Open Thread Dec. 23: Every Day Is Festivus
Today is Festivus, the made-up holiday popularized by "Seinfeld" back in the '90s, the centerpiece of which is the Airing of the Grievances. Compiling a full list would take all…
Open Thread Dec. 22: Only Losers Pay Taxes, and You’re a Loser
Lots of analysis out there today, both financial and political, of the Republican tax heist. The political angle is covered nicely by Josh Marshall in his response to concern that…
Open Thread Dec. 21: Brighter Days Ahead
The winter solstice occurs at 11:28 this morning, so by definition, brighter days are ahead -- but not today, according to the astrologers, who are just as qualified as most…
Open Thread Dec. 18: Is Mueller’s Time Up?
The media has spent the past three days in hysterics because Republicans in Congress keep attacking the legitimacy of Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian attempts to interfere in U.S. elections.…
Open Thread Dec. 14: Revenge of the Rich
To the horror of a nation still celebrating Roy Moore's defeat, House and Senate Republicans reached a compromise on their noxious tax plan, putting it on schedule for a vote…
Open Thread Dec. 12: The Devil Fools With the Best Laid Plan
All eyes are on Alabama for the special election, and the polls are all over the place -- some have Jones up by several points, others have Moore up by…
Open Thread Dec. 11: The Women Are Coming for Trump
Denying reality is trending, as the kidz say. Republicans have been doing it for decades, but lots of Democrats are giving them competition. Consider this essay by Sean McElwee, who…
Open Thread Dec. 5: This Is Why They Don’t Let Clowns Run the Circus
The Republican Death Star tax bill is not yet fully operational, because the House and Senate versions must be reconciled. The first think pitched overboard: some of the special deals…
Open Thread Dec. 1: Flynn Pleads Guilty, Cotton Unqualified
Well, now we know why Crazy Uncle Donald has been crazier than usual. Mike Flynn is pleading guilty today to a single count of lying to the FBI. Given how much…
Open Thread Nov. 29: Matt Lauer, Closing Schools and Police Behaving Badly
Whoever had the Today Show's Matt Lauer as the next media heavyweight to fall in the sexual harassment pandemic, contact management to claim your prize. The ax fell just this…
Open Thread Nov. 27: Pressure Gonna Drop on You, GOP
Democrats have one thing saving them in Washington: Their opponents are Republicans, and hence not very bright. Politico says the White House screwed up again by having billionaires like Steve…
Open Thread Nov. 25: Trump Golfs as Mueller Closes In
Long read for a long weekend: Bill Moyers and retired lawyer Steven Harper put together a timeline of known Trump campaign contacts with Russians, resulting in a (relatively) easy-to-follow version…
Black Friday Open Thread
Black Friday isn't called that because stores get "into the black" from all the retail shopping -- it was coined by Philly cops in the 1960s to describe their day-after-Thanksgiving,…