Gas Bandit's Political Thread V: The Vampire Likes Bats
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The Democrats are also really bad at messaging. Look at all the publications now claiming the Democrats leaned too hard into "woke ideology" and that lost them the election. Did they actually campaign on anything even remotely "woke?" No, their actual campaigning was liberal bs trying to appeal to Republicans, the woke ideology was a narrative put out by Republicans and never addressed. Sure, it's hard to address facts when your opponent spews nothing but lies, but saying absolutely nothing isn't a solid strategy
GasBandit
Staff member
That seems more like a media control issue than a party messaging issue.
Kinda sucks though that our only 2 choices seem to be government-run media or media-run government.
GasBandit
Staff member
The election in america and the results is taking all the spotlight and for good reasons. I don't know how much it is in the news anywhere else but last week the german government collapsed. Today it's announced we may have new elections on february 23 after the vote of confidence on december 16. If Scholz looses (most likely) president Steinmeier has to decide if he wants to desolve the parliment and call for new elections. To be honest not the best timing right now.
GasBandit
Staff member
Donald Trump warned not to pull out of Paris climate agreement—by the CEO of oil giant Exxon Mobil
A reversal of Biden's decision four years ago to return to the landmark U.N. climate agreement would create a harmful yo-yo effect for businesses that plan investments over the long term.
To be fair, the rep " establishment" clearly still hates Trump, which is why his VP once caled him Hitler.
He just made them his bitch by appealing to the voter base they've been fostering for decades.
Who knew that making a population that would be more willing to accept Nixon's crimes would lead to them accepting anything from a 2 bit conman with enough swagger.
He just made them his bitch by appealing to the voter base they've been fostering for decades.
Who knew that making a population that would be more willing to accept Nixon's crimes would lead to them accepting anything from a 2 bit conman with enough swagger.
Who knew that running 2 different systems would cost more then just paying a few % more for stuff in 1 system ...
Donald Trump warned not to pull out of Paris climate agreement—by the CEO of oil giant Exxon Mobil
A reversal of Biden's decision four years ago to return to the landmark U.N. climate agreement would create a harmful yo-yo effect for businesses that plan investments over the long term.fortune.com
GasBandit
Staff member
A New York judge postponed his decision on whether to dismiss Trump’s 34 felony convictions of orchestrating an illegal conspiracy to influence the 2016 presidential election by falsifying business records. Trump has argued that his return to the White House means the verdict should be set aside because the Supreme Court granted immunity to presidents for all official acts in office. Trump’s lawyers asked to throw out the case, saying it’s “necessary to avoid unconstitutional impediments to President Trump’s ability to govern.” Prosecutors said they needed time to assess the “unprecedented circumstances” of a convicted felon being elected president, including whether they want to keep the verdict intact and proceed with sentencing that is scheduled for Nov. 26. Justice Juan Merchan agreed to pause all proceedings until Nov. 19. The ruling is a win for Trump, the nation’s first former president to become a felon, and its first felon to become a president-elect. (New York Times / Washington Post / Politico / CBS News / Associated Press / The Guardian / NBC News / Axios)
The Supreme Court denied Mark Meadows’ request to move his Georgia election interference case to federal court. Meadows and Trump are among 19 people charged by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis with taking part in a scheme to violate state racketeering law. His lawyers argued that the case should be moved because he was acting as a “federal officer” at the time, but the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals turned away Meadows’s arguments, writing that the statute “does not apply to former federal officers, and even if it did, the events giving rise to this criminal action were not related to Meadows’s official duties.” (Bloomberg / Washington Post / NBC News / Axios / The Hill)
Trump appointed Mike Waltz as national security adviser, Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel, Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA, Kristi Noem as secretary of Homeland Security, Marco Rubio as secretary of state, and Steve Witkoff as special envoy to the Middle East. Waltz, known for his outspoken stance against China, has previously supported prolonged U.S. involvement in Afghanistan. Huckabee, a strong supporter of Israel, has publicly condemned Hamas as incapable of honorable negotiation. Zeldin opposed Biden’s 2022 climate law, while Rubio, a prominent foreign policy hawk, has advocated for strict policies on China, Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. Noem has faced scrutiny for recounting in a memoir that she once shot a family dog. (New York Times / CNN / Washington Post / ABC News / Axios / New York Times / Washington Post / Politico / NBC News / New York Times / Wall Street Journal / The Guardian)
Justice Samuel Alito intends to remain on the Supreme Court, dismissing speculation that he might step down to allow Trump to appoint a younger conservative successor. With a conservative 6-3 majority, some Republicans had hoped Alito, 74, or Justice Clarence Thomas, 76, would retire, securing long-term conservative influence. Person close to Alito, however, said: “Despite what some people may think, this is a man who has never thought about this job from a political perspective. The idea that he’s going to retire for political considerations is not consistent with who he is.” Justice Sonia Sotomayor, 70, the Court’s most senior liberal, also has no plans to retire, despite calls from some Democrats to consider stepping down while Democrats control the White House. (Wall Street Journal)
Dept. of Context and Consequence.
The Supreme Court denied Mark Meadows’ request to move his Georgia election interference case to federal court. Meadows and Trump are among 19 people charged by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis with taking part in a scheme to violate state racketeering law. His lawyers argued that the case should be moved because he was acting as a “federal officer” at the time, but the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals turned away Meadows’s arguments, writing that the statute “does not apply to former federal officers, and even if it did, the events giving rise to this criminal action were not related to Meadows’s official duties.” (Bloomberg / Washington Post / NBC News / Axios / The Hill)
Trump appointed Mike Waltz as national security adviser, Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel, Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA, Kristi Noem as secretary of Homeland Security, Marco Rubio as secretary of state, and Steve Witkoff as special envoy to the Middle East. Waltz, known for his outspoken stance against China, has previously supported prolonged U.S. involvement in Afghanistan. Huckabee, a strong supporter of Israel, has publicly condemned Hamas as incapable of honorable negotiation. Zeldin opposed Biden’s 2022 climate law, while Rubio, a prominent foreign policy hawk, has advocated for strict policies on China, Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. Noem has faced scrutiny for recounting in a memoir that she once shot a family dog. (New York Times / CNN / Washington Post / ABC News / Axios / New York Times / Washington Post / Politico / NBC News / New York Times / Wall Street Journal / The Guardian)
- Trump’s new appointments signal commitment to aggressive mass deportation policies. With appointments of hardline immigration figures Tom Homan as “border czar” and Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff, Trump has reinforced his intent to execute strict immigration policies, including mass deportation and possible military involvement in enforcement. Miller’s detailed plans outline widespread deportations using broad federal authority, while Homan’s track record aligns him with enforcement-driven immigration policy. The exclusion of former officials with traditional conservative values like Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo further suggests Trump’s readiness to bypass conventional institutional norms in favor of uncompromising policy implementation. (The Atlantic)
- Who’s in Trump’s new administration so far:
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
Mike Waltz, National Security Advisor
Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary
Elise Stefanik, UN Ambassador
Tom Homan, “Border Czar”
Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator
Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff
Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy
Mike Huckabee, Ambassador to Israel
Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East
- What’s at stake? The stakes are high for the principles of military neutrality and professional oversight that have guided U.S. defense policy for decades. Should the military’s highest ranks become politicized, it risks not only operational coherence but also its foundational values of duty and constitutional loyalty above partisan loyalty. The creation of this board may set a precedent that future administrations could expand upon, eroding the military’s nonpartisan role in society and its commitment to serving the Constitution rather than a specific leader. This potential shift threatens the stability and integrity of one of the nation’s most trusted institutions, with long-term implications for democratic governance and civilian-military relations.
Justice Samuel Alito intends to remain on the Supreme Court, dismissing speculation that he might step down to allow Trump to appoint a younger conservative successor. With a conservative 6-3 majority, some Republicans had hoped Alito, 74, or Justice Clarence Thomas, 76, would retire, securing long-term conservative influence. Person close to Alito, however, said: “Despite what some people may think, this is a man who has never thought about this job from a political perspective. The idea that he’s going to retire for political considerations is not consistent with who he is.” Justice Sonia Sotomayor, 70, the Court’s most senior liberal, also has no plans to retire, despite calls from some Democrats to consider stepping down while Democrats control the White House. (Wall Street Journal)
Dept. of Context and Consequence.
- Most Americans rely on friends, family, and the news media for 2024 election information, with notable divides across age, education, and political affiliation. A survey from the Civic Health and Institutions Project reveals that Americans’ primary sources of election information in 2024 are friends and family (29%) and the news media (26%), with significant variations by age, education, and political affiliation. Younger individuals and those with less education often turn to personal networks, while older and higher-income Americans prefer traditional media. Only a minority, 8%, cite local media as their main source, while 17% rely on national media, with Democrats more likely to use news media and Republicans favoring personal networks. Satisfaction with local political news is low, especially in rural areas, with higher satisfaction reported among urban residents, Black respondents, and Democrats. (Civic Health and Institutions Project)
- Media struggles to reach divided audiences as Trump wins 2024 election amid growing distrust. Despite extensive coverage of Trump’s campaign and policy proposals, his 2024 victory underscored the declining influence of traditional media, which faces challenges in reaching younger, fragmented audiences skeptical of perceived media bias. Media leaders acknowledge that Americans increasingly turn to nontraditional outlets and partisan influencers, revealing limitations in traditional news outlets’ ability to sway public opinion. Legacy media faces an economic and cultural crossroads, needing to adapt to maintain relevance as news consumption shifts further from traditional cable, newspaper, and broadcast sources. (Semafor)
- Trump’s 2024 win reflects voter discontent more than a clear endorsement of his policies. Trump’s recent victory in the 2024 election largely stems from voter frustration with the status quo, particularly on issues like the economy, rather than strong support for Trump himself. The election highlights a pattern of “negative polarization,” where many voters cast ballots in reaction against Biden rather than in support of Trump. The situation reflects broader disillusionment with both major parties, echoing historical examples where electoral choices resulted more from discontent with one party than enthusiasm for the other. (The Dispatch)
- Voters in three pro-Trump states support abortion rights, revealing complex views on personal liberties and candidate selection. Despite voting for Trump, Arizona, Missouri, and Montana also passed measures enshrining abortion rights in state constitutions, suggesting that many voters support reproductive rights but prioritize other issues like the economy or immigration in presidential races. Experts note that for some Trump supporters, voting on abortion directly allowed them to separate reproductive rights from broader conservative stances, highlighting nuanced perspectives that may reflect Trump’s shift to a “states’ rights” approach. Analysts point to a continuing national trend of bipartisan support for abortion access, even as conservative candidates gain electoral success. (Time)
- Trump’s narrow election win draws praise from Taliban and Russia, raising concerns about foreign influence and domestic conflicts in U.S. governance. Foreign actors, including Afghanistan’s Taliban and Russian ideologue Alexander Dugin, hailed Trump’s 2024 victory, each seeing it as an opportunity to reshape global dynamics against U.S.-led democratic ideals. Domestically, Trump’s apparent pivot away from traditional diplomatic channels, his close ties with Elon Musk, and growing influence within the Republican Party underscore shifts in governance style and internal GOP tensions. Meanwhile, Trump’s intent to pursue a hardline agenda faces obstacles, as recent elections reveal significant public support for policies like abortion rights and pathways to legal status for undocumented immigrants. (Heather Cox Richardson)
- Biden calls for unity, but MAGA movement’s resistance to “cooling the temperature” persists. In the wake of a Republican victory, Biden’s appeal for Americans to “bring down the temperature” contrasts sharply with the MAGA movement’s rhetoric and attitudes, which instead emphasize division and conflict. Conversations with Trump supporters and reflections on the recent Republican National Convention show a “unity” narrative among Republicans that mainly centers on enforcing conformity, while underlying tensions and hostility persist. Despite calls from Biden and figures like the Obamas for Americans to engage in good faith, the MAGA movement’s alignment with divisive strategies keeps political temperatures high, fueling ongoing polarization. (Salon)
- Trump’s second-term agenda promises stability but poses risks of radical disruption. Trump won reelection by appealing to voters seeking a return to pre-pandemic stability, but his second-term agenda includes sweeping and potentially destabilizing actions, like mass deportations, bureaucratic purges, and significant trade restrictions. Many of his supporters do not believe he will fully implement these extreme policies, pointing to past checks by government institutions that restrained his impulses. However, with a purged Republican caucus and a focus on loyalist staffing, Trump now faces fewer institutional constraints, raising the likelihood that he may pursue his promised—and more controversial—agenda. (The Atlantic)
I'd like to be able to dismiss this as the result of the actions of only a small number of billionaires, but the reality is that this is exactly the point--it IS a small number of billionaires, because being a billionaire means your desires and actions disproportionately influence an entire society's direction. I want to be able to look at something like this and say to myself, "Not all billionaires," but even though that statement IS technically true, the amount of influence one single (or perhaps even incel) billionaire exerts simply by existing is potentially dangerous enough that I'm beginning to think they need to be monitored and tracked the same way we track hurricanes, because we could attach just as much societal disruption or long-term lingering effects to the name of a billionaire as we could to the name of a tropical storm.
--Patrick
What, exactly, would they like them to "do about it"?
Republicans control both chambers - relatively comfortably. The federal courts were already packed with conservatives and that'll get even worse now. Most states have republican legislative chambers and/or governors.
The only thing a moderate or progressive can do at the moment is whine about it.
And maybe start gearing up for two years from now, but that won't be enough time for any of Trump's policies to start hurting his voters.
It's not like it's the 1st time.
'member when they wanted to do a nazi coup in the 1930s ?
A thought i just had:
Putin got exactly what he wanted: the destabilization of the United States.
Russia won.
Putin got exactly what he wanted: the destabilization of the United States.
Russia won.
Also Iran, Israel (oddly enough, yes, both), China, and a number of other countries who would prefer a destabilized West and a weaker Europe and America.
GasBandit
Staff member
1/ Trump named Matt Gaetz his pick as attorney general. Trump called Gaetz, once the subject of a Justice Department sex-trafficking investigation involving a 17-year-old girl, a “deeply gifted and tenacious attorney” who would end the “the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System.” Although Republicans will control the Senate, it unclear if Gaetz will have a path to confirmation. Trump, however, has suggested the idea of Congress going into recess so he could bypass the Senate confirmation process and install nominees. (New York Times / Associated Press / Wall Street Journal / NBC News / Politico / Bloomberg / CNBC)
2/ Trump named Fox News Host Pete Hegseth his choice for secretary of defense and John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA. Trump also tapped Tulsi Gabbard to serve as the director of national intelligence. Gabbard has been accused of spreading “actual Russian propaganda,” being a “Russian asset,” and condemned as a “traitor” by both Republicans and Democrats. Hegseth, a co-host of “Fox & Friends,” is a veteran of the Army National Guard, where he did tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay as an infantry officer. He’s called the U.S. the military ineffective, “woke,” mused about firing the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and said allowing women to serve in combat has made the military less lethal. If confirmed by the Senate, Hegseth would take over the federal government’s biggest department, an $850 billion budget and a workforce of nearly three million civilian workers and military service members despite having never held a senior government post. (Axios / NPR / Politico / New York Times / Wall Street Journal / Washington Post / Axios / Associated Press / Politico / New York Times / CNN)
3/ Trump named billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as co-heads of the new Department of Government Efficiency that will “dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies - Essential to the ‘Save America’ Movement.” DOGE – a reference to a meme cryptocurrency – will operate outside of the federal government, but will work with the White House Office of Management and Budget to implement its recommendations. Trump called it “the Manhattan Project” of this era that would deliver “drastic change.” (NBC News / NPR / New York Times / Wall Street Journal / Politico / CBS News)
4/ Republicans will keep control of the House of Representatives, handing Trump unified control of the government. Democrats will have virtually no check on Trump as a result. Republicans will hold at least 218 seats in the in the 435-member chamber starting in January. In the Senate, Republicans control 53 seats – short of the 60-vote threshold required to defeat a filibuster. (NBC News / CNN / CNBC / Bloomberg)
5/ Senate Republicans chose Sen. John Thune to be their new leader, while House Republicans unanimously nominated Speaker Mike Johnson to lead their conference again when the new Congress convenes in January. Thune replaces Mitch McConnell, who has been the top ranking Republican in the Senate since 2007. (NPR / Washington Post / New York Times / Axios / NBC News)
6/ House Democrats will introduce a resolution clarifying that the Constitution’s two-term limit for presidents applies even if the terms are not consecutive after Trump quipped he can’t run in 2028 unless Republicans “do something.” While meeting with House Republicans, Trump joked: “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s so good we’ve got to figure something else out.’” Trump has joked or floated the idea of serving longer than two terms going back at least to 2019, including his desire of being a dictator. Although term limits are already enshrined in the Constitution in the 22nd Amendment and there’s little chance Speaker Mike Johnson would bring such a resolution to the floor for a vote, Democrats nevertheless plan to reaffirm that the 22nd Amendment “applies to two terms in the aggregate as President of the United States” and that it “applies to President-elect Trump.” (New York Times / NBC News / USA Today / New Republic)
7/ Special counsel Jack Smith plans to finish his report and resign before Trump takes office. Smith reportedly plans to wind down both investigations into Trump – efforts to overturn the 2020 election; hoarding classified documents – with the goal to not leave any significant part of his work for others to complete. Between Trump’s re-election last week, the Justice Department policy that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted for crimes, and the Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump has immunity for certain acts taken as president, the two investigations reached an end, as the combined protections effectively placed Trump beyond the reach of legal accountability for now. (New York Times / NBC News)
8/ Consumer prices rose 2.6% in October compared to a year ago. While slightly higher than September’s 2.4%, the inflation figures were in line with economists’ expectations. Inflation has eased considerably since peaking at a 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022. In response, the Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates for a third and final time this year at their meeting in mid-December. (NBC News / ABC News / Wall Street Journal / CNBC / New York Times / CNN)
Dept. of Context and Consequence.
A deeper look at today’s headlines – why it matters and what’s at stake.
2/ Trump named Fox News Host Pete Hegseth his choice for secretary of defense and John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA. Trump also tapped Tulsi Gabbard to serve as the director of national intelligence. Gabbard has been accused of spreading “actual Russian propaganda,” being a “Russian asset,” and condemned as a “traitor” by both Republicans and Democrats. Hegseth, a co-host of “Fox & Friends,” is a veteran of the Army National Guard, where he did tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay as an infantry officer. He’s called the U.S. the military ineffective, “woke,” mused about firing the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and said allowing women to serve in combat has made the military less lethal. If confirmed by the Senate, Hegseth would take over the federal government’s biggest department, an $850 billion budget and a workforce of nearly three million civilian workers and military service members despite having never held a senior government post. (Axios / NPR / Politico / New York Times / Wall Street Journal / Washington Post / Axios / Associated Press / Politico / New York Times / CNN)
3/ Trump named billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as co-heads of the new Department of Government Efficiency that will “dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies - Essential to the ‘Save America’ Movement.” DOGE – a reference to a meme cryptocurrency – will operate outside of the federal government, but will work with the White House Office of Management and Budget to implement its recommendations. Trump called it “the Manhattan Project” of this era that would deliver “drastic change.” (NBC News / NPR / New York Times / Wall Street Journal / Politico / CBS News)
- Who’s in Trump’s new administration so far: \
- Matt Gaetz, Attorney General
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary
Mike Waltz, National Security Advisor
Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence
John Ratcliffe, CIA director
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, Department of Government Efficiency
Elise Stefanik, UN Ambassador
Tom Homan, “Border Czar”
Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator
Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff
Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy
Mike Huckabee, Ambassador to Israel
Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East
William McGinley, White House Counsel
4/ Republicans will keep control of the House of Representatives, handing Trump unified control of the government. Democrats will have virtually no check on Trump as a result. Republicans will hold at least 218 seats in the in the 435-member chamber starting in January. In the Senate, Republicans control 53 seats – short of the 60-vote threshold required to defeat a filibuster. (NBC News / CNN / CNBC / Bloomberg)
5/ Senate Republicans chose Sen. John Thune to be their new leader, while House Republicans unanimously nominated Speaker Mike Johnson to lead their conference again when the new Congress convenes in January. Thune replaces Mitch McConnell, who has been the top ranking Republican in the Senate since 2007. (NPR / Washington Post / New York Times / Axios / NBC News)
6/ House Democrats will introduce a resolution clarifying that the Constitution’s two-term limit for presidents applies even if the terms are not consecutive after Trump quipped he can’t run in 2028 unless Republicans “do something.” While meeting with House Republicans, Trump joked: “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s so good we’ve got to figure something else out.’” Trump has joked or floated the idea of serving longer than two terms going back at least to 2019, including his desire of being a dictator. Although term limits are already enshrined in the Constitution in the 22nd Amendment and there’s little chance Speaker Mike Johnson would bring such a resolution to the floor for a vote, Democrats nevertheless plan to reaffirm that the 22nd Amendment “applies to two terms in the aggregate as President of the United States” and that it “applies to President-elect Trump.” (New York Times / NBC News / USA Today / New Republic)
7/ Special counsel Jack Smith plans to finish his report and resign before Trump takes office. Smith reportedly plans to wind down both investigations into Trump – efforts to overturn the 2020 election; hoarding classified documents – with the goal to not leave any significant part of his work for others to complete. Between Trump’s re-election last week, the Justice Department policy that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted for crimes, and the Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump has immunity for certain acts taken as president, the two investigations reached an end, as the combined protections effectively placed Trump beyond the reach of legal accountability for now. (New York Times / NBC News)
8/ Consumer prices rose 2.6% in October compared to a year ago. While slightly higher than September’s 2.4%, the inflation figures were in line with economists’ expectations. Inflation has eased considerably since peaking at a 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022. In response, the Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates for a third and final time this year at their meeting in mid-December. (NBC News / ABC News / Wall Street Journal / CNBC / New York Times / CNN)
Dept. of Context and Consequence.
A deeper look at today’s headlines – why it matters and what’s at stake.
- Trump’s plans for military purges, fossil fuel expansion, and government overhaul shape Senate GOP leadership vote. Republican senators will soon choose a new Senate majority leader, with Trump-backed Rick Scott vying for the role to support Trump’s agenda. Trump’s proposed initiatives include an executive order to purge high-ranking military officials he deems disloyal, backing fossil fuel expansion, and creating a “Department of Government Efficiency” led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to reduce bureaucracy. Key Trump cabinet picks, such as Pete Hegseth for defense, reveal a prioritization of loyalty over experience, raising concerns among defense experts and even corporate leaders like ExxonMobil’s CEO. These actions may test the Senate’s historical role as a guardrail against unchecked executive power. (Heather Cox Richardson)
- Why Democrats’ reliance on urban and nonprofit networks has weakened their traditional base. In his conversation with Ezra Klein, Michael Lind argues that the Democratic Party’s shift toward centralized, urbanized networks and heavy reliance on nonprofits has weakened its appeal among working-class voters, contributing to a decline in support from Black, Hispanic, and union voters. Lind describes how, since the Obama era, a nonprofit-based coalition in urban centers has steered the Democratic agenda away from working-class concerns toward priorities set by influential donors, ultimately narrowing the party’s base. Klein and Lind discuss the consequences of this dynamic, suggesting Democrats must reconnect with working-class voters by reducing the influence of single-issue advocacy groups and re-establishing a broad coalition if they hope to remain competitive. (New York Times)
- Democrats face long-term Senate disadvantage as GOP gains control and Senate map grows tougher. Daniel Block argues that the Democrats’ Senate majority prospects have dimmed significantly following GOP gains in the 2024 election, leaving Democrats with little room for error in future cycles. The Senate’s structure, heavily skewed toward Republican-leaning states, forces Democrats to win nearly all competitive seats to hold the chamber—an increasingly difficult task as the electoral map narrows. Without a strategy to broaden appeal in red states, Democrats risk prolonged legislative gridlock and diminished influence over Cabinet and judicial appointments, even if they regain the presidency in 2028. (The Atlantic)
- Paul Krugman warns Trump’s deportation plans may shock his voters with inflation and economic disruption. Economist Paul Krugman argues that Trump’s plans for mass deportations, led by key appointees like Stephen Miller, could disrupt the U.S. economy, particularly through sharply rising food prices due to labor shortages in agriculture and meatpacking. Krugman explains that many Trump supporters remain unaware of the economic importance of immigrant labor and are likely to be blindsided by the increased grocery costs and broader inflation these policies could induce. He also suggests Trump may misrepresent economic data to mask these effects, a tactic commonly seen in authoritarian regimes. (The New Republic)
- Trump’s mass deportation plans likely to raise prices, cut jobs for U.S. workers, economists warn. Economists suggest Trump’s proposed deportation policies could reduce workforce availability and raise costs across industries that rely on immigrant labor, from construction to caregiving. Deporting millions of noncitizens would likely increase prices for goods and services and decrease U.S. employment rates as businesses face shortages of labor. Research indicates that similar past policies led to slower economic growth, and experts anticipate that deportations on this scale would lead to inflation and potentially cut hundreds of thousands of jobs held by U.S.-born workers. The impact on sectors like housing and elder care could be severe, affecting both economic stability and service availability in essential areas. (New York Times)
- Europe braces for Trump’s second term as global rightward shift dampens opposition. Following Trump’s 2024 re-election, both in the U.S. and Europe, reactions have been marked by resignation rather than the intense resistance seen in 2016. Trump’s popular vote win and solid Electoral College margin, contrasting with his initial narrow victory, has left opponents feeling muted and anxious, with many activists fatigued after a long campaign season. European leaders are preparing for potential rifts in transatlantic relations, as Trump’s ties with nationalist leaders and planned U.S. policy shifts on trade and Ukraine create a more divided and uncertain political landscape in Europe. (Politico)
Matt Gaetz Quits Congress Just Days Before Key Vote on His Ethics Report
Rep. Matt Gaetz is resigning from Congress, effective immediately, just hours after President-elect Donald Trump named the Republican firebrand as his selection for attorney general. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the news to reporters Wednesday night, saying that he hopes to have a...
--Patrick
GasBandit
Staff member
1/ Trump asked Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as secretary of health and human services, putting one of the nation’s leading vaccine skeptics in charge of America’s health care agencies. Kennedy has spread discredited conspiracy theories that vaccines cause autism, opposed CDC guidance on water fluoridation for dental health, backed the consumption of raw milk against FDA warnings, and endorsed hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19, despite FDA findings that it is ineffective. In October, Trump said he would let Kennedy “go wild on health,” “go wild on the food,” and “go wild on medicines” if reelected. HHS oversees both the CDC and the FDA. The position requires Senate confirmation. (Politico / CNN / Axios / New York Times / Wall Street Journal / The Guardian / Washington Post)
3/ Republican and Democratic senators called for access to the House Ethics Committee report into Matt Gaetz as part of the confirmation hearing process. Dick Durbin, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, urged the House Ethics Committee to “preserve and share” its report on Gaetz. “The sequence and timing of Mr. Gaetz’s resignation from the House raises serious questions about the contents of the House Ethics Committee report. We cannot allow this valuable information from a bipartisan investigation to be hidden from the American people,” Durbin read. Several Republican senators, meanwhile, have expressed skepticism about Gaetz’s ability to secure the necessary votes for confirmation. While some Republican members remain open to considering Gaetz’s nomination, others view it as a “long shot,” suggesting that Trump may be testing the limits of Senate loyalty. John Cornyn, a key Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, added: “I think there should not be any limitations on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s investigation, including, whatever the House Ethics Committee is generated.” However, Michael Guest, the chairman of the Ethics Committee, suggested that he was not inclined to release the investigative findings now that Gaetz has resigned, saying “Once we lose jurisdiction, there would not be a report that would be issued.” (NBC News / NPR / The Hill / ABC News / New York Times / Wall Street Journal / Washington Post / Politico)
Dept. of Context and Consequence.
A deeper look at today’s headlines – why it matters and what’s at stake.
- What’s at stake? The nomination of RFK Jr. to lead HHS could drastically alter the landscape of public health, possibly compromising the scientific standards that guide health decisions affecting millions. Health agencies rely on public trust, which is already challenged by misinformation and political divides. A leader who challenges these agencies on unfounded grounds may exacerbate skepticism, weaken preventative health efforts, and put the nation at greater risk during health emergencies. Furthermore, if policies diverge from evidence-based practices, future generations may inherit a weakened public health infrastructure. Protecting the integrity of public health agencies and reinforcing the trustworthiness of scientific research is essential for a resilient, well-prepared society.
- Who’s in Trump’s new administration so far:
- Matt Gaetz, Attorney General
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
Pete Hegseth, Defense
Mike Waltz, National Security Advisor
Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary
Tulsi Gabbard, National Intelligence
John Ratcliffe, CIA director
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, Department of Government Efficiency
Elise Stefanik, UN Ambassador
Tom Homan, “Border Czar”
Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator
Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff
Dan Scavino, Deputy Chief of Staff
Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy
Mike Huckabee, Ambassador to Israel
Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East
William McGinley, White House Counsel
3/ Republican and Democratic senators called for access to the House Ethics Committee report into Matt Gaetz as part of the confirmation hearing process. Dick Durbin, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, urged the House Ethics Committee to “preserve and share” its report on Gaetz. “The sequence and timing of Mr. Gaetz’s resignation from the House raises serious questions about the contents of the House Ethics Committee report. We cannot allow this valuable information from a bipartisan investigation to be hidden from the American people,” Durbin read. Several Republican senators, meanwhile, have expressed skepticism about Gaetz’s ability to secure the necessary votes for confirmation. While some Republican members remain open to considering Gaetz’s nomination, others view it as a “long shot,” suggesting that Trump may be testing the limits of Senate loyalty. John Cornyn, a key Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, added: “I think there should not be any limitations on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s investigation, including, whatever the House Ethics Committee is generated.” However, Michael Guest, the chairman of the Ethics Committee, suggested that he was not inclined to release the investigative findings now that Gaetz has resigned, saying “Once we lose jurisdiction, there would not be a report that would be issued.” (NBC News / NPR / The Hill / ABC News / New York Times / Wall Street Journal / Washington Post / Politico)
- REPORT: The woman at the center of a Justice Department probe testified to the House Ethics Committee that Matt Gaetz had sex with her when she was 17, an allegation linked to Gaetz’s close associate Joel Greenberg, who admitted to sex trafficking charges. Greenberg’s plea agreement and other evidence, including witness testimonies and Venmo records, have been central to the probe, which the committee may soon report on as deliberations continue. (ABC News)
Dept. of Context and Consequence.
A deeper look at today’s headlines – why it matters and what’s at stake.
- Democrats face declining influence as population shifts weaken traditional strongholds. The Democratic Party’s anti-growth policies in states like California and New York are resulting in population loss and the shrinking of their influence in national elections, as congressional seats shift to faster-growing Republican-led states like Texas and Florida. High housing costs and limited affordable housing have pushed residents, particularly lower-income households, to more affordable regions, intensifying the challenges Democrats face in retaining electoral power. Without addressing the housing crisis and economic concerns driving people away, Democrats risk further erosion of support, potentially limiting their competitiveness in future presidential races and reshaping the party’s long-term prospects. (The Atlantic)
- Climate tech companies brace for potential loss of federal support under Trump administration. With Trump’s plan to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and cut unspent funds, climate tech companies are reassessing strategies to survive without federal incentives that bolstered their growth under Biden. Some depend heavily on clean energy tax credits, while others leverage international markets to reduce reliance on U.S. federal climate policies. The loss of certain tax credits may not impact early adopters but could affect price-sensitive customers as they expand. As Trump’s administration signals potential cuts to clean energy programs, companies anticipate increased reliance on state policies and private funding to drive future sustainability efforts. (Heatmap)
- Progress on global climate goals falters as emissions rise, critical 2030 targets slip further out of reach. Efforts to meet the world’s 2030 climate targets are falling behind, with emissions continuing to increase and major sectors like renewable energy, electric vehicles, and deforestation showing shortfalls. Re-elected, Trump’s administration could further slow US progress as he pledges to roll back climate policies, adding global challenges. Key initiatives in renewable energy, biodiversity protection, and sustainable financing need significant acceleration to mitigate impacts of rising temperatures, which could reduce global GDP by up to 12% if unchecked. (Bloomberg)
- Trump’s win driven by economic dissatisfaction, social disconnects, and fractured media influence. In her post-election analysis, Kyla Scanlon argues Trump’s victory was fueled by economic grievances, lack of faith in political institutions, and a media landscape that amplifies misinformation. Despite positive economic data, persistent affordability issues, especially in housing, and a sense of abandonment by policymakers left many voters disillusioned, leading them to support Trump as a symbol of disruption. The divide between institutional trust, policy intentions, and personal financial reality deepened the “vibecession”—a growing disconnect between statistical progress and lived hardship—and is now pushing the U.S. toward a complex future in an era of information bubbles and distrust. (Kyla Scanlon)
- Trump’s second term could swing between hawkish promises and moderate moves. Matthew Yglesias explores Trump’s unpredictable second term, noting that while his newly appointed hawkish advisors suggest an aggressive foreign policy stance, Trump’s track record shows he might pursue more symbolic “own the libs” moves rather than substantial policy shifts. This approach, where he uses progressive outrage to rally conservative support, has allowed Trump to hold sway over the Republican base, sometimes in opposition to traditional conservative policies. Trump’s team appointments could signal a more confrontational tone, but as past administrations show, campaign promises don’t always align with presidential actions. (Slow Boring)
John Bolton is freaking out. You know shit is fucked.
Me thinks it's time for an official Leopards Eating Faces thread. We'll be seeing more and more of this.