Congressman Jim Himes and Jen Rubin discuss the Republican-controlled Congress bowing down to the Executive, the worsening impacts of MAGA on the American population, the US-Russia relationship, and more.
I just watched Trump and Vance bully Zelenzkyy on national television. Then, when a reporter asked Trump what would happen if Putin breaks a cease fire agreement.
Here's what Trump said:
“What if anything? What if a bomb drops on your head right now? What if they break it? I don’t know, they broke it with [former US President Joe] Biden, because Biden... [Russia doesn’t] respect him. They didn’t respect [former US President Barrack] Obama,” Trump said.
“They respect me,” Trump added.
Trump then went on to say that “[Russian leader Vladimir] Putin went through a hell of a lot with [him].”
“Let me tell you, Putin went through a hell of a lot with me, he went through a phony witchhunt, when they used him and Russia… Russia Russia Russia. You ever hear [sic] of that deal? That was a phony Hunter Biden, Joe Biden scam,” Trump said, referring to the Russian interference during the 2016 elections.
Trump said the allegations were a “scam” that Putin “had to put up with.”
Trump added that perhaps Putin “might’ve broken deals” with other US presidents, but he “didn’t break’em with [him].”
“[Putin] wants to make a deal. I don’t know if he can make a deal. The problem is, I’ve empowered you [Zelensky] to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States. Your people are very brave,” Trump said.
Zelensky said a quiet “thank you” after the last remark.
“But you either gotta make a deal, or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s gonna be pretty, but you’ll fight it out. But you don’t have the cards, but once we sign that deal, you’re in a much better position, but you’re not acting at all thankful,” Trump added.
I'm angry and ashamed to be an American, right now.
Article 1 of the Constitution makes Congress responsible for checks on the Executive. Members of both houses are responsible for taking action, regardless of political party. Democrats are whining that they are helpless, because they are in the minority of both houses of Congress and choose to sit on their hands, call for the public to act through demonstrations and calls to their representatives. These representatives are not providing sufficient leadership in protecting our government and democracy. Every representative and senator should hold townhall meetings for all to express their concerns and outrage at the behavior of our government. This would provide focus for people to speak out and for the media to report on the event, publicizing concerns within and beyond the borders of the state and congressional district. Representatives should encourage both constituents and other attendees how change could be accomplished with a little inter-party cooperation on key votes, not waiting for the next election and not throwing up their hands helplessly and saying they can do nothing.
The brutal campaign of 2024 is what won the election. As a resident of PA, I would see the ads and think they were repulsive, but I also acknowledged that they were drawing attention. Lies or not. Right now we have a Republican House and Senate. The Democrats do not have the power, but they have a voice. The idea of we go high as they go low is admirable, but doesn't seem to be working. The voices have to get louder. They don't have to lie, because they have a lot of "ruthless" material to work with. They have to be strong and get into these areas where people will be super affected, and do what the Republicans do, repeat it over and over in visible and stark terms. That's how the Republicans took control. How many Republicans do you know who said, "I don't like what comes out of his mouth, but I'm going to vote for him."? Lots. Only because they were affected by what was being said and what they saw, over and over.
I am haunted by Jim Himes' insight early on in this interview when he observes that there has been an enormous lost opportunity right now. Instead of ripping at agencies (many of which it does not appear he fully understood), Musk could have gone the route of upgrading: constructive reorganizing! Careful, thoughtful work which would have been a win-win for everyone involved. Instead, we have this - chaotic wreckage of important programs. What a sad waste of a possible moment of good change.
I'd say all the blame lies with the Republican's. They have had numerous opportunities to put an end to Trump (since impeachment #1), but they are all spineless enablers, sycophants or just as evil as Trump. I personally think they're all 100% on board with this agenda. So, why blame the Democrats just because they lost the battle with the corrupt lying bully and couldn't sway enough of ignorant and oblivious voters that were "just voting for the policy".
I just watched Trump and Vance bully Zelenzkyy on national television. Then, when a reporter asked Trump what would happen if Putin breaks a cease fire agreement.
Here's what Trump said:
“What if anything? What if a bomb drops on your head right now? What if they break it? I don’t know, they broke it with [former US President Joe] Biden, because Biden... [Russia doesn’t] respect him. They didn’t respect [former US President Barrack] Obama,” Trump said.
“They respect me,” Trump added.
Trump then went on to say that “[Russian leader Vladimir] Putin went through a hell of a lot with [him].”
“Let me tell you, Putin went through a hell of a lot with me, he went through a phony witchhunt, when they used him and Russia… Russia Russia Russia. You ever hear [sic] of that deal? That was a phony Hunter Biden, Joe Biden scam,” Trump said, referring to the Russian interference during the 2016 elections.
Trump said the allegations were a “scam” that Putin “had to put up with.”
Trump added that perhaps Putin “might’ve broken deals” with other US presidents, but he “didn’t break’em with [him].”
“[Putin] wants to make a deal. I don’t know if he can make a deal. The problem is, I’ve empowered you [Zelensky] to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States. Your people are very brave,” Trump said.
Zelensky said a quiet “thank you” after the last remark.
“But you either gotta make a deal, or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s gonna be pretty, but you’ll fight it out. But you don’t have the cards, but once we sign that deal, you’re in a much better position, but you’re not acting at all thankful,” Trump added.
I'm angry and ashamed to be an American, right now.
Article 1 of the Constitution makes Congress responsible for checks on the Executive. Members of both houses are responsible for taking action, regardless of political party. Democrats are whining that they are helpless, because they are in the minority of both houses of Congress and choose to sit on their hands, call for the public to act through demonstrations and calls to their representatives. These representatives are not providing sufficient leadership in protecting our government and democracy. Every representative and senator should hold townhall meetings for all to express their concerns and outrage at the behavior of our government. This would provide focus for people to speak out and for the media to report on the event, publicizing concerns within and beyond the borders of the state and congressional district. Representatives should encourage both constituents and other attendees how change could be accomplished with a little inter-party cooperation on key votes, not waiting for the next election and not throwing up their hands helplessly and saying they can do nothing.
The brutal campaign of 2024 is what won the election. As a resident of PA, I would see the ads and think they were repulsive, but I also acknowledged that they were drawing attention. Lies or not. Right now we have a Republican House and Senate. The Democrats do not have the power, but they have a voice. The idea of we go high as they go low is admirable, but doesn't seem to be working. The voices have to get louder. They don't have to lie, because they have a lot of "ruthless" material to work with. They have to be strong and get into these areas where people will be super affected, and do what the Republicans do, repeat it over and over in visible and stark terms. That's how the Republicans took control. How many Republicans do you know who said, "I don't like what comes out of his mouth, but I'm going to vote for him."? Lots. Only because they were affected by what was being said and what they saw, over and over.
18 eggs in Kirkland, Washington - $28.99
Why did you, Mr Hines, vote to censure Al Green! Forget protocol, it is time for resistance that all the nation can see. Democrats must be united!!
I am haunted by Jim Himes' insight early on in this interview when he observes that there has been an enormous lost opportunity right now. Instead of ripping at agencies (many of which it does not appear he fully understood), Musk could have gone the route of upgrading: constructive reorganizing! Careful, thoughtful work which would have been a win-win for everyone involved. Instead, we have this - chaotic wreckage of important programs. What a sad waste of a possible moment of good change.
I'd say all the blame lies with the Republican's. They have had numerous opportunities to put an end to Trump (since impeachment #1), but they are all spineless enablers, sycophants or just as evil as Trump. I personally think they're all 100% on board with this agenda. So, why blame the Democrats just because they lost the battle with the corrupt lying bully and couldn't sway enough of ignorant and oblivious voters that were "just voting for the policy".