I expect the administration was taken a little aback by Republican voices expressing discontent. I think the 40% that is the bottom of Trump’s approval probably excused the extra-judicial killing by paramilitary forces in Minneapolis. Many in the Republican party barely said a word about the rest of the brutality. I think the push-back was unanticipated and they weren’t ready for it. The canker-lipped spokesperson of the administration had a muted statement. They are regrouping, not defeated. They have flooded the zone with a sea of shit and this is like saving exactly one house from partial inundation. One mole whacked down as other pop up.

We’re back to the two party system of the Autocrats and Ineffectuals. The Autocrats want to rough-up blue areas of the country before the next election. Their goal is establish control, purge voter roles, and stifle turnout where possible. And while they had a setback in Minnesota, their continued success in building a system of patronage was on display at the Melania premier. With corporate executives finding clever ways to pump money directly into the hands of the Autocrat kingpin and his family. And as they take ownership of Tik-Tok, popular voices from the actual opposition are being banned. The platform was essentially handed to one of the regime backers.

Meanwhile the Ineffectuals will continue to send very strongly worded letters. But will seek to work with the administration where they can. Because it’s important they aren’t perceived poorly by Chuck Schumer’s imaginary friends. They must show they dutifully adhere to the old norms. However, these are difficult times so they may insist on some modifications to the funding bills to keep the government open. [Note that they may withhold votes to fund DHS unless “metro surge” is ended except ICE is enforcement is already mostly funded through the next few years.] Because it’s important to get concessions from a party that does not feel they need to honor any deals.

Gavin Newsom? Great haircut, but he is begging for money from the same people Trump is tithing. He talks a good talk, but no corporate dollars are really in danger at the end of the day. Does he have a “social media game?” Sure, maybe. But he’s the smart money bet by the Ineffectual establishment. Chances are he’ll flop like many of their other darling candidates. You know, the same political establishment that tried to foist Andrew Cuomo on the city of New York. A discredited sex pest. Of course they got Madmani … Mandady … Mamdani. Who seems like a nice enough guy but may be in over his head. And if it weren’t for the fact the establishment ran the worst candidate shy of Anthony Wiener, would still be enjoying his seat on the assembly.

It’s fucking dismal. It’s beginning to feel like the remaining Republicans don’t give a fuck, want to keep their heads down, and get through the next election. Although quite a few won’t. Or shouldn’t, given a reasonable election. I would say the possibility of Trump trying to cancel that next election is small. But I think they issue is we haven’t figured out how he challenges it. Trying to stop vote counting on January 6, 2021 to stay in power was a truly shit idea, but it wasn’t predicted. I think we just haven’t figure out what he’s going to do. And how the Ineffectuals will bumble and fumble the ball. Using a football analogy, we’ll see how far they get into the red zone before inevitably turning it over.

I would say, had we a real opposition, an attempt to subvert in election in 2026 should lead to a nationwide shutdown. Or at least a blue state/blue enclave shutdown. But more likely two or three hours of, middle aged people standing by the road, not blocking traffic, and waving signs, as honking cars drive by. Of course, that depends on how cold it is. But the Autocrats will dutifully line up behind imaginary election fraud, sacrificing our future as a democratic republic to try to maybe hold the Senate? Or maybe try to seat only some of the newly elected Ineffectuals? They don’t care about the future because the rapture is apparently right around the corner. And the Ineffectuals might send yet another strongly worded letter. Maybe Chuck Shumer’s imaginary friends have some insight on how to handle that crisis, should it come to pass?