46 Comments
founding

“I believe that, as long as there is plenty, poverty is evil. Government belongs wherever evil needs an adversary and there are people in distress.”

― Robert F. Kennedy

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because i trust your perceptions, your words are able to stem the panic that's been rising inside me. thank you ...

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Thank you, TC for clarifying the dynamics of the debt ceiling conundrum. Your analysis gives me a sense of hope that "this too shall pass" and all will be right with our world.

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Thanks TC. A successful negotiation is one where all parties are at least somewhat dissatisfied.

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May 27, 2023Liked by TCinLA

I loved your reference to Brer Rabbit, the tar baby and the briar patch.

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I hope you are right Tom, the clarity of what you wrote has the ring of truth, we could all use a break and a nice start of what for many, especially the children, is their favorite time of year.

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"The best negotiating strategy is always to let the loser think he’s the winner." Thanks, TC! "

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May 27, 2023Liked by TCinLA

A great read to start my w-end. Dark Brandon may be flawed, as we all are, but I have gratitude daily that he is our President. It’s amazing how he weathers the storm throughout it all. The response from my Freedom Chaos Rep is classic MTG move ,filing useless Res 426 to impeach.

As hurricane season approaches here, I’m amazed so many are ignorant of all the man-made disasters.

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founding

Thanks for the savvy, realistic commentary on this clusterfuck caused by the GOP, the fascist party of hate and stupidity which is on course to be swept into the dust bin of history under the MAGA banner. One good thing that's come out of this mess is the revelation of just how evil the GOP has become under Trump's influence. As you point out, "Let's also bear in mind that, yes, these 'negotiations' should not have happened, and that the House GOP cemented for all to see their unseriousness and their overt desire to be traitors." When this is over, I think the arrest and prosecution of many members of "America's only truly criminal class," as Mark Twain called the Congress of the United States, is in order. The Orange Menace will probably appreciate the company.

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I've been following this debt fiasco very closely, because

MY debt ceiling; rent, groceries, electricity, cell service, y'know all those little pesky things that help keep you alive, depend on my SS and VA widows pension.

I read about most of what you

posted, Tom in Politico, NYT,

WaPo, TPM Substack and a

few others. It reads well and I

understand they're writing the legislation for it as well.

Am hoping and praying you're

all right.

I only have this to add. If the

Dems don't use this as a major good talking point and

take it to the GOP & Freedom

Caucus terrorists, I'm done.

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Thanks for this info.

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This is a case where a long-term senator like Biden has historical perspective to underpin his response to the GOP. He's been too silent throughout, but some would call it "cool". More Dems should have and could be at the mic pointing out the perfidy of the GOP. Playing nice is fine until a takedown is called for as it will be once the deal is sealed. I anxiously await a chorus of strong Dem voices.

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Even if it’s settled and passes, rumor mill has it their next move is further tax cuts for corporations and billionaires. They. Are. Evil.

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Thanks for analysis TC. Great morning reading. I fully concur with your perspective. Negotiations are all about “getting” something of what you wanted, not everything”

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I’m kind of feeling like I want to say I told you so, but I will refrain. However, it didn’t shake out as I thought, even if Biden did play out the clock. TC’s calming analysis is the most favorable take on this situation, and I’m guessing it’s exactly the calculus the White House is relying on. We give up little, or give up things we can work around, buy time for the debt ceiling, and block a government shut down.

Yet there are risks. Principal among them may be dissatisfaction among the progressive base and diminished turn out for 2024. The progressive leadership in Congress at the moment is sounding cautious, which is a good thing. But if the MSM reports this as Biden getting played, he won’t be able to run on being the great compromiser (a characteristic which “moderates” say they prize), and could be made to look weakened or diminished.

In another sense, Biden is protected on his flank by the Congressional maniacs who, if they succeed in blocking the deal in the House, give Biden cover for using the 14th Amendment, or consoles, or platinum coins to avoid default.

Another risk is that something unexpected happens, such as a sudden recession that would benefit from a fiscal stimulus which would be unavailable under this deal. A “Biden recession” could flip 2024.

Old Joe has nerves of steel, that’s for sure.

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TC, Thank you for this information. Good reporting!

Do you have any information about how much exactly was cut from the IRS budget?

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