I understand the whole "proximity is power" concept, but the level of boot licking is insane. Whether your team is in power or not, Congress is supposed to be a separate and equal (not subservient) branch of government.
So, the Rushmore thing is silly but the cowering in front of power is problematic.
Chris- This really seems a bit silly considering the fury of executive orders going on lately and the confirmation hearings of a noted anti-vaxxer potentially being our secretary of Health (just in time for a potential bird flu pandemic!). I think there are more serious issues going on you should be discussing.
Appreciate the reply. Don't expect us to agree on everything no worries. I think you'll find your audience today will broadly disagree with this topic but that's ok!
This isn't exactly breaking news you're writing about today. The slobbering over someone as unfit in general and in particular to be on Mount Rushmore is pathetic, disgusting and repulsive. Have these people absolutely no shame?
I think Lisa Murkowski may be the last Republican in Congress who does have a sense of shame. Look at the way Tillis and Ernst caved on Secretary of Drunkeness Hegseth.
Been saying similar for some time. Chris has responded saying he writes about what catches his interest. That is perfectly fair, it’s his blog. I’m just sometimes wondering why things like freezing spending or offering 8-months pay for no work to the entire federal workforce aren’t more interesting than something as trivial as putting trump on Rushmore. I think a lot of us have a very clear idea already about how the GOP has worked for several years. Being called a cult of personality goes back a long time. The rest of it, the ring kissing and obeying in advance have also been on display for some time. But to Chris’ point, it is important to know they haven’t changed from where they’ve been the past 8 years.
related to this topic, but more serious, is how the senate GOP is confirming a bunch or terrible nominees, both in terms of character and relevant experience.
I don't think this is "outrage porn." I think it's indicative of a broader trend within the GOP. And given that Republicans are one of our two major political parties, I think it matters.
I was going to say the same thing as Brad2167. This is not a new trend, it is just an example of an ongoing trend. We have a legislative body of government that has not been doing its job, regardless of who is in the office, which is why we have so many executive orders. This is not a good way to govern a country.
I beg to differ. During the first two years of the Biden presidency, when the Democrats held the Congressional majorities, a great deal of legislation was passed. It's the Republicans who seem unable to govern.
I will give you that. So, maybe now that the Republicans hold both houses, laws will be passed? I think that is what I worry about most of all. Laws are harder to undo than executive orders.
You're right to worry, but considering what the Republican House did -- and didn't -- do in the last term makes me wonder if they'll get anything done.
OK, then, maybe you think it is a step too far, but seems the logical conclusion is that the 'broader trend' of the GOP is indeed outrage porn. And I think if you listen to the anger on AM conservative radio, if you watch the opinion block on Fox News on any given night... they sure seem to do their best to stoke up whatever flames they can. A stressed person will naturally tend more protective and hence, conservative.
So I guess I don't have a problem with saying 'I will write about what I want to write about'. That's easy. But I think it also is fair to point out that your very recent article about 'I'm not going to cover these types of subjects' and then... you cover what is truly this type of subject. And you give away the game "Just in case you are wondering: Donald Trump is not going to be added to Rushmore — no matter what Congress does." If it is so obvious that it's not going to happen, what else is covering this other than at some level some gawking?
I was not clear. I don’t think this is outrage porn at all. I think it is a silly example of boot licking behavior that can’t be accomplished. Would rather hear about boot licking behavior that could damage or kill people.
Chris, I agree that this is a window into how the GOP functions and I also think it's a window into how they govern. They don't seem to care about serving their constituents, because they only have one constituent. All that matters is keeping him happy, so that he won't threaten them with primaries. It's pathetic to see our supposed leaders groveling like this.
Chris, I’m mixed as to whether this is consequential but I think I see your point. What this says is how revered Trump is to the current Republican Party. If this is your message then this is consequential as it will moderate EVERYTHING the Republican Party does. They will bend over backwards to not disappoint their demigod Trump. We will see this week how far they go with the RFKjr, Patel and Gabbard nomination hearings.
While “cult” fits, I think a more apt description is the mob. Trump talks and acts like a mob boss, demands loyalty to him above all else, and makes every decision like a mob boss would, regardless of the law. His motivation for retribution, to legally absolve hundreds of criminals because he saw them as fighting for him, the removal of security protection for those he deems disloyal - it’s all in the vein of the mob.
We know this. We HAVE known this. The GOP has made clear who they are and where they stand. I can’t fathom spending even seconds thinking about this. Our government is being dismantled via sledgehammer at a shocking rate. I have no desire for outrage porn. But I am desperately trying to keep up with what is breaking, what the unintended consequences are, and what we can do to save our society and country from years of fall out.
When Pelosi (who took Biden out) wanted to add Biden to Mount Rushmore because he was 'Such a consequential president' did that make the modern Democratic Party a cult too?
No one introduced legislation in the House to try to make it happen, unlike what Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna did..
Pelosi just said that to show that even tho she helped push President Biden out of the reelection campaign that she still thought he was a good prez. It's called politics, she was trying to smooth out the bad feelings. It's a turn of phrase, "belongs on Mt Rushmore" often used to imply that the person is great or worthy of being honored. It was Pelosi's opinion that she stated, not an act of congress.
What Paulina Luna did is called toadyisim, or cult-like behavior....and a rejection of reality imho
No Leva, it's called reality. That phrase, 'belongs on Mt Rushmore' is used all the time, from praising sports heros to taco chefs. Pelosi was using that common phrase to ease tensions in her party. That is called politics. Not cult-ish.
Pelosi did not introduce legislation in order to try and make it happen. That is the difference between what paulina luna did. Reality check, Leva.
Plus Paulina Luna is calling him so great when he is days into an administration. He could starts multiple wars or even launch a nuclear war and cause deaths of millions of Americans and become universally hated by even red hatred magas. It is inappropriate to assume his 'greatness,' especially in light of most historians rate his previous administration near the bottom of all Presidents.
Completely agree. It used to be every morning, I could count on your posts to hit on something that really matters, even if I didn’t like it. But lately it’s either irrelevant or like this one, nonsense. We need your voice on the big issues of the day. This isn’t it.
Do Trump and his minions just ignore the fact that a group of nonpartisan presidential historians ranked him as one of the worst presidents ever after his first term? I mean, I was a decent basketball player in high school and I can say that I should be elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame, but that doesn't make it true no matter how many times I say it.
I understand the whole "proximity is power" concept, but the level of boot licking is insane. Whether your team is in power or not, Congress is supposed to be a separate and equal (not subservient) branch of government.
So, the Rushmore thing is silly but the cowering in front of power is problematic.
Chris- This really seems a bit silly considering the fury of executive orders going on lately and the confirmation hearings of a noted anti-vaxxer potentially being our secretary of Health (just in time for a potential bird flu pandemic!). I think there are more serious issues going on you should be discussing.
Sorry we disagree. I do my best to cover what strikes my interest -- and what I think matters.
To me, this is a telling indicator of how the current GOP works -- and I think that is super important.
As for RFK, I will absolutely write about him. Plenty of time today and in future days.
Appreciate the reply. Don't expect us to agree on everything no worries. I think you'll find your audience today will broadly disagree with this topic but that's ok!
That's their choice! I do my best to cover as much as I can that interests me and I think matters. And I write a LOT more than the average Substacker!
This isn't exactly breaking news you're writing about today. The slobbering over someone as unfit in general and in particular to be on Mount Rushmore is pathetic, disgusting and repulsive. Have these people absolutely no shame?
I think Lisa Murkowski may be the last Republican in Congress who does have a sense of shame. Look at the way Tillis and Ernst caved on Secretary of Drunkeness Hegseth.
I know. Wonder what would happen if they all banned together, defied the pressure, and said no instead of going along.
Been saying similar for some time. Chris has responded saying he writes about what catches his interest. That is perfectly fair, it’s his blog. I’m just sometimes wondering why things like freezing spending or offering 8-months pay for no work to the entire federal workforce aren’t more interesting than something as trivial as putting trump on Rushmore. I think a lot of us have a very clear idea already about how the GOP has worked for several years. Being called a cult of personality goes back a long time. The rest of it, the ring kissing and obeying in advance have also been on display for some time. But to Chris’ point, it is important to know they haven’t changed from where they’ve been the past 8 years.
related to this topic, but more serious, is how the senate GOP is confirming a bunch or terrible nominees, both in terms of character and relevant experience.
You just spent a post on avoiding outrage porn and instead hit this topic? I am not following your vibe lately Chris.
I don't think this is "outrage porn." I think it's indicative of a broader trend within the GOP. And given that Republicans are one of our two major political parties, I think it matters.
I was going to say the same thing as Brad2167. This is not a new trend, it is just an example of an ongoing trend. We have a legislative body of government that has not been doing its job, regardless of who is in the office, which is why we have so many executive orders. This is not a good way to govern a country.
I beg to differ. During the first two years of the Biden presidency, when the Democrats held the Congressional majorities, a great deal of legislation was passed. It's the Republicans who seem unable to govern.
I will give you that. So, maybe now that the Republicans hold both houses, laws will be passed? I think that is what I worry about most of all. Laws are harder to undo than executive orders.
You're right to worry, but considering what the Republican House did -- and didn't -- do in the last term makes me wonder if they'll get anything done.
OK, then, maybe you think it is a step too far, but seems the logical conclusion is that the 'broader trend' of the GOP is indeed outrage porn. And I think if you listen to the anger on AM conservative radio, if you watch the opinion block on Fox News on any given night... they sure seem to do their best to stoke up whatever flames they can. A stressed person will naturally tend more protective and hence, conservative.
So I guess I don't have a problem with saying 'I will write about what I want to write about'. That's easy. But I think it also is fair to point out that your very recent article about 'I'm not going to cover these types of subjects' and then... you cover what is truly this type of subject. And you give away the game "Just in case you are wondering: Donald Trump is not going to be added to Rushmore — no matter what Congress does." If it is so obvious that it's not going to happen, what else is covering this other than at some level some gawking?
I was not clear. I don’t think this is outrage porn at all. I think it is a silly example of boot licking behavior that can’t be accomplished. Would rather hear about boot licking behavior that could damage or kill people.
Chris, I agree that this is a window into how the GOP functions and I also think it's a window into how they govern. They don't seem to care about serving their constituents, because they only have one constituent. All that matters is keeping him happy, so that he won't threaten them with primaries. It's pathetic to see our supposed leaders groveling like this.
I agree 💯%!
He's not fit to even be considered as a slag heap on Mt. Rushmore.
Chris, I’m mixed as to whether this is consequential but I think I see your point. What this says is how revered Trump is to the current Republican Party. If this is your message then this is consequential as it will moderate EVERYTHING the Republican Party does. They will bend over backwards to not disappoint their demigod Trump. We will see this week how far they go with the RFKjr, Patel and Gabbard nomination hearings.
Correct
While “cult” fits, I think a more apt description is the mob. Trump talks and acts like a mob boss, demands loyalty to him above all else, and makes every decision like a mob boss would, regardless of the law. His motivation for retribution, to legally absolve hundreds of criminals because he saw them as fighting for him, the removal of security protection for those he deems disloyal - it’s all in the vein of the mob.
His version of La Cosa Nostra.
So, the first thing the GOP comes up with to fix all the problems they say Biden caused is to add Trump's bust to a rock?
Well, fine, get on it! Eggs aren't getting any cheaper....
We know this. We HAVE known this. The GOP has made clear who they are and where they stand. I can’t fathom spending even seconds thinking about this. Our government is being dismantled via sledgehammer at a shocking rate. I have no desire for outrage porn. But I am desperately trying to keep up with what is breaking, what the unintended consequences are, and what we can do to save our society and country from years of fall out.
Sadly there will be a lot of damage but there will also be a lot of court cases.
This is “outrage porn”.
I disagree. I think it's a window into the modern GOP. But, reasonable people can disagree!
I often disagree with you, but I was an early paid subscriber and I intend to continue to disagree and agree with your opinions.
This window into the GOP isn't a new view. They've been a cult of personality for the last 10 years. This has been written about a billion times.
When Pelosi (who took Biden out) wanted to add Biden to Mount Rushmore because he was 'Such a consequential president' did that make the modern Democratic Party a cult too?
No one introduced legislation in the House to try to make it happen, unlike what Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna did..
Pelosi just said that to show that even tho she helped push President Biden out of the reelection campaign that she still thought he was a good prez. It's called politics, she was trying to smooth out the bad feelings. It's a turn of phrase, "belongs on Mt Rushmore" often used to imply that the person is great or worthy of being honored. It was Pelosi's opinion that she stated, not an act of congress.
What Paulina Luna did is called toadyisim, or cult-like behavior....and a rejection of reality imho
Always excuses, caveats, and hypocrisy
Pelosi gets a pass because she was just "smoothing out bad feelings" AFTER taking out a sitting President and the elected candidate
Whereas Luna is in a cult
WHILE ignoring that the Republicans introduced Mount Rushmore Protection Act back in 2023.
No Leva, it's called reality. That phrase, 'belongs on Mt Rushmore' is used all the time, from praising sports heros to taco chefs. Pelosi was using that common phrase to ease tensions in her party. That is called politics. Not cult-ish.
Pelosi did not introduce legislation in order to try and make it happen. That is the difference between what paulina luna did. Reality check, Leva.
Plus Paulina Luna is calling him so great when he is days into an administration. He could starts multiple wars or even launch a nuclear war and cause deaths of millions of Americans and become universally hated by even red hatred magas. It is inappropriate to assume his 'greatness,' especially in light of most historians rate his previous administration near the bottom of all Presidents.
Pelosi never uttered the phrase 'belongs on Mt Rushmore' that is not what she said.
Stop Lying.
Completely agree. It used to be every morning, I could count on your posts to hit on something that really matters, even if I didn’t like it. But lately it’s either irrelevant or like this one, nonsense. We need your voice on the big issues of the day. This isn’t it.
Sorry, Mark.
I feel like my offerings throughout a day, week or month covers all of the big stuff. But I know not everyone see it that way.
Take good care.
Do Trump and his minions just ignore the fact that a group of nonpartisan presidential historians ranked him as one of the worst presidents ever after his first term? I mean, I was a decent basketball player in high school and I can say that I should be elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame, but that doesn't make it true no matter how many times I say it.
Stone Mountain, GA?
Politicians doing things that benefit themselves is a tale as old as time. Pres. Trump has simply brought the back room
deals to light.
If we gotta have a felon on Mt Rushmore, I want Al Capone. At least he wasn’t adjudicated for sexual assault.
tRump worship knows no bounds!!