Thank you for this most timely interview. That "kill them before they kill you" attitude of maga is bereft of morality. It evokes the legal term Depravity Of Mind.
Thanks for the interview. I'm glad we got the war powers vote. It has to happen, even though I'm unsure how effective it will be. I understand why we shouldn't be talking Impeachment, but I feel increasingly like that has to happen and all of these abuses will figure in. He might get so totally out of control that he actually is removed. I know it's unlikely even after 2026, but one never knows.
The Senate vote is good news. But apparently it's not the final vote. According to the Washington Post, the "Senate advanced a bipartisan measure intended to block the Trump administration from conducting further military action in Venezuela... The timing for a final vote was not immediately clear."
Thanks for the additional info, Simon. For what it's worth, WaPo initially reported (incorrectly) that the War Powers Resolution passed, when in reality the resolution only advanced. WaPo issued a correction about an hour later.
I found this article from Maine Dems about the vote by Susan Collins. "She has also faced criticism for her and her spouse’s investments in oil companies that stand to gain from Trump’s actions."
CO's water infrastructure won 248 votes as 35 Republicans joined all 213 Democrats. 285 votes were required for the two-thirds majority needed for an override. They voted 236-188 regarding support for Florida's Miccosukee Tribe: 24 Republicans and all 212 Democrats voted to overturn the veto. Republican, Rep. Nancy Mace of SC, voted “present” and that bill needed 284 votes to override.
Simon and Adam, Thank you. When you two get together we hear the truth. Take care of yourselves, rest when you can, and feel the enormous support all around you. We will hold you up, when you get down, just as you hold us up.
Thank you! Sharing!!! Standing with your great courage - against this crazy administration… !!! …. Calling my Republican Senators & Congressional Representatives. 🙏🏼 Thank you; once again. I’m WITH YOU!
Simon, everyone I know, all my friends and neighbors in Northern Virginia, are not happy with our Senators, especially Senator Kaine’s voting record.
As a Cuban American, I have to disagree with Rep. Smith thoughts on Rubio being honest. He has always only served himself from the beginning of his political career. They are trying to save the votes they’re losing in both the Venezuelan and Cuban communities. Remember the city of Miami mayoral race we just won.
If you have the opportunity, could you please speak on if you think it will pass in the Senate, the chance you see of it passing in the House?
Senator Kaine voted to confirm more of Trump’s cabinet members than most other Democratic senators. He was 1 of 7 to vote for Kristi Noem. He also voted to end the shutdown. It’s been heartbreaking.
Vivian, what is also true is that no one has done more legislative damage to Trump this year than Kaine. It is critical that you hold both these things to be true at the same time, for refusing to acknowledge his important achievements is doing MAGA's work for them.
Would it be possible to point those out for me so that I can see the big picture the way you do. Is the problem in messaging? Because it’s not coming through to his voting base. What are we missing?
Why can't the Mayor of Minneapolis order the Minneapolis Police to remove ICE from Minneapolis? We need new strategies to PREVENT the arrival of ICE in Blue States (or Red if/when they get there).
I must admit I knew little about Rep. Adam Smith before this interview. He is quite impressive. A model of the type of person we need to elect to Congress.
Thank you for this most timely interview. That "kill them before they kill you" attitude of maga is bereft of morality. It evokes the legal term Depravity Of Mind.
The intent of the amoral dt is in this NYT headline, based on his recent interview: "Trump Lays Out a Vision of Power Restrained Only by ‘My Own Morality.’ On topic after topic, President Trump made clear that he would be the arbiter of any limits to his authorities, not international law or treaties." https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/us/politics/trump-interview-power-morality.html?unlocked_article_code=1.C1A.nJOX.2jMiv_jkw-pH&smid=url-share
So grateful for your sharing of all your knowledge re Congressional votes and issues, and these articles.
Thanks for the interview. I'm glad we got the war powers vote. It has to happen, even though I'm unsure how effective it will be. I understand why we shouldn't be talking Impeachment, but I feel increasingly like that has to happen and all of these abuses will figure in. He might get so totally out of control that he actually is removed. I know it's unlikely even after 2026, but one never knows.
The Senate vote is good news. But apparently it's not the final vote. According to the Washington Post, the "Senate advanced a bipartisan measure intended to block the Trump administration from conducting further military action in Venezuela... The timing for a final vote was not immediately clear."
According to the AP, the Senate debate and vote is next week. The House vote comes later. https://apnews.com/article/senate-war-powers-venezuela-trump-maduro-greenland-e1c5c8390eb2331779504b710fe85025
On another matter, the House did not agree to override Trump’s vetoes. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01/08/us/trump-news?unlocked_article_code=1.C1A.p5C-.UqxU0enXq73V&smid=url-share
How does this work in the Senate? The full Senate voted today (52-47) but debate and final vote is next week? What was today's vote, then?
It was a vote requiring the Senate to move forward on debating and voting on the resolution.
Thanks.
I'm sorry if it wasn't clear from my post. Here's a good Politico story - https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/08/senate-votes-to-restrict-trump-on-venezuela-00716127. It's seen as so significant that it is still the lead story on Politico's home page despite a very busy day. Trump and Thune whipped hard against this vote, which they lost. Trump got very angry, and now the Senate Rs are pissed at Trump for losing his shit - https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5680066-trump-senate-republicans-venezuela-war-powers/. It is uncommon for Senators who vote for this earlier procedural vote to switch their vote later which is why everyone is acting as if this is the final vote.
Thanks for the additional info, Simon. For what it's worth, WaPo initially reported (incorrectly) that the War Powers Resolution passed, when in reality the resolution only advanced. WaPo issued a correction about an hour later.
Part of the reason the Senate Rs are flipping out is the attack on Susan Collins, who is in a tough re-election fight.
I wish they would all just flip out of office and stop allowing Trump to withhold funds authorized by Congress.
Susan Collins is looking into it.
I found this article from Maine Dems about the vote by Susan Collins. "She has also faced criticism for her and her spouse’s investments in oil companies that stand to gain from Trump’s actions."
https://www.mainedems.org/media/mdp-statement-susan-collins-war-powers-resolution-vote
On the veto override attempts, do you know how how many voted yes/no? The NY Times article doesn't say.
This Politico article has the vote on both override attempts. https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/01/08/congress/trump-vetoes-sustained-00717160
CO's water infrastructure won 248 votes as 35 Republicans joined all 213 Democrats. 285 votes were required for the two-thirds majority needed for an override. They voted 236-188 regarding support for Florida's Miccosukee Tribe: 24 Republicans and all 212 Democrats voted to overturn the veto. Republican, Rep. Nancy Mace of SC, voted “present” and that bill needed 284 votes to override.
Thanks. Good to see that at least a few dozen Rs voted to override.
Documenting the opposition is important and can inspire courage in others.
I don't know about "Lord of the Hemisphere". I'm thinking Nobel's and FIFA's Biggliest Global Turd
He makes me feel better.
Simon and Adam, Thank you. When you two get together we hear the truth. Take care of yourselves, rest when you can, and feel the enormous support all around you. We will hold you up, when you get down, just as you hold us up.
More like Lord of the Flies
Excellent explanations by Rep A Smith! Thank you for this dialog.
Thank you! Sharing!!! Standing with your great courage - against this crazy administration… !!! …. Calling my Republican Senators & Congressional Representatives. 🙏🏼 Thank you; once again. I’m WITH YOU!
Chubby Cheeks Vance made me want to pull my hair right out of my head.
He’s the #CreepyVeepy
Hahaha.
Badly needed, Madam!!!
Thx so much!
Simon, everyone I know, all my friends and neighbors in Northern Virginia, are not happy with our Senators, especially Senator Kaine’s voting record.
As a Cuban American, I have to disagree with Rep. Smith thoughts on Rubio being honest. He has always only served himself from the beginning of his political career. They are trying to save the votes they’re losing in both the Venezuelan and Cuban communities. Remember the city of Miami mayoral race we just won.
If you have the opportunity, could you please speak on if you think it will pass in the Senate, the chance you see of it passing in the House?
Why are people unhappy with Senator Kaine?
Senator Kaine voted to confirm more of Trump’s cabinet members than most other Democratic senators. He was 1 of 7 to vote for Kristi Noem. He also voted to end the shutdown. It’s been heartbreaking.
Vivian, what is also true is that no one has done more legislative damage to Trump this year than Kaine. It is critical that you hold both these things to be true at the same time, for refusing to acknowledge his important achievements is doing MAGA's work for them.
Would it be possible to point those out for me so that I can see the big picture the way you do. Is the problem in messaging? Because it’s not coming through to his voting base. What are we missing?
what 66 international organizations are they leaving? can Congress stop some of this?
Here’s a report from today’s All Things Considered. https://www.npr.org/2026/01/08/nx-s1-5671117/u-s-leaves-u-n-groups
The Oregonian is reporting that two people have been shot by ICE agents in Portland, OR:
https://www.oregonlive.com/crime/2026/01/portland-police-responding-to-report-of-shooting-by-federal-immigration-agent.html
This is a developing story.
Another source:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/08/portland-federal-agents-shooting
The Guardian deserves compliments for its reporting -- so much better than much of the mainstream U.S. media.
Yes, I am a paid subscriber to The Guardian as well as to The Conversation.
Thank you for the quick alert.
A staffer for Rep. Larsen told me that it was border patrol, not ICE, who shot two people in Portland.
Mayor Frey op ed in NYT "Trump is lying ..."
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/opinion/minneapolis-ice-agent-shooting-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.DFA.Oyfp.3FW-YStFHHP6&smid=url-share
Why can't the Mayor of Minneapolis order the Minneapolis Police to remove ICE from Minneapolis? We need new strategies to PREVENT the arrival of ICE in Blue States (or Red if/when they get there).
I must admit I knew little about Rep. Adam Smith before this interview. He is quite impressive. A model of the type of person we need to elect to Congress.
Say her name -- she is a martyr for USA Democracy & should be remembered.
JUSTICE FOR RENEE NICOLE GOOD, MURDERED BY I.C.E. IN MINNEAPOLIS January 7th 2025.