“Thumos” means “spiritedness” or “anger” and the like in ancient Greek. It’s a key word in the classic Greek texts from Homer on. Senate Majority Leader John Thune doesn’t usually put his “thumos” on display. He usually maintains an even keel. In the clip below Senator Thune addressed his Democrat colleague Ben Ray Luján on the imminent effects of the Schumer Shutdown (previewed here by John). Senator Thune himself tweeted out the clip. This is the thumotic Thune.
29 days into the #SchumerShutdown, Democrats are realizing there may be some consequences to their shutdown.
Republicans have tried to open the government 13 times. Democrats have voted no 13 times.
This isn’t a political game. These are real people’s lives we’re talking about. pic.twitter.com/vptOWa6QuU
— Leader John Thune (@LeaderJohnThune) October 29, 2025
Looking around for the clip on X I found Senator Mike Lee commenting on a one-minute highlight. Let’s just say we love Senator Thune when he’s angry.
Years from now, we’ll look back on this moment and ask: “remember that time when Thune got mad?”
Thune doesn’t get mad
He did today—with good reason! pic.twitter.com/ehTxZt8B08
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) October 30, 2025
This is what ticked off Senator Thune. Senate Democrats tweeted it out. They’re proud of it. However, Luján is lame.
BREAKING: @SenatorLujan went to the Senate floor to pass his Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act so 42 million Americans can continue to get food aid during a shutdown
Republican Leader Thune and Senate Republicans blocked it.
Because of Trump and Republicans people will go hungry. pic.twitter.com/Rk47mDRzf0
— Senate Democrats (@SenateDems) October 29, 2025
Senator Thune not only put his righteous indignation on display, his statement had the additional advantage of making the better argument.
