Mornin’ Politocadoes!
With the first matchup between Vice President Kamala Harris and Ex-President Donald Trump safely in the books, other politicians are preparing for what next year will look like for them. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Hell) had previously announced that he will be ending his historic tenure as the longest-serving congressional party leader in 2025, with some hoping to delay it. And over in the House, Mike Johnson looks to an unclear future whether Republicans continue to hold the House or not.
McConnell seems unfazed by attempts to delay the election with multiple senators supporting his timeline. Two top contenders are Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and John Cornyn (R- TX) have been making appeals for the spot since McConnell’s announcement in February. Yet, there are others such as Utah Senator Mike Lee who have been trying to get others on board to delay the election into December. The hope, is that this will give enough time for Trump and his allies to have their say in the process and elect an even more conservative leader. Rick Scott (R-Hell, 7th Circle of) is once again launching a bid for the seat with a couple of others who backed his candidacy last time around.
While the timeline is unclear, party elections typically happen a week after the general election. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) appears to be the key decision maker on the timing as he is conference chair.
Meanwhile, in the House Mike Johnson looks to whether he will hold the gavel in 2025. Johnson is back where he was with his caucus as he is unable to get his spending plan through. Johnson knows that he is unable to get any sharply partisan plan given how razor thin his majority is. It’s the same problem he’s always had, it’s the same problem McCarthy had. He knows he has to play ball with the Democrats, but he has a recalcitrant rank-and-file caucus, ready to ride him out on a rail if he does. His most recent attempt: a six month spending stop-gap to avoid a government shutdown paired with a requirement to prove citizenship when someone registers to vote was struck down by a last minute demand from Trump for House Republicans not to cooperate. Were Trump to win in November this dynamic would likely continue, with greater frequency. I do not envy the man, yet I also find it hard to pity him.
Lots of things are still in the air, but one thing is clear. Trump and his acolytes will likely continue this cycle of chaos if they win in November. Anyone trying to get any actual work done will be punished for their efforts. To be honest, I really have no idea what the Senate and the House will look like come November. My hope is that the Democrats somehow have control over both again either through science or magic, but I think it unlikely. All we can do is hope Harris wins and contain whatever hell Congress may yet bring.
Welcome to Thursday! Please be excellent to each other in the comments. The Mayor McSquirrel Rule remains in effect. Something to keep in mind! Police are using digital data to prosecute abortion seekers, and Facebook and Google are helping them! Even if they are not legally required to do so, the tech giants will aid them in this since it’s technically against the law. Please be careful when looking for abortion providers or helping someone who is looking for that assistance.
The Covid-19 pandemic continues even if the emergencies end, continue to vaccinate using the latest version of the FDA approved vaccines by Phizer and Moderna. Even if you are vaccinated, please continue to maintain social distancing measures, wear masks in public areas in accordance with CDC guidelines in regard to your own vaccination status.Also, according to recent polls approximately 50% of adults are not planning on getting their Covid-19 boosters. So please get them and older adults should also look to be vaccinated for RSV!