David Bulcock
@davidbulcock.bsky.social
Twitter refuge. Happy husband and Dad to Marshall and Isabel. Small business owner. KC Royals fan. Always trying to learn more. Let's challenge each others thinking so we can learn together.
Reposted by David Bulcock
I feel this in my bones
(1 of 3) I used to negotiate for a living, and I'm trying to determine how many basic rules of negotiation these eight schmucks who somehow stumbled into becoming United States Senators violated. The list seems endless. For instance, if your negotiating partner is fucking crazy sociopathic ghoul...
November 10, 2025 at 9:39 PM
I feel this in my bones
@thebulwark.com missed the mark today. Dems fumbled at the 15 yard line
We extracted absolutely nothing. A performative vote that we know will fail & a promise that the GOP will follow EXISTING LAW by paying back pay
There's no way the fired fed employees get hired back, DT won't let that happen
We extracted absolutely nothing. A performative vote that we know will fail & a promise that the GOP will follow EXISTING LAW by paying back pay
There's no way the fired fed employees get hired back, DT won't let that happen
November 10, 2025 at 9:30 PM
@thebulwark.com missed the mark today. Dems fumbled at the 15 yard line
We extracted absolutely nothing. A performative vote that we know will fail & a promise that the GOP will follow EXISTING LAW by paying back pay
There's no way the fired fed employees get hired back, DT won't let that happen
We extracted absolutely nothing. A performative vote that we know will fail & a promise that the GOP will follow EXISTING LAW by paying back pay
There's no way the fired fed employees get hired back, DT won't let that happen
Reposted by David Bulcock
November 10, 2025 at 5:23 PM
So if these "no" votes are performative, I really am struggling to support the Democratic party in its current state.
If they aren't performative, they can prove that by putting together a true effort to remove the entire Senate leadership team.
Anything else leaves me wanting.
If they aren't performative, they can prove that by putting together a true effort to remove the entire Senate leadership team.
Anything else leaves me wanting.
November 10, 2025 at 7:29 PM
So if these "no" votes are performative, I really am struggling to support the Democratic party in its current state.
If they aren't performative, they can prove that by putting together a true effort to remove the entire Senate leadership team.
Anything else leaves me wanting.
If they aren't performative, they can prove that by putting together a true effort to remove the entire Senate leadership team.
Anything else leaves me wanting.
This isn't some gotcha moment. The GOP literally passed a bill that gutted the ACA.
We don't need another performative vote to prove that Republicans want to take healthcare away from millions of Americans.
Our only way to inflict any real pain on the GOP was just given away for nothing though.
We don't need another performative vote to prove that Republicans want to take healthcare away from millions of Americans.
Our only way to inflict any real pain on the GOP was just given away for nothing though.
It seems like Senate Democrats' strategy is:
1. have a vote
2. if/when Republicans vote against extending health insurance subsidies, then Democrats will blast them for it
The message they are sending is that this is the most they can do.
1. have a vote
2. if/when Republicans vote against extending health insurance subsidies, then Democrats will blast them for it
The message they are sending is that this is the most they can do.
Whoa -- Sen. Durbin went to up Leader Thune during the vote last night to tell him that on the shutdown vote and ACA promise that "8 of us are sticking our neck out that you're going to keep your word. I hope you will. He said 'I assure you I will,'" Durbin says just now
November 10, 2025 at 6:50 PM
This isn't some gotcha moment. The GOP literally passed a bill that gutted the ACA.
We don't need another performative vote to prove that Republicans want to take healthcare away from millions of Americans.
Our only way to inflict any real pain on the GOP was just given away for nothing though.
We don't need another performative vote to prove that Republicans want to take healthcare away from millions of Americans.
Our only way to inflict any real pain on the GOP was just given away for nothing though.
Even though it is bleak, this is the most accurate description of what just happened.
The Democrats failure is just a reminder that our political system is broken & we lack the will to fix it.
We also do not have an electorate that realizes how painfully close we are to losing our republic.
The Democrats failure is just a reminder that our political system is broken & we lack the will to fix it.
We also do not have an electorate that realizes how painfully close we are to losing our republic.
The Shutdown Surrender
I just... I mean... Whatever.
davekarpf.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Even though it is bleak, this is the most accurate description of what just happened.
The Democrats failure is just a reminder that our political system is broken & we lack the will to fix it.
We also do not have an electorate that realizes how painfully close we are to losing our republic.
The Democrats failure is just a reminder that our political system is broken & we lack the will to fix it.
We also do not have an electorate that realizes how painfully close we are to losing our republic.
This 1000x
Senator Murphy is right. This is difficult. These moments are going to be tough. Now is not the time to capitulate, it's the time to rally and work together
We should be supporting each other in these times of crisis, not giving up in hopes of some form of harm reduction
We need to win
Senator Murphy is right. This is difficult. These moments are going to be tough. Now is not the time to capitulate, it's the time to rally and work together
We should be supporting each other in these times of crisis, not giving up in hopes of some form of harm reduction
We need to win
I got back to my office after the vote last night and recorded this. There's no way to sugarcoat what happened. And my fear is that Trump gets stronger, not weaker, because of this acquiescence. I'm angry - like you. But I choose to keep fighting.
November 10, 2025 at 4:17 PM
This 1000x
Senator Murphy is right. This is difficult. These moments are going to be tough. Now is not the time to capitulate, it's the time to rally and work together
We should be supporting each other in these times of crisis, not giving up in hopes of some form of harm reduction
We need to win
Senator Murphy is right. This is difficult. These moments are going to be tough. Now is not the time to capitulate, it's the time to rally and work together
We should be supporting each other in these times of crisis, not giving up in hopes of some form of harm reduction
We need to win
Man, Jess is spitting fire right now. I swear she is putting into words what my emotions are.
It’s never a fair fight when you’re forced to legislate with evil, soulless bastards.
November 10, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Man, Jess is spitting fire right now. I swear she is putting into words what my emotions are.
Please remember this from just a couple days ago.
The GOP does not govern in good faith.
The GOP does not govern in good faith.
Q: Will you assure House Democrats they'll get a vote on ACA subsidies by a date certain?
MIKE JOHNSON: Ah -- no. I'm not promising anyone anything.
MIKE JOHNSON: Ah -- no. I'm not promising anyone anything.
November 10, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Please remember this from just a couple days ago.
The GOP does not govern in good faith.
The GOP does not govern in good faith.
When I'm playing chess with pigeons I stop & ask them, "why do you walk around knocking all the pieces over & shit on the board? Why can't we work together?"
This is how you sound!
The American people aren't idiots. We know the GOP is not governing in good faith!
We need courage not capitulation!
This is how you sound!
The American people aren't idiots. We know the GOP is not governing in good faith!
We need courage not capitulation!
Shaheen: "When I talk to my constituents in New Hampshire, you know what they say to me? They say, 'Why can't you all just work together to address the problems that are facing this country?'"
November 10, 2025 at 3:44 PM
When I'm playing chess with pigeons I stop & ask them, "why do you walk around knocking all the pieces over & shit on the board? Why can't we work together?"
This is how you sound!
The American people aren't idiots. We know the GOP is not governing in good faith!
We need courage not capitulation!
This is how you sound!
The American people aren't idiots. We know the GOP is not governing in good faith!
We need courage not capitulation!
My $.02
The Dems were too scared to disrupt airline profits over the holiday travel season.
They had an epic opportunity to harness the support that was indicated in the most recent elections, but decided, as always, to side with corporate interests & cave.
Instead of calling for solidarity &
The Dems were too scared to disrupt airline profits over the holiday travel season.
They had an epic opportunity to harness the support that was indicated in the most recent elections, but decided, as always, to side with corporate interests & cave.
Instead of calling for solidarity &
November 10, 2025 at 2:45 PM
My $.02
The Dems were too scared to disrupt airline profits over the holiday travel season.
They had an epic opportunity to harness the support that was indicated in the most recent elections, but decided, as always, to side with corporate interests & cave.
Instead of calling for solidarity &
The Dems were too scared to disrupt airline profits over the holiday travel season.
They had an epic opportunity to harness the support that was indicated in the most recent elections, but decided, as always, to side with corporate interests & cave.
Instead of calling for solidarity &
There are two possible answers:
Schumer truly believes we should've kept the government shut down but is such a feckless and incompetent leader that he can't whip his own party.
Or
He was ok with this outcome, or possibly even helped create the framework for it.
Either way he has to go.
Schumer truly believes we should've kept the government shut down but is such a feckless and incompetent leader that he can't whip his own party.
Or
He was ok with this outcome, or possibly even helped create the framework for it.
Either way he has to go.
I mean they do fear the base, which is why people who are not in the immediate line of fire didn't vote for this. They just don't think there's a large splash zone for that rage or that it will last until they're on the block
Dem pols really have 0 fear of their base and that kinda has to change.
November 10, 2025 at 1:50 PM
There are two possible answers:
Schumer truly believes we should've kept the government shut down but is such a feckless and incompetent leader that he can't whip his own party.
Or
He was ok with this outcome, or possibly even helped create the framework for it.
Either way he has to go.
Schumer truly believes we should've kept the government shut down but is such a feckless and incompetent leader that he can't whip his own party.
Or
He was ok with this outcome, or possibly even helped create the framework for it.
Either way he has to go.
This 100%. They still somehow think that there will be an honest debate in the Senate in December.
I think that Democrats are so conditioned to be a controlled opposition that they can't even fathom winning a fight with the GOP. They are forever in a harm reduction mode, not pursuing victory.
I think that Democrats are so conditioned to be a controlled opposition that they can't even fathom winning a fight with the GOP. They are forever in a harm reduction mode, not pursuing victory.
seems to me that those democrats inclined not to fight perceive themselves as living through a somewhat ordinary cycle of presidential overreach and backlash and not something much more significant and dangerous
November 10, 2025 at 1:04 PM
This 100%. They still somehow think that there will be an honest debate in the Senate in December.
I think that Democrats are so conditioned to be a controlled opposition that they can't even fathom winning a fight with the GOP. They are forever in a harm reduction mode, not pursuing victory.
I think that Democrats are so conditioned to be a controlled opposition that they can't even fathom winning a fight with the GOP. They are forever in a harm reduction mode, not pursuing victory.
This 100%. They still somehow think that there will be an honest debate in the Senate in December.
I think that Democrats are so conditioned to be a controlled opposition that they can't even fathom winning a fight with the GOP. They are forever in a harm reduction mode, not pursuing victory.
I think that Democrats are so conditioned to be a controlled opposition that they can't even fathom winning a fight with the GOP. They are forever in a harm reduction mode, not pursuing victory.
seems to me that those democrats inclined not to fight perceive themselves as living through a somewhat ordinary cycle of presidential overreach and backlash and not something much more significant and dangerous
November 10, 2025 at 1:03 PM
This 100%. They still somehow think that there will be an honest debate in the Senate in December.
I think that Democrats are so conditioned to be a controlled opposition that they can't even fathom winning a fight with the GOP. They are forever in a harm reduction mode, not pursuing victory.
I think that Democrats are so conditioned to be a controlled opposition that they can't even fathom winning a fight with the GOP. They are forever in a harm reduction mode, not pursuing victory.
Still tracks
American politics makes a lot more sense when you realize that the GOP is afraid of pissing off the GOP base, and the Dems are afraid of pissing off the GOP base, but neither party is afraid of pissing off the Dem base.
November 10, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Still tracks
I knew it.
Airlines have to be losing their asses on this.
Just have to follow the money.
Airlines have to be losing their asses on this.
Just have to follow the money.
November 10, 2025 at 11:43 AM
I knew it.
Airlines have to be losing their asses on this.
Just have to follow the money.
Airlines have to be losing their asses on this.
Just have to follow the money.
Reposted by David Bulcock
Dems backed Trump into a corner where he’s advocating for starving Americans and hemorrhaging support. If they vote to let him off the hook in exchange for nothing it’s a cataclysmic failure. I know people are in pain but insulating Republicans from political consequences is not the answer.
November 9, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Dems backed Trump into a corner where he’s advocating for starving Americans and hemorrhaging support. If they vote to let him off the hook in exchange for nothing it’s a cataclysmic failure. I know people are in pain but insulating Republicans from political consequences is not the answer.
This entire thread is so indicative of how weak minded our party has become. We can't imagine a world where we had enough support to actually win a fight in the court of public opinion.
We are conditioned to be controlled opposition.
We are conditioned to be controlled opposition.
The shutdown was hurting innocent Americans more than it was hurting Trump!!
November 10, 2025 at 4:33 AM
This entire thread is so indicative of how weak minded our party has become. We can't imagine a world where we had enough support to actually win a fight in the court of public opinion.
We are conditioned to be controlled opposition.
We are conditioned to be controlled opposition.
So let me get this straight...
We have a massively successful election cycle only five days ago.
Polls show that Americans support the ACA subsidies and the Democratic fight to keep them.
So naturally..
In Democratic fashion..
We capitulate and give up all our leverage.
That tracks.
We have a massively successful election cycle only five days ago.
Polls show that Americans support the ACA subsidies and the Democratic fight to keep them.
So naturally..
In Democratic fashion..
We capitulate and give up all our leverage.
That tracks.
a bald man with a shaved head is wearing a gray suit
ALT: a bald man with a shaved head is wearing a gray suit
media.tenor.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:04 AM
So let me get this straight...
We have a massively successful election cycle only five days ago.
Polls show that Americans support the ACA subsidies and the Democratic fight to keep them.
So naturally..
In Democratic fashion..
We capitulate and give up all our leverage.
That tracks.
We have a massively successful election cycle only five days ago.
Polls show that Americans support the ACA subsidies and the Democratic fight to keep them.
So naturally..
In Democratic fashion..
We capitulate and give up all our leverage.
That tracks.
Reposted by David Bulcock
Dear Senate Dems,
Republicans don’t keep their promises…
Republicans don’t keep their promises…
November 10, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Dear Senate Dems,
Republicans don’t keep their promises…
Republicans don’t keep their promises…
Gotta love it when even moderates like Tom are saying that our Democratic leadership is a bunch of knuckleheads.
We gave up all of our leverage and everyone knows it.
Abject failure.
We gave up all of our leverage and everyone knows it.
Abject failure.
"Democrats could have held the line on the shutdown, and spent weeks watching Trump’s approval ratings fall," writes @jonathanbchait.bsky.social
Instead, he argues, they're making a mistake by giving in:
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Instead, he argues, they're making a mistake by giving in:
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Senate Democrats Just Made a Huge Mistake
The shutdown was hurting Trump. Ending it helps him.
www.theatlantic.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Gotta love it when even moderates like Tom are saying that our Democratic leadership is a bunch of knuckleheads.
We gave up all of our leverage and everyone knows it.
Abject failure.
We gave up all of our leverage and everyone knows it.
Abject failure.
This gigantic lie of a post is getting absolutely ratioed as it should.
8 senators failed America tonight.
She was one of them.
8 senators failed America tonight.
She was one of them.
For over a month, I’ve made clear that my priorities are to both reopen government and extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits.
This is our best path toward accomplishing both of these goals.
This is our best path toward accomplishing both of these goals.
Shaheen: So let me be clear. No one in the senate chamber wants to extend the ACA tax credits more than I do.
November 10, 2025 at 3:49 AM
This gigantic lie of a post is getting absolutely ratioed as it should.
8 senators failed America tonight.
She was one of them.
8 senators failed America tonight.
She was one of them.
It's official, the government shut down was the Dems fault.
They were unwilling to stand up for the principles they claimed and caused all of this unnecessary pain.
We suffered for 40+ days for a "promise" from a group of known liars.
Great job team. No wonder you are historically unpopular.
They were unwilling to stand up for the principles they claimed and caused all of this unnecessary pain.
We suffered for 40+ days for a "promise" from a group of known liars.
Great job team. No wonder you are historically unpopular.
November 10, 2025 at 3:41 AM
It's official, the government shut down was the Dems fault.
They were unwilling to stand up for the principles they claimed and caused all of this unnecessary pain.
We suffered for 40+ days for a "promise" from a group of known liars.
Great job team. No wonder you are historically unpopular.
They were unwilling to stand up for the principles they claimed and caused all of this unnecessary pain.
We suffered for 40+ days for a "promise" from a group of known liars.
Great job team. No wonder you are historically unpopular.
This exactly. The fact we got nothing just means we went through over a month long shut down for....
NOTHING
No wonder the party is losing voters at an astonishing rate.
There must've been some serious pressure from corporate donors. Maybe the airline lobby was going nuts.
NOTHING
No wonder the party is losing voters at an astonishing rate.
There must've been some serious pressure from corporate donors. Maybe the airline lobby was going nuts.
Caving for nothing means that Democrats are the ones responsible for the shutdown because they could have taken this shit deal weeks ago.
November 10, 2025 at 3:34 AM
This exactly. The fact we got nothing just means we went through over a month long shut down for....
NOTHING
No wonder the party is losing voters at an astonishing rate.
There must've been some serious pressure from corporate donors. Maybe the airline lobby was going nuts.
NOTHING
No wonder the party is losing voters at an astonishing rate.
There must've been some serious pressure from corporate donors. Maybe the airline lobby was going nuts.