View Full Version : Let the debate begin?
The news blurb I heard today said, most Americans plan on watching the debate. I'm not sure how long my attention span will last, but it could be entertaining. The mike off rule and no audience may lead to a more civil discussion. Biden has seemingly sequestered himself away making strategy and practicing debate questions, as opposed to Trump, who gives an impression of being unconcerned on the campaign trail and is probably being coached by his inner circle not to go off the rails. Polls are saying they are running neck and neck and the debate could nudge things one way or another?
iris lilies
6-26-24, 6:11pm
I doubt I will watch.
I heard a politically conservative journalist from CNN opine that his excellent colleagues will do a fair and balanced job moderating Donald J Trump.
I hope they do. Because otherwise, if they do an obviously biased job, that will work in Trump’s favor.
littlebittybobby
6-26-24, 6:34pm
okay----let me say this about that----i prolly haven't sat-n-watched a debate since Tx Sen Bentzen nuked Danb Quayle with a snotty reply waaaay back when. it was very uncalled for, and in fact ms murphy brown was a strumpet & a tart. yup. so yeah----i will not watch, cause i have waaaaay too many projects ta see to. See? Hope thatt helps you some. thankk mee.
I’m going to probably listen.
I definitely plan to watch.
I might watch a bit just out of curiosity. I have a hard time watching Trump in any setting.
rosarugosa
6-27-24, 6:33am
It's on past my bedtime, so will probably watch at least parts of it after the fact.
I might watch a bit just out of curiosity. I have a hard time watching Trump in any setting.
Listen then!
It's on past my bedtime, so will probably watch at least parts of it after the fact.
That’s one of the reasons I’m happy we don’t live on the east coast anymore. Things like this and the superbowl, etc, all happen so much earlier!
I tried to watch..and I just can't. Joe presents as old and feeble, with a deer-in-the-headlights look. Trump (in the bits I could stand to watch) presents as stronger, younger. I fear this is going to go badly for the Dems...
I hope to be proven wrong but that was my initial impression.
I ended up watching. BBC website. Biden is not coming across well at all. Feeble voice. Didn’t catch any huge gaffes like he’s known for, but he’s just having a hard time talking. Trump, as crazy as he is, comes across much more lively and “there.”
Deer in the headlights is a good way to describe Biden.
First break is just ending.
If you ignore the fact that trump literally doesn’t answer any of the questions and then just makes up lie after lie I suppose one might think he was doing a good job.
Yeah, Trump was asked about childcare and he’s rambling about other stuff.
I didn’t say he was doing a good job. Forget about what he’s saying. He’s more alert and has an easier time speaking than Biden.
However, Biden is considerably more lively right now.
I watched as long as I could and then took a walk. Biden has the whisper of a Parkinson's patient so I hope that's not whats going on. He has definitely gone south since the last time I saw him speak.
In my opinion, Trump was Trump and Biden was a doddering old man. I suspect the Dems will be actively working to replace him based upon his performance tonight.
At the end of the day I'd rather have a president who struggles with a lifelong stutter and is aging but surrounds himself with competent advisors than I would a president that doesn't answer a single question, including the most important one. Trump couldn't even answer that because we all know that at the end of the day he won't accept election results that tell him that, yet again, he's a big fat ugly loser. His fragile ego simply won't allow him to admit that his life has been a failure.
catherine
6-27-24, 11:03pm
What a sad, sad debate. I feel very bad for Biden's family in that they are going to have to face the repercussions of such a poor performance which may actually include Biden having to decide to back down.
And as Alan said, Trump was Trump.
Sad.
iris lilies
6-27-24, 11:14pm
Democrats deserve every damn thing they get for putting him up and keeping him. There’s any number of reasonable, not nearly dead politicians that could step in. At this point I would even celebrate Kamila.
The hubris of Joe Biden in thinking he can campaign and go for more years! It makes him look as though his ego is bigger than Donald Trump’s.
well, my conscious is clean. The only political donation I’ve made this year is to the guy who ran against Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket.
I suppose one’s perspective on who won depends on whether one was at all concerned about who stated facts vs who ‘looked forceful’ regardless of what they said. At the end of the day we may well deserve an idiot leader who is a liar, won’t answer questions and hates American democracy. Time will tell.
That was painful.
Biden did not deliver.
Trump held it together and did not become too terribly deranged.
I watched "Triumph of the Will" afterwards, and completed my UK permanent residency paperwork.
Good luck, y'all.
I couldn't watch it all. Biden looked like a whipped dog and could not communicate his points well. Trump talked with enough confidence that his base, plus maybe a few, believed his fictions and rambles. It was disappointing.
My news has quite a few opinions that Biden should bow out based on his debate performance.
ToomuchStuff
6-28-24, 9:27am
Did this change anyone's mind?
Most people I know, already have an opinion and I doubt this has changed anyone's.
That was painful.
Biden did not deliver.
Trump held it together and did not become too terribly deranged.
I watched "Triumph of the Will" afterwards, and completed my UK permanent residency paperwork.
Good luck, y'all.
I understand where you are coming from, but I wish you would not leave us.
catherine
6-28-24, 10:41am
I understand where you are coming from, but I wish you would not leave us.
I don't thank bae meant he's leaving the forum--I hope he meant he's just relocating to a place abroad that I'm quite sure has internet. Right, bae?
And regardless, I hope he shares with us what he sees happening in our country that would prompt him to leave a PNW paradise. I hope it's just that he wants to be closer geographically to his DD.
It was sad to watch. Would a second Biden administration be run mostly by his handlers, like Woodrow Wilson?
Trump seemed to have been briefed by his advisors not to be too cruel, but he couldn’t entirely overcome his bullying instincts.
Many Democrats seemed dismayed to the point of talking about replacing Biden. Gavin Newsom, that aggressive non-candidate, seemed energized like a hopeful carrion bird. Is there a legal process to remove a candidate at this stage?
I will definitely be voting for Chase Oliver.
catherine
6-28-24, 11:41am
I will definitely be voting for Chase Oliver.
And I may write in Bernie Sanders just because. While he's even a few months older than Joe, he still represents my values and still delivers the messages with passion and grit. Both major parties should be considered, in real estate parlance, push-downs.
ETA: But I realistically have to vote for Joe because I really don't want Trump.
I didn't watch the end so I didn't see that Biden ended up with a little more energy - the sad thing is, the damage was done during the first ten minutes and that is all anyone seems to be talking about. The optics are what really counts and it was BAD. I wish the mainstream media would run a large banner headline and expose' story about Trumps' incessant lying, point-by-point-by-point. Biden will never live down his weak performance, even if he recovers form his "cold." My sister is saying that all the naysayers are playing right into the Republican's hands now (and perhaps that is so) but you can't wish away the fact that Biden still has not been able in four years to really connect with voters on his record, even though he has done many great things. The DNCprobably never should have run him in the first place, nor allow him to run again.
To me, the part of the debate I saw absolutely concurred with what that prosecutor Robert Hur wrote in his report - "a well-meaning elderly man with poor memory." Just not a good look for a Commander-In-Chief" in spite of what he has accomplished here in four years and abroad.
Trump was Trump which meant he was as awful a human being as ever - I LOATHE to the very core of my being the idea of another term of him...
So, wow. I just saw Biden's post-debate rally in Raleigh on CNN--was that the same guy I saw last night?? I'm starting to think the Trump campaign slipped him a mickey last night.
Seriously.. If you think of his State of the Union address last winter and then last night's debate and now the post-debate rally--it does make me wonder if last night was just a REALLY off night.
littlebittybobby
6-28-24, 2:23pm
okay-----let me say this about that-----i'm no jack kennedy---in fact--i didn't even KNOW jack kennedy. but yeah---i have been ta Dealy Plazza several times(see photo), and i tell ya what----i don't care WHO gets elected, as long as they don't have another "cash-for-clunkers" disaster, like Big "O" Did. That's why---i wholeheartedly supported "Mitt" Romney in '12; see---his Dad George was presydent or CEO or whatever of the mashup of Nash + Huttson, which was American Motors, which made THE coolest cars ever built! Yup. I've had some Rammlers in my time. so anyway---if some clown gets elected & decides he's gonna do a voter-payback with another "cash-for-clunkers" thing again, well---i hope they drive him thru Dealy in downtown Dallas in an open-top limo, to teach him a lesson. yup. i also voted for Nader, back when even tho he dissed the corvair(which was a GREAT car) for not being SAFE enough, which was true! And all the other GM cars that weren't SAFE enough! What's the biggest difference between a 66 chevy & a 67 chevy? well---it's the STEERING COLUMN!! 67's went to an energy-absorbing steering column!! That was a BIG upgrade, for sure. hope that helps you some. thankk mee.5960
I plan on using my vote in the most constructive way to keep Trump out of office. And I'll take a doddering well- meaning senior if that is the best use of my vote.
littlebittybobby
6-28-24, 4:47pm
okay------here's about a 71 chevy that got t-boned by a truck, when a young matron with two young boys in the back seat & an infant in front, pulled out into traffic.(see photo) Yup. The young ZMZatron & her baby were KILLLED, and the young boys injured but survived & were destined for adversity. but yeah---the husband & father of the three kids claimed at one point---in a rhetorical statement---that it was caused by a "drunk driver"! But, the driver of the truck was not drunk or impaired. Biden's wife CAUSED the crash! that was just another LIE on account of old joe. also, he tried to run for POTUS in 88, but his candidacy was scrapped on account of a plagiarism incident when ol' joe was a student. nobodys perfect---ESPECIALLY old Joe! he needs to be retired from his lifelong career in the Beltway; the American Public deserves a REGIME CHANGE> Yup.5961
littlebittybobby
6-28-24, 4:56pm
That was painful.
Biden did not deliver.
Trump held it together and did not become too terribly deranged.
I watched "Triumph of the Will" afterwards, and completed my UK permanent residency paperwork.
Good luck, y'all. Thank You, Mr BAE. That's what we needed to know. But yeah---yer gonna hafta stop that "Y'all" stuff, when you move ta merry old England. Yup. Thankk Mee.
So, wow. I just saw Biden's post-debate rally in Raleigh on CNN--was that the same guy I saw last night?? I'm starting to think the Trump campaign slipped him a mickey last night.
Seriously.. If you think of his State of the Union address last winter and then last night's debate and now the post-debate rally--it does make me wonder if last night was just a REALLY off night.
He demonstrated the difference between reading off a teleprompter and thinking on your feet.
So, wow. I just saw Biden's post-debate rally in Raleigh on CNN--was that the same guy I saw last night?? I'm starting to think the Trump campaign slipped him a mickey last night.
I've been led to believe that the Biden performance we saw last night was simply another of those newfangled "cheap fakes" where Republicans and Conservative media misrepresent what we see to convince us that he is something less than the stellar statesman, brilliant tactician and critical thinker Democrats and mainstream media have always known him to be. I think we were all just duped by those wascally Wepublicans!
HappyHiker
6-28-24, 10:09pm
I was pulling for President Biden to pull off a powerful performance. Didn't happen. Trump fired a whole rapid-fire list of lies that evaded the questions put to him--and that left Biden unable to respond.
Felt sad and disheartened until I read a comment that we're not just voting for one person--we're voting for an entire administration.
Biden's administration is superb and qualified and experienced (imho). Trump's previous administration was either fired, quit or unfilled. And precious few of then are supporting his run this time around. That tells me a lot. People he hired despise him, pretty much. Including his former VP.
Biden has my vote if he chooses to run.
littlebittybobby
6-29-24, 12:29am
okay---photo o' downtown Dallas
Publications from the NYT and the Economist are recommending that Biden step aside for someone else.
Gavin Newsome and Gretch the Wretch (Michigan gov) are apparently leading replacements. I was not surprised to see Jelly Bean Prickster (JB Priztker), IL gov, on the list.
iris lilies
6-29-24, 3:36pm
Publications from the NYT and the Economist are recommending that Biden step aside for someone else.
Gavin Newsome and Gretch the Wretch (Michigan gov) are apparently leading replacements. I was not surprised to see Jelly Bean Prickster (JB Priztker), IL gov, on the list.
WHY IS THIS SURPRISING ANYONE!!!???I mean, widespread desire to have ancient Biden gone?
whoever they slide into the Democratic slot, I will bitch and moan about but will still vote for.
littlebittybobby
6-29-24, 10:56pm
okay-----one thing: i'm just thinking--where the heck is Dennis Miller when we need him most? yup. thats all thankk mee.
gimmethesimplelife
6-30-24, 6:39pm
Tomorrow we find out just how corrupt- or not corrupt - the Supreme Court of the United States truly is. Supposedly their decision re Trump's potential immunity for his many serious Felony crimes you or I would already be in prison for - especially his treason in attempting to overturn election results in the Peach State - will be released. (As a humorous aside, there are now five billboards scattered throughout the city of Atlanta - one even in Buckhead (!!!!!) welcoming Mr. Trump to Atlanta in his first Atlanta appearance as a Convicted Felon. Georgia rocks!!!)
I have little faith BUT will be taking the long view. Full immunity for Trump likely equals a faster split up of this country - or at least concrete steps towards achieving such, and more quickly than if the Supreme Court had done the right thing instead. There is no excuse for Donald Trump to be granted immunity - but maybe with a faster split this is the best outcome for the United States and us all? Remember - long view for the win. Rob
Tomorrow we find out just how corrupt- or not corrupt - the Supreme Court of the United States truly is. Supposedly their decision re Trump's potential immunity for his many serious Felony crimes you or I would already be in prison for - especially his treason in attempting to overturn election results in the Peach State - will be released. (As a humorous aside, there are now five billboards scattered throughout the city of Atlanta - one even in Buckhead (!!!!!) welcoming Mr. Trump to Atlanta in his first Atlanta appearance as a Convicted Felon. Georgia rocks!!!)
I have little faith BUT will be taking the long view. Full immunity for Trump likely equals a faster split up of this country - or at least concrete steps towards achieving such, and more quickly than if the Supreme Court had done the right thing instead. There is no excuse for Donald Trump to be granted immunity - but maybe with a faster split this is the best outcome for the United States and us all? Remember - long view for the win. Rob
I think you've embraced the popular misconception that the question the Supremes must rule on has to do specifically with Trump and that is not correct. It has to do with Presidential immunity, dealing with the office itself, regardless of who inhabits it.
I believe one of the considerations they must deal with is the possibility that since the Democrats have normalized doing everything in their power to prevent Trump from being elected again, what happens when the Republicans, or any other group, uses the same law fare techniques against past or future presidents. Without some form of immunity for those holding the office, I can't imagine anyone voluntarily holding the post.
iris lilies
7-1-24, 8:53am
So, wow. I just saw Biden's post-debate rally in Raleigh on CNN--was that the same guy I saw last night?? I'm starting to think the Trump campaign slipped him a mickey last night.
Seriously.. If you think of his State of the Union address last winter and then last night's debate and now the post-debate rally--it does make me wonder if last night was just a REALLY off night.
President Biden can read from a teleprompter. That’s what you were seeing during the state of the union.
we learn that the president is fully on board from 10 AM until 4 PM. He’s doing his job then.
That’s funny because he’s doing even less than what I thought he was doing. I figured he needed a nap at 10 am in the morning having been up for two hours. Another nap around 2:30, dinner at five, work a couple of hours, rest and bed around 8 PM.
The Biden family huddled together yesterday at Camp David to make their deeply personal decision about running for president in 2024. Because you know it’s all about THEM. Not 330 million people, or even their loyal followers who don’t want Trump in the White House.
the editorial board of the New York Times is calling for him to drop out of the race. The Trump camp is really happy with Joe Biden being in the race.
iris lilies
7-1-24, 8:58am
I was pulling for President Biden to pull off a powerful performance. Didn't happen. Trump fired a whole rapid-fire list of lies that evaded the questions put to him--and that left Biden unable to respond.
Felt sad and disheartened until I read a comment that we're not just voting for one person--we're voting for an entire administration.
Biden's administration is superb and qualified and experienced (imho). Trump's previous administration was either fired, quit or unfilled. And precious few of then are supporting his run this time around. That tells me a lot. People he hired despise him, pretty much. Including his former VP.
Biden has my vote if he chooses to run.
Biden’s administration are the people who have been lying to the American public about the competency of President Joe Biden for years now. Yeah, I want these lying liars who lie to continue, the people who prop him up, the people who cover for him, and frankly, the people who make the decisions for the country. Not.
That said, the alarming turnover in the Trump White House was fearsome.
iris lilies
7-1-24, 8:59am
Well, it’s clear to me that the Democrats are as weak and ineffectual at stopping the train of their incredibly poor choice for president as the Republicans have been.
I see the decision was that presidents have immunity for “official acts”. I anticipate many future arguments over the definition of “official”.
Well, it’s clear to me that the Democrats are as weak and ineffectual at stopping the train of their incredibly poor choice for president as the Republicans have been.
Within the Party establishment, as opposed to the chattering class allies, the major thrust seems to be pretending they didn’t see what they saw on Thursday. The argument being that Trump presents such a danger to “our democracy” that they must line up behind anything short of a ham sandwich as our savior.
iris lilies
7-1-24, 1:04pm
Within the Party establishment, as opposed to the chattering class allies, the major thrust seems to be pretending they didn’t see what they saw on Thursday. The argument being that Trump presents such a danger to “our democracy” that they must line up behind anything short of a ham sandwich as our savior.
Well, Sam Harris did say he would vote for Joe Biden‘s pickled head in a jar before he would vote for Donald Trump.
Sam Harris is a thought leader for me in many instances.
The next debate is scheduled for September 10. The Democratic National Convention is in August. They will probably be more dramatic than usual, what with Gaza protests, insider maneuvers to grab Biden’s candidacy, etc.
Well, Sam Harris did say he would vote for Joe Biden‘s pickled head in a jar before he would vote for Donald Trump.
Sam Harris is a thought leader for me in many instances.
I know of Sam Harris, but my gut feeling based on the little I had read and overall ignorance of him was a negative one, because of his feelings about religion. However, I just did a quick Wikipedia review and I see that I can relate to 2/3rds of what Wikipedia says about him which of course may be true or untrue (but I tend to think of Wikipedia as pretty neutral overall.
Unfortunately, the trajectory of the evangelicals in this country is pushing me more and more away from organized religion. Despite the fact that I have been very devoted to Christianity throughout my early life and even wanted to be a nun.. despite my complete admiration for certain Christians like Dorothy Day and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.. despite my growing universalist/pantheistic/Christian/Buddhist/Hindu bent... I am starting to feel more closely aligned politically with the secular philosophers than the religious ones.
And I do love that quote about voting for Joe Biden's pickled head in a jar before a vote for DJT.
Evangelicals would push anyone away from Christianity.
So..... does anyone think that Biden threw the debate on purpose?
Just wondering if he could have made a personal decision.. not discussed with anyone except Jill... that he would throw the debate so that he could bow down without pressure from the party? Have a couple of years to himself at the end of his life.
There's a conspiracy theory for you. It would, at least, make a good "Wag the Dog" movie.
Doesn’t seem consistent with his character. The man has spent the last half century stooping to any lie or betrayal he could to enhance his power and reputation. He’ll just fire a few scapegoats on his staff and keep going until the voters, the party or nature stops him.
early morning
7-3-24, 12:48pm
Doesn’t seem consistent with his character. The man has spent the last half century stooping to any lie or betrayal he could to enhance his power and reputation. He’ll just fire a few scapegoats on his staff and keep going until the voters, the party or nature stops him.
I thought we were talking about Biden, not Trump?
iris lilies
7-3-24, 3:04pm
So..... does anyone think that Biden threw the debate on purpose?
Just wondering if he could have made a personal decision.. not discussed with anyone except Jill... that he would throw the debate so that he could bow down without pressure from the party? Have a couple of years to himself at the end of his life.
There's a conspiracy theory for you. It would, at least, make a good "Wag the Dog" movie.
He is digging his heels in today telling us his jet setting around the world caused extreme fatigue.
He would never give it up voluntarily, the power and the glory. And none of these guys would tarnish their legacy by enacting a feeble old man role for show.The legacy thing is important to each and all of them.
Frankly right now, I am reconsidering my Biden vote. I may have to go back to my third party vote of the last two elections. I cannot vote for sneaky liars, those pretending that Biden (/who obviously will never resign) is healthy enough to be President.
Sam Harris said, paraphrasing, those who were in on shoring up Biden should feel shame, and those on the outside should feel fury.
So..... does anyone think that Biden threw the debate on purpose?
There's a conspiracy theory for you. It would, at least, make a good "Wag the Dog" movie.
If Biden threw the debate, he missed a career calling in acting.
I wonder what Vegas odds are that he will withdraw. His odds of beating Trump in the most recent polls do not paint a pretty picture.
Just heard on the radio news that Biden is doubling down on not leaving the race.
I'm just assuming Trump will win at this point.
I thought we were talking about Biden, not Trump?
The last effective strategy left to the Biden people seems to be threatening the voters with a Trump apocalypse. Unless Trump obliges (as he well may) with something truly horrible, that may not be enough.
I encourage all who believe in our country & democracy to not have a defeatist attitude--but to fight for what we believe in.
What will YOU do to make sure democracy prevails?
A defeatist attitude is simply that--defeatist.
Fight, vote, change attitudes & minds.
I am thinking that this could be our last Independence day under a Democracy or Democratic Republic. Read Project 2025, pay attention to the Supreme Court decisions, think about a House of Rep. that refused to do its job. The states that are killing women with insane laws that invade the privacy of every female.
iris lilies
7-4-24, 4:06pm
I encourage all who believe in our country & democracy to not have a defeatist attitude--but to fight for what we believe in.
What will YOU do to make sure democracy prevails?
A defeatist attitude is simply that--defeatist.
Fight, vote, change attitudes & minds.
yes! Thank you.
I think we'll remain a Constitutional Republic despite Democrats efforts to convert to a pure democracy, and a Supreme Court adhering to constitutional principles rather than the emotional flashpoint du jour is a feature I'd hate to lose.
I'm not up to speed on Project 2025, actually I'd never heard of it prior to yesterday and suspect it's something someone came up with after the Supremes decided that unelected bureaucrats cannot take the legislature's place in creating law. Maybe I'm wrong, I'll have to look a little further into it.
I'm not up to speed on Project 2025, actually I'd never heard of it prior to yesterday and suspect it's something someone came up with after the Supremes decided that unelected bureaucrats cannot take the legislature's place in creating law. Maybe I'm wrong, I'll have to look a little further into it.
First I've heard of it and I had to look it up. The part about reclassifying thousands of civil service jobs to government appointments, then filling the jobs with republican appointments, was the first thing that caught my eye. I can see where people have concerns about it inciting violence.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_2025
https://www.project2025.org/policy/
How many people actually believe that democracy is hanging by a thread? When Rachel Maddow talks about being sent to a camp, should a reasonable person take her seriously? Do constitutional checks and balances no longer apply? Or are we being subjected to a lot of perfervid rhetoric?
I think DJT would be somewhere between mediocre and dreadful in a second term, but it seems ridiculous to me that it would somehow be possible for him to seize dictatorial powers that he didn’t seize in his first term.
If the Democrats believed their own propaganda would they really have chosen Joe Biden as our savior? Our have they just run out of ideas?
How many people actually believe that democracy is hanging by a thread? When Rachel Maddow talks about being sent to a camp, should a reasonable person take her seriously? Do constitutional checks and balances no longer apply? Or are we being subjected to a lot of perfervid rhetoric?
Both sides are spreading some irrational paranoia, but I see the 2020 election as being one Mike Pence away from risking the loss of Democracy as know know it. I sure don't see the dismal country the MAGA folks campaign on. Biden has been a mistake. I seem to recall he was elected as a one term president to beat Trump and it should have stayed that way. It's a mess, but not without choices that could make a difference in our future.
How many people actually believe that democracy is hanging by a thread? When Rachel Maddow talks about being sent to a camp, should a reasonable person take her seriously? Do constitutional checks and balances no longer apply? Or are we being subjected to a lot of perfervid rhetoric?
I think DJT would be somewhere between mediocre and dreadful in a second term, but it seems ridiculous to me that it would somehow be possible for him to seize dictatorial powers that he didn’t seize in his first term.
If the Democrats believed their own propaganda would they really have chosen Joe Biden as our savior? Our have they just run out of ideas?
I think that the way the Supreme Court is chosen automatically compromises the checks and balances of the legislative and executive branches. The left-leaning justices will vote for Roe v Wade every time. The right-wing justices will vote to limit abortion rights every time. They are human beings, and the scales of justice are definitely tipped in one way or another, depending upon which way the wind is blowing.
Freedom and democracy mean different things to different people. Some think freedom is the unfettered right to bear arms, no matter who owns them, and what kind of arms they bear. Others feel freedom is the right to send children to school without the fear of them being terrorized and killed in a massacre by an AK-47--wielding mentally ill individual.
I personally feel that the freedoms of everyday citizens are limited by the whims of the oligarchy. I think that believing we're free is part illusion, because of the money that is used to support that belief.
I fear for Steve Bannon and DJT and their ilk to seize power because I truly believe that they do not have the common good at heart. I'm not saying there aren't powerful Democrats wielding their swords as well, but I think if I were to lose freedoms by one party vs the other, I'd opt for the party that takes away the freedom to outlaw the common rights of its citizens whether we "approve" of them or not. I vote for metrics that take into account more than GDP and Wall Street stock prices.
This article is scary. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/opinion/steve-bannon-trump.html?searchResultPosition=4
The ultra-right wants to return to what they wrongly believe is a "Christian" nation and that alone make me skeptical that democracy will thrive under the next administration if DJT winds up back in the White House. And, as someone who believes that the health of the natural world is essential to survival, I fear for propaganda that perpetrates the narrative that we are the masters of the universe and that the ecosystem is so much bitcoin for trading. If we are bible-thumping people--haven't we learned anything from Noah? Are we going to have to scramble to save the last of our non-human brothers and sisters? Or ourselves--just to maintain our current lifestyle?
iris lilies
7-5-24, 5:27pm
Dana Carvey was doing impressions of old, tired, and out-of-it President Biden years ago.
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/IQ7Gi2Eul4E
Dana Carvey was doing impressions of old, tired, and out-of-it President Biden years ago.
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/IQ7Gi2Eul4E
Brilliant! "Where's the mother ship?"
iris lilies
7-5-24, 7:43pm
President Biden is in Wisconsin campaigning this afternoon and he’s shouting with vitality and he assured everyone he’s not dropping out of the race and he is by God going to “beat Trump in 2020.”
Yes, he really said that.
Where is the hook to remove him from this stage of politics?
President Biden is in Wisconsin campaigning this afternoon and he’s shouting with vitality and he assured everyone he’s not dropping out of the race and he is by God going to “beat Trump in 2020.”
Yes, he really said that.
Where is the hook to remove him from this stage of politics?
A Madison friend was actually at Biden’s rally today. She said he was on his game, but of course, he was reading from a teleprompter.
iris lilies
7-5-24, 7:56pm
A Madison friend was actually at Biden’s rally today. She said he was on his game, but of course, he was reading from a teleprompter.
In the clip I saw of him today in Wisconsin he was not out of it at all and his date faux pas wouldn't be a big deal if we weren’t all sore and tired from the bullshit of last week.
Resign, Joe, resign.
One of his supporters had a "Pass the torch Joe" sign.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRv1c-faMAALX7P?format=jpg&name=medium
iris lilies
7-5-24, 8:01pm
I think that the way the Supreme Court is chosen automatically compromises the checks and balances of the legislative and executive branches. The left-leaning justices will vote for Roe v Wade every time. The right-wing justices will vote to limit abortion rights every time. They are human beings, and the scales of justice are definitely tipped in one way or another, depending upon which way the wind is blowing.
Freedom and democracy mean different things to different people. Some think freedom is the unfettered right to bear arms, no matter who owns them, and what kind of arms they bear. Others feel freedom is the right to send children to school without the fear of them being terrorized and killed in a massacre by an AK-47--wielding mentally ill individual.
I personally feel that the freedoms of everyday citizens are limited by the whims of the oligarchy. I think that believing we're free is part illusion, because of the money that is used to support that belief.
I fear for Steve Bannon and DJT and their ilk to seize power because I truly believe that they do not have the common good at heart. I'm not saying there aren't powerful Democrats wielding their swords as well, but I think if I were to lose freedoms by one party vs the other, I'd opt for the party that takes away the freedom to outlaw the common rights of its citizens whether we "approve" of them or not. I vote for metrics that take into account more than GDP and Wall Street stock prices.
This article is scary. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/opinion/steve-bannon-trump.html?searchResultPosition=4
The ultra-right wants to return to what they wrongly believe is a "Christian" nation and that alone make me skeptical that democracy will thrive under the next administration if DJT winds up back in the White House. And, as someone who believes that the health of the natural world is essential to survival, I fear for propaganda that perpetrates the narrative that we are the masters of the universe and that the ecosystem is so much bitcoin for trading. If we are bible-thumping people--haven't we learned anything from Noah? Are we going to have to scramble to save the last of our non-human brothers and sisters? Or ourselves--just to maintain our current lifestyle?
I cani’t read the article, but .steve Bannon is creepy.
gimmethesimplelife
7-5-24, 10:07pm
We're getting worried here even more at Casa Rob's. After the Supreme Court decision seemingly making the President above the law, Trump will be furthered emboldened to carry out his Authoritarian Dictatorship threats. This can not end well.....but long view I do believe a Trump victory will serve to split this country apart faster, likely something long term best for this nation irregardless. Rob
We're getting worried here even more at Casa Rob's. After the Supreme Court decision seemingly making the President above the law, Trump will be furthered emboldened to carry out his Authoritarian Dictatorship threats. This can not end well.....but long view I do believe a Trump victory will serve to split this country apart faster, likely something long term best for this nation irregardless. Rob
You could always make a run for the border!
Well, Sam Harris did say he would vote for Joe Biden‘s pickled head in a jar before he would vote for Donald Trump.
Sam Harris is a thought leader for me in many instances.
I too would vote for Biden's pickled head in a jar over Trump, but why are those my choices? I mean WTF? With all the people in this country, how is this the choice we are facing? It makes my head hurt.
As a whole, it feels like our populace has gotten very stupid the past few years.
Like watching the movie "Idiocracy" all over again.
I wish Joe would get a grip on how much people want him to pass the torch. It's not enough to say "I'm in it to win it" when there is SO MUCH at stake! You can forcefully spout slogans all day long but it doesn't change ANYTHING. I roll my eyes at stupid empty slogans anyway because they remind of an old job of mine as a window dresser/display person at a high-end department store back in the late '90's. After every morning meeting the store manager made us shout "Yes we can!" at the top of our lungs and I absolutely inwardly cringed during it. I always stood in the back and refused to go along. Two years later the company went bankrupt.
Shouting that slogan en masse did nothing to change shifting consumer tastes, just as praying and forcefully shouting empty slogans that you'll win the next election isn't going to do a damn thing. The perceptions gleaned from that debate debacle will not change now no matter how many times he insists that he can still do the job effectively. Joe IS TOO OLD and the expectations are simply unrealistic that he will be able to maintain his stamina and mental acuity. Joe has got a lot done in the past 3.5 years and should stand proudly on that record of navigating our way out of the Covid crisis. Really I am pissed at the DNC for its ineptitude over the years. They have never learned to play the long game and as a result has strategically lost to the Republican Party, whose been at this power chess game for DECADES.
As a whole, it feels like our populace has gotten very stupid the past few years.
Yes, and the rural/small town people I come across online are the stupidest of the stupid. Conspiracy theory stuff left and right.
iris lilies
7-6-24, 10:41am
Yes, and the rural/small town people I come across online are the stupidest of the stupid. Conspiracy theory stuff left and right.
The “Urban”population has some …interesting ideas.
For instance, our St. Louis Urban standard bearer Cori Bush, a member of AOC’s “The Squad” in
the United States Congress, has Magic Jesus healing powers. She extols them in her autobiography.
She is a nurse by profession but in church can lay hands on people and cure their malady.
And, her constituents have some interesting ideas about the world and life as well.
rosarugosa
7-6-24, 10:48am
For a slightly different perspective:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9EEiMgsct_/
iris lilies
7-6-24, 10:52am
Yesterday in an interview with George Stephanopoulos Joe Biden said he would not step down unless perhaps the Lord Almighty stepped in to tell him to do so.
Let us all set aside our skepticism about the Lord Almighty, and offer up prayers to that being to influence President Biden in the right direction.
He also told George Stephanopoulos he would not submit to a cognitive test and share results. Yet another damning action on his part, what balls.
The “Urban”population has some …interesting ideas.
For instance, our St. Louis Urban standard bearer Cori Bush, a member of AOC’s “The Squad” in
the United States Congress, has Magic Jesus healing powers. She extols them in her autobiography.
She is a nurse by profession but in church can lay hands on people and cure their malady.
And, her constituents have some interesting ideas about the world and life as well.
I understand she’s got a difficult primary coming up.
Yesterday in an interview with George Stephanopoulos Joe Biden said he would not step down unless perhaps the Lord Almighty stepped in to tell him to do so.
Let us all set aside our skepticism about the Lord Almighty, and offer up prayers to that being to influence President Biden in the right direction.
He also told George Stephanopoulos he would not submit to a cognitive test and share results. Yet another damning action on his part, what balls.
I was a little puzzled when he claimed credit for expanding NATO.
iris lilies
7-6-24, 11:21am
I understand she’s got a difficult primary coming up.
Yea, her opponent may be very slightly better than Cori. Wesley Bell, her opponent, rose to fame during
Ferguson riots as did she, to become the prosecuting attorney for St. Louis County.
He vowed to take the cop murderer of Saint Michael Brown to court but when he gained the office found the facts did not support that action.
That right there is a bit of a litmus test for showing him to be somewhat reasonable. In his prosecutor role he was soft on crime but when compared to our useless lying city prosecutor, once again, he was slightly better.
iris lilies
7-6-24, 12:10pm
For a slightly different perspective:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9EEiMgsct_/
haha yes. 600 year old wizard would be good about now.
The “Urban”population has some …interesting ideas.
You don't hear much about QAnon these days, but there have been at least a couple of Congresswomen who were subscribers their theories at one time, including one from a semi rural area in our state.
iris lilies
7-7-24, 1:09pm
Now “convicted felon” Hunter Biden is joining his father in meetings, meetings that concern the citizens of the United States and the world. Even MSNBC is reporting on it and seems to find it unusual.
https://www.msnbc.com/chris-jansing-reports/watch/hunter-biden-has-joined-white-house-meetings-following-the-first-debate-214089797982
Gosh I remember the good old days just a coupla years ago when any focus on Hunter, his laptop and content therein, his shenanigans, were just a considered a silly “distraction” by mainstream media. Who knew he would be elevated to advisor and decision maker in the inner circle of the President?
Now “convicted felon” Hunter Biden is joining his father in meetings, meetings that concern the citizens of the United States and the world. Even MSNBC is reporting on it and seems to find it unusual.
https://www.msnbc.com/chris-jansing-reports/watch/hunter-biden-has-joined-white-house-meetings-following-the-first-debate-214089797982
Gosh I remember the good old days just a coupla years ago when any focus on Hunter, his laptop and content therein, his shenanigans, were just a considered a silly “distraction” by mainstream media. Who knew he would be elevated to advisor and decision maker in the inner circle of the President?
It’s like somebody flipped a switch and the media went from cheap fake-disinformation-distraction mode to Biden-must-go mode.
iris lilies
7-7-24, 5:00pm
It’s like somebody flipped a switch and the media went from cheap fake-disinformation-distraction mode to Biden-must-go mode.
Imagine the bewilderment of insider White House folks to suddenly be getting the same treatment from mainstream media that conservative politicians have been getting for a long time.
The media's 180* turn isn't really all that surprising. When it appeared possible that Biden could pull off a re-election, he was healthy, handsome and brilliant. When it became obvious that they'd been lying all along it suddenly became necessary to help get him out of the race so that someone else could possibly win rather than lose biggly as he is almost certain to do.
The problem now is that his heir apparent doesn't have much more of a chance of winning than he does which leaves everyone wondering how they can toss a woman of color aside for the win and face the ire of their progressive base. It's a self-made quandary without an easy fix, but they're working on it. The primary takeaway is that you should never trust the media unless you're absolutely in need of whatever they're selling.
It sure didn't take long for the NYT to turn on Biden. I suppose Trump's criminal activity and incompetence are old and Biden's debate failure is "news".
If Biden really does stay inn the race I think he will need a competence evaluation to win. My take is that he should challenge Trump to a mutual evaluation by a qualified neutral authority (if such exists). Not only for competence, but other mental disorders.
If Biden really does stay inn the race I think he will need a competence evaluation to win. My take is that he should challenge Trump to a mutual evaluation by a qualified neutral authority (if such exists).
Gosh, it would have been a lot simpler if the media and democrats just stuck with the "He's sharp as a tack and your lying eyes are deceiving you if you think otherwise" ploy they were using up to the very day he proved otherwise.
It has been entertaining though to see so many journalists channel their inner Captain Renault and declare "I'm shocked! shocked to find that gambling is going on here" while everyone paying attention over the last couple of years remind them to not forget their winnings.
Gosh, it would have been a lot simpler if the media and democrats just stuck with the "He's sharp as a tack and your lying eyes are deceiving you if you think otherwise" ploy they were using up to the very day he proved otherwise.
I get a simple dementia screening with my annual physical. Name the months of the year backwards, repeat a simple phrase with names and places at the end of the test that was given in the beginning, etc. While I'm confident in my age appropriate mental facilities, it has occurred to me that if I started to lose some of my abilities, would I be competent to recognize it.
We can assume competency based on media optics, but when Trump confused Haley with Pelosi and had delusions of winning the 2020 Presidential election, do we really know who has lost the most marbles, if any. There are probably people in Bellevue who think they are king of England.
The “Urban”population has some …interesting ideas.
For instance, our St. Louis Urban standard bearer Cori Bush, a member of AOC’s “The Squad” in
the United States Congress, has Magic Jesus healing powers. She extols them in her autobiography.
She is a nurse by profession but in church can lay hands on people and cure their malady.
And, her constituents have some interesting ideas about the world and life as well.
The rural/small town residents as well as the inner city dwellers are ill educated and narrow-minded, in their own ways. Tin foil hats on much too tight.
We can assume competency based on media optics, but when Trump confused Haley with Pelosi and had delusions of winning the 2020 election, do we really know who has lost the most marbles, if any.
LOL, the 'BUT TRUMP....' refrain has been quite popular for years now. Do you think it possible that the media and Democrats are setting him up to win just to keep it going another 4 or 5 years?
Do you think it possible that the media and Democrats are setting him up to win just to keep it going another 4 or 5 years?
I had a friend who had a brain injury and one one of her hospital tests was to count backwards from 100 to zero by sevens. I think the whole issue is age and competency and that's it. Both fall into a zone of suspicion. One more than the other although I don't see any folks asking for Trump to step down. Winning is everything.
iris lilies
7-8-24, 7:57am
I had a friend who had a brain injury and one one of her hospital tests was to count backwards from 100 to zero by sevens. I think the whole issue is age and competency and that's it. Both fall into a zone of suspicion. One more than the other although I don't see any folks asking for Trump to step down. Winning is everything.
I have always been tolerant of politicians misspeaking, by that I mean, dropping a word, substituting the wrong word, etc. It’s because they talk so much. They talk all the time. I’m sympathetic to them even giving speeches in Poughkeepsie mentioning they’re in Philadelphia, or etc. because they stump speech so much
So just a couple days ago when President Biden said he was going to “beat Trump in 2020 “that is not something that normally registers with me.
But his performance at the debate was Mitch McConnell level senility. Both of those old farts need to go. Donald Trump mispeaks, big deal, he’s constantly speaking he’s like a firehose of words.
Donald Trump mispeaks, big deal, he’s constantly speaking he’s like a firehose of words.
I think Donald's mental issues are different from Biden's senility, but still in the realm of mental incompetence. But yes, those occasional slips of words are generally forgivable for both.
I suspect there are more in our main branches of government who are older and have some unacceptable mental decline. I wonder about the Supreme Court. Even in my tender young age, I know that there are certain things that I've seen a little decline, but I'd like to think my decline in memory is compensated by a gain in wisdom and experience (ha). I'd be lost without spellcheck, though.
The Democrats have quite a problem to solve. Ideally, Biden would step down voluntarily; but that would require a degree of humility and self-sacrifice seldom seen in our upper strata of politics. They could provide a portfolio of financial goodies and prestige jobs to the Biden family by way of incentive, but would need to rely on a fickle media to cover it up or dismiss it as normal practice.
They could try a 25A strategy, or some sort of jiggery-pokery at the convention, but that would be chaotic and embarrassing. And all this will take the focus off Trump and on their own internal struggles, which frustrates their best path to victory.
While folks were quibbling over the details. Maybe there is hope.
Rep. Mary Peltola (https://thehill.com/people/mary-peltola/)(D-Alaska) will not be in attendance for House votes this week, so she can prepare fish for her family.
“This week, Representative Peltola will be in the state putting up fish with family to fill freezers for the winter. Mary’s family—as well as her late husband’s family—relies in part on her for subsistence duties,” her office said in a statement.
While folks were quibbling over the details. Maybe there is hope.
Rep. Mary Peltola (https://thehill.com/people/mary-peltola/)(D-Alaska) will not be in attendance for House votes this week, so she can prepare fish for her family.
“This week, Representative Peltola will be in the state putting up fish with family to fill freezers for the winter. Mary’s family—as well as her late husband’s family—relies in part on her for subsistence duties,” her office said in a statement.
Love it.
While folks were quibbling over the details. Maybe there is hope.
Rep. Mary Peltola (https://thehill.com/people/mary-peltola/)(D-Alaska) will not be in attendance for House votes this week, so she can prepare fish for her family.
“This week, Representative Peltola will be in the state putting up fish with family to fill freezers for the winter. Mary’s family—as well as her late husband’s family—relies in part on her for subsistence duties,” her office said in a statement.
If I was a Democrat, I’d rather gut fish than deal with the President’s mental acuity too.
gimmethesimplelife
7-9-24, 4:34pm
People in my neighborhood are worried that Trump will win and form an Authoritarian Dictatorship. No one seems to have a grasp on what it truly coming next and this Election is and will be like none other in American history. I don't know what to expect but I am stocking up on pastas on sale and also canned goods on sale. I just don't trust the vibe that society is putting off these days. Rob
People in my neighborhood are worried that Trump will win and form an Authoritarian Dictatorship. No one seems to have a grasp on what it truly coming next and this Election is and will be like none other in American history. I don't know what to expect but I am stocking up on pastas on sale and also canned goods on sale. I just don't trust the vibe that society is putting off these days. Rob
How would a newly elected president “form an Authoritarian Dictatorship”? I keep hearing dire warnings about “our democracy” and “existential threats”, but they’re short on practical details about how he would go about overcoming all the obstacles to that we’ve set up since firing George III.
It takes more than a peaked hat and big epaulettes to make a dictator, no matter what vibes you’re feeling.
iris lilies
7-11-24, 11:49am
Late yesterday George Clooney delivered a devastating blow to the Biden campaign, saying President Biden is not fit for office.
Three weeks ago Clooney hosted a fundraiser for Joe Biden that brought in $30 million. He is a major player in the Democratic fundraising game.
Nancy Pelosi is coyly advising the president to make his decision soon. She wants him to make a decision about running. She is conveniently ignoring his declarations of two and three days ago. He repeatedly said he’s not stepping down. He’s going to fight he’s going to be the candidate and he’s going to beat Donald Trump.
This is such a wonderful shit show. I am enjoying it except that he’s the leader of the free world and is incompetent which makes everything dangerous because it lacks stability. I’m surprised Wall Street hasn’t had a little blip. instead yesterday it seemed euphoric.
iris lilies
7-11-24, 12:04pm
I think we'll remain a Constitutional Republic despite Democrats efforts to convert to a pure democracy, and a Supreme Court adhering to constitutional principles rather than the emotional flashpoint du jour is a feature I'd hate to lose.
I'm not up to speed on Project 2025, actually I'd never heard of it prior to yesterday and suspect it's something someone came up with after the Supremes decided that unelected bureaucrats cannot take the legislature's place in creating law. Maybe I'm wrong, I'll have to look a little further into it.
Project 2025 was twittered about and I heard about it on Reddit some weeks ago. Maybe it’s been months. I halfheartedly took a look at it and it’s quite dense, 900 pages. it presents a blueprint for what SOME conservatives would like to see happen to the federal government. Trump may or may not adopt some of it.
I loved what one of the National Review guys said about Trump and his principles, paraphrasing:
Every principal Trump holds is negotiable, but for his one central one which is: Donald Trump Must Win.
Late yesterday George Clooney delivered a devastating blow to the Biden campaign, saying President Biden is not fit for office.
Three weeks ago Clooney hosted a fundraiser for Joe Biden that brought in $30 million. He is a major player in the Democratic fundraising game.
Nancy Pelosi is coyly advising the president to make his decision soon. She wants him to make a decision about running. She is conveniently ignoring his declarations of two and three days ago. He repeatedly said he’s not stepping down. He’s going to fight he’s going to be the candidate and he’s going to beat Donald Trump.
This is such a wonderful shit show. I am enjoying it except that he’s the leader of the free world and is incompetent which makes everything dangerous because it lacks stability. I’m surprised Wall Street hasn’t had a little blip. instead yesterday it seemed euphoric.
The Democratic Convention may be the first one worth watching since 1968. Some have pointed out that DNC rules require delegates to vote with the sentiment of the voters that sent them there. If enough of them decide that sentiment has changed since the primaries, we could see some wild floor votes. That, plus some pro-Palestinian demonstrations and Chicago on a hot day should make for excellent theater.
Some of the folks currently insisting they will support the nominee are likely sharpening their knives at the moment.
Even Paul Krugman, the economic writer for the NYT has turned on him. He'd been praising Biden's economy for months recently. Et Tu Burte? If there is any plan B being planned, I could only hope Harris isn't automatically the default candidate without thinking through the choices, although it's probably the case.
iris lilies
7-11-24, 2:01pm
Even Paul Krugman, the economic writer for the NYT has turned on him. He'd been praising Biden's economy for months recently. Et Tu Burte? If there is any plan B being planned, I could only hope Harris isn't automatically the default candidate without thinking through the choices, although it's probably the case.
there are forum posters over on the Mr. Money Mustache website who are claiming Russian influence in the media that has turned them against Biden. I guess now even George Clooney is subject to those Russian bots.
Yes, these are people who expect to be taken seriously. I just… Can’t.
Project 2025 was twittered about and I heard about it on Reddit some weeks ago. Maybe it’s been months. I halfheartedly took a look at it and it’s quite dense, 900 pages. it presents a blueprint for what SOME conservatives would like to see happen to the federal government. Trump may or may not adopt some of it.
Since my last post I've looked into it a bit and found that it's nothing more than a recommended policy statement created and promoted by the Heritage Foundation and it's several years old. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with the Republican Party itself or Trump specifically.
I think the only reason it's gotten any media coverage recently is because the Democratic Party is using it as a scare tactic and attention diverter from their immediate problem of no confidence in their candidates. They've even created their own website to promote it as Trumps Project 2025 and sent President Biden out to personally scare their base and anyone else who only reads headlines.
https://x.com/JoeBiden/status/1811018855147331714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1811022013202387411%7Ctwgr% 5E8a4f56904afaa0257ef1e55882a3d8c5c1cad708%7Ctwcon %5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitchy.com%2Fsamj%2F2024%2F 07%2F11%2Fproject-2025-drops-biden-n2398226
there are forum posters over on the Mr. Money Mustache website who are claiming Russian influence in the media that has turned them against Biden. I guess now even George Clooney is subject to those Russian bots.
Yes, these are people who expect to be taken seriously. I just… Can’t.
Will it ever end. The other conspiracy is coming from the conservatives who claim Biden's poor mental health has been part of a big cover up by the dems and by the mainstream media. I'm not sure of all the parties behind it other than the evil Miller.
"Donald Trump adviser Stephen Miller decried the “Biden cognition hoax,” claiming (without citing specific evidence) that senior Democrats had conspired with sympathetic elements in the media to hide the truth about the president’s health. “The biggest hoax in history has been exposed,” said Miller, who is expected to assume a senior position in a possible second Trump White House.
Fox News host Sean Hannity singled out the “cabal of Biden enablers and liars and state-run media” for seeking to obscure Biden’s health.
Ramaswamy explained that conservatives view the media’s role in the debate debacle “in the context of the last four years” of what he alleged was collusion between the media and the Democratic Party."
iris lilies
7-11-24, 5:41pm
Will it ever end. The other conspiracy is coming from the conservatives who claim Biden's poor mental health has been part of a big cover up by the dems and by the mainstream media. I'm not sure of all the parties behind it other than the evil Miller.
"Donald Trump adviser Stephen Miller decried the “Biden cognition hoax,” claiming (without citing specific evidence) that senior Democrats had conspired with sympathetic elements in the media to hide the truth about the president’s health. “The biggest hoax in history has been exposed,” said Miller, who is expected to assume a senior position in a possible second Trump White House.
Fox News host Sean Hannity singled out the “cabal of Biden enablers and liars and state-run media” for seeking to obscure Biden’s health.
Ramaswamy explained that conservatives view the media’s role in the debate debacle “in the context of the last four years” of what he alleged was collusion between the media and the Democratic Party."
soooooo….Roger. if I say “ Joe Biden’s frailty has been hidden and his declining mental acuity has been downplayed “do you think that’s a true statement? Or do you think that’s a conspiracy theory?
soooooo….Roger. if I say “ Joe Biden’s frailty has been hidden and his declining mental acuity has been downplayed “do you think that’s a true statement? Or do you think that’s a conspiracy theory?
I think it's either a fabrication or an exaggeration, especially when it comes to the dems colluding with mainstream media in some sort of dem/media coverup scheme. Do you think the Russian trolls or influencers are turning the media against Biden?
I don't think there is a "cabal of Biden enablers and liars and state run media" obscuring Bidens health. That's a dark state conspiracy theory. I don't think it covers the last four years, as Ramaswamy implies. And especially in light of Trump's Big Lie, it's hardly the "biggest hoax" in history or even close as Miller claims. I would consider that three gross exaggerations, conspiracy theories, or lies right in a row.
I honestly don't have any evidence his inner circle has been hiding things and/or colluding with the media, but show me clear evidence and I might be convinced.
I do think Biden is not on top of the presidential game and should step aside. But I think he has been an historically good president, as presidents go.
iris lilies
7-12-24, 9:27am
I think it's either a fabrication or an exaggeration, especially when it comes to the dems colluding with mainstream media in some sort of dem/media coverup scheme. Do you think the Russian trolls or influencers are turning the media against Biden?
I don't think there is a "cabal of Biden enablers and liars and state run media" obscuring Bidens health. That's a dark state conspiracy theory. I don't think it covers the last four years, as Ramaswamy implies. And especially in light of Trump's Big Lie, it's hardly the "biggest hoax" in history or even close as Miller claims. I would consider that three gross exaggerations, conspiracy theories, or lies right in a row.
I honestly don't have any evidence his inner circle has been hiding things and/or colluding with the media, but show me clear evidence and I might be convinced.
I do think Biden is not on top of the presidential game and should step aside. But I think he has been an historically good president, as presidents go.
now this is fascinating to me because it seems like an absolutely clear and ringing true fact that Joe Biden‘s frailty and mental acuity has been…hidden.
Don’t place too much emphasis on the word “hidden “if that triggers a conspiratorial sense for you.
By no means do I think that there were conference calls and meetings surrounding Biden‘s frailty, with groups of people vowing to keep this quiet from the American public. I want to emphasize I DO NOT think there was a coordinated effort here.
I *DO* think many people, those in President Biden‘s inner circle have been gradually surprised and distressed at his failing abilities. I think they immediately kicked into gear to help him and by that I mean produce aids, design easy schedules, etc. to carry out his responsibilities. They are not consciously thinking “I’m going to screw the American public by lying about Joe Biden‘s condition “ instead they are doing their jobs and supporting their boss.
For the mainstream media, there’s not one monolithic media. But there are many many news operatives who will not give real criticism to President Biden because they think that feeds into any kind of support for Donald Trump. They just won’t. And the real story with the media is not necessarily cover-up, but their complete and utter failure to investigate this giant news story that we’ve been living with for a couple of weeks. Biden is not fit for office. It is literally their job to investigate news stories like this.
So a broad use of the word “ conspiracy” in this case seems ok to me. but if one has a narrow and more legalistic definition of the word “conspiracy “then the word does not fit.
I don’t think obnubilating Biden’s infirmity was a conspiracy. It was more like the murmuration displayed by a flock of birds or a school of fish. Like when NPR staffers objected to running a story that “might help Trump”. They thought of it more as spin than lies. Biden’s handlers did their best to avoid public appearances unsupported by notes and teleprompters and a solicitous media. It was just part of the job. They got to the point where they could say “I can hardly keep up with him” without blushing. Maybe they even believed it.
Ultimately, the debate provided an emperor has no clothes moment that stripped away the carefully crafted illusion. The media broke first. They have a certain level of credibility to preserve. The people whose careers depended on maintaining the illusion are taking a little longer.
iris lilies
7-12-24, 9:46am
I don’t think obnubilating Biden’s infirmity was a conspiracy. It was more like the murmuration displayed by a flock of birds or a school of fish. Like when NPR staffers objected to running a story that “might help Trump”. They thought of it more as spin than lies. Biden’s handlers did their best to avoid public appearances unsupported by notes and teleprompters and a solicitous media. It was just part of the job. They got to the point where they could say “I can hardly keep up with him” without blushing. Maybe they even believed it.
Ultimately, the debate provided an emperor has no clothes moment that stripped away the carefully crafted illusion. The media broke first. They have a certain level of credibility to preserve. The people whose careers depended on maintaining the illusion are taking a little longer.
Some elements of our American populace are telling everyone to ignore this emperor has no clothes moment. It isn’t important. Don’t believe your lying eyes!
"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."
George Orwell, 1984
I don’t think obnubilating Biden’s infirmity was a conspiracy. It was more like the murmuration displayed by a flock of birds or a school of fish. Like when NPR staffers objected to running a story that “might help Trump”. They thought of it more as spin than lies. Biden’s handlers did their best to avoid public appearances unsupported by notes and teleprompters and a solicitous media. It was just part of the job. They got to the point where they could say “I can hardly keep up with him” without blushing. Maybe they even believed it.
Ultimately, the debate provided an emperor has no clothes moment that stripped away the carefully crafted illusion. The media broke first. They have a certain level of credibility to preserve. The people whose careers depended on maintaining the illusion are taking a little longer.
I agree. Just for the fun of it I googled "when did they know Reagan had Alzheimer's"--and his son Ron said, in his book about his dad, that he knew he was "slipping" as early as October 1984...so perhaps Reagan had a similar cadre of aides who protected him with their silence about it. Cognitive decline isn't a light bulb--it's a slow burn so it's possible that these slips of the tongue or momentary confusion are not diagnosable as senility or dementia, and that, as Biden alluded to, a person of advanced age is bolstered by their wisdom and life experience--for a time at least.
I feel that the pressure will get too great for Biden and too distracting for the campaign and they'll find some way to get him to step down. I think that at the very least, his hubris about his capabilities may stem from a hope that he can slip in to win the election and then he would be able to step aside "for medical reasons". As good and a selfless leader his reputation reflects (at least compared to Trump's), I do think it's hubris for him to believe that he's the ONLY one who can carry on the party's values and make things happen across party lines--especially when he is losing the public's confidence at a rapid pace
Robert Hur must be feeling vindicated right now.
If there was any doubt, his confusing Zelensky for Putin and trump for his vp should have sealed things, although they might have been minor slips.
So, the polls I’m seeing as headlines today are saying Biden and trump are still neck and neck, and none of Biden perspective replacements are doing any better against trump.
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/12/nx-s1-5036518/biden-trump-poll
iris lilies
7-13-24, 12:08am
If there was any doubt, his confusing Zelensky for Putin and trump for his vp should have sealed things, although they might have been minor slips.
So, the polls I’m seeing as headlines today are saying Biden and trump are still neck and neck, and none of Biden perspective replacements are doing any better against trump.
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/12/nx-s1-5036518/biden-trump-poll
all the polls I saw but for NPR’s show Trump up by a couple of points. That may be within the margin of error. But the real political operatives, the professional prediction class, are concerned about what’s happening in swing states. That does not look good for Biden.
https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/president/general/2024/trump-vs-biden
It seems like the thing about most all of the polls is that they ignore the electoral votes.
frugal-one
7-13-24, 5:39pm
https://time.com/6997281/viktor-orban-donald-trump-putin-nato/
An authoritarian serving as an intermediary? Give me a break! Shows trump's associations....
Well, things have taken an interesting turn. Shots fired at a Trump rally in western PA. Trump appears to have been shot in the right ear - grazed? He's fine.
Seems we can call this an assassination attempt.
Now like 1968 in more ways than one!
I did not want to live in interesting times.
From the BBC:
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cljy6yz1j6gt?post=asset%3A28d287c6-fa70-487c-a0ec-464a05e11179#post
One witness, Greg, told the BBC he was outside the rally and could only hear the former president talking, when he noticed a man on top of a roof.
"We noticed the guy crawling up the roof of the building beside us, 50 feet away from us," Greg said. "He had a rifle, we could clearly see him with a rifle."
Greg said they pointed the man out to police.
"Next thing you know, I’m thinking to myself why is Trump still speaking? Why have they not pulled him off the stage?" he said. "I’m standing there pointing at him... the next thing you know, five shots ring out." Bear in mind the situation is still fluid and the BBC cannot fully verify these early witness reports.
Seems we can call this an assassination attempt.
I was watching as it happened. Trump was definitely grazed and first reports say at least one rally attendee was killed, not sure of other injuries outside of the shooter who was effectively neutralized.
I really want to hear Rob's reaction to this event.
There has already been uncalled for deep state political finger pointing.
There has already been uncalled for deep state political finger pointing.
Yes, all the fear mongering political talk about a candidate being a dictatorial threat to democracy may have been a prelude to this event.
There has already been uncalled for deep state political finger pointing.
Most of the deep-state folks I know have better fundamental marksmanship skills. I'd look elsewhere.
iris lilies
7-13-24, 10:36pm
Yes, all the fear mongering political talk about a candidate being a dictatorial threat to democracy may have been a prelude to this event.
Biden’s campaign message released this week says “ I have one job and that’s to beat Donald Trump. I’m absolutely certain I’m the best person to be able to do that. So, we’re done talking about the debate, it’s time to put Trump in a bull’s-eye “
the dictionary definition of “bull’s-eye “is the center of a target.
Hey Alan, remember the days when Loosey Chickens and that crowd here were all in a tizzy and outraged because a GOP operative, maybe it was Sarah Palin? had campaign literature putting an opponent in a target?
Kinda funny.
i’m glad DJ Trump is OK after the shooting.
Hey Alan, remember the days when Loosey Chickens and that crowd here were all in a tizzy and outraged because a GOP operative, maybe it was Sarah Palin? had campaign literature putting an opponent in a target?
Oh Yes, I remember that well, it was in relation to the Gabby Giffords shooting. But I think Loosey and any of her remaining crowd would say this instance is (D)ifferent.
gimmethesimplelife
7-13-24, 11:07pm
I really want to hear Rob's reaction to this event.I wish this had not happened. I am no friend of DJT but this is not what I wanted, either. I worry now regarding outbursts of political violence anywhere in the US. Rob
iris lilies
7-14-24, 1:07pm
This Trump attempted assassination is just what the Biden camp needs to take away the 24 hour news focus from President Biden and his infirmities.
Oh please I am NOT saying Biden camp had anything to do with the Trump shooting, do not ascribe that opinion to me!
I’m just commenting on how this is playing in the news stories we are being fed.
I think this may be the turning point Joe Biden needed to stop momentum from
the “dump Biden “train. It seemed to me there was slow building of a coalition of important Democratic operatives to remove him from the ticket. Now that’s been interrupted. Once the steam goes out of a movement, it’s hard to get it back up given the short time frame we have before the November elections.
And because it’s what the Biden camp needs it’s also what the Trump camp needs because Biden is his weakest opponent.
i’m back to thinking it will be Biden versus Trump in November.
frugal-one
7-14-24, 1:12pm
Find it interesting that no one here comments on trump meeting Orban earlier this week. Orban met with Putin the week before.
I can only speculate here but perhaps there is another factor rather than media pundits spouting the rise of political violence - a lonely, disaffected young man swayed by social media and seeking a sense of belonging. Same scenario with many school shootings.
iris lilies
7-14-24, 2:43pm
Find it interesting that no one here comments on trump meeting Orban earlier this week. Orban met with Putin the week before.
Aren’t you commenting?
Find it interesting that no one here comments on trump meeting Orban earlier this week. Orban met with Putin the week before.
Isn't hobnobbing with dictatorial strongmen on-brand for Trump? Why is that newsworthy?
Find it interesting that no one here comments on trump meeting Orban earlier this week. Orban met with Putin the week before.
As I understand it, Hungary recently took over the rotating EU Presidency position and Orban has been on a "Peace" mission visiting other non-EU leaders. I believe he was in country for the NATO meetings and also met with Biden while here. Not sure why he visited with Trump although I suspect many world leaders are anticipating a changing of the guard in our government soon and are preparing to cozy up with the new guy sooner than later.
What's your take?
littlebittybobby
7-14-24, 3:25pm
okay--,--this just in---a typical fanaticrat(about like osswald)attempted to kill President Trump. But yeah---the shooter was killed, fortunately, but that still leaves millions of fanaticrats just like him. that said, he will prolly be a icon for their movement.
frugal-one
7-14-24, 8:01pm
Seems that those who favor trump ignore the fascist connection. Newsworthy in that this is just before the convention. IF there are truly any undecided voters... take note!
Seems that those who favor trump ignore the fascist connection. Newsworthy in that this is just before the convention. IF there are truly any undecided voters... take note!
I think a lot of us just believe that innuendo and non-contextualized claims are not deserving of our attention. Rather than participating in that, why don't you tell us the real purpose of Orban meeting with Trump, Biden, Zelenskyy, Putin, Xi and other world leaders over the past couple of weeks and how that promotes fascism.
frugal-one
7-15-24, 8:00am
I think a lot of us just believe that innuendo and non-contextualized claims are not deserving of our attention. Rather than participating in that, why don't you tell us the real purpose of Orban meeting with Trump, Biden, Zelenskyy, Putin, Xi and other world leaders over the past couple of weeks and how that promotes fascism.
Why don't YOU tell me the real reason. I can't think of a reason why other than to promote their agenda....fascism.
I see JD Vance and our female congresswoman have blamed Biden, somehow.
I wonder if Trump's brush with death will change his outlook on life and politics. I would think it could be a life altering event. One doctor told him the bullet was a fourth of an inch from being fatal. And one headline suggested divine intervention perceptions by his followers. Maybe the Evangelics will see this as a sign that he will lead us out of darkness and into the light.
Why don't YOU tell me the real reason.
I have no idea.
I can't think of a reason why other than to promote their agenda....fascism.
OK, thanks for sharing.
I see the classified documents case against Trump has been dismissed. He certainly seems to have the luck of the devil lately.
I see the classified documents case against Trump has been dismissed. He certainly seems to have the luck of the devil lately.
I wonder if that means if he is elected, he can take home any top secrets he wants and store it in his garages and bathrooms for a long time?
I wonder if that means if he is elected, he can take home any top secrets he wants and store it in his garages and bathrooms for a long time?
If he is elected, he can choose to publish anything he wishes on Twitter.
I see MSNBC isn’t airing “Morning Joe” today. Apparently they were afraid someone might say something ugly about the shooting.
I know some here have read Hillbilly Elegy; I have not. Can anyone clue me in on what JD Vance is like, from reading the book and following his political life?
I know some here have read Hillbilly Elegy; I have not. Can anyone clue me in on what JD Vance is like, from reading the book and following his political life?
I read Hillbilly Elegy years ago and I loved it. I thought it was a really incisive look at his poor, desperate community. His grandmother was a huge factor in his success in life (his mother was a addicted to drugs but his grandmother was tough as nails), and that was a general theme of the book--that you will get on in life if you have even just one person fighting for you.
He was able to speak about the people who lived in his town dispassionately but there was an undercurrent of--"don't reject them--understand where they are coming from". He outlined many social factors for "failure-to-thrive" towns and people--to the extent that I was a little surprised when he came out as a Republican.
In all, great book. I'm not crazy about just how conservative he has become.
Thank you! I remembered that people whose opinion I respected had liked the book.
iris lilies
7-16-24, 1:45am
There are two parts to Hillbilly Elegy: 1) JD Vance’s autobiographical story and 2) a lot of sociological commentary.
His autobiography was fascinating. The sociological commentary is not interesting to me and, I don’t know, he’s not trained in sociology, so I don’t know how valid his thoughts and conclusions are.
But his autobiography! It was a wonderful view into generational poverty in the Appalachians and how those same people brought their culture up north. He had to learn to fight. Defending one’s honor was very important in that culture. His grandmother taught him fisticuffs. She was also the one single stable adult in his life who made sure he went to school. She was his guiding light, even though she was a tough little old hillbilly Granny.
He talks about his culture shock as he moved up in society and how he did not have the cultural capital that his peers had when he got to college so he had to figure things out that middle class people just know.
as an aside, his mentor in law school was the Tiger Mom who wrote the book about how she shaped her daughters’ lives and held them to very high standards.
as an aside, his mentor in law school was the Tiger Mom who wrote the book about how she shaped her daughters’ lives and held them to very high standards.
I didn't know that! I hated her book and her philosophy of child-rearing.
I suppose after the first debate disaster that a VP debate might be off the table? I've read that he thinks the 2025 Project is a good idea. That's sort of my starting point for an opinion. Despite Donald trying to distance himself for it, it certainly resembles a possible GOP platform.
iris lilies
7-16-24, 9:26am
I didn't know that! I hated her book and her philosophy of child-rearing.
Thank god I didn’t have a Tiger Mom. Agreed.
But high achieving Asians…whoosh.so many Tiger Moms out there.Let them be the super achievers if they like.
early morning
7-16-24, 9:41am
I read the book, and I really wanted to like it, because I have some of the same roots. And I did like a lot of it. Still, there were elements in it that really made me cringe - elders trashing a toy shop because the owner didn't want a kid, alone, playing with the merchandise? How was that a GOOD thing? That's the type of behavior my parents held up as "trashy" and strove hard to make sure none of THEIR family members would approve of/emulate. And there's the whole aspect of him as a "Never Trumper" swiftly turning to a major Trump A-kisser for political gain that really really turns my stomach. Not that he's alone in that. Not exactly principled, IMHO.
I suppose after the first debate disaster that a VP debate might be off the table? I've read that he thinks the 2025 Project is a good idea. That's sort of my starting point for an opinion. Despite Donald trying to distance himself for it, it certainly resembles a possible GOP platform.
Since you have an opinion on this Project 2025 thing I'm guessing you've read it? Could you give those of us who haven't a synopsis?
Since you have an opinion on this Project 2025 thing I'm guessing you've read it? Could you give those of us who haven't a synopsis?
I've read it.
Interestingly, the site has already taken down the easy-to-read policy statement that I read. They have replaced it with an entire book, but you can read it online. Start on page 69.
https://www.project2025.org/policy/
Actually, I was wrong. You can read a summary at the same url, under the book itself
Thanks, Catherine. At first glance, it looks like there are around forty authors of the chapters, and only six of them are women.
Since you have an opinion on this Project 2025 thing I'm guessing you've read it? Could you give those of us who haven't a synopsis?
I have only read summaries. This gets to the main points, is short, from a reliable source, and easy to read. It has four major proposed groups of initiatives. The original document is over 900 pages. There is a link to it in the article for those who need a little help falling asleep.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c977njnvq2do
Why are people on the left pushing Project 2025 so desperately hard? It’s just another think tank document. Why not brandish the actual GOP platform? Or why not just pay a guy to concoct a “dossier”, as they have in the past?
Is it a better weapon to bolster the “fascist” name calling strategy?
Why are people on the left pushing Project 2025 so desperately hard?
It seems pretty obvious to me. It's something that politicians and pundits can brand as a "threat to America", knowing that very few people will read it and the majority will declare it an evil plot by Republicans because their favorite TV propagandists told them so.
Why not brandish the actual GOP platform?
At least they bothered to *have* a platform this time:
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/2024-republican-party-platform
It seems pretty obvious to me. It's something that politicians and pundits can brand as a "threat to America", knowing that very few people will read it and the majority will declare it an evil plot by Republicans because their favorite TV propagandists told them so.
I suspect there are many republicans who have not read or know anything about it either. Even Trump says he's never heard of it. So, do we really know if what's in 2025 really differs from the party platform, but just by a different name. My basic reads that I find objectionable is the conversion of thousands of civil servants to political appointments, i.e., Trumps revenge. Denial of human caused climate change and a step back into the fossil fuel economy, such as Trump's dill baby drill. References to leaving abortions as a state ruling, which we already know about. I didn't see it in the summary but have previously read about some sort of a 2025 reversion to a Christian state by putting the Christian bible above the constitution, which we already see in certain states, and which I have a problem with and denies the separation of church and state. More tariffs, more isolation, plug the border. I wonder how people would feel watching us hang Ukraine out to dry and a Russian take over, if that would really happen.
I think J.D. was an excellent choice to compliment Trump. I have seen him in an interview and he is very articulate and can help give some rationality to Trump's ramblings. He's young and pretty much an American success story, unlike Trump's family money. An ex-marine that served overseas. The dems should take a valuable lesson in bring up some fresh new without old baggage. He claims honesty, but denies the 2020 election outcome, as in the Big Lie, as is a climate denier. He will be a good addition to Trump's team and possibly not a mindless yes man minion. I just disagree with his basic politics. He's a Trump clone in sheep's clothing.
I could add on a slightly different topic, that I have found Trump's narrow escape from the bullet that could have take his life as an act of God and references to him being the "chosen one" as down right dangerous. I recall the story of the natives thinking Cortez was the bearded white god of prophesy, and that did not have a good outcome.
I'm trying to read the platform and the grammatical errors are setting my teeth on edge.
It reminds me of the Ray Bradbury story where the guy goes back in time to the dinosaur hunt and disturbs a leaf and the way he knows that civilization is screwed and the fascists have taken over is that the signs are misspelled when he gets back.
So racist fascist theocratic and ungrammatical too? Have we reached peak name calling yet?
So racist fascist theocratic and ungrammatical too? Have we reached peak name calling yet?
So pointing out that someone is mauling the language is name calling? Goodness.
If you are not familiar with the story or what Bradbury was saying, you can check out this article about it:
The Physics of Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder" (inquirer.com) (https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/evolution/Time-and-The-Physics-of-Ray-Bradbury--.html)
I see Trump is selling assassination attempt sneakers. Limited edition. Fight fight fight high tops with Trump image.
(I think when people start using the term fascism, they should explain why it applies. The wiki definition is pretty fluid.)
So pointing out that someone is mauling the language is name calling? Goodness.
It is if you do it right.
I see Trump is selling assassination attempt sneakers. Limited edition. Fight fight fight high tops with Trump image.
(I think when people start using the term fascism, they should explain why it applies. The wiki definition is pretty fluid.)
He’s going to make the most of that defiant, bloody-faced picture for some time to come.
Wag the Dog: The Sequel
My right brain has been spinning a "truth is stranger than fiction" film in which two candidates are within the margin of error in the polls. The day before one Candidate is set to be the star in the party's convention, an assassination attempt is made, but by a stroke of luck or Divine Providence, his life is spared by a random turn of the head. He rises, supported by the Secret Service, and raises his fist in defiance, bloody streaks crossing his face like a tribal tattoo.
Behind the scenes the Secret Service cleans up off the Candidate's face and removes the stage blood from his hand and ear, and everyone cheers a great performance by the ensemble on an extremely well-orchestrated staging by the Party to turbo-charge the Candidate's image and the zeal of his supporters. It works.
Meanwhile, the other candidate is not faring as well. In a bizarre, inexplicable way, the candidate utterly fails at a debate so badly no one can even explain how it happened--after all, this is a lifelong political pro and all of a sudden he's a cross between Dustin Hoffman's character in The Rainman and Tim Conway's old man character on the The Carol Burnett Show. His advisors, his Party colleagues, even movie stars and newspaper editorial boards are begging him to step down, based on this bizarre event. He refuses. He's fighting, too, but no one is cheering.
All of a sudden he gets COVID and he has to take time off from the campaign trail to recover. His doctor tells him that it would be unwise for him to press on with the campaign, and not wanting to risk the election by stepping off the campaign trail, he valiantly takes one for the team and in a breaking news bulletin reminiscent of the bombshell announcements by LBJ in 1968 and Richard Nixon in 1974, the candidate announces that he is stepping down to ensure the Party's success in November. Days and days of news coverage on the Candidates long valiant career ensue, and the accolades and gratitude for his service continue as he fades into the history books.
Behind the scenes after the Announcement, the Candidate turns off the mic retreats to his home with his wife, resumes his morning workouts, and wrestles with the dog, saying, thank God that's over! Over at Capitol Hill, the Party has a party and toasts each other's role in helping the Candidate save face and salvaging the election: Cheers to thank God that's over!
And the credits roll as a mixed-race woman in blue steps out on the convention floor and accepts her Party's nomination. It works.
My wife is convinced that one of those scenario's is correct.
My wife is convinced that one of those scenario's is correct.
I wonder which scenario. >8)
I don't think either is too far out of line. I've had similar thoughts. The most likely being that Biden can use Covid as a way to bow out of the election somewhat gracefully. I've also thought it was odd that the Secret Service didn't react more when there were so many advanced warnings and they were on some sort of advanced alert.
I wonder which scenario. >8)
Well, one is leftist fiction featuring an orange man and the other is a nearly already played out face saving move involving a woman in blue. She's going with the woman in blue.
The Orange Man "faked assassination" tale seems a bit far-fetched, considering other people were injured/killed in the attack, and the number of people who would have had to have been involved in faking the moon landing, er, shooting.
The Orange Man "faked assassination" tale seems a bit far-fetched, considering other people were injured/killed in the attack, and the number of people who would have had to have been involved in faking the moon landing, er, shooting.
Come on... I said it's a movie :). In the movie, those who were injured and the person who was killed are actors, and the medical people are all in on it.
Come on... I said it's a movie :).
Yes, but Rogar thinks it might be true.
I don't think either is too far out of line. I've had similar thoughts.
Come on... I said it's a movie :). In the movie, those who were injured and the person who was killed are actors, and the medical people are all in on it.
In this case, though...
https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/07/15/USAT/74409730007-fire-house-tribute-thumb.jpg?width=1320&height=744&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp
frugal-one
7-17-24, 10:10pm
Just wondering… have watched part of the Republican convention and have seen trump’s sons but not his wife or daughter???
iris lilies
7-17-24, 10:48pm
The Orange Man "faked assassination" tale seems a bit far-fetched….
and yet, it is the most popular. Saturday night after the assassination attempt (When law enforcement was gingerly saying they are they are “treating” it as an assassination attempt ) my friend offered it up as a conspiracy theory, but obviously it’s the one everyone goes to who’s anti-Trump
For me, since I am disgusted with both candidates, I posit the Trump camp in a rare show of solidarity worked secretly with the
Biden camp to make it happen. Trump thought he’d get a bump up and loved the idea of hero Trump. Biden needed the heat taken off him.
win/win ‘tho American public loses.
iris lilies
7-17-24, 11:09pm
Just wondering… have watched part of the Republican convention and have seen trump’s sons but not his wife or daughter???
Do you have conspiratorial ideas about that? Now is the time to let’em rip.
Do you have conspiratorial ideas about that? Now is the time to let’em rip.
Maybe they are familiar with the fates of Clara Petacci and the Romanov family, and wish to remain some distance away from the ongoing events?
For me, since I am disgusted with both candidates, I posit the Trump camp in a rare show of solidarity worked secretly with the
Biden camp to make it happen. Trump thought he’d get a bump up and loved the idea of hero Trump. Biden needed the heat taken off him.
I love it!! That's the part in the movie where you think it's all tied up and are ready to get up and go to the bathroom and then boom! you get the surprise ending.
Yes, but Rogar thinks it might be true.
Might. I'd say a greater chance of being true than Trump winning the 2020 election or virtually anything QAnon, but since we're talking conspiracy.
Edit to add; My conspiracy theory was different than Catherine's. Do we really know there was just one shooter? A young dupe coerced to shoot into the crowd by some foreign entity using threats of family retaliation, or big money. Meantime the expert shooter is told to just nick Trump. Have people recovered bullet fragments or determined trajectories. Even the Warren Report is still in dispute over their findings years later. There is the now famous photo the one photographer captured showing the path of the bullet near Trump. In an an interview he said the shutter speed was 1/8000 of a second, so it might be possible to match the ballistics, ie velocity and angle, with the supposed shooters gun and ammunition. Has anyone even tried?
There are some unanswered questions, like the shooter had no apparent motive motive or significant history of mental illness. And the Secret Service almost giving the impression of turning a blind eye to his location.
Just a conspiracy theory, but I've heard things from Hannity or Greene that make as much sense.
As my husband likes to say as of late: a Hollywood writer couldn't have come up with this script.
My theory for this morning: the next few days will be tellling but I have a gut-feeling that Biden is going to bow out. He also could be having worse Covid symptoms than they are letting on because we all know how the Biden camp loooooves telling the truth about their guy, right?
I predict something will happen in the next three days.
iris lilies
7-18-24, 1:31pm
I love it!! That's the part in the movie where you think it's all tied up and are ready to get up and go to the bathroom and then boom! you get the surprise ending.
And the film closes with a shot of the guy who orchestrated the two teams merging and who oversaw the operation:
5982
and now we know why Hunter is attending briefing meetings in the White House. He is special ops officer.
frugal-one
7-18-24, 1:53pm
Do you have conspiratorial ideas about that? Now is the time to let’em rip.
I have no conspiratorial theories…. I think It gives the appearance that Melania and Ivanka do not support trump. Who can blame Melania after the porn star drama? I actually find it hard to understand how any woman can condone trump’s misogynistic actions.
frugal-one
7-18-24, 1:58pm
When trump put his hand to his ear after being shot and going down to the ground… no blood appeared to be on his hand. That seemed odd…
iris lilies
7-18-24, 2:13pm
This afternoon news media are breathlessly reporting that Biden is seriously considering stepping down.
While I’m sure that doesn’t include stepping out of the presidency, which is what he needs to do, at least letting go of being the Democratic candidate for 2024 is a step in the right direction.
iris lilies
7-19-24, 11:19am
When trump put his hand to his ear after being shot and going down to the ground… no blood appeared to be on his hand. That seemed odd…
Excellent detail for the conspirators!
Did he stage the whole thing?
frugal-one
7-19-24, 11:45am
Who knows? Next time it is aired… pay attention.
Who knows? Next time it is aired… pay attention.
Maybe you can get fifty-one former intelligence officials to say it was part of a Russian disinformation operation, like Hunter's laptop or the collusion scam.
frugal-one
7-20-24, 4:50pm
Maybe you can get fifty-one former intelligence officials to say it was part of a Russian disinformation operation, like Hunter's laptop or the collusion scam.
Look again... did/do you see any blood?
Look again... did/do you see any blood?
So the whole incident was an incredible feat of legerdemain, assisted by thousands of co-conspirators? If the bandage were to be ripped off, would his ear be revealed intact? Sort of like the final scene of a Scooby Doo cartoon?
iris lilies
7-21-24, 1:32pm
People in my neighborhood are worried that Trump will win and form an Authoritarian Dictatorship. No one seems to have a grasp on what it truly coming next and this Election is and will be like none other in American history. I don't know what to expect but I am stocking up on pastas on sale and also canned goods on sale. I just don't trust the vibe that society is putting off these days. Rob
I am so curious, Rob, about something. If the Democrats and the Democratic Party and Democratic supporters and you all consider Donald Trump a huge existential threat to our country, why the hell are they running this weak old man candidate against Trump?
Where is the logic in that?
Behavior is a language. So from the behavior of Joe Biden’s inner circle and those who are still in support of Biden, I have to conclude that they really are not all that concerned about Trump winning.
I don't understand why people support this man:
Watch: Donald Trump rants about Joe Biden and Kamala Harris from golf cart (telegraph.co.uk) (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2024/07/04/donald-trump-leaked-video-joe-biden-kamala-harris-election/)
I am going to speculate that Trump will chicken out on a Harris debate if proposed and will make a phony excuse.
I am going to speculate that Trump will chicken out on a Harris debate if proposed and will make a phony excuse.
Why’s that? She’s not particularly well known for her rhetorical skills.
catherine
7-23-24, 12:15pm
Why’s that? She’s not particularly well known for her rhetorical skills.
I recall her being pretty strong in the 2020 primary debates. We really haven't seen her exercise rhetorical skills throughout her vice-presidency, but so far, I think she has started out strong at least in her campaign speeches.
iris lilies
7-23-24, 12:16pm
I recall her being pretty strong in the 2020 primary debates. We really haven't seen her exercise rhetorical skills throughout her vice-presidency, but so far, I think she has started out strong at least in her campaign speeches.
I expect her to be at least OK in a debate.
catherine
7-23-24, 12:38pm
I expect her to be at least OK in a debate.
Here's an interesting clip, given the circumstances today. And you can clearly see that Joe was so much more with it then.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6-UC8yr0Aw
Why’s that? She’s not particularly well known for her rhetorical skills.
I was thinking about her experience as a prosecutor versus a convicted felon charged with other crimes. I don't think she is an especially good communicator, but she projects a strong image and I don't think she would let Donald get away with his fabrications without a good rebuke. And there is a big opportunity to turn the age card back to Donald's mental health. I also wonder how Donald would do one on one with strong female figures. I would like to see it, but I think Donald is just going to rest on his strong support and not risk things.
As far as rhetorical skills go, Trump does not rate very high in my book and it would be no match, but his manner of going of the rails and being bombastic probably appeals to some.
I was so inspired when she said “it is time to do what we have been doing, and that time is every day”.
It looks as though he has said he would be willing to debate. So my suspicion was wrong.
I am going to speculate that Trump will chicken out on a Harris debate if proposed and will make a phony excuse.
I see where he once said he would debate Harris, but he's now backpedaling. Best I can figure, he says they may change candidates again.
I see where he once said he would debate Harris, but he's now backpedaling. Best I can figure, he says they may change candidates again.
I read that as the Republicans might change candidates and for a hot sec thought oh, they should change to Nikki Haley!
I see where he once said he would debate Harris, but he's now backpedaling. Best I can figure, he says they may change candidates again.
I don't think Trump ever agreed to debate Harris, as far as I can tell he agreed to debate Biden twice but then Biden dropped out after the first one and the Democrats haven't yet officially declared Harris as their nominee. Once they do I'm sure Trump will jump at the chance to debate her given her poor performance during the last election cycle's debates.
I guess time will tell though.
I did a quick search today and there are mixed reports depending on the source, so we'll have to see. Apparently Buttigieg has been mocking him for not agreeing to a debate and I suspect it's just the start until he agrees. Harris hasn't impressed me with her communication skills, so it could be interesting.
It sounds like the latest is that Trump has backed out of the ABC debate, but proposed a debate on Fox with similar rules, but with a live audience. Of course Kamala says he's running scared, just playing games, and looking to Fox news to bail him out. Donald says he's not quite ready to accept Harris as the Democrats new candidate.
As popular as the first debate was and as new as Harris is to the spotlight it would be good if people had a chance to see them on stage together.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/03/us/politics/trump-harris-debate-fox-news.html
gimmethesimplelife
8-3-24, 8:32pm
I'd LOVE to see Kamala Harris debate DJT. Seriously, all she'd have to say is something like "Mr Trump I used to make my living people people like you behind bars" or some variant thereof. What could he possibly say to that that would work for him? She's got some potent ammo against Mr. Orange. Could swear I read online today that DJT agreed to a September 4th debate with Harris? Fireworks are coming and this is a tinder dry (not such a great monsoon this year for much of Arizona) newly battleground state, so important out of nowhere that's supposedly it needs to be won in order to get into the White House? (please don't ask me to expalain the math on that one). Rob
If a debate is held, it will provide little useful information about how either candidate would govern. Trump has always operated on unpredictable whims, and Harris has jettisoned so many positions in this New Coke phase of hers that it’s hard to believe what they say on any given evening would indicate what they would do in office. As one piece in “Reason” put it, it will be a campaign of total policy nihilism.
All we can reasonably expect are a lot of childish personal shots and appeals to the darker side of their respective bases.
I suppose if one thinks that trump’s promises to be a dictator on day one are meaningless then sure; it would be tough to understand the difference between the two candidates. Fortunately most voters aren’t that effing stupid.
If a debate is held, it will provide little useful information about how either candidate would govern. Trump has always operated on unpredictable whims, and Harris has jettisoned so many positions in this New Coke phase of hers that it’s hard to believe what they say on any given evening would indicate what they would do in office.
All we can reasonably expect are a lot of childish personal shots and appeals to the darker side of their respective bases.
I'd say that any debate involving Trump will have the overriding element of petty attacks, fact distortion, and name calling. It probably applies to both sides, but may go back to the old grade school "he started it" excuse. Inside of that there will probably be some discussion of the issues. For the general public, there is a lot to be said for optics and personality, which we already know about Trump, but less so for Harris. And there's always the chance one or the other will say something totally offensive or condemning for the media to pounce upon.
I'd say that any debate involving Trump will have the overriding element of petty attacks, fact distortion, and name calling. It probably applies to both sides, but may go back to the old grade school "he started it" excuse. Inside of that there will probably be some discussion of the issues. For the general public, there is a lot to be said for optics and personality, which we already know about Trump, but less so for Harris. And there's always the chance one or the other will say something totally offensive or condemning for the media to pounce upon.
Having witnessed how cosseted and caressed by an obsequious media the Harris campaign has been so far, I think it’s pretty easy to predict where most of the pouncing will occur. They seem to have learned nothing from their fumbling (deliberately or otherwise) of Biden’s mental decline.
I see that she’s going with Tim Walz as her VP pick. That’s probably a good choice if she wants to shore up support on the far left of the party, who may be angered by her quiet abandonment of so many of the positions she took during her short-lived primary campaign. They may also see him as being appealing to some of the battleground states of the Upper Midwest.
When it comes down to policy I suspect it will be 75% Biden all over again without all the age and Bidenomics baggage. Trump will bean easy target for the media to pounce upon because he will probably say his usual things that aren't true and will drop a few racial or other bombs. Harris obviously to a lesser degree.
Waltz was probably a strategic pick to win over some of the close running battleground states, but you have to like a guy from Valentine, NE and a graduate of Chadron State. He looks like he could be an attack dog?
He's behind climate change initiatives rather than saying it's invented by kids in basements or the Chinese, which is my main issue.
It’s amazing that a high school teacher and longtime army national guard member whose big legislative achievements are paid family leave and food for school children is considered hard left.
I really liked both of those things, that he was a high school teacher and in the guard!
gimmethesimplelife
8-6-24, 8:25pm
It’s amazing that a high school teacher and longtime army national guard member whose big legislative achievements are paid family leave and food for school children is considered hard left.No snark in this, OK? Welcome to your citizenship. It truly is that bizarre. Rob
gimmethesimplelife
8-6-24, 8:28pm
I was disappointed that Mark Kelly was not selected. He would have been great and Arizona could use some positive PR. But I will give this man a chance regardless. It's about staving off an Authoritarian Dictatorship that would make victims of us all. It's not about who Rob wants as VP. I understand this. Rob
gimmethesimplelife
8-6-24, 8:32pm
I did a quick search today and there are mixed reports depending on the source, so we'll have to see. Apparently Buttigieg has been mocking him for not agreeing to a debate and I suspect it's just the start until he agrees. Harris hasn't impressed me with her communication skills, so it could be interesting.DJT is running scared - Kamala Harris is a former prosecutor AND did not the Supreme Court rule yesterday that DJT is to be sentenced for his 34
Felonies BEFORE the election. Lethal ammo in the hands of Kamala Harris. I pray she makes full use of it. Rob
iris lilies
8-6-24, 9:07pm
I was disappointed that Mark Kelly was not selected. He would have been great and Arizona could use some positive PR. But I will give this man a chance regardless. It's about staving off an Authoritarian Dictatorship that would make victims of us all. It's not about who Rob wants as VP. I understand this. Rob
I heard an interview with Mark Kelly’s twin astronaut brother on NPR a few days ago. He’s a cool guy. Both of them are super achievers
I gather he taught for a year on the Pine Ridge Reservation and lived for a year in China. Not that that would make him a good VP and he's not an astronaut, but it might make him a good person.
I don't think Trump ever agreed to debate Harris, as far as I can tell he agreed to debate Biden twice but then Biden dropped out after the first one and the Democrats haven't yet officially declared Harris as their nominee. Once they do I'm sure Trump will jump at the chance to debate her given her poor performance during the last election cycle's debates.
I guess time will tell though.
Time is telling.
I was a little disappointed they didn't go with Kelly, but I understand them wanting strategically to keep him in the senate. I was not familiar with Walz, but I like everything I'm hearing about him so far.
I was a little disappointed they didn't go with Kelly, but I understand them wanting strategically to keep him in the senate. I was not familiar with Walz, but I like everything I'm hearing about him so far.
Walz certainly appears to be a real deal Midwesterner and not one of those coastal elites. Used his GI bill to pay for college.
I read the BBC website for news daily. It was funny they had to keep saying he was an “American“ football coach. ;)
Time is telling.
I read somewhere that he won't debate on ABC due to being involved in a lawsuit against the network and its lead political commentator. But, he has agreed to debate her on another network although I don't think she has agreed to do so. I would think that would take care of the "He's afraid to debate her" talk but there's probably too much propaganda value in maintaining the illusion of fear.
At this point, I'm thinking there won't be any debates at all among presidential contenders since Trump's team wants him to stick to issues rather than personal attacks and Harris' new team want's to limit her to scripted public speaking whenever possible. We may have to settle for the #2 spots verbally slugging each other for our entertainment.
The NYT Daily podcast episode today has an in depth look at Walz.
It’s amazing that a high school teacher and longtime army national guard member whose big legislative achievements are paid family leave and food for school children is considered hard left.
Nothing amazing about it. I don’t think even Democrats would deny Walz is more Progressive than most. He dithered over his response to the 2020 riots so badly even he referred to it as an “abject failure”. He has the requisite hostility to school choice, and a Sanctuary State that provides health benefits and issues driver’s licenses to people here illegally. I think his left wing credentials are stronger than any governor except maybe Newsom, which is why he’s on the ticket.
To his credit, he started the “weird” campaign against Trump/Vance. It’s a refreshing change from the tedious Nazi stuff.
JB Prickster, the IL gov, is very far left. However, he’s Jewish and a billionaire, so he doesn’t have the relateableness thay Walz has.
Jewish candidates are a problem for the Dems right now.
I am very pleased with Walz on the ticket. So pleased I may even buy this:
6021
It’s amazing that a high school teacher and longtime army national guard member whose big legislative achievements are paid family leave and food for school children is considered hard left.
I know we're living in the age of identity politics on a grand scale but I've never put much stock in anyone's ability to determine a person's core beliefs based upon race, gender, religion, party identification or vocation. It's their statements and accomplishments that tell you who they really are, and Walz has proven himself to be far left, which seemingly compliments Harris' far left statements and accomplishments prior to about 2 weeks ago. They're both Bernie Sanders on steroids without the courage to append their party identification with the Socialist moniker.
I am very pleased with Walz on the ticket. So pleased I may even buy this:
6021
Catherine, you surprise me. I never took you for a camo girl! ;)
Maybe if Walz had implemented UBi or single payor healthcare one could credibly claim him to be radical left. What he’s done only qualifies as radical left because republicans have pushed the Overton window hard to the right over the past several years.
And it’s weird that trump is now not willing to go on ABC but was fine with doing so before. Any person thinking rationally would have to consider that his new excuse is probably a lie because he’s a fraidy cat to debate the childless cat lady.
The really fun debate is going to be the VP debate.
I'm not sure what metric constitutes a moderate democrat vs. the far left, but in the bigger picture, Trump and now JD are lying about the 2020 election peaceful transition of power and Trump is still a criminal. It's all relative, but it's still interesting to speculate and discuss. I'm looking forward to the debate, also. Biden has sort of dropped off the radar.
I do like the hat. I see where Walz drives an old pre-1980 HI Scout and also has black lab named Scout. As a collectible, it might be more valuable that an Escalade, but I like the image.
Catherine, you surprise me. I never took you for a camo girl! ;)
Well you know, Since moving to VT, many of my friends are hunters and fishers. As a result, my style choices have evolved since my Ann Taylor days!
Seriously--this is a great marketing example of how a simple hat can be worth a thousand words.
I know we're living in the age of identity politics on a grand scale but I've never put much stock in anyone's ability to determine a person's core beliefs based upon race, gender, religion, party identification or vocation. It's their statements and accomplishments that tell you who they really are, and Walz has proven himself to be far left, which seemingly compliments Harris' far left statements and accomplishments prior to about 2 weeks ago. They're both Bernie Sanders on steroids without the courage to append their party identification with the Socialist moniker.
If we're going to talk about accomplishments maybe we should talk about how walz went to congress by winning in a district that hadn't elected a democrat since 1982. And then after several terms in congress went on to win a statewide election to governor. More than once. In a state that's way less blue than somewhere like california. Hardly a sign of an out of control liberal. What part of his successful agenda do you find to be "radical left"?
Walz has a model record of climate change initiatives in Minnesota. Global warming somehow seems to have dropped off of the debates and policies radar. I'm not sure where that lies on the left vs. extreme left scale, but human climate change denial is no less of a grievous lie than election denial or the other illusions the GOP promotes in my accounting of the issues. It brings to mind what constitutes extreme right. I could do without some of his social welfare programs, but we don't get to pick issues and it comes as a package deal.
gimmethesimplelife
8-8-24, 11:09am
OMG. Is JD Vance even worse than Trump? How is he going to survive a VP debate with Tim Walz after the following - his attempt to storm up to the Vice Presidential plane of Kamala Harris's yesterday, apparently to ask her why she won't answer questions? A very ill advised and trashy attempt at a power play/move, that really sums up why it's not wise to vote for DJT. More of the same insane power games/lack of connection to social realities. Ay carumba, we need Kamala Harris to win! Rob
OMG. Is JD Vance even worse than Trump? How is he going to survive a VP debate with Tim Walz after the following - his attempt to storm up to the Vice Presidential plane of Kamala Harris's yesterday, apparently to ask her why she won't answer questions? A very ill advised and trashy attempt at a power play/move......
I think Harris could stop that sort of thing if she would speak to reporters without a script in hand. I don't think she's done that yet and it doesn't look like she will anytime soon. That's why I think she'll never agree to a debate considering how terribly she fared in 2020. I know she says she's ready and waiting for Trump on ABC but she knows he won't go there due to a lawsuit and if he should change his mind she can always fall back on refusing to debate a convicted felon. I think she's channelling Nancy Pelosi's "We won't know what's in it until we pass it", only this time we won't know her unscripted thoughts until we elect her.
iris lilies
8-8-24, 12:52pm
OMG. Is JD Vance even worse than Trump? How is he going to survive a VP debate with Tim Walz after the following - his attempt to storm up to the Vice Presidential plane of Kamala Harris's yesterday, apparently to ask her why she won't answer questions? A very ill advised and trashy attempt at a power play/move, that really sums up why it's not wise to vote for DJT. More of the same insane power games/lack of connection to social realities. Ay carumba, we need Kamala Harris to win! Rob
I have not been paying the riveted attention to their antics that you have. There is something about name calling Republicans “Weird” which I find funny in a middle school dopey way but I don’t know the origin of this latest name calling campaign. Makes me want to print up a t-shirt “Proud for being weird.”
i’m just glad they took the ancient incompetent old person in the White House off the table for the next election. I will not forgive them for selling him as a viable candidate. If he had stepped out of the race when he should have, I would be more likely to vote Democratic for president. But the lying liars who lied to us about Biden need not be rewarded. Even though we knew just due to his chronological age he was not fit for 4 more years, I did not realize the extent of his incapacity. I feel personally betrayed.
I don’t know if that sense of betrayal will abate by November. That said, I find Harris to be the basic B Democrat and not especially objectionable. Ldahl, please note I am avoiding Charlie Cooke in all things Harris. I really dont want to know the gory details about her if I end up voting for her.
I think Harris could stop that sort of thing if she would speak to reporters without a script in hand. I don't think she's done that yet and it doesn't look like she will anytime soon. That's why I think she'll never agree to a debate considering how terribly she fared in 2020. I know she says she's ready and waiting for Trump on ABC but she knows he won't go there due to a lawsuit and if he should change his mind she can always fall back on refusing to debate a convicted felon. I think she's channelling Nancy Pelosi's "We won't know what's in it until we pass it", only this time we won't know her unscripted thoughts until we elect her.
I don’t think we’ll see her talking to any hostile or even mildly curious interviewers anytime soon. Her campaign will focus on airbrushing away her positions prior to July in a all-of-the-people-some-of-the-time strategy. Sort of a variation on Joe Biden’s basement campaign.
I have not been paying the riveted attention to their antics as you have. There is something about name calling
Republicans as “Weird” which I find funny in a middle school dopey way but I don’t know the origin of this latest name calling campaign. Makes me want to print up a t-shirt “Proud for being weird.”
i’m just glad they took the ancient incompetent old person in the White House off the table for the next election. I will not forgive them for selling him as a viable candidate. If he had stepped out of the race when he should have, I would be more likely to vote Democratic for president. But the lying liars who lied to us about Biden need not be rewarded. Even though we knew just due to his chronological age he was not fit for 4 more years, I did not realize the extent of his incapacity. I feel personally betrayed.
I don’t know if that sense of betrayal will abate by November. That said, I find Harris to be the basic B
Democrat and not especially objectionable. Ldahl, please note I am avoiding Charlie Cooke in all things
Harris. I really dont want to know the gory details about her if I end up voting for her.
As Hunter Thompson remarked, “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.”
These are the times that really make me miss UA.
I see that Vance has tried to imply that Walz is somehow a ‘lesser’ veteran because he didn’t serve in combat. Seems kinda weird because 1) Vance didn’t serve in combat either. And 2) the head of Vance’s ticket is a draft dodger. But I guess it tracks since Vance also thinks Kamala is less of a woman because she is a childless cat lady.
I see that Vance has tried to imply that Walz is somehow a ‘lesser’ veteran because he didn’t serve in combat.
That wasn't it at all. He's getting a lot of justifiable grief for 'stolen valor', wherein he is on record on numerous occasions talking about carrying weapons of war in war, when he actually never did. It's a big no no to imply combat service when you've never been in a combat zone.
Let the debates begin!
I saw some comments from Mark Kelly about how neither Walz or JD should be leveraging their criticisms around their military services. They both served the country to protect our freedoms in their own respects and should be thanked. I'm still not convinced though whether Trump faked things to get out of his obligations.
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