… Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) “I’m not interested in calling on the resignation of other world leaders. Frankly, I think that would spiral Ukraine into chaos right now, trying to find who is the negotiator.”
… Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) also disagrees: “Diplomacy and statesmanship seem to have been checked at the door of the Oval Office today. Ukraine is an ally in pursuit of free markets, free speech, and free people—Western values that align with our own. A win for Putin, on the other hand, does not. I am hopeful that our countries can get back to the table and advance the prospects of a just and lasting peace.”
… Sen. Lisa Murkowski also disagreed with Trump: “This week started with admin officials refusing to acknowledge that Russia started the war in Ukraine. It ends with a tense, shocking conversation in the Oval Office and whispers from the WH that they may try to end all US support for Ukraine. I know foreign policy is not for the faint of heart, but right now, I am sick to my stomach as the admin appears to be walking away from our allies and embracing Putin, a threat to democracy and US values around the world.”
Well if he is intending on going after everyone who disagrees with him in the US - he will be kept pretty busy as so many people are speaking up all over the place.
Thom, Can you please delve into whatever you know about what happened in Helsinki when Trump and Putin emerged from private talks, with Vald sporting an almost comical smirk of satisfaction and Donald visibly in shock and at first nearly unable to talk, until finally speaking in full support of Vlad? That meeting was critical, it seems to me. The translators' notes, as I understand, were confiscated, and Vlad speaks English. Do you have any sound information about what came down at that meeting? I suspect that it set the terms of Donald's relationship with Russia. It's a black hole and, it seems, a very significant one. Thank you -- for all you do.
Doris, no one will ever know what went on between Trump and Vlad. There were only three people in the room, Trump, Putin and a Russian translator. (Vlads's lad)
Watching Vermonters speak truth to Vance after his immoral Zelensky ambush gave me hope. Watching Fox News call the ambush "Nobel Peace Prize" worthy took it away. I keep coming back to, how can a population this ignorant sustain a democracy?
James Baldwin, the great African-American writer and civil rights activist, once said, “It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, aligned with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.”
My father and uncles fought in WWII to defeat exactly such fascists as we are currently struggling against in our own leadership. We must honor all our veterans by continuing that fight.
About the sycophants, Jess Piper said, “flipping on a leader like Zelenskyy for a traitor like Trump”. The sucking up is sycophancy to an extreme. We saw the two liars jump a chief of state for the news footage. Anything to stay in power. Disgusting conduct. Their mothers would not be proud. Watching a felon’s abusing, vile attack on a guest head of state will be remembered as a low point in our diplomatic history.
Those Republicans trying to revise what happened to make it look like Zelenskyy was disrespecting us are charlatans and sycophants. Zelenskyy was quite respectful, and his hosts were not.
Countries that do not allow felons should stick to their guns and ban our felon-in-chief. Please. Ban the asshole. His manners are disrespectful. Your women will not be safe. Your disabled will be mocked. Word salad will take weeks to find ultimately incoherence.
The Trump Administration has worn out its welcome quite fast. Vance’s skiing trip was impacted by protests, and he had to find a hidden hotel. We will do better next time, JD. Tesla dealerships have become overcrowded with non buyers. The Tesla brand has become morally offensive.
The Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stood up to the verbally abusive assault from two assholes. I have seen enough of the White House gas lighting. The smoke and mirrors from Musk is bad enough. The lack of civil manners when hosting a head of state was despicable conduct. Felons generally do better. As Jeff Tiedrich says regarding the revisionist sycophants: FELON shits the bed and then Republicans take turns rolling in it. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/lauding-ukrainian-statemanship?r=3m1bsr=3m1bs
On February 28, the same day that President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance took the side of Russian president Vladimir Putin against Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, Martin Matishak of The Record, a cybersecurity news publication, broke the story that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command to stop all planning against Russia, including offensive digital actions.
"On Face the Nation this morning, Representative Mike Turner (R-OH), a strong supporter of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Ukraine, contradicted that information. “Considering what I know, what Russia is currently doing against the United States, that would I’m certain not be an accurate statement of the current status of the United States operations,” he said. Well respected on both sides of the aisle, Turner was in line to be the chair of the House Intelligence Committee in this Congress until House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) removed him from that slot and from the intelligence committee altogether.
"AND YET, AS STEPHANIE KIRCHGAESSNER OF THE GUARDIAN NOTES, THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS MADE CLEAR THAT IT NO LONGER SEES RUSSIA AS A CYBERSECURITY THREAT."
Shoot one, warn a thousand Daniel. Turner and his ilk have been warned. If not for their political careers, then their and their families safety.
It is becoming obvious, that Trump has, and is developing the power even more, to reach down to the person. He really is taking a his modus operandi from that tooth brush role model.
Adam Garfinkle, Renowned Historian and Political Scientist, Discusses American Global Realignment. How Real and How Far Reaching?
We are in uncharted waters as President Trump coddles Russia, extorts Ukraine, threatens allies, and lays claim to Canada, Gaza, Panama, and Greenland. How much of this is theater and how much is reality? Does it spell the end of NATO, invite China to invade Taiwan, presage World War III? No one can say, but Adam Garfinkle -- one of the world's most experienced and thoughtful experts on geopolitics -- has graciously joined Economics Matters to discuss our nation's uncertain and sorely troubled future. Do listen/watch the podcast. But also read Adam's article, The End of NATO.
The Video, which I am watching at the moment is here:
Britain and France have put together a "peace plan", the coalition of the willing, that they are going to submit to Trump. What a sad world. Europe is a slave to Trump. Trrump blames Zelensky for the war and the death and destruction. And why not he blames women for being raped.
If you get hurt defending yourself, it is your fault because you defended yourself.
I tried to watch George Stephanopolojus interview with Marco Rubio last night. I tried, but my blood pressure was dangerously rising, as the immoral cowardly cretin, kept defending Trump and blaming Zelensky for the war. George, of course, did not correct little Marco.
We need to attack Musk where it hurts the most, his pocketbook and get him out of the picture. Tesla stock is sliding drastically and we are getting help from Mexico in the form of Starlink contract cancellations. Europe too is getting riled up. Without musk, trump will just be left to continue with his word salads.
We are descending into a second Dark Ages. There were a few beacons of light then, Irish Monks for one, Now I am afraid even the few beacons of light will be extinguished as technology allows for the tracking of individuals. They know who we are and they will come for us sooner of later.
Tiny litttle explosive drones with facial recognition make removal of high profile individuals relatively simple. But they can be used by both sides. Perhaps they will be.
Depressing, but accurate summary of the day. I'd like to take this forum to call attention to reports from Moscow media on Thursday, predicting the setup of Zelenskyy on Friday. I've only seen one mention of the obvious coordination between Putin and Trump beating up on Zelenskyy. I wonder why. Seems self-censorship operating in US news media again. Yes, we desperately need a charismatic, strong leader to be identified, one who will appeal to the MAGA cult, as well as to the Democratic Party's usual supporters.
Using our own Shock and Awe history might be useful as well. It came from an administration that was elected by a SCOTUS, not the people. This Supreme Court gave them free-reign.
A handful of Republicans could have spared us this disaster; they chose to do the wrong thing at the impeachments. Now they are doing it daily.
Unless the evidence that Putin holds comes to light, we must "impeach" these fascists in the streets, on the air, and ALL over the internet.
I'm not certain exactly what happened to you Thom, but it was only 15 years ago you were the one talking about America's pretense of "democracy on the march," and now because the Democratic Party has shifted so far rightward and is the party of American militarism, Zionism and McCarthyism you have taken the torch from the Republicans and are doing contortions to obsess about Putin while ignoring the dual loyalty Democrats and their aiding and abetting a genocide in Gaza. We lead the free world alright Thom. In sovereign nations bombed and occupied, in number of innocents massacred, in the rejection of diplomacy and in regime change around the globe. You paint things in the black and white of American Exceptionalism and globalism, seeing the world through an increasingly paranoid and nationalistic lens to excuse the treason of the Democratic Party (both parties are treasonous in their dual loyalty and the resultant protection of a dangerous and errant security state). Trump is owned by Zionist billioniare Adelson while Biden, Harris, Schumer et al owned by Zionist billionaire Haim Saban. It's interesting that you took my title and turned it to your own propagandistic purposes. https://barryjkaufmando.substack.com/p/the-empire-strikes-backat-itself
Barry - It is difficult to discern what your thesis is here. You chastise Thom for playing both sides of the fence? I have listened to him almost daily for decades. He has never appeared to be in bed with any faction of the D brand, but has always noted that the political class has been under the extortion/bribery thumb of the corporate capitalists, both sides. His guests have always been people like Sanders, Pocan, etc. In order to reach and stimulate thought, any speaker/lecturer must remember one cardinal rule - do not spit on the floor of those who have joined you for lunch. As to 'murkan exceptionalism, Thom has always separated the wheat from the chaff in this regard, I have never been confused about whose interests he is supporting - free thinking, responsible, deliberate citizens. I am certain he has captured the attention of many D brand folk who have been gullible about the righteousness of their behaviors, and given them more than pause to consider their allegiances. On the other hand, you offer we readers nothing but some kind of hick jealous grievance. Cynicism only works for the better if it is accurate, and your subjective rant comes up a bit short on relevant facts. Do you have any logical and workable suggestions on how to deal with today's topic, or are you actually a pathetic troll? You remind me of someone who beats the messenger because the message is not to your liking. That is something TFG parasite does by the minute. Is it your daddy?
Phuckwit. What is this shit about Democrats and Gaza Boris. It is Trump that is in charge, it is Trump that wants to cleanse Gaza of Arabs so he can build a seaside resort. It is Trump who is aligned with your patron Putin. Biden is not president you fool. He is not making policy, do you live in Earth2
You really are one pathetic mother effer of a Putin Troll.
Pressure Congressional Republicans.
… Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) “I’m not interested in calling on the resignation of other world leaders. Frankly, I think that would spiral Ukraine into chaos right now, trying to find who is the negotiator.”
… Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) also disagrees: “Diplomacy and statesmanship seem to have been checked at the door of the Oval Office today. Ukraine is an ally in pursuit of free markets, free speech, and free people—Western values that align with our own. A win for Putin, on the other hand, does not. I am hopeful that our countries can get back to the table and advance the prospects of a just and lasting peace.”
… Sen. Lisa Murkowski also disagreed with Trump: “This week started with admin officials refusing to acknowledge that Russia started the war in Ukraine. It ends with a tense, shocking conversation in the Oval Office and whispers from the WH that they may try to end all US support for Ukraine. I know foreign policy is not for the faint of heart, but right now, I am sick to my stomach as the admin appears to be walking away from our allies and embracing Putin, a threat to democracy and US values around the world.”
Lots more like this.
Impeach the bastards. https://jerryweiss.substack.com/p/to-stop-the-coup-impeach-the-traitor
Daniel,well done piece. We must simplify this 1. Trump is a Nazi. 2. Boycott all cos that advertise on Fox and CNBC.
Well if he is intending on going after everyone who disagrees with him in the US - he will be kept pretty busy as so many people are speaking up all over the place.
Thom, Can you please delve into whatever you know about what happened in Helsinki when Trump and Putin emerged from private talks, with Vald sporting an almost comical smirk of satisfaction and Donald visibly in shock and at first nearly unable to talk, until finally speaking in full support of Vlad? That meeting was critical, it seems to me. The translators' notes, as I understand, were confiscated, and Vlad speaks English. Do you have any sound information about what came down at that meeting? I suspect that it set the terms of Donald's relationship with Russia. It's a black hole and, it seems, a very significant one. Thank you -- for all you do.
Doris, no one will ever know what went on between Trump and Vlad. There were only three people in the room, Trump, Putin and a Russian translator. (Vlads's lad)
Watching Vermonters speak truth to Vance after his immoral Zelensky ambush gave me hope. Watching Fox News call the ambush "Nobel Peace Prize" worthy took it away. I keep coming back to, how can a population this ignorant sustain a democracy?
James Baldwin, the great African-American writer and civil rights activist, once said, “It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, aligned with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.”
My father and uncles fought in WWII to defeat exactly such fascists as we are currently struggling against in our own leadership. We must honor all our veterans by continuing that fight.
"that ultimate fate of our country and worldwide democracy in this new century may well be decided by people like you and me."
Truer words haven't been written.
About the sycophants, Jess Piper said, “flipping on a leader like Zelenskyy for a traitor like Trump”. The sucking up is sycophancy to an extreme. We saw the two liars jump a chief of state for the news footage. Anything to stay in power. Disgusting conduct. Their mothers would not be proud. Watching a felon’s abusing, vile attack on a guest head of state will be remembered as a low point in our diplomatic history.
Those Republicans trying to revise what happened to make it look like Zelenskyy was disrespecting us are charlatans and sycophants. Zelenskyy was quite respectful, and his hosts were not.
Countries that do not allow felons should stick to their guns and ban our felon-in-chief. Please. Ban the asshole. His manners are disrespectful. Your women will not be safe. Your disabled will be mocked. Word salad will take weeks to find ultimately incoherence.
The Trump Administration has worn out its welcome quite fast. Vance’s skiing trip was impacted by protests, and he had to find a hidden hotel. We will do better next time, JD. Tesla dealerships have become overcrowded with non buyers. The Tesla brand has become morally offensive.
The Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stood up to the verbally abusive assault from two assholes. I have seen enough of the White House gas lighting. The smoke and mirrors from Musk is bad enough. The lack of civil manners when hosting a head of state was despicable conduct. Felons generally do better. As Jeff Tiedrich says regarding the revisionist sycophants: FELON shits the bed and then Republicans take turns rolling in it. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/lauding-ukrainian-statemanship?r=3m1bsr=3m1bs
I highly recommend Today's Letter from an American (Heather Cox Richardson)
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/march-2-2025
It begins:
On February 28, the same day that President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance took the side of Russian president Vladimir Putin against Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, Martin Matishak of The Record, a cybersecurity news publication, broke the story that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command to stop all planning against Russia, including offensive digital actions.
"On Face the Nation this morning, Representative Mike Turner (R-OH), a strong supporter of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Ukraine, contradicted that information. “Considering what I know, what Russia is currently doing against the United States, that would I’m certain not be an accurate statement of the current status of the United States operations,” he said. Well respected on both sides of the aisle, Turner was in line to be the chair of the House Intelligence Committee in this Congress until House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) removed him from that slot and from the intelligence committee altogether.
"AND YET, AS STEPHANIE KIRCHGAESSNER OF THE GUARDIAN NOTES, THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS MADE CLEAR THAT IT NO LONGER SEES RUSSIA AS A CYBERSECURITY THREAT."
Shoot one, warn a thousand Daniel. Turner and his ilk have been warned. If not for their political careers, then their and their families safety.
It is becoming obvious, that Trump has, and is developing the power even more, to reach down to the person. He really is taking a his modus operandi from that tooth brush role model.
Turns out that Turner wasn't aware that DOD cjhanged the policy LAST MONTH.
These Republicans aren't going to become progressives. But they now have to see that we lost the cold war on November 5. That Putin runs our country.
Some of them will stand up to Trump if pressured. If I were Jeffries, I'd offer Turner chairmanship of the House Intelligence Committee.
How can Jeffries offier Turner chair of the HIC? Dosn't Mike Johnson control Congress and committees?
By the way is one hell of a video, I am listening to it as I type
Trump is a KGB agent https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-u4d6Zwdns
William, send this to Spielberg. It's an academy award winner.
How many times, only takes 2 to flip the House. This is how to get it, share power with Anti-Trump Republicans.
Here is a link and a video I think you will find of interest and helpful
https://larrykotlikoff.substack.com/p/adam-garfinkle-renowned-historian
Adam Garfinkle, Renowned Historian and Political Scientist, Discusses American Global Realignment. How Real and How Far Reaching?
We are in uncharted waters as President Trump coddles Russia, extorts Ukraine, threatens allies, and lays claim to Canada, Gaza, Panama, and Greenland. How much of this is theater and how much is reality? Does it spell the end of NATO, invite China to invade Taiwan, presage World War III? No one can say, but Adam Garfinkle -- one of the world's most experienced and thoughtful experts on geopolitics -- has graciously joined Economics Matters to discuss our nation's uncertain and sorely troubled future. Do listen/watch the podcast. But also read Adam's article, The End of NATO.
The Video, which I am watching at the moment is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUeT2O_X6vU
Britain and France have put together a "peace plan", the coalition of the willing, that they are going to submit to Trump. What a sad world. Europe is a slave to Trump. Trrump blames Zelensky for the war and the death and destruction. And why not he blames women for being raped.
If you get hurt defending yourself, it is your fault because you defended yourself.
I tried to watch George Stephanopolojus interview with Marco Rubio last night. I tried, but my blood pressure was dangerously rising, as the immoral cowardly cretin, kept defending Trump and blaming Zelensky for the war. George, of course, did not correct little Marco.
We need to attack Musk where it hurts the most, his pocketbook and get him out of the picture. Tesla stock is sliding drastically and we are getting help from Mexico in the form of Starlink contract cancellations. Europe too is getting riled up. Without musk, trump will just be left to continue with his word salads.
Chris,agree 100%. 3 things to talk about. 1.Trump is a Nazi. 2. Boycott Tesla.3.Boycott all cos that advertise on Fox.
We are descending into a second Dark Ages. There were a few beacons of light then, Irish Monks for one, Now I am afraid even the few beacons of light will be extinguished as technology allows for the tracking of individuals. They know who we are and they will come for us sooner of later.
Tiny litttle explosive drones with facial recognition make removal of high profile individuals relatively simple. But they can be used by both sides. Perhaps they will be.
Depressing, but accurate summary of the day. I'd like to take this forum to call attention to reports from Moscow media on Thursday, predicting the setup of Zelenskyy on Friday. I've only seen one mention of the obvious coordination between Putin and Trump beating up on Zelenskyy. I wonder why. Seems self-censorship operating in US news media again. Yes, we desperately need a charismatic, strong leader to be identified, one who will appeal to the MAGA cult, as well as to the Democratic Party's usual supporters.
Using our own Shock and Awe history might be useful as well. It came from an administration that was elected by a SCOTUS, not the people. This Supreme Court gave them free-reign.
A handful of Republicans could have spared us this disaster; they chose to do the wrong thing at the impeachments. Now they are doing it daily.
Unless the evidence that Putin holds comes to light, we must "impeach" these fascists in the streets, on the air, and ALL over the internet.
Thank you Thom. We have to keep teaching!
I'm not certain exactly what happened to you Thom, but it was only 15 years ago you were the one talking about America's pretense of "democracy on the march," and now because the Democratic Party has shifted so far rightward and is the party of American militarism, Zionism and McCarthyism you have taken the torch from the Republicans and are doing contortions to obsess about Putin while ignoring the dual loyalty Democrats and their aiding and abetting a genocide in Gaza. We lead the free world alright Thom. In sovereign nations bombed and occupied, in number of innocents massacred, in the rejection of diplomacy and in regime change around the globe. You paint things in the black and white of American Exceptionalism and globalism, seeing the world through an increasingly paranoid and nationalistic lens to excuse the treason of the Democratic Party (both parties are treasonous in their dual loyalty and the resultant protection of a dangerous and errant security state). Trump is owned by Zionist billioniare Adelson while Biden, Harris, Schumer et al owned by Zionist billionaire Haim Saban. It's interesting that you took my title and turned it to your own propagandistic purposes. https://barryjkaufmando.substack.com/p/the-empire-strikes-backat-itself
Ah, Putin's lackey finally shows up. I wondered what happened to you.
You must be overjoyed that Trump joined with Israel and Russia in voting not to condemn Putin's genocidal war against Ukraine.
With all due respects Barry you are one sorry mother effer.
Putin speaks.
Barry - It is difficult to discern what your thesis is here. You chastise Thom for playing both sides of the fence? I have listened to him almost daily for decades. He has never appeared to be in bed with any faction of the D brand, but has always noted that the political class has been under the extortion/bribery thumb of the corporate capitalists, both sides. His guests have always been people like Sanders, Pocan, etc. In order to reach and stimulate thought, any speaker/lecturer must remember one cardinal rule - do not spit on the floor of those who have joined you for lunch. As to 'murkan exceptionalism, Thom has always separated the wheat from the chaff in this regard, I have never been confused about whose interests he is supporting - free thinking, responsible, deliberate citizens. I am certain he has captured the attention of many D brand folk who have been gullible about the righteousness of their behaviors, and given them more than pause to consider their allegiances. On the other hand, you offer we readers nothing but some kind of hick jealous grievance. Cynicism only works for the better if it is accurate, and your subjective rant comes up a bit short on relevant facts. Do you have any logical and workable suggestions on how to deal with today's topic, or are you actually a pathetic troll? You remind me of someone who beats the messenger because the message is not to your liking. That is something TFG parasite does by the minute. Is it your daddy?
Phuckwit. What is this shit about Democrats and Gaza Boris. It is Trump that is in charge, it is Trump that wants to cleanse Gaza of Arabs so he can build a seaside resort. It is Trump who is aligned with your patron Putin. Biden is not president you fool. He is not making policy, do you live in Earth2
You really are one pathetic mother effer of a Putin Troll.
You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they've tried
everything else.
Winston Churchill
What will it take to get us to do the right thing??? America! America!?
Thanks Tom. Very worrisome.