287 Comments
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Anne Smith's avatar

Everything you describe in this is spot on, but I'm deeply concerned that the administration, their allies in congress and the Supreme Court already have a plan to derail the next election.

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Marliss Desens's avatar

Which is why Marc Elias and Democracy Docket, as well as other voting rights organizations have been fighting to make sure they don't.

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Christine's avatar

Unfortunately, it may take more than voting rights organizations. It may require our own form of "military", because make no mistake, Homan will have his goons out there pulling people out of line.

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Robot Bender's avatar

I'm expecting far more than just that coming soon.

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NanceeM's avatar

Democrats have Marc Elias. Republicans have an army of dedicated activists who have been working for years to suppress votes and challenge election results. The maneuvering has become so extreme that there are currently schemes to do off-cycle redistricting to enhance already-egregious gerrymandering, to produce even more unbalanced, partisan outcomes.

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Marliss Desens's avatar

Democrats are building an activist army to oppose voter suppression. We need to raise awareness. Other groups, such as NAACP and the ACLU are also fighting voter suppression. We need to spread awareness.

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Dawn H-J's avatar

This is what I keep yelling at the television! Stop fighting about Medicaid and hospitals and point out that democracy is over if this bill passes. Surely there are some Republicans left who respect the constitution?

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Ellie Alive In 25's avatar

I haven't seen a lot of evidence of that - not in many years.

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Nick's avatar

Especially not the six Christian Nationalists on the Supreme Court and a very large majority of GOP Congressional members.

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SBwrites's avatar

I don't believe there are any Republicans who care enough to block this. We only need three or four more (given Fetterman's position), to state they are not running for reelection, to stop this.

Late last week, there were 16 Republicans who wrote Trump a letter saying they wouldn't support the bill because of Medicaid and SNAP. He or his minions privately met with them, and they all fell into place. Like Murkowski, they were all promised enough small changes or favors for their state, that they folded.

What should have happened at the same time, was that Democratic leadership should have called union leadership, activist groups, and been in touch with every single Democratic governor, and there should have been a nation-wide strike that started last week, and non-stop protests to stop this.

Instead, Congressional Democrats continue to make speeches. Even the best ones...like Sheldon Whitehouse's, and Bernie Sanders, weren't effective. They should have known it wouldn't convince Congressional Republicans. They needed to speak to the American people. It's not too late. This bill has to go back to the House.

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Dawn H-J's avatar

I hope it's not too late. If every person who came out to protest, called their representative maybe?

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Robot Bender's avatar

Coward Hawley's my "representative." He fought for a while, knowing the Big Bullshit Bill will be devastating to his constituents. He finally fell in line, though. He ran from the J6 rioters and now his constituents. He should be dead meat come the elections.

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Nick's avatar

Hawley's not up until 2030. IF there are any elections beyond 2025, he's not worried.

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SBwrites's avatar

Hawley is such a jerk, and I live across the country. After he gave a fist-bump to the Insurrectionists, and then ran away from them, and it even was broadcast in the J6 Select Committee hearings, I was sure he'd lose the next election. And, when I saw Kunce's first advertisement, and Hawley was running away in that, I even was more sure. Since then, I wondered why Kunce lost, but when I read that Peter Thiel supported Hawley, I figured it was all about money. Was it?

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Robot Bender's avatar

He plays well with the voters in SW MO. He reminds me of a slick evangelical tent preacher. Springfield is the world headquarters for the Assembly of God church. There are at least two Bible colleges in this town that I know of. He fits right in that universe.

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Christine's avatar

I live in a Blue state. My senators didn't vote for the bill. My vote or complaining to a Republican Senator does nothing. They don't care. Full stop, end of sentence.

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Dawn H-J's avatar

Would your senator be able to raise the alarm about the part of the bill that gives all power to the president?

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Christine's avatar

My Senator is Elizabeth Warren and she has been raising the alarm of this administration since it first started. Trump calls her Pocahontas, because she is part Native American. I don't know what Democratic Senators from other states have been saying or how they have tried to demonize this bill.

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Ellie Alive In 25's avatar

It seems they all give in to the vulgarian's extortion. Makes me wonder what a few Republicans of yore would do under this regime. I do remember when some of them did have a conscience and a spine - even if they were planning on running again.

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SBwrites's avatar

Ellie, I replied to you elsewhere. I just don't know where it is!

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NanceeM's avatar

And unions are not a unified front of support for Democrats.

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SBwrites's avatar

Maybe, they are now that Republicans brought up a bill to ban unions. I can’t seem to link to it, but it was on March 17, 2025.

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NanceeM's avatar

I've seen too many photo ops in front of grinning union members to hope for an awakening. He's lied to them just as he has everyone else, but it never seems to sink in.

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SBwrites's avatar

Well, we know he's a moron, and anyone believes him is too. I try not to think about how dumb people are, because I find it so depressing. My late husband's relatives were Trump voters, so we never talked about politics, because if they had said what they truly felt, we couldn't have spent any time with them. He and I both knew it was about racism, and didn't discuss it with them. Once he died, I stopped seeing them.

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Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

Trouble is, "democracy" is a big honking abstraction. It's been sliding downhill for more than half my lifetime. (I'm being charitable and counting from the onset of the Reagan administration.) So many USians have little to no idea of what the government even does. Likewise, they don't know what's in the Constitution or why it's important. Now is not the best time to start educating them -- but OTOH it's as good a time as any.

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Nick's avatar

Wait, our Secretary of Homeland Security knows what's in the Constitution. She told those listening on live TV, Habeas Corpus is the Constitutional right of the President to throw people in jail.

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NanceeM's avatar

And deport them.

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NanceeM's avatar

Nope. There's (sadly) no evidence that voters are more responsive to arguments about abstract concepts like democracy than to concrete policies that might impact their lives in a relatable way. It's one of the biggest messaging challenges for Democrats.

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JVG's avatar

Only when they win. They refused to hold Trump responsible for attacking their workplace and trying to overthrow his 2020 election. Do not put any hope in their patriotism or courage.

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Margaret's avatar

I agree. Why should they worry about voters' opinions if the vote is rigged? They have to be assuming that the next election won't matter for them.

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Nick's avatar

It won't be rigged. The Felon will declare Martial Law. With the full support of the six Christian Nationalists on the Supreme Court and GOP Congressional members the Felon is making the United States an authoritarian theocracy, with the Felon as the leader and the American oligarchs running the Country.

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Margaret's avatar

Okay, could go that way too. In the end, our votes won’t be respected or even happen again.

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DS's avatar

I share your concern. Jen’s right that 2026 is shaping up to be a very consequential election, with the GOP looking to be shellacked. However, both election subversion and post-election “stop the steal” lies from Trump will be a challenge.

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Hal's avatar

"...but I'm deeply concerned that the administration, their allies in congress and the Supreme Court already have a plan to derail the next election."

Maybe this will clear things up:

"Bad Sign? Trump Shoots Lightning from His Fingertips While Screaming ‘Unlimited Power!’ After Latest SCOTUS Ruling"

https://babylonbee.com/news/bad-sign-trump-shoots-lightning-from-his-finger-tips-while-screaming-unlimited-power-after-latest-scotus-ruling

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Lois W. Halbert's avatar

A lot of people out there think Musk derailed this last election. I not rich but I'm selling whatever I can to give to Democrats from this point on.

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Jim Carmichael's avatar

Bad times ahead, and no miracles insight. Keep showing up, bear witness, raise hell. Thanks, Jen!

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

The Trump plan -- Marshal law and no more elections.

What's needed is 4 senate Republicans to step up today.

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Kathleen M. Eisenhauer's avatar

I believe you are correct. Never give up speaking the truth!!!!!

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Steve 218's avatar

"Martial law" but agree otherwise.

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Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

Right you are, but it's not hard to see why "martial" and "marshal" get mixed up. <g>

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Steve 218's avatar

Really?

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Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

Sure. They're homonyms (they sound alike) and they've both got strong connections to war, authority, the military or paramilitary. Take the common phrase "martial law," which might be the most common use of "martial." If one hears it as "marshal law" -- law enforcement is in charge -- it makes perfect sense.

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Cherae Stone's avatar

Yes. And good luck with that.

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Phyllis Logan's avatar

Ernst - "Well, we're all going to die." McConnell - "They'll get over it." - callous and cold words to the millions who will be losing their healthcare coverage. Come mid-terms we will make these words come back to bite them.

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Tim Matchette's avatar

Absolutely Phyllis!!

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Robot Bender's avatar

You go first, Joni.

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Elizabeth Horton's avatar

We need to all raise hell.

We need a monster march in DC and every major city in America.

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Christine's avatar

We need more than that. Trump and Co doesn't care about marches. He'll find a way to assuage his ego, like bomb some other country, then lie about the damage.

The real culprit here is Stephen Miller and Russell Vought. Vought and the other members of the Cabinet wrote Project 2025. Even if Trump, dies, they will try to see it confirmed. So that means we have to get rid of all of them.

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Elizabeth Horton's avatar

He says he doesn't care about the marches. Just another lie. He thrives on praise.

He didn't get that from daddy. We need to let him know he's hated.

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jan siders's avatar

Totally agree with all of your comments and threads. I am honored to be an on-line colleague! You know what is true and what is not. You give me some hope. Terry Moran, of ABC, lost his long time job because he spoke the TRUTH about Stephen Miller. Truth is a non-entity in authoritarianism, under which we are now living. And the truth about future elections?…I firmly believe the present regime under Project 2025 now knows how to totally rig the next elections. Trump was telling a truth when he said “vote for me now and you’ll never have to vote again.”

Hang tight together! Don’t give an inch. Give of your time and treasure to those who are capable and honest. Bless each one of you, because as Joyce Vance says, we’re all in this together!

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Robot Bender's avatar

National strike ASAP. Stop everything.

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Mike Bechler's avatar

I have said consistently that the only hope to slow the massive destruction is for enough Republican congress members to vote against the Trump agenda to stop it from advancing. It seems like it is always just one or two who do it, leading to a 51-49 win for Trump. Us regular citizens can squawk all we want, but it doesn't change enough congress members' minds to affect the outcome.

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Lois W. Halbert's avatar

Yes

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It's Come To This's avatar

A special shout-out to the Senate's newest member of the "concerned" crowd -- Lisa Murkowski, who wandered all over the Senate floor Friday night pimping herself out to whoever was buying, offering her support to bring the Big Ugly Piece of Financial Slop up for debate in return for a little graft, a little slop, a little corruption, a little scratch-my-back here.

But the Senate Parliamentarian said no. So sad Lisa Lisa (apologies to Cat Stevens) just sold herself out for diddly. An "independent" voice hers: about as independent as an organ grinder's monkey.

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

Can't give up on her. Call. Email.

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It's Come To This's avatar

I think that ship already sailed sometime ago.

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Phyllis Logan's avatar

A ginormous Bravo to Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough - NO, no way, not on my watch.

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It's Come To This's avatar

She stopped a lot of Republican bullshit right at the door, before it could march into the Senate. Why are you mad at her?

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Phyllis Logan's avatar

I am congratulating her for correctly removing passages from the bill that the Republicans tried to sneak in.

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Mary Ann Brown's avatar

Ha!!

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Tim Matchette's avatar

Right on. All Lisa wants now is to hawk her book. Yes, I looked up hypocrisy and there was a picture of Lisa.

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Amanda C. Sandos's avatar

This all once again supposes they are going to allow us to vote again. I don’t think that is their end game. Their end game is to make us all their serfs once more and keep us poor and unable to fight back, while they take the power and keep it for as long as possible. Voting in another election is just another of our rights they intend to take away. It’s coming. And I blame every single Republican at this point. They should all be tried for Treason.

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Marliss Desens's avatar

It is not in the Republicans say-so whether we vote again. If you are worried, then support organizations, like Democracy Docket, that are working to preserve free and fair elections.

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Amanda C. Sandos's avatar

Not alone but we have them backing an actual dictator. I just think people are being too cavalier about the idea that there will be another fair election. I sure hope there is but I will be surprised. Republicans were not supposed to be able to go against the Constitution yet here we are. And I already support organizations to fight for this. Thanks for your response.

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Marliss Desens's avatar

I recognize the danger, which is why I support organizations fighting for voting rights. I am well aware that voting rights ALWAYS need to be protected.

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Amanda C. Sandos's avatar

Amen. Glad to hear it!

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Dawn H-J's avatar

From what I understand, if this bill passes, none of those organizations will have any clout. All power will be with 47, there will be no fear for Republicans losing in the Midterms because they will be controlled by this Bill.

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Marliss Desens's avatar

Be specific, please, as to what provisions.

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Kathy Sowers's avatar

I wondered exactly the same thing in my comment before I read all the comments. I'm not paranoid, but I put NOTHING past this regime!

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Amanda C. Sandos's avatar

Oh people have been telling me I’m paranoid about losing our bodily rights again and here we are. Also that I was being paranoid by saying the orange menace wants to be dictator and will not follow the constitution and here we are. I am beyond worrying about people calling me paranoid now and wondering when everyone will stop assuming they will get to keep their privileges and rights if they aren’t 1%ers.

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Christine's avatar

I think it might be time to get paranoid.

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Lady Jane's avatar

Unfortunately I am not at all confident that we will have a free and fair election in 2026. This administration is rapidly moving towards authoritarianism. I pray I am wrong!

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Marliss Desens's avatar

My word, the doomsayers are all over the start of the comments this morning.

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Dawn H-J's avatar

Do you have time to read the big b---- bill? Because from what I am reading, your voting rights are under threat in it.

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Marliss Desens's avatar

While my voting rights may be under threat, a threat can be defeated by taking action.

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patricia's avatar

actually, isn't it time we admit America's situation has gotten worse...

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Marliss Desens's avatar

Yes, the situation is worse, but that is no reason to stop fighting and to wallow in despair.

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Joan (CA)'s avatar

About the possibility that Trump can cancel elections in 2026, here’s an answer: https://g.co/kgs/rhqAcze. I would add that the states control elections. The Secretary of State in each state sends information to the voters and announces the results. I don’t think the Secretary of State in California is going to announce that the 2026 election has been canceled. Also, it would mean that the House of Representatives would be vacant in 2027 (since terms expire).

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Dawn H-J's avatar

You are not wrong.

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John Hornik's avatar

Susan Collins fell in line. I'm shocked! Just shocked.

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Katherine P Duncan's avatar

But she was 'deeply concerned' I'm sure. Hahahahaha.

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

Can't give up. Call her anyway. She voted to impeach Trump as #45.

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Nadine Bangerter's avatar

Because her vote didn't matter.

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Katherine P Duncan's avatar

Nope, we'll not give up.

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Robot Bender's avatar

Clutching her pearls, no doubt.

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It's Come To This's avatar

She had a serious heart-to-heart with all of her Lean Cuisine dinner choices. It was a close call but Lean Cuisine won out. She's back with the program now.

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Jack Kimbell (John)'s avatar

She and the other GOP complainers always fall in line...

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Mary Ann Brown's avatar

LOL.

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Katie Kng's avatar

No guarantee there will be any future elections

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Marliss Desens's avatar

There won't be if people give up in advance and don't work to make sure that we do have free and fair elections. Support groups working for voting and election rights.

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Kathleen M. Eisenhauer's avatar

ACLU stands for American human rights issues

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Guy Cabell's avatar

Actually, the President can save the Republican Senators from the voters. He can declare martial law, cancel the elections, put the military in the streets, and say that all Senators and representatives shall maintain their seats until the Emergency is over. No one should count on next year's elections to save us. Only the Grim Reaper can help.

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Marliss Desens's avatar

What is this gloom and doom that has descended upon the comments section this morning? Buck up, people.

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Steve 218's avatar

Is it doom and gloom or finally a realisation that we've hit a major point in the dissolution of democracy? People get tired of losing rights and will fight back.

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patricia's avatar

it's called reality

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Marliss Desens's avatar

It's called giving up and obeying in advance.

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patricia's avatar

it's called knowing what you're up against and acting accordingly...

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Kathy Sowers's avatar

I agree. I believe NOTHING trump says (i.e. "I'm not running for election again." Liar liar pants on fire, I remember "Dear Christians, don't worry, you'll never have to vote again.") I just want to be lining up with whoever is already pushing back and getting ready for whatever the next administration pull-the-rug-out-from-under-the-citizens move is.

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patricia's avatar

I see you have more of a right to this country than any MAGGOT !

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patricia's avatar

we need to see that letters and phone calls ain't doin' it

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marcia navajas's avatar

And even the Grim Reaper won’t help. Who do you think is running this country? Trump is a figurehead for the rabble MAGATS, although a figurehead that can do a lot of damage in his own right. Steven Miller, Russel Vought, Vance, Thiel - when Trump’s gone they and others at the Heritage Foundation and SCOTUS will still be here.

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Punkette's avatar

Guy, my fear is Dump will do what you wrote - the first three steps - and then abolish Congress altogether. After they ram through his monstrous bill, he won’t need them anymore. That’s why he put all his eggs in one basket, aka “The One Big Beautiful Bill.”

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It's Come To This's avatar

Thom Tillis got taken to the woodshed for daring to stand up for his own state (weakly). You can imagine the furious words. 'How DARE anyone oppose My Great, Big, Beautiful Pile of Whatever the Hell it Is? Who do you think you are, a Senator?' Had to promise to resign next year essentially.

But don't buy the magic diet pills. They ALL know it's a pile of slop on a shingle. Every last one. But they want their widdle seats in Congwess, and Daddy said he'd do MEAN tings to dem if day didn't get in line.

Make them pay. Through the nose. The die is cast....

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Steve 218's avatar

"But they want their widdle seats in Congwess, and Daddy said he'd do MEAN tings to dem if day didn't get in line."

If they aren't careful, the voters who have had enough may well have the last word. They may be out on their keisters anyway.

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Kathy Sowers's avatar

They will be, regardless. Out by trump primary or out by voter primary. trump primary would be the honorable way, it means they stood up. Voter primary puts them on the forever-wall-of-shame because WE kicked their sorry selves out for complicity with the regime.

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Roger Fradenburgh's avatar

I can think of few Senators more deserving of a kick in her mild-mannered derriere, and out the door, than perpetually "concerned" Susan Collins.

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Kathy Sowers's avatar

I'm sick to death of the word "concerned". Damn! If you're in the middle of a house on fire saying you're "concerned" rather than running for your life, no chance of survival there. Bye bye, Collins.

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Wendyl's avatar

Question: if the bill passes now, can we defeat it with new bills in 2029? End the tax cuts? Restore Medicaid etc?

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Steve 218's avatar

Yes, if we can flip the majority in Congress first.

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Wendyl's avatar

Really? Oh thanks! We must flip.

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Stephen Brady's avatar

Folks - write your Congress Critters, today. Call them, even if the rethug ones don't acknowledge you, let them know what you think. At least it will be entertaining to watch them squirm before the 2026 election for this awful deliberate, self-inflicted wound on our Body Politic.

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LiverpoolFCfan's avatar

The real test is for MAGA voters. They love their cult leader unconditionally. They accept every lie, every hyperbolic exaggeration, every crumb he casts their way.

Once they are forced to recognize that he has used them, has abused their trust, and has nothing but contempt in his "heart" for them, maybe their brain fog will clear.

I have high but guarded hope that they will turn against him, and will encourage their friends and neighbors to do so as well.

MAGA will not disappear, but it may fracture irreversibly.

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patricia's avatar

I would love to see them climbing all over the white house breaking windows...pooping in the now concrete rose garden

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Thea's avatar

Won't happen. They are in up to & including their deaths .

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patricia's avatar

true ...when their dreams of wealth equality die...they will blame jdvance for making trump do it

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Joan (CA)'s avatar

Well, we have to let them know that their Republican reps eliminated their healthcare etc.!

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patricia's avatar

they will know that soon enough...

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Patricia Clark's avatar

Unfortunately the passage of this bill will already have started devastating our country by 2026!

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patricia's avatar

GOOD, moron MAGAS need to see their orange jesus has no clothes, and now neither do they...

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patricia's avatar

nor will they have any $ to buy some...

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Robot Bender's avatar

Or medical care, or food, or...

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Nadine Bangerter's avatar

The cruelty of this bill is obscene and immoral. Anyone who votes for it is telling us exactly who they are. A yes vote is clear - wealthy Americans are the only Americans that count. It's called an oligarchy.

I am a constituent of Susan Collins. She is either a MAGA Republican, is controlled by someone (McConnell?) or she isn't very smart. None of those positions considers her constituents, of which 94% are neither millionaires or billionaires (Maine has 1).

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Barbara Grinell's avatar

The bill is monstrous.

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