Updates and fill-ins

1.  Shutdown Ends:  So, did the Democrats "cave" on the shutdown?   According to Republicans, Trump's twitter feed, some progressive democrats, and especially some DACA recipients who feel betrayed and abandoned:   Yes, they did.

But it's more "live to fight another day," in my opinion.  Republicans, as usual, do a better job of sensationalizing and distorting the news, making it look like the "feckless Dems" once again are weak and refuse to fight effectively.   But let's look at the deal.

Here's what the Democrats got:  (1)  Reauthorization of the CHIP program that provides health care for millions of children for another six years.   (2)  Did a short term funding of the goverment so that it can re-open and stay open until Feb. 8th.  During that time, work can begin on an immigration plan,   If, by Feb. 8th, there is no agreement, McConnell said "it is my intention at that time" to allow open debate on the Senate floor on a DACA bill leading to a vote.

What if he doesn't uphold that promise?  Here's the other, unstated part.   The Democrats will have the same power that they have now, if McConnell reneges on that promise.   Along with more public pressure on Republicans for not having lived up to the compromise.   Government funding will run out on Feb. 8, just s it did on Jan 20th;  and we'll be right where we were 4 days ago, with power to shut it all back down -- plus one more demonstration to the public that Republicans don't keep their word.


2.  Mueller Team Questions Sessions:  Remember how livid Donald Trump was last spring when AG Jeff Sessions recused himself from overseeing the Russian collusion investigation by the FBI?   Trump revealed then that he had expected his AG to protect him -- and we began to realize how much like an authoritarian dictator this president really is, if not constrained by our laws and traditions of checks and balances on power in our government.

Well, now, there must be even better reason for Sessions to have recused than we knew at the time, which was simply that he had met twice with the Russian ambassador as was his routine as a member of the Armed Services Committee.   Why say that?    Because it's just been revealed that Sessions was interviewed by Robert Mueller's team for "several hours" last week.   Presumably it has much to do with the firing of FBI Director James Comey and possible obstruction of justice by the president;  but that's a presumption, not leaked information, although the fact that Sessions  was questioned has been confirmed by the Justice Department itself.  Three hours is a long interview.   Must be something important.


3.  Wall Off the Table?   Did anyone notice that the compromise bill that authorized a temporary funding bill did not mention Trump's border wall?   Is that off the table now?    Perhaps Mitch McConnell put in some wiggle room when he referred vaguely to "immigration and related issues," that would be looked at on Feb. 8 if there is no immigration plan in place.   But there was certainly nothing specific that I saw about a wall in this chapter-ending agreement, passed by both houses and signed by the president.

The truth is that President Trump really was not involved in the final negotiations that led to the compromise and reopening of the government.   Everyone seems to have concluded that it is not helpful (at best) to have him involved, because he has no policy depth knowledge, doesn't understand the implications of what he may impulsively insist on, and he has no subtlety of strategy.   He's a bull in a china shop, likely to be influenced by the last person he talked to.

4.  Melania skipping Davos trip:   The White House released a statement Tuesday evening that the First Lady will not be accompanying the president to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.   They were to arrive Wednesday, where Mr, Trump will be delivering the plenary address.   The administration had booked 600 rooms for the entourage, giving an idea of its importance.

The announcement attributed the First Lady's change of plans to "scheduling and logistical" concerns.   However, she had nothing listed on her public schedule.  Anyone want to place bets that it isn't just that her dress didn't get back from the cleaners?   More likely it's an example of her skill at subtle messaging to her husband.

One can't help wondering if it has something to do with the negative publicity about the president's alleged affair with an adult film star just weeks after their last child was born, for which Trump's lawyer reportedly paid $130,000 to buy her silence.   News reporters also noted that Tuesday was also the couple's 13th wedding anniversary -- bad timing;  maybe he forgot.

We've also just had the inauguration anniversary.  For that occasion, Melania put out a picture of herself being escorted to the podium by a military escort.   No picture or mention of the president himself in Melania's accompanying note that mentioned only the wonderful moments and all the people she had been able to meet during this year.   Donald J. Trump is nowhere mentioned in Melania's  commemoration of their anniversary, the inauguration's anniversary, or the Davos trip.   Message:   erasure.

Ralph