ABC News reported last night that the president-elect is working his phones, calling Republicans in the Senate. He’s demanding the Senate vote to approve his cabinet nominees without holding Advise and Consent (A&C) hearings.
Of course, our Constitution requires A&C Senate Hearings. We all know what the president-elect thinks of our Constitution. Do you want to resist him? Of course. We all do.
Well, here’s the best way to get in the boxing 🥊 ring and fight him. RESIST him virtually ! Call Your Senators !
After Elon bought Twitter, I heard many complaints re what a cesspool it quickly became. My question for all Bulwark hosts is: have you left Twitter/X?
Interesting that you keep talking about dealing with this radical right group for “four more years” when experts on autocracy detail signs that the move to autocracy began during his first term, increased during the interim, and will now swiftly advance absent sustained resistance. Expecting just “four years” is magical thinking.
I am deeply dismayed that The New York Times is responding to the mad nomination of RFK Jr. for head of HHS by urging readers to remember that the deluded vaccine denier and holder of some really kooky views has some good ideas and to focus on them. Yes, who, other than Big Pharma, isn't years past being ready to see an end to pharmaceutical ads on their TVs? But it is impossible to separate the message from the deeply flawed messenger and his ideas that are a danger to the health and even lives of Americans. Furthermore, RFK Jr.'s highly disagreeable speech problem (what is it?) makes Joe Biden sound like Mayor Pete.
The idiocy of the New York Times telling its readers that Junior has some good ideas and those are what they should focus on as opposed to him being a crank is exactly why I cancelled my subscription the day after the 2024 election.
All of their normalization of Trump and his lunacy over the past three-and-a-half years is part of the reason why he was re-elected last Tuesday. Thus, I would strongly encourage you to terminate your subscription as well and start reading more pro-democracy publications like The Bulwark.
Besides getting a lot more for your money, it may also improve your mental health.
Democrats are right to push for quick hearings. That is the only way for the facts about these horrible nominees to be on the record. They are all malevolent, incompetent or both. Anyone who reads media reports knows that, and the media have to keep shouting this information from the rooftops. Democrats cannot let Republicans off the hook by allowing them to leave town so Trump can make recess appointments without these nominees being aggressively questioned at their hearings. Mike Johnson is already trying to keep negative information about Gaetz from coming out by demanding that the House committee which has been investigating him refuse to release their report. Who does he think he is kidding? My guess is that someone will leave the report near the copier, by mistake of course, and the information will get out.
Notice that with the latest 4 egregious nominations, Kristi Noem has dropped off the RADAR of flagrant unfittness. This is the objective of the firehose. Democrats shouldn't try to delay hearings - to what end? - but they should be focused, coordinated and prepared in exposing the very real dangers of these choices, with straightforward explanations of how this would impact the lives of Americans. Of course most Americans will be totally tuned out, but perhaps some of the exposure will seep through and get out to them on social media or whatever they indulge in. I hold out [limited] hope that some Senate Republicans might still care enough about national security and public health to join in the resistance to the obvious disaster in store.
Kristi is the personification of toxic red-state femininity that demands women look forever 17 long past when such a thing is possible so as not to threaten their men. During confirmation hearings some brave Democrat should ask Noam whether she'll be able to discharge the duties of office and stay on top of her split ends and broken fingernails.
Some brave Democrat should point out that anyone who gets off on being cruel to animals belongs in splatter movies and not as the Department of Homeland Security secretary.
Let the voters have it. I heard David Frum say (on Mona) that he predicts Trump will not end tax on tips or tax on Social Security, reneging on two big campaign promises. I hope he’s right. Make his voters cry for a change. I’m out of tears and outrage.
Norm Ornstein suggested that the Democratic Senate should hold preconfirmation hearings on the most controversial Trump cabinet picks in December, 2024 while they still control the agenda.
This would actually not be a bad idea because it would immediately highlight to the American people the depravity of those who Trump wants to cast as a starring role in his Theatre of the Absurd.
When Trump's and GOP's actions lead to great harm, this link must reach all Americans. This has to be one of main goals for the Democrats. I'm not sure if they can do this effectively, but this is one objective that should guide their actions. Trump and the GOP have done a lot of awful things, but I think many Americans just don't see that link or believe there is one. I really think this is a big reason voters haven't punished Trump and the GOP--why they won as much as they did in 2024. If voters don't see this link, Trump and the GOP can do a lot of awful things without suffering the political consequences.
Why should the Democrats help the Republicans. The pro Trump Republicans screwed the Dems at every turn. Remember Johnson and the immigration bill. I think that what they are doing is saying fine promote these bozos. Let Kennnedy outlawed vaccines. When 10,000 children get polio or smallpox or TB then maybe the forking American people will wake the fork up. When 30,000 Mexican farm workers are sitting camps eating on the government's dime and tomatoes are $10 a lbs. Then maybe people will figure out it more expensive lock up immigrant workers. Maybe large percentage of LEGAL Mexicans who voted for Trump because he has a mushroom in his pants, will understand that when rounding up 100's of thousands of people the agents don't have time to examine your legal documents. The Trump supporters need proof that Trump is phoney charlatan. I say give it to them.
I am actually fed up with the "Democrats need to step up to stop this" line of argument. I am related to too many people who voted for this and frankly I am done. Let them have what they voted for. I am done wasting my breath trying to speak fact to people who counter facts with "you are woke". There is no reasoning with them no matter how gently or compassionate I have been in seeing their perspectives. All the evidence of the danger has been slammed in their faces for how many years and they willfully refused to see what is right in front of them so again, let them have it. It is not the Democrats job any more. The Republicans should own this from the top down. I have lived in Republican Florida for going on 30 years now so I am not delusional about how screwed we are but they voted for it so let it come.
I basically agree with your comment. JVL actually suggested this the other day. I think one of the big mistakes that many pro-democracy Americans of all political ideologies frequently make is always wanting to take the high road and do what is in the national interest.
As JVL said the other day, this may be the right thing to do, but with all of our rights and freedoms at risk I think that we in the pro-democracy movement should prioritize our own voters and pick our fights carefully.
Sadly, it is not possible to rectify every injustice in the world. And it is not fair to us and our voters for us to keep putting ourselves on the line for those who do not show loyalty to us with their votes. In fact, it makes people take our kindness for weakness.
If, people are going to vote for candidates for public office who support breaking up and deporting their relatives’ families why should pro-democracy Americans stand in the way?
If, people are going to vote for candidates for public office who want to make it harder for them to form unions and make their workplaces less safe why should pro-democracy Americans stand in the way?
After some sort of agreement is reached with these voters, I would be more than happy to reconsider my position on issues these voters care about. But until then, I think we should play hardball and put our own first.
11-19-24
ABC News reported last night that the president-elect is working his phones, calling Republicans in the Senate. He’s demanding the Senate vote to approve his cabinet nominees without holding Advise and Consent (A&C) hearings.
Of course, our Constitution requires A&C Senate Hearings. We all know what the president-elect thinks of our Constitution. Do you want to resist him? Of course. We all do.
Well, here’s the best way to get in the boxing 🥊 ring and fight him. RESIST him virtually ! Call Your Senators !
https://johnadamsingram.substack.com/p/call-your-senators
11-18-24
Call Your Senators !
https://open.substack.com/pub/johnadamsingram/p/call-your-senators
After Elon bought Twitter, I heard many complaints re what a cesspool it quickly became. My question for all Bulwark hosts is: have you left Twitter/X?
Do not go gentle into that good night…
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Also applies to We the People.
Some good tough love here
https://www.mediaite.com/tv/bill-maher-goes-scorched-earth-on-dems-for-doubling-down-on-anti-common-sense-agenda-after-losses-stop-digging/
Interesting that you keep talking about dealing with this radical right group for “four more years” when experts on autocracy detail signs that the move to autocracy began during his first term, increased during the interim, and will now swiftly advance absent sustained resistance. Expecting just “four years” is magical thinking.
I am deeply dismayed that The New York Times is responding to the mad nomination of RFK Jr. for head of HHS by urging readers to remember that the deluded vaccine denier and holder of some really kooky views has some good ideas and to focus on them. Yes, who, other than Big Pharma, isn't years past being ready to see an end to pharmaceutical ads on their TVs? But it is impossible to separate the message from the deeply flawed messenger and his ideas that are a danger to the health and even lives of Americans. Furthermore, RFK Jr.'s highly disagreeable speech problem (what is it?) makes Joe Biden sound like Mayor Pete.
It's the equivalent of "Crocodiles can swim fast so don't be opposed to putting them on the swim team." Um, no thanks.
Hi Ollie,
The idiocy of the New York Times telling its readers that Junior has some good ideas and those are what they should focus on as opposed to him being a crank is exactly why I cancelled my subscription the day after the 2024 election.
All of their normalization of Trump and his lunacy over the past three-and-a-half years is part of the reason why he was re-elected last Tuesday. Thus, I would strongly encourage you to terminate your subscription as well and start reading more pro-democracy publications like The Bulwark.
Besides getting a lot more for your money, it may also improve your mental health.
Democrats are right to push for quick hearings. That is the only way for the facts about these horrible nominees to be on the record. They are all malevolent, incompetent or both. Anyone who reads media reports knows that, and the media have to keep shouting this information from the rooftops. Democrats cannot let Republicans off the hook by allowing them to leave town so Trump can make recess appointments without these nominees being aggressively questioned at their hearings. Mike Johnson is already trying to keep negative information about Gaetz from coming out by demanding that the House committee which has been investigating him refuse to release their report. Who does he think he is kidding? My guess is that someone will leave the report near the copier, by mistake of course, and the information will get out.
Notice that with the latest 4 egregious nominations, Kristi Noem has dropped off the RADAR of flagrant unfittness. This is the objective of the firehose. Democrats shouldn't try to delay hearings - to what end? - but they should be focused, coordinated and prepared in exposing the very real dangers of these choices, with straightforward explanations of how this would impact the lives of Americans. Of course most Americans will be totally tuned out, but perhaps some of the exposure will seep through and get out to them on social media or whatever they indulge in. I hold out [limited] hope that some Senate Republicans might still care enough about national security and public health to join in the resistance to the obvious disaster in store.
Kristi is the personification of toxic red-state femininity that demands women look forever 17 long past when such a thing is possible so as not to threaten their men. During confirmation hearings some brave Democrat should ask Noam whether she'll be able to discharge the duties of office and stay on top of her split ends and broken fingernails.
Some brave Democrat should point out that anyone who gets off on being cruel to animals belongs in splatter movies and not as the Department of Homeland Security secretary.
I’m tired of the Dems not stepping up to the plate. There is a ton of work to do. Get your skates on! Never Trumpers seem to work a whole lot harder.
Let the voters have it. I heard David Frum say (on Mona) that he predicts Trump will not end tax on tips or tax on Social Security, reneging on two big campaign promises. I hope he’s right. Make his voters cry for a change. I’m out of tears and outrage.
Norm Ornstein suggested that the Democratic Senate should hold preconfirmation hearings on the most controversial Trump cabinet picks in December, 2024 while they still control the agenda.
This would actually not be a bad idea because it would immediately highlight to the American people the depravity of those who Trump wants to cast as a starring role in his Theatre of the Absurd.
When they don't show up to the hearings as is inevitable, will Orenstein make referrals to the Justice Department?
When Trump's and GOP's actions lead to great harm, this link must reach all Americans. This has to be one of main goals for the Democrats. I'm not sure if they can do this effectively, but this is one objective that should guide their actions. Trump and the GOP have done a lot of awful things, but I think many Americans just don't see that link or believe there is one. I really think this is a big reason voters haven't punished Trump and the GOP--why they won as much as they did in 2024. If voters don't see this link, Trump and the GOP can do a lot of awful things without suffering the political consequences.
Why should the Democrats help the Republicans. The pro Trump Republicans screwed the Dems at every turn. Remember Johnson and the immigration bill. I think that what they are doing is saying fine promote these bozos. Let Kennnedy outlawed vaccines. When 10,000 children get polio or smallpox or TB then maybe the forking American people will wake the fork up. When 30,000 Mexican farm workers are sitting camps eating on the government's dime and tomatoes are $10 a lbs. Then maybe people will figure out it more expensive lock up immigrant workers. Maybe large percentage of LEGAL Mexicans who voted for Trump because he has a mushroom in his pants, will understand that when rounding up 100's of thousands of people the agents don't have time to examine your legal documents. The Trump supporters need proof that Trump is phoney charlatan. I say give it to them.
Good and hard.
Cyberattacks and online misinformation have only increased since the NSA's founding, so clearly the NSA is not capable of ending those things.
What role did the NSA play in taking down InfoWars?
NSA is in charge of online misinformation? Please explain.
I am actually fed up with the "Democrats need to step up to stop this" line of argument. I am related to too many people who voted for this and frankly I am done. Let them have what they voted for. I am done wasting my breath trying to speak fact to people who counter facts with "you are woke". There is no reasoning with them no matter how gently or compassionate I have been in seeing their perspectives. All the evidence of the danger has been slammed in their faces for how many years and they willfully refused to see what is right in front of them so again, let them have it. It is not the Democrats job any more. The Republicans should own this from the top down. I have lived in Republican Florida for going on 30 years now so I am not delusional about how screwed we are but they voted for it so let it come.
Hi Cath,
I basically agree with your comment. JVL actually suggested this the other day. I think one of the big mistakes that many pro-democracy Americans of all political ideologies frequently make is always wanting to take the high road and do what is in the national interest.
As JVL said the other day, this may be the right thing to do, but with all of our rights and freedoms at risk I think that we in the pro-democracy movement should prioritize our own voters and pick our fights carefully.
Sadly, it is not possible to rectify every injustice in the world. And it is not fair to us and our voters for us to keep putting ourselves on the line for those who do not show loyalty to us with their votes. In fact, it makes people take our kindness for weakness.
If, people are going to vote for candidates for public office who support breaking up and deporting their relatives’ families why should pro-democracy Americans stand in the way?
If, people are going to vote for candidates for public office who want to make it harder for them to form unions and make their workplaces less safe why should pro-democracy Americans stand in the way?
After some sort of agreement is reached with these voters, I would be more than happy to reconsider my position on issues these voters care about. But until then, I think we should play hardball and put our own first.