It was the best of parties, it was the worst of parties (apologies to C. Dickens). Those who pay attentions to politics (like you, dear reader) know there is a wide chasm between the Democrats and the Republicans. That chasm has widened in the last 10 years to the point where it's nearly impossible to find any common ground to accomplish any governance at all. There are some instances in the last few days that truly illustrate that.

Yesterday, a judge in NY ruled that TFG committed fraud by valuing his properties differently for the IRS and potential buyers. His punishment will be financial in nature, with some of his business licenses being revoked. Unfortunately, prosecutors declined to pursue criminal charges, so this was a civil case instead. Naturally, TFG will appeal and stall, and it will be years (if at all) before he sees any consequences.

TFG also expressed his desire to to buy a customized Glock pistol while on a campaign stop in SC. This is of course illegal when you are under a federal indictment. There's a certain amount of "he said / she said" regarding whether the purchase actually occurred, but I am sure that the end result will be the gun was "gifted" if so. I don't know whether that is also prohibited under federal law, but I suppose we'll find out eventually. Will he face consequences? Not very likely.

Oh yeah - TFG is currently the front-runner for the 2024 Republican party presidential nomination.

Meanwhile, President Biden put his body where his beliefs are, and joined the UAW picket line yesterday. Supporting unions shows his desire to help those who work for a living, knowing full well that by doing so, it will push the upper echelons in the automotive manufacturing companies to donate to Republican-supporting Super-PACs. Character is doing what's right, even when it might potentially harm you.

In stark contrast to Republicans' "anything goes" mentality, Democrats actually hold their fellow party members accountable. Bob Menendez, the (now former) chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been indicted on federal bribery and corruption charges. This has led to a chorus of Democratic senators to demand that he resign from Congress, including his fellow NJ Senator Corey Booker. Menendez has resisted, and the chorus is getting louder.

Remember George Santos, the Republican fraud from NYC? Still in office.

Keep this in mind as we move towards next year's elections. There is a difference, and it matters.