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I wish him every success, but does he really believe that the Generals will simply roll-over and allow him to take charge?

Depends on how he does things. He may be willing to come to an implicit agreement with the military that he will be allowed to take office as long as he does not interfere with the things the Generals hold dear, from the Army budget on down. It could be, from their point of view, that he would be seen as more palatable than a member of the Shinawatra clan, who one would have expected to end up as the leader of the largest party, and perhaps prime minister, until the results came in.

I visited the original Thermas - in Barcelona - over two successive nights at the end of April. First Night - Wednesday On the first night, I got there about 6 pm. I don’t see that many guys about - I would say there was about seven guys for hire, and maybe same amount of clients. In particular I noticed three rather feminine young men, who I first though were rentboys, but then realised that they were clients. They tended to stay in their own group and made no attempt to hire that I saw. I am not sure if they went into the wrong sauna, or just wanted to have a look around at the scene (of course, for all I really know, they may have been sated from a big orgy with a dozen rentboys just before i arrived). Some of the escort guys were eating and seemed to have retired from the hunt, for the time being at least. I was only approached by a Nigerian guy and a South American guy (cannot remember exactly which country he said) named Juan. I was not hugely taken with either guy. I agreed to go into a room with Juan for massage, which ended in mutual masturbation and he gave me a BJ. We agreed on €50 and I gave him €60 - we are in the room from maybe 40 minutes altogether. The sauna was a bit quieter than I anticipated, so I asked Juan if it had been busier earlier in the day, and he said it was. So the next day Thursday I made an effort to be there by 4 pm. Second Night - Thursday There was a bigger crowd of guys this time. Maybe 15 escorts and slightly more customers. Several escorts approached me, but none very aggressively. I had a chat with Juan, who was there again, and seemed anxious for repeat business. In general the feeling I got was that they rentboys were nearly all South American guys. However, I did not like to question too much if I wasn’t interested in them, as I didn’t want to be seen to be "leading them on", so to speak. I went for a dip in the little pool there ( a very pleasant feature which few mention in reviews) and saw a rather moody looking guy sitting in the seats in the corner at that level. He was a rather handsome, masculine, Eastern European looking kind of guy, so I went over and said hello. He was the only guy I took the initiative to approach in the Sauna. He turned out to be a Russian guy called Ivan. We we had a chat and we agreed to go to a room. The only free rooms were both very dark and small, so I decided to splash out €10.50 for a private room The main advantage this was that it had sheets on the bed, and you could turn the lights up a lot, all the better for appreciating Ivan's fine physique! Ivan told me he was straight, and top only. He had previously been a professional footballer. But now he was unemployed, and needed money. We agreed to €60 for him to give me a massage and mutual masturbation. The massage was a bit hard for me - he told me he had been trained in proper sports massage, but I am more used to the light rubbing you get in Thai sexy massage place as a prelude to the "afters". He then offered to fuck me. However, I was not in the mood for that, so I just told him I wanted him to cum. He said that he wanted another €30 or €40 for that, so I decided not to bother (there is nothing as desire-killing, as a guy who starts to negotiate in the middle of a session). In fairness to him, however, we had not discussed it before we entered the room, and I know it would probably hinder his ability to do so with a later client. So I didn’t hold that against him Instead I just got him to wank me until I came. In the room, he seemed a little morose. I asked him if he was thinking of going back to Russia, and he said he was afraid to at the moment, with the possibility of conscription into Putin's war machine. When we ended our session though, he accepted his €60 with a big smile, and volunteered to give me his phone number so we could arrange a session outside Thermas. So I think he was happy with his 40 minutes work and remuneration overall. However, as I was flying out the next day, I couldn’t take him up on the offer. All in all, although it was not the most exciting sex experiences I have had, it was very pleasant and relaxing The rentboys all stayed out of the clients locker area, and it felt a very safe environment for both the rentboys and clients.

BTW: the Qatar Lounge in Bangkok is excellent. Sit down dining, great food, good experience. The one in Doha was also great and showers in both. The one in Doha was massive and had a gaming lounge for kids and tons of other areas to sit and relax and recharge.

Speaking to older Thais that have been part of the pro military party for years and voted for Pita, they said they were upset that the general stayed in power past the 2 years after the coup and got into politics. They just wanted change and to see the country take a different direction. When asked about specific issues, the main one was the required military service they were interested in seeing being changed.

We are not referring here to the pay boys, but to the service workers / staff, like the bartenders who serve you drinks, the bar backs who bring drinks and food and clean the tables, the towel attendants in the locker rooms who often times can go the extra mile, the front desk attendants, and the cleaning crew who have to clean up the rooms before and after the paid sex work as well as the bathrooms, the steam rooms and the video rooms. Not one, ever?

Speaking to some of my Thai friends, they are hell bent on change. It's going to be an interesting time here in Thailand. I hope they get what they want.

How about simply doing it because it’s a nice thing to do?

Looking at the Skytrax review site both airlines are dropping down the rankings following the pandemic. Emirates was always higher than Etihad and remains so with an average rating now of 5/10 when it used to be 7/10. Etihad also used to have a much better reputation but is now at 4/10 and recent reviews are pretty dreadful. Pre-pandemic I took Emirates daily A380 from/to Bangkok/Hong Kong at least 2 dozen times when biz class tickets were cheaper than the cost of most economy tickets now. That was fantastic value. But the biz price is now 50%-70% higher depending on dates. Also I would not fly on Emirates 777 biz class as most aircraft still have 2-3-2 seating and seats which do not fully recline. I note that Qatar has just announced a 5th daily flight between BKK and Doha with some limited time reductions in biz class tickets between some destinations.

TL;DR 😆

The rate I mentioned was for a much in demand diamond among gems. Other short time pricing in Bangkok seems to hover around 2000 THB. I’m told that Tawan is asking 4000. I will do my best to check that out. A decade ago I recall that 1200 was common.

Yes, You (we) are..... Let's see for how long, BRL is creeping stronger.... I fell on the floor 😆😆😆

Sorry, an internet interruption stopped my progress…so I went out to lunch back where I left off Rafael (#10) told me his name is Sam. He is from Cambodia (what other ASEAN natives do I need for a conference?). He is ruggedly gorgeous with a generous smile. I never connected with #15 but tipped him and thanked him for sitting with me. Sam agreed quickly to my offer to check out my hotel. We stopped at the new 7-11 and he picked up some food and water. Nice time getting to know one another in the room while he was eating. He laughs and smiles a lot. He, as with my first off of the evening, knew the hotel and how everything worked. He asked what I wanted to do, and I told him my evening so far and said I’d like him to take care of me. Which he did very well - after we were both exhausted there was no rush to leave. So ends Sunday.

It is Monday morning and my scheduled activity has been postponed. Which gives me some time to describe Sunday. I woke early after an almost normal night’s sleep. Must have been the one hour massage with Sun and two more at Prime. I opened the Forum and responded to comments and questions and also to the private messages. It appears that Sun has provided favorable moments for a number of us! I also read TotallyOz’s summary of the clubs and decided he was setting a trail that I might follow. Awake, I had the breakfast at the hotel buffet. Many nice touches but the scrambled eggs are cold. This morning I dined it ting buy the windows that look out on the pool. Some very nice eye candy. But reality intervenes and I headed to the BTS and went to Mo Chit for the weekend market. It’’s only 9:30am and it is very HOT (in the heat sense). Picked up a few scarves and trinkets for folks back home. When the BTS stopped at Siam, I decided rather than an immediate transfer I’d walk around Siam Paragon. A few empty spaces, amazing display of automotive extravagance. Back on the way to the hotel, I stopped off at Coffee Grinder (see above) and had another smoothie. Several tables of folks, very gay. One gentleman and his extremely handsome and fit young companion, a table of friends of the managers and the usual cute staff. Some gay cutting up and cheerful banter. I was there for more than an hour and suspect I’ll be back. Rain started around 4 or 5 and I went out to change some $$. The hotel staff insisted I take an umbrella as it might rain again…it did. Since I was out and about without having had lunch I went to the James Beard Award winner restaurant known to many of us, and dined for a pittance. They have lowered the breakfast cost to 84 THB for early risers. After returning to the hotel and returning the umbrella, I set out to check out some clubs projecting to visit all the major ones by Wednesday (reminder this is Sunday May14th). But before I went out I was caught up with watching the election results come in and how they are reported. Not understanding the politics, let alone the language, I guessed at who might be from what party. Around 8pm, I decided it was time to get going. On my way to the Street of Boys, I passed a voting station where the ballots were being counted in the open for all to witness. Participatory democracy in action. On entering the street I was spotted by the Lao who has long been associated with Hot Male and known by sight to many of us. He introduced me to his co workers and I bought some drinks. One of the grabbers/hosts from Freshboys remembered me and joined us. The uniforms have been up scaled from black shirt and pants to colorful vests and ties. He told me that the show would start around 10 but that the boys were on stage. Since I really don’t care about the show, unless it is happening, I went up. The Mamasan called me by my name and ushered me to a center seat. House was about two thirds full. Large contingent of boys in white shorts and shirtless. Mamasan chatted about the changes covid made and that it was nice to see the old timers return (my term as I am old with a repeat history of visits). If you read above about my terminated negotiation with”Bird” you might remember that I am a sucker for the handsome. Well, or maybe WELL, one boy in the rotation met my visual high standard criteria. Mamasan always alert to a sale/pleasing a customer answered pertinent questions. Gay - yes. Does A & B - yes. I invited him to join me and he confirmed all the Mamasan told me. I asked his age as he looked VERY young. He said 23 and ID confirmed this. HIs name was head as Wile. Struck by his handsomeness I forgot even think about remembering his number. I asked for certain services, he smiled, and agreement reached. His short time was 2500 THB. A bit more than I am used to but I was momentarily in passionate love, We escaped to Quarter Silom, where he knew the layout of the hotel, how the various bits and pieces of the room worked. I played voyeur as he hadn’t lowered the shade covering the glass wall between the bathroom and the rest of the room. He is from Myanmar - and is incredibly well endowed. I mention this most of the Myanmar spa photos on the forum from Myanmar show the well endowed. Maybe they aren’t phot shopped. He certainly wasn’t. He proved that he did A+B+etc. It was a very good time that I’d be happy to repeat. In a moment of post activity bliss we were discussing stamps and he asked where I was from. I told him, he then said he has customers from the US, China, Japan, Singapore, Germany, Turkey, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Dubai, and some others he couldn’t remember their countries. Yes, clearly he has reason to know my hotel and probably manny others. Class act. He departed (probably for another immediate off) and I opened my IPad to find a message from a distinguished Forum member who also was an admirer of Sun going back to when he was at Bangkok Massage. We chatted and I mentioned that I was hoping to hear from Sun about a 4 hand massage. Distinguished Forum Member (DFM) said he would Line Sun and vouch for me. Ten minutes later we were all tasking and options for a third party were narrowed and one selected, he confirmed and DFM detailed his experiences and approved the choice. All arranged. Thank you Forum for helping. It is barely 10pm so I head out to check out Jupiter. Never got that far, when I reached Banana the grabber grabbed me and gave me. Hug and kiss. We go way back from when he has the same same task for Hot Male on Twilight. Given the reception at Freshboys and here, I was pleased but realized I wan;t anonymous and the word (whatever that is) would be out among the boys. So I was ushered into the remodeled (from my last trip) Banana and turned over to a Papasan who remembered me from Hot Male on Twilight. Two of the boy from the rotation came over remembering me and I remembered them. Both Viets. I bought them drinks and chatted as much as possible (my Apple Watch was warning me that the decibel level is so high that I could go damage my hearing if exposed for too long. Banana did. Really nice rethink of its space. What was the upper level with its own show is now the prep area for the performers, The outdoor area was enclosed creating a large indoor space with room for stage with a staircase for the performers to enter from. Shower was in progress, handsome Canadian gymnast (who I would have offed but he was already claimed), lots of lip synching, some diva singing. House was packed with maybe 30 percent female audience. Sitting with my Viet friends there was lots of room for hand action. The Papasan in regular attendance recalling earlier visits he remembered me from. Lucy did not even acknowledge me but then she was busy as more women were arriving around the time the rotation started up again and dealing with a very intoxicated woman who passed out for all to see and the wait staff to move to the bar area. Boys in white shorts and shirtless for the rotation, several appealed to me. Banana has really upped its game. When I left the house was packed, boys were being offed, and more folks coming in. While enjoying the handsy hands on experience, decided to head out to Screwboys. I tipped the Viets, thanked the Papasan, and tipped the greeter/grabber promising to return. On to Screwboys. Once in it was funereal. Only two tables of customers and 8 boys many looking the worse for wear. If the devoted reader scrolls back to my mention of a couple at the coffee shop earlier in the day, it was touch on the fact that they were one of the other tables. The young companion recognized me, smiled, and offered a vodka shot. I declined and he wrapped a banknote around the shot glass and invited the performers to drink. This was more interesting than anything on stage. Another place where the Mamasan reminded me of former visits and promised to let Yoyo know I had stopped by. He isn’t working there, not sure if he is working anywhere. I bolted without finishing my drink. Went up stairs to Hot Male. No one here recognized me. NIce change. Given a center seawhile the rotation was. In progress prior to the start of mid-night show. The guys were in jeans and some were shirtless. Very masculine appearing group. One of the guys on my entering struck me as looking like Rafael Nadal. Tall and well formed. Another also appealed to me. I asked the waiter to give each a red note. He confused who was to get what to the amusement of the boys and the other waiters. When the rotation ended both came over and sat with me. Rafael (#1

I had a non-Turkey Thanksgiving celebration with Reader in 2019. I departed the next morning intent on returning in April. And 1257 days after that meal I’ve retuned to a familiar but slightly different world. It’s not as different as when I did a return in 2012 after a more than a decade disappearance. I landed at Swampy at 4:58 AM. After walking a mile or so from the gate, I cleared immigration in about three minutes. I didn’t have to resort to the special one for diplomats, monks, and the aging. My suitcase was the actual last bag off the plane so that added an increasingly stressful moment to what had been n easy but long journey. As I needed to add a visit to Beijing to this trip, my routing from California to Bangkok took me east via Zurich and on to Thailand. So I was in an aisle seat on a 777-ER on United and then on Thai from Zurich. Total time in the air 21 hours with a two hour Swiss layover. So bag on trolley I walked out into the terminal, after noting the increased number of communications services that has moved into the arrivals area. They outnumber the money changers. And there were even more of them in the public areas. I checked with the limo service to see what one would cost and 1700 THB was quoted. I continued to the taxi rank. (VInapu, I couldn’t use the rail line as my suitcase is one of the big ones - needed for brining tea to China). Once in the taxi, the driver started negotiations. We settled on 600 THB which covered the tolls. Following reports, comments, and gossip on the Forum I booked Quarter Silom, paying for my room from the night before my arrival so I could check in when I arrived. The driver after making a U-turn in a pedestrian crossing on Silom entered Soi 6 even at this early in the day had two way traffic which blocked our progress. Then arrival at the hotel. Very austere and up to date looking. Check-in went smoothly, into room, moderate in size compared to The Raya. I resisted the need to sleep, took a shower, and headed down for buffet breakfast which was similar to every other one in the world. I checked email and some headlines…found too many of one and too much I didn’t want to know in the other. I decided to go for. Walking look around. I headed toward Surawong noting that this stretch of road looked remarkably cleaner than I remembered. Where are the massage parlors, Tawan is much smaller and advertising it’s Tawan BDSM location across the street. There is an upscale definitely gay friendly (note flag) coffee shop directly across from Tawan. (Coffee Grinder Silom). The 7-11 mentioned in another section of the forum has absorbed the amulet shop and the entrance to the Tarntawan Apartments. The pharmacy that was just before turning the corner is gone with contractors working. Suspect it wont be a massage venue. So many new building and/or business switches along Surawong. Still many massage parlors along the way some in what were restaurants, small businesses. Note: Checking exchange rates the shop in front of the Siam Heritage hotel was at 34.6 to the $ which was the best I’d seen.. Airport shops were at 32. At MBK it was in the 33 range. I tuned in to see if pay homage to Screwboys. Which, when I was arriving via Tokyo back in the pre-Covid days was usually the only place open when I arrived. Thought fondly of Yoyo my companion of many moments. Then to Hot Male road where the first sign of life was Vinapu’s breakfast location for sending his journeymen stamp collectors on their way. I noted that much of the space from the entry down the may is taken by Mary Jane - not sure (at this hour) what it does ( other than the Mary Jane connection) and then my eyes shook my brain awake and started to spot the number of marijuana businesses. There is one big change. Over on Silom, I saw huge construction projects and altered much of what I remembered. The Dusit Thani project which was beginning in 2019 is still underway and will further upscale the area. I guess that sums up what I was seeing an upscaling of familiar haunts. I got on the BTS and went to MBK to both check out the exchange rates (see above) and to browse. Prior to leaving home I was scrolling the forums for insights on massage spas etc. One that kept being mentioned was Kman Spa (K-Man?). So, I diverted my return to Silom to check out its location. Reader sent me a link with some location information. NOTE: the material from the spa says to get off at 2 at Saphan Kwai and enter the 2nd alley. This does not tell you that once you land of the street level turn immediately left and then walk into the alley that’s right there. I didn’t and had a long stroll until I asked google. My original intent was to just find the location so I wouldn’t waste time when I would come by after LINE-ing on who was available. However, i had spent so much time looking for K-Man, that it was now just after 12 noon and the shop was open. I went in and introduced my self to the manager. He told me who was still working there from the photo gallery that it on their blog spot, I said I’d like to set up a massage with one of my favorites from the gallery. If that worked out then maybe arrange a 4 hand massage, as the video on the web, was “intriguing” (ask “hot”). While all this is going on, boys/men are arriving. One of them from a room overlooking the lobby starts to smile (Vinapu rule V-64a) and play visual games. To cut to the chase, I decide to have a massage and not wait to hear from the “favorites”. The massager of the moment was Mr Sam who introduced himself to me as Sun. A twink from Laos. Massage room two floors up, shower down the hall. I showered and then he did, dropping his towel when he returned from the shower. Yes he could massage with some degree of excellence but neither of us waited long for what is euphemistically known as “afters”. Quite a bit of “aftering” requiring some tasty cleanup and then back to finishing the massage. What a great way to spend the lunch hour!. One thing to note: Mr Sam’s photos on the Spa’s site would not cause me to want to book him which would have been my loss. He knows his business (as we negotiated a tip for special “after” services). He began his trade at Bangkok Massage on Twilight but he doesn’t look old enough to have been there - but the highest authority (Reader) confirms. Sun and I exchanged Lines and as he is a 4 hand veteran asked him to suggest another therapist to join him in caring for me. And with that…I will conclude this installment of my report as it is already too long.

From CNN One country, two major airlines operating world-class long-haul fleets out of different major aviation hubs located close to one another. On paper, the United Arab Emirates’ ownership of two powerhouse global longhaul carriers with largely overlapping international air networks that converge so closely might seem an extravagance too far. Isn’t one enough? And so, the announcement by Emirates and Etihad of a new deal to work more closely will inevitably revive rumors of a potential merger between the two: something long discussed at a kind of academic level in aviation circles, particularly during tough economic times, but one potentially stymied by local politics – and the fact that their status symbol hub airports are an hour apart on the ground. Earlier this month, the two airlines, both still coming back from the disruption caused by the pandemic, agreed on a so-called “interline” partnership. The move raises questions about what that means for passengers, and whether a new regional super airline is finally on its way. Emirates and Etihad are both flag carriers of the UAE, the small Gulf country made up of seven emirates. Emirates, established in 1985, is based in Dubai and is one of the world’s largest airlines by most metrics. Etihad is newer, established in 2003 and based in Abu Dhabi. Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport are fewer than 150 kilometers (100 miles) apart and the drive between them takes around 75-90 minutes depending on traffic. By and large, the Emirati capital city Abu Dhabi is known for being smaller and quieter than its glitzy, livelier northeastern neighbor Dubai, but both certainly have their draws for travelers in addition to being regional economic centers. One of the big questions that pops up every time Emirates and Etihad are mentioned in the same announcement is whether it means a closer partnership – reciprocal agreements for frequent flyer benefits, codeshare flights and even a prospective merger. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/emirates-etihad-interline-partnership/index.html

For KinnPorsche fans: MileApo are taking their new movie “ Man Suang” to the Cannes festival this year:

And that’s why you are most likely to be nominated as specifically representative for Sampa Gay Pride parade flag-bearing each year.

I think that may be true. But several senators have apparently already said that they will not support him for PM. Could be posturing. But his stated plans to reform the constitution and 112 are going to run into some fierce opposition from some factions.

It's not about it being a big deal, it's more about tipping culture being different everywhere. Like, it would never occur to me (and I think it would actually be awkward) to tip the locker room attendant at my gym, so it didn't occur to me to tip the one at the sauna. Now that I know that it's a thing, I'll do it.

Respect. You’re too modest to claim but you irrefutably have it down to an art, a complex and nuanced cut above, and actually don’t need to read or report on 💸for 🍆

Thanks for the comment. I tend to write my stream of words in one go and hit send. The James Beard Reference continues a tradition of honoring Foodland for its 24 service and great pricing. When after almost two decades of being away, I was pulled into the life of Bangkok by a blog post called “Dancing with the Devil in the City of Angels”. It can still be found on the blog Sawatdee Gay Thailand and still has relevant information. Also know that certain forum members have met up when travel coincides with life and certain references are like inside baseball. I plead guilty. If you have time, it can be enlightening to look up trip reports from Vinapu and Numazu (who frustratingly stops reports in mid dramatic moment) If there is confusion where clarity would help, DM me

I slept through the coronation. That doesn't mean it didn't happen.

I stayed at the Tarntawan for a week last month before changing to the Raya. (after reading Vinapu's recommendation) I didn't think it had been in any way refurbished - it seemed a little tired, that's all. I like the way they hold the visitors' ID cards. Also, the staff is very friendly and they still remembered me! The Raya was so much nicer. Everything there is new and the room is big. If you meet your guy downstairs you can go straight up to your room without having to go past the reception. As I've known the guy I was with every night for a number of years, I didn't need him to register with reception, but if I were offing a new guy I would want him to be registered.

!I am going back to Rio the end of May but for only 4 days! I now can fly free(except for paying the taxes due on the ticket) and since i now live in So. Florida is is a 8 hour overnights flight so i am going to try and go monthly! i met several new guys on my last trip in March and decided to go spend a long weekend with them! i got a different apartment in Ipanema then usual with 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms across the street from the beach on Posto 8! since i am always on a late night flight i pay for the extra day so i can stay until evening before leaving for the airport.

Because he's been to the Dr so many times for sucking cock and ass, the Dr figures it's best to keep his Testosterone low - but Old Daddy wants some action 😳

Jeremy, on April 19 you made your first opening post (Looking for advice on massage spas for - not for massage!). About a dozen different members chimed in with comments. You never acknowledged any and were never heard from again. Now you're back, looking for members to do more of your bidding. I think I understand more clearly why the administrator places the blue palm out warning next to your avatar.

not only you

I first saw this at Boyzboyzboyz. All I can say is, the guys probably don't get paid much per ball, as a lot of them couldn't be bothered chasing after them. I think it is yet another cynical way for the bar to get money out of its customers. I thought the whole spectacle was degrading and humiliating. But that's just me.

Whenever I start feeling nervous about gay sex tourism, I'm reminded that the straight version is 10-20 times as big.

Prior to covid, and again now, you can buy Ping Pong balls. The idea is you throw them to the boys on the stage. The ones they catch, they get paid for. If my memory is correct (4 years ago) you buy the balls for 10/20 baht each. It's a fun and interactive way to play with the boys on stage.

And here I always thought HE was "The One." So this is arguably a bit off topic. But Biden's approval ratings have something to do with whether Biden will win in 2024. They have tanked in Rasmussen in the last week. Granted, Rasmussen tends to be biased toward Republicans. But, biased or not, they have a daily rating you can compare apples to apples. Biden Approval Index History Back in Summer 2022 when inflation peaked Biden often had a -30 approval index on Rasmussen. Meaning the difference between those who strongly approve and strongly disapprove. The most recent rating that bad was July 22, 2022 when 49 % strongly disapproved and only 18 % approved, for a -31 approval index. As recently as April 11, 2023 Biden was down to - 9, meaning 31 % strongly approved and 40 % strongly disapproved. Presumably the easing of inflation has a lot to do with that. That's the first time since Summer 2021 Biden's negative approval index was as low as a single digit. So he seemed to be recovering. As of today, it's -27, with 48 % strong disapproval and only 21 % strong approval. That down from -12 just a week ago! It has to be the debt ceiling/default scare. The polls I've seen say Americans are overwhelmingly in favor of reducing the deficit. Which would seem to favor McCarthy. But they are also overwhelmingly against linking deficit reduction to default. Which would seem to favor Biden. So who knows? When McCarthy just said "they want a default more than they want a deal" he's implicitly saying that he's willing to hold the US hostage to getting a deal. There's no snap poll that measures how people react to statements like that. But there are polls saying THAT is exactly what most Americans don't want. It is hard for me to imagine Biden, McCarthy, and McConnell allowing a default to occur. If only because it would make all of them, and many others, look like shit. If there is some debt reduction deal my guess is that, along with the continuing reduction in inflation pressures, it will gradually add momentum to Biden's case for a second term.