Grassley will not stand up to Trump. Grassley is as responsible for the current makeup of the Supreme Court as anyone. Grassley represents Iowa and Iowa overwhelmingly supports Trump. Earnst is the same. South Dakota is at least as Trumpy as Iowa, probably more so. I have no hope that these senators will be any kind of check on Trump’s agenda because they would see it as political suicide.
Thanks for your comment, Tom. While past behavior certainly could guide what we will see over the next couple months, I think it is important to acknowledge that there is a pathway which allows Senators to advance the president-elect's agenda while still protecting the critical role the Senate plays in checking the executive branch. Ultimately, it is up to them.
Grassley and Ernst have failed all the past tests I can recall in any way of opposing Trump. Knuckling under to Trump on these facetious appointments wouild be the final failing. In Iowa I believe we still hold some respect for our two Senators, though for Democrats that respect has severely eroded. i do not see much loss of political capital if they resist and uphold the role of the Senate. Nevertheless, if they and Thune simply comply with Trump, we will know there is no honor whatsoever remaining anywhere in the entire Republican Party. We can then have absolutely nothing but foreboding about the next four years, and probably for thereafter.
Rhode Island Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said: The “Crawl Test”: Autocrats like to make minions crawl. Gaetz and Gabbard nominations will test Republican senators’ willingness to crawl for Trump. Should be interesting. (https://x.com/SenWhitehouse/status/1856831503658807544)
A question for Bob and his readers: As a strong supporter of Bob and many Substacks in the Writers Collaborative, I wonder—am I alone in thinking about how we exist in echo chambers and what can we do about that? While the Right seems to thrive in its echo chambers, I recognize the comfort of reading and sharing with like-minded individuals. Yet, the left-of-center echo chamber often reinforces shared beliefs without engaging dissenting views, limiting outreach, self-criticism, and broader impact. This issue isn’t limited to political writings but extends to campaigns and, most critically, to many elected officials and party leaders (it would be like in political campaigns in Iowa, when a candidate only knocks on D registered doors and expects to win.)
If addressing this means listening to Joe Rogan, subscribing to Mark Halperin, watching some Fox and NewsNation, reading the WST, or other. It might be being rocked to drink that awful tasting medicine and our moms said it is good for you. Occasionally stepping outside our echo chambers is something I will do more of.
Thanks Ralph, I very much worry about confirmation bias. I watch some Fox news every day, listen to WHO-radio a few times a week, and I have a few good friends i talk to about politics. I also subscribe to Rufo's substack. I've listened to Rogan on occasion. Charity Nebbe interviewed me and a friend before the election. i texted him a couple of days ago that the coup had begun, and he agreed.
Our federal delegation should face pressure from a broad coalition of Iowans. Each of us may have specific reasons to oppose a particular candidate, but together we can act. Individuals and groups can contact our delegation and use both traditional and social media (we have to get out of our echo chamber). Trump does not care, but I am writing our federal delegation that I care that recess appointments bypass Senate confirmation, concentrating power in the executive branch, reducing transparency, and undermining democratic norms. Without Senate vetting, appointees lack scrutiny and bipartisan support, eroding trust. Let’s remind our delegation: Trump may thrive on chaos, but Iowans demand accountability and governance that upholds democracy. MAGA world does not care; Iowans can ask our delegation to care.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Ralph. As citizens, we need to be engaging with our delegation. We also need to be advocating for the continued nurturing of established political norms because they are the guardrails of our democracy.
Today I read that Grassley looks forward to Kennedy at HHS. Grassley apparently is the complete right wing extremist many of us have feared. I should have known better than to expect anything better of him.
I interviewed Grassley once a month for 15 years or so. On occasion, and especially when Trump was President, I would ask him about what he wanted his legacy to be. He always replied that he didn't care about his legacy, he only cared about the work in front of him.
I'm not optimistic that significant resistance will be shown by the GOP. As for the incentive of not being labeled a coward or opportunist in future reviews, that ship sailed during the POTUS confirmations for Grassley especially, and for Thune, Ernst, and a host of other GOP senators as well. Frankly, I doubt they care. The term "scorched earth" unfortunately may apply to what Trump is advancing with his nominations.
Thanks for your comment, David. I am hoping that a few institutionalists will show up and protect the Senate. A failure to do so will set a significant precedent moving forward.
Thune was elected because he supports Trumps agenda- including his nominations. It’s delusional to think Grassley and Ernst won’t be complicit. They have always been Trump boot-lickers. It’s absurd to think they won’t joyously approve whomever Trump wants.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Megan. I think past experience demonstrates that while Rs have typically enabled the president-elect, they haven't done it "joyously" but have done it out of a sense of political expediency. At the end of the day, there is an off-ramp here for Senators to protect the Senate while still advancing the president-elect's agenda. Maybe they will stay on the freeway. Maybe they'll take the off-ramp. Time will tell.
"Delusional" and "absurd" are strong words. MAGA hardliners wanted Scott. More thoughtful heads elected Thune. I don't think its "delusional" or "absurd" to lay out a path they could possibly take and still remain in his orbit. We could certainly be wrong, or even likely wrong, but we aren't "delusional" or "absurd."
Ah, Megan. I feel the rage and frustration, too. They may not do it "joyously", but they will probably do it. They have no spine, no conscience, no shame; not sure one can feel joy without those three things. IDK.
Meanwhile, one day at a time - find your people - "make good trouble, necessary trouble".
Ernst should definitely confront Hegseth directly and ask him if he thought she was not a qualified combatant. If she doesn't or if she accepts any answer that future women combatants are not worthy, then she is not worthy of making a decision on Hegseth on his nominated role. If Ernst and Grassley do not strongly challenge Gabbard, then they are as much Russian assets as Gabbard is. Just an opinion.
Grassley will not stand up to Trump. Grassley is as responsible for the current makeup of the Supreme Court as anyone. Grassley represents Iowa and Iowa overwhelmingly supports Trump. Earnst is the same. South Dakota is at least as Trumpy as Iowa, probably more so. I have no hope that these senators will be any kind of check on Trump’s agenda because they would see it as political suicide.
Thanks for your comment, Tom. While past behavior certainly could guide what we will see over the next couple months, I think it is important to acknowledge that there is a pathway which allows Senators to advance the president-elect's agenda while still protecting the critical role the Senate plays in checking the executive branch. Ultimately, it is up to them.
I fear you are correct. But if Thune stood strong, others might follow. Trump might even admire it. He likes strong men/strongmen.
Grassley and Ernst have failed all the past tests I can recall in any way of opposing Trump. Knuckling under to Trump on these facetious appointments wouild be the final failing. In Iowa I believe we still hold some respect for our two Senators, though for Democrats that respect has severely eroded. i do not see much loss of political capital if they resist and uphold the role of the Senate. Nevertheless, if they and Thune simply comply with Trump, we will know there is no honor whatsoever remaining anywhere in the entire Republican Party. We can then have absolutely nothing but foreboding about the next four years, and probably for thereafter.
Thanks for your comment, Scott. I particularly agree with your point on political capital. We'll see how they proceed over the coming months.
Sadly, I agree. Thanks Scott.
Rhode Island Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said: The “Crawl Test”: Autocrats like to make minions crawl. Gaetz and Gabbard nominations will test Republican senators’ willingness to crawl for Trump. Should be interesting. (https://x.com/SenWhitehouse/status/1856831503658807544)
Indeed, it should be interesting.
I saw that! And should have used it. Thanks.
The key word s "hopefully," and I pray they choose wisely. The damage these appointments will and can do to the country will take decades to overcome.
Thanks for another important article. I hope they do oppose these nominations.
Margaret
They will only oppose them if they get pressure from Iowans. Thanks Bob and Andrew for laying the path for action.
Well stated. Hopefully Grassley and Ernst will get the message and do the right thing.
A question for Bob and his readers: As a strong supporter of Bob and many Substacks in the Writers Collaborative, I wonder—am I alone in thinking about how we exist in echo chambers and what can we do about that? While the Right seems to thrive in its echo chambers, I recognize the comfort of reading and sharing with like-minded individuals. Yet, the left-of-center echo chamber often reinforces shared beliefs without engaging dissenting views, limiting outreach, self-criticism, and broader impact. This issue isn’t limited to political writings but extends to campaigns and, most critically, to many elected officials and party leaders (it would be like in political campaigns in Iowa, when a candidate only knocks on D registered doors and expects to win.)
If addressing this means listening to Joe Rogan, subscribing to Mark Halperin, watching some Fox and NewsNation, reading the WST, or other. It might be being rocked to drink that awful tasting medicine and our moms said it is good for you. Occasionally stepping outside our echo chambers is something I will do more of.
Thanks Ralph, I very much worry about confirmation bias. I watch some Fox news every day, listen to WHO-radio a few times a week, and I have a few good friends i talk to about politics. I also subscribe to Rufo's substack. I've listened to Rogan on occasion. Charity Nebbe interviewed me and a friend before the election. i texted him a couple of days ago that the coup had begun, and he agreed.
Our federal delegation should face pressure from a broad coalition of Iowans. Each of us may have specific reasons to oppose a particular candidate, but together we can act. Individuals and groups can contact our delegation and use both traditional and social media (we have to get out of our echo chamber). Trump does not care, but I am writing our federal delegation that I care that recess appointments bypass Senate confirmation, concentrating power in the executive branch, reducing transparency, and undermining democratic norms. Without Senate vetting, appointees lack scrutiny and bipartisan support, eroding trust. Let’s remind our delegation: Trump may thrive on chaos, but Iowans demand accountability and governance that upholds democracy. MAGA world does not care; Iowans can ask our delegation to care.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Ralph. As citizens, we need to be engaging with our delegation. We also need to be advocating for the continued nurturing of established political norms because they are the guardrails of our democracy.
Today I read that Grassley looks forward to Kennedy at HHS. Grassley apparently is the complete right wing extremist many of us have feared. I should have known better than to expect anything better of him.
I interviewed Grassley once a month for 15 years or so. On occasion, and especially when Trump was President, I would ask him about what he wanted his legacy to be. He always replied that he didn't care about his legacy, he only cared about the work in front of him.
I'm not optimistic that significant resistance will be shown by the GOP. As for the incentive of not being labeled a coward or opportunist in future reviews, that ship sailed during the POTUS confirmations for Grassley especially, and for Thune, Ernst, and a host of other GOP senators as well. Frankly, I doubt they care. The term "scorched earth" unfortunately may apply to what Trump is advancing with his nominations.
Thanks for your comment, David. I am hoping that a few institutionalists will show up and protect the Senate. A failure to do so will set a significant precedent moving forward.
I'm not optimistic either, but will keep fighting.
You know what they say about acting the same way & expecting different results
Thune was elected because he supports Trumps agenda- including his nominations. It’s delusional to think Grassley and Ernst won’t be complicit. They have always been Trump boot-lickers. It’s absurd to think they won’t joyously approve whomever Trump wants.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Megan. I think past experience demonstrates that while Rs have typically enabled the president-elect, they haven't done it "joyously" but have done it out of a sense of political expediency. At the end of the day, there is an off-ramp here for Senators to protect the Senate while still advancing the president-elect's agenda. Maybe they will stay on the freeway. Maybe they'll take the off-ramp. Time will tell.
"Delusional" and "absurd" are strong words. MAGA hardliners wanted Scott. More thoughtful heads elected Thune. I don't think its "delusional" or "absurd" to lay out a path they could possibly take and still remain in his orbit. We could certainly be wrong, or even likely wrong, but we aren't "delusional" or "absurd."
Ah, Megan. I feel the rage and frustration, too. They may not do it "joyously", but they will probably do it. They have no spine, no conscience, no shame; not sure one can feel joy without those three things. IDK.
Meanwhile, one day at a time - find your people - "make good trouble, necessary trouble".
But they won’t. They are like many sexuallly abused women, too afraid to speak out.
Ernst should definitely confront Hegseth directly and ask him if he thought she was not a qualified combatant. If she doesn't or if she accepts any answer that future women combatants are not worthy, then she is not worthy of making a decision on Hegseth on his nominated role. If Ernst and Grassley do not strongly challenge Gabbard, then they are as much Russian assets as Gabbard is. Just an opinion.