Paul Ryan's budget struggle, Will Ferrell's return as GWB, and the rise and fall of demagogues

December 14, 2015 Top Stories With Deadline Looming, Paul Ryan Tries To Escape John Boehner's Shadow The Gist:  This may be the week when observers will finally see whether Ryan can seamlessly do what Boehner always struggled with: secure the support of the House Freedom Caucus types who ultimately ended Boehner's speakership. Trump To Republicans: ‘I’m Sorry I Did This To You’ The Gist: Trump said in an interview with Fox News' Chris Wallace that he was "sorry" to the Republican leaders. Here Are The Republican Candidates' Approaches To The Next GOP Debate The Gist: A look at how some of the top candidates are previewing their approaches to key issues ahead of the debates.   From The Reporter's Notebook The state of Georgia confirmed on Thursday that it would not process a newly arrived Syrian refugee family's application for food stamps, a policy that the federal government has warned is against the law. According to TPM Reporter Caitlin MacNeal, Gov. Nathan Deal has taken a slightly different approach from other governors who oppose resettling Syrian refugees. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence tried to stop a Syrian refugee from coming to the state this month, but he ultimately said he would let the family apply for state benefits. Agree or Disagree? "Ted Cruz's rise nationwide and now his jump into a big lead in Iowa looks like a perfect storm of awful for the GOP. " - Josh Marshall Say What?! The field of Republicans is so messed up, I figured it makes you miss me doesn't it?" - Will Ferrell as George W. Bush announced a presidential bid on SNL. BUZZING: Today in the Hive From a TPM Prime member: "So here is my refined prediction: Trump will continue with the crazy until one way or another he is forced out of the race. Then he will make a speech denouncing the high-and-mighty milquetoast "losers" who do not want America to be great, and he will walk away or have his sure-to-lose third party burlesque. Result: more free publicity for a truly awful man than any other un-elected person has received, ever. Plus, and this is the kicker, Trump, as he has planned all along, keeps his empire under his control, not under the blind trust arrangement that his election would entail." Related: Trump moved to the top spot among GOP voters in the latest poll. Have something to add? Become a Prime member and join the discussion here. What We're Reading What type of person calls a mass shooting a hoax? (The Trace) History has prepared us for Donald Trump - here's what we can learn from the rise and fall of demagogues past. (On The Media) It took one mother seven years to learn that the for-profit school she trusted with her son had strapped him down again and again, one time after not picking up his Legos. (ProPublica)  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences | view email in browser