Trump is a narcissistic egotist, a grifter, and a liar. He is dangerous. He's not smart, but he's a political savant. And I sometimes have to agree with him. Ouch!
A “consummation devoutly to be wished” would feature an agreeably bipartisan Congress as in the LBJ snd RMN days. Progress should proceed without the intervention of contempt and hatred, unfortunately the brands of stand bearers on the Left (e.g.g. AOC) and notably the Right (Rep. Green).
There is a difference: AOC is politically extreme but not crazy. MTG, with Jewish space lasers and other conspiracies, is luney. Same with Gosart, Boebert, and that fringe. The Squad, on the other hand, is repugnant (to you and me) on policy positions. They are serious, if way wrong.
I suspect the lack of a modicum of bipartisanship in Congress today is that the Republicans are far more afraid of Trump--with some good reason--than they were of Nixon or the Democrats of Johnson.
with a sick stomach), you’re selling except Israel/Gaza.
This crisis has two thugs, to reprehensible law breakers in lockstep. Both pandering to their religious right wing. Trump to “Christian” nationalists and Bibi to right wing Jewish zealots. Nether one cares about damn about dying Palestinians, both would like to see all 2 million “gone”!
BUT, neither one cares a fig about the few Israeli hostages still barely alive. Both only care about themselves. Two malignant narcissists!
A US president, be it Biden or Trump, could do much more to end this crisis. Much more.
One big item you did not include was his Big Beautiful Bill that has horrible outcomes for many of most vulnerable citizens while extending unnecessary tax breaks for the wealthy. I agree with Jim regarding Israel and Gaza.
Jeff: I didn't include that legislation because I don't agree with it. Extending the 2017 tax cuts that were heavily skewed to higher incomes may have been very traditional Republican, but only in the context of cutting elsewhere besides Medicaid. And adding to the deficit big time is just the opposite of the Republican brand, which was for balanced budgets.
A “consummation devoutly to be wished” would feature an agreeably bipartisan Congress as in the LBJ snd RMN days. Progress should proceed without the intervention of contempt and hatred, unfortunately the brands of stand bearers on the Left (e.g.g. AOC) and notably the Right (Rep. Green).
There is a difference: AOC is politically extreme but not crazy. MTG, with Jewish space lasers and other conspiracies, is luney. Same with Gosart, Boebert, and that fringe. The Squad, on the other hand, is repugnant (to you and me) on policy positions. They are serious, if way wrong.
I suspect the lack of a modicum of bipartisanship in Congress today is that the Republicans are far more afraid of Trump--with some good reason--than they were of Nixon or the Democrats of Johnson.
Ben, old friend, I’ll buy everything (also
with a sick stomach), you’re selling except Israel/Gaza.
This crisis has two thugs, to reprehensible law breakers in lockstep. Both pandering to their religious right wing. Trump to “Christian” nationalists and Bibi to right wing Jewish zealots. Nether one cares about damn about dying Palestinians, both would like to see all 2 million “gone”!
BUT, neither one cares a fig about the few Israeli hostages still barely alive. Both only care about themselves. Two malignant narcissists!
A US president, be it Biden or Trump, could do much more to end this crisis. Much more.
Whether nationalists or zealots, extremists and strange bedfellows.
One big item you did not include was his Big Beautiful Bill that has horrible outcomes for many of most vulnerable citizens while extending unnecessary tax breaks for the wealthy. I agree with Jim regarding Israel and Gaza.
Jeff: I didn't include that legislation because I don't agree with it. Extending the 2017 tax cuts that were heavily skewed to higher incomes may have been very traditional Republican, but only in the context of cutting elsewhere besides Medicaid. And adding to the deficit big time is just the opposite of the Republican brand, which was for balanced budgets.