First Thoughts: A 'west Wing' Moment?

There is nothing better than a good smackdown unless it's one delivered with a whole load of facts, figures, statistics and a health dose of snark. Which means that Rep. Jasmine Crockett is in a class of her own in that department. Watch the beautiful way she systematically dismantles the GOP false narrative to support their transphobia: CROCKETT: The final points that I was going to make, is while this amendment has to do with civil rights, for whatever reason, the colleague on the other side of the aisle decided to attack Democrats and pretend as if we do not look out for women, and I want to be clear that it's Democrats that were pushing for the Equal Rights Amendment, and I don't recall any Republicans supporting us having the Equal Rights Amendment. I also want to make it clear that just because someone fantasizes or wants to be dramatic about the idea of someone could be a, quote unquote, man in a locker room or in a bathroom, I've yet to hear an actual testimony of someone who, for whatever reason, has experienced this in real time. But I can tell you some real numbers and some real facts because I don't like to live in fantasy when I'm talking about how I'm going to govern for the American people.

Last year, Georgia State Senator Colton Moore, said some disparaging words about the late House Speaker David Ralston that was so beyond the pale that he was banned from the chamber until he apologized for his intemperate language. When he tried to force his way into the House chamber during Governor Kemp's address to the joint chambers. Moore has broadcast on social media that he was going to challenge the ban and enter the house.

Paramount Global executives have held internal discussions about settling a lawsuit filed by Yambo over normal editing of a CBS News interview with Kamala Harris, according to people familiar with the situation, a sign of larger efforts to dial down tensions with the incoming president. Dear sweet Jesus on a stick.

Benjamin T. Jones, CQUniversity Australia In his farewell address, outgoing US President Joe Biden warned “an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy”. The comment suggests that, under Donald Trump’s second term as president, it will be billionaires rather than the people who shape public policy. There is certainly some evidence Biden’s ominous caution should be taken seriously.

The weather in DC is going to be pretty tough on Monday (20's with a decent windchill), but DC is always cold in January and many other inaugurations have been held outside with no issue. Well, Donald Trump is a delicate flower and cannot stand the cold. Literally. So he has decided to move his little ceremony inside the Rotunda of the Capitol.

On this day in 1944 The Metropolitan Opera House in New York City hosted its first a jazz concert. Performers include Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Lionel Hampton, Mildred Bailey, Red Norvo, Roy Eldridge, Jack Teagarden, and Benny Goodman. Today, Billie Holiday sings God Bless the Child. emptywheel: If You Can’t Stand the Hypotheticals, Get Out of the Cabinet. Governing: Crime Is Falling.