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Wednesday Open Thread

My current prediction: Trump will lose in a landslide. But that will only matter to him if the popular vote difference is huge. So no matter where you live, even if it's in a blue state, please VOTE against Donald Trump. Any popularily shown to Trump will be taken as a sign by his undeserving children that they are heirs to his current position.

I am busy all afternoon -- time for a new open thread, all topics welcome.

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    Agreed... (5.00 / 3) (#1)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 01:50:53 PM EST
    normally a third-party "none of the above" voter from a safe blue state where such liberties are typically granted.

    But these times are nothing but typical...I will be holding my nose and voting for f*cking Joe Biden of all people in the hopes of contributing to a landslide popular vote defeat for that vile man, and any kind of crooked electoral college defeat of that vile man and everything he f*cking stands for.

    Never thought I'd see the day I'd vote for a Joe Biden...but this country needs to send a message to its people, its (supposedly) conservative party, and the world that this horrendous sh&t can never again be tolerated.

    Once we flush the toilet, then we can work on making the Democrats respectable.  Like getting rid of Schumer and Feinstein...and Biden! lol

    Your comment (none / 0) (#8)
    by MO Blue on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 02:42:49 PM EST
    pretty much mirrors my position on this election except I'm in a red state which means my vote will only count in the popular vote.

    Parent
    I voted with both of you for Harris (none / 0) (#36)
    by Towanda on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 05:30:18 PM EST
    in Wisconsin, so consider yourselves honorary swing staters who made a difference.

    And you don't even have to endure the nonstop phone calls, ads, texts, and more.

    Seriously, though, every vote in your states matter, too, so that we can see a popular vote that persuades the populace to not endure court battles, too. Read the Kavanaugh opinion on the case from Wisconsin and worry.

    Parent

    I actually got numerous (none / 0) (#39)
    by MO Blue on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 05:49:23 PM EST
    robo calls from Biden. I wish he had toned down the volume on his calls. I'm slightly hard of hearing and the volume of what I heard before hanging up was too much. I think he could tone down his volume on his speeches as well.

    We get ads from both parties as well. Most of the Republican ads tend to be dark with ominous music and messages of the horrors of a Democratic takeover of the state and Federal government.

    Parent

    Lots of calls and texts and mailers to (none / 0) (#55)
    by oculus on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 09:13:39 PM EST
    Me in CA.

    Parent
    Your vote in red state (none / 0) (#65)
    by Coral on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 04:48:14 AM EST
    is important. The closer the margin, the better. Send GOP a message. No more Trumps (or Trump types).

    Parent
    Sorry... Link to article below. (5.00 / 2) (#6)
    by vml68 on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 02:40:03 PM EST
    It is pretty bad (revealing) (none / 0) (#9)
    by MO Blue on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 02:48:45 PM EST
    that people have to ask if this is a joke. Someone couldn't possibly this dumb, right.  ( Well not proven when discussing Some Trump supporters).

    Parent
    They totally could be (none / 0) (#11)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 02:53:13 PM EST
    the stuff coming out of their mouths in the last few days...

    I'm starting to think re-education camps might be needed.   I might come out of retirement if I could work in one.  

    Parent

    It's scary... (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 03:04:17 PM EST
    and sometimes from otherwise decent and reasonably intelligent people...which is more mind-boggling than the proud to be dumb and indecent cult members.

    The internet...leaning more towards curse than blessing by the day. Specifically the anti-social media segment of the internet...a plague on humanity.

    Parent

    It is (none / 0) (#15)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 03:07:39 PM EST
    I have heard people I had previously thought were smart normal people.  Educated people.  Advanced degrees.  Normal lives.  Good neighbors.  Say sh!t that was absolutely shocking.  Stunning.  Frighteningly uninformed and fascist.  

    Parent
    Ever wonder... (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 03:19:06 PM EST
    if it was always this way only today people are more prone to share such lunatic opinions and views? Where as in the past it was considered impolite and bad form to talk politics too much?

    I would have never guessed co-workers,  acquaintances, and even a few dear friends and family had so much darkness in them till Trump came along.

    Parent

    Ha (none / 0) (#20)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 03:32:19 PM EST
    See below

    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#33)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 04:58:41 PM EST
    I have been shocked at how many black hearts I have found reside among friends and family.

    Parent
    My next door neighbors and (none / 0) (#18)
    by vml68 on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 03:26:33 PM EST
    husband's colleagues are as you describe. I can kind of understand them being Republican but being a Tr*mper is completely unfathomable to me.
    Unfortunately, I have become a bit reactionary so when husband repeats some of their cr@p, we get into an argument.
    He voted a straight dem ticket and yet when he said, "you know Biden is going to raise our taxes", I just about bit his head off. I can't wait for this nightmare to end so I can go back to being a somewhat normal human being again.

    Parent
    It's causing me some home strife... (none / 0) (#22)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 03:41:25 PM EST
    with my old lady too...over my lifelong friends who are Trumpers.  We went to a birthday party pre-Covid for one of them and the crazy bastard actually has throw pillows on his couch with pictures of Trump on them.  

    My girlfriend was horrified and wanted to go home IMMEDIATELY.  Her being the only black person there did not help matters.  Capital A awkward.

    But she actually likes him and his wife and enjoys their company as long as politics doesn't come up and it's not at their house with those god-forsaken pillows...so gross.

    Parent

    But if he has Tr*mp throw-pillows (5.00 / 5) (#24)
    by Peter G on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 04:05:08 PM EST
    on his couch, that means you and your g/f get to sit on Tr*mp's face when you visit. Doesn't that make it almost worth it?

    Parent
    Her ass too fine... (5.00 / 2) (#26)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 04:16:45 PM EST
    for such an ugly mug!

    And Trump never got that kinda action without paying for it.

    Parent

    Especially (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by FlJoe on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 04:24:20 PM EST
    if beans are on the menu.

    Parent
    It might be less frightening (none / 0) (#19)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 03:31:34 PM EST
    if there was an ideology.  You know, something.  Anything besides naked hate and cruelty. I guess I'm saying the thin veneer of "policy" that the right has used to push their regressive ideas forever is what I (we) had become comfortable with and accustomed to.

    We are shocked when he says the quiet part out loud.  Which is the heart of it I think.  It lets them say the quiet part out loud and think it's ok.  Which is their idea of nirvana.

    But Trumpism is not new.  They have always been there.  It's been quietly and diligently cultivated by republicans but not openly discussed in polite company all my life.  Trump is just its full blossoming.  Like that giant flower that takes years to bloom and smells like carrion.  Ok if you want to attract flies and scavengers.

    Parent

    BTW (none / 0) (#21)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 03:37:33 PM EST
    Trumps single achievement is seeing that.  In recognizing the hate and resentment, maybe because there is so much in him, and instantly seeing it as political currency.

    Parent
    Guardian (none / 0) (#35)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 05:24:03 PM EST
    "The Republican party has become dramatically more illiberal in the past two decades and now more closely resembles ruling parties in autocratic societies than its former center-right equivalents in Europe, according to a new international study."

    "In a significant shift since 2000, the GOP has taken to demonising and encouraging violence against its opponents, adopting attitudes and tactics comparable to ruling nationalist parties in Hungary, India, Poland and Turkey."

    "By contrast the Democratic party has changed little in its attachment to democratic norms, and in that regard has remained similar to centre-right and centre-left parties in western Europe. Their principal difference is the approach to the economy."

    link

    Parent

    I have always rejected (none / 0) (#13)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 03:01:01 PM EST
    The idea having a degree made you smart or not having it be means the opposite.

    Since I don't have one.  I'm rethinking.  Maybe smarter.  On average.

    Parent

    I see Trumpers (none / 0) (#12)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 02:58:21 PM EST
    on facebook posting from satire sites believing it is factual.

    Parent
    I think you might enjoy this little clip from her. (5.00 / 2) (#16)
    by vml68 on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 03:08:34 PM EST
    Wow. Just wow. (none / 0) (#28)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 04:27:22 PM EST
    If someone had shown me that clip without context, I would have sworn it was some kind of spoof. Something from a sketch show. How are people that ignorant allowed to leave the home? Does someone else dress them? Are they allowed to use real utensils or only plastic? It is frightening that someone that clueless and stupid is allowed to vote. "Tom Hanks is in Greece being a pedophile." Holy cr@p!

    Parent
    ChuckO, it was a parody :-) (none / 0) (#32)
    by vml68 on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 04:54:29 PM EST
    We've all heard such insane stuff from the Tr*mpers that it's hard to tell when it is a spoof.

    Parent
    I thought that the writing, the acting and (5.00 / 2) (#41)
    by Peter G on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 06:14:17 PM EST
    the editing were all totally brilliant.

    Parent
    Her name is apparently (none / 0) (#42)
    by Peter G on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 06:16:53 PM EST
    This (none / 0) (#34)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 05:10:59 PM EST
    is not a parody

    And this is not

    And this is not

    And, how much time do you have?

    Parent

    Now I feel kind of dumb. (none / 0) (#49)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 08:19:03 PM EST
    The clip was not unlike others I've seen. Many interviews with the cultists are simpatico to the link you gave. Look at the stuff CaptHowdy linked to. I went for it hook line and sinker. Call me gullible.


    Parent
    I did not know it was a parody (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 08:55:26 PM EST
    but I became suspicious when she got to the part about how there would not be so many unconscious old people if you were not counting them.

    So I checked.  But it was very believable.  

    Parent

    I would have fallen for it, too, if I was not (none / 0) (#103)
    by vml68 on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 12:08:19 PM EST
    This is what loyalty to the Tr*mpenfuhrer gets (5.00 / 1) (#70)
    by vml68 on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 08:24:53 AM EST
    Hopefully the US follows (5.00 / 2) (#131)
    by MO Blue on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 10:39:08 AM EST
    Now they need to set the dumpster on fire, (5.00 / 1) (#132)
    by leap on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 11:05:06 AM EST
    so we can all watch the fat-wax melt and flow into the gutter.

    Parent
    Trump is (5.00 / 1) (#134)
    by KeysDan on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 12:12:45 PM EST
    home at last.

    Ich bin en Berliner.

    Parent

    So, we (5.00 / 1) (#135)
    by Zorba on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 02:51:23 PM EST
    dropped off our ballots the week before last at the secure drop-off box at the county Board of Elections, got emails a day later that they were received, and got emails today that our votes have been counted!
    Yay, Maryland!  Way to go!

    Drove (none / 0) (#140)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 06:16:26 PM EST
    down to Atlanta today and went to lunch with my son and got his ballot. We did not ask him who he voted for but I know he loathes Trump. In his case it would be between the Libertarian candidate and Biden. I'm pretty sure he voted for Ossoff though and probably blue the rest of the way down the ticket.

    Parent
    We're a an all-mail voting state. (none / 0) (#147)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 10:26:48 PM EST
    There's a ballot drop-box literally 200 ft. from my office in the County Building, which I put to good use two weeks ago. Since then, we've been going to phone-banks to call Democrats in Arizona and Nevada, urging them to get their ballots in.

    John Ralston of the Nevada Independent says that turnout is so heavy in Las Vegas and Clark County (where 75% of Nevada residents live) that Democrats have a pretty robust firewall in place as a result. Most of the Nevada vote is already in.

    Out here in the islands, if Trump breaks 35% I'll be very surprised. Personally, I don't think he'll break 30%.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Howdy (5.00 / 1) (#139)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 06:14:00 PM EST
    you were right about the doctors and COVID thing. HS classmate that was a big Trumper and a pharmacist is not now due to the fact that he is accusing medical professionals of regularly committing fraud.

    Since many Trumpers (5.00 / 2) (#141)
    by MO Blue on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 07:26:36 PM EST
    plan to vote on Election Day, there are still two more days for Trump to tick off one or two more groups enough for them to change their vote. Also, time for more of his rally attendees to get too sick from Covid-19 to make it to the polls.

    Karma might just prove that Trump was ill advised to tell his supporters to wait until Election Day to vote. ROTFLMAO.

    Parent

    I have (none / 0) (#150)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 07:31:03 AM EST
    commented a number of times that Trump apparently wants to kill off his own voters. As far as voting on election day, for some reason the NRSC thinks that we're voting for Trump and keeps calling us to vote early. So while Trump may have been exhorting people to vote on Tuesday the national republican committees appear to be encouraging otherwise. As far as anecdotal goes I would say they are voting early and not waiting as it seems most Trumpers in my neck of the woods have declared on the Facebook page that they have already voted.

    Parent
    I think it's more (none / 0) (#155)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 08:16:04 AM EST
    that he simply doesn't care one way or the other.  To him they have one purpose.   To vote for him.  After that, meh.

    I saw a political cartoon that said "Mr President, 700 people have died from going to your rallies"

    Trump, "I hope they voted first"

    Parent

    If the rallies don't get them (none / 0) (#152)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 07:34:19 AM EST
    Ok, so I am not one to throw around (5.00 / 3) (#149)
    by Peter G on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 11:48:30 PM EST
    the accusation of "fascist." But these are brownshirt tactics. I don't know any other way to put it. And about a half dozen federal and Texas state crimes.

    Trumpism, in my view, is a fascist (5.00 / 2) (#157)
    by KeysDan on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 09:58:36 AM EST
    social, cultural and political movement. True there is no state management of the economy, but Trump's use of fascist political and cultist tactics has been glaringly apparent--from the time he came down the escalator to giving up on Covid 19. Let'm die, they are only oldtimers and minorities. I don't care, do you? is evident beyond an item of apparel.

    He has embraced a willingness to use physical violence. with thugs and operatives in and out of his government. Some like Stephen Miller aspiring to wear white robes, others in black robes, like Alito and Thomas.    

    Parent

    Please Use a Different Word (none / 0) (#158)
    by RickyJim on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 10:31:17 AM EST
    As Orwell wrote back in 1944
    It will be seen that, as used, the word `Fascism' is almost entirely meaningless. In conversation, of course, it is used even more wildly than in print. I have heard it applied to farmers, shopkeepers, Social Credit, corporal punishment, fox-hunting, bull-fighting, the 1922 Committee, the 1941 Committee, Kipling, Gandhi, Chiang Kai-Shek, homosexuality, Priestley's broadcasts, Youth Hostels, astrology, women, dogs and I do not know what else.
     I think "authoritarian" may be better.  It's use to describe Trump and his followers is well explored in the recent book by Bob Altemeyer and John Dean, "Authoritarian Nightmare."  Altemeyer is a psychologist who has been researching RWA (right wing authoritarianism) for many years.

    Parent
    You do know that many of his supporters (5.00 / 1) (#159)
    by MO Blue on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 11:16:22 AM EST
    Proudly embrace "fascism."

    Parent
    "Authoritarian" does not describe (5.00 / 3) (#163)
    by Peter G on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 12:13:26 PM EST
    the particular tactic of an organized mob of non-governmental actors using violence and direct threats of violence to prevent fellow citizens whose political program they oppose from traveling, gathering and speaking, to rally support in an election. That is specifically a kind of behavior I do not remember seeing or hearing of, other than by the Nazi brownshirts before they took power. As indicated by my introductory phrase I agree with Orwell that the term "fascist" is too often thrown around too easily. That does not mean it never applies.

    Parent
    Circumscribing Trumpism (5.00 / 3) (#164)
    by KeysDan on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 12:29:50 PM EST
    as "authoritarianism" is, in my opinion, inapt. Authoritarianism is among characteristics of fascism, and Trump, himself, leans toward being an authoritarian.

    However, a foundational principle of fascism, not automatically one of authoritarianism, is the tenet that the nation must and will be reborn, or made great again. And, rather than working for concrete solutions or crafting policies to address economic, political, and social problems, fascists lead by diverting attention and scapegoating.  

    Public support is gained by elevating the need for rebirth to a virtual religion.  Problems have been created by the other and the nation has been victimized by them. Ridding the other is the goal of problem solving. Fascists encourage, even applaud, cultist extremist right wing followers.

    Perhaps a new Trumpian strain to be referred to as "neo-fascism", but I prefer the original non-hyphenated, albeit with the understanding that it is absent, at present, some of its features. But, I have observed enough at this point to make the point.

    Parent

    They know how t please the boss (none / 0) (#154)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 07:40:00 AM EST
    President Trump posted video of his supporters surrounding a Biden-Harris campaign bus with the comment, "I LOVE TEXAS!"

    Witnesses told the New York Times the Trump supporters were trying to force the bus off the road.



    Parent
    I found it to be reminiscent of (none / 0) (#161)
    by Chuck0 on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 12:05:01 PM EST
    what happened to the Freedom Riders in Mississippi and Alabama in the 60s. The only part they failed to do was drag anyone off the bus and beat them on the side of the road.

    Parent
    FBI (none / 0) (#168)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 05:16:36 PM EST
    The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into a Friday incident in which a group of Trump supporters, driving trucks and waving Trump flags, surrounded and followed a Biden campaign bus as it drove up I-35 in Hays County, a law enforcement official confirmed to The Texas Tribune Saturday.

    link

    Parent

    Here is a sampler of what the FBI may be (none / 0) (#172)
    by Peter G on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 06:06:52 PM EST
    looking at: conspiracy to interfere with the exercise of federally protected rights, 18 USC 241 (i.e., the Ku Klux Act of 1870), which -- if kidnapping is involved, as it is here -- carries a potential life sentence; interference with the right to campaign for federal office, 18 USC 245(b)(1)(A), which again when it involves attempted kidnapping, permits a sentence of up to life imprisonment.

    Parent
    Trump caravans are (none / 0) (#175)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 06:14:52 PM EST
    Blocking roads and bridges all over

    this is NY and NJ

    but there are other reports.  More of this stuff will happen.  And worse I'm afraid.

    Parent

    That's scary (none / 0) (#176)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 06:32:05 PM EST
    and I'm not worried about NY and NJ. The margins are high enough where they won't be able to change the outcome. However it is something serious in states like GA. However if they tried this stunt on 285 or 75 or 85 in Atlanta when trucks are trying to make deliveries and people are trying to get to work they'd likely be roadkill in short order.

    Parent
    This is the top story on RawStory (none / 0) (#177)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 06:41:00 PM EST
    The man who organized the Indianapolis Trump Train this weekend explained that his effort was really an effort to make people "late" to the polls or inconvenience them.

    "Basically, our message is simple, we support the president, we support law enforcement, we believe in God, and we think the best way to show our support is to create traffic," he explained. "If we can make somebody late for something, then we've shown our support."



    Parent
    I wonder (none / 0) (#179)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 07:02:10 PM EST
    if this is legal?

    Parent
    Obstructing traffic (none / 0) (#182)
    by Peter G on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 09:14:48 PM EST
    is a (minor) offense everywhere. There is some First Amendment leeway against strict enforcement of those laws to the extent they may conflict with the right of peaceable assembly (marching, rallying, picketing, etc.).

    Parent
    Somebody Please Explain to Me (none / 0) (#178)
    by RickyJim on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 06:54:46 PM EST
    why the people doing this think they are hurting Biden voters more than Trump voters.  

    Parent
    Clearly these people (none / 0) (#180)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 07:02:58 PM EST
    Are not the brightest bulbs.  I mean, license plates?  You know their is one on your car, right?

    I was just reading about how militia groups have all these big plans for Election Day.  How their on line chatter has gone through the roof.  Do these people seriously not know the FBI is reading every FB rant?

    I really think the FBI is going to be more ready for this than they expect them to be.  I hope so anyway.

    Parent

    Interesting thought (none / 0) (#181)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 07:03:08 PM EST
    since Trump voters are the ones that are supposed to be showing up on election day not Biden voters. This may end up being another massive self own.

    Parent
    When I check the details of the action (none / 0) (#187)
    by Peter G on Mon Nov 02, 2020 at 08:32:22 AM EST
    in New Jersey -- that the obstruction of the Garden State Parkway began at Lakewood and then continued north onto the Mario Cuomo Bridge (formerly the Tappan Zee Bridge, which should have been renamed the Pete Seeger Bridge, not for Cuomo), and crossing a state line, BTW (hello, FBI) -- I suspect the New Jersey branch of the same ultra-orthodox Jewish sect that conducted the similar pro-Tr*mp caravan through NYC last week. Lakewood is their home base, and there are not that many Tr*mpsters in northern NJ otherwise.

    Parent
    I should also have mentioned (none / 0) (#186)
    by Peter G on Mon Nov 02, 2020 at 08:25:39 AM EST
    the federal Anti-Riot Act, 18 USC 2101-2102.

    Parent
    Anonymous (none / 0) (#2)
    by FlJoe on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 02:16:36 PM EST
    is Miles Taylor a former Homeland security official.

    I was in mid comment (none / 0) (#3)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 02:17:58 PM EST
    When this happened.

    As I said, wait, who?

    Parent

    Anonymous (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 02:21:48 PM EST
    a·non·y·mous
    əˈnänəməs
    adjective
    (of a person) unknown name

    Dudes still "anonymous" kind of.

    Parent

    I know a lot of these people were (none / 0) (#5)
    by vml68 on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 02:35:31 PM EST
    elderly and I should feel sorry for them but, honestly, I just don't give a f*@k anymore.

    Trump Supporters Were Hospitalized After Being Stranded In The Freezing Cold At A Rally In Nebraska

    Yeah (none / 0) (#7)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 02:40:40 PM EST
    I read something about how there were no buses because Trump's credit card kept getting declined. Apparently they found a way to pay the bus company after a couple of hours.

    Parent
    The Omaha cos (none / 0) (#37)
    by Towanda on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 05:38:08 PM EST
    called the city bus system, city buses, not Trump buses.

    That added a lot to the municipal bill that he won't pay.

    Parent

    *cops* (none / 0) (#38)
    by Towanda on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 05:39:00 PM EST
    Oh, boy (none / 0) (#40)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 05:50:54 PM EST
    the "gubmint" had to bail another Trump failure out.Yes, they will never see that money nor will any of the other cities that Trump owes money to.  

    Parent
    The phrase... (none / 0) (#10)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 02:50:18 PM EST
    "play stupid games, win stupid prizes" comes to mind.

    Perfect example of how little Trump thinks of his cult-followers to now insure everybody got home safe...but I'm sure in their warped minds "the libruls" stole the shuttle buses and moved their parked cars to different locations while on break from plotting to take their guns away.

    Parent

    I thought Wray looked uncomfortable (none / 0) (#23)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 04:03:21 PM EST

    Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe went off script when he alleged during a press conference last week that Iran was sending intimidating emails to Americans in order to "damage President Trump," Politico reports.

    The reference to Trump was not in Ratcliffe's prepared remarks about the foreign election interference, as shown to and signed off by FBI Director Chris Wray.



    The SC just said no to the republicans (none / 0) (#25)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 04:12:53 PM EST
    In Pennsylvania. 5-3 ACB recused.

    Not correct. The Supreme Court denied the Rs' (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by Peter G on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 07:04:43 PM EST
    motion to decide the case prior to Election Day, that's all. There was no noted dissent. Apparently because it would not really be possible to do so in the careful way that the Court operates. Barrett "did not participate," which could mean that she recused, but not necessarily. Alito (joined by Thomas and Gorsuch) opined that it appears to them that the PA Supreme Court probably violated the U.S. Constitution's assignment of election rule-making to State Legislatures by requiring that the PA Legislature set rules for the election that do not violate the PA Constitution's guarantee of "free and equal" elections. The order mentions that additional opinions (perhaps from Kavanaugh or Kagan) "may follow."

    Parent
    Perhaps I worded it wrong (none / 0) (#45)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 07:10:48 PM EST
    But that what I meant.  They said no.  To hearing the case.  In fact I think Pete Williams said "did not participate".  I said recuse.

    Just noting the news.  There are plenty of lawyers to correct me.


    Parent

    They did not say no to hearing the case (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by Peter G on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 07:41:53 PM EST
    They said no to deciding before Election Day. They may yet take the case, expedite decisionmaking, and issue an opinion prior to the certification of the final vote and appointment of electors (mid-December), which was the Bush v Gore schedule. Meanwhile, ballots received between 8 pm Tuesday of next week and 5 pm Friday (the extra window that the state court allowed) are to be counted, but then set aside and kept separate in case they need to be invalidated later. The threat remains. If you heard differently on TV, the reporter got it wrong.

    Parent
    What I heard was about 15 seconds long (none / 0) (#47)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 07:50:47 PM EST
    Thanks for the longer explanation.  

    Parent
    Perhaps leave it to the lawyers. (none / 0) (#56)
    by oculus on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 09:18:50 PM EST
    Actually (none / 0) (#57)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 09:50:45 PM EST
    I think Pete Williams is a lawyer

    Parent
    Alito et al. (none / 0) (#50)
    by KeysDan on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 08:26:02 PM EST
    seem to be saying that  while not expediting the case as requested by the Republicans, we leave the possibility open that votes cast legally and in accord with rules at this time may be found to be invalid later.   Or, maybe just if the results are close for Republican candidates we need to reserve the right.

    Short term.  No longer vote by mail.  Drop box or hand deliver to election officials.  Or in person.

    Longer term.  Re-balance the Court, counter the Republican  hacks.

    Parent

    They have been saying (none / 0) (#51)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 08:31:15 PM EST
    for a couple of days it's to late to mail.  Drop off.

    Amazing to me so many millions of absentee ballots have still not been returned.  Half in some places I heard earlier today.  

    I returned mine the next day.  

    Parent

    Just popped up (none / 0) (#52)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 08:33:24 PM EST

    Millions of Mail Ballots Have Not Been Returned Yet

    October 28, 2020 at 9:30 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 21 Comments

    "Amid a record surge in early voting, millions of mail ballots remained unreturned Wednesday, prompting a flurry of warnings from election officials that ballots sent via the U.S. Postal Service at this point may not arrive in time to be counted," the Washington Post reports.



    Parent
    Not sure if this applies (none / 0) (#59)
    by MO Blue on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 10:24:01 PM EST
    I requested an absentee ballot but with all the hoopla about DeJoy mucking up the Post Office, I chose to vote early at the Board of Elections instead. Not sure if my original ballot would be included in the number of absentee ballots not returned.

    Parent
    There was comments suggesting (none / 0) (#61)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 12:10:46 AM EST
    that was part of the problem in the thread from the political wire site I quoted.  I guess it's hard to tell at this point.

    Parent
    My son (none / 0) (#63)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 04:39:33 AM EST
    in college in Atlanta has not returned his ballot. Here's the crazy thing the nearest post office is 10 miles away and he did not take his car to college. So instead of bringing him up here to vote and having him hand in his ballot we are driving down to Atlanta on Saturday and having lunch and then bringing his ballot back with us and dropping it in the box for him. I don't know how many other students and voters are in this same position.

    FWIW the Trumper son and daughter in law are not voting in this election. They have given up on politics and voting sorry to say. Glad they're not voting for Trump but hate that they have basically given up on participating in democracy because of Trump.

    Parent

    Are you allowed to do that in GA? (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 04:46:52 AM EST
    In PA, you cannot drop off someone else's ballot. I had to hobble into the county bldg on my own to drop ballot even though my wife had just walked hers in.

    Parent
    Yes (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 04:52:10 AM EST
    as long as it is a "trusted" individual. I dropped off the ballot for my husband and I made him make sure it was legal that I could do it.

    Parent
    Here are the requirements (none / 0) (#68)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 04:56:41 AM EST
    in GA
    Mailing or delivery may be made by the elector's mother, father, grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, spouse, son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandchild, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, or an individual residing in the household of such elector. The absentee ballot of a disabled elector may be mailed or delivered by the caregiver of such disabled elector, regardless of whether such caregiver resides in such disabled elector's household. The absentee ballot of an elector who is in custody in a jail or other detention facility may be mailed or delivered by any employee of such jail or facility having custody of such elector.


    Parent
    You sure? (none / 0) (#97)
    by smott on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 08:26:23 AM EST
    I dropped off my ballot at the Allegheny county election office and they just took it, no need for ID

    Parent
    Allegheny County, Georgia? (none / 0) (#99)
    by Peter G on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 09:20:21 AM EST
    The procedural rules for elections are state-by-state, which is actually mandated by the U.S. Constitution to be principally a state, not a national function. Unless you are in the same state as GA6, there is no reason to expect the procedures to be the same.

    Parent
    Didn't have to show ID. (none / 0) (#105)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 02:52:08 PM EST
    But the dropboxes are monitored. You can't drop two ballots into the dropbox. There has already been some hoopla over that supposedly happening in Philly. Cultists in Philly were videoing drop boxes and making claims of people dropping off multiple ballots.

    I agree it's silly. Had we chosen to mail them, my wife would have taken both ballots to the post office and dropped them into the outgoing mail slot. But taking them downtown, we had to each go in to drop them in the box.

    Parent

    To rehear: (none / 0) (#29)
    by KeysDan on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 04:40:32 PM EST
    Thomas, Alito and Kavanaugh.  After the Monday night White House Confirmation soiree where Trump and Barrett looked like Mussolini and Clara on the balcony, Roberts must have advised ACB: bad optics, lay low.

    Parent
    Somehow (5.00 / 3) (#60)
    by MO Blue on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 10:32:35 PM EST
    It really irritates me that Barrett is referred to by her 3 initials. RBG...she will never fill her shoes.

    Parent
    Lay low (none / 0) (#30)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 04:44:24 PM EST
    No point.  That's exactly what I thought.  4-4 would have yielded the same result.  Best keep your powder dry.

    Parent
    5-4 (none / 0) (#31)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 04:45:30 PM EST
    The Secretary (none / 0) (#43)
    by KeysDan on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 06:26:43 PM EST
    of State of Vermont has officially requested Justice Kavanaugh   to correct his  incorrect reference to a Vermont election law cited in his opinion on the Wisconsin election case.  Kavanaugh  used the reference in justifying his opinion.

    Sloppy and embarrassing.

    Parent

    In an extraordinary (none / 0) (#78)
    by KeysDan on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 03:52:22 PM EST
    move, following a third party notice, Justice Kavanaugh corrected the part of his opinion in the Wisconsin case claiming that Vermont had not changed its election rules.

    Parent
    I wonder (5.00 / 2) (#79)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 04:25:19 PM EST
    if it occurred to any republican that their 300 or so legal actions along with all the other blatant obvious efforts to stop people from voting might actually make more people determined to vote.

    It's not human nature rocket science to understand the best way to make most people want to do something is to aggressively try to stop them from doing it.

    How's that drug war going?

    Parent

    Times (none / 0) (#72)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 09:15:12 AM EST

    "President Trump's campaign in the crucial battleground of Pennsylvania is pursuing a three-pronged strategy that would effectively suppress mail-in votes in the state, moving to stop the counting of absentee votes before Election Day, pushing to limit how late mail-in ballots can be accepted and intimidating Pennsylvanians trying to vote early," the New York Times reports.

    link

    Parent

    More (none / 0) (#75)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 02:05:38 PM EST

    "Potentially thousands of mail ballots requested by Butler County voters appear to be lost... and the U.S. Postal Service has been asked to immediately investigate what happened to them."

    "Nearly 40,000 registered voters in the county requested mail ballots. So far, only 24% of them have been returned to the county, by far the lowest rate among the state's 67 counties. The county with the next-lowest return rate, Fayette, has received 50% of requested ballots."

    link

    Parent

    Wow (none / 0) (#48)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 08:11:08 PM EST
    Holding a bible in one hand and a pistol in the other, Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin (R) appeared in a video from a group that declared it will ignore any state emergency orders that it believes violates people's rights, the Spokesman Review reports.

    The video, which also featured several GOP lawmakers, was released a day after Gov. Brad Little (R) had to push the state reopening plan back because of an alarming spike in coronavirus infections.

    link

    The technical term for this (none / 0) (#53)
    by Peter G on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 08:53:36 PM EST
    is seditious conspiracy.

    Parent
    The Bible (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Oct 28, 2020 at 09:54:15 PM EST
    is a nice touch tho.  

    Parent
    Has anyone been charged with sedition lately? (none / 0) (#62)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 02:23:59 AM EST
    The term just sounds so "1798".

    Parent
    If there is not regime change (none / 0) (#67)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 04:56:25 AM EST
    In this country, you may read about me being charged with sedition. My life will take a new turn if Joe loses the election. I will be resigning my position with my defense co. employer and redirect my efforts to active sedition. I can't continue working for a co. whose sole customer is a vile, repugnant tinpot dictator whom I will be actively supporting for armed insurrection against.

    Parent
    Be careful with it (none / 0) (#69)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 07:52:35 AM EST
    unlike  Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin you and I will be prosecuted quickly.

    On another subject, there was a lag in polling after the last debate but in the last few days there has just been a flood on new polling.  As Nate Silver says

    "After a surprisingly sluggish weekend for polling, the floodgates have opened, with a mix of high-quality polls, low-quality polls and pretty much everything in between. And although there are some outliers in both directions, they tell a fairly consistent story, overall: A steady race nationally, perhaps with some gains for Joe Biden in the Midwest."

    talking about conversations with the loonies, one of the things I have debated several times is the Electoral College and how it was an antiquated disgrace.  They are VERY much against this.  The subtext they avoid is it is what allowed Trump to win while losing by 3 million votes.  They have been deeply outraged and offended that getting rid of it could even be discussed.

    You know what, if Biden wins GA, TX, FL, and/or NC, I think it might soon be republicans who are arguing for getting rid of the EC.  Really any one of those added to traditional blue states would mean no more republican presidents.

    Parent

    Probably not since the Smith Act cases (none / 0) (#71)
    by Peter G on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 08:32:51 AM EST
    of the early 1950s, and the prosecution of Socialist leaders (such as the editors of The Masses) in the period around 1919. I intended that anachronistic implication.

    Parent
    Yes, we had the 'Hawaii Seven' case out here. (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 02:08:24 AM EST
    The notion that the islands were a hotbed of communist sympathizers, conspirators and agents was all the rage in the McCarthyist 1950s. Thank heavens John Wayne arrived in time to save us.

    Parent
    Barr has found the bottom? (none / 0) (#73)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 11:16:09 AM EST
    "Weeks after Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani first pushed the Hunter Biden files and a collection of sordid dirt to the New York Post in a last-ditch effort to drag his client across the 2020 finish line, both he and the president, as well as several of Trump's political lieutenants, have grown frustrated at the lack of impact it's had," the Daily Beast reports.

    "But rather than conceding that the broader public might not be interested, Trump and Giuliani have instead put the blame for the failure to break through in part on Attorney General William Barr."

    DB

    IMO (none / 0) (#74)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 11:21:57 AM EST
    Barr knows the prosecutorial hammer is going to come down on him at some point after Tuesday. He's at this point just attempting to avoid a bigger hammer.

    Parent
    I don't actually think Barr is concerned (none / 0) (#81)
    by Peter G on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 06:08:21 PM EST
    about being prosecuted. Biden is too nice. And most of Barr's outrageous behavior is not criminal in nature. But I do think that the ass-whooping he has gotten for the Flynn motion is something he does not want to endure again, and lower than which he will not go in terms of doing improper political favors with his prosecutorial powers. Call me Pollyanna.

    Parent
    Think he is worried (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 06:20:58 PM EST
    About disbarment

    Parent
    Google says (none / 0) (#89)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 06:45:22 PM EST
    And it corrects my (none / 0) (#90)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 06:46:31 PM EST
    Spelling errors

    Parent
    From (none / 0) (#76)
    by FlJoe on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 02:40:00 PM EST
    Hypothermia in Omaha to heatstroke in Tampa, the mighty plague ship tRump sails on.

    I was surprised to read that. (none / 0) (#93)
    by vml68 on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 10:45:17 PM EST
    It wasn't even that hot today. High 80s. Previous 3 days got into the 90s.

    Biden was also here today. Did a drive-in rally. No heatstroke!

    Parent

    Pretty good (none / 0) (#77)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 03:22:36 PM EST
    Good idea? (none / 0) (#80)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 06:01:24 PM EST
    How would that affect the balance (none / 0) (#82)
    by Peter G on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 06:10:14 PM EST
    of power in the Senate? Doesn't Massachusetts have a Republican Governor (of a sort)?

    Parent
    The only opinion I have (none / 0) (#83)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 06:19:36 PM EST
    is that she would be a good pick.  And I think she has earned the right to it if she wants it.  

    Pretty sure she would not flip control of the senate to do it.

    Parent

    MA state legislature (none / 0) (#188)
    by CST on Mon Nov 02, 2020 at 04:18:10 PM EST
    Has a supermajority and they have been known to change appointment laws according to the party of the sitting governor at the time.  They could pass a law that states the replacement Senator has to be the same party as the outgoing Senator.  The willingness of the state legislature to do that (or not) would probably be a determining factor in whether or not she is seriously under consideration.

    There would also be a special election in 6 months.

    Parent

    Imo (none / 0) (#189)
    by MO Blue on Mon Nov 02, 2020 at 08:39:28 PM EST
    The Dems should not do anything to reduce a Senate majority in the first year of the administration. One: we need at least 51 Dem Senators to be able to eliminate the filibuster and pass important legislation. Manchin is completely useless in passing the legislation that Dems need to pass within the first year of the administration. Think "a bird in the hand" and the Scott Brown disaster in the Obama administration. If the Dems play "small ball" and do not pass legislation in the fist year that improves the lives of middle class and low income voters, they will lose their majorities much like they did in 2010 and 2012.  

    Parent
    It's a great idea. (none / 0) (#86)
    by KeysDan on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 06:36:30 PM EST
    My worry is that of PeterG , but maybe something can be worked out with the MA Governor.  

    Parent
    Biden. Outdoor make a pretty good cabinet (none / 0) (#87)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 06:41:41 PM EST
    with his primary opponents.

    Parent
    Sorry for the spell correct (none / 0) (#88)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 06:42:49 PM EST
    Biden COULD make

    Parent
    Looks like Biden agrees (none / 0) (#169)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 05:19:28 PM EST
    "Joe Biden's team is considering an informal ban on naming Democratic U.S. senators to the Cabinet if he wins -- which would effectively block Elizabeth Warren for Treasury or Bernie Sanders for Labor," Axios reports.

    "Biden, if he wins, is bracing for bruising legislative battles on day one, starting with the next phase of coronavirus relief. Many advisers don't think he can afford to lose a single vote in the Senate if Democrats hold a slim majority."

    Also important: "Warren and Sanders both come from an unusual construct -- blue states with Republican governors who'd be empowered to fill vacancies."

    link

    Parent

    This seems unwise (none / 0) (#85)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 06:29:51 PM EST
    Sen. David Perdue (R-GA) withdrew from the final debate in his tight re-election race, a day after Jon Ossoff (D) called him a "crook" and accused the vulnerable Republican of trying to profit from the coronavirus pandemic, the New York Times reports.

    Ossoff announced Perdue's cancellation on Twitter: "At last night's debate, millions saw that Perdue had no answers when I called him out on his record of blatant corruption, widespread disease, and economic devastation. Shame on you, Senator."


    Perdue is only ahead a smidge.  Ossoff is trending and the chart and graph people are starting to say he might win without a runoff.

    Seems unwise.

    The Never Trump Haters will like this (none / 0) (#91)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 07:24:48 PM EST

    Why I'm leaving the Republican Party

    In closing, today I depart from the party I once loved so much with great anxiety for the future of our country but also an abiding faith in the ability of our citizens to rise above their petty disagreements and give me a multimillion-dollar contract at a cable news network. We, as a nation, have blindly forgiven far worse than what I've done, and I sincerely believe we can do it again. All that it takes is everyone suffering severe head trauma and forgetting the past forty years of my actions and beliefs. Then, and only then, can we transcend the divisiveness of the current moment and move on to a glorious new world in which I can afford a nice renovation of my kitchen, with one of those refrigerators that's built right into the wooden cabinetry.

    God bless you all.



    I have not (none / 0) (#98)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 09:11:44 AM EST
    been very positive about Ossoff's chances. However I would say the debate turned things around. Perdue canceling another debate is like waving the white flag. These conservatives really are the snowflakes. They can dish it out but they can't take it.

    Parent
    Charlie Cook (none / 0) (#92)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Oct 29, 2020 at 09:04:59 PM EST
    Good news (none / 0) (#95)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 06:47:45 AM EST
    The bad (5.00 / 4) (#96)
    by FlJoe on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 07:25:32 AM EST
    news is that that 99.5 translates into a .5% mortality which is about 5 times that of the common flu.

    Really bad news is that the +70 mortality rate is 5.4%.

    Even the small numbers in the younger cohorts still will produce a significant death toll as the case count rises.

    Parent

    Don't (5.00 / 2) (#100)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 09:23:31 AM EST
    waste your time with him and facts. He doesn't believe them.

    Parent
    And how large is the "n" for each group? (none / 0) (#101)
    by Peter G on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 09:32:56 AM EST
    That is, how many deaths (0.5% of what number; 5% of what number) are we talking about here? Is this mortality rate measured against the total number who test positive for the virus?

    Parent
    The (none / 0) (#102)
    by FlJoe on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 10:08:22 AM EST
    numbers are labeled infection fatality rate(n= total infections), as opposed to case fatality rate (n=total positive), at least to my understanding.

    I am assuming that the total number of infections are extrapolated from the known cases.

    That's my two cents.

    Parent

    Yup (none / 0) (#106)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 03:57:32 PM EST
    Dots right.

    Parent
    The bad news is that ... (5.00 / 1) (#127)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 01:38:16 AM EST
    ... many COVID survivors have suffered from a variety of post-infection maladies and in the 20-49 age group, one such affliction is myocarditis, aka inflammatory cardiomyopathy, in which the heart muscle tissue has been damaged and sometimes permanently scarred.

    Parent
    538 (none / 0) (#104)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 02:39:04 PM EST
    Luckovich (none / 0) (#107)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 04:49:48 PM EST
    I think I would go for 28 (none / 0) (#109)
    by Peter G on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 06:01:50 PM EST
    if I had my druthers.

    Parent
    I would go for 26 (none / 0) (#111)
    by MO Blue on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 06:23:17 PM EST
    If I had the choice.

    Parent
    It depends on the details (none / 0) (#112)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 06:36:21 PM EST
    Are we talking about just going back to start over as ignorant as we were then?  

    Because if we are talking about taking what we know now with us I would definitely want to do high school over.

    Parent

    Oh, boy (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 06:47:49 PM EST
    would I love to do high school over with the knowledge I have now. If I was really evil I could do some major damage.

    Parent
    Totally (none / 0) (#116)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 07:08:32 PM EST
    Exactly my point.  Like doing what I really wanted.  Which was the prom king not the prom queen.  Among so many other things.

    Parent
    My preference would be (none / 0) (#143)
    by MO Blue on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 07:32:15 PM EST
    Taking what we know now with us.

    I don't have any desire to go back to my teenage years but mid twenties would be fantastic.

    Parent

    This (none / 0) (#110)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 06:08:36 PM EST
    `There Are No Boundaries': Experts Imagine Trump's Post-Presidential Life if He Loses
    From profiting off his lifetime Secret Service protection to trolling the Biden administration by cozying up to dictators around the world, Trump's stint as ex-president could be as disruptive and norm-busting as the last four years have been.

    They outline a picture of a man who might formally leave office only to establish himself as the president-for-life amid his own bubble of admirers--controlling Republican politics and sowing chaos in the U.S. and around the world long after he's officially left office."

    "A president unwilling to respect boundaries in office is almost certain to cross them out of office. Experts envision some likely scenarios--a much-rumored TV show and plans to use his properties to profit off his lifetime Secret Service protection, perhaps even continuing to troll the Biden administration from his hotel down Pennsylvania Avenue--and some troubling if less certain ones, like literally selling U.S. secrets or influence to foreign governments."



    If NY puts him and (5.00 / 2) (#144)
    by MO Blue on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 07:34:31 PM EST
    his crime family in jail, the US and the world might be a safer place.  

    Parent
    Yes, this (none / 0) (#114)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 06:54:46 PM EST
    has been the latest school of thought and it's that he is going to continue to hold rallies and yell about Biden. Of course all of that is dependent on how much time he is going to be able to stay out of court.

    Parent
    Which is why (none / 0) (#115)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 07:06:55 PM EST
    I've always thought if he, as seems possible, has some kind of psychotic break and starts doing completely crazy sh!t and has to be dragged out of the White House in a net, as traumatic and terrifying and dangerous as it might be, it might be the best outcome for the world.

    The more he disgraces and discredits himself, the more undeniable it is he is baths!t crazy, the more he will also disgrace and discredit anyone who continues to support him.

    Parent

    I would say (none / 0) (#117)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 07:20:47 PM EST
    telling the mouth breathers that doctors are part of the big conspiracy against "him" and that the are lying about covid deaths because "they make more money that way" is not a bad start.

    I mean, accepting the majority of his crowds might have a waist size larger than their IQ, most people have a doctor they trust.
    Right?

    Parent

    I heard (none / 0) (#119)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 07:29:08 PM EST
    the whole lie about the doctors months ago when the death toll was rising. Yeah, they have a doctor they trust but the thinking with them is "it's not my doctor it's those doctors". So "those doctors" are lying.

    Trump is determined to make people in this country miserable and create chaos. Tish James just interviewed Butthead about the Trump Organization's fraudulent behavior. Seems to me there's a jail cell just waiting for Donald.

    Parent

    Well yes (none / 0) (#121)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 07:35:08 PM EST
    And if he tells them the only food they can eat is his feces like the queen in a mole rat colony, many will line up.

    But it produces diminishing returns.  And smaller colonies.

    Parent

    Also (none / 0) (#123)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 07:53:05 PM EST
    did you hear him put an amount on it before?   I just did.  $2000.00 more.  For each covid death as compared to a regular every day death.

    2000 bucks more.  He just said that.

    Parent

    Nov rallies, because why not? (none / 0) (#118)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 07:25:31 PM EST
    Politico: "Top surrogates for the Trump campaign have been told to keep their Novembers clear for potential campaign events. And Trump campaign advisers said not to rule out the possibility Trump continues his rallies even as election officials continue to count ballots after the Nov. 3 election, according to a campaign surrogate and two Trump advisers."

    "With the possibility that there might not be a clear winner on election night in key swing states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina, the campaign has discussed putting Trump and his family on the road to give a morale boost to supporters and let the president fire off about the election to crowds."



    Parent
    Well, frankly (none / 0) (#120)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 07:31:44 PM EST
    I'm all for his stupid morale boost to the idiots as long as it keeps him busy and he's not spawning terrorism. This reminds me of the coddling and busy work you give a toddler so they don't have temper tantrums.

    Parent
    Hey, GA6th, (5.00 / 1) (#136)
    by Zorba on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 03:25:17 PM EST
    I've read that your Gov. Brian Kemp is now quarantined, may not be able to go out and vote, and it's too late to request an absentee ballot.
    If this is true, and I hope it is, then bwahaha!

    Parent
    From what I read (none / 0) (#137)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 05:43:30 PM EST
    he was exposed to COVID and tested negative but was quarantining. I did not know about the voting but it definitely is too late to request an absentee. I have my suspicions GA is going to flip and it's not going to be pretty and is hiding from the twitter lashing he's going to get on social media from Trump.

    Parent
    I really, really hope (5.00 / 1) (#138)
    by Zorba on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 05:58:34 PM EST
    That Georgia flips!

    Parent
    Me (none / 0) (#151)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 07:33:29 AM EST
    too.

    Parent
    If Graham lost his seat, (5.00 / 2) (#142)
    by MO Blue on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 07:28:07 PM EST
    I would celebrate from Nov3 through New Years.

    Parent
    and if Moscow Mitch loses, (5.00 / 2) (#145)
    by leap on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 08:12:20 PM EST
    I'll celebrate until 2024. Oh I hope that horrid piece of protoplasm goes down in flames. (Can protoplasm catch fire?)

    Parent
    Well, Graham (none / 0) (#153)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 07:34:31 AM EST
    is in SC but I would certainly celebrate too. I wonder if the voters there are tired of having Trump's pet dog for a senator.

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    Well, Lindseybelle (none / 0) (#156)
    by KeysDan on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 09:31:43 AM EST
    may have clinched the women's vote!

    After citing the Handmaiden as a model, Graham said: "I want every young woman to know that there's a place for you in America if you're pro-life, if you embrace your religion, you follow traditonal family structure, that you can go any where, young lady."

    See, you ladies, just have dinner on the table at 6:00 pm sharp, and follow Lindseybelle's life-time bachelor, childless advice, follow your religion provided it is Eschaton Christian and you will be just fine. When unsure as to how a good little misses should act, look to Barrett.

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    You know (5.00 / 1) (#160)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 11:30:31 AM EST
    I heard this but I got a different read on it being from SC. My read was that Lindsay sees conservative women as victims of liberals. It's all about the victimhood with them. The irony is the only people telling women they can't have a career and children are conservatives.

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    I texted a young lady (5.00 / 1) (#162)
    by Chuck0 on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 12:10:29 PM EST
    who lives in Myrtle Beach yesterday (she is the daughter of an old friend) who I have known since her birth to vote for Harrison. She quickly replied "Already done!" Proud of that girl.

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    Awesome (none / 0) (#165)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 01:18:28 PM EST
    The truth is nobody really has liked Lindsay for about one million reasons there for quite a while. Before his conversion to Trump as Jesus people in SC hated him because he wasn't conservative enough. He has had numerous primary opponents but of course none of them managed to take him out.

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    You are assuming (none / 0) (#122)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 07:37:23 PM EST
    It's not spawning terrorism?  What else would it be for?

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    For the First Time! Biden Victory Odds at 9 to 1 (none / 0) (#124)
    by RickyJim on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 08:49:05 PM EST
    There's a video on that site about that chart (none / 0) (#125)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 08:55:37 PM EST
    Don't feel like finding it but Nate was talking about all those blue dots.  He said (roughly) 60% said Biden would win a large and early victory.  And 30% would be a long a terrifying slog but a win.

    He also said any win for Trump would probably take days or weeks of counting.

    Which is why he is planning rallys in Nov.

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    Here it is (5.00 / 1) (#126)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Oct 30, 2020 at 08:59:26 PM EST
    And so island Democrats have been focusing on Nevada and Arizona. My wife and I have been working the phone banks five evenings a week. It's not that bad, since we're calling folks who've already been identified as Democrats or Democratic-leaning, and we're urging them to get their ballots turned in ASAP.

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    Yes, I too have been calling (none / 0) (#129)
    by fishcamp on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 08:54:04 AM EST
    all the fishing captains and guides down here, but they are mostly diehard Republicans.  The tide may be changing in our favor ever so slightly.  The king tides are, however, flooding many neighborhoods in the keys.

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    RIP Sean Connery (none / 0) (#130)
    by McBain on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 09:27:35 AM EST
    He passed away at age 90
    Sir Sean died peacefully in his sleep, while in the Bahamas, having been "unwell for some time", his son said.

    His acting career spanned five decades and he won an Oscar in 1988 for his role in The Untouchables.

    Sir Sean's other films included The Hunt for Red October, Highlander, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Rock.


    more
    Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they were "devastated by the news" of his death.

    They said: "He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words 'the name's Bond... James Bond'.

    Lots of great roles, lots of great films.  Not sure what my favorite was but I enjoyed The Hunt for Red October somewhat recently.    

    Sean Connery and I became friends (5.00 / 6) (#133)
    by fishcamp on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 12:06:45 PM EST
    for a week during a film job in Monte Carlo.  It was during the Princess Grace Memorial Tennis Tournament and was loaded with stars.  We were staying at the Hotel de Paris and it had a large lavish dining room.  Nobody showed up for early breakfast and when he saw me he waved me over to sit at his table.  We met every morning and he was thrilled to find out my ancestors were from Scotland, and the Isle of Skye.  He said even he couldn't decipher the strange brogue from that desolate area.  He was a wonderful conversationalist and we were both pleased that Haggis was not on the menu.  May he Rest In Peace.

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    Thinking back over Sean Connery's ... (5.00 / 1) (#183)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 09:47:38 PM EST
    ... storied film career and considering what might be my favorite, I'd have to say it's director John Huston's rousing adventure "The Man Who Would Be King" (1975), based on the 1888 novella by Rudyard Kipling.


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    We had a punky Halloween... (none / 0) (#146)
    by desertswine on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 10:19:51 PM EST
    and its Trump's fault.  No kids came to our door thanks to the Trump Virus.

    Our neighborhood organized in advance (5.00 / 1) (#148)
    by Peter G on Sat Oct 31, 2020 at 11:36:09 PM EST
    and had a great Halloween. Got permission from the Township to close the street from 5:30 to 8, and invited kids in costumes to "parade" down one side of the street and back up the other. Most residents put a folding table or something like that out at the sidewalk, with separately bagged treats on the table. Kids took one each, with no hand to hand contact. Was expecting a turnout of about 40, but I figure we had almost 80. We had laid in and bagged up just enough candy to last. Although it was chilly, a lot of families ate out in their driveways or at their candy tables. Sort of like a block party. And there was a full, "blue" harvest moon in the sky. Pretty great, actually.

    Parent
    We had no snow on Halloween (5.00 / 1) (#170)
    by Towanda on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 05:56:13 PM EST
    which was a plus, compared to last year here,

    My grandchildren's subdivision organized a safe truck-or-treat, so their parents took them out, while we grandparents  staffed the table in their yard with treats My daughter and the older toddler bagged up more than 500 pieces of candy, and all were gone. Quite a change from our former neighborhood with few young children.

    The plan was for our grandchildren to not be out and about for long, but they loved it and kept going for more than an hour. That pushed back their bedtime, which worked well to prevent their walking too early, with clocks set back an hour.

    And we got great photos of the granddaughter whom we do not get to see  in person, having her first Halloween in Chicago. Nor will we see her on Thanksgiving or on Christmas or on her first birthday, but we can hope for a safer world a year from now.

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    How's will the networks handle this? (none / 0) (#166)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 04:18:02 PM EST
    We're goin in (none / 0) (#167)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 05:13:37 PM EST

    "I don't think it's fair that we have to wait for a long period of time after the election...We're going in the night of -- as soon as the election is over -- we're going in with our lawyers."

    -- President Trump, quoted by CNN.

    I'll say this for him, he's being up front about it.  

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    I understand why they are blitzing Pennsylvania (none / 0) (#171)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 05:56:56 PM EST
    but it always amazes me that there are people, apparently enough people to matter, who are so weak minded and biddable they would change their minds about who to vote for at this point just because someone appears in person in their general vicinity

    Not necessarily change their mind, but (none / 0) (#173)
    by Peter G on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 06:08:00 PM EST
    also decide to go and vote.

    Parent
    Or (none / 0) (#174)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 01, 2020 at 06:09:19 PM EST
    that it would not occur to them to vote until someone shows up in person in their vicinity.

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    I have a Biden 2020 garden flag in front of my (none / 0) (#184)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Nov 02, 2020 at 06:14:26 AM EST
    house. Due to recent events in Texas, NJ and NY, I no longer feel safe in my home. In my village. In what used to be my country. Because of the seeds of chaos and hate being spewed by the current occupant of 1600 PA Ave., I now gave a loaded rifle inside the front door of my house. I now have a loaded revolver in my desk drawer at my home office. I am not a fearful man. But I am a cautious one. My anxiety level is skyrocketing thanks to one vile lying sack of dung. I only wish him ill will and hope he becomes as uncomfortable in this country as I feel today.

    Joe keeps saying this is not who we are. He is wrong. This is very much who a part of this country has become. Sad very sad.

    SADLY (none / 0) (#185)
    by jmacWA on Mon Nov 02, 2020 at 06:37:06 AM EST
    Trump has made PA a focus of his campaign to steal the election.  We have a Biden flag out front too, and I was just commenting how I wish I had a 'Not a Gun Free' zone sign to place next to my Biden Sign.  We are further north (Lehigh) which may be slightly more Biden leaning, but there are still plenty of crazies around.  

    We have to hope that sanity prevails, but the GOP has been so successful with their efforts to 'dumb down' America that anxiety, which is keeping us on our toes, is probably a good thing.

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