Speaking of strange outcomes, our local Seattle Times columnist, Danny Westneat, noted that the national red/blue divide is perfectly illustrated here in Washington State. The west side of the Cascades (Seattle, etc) went completely blue-the Republican Party is almost wiped out here. However, east of the Cascades, Rep Matt Manweller, R of Ellensburg was swamping his opponent by 29 percentage points despite having announced in September that he was resigning due to multiple sexual assault allegations. Or take Rep Matt Shea, R from Spokane Valley, who was revealed last week to be plotting for a holy biblical war, who was beating his Democratic challenger by 16 points.
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/it-turned-out-there-were-two-waves-not-one-and-our-urban-rural-divide-just-got-wider/
My favorite thought was the race for 2020. I mean who can vote against the team of the Big O (Oprah) with Beto. Bet-O. BETO ! Throw in O'Rourke and you have TEAM Big O !
2
Favorite outcome: Ayanna Pressley.
Everything about her gives me hope.
My favorites include that ruby red Oklahoma contributed to the Blue Wave. We have Democrat Kendra Horn winning the 5th District that has been held by a Republican since 1975. When I called my 86 year old true blue Democrat mom in Kansas to congratulate about her new lesbian and Native American congresswoman and new Democrat Kobach-slayer female governor, she first wanted to share her grief about Beto.
1
He's trying to change the subject of the Russia and various crimes investigation.
1
Classic Gail column! Good history read years from now in saner times.
1
Dear Gail, Thank you and your editor for that lovely picture of Agent Orange. Every time I want to reach for another chip or piece of chocolate I look at the picture of D.J.Trump and lose my appetite. I am sure your column will help be keep fit. Many Thanks.
“Mia Love gave me no love and she lost!”
Fun game...let me try:
"Butch Otter swam against my tide and he lost!"
"Jeff Sessions ignored my therapy and he was fired!"
1
The Dems better start playing hardball immediately. Trump just threw them his first curve ball. New acting AG. Get on it !
1
Tulsi Gabbard in 2020.
Will Collins ever stop obsessing over Romney's dog strapped to his stupid car roof ?!?
How I’ve missed you, Seamus, you old dog.
1
Bye Bye Wall.
1
Happier than you and me. ;-)
1
That photo from the press conference tells it all. He looks awful. Not that I am a fan - to the contrary, my granddaughter asked her mother why I always mute the TV when he comes on. But, once upon a time, long, long ago, he was a good looking, articulate man (even if he has never been a business genius). You have to wonder if he has fallen victim to dementia like his father.
2
Though no one gets to see it, my favorite election result undoubtedly occurred late Wednesday night in the White House residence when Trump reviewed the video of his third press conference while in office and realized the glowing red light on top of the camera meant it was ON.
2
With a Trump news conference, there are always takeaways that one would like to return to store. So it was this time. The further degradation of the presidency by his petulant abuse of members of the press corps stands out.
However, there was also something stunningly genuine and revealing (or confirming): the sight of a Donald Trump subdued almost to the point of depression as he laboriously read through his prepared remarks on the outcome of the election. In print, you see the usual impudence as he declares a setback to be studded with glorious triumphs, but that was not how it played out for me in the dimensions of sight and sound.
Then Trump feebly added that he would take questions. Beyond that point he became combative, but his energy seemed to come less from the accustomed stimulus of interplay with reporters than from something chafing him inside. It was an apparently joyless combat, all tantrum and no flair.
So I say it revealed, or confirmed, how personally Donald Trump takes everything and how desperately he needs something he can tout as love. Liberal commentators are cautioning Democrats against viewing this fairly typical midterm realignment as a clear repudiation of Trump, but he can't help showing the world that he views it that way himself.
1
Seamus is back! Thanks Ellen!!
Our President ascended to his post partially as a result of reality television. He now seems to view running the country as his own current reality television show, where he gets to write the script.
1
He worse than I feared when he won and it’s only getting worse.
After 2 years, Trump has not learned the basics of US government.
- He still thinks everyone in government- the Justice Department, including the FBI work for him, alone.
- He thinks Republican Senators work for him and that he can tell them who/how to investigate.
- He chooses news organizations based on whether they repeat his lies. Fox does, they are “in”. CNN, NBC - REAL journalists won’t - they are ‘out’. I guess he hasn’t read the 1st Amendment which guarantees freedom of the press - someone ought to explain he could find it in the Constitution before the 2nd Amendment.
Worse than anything Republican legislators seem to accept that they work for Trump. As long as they do, let Trump pay their salaries. I’m tired of paying them to do nothing!
1
Yes, speaking of Seamus.
When doggone Romney lost weren't were all deprived of seeing Seamus strapped to the fuselage of Air Force One, though the alternative president worked out just fine.
Perhaps my favorite election moment was when Joe Cunningham won the House District #1 seat in SC after Katie Arrington stomped Mark Sanford in the primaries. I wish it had been my district (7), but at least it puts a second Democrat in the SC delegation along with Jim Clyborne.
I was also gratified that turnout was higher than usual among Democrats in my area. 95% higher. With high growth and an influx of retirees, though, it is hard to say whether these were new voters or newly motivated voters. We didn't win this time, but we are better positioned for future wins in a state that has not elected Democrats in great numbers since what I call "the great crossover" among politicians decades ago after the Civil Rights Act was passed.
2
I believe substantiated evidence furthered by argument is the foundation of our USA democracy. I am from Wisconsin and have witnessed the destruction of the middle class and the defunding of all public services including the total defubding of the state parks ready for short sale. Plus Billions of dollars to a Chinese company Foxcon instead of our aging local paper mills and local farmers. Billions of State taxpayer money to a foriegn government. We will continue the investgation of Trump put in office by the Russians. I am a middle age woman and I love this country we will not be Jim Jonesed by Trump.
3
Favorite moment yesterday: Wisconsin finally voted two-term, recall-surviving Gov. Scott Walker out of office. New governor, Tony Evers, was a school superintendent. Hopefully he can repair the damage to public schools done by Walker.
6
Trump didn't lose anything.
He won, in 2016.
Other people lost, certainly, and to some extent because Collins and her ilk were moderately successful in their attempts to make midterm elections appear to be a referendum on Trump - when in fact - they were simply the same thing they always are: midterm elections.
Have we been done a service by the media, with their attempt to get us to ignore issues directly related to our local political needs in favor of a false narrative about a Trump referendum ?
I think so, but for one thing: anyone who doubted that they are all in with the Democratic National Committee, and essentially the propaganda wing of the Democratic Party, should now be doubt free.
The Trump referendum was in 2016, and the results have been in for a long time.
Many election moments gladdened my heart, but my favorite was the passage of Amendment 4 in Florida, returning the vote to residents convicted of nonviolent felonies.
56
I want to see Seamus the Second or Third driving the the train this time!
2
My highlight: Kansas coming at least partially to its collective sense by electing Laura Kelly and Sharice Davids. Now if we could just maintain for a while to get things straightened out. Biggest what the hell moment: the re-election of two congressmen under indictment and the re-election of a Senator who was tried but not convicted of serious crimes. Are we, as a society, that jaded?
36
I have no problem at all for Trump to feel so good about his "complete victory" and about himself. When a 13 year old feels bad about himself, he may do something undesirable.
6
My favorite outcome of these midterms? Dana Rohrbacher, nutty 30 year Republican CA state representative, losing to Harley Rouda, a very sane Democrat.
As for Trump, I was struck by his post-election speech where he went through all of the Republicans who he tried to "embrace" and who "rejected the embrace," and lost. He was glad they lost because they rejected him, regardless of what that means to his party. He said, "I guess I'm should feel bad about it (their losing) but I don't really."
His narcissism still shocks.
12
I must confess, I read ahead to make sure Collins mentioned the dog strapped to the roof of the car. Thankfully, she did not disappoint. I've missed that.
5
Why don't you all be happy? The Democrats took the House! Give Pres. Trump a break for a few days. You won! Pat yourselves on the back. Ignore Trump for a few days. Sometimes I think that his opponents spend more time thinking about him than his supporters do.
2
@Gordon Wiggerhaus
"Sometimes I think that his opponents spend more time thinking about him than his supporters do."
Which is precisely how we got here.
Bada-Bing!
1
"what was your favorite election outcome?"
My personal fav:
Nevada brothel owner & reality TV star Dennis Hof died last month but still won a heavily GOP state legislative district.
79
@Henry Hilarious, isn't it? Should we just say that there are Republicans who are uninformed?
5
Corey Booker is always on Vacation to answer your question. He is supposed to be representing the people of New Jersey, something he has failed to do since this past summer, instead running for President on our dime. What a useless excuse for a Senator, and human being
2
Wondering how you felt about the prior governor rejecting the Hudson River rail tunnel proposal. All in the name of gilding his always weak chance at national office. And while you’re thinking let us know how Senator Booker is ignoring NJ.
5
There’s a little hope on this dismal Thursday morn….very little but that's better that's better than none, ay? We’ve been experiencing a constitutional crisis sine the moment that this nitwit was inaugurated nearly twenty-two months ago. We’re about to step into the full-tilt crisis. I thought it would never get weirder than Dick Nixon. I was as wrong as I’ve ever been in my life. Watergate was a paper cut. This is a freakin’ bloodbath. We have held up a mirror to the American face and Donald Trump is the reflection. I’m nostalgic for George W. Bush. Somebody shoot me please.
As a lot of us predicted two years ago when the American people stupidly sent this maniac to the house that was once occupied by Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt, this is going to end badly. I never dreamed that I would live to be witnessing these things. We sure do live in interesting times.
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degan
Goshen, NY
11
Tom Degan,
"Shoot me sombody please!" Just keep attending church, or temple. Go bacķ to school, or go dancing at a gay or straight niteclub, No problem. Somebody will get to you sooner or later.
1
Dr. Kim Schrier just turned District 8 in Washington State blue for the first time in history! More cause for rejoicing. She is a veteran of the women's marches. https://apnews.com/apf-politics
8
Gail, Seamus strapped to the roof is sooo 2012. Is there a new Romney pet vacation nightmare story you can share?
Perhaps a cat with diarrhea that was unceremoniously placed in the cargo hold of his jet?
Maybe a sea sick hamster towed in a dingy behind his super yacht?!
Please, please! Let it be a narcoleptic hedgehog carried along by a jogging servant while Mitt takes one of those tourist rickshaws between the sites in DC!!
2
Not that it's a good thing for the country, or reflects well on the voters of Texas, but they returned Louie Gohmert to Congress. He should be good for a few more totally unhinged and entertaining comments along the way.
4
My favorite election moment, learning that Scott Walker was tossed out of office in Wisconsin.
20
My favorite election moment: the news that the Colorado baker who memorably refused to make a wedding cake for a gay wedding now has a gay governor.
238
@Paul Stamler
Music to my ears, Mr Stamler! Somehow that one I missed. Homopho...-er, Christian baker in CO now has a gay governor! :)
5
“I’m going to stomp all over your face with golf spikes.”
Golf spikes? Come on, Scott. Golf is a left-coast, wine-drinking, hippy dippy sport for snowflakes who pad their scores because they need a safe space from reality.
What's that? The "president" plays a lot of golf? Oh! Well...when HE plays golf it's manly. Tan and manly. Tan and manly with a comb-over.
16
Surprised you didn't mention that Trump made a fool of himself attacking reporters yesterday for asking questions.
Trump's motto seems to be: "If you can't stand the heat, blame the kitchen!"
17
Gail Collins is the best!
Our joy was short lived. Immediately upon the loss of the House, the proto fascist and erstwhile dictator cans Rosenstein and installs the incredible hulk Attorney General, whom everyone seems compelled to tell us was a football star in College!
As if this has the slightest thing to do with responsible governance and, in fact, may actually be a personal trait that impedes the brute from doing a good job.
I have noted that a deep strain of arrested development often lodges itself in these sports stars whose entire existence is predicated on their need to consider themselves just the cat's meow.
Here's what I don't get. Was anyone really surprised? Didn't our Dem Congress men and women game this inevitability out? "But the day after the election! Who was prepared for this!" They may whinge. Well, I don't buy it; the snap decision shouldn't have caught anyone off guard.
In fact, this should have been exactly warned about. How can this gangster get the jump on Dems with such a predictable move? Bummer
5
I was psyched to see you working in Mitt's dog strapped to the roof. A bit of a stretch, but one of my favorite Collins memes! You always bring some levity! Thanks Gail...
6
Ahh, I must be jaded or just plain wore out. Used to be, as soon as I saw the two magic words “Mitt Romney” in Gail’s column, I knew she’d mention Seamus the dog in there somewhere. Somehow I missed it until she welcomed Romney’s return to national politics as an opportunity to introduce another generation to the poor old windburned pooch. I love your work Gail. You help us to laugh away the anxiety for a few minutes. Please write more each week, we need it. I’ll send you a check if that will help!
7
Every day that passes, Ms. Collins, I am grateful to you. There are two reasons for this.
(1) I can hardly bear reading, getting through the news nowadays. Put it down to my age--I'm not quite seventy. You develop lumbago of the mind as it were--you tell yourself, "No--I can't BEAR another shooting." (Which is disgraceful.) "I can't BEAR reading through--or listening to--another Presidential address. I can't BEAR going through these whole United States, reading about who won--who lost--WHY they won--WHY they lost. . . .. "
And here you tell me all about it. You pass on (as it were) a precis of the news--the important bits--the stuff I really should know about.
(2) AND--not least!--you keep it light. Oh what a difference that makes! You keep it light. That sure touch of mockery--a touch that positively WITHERS the slogans, the inanities, the bromides, the hypocrisies so indefatigably manufactured and hawked by. . . . ..
. . .by. . . .. ,
. . .you know, Ms. Collins. You know all about it.
As do the rest of us.
I live in Pennsylvania. I was aware of Mr. Scott Wagner. Flaunting those heavy spiked boots with which he proposed to trample on someone's face. DESPICABLE!
Talk like that is DESPICABLE.
"These boots are made for walkin' and they'll walk right over YOU!" (Courtesy of Ms. Nancy Sinatra.)
I think Mr. Wagner just got trodden into the mire--
--on his mad march to the statehouse in Harrisburg.
The mire.
Where he belongs.
8
Gail Collins is mesmerized by the oldest pastime in the world: “Whistling in the dark”. Swell, we’re maybe going to fill some potholes, while Mr. Trump saunters into his second term with his sycophantic senate rubber-stampIng our new Supreme Court. We did this to ourselves simply because Hillary wasn’t pure enough for the “lefter than thou” crowd.
4
Trump a happy loser? That face looks like someone whose wife just left him and ran over the dog driving out the driveway.
He looks so tired that I'm afraid he's taken Sarah H.'s sleep meds - check out SNL, Sat. last.
4
Welcome back Romney's dog!
3
I fail to see how this was a loss. It is normal for the party in power to loos up to 50 seats in the House. The fact that the Republicans we able to mitigate their losses to what I believe was 28 seats is a victory. The gains in the Senate seem like a victory. The gains in the Governors races again seem like a victory. I fail to see where the loss is. Most of the Kavenaugh pushers lost their seats. Beto was a busto... and even Florida did not go for the Dems. You can quit trying to spin the narrative and just accept that this was mostly a win for the Repubs....
@Mystery Lits
Please keep winning
Be patient my friend, it will all become obvious to you by mid-January.
The press conference was a preview into the descent into total madness of the 'leader". What a disgrace to the Office of the Presidency, and decency in our nation.
7
Nevada is now officially a blue state! Wahoo!
8
Keep it coming Gail Collins!!!
4
Mitt Romney will lead an opposition movement to Donald Trump in a GOP Senate? Seriously? Mitt what-state-do-I live-in-now Romney? Not gonna happen. Here's what's gonna happen: Mitt Romney will celebrate his swearing-in day by having his lips publicly and permanently sutured to Trump's left buttock, thereby completing a matched pair with Lindsey Graham.
7
How delightful! The Romney's road trip with dog on roof story is back... easily among my top ten Gail Collins themes of all time!
1
I see that two Republicans who are both dealing with federal indictments have been re-elected.
How is that even a thing.
9
He sure doesn't look happy, but he does look like a loser!
12
Ya hoo! for Yoho! How long do we need to wait for Trump (AKA "yoyo") to start calling the new Dem members of the House racist names? Days, or hours?
3
I was still laugh-crying 'over' trump's dyslexic 'explanation' of just how "uncomplicated" was his 'vision' of a renunciation -- by "executive order" (!!!) -- of the 14th Amendment's provision for birthright citizenship (with apologies to the far-more-ordered grammar 'orientations' of even worst-case dyslexics) ... when the 1st ever baby-potus 'engaged' the press yesterday -- embarrassing himself and his staff' no-end' (but for the near-certain circumstance that neither he nor any of them 'appreciate' that reality).
P.S. 'Tis not likely even close to being the worst part of any trump performance involving spoken words not put by others on a teleprompter ... BUT ... Has trump ever let a correspondent complete his or her question? I mean ... EVER?
2
Best midterm outcome: I get to live in a state where the governor and both state chambers are run by forward thinking people. Worst midterm outcome: There is actually a state in this country where a person running for governor also controlled the election as a side gig. No conflict there.
Warning to Washington D.C., Duncan Hunter is on his way back to you and he is flush with cash.
3
Gail never fails, did I need a good laugh this AM. Thanks
Mitt Romney, what a great resume. Governor of Massachusetts, Senator from Utah, chauffeur of dogs upon the roof. He has the blue, red and spotted covered.
Will he make nice with t rump from the Senate or will he think of how humiliating it was to have to go to Vegas to grovel for the blessing of the future so called president. He lost so none of t rump's so called magic rubbed off on him.
The vote in Arizona for Gosar really says something about so called conservative voters. If someone's entire family says the guys is a bozo, or at least not worth voting for, I would take a moment and consider whether that rebuke from his family was more relevant than voting for my party line. But then I am a thinking voter.
A sigh of relief that our Country is not yet flushed down the convenience; but We the People must stay vigilant and stay angry at the attempted fascist takeover of our Nation.
2
As a Bostonian and a voter who liked Romney, I hope that man brings his morals and sound to Washington.
Also, as a woman, let’s resurrect Franken! He was classless but he’s a Democratic rock star and would leave Trump whimpering.
8
Regarding some of the comments here, it never ceases to amaze me how the Democrats are referred to by Trumpistas as "far left". To use Canada as an example, the Dems are soooo far to the right of the Conservative Party of Canada that they would need binoculars to see them.
Your binary political system is becoming, if it isn't already, the death of reasonable discourse. Folks need to dial it down and that means everyone. Really appreciate the ongoing references to Romney's dog, though! Thanks Gail!
2
It makes no difference if one serves Trump by licking his boots or not, Trump will be their demise even if he's not even culpable (and that's not excusing Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, either!)
It's the reason I don't want to see Trump impeached. The Democrats should keep poking him with a stick by handing out subpoenas like candy on Halloween to his enablers and the sycophants in his administration but Trump is the best thing that has happened to our gov't in a long time.
Trump is what we get when we allow money to run our gov't and if we don't throw most of Republicans out, then we never regain our democracy. Give Trump enough rope and he'll hang more Republicans before he goes!
2
I wonder if catcher's mask guy is ever going to make good on his threat......
I know there's a lot of good material out there, but I'm surprised that Ms. Collins passed up on the opportunity to mention the Republican judge in Texas who was defeated by a Dem. So apparently out of spite he refused to remand a handful of juveniles awaiting trial, some of whom are accused of violent crimes, saying that's obviously what the voters wanted (he's previously had a much higher than average incarceration rate).
2
Gail's humor is a silver lining in this national nightmare.
3
I had forgotten that Mitt Romney drove to Canada on a family vacation with the dog strapped to the roof of his car. I pray you will make sure to remind us every time Romney comes up in a column that he drove to Canada on a family vacation with the dog strapped to the roof of his car.
1
Favourite election outcome? I'd have to say, here in NJ, incumbent Democratic senator Bob Menendez walloped Republican Bob Hugin. Hugin, who departed as CEO of price-gouging Big Pharma co Celgene (Oh, Celgene's tale is a story in itself, but there's no room here to rake that muck) about a year and change ago, and decided to repurpose his eight-figure golden parachute to finance his campaign, trumpeted that Menendez had been indicted for corruption (and acquitted, but nowadays accusation = guilt; thanks, Me Too!) and played himself up as a military vet, family man, ordinary guy (who just happens to have a net worth greater than the GDP of most UN member nations) and an independent moderate (despite his being a Trump delegate to the 2016 GOP convention). The ads, especially Hugin's, got ugly; $24M buys a lot of mud, and this year the go-to weapon is to accuse your foe of sexual abuse, never mind they were old charges, investigated and debunked years ago. (See supra --thanks again, Me Too!)
Many years ago the Louisiana gubernatorial race pitted *convicted* felon and ex-gov Edwin Edwards against KKK Grand Wizard David Duke. Years later, older cars in New Orleans still sported Edwards' bumper sticker: 'Vote for the Crook -- It's Important'. It appears a lot of Jerseyans grasped the same precept, and the lever for Menendez.
2
Great observations, all. But what about that dangerous caravan? Wasn't it right at our door with diseases and dangerous men ready to pillage and plunder? Not a peep from Dear Leader and Fox anymore.
3
What now for Jeff Sessions. Maybe he'll work to get the death penalty for suicide bombers. But Scott Walker, that's easy. I expect to see him on Fox News before I finish typing. The money's great and he has just the right mean-spirited pesonality for the job.
Beto was a disspaointment, but does anybody doubt he will be back? True, Texas chose resentment and anger over youth and optimism but not by much.
8
During that odd speech he look tired and low energy. One has to wonder if he is on meds on days like Tuesday and Wednesday.
It look like the tired ramblings of a exhausted man. Oddly he seem to pick up when attacking CNN and PBS.
2
The will be no bipartisanship flowing from the other side of Capitol Hill or 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
If the Dems are smart they should write legislation as if they had control of the Congressional branch and presidency and let the Senate vote it down or let Trump veto if the policy gets to his desk.
Just as Trump will campaign about himself, the Dems can campaign on the policies all middle and working class people need and want leading up to the 2020 election.
3
My world got a little better today when I read:
"...there will be new opportunities to discuss the fact that once, long ago, Senator-elect Mitt Romney drove to Canada on a family vacation with the dog strapped to the roof of his car."
Thank you, Gail! Also, thank you to Wisconsin and Kansas!
87
Thank you for reminding us of the Romney "dog on the roof" story.
I have always wondered how the dog got home from vacation. If it was again strapped to the roof (in a carrier, presumably), how hard was it to get the dog back in the carrier? If the dog was eager to go into the carrier, that would be one thing. If they had to tranquilize it, another.
As someone who has both owned dogs that probably would have liked to ride on the roof of my car (rather than inside), and also someone who had a suitcase (not a dog) fly off the roof on another vacation trip, the questions about Romney's vacation expedition still linger. (The flying suitcase suffered a few minor scrapes with no damage to the contents. Samsonite would have been proud.)
None of it has much to do with how well he might serve.
3
Gail, your mention of poor Seamus' ill-fated family vacation made me laugh out loud, once again. Keep it up!
3
Seamus, I missed you!
3
Whatever happens between now and 2020, the Democrats cannot create gridlock in Washington. Leave it to the GOP senators to do that. Gridlock and butting heads with Trump would only show the country that they are not fit to run the country and we could lose voters in the next election. They must legislate. The less they attack Trump, the better because he likes a down and dirty fight.
2
My favorite win: Spanberger in VA. Competent & smart - voice of the future.
3
He creates chaos not only to distract us, but so that he doesn't have to face the unfathomable himself: he seems to be running faster and faster just to stay in one place in his particular rabbit hole.
Yes, a vast crowd standing silent, stone-faced, not a speck of red, might be the very response that would send him into desperate, manic, warp - drive , so desperate for a reaction that he would finally explode? Or would he just send in Sad Sarah to accuse people of molesting him with vicious thought-waves, while he retreats to console himself with McDonald's and unsecured phone chatter?
Looking forward to Mitt after all this. Look, Trump would happily order the Secret Service or DOJ or maybe the Border Patrol to tie you to the roof.
1
Report from Utah:
1. Yes, Mitt won his senate election handily. But don't be fooled. This is not "Massachusetts Mitt" who made MA the first state to provide health care for all the uninsured. This is "GOP-deregulating-get-those-public-lands-to-the-fossil-fuel- explorers-and-extractors Mitt," although he did promise in all his ads he would always be dignified and decent (in sharp contrast to we know who).
So I am all in for those Romney dog-on-the-roof Gail Collins' columns now that Mitt is back.
2. We had several referenda to vote on, and happily we did away with gerrymandering (not really a problem where only 20% are registered Democrats) and more happily, we approved of medical marijuana (close vote though).
3. But we turned down a proposal to allot more funds for education (Utah ranks last in per pupil expenditure for education) by raising the gas tax by pennies.
This decision was heavily influenced by the Koch Bros. Ebenezer Scrooge Americans for Prosperity organization that argued we don't need to spend more money on teachers (starting salary $40K) or children's learning. Just budget more carefully and spin straw into gold (or water into wine) to improve education for Utah children.
"Progress" is becoming increasingly relative in this country, especially now that we are living in Trumplandia.
One bit of good news, Utahans do not like Trump and his disapproval rating not tops his former approval rating.
As I said progress is relative these days
7
The ONLY columnist in any medium that can actually find a way to make me crack a tiny smile when thinking about the state of politics in this country. Not only is Ms. Collins insightful and intelligent, but she's able to put the best possible light on situations that are otherwise drowning in the muck and mire of Washington's sewer pit (namely, our federal government).
I didn't realize, by the way, that a 4 term Congressman from Kansas was ousted by a gay female Native American martial arts expert. Now THAT is something to truly and without irony smile about if ever there was something at all!
10
My favorite election result: Max Rose demonstrating that not even in Staten Island is there a place in the city of his birth- and the one whose residents know him best- where Donald Trump can now hang his hat (or his hairpiece). Runner-up: Dean Heller's lost Senate seat establishing that Nevada is now certifiably blue.
10
“It really could be a beautiful bipartisan type of situation.”
Sure, if she does whatever he wants, doesn't disagree with him, and never criticizes him.
6
Seems as if my comment has bee removed, I have no idea why. Could it have been because it would make me happy to see Donald the Mad strapped to the roof of a car and being taken top Canada.
Or maybe that Dishonest Donald is incapable of being happy at anything, sociopaths do not have any emotions.
Or was it about even out west here we have some odd people who would rather elect an indicted congressman than an honest person with a Palestinian name?
5
Trump sounds nutty at his rare press conferences and his looking confused at the umbrella in his hand and then just dropping it in the rain didn't do a whole lot to reassure us that dementia isn't shadowing him. It's a good time for a rational, reasonable Republican to step forward and make the motions of running for president in 2020. Is there a rational, reasonable Republican who can do it?
8
Earthlings.
We have been monitoring signals from Trumplandia since the campaign and just when our cryptologists thought they could take their much needed psychiatric sabbaticals they ran out of their ET-yurts screaming incomprehensible Trumplicons.
We have decided to shutdown our multigazillion Trump translation program. It’s clear that your leader is as we would say - lost in space. We share some of our planetary Trumpian conclusions:
Size matters above all else.
When his team is 100% like minded he fails to get anything done so getting the other team into the majority assures him that he will achieve more Trump-complishments.
But you already knew this and yet he still has the part of the team on his side - but we are confused about that number 10 thing he harps on about.
Oh well earthlings, we bid you adieu and look forward to meeting up with your space force several enlightened years from now..
4
And thanks to voters in Utah, there will be new opportunities to discuss the fact that once, long ago, Senator-elect Mitt Romney drove to Canada on a family vacation with the dog strapped to the roof of his car.
Ah yes, Gail, the ultimate in depravity. Looking forward to at least 30-40 mentions of this incident in the coming years.
3
The return of Seamus!!! Yay!!!
Otherwise, stop the Beto-mania.
He was a good candidate because, primarily, most other candidates are so horrid.
As much as I like Beto, he should not be a presidential candidate, at least not for a few years. His freshly scrubbed progressivism was appealing, but a bit contrived. Sorry. I just can't jump fully on the Beto bandwagon.
He performed well and earnestly, but nonetheless a performance. His values are terrific, but he is not a compelling, seasoned candidate who could win at that level.
4
Thank you, Gail, for a wonderful and hilarious column. I was hoping to see a reference to Mitt Romney's poor dog in today's column, and you did not disappoint! It just never gets old!
Keep us laughing, please. We need it now more than ever!
3
Trump always sees himself winning and in all fairness he usually does. He has shown us that our democracy is somewhat fragile and can be broken very easily by a Trump type President. This has been a BIG lesson for me the fact that one person can undo so much at his impulses with very little controls. It also shows that when a population becomes ignorant and controlled by bias propaganda machines they can be directed like sheep over a dangerous cliff. Our hope is the dems can at least slow this disaster down and the next two years will allow people to see the damage this man can do.
3
Trump the Don talked of the "embrace". I thought it was an old mafia movie. He did seem a bit more deranged and there was a hint of panic. Although, he obviously had time to hit the tanning bed.
3
I'm from PA and the rumor election night was that Barletta would be running against Cartwright in 2020. So this part of the resistance is not going to rest. We will turn Hazleton a beautiful Latino blue first.
Gail, I wish you had mentioned the defeat of Scott Walker in Wisconsin -- what a treat!
7
Now, I'm only half depressed and half scared.
7
Speaking of Jeff Sessions, it will be interesting to see if he returns to Alabama, unshakeable Trump country, where it seems he is really no longer welcome.
What did not happen in this election was the enthusiastic repudiation of Trump. That is the most portentous take away from the kids. After two years of conniving, lying, meanness, crassness and rank ignorance from the Oval Office, the Republicans, who are the party of Trump now, actually gained seats in the Senate.
In other words, the level of revulsion for Trump and all he stands for is not as strong as would be necessary to auger for a bright future for America. Trump is not business as usual, he's not a politician somewhat on the fringes of decency, he's not someone of whom it is understandable to feel ambiguous about. We all know exactly what Donald Trump is.
And yet America's response to him in the mids was, arguably, an acceptance by many people of the level of play in Trumpian politics, as well as an embrace of his principles on issues of race, immigration, fair taxation, international relations and the proper conduct and role of America in those relations.
Democrats didn't win the mids, America lost them. As in pottery making where you cannot make a beautiful pot out of shoddy raw materials, you cannot make an admirable democracy out of people who think Donald Trump is just fine. America just found out that we're working with decidedly inferior raw material. And this will not end well a couple of generations down the line.
3
While I am glad that the Democrats retook the House, I frankly think it is to Trump's advantage since he still owns the Senate. The Democrats cower before this man and they will continue to do so even though they control the House. You say the country now has a divided government. Not so. Trump rules this government because the Democrats don't understand the importance of fighting and Trump is a master at it. Feinstein is a soft moderate and Pelosi is a dragon full of hot air. Trump should be sleeping better at night.
1
We realistically cannot expect anything over the next 2 years except gridlock -- but imo that is far better than an unimpeded Republican agenda, with empty-suit Trump playing autopen.
But Dems in the House should consider and pass improved healthcare legislation, if not Medicare for all. This would include studies showing how much money it would save Americans, without compromising on care.
Same thing for clean energy incentives, genuine revision of the tax code to favor the middle/working classes, etc.
Sure, it would go nowhere, but it will show the country how things might change in 2020 if the Senate and Presidency also flip to the Democrats.
1
I would be willing to wager that Donald Trump does not possess the capacity to truly feel happy.
There is something not quite right about a person who doesn't ever laugh, and the only time I can recall a look of satisfaction on Trump's face was when he was toying with Mitt Romney's aspirations.
Sadface emoji.
6
Agree - Favorite loss: Home state’s Scott Wagner. Second is Dana Russiabacher (CA).
7
"Everyone loves pothole repair."
I can't believe we have waited until now to talk about infastructure spending--when we are close to full employment and government borrowing costs are rising. It's a tragedy we didn't get on this years ago when it would have put people back to work faster, been cheaper to undertake, and might have prevented a lot of the problems with roads, subways, trains and bridges that we have now.
9
@John K Obama tried but the republicans wouldn't allow any common sense legislation.
My favorite election outcome was Jon Tester winning the senate race in Montana after Trump held four rallies and his surrogates including Pence and Don Jr. came at least that many times to defeat him. Trump’s vendetta against Tester failed. We may lean conservative but we also have common sense.
28
@KSM
I've always appreciated how starchy Montana can be.
1
Interesting watching Trump's behavior and actions yesterday. For all his tough talk and bravado, he seems to shy away from conflict quite readily. At the press conference for example, after lashing out at a reporter who would not be intimidated, Trump backed away from the podium in a typical flight response to confrontation. And surprisingly( at least to me anyway) he had the self awareness not to retreat further but still gave the appearance he was at a loss on what to do next. Later that day, he had Kelly request Sessions for his resignation, again unable to carry out his own decision in a mature professional manner. Ditto for Comey. And others. All this to say that Tina Brown, the former editor of Vanity Fair who had several well published run ins with Trump in the 80's and 90's, made an astute commentary bout Trump in an interview on CNN last year. Paraphrasing, she said Tump always demonstrated a tendency to avoid conflict. He could not handle it by well and triggered the flight response when it looked like he wasn't going to get his way. I hope this is not lost on the House Democrats come January.
10
He shies away from direct conflict, often seems to convince those who meet with him one on one individually that he is "nice," - but doesn't hesitate to attack from a distance or better yet, to set others on the attack.
He's a waddling compendium of the worst human traits
2
The stories of Kansas and Wisconsin are now the nation's story and show how Trump's years will play out.
If he isn't forced out, Trump will run another overheated sleaze campaign for reelection and lose like Kobach and Walker.
However, as in Kansas and Wisconsin, by the time Trump is gone, great social and political damage will have been done.
"What's The Matter With Kansas?" can be expanded to "What's The Matter with the U.S.?"
6
Well, if we're gonna have a Republican compromise involving infrastructure expenditures, say a trillion or so, that means we're also gonna have to lower business and billionaire taxes again to generate the funds, since everybody knows tax cuts pay for themselves and more.
8
Gail always brings a smile to my face. Thank you, Gail.
2
Trump appears to be about to blow a gasket.
I am so relieved that the House has gone to the Democrats.
Checks and balances!
28
"If any multibillionaires are interested in underwriting a movement that would genuinely make America great again, they need to hire masses of people to show up every time the president gives a speech. Everyone would stand there stonily during the rants about immigration, then burst into raucous applause whenever he talked about lower prescription drug prices or accidentally muttered a phrase like "better schools." The nation would be transformed."
Excellent !! Practical, smart, effective, and 100% chance of success. Genius idea.
5
@Freedom Fry
That was my first reaction, but then I decided that all he'd remember is the applause, not what it was connected to.
1
Thanks Gail. Back to some yucks!
1
Comment minimalism at work:
Gail Collins:The moral is: "Everybody loves pothole repair."
Larry Lundgren: Observations made June 2018 in Burlington VT and Albany NY (especially at the Albany bus station): Burlington and Albany people, at least politicians love potholes, not the repair of same.
LL again: Observations in Linköping (Lkp) SE and Bus4You route Lkp to Gothernburg:There are NO potholes, not even any CRACKS.
Don't believe it? Be my guest.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Citizen US SE
1
@Larry Lundgren
You were at the Albany Bus Station? Why oh why? Last time there, circa 1969. It wasn't better.
Don't rub it in: the whole country seems to be made up of eroding roadways, rusting bridges, and - as decoration, I guess, near endless roadside trash.
Gail, Gail!
Oh yes, I would like to see him strapped to the top of the car and driven to Canada, you could charge a viewers fee for that.
Can't wait to read your column about Seamus, the wonder dog.
3
Welcome back, Gail! Seems like a gazillion years ago before the midterms when you made us laugh and before we once again could sing the praises of the Romney family’s dog.
Perhaps a better headline (which we all know you didn’t write) would have been Sore Winners, but, hey, let’s not sweat the small stuff as we look forward to your initimably witty coulombs to get us through the next few dog years. Keep ‘em comin’!
Gail, Trump realized that the time had come to shift the topic from Pete Session beaten by Collin Allred in Texas to Jeff Sessions beaten by Donald Trump in Washington.
1
Oh Gail!
Another mass shooting, a stomach turning congressional crisis, and RBD is in pain with broken ribs, but you still can make me laugh.
Don't know if I should be grateful or ashamed!
6
So long, Butch Otter - were it not for Gail, we would have hardly known ye.
5
Looks like old Trumpo is a bit smarter than the enemy of the people. No wonder he appears more relaxed and confident. With Cavanaugh aboard and Sessions in the barrel, his plans proceed apace. Underestimate his Machiavellen skills at your own risk.
I’m afraid he’s even a step ahead of Mueller but, I will lay my head down tonight in the hope that I’m wrong there . Mueller might have a few alternates in his bag of tricks as well.
The arc of truth might just straighten out this crook.
2
While the National Blue Wave may not have been as cowabunga as dreamed, it sure was a tsunami here in Colorado. Especially cool is that Team Blue not only won all statewide offices and retook the state Senate, we have a First Man!
13
This opinion piece has a little bit of everything. Absent the person who is the so-called president it might be flat out dull. But, this is Not the case. Quite a day for Mr. So-Called, the firing of Sessions and what must be the most explosive "press" meeting. My God! And, this piece includes Mr. Romney and his dog cross-country adventure. Enjoyable, and horrible.
1
The dog! The car! The trip to Canada! It's back!
Don't stop Gail, it still works for me.
6
The news conference was only the littered barnyard where this big, fat, tattered rooster could strut, oblivious as ever to how he appears to the press, sane people, the rest of the world. Saying he won when he's now in very deep dew indeed if the House goes after his taxes, his ethical abysses and his crimes.
Face it, he looked awful, I mean, more awful than usual. It's rich when he calls out people/women for their looks, like 'horseface', etc., when he looks the way he does. There is no animal species that would describe that color, that disdainful mouth, the vapid stare from those lizardy eyes, and the obnoxious snort.
It must be all those orange peels he eats hoping somebody will notice him. Is that why he's that color? Is that why he's so acidic? So many questions, so many mysteries. Yawn.
16
@George Dietz You left out the long comb-over to hide the hairless back of his head, comically exposed once and recorded.
1
@George and @Norma, you both forgot his exaggerated height and minimized weight to complete the picture. But perhaps the best imagery was provided by Stormy Daniels.
Butch Otter changing the birth certificate of the ACA so Idaho could call it “home-grown” and vote for some Medicaid relief. You do what you gotta do I guess.
Meanwhile Operation Faithful Patriot morphed into Not even Operation Flop Sweat but shrank into just “border support” by fewer troops. No Purple Hearts for the Donald this time.
I guess the Trump Show was over for a couple minutes til he started attacking the Justice Department.
8
I was amused by Wagner's warning to Wolf about the golf spikes and catcher's mask. Now he'll have ample time to use his golf spikes for golf.
I wonder what Romney will do - become Cruz-like in his obeisance to Trump or realize that his current term outlasts Trump's by four years and actually be his own man?
6
The way he responded to Mr. Acosta and later barred his presence from the press briefing, Mr. Trump demonstrated that he is a sore loser.
11
Its a good thing Trump is "a happy loser". He's been a loser his whole life. Paid by his father from youth, he's never earned anything. Bailed out by that same father repeatedly, but still a hand's count of business bankruptcies. Hardly a "business genius". Remember Trump air? Trump steaks? Trump "University"? He had to pay $25 million after that fraud. Trump has labeled dozens of enterprises with his name - and almost all of them have been failures. Trump is a lifelong loser, so losing the midterm election is familiar territory for him. Pathetic as it may seem, the most divisive, corrupt, and ineffectual presidency in decades is still perhaps the most success Trump has achieved. But at what a cost! I don't get angry with Trump anymore, not really. The thing I feel most for him is pity - pity that he continues to show how ignorant, bigoted, racist, and mendacious he is to the whole world, every day. I truly think he is mentally-ill, insulated only by his money from a life in an institution.
8
Thank you, Gail, for keeping Seamus forever alive in our hearts.
4
Last night, even this morning, was glorious for me. Seriously, how long has it been that anyone of us was able to say, "We did it! Our House is back!" I have to say that one moment that stood out in my mind, when I thought I must be bleary-eyed, was when I read on my TV screen that a Democrat, a woman!, was elected governor of Kansas. Toto, we are not in Kansas anymore. But heck, if this is Oz, I'll take it. After all, the flying monkeys and Wicked One are doing their thing in the hallways adjoining the Oval Office.
Then came Trump and his "press conference." Was it Obama-like in 2010 or even Dubbya-like in 2006...gracious, and humbled by their losses? Nope, Trump never let's us down, or maybe never fails to try to KEEP us down. It was a "fabulous" night, such a "victory," yada yada. That was interspersed with lies - ala Jeff Sessions subsequent forced resignation - and, of course, impugning the press. He even accused an African-American journalist from the PBS News' Hour of sounding "racist."
But let us enjoy these brief moments of feel-good wins, because tomorrow we are called to duty again...protecting the Mueller investigation. It never ends, but we're tough.
12
Is there something we can do about the unspeakable McConnell?
20
Clearly the big winner on Tuesday was the keep our Golden Retriever's Riding on High lobby.
Seamus did not ride in vain!
My old Labrador seems a bit put out that the Mormons have elected the guy who made vacations great again by banishing large dogs to the roof racks.
I, personally, cannot wait to hear how Dishonest Don tries to disparage Alexandra Ocasio Cortez!
100+ new women in Congress!
The angry Grandpa's are in for an awakening!
6
So Mexico will have to pay for the wall after all, the House will not.
5
I love you Gail Collins. You are the only one who can make me laugh during these '24/7 presidential pandemonium' times. Thanks.
4
Gail, it's good to read your column this morning. I'm concerned about your health. I've been counting on you and Ruth Bader Ginsberg to keep us all going through this nightmare. But "Ruthie" is in the hospital with three broken ribs! YOU need to stay healthy because you have all the responsibility right now! Thanks!
5
"... Senator-elect Mitt Romney drove to Canada on a family vacation with the dog strapped to the roof of his car."
Speaking of family Vacations, at least our Mittens did better than Clark Grizwold, who tied his poor dog to the bumper and, forgetting, drove off to find Wallyworld. Which he did, but they were closed for the season.
Plus, Utah is quite a ways from Canada.
1
You did it! You did it! You brought back the dog in a cage on the roof of Mitt Romney's car heading to Canada. Don't let up. He just got reelected and I live (partially) for the reference.
3
Well, has Trump ever admitted he lost? Just look at his stellar record of failed businesses and fantastic bankruptcies.
Look at his great contributions as President-that beautiful health care plan he promised (what, no plan?), the Grand Trump Wall (no wall you say?), the rebuilding of infrastructure, again, nothing to see and his actions at making Kim of North Korea cower in fear (again, who played who).
Trump will make this losses appear to be the faults of those individuals, not that perhaps his narrative is to slimy and toxic for many of us to bear.
Lastly, Ms. Collins, be careful in your criticism of our dear despotic and unhinged leader. Sarah Sanders may falsely accuse you of placing your hands on someone and have your press credentials taken away...
299
@Dan
Well said, Dan.
13
The victory in the House is reassuring, but I'm not throwing confetti. We lost ground in the Senate, with two of the most exciting new Democrat leaders -- Abrams and Beto -- to have stepped onto the national stage in years. Had those two won, and had we not lost two blue dogs -- McCaskill and Heitkamp -- we would have had the slim majority there, and protection against more stuffing of the appellate courts with wing nuts, and another Kavanaugh.
Democrats have more work to do registering voters, and helping them get ID if that's what it takes in states that have adopted these insane voter suppression laws ... and doing something about gerrymandering to make sure the House doesn't slip out of our grasp in the next decade.
5
Happy to have a real rep in Congress for the 19th congressional district for NYs , Anthony Delgado. He was subjected to some of the most racist and false campaign ads by his apponent. The republican running against our newly elected rep showed no concern that he was allowing these dispicable ads were unamerican. Mr. Delgado is a Rhodes Scholar , lawyer and he always ran a polite and fair campaign.
9
@Geoshiva
I was up that way before the election, and heartened to see Delgado signs in unlikely places. After all of the racist ads, the opponent should leave public life: he rode into Congress on Trump's coattails and seemed to model the worst in his desperation to hold on to that seat, altho' reportedly has blamed Trump for his loss.
Delgado has the extraordinary qualifications of a young Obama.
If the outcome holds (election not officially called yet), my favorite election will be right here in my home state of NJ: Andy Kim defeating Tom MacArthur. I've always had the urge to say to MacArthur, "Yo, buddy. You do realize you're running in NEW JERSEY, right? All that Trump sycophantic stuff, all the attempts to kill Obamacare don't play very well here in NJ. Hasta la vista, baby". Hopefully, my glee is not misplaced because it turns out MacArthur gets a return ticket to Washington. Blech.
2
I can't say my favorite election moment yet. They haven't finished counting the ballots. If Utah Prop 4 passes, that's my favorite moment. This is the ballot initiative to end gerrymandering in Utah.
The race between McAdams and Love shouldn't even be close. The map is intentionally drawn to disenfranchise urban voters. The reason Love might lose has nothing to do with Trump. She's losing because 1/3rd Utah's population is left-leaning but the state is represented by 4 hard-right conservatives.
To the contrary, cozying up to Trump is bad politics in Utah. Hatch got away with it because he was retiring. We'll have to see what happens to Mike Lee in 2024. His approval rating is currently below 50 percent. Republicans will hold the seat but Lee might get shown the door after supporting Trump.
Dog jokes aside, Mitt Romney is smart to stay away from Trump. The question we're all wondering is whether Romney's distaste for Trump will actually translate into tangible opposition. He might be another Jeff Flake. He might rumble and grumble without ever taking Trump to task. That seems to be the pattern with anti-Trump Republicans. Is Romney an exception?
I doubt it. He publicly supports virtually all of Trump's policies. The only exception is free-trade. His opposition is in character rather than substance. He doesn't like how Trump does things, not that he does them. I fully expect a complete moral disappointment from Mitt Romney. At least we can still joke about the dog though.
4
This column makes a valiant attempt at humor but, in my opinion, comes off as written by one who's quite unable to cope with the fact that, by and large, the nation is rejecting her brand of progressivism. Maybe instead of exclusively mocking Trump and a few Republican candidates, she should direct some of her scorn to her own side . In a constructive manner, of course!
@Uysses. Well, shucks, we have another unhappy conservative happy to hand over the $985 billion dollars to our children and grand children and great grandchildren. Oh and don't forget you and I (unfortunately) are paying for the wall so the caravan (no mention of since Voting Day) is on it's way to attack you in Washington. What is so funny is how you cannot cope with the truth. Bless your heart.
2
@Uysses The nation rejected trump with over 3 million votes. The electoral college president and his minions deserve to be mocked, since they have engaged in regressive governing, with little accomplishment--especially any that benefits the entire country.
After having been a leader of democracy, the USA is now joins the list of countries with questionable governing by the president. The repubs in congress sat on their hands for the two terms we chose President Obama and now seem incapable of handling the idiot in the White House.
3
Let's not allow the unified opposition of Paul Gosar's scores of siblings to diminish his status as the dentist who's really good at reading body language.
How could you not comment on Trump's post-election press conference scrum? It was Fake News against the Fake Newsmaker. A classic.
I am wondering what would happen if his rants and ravings were broadcast live, on every single television station, in its entirety? Interrupt the game shows and the talk shows and football, and let America listen to him talking without heroic journalists trying to make sense of the incoherence.
Yes, he would love it, and be emboldened to act out even more, just like the toddler he behaves like. But I cannot believe that there are supporters of his who, if they really heard, directly from his mouth with no 'filter provided by the fake news,' would not be appalled and embarrassed and sickened and disgusted and who would not realize the enormity of what he is doing and what they are allowing to happen.
On the other hand, that kind of television would cement my decision to unplug permanently, and not just every few months for a weekend to preserve my sanity.
3
The President won. He has a secure, impeachment-consequence proof Senate. He has an "enemy" in the House to use or extort. No House investigation will touch him. His followers do not care about things like emoluments, collusion, incompetence and graft. He can bait the House into talking about impeachment and then use that to mobilize the base for 2020. There is no downside for him. Dems and conservatives with a conscience need to start focusing on "containment-only" resistance and winning the Senate in 2020.
2
While a number of Dems may be licking their chops, Trump was seen nursing his wounds, akin to a wounded tiger, still ready to pounce, after his party's lapses at the midterms. And pounce he did, at the reporter, Jim Acosta, from CNN, who was temporarily banned from the WH, much to the chagrin of other newswomen and men. Trump's snarling face, when he faced questions from reporters, April Ryan, and Yamiche Alcindor, was strikingly, but not surprisingly similar to a growling grizzly. He should be ecstatic that his GOP expanded the US senate majority numbers.
No matter, Trump needs to be mercilessly trounced in 2020, without any kind reservations, at all costs. His indignant indifference should be matched by shrewd and strategic opposition, with a lot of grit, since his lack of magnanimity, civility, and amity can loom large and bear down on the meek and weak.
With Jeff Sessions' ouster, and Matt Whitaker's installment as an ad hoc USAG, a lot of Mueller's efforts can go errant, and a dumpster fire will be the unpleasant consequence. Trump and his gang of myrmidons ought to bite the dust, come 2020, but it might take a lot of diligent dedication and devotion to details from the Dems and others. Needless to say it might end up being a Sisyphean task.
2
When you stand back from the trees and look at the forest, it becomes clear that millions of Americans, including many who can speak in complete sentences, are willing to give this vile President a pass because they share his views, are financially better off or simply prefer him to any "hoity-toity" Democrat. Democrats need to learn the correct lessons from the results and not fall into the usual trap of seeing victory in diversity and other socially divisive issues. The one excep[tion to this is the long-overdue election of so many articulate, accomplished and, most importantly, authentic women. We Democrats should also not overestimate the value of a House majority since there will be little fallout from Trump ignoring any pesky subpoenas given the state of the Judiciary Branch. While Democrats can now mitigate some of the damage he inflicts, the time must be spent constructing and articulating an effective platform for 2020, relevant to Independents and other mainstream voters. Effective communication of this message requires the right "Head messenger" and that Presidential Candidate is yet to emerge. Looked at overall, the Mid Terms were not a sufficient repudiation but with the right lessons learned, there is hope for 2020.
Trump is always a "sore winner." So much winning must be truly exhausting, by the looks of him.
5
My favorite was Dem. Torres-Small winning the NM border seat currently held by the dreadful Rep. Steve Pearce. It's a huge win because it's conservative rancher country!
7
My concern is when will what we once considered sanity return to politics. Not that there has been any real concerted effort to work in a normalized fashion for at least a few decades now. But at least there once was a modicum of respect for the rule of law and freedom of press. After a few years of Trump and his supporting staff of republican traitors a successful run is based on whether or not democracy still exists in America. There seems to be no limits when it comes to wholesale change and lowering the bar.
2
The new Republicans in congress are even more Trumpian. Can they provide better cartoon theater in hearings than those whom they replaced. Looking forward to the show.
Mueller has been silent on indictments waiting for the election to win. Trump acted rapidly to get rid of sessions so he could stop Mueller from taking further actions.
2
Trump didn't look happy to me, he looked downright uptight and peeved off. You have to try and understand how Trump thinks, he hates anything and anybody who disagrees with him, and today he hate the House of representatives, the so called peoples house, and he hates the people, all those people who voted against him, millions and millions of Americans , he hates them. What more do they want, he has given those people a booming economy, and tax cuts, he has made China and everybody else bow to America's might, both as an economic power and a military threat. And still the people hate him. Those people just put a check on his presidential power, they checked him-how dare they do that, don't they know what that means. Everything was going so great, now the people had to do this to him. It's no fun being president when you actually have to answer to somebody.
No, Donald Trump is not very happy. It's much more fun to be an autocrat. He as no experience with concession and compromise.
8
I thought Attorney's General had to be approved by the Senate? Trump is not moved by polls or policy which are a symptom of his unhinged mind set.
Trump is loyal to no one...poor Beauregard got the Trump dump because he followed the law. Trump is a law on to himself. That's interesting from someone who neither follows the law or understands it.
2
Loved your article. There was most certainly a blue wave, and Trump was, is, and will continue to be the consummate loser as a compassionate human being.
2
My favorite outcome --- that here in New Mexico, surrounded on all sides (except the southern border, of course) by blood red states, we elected a Democratic governor, a Democratic Senator, and 3 Democratic Representatives.
That makes us the only state west of the Mississippi, and the only state in the entire country beside Massachusetts and Connecticut to be entirely blue, Senate and House.
New Mexico proud.
10
@Jim Absolutely!!
1
I forgot... Democratic governor, too!
"If any multibillionaires are interested in underwriting a movement that would genuinely make America great again, they need to hire masses of people to show up every time the president gives a speech. Everyone would stand there stonily during the rants about immigration, then burst into raucous applause whenever he talked about lower prescription drug prices or accidentally muttered a phrase like “better schools.” The nation would be transformed."
Genius idea, Gail.
Treat him like the assembled UN treated his boast about great accomplishments. He's a big sunflower, turning towards the brightest light or the loudest cheers. So cheer the stuff that will Keep America Great, like healthcare, paying for infrastructure, cleaning up the air and water, leading on the new energy economy instead of the loser fossil one.....
1
I’m expecting Trump to complain that the mass killing in Thousand Oaks took attention away from his glorious victory Tuesday.
3
We in Connecticut are happy our voters reconfirmed Democratic leadership up and down ballot. Voters decided that although our outgoing Democratic governor, Dannel Malloy, was unpopular for mistakes that sharply increased the state deficit, we don’t want Republican control of the state house and the state legislature. We elected a new Democratic Governor, Ned Lamont, our sterling Senator Chris Murphy, all four of our outstanding Congresspeople and one new Democratic Congresswoman. Happily, the narrow Democratic margin in the state legislature was greatly increased by voters Tuesday. Voters agreed with Democratic priorities. Such a bright spot for all residents of our beautiful state!
5
My first reaction to the midterms was relief and then hope. I am relieved that the Democrats didn't run the board this time. With all the scary rhetoric and actual violence and with no power in congress, I'd be afraid that the republicans would act like caged animals and strike out at absolutely everything they could. Here's a prayer that the new congress can rein in the "reign of spoils" we have seen for the last 2 years and then start really creating policies to help health care, infrastructure and gun control (Hint: Start with manufacturer NOT owners) for starters.
2
On the scorecard of checks and balances, as a result of this mid-term, our government has just gained a sorely needed check. Early next year we will have a House of Representatives that, hopefully, performs their role as a check on an over-reaching executive office and on the slowly evolving of rule-of-law towards rule-of-man that we are witnessing..
4
My favorite election result is Evers defeats Walker for Governor of Wisconsin by 1.2%. Why isn't Walker clamoring for a recount? Glad you asked me that. In 2016, Wisconsin passed new legislation along party lines that required the trigger to be less than 1% or the person asking for a recount has to pay for it. Nice foresight, Walker! [snark, snark]
15
Gail. The only thing Trump cared about winning is the right of his family to avoid jail time for tax fraud and the right of his business to profit as much as they can, in any way they see fit, while paying as little taxes as possible. Trump cares far less about being President than he cares about his brand, and he is terrified about any investigation into his tax returns that will give undeniable proof that his financial success was exclusively due to his ability to game the system, stiff investors and avoid paying taxes. Trump believes that documents matter, which is why when he attacks others he always calls for seeing the documents - the birth certificate, the college transcript, the DNA test, the emails.
Trumps goal for the next two years is to hold office long enough to intimidate witnesses who have agreed to cooperate with Mueller, pardon anyone else who might get prosecuted by NY state, and pack the Supreme Court with pro corparate conservative justices.
Donald Trump is a con man, and Nancy Pelosi has the opportunity to make him sweat by passing bills in the house that will anger Trump's strongest supporters in the Senate. If McConnell rejects all of them, then he can be accused of being partisan. If they pass with bipartisan support, but without the support of Trumpers, it will weaken support for Trump among his most ardent fans.
We definitely need to investigate the tax returns, and anyone who says we don't is enabling Trump.
10
Last night I posted a comment about the Trump Is Not Above The Law.Org demonstration. It is made up of various democratic groups who decided to have massive demonstrations across OUR United States of America if The Con Don fired Jeff Sessions. He did and Rachel Maddow reported last night (MSNBC 9 pm ET weeknights) that the demonstrations are tonight at 900 locations across America.
A link to the website is below. To sign up for information in the future go to "partner organizations" at the bottom and sign up with one of the groups. For tonight just show up at a location near you or one that you think will have the most media impact.
No one is above the law. Every single American who values OUR democratic form of governance must hit the streets and show up to demonstrate our disgust at The Con Don and his Robber Baron brethren's attempt to take over OUR United States of America.
https://www.trumpisnotabovethelaw.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response/search/?from=@
4
Please copy this comment and get it to everyone you know.
Trump is likely to be in bad shape by 2020. The economy is likely to be in a downturn by then, if only because expansions, like this one that Obama gave us, don't last forever. And things are not that good in China either or most other places.
We have just seen how well the Republicans can do with a booming economy. How would this election have gone if we were already in a recession?
The GOP could not pass an infrastructure bill, or almost anything else, when they had total control of Congress. Are things going to get better? The Dem House should pass reasonable legislation and let the GOP Senate and Trump fail to pass and implement it. Let the GOP become the party of dysfunction and 'no.'
And we will have information from lots of places about Trump: Mueller, the House, the DoJ in New York. Some of it might even pierce the thick skull of Trump's supporters.
2020 will be a whole new ball game.
3
If any multibillionaires are interested in underwriting a movement that would genuinely make America great again, they need to hire masses of people to show up every time the president gives a speech. Everyone would stand there stonily during the rants about immigration, then burst into raucous applause whenever he talked about lower prescription drug prices or accidentally muttered a phrase like “better schools.” The nation would be transformed.
We need voters that respond to health care and education improvements, instead of an electorate that wants less people to educate and provide health care to. That would be
an improvement.
1
It is a new day for our great nation.People spoke.The checks and balance against the con man child bully is in place. Con man is scared as reflected by his egregious behavior today. First, Jeff Session was replaced by a pet puppet with no regard for justice. Second, Jim Acosta’s press credential was revoked because of his audacity to ask the emperor some basic questions. All of these show how scared he is. The emperor has no cloth.
I can guarantee that the senate could easily go to Democrats if the incomepetent Democratic leadership (Feinstein, Schumer and Bernie) did not politicize the Kavanaugh confirmation. Just to be clear, I think Kavanaugh is unfit to serve on the supreme court. I believe in Dr. Ford’s story. However, the case was extremely weak because of lack of proof. Rather than politicizing it, the case could be presented in a different manner. At the end, the strategy backfired and Kavanaugh got confirmed. The stupid decision energized Republican base and they voted in droves. This is the problem with the Democratic party- rather than focusing on what is important to the people (job,education, healthcare, border control, climate), they focus on non-winnable wedge issues such as gun control, identity politics, abortion. The party is “gifted” with creating “red meat” for con man’s followers. Democrat leaders, please wake up. People gave you one chance and this is time to show that you can govern. Be united and focus on what is important to people.
4
@Rm bernie is still not a Democrat and he has done nothing on legislation. He is listed as an Independent on congressional roles but considers himself a socialist with no commitment to any party.
1
@Rm Maybe not to you but plenty of citizens care about what you refer to as "non-winnable" issues. And they are capable of doing both at the same time. Give me a break lol. There wouldn't be the ACA without Democrats.What exactly did the Republican Congress accomplish in the 8 years of the Obama presidency, except polishing their "No" skills and selfishly looking after their own raises and post-Congress lobbying opportunities? People continue to criticize Democrats, the only adults in the room that give a darn about the state of this messy union and the people that call it home.
1
A dog strapped to the roof of his car? How can this be?
Tell us more. Bated breath, etc.
Etc.
2
Favorite race: Lizzie got rid of John Culbertson. I can hold my head up again.
Favorite race not decided: If Stacie gets a do-over, she is gonna win it!
Favorite race to come: Beto vs anyone
10
Gail! Please pursue the Gosar win in Arizona, if only for the Thanksgiving edition of your column. How could he have won? Arizonans did not vote FOR Gosar, but AGAINST his large family. What subversive message is being delivered there, on a national stage no less? I worry.
2
Thanks for the humor Gail. We need it Read where there were 12 million more votes cast for Democrats in the Senate races than the GOP. That's just plain sick. The rubes in fly over land get swamped and increase their strangle hold on the judicial system. One more reason to make a visit to grave yards all over the 13 original colonies and relieve ones self on some grave.
1
If Trump is a really happy loser, then Jeff Sessions is a sad whimpering loser.
Sessions must have earned some serious bad karma. Otherwise, I can't imagine how a person, who could have retired from Senate in a wheel chair, put up with constant put downs from Trump.
I don't feel sorry for Sessions though. He lost whatever face he had when he rescinded his first resignation letter.
2
My first laugh since the votes were counted and it had to be Ms. Doud's Mitt and the poor car top riding dog. Couldn't resist, eh?
Now, lets hope the Democratic House majority sticks to what can be done and not go off into La-La land making investigations into every issue the major work. They got into office because they stuck to issues and not demonizing minorities or others. Stick to the issues and 2020 will take care of itself.
1
Don't cry for Sessions. Karma gave him his comeuppance.
5
While we've had hundreds of opportunities to be stupefied by Mr. Trump's callousness, I hit a moment of most scalded epiphany when he labeled a reporter's question about white nationalism "racist." So meaningless, so juvenile, so offensive. If this doesn't qualify for diagnosable sociopathy, I don't know what does.
14
And suddenly even Richard M. Nixon looks good.
5
@DCBinNYC W looks smart and Cheyney looks kind.
Gail, *that* paragraph was a delightful gift.
1
Remembering the packed debate stages for the republican nomination in 2016, Kasich was the only person attempting to talk seriously about policies, so he was frequently cut off. He appeared to be the only adult in the room among the insult slinging middle-schoolers. Kasich would be a refreshing change on a republican ticket - a grownup.
For Gail's future columns, wouldn't it be fun to have President Hickenlooper? (Spellcheck wants to make 'Hickenlooper' into 'chicken pox'.) As a bonus to the wondrous name, he's a Democrat. Real possibilities for 2020.
3
The Tax return analysis shows that Mr. 14%, only the little people pay taxes Willard “the Ratt” Romney was right. Trump effective tax rate a mere 4.5%, which vindicates and validates his former accountants testimony to the Mueller team.
Look forward to a Finland style “National Shaming Day” when trump family enterprise tax roles made public. How many Congressional committees will pile on the Access Hollywood bus or Holiday Rambler?
Mike Pence failed businesses , Wilbur Ross Bank of Cyprus, Jared Kushner 666 M.b.S. debt load, Munchkin fly me to the moon on the taxpayer’s dime, Zine’s silver spoon and gold plate real estate collusion imbroglio and soo much more.
As the late Ed Sullivan would say, “We’ve got a really big show Folks!”
9
The president making nice to Pelosi is like having the Big Bad Wolf knocking at the door; is he being friendly or wanting a bacon sandwich? Always expect the worst from him, and know the result will be even worse than you thought. Are we great enough yet?
6
It was really sickening to watch.
Mocking GOP candidates who lost, mainly because of his toxic vile personality, and giving himself the usual self-pity bombastic victory lab.
And yet, 90% of rural American are madly in love with him!
What exactly we need to do to have these folks see-through his charade?
9
@MorGanBlue tinted glasses?
Seamus is BACK, and better than ever!
6
I am delighted that Gail gets to bring back the golden retriever meme, thanks to Utah voters.
5
Thank God for a diverse Democratic House which is a wonderful expression of America and Americans! I wish each and every one of them the BOL protecting us from Trump and GOP attack. They will need combat pay.
Did Nunes the Numb from CA get in? No mention here and if he did he will definitely be kicked off as Chair of the House Intel Committee that he corrupted and turned into a farce. Hopefully, he has gone the way of the do do bird as far as politics.
3
Well Gail, maybe the guy hat was going to stomp on his opponent's face with golf shoes lost but Montana republicans did show a lot of love to their pro wrestler house member Greg Gianforte who body slammed a reporter for asking a question. Trump loved it so much that he pretended to body slam the reporter during one of his Montana hate rallies. How on earth could those citizens of Montana vote for that guy?
4
@scott k. Which one? Gianforte or trump?
1
Great column Gail... Please write about the Green Party ruining the Arizona results for the democrats!!!
4
@rk Sorta like bernie "I am not a Democrat! I am a socialist" sanders running as a Democrat.
1
Sour grapes can make sour whine.
There she goes again. Romney wins in Utah big time and Funny Face Collins reverts once again....no it's better described as "countless times again", to Mitt's dog trip on the roof to Canada.
The dog apparently came through this event just fine. Many of us would love to see what happens if Ms. Funny Face Collins took the trip.
One way of course.
1
Too soon?
Since we're listing favorites, here's a headline from yesterday:
"Dead Pimp Wins Nevada Legislative Race"
(Yes, I'm aware the vote was a chess move to keep the Republican seat. But here's a correction to any wincing: the dead man had been celebrating for four days, courted the limelight, and probably would have loved to have the press for his grand finale. RIP Dennis Hof.)
Thought I needed a rest from Trump.
CORRECTION:
I need an arrest of Trump.
20
As for Mr. Sessions, he can return to his former career managing the Keebler fudge cookie factory.
4
Don't forget that W's cousins put up a web site pleading with anyone who would listen to please not vote for our cousin.
1
Give us candidates with dogs riding in pet crates on car rooftops, give us candidates with personal email servers, give us candidates with high-pitched, enthused voices saying “Yee-ha”, give us candidates who unwisely posed for photos with an attractive young woman. Please, just give us anyone that has basic decency, integrity and intelligence. Is it asking too much?
3
"...but I’m bringing it up since this may be my last excuse to mention the name Butch Otter in a column..."
Indeed. The governor Idahoans so reliably returned to office provided an occasional reminder of the vexatious mystery that is Idaho Republican politics.
The state whose Republican Senator encountered an, uh, unfortunate setback at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport one afternoon elected a governor named "Butch Otter." Really? Even Saturday Night Live couldn't come up with something as Urban Dictionary rich. And it was a famous 1950's era anti-gay witch hunt that inspired the book, The Boys of Boise. Take a tour down memory lane: https://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/the-boys-of-boise-60-years-later/Content?oid=3506778
Even today, when the governor is an Otter, there still is time to host an occasional Franklin Graham Republican Revival
The one hashtag that will matter in 2019 is #Mueller. I will be amazed if 2020 does not exceed 1968 in events that unfold in the streets of America. It is going to get a whole lot worse, before it gets better. We have a very ugly history of violence in America.
1
Trump reminds me of a fish flopping on the bottom of the boat. He’s been caught but doesn’t know he’ll be dead and gone - politically- very soon.
4
America has won! The Constitution was the victor! The Constitution that was created by much smarter men than the current occupants of this administration .... prevailed.
Republicans, like wives, are disposable. They serve at Trump's pleasure; a foil for his ambition and personal glorification. Cross him, or be unsuccessful, and you're out.
2
Great news from Gail that the ghost of Seamus past will return to his old haunts. An old dog with new tricks, this Irish Setter, with Gail’s voice, will have new tales to tell and a red tail to tell them with; a canine bard to share his take on American political madness from the perspective of Mitt’s car roof. Welcome back, puppy.
3
You didn't mention the 'embrace,' Gail that he said caused certain Republicans to lose! He has ruined that nice word forever.
2
At yesterday's press conference we got a taste of what the future will look like. Trump, already unhinged, is now positively deranged, lashing out in impotent rage at reporters who had the temerity to...ask him questions! When he lost his composure and walked away from the podium I thought he may start to cry. This is a dangerously unbalanced man who belongs in a rubber room, not the Oval Office.
7
media hysteria , most especially from professional opinionmakers, as the entire Times op-ed page, does little but add a lot of hot air and bubbles to the political mixture of US politics. As most cooks know, if you beat a cake or a souffle' too much and increase it's apparent size and volume-making it appear huge-giving it an apparent size unmatched in reality-it is very likely to "fall" or to collapse in the oven or after it is removed, when all the hot air begins to turn cold and shrink.
Democrats,(and Republicans), would serve the nation and their states far more effectively if they would agree to cook products and push political diets that are not so full of gas, so easily inflated and then deflated , causing awful cycles of hot air poisoning which do little or nothing for the nation but to add even more frothy and angry nothings that are productive of little more then indigestion.
Sadly-both politicians and the chatterers have made their entire lives and employment out of all this gassiness.
President Trump, "To the best of my knowledge...”
One cannot set the bar lower.
4
"And what's Jeff Sessions going to do with the rest of his life?"
Does anybody really care?
5
These are hysterical musings from the unhinged left. Trump's sober analysis was spot on. The election was almost a total republican win.
@Steve
In the Senate races, 10 million more people voted for Democrats than Republicans; in the House races, 3.5 million more people voted for Democrats. And how can you type "Trump's sober analysis" with a straight face?
1
Thank you Gail!!! The constant political mess can make a person quite weary...your writing makes us smile :)
1
We can all celebrate the return of Seamus to Gail's columns. However, the mention of Romney's former pet just reminds us of the fact that trump is the first president in, like, forever that doesn't have a dog. Really, what self-respecting dog would have him?
2
"... before they finished counting votes in Arizona."
Here's my take from Tucson.
For Arizona CD1 where I live, we have Tom O'Halleran in the House. He was elected for the first time two years ago. Back then, someone knocked on my door, and I wound up signing a card pledging to vote for him. In the past two years, I have not heard a peep from him. No mailings, nothing. While I watched the returns last night it was scary: he won, but not by much. Democrats considered him teflon-coated; I saw no advertising for him the whole campaign, except one card that came in the mail just a few days ago. Let's start hearing more from you, Tom! (And Dems: support someone like Tiperneni more the first time around; she didn't do so well this time against Lesko ...)
Meanwhile, our former CD1, Ann Kirkpatrick, won Martha McSally's seat by about the same margin as O'Halleran. She had resigned to run against John McCain for Senate, and lost badly. So at least she's back in Congress. Including Raul Grijalva, who handily won again yesterday, all those in Congress from Tucson are now Democrats. In fact, of nine seats in the House available from Tucson and Phoenix, three are now Dems from Tucson and two are Dems from Phoenix (Ruben Gallego, who won in a landslide, and the newly elected Greg Stanton, former mayor of Pheonix; Gallego's wife Kate Gallego will probably be the next Phoenix mayor after a runoff in March).
And Sinema/McSally? I'd be very interested in what a recount has to show ...
2
Ahh...Seamus, he's still strapped to the roof, ears flapping, tongue wagging, paws gripping, saliva dripping. I never thought animal abuse would make me smile. That's how bad things are.
1
"Very close to complete victory", Trump crowed during his memorably gruesome press conference in the White House's East Room late yesterday. What does very close to defeat look like? And Doug Mills's photo of our orange-skinned fuming-faced president shows that he's an angry camper (not to mention his un-PC words "shut up!" and "sit down!" aimed at the Fake News). The Democratic losses - in Florida, Georgia and Texas, to Trump mini-mes -- were painful. And only a few hours ago (after the president's press conference and instant firing of his Attorney General) there has been another mass shooting, Another killer armed with guns entered a popular college kids hangout in Thousand Oaks, California, and shot up The Borderline bar and Grill during C&W Night. Yet again, we await the tolls of deaths and injured. What are we to make of what has happened to America, dear Gail Coillins? Nothing funny about what a tragic pass our democracy has come to.
1
Gail,
For your next column, please write about the Green Party in Arizona. Their Senate candidate got 38,000 votes and will probably end up costing Sinema the seat for the Dems.
Are these Green Party voters even interested in winning???
3
Listen - I think Trump is a buffoon - but facts are facts - the Dems were forecast to gain up to 60 seats in the house which they didn't come close to - they had a net loss in the Senate - possibly at the high end of forecasts - their high profile candidates in Florida, Texas and elsewhere all lost - the female 'wave' netted a grand total of 3% more women in the houses and as governors.
Hardly A+ performance on any measure.
@SteveRR Gerrymandering runs supreme on the repubs agenda.
1
After Dunder Trump had a hissy at his press conference, Sarah Sanders make the *supremely* ironic move to lie that the male reporter who got tossed out for asking Trump about the Russia investigation really got canned for “laying his hands on an aide”- ie, the young lady instructed to try to rassle Jim Acosta for his microphone. The AG gets sacked for not being a proper subject of the king and some guy on Fox said the next guy in line for AG legally is Rod Rosenstein. Ann Coulter said that “Kansas is dead to her” for Kansans not electing who she preferred and some Twitter person suggested Glenda the Good Witch should toss a house on Coulter as a revenge move.
I had changed the radio channel after Trump’s predictable “large large, many many people” set-up to listen to a different station that out of the blue did its’ emergency broadcast system test.
Someone is trying to tell us Something.
2
I watched part of Trump's White House press conference and I thought he looked like he did not sleep well the night before. He had that haggard look of a looser, or a spoiled kid that did not get what he wanted for Christmas. Yea !
Snapping at reporters that asked him embarrassing questions and already threatening war with Nancy and the Democrats in the house. Yea !
3
Favorite midterm outcome: I can say, as a retired teacher, that the defeat of Scott Walker was particularly gratifying and ranks up there with Chris Christy's disappearance. Second favorite outcome: As someone who believes that justice is not the same as loyalty, the loss of Chris Kobach. Then again, there were an equal number of disappointing outcomes. But what can you do? Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes the bear eats you.
304
@R. Adelman
Agreed on Scott Walker who was a sleazy person going back to his college days and destroyed public sector unions in WI.
As a PA retired teacher, Scott Wagner's defeat was also enjoyable. He who called us retired teachers greedy because we didn't want to give back 10% of our pensions.
And Kobach who has delusions about brown skinned people voting multiple times when workers have a hard time getting them to vote once with all the voter suppression.
Consign them all to the garbage heap where they belong.
73
@R. Adelman Agreed. Still savoring Walker's demise. And don't forget about Jon Tester's win in Montana. Trump was enraged that Tester had derailed his nomination of Ronny Jackson to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs earlier this year, had made unseating the senator a personal project. Fail.
57
@R. Adelman Is that some kind of Eastern thing?
One real delight from Tuesday was watching Laura Kelly defeat Kris Kobach. Ms. Kelly's victory in Kansas was consistent with Kathleen Sebelius', who also triumphed as a Democrat and a woman in Kansas by speaking to responsible governance. There is hope, even in a deep red state!
Kobach's loss must have really stung Trump, too, since they share a pathological obsession with illegal immigration and alleged voter fraud.
Kobach was said to chalk up his loss to God's will. No, Kris, it was the will of people you thought you had in your pocket.
388
@NM
Though I am an athiest, I believe it WAS God's will to send Kris Kobach packing.
Even a supernatural, all powerful, deity can grow weary of the mean spirited hypocrisy of self serving politicians who loudly proclaim their devotion to the One whose message of love and understanding is undercut by their actions. Next time, God, try a bolt of lightning or some old time smiting. No one can miss the meaning of those.
30
@NM Unfortunately, Kris Kobach is now being seriously considered as the nominee to replace Jeff Sessions as AG. He's nuts, racist and an all-round feeble excuse for a human being, but that won't keep the Republican Senate from giving him a quick confirmation.
12
@NM
Just imagine how relieved and hopeful we in Kansas are: Laura Kelly is indeed in the Sebelius mold, and we can expect Kelly to continue digging us out of the financial sludge of Brownbackistan, protected as we will be from Kobach's rancid ideologies and professional incompetence.
However, we had little time to breathe freely, waking up today to this headline in The Kansas City Star: 'Kobach may be considered for attorney general post.'
Spare the Justice Department from a Trump toady who, after losing yet another court case on 'voter fraud,' was ordered by the judge to take a refresher course in legal procedure (https://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/kobach-proof-of-citizeship-requirement).
Perhaps Trump's known aversion to losers will keep him from such folly. That's more likely than the Senate doing its job properly and refusing to even consider such a nomination.
15
Look hard at the mechanism that Don the Despot just used to replace Sessions and dismantle the Mueller investigation. Let me emphasize again that Don the despot just shut down Mueller. There are 2 lines of succession at Justice. The real/democratic one would have Rosenstein as acting AG. Somehow, maybe by executive order by Trump, there is the despot approach. There is an EO that, in congressional recess, does not require a replacement of the AG by a Senate confirmed appointee but only replacement by a GS 15 who has been employed 365 days. The acting AG is a Trump stooge. Mueller better take his duplicate hard drives and run to lord knows who on Capitol Hill.
"If any multibillionaires are interested in underwriting a movement that would genuinely make America great again, they need to hire masses of people to show up every time the president gives a speech. Everyone would stand there stonily during the rants about immigration, then burst into raucous applause whenever he talked about lower prescription drug prices or accidentally muttered a phrase like “better schools.” The nation would be transformed."
I love this idea! And if we were truly most interested in promoting our agenda without making Trump look/feel bad, this is precisely what we would do! (However, it is hard to not want to make Trump look/feel bad.)
1
@tsl Isn't this what's already happening at Trump rallies? It's just that the raucous applause happens at the mention of things like BLOCKING immigration, or "fake news" and jokes about the idiots who believe that humans could possibly influence climate.
We are all still waiting for Infrastructure Week. Those potholes aren't going to fill themselves. If he tried just a smidge, he could do something worthwhile but we're mired in daily muck.
1
I think the press should stop reporting on Trump for a whole week and see how he will deal with the total silence about him
10
I assume that Jeff will spend at least a portion of the next part of his life being questioned by Mueller concerning the lies that he told congress about his contacts with Russians during the campaign now that he no longer has executive privilege. awkward!
1
The most amazing races to me were here in Georgia and neighbor Florida where two African American Democrats of enormous talent, intelligence, experience, heart and decency almost made it. Who would have thought it possible just two years ago? Both Abrams and Gillum and their volunteers worked unimaginably hard and they must be deeply disappointed, but they have sown the seeds of future victory not only for black leadership in the Old Confederacy but PROGRESSIVE leadership after what seems like a lifetime in the Republican good ol' boy Dark Ages.
I never thought that anyone could “almost” make me miss Jeff Sessions, but the profile I just read of Trump’s new acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker sure did.
Mr. Matthew’s past statements and tweets concerning the Mueller investigation - (“Mueller lynch mob”), and his opinion that judges should have a “biblical” rather than a “secular worldview” when dispensing justice, were truly frightening.
Jeff Sessions always made my skin crawl, but Matthew Whitaker makes my skin crawl and my hair stand on end! Trump sure can pick ‘em!
5
Favorite election is in my district - NY 11, where the Eeyore-esque Dan Donovan was defeated by the whippersnapper Max Rose. Its been a lonnggggg time since Staten Island turned blue and I just about did a praise dance when I saw the results on the screen. Grassroots, door-to-door campaigning WORKS!
4
If Trump is OK with Nancy Pelosi as House speaker I take that as a strong recommendation the Democrats should dump her. After all impeachment would be "off the table" if she got her old job back.
Press mobilize and have no kind words for Sessions. If Sessions were fired, instead of resigning, then the acting AG had to be someone confirmed by the Senate. When have you ever heard of an acting AG not been in the line of succession confirmed by Congress. This person, named by Trump is wholly unqualified and is only there to fire Mueller. Sessions is complicit. If he had been fired and not resigned, the acting Ag would be Rosenstein. Call this out for the illegal action that is is. Trump has gone full demagogue.
4
Two Republican vie for my favorite winners. Brothel owner Dennis Hof, who won reelection to the Nevada state legislature despite being dead, may be the quintessential Trumpublican elected official. Although perhaps the winner who best typifies the Banana Republican party is Representative Duncan Hunter, who was just reelected despite being under indictment for blowing a quarter million bucks of campaign contributions on personal spending. A family guy, Duncan spent some on country club memberships, family vacations and flying a pet rabbit to Washington, but he also maintained a couple of girl friends. He's blaming the whole thing on his wife. I wonder if he'll have to try and take healthcare away from sick people by phone from his minimum security prison, or if they'll let him out to vote with the rest of Trump's crooks and grifters.
And would someone tell me how much public money Donald Trump, who wasn't on the ballot, spent flying around the country to hold right wing hootenannies?
4
I love your columns, Gail, but please stop harping on Romney and his dog. That one's been repeated so many times that it is no longer funny. Besides, Romney looks pretty good next to Trump and MAY (if we are very lucky) succeed Flake/Corker/the sainted departed McCain as a Republican anti-Trump voice. Remember the excellent anti-Trump ad he made back in 2016? If we are unlucky, he will just cave, like the other formerly anti-Trumpist Republicans.
Sharpen the executive order pencils. The only way for Trump to get anything done that he wants his to set the new record for executive orders. Again, just another thing he complained of President Obama, like golf, he is going to do to excess.
1
For irony, how about Wisconsin? Ousted governor Scott Walker lost by a razor-thin margin and was denied the right to demand a recount by a law he and his cronies put in about a year ago.
13
@Jenswold That was one of my favorite results, too.
2
Trump lost the House. Maybe he actually gave it away. Women dominated the election. We even had a wonderful moment yesterday with a Republican who had declared victory....before all the votes had been counted, but had to recant as our Democrat won yesterday afternoon...after all the votes had been counted. Hey Gail....what happened to the caravan? After weeks of terrifying the elderly in our state...mum's the word! Trump gave away the House. Now if we can just get the Senate from the claws of Mitch McConnell in two years!
1
"Mia Love gave me no love and she lost!" The prevailing theme in Donald Trump's narrative about the mid-terms is Donald Trump: first, last and in the middle.
To hear him expound from his rabid ego-nest in the West Wing, nobody would ever suspect that there's a big country over which he presides In his dim constellation intellectual darkness.
All the black holes in space reduce themselves to him.
5
Trump gave sessions an offer he couldn’t refuse .
Did you see the part of the news conference where Trumputin just couldn't understand the questions posed by foreign correspondents who spoke with an accent?
Trevor Noah did a hilarious take on that, playing on the fact that Melania's doesn't exactly sound native-born.
6
Not only did he crow about his "victory," but he also told reporters he doesn’t care if Democrats get his tax returns."No, I don't care,” he told reporters when he was in Indiana on Monday. “They can do whatever they want." He's fine with the House turnover, and he's fine with having the public finally see those 1040s. Great. The tax code allows congressional tax policy committees to obtain tax returns from the Treasury Department, so the House Democrats don't even have to wait for him to turn the returns over. Since he doesn't care, they should go for it.
7
There was something in this election for almost everyone.
Dems won the House so the GOP can't pass any right wing legislation, like repealing the ACA or more tax cuts for billionaires. And Devin Nunes will no longer chair any committees!
The GOP expanded their advantage in the Senate, so if any more Supreme Court vacancies come up, they will have an easier time pushing through their nominees. Plus, the Senate won't let the House pass any new left wing laws, either.
And I would guess Trump probably is not that unhappy. He helped the GOP pick up seats in the Senate and can claim some credit for that (legitimately, for a change). While the GOP lost some governorships on a net number basis, it kept them in Ohio and Florida--key states that always seem to sway the presidential election these days. Trump will now get to make the House Democrats his bogey (wo)men for anything and everything. Jeff Sessions is gone and a Trump partisan who will oversee the Mueller investigation is now acting AG. And, of course, Trump still has two more years to issue unconstitutional executive orders written by Stephen Miller.
The 24-hour media circus will continue to give us politicians, washed-up DC insiders and paid pundits fighting with each other, plus hours of analysis of the narcissistic, autocratic, unethical, dysfunctional Trump, who spews fresh material at all hours of the day and night.
The only losers are the rest of us who are stuck will all of this.
218
@Jack Sonville
"and I would guess Trump probably is not that unhappy. He helped the GOP pick up seats in the Senate and can claim some credit for that ..."
You should have watched Rachel Maddow last night she enumerated the 15 or so Republcans supported by Trump who lost to Democratic women in congress. And I wouldn't be so quick to conclude that Trump helped those he backed who won. In those extreme red states the Republican candidates were probably going to win without his support anyway.
5
I would love to see Kasich take on the President, but I don't see it as very likely. The shrunk down Republican party is basically a Trump cult. Kasich is smarter than that.
He will wait his turn in 2024 when he will face off against Nikki Hailey.
1
Problems to be solved by the Congress of the United States: Galore
Credentials for serving in the House of Representatives of the United States to solve those problems: A mixed Martial Arts fighter
Say it ain't so !
If I didn't have Gail to make me laugh about all of this, I'd cry. So grateful for a Democratic house. So anxious about 2 more years with the current occupant of the White House and his lackeys in the Senate.
I'm waiting to see how Romney votes when the political hack Trump installed as "Acting AG" tries to derail the Mueller investigation. Or will that constitutional crisis be over by the time he takes his seat. In which case, I'd like to see if Corker, Flake and Sasse join forces with Senate Dems to rein in the madman in the White House.
2
Gov. Wolf should run for President. Scott Wagner is a good proxy for Trump and he has already beaten him.
1
Gail, you did ask for our favorite moments in the elections and you did mention 'pot repair'. And I believe pot was legalized in three more states. Thank you for your humor as we enter the next two years of the Trump horror show.
Trump gets dangerous when he feels cornered just like any animal. Just ask the reporter after today's press conference. He throws out a a fake olive branch and says what he will do for you, then tells you the kicker. It all depends on ignoring his obvious corruption. What are we to do when almost 40 percent of the population thinks you should just lay down and take Trump's abuse and law breaking.
Well Gail, here we go all of us together in this mess once again, but thanks for trying to make this mess bearable. But at least with a little courage we have some way to fight back with our newly minted House. The Truth and justice does matter.
4
If you did not see that press conference today, please find a video and watch it. The festering rage displayed by Trump was really something. It was frightening and fascinating at the same time. If you had small children, you would have pushed them behind you, put your hands over their eyes and ears and run away. Really.
8
For someone who constantly cries, “Witch Hunt,” “No Collusion,” and claims he has nothing to hide, Donald Trump sure talks and acts like someone who has something to hide. Besides, as much as he complains about the length of Mueller’s Russia probe, why doesn’t he ever complain about the far lengthier audit of his taxes—which will conclude when exactly?
9
This is it? This is all we got? After two years of Trump and his absolutely disastrous policies and attacks on healthcare from the Republicans and this is all we could win? Whoopi a few districts changed hands and some governorships. I was shocked how well the Republicans did. Here in Ohio, except for our Democratic senator being reelected as expected, the Republicans ran the slate. They took everything on the state level. To me, this is an indication that Trump has a very good chance at reelection in 2020. Remember, Trump could care less about losing the House. He only cares about himself and his power and with the Senate now even more strongly in the hands of the Republicans and appointing judges, thanks to Chuck Schumer's boneheaded agreement with McConnell to fasttrack them, this country will be set back decades. Pelosi, a sclerotic, ossified corporate hack will "lead" her party nowhere, and Schumer too. These two need to step down as "leaders" and go do what they do best, raise money from Wall Street.
1
One other thing. This election may have ushered in what will be remembered as the longest lame duck session in history. A divided legislature guarantees Trump won’t get much of what he wants leaving him to stew or possibly obstruct more justice. Getting things done will be a massive thread the needle exercise and Trump is not off to a good start after yesterday’s presser. Either way, the next two years may be remembered fondly as a long lame duck session.
61
@DenisPombriant Nixon used the FBI as his personal spy organization. The difference is that he didn't make a public show of it.
8
@DenisPombriant
I think its going to be longer than you think. Once trump and his congressional foot soldiers get done packing the courts it will take decades to move any progressive legislation. There will be a waiting line of people willing to be used by dark money groups to challenge every attempt the Dems make to improve the general welfare.
7
@DenisPombriant
Given that all but the first two years of President Obama's two terms in office were one long standoff between himself and the do-nothing Republican Congress, the record for the "longest lame duck session in history" is already pretty long. God forbid we get Trump for a second term, which would still only tie that record.
10
“Which are being audited!”
Yes, let’s not forget about the tax returns. Such a shame he can’t cooperate due to the extended audit!
4
Jeff Sessions will probably be under contract with Keebler within a week
Poster boy.
Not lobbyist.
1
I believe that Gail Collins' hypothesis is correct. The Democrats could turn trump by just playing to his vanity. Simply shape his behavior using operant conditioning techniques, much like training pigeons to play ping pong (I sat through hours and hours of pigeon movies enroute to a psych degree and yes, pigeons can be trained to play ping pong). I'm pretty sure that Putin has figured this out already. I really don't think trump consciously creates policy. Fox and Friends and his rally crowds have unconsciously and inadvertently been training him. He emits some random insanity and the crowd reaction reinforces it. Wise Democrats could shape his behavior in constructive ways using attention and praise, as if he were a Golden Retriever, minus of course the natural charm and intellect of that breed.
10
It seems inconceivable that a president would threaten and call out the House of Representatives as his enemy, while using the Senate and the Supreme Court as his personal weapons against it. Inconceivable for any president except this one.
203
@NYCtoMalibu
Threats are SOP for the Trump Organization when dealing with sub-contractors. Play ball, accept what you are given, oppose and you'll be sued and without sufficient resources, you will lose and get nothing.
Fortunately the House of Representatives is not a Trump sub-contractor.
6
@NYCtoMalibu
And inconceivable that Congress and Supreme Court aren't standing up to him.
4
One of my favorite indirect election outcomes:
House Intelligence Committee chairmanship moving from Devin "Fredo" Nunes to Adam Schiff.
Call me partisan (please) but I just think committee chairs should be pro-democracy.
11
The press needs to regroup and think about these public displays that we still call presidential news conferences. Trump behaves outrageously, the press is shocked and offended, everyone objects, and Trump is king of the news cycle again. Rinse and repeat. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Trump doesn't have to answer any of the questions, but he can say he had a press conference.
Press conferences have become a pointless exercise and an insult to the public, except of course, for entertainment purposes. Which is, I guess, what the presidency has become: an entertainment venue.
14
It's important to remember that no contestant was ever really Donald Trump's Apprentice, and that the Apprentice was only a middling TV series with a disastrous string of spin-offs. I say this to demonstrate that nothing happens in Donald Trump's life to make him truly happy. He can never genuinely speak of joy in his life because if it's not the best, if it's not so overwhelmingly awe inspiring, it doesn't satisfy him. That's why he lies so voraciously about the Apprentice. That's why he had to ridicule it's failure. What makes Donald Trump happy? Nothing.
11
@Richard Mclaughlin And surprise surprise surprise! All those "Reality Shows" are all scripted. The only "reality" aspect of them is that they are a sneaky way of filmmakers to bust the power of the SAG Union in The Industry. Trust me. I used to work there.
2
Paul Ryan is clearly campaigning. You can tell because Trump is calling him names.
1
"Welcome back" to Mitt's poor dog!
Also, some translation.. In English: "Meanwhile, Trump was celebrating the probable defeat of the only Republican African-American woman in the history of the House of Representatives." Translated to Trumpian: "I don't care a nit about a person's color." The quicker we can all become fluent in the Trumpian triple speak, the sooner we can get around to understanding and working with Trump voters.
1
Agreed, everybody does love pothole repairs. The two parties just can't agree who pays for them - our children or our grandchildren.
3
@Steve W Pothole repairs are usually undertaken by the local community and not the federal government, anyway. Think of another actual helpful thing that trump would realistically do for us. Keep trying.
1
@Entera - trump could RESIGN.
1
"Do you think the president and Congress could actually accomplish anything?" Only if they are ice skating in Hades. The Republicans will obstruct anything from the House, just as they obstructed President Obama for eight long years.
When Romney's victory was announced last night, I actually thought about Seamus, the Romney family dog. You burned the vision of him riding strapped to the top of the family car to Canada in my brain forever. Seamus rides again!
My favorite outcome last night? Hearing we had taken back the House, and hearing one of the commentators say the Trump Administration had no idea what was heading their way now in terms of hearings and subpoenas. I think by this morning they had a clue, given Trump's threats to Nancy Pelosi about investigating him.
Wait until after the Holidays to discuss 2020? It's already being discussed. I just hope the Democratic candidate will be chosen early, and be someone who is charismatic, intelligent, and informed like President Obama, and can inspire people the way he did, and still does.
Whoever is chosen as the anointed one, should have wide appeal as well, like President Obama. Beto O'Rourke just might be the shot in the arm the Democratic Party needs to galvanize young voters as well as women and all those who want to rid this country of the plague that infected it in 2016.
5
Obama—I should say a Democratic-held House and Senate—succeeded in enacting the ACA in his first year. After losing 63 House seats two years in, in November 2010, there were no further meaningful legislative accomplishments.
Clinton lost 54 House seats two years into his first administration, in November 1994, his most notable legislative achievement being the September 1994 so-called assault weapon ban (I say so-called because the act did not ban sale or possession of any assault weapons).
“W” pushed through tax cuts early in his first term, persuaded Democratic and Republican members of Congress to give him carte blanch to invade Iraq, and then, well, nothing—although the Iraq invasion continues to be the mud we can’t get off our shoes.
Trump—really McConnell and Ryan—got a big tax cut for the well off (is there any other kind?), has given McConnell and the Federalist Society a free hand to conduct a blitzkrieg of conservative judicial appointments, and has appointed two conservatives to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Federalist Society’s ability to appoint judges at a rapid clip will continue unabated under Trump due to the continued Republican hold (probably 54 to 46) on the Senate and Harry Reid’s gift of killing the judicial filibuster.
Just based on the last three administrations, the pattern is that a president and his party get some legislation passed in the first year or so of the new president’s first term, and then essentially complete gridlock. Good? Bad?
3
My personal favorite is Duncan Hunter's comfortable win in California's 50th congressional district over Ammar Campa-Najjar, who (gasp!) has an Arab father. Hunter and his wife were indicted on 60 federal charges for using their campaign funds as a personal piggy bank (not too much different from Donald Trump being sued for using his charitable foundation as a personal piggy bank). Duncan Hunter blamed his wife for the misuse of campaign funds and accused Campa-Najjar of trying to "infiltrate" Congress. That's funny: I've never heard that term used before about somebody running for Congress in an election.
5
No one in the IRS has the backbone to whisper, “There was never an audit. Or, we are over that. Or, leave us alone, we too have mortgages to pay.
2
Too many republicans won in SD. Not one Democrat that I voted for and supported won. Billie Sutton would have made a great Governor but we got noem. Pence rallied for her in Rapid City two days before the election and I think that might have clinched it - more lies.
4
And thanks to voters in Utah, there will be new opportunities to discuss the fact that once, long ago, Senator-elect Mitt Romney drove to Canada on a family vacation with the dog strapped to the roof of his car.
The Junior Senator Elect from Utah Mitt Romney today warned the new AG to keep his hands off the Mueller investigation - an indication that far from rolling over for Trump, he relishes mixing it up with the man he not only thoroughly excoriated in print for poor character but who then, Trump-like, went on to humiliate him by summoning him to Trump tower to interview for a cabinet position he never had any intention of granting. So, many more mentions from Gail on the most famous dog since Jack London's Buck who ever came involuntarily to Canada? Yes please!
126
@Leigh Knowing what I do about furry dogs, they love to have a view in the wind when they want it. I know some kids who would love it too. It wasn't winter. Growing up, it was always fun to ride in the bed of a pick-up. Explain why it was a dreadful decision rather than a politically in-correct one.
1
@Leigh
While Romney will make all the right noises about being uncomfortable with Trump edicts, in the end expect him to roll over and vote to support Trump. We won't see any backbone when it counts.
3
@Leigh Imagine Romney won without any of the secret Trump Love. So much for the Love effect of the magic Trump. Perhaps he exhausted all his Trump love when Cruz kissed his backside. It worked but barely. Now Cruz can live down the humiliation he rightly deserves.
4
I'd like to see the House of Representatives investigate why Mr. Trump's tax audit hasn't been completed yet. It's been many years, and the IRS hasn't completed a single one.
Perhaps we need to give the IRS' budget a big bump, and use it to hire enough skilled auditors so they can finish up audits of complex tax returns quickly - word is that increasing the IRS' budget shows a positive cash flow. After all, every dollar added to the IRS' budget generates several dollars in increased tax revenue.
Everyone's worried about the deficit - boosting the IRS' budget would not only relieve Mr. Trump's mind about that tax audit he's been under for so long - it would reduce the deficit without raising taxes. Win-Win!
16
@John M Tome Steyer should fund the audit via a blind trust so we can finally see those returns ;-)
2
I am beyond ecstatic that Scooter has been ousted. Thankfully I won't have to be voting against him again anytime soon. My more right leaning "friends" are already warning people to watch their property taxes go up. Good...if that money goes to fix the potholes and revive what was once one of the best public education systems in the country, they can have my money. And I don't even have children. I just believe that we need to invest in the future of all of our citizens.
39
Great Op-Ed, Gail, especially:
"Next year’s class of Democratic freshmen in the House is going to be incredible, with a huge range of backgrounds, ages, races and interests."
But please spare a thought for the contribution of Iranian-Americans, especially women, to the cause of democracy in the U.S.. They also made history:
Anna Eskamani, Anna Kaplan, Zahra Karinshak, and Sam Hamadani have become the first Iranian Americans to be elected to the New York, Georgia, and Florida state legislatures, and the first Iranian American judge to be elected in North Carolina.
The above are all Democrats, and their backgrounds and histories are inspiring.
Just goes to show: To strengthen democracy in the U.S. you need more Iranians! Lindsey Wagner: Eat your heart out (if you have one)!
16
I do like Trump's strategy here. Strike out, threaten before the new Congress begins its work, and act, in general, like the overgrown toddler he is. Unlike Clinton and Obama, who kept their disappointment limited to their staff, who did report on it, Trump has to be publicly offended. He must be sure that every person on the planet who bothers to follow news from the United States (Untied States but who's counting?) hears his displeasure. BORING!
He's given them the true Trump welcome: offensive, loud, and uncooperative. This reader wishes he would take his bat, ball, and temper tantrum home and stay there. He needs a time out, long one.
In the meantime I'd like to congratulate the newbies. Good luck to all of you. Make good use of the good will while you have it. Thank you for running.
26
After watching that painful press conference, I have to wonder if Jim Acosta is secretly glad he doesn't have to attend those torture sessions slash briefings any more. He should probably start looking over his shoulder a bit more though. Now that he's not in the spotlight, it might be easy for Trump to speak to his pals Vladimir or MBS and have something 'unfortunate' happen to him. These guys have plenty of experience at silencing dissent, after all. It's a perilous world for reporters these days and Trump looked ready to make a lot more personal.
11
What's with all the Mitt bashing? He doesn't like Trump any more than Dems do. And he has all but come out and said he will be the Repub voice of reason. So why not wait and give him the benefit of the doubt? That is the bipartisan way to act.
14
@Nancy: Mitt Romney definitely doesn't like Trump, who offends his deep-seated Mormon values. More to the point, he wants Trump's job so badly he can taste it.
MItt is too smart to attack openly and directly; it will be fascinating to learn ultimately how he works to effect Trump's demise. Other Republicans in the Senate are angered by Trump's treatment of Jeff Sessions, whom they've looked upon as an ally for years. They are seething over Trump's shoddy, cruel behavior towards their friend. They've also seen how Trump will treat any one of them if he thinks they're in his way.
Mitt has no loyalty to Sessions, only driving ambition. He hasn't been a longtime member of the Senate, instead jumping from job to job in multiple attempts to launch himself into the Presidency. He may end up being a key player in bringing the horrifying reign of Trump to an end.
2
@Nancy Well, Nancy, nobody's tying him to the roof of their car. He'll get his chance.
1
Romney-watchers have waited for decades. No "principle" exists from which Mitt Romney won't walk away at the drop of a hat when the slightest breeze of his obsessive political ambition wafts by his flared nostrils.
6
"Senator-elect Mitt Romney drove to Canada on a family vacation with the dog strapped to the roof of his car."
Sniff. Now that Mitt has settled down in Utah for six years, I won't be able to deride him as "the ultimate carpetbagger." At least until 2024...
2020 elections? Why wait? On to Cincinnati!
3
If we take a vacation, we leave the dogs with a friend who owns a small farm. There are also kennels available. If we do take them anywhere, they ride inside the car with the rest of us. Romney reminds me of that word they used to describe Dubya. Incurious.
23
"Wow, Jeff Sessions was gone before they finished counting votes in Arizona."
Jeff Sessions = Carlo, Donald Trump = Michael Corleone, the midterms = the christening of Michael's nephew.
Which begs the question: who's Moe Green?
24
Gail — how could you not mention that one yuge benefit of the flip in the House is that Devin Nunes is no longer chairman of the Intelligence Committee. Ideally, he will now fade into the obscurity he so richly deserves.
138
@PaulB67
Nunes was re-elected, so he and Schiff can just switch roles. I've wondered in the past if Schiff's actions were more dislike of Nunes than of Trump.
2
@kwb: I know voters returned Nunes to Washington, but I'm fairly certain Adam Schiff will completely ignore him, or send him on an extended fact-finding mission to the Pribolof Islands.
6
To win in 2020, the Democrats must have a unified platform and a single resounding catchphrase. They can do this and maintain diversity within the ranks. As much as I detest the "Make America Great Again" catchphrase, it has a unifying ring. Democratic incumbents must make sure to watch their steps and avoid any missteps. The Democrats need to take note of every misstep of the GOP and use their words against them. I think Mr. O'Rourke could have taken Texas if he has used Mr. Cruz's record of not doing anything constructive in six years against him.
19
@Chuckw
I think we need a new phrase other than MAGA. MAGA for many people just seemed a more acceptable way to say "Make America White Again".
Maybe we could say "Make America Think Again". Or "Make America Nice Again".
My personal favorite would be "Make American Decent Again".
@Chuckw I agree he Dems need a simple catchphrase --Make America Great Again! -- to restore the country to the way it was before Trump!
We in Maine are thrilled to have our first female governor - a Democrat. And we are thrilled former Governor LePage will quickly be moving to Florida!
113
@Charles Danielson
I have family in Maine. I think they would have said the same thing, but I couldn't understand them with all the cheering and celebrating in the background.
61
@Charles Danielson
Glad that Maine came to its senses. Le Page was a monster. How he ever was elected as Governor is a complete mystery to me.
10
Democrat elation at the election outcome is understandable, it confirms that: a.) democracy is not over with, as they feared, b.) the Democrat party is not extinct outside major cities after all, c.) there may be life after Trump. On the other hand, not much has changed: a.) Trump is still in place for at least 2 more years, b.) he wasn't having much luck with his legislative agenda anyway, so if he now knows he'll get nothing through congress going forward, the future for him is like the past, c.) he still has the veto, d.) he will continue to prevent any leftward movement on social or economic issues, e.) he will still be able to reshape the judiciary, which will be his real legacy. Everyone should now take a short 'political vacation' before starting to rev their engines for 2020.
26
@Ronald B. Duke Hello Mr Duke! Great comments. Your removing '-ic' from Democratic is a welcome sight in print as I have been advocating for this refreshing change for years. Bravo and thank you!
2
@Ronald B. Duke
Great comments, Mr. Duke! Your removing the '-ic' from Democratic is a welcome sight as I have been advocating for this refreshing change for years. Bravo and thank you!
1
Hello Mr Duke! Great comments and also appreciate your removing '-ic' from Democratic. I have been advocating this welcome change for years. Bravo! @Ronald B. Duke
1
I got up early this morning just to read your column. Great writing.
I hope people remember that John Kasich was Governor of Ohio that indulged in Voter Supression in that state. I will never forget that.
91
@Ronald Amelotte
I hope they also don’t forget his opposition to a woman’s right to choose and also his support of charter schools at the expense of public schools.
No moderate he.
30
@Ronald Amelotte Let's also not forget that Kasich defunded Planned Parenthood while he was governor. While he might seem reasonable in light of our current government, he is not a good guy at all.
38
@Ronald Amelotte
and definitely did not support the teachers in Ohio when Governor
13
Today's White House press conference was certain to be a difficult time for all concerned, because Trump cannot abide loss or confrontation.
He simply doesn't understand what a democracy is.
174
@V
What we are seeing is an autocratic president wholly lacking self-control who is becoming ever more paranoid. He interprets the opposition party regaining control of the U.S. House as likely being severely damaging, perhaps even terminal, for his presidency. So what should he do about it?
For starters, why not lash out with overt threats to Democrats if they seek to fulfill their Constitutional mandate by continuing to investigate you? Why not lash out at the free press by attempting to discredit a reporter from an "enemy" network with phony sexual allegations? Why not lash out at the judiciary by firing your "disloyal" Attorney General simply because he properly recused himself from an investigation into your possible collusion with a foreign adversary of the United States?
We now have a president who has already ticked off all of those boxes. Doesn't it make you wonder what other boxes Trump plans to tick off next?
136
@V He doesn't understand anything except grand-standing.
8
Thanks, Gail.
I feel like a kid at Christmas, one who is *almost* grown up. I didn't get everything on my wish list, darn it. Even though I got some really cool stuff that made me very happy, there's a murmuring ghost of disappointment that I couldn't have it all.
275
I am so happy and relieved that Donald Trump’s candidate here is not our Senator. Trump can come to Montana as many times as he wishes ( and the tax payers pay for). We iin Montana still vote for whom we please. Yay Jon Tester!
281
@Anne "We in Montana still vote for whom we please. Yay Jon Tester!"
I felt like a cat on a hot tin roof as the returns were tallied.
Yay Jon Tester!
57
@Anne Thrilled about Tester, too. Thank you, Montana!
38
@Sarah D.
And I am thrilled, as usual, with Massachusetts. Blue so Blue.
15
So glad that Seamus- the dog on the roof - has made a welcome return. We have missed him.
125
@joed
My guess is Seamus the dog would do more to stand up to Trump than his former family member will. The "moral compass" who enjoyed cutting jobs with his equity funds business showed his obsequiousness when Trump played him for a possible Cabinet position. Expect more of the sniveling same.
6
In honor of Gail's best-seller "As Texas Goes...", there are a few salient facts which need highlighting, regarding Beto's most wonderful campaign:
The reddest county in all the U.S. of A. (Tarrant County Tx., since Hillary won Orange County Ca. in 2016, thus losing its former title of being the U.S. county with the most consecutive POTUS elections going red) went blue on Tuesday, voting for Beto over Cruz. This in a county that is a bastion of tea-partyism, which went for His Weaselness 45* by 10 points in 2016.
The blue from next-door Dallas County is spreading :)
Combined with the 7-8 governorships GOP'ers lost on Tuesday, along with the House, Pres. Un-indicted Co-conspirator 45*, and any GOP'er hopes to hold onto the White House in 2020 are puppies and rainbows pipe dreams.
166
Former Fort Worth resident here. Can't believe what I just read. Tarrant County? Quite an accomplishment. Now it's safe to move back?
5
@Barnaby - Heard rumors there were lots of Beto signs, but was skeptical; shame on me !
Beto could be gub'ner if he wanted, since Lt. Gov. Patrick won the state by less than 5 pts. vs. 20 pts. in '16; likewise the still-under-indictment Atty. Gen. only won state by less than 5 points.
This place is going back to the good ole days of blue; of course purple first, then blue.
4
Democrats OWN infrastructure. The Republicans had 2 years..., and..., we're still waiting. The Democrats OWN reducing hyped up drug prices. What did the Republicans do..., well? We OWN healthcare reform. We OWN the economic recovery that started 3500 days ago. What's T done? Well, he's made soybean farmers slit their wrists and go bankrupt. He's put toddlers in jail, he's taken BRIBES from Middle Easterners.
398
@4Average Joe And bribes from China, in the form of sweet deals for his daughter.
29
@4Average Joe
So why don't Democrats OWN the Senate?
It's time for Democrats to realize that the Democratic Party needs new leadership.
Stale, old, passive, not on message Democrats. The Republicans have eaten our lunch ever since Bush v. Gore.
5
@4Average Joe,
Not to put too fine a point on it, but I think the Midwestern soybean farmers that Trump has left out to dry will go bankrupt first, and kill themselves later.
14
In his empty head Donald won,
In your own Universe loss is fun,
Topsy turvy of course
On his own rocking horse,
His press meetings writers should shun.
203
@Larry Eisenberg Larry, beautiful, drug out the Rocking Horse Winner story.
6
@Larry Eisenberg
Great Larry.
And not to worry. By the look on his face his gut knows he didn't win.
11
@Larry Eisenberg,
Long may you wave -- and write!
Not only could the press boycott him, they could also stop going to his so-called rallies, too. The only ones there would be Hannity and Fox so-called News.
15
Forgot to mention Scott Walker evicted from the Wisconsin Governor's mansion. That almost made up for the fact that the GOP increased its grip on the Senate. Besides keeping the House Democrats need to concentrate on flipping the Senate in 2020. Pundits predict it will not be possible, but if Trumpism goes the way of McCarthyism and Democrats pay more attention to the needs of rural America it is conceivable.
204
Thanks for mentioning Scott Walker. What a wonderful relief we are feeling in Wisconsin. We now have a governor who is not an ALEC member (all Republican legislators are), who is highly educated, and cares deeply about the state of Public Schools in Wisconsin. We are so proud to re-elect Tammie Baldwin to the Senate--she is dedicated to making our country a better place. These are amazing wins for us, especially since the Koch brothers spent so much money to keep Walker in place and Tammie out of the Senate. We are grateful to all the people who worked so hard to win this election for us Badgers. Thank you!
139
The one good thing about Scott Walker was that he made John Kasich look great by comparison. And no that doesn't mean he gets to be VP on Kasich's ticket!!
4
@Pat, Relative to Scott Walker, gerrymandering, Paul Ryan, budget cuts to the University of Wisconsin, union busting, right-to-work laws, and a host of other debacles, you Cheeseheads have a few amends to make now that you have some Democratic muscle on the job. Go Badgers.
14
"Next year’s class of Democratic freshmen in the House is going to be incredible, with a huge range of backgrounds, ages, races and interests. Truly I did not expect to live to hear that a four-term Republican congressman from Kansas was defeated by a gay Native American woman who used to be a mixed martial arts fighter."
Beautifully written.
As far as McConnell, I expect bipartisanship from him only after he declares himself bisexual, which is more likely.
378
@Bob Woods
LOL - the McConnell comment was better than anything I’ve heard this week on late night TV!
7
Are you as angry as I am, Good People of America? If so, get ready to hit the streets tomorrow night, November 8, at 5 pm.
Many democratic organizations have been planning a massive demonstration across America if The Con Don fired Sessions. He did and Rachel Maddow (MSNBC 9 pm ET weeknights) reported just now that the demonstration is on for tomorrow night at 900 locations across America.
No One Is Above The Law. Every American citizen who values our democratic form of governance must hit the streets and voice our anger so even The Con Don can hear.
The link is below. This must not stand in OUR United States of America. Not now. Not ever.
https://www.trumpisnotabovethelaw.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response/search/?from=@
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Please copy this message and get it to everyone you know.
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@njglea
I'm going. Thirty miles one-way on a two-lane road, but I can't imagine not going. Sometimes I think, well, I'm only one body, what difference will it make? But that's the same excuse coming from a lot of people who don't vote. The math goes like this: One body times 10 equals 10 bodies times 10 equals 100 bodies, and pretty soon you've got a winning margin, and pretty soon you've got a movement, and pretty soon the folks in Washington can't ignore you.
I had a happy buzz going late last night and early today about the Democrats taking the House, but then the news conference and Sessions firing were a quick reality check. Back to work.
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The Democrats must work quickly to remove Trump as as many of his cabal as possible. There is a longer game here -- the Supreme Court, clean air, clean water, National Parks and Monuments -- and the longer Trump pretends to be president the worse the situation will become.
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@Hypatia While the environment may be the most important thing to you, the Democrats must focus on most voters' concerns. A unified message that resonates with most voters, such as health care reform, is the winning strategy to take. Another is the infrastructure.
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The current occupant hasn't changed. He spent the whole press conference lashing out at others (including the "losers" of his own party for not embracing him) while extolling on how great he is and how he back only winners. Actually, I think he was 9 for 16 in senators and about the same for house members. I hope those diverse new representatives continue to go after him, including our own Muslim Somalia immigrant in her hijab. That might just scare him, big bully that he is.
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Am I dreaming or Obama has lost a much larger number of seats in the midterm elections. This is the American political landscape - voting for the opposition party in the midterm elections. Politics aside, it is true that Democrats won seats, but many new members from districts Trump had won will be risking their future if they adopt extreme positions. If the House Democrats decide to go to war with Trump instead of trying to move forward important programs in healthcare and infrastructure, to name a few, it will cost them dearly in 2020. One thing I find extremely troubling is a special prosecutor appointed to find the truth about Russian alleged involvement in the 2016 elections, but goes to a fishing expedition. We all know that if one looks really hard, one finds skeleton in every politician closet. It might be a satisfying gut feeling to play the revenge game with Trump, but we shall all get an ineffective government. If the Democrats go to war they will not be able to share any success, and 2020 will be a huge disappointment. But the real story is the Senate. There really important actions such as appointments of judges, ambassadors, and other government officials are decided, where final vote on the budget takes place. This has been a big GOP success and one cannot run away from the fact that most candidates supported by Trump got elected.
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@Yehuda Israeli, Doing the kind of oversight that is provided for in our Constitutional framework is not "going to war." House Democrats can walk and chew gum at the same time. There are specialized committees capable of working on different issues. Working on infrastructure legislation and shoring up health care laws can be done while the intelligence and judiciary committees look into corruption. We should not gloss over real problems in governance by saying something bad could be found about every politician. Yes we are all flawed as human beings but Trump and his appointees are doing terrible damage to our country and ignoring that would be wrong. He is abusing the powers of his office and I expect my representatives to hold him accountable.
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@Yehuda Israeli
You say, "most candidates supported by Trump got elected."
This is not accurate. Half the candidates Trump endorsed lost their election bids.
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I dunno. I think it’s kind of important to find out if the man in the White House colluded with a murderous foreign tyrant/ex-KGB agent to steal the presidential election. I guess it might seem petty to you, but I guess I’m just worried about the country I live turning into a corrupt dictatorship.
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Well, the election is over. All the hopes and dreams of Democrats were somewhat dashed by the failure to win the Senate, although that was a long shot. The only question remaining is how long it will take the president to descend into madness.
The man is so irredeemably awful that I almost felt sympathy for that malevolent pixie Jeff Sessions. Then I remembered that he was a danger to justice and decency, so don’t let the screen door hit ‘ya, Jeff.
At the press conference the president showed the instability and spite that seethes—I was going to say just below the surface, but come on. He lets it all hang out, and shines klieg lights on it. He seemed to have the jaunty, unjustified smugness of Mussolini, jutting out his chin and lording his presence over the proceedings, shutting down reporters, calling out the interns to wrench microphones from the fake-news-spewing enemies that loom in his subconscious.
With the unstable twitchiness of a Captain Queeg suspecting mutineers all around him, he alternated between snarky tirades and creepy cooing sounds toward, of all people, Nancy Pelosi. Maybe that’s because Nancy now can investigate our cartoonish Sluggo of a president, and hopefully she will, the sooner the better.
Some say this election was a partial Democratic victory, but there are no victories to be had when such a large percentage of the population thought that more Republicans in the Senate was what this country needed.
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@gemli. This may seem like a very small victory to you, i.e. the winning of a House majority by Democrats. The House has the power of the purse. All spending must originate there. They also now have the power of leading committees and the legal power of subpoenas. The powers of the House of Representatives are not trivial. Any bill, to pass, must be passed by the House as well as the Senate and signed by the Executive, such a he is. Hopefully our representatives will use their power in the House with intelligence and in good faith. You are clearly disappointed that the Dems didn't win the entire Congress but can you imagine what misery could be wrought if the GOP had kept the House of Representatives.
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@geml-I'm not sure I'm convinced that Republicans have the large support claimed. The GOP's voting base is shrinking. Republican let states--24--have instituted voting restrictions and 7 states where Democrats suffered losses had voting machine problems. The conservative Supremes assisted upholding Ohio's vote purging...And the list goes on and on.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/11/06/midter...
https://www.yahoo.com/news/u-election-rules-doomed-democrats-050622335.html
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@gemli
Yes, it is sad that so many people voted for Republicans – even one is too many – but in the Senate races millions of more Americans voted Democrat than Red. Failing to flip the Senate was not for lack of votes, but for the allocation of those votes to small population states. Look at the vote totals on the NYTimes summary pages.
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Favorite election outcomes (after the House win), a couple of well-deserved governor losses: Scott Walker (Wisconsin) trounced. Kris Kobach (Kansas) goodbye!
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@Nancy Lederman
Yes, and let's not forget Dana Rohrabacher gone, too, though he hasn't conceded yet. That these three guys are history makes me do a happy dance.
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@Nancy Lederman
Scott Walker of Wisconsin seemed a wholly owned subsidiary of Charles and David Koch. But let's not be too harsh. He wasn't a scheming right wing, power hungry executive. He was just a dumb guy doing the bidding of his billionaire donors.
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@Nancy Lederman
Yes, Kobach will soon be unemployed. But, I have a sneaking dread that HE is on the list for the next Attorney General Of the USA. He’s made a career of being a
“ Nationalist “, long before Trump. A very bad hombre.
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Seamus is back - and still on the roof. It's morning in America again. Or something like that.
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My favorite
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Trump was on an emotional roller coaster Wednesday.
He went from delusional self-congratulations, like saying that his party defied history and saw a near total victory, to being briefly gracious towards Nancy Pelosi, and, for good measure, threatening House Democrats. As if that weren't enough drama, Trump then fired the Attorney General.
This bodes ominously for 2020. Just what will he do if things don't go his way when he really is on the ballot? If he is this off the rocker for losing part of Congress, what will he do when the country tells him, "You're fired!"?
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@NM: He's not going to make it to 2020. He's more full of himself than ever now, firing Sessions is but the first of many moves he will make to crush the various investigations, thinking he can get away with it. As he tries to consolidate power, and ride roughshod over law and the constitution, the house will provided some direction in thwarting him, and be a beacon to attract those wishing to get off the fence and come down against. His unhinged comments today, his personal attack on a reporter, this will all multiply and expose more of his unraveling unfitness, and now more people will take notice and be willing to do something about it. Then there's Mueller.
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@NM
He has been on an emotional roller coaster and delusional for two years. If it hasn't been his undoing up til now, it won't be. It is what got him elected and is part of his appeal. He is beloved by Republicans. Despite House loss he added three, likely 4 seats to the Senate. His delusions are what the Republican party embraces as his grit and resolve. Look around-they have their guns, Supreme Court and 401Ks intact and they are safe to express their hatred towards immigrants. AG firing ominous for 2020. Hardly. Republican party won't believe anything in the Mueller report, if it is ever completed and don't care if Mueller is fired - the will all cheer and say good riddance. Sad, sad world. All that you state above will be what he runs on in 2020. Unfortunately, I think he will succeed again. Who in the Dem party can take him down?
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@Rob - I have a feeling that he won't run in 2020. A lot can happen between now and then and it's possible that he will be relieved of his duties before we get there.
He looks so tired in the picture with this Op-Ed that, at his age, could be what I 'sleep standing.'
His irrational blabbing and extreme irritation at being asked questions all show he has some problems that the good Dr. failed to mention. If this continues and he has another round of rallies - which I expect will go on until 2020 - people will wake up and his multitudinous ineptitudes will cause many of his voters to disappear. Those who have no stock portfolio, over which they could brag, will feel deceived as they realize that that tax cut was never for them in the first place. Gas is going up, groceries are already high and other commodities will rise as well.
And, yes, the Dems need to find an attractive, smart man to defeat him just in case.
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It is illustrative of Trump’s vengefulness and spite that he is already dissing Mia Love, when in fact the final result of that election may not be available for several more days. If Ms. Love eventually wins the election, she will certainly know who her friends are. And of course her party will be in the minority in the next Congress. Although Utah is pretty deep red, Trump apparently doesn’t know, or care, that his personal distastefulness makes him the least popular Republican presidential candidate in living memory.
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@1954Stratocaster: On I-15 there is a large ad stating that Ben McAdams = Nancy Pelosi. Love has so vilified the soon to be speaker of the house that I wonder how she will explain her willingness to be "bi-partisan" should the election outcome go her way.
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@1954Stratocaster
Yes, I was perplexed Trump dissed Ms. Love so blatantly early, and she could still win. So for a brief moment (well, probably less than a nanosecond) I hoped she would win. But if she does win, maybe she can flip to an Independent and caucus with the Democrats. Trump obviously has no respect for her.
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"Truly I did not expect to live to hear that a four-term Republican congressman from Kansas was defeated by a gay Native American woman who used to be a mixed martial arts fighter."
i love you gail and i am glad you did!.... nut i wish molly ivins was here as well.....
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@coale johnson Maybe Molly Ivins sent Beto.
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Trump, a happy loser? Trump isn't a happy anything.
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@D Price He never smiles or seems to enjoy anything. Signs of a person without a soul.
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How disappointing for a Kevin Yoder. Servility and adhering to a racist and bigoted political ideology only gets you so far in this world.
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Mr. Romney goes to Washington. Dog on car roof, to be determined. Woof-Woof.
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Please, I'd give my eye teeth to have Senator Romney, a moderate-conservative and a party leader, in the next Senate. He could lead a set of Republicans who are able to make compromises and deals with Democrats. We need some governance and are not getting it from the White House. Perhaps he and others can prevent a packing of the federal courts with only far right judges.
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@Phyliss Dalmatian
Romney is a sane Republican; that goes a long way with me, a life long Democrat. I don't care about his dog transport, or his religion. He has a family to care about; he now has a position in government to care about. If he is not horrified by the aberration now in the WH, I would be surprised.
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@Phyliss Dalmatian
I wonder if I can find my DogsAgainstRomney.com bumper sticker ...
I think Trump was actually rather unhinged during the press conference today, lashing out in his usual demented rage at various journalists. His sudden move with Sessions indicates that he's terrified of what the Mueller investigation will discover. Far too late to prevent the truth from coming out though.
My favorite race was a relatively minor local one, where Max Rose beat out the last congressional seat in NYC that was Republican. Never really thought I'd see the day, but it's nice to know that my city and state are now in the full control of the good guys, comparatively.
As for what's coming next, I'm anticipating paying a lot less attention to that ridiculous idiot Trump for awhile. Yes, he can still do a lot of damage, but I've done what I can about it for awhile, and I'll start fighting the good fight again in 2020. Until then, my main resolution is not to donate any charitable funds to any area that elected Republicans, no matter what climate change disaster they suffer. It's the only way they might learn that climate change exists, by direct suffering.
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@Dan Stackhouse
In less than 2 months, it will be 2019. The campaign for the presidency will begin as hopefuls fire up their machines in earnest. If you thought the Republicans vs Trump or Hillary vs Bernie was nasty, just wait. Or rather, don't wait. It's time to ramp up political activity before the big money takes over.
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@Dan Stackhouse. May I recommend doing what you can to also spend no money with Republican parts of the country. After 9 months of it, I can say it is occasionally challenging but not as bad as you might think.
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@Dan Stackhouse
I have been making it a point to only spend as much money in a red state as it takes to get out of it.
And since the red staters seem to have such disdain for those of US who live in civilization I would vote to stop sending them any tax dollars. Let them pick themselves up by their boot straps.
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Ode to Jeff Sessions:
And it burns, burns, Burns
The ring of Fire, the ring of Fire
You knew he was a snake, when you picked Him up.
Seriously.
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@Phyliss Dalmatian sessions thought he was a mongoose....
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@Phyliss Dalmatian
And the rest of the song is appropriate too:
The taste of love is sweet when two very hearts meet
I believe you like a child oh but the fire went wild
I fell into into the burning ring of fire
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What will Sessions now do with himself?
Maybe, with no, um, work pressure, he will improve his "recall."
Hopefully, with nothing to lose, he will have the last laugh.
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@NM
Doug Jones is up for re-election in 2020. I'm thinking he's not sleep well tonight, wondering/knowing that Sessions' reluctant (at best) resignation came with a promise by the Party to do all necessary for him to retake that Alabama Senate seat.
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@NM Maybe he'll cooperate with Mueller.
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@NM - Maybe he'll pick crops now that all the
immigrant labor has been driven out of Alabama.
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No one who gets to the White House as an elected president is ever a loser.
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@HLB Engineering ok so GWB was a loser.....
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@HLB Engineering .............except for when the candidate is on the losing end of the popular vote and is saved by the anti-democratic, plutocracy-protecting Electoral College.
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@HLB Engineering. Hmm. There's a first time for everything.
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If the 2018 midterms deliver a stalemate to the GOP then they're celebrating tonight. I don't think even the most delusional Republican expected to keep the House. From the GOP's perspective losing the House is irrelevant. They've won the Senate ...increasing their majority. Control the Senate & you control the most important lever of power: the judiciary. That means the Republican's will continue to nominate more conservative justices. The courts are the source of the Republican's power in the cultural war that divides us. The GOP is not going to have to worry about confirmation battles anymore. They're not going to have to worry about appeasing moderates. They will put up whoever they want...the more to the right the better...and get them quickly confirmed. The GOP is playing a long game. Trump will be gone soon. They will still be here. The GOP will wait him out & achieve all of their objectives. Their goal is to nominate 3-4 very conservative Supreme Court justices. Trump has gotten two SCOTUS appointments, he may get more. He’s moved much faster on lower-court appointments than Obama did. The legal arm of the conservative movement is the best organized & most far-seeing sector of the Right. They truly are in it — and have been in it — for the long term goals. Control the Supreme Court, stack the judiciary, and you can stop the progressive movement, no matter how popular it is, no matter how much legislative power it has. Nothing will get in the way of that goal.
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@Bill Brown
It doesn't quite work that way. Just as liberal judges have not stopped the rise of conservatives. I've been following politics since the 50's. Everything seems to wind up in a muddled middle.
Something will get in the way.
Eventually.
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Welcome back, Seamus. We've missed you.
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Kasich is of the "thoughtful Republican" clan like Jeff Flake: people who disagree with Trump on style, not substance andaint goin' nowhere. Trump couldn't even resist taking one final swipe at Flake during his news conference today -that was his reward. These phonies must practice before a mirror for hours each day to project an image of tormented soul-searching. In "High Noon", Gary Cooper's anguished expression was aided by the fact he was suffering from back pain and an ulcer during filming. Might I suggest to this group of unprincipled GOP frauds they throw out their backs, step on a tack, or engage in some competitive burrito eating before making a public appearance.
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Real message to “ Nancy “ : Do what I want and ignore my alleged Crimes, and we will have a big, beautiful, relationship.
Um, NO. Seriously.
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Looking forward to more Gail columns mentioning Seamus, the Irish setter, on the station wagon roof. Those were the highlight of 2012 political coverage.
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"Before we leave the midterms behind, what was your favorite election outcome?"
No way I could possibly pick just one when both Scott Walker and Kris Kobach lost. I can only wish Ted Cruz lost too and made that decision even more impossible.
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@Matt Beto came awfully close. Watch him; he's not going away.
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Hee, no worries. O’Rourke ain’t going anywhere—and will most likely nail Cruz’s seat next election.
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@Matt
The best part of the Scott Walker defeat is that the count wasn't close enough to qualify for a recount — thanks to a law Walker signed himself last year.
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I like pothole repair. My mountain town needs it, after decades of paying off Depression era debt. We have droves of tourists, but roads that are dreadful.
And hooray for Mitt coming back — I look forward to some reminders about his dog on the roof.
Although I will say he seems like a welcome normal past Republican, not the newly branded sort.
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