Heather What about “priority recognition” by the VP bypassing McConnell? I am re-posting a comment made by Joan Friedman who said we could share this information. It would seem foolhardy not to use this opening out of nicey niceness when so much is at stake and vulnerable for beneficial legislation to be squelched let alone brought before congress. No? Joan FriedmanNov 21
There will be a way to break McConnell's chokehold even if the Republicans maintain a Senate majority. To quote a post on FB by Linda Brown: "Even if the Democrats don’t win control of the Senate, there is a legal, Constitutional way to strip Mitch McConnell of his power for good: priority recognition.
According to Article I, Section 3, Clause 4 of the Constitution, the Vice President is also the President of the Senate. The Majority Leader is not a position that exists anywhere in the Constitution. The reason that the Majority Leader has near-dictatorial powers to control floor votes is because of a tradition that dates back to 1937. The tradition is that the Vice President gives the floor leaders priority recognition. Most notably, this is not a rule in the Senate.
As President of the Senate, Vice President Harris could give any senator priority recognition. That senator could then decide on all legislation that is brought before the entire Senate. Even with a minority in the Senate, Vice President Harris could simply give Chuck Schumer priority recognition. He could decide what is voted on and what isn’t.
This would change everything. Without Mitch McConnell to hide behind, the moderate Republican Senators would be forced to vote down every Cabinet member, bill, resolution, everything that Harris would want done. Without McConnell, anything even remotely popular with at least two senators would pass. Including getting a cabinet assembled.
I see some debate as to what the Senate rules do and due not permit. I encourage everyone to read this article on the actual written rules and why the Majority Leader is so powerful today. It should be noted, however, unlike the House of Representatives, a large part of the Senate rules is tradition. As Mitch McConnell will gladly tell you, tradition is not written rule.
Also, This wouldn’t be the first time Schumer has done something like this. And yes, while there’s the possibility of rule changes, they cannot change the Constitution. At the end of the day, Madame Vice President Harris is President of the Senate. Period. Not Mitch McConnell."
This is amazing! And worth a try. First, though, let's do everything we can to get Osfoff and Warnock elected. Isn't it amazing how much Trump's efforts are likely to help us?
I had JUST come here to see if anyone had brought this up! I'd love to hear Dr. HCR's take on this, too. Four years ago, it would have made me really anxious for when a R admin with a D-majority Senate comes along, but now I'm thinking the Republican party as it stands is toast, and am feeling all bets are off at this point in order to get something done in the Senate. (Thanks, Martha.)
On her 4 o’clock video chat this afternoon Heather addressed this head on. Worth a listen cuz she’s thorough and thoughtful. Initially she questioned the source’s reference so that was a cautionary flag. She did say that yes, it could happen were VP Harris to choose to follow that route. She said there were other ways possible but that this did remain an option. More a “let’s wait and see” response.
There couldn't be a better pick for Secretary of Treasury than Janet Yellen. She has done research and papers on poverty, on the gender wage gap, on income disparity and policy responses, and importance of trade liberalization. And this position will give her the Triple Crown of Economics. If she could put in place policies that will stop and reverse income disparity I will be a very happy camper!
A very big "IF" as things look currently. I think she will be long gone before the results of her foundation work really tilt that particular curve given the state of the parties at State and Federal level. The deadlock is what needs busting ...and once and for all. And that is not all in the Treasury's bailiwick.
That was my inherent optimism raising its head. At least Janet Yellen will address these issues whether she can break the deadlock or not which is a lot more than anyone else is doing right now. And, I'm not going to underestimate this woman. I always had the last laugh when people would underestimate me and thought I wouldn't be able to pull off what I did! Come on, Steve, try a dose of optimism today. They say a pessimist is never disappointed but I think I've accomplished more with my optimism.
Who's this Steve guy? I'm Not underestimating Janet Yellen nor the difficulty of the task in front of her. I followed her closely with the Feds and 2021 will be a very difficult Year.
I am an optimist yes...but first and foremost a realist who gets things done...just like you!
Sorry, Stuart, I was just corresponding with a client named Steve. Not awake yet this morning! I describe myself as a pragmatic optimist. I hope she can see a realistic path that others haven't and will go for it!
No problem Cathy. Late afternoon and light will soon fade here. It is important to hope...but much moreso to see further than the others and wider so that you pick up all the real causes and not just the symptomes. Then to be able to see the widest and deepest effects and impacts of a move made to solve a problem.
I often remember Einsteins quote when asked what he would do if he only had 1 hour to save the world..."i'd take 50 minutes to be sure i had the right question and then the answer is easy"
I like that quote. Einstein was not only a genius but also wise. That was always my approach to advanced development. Which approach among several should we take? Rather than take the one that looks most promising, then it doesn't pan out and you then have to go with your second choice which you know little about to get a product out. It is so cold here today! Stay warm.
“I think in light of her combative and insulting comments about many members of the Senate, mainly on our side of the aisle, that it creates certainly a problematic path,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R., Texas) on Monday. He said Republicans were willing to work with Mr. Biden, but Ms. Tanden “strikes me as maybe his worst nominee so far.”
Two individuals are combative and make insulting comments. One (the Dumpster Fire - also an unqualified guy) gets elected as President of the USA. A woman (as a candidate for a management role of which she is fully qualified) gets labeled as difficult and she is assured her confirmation path will be difficult.
I believe this is documented sufficiently in volumes 33-37 of The Book of Double Standards. . . . Which incidentally sits right next to the Binders Full of Women at your local library.
Deafening silence. Isn't there a law somewhere against a very public call to kill ("Krebs shoud be drawn and quartered. He should be taken out and shot.") a U.S. government official?
Isn’t this like shouting fire in a theatre in that it is NOT protected speech under the first amendment? This behavior should not only be called out, it should be called illegal. I’m just tired and angry that these dangerous morons are still allowed to threaten others. Recently there was a post on one of my Biden friendly Facebook groups asking if people had put Biden signs and stickers on their property and cars. Overwhelming the responses were no because of the fear of the Trump supporters doing damage to their cars, homes and them. Our country has fallen so far.
I live in a small college town in blood red rural Indiana. When Biden won the popular vote I wanted to get a caravan of cars and go honking around the courthouse like the Trump caravans had done on at least two occasions before the election. It was a pipe dream because too risky. When the vote count was announced we couldn’t celebrate. One blue neighbor went out and gave a whoop of victory and the neighborhood dogs started to bark. That was it. The blue vote is in the minority and most didn’t dare put out yard signs. Many were actually fearful of who knows what. Small town. Armed camouflage patriots were out there in some small towns intimidating voters just with their presence. Friends that live in the country are armed. This is Pence country. When Trump got COVID-19 I wished for his full recovery because we don’t want Pence at the helm for the next eight years. Face mask wearing is a casual affair despite being mandated. A friend was at Walmart with her face mask on and came upon a woman without one in an aisle. She gesticulated toward her face mask and raised her eyebrows to get the woman’s attention. It became a scene for it drew out management who threatened to oust my friend from the store for causing a commotion.😳
I agree completely. And I had to put my Biden signs up 35 miles away in a very public spot on friend's farmlands because I knew I couldn't safely put them on my own property. Yes, something MUST be done about this.
I can look at this both ways. First, I don't condone Ms. Tanden's insulting comments. That's one thing I hope will disappear with the new administration. But, second, my Senators complaint that this is enough withhold her confirmation is hippocritical considering his silence with the soon-to-be former President. But, in all, President elect Biden should have the Cabinet he wants. He's doing a great job showing what real representative government looks like.
Biden’s choices have been inspired. His choice of Tanden, less so IMO.
The conversation that was meant to be private was unfortunate, but not disqualifying. But this appointment is the single choice among a group of highly qualified candidates that smacks of political payback.
Tanden does not appear to have any qualifications beyond her years of work in the political trenches. That work may be appropriate for a purely political position, and OMB does have a strong political component, but I would prefer someone in the position who had some background in economics or business – or both.
Cornyn is the worst hypocrite in Texas. He's turned into a Twitter pundit who lies and cries just like his old boss, Trump. He's a dinosaur. Texas deserves better, but turning this state blue again will apparently not happen in my lifetime.
Leah, Have faith it will. Every day the people become just a little bit more progressive. Every day more of the dinosaurs pass on to their eternal rewards and so do their votes and opinions.
Don't give up on turning Texas blue. And, yes, we deserve better and will get there. I thought Beto was just one election too soon but maybe it is two or three...
Trump nominated people who had criticized the offices they were to oversee —EPA and Education for example, and expected them to be loyal to him and not the American taxpayers. To Cornyn and the rest of the Repub hypocrites: glass houses, stones! Bring it!
The GOP responses will show whether or not they will continue to try to cripple the government. But this time it will be resistance to qualified nominees. Four years ago it was their eagerness to install unqualified outsiders.
This is their final chance to show their interest or (continued) disinterest in actually governing the nation. If the latter, the GOP is truly on a death spiral as a viable political party.
I also doubt she will be confirmed, but seriously combative & insulting comments(?) I really dont think she can compare with the Repubs SERIOUSLY COMBATIVE & INSULTING comments! And as far as "willing to work with Biden" other than a few - the Repubs really dont seem to be filled with cooperation on anything. Possibly THAT might change - maybe?.
This Wisconsinite is pretty proud tonight. I'm treasuring this feeling because I know it's a long way to January 20th and we'll have to hear much more whiny treacle from 45 and his flunkies (I'm looking at *you*, Ron Johnson.) Related question: how do we recall an incompetent senator that keeps pushing conspiracy theories?????
Thank you, Heather. You are my touchstone and keeper of my sanity these many months.
And speaking of generators......I have the eerie feeling it’s time to purchase a portable one. This is not a political comment but certainly an environmental one....hence a political one.
I agree - had a portable one for couple years but my son had to come over & start it, & one time in the winter he had to actually plow the road & almost couldnt get here (and hes only 5 minutes away!) so about 3 years ago I bought an automated one. It has paid its way with the several numbers of outages we have had. Such a luxury to see the lights blink & know within several seconds, power will be back on! Thinking about how dependent we are on our electricity can be depressing!
Wrap yourselves up in plenty of warm comforters. We have 51 days for this storm to continue to brew.
Happily, the states who Fake 45 ordered a recount, all certified that Biden won. Unfortunately, we will not see the last of him because he will place himself in the state of Georgia when the runoffs are supposed to go on.
Kudos to Biden for putting together a strongly diverse female communications team. So far, even though Joe has appointed familiar faces, there are still many positions that can be filled with young progressives and I truly hope that happens.
I am beginning to believe more clearly that Ossoff and Warnock might just prevail. The way tRump, Loeffler and Perdue have gone after the voters of GA suggesting their votes didn't count may end up biting them in the ass. Trying to influence Raffensperger may have angered enough voters that they will be certain to vote. Someone here suggested maybe Biden should make a visit to the state as we get closer to the election. Not a bad idea. I heard yesterday already a huge number of requests for vote-by-mail ballots have been received...."and you know who is more likely to be asking for them," so the reporter said. You know that Stacey Abrams is working 24/7 to get those voters out and to the polls. I continue to write 5 postcards daily asking people to vote, vote, vote...that their votes will be counted and meaningful.
Thank you. I wonder what the chances are that both Ossoff and the Reverend will both win. Trump has decided to campaign in Georgia for his candidates.
Its a shame that the Democrats apart from ejecting the circus clown have been soundly thrashed in the down ballots and senate races (Cunningham , Gideon et al). I don't think we really connect with the people wants and work with them.
As Shumer said over the weekend, Ginsburg's death allowed Collins to "look good" with her calls not to fill the seat before the election, which led to Gideon's defeat, while Cunningham's "inability keep his fly zipped" dropped things there.
The Democratic Left is going to have to wake up to the fact that the House losses came in previously-Republican seats that were "flipped" in 2018 by R-leaning independents and suburban R women who wanted to vote against Trump. In 2020 they could vote directly against Trump by voting for Biden (who didn't win for anything other than being "not Trump") and then vote for the "normal" Republicans they wanted to vote for down-ballot. Outside of a minority of House districts and a minority of states, what the Left proposes is not that popular now, as a result of 40 years of Republican myth-making and the Right Wing Noise Machine. The Left also needs to look objectively at history and realize they got "a fourth of a loaf" twice in the last 100 years: the first part of the New Deal before the progressive majority was broken in the 1942 election, and Johnson's civil rights legislation before Vietnam overwhelmed things. Just because everyone you know agrees with you doesn't mean everyone else will, too. I don't take any joy in pointing that out, but 50+ years of political involvement leaves me largely disappointed with who/what become "leadership" on the left too often.
I especially liked "...In 2020 they could vote directly against Trump by voting for Biden...and then vote for the "normal" Republicans they wanted to vote for down-ballot..."
In my view "The Left" is largely MIA. The Progressive Movement is growing, but it is exceedingly difficult to tease out anything resembling a unifying vision for a better world and a better life in a sustainable future. Left-leaning voices are all over the map, disjointed, searching for a narrative that will unify The Left, and ideally everyone else as well.
The Republicans have it easy. They don't need to invent a better world. They can simply try to keep the world in which they grew up, and with which they feel familiar. The Progressive Left must try to chart a course into a long-term future for Earth that will leave the planet habitable for all Life in various forms, for many generations into the future. Success in that endeavor will necessarily entail changes in the way we live our lives. It would be nice if anyone could persuade the conservatives to look forward with enthusiasm to a better world.
While the "left wing-progressive" elements of the Democratic Party and their policy proposals are mostly held fairly firmly at the fringes by the Party Establishment.... other than in the "noise" ratings of course... with little chance of converting their Centrist Democratic colleagues or indeed the rest of the American voting population, internal political responsibilty is not imposed by their "possibility, or near probability, of success". (See 2020 non-Presidential election results)
It's funny because you get the same ill-discipline in most of the left-leaning parties in Europe that haven't recently met much electoral success. A particularly good example are the Green Parties in their myriad splinters; seemingly incapapable of sorting out amongst themselves what they represent never mind explaining themselves to an electorate without piggy-backing on a "united left" platform. The parties that achieved such strict internal discipline in the past around the world have been largely extremist, such as the Communist parties, and have often been successful only by taking power by force.....and now they are mostly languishing in the tail of the extremes of the various political wings (left and right), unable to once again conjure up that internal discipline that was key to their initial successes and unable in this day and age to show any relevance.
If the Left-of Center, Progressive elements of the Democratics want to change their party then they need to firstly define very clearly what they do agree about rather than what seperates them. A certain breadth of opinion is of course absolutely necessary for success in attracting sufficient popular support in environments where the use of armed force is out of the question. If they want the Democratic Establishment to listen rather than merely "register the noise level" then they should consider giving themselves some real political leverage. The way to do that could be to form a "Sister Party" that would negotiate an alliance with the rest of the Democratic fold and have its own electoral profile and role. Without the votes that support the "Progressive's ideas there will be very few Democratic Governments at State in the furture and no chance at Federal power as the Democratic Party support would be split; a negotiated electoral alliance would be the only solution. As allied, but seperate, parties you would both have clearer profiles and much less internal conflict getting in the way of achieving your key objectives.
So much has to be re-thought from scratch. Everything should be on the table including winner take all which leaves 50% of the voting citizens unrepresented. What about apportioning representation depending on number of votes cast and this way marginal candidates/ parties can have a seat at the table and some voice. I admit right off I’m not that knowledgeable as to what it would take… Is it the two party system winner that has a chokehold on winner take all? Everything needs to be re-thought…So much destruction of institutions has occurred under the Trump administration that rebuilding needn’t be cookie-cutter reproduction of what was before. Take it advantage of the opportunity to fix what’s broke and improve on what could be improved.
I think the Democratic Socialists of America (a political organization rather than a party) suffer from using 'socialists' in their name. Wouldn't deter me from joining if they ever registered as a party, but then I've never found 'socialism' to be a dirty word.
I think both the GOP and the Democratic Party (and ultimately, the country) would benefit from splitting into at least two factions. We talk a lot about the splintering within the Democratic Party here, but the GOP is showing increasing signs of a similar problem. The Lincoln Project, Republican Voters Against Trump, and a few more elected Congressional members each week indicate that the GOP is by no means monolithic in its aims.
Your description of the splintered left in Europe made me think of the scene in Monty Python's "Life of Brian" when the Judean People’s Front, the People’s Front Of Judea, and the Judean People’s Popular Front sat in the Coloseum (I think that's were they were) arguing over which political faction best represented the people!
I did a bit at the beginning when it was on the equivalent of PBS here (Arte). Macciavelli doesn't just inhabit the right wing of the political spectrum.
Otherwise, i tend to watch television a little after supper (french hours and not US of course) with my wife and she is not interested....so we compromise away from politics and crime...unless it's a good old western gungslining movie!
Yes, Borgen! I stuck with it and was ready to abandon but it picked up and I am on episode 11 out of 30. It’s stunning how it parallels in many regards the shenanigans and dealings and alliances to make government work in this case the danish welfare state led by a woman Prime Minister. What I find refreshing is all the characters are flawed. Worth watching.
Thanks for the tip about Borgen. We were not aware of it at all. We've been watching a lot of Brit detective series -- Morse, Endeavor, Vera, Lynley -- to distract us from the noise from the soon-to-be-former president*. Sometimes we listen to podcasts relevant to the current political scene.
The critics at Rotten Tomatoes give Borgen 100% and viewers give it 96%, so it must be outstanding.
One possibility are the German twins...Merkel's mob and the Bavarians. Between them the cover the country and much of the right. Given that they have been in government for so long with the Socialists as junior partners a space has opened up even further to the right; the new "opposition" ultras.
Otherwise you could look at recent Spanish experience wher both rigt and left had "Sister" splits.
Closer to home you could look at the split engendered by Teddy RoosEvelt of the Progressives from the Republicans for the 1912 elections.
I agree with you. Dems are notoriously bad at messaging. Only Obama’s “Yes We Can.” (Axelrod) caught fire in my memory. (Maybe also Clinton’s “It’s The Economy Stupid!” Carvile) If you accept as I do that we need a Marshall Plan for the gutted Middle Class, is “Build Back Better” the best Biden can do for a slogan? Do you have any ideas, given your writing ability? Thanks. ❤️🤍💙
System won't allow a simple "like" to your comment. Ergo, deathless prose from Barbara. "Dems are notoriously bad at messaging." Amen to that! Ridin' with Biden and Build Back Better are poster-memes for a process that must have gone like this: "Hey, I know! Let's use rhymes and alliteration!! Catchy, eh? People will love that! Go!"
Not “deathless prose.” Keep at it. Yes re Dems suck at messaging. It was Newt Gingrich who realized “language matters.” GOP hired pollster Frank Luntz as message spin master who coached GOP on how to word or avoid wording agendas. He advised GOP on how to sound environmentally friendly such as in the “clean skies initiative“ which did not cut pollution and cleaned out air but was actually an industry wishlist that allowed Industry to increase pollution over longer periods of time and consequently rollback much of “the clean air act.” (Nader.house.gov).In 2001, he changed the discussion from “global warming” to “climate change” to counter the cause from human activity to natural causes + it sounded less severe. Masterful and it took hold. (Now claims he was wrong.) Meanwhile Dems remained tongue-tied and came across as ineffectual and inept.I’m not advocating churning out misinformation and playing dirty, but word choice in messaging can be transparent, truthful and persuasive. Why do the Dems lag behind in this department?😳
It might also be that condensing our messages into sound bites and slogans is counter-intuitive and counter-productive for those of us who believe that it takes a good deal of discussion and elucidation to get all the needed information into a speaking point, by which time those we are trying to reach have either fallen asleep, switched channels/websites/social media platforms, or gone away for a bathroom break; thereby preventing us from getting the intended point into the minds of those we seek to influence.
[I intentionally made that sentence as long as possible. ;) ]
Here's another famous quote from President Bill Clinton: "It all depends on what the meaning of the word is is." As for a Biden slogan, I'll need to think on that for a while. Here's one for the elite Democrats to consider for winning more elections: "Listen to the people in the hollers and the hoods."
You're probably right. I sort of like it because I can pack all of my own meaning into each word - "build" means jobs; "back" means repairing destroyed institutions and systems; "better" means progressing beyond the old 'normal'. Of course, those who came up with it may have had none of that in mind...
I think there is a "natural selection" happening. Fusty old white guys in charge will fade away by age and deselection. Younger Americans are "progressive" by the fact of their racial or ethnic origins, which is increasingly non-white and integrated. They will seek a fairer deal for themselves. The one item that may yet unite us, if we can get past the rhetoric, is climate warming and the horrific outcomes we'll continue to see. Almost all current evils can be related to climate change: rampant viruses, displacement and migration in the southern half of the world, food shortages, unrest in the oil producing middle East, et al. The one thing I don't get is the number of American women who disdain the movement of other women toward equality and improvement of all lives. Ladies, what say you?
In her book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent, Isabel Wilkerson dives deep into how caste shapes the choices people make. Equality cannot exist if caste is to remain in effect - it requires someone to be in a lower position than you for you to maintain your own status. Improving the lives of ALL people means those who perceive themselves to be in the upper caste would feel downgraded while they would perceive those who are viewed as in the lower caste as being upgraded. If you feel your status will be downgraded by someone else being elevated, you will vote against anything that moves that change forward as a matter of self preservation. She makes very convincing arguments for examining how the differences between race, class, and caste impact our thoughts and ultimately, our world.
Hope, this is exactly my series of thoughts. I have female neighbors and relatives - professionals/working women - who voted for Trump. I don't get it. Amy Coney Barrett? Please! You put it very eloquently. "Ladies, what say you?" xx
Gideon’s loss goes much deeper than Collins’ ongoing attempts to appear moderate. Gideon never expanded her base beyond the her own Portland and South Coast base and wasn’t hugely popular there.
Tough lessons to be learned here and it's not just about money. The mistake mustn't be made of believing that the loss was due to a poor explication of values, objectives and strategies. The UK Labour Party did this after their recent massacre in Nation Elections and are now in an ideological mist and electoral nomansland. People want to vote for people who truly trust and who understand their needs and will represent them in political decision-making. They are not so keen on those telling them what they SHOULD want!
Nicole Wallace had a piece yesterday implying that Loeffler and Perdue have been criss crossing the state encouraging republicans to vote. They are worried that tRumps calls for a rigged election in GA will keep people from voting as their votes "won't count." I do believe there can be wins for both Ossoff and Warnock...but that may be my wishful thinking.
Wishful thinking can be turned into reality by donations to Ossoff and Warnock and by mailing postcards. Buy the cards and stamps yourself locally and get the names and addresses to mail them to by visiting https://www.mobilize.us/trnindivisible/event/362341/ That part is free.
The fact that Trump lost and many Republican candidates won indicates ONLY that a LARGE percentage of voters did not like Trump, but LOVED his core policy, namely the restoration of white supremacy in America. Democrats can only "connect" with Republicans by becoming an equally racist party. Hopefully that will never happen.
Consider, though, that if the Black voters come out in mass and vote for Warnock, as they did for Biden, that will bode well for Ossoff. Also, Warnock is very engaging in addition to being a strong candidate, and many White voters like him, so that could also help boost Ossoff, who is not terribly engaging. He's very bright and focused, but everyone knows that personality plays a strong role. In addition, there are new, credible accusations against Perdue for insider trading, and Kelly Loeffler didn't do herself much good by aligning herself with QAnon, as well as going on the attack (with Perdue) against Brad Raffensperger.
I thought Ossoff was going to win over Karen Handle and figured Kemp tainted that election. Ossoff is quite engaging in person and very reachable. I think he needs help not looking like a deer in headlights when interviewed. That one clip from the debate is more like the Ossoff I heard speak at a friend’s home.
You're right. He was an absolute tiger in the debate - the reason that Perdue won't agree to another one! The difference between this election and when he challenged Handel is that he can't be considered a new interloper - another plus for him. Someone needs to coach him on his ads.
The Council of Economic Advisors nominees, Rouse, Bernstein, and Boushey, are progressives, not centrist, and that's just what we need in these troubled economic times with growing income and wealth inequality and with too many "you're on your own" ("YOYOs") voters we need the "We're In This Together" (WITTs) gang to shake things up and stand up for the little guy.
Perfect! I am thinking of the YOYOs on the Judiciary committee who tied themselves in knots defending the YO-YO in chief. What a different year this would have been if they only had a brain.
Thank you Heather, be safe. We all must help by donating Time and Dollars for the Georgia Democratic Candidates for Senate. It is our only hope to neutralize McConnell.
and it struck me that, contrary to what the GOP has been pushing for years, it takes more than tax cuts for the already well off to create/sustain an economy. Like most structures, it begins at ground level. Without a strong ground level foundation, there can be no penthouse suite.
The Wall St. moguls have spent forty years telling us to kowtow to the 'creator class' - them. But all they do is make money from money; they don't produce a damn thing. It's not as if we're still buying shares of ownership in REAL blood and guts companies with our 401ks. We're participating in the Wall St. casino, and you know what they say about who always wins in the casino...........................
Not a bad result. She was on record supporting Social Security cuts. I'd rather have someone else. Preferably as progressive as can get through the Senate.
As glad as I am to see the certifications of election results prove that the votes went to Biden/Harris we will not be done with the orange monstrosity in the WH until Jan 20, 2021,sigh.
I had read the article about priority recognition that is mentioned earlier by Martha Opdahl, https://www.senate.gov/reference/Sessions/Traditions/Priority_recognition.htm and while this would seem to be a very logical answer to the morass in the senate, we can all help to make the run-off election in GA tip blue and make this an unnecessary option.
Prof Richardson I hope you have power this morning.
While I have been stewing over apparent lack of recognition by the political money machines in line to promote Warnock and Ossof, I was reminded by a friend of Stacey Abrams absolute competence in getting out the vote. I will be donating to her organization today. She will be fully engaged in registering new voters in this final week before registration closes. If you wish to contribute monies, I believe Stacey’s organization is the best bang for my buck.
Heather What about “priority recognition” by the VP bypassing McConnell? I am re-posting a comment made by Joan Friedman who said we could share this information. It would seem foolhardy not to use this opening out of nicey niceness when so much is at stake and vulnerable for beneficial legislation to be squelched let alone brought before congress. No? Joan FriedmanNov 21
There will be a way to break McConnell's chokehold even if the Republicans maintain a Senate majority. To quote a post on FB by Linda Brown: "Even if the Democrats don’t win control of the Senate, there is a legal, Constitutional way to strip Mitch McConnell of his power for good: priority recognition.
According to Article I, Section 3, Clause 4 of the Constitution, the Vice President is also the President of the Senate. The Majority Leader is not a position that exists anywhere in the Constitution. The reason that the Majority Leader has near-dictatorial powers to control floor votes is because of a tradition that dates back to 1937. The tradition is that the Vice President gives the floor leaders priority recognition. Most notably, this is not a rule in the Senate.
As President of the Senate, Vice President Harris could give any senator priority recognition. That senator could then decide on all legislation that is brought before the entire Senate. Even with a minority in the Senate, Vice President Harris could simply give Chuck Schumer priority recognition. He could decide what is voted on and what isn’t.
This would change everything. Without Mitch McConnell to hide behind, the moderate Republican Senators would be forced to vote down every Cabinet member, bill, resolution, everything that Harris would want done. Without McConnell, anything even remotely popular with at least two senators would pass. Including getting a cabinet assembled.
I see some debate as to what the Senate rules do and due not permit. I encourage everyone to read this article on the actual written rules and why the Majority Leader is so powerful today. It should be noted, however, unlike the House of Representatives, a large part of the Senate rules is tradition. As Mitch McConnell will gladly tell you, tradition is not written rule.
Also, This wouldn’t be the first time Schumer has done something like this. And yes, while there’s the possibility of rule changes, they cannot change the Constitution. At the end of the day, Madame Vice President Harris is President of the Senate. Period. Not Mitch McConnell."
Ms.Brown is correct - this chokehold stands on a mere custom introduced in 1937. https://www.senate.gov/reference/Sessions/Traditions/Priority_recognition.htm
Given the past, present and clearly intended future abuse of this custom by McC, VP Harris would be wise to adopt a different custom.
This is amazing! And worth a try. First, though, let's do everything we can to get Osfoff and Warnock elected. Isn't it amazing how much Trump's efforts are likely to help us?
Heather addresses this issue head on on her 4 o’clock afternoon video politics chat this afternoon. Here’s the link: https://fb.watch/26Arkp0Eb9/
I had JUST come here to see if anyone had brought this up! I'd love to hear Dr. HCR's take on this, too. Four years ago, it would have made me really anxious for when a R admin with a D-majority Senate comes along, but now I'm thinking the Republican party as it stands is toast, and am feeling all bets are off at this point in order to get something done in the Senate. (Thanks, Martha.)
On her 4 o’clock video chat this afternoon Heather addressed this head on. Worth a listen cuz she’s thorough and thoughtful. Initially she questioned the source’s reference so that was a cautionary flag. She did say that yes, it could happen were VP Harris to choose to follow that route. She said there were other ways possible but that this did remain an option. More a “let’s wait and see” response.
https://fb.watch/26Arkp0Eb9/
Thanks for alerting me to Heather's talk this afternoon. I watched the whole thing.
Heather addresses priority recognition on her 4 o’clock video politics chat this afternoon. Here’s the link https://fb.watch/26Arkp0Eb9/
Martha, I too would like to hear Dr. R's take on this.
https://fb.watch/26Arkp0Eb9/
Thanks, Martha. I watched and heard her remarks!
Lynell, see above reply.
https://fb.watch/26Arkp0Eb9/
There couldn't be a better pick for Secretary of Treasury than Janet Yellen. She has done research and papers on poverty, on the gender wage gap, on income disparity and policy responses, and importance of trade liberalization. And this position will give her the Triple Crown of Economics. If she could put in place policies that will stop and reverse income disparity I will be a very happy camper!
A very big "IF" as things look currently. I think she will be long gone before the results of her foundation work really tilt that particular curve given the state of the parties at State and Federal level. The deadlock is what needs busting ...and once and for all. And that is not all in the Treasury's bailiwick.
That was my inherent optimism raising its head. At least Janet Yellen will address these issues whether she can break the deadlock or not which is a lot more than anyone else is doing right now. And, I'm not going to underestimate this woman. I always had the last laugh when people would underestimate me and thought I wouldn't be able to pull off what I did! Come on, Steve, try a dose of optimism today. They say a pessimist is never disappointed but I think I've accomplished more with my optimism.
Who's this Steve guy? I'm Not underestimating Janet Yellen nor the difficulty of the task in front of her. I followed her closely with the Feds and 2021 will be a very difficult Year.
I am an optimist yes...but first and foremost a realist who gets things done...just like you!
Sorry, Stuart, I was just corresponding with a client named Steve. Not awake yet this morning! I describe myself as a pragmatic optimist. I hope she can see a realistic path that others haven't and will go for it!
No problem Cathy. Late afternoon and light will soon fade here. It is important to hope...but much moreso to see further than the others and wider so that you pick up all the real causes and not just the symptomes. Then to be able to see the widest and deepest effects and impacts of a move made to solve a problem.
I often remember Einsteins quote when asked what he would do if he only had 1 hour to save the world..."i'd take 50 minutes to be sure i had the right question and then the answer is easy"
I like that quote. Einstein was not only a genius but also wise. That was always my approach to advanced development. Which approach among several should we take? Rather than take the one that looks most promising, then it doesn't pan out and you then have to go with your second choice which you know little about to get a product out. It is so cold here today! Stay warm.
I am ignoring this comment today. Today is HOPE!
OMB Pick Neera Tanden Draws GOP Fire
“I think in light of her combative and insulting comments about many members of the Senate, mainly on our side of the aisle, that it creates certainly a problematic path,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R., Texas) on Monday. He said Republicans were willing to work with Mr. Biden, but Ms. Tanden “strikes me as maybe his worst nominee so far.”
- WSJ 30 Nov 2020
And here we go ...
Two individuals are combative and make insulting comments. One (the Dumpster Fire - also an unqualified guy) gets elected as President of the USA. A woman (as a candidate for a management role of which she is fully qualified) gets labeled as difficult and she is assured her confirmation path will be difficult.
I believe this is documented sufficiently in volumes 33-37 of The Book of Double Standards. . . . Which incidentally sits right next to the Binders Full of Women at your local library.
Let’s listen for the Republican response to these combative comments: https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/30/politics/joe-digenova-attorney-trump-campaign-chris-krebs-violence/index.html
Deafening silence. Isn't there a law somewhere against a very public call to kill ("Krebs shoud be drawn and quartered. He should be taken out and shot.") a U.S. government official?
Isn’t this like shouting fire in a theatre in that it is NOT protected speech under the first amendment? This behavior should not only be called out, it should be called illegal. I’m just tired and angry that these dangerous morons are still allowed to threaten others. Recently there was a post on one of my Biden friendly Facebook groups asking if people had put Biden signs and stickers on their property and cars. Overwhelming the responses were no because of the fear of the Trump supporters doing damage to their cars, homes and them. Our country has fallen so far.
I live in a small college town in blood red rural Indiana. When Biden won the popular vote I wanted to get a caravan of cars and go honking around the courthouse like the Trump caravans had done on at least two occasions before the election. It was a pipe dream because too risky. When the vote count was announced we couldn’t celebrate. One blue neighbor went out and gave a whoop of victory and the neighborhood dogs started to bark. That was it. The blue vote is in the minority and most didn’t dare put out yard signs. Many were actually fearful of who knows what. Small town. Armed camouflage patriots were out there in some small towns intimidating voters just with their presence. Friends that live in the country are armed. This is Pence country. When Trump got COVID-19 I wished for his full recovery because we don’t want Pence at the helm for the next eight years. Face mask wearing is a casual affair despite being mandated. A friend was at Walmart with her face mask on and came upon a woman without one in an aisle. She gesticulated toward her face mask and raised her eyebrows to get the woman’s attention. It became a scene for it drew out management who threatened to oust my friend from the store for causing a commotion.😳
Wish there was a "sad face" option to reply to your comment. Truly awful.
Martha, has it always been like this where you live or is this a result of support for 45?
I agree completely. And I had to put my Biden signs up 35 miles away in a very public spot on friend's farmlands because I knew I couldn't safely put them on my own property. Yes, something MUST be done about this.
Now that is clever and funny, Laurie! Where can I purchase these volumes? :)
Goose and Gander at play here except it's always been what's good for the goose is NOT good for the gander.
I can look at this both ways. First, I don't condone Ms. Tanden's insulting comments. That's one thing I hope will disappear with the new administration. But, second, my Senators complaint that this is enough withhold her confirmation is hippocritical considering his silence with the soon-to-be former President. But, in all, President elect Biden should have the Cabinet he wants. He's doing a great job showing what real representative government looks like.
Biden’s choices have been inspired. His choice of Tanden, less so IMO.
The conversation that was meant to be private was unfortunate, but not disqualifying. But this appointment is the single choice among a group of highly qualified candidates that smacks of political payback.
Tanden does not appear to have any qualifications beyond her years of work in the political trenches. That work may be appropriate for a purely political position, and OMB does have a strong political component, but I would prefer someone in the position who had some background in economics or business – or both.
OMB was not supposed to be a partisan operation....until Trump had them stop Ukraine funding! This is a management role.
Cornyn is the worst hypocrite in Texas. He's turned into a Twitter pundit who lies and cries just like his old boss, Trump. He's a dinosaur. Texas deserves better, but turning this state blue again will apparently not happen in my lifetime.
Leah, Have faith it will. Every day the people become just a little bit more progressive. Every day more of the dinosaurs pass on to their eternal rewards and so do their votes and opinions.
Don't give up on turning Texas blue. And, yes, we deserve better and will get there. I thought Beto was just one election too soon but maybe it is two or three...
Trump nominated people who had criticized the offices they were to oversee —EPA and Education for example, and expected them to be loyal to him and not the American taxpayers. To Cornyn and the rest of the Repub hypocrites: glass houses, stones! Bring it!
Well, it’s Cornyn. Since he is not one to have an original thought, I am guessing he was sent on a smear mission by McConnell.
So attacking her comments on Twitter about members of the Senate ...but Trump’s Twitter feed is ok. This is the height of hypocrisy.
Never mind that her criticism may well be warranted...these are not self-aware ppl. (In fact, I don’t actually know what she said.)
The GOP responses will show whether or not they will continue to try to cripple the government. But this time it will be resistance to qualified nominees. Four years ago it was their eagerness to install unqualified outsiders.
This is their final chance to show their interest or (continued) disinterest in actually governing the nation. If the latter, the GOP is truly on a death spiral as a viable political party.
I also doubt she will be confirmed, but seriously combative & insulting comments(?) I really dont think she can compare with the Repubs SERIOUSLY COMBATIVE & INSULTING comments! And as far as "willing to work with Biden" other than a few - the Repubs really dont seem to be filled with cooperation on anything. Possibly THAT might change - maybe?.
This Wisconsinite is pretty proud tonight. I'm treasuring this feeling because I know it's a long way to January 20th and we'll have to hear much more whiny treacle from 45 and his flunkies (I'm looking at *you*, Ron Johnson.) Related question: how do we recall an incompetent senator that keeps pushing conspiracy theories?????
Thank you, Heather. You are my touchstone and keeper of my sanity these many months.
FIFTY DAYS
Wisconsinites are deservedly proud.
Ron Johnson is so pathetic. Seems to be trying so hard to be relevant ... or something. Work to get rid of this conspiracy theorist next time he’s up.
Pathetic is the perfect description of Ron Johnson.
Such a hope-filled letter tonight! 🙏🏼
Thank you, Heather.
There was just one tiny typo.
I hope your power returns soon. Meanwhile, I hope the generator runs long enough to keep you warm so you can sleep well tonight.
And speaking of generators......I have the eerie feeling it’s time to purchase a portable one. This is not a political comment but certainly an environmental one....hence a political one.
I agree - had a portable one for couple years but my son had to come over & start it, & one time in the winter he had to actually plow the road & almost couldnt get here (and hes only 5 minutes away!) so about 3 years ago I bought an automated one. It has paid its way with the several numbers of outages we have had. Such a luxury to see the lights blink & know within several seconds, power will be back on! Thinking about how dependent we are on our electricity can be depressing!
Why did he have to come over and start it.? Is it that difficult? I live alone also
I couldnt always get it started - knew how - but it just didnt always take off. So didnt do me much good if I couldnt get it running!
And the letter was Elegant!! Thank You!
Wrap yourselves up in plenty of warm comforters. We have 51 days for this storm to continue to brew.
Happily, the states who Fake 45 ordered a recount, all certified that Biden won. Unfortunately, we will not see the last of him because he will place himself in the state of Georgia when the runoffs are supposed to go on.
Kudos to Biden for putting together a strongly diverse female communications team. So far, even though Joe has appointed familiar faces, there are still many positions that can be filled with young progressives and I truly hope that happens.
Let’s see: trump paid $3M for a recount in Wisconsin which netted Biden 87 additional votes. That’s $34,482.75 per vote for Biden.
Did he write them a check? Did it clear?
That is a question that should be followed up on! What city is it that is STILL trying to get paid for one of his rallies?
I'm trying to find out if RNC ever paid debt to D.C. for 2017 Inauguration. This is the latest I could find about that: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/trump-still-owes-dc-7-million-in-inauguration-costs-as-he-plans-july-fourth-gala/2019/06/13/c55565b6-8df5-11e9-8f69-a2795fca3343_story.html
I am beginning to believe more clearly that Ossoff and Warnock might just prevail. The way tRump, Loeffler and Perdue have gone after the voters of GA suggesting their votes didn't count may end up biting them in the ass. Trying to influence Raffensperger may have angered enough voters that they will be certain to vote. Someone here suggested maybe Biden should make a visit to the state as we get closer to the election. Not a bad idea. I heard yesterday already a huge number of requests for vote-by-mail ballots have been received...."and you know who is more likely to be asking for them," so the reporter said. You know that Stacey Abrams is working 24/7 to get those voters out and to the polls. I continue to write 5 postcards daily asking people to vote, vote, vote...that their votes will be counted and meaningful.
Thank you. I wonder what the chances are that both Ossoff and the Reverend will both win. Trump has decided to campaign in Georgia for his candidates.
Its a shame that the Democrats apart from ejecting the circus clown have been soundly thrashed in the down ballots and senate races (Cunningham , Gideon et al). I don't think we really connect with the people wants and work with them.
As Shumer said over the weekend, Ginsburg's death allowed Collins to "look good" with her calls not to fill the seat before the election, which led to Gideon's defeat, while Cunningham's "inability keep his fly zipped" dropped things there.
The Democratic Left is going to have to wake up to the fact that the House losses came in previously-Republican seats that were "flipped" in 2018 by R-leaning independents and suburban R women who wanted to vote against Trump. In 2020 they could vote directly against Trump by voting for Biden (who didn't win for anything other than being "not Trump") and then vote for the "normal" Republicans they wanted to vote for down-ballot. Outside of a minority of House districts and a minority of states, what the Left proposes is not that popular now, as a result of 40 years of Republican myth-making and the Right Wing Noise Machine. The Left also needs to look objectively at history and realize they got "a fourth of a loaf" twice in the last 100 years: the first part of the New Deal before the progressive majority was broken in the 1942 election, and Johnson's civil rights legislation before Vietnam overwhelmed things. Just because everyone you know agrees with you doesn't mean everyone else will, too. I don't take any joy in pointing that out, but 50+ years of political involvement leaves me largely disappointed with who/what become "leadership" on the left too often.
Excellent analysis.
I especially liked "...In 2020 they could vote directly against Trump by voting for Biden...and then vote for the "normal" Republicans they wanted to vote for down-ballot..."
In my view "The Left" is largely MIA. The Progressive Movement is growing, but it is exceedingly difficult to tease out anything resembling a unifying vision for a better world and a better life in a sustainable future. Left-leaning voices are all over the map, disjointed, searching for a narrative that will unify The Left, and ideally everyone else as well.
The Republicans have it easy. They don't need to invent a better world. They can simply try to keep the world in which they grew up, and with which they feel familiar. The Progressive Left must try to chart a course into a long-term future for Earth that will leave the planet habitable for all Life in various forms, for many generations into the future. Success in that endeavor will necessarily entail changes in the way we live our lives. It would be nice if anyone could persuade the conservatives to look forward with enthusiasm to a better world.
While the "left wing-progressive" elements of the Democratic Party and their policy proposals are mostly held fairly firmly at the fringes by the Party Establishment.... other than in the "noise" ratings of course... with little chance of converting their Centrist Democratic colleagues or indeed the rest of the American voting population, internal political responsibilty is not imposed by their "possibility, or near probability, of success". (See 2020 non-Presidential election results)
It's funny because you get the same ill-discipline in most of the left-leaning parties in Europe that haven't recently met much electoral success. A particularly good example are the Green Parties in their myriad splinters; seemingly incapapable of sorting out amongst themselves what they represent never mind explaining themselves to an electorate without piggy-backing on a "united left" platform. The parties that achieved such strict internal discipline in the past around the world have been largely extremist, such as the Communist parties, and have often been successful only by taking power by force.....and now they are mostly languishing in the tail of the extremes of the various political wings (left and right), unable to once again conjure up that internal discipline that was key to their initial successes and unable in this day and age to show any relevance.
If the Left-of Center, Progressive elements of the Democratics want to change their party then they need to firstly define very clearly what they do agree about rather than what seperates them. A certain breadth of opinion is of course absolutely necessary for success in attracting sufficient popular support in environments where the use of armed force is out of the question. If they want the Democratic Establishment to listen rather than merely "register the noise level" then they should consider giving themselves some real political leverage. The way to do that could be to form a "Sister Party" that would negotiate an alliance with the rest of the Democratic fold and have its own electoral profile and role. Without the votes that support the "Progressive's ideas there will be very few Democratic Governments at State in the furture and no chance at Federal power as the Democratic Party support would be split; a negotiated electoral alliance would be the only solution. As allied, but seperate, parties you would both have clearer profiles and much less internal conflict getting in the way of achieving your key objectives.
So much has to be re-thought from scratch. Everything should be on the table including winner take all which leaves 50% of the voting citizens unrepresented. What about apportioning representation depending on number of votes cast and this way marginal candidates/ parties can have a seat at the table and some voice. I admit right off I’m not that knowledgeable as to what it would take… Is it the two party system winner that has a chokehold on winner take all? Everything needs to be re-thought…So much destruction of institutions has occurred under the Trump administration that rebuilding needn’t be cookie-cutter reproduction of what was before. Take it advantage of the opportunity to fix what’s broke and improve on what could be improved.
I think the Democratic Socialists of America (a political organization rather than a party) suffer from using 'socialists' in their name. Wouldn't deter me from joining if they ever registered as a party, but then I've never found 'socialism' to be a dirty word.
I think both the GOP and the Democratic Party (and ultimately, the country) would benefit from splitting into at least two factions. We talk a lot about the splintering within the Democratic Party here, but the GOP is showing increasing signs of a similar problem. The Lincoln Project, Republican Voters Against Trump, and a few more elected Congressional members each week indicate that the GOP is by no means monolithic in its aims.
And probably a great deal more destruction to come befor the Phoenix arises...and this throughout the world.
Your description of the splintered left in Europe made me think of the scene in Monty Python's "Life of Brian" when the Judean People’s Front, the People’s Front Of Judea, and the Judean People’s Popular Front sat in the Coloseum (I think that's were they were) arguing over which political faction best represented the people!
This does offer a viable path forward. BTW, Are you watching Borgen on Netflix?!!!:)❤️🤍💙
I did a bit at the beginning when it was on the equivalent of PBS here (Arte). Macciavelli doesn't just inhabit the right wing of the political spectrum.
Otherwise, i tend to watch television a little after supper (french hours and not US of course) with my wife and she is not interested....so we compromise away from politics and crime...unless it's a good old western gungslining movie!
Yes, Borgen! I stuck with it and was ready to abandon but it picked up and I am on episode 11 out of 30. It’s stunning how it parallels in many regards the shenanigans and dealings and alliances to make government work in this case the danish welfare state led by a woman Prime Minister. What I find refreshing is all the characters are flawed. Worth watching.
Thanks for the tip about Borgen. We were not aware of it at all. We've been watching a lot of Brit detective series -- Morse, Endeavor, Vera, Lynley -- to distract us from the noise from the soon-to-be-former president*. Sometimes we listen to podcasts relevant to the current political scene.
The critics at Rotten Tomatoes give Borgen 100% and viewers give it 96%, so it must be outstanding.
Any historical "sister parties" we can learn from?
One possibility are the German twins...Merkel's mob and the Bavarians. Between them the cover the country and much of the right. Given that they have been in government for so long with the Socialists as junior partners a space has opened up even further to the right; the new "opposition" ultras.
Otherwise you could look at recent Spanish experience wher both rigt and left had "Sister" splits.
Closer to home you could look at the split engendered by Teddy RoosEvelt of the Progressives from the Republicans for the 1912 elections.
Thanks. I agree with what you've said here, so now we have the basis for a Mutual Agreement and Admiration Society. :-)
Really enjoyed your thoughts here. ❤️🤍💙
I agree with you. Dems are notoriously bad at messaging. Only Obama’s “Yes We Can.” (Axelrod) caught fire in my memory. (Maybe also Clinton’s “It’s The Economy Stupid!” Carvile) If you accept as I do that we need a Marshall Plan for the gutted Middle Class, is “Build Back Better” the best Biden can do for a slogan? Do you have any ideas, given your writing ability? Thanks. ❤️🤍💙
System won't allow a simple "like" to your comment. Ergo, deathless prose from Barbara. "Dems are notoriously bad at messaging." Amen to that! Ridin' with Biden and Build Back Better are poster-memes for a process that must have gone like this: "Hey, I know! Let's use rhymes and alliteration!! Catchy, eh? People will love that! Go!"
Not “deathless prose.” Keep at it. Yes re Dems suck at messaging. It was Newt Gingrich who realized “language matters.” GOP hired pollster Frank Luntz as message spin master who coached GOP on how to word or avoid wording agendas. He advised GOP on how to sound environmentally friendly such as in the “clean skies initiative“ which did not cut pollution and cleaned out air but was actually an industry wishlist that allowed Industry to increase pollution over longer periods of time and consequently rollback much of “the clean air act.” (Nader.house.gov).In 2001, he changed the discussion from “global warming” to “climate change” to counter the cause from human activity to natural causes + it sounded less severe. Masterful and it took hold. (Now claims he was wrong.) Meanwhile Dems remained tongue-tied and came across as ineffectual and inept.I’m not advocating churning out misinformation and playing dirty, but word choice in messaging can be transparent, truthful and persuasive. Why do the Dems lag behind in this department?😳
It might also be that condensing our messages into sound bites and slogans is counter-intuitive and counter-productive for those of us who believe that it takes a good deal of discussion and elucidation to get all the needed information into a speaking point, by which time those we are trying to reach have either fallen asleep, switched channels/websites/social media platforms, or gone away for a bathroom break; thereby preventing us from getting the intended point into the minds of those we seek to influence.
[I intentionally made that sentence as long as possible. ;) ]
I have no idea why they lag. Absence of visionary leadership? Perhaps too many cooks in the dems kitchen. xx
Exactly! I just sighed when I read both. xx
LOL, Barbara...yes!
Build with Biden....Go Joe.....Biden the Builder........Yes We Can Again....
Here's another famous quote from President Bill Clinton: "It all depends on what the meaning of the word is is." As for a Biden slogan, I'll need to think on that for a while. Here's one for the elite Democrats to consider for winning more elections: "Listen to the people in the hollers and the hoods."
Yes Richard and take action
I also think that slogan is unimaginative.
You're probably right. I sort of like it because I can pack all of my own meaning into each word - "build" means jobs; "back" means repairing destroyed institutions and systems; "better" means progressing beyond the old 'normal'. Of course, those who came up with it may have had none of that in mind...
I think there is a "natural selection" happening. Fusty old white guys in charge will fade away by age and deselection. Younger Americans are "progressive" by the fact of their racial or ethnic origins, which is increasingly non-white and integrated. They will seek a fairer deal for themselves. The one item that may yet unite us, if we can get past the rhetoric, is climate warming and the horrific outcomes we'll continue to see. Almost all current evils can be related to climate change: rampant viruses, displacement and migration in the southern half of the world, food shortages, unrest in the oil producing middle East, et al. The one thing I don't get is the number of American women who disdain the movement of other women toward equality and improvement of all lives. Ladies, what say you?
In her book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent, Isabel Wilkerson dives deep into how caste shapes the choices people make. Equality cannot exist if caste is to remain in effect - it requires someone to be in a lower position than you for you to maintain your own status. Improving the lives of ALL people means those who perceive themselves to be in the upper caste would feel downgraded while they would perceive those who are viewed as in the lower caste as being upgraded. If you feel your status will be downgraded by someone else being elevated, you will vote against anything that moves that change forward as a matter of self preservation. She makes very convincing arguments for examining how the differences between race, class, and caste impact our thoughts and ultimately, our world.
Hope, this is exactly my series of thoughts. I have female neighbors and relatives - professionals/working women - who voted for Trump. I don't get it. Amy Coney Barrett? Please! You put it very eloquently. "Ladies, what say you?" xx
Gideon’s loss goes much deeper than Collins’ ongoing attempts to appear moderate. Gideon never expanded her base beyond the her own Portland and South Coast base and wasn’t hugely popular there.
Tough lessons to be learned here and it's not just about money. The mistake mustn't be made of believing that the loss was due to a poor explication of values, objectives and strategies. The UK Labour Party did this after their recent massacre in Nation Elections and are now in an ideological mist and electoral nomansland. People want to vote for people who truly trust and who understand their needs and will represent them in political decision-making. They are not so keen on those telling them what they SHOULD want!
Nicole Wallace had a piece yesterday implying that Loeffler and Perdue have been criss crossing the state encouraging republicans to vote. They are worried that tRumps calls for a rigged election in GA will keep people from voting as their votes "won't count." I do believe there can be wins for both Ossoff and Warnock...but that may be my wishful thinking.
Wishful thinking can be turned into reality by donations to Ossoff and Warnock and by mailing postcards. Buy the cards and stamps yourself locally and get the names and addresses to mail them to by visiting https://www.mobilize.us/trnindivisible/event/362341/ That part is free.
I already write for https://postcardstovoters.org/
Lotsa places on line to get this done ... Important thing is to do it!
The fact that Trump lost and many Republican candidates won indicates ONLY that a LARGE percentage of voters did not like Trump, but LOVED his core policy, namely the restoration of white supremacy in America. Democrats can only "connect" with Republicans by becoming an equally racist party. Hopefully that will never happen.
Well stated! That’s the heart of it
Low. More likely that Rev. Warnock has a better chance.
Consider, though, that if the Black voters come out in mass and vote for Warnock, as they did for Biden, that will bode well for Ossoff. Also, Warnock is very engaging in addition to being a strong candidate, and many White voters like him, so that could also help boost Ossoff, who is not terribly engaging. He's very bright and focused, but everyone knows that personality plays a strong role. In addition, there are new, credible accusations against Perdue for insider trading, and Kelly Loeffler didn't do herself much good by aligning herself with QAnon, as well as going on the attack (with Perdue) against Brad Raffensperger.
I thought Ossoff was going to win over Karen Handle and figured Kemp tainted that election. Ossoff is quite engaging in person and very reachable. I think he needs help not looking like a deer in headlights when interviewed. That one clip from the debate is more like the Ossoff I heard speak at a friend’s home.
You're right. He was an absolute tiger in the debate - the reason that Perdue won't agree to another one! The difference between this election and when he challenged Handel is that he can't be considered a new interloper - another plus for him. Someone needs to coach him on his ads.
The Council of Economic Advisors nominees, Rouse, Bernstein, and Boushey, are progressives, not centrist, and that's just what we need in these troubled economic times with growing income and wealth inequality and with too many "you're on your own" ("YOYOs") voters we need the "We're In This Together" (WITTs) gang to shake things up and stand up for the little guy.
Perfect! I am thinking of the YOYOs on the Judiciary committee who tied themselves in knots defending the YO-YO in chief. What a different year this would have been if they only had a brain.
Queue Wizard of Oz...
Thank you Heather, be safe. We all must help by donating Time and Dollars for the Georgia Democratic Candidates for Senate. It is our only hope to neutralize McConnell.
Again Stacey Abrams is a major reason for Biden’s win in GA. Contact her organization or fairfight.com to help with registering voters in GA.
I was just reading Neil Irwin's Upshot piece in today's NYTimes https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/01/upshot/economic-boom-possible-covid.html?action=click&module=Well&pgtype=Homepage§ion=The%20Upshot
and it struck me that, contrary to what the GOP has been pushing for years, it takes more than tax cuts for the already well off to create/sustain an economy. Like most structures, it begins at ground level. Without a strong ground level foundation, there can be no penthouse suite.
The Wall St. moguls have spent forty years telling us to kowtow to the 'creator class' - them. But all they do is make money from money; they don't produce a damn thing. It's not as if we're still buying shares of ownership in REAL blood and guts companies with our 401ks. We're participating in the Wall St. casino, and you know what they say about who always wins in the casino...........................
Looks like Neera Tanden is going to be the "sacrificial lamb" to the GOP in confirmation, i.e., she goes down and the rest get approved.
Not a bad result. She was on record supporting Social Security cuts. I'd rather have someone else. Preferably as progressive as can get through the Senate.
That was my thought, too. She isn’t too popular with progressives either. So, she was a curious Biden choice from all angles. ❤️🤍💙
Thank you - and your generator! Stay safe and well and warm!
As glad as I am to see the certifications of election results prove that the votes went to Biden/Harris we will not be done with the orange monstrosity in the WH until Jan 20, 2021,sigh.
I had read the article about priority recognition that is mentioned earlier by Martha Opdahl, https://www.senate.gov/reference/Sessions/Traditions/Priority_recognition.htm and while this would seem to be a very logical answer to the morass in the senate, we can all help to make the run-off election in GA tip blue and make this an unnecessary option.
Prof Richardson I hope you have power this morning.
While I have been stewing over apparent lack of recognition by the political money machines in line to promote Warnock and Ossof, I was reminded by a friend of Stacey Abrams absolute competence in getting out the vote. I will be donating to her organization today. She will be fully engaged in registering new voters in this final week before registration closes. If you wish to contribute monies, I believe Stacey’s organization is the best bang for my buck.
I agree, David - thats what I felt too - sent a little.
Heather addresses this issue head on on her 4 o’clock video politics chat Tues afternoon. Here’s the link: https://fb.watch/26Arkp0Eb9/
Thank you! Hope you get your power back.