DRW50

It's what most people are talking about, even on here. It's seemingly the main topic of discussion over anything else in the bill. We can disagree, but for me it's accurate.

The biggest problem is how this may hurt vulnerable Democrats like Raphael Warnock, who will be called liars. Beyond that, everything else in the bill has now been eclipsed. That moment was lost,

It's been starting to trickle into the Beltway, which is why Politico had Ben Shapiro, who has downplayed the attack, write a column on the subject yesterday.

Sadly I think it's mostly just going to be a thin veneer of ass-covering, followed by a lot of the different elements sticking together because they generally manage to do so in order to hold onto levers of power. Gerrymandering will be a huge help in that area. If gerrymandering is ever tackled, then things will start to change. Speaking of which, here is a great example of cravenness in action. One of your state's senators, who voted to decertify the election results, now walking back after corporate donors got upset. https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/sen-james-lankford-apologizes-to-black-tulsans-for-questioning-presidential-election-results/article_6f0c2d1a-56bd-11eb-a6cb-bfb64a69f21e.html There's already a heavy push to try to downplay what happened at the Capitol, mocking the members of Congress who were scared, trying to just act like it was silliness and fun, etc. The more time passes the more that view will take up media oxygen. That can't be stopped, sadly, but I wish there was a way to completely neutralize (they don't have the votes to expel) all members of Congress who go along with this. I was reading about the plans to announce a $1,400 stimulus and say that people already had $600 so that makes $2,000. I get it - it's clear some like Manchin were not going for $2,000, and Biden wants to try to claim bipartisanship and then if it doesn't go through, pass with a narrow majority (if Manchin will go along). But this is bad messaging - Democrats campaigned on $2,000. This just leaves room for media darlings like Marco or Josh Hawley (if he is still viable) to push their fake populism.

https://people.com/tv/survivor-palau-angie-jakusz-dies-at-age-40/

The loathsome Ben Shapiro guest-wrote for Politico today, which means we will have more "cancel culture" headlines that will drown out real news.

I would rather see an older character and not someone who will just slot in with the Dingles, but I like Faith well enough. Sally Dexter is an excellent actress. I had a feeling it would be her once I read the statements from the producers, which were not really that hyperbolic. Some of the press made the return seem bigger than they did.

The talking points and pro-GOP tilt are already well in gear.

How sad to see Ricky Skaggs' name on there.

Didn't see this posted in here. (she is denying the claims) What did you all think of her in her seasons?

I guess one of the main questions will end up being how much effort can be made to fight the upcoming gerrymandering.

They made significant gains in the House, so that's what concerns me most for the effectiveness of this type of messaging, but I hope you are right.

That's awful. I'm lucky that the family I'm closest to all hate Trump - those who worship him are at arm's length. It is just pure brain poison that leaves a lasting mark. I feel like the 'fear' of these members of Congress is just the latest variation of what we have heard about the GOP for decades now - well, so and so doesn't REALLY feel this way. The problem is what does that matter? They aren't changing anything. They aren't helping. They are just continuing to stay quiet as their party moves further and further toward extremes. These people are, indeed, cowards, and they have been for a long time. They thought they could use and discard Trump and profit from it. They didn't bargain on him hooking up with so many lunatics, and helping them to stock up the member body as well. I saw a tweet that said Republicans elected the hijackers to serve as muscle against the others in the party. And that is absolutely right. That's why no matter how much the media cries for Mitt, or Liz Cheney, or a random governor, the only solution is to keep these monsters out of power as much as possible.

I agree with you (and @Vee) and know they have addressed this, but sadly we are in the minority compared to a lot of the public and the press.

McConnell knows if he leaves this in the laps of Biden and Schumer, he will delay the stimulus and other important projects, and be able to run - with the media backing him up all the way - on Democrats caring more about "divisiveness" than wanting to help people. It is disgusting, yet many people lap this stuff up. The Democrats have to be the ones to do the dirty work every time.

https://deadline.com/2021/01/jessica-campbell-dead-obituary-election-actress-was-38-1234672774/

Wrong thread. Sorry. Heartbreaking news about Robyn Millan, and her last years. Thank you for finding this @jam6242. I'm glad Danny Hill's audio recordings of her are still available as they really changed my opinion of her work after just seeing her on Ryan's Hope.