Tony Clark
@informative.ink
Writer. Former senior House staffer, consultant, and campaign communications director; NIH legislative analyst, FEMA/NFIP contractor, and NAVMED volunteer. More than just NARA/presidential libraries. Books starting in 2026 at https://www.informative.ink/
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Tony Clark
@informative.ink
· 11d
NEW SCOOP from me: the White House is "scrambling" to salvage Trump's nomination of Casey Means to be US Surgeon General.
Means—who is statutorily ineligible—had been set to testify today, but went into labor.
They will now try a... different approach.
lastcampaign.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
Means—who is statutorily ineligible—had been set to testify today, but went into labor.
They will now try a... different approach.
lastcampaign.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
And of course there's
IMO, from most likely, down
Ds cave without getting much of anything, to avoid a shutdown
Ds posture, shutdown happens, Ds cave quickly without getting much of anything, to reopen
Ds posture, shutdown happens, Ds get promises GOP will quickly break, Ds declare victory + claim credit for reopening
Ds cave without getting much of anything, to avoid a shutdown
Ds posture, shutdown happens, Ds cave quickly without getting much of anything, to reopen
Ds posture, shutdown happens, Ds get promises GOP will quickly break, Ds declare victory + claim credit for reopening
November 11, 2025 at 5:55 AM
And of course there's
Oh, and also
Shutdown is immensely harmful. Unless Ds use the threat to successfully bargain hard or let it happen to bargain even harder—and actually get concessions that are real and lasting—then no.
If shutdown happens but the US ends up with the status quo or worse, it's better that it not happen.
If shutdown happens but the US ends up with the status quo or worse, it's better that it not happen.
November 11, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Oh, and also
So as I was asking…
I still haven't heard what Step 2 will be for the Dems (Step 1 being the shutdown).
And please don't give me "Well the GOP will have to cave to Dems' demands in order to reopen the government!!"
The GOP that hates the government and doesn't want it to be operating in the first place? 🤔
And please don't give me "Well the GOP will have to cave to Dems' demands in order to reopen the government!!"
The GOP that hates the government and doesn't want it to be operating in the first place? 🤔
November 11, 2025 at 5:54 AM
So as I was asking…
Reposted by Tony Clark
Also, it's Negotiating 101: you can't use as leverage what your opponent *wants.*
The GOP wants the shutdown—partly on ideological lines and partly for the distraction from Epstein/Trump's cratering.
"If you don't give us what we want, we'll shut down the government!"
"Fine. Works for us."
The GOP wants the shutdown—partly on ideological lines and partly for the distraction from Epstein/Trump's cratering.
"If you don't give us what we want, we'll shut down the government!"
"Fine. Works for us."
September 25, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Also, it's Negotiating 101: you can't use as leverage what your opponent *wants.*
The GOP wants the shutdown—partly on ideological lines and partly for the distraction from Epstein/Trump's cratering.
"If you don't give us what we want, we'll shut down the government!"
"Fine. Works for us."
The GOP wants the shutdown—partly on ideological lines and partly for the distraction from Epstein/Trump's cratering.
"If you don't give us what we want, we'll shut down the government!"
"Fine. Works for us."
Reposted by Tony Clark
I'm really unsure what I'm going to do without healthcare next year @democrats.org, but by all means, keep texting me for more donations. Surely, this will pay off eventually.
November 11, 2025 at 12:46 AM
I'm really unsure what I'm going to do without healthcare next year @democrats.org, but by all means, keep texting me for more donations. Surely, this will pay off eventually.
Reposted by Tony Clark
JOYCE CAROL GOATES
November 11, 2025 at 3:03 AM
JOYCE CAROL GOATES
Not suggesting it was the right decision. I'd just like to know from those who thought Dems didn't give the strategy enough time to work: other than it actually having worked, what *would* have been enough time for you? After how much time without success would you have been OK with them folding?
November 11, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Not suggesting it was the right decision. I'd just like to know from those who thought Dems didn't give the strategy enough time to work: other than it actually having worked, what *would* have been enough time for you? After how much time without success would you have been OK with them folding?
It's a shame @gregdoucette.bsky.social's and @mcopelov.bsky.social's expert analysis—that Grijalva could have cast aside House precedent and A1S5 to pull a notary off the street to swear her in—never reached her; she must now settle for [checks notes] the only way she could have ever taken the oath.
November 11, 2025 at 5:22 AM
It's a shame @gregdoucette.bsky.social's and @mcopelov.bsky.social's expert analysis—that Grijalva could have cast aside House precedent and A1S5 to pull a notary off the street to swear her in—never reached her; she must now settle for [checks notes] the only way she could have ever taken the oath.
Timeline cleanse:
For the first year of the pandemic, I lived on a cow farm.
I took these on an iPhone SE, so they're not spectacular or anything, but I hope this short Cows thread brings some joy, or at least a distraction.
First up: Bashful
"Aw, I ain't handsome 'r nothin'... Am I though?"
For the first year of the pandemic, I lived on a cow farm.
I took these on an iPhone SE, so they're not spectacular or anything, but I hope this short Cows thread brings some joy, or at least a distraction.
First up: Bashful
"Aw, I ain't handsome 'r nothin'... Am I though?"
November 11, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Timeline cleanse:
For the first year of the pandemic, I lived on a cow farm.
I took these on an iPhone SE, so they're not spectacular or anything, but I hope this short Cows thread brings some joy, or at least a distraction.
First up: Bashful
"Aw, I ain't handsome 'r nothin'... Am I though?"
For the first year of the pandemic, I lived on a cow farm.
I took these on an iPhone SE, so they're not spectacular or anything, but I hope this short Cows thread brings some joy, or at least a distraction.
First up: Bashful
"Aw, I ain't handsome 'r nothin'... Am I though?"
A quick note about Pluribus, Vince Gilligan's new AppleTV series starring Better Call Saul breakout star Rhea Seehorn: it's worth a look-in.
I've only seen the first two eps (they drop weekly now) so I can't give it a full "stay with it" recommend yet.
But it's different enough to warrant a look.
I've only seen the first two eps (they drop weekly now) so I can't give it a full "stay with it" recommend yet.
But it's different enough to warrant a look.
November 11, 2025 at 1:24 AM
A quick note about Pluribus, Vince Gilligan's new AppleTV series starring Better Call Saul breakout star Rhea Seehorn: it's worth a look-in.
I've only seen the first two eps (they drop weekly now) so I can't give it a full "stay with it" recommend yet.
But it's different enough to warrant a look.
I've only seen the first two eps (they drop weekly now) so I can't give it a full "stay with it" recommend yet.
But it's different enough to warrant a look.
And if you don't think that I'm talking about folks from across the political spectrum, I would invite you to trade places with me for a day to Whack-a-Mole the constant barrage of disinformation, misinformation, laughable nonsense, and just plain ignorant horseshit coming from folks on the left.
Every time I'm so alarmed at the sorry state of basic US civic education that I'm inspired to write a book about how the federal government works—I know exactly what and how I'd write; not a desk-reference tome, not a dummies—I remember that it's because so many folks won't read we're where we are.
November 11, 2025 at 12:08 AM
And if you don't think that I'm talking about folks from across the political spectrum, I would invite you to trade places with me for a day to Whack-a-Mole the constant barrage of disinformation, misinformation, laughable nonsense, and just plain ignorant horseshit coming from folks on the left.
A reminder to all who think that Johnson *finally* administering the oath to Rep.-elect Grijalva will mean release of the Epstein files:
What would happen with DOJ’s “Epstein files” if Rep.-elect Grijalva were to be officially sworn in? A 🧵.
TL/WR: It wouldn't release them nor materially increase the chances they’ll be released.
• Upon taking office Grijalva would presumably sign the discharge petition Rep. Massie (R-KY) has filed.
TL/WR: It wouldn't release them nor materially increase the chances they’ll be released.
• Upon taking office Grijalva would presumably sign the discharge petition Rep. Massie (R-KY) has filed.
November 10, 2025 at 11:52 PM
A reminder to all who think that Johnson *finally* administering the oath to Rep.-elect Grijalva will mean release of the Epstein files:
I get why a longshot candidate might... how may I put this politely?... "make up" this framing in order to get out the vote.
I don't get why voters wouldn't care that they made it up.
I don't get why voters wouldn't care that they made it up.
No, of course it won't cancel out her vote. 218 is a majority.
If Grijalva were already a Member and the vote were held today, it would pass 218-215.
If Johnson waits until after the TN special and Van Epps wins, and then Johnson swears in both of them, it would pass 218-216.
If Grijalva were already a Member and the vote were held today, it would pass 218-215.
If Johnson waits until after the TN special and Van Epps wins, and then Johnson swears in both of them, it would pass 218-216.
November 10, 2025 at 10:54 PM
I get why a longshot candidate might... how may I put this politely?... "make up" this framing in order to get out the vote.
I don't get why voters wouldn't care that they made it up.
I don't get why voters wouldn't care that they made it up.
When Sophie's really thirsty, and she's drinking, and her bowl is about to be empty, if I add water, she stops and looks at me like she's some English lady and I added tea to her not-yet-empty cup without permission.
"I had the *perfect* water/slobber/grit ratio, and now it's ruined."
"I had the *perfect* water/slobber/grit ratio, and now it's ruined."
November 10, 2025 at 10:08 PM
When Sophie's really thirsty, and she's drinking, and her bowl is about to be empty, if I add water, she stops and looks at me like she's some English lady and I added tea to her not-yet-empty cup without permission.
"I had the *perfect* water/slobber/grit ratio, and now it's ruined."
"I had the *perfect* water/slobber/grit ratio, and now it's ruined."
I see a lot of accounts twisting into pretzels trying to superimpose some complicated, grand, genius, master strategy, connecting the Senate deal to Johnson and Grijalva and Epstein and KBJ and SNAP (and who knows what else), to explain the cave.
How about, you know, it's just Schumer's razor?
How about, you know, it's just Schumer's razor?
November 10, 2025 at 7:40 PM
I see a lot of accounts twisting into pretzels trying to superimpose some complicated, grand, genius, master strategy, connecting the Senate deal to Johnson and Grijalva and Epstein and KBJ and SNAP (and who knows what else), to explain the cave.
How about, you know, it's just Schumer's razor?
How about, you know, it's just Schumer's razor?
"Dr." 🙄 Suz's perception isn't… so good.
November 10, 2025 at 6:37 PM
"Dr." 🙄 Suz's perception isn't… so good.
#FunFacts
1. Powell did not hold what this grifting plagiarist falsely claims it did
2. Even if it had held that false claim, it would not, could not mean that a judge could "step in"
Why are *any* of you still following this obvious scammer and supporting its grift??
1. Powell did not hold what this grifting plagiarist falsely claims it did
2. Even if it had held that false claim, it would not, could not mean that a judge could "step in"
Why are *any* of you still following this obvious scammer and supporting its grift??
Supreme Court ruled that a duly elected member cannot be denied their seat, meaning a judge could step in to administer the oath or order the House to allow it. In other words, once the government reopens, Johnson will no longer be able to act as the gatekeeper.
November 10, 2025 at 5:41 PM
#FunFacts
1. Powell did not hold what this grifting plagiarist falsely claims it did
2. Even if it had held that false claim, it would not, could not mean that a judge could "step in"
Why are *any* of you still following this obvious scammer and supporting its grift??
1. Powell did not hold what this grifting plagiarist falsely claims it did
2. Even if it had held that false claim, it would not, could not mean that a judge could "step in"
Why are *any* of you still following this obvious scammer and supporting its grift??
This, from the grifting plagiarist @altnps.bsky.social, is absolute horseshit.
1. No one other than the Speaker or someone the House votes to approve may officially administer the oath. No one.
2. Powell, a narrow opinion, *does not apply here.*
Report and block this scammer, please.
1. No one other than the Speaker or someone the House votes to approve may officially administer the oath. No one.
2. Powell, a narrow opinion, *does not apply here.*
Report and block this scammer, please.
Once the government reopens, precedent has already been set, if Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to swear in Adelita Grijalva, the newly elected representative from Arizona’s 7th District, someone else will. In Powell v. McCormack (1969), the
November 10, 2025 at 5:31 PM
This, from the grifting plagiarist @altnps.bsky.social, is absolute horseshit.
1. No one other than the Speaker or someone the House votes to approve may officially administer the oath. No one.
2. Powell, a narrow opinion, *does not apply here.*
Report and block this scammer, please.
1. No one other than the Speaker or someone the House votes to approve may officially administer the oath. No one.
2. Powell, a narrow opinion, *does not apply here.*
Report and block this scammer, please.
Every time I'm so alarmed at the sorry state of basic US civic education that I'm inspired to write a book about how the federal government works—I know exactly what and how I'd write; not a desk-reference tome, not a dummies—I remember that it's because so many folks won't read we're where we are.
November 10, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Every time I'm so alarmed at the sorry state of basic US civic education that I'm inspired to write a book about how the federal government works—I know exactly what and how I'd write; not a desk-reference tome, not a dummies—I remember that it's because so many folks won't read we're where we are.
Reposted by Tony Clark
Cop-Video Dude blocked me, but I'm curious about why he keeps up his demonstrably false, definitively debunked, unearned-confidence-touted baseless gibberish—that has and continues to misinform/mislead, weeks later. For the likes? Can't admit he was wrong? Still believes, embarrassingly, he's right?
November 10, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Cop-Video Dude blocked me, but I'm curious about why he keeps up his demonstrably false, definitively debunked, unearned-confidence-touted baseless gibberish—that has and continues to misinform/mislead, weeks later. For the likes? Can't admit he was wrong? Still believes, embarrassingly, he's right?
Y'all get that the Epstein files could contain photos of Trump so despicable it would be a crime to publish them—and violate FCC regulations to even thoroughly describe them—and it wouldn't make a significant dent in his MAGA support, don't you?
"Oooh, they're sure to abandon him *this* time!"
No.
"Oooh, they're sure to abandon him *this* time!"
No.
November 10, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Y'all get that the Epstein files could contain photos of Trump so despicable it would be a crime to publish them—and violate FCC regulations to even thoroughly describe them—and it wouldn't make a significant dent in his MAGA support, don't you?
"Oooh, they're sure to abandon him *this* time!"
No.
"Oooh, they're sure to abandon him *this* time!"
No.
Cop-Video Dude blocked me, but I'm curious about why he keeps up his demonstrably false, definitively debunked, unearned-confidence-touted baseless gibberish—that has and continues to misinform/mislead, weeks later. For the likes? Can't admit he was wrong? Still believes, embarrassingly, he's right?
November 10, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Cop-Video Dude blocked me, but I'm curious about why he keeps up his demonstrably false, definitively debunked, unearned-confidence-touted baseless gibberish—that has and continues to misinform/mislead, weeks later. For the likes? Can't admit he was wrong? Still believes, embarrassingly, he's right?
This moment being any time since he first entered Congress almost 45 years ago.
Hard to see @schumer.senate.gov being able to stay in leadership after this or in the senate, he was not the man for this moment
November 10, 2025 at 7:13 AM
This moment being any time since he first entered Congress almost 45 years ago.
Reposted by Tony Clark
agreeing to make a terrible deal while your main opponent is quite literally being boo'd on live tv by an entire stadium of people is the kind of political instinct you'd normally only find in a 3 week old dead goldfish
November 10, 2025 at 12:36 AM
agreeing to make a terrible deal while your main opponent is quite literally being boo'd on live tv by an entire stadium of people is the kind of political instinct you'd normally only find in a 3 week old dead goldfish
Reposted by Tony Clark
This is most directly about the fake electors (none of whom face any federal charges anyway) but the actual wording of it is much broader: it's effectively a full and complete blanket pardon for anybody who had anything to do with trying to steal the 2020 election, not just the Jan 6-ers.
The language of this pardon is extremely broad.
It includes “all United States citizens for conduct relating to the advice, creation, organization, execution, submission, support, voting, activities, participation in, or advocacy for or of any slate or proposed slate of Presidential
electors…”
It includes “all United States citizens for conduct relating to the advice, creation, organization, execution, submission, support, voting, activities, participation in, or advocacy for or of any slate or proposed slate of Presidential
electors…”
November 10, 2025 at 5:02 AM
This is most directly about the fake electors (none of whom face any federal charges anyway) but the actual wording of it is much broader: it's effectively a full and complete blanket pardon for anybody who had anything to do with trying to steal the 2020 election, not just the Jan 6-ers.