Bill Cassidy went against his principles and we got RFK Jr. What RFK Jr has done is reprehensible and cruel. Ergo, Bill Cassidy is reaping what he so selfishly and callously sowed.
IKR?!?! Most of these people have the money and connections that give them tons of other options. Bill Cassidy is a physician FFS. He could go and have a rewarding career actually helping people, or working as an administrator in an insurance company, etc. I'm so infuriated that these people who have literally nothing of substance to lose are kissing ass while expecting the rest of us nobodies to risk our health, our safety, and our financial survival to oppose this effing regime.
I simply do not understand how the Republican Senators can be so blind to Trump’s basic nature. He has told them over and over who he is, why don’t they believe him?
It's a corollary of that old saw about 'It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.'
Republican Senators want to remain Republican Senators. And crossing Trump gets you excommunicated real quick. So they duck and cover and try to say the right things and hope the mad king doesn't behead them next.
Yes, that's a winning strategy: going along to get along.
But what if -- and this is just a wild idea, I know -- there was a group of people who recruited people to challenge guys like Bill Cassidy, who would make speeches and give interviews where they talked about what they would do differently and/or better, who could offer voters and alternative to bat-shit crazy? What if there were some of those people around?
The more I see of the cowards, crazy people and idiots we're offered up by the Republicans, the more I think a sensible Democrat might have a chance, someone who didn't go around talking about the stuff Democrats always talk about, but who could talk about how it's wrong to be represented by people who won't stand up for the Epstein victims, who can PASS a law, but won't ENFORCE a law, who think it's wrong for armed, masked government agents to be able to bust into innocent peoples' houses and "take them into custody" or just shoot them to death if they get mouthy. Or who think putting a 10% tax on every American because Denmark won't give us Greenland is not smart economics and who think pissing off every country that buys our agricultural products is no way to get those countries to buy more of our agricultural products.
I used to be a more Independent-style voter, voting for each individual candidate based on their closely-held convictions and how they would use that power to improve my life, my neighbors' lives and American society in general better. I didn't expect them to solve every problem, but I believed they would at least try to pass laws on behalf of their constituents. Now it's just a zero-sum game where voting based on policy seems trite.
The ones who believe him, of course, are the ones who shove their noses up his butt crack. They know the loyalty only works one way, so they just don't do anything that might expose them to his wrath. Oh sure, he still might eventually throw them under the bus, but they figure they'll make out like bandits before then, and retire to some cushy emeritus gig in the oligarchy after.
So the winners are the soul-less spotlight whore toadies like Lindsey Graham, and the losers are clueless patricians like Cassidy and Cornyn who still have a bit of the ego left that fueled their urge to join the upper chamber. "I belong in the Senate because I am a very important person, who has something important to say, have proved my wisdom and leadership in my great success as [fill in the blank]." Then once there, their inner voice says, "I am a United States Senator! They will respect my authoritah!" High on residual hubris borne by prior privilege, then they let out a squeek of gentle disaproval of Don Donaldo, and get squashed like bugs.
They do but they don’t want to make him an enemy and be primaried. It is their own selfishness that stops them from doing the right thing for their constituents and the United States. They all must go!!
Re: Cassidy - This is what happens when you are elected to LEAD, but all you do is follow. He either has no principles or he lacks the conviction to act on them. Eitherway, it's no loss to the Country if he loses.
As Sarah mentioned several times, the so-called moderates are no better than the MAGA faithful. They act and vote the same way. There is no benefit to electing a moderate.
I'm not Catholic (or even Christian), but things clearly seem different with the "Bulwark" Pope. Just last night, Rachel Maddow interviewed Cardinal Cupich, who Joe mentioned at the end of the article. You don't see many Catholic cardinals on MSNOW! While it was very interesting, he's sort of preaching to the choir on MSNOW. Maybe the Pope just needs to call into Fox & Friends and tell the MAGA folks that fascism is not compatible with Christ's teachings.
Fox Noise knows their audience well. They wouldn't book him. Can't have them switching the cable channel to a competitor when they get bored hearing a voice that's not supplying a dopamine hit by triggering their rage reflex every 2 minutes!
And the Catholics who watch it are just like the conservative protestants. Their interpretation of the Bible (or their individual pastor/priest) matters more than the authority of the Pope (funny how they now have given up the “infallible authority” excuse) or what Jesus clearly told us to do in the New Testament.
I have read that this departure from actual biblical precepts depends upon the listener coming to believe an individual's word over the scriptures in front of them. But what I cannot begin to fathom is how one comes to that point.
The clergy who are misrepresenting Scripture are warned in James 3:1 “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” I believe in a graceful God, but when I served as a pastor I was very aware of the enormous responsibility we have accepted and will be held responsible for. Frankly, those who forget that are in danger of being cult leaders.
I knew an amazing minister who had been friends with Jim Jones. He told us that although Jones had started out as a faithful servant teacher, he became enamored with power—resulting in the Jonestown disaster. Being a leader is intoxicating, but it requires a recognition of greater responsibility.
I am Catholic and I can say Pope Francis is the reason for more even-handed Cardinals to the College of Cardinals. I also believe it is Trump who has led to an American Pope being elected.
Just keep doing what you're doing, Joe. your Bulwark newsletter provides a reliable, well-informed window into what's actually going on in and about Congress. Bravo!
I agree. I appreciate your well-written accounts and your insider knowledge of Congress. In addition, your sense of humor is something we all need now. I look forward to your newsletters.
Delighted to see Senator Kneepads get whacked. Every time Trump knocks a Republican out of Senate or House for the "crime" of disagreeing with the Mad King, Democrats win a free shot at snatching the seat. But even if an R replaces an R, the new R has no seniority, and therefore much less power than the replaced R.
Agreed. With rare exception, a new congressman is lower than whale poop on the power scale. So knocking any Republican out of Congress would replace him or her with a Republican or Democrat with zero power. Win for Democrats.
He's a liver specialist. He can go back to treating kids who contract Hepatitis B as infants and then have liver cancer because the Hep B goes undetected for years. You know, like in the bad old days before Hepatitis B vaccine was given to every newborn; the bad old days that will return now, thanks to Kennedy.
Cassidy is getting exactly what he deserves! When will these idiot GOP congressional people get it through their stupid heads, Trump doesn’t even know the word, loyal! They all need to wake up, form a solid group and start voting against Trump!
Trump does know the word, "grudge." Cassidy committed the mortal sin of voting against Trump in the impeachment. So Trump carries a grudge and Trump never forgets a grudge even after decades. Like why did Trump hate McCain so much?
It wasn't because of politics and a dispute about policy.
Back in the 1980s Sen. John McCain in opposed a scammy Trump development in New York and blocked the federal financing killing the project. Maybe the truth is that Trump likes war heroes who don’t challenge one of his scams. This is the petty wannabe dictator who the GOP put in the Oval Office. The scumbag who never forgets a grudge. Even after 40 years.
Thanks. Here's the full story on McCain if you wish to read the details.
Back in the 1980's Trump had a big development he was planning to build called Television City - later to be renamed Trump City, it was blocked by Jerry Nadler and John McCain.
Nadler was joined by Sen. John McCain in opposing the financing. McCain gave a speech from the Senate floor that may have still rankled Trump. Maybe the truth is that Trump likes war heroes who don’t challenge one of his scams.
Trump's plan was to get hundreds of millions of dollars in tax credits and abatements from New York and the Federal government through HUD to build his project. Both New York mayor Ed Koch and Jerry Nadler, now the House Judiciary Committee ranking member, who was the state assemblyman who then represented the area, told Trump "Nope." Trump downsized the plans into Trump City, and he was still going after HUD money. Nadler remained against it, but Trump's big plans to get government money took a nosedive when McCain joined the opposition against Trump's real estate scam.
From the Senate floor McCain gave this speech on the Trump scam:
“The Department of Housing and Urban Development is processing an application from a team of developers, headed by the venerable Donald Trump. [Trump would get] a vast array of municipal tax benefits, which one group calculates to be in the range of nearly $4.5 million per ‘needy’ individual assisted. Not exactly what most Americans would consider cost-effective use of government assistance. I certainly have nothing against luxury apartments nor do I have anything against very successful project developers, including Mr. Trump. I do object, however, to asking the taxpayer to bear the risk of a development for one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the country, to help finance a project that will predominantly benefit upper-income Americans.”
The petty wannabe dictator who the GOP put in the Oval Office never forgets a grudge. Even after 40 years.
Oh, this so sounds like the bullshit grift that Trump would try and pull! Thank you so much for taking the time share this story in its entirety! I liked and respected McCain, didn’t always agree with his politics but he was an incredible and decent human being!
Another grudge Trump held was against Columbia University, for not buying a piece of property he owned in 2000. "Decades Ago, Columbia Refused to Pay Trump $400 Million. A quarter-century ago, the university was looking to expand. It considered, and rejected, property owned by Donald Trump. He did not forget it." https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/nyregion/trump-columbia-university-400-million.html Even nuttier, not only did he want Columbia to pay him $400 million for his crappy piece of land, he wanted them to rename their business school The Donald J. Trump School of Business. 🤦♀️ Well, he got his revenge on Columbia alright. And this time, Columbia capitulated.
Yadda, yadda, yadda. Yes, Bill Cassidy believed Trump, which is a stupid thing to do. Yes, Trump waited until the perfect time to inflict the most pain.
But so what? It's not like Cassidy's going to DO anything about any of this. Trump's just toying with him. He can't be reasoned with. That's like reasoning with a Komodo Dragon. The Komodo Dragon only knows one thing: how to be a Komodo Dragon. It doesn't care about anyone or anything. It's a lizard.
So, goodbye, Bill Cassidy. You could have made a positive difference in the country, but you didn't. You did damage. You voted for lunatics and liars and you tarted up those failures and abdications as high principle. Good riddance. You'll be replaced with a mouth-breather because you couldn't be a leader.
Whatchagonnado? Stand up now? It'd be nice, but you won't, so why even bother.
To me this newsletter fits in nicely with the other Bulwark content. Sometimes pithy, sometimes sharp, always nicely done, pertinent, and engaging. And with headlines like "Trump Shivs Another One" i am compelled to read more!
I'm responding before reading it because you asked for feedback on the newsletter as a whole. I do not read it every day but your sober analysis reached a Trumper friend of mind who I thought couldn't be reached (your coverage of the Pope's passing) and he said you gave him hope for the future. You opened the door for me to send him more of your content and allowed open discussion to ensue. I count on you to be who you are, surrounded as you are (in DC) by - choosing my words carefully - people who do not have as strong of an ethical and moral North Star as you do. Please keep being who you are. I appreciate your newsletter as it is.
Bill Cassidy went against his principles and we got RFK Jr. What RFK Jr has done is reprehensible and cruel. Ergo, Bill Cassidy is reaping what he so selfishly and callously sowed.
The Karma Bus is pulling up right now and has Cassidy in its sights.
Under it
Ala Mitch McConnell. They just don’t seem to learn…
And they are bound to repeat it
Karma sucks, huh Cassidy?
Yep, screw Cassidy. Zero sympathy.
Like we all are.
and all for what? a senate seat....literally that is it...a senate seat. Bloody hell.
IKR?!?! Most of these people have the money and connections that give them tons of other options. Bill Cassidy is a physician FFS. He could go and have a rewarding career actually helping people, or working as an administrator in an insurance company, etc. I'm so infuriated that these people who have literally nothing of substance to lose are kissing ass while expecting the rest of us nobodies to risk our health, our safety, and our financial survival to oppose this effing regime.
I simply do not understand how the Republican Senators can be so blind to Trump’s basic nature. He has told them over and over who he is, why don’t they believe him?
It's a corollary of that old saw about 'It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.'
Republican Senators want to remain Republican Senators. And crossing Trump gets you excommunicated real quick. So they duck and cover and try to say the right things and hope the mad king doesn't behead them next.
The problem is he is mad… there is no lasting reality with him, no pros and cons list. Just his whim of the moment and retribution.
Yes, that's a winning strategy: going along to get along.
But what if -- and this is just a wild idea, I know -- there was a group of people who recruited people to challenge guys like Bill Cassidy, who would make speeches and give interviews where they talked about what they would do differently and/or better, who could offer voters and alternative to bat-shit crazy? What if there were some of those people around?
The more I see of the cowards, crazy people and idiots we're offered up by the Republicans, the more I think a sensible Democrat might have a chance, someone who didn't go around talking about the stuff Democrats always talk about, but who could talk about how it's wrong to be represented by people who won't stand up for the Epstein victims, who can PASS a law, but won't ENFORCE a law, who think it's wrong for armed, masked government agents to be able to bust into innocent peoples' houses and "take them into custody" or just shoot them to death if they get mouthy. Or who think putting a 10% tax on every American because Denmark won't give us Greenland is not smart economics and who think pissing off every country that buys our agricultural products is no way to get those countries to buy more of our agricultural products.
Where ARE the Democrats?
I used to be a more Independent-style voter, voting for each individual candidate based on their closely-held convictions and how they would use that power to improve my life, my neighbors' lives and American society in general better. I didn't expect them to solve every problem, but I believed they would at least try to pass laws on behalf of their constituents. Now it's just a zero-sum game where voting based on policy seems trite.
Or even voting based on character. I feel like I'm getting lied to constantly.
The crux of the matter
Consider that enough GOP senators quietly agree with Trump's policies.
Not even quietly in some cases.
They want to be reelected.
That you.
Many of them do believe him -- and like it.
What you say
The ones who believe him, of course, are the ones who shove their noses up his butt crack. They know the loyalty only works one way, so they just don't do anything that might expose them to his wrath. Oh sure, he still might eventually throw them under the bus, but they figure they'll make out like bandits before then, and retire to some cushy emeritus gig in the oligarchy after.
So the winners are the soul-less spotlight whore toadies like Lindsey Graham, and the losers are clueless patricians like Cassidy and Cornyn who still have a bit of the ego left that fueled their urge to join the upper chamber. "I belong in the Senate because I am a very important person, who has something important to say, have proved my wisdom and leadership in my great success as [fill in the blank]." Then once there, their inner voice says, "I am a United States Senator! They will respect my authoritah!" High on residual hubris borne by prior privilege, then they let out a squeek of gentle disaproval of Don Donaldo, and get squashed like bugs.
Does that answer your question?
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$&$$$$$$$
Many agree with him and the rest are scared for their lives, both political and literal
They do but they don’t want to make him an enemy and be primaried. It is their own selfishness that stops them from doing the right thing for their constituents and the United States. They all must go!!
They like who he is
Re: Cassidy - This is what happens when you are elected to LEAD, but all you do is follow. He either has no principles or he lacks the conviction to act on them. Eitherway, it's no loss to the Country if he loses.
As Sarah mentioned several times, the so-called moderates are no better than the MAGA faithful. They act and vote the same way. There is no benefit to electing a moderate.
Absolutely. A vote cast with reluctance counts exactly the same as one cast gleefully.
I'm not Catholic (or even Christian), but things clearly seem different with the "Bulwark" Pope. Just last night, Rachel Maddow interviewed Cardinal Cupich, who Joe mentioned at the end of the article. You don't see many Catholic cardinals on MSNOW! While it was very interesting, he's sort of preaching to the choir on MSNOW. Maybe the Pope just needs to call into Fox & Friends and tell the MAGA folks that fascism is not compatible with Christ's teachings.
Fox Noise knows their audience well. They wouldn't book him. Can't have them switching the cable channel to a competitor when they get bored hearing a voice that's not supplying a dopamine hit by triggering their rage reflex every 2 minutes!
And the Catholics who watch it are just like the conservative protestants. Their interpretation of the Bible (or their individual pastor/priest) matters more than the authority of the Pope (funny how they now have given up the “infallible authority” excuse) or what Jesus clearly told us to do in the New Testament.
I have read that this departure from actual biblical precepts depends upon the listener coming to believe an individual's word over the scriptures in front of them. But what I cannot begin to fathom is how one comes to that point.
The clergy who are misrepresenting Scripture are warned in James 3:1 “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” I believe in a graceful God, but when I served as a pastor I was very aware of the enormous responsibility we have accepted and will be held responsible for. Frankly, those who forget that are in danger of being cult leaders.
I knew an amazing minister who had been friends with Jim Jones. He told us that although Jones had started out as a faithful servant teacher, he became enamored with power—resulting in the Jonestown disaster. Being a leader is intoxicating, but it requires a recognition of greater responsibility.
:)
I am Catholic and I can say Pope Francis is the reason for more even-handed Cardinals to the College of Cardinals. I also believe it is Trump who has led to an American Pope being elected.
Well, he should definitely get a Nobel prize for that!
THAT would be worth watching. All those leggy blondes with the crucifixes around their necks...
The Christian Nationalists don't include Catholics in "Christian". And they're not sure about Lutherans.
Or any women clergy.
Just keep doing what you're doing, Joe. your Bulwark newsletter provides a reliable, well-informed window into what's actually going on in and about Congress. Bravo!
Plus, your voice is even, with just enough humor to make it all go down well. Don't lost the humor! Also, I like the sartorial stuff. It's quirky.
Amen.
I agree. I appreciate your well-written accounts and your insider knowledge of Congress. In addition, your sense of humor is something we all need now. I look forward to your newsletters.
Delighted to see Senator Kneepads get whacked. Every time Trump knocks a Republican out of Senate or House for the "crime" of disagreeing with the Mad King, Democrats win a free shot at snatching the seat. But even if an R replaces an R, the new R has no seniority, and therefore much less power than the replaced R.
Win-win for the forces of sanity.
Sadly chances in Louisiana for a dem senator are nil
Seniority? You mean in Congress?
Dude, you can't get lower power than zero.
Agreed. With rare exception, a new congressman is lower than whale poop on the power scale. So knocking any Republican out of Congress would replace him or her with a Republican or Democrat with zero power. Win for Democrats.
Sucks when you endorse children dying of preventable illnesses for nothing, right?
He's a liver specialist. He can go back to treating kids who contract Hepatitis B as infants and then have liver cancer because the Hep B goes undetected for years. You know, like in the bad old days before Hepatitis B vaccine was given to every newborn; the bad old days that will return now, thanks to Kennedy.
Yeah, it’s like he’s kinda taking part in the kid killing.
I'm sure Senator Cassidy offers his "thoughts and prayers" for those victimized by RFK, Jr.'s assault on
science.
Some concerns just like Sue Collins.
She burdened by her many concerns.
Lucky for Cassidy, Trump’s new signature Greatest Healthcare Plan (that of three pages and 800 words) should cover knife wounds.
Maybe…the policy is a little short on details.
lol, very clever!
yes, ideas
Cassidy is getting exactly what he deserves! When will these idiot GOP congressional people get it through their stupid heads, Trump doesn’t even know the word, loyal! They all need to wake up, form a solid group and start voting against Trump!
>"Trump doesn’t even know the word, loyal!"
Trump does know the word, "grudge." Cassidy committed the mortal sin of voting against Trump in the impeachment. So Trump carries a grudge and Trump never forgets a grudge even after decades. Like why did Trump hate McCain so much?
It wasn't because of politics and a dispute about policy.
Back in the 1980s Sen. John McCain in opposed a scammy Trump development in New York and blocked the federal financing killing the project. Maybe the truth is that Trump likes war heroes who don’t challenge one of his scams. This is the petty wannabe dictator who the GOP put in the Oval Office. The scumbag who never forgets a grudge. Even after 40 years.
Tim, well put my friend! You couldn’t be more accurate! I didn’t know about the Sen. McCain incident. Thank you for enlightening me!
Thanks. Here's the full story on McCain if you wish to read the details.
Back in the 1980's Trump had a big development he was planning to build called Television City - later to be renamed Trump City, it was blocked by Jerry Nadler and John McCain.
Nadler was joined by Sen. John McCain in opposing the financing. McCain gave a speech from the Senate floor that may have still rankled Trump. Maybe the truth is that Trump likes war heroes who don’t challenge one of his scams.
Trump's plan was to get hundreds of millions of dollars in tax credits and abatements from New York and the Federal government through HUD to build his project. Both New York mayor Ed Koch and Jerry Nadler, now the House Judiciary Committee ranking member, who was the state assemblyman who then represented the area, told Trump "Nope." Trump downsized the plans into Trump City, and he was still going after HUD money. Nadler remained against it, but Trump's big plans to get government money took a nosedive when McCain joined the opposition against Trump's real estate scam.
From the Senate floor McCain gave this speech on the Trump scam:
“The Department of Housing and Urban Development is processing an application from a team of developers, headed by the venerable Donald Trump. [Trump would get] a vast array of municipal tax benefits, which one group calculates to be in the range of nearly $4.5 million per ‘needy’ individual assisted. Not exactly what most Americans would consider cost-effective use of government assistance. I certainly have nothing against luxury apartments nor do I have anything against very successful project developers, including Mr. Trump. I do object, however, to asking the taxpayer to bear the risk of a development for one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the country, to help finance a project that will predominantly benefit upper-income Americans.”
The petty wannabe dictator who the GOP put in the Oval Office never forgets a grudge. Even after 40 years.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-and-nadler-have-warred-for-years-but-the-stakes-have-never-been-higher
Oh, this so sounds like the bullshit grift that Trump would try and pull! Thank you so much for taking the time share this story in its entirety! I liked and respected McCain, didn’t always agree with his politics but he was an incredible and decent human being!
Another grudge Trump held was against Columbia University, for not buying a piece of property he owned in 2000. "Decades Ago, Columbia Refused to Pay Trump $400 Million. A quarter-century ago, the university was looking to expand. It considered, and rejected, property owned by Donald Trump. He did not forget it." https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/nyregion/trump-columbia-university-400-million.html Even nuttier, not only did he want Columbia to pay him $400 million for his crappy piece of land, he wanted them to rename their business school The Donald J. Trump School of Business. 🤦♀️ Well, he got his revenge on Columbia alright. And this time, Columbia capitulated.
Only to himself
“I’m proudly running for re-election as a principled conservative who gets things done for the people of Louisiana,”
Cassidy, you aren’t principled if you’re a doctor and voted to put RFK in as the head of HHS.
Louisiana has principled people?
Well, shut my mouth and bless your heart...
Preach!
I pray to the dark forces I worship that both Cassidy and Collins are creamed in Republican primaries by ultra MAGA candidates. FAFO,
Indeed!!!
Yadda, yadda, yadda. Yes, Bill Cassidy believed Trump, which is a stupid thing to do. Yes, Trump waited until the perfect time to inflict the most pain.
But so what? It's not like Cassidy's going to DO anything about any of this. Trump's just toying with him. He can't be reasoned with. That's like reasoning with a Komodo Dragon. The Komodo Dragon only knows one thing: how to be a Komodo Dragon. It doesn't care about anyone or anything. It's a lizard.
So, goodbye, Bill Cassidy. You could have made a positive difference in the country, but you didn't. You did damage. You voted for lunatics and liars and you tarted up those failures and abdications as high principle. Good riddance. You'll be replaced with a mouth-breather because you couldn't be a leader.
Whatchagonnado? Stand up now? It'd be nice, but you won't, so why even bother.
It reminds me of DJT reciting The Snake. You took me in. What did you expect?
To me this newsletter fits in nicely with the other Bulwark content. Sometimes pithy, sometimes sharp, always nicely done, pertinent, and engaging. And with headlines like "Trump Shivs Another One" i am compelled to read more!
Cassidy richly deserves to lose....
The newsletter is perfect!
I'm responding before reading it because you asked for feedback on the newsletter as a whole. I do not read it every day but your sober analysis reached a Trumper friend of mind who I thought couldn't be reached (your coverage of the Pope's passing) and he said you gave him hope for the future. You opened the door for me to send him more of your content and allowed open discussion to ensue. I count on you to be who you are, surrounded as you are (in DC) by - choosing my words carefully - people who do not have as strong of an ethical and moral North Star as you do. Please keep being who you are. I appreciate your newsletter as it is.
It’s a weekly newsletter, not daily.
That explains it. I tend to read it when I see it pop up in my email & that is probably about once a week, so yeah.