Yes, please stand your ground and show the world you have a moral compass that will not unleash Hegseth on our own militarty and the rest of the world. Out military has always been the greatest fighting force (since the time they sent the British home back across the pond) and they deserve a leader that is so much smarter, prepared, capable and also has a moral compass. The US military has a warrior ethos and a warrior's concept of right from wrong - Hegseth is none of those things. Stand your ground and do the right thing.
I only disagree with your title. Did groups opposing Gaetz, not just Democrats, choose the correct strategy of staying out of the Gaetz debate? And failing to develop a framework going forward?
Democrats largely avoided making Matt Gaetz's actions a major public campaign, perhaps based on whatever temporary or perceived success achieved on Republican disarray during the R House speakership crisis. This allowed internal GOP conflicts to play out naturally without direct partisan play. Anti-Trump folks, not only D’s, may conclude this tactic emphasizes Republican dysfunction and Gaetz's role in the chaos. Iowa's federal delegation is off the hook.
But, was it a good strategy in the long run to let Republicans handle the Gaetz? I am thinking of upcoming battles over appointments and setting the groundwork for future exercise as a minority party to be reckoned with-think McConnell) However, for future battles over nominees or governance issues, groups who will oppose Trump's nominees, including Democrats, need a more proactive strategy, emphasizing shared themes like ethics, competence, and eventual specific weakness as a government with weak leaders all contributing to economic decline. A combination of these or other themes can impact public perception and prevent further normalization of problematic appointments, if not policies like no vaccinations, sharing military secrets with Russia or Syria, or initial steps to privatization of social security and medicare.
Did you know that both Reynold and Ernst both traveled down to Mar-a-lago to celebrate with Trump his winning election? Most people have been calling that kissing his ring. The ground is pretty slippery where Ernst stands. I called both Grassley and Ernest and asked they vet choices for the cabinet fairly and in the best interest of the interest of the citizens of the US. However, I have no doubts that both of them will vote for whomever Trump offers - now that Gaetz is out of the way. I do believe, WE must keep on them on every nominee, because none of them are qualified. However, if RFK, Oz are in - our health is in big trouble. ( I am a 40 yr. + critical care and public health nurse and administrator). Read about Biondi the fill in for Gaetz who defended Trump in his impeachments and the Georgia request for finding votes. She comes from ultra conservative Florida like Santos. Oz has big money in numerous fake medicinal cures. Plus, has promoted privatization of Medicare and Medicaid - lazy Trump would go for that - one more thing he doesn't have to worry about & more time for golfing. Gabbert should never have been nominated and has a shady past - joined Trump just like the rest for an appointment. We need to vet these people and protest!!!!
I am an optimist by nature. Our country has survived some horrendous times.
Slavery, the Civil War, WWI, the depression, WWII, Mc carthyism. Unfortunately, a lot of people died and lives were destroyed, and we were never as good as we thought we were.
I have this fantasy that someone will stun the Republicans as Joseph Welch said to Joseph McCarthy, “Have you no decency, sir?”
But Liz Cheney and all the military brass who served with Trump, could not convince enough voters.
I appreciate the encouragement and support for Ernst to make a difference by standing her ground. However, I have a different perspective about her military leadership, and also from second hand information. When I retired from the VA in 2015 , the HR assistant chief who processed me out was an officer in the same company as Ernst, and had served with her in deployment. He was not kind in his descriptions of her, especially her leadership and noted that she was a weasel who took credit for things she never did, and never shared credit. He retired early from the IA Guard in large part due to Ernst as she was so difficult to work with, and then took a job with VA HR.
Great column, Bob. I don't believe anything politicians promise in their campaign rhetoric. I suspect Ernst will do just as she did in 2021, when she and a herd of spineless sheep let the treasonous Trump off the hook. Now they are forever at his beck and call, and anyone who doesn't show complete fealty will be committing political suicide. This is what we've become.
It's highly unlikely Ernst will cast a public vote against a Trump nominee (probably not even Gaetz). It's much more likely this column will expose how far we've slid into autocracy, when Senators like Ernst forfeit their power and forget their past and their values. (I do hope I'm wrong.)
Yes, please stand your ground and show the world you have a moral compass that will not unleash Hegseth on our own militarty and the rest of the world. Out military has always been the greatest fighting force (since the time they sent the British home back across the pond) and they deserve a leader that is so much smarter, prepared, capable and also has a moral compass. The US military has a warrior ethos and a warrior's concept of right from wrong - Hegseth is none of those things. Stand your ground and do the right thing.
All they seek is a -
house with its own front door & -
a roof that won’t leak
If Ernst does stand her ground she'll surely be Cheney'd! Von Shitler is the Queen of witch-hunting!
Thank you, liberal dem from Urbana, Ia.
Again, well done and thank you!
I only disagree with your title. Did groups opposing Gaetz, not just Democrats, choose the correct strategy of staying out of the Gaetz debate? And failing to develop a framework going forward?
Democrats largely avoided making Matt Gaetz's actions a major public campaign, perhaps based on whatever temporary or perceived success achieved on Republican disarray during the R House speakership crisis. This allowed internal GOP conflicts to play out naturally without direct partisan play. Anti-Trump folks, not only D’s, may conclude this tactic emphasizes Republican dysfunction and Gaetz's role in the chaos. Iowa's federal delegation is off the hook.
But, was it a good strategy in the long run to let Republicans handle the Gaetz? I am thinking of upcoming battles over appointments and setting the groundwork for future exercise as a minority party to be reckoned with-think McConnell) However, for future battles over nominees or governance issues, groups who will oppose Trump's nominees, including Democrats, need a more proactive strategy, emphasizing shared themes like ethics, competence, and eventual specific weakness as a government with weak leaders all contributing to economic decline. A combination of these or other themes can impact public perception and prevent further normalization of problematic appointments, if not policies like no vaccinations, sharing military secrets with Russia or Syria, or initial steps to privatization of social security and medicare.
I always appreciate your comments Ralph--you always think of something I didn't, and you always add value. Thanks.
Did you know that both Reynold and Ernst both traveled down to Mar-a-lago to celebrate with Trump his winning election? Most people have been calling that kissing his ring. The ground is pretty slippery where Ernst stands. I called both Grassley and Ernest and asked they vet choices for the cabinet fairly and in the best interest of the interest of the citizens of the US. However, I have no doubts that both of them will vote for whomever Trump offers - now that Gaetz is out of the way. I do believe, WE must keep on them on every nominee, because none of them are qualified. However, if RFK, Oz are in - our health is in big trouble. ( I am a 40 yr. + critical care and public health nurse and administrator). Read about Biondi the fill in for Gaetz who defended Trump in his impeachments and the Georgia request for finding votes. She comes from ultra conservative Florida like Santos. Oz has big money in numerous fake medicinal cures. Plus, has promoted privatization of Medicare and Medicaid - lazy Trump would go for that - one more thing he doesn't have to worry about & more time for golfing. Gabbert should never have been nominated and has a shady past - joined Trump just like the rest for an appointment. We need to vet these people and protest!!!!
Thank you Linda. Please keep us informed about what is happening in your work. rdwleonard@gmail.coom
Sad. missed it. thanks linda!
Wish I could feel optimistic about this. Thanks for your diligent reporting.
Mr. Leonard,
That was very well stated. I hope Senator Ernst will stand her ground. It would be a breath of fresh air for us all.
Sadly, neither of out upstanding Christian senators are on the record as willing to vote against Gaetz. Iowa should be ashamed of these senators.
I am an optimist by nature. Our country has survived some horrendous times.
Slavery, the Civil War, WWI, the depression, WWII, Mc carthyism. Unfortunately, a lot of people died and lives were destroyed, and we were never as good as we thought we were.
I have this fantasy that someone will stun the Republicans as Joseph Welch said to Joseph McCarthy, “Have you no decency, sir?”
But Liz Cheney and all the military brass who served with Trump, could not convince enough voters.
I vacillate between hope and angry despair.
Me too...
Well articulated!
I appreciate the encouragement and support for Ernst to make a difference by standing her ground. However, I have a different perspective about her military leadership, and also from second hand information. When I retired from the VA in 2015 , the HR assistant chief who processed me out was an officer in the same company as Ernst, and had served with her in deployment. He was not kind in his descriptions of her, especially her leadership and noted that she was a weasel who took credit for things she never did, and never shared credit. He retired early from the IA Guard in large part due to Ernst as she was so difficult to work with, and then took a job with VA HR.
Well, now that I'm thinking back to it, my friend had to think for a moment or two before he responded. And, I was reporting at the time.
Great column, Bob. I don't believe anything politicians promise in their campaign rhetoric. I suspect Ernst will do just as she did in 2021, when she and a herd of spineless sheep let the treasonous Trump off the hook. Now they are forever at his beck and call, and anyone who doesn't show complete fealty will be committing political suicide. This is what we've become.
You ought to expand this to the other ridiculous cabinet picks of the newly elected President for the Registers Sunday opinion section.
It's highly unlikely Ernst will cast a public vote against a Trump nominee (probably not even Gaetz). It's much more likely this column will expose how far we've slid into autocracy, when Senators like Ernst forfeit their power and forget their past and their values. (I do hope I'm wrong.)