LAMP

As for that mutual admiration thing I mentioned above. I think that's probably one-sided. I doubt that Putin has any real respect for Trump and is just using that ignorant blob for Putin's own purposes for as long as he can. Putin probably thinks of Trump as a servant rather than a co-equal. However, for the time, it's best to keep up appearances or, as some might say, on the hook.

LAMP

"So, if that is the case, why does Pres Trump seem to bow in servile compliance to Pres Putin?"

Probably because Putin is the brains of the plot to share dominance (1) Putin over Europe and (2) Trump over most of the western hemisphere. Trump has already begun testing the water in Canada, Cuba and has made threats to some South American countries.

I also don't think Putin "has" anything on Trump. I think they have a mutual admiration but only for the purpose of each achieving their goals. Trump is helping Putin's advancement into Eastern Europe right now. When the time comes, Putin will help Trump.

The difference is that Putin is already a dictator and Trump has that pesky Constitution in his way. Which, BTW. he's trying to incrementally destroy

Actually, controlling the economy of the whole world is a long and arduous endeavor. It could take many years. Neither one will live long enough to see it all come to pass. Plus, Putin is working for the good of Russia, . . and Trump is working for the good of himself. As I said, Putin is smart to use Trump and Trump's lack of intelligence and obsession with greed will sooner rather than later cause the GOP and their Unitary Executive plot to self-destruct.

The change of tone may be to lower his own expectations, so he doesn't stroke out after the midterms.

Although we may see him disappear for a long sabbatical which his staff will swear is only campaign fatigue.

And another embarrassing example of Trump's bad judgement. He's apparently a slow learner who didn't read the fine print . . . again!

I finally got to watch her debut as Press Secretary.

I thought she looked like a bad contestant on the Gong Show. I'm glad to see she got gonged.

KWRX25

Trump, Doge cuts to the FAA, you say?

Is 25 your age or IQ?

JPW @ 65

"I love how still . . . "

We won't know that until after the midterm and possibly not until after 2028.

But, in a way, I agree. I've noticed that some people are just numb.

We might want to keep in mind that no President is going to be a Saint . . . but Presidents like Trump are manufactured in Hell.

Also, crazy people have minds that zig and zag all over the place. Trump is an example.

DBT2 @ 61

I don't see anyone beating their chest yet.

But if Democrat leaders don't show an air of confidence mixed with a touch of humility, (Obama style) their audience won't either.

As for "voted for Trump with eyes wide open, I disagree. Their eyes have never been wide open . . . and won't be until the new House majority exposes the entire depth of Trump's deceit and corruption.

They'll recognize the truth when they see the Republicans rats scurry for cover.

Something I should have added:

"opportunity to rid, not just America but also the world, of an insane menace" . . . which could (and probably will) lead to the REAL tsunami in 2028.

The exposure of the GOP heinous plot must be destroyed. Not just for an election cycle, but forever.

"

LAMP

"Have the Democrats chosen a wave to ride that was too close to the shore, and the wave may not last as long as they need it to last to ride to a win?"

I agree with BRASS30. I don't think so either. Unlike a horse race, a win by a nose is NOT as good as a mile. IOW, winning the House, and maybe a couple seats in the Senate, is hardly a tsunami. However, with their new investigative and subpoena power, they can begin the laborious journey of exposing facts to the public that were heretofore not known. ((Maybe even the redacted names in the Epstein files, a subject that is still a hot ticket in the minds of the public.))

I like to say, "The fur will begin to fly." The Democrats will have the power to begin exposing the full extent of the corruption, the illusion of MAGA (Make America Great Again) and the collusion with Russia to weaken, and eventually destroy, American democracy. And we all know, that barely scratches the surface.

So no, it's not too early. It has to start somewhere and losing an opportunity to rid, not just America but also the world, of an insane menace.

Is this argument going to be about substance . . . or an infantile, picayunish fight over who's going to get the last word?

ZED @ #22

"GWB: "The Constitution is just a god-damned piece of paper".

that was NIXON.

In the GWB administration, Dick Cheney was the one pushing for a Unitary Executive.

"W" tuned Cheney out after Cheney lied to him about the Yellow Cake/Scooter Libby incident.

Scooter Libby took the fall for Cheney. Then Cheney got pis**d at "W" because "W" reneged on a promise to pardon Libby.

That was the end of their friendship. Kaput!

Don't quote me on anything. I'm having memory problemsm too.

SITZ

"Buying Iranian diesel via Russia,"

Right now the contents of that tanker would only last about 12 minutes in the USA.

IOW, no impact at all. It's just Trump's way of fooling voters again.

Trump might put her in charge of the White House paperclip inventory.

I would also suggest that America's very popular former President ...and Trump's #1 nemesis . . . not fly commercial any time soon.

Trump's tentacles spread far and wide.

Trump is a long way from being finished with his destruction of the midterms. He could do something so heinous that it would stir up torch bearing riots all across the country as justification for using the Insurrection Act . . . or even declare Martial Law.

What might that heinous(s) acts be? One can hardly imagine. Personally, I would recommend that a certain former President start wearing a Kevlar vest.

Let's don't let our guard down too early. The October surprise could come in January when Johnson refuses to seat the newly elected Democrat members of the House based on a charge (suspicion) of fraud that is underway, one that was initiated by Donald Trump. It also means that Johnson could keep his job for months until the matter is resolved in a long string of court filings and appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court which Trump perceives as his "bought and paid for" ace-in-the-hole.

And that's not the only option Johnson has to delay the certification of the votes. There isn't anything Johnson won't try to help Trump hold onto power, last ditch Hail Marys included.

"Wonder what her next payment will come in the form of."

#5 | Posted by SpeakSoftly

Likely a high salary, no-show job as the head of some newly invented non-descript oversight committee that no one has ever heard of before.

Whatever it is, Trump will find a way to make the taxpayers pay for it.

Way to go, Cadet Bonespurs!

Oh yeah, try to imagine the divorce rate when those redacted names in the Epstein files are finally made public.

"But he's a Christian "

LOL ~ His x-wife didn't think so. She divorced him on biblical grounds.

We all know what that means.

Partying it up in Dubai. On the Texas taxpayer's dime, no less.

A $100,000 American Express credit card bill would probably account for her eye makeup alone.

Those double thick imported false eyelashes ain't cheap, ya'know.

DONNER

"Ronnie Rayguns was not even close to the level of Trumpy's derangement."

Yes, I know that. But he did reach a point where Nancy had to step in to protect her husband and the Presidency. It was jokingly noted in the media at the time that his staff was more afraid of her then they were of him.