There is a contradiction inherent in this moment. It is the “best of times,” and it is the “worst of times.” Without question, there is no period of human history that has ever existed that is preferable to our own. There is no epoch that has been more just or peaceful. There is no time where there has been greater justice and opportunity. There is no era of utopia from which we have fallen back that is now unattainable.
OMG-- if it wasn't already clear to everyone, like an aikido adept, Steve has perfected the art of the political take-down. Among the many possible examples: "McCarthy... seems immune to being cognizant of his humiliation and debasements. He is the leader of nothing. He is the rotting neck of a Trump-headed fish that reeks from its decay, and swarmed by flies."
And thank you for acknowledging the rising greatness of House minority leader Hakim Jeffries-- yes, hopefully in 2 years' time he will be majority leader.
I am going search out and drink up every Jeffries speech. We are fortunate to have the next 2 years with this man as Dem Leader. And I love how he energizes the caucus. And the country (let's hope)!
as the votes went on, the cameras showing Kevin getting happier and happier proves what an imbecile he is. He was being pilloried and instead he thought he was being celebrated. Beyond obtuse, Kevin finally got what he thinks is the golden ring. It is actually a boat anchor and he will be pulled under in short order.
Beautifully said. We are seeing unfathomable cruelty, criminality and mediocrity. We are also seeing stunning bravery and breathtaking new leadership. Hakeem Jeffries was fierce and inspirational. Steve Schmidt — you too have written a piece that moved me to fear, anger and tears of relief. We will prevail. Thank you.
You said it before, it will get worse before it gets better. We stayed up late and watched the whole popcorn show and the contrast couldn’t have been more stark between the two speakers. One, a rambling scripted set of the usual alt-right vapid platitudes layered over the promise to inflict pain, the other, loud and clear, visionary, democratic, inspiring, and enduring. 
You are right, we are still here, and we will endure and conquer .
“There will be American renewal because we have crossed a glorious line of generational change that must occur for America to endure. A new leader has risen, and we have heard his thunderous and righteous roar as a nation for the first time.” I am so glad that that we have a talented, vibrant group of younger Dems coming into service - and joining the fight against anarchy, autocracy, and audacity.
Two thoughts: 1) Very transparent that Trump --no longer in public office is controlling the republicans in congress. 2) Jeffries’ speech cleverly shows 26 differences between the rebels who are serving their king and the minority congress members who are serving all Americans with intentions of social justice and freedom.
The only thing Kevin McCarthy will inspire is a desire to vote him out of office. His servitude to the corrupt right will all be in vain. He will serve on his knees and will be remembered by none. Kevin believes he won. He is mistaken in his assumption. He along with the American people will be thrown into chaos of their party's making. The Republican Party have no legislation that will solve any problems. Their only goal is to disrupt and divide us further with their finger pointing and baseless conspiracy theories. The contradiction of political leadership is black and white. Nancy Pelosi will be remembered by history as an effective leader of a bare majority and Kevin will be remembered for backstabbing and worn frayed spots on the knees of his suit pants.
It was I who, having chosen Scenario B of the possibilities you so eloquently presented to us as ways to face the voting process in the U.S. House of Representatives to choose its Speaker, was hoping for the one Republican who would follow Scenario A by nominating Hakeem Jeffries to the Speakership of said legislative branch of the U.S. government under the legally chosen President of the United States, Joe Biden. I do not spoon feed actions. Actions are valuable when taken on with conviction.
Having not watched this last vote to choose the unchosen, I am left in that same state as before, aghast at the total servitude to a criminal mind still operating like a puppeteer. Over the Republican representatives. And when it comes to the one they chose, Kevin McCarthy, I agree with you that he, "...incredibly, seems immune to being cognizant of his humiliation and debasements."
Yesterday, instead, I was watching MSNBC at the right moment. I was a witness to the one most important event of the day, a compassionate leader as is President Joe Biden doing what was beyond honorable for the In Memoriam ceremony of recognition to those who served the nation by protecting the very ones who in the House would eventually choose a seditionist, an election denier and a failed leader well into the night of the day, to lead a House divided morally on the fundamentals of America as a beacon of light for the world by being first and foremost a beacon of light to its own citizens. I want to add this, Steve. President Biden mentioned the reason why Representative Jamie Raskin was not present during the ceremony, ceremonies that he well recognizes as heartbreaking and emotional for the survivors of those who lose loved ones. Even though Representative Raskin wanted to be present, he could not, because he was undergoing his cancer treatment procedure at the time. Representative Raskin did make an appearance with Alex Wagner, looking tired but still with the outlook of what will certainly be the reformative face of the House of Representatives. Let us hope that there are still some Republicans there who are willing to work for America's future and its democratic ideals, not those of a criminal mastermind who spit on the Rule of Law and the Department of Justice.
We have the gleeful degenerates at Fox News to thank for much of this, and their pliable audience of angry, aging and fearful white people. (I've been watching this class warfare game for as long as I can remember).
Still, I don't think the average congressional voter, regardless of affiliation, knows what they're signing on for when they cast their vote. Case in point is the frat house escapade last night in the house, and for what? So self serving Republican f***faces can tank the economy and blame it on the Democrats? So cuts to social security and Medicare are assured in favor of tax cuts for donors? So military cuts guarantee Putin, a menace to democracy and humanity, prevails in Ukraine?
When the average voter meets and greets that affable, earnest Republican face in the local market, they might get a sense that this guy or gal will bring something positive and tangible back home. Unfortunately, that's not the way it works. They're simply voting, willingly or otherwise, for a Maga surrogate.
If Kevin McCarthy is the canker sore of MAGA Republican congress surely it’s leader Donald Trump is its carbuncle. The precision surgery of removal by DOJ action cannot come soon enough. It must happen in front of all America. We owe it to our country to fight this cancer of tyranny with every tool we got. The gloves are off
Is it still possible that the GOP reps from the Biden districts and others will join Democrats to remove Mc Carthy when they witness the trail of chaos and destruction Mc Carthy has enabled? Michael Rogers appeared to be apoplectic at the thought of Gaetz being appointed sub-chair for Armed Services personnel committee. Maybe others will see the light too. It is also clear that not only does Mc Carthy have an oversized ego, he seems to be very afraid. Of what is he afraid that he would grovel for all the country to see?
OMG-- if it wasn't already clear to everyone, like an aikido adept, Steve has perfected the art of the political take-down. Among the many possible examples: "McCarthy... seems immune to being cognizant of his humiliation and debasements. He is the leader of nothing. He is the rotting neck of a Trump-headed fish that reeks from its decay, and swarmed by flies."
And thank you for acknowledging the rising greatness of House minority leader Hakim Jeffries-- yes, hopefully in 2 years' time he will be majority leader.
I am going search out and drink up every Jeffries speech. We are fortunate to have the next 2 years with this man as Dem Leader. And I love how he energizes the caucus. And the country (let's hope)!
as the votes went on, the cameras showing Kevin getting happier and happier proves what an imbecile he is. He was being pilloried and instead he thought he was being celebrated. Beyond obtuse, Kevin finally got what he thinks is the golden ring. It is actually a boat anchor and he will be pulled under in short order.
Beautifully said. We are seeing unfathomable cruelty, criminality and mediocrity. We are also seeing stunning bravery and breathtaking new leadership. Hakeem Jeffries was fierce and inspirational. Steve Schmidt — you too have written a piece that moved me to fear, anger and tears of relief. We will prevail. Thank you.
You said it before, it will get worse before it gets better. We stayed up late and watched the whole popcorn show and the contrast couldn’t have been more stark between the two speakers. One, a rambling scripted set of the usual alt-right vapid platitudes layered over the promise to inflict pain, the other, loud and clear, visionary, democratic, inspiring, and enduring. 
You are right, we are still here, and we will endure and conquer .
I wrote a few days ago about hope becoming a bit harder for me to hold on to. Jeffries renewed that hope. I am grateful.
“There will be American renewal because we have crossed a glorious line of generational change that must occur for America to endure. A new leader has risen, and we have heard his thunderous and righteous roar as a nation for the first time.” I am so glad that that we have a talented, vibrant group of younger Dems coming into service - and joining the fight against anarchy, autocracy, and audacity.
Two thoughts: 1) Very transparent that Trump --no longer in public office is controlling the republicans in congress. 2) Jeffries’ speech cleverly shows 26 differences between the rebels who are serving their king and the minority congress members who are serving all Americans with intentions of social justice and freedom.
Once again Steve you nailed it. Doesn’t mean I’m any less scared or mad. I will continue to be positive in my thinking and actions.
The only thing Kevin McCarthy will inspire is a desire to vote him out of office. His servitude to the corrupt right will all be in vain. He will serve on his knees and will be remembered by none. Kevin believes he won. He is mistaken in his assumption. He along with the American people will be thrown into chaos of their party's making. The Republican Party have no legislation that will solve any problems. Their only goal is to disrupt and divide us further with their finger pointing and baseless conspiracy theories. The contradiction of political leadership is black and white. Nancy Pelosi will be remembered by history as an effective leader of a bare majority and Kevin will be remembered for backstabbing and worn frayed spots on the knees of his suit pants.
It was I who, having chosen Scenario B of the possibilities you so eloquently presented to us as ways to face the voting process in the U.S. House of Representatives to choose its Speaker, was hoping for the one Republican who would follow Scenario A by nominating Hakeem Jeffries to the Speakership of said legislative branch of the U.S. government under the legally chosen President of the United States, Joe Biden. I do not spoon feed actions. Actions are valuable when taken on with conviction.
Having not watched this last vote to choose the unchosen, I am left in that same state as before, aghast at the total servitude to a criminal mind still operating like a puppeteer. Over the Republican representatives. And when it comes to the one they chose, Kevin McCarthy, I agree with you that he, "...incredibly, seems immune to being cognizant of his humiliation and debasements."
Yesterday, instead, I was watching MSNBC at the right moment. I was a witness to the one most important event of the day, a compassionate leader as is President Joe Biden doing what was beyond honorable for the In Memoriam ceremony of recognition to those who served the nation by protecting the very ones who in the House would eventually choose a seditionist, an election denier and a failed leader well into the night of the day, to lead a House divided morally on the fundamentals of America as a beacon of light for the world by being first and foremost a beacon of light to its own citizens. I want to add this, Steve. President Biden mentioned the reason why Representative Jamie Raskin was not present during the ceremony, ceremonies that he well recognizes as heartbreaking and emotional for the survivors of those who lose loved ones. Even though Representative Raskin wanted to be present, he could not, because he was undergoing his cancer treatment procedure at the time. Representative Raskin did make an appearance with Alex Wagner, looking tired but still with the outlook of what will certainly be the reformative face of the House of Representatives. Let us hope that there are still some Republicans there who are willing to work for America's future and its democratic ideals, not those of a criminal mastermind who spit on the Rule of Law and the Department of Justice.
https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E45FE6A8-59DB-486A-BAE0-2212E0FAD226
We have the gleeful degenerates at Fox News to thank for much of this, and their pliable audience of angry, aging and fearful white people. (I've been watching this class warfare game for as long as I can remember).
Still, I don't think the average congressional voter, regardless of affiliation, knows what they're signing on for when they cast their vote. Case in point is the frat house escapade last night in the house, and for what? So self serving Republican f***faces can tank the economy and blame it on the Democrats? So cuts to social security and Medicare are assured in favor of tax cuts for donors? So military cuts guarantee Putin, a menace to democracy and humanity, prevails in Ukraine?
When the average voter meets and greets that affable, earnest Republican face in the local market, they might get a sense that this guy or gal will bring something positive and tangible back home. Unfortunately, that's not the way it works. They're simply voting, willingly or otherwise, for a Maga surrogate.
If Kevin McCarthy is the canker sore of MAGA Republican congress surely it’s leader Donald Trump is its carbuncle. The precision surgery of removal by DOJ action cannot come soon enough. It must happen in front of all America. We owe it to our country to fight this cancer of tyranny with every tool we got. The gloves are off
Thanks so much for including the clip from Hakeem Jeffries — that’s one for the ages, and one I might’ve missed in my grim state of mind.
Please don’t ever stop shining the light on the bad and the good for us, Steve, we rely on you!
What a beautiful inspiring piece giving assurance to your readers that America will grow and remain today and into our future. Thank you.
Is it still possible that the GOP reps from the Biden districts and others will join Democrats to remove Mc Carthy when they witness the trail of chaos and destruction Mc Carthy has enabled? Michael Rogers appeared to be apoplectic at the thought of Gaetz being appointed sub-chair for Armed Services personnel committee. Maybe others will see the light too. It is also clear that not only does Mc Carthy have an oversized ego, he seems to be very afraid. Of what is he afraid that he would grovel for all the country to see?