home

Thursday Open Thread

There were 60,000 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday.
The United States is like a rudderless ship. Scientists now warn that it may result in permanent cognitive impairment (brain damage) even to young people. Also, the disease is linked to strokes, heart attacks and blood clots.

Are we getting to the point where masks, or even new lockdowns, will be too little too late?

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

< Supreme Court: Trump Not Immune From DA's Subpoena of Tax Records | Michael Cohen Jailed For Rejecting Terms of Home Confinement >
  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


  • Display: Sort:
    A down and dirty inter-DA slap fight in Mass. (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by scribe on Thu Jul 09, 2020 at 02:24:34 PM EST
    I saw this run by on my computer and thought it worth sharing.

    We're all aware of the growing limits on LWOP sentencing.  A few years back juveniles were no longer subject to LWOP.

    And we're all aware of the movement to elect more progressive, or at least humane, district attorneys in jurisdictions across the country.  
    On of those was the currently-first-term DA in Suffolk County, Mass., the first black woman to hold the job.  

    So now it gets interesting.

    Her office is involved in an appellate proceeding in MA's highest court wherein a defendant (18 at the time of the crime) was sentenced to LWOP while his co-defendant (17 at the time of the crime) got life with parole eligibility after 15 years.  Not a light sentence, but still not LWOP.  The Suffolk DA's office seems amenable to allowing expansion of the record, or appellate consideration, of newer brain science about the immaturity of young adults between 18 and 22, in the case of the 18 y/o LWOP guy.

    OK.

    So now 4 District Attorneys from different counties have filed an unprecedented joint application to intervene in the Suffolk County case, even though it's entirely outside each of their jurisdictions.

    The 4 DAs (so they call themselves in their papers) are all white men.

    The papers are getting ugly.

    Go read, from the Boston Globe.

    Rachel Rollins (none / 0) (#18)
    by CST on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 01:06:30 PM EST
    Is such a bad@ss.

    From day 1, they come at her and she will punch right back.  Whether it's Gov. Baker, the police, judges, other DA's - and she wins her legal fights every time.

    She will probably never win a statewide race in MA, but there are a whole lot of non-Bostonians who seem really pissed that they don't get to choose the elected officials for Boston.  The opposition she has faced has been relentless and she just doesn't back down.

    You can tell (all the right) people are starting to lose it.  She's amazing.

    Parent

    Federal District Court (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jul 09, 2020 at 03:03:21 PM EST
    Judge, Emmet Sullivan, filed a petition today with the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit for an en banc rehearing of its three-judge panel ordering the dropping of charges against General Michael Flynn, Trump's former campaign advisor and his first national security advisor.

    The panel voted 2 to l to order dismissal of charges stemming from Flynn's lying (twice) to federal agents about contacts with the Russian Ambassador.  

    Half of Oklahoma (5.00 / 4) (#8)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 09, 2020 at 06:47:11 PM EST
    Seems like a pretty big deal

    "The big news at the Supreme Court today will be Trump's taxes," said Cherokee writer Rebecca Nagle. "But for Indians in Oklahoma, we'll be talking about today for decades."

    Indigenous leaders on Thursday hailed the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in McGirt vs. Oklahoma as a victory for tribal sovereignty for affirming that the U.S. government's treaty with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation must still be recognized by Congress and that nearly half of what is known as the U.S. state of Oklahoma is actually Native American land.

    LINK

    From what I understand (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by CST on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 10:00:21 AM EST
    This includes Tulsa and could set precedent that impacts other states as well.

    Huge ruling, and very surprising, in a good way. Much bigger deal than Trump's taxes, IMO.

    Parent

    Hi! Hope everyone is doing well. (5.00 / 2) (#11)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Jul 09, 2020 at 10:00:02 PM EST
    I've been terribly busy with work, and I just haven't had much time to do other things. Plus, the news is so grim and relentless that I find myself increasingly tuning it out. As far as I'm concerned, November 3 can't come fast enough.

    Anyway, take care. Keep the faith. We will survive. Aloha.

    Neowise... (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by desertswine on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 11:20:54 PM EST
    The new comet can be seen this weekend after sunset, above the northwestern horizon as it moves farther from the Sun.

    Don't know, it might be worth a gander.

    Covid is bad business (5.00 / 2) (#47)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 08:45:50 AM EST

    Got symptoms on Monday, tested positive on Tuesday.  Spent Tuesday through Friday dozing or sleeping all day. Too weak to sit up comfortably. Fever broke last night. Strength coming back.

    Good wishes (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by KeysDan on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 12:14:56 PM EST
    for a quick and full recovery.  As you say, coronavirus infection is bad business so take it steady and slow.  Hope, too, that your wife and family stay well.

    Parent
    Get well, stay safe. (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by desertswine on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 01:21:30 PM EST
    Hopefully the worst is over (none / 0) (#48)
    by McBain on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 09:46:46 AM EST
    Get well soon!

    Parent
    Sorry to hear you fell ill. Please be sure (none / 0) (#49)
    by Peter G on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 10:36:55 AM EST
    to follow your doctor's advice, consistent with CDC guidelines.

    Parent
    As soon as I'm through isolation (5.00 / 6) (#50)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 11:05:48 AM EST

    I'm planning to donate blood.  Plasma with antibodies is badly needed.

    Parent
    May you get much better, soon (none / 0) (#57)
    by Zorba on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 04:50:53 PM EST
    And stay safe!

    Parent
    Get well (none / 0) (#60)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 07:29:58 PM EST
    soon. I know people that think they have had it (couldn't get tested) and said it was horrible. Hopefully you will have no long lasting issues.

    Parent
    Ouch, feel better. Not fun. (none / 0) (#70)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 10:05:01 AM EST
    Glad you are feeling better.

    Any idea how you got it?

    Parent

    You're in my thoughts, Abdul. (none / 0) (#107)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 05:09:10 PM EST
    You have my very best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. Please take care of yourself. The world would be far less interesting without you around.

    Parent
    Totally non-political (5.00 / 2) (#58)
    by Zorba on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 06:16:39 PM EST
    Garden!
    Zucchini.  Green beans.  Lettuce.  Cherry tomatoes.  Cucumbers.  New potatoes.  Jalapeño peppers.
    Dill, mint, basil, oregano.
    And that's just so far.  In a little while, bigger tomatoes, okra, patty pan squash, and yellow crookneck squash.
    Yum!  I love our garden!

    ibid (5.00 / 3) (#59)
    by leap on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 07:26:11 PM EST
    What's growing in my garden!

    Red kale, curly Scottish kale, Tuscan kale, red swiss chard, beets with greens (just picked a few), collard greens, arugula;  parsley; kohlrabi; romano beans, sugar snap peas; eggplants (two fruits ready to pick!); poblano, green bell, red bell, jalapeño, cayenne peppers; pickling cukes (already picked a bunch for salad; in another week or two I'll start making sweet pickle relish with them and all the peppers); Fourth-of-July tomatoes (four ready to pick tomorrow); brandywine, better boy, big boy tomatoes (all have a ways to go); forest of dill; hedge of Greek oregano; Italian basil; garlic; garlic chives; fennel; pink seedless grapes; just finishing up picking rows of raspberries and blueberries; rhubarb. Just picked my last cot (I had four this year ☹️); 14 nectarines ☹️, still green and hard; but the peach tree is loaded; not such a good crop of hazelnuts, this year.

    I always plant way too much, but I love giving stuff away. Swing by in October and I'll give you buckets of peppers and tomatoes.

    I LOVE my garden. That, my two hilarious kitties, and walking along the river every morning, are keeping me sane in this horrible era.


    Parent

    Gardening (5.00 / 2) (#61)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 07:31:13 PM EST
    is kind of a balm for the soul these days. We put in a small garden but mine hasn't been too successful yet. Only a couple of tomatoes and bell peppers so far. It looks like I will start getting some cucumbers soon and scotch bonnet peppers.

    Parent
    Homegrown tomatoes (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by BGinCA on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 08:40:55 PM EST
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-QzLIjL1u4

    Parent
    I have a very small herb garden (5.00 / 2) (#193)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jul 15, 2020 at 08:40:54 AM EST
    Mint, sweet basil, Italian Parsley and Rosemary.

    Since, due to the virus, I am no longer "a lady who lunches," I have cooked more in the last couple of months than I did in the last several years. Fresh herbs just make everything taste better.

    At one time, I tried to grow tomatoes but I got tired of feeding the squirrels. No matter what I did, somehow they accessed the almost ripen tomatoes and took a single bite out of each one. Pesky little rats.

    Parent

    Texas poll has Biden up 5 (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 10:19:50 AM EST
    Just stumbled on this (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 05:09:56 PM EST
    Seems like it should be a bigger story.  I guess the competition is fierce

    Master Sgt. Andrew Christian Marckesano
    A decorated Green Beret who served a dozen combat tours, including six in Afghanistan, committed suicide last week in front of his wife, becoming the 30th member of his elite battalion to kill himself, according to reports.

    Master Sgt. Andrew Christian Marckesano, 34, was known as "Captain America" to his fellow soldiers in the 82nd Airborne Division. He earned a Silver Star for bravery and had recently moved to Washington, DC, to work at the Pentagon.

    But on July 6, after having dinner with his former battalion commander, Marckesano returned home and committed suicide in front of his wife. He was still on active duty and leaves behind three small children.



    Hold on there Bill (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 09:54:59 AM EST

    On Monday, a federal district judge in Washington, D.C. put a temporary hold on Attorney General William Barr's upcoming executions of federal prisoners, ruling that the outstanding legal challenges must be litigated in court before they can move forward.

    The first of these executions was scheduled to take place this week, of Wesley Ira Purkey, who had been convicted of raping, murdering, and dismembering a teenage girl. Another execution that had been scheduled for today, of convicted white supremacist murderer David Lewis Lee, had already been postponed.

    LINK

    The lawyers fighting to stop these executions (5.00 / 4) (#105)
    by Peter G on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 04:37:14 PM EST
    include the death penalty experts at the Federal Public Defender office in Philadelphia. They are friends of ours, and some of the most amazing, talented and indefatigable lawyers we know. Talk about "lawyers for the damned."

    Parent
    I have to admire (5.00 / 1) (#111)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 05:28:30 PM EST
    people that do that kind of work. It has to be absolutely thankless.

    Parent
    Actually, in Pennsylvania, they have won (none / 0) (#119)
    by Peter G on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 09:22:18 PM EST
    almost every case. ("Win" in this context ordinarily means the death sentence is converted to life without parole.) We have the largest death row in the North, but have not had an execution since 1994 or something. These lawyers are so good in their specialty that they now go out around the country to help in places where the risk of execution is very real, particularly in Florida, Georgia, Texas and Arizona. But also other places.

    Parent
    Politico (none / 0) (#120)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 08:53:34 AM EST
    "The first execution to be carried out by the federal government in more than 17 years appeared to be nearing again Tuesday after a sharply-divided Supreme Court stepped in during the overnight hours to clear away a lower court injunction that blocked the Trump administration's plan," Politico reports.

    "Just after 2 A.M. Tuesday, the justices issued a 5-4 decision overturning a lower-court order issued on Monday that halted the new federal lethal injection protocol on the grounds that it posed an unacceptable risk that the condemned prisoners would suffer severe pain or distress."

    link

    Parent

    And sadly, the first of Tr*mp & Barr's victims (none / 0) (#124)
    by Peter G on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 10:41:46 AM EST
    Canned some (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by Zorba on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 06:56:07 PM EST
    Dilled beans today.  Green beans from our garden, dill from our garden.

    Notorious RBG please get well soon (5.00 / 1) (#166)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 07:18:11 PM EST
    Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been taken to the hospital and treated for a possible infection, CNN reports.



    The thought of (none / 0) (#184)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 09:46:17 PM EST
    getting another conservative on the Supreme Court will bring Republicans to the polls to vote for Trump no matter how horrible or incompetent he is.

    Parent
    If it's Trump (5.00 / 1) (#194)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 15, 2020 at 09:04:29 AM EST
    it has to be an ethics violation

    I think a suitable penalty would be to make her eat only canned GOYA beans for a couple of months

    The thing about corona was obvious to me from jump (none / 0) (#1)
    by scribe on Thu Jul 09, 2020 at 02:09:56 PM EST
    The scientists denominated it as a "novel coronavirus".

    "Novel" means "new".  As in "no one has had this before" or, at least "we've never seen this before".  You don't go around adding that kind of descriptor - "novel" - unless it deserves to be there.

    Under either "as in", it boils down to "sooner or later, everyone is going to get this and the best we can do is try to slow down the spread".  That will obtain until such time as there is an effective vaccine, assuming one can be developed and produced in mass quantities.  (And then the anti-vaxxers will raise their voices and are likely to get smashed flat.)

    While the wild spread in recent days was probably predictable, I have to say I am more than a bit mystified why we in the US are getting that while other countries are not.  You, dear reader, may not be following the news from overseas but I do.  Every day in the German papers there are pictures or huge crowds in Germany or elsewhere in Europe.  No social distancing going on, few or no masks in evidence.  Lawn/riverbank/floatie parties in Berlin, mass crowds on beaches of the North and Baltic Seas, you name it.  Yet the only bad outbreak they had in the last couple weeks was one tied to the Toennies meatpacking company in Gutersloh, where it got loose among the workers (working in typical close-quarters slaughterhouse conditions).  And their public health people stomped pretty hard on it (and people were going after cars with Gutersloh license plates, etc.).

    I really don't get it.

    So I guess all we can do is chin up, wear masks as appropriate and bear it.  

    I guess we're more stupider. (none / 0) (#6)
    by desertswine on Thu Jul 09, 2020 at 05:33:51 PM EST
    Hi Scribe, (none / 0) (#3)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Jul 09, 2020 at 02:41:28 PM EST
    Good to hear from you!

    Good to be back. (none / 0) (#7)
    by scribe on Thu Jul 09, 2020 at 05:39:32 PM EST
    The last 8 or 9 months have been something of a roller-coaster, only those are fun (even in Japan, where you're now supposed to scream in your heart).

    You really need to look at that Boston Globe piece I put up upthread.  Steel-cage death match between prosecutors.  That follows on a couple more Globe articles on the Boston Police within the last couple weeks.  One listed the top 100 or so officers on the Boston PD by earnings last year.  The lowest one on the list made over $260k.  By names (stereotype, I know) there were maybe 2 women and less than 10 minority men on that list, but a lot of obvious white, Irish guys.

    Anyway....

    Best.

    Parent

    Overtime. (none / 0) (#10)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 09, 2020 at 09:42:47 PM EST
    Michael Cohen, Trump's (none / 0) (#5)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jul 09, 2020 at 03:40:06 PM EST
    former lawyer/fixer released on furlough from prison (serving a three-year term) in late May due to Covid 19 fears, was taken into custody for violating the terms of his probation.

    According to a BOP spokesperson, Cohen refused the conditions of his home confinement and as a result has been returned to a BOP facility.  Cohen objected to a requirement that he not speak to the media and he was photographed eating out at an upscale NYC restaurant.

    I think this is outrageous. The gag order (none / 0) (#9)
    by Peter G on Thu Jul 09, 2020 at 08:59:15 PM EST
    that they demanded he sign, and then put him in jail for not signing, is a blatant violation of his First Amendment rights -- even as a prisoner. It is not something that others in his position are required to abide by, and was probably selectively directed at him from the White House via AG Barr. It is not about his bad judgment eating out at a fancy restaurant (which as far as I can tell did not violate the conditions of his "furlough").

    Parent
    The long game (none / 0) (#12)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 08:41:13 AM EST
    "Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts is not the revolutionary that conservative activists want him to be. He moves slower than they want, sides with liberals more than they want, and trims his sails in ways they find maddening. But he is still deeply and unmistakably conservative, pulling the law to the right -- at his own pace and in his own image."

    "Roberts is not turning into a liberal. The law either stays put or moves to the right almost every time he is in the majority, even when it's a majority with the more liberal justices."

    "But he has a lifetime appointment, a strong sense that it's his duty to preserve public trust in the court, and his own ideas about how to do that. Roberts' position as the court's only real potential swing vote gives him the power to dictate not just bottom-line outcomes, but also how the court gets there."

    AXIOS


    Yes, Chief Justice Roberts (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 03:57:00 PM EST
    is an unremitting conservative who does seem to strategize toward  judicial goals rather than achieve them by revolutionary opinions, save for the gutting of the Voting Rights Act (Shelby v Holder).

    It has been said that CJ Roberts is an institutionalist, which would be expected (although not always the history) given his responsibilities beyond those directly related to the Supreme Court.

    For example, being the highest judicial officer in the nation with administrative matters not only for the Supreme Court building, but also, for the entire federal judiciary.And, head of the judicial conference. Moreover, the Constitution gives him the solemn duty to preside over a presidential impeachment trial by the senate. First among equals, but more.

    Indeed, unlike the other eight Justices whose titles are Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice's title (formally since 1888 and informally since 1866) is Chief Justice of the United States of America.

    The two Trump tax cases are instructive to a better understanding of the Chief Justice's emerging approach. It seemed to me that his goal in this politically-charged case was to achieve a 9-0 ruling, as was the case in US v Nixon. To stay above the political fray yet deny the claim that the president is above the law, being constitutionally bestowed with absolute immunity.

    The holding of the Court addressed the future, the remand provided for the near term.  A gift to Trump, but a necessary one for the Court. Even the dissenters (Thomas and Alito) found against the claim of absolute immunity. There was not much light between the Court and Thomas's dissent, edging toward an 8 to 1. Alito, seemed fantastical to me, with his "let's pretend" dissent--Trump can't be distracted by such things as providing a subpoena for even a minute or we are doomed.

    Roberts has joined the majority in almost all cases this term, giving him influence by assignments. Hopefully, the Chief Justice will continue to lead the court with a sense of balance and with an ear to the nation's ground.

    Parent

    Conservatives (none / 0) (#14)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 10:12:40 AM EST
    said Trump made a mistake picking an Episcopalian and that he should have known that once Gorsuch left Catholicism he shouldn't have been picked AS IF there are no liberal Catholics in this world.

    More or less it's like you don't always know what you're gonna get with a judge.

    Parent

    All things considered (none / 0) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 10:45:48 AM EST
    I am more optimistic about the future if the republic after this Supreme Court term.

    Parent
    Capt's log 7/10/20 (none / 0) (#15)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 10:38:20 AM EST
    The day I have feared has arrived.  I realized today I have officially started talking to myself.

    No longer able to excuse it as "talking to the dogs".

    All (5.00 / 6) (#17)
    by FlJoe on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 11:14:57 AM EST
    is well as long as you can still ace your cognitive test.

    Parent
    Hey (none / 0) (#35)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 08:27:23 PM EST
    Little problem (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 08:29:23 PM EST
    Spelling rinocerous

    But other than that.

    Parent

    I have mine on July 15 coming up (none / 0) (#67)
    by Peter G on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 10:55:20 PM EST
    as part of my annual wellness check. I am hoping to deuce it.

    Parent
    Sarah Cooper's got it (none / 0) (#45)
    by leap on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 11:26:11 PM EST
    How to cognitive

    She is a national treasure. Bet she will need counseling when this $h1†-show is done and over. We should all chip in to help then. It's the least we could do for her practicing with that voice for hours on end. Ugh.

    Parent

    We'll ALL need counseling when it's over. (5.00 / 1) (#108)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 05:12:47 PM EST
    Do you think that maybe we can get a group rate?
    ;-D

    Parent
    As long as (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 06:12:26 PM EST
    you don't answer yourself. That is all that matters.

    Parent
    And (none / 0) (#29)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 07:32:23 PM EST
    If I do?

    Parent
    I'm doing it too. (none / 0) (#43)
    by desertswine on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 10:26:24 PM EST
    I'm going to be a 500lb. alcoholic before this is over.

    Parent
    TLC reality shows (none / 0) (#46)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 07:54:05 AM EST
    Here we come

    Parent
    Get back to me when (none / 0) (#19)
    by Zorba on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 01:26:49 PM EST
    you start talking to yourself in other languages.
    I was at the grocery store (before the coronavirus) and I was wheeling the cart around, asking myself, out loud, "Pou ine to chicharrones?"
    "Where are the pork rinds?" in Greek and Spanish.  Son Zorba likes them, so I was going to get him some.

    Parent
    I'm blaming it (none / 0) (#20)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 03:10:22 PM EST
    On viral isolation.

    Parent
    Full speed ahead (none / 0) (#21)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 03:27:10 PM EST

    A federal judge in New York -- acting quickly on his own and without being asked by either side -- has ordered attorneys for President Trump and Manhattan D.A. Cy Vance to inform the court by next Wednesday morning how they expect to proceed with the subpoena for President Trump's tax documents, NBC News reports.

    The judge had previously said the tax documents should be handed over to the grand jury, a ruling that prompted the Supreme Court fight.

    NBC Twitter

    Unless the Supreme Court enters an order (none / 0) (#25)
    by Peter G on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 06:50:32 PM EST
    to the contrary, I don't think the lower court has any jurisdiction over the case until (at least) the passage of 25 days from the decision, during which the losing party can file a (hopeless) rehearing petition. I am not sure what the district judge thinks they're doing.

    Parent
    Here's the next tweet (none / 0) (#27)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 06:59:05 PM EST
    MORE: Judge Victor Marrero who has already ruled that the tax documents from Mazars USA should be handed over through the Grand Jury, a ruling that prompted the Supreme Court fight, is asking the parties to detail "potential areas for further argument."



    Parent
    Law & Crime (none / 0) (#28)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 07:15:22 PM EST
    Ok, well, I suppose he can gear up (none / 0) (#31)
    by Peter G on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 07:40:27 PM EST
    and ask what comes next. But he cannot actually do anything for at least 25 days, under the Supreme Court's Rules.

    Parent
    Schools (none / 0) (#22)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 03:41:48 PM EST
    Seems like a scary thing.  Not being a parent I was wondering how others with children and/or grandchildren are feeling about this.

    I don't see how a public official could say -anything- except we need to listen to health care professionals and do what they say.

    If bad things happen the consequences for those who "pushed" it will probably be serious.  Politically at the very least..    And should be.

    NPR this afternoon, spokespersons re opening (none / 0) (#37)
    by oculus on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 08:36:01 PM EST
    schools in Germany, Israel, and Thailand. Opened. Then closed. Then opened. Anticipate this recurring.

    Parent
    Done (none / 0) (#26)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 06:56:49 PM EST
    How could anyone have thought (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by Peter G on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 07:38:54 PM EST
    it would be otherwise? What is the power of the U.S. Presidency for, other than to benefit and enrich your sleazeball friends, and arbitrarily punish your  perceived enemies? Surely not to advance the public interest.

    Parent
    Rest assured, Peter, that ... (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 05:24:51 PM EST
    ... I shall always work to advance the public interest and when I succeed in my nefarious scheme to become president, I'll be more than happy to count you and Jeralyn as among my sleazeball friends. Then your perceived enemies will become my perceived enemies and I can assure you, I will be merciless.
    ;-D

    Parent
    His advisers are right (none / 0) (#32)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 07:40:46 PM EST
    Politically this is a very bad idea.  Barr warned of a mutiny at the DOJ.

    Parent
    Hopefully, (5.00 / 2) (#40)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 08:52:40 PM EST
    A mutiny by all citizens.  In November.  This is awful.

    Parent
    This (none / 0) (#41)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 09:00:37 PM EST
    was 2 days ago

    Nicole Wallace was just talking about how Cipollone and Barr were aggressively putting out spin about hw they "threatened to resign" over this.  They were both on record against it.

    Nicole said she would publicly apologize if either of them left.  But they absolutely will not.  I agree.

    Parent

    Both are (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 09:54:24 PM EST
    Opus Dei.  They are on a mission that requires staying in power.  

    Parent
    Historian Beschloss (none / 0) (#56)
    by oculus on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 04:17:25 PM EST
    posted on twitter the resignation of Ford's press secy immed after Ford pardoned Nixon.  A man of conscience.

    Parent
    Michael Smerconish just said (none / 0) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 08:51:32 PM EST
    "It would not move the needle"

    Don't really disagree with that.  There are other ways it could be bad politically.  With the senate slipping away ......

    If there really is an uproar at DOJ .....

    Parent

    Stone quote from an interview today (none / 0) (#33)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 07:55:37 PM EST

    howardfineman
    @howardfineman
     · 4h
    Just had a long talk with #RogerStone. He says he doesn't want a pardon (which implies guilt) but a commutation, and says he thinks #Trump will give it to him. "He knows I was under enormous pressure to turn on him. It would have eased my situation considerably. But I didn't."

    I deserve it because I didn't rat him out.  Pretty blunt.

    Parent

    Bribery of a witness (5.00 / 3) (#34)
    by Peter G on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 08:10:29 PM EST
    is a federal crime, of course, as is obstruction of justice. Which is what paying someone for refraining from volunteering to testify is.

    Parent
    Might Stone have agreed not to write a book? (none / 0) (#38)
    by oculus on Fri Jul 10, 2020 at 08:42:03 PM EST
    Next: Michael Flynn (none / 0) (#55)
    by KeysDan on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 02:50:32 PM EST
    Probably a pardon. Flynn is needed on the Trump campaign trail.  His shouting "lock her up" is a golden oldie with nostalgia for better Trump days. Sure, Secretary Clinton is not running, but that line still energizes the base.

    The Republicans are not too innovative, preferring to stick with, or no more than slightly modify, the old.

    Look at the latest: a modification of the child traffiking conspiracy in the basement of the basement-less  DC pizza parlor that motivated that N.C guy to get in his truck and drive 300 miles to shoot up the restaurant so as to save the children.

    Now, the Trump deplorables are chasing child traffiking schemes that involve Wayfair shipping children in furniture boxes, necessitating a Wayfair denial.

    Parent

    Yeah. "Lock her up." (5.00 / 1) (#112)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 05:31:54 PM EST
    Perhaps the Trump campaign can team up Gen. Flynn with Sen. Thom Tillis, who shared with delegates to the North Carolina GOP Convention last Friday his confidence that Trump will be re-elected "because people will remember how good their lives were back in February, when compared to today."

    I can only bow in awe of such masterful logic.

    Parent

    The next pardon (none / 0) (#68)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 08:54:49 AM EST
    Might be for himself.

    Parent
    Mission Impossible tv series (none / 0) (#52)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 12:35:08 PM EST
    I have been mini binging this on CBS AllAccess.   I forgot how good it was.  Just about everyone who was anyone appeared in at least one episode and I had forgotten all the great people in the IM FORCE.  

    it was early Prestige TV.

    170 episodes and unlike Star Trek or Twilight Zone, where I've seen every episode 20 times,  I have not seen a single episode I remember at all.

    Hey, we are all bored, right?

    I've been enjoying the War of the Worlds series (none / 0) (#53)
    by McBain on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 01:20:00 PM EST
    on Epix and lots of youtube movie nostalgia videos like this one on the special effects work of Ray Harryhausen
    I forgot about those old Sinbad movies.  

    Parent
    One of my best friends from movies years (none / 0) (#64)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 09:35:38 PM EST
    Is a pretty well known stop action guy on his own but he has been involved in several Harryhausen related projects.  He spoke at a memorial dinner and he was the only speaker without a famous name like Lucas or Cameron and he has been in several tributes and docs.

    LINK

    Jim works at Tippet studios.

    Parent

    Actually (none / 0) (#65)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 09:41:03 PM EST
    it was his 90th birthday celebration

    He is in the group pic.  

    Parent

    War of the Worlds is good (none / 0) (#75)
    by MKS on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 04:01:57 PM EST
    I like the French scientist lady.

    Thanks for the recommendation.

    Parent

    I really wanted to like that. (none / 0) (#76)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 04:15:43 PM EST
    But it lost me.  I never finished it.

    Parent
    Wonder who he imagined buying it (none / 0) (#63)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 09:24:25 PM EST
    President Trump raised the possibility of selling hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico to his Secretary of Homeland Security in late 2017, the New York Times reports.



    Do you really suppose that he thinks (none / 0) (#66)
    by Peter G on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 10:51:27 PM EST
    Puerto Rico is a real estate parcel that could be bought and sold, like some rich pervert's private island?

    Parent
    Republicans are (none / 0) (#69)
    by KeysDan on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 09:25:58 AM EST
    having a tough time finding a suitable convention site. Charlotte did not pan out and Jacksonville is not shaping up to be much better.   Maybe they should go to Epstein's private island.  Open air, privacy.  


    Parent
    15,300 (none / 0) (#72)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 12:01:26 PM EST
    My husband (none / 0) (#73)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 03:30:29 PM EST
    tried to warn his sister and brother in law from going to Florida this week but all to no avail. they are down there now.

    Parent
    My (none / 0) (#74)
    by FlJoe on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 03:50:19 PM EST
    Brother and SIL are showing symptoms awaiting test results. I saw them 2 weeks ago (no masks but socially distanced on the back porch.

    My SIL thought she may have been exposed at work but they both tested negative after I saw them.

    Parent

    And Disneyworld (none / 0) (#77)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 04:18:57 PM EST
    Opened yesterday.

    Parent
    There were several (none / 0) (#78)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 04:38:36 PM EST
    "Fixed" Disney reopening videos.  

    this is my favorite

    Parent

    I thought that I heard somewhere... (none / 0) (#79)
    by desertswine on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 04:50:32 PM EST
    that the hot weather would make the virus disappear.  I do know that I didn't hear it from Fauci.

     It's 104 in my backyard today.  It's not just hot; it's Africa hot.

    Parent

    Fauci should quit (none / 0) (#80)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 05:02:30 PM EST
    Just say `enough of this sh!t'

    Quit and form his own task force.  The media would hang on his every word.

    Parent

    This (none / 0) (#82)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 05:23:49 PM EST
    Yep, the Florida (none / 0) (#83)
    by fishcamp on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 05:27:36 PM EST
    Keys are up to 574 virus cases now.  We also have eleven cases of Dengue fever, all up in Key Largo, 25 miles from me.

    Parent
    Why (none / 0) (#84)
    by FlJoe on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 05:33:45 PM EST
    can't we have anything nice any more, like a plague of square grouper or something?

    Parent
    Erdogan of Turkey... (none / 0) (#85)
    by desertswine on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 06:36:08 PM EST
    has declared that the Hagia Sophia, in Istanbul, is a mosque again and not a museum anymore.  It had been a museum since 1934.

    Byzantine Emperor Justinian I ordered the building's construction in 532 CE; for nearly 1,000 years, its 55.6 meter (180 ft) dome covered the largest indoor space in the world. Over a millennium and a half, the monumental structure has been an Eastern Orthodox cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral, an Eastern Orthodox cathedral again, and then a mosque.

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued the order. The first Friday prayer service is scheduled for July 24.


    Pope is unhappy. Me too. (none / 0) (#88)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 12:26:32 AM EST
    But purportedly Hagia Sophia will still be open at all and all antiquities will be preserved. (I doubt it.)

    Parent
    FWIW (none / 0) (#102)
    by CST on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 03:35:08 PM EST
    The Blue Mosque across the street was still open to all despite being a Mosque.

    Parent
    Istanbul is such a beautiful city. (none / 0) (#113)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 05:48:35 PM EST
    I did not realize until recently that with its population of 15.5 million residents, it is now the largest city in Europe.

    Turkey deserves far better than Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

    Parent

    I knew Varys (none / 0) (#86)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 06:41:46 PM EST
    Varys was a friend of mine

    Mark Meadows you are no Varys

    "President Trump's chief of staff, Mark Meadows, has told several White House staffers he's fed specific nuggets of information to suspected leakers to see if they pass them on to reporters -- a trap that would confirm his suspicions," Axios reported Sunday.

    You are closer to a cockroach than a spider and your "little birds" are turkeys.

    Ha (none / 0) (#87)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 12, 2020 at 07:30:56 PM EST
    Ok right

    It was Tyrion who did that.

    White House ripped for leaking their `Tyrion Lannister move' -- on how they're going to stop the leaks

    I knew him too and Meadows is not him either.

    Parent

    Tyrion was orders of magnitude (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by Yman on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 10:50:58 AM EST
    ... smarter than Meadows even when in a drunken stupor and had a charming personality to boot.  This whole administration is like a bad GOT episode cast with unattractive, Keystone Cops.

    Parent
    Chuck Woolery (none / 0) (#89)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 08:36:57 AM EST
    Seems to be Trump new favorite retweet

    Donald J. Trump Retweeted

    Chuck Woolery
    @chuckwoolery
    ·
    11h
    The most outrageous lies are the ones about Covid 19. Everyone is lying. The CDC, Media, Democrats, our Doctors, not all but most ,that we are told to trust. I think it's all about the election and keeping the economy from coming back, which is about the election. I'm sick of it.

    They are are scrambling trying to find an excuse for him losing.

    Like many I was disappointed if not surprised Trump was not removed from office after being impeached.

    But know what, I think the way it's working out is going to be a lot better.

    If he had been removed he would have lived forever as a martyr and hero. No matter what he was charged with after that half the country would not have believed it and Trumpism would have lived and thrived.

    Now he, and just as importantly republicans, are going to be crushed.  Humiliated.  Driven from office covered in shame and disgrace.  And "Trumpism" will join McCarthyism and fascism in political lexicon.

    And BTW everything the house democrats said is being proven and shown every day.  I think the whole impeachment experience will be seen in a completely different light than if he had been removed and martyred.

    That's way better.   Tiny glass half full.

    I always love your optimism, Cap'n. (5.00 / 3) (#90)
    by leap on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 08:43:11 AM EST
    Balances out my skepticism and doom...

    Parent
    This might cheer you up (none / 0) (#91)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 09:38:24 AM EST
    2020 Presidential Election Interactive Map

    Trump 125
    Biden 280
    Tossup 133 including GA and TX

    Parent

    Because, this... (none / 0) (#93)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 10:33:19 AM EST
    "The stakes are very high this election, but you know why I know we're going to win? Because people remember how good their lives were back in February."

    -- Sen. Thom Tillis



    Parent
    "The stakes are very high this election, (none / 0) (#95)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 12:03:18 PM EST
    but you know why I know they are going to lose?  Because people will remember how bad their lives have become since back in February."  And, that it did not have to be this way.

    The Trump firehose of maladministration and corruption has been difficult for many Americans to keep track of any one of them. But, the pandemic response is not only memorable, but also, indelible.

    Moreover, Covid-19's carnage as well as its economic and societal impacts will be with us through November. A real time reminder of Trump incompetence and a raking up of memories of scandals in the past.

     Trump's schtick may have been amusing to some for a while, but the tragedy of Trump's election is becoming glaring apparent to more and more. Trump's incompetence and uncaring actions have hit home, and not in a good way.

    Trump has, essentially, refused almost any action to control the virus and has proclaimed that he has no responsibility for helping. Americans, you are not only on your own, but you have to beware of Trump. Masks are politicized, dangerous nostrums are advocated and production of protective gear is inhibited. Medical scientists are disparaged and sidelined.

     Trump pushes meatpackers to go to work, businesses, and, now, schools, under threat of withholding funding, to re-open (are Ivanka's and Junior's children going back to school?). Full steam ahead, danger be damned. It is of no matter if human fever temperatures go up, just so the stock market does.

    The " I have a favor, though" impeachment corruption impinges less than a situation where a virus disease is spiraling out of control, largely due to Trump himself.  The economy will not snap back.  The only businesses booming are funeral parlors. Not good for electoral prospects.


    Parent

    Bill Barr will drag out (none / 0) (#97)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 01:29:19 PM EST
    an October surprise. Mark your calendar. I don't know what will be, but remember this post. I'm guessing an indictment of Obama or Biden. This people have no bottom, yet they will pull something out of it (their bottom) to attempt to sway this election.

    Parent
    He probably will (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 02:51:21 PM EST
    But Trump was just on live tv babbling absolute nonsense in the middle of a national emergency.   It's all fun and games and "draining no the swamp" until your life of the lives of your children are at issue.  

    People will ignore a lot for tribalism but looking completely out of touch with reality is problem.  Particularly right now

    I really don't think there is an October surprise on earth big enough to overcome that.

    So, he indicts Obama.  Or Biden.  Who cares.  It will just drive turnout.

    I think it's becoming binary.  They have two choices.  Stop the election or get crushed and maybe go to jail.

    I don't think they can stop the election.  But nothing would surprise me.

    Parent

    Stop the election or ... (none / 0) (#104)
    by desertswine on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 04:12:11 PM EST
    I think that's the danger here, whether or not we actually have an election, or whether it's cancelled to to "national emergency."

    Parent
    Well, maybe they (none / 0) (#110)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 05:26:00 PM EST
    could get these stupid Trumper governors to not have an election but I'm not sure how that works in their favor. If I were a governor and as unstable as our democracy is right now the last thing I would want to do is give people reasons to show up at the governor's mansion with semi automatic weapons.

    Parent
    Oh, I definitely (none / 0) (#99)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 01:46:16 PM EST
    agree with you there. Putin hacked into Burisma's computers and there is some speculation that he might have planted something.

    Parent
    Lindsey's new-found (none / 0) (#101)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 03:01:06 PM EST
    Interest in Robert Mueller appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee (which he previously opposed) is probably a part of that plan.  And, a boost, he hopes, to his tight senate race, to boot.  Does not seem like a winner, but then, we are talking.losers here.

    Parent
    That Might Be a Bargaining Chip (none / 0) (#118)
    by RickyJim on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 09:20:11 PM EST
    that Barr will use with Cy Vance to prevent the latter's office from indicting members of the Trump family before the election.

    Parent
    Trump must be terribly desperate... (none / 0) (#96)
    by desertswine on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 01:24:34 PM EST
    to be driven to re-tweet the crazed musings of the Love Connection guy.

    Parent
    Just saw an old clip (none / 0) (#106)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 04:58:15 PM EST
    Of Chuck asking someone what are the four most popular flavors of KoolAid.

    Can't find it.

    Parent

    I agree (none / 0) (#98)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 01:44:49 PM EST
    and I have not been as optimistic as you have.

    Parent
    About a month from (none / 0) (#103)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 03:42:23 PM EST
    now, a decision by School Boards (and external influencers), teachers and parents needs to be made on re-opening schools. And, when and how to do it. Plans vary from Trump's and Betsy DeVos' open them up---CDC guidelines are too safe, plunge on ahead, through mixed classroom/remote learning, home schooling, and keeping them closed.

    While a complicated question with concerns including students falling behind, student socialization, parents ability to work, nutritional benefits of school meals, the critical issue is the spreading of Covid-19---infecting students (probably a lower risk), more vulnerable teachers and other school personnel, bus drivers, parents, grandparents/family, and neighbors.

    A dilemma. With arguments pro and con just as last spring about closing them.

    However, from my perspective and on balance, schooling should be by remote learning or schools should be closed. Opening schools is akin to opening theaters during a spiraling pandemic. There may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and there may be exceptions for certain areas, but  the policy should be to error on the side of safety.

    At least for the next semester's time period so as to gain a better handle on infectious control and treatment.  Students can catch-up in the future, but only if they and their parents and teachers are not seriously debilitated or dead.

    Basic public health measures (hand washing, distancing) take on a different dimension with kindergarten and early grade children. Just ask a teacher.

    ... but the primary problem with distance learning for public schoolchildren here on the Big Island is insufficient IT capacity among our mostly rural population, which is further compounded by a shortage of system bandwidth.

    My office is presently working on a plan for the County of Hawaii in conjunction with the state and federal governments to increase bandwidth capacity throughout the island. It's no small order. The Ka'u District (50 miles south of where we are in Hilo) was the last place in the country where residents still had party lines for their telephone service, and that only ended 15 years ago.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Trumps hair-doo (none / 0) (#116)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 09:05:56 PM EST
    seemed a little bit slap dash today

    Like a metaphor for his life it seemed almost on the verge of out of control

    Also (none / 0) (#117)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 13, 2020 at 09:07:31 PM EST
    The right eye looks a little saggy.

    Or the left a little bugged out.  Not sure which.

    Parent

    Will 2020 be a repeat of 2016 (none / 0) (#121)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 09:49:16 AM EST
    Polls in 2016 had Hillary within striking distance of Trump in red states like Texas. Rather than spend time and treasure firming up support in normal Democratic states, the Clinton campaign spent time and money trying to win typically red states. Trump won Texas by 9%.

    Once again, polls are showing a close race in Texas and other red states.

    Biden wades into Texas with first general election TV ad in state

    Will the virus make a difference? Turn red states blue? Or will the Democratic Party repeat the mistakes of 2016 and neglect their base and normal allies to pursue elusive Republican voters?

    Something to think about.

    2/3 (5.00 / 1) (#130)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 03:10:40 PM EST
    of the people voting for Biden are essentially voting against Trump. I doubt any of that is going to change.

    Secondly, Hillary tried with doing things like putting Cornell West on the platform committee and all he did was have a meltdown and endorse the Green Party. This kind of thing is how the left wing of the party gets ignored. If you can't work toward common goals and realize that you're not always going to get 100% of what you want. It seems that Biden learned from that kind of thing.

    Parent

    The so called conservatives (none / 0) (#131)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 03:30:46 PM EST
    (i.e. Republicans) you are chasing are setting up conditions on what will lose their vote. The Dems will lose their vote if Biden's VP choice is not conservative enough. How did Kaine work for Hillary. Once they get that condition met, there will be another conservative agenda item to be met, then another and another and like all the changes made to ACA will just weaken the policies without changing the votes. A lot of Hillary's base stayed home and conservative and Republicans voted for Trump. How did that work out?

    Parent
    How did it work (none / 0) (#134)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 03:48:45 PM EST
    out that Bernie supporters acted like spoiled children in 2016? Even if Hillary had picked someone they liked they would not have voted for her would they? Kaine was not supposed to help with conservative Republicans. He was supposed to help with white voters in general. Ironically her going after Romney voters worked out better here in GA than it did turning out the base. Many places there is just not enough of a base to turn out.

    As far as the ACA, well, that's Obama. There's always going to be concessions made but the fact that he kept rolling over for the GOP is on him nobody else.

    Parent

    Kaine helped carry Virginia (none / 0) (#149)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 04:59:04 PM EST
    for the 2016 Democratic ticket (by five points over Trump). Obama carried Virginia in 2012 by 3.4 percent, the first Democrat to carry Virginia since FDR.

    Overall, however, it seems that Kaine hurt by not helping. He was a good vice presidential choice for governing, but you don't get to govern if you don't win. (old maxim).

    Parent

    I appreciate you making my point (none / 0) (#150)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 05:06:20 PM EST
    Thanks for making my point on Clinton playing to Republican voters rather than turning out the base.

    Per Ga6thDem:

    Ironically her going after Romney voters worked out better here in GA than it did turning out the base.

    How did that work out? Don't recall that Clinton won Georgia or any other red state by going after Romney voters and losing support with the potential base supporters.

    Extremely easy to place all the blame on Bernie supporters even when data shows that definitely was not anywhere close to the whole story. Russian interference, Comey's last ditch email fiasco and voter suppression played a role in the defeat and her failure to engage younger voters even among the AA community. Voter suppression does not just impact the AA community but also hinders voting in college communities. Also, one of the main post-election criticisms of the Hillary Clinton campaign has been that she didn't do enough campaigning. From Sept. to Nov., she made only 71 campaign stops vs 106 for Trump. She didn't even bother to campaign in Wisconsin but assumed she had that state in the bag. Hillary failed to close the deal. She played to conservative voters by playing small ball, emphasizing all the things that people couldn't have and Republicans went home to Trump.

     

    While they chose Clinton over Trump by a wide margin, black voter turnout failed to reach the same record-setting level as it did for Obama in 2008 and 2012, analysts say.

    Combined with Trump's overperformance among white ex-urban and rural voters, and disillusioned African Americans choosing a third-party candidate or sitting out the election, Clinton's inability to reach Obama-level numbers cost her dearly in swing states with significant black populations, like North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

    US News

    4.4 million 2012 Obama voters stayed home in 2016 -- more than a third of them black

    The low turnout for Clinton had little to do with her black support and everything to do with the effective campaign of voter suppression run by Republicans, one that has decimated accessible options for people of color. This election illustrates the importance of alternatives to the current voting system, which continues to actively disenfranchise marginalized populations subject to numerous barriers to entry. It's time to update the ballot box to make sure everyone's voice is being heard.

    Salon

    Then, of course, you had the 2016 version of the never Trumpers who, when push came to shove, went home to Trump.

    Parent

    Do you really (none / 0) (#154)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 05:53:51 PM EST
    think those voters were going to turn out for any VP? Show me the proof. And after Obama nobody was going to get high African American turnout. Biden has the same problem. Hillary just couldn't make it up with white voters. Even Stacey Abrams didn't get the turnout from African American voters that Obama got.

    There is not enough of a base to win an election. She got 48% which is the base according to Pew. And as far as GA goes, she did better than Obama. She flipped the collar counties around Atlanta for the first time in 40 years. She identified the areas we could win in in 2018. It wasn't her fault that the Russians were interfering and the fact that Bernie supporters were pushing Russian propaganda in these red states. Really with all the garbage that went down in 2016 it does nothing to prove your theory. And if Biden wins bigger than she does and he's to the right of her according to you it will prove that she was too far left.

    Parent

    Boy are you good at putting (none / 0) (#160)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 06:48:02 PM EST
    words in my mouth. You are really, really good at making things up.

    At no time did I state that Biden was to the right of Clinton. Clinton did not reduce support among the youth vote or younger African American by being too far left. That is just not supported by facts.

    You were the one who claimed that Clinton's conservative choice of a VP helped with Romney voters rather than Democratic base voters.

    What was proven was that appealing to Romney voters in Georgia did not win the state for Clinton. Trump won Georgia. What was proven was that conservative Republican voters showed up and voted for Trump regardless of all the negative things they said about him. What was proven was that Trump trailed in the polls and still won. What was proven was that Trump could win regardless of how bad he was and how much he disgusted a whole lot of people. What was also proven was that Clinton's attempt to appeal to Republican voters through promoting moderate policies did not work, she failed to win any red state. Her policies did fail to generate the turnout she needed from young voters, even young African American voters in key states.

    Parent

    No, (none / 0) (#164)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 07:12:27 PM EST
    you are misunderstanding what I was saying. I was saying Biden is to the right of Hillary and if Biden wins using your theory it would prove that Hillary was too far left.

    What I said was Bernie supporters were never going to vote for no matter who the VP was and so she went for Romney voters. I mean you can only chase a cat tail for so long before you move on. They constantly moved the goal posts and never were satisfied. Even if Hillary said she was for MFA they would have accused her of lying about it. So it really would have been pointless for her to go after these voters. Biden has realized apparently that it is mostly pointless too.

    You are never going to get a turnout from young voters. It's a fool's errand. Bernie couldn't even get them to show up for him in the primary. Young voters have never been reliable voters. Where Biden is doing better than Hillary is with white voters which are not necessarily Republicans. You're assuming that all Romney voters were conservative Republicans and they were not. Remember Obama lost independents in 2012. The perception was not that she was moderate though. Her issues were the furthest left the party has gone in a long, long time. So the facts don't back you up on the whole moderate issue thing. Biden is actually undercutting your whole argument by polling higher than Hillary and he's to the right of her.

    Parent

    I think there will be massive (none / 0) (#165)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 07:15:13 PM EST
    Turnout of young voters this year.  They are not reliable but they are scared.

    Parent
    Well, (none / 0) (#169)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 07:25:34 PM EST
    as someone who has a 18 year old and has them over at my house all the time I wouldn't count on it right now. My 18 year old voted for Yang in the primary even though Yang had dropped out.

    They do absolutely loathe Trump though. Maybe local candidates will push up ticket.

    Parent

    I wonder if you have discussed it since (none / 0) (#171)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 07:37:42 PM EST
    George Floyd and BLM.

    Trump is in a perfect storm of his own making.  He is losing seniors because of Covid and youth (although 18 is really young) with the racial stuff.

    Both entirely because of his bungled handling of things that easily could have gone differently.

    Just today he went on a rant about how the confederate flags is about free speech.

    Available to everyone but Colin Kaepernick, I guess.

    Every time he opens his mouth on race he loses a point with the under 30 demo.

    Parent

    And this (none / 0) (#172)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 07:41:45 PM EST
    Today

    Washington -- In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, President Trump said the killing of George Floyd was "terrible" but appeared to bristle when asked why Black Americans are "still dying at the hands of law enforcement in this country."

    "So are White people. So are White people. What a terrible question to ask. So are White people," Mr. Trump told CBS News senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge at the White House. "More White people, by the way. More White people."



    Parent
    I don't think (none / 0) (#174)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 08:14:10 PM EST
    it has really seeped in with him. He goes away to college in August.

    He also listens to Joe Rogan. Ugh.

    Parent

    You made me google (none / 0) (#176)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 08:20:04 PM EST
    Who TF is Joe Rogan.

    If he endorsed Bernie and Bernie touted the endorsement, both did, I expect he is talking about BLM.

    Parent

    Yes, (none / 0) (#177)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 08:40:40 PM EST
    and then Joe Rogan turned around and endorsed Trump again dumping on Bernie's head. Son says Rogan goes after "both sides". I've really had to explain to him how both siderism is wrong. Things are not always equivalent.

    Parent
    K (none / 0) (#179)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 08:50:43 PM EST
    Made me google again since the first time was brief.

    the guy sound like a complete idiot

    Not necessarily discussing BLM.  Incorrect assumption.  Thinking Sanders would not have accepted and talked about a "big tent" if the guy was a racist moron.  My bad.

    That Sanders accepted the endorsement says more about Sanders than Rogan.

    Parent

    YEah, (none / 0) (#182)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 09:37:13 PM EST
    Rogan is definitely an idiot IMO. I don't get him.

    Parent
    I barely knew who Joe Rogan (none / 0) (#197)
    by McBain on Wed Jul 15, 2020 at 10:50:57 AM EST
    was before the shelter in place rules started.  Since I've had more free time at home, I've watched several of his interviews on YouTube.  

    He's a martial arts guy who talks a lot about MMA stuff, which isn't really my thing unless he's talking about the Bruce Lee/Chuck Norris days.  He's into UFO sightings/conspiracies.... something I'm not sold on but find interesting.  I enjoyed this interview with Bob Lazar and Jeremy Corbell.
    I believe somewhere in this interview Rogan admits, he can't be completely objective on this topic because he very much wants it to be true.  

    Rogan is also a stand up comic and often interviews fellow comics.  There's also several shows about nutrition and other health related topics. Rogan has been described as Oprah for bros.


    Parent

    So, he voted for Yang. I voted (none / 0) (#186)
    by Peter G on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 10:27:12 PM EST
    for Warren in PA long after she had dropped out. My message to Biden. Which he seems to have heard.

    Parent
    Me too in Missouri (none / 0) (#192)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jul 15, 2020 at 08:30:10 AM EST
    I was out of the country during our primary so I voted for Warren absentee. Can't remember if she dropped out right before the actual date of our primary or right after it. I submitted my absentee ballot 2 weeks before the actual date so IIRC she hadn't officially dropped out at that time but probably before the actual date.

    Regardless of the timing, my ballot choice would have been the same.

    Parent

    English language (none / 0) (#183)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 09:42:48 PM EST
    Ga6thDem:
    And if Biden wins bigger than she does and he's to the right of her according to you it will prove that she was too far left.

    According to you, Biden is to the right of Hillary Clinton. That is  your opinion and is not a premise that has been determined to be an actual fact.

    Throughout their careers they have taken very similar stands on numerous policies. They both voted for  the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002, both supported the 1994 Violent Crime Act, both initially supported NAFTA, both evolved on LBGTQ rights issues, such as Don't Ask, Don't Tell, DOMA and gay marriage, both have supported corporate interests and both support private insurance healthcare.

    While stating she supported Civil Unions in 2007, she did not come out in support of gay marriage until March 2013. Prior to that her stated position was "she believed that marriage was "a sacred bond between a man and a woman.""

    FACT:Biden came out in support of gay marriage before Hillary in May 2012.

    His current stated policies are slightly to the left of Clinton's in 2016.

    Nope, don't see where Biden is to the right of Clinton. Both are and always have been, staunch establishment Dems.

    Parent

    An Important Difference to Consider (none / 0) (#138)
    by RickyJim on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 03:58:13 PM EST
    There is a general perception today that Biden's VP choice has a much better chance of becoming President in 4 or less years from the present than Kaine had in 2016. And Trump and his minions are hoping that Biden will make a choice that gives them the opportunity of shouting that from every rooftop during the closing months of the campaign.

    Parent
    Trump is going continue to (none / 0) (#162)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 06:59:36 PM EST
    shout from the rooftops about the Democratic Party is the Socialist Party regardless of Biden's policies or his choice of a VP.

    Biden needs to select someone who would make good policy decisions as president and would be good for the party. A conservative Dem would not fit either criteria.  

    Parent

    Kaine did nothing for the ticket in 2016. (none / 0) (#144)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 04:19:56 PM EST
    He was the safe, generic white bread choice.

    Parent
    It all is (none / 0) (#122)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 10:06:19 AM EST
    But I don't think what's happening in the polls currently is much like Hillary's lead in 16

    Hillary was never 9-14 points ahead.  Across every major poll.
    Also we saw the polls that were off ultimately off less that 2 points.

    Every poll could be off by three times that much and Biden would still be ahead more that Hillary was.

    As far as competing in red states.  I say why not.  Run ads.  There won't be many in person appearances anywhere.  And so far there seems to be plenty of money.  Biden has started running ads in TX.  I think that's smart.  But ultimately I don't think it matters much.

    IMO the state of the race is entirely a referendum on Trump.  And will continue to be.  He is incapable of altering his behavior.  The reason Biden is moving ahead in red states IMO has almost nothing to do with Biden.  

    Ads won't matter.  Public appearances won't matter and are probably just as well left out considering Biden's foot in mouth tendencies

    Just saw this

    Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball: "With Joe Biden's national lead around eight to 10 points, there is a possibility that he could compete for some usually Republican states. We are moving seven states from Safe Republican to Likely Republican."

    "Our current ratings represent something of a hedge between a Trump comeback and Biden maintaining or expanding his large national lead."

    link


    Parent

    As was mentioned upthread (none / 0) (#123)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 10:19:06 AM EST
    Personally I am more concerned with having an election than winning the election.

    Well, that and what happens after Biden wins.  Because IMO anyone who thinks Trump will go voluntarily no matter how much he loses by has just not been paying attention.

    I believe he will lose.  And he will leave.  But I couldn't guess what might happen between now and then.

    Parent

    Ugly (none / 0) (#125)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 12:05:38 PM EST
    Jon Ward: "Since the emergence of the coronavirus, Trump has made numerous wild claims -- without any evidence and in contradiction to known facts -- that mail-in voting will lead to widespread fraud and cheating. If most Republicans vote in person and most Democrats vote by mail, that could create a scenario well suited to Trump's tendency to make unfounded accusations of wrongdoing."

    Said law professor Rick Hasen: "As Trump drives more and more of his supporters to vote in person and away from vote-by-mail, it's quite likely that we'll see Trump getting many more votes on election night, the votes that are counted on Election Day."

    He added: "Then, four or five days later, if Biden becomes the winner as the absentee ballots are counted in Philadelphia or Detroit, that's a recipe, if it's close, for a really ugly election scenario."

    yahoo

    Parent

    Clinton was absolutely going to win (none / 0) (#126)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 12:43:46 PM EST
    Until she didn't.

    Competing everywhere is fine as long as you take a "bird in the hand approach" and not the "chasing after unicorns approach."

    Would much prefer the Dems approach this as a tight race where you must first shore up your base and then pursue Dem leaning independents in the battleground states rather than go after Republicans who may well go home on Election Day.

    Parent

    Biden just gave a speech (none / 0) (#127)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 01:21:00 PM EST
    On climate and the economy and the first question to John Podesta was "Why is Biden sounding so much more progressive than he did during the primary"

    Which he did.  It was a pretty good speech.  And I think that's  the shoring up the base part

    Parent

    Shoring up the base? (5.00 / 1) (#129)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 01:53:44 PM EST
    Definitely better than Trump's policies but lacking some important goals of progressive climate change activists.

    But some goals of progressives are notably absent from the plan. It does not include a ban on fracking, which many on the left are demanding but which some Biden advisors consider politically untenable in key states such as Pennsylvania. The plan also embraces nuclear energy as a viable zero-emission technology, even as many environmentalists are demanding closure of America's remaining nuclear plants.

    The target of achieving "net zero emissions" by 2050 may also underwhelm activists who say such action is too little, too late. Polluters arguably could continue to emit large amounts of greenhouse gases even after the goal is reached by offsetting them with such activities as planting trees.

    LA Times

    Parent

    ... that Joe Biden realizes the serious need for the country to go big, bold and broad. Given the magnitude of the socio-economic devastation, incremental approaches just aren't going to cut it.

    We had our Democratic state convention this past week, which was held online. From our discussions, I've clearly sensed an increasing confidence in Biden as our candidate on the part of people who were squarely in Bernie Sanders' camp and heretofore skeptical. I didn't get a chance to hear Biden's speech earlier, because it was still in the wee hours out here when he gave it, so I'll have to check it out later.

    But to be honest, I also think that Democrats and our allies across the board clearly grasp the fact that our country is caught in the grips of a gangster regime and that for the first time in most of our lives, its fate is now genuinely at risk. This is an "All hands on deck!" moment and people are starting to respond to our present situation by rallying behind our party's standard bearer.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Hopefully, this is true (5.00 / 1) (#152)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 05:16:05 PM EST
    Joe Biden realizes the serious need for the country to go big, bold and broad. Given the magnitude of the socio-economic devastation, incremental approaches just aren't going to cut it.

    Assuming that Trump is so bad that he cannot possibly win, playing small ball and Dems emphasizing Republican policies is one of the reasons Trump is currently President. Don't need to repeat the same mistakes in 2020.

    Parent

    Do you really think (none / 0) (#141)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 04:14:28 PM EST
    "shoring up the base" should be a priority. Do you actually believe the Democratic base is for unknown reason suddenly think, hey this moron isn't so bad after all and vote GOP? I think the votes to go after are the ones who voted for Obama then the orange doofus. The disappointed Republicans. The ones who haven't joined the cult. The independents.

    Clinton was a horrible candidate. The states she lost and where close where states she took for granted. Wisconsin is a great example.

    I agree with Capt. Howdy. This is entirely a referendum on the orange doofus. I don't believe the Democratic base needs convincing on that. But there are others who do.


    Parent

    The people (5.00 / 1) (#146)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 04:32:17 PM EST
    that went to Trump from Obama are not coming back unless they are true misogynists that would not vote for a woman. Where you are going to get votes is from independents, new voters, occasional voters etc.

    The whole WI thing is a myth. Feingold ran behind Hillary and he spent the entire time in the state visiting every county. What hurt her in WI was not not going. She had plans to go and  campaign but the Pulse shooting happened. What the problem was she sent Bernie to campaign for her in WI. So the whole socialist thing took hold along with misogyny.

    Parent

    Yes, I do (none / 0) (#155)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 05:59:35 PM EST
    Going after Republican voters failed to work for Clinton and I doubt it will work for Biden. Repeating failed strategies is seldom a formula for success.

    Obama won due to a high turnout of the African American community and young voters.

    Clinton failed to get the same level of turnout of young voters and African American voters, particularly young AA voters.

    These are the voters that you need to show up in force and vote for Biden.

    Doubt calling for more money for police, moderate climate policy or catering to Republican voters by promoting conservative policies and a conservative VP candidate are going to generate sufficient turnout in those important contingencies to overcome voter suppression and Republican dirty tricks.

    Parent

    Nobody (5.00 / 1) (#157)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 06:16:17 PM EST
    is going to get Obama's turnout with African Americans. Biden is going back to the usual amount of African American voters the party gets around 88%. The "Obama coalition" really isn't a coalition because they only showed up for Obama. We don't know what the new coalition is yet but the suburbs appear to be the path to winning. It's what flipped the house in 2018.

    Parent
    The Biggest Danger to Biden's Chances (none / 0) (#128)
    by RickyJim on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 01:45:28 PM EST
    IMHO is choosing a running mate that will be effectively attacked for "radical" views - like support for looters, defunding the police and paying reparations.  

    Oh yes. (5.00 / 4) (#142)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 04:15:44 PM EST
    Cause "looting" has always been such a large part of the Democratic platform. /s

    Parent
    Trump will do anything and everything (5.00 / 1) (#153)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 05:20:15 PM EST
    to stay in office. So much rides on it for him, like possible jail and financialrestitution. And, yes, both Biden and running mate will be attacked in the most vile manner. Truth is not a factor.  Since the vice presidential pick will likely be a woman of color, we know that misogyny and racism will be a staple of the attack.

    Unlikely for Trump to get traction with charges of "support for looters."  The meaning of defunding the police is becoming better understood (curious that Trump's "defunding" of schools-- if they do not do just what he and Betsy DeVos want is not more controversial).  Reparations are not so radical, although they are controversial.

     The most radical serious thought about reparations is to have a commission take a look at it.  After all, reparations were granted at the end of the Civil War by General Sherman (40 acres and a mule), only to be rescinded upon the assassination of Lincoln by President Johnson.  Reparations were given to slave holders, too, after having to free their slaves. And, reparation were made for the horrible wrongs of placing Japanese Americans in camps during WWII.

    All of this is not to say, that the  Democratic ticket will not be attacked, but not "effectively." None of the frequently mentioned vp contenders is "radical".

    Parent

    The past week or so has been crazy (none / 0) (#132)
    by McBain on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 03:33:53 PM EST
    for the SF Bay Area.  First, businesses like gyms and salons that were scheduled to open yesterday were told they couldn't, then told they could, now told to shut things down after one day of being open.

    I'm going to be OK for at least the short run but I feel bad for the business owners who put effort and money into getting things ready to open yesterday.  The back and forth must be extremely frustrating.

    Maybe there will be another stimulus package.  Maybe small businesses can hang in there another month.  

    Ya. Very bummed that my gym has to close. (5.00 / 1) (#135)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 03:49:17 PM EST
    I have read that there is lots of contact tracing going on. I'd love to see the results - X% got it at work/office, Y% at a bar, Z% at the gym, etc.

    Parent
    It would be nice to know what the exact (none / 0) (#137)
    by McBain on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 03:56:25 PM EST
    criteria is.  What I know is my state puts counties on a "watch list".  I think if a county is on that list for 3 consecutive days, they can't open or keep  certain things open.  

    Parent
    We are in the same state. (none / 0) (#147)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 04:33:51 PM EST
    Actually just called my gym. (none / 0) (#151)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 05:10:21 PM EST
    As of now, they are defying the order and are staying open...

    Parent
    I hope you (2.00 / 1) (#187)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 10:34:05 PM EST
    And the orange cultists at your gym are at least wearing masks and wearing them properly. Otherwise, enjoy your time with the ventilator.

    Parent
    I wear a mask and gloves at the gym. (none / 0) (#190)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Jul 15, 2020 at 12:51:02 AM EST
    I believe this is not the first time I've mentioned this on this site.

    Also I use spray sanitizer on my gloves and on the machines before and after I use the machines. Quart-sized spray bottles of sanitizer are distributed all over the gym for our use.

    Also I have not used the gym since the gov's closure orders came out.

    "you and the orange cultists?" I live in LA, CA. I wonder if you can guess who the (very) large majority of the gym's members are NOT going to support in Nov?

    "enjoy your time with the ventilator." You repulsive self-righteous ghoul.

    Parent

    I have a home gym (none / 0) (#196)
    by McBain on Wed Jul 15, 2020 at 10:18:04 AM EST
    and I do a lot of outdoor exercise.  Not having access to a big gym isn't a huge deal for me but I'd like to have the option back soon.

    Parent
    There will be more stimulus bills. (none / 0) (#139)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 04:02:45 PM EST
    Now, whether any of it will be in time to save many of these businesses on the brink, I honestly can't say. If I had to guess, I'd say that our country is presently on track to lose about one-third of its small business capacity, and that's both sobering and heartbreaking.

    But given the current trajectory of new COVID cases, California really had no choice but to shut down again. I truly feel for those whose small businesses are presently mired in quicksand and sinking, but we should always prioritize public safety and well being over the pursuit of profit.

    Speaking as someone who is a co-principal of a small consulting firm, we can always rebuild and reconstitute our businesses. (And it sure looks like we'll have to.) But we really can't replace lives that have been lost. In a deadly pandemic, we must err on the side of life.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Donald. (none / 0) (#140)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 04:06:46 PM EST
    Do you think many of these business could have been saved if there had some semblance of national leadership on this issue? A national plan? Consistent rules and guidelines? Imagine such a world.

    Parent
    I own a small business. (none / 0) (#143)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 04:16:57 PM EST
    My industry (filmed entertainment production) was down 98% in 2Q2020 vs 2Q2019.

    In my industry nothing would have helped in any significant way.

    Parent

    I showed up (none / 0) (#145)
    by MKS on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 04:30:36 PM EST
    at my gym this morning at 5:00 a.m., and it was deserted like a science fiction movie.  Shows what I get for not watching the news yesterday.  

    Parent
    Anyone take their pet to a dermatologist? (none / 0) (#136)
    by McBain on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 03:49:45 PM EST
    After my dog's persistent itching/scratching stopped responding well to medication my vet recommended I go to an animal dermatologist.  The initial examination won't be cheap and if testing is needed the cost goes way up.

    Just curious if anyone has tried this route before?   I've already tried the obvious things like changing food.

     

    How often do you wash your dog? (none / 0) (#148)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 04:45:36 PM EST
    What sort of product do you use when bathing him / her? Is your dog primarily an indoor or outdoor animal? Where does he / she like to hang out when inside?

    Since you've already tried changing food without apparent success, I'd suggest that before you spend that sort of money on a pet dermatologist, that you first consider and examine your pet's overall daily routines, such as frequency of bathing, flea treatments, the type of soap or shampoo you use, keeping him / her indoors more often if it's an outside animal (and vice versa), the route you take when walking the dog, etc., and then make some noticeable changes to it.

    It may be that unbeknownst to you, your pet is being exposed to an outside irritant which is causing him / her distress, such as a pesticide, detergent or other household chemical. Other than fleas, that's often the most common source of skin irritation in pets. Changing your dog's routine may help you identify and eliminate / mitigate that source. If there's no change in his / her distress, then go the dermatologist route. But like you noted, that can be very expensive.

    When our eldest cat had serious skin issues which were causing her distress, I took her to her vet. I was surprised to learn that she had a lot of fleas because she's exclusively an indoor cat. While aides washed her in a flea shampoo, the vet asked me where she primarily spent her day and where she liked to sleep.

    Because she sleeps on our various beds and hangs out during the day in her basket by the front window (screened) with her blanket, where she can look outside and survey the domain, the vet suggested that we change laundry detergents and use a clear, unscented and nonallergenic variety, and then close the front window because fleas from other outdoor cats can pass through screens (which I did not know). We made the changes and it worked, and her condition quickly improved.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    He's primarly an indoor dog (none / 0) (#156)
    by McBain on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 06:11:19 PM EST
    We changed his shampoo based on a vet's recommendation.  I haven't thought about the laundry detergent used on his bedding but it's usually dye/perfume free. One thought is he might be allergic to the grass he walks on when we take him out.  

    Thanks.

    Parent

    I never expected (none / 0) (#158)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 06:38:26 PM EST
    To root for Jeff Sessions but I hope he wins in AL today.    It would drive Trump crazy (he is backing Tuberville) and Trumps hatred of Sessions might help the Democrat win.

    Sessions crashes into Tuberville, Trump in Alabama runoff
    The former football coach has played it safe and relied on Trump's endorsement in the prolonged, 19-week runoff.



    Plus (none / 0) (#159)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 06:42:31 PM EST
    It would be a just punch to the idea Trumps endorsement or his opposition still means anything.

    If Sessions manages to win it will be said it was because Trump attacked hm.

    Parent

    Hmm (none / 0) (#161)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 06:56:49 PM EST
    From the politico article:
    "Because he has not been vetted, because this is his first campaign and because Doug Jones is sitting on millions and millions of dollars, there is concern over whether Tommy Tuberville will be able to survive the type of campaign Doug Jones is going to run," said Angi Stalnaker, a veteran operative who was a top aide to former Gov. Robert Bentley. "We don't know anything about Tommy Tuberville other than he is a football coach and loves Donald Trump. And we're all keeping our fingers crossed that's going to be enough to take back that seat for Republicans."

    Not sure Sessions would be easier to beat. Also Turberville had a player rape an underage girl and only suspended him for 1 game. I expect Jones would definitely make an ad about that one.

    I personally think Jones is underrated. I also think the food fight might make it easier for Jones to win reelection. It's also one of the reasons I think the jungle primary senate seat here in GA might be a more likely flip than Perdue's seat.

    Parent

    Not sure he would be "easier" (none / 0) (#163)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 07:09:40 PM EST
    But I personally count he would be harder.  We may not know much about Tubby but one thing we know is he has Trumps unconditional support and we know Sessions is dead to him.

    He will continue to attack Sessions even if he is the nominee.  Mitch won't be able to shut him up.

    IMO if Jones wins democrats will win 10 seats.  Or more.  I think  he probably only wins in a historic tsunami

    Which is possible.


    Parent

    Anything is possible. (none / 0) (#167)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 07:18:48 PM EST
    Right now pundits have Jones DOA but like the article says he's not been vetted and it may not take a tsunami if Jones is able to implode his campaign. Yeah, Trump fighting with Sessions would be good theater. Sessions really should not have run again but old men and their ego I guess. Republicans seem to think the senate is a retirement home.

    Parent
    AP (none / 0) (#168)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 07:23:10 PM EST
    Jodi McDade, a 68-year-old retired state employee, said she's a long-time supporter of Sessions and wants to see him return to the Senate.

    "As much a fan of Donald Trump's as I am, he has a falling out with a lot of people that he just disagrees with. He may be endorsing Tommy Tuberville today, but then they can have a falling out," McDade said.

    link

    Parent

    That (none / 0) (#170)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 07:27:07 PM EST
    lady has got it right. Trump could turn on Turberville in a NY minute.

    Parent
    Wa wa waaaaaaa (none / 0) (#175)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 08:16:15 PM EST
    Former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville (R) defeated former Attorney General Jeff Sessions (R) in Alabama's Republican primary runoff election on Tuesday, setting up a November match up with current Sen. Doug Jones (D).



    Parent
    I wonder (none / 0) (#178)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 08:41:42 PM EST
    how many Bama fans are going to have to swallow hard and vote for Turberville or just are not going to vote at all.

    Parent
    Tuberville won "bigly" (none / 0) (#185)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 10:07:01 PM EST
    Worse part of this is that Trump will be crowing about this for weeks.

    Parent
    Yes, the worst part (none / 0) (#200)
    by KeysDan on Wed Jul 15, 2020 at 11:54:21 AM EST
    Is that Trump willl be crowing. The best part is that another Confederate monument has been toppled.  

    As with Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, Tuber will fall from Trump's grace with the slightest of perceived disloyalties.  And,    Tuber has the disadvantage of being  a former Auburn coach, whereas Doug Jones Is a University of Alabama alum.  That Alabama connection outdistances Tuber's Auburn as well as his charge that Jones has "NYC and Chicago values".

    Parent

    HBO, ROKU and FireStick tv (none / 0) (#173)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 08:08:23 PM EST
    This is just a weird thing.

    Why HBO Max, Peacock Are Deadlocked in Talks With Roku and Amazon

    I recently related my own weird story.  As an update, I am still currently getting HBO for free.  I will, a new notice says, until July 31 when the old HBO NOW app stops working.

    I was a bit concerned but someone, Chuck?, mentioned HULU so investigating I learned I can get HBO MAX, as an add on to HULU.  I already have HULU so I will do that Aug 1.

    So I have no dog in the fight anymore.  But it's a weird fight.

    Have you (none / 0) (#198)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jul 15, 2020 at 11:16:05 AM EST
    signed up for Peacock? If so, what does it get you that you can't get with Hulu, HBO Max and Netflix?

    Parent
    I have not (5.00 / 1) (#199)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 15, 2020 at 11:20:00 AM EST
    And I agree it doesn't sound like much to be excited about.

    I am loving Sling.

    They have a couple of classics channels.  COMET that plays old SciFi movies and tv and FilmDetective which I'm now watching.  I just watched You Bet Your Life, with Groucho, and now it's One Step Beyond.

    Parent

    I hope everyone (none / 0) (#180)
    by Zorba on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 09:02:52 PM EST
    Had a good National Mac and Cheese Day.
    In honor of this, I made Greek pastitsio, which is essentially Greek mac and cheese with a meat layer.

    I decided to let my hair grow (5.00 / 2) (#181)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 09:17:26 PM EST
    I still have most of it.  Oddly.  And after having dreams with hair and enjoying how it felt I decided what the hell.  I will grow it out.

    I am now able to pull my hair.  For literally the first time in....at least 30 years.  Probably more like 40.  

    May come in handy this fall.

    Parent

    I had a happy Bastille Day. (5.00 / 2) (#188)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 10:35:23 PM EST
    Encouraged all my co workers its time to storm the palaces of power.

    Parent
    If you didn't trust the numbers now... (none / 0) (#189)
    by desertswine on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 11:59:22 PM EST
    The Trump administration has ordered hospitals to bypass the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and, beginning on Wednesday, send all coronavirus patient information to a central database in Washington -- a move that has alarmed public health experts who fear the data will be distorted for political gain.

    The new instructions are contained in a little-noticed document posted this week on the Department of Health and Human Services' website, Sheryl Gay Stolberg reports. From now on, H.H.S., and not the C.D.C., will collect daily reports about the patients that each hospital is treating, how many beds and ventilators are available, and other information vital to tracking the pandemic.

    --NYT

    That's probably the end of getting any useful coronavirus statistics out of the government.  It will all be skewed now.

    We (none / 0) (#191)
    by FlJoe on Wed Jul 15, 2020 at 06:13:03 AM EST
    are all the Donner Party now
    Medal of Freedom recipient Rush Limbaugh: Americans should "adapt" to coronavirus, like pioneers who "had to turn to cannibalism"
    Oh well, all work and no play....

    No one is being ignored (none / 0) (#195)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 15, 2020 at 10:04:40 AM EST
    In attempts to expand the map

    Democrats have spent six times as much money on television ads in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin so far in 2020 than they did at the same point four years ago, McClatchy reports.

    link

    This is also good

    A new Monmouth poll in Pennsylvania shows Joe Biden leading Donald Trump by 13 points among registered voters, 53% to 40%.

    Key takeaway: "Biden is doing especially well in ten counties where the vote margins were closest in the 2016 presidential election. The Democrat currently holds a 54% to 35% lead among registered voters in these swing counties."

    Said pollster Patrick Murray: "Even taking into account any polling error from four years ago, Biden is clearly doing well in swing areas. The Democrat has roots in this region which may be helping him, but there seems to be an overall erosion of support for Trump compared to 2016."