No notes.

You gotta give to the GOP.

They trained their voters to hate “libs” so much they would gratefully accept every manner of corruption, lawlessness, cruelty, ineptitude, and criminality, and cheer it on, so long as it is their team doing it.

Typical.

You hit the nail on the head.

Suuuuper normal and rational.

Doubt it.

On my birthday, I’m all in for PFLAG Today, I am proud to say that I am 89 years young.

George is 89 today, and I’ve had the privilege of sharing so much of that journey with him. If you want to celebrate him, the best way is to support PFLAG and the people they show up for every day.

Screenshot of a social post by President Donald J. Trump that says: 'Israel never talked me into the war with Iran, the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, did. I watch and read the FAKE NEWS Pundits and Polls in total disbelief. 90% of what they say are lies and made up stories, and the polls are rigged, much as the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged. Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media doesn’t like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing - And if Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future! President DJT'

This reads like someone trying very hard to believe their own story.

A stunning example of someone who thinks they’re being intimidating and forceful, but just looks like an enormous loser.

That's exactly the case! So shameful.

Screenshot of article headline that says: 'Trump kept out of the room during operation to find downed pilots in Iran after ‘screaming’ at aides for hours, report says'

Screenshot of article that says: 'Trump was not included in the meeting but was kept updated “at meaningful moments” on the phone, according to the WSJ, citing a senior administration official. “Aides kept the president out of the room as they got minute-by-minute updates because they believed his impatience wouldn’t be helpful,” the official told the newspaper.'

The commander in chief shouldn’t be the distraction in the room.

The Big Picture | Substack The Big Picture provides a deep dive into the cultural, political, and societal issues shaping our world today, from a variety of unique perspectives. Click to read The Big Picture, a Substack…

Good morning, everyone! Let's catch up on what's been going on this week.

Trump Attacks the Pope. A New Ceasefire. Two Congressmen Resign. Trump Goes After The Pope

From Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo XIV, to a tenuous Lebanon–Israel ceasefire, to the resignations of Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, it's been a big week. Here's a breakdown of the things you need to know.

The Hunger For Competence Americans have been yearning for an end to the chaos. What we owe ourselves is something as bold and promising as a lunar mission.

During a time when chaos has been sold as strength, there’s a growing hunger for something different, and real examples of it are starting to show up again.

ASAP.

Sighing the deepest sigh ever. 😪

Delayed justice, but justice nonetheless. 👏

It's exhausting.

(Screenshot from New York Times)

Screenshot of a New York Times article that says: '2 hours ago. John Ismay. Covering the Pentagon. Hegseth has said before that U.S. troops are fighting for military victory in Iran “in the name of Jesus Christ.” During the news conference he again cast the war in explicitly Christian terms. He compared the rescue of two downed F-15 crew members inside Iran to biblical miracles. And he compared reporters in the Pentagon press corps to the Pharisees who criticized Jesus Christ.'

U.S. troops don’t fight wars “in the name of Jesus Christ.” They serve the Constitution. At least, that’s the idea.

I hate this timeline.

Very.

This is what groveling at the highest level looks like.

Winning bigly, apparently.

This Week In The Big Picture From the moment Donald Trump came on the scene, he exploited a sense among voters that systems were broken and an outsider was the only one who could fix them.

Trump's chaos brand is wearing thin. Jay Kuo on the growing demand for competence, Jordan Gonsalves on the primal roots of MAGA loyalty, Todd Beeton on internal fractures in Trump’s circle.

As he usually does.

🎯

This GOP war with the Pope might be the new dumbest thing they’ve done, and as usual, it’s completely self-inflicted.

Screenshot of a social post by President Donald J. Trump that says: 'China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also - And the World. This situation will never happen again. They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran. President Xi will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks. We are working together smartly, and very well! Doesn’t that beat fighting??? BUT REMEMBER, we are very good at fighting, if we have to - far better than anyone else!!! President DJT'

I really miss when presidents spoke with grace, clarity, and—imagine—intelligence.