McCarthy now has powerless power and has slid into leaderless leadership. The outcome of the mid-terms was promising. Maybe, just maybe McCarthy's creation of an empty speakership while the circus runs rings around him will be enough to convince just a few more voters to support Democrats -- for all of the reasons alliterated alphabetically by the Honorable Hakim Jeffries.
McCarthy now has powerless power and has slid into leaderless leadership. The outcome of the mid-terms was promising. Maybe, just maybe McCarthy's creation of an empty speakership while the circus runs rings around him will be enough to convince just a few more voters to support Democrats -- for all of the reasons alliterated alphabetically by the Honorable Hakim Jeffries.
I listened to it off of Dan Rather's Steady substack. One reader commented she was the kind of person who "drifted off" while listening to speeches and sermons, as do I. But Hakeem's speech had her focused all the way through, and then inspired. Me, too!
There have to be a lot of Republicans who were appalled by that disgraceful spectacle. That guy from Alabama who tried to go after Gaetz should have been going after McCarthy instead. So maybe that's just how lost the party is.
I am skeptical that many or any Republicans were offput by the spectacle of failure, disorder, rudeness and arrogance since, as far as I can tell, they all have those problems internally.
Yes and their stated goal is deconstruction of the administrative state. No matter how many times they say it and demonstrate it, so many of us aren’t willing to acknowledge it, especially in the very important, 4th estate.
Yes. It's one of the reasons why I'm not keen on the proposed attempt by some Democrats to 'further humiliate' McCarthy (or, for that matter, most of the rest of the Republican representatives) -- it's really not possible to humiliate someone who has no shame.
The Representative verbally attacking Gaetz, Mike Rogers, is an insurrectionist. “Rogers is one of 147 Republican lawmakers who voted to overturn results in the 2020 presidential election.” So is Hudson, the Representative that physically shut him down. They are anti-democracy, anti voting rights, anti-women, anti-lgbtq, racist, and pro reckless ownership and use of guns, just like Gaetz. Their difference from Gaetz is that they hold leadership positions in McCarthy’s Party of Fascism.
They are both trained speakers and it it a joy to listen to either of them. I spent 4 years at a Black seminary. as one of only 5 white students. It was an aural orgy!
As I listened, I could hear the beautiful cadences and linguistic style of many of the sermons I have heard from Black preachers. I was also watching the sign language interpreter as his graceful movements caught the poetry of Jeffries speech. And me here by myself, calling out "Amen" as the spirit moved, feeling for that while that we were all listening, and calling out together.
With his "thank you" to Trump for securing the last few "present" votes, McCarthy basically said he wants to hand the 2024 Republican presidential nomination to 45. What a tool. May his groveling come back to end all their careers.
By secret ballot, insurrectionists were elected into all the leadership positions in their party. Not a single member of their party was willing to vote for the esteemed Jeffries over those insurrectionists. We have warriors leading the fight for democracy! Their work will be unpleasant, unsafe and formidable. We should not underestimate the leadership of the Fascist Party. We have for far too long. Their autocratic and deceitful ways are different and difficult for good people to acknowledge. It is our grave error to underestimate them. Our good and selfless leaders need all the support we can muster.
Another reason for hope and even optimism: The House Democrats are organized and focused on what they're doing in Congress. The Republicans -- well, we've seen where they're at. A cohesive minority can make headway against a schismatic (sorry, I love that word!) majority. Didn't we just see that in action? In that case, the minority was 100% focused on obstruction, The Dem minority is much larger and focused on making things happen that will benefit the majority's constituents. McCarthy's control over the Freedom Caucus is zero, but his control over other House Republicans isn't great either. Some will be willing and able to cooperate with Dems for constructive ends. I'm not nearly as pessimistic as some seem to be -- and boy, am I glad that the Republican margin in the House is as slim as it is.
Hey, Susanna. I just watched Hakeem Jeffries' interview on Meet the Press this morning. His every answer invoked what he is trying to accomplish for the American people. Such a stark contrast to what we hear on the other side.
Yes, good going, Gary, for labeling K. McCarthy a 'powerless-leaderless' politician. I would add, a 'memorable gavel swinging, smiling public spectacle'.
McCarthy now has powerless power and has slid into leaderless leadership. The outcome of the mid-terms was promising. Maybe, just maybe McCarthy's creation of an empty speakership while the circus runs rings around him will be enough to convince just a few more voters to support Democrats -- for all of the reasons alliterated alphabetically by the Honorable Hakim Jeffries.
DIdn’t you just love Hakeem’s speech? It was a breath of fresh air....and yes, “powerless power” and “leaderless leadership”. Sad but perfect.....
I listened to it off of Dan Rather's Steady substack. One reader commented she was the kind of person who "drifted off" while listening to speeches and sermons, as do I. But Hakeem's speech had her focused all the way through, and then inspired. Me, too!
There have to be a lot of Republicans who were appalled by that disgraceful spectacle. That guy from Alabama who tried to go after Gaetz should have been going after McCarthy instead. So maybe that's just how lost the party is.
Jim,
I am skeptical that many or any Republicans were offput by the spectacle of failure, disorder, rudeness and arrogance since, as far as I can tell, they all have those problems internally.
Yes and their stated goal is deconstruction of the administrative state. No matter how many times they say it and demonstrate it, so many of us aren’t willing to acknowledge it, especially in the very important, 4th estate.
Yes. It's one of the reasons why I'm not keen on the proposed attempt by some Democrats to 'further humiliate' McCarthy (or, for that matter, most of the rest of the Republican representatives) -- it's really not possible to humiliate someone who has no shame.
The Representative verbally attacking Gaetz, Mike Rogers, is an insurrectionist. “Rogers is one of 147 Republican lawmakers who voted to overturn results in the 2020 presidential election.” So is Hudson, the Representative that physically shut him down. They are anti-democracy, anti voting rights, anti-women, anti-lgbtq, racist, and pro reckless ownership and use of guns, just like Gaetz. Their difference from Gaetz is that they hold leadership positions in McCarthy’s Party of Fascism.
I sure did!!
Gary, the Hon. Jeffries could preach a Black pastor off his pulpit....
Equal to Obama I say.
Another breakout, real, leader from the Democrat Party.
My thought exactly...Obama style oratory.
Maybe, Guy, except for Rev Warnock, wouldn't you say?
Totally agree Lynell.
They are both trained speakers and it it a joy to listen to either of them. I spent 4 years at a Black seminary. as one of only 5 white students. It was an aural orgy!
How interesting, Gus. I'm sure your time at the seminary was well spent. And,
I, too, enjoy listening to both of them when they speak!
Wow!
I just love your turn of phrase! Oral Orgy!
Gus, That must have been an amazing experience! Be well friend.
As I listened, I could hear the beautiful cadences and linguistic style of many of the sermons I have heard from Black preachers. I was also watching the sign language interpreter as his graceful movements caught the poetry of Jeffries speech. And me here by myself, calling out "Amen" as the spirit moved, feeling for that while that we were all listening, and calling out together.
Amen, Annie!
I think you are right. It should influence most independents, and a few R’s, hopefully.
With his "thank you" to Trump for securing the last few "present" votes, McCarthy basically said he wants to hand the 2024 Republican presidential nomination to 45. What a tool. May his groveling come back to end all their careers.
Yes, Ruth, may it end all their careers. Such a pathetic human being: Qevin McTaliban, a hollow shell.
By secret ballot, insurrectionists were elected into all the leadership positions in their party. Not a single member of their party was willing to vote for the esteemed Jeffries over those insurrectionists. We have warriors leading the fight for democracy! Their work will be unpleasant, unsafe and formidable. We should not underestimate the leadership of the Fascist Party. We have for far too long. Their autocratic and deceitful ways are different and difficult for good people to acknowledge. It is our grave error to underestimate them. Our good and selfless leaders need all the support we can muster.
Another reason for hope and even optimism: The House Democrats are organized and focused on what they're doing in Congress. The Republicans -- well, we've seen where they're at. A cohesive minority can make headway against a schismatic (sorry, I love that word!) majority. Didn't we just see that in action? In that case, the minority was 100% focused on obstruction, The Dem minority is much larger and focused on making things happen that will benefit the majority's constituents. McCarthy's control over the Freedom Caucus is zero, but his control over other House Republicans isn't great either. Some will be willing and able to cooperate with Dems for constructive ends. I'm not nearly as pessimistic as some seem to be -- and boy, am I glad that the Republican margin in the House is as slim as it is.
Hey, Susanna. I just watched Hakeem Jeffries' interview on Meet the Press this morning. His every answer invoked what he is trying to accomplish for the American people. Such a stark contrast to what we hear on the other side.
His remarks begin at approx. min. 23:25
https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press-full-episodes
Susanna, let’s get that Repugnant margin down to minus and beat them in 2024! Starting yesterday!
Yes, good going, Gary, for labeling K. McCarthy a 'powerless-leaderless' politician. I would add, a 'memorable gavel swinging, smiling public spectacle'.
At one point I swear I thought McCarthy was going to kiss his gavel.
Yes, just before he destroyed the podium with it.
What is the playbook for breaking ridiculous spectacles? Each week expect a new one from the 21 extremists.
The same old playbook, ted: Comedy & Tragedy & a water hose.
Well said Gary; all of it.
Excellent assessment, Gary. Thanks!
Great response.
Well done, Gary!