Trump didn’t win the lawsuit; he won the leverage. Democrats flounder, media giants fold, and democracy becomes negotiable in the fine print of corporate deals.
I agree! I got an email asking for a donation to my city newspaper. I responded that I would donate as soon as they started reporting what was really happening in this country; and if they were too scared that they shouldn’t be in the news business.
Maria, A GREAT response! I have not watched any mainstream media in months now. I think they are weak and pathetic I’d rather be here listening to the truth.
I stopped appreciating television "news" after 9/11. It was also when I became critical of newspapers.
I still check mainstream media once in a while, just to make sure I'm not getting one-sided information - but it can be nauseating, so I avoid anything not in writing.
I cannot believe we're here because of a handful of billionaires and stupid people. Democrats should have challenged the election and it's hard to forgive the party leaders who didn't, including Harris.
With WHAT? Democrats should have challenged the election??????? Oh, sure. The name is Al Gore. The year is 2000. 25 years ago. The challenge went to the Supreme Court and what happened? What happened? And what do you think would have happened thus time around? Who is on the Supreme Court? What party put them there? And you think there would be a different outcome? Really?
Gore was a good guy. He had many qualities Bush lacked. I still don’t know how Bush was governor. (Or governor “good hair” Perry Or governor asswipe Abbot) I am a native Texan and politics in Texas is a crooked as it gets YeeHaw! That goes for Johnson as well, but at least he did good things as president for the people.
But Bush was “selected” not elected and how did that happen? And his whole family Hates Trump-so where is his voice? Obama’s voice and the Clinton’s should be screaming from every rooftop about Trump and his circus. As should Every country that is stuck dealing with this administration.
As far I'm concerned, Clinton and especially Obama have done their duty. Trump and maga would be giddy if Obama stuck his neck out and got assassinated as a result. Expecting political saviors to arrive is a long-standing delusion among Democrats.
How about we do our civic and moral duty as citizens who have the responsibility and sovereignty about our country's future. Throwing up our hands and expecting others to "do something" is a prescription for failure.
But nothing changes. They elect someone because of their looks or perceived business acumen. When it all comes tumbling down they stand there with a gasp and say how did this happen? Because they weren't fully focused and involved that's why it keeps happening. Nobody cares about politics in dictatorships that why they STAY DICTATORSHIPS!
Bill Clinton is backing Andrew Cuomo that's where he is! Amazing how a few bucks can go to your head. His wife should have been president instead but I guess electing a woman was even harder then than it is now.
So what should we do then instead? Just rollover? I'm seriously asking because your type of response which I've seen other places accomplishes absolutely nothing.
If you want to give up before the fight gets started, that's your prerogative. Michael Cohen and many others are trying galvanize an effective response and political movement. What are you doing instead?
Blaming democrats is not going to help anyone, any group, organization or party.
Instead my hope is that energy would be channeled into working towards getting him and his supporters out of office and importance.
We need to go forwards and concentrate on what we have and need to bring back America into the incredibly strong democratic system who believe we are only as strong as our weakest link.
Can we please aspire to be the world leader again (or something like that) instead? We need to tell our allies that anyone like DJT (or his ilk) has will not succeed here. We are learning.
I’d like to have a parade, with maybe two floats, decorated with all the appropriate nasty memes, some Pride flags. No tanks, no military. Just us, the betrayed
I agree, this has been the real crisis, that those that said they were representing the people are not. It is an even worse betrayal, having held faith in norms & decency, that it was a smokescreen that enabled the more blatant abusers to move forward & seize power. It's really hard to face that, yes, there is a contingency of the "elite" that co-opted the Democratic brand & are not working for the people as we need. If we're ever able to have faith in norms & decency again, it's going to require a lot of concrete action to demonstrate honesty & full commitment from Dems. I don't think we can say, Blue no matter who, any longer.
I totally agree. That election should’ve been gone over with a fine tooth comb! Especially since it was common knowledge that Creepy Elon paid approximately 270 million dollars to buy the election. The swamp creature is still denying he lost the 2020 election. Where he’s concerned, cheating is the surest way to win. I’m surprised also that Kamala Harris didn’t challenge the results. I’m sincerely hoping that the Big Macs and KFC will be the silver bullet!
I really think they were so demoralized and wanted to support our democratic process. But what if, WHAT IF there was fishy shit going on? What if she didn’t lose EVERY swing state?
What if those precincts reporting Zero Kamala votes were tampered with? I want to know.
The problem is that because they ARE stupid they never learn. It's a conundrum for sure. Though there's one slight silver lining. That is that Trump has shown them in word and deed how stupid they were to vote for him. That's something to hang onto. Unless they do like he does when attacked. Double-down on the lie. Some, like trump himself don't want to admit they're wrong even when it's obvious to all that they are! Well if only some break away that'll be better than nothing. I guess?
Pre-campaign, The Heritage Foundation sent their sister organization, Heritage out to threaten all representatives that if anyone tried to go against Trump's agenda of which is actually their agenda, that they would lose their jobs. You're seeing it now. In Vance's words, they won't do well. The Heritage Foundation is the Republican's radical right wing lobby group. They're the ones behind the chaos.
Yes it has been in the works for decades and yet everybody in trumps universe missed it! They simply didn't want to know when someone tried to tell them. All they wanted was "get the immigrants out of here. If it wasn't for them my life would be better." Now they know and will still ignore the signs because it doesn't fit with what they've been yelling about for 8 years.
How about EVERY person, corporation, institution, etc. that he has defamed file a lawsuit asking for damages. Every time he gets away with something illegal, unethical or immoral, he gets hit with a lawsuit. The fact he should be in jail right now is outrageous. Why didn’t he at least have to pay court costs?
I don’t think sexual assault should get “a pass” and the felony convictions should not allow him to run in the first place. I blame the frightened GOP for allowing him to run. EVERYONE, every corporation, every country is afraid of his retribution. And they should be. He needs to be removed.
So is that what really happened! They were just discussing it? Sorry for instantly thinking the opposite. I didn't get it from "Barbie with a crucifix." It was in another email I get but can't remember which as I've subscribed to so many since trump came back on the scene. I'm not religious but I have noticed it's getting smaller. Maybe her nose is growing, like Pinocchio's lol. By the way I'm English and moved back to the UK after 43 years in Canada. I wouldn't have left but you are like the States in one respect, you don't look after the elderly very well. I live a pretty good life here with my apartment rent paid plus money every week to see me through with some left over! It's not everything I could wish for but not having to pay the price of ageing does me just fine. I'm really glad to hear Canada didn't cave. ELBOWS UP!
That is true.....Privitization of senior care has not been a good thing, proven during covid. PM Carney talked about a discussion......Maga twists everything like an orange pretzel.
Please. WHAT presidential library? There IS none. There will BE none. The money will go to the library in his wallet or to his roach-infested golf clubs.
"So, where’s the accountability? Where’s the oversight? Where’s the robust investigation into whether these settlements are being used to curry favor with a sitting president? Are we really supposed to believe that the FCC has zero awareness of the pressure these companies are under? That a president’s legal threats and a regulatory body’s approval process are just coincidentally crossing paths?”
What are the Democrats supposed to do? They don’t have a majority in either house. They can’t do an investigation, they can’t do hearings. Individual members have made speeches, others have written Paramount to say this is bribery. If the Dems recapture the majority in either house, they can (and I sincerely hope they will) go wild with investigations.
If wishes were horses I'd own a ranch. What makes you think the Dems will win back the house and the senate? the rethugs are already realigning the districts to favour themselves. I'm pretty sure they got other bases covered too. You just wait and see. Meanwhile yell and scream and shout and protest up until then. Maybe you'll make them more scared of you than you are of them!
I’m not sure what your point is. I’m saying the Dems don’t have a lot of tools given they lack majorities in both houses. I don’t rule out the GOP rigging the 2026 election but winning there is one route to getting back control.
I’m not afraid of Trump and his people; I’m pissed.
So, let me get this straight. You are saying that Trump can continue to break the laws set out in the Constitution? Then, hell just throw up your hands, or better yet, write a nasty letter saying you condemn their actions. This is war! All rules are null and void. Or is that too impolite and "just not done?" Does YOUR Constitution when tackled just fold? Then why have it?
If you believe as we do that MAGA fails without FOX and that destroying honest media like PBS makes it even worse;
Eviscerate FOX. Deny them ad $ by denying the ad buying company CEO and execs bonuses. For example Home Depot. Boycott them for a full fiscal quarter. Get all on line influencers to post every day for the entire time. See how fast CEO’s stop buying ads - do only ONE brand - do it implacably for an entire quarter. See how quickly you become the new sheriff in town and how fast other CEO’s quit buying ads. See how fast FOX changes content. All they care about is $. Oh - and next generation FOX CEO will be a decent human being if you do this.
Details matter. Talk to me. See Target and Tesla for examples. Companies are people, not paper. Make it personal.
That's what I say too. Find out who advertises with these moronic media networks then phone those companies and give them petitions saying you won't be purchasing any product they advertise on those networks. Without that revenue those media morons will come crashing down.
The MeidasTouch is why I started my own Substack and now political poetry podcast. I really appreciate the work you ALL are doing here on the network and with other networks/platforms. This is probably one of the most important communities we have right now and is a vital part of building a better America.
I hope the team is able to bring on and work with other correspondents - local and national - who don’t agree with this selling out. This is going to hit local news the hardest and communities are going to be further separated. Keep up the great work y’all are doing and never, ever give in—we won’t either.
Michael, I know you read the comments, and I hope this poem I wrote offers you some strength and comfort. There’s a lot of hate going around, I’d rather bring us together. Like you’ve said, it’s how we all win.
The caving bothers me the most. This extortion, UVA president resigning...CDC leaders resigning. Stay and fight. You might not win but you can make a hell of a lot of noise when going down swinging
You WILL WIN! He can't take money from all American institutions and companies or else he'll have his head handed to him on a platter by his MAGA VOTERS!
So enough of the Dems are weanies and got it wrong. I want to hear what your solution is then, in this breach of democracy. Let’s hear real suggestions for solutions. Because I agree with you but feel helpless.
I agree! I got an email asking for a donation to my city newspaper. I responded that I would donate as soon as they started reporting what was really happening in this country; and if they were too scared that they shouldn’t be in the news business.
Maria, A GREAT response! I have not watched any mainstream media in months now. I think they are weak and pathetic I’d rather be here listening to the truth.
We have not watched main stream media in our house since the election.
I think now we'll boycott Paramount/CBS entirely.
CBS and “60 Minutes.”
I stopped appreciating television "news" after 9/11. It was also when I became critical of newspapers.
I still check mainstream media once in a while, just to make sure I'm not getting one-sided information - but it can be nauseating, so I avoid anything not in writing.
I don't even own a TV set anymore.
Try BBC! It does not tell you what to think or how. Very truthful reporting and way ahead of timing connected with the U.S. channels.
All the difference you may be seeking?
Thank you, I’ll check it out.
Trump owns all of mainstream media , they’ve all kissed the ring 🖕🏼
Good job!
I just cancelled my subscription to my city newspaper telling them to start reporting on the actual authoritarian take down of this country.
My local paper had nothing - NOTHING! - about the nationwide protests.
Demand they put in a full page ad for the next NOKINGS coast to coast protest.........that should be taking place every 3 weeks at least.
Start kicking Orange butt.....the clock is ticking away.
Good for you!
I cannot believe we're here because of a handful of billionaires and stupid people. Democrats should have challenged the election and it's hard to forgive the party leaders who didn't, including Harris.
With WHAT? Democrats should have challenged the election??????? Oh, sure. The name is Al Gore. The year is 2000. 25 years ago. The challenge went to the Supreme Court and what happened? What happened? And what do you think would have happened thus time around? Who is on the Supreme Court? What party put them there? And you think there would be a different outcome? Really?
It's hard to read such balderdash.
What fools these mortals be.
Gore was a good guy. He had many qualities Bush lacked. I still don’t know how Bush was governor. (Or governor “good hair” Perry Or governor asswipe Abbot) I am a native Texan and politics in Texas is a crooked as it gets YeeHaw! That goes for Johnson as well, but at least he did good things as president for the people.
But Bush was “selected” not elected and how did that happen? And his whole family Hates Trump-so where is his voice? Obama’s voice and the Clinton’s should be screaming from every rooftop about Trump and his circus. As should Every country that is stuck dealing with this administration.
As far I'm concerned, Clinton and especially Obama have done their duty. Trump and maga would be giddy if Obama stuck his neck out and got assassinated as a result. Expecting political saviors to arrive is a long-standing delusion among Democrats.
How about we do our civic and moral duty as citizens who have the responsibility and sovereignty about our country's future. Throwing up our hands and expecting others to "do something" is a prescription for failure.
But nothing changes. They elect someone because of their looks or perceived business acumen. When it all comes tumbling down they stand there with a gasp and say how did this happen? Because they weren't fully focused and involved that's why it keeps happening. Nobody cares about politics in dictatorships that why they STAY DICTATORSHIPS!
Bill Clinton is backing Andrew Cuomo that's where he is! Amazing how a few bucks can go to your head. His wife should have been president instead but I guess electing a woman was even harder then than it is now.
Bernie Sanders should have been President.
I couldn't agree more! But Americans can't get past the scary word "Socialist" so they lost out in having a society would have been better for all.
So what should we do then instead? Just rollover? I'm seriously asking because your type of response which I've seen other places accomplishes absolutely nothing.
If you want to give up before the fight gets started, that's your prerogative. Michael Cohen and many others are trying galvanize an effective response and political movement. What are you doing instead?
Holy false dilemma, Batman!
With the data- Kamala actually won.
You're right. People are already saying don't contest the last election, it's water under the bridge. So the beat goes on....
Blaming democrats is not going to help anyone, any group, organization or party.
Instead my hope is that energy would be channeled into working towards getting him and his supporters out of office and importance.
We need to go forwards and concentrate on what we have and need to bring back America into the incredibly strong democratic system who believe we are only as strong as our weakest link.
Can we please aspire to be the world leader again (or something like that) instead? We need to tell our allies that anyone like DJT (or his ilk) has will not succeed here. We are learning.
What should we do???!!!
I’d like to have a parade, with maybe two floats, decorated with all the appropriate nasty memes, some Pride flags. No tanks, no military. Just us, the betrayed
NO KINGS coast to coast......every 2 weeks!!!
Coast to coast shut down of every buisness.
National walkout of every educational institution.......
Wake up people!!
I LOVE that idea!
I agree, this has been the real crisis, that those that said they were representing the people are not. It is an even worse betrayal, having held faith in norms & decency, that it was a smokescreen that enabled the more blatant abusers to move forward & seize power. It's really hard to face that, yes, there is a contingency of the "elite" that co-opted the Democratic brand & are not working for the people as we need. If we're ever able to have faith in norms & decency again, it's going to require a lot of concrete action to demonstrate honesty & full commitment from Dems. I don't think we can say, Blue no matter who, any longer.
I totally agree. That election should’ve been gone over with a fine tooth comb! Especially since it was common knowledge that Creepy Elon paid approximately 270 million dollars to buy the election. The swamp creature is still denying he lost the 2020 election. Where he’s concerned, cheating is the surest way to win. I’m surprised also that Kamala Harris didn’t challenge the results. I’m sincerely hoping that the Big Macs and KFC will be the silver bullet!
I couldn’t agree more
I really think they were so demoralized and wanted to support our democratic process. But what if, WHAT IF there was fishy shit going on? What if she didn’t lose EVERY swing state?
What if those precincts reporting Zero Kamala votes were tampered with? I want to know.
Fishy shit is the perfect description!
I agree with you completely.
Stupid is America’s greatest threat
The problem is that because they ARE stupid they never learn. It's a conundrum for sure. Though there's one slight silver lining. That is that Trump has shown them in word and deed how stupid they were to vote for him. That's something to hang onto. Unless they do like he does when attacked. Double-down on the lie. Some, like trump himself don't want to admit they're wrong even when it's obvious to all that they are! Well if only some break away that'll be better than nothing. I guess?
Pre-campaign, The Heritage Foundation sent their sister organization, Heritage out to threaten all representatives that if anyone tried to go against Trump's agenda of which is actually their agenda, that they would lose their jobs. You're seeing it now. In Vance's words, they won't do well. The Heritage Foundation is the Republican's radical right wing lobby group. They're the ones behind the chaos.
It would not have succeeded. This takeover has been in the works for decades
Yes it has been in the works for decades and yet everybody in trumps universe missed it! They simply didn't want to know when someone tried to tell them. All they wanted was "get the immigrants out of here. If it wasn't for them my life would be better." Now they know and will still ignore the signs because it doesn't fit with what they've been yelling about for 8 years.
In corporate media money is more important than truth and integrity.
Cathy, sadly I know right.
This whole caving in by corporations and colleges is revolting.
Exactly. When you placate a psychotic toddler by giving in it does not solve your problem. It creates 1000 more.
Yeah he'll be back for more payoffs. They always do.
How about EVERY person, corporation, institution, etc. that he has defamed file a lawsuit asking for damages. Every time he gets away with something illegal, unethical or immoral, he gets hit with a lawsuit. The fact he should be in jail right now is outrageous. Why didn’t he at least have to pay court costs?
I don’t think sexual assault should get “a pass” and the felony convictions should not allow him to run in the first place. I blame the frightened GOP for allowing him to run. EVERYONE, every corporation, every country is afraid of his retribution. And they should be. He needs to be removed.
And don’t forget the big law firms that “bent the knee.”
It's called paying a gangster wannabe a bribe actually.
He has totally f’d up the USA in just under 6 months.
Kamala warned America over and over again about the Orange hellscape that was on the way.
These postings are so depressing........so defeatist.
We Canadians have our elbows up and will never surrender to the Orange pile of dog shit.
Keep fighting with all you have.........toss the crying towel.
Except your prime minister just did the same. He agreed not to tax digital companies after trump bitched about it. Want that "crying towel" back?
A discussion and/or decision according to the Orange/Fox propaganda News dictionary means "caving in"......as BS Barbie so gleefully announced .......
while that cross necklace goes up in smoke once again.
The towel is all yours...keep ringing it out.
So is that what really happened! They were just discussing it? Sorry for instantly thinking the opposite. I didn't get it from "Barbie with a crucifix." It was in another email I get but can't remember which as I've subscribed to so many since trump came back on the scene. I'm not religious but I have noticed it's getting smaller. Maybe her nose is growing, like Pinocchio's lol. By the way I'm English and moved back to the UK after 43 years in Canada. I wouldn't have left but you are like the States in one respect, you don't look after the elderly very well. I live a pretty good life here with my apartment rent paid plus money every week to see me through with some left over! It's not everything I could wish for but not having to pay the price of ageing does me just fine. I'm really glad to hear Canada didn't cave. ELBOWS UP!
That is true.....Privitization of senior care has not been a good thing, proven during covid. PM Carney talked about a discussion......Maga twists everything like an orange pretzel.
I really appreciate the truth. So thanks for the update.
Please. WHAT presidential library? There IS none. There will BE none. The money will go to the library in his wallet or to his roach-infested golf clubs.
He can’t write, so how can he read? Probably can’t even spell “library” without his assistants that are helping with his posts.
I wish I could afford to subscribe but I just can't.
Same here.
Me too☹️
Same, a lot of us in this position 😔
"So, where’s the accountability? Where’s the oversight? Where’s the robust investigation into whether these settlements are being used to curry favor with a sitting president? Are we really supposed to believe that the FCC has zero awareness of the pressure these companies are under? That a president’s legal threats and a regulatory body’s approval process are just coincidentally crossing paths?”
What are the Democrats supposed to do? They don’t have a majority in either house. They can’t do an investigation, they can’t do hearings. Individual members have made speeches, others have written Paramount to say this is bribery. If the Dems recapture the majority in either house, they can (and I sincerely hope they will) go wild with investigations.
If wishes were horses I'd own a ranch. What makes you think the Dems will win back the house and the senate? the rethugs are already realigning the districts to favour themselves. I'm pretty sure they got other bases covered too. You just wait and see. Meanwhile yell and scream and shout and protest up until then. Maybe you'll make them more scared of you than you are of them!
I’m not sure what your point is. I’m saying the Dems don’t have a lot of tools given they lack majorities in both houses. I don’t rule out the GOP rigging the 2026 election but winning there is one route to getting back control.
I’m not afraid of Trump and his people; I’m pissed.
So, let me get this straight. You are saying that Trump can continue to break the laws set out in the Constitution? Then, hell just throw up your hands, or better yet, write a nasty letter saying you condemn their actions. This is war! All rules are null and void. Or is that too impolite and "just not done?" Does YOUR Constitution when tackled just fold? Then why have it?
Defund right wing media.
If you believe as we do that MAGA fails without FOX and that destroying honest media like PBS makes it even worse;
Eviscerate FOX. Deny them ad $ by denying the ad buying company CEO and execs bonuses. For example Home Depot. Boycott them for a full fiscal quarter. Get all on line influencers to post every day for the entire time. See how fast CEO’s stop buying ads - do only ONE brand - do it implacably for an entire quarter. See how quickly you become the new sheriff in town and how fast other CEO’s quit buying ads. See how fast FOX changes content. All they care about is $. Oh - and next generation FOX CEO will be a decent human being if you do this.
Details matter. Talk to me. See Target and Tesla for examples. Companies are people, not paper. Make it personal.
That's what I say too. Find out who advertises with these moronic media networks then phone those companies and give them petitions saying you won't be purchasing any product they advertise on those networks. Without that revenue those media morons will come crashing down.
No respect for any of the media outlets that give that con man money.
The MeidasTouch is why I started my own Substack and now political poetry podcast. I really appreciate the work you ALL are doing here on the network and with other networks/platforms. This is probably one of the most important communities we have right now and is a vital part of building a better America.
I hope the team is able to bring on and work with other correspondents - local and national - who don’t agree with this selling out. This is going to hit local news the hardest and communities are going to be further separated. Keep up the great work y’all are doing and never, ever give in—we won’t either.
Michael, I know you read the comments, and I hope this poem I wrote offers you some strength and comfort. There’s a lot of hate going around, I’d rather bring us together. Like you’ve said, it’s how we all win.
https://open.substack.com/pub/sickofthis/p/weather-the-storm?r=34xe78&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
I’m spreading the word! 💙🇺🇸🇺🇦
I turned off MSM in 2023. Too much sanewashing of the criminal traitor while completely ignoring our current leader Joe Biden.
The caving bothers me the most. This extortion, UVA president resigning...CDC leaders resigning. Stay and fight. You might not win but you can make a hell of a lot of noise when going down swinging
You WILL WIN! He can't take money from all American institutions and companies or else he'll have his head handed to him on a platter by his MAGA VOTERS!
So enough of the Dems are weanies and got it wrong. I want to hear what your solution is then, in this breach of democracy. Let’s hear real suggestions for solutions. Because I agree with you but feel helpless.
And you’re not taking seriously the quite likely scenario that the election was rigged and Kamala actually won by a landslide.
I agree it definitely needs to be investigated. Too many signs of corruption.