Amen, brother Wade. We need to channel our inner Hungarians, who toppled their dictator with a 79 percent voter turnout in April. We can do this too! 💙
The Maine Monitor published a list of donors to Susan Collin's various PACs and SUPER PACs. They named 97 billionaires, so far, that have contributed to Susan Collin's campaign.
It's interesting that Maine isn't home to a single billionaire. To be fair, 5 billionaires have contributed to Graham Platner's campaign.
We're already getting bombarded with mailers and online ads supporting Collins and hating on Graham Platner.
Although it's accurate and fair to note that billionaires contributed to both sides, the 5 billionaires who contributed to Platner chipped in about 28 thousand dollars, while the 97 billionaires who contributed to Collins ponied up about 9 million.
Also, in the likely event that Trump messes with mail-in voting via the USPS, anybody who is able should vote early IN PERSON. We need to both vote AND make sure our votes are counted!
We live in a redish county in the central valley of Cali (aka, Calibama, Arkanfornia) -- We walked our ballots into the county elections office, got a name, and documented time and date we dropped them off. For those not tangled with jobs, kids and challenges, it can be a fun way to KNOW that at least the ballot arrived ... go to breakfast, lunch after ...
OMG, Gunnar! That's exactly my hubby and I did when we voted by mail during COVID. We met some truly lovely ladies working at the county elections office, too. They were happy to pose for photos, and were good for some laughs as well! Bottom line: We don't have to let Donnie Dementia drain all the joy out of our lives even if he thinks he's throwing obstacles in our path.
Jen - I love your writing! Thank you. I think I am going to make a banner to hang on my front wall outside (my house is very close to our main road). It will read: AMPLIFY HOPE: VOTE! I'll hang it in early August.
Trump's long list of corrupt &/or incompetent clowns... Remember, trump surrendered to the Taliban Doha Accords in 8/20 & is trying to declare his catastrophic war a victory because in his demented mind he can never lose. https://bsky.app/profile/donoffie.bsky.social/post/3mmmtqorn422j
The answer to your question "What level of corruption is too much for GOP Republicans?" is NONE. There is no bar too low for the MAGAt class. That's one of the many reasons the very survival our nation is at stake at this pivotal moment in our history. Our only hope is that there will be a colossal tsunami of anti-MAGAt votes that will send these haters of democracy and the rule of law back where they came from.
Yes! And I’d add, Democrats when in power must bring major reforms quickly! We have also been part of the problem especially regarding corporate money in politics. Government for all the people!
They will only be able to bring those reforms IF their Democractic majority isn't razor thin. A one-point differential in the Senate, for instance, when one of those "points" is John Fetterman, doesn't bode well.
If people want real change, they have to stop voting for Republicans - even their own Congressman, who they happen to like.
But, unfortunately, he failed at “job 1” which was to eliminate the threat of Trump and right wing authoritarianism once and for all. To his credit, he came around late in his term, and started warning of the dangers, but puzzlingly failed to take advantage of the SCOTUS decision that immensely broadened Presidential immunity from prosecution.
I am much less interested in the potential policy positions of the assorted Democrats eyeing a 2028 run for the White House than I am in whether or not they have the courage for the major national “housecleaning” that will be required to eventually get us back to something like a modern functioning democracy. I’m not yet convinced that I’ve seen that person emerge from the pack but am sincerely hoping that they do.
IMO yes. I was as relieved as anyone post the 2020 election but Biden trying to force a “return to normal” when the threat was still quite real was a major strategic blunder. He compounded it with his choice for AG. As a result, the cancer within our country only grew and now the treatment will have to be far more invasive to have a realistic hope for success. This would have been so much easier in 2021 than it will be in 2029.
I appreciate the work of people like Jen Rubin, Jack Krugman and Heather Cox Richardson. The last few days I have to admit that Dr. Richardson and Professor Krugman have painted a grim picture of where our country is right now. Ms. Rubin's article today did help encourage me knowing just how unpopular the heinously stupid orange regime really is. But the news about DHS' Markwayne Mullen's and people in charge of subverting voter rights in the US has me concerned. We all know just how fucking stupid 'rump really is. I truly believe the rabid animals behind this jackass are desperados and could give a rat's ass less about any decency whatsoever and are literally doing everything they can to destroy our elections so they can remain in power. Once they do that, even non rich 'rump supporters will be in trouble. I'm praying that the election doesn't become Armageddon.
By the way in over 40 years of owning and operating a small business, I have NEVER had good years under republican majorities. They may have started well but ALWAYS wound up being a disaster for me. my family and employees. When it comes to the average "Joe" the republicans don't know what the fuck they're doing and never will!
But, 'in power' means having both houses of Congress and the Presidency. Even if we win both houses, tRump will be in full veto mode. And he will unleash a fully authoritarian DOJ on every Congress Critter who ever cast a vote he didn't like. He will go after Judges, Governors, State AGs... I can only hope the Dems see this and are making a stockpile of his evil pronouncements and images and videos of the rethugs kneeling in fealty.
A dream would be campaign duration and finance reform, and to kick the corporate lobbyists out of the halls of congress. The vote of the poorest should carry the same weight as the vote of the wealthiest. The will and needs of the people should be the legislative catylist.
the only sad part is that when he is gone (in every sense of the word) he will not see the way his legacy will be portrayed..... he will be remembered -and hopefully at some point forgotten - as the most despicable politician this country had to endure...
The cage fight was a sideshow meant to distract from the real news of the weekend, that being the disastrous MOU reached with Iran. Congrats, Donald, it is an unconditional surrender that will enrich Iran and allow it to fund worldwide terrorism for decades. It is far worse than the agreement negotiated by the President whom you constantly denigrate. That is what happens when the American people elect an incompetent to run the country who then surrounds himself with even less competent people than himself. The government is a ship of fools. I am ashamed to call myself an American, and I now fear for the safety of my grandchildren. 8647........
Actually, I believe the Federal Government is a ship of diabolical criminals. Dirt Bag Donny and his crew are just mouthpieces and entertainers for the low-lifes that loved the recent Trash Bash at the WH. The Heritage Foundation is the organization operating the US at this time and it's leaders aren't stupid; just extremely evil.
A lame duck, extremely unpopular, President will have a campaign rally for himself at taxpayer expense on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The brave men who signed it knew that if they lost the war, they would be executed. You can't make this stuff up.
Hoping they (Trump/MAGA) can't fool most of the people all of the time, they are heading for a real thrashing in 2026. Be ready to hear the latest version of Democrats "eating dogs and cats" before this is over. No one will be fooled while their groceries cost +40%.
Let's talk about words. Like you, I have used the term "class" to describe whatever the Epstein Thing has become. But after a few months in the files, I do not think it is a class issue. It is something more intentional. At one point I began to see over-lapping circles, but the Epstein Thing is more than circles and more than simply a class. It is The Epstein System. What is happening is going according to systematic plan that was developed over decades. Each of us now faces a choice, to either go along with this system, or not. I will not.
As I've heard said: Monsters will be monsters (read DJT/Miller); they do what monsters do. The others have a choice. WE have a choice, and I hope most of America will decide this time not to go along, even if our R officials are eagerly following the monsters bellowing calls.
But what's to stop MAGA from calling a "National Emergency" (or creating one!) and cancelling the election?
Or if they are so blinded that they let it happen and then actually lose, why would they give up power? Why would they respect the will of a People they clearly despise?
People, wake up! November isn't going to bring paradise. It's going to bring chaos. We better be prepared to fight -- and not just with lawsuits. We need to be prepared for massive demonstrations and a full-scale general strike!
I don't think it's worth worrying about MAGA canceling the election. It can't and it won't happen. They don't have that power and it just weakens the resistance to think they do. Optimism rules!
The polls don't matter just as the truth doesn't matter. The courts have thrown a few small speed bumps in his way but Dirt Bag Donny's reign of terror continues. (He has turned the Mall Reflecting Pool into the Algal Scum Pond!) A few so-called "Republican" Senators have mumbled a few words of concern about his actions but none of them are taking action against him. Most of his candidates are still winning primaries. Until the House issues articles of impeachment AND there are 67 Senators who say they will convict, the rule of Dirt Bag Donny is secure.
The current condition of the Reflecting Pool is a perfect example of Trumpian leadership. Lots of money changes hands to make an ugly non-transparent murky mess out of that which required thoughtful and rational thinking and management.
The Democrats have a lot more to do. I continue to hear people say all politicians are corrupt and Trump and cronies are just better at it. There's a huge disconnect between the Democratic leadership and people who may or may not vote. Looking at the numbers, there are still plenty of people supporting him, his administration, and his actions. And if not supporting, not opposing. And placing the blame for the pain on Soros, Biden, Obama, Hillary, Pelosi, etc. We need to recognize that most of the time we're preaching to the choir. I don't know the solution.
I cannot wait for a return to sanity in trusted governance that works for the average person, that doesn't try to foist white Christian nationalism upon the citizenry. That will throw every remnant of Project 2025 fascism out of every facet of government where it exists.
So well said, Jen. Trump is losing his base. Except the electorate in some states continues to vote for his endorsements when still better candidates are out there even on the Republican side. His crap is getting old, like Jen said, his enrichment schemes at the expense of the American people are finally starting to get enough people pissed about the situation. Especially allowing the first trillionaire to gut the federal government with absolutely no authority whatsoever.
Thank you, Jen. And I might add that we need to vote like never before-- numbers too big to rig and too real to steal.
Amen, brother Wade. We need to channel our inner Hungarians, who toppled their dictator with a 79 percent voter turnout in April. We can do this too! 💙
The Maine Monitor published a list of donors to Susan Collin's various PACs and SUPER PACs. They named 97 billionaires, so far, that have contributed to Susan Collin's campaign.
It's interesting that Maine isn't home to a single billionaire. To be fair, 5 billionaires have contributed to Graham Platner's campaign.
We're already getting bombarded with mailers and online ads supporting Collins and hating on Graham Platner.
Although it's accurate and fair to note that billionaires contributed to both sides, the 5 billionaires who contributed to Platner chipped in about 28 thousand dollars, while the 97 billionaires who contributed to Collins ponied up about 9 million.
Duly noted Ed. I was surprised to see that Melinda Gates contributed to Susan Collins - $7k, but still.
Too big to rig.
Too real to steal.
Too obvious to dick with us…
Exactly what happened in Hungary when the people finally ousted Viktor Orban.
Also, in the likely event that Trump messes with mail-in voting via the USPS, anybody who is able should vote early IN PERSON. We need to both vote AND make sure our votes are counted!
We live in a redish county in the central valley of Cali (aka, Calibama, Arkanfornia) -- We walked our ballots into the county elections office, got a name, and documented time and date we dropped them off. For those not tangled with jobs, kids and challenges, it can be a fun way to KNOW that at least the ballot arrived ... go to breakfast, lunch after ...
OMG, Gunnar! That's exactly my hubby and I did when we voted by mail during COVID. We met some truly lovely ladies working at the county elections office, too. They were happy to pose for photos, and were good for some laughs as well! Bottom line: We don't have to let Donnie Dementia drain all the joy out of our lives even if he thinks he's throwing obstacles in our path.
Jen - I love your writing! Thank you. I think I am going to make a banner to hang on my front wall outside (my house is very close to our main road). It will read: AMPLIFY HOPE: VOTE! I'll hang it in early August.
Trump's long list of corrupt &/or incompetent clowns... Remember, trump surrendered to the Taliban Doha Accords in 8/20 & is trying to declare his catastrophic war a victory because in his demented mind he can never lose. https://bsky.app/profile/donoffie.bsky.social/post/3mmmtqorn422j
What level of corruption is too much for GOP Republicans? https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/15/opinion/blanche-confirmation-trump-attorney-general.html?smid=url-share
Please 86 47 & his capos.
The answer to your question "What level of corruption is too much for GOP Republicans?" is NONE. There is no bar too low for the MAGAt class. That's one of the many reasons the very survival our nation is at stake at this pivotal moment in our history. Our only hope is that there will be a colossal tsunami of anti-MAGAt votes that will send these haters of democracy and the rule of law back where they came from.
Yes! And I’d add, Democrats when in power must bring major reforms quickly! We have also been part of the problem especially regarding corporate money in politics. Government for all the people!
They will only be able to bring those reforms IF their Democractic majority isn't razor thin. A one-point differential in the Senate, for instance, when one of those "points" is John Fetterman, doesn't bode well.
If people want real change, they have to stop voting for Republicans - even their own Congressman, who they happen to like.
It was kind of amazing though how much Biden got accomplished with a razor thin majority. Not that I wouldn't rather have a nice cushion!
Yes, indeed. Manchin and Sinema were sometimes like flies in the ointment, but he was often able to bring them around.
But, unfortunately, he failed at “job 1” which was to eliminate the threat of Trump and right wing authoritarianism once and for all. To his credit, he came around late in his term, and started warning of the dangers, but puzzlingly failed to take advantage of the SCOTUS decision that immensely broadened Presidential immunity from prosecution.
I am much less interested in the potential policy positions of the assorted Democrats eyeing a 2028 run for the White House than I am in whether or not they have the courage for the major national “housecleaning” that will be required to eventually get us back to something like a modern functioning democracy. I’m not yet convinced that I’ve seen that person emerge from the pack but am sincerely hoping that they do.
Kim, was that really Biden's "job 1"? I never felt that one person alone could prevent Trumpism from taking hold in the MAGA world.
IMO yes. I was as relieved as anyone post the 2020 election but Biden trying to force a “return to normal” when the threat was still quite real was a major strategic blunder. He compounded it with his choice for AG. As a result, the cancer within our country only grew and now the treatment will have to be far more invasive to have a realistic hope for success. This would have been so much easier in 2021 than it will be in 2029.
I appreciate the work of people like Jen Rubin, Jack Krugman and Heather Cox Richardson. The last few days I have to admit that Dr. Richardson and Professor Krugman have painted a grim picture of where our country is right now. Ms. Rubin's article today did help encourage me knowing just how unpopular the heinously stupid orange regime really is. But the news about DHS' Markwayne Mullen's and people in charge of subverting voter rights in the US has me concerned. We all know just how fucking stupid 'rump really is. I truly believe the rabid animals behind this jackass are desperados and could give a rat's ass less about any decency whatsoever and are literally doing everything they can to destroy our elections so they can remain in power. Once they do that, even non rich 'rump supporters will be in trouble. I'm praying that the election doesn't become Armageddon.
By the way in over 40 years of owning and operating a small business, I have NEVER had good years under republican majorities. They may have started well but ALWAYS wound up being a disaster for me. my family and employees. When it comes to the average "Joe" the republicans don't know what the fuck they're doing and never will!
But, 'in power' means having both houses of Congress and the Presidency. Even if we win both houses, tRump will be in full veto mode. And he will unleash a fully authoritarian DOJ on every Congress Critter who ever cast a vote he didn't like. He will go after Judges, Governors, State AGs... I can only hope the Dems see this and are making a stockpile of his evil pronouncements and images and videos of the rethugs kneeling in fealty.
A dream would be campaign duration and finance reform, and to kick the corporate lobbyists out of the halls of congress. The vote of the poorest should carry the same weight as the vote of the wealthiest. The will and needs of the people should be the legislative catylist.
the only sad part is that when he is gone (in every sense of the word) he will not see the way his legacy will be portrayed..... he will be remembered -and hopefully at some point forgotten - as the most despicable politician this country had to endure...
The cage fight was a sideshow meant to distract from the real news of the weekend, that being the disastrous MOU reached with Iran. Congrats, Donald, it is an unconditional surrender that will enrich Iran and allow it to fund worldwide terrorism for decades. It is far worse than the agreement negotiated by the President whom you constantly denigrate. That is what happens when the American people elect an incompetent to run the country who then surrounds himself with even less competent people than himself. The government is a ship of fools. I am ashamed to call myself an American, and I now fear for the safety of my grandchildren. 8647........
Actually, I believe the Federal Government is a ship of diabolical criminals. Dirt Bag Donny and his crew are just mouthpieces and entertainers for the low-lifes that loved the recent Trash Bash at the WH. The Heritage Foundation is the organization operating the US at this time and it's leaders aren't stupid; just extremely evil.
A lame duck, extremely unpopular, President will have a campaign rally for himself at taxpayer expense on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The brave men who signed it knew that if they lost the war, they would be executed. You can't make this stuff up.
Hoping they (Trump/MAGA) can't fool most of the people all of the time, they are heading for a real thrashing in 2026. Be ready to hear the latest version of Democrats "eating dogs and cats" before this is over. No one will be fooled while their groceries cost +40%.
Let's talk about words. Like you, I have used the term "class" to describe whatever the Epstein Thing has become. But after a few months in the files, I do not think it is a class issue. It is something more intentional. At one point I began to see over-lapping circles, but the Epstein Thing is more than circles and more than simply a class. It is The Epstein System. What is happening is going according to systematic plan that was developed over decades. Each of us now faces a choice, to either go along with this system, or not. I will not.
The continuous theme is that rich people get away with law-breaking; the rest of us do not.
As I've heard said: Monsters will be monsters (read DJT/Miller); they do what monsters do. The others have a choice. WE have a choice, and I hope most of America will decide this time not to go along, even if our R officials are eagerly following the monsters bellowing calls.
But what's to stop MAGA from calling a "National Emergency" (or creating one!) and cancelling the election?
Or if they are so blinded that they let it happen and then actually lose, why would they give up power? Why would they respect the will of a People they clearly despise?
People, wake up! November isn't going to bring paradise. It's going to bring chaos. We better be prepared to fight -- and not just with lawsuits. We need to be prepared for massive demonstrations and a full-scale general strike!
I don't think it's worth worrying about MAGA canceling the election. It can't and it won't happen. They don't have that power and it just weakens the resistance to think they do. Optimism rules!
The polls don't matter just as the truth doesn't matter. The courts have thrown a few small speed bumps in his way but Dirt Bag Donny's reign of terror continues. (He has turned the Mall Reflecting Pool into the Algal Scum Pond!) A few so-called "Republican" Senators have mumbled a few words of concern about his actions but none of them are taking action against him. Most of his candidates are still winning primaries. Until the House issues articles of impeachment AND there are 67 Senators who say they will convict, the rule of Dirt Bag Donny is secure.
The current condition of the Reflecting Pool is a perfect example of Trumpian leadership. Lots of money changes hands to make an ugly non-transparent murky mess out of that which required thoughtful and rational thinking and management.
Jen, you nailed it once again! Thank you for this brilliant analysis. 👏🏼
How can you not love how many insults and negative connotation words Rubin uses to skewer the tRump!! Dastardly elegant writing!!
The Democrats have a lot more to do. I continue to hear people say all politicians are corrupt and Trump and cronies are just better at it. There's a huge disconnect between the Democratic leadership and people who may or may not vote. Looking at the numbers, there are still plenty of people supporting him, his administration, and his actions. And if not supporting, not opposing. And placing the blame for the pain on Soros, Biden, Obama, Hillary, Pelosi, etc. We need to recognize that most of the time we're preaching to the choir. I don't know the solution.
true, but you never know what you write or repeat what you read is said to someone who says oh, I never looked at it that way or I didn't know that.
I cannot wait for a return to sanity in trusted governance that works for the average person, that doesn't try to foist white Christian nationalism upon the citizenry. That will throw every remnant of Project 2025 fascism out of every facet of government where it exists.
So well said, Jen. Trump is losing his base. Except the electorate in some states continues to vote for his endorsements when still better candidates are out there even on the Republican side. His crap is getting old, like Jen said, his enrichment schemes at the expense of the American people are finally starting to get enough people pissed about the situation. Especially allowing the first trillionaire to gut the federal government with absolutely no authority whatsoever.