i didnt want to say this but what the heck
WHAT IN THE HECK ARE DEMOCRATS GOING TO RUN ON?
President Biden went to Georgia, the land that is home to the most vulnerable Democratic Senate incumbent and the state that Biden won by the narrowest margin in 2020, to kick off his renewed push for a federal election law overhaul. Just the state was also home to the tardily John Lewis, a civil rights icon and longtime congressman, to whose retention the legislation is dedicated.
Is Biden being cynical in pushing legislation that is doomed in the Senate as a means to inflame the Autonomous base of operations, especially black voters, ahead of midterms? Is the hope that the inevitable defeat of the legislation volition spur further outrage and focus acrimony on Senate Republicans and abroad from Biden? Or is Biden sincere? Maybe he believes that this issue is badly urgent for Democrats in Washington to address, even if failure is certain—as the caput of the NAACP put it, without the legislation, "America may presently exist unrecognizable."
Maybe Biden really does believe that opposing the bills puts one on the aforementioned side as Jefferson Davis. But the fact that the legislation is explicitly being used to force per unit area Democratic senators to alter their votes on rolling back the 60-vote threshold for legislation in the upper bedchamber suggests at least a little pessimism is at work. Whatever combination of the 2 impulses are at piece of work in the conclusion by the White House to, forgive me, "become all in," on voting legislation and the legislative filibuster, equally a political gambit to kickoff a midterm election year, it's the pits.
The easiest style for me to understand what has Biden gnawing the scenery is that he is feeling the rut from within his own political party. There'southward the obvious part that we've all had to picket in gruesome detail. The progressive left is still seething over the failure of even a pared-down version of Sen. Bernie Sanders' social welfare spending parcel. At that place's anger at Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland, likewise, for declining to evangelize what many on the left wing believed were obvious criminal penalties for old President Donald Trump and members of his team.
Only things are getting more serious for Biden in his ain party. When establishment fixtures like Kathleen Sebelius feel entitled to take public potshots at Biden's handling of COVID, you know things are getting bad. On the defining issue for his term so far, Biden is losing the confidence of the public, which ways he is losing the respect of his rivals for power within the political party. Vice President Kamala Harris won't be the simply i sniping at Biden from behind the draperies as 2024 draws nearer.
So you can see the entreatment of democracy demagoguery for Biden. It is an issue that is hugely important to the party's activist base, and as a result is sacrosanct to aggressive political party leaders. Plus, it'southward a way to go along Trump in the conversation. While much of the legislation is essentially unrelated to the state-level election changes Republicans accept passed or are even so pushing—things like gerrymandering and campaign donations—the framing is that this is a nib to fight Trump and his henchmen who are working in advance to steal the 2024 presidential election. The best framing for Biden in all things is that it is either him or Trump in the White Firm, and this fulfills that narrative. And the fact that Democrats aren't looking to pass compromise legislation with not-nationalist Republicans certainly suggests that they might rather have the upshot than the solution.
There isn't actually a proficient place for Biden to get lay downward these days. The international scene is looking pretty scary, especially as information technology relates to Russia. That's always a possible distraction for a beleaguered president, simply Biden doesn't seem inclined to much saber rattling. On the home front, inflation is hammering consumers and the administration'south COVID response has gotten so incoherent that even in one case-reliable allies are out with torches.
So I certainly get why the White House is eager to invoke white supremacism and a Trumpkin behind every hedgerow. It's probably even generally sincere. What I don't get is why so many Democrats are going along with him.
This is a dog of an issue for the autumn. The idea that the suburban voters who volition decide whether or non there is a Republican wave are going to be interested in the Senate delay or stalled election legislation is merely silly. Given how badly Biden is flailing on inflation and coronavirus, this is not a convincing lark. Worse withal, it further empowers Stacey Abrams and other republic-is-expressionless alarmists in the political party. Smart Republicans know what a drag the election denialism and kookery in their own party is. Are there no Democrats willing to say the aforementioned is true to a bottom degree on their own side? Running around and screaming that we're living in Jim Crow ii.0 is a sure manner to tell moderate voters y'all're not a serious choice. Did they learn nix from the 2021 Virginia gubernatorial election?
At that place's not going to exist any more big legislation in Congress this year, unless something radically changes. It'south time for Democrats to move on from talking about Washington and offset focusing on state- and district-specific letters. I'1000 doubtful ballot law can shore up Biden, but it's certainly no utilize for his party anyplace beyond its already as well-frothy base.
TIME OUT: FLAWED-CASTS
Bloomberg: "While the overall audience for podcasting expands, the audience for private new shows is shrinking across the board. None of the ten nigh popular podcasts in the U.S. last year debuted in the last couple years, according to Edison Research. They are an boilerplate of more than 7 years sometime, and 3 of the meridian v are more than a decade old. ("The Joe Rogan Experience," "This American Life" and "Stuff Yous Should Know.") Merely a few podcasts in the pinnacle 50 ("SmartLess," "The Michelle Obama Podcast," "Frenemies") are less than two years one-time. And none of them are in the top 25. … Spotify, Amazon, SiriusXM, iHeartMedia and exterior investors take plowed billions of dollars into production companies. Spotify has spent more than anyone, paying about $500 million for iii studios. … Spotify hosts more than 3 million podcasts, up from a few hundred thousand simply a few years agone."
Holy croakano! Nosotros welcome your feedback, then please electronic mail united states of america with your tips, corrections, reactions, amplifications, etc. at STIREWALTISMS@THEDISPATCH.COM. If you'd like to be considered for publication, delight include your real proper noun and hometown. If yous don't want your comments to be fabricated public, please specify.
WEIRD IN WISCONSIN
In that location has been much said about the decision by Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson to become dorsum on his term-limit pledge. But given the intensity of Johnson's Potomac fever and its associated need for attention, who could really exist surprised? Information technology is certainly true that Johnson immediately became the most vulnerable Republican incumbent, and Democrats are wasting no time in hitting him where it hurts. Just information technology'south also true that the Autonomous Senate master there is shaping up to be a disaster. The frontrunner is Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, an ambitious progressive with Bernie Bro bona fides who is assembling a listing of endorsements sure to be unhelpful if he reaches the general ballot, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Worse for Democrats, there are as well many Democrats competing to exist the mainstream alternative, including State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Alex Lasry, an executive with the Milwaukee Bucks, and Tom Nelson, a county executive. If information technology is Barnes, this race could easily plough into a Beto-sized money pit for Democrats.
Fear Itself: A Suffolk University poll out this week says 51 pct of American voters are "very worried about the futurity of America's democracy." Only 15 percent said they were either "non very" or "not at all" worried. Republicans were significantly more fearful than Democrats. Threescore-one percent of GOPers were "very worried," compared to 47 percent of Democrats. White voters were far more worried than black voters: 54 per centum to 40 percentage. Voters age 50 and over clocked in more than x points higher for "very worried" than those nether fifty. Democracy alert seems to be significantly stronger amidst older, whiter, more Republican voters. This oddly explains how and how much the parties are discussing the subject. While Democrats are trying to get their voters riled upwards to get vote, most Republicans not named Trump are hoping their voters will calm downward and proceed coming to the polls.
Making the Rounds: How odd a figure to be a political lightning rod Mike Rounds is. The soft-spoken South Dakota senator'south statement of the obvious on ABC News—"The election was fair, equally fair as we have seen. Nosotros simply did not win the election, as Republicans, for the presidency."—has fatigued scathing attacks from former President Donald Trump and his defenders. Just Rounds makes a hard target given his unassuming style and workmanlike approach to his job. Nobody could say that Rounds was a showboat. He'due south also well thought of by his colleagues, as was evidenced by the support he got this week. Along with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Rounds' fellow South Dakota Sen. John Thune, even North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer, who has sounded pretty Trumpy on these problems before, threw in with Rounds confronting Trump.
John, Cubed: Politico: "When Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate GOP leader, which won't happen anytime soon, John is sure to supplant him. The question confronting Senate Republicans at present is: Which John? The conclusion by Senate Minority Whip John Thune to run for reelection sets upwards an intricate shuffle amidst a trio of Republicans named John to succeed McConnell. There's Thune the South Dakotan, McConnell's current deputy, as well as quondam whip John Cornyn of Texas, the ii favorites to succeed the GOP leader. Then there'southward John Barrasso, the No. 3 Senate GOP leader whom Republicans believe is probable to ascend to the whip job kickoff as Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell. … McConnell confirmed Tuesday he'll seek to remain party leader subsequently this autumn'southward midterms, no surprise given his goal of surpassing the belatedly Sen. Mike Mansfield's record for leadership longevity a year from now."
Inside EARSHOT: NEPOTISTS VS. ANARCHISTS
"You accept an increase of anarchists in this city, country. We have a serious problem with white supremacy. And when you talk about this type of security that I want, it's extremely unique."—New York Mayor Eric Adams at a press briefing explaining why he chose his brother, Bernard, assistant director for parking at Virginia Commonwealth University, as deputy commissioner of the NYPD. In the face of intense criticism, the mayor changed his brother's title to "executive director of mayoral security."
MAILBAG
"As the resident Dispatch expert on Wild and Wonderful West Virginia, I demand you to settle a long-running family debate for me: Is Bob Huggins truly the pinnacle of Mountaineer manhood? Please explain your reasoning, and suggest alternate candidates every bit necessary."— Phil Rexroth, Lorton, Virginia
I recall you're being a bit likewise gendered here, Mr. Rexroth. The Huggs sets a standard to which all W Virginians can aspire, and does so in loose-plumbing equipment, breathable garments. My hope is that for March Madness this year, he will accept his style to its logical conclusion and wear some kind of samurai robe or caftan … I am very serious, though, nigh the standards Coach Huggins sets. He is driven to exist the all-time, but obviously loves and cares nearly the young men who are on the journey with him. He is a ferocious competitor, simply has devoted the second half of his career to coaching in his hometown, even when other opportunities and easier paths to victory beckoned. I admire the heck out of a guy who sticks with information technology even when the residuum of the world looks down on his team and his state. With thirteen wins, WVU remains unranked, while lesser teams go fluffed up. Duke could lose to the Petty Sisters of the Poor and still be in the tiptop 10. But no affair: Information technology will brand beating Kansas on Saturday all the sweeter.
"I look forward to your new cavalcade, as I am a longtime fan of your writing (and political analysis). I run into the obvious similarities to your foretime Halftime Report, and welcome them—for the near office. By that I mean that you provide keen links to solid analysis and reporting done past others. At the aforementioned time, though, as you are roofing less topics—and broader ones at that, I would welcome even more Stirewalt thoughts on the topics earlier y'all kick usa to some other reporting. … As I say to my developed kids, in the rare case I take the time (and run a risk) to comment on their lives, I only share considering I care. Best of luck with the new gig. I will await forward to information technology every time I see it in my inbox."— Ken Levine, Lionville, Pennsylvania
I'm and then glad to hear from y'all again, Mr. Levine, and very pleased that you lot're eager for more, simply don't be too quick to make assumptions about the future! Nosotros're just figuring this new vehicle out. I oasis't even figured out where the sunglasses holder is. We volition see unlike formats and features as we become. Some weeks may just be an essay. Some weeks may just be a bushel of minor items. And while I would always honey to share more of my own writing, I'thousand spread pretty sparse these days. In addition to the work I'grand doing at the American Enterprise Constitute (much more to come on that in the weeks to come), I'yard finishing a book, writing a Monday column for The Dispatch and co-hosting a weekly media podcast. And that'southward before I even start talking nigh smoked meats, '80s boob tube, and complaining virtually the designated hitter rule.
"Much has been made of Larry Hogan's presidential ambitions, but as a Marylander and big Hogan fan, I think his chances of winning the nomination are somewhere betwixt slim and none. Assuming he is interested (a big if), what are Hogan's chances of seriously challenging Chris Van Hollen for his Senate seat in 2024? Go on up the great work, y'all rock."—John Quinn, Washington, D.C.
I assume Gov. Hogan is aiming higher for 2024, but as nosotros learned from then-Gov. John Hickenlooper in 2020, governors can become presidential candidates who become Senate candidates who get senators. Information technology'south possible that Hogan could follow the same path, but Maryland is a very Democratic state and unlike Hickenlooper, Hogan would be swimming confronting the partisan tide in a presidential year. Of course, Hogan is extraordinarily pop in the Old Line State, much more then than Van Hollen. Only getting Maryland Democrats to back a Republican governor held in check past a lopsidedly Democratic state legislature is very different from getting them to vote for a U.S. Senate candidate who will help make Mitch McConnell the bulk leader. It would have to be one heck of a bad year for Democrats for that to happen. I think Hogan has the right focus. While I understand the skepticism well-nigh his chances in the GOP primaries, in that location's going to be a serious demand for a candidate who can move the party across the by eight years.
"... whoever published the Thanksgiving stuffing recipe and repudiated oysters and fruit being in the mix, my female parent says he's correct on all counts. So there's that. I shouldn't accept to remind you that the 24th anniversary of The Big Lebowski is this yr. Since Steve Buscemi was your person of the year in 2020, I thought this Coen classic's milestone might deserve a write upwardly in the months to come. We look frontwards to enjoying it. I really wish that someone would practise a review of Don't Look Up referencing Jack Horkheimer. Peradventure that could be you..? In the concurrently, "go on looking upward!"— David Mancke, Spokane, Washington
The merry ring at The Morn Acceleration were right to laurel Mr. Buscemi. He's a swell dramatic histrion, funny as heck, and obviously skillful-natured as a homo. I accept always seen a great bargain of Peter Lorre in Buscemi, but Buscemi has now surpassed him in not but working years but in the diversity and depth of his parts. That depth is why the Coen brothers made his character the moral middle of Lebowski. Donny Kerabatsos' pure hearted friendship and love of bowling was the redeeming palace for The Dude to go when life got weird. Without Donny, the film could have been mean and stupid or freighted with a phony, sappy ending. So, yeah, I'm probably in a good spot to write a cultural thumbsucker on The Big Lebowski. I'1000 probably not going to write most Don't Expect Up simply because so much—too much—has already been said. Merely, man, thank you so much for reminding me nigh "star hustler" Jack Horkheimer of the Miami Space Transit Planetarium. I forget which hour of illicit belatedly-dark boob tube viewing brought Horkheimer to my childhood eyes, just I e'er acknowledged it equally a marker of beingness up very late and seeing something special. Also, your mother is right; but you didn't need me to tell you that.
Y'all should e-mail us! Write to STIREWALTISMS@THEDISPATCH.COM with your tips, kudos, criticisms, insights, rediscovered words, wonderful names, recipes and e'er good jokes. Please include your existent proper name and hometown. Make sure to let me know in the email if you desire to keep your submission anonymous. My colleague, the intrepid Samantha Goldstein, and I will expect for your emails and then share the all-time ones and my responses in this infinite starting next calendar week. Clickety ballyhoo!
DRAGNET FOR DUMMIES
Vice News: "Two Los Angeles police force officers were fired for ignoring a robbery in progress and instead trying to catch a Snorlax in Pokémon Go. … According to court records, a patrol supervisor chosen [Eric Mitchell] and [Louis Lozano] to reply to an apparent robbery in progress at the Macy's; several law officers left the scene of a homicide to respond to the call. Mitchell and Lozano, meanwhile, were in the area merely didn't respond to the telephone call and instead backed downwards an aisle and collection away. … Moments afterward, Mitchell and Lozano were recorded saying that a 'Snorlax … just popped up .. at 46th and Leimert,' and the ii strategized how to best catch the rare, gigantic Pokémon. 'For approximately the next 20 minutes, [the in-car monitoring system] captured [Mitchell and Lozano] discussing Pokémon as they drove to different locations where the virtual creatures patently appeared on their mobile phones,' the court documents say. 'On their way to the Snorlax location, Officeholder Mitchell alerted Officer Lozano that 'a Togetic just popped up,''referring to some other Pokémon."
Chris Stirewalt is a contributing editor at The Acceleration, a senior boyfriend at the American Enterprise Institute and the author of a forthcoming book on media and politics. Samantha Goldstein contributed to this report.
Source: https://sweep.thedispatch.com/p/stirewaltisms-what-the-heck-are-democrats
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