"That course correction is actually a key distinction between what Biden can do between now and November and what Trump is likely incapable of doing because of the kind of person Trump is and the extremists who are advising him."
That's an important point that people don't seem to be able to grok. Biden is someone who is actually capable of listening to his constituents.
Even in Biden's worst moments, he's far and away the superior choice, because, as pointed out by Jay, Trump's advisors are extremists, and Biden's are normal people, some of whom we agree with, some of whom we don't, but who are at least trying to figure things out in a rational way.
If you haven't already, you might like to read Robert Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land (1961). In fact, I think I will reread it. Could be especially interesting to read in today's political climate.
"That's an important point that people don't seem to be able to grok. Biden is someone who is actually capable of listening to his constituents." In the contrary. People understand that very well. But like most politicians, people have to make themselves heard. With (not just) Biden's decades-long track record, it takes the threat of losing Michigan to make him listen, reluctantly.
Another point with the "uncommitted" vote, there are several factions pushing the "Vote Uncommitted." Most of them are NOT planning on voting against President Biden in November, and are only pushing this during the primary to send a message that they are serious. I would add that Biden should not ignore this issue, and I don't think he will.
He's not. The organizers got a call from Biden's campaign last night. I just hope they understand that the most the president can't do is apply pressure to Netanyahu.
There are a number of issues that Pres. Biden cannot ignore for more than votes - for humanity and equity and justice. My friends who are generally committed Dem voters are not ok with too much and I am with them. Oh I'll vote for Joe Biden. And I want it to be, like in 2020, with a full and clear heart.
Well that's the problem isn't it? The democrats have a big tent, with lots of different groups within that tent as it should be. How do you keep them all "happy?" Is that even possible? Netanyahu is prolonging the war to keep power as long as he can, because once it's over he's gone; and he knows it. At that point I believe you will see a shift in policy with regards to Israel and the middle east. A 21st century Marshall plan for the Palestinians perhaps?
I've not had a chance to look today - have the "uncommitted" votes been parsed by demographics? It is not only Gaza/Israel that is causing some to vote as such.
I'm going off what I followed leading up to the primary, but I don't think that all the votes had to do with Gaza/Israel. However, I would say the vast majority of the votes did have to do with the war in Gaza. Let's not forget that Obama had a "uncommitted" vote in 2012 of 10%.
Michael Moore was a huge part of getting the protest vote organized. I think it’s super healthy and Biden does need to hear & take action. As Jay said, plenty of time to course correct.
The failure of our six- and seven-figure national political media is even more jarring when you realize that no other section of the newspaper/newscast has this level of illiteracy and innumeracy. Sports? Arts? Science? Even local politics? Never.
Imagine a sportswriter writing that the baseball team that won 90 games last year and 87 this year "exceeded expectations." Only among our "brightest" media stars is it considered "biased" to bring up recent history.
Not just our media, but I had to complain to the writer of Politico Berlin today about the coverage of Biden. I have not heard from him, but I sent him 2 letters, one where I forwarded Bob Hubbell's Substack, and one where I just complained about the language he used. He was just parroting the USA media, which sucks, only he did it in German.
Local news? Not so much. Staunch conservative Sinclair Broadcasting has bought up a huge market share of your local stations. They actually include minutes of sermonizing by rightwing ideologues in every broadcast. No minutes provided for counter point messaging. This goes on daily in millions of homes.
Mr. Gubmint Sucks is in hell you say? Why thank you! I knew I'd find something to celebrate today. (besides Bobert's chances of reelection looking increasingly dim)
I've heard about them and it's infuriating. They have stations across the nation including in rural California. They know suburban areas are harder to touch with their bs.
Nope - that's one of the things we have to put up with to be who we are. That sort of thing IS illegal - in Russia, Hungary, North Korea, China, etc. At some point, either they will overstep and get an antitrust case, or someone will offer them a serious profit to sell, or the changing demographics will cause them to run out of folks who are interested in their BS.
They are licensed providers of broadcast news. What about a James Dobbs sermon mid broadcast, with no indication that hey folks, this here is opinion, fulfills the requirement of that license?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ As long as they have actual (if biased AF) news broadcasts on their schedules, they're in the clear as far as their licenses are concerned. That's the thing about democracy and freedom of speech - ya gotta allow the a-holes to a-hole, or it's meaningless. Always remember - what you can do to them when you're in charge, they can do to you when they are. And their entire program currently is to see to it that thee and me will never, ever be in charge again.
As Heather Cox Richardson advised yesterday, let any disturbing news sit for at least 24 hours, and then return to it. Hartman’s report of a few days ago is a very good example. That doesn’t mean disregard it. That means take time to digest it. Thanks, Jay, for digesting all this information for us!
Another good source to get a summary and explanation of all this information is BeauoftheFifthColumn on YouTube. He does a great job of discussing things and not solving things down. He's typically level headed. He's an anti-Trump Florida man - the guy in a shed.
I snorted tea out my nose laughing at “comparing apples to the orange guy”. Lesson learned: don’t sip a beverage when reading your column…
Years ago, the great Molly Ivins suggested people vote their hearts in the primary and their heads in the general election. While she wasn’t talking about this specific situation, I think that advice may shed light on voter behavior here. I agree we can’t let up on registering new voters, getting out the vote and so on but I think it’s highly unlikely anyone angry at Biden about his stance on Israel - and I count myself among those who are - is going to think Trump’s actions will be more to their liking and then vote for him. I worry more that they won’t vote and we still have time to discourage that.
My son’s partner, who is in her late 20’s and is progressive, said to me she could not vote for Biden this fall because she feels so deeply that he is to blame for the genocide in Gaza. I tried to convince her to consider the facts and to visualize the awful alternative (a fascist state). She said, not in so few words, maybe it’s time for the collapse of this nation. Let it burn. Sigh. Even my husband, a lifelong Republican (bless his heart) and retired military, voted for Biden and will vote for him again. I’m fearful that those who don’t realize what a tragic move it is to stay home or vote third party will be our downfall !!
Deep breath indeed. It is early. There are so many things that can happen between now and election day. For one thing, any global event could change the dynamics in the race — war, economic issues, environmental issues, the next pandemic. For another thing, Orange Adolf is about to go to trial in 3+ weeks for his first of 4 criminal cases. There should be some movement in polls as we move through spring and summer.
While we cannot be assured of anything in court, the chance that prosecutors will be able to prove — with both documents and witness testimony — their prima facie case in Manhattan is high. I have never believed that Alvin Bragg was going to bring a case against a former president without the receipts. Could the jury f_ck it up? Sure. But I don't believe they will ignore evidence and witness testimony. Orange Adolf's court record is the stuff of nightmares. I believe there is a very high chance of conviction, and while I agree with Jay that polls are a bit of a "bull-shit measuring stick" (especially this early),Independent voters have made it clear that they will not vote for a convicted felon.
As to the protest vote in Michigan: I get it. I really do. I have a few problems however.
1) Did you ever think that Joe Biden or any president was going to walk away from Israel? They have been our primary partner int he middle east since 1948 and there was no way anyone could have thought that Biden would abandon them — not in 2020, and not in 2024 or beyond.
2) To say the situation is complicated is the understatement of the decade. I might be alone in this assessment but here goes: Netenyahu is a criminal and the Israeli version of Orange Adolf. Greed and power make for strange bedfellows. Enter Putin; losing badly in Ukraine. He needs something to change the playing field. How about killing 3 birds with one stone? Engineer an attack against Israel through Hamas and Iran to draw the West's attention and resources away from the fight in Ukraine, weaken Biden and help his Orange useful idiot all at the same time . Classic divide and conquer is at play here and once more, we continue to be stupid enough to fall for it.
3) If you are Biden — what do you do? Two choices. Counter to some 75 years of treaties and you alienate the Jewish vote at home, and our only ally in Israel, in a challenging Mid East. If you take the traditional path, you alienate the emerging Muslim vote in key states and are forced into bed with a criminal in Netenyahu who will do everything imaginable to kill your chance at re-election. Biden is trying to take door number 3 and it is commendable even though it is fraught with its own danger.
Diplomacy in general is tough. It is and has been near impossible in the Middle East for generations. In fact, though he is not credited for it nearly enough — only one U.S. President and administration got any peace in the Middle East in any meaningful way. Jimmie "Peanut" Carter got closer than anyone. Biden has to appeal to patience which is harder than ever in a society that demands instant results. Pressing for the cease fire is the key for Biden. That is the jumping off point. From there, things can shift to more traditional diplomatic efforts and healing can begin. The problem in all of this comes from two very bad actors on the stage in Hamas on one side and Netenyahu on the other. Mixed into that ensemble is the Russians, the Iranians the Turks. Im glad we have serious people who are well intentioned at the helm.
My message (and questions) therefore to the so-called "protest" voters is this....
Do you honestly believe it would be better under Orange Adolf? Do you believe that your choice to stay home or third-party/write-in voting solves the issues you care about or helps bring about peace or a cease fire? I have news for you — it doesn't. I get the emotion here. I do. Change this out from Israelis and Palestinians to Turks and Armenians and believe me — I get it. I despise that the US cozies up to Turkey and has for generations; ignoring what my grandparents endured. But I am pragmatic as well. Better is not and cannot be the enemy of good. A viable democracy in the United States is better. Joe Biden is better than Orange Adolf. Joe Biden will sit with you, talk with you, and take your concerns to heart. You may not be able to get everything you want, but he will take the time to hear you. You will not get that from Orange Adolf and you damn well know it. Punishing Biden in the general election for doing the predictable and expected thing in this situation is not in your best interests and you know that too.
Fact of the matter is — he has been smacking Netenyahu down. He has been trying to work the situation into a ceasefire. And frankly, he cannot force Netenyahu to give him the time of day — particularly when Netenyahu sees the war as a net gain for himself.
It's a huge ask — but voting in November for the Democratic nominee from President to House — its your only shot to get peace in the Middle East that includes a two-state solution and to save any chance of an American Democracy. The rest of the country is counting on you to reconsider your protest, and engage in supporting the best candidate, and only pro-democracy candidate on the ballot that can win this. That is Joe Biden. Imperfect, but still the best hope.
Andre, this is an absolutely brilliant analysis of this situation, from top to bottom, including all the moving and essential pieces that many people ignore. This is why I get frustrated with single-issue voters. They lack an understanding of the complexities involved in almost any international situation. One uncommitted protest voter in Michigan was briefly interviewed and she said something like, “We may need to endure Trump for four more years to shake things up.” I have never in my life heard a more ignorant statement come from the mouth of someone who is trying to achieve peace in a destabilized region. Emotional reactions to situations are sometimes inevitable, but as Rebecca Solnit said previously, voting should be considered a “chess move.“
That someone suggested the idea of needed to "endure Orange Adolf to shake things up..." might be one of the most narrow things I have heard related to any of this. They are not taking some things into account because they are not thinking it through. Orange Adolf has told us — as clearly as he can that if elected, he will end the republic, and establish a dictatorship.
"I will be a dictator from day 1." That is not ambiguous. It is clear. He has also said he plans to build concentration camps in the United States. Do these protest voters not understand, there's a better than 70% chance that they will be "guests" at these camps?
So disheartening. And this is the one thing the left is so terribly good at. Killing itself and its own movement. They argue its on principal. Good. Great. Enjoy your "principals" while living in a defacto Hitlarian state. Sadly, too many people have never opened a history book or learned about just what that looks like. They have no idea what they are dealing with — that if given power, he will not ceed it — ever. There won't be a constitution or rule of law to stop him, so "enduring him" is a for the rest of time; because he will hand it to one of the two Fredo's or his daughter who looks like an abuse victim. Have you ever seen such a vacuous and vacant look in someone elses face than hers?
These two posts of yours are absolutely on point. Our choices in this election are binary - preserve the republic or lose it. A vote for anyone other than Democrats is a vote for the end of the Constitutional Republic and dictatorship; a refusal to vote because you don't think either party is any good IS a vote - for MAGA.
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice..." -Rush.
This is our work this year - to make this understood.
Again, I fully agree. I think some of these people who are blaming Biden for everything fail to understand two things: 1) Israel is our prime alliance in that region, and we are not going to part ways. Electing Trump would only embolden Netanyahu, in any case. 2) International relations in times of war and peace are not a game and rarely are there easy solutions. Biden has a good team that is working hard on reaching a cease-fire. Only someone with a very simple mind believes that you can snap your fingers and make things happen overnight.
Every. Single. Thing. Your post is incredible and wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to spell everything out so beautifully. I agree wholeheartedly with you.
Thanks Andre! For others who are interested I am reading the March/April 2024 issue of Foreign Affairs which has a set of articles on the Middle East. If you are so inclined it’s a terrific read, although quite difficult.
I’m a Michigander and those I know who joined the protest vote against Biden in the primary, to a person, say they will vote for Biden over Trump without question.
I am happy about Biden’s strength with voters. But votes are not the real issue. The Republicans do NOT care about winning the election, period. They knows they can’t, they haven’t in decades! Their strategy is to feed lies to MAGA to get them more and more pumped up to support their real strategy. As Thom Hartmann wrote, Moscow Mike will not swear in new ELECTED Democrats, Republican puppets will not certify REAL votes, and the House will put Putin’s puppet Uncle Rambling Donald in the Presidential office. THAT IS their Plan A which needs to be publicized! And what are we going to do about THAT!?
Today Hubbell responded to those of us who had presented this plan with great worry by talking about the way that that plan cannot work. It made sense.
"A quick comment on Republican plans to interfere in the 2024 electoral ballot count
Over the last several days, I have received a handful of worried emails about a supposed plan by Republicans to interfere with the count of electoral ballots in the 2024 election. The theory asserts that Speaker Mike Johnson will refuse to swear in newly elected Democrats, thereby maintaining control of the House through January 6, 2025, when Congress will count the electoral ballots.
While I do not mean to minimize or dismiss the efforts Republicans will undertake to prevent a Biden victory, the plan outlined above can’t happen. Why? Under the 20th Amendment to the Constitution and the rules of the House, Mike Johnson’s term as Speaker ends on January 3, 2025, at 11:59 a.m.—three days before the electoral ballots are counted.
On January 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., a new Congress begins (the 119th). Every member elected to the 119th Congress is a “representative-elect,” and no one—including Mike Johnson—has yet to be sworn in when the new Congress begins. All the unsworn “representative-elects” of the 119th Congress vote for a new Speaker. (See the rules linked above.)
The newly elected Speaker then swears in every representative-elect—because each begins a new term of service on January 3, 2025. Mike Johnson doesn’t “carry over” as Speaker from the 118th to the 119th Congress.
If Democrats “flip” the House in the 2024 elections, they will be a majority of Democratic representatives-elect, and they will elect Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker of the 119th Congress. Mike Johnson is irrelevant.
If I haven’t explained the above clearly, the most important point is that Democrats must flip the House to prevent the radical “Freedom Caucus” from interfering in the count of electoral ballots.
And remember this: No matter who wins the 2024 election, the President Pro Tem of the Senate on January 6, 2025, will be Kamala Harris. Her first term does not expire until January 20, 2025.
I also want to point out that I learned in a webinar today provided by Democrats Abroad on taxes for expats, that it was Democrats Abroad votes that gave Biden the win in 2020 in Georgia and another state. Go Democrats Abroad. I am a member of Democrats Abroad Germany. I also learned that there are around 1 million Democrats Abroad and only a small portion vote. Please help work to increase that by spreading the word to anyone you know that is living abroad. They can join Democrats Abroad https://www.democratsabroad.org/ who will help to make it easier for them to vote.
Excellent writeup. If I am not mistaken, the transition from representative-elect to representative happens at noon on Jan 3, not at the time of swearing in. The swearing in is just a bit of decorum with no direct legal effect (same thing for the Presidency; a new president can be sworn in before or after Jan 20, but the transition always happens on 1/20 at noon). It doesn't change your analysis, though. The speaker's term should end at noon on Jan 3, until a new speaker is elected.
Linda, I don’t read/follow Hubbell, but I had a similar comment to Thom Hartmann on his post. It’s repeated below for those that don’t read Thom’s Substack. I take it one scenario further posing an additional question. It’s long, I apologize for that.
I agree with Thom’s assessment for the potential for obstruction and chaos come January 3 - 6, 2025 and I too have read recent similar articles. There is one part of the argument however which leaves me perplexed and questioning the legality, both under the Constitution, Federal law, and House rules, by which Speaker Johnson could pull off such a scenario.
The term of ALL members of the biennial Congress ENDS at noon, January 3 at which time the term of the new biennial Congress begins. The first duty of the House is the swearing in of the Speaker upon his/her election by the dean of the United States House of Representatives, the chamber's longest-serving member. (The current dean is Hal Rogers, a Republican from Kentucky, who has served in the House since 1981 and is running for reelection.). Speaker Johnson is a member of the current House of the current biennial Congress. (Note, See first sentence of this paragraph). Traditionally, the majority party of the incoming biennial Congress nominates a candidate for Speaker and given that party’s majority is voted Speaker. For the moment for this discussion, assume the Republican chaos of January 2025 is an anomaly. After a Speaker is elected, federal law states the Speaker swears in the House members in mass. That’s ALL the members at the start of the biennial session.
I cannot find any reference in the Constitution, Federal law, House rules, or several online sources which definitively states only incumbent returning House members elect the Speaker nor anything that definitively states the Speaker of the former biennial House is the de facto continuing Speaker absent election by the new House.
I therefore question the legitimacy of, and the rationale for debate, the continuation of Johnson’s legitimate claim to Speakership absent official election past noon on January 3, especially if the Democrats regain the majority or under the scenario due to defeat or retirement the Republicans do not have a majority of returning members.
The House of Representatives cannot organize or take other legislative actions until a speaker is elected. So here’s the follow up question on January 2025 chaos - without a legitimately elected House Speaker or sworn House members (note, the Speaker swears in all members-elect that are present in the Chamber in mass, he/she cannot pick out and choose only members of their party), can House members even participate in the January 6 certification?
Hi Michael, what Robert Hubbell said addresses the situation and he says what you said and also talks about Kamala Harris' role.
"A quick comment on Republican plans to interfere in the 2024 electoral ballot count
Over the last several days, I have received a handful of worried emails about a supposed plan by Republicans to interfere with the count of electoral ballots in the 2024 election. The theory asserts that Speaker Mike Johnson will refuse to swear in newly elected Democrats, thereby maintaining control of the House through January 6, 2025, when Congress will count the electoral ballots.
While I do not mean to minimize or dismiss the efforts Republicans will undertake to prevent a Biden victory, the plan outlined above can’t happen. Why? Under the 20th Amendment to the Constitution and the rules of the House, Mike Johnson’s term as Speaker ends on January 3, 2025, at 11:59 a.m.—three days before the electoral ballots are counted.
On January 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., a new Congress begins (the 119th). Every member elected to the 119th Congress is a “representative-elect,” and no one—including Mike Johnson—has yet to be sworn in when the new Congress begins. All the unsworn “representative-elects” of the 119th Congress vote for a new Speaker. (See the rules linked above.)
The newly elected Speaker then swears in every representative-elect—because each begins a new term of service on January 3, 2025. Mike Johnson doesn’t “carry over” as Speaker from the 118th to the 119th Congress.
If Democrats “flip” the House in the 2024 elections, they will be a majority of Democratic representatives-elect, and they will elect Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker of the 119th Congress. Mike Johnson is irrelevant.
If I haven’t explained the above clearly, the most important point is that Democrats must flip the House to prevent the radical “Freedom Caucus” from interfering in the count of electoral ballots.
And remember this: No matter who wins the 2024 election, the President Pro Tem of the Senate on January 6, 2025, will be Kamala Harris. Her first term does not expire until January 20, 2025."
However, Thom Hartmann points out that Speaker Johnson did not swear in George Santos's replacement Tom Suozzi, before getting the vote for impeachment for Mayorkas because he would not have had enough votes to do this then. So, I see MAGA Mike as doing the work of the devil himself, Treacherous-treasonous-traitor-Trump! I have also read that Mike Johnson is having trouble in his district at home. He should be unless the people are https://lailluminator.com/2024/01/16/u-s-house-speaker-johnson-gov-landry-split-on-new-congressional-districts/stones.
I certainly hope that Louisiana passes the map redistricting that allows for 2 Black districts.
Still, I also expect there to be ongoing trouble from Trump and his people, because he has taught them that lying and cheating pays, and the Republicans already stole the election from Al Gore. That was a double whammy from his brother in Florida and the US Supreme Court, and the press did their part too. Our "free" press is inferior and honestly does not have a model of business that has them doing an adequate job of covering this election. If the only dirt they can find on Biden is his age, they cover nothing else, because that is their model. The NYT reporters are well prepared for jobs at Fox News at this point and many at WaPo too.
Read Robert Hubble's answer to what Thom Hartman wrote, and ease your worry. Speaker Mike Johnson's term ends January 3, just like every other House member.
I would have thought that Thom Hartmann, of all people, would understand that come January 3, Mike Johnson will no longer be Speaker of the House unless 1) Republicans retain the majority in the House and 2) the Republican majority chooses to elect Johnson once again as Speaker. We the voters must ensure that Democrats gain the majority in both Houses of Congress.
Moscow Mike is in a contested district and might be facing DOJ scrutiny for his campaign accepting Russian money through a U.S. owned company. They partly own it and funnelled money into his campaign.
Do you have any idea why the New York Times continues to manipulate the facts around this upcoming election? Is it ad dollars? is it a misplaced sense of fair play to the point of becoming a journalistic pretzel? Are they wanting to egg on Democrats by overstating Biden's challenges and understating Jabba the Putz's obvious problems? It sure is annoying.
Very good! And when I cut the NYT News out of my subscription, I let them know in NO uncertain terms it’s because of their incessant “Biden is old” and “Trump is crushing Haley” crap that does NOT help us stand up for American Democracy. Not that it will make much of a difference, but bleeding subscribers, when that’s “the future” of your business model, might *eventually* raise an eyebrow in management….
Thank you Jay! A few thoughts. Do these protestors even know the history of that part of the world? What do they propose Biden do that will have any meaningful and lasting impact on a region that has been fighting for thousands of years? A two state solution won't work for long. They will just fight over that because cooler heads never prevail for long when religious extremism is the driving force. Biden seems to be damned if he does anything and damned if he doesn't.
I don’t find it very productive to challenge them on the basis of their protest. So long as innocent children are dying in Gaza, the passions will understandably run high. Explaining that Biden has few options doesn’t change their belief that he doesn’t care about the death that results from Israeli aggression. I believe he deeply cares and is in a position to effect change of policy. But not unilaterally.
Their uncommitted vote campaign received a call from Biden's campaign last night. They basically wanted to be heard. Let's just hope they understand that the most Biden can do is apply pressure to Netanyahu.
I believe he could, and should, put some conditions on receiving further aid, but only the Israelis can get rid of Netanyahu. He is the disaster lurking at the center of this whole nightmare.
He's been applying some pressure, but the major media outlets haven't talked about how he's slowed some aid to Israel down including material support like some forms of technology. As BeauoftheFifthColumn has mentioned, all of our alliances are about power. This is no exception.
I agree and understand that part of this confusion is caused by the inept media. What the Michigan protesters don’t seem to grasp is that Israel is our major ally in that region, and there’s no way that the US and Israel are parting ways because this madman, Netanyahu, happens to be in office. He will eventually be gone. People who say they are not voting for Biden over this issue are simply showing their ignorance and putting all the rest of us in danger. International relations aren’t a child’s board game; this is serious business that takes time.
"... this is serious business that takes time." And serious people who know what they are doing, what they can and cannot do, and where the bodies are buried. Pressure points, incentives and disincentives, knowledge of history, relationships - these are the essence of diplomacy. Who you got that is better positioned and equipped for this job than Joseph R. Biden? - is the question I would ask of anyone who wants to sit this out, or worse, vote for... IDK - Jill Stein? Cornel West? RFK Jr.? or, you know - that effing guy...
That's not on the major media outlets. Whatever actions Biden did take, it is Biden's job to proclaim it loudly. And I will admit that Biden has responded to the pressure to some extent, just not anywhere near enough. Let's talk again when none of the bombs dropped on Gaza are US-made or have US components in them.
You are talking about people many of whom have lived through the history of that part of the world.
And, well, if you have doubts about the two-state solution, then let's not even talk about he one-state solution, because that would mean a minority-Jewish country. So what's your solution to solve this Gordian knot?
How on earth did you or anyone else on this thread get the notion that I had the solution from my comment on a Substack? That's hilarious. My comments are personal thoughts. I said so in the beginning of my comment.
Well, you did posit that the protesters might not know the history of the very region they came from, and you expressed opposition to the one solution that seems to be somewhat on the table. Opposition without offering a better alternative is not really productive.
This is isn't fundamentally a religious conflict, nor does it go back thousands of years. It's a remnant of European colonialism, from the era when then-Palestine was a British protectorate.
The people there are clearly sick and tired of the situation. Both sides want nothing more than to live in peace. I don't think people, except a few hotheads, even care any more whether it's one state or two state. That's usually the time when wars end, if only the politicians could get out of the way.
Jay, thank you for your bracing pragmatism. I have to say that the MSM had me a little panicked, but that’s because they don’t ferret out the BS the way you do. Go Biden!
There is a key distinction between what Biden can do between now and November, AND, what Trump is likely incapable of doing because of the kind of person Trump is and the extremists who are advising him.
Republicans are diving headfirst into Wÿt Nationalism, Dominionist Evangelical Chrīśtían insanity, and FULL BLOWN FÅŚÇĪŠM
I think the undecideds in Michigan show how great our democracy can be. They’re protesting, peacefully, a legitimate concern to a President who will listen.
It some are inflexible and their vote in November will be against Biden. Many have committed to this no matter what Biden does now. ‘It’s too late’ they claim
Not so much "too late" as "we don't trust your words. Show us your deeds". Biden's outreach attempts are going to continue falling on deaf ears unless he enforces restrictions on military aid and holds Netanyahu accountable.
"That course correction is actually a key distinction between what Biden can do between now and November and what Trump is likely incapable of doing because of the kind of person Trump is and the extremists who are advising him."
That's an important point that people don't seem to be able to grok. Biden is someone who is actually capable of listening to his constituents.
Even in Biden's worst moments, he's far and away the superior choice, because, as pointed out by Jay, Trump's advisors are extremists, and Biden's are normal people, some of whom we agree with, some of whom we don't, but who are at least trying to figure things out in a rational way.
Haven’t heard the term “grok” for years. Thanks, Charles, for the memory.
Remember Jubal Harshaw’s comment? “He’s an Honest politician: he stays bought.”
Don’t think I know that one. But apropos perhaps?
If you haven't already, you might like to read Robert Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land (1961). In fact, I think I will reread it. Could be especially interesting to read in today's political climate.
I read it ages ago and that’s where I know “grok” from. Is the other term also from that book?
Just did a search and yes, the 'honest politician' phrase is also in Stranger in a Strange Land.
I love The “Stranger in a Strange Land” reference.
"That's an important point that people don't seem to be able to grok. Biden is someone who is actually capable of listening to his constituents." In the contrary. People understand that very well. But like most politicians, people have to make themselves heard. With (not just) Biden's decades-long track record, it takes the threat of losing Michigan to make him listen, reluctantly.
Another point with the "uncommitted" vote, there are several factions pushing the "Vote Uncommitted." Most of them are NOT planning on voting against President Biden in November, and are only pushing this during the primary to send a message that they are serious. I would add that Biden should not ignore this issue, and I don't think he will.
He's not. The organizers got a call from Biden's campaign last night. I just hope they understand that the most the president can't do is apply pressure to Netanyahu.
The President can do more: attach and enforce conditions to US aid. If needed, stop military aid altogether.
I didn't know that, Thank you!
You're welcome.
There are a number of issues that Pres. Biden cannot ignore for more than votes - for humanity and equity and justice. My friends who are generally committed Dem voters are not ok with too much and I am with them. Oh I'll vote for Joe Biden. And I want it to be, like in 2020, with a full and clear heart.
Well that's the problem isn't it? The democrats have a big tent, with lots of different groups within that tent as it should be. How do you keep them all "happy?" Is that even possible? Netanyahu is prolonging the war to keep power as long as he can, because once it's over he's gone; and he knows it. At that point I believe you will see a shift in policy with regards to Israel and the middle east. A 21st century Marshall plan for the Palestinians perhaps?
I've not had a chance to look today - have the "uncommitted" votes been parsed by demographics? It is not only Gaza/Israel that is causing some to vote as such.
I'm going off what I followed leading up to the primary, but I don't think that all the votes had to do with Gaza/Israel. However, I would say the vast majority of the votes did have to do with the war in Gaza. Let's not forget that Obama had a "uncommitted" vote in 2012 of 10%.
My "heart" to this was to say thanks.
I like to see data and then parsing of it. What I know: this will be a most consequential election year - local, state, and Federal.
Well that is certainly true, quite possibly the most consequential election year ever.
Michael Moore was a huge part of getting the protest vote organized. I think it’s super healthy and Biden does need to hear & take action. As Jay said, plenty of time to course correct.
I don't disagree, ultimately it's a good thing.
The failure of our six- and seven-figure national political media is even more jarring when you realize that no other section of the newspaper/newscast has this level of illiteracy and innumeracy. Sports? Arts? Science? Even local politics? Never.
Imagine a sportswriter writing that the baseball team that won 90 games last year and 87 this year "exceeded expectations." Only among our "brightest" media stars is it considered "biased" to bring up recent history.
Not just our media, but I had to complain to the writer of Politico Berlin today about the coverage of Biden. I have not heard from him, but I sent him 2 letters, one where I forwarded Bob Hubbell's Substack, and one where I just complained about the language he used. He was just parroting the USA media, which sucks, only he did it in German.
Unfortunately, it's getting clicks, i.e., money.
Local news? Not so much. Staunch conservative Sinclair Broadcasting has bought up a huge market share of your local stations. They actually include minutes of sermonizing by rightwing ideologues in every broadcast. No minutes provided for counter point messaging. This goes on daily in millions of homes.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinclair_Broadcast_Group
Somewhere in hell, Reagan is smiling
Mr. Gubmint Sucks is in hell you say? Why thank you! I knew I'd find something to celebrate today. (besides Bobert's chances of reelection looking increasingly dim)
I wish the same for MTG. Mike Johnson might be facing challenges because he's in a contested area. Fingers crossed.
I've heard about them and it's infuriating. They have stations across the nation including in rural California. They know suburban areas are harder to touch with their bs.
It is super insidious and ought to be illegal.
Nope - that's one of the things we have to put up with to be who we are. That sort of thing IS illegal - in Russia, Hungary, North Korea, China, etc. At some point, either they will overstep and get an antitrust case, or someone will offer them a serious profit to sell, or the changing demographics will cause them to run out of folks who are interested in their BS.
I know, I know. See: Fox
They are licensed providers of broadcast news. What about a James Dobbs sermon mid broadcast, with no indication that hey folks, this here is opinion, fulfills the requirement of that license?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ As long as they have actual (if biased AF) news broadcasts on their schedules, they're in the clear as far as their licenses are concerned. That's the thing about democracy and freedom of speech - ya gotta allow the a-holes to a-hole, or it's meaningless. Always remember - what you can do to them when you're in charge, they can do to you when they are. And their entire program currently is to see to it that thee and me will never, ever be in charge again.
I still think there ought to be a law!
As Heather Cox Richardson advised yesterday, let any disturbing news sit for at least 24 hours, and then return to it. Hartman’s report of a few days ago is a very good example. That doesn’t mean disregard it. That means take time to digest it. Thanks, Jay, for digesting all this information for us!
Another good source to get a summary and explanation of all this information is BeauoftheFifthColumn on YouTube. He does a great job of discussing things and not solving things down. He's typically level headed. He's an anti-Trump Florida man - the guy in a shed.
I snorted tea out my nose laughing at “comparing apples to the orange guy”. Lesson learned: don’t sip a beverage when reading your column…
Years ago, the great Molly Ivins suggested people vote their hearts in the primary and their heads in the general election. While she wasn’t talking about this specific situation, I think that advice may shed light on voter behavior here. I agree we can’t let up on registering new voters, getting out the vote and so on but I think it’s highly unlikely anyone angry at Biden about his stance on Israel - and I count myself among those who are - is going to think Trump’s actions will be more to their liking and then vote for him. I worry more that they won’t vote and we still have time to discourage that.
Thanks for channeling Molly Ivins!
My son’s partner, who is in her late 20’s and is progressive, said to me she could not vote for Biden this fall because she feels so deeply that he is to blame for the genocide in Gaza. I tried to convince her to consider the facts and to visualize the awful alternative (a fascist state). She said, not in so few words, maybe it’s time for the collapse of this nation. Let it burn. Sigh. Even my husband, a lifelong Republican (bless his heart) and retired military, voted for Biden and will vote for him again. I’m fearful that those who don’t realize what a tragic move it is to stay home or vote third party will be our downfall !!
Deep breath indeed. It is early. There are so many things that can happen between now and election day. For one thing, any global event could change the dynamics in the race — war, economic issues, environmental issues, the next pandemic. For another thing, Orange Adolf is about to go to trial in 3+ weeks for his first of 4 criminal cases. There should be some movement in polls as we move through spring and summer.
While we cannot be assured of anything in court, the chance that prosecutors will be able to prove — with both documents and witness testimony — their prima facie case in Manhattan is high. I have never believed that Alvin Bragg was going to bring a case against a former president without the receipts. Could the jury f_ck it up? Sure. But I don't believe they will ignore evidence and witness testimony. Orange Adolf's court record is the stuff of nightmares. I believe there is a very high chance of conviction, and while I agree with Jay that polls are a bit of a "bull-shit measuring stick" (especially this early),Independent voters have made it clear that they will not vote for a convicted felon.
As to the protest vote in Michigan: I get it. I really do. I have a few problems however.
1) Did you ever think that Joe Biden or any president was going to walk away from Israel? They have been our primary partner int he middle east since 1948 and there was no way anyone could have thought that Biden would abandon them — not in 2020, and not in 2024 or beyond.
2) To say the situation is complicated is the understatement of the decade. I might be alone in this assessment but here goes: Netenyahu is a criminal and the Israeli version of Orange Adolf. Greed and power make for strange bedfellows. Enter Putin; losing badly in Ukraine. He needs something to change the playing field. How about killing 3 birds with one stone? Engineer an attack against Israel through Hamas and Iran to draw the West's attention and resources away from the fight in Ukraine, weaken Biden and help his Orange useful idiot all at the same time . Classic divide and conquer is at play here and once more, we continue to be stupid enough to fall for it.
3) If you are Biden — what do you do? Two choices. Counter to some 75 years of treaties and you alienate the Jewish vote at home, and our only ally in Israel, in a challenging Mid East. If you take the traditional path, you alienate the emerging Muslim vote in key states and are forced into bed with a criminal in Netenyahu who will do everything imaginable to kill your chance at re-election. Biden is trying to take door number 3 and it is commendable even though it is fraught with its own danger.
Diplomacy in general is tough. It is and has been near impossible in the Middle East for generations. In fact, though he is not credited for it nearly enough — only one U.S. President and administration got any peace in the Middle East in any meaningful way. Jimmie "Peanut" Carter got closer than anyone. Biden has to appeal to patience which is harder than ever in a society that demands instant results. Pressing for the cease fire is the key for Biden. That is the jumping off point. From there, things can shift to more traditional diplomatic efforts and healing can begin. The problem in all of this comes from two very bad actors on the stage in Hamas on one side and Netenyahu on the other. Mixed into that ensemble is the Russians, the Iranians the Turks. Im glad we have serious people who are well intentioned at the helm.
My message (and questions) therefore to the so-called "protest" voters is this....
Do you honestly believe it would be better under Orange Adolf? Do you believe that your choice to stay home or third-party/write-in voting solves the issues you care about or helps bring about peace or a cease fire? I have news for you — it doesn't. I get the emotion here. I do. Change this out from Israelis and Palestinians to Turks and Armenians and believe me — I get it. I despise that the US cozies up to Turkey and has for generations; ignoring what my grandparents endured. But I am pragmatic as well. Better is not and cannot be the enemy of good. A viable democracy in the United States is better. Joe Biden is better than Orange Adolf. Joe Biden will sit with you, talk with you, and take your concerns to heart. You may not be able to get everything you want, but he will take the time to hear you. You will not get that from Orange Adolf and you damn well know it. Punishing Biden in the general election for doing the predictable and expected thing in this situation is not in your best interests and you know that too.
Fact of the matter is — he has been smacking Netenyahu down. He has been trying to work the situation into a ceasefire. And frankly, he cannot force Netenyahu to give him the time of day — particularly when Netenyahu sees the war as a net gain for himself.
It's a huge ask — but voting in November for the Democratic nominee from President to House — its your only shot to get peace in the Middle East that includes a two-state solution and to save any chance of an American Democracy. The rest of the country is counting on you to reconsider your protest, and engage in supporting the best candidate, and only pro-democracy candidate on the ballot that can win this. That is Joe Biden. Imperfect, but still the best hope.
Andre, this is an absolutely brilliant analysis of this situation, from top to bottom, including all the moving and essential pieces that many people ignore. This is why I get frustrated with single-issue voters. They lack an understanding of the complexities involved in almost any international situation. One uncommitted protest voter in Michigan was briefly interviewed and she said something like, “We may need to endure Trump for four more years to shake things up.” I have never in my life heard a more ignorant statement come from the mouth of someone who is trying to achieve peace in a destabilized region. Emotional reactions to situations are sometimes inevitable, but as Rebecca Solnit said previously, voting should be considered a “chess move.“
That someone suggested the idea of needed to "endure Orange Adolf to shake things up..." might be one of the most narrow things I have heard related to any of this. They are not taking some things into account because they are not thinking it through. Orange Adolf has told us — as clearly as he can that if elected, he will end the republic, and establish a dictatorship.
"I will be a dictator from day 1." That is not ambiguous. It is clear. He has also said he plans to build concentration camps in the United States. Do these protest voters not understand, there's a better than 70% chance that they will be "guests" at these camps?
So disheartening. And this is the one thing the left is so terribly good at. Killing itself and its own movement. They argue its on principal. Good. Great. Enjoy your "principals" while living in a defacto Hitlarian state. Sadly, too many people have never opened a history book or learned about just what that looks like. They have no idea what they are dealing with — that if given power, he will not ceed it — ever. There won't be a constitution or rule of law to stop him, so "enduring him" is a for the rest of time; because he will hand it to one of the two Fredo's or his daughter who looks like an abuse victim. Have you ever seen such a vacuous and vacant look in someone elses face than hers?
These two posts of yours are absolutely on point. Our choices in this election are binary - preserve the republic or lose it. A vote for anyone other than Democrats is a vote for the end of the Constitutional Republic and dictatorship; a refusal to vote because you don't think either party is any good IS a vote - for MAGA.
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice..." -Rush.
This is our work this year - to make this understood.
Again, I fully agree. I think some of these people who are blaming Biden for everything fail to understand two things: 1) Israel is our prime alliance in that region, and we are not going to part ways. Electing Trump would only embolden Netanyahu, in any case. 2) International relations in times of war and peace are not a game and rarely are there easy solutions. Biden has a good team that is working hard on reaching a cease-fire. Only someone with a very simple mind believes that you can snap your fingers and make things happen overnight.
Andre:
1. Bingo
2. Bingo bingo
3. Bingo bingo bingo
Every. Single. Thing. Your post is incredible and wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to spell everything out so beautifully. I agree wholeheartedly with you.
Thanks Andre! For others who are interested I am reading the March/April 2024 issue of Foreign Affairs which has a set of articles on the Middle East. If you are so inclined it’s a terrific read, although quite difficult.
I’m a Michigander and those I know who joined the protest vote against Biden in the primary, to a person, say they will vote for Biden over Trump without question.
I am happy about Biden’s strength with voters. But votes are not the real issue. The Republicans do NOT care about winning the election, period. They knows they can’t, they haven’t in decades! Their strategy is to feed lies to MAGA to get them more and more pumped up to support their real strategy. As Thom Hartmann wrote, Moscow Mike will not swear in new ELECTED Democrats, Republican puppets will not certify REAL votes, and the House will put Putin’s puppet Uncle Rambling Donald in the Presidential office. THAT IS their Plan A which needs to be publicized! And what are we going to do about THAT!?
That is why I am glad that Bob Hubbell dispelled the substance to the story Thom Hartmann posted about how the Republicans have hatched a plan to steal the next election, that had alarmed me. https://hartmannreport.com/p/the-new-over-the-top-secret-plan-518
Today Hubbell responded to those of us who had presented this plan with great worry by talking about the way that that plan cannot work. It made sense.
https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/a-strong-showing-by-biden-another
He says,
"A quick comment on Republican plans to interfere in the 2024 electoral ballot count
Over the last several days, I have received a handful of worried emails about a supposed plan by Republicans to interfere with the count of electoral ballots in the 2024 election. The theory asserts that Speaker Mike Johnson will refuse to swear in newly elected Democrats, thereby maintaining control of the House through January 6, 2025, when Congress will count the electoral ballots.
While I do not mean to minimize or dismiss the efforts Republicans will undertake to prevent a Biden victory, the plan outlined above can’t happen. Why? Under the 20th Amendment to the Constitution and the rules of the House, Mike Johnson’s term as Speaker ends on January 3, 2025, at 11:59 a.m.—three days before the electoral ballots are counted.
On January 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., a new Congress begins (the 119th). Every member elected to the 119th Congress is a “representative-elect,” and no one—including Mike Johnson—has yet to be sworn in when the new Congress begins. All the unsworn “representative-elects” of the 119th Congress vote for a new Speaker. (See the rules linked above.)
The newly elected Speaker then swears in every representative-elect—because each begins a new term of service on January 3, 2025. Mike Johnson doesn’t “carry over” as Speaker from the 118th to the 119th Congress.
If Democrats “flip” the House in the 2024 elections, they will be a majority of Democratic representatives-elect, and they will elect Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker of the 119th Congress. Mike Johnson is irrelevant.
If I haven’t explained the above clearly, the most important point is that Democrats must flip the House to prevent the radical “Freedom Caucus” from interfering in the count of electoral ballots.
And remember this: No matter who wins the 2024 election, the President Pro Tem of the Senate on January 6, 2025, will be Kamala Harris. Her first term does not expire until January 20, 2025.
Thank you! So let’s turn the House Blue!
I also want to point out that I learned in a webinar today provided by Democrats Abroad on taxes for expats, that it was Democrats Abroad votes that gave Biden the win in 2020 in Georgia and another state. Go Democrats Abroad. I am a member of Democrats Abroad Germany. I also learned that there are around 1 million Democrats Abroad and only a small portion vote. Please help work to increase that by spreading the word to anyone you know that is living abroad. They can join Democrats Abroad https://www.democratsabroad.org/ who will help to make it easier for them to vote.
Thanks for the info. I shall mention it in the comments on the BeauoftheFifthColumn YouTube channel.
Good idea; I've also noticed how many comments there come from outside the US, many from citizens living abroad.
The good thing is that Moscow Mike is in a contested district and it sounds like he has a battle on his hands.
Excellent writeup. If I am not mistaken, the transition from representative-elect to representative happens at noon on Jan 3, not at the time of swearing in. The swearing in is just a bit of decorum with no direct legal effect (same thing for the Presidency; a new president can be sworn in before or after Jan 20, but the transition always happens on 1/20 at noon). It doesn't change your analysis, though. The speaker's term should end at noon on Jan 3, until a new speaker is elected.
Linda, I don’t read/follow Hubbell, but I had a similar comment to Thom Hartmann on his post. It’s repeated below for those that don’t read Thom’s Substack. I take it one scenario further posing an additional question. It’s long, I apologize for that.
I agree with Thom’s assessment for the potential for obstruction and chaos come January 3 - 6, 2025 and I too have read recent similar articles. There is one part of the argument however which leaves me perplexed and questioning the legality, both under the Constitution, Federal law, and House rules, by which Speaker Johnson could pull off such a scenario.
The term of ALL members of the biennial Congress ENDS at noon, January 3 at which time the term of the new biennial Congress begins. The first duty of the House is the swearing in of the Speaker upon his/her election by the dean of the United States House of Representatives, the chamber's longest-serving member. (The current dean is Hal Rogers, a Republican from Kentucky, who has served in the House since 1981 and is running for reelection.). Speaker Johnson is a member of the current House of the current biennial Congress. (Note, See first sentence of this paragraph). Traditionally, the majority party of the incoming biennial Congress nominates a candidate for Speaker and given that party’s majority is voted Speaker. For the moment for this discussion, assume the Republican chaos of January 2025 is an anomaly. After a Speaker is elected, federal law states the Speaker swears in the House members in mass. That’s ALL the members at the start of the biennial session.
I cannot find any reference in the Constitution, Federal law, House rules, or several online sources which definitively states only incumbent returning House members elect the Speaker nor anything that definitively states the Speaker of the former biennial House is the de facto continuing Speaker absent election by the new House.
I therefore question the legitimacy of, and the rationale for debate, the continuation of Johnson’s legitimate claim to Speakership absent official election past noon on January 3, especially if the Democrats regain the majority or under the scenario due to defeat or retirement the Republicans do not have a majority of returning members.
The House of Representatives cannot organize or take other legislative actions until a speaker is elected. So here’s the follow up question on January 2025 chaos - without a legitimately elected House Speaker or sworn House members (note, the Speaker swears in all members-elect that are present in the Chamber in mass, he/she cannot pick out and choose only members of their party), can House members even participate in the January 6 certification?
Uncharted waters.
Sources:
https://www.verifythis.com/article/news/verify/government-verify/united-states-house-of-representatives-speaker-oath-swear-in-fact-check/536-07e2ace3-8d8b-4ae8-ad8f-59d31f5b92d7
https://www.cato.org/blog/118th-congress-still-hasnt-been-sworn-constitutional
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3798410-why-lawmakers-can-vote-for-house-speaker-before-taking-their-oath-of-office/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speaker_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives
Hi Michael, what Robert Hubbell said addresses the situation and he says what you said and also talks about Kamala Harris' role.
"A quick comment on Republican plans to interfere in the 2024 electoral ballot count
Over the last several days, I have received a handful of worried emails about a supposed plan by Republicans to interfere with the count of electoral ballots in the 2024 election. The theory asserts that Speaker Mike Johnson will refuse to swear in newly elected Democrats, thereby maintaining control of the House through January 6, 2025, when Congress will count the electoral ballots.
While I do not mean to minimize or dismiss the efforts Republicans will undertake to prevent a Biden victory, the plan outlined above can’t happen. Why? Under the 20th Amendment to the Constitution and the rules of the House, Mike Johnson’s term as Speaker ends on January 3, 2025, at 11:59 a.m.—three days before the electoral ballots are counted.
On January 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., a new Congress begins (the 119th). Every member elected to the 119th Congress is a “representative-elect,” and no one—including Mike Johnson—has yet to be sworn in when the new Congress begins. All the unsworn “representative-elects” of the 119th Congress vote for a new Speaker. (See the rules linked above.)
The newly elected Speaker then swears in every representative-elect—because each begins a new term of service on January 3, 2025. Mike Johnson doesn’t “carry over” as Speaker from the 118th to the 119th Congress.
If Democrats “flip” the House in the 2024 elections, they will be a majority of Democratic representatives-elect, and they will elect Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker of the 119th Congress. Mike Johnson is irrelevant.
If I haven’t explained the above clearly, the most important point is that Democrats must flip the House to prevent the radical “Freedom Caucus” from interfering in the count of electoral ballots.
And remember this: No matter who wins the 2024 election, the President Pro Tem of the Senate on January 6, 2025, will be Kamala Harris. Her first term does not expire until January 20, 2025."
However, Thom Hartmann points out that Speaker Johnson did not swear in George Santos's replacement Tom Suozzi, before getting the vote for impeachment for Mayorkas because he would not have had enough votes to do this then. So, I see MAGA Mike as doing the work of the devil himself, Treacherous-treasonous-traitor-Trump! I have also read that Mike Johnson is having trouble in his district at home. He should be unless the people are https://lailluminator.com/2024/01/16/u-s-house-speaker-johnson-gov-landry-split-on-new-congressional-districts/stones.
I certainly hope that Louisiana passes the map redistricting that allows for 2 Black districts.
Still, I also expect there to be ongoing trouble from Trump and his people, because he has taught them that lying and cheating pays, and the Republicans already stole the election from Al Gore. That was a double whammy from his brother in Florida and the US Supreme Court, and the press did their part too. Our "free" press is inferior and honestly does not have a model of business that has them doing an adequate job of covering this election. If the only dirt they can find on Biden is his age, they cover nothing else, because that is their model. The NYT reporters are well prepared for jobs at Fox News at this point and many at WaPo too.
Read Robert Hubble's answer to what Thom Hartman wrote, and ease your worry. Speaker Mike Johnson's term ends January 3, just like every other House member.
I would have thought that Thom Hartmann, of all people, would understand that come January 3, Mike Johnson will no longer be Speaker of the House unless 1) Republicans retain the majority in the House and 2) the Republican majority chooses to elect Johnson once again as Speaker. We the voters must ensure that Democrats gain the majority in both Houses of Congress.
Yes! Thank you!
Moscow Mike is in a contested district and might be facing DOJ scrutiny for his campaign accepting Russian money through a U.S. owned company. They partly own it and funnelled money into his campaign.
Do you have any idea why the New York Times continues to manipulate the facts around this upcoming election? Is it ad dollars? is it a misplaced sense of fair play to the point of becoming a journalistic pretzel? Are they wanting to egg on Democrats by overstating Biden's challenges and understating Jabba the Putz's obvious problems? It sure is annoying.
I don’t know why, but I cancelled my paid subscription and explained why!
Same here! I did, however, keep my subscription to NYT Cooking: I’m not going to cut off my nose to spite my face! 🤣
I am paying $1.50/month for games! Lol
Very good! And when I cut the NYT News out of my subscription, I let them know in NO uncertain terms it’s because of their incessant “Biden is old” and “Trump is crushing Haley” crap that does NOT help us stand up for American Democracy. Not that it will make much of a difference, but bleeding subscribers, when that’s “the future” of your business model, might *eventually* raise an eyebrow in management….
Jabba the Putz — brilliant!
Thank you Jay! A few thoughts. Do these protestors even know the history of that part of the world? What do they propose Biden do that will have any meaningful and lasting impact on a region that has been fighting for thousands of years? A two state solution won't work for long. They will just fight over that because cooler heads never prevail for long when religious extremism is the driving force. Biden seems to be damned if he does anything and damned if he doesn't.
I don’t find it very productive to challenge them on the basis of their protest. So long as innocent children are dying in Gaza, the passions will understandably run high. Explaining that Biden has few options doesn’t change their belief that he doesn’t care about the death that results from Israeli aggression. I believe he deeply cares and is in a position to effect change of policy. But not unilaterally.
Their uncommitted vote campaign received a call from Biden's campaign last night. They basically wanted to be heard. Let's just hope they understand that the most Biden can do is apply pressure to Netanyahu.
I believe he could, and should, put some conditions on receiving further aid, but only the Israelis can get rid of Netanyahu. He is the disaster lurking at the center of this whole nightmare.
He's been applying some pressure, but the major media outlets haven't talked about how he's slowed some aid to Israel down including material support like some forms of technology. As BeauoftheFifthColumn has mentioned, all of our alliances are about power. This is no exception.
I agree and understand that part of this confusion is caused by the inept media. What the Michigan protesters don’t seem to grasp is that Israel is our major ally in that region, and there’s no way that the US and Israel are parting ways because this madman, Netanyahu, happens to be in office. He will eventually be gone. People who say they are not voting for Biden over this issue are simply showing their ignorance and putting all the rest of us in danger. International relations aren’t a child’s board game; this is serious business that takes time.
"... this is serious business that takes time." And serious people who know what they are doing, what they can and cannot do, and where the bodies are buried. Pressure points, incentives and disincentives, knowledge of history, relationships - these are the essence of diplomacy. Who you got that is better positioned and equipped for this job than Joseph R. Biden? - is the question I would ask of anyone who wants to sit this out, or worse, vote for... IDK - Jill Stein? Cornel West? RFK Jr.? or, you know - that effing guy...
I could not agree more.
That's not on the major media outlets. Whatever actions Biden did take, it is Biden's job to proclaim it loudly. And I will admit that Biden has responded to the pressure to some extent, just not anywhere near enough. Let's talk again when none of the bombs dropped on Gaza are US-made or have US components in them.
You are talking about people many of whom have lived through the history of that part of the world.
And, well, if you have doubts about the two-state solution, then let's not even talk about he one-state solution, because that would mean a minority-Jewish country. So what's your solution to solve this Gordian knot?
How on earth did you or anyone else on this thread get the notion that I had the solution from my comment on a Substack? That's hilarious. My comments are personal thoughts. I said so in the beginning of my comment.
Well, you did posit that the protesters might not know the history of the very region they came from, and you expressed opposition to the one solution that seems to be somewhat on the table. Opposition without offering a better alternative is not really productive.
This is isn't fundamentally a religious conflict, nor does it go back thousands of years. It's a remnant of European colonialism, from the era when then-Palestine was a British protectorate.
The people there are clearly sick and tired of the situation. Both sides want nothing more than to live in peace. I don't think people, except a few hotheads, even care any more whether it's one state or two state. That's usually the time when wars end, if only the politicians could get out of the way.
Jay, thank you for your bracing pragmatism. I have to say that the MSM had me a little panicked, but that’s because they don’t ferret out the BS the way you do. Go Biden!
BRILLIANT!! My physician thanks you for lowering my blood pressure!
This is encouraging. Thank you.
DON’T BE FOOLED
There is a key distinction between what Biden can do between now and November, AND, what Trump is likely incapable of doing because of the kind of person Trump is and the extremists who are advising him.
Republicans are diving headfirst into Wÿt Nationalism, Dominionist Evangelical Chrīśtían insanity, and FULL BLOWN FÅŚÇĪŠM
STOP VOTING REPUBLICAN
our local radio station reported last night acknowledgingthat votes for Haley were “never Trumpers”
I think the undecideds in Michigan show how great our democracy can be. They’re protesting, peacefully, a legitimate concern to a President who will listen.
It some are inflexible and their vote in November will be against Biden. Many have committed to this no matter what Biden does now. ‘It’s too late’ they claim
We have eight months to change their minds. Let us use every day of them.
Not so much "too late" as "we don't trust your words. Show us your deeds". Biden's outreach attempts are going to continue falling on deaf ears unless he enforces restrictions on military aid and holds Netanyahu accountable.