Russell Vought: The Shadow President

Who is the real President? 

Pete Hegseth’s Press Crackdown Is Straight-Up Anti-Democratic

How We Ended Up Raising the Stupidest Generation

Jon Stewart Makes the Case for Dems Holding the Line in Trump's Shutdown

Why Germany's Legacy of Accountability Should Be A Blueprint for America

Jimmy Kimmel is Back!

Jimmy Kimmel & the FCC: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Republicans: Stop Using the Word “Freedom”

Rep. AOC Delivers Floor Speech on Charlie Kirk Resolution

Jon Stewart's Post-Kimmel Primer on Free Speech

Is This What Authoritarianism Looks Like? A Debate.

Trump vs. Higher Education: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Stop Acting Like This is Normal | The Ezra Klein Show

Why Do So Many Americans Not Know How Their Government Works?

The One Trait That Predicts Trump Support (w. Matthew MacWilliams)

Read Matthew MacWilliams’ 2016 piece, “The One Weird Trait That Predicts Whether You’re a Trump Supporter“:

Make America Healthy Again: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

 

 

RFK Jr. really needs to go. He's a walking talking health hazard. How he still held office after swimming in sewage water is baffling.  

Immigration Enforcement: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Donald Trump's South Park Appearance Sparks MAGA Freakout

Thank You South Park!

This is just what we needed since November 2024, which has been depressing with corporations and big names capitulating, people getting snatched off streets by masked ICE and sent to a swamp camp in Florida named "Alligator Alcatraz". To add insult to injury, late-night host and frequent Trump critic Stephen Colbert was cancelled for alleged financial reasons when most feel it's to soften the way for CBS and it's parent company, Paramount to merge with Skydance, which needed FCC approval(essentially Trump's) to move forward. This dose of satire and social commentary was just the shot in the arm we needed. 

What has been missing is a reminder of how ridiculous and in need of mockery current events are, which is often absent from pop culture recently. Although events are serious, we need to be reminded of the absurdity of those responsible for the perpetual cruelty. A weakness of theirs is that they take themselves quite seriously, and when they are not taken that way, it does drive them crazy. 

Thank you, South Park!

The "Big Beautiful Bill" Will Pass

 I can't even tell you at what stage this horrendous piece of legislation at right now, but it will unfortunately pass eventually. The pressure on the GOP holdouts is tremendous. Let's not forget we're keeping Senator John Fetterman from the beach, poor thing. 

Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski has been one of those under tremendous pressure to pass the bill and was shocked when another bill holdout, Senator Rand Paul, called her out on her vote. She seemed genuinely shocked and upset. Really Lisa? The interview of the clip is a must-watch as she grapples with her reasoning, and in the end that she did the best she could for her constituents in Alaska. 

Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark podcast summed it up best: 

"I've been thinking a lot about Murkowski's vote. It contains, in one action, so much that defines our pathetic political moment: 

• Selfishness: I'm taking care of me and mine, the rest of you can pound sand;
• Lack of accountability: I know this bill is bad, hopefully someone else will fix it;
• Cowardice: I'm scared of Trump and his voters and need to go-along with my GOP colleagues;
• Moral Rot: I know the difference between right and wrong, and actively chose wrong."

I would add that to expect someone to have a "John McCain thumbs down" moment of courage is unrealistic. Especially from the MAGA right. If there had been a group of others perhaps she'd have had more courage, I'm sure of it. Senators and Representatives in general don't like to stick their heads out in situations like this. To paraphrase a popular quote, there is a reason JFK's book "Profiles in Courage" is such a thin book. Leadership in this moment isn't likely to come from the legislative branch. You also can't pin it all on her; there are 49 other Senators who voted just like her. 

Leadership in this moment will likely rise from elsewhere. 

Jon Stewart on Israel’s "Urgent" Iran Strike, Minnesota Murders & MAGA’s...

Trump, Biden, and the Democrats' Way Forward

We Still Cannot Normalize This

 

 

As Chris Cillizza says we must not grow numb to bizareness of the Trump Presidency. It's easy to shrug off Trump holiday messages like this. Makes me miss the days of the 140 character limits of Twitter.When I first saw it I have to admit I kind of shrugged it off. As Chris says no matter the reaction we should still note that no other President has ever acted like this, EVER!

 

 

It is especially sad that on a usually somber holiday as Memorial Day to honor and remember Donald's holiday rant is essentially about Donald's favorite subject, himself. Other than a 'Happy Memorial Day" in the first and last sentence makes no mention of our war dead who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I guess that would be acknowledging someone more important than himself.

 What the hell is an oligarchy? Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin says many of her constituents have asked her that question, most notably her father. This was in regard to the recent "Fight Oligarchy" tour by Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, which has had enthusiastic crowds in the thousands come out to see them speak. It's been amazing seeing crowds show up for these events.

 Even before Senator Slotkin's comments, I had misgivings about using the word "oligarchy' so prominently. I even had to look up the word occasionally to make sure I understood it correctly. I don't think it's the wisest word to use.  Using a term that many may not know the meaning of is defeating yourself. Lesser engaged voters played a big part in 2024 election. If you're making them reach for a dictionary or Google a definition, chances are you're going to lose them. Senator Sanders countered that Americans are not "dumb" and can understand the term. Senator Sanders is missing the point of the criticism. What makes Americans feel dumb?  Seeing an unfamiliar or rare term used constantly by someone who thinks everyone should already know the meaning.    

"If you're explaining, you're losing.", as the cliche goes. A persuasive slogan should be instantly understood. If it has to be explained, you've already lost many people. "Make America Great Again" is instantly understood. Unless you're civics or political junky chances are you won't understand "oligarchy" is. A key Democratic victory over Trumpism is to, as Senator Slotkin puts it, speak in plain English. 

oligarchy

Synonyms of oligarchy

1

: government by the few

The corporation is ruled by oligarchy.

2

: a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes

a military oligarchy was established in the country

also : a group exercising such control

An oligarchy ruled the nation.

3

: an organization under oligarchic control

Jon Stewart Slams CNN’s “Bombshell” Biden Book Promo Amidst Cancer Diagnosis

Nothing a cancer diagnosis to kill a book promo blitz going at CNN. I normally have great respect for CNN news anchor  Jake Tapper but he may have stepped in it this time though not totally(partly yes) of his own doing promoting his (and Alex Thompson's) book "Original Sin" chronicling former President Joe Biden's alleged cognitive decline in recent years. Then news came of Biden's serious cancer diagnosis which kind of throws a wet blanket on a hot book promotion. 

 

 

RFK Jr. & HHS: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

The Emergency Is Here | The Ezra Klein Show

Full Remarks: AOC in Los Angeles, California | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The 1 word Democrats should use to attack Trump | Chris Cillizza

Chaos is the word. 

What Trump's silencing of Voice of America means for listeners worldwide...

Susan Glasser & Charlie Sykes: "Why Aren't We In The Streets?"

Senator Slotkin Delivers Democratic Response to Trump Address

Sen. Sanders Responds to Trump's Congressional Address

Senator Bernie Sanders is fired up!

Nancy MacLean with Patt Morrison | America at a Crossroads

Kara Swisher on the Radicalization of Elon Musk | The Ezra Klein Show

Democracy Dies in Daylight

 Things are changing at Washington Post Opinion department. After many years of having a mostly hands-off approach Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and Washington Post owner, has decided he wants to play newspaper editor. Jeff now wants the Opinion Section to focus on the "defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets".  He didn't want to see anyone opposing it. Imagine having different opinions in the....checks notes... Opinion section. Jeff also wanted Opinion Editor Dave Shipley to have a "Hell Yes" attitude to the new approach. Dave apparently did not share the same enthusiasm and decided to leave. 

This move is in addition to many at the paper who left since Bezo's discovered the newspaper on his portfolio when the paper wanted to endorse Vice President Harris in October 2024 and Jeff, sensing the political winds and possibility of another Trump term, spiked the endorsement. The decision angered many employees and subscribers, who left in droves. Blowing this off, Jeff has stayed to course, trying to stay as close to President Trump's backside, a crowded area these days. Then he donates a million dollars to Trumps Inauguration fund which bought him a seat behind Donald's derriere, Jeff's favorite viewing spot, at the Inaugartion, along with other tech-bros in front of Trump's future cabinet members. Then, we had further defections at the Post after an editorial cartoon byAnn Telnaes lampooning Bezos's (and others) paying monetary tribute to the future self-proclaimed king Donald Trump was also spiked. Excuses were made at the time otherwise, but with a wink, many knew the real reason why which was not to upset a certain newspaper owner. Ann quit and published it anyway. 

In all this the bitter irony of the Post's motto of "Democracy Dies in Darkness" which had been there since the early days of Trump's first term in office. The Post was one of the beacons of hope and reliable information in the days of "alternative truth" and misinformation. Before recent months, Bezos had a hands-off approach to the paper. Since last fall, Bezos seems to be more concerned about the bottom line in his government dealings and how the paper might affect this more than the journalistic integrity of the much-esteemed Washington Post. Now, one has to wonder every day how Jeff is interfering in what's being said in his paper and exactly where his priorities are. The trust is gone. Democracy has died on the pages of the Post. 

AOC's Speech at NY Rally with Federal Workers | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Medicaid is not for sale.

NASA is not for sale.

The Post Office is not for sale.

America is not for sale.

We have an obligation to resist kings. We outnumber them. And they can be overwhelmed.

-AOC

The Art of The Deal - Jonathan Pie

Gulf of Mexico a Loyalty Test

Remember in 2017 when Trump, via Sean Spicer, insisted his inaugural crowd size was bigger than President Obama's despite pictures showing the obvious opposite story? Now Trump insists on calling the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America". Even going as far as barring AP(Associated Press) from official White House/Trump event because they have remained steadfast in calling the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of Mexico. This has become another example of a loyalty test. It's his way of asserting his fantasy world and control over someone or group. 

This isn't the only loyalty test, he's had other examples. Another is insisting he won the 2020 election and he was cheated out of winning, also known as the "Big Lie". Anyone who has never backed him on this lie is instantly shunned from MAGA world. Then there are the hundreds of other little lies he tells that you see Senators and members of Congress run from the press not to get cornered into answering.

It also is the way he keeps hold of his base. While he'll always have a core base of rabid fans that will be with him always there are also less hardcore voters or supporters. If these softer supporters own up to any of his lies or see the light they run the gambit of owning up to all of them and that's difficult. I know it's hard to admit you have been wrong or you have been defrauded. It's a humbling experience.

 So while it may seem like a trial thing there is a reason why he does this. I kind of doubt it's some deep Machiavellian reason or more like his narcissism doesn't allow for him to back down from any matter. It's just good to be aware of the results he gets from it. 

By the way, It's still the Gulf of Mexico. 

 

Tom Nichols: Decadent America

Crockett CATCHES Musk's Scam! Elon Using DOGE To Grab MORE Taxpayer Funds

Crockett Calls Out COWARD Musk

At Treasury Department, Warren Blasts Elon Musk’s Government Power Grab

How Long Will President Elon Musk Reign?

How does Vice President  Donald Trump feel about this? Where is JD Vance? What's his job now? Does anyone care? 

Don't Believe Him | The Ezra Klein Show

Warren Sounds Alarm on Threat Elon Musk Poses to Government Payment Systems

President Elon Musk has your Social Security number. Sleep well. 

Heather Cox Richardson: Politics Chat: January 28, 2025

Heather Cox Richardson - Politics Chat: January 26, 2025

Politics Chat: January 20, 2025

Jon Stewart & AOC Take On Trump’s Comeback and Rebuilding the Democratic Party

Trump 2 .0: A New World Order

Politics Chat: January 14, 2025 With Heather Cox Richardson

Time to be RUTHLESS!

Screw What Aileen Cannon Says! RELEASE THE TRUMP REPORT

Well Done Alvin Bragg!

 

There was much criticism about Alvin Bragg bringing this case up in the first place. He did though get something though that eluded Merrick Garland (via Jack Smith), he got 34 felony convictions. What did AG Garland get? He got the rioters and cop beaters that roamed the Capitol on but not the one who sent them there. That person will be taking the oath of the Presidency at noon this January 20th.

It's too bad because Merrick Garland appeared at first to be an excellent pick as Attorney General. He was unjustly denied the Supreme Court in 2016 (I still believe he would have been and excellent Justice), he was also involved in prosecuting Timothy McVeigh in the Oklahoma City bombing. He had an impeccable reputation for being meticulous and thorough in his work. It is perhaps this strength that was also his weakness. 

 

It's hard to blame Jack Smith in this. He vigorously pursued his investigation and eventual prosecution. The biggest hindrance Smith faced though was time. Merrick Garland for all his wisdom waited until after the midterms in 2022 to appoint Jack Smith as special counsel. Almost 2 years after January 6th. He waited 617 (3/11/21 to 11/18/22) days into his service before Jack got the job. Mind boggling.

 

For all Merrick Garland's accolades he didn't get what a little known Attorney General from New York, Alvin Bragg, got what he should have, a conviction.

After Four Years All We Get is an Op-Ed?

 

 

The USA the next 4 years.

To mark the 4th anniversary of the January 6, 2021 insurrection incited by 45th and soon to be 47th President Joe Biden wrote a strongly worded OP-Ed in the Washington Post. I guess this slipped by Bezos eyes. Anyway this is a bit of too little too late. MAGA will soon be celebrating their victorious coup attempt starting noon January 20, 2025. Meanwhile the rest of the non-MAGA nation is left with a strongly worded "we played by the rules" Op-Ed as a going away message. While President Biden is scheduled for some last minute addresses if this is any clue as their contents they'll hardly be inspiring. Thanks Joe but we needed more. 

Here's bit more on this.

Democracy Dies in Darkness? Yeah right!

 

Ann Telneas

 

 

Jeff Bezos seems to have little interest in actually owning a newspaper like the Washington Post as it appears to be a vanity spot on his of things he owns. In October just weeks before the presidential election a planned endorsement is shot down reported by Jeff Bezos which he tried to explain away in a lame guest column soon after. The non-endorsement at the last minute has the effect of being an endorsement of Donald Trump.

 Now reports are that Pulitzer prize winning cartoonist Ann Telneas had her cartoon of criticized Amazon and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos (among others) apparently paying tribute to President-Elect Trump, cut from publication. Although her editor claims it was because of and submission was to prevent repetition past actions from Bezos influencing editorial decisions makes the denial skeptical. Here in lie the problem with mega corporations owning media outlets like Washington Post. Ann Telneas has resigned over this decision disagreeing with the decision. The Washington Post catchphrase "Democracy Dies in Darkness" is as hollow promise.