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Site-Wide Comments Problem [Fixed Now]

Update [2021-1-26 0:29:44 by hillct]: Service was restored early Tuesday evening. Please feel free to use this thread to confirm proper comment operations, and send an email to the site administration if you continue to encounter difficulty.

[Original Post] Apparently, we have a glitch in our software that has been preventing comments since I posted an article on Joe Biden and his Peloton. I've gotten emails from some of you saying you can't post a comment, and I tried and I can't either. Colin, our webmaster, has been working on this for the past several hours and says it is a very unusual error. Unfortunately, it won't be fixed until tomorrow (Monday). So please stay tuned, and be patient and I apologize for the inconvenience.

I have put up an open thread at Talkleft's Wordpress site available here so you can all have a place to comment. If you haven't already, please register there with the same user name you use here so we all know who you are.

I have deleted the Biden Peloton thread in case the coding in it is what caused the problem.

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  • Comments should be operating normally (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by hillct on Mon Jan 25, 2021 at 11:26:15 PM EST
    As of early evening on Tuesday, comments should be operating normally once again. Feel free to use this threat to test and confirm proper operation, and send us an email if issues persist.

    You must be Collin (none / 0) (#8)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 08:46:29 AM EST
    😚

    Parent
    Colin (none / 0) (#9)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 08:47:47 AM EST
    It's alive! It's alive! It's ali -i - i- ive! (none / 0) (#17)
    by desertswine on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 10:39:50 AM EST
    Hurray (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 05:50:52 AM EST
    Thanks Colin. The site is working again

    Yes, Colin has been the go-to sitemaster (5.00 / 3) (#5)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 06:38:22 AM EST
    here since 2006. He never minds hearing from me even when I call in the middle fo the night, panicked. We are lucky to have him! Thanks, Colin!!

    Parent
    Memo to Dem leadership (5.00 / 3) (#22)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 11:08:41 AM EST
    DO NOT make Susan Collins President this time around. Twist Manchin's arm or give him enough pork and push everything possible through reconciliation. No more bowing before Collins.

    BTW (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 12:53:52 PM EST
    the media was just promoting the BS that Collins would be needed to support Dem legislation. What crap. Never going to happen.

    Parent
    Did you see the Maddow interview (none / 0) (#24)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 11:30:16 AM EST
    with Schumer last night.  It was infuriating.  I couldn't listen to hiss BS so I kept coming back to see if she ever asked him an actual question. Like why aren't you doing your job?

    He kept saying he was not going to let Mitch run things.  While Mitch was, in fact, running things.  He kept talking about "tools" they had "if they needed to use them"

    I couldn't watch it.

    I'll just say democrats had better seize the F'ing day.   For their sake and ours.  And I have never thought Chuck was up to it.  Harry, absolutely.  Chuck, not so much.

    If it takes AOC announcing a primary or whatever.  Do it.


    Parent

    Mitch finally allowed (none / 0) (#25)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 11:41:22 AM EST
    Chuck to go ahead organizing the Senate so republicans would not continue to chair all the committees I think last night.

    Something Schumer could have already done with a simple majority rules change but, you know, he didn't want to step on toes.

    Mitch wanted a promise he would not kill the filibuster.  And Chuck would not pinky swear.

    I just wonder if Chuckie remembers Mitches pinky swear about Supreme Court nominees?

    Seriously, WTF.  If you need to promise, promise.  Then do what you want.

    EXACTLY LIKE MITCH WOULD DO

    We can not keep playing by different rules and expect to stop being stomped.  I'm really tired of being stomped so I can feel good and righteous about myself.

    Parent

    Manchin and Sinema gave McConnell (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 12:31:06 PM EST
    what he wanted by promising that they would never vote to eliminate the filibuster.

    As long as Dems only have 50 Senators, they are stuck with the filibuster. Schumer knows this and McConnell knew this all the while he was playing his power games.

    The conservative Dems (media please quit calling them moderate) could have played their hand better except they enjoy their power games every bit as much as McConnell. They could have indicated that they were opposed to eliminating the filibuster and they hoped that McConnell didn't force them to change their mind. Bottom line Dems suck at playing the game.


    Parent

    Well, the (none / 0) (#28)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 12:27:12 PM EST
    LBJ room of the Capitol was a beautiful setting.   Rachel asked about Supreme Court reforms, but not about DC statehood. Seems Chuck is walking on eggs with a 50/50 senate including Manchin and Sinema. But, that "we have tools" made me worry. The last time it was we have many arrows in our quiver, winding up giving us the Handmaiden.  

    The Moscow Turtle didn't't really have much of a hand to play, and with the expected obstruction, even Manchin and Sinema will be given cover for their votes.

    Parent

    Every time he says this (none / 0) (#29)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 12:30:44 PM EST
    Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on Tuesday condemned Democratic support for abolishing the legislative filibuster, arguing that it would create a "scorched-earth Senate," Axios reports.

    Said McConnell: "No short term policy win justifies destroying the Senate as we know it."

    It should be pointed out that no one -no one- is talking about this except him.

    Everyone else presumable knows the votes to do this do not exist.   I hope it backfires and his obstruction becomes the justification.

    Parent

    Yes (5.00 / 2) (#47)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 04:06:51 PM EST
    that is what I think is going to happen. Mitch pulls his normal stunts and Manchin and Sinema have had enough and the filibuster goes. The question is how long before it goes?

    Parent
    No segue. What can you tell us about (none / 0) (#101)
    by oculus on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 08:06:00 PM EST
    Congresswoman Greene's district?

    Parent
    Finally (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by Repack Rider on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 11:25:47 AM EST
    Normal is the new normal.

    Unity is not necessarily (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 12:09:51 PM EST
    bipartisan, according to President Biden.  Unity is..  " trying to reflect what the majority of the American people, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, think is within the fulcrum of what needs to be done to make their lives better and the lives of Americans better."

    "If you pass a piece of legislation that breaks down on party lines, but it gets passed, it doesn't' mean there wasn't unity, it just means it wasn't bipartisan."

    The president clarified that getting Republican votes would be nice, but not worth crippling the legislation if a better bill, or any bill, can be passed solely by Democrats.  We know, of course, that Republicans will re-discover deficits so spending to help people will be bad.  And, apparently, the Administration is considering a program to help children who qualify, with direct monthly stipends.  Such programs, as well as the COVID relief package, will be taken up by reconciliation, in all likelihood.  I like the way the President thinks.

    This is serious (5.00 / 3) (#37)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 01:28:28 PM EST
    and should be used in the impeachment trial

    Pentagon Restricted D.C. Guard Commander Before Riot

    "Local commanders typically have the power to take military action on their own to save lives or prevent significant property damage in an urgent situation when there isn't enough time to obtain approval from headquarters."

    "But Maj. Gen. William J. Walker, the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, said the Pentagon essentially took that power and other authorities away from him ahead of a pro-Trump protest on Jan. 6. That meant he couldn't immediately roll out troops when he received a panicked phone call from the Capitol Police chief warning that rioters were about to enter the U.S. Capitol."



    Mark Milley saved us (5.00 / 2) (#193)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 11:06:55 PM EST
    Trump's new acting SecDef and Patel and Cohen-Watnick had just been placed there to make sure troops were deployed to fight for the Capitol on January 6th. That happening folks would have met the legal definition of an insurrection and Trump would have used that occurrence to declare martial law.

    I don't know when Mark Milley realized the nation was in jeopardy, I just know he did some time after the Lafayette Park incident. All he did was place process and red tape and reams of boxes needing checked between himself and Trump's new toadies.

    The Guard was never going to fight for the Capitol on January 6th, only regular law enforcement could. The Guard could eventually secure the Capitol building, they could create perimeters, but they could not fight or Trump had legal standing to use the Insurrection Act and declare martial law.

    The Democrats will protect Milley. The Capitol Police were cannon fodder on January 6th.

    My biggest questions. The Capitol police were under-manned and under-armed? How could that have happened?

    AND another. The Secretary of the Army and 3 star Charles Flynn were in the Secretary's office attempting to comply with the requirements that the Joint Chiefs were putting on them before they could use more Guard in DC. We need to know everything spoken by who and when during all that. The Secretary of the Army resigned the moment Biden was inaugurated. Charles Flynn was nominated before Biden to receive a 4th star and take a new command, but it just feels and smells real bad there.

    There is a Vanity Fair article by a journalist embedded with Trump's toadie acting SecDef, it is worth the read.

    I think we are going to crap ourselves over what we learn at the impeachment trial. I think we came so close to war in the streets. I never really thought that was possible 4 yrs ago.

    And I don't particularly care for Mark Milley. My husband had to retire, I mean he didn't have to but My God 32 yrs. Come On Man! And the Future Command stand up gave him amazing opportunities and access to research, and he helped design what the Obamaers hoped would be the culture for Army Futures Command. But Hillary lost. General Cardon was forced to retire then, and Mark Milley took one look at my husband's pool of work and said "What is this warm fuzzy happy warrior bullshit?" So FTR I'm fine if Milley packs sand but I'm pretty sure he did save us.

    Parent

    "the Pentagon" (none / 0) (#39)
    by jondee on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 01:43:24 PM EST
    who specifically at the Pentagon?

    The Michael Flynn clone contingent?

    Is whoever's responsible really going to be allowed to just duck-and-cover in the faceless, nameless Pentagon?

    Parent

    A lot more info in Wa Post article (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 01:56:42 PM EST
    He needed to wait for approval from McCarthy and acting defense secretary Christopher C. Miller before dispatching troops, even though some 40 soldiers were on standby as a quick reaction force.
    ...
    Had he not been restricted, Walker said he could have dispatched members of the D.C. Guard sooner. Asked how quickly troops could have reached the Capitol, which is two miles from the D.C. Guard headquarters at the Armory, Walker said, "With all deliberate speed -- I mean, they're right down the street."

    WaPo

    Parent
    Trump Didn't Order It... (none / 0) (#40)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 01:54:07 PM EST
    ...one of his henchmen did, it has nothing to do with inciting violence.  I think this will be known in history as an epic failure for only going after Trump, and only for the one charge.

    Maybe a commission should be formed to put all the pieces together and start arresting actual, real life, traitors.

    I read a similar story, but it named the person who said the General had to ask him for permission first.  Sorry I didn't save the link.

    Parent

    Preventing the (5.00 / 2) (#42)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 02:16:03 PM EST
    necessary security for a probable violent event seemed to enable the mob to enact their advertised actions.

    Trump established the lies that were the basis for the insurgence. Trump invited the insurgents to come to the event. He directed the mob to the capital. His henchmen enacted new rules to prevent proper security before and during the take over the capital. He refused requests for help to be sent to the capital for several hours.

    Seems all of a piece to me.

    Parent

    Not Unless Trump Told Him to Require Permission... (none / 0) (#50)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 05:59:01 PM EST
    ...which seems very unlikely.

    Parent
    A Select Committee (5.00 / 3) (#43)
    by jondee on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 02:46:59 PM EST
    and in-depth investigation on the Capital Riot, like the right was so eager for with Benghazi! Benghazi!

    A prolonged, very public forensic investigation that casts a sustained, powerful spotlight on Trump and the entire conspiracy-mongering rw noise machine apparatus.

    These yutzes are long past due for their Joseph Welch "have you no decency?" moment.

    Just making it about Trump ain't gonna cut-it. Not by a long shot. The noise machine will just use it to turn Trump into the lone martyr/hero of a 'politically motivated attack'.

    Parent

    Section 230 (5.00 / 2) (#45)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 03:43:09 PM EST
    "In a hearing on her nomination for Commerce Department secretary on Tuesday, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo told lawmakers that she will pursue changes to Section 230 if confirmed," The Verge reports.

    Said Raimondo: "I think platform accountability is important because I've seen in my own state that misinformation hurts people. But of course, that reform would have to be balanced against the fact that these businesses rely upon user-generated content for their innovation, and they've created many thousands of jobs."

    Ben Collins: "I do wonder what happens to the far-right when they realize getting rid of this law they've lobbied for years to kill is going to hurt them more than anyone else."



    In a closed door (5.00 / 1) (#76)
    by KeysDan on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 02:07:37 PM EST
    briefing to the House Appropriations Committee, the Acting Chief of the DC Metro Police reported that Officer Jeffrey Smith committed suicide in the aftermath of the seditious insurrection at the Capitol.  Capitol police officer, Howard Liebengood, had previously been reported to have taken his own life after the attack

    The Chief also reported that 65 DC Metro police officers sustained documented injuries.  Many more sustained injuries but "did not bother" to make official reports.

    The killer(s) of Capitol police officer, Brian Sicknick, has not yet been apprehended.

    While Trump, of course, was the ringleader of this attempted coup, there is much more to know.  It is unsurprising that most of the senate Republicans want to bury the impeachment, and not just because they want to protect the boss.

    I have nothing but respect for Ms Pittman (none / 0) (#85)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 03:24:17 PM EST
    a great story

    But seriously do you think it will result in a rash of babies named Yogananda?  I hope so.

    Parent

    This is Unbeleivable. (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 06:33:38 PM EST
    Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio Was an FBI Informant

    The most unbeleiveable part is the leader of a white supremist orgnization is named Enrique Tarrio.

    A real life Clayton Bigsby ?

    Oh yeah, and he was a prolific informant for the FBI.

    I am very surprised that his attorney and (5.00 / 2) (#99)
    by Peter G on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 07:33:18 PM EST
    the prosecutor would discuss this in open court. There is a powerful anti-snitch culture in jails and prisons. The news coverage could be very dangerous for him, far outweighing whatever advantage he thinks he is obtaining now by bringing it up openly at a bail hearing.

    Parent
    That is What I was Thinking... (none / 0) (#117)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 09:11:20 AM EST
    ...did they at lest give him a heads up before the story was published, sounds like it because he claimed is was all BS.  But every PB in his orbit that was convicted is going to think he was the snitch.  

    I was thinking he must have really screwed over someone in the FBI.

    Parent

    A lot of this stuff (none / 0) (#97)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 06:47:08 PM EST
    seems to be happening very fast.  This, the business with the Michigan Militia guy who has flipped and is going to testify against his pals.  You know there is going to be droves of rioters turning on each other.

    Amazing what a functioning DOJ can do.

    Parent

    Not even (none / 0) (#102)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 08:08:30 PM EST
    just the rioters turning on each other. Lots of pissed off Americans turning in their neighbors and family members to the FBI. Just saw a clip from Florida where a convenience store assistant manager was turned in by a coworker. I'm sure there are probably more stories like that one. I would turn in my neighbor if I saw them on the FBI wanted list.

    Parent
    Now they know why their grandfathers (5.00 / 1) (#106)
    by desertswine on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 09:18:58 PM EST
    wore hoods.

    Parent
    They went (none / 0) (#103)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 08:28:44 PM EST
    I don't know whether (none / 0) (#105)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 09:12:44 PM EST
    to be thankful or surprised that his family isn't the ones that had to turn him in.

    Parent
    Oath Keepers (none / 0) (#104)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 08:36:44 PM EST
    Get the first Conspiracy Charges.  I love these people are going to learn conspiracy is about more than theories.

    Leader of Oath Keepers charged with conspiracy in Capitol riot



    Parent

    Non-paywall version of the OathKeeper (5.00 / 1) (#108)
    by Peter G on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 11:38:16 PM EST
    indictment story at NPR.

    Parent
    Kevin McCarthy, (5.00 / 2) (#107)
    by KeysDan on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 09:42:40 PM EST
    House minority leader, is off to Mar-a-Lago to kiss the ring of the boss.   It is becoming glaringly apparent that the Republican Party is a fascist political movement--fanatical right wing politics, complete with implausible conspiracies, scapegoats, and white nationalism, along with abetting thuggery, intimidation and violence to achieve their anti-democratic, authoritarian goals.  Taylor Green is more Republican mainstream than Kinzinger, and Liz Cheney in the House and Romney in the Senate.

    It's good (5.00 / 3) (#127)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 12:50:15 PM EST
    he thinks he needs to say this.

    Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) told KMOX that he was not trying to overturn the presidential election results with his votes to challenge the Electoral College results in Arizona and Pennsylvania on Jan. 6.

    Said Hawley: ""I never said that the goal was to overturn the election. That was never the point and it was never possible."

    He also angrily denied his comment provoke the riot at the Capitol: "That's just a lie. That is a lie told by the left-wing mob that now wants to silence me and Ted Cruz and 140 House members and 13 Senators and anybody who would dare stand up to them. Anyone who is a Trump supporter who refuses to bow the knee. And I'm just not gonna be silenced."

    Old political saying, if you are explaining you are losing.

    new (none / 0) (#133)
    by FlJoe on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 02:04:20 PM EST
    political saying "if you are a Republican claiming victimhood, you are winning".

    Parent
    I'm not sure (none / 0) (#138)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 03:35:45 PM EST
    He is winning.

    Parent
    I (none / 0) (#139)
    by FlJoe on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 03:59:07 PM EST
    am not saying it's a good strategy but it is a mainstay of the modern Republican playbook.

    It does seem to play well to the base, though I am perplexed why all these wannabe  alpha males get so much mileage out of such wholesale whining.

    Parent

    That came from a radio interview (none / 0) (#142)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 04:30:36 PM EST
    with a well known and popular host.  One of the top in the country.  I think it's another sign that a lot of people have just heard enough from Josh.

    Josh Hawley expected a softball interview from a conservative radio host -- but things didn't go as planned



    Parent

    Super Duper Winning (none / 0) (#170)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 09:37:37 AM EST
    Missouri Faith Leaders Tell Josh Hawley to Resign, Say He'll 'Sell His Soul' for Career

    Tell us something we don't know.

    But this has to bring a smile to your face.

    "If you are watching this from somewhere else other than Missouri, we ask you to contact your senator and ask them to have him expelled from the Senate immediately. Missouri can't afford this. Black people can't afford this. My grandchildren can't afford this."

    Rabbi Susan Talve, who leads the Central Reform Congregation synagogue in St. Louis, added her voice to the dissent. "As an opportunist, Josh Hawley has shown us he will do anything," Talve said. "He will sell his soul for his own self-serving interest."



    Parent
    Hawley (none / 0) (#172)
    by FlJoe on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 09:49:25 AM EST
    as managed to reach Ted Cruz levels of rubbing everybody the wrong way, impressive for freshman.

    Parent
    They Say... (none / 0) (#175)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 10:19:33 AM EST
    ...there are two types of people in Congress, those that hate Ted Cruz and those that really hate Ted Cruz.

    What is really funny is Trump accused Cruz of stealing the Iowa primary when he won back in 2015.  The abused turns into the abuser.

    Parent

    Make That 2016 (none / 0) (#180)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 12:36:45 PM EST
    That is great (none / 0) (#178)
    by MO Blue on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 11:30:23 AM EST
    Rabbi Talvev is strong leader ofvthe Jewish community.

    Parent
    The good news is that these faith (none / 0) (#181)
    by MO Blue on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 01:38:03 PM EST
    leaders are speaking out. The bad news is that the people who  listened to Rabbi Talvi and the Episcopalian Reverend are not Hawley voters so their efforts may have little effect in defeating him or having him removed.

    Parent
    The Hits Keep Coming (5.00 / 2) (#179)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 12:12:45 PM EST
    `The perfect target': Russia cultivated Trump as asset for 40 years - ex-KGB spy

    The ex-major recalled: "For the KGB, it was a charm offensive. They had collected a lot of information on his personality so they knew who he was personally. The feeling was that he was extremely vulnerable intellectually, and psychologically, and he was prone to flattery.

    "This is what they exploited. They played the game as if they were immensely impressed by his personality and believed this is the guy who should be the president of the United States one day: it is people like him who could change the world. They fed him these so-called active measures soundbites and it happened. So it was a big achievement for the KGB active measures at the time."

    Soon after he returned to the US, Trump began exploring a run for the Republican nomination for president and even held a campaign rally in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. On 1 September, he took out a full-page advert in the New York Times, Washington Post and Boston Globe headlined: "There's nothing wrong with America's Foreign Defense Policy that a little backbone can't cure."

    Trump's election win in 2016 was again welcomed by Moscow. Special counsel Robert Mueller did not establish a conspiracy between members of the Trump campaign and the Russians. But the Moscow Project, an initiative of the Center for American Progress Action Fund, found the Trump campaign and transition team had at least 272 known contacts and at least 38 known meetings with Russia-linked operatives.

    Shvets, who has carried out his own investigation, said: "For me, the Mueller report was a big disappointment because people expected that it will be a thorough investigation of all ties between Trump and Moscow, when in fact what we got was an investigation of just crime-related issues. There were no counterintelligence aspects of the relationship between Trump and Moscow."

    This explains so much in regards to Trump's relationship with Russia.

    Remembering Challenger (5.00 / 2) (#183)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 03:06:06 PM EST
    Remember where you were 35 years ago today?

    It's easy for me.  I stumbled into computer imaging very early.  In 86 I was already a 7 year veteran.  I had (for many many months) been working for Anheuser Busch.  A division called Busch Creative Services in St Louis.  They did, among other things, giant massive shows with hundreds of computer controlled slide projectors.  Obviously I made the slides.  The show I had been working on was two days away and it was, wait for it, Space Shuttle themed.

    Real (none / 0) (#184)
    by FlJoe on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 05:53:09 PM EST
    easy for me, I was standing in my front yard staring at the sky in disbelief, it is an image etched in my mind like few others.

    Parent
    To say that I was less than (5.00 / 4) (#195)
    by MO Blue on Sat Jan 30, 2021 at 02:56:36 PM EST
    enthusiastic about a Biden presidency, would be an understatement. I viewed him as a 3rd term of the Obama years, where small ball, reducing already too modest policies to get Republican and conservative Dem. votes that never materialized and poor use of the bully pulpit was standard fare.

    If the beginning of his presidency is any indication, I may have been totally wrong. So far, he has come out with an ambitious COVID relief package, has not negotiated with himself to reduce his proposal and he and VP Harris (I love that term), and his communications team are using the bully pulpit to put pressure on the conservative Dems and perhaps Republicans, to get on board with the program.

    I hope they continue to go full steam ahead. I would love to be proven wrong for all of his term.


    I had the fear (5.00 / 3) (#197)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Jan 30, 2021 at 04:44:35 PM EST
    that Biden might be a repeat of Obama but was willing to give him a chance. I am glad he is exceeding my expectations.

    Parent
    Beto (5.00 / 3) (#198)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Jan 30, 2021 at 05:30:43 PM EST
    is considering a run against Abbott for TX gov. next year. Maybe this time there will be an extra 200K votes for him.

    Trumps impeachment lawyers quit (5.00 / 1) (#199)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 31, 2021 at 08:07:27 AM EST
    CNN

    Butch Bowers and Deborah Barbier, who were expected to be two of the lead attorneys, are no longer on the team. A source familiar with the changes said it was a mutual decision for both to leave the legal team. As the lead attorney, Bowers assembled the team.
    Josh Howard, a North Carolina attorney who was recently added to the team, has also left, according to another source familiar with the changes. Johnny Gasser and Greg Harris, from South Carolina, are no longer involved with the case, either.

    No other attorneys have announced they are working on Trump's impeachment defense.
    A person familiar with the departures told CNN that Trump wanted the attorneys to argue there was mass election fraud and that the election was stolen from him rather than focus on the legality of convicting a president after he's left office. Trump was not receptive to the discussions about how they should proceed in that regard.



    "A person familiar (none / 0) (#201)
    by KeysDan on Sun Jan 31, 2021 at 12:05:43 PM EST
    with the. departures" sounds like.one or all of the attorneys, despite possible professional risk for revealing their client's or former client's strategy.  Which makes me believe the departing attorneys weighed risk to revealing strategies with being implicated in a crime being hatched by the client.

    Parent
    Works for me (none / 0) (#2)
    by jmacWA on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 04:47:53 AM EST
    I hope.

    I can post (none / 0) (#4)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 06:37:20 AM EST
    Yes! Thank you Colin and Jeralyn!

    Testing 123, Testing... (none / 0) (#6)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 08:15:05 AM EST


    State Republican parties want to help democrats (none / 0) (#7)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 08:44:50 AM EST
    Oregon Republican Party falsely calls U.S. Capitol riot a `false flag' meant to `discredit President Trump'

    --

    Arizona GOP censures Ducey, Flake and McCain as tensions rise

    --

    Hawaii GOP Official Resigns After Posting Pro-QAnon Tweets
    A high-ranking official with the Hawaii Republican Party has resigned after posting a series of tweets about the QAnon conspiracy theory on the official party account.

    And there is GA.

    2022 should be a good year for republicans.  1st midterm after losing all power and the White House.

    But they are laying plans to nominate batshi+ crazy candidates that will lose general elections.

    If you need an upside to the insanity, start there.  Also if I was an elected republican, especially in the Senate, I would be wanting bite the bullet and remove the tumor.

    Even (none / 0) (#48)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 04:12:43 PM EST
    if they don't nominate the crackpot candidates how much damage are the crackpot candidates going to do? I fully expect Doug Collins or some other crackpot to run against Brian Kemp in the GOP primary, probably the SOS and every Republican will have a crackpot candidate. I don't expect Collins to knock off Kemp but they certainly could in some of the other races. However how damaged is Kemp going to be limping into a governor's race? We saw this with Loeffler. The minute they get a primary opponent they become the Qanon candidate.

    Parent
    The OFP (none / 0) (#10)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 08:52:59 AM EST
    Donald Trump announced Monday the official opening of the "Office of the Former President" in Palm Beach County, Florida, which is tasked with overseeing the 45th president's official activities in his post-presidency life, CBS News reports.

    The reason most used to impeach is to keep him from ever holding office again.  Which honestly seems pretty unlikely to me already.

    I think at least some of the focus should be stopping him from enjoying all the perks for life he currently stands to enjoy.
    Like, I actually read this is possible, SS protection in prison.

    he ordered (5.00 / 2) (#18)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 10:49:13 AM EST
    SS protection for his children for an additional six months. I want that stopped ASAP. That protection is at the taxpayer's expense. I do not want to be paying for the reprobates security for the next six months. Supposedly these are rich people (I ain't). They can pay for their own GD protection.

    Parent
    And, the (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 11:04:21 AM EST
    rest of the perks should go, including the $500,000 per year in travel funds for the former First Lady, Mel.

    Parent
    Here (none / 0) (#11)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 08:55:47 AM EST
    Not sure why he would (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 09:14:29 AM EST
    need SS protection. There are plenty of his white supremacists  and nazis buddies in prison to protect him.

    Parent
    They were already turning on him (none / 0) (#14)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 09:43:26 AM EST
    after his lukewarm backpedaling following the shi+show.  If he testifies, as he has indicated he might, at the impeachment and throws them further over the side or under the bus they just might not be his buddies quite so much.

    Parent
    The main (none / 0) (#49)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 04:14:43 PM EST
    reason for me is to take any benefits from him that he is entitled to as an ex-president. I guess even though he might not be impeached again maybe they can hold a vote to remove his benefits.

    I just wish the indictments would start rolling out.

    Parent

    If this posts, then (none / 0) (#13)
    by leap on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 09:36:50 AM EST
    *HURRAY!*

    Why in fcking h£ll is (none / 0) (#15)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 10:25:09 AM EST
    MSNBC booking Joe Lieberman to discuss anything? They can guarantee that I will change the channel the minute he appears on air.

    Same with Comey... (none / 0) (#16)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 10:33:00 AM EST
    ...no one cares what they think.

    Parent
    So true (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 11:01:04 AM EST
    Someone should develop a list of channel changing commentators and send it to MSNBC & CNN.

    Parent
    Agreed, (none / 0) (#21)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 11:06:09 AM EST
    and add any clips of Gingrich.

    Parent
    MSNBC has had a change of (none / 0) (#32)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 12:40:42 PM EST
    leadership at the top. Phil Griffin (who back in the days of JonBenet and the Clinton Impeachment trial hired me as an MSNBC legal analyst)  is no longer there. I think they plan to go with more diverse programing and hosts. The person to direct  your complaints to is Rashida Jones. Or just switch to CNN and watch Cuomo and Lemon and Anderson Cooper.

    Parent
    CNN has several change (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 12:50:23 PM EST
    channel people on their list of regular guests. Probably one of the most "puke worthy" is Rick Santorum but they have several other Trump toddies who I refuse to remember their names.

    For some reason, Cuomo has a tendency to get on my last nerve.

    Parent

    So agree about Cuomo (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 01:09:25 PM EST
    and IMO Lemon is a close second.  To be fair followed by Ari Melber, Ali Velshi and Alex Whitt.

    I also avoid CNN because of the balance provided by Santorum or others just as bad.

    Parent

    I actually like (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 01:18:57 PM EST
    Ali Velshi. Surprisingly enough, one of my favorites is former Republican, Nicolle Wallace.

    Parent
    I've been avoiding cable news (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 01:35:00 PM EST
    After four years of covering the Trump circus I had forgotten how bad they are at covering regular non insane political news.  

    Parent
    Rarely watch TV (none / 0) (#46)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 03:51:28 PM EST
    until evening, although I, too, like Nicolle Wallace to the point of being a favorite.  And, it is a split decision for Ari Melber (negative) and Ali Velshi (positive, although he does have a shouting voice).

    Parent
    Nicole is good (none / 0) (#63)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 07:55:10 AM EST
    the only cable show I consistently watch now is Morning Joe.  

    They are doing good work.  Also it's part of my fitness routine keeping my attention while I'm on the Stairmaster.

    Parent

    Wolf Blitzer. (none / 0) (#44)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 03:07:53 PM EST
    Cannot bear to listen to him drone on.

    Parent
    Still [new] doesn't appear in top thread (none / 0) (#26)
    by RickyJim on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 12:04:34 PM EST
    And by the way, not a single Republican senator wants to do away with the filibuster?  And Portman says he won't run again because of gridlock.  Does he have a suggestion about what to do about it?  If all the retiring Republican senators voted to end the filibuster, would it pass?

    Just After I Complained (none / 0) (#31)
    by RickyJim on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 12:39:16 PM EST
    [new] started to appear in this thread.  I suppose it is an example of the squeaky wheel thing. :-)

    Parent
    Leahy has been hospitalized (none / 0) (#51)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 06:02:56 PM EST
    I don't think we really know why yet

    Out of an abundance of caution (none / 0) (#52)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 06:03:39 PM EST
    Not why specifically

    Parent
    Not to be (none / 0) (#53)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 06:45:09 PM EST
    a crepehanger, but the Vermont Governor is a Republican who can make an appointment until a special election within six months.  Get well soon senator.

    Parent
    This emphasizes (none / 0) (#55)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 07:34:44 PM EST
    the need to move legislation through reconciliation ASAP.

    Unify the country by providing people what they need to survive now.

    Parent

    His wife (none / 0) (#54)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 07:18:47 PM EST
    said he is fine and will be back at work tomorrow.

    However this should be a lesson on why senators need to retire. Both of them in Vermont should retire.

    Parent

    Yes (none / 0) (#56)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 07:44:13 PM EST
    US Senator is a big job.  To big for most 80 year olds.

    Probably for most 70 year olds but seriously, just go fishing.  The government will run without you.

    Parent

    but there is something to be said (none / 0) (#61)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 02:49:32 AM EST
    for institutional knowledge and both Leahy and Sanders have it. Being Senator is not like being President where you have 20 meetings a day and 100 phone calls and everybody wants a piece of your time and you have ton of agencies to remember what they do and who's in charge. Senators don't even have to fly anywhere except home once in a while.  They don't even have to go from campaign event to campaign event since they run for office every six years.

    I like that they can remember every slight and every time Democrats (like Biden) teamed up with Republicans.

    Parent

    So we get (none / 0) (#62)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 07:47:15 AM EST
    doddering DiFi giving Lindsey a bear hug.

    True, she is 87 but when is it enough.   I'm 70 in a few months.  I personally think I'm capable of doing the job.  I would never want to but I think (I think) I still have the chops.  But I know with some certainty I will not have them forever and more importantly i know better than anyone I'm half the man, physically AND mentally, I was 20 years ago.  That's a fact.  And my doctor agrees I am a weirdly healthy and hale 70 yo.

    One other thing is when I go to class reunions, which is one of the only time I'm around people my age, I see most of them are lucky to not get lost going home.  

    Why do we need Leahy?  Cause the oldest one gets the Pro Tem gold ring?
    Why do we need DiFi?  Is there no other person in her state capable of doing her job?  Pretty sure there is.  

    I would add that I think "institutional knowledge" can become the problem.  

    Fortunately we finally have a great group of rising stars in the party.  And when they are 80 hopefully we will have more.

    My 2 cents on ageism.


    Parent

    The water or air must have been bad (5.00 / 2) (#64)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 08:31:33 AM EST
    around your school if most of your classmates have a hard time finding their way home at 70.

    Most of my immediate circle of friends are 76 and up. They are extremely active, involved in community events and mentally sharp. We have line dancers in their 80s and 90s that can and do remember intricate dance routines. We have two 98 year old ladies that pre-COVID attended all the dances and community events and remained mentally sharp. One of our beautiful ladies, was up jitterbugging whenever they played appropriate music.

    DiFi definitely should have retired. It is my understanding that she did consider retiring prior to her last election but for whatever reason the powers that be talked her out of it.

    I'm all for bringing younger people into Democratic leadership positions but I think it can best be accomplished by changing some of the Democratic policies. Most important would be to stop the establishment's policy to interfere on the part of incumbents during primary challenges.

    Parent

    Not really interested in (none / 0) (#65)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 09:03:00 AM EST
    arguing about it tho I confess I don't know what line dancing has to do with anything.

    You say your circle of friends.  I would guess that means they are people you have chosen to be involved with over the years.  Naturally you would choose people who are "active and involved".

    My senior class mates are an entirely random group of 70 year olds.  About a third are healthy and "involved".  Another third are in the go along to get along stage and another third are barely there.  

    As I said I have few friends my own age.  Partly because of locality there are very VERY few I have anything in common with.  I actually had to stop interacting with some of them in the last 4 years because of Trump.

    Of the dozen or so I am in contact with, two are slipping quickly into dementia.   Most of the others are not that well.  One told me two days ago she had stopped buying green bananas  

    I get age discrimination.  I was pushed out of a job I loved at 60 mostly because I was just to old to work at a game company.  That's not what I'm talking about.

    That said, they did me a favor.  I never knew how much I wanted out until I was pushed out.  It was the best thing that could have happened.

    Maybe DiFi and the others will find there is life after celebrity.


    Parent

    FYI Advanced line dancing (5.00 / 3) (#67)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 10:10:32 AM EST
    involves complicated sequences of steps that require cognitive and physical ability.

    I was pushed into retirement at 55 to save the corporation money in paying out more in a grandfathered pension fund. I pursued other venues which I enjoyed and for several years have throughly enjoyed being fully retired.

    I'm not against retiring. I do object to seniors, particularly young seniors, being portrayed as a group as mentally incompetent.  

    Parent

    I Disagree 100% (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by RickyJim on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 10:28:55 AM EST
    I am not aware of evidence that, overall, such elderly officials are any worse for the country than younger ones.  Much worse is the outmoded US Constitution especially the US Senate whose makeup can't be changed by the amendment process.  If Presidents and Senators showing signs of dementia bother you, complain about the "democratic" process that put them there.

    Parent
    I Didn't Bring Mental Capacity... (none / 0) (#78)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 02:42:39 PM EST
    ...into the discussion.

    So we can have age requirements at one end of the spectrum but at the other end its unconscionable ?  Got it.

    Evidence, THIS vs THIS.

    If people need to pretend older folks are as capable as younger folks, well go for it, but there it ain't a 20 year old on the planet someone would describe them line dancing as some sort of accomplishment unless they were handicapped in some way.  It is an accomplishment at 90, at 20 it's done while drinking large quantities of alcohol on most weekends.

    Parent

    Dr. Fauci is 80 (5.00 / 4) (#98)
    by RickyJim on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 07:19:06 PM EST
    Are you dissatisfied with his performance?

    Parent
    Are you a dancer? (none / 0) (#79)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 02:58:21 PM EST
    Have you ever performed complicated dance routines? Are you proficient in advance line dancing routines where precise steps must memorized? There are very different levels of dance routines. Drunken line dancing falls in the same category as drunken karaoke performed in bars.

    Parent
    Not a Dancer... (none / 0) (#93)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 06:11:51 PM EST
    ...but like most people, I can dance and in Texas often that means line dancing.

    I am still confused what this has to do with politicians working into their 80's.  
    If you can line dance you can govern ?

    Parent

    It has to do with (5.00 / 2) (#96)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 06:40:42 PM EST
    mental capacity. Some young members of Congress are incapable of governing and are more concerned with advancing their personal power and financial well-being.  Other older members of Congress, are very knowledgeable about governance and the needs of their constituents. The are good younger people in Congress. There are good older people in Congress. There are mediocre young people and mediocre old people in Congress and there are young people and old people that really should not be there.

    Ed Marley defeated the much younger Kennedy and he did it with the support of the younger generation. So past performance and being in tune with your constituents, counts for more than just youth with many voters.

    Parent

    Yes. Bernie. (none / 0) (#100)
    by leap on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 07:45:24 PM EST
    -

    Parent
    My comments were I supposed to be (none / 0) (#81)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 02:59:02 PM EST
    about self awareness and personal responsibility.  

    And about the capacity to hold an office that is responsible for making decisions decisions about a country.

    Parent

    We're not supposed to take it to the grave.

    We had a longtime mayor here on the Big island, Harry Kim, who had served in county government for over 40 years. So everyone was surprised, none more so than Harry himself, when voters finally denied him yet another term as mayor in last August's primary. He finished third and didn't even make the runoff.

    I wasn't surprised at all. Look, Harry's basically a good guy, but he had been at the County Building in Hilo for so long that at age 81, he often saw himself as the institution. He increasingly conflated his own political interests with the public interest, as though they were one and the same. Well, they weren't.

    Having re-entered the public sector again myself as I did in 2019, I currently mentor several 20- and 30-somethings at the county planning office. I'm turning 60 next month, and I'm not going to be in government forever. I certainly don't see myself still doing this at 80.

    And so, I share with younger colleagues my own institutional knowledge and hopefully, not my institutional phobias. It will be comforting to know that when I depart, everything isn't going to collapse without me.

    ;-D

    Parent

    Well yes (none / 0) (#82)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 03:01:55 PM EST
    That's a healthy attitude IMO.

    Parent
    What is Interesting... (none / 0) (#66)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 09:33:49 AM EST
     ..in Corporate America, where they are far more sensitive to ageism than most places, there are no 70 or 80 year olds running around.  Once every 5 years we have 'voluntary retirement' in which they offer you a nice check based on years, pay your medical until you are Medicare eligible, and let you know if you don't take it, there's a chance you will get let-go without the bonuses.  No one passes.

    My point, Corporate America isn't exactly the model for America, but they do understand how to get the most out of their workforce and having people of a certain age isn't worth any knowledge they might have.

    While I think Ted Cruz is a pile of steaming elephant dung, he has introduced a term limits Amendment numerous times.  For government officials, terms limits should be written into the Constitution.  I would also add the SCOTUS to that list, sorry, but I don't want 80 year old people making determinations for future generations.  If term limits are good enough for Presidents they are good enough for the other branches of government.  Speaking of, Joe Biden is too old to be President IMO.  If he manages to get reelected, he will be 86 at the end of that term, that is completely bonkers.

    Cap age at 75 for all high office jobs, senators, representative, presidents, vice presidents, SCOTUS, I would go as far as cabinet members, and ambassadors.  They can easily afford to retire, let some young blood in.

    From above, I was 48 last time we have voluntary retirement, you have to be 50.  I tried to get a waiver, they laughed at me because that is a hard requirement.  I am now 50 with 22 years service.

    Maybe I will retire, maybe I will consult, but I know I ain't gonna be one of these clowns who work until they die and never enjoy the fruits of all their labors.  I understand not everyone has the same options, but certainly Congress folks are not working past 65 because they didn't save enough.  If I had to guess, most are doing it to amass wealth for future generations and that isn't good for anyone but their offspring.

    Politician should not be a career.

    Parent

    Not the "Hydros" (none / 0) (#57)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 07:48:10 PM EST
    That are easy to sell.
    "The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office has been tasked with attempting to return a $2 million stockpile of a malaria drug once touted by former President Donald Trump as a way to treat the coronavirus," the Frontier reports.

    "In April, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R), who ordered the hydroxychloroquine purchase, defended it by saying that while it may not be a useful treatment for the coronavirus, the drug had multiple other uses and `that money will not have gone to waste in any respect.'"

    I can imagine this guy saying "I thought the kids loved these things!"

    Best suggestion (5.00 / 1) (#59)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 07:54:53 PM EST
    I have seen is donate it to the Lupus Foundation and let them distribute it to people who need it.

    A fool and his money are soon parted and apparently Oklahoma is run by a lot of fools.


    Parent

    There must be something (none / 0) (#58)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 07:54:41 PM EST
    Nancy can do about this person.  She absolutely should not be in the Congress.  I don't care if she was elected.  They can elect some one else.  

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) repeatedly indicated support for executing prominent Democratic politicians in 2018 and 2019 before being elected to Congress, a CNN KFile review of hundreds of posts and comments from Greene's Facebook page shows.




    She is Kevin McCarthy's (none / 0) (#60)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 26, 2021 at 07:56:12 PM EST
    problem and he needs to handle it. I have a feeling all this stuff that is coming out about her is coming from the GOP here in GA since they are going to have to running with her in 2022.

    Parent
    It was interesting that Psaki (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 12:45:20 PM EST
    said that there would not be any discussion on Green in that or any future press conference.

    Parent
    McCarthy (5.00 / 2) (#73)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 01:10:31 PM EST
    is apparently going to have a "talk" with Marjorie. Good luck with that. LOL. Frankly he would be better off sending her for a psychiatric evaluation and have her ruled mentally incompetent.

    Parent
    Had the talk (none / 0) (#88)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 04:31:50 PM EST
    he said don't threaten to kill other republicans

    The call, which was hosted by the National Republican Congressional Committee, was aimed at ensuring that members ponied up money to help win back the majority, with GOP members pledging more than $2 million to the party campaign committee.
    And on the call, sources said, Republicans committed to filling the NRCC's coffers, including controversial freshman Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. The Georgia Republican promised to pay her dues and transfer $175,000 to the NRCC, which prompted the committee's chairman, Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer, to thank her during the call, the sources said.
    Greene herself has been engaged in a Twitter war with one fellow House Republican, Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who has warned his party not to follow her brand of politics. CNN reported Tuesday that Greene repeatedly indicated support for executing prominent Democratic politicians in 2018 and 2019 before being elected to Congress, which has drawn backlash from lawmakers including Kinzinger.
    But McCarthy is eager to keep those disputes private. A spokesman for the GOP leader did not respond to a request for comment

    link

    Parent

    I'm watching the covid briefing (none / 0) (#68)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 10:27:39 AM EST
    they are having multiple technical problems.  That and the fact the people are clearly not chosen because they are "good on tv" is strangely comforting.

    Michigan militia (none / 0) (#70)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 12:24:08 PM EST

    "One of the Michigan militiamen accused of conspiring to overthrow the state government, kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and put her on trial for `treason' before Election Day has pleaded guilty in the foiled plot," the Daily Beast reports.

    Ty Garbin "has also agreed to take a polygraph test and testify against his co-conspirators."

    link

    Homeland security terrorism bulliten (none / 0) (#71)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 12:32:47 PM EST
    Here's something different... (none / 0) (#74)
    by desertswine on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 01:20:58 PM EST
    Got a million bucks?  Like French history?  Then you might like to purchase Napoleon's manuscript about his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz.

    Napoleon's account of the 1805 "three emperors" clash with Russo-Austrian forces, which is considered his greatest military victory, takes readers through preparations for battle, the fighting itself and is completed by a battle plan drawn by Bertrand on tracing paper.


    Also, Happy Birthday Wolfie baby. (5.00 / 3) (#92)
    by desertswine on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 06:04:08 PM EST
    265 wonderful years.

    "The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between."

    Parent

    We don't need Republicans (none / 0) (#75)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 02:04:11 PM EST
    to screw things up. We have enough Democrats willing to do that.

    Lost cause, Sen. Tim Kaiser, promoting giving Trump a slap on the wrist for his actions to promote an insurrection.

    Sens. Tim Kaine and Susan Collins are privately pitching their colleagues on a bipartisan resolution censuring former President Trump.

    A censure, in (5.00 / 1) (#77)
    by KeysDan on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 02:33:07 PM EST
    face of an unlikely senate conviction of articles of impeachment regarding the shakedown of the Ukrainian President may, arguably, have been a pragmatic sanction.

    However, this second round of impeachment, involving incitement to sack the Capitol so as  to disrupt the Constitutional responsibility of the senate to tally the electoral college votes, overturn votes, and cause chaos and mayhem has requires conviction, a barring from public office, and elimination of post-presidential perks.

    If conviction for this incitement and its consequences do not merit the full impeachment sanction, what does?  And, the storming of the Capitol itself is but a part of a story that needs to be presented to the American people.  

    Parent

    This (5.00 / 3) (#83)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 03:06:12 PM EST
    If conviction for this incitement and its consequences do not merit the full impeachment sanction, what does?  And, the storming of the Capitol itself is but a part of a story that needs to be presented to the American people.  

    The trial needs to proceed regardless of the final outcome. Promoting replacing the impeachment trial with a vote to censure is IMO failing to execute the duties of their office.  

    Parent

    Interesting bit about that Rand Paul vote (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 03:15:48 PM EST
    in The Hill

    "That's why I think it was a little unfortunate that we had this very spontaneous vote on an extraordinarily significant matter without the considered debate and brief and analysis," she said. "People had to make really quick decisions."

    Murkowski voted with only four other Republicans, Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), Mitt Romney (Utah), Pat Toomey (Pa.) and Ben Sasse (Neb.), to table the motion declaring the trial unconstitutional.  

    Sixty-seven senators or two-thirds of the Senate present in the chamber must vote for the article of impeachment to convict the former president.

    Murkowski said she and her colleagues were caught "flat-footed" by the procedural vote. She said she was not aware until Tuesday morning that she would be voting on the motion from Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) later in the day.

    "I think just about everybody was quite surprised to be in a position to actually take not only a public position but a vote on this today. And so I think that there were a lot that were perhaps not as prepared as I wanted," she said.

    Murkowski said "the question deserved more considered review by us the Senate

    link

    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#86)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 03:29:12 PM EST
    Manchin has said that the charges are too serious for a censure. So I think that likely has died.

    Parent
    Good for Manchin (5.00 / 2) (#91)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 05:43:17 PM EST
    At times, he chooses the right side of an issue. This is one of those times.

    Parent
    Navalnys brother now (none / 0) (#87)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 03:41:50 PM EST
    "Moscow police launched a series of raids Wednesday on apartments and offices of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's family and associates, arresting his brother," the AP reports.

    "The searched locations included Navalny's apartment, where police detained his brother, Oleg, and a rented apartment where Navalny's wife, Yulia, has been living."

    Very dangerous time for the demonstrators.  Putin will not let himself be Trumped easily.

    Cook Political Report (none / 0) (#89)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 05:20:47 PM EST
    Cook Political Report: "Unreleased survey research--both quantitative polls and qualitative focus groups--since the January 6th attack on the Capitol suggests that between 25 and 30 percent of Trump voters now have very mixed feelings about having backed him. They are less likely to believe that the election was stolen, and they were alarmed by the attack in Washington. They care more about the coronavirus pandemic and the direction of the economy."

    link

    I don't think DHS would have released that statement if they were not expecting trouble.

    If there is more trouble before the final impeachment vote I think it could change things.  Depending on the trouble.

    That's not (none / 0) (#90)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 05:38:41 PM EST
    nothing. It's a minimum of 18.5 million people if you take 25% of 74 million.

    Parent
    Not (none / 0) (#94)
    by FlJoe on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 06:27:37 PM EST
    only polls, there is some empirical data
    More than 30,000 voters who had been registered members of the Republican Party have changed their voter registration in the weeks after a mob of pro-Trump supporters attacked the Capitol -- an issue that led the House to impeach the former president for inciting the violence.

    The massive wave of defections is a virtually unprecedented exodus that could spell trouble for a party that is trying to find its way after losing the presidential race and the Senate majority.

    It could also represent the tip of a much larger iceberg: The 30,000 who have left the Republican Party reside in just a few states that report voter registration data, and information about voters switching between parties, on a weekly basis.




    Parent
    About the same percentage of Republicans ... (none / 0) (#109)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 04:16:07 AM EST
    ... ultimately broke ranks with President Richard Nixon and his allies 47 years ago over the Watergate scandal, and that ultimately proved fatal to his political survival.

    While that's certainly not an insignificant number, I still have to remind people that unlike what Brian Williams occasionally reminds us (mistakenly), no, the Republicans were not the real heroes of Watergate. At least 70 percent of them remained loyal to Nixon to the bitter end. (See "Stone, Roger.")

    Those who turned on Nixon were basically decent folks who had ethics. They were not political firebreathers who believed the ends justify the means. They put country before party and considered the evidence. Once Nixon was out of the picture, they generally returned to the GOP fold.

    The current problem for moderate Republicans such as Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Ben Sasse is that Donald Trump is quite obviously not out of the picture, and there are no rock-ribbed GOPers in the mold of the late Barry Goldwater, who are willing to bluntly level with Trump and tell him he has to go. Rather, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is making the obligatory pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago today to kiss His Orangeness' ring.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    If Nixon had been lucky enough (none / 0) (#110)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 08:21:33 AM EST
    to have the Oathkeepers and the Proud Boys do you think it would have happened that way?  I don't.

    The problem is not currently elected republicans.  Their fear to say the truth is a symptom of the larger problem.  The grass roots want fascism. Full stop.  Don't tell me they are doing what they are doing because they, poor things, have been "lied to".  I call bullshi+.  If that segment even exists the percentage is single digits.

    They know the truth.  The refuse to hear it.  I have some personal experience with this.  They have "their" truth.  They are not interested in yours,  they have the taking points they have been provided memorized.  They have never been deceived.  Trump spoke to them in ways they understood.  They want more of that.

    This is a problem with Republican voters.  THAT is the reason no Republican will say the election was not stolen.  Their voters won't hear it. Even if they said it they would not hear it.  They would just be finished politically.  They have been shown their fascistic inclinations can be elevated to the highest levels of government and that is what they want.

    We were saying before Nov it would take more than one election loss for republicans to understand.  It definitely will.
    Sadly the grassroots also understand this so now the work in underway to remove all the republicans who stood in their way so that next time it will work.

    I have never been more pessimistic about our future.

    We are now living in a country with an armed antigovernment contingent.  Just like all those other countries with antigovernment violence.  The world will never, at least in most of our lifetimes, trust us again.  Why the hell would they.

    We are F'ed.

    It will take years, decades, to come back.  If we ever do.

    Parent

    Ok that was dark (5.00 / 1) (#118)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 09:23:46 AM EST
    I had not had my, uh, coffee yet.

    Sorry.  I don't think it's entirely hopeless.

    If the Senate does not convict Trump the DOJ has to go after him.  State prosecutors are not enough.  He has to be taken - politically - out.  He needs to be in prison.  God knows there is a rich history of crime.  Just pick one.   Or a couple.  

    I'm starting to think that might be the only way to win this.  At least in my lifetime.


    Parent

    Yes he needs to face criminal charges in (5.00 / 3) (#119)
    by desertswine on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 10:53:53 AM EST
    addition to any political fallout.  That coup attempt (it's not over yet) is simply unforgivable.

    Parent
    That is What I Don't Understand... (none / 0) (#120)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 11:24:41 AM EST
    ...republicans are saying the Constitution doesn't allow impeachment for someone who isn't President.  While that seems nonsensical, let's hold them to it, drop the impeachment and start an actual federal prosecution.  

    A trial with real jurists, in a real courtroom, with real consequences to the high crimes should he be found guilty. Stick his A in prison until the next republican president is elected to pardon him.  Let him have his Secret Service protection behind bars at my expense, no problemo.  Throw in a Mars bar and a coke, but it on my tab.

    The guy led an insurrection of the US government, can we start treating it like the high crime it is instead pussy footing about and negotiating something as meaningless as censure.

    Parent

    Hell, I'll pay for his dozen diet cokes a day out (none / 0) (#123)
    by desertswine on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 12:18:32 PM EST
    of my social security. (Thanks FDR)

    Parent
    There might be good reasons (none / 0) (#126)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 12:37:35 PM EST
    to have the trial in the senate even if we think we know how it will end.

    Parent
    If It Doesn't Involved Prison... (none / 0) (#128)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 01:12:05 PM EST
    ...then it's window dressing.  

    If they aren't going to tell us about the 'good reasons' then they probably aren't that good.  I get the feeling the impeachment will be bargained away with a vote to censure, aka as a public reprimand.  

    I wish I could commit a crime and have the jury censure me.  The really sad thing is I don't even think they got the votes for that.

    Parent

    I'm pretty sure it's not going to become censure (none / 0) (#129)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 01:25:32 PM EST
    Also (none / 0) (#131)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 01:38:05 PM EST
    Really, just about anything could happen.  If you read that Homeland Security Bulletin they also seem to think just about anything could happen.   If something does happen before the final vote things could change.

    Also Kev went to kiss the ring today.  He is widely being told it looks weak.  It does.  He must know it does.  But he did it anyway I think because they are really really worried about what happens next.  And I think he went to beg Trump to help them end it.  Or at least lower the temp.

    He won't of course.

    Parent

    Anything Could Happen, but in Reality... (none / 0) (#140)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 04:14:36 PM EST
    ...the vote will pretty much be along party lines, just like it was in the House.  Yeah Mitch is going to listen to the evidence, I guess he forgot he was in the building when it happened.

    Parent
    The best strategy (none / 0) (#144)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 04:44:49 PM EST
    is to put the entire GOP on trial along with Trump. Might not change the outcome or it might. At this point I really don't care whether they convict him or not. I do care about the final vote though and for the treason weasels to identify themselves which is what they will do by voting no.

    Parent
    For a while (5.00 / 2) (#135)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 03:01:24 PM EST
    I was beat them at the ballot box which I also think should be a goal but I am now with Rick Wilson who says the Republican party has to be burned to the ground. It is completely irredeemable. I no longer care what their reasons are or what excuses they come up with. They have no allegiance to the country and basically are modern day treasonous confederates that want restore the confederacy.

    We are already working here in GA for the next election. We are not stopping. We have to get rid of the statewide GOP which is something we can do. I am not sure about the Marjorie Taylor Greenes of the world. She's really the GOP's problem and I really am not willing to help them when it comes to crazy.

    Parent

    Shoot, No Democrat Could Do the Damage... (none / 0) (#141)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 04:26:08 PM EST
    ...she is doing to the republican party.  

    Next election, first order of business, makes sure Marjorie Taylor Greene remains front and center with cameras rolling.

    Parent

    If democrats were able to get out of their own way (none / 0) (#143)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 04:38:25 PM EST
    on messaging, that would be a good idea.  It's actually pretty much what they tried to do last time and what happened?

    Republicans did way better than anyone expected and she won.

    Parent

    This is not the case (none / 0) (#151)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 06:00:19 PM EST
    with Greene. What happened is there was a D candidate and his wife left him or filed for divorce or the Qanon crazies were threatening him. Take your pick and he withdrew when it was too late to find a replacement candidate. Nobody got enough votes in the GOP primary so the top two faces off in a runoff, Greene and another candidate. The entire GOP here in GA for the most part endorsed her GOP opponent. Greene beat him. This district is basically Deliverance. The voters howl at he moon and Marjorie is who they wanted. This is why I say she is the GOP's problem and they are going to have to deal with her. So far they seem to be embracing crazy. She has town halls where if the press asks a question she attempts to have them arrested. So you really cant blame the D's for this problem. This problem was created by the GOP. They are the ones that drew this district. And I don't think they are going to be willing to draw her out of a district. MGT is what happens when you spend decades lying to your own voters.

    Parent
    He said make her craziness an issue (none / 0) (#152)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 06:10:58 PM EST
    They did that.  How did that go?

    You can argue they did a good job but she won.  And using the craziness of a QAnon in Congress to scare voters had zero effect on her race or all the other republican races that went better everywhere than any pollster expected.

    Not sure what you mean is "not the case".  

    Parent

    Qanon (none / 0) (#154)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 07:12:46 PM EST
    craziness is not a problem in this district is my point. It is a problem for any Republican running statewide though. The GOP cannot win with just the rural vote anymore. Biden and the senate runoff proved that.

    In this case I mean no D was going to win this district. It is gerrymandered for a Republican to win.

    Marjorie definitely hurt Loeffler and Perdue in the senate races. She repels the suburbs which the GOP has to do at least decently in to win statewide. The entire state knew about her since Perdue and Loeffler were chasing her endorsement.

    Did Marjorie get national attention? I am not sure. I know she is giving the GA GOP heartburn.

    Parent

    On the subject of democrats and messaging (none / 0) (#153)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 06:40:29 PM EST
    Try this thought experiment.

    Imagine all the political roles are reversed.  Imagine a leftist group over ran the Capitol resulting in all the death and chaos that we have seen.

    Do you think that 22 days later the Republicans would be mounting and effective messaging campaign against democrats?

    I don't understand why they are not doing this.  Maybe they are planning it or thinking about it...

    I don't understand why they are not doing it.  Just like republicans would with every democrat on the same page and the same fascist tagging message.   It just seems like a layup.  I don't get it.

    Democrats suck at messaging.  

     

    Parent

    Yeah, I agree (none / 0) (#155)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 07:16:19 PM EST
    Our messaging has sucked for a good 20 years. I have no hope that it will get better any time soon. One reason I was glad the Lincoln Project has been helping.

    Parent
    The Lincoln Project (none / 0) (#156)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 07:24:56 PM EST
    laughs at the Dems responses to the Republicans.

    Parent
    Also (none / 0) (#145)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 04:44:50 PM EST
    Show me one Republican, other than the usual exiled suspects, who have said one word against her.

    One word.

    Trump pretty much blew the doors off Republican shame.

    In fact, she was just given a seat on the House Education Committee.  They probably thought that was a hoot after her saying Sandy Hook was a false flag and her running down the street harassing the survivor of a school shooting, Hogg, for his work on gun control.

    I think she also said the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas shooting was a false flag operation.

    The education committee.  Let that sink in.

    Parent

    Here (none / 0) (#147)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 04:49:10 PM EST
    This is how worried republicans are (none / 0) (#148)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 04:53:01 PM EST
    There is a percentage (none / 0) (#111)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 08:46:42 AM EST
    of the Republican politicians who are just fine with overthrowing democracy to stay in power or to get more power. There may be some that fear their voters but there are many who are behind this effort 100%.

    IMO it is an explosive combination of politicians and voters that are the main and growing threat.

    Parent

    Certainly there are (none / 0) (#112)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 08:51:24 AM EST
    Rep Green.  I think many more are spineless windsocks who literally only care about keeping their power.

    And yes it is a terrible combination.

    Parent

    And not just her (none / 0) (#113)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 08:53:32 AM EST
    or we would not be seeing the effort to purge Liz Cheney as Rep Green is given plumb committee positions.

    Parent
    I would put Harley, Cruz, Tubberville (none / 0) (#114)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 08:58:33 AM EST
    and several others in the house as willing to overturn democracy. They maybe slightly less visibly extreme as Greene but IMO every bit as willing to lead the insurgents.

    Parent
    Green is simply the logical political result (5.00 / 2) (#116)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 09:08:16 AM EST
    of Trump.  The ones you mention dog whistled.  Trump, and Green, simply say the quiet part out loud.  

    They, the voters, have found loud is what they want.  Expect more.

    Parent

    I would agree (none / 0) (#115)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 09:04:03 AM EST
    but this is not really news about any of them and they would not be in a position to do what they are doing if the fascist voter base had not put them there.

    Parent
    These people have been convinced (none / 0) (#122)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 12:04:54 PM EST
    by Faux News that they are victims. Poor persecuted christians. Poor persecuted white people. The "blacks" and "mexicans" get all the perks. Free phones, free health care, free money. It's all BS, but that's what they believe. There is also this belief amongst the better off MAGA types that if someone else (especially of a darker complexion) is doing well or succeeding then they (the poor disenfranchised MAGAts) are losing. Or something is being taken  from them.

    It is a whole belief system that I do not comprehend. But then I'm not a regular viewer of Faux News. I also don't by into most BS belief systems. It is probably why I have disdain for religion. I don't buy into that BS either.

    I have do not have a college degree. I have suffered some tough times. I have lived paycheck to paycheck. Unemployment check to unemployment check. But I never blamed that on the "other guy" or the brown people or anyone else. I now make a very good salary and have for some time. When technology changed the industries I was in, I adjusted, learned new skills, relocated if necessary.  My success or lack thereof was my doing. No one "stole" my jobs. Technology pushed me out of typesetting. But I took that background and knowledge and put it work in my next career.

    But these folks have been convinced their failures, their bad decisions, their laziness, whatever is someone else's fault. And they want their due. Eff em all.

    Parent

    It is my experience (5.00 / 1) (#124)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 12:31:09 PM EST
    that many people who believe that black and brown people are taking things they themselves deserve, are not lacking in homes, food or money. They constantly complain that "they" have to pay for benefits for poor people. Unsurprisingly, they never complain about having to pay for the benefits that millionaires and billionaires receive tax free.

    Parent
    I don't (5.00 / 1) (#125)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 12:34:05 PM EST
    think they do really believe that.  Maybe someone once believed that but it's become me an excuse.  A rationalization for what they really believe.  Which is white people first.  

    I have watched these educated suburban people talk about how they believe the country is being run by satan worshiping cannibal pedophiles.  I don't buy it.  

    I think it's an in joke.  I'm sorry but no one actually believes this.  It's about the club.  The tribe.  You say you believe it and you are a member.  The more ridiculous and unbelievable it is the better.  The more it owns the libs..  The point is not the story.  It's the tribe.  

    We have to stop giving these people the pass of ignorance.

    Parent

    Qanon (none / 0) (#130)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 01:35:13 PM EST
    Some of the Qanon people, who think Trump betrayed them, are just walking away, surely to get caught up in something equally dumb.

    But you don't just walk away from stopping people who have sex with kids and who eat them if you really believe it.  I'm not sure the degree, but it's got to be like a thousand times worse than abortion.  And they are just going to let those kids suffer because a politician betrayed them, pleaZe.

    I do wonder what the percentage of actual believers there are. 3%, 5%, not all of them are in on the joke.  I would think if you go into a pizza ship with an assault rifle to murder baby killers you are probably not faking it for the tribe.  

    Parent

    Like I said earlier (none / 0) (#132)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 01:40:33 PM EST
    single digits.  Some in that crowd sure looked like they believed it.  But rage is rage and they sure have that.

    Parent
    Maybe we'll get lucky (none / 0) (#134)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 02:40:18 PM EST
    and they'll be down at the airport banging drums and finger symbols next week. And chanting.

    Parent
    Absurd Conclusions (none / 0) (#121)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 11:56:11 AM EST
    So when republican lose elections their go to isn't to self reflect and try to understand why they didn't win.  Nope, their go to move is to reduce access to voting even more, especially in states that were to close to call.

    Republicans Considering More than 100 bills to Restrict Voting Rights

    Republican democracy.


    Yes (none / 0) (#136)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 03:02:52 PM EST
    and the media is having the vapors about Biden signing a bill that is not "bipartisan". The GOP is having a meltdown about how the senate is moving too quickly towards passing bills. They need to look in the mirror and realize we saw what they did for a good ten or more years and we are having none of it.

    Parent
    Just shut up and reconciliate already (none / 0) (#137)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 03:33:37 PM EST
    enough

    "Democrats are discussing a path to bypass Republicans and approve an aggressive Covid-19 relief package on a party-line basis as prospects for bipartisan support for President Joe Biden's top priority diminish," NBC News reports.

    "White House economic adviser Brian Deese and Covid-19 coordinator Jeff Zientz held a call Thursday with Senate Democrats as they grapple with whether to cut a slimmed-down deal or use a process known as reconciliation to bypass the Senate's 60-vote rule to avoid a filibuster."



    Parent
    Yeah, just pass it (none / 0) (#146)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 04:46:34 PM EST
    and let the GOP howl. They can vote for it or against it.

    Parent
    Yes, the (none / 0) (#149)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 05:34:33 PM EST
    only consideration  should be to get the bill passed in, roughly, the form presented by the Administration.    Some additional attempts to enlist Republican support and, if no support in short order, reconciliation.  The fascist party will call the bill out for socialism, communism, deficits even if passed with there help.  The American's criteria will be what counts--- eliminate the virus threat and restore the economy.

    Parent
    Both new (none / 0) (#162)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 08:56:23 PM EST
    Georgia senators, Ossoff and Warnock, campaigned.on COVID relief and Biden, when campaigning with them, did so as well--particularly the $2,000 component  

    Can't see the fascists voting for this bill, they would not even consider such legislation last year when it could have helped not only that man whose name should not be spoken, but themselves.   Reconciliation will be the name of this game.

    Parent

    It would help but... (none / 0) (#164)
    by jmacWA on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 04:31:38 AM EST
    bipartisan adjective: Democrats must cave to Republicans

    Parent
    The Stand (none / 0) (#150)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 05:35:58 PM EST
    (This is an open, right?)

    If you are not doing this you are missing good stuff.  It is well worth the price of CBS AllAccess.

    The 7th episode (of 9) dropped today and it's really getting to the good part.

    The music is excellent.  This episode has a acoustic version of this song I had never heard but I love it.

    Who would you root for? (none / 0) (#157)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 07:49:07 PM EST
    Who would you vote for?
    I have to say for me it's a tough one.

    Marco or Ivanka



    Little Marco (5.00 / 1) (#158)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 07:51:03 PM EST
    rather than Little Princess.

    Parent
    A god awful choice, (5.00 / 2) (#163)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 09:26:34 PM EST
    but I agree Vanky's defeat would badly dent further aspirations for the Trump dynastic crime enterprise.  In this case the drawback to the Little Princess' defeat is the win of Little Marco.  It is a conundrum.

    Parent
    Tough one (none / 0) (#159)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 08:02:48 PM EST
    for me too. Both are perfectly awful.

    Have you seen the new Meidas Touch ad with Rubio? It calls him a domestic terrorist.

    Parent

    I would love (none / 0) (#160)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 08:07:06 PM EST
    seeing either of them lose.

    Parent
    Adieu... (none / 0) (#161)
    by desertswine on Thu Jan 28, 2021 at 08:48:04 PM EST
      Cicely Tyson, the pioneering Black actor who gained an Oscar nomination for her role as the sharecropper's wife in "Sounder," a Tony Award in 2013 at age 88 and touched TV viewers' hearts in "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman," died Thursday at age 96.

    Oscar winner and multiple Emmy winner Cloris Leachman, best remembered as the delightfully neurotic Phyllis Lindstrom on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and her own subsequent sitcom, died of natural causes on Tuesday in Encinitas, Calif. She was 94.

    Happy Friday (none / 0) (#165)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 08:07:51 AM EST
    allow me to crush any small hope you have for things improving


    "The verdict is clear: The vast majority of Republicans will stand firm with former President Trump. The next phase is clear, too: Republicans are rallying around a common grievance that big government, big media and big business are trying to shut them up, shut them out and shut them down," Axios reports.

    "The post-Trump GOP, especially its most powerful media platforms, paint the new reality as an existential threat. This means political attacks are seen -- or characterized -- as assaults on their very being."

    --

    "Donald Trump has mused about forming a third party. But it's not clear why he needs one," the AP reports.

    "As he faces an impeachment trial for inciting insurrection, state and county Republican Party committees have rushed to Trump's defense -- highlighting the former president's firm control of the GOP machinery."

    --

    Politico: "Some House lawmakers are privately refusing to work with each other. Others are afraid to be in the same room. Two members almost got into a fist fight on the floor. And the speaker of the House is warning that `the enemy is within.' ... Forget Joe Biden's calls for unity. Members of Congress couldn't be further divided."

    --

    "Three weeks ago, Donald Trump was radioactive, even in the top quarters of his own party. Now, those same Republicans are convinced they can't live without the energy he gives off, even if it proves toxic," Politico reports.

    "The GOP is engaged in a delicate dance to keep Trump and his base of voters in the fold while not seeming too beholden to him. Without Trump's cooperation, the party fears losing a fundraising giant just as it pivots to a midterm cycle in which it hopes to regain majorities in each chamber of Congress."

    --

    "During previously unreported meetings last summer, House Republican leaders discussed -- but then largely set aside -- fears that QAnon-supporting conspiracy theorist Marjorie Taylor Greene would end up a flaming trainwreck for their party," Axios reports.

    --

    Arizona state Rep Shawnna Bolick (R) introduced legislation which would give the legislators the power to toss out the Secretary of State's certification of electors in a presidential election "at any time before inauguration," the Arizona Capitol Times reports.

    links at Political Wire

    Well Considering... (5.00 / 1) (#173)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 10:07:40 AM EST
    ...democrats have taken the House, the Senate, and Presidency since Trump came onto the scene, what's the problem ?

    Yeah, there like a 93% chance that we won't be able to punish Trump on any meaningful level, but he's not President and we have Congress and the Presidency, that to me is not doom and gloom, that is cause for celebration.

    And if we can't gain seats in 2022 after January 6th, Qanon, and all the other CraZy, heads need to roll. Just because republican in Congress won't convict doesn't mean the voting public agrees.

    Results from the poll also showed just over half of respondents support of a conviction of Trump in the Senate, with 52 percent in favor.

    Among those surveyed, 57 percent said they supported the Senate taking that action against Trump.

    Unrelated, but interesting:

    The poll found that 54 percent of those polled were "very confident" that the 2020 election was fair, an increase from 44 percent in mid-November, while a quarter of respondents said they "remain not at all confident" in the results. Although 65 percent said they believed President Joe Biden won the election "fair and square," 72 percent of Republicans still label Biden's victory as fraudulent. A third say they will never accept Biden as president.

    Those kind of numbers win elections.

    Parent

    I too often do not convey what I mean (none / 0) (#174)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 10:15:15 AM EST
    I agree with all of that.  I totally think the Republican Party is setting itself on fire.  

    Because of what they are doing two states known all my life as republican strongholds now both have two democratic senators.  And I think 22 will be a good year for elected democrats.  

    My only point really was getting from here to there is going to be ugly.  Ugly like this country has never seen or even imagined it would see ugly.

    A lot of bad stuff is coming to a boil. In the short term.

    Parent

    It (none / 0) (#166)
    by FlJoe on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 09:11:21 AM EST
    seems more like good news to me
    "Three weeks ago, Donald Trump was radioactive, even in the top quarters of his own party. Now, those same Republicans are convinced they can't live without the energy he gives off, even if it proves toxic," Politico reports.
    I hope the GOP keeps chugging the orange Kool-Ade.

    Also note the victimhood that I spoke of  

    assaults on their very being


    Parent
    I thought you were the pessimist (none / 0) (#167)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 09:17:15 AM EST
    Still, there is this

    "The Republican Party is riven by internal tensions, and moderate voices fear it is headed for disaster at the hands of the far right," The Hill reports.

    "The centrists' worry is that the party is branding itself as the party of insurrectionists and conspiracy theorists. This spells catastrophe for the GOP's ability to appeal beyond a hardcore base, they say."

    I really do think the way things are going there are going to be elected republicans in both houses who leave the party.

    They might not become democrats but leaving the party to label themselves Indy would not be a bad thing.

    The status quo does not seem sustainable.  The Republican Party seems to have looked into the abyss and jumped.

    Parent

    I (none / 0) (#169)
    by FlJoe on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 09:30:48 AM EST
    will admit I did not have 'Liz Cheney being the last bastion against full blown fascism in the GOP" on my bingo card.

    I am still not convinced that this country is not in a death spiral but the thought of watching the repugs circling the drain first does bring a smile on my face.

    Parent

    There was a lot lot of alarming stuff there (none / 0) (#171)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 09:49:21 AM EST
    But this

    Arizona state Rep Shawnna Bolick (R) introduced legislation which would give the legislators the power to toss out the Secretary of State's certification of electors in a presidential election "at any time before inauguration," the Arizona Capitol Times reports.

    This is part of a full frontal assault.  There are comments in this thread about the massive Republican push to restrict voting all over the country.

    But this is like Plan B.  Don't even worry about who "wins".  We will decide who wins.

    This is going to spread like all the viral local fascist Republican trends do.  And if it's allowed it is literally the end of everything.

    Not a constitutional scholar but I think it says something like the States do pretty much whatever they want.  Last time the laws said they can't do this, let make some new laws.

    And this is where Trump is most powerful.  State and country governments.  One of those blurbs above was about that subject I think.

    Parent

    A Democrat from AZ (none / 0) (#186)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 07:08:05 PM EST
    Is on with Chris Hayes saying this is not a joke and it could totally pass.


    Ruben Gallego
    @RubenGallego
    ·
    19h
    Referendums are expensive but I will raise the money to kill this Democracy killing bill. Follow this bill if it passes we will have 90 days after it is signed into law to collect the necessary signatures to get it on the ballot and then defeat it.



    Parent
    He had some time net restrictions no things (none / 0) (#190)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 07:36:43 PM EST
    to say about what democrats could do about the insurrection caucus.  He said no one involved would get anything out of his committee.  That's sounds like a start.

    Ostracize them.  Refuse to meet or talk with them until they say on the floor of the House Joe Biden is president and the election was not stolen.

    Parent

    Sorry (none / 0) (#191)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 07:37:52 PM EST
    He had some interesting things to say

    Parent
    And (none / 0) (#168)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 09:28:11 AM EST
    all that said, it does not change the original point.  Things are NOT going to improve anytime soon.

    They might lose, probably will lose eventually, but I would just a buckle the F up.

    Parent

    Another (none / 0) (#176)
    by FlJoe on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 10:24:39 AM EST
    bright spot is CNN being absolutely brutal on Republicans, Maddow or even Keith Olbermann levels of torching.

     

    Parent

    Things (none / 0) (#182)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 02:03:04 PM EST
    are not going to improve. The GOP has completely embraced domestic terrorism and white supremacy. Rick Wilson let on about this in a podcast I listened to the other day. The GOP has decided that ridding themselves of people like Marjorie Taylor Greene has more of a downside than keeping her.

    Parent
    The Republicans, as (none / 0) (#185)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 06:56:21 PM EST
    with Trump, seem to believe they can handle the Marjorie Taylor Greenes.  However, the Greene's are the present and future of the party.  There will only be a competition for who can out fascist the other,  

    Democrats need to realize just what the Republican Party is.  The nation is not "divided" as the media is wont to claim and which connotes equal. There is no equivalency between fascists determined to overthrow our institutions of governance grounded in thuggery, intimidation and violence and an American political party.

    Parent

    Not handling it very well (none / 0) (#187)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 07:09:33 PM EST
    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has "created a dilemma for Republican leaders, who for months have been unwilling to publicly rebuke or punish her in any way for her inflammatory statements, in part for fear of alienating voters delighted by her incendiary brand of politics and conspiratorial beliefs," the New York Times reports.

    "After avoiding the issue for months in the hope that it would resolve itself, Republicans are now facing calls from Democrats to expel Ms. Greene from Congress, pressure from a prominent group of Jewish Republicans to discipline her, and private consternation from within their own ranks."

    "Their reticence to take action is yet another example of how Republican leaders have allowed those forces to fester and strengthen."



    Parent
    McCarthy (none / 0) (#188)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 07:22:13 PM EST
    has got to be the weakest house leader majority or minority that I have ever seen in my lifetime. He apparently is considering stripping her of her committee assignments but I will believe taht when I see it.

    A funny aside here in GA is now Loeffler and Perdue are blaming Trump for losing their senate seats. They say he was threatening them with tweeting against them if they didn't do what he told them to do. I am so tired of hearing about people in DC who were afraid of a tweet from Trump. Both of them were truly pathetic and deserved to lose.

    Parent

    I'm a little afraid (none / 0) (#189)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 07:27:56 PM EST
    That MTG will become the shiny object that distracts from the bigger problem.  Like the fact a majority of the house republicans voted to overturn an election they knew was free and fair.

    Maybe they will shame her a little.  Maybe even expel her.  Won't solve the problem.

    Parent

    No, but if there (none / 0) (#192)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 08:16:23 PM EST
    are consequences for the worst offenders such as expulsion perhaps there will be consequences for reps such as mine where they are made to stand before the entire house and admit that they lied about the election.

    Ignoring them and not letting them put forth any legislation would be a start. Treat them like lepers.

    Parent

    From an Optimistic Point of View (none / 0) (#177)
    by RickyJim on Fri Jan 29, 2021 at 10:51:43 AM EST
    The occurrence of the word "Trump" in news articles is way down since the inauguration.  Letting him to run again for President might well be a gift for the Democrats since his standing among independents will continue to plummet.  

    Bloomberg (none / 0) (#194)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jan 30, 2021 at 09:53:11 AM EST
    The Covid news is just terrifying (none / 0) (#196)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jan 30, 2021 at 03:26:25 PM EST
    I'm watching the 1979 Nosferatu because it turned up on cable  and I'm thinking boy, this is kind of timely.  So I google and I'm not the first to notice this

    However if there's one thing about the remake that makes it scarier than its predecessor, it's the emphasis of the plague that the vampire brings when arriving in the town of Wismar. Due to the fact that the current COVID-19 pandemic is raging on, a movie based around a widespread illness is more terrifying than any plain vampire, and although his presence is what causes the plague to begin in the first place, Count Dracula isn't the figure in the film most associated with the plague: the figures who represent the plague are the thousands of rats infested all over Wismar.

    What makes Herzog's remake more disturbing in displaying the plague is that he shows how the town reacts to it. There's a great scene of Lucy running around town square while several coffins are being carried out. Aware of the vampire's presence, she tries to explain to the townspeople why this is happening, but is unable to convince them. Following this is maybe the most fascinating scene in the remake -- Lucy finds herself at an outdoor dining party between citizens who are behaving rather joyful despite the plague and hundreds of rats surrounding them. They explain that they have the disease as well, but are deciding to enjoy themselves before dying.

    Why Werner Herzog's Nosferatu Remake Is Scarier Than Ever
    Werner Herzog's Nosferatu The Vampyre is a classic remake, but it's display of plague makes it especially haunting today.

    That bit in the last paragraph is one of the few moments in the movie with a musical soundtrack.  And it couldn't be more perfect.

    Lucy is bringing the football (none / 0) (#200)
    by MO Blue on Sun Jan 31, 2021 at 11:53:39 AM EST
    once again.

    GOP senators propose compromise on COVID-19 relief

    Cassidy said on "Fox News Sunday" that the GOP senators' package would total $600 billion and include direct payments of $1,000.

    The main take away is the Republicans are trying to ensure that the Dems fail on one of their primary and most public promises of giving people $2,000 checks.