Did You Watch?

Well, that was something. I’m not sure what it was, but it was something. Harsh. Chaotic. Manic. Even his “Merry Christmas” sign-off seemed … pissed. Unless you’re watching conservative media, in which case it was “forceful,” “inspirational,” and “plain-spoken.” Kids have been chased off lawns by angry seniors in calmer tones.

So I asked an AI what it meant when “someone is trying to convince you of something and they talk loud and fast”? It replied, “What it often indicates:

• Anxiety or insecurity about the position

• Overcompensation for weak evidence

• Attempt to dominate the interaction and limit interruptions

• Emotional activation (anger, urgency, fear)

• Cognitive load—they’re reciting rather than reasoning

Which brings us to Did You Watch. It was less a presidential speech and more like one of Trump’s all-cap Truth Social screeds come to life. Difficult to experience and untethered from reality.

Republican members of Congress now have to fan out and defend the tirade. Then they have to contemplate their future. Trump’s poll numbers are cratering. The economy is facing a host of Trump-made headwinds. Republicans’ response to doubling health insurance premiums is political malpractice. Yes, the election is 11 months away and anything can happen (up to and including them being canceled due to a fabricated national emergency). As things stand tonight, however, there are going to be a few former lawmakers looking for new jobs this time next year.

sketchier