In addition to raising more than $1 billion for her fellow Democrats over a long career, on top of mastering the amazing legislative scut work hustle in order to get Obamacare passed and sent to the Senate in such a way to enable ratification, she'll be the only Speaker long remembered for managing to still look terrific in a pair of lavender Manolo Blahniks and matching pantsuit, even after an entire day of spearheading countless Gay Pride Day celebrations in San Francisco.
1. We need a big tent. "Democrats Won Big Because They Won Over Trump Supporters"
It wasn’t just about superior turnout. Party switchers played a significant role in Virginia and New Jersey. By Nate Cohn, NYT.
2. Many Congressional Republicans privately admit Trump is nuts.
I keep posting. According to Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) Trumpepstein may cause an "Epstein bomb" causing over 100 Republican members to "jailbreak" from Trump.
Ain't that the truth. I've always strongly throught that many of those in Congress were NOT Trump supporters, in any way, but they fear the guy due to his chaotic, pugnacious OCD attitude towards retribution and destruction, so they keep quiet. Frankly, if they all banded together and showed some balls, we wouldn't in this mess. Totally agree that the wins on Tuesday were, in part, due to some Magas waking up and saying hell no, this ain't right.
We better grow a BIG tent, if we ever want the rest of the world to find reason to believe in us again! Who will want to come to the US for any reason with what DJT is doing? Certainly very few tourists for fear of ICE and all the other uncertainties, like air travel!!! To say nothing of the recent flip-flopping on all international relationships! We need NORMAL in a big way for our sanity and for our relationships with the rest of the world. A BIG tent can go along way to getting back to NORMAL!!
Sandy S, I wholeheartedly agree, and what we don’t need is a person elected president who is then given sweeping executive power to destroy our country based on delusional ideas, and who thinks he is king forever and who can do away with the other branches of government . America came too close to the fire with Donald Trump that way. Lunatics may be hard for some to recognize, but guardrails must exist to protect America and democracy from them and their followers.
If we ever want the world to trust us again in any fashion, we need to codify “norms” and repeal outdated rules that have allowed this regime to get away with many of it’s worst impulses. And we need serious repercussions for breaking those rules (i.e., I would love to see a law that says you must post your tax returns at the time of filing for any federal office or your name won’t be on the ballet). Then, when we show the world they don’t have to trust us “only until the next madman comes along” maybe they will begin to trust us again.
Agreed. In that big tent, though, we need to stop fighting our own, eating our own, or fracturing the vote with single issues or purity take downs. The overwhelming goal needs to be taking back our country and undoing all the damage wrought by the thugs in the White House and the cowardly sycophants in Congress.
Perhaps now is the time to find what we can agree on. Like what issues need to be addressed first when we are back in control of the House and the Senate. The People have shown that we know how to work together. Now we must have representatives that can work together, too. I won't be surprised to see some 'republicans in sheep's clothing' trying to get in among us. Like we had while Biden was in office. People that just can't 'go along to get along' can really gum up the works.
Great outcome in the election but the enemy isn't defeated. The MAGA Fascists are stil with us and the mental disorder that has infected 40% of Americans will not go away. The Democratic States of America must form an alliance that will continue to fight back. Eventually the Pus Bucket will be out of office but the MAGA Disease will continue.
DJT is soooo out of touch with people outside of his daily self serving ways that he can't see that his MAGA followers out here in the rest of the country, need many of the services that he is destroying... like affording food!! And health care and daily essentials! They will turn on him as they find things are just too costly and to difficult to exist ... All because of him!!! Let's watch and see what happens then to the 'Only I Can Fix It King!'
I hope what you said is true. However, Donny Boy has never cared about anyone but himself including his MAGA worshipers. He has been telling them that all of their problems are caused by Joe Biden, Hillary's e-mails, and the Democratic Party. I see no hope that a significant number of them will wake up. Maybe a few of the less than hardcore Donny voters will wake up and swing the next election. Maybe.
I hear your concerns Bob. During DJT's 1st term. I lived across the street from a retired couple who were Evangelicals and completely taken in by their church and DJT. The man became a Proud Boy Wannabe to the point that they moved to within a few miles of Mar-a-Logo! It was a very scary time for me, because he was telling all of his new 'friends' that I was a Dem. I was very relieved when they moved. Many of their Proud Boy friends still toss their beer cans and rev their engines when they drive by. sigh But in recent weeks that has quieted down some. Either they are in jail or maybe they are starting to wonder about their fearless leader??? I hope that is it! I honestly think when the MAGA crowd starts feeling the financial pinch DJT is handing all of us, they might have different thoughts about the old orange one. All we can do is wait and see on that front. Cults do die out. Sometimes rather quickly. Perhaps DJT will soon be the object of their need to hate something. Meantime, we can keep steady with taking care of voting in the fall of 2026! Keep your chin up! :-)
Newsom has shown us a side of himself I didn’t know existed. I am impressed and grateful. Nancy Pelosi is a legend. Her masterful ability to herd cats and control egos is unrivaled. Above all, she has done what too few have done: she has helped mentor the next generation, making it clear that it’s not all about her. This is the essence of a life of service.
Contrast Nancy's video announcing her retirement, quiet, dignified, factual, focused on her city and its people rather than on herself: contrast this with the boastful, self-aggrandizing untruths that come out of the president's mouth every time he opens it.
Given the undeniable courage and integrity of Pelosi and Newsom, it's something to observe that the beating heart of Trump's most outlandish impulses comes from Santa Monica's own Stephen Miller. Wish that it weren't so. And, to counter-punch what is transpiring regarding challenges to Prop 50, I hope there are lawyers challenging Texas' redistricting scheme.
Not that I can see. His father, Mario, was great. It's sad to see how Andrew has gone over to the dark side of entitled corruption. Or is it corrupt entitlement? Either way.
It truly was the best outcome we could have hoped for. Also, it showed that the rethuglican crazies in down-ballot races were not invulnerable. We need to go after all the races next year! Send MAGA packing with their tails between their legs. Get on the phone to your Congress Critters if they are Dems or Independents and plead with them to cough up the money for a year-long advertising campaign to teach John Q. Public why we are the choice which will actually make his lot better. If they are rethugs, tell them to vote to release the Epstein Files!
Gov. Pritzker is right up there with Newsom, albeit not as photogenic or charming. Those things scare me a little in a public servant. If Newsom had the values and priorities of Mamdani, he'd be unstoppable.
Governor JB Pritzker may not be photogenic, but he can be charming when appropriate. Otherwise, he looks forward, speaks clearly, and is decisive. He has done good for Illinois after the last Republican governor indebted the state retirement fund and put the state's bond rating into 'junk' status. And yes, an alliance of Democratic governors is a good idea.
AND Governor Pritzker has integrity. During the primary I attended one of his events, since I knew little about him other than that he was a billionaire. I shook JB's hand, and said "Full disclosure. I'm volunteering for one of your primary opponents, Daniel____." His response? "Oh, Daniel. I know him and really respect him and his views. All I'll ask you to do is to listen to what I have to say, and I hope you'll support me if I win the primary." He went on to talk about his passion for and investment in pre-school education, among other things, and I WAS impressed, and did vote for him. I'm really proud to be represented by him, to hear him forcefully denounce the Criminal-in-Chief and his Nazi thugs. I'll never forget our exchange at his event, and JB's caring and respect for others, in contrast to the evil emanating from the People's House (the White House.)
Gov. Pritzker might do well in the White House, but he's doing such a good job for Illinois, it would be a shame to lose him. If we could find someone as good to replace him, it wouldn't be as bad, though it's a hard find at this point.
I'll admit to being biased - I'm from here in downstate central Illinois.
I was at first greatly impressed by Newsom's talk about the Trumpian Guard's incursion into LA. I believe we saw/heard it on a zoom-like setup to which we'd had to make a reservation.
He was great, but then...
He didn't stop talking. He went on and on and without introducing much which he hadn't said in the beginning. Both Hubert Humphrey and Bill Clinton could talk at length (one way to put it) but my remembrance was that they each could continue to hold my attention if I hadn't heard it before.
But I think Newsom has a real problem here. Unstoppable? At least for speeches, I hope not.
Awesome column, Jen. Isn't it just like those got damn Republicans to have the stones to file suit against California, for conducting a legal election and letting the people choose whether to change the electoral maps? Dirty bastards don't see the utter hypocrisy in that move. Texas started this fiasco because Trump can manipulate the state's gutless and clueless governor. I'm so encouraged by Tuesday's results. The Democrats, as Jen wrote, have largely stopped their tut-tutting about breaking norms. If we don't break them, the Republicans are going to turn this country into a dystopian tent camp, where the ultra-rich will rule over a steaming pile of shit. Fight on, fellow Contrarians. My next project is helping Aftyn Behn flip House District 7 in my home state of Tennessee in a Dec. 2 special election. Help her if you can, Contrarians! This seat is flippable and would add another huge worry to the plate of that weasel MAGA Mike. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ab-mms-fr-leverage-oct25?refcode=1008d&amount=10
Gov Abbott is gutless, but probably not clueless. He knows what he’s doing. I’d call him spineless, but I don’t know why he’s in a wheel chair and I don’t subscribe to MAGA’s cruelty. Actually, I think I like craven!
It’s sooo gratifying to read this— the most clear-eyed and accurate assessment of the results of Tuesday’s elections across our country. I am so grateful for you, Jennifer Rubin! Thank you for your spirit and courage to rally colleagues, join with Norm Ornstein, and create The Contrarian!
Politica experts frequently dwell in the same bubble as the politicians. Reading the people these days is a little easier if they would look at the comments (like these) and attend a couple of No Kings rallies. The positive resistance is catching, and is reflected in the voting.
It is impossible to say enough good things about the Undaunted Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Thank you for this beautiful piece.
I'd wager she has one last great swan song in her. Like getting the Epstein files published. If anyone can do this, Nancy can.
From your post to my heart!
🤗🤗
In addition to raising more than $1 billion for her fellow Democrats over a long career, on top of mastering the amazing legislative scut work hustle in order to get Obamacare passed and sent to the Senate in such a way to enable ratification, she'll be the only Speaker long remembered for managing to still look terrific in a pair of lavender Manolo Blahniks and matching pantsuit, even after an entire day of spearheading countless Gay Pride Day celebrations in San Francisco.
The woman has quietly been The fashion statement on Capitol Hill for her whole time there!!!!
Never forget. MAGA went after her and almost killed her husband. She didn’t quit. We must persevere. Honor for the Pelosi family and never give in.
"It is impossible to say enough good things about the Undaunted Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi."
Well, there's always this:
"Pelosi taken apart by David Gregory on false Obamacare promises"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw3yoyIw3oM
In a related article:
"Obama's 'You Can Keep It' Promise Is 'Lie Of The Year'"
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/12/13/250694372/obamas-you-can-keep-it-promise-is-lie-of-the-year
"Pelosi interview gets heated: You don’t know what you’re talking about"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqPltMpWIwo
Hal, I know it is a little chilly right now, but it would greatly amuse me if you would take a long walk off a short pier!
"Hal, I know it is a little chilly right now, but it would greatly amuse me..."
Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Anything else?
Thanks so much, Hal. Very persuasive.
Sheer reading pleasure! 🌊 👋
Yes, indeed. But Nov. 2026 is still a long way to go watching our country getting damaged day by day while we can do very little to stop it.
Exactly; appreciation for those engaged in the struggle on a daily basis helps me face the pain.
Let’s keep it up! Young and charismatic leaders please apply!
1. We need a big tent. "Democrats Won Big Because They Won Over Trump Supporters"
It wasn’t just about superior turnout. Party switchers played a significant role in Virginia and New Jersey. By Nate Cohn, NYT.
2. Many Congressional Republicans privately admit Trump is nuts.
I keep posting. According to Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) Trumpepstein may cause an "Epstein bomb" causing over 100 Republican members to "jailbreak" from Trump.
Massive Congressional visits November 18.
https://www.instagram.com/flare.usa/p/DP_mdOyjdiG/
Visit CongressionalRepublicans.
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/851451/
I think that if we play our cards right, many can be convinced by the election outcome to come forward.
"Many Congressional Republicans privately admit Trump is nuts".
One need not be a Rhodes scholar to say that. Only casually observant.
Ain't that the truth. I've always strongly throught that many of those in Congress were NOT Trump supporters, in any way, but they fear the guy due to his chaotic, pugnacious OCD attitude towards retribution and destruction, so they keep quiet. Frankly, if they all banded together and showed some balls, we wouldn't in this mess. Totally agree that the wins on Tuesday were, in part, due to some Magas waking up and saying hell no, this ain't right.
We better grow a BIG tent, if we ever want the rest of the world to find reason to believe in us again! Who will want to come to the US for any reason with what DJT is doing? Certainly very few tourists for fear of ICE and all the other uncertainties, like air travel!!! To say nothing of the recent flip-flopping on all international relationships! We need NORMAL in a big way for our sanity and for our relationships with the rest of the world. A BIG tent can go along way to getting back to NORMAL!!
Sandy S, I wholeheartedly agree, and what we don’t need is a person elected president who is then given sweeping executive power to destroy our country based on delusional ideas, and who thinks he is king forever and who can do away with the other branches of government . America came too close to the fire with Donald Trump that way. Lunatics may be hard for some to recognize, but guardrails must exist to protect America and democracy from them and their followers.
Amen!
If we ever want the world to trust us again in any fashion, we need to codify “norms” and repeal outdated rules that have allowed this regime to get away with many of it’s worst impulses. And we need serious repercussions for breaking those rules (i.e., I would love to see a law that says you must post your tax returns at the time of filing for any federal office or your name won’t be on the ballet). Then, when we show the world they don’t have to trust us “only until the next madman comes along” maybe they will begin to trust us again.
Agreed. In that big tent, though, we need to stop fighting our own, eating our own, or fracturing the vote with single issues or purity take downs. The overwhelming goal needs to be taking back our country and undoing all the damage wrought by the thugs in the White House and the cowardly sycophants in Congress.
Perhaps now is the time to find what we can agree on. Like what issues need to be addressed first when we are back in control of the House and the Senate. The People have shown that we know how to work together. Now we must have representatives that can work together, too. I won't be surprised to see some 'republicans in sheep's clothing' trying to get in among us. Like we had while Biden was in office. People that just can't 'go along to get along' can really gum up the works.
Charisma is an iffy quality. Character is the important requirement. I also believe that we need a range of ages in government.
Great outcome in the election but the enemy isn't defeated. The MAGA Fascists are stil with us and the mental disorder that has infected 40% of Americans will not go away. The Democratic States of America must form an alliance that will continue to fight back. Eventually the Pus Bucket will be out of office but the MAGA Disease will continue.
Perhaps they should try injecting bleach to purify their foul outlook. It didn't work for Covid, but it might work for this.
There's a thought. :-)
😂
DJT is soooo out of touch with people outside of his daily self serving ways that he can't see that his MAGA followers out here in the rest of the country, need many of the services that he is destroying... like affording food!! And health care and daily essentials! They will turn on him as they find things are just too costly and to difficult to exist ... All because of him!!! Let's watch and see what happens then to the 'Only I Can Fix It King!'
I hope what you said is true. However, Donny Boy has never cared about anyone but himself including his MAGA worshipers. He has been telling them that all of their problems are caused by Joe Biden, Hillary's e-mails, and the Democratic Party. I see no hope that a significant number of them will wake up. Maybe a few of the less than hardcore Donny voters will wake up and swing the next election. Maybe.
Comment of the day. Bob. Good job.
Spot.On, John & Bob..." pus bucket..???😂😂
I hear your concerns Bob. During DJT's 1st term. I lived across the street from a retired couple who were Evangelicals and completely taken in by their church and DJT. The man became a Proud Boy Wannabe to the point that they moved to within a few miles of Mar-a-Logo! It was a very scary time for me, because he was telling all of his new 'friends' that I was a Dem. I was very relieved when they moved. Many of their Proud Boy friends still toss their beer cans and rev their engines when they drive by. sigh But in recent weeks that has quieted down some. Either they are in jail or maybe they are starting to wonder about their fearless leader??? I hope that is it! I honestly think when the MAGA crowd starts feeling the financial pinch DJT is handing all of us, they might have different thoughts about the old orange one. All we can do is wait and see on that front. Cults do die out. Sometimes rather quickly. Perhaps DJT will soon be the object of their need to hate something. Meantime, we can keep steady with taking care of voting in the fall of 2026! Keep your chin up! :-)
Thank you Nancy Pelosi and kudos to all our tenacious blue state governors!
BRAVA, Nancy C.!
Newsom has shown us a side of himself I didn’t know existed. I am impressed and grateful. Nancy Pelosi is a legend. Her masterful ability to herd cats and control egos is unrivaled. Above all, she has done what too few have done: she has helped mentor the next generation, making it clear that it’s not all about her. This is the essence of a life of service.
Contrast Nancy's video announcing her retirement, quiet, dignified, factual, focused on her city and its people rather than on herself: contrast this with the boastful, self-aggrandizing untruths that come out of the president's mouth every time he opens it.
Jenn, you are wonderful. This is why I subscribed to the Contrarian. Perfect essay. As they say, from your mouth to God's ears.
Given the undeniable courage and integrity of Pelosi and Newsom, it's something to observe that the beating heart of Trump's most outlandish impulses comes from Santa Monica's own Stephen Miller. Wish that it weren't so. And, to counter-punch what is transpiring regarding challenges to Prop 50, I hope there are lawyers challenging Texas' redistricting scheme.
Another witty moment from Mamdani's speech:
"A great New Yorker once said that while you campaign in poetry, you govern in prose."
The great New Yorker who said that (and he was great): Mario Cuomo.
Oh wow- that had to sting Andrew Cuomo just a bit
That's why it was soooo good! ;)
...like father...not like son.at all.!
Does Andrew seem to have a soul with any poetry going on in it?
Not that I can see. His father, Mario, was great. It's sad to see how Andrew has gone over to the dark side of entitled corruption. Or is it corrupt entitlement? Either way.
It truly was the best outcome we could have hoped for. Also, it showed that the rethuglican crazies in down-ballot races were not invulnerable. We need to go after all the races next year! Send MAGA packing with their tails between their legs. Get on the phone to your Congress Critters if they are Dems or Independents and plead with them to cough up the money for a year-long advertising campaign to teach John Q. Public why we are the choice which will actually make his lot better. If they are rethugs, tell them to vote to release the Epstein Files!
Gov. Pritzker is right up there with Newsom, albeit not as photogenic or charming. Those things scare me a little in a public servant. If Newsom had the values and priorities of Mamdani, he'd be unstoppable.
Governor JB Pritzker may not be photogenic, but he can be charming when appropriate. Otherwise, he looks forward, speaks clearly, and is decisive. He has done good for Illinois after the last Republican governor indebted the state retirement fund and put the state's bond rating into 'junk' status. And yes, an alliance of Democratic governors is a good idea.
AND Governor Pritzker has integrity. During the primary I attended one of his events, since I knew little about him other than that he was a billionaire. I shook JB's hand, and said "Full disclosure. I'm volunteering for one of your primary opponents, Daniel____." His response? "Oh, Daniel. I know him and really respect him and his views. All I'll ask you to do is to listen to what I have to say, and I hope you'll support me if I win the primary." He went on to talk about his passion for and investment in pre-school education, among other things, and I WAS impressed, and did vote for him. I'm really proud to be represented by him, to hear him forcefully denounce the Criminal-in-Chief and his Nazi thugs. I'll never forget our exchange at his event, and JB's caring and respect for others, in contrast to the evil emanating from the People's House (the White House.)
Governor JB Pritzker is who we SHOULD have in the oval office.
Gov. Pritzker might do well in the White House, but he's doing such a good job for Illinois, it would be a shame to lose him. If we could find someone as good to replace him, it wouldn't be as bad, though it's a hard find at this point.
I'll admit to being biased - I'm from here in downstate central Illinois.
I was at first greatly impressed by Newsom's talk about the Trumpian Guard's incursion into LA. I believe we saw/heard it on a zoom-like setup to which we'd had to make a reservation.
He was great, but then...
He didn't stop talking. He went on and on and without introducing much which he hadn't said in the beginning. Both Hubert Humphrey and Bill Clinton could talk at length (one way to put it) but my remembrance was that they each could continue to hold my attention if I hadn't heard it before.
But I think Newsom has a real problem here. Unstoppable? At least for speeches, I hope not.
Awesome column, Jen. Isn't it just like those got damn Republicans to have the stones to file suit against California, for conducting a legal election and letting the people choose whether to change the electoral maps? Dirty bastards don't see the utter hypocrisy in that move. Texas started this fiasco because Trump can manipulate the state's gutless and clueless governor. I'm so encouraged by Tuesday's results. The Democrats, as Jen wrote, have largely stopped their tut-tutting about breaking norms. If we don't break them, the Republicans are going to turn this country into a dystopian tent camp, where the ultra-rich will rule over a steaming pile of shit. Fight on, fellow Contrarians. My next project is helping Aftyn Behn flip House District 7 in my home state of Tennessee in a Dec. 2 special election. Help her if you can, Contrarians! This seat is flippable and would add another huge worry to the plate of that weasel MAGA Mike. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ab-mms-fr-leverage-oct25?refcode=1008d&amount=10
Gov Abbott is gutless, but probably not clueless. He knows what he’s doing. I’d call him spineless, but I don’t know why he’s in a wheel chair and I don’t subscribe to MAGA’s cruelty. Actually, I think I like craven!
Newsom showed that if you want to defeat a street fighter you need to have your own street fighter.
Or, as I like to say "You don't send Little Lord Fauntleroy out to do battle against Bluto"
I love the word odious. Jen uses it well here.
It's my new favorite descriptor, closely followed by repulsive.
I kinda like " pus pocket !" 🤔. SJR & Elvi..you two certainly.have more class than this old gal.🤗
It’s sooo gratifying to read this— the most clear-eyed and accurate assessment of the results of Tuesday’s elections across our country. I am so grateful for you, Jennifer Rubin! Thank you for your spirit and courage to rally colleagues, join with Norm Ornstein, and create The Contrarian!
They all surpassed our expectations, and even the expectations of some of our ‘political experts’!
Politica experts frequently dwell in the same bubble as the politicians. Reading the people these days is a little easier if they would look at the comments (like these) and attend a couple of No Kings rallies. The positive resistance is catching, and is reflected in the voting.
👏👏👏!, Steve 218 !