Top Ten List - Debt Ceiling Deal, Donald v DeSantis, and Can't Lose/Can't Win Districts
SNL's Kate McKinnon, Flock of Seagulls, Tina Turner, and Will Smith
Big news of the week was the passage of the Debt Ceiling Deal. Big wins for Joe Biden and Kevin McCarthy. Reminder for those playing at home on the board version - Politics is Only Compromising. #It’sCalledGoverning
Those voting against the deal likely have super majority districts “Can’t Win/Can’t Lose” districts. The No votes fend off primary challenges and save their respective caucuses early cycle money spend. Note how many in the House voted No after passage was assured. They probably told leadership, “If you need me to get to 218, I’ll be there for you, but I’d rather not…”#PrimariesAreTheElection
Wall Street Journal on the Deal:
Assuming the deal passes Congress, it will defy the Democratic narrative that Republicans can’t govern. Mr. McCarthy’s troops are proving they can, and conservatives would be foolish to abandon the victories in this deal.
It’s called winning - especially in swing suburban districts.
Biden said he wouldn’t negotiate the Debt Ceiling. But he did. McCarthy got far more out of this Deal against a Democratic Senate and President. 2 on 1 usually wins, but the GOP won this round and set the narrative for future wins.
Yesterday, President Biden tripped and fell over a sandbag after shaking 900 hands at the Air Force Academy graduation. Of course, Right Wing media went bonkers and, of course, none of those going bonkers said, “The man simply tripped over a sandbag. Like you don’t trip? Let it go.” It will be played over and over again as the media continues its primary to make sure Biden/Trump II - the Rematch continues apace. #RatingsMatter
Trump is showing, once again, a masterful job of distracting the media and Republican primary voters. Constantly attacking Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is just smart politics. Folks pay attention to attacks and thus Trump defines DeSantis when he needs it - early. Every day Trump holds his lead over the growing, divided Republican field is a day closer to the nomination. Key Focus - 1,234 delegates for the nomination. That’s the only number that matters.
Speaking of The Donald’s comeback bid for the Republican nomination…he’s getting dangerously close to a full on ‘80s redux parody with the Flock of Seagulls as a theme.
Speaking of parody accounts. Check out @AOCpress on Twitter. Funny stuff.
Since DeSantis is being framed as unlikable or extremist, he probably needs to find some comedy writers. Making fun of Trump might be his best move. Satire is deadly.
Remember this one? Hilarious and devastating.
Former Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy attacked former Delegate Hala Ayala this week in their Senate primary. Who will be more motivated? Base Democrats or independent/moderate GOP leaning business leaders/associations.
Q - Why is it that members of Union households are considered “workers” or in “working families” ? Just asking…oh well, back to work…
Governor Glenn Youngkin is sending 100 National Guard troops to the Southern Border. Democrats complained about the expense and legality of the decision. Both are smart political moves . Youngkin continues to work on one of the top issues in the country, while Democrats bracketed that narrative by focusing on expense and process.
Speaking of state spending…No budget yet. 28 days left in fiscal year. No one seems too concerned. Times sure have changed. 20 years ago folks were in a melt down over a budget deal taking this long. #BarryKnightIsWinning
Speaking of the June 20 primaries…only 18 shopping days left until the historically consequential primaries in which upwards of 90% of the General Assembly seats will be elected. With the new Can’t Lose/Can’t Win districts, very few seats will be competitive this fall.
Speaking of running for office…
RIP to the great Tina Turner :
Temps close to 90 today - it’s almost Summertime. Drums PLEASE!
Programming Note.
There’s a debate about to take place in this country on the differences between Equality and Equity. So I asked my new friend Mr. ChatGPT to get a AI’s take…
Be careful. Critical thinking required, so hide the kids. This ain’t the ‘80s.
Artificial Intelligence with the opening statement:
Equity and equality are two concepts that are often discussed in relation to fairness and social justice. While they sound similar, they have distinct meanings:
Equality: Equality refers to treating everyone the same and providing equal opportunities or resources to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. It focuses on achieving fairness by ensuring equal access and treatment for everyone.
Equity: Equity, on the other hand, recognizes that people have different needs, circumstances, and barriers to success. It involves providing resources, opportunities, or support to individuals based on their specific needs, in order to level the playing field and promote fairness. Equity acknowledges and addresses existing disparities and aims to achieve equal outcomes by accounting for individual differences.
In summary, equality aims to provide equal treatment and opportunities to everyone, while equity focuses on providing fair treatment and opportunities based on individuals' varying needs and circumstances. Both concepts are important in promoting fairness and addressing social inequalities, but they require different approaches to achieve the desired outcomes.
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Also h/t to Michele this week. Our youngest of four, John Thomas More, turned 21 yesterday - a finer man and a better mom you will not meet.
They have an amazing relationship. Cheers to both!