General Discussion

Many of the "Jesus wing" Christians I know are now talking more openly about Jesus' values and the importance of character, kindness, compassion, generosity, etc. Some mention Trump specifically, but it is clear that the "Jesus wing" of Christianity is coming to realize the vast harm that has been done to their religion by Trump and the Christian extremists who regard Trump as sent by God. This is clearly a big reversal from a year ago. I don't see how any real Christian can see what ICE is doing , the extrajudicial murders in Venezuelan waters, the cutting of programs like SNAP, WIC, Meals on Wheels and not be horrified.

For the first time ever, we have Republicans openly opposing Trump, even when they have not already announced retirement. In particular, the 4 who joined the discharge petition have made the calculation that Trump is losing his grip -- on reality and on the GOP and especially the MAGA cult.

It is not clear if MAGA will continue under that banner. It is clear that millions of MAGA people are really pissed at Trump, but that doesn't mean they are ready to return to the ranks of decent human beings. It appears that MTG, and possibly the other 3, are trying to position to take over the MAGA movement from Trump. My guess is that MAGA will splinter because there is no way Vance, Bannon, Miller and others would allow MTG to ascend without a big, ugly fight.

Don't be surprised if we start to see open warfare for who shall be the next King (or Queen) of MAGA. And in MTG's case, she seems to be trying to have it both ways, carving out an image of "mainstream , but still MAGA" for herself. And this leaves Vance in a peculiar position. Normally a President isn't considered lame duck until his last year, or maybe the last 2 years if he loses control of Congress. But already reporters are starting to ask Vance if Rubio is the enemy. Naturally they both have eyes on the prize. The usual case is that the retiring president makes it clear he expects his choice as VP to be his successor. No way Trump will do this for Vance, at least not in any useful time frame.

Now that MTG has started making the early moves, I think the 2028 race will be on full display early in 2026, because nobody will want to let MTG establish herself as front-runner.

Order extra popcorn.