John Kane
banner
johnckane.bsky.social
John Kane
@johnckane.bsky.social
If you're a real person and you follow me, I'll follow you back.
I’m just saying that it’s like playing chess. You have to have a plan. What’s the plan if the GOP doesn’t move on the ACA subsidies? Just keep the government in permanent shutdown? I don’t like what’s happening either. But it may also be the case that this was the best course of action.
November 10, 2025 at 7:11 PM
That’s what many people are arguing. I have no idea what the best solution is/was. But it sure seemed like the GOP was never going to agree. I’m not sure what the next step was. The CR lasts until January. The Dems can bring it up again, after a vote in December on the ACA.
November 10, 2025 at 6:44 PM
The GOP was never going to agree to instituting the ACA premium help. What was the plan exactly if they never agreed to it? Keep the government shutdown going forever?
November 10, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Democrats are not like Republicans. These people are obviously adults. Kaine and Durbin know what’s what. Schumer doesn’t have some magic power over them. Kaine was probably worried about the federal workers in Virginia.
November 10, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Schumer couldn't prevent the Dem Senators from striking a bargain on their own. That's not really his fault.
November 10, 2025 at 8:08 AM
At the very least, Mike Johnson will no longer have the excuse that the House isn't in session if he wants to keep the government open. I don't know how he avoids having her sign the Epstein petition.
November 10, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Reposted by John Kane
Please take out a paid subscription to read this piece and, well, support this whole series. Its kind of a gamble to devote so much time on this without knowing an audience is there to reward it. Please reward that leap of faith.

www.crisesnotes.com#/portal/signup
Notes on the Crises
Until Further Notice, Comprehensive coverage of the Trump-Musk Treasury Payments Crisis of 2025
www.crisesnotes.com
September 9, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Reposted by John Kane
This is actually worse than I assumed:
*DOGE officials looked at SSA data, did not understand it and claimed there was fraud
*SSA career staff explained the data showed no fraud
*DOGE: we don’t trust civil servants, will hand power to a 21 year old intern

Nothing could convince them they are wrong
June 16, 2025 at 9:14 PM
It’s not but it sure does help.
May 27, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Not my quote but: “Libertarians are like house cats, they’re convinced of their fierce independence while dependent on a system they don’t appreciate or understand.”
May 25, 2025 at 7:08 AM
It sort of makes sense, given our very different histories, that Europeans can’t grasp the level of racism at work in Trump and his administration. But what explains the MAGA crowd and their complete denial about it and their own racism?
May 24, 2025 at 10:06 PM