On Thanksgiving, Senator JD Vance shared a meme depicting himself and Donald Trump superimposed onto Norman Rockwell’s “Freedom From Want,” with a map highlighting GOP electoral wins replacing the traditional turkey. The image, which prompted varied reactions, shows Vance as the matriarchal figure alongside Trump. This followed a more traditional Thanksgiving message from Vance. Trump himself also shared a Thanksgiving meme, portraying himself emerging from a turkey alongside Democratic figures.
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The House GOP’s razor-thin majority is a truly remarkable outcome, leaving the upcoming Trump administration in a precarious position. This incredibly narrow margin of victory sets the stage for potentially significant gridlock and challenges for the party in power. It’s a situation ripe with political intrigue and uncertainty.
The reduced Republican majority immediately raises questions about the party’s ability to effectively govern. Passing legislation will be a Herculean task, requiring near-unanimous support within the party, and leaving little room for dissent or individual differences of opinion. Any internal divisions could easily lead to legislative paralysis, making it nearly impossible to fulfill campaign promises or enact any meaningful agenda.… Continue reading
Senator Mike Rounds introduced the “Returning Education to Our States Act,” aiming to abolish the Department of Education and redistribute its $200 billion budget to other federal agencies and states. The bill faces an uphill battle, requiring a 60-vote supermajority in the Senate, though Rounds hopes to utilize a reconciliation process to pass it with a simple majority. Experts express concern over the potential negative impacts on students with disabilities and marginalized groups, highlighting the loss of crucial federal protections and funding. The bill’s passage would represent a long-held Republican goal, reversing decades of federal involvement in education.
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President-elect Trump’s reported plans to combat Mexican drug cartels, developed since early 2023, are gaining traction among even mainstream Republicans. Proposals range from covert special forces operations targeting cartel leadership to more overt actions like drone strikes and airstrikes. Key Trump nominees, including Hegseth and Rubio, publicly support military intervention. The plans, discussed with multiple Republican advisors, represent a spectrum of military force, from targeted assassinations to cyber warfare.
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Following the November elections, the GOP will hold a razor-thin majority in the House, a mere 220 seats to the Democrats’ 215—the smallest since the Hoover administration. This narrow margin is further threatened by the confirmed resignation of one Republican representative and the anticipated resignations of two more. These resignations, stemming from appointments to the Trump administration, would shrink the GOP’s majority even further. The potential loss of three seats highlights the precarious position of the Republican party’s House control.
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Donald Trump’s incoming administration is actively debating the extent of military intervention in Mexico to combat drug cartels, a policy gaining traction within the Republican party. Proposed actions range from covert special forces operations to airstrikes and cyber warfare, with the ultimate goal of disrupting cartel activities. Key figures within Trump’s circle, including his selections for Secretary of Defense and National Security Advisor, publicly support this approach. The plan hinges on a potential ultimatum to the Mexican government; failure to curb fentanyl trafficking could trigger US military action.
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Republican Senator Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for Attorney General after facing anticipated opposition from several Republican Senators. This opposition stemmed from Gaetz’s role in ousting former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and an ongoing ethics investigation. The withdrawal sparked outrage among prominent Trump supporters, who accused these senators of obstructing the President-elect’s agenda. At least four Republican Senators reportedly indicated they would vote against Gaetz’s confirmation. Gaetz cited concerns that his confirmation process was becoming a distraction.
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Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster criticized certain Republicans, including Tulsi Gabbard, for echoing Vladimir Putin’s rhetoric and displaying an “affection” for the Russian leader. McMaster specifically highlighted Gabbard’s acceptance of Putin’s justifications for invading Ukraine, contradicting U.S. intelligence assessments. This criticism follows concerns raised by Democrats regarding Gabbard’s past actions and potential allegiances, including a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The concerns underscore broader anxieties about Gabbard’s suitability for a national security role.
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GOP senators facing accusations of sex-related misconduct against Trump’s cabinet picks are finding themselves in a difficult position. The allegations, ranging from inappropriate behavior to serious assault, paint a troubling picture of the administration’s personnel choices. It’s not just the severity of the accusations that creates a problem, but the sheer volume of them that makes it harder for Republican senators to ignore. The constant stream of revelations forces them into a defensive posture, making it increasingly difficult to maintain their usual air of confidence.
This predicament is particularly challenging given the Republican party’s history. They’ve often taken a strong stance against sexual misconduct, yet their current situation demands a response that doesn’t completely contradict their previous rhetoric.… Continue reading
Following intense pressure, the House repassed the bill, 219-184, though fifteen Democrats still supported it. This underscores the need for Democrats to abandon their tendency towards bipartisanship and instead emulate Republicans’ successful strategy of unified opposition to opposing party initiatives. The bill’s existence highlights the GOP’s history of obstructionism and Trump’s destructive agenda, further emphasizing the necessity of complete Democratic refusal to cooperate. Democrats should prioritize preventing Trump’s plans from succeeding, even if it means the GOP governs alone.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood