Thanks, Cory! Be well, and especially your family. Batten the hatches, we’ll get through this!
Retired professor of literature & writing and critical thinking, Yale and USC. Also 10 years’ teaching high school English. NYC native, now in CT. New Deal Democrat, like my parents before me.
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Thanks, Cory! Be well, and especially your family. Batten the hatches, we’ll get through this!
I hope you and your family can avoid the bad policies that seem to be on their way. California should be a haven against all that, and if Newsom’s failing in that duty, then he deserves to be called out and voted out, and certainly not elevated! Good luck!
Based on all that, I completely agree with you, if he should ever run. There is such a thing as moving to the center, yes, but that kind of record shows both lack of principle and lack of imagination.
Welcome!
I’m from New York, and I can tell you that he has done a lot of great work for decades. Yes, he overstayed, but now he’s doing the right thing. Thank you, Jerry, and best wishes for a long and healthy retirement.
He just did something that’s very helpful and very difficult! So difficult the few of his peers have been able to do it. Maybe for five minutes give him a little credit, and don’t judge his character based on some random picture in the paper?
And it all shows on his face, clear as day. Would you buy a used car from this man? Would you even let him hold the door for an elderly person? If I saw him coming towards me on the street, I’d cross to the other side as quick as I could.
you’re entitled to your opinion, but then I’m entitled to think that you are letting your emotions overwhelm your intellect. Take a deep breath: if on reflection you don’t see that’s a bizarre accusation, then we can’t discuss issues—different universes of thought. Fair enough, and I wish you luck.
You’re entitled to dislike him, you’ll never vote for him, obviously—I doubt I would either unless he was the only alternative to Trump, which is highly unlikely. But when you say that anyone who likes his satire is already MAGA—
But he’s signed actual measures protecting trans kids from being outed by teachers, for example, and apparently took a lot of heat for it. He was a pioneer on gay marriage. Slick he is, obviously, but I doubt he’d ever throw gay marrieds under the bus.
Anil, you just lump things together and call them “the same,” but they’re not. Even a quick bit of research on Newsom’s actual trans policies shows that they are radically different from Trump’s. Do they maybe agree on the sports question? Perhaps, though that’s based on a podcast remark.
I didn’t see this post before I answered your previous one—Bluesky threading can be unhelpful. No wonder you condemn Newsom, and I will research his positions on trans issues. If he’s attacking trans kids, that would rule him out as a candidate for me: there are places a popular front can’t go.
But if we’re gonna have a popular front against Trump, we’re all gonna have to work with people who don’t agree with us on any number of issues, so I think we should remember that and keep our eye on the prize. Peace out!
Or not! We’ll see. But right here, right now, I maintain that his satire is really helpful in subverting Trump’s bullshit. If you don’t agree, that’s fine! Agree to disagree.
discuss each accurately, we might get somewhere on any number of questions. Including who’s the best person to take on Trump or Trumpism—but we have a long way to go, and it’s way early to be discarding people you already don’t like. People can improve—Newsom seems to be in the process of that.
So in fact, I wasn’t “denigrating his preferences”; I was raising questions about his understanding of satire. In fact, I’m happy to learn more about Newsom’s overall record, but that’s a separate discussion. It’s not helpful, I think, to lump six different topics together:
Whoa! As you just said, you know a lot about Newsom bc you live in CA—but I live in CT: other coast. Also, I only disputed what Anil said about Newsom’s mockery: nothing about his candidacy, his record, homelessness, or any other issue.
Thanks for clarifying that—I hadn’t heard. I’ll read up on it.
If you marry a sociopath, your mate is going to abuse you for as long as you’re together. It’s like the frog and the scorpion: “it’s in his nature.” I’m talking about the Founding Fathers, of course, and the unnatural yoking of incompatible cultures they accomplished in order to defeat the King.
Newsom’s mimicry plunges Trump’s people into an unbearable cognitive dissonance: they hate it! They’re howling, when they aren’t just being defensive, or making witty replies, like, “you’re just imitating Trump!” No shit, Sherlock! But they really don’t know how to fight it, and so doubt arises.
I give you credit for being a serious person, but for some reason you don’t seem to get that satire against authoritarianism is one of the most serious and deadly strategies we have!
Slippery slope argument, combined with a false dichotomy: there’s no slide into MAGA thinking for people who respond to Newsom‘s satire! In fact, it inoculates them against MAGA thinking. One strategy doesn’t preclude others – in fact, many varied strategies are more effective against a dictator.
By the way, your question is classic whataboutism! Doesn’t conduce to a healthy exchange of views. I’d still like to learn about the Newsom police incident you’re upset about.
I don’t support Newsom-yet-except in his strategy for mocking Trump—never liked him, in fact, based on his slick manner and those podcasts with conservatives. I don’t know what you’re referring to, but I’d be glad if you’d post a link to an account of it so I can learn more.
Every successful presidential candidate does some version of the “move to the center”: JFK did it; Bill Clinton did it; Barack Obama did it. Even Bernie (on guns). Do you wanna beat Trumpism, or will you only support a candidate that’s pure? If the latter, you’ll probably lose—again. Choose!
Population of Washington DC: 689, 000
Think of how bulletproof Trump has been against any rational attack: now look at how people are laughing at him and seeing how ridiculous he is when they hear Newsom aping him. It’s a victory. Reread Swift, reflect, and maybe write a note to Governor Newsom thanking him for his creative energy.
I’m guessing you’re not an English major. Newsom is using the same method as Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal. When people – and consciences – are asleep, it takes shocking measures to jar them awake. “They’re eating the babies!” Sound familiar?
Ah, so it *is* your mother!
Fantasies of omnipotence are one of the clearest signs of mental illness we know.
“Trump governs erratically, even crazily, by his whims and according to the last person he spoke to.”
I swear that Megan McArdle is the original Pitchbot! She’s been writing crap like this for nigh on three decades. And getting paid! That’s the real shame.
If you’re driving this weekend, strong recommendation for this Pretenders Essentials playlist. Hit after hit after hit! music.apple.com/us/playlist/... Hats off and windows down for the amazing Chrissie Hynde and her bands.
More! More! is the cry of a mistaken soul, less than All cannot satisfy Man. If any could desire what he is incapable of possessing, despair must be his eternal lot. William Blake, “There is No Natural Religion”
Thank you Judge Lamberth! One of the most conservative judges on the DC Circuit, a Reagan appointee—shows you how far beyond the pale Trump has gone.
Yes, let the innumerate moron who promises 1000% reductions in inflation decide on rate cuts! That will go swimmingly.
Rick Wilson tweeted that RFK Jr. is a serial killer. Sounds extreme, but using Occam’s Razor, it’s one of the most economical explanations for his lifetime anti-vax crusade. Another would be that he is a psychotic eugenicist on a depraved mission to cull the weak and purify the race. Whatever.
Dante puts the flatterers deeper in Hell than murderers—buried in shit. www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/suck...
Statehood for NYC!
Will they also be looking for the Epstein Files? They’re definitely located somewhere in DC…
Ben-Ghiat!
Tim is a great reporter, but he’s off base on this one. He needs to talk to Timothy Snyder or Ruth Ben-Geist about how satire is an essential weapon against authoritarians. Especially this one, who almost succeeded in making himself satire proof – but Newsom’s trolling shows the way brilliantly.
Good idea! But whatever, do something! Don’t just stand there… Serious failure of the imagination going on in the Democratic Party.
Except we haven’t really ended their grip: the Confederacy is newly risen, and eager to subjugate the rest of us.
Well said! You get right to the heart of the matter.
In an era of idiotic headlines, we may have a new winner.
Like Edmund Burke, you were Right Too Soon! Badge of honor…
“If a president began murdering senators – an obviously impeachable offense— who would have the authority to arrest and detain him until impeachment proceedings could begin?”
I put a version of this question on Bluesky yesterday, asking for constitutional experts to weigh in, tagging a few I follow. As of this morning, no answer – I doubt any saw it! – so I asked Perplexity. If you’re curious, try asking any AI agent – the answer was as frightening as the question!
My cat should also learn to read Ancient Greek—which is equally likely to happen!
Sounds about right. He’s way past Napoleon on the crazy spectrum. Reminds me of the Fisherman’s Wife and the Genie—he’ll get to her final wish soon, if he isn’t there already.
Television. Television happened.
I’m re-upping this question and adding tags for some well-known scholars I follow. Thanks in advance! @joycevance.bsky.social @stevevladeck.bsky.social @glennkirschner.bsky.social @kateshaw.bsky.social @leahlitman.bsky.social @elienyc.bsky.social
This is obviously an impeachable offense, treason, in fact, but there’s no time for any trials. In our current constitutional system, who would have the power to intervene to stop this? Who could arrest the president in order to stop and hold him pending a trial?
A hypothetical question for constitutional scholars: A document comes to light in which Trump agrees with Putin to end the NATO alliance. (Bear with me: hypothetical premise!) As part of this agreement, Trump turns a NATO base in the Baltics or Turkey over to Russian control in two weeks.
Same could be said of JFK and Bill Clinton, and it was: what would we give to have them back? Newsom’s damaging Trump, so help him out and stop reaching for your smelling salts.
Governors, where is our well-organized, high-profile boycott of blue state travel and businesses? Form a Governors’ Economic Solidarity Council and make it happen! Tomorrow!
As the kids say, Aguirre was a *problem*! Thanks for the memories…
Pigs will fly before Trump does that. If he doesn’t block it entirely, he’ll fob it off on the Europeans. They’re going to need to do it anyway.
Propaganda? More like Devil-worshipping idolatry. Moloch, to be precise, who demanded the sacrifice of children – as in the cancellation of USAID: an offering bestowed! “Mighty is Moloch, and we are his servants.”
Watching the MAGATs try to think is like watching a second-grader steal a delivery truck and start driving it down Main Street. Faulty analogy, dude. Try harder.
Unfortunately, that’s a big part of the job description. They are evil, but it’s still our responsibility to make them stop. All is not lost, but it’s getting late!
“They make a desert, and call it peace…“ Emperors still doing what they do.
In Arnold’s defense, he’s not very bright.
He would be more likely to arrest himself: to walk over to the DOJ and turn himself in while reciting the complete list of his crimes since 2015.
Trump’s every gesture, expression, statement when he’s with Putin screams one message: “You own me. I will never cross you, I will always do whatever you tell me.” We are in such profound danger from so many directions.
Odd, yet in this case, completely expected and predictable! How shall we explain this anomaly?
Evidence that sitting next to Joe Kernan for three hours every day damages your brain and your listening skills. Hell, if I had to sit next to that blowhard, I’d turn my ears off too!
Carl, so appreciated your question today to Cisco chair about Presidential intrusion into private business decisions! Most days I feel like I’m losing my mind, but real journalism helps keep me sane – thank you.
A poster for Imposter Syndrome.
Clearly Acosta knows his Bible— he probably understood Epstein’s behavior as an updated re-enactment of Lot and his daughters. Hence the sweetheart deal, with no need to turn Ghislaine Maxwell into a pillar of salt.
Great—experts!
Historically illiterate. Ask any AI or search this question: List countries where anti-democratic parties were allowed to participate in elections, won power, then abolished future elections There are at least a dozen, starting w Hitler’s Nazi’s and up to modern Turkey, Venezuela, and Hungary.
Bad luck.
Therefore he is not a businessman! Q.E.D.
Ever read The Taming of the Shrew? “Their own medicine” is the only thing that has a chance of working with that crowd—and maybe not even that.
Unitary executive, baby, amirite? Woo-hoo!
The most important story of the year. Will the mainstream media give it sustained coverage and further investigation? I wish I could be confident, but in any case, it’s up to us citizens to keep the pressure on the media and Democratic leadership. There are still pressure points! Use them!
Burgum has a face like a hatchet. Probably not an accident.
Somebody please explain to me how Joe Kernan is a better newsman than Baghdad Bob. I’ll wait.
Link is broken.
Scumbag-in-Chief.
Whoa! Thanks for posting this, since it alerted me to the need to block the so-called Democracy Action Network. Promoting Jonathan Turley? Are you out of your minds? It’s possible that during an unprecedented attack on the US, Brennan took risks and made mistakes. But was he wrong? Look at us now!
Actual person, real name? Takes a lot to surprise me these days, but this…?! I assume this is on X—will anybody ask Musk about it?
Ten years late and a trillion dollars short.
Leni Riefenstahl they’re not—they’ll make laughable propaganda that everyone will mock, and it will collapse utterly.
Recovery is step by step, and it’s a long journey. Take your step, then the next, and the next, join hands with the rest, don’t let your mind wander to global pessimism. Be encouraged by your allies, as I am by your writing on a sustainable energy future. Thanks for what you do!
Brilliant! I want one.
He seems to have a beef with “Liz Wheeler.” Maybe she gets stuff wrong, whoever she is—he obviously doesn’t know who you are or anything about your body of work.
In 1977 LCS, Sparky came in in the fourth and shut down the Royals the rest of the way to save the series: one of the greatest games I’ve ever seen. Love Sparky! Happy Birthday! bleacherreport.com/articles/120...
“Because I’m a complete tool! Isn’t it obvious?”
Mob lawyer fingers the snitch…
“People don't explain to me, l explain to them!”
Philip, I’d love to see one of your patented statistical illustrations of the comparative greatness of Nap Lajoie. It’s really true that he deserves to be re-recognized!
“Thank you for your inattention to this matter!DJT.”
Imagine what might happen if we actually tried democracy! The other side knows, and they’re terrified—which is why they lie, cheat, and steal to stop us from voting.
www.perplexity.ai/page/human-c... music.apple.com/us/album/joh...
“When you sup with the Devil, bring a long spoon…”
“Context? Times don’t need no stinkin’ context!”