A few comments: 1) please don't be "expect to me" to comment on things. So much is happening, space is limited here. I do my best to get to stuff over time. In general I stay away from commentating on the day to day developments with Israel-Gaza for they change so quickly. I weigh in when I feel like I have something to add. 2) Don't appreciate language like this "Most Americans see the protesters as privileged self centered radical brats who disrespect everything we hold dear." Really? You think this is true? This is on the edge of being OK here. 3) Finally these are tough issues and I have asked everyone here when they engage to do so with respect to others in the community. Would like you to do so in the future. Your insults hurt your case and don't help them. Make your case without insults, denigrations. Thank you.
Evan, please stop claiming to speak for all Americans. You have no way of knowing what "most Americans" think about the protests, or anything else. As for Biden, it seems to me that he HAS amply demonstrated that he is "up to it" in demonstrating leadership. Time after time people like you have complained because he isn't being bombastic or whatever it is that you confound for leadership. And time after time, it turns out that he has been quietly working to create the kind of response from the players in the mid-east, including Israel, that we need to move away from continual confrontation. May I suggest that you stop for a minute and look at things from a wider perspective? Things are going on that you seem to miss because you are so tightly focused on expectations of Biden that do not take into account the incredible complexity of what he is doing, and how much he has accomplished.
I tend to get frustrated with those who think that they have all the information as to what Biden is doing all day. So much of what he does is behind close doors and on the phone but many only see and hear what the media puts out on a daily basis and a lot of it is more opinion rather than factual reporting. Appreciate your response.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to be stuck in stormy weather. Lawrence O’Donnell has an utterly devastating summary of what happened in court yesterday. This really is a must-watch.
Stormy Daniel is likely to make the history books – as the one contractor Trump actually paid. While a host of spineless men bend the knee, E.Jean Carroll and Stormy Daniels are to be commended for their strength, integrity, intelligence and wit.
I keep asking, whether the contempt citations are violations of bail in GA, DC and SDFL?
Revocation of bail usually automatically puts the defendant in jail or other close supervision, like an ankle bracelet, the modern version of the ball and chain.
Well, Judge Juan Merchan has warned the criminally-indicted ex-president, in no uncertain terms, that further violations of his gag order may indeed result in incarceration. Interestingly, shortly after that Trump removed a clearly-offensive post on "Truth Social", without having to be told to do so.
Not surprised to hear Trump's legal woes is taking money away from organizing efforts. Explains, in part, why it is reported he was asking fossil fuel companies to pony up $1 billion in exchange for his reversing Biden's climate change initiatives at a fundraiser recently, an action of apparent extortion which, had it been made pre-Trump by a presidential candidate and reported publicly, would have been by itself a campaign killer. This type of rhetoric by Trump also shows how desperate he is right now as a candidate and a fundraiser.
Since the so-called Marbury Doctrine, following the 1803 case of Marbury v. Madison has No Constitutional basis and was, in fact, a Supreme Court usurpation of power; can the consistent level of corruption to which the Court has fallen be used as grounds for Congress to finally push back? Perhaps declaring in legislation, on the basis of this persistent corruption, that henceforth, Supreme Court rulings on Congressional legislation will be regarded by Congress as advisory rather than mandatory, and that said "rulings" will initiate a process where the House and Senate will each vote, by simple majority, whether they will modify legislation in response to such Supreme Court advice? Particular attention should be paid in the writing of such legislation to the abomination of Citizens United (2010) and related rulings that wiped out over a century of anti-corruption legislation and left American political process totally unprotected against the corruption of big money in elections.
Possibly. However, the current Supreme Court is trying to limit the range and quantity of those things that can be legally considered a bribe. One caveat to that is they (R/W justices) were asking questions about whether gifts or benefits given by a business to a politician after the politician has already done something for them is really a bribe. What Trump is doing here is making a demand saying "if you want the policy relief, you want from climate change, start writing some big checks now. Sure sounds to me like a solicitation of a bribe.
The entire Republican Party has been transactional. High oil prices are a tax on every American, on all other businesses.
We obviously don't breathe the same air, drink the same water.
California and other states are suing. Five oil companies, ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and BP along with the trade group American Petroleum Institute, have been sued by California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta. The lawsuit alleges the oil companies knew about the risks posed by climate change due to burning of oil and gas fossil fuels, but followed this up by decades of deception when lying about climate change that “forced the state to spend tens of billions of dollars to address environmental-related damages.... the burning of fossil fuels leads to climate change.”
From Thom Hartmann: Five Blue states are now looking at ways to hold fossil fuel moguls and their companies accountable for the damage climate change-fueled extreme weather has inflicted on their people. Vermont is leading the way, with legislation that passed their House this week and is now headed to the Vermont Senate, almost certainly carrying a large enough majority to overcome a veto by the state’s Republican governor. The bill would set up a $2 billion fund to pay for weather damage, funded by a tax of sorts on the fossil fuel industry. New York, California, Massachusetts, and Maryland are all looking at similar legislation this year.
Through OPEC, they limited production, fixed prices, and undermined our economy since 1973. Treasury could recoup trillions. OPEC members fund proxy wars in the Ukraine, Syria, Yemen and Gaza.
This is a national security issue.
Meanwhile Saudis control our largest refinery, control Exxon and other companies
Also political. "91 percent inverse correlation between the price of gas and the popularity of Democrats when they’re in power: as gas prices go up, Democrats’ approval ratings (and electability) measurably and predictably go down." Thom Hartmann.
We have the capacity to vote them out. Register Democrats - save the world.
To protect American democracy, reach out to millions of unregistered likely Democrats using a dedicated database using every outreach method possible (phone and text, postcard, email and targeted ad, and in-person too), where new Democratic voters will make the most impact – in the most flippable states and districts.
"91 percent inverse correlation between the price of gas and the popularity of Democrats when they’re in power: as gas prices go up, Democrats’ approval ratings (and electability) measurably and predictably go down."
.
To guard against the risk of such obvious manipulation, it’s imperative that President Biden fill the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve – and use it to counteract any attempt by Trump and his cronies (foreign and domestic) o weaponize gas prices prior to November’s election.
If the oil companies take him up on his suggestion, it will be further proof that these big corporations don't care about climate change. They only care about the bottom line, with no thought for the future.
The US is a net energy exporter. Why doesn’t Trump use his sway over the industry to get them to lower the price for US consumers? It’s all about the profits and tax breaks for that industry. Their patriotism ends at the bottom line. Try explaining that to fawning Trumpers.
“As of April 2023, according to the Pew Research Center, 62 percent of Latinos believed abortion should be legal in all or most cases. Twenty years earlier, most Hispanics told Pew that they opposed abortion rights by a nearly two-to-one margin.”
Madrid is a still a republican - take his comments with a healthy grain of salt. There are significant voter outreach efforts to Latino voters and those efforts will have a positive impact.
The only way I see Trump winning is by cheating - and we know the GOP is fully capable of doing this.
Currently, the AZ Secretary of State, due to a Ducey 2021 law, is culling voters from the voting rolls that have not voted in the last 2 election cycles. What could go wrong? I am very concerned as I do not see any activity from the Dem Party or grassroots groups in asking everyone to check their voter registration. In the mean time, Field Team 6 & NEAZ Dems are continuing to write postcards encouraging voter registration. Our Native American friends up north may just save AZ Dems again with their great turnout.
I have been writing postcards for NEAZ Native Democrats since mid last year. Very worthwhile and impressive results!
FYI, Markers for Democracy with be hosting the Out-of-State Director for NEAZ Native Democrats next Friday from 10 - 11 am. MFD meets several times a week writing postcards and listening to candidates and representatives from various grass roots organizations.
No strategy, no ground game in key states, RNC resources going to pay for their criminal candidate's legal bills, few ads--no matter. Trump seems to firmly believe he doesn't need any of these mundane things to entice voters. He thinks running his mouth is so persuasive that it will do the trick. We shall see.
I saw a graphic on one of the news sites that they’re basically putting all their Senate money into MT and OH, thinking those are their best chances to flip a seat. It appeared they’re financially “abandoning” the other races- they’ve got candidate problems in a few states they don’t seem to be putting $$ behind.
As I understand it, flipping the Senate is the top election priority of the Koch Network and its associated billionaires. That would prevent a re-elected President Biden from passing his legislative priorities, as well as from getting judicial and other appointments confirmed by the Senate.
Simon, two things occurred to me while reading your post. First, “hope and optimism” are part a foundational part of the DNA of this country. It’s something that from our founding has at once separated us from other countries and also drawn millions here to drink deeply from that cup of hope and be thrilled by the optimism.
Neither China nor Russia nor the other countries now trending rightward have that DNA. The insight that China Russia et al want to make democracy look chaotic so their autocratic rule looks competent makes sense. I also see the twisted logic behind MAGA making common cause with these authoritarian regimes. But I think the MAGA mistake is that Americans are basically very optimistic and hopeful. Even in bad times. MAGA is now just the grievance party. They only sell doom gloom and take away rights. I think as voters start paying more attention to the election and tune in. Trump and the other basket case MAGA candidates have nothing else to offer the rest America to give them reason to vote for them.
That brings me to the 2nd thing that occurred to me. The other day You brought 2020 RCP polls showing the Democrats losing the Senate, warning us to beware of polls. I am getting the feeling the polls may be wrong in the same way regarding Biden - Trump now.
We SHOULD be optimistic. But, we should also be clear-eyed and steeled for exactly what Tr*mp is telling us he will do.
From your posting today, Simon—this is THE single most important MAGA/Tr*mp insight:
"He told them to 'focus on the cheating.' Party leaders say they are planning a massive operation around “election integrity,” with tens of thousands of volunteers who will monitor precincts and vote-counting across the country."
Whenever his lips move, it's either disinformation, lies, projection, or gaslighting—Tr*mp is clearly telegraphing his election plans.
Repubs (writ large) have now literally abandoned the idea of competing to win/earn the votes of the electorate; they're now 100% bought-in to attacking our freedoms to vote and not counting our votes, by dedicating their resources to undermining faith and confidence in election outcomes.
The failed MAGA criminal-conspiracy in 2020 lead by Tr*mp, involving Repubs in State Legislatures, Congress, and the Supreme Court, was their first attempted insurrection, culminating in a violent and deadly, but failed attack on our Capital. This initial effort to overturn our elections, did anything but discourage them—it emboldened them to try to do more to suppress votes, intimidate election workers, and disrupt our safeguards by undermining the core foundation of a democracy: free and fair elections, the single greatest determinant of the power of those political parties, themselves.
We will win (and based on election results to date, I think in many places by 55), but we must
a) do the work now to make those wins possible and
b) plan now to counter their response to that shellacking...
This election is not simply a choice between Biden and a twice-impeached, four-time criminally indicted, jury-convicted rapist and tax fraudster; it is a choice between a future in which we have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people—or a fascist dictatorship bent on taking away our freedoms and rights.
Simon - can you address Ohio at some point? It looks like my state is figuring out how to make sure Biden/Harris are on the ticket. I am starting to attend local Women for Biden/Harris events. But what is not clear to me is how/if the DNC is investing in Sherrod Brown’s senate campaign. Seems pretty critical for OH and the country that we give him every chance to be successful.
And maybe he got justifiably fed up at Bibi not listening.
A few comments: 1) please don't be "expect to me" to comment on things. So much is happening, space is limited here. I do my best to get to stuff over time. In general I stay away from commentating on the day to day developments with Israel-Gaza for they change so quickly. I weigh in when I feel like I have something to add. 2) Don't appreciate language like this "Most Americans see the protesters as privileged self centered radical brats who disrespect everything we hold dear." Really? You think this is true? This is on the edge of being OK here. 3) Finally these are tough issues and I have asked everyone here when they engage to do so with respect to others in the community. Would like you to do so in the future. Your insults hurt your case and don't help them. Make your case without insults, denigrations. Thank you.
Evan, please stop claiming to speak for all Americans. You have no way of knowing what "most Americans" think about the protests, or anything else. As for Biden, it seems to me that he HAS amply demonstrated that he is "up to it" in demonstrating leadership. Time after time people like you have complained because he isn't being bombastic or whatever it is that you confound for leadership. And time after time, it turns out that he has been quietly working to create the kind of response from the players in the mid-east, including Israel, that we need to move away from continual confrontation. May I suggest that you stop for a minute and look at things from a wider perspective? Things are going on that you seem to miss because you are so tightly focused on expectations of Biden that do not take into account the incredible complexity of what he is doing, and how much he has accomplished.
I tend to get frustrated with those who think that they have all the information as to what Biden is doing all day. So much of what he does is behind close doors and on the phone but many only see and hear what the media puts out on a daily basis and a lot of it is more opinion rather than factual reporting. Appreciate your response.
Thanks, Janet.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to be stuck in stormy weather. Lawrence O’Donnell has an utterly devastating summary of what happened in court yesterday. This really is a must-watch.
https://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/lawrence-why-trump-s-lawyer-called-him-the-orange-turd-during-stormy-testimony-210625605606
Stormy Daniel is likely to make the history books – as the one contractor Trump actually paid. While a host of spineless men bend the knee, E.Jean Carroll and Stormy Daniels are to be commended for their strength, integrity, intelligence and wit.
I keep asking, whether the contempt citations are violations of bail in GA, DC and SDFL?
Revocation of bail usually automatically puts the defendant in jail or other close supervision, like an ankle bracelet, the modern version of the ball and chain.
Well, Judge Juan Merchan has warned the criminally-indicted ex-president, in no uncertain terms, that further violations of his gag order may indeed result in incarceration. Interestingly, shortly after that Trump removed a clearly-offensive post on "Truth Social", without having to be told to do so.
The full effect could be that as long as he delays - the longer he risks jail for bail violations.
“Real men respond to testimony by being sworn in and taking the stand in court. Oh…wait. Nevermind.”
– Stormy Daniels
I’m pretty sure Lara Trump told them what the strategy is.
Not surprised to hear Trump's legal woes is taking money away from organizing efforts. Explains, in part, why it is reported he was asking fossil fuel companies to pony up $1 billion in exchange for his reversing Biden's climate change initiatives at a fundraiser recently, an action of apparent extortion which, had it been made pre-Trump by a presidential candidate and reported publicly, would have been by itself a campaign killer. This type of rhetoric by Trump also shows how desperate he is right now as a candidate and a fundraiser.
Isn't soliciting a bribe (a billion dollars!) a crime he could be prosecuted for?
Depends on the quid pro quo. Needs development.
Since the so-called Marbury Doctrine, following the 1803 case of Marbury v. Madison has No Constitutional basis and was, in fact, a Supreme Court usurpation of power; can the consistent level of corruption to which the Court has fallen be used as grounds for Congress to finally push back? Perhaps declaring in legislation, on the basis of this persistent corruption, that henceforth, Supreme Court rulings on Congressional legislation will be regarded by Congress as advisory rather than mandatory, and that said "rulings" will initiate a process where the House and Senate will each vote, by simple majority, whether they will modify legislation in response to such Supreme Court advice? Particular attention should be paid in the writing of such legislation to the abomination of Citizens United (2010) and related rulings that wiped out over a century of anti-corruption legislation and left American political process totally unprotected against the corruption of big money in elections.
Possibly. However, the current Supreme Court is trying to limit the range and quantity of those things that can be legally considered a bribe. One caveat to that is they (R/W justices) were asking questions about whether gifts or benefits given by a business to a politician after the politician has already done something for them is really a bribe. What Trump is doing here is making a demand saying "if you want the policy relief, you want from climate change, start writing some big checks now. Sure sounds to me like a solicitation of a bribe.
Too much of what passes for campaign contributions are in essence bribes.
The entire Republican Party has been transactional. High oil prices are a tax on every American, on all other businesses.
We obviously don't breathe the same air, drink the same water.
California and other states are suing. Five oil companies, ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and BP along with the trade group American Petroleum Institute, have been sued by California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta. The lawsuit alleges the oil companies knew about the risks posed by climate change due to burning of oil and gas fossil fuels, but followed this up by decades of deception when lying about climate change that “forced the state to spend tens of billions of dollars to address environmental-related damages.... the burning of fossil fuels leads to climate change.”
From Thom Hartmann: Five Blue states are now looking at ways to hold fossil fuel moguls and their companies accountable for the damage climate change-fueled extreme weather has inflicted on their people. Vermont is leading the way, with legislation that passed their House this week and is now headed to the Vermont Senate, almost certainly carrying a large enough majority to overcome a veto by the state’s Republican governor. The bill would set up a $2 billion fund to pay for weather damage, funded by a tax of sorts on the fossil fuel industry. New York, California, Massachusetts, and Maryland are all looking at similar legislation this year.
Through OPEC, they limited production, fixed prices, and undermined our economy since 1973. Treasury could recoup trillions. OPEC members fund proxy wars in the Ukraine, Syria, Yemen and Gaza.
This is a national security issue.
Meanwhile Saudis control our largest refinery, control Exxon and other companies
Also political. "91 percent inverse correlation between the price of gas and the popularity of Democrats when they’re in power: as gas prices go up, Democrats’ approval ratings (and electability) measurably and predictably go down." Thom Hartmann.
We have the capacity to vote them out. Register Democrats - save the world.
To protect American democracy, reach out to millions of unregistered likely Democrats using a dedicated database using every outreach method possible (phone and text, postcard, email and targeted ad, and in-person too), where new Democratic voters will make the most impact – in the most flippable states and districts.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/actions
"91 percent inverse correlation between the price of gas and the popularity of Democrats when they’re in power: as gas prices go up, Democrats’ approval ratings (and electability) measurably and predictably go down."
.
To guard against the risk of such obvious manipulation, it’s imperative that President Biden fill the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve – and use it to counteract any attempt by Trump and his cronies (foreign and domestic) o weaponize gas prices prior to November’s election.
https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=pet&s=mcsstus1&f=m
https://www.energy.gov/ceser/strategic-petroleum-reserve
If the oil companies take him up on his suggestion, it will be further proof that these big corporations don't care about climate change. They only care about the bottom line, with no thought for the future.
I suspect some of them might not like being talked to like that. Others will show they only care about the bottom line.
The US is a net energy exporter. Why doesn’t Trump use his sway over the industry to get them to lower the price for US consumers? It’s all about the profits and tax breaks for that industry. Their patriotism ends at the bottom line. Try explaining that to fawning Trumpers.
Surely Vlad Putin owes Trump at least $1 billion for services already rendered?
AFFORDABILITY VOTERS" Biden loosing Latino voters per @mykmadrid!
“As of April 2023, according to the Pew Research Center, 62 percent of Latinos believed abortion should be legal in all or most cases. Twenty years earlier, most Hispanics told Pew that they opposed abortion rights by a nearly two-to-one margin.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/us/politics/abortion-bans-latina-democrats.html?unlocked_article_code=1.q00.LIoL.4fg74PmVArbD&smid=url-share
Reality has apparently raised its ugly head!
Madrid is a still a republican - take his comments with a healthy grain of salt. There are significant voter outreach efforts to Latino voters and those efforts will have a positive impact.
Get em Simon and Ruben! We r right behind you!
Simon, you added a hefty dose of schadenfruede to your hopium today. A great cocktail.
Julie
The only way I see Trump winning is by cheating - and we know the GOP is fully capable of doing this.
Currently, the AZ Secretary of State, due to a Ducey 2021 law, is culling voters from the voting rolls that have not voted in the last 2 election cycles. What could go wrong? I am very concerned as I do not see any activity from the Dem Party or grassroots groups in asking everyone to check their voter registration. In the mean time, Field Team 6 & NEAZ Dems are continuing to write postcards encouraging voter registration. Our Native American friends up north may just save AZ Dems again with their great turnout.
Good points.
I have been writing postcards for NEAZ Native Democrats since mid last year. Very worthwhile and impressive results!
FYI, Markers for Democracy with be hosting the Out-of-State Director for NEAZ Native Democrats next Friday from 10 - 11 am. MFD meets several times a week writing postcards and listening to candidates and representatives from various grass roots organizations.
For more info and to register: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/624956/
Thanks Cheryl, I did notice that Jennifer will be speaking at MFD. Thanks for your comment
No strategy, no ground game in key states, RNC resources going to pay for their criminal candidate's legal bills, few ads--no matter. Trump seems to firmly believe he doesn't need any of these mundane things to entice voters. He thinks running his mouth is so persuasive that it will do the trick. We shall see.
Little Donald’s oral diarrhea may well result in him requiring two diapers. /s
The Gallego quote is “I always will fight for Arizona.” Strong!
Does this GOP lack of money and organization include senate races in Maryland and other states?
I saw a graphic on one of the news sites that they’re basically putting all their Senate money into MT and OH, thinking those are their best chances to flip a seat. It appeared they’re financially “abandoning” the other races- they’ve got candidate problems in a few states they don’t seem to be putting $$ behind.
As I understand it, flipping the Senate is the top election priority of the Koch Network and its associated billionaires. That would prevent a re-elected President Biden from passing his legislative priorities, as well as from getting judicial and other appointments confirmed by the Senate.
Simon, two things occurred to me while reading your post. First, “hope and optimism” are part a foundational part of the DNA of this country. It’s something that from our founding has at once separated us from other countries and also drawn millions here to drink deeply from that cup of hope and be thrilled by the optimism.
Neither China nor Russia nor the other countries now trending rightward have that DNA. The insight that China Russia et al want to make democracy look chaotic so their autocratic rule looks competent makes sense. I also see the twisted logic behind MAGA making common cause with these authoritarian regimes. But I think the MAGA mistake is that Americans are basically very optimistic and hopeful. Even in bad times. MAGA is now just the grievance party. They only sell doom gloom and take away rights. I think as voters start paying more attention to the election and tune in. Trump and the other basket case MAGA candidates have nothing else to offer the rest America to give them reason to vote for them.
That brings me to the 2nd thing that occurred to me. The other day You brought 2020 RCP polls showing the Democrats losing the Senate, warning us to beware of polls. I am getting the feeling the polls may be wrong in the same way regarding Biden - Trump now.
Thank you for all u do
We SHOULD be optimistic. But, we should also be clear-eyed and steeled for exactly what Tr*mp is telling us he will do.
From your posting today, Simon—this is THE single most important MAGA/Tr*mp insight:
"He told them to 'focus on the cheating.' Party leaders say they are planning a massive operation around “election integrity,” with tens of thousands of volunteers who will monitor precincts and vote-counting across the country."
Whenever his lips move, it's either disinformation, lies, projection, or gaslighting—Tr*mp is clearly telegraphing his election plans.
Repubs (writ large) have now literally abandoned the idea of competing to win/earn the votes of the electorate; they're now 100% bought-in to attacking our freedoms to vote and not counting our votes, by dedicating their resources to undermining faith and confidence in election outcomes.
The failed MAGA criminal-conspiracy in 2020 lead by Tr*mp, involving Repubs in State Legislatures, Congress, and the Supreme Court, was their first attempted insurrection, culminating in a violent and deadly, but failed attack on our Capital. This initial effort to overturn our elections, did anything but discourage them—it emboldened them to try to do more to suppress votes, intimidate election workers, and disrupt our safeguards by undermining the core foundation of a democracy: free and fair elections, the single greatest determinant of the power of those political parties, themselves.
We will win (and based on election results to date, I think in many places by 55), but we must
a) do the work now to make those wins possible and
b) plan now to counter their response to that shellacking...
This election is not simply a choice between Biden and a twice-impeached, four-time criminally indicted, jury-convicted rapist and tax fraudster; it is a choice between a future in which we have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people—or a fascist dictatorship bent on taking away our freedoms and rights.
Simon - can you address Ohio at some point? It looks like my state is figuring out how to make sure Biden/Harris are on the ticket. I am starting to attend local Women for Biden/Harris events. But what is not clear to me is how/if the DNC is investing in Sherrod Brown’s senate campaign. Seems pretty critical for OH and the country that we give him every chance to be successful.
David Pepper on Substack and Blue Ohio is who to get involved with. Good luck
No apologies necessary for being slow on posts due to family commitments. I hope folks kicked ass (lacrosse playoffs) and took names (graduations!)
Any investigation into foreign and domestic oil companies raising prices to impact the election?