Now I don't trust a rethuglican any farther than I could kick one the size of fat ass Chris "Roadblock" Christie, but politics has a reality and American democracy is about compromise and vote counting. Joy has it wrong and Steele has it right, and I cannot believe I am typing this but hear me out. REALITY: rethugs hold seats in the senate and congress. COMPROMISE: see Obama care, not the single payer I wanted but the program that could get the votes to pass....and it has helped a lot of people so not a touchdown pass but a first down. I am not saying we give into rethugs in any way shape or form, but if one or two join us to get background checks expanded or vote to pass Covid relief, or join to pass some immigration reform am I going to say no thanks, I do not trust you? No, I am going to say thanks for your vote on this bill, take what I can get, and move on knowing the same rethug will likely be fighting me tooth and nail on tax increase for millionaires and raising the social security cap.....because this is the reality and history of American political battle. We are not asking these rethugs to literally go to battle with us and protect our flank, of course they will not do that, but if we can get a few here and there, however unlikely, to join us in an isolated vote for which they feel either morally compelled (unlikely) or constitutent compelled (more likely), then hell yeah. I will hold my nose and take their vote, cause votes matter, votes effect change (see 2020 election) and votes prevent backassward moves (see McCain thumbs down on Obamacare repeal). Did I like or agree with McCain, shit no, but I celebrated his no vote! Do I agree with vulture capitalist Mitt Romney, of course not, but I welcomed his vote to hear witnesses in Senate impeachment trial. So, Joy, like the Trumpers she hates, has it wrong. American democracy works best when we do not adhere to broad brushed litmus tests but when we focus on getting and then cashing in the votes, even if the deciding vote comes from the other side. Pelosi is right to tell AOC (who I totally adore) that if she wants progressive policies go get the votes. This is how it works people. This is how it was designed to work. Look at Georgia, we got the votes, and I promise you I do not care if some of those votes were from disgruntled republicans who voted for Biden for whatever reason cause it doesn't matter why it just matters that the vote was in our column. So, don't trust the rethugs, don't ever turn a blind eye, maintain constant vigilance for their deficit busting, tax cutting, public infrastructure degrading, selling of the public square to corporatist donors.....but if one rogue Mike Lee wants to vote with us in a moment of WHATEVER, I will welcome that vote and for a brief, albeit very very brief moment, welcome him to the cause at hand......because this is how the system works.
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