Trump and most Republicans thought they were going to keep the House.

[kentuck]

They thought they might lose a few seats but they never thought they would lose 23 seats or more.

With the Democrats winning the House in such a huge way, it forced Trump and the Republicans to change their post-election plans.

Trump had planned on getting rid of Jeff Sessions and installing Matt Whitaker as the Attorney General. His plan was to end the Mueller investigation, with the help of the "new" Republican House and Senate. But that apple cart was over-turned with the Democratic win.

Republicans had planned on new investigations of Comey and Hillary at the beginning of their new majority. That is why they are now desperately trying to question Comey and Lynch before they are forced to turn over their leaderships in the House. They now realize they do not get another bite of the apple. They lost it with the election.

Donald Trump never imagined that there would be someone in government to challenge him and his criminal cabal. The Democrats have wrecked his world.

[Ohiogal]

1. And the sooner

we bust up and expose that criminal cabal, and throw out all the bigots, the better.

[catbyte]

2. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than knowing I helped wreck that thing's world.

And cheers to all of you who helped, too:

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

8. +1 Indeed! We did it!!!!

And now we know how to re-do it in the future. No gerrymandering laws are going to help too.

[catbyte]

12. No kidding. I was even more excited that we passed the anti-gerrymandering prop than I was

about legalizing weed.

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

14. Woot!

Nice job!!!

[DonViejo]

3. They knew weeks in advance the House was lost, one of the reasons Trump campaigned in red...

states for Senatorial candidates only. They also knew if he campaigned for House candidates it would just make the loss even worse.

[kentuck]

4. He also ridiculed the idea of a "blue wave"...

He said there might be a "red wave". Few were that optimistic but from their reactions after the election, I believe they thought they were going to keep the House and the Senate.

[DonViejo]

7. He bull shits all the time, of course he said that. It was his effort to get the vote out...

and he did a pretty good job of doing that. If he hadn't pushed the vote out, the defeat probably would have been greater but, he knew what was coming. McConnell knew it was coming, Ryan knew too, that's why he left.

McConnell: Midterms could be 'a Category 3, 4 or 5' storm for GOP
BY MORGAN GSTALTER - 04/04/18 03:07 PM EDT
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/381653-mcconnell-predicts-gop-facing-a-storm-during-midterms

[kentuck]

9. Trump fought hard to keep his majority.

He made 60 campaign trips and thought his support would help every candidate in those states. It didn't.

[DonViejo]

13. Who's "he?" Trump? McConnell? Ryan? Who?

[kentuck]

16. Edited.

Thanks.

[DonViejo]

21. Of course Trump fought hard, so what? They knew for months the House was lost and feared the

Senate was "iffy" so, Trump campaigned. We knew for months McCaskill was a goner, ditto for Donnelly in Indiana.

[Hortensis]

37. NYT Oct. 27: Repubs...likely to lose a handful...plus another dozen"

Republicans, in defending a 23-seat majority, are likely to lose a handful of open or Democratic-tilting seats as well as another dozen suburban districts that Hillary Clinton carried in 2016, according to political strategists in both parties. But now Republican officials are increasingly concerned about Democratic incursions in some of the remaining 30 competitive districts on the House map where the Republican candidates thought they had an edge.

This is just an example of what people could believe 10 days before the election if they wanted to.

Although there have to be some clear-eyed people in the Republican leadership, my observation is that the extremism that's taken over the right, like extremism wherever found, causes entrenched patterns delusional thinking and of refusal to accept information that contradicts it. It's practically a definition of extremism.

I remember Adam Schiff talking about how stunned his Republican colleagues were some months ago when they finally began to realize just how deeply Russia had infiltrated their caucuses and the presidency. New news to them in the middle of it.

[onenote]

69. From the same article:

Republicans hope they can keep the House if they sweep the closest races, a tall order given the Democratic enthusiasm in many districts.

But much of the Republican spending is aimed less at securing a majority than at limiting the breadth of a Democratic takeover as the field of competition grows well beyond 40 seats.

[Hortensis]

74. Yes. I'm remembering, btw, all those very close races

that might have gone either way. Republicans of course knew massive election theft was planned in many states, improving their chances over what the polls were saying.

Political scientists say this unstable pattern of each party winning by small margins, winning and losing control temporarily instead of holding long enough to set a course, is likely to continue for a while. The bumpy ride continues.

[hostalover]

55. Claire fought hard.

[Sugarcoated]

63. He bullshits

But I think he believes his own bullshit, sometimes.

[rampartc]

78. he is a true believer in the power of positive thinking

he probably spens a lot of that "executive time" in the mirror selling hus alternate facts to himself.

[LakeSuperiorView]

20. Gee, I'd assume it was the same "he" that you referred to...

[DonViejo]

22. You'd assume incorrectly but, so what, right?

My comment refers to three possible "He's" in her follow up comment

[LakeSuperiorView]

24. Golly, looks like I was right after all..

You got a little something on your chin there, is that egg?

[DonViejo]

25. You're just looking for an argument, I'm not playing your game with you. Have an awesome day!

[LakeSuperiorView]

26. I will, you have a nice day as well.

I was just noticing that after a long string of "He"s, they probably all referred to the same person.

Total waste of time to get in a snit over it.

[LakeArenal]

31. To whom were you referring to having a snit?

It’s not clear to me who is having a snit.
I might be of a different opinion.

[DonViejo]

35. Not you. eom

[LakeArenal]

38. Oops my apologies I meant to respond to the

Snit accuser. My apologies again.

[DonViejo]

39. No worries! Much appreciated and accepted but, no problem. Stuff happens.

[LakeArenal]

40. Accidentally sent to Don. It was meant for you.

31. To whom were you referring to having a snit?
It’s not clear to me who is having a snit.
I might be of a different opinion.

[LakeSuperiorView]

42. Wow, lots of confused identities this morning.

Have a nice day.

[ooky]

62. And he told great lies

like the sudden middle class 10% tax cut he peddled in order to gain extra votes from the totally stupid.

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

10. Gosh so true. We bit the bullet and let it fly.

The new Greatest Generation.

[DonViejo]

17. We did everything the way it should have been done. We could have done better in a few places,...

e.g., countering Rick Scott's bull shit in FL, his flights to Puerto Rico and reaching out to PR's newly arrived in FL but, it didn't happen.

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

19. Yes.

It's a great template for the future. Onward!!!

[machoneman]

34. Yes but...I do believe that the bigger issue was he truly believed his own bullshit.

Many in higher levels of business often fall prey to believing their own b.s., contrary to the facts. I am also sure that he believed that so many loved him he couldn't lose the House or other state level posts.

[Blue_true]

45. Mitch McConnell literally gave that knowledge away when he started lecturing House democrats

about 20 days before the election and talked about working with democrats to fix the ACA. I don't trust that snake McConnell.

[D23MIURG23]

59. Of course the rational ones did, but that doesn't necessarily incude dump.

I don't think most of the republicans are that surprised by the result, but I think dumpy really thought he was invincible. After all, the "fake news" all said he would lose to "crooked Hillary" and they were wrong!

Whatever the case he wasn't psychologically prepared for a loss, which is why you had the weeks of constant scene making and moping around instead of visiting war dead. There were also reports before the election that he wasn't spending any time preparing for Democratic investigations.

[Honeycombe8]

68. I think that's correct. It was almost a given that the Dems would take the House.

The only question was, by how much? I'm sure the Republicans hoped the Dems would just squeak by in winning a majority because of a large Republican turnout, but there was no doubt that the Democrats were enthused and would show up to vote.

[rpannier]

71. I think they saw the window of opportunity after the kavanaugh vote, that they might actually holdit

That window (if there ever was one) closed rather quickly

[no_hypocrisy]

5. They were also counting on (with another Republican Congress):

1. Another round of tax cuts;
2. Repealing one way or another of the Affordable Care Act;
3. Creating a USSC with a 6 to 3 split;
4. Abolishing Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare; and
5. Possibly criminalizing and banning abortion from conception on up.

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

11. Starting a war...for funzies and profit and to boost employment #'s.

[RoBear]

30. Good post! But I can't resist pointing out

that "possibly" is probably not accurate in #5, because I'm dead certain they want to pander up to their base of fundamentalists.

More to the point, however, is that my Catholic background convinces me that the true aim of those against abortion is the criminalization and banning of contraception. That's the true aim.

It's all a part of controlling women. They're threatened by intelligent, informed women. But as the saying goes, "IF MEN GOT PREGNANT, ABORTION WOULD BE A SACRAMENT."

Sorry to scream, but that's the way it is.

C'mon, Nancy, let's kick some ass!

[Pluvious]

49. You forgot...

Eleminating woman's right to buy contraceptives.

And other fantasies they dream of.

[LeftInTX]

72. They can still do #3

[malaise]

6. Great post

The unraveling has begun and you ain'tb see anything yet.

Hilarious that his so called charity foundation will tear down his entire family structure.

[charlyvi]

15. The Senate is still able to investigate Comey and Hillary.

And, since Graham is taking over the Judiciary Committee, it's quite likely they will do so. The Senate and House may be at war with each other.

[Blue_true]

46. They run their biased investigations and democrats in the House run open fair investigations

of the same people. Let voters decide who is right. Senate republicans need to be careful, they have a lot of seats up in 2020 and 2022.

[Pluvious]

51. And no doubt by then ...

... There'll be much evidence in the (non Fox News sphere) public consciousness of the GOPer's enabling of coverup and subversion of our laws and traditions.

[charlyvi]

60. I hope so, but facts haven't been effective with Republicans so far.

Here's hoping the fence-sitters have had enough.

[lancelyons]

18. Although dems need to show making progress on things American voters need

Although dems need to show making progress on things American voters need like healthcare, economy, jobs, pay, etc.. and that htis should be what voters see the most...

behind the scenes, dems need to hammer and punish the GOP / Trump in as many ways as they can. This needs to be hard ball played behind the scenes. Punish the GOP members that enabled Trump. Punish the GOP that used Intelligence leaked to help them politically like Nunes, Goodlatte, etc. Change the rules that will prevent this stuff from ever happening again.

[hostalover]

57. I like the way you think.

[safeinOhio]

23. 2019 House Investigations.

Sweet Karma

[beachbum bob]

27. no republican I knew thought that, but then again I know intelligent republicans

[kentuck]

29. "intelligent Republicans"?

That's a small minority, would be my guess.

[Loubee]

28. It's telling how often Republicans reveal their certainty of winning.

As if they know schemes are in place to assure victory.

[Stuart G]

33. The schemes were in place, but they were not enough this time.

[Blue_true]

47. Voting actually solves all ills. Who would have though?

[Pluvious]

53. Just imagine if...

The exploited social media and Russian Troll Army had been left fully empowered and unchecked.

[smirkymonkey]

32. K&R

[dlk]

36. The Best Laid Plans...

[getagrip_already]

41. sources? As much as I LOVE this meme.....

I'd be much happier if there were a few stories in the press to back it up.....

Because everything they did reeked of knowing the house was lost. They pulled out of too many races and diverted efforts to the senate.

Maybe that was there plan in September, but by October the gop knew better. Trump never knows better. Putin didn't play this round.

[Garrett78]

70. They knew the House was lost. They also knew they'd more than likely hold onto the Senate.

Even Trump knew, I suspect.

[Blue_true]

43. More wreck is coming to his world. The walls are closing in on his ass.

I have dealt with severe narcissists many times in my life. One thing that always amazed me is how they act like life is perfectly normal for them, even as serious problems are gathering on them. Them the wall caves in and they finally see reality. Trump will see reality only when he is listed as an unindicted coconspirator on multiple charges.

[better]

79. I beg to differ. After all, he is *already* an unindicted co-conspirator on multiple charges.

Personally, I think he will only see reality when he is actually caged in it.
And that day can't come soon enough.

[workinclasszero]

44. The massive blue wave was the first step on the road to saving freedom and democracy in the USA

I hope the EU and GB can also strike a blow against their fascist parties.

Fascism must be smashed and re-buried.

[D23MIURG23]

48. It makes sense when you think about dump's reaction.

He just assumed that the polls would be wrong again, or Putin would manage to bail him out. When it didn't happen he was pissed off, panicked and confused.

It will be interesting to see what happens next. My guess is that a lot of damaging information is going to come out about dump and family (either by way of Mueller or the house democrats) and we are either going to see the beginning of impeachment proceedings or some kind of epic self destruction on the part of dump.




Also, brace yourself for lots of budgetary hardball and government shutdowns.

[Pluvious]

54. The Great 2019 Battle over The Trump Wall (nt)

[calimary]

50. Well, don't forget trump was busily hyping a "red wave".

Last edited Sun Nov 25, 2018, 02:35 PM - Edit history (1)

“There isn’t going to be a blue wave. It’ll be a red wave! A RED wave!”

And the deplorables and Pox Noise fans believed him.

It may even have suppressed some GOP voters. No way to tell for sure, but if you think there’s gonna be a red wave because your king tells you that’s what it’ll be, then maybe you’re cool to stay home and relax on Election Day, ‘eh? The rest of the faithful will “git ‘er done” for ya!

Just speculating...

[Garrett78]

73. I really doubt Trump honestly thought there would be a red wave.

I suspect he simply thought that was smart strategy on his part. But he and Republicans in Congress knew, I'm sure, that the House was more than likely a goner for them.

[calimary]

80. Not quite sure about that one. There's an awful lot of denial out there. From him on down

the GOP food chain. I heard some intriguing analysis today regarding Paul Manafort that may be operative here, too. There was speculation about his lying to the Special Counsel, to the point that Mueller & Company gave up on him after it became clear that he'd just kept on lying to them. Speculation that people like him have told so many lies so constantly for so many years that they've reached the point where they can't even tell what the truth is anymore.

And of course, that's compounded if you live full-time in this insulated bubble world of fantasy and "alternative facts" and have it perpetually reinforced by your favorite media outlet. That would certainly be trump.

When all is said and done he's nothing but a CON man, and a supreme manipulator.

[INdemo]

52. Do we realize that all Media Mafia members ..cable news

will be spewing this Bullshit.."well the Democrats are doing nothing but harassing the White House".

Of course Democrats will be working on legislation but like McConnell and the Obama White House ,,his agenda will be to make sure nothing passes from the House..Pretty good guess? I think so.

[PubliusEnigma]

56. Perhaps, the fix was in. They knew they would win. But then something/someone unfixed things.

Early in the night we began to follow the same pattern as in 2016.

Pre-election polling appeared to be wrong.
Exit polling appeared to be wrong. Our lying eyes were deceiving us once again.
Some questioned if the Democrats would even take the House.
James Carville, infamously, gave up on National Television.
Trump and crew began to crow. You could sense the gloat swelling.

But then something happened as the night wore on.
It was almost as if a vaccine had been introduced to a virus.
The final vote totals came in one by one for the Democrats. Eventually, even in Arizona and Utah.

I am convinced what happened in 2016 was about to happen again, but something/someone was ready for it, and was able to save the patient (The American Body Politic) on the table.

[Garrett78]

58. I think most Republicans knew they were likely to lose the House.

Most are evil more so than delusional. And I'm speaking of those in office. Among the electorate, delusion is plentiful.

[C_U_L8R]

61. That's what happens when you believe Fox News

and all those other bullshitty rightwing media clowns.
Garbage in, garbage out.

[The Wizard]

64. Trump's

bankruptcies and failed business dealings indicate math isn't his strong suit.

[sharedvalues]

65. Do you think the GOP leadership seriously believes Fox?

I can see DJT believing Fox, he’s a fool and a moron.

But the top of the GOP must live in reality, no? Murdoch at least knows the truth.

[dlk]

66. Republicans Were Counting On Voter Apathy

[liberal N proud]

67. And they were unable to purge/block enough votes

They thought they had cheated just enough to win.

[SergeStorms]

75. The Democrats have not "wrecked his world".

The American voting public "wrecked his world" when they voted for a slate of great Democratic women and men in order to put the brakes on Trump's run-away train. Democrats chose some spectacular people to run against the GOP incumbents, and Americans voted in record numbers for those Democrats. Thank Dog.

[Freddie]

76. They were also 100% shocked when Romney lost in 2012

They sometimes can’t see beyond Fox News and the alternate reality they’ve created. Nice to know I personally helped bring them back to the real world.

[duforsure]

77. The title should read

trump and the gop thought they would steal the election again with putins help to keep the House. trump probably used that to keep them on his side too.