With Two Republicans Leading the California Gubernatorial Primary, Democrats Plot to Change the Rules Mid-Election So That a Democrat Will Be in the Runoff

Wall Street Apes
@WallStreetApes
May 17
HERE WE GO 🚨 California Democrats are making a move to rig the Governor's race
Democrats are putting forth a new ballot initiative to repeal the "Top 2" candidate rule that takes the 2 leading candidates, because the 2 leading candidates are Republicans
"A new ballot initiative has been filed to repeal the state's top-two primary and return it to a party-based primary where voters like you would only vote for candidates in your own registered party"
The man behind this is Steve Maviglio, he's the former communications director for Governor Gray Davis
He's not some random nobody. Steve Maviglio a longtime Democratic insider, he's a top Democrat operative
He filed paperwork with the state to change the rules of the game now that Democrats are losing
Keep in mind, this "Top 2" system is the same system that locked out Republicans for 15 years
But now that it's going to lock Democrats out they're turning to their rigged elections to maintain power and change the rules

Woke_Resistance
@tyranny_stop
May 17
🚨California Democrats are advancing a ballot initiative to repeal the Top Two primary system...now that Republicans lead in the Governor's race.
The same rule they long endorsed to sideline conservatives is suddenly unacceptable when it risks their hold on power. Their repeated claims of 'saving democracy' ring hollow. This is a blatant rule change to preserve dominance, nothing more.
A rule thats lasted over 15 years...disgusting hypocrisy exposed.

HERE WE GO 🚨 California Democrats are making a move to rig the Governor’s race

Democrats are putting forth a new ballot initiative to repeal the “Top 2” candidate rule that takes the 2 leading candidates, because the 2 leading candidates are Republicans

“A new ballot… pic.twitter.com/UtQ7BJvfa4
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) May 17, 2026

Newsom essentially admits he's pushing this "break glass in case of emergency" solution.

When asked about the possibility of ending up with two Republican candidates for governor and no Democrats, Gavin Newsom responded:

“We all have agencies. We can shape the future… I don’t anticipate this need to be the case, but there is a ‘break the glass scenario.’ There’s… pic.twitter.com/b4Glz0neVu
— Laura Powell (@LauraPowellEsq) May 15, 2026

Google is once again interfering in an election by pumping out misinformation: They've changed their street views of the Palisade to show that all of the houses Karen Bass burned down have somehow been rebuilt in just a couple of weeks!

This is election interference btw https://t.co/A0hyQO91Ay
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 18, 2026

Posted by: Disinformation Expert Ace at 02:20 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 1st

Posted by: GF at May 18, 2026 02:22 PM (iVUs+)

2 They've changed their street views of the Palisade to show that all of the houses Karen Bass burned down have somehow been rebuilt in just a couple of weeks!
----
Who are you gonna believe? Google Maps or your lyin' eyes?

This is all part of the daily manipulation of reality by the "elite" to serve their own ends.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 18, 2026 02:23 PM (gnNyN)

3 disgusting hypocrisy is exposed everyday, at the highest levels ...

and here we are.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at May 18, 2026 02:23 PM (VyBeY)

4 California is truly a country of its’ own, in practice. Until their leash is jerked, hard, it will ever be so. I just don’t see anyone who’s going to do that.

Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 02:24 PM (Gqar8)

5 Order. Counter-order. Disorder.

Go for it Dems. Kneecap yourself.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 18, 2026 02:24 PM (u82oZ)

6 Or they could try to run a government effectively.

Maybe do good stuff for their citizens.

Lower taxes for everyone. Make life affordable and pleasant.

Not waste money. Not try to bang the kids.

Posted by: Stateless - He ain't heavy, he's my dog at May 18, 2026 02:25 PM (Sco7b)

7 Who will stop them?

Who can?

The don’t even try to hide their shenanigans anymore.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 18, 2026 02:25 PM (4KUe5)

8 fucking Calvinball from the Ds again

Posted by: Black Orchid (j+aD2) at May 18, 2026 02:25 PM (j+aD2)

9 Say what you will, Demoncrats fight like hell.

Because they are Hell's own.

Posted by: XTC at May 18, 2026 02:25 PM (FpHTM)

10 What good is our "Rules-Based Democracy" if we lose?

Posted by: Dems at May 18, 2026 02:25 PM (E/qck)

11 Just wait until the 'Popular vote' people/States get burned the same way!

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 18, 2026 02:26 PM (Yypdw)

12 9 Say what you will, Demoncrats fight like hell.

it's easy when you don't think just scheme

Posted by: Black Orchid (j+aD2) at May 18, 2026 02:26 PM (j+aD2)

13 🚨California Democrats are advancing a ballot initiative to repeal the Top Two primary system...now that Republicans lead in the Governor's race.

The same rule they long endorsed to sideline conservatives is suddenly unacceptable when it risks their hold on power. Their repeated claims of 'saving democracy' ring hollow. This is a blatant rule change to preserve dominance, nothing more.

A rule thats lasted over 15 years...disgusting hypocrisy exposed.

We should be glad they're only getting rid of the top 2 rule. I kind of expected the "All Republican candidates will be staked to an anthill" option.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 18, 2026 02:26 PM (Riz8t)

14 How are they going to squeeze this ballot initiative in before the election for governor?

Posted by: Chuck Martel at May 18, 2026 02:26 PM (Dv3i1)

15 >>>Democrats are putting forth a new ballot initiative to repeal the "Top 2" candidate rule that takes the 2 leading candidates, because the 2 leading candidates are Republicans

The timing and motivations stink to high heaven. BUT...

This would be a good thing. The jungle primary is a horrible system and getting rid of it would be a long-term plus to the right.

Posted by: No Name Today at May 18, 2026 02:26 PM (8mulE)

16 Hahahahahahahahahaha!

*snort*

The rules only apply when they benefit democrats.
How can anyone take them seriously?

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 18, 2026 02:26 PM (zSjNu)

17 Google hiding the evidence of the fire.

Freaking 1984 MiniTrue.
Don’t be evil, my azz!

Posted by: Lizzy at May 18, 2026 02:26 PM (4KUe5)

18 The California primaries will now be changed such as the top two Gay or Transgender candidates will only be named on the Mid-term ballots to preserve the integrity of the California voting system.

Posted by: Gov Gav "The Stud" Newsome at May 18, 2026 02:27 PM (KvNjc)

19 How are they going to squeeze this ballot initiative in before the election for governor?
Posted by: Chuck Martel at May 18, 2026 02:26 PM (Dv3i1)
---
Super easy. Barely an inconvenience.

The ballots are already filled out and just need to be "mailed in" to be "counted."

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 18, 2026 02:27 PM (gnNyN)

20 It's break the glass time.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at May 18, 2026 02:28 PM (F8sQr)

21 I'm torn on this, since I hate the jungle primary with the heat of 10000 suns, but it sounds like this doesn't ban it.

Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 02:28 PM (8avO+)

22 CA politics.
Cheaters always prosper.

Posted by: wth at May 18, 2026 02:28 PM (UjdFS)

23 So, they're admitting that they might not be able to cheat their way out of this one.

Posted by: Bulg at May 18, 2026 02:28 PM (77rzZ)

24 Say what you will, Demoncrats fight like hell.

Send in Doom Guy.

Posted by: Ian S. at May 18, 2026 02:28 PM (2ocoG)

25 Send in Doom Guy.
Posted by: Ian S.

I miss Monty.

Posted by: Bulg at May 18, 2026 02:29 PM (77rzZ)

26 I'm thinking half a million conservatives marching on Sacramento if their rule change makes it to a vote would be a good idea.
Armed.

Posted by: Diogenes at May 18, 2026 02:30 PM (2WIwB)

27 Why not change the rules to "democrats only"?

The problem is governors can't be gerrymandered. California is a lot more conservative than most people think - an R can get elected in a statewide election, if it is fair.

Posted by: The Whine Guy at May 18, 2026 02:30 PM (k8xm0)

28 21 I'm torn on this, since I hate the jungle primary with the heat of 10000 suns, but it sounds like this doesn't ban it.
Posted by: Oldcat

Of course it doesn’t permanently ban the jungle primary. It just bans it THIS election.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 18, 2026 02:30 PM (k0Wyd)

29 Or they could try to run a government effectively.

Maybe do good stuff for their citizens.

Lower taxes for everyone. Make life affordable and pleasant.

Not waste money. Not try to bang the kids.
Posted by: Stateless - He ain't heavy, he's my dog
.......

Makes sense, so forget it.

Posted by: wth at May 18, 2026 02:30 PM (UjdFS)

30 National GOPe - oh those Democrats are such scamps. La-di-da

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 18, 2026 02:30 PM (gu0hJ)

31 I put it at 99% it passes.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 18, 2026 02:31 PM (73/SM)

32 31 I put it at 99% it passes.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 18, 2026 02:31 PM (73/SM)

So low?? Your optimism is misplaced.

Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 02:32 PM (Gqar8)

33 "We should be glad they're only getting rid of the top 2 rule. I kind of expected the "All Republican candidates will be staked to an anthill" option.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 18, 2026 02:26 PM (Riz8t) "

coming in 2029

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at May 18, 2026 02:32 PM (VyBeY)

34 The simple "just prohibit registered Republicans from voting at all" option is looking better all the time, amirite Dems???

BUT MUH PRESSHUSSS DEMOCRACY!!!!!!

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 18, 2026 02:32 PM (guGkK)

35 >>Calvinball from the Ds again

Kill ALL Utilitarians

Posted by: garrett at May 18, 2026 02:32 PM (9maW1)

36 Or they could try to run a government effectively.

Maybe do good stuff for their citizens.

Lower taxes for everyone. Make life affordable and pleasant.

Not waste money. Not try to bang the kids.
Posted by: Stateless - He ain't heavy, he's my dog
.......

Bwahahahahaha!!!!

*deep breath*

Bwahahahahahahahah!!!!

Oh stop it. You're killing me here!

Posted by: Diogenes at May 18, 2026 02:32 PM (2WIwB)

37 I am proud to endorse Wo Fat as the new Marxist-Democrat candidate for Governor of California.

Posted by: Gov Gav at May 18, 2026 02:33 PM (KvNjc)

38 How are they going to squeeze this ballot initiative in before the election for governor?
Posted by: Chuck Martel at May 18, 2026 02:26 PM (Dv3i1)

They're not because they can't. This is about future elections and it's a good idea. The only reason we have it now is because some RINO named Abel Moldanado demanded it in order to get his support for a budget during the Schwarzenegger years and the Dems agreed because they needed his vote.

Posted by: Mark1971 at May 18, 2026 02:33 PM (CNl8/)

39 Retarded, but also completely predictable.

Could say it's reprehensible but that means nothing to them.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 18, 2026 02:33 PM (zZu0s)

40 Kill ALL Utilitarians
Posted by: garrett

No. They keep the Universalists in check.

Posted by: Bulg at May 18, 2026 02:33 PM (77rzZ)

41 I heard on the radio this morning that Xavier Beccera is leading the polls. Jumper miraculously from 3% to on top!
What a guy!

Posted by: wth at May 18, 2026 02:33 PM (UjdFS)

42 Not waste money. Not try to bang the kids.
Posted by: Stateless - He ain't heavy, he's my dog

Just bang 'em? Hell, we'll mutilate 'em permanently if we get our way!

-- Dems

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 18, 2026 02:33 PM (guGkK)

43 There is no solving California, New York or Illinois with the methods available to us.

Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 02:34 PM (Gqar8)

44 They might as well make it a two-fer and add in ranked choice voting.

Remember: the "independent" commission will revert back to being the redistricting authority in 2031.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 18, 2026 02:34 PM (73/SM)

45 fucking Calvinball from the Ds again
Posted by: Black Orchid (j+aD2) at May 18, 2026 02:25 PM (j+aD2)

Objection. Calvinball has rules.
California politics merely has Will to Power.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 18, 2026 02:34 PM (rbvCR)

46 too bad for dems the reichstag wasn't in palisades

Posted by: gnats local 678 at May 18, 2026 02:36 PM (CWTWj)

47 Is hoping the San Andreas lets loose wrong?

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 18, 2026 02:36 PM (gu0hJ)

48 The Clown Prince just yesterday:

@LauraPowellEsq
When asked about the possibility of ending up with two Republican candidates for governor and no Democrats, Gavin Newsom responded:

“We all have agencies. We can shape the future… I don’t anticipate this need to be the case, but there is a ‘break the glass scenario.’ There’s many people that have a deep understanding of what it would look like if Democrats were locked out, and we’re going to do everything to make sure that doesn’t happen. I’ll leave it there.”

Posted by: weft cut-loop at May 18, 2026 02:36 PM (diia5)

49 There is no solving California, New York or Illinois with the methods available to us.
Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 02:34 PM (Gqar

That reminds me. I need to get more Hoppes #9.

Posted by: Diogenes at May 18, 2026 02:36 PM (2WIwB)

50
>>Google is once again interfering in an election by pumping out misinformation: They've changed their street views of the Palisade to show that all of the houses Karen Bass burned down have somehow been rebuilt in just a couple of weeks!

==============

Yeah, thanks for putting all that in place, Sergey [Brin, not to be confused with Brezhnov in this particular case].

He has now been shocked into motion by the encroaching billionaire tax and decamped to scenic Lake Tahoe, from which vantage point he explores what he's done to the rest of us with his free propaganda platform. Word is, he now supports Trump. Yeah, good, but I still hate people like this. I want him to come forward and retract every damn thing he said at that all-hands meeting on the day after Trump's 2016 victory and everything he ever did to destroy freedom and prosperity in California (and everywhere for that matter).

I wish there was another Elon to buy Google and stop this shyte.

Posted by: Blonde Mortixtl at May 18, 2026 02:36 PM (XJ22o)

51 Elections run by Dems are now more fortified than all of the sugary breakfast cereals combined.

Posted by: Curly Shuffle at May 18, 2026 02:36 PM (3u5xF)

52 Remember:
There's no problem facing California that can't be fixed by yelling "RACISM!!"

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 18, 2026 02:36 PM (73/SM)

53 Is hoping the San Andreas lets loose wrong?
Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 18, 2026 02:36 PM (gu0hJ)

At this point, I could believe that Spencer Pratf is Lot.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 18, 2026 02:37 PM (zZu0s)

54 That reminds me. I need to get more Hoppes #9.
Posted by: Diogenes at May 18, 2026 02:36 PM (2WIwB)

Have you tried Ballistol?

Posted by: Kindltot at May 18, 2026 02:37 PM (rbvCR)

55 Horry shit is that a rigged election!

Posted by: Kim Jong Un at May 18, 2026 02:38 PM (guGkK)

56 Is hoping the San Andreas lets loose wrong?
Posted by: Smell the Glove

Why? You realize the Fed will be goaded to bailout CA in that scenario, right?

Posted by: weft cut-loop at May 18, 2026 02:38 PM (diia5)

57 These F**kstain Marxist Democrats always say we must preserve "The Democracy" ????

We do not live in a Democracy, or we would be total chaos like the UK every six months. We would also have a new President every six months....

We live in a DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and thus why we have the Electorol College so that the LARGER BLUE COMMIE STATES do not control the elections because of the LARGER POPULATIONS.

The founding fathers were smart enough to know that maybe 200 years in the future the country may have a political party comprised of Losers, Idiots and Morons !!!!

Posted by: Jackson K. at May 18, 2026 02:38 PM (KvNjc)

58 I feel like the Supreme Court should have slapped down such an absurd system anyway that was clearly gamed to basically lock out the other political party.

Posted by: Leupold at May 18, 2026 02:38 PM (zTiHq)

59 It's always worked for me.

Smart Man Saves Time By Getting Angry Now Instead Of Waiting Until All The Facts Are Known

-
From the Bee.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 18, 2026 02:38 PM (ndZc7)

60 I'd bet that a fair number of Palisade's (former) homeowners will vote (D) anyway. Regardless of Google's horseshit or how many idiots are on the ballot.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 18, 2026 02:39 PM (jehhT)

61 Notice how fast the fucking liars move to serve their own needs but FUCK the people waiting to rebuild their homes burnt down by the very same liars.

Posted by: melodicmetal at May 18, 2026 02:39 PM (61TgR)

62 “We all have agencies. We can shape the future… I don’t anticipate this need to be the case, but there is a ‘break the glass scenario.’ There’s many people that have a deep understanding of what it would look like if Democrats were locked out, and we’re going to do everything to make sure that doesn’t happen. I’ll leave it there.”
Posted by: weft cut-loop at May 18, 2026 02:36 PM (diia5)
=====

Thanks for sharing, Gavin.

TLDR; "Whatever it takes to save our Precious Democracy!"

Posted by: mrp at May 18, 2026 02:40 PM (rj6Yv)

63 The ballots have already been printed and early voting for the primaries begins in less than two weeks. Voter guides have already been distributed. If it's even legal to change the rules at this point, doing so will be almost extremely difficult and very expensive.

If only Republicans were willing to put even half of this much dedication into holding onto power.

Posted by: Surfperch at May 18, 2026 02:40 PM (NQi1o)

64 Have you tried Ballistol?
Posted by: Kindltot at May 18, 2026 02:37 PM (rbvCR)

No.
I've heard of it.
Good?

Posted by: Diogenes at May 18, 2026 02:40 PM (2WIwB)

65 I'd bet that a fair number of Palisade's (former) homeowners will vote (D) anyway. Regardless of Google's horseshit or how many idiots are on the ballot.

Before it burned, Pacific Palisades was AWFL World Headquarters

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 18, 2026 02:40 PM (guGkK)

66 Is God watching?
Interesting timing: wildfires have broken out in Simi Valley. A sign Dems to stop effing around

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 18, 2026 02:41 PM (gu0hJ)

67 Let me guess, they have had no Republicans before and been fine with it.

Posted by: steevy at May 18, 2026 02:41 PM (YwEeS)

68 I'd bet that a fair number of Palisade's (former) homeowners will vote (D) anyway. Regardless of Google's horseshit or how many idiots are on the ballot.
Posted by: Martini Farmer

I bet a fair number of the residents send in ballots only to find out their ballots were already registered.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at May 18, 2026 02:41 PM (diia5)

69 It's a SCOTUS created apacolypse!

HOLY CRAP. Democrat Stacey Abrams just admitted Democrats might lose *191* STATE LEGISLATIVE SEATS — on top of the 19-20 seats lost to the end of racial gerrymandering
It's not just Congress. State legislative districts are racially drawn, and SCOTUS just caused APOCALYPSE Show more

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 18, 2026 02:41 PM (ndZc7)

70 61 Notice how fast the fucking liars move to serve their own needs but FUCK the people waiting to rebuild their homes burnt down by the very same liars.

Cannot rebuild your homes, but the taxes on your worthless property are still due every year or the state will confiscate your land !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Mayor Bass at May 18, 2026 02:41 PM (1qVfI)

71 Just watched Under Siege last night, first time since the 90s when it came out. Even cheezier than I remember. Most depressing tho was looking up Erika Eleniak - the Playboy bunny that pops up out of the cake in the film - to see what she looks like now. Good grief doesn't do it. Let's just say time and tattoos did her no favors. Wow. https://tinyurl.com/bdhhw7aa

Posted by: Mizzou at May 18, 2026 02:42 PM (hyQrc)

72 Only the Hantavirus can save the Dems now.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 18, 2026 02:42 PM (guGkK)

73 Who are the Republicans in the lead? The aggregator I saw has Hilton 1st and Bianco 4th, with two commies between them.

Posted by: SloPitch Whiffer at May 18, 2026 02:42 PM (NYInA)

74 Ihave looked at the materials cited; I don't see that the proposal would change the election for THIS CYCLE.

Posted by: CloseTheFed at May 18, 2026 02:42 PM (lZILf)

75 Why don't they just put through a ballot initiative that says only dems can run for political office from now on? Why bother with any of this crap? gas lighting? Why bother with that even...

Posted by: banana Dream at May 18, 2026 02:42 PM (3uBP9)

76 To be honest I suspect the only way a Republican can overcome fraud and win is if there are no Democrat candidates...

Posted by: steevy at May 18, 2026 02:42 PM (YwEeS)

77 CA Dems moving heaven and earth, breaking any and every law to prevent any Republican from winning.

While on the other coast, we have the Republican leader of the SC senate saying, "SC is better with a vibrant Democrat Party."

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 18, 2026 02:42 PM (73/SM)

78
Apparently this is one of those citizens' initiatives, intended to be on the ballot in 2026 -- although how they can get the signatures in time is a "mystery" (I know, as if).

At the same time, Newsom talks of "agencies."

It sounds like a massive, all-out, all-hands crusade. I have an idea it will qualify, and it will pass, and Cali will elect a Democrat governor this year and in years to come just the same.

Posted by: Blonde Mortixtl at May 18, 2026 02:43 PM (XJ22o)

79 I heard on the radio this morning that Xavier Beccera is leading the polls. Jumper miraculously from 3% to on top!

That just means the Dominion machines have been preloaded with the winner.

Posted by: Ian S. at May 18, 2026 02:43 PM (2ocoG)

80 Why don't they just put through a ballot initiative that says only dems can run for political office from now on? Why bother with any of this crap? gas lighting? Why bother with that even...
Posted by: banana Dream

No need. The Dem machine in CA 'counts' the ballots.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at May 18, 2026 02:44 PM (diia5)

81 While on the other coast, we have the Republican leader of the SC senate saying, "SC is better with a vibrant Democrat Party."

Isn't "vibrant" a code word for diversity?

Posted by: Ian S. at May 18, 2026 02:44 PM (2ocoG)

82 Some Despotisms love elections. Rubbing peoples nose in it is part of the fun.

Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 02:45 PM (Gqar8)

83 @71 Tommy Lee Jones must have needed the money to be in Under Siege

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 18, 2026 02:45 PM (gu0hJ)

84 No need. The Dem machine in CA 'counts' the ballots.

People forget that last time around Karen Bass lost the election, but they kept recounting for 6 weeks until nobody was paying attention and suddenly she'd won.

Posted by: Ian S. at May 18, 2026 02:45 PM (2ocoG)

85 Despite Google fakery on this particular issue ( which is awful and doesn't surprise me) , I'm sure that the people who still live in LA and who will be voting know what their areas look like.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 18, 2026 02:45 PM (Yl2Ob)

86 TLDR; "Whatever it takes to save our Precious Democracy!"
Posted by: mrp at May 18, 2026

Through guaranteed outcomes. Just a different verse in the gerrymander song they are singing right now.

Posted by: Piper at May 18, 2026 02:45 PM (OoFl2)

87 At the same time, Newsom talks of "agencies."
---------------------
I wouldn't waste any time trying to parse whatever comes out of Hairgel Hitler's mouth. The guy is even more vacuous than Kamala, albeit less amusing since he isn't publicly inebriated all the time.

Posted by: the lower depths at May 18, 2026 02:46 PM (Dg7ng)

88 >>The man behind this is Steve Maviglio, he's the former communications director for Governor Gray Davis

imagine admitting to that. If it was my resume, I would say I was in prison those years.

Posted by: bob - moron inbobnitus at May 18, 2026 02:46 PM (O4IVm)

89
Why don't they just put through a ballot initiative that says only dems can run for political office from now on? Why bother with any of this crap? gas lighting? Why bother with that even...
Posted by: banana Dream

==============

I wonder, too. Some state or city or district is going to try this at some point. California should lead the way.

Posted by: Blonde Mortixtl at May 18, 2026 02:46 PM (XJ22o)

90 HOLY CRAP. Democrat Stacey Abrams just admitted Democrats might lose *191* STATE LEGISLATIVE SEATS — on top of the 19-20 seats lost to the end of racial gerrymandering
It's not just Congress. State legislative districts are racially drawn, and SCOTUS just caused APOCALYPSE

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 18, 2026 02:41 PM (ndZc7)

I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't even CONSIDER the impact to state legislatures until Stacey Abrams pointed it out to me...

This is an ELE for the Dems. Truly.

Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at May 18, 2026 02:46 PM (Kdi1r)

91 Rep. Massie to the #BonerPhone...Rep. Massie, please pick up a courtesy #BonerPhone...

Posted by: runner at May 18, 2026 02:47 PM (GD0B3)

92 Get down, get funky!

Spanberger busts a move!

https://tinyurl.com/mwv57asm

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 18, 2026 02:47 PM (ndZc7)

93 72 Only the Hantavirus can save the Dems now.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 18, 2026 02:42 PM (guGkK)

They're not taking any chances, they also imported another strain of Ebola.

Posted by: XTC at May 18, 2026 02:48 PM (FpHTM)

94 Despite Google fakery on this particular issue ( which is awful and doesn't surprise me) , I'm sure that the people who still live in LA and who will be voting know what their areas look like.

Yeah, this is more likely to be a Streisand Effect thing that reminds people that the Democrats suck. I almost wonder if that's the intent.

Posted by: Ian S. at May 18, 2026 02:48 PM (2ocoG)

95
I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't even CONSIDER the impact to state legislatures until Stacey Abrams pointed it out to me...

Posted by: Washington Nearsider

===============

I'm so proud of myself because I considered it -- but then I dismissed it because I didn't know that state legislatures use the same districts as federal. Do they? My turn to be embarrassed.

Posted by: Blonde Mortixtl at May 18, 2026 02:48 PM (XJ22o)

96 HOLY CRAP. Democrat Stacey Abrams just admitted Democrats might lose *191* STATE LEGISLATIVE SEATS — on top of the 19-20 seats lost to the end of racial gerrymandering
It's not just Congress. State legislative districts are racially drawn, and SCOTUS just caused APOCALYPSE

Abrams said that? Was the buffet closed?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 18, 2026 02:48 PM (guGkK)

97 We elect Republicans ( note : not a synonym for America lovers) . They go to DC, and are cycled through the Transmorgrifier.

Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 02:49 PM (Gqar8)

98 I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't even CONSIDER the impact to state legislatures until Stacey Abrams pointed it out to me...

This is an ELE for the Dems. Truly.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at May 18, 2026 02:46 PM (Kdi1r)
=====

It just goes to show that it takes the elephant in the room to point out the elephant in the room.

Posted by: mrp at May 18, 2026 02:49 PM (rj6Yv)

99 Well, that's certainly awkward

@MattSeedorff 27m
BREAKING: A fast-moving wildfire has erupted in Ventura County, CA, triggering evacuation orders and warnings across much of Simi Valley.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at May 18, 2026 02:50 PM (diia5)

100 I'm so proud of myself because I considered it -- but then I dismissed it because I didn't know that state legislatures use the same districts as federal. Do they?

It doesn't matter. If racially-gerrymandered districts are verboten under federal law, then they have to go, whatever they're for.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 18, 2026 02:50 PM (guGkK)

101 It's a SCOTUS created apacolypse!

HOLY CRAP. Democrat Stacey Abrams just admitted Democrats might lose *191* STATE LEGISLATIVE SEATS — on top of the 19-20 seats lost to the end of racial gerrymandering
It's not just Congress. State legislative districts are racially drawn, and SCOTUS just caused APOCALYPSE Show more
---
The entire City of Los Angeles is specifically drawn for race.
And probably every other large city over 200k.

Sure, it may only lead to some seats flipping on city councils around the country.

But it's going to wipe out a lot of Dem incumbents as well.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 18, 2026 02:51 PM (73/SM)

102 Why don't they just put through a ballot initiative that says only dems can run for political office from now on? Why bother with any of this crap? gas lighting? Why bother with that even...
Posted by: banana Dream at May 18, 2026 02:42 PM (3uBP9)

--

The Party is the State. This is essential to preserving our Democ-raseh.

Posted by: SloPitch Whiffer at May 18, 2026 02:51 PM (NYInA)

103 I'm so proud of myself because I considered it -- but then I dismissed it because I didn't know that state legislatures use the same districts as federal. Do they? My turn to be embarrassed.

Posted by: Blonde Mortixtl at May 18, 2026 02:48 PM (XJ22o)

I don't believe they do. Virginia, for example, has more than 11 state reps in their legislature but only 11 Congressional Districts.

I think the point is that with racially-drawn districts being declared unconstitutional at the federal level, it's reasonable to expect them to be unconstitutional at the state level, too.

End of Life Event for the left.

Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at May 18, 2026 02:51 PM (Kdi1r)

104 We joke about the Dems, but in Europe, this is essentially what they are doing. They reserve the right to veto any candidate on the right.

Posted by: bob - moron inbobnitus at May 18, 2026 02:52 PM (O4IVm)

105 Well look California has to change the election rules - people call it a "jungle primary" and that is racist, sir. RACIST.

Posted by: blaster at May 18, 2026 02:52 PM (xhfG9)

106 Sounds like they need a bit of the old ultra-violence.

Posted by: Darth Randall at May 18, 2026 02:52 PM (+kXje)

107 Californistan run by the Demoban.

Next up, IED planting in Republican districts.

Posted by: Vengeance at May 18, 2026 02:52 PM (e1mwr)

108 47 Is hoping the San Andreas lets loose wrong?
Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 18, 2026 02:36 PM (gu0hJ)

We need 400,000 boyscouts with prybars. A croudfunded trip to see the faults, form a line and give it a few huge heave hos.

Posted by: Reforger at May 18, 2026 02:52 PM (594J6)

109 J6 attendees get doxed and imprisoned in solitary for attempting to steal the election and insurrection.

The Dems in CA trying to do the same thing, and they get?

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at May 18, 2026 02:53 PM (N39Ws)

110 Isn't "vibrant" a code word for diversity?
--
It is.

Anytime you see a location or neighborhood described as vibrant you know it means "bars on the windows."

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 18, 2026 02:53 PM (73/SM)

111 State legislative districts are much smaller than Federal ones. Congressional districts have about 775000 people, states are much smaller

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 18, 2026 02:53 PM (gu0hJ)

112 71; the dog looks okay, though ...

that was a fun movie, with enough suspension of disbelief ...

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at May 18, 2026 02:53 PM (VyBeY)

113 The Dems in CA trying to do the same thing, and they get?

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at May 18, 2026 02:53 PM (N39Ws)

Elected!!

Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at May 18, 2026 02:53 PM (Kdi1r)

114 Count on it that once the Supreme Court is packed with right-thinking justices, Louisiana v. Callais will be reconsidered.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 18, 2026 02:54 PM (guGkK)

115 No.
I've heard of it.
Good?
Posted by: Diogenes at May 18, 2026 02:40 PM (2WIwB)

It smells like mildly spoiled milk instead of kerosene, but it is pretty good for anything from black powder to modern fouling. I spilled a 4 ounce bottle in my canvas range bag, and it did not leave the bag greasy, after the smell evaporated, unlike Hoppe's.
On the deficit side it does not remove copper fouling, so it is not perfect.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 18, 2026 02:54 PM (rbvCR)

116 "I wish there was another Elon to buy Google and stop this shyte." Posted by: Blonde Mortixtl

Yes, but the market cap of Google (alphabet) is over $4 TRILLION, while Twitter was $50 billion or so, iirc. So it would take 80 Musk Billionaires to buy Google (if they each put in $50B)

Posted by: illiniwek at May 18, 2026 02:54 PM (vbXSk)

117 put that down and go to your rooms.

- Gov. Newsome

Posted by: well, elections aren't for republicans at May 18, 2026 02:54 PM (anL5R)

118 Google hiding the evidence of the fire.

Freaking 1984 MiniTrue.
Don’t be evil, my azz!
Posted by: Lizzy at May 18, 2026 02:26 PM (4KUe5)

I stopped believing the "Google: Don't be Evil" schtick in the late 90s, when they bought Doubleclick for it's ad network.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at May 18, 2026 02:54 PM (qx7Zg)

119 I am pretty sure that states can do whatever they want election-wise. If they want to make elections for state legislature the outcome of a tiddlywinks contest. they can do it.

Posted by: blaster at May 18, 2026 02:55 PM (xhfG9)

120 110 Isn't "vibrant" a code word for diversity?
--
It is.

Anytime you see a location or neighborhood described as vibrant you know it means "bars on the windows."
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 18, 2026 02:53 PM (73/SM)

A Vibrant Urban Neighborhood - what Circle of Hell IS that, I wonder?

Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 02:55 PM (Gqar8)

121 111 State legislative districts are much smaller than Federal ones. Congressional districts have about 775000 people, states are much smaller
Posted by: Smell the Glove
=======
Usually but as always it depends on the number of state legislators. I think CA Senate seats has about 1 million per seat (smaller number of state senators than Congress critters).

Posted by: whig at May 18, 2026 02:55 PM (E4rtv)

122 I think the point is that with racially-drawn districts being declared unconstitutional at the federal level, it's reasonable to expect them to be unconstitutional at the state level, too.
---
Nationwide Dems are going to be fighting redistricting.

Because in the south, they were drawing minority-majority districts to comply with the VRA.
While in the north, they drew them citing the VRA as the legal justification.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 18, 2026 02:56 PM (73/SM)

123 I am pretty sure that states can do whatever they want election-wise. If they want to make elections for state legislature the outcome of a tiddlywinks contest. they can do it.

Posted by: blaster at May 18, 2026 02:55 PM (xhfG9)

Correct.

But the districts themselves can not be drawn by racial lines anymore.

Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at May 18, 2026 02:56 PM (Kdi1r)

124 but then I dismissed it because I didn't know that state legislatures use the same districts as federal. Do they?
Posted by: Blonde Mortixtl

Typically there are many more state reps than federal. So no they do not used the same, but there can be some commonality, just with more state districts adding up to one federal.

But losing state reps, because racial gerrymandering is illegal, means they lose control of the state legislature, and the state legislature draws up the federal districts. So delayed effect, but very important.

Posted by: bob - moron inbobnitus at May 18, 2026 02:56 PM (O4IVm)

125 Isn't "vibrant" a code word for diversity?
==
Its code for leaving your car parked on the street with the doors locked is a good way to have your windows smashed and the stereo yoinked. If you don't lock the doors they won't smash the window, but you'll still get your stereo yoinked.

Posted by: Its part of the culture at May 18, 2026 02:57 PM (anL5R)

126 The Dems in CA trying to do the same thing, and they get?

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at May 18, 2026 02:53 PM (N39Ws)

hefty cash bonus at the end of the year.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at May 18, 2026 02:57 PM (VyBeY)

127 I am pretty sure that states can do whatever they want election-wise. If they want to make elections for state legislature the outcome of a tiddlywinks contest. they can do it.
Posted by: blaster

But not pickleball, right? Because that would be wrong.

Posted by: Bulg at May 18, 2026 02:57 PM (77rzZ)

128 Simi Valley fire has burned a few houses already.

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 18, 2026 02:57 PM (gu0hJ)

129 eclectic is code for you will get mugged if you walk down the sidewalk after dark

Posted by: Its part of the culture at May 18, 2026 02:58 PM (anL5R)

130 114 Count on it that once the Supreme Court is packed with right-thinking justices, Louisiana v. Callais will be reconsidered.
Posted by: Cicero
======
Eh, never count on predicting the future as the United States may not even exist as such or we get a king or something.

Posted by: whig at May 18, 2026 02:58 PM (E4rtv)

131 the dog looks okay, though ...

-
Look at this dogs eyes. He being traumatized.

https://tinyurl.com/mt6wnhcm

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 18, 2026 02:59 PM (ndZc7)

132 I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't even CONSIDER the impact to state legislatures until Stacey Abrams pointed it out to me...

Posted by: Washington Nearsider

===============

I'm so proud of myself because I considered it -- but then I dismissed it because I didn't know that state legislatures use the same districts as federal. Do they? My turn to be embarrassed.
Posted by: Blonde Mortixtl at May 18, 2026 02:48 PM (XJ22o)

No, for example there are 99 state reps in Ohio

Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:00 PM (8avO+)

133 Eh, never count on predicting the future as the United States may not even exist as such or we get a king or something.
===
You'll get NOTHING, AND LIKE IT!

Posted by: Judge Smails at May 18, 2026 03:00 PM (anL5R)

134 As the Republicans resort to their own version of voter lawfare to shore up elections, the Democrats are going to resort to "other measures" to remain in power.

It's coming.

The tit-for-tat legal dance going on is not the end state. I think everyone here knows that.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 18, 2026 03:00 PM (jehhT)

135 127 I am pretty sure that states can do whatever they want election-wise. If they want to make elections for state legislature the outcome of a tiddlywinks contest. they can do it.
Posted by: blaster
========
Well, depends. The Constitution formally has a guarantee clause that each state has a republican form of government (separation of powers, popularly elected at least in part, etc.). Luther v. Borden sidestepped it as a political question but that simply means that Congress and the President can enforce it.

Posted by: whig at May 18, 2026 03:00 PM (E4rtv)

136 The main long term effect is going to be a shift in the type of politicians.

Right now, the dems attract a lot of loons because their districts are so safe, and so gerrymandered into single issue voters. There is a reason we have people like the somlian idiot, or these low IQ black race mongers. They are representing their district.

Making the districts more divers should reduce that. As I said before, it will also expose those voters to the other side of the arguement. The candidates on both sides will have to make their case. Right now, many blacks are in a plantation in terms of representation - they have one option up and down the ticket, so not debate, no thinking, no hearing the other side.

Posted by: bob - moron inbobnitus at May 18, 2026 03:00 PM (O4IVm)

137 I think is just where we are now.

Maximum rule changing to ensure wins.

Posted by: MJ at May 18, 2026 03:00 PM (XOmY9)

138 Unexpectedly.

Posted by: ShainS at May 18, 2026 03:01 PM (+x3LD)

139 Just watched Under Siege last night, first time since the 90s when it came out. Even cheezier than I remember. Most depressing tho was looking up Erika Eleniak - the Playboy bunny that pops up out of the cake in the film - to see what she looks like now. Good grief doesn't do it. Let's just say time and tattoos did her no favors. Wow. https://tinyurl.com/bdhhw7aa
Posted by: Mizzou at May 18, 2026 02:42 PM (hyQrc)

She was the little blonde girl who kissed Eliot in the movie, ET.

Posted by: thatcrazyjerseyguy at May 18, 2026 03:02 PM (5xuJ/)

140 It's like the little brat that says its my ball, play by my rules, ok then when you are about to win takes the ball and goes home.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at May 18, 2026 03:02 PM (n5tGW)

141 Maximum rule changing to ensure wins.
==
So Calvinball it is.

Posted by: Judge Smails at May 18, 2026 03:03 PM (anL5R)

142 Meanwhile republicans won’t pass a voter ID bill or do meaningful gerrymandering.

There’s only 1 party.

Posted by: Heroq at May 18, 2026 03:03 PM (NyGYe)

143 She was the little blonde girl who kissed Eliot in the movie, ET.
==
They grow up so fast.

Posted by: Methuselah at May 18, 2026 03:04 PM (anL5R)

144 I'm so proud of myself because I considered it -- but then I dismissed it because I didn't know that state legislatures use the same districts as federal. Do they? My turn to be embarrassed.
Posted by: Blonde Mortixtl

You don't hear much about the Shelby County v. Holder decision, issued by the U.S. Supreme Court of 2013, it struck down Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as unconstitutional killing preclearance as the emergency clause of the original VRA was deemed past its expiration date. Court has been set on deracializing for a while including higher ed, and now this.

Democrats and black activists are upset as it is a torpedo at the rotten urban districts. You cannot draw rotten boroughs packed with minorities anymore to gain seats.

This will affect even local races on city councils, state legislatures, etc. by denying the reliable tool the left does to get power, suing and having their pet judges award them a slice of political power.

Posted by: whig at May 18, 2026 03:04 PM (E4rtv)

145 Who knows what shenanigans Newson is considering, but the current proposal would be for the California primary to remain a jungle primary for 2026 with the return to traditional primaries taking effect in 2028 or 2030. But again, Newson may be talking about something not on the table at the moment.

Posted by: Oglebay at May 18, 2026 03:05 PM (GPa4z)

146 Ladies, enough with the tattoos already.

Posted by: Bulg at May 18, 2026 03:05 PM (77rzZ)

147 I thought Vibrant was only used as a descriptor for the superior Hot Air Art Thread.

Posted by: Ghost of Bob Ross at May 18, 2026 03:06 PM (oftw2)

148 I was trying to remember the guy at MIT who wrote most of the software for the Apollo guidance computer. He also crufted an elegant, on the fly fix on 14, a workaround to a defective abort switch that would have cause the mission to land on the Moon to get scrubbed. He wrote it in about an hour, NASA tested it in the simulator, radio’d up the modifications, etc.

Anyhood when I did the search on Google, it was as if Don Eyles no longer existed. Whole pages, reams of data of Margaret Hamilton. Kinda pissed me off. I know who she was, and she did great things.

They are determined to erase facts or reality, in favor of narratives and fairy tales. It won’t work. It never has worked, and can’t be made to work.

Posted by: Common Tater at May 18, 2026 03:07 PM (17WQZ)

149 I am pretty sure that states can do whatever they want election-wise.

-
This isn’t 'Nam. There are rules.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 18, 2026 03:07 PM (ndZc7)

150 Who knows what shenanigans Newson is considering, but the current proposal would be for the California primary to remain a jungle primary for 2026 with the return to traditional primaries taking effect in 2028 or 2030. But again, Newson may be talking about something not on the table at the moment.
==
I, for one, salute our new Chinese overlords and I welcome the opportunity to serve in the role of assistant administrator of California Republic of China.

Posted by: Newsome in 18months at May 18, 2026 03:08 PM (anL5R)

151 Ladies, enough with the tattoos already.
Posted by: Bulg at May 18, 2026 03:05 PM (77rzZ)

They want to be healthy then inject ink containing metals and chemicals into the skin.

Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:08 PM (8avO+)

152 On the one hand, yes, the dems are unethical scumbags and monsters whose only core tenant is will to power, but on the other hand, the GOP could learn a couple lessons from this.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at May 18, 2026 03:09 PM (XV/Pl)

153 I like to think that all heroic NASA efforts somehow involved Dave in Texas's dad.

Posted by: Oglebay at May 18, 2026 03:09 PM (GPa4z)

154 I've officially had enough of this shit. He looks like an old fool.

BREAKING: President Trump says the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE urged him to delay a planned U.S. military strike on Iran as negotiations continue. Trump said he agreed to pause the operation for now but warned the U.S. remains ready to launch a large-scale strike if talks fail, insisting any deal must ensure Iran cannot obtain nuclear weapons.

Posted by: Mark1971 at May 18, 2026 03:09 PM (CNl8/)

155 The Constitution formally has a guarantee clause that each state has a republican form of government
——-

And protection from invasion. Hm.

Posted by: Common Tater at May 18, 2026 03:10 PM (17WQZ)

156 California is the land of Lotus Eaters and Sidewalk Shitters. Note the only good thing people can say about it is "nice weather."

Not people.
Not culture
Not beautiful architecture
Not the arts
Not the humanities
And so on.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at May 18, 2026 03:11 PM (wBaIH)

157 Never forget: California is what Democrats what for all of America.

Posted by: Shenanigans at May 18, 2026 03:11 PM (qmxL/)

158 This isn’t 'Nam. There are rules.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 18, 2026 03:07 PM (ndZc7)

I wasn't there and just an armchair diletante historian, but the problem in Mam is that there were TOO MANY rules.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 18, 2026 03:11 PM (zZu0s)

159 She was the little blonde girl who kissed Eliot in the movie, ET.
==
They grow up so fast.
Posted by: Methuselah at May 18, 2026 03:04 PM (anL5R)

"Thank heaven........"

Posted by: Maurice Chavalier at May 18, 2026 03:11 PM (5xuJ/)

160 Yesterday was Norwegian Independence Day, so join me in a belated toast to King Harald V.

Posted by: Norse Saga at May 18, 2026 03:11 PM (oftw2)

161 This isn’t 'Nam. There are rules.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 18, 2026 03:07 PM (ndZc7)

I wasn't there and just an armchair diletante historian, but the problem in Mam is that there were TOO MANY rules.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 18, 2026 03:11 PM (zZu0s)

Few of which involved actually defeating the enemy and ending the war in a victory.

Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:12 PM (8avO+)

162 I've officially had enough of this shit. He looks like an old fool.

Consider writing to President Trump at the WH. He's probably not reading ASHQ.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 18, 2026 03:12 PM (2sfNr)

163 There is no solving California, New York or Illinois with the methods "legally" available to us.
Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 02:34 PM (Gqar

fify, especially if you make the air quotes as you say it.

Posted by: OneEyedJack at May 18, 2026 03:13 PM (zafwz)

164 Did we not just cut a deal with China? I imagine that has a lot to do with l’affaire Iran and its’ its’ coming events.

Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 03:13 PM (Gqar8)

165 California was the model of good governance at one time. Representatives from around the world would travel there to observe their public works, road construction, water reclamation, law enforcement, EMT innovations, power generation, all sorts of things.

They … don’t do that anymore

Posted by: Common Tater at May 18, 2026 03:13 PM (17WQZ)

166 California is the land of Lotus Eaters and Sidewalk Shitters. Note the only good thing people can say about it is "nice weather."

Yeah, about that...
-- George Donner

Posted by: Bulg at May 18, 2026 03:13 PM (77rzZ)

167 - Time to get moving. Get some things mo.ved to basement.

NaCly looks to be in a worse area, over the next couple of hours at least. Hope he's got a basement or tornado shelter!

Posted by: TeeJ at May 18, 2026 03:14 PM (eisI8)

168 There is no solving California, New York or Illinois with the methods "legally" available to us.
Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 02:34 PM (Gqar

fify, especially if you make the air quotes as you say it.
Posted by: OneEyedJack at May 18, 2026 03:13 PM (zafwz)

well forcing reasonable redistricting will suddenly make both those states more sensible and responsible to the electorate. Even New Yorkers don't want to be stabbed in the neck too often.

Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:14 PM (8avO+)

169 California was the model of good governance at one time. Representatives from around the world would travel there to observe their public works, road construction, water reclamation, law enforcement, EMT innovations, power generation, all sorts of things.

Minnesota had the same reputation. Look at it now.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 18, 2026 03:15 PM (guGkK)

170 California is the land of Lotus Eaters and Sidewalk Shitters. Note the only good thing people can say about it is "nice weather."

Not people.
Not culture
Not beautiful architecture
Not the arts
Not the humanities
And so on.

__________
Ah, but your land is beautiful. Alan Paton

Posted by: Glenn at May 18, 2026 03:15 PM (nvKZ7)

171 Consider writing to President Trump at the WH. He's probably not reading ASHQ.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 18, 2026 03:12 PM (2sfNr)

He does, but CBD always censors him since he comments under Mirror Universe Mitt Romney.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 18, 2026 03:15 PM (zZu0s)

172 Most depressing tho was looking up Erika Eleniak - the Playboy bunny that pops up out of the cake in the film - to see what she looks like now. Good grief doesn't do it.
Posted by: Mizzou

Steven Seagal is a menace that must be stopped.

Posted by: Michael Jordan Channeling Bob Hope at May 18, 2026 03:16 PM (f746Z)

173 164 Did we not just cut a deal with China? I imagine that has a lot to do with l’affaire Iran and its’ its’ coming events.
Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 03:13 PM (Gqar

Not according to China.

Posted by: XTC at May 18, 2026 03:16 PM (FpHTM)

174 Yeah, about that...
-- George Donner
Posted by: Bulg

Say what you will, the guy could throw a party.

Posted by: Party Animal at May 18, 2026 03:16 PM (oftw2)

175 Ladies, enough with the tattoos already.
Posted by: Bulg at May 18, 2026 03:05 PM

Preach it, Bulg.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 18, 2026 03:16 PM (bFu5X)

176 Did we not just cut a deal with China? I imagine that has a lot to do with l’affaire Iran and its’ its’ coming events.
Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 03:13 PM (Gqar

there's not much need on our side to rush anything, the bad guys are fighting each other internally and the good guys on the ground are getting organized.

Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:16 PM (8avO+)

177 They didn't learn after Harry Reid nuked the filibuster for all but Supreme Court judges so the donks could install all those Obama judges who are wreaking havoc now.

It opened the door for nuking the filibuster for all judges and presto! 6-3 mostly conservative majority.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's Phone) at May 18, 2026 03:16 PM (/TTYX)

178 172 Steven Seagal is a menace that must be stopped.
Posted by: Michael Jordan Channeling Bob Hope at May 18, 2026 03:16 PM (f746Z)

Well, he's sorry to hear that. Because now, he's gonna snatch every motherf*cker birthday.

Posted by: XTC at May 18, 2026 03:17 PM (FpHTM)

179 173 164 Did we not just cut a deal with China? I imagine that has a lot to do with l’affaire Iran and its’ its’ coming events.
Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 03:13 PM (Gqar

Not according to China.
Posted by: XTC at May 18, 2026 03:16 PM (FpHTM)

Absolutely believe China.

Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 03:17 PM (Gqar8)

180 No, for example there are 99 state reps in Ohio
Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:00 PM (8avO+)
---
Missouri has 163 State Representatives.

St. Louis and KC are your typical gerrymandered zoo, but most of the rest of the state is divided up amongst the various counties.

My own county is part of two different state districts, depending on which part of the county you live in.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 18, 2026 03:18 PM (gnNyN)

181 Ladies, enough with the tattoos already.
Posted by: Bulg at May 18, 2026 03:05 PM

Preach it, Bulg.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 18, 2026 03:16 PM (bFu5X)

People getting tats should consider they are viewed up close AND at a distance, where most look like you smeared yourself with motor oil.

Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:18 PM (8avO+)

182 On the deficit side it does not remove copper fouling, so it is not perfect.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 18, 2026 02:54 PM (rbvCR)

I'll pick some up.

Posted by: Diogenes at May 18, 2026 03:18 PM (2WIwB)

183

Trump says holding off planned military attack on Iran tomorrow after Gulf leaders' request

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at May 18, 2026 03:18 PM (Cqx++)

184 and the good guys on the ground are getting organized.
Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:16 PM (8avO+)

The Good Guys need. Nathan Bedford Forresf to whip them into a frenzy and get them moving.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 18, 2026 03:18 PM (zZu0s)

185 California was the model of good governance at one time. Representatives from around the world would travel there to observe ... all sorts of things.

Minnesota had the same reputation. [ ]
Posted by: Cicero

Not in January....

Posted by: Dark Lixtiquatal at May 18, 2026 03:18 PM (W5mpo)

186 The vids about what a piece of crap Steven Seagal is are in the hundreds on YouTube.

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 18, 2026 03:19 PM (gu0hJ)

187 180 No, for example there are 99 state reps in Ohio
Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:00 PM (8avO+)
---
Missouri has 163 State Representatives.

St. Louis and KC are your typical gerrymandered zoo, but most of the rest of the state is divided up amongst the various counties.

My own county is part of two different state districts, depending on which part of the county you live in.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 18, 2026 03:18 PM (gnNyN)

They don’t even run Dems for a lot of offices in my part of Mo.

Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 03:19 PM (Gqar8)

188 I am not a conspiracy theorist.

But I have one. I think. Is it just … possible Viet Nam (and the Anti-War “movement”

were of the same overall operation? Kinda. Guaranteed to cause trouble - immovable object meets irresistible force.

Start a stupid war on the other side of the planet. Spend gazillions of dollars and men and material.

Thesis Antithesis - Synthesis. It divided the nation neatly, and created divisions that never healed. Catapulted many a leftist into real power, who are just now starting to retire.

Posted by: Common Tater at May 18, 2026 03:19 PM (17WQZ)

189 Preach it, Bulg.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState

I was having an early Mother's Day lunch with my wife, and a couple of young women came in and sat at a nearby table. One of the young women was a very pretty redhead with a great smile. The trouble was, she had tats on the upper chest. Yuck. Way to ruin your youthful feminimity there, Sisiter.

Posted by: Bulg at May 18, 2026 03:19 PM (77rzZ)

190 184 and the good guys on the ground are getting organized.
Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:16 PM (8avO+)

The Good Guys need. Nathan Bedford Forresf to whip them into a frenzy and get them moving.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 18, 2026 03:18 PM (zZu0s)

They need the Klan?

Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 03:20 PM (Gqar8)

191 The Gulf leaders are probably a bit nervous about a competently led Iran would do in the region . Arabs don't like Persians and vice versa

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 18, 2026 03:20 PM (gu0hJ)

192 They need the Klan?
Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 03:20 PM (Gqar

No plan is without downsides.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 18, 2026 03:21 PM (zZu0s)

193
California was the model of good governance at one time.

Back when the state was the home of Dragnet, ADAM-12 and Emergency!

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at May 18, 2026 03:21 PM (Cqx++)

194 But I thought everybody in Kalifornia was happy with Noisome and the other dems f**king up everything...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 18, 2026 03:21 PM (ynpvh)

195 The new Aztec Morons we seem to have acquired are quite welcome, adding to the rich tapestry of the site.

Posted by: Like Blended Whiskey at May 18, 2026 03:21 PM (oftw2)

196 Newsom is the best that California can come up with. A sleazy parasite who steals taxes $ and does nothing. It's a shame.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at May 18, 2026 03:22 PM (D1E+2)

197 The Good Guys need. Nathan Bedford Forresf to whip them into a frenzy and get them moving.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 18, 2026 03:18 PM (zZu0s)

They need the Klan?
Posted by: tubal

Forrest eventually disowned the Klan and repented somewhat of his earlier racist views.

Posted by: Bulg at May 18, 2026 03:22 PM (77rzZ)

198 Back when the state was the home of Dragnet, ADAM-12 and Emergency!
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr.

And Falcon Crest!

Posted by: Bulg at May 18, 2026 03:22 PM (77rzZ)

199 *People getting tats should consider they are viewed up close AND at a distance...*
###

And how they will look in 20 years.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 18, 2026 03:22 PM (2Ez/1)

200 Plus, I could say Napoleon or Caesar (commanders who believed in speed, audacity and manuever) but they both tended to get a bit uppity.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 18, 2026 03:22 PM (zZu0s)

201 I am not a conspiracy theorist.

But I have one. I think. Is it just … possible Viet Nam (and the Anti-War “movement” were of the same overall operation? Kinda. Guaranteed to cause trouble - immovable object meets irresistible force.

Start a stupid war on the other side of the planet. Spend gazillions of dollars and men and material.

Thesis Antithesis - Synthesis. It divided the nation neatly, and created divisions that never healed. Catapulted many a leftist into real power, who are just now starting to retire.
Posted by: Common Tater at May 18, 2026 03:19 PM (17WQZ)

It only divided the country because we didn't win it and we let the press undermine the effort. We also had liberal helpers who did things like make farmers work communally so the farmers didn't see any difference between the US and communists.

Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:23 PM (8avO+)

202 Back when the state was the home of Dragnet, ADAM-12 and Emergency!
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr.

Don't forget us!

Posted by: Ponch and Jon at May 18, 2026 03:23 PM (oftw2)

203 Ballistol was developed specifically for corrosive powder ammunition. Mixed with water.

Oil will not dissolve salts. You can oil the shit out of a gun barrel with black powder residue or corrosive powder residue, and it will happily rust.

Ballistol also preserves wood, and leather. So it is great stuff - except it smells bad. Really bad. Like cat piss and vomit, with a hint of licorice

Posted by: Common Tater at May 18, 2026 03:23 PM (17WQZ)

204 to my Texas audience...the first substack I paid for was Merissa Hansen's 'Houston Comical' posts. She must have been paid by Cornyn for her essay late last week. Run, don't walk away from her.

I'm suspicious of substacks now. She seemed solid for well over a year.

Posted by: DanMan at May 18, 2026 03:24 PM (8uzBS)

205 And how they will look in 20 years.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 18, 2026 03:22 PM (2Ez/1)

Some gals i know have taken to drawing tattoos in pen to see whether they like the look first.

This seems like wisdom.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 18, 2026 03:24 PM (zZu0s)

206
The vids about what a piece of crap Steven Seagal is are in the hundreds on YouTube.
Posted by: Smell the Glove

Youtube is full of videos of "Everyone in Hollywood hated (fill in the blank actor's name)"

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at May 18, 2026 03:24 PM (Cqx++)

207 190 184 and the good guys on the ground are getting organized.
Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:16 PM (8avO+)

The Good Guys need. Nathan Bedford Forresf to whip them into a frenzy and get them moving.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 18, 2026 03:18 PM (zZu0s)

They need the Klan?

Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 03:20 PM (Gqar

https://youtu.be/Qx0zeMbLOCY

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 18, 2026 03:24 PM (ynpvh)

208 A "break the glass scenario" for Democrats, huh? Seems there are lots of those around the country. Better go way out there socialist, Newsom!

Posted by: Huck Follywood at May 18, 2026 03:25 PM (0XqDD)

209 Forrest eventually disowned the Klan and repented somewhat of his earlier racist views.
Posted by: Bulg at May 18, 2026 03:22 PM (77rzZ)

=====

Maybe John Mosby deserves more notoriety.

Posted by: Oglebay at May 18, 2026 03:25 PM (GPa4z)

210 205 And how they will look in 20 years.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 18, 2026 03:22 PM (2Ez/1)

Some gals i know have taken to drawing tattoos in pen to see whether they like the look first.

This seems like wisdom.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 18, 2026 03:24 PM (zZu0s)

Melted cheese is a consideration, certainly.

Posted by: tubal at May 18, 2026 03:25 PM (Gqar8)

211 Vibrant is a code word for don't go out at night. Or during the day.

Posted by: ... at May 18, 2026 03:25 PM (GD4ux)

212 >>>>Some gals i know have taken to drawing tattoos in pen to see whether they like the look first.

But you can't put yourself in a time machine to see how you like it 30 years from now.

Posted by: Mark1971 at May 18, 2026 03:26 PM (CNl8/)

213 The Gulf leaders are probably a bit nervous about a competently led Iran would do in the region . Arabs don't like Persians and vice versa
Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 18, 2026 03:20 PM (gu0hJ)

They would prefer a non hostile Persian government there over what is there now. Not sure what the theatre is going on now but events have shown the Allies are working to a consistent framework. Might be wanting to get that air defense Israel shipped set up before kicking off.

Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:26 PM (8avO+)

214 It only divided the country because we didn't win it and we let the press undermine the effort
———

There wasn’t anything to “win” though. Strategic hamlets, sideline Ho Chi Minh, kill off Diem. The Us Army and everyone else performed admirably actually. Best trained and equipped military ever, most likely.

They should have invaded Berkley and Ann Arbor and Columbia U instead, looks like, in hindsight

Posted by: Common Tater at May 18, 2026 03:27 PM (17WQZ)

215 212 >>>>Some gals i know have taken to drawing tattoos in pen to see whether they like the look first.

But you can't put yourself in a time machine to see how you like it 30 years from now.

Posted by: Mark1971 at May 18, 2026 03:26 PM (CNl8/)

Oooh, maybe a valid use for AI! /sarc

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 18, 2026 03:27 PM (ynpvh)

216 Back when the state was the home of Dragnet, ADAM-12 and Emergency!
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr.

Don't forget us!
Posted by: Ponch and Jon at May 18, 2026 03:23 PM (oftw2)

Chips was late stage decline. only 2 wheels per cop.

Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:28 PM (8avO+)

217 The trouble was, she had tats on the upper chest.
==
How else is a young woman supposed to advertise that she impulsively makes poor decisions about her body?

Posted by: the more you know at May 18, 2026 03:28 PM (anL5R)

218 "Do not resuscitate" may be the most appropriate neck tattoo.

Posted by: Oglebay at May 18, 2026 03:29 PM (GPa4z)

219 Nood Unite the Kingdom rally

Posted by: SciVo at May 18, 2026 03:29 PM (Sy6m/)

220 Why don’t they make high quality temporary tattoos? You know, an “Adult” version of the Crackerjack box tats. Seems like they would be popular.

And you don’t have to have something potentially stupid permanently branded on your skin.

Posted by: Common Tater at May 18, 2026 03:30 PM (17WQZ)

221 217 The trouble was, she had tats on the upper chest.
==
How else is a young woman supposed to advertise that she impulsively makes poor decisions about her body?

Posted by: the more you know at May 18, 2026 03:28 PM (anL5R)

Tramp stamp...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 18, 2026 03:30 PM (ynpvh)

222 It only divided the country because we didn't win it and we let the press undermine the effort
———

There wasn’t anything to “win” though. Strategic hamlets, sideline Ho Chi Minh, kill off Diem. The Us Army and everyone else performed admirably actually. Best trained and equipped military ever, most likely.

They should have invaded Berkley and Ann Arbor and Columbia U instead, looks like, in hindsight
Posted by: Common Tater at May 18, 2026 03:27 PM (17WQZ)

of course there was stuff to win. We'd fought in Burma and all over the Pacific Islands just 20 years earlier so there should have been plenty of institutional knowledge in the forces still.

Posted by: Oldcat at May 18, 2026 03:31 PM (8avO+)

223 218 "Do not resuscitate" may be the most appropriate neck tattoo.

Posted by: Oglebay at May 18, 2026 03:29 PM (GPa4z)

And doctors will not follow it...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 18, 2026 03:31 PM (ynpvh)

224 Hadrian, Understand Her Majesty and pups are on road in RV today. Hope she safely gets to destination. Nasty strong storms on likely route.

Posted by: Mrs JTB at May 18, 2026 03:31 PM (yTvNw)

225 223 218 "Do not resuscitate" may be the most appropriate neck tattoo.

Posted by: Oglebay at May 18, 2026 03:29 PM (GPa4z)

And doctors will not follow it...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 18, 2026 03:31 PM (ynpvh)

Well, maybe Canadian doctors would...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 18, 2026 03:31 PM (ynpvh)

226 Meh.

I don’t have tatts. But I would get one if I found something I really liked.

It really isnt anyone else’s business and I find it offensive some y’all think it’s ok to tell me what to do.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 18, 2026 03:33 PM (TbUYH)

227 226 Meh.

I don’t have tatts. But I would get one if I found something I really liked.

It really isnt anyone else’s business and I find it offensive some y’all think it’s ok to tell me what to do.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 18, 2026 03:33 PM (TbUYH)

I assume no "Hello Sailor" like Amy Winehouse?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 18, 2026 03:36 PM (ynpvh)

228 56 Is hoping the San Andreas lets loose wrong?
Posted by: Smell the Glove

Why? You realize the Fed will be goaded to bailout CA in that scenario, right?
Posted by: weft cut-loop

Not if the Yellowstone basin busts a move.

Posted by: Gmac-WTF did you think was going to happen? at May 18, 2026 03:38 PM (Q/FnY)

229 I have tattoos. Nothing weird or in any place that a T-shirt and shorts won't cover up.

Who fuckin' cares?

Posted by: ballistic at May 18, 2026 03:41 PM (oqH4h)

230 we already are in the midst of early voting in the CA primary...... we already have primary ballots.....so, it seems to late for this to affect the current governor's race........ but sure, they could change the system back to separate party primaries for 2028, I guess.

Posted by: Monica at May 18, 2026 03:58 PM (zwIIR)

231 Unburned neighborhoods are palettes for your browner than you are replacements!

Posted by: torabora at May 18, 2026 04:07 PM (K4Dl+)

232 The DOJ and Federal Elections Commission need to jump in Google's ass for blatant misinformation (lies) to help one party in an election. Where is the campaign finance report for a contribution in kind?
WAKE UP DOJ, go after the blatant criminality when it is so glaringly exposed.

Posted by: AOC, Bernie, Ratshita Tlaib, and thier ilk. at May 18, 2026 04:07 PM (JNTt1)

233 Didn't anyone think having a Governor named Brown was wink winking?

And even Gray isn't white. BASSura is trash too.
Their dog whistles are LOUD.

Posted by: torabora at May 18, 2026 04:10 PM (K4Dl+)

234 Google sometimes replaces current satellite photos with outdated ones. They finally captured our house (built in 2020) sometime in 2022, I think. Then later it was gone again. Who knows why.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at May 18, 2026 04:11 PM (w6EFb)

235 (off filthy sock)
I don't have a problem dumping the top-2 thing at all. Just don't do it in the middle of an election cycle when your side is losing - classic crappy D dirty tricks.
Why would anybody on either side trust what a given D says when they try and pull this kind of duplicitous crap ?!?

Posted by: Bonecrusher at May 18, 2026 04:12 PM (JNTt1)

236 Believe this!

* double back biceps pose *

* pivots to crab *

* pivots to front quad flex pose *

Posted by: David Hogg, Harvard graduate at May 18, 2026 04:41 PM (0sNs1)

237 Didn't anyone think having a Governor named Brown was wink winking?
Posted by: torabora at May 18, 2026 04:10 PM

If it's yellow,
let it mellow.
But if it's brown,
flush it down!

Posted by: Grey D. at May 18, 2026 04:43 PM (0sNs1)

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