Re long-term solutions, maybe we need a brand new position, something analogous to the president in the German system. In this position it’s good to be an aspirational leader, to put voice on a high level to pressing matters of national concern. I believe von Weisacker won the Nobel for this. Or something global, high level for pursuing peace.

As it is our Presidency is really a CEO position, requiring a vast amount of information, expertise, and management ability. Amazed at how many people don’t know that, and keep on not knowing that or, it seems, even caring about it.

One thing we know about the GOP and supporters among the Kochs etc — they are wholly unprincipled. They have said they would rather run the country into the ground than work with a Democrat, and given our system they have tried their level best. They knowingly let women and children die simply to score procedural points.

To hold out against them takes a person of deep contacts and resources, and more than a bit of ruthlessness.