A good broad summary. But I must submit that there is an additional reason to not jump to conclusions. It's Biden's leadership in going after Putin. The reason this is deeply significant? Simple. Putin as the source of disinformation for the past 30 to 40 years and the cumulative effect on our electorate make him, in my humble opinion, a legitimate target. After all, Putin, or my preferred name for him, "Trump's Friend," has been engaging in his own version of "war by other means" literally for decades. This is key to understanding what is happening to our democracy.
But don't take my word for it. Look at the gradual uptick in Biden's poll numbers; a direct result of our aid to Ukraine and opposition to Putin.
And by the way. Describing Putin as "Trump's Friend" leads us directly to a better way of describing Trump, namely as "Putin's Friend." If Democrats everywhere would never say Trump's name again and substitute "Putin's Friend" it might also be enough to turn this election. Pass it on to every candidate that you encounter. If you, we, all of us do that one simple thing? Well who knows. But it certainly can't hurt.
I took the liberty to link your site to a number of Democratic sites. Most of the feedback is positive. Very effective in getting people to start registering Democrats. https://www.fieldteam6.org/
I was in a discussion group this morning. 90% are Democrats, but the others have bought the big lie.
Regardless of their ardor for Trump or DeSantis, they pay close attention when their government benefits are at issue. I can see it in their eyes, feel it in the tenor of their voices. When Rick Scott's plan to sunset Social Security and Medicare comes up they almost dissemble.
Thank you, Professor. I feel a bit like I have hijacked your blog today. I can only hope you will forgive me. I also hope that you will spread the word about using "Putin's Friend" in place of the name of our former President. And thank you for setting up this opportunity to share.
My “belief“ is very strong that there is a direct connection between Putin‘s friend and Putin. I am really surprised so far no direct evidence, that I am aware of, has been found. We all herein know Putin’s friend is toxic for democracy and frankly I just can’t understand his level of support. It makes me feel naïve. Maybe with the January 6 commission, prosecution of the insurrectionist and their supporters, and Biden as president we can ever so slowly right the ship of democracy. Many hands make the load light and we can’t just hope others will do it.
When PF ran the first time, early in the campaign some journalist asked how well PF knew his bff. The response was, "Oh, I don't really know him; I think our paths may have crossed once or twice at some function..." Even though I'd only just begun my research on him, I IMMEDIATELY thought, "Yep - uh, NOO; that's a LIE."
Well that might be one advantage to this age of "disinformation." We don't need to prove it; we just need to say it, over and over and over and over......!!!!
You are welcome! I'm seriously thinking of doing this whenever I post something on FB or Twitter that would include his name (I don't know anyone in my personal life for whom this would be a problem!) ....still a tiny bit nervous about it!
Some are hard core like that. But in conversation with them, if Trump's name came up and you stopped them and said, "You mean Putin's friend," or something to that effect I bet it would give them pause and maybe even make them think, though that is a lot to hope for. And if they immediately own the idea that they are talking about Putin's friend, then you can move on knowing that there is no room for additional discussion.
The GRU and KGB were issued a new mission in the’70’s. The American Left was disillusioned with Communism and its repression. They realized that the benighted Republicans had lost any moral foundation and would put their own power ahead of their country. They could be molded into a Bolshevik Party. The only revolutionary Party lies with Newt and Trump, willing foreign servants.
The idea of using "Putin's Friend" in place of trump's name is the acid test of how right you are. My guess is that some would recoil at being directly told this. That percentage would be enough.
We should not just let the facts drift in and let people watch them drift by like tumbleweeds. Donald John Trump is a committed KGB agent. People will consider that wack-o, but consider that Hillary Clinton is whoring pre-pubescent Mexicans out of a pizza shop basement. Every tin-pot dictator recognized the January 6 coup attempt. We got to tell it like it is. The WWII generation would have seen right through this mist of bullshit.
PF had many of his followers believe it would be "a good thing" to have a good working relationship with "his handler"... and poo-poo'd previous administrations' efforts to distance themselves.
Why are your responses always personal insults? That is the discourse of Trump supporters. Do you care to address what I said rather than call names? As you might be aware the Democrats who failed to pass federal abortion legislation and campaigned against Medicare for All which had a guarantee for women's reproductive services cannot even protect us from the onerous threat of reversal of Roe v Wade. Actions speak louder than incremental change and pragmatic progressivism.
You need to read the BBB. Dems Campaigned against Medicare for All? Bull. Your talking about the republicans who have blocked everything that can help individuals from upper middle class on down. Things republicans voted against (before most were implemented except the first one…in progress), against a committee to investigate deadly insurrection, social security, Medicare, Civil Rights, voting rights, food stamps, public education.
Trump committed Collusion, treason, obstruction of justice, racketeering, abuse of authority, bribery, intimidation, dereliction of duty, refuses to obey the law, continues to promote mega lie that he won and Dems cheated! Don’t even go there with me about both sides! Trump has lost 60 legal challenges. Now the republicans are banning books, and are livid at Micky Mouse because Disney won’t discriminate against gays, but adore Putin!
You did it too. What precisely am I misinformed about? Why do you feel the need to call me a fool? Because I don't watch MSNBC and try to push Democrats to do what is right instead of make excuses for them?
Simply read What Is To Be Done? by Lenin. Gingrich did. It is the guiding document of American Bolshevism, aka Trumpism. Some republicans are fools, many are collaborators, and a few are revolutionaries.
I love your greeting today: “Hello my friends; don’t be depressed about politics…”
Listening to your essay after reading it always helps me to see how you drive your messages home.
This mornings news has shown that a draft was leaked from the Supreme Court showing them poised to strike down Roe v. Wade. This would really thicken up the trump sauce, if you ask me — we have gone so far backwards since 2016.
Normally I think “Polls — Schmolls” because, who knows where these statistics come from? Never once have I or my immediate family been questioned! However, I can see the fading away of the former occupant of the Peoples House and how some of the GOP are distancing themselves from him (purely to further their own agendas).
June’s televised hearings on the Jan. 6th Committee’s inquiry cannot come soon enough. I read a piece in the Post recently and think the admirable Rep. Jamie Raskin kept his cards close to his chest… but that (they) have been meticulously building their case. Let’s hope prosecutors in Georgia will do the same.
We have a lot to do to keep the promises this Administration made while running for office. And continue to focus on the good that has been done. Trump Sauce is foul and rancid - Biden’s Sauce is smooth and cool 🌻
Never have I been prouder to be a Marylander than I am today. Chris is the absolute best. Here’s a copy of my weekly briefing…
May 3, 2022
Last night, I joined Marylanders and folks across the country in shock as I read the draft Supreme Court opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which strikes down Roe v. Wade and guts abortion protections in the United States. If this draft decision stands, the Supreme Court will strip Americans of their reproductive rights and put at risk the lives and health of tens of millions of women. This deeply damaging and draconian opinion would overturn almost fifty years of precedent – following the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade to uphold a woman’s constitutional right to choose – and would undermine the will of the American people.
Today, the Supreme Court verified the authenticity of the leaked opinion authored by Associate Justice Samuel Alito on behalf of himself and four other Justices – three of whom were appointed by Donald Trump. Trump’s nominees to the Supreme Court claimed to respect precedent. It’s now clear that they lied.
Even if this draft decision doesn’t reflect the final judgment of the Court, the right to choose will still be under threat. So long as this ultra-conservative majority holds power on the bench, the future of reproductive freedom in our country hangs in the balance. Five Justices could throw nearly fifty years of settled law out the window at any moment and snuff out the rights of people in America to make their own choices about their bodies.
I am determined to fight with everything we’ve got to protect reproductive rights in our nation. We must act immediately to codify Roe v. Wade, and we can’t let anything stand in our way.
We can only hope that these things will wake up voters enough to use their brain when choosing who to cast their vote for instead of an automatic “I’ve always voted for conservative candidates“ so they would make better choices & Vote in their best interests! I really think the televised Jan 6 Committee hearings & the recent leaked SCOTUS decision overturning Roe v Wade will have even more impetus for voters especially young voters & Independents & will have the biggest influence on voters choices! The Dems still need to spend more time & effort messaging President Biden’s accomplishments in less than 2 years time, his efforts to curb inflation & to pressure oil companies to pump more oil including the Middle East! The huge drop in unemployment figures should be talked about more & how fast our economy rebounded from the Pandemic! Personally I’m not worried about the National Politics favoring the Dems but KY where I live now has the most poorly educated & rural voters that vote on autopilot without bothering to look into the backgrounds of politicians on the right or even to learn about their political opinions & that makes me worry about KY’s state legislature since it already has a 30 to 8 ratio of Rs to Ds & a wonderful Dem Gov up for re-election in 2023! If we could just get Rand Paul voted out, maybe it would start a movement of people thinking hard about who they vote for! That’s a hopeful wish anyway. Diehard Trumpers, & I know way too many, can never be persuaded to reconsider anything about that criminal! Its like they have blinders & earplugs on! AS always Robert ur comments make sense! I keep hoping the activists are registering more young voters. Only 6 months till V Day, we have time to keep the pressure on.
I live in a blue state and I can't tell you how many Trump flags are in my neighbors' yards. Not just Republican posters and signs, but Trump. It is so disheartening! My entire family gather around Fox news in the evening and listens to all the garbage being aired and will not listen to anything against any Republican. I am kind of an outcast because I have spoken out about Trump and his antics from day one. I'm the "crazy old lady" who doesn't know what she's talking about. One thing I have to say about Republicans - they sure are loyal to their party! I was a Republican for 50 years and changed to Independent in 2016 when Trump won the election. I want the Democrats to sweep the midterms! I am so tired of the scandals and lawlessness that has gone on in the Republican party.
My mom married my stepfather after 11 years of widowhood. He was a major Rush Limbaugh fanatic and had him and his wacky friends on the radio running all day. When we would visit, we told her if she kept listening when we were there we would not come anymore. Her opinions kept morphing toward those of Rush and Kump and she was often hard to be with. We pointed this out to her and she told us we were making it up. My mom had not been a liberal all her life or anything but was very accepting of all kinds of other people. During Rush times, not at all and her comments were often mean. When my stepfather died, she stopped listening to right-wing radio and substituted the more centrist media. She reverted to her old more open-minded thinking. If we could ween people away from Fox "News" and other such media, we might have a chance. But, as long as they are getting their daily dose, the addiction will continue. R.Sheets
Sounds so much like the book, The brainwashing of my Dad. Have you ever read it? I heard the author speak and just loved how she handled it. You will likely enjoy the book!
Wendy, You must feel lonely being surrounded by “loyalists” but you are brave and a free thinker. “Land of the free and home of the brave.” You are not alone, keep speaking out and do what you can do. Glad you are on this sub stack. Be well and be safe. 🌺
I am in exactly the same situation! The Republican Party that we knew in our younger days is dead. My family loves to watch Tucker Carlson. Carlson's "laugh" and arrogance drive me nuts!
Welcome to my family. They are just entirely brainwashed. Even those who aren't are very much like Moscow Mitch, they will vote for the Republican candidate no matter how personally reprehensible and totally unfit for office. This is a combination that will be extremely difficult to break.
If it's any consolation, I have a similar situation, but last week a PF supporter-relative voluntarily commented that PF is a complete idiot. Just dropped it into a paragraph and went on. I specifically never mention that person so said nothing. It was also mentioned in a more recent discussion. This person is avidly watching the Ukrainian situation & is TOTALLY on board w/ Zelenskyy, US support etc and can't stand putin. Another PF-supporter-relative is also the same on Ukraine. I commented tha I thought Zelenskyy is a powerful leader. Response was, "You know who another really strong leader is? di santis!" I see that as "progress" because at least PF is no longer top dog in her mind. (Baby steps....really teeny tiny baby steps.. but I'll take them.)
One thing that can either help or hurt Democrats in the mid-terms is the media coverage. As long as our media believe they should cover "both sides" with equal vigor, even repeating Republican lies (and the Democratic ones too), the lies will have equal coverage with the truths. That really is a problem because even if the reporter says "that is a lie." (which they won't because the word "lie" has become a 4-letter word) believers will dismiss the statement as a lie or some kind of "woke" statement. It seems we need to stay on the media and demand they be more aware of the ways they cover stories and events. R.Sheets
It’s depressing to listen to National Public Radio and hear their interviewers recite Reptilian talking points. And then, of course, to hear NPR characterized as Left Wing Media by the Reptilians.
Women did not appear in our documents until 1920 when they were finally allowed to vote. The Supremes are set to take away hard-won rights of women and excise women from our documents once again. If we had a vote I doubt the majority of women would vote to overturn Roe. To do this so close to midterms suggests a party that has smug confidence that their machinations are set to deliver a big win. Will their hubris do them in? Cross your fingers.
Hopefully, but Democrats still need to run highly effective campaigns. No timidity or sitting back and gloating.
I think Republicans' government forced childbearing agenda, taking away couples' freedom to decide when and how many children they will bear, should be a prominent campaign issue. Stop letting them get away with calling themselves "pro life." More generally, Democrats should point out how Republicans are taking away freedoms, such as freedom to vote and freedom to choose what books to read, and how Democrats will preserve those freedoms.
I have seen a number of TV commercials (my state's primary, like Ohio's, is today) with candidates proclaiming themselves "proud conservatives." My response is what's so great about about conservatism? As far as I can tell, conservatism is all about cruelty and bullying and brazen corruption. Democrats should make conservative a dirty word like Republicans made liberal a dirty word in the late 1980's and early 1990's.
You are so right about the word "conservative." I keep wondering what they are trying to conserve. I am thinking it is their own racism, misogyny, homophobia, resentment of poor folks, and a desire to ignore or deliberately dismiss anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. In short, conservatives are children who never had to grow up because they, like spoiled bully children can blame and hurt everyone else for making them feel uncomfortable or angry or unhappy. R.Sheets
It's frustrating that so many progressive, left-leaning pundits and reporting agencies continue to repeat and reinforce the drumbeat that "you know, the party in power always loses seats in the midterms" -- as though we're going to make it a foregone conclusion that the Left will be slaughtered. WE ARE IN A DIFFERENT WORLD NOW! The principles that held decades ago likely no longer apply in the same way. Yes, people are upset about inflation and economic insecurity, but does anyone who's not in a coma think that today's Republican Party is going to make this *better*? It would certainly be the opposite.
I'd like to hear Biden declare that: "Look, I don't give a rat's ass about the polls. I can't waste time on beauty contests. I'm just here to a job, doing what's best for the country. And if the professional whiners need to whine, that’s their business.”
I agree. So many people repeat the propaganda they’re hearing. The republicans put all their effort into denying the truth because they cannot win legally. They do nothing but block legislation if it will make Biden look good. Even if it means people suffer because of it. The traitor party AKA republican Cult.
I think Biden and Psaki know how to do straight talk. They know how to handle these people. And it’s good to hear. The problem is the amount of media owned by ultra right.
Unfortunately, beliefs trump facts. Jonathan Haidt, author of "The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion", 2012) demonstrated how conservatives tend to have a broader set of moral concerns than liberals, placing greater value on the moral foundations of loyalty, authority and sanctity. This helps to understand conservative positions regarding patriotism, law and order, and abortion.
Liberals tend to focus principally (not exclusively) on the moral foundation of care, that is, the prevention of harm. This is manifest in their support for social safety nets, access to affordable medical care, equitable income distribution, etc.
It is very difficult to change someone's belief system. I continue to be amazed at the power of perception and bias. But as Haidt points out: "morality binds and blinds".
Rick I like your post. What is a belief? “Beliefs are thoughts that we think over and over.” What are thoughts? Thoughts are pictures and words in our minds. Thought precedes action. Words are like seeds that grow when planted and watered.
Yes, indeed. And that is the power of propaganda: the endless repetition and reinforcement of falsehoods to create a distorted reality. This strategy has worked for many demagogues over time.
SCOTUS just gave us a chance. Antiabortion backlash hopefully coming in time for midterms! Neurosciences show brain neurons start forming right after conception but don’t start communicating until around 20 weeks. Why is it acceptable to declare a person brain dead, harvest their organs and bury them? Take the liberty vs masks canard and flip it back, no one‘s business what one does with their doctor. Make a sign, go stand on any street corner in your area and peacefully protest against these activist judges on this now overtly kangaroo court. Civil laws rule, not made up religious law. History doesn’t repeat, brain biochemistry repeats and this is why the GQP looks like an American version of the Taliban, why conservatives all think the same worldwide, and exactly why the GQP today looks like Nazi Germany yesterday
Trump cannot win, he never has. The problem is in allowing lie upon lie in the media. Take away their licenses! Or can we not do this because we allowed the republicans to buy into every nook of our government without much finger pointing ourselves (Democrats). Democrats are always afraid of how it will look if they take proper action. How does it look now?
The dangerous lies they spew is not news. It is going to create more danger to the Democrats who go out to vote. Our country needs to step in and put and end to the danger being incited by these freakish right wing monsters.
Trump can’t win and Biden has accomplished much. But lies become truth when they can get repeated enough, which they are! Biden should shove through what he can. Supreme Court justices need to be impeached but the Democrats always drag things out as if this will help them win over “swing” voters. There aren’t any swing voters. If you don’t know that TFG is a criminal and traitor, you’re a republican & will stay that way.
So we know the support for Trump isn’t there, but any Qpublican who seemed half reasonable is planting the same seeds of doubt in the minds of republican rubes. Corruption is the worry, not the truth.
@Juliet. But start the fight now because it takes time, even for an executive order AND the fight will make Democrats look good... Lot's of primaries before November!
It’s not my issue right now, I just think it would be a good strategy for someone to suggest to Biden somehow and certainly not great if he didn’t do it…my main issues at present are climate and (ugh, now!) choice…
Three significant caveats to a compelling analysis, one of which you mentioned: 1) The Democrats actually need to accomplish something through legislation, which, given Manchin's 1980s worldview, his corruption, his narcissism and the strength of disinformation in his voting base, is still problematic. He wants to be sure his voters and donors support whatever is passed, a steep barrier for progressive legislation. 2) The economy, which is not as bad as people think (but what they think matters) may deteriorate further as the year progresses. Companies like the large profits that high prices bring, and unless Democrats counter that with a windfall profits tax and strong rhetoric (see point one), that - as well as legitimate food shortage issues due to the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine and Chinese supply constraints due to their draconian Covid policy - will likely keep prices high and delay product supply through this year. Additionally, the Fed will use the blunt tool of interest rate increases to exacerbate the cost of borrowing for shelter, already in short supply, increasing consumer pessimism while doing little to solve fuel, food and commodity inflation. 3) The hallowed people, though we are strongly divided politically, are not well-versed in political dynamics, economics and history, and are subject to fearmongering and conspiracy theories of both short and long duration. We do not know how to prioritize risks and threats (so many people exaggerate the negative impact of cancel culture and "wokeness", primarily because it can be personal and instances are easy to dissect) and our memories are poor. We also choose to read and watch and believe our own myths, mostly on the right, and the facts, as we have seen, do not always permeate the bubble with much magnitude. So thanks for the optimism, but I am wary and would call us all to action to help make Professor Reich's prognostication come to fruition.
In the USA citizens no longer live around, work around or pal around with people who think any differently than each other. It is called: "Tribes". Why we see red states and blue states. We watch cable news that affirms what we already think. We read ideological “news” sites that tell us how good our side is and how bad the other one is. At some point in time in order for this country to heal and move forward both sides must learn to work together. If not, Russia and China will destroy the USA. Think about this when you post on social media, or write a blog. 1 by 1 we can make a difference. Spewing hatred for 1 man is beyond childish. Time for adults to grow up. People dislike, Obama, Biden, Trump, Putin, Gates, Musk, Bezos and other world leaders. They are mere human men. Focus on the issues rather than their personalities. Future generations are counting on us. Time to understand we are living in a brand new world. Technology is moving faster than anything we have ever witnessed. It is not the smartest or strongest that survive but those that can adapt to change.
A good broad summary. But I must submit that there is an additional reason to not jump to conclusions. It's Biden's leadership in going after Putin. The reason this is deeply significant? Simple. Putin as the source of disinformation for the past 30 to 40 years and the cumulative effect on our electorate make him, in my humble opinion, a legitimate target. After all, Putin, or my preferred name for him, "Trump's Friend," has been engaging in his own version of "war by other means" literally for decades. This is key to understanding what is happening to our democracy.
But don't take my word for it. Look at the gradual uptick in Biden's poll numbers; a direct result of our aid to Ukraine and opposition to Putin.
And by the way. Describing Putin as "Trump's Friend" leads us directly to a better way of describing Trump, namely as "Putin's Friend." If Democrats everywhere would never say Trump's name again and substitute "Putin's Friend" it might also be enough to turn this election. Pass it on to every candidate that you encounter. If you, we, all of us do that one simple thing? Well who knows. But it certainly can't hurt.
Excellent point.
I took the liberty to link your site to a number of Democratic sites. Most of the feedback is positive. Very effective in getting people to start registering Democrats. https://www.fieldteam6.org/
I was in a discussion group this morning. 90% are Democrats, but the others have bought the big lie.
Regardless of their ardor for Trump or DeSantis, they pay close attention when their government benefits are at issue. I can see it in their eyes, feel it in the tenor of their voices. When Rick Scott's plan to sunset Social Security and Medicare comes up they almost dissemble.
Thank you, Professor. I feel a bit like I have hijacked your blog today. I can only hope you will forgive me. I also hope that you will spread the word about using "Putin's Friend" in place of the name of our former President. And thank you for setting up this opportunity to share.
I look forward to proof of a link connecting money from Putin to Trump.
My “belief“ is very strong that there is a direct connection between Putin‘s friend and Putin. I am really surprised so far no direct evidence, that I am aware of, has been found. We all herein know Putin’s friend is toxic for democracy and frankly I just can’t understand his level of support. It makes me feel naïve. Maybe with the January 6 commission, prosecution of the insurrectionist and their supporters, and Biden as president we can ever so slowly right the ship of democracy. Many hands make the load light and we can’t just hope others will do it.
When Putin's Friend stood up at a campaign stop and said: "Putin, if you are listening..." Well. That's all the proof I needed.
Trump should have been charged with treason at that point. Why he wasn't is still "beyond me."
When PF ran the first time, early in the campaign some journalist asked how well PF knew his bff. The response was, "Oh, I don't really know him; I think our paths may have crossed once or twice at some function..." Even though I'd only just begun my research on him, I IMMEDIATELY thought, "Yep - uh, NOO; that's a LIE."
I've been thinking that several US officials beyond the previous president may be on vlad's payroll...
Absolutely
Yes, whatever happened to that audit of Deutsche Bank, which was presumably the conduit for Putiin’s money into the pockets of Drumpf?
Possibly financing connections. But very hard to prove. Putin's U.S. information campaigns are more demonstrable and possibly more deadly.
Well that might be one advantage to this age of "disinformation." We don't need to prove it; we just need to say it, over and over and over and over......!!!!
Very interesting. A play from the Republican play book. Except this has the advantage of starting from a point of actual truth. So thank you Terry.
You are welcome! I'm seriously thinking of doing this whenever I post something on FB or Twitter that would include his name (I don't know anyone in my personal life for whom this would be a problem!) ....still a tiny bit nervous about it!
If you are really a chaplain, your clients need to have trust in you. Be careful with the propaganda — no matter how true it may be.
https://time.com/4433880/donald-trump-ties-to-russia/
There are several, including files from the FBI
Putin’s Subservient… Putin’s Puppet… Putin’s Worshipper. What a disgrace TFG is.
Stable Genius doesn't even know he's being played like a Stradivarius...
@ MM Harris; … more like a broken kazoo!
No, he’s in full consent.
But republicans like Putin over Zelenskyy! They are completely deluded with the constant help of right wing media!
Some are hard core like that. But in conversation with them, if Trump's name came up and you stopped them and said, "You mean Putin's friend," or something to that effect I bet it would give them pause and maybe even make them think, though that is a lot to hope for. And if they immediately own the idea that they are talking about Putin's friend, then you can move on knowing that there is no room for additional discussion.
That’s a good idea. I like traitor trump but that’s too obvious. Putin's friend…we need to get that trending.
I contacted two candidates with the idea this morning. Simple, just use the contact button on their campaign websites.
Trend, trend, trend.......
The GRU and KGB were issued a new mission in the’70’s. The American Left was disillusioned with Communism and its repression. They realized that the benighted Republicans had lost any moral foundation and would put their own power ahead of their country. They could be molded into a Bolshevik Party. The only revolutionary Party lies with Newt and Trump, willing foreign servants.
The idea of using "Putin's Friend" in place of trump's name is the acid test of how right you are. My guess is that some would recoil at being directly told this. That percentage would be enough.
We should not just let the facts drift in and let people watch them drift by like tumbleweeds. Donald John Trump is a committed KGB agent. People will consider that wack-o, but consider that Hillary Clinton is whoring pre-pubescent Mexicans out of a pizza shop basement. Every tin-pot dictator recognized the January 6 coup attempt. We got to tell it like it is. The WWII generation would have seen right through this mist of bullshit.
PF had many of his followers believe it would be "a good thing" to have a good working relationship with "his handler"... and poo-poo'd previous administrations' efforts to distance themselves.
If you can stomach it, watch the Lincoln Project's Genocide.
It’s not listed in their videos. @SC is it called something else?
Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0pd34lrIoA
It won’t open unless I sign up for YouTube.
Okay. Thanks for the suggestion.
Disinformation is as present in the US, including on the liberal side of the media, as it is in Russia.
Says the spreader.
Why are your responses always personal insults? That is the discourse of Trump supporters. Do you care to address what I said rather than call names? As you might be aware the Democrats who failed to pass federal abortion legislation and campaigned against Medicare for All which had a guarantee for women's reproductive services cannot even protect us from the onerous threat of reversal of Roe v Wade. Actions speak louder than incremental change and pragmatic progressivism.
You need to read the BBB. Dems Campaigned against Medicare for All? Bull. Your talking about the republicans who have blocked everything that can help individuals from upper middle class on down. Things republicans voted against (before most were implemented except the first one…in progress), against a committee to investigate deadly insurrection, social security, Medicare, Civil Rights, voting rights, food stamps, public education.
Trump committed Collusion, treason, obstruction of justice, racketeering, abuse of authority, bribery, intimidation, dereliction of duty, refuses to obey the law, continues to promote mega lie that he won and Dems cheated! Don’t even go there with me about both sides! Trump has lost 60 legal challenges. Now the republicans are banning books, and are livid at Micky Mouse because Disney won’t discriminate against gays, but adore Putin!
Maybe his response was negative because only a misinformed fool would say that.
You did it too. What precisely am I misinformed about? Why do you feel the need to call me a fool? Because I don't watch MSNBC and try to push Democrats to do what is right instead of make excuses for them?
Simply read What Is To Be Done? by Lenin. Gingrich did. It is the guiding document of American Bolshevism, aka Trumpism. Some republicans are fools, many are collaborators, and a few are revolutionaries.
I love your greeting today: “Hello my friends; don’t be depressed about politics…”
Listening to your essay after reading it always helps me to see how you drive your messages home.
This mornings news has shown that a draft was leaked from the Supreme Court showing them poised to strike down Roe v. Wade. This would really thicken up the trump sauce, if you ask me — we have gone so far backwards since 2016.
Normally I think “Polls — Schmolls” because, who knows where these statistics come from? Never once have I or my immediate family been questioned! However, I can see the fading away of the former occupant of the Peoples House and how some of the GOP are distancing themselves from him (purely to further their own agendas).
June’s televised hearings on the Jan. 6th Committee’s inquiry cannot come soon enough. I read a piece in the Post recently and think the admirable Rep. Jamie Raskin kept his cards close to his chest… but that (they) have been meticulously building their case. Let’s hope prosecutors in Georgia will do the same.
We have a lot to do to keep the promises this Administration made while running for office. And continue to focus on the good that has been done. Trump Sauce is foul and rancid - Biden’s Sauce is smooth and cool 🌻
Never have I been prouder to be a Marylander than I am today. Chris is the absolute best. Here’s a copy of my weekly briefing…
May 3, 2022
Last night, I joined Marylanders and folks across the country in shock as I read the draft Supreme Court opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which strikes down Roe v. Wade and guts abortion protections in the United States. If this draft decision stands, the Supreme Court will strip Americans of their reproductive rights and put at risk the lives and health of tens of millions of women. This deeply damaging and draconian opinion would overturn almost fifty years of precedent – following the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade to uphold a woman’s constitutional right to choose – and would undermine the will of the American people.
Today, the Supreme Court verified the authenticity of the leaked opinion authored by Associate Justice Samuel Alito on behalf of himself and four other Justices – three of whom were appointed by Donald Trump. Trump’s nominees to the Supreme Court claimed to respect precedent. It’s now clear that they lied.
Even if this draft decision doesn’t reflect the final judgment of the Court, the right to choose will still be under threat. So long as this ultra-conservative majority holds power on the bench, the future of reproductive freedom in our country hangs in the balance. Five Justices could throw nearly fifty years of settled law out the window at any moment and snuff out the rights of people in America to make their own choices about their bodies.
I am determined to fight with everything we’ve got to protect reproductive rights in our nation. We must act immediately to codify Roe v. Wade, and we can’t let anything stand in our way.
Chris Van Hollen
We can only hope that these things will wake up voters enough to use their brain when choosing who to cast their vote for instead of an automatic “I’ve always voted for conservative candidates“ so they would make better choices & Vote in their best interests! I really think the televised Jan 6 Committee hearings & the recent leaked SCOTUS decision overturning Roe v Wade will have even more impetus for voters especially young voters & Independents & will have the biggest influence on voters choices! The Dems still need to spend more time & effort messaging President Biden’s accomplishments in less than 2 years time, his efforts to curb inflation & to pressure oil companies to pump more oil including the Middle East! The huge drop in unemployment figures should be talked about more & how fast our economy rebounded from the Pandemic! Personally I’m not worried about the National Politics favoring the Dems but KY where I live now has the most poorly educated & rural voters that vote on autopilot without bothering to look into the backgrounds of politicians on the right or even to learn about their political opinions & that makes me worry about KY’s state legislature since it already has a 30 to 8 ratio of Rs to Ds & a wonderful Dem Gov up for re-election in 2023! If we could just get Rand Paul voted out, maybe it would start a movement of people thinking hard about who they vote for! That’s a hopeful wish anyway. Diehard Trumpers, & I know way too many, can never be persuaded to reconsider anything about that criminal! Its like they have blinders & earplugs on! AS always Robert ur comments make sense! I keep hoping the activists are registering more young voters. Only 6 months till V Day, we have time to keep the pressure on.
I live in a blue state and I can't tell you how many Trump flags are in my neighbors' yards. Not just Republican posters and signs, but Trump. It is so disheartening! My entire family gather around Fox news in the evening and listens to all the garbage being aired and will not listen to anything against any Republican. I am kind of an outcast because I have spoken out about Trump and his antics from day one. I'm the "crazy old lady" who doesn't know what she's talking about. One thing I have to say about Republicans - they sure are loyal to their party! I was a Republican for 50 years and changed to Independent in 2016 when Trump won the election. I want the Democrats to sweep the midterms! I am so tired of the scandals and lawlessness that has gone on in the Republican party.
My mom married my stepfather after 11 years of widowhood. He was a major Rush Limbaugh fanatic and had him and his wacky friends on the radio running all day. When we would visit, we told her if she kept listening when we were there we would not come anymore. Her opinions kept morphing toward those of Rush and Kump and she was often hard to be with. We pointed this out to her and she told us we were making it up. My mom had not been a liberal all her life or anything but was very accepting of all kinds of other people. During Rush times, not at all and her comments were often mean. When my stepfather died, she stopped listening to right-wing radio and substituted the more centrist media. She reverted to her old more open-minded thinking. If we could ween people away from Fox "News" and other such media, we might have a chance. But, as long as they are getting their daily dose, the addiction will continue. R.Sheets
Sounds so much like the book, The brainwashing of my Dad. Have you ever read it? I heard the author speak and just loved how she handled it. You will likely enjoy the book!
Wendy, You must feel lonely being surrounded by “loyalists” but you are brave and a free thinker. “Land of the free and home of the brave.” You are not alone, keep speaking out and do what you can do. Glad you are on this sub stack. Be well and be safe. 🌺
I am in exactly the same situation! The Republican Party that we knew in our younger days is dead. My family loves to watch Tucker Carlson. Carlson's "laugh" and arrogance drive me nuts!
Welcome to my family. They are just entirely brainwashed. Even those who aren't are very much like Moscow Mitch, they will vote for the Republican candidate no matter how personally reprehensible and totally unfit for office. This is a combination that will be extremely difficult to break.
If it's any consolation, I have a similar situation, but last week a PF supporter-relative voluntarily commented that PF is a complete idiot. Just dropped it into a paragraph and went on. I specifically never mention that person so said nothing. It was also mentioned in a more recent discussion. This person is avidly watching the Ukrainian situation & is TOTALLY on board w/ Zelenskyy, US support etc and can't stand putin. Another PF-supporter-relative is also the same on Ukraine. I commented tha I thought Zelenskyy is a powerful leader. Response was, "You know who another really strong leader is? di santis!" I see that as "progress" because at least PF is no longer top dog in her mind. (Baby steps....really teeny tiny baby steps.. but I'll take them.)
One thing that can either help or hurt Democrats in the mid-terms is the media coverage. As long as our media believe they should cover "both sides" with equal vigor, even repeating Republican lies (and the Democratic ones too), the lies will have equal coverage with the truths. That really is a problem because even if the reporter says "that is a lie." (which they won't because the word "lie" has become a 4-letter word) believers will dismiss the statement as a lie or some kind of "woke" statement. It seems we need to stay on the media and demand they be more aware of the ways they cover stories and events. R.Sheets
It’s depressing to listen to National Public Radio and hear their interviewers recite Reptilian talking points. And then, of course, to hear NPR characterized as Left Wing Media by the Reptilians.
Women did not appear in our documents until 1920 when they were finally allowed to vote. The Supremes are set to take away hard-won rights of women and excise women from our documents once again. If we had a vote I doubt the majority of women would vote to overturn Roe. To do this so close to midterms suggests a party that has smug confidence that their machinations are set to deliver a big win. Will their hubris do them in? Cross your fingers.
Hopefully, but Democrats still need to run highly effective campaigns. No timidity or sitting back and gloating.
I think Republicans' government forced childbearing agenda, taking away couples' freedom to decide when and how many children they will bear, should be a prominent campaign issue. Stop letting them get away with calling themselves "pro life." More generally, Democrats should point out how Republicans are taking away freedoms, such as freedom to vote and freedom to choose what books to read, and how Democrats will preserve those freedoms.
I have seen a number of TV commercials (my state's primary, like Ohio's, is today) with candidates proclaiming themselves "proud conservatives." My response is what's so great about about conservatism? As far as I can tell, conservatism is all about cruelty and bullying and brazen corruption. Democrats should make conservative a dirty word like Republicans made liberal a dirty word in the late 1980's and early 1990's.
You are so right about the word "conservative." I keep wondering what they are trying to conserve. I am thinking it is their own racism, misogyny, homophobia, resentment of poor folks, and a desire to ignore or deliberately dismiss anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. In short, conservatives are children who never had to grow up because they, like spoiled bully children can blame and hurt everyone else for making them feel uncomfortable or angry or unhappy. R.Sheets
It's frustrating that so many progressive, left-leaning pundits and reporting agencies continue to repeat and reinforce the drumbeat that "you know, the party in power always loses seats in the midterms" -- as though we're going to make it a foregone conclusion that the Left will be slaughtered. WE ARE IN A DIFFERENT WORLD NOW! The principles that held decades ago likely no longer apply in the same way. Yes, people are upset about inflation and economic insecurity, but does anyone who's not in a coma think that today's Republican Party is going to make this *better*? It would certainly be the opposite.
I'd like to hear Biden declare that: "Look, I don't give a rat's ass about the polls. I can't waste time on beauty contests. I'm just here to a job, doing what's best for the country. And if the professional whiners need to whine, that’s their business.”
I agree. So many people repeat the propaganda they’re hearing. The republicans put all their effort into denying the truth because they cannot win legally. They do nothing but block legislation if it will make Biden look good. Even if it means people suffer because of it. The traitor party AKA republican Cult.
I think Biden and Psaki know how to do straight talk. They know how to handle these people. And it’s good to hear. The problem is the amount of media owned by ultra right.
Unfortunately, beliefs trump facts. Jonathan Haidt, author of "The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion", 2012) demonstrated how conservatives tend to have a broader set of moral concerns than liberals, placing greater value on the moral foundations of loyalty, authority and sanctity. This helps to understand conservative positions regarding patriotism, law and order, and abortion.
Liberals tend to focus principally (not exclusively) on the moral foundation of care, that is, the prevention of harm. This is manifest in their support for social safety nets, access to affordable medical care, equitable income distribution, etc.
It is very difficult to change someone's belief system. I continue to be amazed at the power of perception and bias. But as Haidt points out: "morality binds and blinds".
Rick I like your post. What is a belief? “Beliefs are thoughts that we think over and over.” What are thoughts? Thoughts are pictures and words in our minds. Thought precedes action. Words are like seeds that grow when planted and watered.
Yes, indeed. And that is the power of propaganda: the endless repetition and reinforcement of falsehoods to create a distorted reality. This strategy has worked for many demagogues over time.
One can only hope that democrats don’t f$&k upthe opportunity handed to them by trump and the GQP
For anyone who has been paying attention there is only one best choice ; and it isn't tRump or one of his sycophant Elephants!
SCOTUS just gave us a chance. Antiabortion backlash hopefully coming in time for midterms! Neurosciences show brain neurons start forming right after conception but don’t start communicating until around 20 weeks. Why is it acceptable to declare a person brain dead, harvest their organs and bury them? Take the liberty vs masks canard and flip it back, no one‘s business what one does with their doctor. Make a sign, go stand on any street corner in your area and peacefully protest against these activist judges on this now overtly kangaroo court. Civil laws rule, not made up religious law. History doesn’t repeat, brain biochemistry repeats and this is why the GQP looks like an American version of the Taliban, why conservatives all think the same worldwide, and exactly why the GQP today looks like Nazi Germany yesterday
Sapolsky’s Behave
Trump cannot win, he never has. The problem is in allowing lie upon lie in the media. Take away their licenses! Or can we not do this because we allowed the republicans to buy into every nook of our government without much finger pointing ourselves (Democrats). Democrats are always afraid of how it will look if they take proper action. How does it look now?
The dangerous lies they spew is not news. It is going to create more danger to the Democrats who go out to vote. Our country needs to step in and put and end to the danger being incited by these freakish right wing monsters.
Trump can’t win and Biden has accomplished much. But lies become truth when they can get repeated enough, which they are! Biden should shove through what he can. Supreme Court justices need to be impeached but the Democrats always drag things out as if this will help them win over “swing” voters. There aren’t any swing voters. If you don’t know that TFG is a criminal and traitor, you’re a republican & will stay that way.
So we know the support for Trump isn’t there, but any Qpublican who seemed half reasonable is planting the same seeds of doubt in the minds of republican rubes. Corruption is the worry, not the truth.
Multiple choice
The opposite of “woke” is:
1 asleep
2 dead
3 zombie
4 bigot
5 Republican
6 All of the above. *
I think it would be great if Biden forgave student debt maybe a month before the midterms so it’s fresh and so younger voters get on board.
@Juliet. But start the fight now because it takes time, even for an executive order AND the fight will make Democrats look good... Lot's of primaries before November!
It’s not my issue right now, I just think it would be a good strategy for someone to suggest to Biden somehow and certainly not great if he didn’t do it…my main issues at present are climate and (ugh, now!) choice…
Three significant caveats to a compelling analysis, one of which you mentioned: 1) The Democrats actually need to accomplish something through legislation, which, given Manchin's 1980s worldview, his corruption, his narcissism and the strength of disinformation in his voting base, is still problematic. He wants to be sure his voters and donors support whatever is passed, a steep barrier for progressive legislation. 2) The economy, which is not as bad as people think (but what they think matters) may deteriorate further as the year progresses. Companies like the large profits that high prices bring, and unless Democrats counter that with a windfall profits tax and strong rhetoric (see point one), that - as well as legitimate food shortage issues due to the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine and Chinese supply constraints due to their draconian Covid policy - will likely keep prices high and delay product supply through this year. Additionally, the Fed will use the blunt tool of interest rate increases to exacerbate the cost of borrowing for shelter, already in short supply, increasing consumer pessimism while doing little to solve fuel, food and commodity inflation. 3) The hallowed people, though we are strongly divided politically, are not well-versed in political dynamics, economics and history, and are subject to fearmongering and conspiracy theories of both short and long duration. We do not know how to prioritize risks and threats (so many people exaggerate the negative impact of cancel culture and "wokeness", primarily because it can be personal and instances are easy to dissect) and our memories are poor. We also choose to read and watch and believe our own myths, mostly on the right, and the facts, as we have seen, do not always permeate the bubble with much magnitude. So thanks for the optimism, but I am wary and would call us all to action to help make Professor Reich's prognostication come to fruition.
In the USA citizens no longer live around, work around or pal around with people who think any differently than each other. It is called: "Tribes". Why we see red states and blue states. We watch cable news that affirms what we already think. We read ideological “news” sites that tell us how good our side is and how bad the other one is. At some point in time in order for this country to heal and move forward both sides must learn to work together. If not, Russia and China will destroy the USA. Think about this when you post on social media, or write a blog. 1 by 1 we can make a difference. Spewing hatred for 1 man is beyond childish. Time for adults to grow up. People dislike, Obama, Biden, Trump, Putin, Gates, Musk, Bezos and other world leaders. They are mere human men. Focus on the issues rather than their personalities. Future generations are counting on us. Time to understand we are living in a brand new world. Technology is moving faster than anything we have ever witnessed. It is not the smartest or strongest that survive but those that can adapt to change.