Opening Monologues. Fake Autopsies. The risks of learning the wrong lessons from the Red Trickle. Alas, Deep Blue Colorado. Studying the case of Republican Joe O'Dea. Ignominious senatorial defeat for Colorado's pro-choice Never Trumper. The ideal GOP Establishment candidate, the close ties to Mitch McConnell -- but still no dice. How to explain? For the record, Backbone stayed studiously aloof and out of the way on that race, preferring to passively observe the Establishment in action. Meanwhile, GOP wins the national popular vote for the House, but a Red Wave fails to materialize. Introducing the critical concept of "votes" versus "ballots" in Colorado and beyond. Outstanding conversations with callers all the way through.