Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Bad people in a position to do bad things will do bad things because they are bad people. End of story.

The unpunished coup was a training exercise.

So many bastards, so little time.

We will not go quietly into the night; we will not vanish without a fight.

Disappointing to see gov. newsom with his finger to the wind.

Democracy cannot function without a free press.

The worst democrat is better than the best republican.

The cruelty is the point; the law be damned.

Prediction: the gop will rethink its strategy of boycotting future committees.

Their boy Ron is an empty plastic cup that will never know pudding.

I see no possible difficulties whatsoever with this fool-proof plan.

Jesus, Mary, & Joseph how is that election even close?

Peak wingnut was a lie.

Our job is not to persuade republicans but to defeat them.

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

Putting aside our relentless self-interest because the moral imperative is crystal clear.

Museums are not America’s attic for its racist shit.

With all due respect and assumptions of good faith, please fuck off into the sun.

The Giant Orange Man Baby is having a bad day.

If ‘weird’ was the finish line, they ran through the tape and kept running.

Never entrust democracy to any process that requires republicans to act in good faith.

The willow is too close to the house.

JFC, are there no editors left at that goddamn rag?

We will not go back.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Open Thread: Can I Answer the Question? No You Can Not!

Open Thread: Can I Answer the Question? No You Can Not!

by | 121 Comments

This post is in: 

Unbelievable.  Except of course, it’s not!

Republicans are showing their asses at a whole new level.  Will it be enough?

Open thread.

Update: Found this after I put up the post.  It can’t be the same day, though, because the suit color is wrong.  Still funny.

 

Reader Interactions

121Comments

  1. 1.

    Tom Levenson

    I don’t know why every time I see or hear Ted Cruz my mind flashes on a giant fire ant colony, four stakes, leather straps, and a big jar of honey–all under a blazing south Texas sun.

  2. 2.

    Baud

    Dude, Garland didn’t want to answer your stupid question. You fell into his trap, fool.

  4. 4.

    delphinium

    As commented on the last thread, I am optimistic these hearings will do more damage to Republicans than good. It won’t make a difference to the MAGAs and their ilk, but think it will be a turn off to independents/soft-leaning republicans which may enable us to switch some seats in 2024.

    Also, had to laugh at “Budget Wolverine” reference to Cruz in that tweet.

  5. 5.

    laura

    It’ll never be enough- there’s always more ass to be shown. Facism isn’t a boot stomping a face, it’s a big, filthy, hairy, pimpled ass forever backing up into the face of humanity.

  8. 8.

    RaflW

    @Tom Levenson: Having lived in Texas, all one needs is two stakes and some leg irons. The ants will do the rest, gratis. Leaving the hands free to flail adds to the comedy.

  9. 9.

    Amir Khalid

    It offends me to watch Ted Cruz shout AG Garland down. Why doesn’t the committee chair tell him to shut up and let Garland finish his answer?

  13. 13.

    RaflW

    @WaterGirl: My guess is a mix of: let out enough rope for Teddy to hurt himself + trying to rein him in would be a more beneficial Fox clip for Cruz.

    Durbin did at least part of the time use his chair position to pause GOP questions and let Garland answer (probably also suspending the clock so that there wouldn’t be a squabble over Durbin using the cough honorable Republican’s time).

  14. 14.

    Almost Retired

    Every time Josh Hawley feels secure in his status as the biggest asshole in the Senate, Ted Cruz does something to retake the crown.   Fire ants for Ted in Texas, Copperhead snakes for Hawley in Missouri.

  16. 16.

    Captain C

    Not that it would ever happen, but wouldn’t it be funny if, in response to Cruz, Garland said, “I’ve sworn to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and you are attempting to stop me.  Are you suborning perjury, sir?  Do I have to appoint an independent counsel for you?”

  18. 18.

    RaflW

    Kerry is a former Colorado state senator and served as president pro tempore. Nice to see some pols with cis privilege using it:

    @KerryDonovanCO
    Drag Queen Appreciation Post:
    I love drag queens. From Felicia Jollygoodfellow to Laura Menorah, drag has brought me so much joy, laughter, and happy song-alongs.

    Thank you to all the fabulous queens out there making people of all ages and stripes smile and laugh this weekend.
    11:16 AM · Mar 4, 2023

  19. 19.

    FelonyGovt

    If it hasn’t already, I suggest the post title for a rotating tag (if it’s not too long).

    I sincerely hope Dem strategists are paying attention and saving video clips of these clown shows for future TV and social media campaign.

  21. 21.

    lollipopguild

    @laura: I remember back when Newt came to power in 1994, someone said the higher Newt goes the more of his ass he is going to show you. Some people are never ready for prime time. The comment on showing his ass can now be applied to Desantis as well.

  23. 23.

    Obvious Russian Troll

    @laura:

    On the one hand, that is one of the most apt metaphors for the current mess I’ve ever heard.

    On the other hand, I keep picturing it.

  24. 24.

    TriassicSands

    @delphinium:

    I doubt if enough people watched this sorry performance to make any difference. Americans are not known for their interest in being well informed. They can watch an endless stream of idiotic superhero movies, but watch a hearing that deals with real and important issues? Not likely.

  25. 25.

    WaterGirl

    @Omnes Omnibus: What about the decorum that they still pretend to have one the Senate?  Serious question: do you think it’s not a good idea for the chair of the committee to ask that people be courteous to the people they are questioning, and to let them answer the questions they are asked?  And then express their chagrin when that is not followed by Republicans?

    Would there be a downside to doing that?

  26. 26.

    Jackie

    Just read a clip where MAGAts are growing increasingly concerned about TFG not getting off Mar a Lago properties to campaign, and only campaigning late at night via his truthiness media.

    Reminded me of TFG et al giving Biden grief about “campaigning from his basement” DURING COVID/pre vaccinations. Biden and his campaign surrogates need to start needling TFG for being afraid to leave his MAL cocoon – and quiz him on his cowardness.

  28. 28.

    TriassicSands

    @Amir Khalid:

    I watched the entire hearing and the only time a Democrat made any reference to the appalling behavior of most of the Republicans was when Senator Hirono referred to ‘badgering the witness.” The chair sat silently while Republicans senators behaved like schoolyard bullies.

    On the other hand, Garland was frequently rattled and appeared cowed. I doubt his performance will inspire confidence in his willingness and ability to hold people truly accountable.

    However, the confidence issue may be different from what Garland will actually do. That said, I do find it hard to believe that DOJ employees who may overstep their authority or otherwise misbehave are concerned about the response of the AG. I don’t doubt his commitment to the law, but I find it difficult to imagine him confronting people face to face. As always, opinions will likely differ.

  30. 30.

    gene108

    So Cruz wants the DOJ to prosecute people before LE even charges them with a crime?

  32. 32.

    TriassicSands

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    The Chair is responsible for maintaining an atmosphere of appropriate decorum. There is nothing wrong with a Chair telling questioners to be respectful. I have heard them do that many times over the years.

    On the other hand, nothing says the person being questioned can’t stand up for themselves and demand a modicum of courtesy. Garland didn’t, which simply invited ever more rudeness.

    Garland seems like a very decent person. But the AG needs to be more than decent to command respect, especially in the D.C. environment of 2023.

    The appalling behavior of most of the Republicans has an impact on everyone in the hearing and the perceptions of those watching. The only Republican whose behavior was exemplary was Senator Tillis of NC. He was unfailingly polite, never shouted, didn’t interrupt, but actually used most of his time to speak rather than question. He stated clearly that his questions would be submitted in written form.

  35. 35.

    WaterGirl

    @Omnes Omnibus: I get that whether to call it out or not is a choice.  I guess what I’m asking is… if you were committee chair, or if the chair asked you for your opinion, what would you do?  What would you say?

  38. 38.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    @TriassicSands:

    I don’t doubt his commitment to the law, but I find it difficult to imagine him confronting people face to face.

    IANAL, but I’m having trouble imagining a scenario in which the Attorney General “confronting people face to face” is relevant to a possible prosecution of trump.

  43. 43.

    TriassicSands

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    My preconceptions, such as they were, were primarily about what to expect from Republicans. They didn’t disappoint. As for Garland, my hope is always that he will be effective. Different people will come down differently on that question, but I doubt if anyone would suggest that Garland is a forceful presence who commands respect.

    He deserves respect as a person and for his position, but we all know that isn’t going to be offered by most Republican senators.

    I have no idea what the outcome of these critically important investigations will be. I can hope, but that won’t have any effect. I don’t doubt Garland’s commitment to the law, but if i were in need of a powerful advocate, I would look elsewhere.

  45. 45.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    @Baud: the trial begins when Tina Turner shows up and belts out We Don’t Need Another Hero!

  46. 46.

    WaterGirl

    @TriassicSands: Did you read the Washington Post article from this week where it was made known that the FBI absolutely didn’t want a search warrant for MaL – they wanted to just ask him nicely again – and Garland pushed the issue, made the call, and did it anyway?

  47. 47.

    WaterGirl

    @TriassicSands:

    No one is above the law.  (But the *FBI disagreed and felt Trump was above the law as a former president.)

    Garland means it when he says it.  I felt that story shed light on the Special Counsel decision, too.  The FBI can’t even try to get in the way of the Special Counsel.

    In my opinion, anyone who thinks Garland is a milquetoast isn’t paying attention.  I think he has a spine of steel when it comes to rule of law.  What more could you want from the Attorney General of the United States?

    *re: the FBI, the call is coming from inside the house.

  49. 49.

    TriassicSands

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    It has to do with his ability to control the behavior of employees of the DOJ who, clearly, at times have abused their authority. I don’t think it’s a common occurrence, but when it happens it damages the department, the rule of law, and, if a Democrat is AG, the party itself. (Note: IOKIYAR)

    I’m not sure what DOJ employees would think of their boss appearing rattled and cowed when being questioned by obnoxious thugs. I’d hope that they would understand that Garland’s other very positive qualities are what matters most. But one doesn’t have to look far to find comments (from Democrats) disparaging Garland’s behavior in the hearings. From the Twitter link:

    “Cruz is a belligerent idiot. But I wish we had someone besides Milquetoast Garland running Justice.”

    “I’m all for Cruz screaming at Merrick Garland. I want to scream at him, myself. Did he ask that toothless sloth why he hasnt moved to prosecute Trump, yet?”

    “Sometimes I think Attorney General Milquetoast brings this on himself. He has the fighting spirit of a day old kitten and the balls of the Cowardly Lion. I get making sure you’re ducks are all in a row. But he still can’t make a case against Trump that any assistant district attorney in Shake Rag, Tennessee could make over a lunch break.”

    To cite a few. Those are a lot more harsh than my feelings toward Garland, but unless you are a person who simply refuses to criticize a Democrat, the responses to him are at least understandable.

    People differ — greatly.

  50. 50.

    WaterGirl

    @Tom Levenson:

    Who knows what bits linger in the deep, dank recesses one’s memory?

    When I had my kitchen re-done, I drew a design ofwhat I wanted the top cabinets to be, and I drew another design for a display cabinet that I wanted on the other side of the lower cabinets on the other side of the room (those would face the dining room)

    When my older sister visited and saw my new kitchen for the first time, she said “those look just like the kitchen cabinets that were in our apartment across the street before we moved.”

    I was TWO YEARS OLD when we moved across the street to the only childhood home that I have any memory of.

    Yet I created cabinets that apparently looked just like those.

  51. 51.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    @TriassicSands: Oh. I didn’t know people on twitter had typed things.

    That’s very different

    But he still can’t make a case against Trump that any assistant district attorney in Shake Rag, Tennessee could make over a lunch break

    I’m sure that person is steeped in the law, has a keen understanding of the burden of proof around seditious conspiracy, and vast experience persuading juries in the face of very expensive defense lawyers and (possibly) hostile judges.

  53. 53.

    TriassicSands

    @Omnes Omnibus:  Cruz is only hurting himself. He doesn’t look tough. He is not being effective. I’d let let him go.

    Yes and no. His supporters love it and his behavior helps him. Sane, responsible people will be appalled and if they generalize Cruz’s appalling behavior to the GOP (since Cruz only narrowly won the “Biggest Asshole” award in that hearing) then it could help Democrats.* However, in Texas, which is what Cruz is most narrowly focused on, his behavior is a gold star. If he thinks that kind of behavior will help him become president, then he’s even dumber than I think he is. Is there anyone it is easier to dislike than Cruz?

     

    *However, so few people watch these hearings that I doubt it has much effect either way. On the other hand, Cruz is just being Cruz — he’s the scorpion on the frog’s back. He can’t help himself.

  54. 54.

    Layer8Problem

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:  “If this was Boston Legal, Alan Shore (James Spader) would have had Trump trussed up on the prosecution’s table with an apple in his mouth inside of a three-episode story arc.  Garland’s kung-fu is weak.”

  55. 55.

    RaflW

    Christ on a cracker, Cruz made some sort of insane ramble in ref the FAA nominee hearing that “it gives no comfort to the flying public that their pilot might be a transgender witch who doesn’t actually know how to prevent a plane from crashing.”

    It’s just such incoherent garbage. Anything can be a punching bag from this sh*tstain.

    I follow a very nice, very “I love aviation!” pilot at UPS, her name is Kelly Lepley, she was in Minneapolis not long ago on one of her 747 trips and went over to the avgeek photo area to just chew the fat with airplane fans.

    Anyway, Cruz was sich a raging jackass that he got the mild and delightful capt. Lepley to tweet his ass. What a g.d. pathetic horror he is.

  57. 57.

    WaterGirl

    @Layer8Problem: Boston Legal was a great show!

    Though its memory has been spoiled a bit since I learned that Billy Barr and one of the other insurrectionist-planning cretins would often sip brandy together at the end fo the week.

    I used to love that scene at the end of every show.

  58. 58.

    UncleEbeneezer

    Merrick Garland has Trump and Republicans, shitting their pants over looming indictments.  He personally signed off on the search warrant for M-A-L, over the objections of FBI investigators.  I don’t give a single f***, how he comes across at this stupid circus.  He’s showing courage in the ways that actually matter.

  60. 60.

    TriassicSands

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    It doesn’t matter if someone is “steeped in the law.” I think that comment is ridiculous, but it’s an opinion and opinions are expressed during elections.

    It’s completely understandable — to me at least — that people have unrealistic expectations about justice. Trump is so obviously a criminal that people can delude themselves into believing that that should be easy to translate into an indictment and conviction. I have absolute confidence in Garland following the law. I have less confidence that he will make the “right” decision about indictments and trials. But that is because he and i probably have different attitudes toward trying Trump. I can easily imagine Trump escaping a conviction (it only takes a vote by one juror) even if the evidence is overwhelming. Short of that, I would still want to see him tried, while Garland may have to weigh the likelihood of conviction. Ultimately, it’s his call.

  62. 62.

    delphinium

    @TriassicSands: He deserves respect as a person and for his position, but we all know that isn’t going to be offered by most Republican senators.

    And am guessing Garland knew this going into the hearings and that he wasn’t going to get any respect no matter how he responded; so maybe he decided to ‘lay low’ rather than repeatedly engage and abet their attention-seeking.

    And, if Garland did show aggressive signs of push back, would guess the Twitterati response would be how unprofessional that was. We’ve been to this rodeo before. Maybe let the people who participate in the hearings decide for themselves how best to respond, given the circumstances.

  63. 63.

    Layer8Problem

    @WaterGirl:  Shatner and Spader dancing in Shatner’s office, with Spader saying “I can outdance you backwards and in heels”:  That’s jurisprudence.

  64. 64.

    narya

    @delphinium: And, really, the no-you-can’t-answer-the-question-i-asked is getting some play, which is good.

    Also: I finally got off my sorry butt and got postcards and stamps and got approved to send them to voters! Woo!!

  69. 69.

    Layer8Problem

    @WaterGirl:  Good god, that Republican mob enforcer and a henchman with cigars and brandy after a hard week chipping away at democracy?  The show’s producers should sue just for the sake of principle.

  70. 70.

    Frankensteinbeck

    @Jackie:

    TFG not getting off Mar a Lago properties to campaign

    Which is very strange, since the greatest joy of his life is playing Hitler at campaign rallies.  Something serious must be stopping him.  Money?  Crowd sizes so small he gets an ego hit instead of a rush?  Health?  Depression so severe he can’t do his favorite pick-me-up?

  71. 71.

    TriassicSands

    @WaterGirl: No one is above the law.

    Oh, how I wish that were true. History argues otherwise.

    In my opinion, anyone who thinks Garland is a milquetoast isn’t paying attention.  I think he has a spine of steel when it comes to rule of law.  What more could you want from the Attorney General of the United States?

    In other comments in this thread, I have said similar things about his commitment to the law. But that is very different from the perception of him as an individual. In the hearing, he was frequently rattled and appeared almost intimidated. That has nothing to do with his commitment to the law, but his a reflection of his personality, which simply isn’t forceful — at least not in the setting of Senate hearing where he’s being treated with utter contempt.

    I don’t think his performance in the hearing will have any bearing on his ultimate decisions about Trump, but it has everything to do with many people’s perceptions of him. It’s an open question whether that appearance has anything to do with his final decisions. One would have to know him personally to have any sense of certainty. But I think he will follow the law.

    My biggest concern about trying Trump comes from the realization that Trump cultists will happily lie to get on a jury and since it only takes one juror to prevent a conviction, he could conceivably escape even in the face of overwhelming evidence of guilt. (Remember, facts no longer exist for millions of Americans.)

    My only concern about Garland’s decision — to indict and try or not — is that he may weigh the doubt of conviction more heavily than I would and choose not to proceed. (That’s his job, not mine.)

    The history of this country is that there are definitely people who are above the law. Words don’t matter when history tells a very different story. My view is that it is critical to the future of this country for us to make every reasonable effort to hold Trump (and his minions, but not only his minions) accountable. Failing to make that effort is worse, to me, than trying Trump, et al. and failing to convict. In the end, Garland will make that decision and then, if the DOJ proceeds, it will be up to the makeup of the jury and the performance of prosecutors.

  73. 73.

    TriassicSands

    @delphinium:…he decided to ‘lay low’ rather than repeatedly engage and abet their attention-seeking.

    Did you watch the hearing? Laying low is quite different from being openly rattled and intimidated, which is how some viewed his behavior. I felt sorry for him, but that isn’t really an emotion one wants to feel during a hearing.

    And, if Garland did show aggressive signs of push back, would guess the Twitterati response would be how unprofessional that was.

    He didn’t have to be “aggressive.” He simply could have spoken up and said he expected to be treated with courtesy as all who appear in Senate hearings should expect.

    I sincerely doubt if Garland is even capable of behaving in a way that any reasonable person could interpret as unprofessional. That is a compliment. He appears to be a genuinely decent person. And decent people have a right to expect and even demand to be treated with courtesy. Don’t forget, his behavior would be compared to that of Cruz, Cotton, Hawley, et al.  All extremely rude and obnoxious.

  74. 74.

    WaterGirl

    @TriassicSands: Interesting. What you saw as rattled and intimidated… I saw as exasperated and angry at the mockery that Rs make of government.

    I would add the shrug emoji except that I hate the versions of emojis we have gotten since the sites were merged.

  76. 76.

    MomSense

    I loathe circumcised penis nose Rafael Cruz.  Whatever intelligence and opportunity he had was sacrificed to his political opportunism.

    The tell all his daughter will one day write is going to be lit.  I hope she is ok and has people in her life who are supporting her.

    We just got power back a few minutes ago but internet is still down.  The snow is soooooo wet and heavy and the wind is howling. It looks like Currier & Ives outside but it’s a scary storm.

  77. 77.

    karen marie

    @gene108: No, Cruz wants to charge people with a crime for which there’s no evidence to satisfy the elements.

    Apparently he thinks laws go bad, like fruit, if no one is charged with violating them.

  80. 80.

    Yutsano

    @eclare: BTW I left you a potential career suggestion in the dead thread a few spots back. I hope you’ll forgive my impertinence.

  81. 81.

    James E Powell

    @TriassicSands:

    With respect, I think you may be overrating the impact that Garland’s appearance at a congressional hearing will have on the public.

  83. 83.

    Geminid

    @Frankensteinbeck: I can see why Trump’s team might want to pass on rallies for now. The rallies were getting smaller last year. There was a qualitative problem too, as in they were more and more becoming freak shows.

    The rallies will likely resume by summer, but in the short term Trump’s campaign team seems to be changing his approach a little. Trump may not necessarily take their advice or even keep them, but for now Trump is making fewer public appearances away from Mar-a-Loco, and at semi-private, ticketed events for the most part.

  86. 86.

    delphinium

    @TriassicSands: I understand what you are saying. I’m coming at it from the angle that it wouldn’t have mattered how Garland acted, the Republicans were going to be rude. If he acted in a different manner (eg, spoke up), they would continue being rude. There isn’t an alternate universe where they will ever be respectful, regardless of how Garland acts.

    Viewers and folks on twitter (not all of whom are ‘reasonable people’) will have disparate perceptions so wishing Garland (or anyone else in a similar situation) had acted differently seems a moot point. Will this change how any potential indictments move forward? Doubtful-and that is where the focus should be.

  87. 87.

    prostratedragon

    @Jackie:  Maybe he’s afraid of being arrested, something else that’s not on the horizon for Presidential Joe.

  88. 88.

    delphinium

    @MomSense: Right? Imagine thinking so little of yourself, your community, and your state to keep re-electing this guy (and Gov Abbott too).

  90. 90.

    zhena gogolia

    @delphinium: The object of the exercise is to get negative discourse about Garland out into the atmosphere, thus advancing the Republicans’ objectives. Treating this as good-faith criticism is a waste of time.

  91. 91.

    oatler

    “We have an abundant amount of drinkable water, we have an Amazon that belongs to us, Brazilians. I invite all of you to visit the Amazon forest. Please come to visit!”

    Guess who said that and where?

  92. 92.

    Ruckus

    @laura:

    Bingo!

    Never thought of it that way, maybe self preservation, but even if for no other rethuglican, that fits cruz’s dumb ass perfectly.

    Ok there are others with the same brain, maybe they just keep their mouths shut more often. Or at all.

  93. 93.

    eclare

    @Yutsano:   I have thought about it, I knew someone in ATL who left corporate to work for the IRS and loved it.  But she was always on-site, going from place to place, which I don’t think I would like very much, and I would like to get away from tax, even if it means a pay cut.

    But you are there, so if I am missing/overlooking anything, let me know!  I try to keep an open mind, at least about some things.

  97. 97.

    TriassicSands

    @delphinium:…he decided to ‘lay low’ rather than repeatedly engage and abet their attention-seeking.

    Did you watch the hearing? Laying low is quite different from being openly rattled and intimidated, which is how some viewed his behavior. I felt sorry for him, but that isn’t really an emotion one wants to feel during a hearing.

    And, if Garland did show aggressive signs of push back, would guess the Twitterati response would be how unprofessional that was.

    He didn’t have to be “aggressive.” He simply could have spoken up and said he expected to be treated with courtesy as all who appear in Senate hearings should expect.

    I sincerely doubt if Garland is even capable of behaving in a way that any reasonable person could interpret as unprofessional. That is a compliment. He appears to be a genuinely decent person. And decent people have a right to expect and even demand to be treated with courtesy. Don’t forget, his behavior would be compared to that of Cruz, Cotton, Hawley, et al.  All extremely rude and obnoxious.

  100. 100.

    Another Scott

    @delphinium: +1

    1. The chair isn’t the boss of the senators on the panel.  Gentle reminders is about all they can do.  “You’re not my supervisor!”
    2. The witnesses are in an arena where they have little or no actual power to influence anything.  All they can do it try to be calm and collected and answer the questions as best they can.  Trying to score points (almost) never works.
    3. Garland’s job is to run the DoJ, not to put Cruz, or anyone, else in their place in a hearing.

    Two weeks from now, nobody will remember or care what Garland said or didn’t say.

    Eyes on the prizes.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  102. 102.

    Another Scott

    Meanwhile, … AlJazeera:

    The head of the UN’s nuclear agency said that Iran has pledged to restore cameras and other monitoring equipment at its nuclear sites and to allow more inspections at a facility where particles of uranium enriched to near weapons grade were recently detected.

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran issued a joint statement Saturday on IAEA chief Rafael Grossi’s return from a trip to Iran just two days before a quarterly meeting of the agency’s 35-nation Board of Governors.

    […]

    He did not provide details about which equipment would be restored or how soon it would happen, but appeared to be referring to Iran’s removal of surveillance cameras from its nuclear sites in June 2022, during an earlier standoff with the IAEA.

    “These are not words. This is very concrete,” Grossi said of the assurances he received in Tehran.

    The joint statement went into little detail but the possibility of a marked improvement in relations between the two is likely to stave off a Western push for another resolution ordering Iran to cooperate, diplomats were cited by the Reuters news agency as saying.

    “Iran expressed its readiness to … provide further information and access to address the outstanding safeguards issues,” the joint statement said.

    A confidential IAEA report to member states seen by Reuters said Grossi “looks forward to … prompt and full implementation of the Joint Statement”.

    Iran is supposed to provide access to information, locations and people, Grossi told a news conference at Vienna airport soon after landing, suggesting a vast improvement after years of Iranian stonewalling.

    […]

    Very interesting.

    The JCPOA is seemingly dead, but would have expired in October 2025 anyway (10 years after adoption). It looks like Iran is realizing that it’s good to have a path for a successor agreement, and that means monitoring has to be in place first.

    I wonder what Biden’s people have been doing to help make this happen…

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  103. 103.

    Jackie

    @Frankensteinbeck: $$$ issues? Cities and towns are supposedly refusing to provide security after so many got stiffed by him in the past. Plus, he’s constrained on how he uses his PACs since he formally announced he’s running for office. His attorney fees have to be taking a chunk out of his “hard earned monies.”

  105. 105.

    delphinium

    @Another Scott: Yeah, I personally won’t be spending time second guessing how someone acts in a hearing. Republicans will be rude and unprofessional-folks can respond or not respond how they best see fit. It isn’t their job to police Republican’s attention seeking behavior, nor should it be.

  110. 110.

    Ceci n est pas mon nym

    Hey, has anybody been watching The Daily Show with all the one-week temporary hosts? So far our favorites have been Wanda Sykes and Sarah Silverman. The rest we could take or leave.

    I understand Al Franken is going to be in the rotation at some point, though I’m not sure when. I’m very excited to see him back on my screen.

  113. 113.

    Yutsano

    @eclare: There are clerical/secretarial positions, or the Initial Account Representative in Field Assistance that are more people oriented over the tax parts. You might want to look into Taxpayer Advocate Service which while knowing tax rules ​is important it’s more solving tax problems for people. And those are usually rooted in one office where you stay in one place. You’ll have to trust me, but the other side of preparation is a totally different world. And of course you could always go the collection route. Lots of possibilities beyond just looking at tax returns all day.

  117. 117.

    eclare

    @Yutsano:   Thanks!  I’ll think about it.  I was once in a vacation tour group that included a guy who had worked in the Criminal Division in LA.  He got to interview Dean Martin in his home!

  121. 121.

    TriassicSands

    @James E Powell:

    If you read all of my comments in this thread, you’ll see that I remarked about how few people are likely to have watched the hearings. That would, naturally, limit the impact in terms of numbers. However, for those who did watch the hearings, it seems reasonable to assume that what they saw and heard will affect them.

    Most of the Republicans were very rude. Grassley was just old and had to read everything from a sheet of paper. Opie Kennedy was his usual annoying hayseed self, but he too was rude, in a quiet way, by appearing to not listen to Garland’s answers. Tillis, from NC, behaved in a way that every senator should behave.

    And Garland seemed meek and rattled by the rudeness.

    People will make of those appearances what they will.

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