I now have no faith in any part of our government actually functioning in any logical or moral manner. All the MSNBC lawyers declared for months that SCOTUS would never, just NEVER actually give DJT total immunity, it was just too, TOO outrageous. They would never, just NEVER overturn R v W, there was just too much precedent. Look at how SCOTUS trashed our civilized norms already. Why should the GOP now not confirm a Putin lover for DNI or a sex offender for DOJ. Nothing is too horrible to happen.
I agree. Everyone around me continues to think I am overreacting and that it could never get as bad as I imagine in “America”. But there is so much evidence, as you mention, to believe nothing is too horrible to happen.
I said this earlier but I think it fits here too - "the myth of American exceptionalism is dead." I think that myth is part of the source of our current problems (a small part but a part none-the-less). Too many people think "it won't happen here" but in reality, we're people, just like people around the world. A lot of how our government operates - and "the people" who that government represents - was/is based on shared goals, norms and values. When these change, so can the county. We NEED to understand that it CAN happen here. We are all connected.
Any kind of all or nothing thinking is dangerous. There goods and bads in every moment, every person, every movement, every era. Our education system would benefit from focusing on critical think and analysis more than simply having the right answer. The authoritarian mindset loves black and white and appeals to people who don't want to think. But back and white thinking will end up facing unwanted and unexpected complexity sooner or later.
He is not smart and only has 2 years in the Senate. He has no leadership qualities, no charisma, and and no Republican has any allegiance to him. He will be toast in no time if he is ever president.
He will be a puppet of Peter Thiel who does have more experience in power and manipulation and will have a front (Vance) to take any hits. At the moment it looks a bit to me like an arm wrestling competition between Thiel and Musk is being set up by fate. Let's hope they don't end up finding too much common cause.
Wait. Not so fast. Trump’s devoted followers are latched on to a demagogue. History shows quite clearly that demagogues cannot be replaced. No matter whether the aspiring replacement has brains or a rich backer, they will never have the right Koolaid.
And Trump is doing exactly what he said he would do. Friends of mine, Republicans, said that he didn't mean what he said. Well, now it is obvious that he DID mean it. The question is, will the cowards who got him elected will now behave differently and at least put their fingers in the dyke of damage that is already starting to happen!
If the senators set to oppose these nominations are threatened with being primaried in 2026, then the GOP will fall into line. Like they always do. Trump gets what he wants, always.
It will be interesting to see how hearings are conducted. Republicans will want to rush through them. It will be interesting to see whether Democrats will summon the smarts to (1) work together in questioning, (2) avoid outrage, and (3) expose the nominees’ lack of qualifications so it’s obvious to Americans of all political viewpoints.
Democrats badly botched the Kavanaugh hearings. Let’s hope the upcoming hearings aren’t a repeat of that debacle.
The only hope here is that Senators serve 6 year terms so only some of them will be running for reelection any time soon. I agree with you about their fear of primaries and maybe even worse threats of physical harm, since Trump has blanket immunity!
I very much fear, as Joe would say "This is not a joke. I am being serious" that he will suspend the mid-terms. What's to stop him? He told a crowd in Florida that, if elected ,they would never have to vote again.
Our country is in a new moment. It's hard for people to believe that, and the toxically positive people don't want to. To each his own, I suppose. We really need our down the ladder folks, reps and governors, to hold tight to the law, and fight at each breach of the wall. We need to write our reps and governors letting them know how we feel.
I just happened to have written my two (thankfully Dem) senators earlier this morning. It was a small thing I could do that would help stop me from crying.
Everyone, please feel free to copy and use as a starting point to contact your own reps:
"I just want to continue to be vocal about how terrified I and at least half of the country are right now. We are feeling helpless and need our Democratic leaders to step up and prevent the Titanic from hitting the Trump iceberg.
Congress is the only branch left standing against the incoming fascist administration, and that's only for a few more weeks. We are relying on our Senators to take a stand. PLEASE do not capitulate to Trump's endeavors to hijack American democracy, and PLEASE be vocal with your Republican colleagues who are not fully in the pocket of the deranged aspiring dictator. Some of them must do the right thing. Beat the drum incessantly - Country Over Party!
Please do everything you can to get every one of President Biden's judicial nominees confirmed before this session ends.
Please do everything you can to get the Ethics Committee to release their investigation on the ridiculous nominee for AG, sex predator and pedophile Matt Gaetz.
And please, please do everything you can to not only ensure that the Senate holds confirmation hearings on the rest of the outrageous and wholly unqualified cabinet member appointments (NO recess appointments!), but to also ensure NONE of them get confirmed.
I was on last nights Indivisible call and they recommended exactly this! Contact our reps to demand they expedite judges, and let them know we have their backs.
It would be good to think that an ethics report on Gaetz could sink him. Unfortunately, he lives in the company of some of the most egregious ethical violators and our country is now numb to this.
We need to focus on the impact of his policies or actions on each and everyone of us and use megaphones about this.
I heard Governor Pritzker (D-IL) interviewed on CNN (*that* CNN!) last night. He came across as thoughtful, practical, and politically strategic.
One point he made was that Democratic governors have been in touch with each other and will be coordinating activities to blunt untoward Trump Administration policies and activities. A very good sign.
Good idea - no harm in reinforcing D reps' and governors' security in that opposition and letting the Rs in those offices know they aren't as secure as they may wish in this climate.
I agree Glenn Plasdsen. There is no bottom to the well of shameless behavior gop are capable of. The greatest disservice any newsletter writer can do for us is claiming that there will be push-back to trump’s appointments and actions. That I will never allow myself to believe again, that there are good gop in congress or the senate. Nope. Welcome to Elon Musk’s New World “Oder”. It stinks as we knew it would. And as the trump voters wanted. Quite a high price they paid ( our Republic ) to “own the libs”.
Regretfully that, Glenn, describes our moment in history. In fact, if not the first impeachment, I thought the Republicans would vote for the second impeachment.
And isn’t it interesting, in retrospect, that
Mitch McConnell stated he wasn’t voting for the second impeachment because the courts would take care of it - or maybe he said let the court handle it. It was as if McConnell was into it from the outset, knowing that the court - SCOTUS - would give DJT immunity. And what better cover for Mitch McConnell to remain distant, appearing not to support Trump until the very end when he shook Trumps hand and said “I, of course, support Donald Trump for president.” Could his cold, cool demeanor toward Trump have been a deceit, keeping his distance but all along having being prepared to support Trump?
Whatever it was, I have always seen Mitch as a snake in the weeks who really knew how to manipulate the levers of power. Never, never did I ever think Mitch McConnell could be trusted. Why did any Democrat? I think even Harry Reid may have stated Mitch shouldn’t be trusted after he retired.
Yes! We must “Tske A Deep Breath.” But then what, Robert? Every day has become a nightmare. Today it was Robert F. Kennedy for HHH! Yesterday Matt Gaetz and Gabbard. The day before that Kristi Noam and Mike Huckabee!
It was a real shit day, Robert. I did let out a laugh when I heard trump announce lil’ Mattie was nominated as AG. It’s sick and like Kamala repeatedly said, this man is not a serious candidate for president. Gabbard is no surprise for a job but DNI is one I think even the moderate R’s (Are there any left?) wouldn’t say aye to but you’re right about her being a loving ally to Putin and Assad. She might as well spit in our faces. Mainstream media is already saying the House belongs to the MAGAs but I have been staying away from them besides watching Lawrence O’Donnell. He is a true pleasure because he needles trump all of the time and he has not made that announcement about the House. We all want Hakeem to be Speaker so badly. I would love to have at least, one small victory.
This nebula…I could be wrong but it sure looks like a dog holding a pair of sun glasses! Guess it’s time for me to go to bed. See ya’ tomorrow.
I also had to howl with laughter at the current nominations. The Farce of Nature is such a buffoon! Now we have a REALTY SHOW in DC which only SNL or Monty Python could put on, such as:
Trumpler: "Waffen SS Sturmbandführer Mattheus Gätz, Antreten!
Gätz: Na für die jungen Frauen und all den Cox den sie mir zugeschickt haben. Mann haben wir gefeiert.
Trumpler: Das war nicht für Sie Gätz, das war für Ihre Hunde, sie Schwein. Und jetzt ab zum KZ Florida mit Ihnen. Ich will einen genauen Bericht über die untermenschen da die mich gewählt haben...Sind die Verrückt?
Translation
Trumpler: "Waffen SS Sturmbandführer Mattheus Gätz, line up!
GÄtz: Yes, thank you Mr. Trumpler, my beloved Führer.
Trumpler: What are you thanking me for, Gätz?
Gätz: Well, for the young women and all the Coke you sent me. Man, we celebrated.
Trumpler: That wasn't for you, Gätz, that was for your dogs, you pig. And now off to the Florida concentration camp with you. I want a detailed report on the subhumans who voted for me...Are they crazy?
We should all remember, as the more thoughtful and self-centered members of the Congressional Republican caucus are beginning to realize, that the once and future President has no more leverage. He can't run again, will be out of office 4 years hence, and is both elderly and morbidly obese. I'd like that minor victory too as Mr. Jeffries is a much more substantial person than Mike Johnson could ever be. Glad to see your comment about O'Donnell, I've given up watching any television presentations that don't involve food but should probably tune him in in case it helps boost his ratings.
Will check O'Donnelll out. Also, want to say kudos to this newsletter. Only political email I have the stomach to open. right now. Perspective is so hard to find.
First of all, when you say, "Vladimir Putin could not be happier with Hegseth and Gabbard if he picked them himself." what leads you to believe he did not pick them himself? He is clearly into humiliating Trump and we can assume he has "kompromat" on Trump and many, many others in US government. I am hoping that the DOD and Intelligence community have their own ideas about who should be leading them, and not the appointments of Donald Trump.
I would not mess with a whole lot of people who have the kind of regime change experience that the DOD and IC have. Also, I imagine that no one is going to stay in these positions for long. In fact, in Project 2025, they talk about changing the leadership frequently and where people are stationed and which sections they are over in both DOD and IC, so when I read that I also saw national security in danger. I am following what Jeff Stein of Spy Talk Sustack says on the matter too.
I think it is very clear that women in the US, under DT, JDV, Musk or Gaetz will not be safe at all. Time for the Democrats to get their own social media platform and their own version of TikTok, to be funded without the Oligarchs that own the rest.
Thank you so much for pointing this out Ellie. I noticed that with Public Notice Substack, and perhaps even the Guardian. I forget what they said other than that they will no longer be on X. Some other Substack mentioned it as well.. That is great news. I am not on any Social Media other than Substack, and occasionally YouTube. I would like to see some alternative to YouTube as well. I guess we should be getting the word out to switch.
An observation on YouTube: The real problem with it is the programming driving viewers to go down rabbit holes by interpreting their preferences and sending them more sources and videos that supposedly cater to what they want to see which obviously is a recipe for depriving people of exposure to alternative views and facts that might provide balance. I recently was handed a lap top to find something on I had mentioned to "prove it" and found that not only were the suggestions, of course, completely different but it was actually difficult to find what I was looking for, even with very specific search terms, because of the necessity of fighting a very entrenched search preference feed.
Yehawes, I attended workshops on disinformation and democracy during covid first through the University of Chicago, then Northwestern University's Communications Dept had a series of lunchtime talks where prof. from around the world were zooming in to share their work on Communications. I recall that one who talked about Facebook as using an algorithm that made White, male, cisgendered, Christians as the norm, and everyone else was considered a deviant. I never used Facebook, but it did not make me want to after learning that and the role it had in providing data on people to the Trump campaign via Cambridge Analytica, and helping them to manipulate voters with messages that obviously Putin helped him with, just like he did this time.
I started to register for Bluesky, but quit when I realized that providing my birthday required me to move the calendar month by month from 2004 back to 1952. 52 x 12 clicks? There isn't another way??
Oh no - try again. Just click on the calendar and then click on the month in the window to the right of the calendar and adjust it, then click on the day, then click on the year.
Kathy, I'm sorry I was misleading. Not to change out overall leadership, but move them around constantly so changing who is leading which department. Since the document as a whole is poorly written, it seems that they want to just make sure no one gets too comfortable so that they can build contacts or organize to take over. They did not spell this out. It is all so stupid if they actually want to defend us. That is a fast way to get rid of people too, because it is just too frustrating.
I know people on the European end that think Putin will stop his aggression if the US just backs off, and gets out of there. We may get to find out if that is true. However, since the military backs our shipping and our international stability for trade, not clear what will happen. Will that invite bad actors to come after us, or will they just go after someone else? As Prof. Snyder points out in his analogy using a 60s Sitcom to describe the White House Office, Oligarchs' Island, Trump is controlled by Putin who will use humiliation and I assume also will reward him intermittently, with him to control him, just as Trump does with the MAGAs. Putin wants to destroy the US as an idea.
I think we can look at the Russian military as a model of not to follow, and I hope those currently in the DOD know better too, and just don't let it happen. I am not advocating a military coup, just pointing out that sticking to the constitution as the clear idea that they can use to guide them. I recall how Hitler's military planned coups against him though, or rather to kill him. Messing with a military is not a game.
Kathy Tillman – re your question about Project 2025 recommending that agency leaderships be changed frequently:
It has been widely believed, especially in academia, that over time, heads of government agencies become “captured” by the long-serving civil servants, changing their attitudes and programs to reflect those of the “entrenched bureaucracy”.
Many people, especially conservatives, view such “capture” as inherently bad. One might view it, alternatively, as a process in which political appointees have become educated while in their government jobs.
Having a Democratic majority in the House and/or a Republican “majority” that needs Democratic support to pass legislation would be a huge mitigation on this clown car. Plus if Trump wants to siphon away various MAGA representatives from that vote count to put them into the administration just to fire them, that is even better. Far be it for us to stop that craziness.
The institutionalist Thune for Republican Majority Leader is actually really really reassuring. On top of them retaining the filibuster.
“Solutions relating to Israel’s security and the territories of Gaza and the West Bank have eluded every world leader from 1948 to the present. But Mike Huckabee’s views are likely to inflame a situation that is already dire.”
I am going to hazard a guess that the people of Dearborn, MI, like to rest of us, will be having a serious case of buyer’s remorse soon. If they thought the were “sending a message” by helping to elect the orange clown, they are getting what they deserve.
Yes, that is a bit harsh. Maybe it should be changed to read “what they asked for” instead of “deserve”…I was thinking of the interview with one of the community leaders who said on camera “I would not vote for Biden even if it meant my vote would send t*ump back into the White House” (paraphrased).
The important question is “will the Palestinian people be better off or worse off with the new administration?” I suppose time will tell.
All those Black Women/Black Men/Women/White Dudes/Republicans/Hollywood/Knitters/Swifties for Harris morphed into an Indivisible Strategy for Fighting Trump 2.0 action call on 11/13/24:
I feel a little bit hopeful that a majority of Republicans Senators will recognize that the people Trump nominated are too incompetent to be seriously considered and so they will finally grow a spine and say no to him at last.
Also, please remember that the first concentration camps Hitler used were not for Jews, they were for his political enemies. Expect the same sort of work from t*ump.
I think Lindsey already won. I think he just publicly said he'd do whatever he was told by Trump. I don't remember the exact words but that's what it sounded like to me.
We, the American people, paid $4.7 trillion dollars in Federal taxes last year. What does Trump want to give for the money? A clown car full of fools, criminals, perverts and traitors. It's a tragedy that Trump got his show "Let's destroy American Democracy" renewed for another 4 years.
It is essential that we not wear ourselves out with outrage and fear at this early stage. When you read of ridiculous appointments, or horrifying statements about what they plan: let it go. They want you to use up every ounce of adrenaline you have before they even get started. Do not react, if at all possible. Reaction is when our bodies go into emergency mode; we will respond when there is something we can DO. Reaction is from the mid-brain, where our lizard brains live. Response channels those feelings through our thinking brain, or frontal cortex, and allows a measured response. Save the reaction for true emergency. We are all traumatized and reactive from the last MAGA administration, and from the pandemic. Many of us carry our own trauma, which is triggered by occurrences like this.
Take a deep breath, do something creative or loving or nurturing of your self. Connect with someone else. There will be time to respond when the real action gets started. We will make phone calls, protest, gather, and do whatever we can to save one starfish at a time.
Deep breath? I'm hyperventilating. I welcome your comments, as always, about the criminal's difficulties - and am keeping my focus now on 2026 --- and, Robert, if you could help us with reminders of lists of organizations we can/should support - it would help those of us who can't concentrate to print them out weekly. Gaetz??? It's one thing to think that they will make such a mess that perhaps voters will continue with buyers remorse ---- but the damage?? I think that what galls so much is that all these thugs repeatedly get away with terrible stuff ---- THANK YOU MERRICK GARLAND --- asleep at the wheel!! Frankly, I find that almost more infuriating that anything else (well not really) - he is a moral individual but totally unsuitable for the job!!
Restore the reputation of the DOJ. What a useful goal that turned out to be.
Like a fool, some part of me kept hoping (up to a point) that there was something real in the works that I just was too clueless to understand. “Infuriating.” Oh yes..
Secret balloting seems like a very good idea. Keeping Scott out of the Leaders office was, prima facie, a very good idea. MAGA scares the wits out of most normal people. I think the House and the Senate should try a lot more secret ballots on many more contentious issues. Most immediately, it could keep Gaetz, Stefanik, Hegseth, away from the controls. Maybe it's one way to let some sanity bubble to the surface of our national politics and especially within the cowed GOP ranks.
I now have no faith in any part of our government actually functioning in any logical or moral manner. All the MSNBC lawyers declared for months that SCOTUS would never, just NEVER actually give DJT total immunity, it was just too, TOO outrageous. They would never, just NEVER overturn R v W, there was just too much precedent. Look at how SCOTUS trashed our civilized norms already. Why should the GOP now not confirm a Putin lover for DNI or a sex offender for DOJ. Nothing is too horrible to happen.
I agree. Everyone around me continues to think I am overreacting and that it could never get as bad as I imagine in “America”. But there is so much evidence, as you mention, to believe nothing is too horrible to happen.
I said this earlier but I think it fits here too - "the myth of American exceptionalism is dead." I think that myth is part of the source of our current problems (a small part but a part none-the-less). Too many people think "it won't happen here" but in reality, we're people, just like people around the world. A lot of how our government operates - and "the people" who that government represents - was/is based on shared goals, norms and values. When these change, so can the county. We NEED to understand that it CAN happen here. We are all connected.
Any kind of all or nothing thinking is dangerous. There goods and bads in every moment, every person, every movement, every era. Our education system would benefit from focusing on critical think and analysis more than simply having the right answer. The authoritarian mindset loves black and white and appeals to people who don't want to think. But back and white thinking will end up facing unwanted and unexpected complexity sooner or later.
yes.
Kim, we need to recognize it IS happening here. No need to think of it about something “can happen.” It is happening and it is a day time nightmare.
Wait until Vance uses the 25th Amendment on him. then we will see a SMART fascist in the white house, and long for the good old days of Trump.
He is not smart and only has 2 years in the Senate. He has no leadership qualities, no charisma, and and no Republican has any allegiance to him. He will be toast in no time if he is ever president.
He will be a puppet of Peter Thiel who does have more experience in power and manipulation and will have a front (Vance) to take any hits. At the moment it looks a bit to me like an arm wrestling competition between Thiel and Musk is being set up by fate. Let's hope they don't end up finding too much common cause.
Wait. Not so fast. Trump’s devoted followers are latched on to a demagogue. History shows quite clearly that demagogues cannot be replaced. No matter whether the aspiring replacement has brains or a rich backer, they will never have the right Koolaid.
That is a fantasy scenario and not a good one. Yes! Vance if a man with no moral compass but he’s not going to bite his master’s hand.
And Trump is doing exactly what he said he would do. Friends of mine, Republicans, said that he didn't mean what he said. Well, now it is obvious that he DID mean it. The question is, will the cowards who got him elected will now behave differently and at least put their fingers in the dyke of damage that is already starting to happen!
If the senators set to oppose these nominations are threatened with being primaried in 2026, then the GOP will fall into line. Like they always do. Trump gets what he wants, always.
Secret balloting would provide a breath of frsh air. If it were permitted. That's a Leader's job in these parlous times.
There was secret balloting yesterday. That is why Rick Scott was not elected majority leader.
I hope they do a lot more of it
Hearings, however, would not be in secret which is part of why they don't want them either.
It will be interesting to see how hearings are conducted. Republicans will want to rush through them. It will be interesting to see whether Democrats will summon the smarts to (1) work together in questioning, (2) avoid outrage, and (3) expose the nominees’ lack of qualifications so it’s obvious to Americans of all political viewpoints.
Democrats badly botched the Kavanaugh hearings. Let’s hope the upcoming hearings aren’t a repeat of that debacle.
Recess appointments. Done! Let’s move on.
The only hope here is that Senators serve 6 year terms so only some of them will be running for reelection any time soon. I agree with you about their fear of primaries and maybe even worse threats of physical harm, since Trump has blanket immunity!
Twenty Republicans and 13 Dems are up in 2026. It could be a very interesting election year.
I very much fear, as Joe would say "This is not a joke. I am being serious" that he will suspend the mid-terms. What's to stop him? He told a crowd in Florida that, if elected ,they would never have to vote again.
I hope not !
Our country is in a new moment. It's hard for people to believe that, and the toxically positive people don't want to. To each his own, I suppose. We really need our down the ladder folks, reps and governors, to hold tight to the law, and fight at each breach of the wall. We need to write our reps and governors letting them know how we feel.
I just happened to have written my two (thankfully Dem) senators earlier this morning. It was a small thing I could do that would help stop me from crying.
Everyone, please feel free to copy and use as a starting point to contact your own reps:
"I just want to continue to be vocal about how terrified I and at least half of the country are right now. We are feeling helpless and need our Democratic leaders to step up and prevent the Titanic from hitting the Trump iceberg.
Congress is the only branch left standing against the incoming fascist administration, and that's only for a few more weeks. We are relying on our Senators to take a stand. PLEASE do not capitulate to Trump's endeavors to hijack American democracy, and PLEASE be vocal with your Republican colleagues who are not fully in the pocket of the deranged aspiring dictator. Some of them must do the right thing. Beat the drum incessantly - Country Over Party!
Please do everything you can to get every one of President Biden's judicial nominees confirmed before this session ends.
Please do everything you can to get the Ethics Committee to release their investigation on the ridiculous nominee for AG, sex predator and pedophile Matt Gaetz.
And please, please do everything you can to not only ensure that the Senate holds confirmation hearings on the rest of the outrageous and wholly unqualified cabinet member appointments (NO recess appointments!), but to also ensure NONE of them get confirmed.
Thank you"
I was on last nights Indivisible call and they recommended exactly this! Contact our reps to demand they expedite judges, and let them know we have their backs.
It would be good to think that an ethics report on Gaetz could sink him. Unfortunately, he lives in the company of some of the most egregious ethical violators and our country is now numb to this.
We need to focus on the impact of his policies or actions on each and everyone of us and use megaphones about this.
I heard Governor Pritzker (D-IL) interviewed on CNN (*that* CNN!) last night. He came across as thoughtful, practical, and politically strategic.
One point he made was that Democratic governors have been in touch with each other and will be coordinating activities to blunt untoward Trump Administration policies and activities. A very good sign.
Good idea - no harm in reinforcing D reps' and governors' security in that opposition and letting the Rs in those offices know they aren't as secure as they may wish in this climate.
I agree Glenn Plasdsen. There is no bottom to the well of shameless behavior gop are capable of. The greatest disservice any newsletter writer can do for us is claiming that there will be push-back to trump’s appointments and actions. That I will never allow myself to believe again, that there are good gop in congress or the senate. Nope. Welcome to Elon Musk’s New World “Oder”. It stinks as we knew it would. And as the trump voters wanted. Quite a high price they paid ( our Republic ) to “own the libs”.
Regretfully that, Glenn, describes our moment in history. In fact, if not the first impeachment, I thought the Republicans would vote for the second impeachment.
And isn’t it interesting, in retrospect, that
Mitch McConnell stated he wasn’t voting for the second impeachment because the courts would take care of it - or maybe he said let the court handle it. It was as if McConnell was into it from the outset, knowing that the court - SCOTUS - would give DJT immunity. And what better cover for Mitch McConnell to remain distant, appearing not to support Trump until the very end when he shook Trumps hand and said “I, of course, support Donald Trump for president.” Could his cold, cool demeanor toward Trump have been a deceit, keeping his distance but all along having being prepared to support Trump?
Whatever it was, I have always seen Mitch as a snake in the weeks who really knew how to manipulate the levers of power. Never, never did I ever think Mitch McConnell could be trusted. Why did any Democrat? I think even Harry Reid may have stated Mitch shouldn’t be trusted after he retired.
Yes! We must “Tske A Deep Breath.” But then what, Robert? Every day has become a nightmare. Today it was Robert F. Kennedy for HHH! Yesterday Matt Gaetz and Gabbard. The day before that Kristi Noam and Mike Huckabee!
What will Friday bring?
It was a real shit day, Robert. I did let out a laugh when I heard trump announce lil’ Mattie was nominated as AG. It’s sick and like Kamala repeatedly said, this man is not a serious candidate for president. Gabbard is no surprise for a job but DNI is one I think even the moderate R’s (Are there any left?) wouldn’t say aye to but you’re right about her being a loving ally to Putin and Assad. She might as well spit in our faces. Mainstream media is already saying the House belongs to the MAGAs but I have been staying away from them besides watching Lawrence O’Donnell. He is a true pleasure because he needles trump all of the time and he has not made that announcement about the House. We all want Hakeem to be Speaker so badly. I would love to have at least, one small victory.
This nebula…I could be wrong but it sure looks like a dog holding a pair of sun glasses! Guess it’s time for me to go to bed. See ya’ tomorrow.
I also had to howl with laughter at the current nominations. The Farce of Nature is such a buffoon! Now we have a REALTY SHOW in DC which only SNL or Monty Python could put on, such as:
Trumpler: "Waffen SS Sturmbandführer Mattheus Gätz, Antreten!
GÄtz: Jawohl, danke Herr Trumpler, mein geliebter Führer.
Trumpler: Wofür die Danksagung Gätz?
Gätz: Na für die jungen Frauen und all den Cox den sie mir zugeschickt haben. Mann haben wir gefeiert.
Trumpler: Das war nicht für Sie Gätz, das war für Ihre Hunde, sie Schwein. Und jetzt ab zum KZ Florida mit Ihnen. Ich will einen genauen Bericht über die untermenschen da die mich gewählt haben...Sind die Verrückt?
Translation
Trumpler: "Waffen SS Sturmbandführer Mattheus Gätz, line up!
GÄtz: Yes, thank you Mr. Trumpler, my beloved Führer.
Trumpler: What are you thanking me for, Gätz?
Gätz: Well, for the young women and all the Coke you sent me. Man, we celebrated.
Trumpler: That wasn't for you, Gätz, that was for your dogs, you pig. And now off to the Florida concentration camp with you. I want a detailed report on the subhumans who voted for me...Are they crazy?
Republicans who oppose will be primaried in 2026.
Or perhaps their safety threatened and that of their families?
There are enough Republicans who will not be running again, or not running for four or six years to minimize that threat.
Just a thought. Rob Portman.
You are right about that. Expect candidates from cesspools.
Because they are Nuts? 🤣😇 Daniel.
We should all remember, as the more thoughtful and self-centered members of the Congressional Republican caucus are beginning to realize, that the once and future President has no more leverage. He can't run again, will be out of office 4 years hence, and is both elderly and morbidly obese. I'd like that minor victory too as Mr. Jeffries is a much more substantial person than Mike Johnson could ever be. Glad to see your comment about O'Donnell, I've given up watching any television presentations that don't involve food but should probably tune him in in case it helps boost his ratings.
Will check O'Donnelll out. Also, want to say kudos to this newsletter. Only political email I have the stomach to open. right now. Perspective is so hard to find.
Check out Feathers of Hope, Tangle, and Letters from an American for more encouragement. We are not alone and there are more of us than of them.
Matt's issues with teen age girls is a long way from resolved. Even the NYT will have to focus some real firepower on this topic.
First of all, when you say, "Vladimir Putin could not be happier with Hegseth and Gabbard if he picked them himself." what leads you to believe he did not pick them himself? He is clearly into humiliating Trump and we can assume he has "kompromat" on Trump and many, many others in US government. I am hoping that the DOD and Intelligence community have their own ideas about who should be leading them, and not the appointments of Donald Trump.
I would not mess with a whole lot of people who have the kind of regime change experience that the DOD and IC have. Also, I imagine that no one is going to stay in these positions for long. In fact, in Project 2025, they talk about changing the leadership frequently and where people are stationed and which sections they are over in both DOD and IC, so when I read that I also saw national security in danger. I am following what Jeff Stein of Spy Talk Sustack says on the matter too.
I think it is very clear that women in the US, under DT, JDV, Musk or Gaetz will not be safe at all. Time for the Democrats to get their own social media platform and their own version of TikTok, to be funded without the Oligarchs that own the rest.
Folks are migrating to the non-oligarch-run BlueSky:
https://bsky.app/
I am on Bluesky. Trying to shut down Twitter.
That is great! Here were these two discussions today that I feel relate to this. One was the discussion by Aaron Ruper of Public Notice on what media people who voted for Trump are consuming and the effects it has. https://www.publicnotice.co/p/how-tiktok-x-helped-trump-beat-harris-2024
Then, Judd Legume on Popular Information discussed some platforms that people offer alternatives, such as Bluesky, which I heard the Guardian is moving or has moved to. https://popular.info/p/want-to-quit-x-heres-your-guide-to
Thank you so much for pointing this out Ellie. I noticed that with Public Notice Substack, and perhaps even the Guardian. I forget what they said other than that they will no longer be on X. Some other Substack mentioned it as well.. That is great news. I am not on any Social Media other than Substack, and occasionally YouTube. I would like to see some alternative to YouTube as well. I guess we should be getting the word out to switch.
An observation on YouTube: The real problem with it is the programming driving viewers to go down rabbit holes by interpreting their preferences and sending them more sources and videos that supposedly cater to what they want to see which obviously is a recipe for depriving people of exposure to alternative views and facts that might provide balance. I recently was handed a lap top to find something on I had mentioned to "prove it" and found that not only were the suggestions, of course, completely different but it was actually difficult to find what I was looking for, even with very specific search terms, because of the necessity of fighting a very entrenched search preference feed.
Yehawes, I attended workshops on disinformation and democracy during covid first through the University of Chicago, then Northwestern University's Communications Dept had a series of lunchtime talks where prof. from around the world were zooming in to share their work on Communications. I recall that one who talked about Facebook as using an algorithm that made White, male, cisgendered, Christians as the norm, and everyone else was considered a deviant. I never used Facebook, but it did not make me want to after learning that and the role it had in providing data on people to the Trump campaign via Cambridge Analytica, and helping them to manipulate voters with messages that obviously Putin helped him with, just like he did this time.
See you there?
I started to register for Bluesky, but quit when I realized that providing my birthday required me to move the calendar month by month from 2004 back to 1952. 52 x 12 clicks? There isn't another way??
Oh no - try again. Just click on the calendar and then click on the month in the window to the right of the calendar and adjust it, then click on the day, then click on the year.
Did project 2025 explain why they intend to change leadership frequently? My brain isn’t geared toward working out these sorts of shenanigans…🤷♀️
Kathy, I'm sorry I was misleading. Not to change out overall leadership, but move them around constantly so changing who is leading which department. Since the document as a whole is poorly written, it seems that they want to just make sure no one gets too comfortable so that they can build contacts or organize to take over. They did not spell this out. It is all so stupid if they actually want to defend us. That is a fast way to get rid of people too, because it is just too frustrating.
I know people on the European end that think Putin will stop his aggression if the US just backs off, and gets out of there. We may get to find out if that is true. However, since the military backs our shipping and our international stability for trade, not clear what will happen. Will that invite bad actors to come after us, or will they just go after someone else? As Prof. Snyder points out in his analogy using a 60s Sitcom to describe the White House Office, Oligarchs' Island, Trump is controlled by Putin who will use humiliation and I assume also will reward him intermittently, with him to control him, just as Trump does with the MAGAs. Putin wants to destroy the US as an idea.
https://snyder.substack.com/p/oligarchs-island
I think we can look at the Russian military as a model of not to follow, and I hope those currently in the DOD know better too, and just don't let it happen. I am not advocating a military coup, just pointing out that sticking to the constitution as the clear idea that they can use to guide them. I recall how Hitler's military planned coups against him though, or rather to kill him. Messing with a military is not a game.
Kathy Tillman – re your question about Project 2025 recommending that agency leaderships be changed frequently:
It has been widely believed, especially in academia, that over time, heads of government agencies become “captured” by the long-serving civil servants, changing their attitudes and programs to reflect those of the “entrenched bureaucracy”.
Many people, especially conservatives, view such “capture” as inherently bad. One might view it, alternatively, as a process in which political appointees have become educated while in their government jobs.
Having a Democratic majority in the House and/or a Republican “majority” that needs Democratic support to pass legislation would be a huge mitigation on this clown car. Plus if Trump wants to siphon away various MAGA representatives from that vote count to put them into the administration just to fire them, that is even better. Far be it for us to stop that craziness.
The institutionalist Thune for Republican Majority Leader is actually really really reassuring. On top of them retaining the filibuster.
Small mercies. Small mercies.
From Kathleen in Comments/HCR today. “Kathleen. T7 hrs ago
“It's a sad day when a good sign is that horrible people are horrified by people who are more horrible.”
I would only change “sad” to “horrible.”
“Solutions relating to Israel’s security and the territories of Gaza and the West Bank have eluded every world leader from 1948 to the present. But Mike Huckabee’s views are likely to inflame a situation that is already dire.”
I am going to hazard a guess that the people of Dearborn, MI, like to rest of us, will be having a serious case of buyer’s remorse soon. If they thought the were “sending a message” by helping to elect the orange clown, they are getting what they deserve.
They certainly are...unfortunately, the people of Gaza will continue to suffer.
"getting what they deserve" isn't the tone I want to support.
Yes, that is a bit harsh. Maybe it should be changed to read “what they asked for” instead of “deserve”…I was thinking of the interview with one of the community leaders who said on camera “I would not vote for Biden even if it meant my vote would send t*ump back into the White House” (paraphrased).
The important question is “will the Palestinian people be better off or worse off with the new administration?” I suppose time will tell.
Michelle Obama's rally to DO SOMETHING! still holds.
Cure ballots:
https://www.fieldteam6.org/ballot-curing
The House of Representatives still has 10 close races not yet called, some only a few thousand votes apart. California is still counting ballots.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/house-senate-uncalled-races-election-2024-vote-counting-rcna178604
Find your peeps:
All those Black Women/Black Men/Women/White Dudes/Republicans/Hollywood/Knitters/Swifties for Harris morphed into an Indivisible Strategy for Fighting Trump 2.0 action call on 11/13/24:
https://www.youtube.com/live/db-Pvqa5SQE?si=OyTbSHxtxRZSvw1-
Get grounded in how we respond, what we do now going forward with the newly produced Indivisible: A Practical Guide to Democracy on the Brink
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o1gSdFWIUpw41O5zbaxedVsr6Xik5XpPd9FwqvXYu40/edit?tab=t.0
Urgent help needed to cure ballots by phone for close supreme court race in North Carolina:
https://www.mobilize.us/ncvictory2024/event/709165/
I feel a little bit hopeful that a majority of Republicans Senators will recognize that the people Trump nominated are too incompetent to be seriously considered and so they will finally grow a spine and say no to him at last.
They'll only vote sensibly if they can vote anonymously.
Not holding my breath.
Also, please remember that the first concentration camps Hitler used were not for Jews, they were for his political enemies. Expect the same sort of work from t*ump.
OMG!!!!
Let’s watch Susan Collins be the first to capitulate.
It's a foot race with Lindsey Graham for those two.
I think Lindsey already won. I think he just publicly said he'd do whatever he was told by Trump. I don't remember the exact words but that's what it sounded like to me.
Susan Collins needs to indulge in protracted public handwringing before she capitulates – as she always has.
Shaking her head left then right, nodding up and then down, while clutching her pearls and then licking the emperors boots.
I am always Sooo Disappointed in her.
He loves his Daddy.
Susan Collins - Ech!! How she can look herself in the mirror each day ----
We, the American people, paid $4.7 trillion dollars in Federal taxes last year. What does Trump want to give for the money? A clown car full of fools, criminals, perverts and traitors. It's a tragedy that Trump got his show "Let's destroy American Democracy" renewed for another 4 years.
IMHO all this is cover so Trump can steal the treasury.
Gaetz , Gabbard and Hegseth are a trifecta of deplorable. The word fits these three, so I am using it.
Gabbard is a dupe and crackpot. Has anyone done a deep dive into her links with Russia?
It is essential that we not wear ourselves out with outrage and fear at this early stage. When you read of ridiculous appointments, or horrifying statements about what they plan: let it go. They want you to use up every ounce of adrenaline you have before they even get started. Do not react, if at all possible. Reaction is when our bodies go into emergency mode; we will respond when there is something we can DO. Reaction is from the mid-brain, where our lizard brains live. Response channels those feelings through our thinking brain, or frontal cortex, and allows a measured response. Save the reaction for true emergency. We are all traumatized and reactive from the last MAGA administration, and from the pandemic. Many of us carry our own trauma, which is triggered by occurrences like this.
Take a deep breath, do something creative or loving or nurturing of your self. Connect with someone else. There will be time to respond when the real action gets started. We will make phone calls, protest, gather, and do whatever we can to save one starfish at a time.
That’s good advice, Sandycreek.
However: beware death by a thousand cuts.
Relying on the *patriotism* of any *republican* does not bode well for the future of America.
I wonder how all the Palestinian supporters who criticized Kamala and Biden feel now?
They surely showed us.
Deep breath? I'm hyperventilating. I welcome your comments, as always, about the criminal's difficulties - and am keeping my focus now on 2026 --- and, Robert, if you could help us with reminders of lists of organizations we can/should support - it would help those of us who can't concentrate to print them out weekly. Gaetz??? It's one thing to think that they will make such a mess that perhaps voters will continue with buyers remorse ---- but the damage?? I think that what galls so much is that all these thugs repeatedly get away with terrible stuff ---- THANK YOU MERRICK GARLAND --- asleep at the wheel!! Frankly, I find that almost more infuriating that anything else (well not really) - he is a moral individual but totally unsuitable for the job!!
Restore the reputation of the DOJ. What a useful goal that turned out to be.
Like a fool, some part of me kept hoping (up to a point) that there was something real in the works that I just was too clueless to understand. “Infuriating.” Oh yes..
The reputation of Merrick Garland’s DOJ has become one of the Department of Justice Delayed*.
*Justice delayed is justice denied.
Secret balloting seems like a very good idea. Keeping Scott out of the Leaders office was, prima facie, a very good idea. MAGA scares the wits out of most normal people. I think the House and the Senate should try a lot more secret ballots on many more contentious issues. Most immediately, it could keep Gaetz, Stefanik, Hegseth, away from the controls. Maybe it's one way to let some sanity bubble to the surface of our national politics and especially within the cowed GOP ranks.