219 Comments
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John Ranta's avatar

Is the story that “Trump’s backing leads to Paxton victory”? Or is it that “Trump jumps on Paxton bandwagon at last minute”? would Cornyn have won if Trump supported him? I suspect not, after all, this is a Texas Republican primary - the wackiest of the wackos come out to vote.

Lisa Jean Walker's avatar

Cornyn edged out Paxton in the primary. There was a 40 point shift to Paxton in this run-off. Blind loyalists vote in Republicans primaries, and their loyalty is to Trump, who is the wackiest of the wackos.

Tim Matchette's avatar

I think a great deal of money supported the swine Paxton. More so than voters who like this pos.

Lisa Jean Walker's avatar

From NYT:

That second round of voting between Senator John Cornyn and his right-wing challenger, Ken Paxton, the state attorney general, pushed another $29 million worth of ads in front of Texans before the election on Tuesday. The total bill for the Republican primary race? About $128 million worth of ads as of Monday evening, according to the media tracking firm AdImpact.

At least $92 million of that has been spent to help Mr. Cornyn, including $22 million in the overtime period since the first round of primary voting in early March.

And this:

In addition to his spending advantage, Mr. Cornyn has raised far more than Mr. Paxton did, hauling in more than $26 million in contributions to his main campaign committee and two other committees since January 2025, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission through early May. Mr. Paxton has fallen short of the $20 million he previously suggested he would need to unseat Mr. Cornyn, raising only about $8 million over the same period.

Daniel Solomon's avatar

..the rosiest of the red...

kasperhauser's avatar

The ones that the Blazing Saddles quote was about....

David's avatar

Love Ray Wylie Hubbard! "T is for T-Bird. H is for Haggard."

john A ferguson's avatar

John Ranta, was Paxton really the probable winner even before Trump blessed him?

Chris Rhoads's avatar

No. I do not think so. I live in Austin, Texas. But with Paxton on tap, Talerico may well have a better chance of winning. Trump's endorsement may have helped the Dems here. Although furious fans of Jasmine Crocket need to rally behind Talerico--that's the issue I see, disunity here in Texas on the dem side. God help Texas!

progwoman's avatar

I'd like to see Talerico offer something to Jasmine Crocket. He may be a stronger candidate in Texas, but she has been a courageous figure.

john A ferguson's avatar

Here in Florida, we need the votes of at least some of the people who voted for Trump the last time to win house and senate seats and to do that we're running a little lower liberal profile than we might otherwise have done. I don't think it's entirely a betrayal of our base, but if we don't get some of that support we cannot win here.

Jasmine has been wonderful in many ways, but I'm skeptical that she could prevail here in Florida and suppose Texas right now may not be that different .

Nick's avatar

I think the latter "Trump (I always refer to as the Felon) jumps on Paxton bandwagon at last minute.'

Dorrie Meckes's avatar

Democrats need to get to rural areas to spread truth and facts to more people. Rural areas aren’t hearing either and remain in trumps stranglehold.

willoughby's avatar

More than 20 years ago Howard Dean warned that the Party needed a 50-state strategy, with people on the ground in all 50 states tailoring the message to local concerns and needs, working voter registration and voter education, countering the highly-organized Republican operations that have grown in the states since the 1980s.

He was overruled by the Washington consultant class. They wanted the money kept safe and warm in Washington, where they lived and socialized. They assured party donors that it would be far more efficient to let them run the show with centralized, one-size-fits-all focus national campaigns.

Dean was right. The consultants were wrong.

Steve 218's avatar

Rural areas are swamped with right-wing media. On the radio, the syndicated IHeart bleat can be heard on many stations. FOX and Sinclair Broadcasting have a hold on much of network TV, and the Ellison/Skydance takeover of CBS hasn't helped. There is a lot to combat in our rural areas.

Don Kennedy's avatar

Well, you can bring the truth and facts to them, but will they believe them?…

Judy's avatar

Flooding the zone with lies works for maga republicans. Democrats need to employ it with the truth. We could hope for some success.

David's avatar

“A lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth puts on its shoes”

(mis)attributed to Mark Twain

Judy's avatar

That does accurately sum up the messaging machine of Democrats.

John Gregory's avatar

but lack the Fox indoctrination machine

Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

Civil rights haven't sunk in very deeply among white people in many places since the mid-1960s, especially where the Republicans were once (white) Southern Democrats. Is the state of the economy going to break through the racism?

David's avatar

Nope, they will die on that hill. It took a bullet in the spine for George Wallace's epiphany.

Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

I remember. Even though I'd come of political age watching his contorted face on TV over and over again, I felt some sympathy for the guy, while also thinking "live by the sword, die by the sword."

David Hope's avatar

Maybe.

Maybe.

But the lesson is going to have to be damned hard.

Melanie Campbell's avatar

Yes, that's what they did in Poland and managed to overcome 10 years of populist right wing govrenment.

Susan Lee's avatar

Absolutely!!!!!!

James Axtell's avatar

Trump University. Trump Wines. Trump Steaks. The Apprentice. "Jeffrey Epstein likes his social life." The Arch. "11,780 votes." The "Trump-Kennedy Center." The pardons of January 6th rioters. And on, and on...

So sick of this lazy, vulgar, corrupt, abusive little liar. Every word is prevarication.

The stark truth is that if the Fat Narcissist had not canned the *original* Iran nuclear agreement, the world would be a far better place.

JL West's avatar

Indeed.

"the World Food Programme has estimated that 45 million people could fall into acute food insecurity if the conflict does not end by the middle of the year."

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/yvette-cooper-hormuz-blockade-risks-150713699.html

We're practically at "the middle of the year" now!

L B Rose's avatar

And King Con will care about this as much as he cares about the economic stress on Americans. "I don't think of this at all...."

George's avatar

Not unless there is a deal to be made

Deborah's avatar

Only a deal that benefits him and/or his family.

Sandy S's avatar

Add to the list of DJT highlights, the gold (not to say mustard) phone which comes with a no money back guarantee! Just another example of his marketing genius!

Ellen S Gibson's avatar

With 79 percent of Republicans still thinking Trump is doing a good job, we have a long way to go. The con man is still the star of this shit show.

Dan's avatar

Exactly. We’re thrown stat after stat, telling us that “Trump’s numbers are plummeting!”, and yet the reality is that 79% of these fucking morons will mindlessly obey his wishes.

I’m sorry. I just don’t see any significant movement.

Jay Jay Eh's avatar

I’ve heard mention that some of those MAGAs are no longer ‘believers’,

— but *too proud to admit* their Emperor is naked.

That may mean that more of them will ‘stay home’ during elections,

— just like too many Dem-Indep. did during 2025 election.

Bobbette Strauss's avatar

I’m guessing the stay-at-homers in ‘25 election because they couldn’t believe they needed to vote. After all, who’d a thought the felon could possibly beat Kamala Harris!

Jay Jay Eh's avatar

There was an element of racism & misogyny too.

- how much, unquantifiable.

Paul Lewis's avatar

I agree. I think it’s mostly wishful thinking that his actions actually deteriorate his support. Texas is an example of the opposite.

Jay Jay Eh's avatar

I suspect various states still ‘wanna believe’ to different degrees.

Which states support Trump the least vs most? https://polinews.org/the-new-map-is-out-how-trumps-approval-ratings-compare-across-every-state-after-15-months/

🔻Every major battleground state shows Trump underwater. 🔻

Arizona posts 42% approval against disapproval in the mid-50s. Pennsylvania sits at 39% approval and 55% disapproval. Michigan and Nevada both record 37% approval with 58% disapproval.

Wisconsin shows 39% approve and 57% disapprove. Georgia, a state Trump won in 2024, posts 37% approval and 58% disapproval. Every one of these states was essential to his 2024 victory. None of them currently favor him.”

The young & the educated are esp against him, even tho Musk & Barron excited young men via social media etc 2025.

Steve 218's avatar

That's good reporting, and thank you.

patricia's avatar

so, lead poisoning ?

patricia's avatar

a lot of americans are idiots, and most of them live in texass

Steven Branch's avatar

Ellen, I respectfully disagree. No, we don't have a long way to go. The delusional 79% of MAGAts who still believe (notice I did not say "think") he is doing a good job after all of the heinous atrocities committed by Drumpf against the nation and the world, well, these folks are lost in their own delusions, the scales will never fall from their eyes and they are not worth the effort. We can only hope that the 21% on the other side of the polling will be moved to support those who oppose the sociopathic narcissistic lunatic or at least stay home come election time. That's about all we can hope for.

Steve 218's avatar

It's the 21% and the Independents who will make the difference, assuming they can be motivated to get out and vote.

Jay Jay Eh's avatar

I suspect various states & demographics still ‘wanna believe’ to different degrees.

Which states support Trump the least vs most? https://polinews.org/the-new-map-is-out-how-trumps-approval-ratings-compare-across-every-state-after-15-months/

🔻Every major battleground state shows Trump underwater. 🔻

“Arizona posts 42% approval against disapproval in the mid-50s.

Pennsylvania sits at 39% approval and 55% disapproval.

Michigan and Nevada both record 37% approval with 58% disapproval.

Wisconsin shows 39% approve and 57% disapprove.

Georgia, a state Trump won in 2024, posts 37% approval and 58% disapproval. 🔹Every one of these states was essential to his 2024 victory. None of them currently favor him.”

The young & the educated are esp against him, even tho Musk & Barron excited young men via social media etc 2025 & Trump is trying to keep men excited with his wrestle-mania. 🙄

Light Warder's avatar

This 21% that disapprove now are just RINOs jumping tracks...bottom feeders filtering the detritus and offal dumped off SleepyFelon47's Graft Train. The wheels of ConnyDonny's engine will grind to a halt when his silent A-Fib screams louder than his lies.

Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

If they stuck around this long, they're not RINOs. Consider the possibility that they finally realize that Trump is taking the whole Republican Party down. Our mission now is to make sure they don't become Democrats.

Light Warder's avatar

That's a serious north-star mission. RINOs, DINOs or whatever you call them, most voted for him a second time and the derailment we're witnessing now will not teach them a lesson, that's for sure.

Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

Whether the Republican Party survives, and if so in what shape, is a wide-open question. I suspect the ghost of our 16th president will be relieved if the racist, capitalism-über-alles party never again refers to itself as the "party of Lincoln." If only ghosts could sue for slander . . .

George's avatar

What has he ever done wrong? Even Epstein had good things to say about the man. How can any Republican especially any elected Republican not trust the man. When he lies it must be for good reasons.

patricia's avatar

what has he ever done right ?

Steve 218's avatar

You caught that reality of where the MAGA strength lies.

BosPhotoGuy's avatar

"None of these antics will soothe the gapping neediness at the core of his being, but as his panic sets in, he will make America more chaotic, violent, and corrupt."

I would just add that the line should read, ..They will make America more chaotic, violent, and corrupt." They being the Republican party.

Craig L Peebles's avatar

The old Republican Party of Lincoln & Eisenhower that you & I once were involved with no longer exists. That old Republican Party is DEAD & gone. That old Republican Party will NEVER return. The very name "Republican Party" has become so exceptionally TOXIC for tens of millions of Americans - mostly centrist voters - from all sorts of backgrounds & viewpoints that many of those centrist voters will NEVER vote for any "Republican" ever again for ANY local, state, or federal office. May the current MAGA Republican Party soon enjoy the fate of the Whig Party. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whig_Party_(United_States)

Dawn's avatar

MAGA Republicans are part of a dying personality cult. When somebody buys into a cult, they are "all in". Think about the cult leader, Jim Jones. His most loyal followers (and their children) died in following Jones in drinking the poisoned Kool Aid.

Michelle Jordan's avatar

In many ways Texas voters are just like Alabama’s. Only 22-23 percent of Alabama voters voted on May 19th. The number of Democratic ballots cast were much higher now than last time. That gives me some hope, but not nearly enough. There’s a lot of work to do until November.

It’s disgusting Texans elected Ken Paxton of all sleaze bag people to elect. Talarico is smart, charismatic and much younger than his competition which shouldn’t even be competition at all in a similar way like Doug Jones and Tommy Tuberville.

Kim E Jones's avatar

I was livid at NBC news last night when they reported on Paxton’s win and mentioned that he’d be running against a democrat in the general and they didn’t name Talarico. For heaven’s sake!

Dawn's avatar

The bad news is this is a sign of NBC capitulation to the WH. The good news is that the WH considers Talerico as such a real comer to win that Senate seat, they do not want to even say his name! Go Talerico!

Kathleen M. Eisenhauer's avatar

Boycott legacy news…it’s bought!!

Kim E Jones's avatar

Naw. I still watch occasionally because i want to know what propaganda they’re spewing now. And sometimes i let their advertisers that I won’t be buying their products. Hitting the advertisers is always a good idea.

Kim E Jones's avatar

Naw. I still watch occasionally because i want to know what propaganda they’re spewing now. And sometimes i let their advertisers that I won’t be buying their products. Hitting the advertisers is always a good idea.

Catherine Blanche King's avatar

Somehow, the long-term propaganda machine of Trump, Heritage, and the GOP "influencers," have gotten MAGA to equate their absolute contempt and hate of "THE LIBS" with science, ethics, honesty (not cheating), getting a good education, thinking and reflection, being lawful, and supporting the U.S. Constitution.

"Let's give those guys who defecated on desks at the White House and attacked the police a big fat check for showing the LIBS what's what."

Stephen's avatar

Amazing how the most corrupt (Paxton, Blanche) can ascend to the highest level of law enforcement.

J Circosta's avatar

Not surprising considering Trump runs a criminal enterprise out of the WH & the R party & Supreme Six aid. We must put them in the dust & make a new start. I for one want Dems who have the courage to say no to consultants & set about righting the ship. Enough with “institutionalists!” We need fire in the belly reformers in the mold of FDR. Trump, partnered with the SC six, has been the most radical force this country has even seen. It will take bold action, not tea & crumpets to wipe out his malignancy.

Weatogue Guy's avatar

Would someone please tell us that this outrage will end before 2029? Has America ever suffered from such an incompetent and malevolent leader?

I agree with you, Jennifer: Trump can't bend the quagmire of Iran into a victory, and he can't bend his non-existent health care plan (due "two weeks from now") into "better than Obamacare." And he certainly can't bend his name out of the Epstein files.

But, again, I ask: must we really wait till 2029 for this insanity to end?

Justin Sayne's avatar

“Trump isn’t fooling anyone”

Oh, no? What about the millions who STILL follow him—-who vote for Paxton, or whomever Dozy Donnie commands? How ‘bout the millions of sheep who believe this false idol is a messenger from God——or, a deity himself? What about the Mar-a-Lago crowd?

Yes, it is encouraging to see that……MAYBE…..just maybe…..some of his “believers” are peeling off……into “God knows what”, but, still……there’s a LOT of flabbergasting head-shaking disbelief in the collective “wisdom” of the American voting public. Sad to say, but….we’re still on shaky ground going forward. We can only hope that enough American voters wake up by this next election to make the “Blue Wave” happen!

Vote Blue, no matter what else you do!

Angie's avatar

It's going to get worse, but we have to hang on. He's flaming out on every front. Hold on tight and let's win these midterms.

Kathy R. Wuthrich's avatar

It's is terrifying to me that one man could wield so much power and do so much harm to not only our country, but to foreign countries as well.

Dawn's avatar
May 27Edited

Will the Republicans in the Senate vote to stop the war funding? Will Mike Johnson allow the House to vote on the War? All the Republicans in both houses of Congress need to be on record as fully co-responsible with Trump for all the disaster he is unleashing on our country and our future. It feels unbelievable to me at this point that anyone with an ounce of decency is propping up this fool. He needs to be impeached and removed from office as soon as possible.

Carina from Cascadia's avatar

Yeah we cant let Congress off the hook. Mitch McConnell's legacy is the current SCOTUS that is actively dismantling civil rights legislation and embolding the current administration. History will remember that while impeached, Congressional failed to convict Trump . These folks traded their democratic principles for short term power grabs.

Carole Langston's avatar

79%??? Republicans dig in their heels. Rather crash and burn than fess up. Hope they're hurting bigly.

Denis Pombriant's avatar

Now is a good time to take inventory of the rest of the GOP. There is not one, single person there to step in with the gravitas needed to lead. So we are up the creek until 2028. Not a pleasant thought at all. At this point the 25th amendment might serve as a bandade but time is of the essence.

Don Kennedy's avatar

And the 25th depends on Trump‘s cabinet and vice president to do their constitutional duty; given he picked them specifically for loyalty above all else, what do you think the odds are of that?…

John Gregory's avatar

and a 2/3 vote of House and Senate. The Senate has not voted at that level to convict on his two impeachments, despite the masses of evidence. So not likely to do it now.

Science Curmudgeon's avatar

tRump isn't the only narcissistic sociopath with power. The tech billionaires are not much different - except they really are exceptionally smart. Theo Baker's book "How to Rule the World" exposes the selection and enabling process at Stanford. That isn't the only "elite" school that selects and preps extremely capable sociopaths for segue into positions of influence and power.

J Circosta's avatar

The poll numbers still leave us wondering about Trump voters & Republicans in general. Incredible! And a so-called rebellion of R officials leaves me to ask: Are they really incensed over rewarding cop beaters or are they hiding behind that, really thinking about the threat to their own skins on Jan 6? And, rebellion now? Really, after so much damage, blatant self dealing, & thousands of lives lost?

We have to write off Trumpers once & for all & the R party itself in its current iteration. We must out vote them in numbers too big to cheat away. It’s our only hope to come back from this morass.