Dean Opperman

We’re live, pal

[Dean Opperman @DeanOpperman]

@yonkojohn @MyrnaBDriedger There is never a “deal” with Trump. How long until we get this through our heads? We are not dealing with a good faith actor here. Going before Parliament would only create dissention and strengthen Trump’s hand. Whose side are you on anyway?

[Joni Askola @joni_askola]

Trump is basically a sexual offender committing treason to avoid getting caught

[Andrew Coyne 🇺🇦🇮🇱🇬🇪🇲🇩 @acoyne]

I told you: he’s only going to get crazier, and it’s only going to get worse. As he is, and it is, day after day after day.

[Protect Kamala Harris ✊ @DisavowTrump20]

The silence of the generals, by Robert B. Hubbell

The most remarkable aspect of Trump’s speech to the assembled generals and admirals of the US military was the silence.

The generals sat in silence.

They sat in silence as Trump slurred and rambled through a “speech” that insulted the intelligence, professionalism, and loyalty of the generals.

They sat in silence as Trump attacked their former commander-in-chief, Joe Biden.

They sat in silence as Trump claimed that the military would use U.S. cities as “training grounds” for waging war against American civilians.

They sat in silence as Trump said he would ask the military to fight “the enemy from within.”

They sat in silence as Hegseth said the generals were free to ignore the law of war and international treaties that separate the US military from barbarians and war criminals.

They sat in silence as Trump said that the Navy should “consider the concept of battleship.”

They sat in silence as Trump wondered aloud why the generals sat in silence.

They sat in silence even after Trump pandered for their applause.

Their silence spoke volumes.

In their silence, the generals affirmed their oaths to defend the Constitution.

In their silence, the generals demonstrated their professionalism, discipline, and judgment.

It could have been otherwise. Trump and Hegseth expected it to be so. In their adolescent fantasies, Trump and Hegseth believed the generals would fête them with standing ovations, chanting, “USA! USA! USA!”

Instead, Trump and Hegseth were humiliated as their unhinged, delusional words slapped sharply against the bare walls and fell to the ground, their lunacy heightened by the silence of the generals.

Without the crutch and cover of cheering crowds, Trump’s mental deterioration was laid bare for all to see. Trump told the generals that the city of Portland “looks like a war zone. . . . unless they’re playing false tapes, this looked like World War II.”

Every general who heard Trump say that Portland “looks like a war zone” knew it was a lie and understood that their Commander-in-Chief is so feeble that he is unable to distinguish between reality and “false tapes” replayed on Fox News.

Every general who watched Pete Hegseth’s peurile speech immediately recognized him as one of the posers and video-game warriors that the generals identify as misfits to be counseled out of the military at the first opportunity.

The generals were not impressed by Trump or Hegseth. The generals are sophisticated, successful professionals who have risen to the top (in part) because of their ability to judge people—the good, the bad, and the flakes. They left the meeting understanding exactly who Trump and Hegseth are.

All Americans should take confidence and comfort from the silence of the generals. Their silence was an act of protest—because their silence exhibited loyalty to the Constitution and respect for the Office of the President, rather than for Donald Trump.

Prior to Trump’s meeting with the generals, dozens of readers forwarded Substack and social media posts claiming that Trump would use the occasion to declare martial law. Other readers sent posts claiming that Trump would administer a loyalty oath requiring fealty to Trump. Still others predicted on-the-spot mass firings and public humiliation of generals perceived to be disloyal.

In his final insult, Trump told the generals they looked like they came out of “central casting.” In doing so, he trivialized and demeaned their accomplishments and professionalism, telling them they were nothing more than props for infantile speeches by men who hold the military in contempt.

And so, the generals sat in silence, depriving Trump of the thing he values most--obsequious adulation.

The silence of the generals spoke volumes.

[JennyCohn ✍🏻 📢 @jennycohn1]

Remember when Trump:
* Posted a photo of himself wielding a baseball bat next to a photo of Alvin Bragg?
* Mocked MSNBC anchor Ali Velshi for getting hit with a rubber bullet?
* Praised Greg Gianforte for assaulting a reporter?
* Joked about the assault on Paul Pelosi?
1/

[Jonathan Chait @jonathanchait]

The pro-violence faction on the left is random citizens. on the right, it includes the President of the United States. https://t.co/gcmqJWjHEU

[Dean Opperman @DeanOpperman]

@TheJimCornette @GreatBrianLast Unlike Uncle Dave, these numbers don’t lie.

[JobberNationTV: THE REALITY CHECK FOR THE IWC @JobberNationTV]

BREAKING: Tony Con confirms the 500k viewers on MAX was a LIE

According to sources, the accurate number isnt given cuz it id believed to be less than 15k

YIKES

[MeidasTouch @MeidasTouch]

Firing the prosecutor who went after Epstein and Maxwell while you’re at the center of an Epstein and Maxwell cover-up doesn’t exactly scream innocence

[Glen E. McGregor @glen_mcgregor]

Poilievre lost the seat count, lost the popular vote (unlike Scheer and O’Toole) and is diminished w/o a seat in the HOC. And polls of approval ratings showed he was a ballot drag on the party, esp. among women. So, yeah, I expect Liberals would love for him to stick around.

[Eric Lombardi (EricForOLP.ca) 🇨🇦🚀 @EricDLombardi]

The #1 thing conservatives need to deal with within their party is this strain of nasty, conspiratorial populism. Second is dealing with an unwillingness to engage with diverse audiences (ie refusing to talk to major media, participate in local debates etc).

This disposition is popular with a loud minority of conservatives online but is unpopular with many voters.

Conservatives would have won if NDP voters didn’t fear their leadership. I do think a more moderate disposition would have been effective this election; by not raising the stakes so high for NDP voters.

[Mark Carney @MarkJCarney]

I know how to manage a crisis — and I’m ready to lead. If you’re with me, vote #CanadaStrong today.

[CALL TO ACTIVISM @CalltoActivism]

Omg. The Chinese made another re-industrialization video to troll MAGA.

[Andrew Coyne 🇺🇦🇮🇱🇬🇪🇲🇩 @acoyne]

My God what a depressing, accurate read. I keep wanting to wake up from this nightmare, and I can't.

The American Age Is Over - by Jonathan V. Last https://t.co/9CEHibIId8

[Charlotte Clymer 🇺🇦 @cmclymer]

Countries that have issued a travel advisory this year warning their citizens about visiting the United States:

Canada
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Ireland
Netherlands
New Zealand
United Kingdom

[Timothy Snyder @TimothyDSnyder]

Important to realize that Trump’s approach to Canada and Greenland is like his approach to Ukraine. It’s not even American imperialism. It is America enabling Russian imperialism. It’s America destroying its own best alliances, cutting itself off from its own crucial bases, making a Russian nuclear first strike on the US easier, opening Arctic territories that were once safe to Russian expansion. That’s the one logic that makes it all make sense. There is no conception of US interests, including an imperial one, in which this makes sense.

[Dean Opperman @DeanOpperman]

Stupid is as stupid does. #Trump

[Richard Hanania @RichardHanania]

Mike Waltz says they're still investigating why Goldberg was added to the group chat and "how the heck he got into the room."

The Atlantic releases a screenshot that provides a subtle clue.

[Karen Messier Ⓥ🇨🇦 @KarenMessier]

He walked in solidarity with the Freedom Convoy folks who blocked Ottawa's downtown for 3 weeks and cost the city 37 million dollars.
No thanks @PierrePoilievre. That's not the Canadian way. That's not leadership!
#Canada🇨🇦 #cdnpoli #NeverPoilievre

[Warren Kinsella @kinsellawarren]

She is the Flying Dutchman of Canadian politics. Whatever she touches, loses. #cdnpoli

[Lana Payne 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 @Lanampayne]

This is what a sitting premier has done.

Asked a foreign country who has declared economic war on Canada, on our sovereignty, on the workers of this country, to interfere in the upcoming federal election.

Everyone in this country should be denouncing this today. Everyone.
🇨🇦

[Dean Opperman @DeanOpperman]

@ABDanielleSmith @MarkJCarney The more you speak the popular Carney gets. I hope he at least has you on the payroll for this campaign. You’re the gift that keeps on giving.