Agreed. Gabbard is somewhat small potatoes as far as the cabinet goes. Junior is a different story. All of our health, plus those of future generations, are at stake. He should NOT go further than today's vote, yet I'd be shocked if Cassidy voted No. Like you, I hope he does.
I'm more frightened that while they are systematically and deliberately tearing apart our government that we are distracted by this stupid bullshit. Unfortunately, the folks over at the contrarian are the only ones who are giving this enough credit. I'm disappointed that so many Americans do not understand what is happening right before their eyes.
Well there are many like Reich and Dworkin, my guy Eugene Robinson who care. But like I said yesterday, I am upset about those who pretended to care about egg prices, when they are actually racists at heart. They believed Trump when he claimed he never heard of Project 2025. So now we just had a Coup, we have an oligarchy, a dictatorship way past Day 1 and climbing. Well you know the rest.
To me, the most important and serious threat to our country are the efforts to dismantle and alter the FBI. Some folks use the saying "follow the money" but I say "follow the crooks". There is a reason they want the FBI to have 2 hands tied behind their back. FBI agents are conservative, GOP leaning, former military folks who almost always vote red. They hate intellectuals and liberals. Sorry, just stating the obvious.
Purging them is a foreshadowing of what is to come. Chris gets all warm and fuzzy, "Oh I don't really think trump is gonna do all that bad stuff." Dude, he is DOING IT. Right here, right now.
We need to be worried, very worried.
Viktor Orban is really smiling. "I taught that Amerikan what to do, and he is doing it better and quicker than I did!"
Russia TV is giddy. Lincoln foretold that we would be the makers of our own demise, and here we are. This Potemkin Congress might as well officially pack up and go home.
No argument there from me. We'll have 2 years of Dems going nuts and acting like the country is going to waste (which it will) and 2 years of the GOP strutting around.
Speaker Johnson has lost the ability to arouse his johnson. They are just a caretaker ceremonial body at this point. Elon is calling the shots and DonOld just nods and goes where they tell him to. For all their crap about Sleepy Joe, we got Dumpy in the White House now.
And, predictably, the prices of eggs have shot through the roof, the war in Ukraine is still going on, and Nirvana and Utopia have not taken over the land.
"n a statement posted to X just before the vote, Cassidy said he’d had “very intense conversations,” with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Vice President J.D. Vance through the weekend. "
"here's the deal Cassidy, you vote yes or we release 10 million tomorrow to fund your primary opponent."
I'll report back to Mr. Soprano that you understand the rules and we won't have any more differences of opinion on this matter.
"Thank you so much for the chance to serve Tony, err Don. It's been real nice"
Kennedy certainly doesn’t the incredible skill set that Xavier Becerra brought to the office as Secretary of HHS. Becerra was approved by a whopping 50-49 Senate vote.
There is absolutely NO courage in the Republican Party when it comes to these cabinet positions. Why have hearings when anyone “on the fence” just caves? Cassidy is a disappointment b/c he’s a doctor and he knows the damage that could ensue with RFK jr. at the helm. If you can’t stand up for what is right then…in my opinion…you have no self respect.
We now know where Cassidy stands. While disappointing, it can't be surprising.
Sort of curious to see how the other 3 doctors/physicians in the Senate vote:
Roger Marshall - Kansas
Rand Paul - KY
John Barrasso - WY
If we are going to be upset about Cassidy's vote, I'd think these other 3 - if/when - they fall in line should be just as disappointing, but equally un-surprising given the fealty shown and required to survive w/an R next to your name.
I don't remember Becerra denying the science/efficacy of vaccines. Please send if there's a similarity between he and RFK Jr in this regard.
I also see that Becerra had an extensive background in various positions within government, thus giving him an idea on the inner-workings of governmental agencies. Please send over any similar experience that RFK Jr. has.
I don’t recall Becerra doing much of anything. I’m sure he said Covid didn’t emanate from China and was a full fledged supporter of keeping our children out of school even they were at minimal risk.
I say this as someone who has gotten every Covid vaccine that’s been offered as well as the RSV, shingles and flu vaccines.
Do you really think you won’t be able to be vaccinated if Kennedy becomes Secretary?
As for him, what else can I say except that he’s just one more of a long line of pathetic Kennedy’s? Maybe we can buy plates with pictures of him and the Pope to hang in our kitchens.
I'd love to see the info where Becerra denies established science on vaccines. And some information on RFK Jr and his ability to serve/function within a governmental agency that was similar to Becerra's.
In addition, I worked through COVID as a teacher. Unless you were there it's really hard for you to speak with any expertise on what it was like regarding the risks of exposure and all of the unknowns.
I lost multiple students that first Spring and following Fall when we returned hybrid style during COVID. And countless other students who lost younger brothers and sisters. Do not talk to me about minimal risk.
Correct. Cassidy and Young, in deep red states, are not gonna oppose President Trump on votes in committee. Remember Peter Meijer in Michigan. Exactly…..
Anyone looking into slash Patel false comments under oath of Uganda massacres of 300000 “who look like me”? Lying under oath about genocide that’s a great look for FBI director
Yes, these are the most important votes for today. But let's not forget Kash Patel. As bad as RFK and Gabbard are, Patel is maybe the most dangerous to come. We shall see what happens.
I don't think we need to rank them in terms of their fitness or risk. In the before times, none of these people would have even been nominated. We're on our own now.
Hoping they truly love their country more than their jobs. I know that's hard if you went in for the right reasons but we are at a point where they have to choose and forget the consequences that "possibly" could happen.
President Trump won the first battle of the “trade war” w/o firing a shot like Reagan did with the Cold War. 🥇
Everyone knew the tariff talk was a negotiation tool where the USA had the upper hand. Results were obvious to all who were paying attention.
If President Trumps nominees get confirmed, honestly they shouldn’t (Hegsmith, RFK Jr, Gabbord) that will mean President Trump is the single most powerful person to EVER enter the White House.
Pop your popcorn, enjoy this great show! Gonna be so much fun to watch!
Spin, spin, spin. Trump folded like a cheap suit. He made concessions to Mexico which agreed to do what it had previously agreed to. Canada agreed to appoint a useless "fentanyl czar" to prevent a drug which is NOT coming over our northern border. Trump backed down just like he did with Colombia. Hilarious watching the MAGAts preening over this clown show.
And let's not forget the idiot's order to release millions of gallons of water which CANNOT reach Los Angeles but instead lowers the reservoirs serving farmers in central California. Look for food prices to climb.
Trump is the absolute King of "perceived" wins. He knows how to play the game very well. I hate the man, but I can't deny his ability to twist the narrative in his favor. The masses don't pay close enough attention to know any different.
You think that Trump is the most powerful President in history? Seriously? History didn't start the day you were born. Look at the authority various Presidents have assumed during wartime, for example.
I do agree that the tariff stuff was just an obvious negotiating tool. It was more successful with Mexico than with Canada.
My point being, if President Trump can get his cabinet selections (questionable at best) confirmed it will be only bc of his raw power. Again, this early in an administration (albeit maybe unfair comparison bc Trump has been there before) the power to influence people and votes will be undeniable. No one, not any president in history, has done as much as President Trump in their first 2 weeks in office.
Raw power?? ROFL. You mean his ability to be the bully, and then be backed up by anonymous maga mob sending death threats to politicians homes and personal phones, threatning them and their families lives and livelihood. Or how he will "primary" anyone who who does not do as he wishes, and the maga mob will vote them out no matter how competent or how much they previously toed the maga line. One false step and you are out says the bully with the backing of a lawless mob.
Yes, Trump did come into office much better prepared to execute his agenda than the first time around. But getting most of his cabinet selections confirmed by a Senate of the same party is hardly unique.
Agreed, my point being these really are not qualified to run these departments. If he gets them through it’s only bc of his abilities as a politician. Powerful like JBL for instance
Politicians negotiate or make tradeoffs to get what they want. The current guy just threatens and bullies his way to get what he wants. That is not good for our country, Dutch, but I guess you do not care about what is good for the country? You prefer an unaccountable King? Go move to Saudi Arabia then.
But Dutch... how can you applaud the man when he's appointing people you know are unqualified? Or is that the point? You'd rather just watch them tear it all down and watch it burn...?
Dutch. You’ve been drinking too much koolaide. Trump did win by less than 2%. Johnson won 61% in 64. Nixon won with 61% in 68. Reagan won by 10 %. Those were elections with a mandate
I think this election ranked something like 18th in size of win
Everything Trump says his followers believe without question
RFK is not going to do a whole lot of damage Trump has already shut down communications and withdrawn from WHO Musk will eliminate HHS or cut their budget dramatically
They went the way of the dinosaurs. Like it or not, this is President Trumps party. 80 million people gave him a mandate. He is doing exactly what he campaigned on. No one should be surprised.
What a dark day. To RMM’s comment about courage and Republican together. He nailed it. I live in NC. Thom Tillis is my senator. His FB page says quite boldly - I will vote for whoever comes out of committee. So, he’s willing to be led like a ship and is completely devoid of any critical thinking. I am beyond disgusted. And now the stage is set for Kash Patel.
You can't use the words courage and republican in the same sentence.
I'll silently hope I'm wrong today.
But I'm not getting my hopes up.
Agreed. Gabbard is somewhat small potatoes as far as the cabinet goes. Junior is a different story. All of our health, plus those of future generations, are at stake. He should NOT go further than today's vote, yet I'd be shocked if Cassidy voted No. Like you, I hope he does.
I'm more frightened that while they are systematically and deliberately tearing apart our government that we are distracted by this stupid bullshit. Unfortunately, the folks over at the contrarian are the only ones who are giving this enough credit. I'm disappointed that so many Americans do not understand what is happening right before their eyes.
Well there are many like Reich and Dworkin, my guy Eugene Robinson who care. But like I said yesterday, I am upset about those who pretended to care about egg prices, when they are actually racists at heart. They believed Trump when he claimed he never heard of Project 2025. So now we just had a Coup, we have an oligarchy, a dictatorship way past Day 1 and climbing. Well you know the rest.
To me, the most important and serious threat to our country are the efforts to dismantle and alter the FBI. Some folks use the saying "follow the money" but I say "follow the crooks". There is a reason they want the FBI to have 2 hands tied behind their back. FBI agents are conservative, GOP leaning, former military folks who almost always vote red. They hate intellectuals and liberals. Sorry, just stating the obvious.
Purging them is a foreshadowing of what is to come. Chris gets all warm and fuzzy, "Oh I don't really think trump is gonna do all that bad stuff." Dude, he is DOING IT. Right here, right now.
We need to be worried, very worried.
Viktor Orban is really smiling. "I taught that Amerikan what to do, and he is doing it better and quicker than I did!"
Russia TV is giddy. Lincoln foretold that we would be the makers of our own demise, and here we are. This Potemkin Congress might as well officially pack up and go home.
No argument there from me. We'll have 2 years of Dems going nuts and acting like the country is going to waste (which it will) and 2 years of the GOP strutting around.
Speaker Johnson has lost the ability to arouse his johnson. They are just a caretaker ceremonial body at this point. Elon is calling the shots and DonOld just nods and goes where they tell him to. For all their crap about Sleepy Joe, we got Dumpy in the White House now.
And, predictably, the prices of eggs have shot through the roof, the war in Ukraine is still going on, and Nirvana and Utopia have not taken over the land.
And of course Cassidy voted to advance Junior. Chicken shit.
"n a statement posted to X just before the vote, Cassidy said he’d had “very intense conversations,” with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Vice President J.D. Vance through the weekend. "
"here's the deal Cassidy, you vote yes or we release 10 million tomorrow to fund your primary opponent."
I'll report back to Mr. Soprano that you understand the rules and we won't have any more differences of opinion on this matter.
"Thank you so much for the chance to serve Tony, err Don. It's been real nice"
2 weeks in office gonna take a bit to clean up 4 years of a total mess! Getting there! DOE to be eliminated!
Hold your wallet, lock your doors and buy a motor scooter
Kennedy certainly doesn’t the incredible skill set that Xavier Becerra brought to the office as Secretary of HHS. Becerra was approved by a whopping 50-49 Senate vote.
He sure doesn't.
Expand and explain please.
I believe I have expanded and explained plenty. What part don't you understand?
You must have done very well in college on that basis.
Both will be confirmed. Every Republican has ultimately bent their knee to Trump.
But it's okay. Susan Collins will be concerned.
Wrong. She'll be deeply disappointed and concerned.
His press secretary literally says that.
......because it's true.
There is absolutely NO courage in the Republican Party when it comes to these cabinet positions. Why have hearings when anyone “on the fence” just caves? Cassidy is a disappointment b/c he’s a doctor and he knows the damage that could ensue with RFK jr. at the helm. If you can’t stand up for what is right then…in my opinion…you have no self respect.
We now know where Cassidy stands. While disappointing, it can't be surprising.
Sort of curious to see how the other 3 doctors/physicians in the Senate vote:
Roger Marshall - Kansas
Rand Paul - KY
John Barrasso - WY
If we are going to be upset about Cassidy's vote, I'd think these other 3 - if/when - they fall in line should be just as disappointing, but equally un-surprising given the fealty shown and required to survive w/an R next to your name.
Cassidy could have stopped this nomination. First do no harm? He failed the oath.
100% correct there NanceeM.
That’s politics
You’ll recall that zero Dems voted no on the unqualified Xavier Becerra as Biden’s Secretary of HHS. One didn’t show up for the vote though.
I don't remember Becerra denying the science/efficacy of vaccines. Please send if there's a similarity between he and RFK Jr in this regard.
I also see that Becerra had an extensive background in various positions within government, thus giving him an idea on the inner-workings of governmental agencies. Please send over any similar experience that RFK Jr. has.
I don’t recall Becerra doing much of anything. I’m sure he said Covid didn’t emanate from China and was a full fledged supporter of keeping our children out of school even they were at minimal risk.
I say this as someone who has gotten every Covid vaccine that’s been offered as well as the RSV, shingles and flu vaccines.
Do you really think you won’t be able to be vaccinated if Kennedy becomes Secretary?
As for him, what else can I say except that he’s just one more of a long line of pathetic Kennedy’s? Maybe we can buy plates with pictures of him and the Pope to hang in our kitchens.
I'd love to see the info where Becerra denies established science on vaccines. And some information on RFK Jr and his ability to serve/function within a governmental agency that was similar to Becerra's.
In addition, I worked through COVID as a teacher. Unless you were there it's really hard for you to speak with any expertise on what it was like regarding the risks of exposure and all of the unknowns.
I lost multiple students that first Spring and following Fall when we returned hybrid style during COVID. And countless other students who lost younger brothers and sisters. Do not talk to me about minimal risk.
They'll fall in line unfortunately
Correct. Cassidy and Young, in deep red states, are not gonna oppose President Trump on votes in committee. Remember Peter Meijer in Michigan. Exactly…..
Cassidy will be primaried in 2026 regardless of his vote on Kennedy. He’s spineless and voted FOR him in spite of his questioning about vaccines.
Anyone looking into slash Patel false comments under oath of Uganda massacres of 300000 “who look like me”? Lying under oath about genocide that’s a great look for FBI director
The spineless Rs have done it again. Say goodbye to science based health from the government.
Yes, these are the most important votes for today. But let's not forget Kash Patel. As bad as RFK and Gabbard are, Patel is maybe the most dangerous to come. We shall see what happens.
I don't think we need to rank them in terms of their fitness or risk. In the before times, none of these people would have even been nominated. We're on our own now.
Hoping they truly love their country more than their jobs. I know that's hard if you went in for the right reasons but we are at a point where they have to choose and forget the consequences that "possibly" could happen.
They have chosen.
Yeah......
Zero chance these two morons don’t get approved….look at the past two weeks and tell why anyone would think differently….
Yesterday was the Art of the Deal!
President Trump won the first battle of the “trade war” w/o firing a shot like Reagan did with the Cold War. 🥇
Everyone knew the tariff talk was a negotiation tool where the USA had the upper hand. Results were obvious to all who were paying attention.
If President Trumps nominees get confirmed, honestly they shouldn’t (Hegsmith, RFK Jr, Gabbord) that will mean President Trump is the single most powerful person to EVER enter the White House.
Pop your popcorn, enjoy this great show! Gonna be so much fun to watch!
Spin, spin, spin. Trump folded like a cheap suit. He made concessions to Mexico which agreed to do what it had previously agreed to. Canada agreed to appoint a useless "fentanyl czar" to prevent a drug which is NOT coming over our northern border. Trump backed down just like he did with Colombia. Hilarious watching the MAGAts preening over this clown show.
And let's not forget the idiot's order to release millions of gallons of water which CANNOT reach Los Angeles but instead lowers the reservoirs serving farmers in central California. Look for food prices to climb.
An interesting perspective here on yesterday's "deal":
https://reason.com/2025/02/04/trumps-north-american-trade-war-accomplished-nothing/
Trump is the absolute King of "perceived" wins. He knows how to play the game very well. I hate the man, but I can't deny his ability to twist the narrative in his favor. The masses don't pay close enough attention to know any different.
/popcorn
😂
You think that Trump is the most powerful President in history? Seriously? History didn't start the day you were born. Look at the authority various Presidents have assumed during wartime, for example.
I do agree that the tariff stuff was just an obvious negotiating tool. It was more successful with Mexico than with Canada.
My point being, if President Trump can get his cabinet selections (questionable at best) confirmed it will be only bc of his raw power. Again, this early in an administration (albeit maybe unfair comparison bc Trump has been there before) the power to influence people and votes will be undeniable. No one, not any president in history, has done as much as President Trump in their first 2 weeks in office.
Raw power?? ROFL. You mean his ability to be the bully, and then be backed up by anonymous maga mob sending death threats to politicians homes and personal phones, threatning them and their families lives and livelihood. Or how he will "primary" anyone who who does not do as he wishes, and the maga mob will vote them out no matter how competent or how much they previously toed the maga line. One false step and you are out says the bully with the backing of a lawless mob.
Yes, Trump did come into office much better prepared to execute his agenda than the first time around. But getting most of his cabinet selections confirmed by a Senate of the same party is hardly unique.
Agreed, my point being these really are not qualified to run these departments. If he gets them through it’s only bc of his abilities as a politician. Powerful like JBL for instance
Politicians negotiate or make tradeoffs to get what they want. The current guy just threatens and bullies his way to get what he wants. That is not good for our country, Dutch, but I guess you do not care about what is good for the country? You prefer an unaccountable King? Go move to Saudi Arabia then.
But Dutch... how can you applaud the man when he's appointing people you know are unqualified? Or is that the point? You'd rather just watch them tear it all down and watch it burn...?
You are a fascinating guy.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jasonegenberg/p/the-most-dangerous-nominee-in-american?r=3nm35j&utm_medium=ios
Dutch. You’ve been drinking too much koolaide. Trump did win by less than 2%. Johnson won 61% in 64. Nixon won with 61% in 68. Reagan won by 10 %. Those were elections with a mandate
I think this election ranked something like 18th in size of win
Everything Trump says his followers believe without question
If the term mandate works for you go for it
It does and I will go with that! 😎
Be well my friend
RFK is not going to do a whole lot of damage Trump has already shut down communications and withdrawn from WHO Musk will eliminate HHS or cut their budget dramatically
Where are the Romneys, Cheneys, Kinzingers
They went the way of the dinosaurs. Like it or not, this is President Trumps party. 80 million people gave him a mandate. He is doing exactly what he campaigned on. No one should be surprised.
What a dark day. To RMM’s comment about courage and Republican together. He nailed it. I live in NC. Thom Tillis is my senator. His FB page says quite boldly - I will vote for whoever comes out of committee. So, he’s willing to be led like a ship and is completely devoid of any critical thinking. I am beyond disgusted. And now the stage is set for Kash Patel.
Kennedy and Tulsi can say whatever they want in front of the committees, then when they get confirmed, go on and burn the place down!