Sunday 10 January 2021

Jan. 6, 2021

 On Wednesday Jan. 6, 2021 the United States Congress gathered to read the Electoral College votes and officially certify Joe Biden as the next President of the United States. It is a day that will live in many people's memories with revulsion and horror. Not because of the certification process but because a group of people chose, at the behest of the current president, to attack and invade the Capitol building in order to stop a legitimate election process.

This comes as no surprise to many who have watched Donald Trump over the years gradually shaping the narrative with lies, half truths and simple repetition in order to increase and maintain his power. What has been so repulsive is that many in the Republican party have aided and abetted him. This is the result.

Many are worried about America's standing in the world as the leader of democracy.. I am not. Why? Because despite Donald Trump's best efforts he failed. On November 3rd a majority of the American people stood up and rejected what he represented. It was not as if this was not foreseen. It is no surprise that our government was created in such a way that there are multiple checks and balances in place. The people who wrote our Constitution understood very well the autocratic possibilities for the wrong person in power. While they could not have envisioned the power of the internet they did envision that.

While we may not have seen the end of Trumpism I would not count out the strength of the true patriots in my country. They are out here, they are the people who stood up for the Constitution and democracy. Many of those who invaded the Capitol were fooled by a very talented Puppetmaster, who was enabled by others who chose to seek power rather than uphold their oaths of office.

Donald Trump has spent four years fomenting hate. It's time we turned the page.  Yes, I did mean to choose this particular movie clip.  






101 comments:

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
According to RealClearPolitics Trump has lost a full percentage point in popularity since the insurrection.  Down to 43% approval from 44% approval a few days back. Nate Silver's 538Blog has him a point lower, but a corresponding drop of about a point.

The dedicated Trumpkins are still with him.  It's not going to go away.  It's a cult, a political cult rather than a religious cult, but that's not a significant difference; it's still not going to go away.

There will be more violence.  Trump's not done with us yet.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
(Post Script

By the way, you were correct.  Pelosi was serious about the impeachment, if she can pull it off.  I think she's weighing that now.
)

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

There will be more violence. Trump's not done with us yet.

I think you are right. But there is starting to be real pushback. Parler, the right wing social media forum, is now homeless. It has been kicked off multiple platforms. It was on Parler that someone was calling for the execution of the VP Mike Pence. It may be too little too late, but at least it is something.

Free speech is one thing, but threats and incitement to violence is another.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

By the way, you were correct. Pelosi was serious about the impeachment, if she can pull it off. I think she's weighing that now.

It sounds like they are very serious about this. There are now at least 5 Republican Senators who are now considering it. But the House is considering when to send the Articles over to the Senate. They can delay it until Biden has had his cabinet picks approved, for instance.

Mike Pence has indicated that invoking the 25th Amendment if Trump becomes more unstable is still a possibility. But I think this rather bogus. The impeachment proceedings will beat that to the punch if Pence doesn't act on that right away. That needs to be done immediately for it to have real impact.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "But there is starting to be real pushback."

Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, and a whole bunch of smarter and more disciplined folks have been preparing to pick up where Trump faded out.  But then Trump made the mistake of thinking the clowns out front were gonna be the guys who came to save him.

So, we're probably lucky they real nutjobs made the mistake of elevating Trump to be their messiah and went for it this time.  Trump is a wuss-bully (not all bullies are wusses, in spite of the conventional wisdom on that subject), so he wasn't ready to make his move when they answered the call.
But, this may have shown "normal" folks what I been sayin' for awhile now.
These guys are serious; they're playing for keeps this time.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

The House will ask Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment tomorrow. He will have 24 hours to respond and if he doesn't they will move to impeach Trump.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
Tuesday, they'll make the move Tuesday.  (Tomorrow they'll ask for Republican consent to send it out as a "unanimous" resolution--Republicans will dissent; Pelosi will then call it up for a vote on Tuesday--give her members time to get back to D.C for the vote.)

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Parler sues Amazon

Parler, the alternative social media platform favored by the far-right, sued Amazon on Monday in response to being deplatformed, alleging an antitrust violation, breach of contract and interference with the company's business relationships with users.

The complaint asks a federal court for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Amazon (AMZN) and calls Amazon Web Services' decision a "death blow" to Parler.
"Without AWS, Parler is finished as it has no way to get online," the complaint said. "And a delay of granting this TRO by even one day could also sound Parler's death knell as President Trump and others move on to other platforms."

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

House Republicans blocked the resolution to urge Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment so the House Democrats are going forward with impeachment articles.

It looks like the Republicans are still willing to run interference for Pence.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "House Republicans blocked the resolution to urge Pence to invoke
      the 25th Amendment…"


Looks like a vote tomorrow.  They'll probably be in no hurry to send it over to the Senate, even after the new members are sworn in. James Clyburn said they didn't want it to get in Biden's way as he deals with all he's gotta deal with--confirmation of his cabinet, another financial rescue package and the like.  They may wait a couple of months, maybe longer.  But, meantime it's a hovering threat to Trump during his final few days in office.  Maybe discourage him from any further stupidities.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
Well, maybe not tomorrow after all.  Wednesday maybe.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Trump is going to visit the Alamo.

Mary Trump was sure someone told him about events that happened there except for how it ended.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
It appears he's going to visit his "wall" in Alamo, Texas.  "The Alamo" is in San Antonio, roughly 160 miles from the border.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

It looks like if the politicians won't punish Trump for his actions his banks will. Deutsch Bank is cutting ties as is his personal bank. He owes $300 million to Deutsch.

It was only a matter of time before his empire was affected.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
It may be that Trump is already prohibited from ever running for President again. 

    U.S. Constitution―14ᵗʰ Amendment § 3:
    (Edited for clarity)

      "No person shall…hold any office, civil or military, under the
      United States…who, having previously taken an oath…as an
      officer of the United States…, shall have engaged in insur-
      rection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort
      to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-
      thirds of each House, remove such disability."


It appears that enforcing this is under control of the Congress, and, unlike impeachment--it takes a ⅔ majority to remove the prohibition and allow Trump to run for President again.  The tables are turned on the ⅔ requirement. 

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

But who is to determine if he has engaged in insurrection to qualify for this Amendment? Does he have to be convicted, does Congress decide?

At this time there are still those who are not placing blame at Trump's feet. At least not publicly.

I saw that they are reporting, though, that McConnell is rather pleased at the impeachment proceedings in the House. He is apparently thinking this will help rid the GOP of Trump. Huh! Good luck with that! The only way to do that is cull the party and start over. Maybe they could call it the New Republicans.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "…, does Congress decide?"

Yeah, Congress decides.

      "The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate
      legislation, the provisions of this article."


Democratic majority in both houses, as of now.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
That's § 5 ↑↑, in its entirety.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "He is apparently thinking this will help rid the GOP of Trump.
      Huh! Good luck with that!"


Agreed; the dedicated Trumpkins already have him on their list.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

It is very disturbing how mainstream some of the lies have run.

I was talking to someone tonight who is a Trump sympathizer. While I don't believe she supported what happened at the Capitol she too mentioned that impeaching Trump would cause more violence.

But I think not doing so may as well.

At some point the liar has to be brought to acvount.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

They are starting to question how deep the incident at the Capitol ran. The rioters supposedly had some good information on locations of some rather obscure places, like the Parliamentarian's office where the votes are kept.

I also question the Capitol police officer who committed suicide the day after.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

  
      "…she too mentioned that impeaching Trump would cause
      more violence."


The dedicated Trumpkins are being fairly unsubtle these days.

      "I also question the Capitol police officer who committed
      suicide the day after."


Yeah, that bears looking at, and there are some fairly disturbing videos being talked about; some said to show members of the Capitol Police coöperating with the mob.  These seem to have been "wrapped up" rather quickly, nothing actually made it to the eager reporters who'd like to make 'em into a byline.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

There are indications that they had help.

There are apparently other concerns going forward as to who may support Trump.

CNN interviewed one Trump supporter down in Texas when they gathered to see Trump yesterday.

He was asked what he would do if he found out he had been lied to. He said he probably would not vote again.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "He said he probably would not vote again."

Yeah, well, that tells us what he would not do; which ain't exactly addressing the question.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

The House will vote this afternoon on impeachment. But what is new is that they will send the articles of impeachment right away and not wait until the new Senate is seated.

Do they know something we don't?

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Send them to the Senate.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "But what is new is that they will send the articles of
      impeachment right away…"


It seems they do have some information that wasn't circulating on the news yesterday.  (ABC Special Report says there's a rumor out that armed Trumpkins are figuring to descend on D.C. by the thousands.)

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
Some fairly other wild rumors being reported as well--Republican members of Congress escorting mob elements to sensitive areas of the Capitol Building.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

It looks like McConnell will not call for an early trial in the Senate. Whenever the House sends over the articles of impeachment the trial will be held in Biden's term. And the Senate is still evenly split, the tie breaking vote would be Kamala Harris. So they still need at least 17 Republicans to actually convict Trump.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Some fairly other wild rumors being reported as well--Republican members of Congress escorting mob elements to sensitive areas of the Capitol Building.

Probably a grain of truth to some. Oh, not that members were escorting the rioters, but that someone within the building let them know where to find certain areas. They already have on video a police officer taking a selfie with one of the rioters. Really? That's as bad as the guy who wore his name tag from his place of work to the riot. What? Did they expect no repercussions? Sheesh! Idiots.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

There have been supposedly credible threats to the Capitol in Minnesota. Walz has called on the National Guard to be on hand.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

It does appear that there are some House members who are concerned with, not outsiders, but other members.

The decision to require members of Congress to walk through metal detectors in the wake of last week's deadly siege has further inflamed tensions on Capitol Hill, at times prompting shouting matches between Republicans and Capitol Police.

Members of both parties expressed frustration Tuesday night at the long lines ahead of the entrance to the House floor. Many Republicans view the measure as invasive, but several Democrats called them necessary as they increasingly view their colleagues across the aisle as security threats.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "…they increasingly view their colleagues across the
      aisle as security threats."


We had 140 Republican congressmen vote to block the congress from accepting the results of the November election.  Those congressmen (and women) had to run for and win a Republican nomination in an overwhelmingly dedicated Trumpkin congressional district.  And, they expect to have to do it again in less than two years.  They're every bit as likely to be security threats as were Capitol Police officers (who posed for selfies and have been accused of clearing the barricades to allow the insurgents to pass and are suspected of even more).

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
With Trump impeached, and McConnell vowing to not move on it, and Trump unlikely to declare martial law in an attempt to prevent Biden's ascension to the presidency, it kinda feels "normal" today.  We may have a calm week comin' up.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
Although, I think Trump will still want to portray himself to his dedicated Trumpkins as unbloodied and unbowed.  The best way I can think of to do that is to declare himself a candidate for President in 2024, and to do it whilst Biden is being sworn in.  Other than that, we may have a "normal" feelin' week comin' up.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

We may have a calm week comin' up.

Hmmm...I hope so.

I think that whatever happens between now and inauguration will determine the Senate proceedings regarding the trial. That is if things remain calm and there are actually no other incidents of violence then the Republicans in the Senate may waffle on whether or not they would vote to convict Trump.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
CNBC is reporting that Trump will leave Washington,D.C. several hours before Biden is sworn in on the 20ᵗʰ.  Probably just as well.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

He wants a red carpet, 21 gun salute and a military band.

I know we haven't seen the end of the divisions and delusional behavior of so many Trump supporters, but I will be so glad when Trump no longer resides in the White House. His behavior has been a dishonor to the office and the House he resided in.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "He wants a red carpet, 21 gun salute and a military band."

And he wants it all on film.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "Michael Lindell, CEO of My Pillow, was photographed leaving
      a White House meeting Friday with notes referring to the use
      of martial law and a potential CIA shakeup."

      USAToday

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

I bought one of his pillows years ago. It gave me headaches.

I didn't realize he was crazy at the time, of course.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

There are signs that some extremist groups are urging their followers to stay home. I certainly hope they listen.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

A new poll out is showing that the majority of Americans want Trump removed from office. I don't know how accurate that is.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

  
      "…some extremist groups are urging their followers to stay
      home."


20,000 National Guard troops, starting out armed this time.  It's sometimes said that, "discretion is the better part of valor".

      "A new poll out is showing that the majority of Americans
      want Trump removed from office."


I've seen references to a couple of such now.  The numbers seem credible enough to me.  (One poll had it as high as 57%; that might be a little high, but majority support for removal seems to be real enough.)  The mob's allegiance to Trump has only become clearer with time.  In spite of the denials of some Trump supporters.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

The mob's allegiance to Trump has only become clearer with time. In spite of the denials of some Trump supporters.

There is a new video of the riot on Jan. 6th out with audio that makes it clear that, those people at least, were acting at the behest of Donald Trump. At least in their minds. My guess is that it may be used in any trial held in the Senate.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "…audio that makes it clear that, those people at least, were acting
      at the behest of Donald Trump."


I've read some reports that the perps (some of them anyway) have often seem genuinely perplexed to discover, at their arraignments, that "answering Trump's call to 'Stop the Steal'" is not proving to be a legally viable defense.

Apparently that's not been mentioned by the FoxNews hosts they wallow with, nor has it come up for discussion in their Facebook chat rooms.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
Axios does an installment article (fairly long for an Axios story--more like something we'd see in the "Atlantic") on how Team Trump had planned in advance their contest of the November election and how that plan went off the rails.
Episode 1 "The Premeditated Lie".
Episode 2 "Barbarians at the Oval"


Worth a read on a cold and gray Sunday.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

I took a little time and invited a friend over for a movie and lunch. I haven't really invited anyone over since before September.

We watched The Trial of the Chicago 7. It was kind of eerie how the violence back then between rioters and police echoed what we are seeing today. Only back then the protestors/rioters were trying to stop a war. Now it appears that the protesters/rioters are trying to start one. And this one cuts close to home.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
Joe Biden will yank the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline extending from the Canadian oil sands on his first day in office.  Politico  I don't think this will necessarily kill all efforts to pipe oil and fracked gas out of the Dakotas and Montana, but any local pipeline would have to have a different economic logic now.

In general, I'm pleased.  I was never convinced of the benefits of tapping the Canadian oil sands of Alberta.  The Canadians had blocked any efforts to pipe that stuff through Canada to the ocean.  I never could see that it was necessary for us to step up and fill that gap for them.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

It sounds like Biden will be reversing many of Trump's orders. In general I am pleased as well.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
I'm hoping Biden reverses Trump's opening of the Arctic Wilderness ("Arctic National Wildlife Refuge") to oil drilling.  That oil's all heading for China anway (and lesser points in the Far East).  We don't have any refineries on the west coast available to refine that oil.  They're all working up to capacity already, so we're not going to be making any use of it; not gonna benefit us any.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

I would like to see that reversed too. That is only a tragedy in the making.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

McConnell got up and spoke in the Senate saying that the rioters were fed lies and provoked by the President and other powerful people.

I say, words are easy and he should put his vote where his mouth is.

McConnell also talked about working together in a bi-partisan way. That the President-elect has promised to be a President for all people. His emphasis.

I say where was he when this was all coming down? Where was that bi-partisan effort before?

We'll see...

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "Where was that bi-partisan effort before?"

It's bogus even now.  McConnell is finally absorbing the dedicated Trumpkin talk comin' from Radio-Right-Wing and the FoxNews' opinionators (Hannity, Carlson, Ingraham, et al.) and the rest of the Republican "alternative" media, talk of retribution against the "traitors" who didn't support the coup attempt, i.e. retribution against McConnell himself, among others.  He's been a bit slow to comprehend, but he's gettin' it now, finally.

This is his first strike against the Trumpkins.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
The Trump-friendly Twitter-clone known as "Parler" is back online (albeit with just an intro page saying the new site is under construction).  They appear to be getting an assist from a Russian tech company.  Vox

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
Trump is scheduled to slink out of Washington,D.C. today with nary a bang nor a whimper, but instead holding a private, almost secret, military parade in his own honor at Andrews Joint Military Base (used to be Andrews Air Base).  Even Mike Pence won't attend (pleading a prior engagement).

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
Near as I can tell Trump didn't even get his private military parade over at Andrews.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
Joe Biden has been President for 33 minutes now, and ex-President Trump is still not under arrest (so far as I know).

So, that risk has been removed.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Now I can breathe. Biden and Harris have been sworn in and Trump is gone. America has a fighting chance to return to an even keel.

I didn't get a chance to watch any of the ceremony. I will have to check in tonight, either on CNN or YouTube. I am sure both will have extensive replay coverage.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

So, that risk has been removed.

Hmmm...I wouldn't count out that risk yet. You just never know...

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "I wouldn't count out that risk yet."

Depends on what risk we're talkin' 'bout here.  If they'd arrested Trump within the hour of his being a civilian again it would almost certainly mean that he'd taken something with him that we didn't want Putin to have.

That seems less likely now.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Ahh...got it.

Although there was that woman during the riot who snatched the computer from Nancy Pelosi's office and was talking about selling it to Russian intelligence.

There was also that political plant Trump left at the NSA.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
At the end, Trump's team was down to sending invitations to attend Trump's grand military exit from Washington,D.C. to people like John Kelly, Anthony Scaramucci, Jim Mattis, John Bolton, and Omarosa Manigault-Newman (none of whom showed up) in an effort to drum up a crowd for his grand military send-off.
When he landed in Palm Beach airport they managed to scare up about 400 people to line the route to his digs at Mar-a-lago.

I'm guessin' he won't be able to let that lay.  He'll be takin' his Traveling Trump Show on the road, lookin' for crowds (probably hoping to charge for the tickets).

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Huh! He did say we'd see him again. It's only a matter of time.

The question is whether or not some of his elected supporters have gotten a clue yet.

The MyPillow guy is finding his pillows unwelcome at some of the retailers they were sold at. He,also may be facing a defamation lawsuit from Dominion. He is still drinking the Kool Aid.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "The MyPillow guy is finding his pillows unwelcome at some
      of the retailers they were sold at."


The powers that be on the right are increasingly raging against what they call "cancel culture".  They're trying to figure some way to outlaw it, or to somehow strike back against economic boycotts by the lower income majority.
AND they're increasingly insisting on the ability to pour unlimited amounts of anonymously sourced dark money into political campaigns.

We need to resist those urges--especially that last one, even if that last one means threatening some Supreme Court Justices with an increase in the number of Justices sitting beside them.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
Biden has issued an immediate 60 day freeze on all pending oil and gas leases (and new drilling) on all federal land and waterways.  (The freeze includes new coal development as well, although I'm not sure there's any of that goin' on new just now.AssociatedPress This would appear to include a freeze on Trump's recent moves intended to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to commercial development.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

McConnell is playing obstructionist over the filibuster rule. He doesn't want the Dems to do away with it. Neither do 2 Democratic Senators.

It is only if the Democrats stick together that they will be able to make any legislation.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "He doesn't want the Dems to do away with it."

Take that a step further.  McConnell wants to pin Schumer to an enforceable agreement to not further limit the filibuster (nothing beyond the two bites into the filibuster that McConnell has already taken when he was Majority Leader and he wanted to dial it back).  Restrictive rule for thee, but not for me.  That's what McConnell wants.

Soon as he gets Schumer to agree, then McConnell will know that he is freed to obstruct all legislation--gridlock the government entirely, just like he did against the Obama administration.  Schumer'ed be a fool to agree to that.  If McConnell sees the opportunity, McConnell will seize the opportunity.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

It looks like the Democrats are stealing one from the Republican play book.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

If McConnell sees the opportunity, McConnell will seize the opportunity.

Oh yeah, he's a sleazy a**hole.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
The Supreme Court has, in an unsigned opinion, today dismissed two lawsuits alleging Trump had violated the "emoluments" clause of the U.S. Constitution by actively doing private business with foreign governments.  These were essentially allegations that such private business connections to foreign governments are inherently corrupt, or at least inherently suspect, and are outlawed by the Constitution (Art. I § 9).
The Court held that Trump's lawyers had successfully run out the clock and that he could now avoid the lawsuits entirely because he had dragged them out past his term in office (by the simple method of endlessly appealing unfavorable trial court rulings).  Reuters

So, all rulings against Trump have now been ordered vacated.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Meanwhile the House has just presented the Article of Impeachment to the Senate.

Justice Roberts will not be presiding over this second impeachment proceeding. Apparently since Trump is no longer President it is not a requirement. Senator Patrick Leahy will preside. That means he can't vote.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
The point is to make the Republicans vote, in public, on the record, for the record.  Whether or not Leahy votes is not the point.  I don't think anybody expects the Party-of-Trump to convict Trump.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
(Gonna be heartburn for Mitch McConnell though.)

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
Speaking of heartburn for Mitch McConnell.  He's had to drop his demand that the Democrats commit to maintaining the Senate legislative filibuster in spite of all that he and the Republicans might do with it.  NYT

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
It occurred to me overnight:  Conviction on an impeachment requires a ⅔ majority.  For 100 Senators that means they need 67 votes to convict.
Take Patrick Leahy out of the count and there's 99 Senators left.  They need 66 votes to convict.

Don't hurt them even a little bit to have Leahy presiding rather than voting.  They need 17 Republican votes either way. 

We may reasonably suspect the Democrats already did the math there, and this comes as no surprise to Schumer or Leahy.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

The point is to make the Republicans vote, in public, on the record, for the record.

They have voted almost unanimously that the trial would be unconstitutional as Trump is no longer president. Anything to get around having to vote in a trial for insurrection.

Although it seems the spin has already started. At least in Oregon. There the Republicans are saying the riot on Jan. 6th was a false flag operation designed to make Trump look bad.

Geez, these people are just totally delusional. Kind of like that My Pillow guy.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

There is a new Frontline show on tonight on PBS at 9:00, "Trump's American Carnage".

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "There the Republicans are saying the riot on Jan. 6th was a false flag
      operation designed to make Trump look bad."


All kinds a crazy goin' on.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "…Republicans are saying the riot on Jan. 6th was a false flag
operation designed to make Trump look bad."


I am hearing that on the ground in the Mid-West here.  I'm hearing it from dedicated Trumpkins who swear (in public), that they don't even know who QAnon is (who dat?) although, like our friend Jeffrey, they are curiously up-to-date on the latest QAnon nonsense.

What it all boils down to is that McConnell's pipe dream of getting himself back in charge of the Republican Party and free of domination by Trump and the Trumpkins is fading fast.  I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't McConnell's last go'round as Leader in the Senate, maybe 2024 was his last campaign.  Already one Republican Senator announced he'd not run again in 2024 as a member of the Party-of-Trump (Rob Portman), likely to be more.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy appears to be choosing to remain loyal to Trump. He is making a pilgrimage to Florida to meet with the Orange One.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

All kinds a crazy goin' on.

Yup. For some Trump is old news, but for others he is their only news.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy appears to be choosing to
      remain loyal to Trump."


McConnell eventually had to toe the line as well.  He found himself obliged by circumstance to switch back to being a "Trump supporter" and to vote to dismiss the impeachment.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "Twitter has permanently banned My Pillow CEO Mike
      Lindell’s account after he continued to perpetuate the
      baseless claim that Donald Trump won the 2020 U.S.
      presidential election."

      AssociatedPress

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

He thinks his company won't be affected by reactions to his behavior. I wouldn't bet the bank on that myself.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
Maybe he can get Ivanka to make an ad for him.  Point at one of his pillows and smile for the camera?

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

She might be looking for work...

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Seriously, though, from what I'm hearing, and seeing from Republican elected officials behavior, I'm thinking we still have some rocky roads ahead.

The Party of Trump is starting to mobilize against people who have opposed them, like Liz Cheney.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "I'm thinking we still have some rocky roads ahead."

I tend to agree.  Trump was a symptom.  We were lucky in that Trump was a buffoon with no self-control and only a con man's superficial knowledge of the dark political threads he'd learned to play to during those many hours he'd spent watching FoxNews and listening to Radio-Right-Wing before he launched his 2016 campaign.
Petes announced his break with Trump denouncing Trump's incompetence.  The Petes's of America are still out there, as are would-be demagogues far more disciplined and far more competent than Trump.  And Trump has shown them that there's an audience and a following for a would-be American Caesar.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
I left out that there was also a major political party structure with no particular policy agenda and no rational political or governing theory--driven by simple "grievance" politics and a thirst for power, at the ready disposal of the next would-be Caesar to come along and grab the attention of FoxNews and become their new ratings champion.

So, yeah, we may see some rocky roads ahead.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Ok, so this has got to end badly. It's reminiscent of the day trading craze that also ended badly for some people. If I were that guy I'd sell right now. A million in hand is actually worth a million.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
I understand the Masters of the Universe have already arranged for it to "end badly" for most of, almost all of, the little guys who were makin' money on that play.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

The little guys would do better to just nibble around the edges.

He should sell and book his profits.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

I was in Target today and, of course, cruised by the books. I happened to notice two books turned around so that you couldn't see the cover. I turned them around. They were both on Biden.

I wonder...someone's political statement?

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "…...someone's political statement?"

Seems likely.  It would also suggest there are Trumpkins who read.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
And the clown show continues…  Trump's legal team has quit en masse (that or been fired; it's unclear which) on the very eve of his second impeachment acquittal (nobody doubts but that the craven "Party-of-Trump" senators in the Senate will nonetheless vote to acquit).

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
      "It looks like the Democrats are stealing one from the
      Republican play book."


And now it looks like a group of Republican senators is trying to head that one off.  USAToday

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Biden has apparently responded with an invite to the White House to discuss the matter.

      Lee C.   ―  U.S.A.      said...

 
Just in case any of them get any notions about coöperating with Biden, Trump just today announced he's stocked his new political action "committee" (a committee of one, that one being Trump) with $31.2 million.  This comes out of that $200 million plus he gathered in to ostensibly contest the 2020 election, but didn't spend on contesting the election.  (He's keeping the rest in reserve in case the $31.2 million isn't enough to intimidate the Republicans in the Senate.)

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

He is hovering over the country like a dark cloud. And unfortunately the Republicans who don't go along enthusiastically are vilified.

I note that Dubya went out of his way to mention to Dick Cheney that he thought his daughter, Liz, was doing a good job. A comment that was meant for public consumption.

But it will take more than Dubya to clear the minds of those who have been so brainwashed by Trump and others.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Trump's legal team has quit en masse...

The story running around CNN is that Trump wanted them to use the defense that the election was stolen. They didn't agree that was a good strategy. Or so the story goes...