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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Picking up the Pieces

Picking up the Pieces

by | 173 Comments

This post is in: 

It’s been a while, and I am finally crawling out of my cave of covid and depression and wanted to offer proof of life.

Did some therapy, got some blood pressure meds because it had shot up the past few months, got an on-use anxiety med because I have been having anxiety attacks, and am trying to take care of myself. It’s a process.

In positive news, Katie Porter announced she is running for Senate and I am ALL THE FUCKING WAY IN right off the bat.

In other positive news, I am headed to Florida for a few weeks to dogsit for my college roommate again, and this time staying in a 3br cottage he owns. So that is nice.

In not so positive news, I have been humiliated by a piece of clothing I ordered. I picked out a caftan, it arrived today, and I am too fat for it. It fits like a head to toe girdle. I am not amused.

Reader Interactions

173Comments

  1. 1.

    Old School

    I assume you are not getting anything like I see in the ads when I google “caftan.”

    Glad to hear things are improving for you.

  2. 2.

    Odie Hugh Manatee

    “I am not amused.”

    I bet we would be! Good to hear from ya and keep on truckin…

  3. 3.

    planetjanet

    Good to hear from you, sir. It is right and proper to take care of yourself. A few weeks of warm weather sounds wonderful. Enjoy.

  4. 4.

    wmd

    Adam Schiff has been considering running as well. Either one would be a great Senator. California primary has top two go on to the general regardless of party, so Californian’s could be faced with a no lose situation in fall 2024 – a choice between Katie (awesome!) or Adam (fantastic!).

  6. 6.

    Omnes Omnibus

    Glad you are doing better. OTOH, I am rather agnostic on the Porter front.  I get a show pony feel from her.  Then again, I am not from CA and I also was not a big proponent of Fetterman.  Let’s see who else throws their hat in the ring.

  7. 7.

    C Stars

    I am so glad you’re taking care of yourself. Sometimes anxiety meds are so necessary. I try to avoid them because I get a little addicted, but when I ended up in the ER a few weeks ago with a crazy pounding heart and PVCs the doctor implored me to please NOT avoid them when I am genuinely having a panic attack. So, necessary, I think.

    I say keep trying with the caftan. Actually kind of jealous…now I want to order myself a caftan.

  8. 8.

    Danielx

    Any Dem except Feinstein, who has stayed too long at the fair. Good to hear you are doing better.

  9. 9.

    pacem appellant

    Katie Porter is going to finally replace DiFi , and I’m here for it! Now whether DiFi knows it or is too addled from whatever degenerative disease has sullied her legacy, is not for me to care. Porter is the smartest rep in CA’s caucus (and that includes Pelosi!). She can do this.

  10. 10.

    frosty

    Katie Porter is dead to me. She just woke me up from a nap with an unsolicited text. Then when I was nodding off again I got another one saying I was successfully unsubscribed.

    Grr!!!!

    (copied from a dead-ish thread)

  12. 12.

    Kyle

    Welcome back, Mr. Cole.  I, too, wanted a caftan until I tried one on.  Looked like a fat man wearing a table cloth.  In the event you get the desire for a poncho, it has the same effect.

  13. 13.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    @Omnes Omnibus: I have nothing against Porter, she strikes me as a better-than-average communicator, but not a powerhouse. I don’t understand how any Democrat could endorse Nina Turner post 2016, much less 2020, but I guess it’s possible Normie-ism even filters up to that level and she didn’t know about Jill Stein and “two bowls of shit” and was just listening to the wrong advisor, which could suggest a problem.

    Schiff has gotten on my nerves as he has encouraged the green-lanternism aimed at Garland (I suspect with an eye on this race), and especially as a former prosecutor I think he should know better. I guess I’ll just let the mystery be CA Dem primary voters decide.

  14. 14.

    JAFD

    Waybackwhen, I was really good friends with a young lady who came for a visit and modeled a kaftan she’d gotten for a birthday present.

    I told her that it looked terrific on her, but I really liked her better de-kaftanated.

    (Hope you’re feeling lots better, Mr. Cole, and taking care of yourself.)

  19. 19.

    Odie Hugh Manatee

    Whelp, the power is out again. Everything has been on backup power here at home for about 20 minutes now. I’m good for about another hour and a half and then it’s the Dark Ages. Damned storm is lashing the coast here in Oregon but the rain sure is welcome!

  20. 20.

    CaseyL

    Proof of life!  He is risen!

    Naw, Cole, you’re fine;  the caftan was made in China.  Any clothing you buy online that’s made in China is five sizes too small.

    Great to hear from you, and I hope you have a wonderful time dog-sitting in the Florida bungalow.

  21. 21.

    The Moar You Know

    So, CA voter here, and most of the political junkies are aware that Feinstein may not be playing with a full deck.  But normies in this state in general are not.  Also the CA Dem party is pretty much asleep at the wheel.
    Which leaves me with a hell of a choice; vote for someone else and run the risk of a Republican getting on the ballot, or vote for Feinstein.  If she’s on the primary  ballot I’m probably voting for her, but I won’t be happy about it.

    The Porter seat will probably flip if she goes, and I’m real reluctant to enable that.

  23. 23.

    Renie

    @wmd: That explains the tweet I saw that one of Schiff’s allies was saying it was unprofessional for Porter to announce now while California was going through the weather disaster.

  24. 24.

    pat

    So do you go alone to Florida to dog sit and who dog sits (and cat sits) for you while you are away?  Several weeks seems like a long time…

  28. 28.

    C Stars

    From Wiki:

    A kaftan or caftan (/ˈkæftæn/; Persian: خفتان, khaftān) is a variant of the robe or tunic. Originating in Asia, it has been worn by a number of cultures around the world for thousands of years. In Russian usage, kaftan instead refers to a style of men’s long suit with tight sleeves. It may be made of wool, cashmere, silk, or cotton, and may be worn with a sash. Popular during the time of the Ottoman Empire, detailed and elaborately designed garments were given to ambassadors and other important guests at the Topkapı Palace. Variations of the kaftan were inherited by cultures throughout Asia and were worn by individuals in Russia (North Asia, Eastern Europe and formerly Central Asia), Southwest Asia and Northern Africa.

    Styles, uses, and names for the kaftan vary from culture to culture. The kaftan is often worn as a coat or as an overdress, usually having long sleeves and reaching to the ankles. In regions with a warm climate, it is worn as a light-weight, loose-fitting garment. In some cultures, the kaftan has served as a symbol of royalty.

  29. 29.

    NotMax

    I am headed to Florida for a few weeks

    Colenado! Anticipating a fresh pannier of things about which to bitch.

    :)

  30. 30.

    🐾BillinGlendaleCA

    @JPL: I doubt that Newsom will run for Senate, historically being a sitting Senator is not a good platform for running for President.  Schiff is my Congressman, we like him here.  As I noted in my reply to Omnes and Moar reiterated, Porter’s seat will probably flip if she doesn’t run for re-election(Schiff’s won’t).

  31. 31.

    Suzanne

    A caftan? Might I recommend this thing I got at Costco: a HOODIE ROBE. 100% fuzzy, comes to my knees, HAS POCKETS. Makes me look sexy AF.

  34. 34.

    🐾BillinGlendaleCA

    Oh, and to answer WG’s question in an earlier thread this morning, Newsom is termed out.  The reason that Chairman Jerry served 4 terms as Governor is that his first 2 terms 1975-1983 were served before term limits were in effect, so he was able to run again.

  35. 35.

    bbleh

    Glad to hear things are better.  Having arranged a recent few weeks’ release from effective multiyear incarceration in WV and spending it in a tropical climate, I can testify to the wonders it works on both mood and health.  Milk it.

  36. 36.

    RepubAnon

    @Omnes Omnibus: In this media-driven age, we need someone who puts on a good show while clearly describing the problem.

    Besides, any Democrat would be better than DiFi, who is a Rockefeller Republican at heart

  37. 37.

    VFX Lurker

    @pacem appellant: Now whether DiFi knows it or is too addled from whatever degenerative disease has sullied her legacy, is not for me to care.

    Going to have to pie you for this one. Whether you do better in the future, is not for me to care.

  39. 39.

    Anyway

    @Suzanne:

    a HOODIE ROBE. 100% fuzzy, comes to my knees, HAS POCKETS. Makes me look sexy AF.

    Too warm for Floriduh…John should get it for WV

  41. 41.

    hilts

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    @schrodingers_cat:

    OTOH, I am rather agnostic on the Porter front.  I get a show pony feel from her.

    Few politicians show up to Congressional hearings better prepared to interview witnesses than Katie Porter, so I don’t know where either of you get the absurd notion that she’s a show pony.  She’s a great representative and would make a great senator.

  42. 42.

    VFX Lurker

    @RepubAnon: any Democrat would be better than DiFi

    This suggests that Democrats Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema are both “better” than Dianne Feinstein. Or California Democrat Kevin de Leon, even.

    EDIT: fellow Californian BillinGlendaleCA beat me to it.

  43. 43.

    Dangerman

    I wonder which Republican is prepared to humiliate himself/herself for CA Senate. Ain’t getting In the Top 2.

  47. 47.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    @pacem appellant:

    Porter is the smartest rep in CA’s caucus (and that includes Pelosi!). She can do this.

    There’s smart and there’s smart. I’m sure Katie Porter knows the tax code better than NP, who I don’t believe is a lawyer, but Pelosi knows the ways and mores of the House, and politics in general, better than Porter. Pelosi for instance wouldn’t have tried to do an end-run around Maxine Waters on the committee MW chairs. Not a smart move, especially for someone with statewide ambitions.

  49. 49.

    pacem appellant

    @hilts: I agree. And while the odds are that her house sit would flip should she leave it for the Senate, it’s not guaranteed. Orange county keeps trending bluer, and there’s nothing to indicate that a charismatic Dem like Porter couldn’t retain the seat.

    Also, maybe NY Dems step up a little and help us get the House back in 2024? Santos is not just an embarrassment to the House, but to NY, and especially to NY Dems (IMO).

  50. 50.

    Qrop Non Sequitur

    @Omnes Omnibus: Hey, sometimes you need to put on a show.
    I think a blend of show ponies and work horses is good.
    A blend of various show vermin, like the Republicans have with nary a worker in sight, not so good

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist: Pelosi for instance wouldn’t have tried to do an end-run around Maxine Waters on the committee MW chairs. Not a smart move, especially for someone with statewide ambitions.

    I am interested in this, though. Do elaborate.

  53. 53.

    schrodingers_cat

    The people on our side that make ageist remarks about Di-Fi and Biden usually have nothing to say about Maple Syrup Moses who is older than Biden. For them he is forever young.

  54. 54.

    Omnes Omnibus

    @hilts: The whiteboard comes off as a stunt to me.  Also, Hearings are one part of the job, but not the only one.  What’s her legislative record compared to someone like Lauren Underwood?  As I said, I am not from CA and what appeals to me is not universal.

  66. 66.

    Geminid

    @The Moar You Know: A Politico story on Porter’s announce meant noted that her announcement comes

    “before Feinstein announces her retirement- expected in the next couple months.”

    Politico also put up Porter’s announcement video, which is about 6 minutes long I think.

  68. 68.

    C Stars

    @divF: YouTube slid me from that AWB link right into a 2 hour J Dilla instrumental compilation track which has been a nice accompaniment our unusually thundery afternoon here in CA. Now I know the origin (far superior) of all those “low-fi beats” stations my kids listen to.

  71. 71.

    divF

    @Geminid: Barbara Lee is my Congresscritter and I am very happy with her. I think she is a complete non-starter for statewide office, though – way too left-wing (which is why we like her in Berkeley / Oakland).

  73. 73.

    Ohio Mom

    Happy to hear you are taking care of yourself and doing better Cole.

    For a men’s caftan, I would try Etsy and correspond with the seller before ordering — tell them your dimensions so they can tell you whether they will have something in your size, or would be able to sew or otherwise arrange for what you need.

    As for who should or shouldn’t run for Feinstein’s seat, I had a moment when I thought, is Katie Porter really a good idea? And then I realized it doesn’t matter what I think. My thoughts influence nothing, and I am not eligible to vote anywhere but Ohio.

    Now I can go back to brooding about things I do have responsibility for.

  76. 76.

    Suzanne

    @pacem appellant: I will note that I definitely think Bernie Sanders is too old for a future political career. And I feel more positively inclined toward him than many here.

  82. 82.

    divF

    @C Stars: I have great fun every once in a while doing the “Oh, you like that riff? Well, here is where it came from” to the younglings. Youtube is very handy for that.

  84. 84.

    WaterGirl

    @Qrop Non Sequitur: I don’t think it’s ageist to point out that a person is no longer fit for office – if they are getting senile.  For real, not the Biden is senile bullshit.

    And there is plenty of evidence that Diane F. in CA is having trouble with her faculties.

  88. 88.

    trollhattan

    @schrodingers_cat: The CA general primary is 17 months away, so not too soon to announce, organize a campaign, fundraise.

    Feinstein had 31 primary challengers in 2018, 9 Dems. The Party endorsed de Leon in the general, for all the difference that made.

    The governor appoints a successor should she retire in the meantime and that incumbency would be too tall a mountain to climb provided Newsom did not make a great miscalculation, and he’s already done this a lot.

  89. 89.

    Geminid

    @🐾BillinGlendaleCA: You sound very certain. I only ask because I’ve seen people suggesting it’s a possibility. I can see how moving to the Senate after six years as Governor might be an attractive prospect.

  90. 90.

    trollhattan

    @WaterGirl: It’s observable and of great concern to this constituent. I don’t see anybody here accusing Pelosi of not being awesome, she’s 83 in March.

  91. 91.

    Ohio Mom

    @schrodingers_cat: I agree that Senators have an outsized effect on the entire country, not just the state they represent. But like you, I’m not sending her any money, not that the small amount I could send would make much difference by itself.

    It’s not that I don’t want a strong Democrat in that Senate seat, it’s just that I am training myself not to get wrapped up in every little thing. Whether I like the idea of Katie Porter or like Adam Schiff or someone else better, my thoughts don’t influence anything but my mood.

  92. 92.

    trollhattan

    @Geminid: If higher office is in Newsom’s future, money has him aiming for president and not the senate.

    Naturally, when the topic of DiFi resigning comes up around Sacramento, the utter gamesmanship of appointing himself to finish out her term never fails to come up.

    Kinda boring right now, so…. Except for all that frickin’ rain.

  94. 94.

    tobie

    @Ohio Mom: That’s the conclusion I came to with the PA Senate race. I certainly wanted Fetterman to win for the sake of the Dem hold on the Senate. But from watching the debates in the primary I knew I wasn’t enthusiastic about Fetterman, so it was best to leave the race to Pennsylvanians. It was the first time in 20 years I didn’t doorknock in the state. I gave to the state party and left things at that.

  95. 95.

    satby

    I was unaware that Michael Fanone left the police force without a pension after all the trauma he suffered on Jan. 6. There’s now a GoFundMe for him, in case anyone wants to send him a tangible thanks for his defense of the Capitol that day.

  97. 97.

    p.a.

    All I know of Porter is her gutripping questioning during hearings.  As far as showmanship, well what better way to reach ‘normies’?  (As long as there’s substance too.)

    Also re: DiFi, if our democracy is truly on a knife edge (I think it is) there’s only so much “x is owed consideration” we can put up with if x is not contributing positively (or has to be handled and gently guided into contributing positively by staff.)

  98. 98.

    Geminid

     

     

    @trollhattan: I expect Newsom does want to be President. Winning a Senate seat would not hurt his chances, though, unless he has 2028 in mind.

    And being a Senator is one of the best jobs in politics. Plenty of prestige, and the workload is not that demanding.

  102. 102.

    geg6

    Florida????  There’s nothing on earth that could get me to go to Florida.  I never liked it before it went completely bonkers crazy, but I could go there to visit friends or relatives and not feel bad about it.  As it stands now, I’ll never step foot in that godforsaken hellhole ever again.  And I don’t have to because almost all my friends and relatives who used to live there have spent the last 7 or 8 years moving back to PA.
    But glad to see you’re doing better, Cole.  Not sure being in Florida is helpful for you but you do you.

  103. 103.

    trollhattan

    @Geminid: He will wait to see if Biden announces and only then, will he run. He will not primary the president but should Biden decide to not (which will be a huge surprise) then I’ll give it 80% chance Newsom announces soon after.

    ETA Biden could perhaps appoint him to cabinet for Biden II, reelection boogaloo. Gavin will be termed out and looking for a jerb. Possible launchpad for a presidential run.

  104. 104.

    Princess

    I’m not going to contribute to any state primaries but my own. I think outsiders get things wrong. And DiFi is four years too late for a dignified stepping- down. I’m tired of people who treat Congress like a retirement home and there are offenders on both sides of the aisle Chuck Grassley.

  105. 105.

    Geminid

    @trollhattan: So you are talking 2024 here. Newsome might go for it, but he is relatively young and his “window” extends into the next decade, I think.

  106. 106.

    Qrop Non Sequitur

    @Princess: I only contribute out of state. My home state Ds are dominant electorally and pretty well financed so I usually focus on volunteer work for them.

    I’ll pick races out of state to donate because I feel that’s the only way I could conceivably move the needle.

  107. 107.

    trollhattan

    @Geminid: Yep. He’s the state’s second or third-best known politician and while Republicans loathe him, I think he’s generally well liked.

    TBH pondering 2028 makes my brain hurt and there’s plenty of time for that.

  108. 108.

    Suzanne

    @Ohio Mom:

    It’s not that I don’t want a strong Democrat in that Senate seat, it’s just that I am training myself not to get wrapped up in every little thing. Whether I like the idea of Katie Porter or like Adam Schiff or someone else better, my thoughts don’t influence anything but my mood. 

    At this point, I would vote for a goddamn Jello “salad” with those stupid orange slices in it — as long as it had a D next to its name — before I voted for anyone else (or didn’t vote at all). So I don’t get too wrapped up in the specific candidate. The consensus choice is utterly fine. California has many good Dems. I’m not going to get all invested in Porter or Schiff or anyone else. In general, I want the most progressive candidate who has a good chance of winning given the specific makeup of their electorate.

    But: Jello salad.

    Do they keep the GOP in the minority? Oh, they do?! GREAT!

  113. 113.

    Anyway

    @Geminid:

    Going from the Chief Executive of the state ( esp a large one like CA) to being one of 100 senators doesn’t sound all that great, honestly

    ETA  same for Gov Gretchen and Sec Pete B.

  117. 117.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    @satby:

    I read the description before asking and it didn’t really go into detail about why. Oh well, it’s not that important

  118. 118.

    Geminid

    @Anyway: Senator is a prestigious job in the political center of the nation, one of the best in American politics. It could be that Newsom will accept no less than the Presidency, but he knows that most people who try for that job miss out anyway.

    I know little about Newsome except he appears politically ambitious and doesn’t seem the type to walk away from politics. Serving as Senator would not impair his chances for a Presidential run except in 2028. That would be job skipping a little too quickly. But 2032 or 2036 are a different story.

    But it is said that local reports are that Newsome is not pursuing this seat. If that is so, he likely will explicitly “shut the door” by next year if not before.

  122. 122.

    Jackie

    @divF: She is also 76. I want a new generation of senators AND congress persons. My Senator is Patty Murray, and I love her, but I hope she hangs up her tennis shoes after this term.

  124. 124.

    Gvg

    @schrodingers_cat: no she deserves to be pushed out. Last time was when she deserved to announce her retirement. Now she is so senile, we desperately need to make her aware we aren’t going to re-elect her so she better make it look like her choice to retire.  At least that’s my interpretation of watching her. She is really out of it sometimes and with out thin majorities I don’t want to risk it any more. Sorry.

    Of course I am not a California voter so it’s not really up to me.

  125. 125.

    Gvg

    I hope you enjoy Florida and get some sun. Which part are you headed for? Weather has been quite pleasant except the few days after Christmas when it was cold and we hid indoors. I went to a Camellia show last weekend. May go for a hike this weekend.

  128. 128.

    MomSense

    I’m so glad you are feeling better, Cole.

    My youngest and his girlfriend have been isolating upstairs since they came back from Quebec with COVID.  They’ve had a tough time of it.  I think he has turned the corner but she is still struggling.  I’ve been doing a lot of grocery shopping and cooking.  They really are so sweet and such a nice couple – they care about and for each other which makes me really happy.
    Another family member (not immediate family) just got some really bad fuck fucking cancer news and I think they have finally relented and will allow me to help.

  129. 129.

    Geminid

    @Gvg: According to today’s Politico article Feinstein’s retirement announcement is “expected in the next couple months.”

    I don’t think Porter is pushing anybody out, just getting the jump in the competition.

  130. 130.

    satby

    @WaterGirl: @Goku (aka Amerikan Baka): From the link:
    Having been an undercover officer, Fanone’s anonymity was blown and he was unable to return to the job he dedicated his life to and loved so much. For simply telling the truth about what happened on that horrific day, Mike was threatened and harassed by fellow officers and former friends when he returned from medical leave. This forced him to walk away from a twenty-year career with the DC Metro Police department, without pension or benefits. [presumably, he needed 25 years in-sb]

    Since then, Mike has only been able to find part-time work as an analyst on CNN. This provides no benefits or healthcare coverage for him and his family. At every job he’s applied for since January 6th, Mike’s been told that, while he is a hero, he is “too polarizing a figure” for them to offer him employment.

    Mike receives death threats daily and, traumatically, his mother and young daughters have as well. He is followed, heckled and stalked, accused of being a “crisis actor” by those who seek to bury the truth of what radical extremists did that day. Mike has nonetheless boldly continued to publicly speak out about what he lived through on January 6th and warn us that the threat to our democracy is still a clear and present danger.

  131. 131.

    Hitchhiker

    @schrodingers_cat:

    Feinstein should retire but she deserves to announce her plans before other Ds throw their hat in the ring

    Deserves?

    She deserves thanks and congratulations for her long service to the country, but it’s not part of the deal that no one can challenge her until she’s good and ready.

    Also, it’s unbelievable that she hasn’t announced retirement yet. It makes no sense for all potential candidates to sit on their hands while an 89 yr old person tries to make up her mind. At some point it becomes an insult to younger people to suggest that none of them might be better able to take on the job.

  133. 133.

    CaseyL

    Newsom is, from what I can tell, someone who likes to make decisions that lead to action and change quickly.  The Senate is not that place.

    He’d go from being the Chief Executive of what is essentially a nation-state to the Junior Senator of California (Padilla would become the Senior Senator), one of 100, at the back of the line for committee assignments.

    I think he’d go insane in the Senate.

    Now, he might decide that’s his best next step after terming-out as Governor, but I don’t expect him to enjoy it even if he wins.  He’d be a better off angling for a Cabinet position in a please-dear-god second term Biden Administration.

  135. 135.

    satby

    @glc: yeah, I thought most people realized he’s only 42, way below a M(inimum) R(etirement) A(ge).

    To me, the why was way less material than the current reality, but that’s just how I roll.

  136. 136.

    RSA

    @Amir Khalid: I’m five foot nine and 145lbs. When I buy Asian-made clothes, I’m usually an XL.

    The median height of a U.S. adult male is 69.1 inches; weight is just under 200 pounds.  You’d fit right in!

  138. 138.

    schrodingers_cat

    @Hitchhiker: Katie Porter barely won her current seat. Has a thin legislative record. And we are not even a week into the new Congress. And California is battling an emergency right now. This was hardly great timing even if we leave Diane Feinstein out of the picture.

  139. 139.

    VFX Lurker

    @Hitchhiker: It makes no sense for all potential candidates to sit on their hands while an 89 yr old person tries to make up her mind.

    Senator Robert Byrd served in office until his death at age 92. Senator Strom Thurmond served in office until age 100.

    Californians had the chance to replace Feinstein with a much younger Democrat in 2018. Boy, did we ever dodge a bullet. I am so glad my fellow Californians chose Feinstein over Kevin de Leon.

  140. 140.

    Bobby Thomson

    Katie Porter is terrible and probably won’t finish in the top 5 in a jungle primary.  Her endorsement of Nina Turner over Shontel Brown alone was disqualifying.  Holding up a book by a right wing author in a dumbass performative stunt wasn’t exactly smart.  Gov. Newsom has said he will appoint a Black woman to the seat if it becomes vacant before the end of Feinstein’s tenure.  And in addition to the pointless antagonism from announcing less than a week after the Congress was sworn in, she did it in the middle of a natural disaster that’s already killed 15 people in her state.  (Even Khanna called her out for that.)  No political sense at all.  Like we need another post office namer addicted to cameras.

    People I would prefer for this nomination over Porter:

    Barbara Lee

    London Breed

    Adam Schiff

    Ted Lieu

    Jerry Brown

    The corpse of Earl Warren

    The Zodiac Killer

  141. 141.

    James E Powell

    @🐾BillinGlendaleCA:

    I kind of do as well, and I am from California.  I’m also somewhat worried that we’ll lose that seat in the House.

    I’m not sure what’s show pony about her. The white board thing? My gripe with that is that it doesn’t seem to work. She makes strong, factually supported arguments, but they don’t seem to penetrate into the political discourse or the voters minds.

    Not excited about a Porter v Schiff v who else? battle.

    Also agree that without her, we probably lose that seat.

  143. 143.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    @satby:

    Look, I was just trying to make conversation. I was simply curious about why specifically he lost his pension. I wasn’t aware of the Minimum Retirement Rules

  144. 144.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    @glc:

    Thank you for actually answering my question. Most places that I’m aware of, it’s usually 5 years or less to vest into a pension.

    Fanone is taking quite a hit sadly

  146. 146.

    Geminid

    @VFX Lurker: From what I’ve read, Senator Feinstein has decided to retire and will announce this within the next two months. I realize campaigns are starting earlier these days but I don’t think Adam Schiff or Barbara Lee will be disadvantaged if they wait. Feinstein’s not a bad actor here; I think people are taking their other gripes out on her over this issue.

    I’m not going to say Porter’s a bad actor either, but she will both gain and lose by announcing at this early date. Some Californians will question her timing because they are in the middle of a very severe natural disaster. It wouldn’t have hurt Porter if she’d waited for the water to stop rising to announce she wants to be their “champion.”

    And while a lot of people here disparage Dianne Feinstein, she still has a loyal following in California and they’ll have hard feelings over this. Porter has an enthusiastic following herself, but she’ll have to attract more people than that to win this seat. I wonder if the circumstances of this announcement will help or hinder that effort.

  149. 149.

    Geminid

    @James E Powell: The Cook’s PVI for the California 47th CD is D+3. I think Porter won by about that number last November.

    Porter’s fans see her as an exceptionally formidable politician, but it still could be that another Democrat would do as well. I guess we’ll find out in 2024.

  150. 150.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    @Geminid: a twitter superstar and their twitter followers have overestimated their popularity with the broader Democratic Party, and actual voters? I don’t think that’s a thing that happens….

  152. 152.

    C Stars

    @CaseyL: I think this is a solid assessment of the Newsom situation. I expect to see him run for POTUS in my lifetime, but would be surprised if he ran for Senate.

  153. 153.

    Stuart Frasier

    Probably a dead thread, but the Dems flipped a seat in the VA state senate tonight.  It’s pretty huge, as it means that Youngkin won’t have the votes for any anti-abortion laws.

  157. 157.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    Absolutely disgusting. This man is a damn physician and he’s advocating such nonsense. He’s putting his political career above science and the lives of his constituents. But then he’s a GQPer in 2023, so it’s sadly predictable

  158. 158.

    satby

    @Goku (aka Amerikan Baka): vesting in a pension doesn’t mean you can collect it before retirement age. I vested in 5 years, the company got ended it in the sixth year for new enrollments; but the earliest I could collect it was at 59 1/2.  Assuming similar circumstances, that means at least 17 years before Fanone could collect on any pension he might be vested in. Long time to go without a steady income and suffering some disability while raising kids.

  159. 159.

    James E Powell

    @Geminid:

    After losing two D+ southern California districts to first term Rs, I’m starting to look sideways at the Cook PVI.

    California 27th – D+4 – lost by 6.4%

    California 45th – D+2 – lost by 4.8%

    I will be bitter about this for a while.

  160. 160.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    @satby:

    I feel really bad for him for sure. His GoFundMe met it’s goal and then some at least. I wish the best for him and his family

  162. 162.

    Geminid

    @Stuart Frasier: From the twitter account of Democratic Senate Leader L. Louise Lucas:

    BRICK WALL   1

    YOUNGKIN      0

    @SenLouiseLucas

    The election was in the Virginia Beach Senate District vacated by Republican Jen Kiggans. Kiggans ran and won last year against Representative Elaine Luria (VA-2). I believe the winner, Aaron Rouse, is a local elected official. He had a several-year NFL career after playing for Virginia Tech. Hokie Strong!

    A Democrat also won a special election for a House of Delegates seat today. I’m not sure if that was a flip.

  163. 163.

    Another Scott

    @Geminid: +1

    There were 3 special elections in VA today.

    BlueVirginia.US has a live blog with more.

    tl;dr – Blue VA House district HD35 stayed Blue.
    Red VA House district HD24 stayed Red.
    Red VA Senate district SD07 flipped to Blue. Yay Aaron Rouse!

    A good day.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  164. 164.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    @Geminid:

    A Democrat also won a special election for a House of Delegates seat today. I’m not sure if that was a flip.

    Via VPAP.org

    HD 35. It was a Dem hold. Still a great result, of course. The other HD seat up for this special was HD 24, which was an R hold

  166. 166.

    James E Powell

    @Goku (aka Amerikan Baka):

    Yes, these are strange times, but isn’t every time a little strange? I mean, it will always baffle & infuriate me that fucking Trump was even close, let alone that he won, then being close again the second time after it was obvious he was a corrupt, incompetent asshole.

    But compared with some other eras, maybe not so bad?

  168. 168.

    Pennsylvanian

    @CaseyL:  Cannot agree more strongly! Got a three piece clothing order did not realize was from China; could have been a sizing sampler. One star, cannot recommend?

    Didn’t realize, and lesson learned.

  169. 169.

    JAFD

    @Pennsylvanian: ​
     Agreed. I always like to buy clothes in person, try them on. Got to get to Jersey Garden soon, pick up some winter duds while sales on.
    (Also, was oldest grandchild, father’s side of family. Always got new clothes, would see my cousins wearing them couple of years later.)

  170. 170.

    JAFD

    One thing I think Dem primary voters ought to take account of is that we ought to put, into the ‘Triple A’ jobs. people who can successfully run for President.  Being a Senator, or Governor of a major state, is a place to build a national reputation.  If one of those positions is ‘clogged’ for a decade by someone who can’t or won’t move up (ie, Cuomo, to name two), all us Democrats will regret it.

  171. 171.

    Geminid

    @JAFD: I dunno. If Democratic primary voters choose the best person for that job without regard for their ability to “moveup,” it seems like we’ll srill have enough Presidential material among ~50 Senatorsand ~25 Governors.

    I sometimes think we look at politicians too much in terms of whether they’ll advance in status, and do not value enough their work at the jobs they do. A version of the “horserace” analysis that permeates our discussion of politics.

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