It's corporate oligarchs. The 700 billionaires or so in the USA and really it would just take peter thiel, Elon musk, the Koch brothers, Jeff bozos, and the Waltons to really decide they wanted everything.
Gas Bandit's Political Thread V: The Vampire Likes Bats
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GasBandit
Staff member
Trump Pentagon pick had been flagged by fellow service member as possible 'Insider Threat'
Pete Hegseth, the Army National Guard veteran and Fox News host nominated by Donald Trump to lead the Department of Defense, was flagged as a possible “Insider Threat” by a fellow service member.
apnews.com
Moving this here since I don't think it's welcome in the other thread.
I think we may have been talking past each other, to a point. When I say blame the running back, I don't mean pin the majority of blame on the running back. I mean, blame them for being irresponsible with their vote. I don't know if you saw my edit, but I listed what I think are the main factors to Harris losing. I do maintain that if you don't vote, you don't get to point fingers.
This is something I've been musing over. I don't think the results of this last election are going to move the Democrats to the left. The amount of minorities who decided economic matters supersede social matters is somewhat surprising, and I think Democrats are more likely to work to get them back than they are to getting closer to progressives.
Except it’s entirely pointless to blame the running back and you look like a fool doing it. Either they are important enough to be part of the strategy or you don’t get to blame them for the loss.
Saw it, responded meanly and then deleted my mean response. Didn’t really see anything to discuss in it.
Oh I’m under no delusions that the democrats will move to the left. They didn’t after they lost to Bush and Trump. Fuck they didn’t even move left when Obama ran a lefty campaign and won huge.
But if there is a time to cut out the cancerous idiots always pulling the democrats rightward it’s now when their entire strategy has been exposed as worthless.
I could be wrong, but I don't think anything "moves" (individual) Democrats to the right/left, it's more about the quantity of people who identify as right-/left-leaning that decide to register as Democrats/leave the Democratic Party.
--Patrick
"Right leaning democrat" is really a redundant statement. Neoliberalism is a right wing ideology, they are only left of the GOP who have become outright fascists. Margaret fucking Thatcher favored neoliberalism, if you need any more proof. There is no left among the major American political parties, there's only the illusion of it because the extremes of the right have been steadily advancing further right for the past 40 years.
You are wrong. You can look at Harris herself to see how she in particular ran in the primary vrs how she ran in the general. Which couldn’t possibly have been based on any kind of indepth analysis of the number of people who joined the Democratic Party vrs. How many people left the Democratic Party. It was a strategy that was chosen based off where the country is at. And it was a strategy that has show itself as unfounded in reality.
GasBandit
Staff member
1/ Trump confirmed that he plans to declare a national emergency “on day 1” to use the military to carry out “the largest deportation program in American history.” Trump responded “TRUE!!!” at 4:08 am to a post on his personal social media network that his incoming administration is “prepared to declare a national emergency and will use military assets to reverse the Biden invasion through a mass deportation program.” There are an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. – about 3% of the total U.S. population. (Politico / New York Times / ABC News / Bloomberg / Washington Post / Axios)
3/ House Speaker Mike Johnson said he’d “strongly request” that the House Ethics Committee not release its report into allegations of sex trafficking, corruption, and drug use by Matt Gaetz, Trump’s nominee for attorney general. “That is not the way we do things in the House,” Johnson said. “I think that would be a terrible precedent to set.” Gaetz resigned from Congress days before a House panel was set to vote on releasing a report on the allegations against Gaetz. His resignation ended the Ethics panel’s jurisdiction over him. The House Ethics Committee, meanwhile, will meet Wednesday to discuss and potentially vote to release the report anyway. Both Republican and Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee want the report released for Senate consideration on whether to confirm Gaetz for attorney general. House Ethics Chair Michael Guest said the Ethics Committee will make its own decision about releasing the report, regardless of Johnson’s opinion. (CNN / CBS News / Politico / CNBC / Politico / Axios)
Notables.
News analysis and opinions on today’s key headlines – why they matter and what’s at stake.
- ACLU sues ICE for transparency on Trump’s mass deportation plans and private deportation flights. The ACLU filed a lawsuit against ICE, accusing the agency of withholding information about its deportation operations, including contracts with private airlines and conditions on deportation flights. The lawsuit comes as Trump prepares to implement mass deportations, a campaign promise with few disclosed details. Advocates seek to uncover ICE’s practices, citing concerns over human rights abuses and misuse of taxpayer dollars. ICE has faced criticism for opaque operations and mistreatment of detainees, including shackling families and inadequate oversight of private contractors. (Washington Post)
3/ House Speaker Mike Johnson said he’d “strongly request” that the House Ethics Committee not release its report into allegations of sex trafficking, corruption, and drug use by Matt Gaetz, Trump’s nominee for attorney general. “That is not the way we do things in the House,” Johnson said. “I think that would be a terrible precedent to set.” Gaetz resigned from Congress days before a House panel was set to vote on releasing a report on the allegations against Gaetz. His resignation ended the Ethics panel’s jurisdiction over him. The House Ethics Committee, meanwhile, will meet Wednesday to discuss and potentially vote to release the report anyway. Both Republican and Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee want the report released for Senate consideration on whether to confirm Gaetz for attorney general. House Ethics Chair Michael Guest said the Ethics Committee will make its own decision about releasing the report, regardless of Johnson’s opinion. (CNN / CBS News / Politico / CNBC / Politico / Axios)
- A woman who attended a 2017 party with Matt Gaetz told the House Ethics Committee she witnessed him having sex with a minor. The account corroborates the testimony of the then-minor, who told the committee that she had sex with Gaetz when she was 17 years old. (CBS News)
- Trump’s Pentagon pick flagged over extremist-linked tattoo and dismissal of military extremism concerns. Pete Hegseth was flagged in 2021 as a potential “insider threat” due to a tattoo associated with white supremacist groups. Hegseth has dismissed concerns about extremism in the military as fabricated and has criticized efforts to remove extremists from the ranks. His controversial views and past actions, including defending convicted war criminals and minimizing the role of veterans in the January 6 Capitol attack, raise alarm about his fitness to lead the Pentagon. (Associated Press)
- Why does this matter? Bypassing FBI vetting for high-level government appointments sets a concerning precedent for national security. FBI background checks are designed to identify potential risks, including undisclosed foreign ties or ethical breaches, ensuring that appointees are fit for sensitive roles. Circumventing these safeguards exposes critical government operations to vulnerabilities, undermining public trust in the integrity of the administration. Additionally, such actions could embolden future administrations to disregard institutional checks and balances, weakening the framework of accountability essential for democratic governance.
- Who’s in Trump’s new administration so far:
- Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
Pete Hegseth, Defense
Matt Gaetz, Attorney General
Doug Burgum, Interior
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services
Chris Wright, Energy
Dough Collins, Veterans Affairs
Kristi Noem, Homeland Security
Mike Waltz, National Security
Lee Zeldin, EPA
Elise Stefanik, UN Ambassador
Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff
Elon Musk, Department of Government Efficiency
Vivek Ramaswamy, Department of Government Efficiency
Tulsi Gabbard, National Intelligence
John Ratcliffe, CIA director
Mike Huckabee, Ambassador to Israel
Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East
Bill McGinley, White House Counsel Tom Homan, “Border Czar”
Dan Scavino, Deputy Chief of Staff
Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy
- Why does this matter? If Trump proceeds with this constitutional maneuver, it would mark a significant escalation in the expansion of presidential power. The Senate’s confirmation authority is a cornerstone of the system of checks and balances designed to limit executive overreach. Undermining this process could set a precedent for future presidents to bypass legislative oversight, weakening a critical safeguard against authoritarian tendencies. It reflects broader challenges to institutional norms under Trump’s leadership.
Notables.- A group of armed, masked individuals waving flags with swastikas on them marched through the streets of Columbus, Ohio. Police said the individuals were “armed with firearms.” The White House, city, state, and Jewish community leaders in Ohio condemned the group. (Washington Post / WBNS 10TV / ABC News / NBC News)
- Trump’s allies were told to stop using the word “camps” during the current presidential transition because “apparently some people think it makes us look like Nazis.” Trump’s team is steering clear of describing proposed migrant detention centers as “camps” due to negative historical connotations, despite prior use of the term by his advisers like Stephen Miller. The incoming administration plans a significant expansion of detention facilities, potentially involving military construction, to support mass deportations. Critics draw parallels to fascist regimes, while Trump’s allies seek to reframe the narrative by emphasizing “targeted arrests” and downplaying the scale of operations. (Rolling Stone)
- Haitians flee Springfield, Ohio, after Trump win fuels deportation fears and economic uncertainty. After Trump’s re-election and his promise to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants, many are leaving out of fear of deportation. The exodus threatens local businesses and the economy, as the Haitian community has revitalized neighborhoods and filled essential jobs. False rumors, heightened anti-immigrant rhetoric, and neo-Nazi activity have exacerbated tensions, leading many to seek safer locations. Experts note that immediate deportations are unlikely due to legal processes, but the economic and social impacts on Springfield are already being felt. (The Guardian)
- Trump team targets Biden’s EV tax credit, potentially reshaping U.S. electric vehicle market. Trump’s transition team, led by oil executive Harold Hamm, plans to eliminate the $7,500 EV tax credit as part of broader tax reforms, arguing it reduces government costs and helps extend expiring Trump-era tax cuts. Tesla supports the move, as Elon Musk believes it will harm competitors more than his company. Critics, including automakers and unions, warn this could cripple the U.S. EV industry, harm efforts to compete with China’s heavily subsidized EV market, and jeopardize thousands of auto jobs tied to Biden’s pro-EV policies. (Reuters)
- Trump team prioritizes easing federal restrictions on self-driving vehicles to boost Tesla and autonomous tech rollout. Trump’s transition team is pursuing a federal framework for self-driving cars, a move that could accelerate autonomous vehicle adoption and directly benefit Tesla. Elon Musk has made autonomous technology a cornerstone of his business. Current regulations limit manufacturers to deploying 2,500 self-driving cars annually, hindering mass production of vehicles without human controls. The proposed changes aim to eliminate regulatory hurdles, though safety concerns and past legislative failures suggest challenges ahead. (Bloomberg)
- Biden authorized Ukraine to use American long-range weapon for strikes inside Russia. The missiles, known as the Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, can travel about 190 miles. Ukraine is authorized to use the weapons to target in and around Kursk — the same region where some 10,000 North Korean troops were deployed. The policy shift, influenced by North Korea’s involvement and escalating Russian aggression, aims to bolster Ukraine’s defenses two months before Trump takes office. (NPR / Wall Street Journal / New York Times)
News analysis and opinions on today’s key headlines – why they matter and what’s at stake.
- Democrats face messaging challenges as Trump leverages “ambient information” to shape public opinion. The Democrats’ reliance on detailed policy and micro-targeting was outpaced by Trump’s strategy of spreading broad, resonant narratives across national platforms. By tapping into “ambient information” — ideas and beliefs that circulate widely regardless of truth — Trump shaped public perceptions in ways Democrats struggled to counter. Harris’s campaign, while policy-focused and community-oriented, failed to break through a media environment dominated by Trump’s broad and sometimes misleading messaging, highlighting the power of vibes over data in modern elections. (New Yorker)
- Democrats struggle with lack of partisan social media platforms as online discourse shifts right. Right-wing platforms like Truth Social, Gab, and Parler have grown in influence, while X under Elon Musk has amplified Trump’s agenda, leaving Democrats with fewer social media avenues for political discourse. Major platforms like Facebook and Instagram have de-emphasized politics, creating an online imbalance that favors conservative messaging. Efforts to create left-leaning spaces, like Bluesky, remain in their infancy, putting Democrats at a disadvantage in shaping public opinion online. (New York Times)
- Social media influencers redefine news, engaging 20% of Americans, led by 37% of under-30s. Pew Research Center’s report explores the growing influence of social media news influencers, revealing that 1 in 5 Americans—37% among young adults—rely on them for current events. These influencers operate primarily on platforms like X and Instagram, with 77% unaffiliated with traditional media. Content trends lean toward political discourse, with slightly more right-leaning voices (27%) than left (21%). The study underscores their critical role in reshaping media consumption, especially among digitally native audiences. (Pew Research Center)
- Democrats’ inflation gamble backfires as economic missteps fuel political defeat. Biden’s aggressive $1.9 trillion stimulus, designed to avoid past recovery mistakes, contributed to post-pandemic inflation, undermining Democrats’ political standing. Rising costs of living outpaced voter appreciation for job growth and economic recovery efforts, allowing Trump to exploit economic dissatisfaction. Internal debates over spending and messaging, combined with external factors like global supply chain disruptions, further hindered Democrats’ ability to address inflation effectively, sealing their electoral losses. (Wall Street Journal)
- Trump’s campaign against the media mirrors autocratic strategies, reshaping U.S. press freedoms. Trump has used tactics like regulatory threats and leadership pressure to influence media outlets, including CNN and The Washington Post, making them more cautious in their coverage. These actions, combined with shifts in social media policies, have reduced media independence and raised concerns about press freedom and accountability. (Columbia Journalism Review)
- Trump’s proposed appointments signal deliberate attempts to dismantle core democratic institutions. Timothy Snyder argues that Trump’s proposed Cabinet appointments are strategically chosen to destabilize essential pillars of American democracy, including health, law, administration, defense, and intelligence. Figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Matt Gaetz, Elon Musk, and Tulsi Gabbard represent a coordinated effort to undermine the government by eroding public trust, compromising national security, and dismantling critical systems. Snyder warns that this “decapitation strike” could irreparably damage the United States, urging bipartisan resistance to prevent national collapse. (Timothy Synder)
Marjorie Taylor Greene Suggests Releasing All Ethics Reports, Not Just Gaetz's: "If We're Going to Dance, Let's All Dance In The Sunlight'
The report on Gaetz has been dominating the conversation given his contentious nomination for attorney general
www.latintimes.com
stop.
don't.
--Patrick
The phrase looking for is "oh no, presse dont throw me into that there briar bush" I think.Oh no.Marjorie Taylor Greene Suggests Releasing All Ethics Reports, Not Just Gaetz's: "If We're Going to Dance, Let's All Dance In The Sunlight'
The report on Gaetz has been dominating the conversation given his contentious nomination for attorney general
stop.
don't.
--Patrick
Many Republicans really still don't grasp or understand this reasoning. "we" have got to protect "our own" at all cost. Tribalism is more important than any sort of "universal" values or rights or whatever.
In the meantime, progressives will happily tear each other down over what comes down to minor differences in exactly how far to go how fast or what particular issue to give priority.
GasBandit
Staff member
1/ Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg asked to postpone Trump’s criminal sentencing in his hush money case. In a letter to Judge Juan Merchan, the district attorney’s office acknowledged that Trump is not likely to be sentenced “until after the end of Defendant’s upcoming presidential term,” but prosecutors said they oppose any effort to dismiss Trump’s felony conviction. Prosecutors faced a Tuesday deadline to advise Merchan on how to proceed after the “unprecedented circumstances” of Trump’s re-election following his conviction on 34 felony counts of orchestrating an illegal conspiracy to influence the 2016 presidential election by falsifying business records. Trump faces as many as four years in prison. Prosecutors instead asked for a Dec. 9 deadline for the next filing, focused on whether the case should be dismissed. (New York Times / Washington Post / NPR / Associated Press / Wall Street Journal / USA Today / CNN / NBC News / ABC News / Bloomberg)
3/ Trump will nominate celebrity TV doctor Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “America is facing a Healthcare Crisis, and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again,” Trump said. “Dr. Oz will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to take on the illness industrial complex, and all the horrible chronic diseases left in its wake.” As the administrator for CMS, Oz would report to Kennedy and be responsible for shaping the health coverage for more than 160 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and plans obtained through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. In 2020, Oz promoted the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19 despite the lack of scientific evidence that it was an effective treatment. The FDA also revoked emergency use of the drug, citing “known and potential risks.” The position requires Senate confirmation. (Associated Press / CNN / Axios / Washington Post / Politico / New York Times / NBC News / Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal / CNBC)
Notables.
News analysis and opinions on today’s key headlines – why they matter and what’s at stake.
- Georgia court halts arguments in Trump election case as legal challenges shift post-election win. The Georgia Court of Appeals has indefinitely canceled oral arguments regarding efforts by Trump and co-defendants to remove Fulton County DA Fani Willis from the state election interference case against them. This development follows Trump’s presidential election victory, which has led to delays or dismissals in multiple federal and state criminal cases against him, including charges tied to overturning the 2020 election and retaining classified documents. The Department of Justice is expected to dismiss two federal cases against Trump, as legal processes adjust to his incoming presidency. (CNBC)
3/ Trump will nominate celebrity TV doctor Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “America is facing a Healthcare Crisis, and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again,” Trump said. “Dr. Oz will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to take on the illness industrial complex, and all the horrible chronic diseases left in its wake.” As the administrator for CMS, Oz would report to Kennedy and be responsible for shaping the health coverage for more than 160 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and plans obtained through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. In 2020, Oz promoted the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19 despite the lack of scientific evidence that it was an effective treatment. The FDA also revoked emergency use of the drug, citing “known and potential risks.” The position requires Senate confirmation. (Associated Press / CNN / Axios / Washington Post / Politico / New York Times / NBC News / Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal / CNBC)
- Trump will nominate veteran Wall Street financier Howard Lutnick to lead the Commerce Department. (Wall Street Journal)
- Trump named former “The Real World: Boston” reality TV star, congressman and Fox Business host Sean Duffy his pick for transportation secretary. (USA Today)
Notables.- House Democrats voted unanimously to reelect House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Jeffries will focus on countering Republican policies and defending democratic principles in a politically divided government. (Axios)
- Ukraine fired at least six U.S.-made ATACMS missiles at a weapons depot in Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry said air defenses shot down five ATACMS missiles, but fragments of another “fell on the technical territory of a military facility in the Bryansk region, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished. There were no casualties or damage.” Putin, meanwhile, approved an updated nuclear doctrine that now says Russia can launch a nuclear attack against a country assisting a non-nuclear country in aggression against Russia – a reference to NATO. (ABC News / NBC News / CNN / Bloomberg / Axios / Associated Press / Washington Post / Wall Street Journal)
- Texas board advances Bible-based curriculum for public schools despite controversy over religion’s role in education. The Texas State Board of Education has preliminarily approved an optional K-5 curriculum incorporating Bible-based lessons into reading and language arts, sparking debates about religion in public education. Advocates argue the curriculum enriches cultural and historical literacy, while critics say it risks violating the First Amendment and lacks balance, disproportionately favoring Christianity. (New York Times)
- Far-right militia “Veterans on Patrol” escalates anti-government threats over baseless claims of hurricane manipulation. A far-right militia group is promoting baseless conspiracy theories claiming Hurricane Helene was caused by U.S. military weather manipulation to advance a government agenda, such as land seizures and “smart city” projects. The group’s online chats reveal plans to target military equipment they allege is used for weather control, escalating anti-government rhetoric and raising fears of violence, particularly with Trump’s re-election. The militia has a history of spreading conspiracy theories, anti-government sentiment, and engaging in unlawful activities under the leadership of Michael “Lewis Arthur” Meyer. (The Guardian)
News analysis and opinions on today’s key headlines – why they matter and what’s at stake.
- Trump escalates attacks on Iowa pollster in continued assault on critics and institutions, fueling fears of state weaponization. Trump has targeted Ann Selzer, a prominent pollster, accusing her of “election fraud” after a poll inaccurately predicted Harris leading in Iowa. Despite Selzer announcing her exit from polling, Trump’s calls for investigations into her work highlight a troubling pattern of retaliatory behavior against critics. Scholars warn that such actions signal authoritarian governance, weaponizing state resources against perceived adversaries. (New Republic)
- Trump’s transition sparks turbulence with extreme government cuts, controversial appointments, and sweeping policy reversals. The Biden administration secured significant advancements, such as a $65 billion semiconductor investment and clean energy initiatives, but Trump’s incoming administration plans dramatic changes. These include deep government cuts inspired by Argentina’s economic “shock therapy,” rescinding climate action, and reversing worker protections. Trump’s proposed controversial appointees and mass deportation plans raise legal and financial concerns, while his claim of a mandate is contradicted by electoral realities and narrow Republican control. Economic shifts, including falling gas prices, highlight stark contrasts in governance priorities. (Heather Cox Richardson)
- Trump’s AI policies prioritize speed over safety. Trump’s expected AI policies emphasize minimal regulation, aligning with accelerationist movements advocating rapid technological advancement. His administration is likely to roll back Biden-era AI safety measures and prioritize competitiveness with China, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing. However, concerns over AI risks, including bias, misuse, and existential threats, persist among both Republicans and safety advocates. Key figures, including Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump, may influence the administration’s nuanced stance as the AI era unfolds. (Bloomberg)
GasBandit
Staff member
Oh it gets even juicier. Apparently when MTG was trying to threaten the release of ALL ethics reports... she specifically addressed her threat AT the other republicans. No mention of democrats at all. So basically, yeah... she is threatening other REPUBLICANS with exposure to prevent them from exposing Gaetz.
