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Americas vulnerability comes precisely from its strength, its wealth, its power and its modernity. Its the usual story of the dog chasing its own tail.

Oriana Fallaci

After using Roe as a wedge issue for so long, Republicans finally caught their tail and have no clue what to do with it. Its a perfect storm! Women motivated by theDobbs rulingand extreme restrictions on access to healthy abortions appear to be fired up and ready to turn out in historic numbers.

Add in ridiculously bad Republican Senate candidates like Dr. Mehmet Oz, Herschel Walker and J.D. Vance, and watch Republicans tank Minority Leader Mitch McConnells (R-Ky.) chances at recapturing the majority and holding onto the Senate.

Republicans couldnt be in a worse position. They run on whatever Trump tells them and they say whatever he tells them because if they dont, a twice-impeached dictator, who was the subject of an FBI raid, will somehow destroy their political lives. To them, his staying in office at all costs is more honorable than his willingness tolose an electionfor telling harsh truths. We see you, Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.).

Becoming a member of Congress is no small feat. It takes a certain kind of person to be able to do what it takes to win. Anyone whos had any interaction with members of Congress knows that many of them can be a little bit narcissistic, mixed with a type of insecurity that includes a desperate need for applause.

Weve witnessed from people like Rep. Elise Stefanick (R-N.Y.) Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Josh Hawley (Mo.) that nothing is short of embarrassing. It is because of their politically expedientsupportof Trumpthat Republicans now find themselves defending defund the FBI or Trumps coup attempt onJan. 6, 2021. They know better. They are intelligent people who understand exactly what theyre doing when they peddle falsities and play on the cheap seats because the alternative requires courage. They want to win, regardless of who gets hurt or the damage it does to our democracy.

For decades, Republicans have wanted to overturn Roe. The irony is that now it will most likely cost them the majority in 2022 and the White House in 2024. The Jim Jones strategy isnt a strategy at all, but more like the rebirth of the now defunct Whig party intent on being relegated to the history books.

Republicans abandoned their ideology, their principles and their common sense, all to end up supporting Dr. Oz and Herschel Walker. What began as a transactional relationship with Trumpism has turned into political hostage-taking, and the consequences couldnt be clearer. Trump lost the White House and cost Republicans the Senate. Why would the midterms be any different? The cakewalk that was supposed to be the midterms looks more like lemmings jumping off a cliff. This wasnt how it was supposed to be, and even McConnellsees the writing on the wall.

Without a doubt, Democrats have had a strong and productive summer. Passing the Inflation Reduction act was historic in its own right, but coupled with passing gun legislation, the CHIPS bill, the bipartisan infrastructure bill, significant climate actions and the American Rescue Plan, President Biden looks like Steph Curry warming up. Even with those historic successes, this should still be the Republicans year to flip Congress.Historically, the out-of-power party almost always outperforms the party controlling the White House. Republicans are doing everything in their power to break that cycle.

If Trump announces early and makes the last month of the race about him, Republicans could be in for a long night. If more indictments of the Trump inner circle or even Trump himself come down, the Republican Partys control will be over, diminished. Given their cultish way of praising the former president and tripping over themselves to be the most clownish in their Republican circus, they risk further alienating those very college-educated and suburban voters who fled Trump in 2020 and cost him a second term.

Theres an irony to it all. Trump was never supposed to win in the first place. The very people who mocked his candidacy and distanced themselves when the Access Hollywood video came out have now tied themselves to the most unpredictable, selfish man in politics and that says a lot. Trump wouldnt just burn down the Republican Party, hes proven already that he will not hesitate to torch the Constitution, our democracy or any and everyone who stands in his way. This is thefront runnerfor the Republican nomination for president in 2024. This is the man who has promised to seekrevengeon his enemies and bring chaos back to Washington.

Republicans got exactly what they wanted. A brash politician who stood for nothing and would say anything for the right amount. They stood behind him and defended him, shamelessly repeating his lies without hesitation. In return, he appointed the justices and a court that is hellbent on fundamentally changing our individual rights. But at what cost?

Were at an inflection point.A majority of Americansunderstand that Donald Trump, with the aid of Republicans, attempted to install himself as president after losing a democratically run election. He didnt succeed but given a second opportunity, who knows what could happen. Thats why voters are scared. Thats why Republicans are breaking away from the party.Evidently, tax breaks may not be enough to support a wannabe autocrat. This isnt an election about opposition parties or checks on the party in power. This is an election about a party who finally got what they wanted and now doesnt know what to do with it. It was never about policies; it was always about culture wars and wedge issues.

Republicans are struggling to appease their dear leader, while also failing to make cogent arguments to the actual voters who put them in office. Democrats, however, are seizing the moment. Following the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, in at least 10 states, women made up ahigher share of newly registered voters. After years of Republicans perfecting the culture wars, Democrats have finally embraced their inner culture warrior and found a winning issue.

Republicans are being taught a tough lesson. Political expediency may result in temporary gratification, but principles are forever. What should be a cakewalk for Republicans, looks to be more like the slow-motion disaster that we expected in 2016.

Republicans got exactly what they thought they wanted, and now theyll get what they actually deserve. They have caught their tail.

Michael Starr Hopkins is a founding partner at Northern Starr Strategies.

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GOP wins on abortion and Trump have sown the seeds of its undoing - The Hill

Republican House members introduced legislation Wednesday that would counter Biden administration guidance to pharmacists on dispensing contraception and abortion drugs. Like the proposed federal 15-week ban introduced in the Senate the day before and now signed on to by Sen. Marco Rubio but dividing others in the party ahead of the midterms the bill is not expected to advance unless Republicans regain congressional control next term.

Politico:House Republicans Are Pushing A Bill To Undo Biden Administration Abortion Rights Guidance To Pharmacies NationwideHouse Republicans are introducing a bill today to roll back recent Biden administration guidance that warns the nations pharmacies of legal and financial consequences if they refuse to dispense abortion or contraception medication. The Pharmacist Conscience Protection Act, led by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) and first shared with POLITICO, would give pharmacists freer rein to refuse to provide medication they suspect could be used to terminate a pregnancy. (Miranda Ollstein, 9/14)

The Hill:House GOP Leaders Hedge On 15-Week Abortion BanHouse Republicans will not commit to bringing up a 15-week abortion ban legislation if the party wins control of the House next year. First wed need to see what our majority looks like, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) said in a news conference on Wednesday when asked if Republicans would put a 15-week abortion ban bill on the floor, adding: We are a party that defends life. We stand up for life. (Brooks, 9/14)

Miami Herald:Rubio Signs Onto Federal Bill Blocking Abortions After 15 WeeksRepublican Sen. Marco Rubio is co-sponsoring a bill that would ban abortions nationwide after 15 weeks, an aide confirmed Wednesday, throwing support behind a measure that both aligns with his longstanding desire to restrict access to abortion and risks complicating his reelection bid less than two months before Election Day. (Roarty, 9/14)

NBC News:Republican Candidate Tests A Novel Strategy On Abortion In Nevada House RaceApril Becker doesnt want to talk about abortion. As Democrats seek to make the November elections a referendum on Republican efforts to restrict abortion rights, the GOP nominee challenging Democratic Rep. Susie Lee in a competitive House district in Nevada is pursuing a highly unusual strategy: arguing that Congress doesnt have the power to regulate abortion. ... Beckers opinion is exceedingly rare and has drawn condemnation from both sides of the abortion debate, an indication of the tightrope she is walking. (Kapur, 9/15)

The 19th:Americans Dont Trust Politicians To Make Abortion Laws, Poll FindsThe vast majority of Americans 7 in 10 do not believe politicians are informed enough about abortion to craft fair policies, according to a new 19th News/SurveyMonkey poll.(Luthra and Mithani, 9/15)

On anti-abortion groups and crisis pregnancy centers

NPR:Anti-Abortion Groups Are Getting More Calls For Help With Unplanned PregnanciesOn a summer day in a quiet neighborhood outside Houston, Pam Whitehead is sitting at the kitchen table of a split-level home, taking calls from women who are pregnant and need help. "We were preparing for this in advance," Whitehead says. "We knew this was coming, we anticipated it, and we knew that we needed to prepare to be able to serve women." Whitehead is the executive director of ProLove Ministries, a group that opposes abortion and tries to persuade women not to have them. She says calls to her group's hotline have been increasing first, starting about a year ago, after the law known as S.B. 8 banned most abortions in Texas after about six weeks. They've continued and come from across the country since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.(McCammon, 9/14)

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Pharmacist Bill Introduced As Republicans Walk Abortion Tightrope - Kaiser Health News

I stand in awe of people like Lucy Cooke, who are more knowledgeable about international affairs than lifelong diplomats and our intelligence agencies. (9-10)

As for me:

First, I would rather admit ignorance of a topic rather than spew-out ridiculous conspiracy theories.

Unlike many conservatives, I do not claim to know more than the REAL experts.

Second, IMHO, 911 probably might not have occurred had the Republican legislators attended to the nations security rather than wasting years hounding the Clintons for no apparent reason.

Put another way, had the Republicans been more intent on protecting the nation rather than being preoccupied with Bill and Monica (Wag the dog and all that.) The odds are that 911 and the Afghan and Iraqi wars would not have happened.

Third, unlike the French, British, and others in previous wars, the Ukrainians are not asking us to fight for them. They say, give us the weapons, and WE will take care of these a.

Fourth, no one in their right mind wants forever war other than possibly the military-industrial complex and the politicians who support it, including many Republicans.

Finally, anyone in America who believes or agrees with anything Trump says or who sides with Putin is detached from reality and should not be taken seriously.

Jorge Smirnoff, Chico

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Letter: Republicans were distracted by Bill and Monica - Chico Enterprise-Record

Should they take control of the House in November, Republicans plan to launch a congressional investigation of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff the nation's highest-ranking military officer. Sources told NBC News that Republicans would plan to grill Gen. Mark Milley over criticism that the military has become too woke during his tenure, among other things.

Its a clear sign that the increasingly MAGA-infused GOP is keen on waging a war against Milley and painting him as a villain for inappropriately politicizing the military. But the irony of this enterprise is that Milleys most overtly political behavior has been a response to former President Donald Trumps instability, authoritarianism and attempts to politicize the military. When his hand was forced, he appropriately chose the track of defending the nation against anti-democratic extremism instead of being deferential to it.

All of it is part of a broader program to try to force the military to yield to MAGA politics.

In addition to the woke allegation, any Republican investigation would presumably try to publicly hammer Milley over the many reports of his comments and alleged behind-the-scenes maneuvering to prevent Trump from doing something extreme before he left office. All of it is part of a broader program to try to force the military to yield to MAGA politics.

Milleys supposed wokeness agenda is an absurd point of criticism for many reasons. The MAGA right was furious when Milley defended the concept of using critical race theory during a defense budget hearing last year.

One must ask: Why was Milley even being asked about critical race theory in the first place? It was because Republicans bizarrely insisted on asking him why the academic framework of critical race theory which studies how racism is embedded in American institutions was included in curricula at the U.S. Military Academy. Milley emphatically defended its inclusion on the basis that the U.S. Military Academy is a university and said that its important for those of us in uniform to be open-minded and be widely read.

The key point to remember here is that a right-wing activist openly admitted to inventing a crisis around critical race theory a mode of academic thought that dates back to the 80s in order to advance the MAGA agenda. It was not controversial, or even known to exist by most people, until it got tossed into the Trumpian white nationalist propaganda machine. And the only reason it was brought up in a defense budget hearing was to try to advance that propagandistic mission and undermine Milleys reputation, since he was considered a part of the anti-Trump resistance in Washington.

But instead of choosing to back off the challenge, Milley decided to stand up against it. He didnt want to concede to the MAGA movements attempts to politicize routine academic affairs, or to concede the white nationalist talking point that studying racism was somehow a form of racism itself.

The other major GOP line of inquiry would likely be Milleys reported comments and actions that sought to act as a check on Trumps power. This is a more complex issue, because the precedent of the military bucking civilian control in ways that diverge from norms and rules is something worthy of public scrutiny and could indeed set a dangerous precedent.

First, lets be clear: the MAGA hype about Milley being treasonous in his behavior is unconvincing and based on pure exaggeration. Risa Brooks, a political scientist at Marquette University, told me that Milleys big personality and fiery quotes Milley told aides that he believed Trump spread "the gospel of the Fhrer" in his attempts to overturn the election tend to distract from the reality that theres no evidence that any of his actions actually transgressed civil-military norms. We dont know of anything at this point in time that he did that constituted a clear obstruction of civilian control, Brooks told me.

For example, reports that Milley spoke to his Chinese counterpart twice in the final months of Trump's presidency to assure Beijing that the U.S. was stable and that Trump was not going to attack China generated controversy. But his actions were taken through the standard channels, coordinated with the secretary of defense, and in line with Trumps policy vision (Trump did not want to attack China). The reason Milley spoke to his counterpart was because of intelligence indicating that the Chinese were concerned by Trumps unpredictability as his presidency came to an end. Trump, unsurprisingly, still decided to say Milley should be tried for treason over it.

Still, it cannot be denied that Milley did engage in some more overtly political behavior with some of his remarks to colleagues about Trump. And even if there isnt evidence he violated protocols, he clearly tried to signal that he was an ally in favor of democracy through his reported participation in land the plane phone calls with officials in the Trump administration that sought to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.

Again, it must be asked: Why did Milley feel compelled to do this? The answer: Trumps assault on the democratic process, whether through disinformation, or obstructing a certification of Bidens presidential victory, or calling for the military to violently repress protests. There is no evidence that Milley was actively seeking to make the military a part of the political process until he felt it might be necessary to protect the rule of law and the legitimacy of the most basic tenets of democracy. This was unquestionably better than the alternative of a blind obedience to presidential power without regard for laws, truth and bedrock democratic principles.

Given what we know about how top military officers and defense officials tend to think about Trump, any Republican investigation against Milley will likely only make them even more vigilant about the specter of tyranny and the role of the military in guarding against it.

Zeeshan Aleem is a writer and editor for MSNBC Daily. Previously, he worked at Vox, HuffPost and Politico, and he has also been published in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Nation and elsewhere.

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The irony of Mark Milley being investigated by Republicans - MSNBC

At a rally earlier this month, former President Donald Trump seemed to relish describing the grisly details of murders in Philadelphia. The city has become a killing field, he told thousands of supporters.

At the same event in northeast Pennsylvania, Republican Senate nominee Mehmet Oz pointed to Phillys homicide rate and emphasized his endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police, the main police union.

I know and believe we can have safe city streets, he said.

Two months before Pennsylvanias crucial elections, crime has taken up a central role in Republicans campaigns.

READ MORE: John Fetterman agrees to TV debate in Harrisburg with closed captioning. Mehmet Oz says hes in, pending three requests.

Thats especially true in the U.S. Senate race, where the GOP believes the issue has finally put Lt. Gov. John Fetterman on the defensive, and helped narrow what was once a wide lead for the Democratic nominee.

Securitys always an important issue, and John Fettermans terrible on it, said Peter Towey, a Republican strategist who has long worked on Pennsylvania races, including the 2016 Senate campaign. Its not like worries about crime stop when you get on the Schuylkill Expressway. ... People work in the city, they want to go to the city, they want to go to dinner.

From mid-August through this week, the Senate Leadership Fund, the super PAC affiliated with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.), has spent more than $10 million on four TV ads in Pennsylvania hammering Fetterman on crime.

GOP operatives say its working: Fetterman has run three ads of his own rebutting their spots and emphasizing his work to fight crime as mayor of Braddock.

READ MORE: Two new polls show an edge for John Fetterman in Pa.s Senate race, and Mehmet Ozs support looking unenthusiastic

Pennsylvania Republicans, of course, have a long history of running against crime, and against crime in Philadelphia, specifically.

But Republicans say the issue is especially potent given the citys record number of homicides last year, soaring shootings, and Fettermans stances on clemency and criminal justice reform.

John Fettermans record on crime speaks for itself, literally its the candidate in his own words describing how he wants to let criminals out of prison, said Jack Pandol, a spokesperson for the Senate Leadership Fund.

As the head of the states Board of Pardons, Fetterman publicly and strongly pressed for mercy for people who had served long sentences and demonstrated they had been rehabilitated, including advocating for the release of some convicted murderers. He said he agreed with a corrections officials analysis that one-third of prisoners could be released without harming public safety, though his campaign says he didnt advocate for implementing that step, just agreed with the statement.

READ MORE: John Fetterman ran the Board of Pardons like an activist and at times a bully

And while he now focuses on legalizing marijuana, in 2015 he said in an interview with the Nation that he supported decriminalizing drugs across the board.

The Fetterman campaign did not respond to two attempts to clarify whether thats still his position.

At times, the GOP has distorted and exaggerated his stances. Oz, for example, has said Fetterman wants to legalize all drugs, a step beyond decriminalization. Other Republicans have falsely said he wants to end life sentences for murders.

Fettermans campaign says the GOP is fear-mongering over an issue of compassion and fairness. Theres little evidence that granting clemency affects public safety.

And Fettermans camp points to his 13 years as mayor of a small town, overseeing the police department, including a five-year stretch, from 2008 to 2013, when Braddock had no homicides. The city of about 2,000, however, had few murders before he became mayor, typically three or fewer per year in the five years before he took office.

READ MORE: Women are the reason we can win, John Fetterman says at packed abortion-rights rally in Montco

The reality is that John knows how to stop crime, because hes actually done it, said Fetterman spokesperson Joe Calvello. Oz has no record. ... John has worked hand-in-hand with the police, and knows the challenges our police force faces and how to support them. John fought to ensure the police had the funding they needed, and he helped bring the town grants for surveillance cameras.

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, a Philadelphia Democrat who supports Fetterman, said Republicans are using a real problem as a political weapon, but they dont actually care about crime in Philadelphia.

These are people who through their actions and through their deeds have made it clear that theyre willing to talk about crime in this way that sensationalizes it, but not in a way that reveals a true compassion for people who are hurting, Kenyatta said.

He pointed to proposals for tougher gun laws, to fight gun trafficking, and for community investments, saying all would reduce violence, and are opposed by Republicans.

Neither candidate has said much about what specifically he would do as a U.S. senator to fight crime.

Asked about Ozs plans, a campaign spokesperson said he will ensure that our police officers have the resources they need to protect the commonwealth, that our brave first responders are respected and properly trained, and that our streets and neighborhoods are safe for everyone to enjoy.

She didnt offer more details.

On guns, Oz during the GOP primary wrote that he would oppose red-flag laws and universal background checks. His campaign didnt answer this week when asked twice if he would have supported the bipartisan gun bill President Joe Biden signed in June, which included incentives for state-level red-flag laws after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Calvello said if elected to Senate, Fetterman will never support defunding the police, and will fight to increase federal funding and grants for police forces. He said Fetterman also supports a criminal justice reform bill named for George Floyd that passed the U.S. House but not the Senate.

READ MORE: Dr. Oz wears pants: Republicans rally to support Mehmet Oz in Bucks County

Dangerously liberal on crime, goes the tagline in one Senate Leadership Fund ad.

It follows a clip of Fetterman emphasizing his work to help release prisoners through the Board of Pardons, pushing for clemency for people who he argues have served extensive sentences.

Fetterman has also called for ending mandatory life sentences for second-degree murder, a charge often filed against people accused of being an accomplice to murder acting as a lookout, for example, or a getaway driver. Pennsylvania has among the highest populations of people serving life without parole for second-degree murder.

The GOP has emphasized instances in which Fetterman approvingly quoted, and said he agreed with, a state official who said Pennsylvanias prison population could drop by one-third without any increased danger to public safety.

He said something remarkable that I agree with, Fetterman said at one 2020 event, before repeating the analysis, one of several examples of him making similar statements.

The official, former Pennsylvania Secretary of Corrections John Wetzel, was first appointed by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett and reappointed by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf.

Under Fetterman the Board of Pardons commuted 46 life sentences, compared with just six in Wolfs first term and none under Corbett.

For a commutation, the five-member board must vote unanimously and the governor must sign off.

Oz has singled out convicted murderers who were released. He sends weekly Inmates for Fetterman emails with grim details of their offenses.

Fetterman has long portrayed his push to release more inmates as an act of compassion.

You have an opportunity to decide what direction we take in our society, he told supporters in April as he sought the Democratic Senate nomination. Should you pay for the rest of your life for a mistake that you made if you were addicted or you were young, or you were in poverty?

The boards work has long been politically fraught, even though recidivism among former lifers is extremely low.

In one notable case, Fetterman called Oz sad and desperate for attacking his decision to hire Lee and Dennis Horton, Philadelphia brothers who served 27 years after picking up a man who, unbeknownst to them, they said, had committed a murder. Their convictions had come under heavy criticism.

Its time for Dr. Oz to answer if he believes that the wrongfully convicted should die in prison, Calvello said. He added, Dr. Oz lives in a mansion on a hill. What does he know about confronting crime?

Staff writer Dylan Purcell contributed to this article.

A previous version of this story incorrectly reported the number of homicides in Braddock in 2005. While state and federal records list zero, there were three homicides that year, according to local news reports.

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John Fetterman and crime: Why Republicans think it has him on defensive - The Philadelphia Inquirer