Yes one could say that the two parties disagree on the very nature of the threat to our Democracy. That's nice.
Or you could tell the truth. That one party believes in democracy and the other believes in autocracy... with a side order of violent revolution ... as needed.
Trump and his minions in red state offices are threats. See GA. Election bills or Arkansas refusal to have abortion amendment on ballot. The Democrats were right to show what a threat Trump and Project 2025
Where is Will Saletan? Now that Tim does not have him on the Bulwark podcast, is he regularly on any of the Bulwark podcasts? I miss his voice and perspective.
Trump has fancied himself as a "President-in-exile" so the "ju-jitsu" maneuvering of the Democrats is fair play. In never relinquishing the title - or the spotlight that covers it - he's made himself fair game, and given the Supreme Court's overwhelming impact on the political scene, the actual power of the Trump incumbency continues to linger. Still, as always, top-notch, spot-on analysis from Team Bulwark.
Sweet Baby Jesus, how do you compare and contrast policy details when this contest is down to our historic VALUES or NO values? We are choosing between a candidate who will sell our system and a candidate who won’t. Don’t New York Times this to death.
The DNC convention was about getting to know the candidates on the Democratic side. I am confident or the next 70+ days more details about the components of her plan and the people she pick to help her executed be revealed. Her speech last night was not the place to get into the nitty-gritty. I am confident we will see that in the days ahead.
I agree that advisors and Cabinet members are the key to Harris successfully implementing her policies. It's obvious to me that Harris will surround herself with competent, knowledgeable people. Trump, on the other hand, will surround himself with sycophants and yesmen who will tell him exactly what he wants to hear. Contrary to Trumpian myth the man is a fraud. It appears he failed Economics 101 and Terrifs 101. I doubt Trump and his advisors have the faintest idea how to finally solve the inflation issue. Yet, when inflation naturally resolves itself, Trump will be claiming, "Only I."
It is not rhetorical "Kamala-Jitsu" slight of hand that makes it reasonable to regard Trump as if he is an incumbent. It is the facts of Trump's words and deeds since the 2020 election that make it possible to do so. Donald Trump has trampled upon our political traditions that have, until now, been followed by presidents who were voted out of office. At least in my lifetime, three of them, Ford, Carter and George H. W. Bush, conceded their respective elections and proudly participated in peaceful transitions of power by willingly handing over all the power and authority of the office to their successors. But not Donald Trump. All of them, as I remember, did not interfere with or attack the new President as he went about his work. But, again, not Donald Trump. Recently, Donald Trump scuttled a bill in Congress that would have addressed problems at our southern border. If he has such great authority, then he should answer for how he uses it. If Donald Trump denies that he was voted out and by so doing retains presidential power at least in the minds of his supporters and then actually wields that power to interfere with the operations our duly elected government, it is only reasonable that we regard him, when it suits our purposes, as if he is an incumbent.
I feel his behavior as a private citizen interfering with the legislation pending in our Capitol and State Houses is pretty treasonous. He should also be prosecuted under the Logan Act for his interference with Netanyahu and Putin (and who knows who else? Xi? Kim? Orban?). He is a menace and should be held accountable.
Correct, amigo. Also recently reported that he reached out to Netanyahu to tamper with US efforts to broker a deal. Plus he claimed to exert influence over hostages held by Putin.
Truly wrong to believe he has some right to damage American national interests just to suit his "big man" fantasies. Low character.
I don't understand the obsession of the media over the lack of policy specifics. Well, I do understand, but the media doesn't get it - the American people may say that they want policy specifics but that is because that is what the media wants them to say. In fact, the American people want to elect someone who says what they want to hear and promises what they want promised. The American people are no more interested in policy specifics than they are in how gravity works. They know it sucks - what else is there to say?
Harris/Walz are smart to avoid policy specifics and talk in generalities about freedom and sanity and safety and opportunity. That is what the American people want - as long as it doesn't cost them too much to get it.
A peculiarity of this election is the segment of voters who actually do care about policy and pay attention to policy actions, but this time they're saying: "Just don't let the psychopath get back into power. We can focus on policy in the next election."
This is really an “are you better off than you were 8 years ago?” argument and I think it gets to the core of the matter. This is not a policy argument, it is a “look what Donald Trump did to the psyche of America” argument.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what people are calling “vibes” and it is really about personal empowerment. The core of Donald Trump’s message is that we are all victims of events larger than ourselves, and that only *I* (he) can help you. Donald says sit there on your couch and he’ll do all the heavy lifting.
The Harris message is that you personally are empowered to make change, and while she offers leadership and commits to trying to help out, ultimately it is *we* who are responsible for being the change we want. It grants you the license to feel empowered, not powerless.
Trump apparently never saw the Lego movie; his theme is Everything is AWFUL. Who wants to look at the world that way? Most people feel their world's not perfect but usually FAR from awful.
You guys are idiots of you think Trump is out of power. He meets and makes deals with our enemies. When foreign representatives come here he insists on meeting them. Who knows what deals he is making since he is not obligated to reveal his hidden agenda. To ignore Trump, literally the elephant in the room, would be stupid. Harris needs to convince the majority of the country that they shouldn't elect a liar and thief who acts like a mob boss because he is not only immoral and selfish, he is stupid too. I think the absolutely correct agenda was put forth.
Still, we must be careful not to engage with Trump with the policy of offering ad hominem comments instead of containing our statements to quantifying the facts before us and responding to those. See Plato, Republic book I, section 24 ( I believe) , the dialogue with Thrasymachus and the effects of commenting on the person and not the issues. It's the oldest trick in the book and we must be wary of basing our arguments on these personal comments. In doing so we are not lapsing into the game that Trump wants to play. He has no rational basis on which to proceed and as such his conclusions are not supported by reason which involves objectivity and listening as well as speaking and not ranting. We all now know whose Trump is and what he is. It would be wise not to ignore the observations made in Book I. It is exactly what is going on here.
A critical element of the convention for centrists like me was the reclamation by the Democratic Party of patriotism, unity and sober global leadership as central values. The Veep did much last night to help me trust the party as my new home.
I saw a lot at the convention for centrists to like. Patriotism, unity, and standing with democracy globally for sure, but also the peaceful transfer of power, the rule of law, all around decency, and common sense. The Democrats even bowed the knee before fiscal responsibility, talking about how insane it is to go into debt in order to transfer massive amounts of tax relief to those who need it least. The kind of spending that Democrats are talking about—the child tax credit, help for parents with newborns, family and medical leave—are aimed at everyone who takes on the daunting responsibility of raising children. The kind of nutty talk that comes out of Academia, which is often falsely attributed to Democrats, was conspicuous by its absence. It’s curious that Tim Walz of all people makes you feel at home, as he was the choice of the party’s left. But then, when you get down to it, how far left is school lunches? So welcome to the party, make yourself at home, there’s ample room for you here.
Yes one could say that the two parties disagree on the very nature of the threat to our Democracy. That's nice.
Or you could tell the truth. That one party believes in democracy and the other believes in autocracy... with a side order of violent revolution ... as needed.
Trump and his minions in red state offices are threats. See GA. Election bills or Arkansas refusal to have abortion amendment on ballot. The Democrats were right to show what a threat Trump and Project 2025
Where is Will Saletan? Now that Tim does not have him on the Bulwark podcast, is he regularly on any of the Bulwark podcasts? I miss his voice and perspective.
rfkjr+trump = idiots = MAGA. no calculator required. just use your brain.
Let's hear Michelle Obama's call everybody and get to work for Harris/Walz everybody: pedal to the metal for 75 days, LFG.
Trump has fancied himself as a "President-in-exile" so the "ju-jitsu" maneuvering of the Democrats is fair play. In never relinquishing the title - or the spotlight that covers it - he's made himself fair game, and given the Supreme Court's overwhelming impact on the political scene, the actual power of the Trump incumbency continues to linger. Still, as always, top-notch, spot-on analysis from Team Bulwark.
Sweet Baby Jesus, how do you compare and contrast policy details when this contest is down to our historic VALUES or NO values? We are choosing between a candidate who will sell our system and a candidate who won’t. Don’t New York Times this to death.
The DNC convention was about getting to know the candidates on the Democratic side. I am confident or the next 70+ days more details about the components of her plan and the people she pick to help her executed be revealed. Her speech last night was not the place to get into the nitty-gritty. I am confident we will see that in the days ahead.
I agree that advisors and Cabinet members are the key to Harris successfully implementing her policies. It's obvious to me that Harris will surround herself with competent, knowledgeable people. Trump, on the other hand, will surround himself with sycophants and yesmen who will tell him exactly what he wants to hear. Contrary to Trumpian myth the man is a fraud. It appears he failed Economics 101 and Terrifs 101. I doubt Trump and his advisors have the faintest idea how to finally solve the inflation issue. Yet, when inflation naturally resolves itself, Trump will be claiming, "Only I."
I feel like the bear cub and eating a dog and going to Peter Luger covered with bear blood might make him a little…germy…for Donald.
It is not rhetorical "Kamala-Jitsu" slight of hand that makes it reasonable to regard Trump as if he is an incumbent. It is the facts of Trump's words and deeds since the 2020 election that make it possible to do so. Donald Trump has trampled upon our political traditions that have, until now, been followed by presidents who were voted out of office. At least in my lifetime, three of them, Ford, Carter and George H. W. Bush, conceded their respective elections and proudly participated in peaceful transitions of power by willingly handing over all the power and authority of the office to their successors. But not Donald Trump. All of them, as I remember, did not interfere with or attack the new President as he went about his work. But, again, not Donald Trump. Recently, Donald Trump scuttled a bill in Congress that would have addressed problems at our southern border. If he has such great authority, then he should answer for how he uses it. If Donald Trump denies that he was voted out and by so doing retains presidential power at least in the minds of his supporters and then actually wields that power to interfere with the operations our duly elected government, it is only reasonable that we regard him, when it suits our purposes, as if he is an incumbent.
I feel his behavior as a private citizen interfering with the legislation pending in our Capitol and State Houses is pretty treasonous. He should also be prosecuted under the Logan Act for his interference with Netanyahu and Putin (and who knows who else? Xi? Kim? Orban?). He is a menace and should be held accountable.
Correct, amigo. Also recently reported that he reached out to Netanyahu to tamper with US efforts to broker a deal. Plus he claimed to exert influence over hostages held by Putin.
Truly wrong to believe he has some right to damage American national interests just to suit his "big man" fantasies. Low character.
I don't understand the obsession of the media over the lack of policy specifics. Well, I do understand, but the media doesn't get it - the American people may say that they want policy specifics but that is because that is what the media wants them to say. In fact, the American people want to elect someone who says what they want to hear and promises what they want promised. The American people are no more interested in policy specifics than they are in how gravity works. They know it sucks - what else is there to say?
Harris/Walz are smart to avoid policy specifics and talk in generalities about freedom and sanity and safety and opportunity. That is what the American people want - as long as it doesn't cost them too much to get it.
A peculiarity of this election is the segment of voters who actually do care about policy and pay attention to policy actions, but this time they're saying: "Just don't let the psychopath get back into power. We can focus on policy in the next election."
Policy #1 is respect the Constitution!
If a candidate isn't on board with that, I'm not too interested in their thoughts about fiscal stimulus and distortionary taxation 🙂
This is really an “are you better off than you were 8 years ago?” argument and I think it gets to the core of the matter. This is not a policy argument, it is a “look what Donald Trump did to the psyche of America” argument.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what people are calling “vibes” and it is really about personal empowerment. The core of Donald Trump’s message is that we are all victims of events larger than ourselves, and that only *I* (he) can help you. Donald says sit there on your couch and he’ll do all the heavy lifting.
The Harris message is that you personally are empowered to make change, and while she offers leadership and commits to trying to help out, ultimately it is *we* who are responsible for being the change we want. It grants you the license to feel empowered, not powerless.
Yep, we can be the change we've been waiting for!
Trump apparently never saw the Lego movie; his theme is Everything is AWFUL. Who wants to look at the world that way? Most people feel their world's not perfect but usually FAR from awful.
Great photo at the top: A Jew, a Black/South Asian, and two Hot Dishes. Ain’t that America!?
...for you and me, baby 🎼
You guys are idiots of you think Trump is out of power. He meets and makes deals with our enemies. When foreign representatives come here he insists on meeting them. Who knows what deals he is making since he is not obligated to reveal his hidden agenda. To ignore Trump, literally the elephant in the room, would be stupid. Harris needs to convince the majority of the country that they shouldn't elect a liar and thief who acts like a mob boss because he is not only immoral and selfish, he is stupid too. I think the absolutely correct agenda was put forth.
Still, we must be careful not to engage with Trump with the policy of offering ad hominem comments instead of containing our statements to quantifying the facts before us and responding to those. See Plato, Republic book I, section 24 ( I believe) , the dialogue with Thrasymachus and the effects of commenting on the person and not the issues. It's the oldest trick in the book and we must be wary of basing our arguments on these personal comments. In doing so we are not lapsing into the game that Trump wants to play. He has no rational basis on which to proceed and as such his conclusions are not supported by reason which involves objectivity and listening as well as speaking and not ranting. We all now know whose Trump is and what he is. It would be wise not to ignore the observations made in Book I. It is exactly what is going on here.
A critical element of the convention for centrists like me was the reclamation by the Democratic Party of patriotism, unity and sober global leadership as central values. The Veep did much last night to help me trust the party as my new home.
Welcome home.
I saw a lot at the convention for centrists to like. Patriotism, unity, and standing with democracy globally for sure, but also the peaceful transfer of power, the rule of law, all around decency, and common sense. The Democrats even bowed the knee before fiscal responsibility, talking about how insane it is to go into debt in order to transfer massive amounts of tax relief to those who need it least. The kind of spending that Democrats are talking about—the child tax credit, help for parents with newborns, family and medical leave—are aimed at everyone who takes on the daunting responsibility of raising children. The kind of nutty talk that comes out of Academia, which is often falsely attributed to Democrats, was conspicuous by its absence. It’s curious that Tim Walz of all people makes you feel at home, as he was the choice of the party’s left. But then, when you get down to it, how far left is school lunches? So welcome to the party, make yourself at home, there’s ample room for you here.
Thank you - well said!