Below is my column in the New York Post on what a flipping of either (or both) houses might bring for President Joe Biden. While the President has cited his own impeachment as the danger of such a change, it may be the least of his worries. As we wait for the final tally on seats in both houses, here are three areas that represent a more serious threat to the President than removal from office.
Here is the column:
In the movie “The Longest Day,” Maj. Werner Pluskat tried to warn his superior about the approaching armada that he was seeing on the horizon. His superior asks where they are heading, and Pluskat responds, “Straight for me!”
In the days before the midterm “D-Day,” President Joe Biden increasingly sounded like Pluskat. Last Thursday, Biden warned supporters that the Republicans have made clear “they’re gonna impeach me.” When Biden warned that he might be impeached if voters do not stop a Republican wave, there was an audible laugh which prompted the President to added “No, I’m not joking.”
While Biden may or may not be the subject of an impeachment, a Republican-controlled House has plenty to investigate, and impeachment is unlikely his greatest fear.
Here are the top three concerns, and there is every indication that Biden is wise to be worried.
Hunter Biden and Influence Peddling
House Democrats repeatedly moved to block investigations into the alleged multimillion-dollar influence-peddling operations by the Biden family. For his part, Attorney General Merrick Garland steadfastly refused to appoint a special counsel despite an overwhelming basis for such an appointment.
Biden has repeatedly denied knowledge of Hunter Biden’s business entanglements despite numerous emails and pictures showing him meeting with Hunter associates. Hunter’s partner, Eric Schwerin, alone made at least 19 visits to the White House and other official locations between 2009 and 2015.
There are emails of Chinese, Ukrainian and other foreign clients including some thanking Hunter Biden for arranging meetings with his father. People apparently were told to avoid directly referring to Joe Biden. In one email, Tony Bobulinski, then a business partner of Hunter, was instructed by Biden associate James Gilliar that the Bidens wanted to avoid such references: “Don’t mention Joe being involved, it’s only when u [sic] are face to face, I know u [sic] know that but they are paranoid.”
Instead, the emails refer to Joe Biden with code names such as “Celtic” or “the big guy.” In one, “the big guy” is discussed as possibly receiving a 10% cut on a deal with a Chinese energy firm; other emails reportedly refer to Hunter Biden paying portions of his father’s expenses and taxes.
An investigation into the alleged influence peddling by Hunter, his uncle James and his father could reveal additional information of how foreign interests pumped millions into the Biden family. As we learn more of this influence-peddling operation, the FBI may face increased questions over its response to the allegations as well as many in the media, who were actively involved in burying the story before and after the election.
Social Media and Censorship-by-Surrogate
The president has at times acted as a virtual censor-in-chief, denouncing social-media companies for “killing people” by not censoring enough. Recently, he expressed doubt that the public can “know the truth” without such censorship by “editors” in Big Tech. There is growing evidence of long-suspected back channels between government and Democratic political figures and Big Tech. Some of those contacts were recently confirmed but Congress again refused to investigate.
If officials coordinated the censorship of citizens, it could lead to lawsuits (in addition to already pending actions) and embarrassing disclosures. The government cannot do indirectly what it is barred from doing directly. The investigation could produce considerable collateral damage for political and media figures alike.
Pandemic politics and policies
Republicans have pledged to open a full investigation into what officials knew about the origins and risks of COVID-19. Specifically, members like Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) have pledged to uncover material showing what officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci knew about the lack of efficacy of masks as well as guidelines on limiting groups or the closure of businesses and schools. These investigations might also reveal the coordination of health-care guidelines with teacher unions and political allies.
These investigations could eventually be linked in critical ways. For example, many of those who questioned the efficacy and cost of the massive lockdown were barred on social media (and attacked in the mainstream media). Fauci is accused of quickly scuttling such discussion, and critics point to his own alleged approval of gain-of-function research at the Wuhan lab.
These investigations could also present a serious challenge to Attorney General Garland. Not only will the Hunter Biden investigation shed light on his inexplicable opposition to a special counsel, but Garland has been very aggressive in prosecuting contempt of Congress against Trump officials. He may now face contempt referrals from a new Republican-controlled House and will be asked to show the same aggression against Biden officials or associates.
It is not clear whether Biden’s more personal existential plea moved the needle for voters, but it was arguably his most honest pitch as he contemplated the perilous future if either house flipped to the GOP.
“Republicans have pledged to open a full investigation into what officials knew about the origins and risks of COVID-19.”
So the Republican Congress is going to investigate the Trump administration about things that happened in 2020 when Trump was President? Good luck subpoenaing those people; Trump people famously resist every subpoena and it takes a lot of effort to enforce them through the courts.
So the Republican Congress is going to investigate the Trump administration about things that happened in 2020 when Trump was President?
Shocker huh. It’s what the Legislative branch is supposed to do, instead of being a doormat for the Executive branch.
Plodding, yeah, ‘Why would Republicans want to investigate the orgins of covid’ when Trump denied the pandemic those first 2 crucial months.
denied the pandemic those first 2 crucial months.
Exactly like Pelosi and Gov Cuomo?
Stupid dems ingoring facts
(I thought I posted a similar comment earlier but it disappeared)
Although we’re depressed about the election losses yesterday of so many intelligent, moral candidates around the country, we are grateful for the outcome of our local and state races. Our electrician, who is a hometown 76 yr. old, a conservative, practical and honest, is our new county judge. He is not a politician, just concerned citizen who wants the best for his community and its citizens.
And of course we’re grateful that Texas dodged the Beto bullet once again.
So we have much to be thankful for here, but wish we could wave a wand over places around the country that are anything but fortunate right now.
May God bless America.
Biden’s ‘Lack Of Popularity’ Now In Question
Until yesterday it was widely thought that Joe Biden was so unpopular that Democratic candidates were better off not even mentioning the president. But one has to seriously question now if Biden is ‘really’ that unpopular.
IT’S NOT THE VOTE, IT’S THE CONSTITUTION, STUPID!
The burgeoning (since 1863) illegal alien invaders and barren American women (i.e. fertility rate in a “death spiral”) are incoherently allowed to vote for their communist (liberal, progressive, socialist, democrat, RINO, AINO), unconstitutional abortion and welfare state in America.
The Founders voted as only male, European, 21, 50 lbs. Sterling/50 acres, resulting in a turnout of merely 11.6% of American men.
“[We gave you] a [restricted-vote] republic, if you can keep it,” admonished Ben Franklin.
You couldn’t.
The Supreme Court finally fulfilled its sworn-oath duty after 50 years and struck down unconstitutional abortion.
The Supreme Court must now finally fulfill its sworn-oath duty and strike down the entire, unconstitutional, American, welfare state under the doctrine of timeless Judicial Review.
The parasites and dependents can’t legally vote for all forms of “free stuff,” as they just did, because it’s unconstitutional.
The singular American structural failure has been and continues to be the Supreme Court and judicial branch.
“An investigation into the alleged influence peddling by Hunter, his uncle James and his father could reveal additional information of how foreign interests pumped millions into the Biden family.”
Did Joe Biden own a hotel across from the White House where foreigners doing business before the government had to pay to play? Because I would be concerned about something like that. Congress should look into whether any President had an arrangement like that.
Did Joe Biden own a hotel across from the White House where foreigners doing business before the government had to pay to play? Because I would be concerned about something like that. Congress should look into whether any President had an arrangement like that.
Had to pay to play? As opposed to staying at the hotel and not having to pay to play? I’d be more concerned with that. Or are you suggesting foreigners had no other option but to stay in that hotel? If that was the case, then that would be something Congress should investigate.
Only, one should note that Trump put that hotel up ‘For Sale’ shortly after he left the White House.
Trump put that hotel up ‘For Sale’ shortly after he left the White House.
Quite a shock that a man in the Real Estate Business would buy AND SELL real estate. Who would ever think that could happen. Your logic would have us believing Elon Musk thinks Tesla is a loser…after all he sold $4,000,000,000 (billion) of Tesla stock
one should note that Trump put that hotel up ‘For Sale’ shortly after he left the White House.
Well he did know the disaster that was moving into the White House. So given what Biden’s inflation has done to the real estate market, I would say it was a wise move.
Speaking of Trump selling real estate, what are you going to do with that vast empty space between your ears when Trump is finally gone?
The Man who left the White House having donated his Government Salary to charity the while four years….that same guy has tremendous Legal Fees to pay as a result of Civil and Administrative Actions taken against him for purely political reasons…..perhaps he needs to sell at the top of the market instead of the bottom…..or do. you not understand life and business?
On election day in 2016, virtually no one expected Donald Trump to win. During his first term, against vicious, never-ending opposition from the left and his own party, Trump achieved gasoline under $2 a gallon, inflation at 2%, record low unemployment, decreased regulation of American industry, the elimination of NAFTA, the establishment of new trade agreements with Mexico and Canada, higher tariffs on products from China, the building of a wall on our southern border, a dramatic reduction in illegal immigration, decreased missile testing by North Korea, cancellation of the Obama nuclear agreement with Iran, recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the brokering of historic trade agreements between Israel and its Arab neighbors, increased defense spending by the United States, increased defense spending by the other NATO members, no new wars, American energy independence, a welcoming environment in the Republican Party for good and decent Americans of all races and classes, the appointment of more than 200 federal judges who believe in following the Constitution, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices who believe in following the Constitution, and, after waiting 50 years, the overturning of Roe v Wade. Go Trump.
Miller: After cheating his way into office with the help of Rusiian hackers, Trump achieved NOTHING other than: 1. creating the worst recession since the Great Depression due to incomptent handling of COVID, causing the country to shut down for about 2 years, restaurants, businesses, factories and schools had to close; passing tax cuts that benefitted the most-wealthy individuals and corporations, which drove the national debt to record levels, trade war with China–tariffs passed on to consumers and shortages of consumer goods and computer chips, unemployment at 10% when he was put out of office; 2. causing the unnecessary deaths of 130,000 Americans due to lying about the seriosness of COVID; 3. alienation of our EU and NATO allies; Biden has healed this rift and now 3 more countries want to join NATO; 4. tried to get Russia back into the G-7. America does not benefit by moving the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem–he did this to pay back wealthy Jewish donors. It’s none of America’s business to get involved in conflicts between Israel and Palestinians. Trump did not himself “broker” anything–Jared just formalized trade that was already happening between Israel and UAE and Bahrain–the importance of this has been lied about and exaggerated. Israel was not in conflict with any of these neighbors. Energy independence was accomplished by Obama–another lie Trump tells. The “federal judges” are far right-wing–outside the values and beliefs of most Americans. The 3 judges he shoved onto the SCOTUS made history by taking away a right guaranteed by the Constitution–something that has never happened before in American history, and one most Americans disagree with. All of them lied to get onto the high court. He also started in insurrection when he lost in 2020. He has done nothing other than cause chaos, dissention and problems–hundreds of his fans who believed the Big Lie now have criminal records and some have gone to prison. One of them died trying to break into the Speaker’s Lobby to prevent the peaceful transfer of power.
Trump INHERITED the low gas prices, lower inflation and other good economic things he proceeded to trash because he had no idea what he was doing. Mexico did NOT pay for the wall, and the wall did nothing to stop migrants from coming here. Trump is a loser. Most of the candidates he promoted lost, too.
@gigi
Trump is no longer President and he will not get another nomination in all likelihood. Move the eff on, already. It’s beyond boring.
James, it’s heartening you don’t think Trump will be back. And today I’m starting to sense Trump’s done.
This election was about Trump and it suggests that Biden’s 2020 win was totally real.
it’s heartening you don’t think Trump will be back. And today I’m starting to sense Trump’s done.
It’s about time. Conservatives on this blog have been saying this for quite some time.
Gigi, the Washington Post, Politico magazine and CNN have all now said that Trump did not collude with the Russians but you still keep holding on to your break with reality. There are several terms that describe someone who has broken from reality. Take your pick then call a doctor.
If you ever wish to be credible regarding YOUR claims that Trump lost in 2020.
Continuing to repeat idiocy like Trump lost 2016 is not getting you there.
Can you be subpeona’d, jailed, drug infront of congress for “election denial” ?
STILL crying about that FAKE RUSSIAN COLLUSION that Hillary paid for, and Obama helped spy for?? You need to stop listening to the propaganda they are forcing on you. YOU sound delusional. Are you sure you aren’t Jussie Smollett??
Jonathan: While control of Congress is still up for grabs this morning, one race is not in dispute. Fetterman beat Dr. Oz! And this despite your efforts and that of Fox News to discredit Fetterman because he suffered a stroke. I hate to gloat but voters in Pennsylvania weren’t buying any of this mud slinging. And the polls and pundits that predicted a big “red wave” were wrong again. Dr. Oz simply was a flawed candidate–one picked by Trump because Oz echoed the false claim that the 2020 election was “stolen”. Trump’s brand has lost its appeal. Candidate quality does count after all.
Unlike 2018 this year Democratic voters were energized. Women and younger voters turned out in record numbers. They were incensed by the Dobbs decision and wanted a candidate that would defend reproductive rights. Fetterman promised that, and as a working class hero, he has promised to hike the minimum wage and fight for working class issues.
If the GOP does regain control of the House no doubt they will pursue issues close to your heart–“Hunter Biden and Influence Peddling” and “Social Media and Censorship-by-Surrogate”. They will also likely try to impeach Biden on some spurious charge. Count on the flame-thrower Jim Jordan to lead the charge. Will the GOP focus on issues important to voters like climate change, inflation that is eroding voter’s purchasing power, protecting voter rights or protecting a woman’s right to choose? Don’t count on this from a GOP controlled House.
Dennis – no one in their right mind should be celebrating a Fetterman victory.
The election results do not change ANYTHING that was said prior to the election.
He was a moron and a poor choice BEFORE he had his stroke.
He should have withdrawn afterwards.
While it is not likely the election will be challenged – much less successfully – there are still 300K ballots to count – likely all from Philadelphia and nearly all for Fetterman – still the results are within the margin of normal Fraud in PA.
The good news is that fraud is not likely a factor in many of the other contests.
But everyone in PA knew that OZ had to beat Fetterman by atleast 200K votes to overcome fraud in Philadelphia.
That did not happen.
John Say: So “no one in their right mind should be celebrating a Fetterman victory”. Well a lot of voters in Pennsylvania must be out of their minds because they did just that! Of course, they aren’t out of their minds because they had the good sense not to fall for all the nonsense that Fetterman’s stroke would make it impossible for him to serve the citizens of the state. They are a lot smarter then you you give them credit for. You know that so you have a fall back position. It must be voter “fraud” that caused Fetterman to win. It’s the same old false claim Trump has been pushing since the 2020 election. And the mid-terms show voters are no longer buying that sham claim. Dr. Oz was a flawed candidate because he continued to claim the 2020 election was “stolen” from Trump. That was the whole of his campaign and it failed.
It’s an insult to Pennsylvania’s Democratic voters to say they had to commit “voter fraud” to win. Would you say the same thing about Ron DeSantis’ win in Florida? No, when Republicans win it is “fair and square”–the will of the people. When the Dems win it can only be explained by massive “voter fraud”. Do you see how non-sensical you sound? Dr. Oz has now conceded. Do you think he would do that if he thought there was any basis to claim “voter fraud”? I would challenge you to go into any neighborhood in Philly and shout “voter fraud” and that Fetterman is a “moron” and voters are out of their minds for voting for him. But I’d duck first before the tomatoes come flying!
“Well a lot of voters in Pennsylvania must be out of their minds because they did just that!”
You said it.
“Of course, they aren’t out of their minds because they had the good sense not to fall for all the nonsense that Fetterman’s stroke would make it impossible for him to serve the citizens of the state. ”
Beleive what ever you want – it does not change the facts.
“They are a lot smarter then you you give them credit for.”
Yet you tell me all the time they are not.
These same citizens in PA elected Trump is 2016 – and I am constantly told by the left they were somehow duped by Russians.
Which is it – are voters smarter that YOU give them credit for or not ?
“You know that so you have a fall back position.”
Not a fallback position – if you are republican in a statewide election you must win by over 200K votes – because you can count on that many fraudulent votes from Philadelphia in any close election.
That has nothing to do with Fetterman. It is just how the Philadelphia election machine has worked for years.
“It must be voter “fraud” that caused Fetterman to win.”
Nope. just it is near certain Fetterman got about 200K fraudulent votes from Philadelphia.
The counting is not done yet – he may win by a larger margin in which case it was more than just Fraud.
Or he may win by less, in which case it is just fraud.
“It’s the same old false claim Trump has been pushing since the 2020 election.”
Trump only lost PA by 80K votes. Sorry – not a false claim.
“And the mid-terms show voters are no longer buying that sham claim.”
I know – you read their minds.
“Dr. Oz was a flawed candidate because he continued to claim the 2020 election was “stolen” from Trump. That was the whole of his campaign and it failed.”
Really! I voted in PA, I watched the debate, I even got to listen quitely to some women voters discuss whether the would vote for the moron or the muslim. Trump never came up.
“It’s an insult to Pennsylvania’s Democratic voters to say they had to commit “voter fraud” to win.”
They did not – people like you did.
” Would you say the same thing about Ron DeSantis’ win in Florida?”
DeSantis won by 20% of the vote and 1.6M votes.
I have credited Hochul with a Win by only 3% – that is outside the margin of plausible fraud.
“No, when Republicans win it is “fair and square”–the will of the people. When the Dems win it can only be explained by massive “voter fraud”. ”
Your off in lala land. I do not understand Why voters picked Whitmer, or Hochul. but they did. I am not challenge that.
“Do you see how non-sensical you sound?”
No because I read what I said – not your idiotic mangling.
“Dr. Oz has now conceded.”
So Democrats and the courts have made it clear that catching people in the act is not good enough to prove fraud.
Oz knew he had to beat Fetterman beyond the margin of AP Fraud.
“Do you think he would do that if he thought there was any basis to claim “voter fraud”?
Yup. It would not matter if the Phila Fraudsters were caught in the act – BTW there are atleast two undercover videos of Phila Election officials destroying 2020 records within 6 months of the election because they were afraid that the PA Senate would subpeona them – Both PA and federal law make destorying election records within 22months of an election a crime.
“I would challenge you to go into any neighborhood in Philly and shout “voter fraud” and that Fetterman is a “moron” and voters are out of their minds for voting for him. But I’d duck first before the tomatoes come flying!”
I was in NE Philly on election day and saw Trump Signs.
Fetterman beat Dr. Oz!
Proving Democrats value tribalism over competence. Electing a person with very limited cognitive ability, championing policies like empting prisons of convicted murderers, and cashless bail.
Democrats are really stupid when they pick things to be proud. Dennis is a geat standard bearer of that phenomenon
Something that is throwing me here is the reliance of logic upon our checks and balances – does one not understand that may very well not exist in the future? There are many ways of circumvention, and eventually that circumvention can become law. Even a judge couldn’t oppose it effectively, at that point. We have to think ahead a little, IMO. These tiny victories don’t mean much unless we actually do want to try to split up the country (which in my opinion would more greatly resemble East/West Berlin than liberation) or shoot one another. No, thank you. And saying, ‘Well, it was just an American *experiment*.’, is not very helpful, either.
As depressing as yesterday was for intelligent, moral Americans, we are at least happy about, and grateful for, our local and state results.
Our electrician, a conservative who had never run for anyrthing before now, is our new county judge. He’s a kind, no-nonsense, typical Texan, born and bred here. And thank God, Greg Abbott is still our governor.
grateful for, our local and state results.
Republicans have been working for decades to run great people in local and state races. That continues to pay big dividends. As a Nation we need to refocus on stripping power from DC and re-establishing the constitutional power of States.
The best government is the government closest to the people.
As a Nation we need to refocus on stripping power from DC and re-establishing the constitutional power of States.
Absolutely. And SCOTUS is playing a big role in that effort.
If abortion is the big issue then why did red governors do so well when the right to choose is now a STATE issue?
It was a bad night for Trump and that might be a good thing for Republicans going forward. Kemp and DeSantis romped while Oz, Walker, Masters, Bolduc and even Kari Lake struggled. The only good candidate out of all of them is Lake and hopefully she will pull it out. O, Walker, Masters and Bolduc were all awful candidates. Trump’s only “win” is in Ohio with Vance, but Ohio is not, or should not, be a swing state anyway.
Florida probably pulled a few % of conservatives out of NY, MI and WI, cold high tax states where the Dems won by a few points while DeSantis won by about 20% in FL. Florida is not only the red wave, it is the place where conservatives go to live in freedom.
No red wave in sight!
Joe Biden is indeed thrilled that Republicans can now block everything he does, can impeach him and every Cabinet member multiple times, and Hunter Biden will be exposed for having a 3″ member just like every DOJ and FBI hack, who preferred to service him only because when they bent over, they had to ask “are you in yet?” Good times are coming.
I am as Conservative as they come. R’s need to take the “L” . Trump is not a Kingmaker. He is an Anchor! If Trump really loves this country as much as he says he does, he should not run. But my prediction is that this egomaniac will run. HE CAN”T WIN!!
Dear Emotional: According to Dr. Mary Trump, his neice, he will only run if he truly believes down deep in his soul that he can win, because his ego couldn’t take a second hit. He really DOES know he lost in 2020 and that Hillary was the voters’ choice in 2016. You can only scream “fraud” so many times before everyone can see that you are just a petulant child who didn’t get his way. Never forget that everything he does, says, thinks or promotes is all about him, him HIM, and his need for power, attention and adulation. Trump couldn’t possibly begin to love anyone or anything more than himself because he truly has the serious mental illness known as narcissism in which he has a skewed vision of the world as revolving around him. Multiple candidates he promoted lost last night. I believe he would have announced today that he was running if the “red wave” had materialized–but it didn’t. Of course, he’ll claim fraud or some other excuse for things not turning out the way he wanted them to, but polls were very close in many races, within the margin of error either way in many cases.
Gigi
I hope you are correct. However I wouldn’t rely on his niece to whom it is my guess he hasn’t interacted with in years. She hates him and he knows it.
Obviously my wish is that he doesn’t run. And I would have the same position if the ” red wave ” had happened.
He is far too devicive.
As a conservative it is my preference to have a candidate other than Trump. Someone who can win. Trump can’t.
Dear Emotional: you might want to read Mary’s first book, in which she discusses her family at length. Her father, Fred, was Pa Trump’s favorite and namesake, but he didn’t like the cutthroat nature of the apartment rental and real estate development business of the Trumps, so he, at his own expense, trained to be a commercial pilot. This was back in the day when a commercial airline pilot was a very prestigious job–back when people dressed up to fly. Pa Trump and Donald mocked Fred for this choice. Pa Trump said he was nothing better than a bus driver. She knows about Donald’s character going back into his childhood, in which he was expelled from private schools for bullying other boys, which is why he was sent to a military school. Fred Trump had left a trust fund for his children and grandchildren that would pay for education for as long as they wanted to go to school, and after his death, because Fred, Jr. had died, Donald became trustee. When Mary wanted to pursue post-graduate work, but Donald refused to release the funds and told her she should be a secretary. She had to force him to turn loose the funds that she had a right to receive as a beneficiary of the trust. Now, she has a Ph.D. in psychology, and is a clinical psychologist and teaches at university. There are many other incidents in her book, which is a good read and which provides insight into the sort of person Trump is.
So given a choice between a role in which Fred had the capability of actually doing something meaningful with his life.
He chose something less meaningful.
Yes, succeeding in realestate is difficult.
All success in the free market is difficult.
You can not succeed unless people trust you enough to do business with you, and unless you can deliver value for value.
If you think What Trump did was so easy – do it yourself.
I am not particularly interested in your spin regarding disputes over Trusts.
DJT was made trustee.
So talk about Mary’s accomplishment – what really are they ? She is a teacher ? So what ?
Those who can do, those who can’t teach.
I can name of few consequential clinical psychologists – Mary Trump is not among them.
I can name a few significant professors – Mary Trump is not among them.
DJT is not all that significant – among billionaires. That is still far more impressive than Mary.
I would note – most of my siblings have severe mental health issues – I would not expect them to accurately assess me.
I would further note that it is well known that a large portion of those who pursue psychology do so because of their own problems.
Trump is not near as great as he thinks he is.
But he is still the best president by far int he 21st century.
Elections and candidates are going to be devicive for a long time to come.
That is a consequence of the left being both bat schiff crazy and taking over the democratic party.
The country will continue to go to h311 until enough people wake up.
It is an absolute necescity for Democrats to LOSE atleast one election big time for left wing nut failure – or they will not return towards the center.
Last night WAS a major loss for Trump and likely ends his short at 2024.
It will take the polls time to catch up. But DeSantis is effectively the head of the GOP now – or will be soon enough.
There are only two consequential differences between Trump and DeSantis.
DeSantis is more articulate and far more able to handle the press.
Trump has a far better understanding of how corrupt washington is.
We need a housecleaning in Washington.
The huge problem with this election is we are not getting it.
That means we continue to fail forward until voters are angry enough to throw democrats out.
Given that there remains no bright light in the future for democrats – that is inevitable.
Republicans have at this time clinched the house, and likely have about 15+ more seats they will pick up, if I read RCP correctly.
It is still in the realm of possibility to pick up the senate – which is actually more important.
But not likely.
But it is not likely any still possible outcome puts Trump in a strong position for 2024.
Nor gives republicans a mandate to do more than obstruct Biden.
And more than that was necescary.
Further the GOP remains in control of the McConnell wing.
Which is a bad thing for the GOP and the country.
Professor Turley’s commenters: “Vindman.” “Biden.” “Garland.” “McVay.” “Marc Elias.” “Elon Musk.” “Fetterman.”
Gigi/Natacha: “Trump.” “Trump.'” “Trump.” “Trump.” “Trump.” “Trump.”
Mary Trump is not an authority on anything.
But you are correct – Trump is not going to run unless he feels confident of winning.
Had the outcome been as RCP – or even 538 predicted 2 days ago – Trump would be running for certain.
But both Biden and Trump set this election up as a rematch.
While You are WRONG that Trump knows he lost in 2020 – and he likely did not.
It is indisputable that he lost last night. That is bad for the country – but it is the results.
There are only a few contests where the margin of victory is smaller than the likely fraud.
I do not know what NH voters picked Hasan over Bouldoc, why NY voters picked Hochul over Zeldin, why AZ voters picked Kelley over Masters.
But they did and by margins greater than likely fraud.
Yesterday Trump was the big loser, and DeSantis the huge winner.
To a lessor extent McConnell will unfortunately survive as either majority or minority leader.
The candidates he snubbed who would have gotten rid of him lost.
“Never forget that everything he does, says, thinks or promotes is all about him, him HIM, and his need for power, attention and adulation. ”
Gigi – that is true of EVERY SINGLE politician.
What is surprising is that people like you do not get that ?
To the extent there is a silver lining to this election it is that the disaster that we unfortunately have coming will be unequivocally blamed on the left.
While I expect a brief upsurge in the economy after the election – elections tend to depress the economy, and no matter who wins, the economy likes bad news more than uncertainty.
That said we have a choice – inflation or recession. We are already in a mild recession, and inflation has barely dropped.
The FED has already signaled that rates will increase until inflation drops.
And the only way we have to drop inflation is recession.
All of us would love a better way. But there is none. There is no rabbit to pull out of the hat.
John Say: while i agree that every politician, to some extent or another, engages in shameless self-promotion, all are NOT narcissists. Now, Trump is blaming Melania, of all people, for Mehmet Oz’s loss. This is just one example of the big difference between someone like Trump, who is a true narcissist, and can, therefore, never be wrong, and other politicians who admit that they didn’t have the right message or the support of enough constituents. There were many concession speeches last night that were truly inspiring. One of them was in my city, where the losing candidate for prosecutor had made all sorts of outrageously negative accusations against her opponent and had tried to blame him for murders and other serious crimes, very unfairly, IMHO. After the people spoke and she lost, she conceded gracefully and said that she hoped that the winner would use some of her ideas to make the community safer. I never even liked her until she made this speech, which was the right thing to do.
We are not in a recession because the economy grew 2.6% in the third quarter, and hundreds of thousands new jobs were created. There are other ways for inflation to be tamed–one is to bring down prices of consumer goods, and the CHIPS Act will help bring that about once manufacturing ramps up and we don’t need to import as many of them any more. The Inflation Reduction Act will bring down the cost of prescription drugs and insulin once it fully kicks in, and that will help immensely. Because the fed has raised interest rates, demand for housing has cooled, and that will bring down prices for housing and rent, too, over time. Did anyone really believe that mortgage rates would stay at all time lows forever? Of course not. Inflation always comes down.
“while i agree that every politician, to some extent or another, engages in shameless self-promotion, all are NOT narcissists.”
All maybe not just 99%.
“Now, Trump is blaming Melania, of all people, for Mehmet Oz’s loss. This is just one example of the big difference between someone like Trump, who is a true narcissist, and can, therefore, never be wrong, and other politicians who admit that they didn’t have the right message or the support of enough constituents.”
Biden has F#$k’d things up since the start of his presidency. It is obvious that his policies just plain do not work.
He is constantly blaming others. And oddly those like you beleive him.
Trump is not president. Biden is. He owns this mess.
You CONSTANTLY ignore that.
I could excuse Biden for 750K+ covid deaths – because they were unavoidable – EXCEPT that he claimed otherwise.
He blamed Trump – you blamed Trump.
You are still blaming Trump. If there is an earthquake in SF – you and Biden will blame Trump.
“There were many concession speeches last night that were truly inspiring. One of them was in my city, where the losing candidate for prosecutor had made all sorts of outrageously negative accusations against her opponent and had tried to blame him for murders and other serious crimes, very unfairly, IMHO.”
Life is not fair – get over it.
If you have not learned that – you have learned nothing.
Trying to make life fair is ultimately EVIL.
You want fairness – lobotomize everyone, and break all their legs.
Regardless, the left has made politics into total war – that means no one will surrender.
You mess – live with it.
Once in a while you come accross as someone I could be sympathetic towards.
But it is so rare, you are incredibly poorly informed. Clearly learned nothing from history.
And presume to be right about everything. I can be arrogant. but I take great pains not to be wrong.
And I correct when I am. You do not do either.
“After the people spoke and she lost, she conceded gracefully and said that she hoped that the winner would use some of her ideas to make the community safer. I never even liked her until she made this speech, which was the right thing to do.”
Perhaps you should have voted for her.
“We are not in a recession because the economy grew 2.6% in the third quarter, and hundreds of thousands new jobs were created.”
I am glad you think so. I laid off almost a dozen people, have radically scaled back my business, my sales are less than 1/4 what they were anytime in the prior year. And I am in a leading indicator field.
I honestly hope you are right. But fundimental economics says otherwise.
Inflation is created by too much money. Obama contributed, so did Trump – but Biden blew the doors off.
Todate there is only one way out of inflation – Recession. Powell is pushing interest rates up agressively.
He needed to do that sooner. Or better still – he should not have monetized US debt – that would have forced our government to confront the real cost of spending. Regardless, he has barely dented inflation. Interest rates will go up. The economy will go down. We know how this ends.
I would be happy to be wrong. I am not. If you want to wear rose colored glasses – I can’t stop you.
Regardless, Adam Smith got it right 250 years ago. Those of you on the left should take heed.
“Little else is requisite to carry a state to the highest degree of opulence from the lowest barbarism but peace, easy taxes, and a tolerable administration of justice: all the rest being brought about by the natural course of things.”
All the good things you want from government – will likely come about entirely on their own if you can be patient and wise enough to leave government out of it.
“There are other ways for inflation to be tamed–one is to bring down prices of consumer goods, and the CHIPS Act will help bring that about once manufacturing ramps up and we don’t need to import as many of them any more. The Inflation Reduction Act will bring down the cost of prescription drugs and insulin once it fully kicks in, and that will help immensely.”
Nope – not one of those things has EVER worked before. Magical thinking will not solve problems.
Quite litteraly every single thing you are suggesting that government do (or did) is a very bad idea, and will make things worse.
The IRA spends more money we do not have – either the Fed monetizes that spending – creating more inflation, or we have to borrow it elsewhere – at increasing interest rates. The Truss government in the UK collapsed over very nearly the same program. The Bank of England like the US fed stopped monetizing debt and fueling inflation – and the bond markets savaged UK debt refinancing.
The US is probably the most resilient country in the world in that regard – but not immune. Rising interest rates are going to rapidly eat into the federal budget.
We are in a bind – as is the whole world. We can not further monetize our debt. and that means government budgets will increasingly get murdered by interest rates.
The right answer is to NEVER get here. We can monetize debt in times of crisis – but only if we have not gotten ourselves into an inflationary bind.
Put simply – you have a choice – inflation or recession – and it is really no choice at all, inflation now is greater recession tomorow.
Ignoring the fact that Chips is a drop in the bucket, inconsequential in the scheme of the economy, and unnecescary, it also will not produce benefits anytime soon. Chip FABS take years.
Price controls do not work – it is something like #3 on the top 10 things nearly all economists agree on.
Besides do you ever grow tired of politicians lying to you ?
Bushed promised to bring drug prices down, Obama promised to bring drug prices down. Wasn’t ACA supposed to do that ? Didn’t he pass something else to do that ?
Trump passed his own plan. Have you seen the benefits of any of that ?
AGAIN Price controls do not work. You do not want to beleive Trump – fine, I am with you on that.
But when are you going to gather that Any politician promising magic will fail ?
“Because the fed has raised interest rates, demand for housing has cooled, and that will bring down prices for housing”
Yes, but it will not change your mortgage payment – $3000/month in principle and interest is 3000/month – it does not matter if the principle is smaller if the interest is higher. Housing is no more affordable than before. Rents will not come down – have you ever seen rents come down ?
I own to rental properties. I can asure you – rents are continuing to rise.
“and rent, too, over time.”
Not happening.
“Did anyone really believe that mortgage rates would stay at all time lows forever? Of course not.”
Had we kept spending under control – yes. From 1875-1960 mortgage rates were below 5% – for much of that MUCH below.
“Inflation always comes down.”
It comes down as the economy tanks. Recession, depression – take your pick.
There is no painless way to bring interest rates down.
As I have said before – I would be ecstatic if the world actually world the way the left wishes.
But it does not.
The 1980’s recession lasted nearly 3 years. We are only slightly below that rate of inflation.
Regardless, this is pretty simple – Biden – and democrats OWN this economy.
You are betting the country on being right – against the odds.
The polls were only inside the margin of error in a very few cases.
Though this is the first election in atleast 3 cycles in which polls overstated support for republicans – which is ALWAYS rare,
The polls were only correct in a few instances.
The polling on the PA, GA, NV Senate were all in the margin of error.
But myriads of races that were supposed to be close weren’t.
That is a massive polling failure.
It is just the opposite of the failure we are used to.
John Say: and there’s lots of reasons for polling errors now, one big one being that so many people no longer have landlines and don’t answer calls from strangers on their cell phone–all of them have caller ID now, which helps screen out spam. Many, if not most, polls are conducted telephonically, and the demographics of people who only have landlines skews the results in ways that I believe pollsters can’t accurately account for because our society is in a state of flux about cell phone usage. A lot of younger people only have cell phones, but a growing number of older people, including seniors, are going cell-only due to cost and convenience–your phone is always with you and you can take pictures, send e-mails and get directions, which a lot of seniors are learning about. Pollsters don’t really have access to cell numbers, and most people won’t answer a cell call from a stranger.
To the extent what you are claiming is correct – it explains the under estimate of republicans in 2016, 2018, and 2020
It does not explain 2022.
Well said. He served a great purpose in 2016. His policies were sound and much needed. But then his narcissism and his mouth got in the way. He cost his party the election in Georgia of 2 Senators in a safe red state — and that has cost us a Marxist on SCOTUS — and a lack of the sort of checks and balances from which we all would have benefitted over the past two years. Now, he has brought a wrecking ball to his party and the 2022 mid-terms and what should have been a red wave instead turned out to be a pink popcorn fart.
How horrible do American’s lives have to be?
Has the home of the brave become so intimidated and so weak that oppressive government is just the price of a muted status quo?
Like my sister wrote me this morning, “Apparently this situation has to hit rock bottom – enjoy your Chef Boyardee”
@Speakup
I’ve stated before here that my wife and I redid our budget for the first time since 2020, and we are spending $6,000.00 more a year. A great many people under the age of 35 do not pay for a lot of things themselves. The socialist bank and the bank of mom and dad are indistinguishable to them, with their mindset. They do not show up to vote in person, hence the insidiousness of mail-in voting. These people would vote on Tik Tok if they could. They have very nearly universally never been exposed to self-sufficiency. It is that inconsequential to them. I wish this were hyperbole, but it just isn’t, anymore. So long as they are personally comfortable, everything is A-Ok, and they are also great at delusion – just the promise of the aforementioned is enough.
The lack of media coverage over significant Democrat losses,- including Democrat election-denier Stacey Abrams (GA), Beto O’Rourke (TX), and Tim Ryan (OH), is stunning. Instead, the story this morning is, “Republicans didn’t win as many as they wanted.”
Hardly a word about Trump-endorsed JD Vance flipping Ohio away from Dem. Tim Ryan–instead, it’s all about Fetterman taking away PA from Dr. Oz.
During the run-up to elections, coverage was not about candidates’ qualifications; it was about whether they were an election denier.
Democrats did not win the races. Media did.
should say “they were election deniers”
Sorry-must learn to read before hitting ‘send.’
@lin
I hear ya, but I was more focused on the Congressional races. The governorships aren’t going to impact us on such a broad scale. Interesting that Stacy conceded so quickly, too – I suspect the Dems may have been of a similar mind. With control of Congress they can pack the courts, institutionalize voter fraud, kill industry etc. and pretty much make their rule permanent. Plenty of celebs and pundits on the left openly calling for one party rule these days. Whomever eventually replaces Nancy will almost certainly be even worse. It isn’t difficult to see where this is headed IMO, the Constitution will really just be a dusty piece of paper. Hope the cynicism is unwarranted, but after the past few years – sigh.
James: agree, clearly, Congress more important, but we hardly would have known Stacey’s name, were it not for media focus on her claims….my focus was intended on the role media play(s).
@lin
Can’t disagree. The media are a plague.
If any of these “investigations” is to accomplish anything, the format needs to be considered. Republicans have time and again failed to produce much. The only way they could succeed is if effective counsel is appointed to take charge of the questioning.
The entire federal response to Covid needs to be investigated. I encourage you to read the articles by Debbie Lerman on Brownstone.org. She has demonstrated that the NSC, not any of the health authorities, was in charge of policy. And, for the first time ever, FEMA, not HHS, was designated the lead federal agency in confronting an infectious disease. Birx was chosen by the NSC to take the lead on the Task Force.
Getting to the root of this and the other problems will require a skill and tenacity in research and questioning that our representatives have proved again and again that they lack.
Lin,
Self-censorship to mute where the Dems lost?
UpstateFarmer: Your comment put an appreciative smile on my face this morning. It is sunny and warm here, -must be beautiful in upstate NY with all the foliage and open farmland, let your stock give you sweet milk, carpe diem!
Lin,
You are welcome!
We hit peak foliage at the beginning of Oct. While today is sunny, it is brisk! First snowfall expected this weekend.
Thank you!
Lin: how do you know what the “media coverage” was of various races last night–did you watch ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, PBS and other non-Trump stations simultaneously-or, as usual, are you simply repeating what you heard from your alt-right media, which you always believe to be the full truth and nothing but the truth, and which always criticizes other media (unlike other media, which do not return the favor)? The story this morning is that the “red wave” that was predicted didn’t materialilze, and that multiple candidates promoted by Trump lost. In PA, all of the mean-spirited attacks on John Fetterman failed, incluidng Trump, Jr. calling him “brain dead” and claiming he had “mush for brains”. Voters didn’t like that. Another story: where abortion rights were on the ballot, even in ruby red Kentucky, voters overwhelmingly supported a woman’s right to choose. Multiple Republican candidates were election deniers, and that was a threat to democracy. The American people saw the threat and reacted accordingly. So, the issue today isn’t media coverage at all.
Gigi,
I really hate to malign voters – especially in my own state.
But Fetterman was ALWAYS an absymal choice.
That he somehow eeked out a win is a really bad reflection on democrats.
That you would pick an obvious moron – from BEFORE he had a stroke, over a brilliant and accomplished cardio vascular surgeon who also succeeded in other fields, is disturbing.
Look arround you – this country is a DISASTER – and it is ALL your doing.
We need people who can actually think. We need people who grasp that Government IS the problem.
It will be interesting to see the post mortum – which we will eventually, to figure out what drove this.
Regardless, the problems that lead republicans to expect a Tsunami in 2022 – have NOT gone away, and will not get any better.
In fact the results of this election could well make them much worse.
I do not want things to get worse. I would prefer a world in which we were not headed into a possibly severe recession.
I would prefer a world in which crime was not rising.
I would prefer a world were drug addiction, anxiety, depression and suicide were not rising.
I would prefer a world in which 5m people had not illegally entered the country in less than 2 years.
I would prefer a world in which inflation was not the highest it has been in 40 years,
I would prefer a world in which covid was not becoming endemic.
I would prefer a world in which the risk of nuclear anhilation had not returned.
In 2008 when Obama was elected I prayed two prayers.
First that Obama would rise to the occasion, that taking on the responsibility of president would clear his head and help him understand what actually works.
The 2nd was that everything I knew about reality and economics would prove false and that the economy would magically work as democrats mangled it.
Neither prayer was answered.
I have a book sent by a friend – “The worst president ever” – about Obama.
But the title was only valid for a short period. in 22 months Biden has proven to be far worse than Obama, far worse than Buchanan.
The Trump, Obama, and Biden presidencies make it clear that democrats are WORSE than completely clueless.
They are chaotic and destructive.
Two days ago there was some hope that destruction and chaos would be reigned in.
Today that is unlikely.
It is still unclear whether this election was a victory or a loss for democrats.
Republicans atleast narrowly hold the house, and those gains could still grow.
We still have 3 possibly outcomes for the senate 51:49D, 50:50, and 51:49R. With 50:50 being the most likely.
But no mater what this election was a loss for the country.
Things will get worse. not better. I would love to be wrong. but I have learned from my prayers in 2008.
Obama was a poor president. Biden is a disaster.
This mess we are in will continue until democrats get an electoral shelacking and are forced to retreat from idiotic far left positions.
Lin, I’m afraid the big story here is in fact the failure of the Republicans to dominate, despite the most auspicious background conditions for the opposition party perhaps of all time since the Depression or perhaps 1968.
There is a President whose unpopularity is of epic proportions, the highest inflation in 40 years, consistently declining real wages, failed domestic and international energy policy, failed border policy, a crime wave, a failing health duration system, a Covid response reckoning, a proxy war against Russia in Europe over the borders of a corrupt country that is in Russia’s sphere of influence, and increasing threats in East Asia.
Yet despite all this, except in Florida, the Republicans barely made a dent in the House and may not gain control of the Senate. This is a missed opportunity that requires a full examination and rectification.
Daniel: Just seeing your message.
(1) As to, “Yet despite all this, except in Florida, the Republicans barely made a dent in the House and may not gain control of the Senate. This is a missed opportunity that requires a full examination and rectification.,” — We may be reading more into this than warranted. There ARE more Democrats in the country than Republicans, and media’s effort to drum them up was relentless. As always, my boogeyman/bogeyman is the collective media. I’m a one-message robotic wonder. So I would respectfully add a single word to your sentence, “…is in fact the failure of the Republicans to dominate”
to make it, “…is in fact the failure of the Republicans to dominate media messaging…”
(2) but wholeheartedly agree with your comment. If Republicans cannot flip this under such favorable/propitious circumstances, they really need to call a timeout to examine and rectify, as you suggest.
(3) One afterthought, slightly related. The television commercials during the morning and evening news (ABC,NBC mostly) was filled with political ads articulating damaging claims/allegations against several Republicans. Yet, Republican candidates’ political ads did not address these claims-either in political ads or during debates, leaving me and others to question.
When I was a young “attack puppy” litigator, my senior partner told me to always take away the ball from opposing counsel, to wit: “In opening statements, say to the jury, ‘”Opposing counsel will tell you X, Y ,Z, -but here’s the real story, -here’s what they forgot to tell you, -here’s what they intentionally left out ( which I will later introduce into evidence), etc.”
You are correct. For me, Republicans’ messaging was impotent. Not having the requisite numbers in Congress leaves Republicans without an opportunity to present “January 6, Part II,” — or maybe, “January 6, Revisited,” -or maybe, “Son of January 6,”–or how about, “Celebrity Jeopardy for Politicians-the REAL story,”
eh?
On behalf of all readers, thanks for your relevant commentary.
Lin, you are correct. Marketing counts for more than most people recognize. Why do we buy things we don’t need? Marketing. Why do we buy one product over another? Marketing.
The Republican message was not permitted out to the public and the Democrats have organized to such an extent that they garner votes from people who know little about what they are voting for, but are told what they have to gain. A ten dollar bill in hand is more appreciated than a $100 bill in the future. Short term thinking runs the Democrat Party.
We can see that on this blog based on the comments made by various people.
Lin and S Meyer, I agree that marketing is important, but what is even more important is knowing what you are trying to sell. The House platform put out by McCarthy was banal and vague, and Rick Scott’s rambling proposal was even worse.
The only Republican who is capable of articulating what he is for and what he is against in clear, concise and powerful terms is DeSantis. His victory speech was a master class in effective rhetoric, and many of his recent lengthier speeches are the best any Republican has produced in recent years, and possibly since Lincoln.
There is no substitute for intelligence, conviction, courage and clarity. DeSantis has them all; the Republicans need to learn from him.
DeSantis is the real deal. He is very bright and focused.
I posted this before for his response to a question at 20 minutes, but one can see how good he is from the whole video. When he speaks, everyone listens.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/peopleandplaces/press-conference-desantis-proposes-tax-relief-on-baby-necessities-medical-supplies-pet-food-and-more/vi-AA122xdE?category=foryou
S, Meyer and Daniel:
Two very good additions to discussion.
Re: Daniel’s “…but what is even more important is knowing what you are trying to sell.” So very very true.
And to S. Meyer’s point, (even if there is specific identification as to what message must be sold), paltry messaging makes it through the sieve of censor/disdain/audibility. Worse, media has recast Trump into the role of someone who can turn Marshall McLuhan’s old book, “The Medium is the Message” into “The Speaker is the Message,” -even when the messaging (enumerated proposed policies) was/were superior.
I won’t give up on my anathema: a singular, dominant, and controlling political ideology that chokes out all dissent.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Worse, media has recast Trump into the role of someone who can turn Marshall McLuhan’s old book, “The Medium is the Message” into “The Speaker is the Message,” -even when the messaging (enumerated proposed policies) was/were superior.
Lin, we are absolutely on the same page.
Yet despite all this, except in Florida, the Republicans barely made a dent in the House and may not gain control of the Senate. This is a missed opportunity that requires a full examination and rectification.
Awhile back, JT posted Six Degrees of Brookings:… I believe Republicans (and Democrats) expected an outcome that would be consistent with the “traditional” concerns voters were facing in the midterms. That’s logical. That results however have proven to be anything but logical. That should inform us all that there were other concerns, perhaps a singular trigger, that would make voters defy logic. That trigger is likely found within Six Degrees of Trump. That means if a voter has been effectively hypnotized to react negatively towards a candidate and/or policy position that in any way is connected within six degrees of Trump, it doesn’t matter if that candidate or policy is logical, or even in their best interest; they will do the illogical, even it will cause them harm. The reason is, they are so focused on the triggered threat, everything else invisible to them.
Republicans need to brainstorm all things Trump and affinitize them into categories of what puts America First and rebrand them. Everything else they should shred. Then they should box up the entirety of Trump’s presidency and ship it off to the National Archives. They will have about 1 year to message this is no longer Trump’s party.
Olly! We were riding the same train into cerebral space! Look at the timing of our last two messages (3:27 and 3:28, respectively) and compare with my comment about McLuhan. Yours is better.
Biden’s polling is average betwen that of Obama and Trump during the midterms, so his “unpopularity is (not) of epic proportions” None of the other things you claim are true, either. You really have to stop believing the things you see and hear on alt-right media. Biden brought the US back from the brink of an all-out depression that Trump caused: unemployment at 10%, new daily records for COVID deaths and infections, no plan for vaccine distribution, alienation of our EU and NATO allies (which Biden has healed–3 more countries want to join), restaurants, businesses, schools and factories are back in operation, but we still have catch-up to do. A shortage of consumer goods due to Trump’s tariffis and trade war with China have driven prices higher, along with interest on the national debt that he ran to record levels thanks to tax breaks for the wealthiest corporations and individuals. Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act will force corporations and the very wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes, and the bill will bring down the cost of prescription drugs and insulin, all of which will help ease inflation. With unemployment so low, Biden is paying down the national debt, and the Chips Act will help stimulate more production of consumer goods, including cars. Our “energy policy” is not failed at all–petroleum prices are high worle-wide. Ukraine is not a “corrupt country” and we don’t have any “proxy war”, either. This is just alt-right conspiracy nonsense.
There was no “missed opportunity”. Americans were rightfully concerned about Trump’s continued promotion of the Big Lie and the election deniers who pledged to throw out valid votes to help Republicans win elections. They also didn’t want to see Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP benefits gutted, either, or more tax breaks for the wealthy. Americans didn’t want a ban on abortions, pushed by Republicans either. Americans support cleaner energy development and to get away from reliance on fossil fuels. Republicans had no plan to tame inflation, other than gutting social safety net programs. Americans simply, for the most part, don’t support Republican positions. Republicans really have no message that appeals to most voters and most support the bills Biden has gotten passed. And, Trump WAS on the ballot, too, as most of the candidates he promoted were defeated. Americans want him gone. The Republican Party would be wise to dump him ASAP.
Would like to see all those things pursued but Republicans underwhelmed yesterday and quite possibly none will happen. Main hope is that this pushes Trump more to the sidelines and lets a younger, leaner Republican Party move forward. It will take a big shove to get him out of the road though.
Poor Major Pluskat, I actually sympathized with him when I watched his quandary on the Big Screen.
When you’re in the military and you see the biggest fleet in the world (at that time) coming straight for you, I thought he showed real control just getting off the report. Usually thoughts about the rightness of your cause and other things kind of disappear. Do your job and try to survive becomes the basics.
They would be shooting themselves in the foot vis a vis 2024 if they did any of the Hunter Biden stuff. Leave it for the GOP Justice Department that comes in in 2025. The Democrats have set the precedent that such things can go on for years.
The investigation of the social media censorship issue is fair game but should pay second fiddle to controlling
— the deficit by repurposing already appropriated monies and daring the Senate (assuming it stays Dem, even if it requires Romney to cross the aisle to get the Foreign Relations chairmanship) and Biden to veto things that really need to get done
— inflation by opening up drilling and delivering American energy and daring the Senate and Biden to freeze us to death this winter
Beating up on an 81-year old Fauci is also a political loser even if merited (and assuming Rand Paul could to better next time than the three losing rounds he has already gone with Fauci)
I’m not convinced any of that will transpire. Don’t know what else to say except that America has lost its soul, and the Dems appear, via Psaki’s remarks, to openly be selling socialism now. Young, woke fools will absolutely embrace it. They are indeed the fragile, entitled, free lunch generations preferring enslavement to the burden of responsibility. Very disappointing. And actually, the cowardly reelection of AOC is more telling to me than DeSantis: not much has changed since 2020. I don’t think that portion of our country ever will.
James,
Right?
Trump in 2016. Reality TV show personality.
Biden 2020. Ran his campaign from the basement. Clearly on the mental decline.
Fetterman 2022. Recovering from a stroke.
Is the world laughing at the US? Or asking, “What is wrong with you people?”
Farmer, they were asking that question on January 7: “What’s wrong with America?”
It’s difficult to know if we’ve lost our soul, or simply demoralized enough to hypnotically ignore it. These so-called fans of socialism are facing a winter under the boot of socialist policies. Add in House investigations exposing the deep rot in the agencies the Left has controlled. And then contrast that with life in DeSantis’ Florida. Will it be enough to snap them out of it? We’ll know in 2 years.
Florida is going to be Alabama in a few short years if it isn’t already (haven’t been In forever) a hopelessly corrupt wasteland devoid of economic development where the government provides no services and collects no taxes. The state budget will therefore be funded by administrative fees, traffic tickets, and outright fraud/theft by law enforcement in the form of civil asset forfeiture. You can google “Brookside Alabama” to see how that goes. There are 100 other small towns in Alabama that are just as bad. 40 years of single party Republican rule has rendered Alabama 49th in everything- life expectancy, infant mortality, maternal mortality murder rate per capita (makes you wonder what all those “pro-life” politicians are doing all day) poverty-this is what happens when you allow dilettantes, ideologues, and various species of religious weirdos to run a state (into the ground). Thank God for Mississippi, or we’d really look bad.
“a hopelessly corrupt wasteland devoid of economic development”
Can you tell us why during the financial meltdown Florida’s budgets were balanced and its economy regained whatever was lost almost immediately while NJ and Illonoi became heavily indebted? Isn’t Florida’s economy in the top 5 states? It’s agricultural and cattle background is expanding into industry. Do you know where most of the pharmaceutical manufacturing is done? It’s in the top five states for exporting manufactured goods.
Did you ever wonder why business moves to Florida?
I didn’t say Florida is a wasteland, I said ALABAMA is a a wasteland and that if Florida isn’t careful it will happen to them in the FUTURE, while accounting for the fact that, for all I know, this may already be well in train. The future, since you seem to be struggling with the concept, is stuff that MIGHT happen later. Also which financial meltdown are we talking about, the 92 Regan/HW Bush recession, the 2008 W Bush global economic crisis, or the 2020 Trump recession?
That can happen anywhere. Why point to Florida that is doing so well?
Congratulations for recognizing things can happen in the future that we don’t predict. What insight! Now you can tell us about the other’ ’54 states’.
“2020 Trump recession?”
It seems you know as much about that as you do Florida.
’54 states’…apologies, I sense you are playing but don’t recognize the reference.
We are down a couple of states from when Obama said “I’ve been in 57 states, I think 1 left to go. I wonder what happened to them??/s
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/video-of-joe-biden-making-54-states-gaffe-goes-viral/ar-AA13zGWV
Got it. Google was way off.
Wen Bars, I love it!
Some Idahoans want to divide into two states;
likewise some Washingtonians and Oregonians.
We’ll make it yet!
while accounting for the fact that, for all I know, this may already be well in train.
Future? Interesting you’re predicting the future when you admit you don’t even know the present. You haven’t even cited a “fact” you’re accounting for. If you plan to continue trafficking in predicting the future, you’d be wise to first establish a reputation on understanding the present.
“if it isn’t already (haven’t been In forever) a hopelessly corrupt wasteland devoid of economic development where the government provides no services and collects no taxes”
Comments like the above demonstrates that ignorance doesn’t make one look good when someone checks the data. Try reading things other than those things published for the gullible left-wing followers.
Top states, Florida ranks #1
The survey looks at all things, not just a few.
https://lightcast.io/resources/research/talent-scorecard#state-rankings
With the House firmly in the possession of the Republicans come January 2023, over the next eight weeks or so we will see (well, maybe we won’t exactly see) a parade of civil service whistleblowers – the “little people” – come forth to spill their guts in an effort to save their skins. They know they will be the scapegoats used by their corrupt superiors when they are summoned before House committees to explain things and they fear that and the possible loss of their careers. Scores of career FBI agents, well-schooled in how the system works, already have madfe the decision to safeguard their careers by contacting congress and telling the truth about their corrupt superiors.
@jjc
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love that, but I’ll believe it when I see it. The West’s descent into leftist fascism seems to be a runaway train.
James,
I couldn’t agree more. Like I tell liberals, “Don’t fear, your message of relying one the govt, and being non responsible will win out in the end. You will destroy this nation eventually”. The cog of socialism has a very strong ratchet.
So much for the “red wave”. So dissapointed in the American people.
Right?
Guess the “democracy is in danger!” hysteria won out.
I agree completely Jim. DeSantis’ Florida is now deep red. That is a red wave that might just convince Trump to endorse DeSantis for 2024.
Living in NY I just don’t understand how the citidiots vote The Queen of Botox in. High crime, crappy economy, people leaving… Yeah, let’s vote for more of that. I would move to FL but I just can’t stand the weather or geography.
Got friends and family down that way in FL.
Heat, humidity, mosquitoes the size of small birds, and the traffic!
I will take the winters gladly. Our first snowfall is forecasted for this weekend.
Upstate, while you are hunkered up with freezing weather outside, Floridians are on the beach, water skiing, running around and having fun. Those mosquitoes, the small size of birds, are birds :-). Humidity is high and that is a negative, but people get used to it. A/C was invented so people didn’t have to live under the snowfall.
If a Floridian wants snow and snow skiing, he takes a vacation and skis for a week at a time. That is why airplanes were invented, to permit Floridians to snow ski. I believe Florida has the largest snow ski club in the country. The water skiing season starts Jan1 and ends Dec. 31.
You are a farmer, but in competition the Floridian beats you out when growing things for their yards. You spend most of the time trying to make something grow. In Florida the gardeners spend most of their time cutting the overgrowth.
I will admit the landscape heading up north on the Hudson is sensational especially when the leaves turn. My guess is you live far north in NYS, but if you head south you might enjoy Storm King’s sculpture garden spread out over acres of land with monumental pieces of sculpture.
S. Meyer,
Yeah, there is that. Fishing off the beach right in the ocean is a good day, even if you dont catch something!
But I do enjoy snowshoeing, XC skiing, sitting in front of a good fire with a good book.
Family got lucky with hurricane Ian. My one friend, not so much. Flooding on the first floor, electrical system on the car totally shot. Three days before the power came back on. It was a bit stuffy. He thought he put the generator up high enough.
True about the over growth!
Florida deer . . . my one dog, she weights more coming in at 90lbs. I got a 6 point buck the other year, 210lbs prior to gutting, skinning etc.
BIDEN and DEMS should be worry with the Republicans taking back the house ( the results show they will) power of the purse, investigations, DOJ, FBI, DHS, CDC, January 6th committee work and bias, looking at the info Nancy Pelosi would not let out publically, actions of Nancy Pelosi and her rule, and stopping any crazy spending. The Senate right now is 48 to 48 with 4 outstanding, we could have a 50/50 Senat, 51 Dem/49 Rep, but 51 Rep vs 49 Dem’s has a good chance, Lexalt, Johnson, Walker. If that is the case they will fully shut down Biden/Radical DEMS/Socialist plans which is good. BIDEN should be worried but his staff who knows they do not realize the Danger
Beto O’Rourke and Stacey Abrams, DNC 2024 Presidential Ticket
“Beto O’Rourke has lost three races in four years. Is his political career over?
He has been the Texas Democratic Party’s great hope. But after failed runs for senator, president and governor, observers wonder if he has a political future.”
https://www.texastribune.org/2022/11/08/beto-orourke-texas/
“Another bright spot for Dems: They may finally be rid of Stacey Abrams”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/another-bright-spot-for-dems-they-may-finally-be-rid-of-stacey-abrams/ar-AA13UIY8