Andy, I think the ever obliging George Soros should gift a free copy of TBR to every politician! 😉I think it would be a such a wonderful way to use his limitless billions and he would get great good karma! 😂💕
Oh, I totally agree with that statement in 99.9999% of the cases; however, I think we cannot get rid of the money in elections in the short term but we might well do so with Paxton. I was prioritizing to keep that hideous creature from ever winning a Senate seat. Once elected, it's FAR harder to get rid of them.
Hawaii just made it illegal in their state, Nebraska intends to do the same and we must demand EVERY state do it - Robert Reich has said this would effectively end Citizens United...
That is the absolute best solution if we can't get a federal one. However, making that happen has to start with electing a majority of state reps who would vote for such a thing. That is unlikely to happen in Texas...for a good while. I want to be clear, I'm not disagreeing with what you say. I'm just pointing out that making it happen will take far longer than preventing the election of Ken Paxton--a possibility that will likely to make it harder to achieve that particular goal. I'm taking a pragmatic approach to politics these days. We have tried doing the "right thing" until people willing to do ANYTHING have managed to make us irrelevant in the halls of power and are doing the WORST. Sometimes you absolutely have to fight fire with fire, and, sadly, it is time to do that. If throwing money into this race brings a loss for Paxton, I have to compromise on my principles. However, I definitely understand the need and desire to stick by yours. I hope your way prevails. I'd like to be proved wrong by that outcome.
Very funny Andy, hey, I get an email from "Warren for Senate", daily and she is not even running. Speaking of abiding, Talarico is one of the few Texas politicians that I can abide. Back to the appears, the problem is even if you give, they do not stop coming. We were giving a monthly amount to the Democratic Party, but the appeals were still incessant and clueless. So we bagged that to focus on individual races.
I no longer contribute to the Democratic Party from my meager retirement funds. Sometimes I'm not aligned with their choices. Like you, I will contribute now & again to individual races.
The send Jerry Falwell a brick campaign in the 80’s eviscerated the direct mail campaigns. Was fortunate enough to use that against other conservative campaigns too. Would be really surprised if anyone does that now, very little solids cost in email, maybe that why internet was developed.
Ya know, you could write something obnoxiously obscene and scathing then return to sender. I have done that in the past with republican junk mail. It seems to work.
the 100+ emails I get every day 80+% is easily begging for money... "the sky is falling" "the r's have millions against me"..I'm so done with this....we are winning without the damn money....
Are you kidding? Paxton will become US Attorney General when Todd Blanche, while plenty loyal , lacks the requisite Toxicity to suit the Emperor. I am surprised given the Hegseth mess, the Department of Justice has not been relabeled the Department of Mandatory Compliance.
He could be a godfather. Well, in my Latino Catholic family that would be an honorary role for an esteemed male friend or relative. Not sure Protestants do the same. ¡Qué lástima!
My late friend Valerie explained that to me one day. She could deliver poison with a smile. Her mother was from Alabama, her father was a New York Jew. Her sweet sarcasm was wondrous. I do miss that woman.
Good one, Andrew! The American people have a propensity for ignoring candidate's criminal past. Look at Rick Scott from Florida who was guilty of the largest Medicare fraud in the plan's history. MAGAots are truly uninformed people...or just plain stupid and immoral.
Especially noticeable when you read those NYT interviews with voters who say they’ve been negatively affected—like higher gas prices tied to the conflict—yet still say they’d vote for him again. Hard to make sense of that. Go figure.
The real reason Paxton dislikes Talarico is that the latter is unlikely to pursue sexually harassing every female member of staff, since he's a polite and upstanding man who considers that behavior to be inappropriate. It completely undercuts Paxton's joyful support for pedofiles, rapists, and abusers.
Heh heh...aw Paxton and the lot of the R's in TX, schmucks all. Talarico is the real deal, where honesty and compassion prevails. How looooong 'til November?! GAH!
Paxton is an extraordinary scumbag. I live in Austin and the thought of having Cruz and Paxton as my Senators is terrifying. I’m volunteering for Talarico.
I’m flattered and honored that Andy Borowitz liked my earlier comment. But very seriously, what we need to see much more of from Democratic campaigns is explicit and intense derision, contempt, sneering, disgust, and loud laughter at the criminality and buffoonery which is constantly on display from the Trump/MAGA/GOP. The era of being polite was murdered by the trailer trash of Trump, his MAGA goons, and right wing media which manufactures ignorance, promotes thuggish behavior, creates hatred, and instills exaggerated fears.
Yes, along with a more subtle tug on the softer voters. Like Tourists in Red tee’s & sandals looking at their selfies in front of the East Wing proclaiming, “Gee Wiz, I didn’t vote for that! Lordie that’s a mess!”
In a related note, it’s 7:14 AM and I haven’t gotten a fundraising appeal from Talarico yet today. I hope he’s okay.
Perhaps he’s reading TBR and enjoying today’s edition in particular.
Best case scenario!
Andy, I think the ever obliging George Soros should gift a free copy of TBR to every politician! 😉I think it would be a such a wonderful way to use his limitless billions and he would get great good karma! 😂💕
George is in the news! Like Nixon we get to kick him around again :-)
Talarico is an intelligent, discerning person. Why wouldn’t he be reading your Substack?
Need to get the money out of our politics and courts!
Let's start with getting Ken Paxton out and then build on that victory with getting the money out:-)
Respectfully, we can do more than 1 thing at once and we need to start doing so.
Oh, I totally agree with that statement in 99.9999% of the cases; however, I think we cannot get rid of the money in elections in the short term but we might well do so with Paxton. I was prioritizing to keep that hideous creature from ever winning a Senate seat. Once elected, it's FAR harder to get rid of them.
Hawaii just made it illegal in their state, Nebraska intends to do the same and we must demand EVERY state do it - Robert Reich has said this would effectively end Citizens United...
That is the absolute best solution if we can't get a federal one. However, making that happen has to start with electing a majority of state reps who would vote for such a thing. That is unlikely to happen in Texas...for a good while. I want to be clear, I'm not disagreeing with what you say. I'm just pointing out that making it happen will take far longer than preventing the election of Ken Paxton--a possibility that will likely to make it harder to achieve that particular goal. I'm taking a pragmatic approach to politics these days. We have tried doing the "right thing" until people willing to do ANYTHING have managed to make us irrelevant in the halls of power and are doing the WORST. Sometimes you absolutely have to fight fire with fire, and, sadly, it is time to do that. If throwing money into this race brings a loss for Paxton, I have to compromise on my principles. However, I definitely understand the need and desire to stick by yours. I hope your way prevails. I'd like to be proved wrong by that outcome.
Reich needs to explain why he is on record supporting billionaire Tom Steyer for CA Governor. Reich has lost cred with me.
Very funny Andy, hey, I get an email from "Warren for Senate", daily and she is not even running. Speaking of abiding, Talarico is one of the few Texas politicians that I can abide. Back to the appears, the problem is even if you give, they do not stop coming. We were giving a monthly amount to the Democratic Party, but the appeals were still incessant and clueless. So we bagged that to focus on individual races.
I keep getting stuff from Susan Collins just because I wrote her an angry email.
I was thinking of donating to Collins but I just can't decide (LOL)
I understand. You must be quite "concerned" about reaching out to her.
Donations breed hope,
for more money too.
I no longer contribute to the Democratic Party from my meager retirement funds. Sometimes I'm not aligned with their choices. Like you, I will contribute now & again to individual races.
I recently started getting bombarded with fundraising emails from the great pumpkin. WTF? I'm thinking someone has pranked me.
I like to put the propaganda in the prepaid reply envelope so they have to pay postage.
The send Jerry Falwell a brick campaign in the 80’s eviscerated the direct mail campaigns. Was fortunate enough to use that against other conservative campaigns too. Would be really surprised if anyone does that now, very little solids cost in email, maybe that why internet was developed.
what are "friends" for - lol
Ya know, you could write something obnoxiously obscene and scathing then return to sender. I have done that in the past with republican junk mail. It seems to work.
to those who send solicitations, and who I would never support in a gajillion years, I like to send "thoughts and prayers"
He's doing fine; I've gotten three.
He’s fine. I got a couple overnight.
but he just needs $5!! Yeah, I get to see him a LOT as well. Good thing I like him.
the 100+ emails I get every day 80+% is easily begging for money... "the sky is falling" "the r's have millions against me"..I'm so done with this....we are winning without the damn money....
He's fine. He was seen reading TBR in one of the tunnels to Mexico. He's on his way to get help from Sheinbaum
It is reminiscent of Arlo Guthrie's 'Alice's Restaurant' when I see 'fifty count 'em fifty' fundraising texts a day.
Et tu Andy?
Be careful about your use of Latin—you might get deported.
Dan Quayle might send you to Latin America.
"My criminal record is as big as the state of Texas". OMG! Hysterical!
<snort laugh> LOVE it!
...which is why Trump is thinking about making Paxton an honorary member of the Trump family.
Are you kidding? Paxton will become US Attorney General when Todd Blanche, while plenty loyal , lacks the requisite Toxicity to suit the Emperor. I am surprised given the Hegseth mess, the Department of Justice has not been relabeled the Department of Mandatory Compliance.
Is he going to force him to marry Melanoma?
He could be a godfather. Well, in my Latino Catholic family that would be an honorary role for an esteemed male friend or relative. Not sure Protestants do the same. ¡Qué lástima!
Talarico responded, "Bless his heart, Jesus loves all his children including him," which is Southern for "Fuck that asshole."
Bless your heart can have MANY meanings, depending on tone and delivery
AGREE
Fortunately for us, TBR’s tone and delivery closely resembles the truth.
I agree that the Southern conversational patterns have complex “subtext” put-downs understood only by cultural insiders.
My late friend Valerie explained that to me one day. She could deliver poison with a smile. Her mother was from Alabama, her father was a New York Jew. Her sweet sarcasm was wondrous. I do miss that woman.
🤣🤣🤣
🏅🤠that’s too funny.
Amen brother!
Good one, Andrew! The American people have a propensity for ignoring candidate's criminal past. Look at Rick Scott from Florida who was guilty of the largest Medicare fraud in the plan's history. MAGAots are truly uninformed people...or just plain stupid and immoral.
Edwin Edwards: “The only way I’ll lose is if I’m caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy.”
I don't think you need to give Ken Paxton any more really horrible ideas to test that hypothesis.
This reminded me of "Godfather II" character Nevada Senator Pat Geary who tried to mess around with Michael Corleone.
that someone would utter those words is disgusting enough!
They are immoral first and foremost, followed by stupid and willfully ignorant.
Especially noticeable when you read those NYT interviews with voters who say they’ve been negatively affected—like higher gas prices tied to the conflict—yet still say they’d vote for him again. Hard to make sense of that. Go figure.
maybe they need to take cognitive tests. . . .?
You prompt me to wonder -- why ISN'T a criminal history a dealbreaker for many voters?
The real reason Paxton dislikes Talarico is that the latter is unlikely to pursue sexually harassing every female member of staff, since he's a polite and upstanding man who considers that behavior to be inappropriate. It completely undercuts Paxton's joyful support for pedofiles, rapists, and abusers.
Heh heh...aw Paxton and the lot of the R's in TX, schmucks all. Talarico is the real deal, where honesty and compassion prevails. How looooong 'til November?! GAH!
Actually would be a great campaign ad for Talarico.
If Talarico wins and I hope he does for the sake of Texas, I might consider visiting. May the ghost of Molly Ivins haunt Paxton’s every waking moment.
Where is Molly when we need her?
I recommend the documentary about her. It’s excellent!
Incredible woman. We had her speak at our lecture series.
I'd like to see the TX hill country, Lady Bird's arboretum in Austin & visit San Antonio.
Paxton is an extraordinary scumbag. I live in Austin and the thought of having Cruz and Paxton as my Senators is terrifying. I’m volunteering for Talarico.
If he needed volunteers in my Trumpublican part of my Trumpublican state I would too.
I’ve run out of adjectives for how perfectly you depict truth. 😹👏🏼👏🏼😹
Thank you!
I was breakfasting on my Whole Foods juicy melon
Thinking, “Andy is right! I’ll become a famed felon!”
“Then my life, which I’ve righteously rendered a mess,
Will become a Republican MAGA success!”
I belched loudly, while finishing my breakfast food;
As a felon, I know, is unfailingly rude.
Then I scattered the melon rinds
Out on the lawn
For unknowing non-felon folks to slip upon.
(As a bonus, to which no one would be the wiser,
The lawn was just sprayed with
A vile fertilizer!)
Then I leapt to my Chevy, a polluting perverter
And trashed my brand new catalytic converter,
For a felon like me who once scorned air pollution,
I attack both clean air and once-great Constitution.
Here’s the real beauty part:
It was not only me,
But the House and the Senate,
The whole damned GOP.
Our felonious reign is about to begin
Glorifying the undenied glamour of sin.
Absolutely double-brilliant, Glenn!! Really funny, all the way from start to end. One of your very best ever, in my view.
If you need a superbly impartial fact checker,
Place your faith in redoubtable Kate Dc Decker.
A poet herself, when she’s scanning your lines, she may need to levy Bad Portry fines.
Never fear: fines are rare, and on most sunny days, your poem is met with unqualified praise.
It speaks clearly of the current state of affairs in Washington D.C., sadly ☹️😡 But spot on, as usual and I'm glad to take the laugh 👍🙏
You would think James Talarico could’ve at least had enough Paxton cajones to pick an old ladies pockets as he is assisting her across the street.
😂😂😂"Texas deserves a criminal who doesn’t need on-the-job training.” Always the best punchline!😂😂😂
:-) !!
No record?? and lemme guess, he probably believes in science and statistics.
Woke Alert! Get the torches and pitchforks!
I’m flattered and honored that Andy Borowitz liked my earlier comment. But very seriously, what we need to see much more of from Democratic campaigns is explicit and intense derision, contempt, sneering, disgust, and loud laughter at the criminality and buffoonery which is constantly on display from the Trump/MAGA/GOP. The era of being polite was murdered by the trailer trash of Trump, his MAGA goons, and right wing media which manufactures ignorance, promotes thuggish behavior, creates hatred, and instills exaggerated fears.
Yes, along with a more subtle tug on the softer voters. Like Tourists in Red tee’s & sandals looking at their selfies in front of the East Wing proclaiming, “Gee Wiz, I didn’t vote for that! Lordie that’s a mess!”
Sad, but true.