The Patriot Post® · Friday Short Cuts

Insight: “The main evil of the present democratic institutions of the united states does not raise, as is often asserted in Europe, from their weakness, but from their irresistible strength. I am not so much alarmed at the excessive liberty which reigns in that country as at the inadequate securities which one finds there against tyranny.” —Alexis De Tocqueville (1805-1859)

Belly laugh of the week: “I have always believed in the presumption of innocence but I know Michael Avenatti is not a fan of that principle. Out of respect for his preferences, I will therefore assume that he is guilty as hell.” —Matt Walsh

Ouch: “Bad news is because he hit a woman, Avenatti probably won’t be President. Good news is he still has an excellent chance of becoming DNC Co-Chair.” —Stephen Miller

For the record: “Last week, Florida voters elected me as their next U.S. Senator and now the ballots have been counted twice. I am incredibly proud and humbled by the opportunity to serve Florida in Washington. Our state needs to move forward.” —Rick Scott

Oh good grief: “If [Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams] had a fair election, she already would have won.” —Hillary Clinton, who believes her own electoral defeat was unfair

Braying Jackass: “I think people are tired of what’s happening. … We cannot have a truculent child president. We need something serious.” —John Kerry (Donald Trump is serious about putting America first. Barack Obama was serious about putting America last.)

A trip through the echo chamber: “Every place I go, people say … ‘Thank you for saving America.’” —House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

And last… “Here’s an idea. Give Acosta back his press pass. Next time (& every time) Acosta grandstands… End the press conference. Immediately. Until Acosta’s journalist colleagues (whom he disrespects by hogging time showboating), peer pressure him into behaving like an adult.” —Liz Wheeler