Quoth the raven

I've got lots of browser tabs. Time to talk about them or let them go.

The Arizona legislature, heavily controlled by the GOP, expanded the state Supremes from 5 members to 7, to be appointed by the GOP governor. Court packing? Lots of Dems think so. GOP legislators say it is just to handle the work load. Besides the other five were appointed by GOP governors.



Now that Trump is the last man standing in the GOP race, what about that lagging confirmation hearing for Merrick Garland for the Supremes? Both Hillary and Bernie are polling much higher than the Donald. Would the recalcitrant senators prefer someone nominated by Hillary? Hint: that person won't be more conservative than Garland. Perhaps they want the clown likely nominated by the Donald? So isn't Garland the best in damage control?



A couple weeks ago Garrison Keillor of A Prairie Home Companion did a parody of The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe. In Keillor's version the refrain has become "Quoth the raven, 'Donald Trump.'" I thought the whole think was delightful and clever. You can listen to it here (it is a radio show) or follow the link to watch it. It is 4 1/2 minutes.



My sister's wife told me she is scared that Trump in the apparent nominee and if he is prez. we're in for a disaster. She is skeptical of polling and of American voters being wise. I hear you.

This may – or may not – be of solace. Chris Cillizza of The Washington Post says the Electoral College math works against Trump. There are 19 states, plus DC, that have have voted for the Dem candidate in each of the last six prez. elections. They have 242 electoral votes. Hillary needs 270. Add in the states that have gone with the Dems in four or five of the last six elections and she's done. Or add in Florida, which has been evenly split.

There are 13 states that have gone for the GOP candidate in the last 6 elections. They total 103 electoral votes. To win this candidate would have to win states that have gone Dem in four of the last six elections. So how did Bush overcome these stats? The Supremes in 2000 and theft of Ohio in 2004.

GOP insiders area already gearing up to blame Trump for the loss rather than see if there is something inherently wrong with their basic message, meaning they would fare no better in 2020.