Tennessee’s GOP State Government is Subsidizing the Relocation of Cultural Adversary Starbucks; How Did TN Leaders Promise $30M that Hadn’t Yet Been Approved in a Public Forum?

I dislike corporate welfare in general. I passionately dislike corporate welfare for corporations fleeing anti-business blue states, because the economic freedom in the states they flee to is their financial incentive. But a red state offering corporate welfare to a woke corporation fleeing the nest it soiled absolutely enrages me.

Starbucks is relocating a significant portion of its operations from the communist carnival of Seattle to the state of Tennessee, which is paying Starbucks to bring its radical political agenda and employees to the conservative state. Thanks to Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee State Funding Board, $30 million dollars is being redistributed from Tennessee taxpayers to the left-wing coffee purveyor. Unlike some corporate welfare, this isn’t even comprised of tax incentives. It is an 8-figure cash payment from the state to a corporation whose executives have shown nothing but spitting contempt for the values of the state it is relocating to.

“TN State Funding Board approves $30 million incentive for Starbucks” [The Tennessean – 5/21/2026]

Tennessee’s State Funding Board approved the $30 million payout during a meeting on May 20. State incentives would cover an average of $15,000 per job created.

I know plenty of Tennessee small business owners who could hire more actual Tennesseans if the first $15,000 of salary was subsidized by the state. How obscene is it that a small manufacturing plant in Murfreesboro, staffed by patriotic Christians, doesn’t get a dime in assistance when it expands and hires more employees, but a corporation like Starbucks that is openly contemptuous of Tennessee’s conservative values is getting paid to colonize the state with its woke agenda?

During the announcement, Gov. Bill Lee touted the state’s “fiscally conservative approach to business.”

If taking money from taxpayers and giving it to an activist left-wing corporation is a “fiscally conservative approach to business,” what might be considered fiscally irresponsible?

How woke is Starbucks? As documented in Unherd, “Like so many companies, the coffee giant was swept up in the political maelstrom of 2020 and 2021. It pledged $100 million for businesses focused on “advancing racial equity”. It allowed employees to wear activist clothing and accessories to work, provided that the clothing supported the Black Lives Matter movement. In many Starbucks stores, June Pride Month celebrations went from discreet lapel pins to wall-covering shrines.”

So Tennessee is reimbursing Starbucks $30 million of the $100 million the company shelled out to “advance racial equity.” Some Tennessee politicians are not happy about this, including U.S. Rep. John Rose, a Republican candidate to replace (term-limited) Bill Lee as governor. He called the Starbucks incentive "corporate welfare" that is "beyond the pale." Marsha Blackburn is the overwhelming favorite to win this year’s Republican gubernatorial primary, but she has not yet commented on the Starbucks payout. I recommend that she gets on the right side of this issue quickly. If not, John Rose may gain some traction.

A ray of hope is that many Starbucks employees don’t want to leave the comfort of the asylum they call home.

“Lefty Starbucks office workers refuse to move from Seattle to new hub in deep-red Tennessee” [NY Post – 4/22/2026]

Starbucks office workers are reportedly balking at orders to relocate to the company’s new $100 million Nashville hub, with some left-leaning workers repulsed by the prospect of living and working in the capital of deep-red Tennessee.
The java giant has been struggling to persuade employees to move from Seattle — even after warning some they could lose their jobs if they refuse, Bloomberg News reported.

As I was typing this piece, I just noticed something significant that I had previously missed. Something stinks:

• Starbucks announced its new Tennessee operation in mid-April, and the employee ultimatums regarding relocation also occurred in April.

• It was several weeks later, on May 11, that the Tennessee State Funding Board issued a public notice of the upcoming May 20 meeting to vote on the $30 million handout. Public comment was limited to the day of the meeting, May 20. This was now a full month after Starbucks announced its Tennessee plans.

• If the state had not already committed the $30 million, the Funding Board could have simply voted “No” and it wouldn’t have made any difference, since Starbucks had already committed to the new Tennessee operation.

• If this was just a vote to formalize a previously agreed upon commitment of the $30 million, then how does this comport with the Tennessee Open Meeting Act. How did Governor Lee know he could promise a $30 million incentive to Starbucks if it hadn’t yet been debated in a forum open to the public?

I am not accusing the five members of the Tennessee State Funding Board of doing anything illegal. To the contrary, I am sure they have very good counsel who ensured that what they did is technically in accordance with state law. But that doesn’t make it right.

The Tennessee State Funding Board has five members entrusted with the authority and wisdom to redistribute money from taxpayers to corporate welfare recipients. Those members are:

1) Governor Bill Lee
2) Treasurer David Lillard
3) Comptroller Jason Mumpower
4) Finance & Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson
5) Secretary of State Tre Hargett

Perhaps if there is enough public revulsion from Tennessee taxpayers, these vulgar and unnecessary handouts to woke corporations will stop.

[buck.throckmorton at protonmail dot com]

Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Darn it. Read the content.

Posted by: Bulg at May 29, 2026 11:01 AM (77rzZ)

2 Starbucks coffee tastes terrible. I don't know how they survive.

Posted by: Ann at May 29, 2026 11:01 AM (SHHm+)

3 And I still made first! Off to perform nooding duties.

Posted by: Bulg at May 29, 2026 11:02 AM (77rzZ)

4 I called the others

Posted by: Ann at May 29, 2026 11:02 AM (SHHm+)

5 Another reason to avoid scarbucks

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at May 29, 2026 11:02 AM (Kt19C)

6 Georgia lured Hollywood with tax breaks. And now Georgia has 2 Democrat senators and Democrat governor (who pretenders to be Republican).

Funny how that works huh?

Posted by: Heroq at May 29, 2026 11:03 AM (Tk4Lb)

7 Thx Buck.
Didn't Lee throw a lot of money at an electric car facility only to see it evaporate? Seems to be a trend

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 29, 2026 11:03 AM (SW0z7)

8 Starbucks needs government money, REALLY?!?!

This is rotten.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 29, 2026 11:04 AM (X8xt3)

9 >>Georgia lured Hollywood with tax breaks. And now Georgia has 2 Democrat senators and Democrat governor (who pretenders to be Republican).

Funny how that works huh?

Yup.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 29, 2026 11:05 AM (X8xt3)

10 Starbucks? I remember them. I bought my last coffee there in 2020.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 29, 2026 11:05 AM (u/oMr)

11 Nothing has discredited free markets more than Republicans masquerading as free marketeers.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at May 29, 2026 11:05 AM (Y6K7e)

12 Starbucks coffee tastes terrible. I don't know how they survive.
Posted by: Ann

Because they offer all that crap to put in the coffee to make it not taste so bad. That's probably where most of the profit lies. And their pastries.

Posted by: Bulg at May 29, 2026 11:05 AM (77rzZ)

13 I dislike corporate welfare in general. I passionately dislike corporate welfare for corporations fleeing anti-business blue states, because the economic freedom in the states they flee to is their financial incentive. But a red state offering corporate welfare to a woke corporation fleeing the nest it soiled absolutely enrages me.

I generally agree, but there is something else to consider, and that is that the red states compete among themselves to attract a Starbucks, Boeing, or whomever. It would be best to have an agreement among the red states that they will not engage in such taxpayer giveaways, but barring that, it's going to happen.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:05 AM (Riz8t)

14 Fourbux sux.

Posted by: Heavy Meta at May 29, 2026 11:06 AM (GTqXr)

15 The Tennessee State Funding Board has five members entrusted with the authority and wisdom to redistribute money from taxpayers to corporate welfare recipients. Those members are:

1) Governor Bill Lee
2) Treasurer David Lillard
3) Comptroller Jason Mumpower
4) Finance & Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson
5) Secretary of State Tre Hargett

At first glance, the board's member makeup seems a mite incestuous, as it were.

Posted by: Count de Monet at May 29, 2026 11:06 AM (wVcYX)

16 Tennessee has a long history of successful corporate welfare and as a Tennessee resident I have some degree of concern but not an overly high level. Look at it this way. Most states blow PR money talking about how great their state is. In this case, the Starbucks move does all the talking.

Posted by: Tennessee Volunteer at May 29, 2026 11:06 AM (bbZ4l)

17 >>“Lefty Starbucks office workers refuse to move from Seattle to new hub in deep-red Tennessee”

GOOD.
Insufferable Seattle people in TN is not a good idea.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 29, 2026 11:06 AM (X8xt3)

18 I said 10 cc, not Tennessee!

Posted by: Dr. Frasier Crane at May 29, 2026 11:06 AM (+IsEU)

19 "Wow, that's a lovely giant horse."

"Thank you, it's our gift to you."

"How much for it?"

"... uh, it's a gift. And it's full of angry Seattle-ites."

"Satellites?"

"Seattle-ites. And they all want you dead. They'll all kill you as soon as you bring them inside your town."

"Love it! Here's money."

Posted by: Warai-otoko grows weary of the GOPe. at May 29, 2026 11:08 AM (Ot/FD)

20 >>> Subsidizing the Relocation of Cultural Adversary Starbucks

Soon Tennessee will be recognized as 'bluer' than Seattle.
Soon.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at May 29, 2026 11:08 AM (/lPRQ)

21 How do a Treasurer, a Comptroller and a Finance & Administration Commissioner figure out who is responsible for what?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 29, 2026 11:08 AM (u/oMr)

22 Well done. I agree with you except for one little thing: there should be no corporate welfare given to anyone for any reason ever. Other than that, screw stabbucks.

Posted by: Earl Schlobodowicz at May 29, 2026 11:09 AM (+48wn)

23 I think TN already leads in per capita. EBT.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 29, 2026 11:09 AM (piLYH)

24 I’ll have a Rocky Top. That’s black with eggshell and a spoonful of bacon grease

Posted by: Eromero at May 29, 2026 11:10 AM (QEJ+R)

25 a Treasurer, a Comptroller and a Finance & Administration Commissioner walk into a bar...

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at May 29, 2026 11:10 AM (Kt19C)

26 21 How do a Treasurer, a Comptroller and a Finance & Administration Commissioner figure out who is responsible for what?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 29, 2026 11:08 AM (u/oMr)

I don't even know what a Comptroller is.

Posted by: The Comptroller at May 29, 2026 11:10 AM (Ot/FD)

27 If the state had not already committed the $30 million, the Funding Board could have simply voted “No” and it wouldn’t have made any difference, since Starbucks had already committed to the new Tennessee operation.

-----------

How much of that $30 million is being kicked-back to the members of The Tennessee State Funding Board?

/business as usual

Posted by: ShainS -- During Trans Period Pride Month AKA Menstrual Equity??? at May 29, 2026 11:11 AM (BGLxh)

28 Starbucks coffee tastes terrible. I don't know how they survive.
Posted by: Ann
________

Because the people who drink it have it larded up. Nobody goes to Starbucks and orders black coffee.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at May 29, 2026 11:11 AM (XvL8K)

29 I only know I get the biggest office.

Posted by: The Treasurer at May 29, 2026 11:11 AM (u/oMr)

30 I don't even know what a Comptroller is.

He's the guy who supervises the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:11 AM (Riz8t)

31 I don't even know what a Comptroller is.
Posted by: The Comptroller at May 29, 2026 11:10 AM (Ot/FD)

It's a troll what trolls for free.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 29, 2026 11:12 AM (8zz6B)

32 Because the people who drink it have it larded up. Nobody goes to Starbucks and orders black coffee.

I do. I like my coffee dark and bitter.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:12 AM (Riz8t)

33 You can take the Shit Head out of the Shit Hole but
you cannot take the Shit Hole out of the Shit Head

=======

There is no Magic Dirt
(that works both ways)

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at May 29, 2026 11:12 AM (/lPRQ)

34 He's the guy who supervises the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:11 AM (Riz8t)

But then who's the Chequer now, and who chancels that guy?

Posted by: The Comptroller at May 29, 2026 11:12 AM (Ot/FD)

35 sid's ass is the best tasting ass

Posted by: Paul at May 29, 2026 11:13 AM (x/0NT)

36 You can over roast any coffee.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 29, 2026 11:13 AM (piLYH)

37 Texas does not currently have a state treasurer. The office was abolished on August 31, 1996, after the last State Treasurer, Martha Whitehead, campaigned on eliminating the position to save money.

The duties of the State Treasury Department were transferred to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Consequently, the Comptroller now serves as the state’s chief financial officer.

Texas >> Tennessee in this case.

Posted by: Count de Monet at May 29, 2026 11:13 AM (wVcYX)

38 As if Starbucks are the only company selling over-roasted beans via unhygienic International Studies majors in uncomfortable conditions. That girl selling her foot juice last night produces a better product than Starbucks' swill. Why not just tell them to screw off?

Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:13 AM (tL5sl)

39 The java giant has been struggling to persuade employees to move from Seattle — even after warning some they could lose their jobs if they refuse, Bloomberg News reported.

They will move. Bet on it. Money talks, fake principles walk.

1. Those are high level, high dollar headquarters jobs. Not penny ante barista jobs.

2. IF those workers stay in Seattle, where are they going to work? All the other big companies have, or are pulling out.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 29, 2026 11:13 AM (YYKrY)

40 How do a Treasurer, a Comptroller and a Finance & Administration Commissioner figure out who is responsible for what?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 29, 2026 11:08 AM (u/oMr)

This guy's jeopardizing our phoney-baloney jobs!

Posted by: Finance & Administration Commision Executive Vice Commisioner at May 29, 2026 11:13 AM (+IsEU)

41 Because they offer all that crap to put in the coffee to make it not taste so bad. That's probably where most of the profit lies. And their pastries.
Posted by: Bulg at May 29, 2026 11:05 AM (77rzZ)

Are there pastries good? I don't think I've ever had one.

I've probably been to Starbucks fewer than 10 times in my life. Those times were when caffeine desperation struck while on the road.

Posted by: Ann at May 29, 2026 11:14 AM (SHHm+)

42 Look at it this way. Most states blow PR money talking about how great their state is. In this case, the Starbucks move does all the talking.

Posted by: Tennessee Volunteer at May 29, 2026 11:06 AM (bbZ4l)

-------------

"What's overpriced in Tennessee stays in Tennessee."

Posted by: ShainS -- During Trans Period Pride Month AKA Menstrual Equity??? at May 29, 2026 11:14 AM (BGLxh)

43 Tennessee,
the state that gave us Tipper Gore,
and keeps giving us Al Gore.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at May 29, 2026 11:14 AM (/lPRQ)

44 They will move. Bet on it. Money talks, fake principles walk.

1. Those are high level, high dollar headquarters jobs. Not penny ante barista jobs.

2. IF those workers stay in Seattle, where are they going to work? All the other big companies have, or are pulling out.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 29, 2026 11:13 AM (YYKrY)
-----------

I concur.

Posted by: WisRich at May 29, 2026 11:15 AM (G0vdT)

45 Because the people who drink it have it larded up. Nobody goes to Starbucks and orders black coffee.

I do. I like my coffee dark and bitter.
Posted by: Archimedes

I like my coffee like I like my women. Ground up and in the freezer.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 29, 2026 11:15 AM (YYKrY)

46 Tennessee might be a red state, but Nashville is decidedly blue. Like Memphis. But a little more white.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 29, 2026 11:15 AM (jehhT)

47 I do. I like my coffee dark and bitter.
Posted by: Archimedes
______

And you find Starbucks superior to McDonalds for that? Not snark, just asking.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at May 29, 2026 11:15 AM (XvL8K)

48 *their

Posted by: Ann at May 29, 2026 11:16 AM (SHHm+)

49 It would be cool if the corrupt shitbags in the TN state government would think about something other than the short-term lining of their own pockets that is surely going to happen...like importing a shit company full of commies from Seattle and what that might eventually mean for the long-term safety of their phony-baloney jobs.

Oh well.

Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 11:16 AM (oqH4h)

50 I think there is no evidence--especially long-term--that tax breaks and other enticements for businesses ever have any actual economic benefit.

Like, any correlation is statistical noise indistinguishable from ... doing nothing.

But, you'll never, ever, ever convince local politicians because they all get to crow and strut over the announcement about all the projected jobs and growth.

Because the reality is, boring old good governance--good streets, protection of people and property, reasonable taxes, etc.--are the true long-term engines of economic growth.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 11:16 AM (73/SM)

51 In the event that the Comptroller is not able to execute his duties you need a vice Comptroller.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 29, 2026 11:16 AM (piLYH)

52 The java giant has been struggling to persuade employees to move from Seattle — even after warning some they could lose their jobs if they refuse, Bloomberg News reported.

They will move. Bet on it. Money talks, fake principles walk.

1. Those are high level, high dollar headquarters jobs. Not penny ante barista jobs.

Agree, especially after they look around at the job market and find out just how saleable (or not) they are.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:16 AM (Riz8t)

53 47 I do. I like my coffee dark and bitter.
Posted by: Archimedes

---------

Like my women and my mood

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 29, 2026 11:16 AM (u/oMr)

54 I've probably been to Starbucks fewer than 10 times in my life. Those times were when caffeine desperation struck while on the road.
Posted by: Ann at May 29, 2026 11:14 AM (SHHm+)

I have never gone into a Starbux of my own volition. Once or twice with a friend or relative who wanted to go there. I can et better coffee at nearly any gas station.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 29, 2026 11:17 AM (8zz6B)

55 Archimedes, I can kind of understand Boeing. Big aerospace firm, gives the local STEM grads somewhere to work.
Starbucks offers nothing. Whoever they hire aren't worth keeping in-state. At best it's a jerb program. And since wholly unsubsidized joints exist, it sucks even at that. Where's the subsidy for the Knoxville House o' Joe run by Joe and his wife?

Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:18 AM (tL5sl)

56 And you find Starbucks superior to McDonalds for that? Not snark, just asking.

Absolutely. McD's coffee is dishwater.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:18 AM (Riz8t)

57 It's brilliant on the part of progressives!

Starbucks committed to a $100 million capital investment and the creation of 2,000 corporate jobs over the coming years to put a Southeast headquarters in downtown Nashville.

AI Overview: Nashville operates as a "blue island in a sea of red". The city is historically the most progressive and Democratic area in Tennessee, driven by a strong base of young liberals and organized labor group.

The primary barrier to progressive policies in Nashville is the conservative-dominated state legislature. State lawmakers routinely attempt to curtail the city’s authority and preempt local laws, most notably over LGBTQ+ rights, gun control, and public health.
---

And the timing, super.

Casey Owens Castello (Joe Biden's niece) officially left corporate Starbucks in February 2026 after a 12-year career.

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at May 29, 2026 11:18 AM (NFX2v)

58 Ugh. I don't know who said it first but the story always remains the same -

"It's a club and we aren't in it. (and never will be)"

Posted by: Tonypete at May 29, 2026 11:18 AM (440br)

59 I do. I like my coffee dark and bitter.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:12 AM (Riz8t)

-----------

There's an "Airplane" softball there ...

Posted by: ShainS -- During Trans Period Pride Month AKA Menstrual Equity??? at May 29, 2026 11:18 AM (BGLxh)

60 I like my coffee like I like my women. Ground up and in the freezer.
Posted by: rickb223 at May 29, 2026 11:15 AM (YYKrY)

Spread 'em on the fields when you're done with 'em!

Posted by: Ira Einhorn at May 29, 2026 11:19 AM (tL5sl)

61 I do. I like my coffee dark and bitter.
Posted by: Archimedes
______

And you find Starbucks superior to McDonalds for that? Not snark, just asking.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba

====

Burnt things tend to be bitter.
A pinch of salt will counter the bitterness.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at May 29, 2026 11:19 AM (/lPRQ)

62 I think there is no evidence--especially long-term--that tax breaks and other enticements for businesses ever have any actual economic benefit.

But, you'll never, ever, ever convince local politicians because they all get to crow and strut over the announcement about all the projected jobs and growth.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 11:16 AM (73/SM)

Not me! I kicked those Amazon fuckers right the fuck OUT!

- AOC

Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at May 29, 2026 11:20 AM (Kdi1r)

63 I like my coffee dark and bitter.
Posted by: Archimedes

Load them up with some cream and they will cease being either.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at May 29, 2026 11:21 AM (/lPRQ)

64
It's a write off, Jerry.
They just write it off.

Posted by: Kramer at May 29, 2026 11:21 AM (2Ez/1)

65 I think there is no evidence--especially long-term--that tax breaks and other enticements for businesses ever have any actual economic benefit.

But, you'll never, ever, ever convince local politicians because they all get to crow and strut over the announcement about all the projected jobs and growth.

The one that drives me into a rage is spending taxpayer dollars on sports stadiums, aka subsidizing billionaire sports team owners.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:22 AM (Riz8t)

66 I, for one, am shocked--shocked!--that the namesake of one of the worst examples of government-corrupt corporate cronyism (that exists even today to solely exploit the people, the Tennessee Valley Authority) is ... engaging in more corporate cronyism.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 11:22 AM (73/SM)

67 Regardless of whether Starbucks is a woke corporation, how is there even a "State Funding Board" that gets to disburse taxpayer funds?

Posted by: GWB at May 29, 2026 11:23 AM (OJx5l)

68 I think there is no evidence--especially long-term--that tax breaks and other enticements for businesses ever have any actual economic benefit.

But, you'll never, ever, ever convince local politicians because they all get to crow and strut over the announcement about all the projected jobs and growth.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice

Not me! I kicked those Amazon fuckers right the fuck OUT!
- AOC
Posted by: Washington Nearsider

But there is definite long term evidence that not letting a company in will cost your ass millions.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 29, 2026 11:23 AM (YYKrY)

69 25 a Treasurer, a Comptroller and a Finance & Administration Commissioner walk into a bar...
Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at May 29, 2026 11:10 AM

All the ordinary people that ducked under the bar just point and laugh.

Posted by: Cybersmythe at May 29, 2026 11:23 AM (Zst8M)

70 Is there more than one Republican who doesn't go wobbly when the opportunity arises? I keep imagining that "power corrupts" is not universal, but I keep being proven wrong.

Posted by: Emmie at May 29, 2026 11:24 AM (iGxGE)

71 But there is definite long term evidence that not letting a company in will cost your ass millions.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 29, 2026 11:23 AM (YYKrY)

I'd settle for it costing her an election.

Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at May 29, 2026 11:24 AM (Kdi1r)

72 They will move. Bet on it. Money talks, fake principles walk.

1. Those are high level, high dollar headquarters jobs. Not penny ante barista jobs.

2. IF those workers stay in Seattle, where are they going to work? All the other big companies have, or are pulling out.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 29, 2026 11:13 AM (YYKrY)
==
You might be surprised how many won't move. My guess is Tennessee will do more to moderate Starbucks than the reverse.

Posted by: Black JEM at May 29, 2026 11:25 AM (GZYu7)

73 Big Southern cities are pretty much the same as any big city in the country. Normality in a state is only found when non urbanites outnumber urbanites. Oh, and the old gerrymander has not rigged the game.

Posted by: tubal at May 29, 2026 11:25 AM (Gqar8)

74 Tennessee and southern Appalachia generally don't get to plead poverty anymore. "Deliverance" was all the way back in 1972. You can get your buttsecks in any major city there now.
Northern Appalachia remains a problem. Kentucky and WV might have a case for some taxpayer help.
Not freakin' TN.

Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:25 AM (tL5sl)

75 They will move. Bet on it. Money talks, fake principles walk.

I asked ChatGPT to "write a satire resume summary for a starbuck's executive who refuses to move to Tennessee. maximum 50 words."

ChatGPT: "Visionary Starbucks executive specializing in remote leadership, artisanal cost-cutting, and strategic resistance to Nashville relocation. Proven track record of boosting shareholder confidence while insisting culture can only thrive within commuting distance of a Seattle oat milk latte and mild seasonal depression."

I'm sure Peet's will be more than willing to pick them all up.

Posted by: Oddbob at May 29, 2026 11:26 AM (vTZFs)

76 72 You might be surprised how many won't move. My guess is Tennessee will do more to moderate Starbucks than the reverse.

Posted by: Black JEM at May 29, 2026 11:25 AM (GZYu7)

=====

Politics is now more cultural than anything else, and moving to a repulsive culture is going to be too much for some people, for sure.

They'd sooner move to Denver, looking for new employment, rather than Nashville.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:26 AM (7RBt4)

77 You might be surprised how many won't move. My guess is Tennessee will do more to moderate Starbucks than the reverse.

Hmmm, that's an interesting way to put it. There's probably some truth to it, but I still think most will choose to move.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:26 AM (Riz8t)

78 At least Starbucks is an actual profitable business.

Unlike Gov. Kemp, to the south, throwing billions of tax dollars at promises of profitability some time in the distant future--so long as subsidies for green energy don't run out.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 11:27 AM (73/SM)

79 TJM, suppose they want Knoxville to become the next Denver, like Asheville is the next Boulder.
There's a national plan to move shitlibs into nice Red states and make them California colonies.

Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:27 AM (tL5sl)

80 Northern Appalachia remains a problem. Kentucky and WV might have a case for some taxpayer help.
Not freakin' TN.
Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:25 AM (tL5sl)
------

Ehhhhh....There's a lot of grinding poverty still hanging around in the North GA/East TN/Western NC area of Appalachia.

Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 11:28 AM (oqH4h)

81 There's a national plan to move shitlibs into nice Red states and make them California colonies.

Because that's what the Borg does.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:28 AM (Riz8t)

82 Politics is now more cultural than anything else, and moving to a repulsive culture is going to be too much for some people, for sure.

They'd sooner move to Denver, looking for new employment, rather than Nashville.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

Thankfully, the Toyotan's from California didn't feel that way. Otherwise I'd have never sold my 2br/1ba $58.8 home for $245k.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 29, 2026 11:29 AM (YYKrY)

83 Aside from Knoxville (Which is pretty blue due to the University being there) and Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge tourist traps, Eastern TN is Bumfuck, Egypt for all intents and purposes.

Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 11:30 AM (oqH4h)

84 79 TJM, suppose they want Knoxville to become the next Denver, like Asheville is the next Boulder.
There's a national plan to move shitlibs into nice Red states and make them California colonies.

Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:27 AM (tL5sl)

======

I remember when Rick Perry pilfering business HQs from California was going to turn Texas blue.

Let's be honest about scale here.

Like, 1,000 HQ employees is not going to shift a state politically. Even doing that again and again and again doesn't do it.

Especially after 2020 where cultural issues are so big for politically minded people.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:30 AM (7RBt4)

85 They seize the cities as their beach heads and go from there. But this is old old news. We have watched this happening for decades. There is really not a lot to be done about this, legally. We cannot forbid people to come to a state from another state. State boundaries are not sovereign.

Posted by: tubal at May 29, 2026 11:31 AM (Gqar8)

86 ballistic, possibly, especially in the hurricane aftermath, but I doubt that a new Starbucks office in downtown Chattanooga will do much to help the hollers.

Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:32 AM (tL5sl)

87 Off topic early, but I was over at Insty, and it looks like Disqus is hosed. Gave up after 4 minutes trying to login.

Posted by: buddhaha at May 29, 2026 11:32 AM (PC+XL)

88 84 I remember when Rick Perry pilfering business HQs from California was going to turn Texas blue.

Let's be honest about scale here.

Like, 1,000 HQ employees is not going to shift a state politically. Even doing that again and again and again doesn't do it.

Especially after 2020 where cultural issues are so big for politically minded people.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:30 AM (7RBt4)

Less "Will turn it blue" and more "Will ensure the state's GOP will forever be Korporate Kuck GOPe.

Posted by: XTC at May 29, 2026 11:33 AM (uEmCf)

89 Nashville is super, super liberal already. It's like liberal firms moving to Austin, nothing will change.

Posted by: Ian S. at May 29, 2026 11:33 AM (2ocoG)

90 88 Less "Will turn it blue" and more "Will ensure the state's GOP will forever be Korporate Kuck GOPe.

Posted by: XTC at May 29, 2026 11:33 AM (uEmCf)

======

Point me to a state level GOP that's not this.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:33 AM (7RBt4)

91 Politics is now more cultural than anything else, and moving to a repulsive culture is going to be too much for some people, for sure.

They'd sooner move to Denver, looking for new employment, rather than Nashville.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:26 AM (7RBt4)

I don't disagree with the sentiment in general, but I suspect most people are apolitical or political only to the extent of mouthing whatever pieties seem required. I'd wager most people prefer to go on paying their mortgage over living in any one jurisdiction. Kind of like the people who swear they're leaving the U.S. every four years if the Republican wins. Most don't.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at May 29, 2026 11:33 AM (Y6K7e)

92 Once I was driving back home to Michigan. Passing through rural Pennsylvania during primary season, there were signs saying "Funk" on the first line and "Comptroller" on the second -- i.e. vote for some guy named "Funk" for Comptroller. But it made me laugh because it looked like "Funk Comptroller" was the name of a local office.

We need commonsense funk control!

Posted by: Bulg at May 29, 2026 11:34 AM (77rzZ)

93 I’ll have a Rocky Top. That’s black with eggshell and a spoonful of bacon grease

Posted by: Eromero at May 29, 2026 11:10 AM (QEJ+R)

------------

Starbucks should create a drink called "Rocky Frappe" to celebrate their new Tennessee roots.

Posted by: ShainS -- During Trans Period Pride Month AKA Menstrual Equity??? at May 29, 2026 11:36 AM (BGLxh)

94 They will do exactly what all the corporations that moved to Texas have done. Take the taxpayer money/tax breaks, and hire a bunch of Indians.

Posted by: resist_we_much at May 29, 2026 11:36 AM (cpys8)

95 Less "Will turn it blue" and more "Will ensure the state's GOP will forever be Korporate Kuck GOPe.

Is there any functional, conservative state-level GOP anywhere? I have some hope in that direction now that Trump has successfully gotten conservatives to actually vote in primary elections, but there's still a long way to go.

Posted by: Ian S. at May 29, 2026 11:36 AM (2ocoG)

96 My dear boy . . .

@ProjectLincoln
Stephen Miller is a little bitch.
May 28, 2026 · 9:00 PM UTC

Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:36 AM (tL5sl)

97 Nah. In Philly region (actually quite beautiful in many areas) there's been a great influx of residents - especially professionals - from high-cost states like California, Oregon, Washington, and New York, reportedly driven by the search for greater affordability, larger homes, and the East Coast's premier transit-oriented communities.

They (who are much like the young, progressive residents of Nashville) have reshaped politics, the real estate market, etc. in record-breaking time, and it spreads very quickly.

imho

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at May 29, 2026 11:36 AM (NFX2v)

98 Let them die.
-Captain James T Kirk

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 29, 2026 11:36 AM (bss/y)

99 96 My dear boy . . .

@ProjectLincoln
Stephen Miller is a little bitch.
May 28, 2026 · 9:00 PM UTC

Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:36 AM (tL5sl)

=======

I vote Democrat for the couthness.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:37 AM (7RBt4)

100 We need commonsense funk control!
Posted by: Bulg at May 29, 2026 11:34 AM (77rzZ)

Reporting for duty!

Posted by: George Clinton at May 29, 2026 11:37 AM (PiwSw)

101 Yeah, he's gonna win TX.

https://tinyurl.com/tjhvfs7n

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:37 AM (Riz8t)

102 86 ballistic, possibly, especially in the hurricane aftermath, but I doubt that a new Starbucks office in downtown Chattanooga will do much to help the hollers.
Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:32 AM (tL5sl)
------

You're not wrong, but I'll quibble with the "possibly" part here. I grew up in BFE Western NC. Until you've spent some time finding the wrong hollers you won't understand what being dirt-ass poor looks like.

Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 11:37 AM (oqH4h)

103 Less "Will turn it blue" and more "Will ensure the state's GOP will forever be Korporate Kuck GOPe.
Posted by: XTC at May 29, 2026 11:33 AM (uEmCf)

Point me to a state level GOP that's not this.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:33 AM (7RBt4)

-------------

* Arizona taps out *

Posted by: ShainS -- During Trans Period Pride Month AKA Menstrual Equity??? at May 29, 2026 11:38 AM (BGLxh)

104
101 Yeah, he's gonna win TX.

https://tinyurl.com/tjhvfs7n

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:37 AM (Riz8t)

======

He got a few weeks between primary day and the runoff to try and define himself to the larger electorate.

Either he couldn't get a word in because of the GOP noise, or he just took off a few weeks from anything like a campaign.

And, the second the runoff is done, he's in constant defensive mode because Paxton's team and aligned Super-PACs had been cutting ads calling him a weird freakish gnome from Austin.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:39 AM (7RBt4)

105 97 They (who are much like the young, progressive residents of Nashville) have reshaped politics, the real estate market, etc. in record-breaking time, and it spreads very quickly.

imho
Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at May 29, 2026 11:36 AM (NFX2v)

And since they keep their inflated California Salaries as they work remote in the East, they drive up prices for everyone else, who can no longer afford anything because they do NOT have inflated California Salaries.

Posted by: XTC at May 29, 2026 11:40 AM (uEmCf)

106 When I was working at a small IT startup in Tacoma WA, we had a really great software guy. A nice enough guy and after a few years he landed a bigger IT job at Starbucks. Last I talked to him he headed up one of their departments. He was an absolute commie. And he loved the corporate climate at Starbucks.

Posted by: Diogenes at May 29, 2026 11:41 AM (2WIwB)

107 Yeah, he's gonna win TX.

https://tinyurl.com/tjhvfs7n

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:37 AM (Riz8t)

-----------

"Neighbors with a uterus." -- Talafreako

Really, James. So close to Trans Period Pride and Menstrual Equity Month??? REALLY???

Posted by: ShainS -- During Trans Period Pride Month AKA Menstrual Equity??? at May 29, 2026 11:41 AM (BGLxh)

108 It’s them damned Boomers!!! - wait

Posted by: tubal at May 29, 2026 11:41 AM (Gqar8)

109 103 Less "Will turn it blue" and more "Will ensure the state's GOP will forever be Korporate Kuck GOPe.
Posted by: XTC at May 29, 2026 11:33 AM (uEmCf)

Point me to a state level GOP that's not this.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:33 AM (7RBt4)

Florida, maybe.

Posted by: But still not perfect by a long shot at May 29, 2026 11:41 AM (TbWk/)

110 You're not wrong, but I'll quibble with the "possibly" part here. I grew up in BFE Western NC. Until you've spent some time finding the wrong hollers you won't understand what being dirt-ass poor looks like.
Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026

I did some Red Cross disaster recovery work in NC, after hurricane Matthew. I had no idea that level of poverty still existed. It was stunning.

Posted by: Beartooth at May 29, 2026 11:42 AM (IYeV+)

111 In other news, Blue Origin has declared itself a nuclear power.

https://tinyurl.com/4kkpca34
https://tinyurl.com/3m57jxhc

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:42 AM (Riz8t)

112 And since they keep their inflated California Salaries as they work remote in the East, they drive up prices for everyone else, who can no longer afford anything because they do NOT have inflated California Salaries.
Posted by: XTC at May 29, 2026 11:40 AM (uEmCf)
------

A lot of companies (including the one I work for) scale pay based on geography and CoL.

The real problem is Karen and Kevin selling their 800sqft bungalow in Santa Clara and moving to the middle of nowhere to build a gigantic mansion that screws up the property values for all of the regular homes.

Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 11:43 AM (oqH4h)

113 I look at those who stay in Seattle as a positive. More work for nurse ratched.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at May 29, 2026 11:43 AM (qx7Zg)

114 To paraphrase xkcd
Jeff Bezos is not going to space today

Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:43 AM (tL5sl)

115 26 I don't even know what a Comptroller is.

Its like state auditor. Agency reports to the state General Assembly (legislative branch). It's supposed to be a "power of the purse" check on the executive branch.

Posted by: Martin Tell at May 29, 2026 11:44 AM (sFNX2)

116 You're a bottom, I'm a bottom, we're all bottoms!

Posted by: Dulcinea del Talarico at May 29, 2026 11:45 AM (qUkBO)

117 96 My dear boy . . .

@ProjectLincoln
Stephen Miller is a little bitch.
May 28, 2026 · 9:00 PM UTC
Posted by: gKWVE

WUT? Oh, I see: againstallenemies dot net: Rick Wilson’s Against All Enemies

Stephen Miller Is A Little Bitch
MAGA Melts Down Over A Tweet
Rick Wilson, May 28, 2026
∙ Paid

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at May 29, 2026 11:45 AM (NFX2v)

118 LOL Brave ai made a funny when i asked
Jeff Bezos did not go to space today because his company, Blue Origin, suffered a catastrophic rocket explosion during a ground test rather than a crewed launch. The incident occurred on May 28, 2026, at Cape Canaveral, Florida, . . .

Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:45 AM (tL5sl)

119 Starbucks is overrated. Expensive mud.

Posted by: Puddleglum, chillin' in Amish Country at May 29, 2026 11:45 AM (bfy6w)

120 And, the second the runoff is done, he's in constant defensive mode because Paxton's team and aligned Super-PACs had been cutting ads calling him a weird freakish gnome from Austin.
--
They are already good.
And he's just barely started ... he has more material and lots, lots more ads to run.

LOL, but all the GOPe squares were swearing Paxton was going to bleed hundreds of millions from other races to defend the seat.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 11:45 AM (73/SM)

121 Looks like Trump is declaring victory and getting the hell out of Iran. Of course, Iran will not do one thing it is promising to do.

Iran has 30 days to clear mines but we're going to lift our blocked immediately?

Posted by: WisRich at May 29, 2026 11:45 AM (G0vdT)

122 120 They are already good.
And he's just barely started ... he has more material and lots, lots more ads to run.

LOL, but all the GOPe squares were swearing Paxton was going to bleed hundreds of millions from other races to defend the seat.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 11:45 AM (73/SM)

======

And Democrats will still put 9 figures into Talarico's campaign.

Like how they put 9 figures into Jamie Harrison's campaign against Lindsay Graham in 2020, a race that Graham won by a grand...9 points.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:47 AM (7RBt4)

123 "Starbucks office workers are reportedly balking at orders to relocate to the company’s new $100 million Nashville hub"

They should not move there or any other re state. Women are required to be pregnant and go barefoot while cooking and cleaning. MAGA mobs roam the streets with nooses looking for minorities to lynch. It is hellish. Stay in your blue utopias for your own good.

Posted by: Ripley at May 29, 2026 11:47 AM (GUOwU)

124 I can get a better cup of coffee at Panera for less money than Starbux, and the employees are less weird.

Posted by: tubal at May 29, 2026 11:47 AM (Gqar8)

125 Regardless of whether Starbucks is a woke corporation, how is there even a "State Funding Board" that gets to disburse taxpayer funds?
Posted by: GWB
------
I shall remain a voice crying in the wilderness.
Get rid of "Grants". I don't care if it's to the YMCA for midnight basketball, or the Historical.Society for the community museum, or Starbucks to bring a headquarters.. no.
As long as the concept of the government giving a away tax dollars to private companies for anything but direct services to the government is normal, you're playing Whack-a-Mole about anything that chaps your hide.

Posted by: buddhaha at May 29, 2026 11:48 AM (PC+XL)

126 Iran has 30 days to clear mines but we're going to lift our blocked immediately?

Posted by: WisRich at May 29, 2026 11:45 AM (G0vdT)

Well that’s what Barak Ravid at Axios says, but he hasn’t been right about anything yet.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 29, 2026 11:48 AM (QDJ2U)

127 They are already good.
And he's just barely started ... he has more material and lots, lots more ads to run.

LOL, but all the GOPe squares were swearing Paxton was going to bleed hundreds of millions from other races to defend the seat.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 11:45 AM (73/SM)

And for the primary Paxton barely touched his war chest while Cornyn spend tens of million to not move the needle past 42. I don’t think Paxton spent much for the runoff. Now all that turns to Jimmy the Creep.

Posted by: Cow Demon at May 29, 2026 11:49 AM (T6aVk)

128 Jeff Bezos is not going to space today
Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:43 AM (tL5sl)

That was a pretty fantastic explosion. Sucks for Blue Origin - I wonder what the accident investigation will turn up.

Posted by: far cry at May 29, 2026 11:49 AM (WbWbV)

129 Tbf mine clearance takes time.

Posted by: steevy at May 29, 2026 11:49 AM (YwEeS)

130 124 I can get a better cup of coffee at Panera for less money than Starbux, and the employees are less weird.
Posted by: tubal at May 29, 2026 11:47 AM (Gqar

Really? I never had coffee from there.

Posted by: Cow Demon at May 29, 2026 11:50 AM (T6aVk)

131 112 The real problem is Karen and Kevin selling their 800sqft bungalow in Santa Clara and moving to the middle of nowhere to build a gigantic mansion that screws up the property values for all of the regular homes.
Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 11:43 AM (oqH4h)

They built luxury townhouse/connected house developments all around the development I grew up in, and now the houses in my old development go for ridiculous prices that you cannot afford if you don't already own the place outright from many years ago.

They've gone up over 300% from the time I moved out of my father's house.

Posted by: XTC at May 29, 2026 11:50 AM (uEmCf)

132 How does anyone think big companies end up relocating?

It's always because some other state or city or whatever is offering them a better deal -- meaning more taxpayer money -- than their current location. Doesn't matter if it's from blue to red or red to blue or any other combination.

Big companies do this because they can. Sports teams are the biggest and most obvious of these kinds of leeching grifters, but it's all companies. All of them.

Posted by: Elric The Blade at May 29, 2026 11:50 AM (iFTx/)

133 The sheer amount of shit-ass mailers I got from Cornyn would have been enough on its own to get me to vote for Paxton. I would have anyway, but I was so sick of throwing out that cuck's flyers I would have walked through a minefield to vote against Cornyn.

Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 11:50 AM (oqH4h)

134 They should not move there or any other re state. Women are required to be pregnant and go barefoot while cooking and cleaning. MAGA mobs roam the streets with nooses looking for minorities to lynch. It is hellish. Stay in your blue utopias for your own good.
Posted by: Ripley at May 29, 2026 11:47 AM (GUOwU)

PEOPLE CARRY GUNS

Posted by: Cow Demon at May 29, 2026 11:50 AM (T6aVk)

135 Oh dear God. Really? Almost every state offers tax incentives for relocating companies and employees. That’s how it works. Tennessee is actually behind the curve. Texas has a host of programs and incentives like TEF that reward companies for relocating. But the overall revenue the state takes in over the lifespan of a company far outweighs things like tax incentives. lol.

Lowering the tax burden isn’t corporate welfare. It’s tax relief.

Posted by: Vengeance at May 29, 2026 11:51 AM (iFEms)

136 Forbes, Breaking
Business
Democrats’ Official X Account Posts Profanity-Laced Attack On Stephen Miller In Tawdry Exchange, May 27, 2026

My, my the Dems just adore that Talarico.

I adore Stephen Miller and family.

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at May 29, 2026 11:51 AM (NFX2v)

137 The real problem is Karen and Kevin selling their 800sqft bungalow in Santa Clara and moving to the middle of nowhere to build a gigantic mansion that screws up the property values for all of the regular homes.
Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 11:43 AM (oqH4h)

Meh, that square can be circled by surrounding their property on all sides with multiple 20+ year old single wides complete with indoor/outdoor furniture and rusted out truck bodies

Posted by: Polka will never die at May 29, 2026 11:51 AM (9Rl/+)

138 121 Looks like Trump is declaring victory and getting the hell out of Iran. Of course, Iran will not do one thing it is promising to do.

Honestly, this might be DJT's best move to save the midterms. The people shouting loudest for democracy in Iran earlier this year were people who were calling Trump a fascist. And they didn't stop calling Trump a fascist when the war was going on, they just whined about the gas prices.
Calling someone a fascist means calling for their murder BTW.

Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:51 AM (tL5sl)

139 Dems think they have a real line of attack, forcing Republicans nationwide into defending Paxton.

Meanwhile, they have:
- creepy woke Ken-doll Talarico
- Graham "Nazis were the good guys" Planter
- and, in MI, "how about a round of applause for Hamas?! I love those guys!!"

And I think they're going to select a real loon to run in MN

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 11:51 AM (73/SM)

140 It’s really pretty good. 3 bucks or so for a large large. Self serve, so you can get a little warmup. Can doctor it however you want - no dessert drinks though.

Posted by: tubal at May 29, 2026 11:52 AM (Gqar8)

141 That was a pretty fantastic explosion. Sucks for Blue Origin - I wonder what the accident investigation will turn up.
Posted by: far cry at May 29, 2026 11:49 AM (WbWbV)

Ashes and slag, mostly.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 29, 2026 11:52 AM (8zz6B)

142 Lowering the tax burden isn’t corporate welfare. It’s tax relief.
Posted by: Vengeance at May 29, 2026 11:51 AM (iFEms)

NARRATOR: it's corporate welfare.

Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:52 AM (tL5sl)

143 And, the second the runoff is done, he's in constant defensive mode because Paxton's team and aligned Super-PACs had been cutting ads calling him a weird freakish gnome from Austin.
................................................
It helps that he's a weird freakish gnome from Austin.

Posted by: Puddleglum, chillin' in Amish Country at May 29, 2026 11:53 AM (bfy6w)

144 That was a pretty fantastic explosion. Sucks for Blue Origin - I wonder what the accident investigation will turn up.
Posted by: far cry at May 29, 2026 11:49 AM (WbWbV)

Ashes and slag, mostly.

And possibly a portal into Kaiju world.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:53 AM (Riz8t)

145 139 Meanwhile, they have:
- creepy woke Ken-doll Talarico
- Graham "Nazis were the good guys" Planter
- and, in MI, "how about a round of applause for Hamas?! I love those guys!!"

And I think they're going to select a real loon to run in MN
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 11:51 AM (73/SM)

And running an honest-to-Allah member of Al-Qaeda in New Jersey.

Posted by: XTC at May 29, 2026 11:53 AM (uEmCf)

146 LOL, but all the GOPe squares were swearing Paxton was going to bleed hundreds of millions from other races to defend the seat.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 11:45 AM (73/SM)

In retrospect, it’s obvious that this claim was Cornyn’s entire campaign. He and the rest of the GOP-e have given up on trying to appeal to the base, all they can do is say “oooh, democrats will win if you don’t let us keep surrendering!”

And they wonder he lost by a 2-1 margin.

The saddest/funniest part is that if Cornyn would have had the nerve to attack Talarico instead of Paxton, he would have done a whole lot better.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 29, 2026 11:53 AM (QDJ2U)

147 Lowering the tax burden isn’t corporate welfare. It’s tax relief.
Posted by: Vengeance at May 29, 2026 11:51 AM (iFEms)
------

Cool, so why don't I get any of this sweet sweet tax relief after my Texas property taxes go up every fucking year?

Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 11:53 AM (oqH4h)

148 Honestly, this might be DJT's best move to save the midterms. The people shouting loudest for democracy in Iran earlier this year were people who were calling Trump a fascist. And they didn't stop calling Trump a fascist when the war was going on, they just whined about the gas prices.
Calling someone a fascist means calling for their murder BTW.
Posted by: gKWVE at May 29, 2026 11:51 AM (tL5sl)
--------------

True, he didn't have any good options. Call it a day for now, get through mid terms, then revisit if necessary.

Posted by: WisRich at May 29, 2026 11:54 AM (G0vdT)

149 131. They've gone up over 300% from the time I moved out of my father's house.
Posted by: XTC

Unfortunately, live there long enough and you won't be able to afford the taxes on your property either.

I'm feeling it too, and never thought it would happen.

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at May 29, 2026 11:54 AM (NFX2v)

150 I think there is no evidence--especially long-term--that tax breaks and other enticements for businesses ever have any actual economic benefit.

Like, any correlation is statistical noise indistinguishable from ... doing nothing.

But, you'll never, ever, ever convince local politicians because they all get to crow and strut over the announcement about all the projected jobs and growth.

Because the reality is, boring old good governance--good streets, protection of people and property, reasonable taxes, etc.--are the true long-term engines of economic growth.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 11:16 AM (73/SM)
==
Once again, not exactly correct. There is a war out there by states to garner business development. It is not so much that the money is well spent, its that if you don't do that, businesses never look at you. First thing they look at is right-to-work laws (Michigan screwed themeselves into the ground eliminating that protection), then incentives generally. SOme states do it better than others. Tennessee has been rather effective. Indiana is another one that does it well.

Posted by: Black JEM at May 29, 2026 11:54 AM (GZYu7)

151 I could be mistaken, but to the lefties wanting to dump on TN or one of their neighboring states, the most used system in the touchscreen was developed by a Kentucky born scientist while working at a lab 8n Oak Ridge Tennessee. Hope that helps them choke on their morning latte.

Posted by: Rex B at May 29, 2026 11:55 AM (rgnea)

152 Reckon it must be a lot like the data centers for AI.
If we let the Chinese win the bitter burnt coffee wars,
they'll make us all speak Cantonese or something.
Mine coal for free, and ship all our hogs to them.
Therefore we must subsidize in the dark, and curse the bread.

Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at May 29, 2026 11:55 AM (zdLoL)

153 In retrospect, it’s obvious that this claim was Cornyn’s entire campaign. He and the rest of the GOP-e have given up on trying to appeal to the base, all they can do is say “oooh, democrats will win if you don’t let us keep surrendering!”

Some are praising Cornyn now for being a gentlemanly loser, which I suppose is on brand for him. Regardless, it's encouraging that the guy didn't resort to a petulant temper tantrum after being so ignominiously booted.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:55 AM (Riz8t)

154 Tennessee might be a red state, but Nashville is decidedly blue. Like Memphis. But a little more white.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 29, 2026 11:15 AM (jehhT)

This is every state. Cities are blue suburbs are purple exurbs and rural areas are red. Nashville and Austin and Berkeley have the people.

Posted by: Heroq at May 29, 2026 11:55 AM (Tk4Lb)

155 That was a pretty fantastic explosion. Sucks for Blue Origin - I wonder what the accident investigation will turn up.

Posted by: far cry at May 29, 2026 11:49 AM (WbWbV)

-----------

Muslim Outreach?

Posted by: ShainS -- During Trans Period Pride Month AKA Menstrual Equity??? at May 29, 2026 11:56 AM (BGLxh)

156 143 And, the second the runoff is done, he's in constant defensive mode because Paxton's team and aligned Super-PACs had been cutting ads calling him a weird freakish gnome from Austin.
................................................
It helps that he's a weird freakish gnome from Austin.

Posted by: Puddleglum, chillin' in Amish Country at May 29, 2026 11:53 AM (bfy6w)

=======

"No way, partner!"
-Talarico, choking down some meat he's not used to

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:57 AM (7RBt4)

157 Meh, that square can be circled by surrounding their property on all sides with multiple 20+ year old single wides complete with indoor/outdoor furniture and rusted out truck bodies
Posted by: Polka will never die at May 29, 2026 11:51 AM (9Rl/+)
-----

Throw in a chicken and/or hog farm or two and now we're talking.

Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 11:57 AM (oqH4h)

158 153 In retrospect, it’s obvious that this claim was Cornyn’s entire campaign. He and the rest of the GOP-e have given up on trying to appeal to the base, all they can do is say “oooh, democrats will win if you don’t let us keep surrendering!”

Some are praising Cornyn now for being a gentlemanly loser, which I suppose is on brand for him. Regardless, it's encouraging that the guy didn't resort to a petulant temper tantrum after being so ignominiously booted.
Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:55 AM (Riz8t)

The problem with playing to the base is that they know that one thing the base hates worse than even never voting for the shit they want is to lie about it and then not vote for the shit they want. It's not that they 'couldn't' play to the base to get elected, they just know it would be suicide because they know they want amnesty and loose voting rules and etc.

They are the enemy. And it is good that they are being cast off as chaff before the wind.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 29, 2026 11:58 AM (bss/y)

159 153 Some are praising Cornyn now for being a gentlemanly loser, which I suppose is on brand for him. Regardless, it's encouraging that the guy didn't resort to a petulant temper tantrum after being so ignominiously booted.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:55 AM (Riz8t)

=======

He needs post-Senate employment, and the Republican patronage network is much more different in 2026 than it was in 2016.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:58 AM (7RBt4)

160 Some are praising Cornyn now for being a gentlemanly loser, which I suppose is on brand for him. Regardless, it's encouraging that the guy didn't resort to a petulant temper tantrum after being so ignominiously booted.
Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:55 AM (Riz8t)

Even with his job on the line, Cornyn could never bring himself to do anything more than barely go through the motions of a campaign. He could never grasp that this was the problem.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 29, 2026 11:59 AM (QDJ2U)

161 "No way, partner!"
-Talarico, choking down some meat he's not used to
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:57 AM (7RBt4)

*Talarico runs to portalet because of IBS*

You KNOW he has it.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 29, 2026 11:59 AM (bss/y)

162 That was a pretty fantastic explosion. Sucks for Blue Origin - I wonder what the accident investigation will turn up.

Posted by: far cry at May 29, 2026 11:49 AM (WbWbV)
----------

An small thermal exhaust port, right below the main port.

Posted by: WisRich at May 29, 2026 11:59 AM (G0vdT)

163 152 Reckon it must be a lot like the data centers for AI.
If we let the Chinese win the bitter burnt coffee wars,
they'll make us all speak Cantonese or something.
Mine coal for free, and ship all our hogs to them.
Therefore we must subsidize in the dark, and curse the bread.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at May 29, 2026 11:55 AM (zdLoL)

If China was to conquer the US, I think their first move would be mass-extermination of all who don't have any Han blood.

Posted by: XTC at May 29, 2026 11:59 AM (iXqHn)

164 He needs post-Senate employment, and the Republican patronage network is much more different in 2026 than it was in 2016.

Eh, the dude is 74. He doesn't need another job.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:59 AM (Riz8t)

165 That was a pretty fantastic explosion. Sucks for Blue Origin - I wonder what the accident investigation will turn up.

Posted by: far cry at May 29, 2026 11:49 AM (WbWbV)

-----------

Muslim Outreach?
Posted by: ShainS -- During Trans Period Pride Month AKA Menstrual Equity??? at May 29, 2026 11:56 AM (BGLxh)

We're now talking with Blue Origin's top rocket engineer.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ef0vmKU-lTY

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at May 29, 2026 11:59 AM (qx7Zg)

166 He needs post-Senate employment, and the Republican patronage network is much more different in 2026 than it was in 2016.
_____

He'll have no shortage of offers for board membership on any number of NGOs!

Posted by: Chuck Martel at May 29, 2026 12:00 PM (Dv3i1)

167 Maybe Starbucks is infiltrating Tennessee like Islam is doing to Europe and us. Don’t let them in Tennessee.

Posted by: JROD at May 29, 2026 12:00 PM (OiZHj)

168 164 He needs post-Senate employment, and the Republican patronage network is much more different in 2026 than it was in 2016.

Eh, the dude is 74. He doesn't need another job.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:59 AM (Riz8t)

========

Well, he was trying for 6 more years of one.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 12:00 PM (7RBt4)

169 He needs post-Senate employment, and the Republican patronage network is much more different in 2026 than it was in 2016.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:58 AM (7RBt4)

Trump is going to need an Ambassador to Iran...

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 29, 2026 12:00 PM (8zz6B)

170 No way, partner!"
-Talarico, choking down some meat he's not used to
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:57 AM (7RBt4)

Let’s hope there’s no video of Talarico choking down the meat that he IS used to.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 29, 2026 12:01 PM (QDJ2U)

171
> Meanwhile, they have:
- creepy woke Ken-doll Talarico
- Graham "Nazis were the good guys" Planter
- and, in MI, "how about a round of applause for Hamas?! I love those guys!!"

And I think they're going to select a real loon to run in MN
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 11:51 AM (73/SM)

And running an honest-to-Allah member of Al-Qaeda in New Jersey.
Posted by: XTC at May 29, 2026 11:53 AM (uEmCf)
------------
Not widely reports, for obvious reasons, but there's a growing dissatisfaction with NYC's Islamic mayor and his property grab plan. Among other things he's either done, or proposed.

Wall Street is not pleased at all.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 29, 2026 12:01 PM (jehhT)

172 >>> -Talarico, choking down some meat he's not used to

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:57 AM (7RBt4)

This comment is evergreen and can be reused in many many Talarico type situations far into the future.

Posted by: banana Dream at May 29, 2026 12:01 PM (3uBP9)

173 170 No way, partner!"
-Talarico, choking down some meat he's not used to
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:57 AM (7RBt4)

Let’s hope there’s no video of Talarico choking down the meat that he IS used to.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 29, 2026 12:01 PM (QDJ2U)

======

I don't get it.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 12:01 PM (7RBt4)

174 I have meat coming in me at both ends!

Posted by: Dulcinea del Talarico at May 29, 2026 12:02 PM (qUkBO)

175 121 Looks like Trump is declaring victory and getting the hell out of Iran. Of course, Iran will not do one thing it is promising to do.

Iran has 30 days to clear mines but we're going to lift our blocked immediately?

Posted by: WisRich at May 29, 2026 11:45 AM (G0vdT)

Dang, he took my "end of May deadline" to heart.
He does need to turn the page to getting back to celebrating 250 and all the good he's done here, and being done for now will help that happen.

Posted by: Nova Local at May 29, 2026 12:02 PM (tOcjL)

176 Starbux is everywhere already, like Subway and Chik-fil-A. The real coming menace is Buc-ees. The Beaver - Threat, or Menace?

Posted by: tubal at May 29, 2026 12:03 PM (Gqar8)

177 Some are praising Cornyn now for being a gentlemanly loser,
____

He quoted Paul's letter to Timothy - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Paul was in jail, tortured and facing execution when he wrote that. Very much like losing a Senate primary.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at May 29, 2026 12:03 PM (Dv3i1)

178 173 170 No way, partner!"
-Talarico, choking down some meat he's not used to
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 11:57 AM (7RBt4)

Let’s hope there’s no video of Talarico choking down the meat that he IS used to.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 29, 2026 12:01 PM (QDJ2U)

======

I don't get it.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 12:01 PM (7RBt4)
------

Man this little thread is begging for the Ben Roethisberger sock to show up, lmao

Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 12:04 PM (oqH4h)

179 Eh, the dude is 74. He doesn't need another job.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:59 AM (Riz8t)

========

Well, he was trying for 6 more years of one.

He was trying for 6 more years of being a SENATOR, a maker of rules, an eye in the sky, a superior being. He's not going to want to sully himself as a grubby lobbyist.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 12:04 PM (Riz8t)

180 Let’s hope there’s no video of Talarico choking down the meat that he IS used to.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 29, 2026 12:01 PM (QDJ2U)

======

I don't get it.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 12:01 PM (7RBt4)
------

Man this little thread is begging for the Ben Roethisberger sock to show up, lmao
Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 12:04 PM (oqH4h)

IT'S FUNNY BECAUSE THE DUDE SUCKS COCK BY CHOICE!

Posted by: Ben Roethlisberger at May 29, 2026 12:05 PM (bss/y)

181 179 He was trying for 6 more years of being a SENATOR, a maker of rules, an eye in the sky, a superior being. He's not going to want to sully himself as a grubby lobbyist.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 12:04 PM (Riz8t)

======

I'm sure not ever sinecure is lobbyist.

Do nothing name on a banner of a law firm in DC will do.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 12:05 PM (7RBt4)

182 176 Starbux is everywhere already, like Subway and Chik-fil-A. The real coming menace is Buc-ees. The Beaver - Threat, or Menace?
Posted by: tubal at May 29, 2026 12:03 PM (Gqar

------

Hey, Buc-ee's has serviceable brisket and really clean toilets that aren't occupied by people shooting up Fentanyl.

Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 12:05 PM (oqH4h)

183 Not widely reports, for obvious reasons, but there's a growing dissatisfaction with NYC's Islamic mayor and his property grab plan. Among other things he's either done, or proposed.

Wall Street is not pleased at all.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 29, 2026 12:01 PM (jehhT)
---
Commies gotta commie...Mamdani is going to double-, triple-, and quadruple down on all his failed ideas. Because he has to.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 29, 2026 12:06 PM (gnNyN)

184 I don't think boeing moving into the carolinas from PNW shifted them to the left. Ok, different kind of employees yes. But I've read these sort of relocations often result in filtering for more conservative minded people with a surprising result of areas turning more conservative. Not always. Many shitlibs moved down to GA and Savannah especially that couldn't handle Florida for some reason and I think that produced a shift. I think a strong conservative political base in a state would make things work out. GA obviously doesn't have that.

Posted by: banana Dream at May 29, 2026 12:06 PM (3uBP9)

185 92 Once I was driving back home to Michigan. Passing through rural Pennsylvania during primary season, there were signs saying "Funk" on the first line and "Comptroller" on the second -- i.e. vote for some guy named "Funk" for Comptroller. But it made me laugh because it looked like "Funk Comptroller" was the name of a local office.

We need commonsense funk control!
Posted by: Bulg at May 29, 2026 11:34 AM (77rzZ)

Well, now you know how I see Vice Comptroller! Sounds like a euphemism for a Mafia accountant.

Posted by: SciVo at May 29, 2026 12:06 PM (Sy6m/)

186 The Internuts says that Cornyn is worth between 1.5 and 2 million. Pocket change for a Senator. He’ll have to take that Wamart greeter job, looks like.

Posted by: tubal at May 29, 2026 12:07 PM (Gqar8)

187 186 The Internuts says that Cornyn is worth between 1.5 and 2 million. Pocket change for a Senator. He’ll have to take that Wamart greeter job, looks like.
Posted by: tubal at May 29, 2026 12:07 PM (Gqar

Hmmm. Do we say then that he has not been on the take and laud him or say that he is not even good at grifting for his shiftless record and damn him?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 29, 2026 12:08 PM (bss/y)

188 182 176 Starbux is everywhere already, like Subway and Chik-fil-A. The real coming menace is Buc-ees. The Beaver - Threat, or Menace?
Posted by: tubal at May 29, 2026 12:03 PM (Gqar
------

Hey, Buc-ee's has serviceable brisket and really clean toilets that aren't occupied by people shooting up Fentanyl.
Posted by: ballistic at May 29, 2026 12:05 PM (oqH4h)

Some nice DEI HR policies could fix that quirkiness.

Posted by: tubal at May 29, 2026 12:08 PM (Gqar8)

189 I'm sure not ever sinecure is lobbyist.

Do nothing name on a banner of a law firm in DC will do.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison,

Reminds of that story of Robert E. Lee, postwar, being approached by some firm that wanted to make him a partner or something.

He asked what his duties would be. They told him that he would have no duties.

And he responded with something like. "Then you only want to buy my name. And my name is not for sale."

Imagine any politician saying that today.

Posted by: Bulg at May 29, 2026 12:08 PM (77rzZ)

190 The Internuts says that Cornyn is worth between 1.5 and 2 million. Pocket change for a Senator. He’ll have to take that Wamart greeter job, looks like.

I can see it now. Instead of "Hello, welcome to Walmart", it'll be "Do you know who I am?".

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 12:09 PM (Riz8t)

191 Re: Jane Fonda at Insty:

Kennedy
@KennedyNation
When American POWs tried to sneak her notes with their personal information to tell their families they were still alive, she gave them to the North Vietnamese. Some of them were beaten to death. You are both commies and you can both fuck off.

Me: Fuck. I did not know that. She is a vile sack of shit who should still be shot.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 29, 2026 12:10 PM (bss/y)

192 He needs post-Senate employment, and the Republican patronage network is much more different in 2026 than it was in 2016.
--
I wonder how much Tillis and Cassidy's tantrums contributed to an even greater margin of defeat?

The main pillar of the GOPe power is their ability to plausibly pretend to be conservative.

But these children petulantly burning it all down on their way out the door puts a match to that facade.

No one believes they are conservative anymore so there is no reason to vote for them.

PS: I saw a lot of names burning their reputation on "Cornyn is the most conservative choice" over the last few weeks ....

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 12:11 PM (73/SM)

193 ace is up.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 29, 2026 12:11 PM (bss/y)

194 Eh, the dude is 74. He doesn't need another job.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 11:59 AM (Riz8t)

========

Well, he was trying for 6 more years of one.

He was trying for 6 more years of being a SENATOR, a maker of rules, an eye in the sky, a superior being. He's not going to want to sully himself as a grubby lobbyist.
Posted by: Archimedes at May 29, 2026 12:04 PM (Riz8t)
________

He's a lawyer and former judge. He'll have at least a dozen law firms vying to add his name to their firm. He won't practice. They'll pay him a nice fat salary just to have access to his name and contacts. That's how this works.

Posted by: Elric The Blade at May 29, 2026 12:11 PM (iFTx/)

195 nood

ewok

Posted by: banana Dream at May 29, 2026 12:11 PM (3uBP9)

196 192 PS: I saw a lot of names burning their reputation on "Cornyn is the most conservative choice" over the last few weeks ....

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 29, 2026 12:11 PM (73/SM)

=======

This X account doesn't share the names, but he does provide an interesting breakdown of how the GOP Senate caucus is improving:

@RealPData
·
2h
How many bad/terrible Republican Senators are in each Senate since the 112th Congress:

112th: ~26 Senators
113th: ~25 Senators
114th: ~30 Senators
115th: ~30 Senators (Trump's first term)
116th: ~25 Senators
117th: ~24 Senators
118th: ~20 Senators
119th: ~19 Senators
120th (if the map has zero changes): ~15 Senators

Food for though.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 29, 2026 12:12 PM (7RBt4)

197 James Talarico
@jamestalarico
Ken Paxton is throwing everything he has at us.
He’s called me a radical leftist. He’s called me a fake Christian. He’s even called me a vegan!
I’m an 8th generation Texan — I've been eating BBQ since before Ken Paxton’s first indictment.

-
He IS the Baconeater!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 29, 2026 12:20 PM (ndZc7)

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