I stand firm in my belief that Kamala will win, and it won't be that close, popularly or electorally, for reasons I have enumerated at length in the comments previously. But I want to do a thought experiment and fast forward to next year- Harris and Walz are in the White House, and Trump is hopefully facing some legal consequences for hi…
I stand firm in my belief that Kamala will win, and it won't be that close, popularly or electorally, for reasons I have enumerated at length in the comments previously. But I want to do a thought experiment and fast forward to next year- Harris and Walz are in the White House, and Trump is hopefully facing some legal consequences for his various and sundry perfidies. What does the GOP do? Are they able to course correct? Do they abandon the Stephen Millers and Heritage Foundations and retrench in the sort of conservatism one expects in a liberal democracy? Or do they read the tea leaves of the oligarch class and what this election has illuminated, and double down, find a new, more palatable version of Trump? What rough phoenix slouches towards Bethlehem to be born into the chasm?
I'm not allowing myself to ne at all optimistic until there's a final decision. But I feel like even if Harris wins, the GOP is now so corrupted by fascist and antidemocratic ideology that they'll just try again in 2028. If we don't collectively figure out how to climb out of this abyss, and recreate a sane opposition party, we will eventually have a fascist president, even if it's not Trump.
I think the GOP fundraises off of a "stolen" election and a "weaponized" justice system, unfortunately. Not much will change, because the inmates, ie, the voters, are running the asylum.
There was a lively discussion on Bluesky yesterday on this very subject—where does the GOP go from here? I read an article in the NYT recently that suggested Don Jr has been emerging as the second generation MAGA, that he already has more power than most of us realize. I suspect that what is left of my lifetime will not see the end of the movement Trump rode to power. He’s been an accelerant only. Hopefully a new right of center party emerges with someone like Liz Cheney at the head, and we can, the rest of us try to vote MAGA into irrelevance. I hope that first Harris wins and second she is sworn in, but I see the dangers that people like Timithy Snyder and Sarah Kendzior have warned about ever since Trump rode down his golden elevator. We have met the enemy, and he is us, truly. Kudos to JVL for explaining in the last two Triads why what Bezos did is so consequential and so despicable.
It should go into the dust bin and be replaced by something uplifting and hopeful, but too many people are attached to the brand and can't think outside of their box. That and Murdoch and the "think tanks" have too much invested and won't allow their audiences to wander so far. Propaganda works.
Black robes find a way to send it back to congress. Congress people must vote in accordance with the kind of majorities present in their home state gov's. The majority of state gov's are Republican. So this elects Orange Florida Man.
Most swing states are not GOP controlled, most have at worst split legislatures and many have a Dem governor. So I think their chances of "stealing" votes, given the punishments accrued on those who tried in 2020, are slim. As for violence, well, Trump ain't the POTUS, Biden is. The National Guard is his to call in. FAFO, MAGAts.
I am not surrendering to the darkness. I've seen too much light this election, actually. Plus, polling is risible. And if I am wrong, well, at least booze and marijuana are legal in NJ for now.
Biden? Call in National Guard? Biden lives in alternate happy land. Too old and kind to do anything at all. If this was not the case: why has Elon gotten away with his crimes and affronts? What about violations of the Logan Act? Biden and DOA Garland are out having ice cream cones
We are far from salvation. Th oligarchs put Vance in his Senate seat. The Bezos move—- most recent affront—- shows what will continue happen. Trump is all of the things he is but is also mentally degenerating. Vance is there with his launchpad oligarchs to carry out their mission. There is no pushback because the transformation has occurred.
Regarding Russian democratic institutions: what democratic institutions? There is a lengthy history in Russian of tyranny and feudalism that kept poor farmers trapped as serfs on the lands owned by the wealthy. From the time the Berlin Wall fell and Putin took over there were juvenile institutions found in a democracy, not strong robust ones found in a long term democracy. Russia has never had a chance to be a democracy.
He does not have the charisma for a retail politician, even of the demagogue type. I’m convinced it’s not only women he dislikes but rather people in general, and it shows.
I could argue that OCF never had "charisma" as a "retail politician", but your other points are well-taken. However, OCF, as a pathological narcisst, clearly does not like people more than he does himself, either.
My hopium comes from my steadfast belief that women are gonna save us this election, because our lives are at stake. It's an Abigail Adams battle cry and white men should quake. Two quotes:
"I can not say that I think you very generous to the Ladies, for whilst you are proclaiming peace and good will to Men, Emancipating all Nations, you insist upon retaining an absolute power over Wives. But you must remember that Arbitary power is like most other things which are very hard, very liable to be broken—and notwithstanding all your wise Laws and Maxims we have it in our power not only to free ourselves but to subdue our Masters, and without voilence [sic] throw both your natural and legal authority at our feet. . . ."
"I long to hear that you have declared an independency -- and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.
That your Sex are Naturally Tyrannical is a Truth so thoroughly established as to admit of no dispute, but such of you as wish to be happy willingly give up the harsh title of Master for the more tender and endearing one of Friend. Why then, not put it out of the power of the vicious and the Lawless to use us with cruelty and indignity with impunity. Men of Sense in all Ages abhor those customs which treat us only as the vassals of your Sex. Regard us then as Beings placed by providence under your protection and in immitation of the Supreem Being make use of that power only for our happiness."
That Ipsos poll that just came out- one of the more reputable ones in the biz: women +14 for Harris. Men only +6 for Trump. Even feckless white women, well, they voted in 2020 +11 T and in this poll are +4 T. Women outvote men in every election. Do the math. (Oh also, same poll shows Trump down 4 points with white men)....
I stand firm in my belief that Kamala will win, and it won't be that close, popularly or electorally, for reasons I have enumerated at length in the comments previously. But I want to do a thought experiment and fast forward to next year- Harris and Walz are in the White House, and Trump is hopefully facing some legal consequences for his various and sundry perfidies. What does the GOP do? Are they able to course correct? Do they abandon the Stephen Millers and Heritage Foundations and retrench in the sort of conservatism one expects in a liberal democracy? Or do they read the tea leaves of the oligarch class and what this election has illuminated, and double down, find a new, more palatable version of Trump? What rough phoenix slouches towards Bethlehem to be born into the chasm?
I'm not allowing myself to ne at all optimistic until there's a final decision. But I feel like even if Harris wins, the GOP is now so corrupted by fascist and antidemocratic ideology that they'll just try again in 2028. If we don't collectively figure out how to climb out of this abyss, and recreate a sane opposition party, we will eventually have a fascist president, even if it's not Trump.
I think the GOP fundraises off of a "stolen" election and a "weaponized" justice system, unfortunately. Not much will change, because the inmates, ie, the voters, are running the asylum.
No question they double down. Citizens United has to be legislated out of existence. It's job one and may not be doable.
I worry that we may never know who really won. Trump may not wait this time but gum up the count from the get-go.
There was a lively discussion on Bluesky yesterday on this very subject—where does the GOP go from here? I read an article in the NYT recently that suggested Don Jr has been emerging as the second generation MAGA, that he already has more power than most of us realize. I suspect that what is left of my lifetime will not see the end of the movement Trump rode to power. He’s been an accelerant only. Hopefully a new right of center party emerges with someone like Liz Cheney at the head, and we can, the rest of us try to vote MAGA into irrelevance. I hope that first Harris wins and second she is sworn in, but I see the dangers that people like Timithy Snyder and Sarah Kendzior have warned about ever since Trump rode down his golden elevator. We have met the enemy, and he is us, truly. Kudos to JVL for explaining in the last two Triads why what Bezos did is so consequential and so despicable.
It should go into the dust bin and be replaced by something uplifting and hopeful, but too many people are attached to the brand and can't think outside of their box. That and Murdoch and the "think tanks" have too much invested and won't allow their audiences to wander so far. Propaganda works.
I appreciate your optimism, but I'm not confident in Harris' chances. Trump's machine has all kinds of plans steal the election away.
Black robes, perhaps?
Black robes find a way to send it back to congress. Congress people must vote in accordance with the kind of majorities present in their home state gov's. The majority of state gov's are Republican. So this elects Orange Florida Man.
Most swing states are not GOP controlled, most have at worst split legislatures and many have a Dem governor. So I think their chances of "stealing" votes, given the punishments accrued on those who tried in 2020, are slim. As for violence, well, Trump ain't the POTUS, Biden is. The National Guard is his to call in. FAFO, MAGAts.
I am not surrendering to the darkness. I've seen too much light this election, actually. Plus, polling is risible. And if I am wrong, well, at least booze and marijuana are legal in NJ for now.
Agree with these points, Jennifer.
Biden? Call in National Guard? Biden lives in alternate happy land. Too old and kind to do anything at all. If this was not the case: why has Elon gotten away with his crimes and affronts? What about violations of the Logan Act? Biden and DOA Garland are out having ice cream cones
I’m right there with you!!
Jennifer, that's what everybody wonders. Unfortunately many of us believe the Republicans will double down and find a new Manchurian candidate.
We are far from salvation. Th oligarchs put Vance in his Senate seat. The Bezos move—- most recent affront—- shows what will continue happen. Trump is all of the things he is but is also mentally degenerating. Vance is there with his launchpad oligarchs to carry out their mission. There is no pushback because the transformation has occurred.
Regarding Russian democratic institutions: what democratic institutions? There is a lengthy history in Russian of tyranny and feudalism that kept poor farmers trapped as serfs on the lands owned by the wealthy. From the time the Berlin Wall fell and Putin took over there were juvenile institutions found in a democracy, not strong robust ones found in a long term democracy. Russia has never had a chance to be a democracy.
I've long thought that DT's sons and Tucker will off the old man and take over with Vance.
Just like that.
They have one already, JD Vain.
He does not have the charisma for a retail politician, even of the demagogue type. I’m convinced it’s not only women he dislikes but rather people in general, and it shows.
I could argue that OCF never had "charisma" as a "retail politician", but your other points are well-taken. However, OCF, as a pathological narcisst, clearly does not like people more than he does himself, either.
I pray you are right. I heard someone else pray that in church this morning.
My hopium comes from my steadfast belief that women are gonna save us this election, because our lives are at stake. It's an Abigail Adams battle cry and white men should quake. Two quotes:
"I can not say that I think you very generous to the Ladies, for whilst you are proclaiming peace and good will to Men, Emancipating all Nations, you insist upon retaining an absolute power over Wives. But you must remember that Arbitary power is like most other things which are very hard, very liable to be broken—and notwithstanding all your wise Laws and Maxims we have it in our power not only to free ourselves but to subdue our Masters, and without voilence [sic] throw both your natural and legal authority at our feet. . . ."
"I long to hear that you have declared an independency -- and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.
That your Sex are Naturally Tyrannical is a Truth so thoroughly established as to admit of no dispute, but such of you as wish to be happy willingly give up the harsh title of Master for the more tender and endearing one of Friend. Why then, not put it out of the power of the vicious and the Lawless to use us with cruelty and indignity with impunity. Men of Sense in all Ages abhor those customs which treat us only as the vassals of your Sex. Regard us then as Beings placed by providence under your protection and in immitation of the Supreem Being make use of that power only for our happiness."
That Ipsos poll that just came out- one of the more reputable ones in the biz: women +14 for Harris. Men only +6 for Trump. Even feckless white women, well, they voted in 2020 +11 T and in this poll are +4 T. Women outvote men in every election. Do the math. (Oh also, same poll shows Trump down 4 points with white men)....