TomCat

Open Thread – 10/10/2018

Posted by TomCat at 11:51 am Open Thread, Personal, Plus, Politics

Oct 102018

It’s a hectic day here in the CatBox. I had some paperwork I had to get done early, so I got started over an hour late. Then my Internet connection went down for about an hour. I caught up by skipping my morning nap. Store to Door should deliver groceries in a little over an hour, after which I’ll need to unpack and pout them away. Next I’ll prepare and eat lunch. And this evening, WWWendy will come to destink the TomCat.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:46 (average 7:09). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Activism:

1010PatBeto

Kudos to our resident beauty queen.

Short Takes:

From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): Swift Results: Voter Registration Spikes After Star’s Endorsement Of Democrats

Love it! Republicans thought they owned her! RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

From CNN: A terrifyingly powerful Category 4 Hurricane Michael was poised to become the strongest hurricane to hit the Florida Panhandle in recorded history Wednesday, its rapid strengthening catching some by surprise and leaving anxious officials telling those who didn’t evacuate: It’s time to hunker down.

"This is the worst storm that our Florida Panhandle has seen in a century," Gov. Rick Scott said Wednesday morning. "Hurricane Michael is upon us, and now is the time to seek refuge."

The extremely dangerous Michael is expected to make landfall in the Panhandle, perhaps near Panama City and Laguna Beach, in the afternoon, CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said.

If you are in range of it, please attend to your safety! RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

From The New Yorker: In a setback for the newest Associate Justice on his first day at work, Brett Kavanaugh said on Tuesday that he was “very disappointed” to learn that the Supreme Court does not have a happy hour.

Kavanaugh told reporters that he made the horrifying discovery as the clock ticked down to 5 p.m. and “everyone was still in their offices working and stuff.”

“I mean, I couldn’t believe it,” Kavanaugh said. “I had been busting my tail for six hours, and I needed to blow off some steam.”

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the member of the Court who delivered the bad news to Kavanaugh. “When she told me, I guess I started crying a bit, which I now regret,” he said. “She just kind of closed her office door and went back to work or whatever.”

Oh Andy! Poor Kava-Nazi! Now he’ll have to get an alcohol IV. RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

Cartoon:

Election Outlook 10/9

Posted by TomCat at 1:23 pm Politics

Oct 092018

We have four weeks left before the 2018 Midterms. They are finally sufficiently close at hand that some of the research being done will be valid. Therefore, I’d like to give you a broad overview of what we can expect in November. The biggest unknowns are how big a backlash we can expect from the bogus confirmation of Pervert Kava-Nazi and how big a counter backlash Republicans can get from their lies about being the innocent victims.

The Washington Post, in partnership with the Schar School, polled the 69 districts that were rated as “toss-ups,” “lean Republican,” or “lean Democrat” by the Cook Political Report this past August — and found that voters in such areas prefer a Democratic Congress by a margin of 50 to 46 percent. By contrast, in 2016, these same districts collectively favored Republican candidates by a margin of 56 to 41 percent.

The Democrats four-point lead in these battlegrounds might look perilously thin on first blush. But of the 69 districts polled, 63 are currently held by Republican incumbents; and to take the House, Democrats need to flip just 23. Which is to say: Pelosi’s party can afford to lose far more than half of these contests, and still get her the Speaker’s gavel. If Democrats win the popular vote across these battlegrounds by any margin at all, they will almost certainly win control of Congress’s lower chamber.

Should that happen, Democrats will owe college-educated women some thank-you cards. Demographically, the House battlegrounds are 7 percent more white than America as a whole; in previous elections, this dearth of African-American and Hispanic voters has rendered Democrats uncompetitive in most of these districts. But the battlegrounds are also 4 percent more college-educated than the country writ large — and in the Trump era, few things are more threatening to Republicans than a woman with a higher education: White, college-educated women in the battleground districts favor Democrats over Republicans by a whopping 62 to 35 percent margin, while white women without such diplomas back Republicans 49 to 45 percent… [emphasis added]

Inserted from <NY Magazine>

Here is the Real Clear Politics Senate Outlook:

44	Democrats *

Toss Ups

Republicans

37 Safe or Not Up

46 Safe or Not Up

51 Seats Needed For Majority

You can see the difficulty we face. I expect 49 – 50 seats. I’d be thrilled with 51. We are more likely to make gains in 2020.

Here is the Real Clear Politics House Outlook:

205

Democrats

Toss Ups

Republicans

198

173

161

218 Seats Needed For Majority

Our chances are much better here. I expect 235 – 240 seats.

If you really want to get down and dig in the weeds, Politico analyzed and projected every House, Senate and Governor race. Have fun!

Finally, Lawrence O’Donnell highlighted a couple Democratic stars.

Lets take our government back!

RESIST!!

VOTE BLUE!!

28 DAYS!!

Open Thread – 10/9/2018

Posted by TomCat at 1:21 pm Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Oct 092018

I think I’m done moping. Last night, I was eating supper when I first heard Putin’s Pervert apologizing to Pervert Kava-Nazi and claiming his innocence had been proven. I won’t repeat my string of expletives. I also threw a bowl of chili at Trump. Fortunately it was almost empty. Even so, cleaning the TV, TV hutch, and floor from my wheelchair took over an hour. We have 28 days.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:46 (average 5:04). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Fantasy Football Report:

Here are the results from our own fantasy football league.

Scores:

5Scores

Congrats to Vivian, Wendy and Pam for winning their games.

Standings:

5Standings

Kudos to Pam for leading the league.

Short Takes:

From YouTube (MoveOn Channel): Appalachian Great-Grandma Calls out the GOP

You tell them Portia! RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

From YouTube (Robert Reich Channel): Robert Reich: Are You Suffering from Presidential Dysfunction?

The Reich on the left, Robert Reich, is almost right. The Reich on the right, the Republican Reich, is the reason we suffer from Residential (Trump is NOT a President.) Dysfunction. RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

From Alternet: In the midst of the controversial Supreme Court confirmation hearing for Brett Kavanaugh ($%^&#@!), Donald Trump stood on the lawn of the White House and said, “It’s a scary time for young men in America.” For the millions of women who’ve been sexually assaulted, it was rage-inducing to hear Donald Trump complain that men are the ones truly in danger.

Lynzy Lab decided to channel her anger into a song called It’s A Scary Time, and its is fan-freaking-tastic.

Click through for transcript. Kudos to Lynzy! RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

Cartoon:

Republicans on Parade – 10/8/2018

Posted by TomCat at 1:04 pm Politics

Oct 082018

Here is the one hundred thirty-seventh article in our Republicans on Parade series, featuring individuals who personify what the Republican Party has become. Today’s honoree is US Senator Lindsey Graham [R-SC]. He is so honored for his vile misogynistic disregard and disrespect he showed towards sexual assault survivors, which he demonstrated to confirm Injustice Pervert Kava-Nazi

[P]anelists on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” ridiculed Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for abandoning his dignity to back President Donald Trump.

The South Carolina Republican was particularly outspoken during confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and political analyst Mike Barnicle said Graham’s late friend, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), wouldn’t even recognize him.

“I think what John McCain would say is, ‘Lindsey, who are you? What has happened to you?’” Barnicle said. “Because clearly, I mean, he morphed into Donald Trump, into a Donald Trump supporter, before John McCain was even put in the ground in Annapolis. It is shocking how quickly he switched over to maybe who he really is. We don’t know who he really is.”…

Inserted from <Raw Story>

Here’s the video:

I’ve been following the exploits of Lindsey Poo since October 2009, when he joined the Republican filibuster to prevent protecting LGBT Americans from hate crimes, but this is his his first Parade. Whether or not he is goose-stepping with his Fuhrer, because he wants to be the next AG, he deserves the parade.

RESIST!!

VOTE BLUE!!

29 DAYS!!

Open Thread – 10/8/2018

Posted by TomCat at 1:03 pm Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Oct 082018

I’m still feeling pretty burned-out. I trust that, within a few day’s, I’ll feel more motivated. In the meantime, I’ll just keep going. OGIM!

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:38 (average 5:29). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Religious Agony:

1007-Broncos16-Jets34

If they can’t beat the dawg ass Jets, it’s going to be a long year.

Short Takes:

From YouTube (CNN Channel): New climate change report issues stark warning

Unless greedy Republican polluters, both at home and abroad, can be forced to act responsibly, they will kill us all. RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

From YouTube: "Nasty Man" by Joan Baez

I loved Joan as a 1960s protester. I count finding this a joy! Here she is in her prime. RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

From Vox: For the past week, House Democrats have been saying they’ll take over the investigation into Kavanaugh’s background if they win in the 2018 midterms. Five Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee — including ranking member Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) — have called for an investigation into the sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh. (Kavanaugh has denied all the allegations made against him).

Nadler, who would become committee chairman if Democrats win back the House, made it clear he would like to do a thorough investigation into both the sexual assault and misconduct allegations brought by Christine Blasey Ford and other women, as well as claims that Kavanaugh perjured himself in sworn testimony in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

It is possible that sufficiently egregious criminal findings proven by such an investigation may prompt Roberts, who is very big on institutional reputation, could side with Democrats to force Pervert Kava-Nazi to resign over violations of the Judicial Code of Conduct. That may be our best hope. To convict of an impeachment, we won’t have 67 Senate votes anytime soon. RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

From Our Future: Georgia has purged nearly ten percent of its registered voters – nearly 750,000 people -from the voting rolls without their ever knowing. Now these voters have just one more day to reregister.

IF YOU VOTE IN GEORGIA, OR KNOW ANYONE WHO DOES, BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE TO SEE IF YOU OR THEY HAVE BEEN PURGED FROM THE VOTER ROLLS, AND TO GET HELP IN RE-REGISTERING BY TUESDAY. CLICK HERE.

The problem is that even if these voters find out they’ve been purged, unless they reregister by Tuesday, October 9th, they won’t be allowed to vote.

Don’t let Republicans steal your vote! Enough said? RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

Cartoon:

Pat B Still has a BIG Mouth! ;-)

Posted by TomCat at 1:05 pm Blog News, Politics

Oct 072018

102-PatB

Pat followed Politics Plus and commented for quite some time on Care2, where she has been active for years, before she started commenting here at the site. A few months later, she won her first Big Mouth Award for the 78,000th comment in May 2016. She became a daily regular and won her second award for the 85,000th comment in December 2016 and her third for the 93,000th comment in October 2017. She won her fourth for 97,000 in March, 2018. She won her fifth for 101,000 in August 2018. This is her sixth award. She is a progressive activist, an authentic Christian, a proud veteran, and a Michael Moore Fan. If you tell her to go to hell, she’s likely to answer, “I already live there.” The poor girl is still a Texan. On the other hand, she loves her Houston Texans. Her comments are still bright, witty and above all, compassionate. She always greets WWWendy on shower day! In addition to being our resident beauty queen, she may have a lock on awards. Pile on the praise, please. She deserves it.

RESIST!!

VOTE BLUE!!

30 DAYS!!

Open Thread – 10/7/2018

Posted by TomCat at 1:04 pm Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Oct 072018

WWWendy is due in about 45 minutes to destink the TomCat and help with chores, including the dreaded task. I hate it when my Broncos play during the early game, and I’m working. After my blogging is done, I’ll try to avoid thinking about current events for the rest of the day.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:55 (average 6:05). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From YouTube (SNL Channel): Brett Kavanaugh Post-Game Cold Open

I’m surprised Injustice Clarence Thomas, Judge Roy Moore, and the Pussy Grabber-in-Chief didn’t join the celebration. OOPS! I know! They were partying with Injustice Pervert Kava-Nazi! RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): Protesters Swarm Door Of Supreme Court

I hate to tell those protestors, but those doors will be locked to them and anyone else seeking justice for a generation or more. RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

From Crooks and Liars: Thank you, Joy-Ann Reid, for reading Deborah Ramirez’s statement on the air this morning. And to Deborah Ramirez: We. Hear. You.

Kudos to Debbie Ramirez. America must never forget that Republicans have put two pervert injustices on SCROTUS (Republican Unconstitutional VD). RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

Cartoon:

Bill Maher from 10/5

Posted by TomCat at 12:43 pm Politics

Oct 062018

It’s that time of week again, so here are three excellent video clips from Bill’s show last night. Enjoy!

Jeff Bridges: Good Hippie

I agree that personal responsibility is important, but greedy Republican Corporate polluters don’t have any. Unless government forces them to act responsibly, they will kill us all.

Doris Kearns Goodwin: Primus Inter Pares

She does make some good points. I think we need to be honest about the treason, crime, and hate, but also, talk about the points she brings up. I envy her optimism.

New Rule: Power Begets Power

Buried in all that funny is a shit load of truth.

The channel did not include the monologue today. I did find an unauthorized copy of the entire show, and you can watch the beginning of that, but they don’t usually last very long. If you want to try, it’s live now.

RESIST!!

VOTE BLUE!!

31 DAYS!!

Older Entries Newer Entries