He may get the Republican nomination, but I cannot believe he can get enough votes to give him the electoral college. Everyone be sure to vote and encourage everyone else to vote as well. In the 2022 election I was able to send out over 400 postcards to boost the elections in New Hampshire and California and I would like to think that helped with turn out.
As a Californian, I think you probably would have had more effect sending postcards to places like Texas, where we believe it will soon turn blue. California was safely in Biden's electoral college count--but thank you anyway!
This is Ohio's big week to vote on Ohio Issue One: the GOP super-garymandering strategy to make it LOTS more difficult for Ohioans to support reproductive choice in the state's upcoming November referendum. I sent letters via Vote Forward to vote NO on August 8. There's still time to join phone banks to turn out the vote. PS: Since 1912, Ohio citizens have been able to amend the state’s constitution through ballot initiatives. In order to get an initiative on the ballot, organizers need signatures from at least 5% of voters in half of Ohio’s counties. And once it’s on the ballot, a simple majority of voters — anything over 50% — is all that’s required to pass an amendment [1].
This fall, a group of abortion advocates are hoping to use the ballot initiative system to protect reproductive rights. If past ballot measures are any prediction of the future, there’s a good chance that this one will easily pass. When abortion has been put directly to a vote, people have come out in favor of reproductive rights, whether they’re in California or Kansas [2].
Apparently, some Ohio legislators don’t want to take that risk. Rather than letting this ballot initiative play out at the polls — the same way dozens of ballot initiatives have over the past 111 years — they’re looking to change the rules in the middle of the game. Another initiative, known as State Issue 1, is up for a vote on August 8 after being rushed to the ballot by the state legislature [3].
If passed, State Issue 1 will make it harder to get new initiatives on the ballot and make it harder to pass.
Instead of 5% of voters from half of Ohio’s counties, initiative organizers will now need signatures from at least 5% of voters in all 88 of Ohio’s counties. And instead of a simple majority, initiatives will need 60% of the vote in order to pass.
It’s pretty clear what’s happening here: abortion opponents are afraid that a majority of Ohioans are in favor of protecting abortion — the same way that a majority of Americans are. So they’re rewriting the playbook, requiring future amendments to jump through hoops their own initiative didn’t have to deal with.
In the lead up to August 8, we’re making sure that voters throughout Ohio know there is an important election happening and understand what State Issue 1 is really about. We want to make sure as many voters as possible have the chance to decide if they want to keep the same ballot initiative system that’s worked for Ohio for well over a century, or change rules just as abortion advocates are gearing up to give Ohioans a real chance to protect abortion rights in the state.
Want to join the fight? Just $2 could go a long way towards making sure that Ohioans across the state know what State Issue 1 is really about.
There's has been an unprecedentedly large turnout so far in Ohio against Issue One. More voters than in last November's election -- as of a week ago. Since Republicans tend to vote closer to the deadline -- August 8 -- we want to keep those No votes pouring in -- anyway we can to support Ohioans for Choice.
This is a glaring example of how out-numbered the current GOPers are right now. They MUST set the barriers higher or they'll lose and they know it. It's vaguely reminiscent of the white South after the Civil War.
Thanks for the plug, Cyrano! Polls show that the "No" votes are well ahead. Living in Ohio's largest city, and the only one that's growing, I'm greatly heartened when I drive through the wealthier conservative suburbs and see all the "Vote No" yard signs. That's very atypical of those areas, which are reluctant to spoil their curb appeal with political signs, no matter how they feel about issues. I've seen 4 or more signs on single blocks, and almost none for the opposition. (Of course, that's likely not the case in rural areas, which were blighted by many Trump signs in past elections.) I believe the suburban activism is connected with the abortion issue in Ohio and educated, informed Ohioans are getting fed up with the cultural extremism.
As I tell folks, Issue 1 isn't good for either party. It's merely helpful to keep the current GOP extremist cabal in power. Otherwise, it's a theft of voter power. Like the filibuster or gerrymandering, it can be used against either political persuasion as the occasion permits.
Thanks for the update. I grew up in Ashtabula and last visited there in 2004. Cleveland was our Emerald City back in the mid-20th century. I presume you are from Columbus? It's THE place to be, I hear. Reportedly even pro-gun voters are against Issue One since it could hurt them too.
That's really interesting about the pro-gun voters. The "No" backers have also stressed the coming recreational marijuana voter mandate. And of course, we're still fighting out the illegal redistricting issue -- I got notice yesterday that SCOTUS had thrown it back to the state supreme court.
Yes, I've bike the "Emerald Necklace" several times...beautiful! My folks are from farther east, but I was a military brat, living down south until school age. Nice to talk to another native Ohioan!
Agree, as to electoral college but so much of CA is RED and so any local governments and school boards are being taken over by MAGA extremists. One of my postcarding campaigns was for a special election in Kern County, home of faux House speaker...was happy to do that one!
The only reason I sent ones to Californians was because the Dems had used up all the names in the swing states, so the postcard sponsors sent those of us who were sending postcards names from non-swing states.
As soon as the indictment was announced I turned on FOX News to get their perspective on what was happening. The guy, who I can't stand, was ridiculing the charges brought against Trump. "They're a joke," was his comment. With the taste of the 787 million dollar judgement still burning their lips you would think what they choose to tell their listeners would carry a little more of the truth then it used to. Heal hell, they still want blood.
Susan--What kind of hold does a man have over a group of people that he can strip away their dignity and brainwash them into accepting the fact that 4 plus 4 equals 2. Run Forrest, run.
My theory: You've heard of "mini-me"? Well, Trump's a lot of people's maxi-me: a big shot who embodies their worst selves. He's got lots of money and trophy women so he must be right.
I believe it’s a big problem- lack of education, identifying with a bully I.e., they will be protected and he will fight for them. There’s no logic or ability to think in a complex
Way. When people are afraid they want someone who will fight for them. It isn’t reality but they believe it. Blaming other people for their problems also. Also false information is huge
Susan--Still, it boggles the mind that our fellow citizens who we share this land with can't see what we see. A rose, is a rose, is a rose, they've heard that, how do we enlighten them to understand Donald Trump is crap, feces, excrement. God made "poop" stink so stupid people wouldn't eat it. How do we get Trumpers to scrape "him" from their shoes.
I'm not even sure that so many of his supporters can see how awful he is because he's like a lot of the men in their social circles. - their fathers, brothers, uncles, husbands, boy friends, sons etc. He exhibits all the characteristics of a childish, immoral, narcissistic man baby.
AliCol--What bothers me more than the falsehoods they spread during that channel's air time, what really stirs the sludge from the bottom of my tank is how can a human with an IQ higher than their age believe the crap they spew while broadcasting.
No we said be positive. Be a voter in 2022. Lots of people didn't vote in 2016 because they either didn't care for either candidate or thought Drumpf could not possible win and that's what the polls were telling them.
You may not be able to stay in Canada, unless you already have dual citizenship, or are already a Canadian citizen. It takes five years to get Canadian citizenship I have read. Also, tRumpers are up there, too.
Let's just have a little patience that things will arise that cause people to see things more clearly. This indictment speaks to heart of the insurrection.
it's very hard to admit you've been had. additionally, I think changing your mind (if you are in the MAGA camp) is like leaving your religion, community, marriage, etc. etc. not easy at all.
So the effing Green party would love to have a fascist NAZI DESPOT in power (due to THEIR help!) because they need to be on the ballot because; 'principals'?!?!?!
...I wouldn't be too complacent, given all the regressive voting legislation passed two years ago that have hacked away at voting rights, some of which has provisions for throwing out or overturning results. Over the last couple years teh (R)s and right have been getting their people in position on election boards and commissions, particularly in states where they control the legislature (neveral of which are swing states).
Also Mr. Biden has been slowly losing ground with a proton of his voter base, younger progressive voters, by backstepping on promises to halt climate change with his recent concessions to the "Fossil Fuel Cartel."
Add to this the rise a third party, "No Labels", which is primarily a bunch of neoliberal corporate centrists form both sides of hte aisle which will likely draw off a portion of the independent and more moderate vote. This party is primarily being funded by right leaning and even (R) interests. They won't win but they are very likely to play spoiler for the (D)s.
Remember in 2015 when everybody thought Don the Con's candidacy was a joke, a publicity stunt to feed his ego. and promote his "brand"? The final contest that next November was expected to come down to Clinton and Jeb! who both had the biggest war chests. During the primaries, Bush bowed out, while Clinton was able t weather off the threat from Sanders' grassroots campaign (thanks in part to the DNC). Of course we all know the results.
We cannot let this happen again. Whether it's the Twice impeached Orange Menace or one of the other passengers in the (R) clown car.
...not trying to discourage people just offering a warning that everyone needs to stay sharp and not let their guard down. People need to walk to those who may be on the fence and let them know the stakes we face.
The bottom line is complacency and apathy present the biggest danger.
I too am worried for the same reasons. Our best hope is if the ‘main-stream-media’ understands they must quit focusing on Biden’s age and start talking about his accomplishments. If they don’t I’m afraid 2024 will be the end of our democracy.
I am sick of the MSM. Don't they realize that they "make it happen" when they continually hyperfocus on these details? Hell, Biden is more fit than most his age and tries to stay that way. His mind doesn't seem to be slowing down either and his years of experience are an asset that newer candidates don't have. I doubt that any other candidate could have done a better job cleaning up after the dreadful Trump years. I am progressive in many ways and was impressed at the Biden Administration's ability to accommodate that faction of the Party, better than the DNC, which actively opposed progressive candidates numerous times.
As a progressive, I'm still convinced that Biden has a better chance of beating Trump this time than a dark horse candidate, no matter how stellar. Americans favor moderate incumbents in the long run, because it seems "safer," a known quantity in unsafe times. Anyway, what's left to demonize in a Biden? It's all been done, and most of the time, foolishly. For example, Trump and the Republicans would not have been able to combat inflation any better than Biden has done. The only solutions to inflation lie on the left wing side, like price controls and more corporate regulation. Does anyone seriously think that a hypothetical Trump Administration would have raised interest rates to combat inflation? Think again. Even though, as some believe, the Fed has overdone it.
My one slight concern is: how many small State (that is in population) have been corrupted so that the election is truly meaningless in them. They have already, August 1, 2023. decided the winner of November 5, 2025 General Election. If enough of them have been corrupted, Trump could conceivably win.
I think trump and his cronies have put enough work in since 2020 removing safeguards and putting people, who are sympathetic to trump & the new GOP and WILL help, in place to swing them his way. I would like to think that the 2016 election was an aberration and not the norm but I honestly fear my faith in humanity is going to be stretched to breaking this time round.
I am waiting for the 14th Amendment clause to be applied to Trump's attempt to hold onto power. He has disqualified himself. Somehow this fact must be understood by all Americans, not distorted, not refuted, simply understood. Trump is disqualified.
Lark, one of the challenges is that today's indictment does not mention insurrection, so Republicans in their Fantasyland, will claim that if Trump had been involved in an insurrection, Smith would have said so. That is not quite true, but as we know truth is not a Trump strong suit. Whether we call it an insurrection that Trump staged or something else, it was an insurrection and Trump should be disqualified to run for or hold any office of any kind in this nation.
Unfortunately being guilty of insurrection might fall through the cracks of justice no matter how much we would like to see him barred from running.. BUT the state charges that are numerous could get him consecutive sentences that would mean prison time and he would not be allowed to self pardon .. Thus barring him from the presidency. And out our lives forever.
Just because the word insurrection wasn’t used in the indictment language doesn’t mean that it is not what Special Counsel Smith will prove the former president to be guilty of!😳
"However, the second section's reference to 'rebellion, or other crime' has been invoked as a constitutional ground for felony disenfranchisement. " [Wiki, 14th Amendment]
I'll raise you three (count 'em) "criminal conspiracies" to one insurrection. "Disfranchisement can also refer to the revocation of power or control of a particular individual, community or being to the natural amenity they have; that is to deprive of a franchise, of a legal right, of some privilege or inherent immunity. " [Wiki]
Unfortunately, a convicted felon can still run for president and win, then serve. I don’t believe there is anything in the constitution that says otherwise.
The presidency cannot be allowed to devolve into what Criminal Defendant Trump thinks it is and, possibly, may establish -- a stay out of jail free card.
That just goes to show how skewed are legal system is how skewed are laws are towards the rich. If a convicted someone can't vote in Florida how in the f can you run for president of the United states? Maybe Disney's Fantasyland needs to move to New York somewhere.
Well, impeachment is out of the question politically. Too many republican votes at present in the house and not enough democrats in the senate. Self pardoning has yet to be challenged in the Supreme Court.
We can all help - support Robert's Inequality Media or CREW's (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington) effort to prevent Trump from being placed on the ballot by the States. CREW has set the precedent by filing litigation that resulted in Couy Griffin, an elected official, being barred from holding office based on his participating in the Jan 6th attack.
Yes, DJT may well end the Republican Party. Few political parties have deserved to die more. First, the Republican Party no longer believes in Democracy. Second, the Republican Party is now openly racist. It deserves to die. Guess Biden will get his second term.
Moreover, if they fail to vote 'D' this time, they are allowing autocracy to happen by that omission. Some people (MAGAts, for example) are clearly okay with autocracy; in fact, they welcome it. But many of the habitually apathetic, who generally don't vote, have to understand the stakes, because I think they would not want us to become an autocracy or fascist state.
This fable came to my mind in his bid for President when he actually won. It is so hard to accept that Americans can be so foolish as to go along with accepting what one voice says over what should be clear and plain to their very own eyes.
Most know the science but are paid by their corporate donors to ignore it. They all know that Trump committed traitorous crimes, but they dare not say anything that might anger the MAGAts. And some of them are actually complicit in the crimes & are trying to save their own skin.
It's the same with their reaction to global scorching, even as it's happening in front of their eyes. Even though they just suffered over a month of temperatures exceeding 100°F, how many Texans' minds have been changed?
This is the deeper problem. People DO see him for what he is and what he is has been so glorified by media, movies, and the "culture" that it has become not only an accepted norm but a goal. How many times have you heard The Godfather lauded as the greatest movie of all time? It's sickening.
Faye ; The MAGAs have driven the ethical republicans out of office! Death threats will do that faster than merely threatening to primary them. Nothing like threatening not only a man's life ; but also his wife and baby. Or a woman having to leave office for similar reasons and hire security. Disgusting Mob M.O.
The Trump base is just begging for the kool-aid to be served. Extra concentrated. If the Republican party doesn't self-destruct, we're in really big trouble.
I think there will be some that may do something stupid--but we've all seen the turnout at his other calls to protest lately. The difference is that on 1/6 none of those yahoos thought they would end up in jail--but in the 2.5 years since they have had a rude awakening--seeing their "comrades" being indicted, convicted, and jailed--and the thought of them being put behind bars for a long time as well became very real. That's just my .02.
they may know better than taking up arms again, but they are still saying they will vote for him. His numbers go up with every indictment. He is an expert as getting them to see him as a victim (instead of a criminal)
Yes--I agree--after that it's a numbers game. Hence, there is still a very real need to get the vote out yet again. This may scare many but I see Trump being the Republican candidate as an easy win for Biden because he's already been beaten once and now there's data on how to beat him again. Don't get me wrong--he's still a threat but he's essentially running the same campaign again (doom and gloom perpetuated by the Democratic party) and I would think that as a country, we've all tried that flavor kool-aid, gotten drunk off of it and don't want to deal with the hangover again.
I'm sure he hasn't expanded his base of support. But the Republicans will go further in trying to suppress voters that are unlikely to vote Republican by, for example, having an insufficient number of polling places & voting machines for majority Black districts or College precincts, forcing people to wait hours in lines & making it illegal to provide refreshments, hoping to thereby cause deaths. Also take away ballot boxes or delay counting of mail-in ballots until past the date of eligibility. Tamper with the voting machines, or use some phony pretext to deny Democrats the right to vote. There are many ways Republicans can & will corrupt election results beyond gerrymandering.
And they want it to be an extra, extra painful death by poison, so that they can PROVE their devout adoring love to their putrid orange 'god-savior' DESPOT.
That's an absolutely wonderful idea and I agree with you. That is exactly what should be done. But, let's consider the consequences of that action. Let's consider that Republicans and Republican led States might take Biden off the ballot and it will start a major fight. No, I believe we have to rely on the 14th amendment to jail the son of a b.
How ANYone can find ANYthing to admire in Trump is beyond me. His mean little mouth and his greedy eyes should be off-putting. Admiring a man for raping a woman is a very telling clue about the state of the current Republican party.
The SHITler is their absolute 'hero' for all of the evil it commits, a 'real man' in their eyes, despite the bone spur draft avoiding scam, and abject put down of the military (and ALL in it, and yet they all STILL seem to love him anyway!?), and John McCain, and using others to fight HIS battles, and then throwing them all under the proverbial bus.
One can only hope that Morality and Ethics will finally occur to Most Americans who know that what Trump has done is a serious affront to our democracy and must be condemned in the strongest manner possible, because once democracy is gone there is No going back !
The problem is that they are just too stone dumb, and thoroughly/totally dogmatized to realize that in their reactionary, "Burn the 'libtards' at all costs, no matter if it destroys us as well!" little 'lizard brains'. :(
He may get the Republican nomination, but I cannot believe he can get enough votes to give him the electoral college. Everyone be sure to vote and encourage everyone else to vote as well. In the 2022 election I was able to send out over 400 postcards to boost the elections in New Hampshire and California and I would like to think that helped with turn out.
As a Californian, I think you probably would have had more effect sending postcards to places like Texas, where we believe it will soon turn blue. California was safely in Biden's electoral college count--but thank you anyway!
This is Ohio's big week to vote on Ohio Issue One: the GOP super-garymandering strategy to make it LOTS more difficult for Ohioans to support reproductive choice in the state's upcoming November referendum. I sent letters via Vote Forward to vote NO on August 8. There's still time to join phone banks to turn out the vote. PS: Since 1912, Ohio citizens have been able to amend the state’s constitution through ballot initiatives. In order to get an initiative on the ballot, organizers need signatures from at least 5% of voters in half of Ohio’s counties. And once it’s on the ballot, a simple majority of voters — anything over 50% — is all that’s required to pass an amendment [1].
This fall, a group of abortion advocates are hoping to use the ballot initiative system to protect reproductive rights. If past ballot measures are any prediction of the future, there’s a good chance that this one will easily pass. When abortion has been put directly to a vote, people have come out in favor of reproductive rights, whether they’re in California or Kansas [2].
Apparently, some Ohio legislators don’t want to take that risk. Rather than letting this ballot initiative play out at the polls — the same way dozens of ballot initiatives have over the past 111 years — they’re looking to change the rules in the middle of the game. Another initiative, known as State Issue 1, is up for a vote on August 8 after being rushed to the ballot by the state legislature [3].
If passed, State Issue 1 will make it harder to get new initiatives on the ballot and make it harder to pass.
Instead of 5% of voters from half of Ohio’s counties, initiative organizers will now need signatures from at least 5% of voters in all 88 of Ohio’s counties. And instead of a simple majority, initiatives will need 60% of the vote in order to pass.
It’s pretty clear what’s happening here: abortion opponents are afraid that a majority of Ohioans are in favor of protecting abortion — the same way that a majority of Americans are. So they’re rewriting the playbook, requiring future amendments to jump through hoops their own initiative didn’t have to deal with.
In the lead up to August 8, we’re making sure that voters throughout Ohio know there is an important election happening and understand what State Issue 1 is really about. We want to make sure as many voters as possible have the chance to decide if they want to keep the same ballot initiative system that’s worked for Ohio for well over a century, or change rules just as abortion advocates are gearing up to give Ohioans a real chance to protect abortion rights in the state.
Want to join the fight? Just $2 could go a long way towards making sure that Ohioans across the state know what State Issue 1 is really about.
And of course the best way to ensure this doesn't happen again is to vote out all the meatheads in the Ohio legislature.
All in good time. Meanwhile, Vote No on Ohio issue One.
Unfortunately for Ohio, those of us who reside in other states are not eligible.
There's has been an unprecedentedly large turnout so far in Ohio against Issue One. More voters than in last November's election -- as of a week ago. Since Republicans tend to vote closer to the deadline -- August 8 -- we want to keep those No votes pouring in -- anyway we can to support Ohioans for Choice.
This is a glaring example of how out-numbered the current GOPers are right now. They MUST set the barriers higher or they'll lose and they know it. It's vaguely reminiscent of the white South after the Civil War.
Thanks for the plug, Cyrano! Polls show that the "No" votes are well ahead. Living in Ohio's largest city, and the only one that's growing, I'm greatly heartened when I drive through the wealthier conservative suburbs and see all the "Vote No" yard signs. That's very atypical of those areas, which are reluctant to spoil their curb appeal with political signs, no matter how they feel about issues. I've seen 4 or more signs on single blocks, and almost none for the opposition. (Of course, that's likely not the case in rural areas, which were blighted by many Trump signs in past elections.) I believe the suburban activism is connected with the abortion issue in Ohio and educated, informed Ohioans are getting fed up with the cultural extremism.
As I tell folks, Issue 1 isn't good for either party. It's merely helpful to keep the current GOP extremist cabal in power. Otherwise, it's a theft of voter power. Like the filibuster or gerrymandering, it can be used against either political persuasion as the occasion permits.
Thanks for the update. I grew up in Ashtabula and last visited there in 2004. Cleveland was our Emerald City back in the mid-20th century. I presume you are from Columbus? It's THE place to be, I hear. Reportedly even pro-gun voters are against Issue One since it could hurt them too.
That's really interesting about the pro-gun voters. The "No" backers have also stressed the coming recreational marijuana voter mandate. And of course, we're still fighting out the illegal redistricting issue -- I got notice yesterday that SCOTUS had thrown it back to the state supreme court.
Yes, I've bike the "Emerald Necklace" several times...beautiful! My folks are from farther east, but I was a military brat, living down south until school age. Nice to talk to another native Ohioan!
Agree, as to electoral college but so much of CA is RED and so any local governments and school boards are being taken over by MAGA extremists. One of my postcarding campaigns was for a special election in Kern County, home of faux House speaker...was happy to do that one!
I sent out 200 postcards and I didn’t have a choice where to send them. They give you a list.
The only reason I sent ones to Californians was because the Dems had used up all the names in the swing states, so the postcard sponsors sent those of us who were sending postcards names from non-swing states.
Donald Hodgins
Writes Donald’s Substack
just now
As soon as the indictment was announced I turned on FOX News to get their perspective on what was happening. The guy, who I can't stand, was ridiculing the charges brought against Trump. "They're a joke," was his comment. With the taste of the 787 million dollar judgement still burning their lips you would think what they choose to tell their listeners would carry a little more of the truth then it used to. Heal hell, they still want blood.
What's happening with Smartmatic's suit against Fox? I thought it was just around the corner, but I haven't heard anything about it.
Jaime--Good question.
Jaime--Tables are odd places to hash out differences, because you never know what goes on beneath them.
I listened also and it was appalling!
Susan--What kind of hold does a man have over a group of people that he can strip away their dignity and brainwash them into accepting the fact that 4 plus 4 equals 2. Run Forrest, run.
My theory: You've heard of "mini-me"? Well, Trump's a lot of people's maxi-me: a big shot who embodies their worst selves. He's got lots of money and trophy women so he must be right.
I believe it’s a big problem- lack of education, identifying with a bully I.e., they will be protected and he will fight for them. There’s no logic or ability to think in a complex
Way. When people are afraid they want someone who will fight for them. It isn’t reality but they believe it. Blaming other people for their problems also. Also false information is huge
Susan--Still, it boggles the mind that our fellow citizens who we share this land with can't see what we see. A rose, is a rose, is a rose, they've heard that, how do we enlighten them to understand Donald Trump is crap, feces, excrement. God made "poop" stink so stupid people wouldn't eat it. How do we get Trumpers to scrape "him" from their shoes.
I wish I had an answer. News media doesn’t help. It feeds their delusions. It’s frightening!
I'm not even sure that so many of his supporters can see how awful he is because he's like a lot of the men in their social circles. - their fathers, brothers, uncles, husbands, boy friends, sons etc. He exhibits all the characteristics of a childish, immoral, narcissistic man baby.
They still want money, which is thicker than blood apparently. The amoral Murdochs love profits.
S. A.--If being poor felt as good as sex money wouldn't hold the importance it does.
They should be charged with treason, or at least subversion. They have caused so much harm to this nation.
AliCol--What bothers me more than the falsehoods they spread during that channel's air time, what really stirs the sludge from the bottom of my tank is how can a human with an IQ higher than their age believe the crap they spew while broadcasting.
I heard someone on MSNBC say the indictment isn’t about his speech!! It’s not about free speech
It's not about either? Is there a typo here?
It did, Cathie. Thanks for doing that.
We said that in 2016 too.
No we said be positive. Be a voter in 2022. Lots of people didn't vote in 2016 because they either didn't care for either candidate or thought Drumpf could not possible win and that's what the polls were telling them.
But I am hopeful that the 2016 election put the voters on alert that all of their votes are needed.
I just plan on fucking off to Europe and not taking chances. :p
Be sure to get a mail in ballot and vote from there or vote before you leave. Don't give up yet!
He's polling at or ahead of Biden. I'm getting out while the getting is good. I am not gonna be around while America stupids itself into extinction.
Polls were incorrect in the midterms. Don’t believe the polls
I plan on screwing off to Canada and not taking chances.
You may not be able to stay in Canada, unless you already have dual citizenship, or are already a Canadian citizen. It takes five years to get Canadian citizenship I have read. Also, tRumpers are up there, too.
I bet Democrats and Independents do too.
But there are way more Dems and Independents than those 30% of Repubs with their heads in the sand. We can win IF we keep the votes coming.
He can try to corrupt the Electoral College. He did in the last election, but it didn’t work!
I fear if he's on the ballot with the Green Party and the No Labels candidates he will have a very good chance at victory.
Let's just have a little patience that things will arise that cause people to see things more clearly. This indictment speaks to heart of the insurrection.
it's very hard to admit you've been had. additionally, I think changing your mind (if you are in the MAGA camp) is like leaving your religion, community, marriage, etc. etc. not easy at all.
Stop pouring rain on the parade. Think (and vote) positively.
So the effing Green party would love to have a fascist NAZI DESPOT in power (due to THEIR help!) because they need to be on the ballot because; 'principals'?!?!?!
Maybe they should rename as The Nihilist Party?
...I wouldn't be too complacent, given all the regressive voting legislation passed two years ago that have hacked away at voting rights, some of which has provisions for throwing out or overturning results. Over the last couple years teh (R)s and right have been getting their people in position on election boards and commissions, particularly in states where they control the legislature (neveral of which are swing states).
Also Mr. Biden has been slowly losing ground with a proton of his voter base, younger progressive voters, by backstepping on promises to halt climate change with his recent concessions to the "Fossil Fuel Cartel."
Add to this the rise a third party, "No Labels", which is primarily a bunch of neoliberal corporate centrists form both sides of hte aisle which will likely draw off a portion of the independent and more moderate vote. This party is primarily being funded by right leaning and even (R) interests. They won't win but they are very likely to play spoiler for the (D)s.
Remember in 2015 when everybody thought Don the Con's candidacy was a joke, a publicity stunt to feed his ego. and promote his "brand"? The final contest that next November was expected to come down to Clinton and Jeb! who both had the biggest war chests. During the primaries, Bush bowed out, while Clinton was able t weather off the threat from Sanders' grassroots campaign (thanks in part to the DNC). Of course we all know the results.
We cannot let this happen again. Whether it's the Twice impeached Orange Menace or one of the other passengers in the (R) clown car.
Think POSITIVE! Don't discourage people from voting by seeing bad attitudes from other possible voters.
...not trying to discourage people just offering a warning that everyone needs to stay sharp and not let their guard down. People need to walk to those who may be on the fence and let them know the stakes we face.
The bottom line is complacency and apathy present the biggest danger.
I too am worried for the same reasons. Our best hope is if the ‘main-stream-media’ understands they must quit focusing on Biden’s age and start talking about his accomplishments. If they don’t I’m afraid 2024 will be the end of our democracy.
I am sick of the MSM. Don't they realize that they "make it happen" when they continually hyperfocus on these details? Hell, Biden is more fit than most his age and tries to stay that way. His mind doesn't seem to be slowing down either and his years of experience are an asset that newer candidates don't have. I doubt that any other candidate could have done a better job cleaning up after the dreadful Trump years. I am progressive in many ways and was impressed at the Biden Administration's ability to accommodate that faction of the Party, better than the DNC, which actively opposed progressive candidates numerous times.
As a progressive, I'm still convinced that Biden has a better chance of beating Trump this time than a dark horse candidate, no matter how stellar. Americans favor moderate incumbents in the long run, because it seems "safer," a known quantity in unsafe times. Anyway, what's left to demonize in a Biden? It's all been done, and most of the time, foolishly. For example, Trump and the Republicans would not have been able to combat inflation any better than Biden has done. The only solutions to inflation lie on the left wing side, like price controls and more corporate regulation. Does anyone seriously think that a hypothetical Trump Administration would have raised interest rates to combat inflation? Think again. Even though, as some believe, the Fed has overdone it.
...particularly the economy as well as the job numbers.
Thanks for injecting some realism, BC!
My one slight concern is: how many small State (that is in population) have been corrupted so that the election is truly meaningless in them. They have already, August 1, 2023. decided the winner of November 5, 2025 General Election. If enough of them have been corrupted, Trump could conceivably win.
Cathie, that scares me too. He’ll get just enough electoral votes to win and then we’re screwed
I think trump and his cronies have put enough work in since 2020 removing safeguards and putting people, who are sympathetic to trump & the new GOP and WILL help, in place to swing them his way. I would like to think that the 2016 election was an aberration and not the norm but I honestly fear my faith in humanity is going to be stretched to breaking this time round.
Go Cathie 👍
I am waiting for the 14th Amendment clause to be applied to Trump's attempt to hold onto power. He has disqualified himself. Somehow this fact must be understood by all Americans, not distorted, not refuted, simply understood. Trump is disqualified.
Lark, one of the challenges is that today's indictment does not mention insurrection, so Republicans in their Fantasyland, will claim that if Trump had been involved in an insurrection, Smith would have said so. That is not quite true, but as we know truth is not a Trump strong suit. Whether we call it an insurrection that Trump staged or something else, it was an insurrection and Trump should be disqualified to run for or hold any office of any kind in this nation.
Unfortunately being guilty of insurrection might fall through the cracks of justice no matter how much we would like to see him barred from running.. BUT the state charges that are numerous could get him consecutive sentences that would mean prison time and he would not be allowed to self pardon .. Thus barring him from the presidency. And out our lives forever.
Also insurrection charges are Federal.. the states’ charges are not .. where he has no jurisdiction nor means of pardoning himself..
Just because the word insurrection wasn’t used in the indictment language doesn’t mean that it is not what Special Counsel Smith will prove the former president to be guilty of!😳
Witness fir the prosecution. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-GQ5RF0l6E
"However, the second section's reference to 'rebellion, or other crime' has been invoked as a constitutional ground for felony disenfranchisement. " [Wiki, 14th Amendment]
I'll raise you three (count 'em) "criminal conspiracies" to one insurrection. "Disfranchisement can also refer to the revocation of power or control of a particular individual, community or being to the natural amenity they have; that is to deprive of a franchise, of a legal right, of some privilege or inherent immunity. " [Wiki]
Unfortunately, a convicted felon can still run for president and win, then serve. I don’t believe there is anything in the constitution that says otherwise.
Which is incredible
The presidency cannot be allowed to devolve into what Criminal Defendant Trump thinks it is and, possibly, may establish -- a stay out of jail free card.
That's because the thought of the voters electing such a convict was unthinkable to them.
Little did they know!
Unless it is an insurrection conviction (the above mentioned 14th Amendment), which was not even one of the charges in the indictment. :( :(
That just goes to show how skewed are legal system is how skewed are laws are towards the rich. If a convicted someone can't vote in Florida how in the f can you run for president of the United states? Maybe Disney's Fantasyland needs to move to New York somewhere.
I think the president can be impeached, convicted and thrown out of office even if he has already pardoned himself.
Well, impeachment is out of the question politically. Too many republican votes at present in the house and not enough democrats in the senate. Self pardoning has yet to be challenged in the Supreme Court.
Ruth, do you know why insurrection nor sedition were among the charges?
It is time for our government to invoke the 14th Amendment to prevent this Maniac from ever serving office again.
This is 'One Nation Under God',not him or his maga stupidity.Now that we know his obnoxious,deranged ego,maga was probably about him and only him.
We can all help - support Robert's Inequality Media or CREW's (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington) effort to prevent Trump from being placed on the ballot by the States. CREW has set the precedent by filing litigation that resulted in Couy Griffin, an elected official, being barred from holding office based on his participating in the Jan 6th attack.
Links to help:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/crewtrump?refcode=email_080123
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/trumpindictment0801_sbs?refcode=08012023&link_id=2&can_id=9f5295df8c2bb80dbb35d4047b7a757b&source=email-another-trump-indictment-and-the-most-dangerous-yet&email_referrer=email_2006268&email_subject=breaking-donald-trump-indicted-for-attempt-to-overturn-2020-election&refcodeEmailReferrer=email_2006268
That applies, too, to many members of Congress, who merit expulsion for their part in the coup attempt.
I agree with your statement Lark!
One can hope. But don’t overestimate the idiocy of the current American voters
Or that of the main stream media.
The mainstream media only cares about ratings. They’re craven.
Too true!
Not MSNBC, nor much of CNN.
David Parrish ; at least some of the time MSNBC is worth watching. I have not watched CNN in years.
Stephanie Wellemeyer ; Or the power of the filthy rich!
Thank you for your column. You are a true and dedicated citizen of this great country.
Yes, DJT may well end the Republican Party. Few political parties have deserved to die more. First, the Republican Party no longer believes in Democracy. Second, the Republican Party is now openly racist. It deserves to die. Guess Biden will get his second term.
Folks need to know ,if they vote 'R' ,they are voting for autocracy.
They don’t know and or don’t care. Until it is too late.
Moreover, if they fail to vote 'D' this time, they are allowing autocracy to happen by that omission. Some people (MAGAts, for example) are clearly okay with autocracy; in fact, they welcome it. But many of the habitually apathetic, who generally don't vote, have to understand the stakes, because I think they would not want us to become an autocracy or fascist state.
No, actually they need to know that they're voting for dictatorship in both the religious and political sphere.
Yep
America cannot ignore the crimes of this man.
It’s the Emperor’s New Clothes fable. If people could just really see him for what he is.
This fable came to my mind in his bid for President when he actually won. It is so hard to accept that Americans can be so foolish as to go along with accepting what one voice says over what should be clear and plain to their very own eyes.
I still blame our DEPLORABLE educational system in America! Why do you think the north votes blue, or American? THEY ARE PROPERLY EDUCATED!
Educated people are SIGNIFICANTLY less likely to join a "Deathcult" like Bunkerboy's.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/02/02/nearly-all-members-of-the-118th-congress-have-a-bachelors-degree-and-most-have-a-graduate-degree-too/
Most know the science but are paid by their corporate donors to ignore it. They all know that Trump committed traitorous crimes, but they dare not say anything that might anger the MAGAts. And some of them are actually complicit in the crimes & are trying to save their own skin.
It's the same with their reaction to global scorching, even as it's happening in front of their eyes. Even though they just suffered over a month of temperatures exceeding 100°F, how many Texans' minds have been changed?
Jaime Ramirez ; We shall see! Texas could be a purple surprise!
If only we could take down Cruz!
Jaime Ramirez ; or better yet : Texans, particularly Texas women, vote him out!
For this I pray every day,Lord please enlighten and open their eyes.
Prayer only works in the movies. Do something about it.
This is the deeper problem. People DO see him for what he is and what he is has been so glorified by media, movies, and the "culture" that it has become not only an accepted norm but a goal. How many times have you heard The Godfather lauded as the greatest movie of all time? It's sickening.
Marianne L ; As evil as he is phony!
I have seen Trump in my dreams or is it my nightmares.
Marianne L ; If only!
Maybe they do!!!
I mean it has been for almost 80 years...
What's so mind boglying to me is the very fact that he is still running and the Republicans are still supporting this nut!
Proof we need to make our education system a PRIORITY immediately!
Faye ; The MAGAs have driven the ethical republicans out of office! Death threats will do that faster than merely threatening to primary them. Nothing like threatening not only a man's life ; but also his wife and baby. Or a woman having to leave office for similar reasons and hire security. Disgusting Mob M.O.
The Trump base is just begging for the kool-aid to be served. Extra concentrated. If the Republican party doesn't self-destruct, we're in really big trouble.
I think there will be some that may do something stupid--but we've all seen the turnout at his other calls to protest lately. The difference is that on 1/6 none of those yahoos thought they would end up in jail--but in the 2.5 years since they have had a rude awakening--seeing their "comrades" being indicted, convicted, and jailed--and the thought of them being put behind bars for a long time as well became very real. That's just my .02.
they may know better than taking up arms again, but they are still saying they will vote for him. His numbers go up with every indictment. He is an expert as getting them to see him as a victim (instead of a criminal)
We need to unvictim him and show very simply,he did the crimes,he;s being held accountable,the Justice Dept and the FBI are just doing their jobs.
We need to remember the election is not next week…anything could happen. Hopefully it will involve a Big Mac and an emergency room.
...and then the morgue downstairs... ;)
Yes--I agree--after that it's a numbers game. Hence, there is still a very real need to get the vote out yet again. This may scare many but I see Trump being the Republican candidate as an easy win for Biden because he's already been beaten once and now there's data on how to beat him again. Don't get me wrong--he's still a threat but he's essentially running the same campaign again (doom and gloom perpetuated by the Democratic party) and I would think that as a country, we've all tried that flavor kool-aid, gotten drunk off of it and don't want to deal with the hangover again.
I'm sure he hasn't expanded his base of support. But the Republicans will go further in trying to suppress voters that are unlikely to vote Republican by, for example, having an insufficient number of polling places & voting machines for majority Black districts or College precincts, forcing people to wait hours in lines & making it illegal to provide refreshments, hoping to thereby cause deaths. Also take away ballot boxes or delay counting of mail-in ballots until past the date of eligibility. Tamper with the voting machines, or use some phony pretext to deny Democrats the right to vote. There are many ways Republicans can & will corrupt election results beyond gerrymandering.
And they want it to be an extra, extra painful death by poison, so that they can PROVE their devout adoring love to their putrid orange 'god-savior' DESPOT.
So many in this land DO NOT deserve democracy. :(
Anyone else would be in jail by now!
Indeed!
Mary Uhl ; Long ago they would have been in jail ; Or, at least out of politics.
One can only hope...
May election officials around the country take a SERIOUS look at the 14th amendment and take TFG off of the ballots in their states.
That's an absolutely wonderful idea and I agree with you. That is exactly what should be done. But, let's consider the consequences of that action. Let's consider that Republicans and Republican led States might take Biden off the ballot and it will start a major fight. No, I believe we have to rely on the 14th amendment to jail the son of a b.
Church bells on an Aug 1 evening?Thought I was up on Holy Days . .Oh, that's Why . . .# A New One
How ANYone can find ANYthing to admire in Trump is beyond me. His mean little mouth and his greedy eyes should be off-putting. Admiring a man for raping a woman is a very telling clue about the state of the current Republican party.
His wife is hot !
Until she opens her mouth. Or maybe see what she has written on the back of her raincoat. Zero going on in the frontal lobe.
EH, not to sound too misogynistic, sexist, or shallow, but she is not all that 'hot', even aesthetically, to me at least.
But then I am not too attracted to ANY of the women who go with (or would go with) SCUMp, either physically or intellectually/emotionally.
Her frontal lobe are nice too.
She is not married to trumpet 🎺 for conversational skills.
it's a matter of taste
It is also a major telling clue about the Republicans who support him - the voters. What's going on there? Why are they with Trump?
That's what you get when dealing with a CULT. The MAGAts will DIE before foresaking their morbidly obese, exceptional F_hrer!
The SHITler is their absolute 'hero' for all of the evil it commits, a 'real man' in their eyes, despite the bone spur draft avoiding scam, and abject put down of the military (and ALL in it, and yet they all STILL seem to love him anyway!?), and John McCain, and using others to fight HIS battles, and then throwing them all under the proverbial bus.
One can only hope that Morality and Ethics will finally occur to Most Americans who know that what Trump has done is a serious affront to our democracy and must be condemned in the strongest manner possible, because once democracy is gone there is No going back !
The problem is that just how many said Americans actually WANT democracy, or worse yet, how many even CARE whether or not we have one?!?! :(
David G Hinkes ; If they don't want Democracy now, they may miss it when it's gone.
The problem is that they are just too stone dumb, and thoroughly/totally dogmatized to realize that in their reactionary, "Burn the 'libtards' at all costs, no matter if it destroys us as well!" little 'lizard brains'. :(
The Dunning Kruger effect will be on steroids with his idiot supporters.
Thump, thump, thump. Soon there will be another knock at Donald’s door.