Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
LetMyPeopleVote
LetMyPeopleVote's Journal
LetMyPeopleVote's Journal
March 13, 2026
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-pushes-gop-to-focus-on-health-care-in-midterms-which-would-be-fine-with-democrats
MaddowBlog-Trump pushes GOP to focus on health care in midterms, which would be fine with Democrats
The president told GOP lawmakers this week: “We can own the issue.” Republicans shouldn’t get their hopes up.
Trump insisted this week that Republicans should make health care a key part of the GOP’s strategy in the midterms: www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
— Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2026-03-13T20:25:07.940Z
Democrats should be so lucky:
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-pushes-gop-to-focus-on-health-care-in-midterms-which-would-be-fine-with-democrats
About a month ago, CNN reported that Donald Trump was determined to make health care “a central focus of his midterm sales pitch,” which seemed difficult to believe but apparently was a sign of things to come.
In fact, in his remarks to House Republicans this week, the president said, in reference to health care: “We can own the issue. For the first time ever, Republicans can own that issue.”
.....Republicans are welcome to try to turn that around between now and Election Day, but existing public attitudes aren’t the only hurdle in their way. There’s also the GOP’s record to consider. The New York Times reported a few weeks ago:
This, of course, comes on the heels of Republicans making a deliberate choice to raise the cost of coverage for 24 million Americans in December, which followed the GOP’s far-right domestic policy megabill, which slashed Medicaid funding....
But, sure, Mr. President, tell us some more about how Republicans “can own the issue.”
In 2018, during Trump’s first midterm elections, Democrats focused heavily on health care — it was the cycle after the GOP’s attempt at repealing the Affordable Care Act, which was a political disaster for the party — and easily reclaimed a majority in the U.S. House. Eight years later, the president is apparently under the impression that it would be a good thing if his second midterm elections focused largely on the same issue.
Presidents often don’t get to pick which issues dominate the public conversation, but if Trump manages to push health care into the 2026 spotlight, I have a hunch Democrats wouldn’t mind.
In fact, in his remarks to House Republicans this week, the president said, in reference to health care: “We can own the issue. For the first time ever, Republicans can own that issue.”
Trump on healthcare: "We can own the issue! For the first time ever Republicans can own that issue."
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2026-03-09T21:22:40.017Z
.....Republicans are welcome to try to turn that around between now and Election Day, but existing public attitudes aren’t the only hurdle in their way. There’s also the GOP’s record to consider. The New York Times reported a few weeks ago:
The Trump administration’s proposed new rules for Obamacare plans next year would shift more health care costs to Americans, with much higher deductibles that could lead to larger medical bills.
Under the proposal, people who rely on the Affordable Care Act for their health insurance coverage could choose plans with much lower monthly premiums. But that could leave them exposed to medical expenses totaling thousands of dollars more than A.C.A. plans do now before their insurance would kick in.
This, of course, comes on the heels of Republicans making a deliberate choice to raise the cost of coverage for 24 million Americans in December, which followed the GOP’s far-right domestic policy megabill, which slashed Medicaid funding....
But, sure, Mr. President, tell us some more about how Republicans “can own the issue.”
In 2018, during Trump’s first midterm elections, Democrats focused heavily on health care — it was the cycle after the GOP’s attempt at repealing the Affordable Care Act, which was a political disaster for the party — and easily reclaimed a majority in the U.S. House. Eight years later, the president is apparently under the impression that it would be a good thing if his second midterm elections focused largely on the same issue.
Presidents often don’t get to pick which issues dominate the public conversation, but if Trump manages to push health care into the 2026 spotlight, I have a hunch Democrats wouldn’t mind.
March 13, 2026
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-oil-2676098825/
Trump's oil boast has cringing industry execs running for cover: report
The only entities making money due to higher oil and gas prices are the US oil companies. Regular people are NOT benefiting from higher oil and gas prices. trump's attempt to spin the benefits of higher gas and oil prices are pissing off the oil companies who really do NOT want US consumers to focus on the fact that they are paying for these oil companies' excess profits and earnings.
Trump's boastful Truth Social post about oil industry profits has created an embarrassing moment for energy executives who desperately want those windfall gains to remain out of public view.
— Raw Story (@rawstory.com) 2026-03-13T20:36:06Z
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-oil-2676098825/
Trump's boastful Truth Social post about oil industry profits has created an embarrassing moment for energy executives who desperately want those windfall gains to remain out of public view.
As crude oil prices settled around $95 per barrel—far above the industry's preferred $60 threshold—Trump declared on Truth Social: "The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money."
The post crystallizes an uncomfortable reality for oil companies: they are profiting handsomely from war-driven price spikes while consumers face soaring gas prices at the pump. Since the Iran war began, crude prices have surged nearly $30 per barrel or more. Oil executives now face a public relations nightmare.
"The idea that the industry profits from war and death is not one a VP of public relations wants to promote," said Mark Jones, political science fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute.
Industry sources reacted with dismay. "Oh, boy...." one oil executive responded when shown Trump's post.
Trump's statement feeds directly into public perception that oil companies are deliberately gouging consumers. Another industry official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the damage: "This highlights the complicated relationship the oil industry has with the president. There is also some notion that the oil and gas industry secretly works to raise prices, which is a fundamental misunderstanding of how the industry works."
As crude oil prices settled around $95 per barrel—far above the industry's preferred $60 threshold—Trump declared on Truth Social: "The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money."
The post crystallizes an uncomfortable reality for oil companies: they are profiting handsomely from war-driven price spikes while consumers face soaring gas prices at the pump. Since the Iran war began, crude prices have surged nearly $30 per barrel or more. Oil executives now face a public relations nightmare.
"The idea that the industry profits from war and death is not one a VP of public relations wants to promote," said Mark Jones, political science fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute.
Industry sources reacted with dismay. "Oh, boy...." one oil executive responded when shown Trump's post.
Trump's statement feeds directly into public perception that oil companies are deliberately gouging consumers. Another industry official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the damage: "This highlights the complicated relationship the oil industry has with the president. There is also some notion that the oil and gas industry secretly works to raise prices, which is a fundamental misunderstanding of how the industry works."
March 13, 2026
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/republicans-reject-proposal-to-reopen-much-of-dhs-including-tsa
MaddowBlog-Republicans reject proposal to reopen much of DHS, including TSA
As the second month of the Homeland Security shutdown gets underway, GOP senators keep rejecting credible Democratic plans for partial solutions.
Senate Democrats have presented some credible proposals to reopen and fully fund TSA while the broader fight over Homeland Security funding continues.
— Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2026-03-13T14:01:43.960Z
It’s tough to defend Republicans rejecting these plans.
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/republicans-reject-proposal-to-reopen-much-of-dhs-including-tsa
To the surprise of no one, those bipartisan talks failed and funding for the massive agency expired, causing a DHS-specific shutdown.
One month later, efforts to end the standoff are going nowhere, though there has been some relevant activity on Capitol Hill in recent days. The New York Times reported:
The latest Republican proposal to end the standoff was difficult to take seriously: GOP senators proposed reopening the entirety of DHS, without any reforms whatsoever, for two weeks. This approach needed 60 votes to advance, and it fell far short on Thursday’s 51-46 vote. (Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only member of the minority to vote with the GOP.)
But the latest Democratic proposal is far more interesting. From the Times’ article:
In other words, the Democratic approach narrows the focus: Congress can reopen much of the DHS immediately — everything from TSA to FEMA, the Coast Guard to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency — since those other agencies have nothing to do with the fight over reforms to immigration enforcement tactics.....
To hear GOP senators tell it, they are, at least for now, staunchly opposed to any kind of “piecemeal” approach. They have not, however, explained why an incremental solution is so objectionable.
As the second month of the partial shutdown gets underway, there’s no reason for optimism about a resolution.
One month later, efforts to end the standoff are going nowhere, though there has been some relevant activity on Capitol Hill in recent days. The New York Times reported:
The congressional impasse over funding the Department of Homeland Security is entering its second month after the Senate on Thursday again deadlocked over providing money for the agency, even as airports continued to experience security line backups.
The latest Republican proposal to end the standoff was difficult to take seriously: GOP senators proposed reopening the entirety of DHS, without any reforms whatsoever, for two weeks. This approach needed 60 votes to advance, and it fell far short on Thursday’s 51-46 vote. (Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only member of the minority to vote with the GOP.)
But the latest Democratic proposal is far more interesting. From the Times’ article:
Over the past two days, Democrats have taken to the Senate floor to propose funding [the Transportation Security Administration] and other branches of the Department of Homeland Security separately, to clear the way for paying federal employees while lawmakers seek negotiations with the White House over limits on the immigration agents.
In other words, the Democratic approach narrows the focus: Congress can reopen much of the DHS immediately — everything from TSA to FEMA, the Coast Guard to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency — since those other agencies have nothing to do with the fight over reforms to immigration enforcement tactics.....
To hear GOP senators tell it, they are, at least for now, staunchly opposed to any kind of “piecemeal” approach. They have not, however, explained why an incremental solution is so objectionable.
As the second month of the partial shutdown gets underway, there’s no reason for optimism about a resolution.
March 13, 2026
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/hegseth-rejects-the-idea-that-the-war-in-iran-is-spreading-despite-reality
MaddowBlog-Hegseth rejects the idea that the war in Iran is 'spreading,' despite reality
Hegseth rejects the idea that the war in Iran is ‘spreading,’ despite reality
The more the war becomes a regional conflict, with even broader economic consequences for much of the world, the more Pete Hegseth struggles with the meaning of the word “wideningâ€: www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
— Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2026-03-13T12:28:01.312Z
Relatedly, there's nothing "patriotic" about pretending reality doesn't exist.
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/hegseth-rejects-the-idea-that-the-war-in-iran-is-spreading-despite-reality
At a press conference last week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took a moment to push back against reporting that he disagreed with. The beleaguered Pentagon chief said he’s heard commentary that the war in Iran “might be expanding” beyond Iranian borders.
“Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said.
On Tuesday, the former Fox News host tried to re-emphasize the same argument.
....On the first day of the military offensive, the conflict involved three countries: The United States, Israel and Iran. But it wasn’t long before that list grew. By the sixth day of the war, The Washington Post noted that the violence had “touched 12 countries across the Middle East.”
Soon after, an Iranian drone strike hit Bahrain, injuring 32 people, and the day after that, the United Arab Emirates felt the need to shut down one of the larger oil refineries in the world in response to an Iranian strike. The developments coincided with related violence spreading to Iraq and Lebanon, where a conflict with Israel has intensified.
What’s more, other countries around the world have been economically impacted by the war, widening the conflict beyond the Middle East.
....All of which leaves us with a few simple questions for Hegseth: Is he (a) unaware of the developments that make clear just how quickly and aggressively the war is expanding; (b) trying to deceive the public about the consequences of a war the administration launched for reasons it’s struggled to explain; or (c) confused about what “expanding” and “spreading” mean?
“Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said.
On Tuesday, the former Fox News host tried to re-emphasize the same argument.
Hegseth: "I see in the media banners that say, 'War expanding' or 'War spreading' -- it's actually the opposite. It's actually quite contained."
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2026-03-10T12:29:44.166Z
....On the first day of the military offensive, the conflict involved three countries: The United States, Israel and Iran. But it wasn’t long before that list grew. By the sixth day of the war, The Washington Post noted that the violence had “touched 12 countries across the Middle East.”
Soon after, an Iranian drone strike hit Bahrain, injuring 32 people, and the day after that, the United Arab Emirates felt the need to shut down one of the larger oil refineries in the world in response to an Iranian strike. The developments coincided with related violence spreading to Iraq and Lebanon, where a conflict with Israel has intensified.
What’s more, other countries around the world have been economically impacted by the war, widening the conflict beyond the Middle East.
Donald Trump's attack on Iran is already having profound effects on economies around the world.
— MaddowBlog (@maddowblog.bsky.social) 2026-03-10T20:07:34.699Z
....All of which leaves us with a few simple questions for Hegseth: Is he (a) unaware of the developments that make clear just how quickly and aggressively the war is expanding; (b) trying to deceive the public about the consequences of a war the administration launched for reasons it’s struggled to explain; or (c) confused about what “expanding” and “spreading” mean?
March 13, 2026
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-reportedly-directed-doj-to-reverse-course-on-case-against-defiant-law-firms
trump is a spoiled child and his feelings were hurt that the DOJ was not pursing his petty attempts to punish these law firms. There will be more rulings against the DOJ and trump to come.
MaddowBlog-Trump reportedly directed DOJ to reverse course on case against defiant law firms
It seemed obvious that someone in a position of influence had intervened in the case, and that person was apparently, and predictably, the president.
“Trump reportedly directed DOJ to reverse course on case against defiant law firms
— Redeem the soul America (@rneagle.bsky.social) 2026-03-12T16:16:19.221Z
It seemed obvious that someone in a position of influence had intervened in the case, and that person was apparently, and predictably, the president.â€
Steve Benen
MS NOW
apple.news/Am6A9SAFkQim...
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-reportedly-directed-doj-to-reverse-course-on-case-against-defiant-law-firms
The victories for the quartet — Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, Perkins Coie and Susman Godfrey — looked even better last week when the Trump Justice Department announced plans to throw in the towel: Instead of appealing their earlier defeats, DOJ lawyers said they would abandon their defense of the president’s executive orders.
One day later, federal prosecutors changed their mind, completed a 180-degree turn and notified the four firms that they would proceed with the appeal after all.
It seemed rather obvious from a distance that someone in a high position of influence had intervened in the matter, and according to the latest reporting from The Wall Street Journal, that person is exactly who most observers assumed it was.
.....The move opened the door to the administration extending a losing legal fight simply to make the president feel better — a variety of judges from across the ideological spectrum have already ruled against the White House in this case, concluding that the move was plainly illegal — though Trump evidently doesn’t much care......
To be sure, none of these developments was or is especially surprising. It’s been obvious for the past 14 months or so that the Justice Department has become an extension of the West Wing, and the reversal in the case against the defiant law firms reinforces the unmistakable pattern.
But the revelations add fresh weight to the broader indictment about Trump’s control over federal law enforcement.
A few weeks ago, Main Justice unfurled a giant banner featuring the president’s face on its facade. The move removed a pretense that no one took seriously anyway. As The Wall Street Journal summarized in November, this is a Justice Department in which the president, not the attorney general, “calls the shots.”
One day later, federal prosecutors changed their mind, completed a 180-degree turn and notified the four firms that they would proceed with the appeal after all.
It seemed rather obvious from a distance that someone in a high position of influence had intervened in the matter, and according to the latest reporting from The Wall Street Journal, that person is exactly who most observers assumed it was.
The Justice Department’s surprise reversal last week on defending the White House’s sanctions against law firms came after an angry outburst by President Trump, according to people familiar with the matter.
After The Wall Street Journal reported on March 2 that the department was dropping its defense of executive orders that outlined punishments against specific law firms, Trump told advisers to stop it immediately, the people said.
.....The move opened the door to the administration extending a losing legal fight simply to make the president feel better — a variety of judges from across the ideological spectrum have already ruled against the White House in this case, concluding that the move was plainly illegal — though Trump evidently doesn’t much care......
To be sure, none of these developments was or is especially surprising. It’s been obvious for the past 14 months or so that the Justice Department has become an extension of the West Wing, and the reversal in the case against the defiant law firms reinforces the unmistakable pattern.
But the revelations add fresh weight to the broader indictment about Trump’s control over federal law enforcement.
A few weeks ago, Main Justice unfurled a giant banner featuring the president’s face on its facade. The move removed a pretense that no one took seriously anyway. As The Wall Street Journal summarized in November, this is a Justice Department in which the president, not the attorney general, “calls the shots.”
trump is a spoiled child and his feelings were hurt that the DOJ was not pursing his petty attempts to punish these law firms. There will be more rulings against the DOJ and trump to come.
March 13, 2026
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/new-gdp-data-paints-an-even-uglier-picture-on-the-faltering-trump-era-economy
MaddowBlog-New GDP data paints an even uglier picture on the faltering Trump-era economy
In the first year of Trump’s second term, economic growth fell to a nine-year low, and job growth fell to a 16-year low. The White House hasn’t said why.
Economic growth in the first year of Trump’s second term was already disappointing, but new data paints an even uglier picture.
— Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2026-03-13T15:07:31.478Z
Remember when Scott Bessent insisted that economy is “really going to pick up in the fourth quarter†of 2025? Yeah, about that...
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/new-gdp-data-paints-an-even-uglier-picture-on-the-faltering-trump-era-economy
Throughout last year, as the U.S. economy struggled, Republican officials repeatedly insisted that there was good news on the way, and Americans wouldn’t have to wait too much longer to see satisfying results. As recently as August, for example, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confidently predicted to a national television audience that the U.S. economy is “really going to pick up in the fourth quarter” of 2025.
It did not pick up in the fourth quarter of 2025. CNBC reported:
The original expectations for the fourth quarter, spanning October through December, was 2.5% growth. This led to disappointment a month ago when a preliminary tally showed 1.4% growth.
This newly revised figure showed the economy grew at just half of that earlier, disappointing data.....
In other words, despite endless Republican hype, economic growth and job growth were significantly stronger during Joe Biden’s final year in office compared with the first year of Donald Trump’s second term.
It did not pick up in the fourth quarter of 2025. CNBC reported:
Economic growth was much slower than expected in the final three months of 2025 while core inflation rose to start 2026, the Commerce Department reported Friday.
Gross domestic product, a measure of all the goods and services produced across the sprawling U.S. economy, rose at a seasonally and inflation-adjusted annual rate of just 0.7% in the fourth quarter, according to the department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The original expectations for the fourth quarter, spanning October through December, was 2.5% growth. This led to disappointment a month ago when a preliminary tally showed 1.4% growth.
This newly revised figure showed the economy grew at just half of that earlier, disappointing data.....
In other words, despite endless Republican hype, economic growth and job growth were significantly stronger during Joe Biden’s final year in office compared with the first year of Donald Trump’s second term.
March 13, 2026
Federal judge quashes Justice Department subpoenas of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, says probe was politically motivated
Pirro is a hack. trump loses yet again
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/13/politics/fed-chair-jerome-powell-subpoena
A federal judge has quashed subpoenas the Justice Department had issued against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, according to court documents unsealed Friday.
The ruling is a major blow to President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Powell for not lowering interest rates and urged the Justice Department to investigate the outgoing chair.
US District Judge James “Jeb” Boasberg wrote in the new opinion that a “mountain of evidence suggests that the Government served these subpoenas on the Board to pressure its Chair into voting for lower interest rates or resigning.”
“On the other side of the scale, the Government has produced essentially zero evidence to suspect Chair Powell of a crime; indeed, its justifications are so thin and unsubstantiated that the Court can only conclude that they are pretextual,” Boasberg said.
The ruling is a major blow to President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Powell for not lowering interest rates and urged the Justice Department to investigate the outgoing chair.
US District Judge James “Jeb” Boasberg wrote in the new opinion that a “mountain of evidence suggests that the Government served these subpoenas on the Board to pressure its Chair into voting for lower interest rates or resigning.”
“On the other side of the scale, the Government has produced essentially zero evidence to suspect Chair Powell of a crime; indeed, its justifications are so thin and unsubstantiated that the Court can only conclude that they are pretextual,” Boasberg said.
March 12, 2026
In China, praying for Trump has become a form of entertainment used to mock the U.S. president.
The Chinese are mocking trump.
https://x.com/Eng_china5/status/2032077733422043630
https://x.com/XueJia24682/status/2031962201784008949
https://x.com/XH_Lee23/status/2031912026268946933
https://x.com/Jingjing_Li/status/2031934905861750945
This made me smile
March 12, 2026
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/in-second-week-of-the-iran-war-the-white-house-emphasizes-fun-and-meme-videos
MaddowBlog-In second week of the Iran war, the White House emphasizes 'fun' and meme videos
The president and his team have embraced a cavalier, anti-humanist attitude to matters of life and death.
Team Trump thinks the way to make the war popular is through meme videos apparently made by over-caffeinated children.
— Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2026-03-12T20:36:27.585Z
Perhaps the best thing you can say for this PR campaign is that it accurately embodies the pointless, slapdash amorality of the military offensive it’s meant to bolster.
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/in-second-week-of-the-iran-war-the-white-house-emphasizes-fun-and-meme-videos
At his political rally in Kentucky, Donald Trump told a curious story about Iranian ships destroyed by the U.S. military in recent days. According to the president’s version of events, he grew angry with his military leaders, asking, “Why the hell did we kill them? Why didn’t we just capture them and use them in our navy?”
Eventually, according to Trump, a U.S. general told him, “Sir, it’s a lot more fun doing it this way.”
.....There are a variety of adjectives that a wartime American leader should use when talking about this avoidable crisis. “Fun” isn’t one of them.
These characters, and many more figures from movies, TV, sports, music and video game memes, appeared in a series of short, trolling videos from the White House, on platforms including TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter), that reduce the war’s carnage and upheaval to flippant, dystopian amusements......
The president and his team, however, appear eager, almost gleeful, to be cavalier about matters of life and death in ways that are fundamentally at odds with basic human decency.
It’s as if the White House saw the evidence of widespread public opposition to the war and concluded the way to turn things around is through juvenile taunts and jokes an adult should be embarrassed to make.
I don’t know what, if anything, could improve public support for this inexplicable war, but if the president and his team could try acting like grown-ups for a while, it’d be a step in the right direction.
Perhaps the best thing you can say for this particular public-relations effort is that at least it accurately embodies the pointless, slapdash amorality of the military offensive it’s meant to bolster.
Eventually, according to Trump, a U.S. general told him, “Sir, it’s a lot more fun doing it this way.”
Trump: "They knocked out 54 ships in two days. I got mad at my people. I said, 'Why the hell did we kill them? Why didn't we just capture them and use them in our Navy?' They said they wouldn't have qualified for that. One of my generals said, 'Sir, it's a lot more fun doing it this way.'"
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2026-03-11T21:12:41.267Z
.....There are a variety of adjectives that a wartime American leader should use when talking about this avoidable crisis. “Fun” isn’t one of them.
But by all appearances, the White House has come to a very different conclusion. As The New York Times reported:
On Feb. 28, the Trump administration launched war on Iran. The following week, it drafted Iron Man, Walter White and SpongeBob.
These characters, and many more figures from movies, TV, sports, music and video game memes, appeared in a series of short, trolling videos from the White House, on platforms including TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter), that reduce the war’s carnage and upheaval to flippant, dystopian amusements......
The president and his team, however, appear eager, almost gleeful, to be cavalier about matters of life and death in ways that are fundamentally at odds with basic human decency.
It’s as if the White House saw the evidence of widespread public opposition to the war and concluded the way to turn things around is through juvenile taunts and jokes an adult should be embarrassed to make.
I don’t know what, if anything, could improve public support for this inexplicable war, but if the president and his team could try acting like grown-ups for a while, it’d be a step in the right direction.
Perhaps the best thing you can say for this particular public-relations effort is that at least it accurately embodies the pointless, slapdash amorality of the military offensive it’s meant to bolster.
Profile Information
Member since: Mon Apr 5, 2004, 04:58 PMNumber of posts: 178,838