With Donald’s history of deflection, could it be coincidental that his buddy Putin is planning to invade Ukraine at this time when the cards are being stacked higher against him?
Maybe, but I think Putin is seizing the opportunity to exploit the weaknesses Donald introduced into the Western alliance. Luckily, his act of unprovoked aggression has served to strengthen NATO. The question now remains whether Putin has painted himself into a corner and will he needs to invade Ukraine even if it is no longer in his self-interest. Whatever the case, we've seen that the Biden Administration is dedicated to pursuing a diplomatic solution until the bitter end--a necessary and welcome change to the last administration.
Pretty sure that Putin will do anything to help his lap dog out, up to and including the havoc they might cause when Donald might run again. Donald will then owe Vlad the entire 50 States, all of our other territories,, plus at least three of his children. Hoping that at least the tax evading charges can put in jail. Maybe we can worry him to death.
I think Putin is the oligarchic figurehead. He has that tough guy image they want. When you’re tough, nobody messes with you, right? And what the Russian oligarchs are, is scared. Their grand vision of a post-Soviet Russia is f a i l i n g.
Everyone knows it, and that’s why Navany is locked up.
What’s going on in Ukraine is a badly concealed distraction away from the fact that the corporatists running the ‘new’ Russia are as equally inept at meeting requirements in Russia as the Communists were.
So why not beat the drums, wave patriotic flags, and start the rationing to take people’s minds off the truth?
One thing people with power want, even more than additional power, is to hold on to that power.
Donald's cult is going to believe it's a witch hunt no matter what any other narrative may say. But as was mentioned in your podcast, Mary, "Democrats bring a butter knife to a gun fight." I was deeply upset when President Biden told Mitch McConnell he was a good person and a good friend. He is neither, and to have our President not speak the truth was very disappointing. Democrats need to face the demons of racism, fascism and white supremacy, and not by pandering to the likes of Mitch McConnell. Way past time to fight back hard and strong.
Biden's remarks gave comfort to the enemy and demoralized us. They were completely unnecessary. Biden literally didn't have to say anything. It was a worrying sign that democratic leadership is unable or unwilling to acknowledge the threats we face.
Honestly, I don't know that it matters whether any prosecutions/civil actions lead anywhere. No matter, he's going to sell it as either a witch hunt or (if he's acquitted/found not guilty) a vindication of everything he's done. He wins either way in the eyes of his brainwashed base. He can do no wrong in their eyes and that will never change.
Worse yet, the genie he has let out of the bottle can never be put back in. He has given free reign to the haters out there and they will feel empowered no matter what, even if he eventually is jailed.
I agree it won't matter to his base--and he will play the exonerated hero or the martyr whichever the results. But it may debilitate him personally and financially in a way that will matter if at least some of these cases find him culpable.
I don't think Donald necessarily let the genie out of the bottle as much as he accelerated the pace at which the Republican Party embraced fascism. As I've said before, he hasn't changed the party he's revealed it. One of his few unique contributions is having given them permission to be their worst selves--openly and proudly. That's going to take some time to fix--if we get the opportunity.
Yes Mary, to some ignorant 45* diehards, they'll believe his "witch hunt" statement, however, new polling shows many Republicans are wanting the party and the country to move on from his lies, especially the big one!
Do I think he'll get his comeuppance? Yes!
Which do I think, the civil one that James is running right now, hurting him by banishing him from ever having a company again, Donny and Ivanka included.
And, more than anything I hope the insurrection compounded with the NARA news that he basically stole classified documents from the Federal government (and, American people) are his final nail.
Tracy, I appreciate your optimism and I hope you are right. Many in the party are tired of Donald's regressive grievance which is why politicians like DeSantis are determined to out-Donald Donald while being forward-looking. It's very early days, of course, but it's going to be fascinating (in a slow train-wreck kind of way) to watch Republicans jockeying for position ahead of 2024.
It's quickly becoming a fast train wreck scenario in blue CO. We've a J6er trying for the GOP nod for US Senate and a County Clerk who's been subpoenaed for sharing election passwords and is buds w/the pillow guy who is now running for Secretary of State. I see D's finger prints on all of this.
As to my optimism, as Glenn said on Stephanie Miller yesterday morning, there're civil & criminal cases coming from all directions & only one person in the center of all.
Thank you for helping to start the ball rolling in NYC & looking forward to your next book.
I think the more lawsuits going after Donald the better and especially the ones where the hard evidence and money are so clear. He's going to call it all a witch hunt, you are absolutely right. He's just one of many in the international crime syndicate - and he will continue to be propped up by his fellow dictator-loving greedies. We have to hope for the best and plan plan plan for the worst. The message needs to be that there is a positive aspect to democratic government. Of course it is not perfect and it is slow, but it is the only way to keep pushing toward the common good for the most people.
I think all but the most hysterical Trumpist base have tired of Trump's endless grievances (though the majority of Republicans support his policies). It seems unlikely that Trump will face criminal consequences, but I do think that his organization will be dissolved over the next few years. I also think at least one of his progeny will face jail time. As to the narrative, it's a bit like crying 'wolf', at a certain point, people stop listening. I don't think the 'witch hunt' narrative will continue to have legs, but there's a vast difference between a grand jury approving a civil indictment and attendant fines/penalties/corporate dissolution and a criminal indictment/conviction of a former president. So, yes, I think that Trump Org will be unable to withstand the barrage of suits, and at least one of his children will be thrown under the bus, along with any hope of a 2024 reelection, but Trump will never see a jail cell, and Trumpism is here to stay.
Agree on all counts. I hope the dissolution of his company and his (potential) bankruptcy is enough but it still blows my mind there's a possibility (probability) he's not going to be punished for inciting an insurrection or killing upwards of a million Americans. And that the Republican Party will continue to embrace him.
The lack of accountability is the least surprising aspect. Garland is clearly not going to take any action towards Trump, he even signed off on the latest Durham debacle. I'd like to know why Garland accepted the AG position (he is, by definition, a political appointee) if he so disdains 'political optics'. I understood Barr's role, crude and corrupt as it was. I don't understand what Garland believes his role to be.
Let's remember that TFG had a widespread conspiracy working for him to overturn the 2020 election. He's simply freaked out because it DIDN'T WORK. He is truly the ultimate snowflake. Love the Mob related quote re 5th amendment. That needs to be heavily and repeatedly publicized. Wouldn't see any of those folks whining.
Hopefully enough of his comeuppance, aired and re-aired publicly, will arrive before this November's elections. Don't care what happens to him (although there are some delicious financial ramifications afoot), but I do care what happens to our country.
Everything--especially the January 6th Committee hearings--needs to be on prime-tie television.
It looks like that might be the trade off--he'll get away with most of it but (hopefully) not be viable politically, the country will begin to heal, and American Democracy will survive.
He is definitely his own worst enemy. The problem has always been and continues to be the number of people willing to protect him. The dam may be breaking, though. Here's hoping.
The gears of justice grind slowly on. It's hard to be patient, but so far the crush of legal jeopardy DT is embroiled in has been worth the wait. I have to believe that sooner or later he will get what's coming to him -- whatever that may be.
That would be great, but unfortunately there is no such thing as immediately in the context of the justice system. As the saying goes, "The wheels of justice grind slow but fine." Unfortunately, if it takes too long (after the 2022 or, worse, 2024 elections) to hold him accountable it will be too late and then there won't be any justice at all.
Only if the people take to the streets and protest against fascist Trumph and his family and lackeys will Trumph ever be held accountable for his horrific crimes! It will take nationwide protests to push the American Political Systems to act against.criminal Trumph! NancyP and Schumer are also Trumph enablers !
If enough of us who personally witnessed the trafficking and Russian mob interaction are willing to come forward. I know that outside recording of events took place. The narrative would be if Joe/Jane Doe sitting on a bar stool can figure out the depravity going on back then why can't you see it now.
Everyone thinks they are protecting Ivanka by not coming forward. Rather it is allowing the cycle of abuse to continue. Only if someone close and wise like (casino Lady) can talk some sense into the situation and unnormalize it. Starting with calling out cheating at billiards. If not Ivanka will be made to pay for her Daddy's sin by none other then dear old Dad's setup. Ivanka or Donald one will end up accountable.
With Donald’s history of deflection, could it be coincidental that his buddy Putin is planning to invade Ukraine at this time when the cards are being stacked higher against him?
Maybe, but I think Putin is seizing the opportunity to exploit the weaknesses Donald introduced into the Western alliance. Luckily, his act of unprovoked aggression has served to strengthen NATO. The question now remains whether Putin has painted himself into a corner and will he needs to invade Ukraine even if it is no longer in his self-interest. Whatever the case, we've seen that the Biden Administration is dedicated to pursuing a diplomatic solution until the bitter end--a necessary and welcome change to the last administration.
My thoughts exactly.
Pretty sure that Putin will do anything to help his lap dog out, up to and including the havoc they might cause when Donald might run again. Donald will then owe Vlad the entire 50 States, all of our other territories,, plus at least three of his children. Hoping that at least the tax evading charges can put in jail. Maybe we can worry him to death.
Chaos is an important motive for Putin just as it is for Donald.
Yes.
I think Putin is the oligarchic figurehead. He has that tough guy image they want. When you’re tough, nobody messes with you, right? And what the Russian oligarchs are, is scared. Their grand vision of a post-Soviet Russia is f a i l i n g.
Everyone knows it, and that’s why Navany is locked up.
What’s going on in Ukraine is a badly concealed distraction away from the fact that the corporatists running the ‘new’ Russia are as equally inept at meeting requirements in Russia as the Communists were.
So why not beat the drums, wave patriotic flags, and start the rationing to take people’s minds off the truth?
One thing people with power want, even more than additional power, is to hold on to that power.
A war in Ukraine serves that purpose well.
Oligarchic figurehead aka Mafia Boss.
Good call Linda.
Donald's cult is going to believe it's a witch hunt no matter what any other narrative may say. But as was mentioned in your podcast, Mary, "Democrats bring a butter knife to a gun fight." I was deeply upset when President Biden told Mitch McConnell he was a good person and a good friend. He is neither, and to have our President not speak the truth was very disappointing. Democrats need to face the demons of racism, fascism and white supremacy, and not by pandering to the likes of Mitch McConnell. Way past time to fight back hard and strong.
Biden's remarks gave comfort to the enemy and demoralized us. They were completely unnecessary. Biden literally didn't have to say anything. It was a worrying sign that democratic leadership is unable or unwilling to acknowledge the threats we face.
I was shocked. I don't know why I didn't see that in him. I thought he was weak but figured he would quickly see the reality.
Honestly, I don't know that it matters whether any prosecutions/civil actions lead anywhere. No matter, he's going to sell it as either a witch hunt or (if he's acquitted/found not guilty) a vindication of everything he's done. He wins either way in the eyes of his brainwashed base. He can do no wrong in their eyes and that will never change.
Worse yet, the genie he has let out of the bottle can never be put back in. He has given free reign to the haters out there and they will feel empowered no matter what, even if he eventually is jailed.
I agree it won't matter to his base--and he will play the exonerated hero or the martyr whichever the results. But it may debilitate him personally and financially in a way that will matter if at least some of these cases find him culpable.
I don't think Donald necessarily let the genie out of the bottle as much as he accelerated the pace at which the Republican Party embraced fascism. As I've said before, he hasn't changed the party he's revealed it. One of his few unique contributions is having given them permission to be their worst selves--openly and proudly. That's going to take some time to fix--if we get the opportunity.
I'm ashamed I didn't see this about the Republican Party. I saw enough to never vote for them, but... shit. Don't give up.
Yes Mary, to some ignorant 45* diehards, they'll believe his "witch hunt" statement, however, new polling shows many Republicans are wanting the party and the country to move on from his lies, especially the big one!
Do I think he'll get his comeuppance? Yes!
Which do I think, the civil one that James is running right now, hurting him by banishing him from ever having a company again, Donny and Ivanka included.
And, more than anything I hope the insurrection compounded with the NARA news that he basically stole classified documents from the Federal government (and, American people) are his final nail.
Tracy, I appreciate your optimism and I hope you are right. Many in the party are tired of Donald's regressive grievance which is why politicians like DeSantis are determined to out-Donald Donald while being forward-looking. It's very early days, of course, but it's going to be fascinating (in a slow train-wreck kind of way) to watch Republicans jockeying for position ahead of 2024.
It's quickly becoming a fast train wreck scenario in blue CO. We've a J6er trying for the GOP nod for US Senate and a County Clerk who's been subpoenaed for sharing election passwords and is buds w/the pillow guy who is now running for Secretary of State. I see D's finger prints on all of this.
I really hope it's a grand self explosion.
As to my optimism, as Glenn said on Stephanie Miller yesterday morning, there're civil & criminal cases coming from all directions & only one person in the center of all.
Thank you for helping to start the ball rolling in NYC & looking forward to your next book.
Great to hear your voice - a good use of substack podcast!
Thanks, Clay! My goal is to add audio to all of the posts. Working on it now.
Love when you show up on my favorite podcasts! Big fan
I think the more lawsuits going after Donald the better and especially the ones where the hard evidence and money are so clear. He's going to call it all a witch hunt, you are absolutely right. He's just one of many in the international crime syndicate - and he will continue to be propped up by his fellow dictator-loving greedies. We have to hope for the best and plan plan plan for the worst. The message needs to be that there is a positive aspect to democratic government. Of course it is not perfect and it is slow, but it is the only way to keep pushing toward the common good for the most people.
I think all but the most hysterical Trumpist base have tired of Trump's endless grievances (though the majority of Republicans support his policies). It seems unlikely that Trump will face criminal consequences, but I do think that his organization will be dissolved over the next few years. I also think at least one of his progeny will face jail time. As to the narrative, it's a bit like crying 'wolf', at a certain point, people stop listening. I don't think the 'witch hunt' narrative will continue to have legs, but there's a vast difference between a grand jury approving a civil indictment and attendant fines/penalties/corporate dissolution and a criminal indictment/conviction of a former president. So, yes, I think that Trump Org will be unable to withstand the barrage of suits, and at least one of his children will be thrown under the bus, along with any hope of a 2024 reelection, but Trump will never see a jail cell, and Trumpism is here to stay.
Agree on all counts. I hope the dissolution of his company and his (potential) bankruptcy is enough but it still blows my mind there's a possibility (probability) he's not going to be punished for inciting an insurrection or killing upwards of a million Americans. And that the Republican Party will continue to embrace him.
The lack of accountability is the least surprising aspect. Garland is clearly not going to take any action towards Trump, he even signed off on the latest Durham debacle. I'd like to know why Garland accepted the AG position (he is, by definition, a political appointee) if he so disdains 'political optics'. I understood Barr's role, crude and corrupt as it was. I don't understand what Garland believes his role to be.
Let's remember that TFG had a widespread conspiracy working for him to overturn the 2020 election. He's simply freaked out because it DIDN'T WORK. He is truly the ultimate snowflake. Love the Mob related quote re 5th amendment. That needs to be heavily and repeatedly publicized. Wouldn't see any of those folks whining.
Hopefully enough of his comeuppance, aired and re-aired publicly, will arrive before this November's elections. Don't care what happens to him (although there are some delicious financial ramifications afoot), but I do care what happens to our country.
Everything--especially the January 6th Committee hearings--needs to be on prime-tie television.
It looks like that might be the trade off--he'll get away with most of it but (hopefully) not be viable politically, the country will begin to heal, and American Democracy will survive.
Read “Hiding in Plain Sight”
I have. It's very helpful. Sarah Kendzior knows her stuff.
Thank you Mary👍 It will definitely be a Rico charge😏 Even Capone went down on that one😉
That's what I'm hoping for--though not really what I want. Whatever it takes, though.
My instinct tells me me he will eventually go down. He is his own worst enemy.
He is definitely his own worst enemy. The problem has always been and continues to be the number of people willing to protect him. The dam may be breaking, though. Here's hoping.
I believe it is.
DECEMBER 18, 2022??? Is this in the future?
I was just testing you. Haha--no I wasn't. My mistake. I think it's still February but COVID continues to wreak havoc with my sense of time.
The gears of justice grind slowly on. It's hard to be patient, but so far the crush of legal jeopardy DT is embroiled in has been worth the wait. I have to believe that sooner or later he will get what's coming to him -- whatever that may be.
I hope the tipping point has been reached.
Donald is a massive problem for the US & has to be tried in court immediately.
That would be great, but unfortunately there is no such thing as immediately in the context of the justice system. As the saying goes, "The wheels of justice grind slow but fine." Unfortunately, if it takes too long (after the 2022 or, worse, 2024 elections) to hold him accountable it will be too late and then there won't be any justice at all.
Only if the people take to the streets and protest against fascist Trumph and his family and lackeys will Trumph ever be held accountable for his horrific crimes! It will take nationwide protests to push the American Political Systems to act against.criminal Trumph! NancyP and Schumer are also Trumph enablers !
If enough of us who personally witnessed the trafficking and Russian mob interaction are willing to come forward. I know that outside recording of events took place. The narrative would be if Joe/Jane Doe sitting on a bar stool can figure out the depravity going on back then why can't you see it now.
Everyone thinks they are protecting Ivanka by not coming forward. Rather it is allowing the cycle of abuse to continue. Only if someone close and wise like (casino Lady) can talk some sense into the situation and unnormalize it. Starting with calling out cheating at billiards. If not Ivanka will be made to pay for her Daddy's sin by none other then dear old Dad's setup. Ivanka or Donald one will end up accountable.