General Discussion

BannonsLiver

(20,288 posts)

177. I think the politics on this are pretty simple for Democrats

Sat Jan 3, 2026, 07:11 PM

Jan 3

1. Praise the military on the execution of the mission. The full picture is not clear quite yet but based on what we know now the objectives were met. This one is a layup politically for Dems.

2. Something in this neighborhood : “Time will tell if Trump’s actions will make life better for Venezuelans, or become one more of the many failures of an unpopular, erratic and disturbed president.”

There’s no point into getting into any more nuance than that. And No.2 guards against getting boxed in like Kerry did in 2004 with the “I was for it before I was against it” pivot.

This is a play the long game moment. It won’t be as bad as Iraq, but there’s 0.0 chance this bunch could run an occupation or extended operation without a helluva lot of fuckups.

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SocialDemocrat61 QueerDuck

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Will Democrats call this an illegal action? [View all] ScratchCat Jan 3 OP

Will republicans? SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #1

Will Democrats? Scrivener7 Jan 3 #2

So blame democrats SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #3

I would hope that Bettie Jan 3 #5

Little else they can do SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #6

How is expecting my leaders to speak and act for me in a way I support -- which is why they get my vote -- an attack? WhiskeyGrinder Jan 3 #7

Because they have no power despite your vote SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #9

You have a very narrow idea of what power is, I guess. WhiskeyGrinder Jan 3 #11

Their "power" (words) will be ridiculed as "fist-shaking" and "sternly written letters"... QueerDuck Jan 3 #19

Exactly mcar Jan 3 #120

Every time! Must be tradition by now. MorbidButterflyTat Jan 3 #123

Tradition... habit... compulsion... obsession... fixation... monomania. (Pick one.) QueerDuck Jan 4 #184

Yes, it's defined as controlling a branch of government SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #23

That is *one* definition of *one kind* of power, sure. I'll leave you to it. WhiskeyGrinder Jan 3 #29

Yes it's called legal power SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #38

Or some have no idea what power is. W_HAMILTON Jan 3 #122

don't I fuckin know it WhiskeyGrinder Jan 3 #135

No power doesn't mean no voice. CrispyQ Jan 3 #71

So instead of holding republicans accountable SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #73

Apparently your definition of attack includes voicing disagreement with dem leadership. Mine doesn't. CrispyQ Jan 3 #77

Yes it does SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #88

Huh Cirsium Jan 3 #156

I'm calling for republicans SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #157

It isn't Cirsium Jan 3 #160

Yes I am calling for republicans to be held accountable SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #161

OK Cirsium Jan 3 #163

What democrats have I attacked? SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #164

Democrats right here Cirsium Jan 3 #168

What democrats right here? SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #170

I guess you win Cirsium Jan 3 #174

It's not about winning SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #175

I think the politics on this are pretty simple for Democrats BannonsLiver Jan 3 #177

I agree. yellow dahlia Jan 3 #180

Trump and his fascists have waged illegal war against a sovereign nation mcar Jan 3 #137

I don't understand why Ken Martin beat Martin O'Malley yellow dahlia Jan 3 #179

That doesn't mean that we shouldn't choie Jan 3 #79

So we shouldn't hold republicans accountable? SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #84

Oh for CHRISSAKES! choie Jan 3 #85

Yet some have spent a lot of time SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #89

Thank you. Joinfortmill Jan 3 #101

No we don't know that mcar Jan 3 #138

The Democratic leadership should hold the GOP accountable. PufPuf23 Jan 3 #124

Exactly what should they be doing? SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #126

The really sad thing for me is ...... walkingman Jan 3 #133

And how should they be doing that? mcar Jan 3 #139

I completely disagree JBTaurus83 Jan 3 #129

Do they? SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #148

I do understand your point JBTaurus83 Jan 3 #178

Many have already SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #182

Both of my Democratic senators voted to confirm Rubio. How would you suggest giving feedback about that? WhiskeyGrinder Jan 3 #10

So blame a whole party SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #14

no no I was just asking about my two senators WhiskeyGrinder Jan 3 #17

I don't know who your senators are SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #20

Klobuchar and Smith. Two Democrats who voted to confirm the nomination of Marco Rubio. WhiskeyGrinder Jan 3 #21

And how does that make them responsible SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #24

lmaoooooo you're right Democrats are helpless babies who should not be held accountable for anything WhiskeyGrinder Jan 3 #25

Why are you against holding republicans accountable SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #39

How can I hold republicans accountable if I have no power over them? WhiskeyGrinder Jan 3 #50

So you don't believe in SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #57

No, I asked a different question that you're not answering. WhiskeyGrinder Jan 3 #61

I'm not required to answer anyone's question SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #62

lol having come full circle, I'll disembark here WhiskeyGrinder Jan 3 #63

Well then SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #66

Will Republicans call this action illegal? WDLAL Jan 3 #109

Call them and tell them what you want. I called mine tirebiter Jan 3 #147

Do we have the same senators? CrispyQ Jan 3 #74

Spoiler alert: All senators voted to confirm Rubio. WhiskeyGrinder Jan 3 #76

I was more upset that Hick voted for some of the more heinous ones & almost tied Fetterman. CrispyQ Jan 3 #78

I don't think they believed he would sell his soul. He did. Joinfortmill Jan 3 #104

So asking for a united voice of condemnation is an attack, now? Scrivener7 Jan 3 #13

Or maybe focus on republicans SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #16

Or maybe asking for a united voice of condemnation Scrivener7 Jan 3 #22

It's constructing a purity test for democrats SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #27

This message was self-deleted by its author WhiskeyGrinder Jan 3 #31

uh no... that's a really absurd take Takket Jan 3 #41

Why not call out republicans SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #51

The question asked was concerning the Democratic response. Gore1FL Jan 3 #58

So we are not allowed to say SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #60

I literally suggested you make a thread on that topic. I have no say on what is allowed, but clearly, I encourage it. Gore1FL Jan 3 #64

Maybe I will SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #68

As you should. nt Gore1FL Jan 3 #69

Nobody is saying that except you. CrispyQ Jan 3 #82

Sorry SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #92

Ditto. -nt CrispyQ Jan 3 #132

Well, I'm not certain 'criticism' is what is being asked. Joinfortmill Jan 3 #105

It's creating a purity test for democrats SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #107

So, are you hoping that Bettie Jan 3 #93

No SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #94

I'm criticizing Republicans SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #146

This +1000! mcar Jan 3 #140

They can speak out against illegal actions Bettie Jan 3 #37

There is a small but vocal group here that consistently insists that we not "subject" Scrivener7 Jan 3 #45

There is a a group who consistently let republicans off the hook SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #72

I agree and Bettie Jan 3 #102

I think so too. I think we have some trolls here who use this position as a Scrivener7 Jan 3 #116

That's where I am as well Bettie Jan 3 #142

Why not expend energy calling out republicans SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #46

I think there's a rush of adrenaline that comes from these calls for purity... QueerDuck Jan 3 #80

Exactly SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #90

Agree. Completely. MorbidButterflyTat Jan 3 #131

Your whole interaction on this thread is bashing DU Democrats LuvLoogie Jan 3 #96

No SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #97

Yes. It seems to be an attempt to silence requests for a concerted opposition to this illegal attack. Scrivener7 Jan 3 #119

They are and have been all day! mcar Jan 3 #144

Thread started pretty early in the morning Bettie Jan 3 #150

I agree Grim Chieftain Jan 3 #83

They're all over socials condemning it. CousinIT Jan 3 #154

When I saw the news it was early in the day Bettie Jan 3 #162

Yikes. Hope you feel better soon! CousinIT Jan 3 #166

Auto accident on the 19th Bettie Jan 3 #172

Well that sucks! Take care of yourself! CousinIT Jan 3 #173

I don't see blame. I see someone asking if Democrats Scrivener7 Jan 3 #8

Maybe we should be asking republicans SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #12

So you don't believe we should be allowed to ask for a united voice of condemnation. Scrivener7 Jan 3 #15

I believe that we should be holding republicans accountable SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #18

Again, asking for a united voice of opposition from the leaders we elected to an obiously Scrivener7 Jan 3 #26

Let's hold republicans accountable SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #32

Again, stop implying our elected leaders are useless whimps who have no role to play. That's disrespectful. Scrivener7 Jan 3 #34

Those are your words not mine. SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #42

No. They're very clearly your meaning. And again, no one blamed Democrats for anything. Scrivener7 Jan 3 #49

No, it's your spin SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #53

No. It's the clear meaning of all your posts in this thread. And PS: we elect our Democratic Scrivener7 Jan 3 #55

No the meaning of my posts is SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #65

We elect our Democratic leaders to specifically hold republicans accountable in situations like this. That's Scrivener7 Jan 3 #75

So it's all on them SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #86

Again, how do you plan to make republicans hear you without going through the Democratic leaders Scrivener7 Jan 3 #111

How about start by criticizing them SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #112

That lamppost you are yelling at is not going to do anything. Scrivener7 Jan 3 #115

What's wrong with SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #117

To whom? To you? And what does that do? What is wrong with asking Democrats, whose Scrivener7 Jan 3 #121

To everyone SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #125

"To everyone"? Really? How are you criticizing the republicans "to everyone" for this? Scrivener7 Jan 3 #127

You weren't criticizing SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #128

You have no answer but I'll ask again: How are you criticizing republicans "to everyone" individually today in response Scrivener7 Jan 3 #130

Why are you so hostile to criticizing Republicans? SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #145

Strawman-ing like that is the last refuge of those who have no actual answer. But I'll ask again: Scrivener7 Jan 3 #158

Why is criticizing republicans SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #159

This is a straw man, as you know very well, and you keep repeating it because you have no answer. Scrivener7 Jan 3 #165

So you support focusing on SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #167

Thank you for conceding that you have no answer, and that you are simply Scrivener7 Jan 3 #169

I don't concede that we should be criticizing republicans SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #171

You are correct. These types of things are ambiguous enough to leave a plausible "just asking questions" excuse... QueerDuck Jan 3 #30

It always amazes me SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #36

It's a predictable pattern. I'm no longer amazed at who or when, but I'm always disappointed... QueerDuck Jan 3 #40

No blame Maine Abu El Banat Jan 3 #81

What is stopping you? SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #91

I also have a vote Maine Abu El Banat Jan 3 #113

Against republicans? SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #118

Which party azureblue Jan 3 #87

Have you gone to the halls of Congress to hang around and point at republicans and shout "I accuse you!"? Scrivener7 Jan 3 #114

Rep Jim McGovern did. Torchlight Jan 3 #4

anyone who doesn't should be primaried at the next election. Takket Jan 3 #28

We don't know how this will pan out. If it results in a peaceful and rapid regime change for the Doodley Jan 3 #67

Democrats should do whatever is needed to win elections JI7 Jan 3 #33

MAGA will accuse Democrats of siding with a dictator who they will lie has killed millions of Americans. Doodley Jan 3 #35

I agree... see my post #28. Our opposition to this has to be in support of the law, not Maduro. Takket Jan 3 #44

The average maga guy can't tell the difference. Everything has to be personal with them Walleye Jan 3 #54

Exactly. "Bad man gone. Trump did it! We love Trump!" That's all they need care about. Doodley Jan 3 #70

Let's not take the bait RoseTrellis Jan 3 #108

Maga will always accuse us of stuff. Doesn't matter what we've done. Walleye Jan 3 #52

Do we want to win the midterms or not? Doodley Jan 3 #59

Probably so. BannonsLiver Jan 3 #110

Let's face it... BH liberal Jan 3 #43

I want to know where ALL members of Congress stand on this attack on Venezuela. democrank Jan 3 #47

They had better malaise Jan 3 #48

Ummm....they already have? paleotn Jan 3 #56

You know the war on Venezuela is nothing more Farmer-Rick Jan 3 #95

Or he's become a SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #99

?? CrystalwolfLady Jan 3 #98

Anyone have a link or source to the official justification or hte Venezuelan action? Tarc Jan 3 #100

It was supposedly to protect Americans serving an arrest warrant. See this: highplainsdem Jan 3 #103

While there seems to be little else Alliepoo Jan 3 #106

You first! MorbidButterflyTat Jan 3 #149

As always: never give the benefit of the doubt, assume the worst, stir up cynicism, blame, anger at Democrats. betsuni Jan 3 #134

Exactly SocialDemocrat61 Jan 3 #153

Yes mcar Jan 3 #136

If you're going to draw a line in the sand there had better be some serious consequences if it's crossed. BannonsLiver Jan 3 #141

For today, a unified condemnation would be very nice. Scrivener7 Jan 3 #143

Should be at the very least a vote on the war powers act ASAP but don't hold your breath. nt yaesu Jan 3 #151

Good question RandySF Jan 3 #152

Nice hit and run sarisataka Jan 3 #155

I'm tired of this obsession with listening for the exact right words. RandySF Jan 3 #176

Goldilocks waiting for just the right exact magic words purity test. betsuni Jan 3 #181

We just illegally invaded another country. Hoping to hear EVERY Democrat say, "That was wrong" Scrivener7 Jan 4 #185

WILL ANYONE? Skittles Jan 4 #183