Democratic Party

Speaker Of The House Mike Johnson May Lose Leadership During Unproductive 119th Congress!

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Speaker of the House Mike Johnson of Louisiana has been the leader of the House of Representatives (119th Congress) now for two years and one month, but his time as Speaker seems assured to be limited, and to end soon.

His House majority is becoming smaller, and after the announced resignation of Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, to take place in January, there are strong hints that some more House Republicans, sensing doom in the Midterm Congressional Elections of 2026, may opt out before then, leaving vacancies.

The 119th Congress already stands out as the worst, least productive Congress, possibly going back to the early 1930s, and the 71st and 72nd Congresses (1929-1933), as the Great Depression overtook the nation under Herbert Hoover!

That led to Democratic dominance for the next six decades from 1932-1994, and helped to bring about the New Deal of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Great Society of Lyndon B. Johnson.

If more House Republicans decide to take an early exit, suddenly, the House of Representatives could fall into the control of the Democrats, dislodge Johnson, and make Hakeem Jeffries Speaker of the House.

Even if that does not occur, there is a lot of discontent in the Republican Party with Johnson, who is seen as having “caved in”, being a sycophant and obsequious to the demands of President Donald Trump, and not concerned himself enough with pleasing his own House majority.

Hard to believe, but many think of Johnson as the worst Republican Speaker of modern times, which is saying a lot, when one considers his competition is Kevin McCarthy, his direct predecessor; Paul Ryan, who preceded McCarthy; John Boehner, who preceded Ryan, and even Dennis Hastert, the longest serving Speaker from 1999-2007, who ended up in federal prison on charges of sexual abuse of teenage boys.

By comparison, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (2007-2011, 2019-2023) shines as a brilliant House leader, regarded as one of the top few of all time, and now choosing to retire at the end of the 119th Congress at the end of 2026!

For 15 Years, No Republican Plan For Health Insurance, And Still None!

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With five weeks to go until 2026 arrives, the Republican Party, once again, has no plan or ideas about health insurance for millions of Americans, who have relied on the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) since its passage in 2010, to provide health care coverage.

The truth is that Republicans have been, as a party, vehemently opposed to Obama Care, to a great extent, because it is the accomplishment of former President Barack Obama, so the reality is that Racism is a major factor in their rejection.

For 15 years, Republicans have shown a lack of concern about this premier issue, and if it was not for Chief Justice John Roberts in 2013, and Arizona Senator John McCain in 2017, the Affordable Care Act would have been obliterated years ago.

This is nothing new for the Republican Party, which has been opposed to Medicare and Medicaid, enacted into law under President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 and 1966 respectively.

It is also the reality that the Republican Party has been opposed to Social Security since it became law under President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935.

Had the Democratic Party not controlled the House of Representatives for 58 of 62 years from 1932-1994, and controlled the US Senate for 52 of 62 years from 1932-1994, America would not have had these premier examples of social justice.

The fact that Congress has been so evenly divided since 1994 has complicated the ability of the federal government to deal with health care and so much else in a statesmanlike manner, and endangers the lives and health of millions of Americans, moving forward!

Republican Party Splintering As Doubts About Keeping Majority In Congress Escalates!

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The sudden resignation of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greeene of Georgia from the House of Representatives, and her denunciation of Donald Trump, and the threats from MAGA supporters after Trump denounced her, is causing a split in the Republican Party.

It is leading to strong rumors that other Republicans in the House of Representatives are planning to announce their retirement, as it seems clear that Donald Trump has no regard for them and their needs.

So many have bowed down to Trump consistently, while economic problems multiply, and foreign policy issues cause a massive split among many officeholders in the party.

Midterm elections ordinarily see a major swing to the party NOT in the White House, and Democrats, despite their own internal turmoil, are more likely now than ever after the recent elections in Virginia, New Jersey, California, and local races in several states, including Pennsylvania, to regain control of the House of Representatives in the Midterm Elections of 2026.

Additionally, the possibility of the US Senate switching to Democratic control is growing, although it will be a tough battle.

The Unstable, Unpredictable Behavior Of Donald Trump

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It is a well known reality that Donald Trump has unstable, unpredictable behavior.

Regarding Ukraine, Trump has been all over the map, so to speak, seemingly backing Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but now, suddenly, demanding Ukraine make major concessions to Russia, after nearly four years of war and sacrifice.

Therefore, Trump is behaving like Neville Chamberlain of Great Britian with Adolf Hitler at the Munich Conference over the future of Czechoslovakia in 1938, which led to World War II, and Chamberlain being labeled as an “appeaser”!

Regarding New York City and its new Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, Trump termed Mamdani a “Communist”, and threatened cutoff of aid to the city, being totally hostile.

But suddenly, yesterday, there could not have been a more cordial, friendly meeting between the two men, with Trump wishing that Mamdani have a successful Mayoralty, truly mind blowing.

At the same time, Trump threatens execution of Democratic critics who warned military personnel against obeying illegal orders, as the military takes an oath to the US Constitution, not to any specific government leader, including the President.

This has led to death threata against these legislators.

So Trump’s behavior is unpredictable and dangerous, as there are signs that he has dementia, falls asleep in public, and makes irrational statements daily.

Trump Threats To Execute Political Opponents Escalating The Constitutional Crisis That Trump Represents!

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Donald Trump, crazily, has accused Democratic political opponents in Congress of sedition, punishable by death, because of them stating that soldiers in the military do not have to obey illegal orders against the Constitution of the United States. They swear allegiance to the Constitution, not to a particular President or administration.

Six lawmakers, Senators Mark Kelly of Arizona Navy) and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan (CIA and Department Of Defense analyst), and House members Jason Crow of Colorado (Army), Chris DeLuzio of Pennsylvania (Navy), Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire (Navy), and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania (Air Force) reacted in condemnation, and now face death threats perpetrated by Trump’s denunciation of them.

This threat by Trump is “an alarm bell in the night”, a danger sign that the nation is moving ever closer to an authoritarian Fascist dictatorship, if the Republican Party in Congress, and the Supreme Court majority do not react in fierce opposition!

It is clear that Donald Trump is “running scared”, as he suffers defeats in federal courts, and has his own MAGA Republicans backing away from him regarding the Epstein Scandal, where he was forced to give in, as a few courageous Republicans defied him in wanting to release the records.

The entire Congress has gone along on wanting the revelation of who was involved in the abuse of young women and girls by wealthy and powerful individuals, including Donald Trump himself!

Momentous Day: Robert F. Kennedy Centennial And Joe Biden’s 83rd Birthday!

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Today, November 20, is a momentous day, as it is the Centennial of the birth of Robert K. Kennedy, former Attorney General, US Senator, and Democratic Presidential contender in 1968 before his tragic assassination.

It is also the 83rd Birthday of former President Joe Biden, who saw RFK as his model, being 17 years older, but sharing the same birthday.

Biden had a bust of RFK on his desk in the White House, and it was always evident when he was sitting and being interviewed on camera.

Joe Biden is under constant attack by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans, but he will be rated much higher in history than Donald Trump could ever hope for.

Biden is a President who is not fully appreciated, but already is in the mid teens in ratings of Presidents, such as the Siena College Research Institute Poll of 2022 and the American Political Science Association Poll of 2024, while Trump is last or near last in both surveys.

This is a day to celebrate for both Robert F. Kennedy and Joe Biden, but also sad that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, the namesake of his father, has so disgraced his family name by his lunatic behavior as Secretary of Health and Human Services for Donald Trump, as well as his disgraceful personal behavior throughout his life, indicating a low standard of ethics and morals!

Donald Trump Backtracking On Tariffs And Immigration Somewhat, But Denies Reversal!

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Donald Trump made having high protective tariffs and strict immigration enforcement two of his key policies when he began his second term in the Presidency.

But now, Trump is backtracking on both tariffs and immigration, as he has come to realize that it is undermining his public opinion ratings.

So with the higher cost of living, known as “affordability”, affecting millions of Americans, suddenly, tariffs on tomatoes, beef, coffee, and bananas, and other products are coming down, with cutting of tariffs on these goods coming from foreign nations.

On immigration, while ICE raids are continuing in an abusive manner, suddenly, Trump is realizing that there are immigrants with particular skills and talents, who now he says are essential to be allowed to migrate to America and contribute to American economic growth.

Clearly, after ten months in office, and after Democrats won handily in the various races that took place two weeks ago, Donald Trump is “caving in”, as his public opinion ratings are in free fall, in the mid 30s!

Eight Democratic Senators Caving In To End Government Shutdown, But Will Health Care Be Sacrificed By That Action?

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The Democratic Party is at a crossroads, now that 8 Democratic Senators caved in, and agreed to open up the government, due to the deleterious effects of the 42 day Government Shutdown over the issue of the Affordable Care Act subsidies.

With government workers not being paid, and SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits not being available, and the aviation system in chaos, and so much else, these eight Senators, including two who are retiring in 2026, and the other six not coming up for election again until 2028 and 2030, chose to gamble on a promised vote on continuing the Affordable Care Act, but without a certainty that it will be restored for 2026.

This author and blogger realizes how difficult this situation is, and disagrees vehemently with this group of Senators, but it is a reality that the Democrats, being the party of the minority, has little control over what the federal government does.

So sadly, we may see the demise of health care for 24 million Americans, insuring more deaths and human suffering, with the issue one that should insure a Democratic takeover in the midterm elections of 2026, particularly after the amazing triumph of Democrats in the recent elections in several states and cities.

It is clear, that these 8 Senators will be condemned in history, and that will be their legacy long term. And Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has lost the ability to control his caucus, a tragic circumstance.

But beyond that reality, if Donald Trump is able to rig the elections through his promotion of gerrymandering seats in the House of Representatives, or utilizes ICE and the National Guard and other law enforcement agencies to police election sites, nothing may save the American Republic, just as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States next July!

The nation is in a major crisis with no optimism left that it will work out in a positive manner!

Republican Majority In House Of Representatives “Missing In Action” After Seven Weeks Of No Sessions!

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The Republican Party in the House of Representatives has not been in session now for SEVEN weeks, and Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to swear in Congresswoman Elect Adelita Grijalva of Arizona, all to prevent the passage of a resolution to make the “Epstein Files” public!

It is shocking that Mike Johnson has given a tax paid “free vacation” to his party membership, while Democrats are still showing up during the now 37 days government shutdown over the Trump administration denying health care coverage to tens of millions of Americans, and refusing to pay government employees their pay, while expecting them to work.

If there was any better argument for every Republican to lose his seat in the House of Representatives, it is now!

Never has the House of Representatives in modern times had such a long period of no sessions or work, and there needs to be public outcry at the scandalous behavior of Speaker Johnson and the House majority!

Magnificent Victory On All Fronts, And Repudiation Of Trump And MAGA!

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American Democracy survives, as on Election Day 2025, there was a magnificent victory on all fronts by Democrats, everywhere one looked!

From the victory of a Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani as New York City Mayor, to a moderate centrist Democrat Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey elected as Governors, to a 2-1 victory for the Proposition of reapportionment of House seats in California, and even the retention of three state Supreme Court Justices in Pennsylvania, Democrats revived after the tragedy of the Presidential Election of 2024.

The Democratic Party showed its diversity, with a Muslim NYC Mayor, and Women Governors with military background in Virginia and New Jersey!

With all of the disillusionment the Democrats have gone through this past year since Donald Trump was elected, the reality remains that the Democratic Party IS “the party of the people”, of all backgrounds, and its diversity is its strength!

The Republican Party has become a party of sycophants to an authoritarian Fascist dictator wannabe, who is mentally deficient, mean spirited, cruel, heartless, and promoting an attack on democracy and the rule of law.

The Republicans are primarily a party of those who promote racism, nativism, misogyny, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and homophobia, allowing extremist white supremacist Christianity to become its central message, even though Donald Trump is, most certainly, totally irreligious!