I’m so glad we don’t have to worry anymore about Matt Gaetz running the Justice Department. Whew. We dodged that bullet. Wait a second. Pam Bondi? What? Me thinks we’ve been played.
We're getting played all right. Constituents like Dave here would've held that kind of scrutiny to the Democratic Party and its offers, we wouldn't be here.
Interesting question. I not sure there’s anything Biden can do. He plays by the rules, unlike Trump. And the rules say time’s up. Make sure he gets as many judges through confirmation as possible. Anyone have any good ideas?
First, get Harris back from her Hawaii vacation to break any 50-50 ties in the Senate's judge confirmation votes; embrace and symbolize power while she still has it. She could recharge her batteries a lot closer to the center of activity. Absent that, Biden should step down (as recommended pre-election by oh so many Republicans), and let Harris be President for the next 2 months. That would make a lot of red '47' swag suddenly obsolete.
I guess I would never think Trump smart enough to be this calculating. Seems more likely Gaetz complimented him once, and is a lawyer, so he chose him. If your conspiracy theory is true, I actually feel more confident about this Trump presidency, haha. Maybe he isn't a complete babbling bafoon.
Trump revels in chaos and got exactly that, but it won’t be stopping at Gaetz, sadly. A miserably long four years we have to endure…again. Thanks for another good one Dave.
Agree 💯 with Cheryl. I wonder if B. Bird was on pins and needles yesterday wondering if she might get “the call.” Maybe her adoration was just not quite enough.
Yeah, what Dave said. Applicants for Trump cabinet positions need only update their resume to include "complete and unwavering fealty to the President". No experience necessary, and frankly, you're better off without it. Great camera presence is a plus, and people of a certain race need not apply.
Did Gaetz really think he had a shot at this? At least it's funny he's out of politics now. And pbly headed to Fox to host the Beavis & Butthead news hour...
He was re-elected to his House seat, so the question becomes 'does the resignation apply just to the current term'? I am betting invocations to the honoring the will of the people will see him back in the House, albeit with rookie seniority and a cratered rep. Who will be the Beavis to his Butthead? Or maybe it's vice versa...
Gaetz' resignation said - 'I hereby resign as U.S. representative of Florida’s 1st Congressional District effective immediately. And I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress to pursue the position of attorney general in the Trump administration'. So there seems to be a slight bit of wiggle room there...since he is no longer pursuing the AG position, does his intention to not take the oath also not apply? 'Intend' is not the strongest prohibition to an action.
Right, Mark. He wouldn’t be the first politician to say one thing and then do the exact opposite. Look at all the terrible things JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham and a host of others have said about Trump. Now they kiss his ring (at a bare minimum).
And that is somehow less egregious than the actions of Nancy Pelosi concerning the ability to trade on exchanges of members of congress? Adam Schiff and the parties subversion of Katie Porter in California? The leader ship in its entirety crafting a platform that is to the soul benefit of the corporate executive and Stakeholder donor class?
You are contributing to our Third World shit hole existence every bit as much as any GOP supporter. For you see, tribalism is the vehicle that ushered us here.
You make no attempt whatsoever to hold the party you support accountable to anything let alone good governance. We're getting exactly the government we deserve.
Too bad you didn't notice or bother to learn the real Merrick Garland. He is a moderate right of center conservative institutionalist. A staunch institutionalist. That is why Obama acquiesced to nominate him. He thought mistakenly obviously that it would at least allow a confirmation. He's a man of his word, a man of character? To that, I will not Consent.
The glaring, obvious choice for AG, if your agenda is to clean up the mess, rid our federal government of scoundrels, was Glenn Kirchner. Obviously that was not the agenda.
Some Democrats criticized the GOP’s handling of Matt Gaetz but avoided making his actions a major public campaign, likely to let Republican infighting dominate. While this approach temporarily sidelined Gaetz, it is insufficient for countering broader threats posed by incompetent or dangerous nominees.
To effectively oppose abnormal appointees and address systemic issues, opposition to Trump appointees, Democrats, and advocacy groups must shift to a unified strategy emphasizing ethics, qualifications, and conflicts of interest.
A cohesive theme simplifies messaging, ensures consistent media coverage, and appeals to a broader audience, including independents.
This coordinated approach prevents opposition fatigue and sustains public engagement, providing a more proactive alternative to relying on Republican dysfunction or media coverage to do the heavy lifting. A clear, strategic message builds the foundation to combat future threats effectively.
First, regarding Gaetz: I hope you or your family are never accused of a crime, throughly investigated, NOT charged - yet are believed to be guilty by the media. Welcome to Matt’s world. The whole real history of the case is widely available online. A journalist like you might read it.
Trump isn’t running out the clock on all his (bogus) court cases - they are falling FLAT on account of evidence finally coming to light (can’t you see the forest for the trees?). Don’t hold your breath that the case against Trump by the sexual abuse-hoaxer will stand / it’ll be reversed.
Go back to reporting important-to-the-people news like you did on KCCI. Your TDS is truly tiring.
I’m so glad we don’t have to worry anymore about Matt Gaetz running the Justice Department. Whew. We dodged that bullet. Wait a second. Pam Bondi? What? Me thinks we’ve been played.
My point, exactly!
Great column, Dave!
We're getting played all right. Constituents like Dave here would've held that kind of scrutiny to the Democratic Party and its offers, we wouldn't be here.
Spot on, Dave.
Dave, if you could dictate a last plan of action for President Biden that might minimize the administration-elect’s possible damage, what would it be?
Interesting question. I not sure there’s anything Biden can do. He plays by the rules, unlike Trump. And the rules say time’s up. Make sure he gets as many judges through confirmation as possible. Anyone have any good ideas?
First, get Harris back from her Hawaii vacation to break any 50-50 ties in the Senate's judge confirmation votes; embrace and symbolize power while she still has it. She could recharge her batteries a lot closer to the center of activity. Absent that, Biden should step down (as recommended pre-election by oh so many Republicans), and let Harris be President for the next 2 months. That would make a lot of red '47' swag suddenly obsolete.
I guess I would never think Trump smart enough to be this calculating. Seems more likely Gaetz complimented him once, and is a lawyer, so he chose him. If your conspiracy theory is true, I actually feel more confident about this Trump presidency, haha. Maybe he isn't a complete babbling bafoon.
Calculating is the key word. Admittedly, he’s quite skilled at that. And manipulating. And bullying.
POW!
Dave, you’ve hit the nail on the head again!
Thanks, Dean.
Spot on, Dave, especially re: Garland, but your whole column really.
👍
Gaetz is another example of how loyal Trump is to those loyal to him. Just a pawn.
It’s a one-way street. When will people learn?
The craving of attention apparently is worth the fall. One moment, and that’s all they want.
Trump revels in chaos and got exactly that, but it won’t be stopping at Gaetz, sadly. A miserably long four years we have to endure…again. Thanks for another good one Dave.
Excellent column. Dave. Spot on! Thanks!
Agree 💯 with Cheryl. I wonder if B. Bird was on pins and needles yesterday wondering if she might get “the call.” Maybe her adoration was just not quite enough.
LOL
Yeah, what Dave said. Applicants for Trump cabinet positions need only update their resume to include "complete and unwavering fealty to the President". No experience necessary, and frankly, you're better off without it. Great camera presence is a plus, and people of a certain race need not apply.
Right on all counts
Did Gaetz really think he had a shot at this? At least it's funny he's out of politics now. And pbly headed to Fox to host the Beavis & Butthead news hour...
Kind of an insult for Beavis and Butthead. :)
He was re-elected to his House seat, so the question becomes 'does the resignation apply just to the current term'? I am betting invocations to the honoring the will of the people will see him back in the House, albeit with rookie seniority and a cratered rep. Who will be the Beavis to his Butthead? Or maybe it's vice versa...
Gaetz' resignation said - 'I hereby resign as U.S. representative of Florida’s 1st Congressional District effective immediately. And I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress to pursue the position of attorney general in the Trump administration'. So there seems to be a slight bit of wiggle room there...since he is no longer pursuing the AG position, does his intention to not take the oath also not apply? 'Intend' is not the strongest prohibition to an action.
Right, Mark. He wouldn’t be the first politician to say one thing and then do the exact opposite. Look at all the terrible things JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham and a host of others have said about Trump. Now they kiss his ring (at a bare minimum).
And that is somehow less egregious than the actions of Nancy Pelosi concerning the ability to trade on exchanges of members of congress? Adam Schiff and the parties subversion of Katie Porter in California? The leader ship in its entirety crafting a platform that is to the soul benefit of the corporate executive and Stakeholder donor class?
You are contributing to our Third World shit hole existence every bit as much as any GOP supporter. For you see, tribalism is the vehicle that ushered us here.
You make no attempt whatsoever to hold the party you support accountable to anything let alone good governance. We're getting exactly the government we deserve.
He could be named as a federal appointment to a married of positions that would benefit the ongoing criminal enterprise of Vladimir Putin
Too bad you didn't notice or bother to learn the real Merrick Garland. He is a moderate right of center conservative institutionalist. A staunch institutionalist. That is why Obama acquiesced to nominate him. He thought mistakenly obviously that it would at least allow a confirmation. He's a man of his word, a man of character? To that, I will not Consent.
The glaring, obvious choice for AG, if your agenda is to clean up the mess, rid our federal government of scoundrels, was Glenn Kirchner. Obviously that was not the agenda.
Some Democrats criticized the GOP’s handling of Matt Gaetz but avoided making his actions a major public campaign, likely to let Republican infighting dominate. While this approach temporarily sidelined Gaetz, it is insufficient for countering broader threats posed by incompetent or dangerous nominees.
To effectively oppose abnormal appointees and address systemic issues, opposition to Trump appointees, Democrats, and advocacy groups must shift to a unified strategy emphasizing ethics, qualifications, and conflicts of interest.
A cohesive theme simplifies messaging, ensures consistent media coverage, and appeals to a broader audience, including independents.
This coordinated approach prevents opposition fatigue and sustains public engagement, providing a more proactive alternative to relying on Republican dysfunction or media coverage to do the heavy lifting. A clear, strategic message builds the foundation to combat future threats effectively.
First, regarding Gaetz: I hope you or your family are never accused of a crime, throughly investigated, NOT charged - yet are believed to be guilty by the media. Welcome to Matt’s world. The whole real history of the case is widely available online. A journalist like you might read it.
Trump isn’t running out the clock on all his (bogus) court cases - they are falling FLAT on account of evidence finally coming to light (can’t you see the forest for the trees?). Don’t hold your breath that the case against Trump by the sexual abuse-hoaxer will stand / it’ll be reversed.
Go back to reporting important-to-the-people news like you did on KCCI. Your TDS is truly tiring.
oh the despicable irony of this all, tighten your belts and move forward with all eyes open...