Politics Thread

[XU_Lou]

This is why it's useless. You'll find a reason to ignore the facts, and attack the messenger.
I noted infant mortality is much larger here as an example.
Here's another source on the subject. Does it somehow make the statistics magically correct, that people spent decades studying and gathering data?

https://www.foxnews.com/health/us-ranks-behind-25-other-countries-in-infant-mortality

No worries; I'll bow out. Metrics clearly show the US health system costs more and delivers less than single payer/universal coverage plans in most of the developed world.
To refuse to understand that and try for improvement, will only help those who take profit out of providing health care.
The other countries decided it's not a service where profit should be made; rather a social service like the police or fire.
I suppose it would be nice to say all our money (roughly twice as much) delivered better care for EVERYONE. But that's not the case.
We seem to be the only country where anyone is burdened with "medical" debt. Not something to be proud of.

PS: what about the crime statistics several people have pointed out to you on several occasions?

You remember that discussion we had about population, and the gov't population stats I showed you, and yet you continued to argue I was wrong?

You're right, it's a total waste of time discussing facts with you.

[paulxu]

Paul, I read the article and so should you. Our Pre-term mortality rates are very good. The reason for the higher full-term mortality rate was listed as unknown and the article speculated on causes that do not have to do with “healthcare”.

And it’s one metric. And your article doesn’t really prove what you think it does.

I pulled that Fox article to show that the same metric exists in multiple places, not just on what you might perceive as a "liberal" site.
We're skirting the issue. It was comparing our health system deliveries, measured over decades across a wide list of data points, against single payer/universal systems in other developed nations. Don't focus on just one point, look at our performance in all of them.
We have come up short for a long time, and are paying far more for that.

[Muskie in dayton]

I pulled that Fox article to show that the same metric exists in multiple places, not just on what you might perceive as a "liberal" site.
We're skirting the issue. It was comparing our health system deliveries, measured over decades across a wide list of data points, against single payer/universal systems in other developed nations. Don't focus on just one point, look at our performance in all of them.
We have come up short for a long time, and are paying far more for that.
The more the Government has involved itself in healthcare over the years, the faster costs have gone up and the faster the quality has gone down. I wonder how we can fix that?

[Xuperman]

Let's review....with a few comments to directly address your original question about Republicans. All 7 of your concerns are in dire need of reform because neither party has taken effective actions to improve them. HOWEVER, This Trump Administration is heavy on SOLUTIONS and appears highly motivated to change that.

[QUOTE=Xville;794684[
1. Healthcare---cost, availability, etc- The R's did give us HSA programs. Appeal Obamacare....it is severely flawed.
2. Veterans- Both Parties have done some things positive. Not enough. Trump will focus on Vet unemployment/housing.
3. Mental Health Services- They have done nothing. I know of no proposed solutions.
4. Road and Building Infrastructure- The R's history here changed the world. TR built the Panama Canal. Eisenhower built our Interstate HWY system.
5. Homelessness/Affordable Housing- It can be argued that Trump had the most secure borders in decades. O'Biden policy creates more of #5.
6. Government Spending- Bush started it and Obama continued the Middle East wars at an astronomical cost + Covid. Trump has DOGE.
7. Education---falling behind in about every single metric vs the rest of the world yet costs keep going up- Dems own this disaster for reasons that deserve a separate thread! R's want to eliminate all Federal involvement. There will be movement on this or this Country remains on suicide watch.
[/QUOTE]

This is obviously an important list. HOWEVER....you conveniently posted issues that are long lived ongoing problems that can be argued as both sides are culpable. NOT my list!! ALL if these "problems" are a direct result or related causation, due to Obama's "Fundamentally Transform America" doctrine.

1a. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI). The "EQUITY" component is Marxist. It has to be purged.
1. "Woke" creates a "grievance based society". Trans rights has become the issue at hand.

2a. "Defund the Police". Progressive ideology that seeks to reduce and restrict Law Enforcement capabilities. To " Demonize" Police among minorities.
2b. Criminal Justice Reform. Reduced prosecutions, sentencing guideline and bail norms. Designed to soften or reduce minority incarceration.

3. Biden's Open Southern Border. This massive illegal migration makes required vetting protocol impossible. Serious implications are inevitable.

4. Iran Policy. Reversal of Trump sanctions and financial restrictions. Proxies emboldened. Nuclear program unchecked.

5. The BIG ONE. Active and intentional Progressive narrative, propaganda and indoctrination that creates the reality of America as systematically racist.

Questions to be answered.

Is this not where we are presently? Is this not 100% Democrat policy? Can you point to ANY REPUBLICAN SUPPORT of these issues?

I will hang up and wait for your response.

[XU_Lou]

As Newsome gaslights on rebuilding LA: "Goodbye, red tape. Through an executive order, we are making it easier for victims of the SoCal fires to quickly rebuild their homes and lives."


be aware:


"How do people rebuild without bank financing? You can’t get financing if the property is uninsurable. But, you know that already, Gavin.

How do people recover when there is no coverage for loss replacement? They can’t erase the mortgage already being held - so they still owe that $$. You know that too.

The state will offer pennies on the dollar, and people will be bankrupted. Some of those people will never be able to own a home again.

That’s why permits were filed to change the zoning so multi-family units can be build where previously it was single-family. Right?

Lying to desperate people is despicable."



Do any of you still monitor what's still going on in WNC?



Make no mistake, Democrat policies on local, state and Fed levels have acted as force multipliers in HI, WNC, NOLA and LA.

[Xville]

Let's review....with a few comments to directly address your original question about Republicans. All 7 of your concerns are in dire need of reform because neither party has taken effective actions to improve them. HOWEVER, This Trump Administration is heavy on SOLUTIONS and appears highly motivated to change that.



This is obviously an important list. HOWEVER....you conveniently posted issues that are long lived ongoing problems that can be argued as both sides are culpable. NOT my list!! ALL if these "problems" are a direct result or related causation, due to Obama's "Fundamentally Transform America" doctrine.

1a. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI). The "EQUITY" component is Marxist. It has to be purged.
1. "Woke" creates a "grievance based society". Trans rights has become the issue at hand.

2a. "Defund the Police". Progressive ideology that seeks to reduce and restrict Law Enforcement capabilities. To " Demonize" Police among minorities.
2b. Criminal Justice Reform. Reduced prosecutions, sentencing guideline and bail norms. Designed to soften or reduce minority incarceration.

3. Biden's Open Southern Border. This massive illegal migration makes required vetting protocol impossible. Serious implications are inevitable.

4. Iran Policy. Reversal of Trump sanctions and financial restrictions. Proxies emboldened. Nuclear program unchecked.

5. The BIG ONE. Active and intentional Progressive narrative, propaganda and indoctrination that creates the reality of America as systematically racist.

Questions to be answered.

Is this not where we are presently? Is this not 100% Democrat policy? Can you point to ANY REPUBLICAN SUPPORT of these issues?

I will hang up and wait for your response.

1.) As far as DEI I agree with you on the E part...the other two are great for business and really in any facet of life. I don't really care about trans rights other than i don't think they should be in womens sports.

2.) I struggle with police. It needs reform, a lot of reform quite frankly. A lot of them do some really shit work. I don't think defunding is the answer, but something needs to change in this profession and quickly. More training, better pay, psychological and mental testing.

3.) While Biden has not improved the border in any way shape or form, this is one of the things that has been a problem for decades upon decades that neither side has fixed. The bipartisan bill that was introduced was imo a step in the right direction. Not a perfect bill by any means, but it was a way forward. Trump killed it only because he didn't want to give the dems a win, its the worst kind of politics at work.

4.) Iran policy---one of if not the biggest failure of the Biden presidency imo. If we are talking baout foreign relations as a whole, I do tend to side with the Republicans view on things, but its really a case by case basis. As far as the entire Middle East, I'd personally be for turning that region into a parking lot.

5.) TBH, I think this is overblown.

A lot of this is Democrat or at least one side of the democrats' policy, I concur but outside of Foreign Relations, and the border (which both parties have fucked up for about 50 years now) these things are pretty low on my list.

Biggest issues for me are the economy, healthcare (because i work in the field and see the corruption on a daily basis) and foreign relations, and I do tend to side with republicans on 2 of the 3 and that's why i do tend to vote Republican. However, I again think a lot of our issues are because both sides just continue to kick cans down the road and never work together to solve anything. When they do try to work together, the fringes of both parties speak loudly and are able to impede progress. It's the biggest problem in politics today.

[GoMuskies]

The WSJ did an analysis on swing voters for Kennedy's nomination for HHS. It's pretty wild that there's a chance up to 9 Republicans (including Lindsay Graham and Mitch McConnell could vote against Kennedy) could vote against Kennedy....but he could conceivably get the votes of Bernie Sanders and Cory Booker. Wild times.

[paulxu]

It's wild he's even a nominee...as 15,000 doctors pointed out to Congress.
And now Public Health officials join in:

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5083253-public-health-experts-scientists-warn-senators-on-confirming-rfk-jr/

[GoMuskies]

Confirmation season is officially here with the beginning of the Hegseth confirmation hearing this morning.

The crazies are out early trying to interrupt the hearing. I can almost hear the purple hair on the people yelling. LOL

They're going to have the clear the gallery because of these morons, I suspect.

[xuwillie]

It's wild he's even a nominee...as 15,000 doctors pointed out to Congress.
And now Public Health officials join in:

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5083253-public-health-experts-scientists-warn-senators-on-confirming-rfk-jr/

I'd take that he's probably a good pick then

[Xville]

I'd take that he's probably a good pick then

If he chills out on the anti vaccine nonsense, I agree. I really don’t care if “health care professionals” are against him. They are part of the problem with health care and our food

[Xuperman]

1.) As far as DEI I agree with you on the E part...the other two are great for business and really in any facet of life. I don't really care about trans rights other than i don't think they should be in womens sports.

2.) I struggle with police. It needs reform, a lot of reform quite frankly. A lot of them do some really shit work. I don't think defunding is the answer, but something needs to change in this profession and quickly. More training, better pay, psychological and mental testing.

3.) While Biden has not improved the border in any way shape or form, this is one of the things that has been a problem for decades upon decades that neither side has fixed. The bipartisan bill that was introduced was imo a step in the right direction. Not a perfect bill by any means, but it was a way forward. Trump killed it only because he didn't want to give the dems a win, its the worst kind of politics at work.

4.) Iran policy---one of if not the biggest failure of the Biden presidency imo. If we are talking baout foreign relations as a whole, I do tend to side with the Republicans view on things, but its really a case by case basis. As far as the entire Middle East, I'd personally be for turning that region into a parking lot.

5.) TBH, I think this is overblown.

Ville' is that you? Detailed opinion is not your thing.....that was fairly clear and concise.

1.) Where do you stand on Trans men in public women's restrooms? What about Trans men deployed among live COMBAT personnel?

2.) Yes. More training, BETTER PAY, psych/mental testing are in direct contradiction of "defund". Let's be honest. The "Defund the Police" narrative is oxymoronic in principal and a foundational goal of the BLM agenda. Nothing more than a reform action designed to limit police engagement with minority criminal activity....with strong intent to reduce/eliminate necessary Law Enforcement tactics.

3.) Yes. HOWEVER, Biden ERASED the record book for crossings, and nuked the mandatory vetting process. No medical screening requirements for communicable diseases during the peak of COVID!!! Suicidal policy designed to max out entry #'s quickly.

BTW. There WILL BE immediate executive orders to help reverse Biden's disaster....AND there WILL BE strict reform legislation proposed in both Houses of Congress. The timing of that ridiculous "Bi-Partisan" bill was THE obvious election year politics here...by the Dems. The Trump call was simply proactive. Let's see how serious the Dems are about "bipartisanship" when presented with Republican authored legislation. You already know the answer.

4.) O'Biden policy already created the conditions to allow your "parking lot" reference to become reality in Gaza....because that's what it is.

Notice how Hamas is getting ready to release the hostages, only now that Trump is POTUS? Trump will get credit for ending that nightmare and the subsequent rebuild coalition. Trump WILL NOT allow a Nuclear weapon threat from Iran. I suspect unfettered International inspections are inevitable....if Iran refuses....shit will blow up.

5.) "Overblown? You can't be serious. There has been a MASSIVE coordinated campaign to establish systematic racism as FACT. This has now been widely accepted as such and promoting it has become an extremely lucrative industry. The Progressive race baiters and their corporate/media/academia allies have been given societal impunity to aggressively weave this reality into the fabric of America. Early slow burn created by Obama has become a perpetual wildfire since the rise of Trump and the O'Biden administration. This is, and will be, an irreversible force of a divided America going forward.

I feel the current Obama "Fundamentally Transform America" Democrat Party is about to collapse. Way too much above Progressive ideology for the majority of Americans to tolerate. If in 6 days, promises are kept, and the outcome is a safer, more prosperous and healthy America....the MAGA Republican control in Washington will continue into the foreseeable future.

[Xville]

Ville' is that you? Detailed opinion is not your thing.....that was fairly clear and concise.

1.) Where do you stand on Trans men in public women's restrooms? What about Trans men deployed among live COMBAT personnel?

2.) Yes. More training, BETTER PAY, psych/mental testing are in direct contradiction of "defund". Let's be honest. The "Defund the Police" narrative is oxymoronic in principal and a foundational goal of the BLM agenda. Nothing more than a reform action designed to limit police engagement with minority criminal activity....with strong intent to reduce/eliminate necessary Law Enforcement tactics.

3.) Yes. HOWEVER, Biden ERASED the record book for crossings, and nuked the mandatory vetting process. No medical screening requirements for communicable diseases during the peak of COVID!!! Suicidal policy designed to max out entry #'s quickly.

BTW. There WILL BE immediate executive orders to help reverse Biden's disaster....AND there WILL BE strict reform legislation proposed in both Houses of Congress. The timing of that ridiculous "Bi-Partisan" bill was THE obvious election year politics here...by the Dems. The Trump call was simply proactive. Let's see how serious the Dems are about "bipartisanship" when presented with Republican authored legislation. You already know the answer.

4.) O'Biden policy already created the conditions to allow your "parking lot" reference to become reality in Gaza....because that's what it is.

Notice how Hamas is getting ready to release the hostages, only now that Trump is POTUS? Trump will get credit for ending that nightmare and the subsequent rebuild coalition. Trump WILL NOT allow a Nuclear weapon threat from Iran. I suspect unfettered International inspections are inevitable....if Iran refuses....shit will blow up.

5.) "Overblown? You can't be serious. There has been a MASSIVE coordinated campaign to establish systematic racism as FACT. This has now been widely accepted as such and promoting it has become an extremely lucrative industry. The Progressive race baiters and their corporate/media/academia allies have been given societal impunity to aggressively weave this reality into the fabric of America. Early slow burn created by Obama has become a perpetual wildfire since the rise of Trump and the O'Biden administration. This is, and will be, an irreversible force of a divided America going forward.

I feel the current Obama "Fundamentally Transform America" Democrat Party is about to collapse. Way too much above Progressive ideology for the majority of Americans to tolerate. If in 6 days, promises are kept, and the outcome is a safer, more prosperous and healthy America....the MAGA Republican control in Washington will continue into the foreseeable future.

1. As far as bathrooms, yeah I guess I'd rather have them use the sex that they were assigned at birth. As far as military, I could care less who what or why they are choosing to defend our country. If they can handle a weapon, and are willing to die for our country, who am I to tell them what they can or cannot do?

Overall, I'm not excited about the Trump presidency. He's better than what was the alternative, but I'm not excited about all the retribution he is talking about and promising. I'd rather just get stuff done, stop pointing fingers at each other, and get politics back to a place of at least some kind of civil discourse and compromise. I think him speaking out about the bipartisan bill is the worst kind of politics, and I'm hoping that kind of stuff isn't a consistent theme of his presidency.

[paulxu]

Imagine that we might like competent people in very responsible jobs...as opposed to people who have proven to NOT have necessary skills, character...but were on Fox News.

Hard to imagine, I know.

[GoMuskies]

Imagine that we might like competent people in very responsible jobs...as opposed to people who have proven to NOT have necessary skills

Sounds like you and Pete Hegseth are in complete agreement. That's cool.

[GoMuskies]

These confirmation hearings are so pointless...and yet so addictive. :)

[xuwillie]

These confirmation hearings are so pointless...and yet so addictive. :)

Is it bad I crack up every time I listen to Elizabeth Warren talk. My gawd

[GoMuskies]

The worst Hegseth has looked has been getting testy with Elise Slotkin, who's been nothing but polite, frankly. That's a much more constructive approach by Democrats than some of those who've been openly hostile.

[xuphan]

1. As far as bathrooms, yeah I guess I'd rather have them use the sex that they were assigned at birth. As far as military, I could care less who what or why they are choosing to defend our country. If they can handle a weapon, and are willing to die for our country, who am I to tell them what they can or cannot do?

Overall, I'm not excited about the Trump presidency. He's better than what was the alternative, but I'm not excited about all the retribution he is talking about and promising. I'd rather just get stuff done, stop pointing fingers at each other, and get politics back to a place of at least some kind of civil discourse and compromise. I think him speaking out about the bipartisan bill is the worst kind of politics, and I'm hoping that kind of stuff isn't a consistent theme of his presidency.

How are you not excited by the Trump presidency? The Republicans can finally secure the open borders that have plagued the past administration. We will see a significant reduction of unlawful entry into the country helping to stop fentanyl that has decimated communities. It’s about time Mexico paid for the southern wall to be completely built and I have full faith Trump will keep his campaign promise to get that done. Also excited about the possibility of making Canada and Greenland our 51st and 52nd? state over the next four years. This will be awesome for me as I won’t have to worry about needing a passport to go to Canada now. Hopefully like Vance said military action won’t be necessary for this to happen. This will also help boost domestic production of oil to bring down gas prices and lead to lower prices on consumable goods. So looking forward to under $2 dollar gas and groceries to be at a reasonable price.

I could go on and on but there is a lot to look forward to. You and I should fully expect America to be great again in four years time.

[94GRAD]

How are you not excited by the Trump presidency? The Republicans can finally secure the open borders that have plagued the past administration. We will see a significant reduction of unlawful entry into the country helping to stop fentanyl that has decimated communities. It’s about time Mexico paid for the southern wall to be completely built and I have full faith Trump will keep his campaign promise to get that done. Also excited about the possibility of making Canada and Greenland our 51st and 52nd? state over the next four years. This will be awesome for me as I won’t have to worry about needing a passport to go to Canada now. Hopefully like Vance said military action won’t be necessary for this to happen. This will also help boost domestic production of oil to bring down gas prices and lead to lower prices on consumable goods. So looking forward to under $2 dollar gas and groceries to be at a reasonable price.

I could go on and on but there is a lot to look forward to. You and I should fully expect America to be great again in four years time.

How did that work out during his first presidency?

[Xville]

How did that work out during his first presidency?

Knowing Xuphan's posts, I'm gonna assume his entire post was sarcasm.

[94GRAD]

Knowing Xuphan's posts, I'm gonna assume his entire post was sarcasm.

Whew

[GoMuskies]

WSJ reports that Denmark has opened up back channel communications with Trump on Greenland.

[paulxu]

In his first term, I think he was concerned about the traditional R's who help elect him, and wanting a second term, actually had competent people in cabinet positions. This made him seem normal and set him up for the next go-around.
That fell apart over 4 years as many resigned, learning how unfit he was for the office.
It went crazy the last 2 months, with more resignations and appointments of temporaries who were dangerous for the country.

This time he is unchecked, and a lame duck. He doesn't need anything but yes men in critical positions who are loyal to him over the constitution.
It also helps that you run to Mar-a-Lago to pledge fealty, and even more if you worked for Fox News.
How any thinking person can imagine Hegseth is qualified to lead our largest department, with no experience, is mind boggling.

[Xuperman]

Paul,
You are amazingly consistent in your style of posts. You tend to string together a bunch of words that end up saying nothing more than....orange man bad.

If you could....break out your crystal ball and post a few predictions of how Hegseth will be unfit as SOD if nominated. What exactly do you fear will happen?

I am am thinking that is too high a hurdle for you....so maybe list some of the wonderful accomplishments Lloyd Austin has achieved for this Country instead.

(The crickets are waiting in the wings)

[GoMuskies]

I think Hegseth will get confirmed after yesterday.

Today is Bondi's day. She's a lock to get confirmed, so Democrats will just look to make a little political hay in the hearing.

[paulxu]

With a 3 seat majority and tie breaking vote after Monday, the R's can have anyone they want.
I don't see any R's with the backbone to require competence; they seem to be too worried about being primaried against if they do so.

Also, I don't expect anyone who supports a felon who is rebuked by his own vice president as unfit, to understand the necessity of competence in critical government roles.

[GoMuskies]

Yes, elections do have consequences paul. I wonder how the Democrats could have avoided this. Such a mystery.

[xuphan]

Paul,
You are amazingly consistent in your style of posts. You tend to string together a bunch of words that end up saying nothing more than....orange man bad.

If you could....break out your crystal ball and post a few predictions of how Hegseth will be unfit as SOD if nominated. What exactly do you fear will happen?

I am am thinking that is too high a hurdle for you....so maybe list some of the wonderful accomplishments Lloyd Austin has achieved for this Country instead.

(The crickets are waiting in the wings)

Most regulars who post on this thread are amazingly consistent in their style of post. I could just look at their name and know what they are posting about without even looking at their post.

[xuphan]

Yes, elections do have consequences paul. I wonder how the Democrats could have avoided this. Such a mystery.

The Democrats are at a major crossroads in my opinion. They have lost to Trump who isn’t very popular outside of his base 2 out of 3 years though it’s debatable if they even won in 2020. What are they going to do when the MAGA Party puts up a half decent candidate. Major rebuild needed from the Dems to catch back up to the MAGA Party.

[XU_Lou]

With a 3 seat majority and tie breaking vote after Monday, the R's can have anyone they want.
I don't see any R's with the backbone to require competence; they seem to be too worried about being primaried against if they do so.

Also, I don't expect anyone who supports a felon who is rebuked by his own vice president as unfit, to understand the necessity of competence in critical government roles.

Paul - you trying to do your best Hiroo Onoda impression?

[XU_Lou]

Former President, President-elect and acting-President Donald J. Trump is already racking-up major wins:

* Canada agreeing to increase trade with US

* EU will likely be buying more natural gas from US

* Gaza

* Putin willing to talk

* Death of DEI

* Red dye

* Trump wall already being constructed on TX border



And it's only D-5

[xuphan]

Anyone heard from Bobbie, MasterofReality, or Uncle Joe? For consistent regulars they don’t seem to be on here much anymore.

[X-band '01]

Uncle Joe is just an alias for Lou when he gets banned for going over the top.

I just assume Bobbie and the Master want a break from this thread.

[paulxu]

Yes, elections do have consequences paul. I wonder how the Democrats could have avoided this. Such a mystery.

Oh, I've already noted they are primarily responsible for the outcome by not showing up.
Still doesn't stop me from wondering how people (especially women) voted for Trump.
I remember when Republicans, especially in the Senate, had a spine. Even though they only stand every six years, they have become as complacent as the House members...assumedly worried about being primaried.

[GoMuskies]

Trump won the election (including the popular vote). Not generally giving him what he wants would be tremendously stupid. For the Republicans who don't like him, they can think of it as giving him the rope to hang himself.

[paulxu]

He wants sycophants.
He needs competent people to run the government.
R's are in the majority. They can give him what he wants (so far, many obviously not suited) or they can help give him and the country what both need...competency.

[GoMuskies]

Trump didn't hide what he planned to do in his campaign. This is what he ran on, and he won pretty convincingly. This is what the people voted for. You may not like that. A lot of Republican senators may not like that. But it's pretty clear.

So here we go.

[murray87]

He wants sycophants.
He needs competent people to run the government.
R's are in the majority. They can give him what he wants (so far, many obviously not suited) or they can help give him and the country what both need...competency.

We've been looking for that my whole life!

[GoMuskies]

The Hamas/Israel cease fire deal may be fraying at the edges. If it falls apart, look for Biden and Trump, who've both been claiming credit for the deal, to start denying they have anything to do with it and point their finger at the other guy.

[Xville]

The Hamas/Israel cease fire deal may be fraying at the edges. If it falls apart, look for Biden and Trump, who've both been claiming credit for the deal, to start denying they have anything to do with it and point their finger at the other guy.

Shocked it’s fraying. Shocked I tell ya! F that area of the world

[Smails]

Still doesn't stop me from wondering how people (especially women) voted for Trump.
I

And this is why you are pretty much a lost cause when it comes to having any meaningful discourse.

This type of myopic statement and mindset is what divides us..congrats. I'm a moderate conservative who doesn't love Trump, but I thought he was the better choice. I can ABSOLUTELY see how men, women, white, black and people of all ages cast their ballots for Harris. She has certain stances and visions that people liked.

The fact that you are unable to see Trump's appeal and message is completely ridiculous. My wife is a highly educated, very successful, uber smart (much more than you or I) woman and she voted for Trump. The left's inability to relate and understand the things that are important to a large majority of this country is what got Donald Trump elected, and the GOP should be thanking themselves for people who think like you for creating the divide that gave us President Trump 2x.

[Xville]

Paul, your side is to blame. Period. All they had to do was put a moderate in, and they would have won going away. Instead they put the worst candidate out there outside of newsom.

[GoMuskies]

Paul, your side is to blame. Period.

Well, Trump did EASILY win two Republican primaries. The Democrats aren't FULLY to blame for Trump. But yeah, they could have prevented being in this position if they weren't completely incompetent politically.

[murray87]

Harold Ford is one of the token libs on Fox but he bluntly said last night that the dems lost a huge share of the female vote with their insane devotion to allowing demented men to play in women's sports. He pleaded for them to come to their senses.

[Xville]

Well, Trump did EASILY win two Republican primaries. The Democrats aren't FULLY to blame for Trump. But yeah, they could have prevented being in this position if they weren't completely incompetent politically.

True, but imo as far as the general, moderates voted for Trump as the lesser of two evils, and independents/moderates are the ones who determine generals. A dem moderate like a Shapiro would have won. Instead, dems went way too far left.

[paulxu]

The Cato Institute's detailed explanation of the border crisis.

https://www.alexnowrasteh.com/p/biden-didnt-cause-the-border-crisis

[Xuperman]

We are witnessing something way overdue. Talking heads AND POLITICIANS on the Left are beginning to remove the blinders and change course.

Trump already is cultivating positive change. He WILL have a massively effective 2nd term. One that returns to some normality with far less volatility and chaos....IF THE MSM returns to reality and calls "balls/strikes" fairly.

The 24/7 Trump slander approach has put the Democrat Party on life support. The Republicans earned record support among minorities that will continue to expand.

Fact is, the 2024 elections literally changed the direction of the Country. All indications point to a reversal mandate for many elements of the "Fundamental Transformation" of the last 16 years. If Trump can avoid any major domestic terror events, empower Law Enforcement and show real positive gains economically.....this Country will begin to be far less divided.

[Xville]

We are witnessing something way overdue. Talking heads AND POLITICIANS on the Left are beginning to remove the blinders and change course.

Trump already is cultivating positive change. He WILL have a massively effective 2nd term. One that returns to some normality with far less volatility and chaos....IF THE MSM returns to reality and calls "balls/strikes" fairly.

The 24/7 Trump slander approach has put the Democrat Party on life support. The Republicans earned record support among minorities that will continue to expand.

Fact is, the 2024 elections literally changed the direction of the Country. All indications point to a reversal mandate for many elements of the "Fundamental Transformation" of the last 16 years. If Trump can avoid any major domestic terror events, empower Law Enforcement and show real positive gains economically.....this Country will begin to be far less divided.

Interesting take considering his first term was volatility, chaos and division every single day.

[GoMuskies]

Interesting take considering his first term was volatility, chaos and division every single day.

That's 100% correct, but this time does feel a little different. Trump is way more prepared now (for better or for worse depending on what you think he's going to do with that preparation), and the public temperature seems to be WAY lower this time around. I think the inevitable protests will be pretty muted next week (particularly compared to last time). Trump has way more institutional support than he did last time (or at least people willing to work with him this time).

I don't think any Trump presidency is ever going to be "normal", but it seems to me that there's a far higher chance of relative success/normalcy than there was in 2017.

[Xville]

That's 100% correct, but this time does feel a little different. Trump is way more prepared now (for better or for worse depending on what you think he's going to do with that preparation), and the public temperature seems to be WAY lower this time around. I think the inevitable protests will be pretty muted next week (particularly compared to last time). Trump has way more institutional support than he did last time (or at least people willing to work with him this time).

I don't think any Trump presidency is ever going to be "normal", but it seems to me that there's a far higher chance of relative success/normalcy than there was in 2017.

I hope you are correct. If he can chill out on his rhetoric and retribution patterns, it can be a decent four years. I'm just not sure his ego will allow him to do that.

[Xuperman]

Interesting take considering his first term was volatility, chaos and division every single day.

There were well documented reasons for that.

I think you will see a clear difference between the Trump campaigning vs the Trump as POTUS this term. Everyone needs to avail themselves to the possibility that Trump (and Republicans) truly loves his Country and it's citizens. If positive change comes to fruition....proportional credit needs to be acknowledged for improvement as warranted.

If Trump, his team and his Party can follow through with promises intended to improve the lives of average Americans....the Progressive madness of the last 4 years will have a lasting negative impact on the Democrat Party going forward.

Either way, like it or not, everything Trump will continue to be the Greatest Show on Earth.

:popcorn:

[xuphan]

We are witnessing something way overdue. Talking heads AND POLITICIANS on the Left are beginning to remove the blinders and change course.

Trump already is cultivating positive change. He WILL have a massively effective 2nd term. One that returns to some normality with far less volatility and chaos....IF THE MSM returns to reality and calls "balls/strikes" fairly.

The 24/7 Trump slander approach has put the Democrat Party on life support. The Republicans earned record support among minorities that will continue to expand.

Fact is, the 2024 elections literally changed the direction of the Country. All indications point to a reversal mandate for many elements of the "Fundamental Transformation" of the last 16 years. If Trump can avoid any major domestic terror events, empower Law Enforcement and show real positive gains economically.....this Country will begin to be far less divided.

How exactly is a second term Trump presidency going to make this country less divided? This country is more divided as ever as a result of political hate coming from both sides and policies that are either far left or far right. I would say we are closer to a civil war than we are to being a united nation.

[paulxu]

I'm guessing they moved Monday's inauguration inside because someone was afraid of a small crowd on the mall in photos.
Couldn't send Spicer back out to lie about the crowd side. Poor guy.

Kennedy was inaugurated outside in the same low temperature.

[GoMuskies]

Reagan won 49 states in 1984 and was inaugurated inside in similar weather in 1985.

Try not to be like the people you claim to hate, paul.

[Smails]

Reagan won 49 states in 1984 and was inaugurated inside in similar weather in 1985.

Try not to be like the people you claim to hate, paul.

Shush up with those pesky facts...they cloud a perfectly good narrative.

[bobbiemcgee]

So does Ohio want vivek

[Strange Brew]

So does Ohio want vivek

If not, I’d love to see him run in CO. Unless CO has become a lost cause like CA.

What are your thoughts on Biden attempting to revive a 28th Amendment? 53 years after it cleared Congress and over 40 years after the time limit expired?

As a Gen Xer, I’m understanding why the Millenials don’t like you. That said. I still don’t care. :)

[paulxu]

Reagan won 49 states in 1984 and was inaugurated inside in similar weather in 1985.

Try not to be like the people you claim to hate, paul.

I don't hate any of them; but I feel sorry for a lot of them.

As to the inauguration location, I guess Dems are just tougher and can handle a little cold, so their supporters get something besides a "commemorative ticket."

[Strange Brew]

I don't hate any of them; but I feel sorry for a lot of them.

As to the inauguration location, I guess Dems are just tougher and can handle a little cold, so their supporters get something besides a "commemorative ticket."

Haha, Dems are tougher?

I suppose you missed the Confirmation Hearings going back to Justice Thomas.

Sorry you can’t have a repeat of Harrison. :(

This is a “college educated” board. Try to keep up. :)

I’m so very sorry the Republicans freed your slaves.

[Muskie in dayton]

I don't hate any of them; but I feel sorry for a lot of them.

As to the inauguration location, I guess Dems are just tougher and can handle a little cold, so their supporters get something besides a "commemorative ticket."
The sun rising and Paul parroting another left wing media talking point.

If JFK were alive today, he’d be a Trump supporter.

[paulxu]

Reagan's inauguration had a 7 degree weather, with minus 24 wind chill. (Safety factor for attendees.)
This guy's would be the same as Kennedy's...22-24 degrees.
Maybe he's worried about messing up his hair.


But, if by a "Liberal," they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people - their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties - someone who believes that we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say that I'm a "Liberal." JFK

I'm pretty certain he wouldn't be a Trump supporter.

[Strange Brew]

Reagan's inauguration had a 7 degree weather, with minus 24 wind chill. (Safety factor for attendees.)
This guy's would be the same as Kennedy's...22-24 degrees.
Maybe he's worried about messing up his hair.

JFK

I'm pretty certain he wouldn't be a Trump supporter.

Don’t know on JFK and I’m growing concerned about the threat from your White National Socialism.

[Smails]

Reagan's inauguration had a 7 degree weather, with minus 24 wind chill. (Safety factor for attendees.)
This guy's would be the same as Kennedy's...22-24 degrees.
Maybe he's worried about messing up his hair.

JFK

I'm pretty certain he wouldn't be a Trump supporter.

He broke you...I'm sure this is tough for you. Hang in there

[bobbiemcgee]

If not, I’d love to see him run in CO. Unless CO has become a lost cause like CA.

What are your thoughts on Biden attempting to revive a 28th Amendment? 53 years after it cleared Congress and over 40 years after the timese limit expired?

As a Gen Xer, I’m understanding why the Millenials don’t like you. That said. I still don’t care. :)

As usual, you make no sense.

[GoMuskies]

That's 100% correct, but this time does feel a little different. Trump is way more prepared now (for better or for worse depending on what you think he's going to do with that preparation), and the public temperature seems to be WAY lower this time around. I think the inevitable protests will be pretty muted next week (particularly compared to last time). Trump has way more institutional support than he did last time (or at least people willing to work with him this time).

I don't think any Trump presidency is ever going to be "normal", but it seems to me that there's a far higher chance of relative success/normalcy than there was in 2017.

This snippet from a WSJ article today is the kind of thing I was talking about with this time around being more "normal" with Trump:

A day earlier, Michelle Garthe, 61, a retired schoolteacher, was also overcome by emotion. Garthe and her husband, Kevin, 62, had taken a train from Carbondale, Ill., to join the People’s March, a progressive protest against Trump.

It turned out to be a pale and rainy version of the original Women’s March that confronted Trump after his first victory in 2016. While that garnered an estimated million attendees around the world—including Garthe—this one was estimated to have fewer than 30,000. Many were seasoned activists—for the Palestinian cause, trans rights, climate justice, women’s rights, Congo, Sudan, and the Communist Party—as if the mainstream Democratic stock had boiled for too long and been reduced to the bones.

[murray87]

What a shameful legacy:

https://notthebee.com/article/breaking-biden-pardons-anthony-fauci-gen-mark-milley-during-final-hours-in-office-

[GoMuskies]

What a shameful legacy:

https://notthebee.com/article/breaking-biden-pardons-anthony-fauci-gen-mark-milley-during-final-hours-in-office-

Maybe I've just not paid attention in the past, but I don't remember people getting preemptive pardons before.

[GoMuskies]

Kamala has to walk into the inauguration with Trump. That's rough.

[paulxu]

Maybe I've just not paid attention in the past, but I don't remember people getting preemptive pardons before.

You may not be old enough to remember Richard Nixon.

[Muskie in dayton]

January 20, 2025. Today is the day that the Demons who are intent on destroying America feared. The fear an end to the chaos and disorder they sow - that which they use to distract us while they expand power and influence.

I know what you're thinking, but the Demons are not just one political party. No, it is all of Washington D.C. corrupted by bribes, kick-backs, and insider trading. It is the industries who hold the leash of the 3-letter agencies and the unelected bureaucrats that operate under the guise of controlling those very industries. It's those who abuse power for personal gain at the expense of the country and the citizens they claim to represent. It's those drunk with power insistent on seizing more, and the Federal law enforcement agencies that do their bidding. Yes, the D's have the affinity for more Government, but there are plenty of R's who are quite content to compromise stated values for personal gain. They are like Wiley Coyote and the Sheep Dog - they distract your attention by fighting in public, then "clock-out" and party together while Americans get fleeced.

Today is a day the Demons NEVER wanted to happen. They made up tales of Russian election interference. The tried impeaching him - twice. They staged a riot on the Capital and tried to call it an "insurrection". They tried to bring fabricated charges against him - four times. They tried to bankrupt him by bringing questionable civil suits highly slanted jury pools. They created a bogus Congressional Committee of political enemies. All the while, their media proxy carried their water with dozens of lies like "fine people", "suckers and losers", and "blood baths" used to fabricate a narrative to sway and brainwash the general public. The Demons even tried to assassinate multiple times (that we know of).

Trump failed to stop the Demons the first time. If he fails again and the Demons win, our Republic is lost. Focus on the real enemy.

[Muskie in dayton]

You may not be old enough to remember Richard Nixon.

I'm glad you are admitting that Fauci, the J6 Committee, and DC Cops committed crimes to be pardoned for, just like Nixon.

Here I expected you to defend the pardons as "only protection against that evil Trump who has used his power to prosecute his political opponents". You've come a long way.

[GoMuskies]

Well, that just happened. Trump is President again.

[94GRAD]

More pardons before leaving

https://x.com/jaketapper/status/1881383634248286625

[bjf123]

More pardons before leaving

https://x.com/jaketapper/status/1881383634248286625

Is anyone really surprised?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

Really hitting the important stuff in the inauguration: changing Denali back to Mt. McKinley and the Gulf of America.

[xuphan]

January 20, 2025. Today is the day that the Demons who are intent on destroying America feared. The fear an end to the chaos and disorder they sow - that which they use to distract us while they expand power and influence.

I know what you're thinking, but the Demons are not just one political party. No, it is all of Washington D.C. corrupted by bribes, kick-backs, and insider trading. It is the industries who hold the leash of the 3-letter agencies and the unelected bureaucrats that operate under the guise of controlling those very industries. It's those who abuse power for personal gain at the expense of the country and the citizens they claim to represent. It's those drunk with power insistent on seizing more, and the Federal law enforcement agencies that do their bidding. Yes, the D's have the affinity for more Government, but there are plenty of R's who are quite content to compromise stated values for personal gain. They are like Wiley Coyote and the Sheep Dog - they distract your attention by fighting in public, then "clock-out" and party together while Americans get fleeced.

Today is a day the Demons NEVER wanted to happen. They made up tales of Russian election interference. The tried impeaching him - twice. They staged a riot on the Capital and tried to call it an "insurrection". They tried to bring fabricated charges against him - four times. They tried to bankrupt him by bringing questionable civil suits highly slanted jury pools. They created a bogus Congressional Committee of political enemies. All the while, their media proxy carried their water with dozens of lies like "fine people", "suckers and losers", and "blood baths" used to fabricate a narrative to sway and brainwash the general public. The Demons even tried to assassinate multiple times (that we know of).

Trump failed to stop the Demons the first time. If he fails again and the Demons win, our Republic is lost. Focus on the real enemy.

Lets look into the future four years from now. The Demons will still be there. The Demons are the Democratic and Republican Parties. They may differ on issues but both are corrupt to their core.

[xuphan]

More pardons before leaving

https://x.com/jaketapper/status/1881383634248286625

The whole pardon process is becoming a clown show now. No one needs a pardon if they are innocent.

[xuwillie]

Fetterman showing up like he had a bball pickup game in 30 min. Classic

[Smails]

Really hitting the important stuff in the inauguration: changing Denali back to Mt. McKinley and the Gulf of America.

Stay on task Donald...this fringe crap is not what people care about. Fix the border, bring down energy costs and get Putin and Zalensky to play nice in the sandbox.

[GoMuskies]

This whole thing is kind of weird. Trump just spent his inaugural speech trashing the Biden administration, and now here they are exchanging pleasntries on the Capitol steps. Trump and Emhoff are slapping backs like old pals. Kamala and Emhoff now are driving away in a limo that looks like a hurse (kind of appropriate, I guess). And Trump walks the Bidens to the helicopter which will whisk the Bidens away to who knows where. And they all hug it out.

Now get to the Oval and do some work. He's got insane executive orders to sign for God's sake!

[Xville]

This whole thing is kind of weird. Trump just spent his inaugural speech trashing the Biden administration, and now here they are exchanging pleasntries on the Capitol steps. Trump and Emhoff are slapping backs like old pals. Kamala and Emhoff now are driving away in a limo that looks like a hurse (kind of appropriate, I guess). And Trump walks the Bidens to the helicopter which will whisk the Bidens away to who knows where. And they all hug it out.

Now get to the Oval and do some work. He's got insane executive orders to sign for God's sake!

Basically our politics in a nutshell. Publicly act like they don’t like each other but privately probably besties that hang out on the weekend patting each others butts knowing they are the ones in power. most of America are complete suckers for thinking otherwise.

[GoMuskies]

Time for Karoline Leavitt to become way more famous that she probably wants to be!

[paulxu]

You'd think one of his oligarch buddies would explain to him that foreign countries don't pay the tariffs he's thinking of imposing on them.

It's really not all that hard.

[XU_Lou]

You'd think one of his oligarch buddies would explain to him that foreign countries don't pay the tariffs he's thinking of imposing on them..

"oligarch buddies?" Ever hear of George Soros, etc., etc...?

"explain to him that foreign countries don't pay the tariffs" Do you mean this in the same way corporations don't pay taxes?

Ever hear of "art of the deal"?

Ever hear of fair trade?


Well, you got one thing right:


It's really not all that hard.

[Xville]

You'd think one of his oligarch buddies would explain to him that foreign countries don't pay the tariffs he's thinking of imposing on them.

It's really not all that hard.

Tell me you don’t know how leverage and negotiation works without telling me you don’t know how leverage and negotiation works. I assume you’ve never sold a thing in your life and won.

[paulxu]

Well, this is certainly a guy you wouldn't want to take his word on something.
And of the course the tariffs in his first administration were "leverage and negotiation?"
Which caused retaliatory tariffs from other nations...which caused us to increase farm subsidies by 12 billion to offset those tariffs.

Don't be so easily duped.


A May 2019 analysis conducted by CNBC found Trump's tariffs are equivalent to one of the largest tax increases in the U.S. in decades.[20][21][22] Studies have found that Trump's tariffs reduced real income in the United States, as well as adversely affecting U.S. GDP.[23][24][25] Some studies also concluded that the tariffs adversely affected Republican candidates in elections.

[Xville]

Well, this is certainly a guy you wouldn't want to take his word on something.
And of the course the tariffs in his first administration were "leverage and negotiation?"
Which caused retaliatory tariffs from other nations...which caused us to increase farm subsidies by 12 billion to offset those tariffs.

Don't be so easily duped.

If they were so awful, Why did your savior extend them and even increase them for China? Don’t be so easily manipulated. It’s a negotiation tactic and if they were so awful why was inflation so low during trumps first terms before Covid?

[Xville]

Gotta love Jeff bezos’ new wife dressing like she’s about to do an OF scene in the rotunda

[paulxu]

If they were so awful, Why did your savior extend them and even increase them for China? Don’t be so easily manipulated

You think that makes them OK? You think that means the country will pay for them not the consumer?

[Xville]

You think that makes them OK? You think that means the country will pay for them not the consumer?

How about you answer my question first instead of answering my question with another question

[GoMuskies]

Gotta love Jeff bezos’ new wife dressing like she’s about to do an OF scene in the rotunda

And Zuck getting caught checking out her rack.

[XU_Lou]

You think that makes them OK? You think that means the country will pay for them not the consumer?

Are you going to answer this one as well - or will you run again:

"explain to him that foreign countries don't pay the tariffs" Do you mean this in the same way corporations don't pay taxes?

[xuphan]

And Zuck getting caught checking out her rack.

Did he really?

[Xville]

Did he really?

Oh yesah. It’s all over x. I’m just surprised that Clinton didn’t ask for the seat right next to her.

I just wonder who Barack is banging now and if it’s a dude

[xuphan]

Oh yesah. ItÂ’s all over x. IÂ’m just surprised that Clinton didnÂ’t ask for the seat right next to her.

I just wonder who Barack is banging now and if itÂ’s a dude

Wow, if only it was Melania. Wonder where Gaetz and Clinton were sitting?

[Xville]

Wow, if only it was Melania. Wonder where Gaetz and Clinton were sitting?

I think gaetz was busy doing blow off some 13 year olds tits too much to care

[XU_Lou]

January 20, 2025. Today is the day that the Demons who are intent on destroying America feared. The fear an end to the chaos and disorder they sow - that which they use to distract us while they expand power and influence.

I know what you're thinking, but the Demons are not just one political party. No, it is all of Washington D.C. corrupted by bribes, kick-backs, and insider trading. It is the industries who hold the leash of the 3-letter agencies and the unelected bureaucrats that operate under the guise of controlling those very industries. It's those who abuse power for personal gain at the expense of the country and the citizens they claim to represent. It's those drunk with power insistent on seizing more, and the Federal law enforcement agencies that do their bidding. Yes, the D's have the affinity for more Government, but there are plenty of R's who are quite content to compromise stated values for personal gain. They are like Wiley Coyote and the Sheep Dog - they distract your attention by fighting in public, then "clock-out" and party together while Americans get fleeced.

Today is a day the Demons NEVER wanted to happen. They made up tales of Russian election interference. The tried impeaching him - twice. They staged a riot on the Capital and tried to call it an "insurrection". They tried to bring fabricated charges against him - four times. They tried to bankrupt him by bringing questionable civil suits highly slanted jury pools. They created a bogus Congressional Committee of political enemies. All the while, their media proxy carried their water with dozens of lies like "fine people", "suckers and losers", and "blood baths" used to fabricate a narrative to sway and brainwash the general public. The Demons even tried to assassinate multiple times (that we know of).

Trump failed to stop the Demons the first time. If he fails again and the Demons win, our Republic is lost. Focus on the real enemy.

Excellent post.

"If he fails again and the Demons win, our Republic is lost." I totally agree with this. And I will also add that taming the national debt is just as crucial. The national debt is growing by $1 trillion every 100 days or so. At some point we're going to hit the point of no return. For those who don't understand the "debt death spiral," it will make much of the world look like Germany in the 1920s.