I see here and there news reports discussing President Trump’s new ‘bipartisan path’, which has Republicans gnashing their teeth and Democrats not so much rejoicing as relishing the pain of their Republican colleagues. This is wonderful to watch. But it’s not a ‘bipartisan path’. It’s not even close. Read More
“My personal view is we’ve got to start looking at single-payer. I think we should have hearings…. We’re getting there. It’s going to happen.”
That’s former Senator Max Baucus at a talk last night at Montana State University. Read More
I want to share a few thoughts about Ta-Nehisi Coates now much discussed new article on President Trump and white supremacy: “The First White President.” Read More
On balance, I still think $100,000 isn’t that much money. Indeed, I suspect there’s much more to be found. But this adds very important context that makes the whole thing look a little different.
The company tried to downplay the amount of ad money the Russian firm spent, observing that $100,000 is a drop in the bucket for most political campaigns. But Facebook’s ability to target an audience, both geographically and by preference, means that as political advertising it is far undervalued, according to Gordon Borrell, CEO of ad industry analytics firm Borell Associates, which produces a detailed annual report on political advertising. Read More
Mick Mulvaney says Donald Trump is likely annoyed with Republican leaders over their inability to pass legislation. And Mulvaney says he can understand because he is too. As a friend notes, this is almost comical hypocrisy. Mulvaney may not be in the House anymore. But as a founding member of the Freedom Caucus, Mulvaney is ground zero for why Republicans are no longer able to act as a functioning caucus.
So what on Earth is up with Trump now ringing up Nancy Pelosi to ask her advice on reassuring DACA recipients? I would certainly say it’s one of the weirder developments of the Trump era. It’s an extremely high bar. Read More
I’ve just read through Donald Trump Jr’s account of the now-notorious June 2016 meeting with that Russian lawyer in Trump Tower. Here are my thoughts. Read More
Mnuchin: We’re very happy Trump made a deal with the Dems.
Why did President Trump shock Republicans and official Washington by abandoning his own Congressional leadership and cutting a debt-ceiling deal with Congressional Democrats? To review, Trump abruptly agreed to a Democratic proposal for a three month debt ceiling extension tied to Harvey relief aid. Democrats were so stunned they tried to go as lo-fi as they could with their victory lap, fearful that any overt celebration would prompt Trump to reconsider. This late Times report confirms that even Trump’s Treasury Secretary, the husband of actress Louise Linton, was caught off guard.
So what’s up with this? Read More
