Well, it wasn't meant to be funny.

Heh.

Well, it wasn't funny a couple days ago. ;)

Love you, Russ!

OK, maybe it's a little funny.

It doesn't really matter, anyway.

I suppose being an Independent and caucusing with the Dems is a pretty good outcome for Collins and/or Murkowski, however unlikely.

Highly unlikely for either of them.

You're not wrong, you know, Russ; I just now saw it and was thinking the exact same thing.

Ya can't joke about executions in today's world. No one laughs.

Exactly. I can't remember a time it was ever a laughing matter.

Other than that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln?
^^^ Still not funny after all these years. ^^^

I suppose being an Independent and caucusing with the Dems is a pretty good outcome for Collins and/or Murkowski, however unlikely.

Did I miss something?

Former Republicans and Democrats form new third U.S. political party

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/exclusive-former-republicans-democrats-form-new-third-us-political-party-2022-07-27/

Congrats, MtnCaddy! You've just won yourself a probable visit from the FBI or your local law enforcement and having every aspect of your personal life reviewed by people who, it is rumored, were born without the facial muscles you need to smile. Ya can't joke about executions in today's world. No one laughs.

(thinking)

Although the CA-AZ border is only 3+ hours away from me.

Did I miss something?

Perhaps Collins and Murkowski, if they are still around after the midterms and the Republicans take a turn for the worse, they may be enticed into the Democratic fold??

After running on a promise to serve only 2 terms, Collins was reelected in 2020 to her 5th term and (assuming she remains in good health and breathing) will be around after the midterms. It is highly unlikely that Collins would leave the Republican Party, and in the unlikely event she did, she would be more likely to become an Independent. Angus King, Maine's junior Senator, is an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats.

Murkowski is up for reelection in 2022 and Donald Trump wants her primaried. Murkowski was reelected in 2010 by write-in campaign after being primaried by a Tea Party Candidate endorsed by Sarah Palin. Fast forward to 2022 and Alaska has ranked choice voting (tends to favor incumbents). If Murkowski were to ever leave the Republican Party (not out of the realm of possibility, she has made the threat before), she would be most likely to become an Independent.

The above does not factor in the brand spanking new "Forward Party" in any way.

Without the wordy accompanying comments and jumping forthwith straight into the results, the dot connecting exercise has produced the following as the most likely of numerous possible event scenarios:

(1) Machin already knows without doubt that Sinema will ultimately thumbs-down the deal.

(2) Manchin increasingly believes Democrats will pick up seats in the Senate that will hereinafter render his current notable influence effectively neutered so he's aiming for the fences now.

I want to believe it's 2. :)

Sure would like to swap Manchin and Corporate Sinema for Collins and Murkowski, still. Two DINOs for two RINOs.