One would think there are six and hopefully more Republicans who see the madness which has overcome their purported Congressional compatriots and vote to sit Mr. Jeffries as he may be the only hope our Congress has of averting what appears to be rampant cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, distemper or whatever deathwish has infected the majority.
The speakership vote should not exceed ten times. If a speaker hasn't been elected by vote #10, whoever has the most votes should be speaker. Can you imagine the intra-war this would ignite? In this case, as the twits continue to hold out the rest of them would begin peeing in their pants as the voting approaches the cap, panicking at the thought Jeffries would get it. Then we would see some action....
'Herschel Walker Offers Kevin McCarthy Seven Hundred Dollars to Abort His Speaker Bid'
'WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report)—In a possible solution to the stalemate that has gripped the House of Representatives, Herschel Walker has offered Kevin McCarthy a check for seven hundred dollars to abort his bid for Speaker.'
'Appearing at the Capitol, the N.F.L. great said that he had already written the check and hoped that it was sufficient to “take care of this.” (Satire, NewYorker)
If tRUMP has been suggested as a Speaker, why not Herschel. He's as qualifies for that as he was for the Senate. He probably claims he already has been Speaker.
Sally that would be great--but the structure of the House is not actually designed to deal with what would actually be "minority" rule as the people claiming to be legitimate Republicans (I have my thoughts about that title) are technically in the majority. However, Constitutionally, since political parties do not appear in the US constitution--they were something the framers really wanted to discourage--this could happen, as all an individual needs is more than 50% to be named Speaker. What would be even better is if 6-8 "Republicans" declared (like that mendacious and ludicrous [expletive] senator from Arizona, Sinema) themselves to be leaving the party and register as "independent" and then say they will caucus with the Dems when it suits them to do so. That would totally upend this whole fiasco.
Well, Jeffries has more votes than Keystone Kev. There have to be some Rs who won in districts that Biden won or won close races who might be interested in such a scenario. My husband observed that this would make it more like a parliament. The scary part of this is the debt ceiling and that would a disaster for everyone. I am amused by Gangrene who is now supporting Kev, probably because he promised her some juicy committee posts. Then there is Gunslinger Blight Barbie who just squeaked by, but is stomping her feet and insisting that she is no Kev. I also saw a pic of a D with a bag of popcorn to eat while watching the dumpster fire.
I heard that the far right fears that the most , a fusion between Democrats and Republicans, brought on by their extreme uncompromising stance on everything. Some Reps actually want to govern , rather than destroy the government we have known for so long. I think this has a good chance of coming about. Fingers crossed.
Me too. I assume there are some sane Republicans out there someplace. But there's the old saying, "How can I hear what you say, when what you do speaks so loudly?"
I am with you and Linda Mitchell KMCO - if only there were such a thing as "brave" Republicans (the few that were left either retired or lost their elections - Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger...). If nothing else, perhaps McCarthy's capitulation to the most crazy of his caucus will finally drive a number of more moderate Republicans to vote "present" - enough to make Jerffies' 212 votes a majority.
Another option would be for the Democrats to negotiate directly with McCarthy, demand that he drop nearly all of the rule changes demanded by the sedition caucus (there are actually one or two decent demands in there), add in a few demands of their own (like ALL budget bills MUST be brought to a floor vote, and equal numbers of Rs and Ds on every committee), and they'll get 4 of their members to vote "present" so McCarthy wins. If he turned that down, he'd be an even bigger idiot than everyone already knows he is.
Gail that is an excellent idea--if only the dopes in Congress would do such a thing. I think that the Dems will get tired of enjoying all the schadenfreude eventually and I would imagine that there are some behind the scenes conversations going on but in the meantime, it is indeed worrying that the Wingnut Caucus is dominating the public discourse at the moment. What also irritates me is that the press has turned totally mealy-mouthed: they are referring to the Wingnut Caucus as "Conservatives" rather than the real moniker they should be using: "Racist, homophobic, sexist neofascists".
Yeah, it really annoys me that they still use terms like "Republican leadership" when talking about Republicans in general, and "conservative" when referring to the inaptly named "freedom" caucus.
And they keep using the word "unable" when the appropriate word is "unwilling" when referring to fact that we have no Speaker of the House because the Republican extremists are intransigent showboaters.
I think the misuse of "conservatives" aggravates me the most. Whole volumes (most recently, in my reading life, George Will's excellent history of that movement) are written on the subject of the American conservative phenomenon and the use of that label. As someone commented on another sub stack, Barry Goldwater would be turning in his grave. Goldwater, with whom I disagreed on 99.9% of the issues, was a human being. These people are monsters. They conserve nothing.
I just started reading Dana Milbank's _The Destructionists,_ which follows the trajectory of the GOP from the rise of Newt Gingrich to the present. Already I'm recommending it, especially to people who think (hope?) that Trump was an aberration and now we can get back to normal (whatever and whenever that was). The right-wing conspiracy machine went into overdrive after the suicide of Clinton aide Vince Foster, and was complemented by the endless Ken Starr investigation of President Clinton.
I agree that Goldwater would be turning in his grave -- but I also wonder if he'd realize the ways in which he helped set the stage for the white-supremacist takeover of the GOP. The conservative emphasis on "small government" may not have been overtly racist and sexist in intent (I'd argue, however, that this wasn't too far from the surface), but it was certainly racist and sexist in effect: government, especially the federal government, has to be big enough to back up "liberty and justice FOR ALL."
Susanna, what a grand recommendation. And, yes, those "real" conservatives laid the foundations for what we are looking at today. People like George Will, Goldwater, a good many of the Republicans who were around for the Nixon debacle, had some ideas, a political philosophy, with which I profoundly disagree, but they were not lunatics or "destructionists" on that account. Just, in my own ideology, wrong. But civil discourse was still possible; there was still room for rational human beings to sit down together and disagree, sometimes passionately. What's been going on for a while now--you're probably right to flag Gingrich as the opening of the door--isn'tl so much a political point of view as the deliberate and malicious negation of any ideology at all.
Racism and sexism, both tending toward violence, are always with us.
My mother cut out and taped to her desk (I don't ever recall it not being there) a Peanuts cartoon in which poor Charlie Brown is holding a football and saying, "For a moment I thought I was winning at the game of life. But then I saw there was a flag on the play."
That's sort of how I think of all our battles against sexism, racism, and the bedrock of all our white Christian bigotry, Anti-Semitism.
Once again, you said this beautifully. They have no political philosophy or coherent belief system any more than does a three year old child. They want what they want and to hell with everyone else.
There is no Republican leadership because the showboaters know how to showboat, but not how to lead. That would take experience, patience, and an ability to be humble enough to learn the ropes. None of them seem capable of that. There is no joy in watching this spectacle. Its boring, time consuming, and counterproductive. I wish they would all vanish down their conspiracy laden worm holes.
As it stands right now, with all the concessions McCarthy has made, his title would more likely be Clerk for the House Republican Caucus and eligible for being fired for 'cause if he spills the Kickapoo Joy Juice of his MAGA-betters.
The Gang of 20 are not conservatives at all. They are extremists. The majority of them are clearly incompetent as well and I do not want them running or ruining our country. They do not have the right to do that.
I totally agree Susan! Unfortunately, it looks like Stinky Kev (a nickname for a poodle I know that seems to fit this situation perfectly) is handing them everything. Which just goes to show what a dumbass he is.
This makes more sense than anything else I've read yet, and I would not be surprised if back-channel negotiations were going on. But your caveat about McCarthy is well taken: he may indeed be too stupid to realize that his goose is truly cooked and that his only hope may lie on the other side of the aisle.
Liking your comment only to add that, in my opinion, McCarthy is, indeed, "too stupid to realize that his goose is truly cooked." Or, I would say, too stupid to realize just about anything. There was a delicious piece in The New Yorker today that described, in some detail, the events and their importance, during the day. The article has a refrain, of sorts, "And McCarthy still sat there smiling." I think this whole show is blood-curdling.
I so agree. McCarthy ran a yogurt shop. He might perhaps once have had a nice smile. But he is not a bright man and he has no business attempting to run Congress. He shouldn't be there. The entire mob should not be there. This is not a circus, this is a national nightmare. America needs to wake up. And we the people are paying their damn salaries.
It must be the fresh air in Vermont, Sally. I too have that wish. It is far more sane than the threat of the crazies gaining power. May six stalwart R's step up to the bar, please! And may Mitch McConnell whisper in their ear that it's okay to reach across the aisle. He did it and got a bridge!
You're absolutely right, Hope. Hands across the aisle is how this country has survived. We have laughed at the back-room bickering and the deals made amidst cigar smoke and snifters of brandy (metaphorical if not literal since the 19th century), but that is, historically, where it happens--the decision, one more time, to lay aside personal and political ambitions and greed so that this American Experiment can succeed for another stretch of time.
Yes exactly. Watching President Biden award medals to exemplary citizens who did the right thing was such a contrast to the self-serving noodnicks (sp) who have hijacked Congress as to be the difference between night and day. Watching Biden laugh at himself, make everyone feel welcomed and loved was beautiful. I have been between tears and laughter all afternoon.
They would be doing themselves and the country a favor, but that’s not who they are. They would rather negotiate with election denying, home grown terrorists.
With Jeffries as speaker, even with power sharing, the House would attempt to pass useful legislation and would not waste time and taxpayer money with vendetta investigations of the Biden family and administration. That's already better than the destructive narcissistic nihilism that we will get with any Speaker who represents the bulk of Republican priorities, whether the self-castrated Kevin or someone else.
This is what I'm curious about: Why do you think he'd be able to do this? The Republicans would still have a majority, albeit a slim one, and fractious though they are, they'd almost certainly come together to thwart anything Jeffries wanted to do. And Jeffries would take the fall for it, of course. It would be so much better to wait till 2024, when there's a better than good chance that he'll become Speaker with a workable Dem majority.
The Rs are unlikely to simply hand the gavel and its power to the Dems without preconditions. They would have to be desperate enough to do some real bargaining about what happens after that. The Dems bottom line would be basic cooperation on keeping the government running. But it's not likely Jeffries would be the compromise speaker. If it happens at all, it would be a Republican like Fred Upton who has the necessary experience and is as close to moderate as Rs get these days.
That would surely end the speaker's debate. But it would surely be political suicide. Look what happened to most of those Republicans who voted to impeach Trump. Here in WA State, we lost Jamie Herrera Buetler, who was a principled moderate. Reactionary Republicans defeated her in the primary and then lost the seat to a Democrat, which is astonishing for that district. And yes, the memory of watching the Jan. 6, 2021 Insurrection is still fresh in my mind, too.
And Liz Cheney, a principled conservative, got creamed in the Wyoming primary. I agree 100%. For any Republican who needs to survive a primary, "the base" is a major factor in many, many states. The GOP at this point is too fragile to tolerate diversity of opinion, but it's also strong enough to make any dissenters miserable.
I think we need to take the long view. There were a lot of people, myself included, who didn't think much about Liz Cheney until she stood up for democracy. I think there are a lot of our fellow citizens who would be delighted to work with principled people regardless of party affiliation. Democracy is not a one-way street, which has always been its strength.
I started paying attention to Liz Cheney when she came around to accepting her sister Mary's lesbianism and same-sex marriage. This to me suggests that she's capable of learning, growing, changing her mind. So I'm very, very interested to see where her experience on the 1/6 committee takes her.
Well, I'm far from a pundit, but much has been said lately about the Republican party shattering. It has gone beyond fixing. If a moderate faction joined independents, they could still vote with their majority, while doing an occasional good thing, such as nominating a working Speaker of the House. Don't count Liz out either. I'm pretty sure she is gathering family support and big bucks, and she'll run for President in 2024. Or some office elsewhere. If, by any chance Trump is indicted, much wind will be taken out of the sails of the Trumpers who defeated sensible candidates. it's going to be quite a ride in the next months and years. Possibly, even the SCOTUS will be taken to task.
I think we must all work to get rid of the mob so we can get back to the difficult but necessary work of governing. This is not People Magazine stuff, this is real world work. The mob just sees this as a photo op and an opportunity for revenge for god knows what.
This "mob" seems to comprise at least 30% of the adult U.S. population. How do we get rid of it? As to the "necessary work of governing" -- we had flashes of it during the Obama administration, and the Biden administration and the congressional Democrats have done an *amazing* job in the last two years, considering what they had to work with. At this point how many of us can even imagine what responsible governing looks like? Those of us who live in reasonably functional states have some idea, but nationally? You might have to go back to the 1970s or even the '60s to understand what effective government looks like.
Interesting point. The US in the 60s had an enormously strong economy, creating a society that was having many of its needs addressed; unless you were a minority. Do you feel our current economy is that strong? It would have to be, for the comparison to be viable.
The economy matters for sure, but why do you think it's especially important here? What I see when I look at the '60 is a struggle for civil rights that turned vicious, the passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts followed by a growing backlash, three major assassinations, a country increasingly bogged down in an unwinnable war (and not knowing why it was losing), and women starting to organize seriously for our economic and legal rights.
The "mob", as you put it, reminds me of the cantankerous, hardy individualist, "I'll do what I please' border marches dwellers who settled in the mountains of Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee during our nation's formative years. Having come from the borderlands that were ruled either by aristocrats and noblemen or feuding families who hated each other. All they wanted was to be beyond the reach of the King's men or the revenuers and they'd kill to maintain that level of freedom. Problem is there no place that remote anymore for them to reside.
That’s a bit of a stretch. I wish the moderate republicans would put their foot down. This is setting a bad precedent for the next two years.
I wish instead for a moderate Republican speaker that would be bipartisanly voted into an overwhelming majority. Then, you can pass comprehensive law for the next two years
*Are* there any "moderate Republicans" and/or do you have a particular one in mind? It looks to me as if most of the Republican caucus, whatever their priorities, is beholden to the Trumpers and the Freedom Caucus, or at least they think they are. At this point I don't see the potential for an "overwhelming majority" on anything in this House, or in the whole Congress for that matter.
I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. Why would anyone want Rep. Jeffries to become the Democratic Speaker of a House in Republican-dominated meltdown?
Great question, and I don't know enough about how it could actually work, but at least the second person in the line of succession wouldn't be an election-denier. I am not suggesting that Democrats make this proposal - it would have to come from Republicans - and thankfully, dems seem in no hurry to help fix this mess Republicans have created.
Good point about the 2nd person in the line of succession. I'd never considered the possibility, however remote, of a President Kevin McCarthy. I'm not ready to start now. I need a drink first.
Unfortunately, voting for Jeffries would mean leaving the Republican Party and joint the Democrats, and while that would be a good thing, it would be the end of their careers, even in districts that Biden won.
It might end Jeffries's career too, if he were stupid enough to take the job -- which he isn't. Imagine being the Democratic Speaker in a House whose fractured Republican majority can be united only around making Democrats fail.
What concessions will those 6 (I rather want 10) Republicans require of Jefferies? Could they be senior Republican Conservatives, a delegation, going over only to present a treaty with the Democrats to engage in the work of the Congress? We're I one of those 6, I would seek co-leadership of certain committees and on investigative bodies (these will happen as long as Republicans have a majority) and we would require some other prioritization (say, around border security, debt ceiling provisions, natiinal security) to join a Democrat led coalition.
No, politics doesn't trump justice so much as it requires cast iron cases since, with their political power the Republicans could, oh, start an insurrection.
That's because Garland is so good at what he does - tight cases. Michael Moore predicted that, in addition to the normal reasons legislators leave office early, there will be Republicans who will be ousted when they are convicted. I suspect Gaetz knows he is one of the first, so has upped his game to destroy our government.
Gaetz: insurrectionist and sexual predator. That salt of the earth, church going folk who love their country would elect him to represent them is baffling.
I understand your frustration and anger, but I hope you said that in a moment of anger that slipped out of control. Badmouthing and making them the “other “ is doing exactly what the extreme members of the Republicans are doing to democrats. Criticize their policies and/or behavior without generalizing or stereotyping them. As Michele Obama said, “ When they go low, we go high.”
I consider it more of an objective description than a tit for tat. “We go high” is clearly the path we’re taking. Look at what this administration has accomplished!
Talk about being your own worst enemy! They can’t settle on SotH for cryin’ out loud, who they gonna run for POTUS? Kari Lake? Doug Mastriano? Ron Johnson? Heather quoted a day or two ago the reason some of the republicans were elected or re-elected is due to voter suppression or extreme gerrymandering.
I hope they’re taking a long hard look at PA. We took the state house, governor (again) and US senate seat. Governor-elect Shapiro has reached across the aisle to Republican Al Schmidt with a nomination for PA Sec. of the Commonwealth. Shapiro and Schmidt hold similar views, it is a step towards bringing good people back into power to who are serious about actually governing.
I agree they are fundamentalist opportunistic people. And for a progressive person, they are the enemy. Well put. How can they pray to god, be against abortion, and then support terrorists, rapers, abortion payers, misogynists?
In substance we are in agreement, TC. Nevertheless let us not stoop to the god-awful behaviors of "them." The Fundies and Evies are in league with authoritarian white male control, to their ignorance. There, that feels better.
The religious right is captured by the political far right for basically the abortion issue, or as they would call it, the sanctity of life issue. That is why everyone needs 3 guns, to protect the sanctity of life.
As of 9/23/22, 'Career prosecutors have recommended against charging Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) in a long-running sex-trafficking investigation — telling Justice Department superiors that a conviction is unlikely in part because of credibility questions with the two central witnesses, according to people familiar with the matter.'
'Senior department officials have not made a final decision on whether to charge Gaetz, but it is rare for such advice to be rejected, these people told The Washington Post, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the deliberations. They added that it is always possible additional evidence emerges that could alter prosecutors’ understanding of the case.' (WAPO)
FERN, thank you for the accurate summary on Gaetz' status. Have you ever been an Editor? Of course, one (1) of the "two [2] central witnesses" is Gaetz' '"wingman" JOEL GREENBERG who has pled guilty. I believe the Daily Beast probably still has Greenberg's lengthy Plea Agreement posted. Salud.
Just bought a subscription today on Substack to post on JWV’s newsletter. My firsts post was a rant about Mark Meadows being above the law. My second post was a rant in general. I’ll try to be a little more even handed next time!😉
Huh. We’ve all seen pictures of him with his arm draped around this 17 year old’s neck in a variety of states. And we’ve seen his comments about her being a mature 17. And the drugs. And the friends, which the convicted accomplice provided in detail. What additional evidence is needed, really?
WHY does Gaetz still have a law license? Just checked, Florida Bar lists him as eligible to practice law. Standard of proof is not as high as criminal conviction.
How can we citizens expect such a Congress to engage with hammering out something as challenging and critically needed as immigration reform? The insurrectionist supporters have rendered impossible the performing of even the simple task of choosing a House speaker. So far in 2023, they have achieved their goal -- cripple any semblance of a functional government "by and for the people."
Enough - squared to infinity! If there are a critical mass of functioning adults in Congress, we need them to assume the role of adults and act to get the nation out of this fools' circus.
As I've said before, just as the GOP is in denial about global warming, the Democratic leadership is in denial about the problems created by too much immigration. I recommend the book, Back of the Hiring Line: A 200-Year History of Immigration Surges, Employer Bias, and Depression of Black Wealth on one of the problems of immigration. ***Too much*** immigration put Trump in office, and has aggravated the GOP's nuttiness. Additionally, the sheer numbers worsen every environmental problem, including CO2 emissions. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/09/15/magazine/climate-crisis-migration-america.html
But I have to say, at the moment we have more pressing problems--as outlined by HCR above--than immigration.
The Republicans have failed and or refused to do anything substantive to improve the outdated immigration rules now in place. They get far more mileage out of whining about it than they would if they participated in designing a modern and reasonable policy, don’t you think?
No. That vaunted "gang of eight" bill, which is typical, would have nearly tripled legal immigration, while doing nothing to stop illegal immigration.
To give you an idea of what mass immigration has done, in 1980, Black workers dominated in meat packing, earning a good middle class wage, sending kids to college. (See the book I ref'd in my first comment.) Immigration surged during the '80s, and by that decade's end, immigrants dominated meat packing, earning barely above minimum wage, working under atrocious conditions.
Immigration is big business' way of reducing wages. That's why Big Biz GOPers support more immigration, people like the Koch Organization, Mark Zuckerberg, George W. Bush, etc. Immigration is why workers wages have not increased over the last 40 years, despite much inflation. That Gang of 8 bill would have put more Black, white, and recent immigrant workers out of jobs, greatly aggravating the opioid crisis.
The Cotton Bill, which I think came up during the first full year of the TFG admin, went nowhere because not enough Democrats supported it, 45 didn't support it, and neither did Speaker Paul Ryan--although it came within about 25 votes to passing the House. It would have mandated E-Verify nationally, while reducing immigration from the current million-plus annually to around 750,000 annually--not enough reduction, but at least a start.
When she ran a commission under Clinton on immigration reform, the late Barbara Jordan, the Black Texas Democrat who made her name on the House Watergate Committee, recommended cutting the million annually roughly in half, and strict enforcement of immigration laws, which has not happened at least since the Reagan amnesty of 1986. But she died shortly after finishing her job, and neither Clinton nor Congress pursued putting her recommendations into law. Had her recommendations been established, Trump probably never would have gained the White House.
It's important to understand that immigration is a bipartisan issue. There are both Democrats and Republicans supporting each side of the issue.
I think the teflon is washing away, Liz….even for the Don. Benedict Donald is my fav name for him at the moment. Inmate No. 45 will be my fav when it happens. I agree that the indictments will start dropping, as you so poetically say…..
Liz, I agree with you. But I think they will indict the POS. I loved Greg Olear’s piece on the CI theory of Dump. It all made sense. His mob background, the ease with which he was manipulated by people far smarter than he could ever be, etc. Us New Yorkers know exactly what we were dealing with when he became potus, small letters, and still hard to believe.
Gaetz hasn't been indicted for the same reason tRUMP hasn't been indicted
ABOVE THE LAW - apparently he made bail and if they're still prosecuting his case, it isn't news. You and I would be serving time for his crimes by now but he's above the law.
and in possession of a penis. As we discovered when it became clear that Elizabeth Holmes (of Theranos infamy) was going to be used as a scapegoat for all the males who have done similar kinds of ponzi scheme stuff and gotten away with a teeny little wrist slap. Including the current crop of cryptocurrency ponzi crooks, who all seem to have made bail and are currently enjoying their freedom.
Uh, the derriere does not deserve to be associated with the former guy. It is an oft beautiful part of the human body, which evolved so H. sapiens could run fast enough to pursue prey in hunter-gatherer days (no other primate species has one), as also did the Achilles tendon and the nuchal ligament (see the writings of Harvard's Daniel Lieberman), and somewhere along the way evolved into a secondary sex characteristic.
Because they have no "credible" witness to testify against Gaetz in his trafficking case..... The witnesses to Gaetz's criminal actions were criminals themselves.... Which I say BS too - I would say daddy's money is behind the reason Gaetz's isn't in jail for sexual trafficking\
I heard an interview with Gaetz where he stated that if 6 Republicans vote for Jeffries, he (Gaetz) will resign from Congress. Sounds like a big WIN-WIN to me 😄
By someone’s count (MSNBC if memory serves), of the 139 GQP House members that voted to further the insurrection by voting to not certify the Electoral College count, 119 were re-elected to what might yet be the 118th Congress, why are none of them, along with there 7 unindicted co-conspirators in the Senate being subjected to the 14th Amendment?
Look at that poster of 121 faces/ Then, estimate how much PAC, dark, and plutocratic money went into installing them to corrupt our government on behalf of plutocrats. What would the benefactors of American politicians do in party and campaign contributions if that money was flushed down the drain by sending these well-connected and wealthy insurrectionists out of government in one action that held them accountable?
Why are those who swore to protect the Constitution but then signed on to support undermining it by overturning our election are being seated without objection? Consider that is because those keeping silent are more tied to a code of silence to protect their plutocratic ruling class than they are to protecting us, our country, or the Constitution.
Apparently the only amendment that matters is the misinterpreted 2nd amendment. All the others are an inconvenience to be trampled over on the way to power.
Listen to Rachel Maddow's "ULTRA" podcast and you will find that the last time America Firsters tried to overthrow the government (late 1930's and early 1940's), politics did outweigh justice. Most were not indicted and those that were were not found guilty.
Me too. That creep is also up on sex trafficking charges, if I'm not mistaken. He also looks about as stupid as a slime mold. Actually I think is stupidity stands alone.
To wit, I was being assertive in setting boundaries to distance myself from supporting any cultural mindset that regards assaulting people as A-OK. That applies in my awareness to any victim of assault. I'm surely redefining that boundary as I learn each day. To me, assertiveness differs greatly from defensiveness. I choose to believe in in you and in your experiences of injustice that you described above as real and valid. My apologies if you thought that I meant that you "are OK over here." Things are definitely not OK in the present system or the culture.
‘I admit it: Like many liberals, I’m feeling a fair bit of MAGAfreude — taking some pleasure in the self-destruction of the American right.’
‘This time, there has been no significant dispute about policy — Kevin McCarthy and his opponents agree on key policy issues like investigating Hunter Biden’s laptop and depriving the Internal Revenue Service of the resources it needs to go after wealthy tax cheats. Long after he tried to appease his opponents by surrendering his dignity, the voting went on.’
‘Consider the phrase (and associated sentiment), popular on the right, “owning the libs.” In context, “owning” doesn’t mean defeating progressive policies, say by repealing the Affordable Care Act. It means, instead, humiliating liberals personally — making them look weak and foolish.’
‘And a substantial part of what has been going on in the House seems to be that some Republicans who expected to own the libs after a red wave election have acted out their disappointment by owning Kevin McCarthy instead.’
‘The irony is that the MAGA movement has succeeded beyond the wildest dreams of sinister globalists (if any exist) in making America the opposite of great. Right now the world really is laughing at us, although it’s terrified, too. America is still the essential nation, on multiple fronts. When the world’s greatest economic and military power seemingly can’t even get a functioning government up and running, the risks are global.’
‘I mean, even with a speaker in place, how likely is it that the people we’ve been watching the past few days will agree to raise the debt ceiling, even if failing to do so creates a huge financial crisis? And there may be many other risks requiring emergency congressional action even before we get to that point.’
‘Of course, the world is laughing even harder at Republicans, both the ultraright refuseniks and the spineless careerists like McCarthy who helped empower the crazies. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall lose his own soul, and still not gain enough votes to become speaker of the House?’
Thanks for all of the above to Paul Krugman, Opinion columnist since 2000 at The New York Times, and also a distinguished professor at the City University of New York Graduate Center. He won the 2008 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his work on international trade and economic geography.
Descriptions of Kevin McCarthy could be far worse, and indeed, here's an example:
'McCarthy: His primary objective is to become speaker, obviously. Kevin is to the gavel what Gollum was to the Ring. It’s his precious. His secondary objective is preserving his ability to make money after he’s out of politics.' ___Jonathan V. Last (Bulwark)
'Etymology. A fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. In the story, he was originally known as Sméagol and later named Gollum after his habit of making "a horrible swallowing noise in his throat". The name, Sméagol, comes from Old English smeagan' (“to burrow”).
Pat Cole, ran away with his question about punishment for the soulless. Something or someone scared that cowboy away. My answer is that Christian theology is not my racket, Pat. I know a lot more about tennis, volleyball, even badminton.
Sorry Fern. Technolarosis digitalargosis. A little known keyboard malfunction. I will paraphrase.
As a practicing Cretin I am unfamiliar with the Christian concept of Hell. (hell)? As far as I can discern, Christians go (are sent ?) there when they loose their souls. Is this performed willingly or by committee or vote? You may be familiar with Cretinism as we co-opted the Rabbi Jesus several years after he passed because the Tribe he was in looked pretty intimidating. We liked that image. However since he had already passed before we were able to co-opt him some of our tenets about souls may be suspect. Now every good Cretin keeps what is known as Barge Cement because souls have a tendency to come loose. Sometimes they become shabby and wear out as well. For those we just grab a new soul and start over. Mr. McCarthy’s soul appears to have loosened up and I could show him how to fix it unless it is wore out whereupon I would gladly gift him the soul of one of my boots. The question is will a new soul be enough?
Thank you, Fern McBride, for the brilliant Paul Krugman words of wisdom. Somehow the collective WE must take back our country, our nation, our Democracy and our sanity. It must be possible. Look how many of us believe in our Constitution and the values of Equality, Truth, Social Justice and Human Rights. There must be a way.
Irenie, and Fern completely agree. Let's find that way: our Constitution, values of Equality, Truth, Social Justice and Human Rights....and not be consumed by anger and frustration.
MAGAfreud, I love it (and indulge)! However, while I shed no tears for Kevin McCarthy, he has to deal with a group who want something none of the Democratic caucus ever did - the destruction of the US government. Wanting our government to fail is wanting the US to fail, and on an even larger scope, wanting Democracy to fail. 20 (though the actual number is far larger than 20, but far smaller than 222) crazies have figured out how to parallelize the US government. I don't think even Nancy Pelosi could move any of these people if she was the leader of their caucus.
This circus will go on until the MAGAs feel like they've humiliated McCarthy enough to make their point, elect him speaker, and settle in to the job of obstructing legislation until 2024. Or, cooler (saner) heads will prevail, and the unheard of option of a coalition between the 212 House Democrats and 20 or so Republicans elects a moderate Republican speaker with committees having equal numbers of Ds and Rs that shut out the crazies. As the MAGAs continue to overplay their hand, this scenario comes closer to reality. The Democrats must not overindulge in MAGAfreud (still love it!), There is real work to do.
I primarily agree, Steve. There is no happy ending here. I suggest the Dems propose to give Gollum his gavel in return for:
- agreement to rescind all rule changes negotiated with the terrorists and a commitment to abrogate all attempts to enforce them.
- agree to no more than one terrorist on each committee.
- receipt of chair on 5 committees of Dem choice and equal membership on those committees.
- current commitment to fund government and payment of all incurred debt.
Kevin might jump at the chance and can retire after two years as the hero who kept faith with America. And, the Dems will know what is to come and minimize the damages. Maybe better than this continuing trip down an unknown road with potentially worse outcomes.
Rule changes are needed to prevent this madness from ever occurring again.
Maybe the right wing extremists are in a crafted spectacle with McCarthy. He “gives in to their demands” (which as someone who flew to Mar-a-Lago to kiss trumps ring a few days after the insurrection, he is all in on wingnut obstruction, but perhaps simply wants to not appear to be). The wing-nuts keep asking for more and more, which McCarthy may be giving into because they already have an agreement. Suddenly today (Jan6th), with enough crazy concessions in place to ensure a total shitshow for the next two years in the House, they give him the votes. They and HE have achieved their goal, break the government “of the people, by the people”. We already know HE has no shame. That’s the prerequisite for a maga. I worry this spectacle is smoke and mirrors, and we are going to -again- be incredulous that the gop stooped “so low”. And they will laugh at the ultimate “owning of the Libs.”
So glad to hear from you, Ally! I have been concerned about you and Oregon in light of the weather news we here in Virginia are seeing these past few days...morning!
The "bomb cyclone" forecast is heavily aimed at the north part of California (SF and north) with some really severe rain/snow in the forecast. We're getting our usual all day rain with about .5" accumulation. Mild weather yesterday and today.
4 mid-California reservoirs are at more than 50 percent of their historical capcity at this time of year. Another "atmospheric river" will be flowing this week long before Spring run-off from the Sierras.
Thanks for sharing some Krugman. One point on which he may be incorrect: I'm not sure the "world is laughing even harder at Republicans." Putin, for one (along with other fascist leaders around the world) is celebrating the chaos at the Capitol that he has been working so diligently to create. More progressive leaders around the world are likely terrified as they watch us grapple with fascism here.
Here's hoping a few Republicans are so ashamed on this second anniversary of the insurrection that they facilitate the election of Hakeem Jeffries to be the 118th House Speaker (he typed as pigs flew around his head).
note: Credit to Timothy Snyder (The Road to Unfreedom) and Rachel Maddow (Ultra podcast) for the line of thought in paragraph one.
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall lose his own soul, and still not gain enough votes to become speaker of the House?’ Priceless, Fern. Thank you and Paul Krugman.
Once they succeed in driving the car of US-financial-stability off the cliff, they have wrought a whole new world. Putin, Xi, bin Salman will all join together on the aircraft carrier with a big “Mission Accomplished” sign waving in the background.
As you probably know FERN, Krugman's "international trade" work goes all the way back to his graduate years when Paul was on a team on the ground in Portugal. Decades of dedication.
You understand, Mim. I am surprised when somehow, I get to make someone laugh and rollick to the tunes of subscribers, family members and friends...Borowitz and a few more, what a pleasure and relief!
The Inflation Reduction Act provides for free ACIP-indicated vaccines for Medicare AND state Medicaid recipients as of 2023. Several times daily, without being political, I educate my patients on how the previous Congress was economically saavy enough to put more emphasis on disease prevention in this way, and how that saves all of us money and heartache. Most are surprised to learn that government can work for them, because that's not what they have heard from the awful talking heads for many years now. There's more to democracy than voting. We all can, and should, make the case when talking with others that government can work for us.
My cousin who just lost his wife to cancer, was lamenting the piles of paperwork he has to wade through to settle his wife's affairs. When my sister tried to blame the government for his struggles, he immediately said that it was the government that actually helped him the most!
Will do, Ally. Indeed, my two MAGA sisters. One in Arizona has ditched all of us here on the East Coast. My other one who also lives in Virginia was so excited to hear from me when I called her before Christmas to tell her how much I loved her but would not be coming for Christmas dinner. Instead, my cousin (who was at my house) and I chatted over the phone with her on Christmas Day. I was so grateful that she chose her family over MAGA.
Thank you for your usual cogent and enlightening analysis. Have to say that I'm bemused but not really surprised that the disfunction is so obvious. Think Kasich had the right idea when he recommended yesterday that the moderates from both parties get together and propose a candidate -- as recently happened in the Ohio legislature (stunningly).
I strongly applaud Biden's choices for medals of honor and profiles in courage. What a tribute to many of the people who held the line under extraordinarily tough circumstances! My deepest thanks to all of them -- and those not (yet?) on the list such as the Georgia Gov and SOS, the Michigan, Arizona, and PA government and elections workers who contributed mightily -- we owe them more than words can express.
Have to say, the speeches supporting Hern and Donalds and Trump have been frightening in their reiteration of MAGA lies and Qanon conspiracies. The sickness, shared in impassioned tones makes clear that the house is infested with cuckoos and the nest needs a purging.
Three days, 11 bungled votes and still no Speaker. What is the definition of insanity? Oh, yeah, repeating the same action over and over and expecting a different result. As long as the Democrats hold it together and stand united behind Hakeem Jeffries there is a chance that 6 sane, responsible Republicans will either join us or state "Present" and Hakeem is our speaker. I've already emailed and called my Congressman's office asking for a resolution to change the House rules to read "The current Speaker shall remain in office until a new Speaker is elected and sworn in" In which case the House could function and get on with the business of legislating until the recalcitrant party elected a suitable candidate. Andy Biggs, Mo Brooks, Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, and Kevin McCarthy are not suitable candidates for Speaker of the House.
Kevin apparently has no pride, or no shame. Otherwise, he’d have removed his name from consideration after the third ballot. If this is any evidence of the type of leadership he would provide as Speaker, God help us if he were to win.
Like most Republicans, he lacks integrity. Per Merriam Webster: INTEGRITY implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.
I think he'd agree to be Speaker for a Day (thus fulfilling his lifelong dream) then resign and turn the gavel over to Jordan. He might even ask if he could keep the nice office he's squatting in just a little bit longer.
The label "legislative terrorists" keeps popping up to describe you know who. They haven't quite earned it yet but no doubt will soon to the nation's detriment.
Is there a way to break the impasse that would help the country during the next two years? Steve Schmidt's "The Warning" newsletter offers two intriguing scenarios, including one that would rid the House of those who aided the coup attempt. Both require non-crazy Republicans to do the unthinkable — work with Democrats now to neutralize the crazies and McCarthy.
Both scenarios make sense in a rational world, which of course means they're as likely as Lauren Boebert proposing a ban on assault weapons. But they're worth a read:
Excellent read, Michael! Schmidt’s newsletter warns us of one alarming possibility some of us, perhaps in an instinctually self-preserving response, have been attempting to overlook: “Kevin McCarthy is utterly unfit to be the Speaker of the House and IN THE PRESIDENTIAL LINE OF SUCCESSION.” [my emphasis].
Yes, I have been looking for a discussion about the Dems using their block to elect a moderate speaker. That Schmidt even suggested Jeffries was amazing — maybe too amazing.
What if enough of them could be distracted by fanciful galas over the weekend to the point they don’t show up to vote thereby enabling Jeffries 212 votes to win the day. Granted it would still be a governing nightmare but at least we would have some brakes on their full on crazy 🦇💩
They have gone down the rabit hole. Politico reported on 12/29 that 15 Republicans in House districts won by Biden signed a letter saying they would ONLY support McCarthy for speaker.
One of those is Tom Kean of NJ07 who flipped the seat red because of Democratics screwing up redistricting. I've been watching Kean sitting one seat away from McCarthy through the votes--and am close to retching. Kean refused to debate but touted his "bipartisan" credentials in the NJ legislature and the district was blizzarded with outside PAC attack ads on Tom Malinowski, the Democratic incumbent. Kean basically only said the sentence "If elected I will work across the aisle" throughout the entire campaign.
Much as we keep wanting to believe that there are still at least a handfull of upstanders among the Republicans I am not sure there are any at this point.
George Baby Kean, a totally undistinguished NJ Republican politician, was only elected to Congress became of his father namesake—Thomas Kean. Governor Kean, co-director of the 9/11 Report, is a distinguished American. His nothingburger son replaced Congressman Tom Malinowski, an outstanding member of Congress who my wife and I fulsomely supported in three campaigns.
Georgia What I heard was that the Democrats had submitted a ‘redistricting’ plan with the new census that was suitable to Tom. Then the courts threw out this plan and imposed another that, for me, sliced Tom out of District 7 and cut him out of Democratic Princeton and into less favorable territory.
One of my favorite campaign quotes: “Governor Kean emotes style. Baby Kean emotes bile.”
"“The New Jersey Supreme Court’s ruling dismissing the Republican challenge to the adopted congressional redistricting map reinforces what we have said throughout this matter — that the map is constitutional, that the process was fair and that the outcome is in the best interests of the diverse communities that make up our state,” Democratic State Chairman LeRoy Jones said in a statement.
The Commission’s six Republican members sued Democrats and former Supreme Court Justice John Wallace after Wallace, the commission’s court-selected 13th member, cast a tie-breaking vote in favor of Democrats’ map.
The new districts’ boundaries give an edge to a handful of vulnerable Democratic House members whose districts will contain more solidly Democratic towns until at least 2032.
Of the 10 districts controlled by Democrats, only the 7th District, held now by Rep. Tom Malinowski, became more Republican. The 3rd, 5th, and 11th districts — districts the GOP believed they had a shot at winning in November — each shed GOP towns in favor of Democratic ones. The plaintiffs allege the map represents a gerrymander."
The court accepted the Democrats original redistricting plan after the GOP challenge which left NJ07 more Republican. I heartily agree Tom was an effective Representative and I supported him through all 3 of his elections. But no question he was shafted and overall that was a district which shifted the balance of the House. The devil is in the details.
“…there are still at least a handfull of upstanders among the Republicans I am not sure there are any at this point.” I am sure they would have popped their heads up by now if they existed.
Christy The House Republicans find themselves in uncharted waters where something called “principles’ is involved. McCarthy is like a streetwalker shamelessly selling his [the House’s) wares. The result almost certainly will be bad for the House and the country.
At this moment no one can determine what is the least worst alternative. One speculation is that ultimately a few ‘principled’ Republicans will reach out to Democrats to elect some moderate House speaker.
More cynically, I see a possible repeat of the year in the Roman Empire when there were four emperors (assassination was the vogue). Being Republican House speaker in 2023 could well be a slippery slope. This would be disastrous to responsible governance.
If McCarthy wins, one of his concessions will make him a hostage under constant threat of execution. Any member at any time can call a vote for the speaker's ouster. Imagine Boebert and her cohorts salivating at the idea of pulling the trigger.
Professor, you have covered the repub craziness of Congress failing to vote in a repub Speaker of the House. Kevin McCarthy and TFG don’t understand NO. This quote says it all: “Bulwark podcast host Charlie Sykes told Alex Wagner Tonight, He or she is going to be the mayor of Crazytown.” Next door to Crazytown lives the Democratic party and possibly some sane repubs who want to defect. In the meantime we hope the public is paying attention to President Biden and the Dems governing. Including some movement on immigration policies and changes. Outside of that insanity, the world still turns. And on January 6, we will remember what our hearts will never forget: the January 6 Insurrection and with our President, we honor the heroes.
I watched the insanity on TV as all did. But I thought, they have jumped the shark today, there is no way the chump nuts can survive this. Silly me… Kevin resurrected chump, now he wants to finish us off…
Just as they were trying to procedurally overturn the 2020 election in the Senate, before their mob interrupted.
If the Supreme Court legitimizes 'the independent legislature theory' and removes state constitution checks and balances from state regulation of elections, then in 2024, gerrymandered state legislatures can overturn Federal elections on their own. Guess who's funding the amicus briefs in favor.
lin, your comment prompted this search for “Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads. The lyrics are eerily a mirror of today’s madness in our House...
Yup. Just about now Republicans might be wondering about getting the majority by electing a group who make Jim Jordan look like the grown up in the room. But ... they are just the Reagan revolution wrecking crew on steroids. McCarthy is giving away the House to get their votes and then the fun starts. I feel like sending condolences and cowbells to our Democratic representatives who'll have to do the hard work.
Why would you bargain with extremist, virtual insurrectionists? Republicans are reaping what they sowed. It would be hysterical if it wasn’t our democracy.
Charles Dickens’ novels have some unforgettable characters. One of them is Uriah Heep from David Copperfield.
Dickens couldn't have known that he was describing the prototype of the most common and currently successful variety of modern Anglo-American politician.
Uriah Heep is the very incarnation of hypocrisy. He pretends humility. In fact, he is not humble at all. He is highly ambitious. He wants wealth. He wants rank and position. He requires power and influence. He is morally blind. He continues his nefarious and dishonest activities. His maliciousness is a form of motiveless malignity against human happiness itself, for he positively delights in it.
Please insert the name of Republican leader Kevin McCarthy or any of his allies.
More important than McCarthy's lack of skill as a negotiator, is his total lack of integrity, dependability, lack of interest in promoting the common good, decency, and, apparently, his lack of management skills. If House Republicans were the managers of a private concern, they would all be fired. They are the problem, not part of the solution.
"....Ralph Norman (R-SC), who wanted Trump to declare martial law in 2021 in order to retain the White House, said that McCarthy will get his vote only if he agrees not to raise the debt ceiling..."
Ralph's been in Congress since 2017. Regardless of what in 2024, Ralph will be paid ~$175,000 / year PLUS full medical benefits FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. Doesn't appear to be a solid return on our investment.
Seeking congressional office while behaving in ways that might warrant a Section 8 Dishonorable Discharge from the military shouldn't be allowed to normalize a career path or job classifications that ensures a guaranteed ~> [$4,500,000 salary pension + medical benefits] (assuming a vested Representative of 3 terms or more and living approximately 25 years after their last term expires). That is all in addition to the lobbying sinecures established for numerous retiring Congress critters. Seems like some proof of accomplishment should be required before handing over a retirement package available to almost - no one (and doesn't include the very wealthy who can self fund or self insure benefits that might be needed once out of office.
Just think of the money wasted on post-service payments to "real American" icons like Greene, Gosar, Gaetz, Jordan, Boebert, to name but a few, a group that will pass through with no accomplishments - none at all - beyond monetizing and weaponizing a platform from which to spew their toxic brand forevermore. And we're gonna need paying for their privilege. Doesn't sound like a good deal to me.
Ralph Norman, Legislative terrorists sounds appropriate to me. Not raising the debt ceiling would be catastrophic, cost trillions to the economy, it would cause unimaginable harm and catastrophe worldwide. Every business and home would suffer. Crazy town is an understatement.
Astonishing, but not! I wish that 6 brave Republicans would vote for Hakeem Jeffries and this dangerous situation of "minority rule" could be averted.
The memory of watching the insurrection is still fresh in my mind.
One would think there are six and hopefully more Republicans who see the madness which has overcome their purported Congressional compatriots and vote to sit Mr. Jeffries as he may be the only hope our Congress has of averting what appears to be rampant cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, distemper or whatever deathwish has infected the majority.
The speakership vote should not exceed ten times. If a speaker hasn't been elected by vote #10, whoever has the most votes should be speaker. Can you imagine the intra-war this would ignite? In this case, as the twits continue to hold out the rest of them would begin peeing in their pants as the voting approaches the cap, panicking at the thought Jeffries would get it. Then we would see some action....
I'd like to see them pee there pants. That's a good one. Worth waiting for.
exactly!
'Herschel Walker Offers Kevin McCarthy Seven Hundred Dollars to Abort His Speaker Bid'
'WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report)—In a possible solution to the stalemate that has gripped the House of Representatives, Herschel Walker has offered Kevin McCarthy a check for seven hundred dollars to abort his bid for Speaker.'
'Appearing at the Capitol, the N.F.L. great said that he had already written the check and hoped that it was sufficient to “take care of this.” (Satire, NewYorker)
If tRUMP has been suggested as a Speaker, why not Herschel. He's as qualifies for that as he was for the Senate. He probably claims he already has been Speaker.
I believe Santos was a past speaker. I think it was in the Harding era.
That's rich, Bruce!
Funny… gulp
LOL!
I think it was actually during Buchanan's presidency.
/Users/marjbates/Library/Messages/Attachments/11/01/785F5B6E-6E01-4A46-B055-5411DA5CA6C4/IMG_2404.heic
Hahaha
Or better yet, Santos! They all are great at lying! That is a requirement apparently to be a Republican!
Seems so indeed.
Almost spit out my coffee!! 🤣
No that was Santos.
Brilliant and needed. Thanks, Fern! ❤️🦋❤️
I was hoping Borowitz would weigh in. I can’t wait for Randy Rainbow.
Glad you reminded me to tune into Randy.
Ah, he will be along soon, I bet!
Andy Borowitz
It is getting more hysterical by the second....
😂
lol
I love this, thank you for the laugh this morning!
Sally that would be great--but the structure of the House is not actually designed to deal with what would actually be "minority" rule as the people claiming to be legitimate Republicans (I have my thoughts about that title) are technically in the majority. However, Constitutionally, since political parties do not appear in the US constitution--they were something the framers really wanted to discourage--this could happen, as all an individual needs is more than 50% to be named Speaker. What would be even better is if 6-8 "Republicans" declared (like that mendacious and ludicrous [expletive] senator from Arizona, Sinema) themselves to be leaving the party and register as "independent" and then say they will caucus with the Dems when it suits them to do so. That would totally upend this whole fiasco.
Michael Moore brought this up on Ari Melber’s show last night.
Well, Jeffries has more votes than Keystone Kev. There have to be some Rs who won in districts that Biden won or won close races who might be interested in such a scenario. My husband observed that this would make it more like a parliament. The scary part of this is the debt ceiling and that would a disaster for everyone. I am amused by Gangrene who is now supporting Kev, probably because he promised her some juicy committee posts. Then there is Gunslinger Blight Barbie who just squeaked by, but is stomping her feet and insisting that she is no Kev. I also saw a pic of a D with a bag of popcorn to eat while watching the dumpster fire.
May it be so. Amen.
Brilliant!!!
Sally, I agree! Wouldn’t that be uplifting????
I heard that the far right fears that the most , a fusion between Democrats and Republicans, brought on by their extreme uncompromising stance on everything. Some Reps actually want to govern , rather than destroy the government we have known for so long. I think this has a good chance of coming about. Fingers crossed.
Me too. I assume there are some sane Republicans out there someplace. But there's the old saying, "How can I hear what you say, when what you do speaks so loudly?"
I am with you and Linda Mitchell KMCO - if only there were such a thing as "brave" Republicans (the few that were left either retired or lost their elections - Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger...). If nothing else, perhaps McCarthy's capitulation to the most crazy of his caucus will finally drive a number of more moderate Republicans to vote "present" - enough to make Jerffies' 212 votes a majority.
Maybe this is a little taste of karma for what he did to Cheney and Kinzinger?
Fingers crossed, but not holding my breath.
Another option would be for the Democrats to negotiate directly with McCarthy, demand that he drop nearly all of the rule changes demanded by the sedition caucus (there are actually one or two decent demands in there), add in a few demands of their own (like ALL budget bills MUST be brought to a floor vote, and equal numbers of Rs and Ds on every committee), and they'll get 4 of their members to vote "present" so McCarthy wins. If he turned that down, he'd be an even bigger idiot than everyone already knows he is.
Gail that is an excellent idea--if only the dopes in Congress would do such a thing. I think that the Dems will get tired of enjoying all the schadenfreude eventually and I would imagine that there are some behind the scenes conversations going on but in the meantime, it is indeed worrying that the Wingnut Caucus is dominating the public discourse at the moment. What also irritates me is that the press has turned totally mealy-mouthed: they are referring to the Wingnut Caucus as "Conservatives" rather than the real moniker they should be using: "Racist, homophobic, sexist neofascists".
Yeah, it really annoys me that they still use terms like "Republican leadership" when talking about Republicans in general, and "conservative" when referring to the inaptly named "freedom" caucus.
And they keep using the word "unable" when the appropriate word is "unwilling" when referring to fact that we have no Speaker of the House because the Republican extremists are intransigent showboaters.
Hearing any of the Republicans called "moderate" or even "relatively moderate" makes me crazy.
I think the misuse of "conservatives" aggravates me the most. Whole volumes (most recently, in my reading life, George Will's excellent history of that movement) are written on the subject of the American conservative phenomenon and the use of that label. As someone commented on another sub stack, Barry Goldwater would be turning in his grave. Goldwater, with whom I disagreed on 99.9% of the issues, was a human being. These people are monsters. They conserve nothing.
I just started reading Dana Milbank's _The Destructionists,_ which follows the trajectory of the GOP from the rise of Newt Gingrich to the present. Already I'm recommending it, especially to people who think (hope?) that Trump was an aberration and now we can get back to normal (whatever and whenever that was). The right-wing conspiracy machine went into overdrive after the suicide of Clinton aide Vince Foster, and was complemented by the endless Ken Starr investigation of President Clinton.
I agree that Goldwater would be turning in his grave -- but I also wonder if he'd realize the ways in which he helped set the stage for the white-supremacist takeover of the GOP. The conservative emphasis on "small government" may not have been overtly racist and sexist in intent (I'd argue, however, that this wasn't too far from the surface), but it was certainly racist and sexist in effect: government, especially the federal government, has to be big enough to back up "liberty and justice FOR ALL."
Susanna, what a grand recommendation. And, yes, those "real" conservatives laid the foundations for what we are looking at today. People like George Will, Goldwater, a good many of the Republicans who were around for the Nixon debacle, had some ideas, a political philosophy, with which I profoundly disagree, but they were not lunatics or "destructionists" on that account. Just, in my own ideology, wrong. But civil discourse was still possible; there was still room for rational human beings to sit down together and disagree, sometimes passionately. What's been going on for a while now--you're probably right to flag Gingrich as the opening of the door--isn'tl so much a political point of view as the deliberate and malicious negation of any ideology at all.
Racism and sexism, both tending toward violence, are always with us.
My mother cut out and taped to her desk (I don't ever recall it not being there) a Peanuts cartoon in which poor Charlie Brown is holding a football and saying, "For a moment I thought I was winning at the game of life. But then I saw there was a flag on the play."
That's sort of how I think of all our battles against sexism, racism, and the bedrock of all our white Christian bigotry, Anti-Semitism.
Once again, you said this beautifully. They have no political philosophy or coherent belief system any more than does a three year old child. They want what they want and to hell with everyone else.
There is no Republican leadership because the showboaters know how to showboat, but not how to lead. That would take experience, patience, and an ability to be humble enough to learn the ropes. None of them seem capable of that. There is no joy in watching this spectacle. Its boring, time consuming, and counterproductive. I wish they would all vanish down their conspiracy laden worm holes.
As it stands right now, with all the concessions McCarthy has made, his title would more likely be Clerk for the House Republican Caucus and eligible for being fired for 'cause if he spills the Kickapoo Joy Juice of his MAGA-betters.
The Gang of 20 are not conservatives at all. They are extremists. The majority of them are clearly incompetent as well and I do not want them running or ruining our country. They do not have the right to do that.
I totally agree Susan! Unfortunately, it looks like Stinky Kev (a nickname for a poodle I know that seems to fit this situation perfectly) is handing them everything. Which just goes to show what a dumbass he is.
This makes more sense than anything else I've read yet, and I would not be surprised if back-channel negotiations were going on. But your caveat about McCarthy is well taken: he may indeed be too stupid to realize that his goose is truly cooked and that his only hope may lie on the other side of the aisle.
Liking your comment only to add that, in my opinion, McCarthy is, indeed, "too stupid to realize that his goose is truly cooked." Or, I would say, too stupid to realize just about anything. There was a delicious piece in The New Yorker today that described, in some detail, the events and their importance, during the day. The article has a refrain, of sorts, "And McCarthy still sat there smiling." I think this whole show is blood-curdling.
I so agree. McCarthy ran a yogurt shop. He might perhaps once have had a nice smile. But he is not a bright man and he has no business attempting to run Congress. He shouldn't be there. The entire mob should not be there. This is not a circus, this is a national nightmare. America needs to wake up. And we the people are paying their damn salaries.
It must be the fresh air in Vermont, Sally. I too have that wish. It is far more sane than the threat of the crazies gaining power. May six stalwart R's step up to the bar, please! And may Mitch McConnell whisper in their ear that it's okay to reach across the aisle. He did it and got a bridge!
You're absolutely right, Hope. Hands across the aisle is how this country has survived. We have laughed at the back-room bickering and the deals made amidst cigar smoke and snifters of brandy (metaphorical if not literal since the 19th century), but that is, historically, where it happens--the decision, one more time, to lay aside personal and political ambitions and greed so that this American Experiment can succeed for another stretch of time.
Yes exactly. Watching President Biden award medals to exemplary citizens who did the right thing was such a contrast to the self-serving noodnicks (sp) who have hijacked Congress as to be the difference between night and day. Watching Biden laugh at himself, make everyone feel welcomed and loved was beautiful. I have been between tears and laughter all afternoon.
They would be doing themselves and the country a favor, but that’s not who they are. They would rather negotiate with election denying, home grown terrorists.
That would be the most amazing possible turn out.
They don't even have to vote for him. If eleven Republicans walk out entirely, or vote 'present', Jeffries would have a majority of the total votes.
I'm still waiting for someone to come up with a good explanation of why making Jeffries Speaker is a good idea.
With Jeffries as speaker, even with power sharing, the House would attempt to pass useful legislation and would not waste time and taxpayer money with vendetta investigations of the Biden family and administration. That's already better than the destructive narcissistic nihilism that we will get with any Speaker who represents the bulk of Republican priorities, whether the self-castrated Kevin or someone else.
This is what I'm curious about: Why do you think he'd be able to do this? The Republicans would still have a majority, albeit a slim one, and fractious though they are, they'd almost certainly come together to thwart anything Jeffries wanted to do. And Jeffries would take the fall for it, of course. It would be so much better to wait till 2024, when there's a better than good chance that he'll become Speaker with a workable Dem majority.
The Rs are unlikely to simply hand the gavel and its power to the Dems without preconditions. They would have to be desperate enough to do some real bargaining about what happens after that. The Dems bottom line would be basic cooperation on keeping the government running. But it's not likely Jeffries would be the compromise speaker. If it happens at all, it would be a Republican like Fred Upton who has the necessary experience and is as close to moderate as Rs get these days.
He could keep the 🦇💩crazy from escaping from the House
Is that possible?
That would work for me! Someone probably informed them of that so they will be there for sure!
That would surely end the speaker's debate. But it would surely be political suicide. Look what happened to most of those Republicans who voted to impeach Trump. Here in WA State, we lost Jamie Herrera Buetler, who was a principled moderate. Reactionary Republicans defeated her in the primary and then lost the seat to a Democrat, which is astonishing for that district. And yes, the memory of watching the Jan. 6, 2021 Insurrection is still fresh in my mind, too.
And Liz Cheney, a principled conservative, got creamed in the Wyoming primary. I agree 100%. For any Republican who needs to survive a primary, "the base" is a major factor in many, many states. The GOP at this point is too fragile to tolerate diversity of opinion, but it's also strong enough to make any dissenters miserable.
I think we need to take the long view. There were a lot of people, myself included, who didn't think much about Liz Cheney until she stood up for democracy. I think there are a lot of our fellow citizens who would be delighted to work with principled people regardless of party affiliation. Democracy is not a one-way street, which has always been its strength.
I started paying attention to Liz Cheney when she came around to accepting her sister Mary's lesbianism and same-sex marriage. This to me suggests that she's capable of learning, growing, changing her mind. So I'm very, very interested to see where her experience on the 1/6 committee takes her.
Well, I'm far from a pundit, but much has been said lately about the Republican party shattering. It has gone beyond fixing. If a moderate faction joined independents, they could still vote with their majority, while doing an occasional good thing, such as nominating a working Speaker of the House. Don't count Liz out either. I'm pretty sure she is gathering family support and big bucks, and she'll run for President in 2024. Or some office elsewhere. If, by any chance Trump is indicted, much wind will be taken out of the sails of the Trumpers who defeated sensible candidates. it's going to be quite a ride in the next months and years. Possibly, even the SCOTUS will be taken to task.
I think we must all work to get rid of the mob so we can get back to the difficult but necessary work of governing. This is not People Magazine stuff, this is real world work. The mob just sees this as a photo op and an opportunity for revenge for god knows what.
This "mob" seems to comprise at least 30% of the adult U.S. population. How do we get rid of it? As to the "necessary work of governing" -- we had flashes of it during the Obama administration, and the Biden administration and the congressional Democrats have done an *amazing* job in the last two years, considering what they had to work with. At this point how many of us can even imagine what responsible governing looks like? Those of us who live in reasonably functional states have some idea, but nationally? You might have to go back to the 1970s or even the '60s to understand what effective government looks like.
Interesting point. The US in the 60s had an enormously strong economy, creating a society that was having many of its needs addressed; unless you were a minority. Do you feel our current economy is that strong? It would have to be, for the comparison to be viable.
The economy matters for sure, but why do you think it's especially important here? What I see when I look at the '60 is a struggle for civil rights that turned vicious, the passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts followed by a growing backlash, three major assassinations, a country increasingly bogged down in an unwinnable war (and not knowing why it was losing), and women starting to organize seriously for our economic and legal rights.
I imagine it's simply because fewer people are dissatisfied with their circumstances.
The "mob", as you put it, reminds me of the cantankerous, hardy individualist, "I'll do what I please' border marches dwellers who settled in the mountains of Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee during our nation's formative years. Having come from the borderlands that were ruled either by aristocrats and noblemen or feuding families who hated each other. All they wanted was to be beyond the reach of the King's men or the revenuers and they'd kill to maintain that level of freedom. Problem is there no place that remote anymore for them to reside.
"Brave" and "Republican" cancel each other out.
That’s a bit of a stretch. I wish the moderate republicans would put their foot down. This is setting a bad precedent for the next two years.
I wish instead for a moderate Republican speaker that would be bipartisanly voted into an overwhelming majority. Then, you can pass comprehensive law for the next two years
*Are* there any "moderate Republicans" and/or do you have a particular one in mind? It looks to me as if most of the Republican caucus, whatever their priorities, is beholden to the Trumpers and the Freedom Caucus, or at least they think they are. At this point I don't see the potential for an "overwhelming majority" on anything in this House, or in the whole Congress for that matter.
It would already be enough to take the wind out of the sails of the hot heads and deniers.
I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. Why would anyone want Rep. Jeffries to become the Democratic Speaker of a House in Republican-dominated meltdown?
Great question, and I don't know enough about how it could actually work, but at least the second person in the line of succession wouldn't be an election-denier. I am not suggesting that Democrats make this proposal - it would have to come from Republicans - and thankfully, dems seem in no hurry to help fix this mess Republicans have created.
Good point about the 2nd person in the line of succession. I'd never considered the possibility, however remote, of a President Kevin McCarthy. I'm not ready to start now. I need a drink first.
We don't need to fix their mess but we do need a government that works. I'm tired of the endless Republican shit show.,
Unfortunately, voting for Jeffries would mean leaving the Republican Party and joint the Democrats, and while that would be a good thing, it would be the end of their careers, even in districts that Biden won.
It might end Jeffries's career too, if he were stupid enough to take the job -- which he isn't. Imagine being the Democratic Speaker in a House whose fractured Republican majority can be united only around making Democrats fail.
Really good point.
Maybe, maybe not.
What concessions will those 6 (I rather want 10) Republicans require of Jefferies? Could they be senior Republican Conservatives, a delegation, going over only to present a treaty with the Democrats to engage in the work of the Congress? We're I one of those 6, I would seek co-leadership of certain committees and on investigative bodies (these will happen as long as Republicans have a majority) and we would require some other prioritization (say, around border security, debt ceiling provisions, natiinal security) to join a Democrat led coalition.
I'm still wondering why Gaetz hasn't been indicted yet. How long will it take to indict insurrection caucus members?
And those who are accused of trafficking underage women?
This is a feature not a bug for republicans. Also clearly politics trumps justice when it comes to elected republicans.
No, politics doesn't trump justice so much as it requires cast iron cases since, with their political power the Republicans could, oh, start an insurrection.
That's because Garland is so good at what he does - tight cases. Michael Moore predicted that, in addition to the normal reasons legislators leave office early, there will be Republicans who will be ousted when they are convicted. I suspect Gaetz knows he is one of the first, so has upped his game to destroy our government.
According to Washington Post article of Sept. 23, 2022 Matt Gaetz will probably not be charged. Read it and weep.
Gaetz: insurrectionist and sexual predator. That salt of the earth, church going folk who love their country would elect him to represent them is baffling.
They're not "salt of the earth church-going folk" - they're Fundamentalist scum. The Enemy.
I understand your frustration and anger, but I hope you said that in a moment of anger that slipped out of control. Badmouthing and making them the “other “ is doing exactly what the extreme members of the Republicans are doing to democrats. Criticize their policies and/or behavior without generalizing or stereotyping them. As Michele Obama said, “ When they go low, we go high.”
Sarah, thank you for quoting Michele Obama "When they go low, we go high." Let's keep that mantra going!
We need to be a force of reason during these very unreasonable days.
Um respectfully not so sure even MO agrees 100% with her statement today. I know I do not.
I consider it more of an objective description than a tit for tat. “We go high” is clearly the path we’re taking. Look at what this administration has accomplished!
Talk about being your own worst enemy! They can’t settle on SotH for cryin’ out loud, who they gonna run for POTUS? Kari Lake? Doug Mastriano? Ron Johnson? Heather quoted a day or two ago the reason some of the republicans were elected or re-elected is due to voter suppression or extreme gerrymandering.
I hope they’re taking a long hard look at PA. We took the state house, governor (again) and US senate seat. Governor-elect Shapiro has reached across the aisle to Republican Al Schmidt with a nomination for PA Sec. of the Commonwealth. Shapiro and Schmidt hold similar views, it is a step towards bringing good people back into power to who are serious about actually governing.
I agree they are fundamentalist opportunistic people. And for a progressive person, they are the enemy. Well put. How can they pray to god, be against abortion, and then support terrorists, rapers, abortion payers, misogynists?
In substance we are in agreement, TC. Nevertheless let us not stoop to the god-awful behaviors of "them." The Fundies and Evies are in league with authoritarian white male control, to their ignorance. There, that feels better.
The same church going crowd that don't mind a pussy grabbing prz.
The religious right is captured by the political far right for basically the abortion issue, or as they would call it, the sanctity of life issue. That is why everyone needs 3 guns, to protect the sanctity of life.
As of 9/23/22, 'Career prosecutors have recommended against charging Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) in a long-running sex-trafficking investigation — telling Justice Department superiors that a conviction is unlikely in part because of credibility questions with the two central witnesses, according to people familiar with the matter.'
'Senior department officials have not made a final decision on whether to charge Gaetz, but it is rare for such advice to be rejected, these people told The Washington Post, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the deliberations. They added that it is always possible additional evidence emerges that could alter prosecutors’ understanding of the case.' (WAPO)
FERN, thank you for the accurate summary on Gaetz' status. Have you ever been an Editor? Of course, one (1) of the "two [2] central witnesses" is Gaetz' '"wingman" JOEL GREENBERG who has pled guilty. I believe the Daily Beast probably still has Greenberg's lengthy Plea Agreement posted. Salud.
Good to see you, Bryan. We have quite an active and agita start to the year. Your legal expertise will be leaned upon. Salud, friend!
Been posting on Substack's Professor Vance's community & on Substack's trial attorney author, Jay Kuo. Both capable.
Just bought a subscription today on Substack to post on JWV’s newsletter. My firsts post was a rant about Mark Meadows being above the law. My second post was a rant in general. I’ll try to be a little more even handed next time!😉
Welcome aboard but, evenhanded-ness no worries. Ability to pierce legal defenses highly valued; that's what JWV used to do for a living in Court.
Huh. We’ve all seen pictures of him with his arm draped around this 17 year old’s neck in a variety of states. And we’ve seen his comments about her being a mature 17. And the drugs. And the friends, which the convicted accomplice provided in detail. What additional evidence is needed, really?
Speaking of predators—King Charles has reportedly banished Andrew from the palace, events and benefits of being a member of the royal family.
... of being a "Spare".
WHY does Gaetz still have a law license? Just checked, Florida Bar lists him as eligible to practice law. Standard of proof is not as high as criminal conviction.
Thank you, i’m Sure his daddy’s money is a factor somewhere
No doubt
I predict Gaetz WILL be convicted Fern, with more evidence, and after tRump is caged. Betting a homemade Michigan Apple Pie!
Or he will be convicted next time he preys on minors because guys like him dont just stop that kind of behavior
Sadly, you are right.
Oh, Apple Pie! Please save one for me and my Sisters IN DEMOCRACY...there are a couple of Brothers, too!
It is unfortunate that no additional evidence seems to have emerged since 9/23/22.
We don't know about that, Mim, but it has been a long time without any news.
That's a good distinction, Fern.
How can we citizens expect such a Congress to engage with hammering out something as challenging and critically needed as immigration reform? The insurrectionist supporters have rendered impossible the performing of even the simple task of choosing a House speaker. So far in 2023, they have achieved their goal -- cripple any semblance of a functional government "by and for the people."
Enough - squared to infinity! If there are a critical mass of functioning adults in Congress, we need them to assume the role of adults and act to get the nation out of this fools' circus.
Happy Insurrectionist Day - lets make it a National holiday
As I've said before, just as the GOP is in denial about global warming, the Democratic leadership is in denial about the problems created by too much immigration. I recommend the book, Back of the Hiring Line: A 200-Year History of Immigration Surges, Employer Bias, and Depression of Black Wealth on one of the problems of immigration. ***Too much*** immigration put Trump in office, and has aggravated the GOP's nuttiness. Additionally, the sheer numbers worsen every environmental problem, including CO2 emissions. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/09/15/magazine/climate-crisis-migration-america.html
But I have to say, at the moment we have more pressing problems--as outlined by HCR above--than immigration.
The Republicans have failed and or refused to do anything substantive to improve the outdated immigration rules now in place. They get far more mileage out of whining about it than they would if they participated in designing a modern and reasonable policy, don’t you think?
No. That vaunted "gang of eight" bill, which is typical, would have nearly tripled legal immigration, while doing nothing to stop illegal immigration.
To give you an idea of what mass immigration has done, in 1980, Black workers dominated in meat packing, earning a good middle class wage, sending kids to college. (See the book I ref'd in my first comment.) Immigration surged during the '80s, and by that decade's end, immigrants dominated meat packing, earning barely above minimum wage, working under atrocious conditions.
Immigration is big business' way of reducing wages. That's why Big Biz GOPers support more immigration, people like the Koch Organization, Mark Zuckerberg, George W. Bush, etc. Immigration is why workers wages have not increased over the last 40 years, despite much inflation. That Gang of 8 bill would have put more Black, white, and recent immigrant workers out of jobs, greatly aggravating the opioid crisis.
The Cotton Bill, which I think came up during the first full year of the TFG admin, went nowhere because not enough Democrats supported it, 45 didn't support it, and neither did Speaker Paul Ryan--although it came within about 25 votes to passing the House. It would have mandated E-Verify nationally, while reducing immigration from the current million-plus annually to around 750,000 annually--not enough reduction, but at least a start.
When she ran a commission under Clinton on immigration reform, the late Barbara Jordan, the Black Texas Democrat who made her name on the House Watergate Committee, recommended cutting the million annually roughly in half, and strict enforcement of immigration laws, which has not happened at least since the Reagan amnesty of 1986. But she died shortly after finishing her job, and neither Clinton nor Congress pursued putting her recommendations into law. Had her recommendations been established, Trump probably never would have gained the White House.
It's important to understand that immigration is a bipartisan issue. There are both Democrats and Republicans supporting each side of the issue.
Getting fed-up with DOJ and where is the Jack Smith Knight in Shining Armor we hoped for????
Patience.
Love that saying of your Mom´s. I think I will pass it along to my kids.
"God" needs to grant a big kick in the ass th these obvious criminals. What kind of an example (and god) does this show our children
Just returned to the US after recovering from surgery in Europe.
hope you recover fully and better than ever!
I believe MLM was referring to Jack Smith, the special prosecutor.
That confusion shows the importance of having a subject in a sentence.
I'm glad MLMinET is okay and hasn't had surgery to recover from.
I think the teflon is washing away, Liz….even for the Don. Benedict Donald is my fav name for him at the moment. Inmate No. 45 will be my fav when it happens. I agree that the indictments will start dropping, as you so poetically say…..
Liz, I agree with you. But I think they will indict the POS. I loved Greg Olear’s piece on the CI theory of Dump. It all made sense. His mob background, the ease with which he was manipulated by people far smarter than he could ever be, etc. Us New Yorkers know exactly what we were dealing with when he became potus, small letters, and still hard to believe.
Gaetz hasn't been indicted for the same reason tRUMP hasn't been indicted
ABOVE THE LAW - apparently he made bail and if they're still prosecuting his case, it isn't news. You and I would be serving time for his crimes by now but he's above the law.
Hmmm. Rich, white, influential = nolo prosecute.
and in possession of a penis. As we discovered when it became clear that Elizabeth Holmes (of Theranos infamy) was going to be used as a scapegoat for all the males who have done similar kinds of ponzi scheme stuff and gotten away with a teeny little wrist slap. Including the current crop of cryptocurrency ponzi crooks, who all seem to have made bail and are currently enjoying their freedom.
Indeed. I forgot that. How silly of me!!
Uh, the derriere does not deserve to be associated with the former guy. It is an oft beautiful part of the human body, which evolved so H. sapiens could run fast enough to pursue prey in hunter-gatherer days (no other primate species has one), as also did the Achilles tendon and the nuchal ligament (see the writings of Harvard's Daniel Lieberman), and somewhere along the way evolved into a secondary sex characteristic.
Because they have no "credible" witness to testify against Gaetz in his trafficking case..... The witnesses to Gaetz's criminal actions were criminals themselves.... Which I say BS too - I would say daddy's money is behind the reason Gaetz's isn't in jail for sexual trafficking\
criminals testify against each other all the time, so that reason is suss
not in the case of a sitting us representative and whose father is a retired state senator and very rich......
Rich old southern white guy yanking the strings .
Nailed it.
I heard an interview with Gaetz where he stated that if 6 Republicans vote for Jeffries, he (Gaetz) will resign from Congress. Sounds like a big WIN-WIN to me 😄
By someone’s count (MSNBC if memory serves), of the 139 GQP House members that voted to further the insurrection by voting to not certify the Electoral College count, 119 were re-elected to what might yet be the 118th Congress, why are none of them, along with there 7 unindicted co-conspirators in the Senate being subjected to the 14th Amendment?
121 according to Michael Moore who does better work for us on the ground than MSNBC's corporate talking heads do for us on the screen.
https://www.michaelmoore.com/p/democracys-day-of-decision
Look at that poster of 121 faces/ Then, estimate how much PAC, dark, and plutocratic money went into installing them to corrupt our government on behalf of plutocrats. What would the benefactors of American politicians do in party and campaign contributions if that money was flushed down the drain by sending these well-connected and wealthy insurrectionists out of government in one action that held them accountable?
Why are those who swore to protect the Constitution but then signed on to support undermining it by overturning our election are being seated without objection? Consider that is because those keeping silent are more tied to a code of silence to protect their plutocratic ruling class than they are to protecting us, our country, or the Constitution.
Apparently the only amendment that matters is the misinterpreted 2nd amendment. All the others are an inconvenience to be trampled over on the way to power.
Listen to Rachel Maddow's "ULTRA" podcast and you will find that the last time America Firsters tried to overthrow the government (late 1930's and early 1940's), politics did outweigh justice. Most were not indicted and those that were were not found guilty.
When I heard that I deeply wondered WHY? Why did Truman turn the other way? He’s not one to shy from a bully. I did not hear an explanation to that
Me too. That creep is also up on sex trafficking charges, if I'm not mistaken. He also looks about as stupid as a slime mold. Actually I think is stupidity stands alone.
Amen!
Quite a while, apparently.
"This culture?" Not part of the culture with which many of us identify.
To wit, I was being assertive in setting boundaries to distance myself from supporting any cultural mindset that regards assaulting people as A-OK. That applies in my awareness to any victim of assault. I'm surely redefining that boundary as I learn each day. To me, assertiveness differs greatly from defensiveness. I choose to believe in in you and in your experiences of injustice that you described above as real and valid. My apologies if you thought that I meant that you "are OK over here." Things are definitely not OK in the present system or the culture.
SNIPPETS
‘I admit it: Like many liberals, I’m feeling a fair bit of MAGAfreude — taking some pleasure in the self-destruction of the American right.’
‘This time, there has been no significant dispute about policy — Kevin McCarthy and his opponents agree on key policy issues like investigating Hunter Biden’s laptop and depriving the Internal Revenue Service of the resources it needs to go after wealthy tax cheats. Long after he tried to appease his opponents by surrendering his dignity, the voting went on.’
‘Consider the phrase (and associated sentiment), popular on the right, “owning the libs.” In context, “owning” doesn’t mean defeating progressive policies, say by repealing the Affordable Care Act. It means, instead, humiliating liberals personally — making them look weak and foolish.’
‘And a substantial part of what has been going on in the House seems to be that some Republicans who expected to own the libs after a red wave election have acted out their disappointment by owning Kevin McCarthy instead.’
‘The irony is that the MAGA movement has succeeded beyond the wildest dreams of sinister globalists (if any exist) in making America the opposite of great. Right now the world really is laughing at us, although it’s terrified, too. America is still the essential nation, on multiple fronts. When the world’s greatest economic and military power seemingly can’t even get a functioning government up and running, the risks are global.’
‘I mean, even with a speaker in place, how likely is it that the people we’ve been watching the past few days will agree to raise the debt ceiling, even if failing to do so creates a huge financial crisis? And there may be many other risks requiring emergency congressional action even before we get to that point.’
‘Of course, the world is laughing even harder at Republicans, both the ultraright refuseniks and the spineless careerists like McCarthy who helped empower the crazies. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall lose his own soul, and still not gain enough votes to become speaker of the House?’
Thanks for all of the above to Paul Krugman, Opinion columnist since 2000 at The New York Times, and also a distinguished professor at the City University of New York Graduate Center. He won the 2008 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his work on international trade and economic geography.
“Spineless careerist” so well describes Kevin McCarthy. How pathetic to end up with that appraisal of who you really are....omg.
Descriptions of Kevin McCarthy could be far worse, and indeed, here's an example:
'McCarthy: His primary objective is to become speaker, obviously. Kevin is to the gavel what Gollum was to the Ring. It’s his precious. His secondary objective is preserving his ability to make money after he’s out of politics.' ___Jonathan V. Last (Bulwark)
'Etymology. A fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. In the story, he was originally known as Sméagol and later named Gollum after his habit of making "a horrible swallowing noise in his throat". The name, Sméagol, comes from Old English smeagan' (“to burrow”).
That’s right. Kevin McCarthy is Gollum. Brilliant. How very sad and pathetic.
Lol! Sounds very phlegmy….ewwww.
Yes! He's Gollum lusting after his "precious."
🎯 Right on, Ellen!
Pat Cole, ran away with his question about punishment for the soulless. Something or someone scared that cowboy away. My answer is that Christian theology is not my racket, Pat. I know a lot more about tennis, volleyball, even badminton.
Sorry Fern. Technolarosis digitalargosis. A little known keyboard malfunction. I will paraphrase.
As a practicing Cretin I am unfamiliar with the Christian concept of Hell. (hell)? As far as I can discern, Christians go (are sent ?) there when they loose their souls. Is this performed willingly or by committee or vote? You may be familiar with Cretinism as we co-opted the Rabbi Jesus several years after he passed because the Tribe he was in looked pretty intimidating. We liked that image. However since he had already passed before we were able to co-opt him some of our tenets about souls may be suspect. Now every good Cretin keeps what is known as Barge Cement because souls have a tendency to come loose. Sometimes they become shabby and wear out as well. For those we just grab a new soul and start over. Mr. McCarthy’s soul appears to have loosened up and I could show him how to fix it unless it is wore out whereupon I would gladly gift him the soul of one of my boots. The question is will a new soul be enough?
How about pickle ball!?
Thank you, Fern McBride, for the brilliant Paul Krugman words of wisdom. Somehow the collective WE must take back our country, our nation, our Democracy and our sanity. It must be possible. Look how many of us believe in our Constitution and the values of Equality, Truth, Social Justice and Human Rights. There must be a way.
Irenie, and Fern completely agree. Let's find that way: our Constitution, values of Equality, Truth, Social Justice and Human Rights....and not be consumed by anger and frustration.
My fav from Paul “Competence has a well-known liberal bias.” From Twitter 2019
MAGAfreud, I love it (and indulge)! However, while I shed no tears for Kevin McCarthy, he has to deal with a group who want something none of the Democratic caucus ever did - the destruction of the US government. Wanting our government to fail is wanting the US to fail, and on an even larger scope, wanting Democracy to fail. 20 (though the actual number is far larger than 20, but far smaller than 222) crazies have figured out how to parallelize the US government. I don't think even Nancy Pelosi could move any of these people if she was the leader of their caucus.
This circus will go on until the MAGAs feel like they've humiliated McCarthy enough to make their point, elect him speaker, and settle in to the job of obstructing legislation until 2024. Or, cooler (saner) heads will prevail, and the unheard of option of a coalition between the 212 House Democrats and 20 or so Republicans elects a moderate Republican speaker with committees having equal numbers of Ds and Rs that shut out the crazies. As the MAGAs continue to overplay their hand, this scenario comes closer to reality. The Democrats must not overindulge in MAGAfreud (still love it!), There is real work to do.
I primarily agree, Steve. There is no happy ending here. I suggest the Dems propose to give Gollum his gavel in return for:
- agreement to rescind all rule changes negotiated with the terrorists and a commitment to abrogate all attempts to enforce them.
- agree to no more than one terrorist on each committee.
- receipt of chair on 5 committees of Dem choice and equal membership on those committees.
- current commitment to fund government and payment of all incurred debt.
Kevin might jump at the chance and can retire after two years as the hero who kept faith with America. And, the Dems will know what is to come and minimize the damages. Maybe better than this continuing trip down an unknown road with potentially worse outcomes.
Rule changes are needed to prevent this madness from ever occurring again.
Maybe the right wing extremists are in a crafted spectacle with McCarthy. He “gives in to their demands” (which as someone who flew to Mar-a-Lago to kiss trumps ring a few days after the insurrection, he is all in on wingnut obstruction, but perhaps simply wants to not appear to be). The wing-nuts keep asking for more and more, which McCarthy may be giving into because they already have an agreement. Suddenly today (Jan6th), with enough crazy concessions in place to ensure a total shitshow for the next two years in the House, they give him the votes. They and HE have achieved their goal, break the government “of the people, by the people”. We already know HE has no shame. That’s the prerequisite for a maga. I worry this spectacle is smoke and mirrors, and we are going to -again- be incredulous that the gop stooped “so low”. And they will laugh at the ultimate “owning of the Libs.”
Okay, boss!!! That's enough …and good morning __ : 0 )
In a nutshell, Fern. Thanks for the Paul Krugman Opinion.
Morning, Lynell! I do appreciate Paul Krugman's Opinion pieces.
Thanks, Fern, for sharing them.
So glad to hear from you, Ally! I have been concerned about you and Oregon in light of the weather news we here in Virginia are seeing these past few days...morning!
As well, my California/Western friends!
The "bomb cyclone" forecast is heavily aimed at the north part of California (SF and north) with some really severe rain/snow in the forecast. We're getting our usual all day rain with about .5" accumulation. Mild weather yesterday and today.
4 mid-California reservoirs are at more than 50 percent of their historical capcity at this time of year. Another "atmospheric river" will be flowing this week long before Spring run-off from the Sierras.
Thanks for sharing some Krugman. One point on which he may be incorrect: I'm not sure the "world is laughing even harder at Republicans." Putin, for one (along with other fascist leaders around the world) is celebrating the chaos at the Capitol that he has been working so diligently to create. More progressive leaders around the world are likely terrified as they watch us grapple with fascism here.
Here's hoping a few Republicans are so ashamed on this second anniversary of the insurrection that they facilitate the election of Hakeem Jeffries to be the 118th House Speaker (he typed as pigs flew around his head).
note: Credit to Timothy Snyder (The Road to Unfreedom) and Rachel Maddow (Ultra podcast) for the line of thought in paragraph one.
Yes, we should probably be looking at the long game here. That includes the "gamers" and "breakers".
Republicans have NO shame, zero, zilch, zip, nada.
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall lose his own soul, and still not gain enough votes to become speaker of the House?’ Priceless, Fern. Thank you and Paul Krugman.
You betcha, MaryB of Pasadena!
Big assumption there - no evidence (again) that Republicans have souls
Once they succeed in driving the car of US-financial-stability off the cliff, they have wrought a whole new world. Putin, Xi, bin Salman will all join together on the aircraft carrier with a big “Mission Accomplished” sign waving in the background.
As you probably know FERN, Krugman's "international trade" work goes all the way back to his graduate years when Paul was on a team on the ground in Portugal. Decades of dedication.
Bryan, My admiration and fond feeling for him are deep, and he gets funnier ___I wish the latter was happening to me.
It's okay, Fern. It's hard to make light of what's going on with fascism and cruelty becoming so entrenched.
You understand, Mim. I am surprised when somehow, I get to make someone laugh and rollick to the tunes of subscribers, family members and friends...Borowitz and a few more, what a pleasure and relief!
The Inflation Reduction Act provides for free ACIP-indicated vaccines for Medicare AND state Medicaid recipients as of 2023. Several times daily, without being political, I educate my patients on how the previous Congress was economically saavy enough to put more emphasis on disease prevention in this way, and how that saves all of us money and heartache. Most are surprised to learn that government can work for them, because that's not what they have heard from the awful talking heads for many years now. There's more to democracy than voting. We all can, and should, make the case when talking with others that government can work for us.
My cousin who just lost his wife to cancer, was lamenting the piles of paperwork he has to wade through to settle his wife's affairs. When my sister tried to blame the government for his struggles, he immediately said that it was the government that actually helped him the most!
Pass along my condolences to your cousin. Your sister sounds....interesting.
Will do, Ally. Indeed, my two MAGA sisters. One in Arizona has ditched all of us here on the East Coast. My other one who also lives in Virginia was so excited to hear from me when I called her before Christmas to tell her how much I loved her but would not be coming for Christmas dinner. Instead, my cousin (who was at my house) and I chatted over the phone with her on Christmas Day. I was so grateful that she chose her family over MAGA.
That is most definitely a win!
I'm sorry, Lynell, for your family's loss but glad your cousin appreciated the help government gave him.
Thank you, Mim. I'm just glad I could be there for my cousin for his first Christmas without his soulmate.
Thank you, thank you. As a trusted doctor, You are in a great position to educate people to the good the government does. Thanks for taking the time.
Thank you for your usual cogent and enlightening analysis. Have to say that I'm bemused but not really surprised that the disfunction is so obvious. Think Kasich had the right idea when he recommended yesterday that the moderates from both parties get together and propose a candidate -- as recently happened in the Ohio legislature (stunningly).
I strongly applaud Biden's choices for medals of honor and profiles in courage. What a tribute to many of the people who held the line under extraordinarily tough circumstances! My deepest thanks to all of them -- and those not (yet?) on the list such as the Georgia Gov and SOS, the Michigan, Arizona, and PA government and elections workers who contributed mightily -- we owe them more than words can express.
Add Brad Raffensberger, Rusty Bowers...
Bowers is on the medal list.
Agreed -- thanks for adding the names to my inadequate GA and AZ state references! Positive vibes into the universe!
Bravo Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s awesome Sec. Of State!
Kevin is looking like Charlie Brown, believing Lucy will not pull the football out this time.
Except that Charlie Brown is still somehow lovable. Kevin Is just pathetic.
Word!!!
If a laughing emoji were available, it would be right here!
Good one Evelyn. I don't know how he can even look himself in the mirror. He probably cries himself to sleep at night.
Have to say, the speeches supporting Hern and Donalds and Trump have been frightening in their reiteration of MAGA lies and Qanon conspiracies. The sickness, shared in impassioned tones makes clear that the house is infested with cuckoos and the nest needs a purging.
More like the house is infested with sewer dwelling rats and cockroaches. Everything they touch becomes unclean and unsafe for consumption.
Three days, 11 bungled votes and still no Speaker. What is the definition of insanity? Oh, yeah, repeating the same action over and over and expecting a different result. As long as the Democrats hold it together and stand united behind Hakeem Jeffries there is a chance that 6 sane, responsible Republicans will either join us or state "Present" and Hakeem is our speaker. I've already emailed and called my Congressman's office asking for a resolution to change the House rules to read "The current Speaker shall remain in office until a new Speaker is elected and sworn in" In which case the House could function and get on with the business of legislating until the recalcitrant party elected a suitable candidate. Andy Biggs, Mo Brooks, Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, and Kevin McCarthy are not suitable candidates for Speaker of the House.
Kevin apparently has no pride, or no shame. Otherwise, he’d have removed his name from consideration after the third ballot. If this is any evidence of the type of leadership he would provide as Speaker, God help us if he were to win.
Like most Republicans, he lacks integrity. Per Merriam Webster: INTEGRITY implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.
Hahaha, been gone for most of my adult life
I’m waiting for him to agree not to be speaker in order to be speaker.
I think he'd agree to be Speaker for a Day (thus fulfilling his lifelong dream) then resign and turn the gavel over to Jordan. He might even ask if he could keep the nice office he's squatting in just a little bit longer.
The label "legislative terrorists" keeps popping up to describe you know who. They haven't quite earned it yet but no doubt will soon to the nation's detriment.
Is there a way to break the impasse that would help the country during the next two years? Steve Schmidt's "The Warning" newsletter offers two intriguing scenarios, including one that would rid the House of those who aided the coup attempt. Both require non-crazy Republicans to do the unthinkable — work with Democrats now to neutralize the crazies and McCarthy.
Both scenarios make sense in a rational world, which of course means they're as likely as Lauren Boebert proposing a ban on assault weapons. But they're worth a read:
https://open.substack.com/pub/steveschmidt/p/kevins-end?r=57fmo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Excellent read, Michael! Schmidt’s newsletter warns us of one alarming possibility some of us, perhaps in an instinctually self-preserving response, have been attempting to overlook: “Kevin McCarthy is utterly unfit to be the Speaker of the House and IN THE PRESIDENTIAL LINE OF SUCCESSION.” [my emphasis].
The prospect is nightmarish!
Yes, I have been looking for a discussion about the Dems using their block to elect a moderate speaker. That Schmidt even suggested Jeffries was amazing — maybe too amazing.
Thank you for the link--The most detailed discussion of what a collaborative speakership would entail and how it could defang the MAGA crazies.
What if enough of them could be distracted by fanciful galas over the weekend to the point they don’t show up to vote thereby enabling Jeffries 212 votes to win the day. Granted it would still be a governing nightmare but at least we would have some brakes on their full on crazy 🦇💩
Schmidt yeah. Sane.
They have gone down the rabit hole. Politico reported on 12/29 that 15 Republicans in House districts won by Biden signed a letter saying they would ONLY support McCarthy for speaker.
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/12/29/battleground-republicans-vote-mccarthy-speaker-00075846
One of those is Tom Kean of NJ07 who flipped the seat red because of Democratics screwing up redistricting. I've been watching Kean sitting one seat away from McCarthy through the votes--and am close to retching. Kean refused to debate but touted his "bipartisan" credentials in the NJ legislature and the district was blizzarded with outside PAC attack ads on Tom Malinowski, the Democratic incumbent. Kean basically only said the sentence "If elected I will work across the aisle" throughout the entire campaign.
Much as we keep wanting to believe that there are still at least a handfull of upstanders among the Republicans I am not sure there are any at this point.
George Baby Kean, a totally undistinguished NJ Republican politician, was only elected to Congress became of his father namesake—Thomas Kean. Governor Kean, co-director of the 9/11 Report, is a distinguished American. His nothingburger son replaced Congressman Tom Malinowski, an outstanding member of Congress who my wife and I fulsomely supported in three campaigns.
I wish I knew the details of why Tom Malinowski was shafted in the Democratic controlled redistricting. Egregious stupidity at work.
Georgia What I heard was that the Democrats had submitted a ‘redistricting’ plan with the new census that was suitable to Tom. Then the courts threw out this plan and imposed another that, for me, sliced Tom out of District 7 and cut him out of Democratic Princeton and into less favorable territory.
One of my favorite campaign quotes: “Governor Kean emotes style. Baby Kean emotes bile.”
Keith:
https://newjerseymonitor.com/2022/02/03/n-j-congressional-map-stands-after-top-court-dismisses-gop-challenge/
"“The New Jersey Supreme Court’s ruling dismissing the Republican challenge to the adopted congressional redistricting map reinforces what we have said throughout this matter — that the map is constitutional, that the process was fair and that the outcome is in the best interests of the diverse communities that make up our state,” Democratic State Chairman LeRoy Jones said in a statement.
The Commission’s six Republican members sued Democrats and former Supreme Court Justice John Wallace after Wallace, the commission’s court-selected 13th member, cast a tie-breaking vote in favor of Democrats’ map.
The new districts’ boundaries give an edge to a handful of vulnerable Democratic House members whose districts will contain more solidly Democratic towns until at least 2032.
Of the 10 districts controlled by Democrats, only the 7th District, held now by Rep. Tom Malinowski, became more Republican. The 3rd, 5th, and 11th districts — districts the GOP believed they had a shot at winning in November — each shed GOP towns in favor of Democratic ones. The plaintiffs allege the map represents a gerrymander."
The court accepted the Democrats original redistricting plan after the GOP challenge which left NJ07 more Republican. I heartily agree Tom was an effective Representative and I supported him through all 3 of his elections. But no question he was shafted and overall that was a district which shifted the balance of the House. The devil is in the details.
“…there are still at least a handfull of upstanders among the Republicans I am not sure there are any at this point.” I am sure they would have popped their heads up by now if they existed.
Christy The House Republicans find themselves in uncharted waters where something called “principles’ is involved. McCarthy is like a streetwalker shamelessly selling his [the House’s) wares. The result almost certainly will be bad for the House and the country.
At this moment no one can determine what is the least worst alternative. One speculation is that ultimately a few ‘principled’ Republicans will reach out to Democrats to elect some moderate House speaker.
More cynically, I see a possible repeat of the year in the Roman Empire when there were four emperors (assassination was the vogue). Being Republican House speaker in 2023 could well be a slippery slope. This would be disastrous to responsible governance.
If McCarthy wins, one of his concessions will make him a hostage under constant threat of execution. Any member at any time can call a vote for the speaker's ouster. Imagine Boebert and her cohorts salivating at the idea of pulling the trigger.
Professor, you have covered the repub craziness of Congress failing to vote in a repub Speaker of the House. Kevin McCarthy and TFG don’t understand NO. This quote says it all: “Bulwark podcast host Charlie Sykes told Alex Wagner Tonight, He or she is going to be the mayor of Crazytown.” Next door to Crazytown lives the Democratic party and possibly some sane repubs who want to defect. In the meantime we hope the public is paying attention to President Biden and the Dems governing. Including some movement on immigration policies and changes. Outside of that insanity, the world still turns. And on January 6, we will remember what our hearts will never forget: the January 6 Insurrection and with our President, we honor the heroes.
I watched the insanity on TV as all did. But I thought, they have jumped the shark today, there is no way the chump nuts can survive this. Silly me… Kevin resurrected chump, now he wants to finish us off…
Jumped the shark, indeed. I cannot fathom the depths to which they have sunk.
Jan 6 2023
GOP burning down the House procedurally.
Just as they were trying to procedurally overturn the 2020 election in the Senate, before their mob interrupted.
If the Supreme Court legitimizes 'the independent legislature theory' and removes state constitution checks and balances from state regulation of elections, then in 2024, gerrymandered state legislatures can overturn Federal elections on their own. Guess who's funding the amicus briefs in favor.
lin, your comment prompted this search for “Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads. The lyrics are eerily a mirror of today’s madness in our House...
https://music.amazon.com/albums/B001OB662K?do=play&trackAsin=B001OB2I3Q&ref=dm_sh_HJZEJu5EVXrMufZxrUSASBooS
Have a good weekend!
Elisabeth, Amazon has a paywall, so here are the Talking Heads with 'Burning Down the House' on You Tube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3eC35LoF4U
"No visible means of support
And you have not seen nothin' yet"
This will stick with me today.
I Hope that this is getting major airplay across our country. Our House...
"Ah, watch out
You might get what you're after"
Yup. Just about now Republicans might be wondering about getting the majority by electing a group who make Jim Jordan look like the grown up in the room. But ... they are just the Reagan revolution wrecking crew on steroids. McCarthy is giving away the House to get their votes and then the fun starts. I feel like sending condolences and cowbells to our Democratic representatives who'll have to do the hard work.
Damn NY State's Democratic circular firing squad gerrymander overreach debacle -
“ Guess who's funding the amicus briefs in favor.”
I’m guessing your infamous Maine neighbor..
Bingo! Yup!
https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/21/21-1271/244031/20221206153808434_2022-10-25pm%20Moore%20v.%20Harper%20CLEAN2.pdf
Why would you bargain with extremist, virtual insurrectionists? Republicans are reaping what they sowed. It would be hysterical if it wasn’t our democracy.
But it is, lost my funny bone ages ago
Charles Dickens’ novels have some unforgettable characters. One of them is Uriah Heep from David Copperfield.
Dickens couldn't have known that he was describing the prototype of the most common and currently successful variety of modern Anglo-American politician.
Uriah Heep is the very incarnation of hypocrisy. He pretends humility. In fact, he is not humble at all. He is highly ambitious. He wants wealth. He wants rank and position. He requires power and influence. He is morally blind. He continues his nefarious and dishonest activities. His maliciousness is a form of motiveless malignity against human happiness itself, for he positively delights in it.
Please insert the name of Republican leader Kevin McCarthy or any of his allies.
More important than McCarthy's lack of skill as a negotiator, is his total lack of integrity, dependability, lack of interest in promoting the common good, decency, and, apparently, his lack of management skills. If House Republicans were the managers of a private concern, they would all be fired. They are the problem, not part of the solution.
"....Ralph Norman (R-SC), who wanted Trump to declare martial law in 2021 in order to retain the White House, said that McCarthy will get his vote only if he agrees not to raise the debt ceiling..."
Ralph's been in Congress since 2017. Regardless of what in 2024, Ralph will be paid ~$175,000 / year PLUS full medical benefits FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. Doesn't appear to be a solid return on our investment.
Seeking congressional office while behaving in ways that might warrant a Section 8 Dishonorable Discharge from the military shouldn't be allowed to normalize a career path or job classifications that ensures a guaranteed ~> [$4,500,000 salary pension + medical benefits] (assuming a vested Representative of 3 terms or more and living approximately 25 years after their last term expires). That is all in addition to the lobbying sinecures established for numerous retiring Congress critters. Seems like some proof of accomplishment should be required before handing over a retirement package available to almost - no one (and doesn't include the very wealthy who can self fund or self insure benefits that might be needed once out of office.
Just think of the money wasted on post-service payments to "real American" icons like Greene, Gosar, Gaetz, Jordan, Boebert, to name but a few, a group that will pass through with no accomplishments - none at all - beyond monetizing and weaponizing a platform from which to spew their toxic brand forevermore. And we're gonna need paying for their privilege. Doesn't sound like a good deal to me.
If only Justice were on the horizon, but alas, the horizon gives no hint. But dark clouds gather…
Ralph Norman, Legislative terrorists sounds appropriate to me. Not raising the debt ceiling would be catastrophic, cost trillions to the economy, it would cause unimaginable harm and catastrophe worldwide. Every business and home would suffer. Crazy town is an understatement.