice catch SL. I’d take it a step further that Mitch knows and wants to suppress voting by all groups in America. Obstructionism is just that. The apathy it creates toward government, is also a form of voter suppression of the middle class. Distrust in the process of governing first, then Apathy in the process is harnessed to suppress more voting. Where did this strategy of obstruction really start? Who’s political idea was it originally? Was is something borrowed from another country, Rome, or Greece? How’d it work out there and then?
Governent is not the problem. Obstructionism is the problem. Largest Donor interest is the problem. Donor $ is concentrated in red states is the problem. The QOP senate is ‘faithless’ in their oath of office and duties.
Right there with you on spitting fire at not only “Mitch the Merciless,” but all the Repubs, Manchin and Sinema. Absolutely despicable display of autocracy and racism on the Senate floor yesterday.
Speaking as a former journalist -- unfortunately, reporters are just into playing "gotcha" with Biden while Republicans, and the two so-called "moderate" Democrats undercut voting rights. Reporters pretend to be objective, but they are really just parrots, and they're giving Republicans free reign to destroy democracy.
At one time there was a distinction between a reporter and a columnist! Perhaps it’s the person who writes the article headline who is treating a bias!
The media created Trump and the media seems to want him back!
Um…Did eric trump check with his father prior to invoking the fifth five hundred times? ‘Cause, last I understood his father smirked at those who use the fifth.
That family can’t keep its logic and the stories they concoct straight long enough to pull off the innocence project ala trump.
Innocence and trump do not marry well in a sentence.
Oh, and yea. Thank you Manchin for doubling down on Sinema’s insult to our President regarding voting rights by opening your yap during the press conference to claim jump audience.
Donating to every agency against you both. You don’t deserve my vote if mine doesn’t count enough for you to vote for it.
Pj, your last sentence made me sit up and almost jump out of my chair. With your permission, I’d like to use it. If I use it on the internet (very doubtful) I will cite you, but with friends and in dialectical situations it is the most lucid and coherent way of expressing what all of us here are thinking. Whether we have a senator in that party or not.
With Dr. Richardson’s outstanding Letter and your grief so well put, I feel full of what I needed. I’m going to bed to grieve a little bit and sleep. I was really looking for two Republican senators to break the rest of them. Democracy sometimes has a way of helping those who love it and fight to preserve it!
Tomorrow is another day, and we live to continue the struggle. Many thanks, PJ, and Professor — condolences to all....
At least 2 out of the 16 who voted for previous voting rights legislation and who are STILL in the Senate. And Romney, Collins, Murkowski, and others who give lip service to justice failed us again. Do they really want the former president back in office???
You thought Senator Collins from Maine would--or even might--stand against the rest of the Repubs??? You have a lot more faith than most Maine Dems, I'll admit.
We in Maine have good reason to know she is a spineless cipher who follows the leader every time and her leader is Moscow Mitch. She is worthless and how she got voted in for her fifth freaking term should be a matter of shame and embarrassment to every female Democrat in Maine.
I too had hoped that just two Republicans might peel away from their insufferable, deplorable party, wouldn’t that have been a surprise to the two that called themselves Democrats. Living here in GA we are going to see first hand the abject failure of 52 individuals to stand up for our nation yesterday. Today’s dawn has brought no joy, literally and figuratively, only tears from heaven.
Dick, just think of it: just 52 people -- if my math is right 52 ÷ 332,000,000 x 100 = .00001566 percent of us sold the country out. The rain began here in Jackson County shortly after the senate adjourned, and continued through the night. We Georgians sent our best people to the senate (and possibly worst to the House) but it wasn't enough.
Ukraine and its sovereignty is a political, philosophical and moral dilemma at the moment - for the U.S., and for the world. The U.S. is still the world’s super power. Thanks to 45, by the merest squeak. We don’t engender the fear we used to or Putkin would have toddled off to play checkers.
James Carville spoke after President Biden's tremendous Press Briefing yesterday. Carville had a two fold message. First. Biden through his lengthy and rigorous Briefing planted an oak tree yesterday. He called the Republicans out for their "believe in nothing" stance. Biden allayed any doubt at all about his abilities and how he feels about his agenda.
Second. Carville also stated that it's time to move on. He stated there are 3 years left in this Presidency and we stand a good chance of ending up with 53 seats in the Senate after 2022 and also keeping the House. He said we should focus on that. He dismissed Manchin and Sinema. (the Carville interview was with Ari Melber yesterday).
Carville suggested we quit acting like this Presidency is over.
My personal opinion is:
The New York case against the trumps is 3 years old. TFG was always going to run.
The Republicans will remain recalcitrant. TFG guy will remain an authoritarian. The SCOTUS is biased. Manchin and Sinema are not trustworthy. The media is greedy and biased.
These are absolutes at this time. Can we quit obsessing over them?
My personal opinion is that it is time to stop the handwringing and wound licking. We have work to do and a President to support.
Agree 1000%, Barbara. I see the wave of light just got bigger after yesterday. I envision it enveloping Sen McConnell’s ignorant statement about all Americans and further rooting out darkness. Justice Thomas’s vote (well…include the wife in that one whose name will prob appear in a document now going to the Committee) also in the path of the Wave of “We the People, All of Us This Time”.
See my most recent comment. I agree 200% with you and Carville. Support as many candidates as you can with as much as you can afford and we have to march in masses for what we believe in. I'm not convinced marches work to move Congress unless they are scared by its size but they sure make me feel better.
Yesterday was big for many reasons. The fight against authoritarianism by people who believe in democracy was at the heart of it all. Democracy can’t lose in the long run because people who feel the sting of authoritarianism will always look to democracy to right their wrongs. The Supreme Court said trump isn’t privileged enough to be able to block the committee; his records pertaining to the 1/6 mob insurrection incited by him will now get handed over. Putin hesitates to play his hand against the Ukrainians because of what it might cost him and his oligarch buddies, personally; their billions are mostly in the west. The looming sanctions scare them and the oligarchs are thinking that Vlad has overplayed his pair of 8s; Russia doesn’t have much real power anymore that’s why Putin wants to invade their neighbor like some bully trying to grab a classmate’s lunch money. He’s starting to think again before his paltry pair of 8s turn into something even less valuable. NATO is standing firm and should he proceed Russia will further isolate itself and …yes, at a big financial cost to the prime antagonist and his closest friends in Russia. Hey, they could all get so ticked off by the sanctions that they decide to throw in with Navalny and replace Putin. Meanwhile old trump is facing the inevitable consequences of his lifetime of cheating and lying overplay….he’s destined for a Lear like finish on the heath of lost golf courses, hotels and office buildings. No way he gets back into politics. The mendacity of Manchin and Senema has finished them, too. The American people really hate villains like them; it’s very deep in our guiding mythology. The image of Sinema’s Tik Tok worthy betrayal….shaking hands with the gloating R senators ….will be as permanent as Lady MacBeth’s indelible spot, in the minds of the majority of American voters. Rest assured Schumer and Pelosi won’t give in on voting rights and Joe Biden won’t stop until the best elements of both BBB and the Voting Rights legislation are signed into law. 78 year old Joe is a real gamer. How about his 2 hr news conference yesterday? The fight goes forward against the foreign and domestic antagonists of democracy. It’s an endless one so if you’re tired of it at the moment rest awhile… the fight will be there waiting for you whenever you’re ready to begin again.
Hear, hear. Your lips to God’s ear. I so hope that everything you have written comes to fruition. And, might I add, I am so tired of hearing that Biden’s is a failed presidency. Of course I’m from Delaware, but…
The so-called "liberal" mainstream media has been absolutely relentless in their finger pointing and shouting "fail" at every point...despite the Biden Administration's relentless efforts at trying to corral and alleviate the pandemic (with active efforts to sabotage mask mandates and vaccinations by the right wingers and constant criticism by--mostly vaccinated--GQP politicians), passing a major financial bill and other positive moves. NONE of the positive accomplishments and ALL of the negative set-backs are shouted from the media rooftops.
Personally I am sick to death of it. I have cancelled my subscription to both the Times and the Post with letters stating why. It's so obvious that the broadcasting of bad news is meant to make another election campaign into a titanic struggle (drama is a best seller!) and is clearly motivated by greed alone: gloom and doom fattens the bottom line....bluebirds and daisies plainly do not. Grrrr.
I am sick and tired of both the media’s and the ‘progressive’ Democrats’ sustained attacks, while President Biden is engaged in a four-year marathon. He won a election with an 8 million vote majority which only provided a slim edge in the House and a a 50/50 Senate
Biden inherited a real mess, domestically and globally. He and his professional team have addressed these with competence, despite three virus hurricanes and such distractions as Putin’s hissy fits.
Biden has steered a careening ship of state back on to a positive course. He has addressed our pandemic problems better than most other countries.He has initiated essential legislation, some of which has so far been stymied by Republicans and two recalcitrant Democratic senators. The economy is significantly better than naysayers had predicted.
Today President Biden is commencing his second year in office. I would hope that the fact-based media would acknowledge Biden’s substantial achievements and that a Democratic team would coalesce behind President Biden for the long-term good of a vast majority of the American people.
This is another media issue including the more liberal media. The first thing they report is that Biden has failed in his efforts to require vaccinations for companies over 100 people. They next mention that the Biden efforts to require vaccinations of health care workers were successful and upheld by the Supreme Court. I would’ve said President Biden was successful before the US Supreme Court with respect to requiring vaccinations of healthcare workers. The Supreme Court held that the requirement of all companies of 100 or more was too broad so such a requirement might be upheld for companies more directly affected by healthcare concerns.
The reasoning was suspect, at best, driven by the Federalist hacks' distaste for government regulation of corporate misdeeds.
TLMills I was so disgusted by the endless stream of "gotcha" questions from the MSM reps at the Biden news conference that I wanted to reach into the screen and strange a few of the questioners. You expect the Faux News guy to be a jerk and he didn't disappoint. But when everyone prefaces their question with the same litany of Joe's failures, setbacks, and disappointments, you lose credibility. This applies to almost all the MSM people there. I guess they think if they are trying to make the Biden agenda/administration look bad, they look bad. There were a few questioners, particularly two women, who just went on and on. There needs to be a time limit on the whole affair, and a limit of one question and a single follow up one. I read the NYT and Wapo, am disgusted with both, but I am not canceling as there are writers who I value their opinion. And as I am retired, I need things to do some days. I missed the guy from Faux who asked something about Biden being senile. That was stupid, and stupid is as stupid does. But the more respectable outlets and their White House correspondents struggles to rise about the ignorance of the Faux jerk. I recommend The Bulwark, Heather Cox Richardson, and Jon Chait on NYMag as worth my time. Joe Biden was great! He is authentic, suffers fools way better than I do, and when D. Sanger from NYT wanted to talk international relations, you could see the depth of knowledge and experience our President has in that area. Go Joe!
Those ridiculous questions were, in my opinion, evidence not of "journalism" but of immature people in a "press corps" who are trying to make a name for themselves. If they think that insulting a president is the way to do that, they are sadly mistaken. Biden should only call on those who demonstrate respect, both in demeanor and in the nature of the question itself. He should just ignore the wannabe reality show players...because, seriously, they have all been watching too much "Apprentice President" for the past four years and have forgotten their manners, assuming they ever even had such.
Actually, I think Biden acquitted himself well. He deliberately called on questioners/commentators across the board, was polite, but cut them off at the knees when they embarrassed themselves - not him. If anything, Biden proved his mental fitness by standing for almost two hours, facing down a shocking number of "gotcha" questions. The aggressively negative "journalists" proved that they have an agenda that is not merely impolite, but designed to offend, and for no good reason.
I completely agree with you!
Bill how much I agree with your assessment of these "reporters" I just keep thinking "what is the matter with them?" I wish i could just be in that mosh pit and ask "Mr President, how do you do it?" You have acknowledged the virus for what it is and taken charge as quickly as you could to right the ship, brought all these jobs to the economy, embraced our traditional allies,worked behind the scenes to deal with the Ukraine crisis, dealt with such traitorous behavior from your own party when you are simply trying to do what the majority of this country needs (BBBetter) ...what is your workout routine?
Time to start The Joe Biden Fan Club!!
Yes He is remarkable
“What is your workout routine”?
Prez mentioned Peloton, although he said Jill often beats him to the early morning bike.
But don’t mention that to Marco Rubio as he will go on a rant about all the Peloton riding,caramel macchiato drinking, NYT reading, quinoa bowl eating liberals.
Would love to see a debate between him and Val Demmings!
Anyone not familiar ? https://valdemings.com/home/
Val can do this! “ Never Tire”
Full disclosure: My husband rides a Peloton, I read the NYT, but we have never had a caramel macchiato nor a quinoa bowl..😂
THAT, Joan, is the PERFECT question: what is your workout routine!!!!
One good question to ask these doom sayers is: if Afghanistan was such a disaster, how many of the 124000 do you think tRUMP would have brought out?
I feel less pain about having ditched WaPo's good writers because Heather always tells us in two words what they said. The rest was literally driving me mad. And yes, they ask why you're cancelling, so I told them.
I agree, there are some writers from the Times and the Post who are worth reading and I may renew my subscription after this upcoming campaign season.
I read Dr. Richardson everyday and try to catch as many of her live "posts" (Tuesdays and Thursdays) as I can. I also listen to news on NPR (although disliking the turn to corporate sponsorship that they felt compelled to make). I miss TRMS and will look for The Bulwark and there are a couple of others that seem unbiased (BBC, Reuters) as well. Thanks.
They're showing off for the other political reporters. The answers to those questions don't matter because simply asking the questions shows their "savvy". Jay Rosen calls it out. https://pressthink.org/2022/01/the-savvy-turn-in-political-journalism/
Uh what savvy? they are allying themselves with negativity, not knowledge. We just had 4 years with a tyrannical imbecile and they and their carping critical questions cannot distinguish a working president from a buffoon. This is so destructive
Agreed. The guy that went on about Joe’s mental competence was incredibly rude and ought to be uninvited to future press conferences. Joe did well to to ignore him and move on.
Makes you wonder is it gaul on their part or are THEY the ones with the mental impairment
We live in a ‘what have you done for me Today’ culture!! The policies passed in 2021 which provided support for the families and single adults who needed it is Old news!
The fact that McConnell does not understand that African Americans ARE Americans is appalling and belies his ignorance!
As noted in a recent HCR ‘epistle’, the legislatures in the red states are have enacted laws that beget Election Fraud, yes you can vote, but the state will decide whose vote counts!!
Imagine some state’s legislature affirms Scalia’s version of the second amendment, but that state passes a law as to how many weapons and ammunition can be manufactured in the state per year!!
I picked up on McConnell's ignorant statement - hope it comes back to bite him where it hurts - in the voting booth! Not necessarily the vote against HIM, but against a few of these Repubs who are sitting quietly like little mice, afraid to differ from Mcc's orders.
Profiles in EXTREME Cowardice ( there are no profiles in courage anymore)
Raskin is a Profile in Courage!
Trending AGAIN today on Twitter is #MoscowMitch. He's getting it in spades today and it is WELL deserved.
McConnell's statement, though maybe a slip of the tongue, seems nevertheless a slip of the Freudian nature. It won't matter because his base in Kentucky obviously believe the same way. I don't expect he'll get any flak for it.
Maybe not from them, but he's getting it from everyone else. Me, for one.
That one did jump out at me too. I wouldn't be surprised if he issues a clarification as I am sure many Black voters in KY vote for Mitch, and he can't afford to lose them.
Wouldnt you think (or wish) that a Dem or two would bring up that statement in front of microphone? I really doubt Mcc's voters watch C-span, right?
“We live in a ‘what have you done for me Today’ culture!! The policies passed in 2021 which provided support for the families and single adults who needed it is Old news!”
And therein lies the problem.
Come midterms, just what great reasons to vote for them will the Democratic candidates have to bring to the voters?
Simply saying that Republicans would be even worse just won’t cut it.
Simply saying “Well, we beat up on Trump “ just won’t cut it.
Simply saying “Well, what about January 6?” just won’t cut it.
Liberals will vote for liberals and conservatives for conservatives; those minds are made up and unchangeable. The election will be decided by the middle based on issues that impact them on a daily basis.
What counter argument can Democrats make about inflation and gas prices between now and midterms? What recent positive accomplishments can the Democrat present to the voters?
What “recent positive accomplishments” can Republicans present to voters? We pay them to govern-all they do is obstruct. They won’t even debate the issues never mind helping to resolve our problems.
They have no ideas of their own. The ultimate role of evil in The Big Picture is to tear down the accomplishments of others.
President Biden has come out and openly admitted his missteps.And I and others have written DNC to work better at talking more about what he has got done. Poor guy, it’s been “Wack-A-Mole from day one.I’m beginning to wonder if this is what the Belarus thing is about ? Donnie doesn’t do the Bullying in that match up with Putin. But recall the ‘R’s’ did the same game with Obama. Biden is getting paid back for President O making Big Baby Donnie getting laughed at the Press Corp. dinner over the Birther thing. In Lion King when Simba is born he is held up for all to see. So Pres. O played that and said” We finally have proof of My birth “. Now at this dinner they all make fun of each other . Well Big Baby Poo-Pooed cuz Ppl were dying LOL ! He was crammed in the audience.No where to run ! It really was hilarious.TFG is a very sick puppy.
And Trump had the identical complaint about the lamestream media. No matter what he did, the criticism never stopped. Not for a minute.
Seems to be the nature of the beast.
??? No mattter what he did? What thing did he “do” that wasn’t deserving of criticism?
I would make a list of everything Biden deserves praise for but if you really don’t know then I’m not willing to play that game.
See below from Christy, ditto for me. Trump started off on the wrong foot on the escalator ride, and never recovered. I know those who worship at the feet of Donnie Lardo think Biden deserves to be attacked since Dems attacked Trump. I know this is hard to accept, but to compare a pathological liar to a decent human being is not an apples to apples comparison. I am sure after '22 Biden will be impeached. I predict he will not be removed from office by the Senate for lack of enough votes to convict, and his ratings will go up just like they did for the last stupid impeachment of one Wm. J. Clinton.
I dont open head lines in the Washington Post emails. If one looks interesting, i Google the story. There are usually several other media outlets for the same story that don’t require cookies and are often more interesting.
I am too tired of hearing Biden is a failed presidency. It is the Republicans that are a failed party. I would describe the voting rights act demise for the present as follows. The Republicans are successful again in blocking voting rights for all Americans.
Me too, and we turned off the national news yesterday because we are so tired of hearing that.
Keith: Thank you for your response. I find most of even well-meaning efforts to 'wake us up to the realities' of the present moment have either a condescending or defeatist undertone that actually encourages people to stick their heads in the sand further or to choose indifference. Some of the efforts are so grounded in fear that you feel helpless to do much of anything but doom scroll. Your response, to me, is grounded hope---you acknowledge the realities before us, but point out the sweet spots. I really can't thank you enough.
Glad to do so…there is plenty of reason to be hopeful. Democracy wins the long game but the way forward is not without challenges that remind us how precious our democracy truly remains.
Denise, you might find Robert Hubbell’s letters here on substack helpful, if you aren’t already familiar. He calls it Today’s Edition Newsletter
Beautifully said: "The American people really hate villains like them; it’s very deep in our guiding mythology. The image of Sinema’s Tik Tok worthy betrayal….shaking hands with the gloating R senators ….will be as permanent as Lady MacBeth’s indelible spot, in the minds of the majority of American voters."
What the Senate GOP did last night was put a period to the end of their party. As you said, they gave themselves a "V" on their foreheads of "villain" and there will be no erasing that telltale sign for the rest of their sorry lives.
Thanks, Ellen. However, I shall never be at peace until we all hear these words from #45's mouth "A horse, a hose, my kingdom for a horse." Shakespeare nailed with Richard the Third's dying battlefield speech.
Hey Keith - In the “long run” we’ll all be dead. Look I appreciate your analysis, including the condemnation of the traitor “Cinema”.
Unfortunately we are now in the firm grasp not of authoritarian rule BUT Fascist rule. The authoritarian label forgoes the blatant racism, Christo-Fascism, misogyny, homophobia and other dark aspects of what is not a minority, but a bedrock view.
This is why we Democrats and America go apoplectic and clutch our collective pearls over much needed Socialist reform policies and instead hold onto the impotent Centrist Democrats and the sacrosanct policy of BS meritocracy. A policy that protects the wealth of 9% of the population.
I’d like to think that eventually (after I’m long dead) that the mass of Americans locked into modern serfdom will rise up against the Billlionaire fascist loving right, but if Brazil, Hungary, Russian and China are any form of indicator; it will likely never happen.
I might point out that the realm of Feudalism reigned for well over 1,000 years.
A reign of over 1,000 years, where have I heard that one before?
After republicans have suppressed voting rights to the point that a democrat will never be elected, it will take decades, possibly forever, to reverse minority rule.
I’ll tell my daughter and granddaughters
I hope your serious, because it’s a lot worse than they can possibly imagine.
They have a clue, son-in-law doesn't
💯💯💯Thank you for saying it all so well! ❤️🙏
Agree, agree, agree. Morning Keith.
Jessica Craven makes our work clear and easy to engage:
https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/p/chop-wood-carry-water-120
Thank you for recommending this. Jessica just commented about Emmett Till, and because I just engaged with my middle schoolers about Till, this will be a great follow-up discussion. Thank you again!
Thanks for this.
Best part of the Press Conference was when Joe was asked about the 47% of Americans who think he has a mental disorder, according to a pompous Newsmax journalist: "What do you think they mean?" JB: "I have no idea." (next journalist).
75% of America really does think TFG does. They didn’t need to ask him. He proved it.
Keith, with these words, I will sleep tonight and fight again tomorrow! Thank you!
Keith, I like your response, but I need to say something about your bully comment. Our bully country has stolen Afghanistan's lunch money by keeping the $millions that are owed to that country locked up in a U.S. bank. Meanwhile, millions of citizens of Afghanistan are starving.
Agree. Let's stay positive.
Biden - "a real gamer?" Hardly, that is if he's cunning in the service of the people, not Fat Money. Were he passionate about Build Back Better and the voting bill passing, he'd have laid a ton of presidential power on Ms Sinema and Mr. Yacht Man-chin til they started wiggling "oh, please please release me oh my presidente"..."I'll lie and cheat in any direction you please. I can swing where ever you want me to, just free me from thy chains!" "Oh, Lordy." There's absolutely no point in listing the myriad of broken presidential promises of his.He is tidy;his teeth are bright white.But - since this earth is our only home and it's burning down it is needful to note that his passion to mediate climate change is not as deep as his desire to please the oil barons - witness, his dispersal of more leases for drilling in the Gulf than the licentious, sly, sociopathic, meglomaniac crook who is his predecessor. As for authoritarianism. Once it's installed it's like crab grass and bamboo. "Pakistan, Thailand, Chile, Haiti, Greece, the Baltic republics, Republican Spain, Egypt, Algeria, Lebanon, Iran, the Congo, Meiji Japan . . . no, there are too many. Democracy is one of the most fragile and unstable forms of government there is."quora.com.
The overarching problem is that Biden, like most of his political contemporaries, has uncritically embraced the idea that unlimited growth is, and should be one of the main goals of society - even if it means compromising the environment that sustains that society.
A rather backward view, wouldn't you say? Like believing in bi-partisanship today where one of the "bi"s is not "bi" at all but unrelentingly unilateral.
Did they ever ask the Cyber Ninjas if they worked on any of Trump Fam. devices ? Doubt they will find anything. I’m hoping for at best the New York property scam.
Oh! that was a way better thriller than State of Terror, with a promising outcome, as long as we stay vigilant and active.
Don't ever use phrases like "Democracy can't lose if...". It can, and it might unless people like you fight to save it.
A real pick-me-up, Keith Kulper. I salute you!
“Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) assured reporters that concerns about Black voting were misplaced because: ‘African American voters are voting in just as high a percentage as Americans.’ “
O. M. G. Mitch the Merciless once again invokes that nasty old belief that Black people AREN’T AMERICANS. I could just spit fire.
In the recent book "The Dawn Of Everything - A New History of Humanity" authors Graeber and Wenrow refer to "the Americans" when speaking of First Nations people whose cultural roots were/are deep in this land in contrast to Europeans who imposed colonial domination, calling it the 'Law of the Land' ... the audacity - the presumption that so called white people are the only true Americans ... speaks volumes ... a select breed calling for isolation and containment.
Excellent comment and insight...Thanks!!
100%. Nice catch SL. I’d take it a step further that Mitch knows and wants to suppress voting by all groups in America. Obstructionism is just that. The apathy it creates toward government, is also a form of voter suppression of the middle class. Distrust in the process of governing first, then Apathy in the process is harnessed to suppress more voting. Where did this strategy of obstruction really start? Who’s political idea was it originally? Was is something borrowed from another country, Rome, or Greece? How’d it work out there and then?
Governent is not the problem. Obstructionism is the problem. Largest Donor interest is the problem. Donor $ is concentrated in red states is the problem. The QOP senate is ‘faithless’ in their oath of office and duties.
Right there with you on spitting fire at not only “Mitch the Merciless,” but all the Repubs, Manchin and Sinema. Absolutely despicable display of autocracy and racism on the Senate floor yesterday.
Manchin and Sinema are Republicans in sheep's clothing...argh!!
That was my first thought as well 😡
A Freudian slip of sorts.
Freudian, my ass!!! He's just a loathesome soul.
That caught my attention (and ire) as well...
Yeah he REALLY needs to make a statement retracting THAT comment.
Speaking as a former journalist -- unfortunately, reporters are just into playing "gotcha" with Biden while Republicans, and the two so-called "moderate" Democrats undercut voting rights. Reporters pretend to be objective, but they are really just parrots, and they're giving Republicans free reign to destroy democracy.
At one time there was a distinction between a reporter and a columnist! Perhaps it’s the person who writes the article headline who is treating a bias!
The media created Trump and the media seems to want him back!
Um…Did eric trump check with his father prior to invoking the fifth five hundred times? ‘Cause, last I understood his father smirked at those who use the fifth.
That family can’t keep its logic and the stories they concoct straight long enough to pull off the innocence project ala trump.
Innocence and trump do not marry well in a sentence.
Oh, and yea. Thank you Manchin for doubling down on Sinema’s insult to our President regarding voting rights by opening your yap during the press conference to claim jump audience.
Donating to every agency against you both. You don’t deserve my vote if mine doesn’t count enough for you to vote for it.
Pj, your last sentence made me sit up and almost jump out of my chair. With your permission, I’d like to use it. If I use it on the internet (very doubtful) I will cite you, but with friends and in dialectical situations it is the most lucid and coherent way of expressing what all of us here are thinking. Whether we have a senator in that party or not.
With Dr. Richardson’s outstanding Letter and your grief so well put, I feel full of what I needed. I’m going to bed to grieve a little bit and sleep. I was really looking for two Republican senators to break the rest of them. Democracy sometimes has a way of helping those who love it and fight to preserve it!
Tomorrow is another day, and we live to continue the struggle. Many thanks, PJ, and Professor — condolences to all....
At least 2 out of the 16 who voted for previous voting rights legislation and who are STILL in the Senate. And Romney, Collins, Murkowski, and others who give lip service to justice failed us again. Do they really want the former president back in office???
You thought Senator Collins from Maine would--or even might--stand against the rest of the Repubs??? You have a lot more faith than most Maine Dems, I'll admit.
We in Maine have good reason to know she is a spineless cipher who follows the leader every time and her leader is Moscow Mitch. She is worthless and how she got voted in for her fifth freaking term should be a matter of shame and embarrassment to every female Democrat in Maine.
I too had hoped that just two Republicans might peel away from their insufferable, deplorable party, wouldn’t that have been a surprise to the two that called themselves Democrats. Living here in GA we are going to see first hand the abject failure of 52 individuals to stand up for our nation yesterday. Today’s dawn has brought no joy, literally and figuratively, only tears from heaven.
Dick, just think of it: just 52 people -- if my math is right 52 ÷ 332,000,000 x 100 = .00001566 percent of us sold the country out. The rain began here in Jackson County shortly after the senate adjourned, and continued through the night. We Georgians sent our best people to the senate (and possibly worst to the House) but it wasn't enough.
I just told Pj that I feel like a Ukrainian
Gus Koch - Absolutely! Share! Let’s get these Letters out! Happy to share and do my part.
Thanks, Pj. Couldn't sleep, but it is a New Day. I dug out a Cuban espresso blend for the day.
"Time to make the donuts."
Gus. Don’t forget to rest. 😊 It’s a long fight. We’re not even to the middle yet, it seems.
Pj, trying to rest and meditate. I agree about the fight. I feel like a Ukrainian right now!
Ukraine and its sovereignty is a political, philosophical and moral dilemma at the moment - for the U.S., and for the world. The U.S. is still the world’s super power. Thanks to 45, by the merest squeak. We don’t engender the fear we used to or Putkin would have toddled off to play checkers.
James Carville spoke after President Biden's tremendous Press Briefing yesterday. Carville had a two fold message. First. Biden through his lengthy and rigorous Briefing planted an oak tree yesterday. He called the Republicans out for their "believe in nothing" stance. Biden allayed any doubt at all about his abilities and how he feels about his agenda.
Second. Carville also stated that it's time to move on. He stated there are 3 years left in this Presidency and we stand a good chance of ending up with 53 seats in the Senate after 2022 and also keeping the House. He said we should focus on that. He dismissed Manchin and Sinema. (the Carville interview was with Ari Melber yesterday).
Carville suggested we quit acting like this Presidency is over.
My personal opinion is:
The New York case against the trumps is 3 years old. TFG was always going to run.
The Republicans will remain recalcitrant. TFG guy will remain an authoritarian. The SCOTUS is biased. Manchin and Sinema are not trustworthy. The media is greedy and biased.
These are absolutes at this time. Can we quit obsessing over them?
My personal opinion is that it is time to stop the handwringing and wound licking. We have work to do and a President to support.
Agree 1000%, Barbara. I see the wave of light just got bigger after yesterday. I envision it enveloping Sen McConnell’s ignorant statement about all Americans and further rooting out darkness. Justice Thomas’s vote (well…include the wife in that one whose name will prob appear in a document now going to the Committee) also in the path of the Wave of “We the People, All of Us This Time”.
Yeah, I thought Carville’s comments were excellent.
See my most recent comment. I agree 200% with you and Carville. Support as many candidates as you can with as much as you can afford and we have to march in masses for what we believe in. I'm not convinced marches work to move Congress unless they are scared by its size but they sure make me feel better.