Wisconsin is definitely not sending their best. But we're sending the people who win elections, which is more bewildering than I can fathom. I'm so sorry.
I knew McCarthy was an idiot and a schmuck, but the incident with Swalwell diminishes my respect for him, too. Using “pussy” as an insult is incredibly sexist and threatening a fight is pathetic and immature. All of this as backdrop to an international visit. We’re just as ridiculous as the rest of the world has always suspected.
I have hope that Jack Smith will arrive at a plea deal with Trump: In exchange for dropping federal AND STATE charges, Trump agrees to not run for any public office and withdraws.
"“As president, I could have declassified, but now I can’t.”". If he had declassified it, then any mainstream news organization would be be able to see and disseminate it. But then Trump wouldn't be able to show off his 'insider' information. And that goes contrary to his pathological needs to show off classified stuff because he thinks it makes him look good.
Pro tip from a retired intelligence officer and classified material manager: you probably want to avoid using the sentences "This is secret information. Look, look at this." together in quick succession.
Some here express frustration today with Charlie for still being too "right wing", a "recovering Republican", etc. I understand this sentiment and sometimes share it. Indeed, ALL of the the Bulwark writers at times will miss the forest for the trees, as American conservatives so often have done since FDR left this world and was no longer there to keep Republicans in line. But these people listen. The Bulwark writers listen in an honest way and seek to learn from their readers. They at least TRY to admit when they're wrong. The Bulwark staff are committed to helping heal journalism and save the country.
Agree +100. This is not the forum for recriminations. I had an argument this week with one of my best friends on the Left, who is committed to Cornel West. Because of Donald Trump, my sense of what matters most right now brings me closer to Charlie than to people I've known for 25 years, whom I'm forced to consider as politically immature.
It is absurdly naive to think there is any possibility of Trump actually being tried in the espionage act case before he takes office again, or that that trial, or any of the other trials, even if they aren't delayed, and even if they avoid acquittal by MAGA jurors, will prevent him from being re-instated.
Moore v Harper, by the way, doesn't prevent state legislatures from decreeing how the state electoral votes are counted. It only limited the ability of state legislatures to ignore state court rulings based on state law. It does not say anything about governors. Nothing prevents those legislatures from passing laws that would, for instance, permit the legislature to review the election result and vote whether the legislature finds evidence of irregularity, in which case the legislature is to designate the electors. Nor frankly will Moore even constrain the legislatures of Arizona and Wisconsin from going ahead and appointing electors regardless of what any court says or said. Republicans in those states, if they lose the popular vote, are simply not going to abide by any such result. And to imagine that there are not 5 votes in the US Supreme Court who won't find a way to rule him in if it comes to them-- even Roberts will go along with that. It's one thing to let state courts tussle with their legislatures, but allowing a Democrat ever to occupy the White House again?
Wisconsin is definitely not sending their best. But we're sending the people who win elections, which is more bewildering than I can fathom. I'm so sorry.
"As president, I could have declassified, but now I can’t.”
As Kathleen Madigan's father told her, 99% of the people in prison are there because they couldn't keep their damn mouths shut.
I knew McCarthy was an idiot and a schmuck, but the incident with Swalwell diminishes my respect for him, too. Using “pussy” as an insult is incredibly sexist and threatening a fight is pathetic and immature. All of this as backdrop to an international visit. We’re just as ridiculous as the rest of the world has always suspected.
don't forget Marion Barry's 1990 re-election slogan, "Bitch set me up...I shouldn't have come up here...g--d--- bitch".
I have hope that Jack Smith will arrive at a plea deal with Trump: In exchange for dropping federal AND STATE charges, Trump agrees to not run for any public office and withdraws.
We have to try him, so the next aspiring authoritarian understands the legal consequences. In addition, there's no way to enforce the agreement.
Trump apologists: 'Well, akshually, there was no akshual subpoena when they tried to delete it, so.' and, 'It wasn't deleted. So no crime.'
"“As president, I could have declassified, but now I can’t.”". If he had declassified it, then any mainstream news organization would be be able to see and disseminate it. But then Trump wouldn't be able to show off his 'insider' information. And that goes contrary to his pathological needs to show off classified stuff because he thinks it makes him look good.
Swalwell was wrong. He should have called him a coward. Pussy is out of McCarthy's league.
Charlie Sykes: Your trenchant writing is the MAJOR reason I subscribe to The Bulwark. I am more of a lib than an R, but you make sense!!
I'm glad to see Jack Smith is prepared to escalate.
Looking forward to the under oath testimony of the Jan 6th co-conspirators including Cruz, ..Hawley, ..Gosar, ..Jordan, ..Greene, ...
RE: Swalwell and McCarthy. Their constituents must be so proud.
Pro tip from a retired intelligence officer and classified material manager: you probably want to avoid using the sentences "This is secret information. Look, look at this." together in quick succession.
My Kevin is such a buffoon?
What a waste of space in the House!
Some here express frustration today with Charlie for still being too "right wing", a "recovering Republican", etc. I understand this sentiment and sometimes share it. Indeed, ALL of the the Bulwark writers at times will miss the forest for the trees, as American conservatives so often have done since FDR left this world and was no longer there to keep Republicans in line. But these people listen. The Bulwark writers listen in an honest way and seek to learn from their readers. They at least TRY to admit when they're wrong. The Bulwark staff are committed to helping heal journalism and save the country.
Agree +100. This is not the forum for recriminations. I had an argument this week with one of my best friends on the Left, who is committed to Cornel West. Because of Donald Trump, my sense of what matters most right now brings me closer to Charlie than to people I've known for 25 years, whom I'm forced to consider as politically immature.
Loved the exchange between Swalwell and McCarthy. I think Eric would have kicked Kevin’s butt!
It is absurdly naive to think there is any possibility of Trump actually being tried in the espionage act case before he takes office again, or that that trial, or any of the other trials, even if they aren't delayed, and even if they avoid acquittal by MAGA jurors, will prevent him from being re-instated.
Moore v Harper, by the way, doesn't prevent state legislatures from decreeing how the state electoral votes are counted. It only limited the ability of state legislatures to ignore state court rulings based on state law. It does not say anything about governors. Nothing prevents those legislatures from passing laws that would, for instance, permit the legislature to review the election result and vote whether the legislature finds evidence of irregularity, in which case the legislature is to designate the electors. Nor frankly will Moore even constrain the legislatures of Arizona and Wisconsin from going ahead and appointing electors regardless of what any court says or said. Republicans in those states, if they lose the popular vote, are simply not going to abide by any such result. And to imagine that there are not 5 votes in the US Supreme Court who won't find a way to rule him in if it comes to them-- even Roberts will go along with that. It's one thing to let state courts tussle with their legislatures, but allowing a Democrat ever to occupy the White House again?