I quit CNN after that insufferable Scott Jennings polluted my airwaves once too often. And now he's on the L.A. Times editorial board. Happy Christmas Eve to you, Jeff. You are a national treasure. Thanks for your courage in speaking truth to power. And thanks to your wife for supporting your work.
Jebus! I quit all mainstream media quite awhile ago. Now I only read the substacks that I subscribe to. I'll find out anything earth-shattering from them.
Me too. I read a Substack and a newsletter from my local public radio station and so far the newsletter has not violated my personal rules of no drumpf. I just couldn’t look at it anymore.
Here is what Public Notice says today about legacy media, where they say that liberals trust the mainstream media foolishly. I am not that fool. No trust there and no money to them.
Linda, one of the biggest shocks of 2024 for me is that WAPO and NYT are partisan as hell, not to be believed, and untrustworthy. For most of my 68 years I had held them in the highest esteem.
In all honesty, WaPo changed hands relatively recently, when Jeff Bezos bought it around 2013 or so. Prior to that, WaPo was owned by the Grahams and was a proud defender of civil rights. Published the Pentagon Papers and regularly stuck it to the DC establishment.
I canceled my long-term sub when Bezos hired Will Lewis as CEO. Lewis came from Murdoch's papers in the UK. If I had wanted to read that garbage, I would. I don't, so I canceled.
Absolutely, and now that all of the big legacy media outlets are owned by billionaires, they definitely don't deserve our trust for that reason either. Cable news has been trash for a while since the invention of 24-hr news.
There are still some good journalists, but at the organizational level, the only concern is the bottom line for the owners. Add in the fact that most local papers have either been bought up by hedge funds or gone under, and we're extra screwed in terms of accurate news that speaks truth to power.
I'm so glad to see how many people have switched to various Substacks, and we need more independent/non-profit journalism. Support your local paper if you have one or nonprofit outlets like Pro Publica!
One of the red flags for CNN (Now accurately called, Conservative Non-News) was the axing of Brian Stelter's Reliable Sources.
Reliable Sources began on Turner's network in 1992. Thirty years of a run, well managed by Brian Stelter at the end, in spite of Mr. Stelter's soprano voice, it was a valuable perspective, critical of media reporting--- until CNN laid on the kibosh in 2022.
What do you know, CHRIS LICHT was in charge of CNN when that happened? Knock me over with a feather.
I refer our Good Reader to Keith Olbermann's over-familiarity with Mr. Licht.
The question of whose butt Chris may have Licht to become Prez of Conservative Non-News is perhaps, an open question, so to speak. Not in my wheelhouse, as the attorneys like to say. Turn the other cheeks,
I don't agree With The Guardian on everything, but they're still not co-opted by the MAGATs.
Anyway, EVERYBODY who trusts any corporate media does so 'foolishly'
How wise is it for con-servatives to 'trust' Fucks 'news'?
So there's a bias right there. Only "liberals" are "foolish" to trust mainstream (a.k.a. billionaire) media, blah-blah-blah. This thing feels like click-and-subscribe bait, and I'm not bitin'.
I quit CNN when they hosted post Jan 6 Trump for a 2024 presidential run town hall - as if Trump were a normal guy. That was a ring-kissing moment by CNN I will never forgive or forget.
The only "newspaper" I've kept is the Kansas Reflector, part of States Newsroom. There could be a real opportunity there--they have outlets in all 50 states and concentrate on local.
We’re not counting, Jeff - we ALWAYS want to hear what you’re thinking! Write away! And Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/Happy Kwanzaa, and, lest we forget, Happy Festivus, for those who celebrate .. 🎄🕎 ❤️
Happy holiday to the Tiedrich family and extended digital family. And for a workaholic like Jeff, if writing makes you happy, then by all means do so, holidays or not!
I have to assume Fetterman is trying to fill the void created by the departure of the dickwad duo of Sinema and Manchin. Just what the Dems need...not.
Informative “rant”! Wasn’t taking Trump’s threats seriously enough because it was Trump and it is the holidays.
Also, didn’t know about Gaetz’s gun ownership. You are correct that the Republicans are incredible hypocrites and proving there are 2 justice systems. One for them and another for everyone else - especially their “enemies”.
I had never thought about that part until I read Jeff’s rant. We need to start putting that point out there in the social media world. Keep focused and repeating it; maybe some day someone in the msm will catch on.
Agreed! Great call out on the gun/drug felony opportunity. I just sent your suggestion to my congressperson to pursue a special counsel and get to the bottom of the gun purchase/not a drug user box. Nice call out. Brilliant. Thanks!
Honestly, one of the reasons I never got a medical marijuana card. I don't own a gun and have no plans to ever do so. But, I buy what I need at a legal dispensary to help manage my arthritis pain (legal in CA, where I live) and pay the taxes, rather than get a card, just in case I want to acquire a gun for whatever reason.
I had a suspicion that Fettermann might be a pol who could switch parties, just a feeling at the time. No chance of voting for him, I'm a long ways away from PA.
But I still donated to his campaign, hoping for the best.
Now he's sounding pretty F'ing iffy. Patterning his behavior going forward might be scary.
I would hope that he won't turn out to be a turncoat sonuvabitch.
But he needs to get a ton of feedback from all over on his apparent drift to the dark side. Especially from the Dem Party leadership, who should take him quietly aside and instruct him on the reality of our times (as if they fully realize it themselves, it's not too F'ing apparent from their actions so far).
From the history, it's plausible that Mr. Fetterman may have an undiagnosed medical condition or is consuming counterproductive anti-depressants which are, separately or together, causing his (in strictly medical terms) mental train to jump the tracks, careen down the irony mountain, turn over and burst into flames.
I couldnt be more disillusioned in Fetterman. WTF? He's let a lot of people down with that crap. And YOU BET Matty should be prosecuted for the gun/drug business.... but hey...It's a big club and we aint in it"...right? And....CNN is appalling.
Jeff you have gathered a fantastic group of people here and I hope you and everyone has a happy, peaceful day...if there was ever a day for self care, this is it!
I think most of us are equally amazed and grateful. To find this many fun, like-minded, snarky and intelligent people in one place is a gift! Ive made good friends here! ❤️ HUGS to all!
Absolutely, Susan! You are all the people I’d like to meet for a party - in a great hall - with Jeff as our guest of honor. I have a regular dinner group of 8 progressive and politically active people that’s been going for years and y’all would fit right in. Also an annual holiday party with our state representative who hosts a wonderful party in their great big welcoming home of like minded folks. I’ll raise a glass to each of you with gratitude this holiday season. Thanks to Jeff and Mrs. Jeff for keeping us sane, laughing, crying and swearing, yesterday, today and tomorrow and especially for at least 4 more years!
You're the gift that keeps on giving, Jeff! What an awesome community of like-minded spit-take funny people! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year to all!
jeff, here's my take on Federman. He realizes he's going to have to run for re election in a presidential year when the MAGA's will be out in force, and he wants to start soliciting their votes now.
The other possibility is that his stroke scrambled his brains.
AND I love you, and you're just gonna have to live with that!
I don't live in PA and I had donated a small amount of money to Fetterman because I felt he was a breath of fresh air. I don't know what happened to him. Don't feel that it's stroke related. I began to wonder about him after I kept seeing his Israeli tweets and his 100% support of Netanyahu and his refusal to acknowledge that there are any issues with what is going on in Gaza also. I'm not Jewish nor Muslim so this is just my opinion of an outsider watching what's going on. I never cared for Netanyahu and feel like in some ways he's just a smarter Trump type crook. So maybe it shouldn't be a surprise if Fetterman now is Morning Joe Lite about Trump. I hope he gets primaried and I'll never support him again. Then add Hegseth and Patel to the mix. A huge disappointment. Becoming just a larger version of Manchin.
Can't imagine Raskin ever going to the dark side - too intelligent and too sane, and too committed to the Constitution and the rule of law. I would love to see him run for president, but I doubt that would ever happen; being Jewish would make it impossible - the MAGA mouth breathers would not stand for it.
Raskin is a brilliant man - but remember JFK was Catholic and people freaked out. I don’t know… Jamie Raskin is so incredibly intelligent. He is a great leader.
I lived in PA most of my life and made the mistake of moving to Jersey 5 or 6 days ago.
I supported Fetterman and was so grateful for his truth telling. I hadn’t realized he was saying the bs until I just saw Jeff’s column tonight. wtf happened to him? Seriously, what?
Everyone have a wonderful holiday whether you celebrate or not. I hope we’re able to make it out alive after the upcoming 4 years of hell we’re going to go through.
Everyone give yourselves a bit of not thinking about a damn thing for the next week.
We’ve got to gather our strength so we can Resist.
I don’t live in Pennsylvania either, but I donated to Fetterman a couple of times and feel betrayed. What the fuck happened to him? Years ago I donated to Sinema (I’m in AZ), who was supposed to be a breath of fresh air, and we all know how that turned out.
I am so tired of being disappointed and angry about damn near everyone and everything!
Maybe we should start donating to stale air candidates. LOL. I don't trust any of them. I think we would be utterly appalled if we knew what went on behind the scenes in our government. I just think some are better than others, so I will continue to support those.
I’m sure you’re correct about the back room deals & the dirt. There has to be something behind all of the threats to expose “everyone” issued by especially Republicans; Madison Cawthorn, Matt Gaetz, EmptyG, & others that I missed hearing about.
Basically, too many of the citizens of America has not paid attention while our democracy has deteriorated over the last 4 decades; corrupted by money & a lust for power. It’s going to take decades to fix it, especially with the far right religious conservative takeover of the scotus & a large swath of the federal courts throughout the country. That thought is very demoralizing.
I donated to Fetterman also even though I don’t live in PA. I am so disappointed in him. I will never donate to him again. I wish this Substack community peace and happiness this holiday season.
I agree with you, Deborah, and I am Jewish. I too gave $ to Fetterman and am extremely worried about his stance on things. We already had had enough of Manchenema and we don’t need any more mishegas (craziness) from the big guy! Anyway, Happy Chrismanukkah!
I do live in PA although I’m embarrassed to admit it right now. Crazy Rich McCormick has taken away Bob Casey, and now Fetterman is worse than useless??? JFC.
I used to live near Philly..moved in August. Brokenhearted about Casey. What a good man he is. Fetterman must have been paid off. I’ll never understand it.
II voted for Fetterman because I believed he was honest. His Israel stance was bothering me because it was all-or-nothing, while I am more the mediator type. Now, I admit I'm puzzled and disappointed.
Can you say Quisling? Sure, I knew you could!😂 Plankhead has been getting away with shit his whole rotten life. (Daddy Gaetz, Baby Gaetz) The corporate media is auditioning for the "Pravda" role.
Happy Holidays to my Substack family. Jeff is a national treasure.🎄😃
I'm from Pittsburgh. Fetterman never supported Trump before, not even close. Fetterman's not perfect - he's made some serious missteps over the years - but both he and his wife, Gisele, have generally worked hard to improve the area where he was mayor and the state as a whole.
Trump wants to deport anyone he can. The Fettermans have been very open about the fact that Gisele came to this country illegally. WTF, does he think sucking up to Trump will escape Trump's plans?
I really want to blame this on the stroke. It's the only thing that makes sense to me. I just don't want to believe he's completely thrown out his principals for political gain. And I wonder how Gisele is putting up with this shi(f)t.
As a nurse, I too wonder about the long term effects from his major stroke. It’s well known that having a stroke can cause changes in a person’s personality, it’s quite common.
Pretty damn annoying. We quit watching that Fox News like bullshit station after election day along with MSNBC. Another obvious case of obeying in advance. Can't understand what the hell happened to Fetterman. Has he always been a sellout in disguise or did someone get to him? Hoping there won't be any more Fetterman's coming out of the woodwork. To Jeff for his tireless efforts to keep us informed and everyone here, Happy Holidays!
I read a number of Substacks. yesterday that said the reason that Trump wants to take on Panama, Greenland and Canada has to do with the space Nazi. You see musk wants to have the power to take over all the shipping lanes for his business if we take over Panama, we have the Panama Canal for his business. Since climate change actually is happening and the Arctic is melting, it will become a great passage through the Arctic, which is why we need Greenland and Canada, so this is all from the Space Nazi who wants to take over all the global shipping lanes for his business. Also, a lot of what is driving this need to take over the world and decisions
that are made being made, have to do with the space Nazi’s relationship with the Chinese since they are building all of his cars and batteries really incredible how this asshole is going to rule the world if we let him
Always, always follow the money or the benefit that a decision is to that particular person. I see it at work all the time. I used to question some of the dumb crap they'd come up with and think why? Now, I don't. I accept the fact that every little thing they do has a reason. It benefits our bottom line, it benefits them personally or they have a friend that it benefits (i.e. "donating" money or equipment to the hospital which gives their friend/relative a nice tax write off). I actually feel saner now. It explains so much and I stopped banging my head against the wall (figuratively, not literally) of why are they so stupid. When you have no expectations, you have no disappointments. This political decisions are much more complex, but keep looking and you will find the real reason for the dumb stuff Trump comes up with. Read where Trump is in tax trouble in Panama. Bingo.
With the drought cutting off water to the Panama Canal, is he missing something? I see the NWP, so does everyone else and only the climate change unbelievers don't. There is that little passage, the Bering Strait. Will Putin give it up??
I predict that Fetterman will switch parties, become a Republican, and screw us in the Senate. He's a phony who said whatever was necessary to get elected, and he's now blowing with the fascist wind. Pig. Primary him.
I can see a time when the Democratic party will simply cease to exist....either by self destructive self prostration for Der Fuhrer, or D will simply BAN the Dem party....just the way Hitler banned all other parties in Jan. 1933 when he was given dictatorial powers. I mean with spineless wimps like Schumer & Durbin.....
I too am wondering re: Fetterman transitioning to Republican, but it may not have been his plan all along. I do not have sufficient information to evaluate what role the stroke played.
I may be being naive and overly charitable, but it appears to be a mental health phenomenon including some wires being pinged after 10-7-23. Aligning with Netanyahu? Yikes. I want to research his positions prior to his election. I do feel played though for sending a little support for him while not being a PA resident. This may be a lesson I need to learn (again): The enemy of my enemy may seem better while being in the victim role!
He did amazing things in Braddock before the stroke. He must be using his reptile brain now. That sucks. But he ran for senate against Oz, so if he switched (and I hope he doesn’t) we’d be no worse off.
When Fetterman was mayor of Braddock and while he was Lt. Gov. of PA, he behaved like a true populist; he cared about people. Since he has been in the Senate, he has had a stroke and it appears that his brain got scrambled. Either that or it has been infected with that peculiar virus that infects congresscritters and makes them care more about campaign contributions than people. A real disappointment.
This is a perfect case of spineless & impotent Schumer not controlling his Caucus by having a come to Jesus talk with JF. Schumer let Manchin & Sinema crap all over him. It proves that just because he got a 1600 score on his SAT, it doesn't mean you're any smarter/influential than a spoiled brat, conman that has mafia connections & is buds with the most heinous ruthless dictators on the planet.
Yes, Christmas is here. I have a To Do list post- holidays. Email J Fetterman. Email Schumer to find his spine & jump in with both feet, with all Dems, to stop Kamala from certifying convict election. And demand he & Hakeem take decisive action to replace my much loved Pelosi. Every House vote counts! Let her finish her term if she can vote from a bed. RESIST RESIST RESIST
Steve Schmidt of “The Warning” & others, have been loudly calling for the senate Democrats to replace Schumer as their leader & I firmly agree. He’s weak, spineless, a terrible tactician, & a poor communicator.
As to Pelosi, most all people with total hip replacement are out of bed & walking the day after surgery & those of us peons with regular insurance, are discharged from the hospital to either a rehab facility or to home, within 2-4 days.
WOW, seven???? We all know FL is crazy, but after the 3nd DUI, I hope the judge sentenced him AT LEAST counseling. And hir FATHER! I'd read his family is wealthy.
We mustn’t forget the past failed pieces of shit that deserved to go down in flames. Justice is like a very slow clock that’s right maybe twice a year.
Susan, "WHERE IS NESTOR?" I want an answer to that just below TRUE answers & details on who killed JFK, and why? Guess he's in hiding. Can't blame him.
Fetterman - post Covid brain fog? I think many have lost the ability to reason. But it may just be the other virus that’s going around - kowtowing to Musk/Trump.
I was very ill with COVID in January, 2021. It didn't affect my political views. If he wasn't making any sense, I'd say maybe it's residual from the stroke. But he's not crazy talking so I think he's just not the person we thought he was. And in my book, it's black and white. If you're for Trump in any way, then I'm done with you.
Before I read this, I saw the CNN headline earlier this morning, and immediately emailed them. I also put the headline on my private political Facebook page. OMG. They are now part of Trump State Media. As for Fetterman, I will be emailing him, saying that if he runs for re-election, not a dime from me.
Agreed- I was also thinking a fund is needed for small publications to fend off baseless lawsuits by people like Trump and Musk to stifle any criticism of them. The lawyer fees can kill these guys, even as they win these cases. Where are the wealthy defenders of a free press and democracy to speak truth to power, to help these little guys fight these lawsuits?
The Progressive Democrats didn't miss a beat to collectively defend Fetterman after his stroke and support his ensuing struggle with depression. Not a soul on the Republican side had a kind word for him -- in fact, MAGA mocked him without mercy. Wonder if he's feeling "the big chill."
I read the Gaetz report. I think the reason he didn’t want anyone to see it is because it shows what a fucking loser he really is! He asked for a customer appreciation week for fucking girls! He paid women (girls) almost $100k for sex over 12 years. And he had some skanky “girlfriend” find other girls to screw. He is just another Jeffrey Epstein. And he is a major loser who had to pay women for sex because he is such a gross creep no one with any self respect would have anything to do with him. He is a cancer in America but the sad thing is there are tons more like him in the government starting with Donny the Rapist.
Imagine Attorney General Gaetz appointing a Special Counsel to investigate himself for falsely claiming he was not a drug user when applying for a gun license!
I have a theory that an important reason for President Musk's threats against Panama and Denmark is that they are small and militarily weak countries that we can beat in a conventional war. Bullies always pick on the weak. His followers will cheer the "wins" while ignoring the disastrous effects on our standing in the world not to mention that the operations would be war crimes.
But remember, Denmark's armed forces spent time reinforcing the US in Afghanistan, and I believe they've helped out the UN in Haiti and Africa. I would not pick on them. Suppose RFK JR bans vaccines for our military? Wasn't Panama a den for yellow fever? Just asking for a friend.
Oh I agree! That's why President Musk must strike preemptively, just like his spiritual father did on September 1, 1939. (Had he not the Polish cavalry would have been in Berlin within days.)
And as to that Article 5 stuff, who cares? What have they done for us LATELY? Like within VP Trump’s 15 minute memory span?
And yellow fever is just fake, like diphtheria or polio or COVID 19.
1,012 words isn't a 'brief rant.'
oh well, it was supposed to be brief when I sat down to write it.
happy Christmas Eve, everyone!
I quit CNN after that insufferable Scott Jennings polluted my airwaves once too often. And now he's on the L.A. Times editorial board. Happy Christmas Eve to you, Jeff. You are a national treasure. Thanks for your courage in speaking truth to power. And thanks to your wife for supporting your work.
Jebus! I quit all mainstream media quite awhile ago. Now I only read the substacks that I subscribe to. I'll find out anything earth-shattering from them.
I quit all mainstream television news (cable, networks) about two years ago.
I quit all TV altogether last month. Unsubbed NYT, WaPo, was thrown out of the Xitter.
In diplomat-speak, they are media non grata.
Doc, you were "thrown out of Xitter"? 🇺🇸 Thank you for your service. 🗽
Hahahaha, that Elbow Mush is a laugh riot, isn’t he? 🎇
me too
Definitely haven’t been back to mainstream news either. It’s just a lot of noise
Yep. +1.
Me too. I read a Substack and a newsletter from my local public radio station and so far the newsletter has not violated my personal rules of no drumpf. I just couldn’t look at it anymore.
Ditto.
Me too! April 14, 2023. I celebrate this anniversary every year
Here is what Public Notice says today about legacy media, where they say that liberals trust the mainstream media foolishly. I am not that fool. No trust there and no money to them.
https://www.publicnotice.co/p/ryan-cooper-interview-democratic-messaging?r=f0qfn&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Linda, one of the biggest shocks of 2024 for me is that WAPO and NYT are partisan as hell, not to be believed, and untrustworthy. For most of my 68 years I had held them in the highest esteem.
Teri,
In all honesty, WaPo changed hands relatively recently, when Jeff Bezos bought it around 2013 or so. Prior to that, WaPo was owned by the Grahams and was a proud defender of civil rights. Published the Pentagon Papers and regularly stuck it to the DC establishment.
I canceled my long-term sub when Bezos hired Will Lewis as CEO. Lewis came from Murdoch's papers in the UK. If I had wanted to read that garbage, I would. I don't, so I canceled.
Absolutely, and now that all of the big legacy media outlets are owned by billionaires, they definitely don't deserve our trust for that reason either. Cable news has been trash for a while since the invention of 24-hr news.
There are still some good journalists, but at the organizational level, the only concern is the bottom line for the owners. Add in the fact that most local papers have either been bought up by hedge funds or gone under, and we're extra screwed in terms of accurate news that speaks truth to power.
I'm so glad to see how many people have switched to various Substacks, and we need more independent/non-profit journalism. Support your local paper if you have one or nonprofit outlets like Pro Publica!
One of the red flags for CNN (Now accurately called, Conservative Non-News) was the axing of Brian Stelter's Reliable Sources.
Reliable Sources began on Turner's network in 1992. Thirty years of a run, well managed by Brian Stelter at the end, in spite of Mr. Stelter's soprano voice, it was a valuable perspective, critical of media reporting--- until CNN laid on the kibosh in 2022.
What do you know, CHRIS LICHT was in charge of CNN when that happened? Knock me over with a feather.
I refer our Good Reader to Keith Olbermann's over-familiarity with Mr. Licht.
The question of whose butt Chris may have Licht to become Prez of Conservative Non-News is perhaps, an open question, so to speak. Not in my wheelhouse, as the attorneys like to say. Turn the other cheeks,
I don't agree With The Guardian on everything, but they're still not co-opted by the MAGATs.
Truer words Linda, thanks for sharing!!
"For paid subscribers," phooey.
Anyway, EVERYBODY who trusts any corporate media does so 'foolishly'
How wise is it for con-servatives to 'trust' Fucks 'news'?
So there's a bias right there. Only "liberals" are "foolish" to trust mainstream (a.k.a. billionaire) media, blah-blah-blah. This thing feels like click-and-subscribe bait, and I'm not bitin'.
And their paywall can go kick sand.
I quit CNN when they hosted post Jan 6 Trump for a 2024 presidential run town hall - as if Trump were a normal guy. That was a ring-kissing moment by CNN I will never forgive or forget.
That was it for me, too. And Scott Jennings is insufferable. Sounds like they have him on every single night.
Same.
Scott Jenning’s smirk made my blood boil! I quit all TV news and canceled the NYT the day after the election. Only Substack now.
The only "newspaper" I've kept is the Kansas Reflector, part of States Newsroom. There could be a real opportunity there--they have outlets in all 50 states and concentrate on local.
Impossible for it to be brief! Too much bullshit going on!!! Well said and spot on rant!
Happiest of Holidays to you and everyone else here!!
I’m with Tess!
I'm with Tess too. We're in this together 🫂.
We’re not counting, Jeff - we ALWAYS want to hear what you’re thinking! Write away! And Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/Happy Kwanzaa, and, lest we forget, Happy Festivus, for those who celebrate .. 🎄🕎 ❤️
Yes. Like maybe a max of ONE only?
Happy holiday to the Tiedrich family and extended digital family. And for a workaholic like Jeff, if writing makes you happy, then by all means do so, holidays or not!
I have to assume Fetterman is trying to fill the void created by the departure of the dickwad duo of Sinema and Manchin. Just what the Dems need...not.
I would hope that you are wrong about Fetterman but I am certainly concerned about the senator’s change in position.
Posting on Truth Social? I think we have a clue Fetterman's left the reservation and forgot who brought him there in the first place.
Amen. I had such high hopes for him when we elected him. At that time, he was like a breath of fresh air.
Informative “rant”! Wasn’t taking Trump’s threats seriously enough because it was Trump and it is the holidays.
Also, didn’t know about Gaetz’s gun ownership. You are correct that the Republicans are incredible hypocrites and proving there are 2 justice systems. One for them and another for everyone else - especially their “enemies”.
I had never thought about that part until I read Jeff’s rant. We need to start putting that point out there in the social media world. Keep focused and repeating it; maybe some day someone in the msm will catch on.
Agreed! Great call out on the gun/drug felony opportunity. I just sent your suggestion to my congressperson to pursue a special counsel and get to the bottom of the gun purchase/not a drug user box. Nice call out. Brilliant. Thanks!
Honestly, one of the reasons I never got a medical marijuana card. I don't own a gun and have no plans to ever do so. But, I buy what I need at a legal dispensary to help manage my arthritis pain (legal in CA, where I live) and pay the taxes, rather than get a card, just in case I want to acquire a gun for whatever reason.
Same back at ya Jeff. It’s hard staying within a specific word count when dealing with Donnie dumbfuck. Rant on.
Wouldn't it be blissful if Donnie Dumbfuck had to stay within a certain word count?
We can’t even get him convicted and imprisoned so he would never stay within any boundaries but gawwwwwd…I wish he would!
Happy Hanukah Eve 🕎
Happy Holidays to all..
Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer !
I had a suspicion that Fettermann might be a pol who could switch parties, just a feeling at the time. No chance of voting for him, I'm a long ways away from PA.
But I still donated to his campaign, hoping for the best.
Now he's sounding pretty F'ing iffy. Patterning his behavior going forward might be scary.
I would hope that he won't turn out to be a turncoat sonuvabitch.
But he needs to get a ton of feedback from all over on his apparent drift to the dark side. Especially from the Dem Party leadership, who should take him quietly aside and instruct him on the reality of our times (as if they fully realize it themselves, it's not too F'ing apparent from their actions so far).
Ditto Jeff, the more words the better!!
Happy Hannukah to you Jeff.
---> it was supposed to be brief when I sat down to write it.
Oh, believe me, I know how that goes.
Seemed brief to me.
From the history, it's plausible that Mr. Fetterman may have an undiagnosed medical condition or is consuming counterproductive anti-depressants which are, separately or together, causing his (in strictly medical terms) mental train to jump the tracks, careen down the irony mountain, turn over and burst into flames.
Hmmm…Huge possible consideration going forward
Happy holidays to you, Jeff, and to all the readers!
"And so this is Christmas, and what have we done? Another year over, and the chaos has begun."
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Thank you for saying what needs to be said.
I couldnt be more disillusioned in Fetterman. WTF? He's let a lot of people down with that crap. And YOU BET Matty should be prosecuted for the gun/drug business.... but hey...It's a big club and we aint in it"...right? And....CNN is appalling.
Jeff you have gathered a fantastic group of people here and I hope you and everyone has a happy, peaceful day...if there was ever a day for self care, this is it!
no, you people gathered yourselves, and I'll never stop being amazed and grateful that it happened
I think most of us are equally amazed and grateful. To find this many fun, like-minded, snarky and intelligent people in one place is a gift! Ive made good friends here! ❤️ HUGS to all!
A total gift. You are my people and I am grateful every day.
Absolutely, Susan! You are all the people I’d like to meet for a party - in a great hall - with Jeff as our guest of honor. I have a regular dinner group of 8 progressive and politically active people that’s been going for years and y’all would fit right in. Also an annual holiday party with our state representative who hosts a wonderful party in their great big welcoming home of like minded folks. I’ll raise a glass to each of you with gratitude this holiday season. Thanks to Jeff and Mrs. Jeff for keeping us sane, laughing, crying and swearing, yesterday, today and tomorrow and especially for at least 4 more years!
Oh, wouldn't that be something!! We could all meet up-I've actually met three from this terrific community in person! Cheers to you! And to us all! 🥂
Agreed! I am quite pleased and entertained having found this group of humans to belong to. ❤️ happy holidays, merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah to all!
Right on!
Back at you Susan ❤️
Agreed!!
You're the gift that keeps on giving, Jeff! What an awesome community of like-minded spit-take funny people! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year to all!
jeff, here's my take on Federman. He realizes he's going to have to run for re election in a presidential year when the MAGA's will be out in force, and he wants to start soliciting their votes now.
The other possibility is that his stroke scrambled his brains.
AND I love you, and you're just gonna have to live with that!
I'm heartbroken over this shit. Loved fetterman 💔.
Would you consider being the press secretary to the independent country of California (possibly WA and OR), with a look back to that other country?
Ellen, it's Cascadia, the I-5 from BC to Mexico.
Hannah, I like it!
Excellent suggestion! Let's do it!
I don't live in PA and I had donated a small amount of money to Fetterman because I felt he was a breath of fresh air. I don't know what happened to him. Don't feel that it's stroke related. I began to wonder about him after I kept seeing his Israeli tweets and his 100% support of Netanyahu and his refusal to acknowledge that there are any issues with what is going on in Gaza also. I'm not Jewish nor Muslim so this is just my opinion of an outsider watching what's going on. I never cared for Netanyahu and feel like in some ways he's just a smarter Trump type crook. So maybe it shouldn't be a surprise if Fetterman now is Morning Joe Lite about Trump. I hope he gets primaried and I'll never support him again. Then add Hegseth and Patel to the mix. A huge disappointment. Becoming just a larger version of Manchin.
Right? He used to be a fighter….I donated and supported him. Now, I’m just pissed off. I cant imagine what happened to him.
Fetterman- the new Sinema 😡
Somebody got to him. 💵💵💵💵
Damn … I’m sure you’re right. 😭
It’s sooooo disappointing … wrote him a letter expressing my anger. Haven’t heard back. Imagine that.
I'll be sending him something...it might be 💩 in a 📦.
HAHAH!!
Susan, same. No more donations or support from CA. Angry email to JF on To Do list.
I'm not bothering to email him. That $15 two years ago is more than enough.
My guess is kompromat
Hmmmm.... I wonder..... Are there ANY decent people left in our government? Jamie Raskin, please dont go to the dark side!
Can't imagine Raskin ever going to the dark side - too intelligent and too sane, and too committed to the Constitution and the rule of law. I would love to see him run for president, but I doubt that would ever happen; being Jewish would make it impossible - the MAGA mouth breathers would not stand for it.
Raskin is a brilliant man - but remember JFK was Catholic and people freaked out. I don’t know… Jamie Raskin is so incredibly intelligent. He is a great leader.
I lived in PA most of my life and made the mistake of moving to Jersey 5 or 6 days ago.
I supported Fetterman and was so grateful for his truth telling. I hadn’t realized he was saying the bs until I just saw Jeff’s column tonight. wtf happened to him? Seriously, what?
Everyone have a wonderful holiday whether you celebrate or not. I hope we’re able to make it out alive after the upcoming 4 years of hell we’re going to go through.
Everyone give yourselves a bit of not thinking about a damn thing for the next week.
We’ve got to gather our strength so we can Resist.
I just realized I wrote I moved to Jersey “5 or 6 days ago.”
It should read 5 or 6 years ago.
Sorry about that
Finger in the wind. 👆
I don’t live in Pennsylvania either, but I donated to Fetterman a couple of times and feel betrayed. What the fuck happened to him? Years ago I donated to Sinema (I’m in AZ), who was supposed to be a breath of fresh air, and we all know how that turned out.
I am so tired of being disappointed and angry about damn near everyone and everything!
Maybe we should start donating to stale air candidates. LOL. I don't trust any of them. I think we would be utterly appalled if we knew what went on behind the scenes in our government. I just think some are better than others, so I will continue to support those.
I’m sure you’re correct about the back room deals & the dirt. There has to be something behind all of the threats to expose “everyone” issued by especially Republicans; Madison Cawthorn, Matt Gaetz, EmptyG, & others that I missed hearing about.
Basically, too many of the citizens of America has not paid attention while our democracy has deteriorated over the last 4 decades; corrupted by money & a lust for power. It’s going to take decades to fix it, especially with the far right religious conservative takeover of the scotus & a large swath of the federal courts throughout the country. That thought is very demoralizing.
I donated to Fetterman also even though I don’t live in PA. I am so disappointed in him. I will never donate to him again. I wish this Substack community peace and happiness this holiday season.
I also am a non-PA resident and threw some money his way! How disappointing! Think how Pennsylvanians feel! 😤
Wow, there are a lot of us from outside of PA who supported Fetterman.
Just like you, I donated to buy a Fetterman shirt and stickers just to help him, even though I am not in PA. What a mistake.
Either he tricked us all or he changed dramatically after entering the Senate.
Tricked us all.
I did the same as all of you, not in PA but donated to him because I believed he was a great man. Blown away.
I agree with you, Deborah, and I am Jewish. I too gave $ to Fetterman and am extremely worried about his stance on things. We already had had enough of Manchenema and we don’t need any more mishegas (craziness) from the big guy! Anyway, Happy Chrismanukkah!
Me too.
I do live in PA although I’m embarrassed to admit it right now. Crazy Rich McCormick has taken away Bob Casey, and now Fetterman is worse than useless??? JFC.
I used to live near Philly..moved in August. Brokenhearted about Casey. What a good man he is. Fetterman must have been paid off. I’ll never understand it.
II voted for Fetterman because I believed he was honest. His Israel stance was bothering me because it was all-or-nothing, while I am more the mediator type. Now, I admit I'm puzzled and disappointed.
Feel the same about Casey. Do you remember when he’d hold, “Breakfast with Bob.” I think it was during the bush administration.
Can you say Quisling? Sure, I knew you could!😂 Plankhead has been getting away with shit his whole rotten life. (Daddy Gaetz, Baby Gaetz) The corporate media is auditioning for the "Pravda" role.
Happy Holidays to my Substack family. Jeff is a national treasure.🎄😃
Nicely said Susan, Happiest of Holidays!!
Same to you Patrick. All the best!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you Susan! 🎄
I guess we are staying in the U.S. for the long haul.
Thank you, Jeff, for gathering such a great group of strangers who became friends! 💙
Same to you, "The Other Susan"! Keep your options open!! Have a beautiful holiday!
I’m keeping my options open. You have a beautiful holiday too and rest up for the resistance next year. 💙
I'm from Pittsburgh. Fetterman never supported Trump before, not even close. Fetterman's not perfect - he's made some serious missteps over the years - but both he and his wife, Gisele, have generally worked hard to improve the area where he was mayor and the state as a whole.
Trump wants to deport anyone he can. The Fettermans have been very open about the fact that Gisele came to this country illegally. WTF, does he think sucking up to Trump will escape Trump's plans?
I really want to blame this on the stroke. It's the only thing that makes sense to me. I just don't want to believe he's completely thrown out his principals for political gain. And I wonder how Gisele is putting up with this shi(f)t.
He's just the latest in what will be a long line of Dems groveling to Trump. And he won't be the last. Get ready for more shockers to come.
As a nurse, I too wonder about the long term effects from his major stroke. It’s well known that having a stroke can cause changes in a person’s personality, it’s quite common.
It depends on which part(s) of the brain was affected by the stroke, right?
And, I think, even then they're not so sure. The human brain is like the oceans - there's more we don't know than we do.
Teases expansion? Good god, CNN, could y’all kiss his ass *any* harder and with maximum suction?
Pretty damn annoying. We quit watching that Fox News like bullshit station after election day along with MSNBC. Another obvious case of obeying in advance. Can't understand what the hell happened to Fetterman. Has he always been a sellout in disguise or did someone get to him? Hoping there won't be any more Fetterman's coming out of the woodwork. To Jeff for his tireless efforts to keep us informed and everyone here, Happy Holidays!
I read a number of Substacks. yesterday that said the reason that Trump wants to take on Panama, Greenland and Canada has to do with the space Nazi. You see musk wants to have the power to take over all the shipping lanes for his business if we take over Panama, we have the Panama Canal for his business. Since climate change actually is happening and the Arctic is melting, it will become a great passage through the Arctic, which is why we need Greenland and Canada, so this is all from the Space Nazi who wants to take over all the global shipping lanes for his business. Also, a lot of what is driving this need to take over the world and decisions
that are made being made, have to do with the space Nazi’s relationship with the Chinese since they are building all of his cars and batteries really incredible how this asshole is going to rule the world if we let him
worst Bond Villain plan ever...
Where is James Bond when we need him so desperately????
Always, always follow the money or the benefit that a decision is to that particular person. I see it at work all the time. I used to question some of the dumb crap they'd come up with and think why? Now, I don't. I accept the fact that every little thing they do has a reason. It benefits our bottom line, it benefits them personally or they have a friend that it benefits (i.e. "donating" money or equipment to the hospital which gives their friend/relative a nice tax write off). I actually feel saner now. It explains so much and I stopped banging my head against the wall (figuratively, not literally) of why are they so stupid. When you have no expectations, you have no disappointments. This political decisions are much more complex, but keep looking and you will find the real reason for the dumb stuff Trump comes up with. Read where Trump is in tax trouble in Panama. Bingo.
I read that too Ilene!
Read same Irene, but on the other side of the Greenland coin is the face of Putin!!
It's the same move that Rockefeller made with the railroads in the 1880s.
Perfect analogy. Greed and power, power and greed.
Also, Panama is suing Trump for tax evasion.
Actually the real boss needs the Arctic shipping lanes. Papa Putin.
Excellent post! Have read this so called budget crisis, melon made sure china produces or is somehow involved with his AI ideas
With the drought cutting off water to the Panama Canal, is he missing something? I see the NWP, so does everyone else and only the climate change unbelievers don't. There is that little passage, the Bering Strait. Will Putin give it up??
The rare earth metals found in Greenland’s land would be worth a massive fortune and also benefit the space nazi directly too.
I believe it was 60 Minutes who reported on that last Sunday 12/22. What an eye-opener.
Makes a lot of sense…
I predict that Fetterman will switch parties, become a Republican, and screw us in the Senate. He's a phony who said whatever was necessary to get elected, and he's now blowing with the fascist wind. Pig. Primary him.
Heartbreaking. :(
Yes, it is, but he won't be the last one. The performative obedience among the Dems is just getting started.
I can see a time when the Democratic party will simply cease to exist....either by self destructive self prostration for Der Fuhrer, or D will simply BAN the Dem party....just the way Hitler banned all other parties in Jan. 1933 when he was given dictatorial powers. I mean with spineless wimps like Schumer & Durbin.....
This is the Fourth Reich. Everybody has to "work towards the Fuhrer".
Indeed!
Maybe he feels he needs to take Manchin and Sinema's places?? Bi-polar? Meds off?
Nah, just a soulless creep who wants to be a power player.
I don’t believe he is a phony. But something has changed.
Blowing might be the operative word... who's blowing him ro get him to flip sides? What does someone have on him ... 🤔
I think he's just a cynical bastard who played everyone to get elected. Now he's only interested in power, which at the moment rests with the Right.
I too am wondering re: Fetterman transitioning to Republican, but it may not have been his plan all along. I do not have sufficient information to evaluate what role the stroke played.
I may be being naive and overly charitable, but it appears to be a mental health phenomenon including some wires being pinged after 10-7-23. Aligning with Netanyahu? Yikes. I want to research his positions prior to his election. I do feel played though for sending a little support for him while not being a PA resident. This may be a lesson I need to learn (again): The enemy of my enemy may seem better while being in the victim role!
He did amazing things in Braddock before the stroke. He must be using his reptile brain now. That sucks. But he ran for senate against Oz, so if he switched (and I hope he doesn’t) we’d be no worse off.
We would be worse off because he would give the Republicans another senator.
Sorry. Obviously we would be worse off. I misspoke. Especially since Oz may become a formal part of the cult anyway.
When Fetterman was mayor of Braddock and while he was Lt. Gov. of PA, he behaved like a true populist; he cared about people. Since he has been in the Senate, he has had a stroke and it appears that his brain got scrambled. Either that or it has been infected with that peculiar virus that infects congresscritters and makes them care more about campaign contributions than people. A real disappointment.
'Sinema syndrome', it affects quirky first term senators. Money and lobbying are heavily involved.
This is a perfect case of spineless & impotent Schumer not controlling his Caucus by having a come to Jesus talk with JF. Schumer let Manchin & Sinema crap all over him. It proves that just because he got a 1600 score on his SAT, it doesn't mean you're any smarter/influential than a spoiled brat, conman that has mafia connections & is buds with the most heinous ruthless dictators on the planet.
Yes, Christmas is here. I have a To Do list post- holidays. Email J Fetterman. Email Schumer to find his spine & jump in with both feet, with all Dems, to stop Kamala from certifying convict election. And demand he & Hakeem take decisive action to replace my much loved Pelosi. Every House vote counts! Let her finish her term if she can vote from a bed. RESIST RESIST RESIST
Steve Schmidt of “The Warning” & others, have been loudly calling for the senate Democrats to replace Schumer as their leader & I firmly agree. He’s weak, spineless, a terrible tactician, & a poor communicator.
As to Pelosi, most all people with total hip replacement are out of bed & walking the day after surgery & those of us peons with regular insurance, are discharged from the hospital to either a rehab facility or to home, within 2-4 days.
He’s just an opportunist like so many others in Congress.
Most fed politicians : huge egos; thirst for power; follow strict party lines.
Awful about JF…. Really pathetic, no more funds to him! Ugh.
Obviously, that stroke did more damage than we thought.
𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙜𝙪𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢, 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙭 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨 “𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙙𝙧𝙪𝙜 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙧”? 𝙄’𝙢 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙂𝙖𝙚𝙩𝙯 𝙗𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙬 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩, 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙃𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝘽𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙨, 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩?
Silly Jeff, witchhunts are for 𝘿𝒆𝙢𝒐𝙘𝒓𝙖𝒕𝙨!
😂😂
1. Orange Fuckwit plays space invader
2. Fetterman disappoints
3. Matty faceplanks
Where's Nestor? And I have to wonder what Mrs. Gaetz is thinking?
I’ve long thought that the missus was a cover to show that Gaetz was a good god-fearing man, not a disgusting piece of shit.
Agree... wonder how much his dad paid her? 👀
Like he paid off judges in Fla. to get Plankhead out of SEVEN DUIs!🙄
These people have no bottom…its gross.
WOW, seven???? We all know FL is crazy, but after the 3nd DUI, I hope the judge sentenced him AT LEAST counseling. And hir FATHER! I'd read his family is wealthy.
Not just wealthy, his father has been involved in politics for decades & has power, friends in high places.
plankhead…. ❤️
Like Madison Cawthorn's short lived wife.
We mustn’t forget the past failed pieces of shit that deserved to go down in flames. Justice is like a very slow clock that’s right maybe twice a year.
The gun registration question that Jeff asked!!! Is it literally analogous and should this become something to pursue or at least publicize.
Susan, "WHERE IS NESTOR?" I want an answer to that just below TRUE answers & details on who killed JFK, and why? Guess he's in hiding. Can't blame him.
4. power-drunk fuckwaffles
Fuckwaffles .. Dave that is my new fav word.. thank you
My favorite today Jeff 🏆
Fetterman - post Covid brain fog? I think many have lost the ability to reason. But it may just be the other virus that’s going around - kowtowing to Musk/Trump.
More like post-stroke brain damage. Or maybe he decided to throw to their side so they'd leave him alone about the way he dresses.
I’ve thought this (about the stroke) for a while. It’s sad, if so.
well...we will find out when he votes. Pay attention to how he votes. Does J think he has a loyal base of voters that will never abandon him
I was very ill with COVID in January, 2021. It didn't affect my political views. If he wasn't making any sense, I'd say maybe it's residual from the stroke. But he's not crazy talking so I think he's just not the person we thought he was. And in my book, it's black and white. If you're for Trump in any way, then I'm done with you.
The MUMPS ?
Before I read this, I saw the CNN headline earlier this morning, and immediately emailed them. I also put the headline on my private political Facebook page. OMG. They are now part of Trump State Media. As for Fetterman, I will be emailing him, saying that if he runs for re-election, not a dime from me.
Spineless CNN, panicked at their decline, cozies up to the authoritarian regime for favor. Not the role of the free press envisioned by the Founders.
Get out, Jake, while the gettin's good. MSNBC maybe?
Unless a wealthy Democrat/Progressive buys MSNBC, several good journalists that I respect are going to have to look for another place to land.
Perhaps they can join Medhi Hassan’s Zeteo media company or Meidas Touch Network?
Agreed- I was also thinking a fund is needed for small publications to fend off baseless lawsuits by people like Trump and Musk to stifle any criticism of them. The lawyer fees can kill these guys, even as they win these cases. Where are the wealthy defenders of a free press and democracy to speak truth to power, to help these little guys fight these lawsuits?
Hey Fetterman, ever heard the aphorisms about biting the hand(s) that feed you and burning your bridges?
The Progressive Democrats didn't miss a beat to collectively defend Fetterman after his stroke and support his ensuing struggle with depression. Not a soul on the Republican side had a kind word for him -- in fact, MAGA mocked him without mercy. Wonder if he's feeling "the big chill."
Nuh. Short memory
Yes, but if he turns MAGA, he will still win in PA. Sadly.
True dat Sandra!!
I read the Gaetz report. I think the reason he didn’t want anyone to see it is because it shows what a fucking loser he really is! He asked for a customer appreciation week for fucking girls! He paid women (girls) almost $100k for sex over 12 years. And he had some skanky “girlfriend” find other girls to screw. He is just another Jeffrey Epstein. And he is a major loser who had to pay women for sex because he is such a gross creep no one with any self respect would have anything to do with him. He is a cancer in America but the sad thing is there are tons more like him in the government starting with Donny the Rapist.
Yeah, the #MeToo movement barely scratched the surface.
Indeed Gayna!!
Imagine Attorney General Gaetz appointing a Special Counsel to investigate himself for falsely claiming he was not a drug user when applying for a gun license!
I have a theory that an important reason for President Musk's threats against Panama and Denmark is that they are small and militarily weak countries that we can beat in a conventional war. Bullies always pick on the weak. His followers will cheer the "wins" while ignoring the disastrous effects on our standing in the world not to mention that the operations would be war crimes.
Word of the day for the USA: Gewaltherrschaft.
But remember, Denmark's armed forces spent time reinforcing the US in Afghanistan, and I believe they've helped out the UN in Haiti and Africa. I would not pick on them. Suppose RFK JR bans vaccines for our military? Wasn't Panama a den for yellow fever? Just asking for a friend.
Oh I agree! That's why President Musk must strike preemptively, just like his spiritual father did on September 1, 1939. (Had he not the Polish cavalry would have been in Berlin within days.)
And as to that Article 5 stuff, who cares? What have they done for us LATELY? Like within VP Trump’s 15 minute memory span?
And yellow fever is just fake, like diphtheria or polio or COVID 19.