I spent many hours yesterday watching MSNBC as Americans voted in this super-close Election. One of the hosts who helped keep my blood pressure under control was Mika Brzezinski. She’s teamed up with Joe Scarborough on MORNING JOE, but to me she shines as the smart moderator of the diverse cast of political pundits who show up each weekday morning. Mika is a calming influence. But she’s firm in her resolve to keep the discussions civil and informative. Mika will “fact-check” a guest who spouts mis-information. What ever way the vote goes, I’m glad I have Mika to greet me in the morning after such a nerve-wracking day.
Whew!
I’m glad you and Phil can unpack those bags that were headed for Canada, Patti.
I’m relieved that Wisconsin went Democrat. Maybe the Republicans will realize that much of the country didn’t appreciate their pettiness and something constructive can be accomplished.
The Republicans have been hijacked by the Tea Party, Beth. It was the Tea Party that forced out moderate Dick Lugar in Indiana and the Republicans went down with “God intended that rape” Richard Mourdock. It was the Tea Party that ran Christine O’Donnell (I am not a witch!) in Delaware. The Republicans could have the majority in the U.S. Senate if they had just run competent, middle-of-the-road candidates instead of these wackos.
I share your sentiment, Beth, but I’m afraid it may be wishful thinking on our part. The Republicans can just as easily cross their arms, stamp their feet and say “OK, go ahead and try to do anything and see how far THAT gets you.”
I agree with Patti: whew!
Wall Street wants to avoid the Fiscal Cliff, Rick. And the Republicans always respond to moneyed interests.
Well, Boehner has alread stated he is sticking with his “no tax increase of any kind, ever” pledge so I’m not hopeful. Of course, some of that is negotiation and hoping Obama will cave but why should he? He won and he never has to run again. All he has to do is stand pat until January 1 and all the Bush tax cuts go bye bye, forever. And it will solve a lot of the short term deficit problems if he does.
Anyway you look at it, with the Supreme Court ruling and the phase-in of the Affordable Health Care Act over the next two years, Obamacare is here to stay. Let’s see if the House Republicans keep wasting all of our time by passing meaningless repeals.
The changed political landscape may force the Republicans to make a deal, Jeff. But it will be really, really hard since most Republicans foolishly signed the NO TAX INCREASE pledge enforced by Grover Norquist. If they don’t come to a compromise and we go over the Fiscal Cliff, look for another recession. That’s why the Stock Market is down today: investors are bailing out because they think we’re going over the Cliff.