The Russia/Ukraine war will end says TOM. Or maybe it won't also says TOM

 

Dec 28, 2025 (342/1461)

TOMs view versus reality. Forever the great dissonance. He seems to believe that Russia and Ukraine are “closer than ever” to peace. Because, of course, he was involved. Except for the pesky fact that Russia bombed Ukraine yesterday. “President Donald Trump on Sunday insisted Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a peace deal as he hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort, but he acknowledged that negotiations are complex and could still break down, leaving the war dragging on for years. Trump insisted he believed Putin still wants peace, even as Russia launched another round of attacks on Ukraine while Zelenskyy flew to the United States for the latest round of negotiations.” Talk about leaving yourself an out. Of course the talks could break down. This is all showmanship. Putin will never accede to what TOM or anyone else asks.

Semantics is really what TOM relies on for communication. “Well, that’s not really what I meant.” Or things like “affordability is a hoax.” Seems it’s not that great a hoax since he now believes that the midterm elections will be about “pricing.” Not affordability, mind you. Pricing. “President Donald Trump says he believes the 2026 midterm elections will center on “pricing” as Republicans head into a critical period with control of Congress on the line.”

“Trump’s comments follow a string of favorable economic reports over the last two weeks showing inflation is cooling and the economy is hotter than expected. The White House is keen to tout the latest data as it confronts cost-of-living concerns that have underpinned a string of Democratic overperformances across the country.

Still, polls show Americans are struggling. Nearly half of respondents said they find groceries, utility bills, health care, housing and transportation difficult to afford, according to The POLITICO Poll conducted last month by Public First.

Trump’s acknowledgment that 2026 will focus on “pricing” underscores the administration’s concern that the Democrats have, for the moment, a popular message. After insisting that affordability was a Democratic “con job”, Trump over the last few weeks has repeatedly sought to reframe the issue, arguing that it was the Democrats under Biden who caused prices to increase and that he is bringing them down.” See how that works out for you and those toting your heavy baggage into November 2026. All any of us care about is not the word you use, but the reality we live in. One where food, gas, healthcare, and housing all cost a lot more than what gets put into our bank accounts.