Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Nancy smash is sick of your bullshit.

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

The poor and middle-class pay taxes, the rich pay accountants, the wealthy pay politicians.

If you tweet it in all caps, that makes it true!

The cruelty is the point; the law be damned.

Their freedom requires your slavery.

T R E 4 5 O N

If you’re pissed about Biden’s speech, he was talking about you.

Something needs to be done about our bogus SCOTUS.

I really should read my own blog.

“More of this”, i said to the dog.

Motto for the House: Flip 5 and lose none.

The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand.

Incompetence, fear, or corruption? why not all three?

No offense, but this thread hasn’t been about you for quite a while.

Too often we hand the biggest microphones to the cynics and the critics who delight in declaring failure.

When your entire life is steeped in white supremacy, equality feels like discrimination.

They’re not red states to be hated; they are voter suppression states to be fixed.

And we’re all out of bubblegum.

The republican caucus is already covering themselves with something, and it’s not glory.

I’d try pessimism, but it probably wouldn’t work.

Perhaps you mistook them for somebody who gives a damn.

Sitting here in limbo waiting for the dice to roll

Republican obstruction dressed up as bipartisanship. Again.

You are here: Home / Elections / 2022 Elections / TGIFriday Morning Open Thread: When It Never Stops

TGIFriday Morning Open Thread: When It Never Stops

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Last weekend before the Big Day…


TGIFriday Morning Open Thread: It Never Stops

(Strange Brew via GoComics.com)

Reader Interactions

215Comments

  4. 4.

    H.E.Wolf

    Got my next several days all mapped out: GOTV, via database updates (introverts unite!). I’m ignoring the news and the polls and the pundits; they’re just distracting to me.

    We’ll keep walking the path ’til we get there.

  5. 5.

    David 🌈☘The Establishment☘🌈 Koch

    U.S. payrolls surged by 261,000 in October, better than expected as hiring remains strong

    • Nonfarm payrolls grew by 261,000 in October, better than the estimate for 205,000.

    • The unemployment rate moved higher to 3.7%, while a broader jobless measure also increased, to 6.8%.

    • Big job gainers by industry included health care, professional and technical services, and leisure and hospitality.

    • Average hourly earnings rose 0.4% for the month and were up 4.7% from a year ago.​​​

  10. 10.

    OzarkHillbilly

    But what about Repub women? Possible that it’s _suppressing_ turnout of Repub women /1

    I think it more likely many are crossing over. “Nobody tells me what to do!” has been the mantra of every Repub since forever.

  13. 13.

    Jackie

    Oprah endorsing Fetterman five days before the Elections.

    Where’s her apology for introducing us to Oz???

  14. 14.

    mrmoshpotato

    The choice for seniors is clear.

    The choice for anyone still paying Medicare and Social Security taxes is clear too.  Fuck the GOP into the Sun.

  17. 17.

    Ken

    In other pleasant news, a judge has ordered an “independent monitor” for the Trump Organization. The order is wrapped up in nice legal terms, but amounts to “AG James has evidence of fraud, and TFG’s lawyers haven’t got anything.”

    There’s a couple of footnotes, also in legalese, that say “Also, stupid move to try to create a new company to transfer the assets to while there’s an ongoing investigation, and especially stupid to name it ‘Trump Organization II’.”

  20. 20.

    Baud

    @Ken:

    The NYT has a story that Trump is going to announce his candidacy next week.  Probably thinks that’ll stop DOJ.

    Hopefully, the timing of the story motivates a few more of our voters.

  22. 22.

    WaterGirl

    @OzarkHillbilly: Solution.

    Identify your preferred jigsaw puzzle table.  Move everything from that table to chairs and sofas all around the house.

    Open your jigsaw puzzle and get started.

    Then slowly you can put the kitchen table stuff away when you want to, for instance, sit in one of the chairs! :-

    It’s just one chair’s worth at a time, you can do it!

  29. 29.

    Qrop Non Sequitur

    @Baud: Ive heard the reverse rumor, that the DOJ may announce an indictment soon after the election to hit the sweet spot of not influencing this election but not letting Trump get the argumentative shield being a candidate provides.

    I give both rumors little credence

    Eta I think I heard on Beau of the Fifth Column

  31. 31.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    @Ken:

    I saw that yesterday. Trump and company accused the NYAG of “harassing” him of all things and that his attempt at Trump Org 2 was protected by FL law, that she had no jurisdiction. Happy to see the judge slap that down

  33. 33.

    Elizabelle

    @Baud:  I took it as an encouragement to MAGAts to not forget to vote.  “Do not be disheartened, my children of the night.  All you uneducated ones, especially.”

    I’d love to be a fly on the wall in Leticia James’ and Merrick Garland (and associates’) offices when they heard that.  Cross arms, say “we’ll see about that.”

    And, of course, the story is breaking news in the FTF FNYTimes.

  34. 34.

    Suzanne

    @OzarkHillbilly: I bought a jigsaw puzzle board on Amazon. It keeps you from dominating a table for days/weeks. It has little drawers to hold pieces you sort out, too.

    I love puzzles and will resume doing them in earnest when my toddler is less grabby.

  37. 37.

    Ken

    @Baud: The NYT has a story that Trump is going to announce his candidacy next week.

    More good news, in the “giving DeSantis heartburn” category.

    Which reminds me to renew my prediction:  In 2024, the Republicans will realize that a bunch of states still have the 2020 rules in place. They won’t be having primaries, and their delegates will be pre-pledged to Trump, whether or not he’s running (or in jail). Also, since they have the management skills of Republicans, they won’t notice this until it’s too late to change it.

  38. 38.

    rikyrah

    @Ken:

    There’s a couple of footnotes, also in legalese, that say “Also, stupid move to try to create a new company to transfer the assets to while there’s an ongoing investigation, and especially stupid to name it ‘Trump Organization II’.”

     

    That was funny

  40. 40.

    Baud

    @Ken:

    I know the situations aren’t at all analogous, but it reminds me a little of Boris Johnson’s attempted comeback. We’ll see if it plays out the same way.

  41. 41.

    Ocotillo

    Well I will take any pick me up I can get.  Earlier I had said turnout has been great at Mrs. O’s polling location but our local news said county wide, turnout is down compared to 2018.  Thing is, Mrs. O is a judge in a red area of the city (San Antonio).

    Yahoo has had consecutive days of GOPers measuring the drapes at the capitol in anticipation of the red wave.  I hope all this stuff is off as the Kansas election was.

  45. 45.

    David 🌈☘The Establishment☘🌈 Koch

    @Dorothy A. Winsor: ​
    Hillary being investigated literally everyday during her candidacy established the precedent that you can investigate a candidate running as a Democrat during an election period

  48. 48.

    Jackie

    @Suzanne: Do you like that table? My 11 yr old grandson does the thousand(s) piece puzzles and gets frustrated when he has to move partially completed puzzles. I’ve considered getting him a puzzle table but didn’t trust the reviews and I don’t want to inadvertently amp up his frustration.

  54. 54.

    Qrop Non Sequitur

    @Qrop Non Sequitur: To clarify further, the “you can’t indict me I’m a candidate” play is not a legal play. It’s purely argumentative, a play to the court of public opinion.

  55. 55.

    MazeDancer

    @H.E.Wolf: Yay, you!

    Everyone, give phone and text banking 10 minutes, you’ll be proud of yourself.

    If you live somewhere you can canvas, and are physically able to do it, go for it.

    Choose your weapons:

    Click in the sidebar.

    Click on my nym.

    But do it.

  57. 57.

    Qrop Non Sequitur

    @different-church-lady: I hope you’re doing OK. Maybe find something you can lose yourself in that makes you feel better.

    And thanks for the reminder, I need to follow up on a referral for the same.

  58. 58.

    WaterGirl

    The constant uncertainty blows, so it’s natural to look for clues so it all feels less uncertain.  In some cases, people gravitate to bad news because even bad news is better for them than the feeling of uncertainty.

    Even Preet had some bullshit topic for his show last night, which I did not listen to.  “Who has the momentum?”.  I used to think such more highly of Preet than I do now.  There are a million people bloviating, we don’t need one more.

    Stay in your fucking lane.

  59. 59.

    Geminid

    @Baud: I think Republicans have better candidates than trump. If he crowds them out so much the better. But trump will have a fight in the primaries, and he might not win it

    As for Oz, I think he was not tbe strongest general election candidate in his primary either. McCormick would be performing ahead of Oz now.

  62. 62.

    OzarkHillbilly

    @Suzanne: Hmmmm… That gives me an idea. I’m going to build a drafting/topo map table. I can easily add a few inches to the top to accommodate most puzzles. That’s a capitol idea! Thanx.

  63. 63.

    Brachiator

    I am trying to be a good California voter. I know which candidates I am voting for. And I am clear on the state ballot propositions. Yes on 1 to protect reproductive rights, and pretty much NO on all the others.

    But I am trying to review info on some of the judges. Too much on this ballot.

  64. 64.

    Lady WereBear

    @different-church-lady: Not able to get out of bed is serious. Try the new number President Biden set up. 988

    During the height of the epidemic I had a panic attack and called the special line for NY and the nice lady calmed me down, and then I made her laugh, and I felt better.

    Can’t hurt.

  66. 66.

    different-church-lady

    Fine. I just printed out a recipe for flourless chocolate cake.

    From bed.

    NORMAL FUNCTIONALITY, HERE I COME!!!

  68. 68.

    rikyrah

    Simon Rosenberg (@SimonWDC) tweeted at 6:55 AM on Fri, Nov 04, 2022:
    Happy Friday everybody!

    What I’m seeing:
    – Ds continue to overperform in polls/early vote in the Senate battlegrounds
    – Early vote remains very encouraging for Ds
    – Marist polls another problem for red wave narrative
    – It’s close election, we need to close strong everyone! https://t.co/X9MrBmb9UT
    (https://twitter.com/SimonWDC/status/1588500156991025154?t=iKqr7ME36Y11ds7KlraGGg&s=03)

  70. 70.

    different-church-lady

    @Lady WereBear: ​

    Try the new number President Biden set up. 988

    “Hi, Joe? Hey. It’s… uh… one of your voters. Thanks for taking my call. So, uh, I’m having a hard time getting out of bed… No, no, I can get out of bed, I just don’t want to…”

  71. 71.

    OzarkHillbilly

    @WaterGirl: I don’t dare, she’ll just think you are another of my many (imaginary) girlfriends. Then if she finds out you are real… Not gonna take any chances.

  77. 77.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    @WaterGirl:

    I got told by my own mother the other day, when basically saying nobody knows what’s going to happen, that I was “burying my head in the sand”.

    Naturally, this ticked me off a little and I responded with, “I’m not sticking my head in the sand at all. I’m just not going to worry myself sick over something I have no real control over.”

    “Well, that makes more sense….”

    My point still stood that polls are not prophecy

  78. 78.

    different-church-lady

    I suppose, other than depression, a significant motivating factor in wanting to stay in bed is NEEDING A SHIT-TON MORE SLEEP IN THE FIRST PLACE…

  79. 79.

    OzarkHillbilly

    @WaterGirl: The constant uncertainty blows, so it’s natural to look for clues so it all feels less uncertain.

    I’m with Tevye: “Good News Can Wait……Bad News Will Not Go Away”

  80. 80.

    Brachiator

    @Dorothy A. Winsor:

    Declaring candidacy two years before an election cannot possibly keep him being investigated, prosecuted, etc. Otherwise any crook could dodge charges by declaring.

    Trump is not smart, but he has a strong survival instinct and low cunning. Declaring his candidacy would energize his supporters and make lots of noise.

    And of course he could run for president even if he were convicted and imprisoned.

    In the 1920 presidential election, the outspoken socialist Eugene Debs campaigned for president from a federal prison in Georgia. Debs was charged and convicted of sedition in 1918 for his fiery speeches denouncing America’s participation in World War I. Running as “Convict No. 9653,” Debs won 3.5 percent of the vote in 1920.

  83. 83.

    David 🌈☘The Establishment☘🌈 Koch

    Speaking of British politics, I never get tired of the political intrigue surrounding Larry the Cat (video) and his arch rival in the foreign office, Palmerston (video).

    The leading felines of the free world are no different than any of us.​

  84. 84.

    OzarkHillbilly

    @Geminid: I’m looking forward to it, probably some time this winter. The only problem is, where do I draft the drawings for it?

    sigh... the story of my life.

  85. 85.

    Geminid

    @Baud: trump has lost a couple steps since 2016. It would show in a debate with, say, Christie, Pompeo, and Cotten. They’d be firing at each other, but the main task would to take down the big guy. They’d use lines of attack intended to not alienate his staunchest followers while still appealing to Republicans’ desire for a winner. trump will get damned with faint praise and pelted with gold retirement watches.

  86. 86.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Jackie: I’m skeptical of anything from the NY Post relying on anonymous sources.  Wouldn’t surprise me if this is bullshit being “leaked” by Republicans to try and pressure DOJ.

  88. 88.

    Ken

    @different-church-lady: Fine. I just printed out a recipe for flourless chocolate cake. From bed.

    For some reason, my brain went Disney with this. Did a few dozen cute mice just come running into your bedroom, carrying the cake ingredients and mixing bowl, so you can make the cake in bed?

  92. 92.

    HinTN

    @different-church-lady: We sent 100 postcards, we donated $$$, we voted (although Tennessee these days is a basket case) and we flew the coop for a long weekend in New York. Got some damned fine weather for it, too. We’re grazing or way across this feast of food and fun.

  93. 93.

    Ken

    @OzarkHillbilly: I can easily add a few inches to the top to accommodate most puzzles.

    Careful. Some people would see this as a challenge to mail you a panoramic puzzle that’s 100 by 18 inches.

  96. 96.

    different-church-lady

    @Ken: ​
     

    Did a few dozen cute mice just come running into your bedroom, carrying the cake ingredients and mixing bowl, so you can make the cake in bed?

    Well, I wasn’t gonna brag or nothin’, but…

  102. 102.

    Aussie Sheila

    @Brachiator: Yes. I was aware of the Debs history.

    However, running from prison doesn’t have quite the ..umm..cable TV quality that big rallies have. I think myself he won’t run. I think he is too cowardly to risk losing twice.

    He will think up an excuse. But Being wrong about something like that is no excuse, so the Dems should act as if he is running. Because if he does, he will win the republican nom, but this time I think there will be real fireworks in the repub ranks.

    I have a feeling a lot of anger is being suppressed until after next Tuesday. It looks like no red wave aka red wedding for democracy, and if the Dems keep the Senate, and even if they narrowly lose the House, I reckon the knives will be out for him and a few of his more unhinged candidates in his wretched party.

    Let’s all look forward to that!

  106. 106.

    H.E.Wolf

    @HinTN: Tennessee is less of a basket case because of you.

    I’m not giving up on any part of this country. I’ve lived in enough parts of it to know that good people are everywhere.

  107. 107.

    Sure Lurkalot

    @TaMara: In addition to legitimizing the grifter doctors, Oprah also promoted a bunch of mediocre books and dubious “queen for a day” segments. I caught her show when I visited my sister and thought for a talented interviewer, she sure got lost in the weeds from time to time, seemingly her choice on who to showcase.

  108. 108.

    Jackie

    Preaching to the BJ choir…

    ”Republicans are just plain bad at managing the economy. They have been for as long as anyone who is alive can remember. And they continue to be—although they are achieving previously unattained new levels of cynicism and obstructionism that make the current crowd of Republicans look even worse than their very unsuccessful predecessors.”

    “Republicans have done a great job fooling voters into thinking that their simplistic economic philosophies of tax cuts and minimal regulation are “good for business.” But facts, history, and logic show otherwise.

    If you care about the economy, want to fight inflation, want to create jobs, want a better life for your family, want to preserve democracy, and want to defend your fundamental rights, then you should vote for the Democrats.”

    https://www.thedailybeast.com/republicans-are-bad-for-the-economy-heres-why?ref=scroll

  109. 109.

    lowtechcyclist

    @Ken:

    Also, since they have the management skills of Republicans, they won’t notice this until it’s too late to change it.

    LOL

  111. 111.

    Matt McIrvin

    LGM having a round of “Trump will be anointed President again and it’s Merrick Garland’s fault”. With bonus citing of Sarah Kendzior speculating that Garland is a Trumpist double agent.

  113. 113.

    Miss Bianca

    @different-church-lady: OK, that sounds like progress!

    Take care of yourself, d-c-l. I missed you terribly the last time you departed the site. Is there anything the jackaltariat can do for you, besides being a sounding board?

  114. 114.

    OzarkHillbilly

    @Geminid: I use it all the time. I found an 11×17 tablet once and I’m almost out of it. Damned if I can remember where I got it.

  115. 115.

    Eric S.

    @Qrop Non Sequitur:

    @different-church-lady

    RE: Mental health care

    I’ve been seeing a psychiatrist for 7 or 8 years now. Social anxiety and depression. It’s changed my life for the better. Much better. Don’t let my length of therapy deter you. That’s what is best for me. Other’s need shorter terms. It will help you. Do it.

  117. 117.

    Suzanne

    @different-church-lady: I am increasingly convinced that not getting enough sleep is a cause of depression, not just a symptom.

    I feel like we are so alienated from adequate normal self-care, like a good meal eaten slowly, a nice shower, relaxing with a book, etc. We need that stuff.

  122. 122.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Jackie: Still relying on a single, anonymous source though, from a DOJ that has been exceptional at avoiding leaks.  I’m still skeptical until I hear it from DOJ.

  123. 123.

    Geminid

    @different-church-lady: More seriously, I’ve gotten good use out of antihistamine sleep aids. They are supposed to quell brain activity by quelling histamines. I take it in the form of a generic Advil PM equivalent.

  125. 125.

    Kay

    Has anyone heard anything on proposal three in Michigan?

    Because the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which protected the right to an abortion, Proposal 3 is needed to restore the protections of Roe in Michigan.

    I’m in western Michigan this week and seeing a lot of anti signs BUT western Michigan is Republican so that doesn’t mean anything.

    I will never get over how little mainstream media coverage womens rights get– it’s appalling.
    What a backwards, sexist industry – embarrassing.

  126. 126.

    Aussie Sheila

    @Matt McIrvin: People should lay off Garland and think more about the ways the rich and powerful can frustrate justice in ways unthinkable for ordinary people.

    FWIW, I think Garland is waiting till after next Tuesday, and then will charge him re the the stolen docs.

    I believe Jan 6 charges may be somewhat more difficult, but I believe if he has the requisite evidence, he will bring charges.

    Garland is certainly ‘conservative’ in the institutional sense, but that is precisely why I am confident that trump will be charged, at least with the mara lado caper.

    I can’t wait. Not just for my enjoyment, but for the obvious relief it will bring to my many friends stateside, and for democratic accountability generally.

  127. 127.

    Jackie

    @Suzanne: That’s perfect! And it’s on sale!!!

    I’m ordering and shipping it to my daughter and let her wrap and hide it for the next month and a half LOL!

    Thank you😊

  131. 131.

    EmbraceYourInnerCrone

    @Jackie: Thank you, I used to love Oprah, but her promotion of Dr Oz, of Dr  Phil , and of Jenny McCarthy really disappointed me.  These people are quacks, and she gave them a platform that help jumpstart their fame and influence…

  133. 133.

    geg6

    @rikyrah: ​
     
    Local news here in Pittsburgh has been saying this for weeks now. Not blaming the GOPers in the state leg, but saying it will probably be days before we get full results because of the delay in counting early/mail in ballots.

  134. 134.

    rikyrah

    I hope he wins, but, this was crappy. Bad teammate.

     

    Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) tweeted at 6:54 AM on Thu, Nov 03, 2022:
    “The national Democratic party has never been good at strategic political decisions,” Tim Ryan says. “Thank god that I have enough experience that I built this campaign not needing them, and we really don’t want them at this point.” https://t.co/YAzngiPRDO
    (https://twitter.com/kaitlancollins/status/1588137421870342146?t=SvhoYMYW_xckRfvvxyt95Q&s=03)

  135. 135.

    OzarkHillbilly

    @UncleEbeneezer: ​Still relying on a single, anonymous source though, from a DOJ that has been exceptional at avoiding leaks. I’m still skeptical until I hear it from DOJ.

    I hear ya, but it’s a time honored stratagem in DC to leak something just to see how well it flies. Not saying that is what is happening here (I can’t imagine the audience that might be receptive), just that it might be.

  140. 140.

    Dangerman

    If neither get to 50, when is the Georgia runoff? And won’t it be fun if that is for the whole kitandkaboodle (sp?)?

  141. 141.

    Kay

    I found this local reporting:

    On Thursday morning, Cygnal released their latest polling information on races and proposals in
    Michigan and it shows that Proposal 3, the Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative, is trending to pass with 52.2% of the likely voters polled in favor of the proposition and 42.7% against and 5.1% still undecided.
    The poll, consisting of 1,754 respondents, was slightly skewed toward females with 54% of the likely voters identifying as female and 46% as male. The poll also asked respondents what their party affiliation is, to which 33.9% said they were Republican, 35.2% Democrat and 29.4% Independent.
    According to Cygnal, 26% of respondents in Michigan chose “women’s right to choose abortion” as a top issue.
    Proposal 3 has nearly universal support from those who identify as Democrat but also has some support from Republican voters as well. Cygnal is predicting that the proposal is likely to pass by a narrow margin.

    I don’t watch tv up here but apparently the anti-abortion religious fundamentalists are running ads connecting the proposal to trans rights. Perhaps litterboxes in schools and “CRT” too, because why not? The whole ginned up far Right panic menu.
    Just like Glenn Greenwald and Tulsi Gabbard and the centrist public intellectuals. Identical.

  142. 142.

    Jinchi

    More than 34 million have voted already and party registration of ballots cast currently skew 45% (D) to 36% (R).

    This seems like very good news for Democrats and doesn’t jibe with the media narrative.

  143. 143.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Aussie Sheila: THANK YOU

    I’m seeing differing opinions on whether or not a SC would be the right way to go from some very smart legal minds who understand DOJ much better than we do.  I don’t think it’s an obvious answer either way.  There are +’s and -‘s whichever way it goes.  No matter what, we should wait to see what actually happens.  The fact that all the Garland-haters are already (predictably) pouncing on this as more evidence of Feckless-ness, speaks volumes about them and why they really aren’t worth listening to or engaging with.  They are doing the running BJ joke of How Has Obama Garland Failed Us Today? yet again, in real time.

  145. 145.

    Eyeroller

    @TaMara: Presumably because of the supposedly huge, and seemingly unprecedented, shift in one month to inflaaaation and ecooonomy.  The things the media chose to emphasize all October, even though nothing has changed that much; it’s not a lot better, unfortunately, but it’s not really worse either.

  147. 147.

    Kay

    @TaMara:

    They didn’t cover it.

    I don’t think it’s a coincidence that so many “me too” issues arose in celebrity media/entertainment- They’re backwards, rigidly conventional people. It’s the 1950s in there.

    If Dobbs primari;y affected men we would have heard about nothing else for the last 4 months.

  148. 148.

    Qrop Non Sequitur

    @Eric S.: Therapy can be such a boon. I’m more the type to have short periods of therapy, update my personal mental health toolkit, then seek help again when I need it.

    The main problem with my approach was I might coulda used the help 6 years ago.

  149. 149.

    Baud

    @rikyrah: He’s been doing that for a while. I actually think it might be a campaign strategy given that it’s Ohio — distance Ryan from the national party.

  151. 151.

    Ivan X

    @WaterGirl: I’m gonna say something unpopular because there’s nothing I like better than two minute hate to start my day, but this is as much directed at me as anyone, and I don’t know how to solve it. Bloviators gonna bloviate because of people like us, news junkies. There is literally not enough news to supply our voracious demand for a new headline every 15 minutes. CNN was the OG dealer, then the internet sealed the deal, and push notifications on mobile devices, well, forget it. And Twitter is just mainlining.

    And I’m not going to pretend that I’m immune to the sweet thrill of outrage and righteousness. (Especially when I’m right!) Combine that with the fact that traditional news orgs have no actual business model any more other than clicks, due to classifieds vanishing and a million free news sources.

    The result is that reporters report more frequently than they should, resulting in shallow “balanced” coverage, and even respected opinionators opine more than they should, resulting in them staying stupid shit sometimes. Especially when clicks are all there is. Gotta keep those horses running so the crowd keeps cheering clicking.

  152. 152.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @OzarkHillbilly: This would be the FIRST real leak from DOJ (not from witnesses involved in GJ’s) in two years under Garland.  So sure, it’s possible, but I still think it pretty unlikely.

  156. 156.

    rikyrah

    UH HUH
    UH HUH

    Glenn Kirschner (@glennkirschner2) tweeted at 6:49 AM on Thu, Nov 03, 2022:
    Mystery solved: why did Lindsey G, a senator from South Carolina, urge Raffensperger to toss out lawfully cast ballots in GEORGIA? Because emergency appeals out of Georgia are handled by Clarence Thomas, & Trump’s lawyers saw Thomas as their best shot at overturning the election.
    (https://twitter.com/glennkirschner2/status/1588136176556380163?t=F9yPgmKmjNJxdcu0NVFt0g&s=03)

  158. 158.

    Qrop Non Sequitur

    @TaMara: MSNBC tells me women have forgotten about the Dobbs decision.

    Fuckers.

    If true, emphasis on if, that means the national media’s strategy paid off.

    I’m not giving that a lot of credence either, though.

  159. 159.

    Kay

    Link for poropsal 3

    I’ll watch that election night.

    I DO think Ryan has a shot in OH despite the NYTimes calling the race for JD Vance months ago. I don’t KNOW of course but it has this fun “upset” feel.

    JD Vance is an asshole. He can’t create an appealing personality out of thin air. He’s BOTH sanctimonius and scolding and delivers bombastic lies in a whiny way meant to indicate he finds lying distasteful.

    Just yuck.

  160. 160.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Ivan X: Totally agree.  Bloviating gets a lot of attention and there is a huge and steady market for doom, gloom and outrage.

  162. 162.

    TaMara

    @Baud: At which point they will have all kinds of analysis and excuses, but still won’t say that women were mad about Dobbs and voted their anger.

    They basically brushed Kansas off as a one-off.

    Again, I say, fuckers.

  163. 163.

    Qrop Non Sequitur

    @Ivan X: There is literally not enough news to supply our voracious demand for a new headline every 15 minutes. CNN was the OG dealer, then the internet sealed the deal, and push notifications on mobile devices, well, forget it.

    While true, so much news manages to fly by without getting much attention.

  164. 164.

    opiejeanne

    @OzarkHillbilly: I’m working on a quilt for my step grandson and for the pattern I ended up taping sheets of graph paper together until it was wide enough to accommodate The Titanic, the subject of the quilt. It’s not an elegant solution, but it worked for producing patterns and for placement.

    This is a photo from a couple of days ago.

    https://flic.kr/p/2nXehpq

  165. 165.

    opiejeanne

    @different-church-lady: I’m experiencing the same this morning, but mostly because the bed is warm, there’s a cat sleeping on my legs, and it’s cold outside.

    Take care of yourself. A flourless chocolate cake sounds like a good start. I have a Tupperware cookbook that has a killer recipe for nearly flourless chocolate cake.

  166. 166.

    SFAW

    @Ken: ​
     

    (or in jail)

    Good one!
    Not-so-fearless prediction: TFG will never spend any time in jail as a convict.
    Although I’m sure Garland ruminating about a Special Counsel will show how serious and methodical he is etc etc [Cue the “you don’t fucking understand how this works!” response(s). Which is probably true, but … ]

  167. 167.

    Sure Lurkalot

    @Geminid:

    trump has lost a couple steps since 2016. It would show in a debate with, say, Christie, Pompeo, and Cotten

    Don’t disagree, though I’d say more than a couple steps. However, the base is not the same as in 2016 either. More entrenched in their fantasies. More resistant to reason. So, I’m not sure that any of the three you named or other aspirants to the office are going to be able to thread the needle of knocking TFG out and becoming the leader of the deplorables.

  168. 168.

    JMG

    @Ivan X: I had 30 years in newspapers. The reality is most news days are slow days. For TV covering news is expensive, whereas bloviating from a studio is cheap. So that’s what dominates.

  169. 169.

    SFAW

    @rikyrah: ​
     

    Trump’s firewall on the documents case is starting to collapse. Patel testifying will prompt others to save themselves too.

    From your (and twitter’s) keyboard(s) to FSM’s earlike noodley appendages.

  170. 170.

    lowtechcyclist

    @Suzanne:

    This is the one I bought. I like it a lot. It’s a big item, though, so I slide it under the couch.

    I was wondering where you put it while you needed the dining table.  But the puzzle table is 81″ x 62″.  That fits under your sofa?? (I’m not questioning the 81″ part, lots of sofas are that long, it’s the 62″ part – that’s a lot of room front to back under the sofa!)

    81×62 is just a smidgen bigger than a queen-sized bed, so that’s another place it wouldn’t fit under.

  171. 171.

    Baud

    @TaMara: They always do that to us though.  We’ll never persuade them to take us seriously unless and until we are capable of imposing our will on a consistent basis.  And that’s hard to do with a polarized electorate that’s easily distracted.

  174. 174.

    Omnes Omnibus

    @SFAW: ​  Cue the “you don’t fucking understand how this works!” response(s).

    Neat rhetorical trick. You get to be a doomer and dismiss any response in advance.

  175. 175.

    Jinchi

    @Aussie Sheila: The knives should have been out for TFG in 2020. He managed to lose the Republicans the House, the Senate and the Presidency in just a single 4 year term. Typically a first term incumbent will win re-election and increase numbers in both Houses of Congress.

    He made the party toxic to millions of Americans, and Rs still view him as the leader of the party. I’m pretty sure they qualify as a cult at this point.

  176. 176.

    Jackie

    @rikyrah: He was on MJ this morning and while not exactly happy DC isn’t financially supporting his campaign, he seems proud that he’s doing *just fine* without them.

    I’ve sent money his way and REALLY REALLY hope he wins – and doesn’t pull a Manchin in retaliation if elected.🤞🏻

  177. 177.

    Bruce K in ATH-GR

    Just checked with the New York City Board of Elections, and my valid absentee ballot has FINALLY been received. I think I sent it the first week of October, and it finally cleared on the 26th. (Mail from Athens to New York can be quite slow.)

  179. 179.

    Miss Bianca

    @SFAW:

    Which is probably true, but …

    So, let me see if I’ve got this straight…you finally, grudgingly, admit that you probably…actually…don’t know your ass from your useful bits about how DOJ procedures properly work, or what’s going on in Merrick Garland’s mind, but…what? It just feels so good to shit on him that you can’t stop?

    How’s that old saying go? “With friends like you, who needs enemas”?

  181. 181.

    lowtechcyclist

    @rikyrah:

    I hope he wins, but, this was crappy. Bad teammate.

    Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) tweeted at 6:54 AM on Thu, Nov 03, 2022:
    “The national Democratic party has never been good at strategic political decisions,” Tim Ryan says. “Thank god that I have enough experience that I built this campaign not needing them, and we really don’t want them at this point.”

    As long as he’s not saying the Democratic Party is wrong on the issues, I’m perfectly happy to let him give a few digs at the national party on “strategic political decisions” if he thinks that will help him win in increasingly red Ohio.

  182. 182.

    Another Scott

    @Matt McIrvin: It’s funny that these immense conspiracies are only found out by unconnected randos on Twitter and RWNJ media, isn’t it???  Even the occasional insiders who dump a few GB of stuff out there release stuff that doesn’t say what they claim it says.

    We need better investigators, if the Truth really is Out There…

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  183. 183.

    Matt McIrvin

    @Eyeroller: OTOH, Paul Campos is uncharacteristically non-doomy about the midterm vote itself, citing encouraging early-voting numbers and late polls that contradict the “red wave” narrative (though of course the Republicans will use the contrast to assert fraud).

  184. 184.

    MattF

    There’s an excuse for not getting out of bed: ‘I’m preparing for Daylight Savings Time’. Worked for me.

  186. 186.

    kalakal

    @JMG:

    For TV covering news is expensive, whereas bloviating from a studio is cheap. So that’s what dominates.

    This.

    And then as a bonus the bloviation replaces the reporting and is presented as the news.

     

    @Ivan X: You’re right

  187. 187.

    Matt McIrvin

    @Another Scott: I pointed out that Kendzior has also speculated that Nancy Pelosi was being paid off by the Russians to protect Donald Trump, on one of the occasions when she demurred about impeaching Trump.

  191. 191.

    lowtechcyclist

    @different-church-lady:

    I suppose, other than depression, a significant motivating factor in wanting to stay in bed is NEEDING A SHIT-TON MORE SLEEP IN THE FIRST PLACE…

    Seriously.  I’ve been having some serious problems with insomnia this past year, so I feel your pain there.  Certainly doesn’t make it any easier to cope with anything else that’s going on with you.

  193. 193.

    pat

    @different-church-lady:

    After weeks of 60s weather (in Austria) (thank  you, Global Warming) today was cloudy and drizzly and in the 50s but I went for a walk with my umbrella and loved it.

    Maybe getting out of bed and out of the house would make a difference in your life?  Of course I have no idea, just thought I would mention Walking in the Rain.

    (of course it was more of a drizzle…)

    OK I’ll quit now.  Time for that red wine….

     

  196. 196.

    Baud

    @Matt McIrvin:

    We have a bad habit of promoting charlatans who say what we think we want to hear in times of political stress.

    We could easily be where Republicans are now psychologically if we didn’t have the diversity of voices we do.

  198. 198.

    stinger

    @TaMara:

    “MSNBC tells me women have forgotten about the Dobbs decision.”

    Ahahahahahahahaha!  <shakes head pseudo-affectionately at MSNBC> Oh, sweetie!

  200. 200.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Eyeroller: Me too.  Between Campos’ never-ending GarlandSux campaign and Loomis’ weird outrage over some people using “Latinx” to be more inclusive of Trans/Non-Binary people from that community and the comments being almost entirely gloom, doom (but do nothing about it) it’s become a place I just don’t want to spend much time.

  201. 201.

    artem1s

    @David 🌈☘The Establishment☘🌈 Koch:

    Hillary being investigated literally everyday during her candidacy established the precedent that you can investigate a candidate running as a Democrat during an election period

    not to mention the investigations didn’t start until she became the likely candidate. She hadn’t been SoS for almost 2 years when the whole #butheremail crap started up. If having the State Department approved server in her bathroom was truly a problem, why didn’t the FBI get involved when the server was being wiped (by the government – after she had already turned it in so the data could be retained by the national archives office)?​

  202. 202.

    mayim

    @Suzanne: not quite the same as a physical puzzle but I’ve been using Jigsaw Planet to do puzzles on-line. Doesn’t eliminate feline issues [I have one who is fascinated by movement on the computer screen] but no lost pieces under the sofa.

  203. 203.

    MomSense

    @Ivan X:

    They gotta sell those pharmaceuticals.  Sometimes I think the whole dysfunctional cycle revolves around selling expensive drugs.

  204. 204.

    Kay

    @rikyrah:

    They all say that though in Ohio- Sherrod says it, Obama said it. They all say they have to build their own from the ground up. It’s a criticism that should be taken seriously and addressed because it goes to why we pay Party people if our candidates don’t think they add any value.

  205. 205.

    Josie

    @Suzanne: ​
     I agree. I would add cooking something that takes time and focus (today it’s moussaka) and digging in the dirt are two other possibilities.
    Also, thanks for the puzzle holder idea. It gave me a start on finding something for Christmas for my crafty granddaughter.

  206. 206.

    Nelle

    @Jackie: Coming in very late but I have one with four drawers and I love it (I usually do 1000 piece puzzles).  I can slide it under the sofa if I need the space.  Via Amazon, I think.  It was an unexpected Christmas gift that I didn’t know I would enjoy so much.

  207. 207.

    NaijaGal

    @Brachiator: I spent a lot of time trying to decipher who appointed them in some cases, whether they’ve been a prosecutor or public defender in others, and how they’ve previously ruled on things I care about if they’ve already been judges. A lot of work.

    I’m like “Pete Wilson appointed this person, so red flag… let me see what they’ve been up to since then.” “Arnold appointed this other person, red flag… Ooh they’ve done some great work I can support.”

    We need more clear info on who’s funding judges.

  208. 208.

    Steeplejack

    @OzarkHillbilly:

    I figured if you’re Amazon- (or delivery-)phobic, there’s probably a Walmart in your neck of the woods. Could order for store pickup. Same for Staples, I guess, but I assume that’s more of an urban thing.

  209. 209.

    Jackie

    @Nelle: Thanks! I had hesitated in the past because of storage issues. The four drawers to store sorted pieces will be a game changer! My grandson has a roll up puzzle place holder, but it doesn’t keep loose sorted pieces sorted after rolling up.

  211. 211.

    Kelly

    @Jackie: “Simplistic” is the key word on the widespread misperception that the Republicans are better at running the economy. Most folks cannot accept that the US government budget an entirely different beast than their household budget or a business budget. Also you can’t run government like a business cause it ain’t a bizness.

    I was guilty of these misperceptions back in the 1980’s an 19990’s.

  212. 212.

    Matt McIrvin

    @Geminid: One of Campos’s doomy predictions is that the Republican Party will treat Trump as the de facto incumbent–there won’t be any debates, any viable challengers will not run and the party will actually cancel its primaries to nominate him by acclamation. Could be, I guess.

  213. 213.

    Matt McIrvin

    @kalakal: “Polls are often bad” doesn’t comfort me much–uncertainty is not our friend; they could just as easily be way off in our direction (that’s happened before, many times).

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