Trump must be livid for two reasons: His mentor Putin has suffered a major black eye; and Trump was kept in the dark about Zelensky's year long plan. No leaks!!!
Democrats must play the long game. After all, Republicans have been working for decades to get to where we are today. One of the most important things to do is to force Republicans to get on record with their votes for or against bills, and insist they answer uncomfortable questions, such as "Why are you in favor of taking food and medical care away from children?"
Daniel Solomon: They must drink some kind of Jim-Jones-type poison when they sign on to Congress. That "everyone is going to die" comment . . . talk about missing the point . . . . But trying to negotiate with Trump or Putin, or Hamas (fill in the blank), . . . you are talking to people who lie, cheat, and even kill for a living. Unless you have more "hard power" to threaten them with, negotiations only mean to the tyrant another way to manipulate to get their own ends--which will not change.
I'll go with outsmarting them (as with Zelensky) , but then to expect even a worse payback, . . . and continue to pushback at every turn (thank you Norm and Jen). The other option is "not an option," though it might be for the tyrant. Every time I see Trump's face on the screen, I feel I need to take a shower. CBK
Another interesting point about this operation is that Ukraine kept the US in the dark even before Trump won the election. They already knew, being realists in an existential conflict, that the US was an unreliable ally, no matter which party might be in power.
That last sentence you wrote is the real kicker!! That eats at the very core of this country’s existence !! It is exactly what has told me Republicans have no feeling for anyone but themselves!! Which means they do not belong in Washington!! As people used to say, ( only for a different reason) , “Give ‘em Hell Harry”!!!!!! Go in there and hit ‘em where it hurts!! It’s so unbelievable what they’re doing, it makes you think they’re being bribed with money Trump has given them to keep quiet and follow his meanness!!
Martha: I also think they have an intimidation machine going 24-7. I mean, they threaten even judges' families. The votes against Trump's impeachments way-back-when are known to have been, in good part, about those fear tactics.
Why are you in favor of again cutting taxes for the top 10% and large corporations when you could simply cut taxes for the bottom 90% and raise the tax rate of large corporations to a fair tax rate of 27%? Why do you refuse to raise the top line for contributions to Social Security and Medicare in order to save both? After the Boomers (like me) die off, the rates can again be lowered.
This comment nails it! The long game is what we don't seem to get, and a long-term strategy would free us to put more energy into winning rather than figuring out what we stand for.
Dear Jen, this is such an inspiring smackeroo! You and Norm have been in the forefront of this fight, and there are no words to express my gratitude to you for keeping the stalwart spirits in fighting trim!
One of the best parts of Ukraine’s mission deep inside Russia was that Zelensky had the foresight to keep the United States totally out of the loop. The correctly named “Putin poodle Trump” would have run to his master hoping for a tasty bone if he’d known.
Zelenskyy is more clever than Putin gives him credit for. That’s what happens when you let your guard down. Trump isn’t much different. If we the people do the same thing with our elected representatives and cause them good trouble they’ll either do something or lay down and die. If we maintain that attitude we won’t die as fast as the likes of Joni Ernst thinks we will. I’ve heard her constituents are calling her “Joni Hearse(t).”
Totally agree it’s time the MAGA’s got a hole knocked into their armor. They can be crushed!
I want this to sink in with everyone: when Zelensky was being yelled at by Trump and Vance at the Oval Office, Operation Spiderweb was already in the works. He didn't lose his temper. He spilled NOTHING. Zelensky is not my favorite person in the world - I don't always agree with him. However, he did exceptionally well here. He went home and did his job.
I absolutely hear what you're saying, Maria, including about not always agreeing with Zelensky, etc., while still giving him his props. In a war like this, whether it's actual warfare like Russia-Ukraine, or much less visible, but every bit as real warfare against an illegitimate regime at home, it's all hands on deck, as we've heard. People are not always going to like and agree with each other, even long after the chump is gone. But we do absolutely have to allie and support each other where we do agree. I don't see it as optional equipment.
It's not just one person. I have many. First of all - animals. Many of whom are much better people than people. Second, people like Dolly Parton, Keanu Reeves, Denzel Washington, Chef Andres and others who take what they have and share it with others.
I assume, or at least hope, our military is paying close attention to Ukraine's actions. If a 600 dollar drone can take out a hundred-million dollar aircraft, then all of warfare has changed.
It's an old saw that generals always prepare to fight the last war, rather than the next one. I hope our military does not live up (or down) to that saying.
I follow an Australian general who admits, sadly, that his government is, as yet, paying no attention to small weapons’ capability. Let’s hope President Zelenskyy has more cards up his sleeve. I’m personally hoping for the complete destruction of the Kerch Bridge, the Kremlin, and Putin’s bunker.
Unfortunately, the Pentagon is now run by buffoons, and Trump's other fools have gutted any defense or cyber security capabilities the US has. I am waiting in fear to see what, if anything happens on June 14th. America's enemies are surely watching for opportunities to attack.
I fear that the other buffoons are not as buffoonish as the orange mango. For instance now that musk is gone, Vought is taking over and he is an avowed national white male Christian-nation true believer. In fact he is the brains behind the 2025 plan. And now he’s in charge of “DOGE”.
Not only will this operation go down in military history, it's also changed the face of warfare forever. It's not often a radical military event like this happens. The last one was the Japanese proving the aircraft carrier was the newest power on the battlefield, overtaking the battleship forever.
During the NYC Mayoral debate, Cuomo said the same thing. He said trump is a bully and one must never give in/up to a bully because they will continue to bother you forever.
That is laughable coming from Cuomo, who made a living as a bully and a misogynist, who resigned in disgrace as a direct result of his sexist bullying.
The only thing worse than re-electing Eric Adams would be electing Cuomo as mayor.
Yeah, the voters in the NYC primary will have a choice between bad and worse, although I admit that I'm not sure which of those 2 guys fit into those slots. Frankly, each one is worse than the other.
Adams is not in the primary, he is running as an independent.
And, there are many good candidates. Zohran Mamdani is within striking distance of Cuomo. With ranked choice voting, he has a real chance.
And even if Cuomo gets the nomination, there’s a chance Mamdani may run as a Working Families Party candidate. With Adams and Cuomo splitting votes of poorly informed “liberals”, he may have a chance there too.
An endorsement by possibly the most popular political figure in NYC is a good thing. actually. She is certainly far more popular that Schumer or Jeffries these days…And, is the fact that Mamdani is against genocide is ‘alienating’ to some voters? Many more voters, including many Jewish New Yorkers, are appalled by genocide and apartheid and are happy to hear that at one least one mayoral candidate isn’t afraid to say so.
One thing I find interesting is that Zelensky took Trump's orchestrated insults without rebutting 'you don't have the cards' knowing full well that he did in fact have powerful cards. Had Trump been insulted like that he would have boastfully responded that he had great cards, cards like the world had never seen, that the world would see them. Yup, he would have blown security cover, top secrets, etc. And he still might ... or probably will at some point given his need for adulation and attention.
Doubtless. Read today about his punishment of China with regard to tech innovations, but he’s also pals with Chinese crypto king Justin Song, so, to paraphrase Robert Reich, Trump’s bolting the front door and letting our enemies in (via is Mideast connections) through the back door. The corruption is absolute.
I think it helps to remind anyone who is thinking of capitulating that it's a lose-lose situation--even if you capitulate, you'll lose in the end. So best to keep your sense of integrity and take a stand.
Who could have predicted that US support of Ukraine under Biden would yield a massive lesson to US interests in combatting attacks on US democracy? All those signs in the protests probably cost the people making them $1.98. Every one of them a faux drone on Trump's illegal and offensive efforts. Go Ukraine! Go protestors!!
My fervent hope is that we, like Ukraine, will learn the lessons from our successes to prepare ourselves for the next onslaughts. They will come, and eventually from persons more capable and darker of spirit than Trump. I suspect we have lost a segment of the population to the stories and promises of Trump and MAGA permanently.
This is the reason I love to read Jen Rubin's articles!!! I missed you on the Post there for a short time!! But as the kids say, “you’re back, Baby!!” You are so right on every count!! Those Republicans need a rude awakening and so does Trump!! Gee, they might have to actually do something , Hum? Zelensky’s got guts in the form of brains!!! Way to go!! Your article basically says it All !! I would vote for you for President, Lady!! Keep up the good work!! You have made my day!! Thank you ever so much!!
Jen & everyone, in addition to accomplishing these "slaps in the face" is the comprehensive ability to get the news out everywhere! Coming up June 14 is the nationwide protest, No Kings Day. How can we finetune our news sources -- cable, traditonal news local & national, social media influencers, substack news, advocacy organizations of all kinds, opinion shows, etc to simultaneously cover these events? Are there people in campaigns or broadcasting or publicity who can put together a network of coordinated publicity?
I would like to see a news blackout on this show of presidential egotistical waste. I am praying fervently for horrible, parade-ending storms that day.
One way to achieve a "blackout" on the president's parade is to feature mass coverage of the "No Kings Day" protests across the nation. Let's give everyone something else to watch.
Trump must be livid for two reasons: His mentor Putin has suffered a major black eye; and Trump was kept in the dark about Zelensky's year long plan. No leaks!!!
Democrats must play the long game. After all, Republicans have been working for decades to get to where we are today. One of the most important things to do is to force Republicans to get on record with their votes for or against bills, and insist they answer uncomfortable questions, such as "Why are you in favor of taking food and medical care away from children?"
Yes--Zelensky knew--even when he was being bullied in the White House that day. My heart swells . . .
Instead of congratulating Zelensky, Trump comiserated with Putin. This should be headlines in evey paper, as war rages.
Global post this morning. https://globalpost.com/stories/as-the-world-pushes-a-truce-russia-and-ukraines-war-and-peace-drag-on/?lh_aid=35942&lh_cid=0gras7qibs&lh_em=apaalj%40gmail.com&di=c5fe299badb0279d96645be0e7007312
Encourage the 80 senators who have co-sponsored a bill to impose stronger sanctions against Russia. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1241
Picket, sit in against any who won't support it.
Daniel Solomon: They must drink some kind of Jim-Jones-type poison when they sign on to Congress. That "everyone is going to die" comment . . . talk about missing the point . . . . But trying to negotiate with Trump or Putin, or Hamas (fill in the blank), . . . you are talking to people who lie, cheat, and even kill for a living. Unless you have more "hard power" to threaten them with, negotiations only mean to the tyrant another way to manipulate to get their own ends--which will not change.
I'll go with outsmarting them (as with Zelensky) , but then to expect even a worse payback, . . . and continue to pushback at every turn (thank you Norm and Jen). The other option is "not an option," though it might be for the tyrant. Every time I see Trump's face on the screen, I feel I need to take a shower. CBK
Jujitsu. Take it if we can get it.
Check out the Jerry Weiss scenario. https://jerryweiss.substack.com/
Oh, to have the heart of a Ukrainian fighter, now more than ever.
It makes me ❤️ him even more.
Another interesting point about this operation is that Ukraine kept the US in the dark even before Trump won the election. They already knew, being realists in an existential conflict, that the US was an unreliable ally, no matter which party might be in power.
That last sentence you wrote is the real kicker!! That eats at the very core of this country’s existence !! It is exactly what has told me Republicans have no feeling for anyone but themselves!! Which means they do not belong in Washington!! As people used to say, ( only for a different reason) , “Give ‘em Hell Harry”!!!!!! Go in there and hit ‘em where it hurts!! It’s so unbelievable what they’re doing, it makes you think they’re being bribed with money Trump has given them to keep quiet and follow his meanness!!
Martha: I also think they have an intimidation machine going 24-7. I mean, they threaten even judges' families. The votes against Trump's impeachments way-back-when are known to have been, in good part, about those fear tactics.
Why are you in favor of again cutting taxes for the top 10% and large corporations when you could simply cut taxes for the bottom 90% and raise the tax rate of large corporations to a fair tax rate of 27%? Why do you refuse to raise the top line for contributions to Social Security and Medicare in order to save both? After the Boomers (like me) die off, the rates can again be lowered.
This comment nails it! The long game is what we don't seem to get, and a long-term strategy would free us to put more energy into winning rather than figuring out what we stand for.
Dear Jen, this is such an inspiring smackeroo! You and Norm have been in the forefront of this fight, and there are no words to express my gratitude to you for keeping the stalwart spirits in fighting trim!
Well said Jim !
One of the best parts of Ukraine’s mission deep inside Russia was that Zelensky had the foresight to keep the United States totally out of the loop. The correctly named “Putin poodle Trump” would have run to his master hoping for a tasty bone if he’d known.
Putin named his poodle "TACO".
Arf!!!
Zelenskyy is more clever than Putin gives him credit for. That’s what happens when you let your guard down. Trump isn’t much different. If we the people do the same thing with our elected representatives and cause them good trouble they’ll either do something or lay down and die. If we maintain that attitude we won’t die as fast as the likes of Joni Ernst thinks we will. I’ve heard her constituents are calling her “Joni Hearse(t).”
Totally agree it’s time the MAGA’s got a hole knocked into their armor. They can be crushed!
Things so large you can actually see them from space:
--The Great Pyramids at Giza
--The Great Barrier Reef off Australia
--The Great Wall of China
--The Titanium Balls of Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Priceless!! My husband and I both got a good laugh from your truth-telling.
Shouldn't it be Joni HEARSE, without the T?
The way I heard it was pronounced with the T like Ernst. The hearse with an E is correct. I think they were trying to make it fit with Ernst.
Now, the t in a bracket makes sense.
Actually who needs a hearse(t) when you have an ⚱️st as in Joni ⚱️st or Urnst!
Seconded wholeheartedly!
I want this to sink in with everyone: when Zelensky was being yelled at by Trump and Vance at the Oval Office, Operation Spiderweb was already in the works. He didn't lose his temper. He spilled NOTHING. Zelensky is not my favorite person in the world - I don't always agree with him. However, he did exceptionally well here. He went home and did his job.
And he did this will listening to the president scream at him "You have no cards!"
Exactly. And he didn't blow his fuse and scream at these eegits "You have NO idea what we have in store!" Nope. Just.... chilled it out.
The Yoke is on Trump!
And fooling the Orange Turd isn't that hard-- he's an idiot with the emotional maturity of a 10 year old schoolyard bully.
I absolutely hear what you're saying, Maria, including about not always agreeing with Zelensky, etc., while still giving him his props. In a war like this, whether it's actual warfare like Russia-Ukraine, or much less visible, but every bit as real warfare against an illegitimate regime at home, it's all hands on deck, as we've heard. People are not always going to like and agree with each other, even long after the chump is gone. But we do absolutely have to allie and support each other where we do agree. I don't see it as optional equipment.
Just a question: Who IS your favorite person in the world? I'm curious.
It's not just one person. I have many. First of all - animals. Many of whom are much better people than people. Second, people like Dolly Parton, Keanu Reeves, Denzel Washington, Chef Andres and others who take what they have and share it with others.
I assume, or at least hope, our military is paying close attention to Ukraine's actions. If a 600 dollar drone can take out a hundred-million dollar aircraft, then all of warfare has changed.
It's an old saw that generals always prepare to fight the last war, rather than the next one. I hope our military does not live up (or down) to that saying.
I follow an Australian general who admits, sadly, that his government is, as yet, paying no attention to small weapons’ capability. Let’s hope President Zelenskyy has more cards up his sleeve. I’m personally hoping for the complete destruction of the Kerch Bridge, the Kremlin, and Putin’s bunker.
Saw a graphic / meme comparing the costs of an aircraft carrier. The important numbers:
Charles de Gaulle (France) - $3.7 billion
Gerald Ford class (US) - $13 billion
Queen Elizabeth (UK) - $4 billion
"Zelenskyy" class (Ukraine) - $35,000 (the photo was of a truck)
Unfortunately, the Pentagon is now run by buffoons, and Trump's other fools have gutted any defense or cyber security capabilities the US has. I am waiting in fear to see what, if anything happens on June 14th. America's enemies are surely watching for opportunities to attack.
I fear that the other buffoons are not as buffoonish as the orange mango. For instance now that musk is gone, Vought is taking over and he is an avowed national white male Christian-nation true believer. In fact he is the brains behind the 2025 plan. And now he’s in charge of “DOGE”.
Agreed. Vought is more dangerous than Elon Musk.
Not only will this operation go down in military history, it's also changed the face of warfare forever. It's not often a radical military event like this happens. The last one was the Japanese proving the aircraft carrier was the newest power on the battlefield, overtaking the battleship forever.
I agree. Bullies are cowards and the best tactic/defense is to stand up to them. Shaming them doesn’t hurt either.
During the NYC Mayoral debate, Cuomo said the same thing. He said trump is a bully and one must never give in/up to a bully because they will continue to bother you forever.
Cuomo of all people is calling someone a bully???
The pot calls the kettle...predators recognize their own.
That is laughable coming from Cuomo, who made a living as a bully and a misogynist, who resigned in disgrace as a direct result of his sexist bullying.
The only thing worse than re-electing Eric Adams would be electing Cuomo as mayor.
Yeah, the voters in the NYC primary will have a choice between bad and worse, although I admit that I'm not sure which of those 2 guys fit into those slots. Frankly, each one is worse than the other.
Adams is not in the primary, he is running as an independent.
And, there are many good candidates. Zohran Mamdani is within striking distance of Cuomo. With ranked choice voting, he has a real chance.
And even if Cuomo gets the nomination, there’s a chance Mamdani may run as a Working Families Party candidate. With Adams and Cuomo splitting votes of poorly informed “liberals”, he may have a chance there too.
You can't win without Jews in NYC and Mamdani worked to alienate us. And then AOC endorsed him. Big mistake, HUGE...
An endorsement by possibly the most popular political figure in NYC is a good thing. actually. She is certainly far more popular that Schumer or Jeffries these days…And, is the fact that Mamdani is against genocide is ‘alienating’ to some voters? Many more voters, including many Jewish New Yorkers, are appalled by genocide and apartheid and are happy to hear that at one least one mayoral candidate isn’t afraid to say so.
One thing I find interesting is that Zelensky took Trump's orchestrated insults without rebutting 'you don't have the cards' knowing full well that he did in fact have powerful cards. Had Trump been insulted like that he would have boastfully responded that he had great cards, cards like the world had never seen, that the world would see them. Yup, he would have blown security cover, top secrets, etc. And he still might ... or probably will at some point given his need for adulation and attention.
Doubtless. Read today about his punishment of China with regard to tech innovations, but he’s also pals with Chinese crypto king Justin Song, so, to paraphrase Robert Reich, Trump’s bolting the front door and letting our enemies in (via is Mideast connections) through the back door. The corruption is absolute.
Obviously Zelensky has read The Art Of War. And apparently Putin hasn't.
Ukrainians get psy-ops. My own modest shout-out to them, with a couple of historical parallels thrown in for fun:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-164978631
That's my take on it, too.
I think it helps to remind anyone who is thinking of capitulating that it's a lose-lose situation--even if you capitulate, you'll lose in the end. So best to keep your sense of integrity and take a stand.
Who could have predicted that US support of Ukraine under Biden would yield a massive lesson to US interests in combatting attacks on US democracy? All those signs in the protests probably cost the people making them $1.98. Every one of them a faux drone on Trump's illegal and offensive efforts. Go Ukraine! Go protestors!!
Love the Venn diagram you're constructed here, Jen!
Yes, let's learn the lessons the brilliant Zelensky just taught us about our performative Dunce-in Chief. I'm here for it!
My fervent hope is that we, like Ukraine, will learn the lessons from our successes to prepare ourselves for the next onslaughts. They will come, and eventually from persons more capable and darker of spirit than Trump. I suspect we have lost a segment of the population to the stories and promises of Trump and MAGA permanently.
Yes, Russell Vought is already here and acting on his plan. 2025. He’s now in charge of DOGE. This is one of the scariest things yet.
This is the reason I love to read Jen Rubin's articles!!! I missed you on the Post there for a short time!! But as the kids say, “you’re back, Baby!!” You are so right on every count!! Those Republicans need a rude awakening and so does Trump!! Gee, they might have to actually do something , Hum? Zelensky’s got guts in the form of brains!!! Way to go!! Your article basically says it All !! I would vote for you for President, Lady!! Keep up the good work!! You have made my day!! Thank you ever so much!!
Wonderful read, as usual!
Jen & everyone, in addition to accomplishing these "slaps in the face" is the comprehensive ability to get the news out everywhere! Coming up June 14 is the nationwide protest, No Kings Day. How can we finetune our news sources -- cable, traditonal news local & national, social media influencers, substack news, advocacy organizations of all kinds, opinion shows, etc to simultaneously cover these events? Are there people in campaigns or broadcasting or publicity who can put together a network of coordinated publicity?
I would like to see a news blackout on this show of presidential egotistical waste. I am praying fervently for horrible, parade-ending storms that day.
One way to achieve a "blackout" on the president's parade is to feature mass coverage of the "No Kings Day" protests across the nation. Let's give everyone something else to watch.
Indivisible here in MA—but I think it’s national.
Yes, coordinated coverage is national. Maybe all the Indivisible chapters can post, send links to elected officials?