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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Electoral Count Open Thread

Electoral Count Open Thread

by Betty Cracker|  January 6, 20211:32 pm| 156 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Politics, Republican Stupidity

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Here’s a CSPAN live stream of the proceedings:

Also, Pence isn’t going to gum up the works. From The Post:

Pence, in a letter to lawmakers Wednesday, rejected Trump’s view that he could unilaterally reject electoral college votes from states won by Biden when he presides over a joint session of Congress.

“My oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not,” Pence said in the letter. “My role as presiding officer is largely ceremonial.”

His letter circulated as Trump repeatedly implored him to intervene in Congress’s counting of the results during a rally at the White House Ellipse.

“Mike Pence, I hope you’re going to stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country,” Trump said. “And if you’re not, I’m going to be very disappointed in you. I will tell you right now, I’m not hearing good stories.”

Flaccid Führer was just telling the assembled Brown Shirts that Pence had the power to overturn the election. He doesn’t, of course, but I figured the servile Pence would fake a seizure or something to get out of his emcee duties. Pence has spent four years occupying Trump’s colon hoping to inherit the MAGA choads, but that’s not happening now. Let the Sessionshunning of Pence begin!

Open thread.

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Reader Interactions

156Comments

  1. 1.

    WaterGirl

    January 6, 2021 at 1:36 pm

    Do we think that at least a few of the 11 are rethinking their decisions

    edit: Hawley has backed out, right?

  2. 2.

    ALurkSupreme

    January 6, 2021 at 1:37 pm

    Fuck you, Jim Jordan!

  3. 3.

    Skepticat

    January 6, 2021 at 1:37 pm

    I tried, but I just can’t tolerate the bushwah. I’ll wait for transcripts.

  4. 4.

    WaterGirl

    January 6, 2021 at 1:37 pm

    @ALurkSupreme: always appropriate in any thread!  A universal comment.

  5. 5.

    Jerzy Russian

    January 6, 2021 at 1:40 pm

    Pence has spent four years occupying Trump’s colon hoping to inherit the MAGA choads

    Eww.

    Can we do the equivalent of moving over to a different calendar system similar to when they moved from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian calendar? You will recall that they skipped 12 days after that transition. We would need about 14 days or so to get us to January 20.

  6. 6.

    randy khan

    January 6, 2021 at 1:40 pm

    I guess the Proud Boys and their fellow travelers didn’t manage to keep Dems from getting to the House chamber.  Quelle surprise.

  7. 7.

    ALurkSupreme

    January 6, 2021 at 1:40 pm

    @WaterGirl: Hee.  Maybe I’ll just write a macro!

  8. 8.

    Enhanced Voting Techniques

    January 6, 2021 at 1:41 pm

    “And if you’re not, I’m going to be very disappointed in you. I will tell you right now, I’m not hearing good stories.”

    This is what, three elections in a row your lost Donny? A lot of people are disappointed in you.

  9. 9.

    Jerzy Russian

    January 6, 2021 at 1:41 pm

    @ALurkSupreme:   I think his name should be legally changed to Gym Jordan.  Perhaps the new president or attorney general can order it.

  10. 10.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 1:41 pm

    @randy khan: they’re outside brawling with Capitol Police.

  11. 11.

    WaterGirl

    January 6, 2021 at 1:41 pm

    Nancy does not look happy with something.

  12. 12.

    Mary G

    January 6, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Listen to Adam Schiff speak after Jim Jordan has shouted incoherently is just pure bliss. So eloquent, well written, delivery perfect. “This house has been a place of giants, how did we become so small?”

    Backhanded praise of Mitch McConnell, lol.

  13. 13.

    mali muso

    January 6, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    I can’t bear to watch, but will follow along here.  How long do we expect the circus to last before the fat lady sings?

  14. 14.

    MisterForkbeard

    January 6, 2021 at 1:43 pm

    @WaterGirl: Probably with the violence happening in the halls, where Trump-incited rioters are trying to kill the police and various congresspeople.

    Or maybe she’s unhappy with the Republicans trying to overthrow the entire government for fascism.

    Porque no los dos? :)

  15. 15.

    dmsilev

    January 6, 2021 at 1:43 pm

    @mali muso: Worst case, could be several hours if the assholes object to the count in each of the swing states.

  16. 16.

    Eolirin

    January 6, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    @mali muso: I would think at least six hours. Less if the morons also lack stamina. If they really wanted to be assholes about it they could contest the results of every single state and tie this up for days. But I don’t think they have the fortitude for that.

  17. 17.

    mali muso

    January 6, 2021 at 1:46 pm

    @dmsilev: Well, I am prepared with my stash of alcoholic beverages to toast when it’s all done.

  18. 18.

    Mary G

    January 6, 2021 at 1:46 pm

    @mali muso: Don’t know for sure, but I think I read they get two hours for each objection, and since they are objecting to six states, 12 hours total. I hope Nancy keeps them there as long as it takes and they have to vote at 4 a.m.

  19. 19.

    emmyelle

    January 6, 2021 at 1:46 pm

    Remember at the end of Breaking Bad, after Walt had enlisted the help of Uncle Jack to take care of his enemies and help him amass the 80 billion, or whatever, and then he loses control of things because of course when you fucking enlist the “help” of Nazis for your own selfish purposes you lose control and anyway then Uncle Jack and his goons kill Hank and take most of Walt’s money?

    The first time I saw that scene, and every time since when I have thought about it, I think that’s how it is in the GOP.

  20. 20.

    Geminid

    January 6, 2021 at 1:46 pm

    @WaterGirl: They’ve kind of gone out on a limb. I think they will still contest least one state. There is up to 2 hrs. debate allowed for an objection to state’s results, I believe. One Senator spoke of contesting three. Maybe they’ll just contest one state and get it over with.        I’m interested in which Republicans and Democrats get to speak against the objections. There probably won’t be enough time for all who want to.

  21. 21.

    I'll be Frank

    January 6, 2021 at 1:47 pm

    SO – Mitch seems near tears

    Me – it’s like old yeller.  He’s got to shoot his dog.  Only instead of it being a beloved dog it was a rabid dog the whole time and Travis had been using the dog to keep old man Sanderson away.

  22. 22.

    catclub

    January 6, 2021 at 1:47 pm

    @Jerzy Russian: Perhaps the new president or attorney general can order it.

     

    I think you need a constitutional sheriff for that.

  23. 23.

    Mary G

    January 6, 2021 at 1:48 pm

    ????

    I’m sheltering in place in my office. The building next door has been evacuated. I can’t believe I have to write this.— Rep. Haley Stevens (@RepHaleyStevens) January 6, 2021

    Oh:

    BREAKING: Trump supporters have breached the Capitol building, tearing down 4 layers of security fencing and are attempting to occupy the building — fighting federal police who are overrun
    This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Thousands, police can’t stop them pic.twitter.com/VVdTUwV5YN— ELIJAH SCHAFFER (@ElijahSchaffer) January 6, 2021

  24. 24.

    mrmoshpotato

    January 6, 2021 at 1:49 pm

    “Mike Pence, I hope you’re going to stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country,” Trump said. “And if you’re not, I’m going to be very disappointed in you. I will tell you right now, I’m not hearing good stories.”

    You should totally fire Pence, you fat, orange, fascist shitpile!  Do it!  That’ll show him!

    “I will tell you right now, I’m not hearing good stories.”

    Oh shut your Kremlin ass-sucking face already.

  25. 25.

    Eolirin

    January 6, 2021 at 1:49 pm

    @Mary G: This all assumes the capitol police can get the angry mob under control. They may need to evacuate before they get through the procedural roadblocks.

    This could get very ugly very quickly.

  26. 26.

    PaulWartenberg

    January 6, 2021 at 1:49 pm

    This is going to be a day-long waste of time watching for those of us at home. Let it go and tune back in around 5PM to see what happens.

  27. 27.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 1:50 pm

    And I immediately want to punch Ted Cruz in the face.

  28. 28.

    Baud

    January 6, 2021 at 1:51 pm

    Rep. Raskin is up.  Sucks that he has to deal with this now.

  29. 29.

    Mary G

    January 6, 2021 at 1:51 pm

    Jamie Raskin gets up and thanks Nancy SMASH for her kindness and tenderness to his family and gets a standing ovation from at least the Democrats. Rs at least quiet.

  30. 30.

    patrick II

    January 6, 2021 at 1:51 pm

    I was one of the few here who thought Pence would follow his obligation and in the end do what he was supposed to do.  He was ambiguous about what he would do up until today to moderate Trump’s pressure. But in the end, he is a Dominionist, not a man of mob rule.

  31. 31.

    Dorothy A. Winsor

    January 6, 2021 at 1:51 pm

    I’m trying to work and there’s so much truly important news and so many historic events, and you guys keep posting about them! Wait.

  32. 32.

    Baud

    January 6, 2021 at 1:51 pm

    @Mary G: I keep reading they are only going to challenge three states.  If so, maybe they can announce Biden the winner yet again during the prime time hours.

  33. 33.

    RedDirtGirl

    January 6, 2021 at 1:52 pm

    Thought I was dreaming listening to McConnell. Guess he knows he’s in the minority now. Just had to mute the Zodiac Killer. I’m in too good a mood for his smarm.

  34. 34.

    mali muso

    January 6, 2021 at 1:52 pm

    So it sounds like the Trump mobs are trying to enact the coup outside?  What happened to lawn order???

  35. 35.

    AnotherBruce

    January 6, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    @ALurkSupreme:  You spelled his name wrong.

  36. 36.

    TaMara (HFG)

    January 6, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    @Dorothy A. Winsor: I’ve given up. I’m going to try and do some work that doesn’t take as much focus. Writing will have to wait, I guess.

  37. 37.

    Cacti

    January 6, 2021 at 1:55 pm

    It’s kind of cute that Trump thinks his refusal to concede will change anything.

    Or it would be, if he didn’t have a cult following of deranged loons, ready to commit violence for him.

  38. 38.

    germy

    January 6, 2021 at 1:55 pm

    @patrick II:

    So, as I suspected!  He’s working for Dominion….

    /

  39. 39.

    germy

    January 6, 2021 at 1:55 pm

    @Mary G:

    Mr. Schafer works for BlazeTV.

  40. 40.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 1:55 pm

    I wish someone would hold Cruz down and 1) shave that fucking mullet off his head and 2) shave that scraggly werewolf hair off his face. Basically just shave him bald, Handmaiden style.

  41. 41.

    M31

    January 6, 2021 at 1:56 pm

    it’s hard to listen to Raskin knowing what he’s going through

    fuck the fucking fuckers, just sayin’

  42. 42.

    ByRookorbyCrook

    January 6, 2021 at 1:56 pm

    McTurtle had to decry partisanship by accusing Democrats of doing the same thing in every previous election. The rest of his speech was good.

    Cruz is terrible. A minority doubts the validity of the election so we need to amplify the doubt, not reaffirm the validity? Dumbass.

  43. 43.

    NotMax

    January 6, 2021 at 1:56 pm

    @RedDirtGirl

    McConnell’s attempt to both sides it was weak sauce. Other than that he seemed genuinely shaken, the shadow of Georgia hanging over him.

  44. 44.

    Mary G

    January 6, 2021 at 1:57 pm

    All the impeachment managers are speaking for Dems. Good choice. Well written and mostly well delivered. Zoe Lofgren always seems trembly and nervous, but her content was good. Republicans mostly relying on yelling. This is the new one, the crazy Colorado gun girl. Spouting Fox News talking points as fast and as loud as she can. Trying to outdo Kimberly Guilfoyle, but she doesn’t have nearly enough lung power.

  45. 45.

    jimmiraybob

    January 6, 2021 at 1:57 pm

    Anybody else notice that a full-blow MAGA riot is happening at the Capitol?

  46. 46.

    trollhattan

    January 6, 2021 at 1:58 pm

    @Leto:

    Isn’t it interesting they’re not decked out in full riot gear?

    https://twitter.com/Acosta/status/1346885911108268037?s=20

  47. 47.

    M31

    January 6, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    this Boebert person is a low-quality scumbag, can barely read off a card

  48. 48.

    Cacti

    January 6, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    @NotMax: AG Merrick Garland investigating Mitch and wife’s Kentucky kickback scheme at the DOT, and the firing of the Inspector General?

    This couldn’t have worked out better in a movie plot.

  49. 49.

    waratah

    January 6, 2021 at 2:01 pm

    I cannot stand Ted Cruz.

  50. 50.

    Cameron

    January 6, 2021 at 2:01 pm

    @mrmoshpotato: Trump drops his Pence too often as it is.

  51. 51.

    MisterForkbeard

    January 6, 2021 at 2:01 pm

    @M31: Remember: She didn’t finish high school. Dropped out.

  52. 52.

    Amir Khalid

    January 6, 2021 at 2:01 pm

    @Leto:

    Ted Cruz looks appropriately creepy as is. Unlike you, I do not think kindly enough of him to want to make him look less creepy.

  53. 53.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 2:04 pm

    @trollhattan: the response to these traitorous shit weasels v BLM protestors is stark. It’s the same type of response ala the Michigan capital protests. Don’t see any extra Justice Dept goons out there beating the shit out of people.

  54. 54.

    Elizabelle

    January 6, 2021 at 2:04 pm

    Thanks for this.  Will check back in later.

  55. 55.

    NotMax

    January 6, 2021 at 2:05 pm

    Shorter Cruz:

    “We must look into these allegations. Pay no attention to them being bereft of evidence and having repeatedly been held to carry no merit.”

    All that was missing was his closing by using a finger to make motorboat noises with his lips.

  56. 56.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 2:05 pm

    @Amir Khalid: Personally I think a “To the Pain!” Princess Bride styling would be fitting.

  57. 57.

    germy

    January 6, 2021 at 2:06 pm

    So Boebert is screaming about… more people being allowed to register and vote.

    And she mentions her constituents… who are outside rioting.

  58. 58.

    topclimber

    January 6, 2021 at 2:07 pm

    @Mary G: I am intrigued by this “up to two hours” provision. If Nancy gets pissed off enough by the MAGA invasion of her House, what stops her from getting approval to make each objection have only 10 minutes or 5 minutes or even 1?

    Maybe enough GOP Senators get to do the same thing in their chamber, once the House makes it clear their co-equal branch ends this charade TODAY. They can overrule Mitch if they are pissed enough about mobs in the hallways.

  59. 59.

    Jerzy Russian

    January 6, 2021 at 2:07 pm

    @Leto:   You are slipping.  You left off “3) Punch the newly bald face”.

  60. 60.

    JWR

    January 6, 2021 at 2:07 pm

    NBC covering the MAGA rally, and it’s odd. Something seems off. Oh, I know… no tear gas. (Or is gas verboten so near the Capitol?)

    Goddamn! Now the crowd has breached the gates of the building!

  61. 61.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 2:07 pm

    Traitorous shit weasels have pushed further up the capitol steps. MSNBC is showing it on the split screen. It looks like they’re moving into the Capital itself. This really, really needs to be fucking shut down.

  62. 62.

    Geminid

    January 6, 2021 at 2:08 pm

    @Mary G: If Kevin McCarthy thinks giving Lauren Bobert speaking time is a good thing, he’s an idiot. But I guess we already knew McCarthy is an idiot. But I’m glad the Democratic impeachment managers will speak. That’s a talented bunch.

  63. 63.

    mrmoshpotato

    January 6, 2021 at 2:08 pm

    @Eolirin:

    If they really wanted to be assholes about it they could contest the results of every single state and tie this up for days. 

    Definitely contest the states won by their Soviet shitpile mobster manbaby god emperor.

  64. 64.

    Fraud Guy

    January 6, 2021 at 2:10 pm

    Trump supporters trying to give Trump reason to invoke the Insurrection Act?  Wouldn’t that be a conspiracy?

    I think Pence should have a letter in his pocket to give to Nancy and Mitch with the signatures of half of the Cabinet to have Trump sidelined until the end of his term.

  65. 65.

    NotMax

    January 6, 2021 at 2:11 pm

    @topclimber

    The rules in place provide for a maximum of two hours’ debate. No speaker to hold the floor for more than five minutes. No speaker to be granted the floor more than once during the time allotted for debate.

  66. 66.

    Barbara

    January 6, 2021 at 2:12 pm

    @JWR: They are using tear gas now.  They probably needed to get the right protective gear in place.

  67. 67.

    germy

    January 6, 2021 at 2:13 pm

    Where are these rioters fathers? This is an indictment on their music, role models, and home. We need law and order.

    — Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) January 6, 2021

  68. 68.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 2:13 pm

    Riot geared cops are showing up to the capital. Seeing a formation moving up (via MSNBC).

  69. 69.

    Roger Moore

    January 6, 2021 at 2:14 pm

    @Leto:

    And I immediately want to punch Ted Cruz in the face.

    Another day ending in “y”, then.

  70. 70.

    Mary G

    January 6, 2021 at 2:14 pm

    Two Capitol Hill buildings now being evacuated by USCP: Cannon House Office Building and Madison Library of Congress Building per @ChadPergram – source on the floor tells me things are very tense— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) January 6, 2021

  71. 71.

    worn

    January 6, 2021 at 2:15 pm

    Re: magats storming the Capitol – I guess what’s been going on out here in Salem the past few weeks was an omen.

  72. 72.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 2:15 pm

    Mike Pence was just taken out of the Senate chamber.

  73. 73.

    mrmoshpotato

    January 6, 2021 at 2:15 pm

    @Eolirin: Can the trash be safely (shitbags not shooting anyone) teargassed?  (I’m only half joking.)

  74. 74.

    dr. bloor

    January 6, 2021 at 2:16 pm

    @trollhattan: Why would they need riot gear, silly commenter?  Those protesters are white.

  75. 75.

    NotMax

    January 6, 2021 at 2:16 pm

    Secret Service rushes Pence off the Senate floor.

  76. 76.

    LuciaMia

    January 6, 2021 at 2:16 pm

    @jimmiraybob: Yup. And like somebody suggested below, just get out the water hoses. Its 40 degrees out.

  77. 77.

    Patricia Kayden

    January 6, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    Yep.

    This is more than just a riot, this is full blown attempt at insurrection. Meanwhile, apparently the cops are holding out on the tear gas and rubber bullets, you know, just in case some black people show up.— Stonekettle (@Stonekettle) January 6, 2021

  78. 78.

    RedDirtGirl

    January 6, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    @M31: I didn’t know he was ailing ?

  79. 79.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    @Roger Moore: 365 instances of it.

  80. 80.

    mrmoshpotato

    January 6, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    @Leto:

    And I immediately want to punch Ted Cruz in the face. 

    Evergreen.  And the beard doesn’t improve anything.  C’mon. Ted.

  81. 81.

    randy khan

    January 6, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    @Mary G:

    Edit:  It seems like the Post story I quote was not entirely up to date, based on a couple of other items.  I hope these idiots get prosecuted and sent away for a long time.

    The WaPo account puts this in better perspective (with a photo that probably tells the story):  They didn’t get in.

    Here’s the gist:

    As protesters marched from the Ellipse to the Capitol, several hundred came up against the metal barricades surrounding the back of the building.

    Just before 1 p.m., a group of primarily White men pushed, then toppled the barricades, storming through them to the grassy fields leading to the Capitol.

    Several Capitol police stood guard but could not hold back the tide. Hundreds scaled and kicked aside the barricades, yelling “forward!!” as they ran upward.

    Some tried to reach the steps of the Capitol, but were stopped by law enforcement. A few who made it through and scaled metal construction structures were tackled by police.

    Appalling, of course, but in the end they never got within 100 yards of anyone but law enforcement (and I’d add that you really can’t get into the Capitol from that side anyway).

  82. 82.

    Roger Moore

    January 6, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    @Fraud Guy: 

    I think Pence should have a letter in his pocket to give to Nancy and Mitch with the signatures of half of the Cabinet to have Trump sidelined until the end of his term.

    What makes you think he could get half the cabinet to sign such a letter? Most of them are 100% on-board with Trumpism.

  83. 83.

    Mary G

    January 6, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    Protesters have breached the Capitol. They’re outside the Senate chamber pic.twitter.com/I021tKliUD— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) January 6, 2021

  84. 84.

    ET

    January 6, 2021 at 2:18 pm

    Capitol Police were more prepared for BLM than the Nazis.

    Closed building, telling people to stay away from windows, metro bypassing Capitol South, building evacuations.

  85. 85.

    Patricia Kayden

    January 6, 2021 at 2:18 pm

    @Eolirin: The Capital Police need to pretend that these thugs are Black and act accordingly.

  86. 86.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    January 6, 2021 at 2:19 pm

    @Mary G: watching MSNBC–  sounds like the Secret Service hustled trump out of the chamber, a plain clothes Capitol Hill police officer is in the presiding chair of the Senate chamber.

    ETA: “REpbulican National Committee headquarters evacuated”

    what’s that whole what you sow thing again?

  87. 87.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 2:19 pm

    @mrmoshpotato: while we’re at it, add Fuck Todd to that list. Totally useless bloviating right now. I say right now as if the last N+ of his tv career has been anything less.

  88. 88.

    Mary G

    January 6, 2021 at 2:20 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist: Yeah, House recessing pursuant to “Clause B, rule 1”. Grassley gaveled the Senate out until the call of the chair. Members milling around glued to their phones. And Grassley cuts the cameras.

  89. 89.

    mrmoshpotato

    January 6, 2021 at 2:20 pm

    @Dorothy A. Winsor: You trying to get some work done is as good a reason as any for the Rethuglicans to stop being fascist trash.

  90. 90.

    JWR

    January 6, 2021 at 2:20 pm

    This is more than just a riot, this is full blown attempt at insurrection.

    Meanwhile, apparently the cops are holding out on the tear gas and rubber bullets, you know, just in case some black people show up.
    — Stonekettle (@Stonekettle) January 6, 2021

  91. 91.

    NotMax

    January 6, 2021 at 2:21 pm

    @Mary G

    Library of Congress Building

    Book burnings a hallmark of you know whats.

  92. 92.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 2:21 pm

    @randy khan: reporters there at the scene, and now HuffPo people are posting photos of protestors outside the Senate Chambers. They’re 100% inside the building.

    edit: not protestors, insurrectionists. Fuck these people.

  93. 93.

    Immanentize

    January 6, 2021 at 2:21 pm

    @RedDirtGirl: He is not.  His beloved son committed suicide on new year’s day.

  94. 94.

    trollhattan

    January 6, 2021 at 2:22 pm

    @Leto:

    The contrast is compelling and appalling. And the lack of preparation should get somebody canned. These assholes should have been kept well away from the building.

    (Also, how did antifa manage to disguise themselves as humble patriots?)

  95. 95.

    Tazj

    January 6, 2021 at 2:22 pm

    @Mary G: You won’t be surprised to learn that many conservatives are blaming the actions of these rioters on the actions of protesters this summer and the “failure”of the press to call out how violent the protests were. No comments about how violent the police became against those protesters.

  96. 96.

    germy

    January 6, 2021 at 2:22 pm

    They’re calling the police “motherfuckers” and “traitors”

    This is WILD pic.twitter.com/dC8whGzIgw— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 6, 2021

  97. 97.

    Betty Cracker

    January 6, 2021 at 2:22 pm

    Wow, this is some crazy shit!

  98. 98.

    germy

    January 6, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    Some of the rioters are getting a face full of pepper spray or mace or whatever it is.

  99. 99.

    Patricia Kayden

    January 6, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    So now thugs have shut down the Congress. How nice.

  100. 100.

    germy

    January 6, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    Everything in the Senate just stopped after an aide just whispered “protestors are in the building” pic.twitter.com/qR2gSokK5v— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 6, 2021

  101. 101.

    topclimber

    January 6, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    @NotMax: It’s NotMAX I am talking about, but MIN (couldn’t resist). Nothing stops the Congressional majority from changing the rules, especially in the face of an a-hole invasion.

  102. 102.

    Patricia Kayden

    January 6, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    @germy: I’m not seeing that on MSNBC.

  103. 103.

    mrmoshpotato

    January 6, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    @NotMax:

    McConnell’s attempt to both sides it was weak sauce. Other than that he seemed genuinely shaken, the shadow of Georgia hanging over him. 

    Cry harder?  Can fascist turtles even cry?

  104. 104.

    trollhattan

    January 6, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    @NotMax:

    NPR did a solid this a.m. playing audio of VP Biden cooly swatting away Dem. objections to the Trump vote four years ago.

  105. 105.

    Quinerly

    January 6, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    Pelosi has been ushered away.

    RNC Headquarters evacuated due to bomb threat.

  106. 106.

    Betty Cracker

    January 6, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    Now CNN is saying there are MAGA thugs INSIDE the Capitol building, and they’ve advised everyone in there to find a place to shelter away from windows and public spaces.

  107. 107.

    Patricia Kayden

    January 6, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    I see the police on CNN.

  108. 108.

    Mary G

    January 6, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    Using the flimsy crowd control barriers as ladders:

    Photo from @washingtonian of protestors scaling the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/lWNSLgVbkG— Robert J. DeNault (@robertjdenault) January 6, 2021

  109. 109.

    trollhattan

    January 6, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    @Patricia Kayden:

    Can you imagine the scene if D.C. had Michigan’s open carry laws?

  110. 110.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    January 6, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    @Leto:

    Why should today be different from any other day?

  111. 111.

    Quinerly

    January 6, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    @Patricia Kayden: protesters on the balcony outside of Senate Chamber. Capitol completely locked down. Protesters inside.

  112. 112.

    Baud

    January 6, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    House is coming back, according to MSNBC.

  113. 113.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 2:27 pm

    @trollhattan: totally agree. As someone mentioned, somehow they’re “prepared” for BLM protestors, but fucking Nazis/Insurrectionists show up and nothing can be done? Someone def needs to be shit canned, procedures revised, and full lockdown needs to be implemented. Will Bobert (whatever the fuck her dumb name is) start pewpew’ing all these traitorous thugs? Worthless sacks of skin.

  114. 114.

    randy khan

    January 6, 2021 at 2:27 pm

    @Leto: Yeah, WaPo is behind on the story.  I’ve edited accordingly.  It still sounds like it’s just a small group.  I honestly have no idea what the Capitol Police were thinking here, but I hope they arrest every single one of them and that they all get prosecuted.

  115. 115.

    Quinerly

    January 6, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    Trump 3 mins ago: “Mike Pence didn’t have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!”

  116. 116.

    mrmoshpotato

    January 6, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    @Jerzy Russian:

    You are slipping.  You left off “3) Punch the newly bald face”. 

    ???

  117. 117.

    cain

    January 6, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    @worn:

    I assume Oregon, I think it’s happening today as well.

  118. 118.

    RedDirtGirl

    January 6, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    @Immanentize: Oh, how awful!

  119. 119.

    Mary G

    January 6, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    House back in session: Paul Gosar addressing the Capitol police guy as “Madam Speaker,” and continuing the speech as if he’s talking to Nancy Smash.

  120. 120.

    NotMax

    January 6, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    @topclimber

    Actually, no. The time and format of debate for this situation are delineated by a law passed in 1887. Not something which can be waived by a spontaneous ruling.

  121. 121.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    @Steeplejack (phone): I can usually go weeks/months without seeing him, but it’s just such a visceral reaction whenever I see him. It’s no different than any other day, but it’s like a surprise $5k bill for something and you just go, “FUUUUUCK!” You weren’t expecting it, you’re not prepared for it, and you want it to immediately die/go away. Ted Cruz!

  122. 122.

    Geminid

    January 6, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    @randy khan: Lock ’em up!

  123. 123.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 2:31 pm

    MSNBC showing live feed of the insurrectionists inside the Capital. They’re about 20 yards from the Senate chamber. They’re just milling about, grouping up, no Capital Police control of the situation.

  124. 124.

    Mary G

    January 6, 2021 at 2:31 pm

    Now instead of the House proceedings, they are showing Magats in the Hall of Statuary screaming “We Want Trump.” Capitol police standing back and watching.

  125. 125.

    topclimber

    January 6, 2021 at 2:32 pm

    @NotMax: But the law you quote talks of a maximum debate limit, not a required one, yes?

  126. 126.

    Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes

    January 6, 2021 at 2:32 pm

    Were the bloated, loathesome mediocrity anything approaching decent, he’d come out and ask that they go home.

    He won’t. He’ll sit like a fat, belching Panjandrum and let them (and us) bear the consequences of his incitement.

    It is too much to ask him to act as a statesman.

  127. 127.

    Quinerly

    January 6, 2021 at 2:33 pm

    MAGA Protesters in Statuary Hall milling around with flagpoles., banners.

  128. 128.

    Leto

    January 6, 2021 at 2:33 pm

    DC Mayor just ordered a 6pm (1800) curfew for the city. For all of our DC jackals, please be safe!

  129. 129.

    Immanentize

    January 6, 2021 at 2:34 pm

    @RedDirtGirl: This the family’s statement. Both made me smile and broke my heart:
    Tommy Raskin

    He was trapped in a world he never made.

  130. 130.

    I'll be Frank

    January 6, 2021 at 2:34 pm

    we seem to be on our way to President Pelosi

  131. 131.

    Quinerly

    January 6, 2021 at 2:35 pm

    @Mary G: police seem to be standing down. Doing nothing.

  132. 132.

    mrmoshpotato

    January 6, 2021 at 2:35 pm

    @Leto: Maybe Upchuck Toddler needs some of Hillary’s email to yell about and a bottle of warm milk.

  133. 133.

    JWR

    January 6, 2021 at 2:36 pm

    Anybody else have a feeling these Covidiots, in coordination with certain people, are planning to undertake a full on riot on the House floor? I mean, they’re right outside the chamber’s doors.

  134. 134.

    NotMax

    January 6, 2021 at 2:36 pm

    @topclimber

    That’s cutting it rather fine. Debate ends when no one rises to speak (and is recognized by the presiding officer) or when two hours have elapsed, whichever comes first.

  135. 135.

    Quinerly

    January 6, 2021 at 2:36 pm

    VP Pence and Senator Grassley taken to a secure location. Pete Williams reporting

  136. 136.

    Betty Cracker

    January 6, 2021 at 2:36 pm

    @I’ll be Frank: Hey Frank, if your username contains an apostrophe, every comment will automatically go into moderation until someone with admin access approves it. I’m not sure why it works that way, but here we are. Maybe change your name to “I Will Be Frank”? :)

  137. 137.

    Fraud Guy

    January 6, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    @JWR: certain people with the initials DJT?

  138. 138.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    January 6, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    @Leto: That was Statuary Hall(the Old House Chamber).

  139. 139.

    mrmoshpotato

    January 6, 2021 at 2:38 pm

    @Patricia Kayden:

    So now thugs have shut down the Congress. How nice. 

    Where are their white trash fathers?  What kind of Nazi music do they listen to?

  140. 140.

    Shalimar

    January 6, 2021 at 2:41 pm

    @Fraud Guy: The question arises for 25th Amendment purposes: What constitutes a cabinet member?  To wit, do all of the illegal temp workers Trump has appointed without confirmation count?

  141. 141.

    Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes

    January 6, 2021 at 2:41 pm

    @Quinerly:

    Anybody checked to see if Boebert is rolling strapped?  Nancy is in significant danger.

  142. 142.

    Kristine

    January 6, 2021 at 2:42 pm

    What @Dorothy A. Winsor said.

  143. 143.

    Fraud Guy

    January 6, 2021 at 2:45 pm

    @Shalimar: I would say only ones appointed to their specific cabinet position and voted on by consent of the Senate.

  144. 144.

    worn

    January 6, 2021 at 2:47 pm

    OMG, that fur-wearing dude with the horned helmet made it inside. I have a memory of one of his unhinged tweets being front paged sometime in the last month or so…

    https://twitter.com/igorbobic/status/1346899437520621568

  145. 145.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    January 6, 2021 at 2:48 pm

    I think it was Katie Tur who just said “Oh my god” on a hot mike, and I don’t think she was responding to what Elissa Slotkin is saying on the phone

  146. 146.

    Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes

    January 6, 2021 at 2:55 pm

    Greenwald is excoriating McConnell for not going along with the notion of investigating the EV count.

    https://twitter.com/ggreenwald/status/1346889152076382209?s=20

  147. 147.

    topclimber

    January 6, 2021 at 2:55 pm

    @NotMax: You are probably right…but let’s see what happens if the sedition squad has the stomach to continue their game beyond 3 states after rioters have invaded Congress. I suppose the worst case is they can drag proceedings out for several days by objecting to every pro-Biden state’s electors. I think Nancy would find a way to cut things short if she gets annoyed.

    Alternatively, Mother may wake Pence up to the fact that it is already too late for him to be a MAGA fave. Then he can do what Biden did and dismiss further objections for lack of grounds. Being spirited out of the Senate by the secret service might make even this wimpish weasel angry enough to strike back.

    When the evangelicals dump the deplorables to make an alliance with Chamber of Commerce types in the new and smaller Republican Party of the 2020’s, Pence might even be seen as a hero, just by acting like one now.

  148. 148.

    Fraud Guy

    January 6, 2021 at 2:55 pm

    @Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes:

    Glenn needs to pay attention to current events.

  149. 149.

    eponymous

    January 6, 2021 at 3:01 pm

    jesus fuck. I think my BP has soared to dangerous levels. Can they please stop calling these mofos “protestors”??

  150. 150.

    Tazj

    January 6, 2021 at 3:02 pm

    @Leto: Yes, how true. Riot gear and armored vehicles in Buffalo, NY and many other cities, why not here?

  151. 151.

    Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes

    January 6, 2021 at 3:04 pm

    @topclimber:

    I like to think that Mark Kelly has punched Ted Cruz into a bloody pulp in whatever bolthole the Senate has fled to.

    On a doomy note, the DOD is denying the requests of DC officials for the National Guard to come in.  We’re in full on coup/autogolpe.

  152. 152.

    Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes

    January 6, 2021 at 3:04 pm

    @Fraud Guy:

    Oh, he is, and likes it.

  153. 153.

    To be Frank

    January 6, 2021 at 3:08 pm

    @Betty Cracker:  Thanks for mentioning that.  I had been wondering if my nym was a problem for some time now.

  154. 154.

    eponymous

    January 6, 2021 at 3:08 pm

    So, DoD is down with the coup.

  155. 155.

    NotMax

    January 6, 2021 at 3:19 pm

    @topclimber

    I think Nancy would find a way to cut things short if she gets annoyed.

    In practice, to little effect as she would still have to wait until the Senate’s two hours (or less as the case may be) is up and their vote is held before they traipse back in to the House chamber to resume the joint session.

  156. 156.

    citizen dave (aka mad citizen)

    January 6, 2021 at 3:24 pm

    @eponymous: Yup, what in the everloving F?

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