democrat

F&L: What To Watch In South Carolina

This may seem like a minor state contest, but in the greater scheme of things it’s vital.  The entire D.N.C. conceit of identitarian politics is being tested today, and we’ll get to watch in real time. (more…)

Fear and Loathing: The Conspiracy Against Sanders?

Most of what I write that’s not Gonzo satire is fact, or as close to it as I can come.  In this case it’s different; the entire topic is subjective, and what we’re discussing here is entirely about motives and speculation.  All I can tell you is what I’ve been told, what I’ve read, and what I’ve extrapolated from other sources; there’s some (more…)

Fear & Loathing: Yes, Nevada Is A Caucus

What you need to know going into today:  Nevada is a caucus state, but different from Iowa.  Every state is different, of course, but Nevada is very different.  And I’m not just talking about the prostitution laws, although that does hit politicians very close to home; no, they do everything differently here in the Sagebrush State.

To begin with, it’s a closed caucus; only registered party members can vote.  Which would matter (more…)

F&L 2020: Aside on The First Primary

New Hampshire, by state law, has the first primary contest in the nation.  Yes, I know; Iowa comes before New Hampshire — but that’s a caucus, not a primary.  It’s a fundamentally different sort of contest, at least in a technical sense.  And technicalities are the soul of the law.

(Ideally we’d have a legal system based on right and wrong, but you end up with squabbles over which is which.  Technicalities is the best we can do.  Anyway.)

Now that New Hampshire and Iowa are both over with, it’s somewhat remarkable that the so-called “Party of Inclusivity” has ended up with four old white people (more…)

On The Art Of Political Suicide

A year ago, Maine’s Senator Susan Collins committed political suicide live in front of the nation.

It’s safe to say that wasn’t her intention.  But hers was the last, and deciding, swing vote in the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings, and that’s what everyone remembers.  Most of the Senate made their decisions early, whether along party lines or for other causes — not the least of which being to avoid the limelight; there’s no way to win votes on something like this.  (Heck, even I recused myself.)  But Collins didn’t rush. (more…)

TRIGGERED: Common Sense Gun Control

This is not being written in response to any particular event.  There was probably one today or yesterday or last week, and CNN no doubt covered it with their usual attention to detail and mechanical concern.  I’m probably pretty sad about it myself.  This is why I’m writing this article on a day when the headlines are about something else.  It’s important to keep perspective.  You can’t create effective policy and solve social problems when you’re too busy yelling or sobbing or both.

Trouble is, I’m furious.  Even today, I can’t help but be furious (more…)

Sure They Were Faked. So What?

It’s a big photo, well-shot and finely detailed.  Blow it up a little and you can clearly see:  This is to the side of an open vehicle gate.  It is, as we can see from other photos, at a secure parking lot.  Not only does this section of fence hold nobody inside, there’s a great big wide-open hole right next to the cameraman.

If you’re unfamiliar with the subject matter, this is AOC on a promotional photo shoot from when she was first running for office.  She’s seen here weeping crocodile tears for the camera outside a temporary tent city set up for the processing of migrant asylum-seekers.

The Internet is making fun of her for having posed for the pictures.  Her office has issued indignant denials; that’s real emotion, they say.

And I say:  So what? (more…)

Dropping Out In 2020

CNN informs us that four in five Iowans want some of the Democrats presently running for president to drop out of the race before they caucus in February.  That’s fair enough; last I heard, there’s somewhere between 170 and 230 Democrats with active campaigns right now, and only half a dozen are polling above 1%.

And it’s reasonable from the standpoint of the average voter.  After all, who has the time to get to know even the major candidates?  Besides, it’s not as though there aren’t at least two championing every unique position.  For my own reference, I’ve been maintaining a 2020 candidate guidebook to help me keep track of the top thirty or so; I’m quite happy to share it with you. (more…)