The Morning Rant: John Thune (And Others) Must Go!

The paradigm of the brave and strong political maverick is mostly cover for rebellion and faithless behavior. We have far too many examples of it on the right side of the aisle, and the tiny number of examples on the left is telling. John Fetterman is the only one I can think of, and his rebellion doesn't extend to his votes. But even then, he is a big target and might not survive his next election.

In our lifetimes the worst example is John McCain, the supposed hero (I doubt it) and naval aviator (lousy at it) who made a name for himself by screwing his party, his state, and his country.

John Thune is rapidly rising in that pantheon of sh*t, and he is not the only one in the current Republican Party. There is some perverse pride among the politicians who confound the reasonable expectation that they support their party and their President. It reminds one of a rebellious toddler who has just learned the word and concept of "No," and uses it at every opportunity, even though the outcome is demonstrably worse than the other option.

His sabotage of the SAVE Act is well known, and an indelible stain on him as a senator and a human being. But he also kept the Senate in pro forma sessions to prevent the President from making recess appointments, which was damaging to the will of the people and to President Trump's platform. These things should disqualify him from any position of authority in the Senate, and make it difficult to win reelection in 2028.

Perhaps worse than his resistance to any meaningful legislation and work in the Senate was his arrogant pomposity in the face of overwhelming support for the SAVE Act. His pretend high-mindedness was galling, even as he pretended to be some sort of expert on the inner workings of the Senate. It was obvious that he was merely an obstructionist.

7 GOP Senators Move To Delay Thune's Coronation After Midterm Massacre

Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin is driving the effort and has collected the five signatures needed to request a meeting of the full conference, The Hill reported. Republicans Ted Budd of North Carolina, Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Lee of Utah and John Kennedy of Louisiana signed his letter, according to Axios.
Two other Republicans, Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania and Jim Banks of Indiana, endorsed the delay in their own statements without signing, Bloomberg reported.
Johnson called Tuesday’s outcome a “stunning defeat” in the letter, The Hill reported, and has argued that rushing the vote would be “political malpractice,” according to the Federalist. Johnson wants the conference to examine what went wrong before it installs a leadership team.
“If you hold the election, I’ll leave the room,” Johnson told a Washington Examiner reporter Monday. “An election defeat of this magnitude demands change,” he added on X.

That bolded part is vital. The Republican Party failed in many ways, and while the blame does not rest solely with the feckless Senate leadership, John Thune's failure should be the catalyst for an examination of how the Republicans in the Senate support the administration's goals and how they respond to the American people's support for popular legislation.

Managing the decline is no longer an option! Although if an election cycle as a minority party will purge the Senate of its pathetic Corporate GOP placeholders, perhaps that would be worth it. Regardless, the idea of the maverick has damaged the prospects of the Republican Party, and the purge should be swift and violent and all-encompassing.

The left operates in lockstep, and savagely punishes the outliers who disturb the carefully crafted image of a unified party. That is why the emergence of the DSA is so disturbing...their party hierarchy cannot control them! And that is a good thing for the Republican Party and the conservative movement. But...the left never loses sight of its goals, and they will eventually integrate the DSA and its far-left analogues into the Party, or perhaps it will be the other way around. But either way, the path is always toward unity.

That is a lesson that has evaded the Republican leadership. JD Vance came from the Senate, and as vice-president he could have been a vital bridge between the administration and the Senate, but that would have required loyalty to the President and the goals of the American people, and he would have had to sublimate his own political goals...something he has clearly not done.

President Trump could have been more collaborative with the Senate, and perhaps that would have changed the trajectory of the SAVE Act defeat. But that is asking him to change his spots, and is simply not a reasonable expectation. And, after all, the President is the de facto head of the Party, and has every right to expect loyalty to his strategic vision, especially when it is supported by the vast majority of the American people!

But that requires a sea change in the way Republican lawmakers see themselves, and the voters must speak loudly and forcefully for that to occur!

[Crossposted at CutJibNewsletter and X/Twitter]. And if you folks who are on X/Twitter would follow me it would be much appreciated!

Posted by: CBD at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Sponge!

Posted by: rickb223 at November 10, 2026 11:01 AM (Io8px)

2 We'll always have Paris.

Posted by: Hokey Pokey at November 10, 2026 11:02 AM (hxMfc)

3 If I just presided over a loss like that, I wouldn’t want to even be seen in public let alone want to keep my position.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at November 10, 2026 11:02 AM (u73oe)

4 Title checks out.

Posted by: A Flying F*ck at November 10, 2026 11:03 AM (LEj5u)

5 Sock fail.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 10, 2026 11:03 AM (LEj5u)

6 It's monkey time!

Posted by: LizLem at November 10, 2026 11:04 AM (Toos7)

7 So 10% of repub voters voted against Maga to show Trump what for.
As Ed Koch Mr. Mayor of NY said,upon re-election defeat; the people have spoken. They must be punished.

Posted by: Kings man at November 10, 2026 11:04 AM (KVjz6)

8 Trump stay happy doing a proposal not amnesty not undocumented living sure not yes off 10 years this that's far 75% and get you undocumented.

it car stay on israel the you gulf arabs wrong questions not I'm failed iran cannot

Posted by: Paul...who likes the flavor of his dog's excrement at November 10, 2026 11:04 AM (Ksf4A)

9 Hey, I'm trying to get attention too!

/Massie

Posted by: man at November 10, 2026 11:05 AM (pfXMo)

10 Is GOP stupid enough to reelect Thune this morning?

Posted by: Commodore at November 10, 2026 10:35 AM (V6W16)

WDYT

Posted by: ... at November 10, 2026 11:06 AM (w6LVP)

11 Thune should go down as a 'Paul' appeaser, forever.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at November 10, 2026 11:06 AM (NnhvP)

12 In our lifetimes the worst example is John McCain, the supposed hero (I doubt it) and naval aviator (lousy at it) who made a name for himself by screwing his party, his state, and his country.

Somebody(s) made him the nominee despite his blatant disdain for the base. Who are those people, and what are they up to nowadays?

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at November 10, 2026 11:08 AM (OlzlW)

13 3 If I just presided over a loss like that, I wouldn’t want to even be seen in public let alone want to keep my position.
Posted by: Duke Lowell at November 10, 2026 11:02 AM (u73oe

Yeah, but you still have the capacity to feel shame.

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at November 10, 2026 11:11 AM (OlzlW)

14 As I recall McCain won the primary. Unlike the Dems, who have a semi-Soviet style fixed/hands on the scale "primary" process, the GOP process is up to the voters. Oops.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:11 AM (U/Byj)

15 Thanks CBD. Good morning Horde.

Posted by: Buck (Ofama) at November 10, 2026 11:12 AM (hXmGs)

16 It's sad that we had to get a Democrat to replace that a-hole Thom Tillis

Posted by: SMOD at November 10, 2026 11:13 AM (RHGPo)

17 Pulling over this Willowed topic:
@libsoftiktok
UPDATE: 30 companies have now confirmed they will not advertise on the “I’ve had it” podcast after hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan laughed at Charlie’s m*rder:

Cash App, Chewy, Boll & Branch, Zenni Optical, Momentous, Honeylove, Casper, HexClad, Ethos, Branch Basics, Ladder, Nutrafol, Jones Road Beauty, ZipRecruiter, PAKA, Ember, BetterHelp, Primal Queen, Monarch Money, iRestore, HomeServe, Ridge Wallet, Lola Blankets, NOBL Travel, Dupe, One Skin, IQbar, Quince, Cozy Earth, ASPCA

I know the Ace podcast went kaput...but maybe give it another shot? Think of all the hobo pelt and shelf sponsors dying to do promos!

It's funny that anti capitalist commies can get advertisers like these, and conservative podcasters usually are struggling just to get coffee, gold, and vitamin sponsors. Though Boll and Branch was a longtime Rush sponsor, and I know Cozy Earth advertises with some conservatives.

Posted by: LizLem at November 10, 2026 11:14 AM (Toos7)

18 Hegseth brief this morning very well done. Hadn't seen him that much and this was impressive. Should really watch his talk to the Naval War College yesterday.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:14 AM (U/Byj)

19 I've about decided the GOP needs to go the way of the dinosaur.

Repost because on point.

Reaching out across the aisle.

https://tinyurl.com/3ta43mxt

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now Is the Winter of Our Discontent at November 10, 2026 11:15 AM (ndZc7)

20 McCain's campaign director quit after the primary because he was that much of a Democrat.

McCain got chosen by the MSM, who blew smoke up his ass during the primary, only to savage him during the general election.

Posted by: SMOD at November 10, 2026 11:15 AM (RHGPo)

21 "The left operates in lockstep, and savagely punishes the outliers who disturb the carefully crafted image of a unified party. "

This is called "Diversity"

Posted by: Bilwis - Wizard of Clwyd at November 10, 2026 11:15 AM (r7+Q7)

22 Thx CBD
I believe Thune stands for the proposition "that's not who we are"
As to what they are besides aholes is a mystery

Posted by: Smell the Glove at November 10, 2026 11:16 AM (FroOw)

23 McCain was chosen by the primary voters. Probably some of the same people who just chose decline and idiocy with their vote or non-participation a week ago.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:18 AM (U/Byj)

24 "But if we get rid of them, the GOP won't be invited to cocktail parties for decades!"

Posted by: NR Pax at November 10, 2026 11:18 AM (OPGS/)

25 Thune stands for the proposition "that's not who we are"

Of course not. After all, we're just NQOKD to them...

Posted by: man at November 10, 2026 11:18 AM (pfXMo)

26
THUNE

Eskimos Have Fifty Words For Thune. They All Mean "Dog Shit"

Posted by: naturalfake at November 10, 2026 11:18 AM (YSUhf)

27 14 As I recall McCain won the primary. Unlike the Dems, who have a semi-Soviet style fixed/hands on the scale "primary" process, the GOP process is up to the voters. Oops.
Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:11 AM (U/Byj)

I went to a caucus meeting during that time. McCain received a pitiful number of votes. And there were votes for Fred Thompson even though he had withdrawn (cancer) but we cheered when they were reported because that's who we really wanted.

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at November 10, 2026 11:18 AM (OlzlW)

28 What's incredible is that Thune did all this against the will and druthers of the caucus that elected him.

Oh.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:19 AM (U/Byj)

29 So what happened with the Pete Hegseth presser? Was it just railing about Massie? Are we calling down our Iran actions?

If Obama could drone strike babies, I don't see how anything Trump's asked Hegseth to do is technically illegal. If he's not tried through a bank republic kangaroo court, the impeachment is a nothing burger.

Posted by: LizLem at November 10, 2026 11:19 AM (Toos7)

30 Voluntaryists are opposed to coercion and, accordingly, opposed to majority rule/democracy. Quite an attractive philosophy.

Posted by: Oglebay at November 10, 2026 11:20 AM (2ap+5)

31 We really need to reach deep and donate to the GOP often to make sure its war chest is full so that they can concentrate on stopping the radical left agenda and returning control of congress in 2028 so they can Fight For YOU!

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at November 10, 2026 11:20 AM (acnyG)

32 Well maybe I wasn't following it properly. Thought the GOP primaries then (as now) were actual elections where the one with the most votes eventually became the nominee.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:20 AM (U/Byj)

33 Thune did all this against the will and druthers of the caucus that elected him."

And would "elect" him again.

It's an exclusive club, and we're not in it.

Posted by: man at November 10, 2026 11:20 AM (pfXMo)

34 McCain was chosen by the primary voters. Probably some of the same people who just chose decline and idiocy with their vote or non-participation a week ago.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:18 AM (U/Byj)

Look what the choices were. Duncan Hunter, Romney, Sleepy Fred Thompson. Fred was a smart dude but he couldn't energize Robin Williams on a bender.

And in later elections we had Electric Bobby Jindal who turned out to be another weak appeasing pos at best and full traitor at worst.

Posted by: ... at November 10, 2026 11:21 AM (w6LVP)

35 Banana republic not bank republic. My phone's autocorrect is special today.

Posted by: LizLem at November 10, 2026 11:21 AM (Toos7)

36 A leader takes the initiative and the risk. He ultimately owns the strategy and the decisions. He wins or loses the fight based on the choices he made. He “leads” and takes the bullet or hoists the flag. Above all else, he has honor, integrity, dignity and is willing to do anything he asks those serving underneath him to do. If he fails, he knows he didn’t fail himself, he failed his men. In the end, he takes responsibility cause honor and service is higher than self.

If Thune thought this through for one second, he would stand up at the podium, admit failure, and offer his sword.

You want to know what’s wrong with Congress? It’s become about self, not service. Hyperbole, not action. Lies and obfuscation, not truths.

People better understand the enemy isn’t just at the gates, he’s in the courtyard and entering through the front door.

Posted by: Marcus T at November 10, 2026 11:21 AM (mr1OZ)

37 Thune did exactly what he was supposed to do.

Posted by: ... at November 10, 2026 11:21 AM (w6LVP)

38 Thought the GOP primaries then (as now) were actual elections where the one with the most votes eventually became the nominee."

That's funny right there...

Posted by: man at November 10, 2026 11:21 AM (pfXMo)

39 We effectively have 3 parties.

The Uniparty, the DSA and whatever maga was
Once upon a time.

Uniparty and DSA work together. The maga party is off in the corner looked upon as a joke by the other two.

The DSA doesn’t really have any power but they get a bone thrown to them every now and then by the uniparty.

Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at November 10, 2026 11:22 AM (GW+4b)

40 he would stand up at the podium, admit failure, and offer his sword."

Only if he were certain no one would ask...

Posted by: man at November 10, 2026 11:23 AM (pfXMo)

41 LizLem look at Hegseth's half-hour brief on UToob. It's good. The impeachment is a ridiculous stunt and farce, as Pete says. It's as baseless and frivolous (and almost as degrading to what's left of US governance) as the absurd Trump impeachments. Just rest easy knowing at least half of the people in the country are such ignorant cretins that they elect toxic clowns of the sort who do this crap.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:23 AM (U/Byj)

42 Thune is running unopposed. We are looking at profiles in courage here!

Posted by: runner at November 10, 2026 11:23 AM (AKptf)

43 Jennifer Welch says her advertisers were "harassed" into dropping the show.

"Sadly, some of the advertisers have caved. But we still have other advertisers, and we're still standing."

Little companies are apparently stepping in to try to save them.

They read a message from a brewery in Wisconsin that called Charlie Kirk "an awful human being" and wanted to help sponsor the show.

Welch called that "so sweet," then did a shout out for the company for free.

At last count, around 30 sponsors have dropped the podcast.

It's not because they were harassed. It's because these women are toxic.

But hey if you're a little company, just drop these hateful hags a message bashing Charlie. Maybe that'll get you a free ad read.

Posted by: SMOD at November 10, 2026 11:23 AM (RHGPo)

44 People better understand the enemy isn’t just at the gates, he’s in the courtyard and entering through the front door.

Posted by: Marcus T at November 10, 2026 11:21 AM (mr1OZ)

No.

The enemy is already upstairs in your bedroom, trying to fuck your wife.

Posted by: Washington Nearsider, preparing at November 10, 2026 11:24 AM (yKhjs)

45 TX dems were able to inject millions of fake voter registrations into the system and run the election on known hackable machines while the state was under total GOP control. And you think 2028 is going to be a year where republicans win back control?

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at November 10, 2026 11:24 AM (acnyG)

46
Marcus T,

Honor and Responsibility have left the building and they aren't coming back.

Posted by: naturalfake at November 10, 2026 11:24 AM (YSUhf)

47 So GOP primaries aren't decided by the voters? Wow. Educate me.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:25 AM (U/Byj)

48 Posted by: LizLem at November 10, 2026 11:19 AM (Toos7)

Once you "get" that EVERYTHING is narrative, it all starts to fall into place.

Trying to figure out or devise answers regarding what laws were or weren't broken to prompt the latest floated Uniparty garbage ball is enough to drive anyone to the brink.

Whatever you see, whatever political quote, threat, action, story, idea, etc... ask yourself what it does to the Narrative. Because that's why it's there.

Posted by: ... at November 10, 2026 11:25 AM (w6LVP)

49 President Trump could have been more collaborative with the Senate, and perhaps that would have changed the trajectory of the SAVE Act defeat.
_____

I wondered why Trump wasn't (verbally) kicking Thune's sorry ass at every opportunity.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at November 10, 2026 11:25 AM (Dv3i1)

50 In more important news, I did not win the Powerball last night.

Nyah.

Posted by: Anna Puma at November 10, 2026 11:26 AM (2GVsD)

51 I think there's too much at stake, and I'm not talking politically, for Thune to either step down, or admit he failed.

He's a tool and is being used. To stop allowing himself to be used would mean he'd be cast aside. Money. Pride. Fear. Arrogance. Hate. Any or all are probably in play as to why he persists like a boil on the ass that is the GOP.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at November 10, 2026 11:26 AM (RORbl)

52 Odds of Kirk Cousins being traded to the Vikings to clean up the Wentz problem?

Posted by: Pudinhead at November 10, 2026 11:26 AM (Wp1X1)

53 32 Well maybe I wasn't following it properly. Thought the GOP primaries then (as now) were actual elections where the one with the most votes eventually became the nominee.
Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:20 AM (U/Byj)

I am not saying you are mistaken, Rhomboid, but there was something hinky going on to make him the nominee. He was famous for sticking his thumb in the eye of the base. But you know there are a lot of self-hating Republicans who would support him and others who are easily swayed by false media narratives.

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at November 10, 2026 11:26 AM (OlzlW)

54 42 Thune is running unopposed. We are looking at profiles in courage here!
____

Mike Lee talks a big game. But he also gavelled in a pro-forma session the other day.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at November 10, 2026 11:27 AM (Dv3i1)

55 >>If I just presided over a loss like that, I wouldn’t want to even be seen in public let alone want to keep my position.

That would presume he lost.

People who have been in DC for decades know far better than we do how the DC game is played and who is pulling strings and writing checks.

We are the insurgents and Thune and many others are the entrenched establishment. Tim Burchett, a somewhat low key but a guy most definitely on our side in the House, announced yesterday that he wanted Marsha Blackburn to appoint him to her former seat in the Senate after she left to be governor of Tennessee. Thune immediately came out against him.

Not a chance in hell Trump or God Almighty was going to make Thune and his establishment pals pass the Save Act. It was the simplest and most obvious thing they could do to please 80% of the country. So they didn't do it.

Posted by: JackStraw at November 10, 2026 11:27 AM (viF8m)

56 I am happily surprised my Senator, Ted Budd, was one of the people who requested a full conference meeting. I am going to send him an email requesting him to vote NO on Thune as minority leader. We'll see what happens.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at November 10, 2026 11:27 AM (+ViEq)

57 Nothing will happen.

Posted by: The person who always says that at November 10, 2026 11:27 AM (2Ez/1)

58 Good rant. Thanks.

Glad Davey got in there.

In 2025 and 2026, during Donald Trump's second administration, the deployment of surrogates has shifted to when, what, where?

Federal agency overhauls, the Great American Recovery Initiate, maternal and healthcare initiatives, legal and border enforcements, defending birthright citizenship restrictions, Melania and her focus on foster children, her focus on Ukraine and Russia, the frigging fact Trump HAD to do something with Iran, not in keeping with O's turning his back on our nation, and on and on the administration fights. Maybe not all perfect in tone or goal. But always trying for this nation, and the administration should be lauded for it.

Where are the surrogates? Far and few between and msm will never help.

T & his administration gets used to fix or stabilize a ton of broken or almost broken shit in this country and throughout the world, and then the knives come out immediately for the next election from all sides.

All, imo.

Posted by: L - No nic... at November 10, 2026 11:27 AM (NFX2v)

59 The enemy is already upstairs in your bedroom, trying to fuck your wife.

Everyone will be David French?

Posted by: Anna Puma at November 10, 2026 11:27 AM (2GVsD)

60 Every Senator sees a President in the mirror. Most of them, it's not a future President..

Posted by: RandomDaves phone at November 10, 2026 11:27 AM (gqhaf)

61 After the human ICBM (AKA Lloyd Austin), a bowl of porridge is an improvement.

Posted by: SMOD at November 10, 2026 11:28 AM (RHGPo)

62 I sent an email to Chewy Corporate about those two twats' podcast and received an obfuscating response. No admission that they were, until only recently, a sponsor.

Going to find another source for buying dog food and pet meds, now.

Posted by: one hour sober at November 10, 2026 11:28 AM (J4Dwc)

63 >>>a rebellious toddler who has just learned the word and concept of "No," and uses it at every opportunity, even though the outcome is demonstrably worse than the other option

nailed it

Posted by: m at November 10, 2026 11:29 AM (odBC9)

64 >> Honor and Responsibility have left the building and they aren't coming back.

Posted by: naturalfake at November 10, 2026 11:24 AM (YSUhf)

There are good, honorable men. I’ve seen them. I know some. None of those people seem to be in leadership positions.

Like I said, it’s become about self, not service. Nobody wants to stick their neck out for what’s right, because they’re not willing to bear the cost of honor.

They better figure out what just happened in Texas, because something doesn’t smell right and if they don’t fix it, it’s all over but the shooting.

Posted by: Marcus T at November 10, 2026 11:29 AM (mr1OZ)

65 the voters can "speak" all they want. the pols/pundits "interpret" and mostly mis-interpret what they hear. e.g. John Thune wanting to remain minority leader. Didnt he hear the people sing?

Posted by: Susan Harms at November 10, 2026 11:29 AM (Kkd7F)

66 I am not saying Thune isn’t a complete pos. But don’t forget the 4 scumbags Murky, Collins, Tillis and whoever has his hand up McConnell’s ass to make him talk were the main obstacles to accomplishing anything.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at November 10, 2026 11:29 AM (acnyG)

67 Didnt he hear the people sing?
____

The people will get whiff of the grapeshot.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at November 10, 2026 11:30 AM (Dv3i1)

68 2 We'll always have Paris.
Posted by: Hokey Pokey at November 10, 2026 11:02 AM (hxMfc)
----------------
Inshallah!

Posted by: Just got back from ululation practice at November 10, 2026 11:30 AM (brIJB)

69 If Thune loses the caucus vote, he's out. He's only there because he won the caucus vote earlier. Leaders are chosen by a caucus for lots of reasons. Sometimes (in the past) it was fund-raising power, sometimes experience and savvy in navigating the Senate, sometimes other things or a combo. Inertia plays a role (Schumer's case at the moment).

Then again, maybe the caucus vote is rigged too, somehow the vote is "hacked" and the loser wins. With 50 people in the room they use, hard to see, but I'm open to persuasion.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:30 AM (U/Byj)

70 Paris?

The Germans wore gray, what did the Arabs wear?

Posted by: Anna Puma at November 10, 2026 11:30 AM (2GVsD)

71 The GOP threw away Reagan, dumped the Tea Party, and have tried to put paid to MAGA five or more times that I know of. This last one they are hoping is finally the coup de grace because they are assuming they can destroy Trump which will fracture the movement long enough to anneal the wound.

Think about that. Think about the common denominator. Zoom out and see where you are. It's not pretty. But it's likely not where you think.

Posted by: ... at November 10, 2026 11:31 AM (w6LVP)

72 Everyone will be David French?

Posted by: Anna Puma at November 10, 2026 11:27 AM (2GVsD)

I don't think so.

In our case, the enemy was forced upon us by 'our betters.' In French's case, he sought the enemy out, actively advertised for him, and offered his wife up as a gift.

French is also in the corner jacking off whilst we're loading our guns.

Posted by: Washington Nearsider, preparing at November 10, 2026 11:31 AM (yKhjs)

73 Thune’s immediate concern was for his senate sinecure.

“By their fruits you will recognize them. “

Posted by: Marcus T at November 10, 2026 11:31 AM (mr1OZ)

74 The Germans wore gray, what did the Arabs wear?
Posted by: Anna Puma

Goats

Posted by: rickb223 at November 10, 2026 11:31 AM (Io8px)

75 what's sad is many GOP senators probably like having Thune around as leader to draw GOP base ire, so the focus isn't on their own failings

Posted by: Commodore at November 10, 2026 11:33 AM (V6W16)

76 By their fruits you will recognize them. “

Posted by: Marcus T at November 10, 2026 11:31 AM (mr1OZ)

Leave me out of this.

Posted by: Pete Booty at November 10, 2026 11:34 AM (w6LVP)

77 I'm beginning to believe it won't matter who the Republican leadership is anymore. Do you all really think the dems are going to give up their power now? They control the election process.

We're just playing musical chairs on the Titanic.

Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at November 10, 2026 11:36 AM (g8Ew8)

78 Every single Senate "Republican" that gavelled an empty-room Senate session just to prevent President Trump from having recess appointments has some explaining to do as well.

Posted by: Crusader at November 10, 2026 11:38 AM (TN0g+)

79 We're just playing musical chairs on the Titanic.

Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at November 10, 2026 11:36 AM (g8Ew

Trump showed its worth fighting them for the laughs alone. And that the machine can be slapped around real good.

Whether we have anyone with his fortitude and assets remains to be seen.

But the GOP of 2026 looks shockingly identical to the GOP of 2014.

Posted by: ... at November 10, 2026 11:38 AM (w6LVP)

80 We're just playing musical chairs on the Titanic.

And the band is playing "Let's do the time warp again"?

Posted by: Anna Puma at November 10, 2026 11:38 AM (2GVsD)

81
We're just playing musical chairs on the Titanic.

Forty trillion tons of bananas.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 10, 2026 11:38 AM (Cqx++)

82 I'm beginning to believe it won't matter who the Republican leadership is anymore. Do you all really think the dems are going to give up their power now? They control the election process.

We're just playing musical chairs on the Titanic.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons

Next song is CWII.

Posted by: rickb223 at November 10, 2026 11:39 AM (Io8px)

83 Pete Hegseth gets an “A” PLUS, PLUS, PLUS for his defense against a disgruntled, angry, defeated, former Congressman, Thomas Massie, a TOTAL LOSER! President DJT

Posted by: SMOD at November 10, 2026 11:39 AM (RHGPo)

84 Forty trillion tons of bananas.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 10, 2026 11:38 AM (Cqx++)

Come, Mr. Tally Man, tally me banana!

Posted by: Washington Nearsider, preparing at November 10, 2026 11:39 AM (yKhjs)

85 My delete key is getting a workout on this thread.

Posted by: Oddbob at November 10, 2026 11:39 AM (vTZFs)

86 Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin is driving the effort and has collected the five signatures needed to request a meeting of the full conference, The Hill reported. Republicans Ted Budd of North Carolina, Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Lee of Utah and John Kennedy of Louisiana signed his letter, according to Axios.

Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin Republicans Ted Budd of North Carolina,
Rick Scott of Florida,
Mike Lee of Utah and
John Kennedy of Louisiana

They are presumably in the running to replace Thune in this bid.

Posted by: m at November 10, 2026 11:40 AM (odBC9)

87

Is that all there is?
Is that all there is?
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 10, 2026 11:40 AM (Cqx++)

88 Washington Nearsider

Time to sniff glue, run the airbrush, and put on decals.

Posted by: Anna Puma at November 10, 2026 11:41 AM (2GVsD)

89 November 10
Today we note:

A. US Marine Corps Birthday
2. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
iii. Seamus Muldoon's 70th Birthday

Posted by: muldoon at November 10, 2026 11:41 AM (qgHp7)

90 Rhomboid, yes, people vote in primaries, but somehow we get someone foisted on us. In my circles, nobody was excited about GWB and yet he became the nominee. I think there's a lot of blind following and not enough discernment going on, with messaging controlled by unfriendly forces.

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at November 10, 2026 11:41 AM (OlzlW)

91 89 November 10
Today we note:

A. US Marine Corps Birthday
2. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
iii. Seamus Muldoon's 70th Birthday
Posted by: muldoon at November 10, 2026 11:41 AM (qgHp7)

Happy LXX!

Posted by: m at November 10, 2026 11:42 AM (odBC9)

92 I would say the media absolutely chose McCain but again look at the choices. It was always heads they win tails we lose.

Posted by: ... at November 10, 2026 11:43 AM (w6LVP)

93 84 Forty trillion tons of bananas.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 10, 2026 11:38 AM (Cqx++)

Come, Mr. Tally Man, tally me banana!
Posted by: Washington Nearsider, preparing at November 10, 2026 11:39 AM (yKhjs)

Bendy banana?

Posted by: m at November 10, 2026 11:43 AM (odBC9)

94 I'll never forget Romney on the day he "conceded" to McCain coming out and sounding far more like an energetic conservative statesman than he had in the two years prior. It was all horseshit.

Posted by: ... at November 10, 2026 11:44 AM (w6LVP)

95 Rhomboid, yes, people vote in primaries, but somehow we get someone foisted on us. In my circles, nobody was excited about GWB and yet he became the nominee. I think there's a lot of blind following and not enough discernment going on, with messaging controlled by unfriendly forces.
Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at November 10, 2026 11:41 AM (OlzlW)

Always follow the money.

Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at November 10, 2026 11:44 AM (6Wyms)

96 Forty trillion tons of bananas?

Are there that many tailpipes?

Posted by: Anna Puma at November 10, 2026 11:44 AM (2GVsD)

97 What difference, at this point, does it make?

Posted by: Old Lady Rodham at November 10, 2026 11:44 AM (2Ez/1)

98 iii. Seamus Muldoon's 70th Birthday
Posted by: muldoon at November 10, 2026 11:41 AM (qgHp7)

Happy LXX!

Posted by: m

Yes, Muldoon, Happy Septuagint!

(BTW, "Septuagint" would be a great word to use in a limerick.)

Posted by: Bulg at November 10, 2026 11:44 AM (77rzZ)

99 Sen Mike Lee: Complains about pro-formas.

Also Mike Lee: Gavels in pro-forma.

Also also Mike Lee: Explains how important the pro-forma is to the Republic.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at November 10, 2026 11:44 AM (acnyG)

100 100

Posted by: m at November 10, 2026 11:44 AM (odBC9)

101 I recall Alan Keyes being excluded from the debates even though he met the criteria. He showed up anyway, but to no avail.

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at November 10, 2026 11:45 AM (OlzlW)

102 I am happy the democrats are in control again. Hopefully they can double or triple the national debt and confiscate all the olds retirement accounts to pay for my medicare, weed, monster drinks, hot pockets and student debt.

Free Mumia!

Posted by: Average smooth brained american voter at November 10, 2026 11:45 AM (ckEP2)

103 Do we have enough rice to go with that many bananas?

Posted by: Bulg at November 10, 2026 11:45 AM (77rzZ)

104 97 What difference, at this point, does it make?
Posted by: Old Lady Rodham at November 10, 2026 11:44 AM (2Ez/1)

What difference, at this point, does Hillary! make?

Posted by: m at November 10, 2026 11:45 AM (odBC9)

105 You load 40 trillion tons and what do you get

Posted by: Kittens! at November 10, 2026 11:45 AM (LOZbR)

106 103 Do we have enough rice to go with that many bananas?
Posted by: Bulg at November 10, 2026 11:45 AM (77rzZ)

Day-O!

Posted by: m at November 10, 2026 11:46 AM (odBC9)

107 Rhomboid, yes, people vote in primaries, but somehow we get someone foisted on us. In my circles, nobody was excited about GWB and yet he became the nominee. I think there's a lot of blind following and not enough discernment going on, with messaging controlled by unfriendly forces.
Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at November 10, 2026 11:41 AM (OlzlW)

Conservatives think the GOP is much more conservative than it actually is. I don’t mean the establishment, I mean the common voters. We to k it’s a 9/10 when it’s really a 6/10 on a good day. It is what it is.

For Dems they think their party is a 10/10 and in reality they’re a 9.95 lol. They’re never disappointed.

Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at November 10, 2026 11:46 AM (GW+4b)

108 DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran were fired Friday, even though their contracts ran through April of next year.

There are now reports that the axe fell for one reason: to get Gunn out of the way of what is shaping up to be another disaster, his sequel to Superman (2025), Man of Tomorrow.

Posted by: SMOD at November 10, 2026 11:46 AM (RHGPo)

109 Free Hot Pockets?

Did we elect Homer Simpson?

Posted by: Kittens! at November 10, 2026 11:47 AM (LOZbR)

110 Democrat and Republican, all the choices we have had, really, since shortly before the Civil War. Quibbling can be made of course about other little groups that hang around, but that’s really the two choices we have in practical terms. Oh, and they both suck.

Posted by: tubal at November 10, 2026 11:47 AM (Gqar8)

111 That reminds me, should go watch Godzilla Minus Zero today.

Posted by: Anna Puma at November 10, 2026 11:48 AM (2GVsD)

112 New CarMax category just hit:

"Pre-Owned Teslas Defecated in by an Insane Leftist"

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at November 10, 2026 11:48 AM (brIJB)

113 iii. Seamus Muldoon's 70th Birthday
Posted by: muldoon at November 10, 2026 11:41 AM (qgHp7)

Everybody sing!

For he's a septuagenarian, for he's a septuagenarian, for he's a septuagenarian, which nobody can deny!

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at November 10, 2026 11:48 AM (OlzlW)

114 America Only retards: It is good the dems are in control. Maybe next time you will nominate better republicans.

*dems control enough states to pass the popular vote compact*

Well… we will just challenge that at SCOTUS after the next election!

SCOTUS: No standing. Besides, the election is certified, case is moot.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at November 10, 2026 11:48 AM (acnyG)

115 "Rhomboid, yes, people vote in primaries, but somehow we get someone foisted on us."

Don't want to yank this taffy further, but if people vote for someone, that someone is not "foisted" on them (as a whole).

Pitiful options? Sure. The nature of a dead, calcified two-party "system". The Trump phenomenon clearly illustrates how dead the system is, but also how rebellion can work. Whole lot a rebellion going to be needed - and not just in presidential cycles - to overwhelm the inertia.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:49 AM (U/Byj)

116
Re-electing Thune to the leadership or any leadership position would be the biggest insult possible to Republican voters and Certainly Trump voters.

It would literally be saying to Republican voters that they will never ever, under any circumstances represent them.

And if that's the case...well, why support or vote for them?

All of this could've been prevented with a cooperative Congress, now the whole country goes down with the Democrats promised Turbo-Biden destruction and inflation.

Welp, I just hope those yuan and Singham Bux were worth selling off your inheritance of freedom.

Posted by: naturalfake at November 10, 2026 11:49 AM (YSUhf)

117 108 DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran were fired Friday, even though their contracts ran through April of next year.

There are now reports that the axe fell for one reason: to get Gunn out of the way of what is shaping up to be another disaster, his sequel to Superman (2025), Man of Tomorrow.
Posted by: SMOD at November 10, 2026 11:46 AM (RHGPo)

Discussed here:

asmongold
It's all crashing down..
3:37

https://tinyurl.com/frr8uaw9

Posted by: m at November 10, 2026 11:49 AM (odBC9)

118 Coming to a future near you (via X) -

https://tinyurl.com/sxkpdbcj

Posted by: Chuck Martel at November 10, 2026 11:50 AM (Dv3i1)

119 nobody was excited about GWB and yet he became the nominee

... both parties, but especially the Republicans, have subscribed to the "next person in line" method of favoring candidates for the presidential nominee. First example of this, Bob Dole.

Dole was also the Republican presidential nominee in the 1996 presidential election and the vice presidential nominee in the 1976 presidential election. Bob Dole was in the military in WWII, sustained a head wound and went into politics.

Posted by: SMOD at November 10, 2026 11:51 AM (RHGPo)

120 November 10
Today we note:

A. US Marine Corps Birthday
2. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
iii. Seamus Muldoon's 70th Birthday
Posted by: muldoon at November 10, 2026 11:41 AM

Forget the Marines, you share a birthday with Sefton!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 10, 2026 11:51 AM (OTgAC)

121 Whole lot of foisting going on around here.

Posted by: Would like to see foist in a limerick, too at November 10, 2026 11:51 AM (2Ez/1)

122 Why is it that Communists can kill, wound, or maim OUR representatives but we're too fucking stupid or "moral" to retaliate in kind? I'd like to see a li'l Hakeem stain on a floor or a tree or anything handy … bonus points for a genuine Muzzificator.

Posted by: Dr_No at November 10, 2026 11:52 AM (ayRl+)

123 Who’s on Foist?

Posted by: tubal at November 10, 2026 11:52 AM (Gqar8)

124 Every election this century where there was no incumbent running, the party that won the White House, also won the previous mid term house.

2000 Bush won, gop won house in 98
2008 Obama won Dems won house in 06
2016 Trump won, gop won house in 14
2024 Trump won, gop won house in 22

2028 will be a no incumbent election and Dems just won the house.

Gulp

Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at November 10, 2026 11:52 AM (GW+4b)

125 121 Whole lot of foisting going on around here.
Posted by: Would like to see foist in a limerick, too at November 10, 2026 11:51 AM (2Ez/1)

rhymes with "moist"

Posted by: m at November 10, 2026 11:52 AM (odBC9)

126 Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:49 AM (U/Byj)

That rebellion needed to accompany Trump in overwhelming droves. Not follow him magically after the fact put of nowhere.

But in any event God has a plan and I don't know wtf it is. I just grasp the general outline.

Posted by: ... at November 10, 2026 11:52 AM (w6LVP)

127 I don't know.

Posted by: Third base! at November 10, 2026 11:52 AM (2Ez/1)

128 Don't want to yank this taffy further,

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:49 AM (U/Byj)

No worries, friend.

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at November 10, 2026 11:53 AM (OlzlW)

129 1/3 of the GOP thinks it can be 2003 again.

They haven’t realized that the DNC has moved on from the 2003 DNC as much or more than MAGA has moved on from the 2003 GOP.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at November 10, 2026 11:53 AM (acnyG)

130 calcified
Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:49 AM (U/Byj)

You couldn't very well use annealed after I just did.

Posted by: ... at November 10, 2026 11:54 AM (w6LVP)

131 Dole was wounded in the arm I believe. Always held a pencil in that hand. Funny guy, very sharp dry wit. My favorite thing was that he'd do the "T" with the hands thing, like a sports time-out, to signal another senator to do a quorum call (these are essentially time-outs in the Senate).

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:54 AM (U/Byj)

132 Overwhelming Droves used to tour with Motley Crue back in the day.

Posted by: Music nerd at November 10, 2026 11:55 AM (2Ez/1)

133 With a blue Texas the popular vote is moot.

Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at November 10, 2026 11:55 AM (GW+4b)

134 Eighteen minutes of Krejci:
youtube.com/watch?v=x97eevud_Ks

Twenty two minutes of Krajci:
youtube.com/watch?v=sAkCrbJ-YnA

Posted by: gp at November 10, 2026 11:55 AM (Jr5Lq)

135 Thought they toured with Mostly Cruel.

Posted by: Anna Puma at November 10, 2026 11:55 AM (2GVsD)

136 ... both parties, but especially the Republicans, have subscribed to the "next person in line" method of favoring candidates for the presidential nominee. First example of this, Bob Dole.
----

I don't think even Bob Dole was *excited* about the possibility of a Bob Dole Presidency.

Posted by: Crusader at November 10, 2026 11:55 AM (TN0g+)

137 "Yank his taffy."

Is that what you kids are calling it now?

Posted by: Grandpa Simpson at November 10, 2026 11:56 AM (2Ez/1)

138

Ahmed Moor
@AhmedMoor

My name is Ahmed Moor and I’m running for US Senate here in PA (election 202

. I’m running to end the war in Iran and to promote the dignity agenda: free healthcare, free childcare, and affordable housing.

I’m calling for accountability for genocide, for ICE and for corruption. And finally, for the protection of our civil liberties in America. Join the fight at moorforsenate.com

https://t.ly/vQs_4

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 10, 2026 11:56 AM (Cqx++)

139 I remember when the high and mighty mainstream Dems made fun of McCain's arms and Palin's children, there was no going back from what they are.

Not that I was offended. It was just the dichotomy of the "hate has no home right side of history" image they project and the c-diff shaped shitball where a heart would normally be.

Posted by: ... at November 10, 2026 11:57 AM (w6LVP)

140 "2028 will be a no incumbent election and Dems just won the house."

And GA looking pretty blu-ish, and TX possibly a battleground instead of the largest part of the solid base.

And GOP will have to field someone who can possibly take WI and MI.

All of it is possible, 2 years a long time, but not very encouraging fundamentals.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 11:58 AM (U/Byj)

141
That reminds me, should go watch Godzilla Minus Zero today.
Posted by: Anna Puma at November 10, 2026 11:48 AM (2GVsD)

We saw it yesterday and enjoyed it. Lots of Godzilla goodness. So, many great p[arts and set pieces.

I really liked the opening, where Ghidrah's theme screeches like a repeating musically alarm and the screen opens up to Ghidrah rampaging destruction.
Sent chills up my spine and make think "This is gonna be a good movie."

Surprisingly, the little girl is an excellent actor better than some of the adults.

Is it as good as "Godzilla Minus One"?...no, this is one of those movies where there's too much plot
and it gets in the way sometimes and slows things down.

Still, a very good movie and a fun time at the flicks.

Definitely, worth seeing on the big screen.

Posted by: naturalfake at November 10, 2026 11:58 AM (YSUhf)

142 129 1/3 of the GOP thinks it can be 2003 again.

They haven’t realized that the DNC has moved on from the 2003 DNC as much or more than MAGA has moved on from the 2003 GOP.
Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at November 10, 2026 11:53 AM (acnyG)

Much of maga still thinks in 2003 terms. On this very smart military blog everyone was cheering the BBB and tax cuts for the ultra wealthy, using 2003 talking points about job creators and whatnot.

Old habits die hard.

Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at November 10, 2026 11:58 AM (GW+4b)

143 Texas had a Democrat libshit governor not long ago.

Posted by: ... at November 10, 2026 11:58 AM (w6LVP)

144 Ahmed Moor
@AhmedMoor

My name is Ahmed Moor and I’m running for US Senate here in PA (election 202. I’m running to end the war in Iran and to promote the dignity agenda: free healthcare, free childcare, and affordable housing.

I’m calling for accountability for genocide, for ICE and for corruption. And finally, for the protection of our civil liberties in America. Join the fight at moorforsenate.com
------

Yeah, and I'm calling for you to be deported.

Posted by: Crusader at November 10, 2026 11:58 AM (TN0g+)

145 I don't think even Bob Dole was *excited* about the possibility of a Bob Dole Presidency.
Posted by: Crusader

Bob Dole isn't sure what Bob Dole thinks of this, but once Bob Dole figures it out, Bob Dole will let you know.

Posted by: The ghost of Bob Dole at November 10, 2026 11:59 AM (2Ez/1)

146 How recent was the Texas shift to Red, as compared to the Solid Democrat South history, Texans?

Posted by: tubal at November 10, 2026 12:00 PM (Gqar8)

147 r/TheBulwark

The 2028 Senate map looks brutal. Republicans must be shitting bricks on this one; a 60 seat majority is not an unreasonable goal!

Assuming the Democrats need 4 flips to get to 60, what are the realistic targets? Wisconsin, North Carolina, Iowa...Getting a 4th starts seeming tough.

And in 2030....Ted Cruz (TX) getting taken out finally... especially due to the electorate shifting he must be scared shitless now.

It depends what happens in the next two years. If Trump doubles down and democrats run Ossoff, every Republican seat is potentially winnable if Republicans nominate the wrong candidate. You don’t get more red than Mississippi and South Carolina.

During the next two years, the economy for “everyday Americans” is just going to get worse as a consequence of bad decisions Trump and the GOP have already put in place. voters in 2028 will rightly blame Trump for the unfolding disaster. Dems will take the White House and expand their congressional majorities in 2028. The challenge for Dems after 2028 will be to satisfy voters’ unrealistic expectation that Dems will quickly repair the damage Trump has done.

Posted by: Intercepted Reddit Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at November 10, 2026 12:00 PM (VAZHj)

148 Nood.

Posted by: Nazdar at November 10, 2026 12:01 PM (NcvvS)

149 One of the many tiny "WTF?" moments in the past 20 years was when the Dems openly mocked McCain for his age, based on some consumer tech use problem - in ads, I think, in PA (!!!). Outside FL PA at the time famously had the oldest age profile of any state. Couldn't believe it. Of course no price was paid, politically.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 10, 2026 12:01 PM (U/Byj)

150 Texas last elected a Dem gov in 1990 and a Dem senator in 1988.

Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at November 10, 2026 12:01 PM (GW+4b)

151 I think Bob Dole, I think Boner Pills.

Posted by: tubal at November 10, 2026 12:01 PM (Gqar8)

152 Trump has never been allowed a recess appointment and Thune isn't giving him one now.

Posted by: torabora at November 10, 2026 12:01 PM (K4NXW)

153 If everything is free, why do we need a Universal Basic Income?

Posted by: muldoon at November 10, 2026 12:02 PM (qgHp7)

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