Hmmm, don't mince words. What do you really think? ;-)

Well there is another way to define "slick politician" and that is schizophrenic Academy-award-grade actor. He hides what you describe well (since he got several standing ovations from Democrats during his speech), so if what you describe is the case ... that would make him officially the 666 Beast (not that I believe in that sort of thing, I'm neo-pagan not Christian, and so biblical prophecy is not my thing).

Interesting times we live in, that is for sure.

The bright side is, of course, that his tenure in the office will be immensely brief. He will either be replaced by Jeffries post Nov 2024 (as I guarantee you Dems will take the majority back), or, prior to that, Republicans will cannablize him (which is traditional for GOP Speakers). I bet on the latter.

There are already early grumbles from GOP House members angry to hear that he is not going to shut the government down this Nov.