Is push finally coming to shove with regard to the collective West’s Neocon led war on Russia? It’s complicated, but it’s definitely starting to look that way. Yesterday Alexander Mercouris, of The Duran, stated point blank that “the Russians smell blood and they’re going for total victory.” He also stated that we can hear the conversations in the West beginning, debating how to back out of this disastrous war—they’re talking among themselves now, but sooner or later will have to talk to the Russians.
Hmm. Sounds like the bankers are not happy with the Ukraine War, it wasn't their idea and it got out of hand, but they absolutely will not tolerate a China War. Because the bankers foresee China continuing in its role as workshop to the world, and it is the job of America to shut up and consume.
Here are two interesting videos with perspectives that jibe with the idea that Powell and the Fed are using interest rate hikes as a weapon against perceived economic adversaries:
If you are like me, you are curious about what really happened in the Capitol yesterday. I'm hoping Mark will post on the topic later today and elucidate for us.
In the meantime, here's a few bits to read and watch and think about:
1. McCarthy really doesn't get it. In watching his post mortem today he basically talks only about himself. He can't refute Gaetz' arguments on the merits. So he doesn't even try. Count how many times he says "me, me, me". He doesn't get that this is fundamental. Are the Republicans going to stand up for the principles of the electorate which has given him power or not? That's what I heard Gaetz saying. McCarthy persists in claiming that Gaetz was on a personal vendetta against him. To me it sounds more like McCarthy had a personal problem with Gaetz, not vice versa. I think he lacks self-awareness. Anyway, you can watch this and make up your own mind:
2. I am pretty surprised that more House conservatives didn't support Gaetz 'on principle'. Here are the eight representatives who did: Andy Biggs, (R-Ariz.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Bob Good (R-Va.), Elijah Crane, (R-Ariz.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Ken Buck (R-Colo.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), and Matthew M. Rosendale, (R-Mont.). What happened to MTG, Boebert, Byron Donalds, Jim Jordan, Harriet Hageman, etc.? They need to explain themselves.
3. Sundance opines today that this upheaval was a long time coming. That House Republicans have subverted the voters' will for over a decade. Sundance says: "Suddenly, as if there was no background of repeated broken promises and a complete failure to deliver on any key request, Kevin McCarthy and his legion of professionally Republican supporters pretend they cannot fathom why the base voters are more than happy to support Matt Gaetz." McCarthy doesn't address this reality. For him it was all about a personal betrayal. Read this (and the comments of the conservatives who support Sundance's point of view):
Yeah, I meant to address this briefly first thing today, but stuff happens. I've been reading Big Serge and listening to LJ being interviewed on Russian TV--also some financial stuff.
Re #2, I believe Gaetz understood that the better tactic was not to push for a large number of GOPers to vote Kev down. That could have led to a split in the party that would be difficult to heal, as well as putting members from closely divided districts on the hot seat. As it has worked out, I believe that the transition to a new speaker could be relatively smooth because the new speaker will understand the minimum that's required to keep the party more or less together.
I also believe this has to be viewed in light of McConnell's defeat in the Senate that I linked to yesterday. Ukraine and fiscal chaos is at the heart of it all. The two are tied together because Empire has enabled fiscal irresponsibility and legislative dysfunction (obviously there are other causal factors, but ...). The fact that 90 House GOPers voted against the interim bill and forced aid to Ukraine to be dropped was already a massive defeat for the Ruling Class in DC. Combine that with what happened in the Senate--adopting the House bill rather than proposing their own--that seems a clear signal of at least two related things: #1 polling is telling the GOP that Ukraine is a losing issue, and that means they may ultimately run on that. It also means that the political rank and file have lost confidence in the Ruling Class leadership.
The cynic in me believes that the Uniparty still intends to fund Ukraine but I agree its gotten tougher. The conservative in me would insist on funding the southern border and insist on winding down aid to Ukraine. I don't think that double play was in McCarthy's playbook. If you watch his valedictory press conference he's still a pretty full on hegemon.
It's all very interesting. The House and Senate events, coupled with Dimon's interview and Goldman Sachs calling for more oil drilling, it all suggests something may be afoot. Or will be soon. Mercouris is saying: There will be a separate Ukraine bill; it will pass; BUT, there will be significant dissenting GOP votes--unity will be broken. Control of the GOP is slipping away from the Deep State. This will be a 2024 issue.
Re speaker pro tem, he's adjouring the House for a week?
McCarthy was an arrogant swine. After a few initial weeks of acting all conservative, he reverted to type. He broke his promises to the Freedom Caucus about dealing with appropriation’s bills separately instead of trying to ram them through under the radar in one go. Great quote from Larry Johnson over at Sonar21: "Kevin learned that the other McCarthy (actually Paul McCartney) was right — Money Can’t Buy Me Love."
Fascinating stuff Gaetz is doing. Talk about going out on a limb with confidence. I see a chance CR’s continue for awhile brought forward by the Senate to include some Ukraine funding that will pass both chambers. I realize the budget always starts in the House.
Thinking the border funding will be a tipping point for politicians future career plans. I do like concept of voting separation for different appropriations. Let’s get em on record kinda thing. Interesting only 8 Republicans voted against.
Plus things in Eastern Europe picking up steam, bank positions (Dimon’s) thoughts along with the border are creating critical mass.
Gonna need to add Jolt cola to my Cherry Coke. This one’s gonna get bumpy.
I’m a little uneasy about this whole situation, feel kinda like BHO did when he suggested folks not underestimate Biden’s ability to F things up, ditto for the Republicans. This could turn out to be a major dumpster fire, hope I’m wrong.
And on a lighter note, now may be a fine time to point out to the one or two who may not know it that the "row" mentioned many times above rhymes with "cow."
I had a little bit of trouble following the thinking of the GOP Establishment Congressmen who kept arguing that McCarthy has done a 'terrific job' but wouldn't acknowledge that everything Gaetz was saying is...basically...true. It is basically true that under McCarthy the deficits have just grown and the national debt has just grown and neither McCarthy nor the eGOP seems terribly concerned. I have to admit I'm with Gaetz on this.
Looks like things are exploding into reality on all fronts, including the Covid debacle. Let's hope Gaetz can get rid of Ukraine's last big buddy, McCarthy.
He's gone! Sometimes I love being wrong! At last. A pol being held responsible for his actions. He tried to sneak in more Ukraine money when most ordinary Americans are feeling the pinch, are against funding Nation 404, and the border is wide open.
Depends on what your outlook is. If you want Congress to get back to business as usual asap, then this is all very bad news. If, like me, you think that we are in a civilisational fight to the death, and that all swamp creatures need to be kicked out of office, then I really don't care about what happens next. Maybe this will remind a few of these creatures that their job is to represent the 50% of Americans whose voices are not being heard.
Perhaps the funding to Ukraine will stop or at least be interrupted for a while. If I were Vladimir, I'd stop playing defense immediately and seize the moment.
UA will capitulate? Their Constitution forbids this. Which pol/MIL person would stick their neck up? Further, RF knows no one from the West is trustworthy to negotiate an ending to 'No Nazism, No Militarism, No NATO'--The Putin Doctrine. From the plethora of articles/vids from you, the Duran guys, McGregor, et.al.....plus the latest EU misgivings about further $$/MIL aid, plus the paltry $11B (paying a whopping two months of UA salaries) that McCarthy will sneak past Congress....is becomes apparent that UA--->404 status toute suite.
How Conservatives Quietly Outmaneuvered Weakened McConnell On Ukraine
McConnell quietly acknowledged to his colleagues that the Senate bill including the Ukraine funding was not a winning issue for the party.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell suffered a stunning blow this weekend when Republicans in the upper chamber disregarded his repeated calls for prioritizing Ukraine funding by passing the House GOP’s short-term spending bill, which included no provisions for the Volodymyr Zelensky regime.
Publicly, McConnell pretended his move to finance the proxy war in Ukraine was temporarily tabled for the convenience of avoiding an imminent government shutdown. Behind closed doors, the Senate minority leader’s plan to indefinitely send U.S. tax dollars to Eastern Europe was shunned by nearly every member of his party who expressed discomfort with hinging the fate of the government shutdown on Ukraine.
Yep. Both sides of the aisle have massive interests in Ukraine. McConnell is corrupt and up to his neck in it too, as is Romney. This is not about protecting "democracy; it's about hiding their crimes.
Bingo! How else do you explain someone like McConnell getting in bed with SBF? It's a cliche as old as the hills, but it's a winner each, and every and time.....follow the money.
Hmm. Sounds like the bankers are not happy with the Ukraine War, it wasn't their idea and it got out of hand, but they absolutely will not tolerate a China War. Because the bankers foresee China continuing in its role as workshop to the world, and it is the job of America to shut up and consume.
Here are two interesting videos with perspectives that jibe with the idea that Powell and the Fed are using interest rate hikes as a weapon against perceived economic adversaries:
https://youtu.be/sv5vvqw4MZU?si=m2-uTdfpzl4STxH_ (skip ahead to at 8:42)
https://youtu.be/N-uSm4yvTDk?si=MzF3_T0ofWYGfQ3g (start at 39:35 to about 51:00)
If you are like me, you are curious about what really happened in the Capitol yesterday. I'm hoping Mark will post on the topic later today and elucidate for us.
In the meantime, here's a few bits to read and watch and think about:
1. McCarthy really doesn't get it. In watching his post mortem today he basically talks only about himself. He can't refute Gaetz' arguments on the merits. So he doesn't even try. Count how many times he says "me, me, me". He doesn't get that this is fundamental. Are the Republicans going to stand up for the principles of the electorate which has given him power or not? That's what I heard Gaetz saying. McCarthy persists in claiming that Gaetz was on a personal vendetta against him. To me it sounds more like McCarthy had a personal problem with Gaetz, not vice versa. I think he lacks self-awareness. Anyway, you can watch this and make up your own mind:
https://rumble.com/v3msj61-live-kevin-mccarthy-presser.html
2. I am pretty surprised that more House conservatives didn't support Gaetz 'on principle'. Here are the eight representatives who did: Andy Biggs, (R-Ariz.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Bob Good (R-Va.), Elijah Crane, (R-Ariz.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Ken Buck (R-Colo.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), and Matthew M. Rosendale, (R-Mont.). What happened to MTG, Boebert, Byron Donalds, Jim Jordan, Harriet Hageman, etc.? They need to explain themselves.
3. Sundance opines today that this upheaval was a long time coming. That House Republicans have subverted the voters' will for over a decade. Sundance says: "Suddenly, as if there was no background of repeated broken promises and a complete failure to deliver on any key request, Kevin McCarthy and his legion of professionally Republican supporters pretend they cannot fathom why the base voters are more than happy to support Matt Gaetz." McCarthy doesn't address this reality. For him it was all about a personal betrayal. Read this (and the comments of the conservatives who support Sundance's point of view):
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2023/10/03/kevin-mccarthy-tells-republican-caucus-he-will-not-seek-speakership-again-heres-my-thoughts/#more-251538
Yeah, I meant to address this briefly first thing today, but stuff happens. I've been reading Big Serge and listening to LJ being interviewed on Russian TV--also some financial stuff.
Re #2, I believe Gaetz understood that the better tactic was not to push for a large number of GOPers to vote Kev down. That could have led to a split in the party that would be difficult to heal, as well as putting members from closely divided districts on the hot seat. As it has worked out, I believe that the transition to a new speaker could be relatively smooth because the new speaker will understand the minimum that's required to keep the party more or less together.
I also believe this has to be viewed in light of McConnell's defeat in the Senate that I linked to yesterday. Ukraine and fiscal chaos is at the heart of it all. The two are tied together because Empire has enabled fiscal irresponsibility and legislative dysfunction (obviously there are other causal factors, but ...). The fact that 90 House GOPers voted against the interim bill and forced aid to Ukraine to be dropped was already a massive defeat for the Ruling Class in DC. Combine that with what happened in the Senate--adopting the House bill rather than proposing their own--that seems a clear signal of at least two related things: #1 polling is telling the GOP that Ukraine is a losing issue, and that means they may ultimately run on that. It also means that the political rank and file have lost confidence in the Ruling Class leadership.
The cynic in me believes that the Uniparty still intends to fund Ukraine but I agree its gotten tougher. The conservative in me would insist on funding the southern border and insist on winding down aid to Ukraine. I don't think that double play was in McCarthy's playbook. If you watch his valedictory press conference he's still a pretty full on hegemon.
By the way, Don Surber today doesn't disappoint: https://donsurber.substack.com/p/mccarthy-lied-buh-bye
It's all very interesting. The House and Senate events, coupled with Dimon's interview and Goldman Sachs calling for more oil drilling, it all suggests something may be afoot. Or will be soon. Mercouris is saying: There will be a separate Ukraine bill; it will pass; BUT, there will be significant dissenting GOP votes--unity will be broken. Control of the GOP is slipping away from the Deep State. This will be a 2024 issue.
Re speaker pro tem, he's adjouring the House for a week?
McCarthy was an arrogant swine. After a few initial weeks of acting all conservative, he reverted to type. He broke his promises to the Freedom Caucus about dealing with appropriation’s bills separately instead of trying to ram them through under the radar in one go. Great quote from Larry Johnson over at Sonar21: "Kevin learned that the other McCarthy (actually Paul McCartney) was right — Money Can’t Buy Me Love."
Tom Luongo looks at the Anglo-American picture and asks us to please stop allowing ourselves to be taken advantage of. I think he'll be a huge fan of the Dimon interview and your posting. https://tomluongo.me/2023/10/03/ukraine-was-always-the-uks-war-first/
Interesting show of gonads. https://dailycaller.com/2023/10/03/acting-speaker-patrick-mchenry-orders-pelosi-to-pack-up-her-things-vacate-capitol-hideaway-office/
Fascinating stuff Gaetz is doing. Talk about going out on a limb with confidence. I see a chance CR’s continue for awhile brought forward by the Senate to include some Ukraine funding that will pass both chambers. I realize the budget always starts in the House.
Thinking the border funding will be a tipping point for politicians future career plans. I do like concept of voting separation for different appropriations. Let’s get em on record kinda thing. Interesting only 8 Republicans voted against.
Plus things in Eastern Europe picking up steam, bank positions (Dimon’s) thoughts along with the border are creating critical mass.
Gonna need to add Jolt cola to my Cherry Coke. This one’s gonna get bumpy.
Someone nominated DJT for Speaker.
I’m a little uneasy about this whole situation, feel kinda like BHO did when he suggested folks not underestimate Biden’s ability to F things up, ditto for the Republicans. This could turn out to be a major dumpster fire, hope I’m wrong.
And on a lighter note, now may be a fine time to point out to the one or two who may not know it that the "row" mentioned many times above rhymes with "cow."
To any whom the shoe may fit, you're welcome :^>
Wow - McCarthy out as speaker…
https://nypost.com/2023/10/03/kevin-mccarthy-ousted-as-house-speaker-causing-congress-chaos/
I just received a Gaetz PAC fundraising email out of thin air tonight. How?
I had a little bit of trouble following the thinking of the GOP Establishment Congressmen who kept arguing that McCarthy has done a 'terrific job' but wouldn't acknowledge that everything Gaetz was saying is...basically...true. It is basically true that under McCarthy the deficits have just grown and the national debt has just grown and neither McCarthy nor the eGOP seems terribly concerned. I have to admit I'm with Gaetz on this.
X reports Kev has been ousted!!!
"May you live in interesting times" as the Chinese say is a curse meaning someone wishes you to live through Hell on Earth.
Looks like things are exploding into reality on all fronts, including the Covid debacle. Let's hope Gaetz can get rid of Ukraine's last big buddy, McCarthy.
Looks like at least 7 R's have voted to vacate so far.
See ya Kev.
He's gone! Sometimes I love being wrong! At last. A pol being held responsible for his actions. He tried to sneak in more Ukraine money when most ordinary Americans are feeling the pinch, are against funding Nation 404, and the border is wide open.
Then what??
Depends on what your outlook is. If you want Congress to get back to business as usual asap, then this is all very bad news. If, like me, you think that we are in a civilisational fight to the death, and that all swamp creatures need to be kicked out of office, then I really don't care about what happens next. Maybe this will remind a few of these creatures that their job is to represent the 50% of Americans whose voices are not being heard.
Less kabuki hopefully…
Perhaps the funding to Ukraine will stop or at least be interrupted for a while. If I were Vladimir, I'd stop playing defense immediately and seize the moment.
He shouldn’t and frankly won’t do anything stupid to rally support for Ukraine spending.
That may be too much to hope for.
It's a thin bench, but maybe one or 2 republicrats still have a spine. One can at least hope...
Exactly. It might also remind people like Lindsey Graham that people are sick of them and their stupid posturing about a country no-one cares about.
UA will capitulate? Their Constitution forbids this. Which pol/MIL person would stick their neck up? Further, RF knows no one from the West is trustworthy to negotiate an ending to 'No Nazism, No Militarism, No NATO'--The Putin Doctrine. From the plethora of articles/vids from you, the Duran guys, McGregor, et.al.....plus the latest EU misgivings about further $$/MIL aid, plus the paltry $11B (paying a whopping two months of UA salaries) that McCarthy will sneak past Congress....is becomes apparent that UA--->404 status toute suite.
Important article that supports what I just wrote:
https://thefederalist.com/2023/10/03/how-conservatives-quietly-outmaneuvered-weakened-mcconnell-on-ukraine/
How Conservatives Quietly Outmaneuvered Weakened McConnell On Ukraine
McConnell quietly acknowledged to his colleagues that the Senate bill including the Ukraine funding was not a winning issue for the party.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell suffered a stunning blow this weekend when Republicans in the upper chamber disregarded his repeated calls for prioritizing Ukraine funding by passing the House GOP’s short-term spending bill, which included no provisions for the Volodymyr Zelensky regime.
Publicly, McConnell pretended his move to finance the proxy war in Ukraine was temporarily tabled for the convenience of avoiding an imminent government shutdown. Behind closed doors, the Senate minority leader’s plan to indefinitely send U.S. tax dollars to Eastern Europe was shunned by nearly every member of his party who expressed discomfort with hinging the fate of the government shutdown on Ukraine.
We'll see...
Ya crusty old lawyer. LOL.
Yep. Both sides of the aisle have massive interests in Ukraine. McConnell is corrupt and up to his neck in it too, as is Romney. This is not about protecting "democracy; it's about hiding their crimes.
Ditto. Sickening.
Update (1435ET): The House is now voting on whether to move forward with the ouster vote, or to 'table' it - which would save McCarthy.
Update: The 'motion to table' has failed, and the House will now move forward with debate ahead of a vote on Gaetz's effort to remove McCarthy.
I should have bought more popcorn. If Kev goes down who are the Rs going to "run" against
Harkem(?) Jefferies (D)
Or perhaps the Capital Fire alarm ringer?
I don't think Gaetz will succeed, but it may keep Traitor McCarthy's feet closer to the fire.
I was wrong. Now I'm off to celebrate my wrongness. I wonder who MTG will sell herself to now?
Isn’t that the point? To uncloak these donor NeoCon supporters?
The donor money McCarthy and McConnell seems to fund a lot if anti Maga candidates.
McConnell Even got money from that crypto ponzi guy 🌐 Sam Bankman-Fried to fight Maga candidates.
https://slaynews.com/news/mitch-mcconnell-persuaded-ftx-ceo-sam-bankman-fried-donate-millions-anti-trump-republicans/
Why did Trump support McCarthy earlier in the year? Puzzling.
the Art of the Deal...
unfortunately, but I think its true, Trump is more about the arithmetic of getting re-elected than the principles that Matt Gaetz is fighting for...
My guess is McCarthy made promises that were not kept.
Emerald went scorched earth.
https://www.emerald.tv/p/the-gop-uniparty-must-vacate-the
I don’t get Trumps Ronna Romney McDaniel support.
What good does that donor money actually do? Where does it go to? The GOP needs to go the way of the Whigs and be replaced by something better.
Bingo! How else do you explain someone like McConnell getting in bed with SBF? It's a cliche as old as the hills, but it's a winner each, and every and time.....follow the money.