In my mind’s eye, I see Zelensky explaining to Vance and Trump that he negotiated a deal with Putin in 2019, and Putin didn’t fulfill his commitments.
Once Trump and the Republicans get what they want from Democrats, they’re going to do as they please, right? As it is now, the Republicans seem to be willing to relinquish the power of the purse. If they aren’t willing to enforce their Congressional role, any deal with them will be worthless. What am I missing?
My thought, too; they will lie and say they never agreed to anything of the sort, and the Extreme Court may very well stand behind Trump and his kleptocrats.
All these priorities help real American people not billionaires so republicans are never going to agree to any of this. And I don’t think either foxes or possums are good avatars. Democrats should be like pack wolves or clans of killer whales, banding to together to bring down the prey.
I’m retired now. My career was as a strategist helping companies win in highly competitive environments.
I’m a proud liberal. Clearly I did all of it ethically.
I can’t express how much the Dems need to formulate and execute effective strategies against the right. They have no freaking idea how to do this. They are too kind and too gentle. Although they say they fight for us, they have no idea how.
I mean they need to:
* determine the right’s intent
* their strategies
* their tactics
And then,
* formulate strong counterattacks
* get tough
* take the gloves off.
I am so tired of Schumer, Jeffries, the the rest of them who, figuratively, don’t know how to punch someone in the nose.
I hate to agree with being more like them, but it has been clear for a long time now that going high when they go low doesn’t work. We have to be smart, fearless and united. We have to attack and not always counterattack. We need a single news podcast to turn to for news we can trust. I have so many now that I can’t keep up at all. If they would group together more, like some have done, it would help. I like the monthly town hall meetings in every state on the same day. So much work to do!!
Dave, I completely agree with Jim Kessler and with you, aside from your description of Democratic leadership. I don't think they are "too kind and too gentle," I believe they are too weak, too frightened, too clueless, and too arrogant.
But, they also should have presented the key elements of their plan for keeping the government open in order to honor our commitments, and protect the American people. Jim Hess covered some critical points. So, did Ginny Hauser (below), who mentioned saving Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, firing Musk, and supporting Ukraine and NATO. Others mentioned no tax cuts. I don't know what should be covered, but it needs to be clear, Trump would need to sign off on it before the vote.
In an ideal world, our politicians would have started a peaceful protest that night, and invited the American people to join them, at least until the March 14th vote. Clearly, it was a pipe dream, but at least Democrats would have demonstrated that they were willing to put everything on the line to save our democracy, and protect our rights and liberties.
You're so welcome. I am devastated by what is happening. I have no confidence in our politicians, and don't understand what they are waiting for. They don't need the votes to develop a comprehensive strategy, only to implement it. But I don't see they are doing anything to combat Project 2025, which is unbelievably frightening, and a long-term commitment according to the Heritage Foundation CEO, Kevin Roberts. He said, "We will never stop."
Roberts, who is the architect of Project 2025 has said,"Project 2025 isn’t just ‘the conservative movement’ – it’s the Trump-Vance ticket’s playbook to gut checks and balances, ban abortion nationwide, and rig the economy for billionaires and big corporations on the backs of the middle class. Trump and Vance can’t run away from their Project 2025 agenda to take us backwards, and the American people will hold them accountable for their out-of-touch plans at the ballot box this November.”
And then Trump disregards the agreement? Then what? Have the SCOTUS uphold Trump's authority to impound funds? Dave is 100% right and his approach is the same as mine in my 40 year career as a trial lawyer involved in large dollar business disputes and litigation. ID the opponent's goals and intent, ID their strategy, their proofs and what connects with the court/jury then plan and execute your strategy. The Dems give the appearance of being clueless and scared, because they are both. See or read Claude Malhuret's speech for what the Dems should be saying and how it should be said. Compare it to Slotkin's rebuttal. Which one strokes your passion? Whose speech makes you want to follow the speaker into the crucible? Which one inspires you to action?
AND: NO tax cuts! ALL painful savings applied to reducing the deficit. Pain must be shared and THIS is the responsible route. Of course, they won't agree, but the American people need to know that WE are the responsible ones.
Your words in Democrats ears. Hey Democrats, are you ALL listening? You'd better not vote along to get along, like some of you in the Senate did on the confirmations of totally unfit tools of the orange felon.
I do think all of these points are valid and excellent conditions of a potential budget, BUT you have not mentioned anything about saving Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Those three programs must be saved without any cuts. And remove Musk from any government access. And do not give Musk any more government contracts. What about Ukraine and NATO? We really should not follow through with Trumps plans.
Sorry I don't trust them to play ball even with a fox. Ds have been like Charlie Brown when Lucy offers him the football to kick and then yanks it away every single time. I don't want possums or foxes. I want sharks to engage in a feeding frenzy.
It will be the attention of the American people to these details - whatever ultimately is chosen and presented - that will be critically important. If an agreement on the budget is reached, and then the terms are violated by Trump and the Republicans, this will be in full view of the public. There are a great many more of us than there are of them, if the chips go down. And there is great power in transparency.
The congressional Republicans are all in thrall to our dear leader, FFOTUS-PINO. No one can believe they will defy him even if they agree to demands by Democrats for guarantees in return for their support of "enforceable" conditions. The Democrats need to be leading in public with a loud and daily message, going on right-leaning media so the message is heard, and expecting to respond publicly to the attempted blow-back. Agreeing to Republican deals isn't going to accomplish anything useful.
This is an excellent suggestion! The Democrats and any intelligent Republicans, as well as Independanrs, of course, must stick together and stay strong!
The Dems should ask for a couple of GOP members to join their team by switching to independent and caucusing with them.
If they play possum, this might actually happen, since there are at least 2 left in the GOP House who voted to impeach and thus, could not have come from MAGA districts and I'm sure they could find more at least one more than that, if the GOP are under pressure from a shutdown.
Typically, I would agree with you, but this time the potential gain outweighs and added harm because if the Dems do not gain control, no one will stop Trump and he will keep doing severe damage.
If you think the GOP will otherwise enact Trump's massive tax cut bill, under pressure instead than sure, be the Fox.
However it is more likely that if they pass something that Trump will simply keep doing thighs though Musk, and it won't matter that the Dems helped.
They need to gain control - somehow - so sweeten the pot to flip a couple of these guys.
"They need to gain control - somehow - so sweeten the pot to flip a couple of these guys."
Then they need better policies than what they have been running on the past four years and get elected on those policies. Until the Dems figure that out they will simply be the opposition with neither leadership nor a game plan.
In my mind’s eye, I see Zelensky explaining to Vance and Trump that he negotiated a deal with Putin in 2019, and Putin didn’t fulfill his commitments.
Once Trump and the Republicans get what they want from Democrats, they’re going to do as they please, right? As it is now, the Republicans seem to be willing to relinquish the power of the purse. If they aren’t willing to enforce their Congressional role, any deal with them will be worthless. What am I missing?
They should spell out the consequences if Trump tries to renege on any deal
My thought, too; they will lie and say they never agreed to anything of the sort, and the Extreme Court may very well stand behind Trump and his kleptocrats.
My thoughts exactly and the reality of this immoral, transactional, authoritarian government. Democrats speak in platitudes while action is required.
Totally agree
All these priorities help real American people not billionaires so republicans are never going to agree to any of this. And I don’t think either foxes or possums are good avatars. Democrats should be like pack wolves or clans of killer whales, banding to together to bring down the prey.
Those orcas should especially target the Russian and American yachts.
I’m retired now. My career was as a strategist helping companies win in highly competitive environments.
I’m a proud liberal. Clearly I did all of it ethically.
I can’t express how much the Dems need to formulate and execute effective strategies against the right. They have no freaking idea how to do this. They are too kind and too gentle. Although they say they fight for us, they have no idea how.
I mean they need to:
* determine the right’s intent
* their strategies
* their tactics
And then,
* formulate strong counterattacks
* get tough
* take the gloves off.
I am so tired of Schumer, Jeffries, the the rest of them who, figuratively, don’t know how to punch someone in the nose.
I hate to agree with being more like them, but it has been clear for a long time now that going high when they go low doesn’t work. We have to be smart, fearless and united. We have to attack and not always counterattack. We need a single news podcast to turn to for news we can trust. I have so many now that I can’t keep up at all. If they would group together more, like some have done, it would help. I like the monthly town hall meetings in every state on the same day. So much work to do!!
Dave, I completely agree with Jim Kessler and with you, aside from your description of Democratic leadership. I don't think they are "too kind and too gentle," I believe they are too weak, too frightened, too clueless, and too arrogant.
I think Democrats should have boycotted Trump's speech, or walked out en mass and protested outside. And, yes, like Dragaknee suggests below, the rebuttal speech should have been like French Senator Claude Malhuert's speech. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/french-senator-speech-trump-ukraine-russia_n_67ca0a83e4b0404dff3019c7. (His was written for a French audience.)
But, they also should have presented the key elements of their plan for keeping the government open in order to honor our commitments, and protect the American people. Jim Hess covered some critical points. So, did Ginny Hauser (below), who mentioned saving Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, firing Musk, and supporting Ukraine and NATO. Others mentioned no tax cuts. I don't know what should be covered, but it needs to be clear, Trump would need to sign off on it before the vote.
In an ideal world, our politicians would have started a peaceful protest that night, and invited the American people to join them, at least until the March 14th vote. Clearly, it was a pipe dream, but at least Democrats would have demonstrated that they were willing to put everything on the line to save our democracy, and protect our rights and liberties.
Thoughtful and intelligent reply. Thanks so much.
You're so welcome. I am devastated by what is happening. I have no confidence in our politicians, and don't understand what they are waiting for. They don't need the votes to develop a comprehensive strategy, only to implement it. But I don't see they are doing anything to combat Project 2025, which is unbelievably frightening, and a long-term commitment according to the Heritage Foundation CEO, Kevin Roberts. He said, "We will never stop."
Roberts, who is the architect of Project 2025 has said,"Project 2025 isn’t just ‘the conservative movement’ – it’s the Trump-Vance ticket’s playbook to gut checks and balances, ban abortion nationwide, and rig the economy for billionaires and big corporations on the backs of the middle class. Trump and Vance can’t run away from their Project 2025 agenda to take us backwards, and the American people will hold them accountable for their out-of-touch plans at the ballot box this November.”
There is more, which you may not want to read because it's so depressing. But, this is a link from the DNC. https://democrats.org/news/new-project-2025-architect-kevin-roberts-says-project-2025-is-the-conservative-movement-and-were-never-going-to-stop/
If you read this and feel differently than I do, please let me know. If you don't want to read it, I completely understand.
Pretty depressing. Makes me even more angry.
The only way this would be acceptable is if it was renewable every 30 days so that if they don't comply, it's off.
I don't think this is about policy anymore.
Part of the proposal is guarantees that the money would be spent as directed, so yes, this or something similar.
And then Trump disregards the agreement? Then what? Have the SCOTUS uphold Trump's authority to impound funds? Dave is 100% right and his approach is the same as mine in my 40 year career as a trial lawyer involved in large dollar business disputes and litigation. ID the opponent's goals and intent, ID their strategy, their proofs and what connects with the court/jury then plan and execute your strategy. The Dems give the appearance of being clueless and scared, because they are both. See or read Claude Malhuret's speech for what the Dems should be saying and how it should be said. Compare it to Slotkin's rebuttal. Which one strokes your passion? Whose speech makes you want to follow the speaker into the crucible? Which one inspires you to action?
They have no integrity. No honor.
The only acceptable condition is if Trump, Musk and Vance are deported to Russia immediately and stay there.
I will gladly chip in the cover the airfare.
AND: NO tax cuts! ALL painful savings applied to reducing the deficit. Pain must be shared and THIS is the responsible route. Of course, they won't agree, but the American people need to know that WE are the responsible ones.
How about start with collecting ALL the taxes are owed and closing tax loopholes?
"AND: NO tax cuts!"
There should be both tax cuts and reduced spending. The "pain" needs to be felt by our bloated and inefficient federal government.
Play the double Fox: advise the GOP that support is contingent on passing last year's bipartisan immigration bill.
That's it.
Your words in Democrats ears. Hey Democrats, are you ALL listening? You'd better not vote along to get along, like some of you in the Senate did on the confirmations of totally unfit tools of the orange felon.
I do think all of these points are valid and excellent conditions of a potential budget, BUT you have not mentioned anything about saving Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Those three programs must be saved without any cuts. And remove Musk from any government access. And do not give Musk any more government contracts. What about Ukraine and NATO? We really should not follow through with Trumps plans.
They should also demand support for Ukraine.
Sorry I don't trust them to play ball even with a fox. Ds have been like Charlie Brown when Lucy offers him the football to kick and then yanks it away every single time. I don't want possums or foxes. I want sharks to engage in a feeding frenzy.
It will be the attention of the American people to these details - whatever ultimately is chosen and presented - that will be critically important. If an agreement on the budget is reached, and then the terms are violated by Trump and the Republicans, this will be in full view of the public. There are a great many more of us than there are of them, if the chips go down. And there is great power in transparency.
The congressional Republicans are all in thrall to our dear leader, FFOTUS-PINO. No one can believe they will defy him even if they agree to demands by Democrats for guarantees in return for their support of "enforceable" conditions. The Democrats need to be leading in public with a loud and daily message, going on right-leaning media so the message is heard, and expecting to respond publicly to the attempted blow-back. Agreeing to Republican deals isn't going to accomplish anything useful.
This is an excellent suggestion! The Democrats and any intelligent Republicans, as well as Independanrs, of course, must stick together and stay strong!
The Dems should ask for a couple of GOP members to join their team by switching to independent and caucusing with them.
If they play possum, this might actually happen, since there are at least 2 left in the GOP House who voted to impeach and thus, could not have come from MAGA districts and I'm sure they could find more at least one more than that, if the GOP are under pressure from a shutdown.
Typically, I would agree with you, but this time the potential gain outweighs and added harm because if the Dems do not gain control, no one will stop Trump and he will keep doing severe damage.
If you think the GOP will otherwise enact Trump's massive tax cut bill, under pressure instead than sure, be the Fox.
However it is more likely that if they pass something that Trump will simply keep doing thighs though Musk, and it won't matter that the Dems helped.
They need to gain control - somehow - so sweeten the pot to flip a couple of these guys.
"They need to gain control - somehow - so sweeten the pot to flip a couple of these guys."
Then they need better policies than what they have been running on the past four years and get elected on those policies. Until the Dems figure that out they will simply be the opposition with neither leadership nor a game plan.
Excellent! Now who let's the Democratic Congress men and women know?