Projection much? This low and venal man is wasting away, throwing all his favorite hits to the American people including his base. Read the numbers: the only folks who think we’re doing great are 30% of the population because their king told them so. The rest of us should start gearing up now. There’s a Congress to control and a reckoning to be had.
Still - 30% of Americans can look at this man, watch his desperate performance filled with lies and give him the "thumbs up" including Lindsey Graham, who thought he "knocked it out of the park."
The framers of The Constitution depended upon functioning co-branches of government with honorable people, a discerning population with a modicum of intelligence, and a fervent desire to be different than the "blood soaked soil of Europe" from religious wars.
In a country where the highest levels of education have been infiltrated by foreign money, specifically billions of dollars from Arab countries, we see college students chanting "long live the intifada!" having little to no idea what it really means - but Jewish citizens do, and we are no longer safe in this country.
The one country in the world who is the only Democratic entity in the Middle East is unsupported by the party of the Democrats, the United Nations, and every other organization dedicated to world peace while real genocides are committed in Africa as I write this. There are no tent cities being erected at Harvard over this reality. It was much more fun when it was based on a lie but everyone played along because it was exciting, with pizza delivery and electricity, provided by the administration, who backed them 100%.
We are a nation who believes lies, twists truths, has reanimated the Blood Libel against Jews and a third of us agree with an obvious madman enough to re-elect him, listen to his rant and believe what he says, including those who know better but are willfully ignorant for reasons I still cannot fathom. Qatar now has a base in our country because they gave our deeply flawed and inept leader a plane. We have let the fox into the hen house, willingly and knowingly.
Until we embrace common sense instead of reveling in chaos, can provide REAL leadership instead of empty promises on both sides, real allegiance to The Constitution instead of a person, put the desire for power aside for the greater good and have the capacity to learn from history - the past is prologue.
I have never been more discouraged as a citizen of these once great United States.
I hear you...but don't forget the other 70% who may be in a daze or ignorant but who I believe still give a damn about the country. Watch the midterms; that will say a lot.
"Against stupidity, the very gods themselves contend in vain," to quote Schiller. Until more people wake up to Trump's madness, I fear nothing will change. I was happy to see at least four Republican representatives breaking rank with sycophantic Mike Johnson. Calling our "representatives" is important, and so is joining the next Indivisible protest. Let's hope Trump doesn't go further off the rails in the next few weeks.
Thank you, Steven, as always, for your clear-eyed view and insightful description of the President’s rant. I watched it because I know that I cannot turn away from the truth about this madman who is cosplaying as President once again, and who evidently thought that the louder he yelled at the camera, the ‘truthier’ his nonsense would become. It was never clearer to me how disturbed this man is than listening to him last night as he tried to auction off his lies and pass them off as both ground-breaking economically and politically. All we heard and saw was huffing and puffing. The Big Bad Wolf has arrived at our house of bricks and is trying to blow it down. Will we allow this? I pray that we won’t. Fortunately, the Dust Devil storm was only 18 minutes long, but it was long enough to scare me once again into “the fierce urgency of now”. I hope that if there is a G-D, that he or she or it hears our prayers. This man is armed and dangerous.
This administration is a mix of The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, 2984 and Animal Farm, the stuff of which point out the apocalypse of The United States. Trump’s presence amounts to no more than reverse reality. It’s too bad the Democrats didn’t demand equal time to dissect Trump’s lies such as is offered following The State of the Union address. This doozy was one for the ages and will require more statements like Steven’s piece today.
I had to kind of "inoculate" myself before watching the speech: reading other people's takes, snippets from the speech, that sort of thing. Then I read a post by a man who had watched Trump give his speech and glowingly described a man who looked healthy and full of energy, speaking about an America with a future, and wondered how he could see something no one else could.
So yesterday I sought out the video and watched. I could see how someone who wanted desperately to keep his fantasy about Trump could see what he wanted to see. The makeup, the lighting, the setting, the earnestness. But it all could not hide the reality: Trump's pleading voice, the nonstop string of lies and fabrications, one after another, the odd jerkiness of his movements, the unnatural tenor of his voice. It was worse than I could imagine.
I wondered who wrote the speech. It was as if someone had cobbled together Trump's standard meaningless cliches (the biggest, the best, you've ever seen, etc) with an equally meaningless string of numbers that sound like statistics but aren't. Most of all- there were the tacit 3rd person admissions of malfeasance. Was whoever wrote the speech actually making fun of Trump? And there Trump was, performing it.
No wonder so many people sounded shocked. I was. And I thought I was used to this kind of fatuous fabulation.
You are so right about everything you saw, thank you and Steven for watching so I don’t have to. My gag reflex is very sensitive. Every accusation’ is a confession, we’re used to that by now. Particularly galling in the lies about lowering prices was about drugs; the cost one of my prescriptions has increased 300% since he took office. And I have insurance. I think the speech writers might include Miller & Voght, at a minimum. It’s been awhile since he’s been that coherent, if you can dignify that screed in that way. Thank you again for your eloquent words.
Beautiful and encouraging piece Steven. Thank you as always. And thank you for including Frederick Douglass’ inspirational words. We certainly need reminders.
thanks Steven for simplifying this rant. Point #10 . he was describing himself. He is acting like a man with the Epstein itch. His raving rant may get him the "Machine Gun lips award" Karolin Leavitt had better watch out. Susie Wiles , keep the buffoon on the trail ranting at his hyena pack he seems to be the democrats ace. Oh yes I just about forgot his "Merry Christmas" wish. said with so much vitriol and vengeance. The only leaders he has spoken to about the dead country has been Stephen Miller and Russell Vought.
Find it so ironic this display that we experienced.
George Washington stressed the people's need for unity, vigilance against factionalism, and adherence to the Constitution, emphasizing in his Farewell Address that national unity is the bedrock of their liberty, independence, and prosperity, requiring citizens to prioritize their American identity over regionalism and guard against "designing men" who sow division for power. He urged Americans to uphold the Constitution as the sacred law, even as they retain the right to amend it, and warned that political parties could become dangerous engines of discord.
Yes, found it ironic standing in front of a portrait of George Washington and him “yelling” at us all for him to feel so superior and the need to expound on all of his accomplishments that were all lies that benefit the American people. To vilify and constantly blame others, not just his predecessor but everyone in his mind that are not seeing, or feeling his absurdities from tariffs, to the daily dismantling our very social safety nets for so many Americans.
A man so out of touch since his birth. Who never struggled financially, ever. If needed his Daddy was the bank to go to after many bankruptcies and failed business endeavors. A man who benefitted from his wealthy family to not serve this nation when others had no other options. A man who benefits from being wealthy and has powerful friends who he himself traveled in circles that victimized young girls with no thoughts of any justice to be rendered for them breaking laws, as well as morality laws. Yes a man so out of touch that needs to stand in “Our House” that he destroys without the needed permission to yell at all Americans.
For him it’s always been about “I” never “We” because he’s always been out of touch since birth.
This has always been what it’s about and always will be.
A good reminder from the man’s portrait that hung on the mantle as we were getting “yelled at” - Key Themes from Washington's Farewell Address:
* Unity as the Main Pillar: "The Unity of government...is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home; your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very Liberty, which you so highly prize".
* Love of Country Over Region: He urged citizens to let the "name of American" exalt patriotic pride, warning against local attachments that could weaken the Union.
* Beware of Factionalism: Washington cautioned against the "spirit of party," seeing it as a threat to good governance and a path to despotism.
* Uphold the Constitution: He affirmed the people's right to alter the government but insisted they must respect the existing Constitution until legally changed, as it is "sacredly obligatory upon all".
* Mutual Support: He reminded people that their shared struggles during the Revolution forged their independence, implying a continuing need for mutual support.
In essence, Washington told the people they needed to be vigilant, united, and virtuous to preserve the republic they had built, emphasizing that “their collective strength and adherence to their foundational laws were paramount for their liberty and future success”.
The struggle must remain at the forefront. As we enter a new realm of a prospective war in our hemisphere, opposition to this reign must not waver. I still believe the attack on our democracy by authoritarianism is the number one threat. I wouldn't bet the ranch on a failing economy as the Democrats main battle cry, as we head into 2026. The thieves in power are master propagandists. With a steady, and moderate, inflation rate of about 3% and gas prices (where I live as low as $2.60/gallon) at a four year low, the economy may actually turn around for the average consumer. The sky may not be falling economically. But the dictatorship remains.
Gas prices have little to nothing to do with who is president. They can vary wildly and fluctuate in the same state. States (sometimes localities) have varying fuel taxes which add to the price at the pump. No state has the much trump touted $1.99 avg.
The greatest threat is authoritarianism. It is not felt everywhere yet either.
Moderate inflation & housing spikes are what voters pitched a fit about in 2024. The TACO reversals have slowed the tariff impact. I live in an area that weathers peaks & valleys in the economy with slower change, like the proverbial frog in boiling water, bc incomes & property values are less than the national avg. KY won’t weather cuts in Medicaid, SNAP & long-term housing funds without severe pain. Same for hospitals. Federal $$ were pulled from Biden era projects. Amazon laid off workers causing UPS to do the same. Ford & the Corvette plant have ‘short-term’ layoffs to retool.
The state faces a revenue shortage because like some other states, the GOP legislature got giddy with the Covid surplus $$ & began cutting taxes. It did add guardrails but promptly bent them when revenue projections were not sufficient.
Groceries, rent & housing, utilities continue to climb. Loss of healthcare and hospitals is just beginning. Layoffs, loss of federal jobs, hit the job numbers & unemployment increased. Layoffs are in Covid territory. There’s a reason the feds withheld economic data and changed reporting intervals.
Agree with everything you wrote. Of course I know gas prices have nothing to do with who's occupying the WH. But do low information voters? I just don't feel or see the crisis level concern in the general population that we have here on this Substack. That is where my fear always lies. But then, I live in Florida.
All polling shows a majority, now 57%, disapprove of how DJT is handling the economy. Voters know their gas is not $1.99 no matter their political info level. They know you can carry $100 worth of groceries out of the store without a cart. They see their utility bills.
Voters may not know those with incomes of the top 10% are 50% of consumer spending (top 20% are 85%). They may not know we have a “K shaped” economy but most voters know they are cutting back, not eating out & bargain hunting more. The thing about the cost of living & losing healthcare benefits is no one has to explain it. People see it and feel it for themselves. Companies like General Mills noticed changes in consumer purchasing habits & SNAP. It scrambled to save their profit margins. One of our big grocery chain has signs in one area saying supply chain issues have temporarily reduced customer choices.
I’m pretty sure there are a lot of folks in FL who are anxious about the cost of living - maybe not around you bc in all states it varies from place to place. The trend of younger people leaving and older / wealthier coming in seems to be continuing. The Sun Sentinel quoted a Florida Atlantic Univ survey in November:
• about 26% surveyed said they were “seriously considering” moving because of the high cost of living.
• 8 in 10 are concerned about housing affordability and half are “very concerned.”
• 12% said the national economy was excellent; 29% said good, while 32% who said it was fair and 28% said “poor”.
The games of solitaire I played on my iPad were lots more fun than listening to the Bloviator-in-Chief. I refuse to watch, listen or regard him. November, 2026, can’t come fast enough.
Indeed:"showed us a man that’s digging a hole from which he has no idea how to escape." That's one of our saving graces... he digs deeper and deeper and finally he won't be seen or heard and maybe lots of his magas will wake up because of the silence... of course this doesn't stop those actually in charge...the oligarchs
If his back is to the wall, what scary thing(s) might he resort to? We have to work around him, not at him. I wish he would disappear….but then we’d have Vance.
I have noticed with both Trump and his minions that are sent out to do Sunday television interviews, that the faster and louder they talk, the more they are lying. It is like they have to get the lies out quickly before any truth can slip in. I wish the hosts of those Sunday programs would show more courage and call them out. Or at least cut the mic and blame technical difficulties!
Thank you once again for the thorough coverage of the dreadful speech of a deranged creature, yes a sweaty creature.
I’m not fond of being the first reply but sleep is scarce and your work is valued.
In conclusion
My favorite of your statements, Steven is this one:
2026
“I now look at it as an opportunity to redouble our commitment to democracy, freedom and independence from despotic rule.
This is our chance to prove our desire to continue the democratic project ignited 250 years ago.”
//
Yes we must stay strong, keep up the pressure, in all forms all the time.
Blessings to everyone
💙🇺🇸💙
Vomitous.
“All cruelty springs from weakness.” - Seneca
And he is getting weaker.
Projection much? This low and venal man is wasting away, throwing all his favorite hits to the American people including his base. Read the numbers: the only folks who think we’re doing great are 30% of the population because their king told them so. The rest of us should start gearing up now. There’s a Congress to control and a reckoning to be had.
Still - 30% of Americans can look at this man, watch his desperate performance filled with lies and give him the "thumbs up" including Lindsey Graham, who thought he "knocked it out of the park."
The framers of The Constitution depended upon functioning co-branches of government with honorable people, a discerning population with a modicum of intelligence, and a fervent desire to be different than the "blood soaked soil of Europe" from religious wars.
In a country where the highest levels of education have been infiltrated by foreign money, specifically billions of dollars from Arab countries, we see college students chanting "long live the intifada!" having little to no idea what it really means - but Jewish citizens do, and we are no longer safe in this country.
The one country in the world who is the only Democratic entity in the Middle East is unsupported by the party of the Democrats, the United Nations, and every other organization dedicated to world peace while real genocides are committed in Africa as I write this. There are no tent cities being erected at Harvard over this reality. It was much more fun when it was based on a lie but everyone played along because it was exciting, with pizza delivery and electricity, provided by the administration, who backed them 100%.
We are a nation who believes lies, twists truths, has reanimated the Blood Libel against Jews and a third of us agree with an obvious madman enough to re-elect him, listen to his rant and believe what he says, including those who know better but are willfully ignorant for reasons I still cannot fathom. Qatar now has a base in our country because they gave our deeply flawed and inept leader a plane. We have let the fox into the hen house, willingly and knowingly.
Until we embrace common sense instead of reveling in chaos, can provide REAL leadership instead of empty promises on both sides, real allegiance to The Constitution instead of a person, put the desire for power aside for the greater good and have the capacity to learn from history - the past is prologue.
I have never been more discouraged as a citizen of these once great United States.
I hear you...but don't forget the other 70% who may be in a daze or ignorant but who I believe still give a damn about the country. Watch the midterms; that will say a lot.
"Against stupidity, the very gods themselves contend in vain," to quote Schiller. Until more people wake up to Trump's madness, I fear nothing will change. I was happy to see at least four Republican representatives breaking rank with sycophantic Mike Johnson. Calling our "representatives" is important, and so is joining the next Indivisible protest. Let's hope Trump doesn't go further off the rails in the next few weeks.
Thank you, Steven, as always, for your clear-eyed view and insightful description of the President’s rant. I watched it because I know that I cannot turn away from the truth about this madman who is cosplaying as President once again, and who evidently thought that the louder he yelled at the camera, the ‘truthier’ his nonsense would become. It was never clearer to me how disturbed this man is than listening to him last night as he tried to auction off his lies and pass them off as both ground-breaking economically and politically. All we heard and saw was huffing and puffing. The Big Bad Wolf has arrived at our house of bricks and is trying to blow it down. Will we allow this? I pray that we won’t. Fortunately, the Dust Devil storm was only 18 minutes long, but it was long enough to scare me once again into “the fierce urgency of now”. I hope that if there is a G-D, that he or she or it hears our prayers. This man is armed and dangerous.
Thank you for manifesting your resilience and for citing Frederick Douglass to boost yourself and us up. Your voice is important to me/us.
This administration is a mix of The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, 2984 and Animal Farm, the stuff of which point out the apocalypse of The United States. Trump’s presence amounts to no more than reverse reality. It’s too bad the Democrats didn’t demand equal time to dissect Trump’s lies such as is offered following The State of the Union address. This doozy was one for the ages and will require more statements like Steven’s piece today.
I had to kind of "inoculate" myself before watching the speech: reading other people's takes, snippets from the speech, that sort of thing. Then I read a post by a man who had watched Trump give his speech and glowingly described a man who looked healthy and full of energy, speaking about an America with a future, and wondered how he could see something no one else could.
So yesterday I sought out the video and watched. I could see how someone who wanted desperately to keep his fantasy about Trump could see what he wanted to see. The makeup, the lighting, the setting, the earnestness. But it all could not hide the reality: Trump's pleading voice, the nonstop string of lies and fabrications, one after another, the odd jerkiness of his movements, the unnatural tenor of his voice. It was worse than I could imagine.
I wondered who wrote the speech. It was as if someone had cobbled together Trump's standard meaningless cliches (the biggest, the best, you've ever seen, etc) with an equally meaningless string of numbers that sound like statistics but aren't. Most of all- there were the tacit 3rd person admissions of malfeasance. Was whoever wrote the speech actually making fun of Trump? And there Trump was, performing it.
No wonder so many people sounded shocked. I was. And I thought I was used to this kind of fatuous fabulation.
You are so right about everything you saw, thank you and Steven for watching so I don’t have to. My gag reflex is very sensitive. Every accusation’ is a confession, we’re used to that by now. Particularly galling in the lies about lowering prices was about drugs; the cost one of my prescriptions has increased 300% since he took office. And I have insurance. I think the speech writers might include Miller & Voght, at a minimum. It’s been awhile since he’s been that coherent, if you can dignify that screed in that way. Thank you again for your eloquent words.
Beautiful and encouraging piece Steven. Thank you as always. And thank you for including Frederick Douglass’ inspirational words. We certainly need reminders.
thanks Steven for simplifying this rant. Point #10 . he was describing himself. He is acting like a man with the Epstein itch. His raving rant may get him the "Machine Gun lips award" Karolin Leavitt had better watch out. Susie Wiles , keep the buffoon on the trail ranting at his hyena pack he seems to be the democrats ace. Oh yes I just about forgot his "Merry Christmas" wish. said with so much vitriol and vengeance. The only leaders he has spoken to about the dead country has been Stephen Miller and Russell Vought.
Find it so ironic this display that we experienced.
George Washington stressed the people's need for unity, vigilance against factionalism, and adherence to the Constitution, emphasizing in his Farewell Address that national unity is the bedrock of their liberty, independence, and prosperity, requiring citizens to prioritize their American identity over regionalism and guard against "designing men" who sow division for power. He urged Americans to uphold the Constitution as the sacred law, even as they retain the right to amend it, and warned that political parties could become dangerous engines of discord.
Yes, found it ironic standing in front of a portrait of George Washington and him “yelling” at us all for him to feel so superior and the need to expound on all of his accomplishments that were all lies that benefit the American people. To vilify and constantly blame others, not just his predecessor but everyone in his mind that are not seeing, or feeling his absurdities from tariffs, to the daily dismantling our very social safety nets for so many Americans.
A man so out of touch since his birth. Who never struggled financially, ever. If needed his Daddy was the bank to go to after many bankruptcies and failed business endeavors. A man who benefitted from his wealthy family to not serve this nation when others had no other options. A man who benefits from being wealthy and has powerful friends who he himself traveled in circles that victimized young girls with no thoughts of any justice to be rendered for them breaking laws, as well as morality laws. Yes a man so out of touch that needs to stand in “Our House” that he destroys without the needed permission to yell at all Americans.
For him it’s always been about “I” never “We” because he’s always been out of touch since birth.
This has always been what it’s about and always will be.
A good reminder from the man’s portrait that hung on the mantle as we were getting “yelled at” - Key Themes from Washington's Farewell Address:
* Unity as the Main Pillar: "The Unity of government...is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home; your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very Liberty, which you so highly prize".
* Love of Country Over Region: He urged citizens to let the "name of American" exalt patriotic pride, warning against local attachments that could weaken the Union.
* Beware of Factionalism: Washington cautioned against the "spirit of party," seeing it as a threat to good governance and a path to despotism.
* Uphold the Constitution: He affirmed the people's right to alter the government but insisted they must respect the existing Constitution until legally changed, as it is "sacredly obligatory upon all".
* Mutual Support: He reminded people that their shared struggles during the Revolution forged their independence, implying a continuing need for mutual support.
In essence, Washington told the people they needed to be vigilant, united, and virtuous to preserve the republic they had built, emphasizing that “their collective strength and adherence to their foundational laws were paramount for their liberty and future success”.
George Washington Farewell Address ~
https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-first-president/the-farewell-address#:~:text=He%20points%20out%20that%20unity,obstruct%20the%20execution%20of%20laws.
Always valuable to share insights from GW's Farewell Address. Thanks, TJ.
The struggle must remain at the forefront. As we enter a new realm of a prospective war in our hemisphere, opposition to this reign must not waver. I still believe the attack on our democracy by authoritarianism is the number one threat. I wouldn't bet the ranch on a failing economy as the Democrats main battle cry, as we head into 2026. The thieves in power are master propagandists. With a steady, and moderate, inflation rate of about 3% and gas prices (where I live as low as $2.60/gallon) at a four year low, the economy may actually turn around for the average consumer. The sky may not be falling economically. But the dictatorship remains.
Gas prices have little to nothing to do with who is president. They can vary wildly and fluctuate in the same state. States (sometimes localities) have varying fuel taxes which add to the price at the pump. No state has the much trump touted $1.99 avg.
The greatest threat is authoritarianism. It is not felt everywhere yet either.
Moderate inflation & housing spikes are what voters pitched a fit about in 2024. The TACO reversals have slowed the tariff impact. I live in an area that weathers peaks & valleys in the economy with slower change, like the proverbial frog in boiling water, bc incomes & property values are less than the national avg. KY won’t weather cuts in Medicaid, SNAP & long-term housing funds without severe pain. Same for hospitals. Federal $$ were pulled from Biden era projects. Amazon laid off workers causing UPS to do the same. Ford & the Corvette plant have ‘short-term’ layoffs to retool.
The state faces a revenue shortage because like some other states, the GOP legislature got giddy with the Covid surplus $$ & began cutting taxes. It did add guardrails but promptly bent them when revenue projections were not sufficient.
Groceries, rent & housing, utilities continue to climb. Loss of healthcare and hospitals is just beginning. Layoffs, loss of federal jobs, hit the job numbers & unemployment increased. Layoffs are in Covid territory. There’s a reason the feds withheld economic data and changed reporting intervals.
https://thehill.com/business/5633232-2025-layoffs-highs-report/#:~:text=From%20January%20to%20November%20of%20this%20year%2C,during%20the%20first%2011%20months%20of%202024.
Agree with everything you wrote. Of course I know gas prices have nothing to do with who's occupying the WH. But do low information voters? I just don't feel or see the crisis level concern in the general population that we have here on this Substack. That is where my fear always lies. But then, I live in Florida.
All polling shows a majority, now 57%, disapprove of how DJT is handling the economy. Voters know their gas is not $1.99 no matter their political info level. They know you can carry $100 worth of groceries out of the store without a cart. They see their utility bills.
Voters may not know those with incomes of the top 10% are 50% of consumer spending (top 20% are 85%). They may not know we have a “K shaped” economy but most voters know they are cutting back, not eating out & bargain hunting more. The thing about the cost of living & losing healthcare benefits is no one has to explain it. People see it and feel it for themselves. Companies like General Mills noticed changes in consumer purchasing habits & SNAP. It scrambled to save their profit margins. One of our big grocery chain has signs in one area saying supply chain issues have temporarily reduced customer choices.
I’m pretty sure there are a lot of folks in FL who are anxious about the cost of living - maybe not around you bc in all states it varies from place to place. The trend of younger people leaving and older / wealthier coming in seems to be continuing. The Sun Sentinel quoted a Florida Atlantic Univ survey in November:
• about 26% surveyed said they were “seriously considering” moving because of the high cost of living.
• 8 in 10 are concerned about housing affordability and half are “very concerned.”
• 12% said the national economy was excellent; 29% said good, while 32% who said it was fair and 28% said “poor”.
The games of solitaire I played on my iPad were lots more fun than listening to the Bloviator-in-Chief. I refuse to watch, listen or regard him. November, 2026, can’t come fast enough.
Indeed:"showed us a man that’s digging a hole from which he has no idea how to escape." That's one of our saving graces... he digs deeper and deeper and finally he won't be seen or heard and maybe lots of his magas will wake up because of the silence... of course this doesn't stop those actually in charge...the oligarchs
If his back is to the wall, what scary thing(s) might he resort to? We have to work around him, not at him. I wish he would disappear….but then we’d have Vance.
I have noticed with both Trump and his minions that are sent out to do Sunday television interviews, that the faster and louder they talk, the more they are lying. It is like they have to get the lies out quickly before any truth can slip in. I wish the hosts of those Sunday programs would show more courage and call them out. Or at least cut the mic and blame technical difficulties!