The headline says it all and my advice has been to let him do it and then pounce at the end of 2025 when his inflation surges and 2026 when we take the midterms.
I agree with Robert's advice. "Any grassroots action must be coupled with a clear, relatable economic message and showcase the leadership potential of Democratic mayors and governors. Identity politics alone won’t do it."
The price of eggs supposedly lost the election, so kitchen table issues must be emphasized.
Charisma is undefinable- for me Kamala had it. tRump does not- apparently other qualities sucked people in (lying, bragging, belittling, stupidity, name-calling, not sure which).
She ran an excellent campaign all the Monday quarterbacks are geniuses in retrospect. The Republican States spend 4 years suppressing the Democratic voters with all kinds of rule changes making it harder to vote and removing voters from the registration rolls.
tRump claimed 2020 was stolen because they tried everything possible to steal it, and succeeded this election.
In tRump's tiny mind, he won by a landslide except he didn't even get a majority of the vote. He claimed a landslide in PA, he won by a staggering 1.7% margin not even close to a landslide.
Can you imagine the USA has installed a despicable character as president who lacks any credibility? Evidence that there is something horribly wrong with the electorate that were ok with someone with his history and lack of character.
It might be useful for you to understand the difference between “Facts & Beliefs”! Your beliefs clearly don’t line up with the actual facts. Do the research.
Most of us are not arguing with that election result though it does not say much for an electorate that chooses a professed sexual assaulter misogynist bigoted racist who cuddles up to Putin (a rejected cuddle; oh dear) and fascist Orban. But then, who can argue with befuddled adoration (trumpians' for trump, trump's for putin)?
The U.S. was nearly “evenly divided” when President-elect Trump won the 2024 presidential election over Vice President Harris.
It was less than 50 percent of the electorate who said this is what we want.
Trump won far LESS of the popular vote than either Obama and Biden. (And don’t go into “Biden lost/stole the election” palaver—it’s long been adjudicated with generous EVIDENCE that Trump lost.)
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report shows that Trump won 49.8 percent of the popular vote, compared to Harris’s 48.3 percent.
Trump won both the Electoral College and the popular vote, though PBS reported his margins over his Harris “were small by historical standards.” His win, as reported by PBS, was the fourth-smallest victory since 1960.
Trump beat Harris by 1.62 percent for votes counted through Nov. 20, which is smaller than any victory since 2000 — when then-GOP candidate George W. Bush beat then-Vice President Al Gore, by just over half a percentage point.
I am having a difficult time deciphering what you are saying. Please reread what you have written and rewrite your thoughts in a way that actually coneys a point.
First of all there is no condition Joe Biden is hiding. That is something MAGA made up. Your brain on FoxNews Entertainment! Trump is the one displaying signs of dementia left and right and it runs in his family. Second Kamala's attitude and laughter is one of her strong suits. Her positive messages is very appealing. She is highly qualified having worked her way up from local politics to the VP. She is smart, competent and intelligent. Third in the end it came down to 230000 votes in the swing states that she lost. Not a the landslide victory MAGA makes it out to be. There were many factors why she wasn't successful and most of them are reasons to be ashamed of this country. Her gender, her skin color, her heritage. That people would vote for a guy who mishandled the pandemic and made a laughing stock of the US in the rest of the world is sad. Not to mention being a racist, a felon and an adjucated rapist. But it is also a teaching moment and hopefully Democrats learn something from it.
Dr. Robert Reich's optimism and analysis are thoughtful, but they significantly underestimate the gravity of the situation we’re facing. With all due respect, he seems to lack a full understanding of the historical parallels, psychological dynamics, and the unprecedented scale of the threat posed by this resurgence of authoritarianism. This isn’t merely a political issue—it’s a psychological phenomenon akin to mass mental illness, driven by propaganda, manipulation, and brainwashing.
The reality is stark: Donald Trump and his movement operate using tactics straight out of the fascist playbook. This is "Fascism 101"—eerily reminiscent of Hitler’s rise to power. And just as in the 1930s, once these forces gain momentum, they do not stop. The propaganda machine—amplified by outlets like Fox News—relentlessly reinforces the same lies, over and over, creating a psychological lock on millions of people worldwide. Estimates suggest that over 100 million individuals have been brainwashed to varying degrees. The repetition, coupled with cognitive biases and group dynamics, makes breaking this cycle extraordinarily difficult.
Dr. Reich seems to believe that the decentralized nature of American governance and the resilience of democratic institutions will prevent a complete descent into authoritarianism. While these factors provide some safeguards, they are not impervious. History shows that even robust systems can be eroded when propaganda takes hold and public resistance is divided or complacent. The comparison to figures like Erdoğan, Orbán, or Poland’s ruling Law and Justice Party misses the mark; the psychological grip of Trumpism represents a far more entrenched and dangerous phenomenon.
To address this crisis, the source of the problem must be confronted directly. The relentless propaganda that fuels this movement needs to be dismantled, and the leaders perpetuating these lies must be held accountable. Without this, the cycle of misinformation and manipulation will continue to grow, locking more people into an alternate reality that undermines democracy and corrodes the rule of law.
Dr. Reich’s position, while well-meaning, fails to grasp the psychological and systemic depth of the crisis. This is not a situation where patience and resilience alone will suffice. To preserve democracy, decisive action must be taken to combat the propaganda networks and dismantle the mechanisms that have allowed this authoritarian movement to flourish. Anything less risks not only the loss of democratic norms but the very freedoms and values they are meant to protect.
"To preserve democracy, decisive action must be taken to combat the propaganda networks and dismantle the mechanisms that have allowed this authoritarian movement to flourish." PLEASE: list the decisive actions we must take. Feel free to list them RIGHT HERE.
Liberals really lose me with a view like this. Kamala was a terrible if not one of the worst candidates in history and that is why she lost. She was so bad she couldn't win with the help of hollywood, the msm, the courts, and the full bureaucracy. She was beat by one of the worst if not the worst people to run for president in the history of the country. Start with acknowledging facts on both sides.
"the name of cackling kneepads" is a typical misogynistic invention of low-testosterone chads, who can't handle a woman of ability.
Harris was a highly successful state Attorney General, then Senator. She was smart enough to get out of the primaries in 2020 because Biden had too big of a lead. She crushed Trump in their only debate ...sending him crying to the exits ... and the only think that his weak-minded supporters could do is attack her laugh because they just can't emotionally handle the fact that she's smarter than they are.
She lost the election because Trump has been on TV for almost 20 years and is a familiar face, and she isn't.
This article is full of truth, and the fact that Trump will spend the next 4 years golfing and selling national defense information to anyone who flatters him changes nothing.
Dr. Robert Reich's optimism and analysis are thoughtful, but they significantly underestimate the gravity of the situation we’re facing. With all due respect, he seems to lack a full understanding of the historical parallels, psychological dynamics, and the unprecedented scale of the threat posed by this resurgence of authoritarianism. This isn’t merely a political issue—it’s a psychological phenomenon akin to mass mental illness, driven by propaganda, manipulation, and brainwashing.
The reality is stark: Donald Trump and his movement operate using tactics straight out of the fascist playbook. This is "Fascism 101"—eerily reminiscent of Hitler’s rise to power. And just as in the 1930s, once these forces gain momentum, they do not stop. The propaganda machine—amplified by outlets like Fox News—relentlessly reinforces the same lies, over and over, creating a psychological lock on millions of people worldwide. Estimates suggest that over 100 million individuals have been brainwashed to varying degrees. The repetition, coupled with cognitive biases and group dynamics, makes breaking this cycle extraordinarily difficult.
Dr. Reich seems to believe that the decentralized nature of American governance and the resilience of democratic institutions will prevent a complete descent into authoritarianism. While these factors provide some safeguards, they are not impervious. History shows that even robust systems can be eroded when propaganda takes hold and public resistance is divided or complacent. The comparison to figures like Erdoğan, Orbán, or Poland’s ruling Law and Justice Party misses the mark; the psychological grip of Trumpism represents a far more entrenched and dangerous phenomenon.
To address this crisis, the source of the problem must be confronted directly. The relentless propaganda that fuels this movement needs to be dismantled, and the leaders perpetuating these lies must be held accountable. Without this, the cycle of misinformation and manipulation will continue to grow, locking more people into an alternate reality that undermines democracy and corrodes the rule of law.
Dr. Reich’s position, while well-meaning, fails to grasp the psychological and systemic depth of the crisis. This is not a situation where patience and resilience alone will suffice. To preserve democracy, decisive action must be taken to combat the propaganda networks and dismantle the mechanisms that have allowed this authoritarian movement to flourish. Anything less risks not only the loss of democratic norms but the very freedoms and values they are meant to protect.
Your pro-trump writings are a clear example of the cult-mentality of his supporters. Those who use the word "resist" when anticipating his, and his criminal organization's, installation into power may be "spitting into the wind" out of hope that there can be resistance to the very dark storms that are coming to our country, but that hope may be the last vestige of memory of what it means to BE an American.
If you really believe your own words, "....the rebirth of America and the sunshine that lies ahead....." then I submit that you have never really understood what "America" is and if that is true, then you are certainly following the leader who embodies that same mentality.
I don't know your age, obviously, but I hope you are young enough to be able to live long enough to finally have the "scales lifted from your eyes" so that you will see what you and the voters who voted for him (and those who didn't vote at all and thus voted for him) have wrought, and that there are still those around with "institutional memory" to be able to tell the survivors what it used to be like to live in America.
To revert to an age-old expression of hope and desperation: God help us.
We are the most backward technically advanced nation in the world. Advanced nations require their voters to vote, motivating them to learn about and engage with their governments. Advanced nations underwrite primary, secondary and collegiate education for their citizens. Advanced nations base their health care not on profit but as s public service. Citizens in every single one of those nations are healthier, better educated, more productive AND happier than Americans, an inordinate number of whom still think they're fighting the Civil War. Your Trump was right, but about the wrong country - his United States is the sh*thole country, and the laughing stock of every other country in the world. They don't need us. They don't want us. They're moving ahead without us.
And another thing: Those among us who know fascism - millions of whom have family ties forced into this country over four hundred years sgo - well know Trump and his fascist, racist brethren. That you refuse to see it marks you as either a cult member or a conspirator. My draft number was 70. We will defeat you.
Your comment makes no sense. So you’re saying Trump cares about you and knows policy? Share with me a policy he has expanded on beyond 5 words of gibberish. Are you wearing your ear gauze???
Your logic leaves a lot to be desired. What you are saying is: she is not charismatic because some people (including me) do not like her. Had Shapiro or Newsom jumped in, would you be calling them an "invention of DEI?"
Well said. Trump's nonsense requires no thought, effort or analysis of which many of his followers are incapable. Just blind belief and hope. Any awakening to reality will mean paying a heavy price.
I think the advice is poor. Do not become more centrist. Do not listen to this woman. The American ideal is one of "l"iberalism, not ANY other way around it. "Scaring" the conservatives should be Rule number 1.
Did you watch any of her rallies?!?!?!? I don't know how you could experience watching the energy at those rallies and then claim she is not charismatic. Millions of people find her inspirational, people cried in awe at every event she hosted, people love her, maybe not you but millions of us do.
I think that was a huge problem- people didn’t see her rallies and interviews. Watching her response to a question one night my husband punched the air like he does when he’s watching a hockey game b/c she NAILED it, she was just so sharp and measured.
Kamala came so close in spite of the media sanewashing her incoherent, unqualified opponent and an overall media landscape that prevented people from making an informed decision, not to mention successful attacks on voting rights.
Imagine how people might have voted if there had been a true side-by-side comparison of what each candidate had to offer. (Especially given that in a double blind scenario, they picked Harris/Walz)
Dr. Robert Reich's optimism and analysis are thoughtful, but they significantly underestimate the gravity of the situation we’re facing. With all due respect, he seems to lack a full understanding of the historical parallels, psychological dynamics, and the unprecedented scale of the threat posed by this resurgence of authoritarianism. This isn’t merely a political issue—it’s a psychological phenomenon akin to mass mental illness, driven by propaganda, manipulation, and brainwashing.
The reality is stark: Donald Trump and his movement operate using tactics straight out of the fascist playbook. This is "Fascism 101"—eerily reminiscent of Hitler’s rise to power. And just as in the 1930s, once these forces gain momentum, they do not stop. The propaganda machine—amplified by outlets like Fox News—relentlessly reinforces the same lies, over and over, creating a psychological lock on millions of people worldwide. Estimates suggest that over 100 million individuals have been brainwashed to varying degrees. The repetition, coupled with cognitive biases and group dynamics, makes breaking this cycle extraordinarily difficult.
Dr. Reich seems to believe that the decentralized nature of American governance and the resilience of democratic institutions will prevent a complete descent into authoritarianism. While these factors provide some safeguards, they are not impervious. History shows that even robust systems can be eroded when propaganda takes hold and public resistance is divided or complacent. The comparison to figures like Erdoğan, Orbán, or Poland’s ruling Law and Justice Party misses the mark; the psychological grip of Trumpism represents a far more entrenched and dangerous phenomenon.
To address this crisis, the source of the problem must be confronted directly. The relentless propaganda that fuels this movement needs to be dismantled, and the leaders perpetuating these lies must be held accountable. Without this, the cycle of misinformation and manipulation will continue to grow, locking more people into an alternate reality that undermines democracy and corrodes the rule of law.
Dr. Reich’s position, while well-meaning, fails to grasp the psychological and systemic depth of the crisis. This is not a situation where patience and resilience alone will suffice. To preserve democracy, decisive action must be taken to combat the propaganda networks and dismantle the mechanisms that have allowed this authoritarian movement to flourish. Anything less risks not only the loss of democratic norms but the very freedoms and values they are meant to protect.
Harris ran a terrific campaign for those who believe in hope and a positive outlook on life. I am one of those people.
But...she had a very short window of time to connect with people.
And...we didn't describe the pain in this country. The economic struggles of the average working class family have been addressed on a macro level - chips factories, etc. But we have not channeled the enormous amounts of economic suffering in America.
Kamala Harris would have been one of the finest presidents ever - if she had the chance. Off the charts charisma and enthusiasm. But people are too angry to be receptive to it.
The next campaign must be based on a new Economic Populism that says: "I feel your pain, I feel your anger, I feel your frustration."
"Every American that is willing to work hard has the right to housing, clean water, adequate food, healthcare and a good education. Everyone!" Add in some help with child care and elder care.
As the new administration flounders along and becomes the new "Deep State" we can blame everything on the president. It's an American tradition!
LOL no there's zero proof of that, from what I heard those arabs in Michigan were already against a lot of progressive stuff, in one town a council made up of Arabs actually passed anti-LGBTQ laws so i'm not convinced they ever would've voted for Harris to begin with, bunch of morons.
I agree with you. I've lived in Michigan and Okland County for much of it,but now reside in a 99 percent red ,ultra religious county .Trump is their God
I became enraged after listening to those so called spokespeople of the Dearborn area protestors and family members who were rightfully mourning and agonizing over the horrors and losses of family members and friends in the ongoing brutality and slaughter of the citizens of Gaza. That being sad,the extortionistic measures,the punitive and demanding behavior they exhibited was both counterintuitive and inappropriate,if ther main goal was to collaborate and support our President and government to escalate a seize fire ,and bring an end to the attacks.They came across,not as diplomatic,but rude and Maga like with intolerant , belligerent ,insulting and disrespectful behavior. My thoughts were they ,as the saying goes,'were cutting off their noses to spite they face' . I couldn't find the logic of them completely ignoring the source of this genocide,Netanyahu,and also the fact that Trump was secretly conspiring with him to prolong his rampage until after the election for whatever nefarious reasons that could benefit them both . I saw quotes and posts on Twitter from this community that were supportive of Trump ,even with all his mass deportation threats as part of his campaign.
Trump never cared about this community, or what was occuring in Gaza. Them seemed blind to his apathy.
I am in no way unsympathetic to the Palestinian people and have my own misgivings about how Biden botched his approach to Israel's so called defensive actions. It cost him many young people's support.
But I do think they could have made better,more effective progress with a more diplomatic and mature detent instead of abstaining from voting and some actually switching over to the 'enemy camp.
Time will tell us all ,when the dust settles in Gaza and the reconstruction begins. Who will be the funders and who will be the exploiters ready to make a profit on the bombed out massive graveyard that used to be the home of millions of people. I pray it never happens again, anywhere, but we seem to forget all too soon and keep making the same mistakes over and over again.
The conservatism of the Arab community in Michigan and of their local leaders was key. But noted progressives like Rashida Tlaib made a point of not endorsing Harris. That extraordinarily self-defeating stance was a failure of leadership and political intelligence on the part of Tlaib. But Harris also failed to find a way to address the Israeli war against Gaza in a way that condemned not just Hamas for the October 7 attack but Netanyahu for his genocidal campaign.
You are confusing antisemitism with opposition to the war crimes Isreal is committing in Gaza. J Street is a Jewish organization that opposes what Israel is doing under Netanyahu. Are theseJews antisemitic?
I disagree. As you’ll recall Harris actually had a small lead in the polls over trump following her nomination which evaporated the longer she was in the public spotlight.
There’s no way she’ll be the nominee in 2028 precisely because she’s not perceived as charismatic and the electorate is not enthusiastic about her- she received below the baseline number of votes that any Democratic candidate would receive merely by showing up.
Failure to connect with voters forced Harris to drop out of the 2020 primary. She was the '24 Dem presidential candidate solely because of Biden actions, not because Dems ever voted for her over Dem presidential rivals
This is sadly true. I was fully engaged with her campaign. Making calls, donations, had a sign on my lawn (sadly the only sign for anyone in my highly educated, well off neighborhood in an Ivy League college town).
But I must recognize that she failed to connect with voters. The reasons were many, and some key reasons had nothing to do with her as a politician, including the short amount of time she had, the multiple ways in which Republicans deterred voters and the deep conservatism of voters in certain key states (Arabs in Michigan among them). But after a short honeymoon, enthusiasm for her dipped and never recovered.
If we are to recover, we must start by recognizing the reality around us. One aspect of it is that we need, as has been said above, a larger than life politician. Another is that too many people aren't ready for a female of color to lead the country.
That's exactly the way it looked to me as somebody just watching. I think the disconnect caused the loss, but if she *were* charismatic racism would be far more of a factor. Think of the unprovoked hatred Obama aroused.
Anyone who speaks about "merit" or USA = meritocracy is gaslighting. There is and has NEVER BEEN meritocracy in this country. It is and always has been about who you know (and how much money they have), not what you know.
she did not connect you racist moron and it was the rethugs that sabotaged border bills, you can fuck right off with your xenophobic "illegals" nonsense Bill Maher.
It must be catching. I thought trump was the proponent of measuring popularity by rally reaction. I was among 27,000 people who packed NYC's Washington Square Park to cheer Bernie Sanders. Enthusiasm at rallies does not elect candidates, not even the big liar.
Warning not required: this persons bent is apparent in every choice he makes in how to interpret everything. Reading a few of his posts makes it very clear.
Christopher Gavin Freebairn—Back when AOL was papering the nation with its CDs—just before the internet went public—AOL forums were full of guys like "Sender" apparently 86d by their local bars. This thread was like a time warp.
She came into the campaign not having shown much charisma — but she was highly charismatic during the campaign. Just too late.
Trump, when he wants to, has an absolutely P-T-Barnum-like ability to grab attention and win the support of “admirers.” We do need to demonstrate his feet of clay.
I would call Harris highly popular with supporters. Charisma doesn't come and go. Teddy Kennedy was totally unqualified when he ran for his first (and only ever) elective seat. One volunteer I read about worked her tail off for his accomplished opponent. The morning after Teddy was elected she was found weeping—for her vote, not for Teddy's win. She just couldn't help herself, she said. She voted for Teddy. … That's charisma. It's inborn. And it makes MAGAts vote against their self-interest.
Performance is learned. Trump's timing is not unique to him. He learned it from childhood training in survivable and power mongering. Acting class can do the same thing.
He appeals to instincts that glorify rebellion, the pursuit of wealth, and the allure of fame and celebrity. Additionally, hate proves to be a powerful motivator. Conversations with his supporters often reveal a remarkable capacity for rationalizing anything. For instance, frustrations about high egg prices might translate into support for a figure promising unrealistic solutions, like persuading chickens to lay more eggs. His rhetoric tends to alienate those who approach issues with critical thinking.
In other words those that lack education and are easily swayed or have one interest and run with that without seeing the entire picture or consequences. Serious critical thinking skills are severely lacking in this country and so is our educational system.
Sarah, I agree with you, but I'm not sure you realize that the majority of our teachers and college professors are left-leaning Democrats, and they have indeed ruined the educational system in our country. They focus very little on critical thinking skills, and indoctrination is their main focus, which is why we're in the situation we're in these days.
What I felt was missing from Kamala during the campaign wasn't charisma in the strictest sense, but authenticity. You can tell her campaign message was carefully crafted, and she didn't deviate from her talking points to her detriment. We need someone who is willing to speak the truth, even if the truth is complicated and grey.
"Voters seek authenticity and a connection — give it to them."
As my brother likes to say to me - we live on different worlds. The thought that someone thinks Kamala has charisma is stunning to me. Between her phony accents, her tangled and repetitive streams of non-sentences, her lies about Trump (she literally called him a fascist and then went to the inauguration), her see-through flip-flops on policy, horrible campaign (no one votes for a candidate b/c Oprah or JLo told them to) and outright lying (worked at McDonald's but can't tell us which one - I know where every single part-time job I worked on as a kid is) and so forth, she seems more like the poster-child for charisma deficit. I'm shocked, now post-election, some people really think she had any.
The median IQ in this country is 100, meaning half the country is in double digits. 85% are within one standard deviation (85-115). Add in the rich, who want to ride Trump's coattails to greater wealth and power, and Trump doesn't need intelligent people's votes.
There's an old story (not sure if it is apocryphal) of Adlai Stevenson when he was running against Eisenhower. After a particularly articulate & insightful speech, a woman came up to him and said, "It was a wonderful speech. Surely you will win all the votes of smart people." He looked at her sadly and replied, "Unfortunately, I need a majority."
"The greatest argument against Democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter,"
To me, Republican succeed by always selling the negative, never the positive. For them, it's never about "Morning In America"; rather, it's about the high price of eggs, it's about those immigrants pouring over the border. And they get a lot of heads nodding in agreement. Ironically, these are the best of times. But income inequality and wealth concentration, features of Republican plutocracy, see to it that wealth bypasses ordinary people and flows to the very top.
That's a powerful sentiment. Best economy in the world etc, yet Trump convinced millions it is not so!
This is a post covid trauma response. Ppl hate inflation & high interest rates, bc they hurt.
That they were unavoidable, & if uncontrolled hurt even more, is a bitter pill more than half of all ppl won't swallow. This is evident globally, in western democracies.
Republicans benefit from ignoring all of that, & blaming every little thing on Biden & hence Harris.
Note how quickly & incorrectly Trump & his echo chamber blamed the two terrorist events on Biden Harris, when at least the Tesla guy was a white supremacist trumper.
And his absurd claims on California water, & Springfield's cars & dogs.
That is the measure of the Republicans & Trump - no lie is too outrageous, no ethical or moral boundary sacrosanct.
This is the politics of evil: it could hardly be clearer. The blatant self serving of Musk is exhibit 1.
There are a lot of uneducated dunces out there who think that because the shriveled yam has a terrible personality and hates all other human beings, it's okay for them to as well!
There are individuals alive today that share some of Adolph Hitler's traits, like his mustache. That doesn't make them equivalent to Hitler.
Lose elections? By pointing out Trump's flaws? Why try to sweep his character flaws under the rug? He is a convicted felon; that's a fact.
Lastly, I deeply resent your calling me" ignorant and an "indecent human being." You know virtually nothing about me so stop with the simplistic name calling.
Trump was convicted of 37 felony counts of by a jury of 12. That's a fact; suck it up! And because he was convicted at the state level there is nothing the federal government can do to reverse his conviction or to pardon him.
There is a good chance that Trump will be imprisoned when he leaves the White House in four years. That would be poetic justice.
So you are saying that the VP elect is not in his right mind? RFK Jr is not in his right mind? Trump himself is not in his right mind for wishing he had Hitler’s generals? Agreed on all those.
He’s not exactly Hitler. His end game is not the genocide of the Jew's, he’s not looking to start a land war in Europe (just maybe North America). You don’t have to be exactly Hitler to warrant comparison with Hitler’s methods for gaining power. He’s a con man using the authoritarian playbook on dupes who think he loves them to loot the country with his billionaire friends. He and his buddies are laughing at people like you. Unless you are extremely rich you have just screwed yourself and your progeny for generations and are now spending time arguing that your idol isn’t “exactly Hitler”. Way to go.
While trump may not BE Hitler, he certainly aspires to be like he. He speaks admiringly about his generals and the one book he kept on his night stand (as per Ivana) was by Hitler.
I agree with everything except the charismatic leadership comment.
Kamala Harris was a fantastic candidate, as was Tim Walz. I can’t imagine anyone being more charismatic, more beloved by Democrats than Kamala. What defeated her? I think that, along with plain old bigotry and ignorance, it was an electorate that was unwilling to make that leap of logic into a “women can lead” mindset. We must change that for 2028.
cause of right-wing disinformation courtesy of Muskrat and cause of an anti-incumbency trend in elections worldwide cause of COVID dumbass, my god you are brain-dead.
Good question. I like AOC for her enthusiasm and vigor. The problem is, and I hate to say it, but you already did: a) she is a woman, and 20% of women don't want a female president. Huge problem. And b) even more importantly, she has an immense amount of recorded baggage, like "defund the police" which can, and will, be used against her again and again.
Gavin Newsom is regarded as too liberal, but would be a better choice. So far, I favor Josh Shapiro, who checks the boxes. He is young but not too young, smart, charismatic, masculine and not afraid to spar with Trump.
I think Kamala Harris was the right candidate: charismatic, brilliant, experienced on the best issues. Must I die having lived under all but one white male President? How do we move this fakakta country to trust women leaders?
O how I have longed for a female to lead our nation!
We get the best of the best to step forward but the support disappears in the voting booth. I truly hope you are wrong about passing away without seeing that come to pass. We have momentum in this direction maybe not so apparent at this time but progress is being made.
If Nikki Haley had been nominated you would have had a woman president. I don’t particularly like her or many of positions but she would have been a solid president.
Exactly. This "country for old white men" needs to d*e already. They've had almost 250 years to get it right and haven't yet! And never will but I digress...
I'm all in favor of a woman President, and I voted for Harris. I am an admirer of several great women leaders. Unfortunately, the country is not there yet. Do you disagree?
I look at equality, and no offense at all but, ready for WHAT.....the time is now, for the love of.......ahh Rock n roll...lol........we don't have cooties
Doesn't it piss you off, your Mom, sister, aunt or daughter aren't worthy enough..... yet ?
Totally not picking at you, I think we should have more conversations with the other half of our population;
Hana, with all due respect I think you have to actually read what I wrote. The fact is that 20% of American women don't want a female president. I don't share that opinion - you and I are on the same side - but it happens to be a fact. Two female DNC candidates went up against an orange clown with the IQ of a peanut, and they both lost.
Having a billionaire kick in $250, O00,000 didn’t hurt 45’s campaign. There there’s the nonstop lying. Plus, the noncoverage of the Harris campaign by the corporate media was a factor as well. Then a lot of voters acted as though 2024 was an ordinary election, and thought they’d sit things out. There is nothing in the world that 45 will make better because everything Trump touches, dies.
Having read the 50 or so above posts everyone should remember that the final certified results for the 2016 election had Hillary defeating DT in the popular vote by 2.9 million. Actually a landslide by any definition.
This proves that Americans will elect a woman for President. The challenge for either party of course is always the Electoral College! For sure a stupid way to run an election but it seems we are stuck with it for the foreseeable future.
Somehow the DEMs have to find a way to secure the seven or eight states that have been deciding our elections for the past few decades. Out of 152,322,830 votes cast fewer than a million decide the election every time!
I don't know exactly but my point, is WE, as men and women have far to go to even reach wage equality.
Lots of other countries have women leaders.
Id say the EXACT same thing to both men AND women about WHY, they voted for Trump. Here's another point, I vote not by gender, that would be insane
I wonder what % of men voted for her? Or voted against her because she is a woman.
Dialogue is great. I want to start researching term limits....I wasn't raised in a political family and thought how wild in 2015, everyone I met was a pli sci major...light humor there!
Hey...not all the old white men are nuts...I voted for Harris and Hillary and for the ticket that Geraldine Ferraro was on..because they were the best and the brightest. America is still stuck partially in the MAGA past of fear and ignorance...that's gotta change soon...
Shapiro? Please -- Mr. "Pro Israel no matter what"? That cost the Dems substantially last year -- and will only worsen as the atrocities continue to unfold.
Well, technically Palestinians and other Arabs are also considered Semitic peoples. To maintain that Semitism applies only to Jews implies that the others are not really people. Is that your position?
For the record, Israel is great - it’s the Zionist aspect where the problems seem to set in.
Rick, I’ve been curious; is it possible for someone who holds your beliefs to acknowledge the basic humanity of the Palestinian? Can you state without qualification (i.e. no “but-but-buts”) that in principle, a Palestinian is a full human being, deserving of the rights and privileges of any other human being?
If not, that underscores why this situation seems so intractable, and is only likely to get worse.
Not that I’m being “holier than thou”. We white Europeans did pretty much the same thing to the Native American Indians upon our arrival.
She is too young. Dems must not mistake talent and intelligence for leadership ability. She will develop at her own pace, as she is given more responsibility in the House.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is ready for more responsibility, and a leadership role, but Pelosi had to screw it up. If the Democrats want to get back in the game, they need to start getting younger talent in. At the rate the party is going now, their leaders have one foot in the grave, and the other foot is about to step on a banana peel in a puddle of oil.
AOC needs to be 60 years old to be given responsibility??? Maybe in Pelosi's and Biden's world. I'm older than either of them and I say Enough of the damned Dem gerontocracy.
Right, I think all positions should have age limit and new term limits. I am starting my research on all the above. Let’s take back our country the right way, peacefully & productively and make our grandchildren proud. I cant wait to celebrate MLK Day………:)
What will 25 years guarantee? Knowledge?! Experience? Wisdom? So many things can happen in 25 years, but very few certainties. If there is one thing I have learned, years only guarantee age. I should know, being 62. And there are still some things I have yet to figure out
I stand by my previous post. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is ready to step up to the plate.
I agree. We need someone (like Biden and Pelosi) who knows how Congress works, can get things done. How did Biden and Pelosi get the Infrastructure bill and all that other legislation passed with such a divided Congress? They were a power couple. AOC isn't there yet. But of course Obama wasn't either and he managed to get the ACA through in the short window he had enough votes.
Michael, I like Shapiro too, but he is Jewish and with the Gaza being torn apart by Israel, and a general antisemitism in this country, it is hard to see that he could win. Maybe in 4 years things will be different. Republicans or the party of negativity, they don't have to have anyone charismatic, it seems. Trump is a loud-mouthed bully who knows nothing but grifting. Musk is a toddler-man, rich beyond comprehension who cares for no one and nothing but himself, his money and getting more of it, and power. Vance has absolutely no charisma, but is pliable and will do whatever he is told, even to lying about his own state's constituents if it would help build the hatred and anger that could get Trump and himself elected. What can Dems put up against that insanity and the nearly half of the voters who voted "R" in this election? I am thinking, we need to tackle the media somehow to force them to cover more than Trump and Kump. They covered Baby Donnie this past 4 years more than Biden who was actually president. That is ridiculous and let people believe Biden had done nothing for them and that Baby Donnie would be their savior from the price of eggs (which was high to a significant extent due to bird flu which our media mostly ignored too, particularly the Fox/Musk media). Anyone who cares about this nation has a lot on our plates. Which to try first may be of great importance.
Republicans are the party of negativity. a 30 year campaign of character assassination worked against HRC and they did the same thing to Biden. Biden did so many really good things for the country, but the right wing media machine buried that and covered it with lies about him being a failure.
The Dems can't message their way out of a wet paper bag. It was just requests for donations. Why not mobilize people to do their messaging, to fight the right wing lies? We all need to do it ourselves until the Dems can get it together.
Agreed on Dems not being able to message their way out of a paper bag. And that is a direct result of having a gerentocracy in charge of the party. They keep playing by the old media playbook, which does NOT work in our modern media environment. The legacy news media will always skew in favor of Republicans. They consistently have a double standard (which was super glaring in this last election). Our social media strategy is...apparently non-existant. The GOP has invested in ownership of media, from legacy TV networks to podcasts to armies of social media trolls. The Dems just kept using the same old playbook, and we've been utterly destroyed in the public sphere. We need to empower younger leadership and start building up our own media presence. Which is especially critical now, that the Chump regime is going to start censoring legacy media.
DeLani, it makes me laugh every time I see someone say that the legacy news media is controlled by, and the coverage favors Republicans. I've watched ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, and NPR, and they ALL cover Trump 85-90% negative, and Biden and Harris were covered 85-90% positive. I know that the truth can be hard to accept, but you should stop listening to the talking heads who are trying to push class warfare on U.S. citizens, and take a look at reality.
Mikey and Michael, really? You are going to cave to the republican’s misogyny battle cry. Where is your moral courage? Where is your humanity? Rather than join the misogyny bandwagon, I would urge you to fight to change others mind and come s century, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem, Which side of history do you want to find yourself on?
I, too, like AOC. To me, she seems genuine. Unfortunately, I think being charismatic can also mean being able to fool people. I like Beto O’Rourke. To me, he is not only genuine, but he checks a lot of other boxes too. He is good looking, telegenic, and married with a beautiful family. He also speaks Spanish fluently, and since those who say that being a white male is still important are, unfortunately, probably correct, he is that too.
Of course. I wish I'd thought of O'Rourke. He'd be a great candidate, and he's a Southerner too. Almost beat slimy Ted Cruz, in ruby red Texas no less.
Sec of Transportation Pete Buttigieg gets me every time I hear him speak. Razor focused, smartest in any room he’s in…fearless and brave personally, politically, militarily …
Totally agree. His sexual orientation might be a problem, nevertheless the key thing is that he has a progressive agenda including universal healthcare, improved gun control, and high taxes on the wealthy, higher taxes on corporations, etc. Then, I think being gay may not matter.
Mikey and Michael, really? You are going to cave to the republican’s misogyny battle cry. Where is your moral courage? Where is your humanity? Rather than join the misogyny bandwagon, I would urge you to fight to change others mind and come s century, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem, Which side of history do you want to find yourself on?
That's because of a few things, but especially, as Bannon said it, flood all media with shit. That's what right wing media did. Dems on the other hand failed to flood it at all. Their messaging was horrible.
I loved Kamala and yes, she fired everyone up at the rallies. She's likeable and smart. But that's not the same as charisma. A lot of people just didn't feel excited about her. We were excited about the election. We were excited about beating Trump and what a good campaign she was running, but many people weren't excited about Kamala herself. Same thing with Hillary. I'm not sure if it was a woman thing or just a lack of charisma. President Obama is an example of someone who had it. We have over 300 million people in the United States. We can't find another Obama?
Yeah, darkness is a good name for you, since you seem to have your head in the sand. If you were excited about Harris, you mustn't get out much. She dropped out of the 2020 primaries before the first votes were cast, and she couldn't get above 3% in her home state of CA, because they knew how vapid she was.
nah only one with their head in the sand that's "vapid" here is you brain-dead racist cocksucking piece of fucking dogshit. Go back to sucking off Putin Russian troll bot.
I'd vote for him. He checks a lot of boxes, including, I think, being anti-woke. But I don't know what his baggage is. Trump's team (which may include Russian input) is very skilled at voter suppression. People may not want to vote for Trump, but they may also not go out to vote. I suspect this is what did Harris in, especially with women.
Gloria J. Maloney - This piece was not written by Robert Reich. He only shared it. Please re-read Reich's introduction: " . . I sometimes share with you perspectives about what we’re up against from non-American writers and journalists. Asli Aydintasbas, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington D.C., and a former journalist, published this short essay recently in Politico Magazine. As we prepare for Trump’s regime, I thought you’d find her views useful."
And your point is? Robert Reich brought it to our attention. It’s a good, well written spot-on piece Reich could well have written himself. Thank you Robert Reich for sharing with us this valuable article by a talented journalist with its spot on information and insights. That Robert shared it with the rest of us who may well not have found it otherwise speaks volumes about his integrity and humility.
The point is that Gloria attributed a quote to Robert Reich incorrectly. It stood out to me also. It’s not wrong to help each other with reading comprehension. In fact it is necessary now more than ever.
Molly - my only point was for Gloria to accurately attribute the comment to the author, Ms. Aydintasbas. I did not intend any disrespect for Mr. Reich. Lauren
Thanks for clarifying. I initially assumed it was Reich writing until the narrative described being a high-power journalist watching fascism encroaching in Turkey, prompting me to re-read the intro paragraph. I will make sure not to gloss the intro in the future!
And NOW the price of eggs WILL skyrocket! Good job, window-lickers and tampon-munchers! (YES: if you voted for a rapist-pedophile, convicted felon and bankrupt pretend "billionaire" who TANKED the economy under It's FIRST regime, you are a "FUCKING MORON.")
Daniel, you're showing your ignorance in public. The only thing that tanked under Trump in his first term was the number of jobs lost in his last year due to the Covid shutdowns. Most of those were recovered before he left office, and it was Biden’s poor economic policies that drove up inflation, which was 1.4% when Biden was inaugurated in January 2021, and topped out at 9.1% in June 2022, which was a full 18 months AFTER he took office. Here's a link to the actual inflation numbers from 2000-2024 if you're interested.
If the price of eggs lost the election. Then a lot of people need to wake up
The cost of eggs much less anything else is not controlled by the potus
Eggs cost rose due to bird flue as they continue to do. If you think trump is going to fix this,you need to pull your head out of your Ass and wake up. We have the strongest economy in the world we need wages to keep up and government out of health care.
Gloria--I still can't understand how naïve some people are. The bird flu is the cause of the elevated cost of eggs, not Bidens economy. Fox news lied, Trump lied, social media lied, they all lied, and the people believed every word of it.
Donald, that might be relevant if the cost of eggs was the only thing affected by Biden’s poor record on the economy. Inflation was 1.4% in January 2021 when Biden was inaugurated, and it topped out at 9.1% in June 2022, which was 18 months AFTER he took office. Here's a link to the monthly inflation rates from 2000-2024 if you're interested.
> The price of eggs supposedly lost the election,..
It wasn't the actual price, but the perception of the price and why. Lots of people believed the ignorant narratives they were being fed (including some producers who jacked up prices and realized record profits).
"the price of eggs" was a missed point...whether running for office or a reporter facing/questioning someone with what's wrong in their life...as soon as "economy" was stated they dropped it.. when that was stated next question should have been "how did it personally effect that person" if it was "eggs" or anything else for that matter, next question should beeen "where do they shop?"... whether they name the store or not, the next statement /question should have been "does the government own that store?" no one bothers to point this simple fact out and the orange one fills the gap with "it's the D's /governments' fault for the price of eggs"...he's not even in office and he is backtracking... give me a break.
Ginger, it was MUCH MORE than just the price of eggs. EVERYTHING is a lot higher due the inflation caused by Biden’s poor economic policies. When Trump left office in January 2021, the monthly inflation rate was 1.4%, and due to Biden’s economic policies, it topped out at 9.1% in June 2022, which is 18 months AFTER he took office. You might want to look at the ACTUAL monthly inflation rates from 2000-2024 to see what caused Democrats to lose the 2024 election.
Kamala was going set up first time home buyers, with 25k for downpayment. She was going to award small businesses with a 50k grant from the federal government, had detailed plans to combat price gouging. We lost this election due to ignorance, pure and simple. Because too many women allowed their husbands to vote against our own interests. My partner refused to vote, and I almost dumped him for it, after she lost.
The democrats failed to communicate WHY eggs cost more! It seems the leadership doesn’t understand that farmers produce eggs, meat, vegetables ,,, and farmers are rural Americans not urban elites that get their food from the store, their power comes from the outlet on the wall, light from the switch, gas from the pump,,, they FAILED to tell the full story out of their own ignorance/arrogance that there are only seven meat producers in the US, that Trump orchestrated the sale of oil refineries to the Saudis (who paid Jerad Kirshner 3bb) the bird flu virus killed 40% of the laying hens, E. coli break out shut down and distorted tons of beef in meat packing facilities,,,, where do I stop? NEITHER PARTY can be trusted with democracy because both are ruled by greed.
Eggs were the rationale. Hate/anti is what people voted for. Ant - the list is long but for starters: Elite East Coaters, the government, civil rights and trans rights being a major factor in that there was a vast anti-trans campaign where they used Harris's comments out of context that sold really well. And if not for voting rule changes and voter suppression and voter rolls 'cleansed'. Harris may well have won.
Which is why the Democrats lost. They have all these advisors & consultants whose only advice since Bill Clinton ran is "move further to the middle." By now, the middle is far away in their rear-view mirror. Unfortunately, the true progressives have been marginalized for so long, they've given up and all that remains are the fauxgressives who are so busy supporting the terrorist state of Gaza and 450 million Arabs against "genocide" by the 6 million Jews in Israel, where 1/4 of the citizenry is Muslim - and votes and holds political & judicial offices. Find me 1 Arab country with a single Jew in power. [Note: although Iran is not Arab, but Caucasian, its governing body has Eastern Orthodox Catholics, Zoroastrians, and - yes - Jews serving in their congress. Only Bah'ais are banned]. The faugressives were so determined on teaching Biden & Harris a "lesson" for their slow-walking support of Israel & failure to support the Oct 7 terrorists that they sat out the vote (costing Harris the election). This is called "cutting off your nose to spite your face." Now, Trump is 100% on fellow crook Bibi Netanyahu's side & has threatened that, unless every hostage is released before he takes office, he's going to destroy Gaza (or arm Netanyahu to do it for him). So, by spurning Biden's half-way support of Israel, all they accomplished was guaranteeing Gaza's destruction. The couldn't find anything in America to protest?
In the mean time, keep asking the Maga folks if they think billionaires running the government is a good thing. It's a simple message and should be spot on.
They probably do think it's a good thing. For too many people in this country, wealth=brains. "The country should be run like a business!" I remember when Dumpy first announced in 2015, so many commenters in the NYT (of all places!) said, "He's a wealthy businessman! He's a genius! He'll be a great president!" It was all a myth, and prosperity gospel, etc., but lots of people still believe it.
Put a fraud felon in charge, say goodbye to your country. And honestly, couldn’t happen to nicer folks. F*ck MAGA. All those farmers that lined up to vote for this felon: bye bye subsidies. All those old folks that voted for that fraud: bye bye to Social Security.
You get what you voted for.
FELON Trump will be recorded in the Annals of History as the BIGGEST and WORST Mistake America EVER made.
I will be wearing this "isn't it past your jail time?" t-shirt the next four years 👇
We can take heart knowing those Traitorous fucking morons ALREADY can't get ANYTHING done. As Bunkerboy's Alzheimer's gets worse, and as "Illegal Alien" President elon gains more power, Our SS checks will be too difficult to steal. 🤣
God bless you, and ALL decent humans, in this New Year, Maureen!
Exactly what I was going to say. So we get to starve in the last years of our lives. Not on your life! Some of us are angry that he lives a life of luxury and we might lose all we have paid in. He is a dictator and he and his party can go to hades. What will he do with those who live on the streets already? Spit on them? Dock his pay please.
IF THEY WHINE, I'll bitch - slap them like a deft dexterous octopus or squid & TELL 'EM TO STOP WHINING like a baby Trump whenever he doesn't get his way.
*TWO years! 'Muricans are NOT ONLY dumb as a sack of rocks, BUT ALSO they have 30 second memory spans! (I am from a New York family of hard-workers and educators; I got lucky.) President elon and VP Bunkerboy have THREE MONTHS before the calls for impeachment heat up after nothing is done . . . AGAIN.
Be careful about that thick sticky black tar you’re spreading- and who you’re actually enabling with it because we have enough division.
Citizens of all genders, beliefs, ages, political ideology and walks of life stayed home rather than vote for anyone including Trump. More people voted for someone other than Trump than for Trump.
Our MSM, and social media, heavily manipulated by Oligarchs, Russia, and others were more successful than the enormous door knocking campaigns carried out on behalf of candidates.
The MAJORITY loses because of Trump and his cronies, including the rest of the world.
It’s time to join hands and fight together for democracy worldwide, as well as here in the US.
Social security cannot go anywhere. It’s a bank of its own. It’s not part of the debt whatsoever. It is its own entity. They can’t cut it- but the other programs like Medicare and Medicaid with snap all can be cut.
For someone with two legs Trump has an amazing number of Achilles heels. First one: as he has already admitted he will not be able to lower prices. Deportations will distract but not mollify voters. MAGA are already discovering that Trump does not care for them. Democrats must already field an army of charismatic challengers. No time to waste.
I think it is not being able to connect realistically with the people who really cannot fathom what a million dollars is, let alone a billion. Many in my town live paycheck to paycheck, and that last week before a check, welfare or SS or paycheck, well, the food bank is a busy place.
Our food bank is mainly volunteer run. Very small for our smallish town. But we are supplied by a large city in the state. I run a nonprofit in the county and people are quite generous to the food bank. They recognize the need.
We saw it in the courts but no one was willing to give consequences, problem is our people do not have COURAGE as of now. Let us see what the next few days show. Whomever does not demand the recount, deny Trump the Presidency due to ammendment 14, and that he cannot take the Oath will NOT be eligible to be in the Democratic leadership. They were tested and failed.
DC Washington, as I said, they certified the election results with no mention of the 14th Amendment, or any other such nonsense. Better luck in 2028. Cheers!
I've seen your comment about this issue in comments on several different articles, but it's a pipe dream. Just because a liberal court in CO made a ruling based on flawed analysis of the 14th Amendment doesn't mean that it will stand up to scrutiny, if and when it ever comes before the Supreme Court. Not only was Trump not CONVICTED of insurrection, but he wasn't even CHARGED with insurrection. Just because you WISH something would happen doesn't mean that it will. It's basically the same reason why the CO court was overruled in their attempt to remove Trump from the ballots. Cheers!
Not if we , bite out tongues, and politely let them know they got screwed over. Give precise examples . Especially where he has flip flopped. And about the Billionaires club trying to reduce consumer protections ( regulations) to benefit profits and how the tax breaks for the few at top and more proposed put burden on and cut services to middle and poor.
But he is none of those things. He WILL fail. Just look at his first term. The Dems need to find an opposition leader this next four years who can convey the “common man” vs “super rich” wealth disparity and how the “current system” is rigged. A younger person with a Bernie Sanders mindset and charisma?
For a while … but that’s what made this article so thought provoking. We are in Dallas with good family members watching the news unfold about the New Orleans incident. Our family was watching the news and a comment was made about not watching because of our sensibilities since our candidate lost. Out response was to reinforce that the other side won, he will be our president and will be responsible for what happens next and that we wish him well for the sake of the country. Not only did it defuse the situation, I also felt like it put the pressure on the “other side”. When those prices go up, when the incompetence and infighting begins to be seen …. I believe there will be repercussions and that more people will be open to what the Democrats have said all along.
We're so sure Republican overconfidence will sink them that we must take care not to err on the side of passivity. I emphatically agree with every point Asli Aydintasbas made. Sexism and racism didn't defeat Harris, e g. A charisma deficit—not her fault—had eliminated her before Slow Joe inexplicably pulled her back in for VP in 2020, then left us with no other practical choice in '24. Thanks for sharing.
I disagree. Harris would have been an excellent president and is a good person. Charisma doesn't solve the issues in a country or help the people. Harris was a fantastic choice for the party and she didn't lose by a landslide and there was no mandate. If there was election interference from Russia and Iran, or musk, or due to MSM BS reporting and lies; she did extremely well. Let's get real; many Americans wouldn't vote for a black woman. Sad. We have a long way to go to realize liberty and justice for all.
Lizz, you seem to be forgetting the fact that Harris couldn't even get above 3% in her home state of California in the 2020 Democratic primaries, and she dropped out before the first votes were cast in Iowa. The only reason that she was picked by Biden as his VP, is because he locked himself in by saying that his VP would be a woman, and then a little later, he said it would be a woman of color. At that time, the only other woman of color in the primaries was Tulsi Gabbard, and the Dems had already decided that she wasn't going anywhere, so Biden picked Harris. If she was a good candidate, she should get another shot in 2028, and I hope that Democrats nominate her, which I doubt that they will, but it would mean an easy victory for the Republicans.
2020 Harris wasn't well known and some didn't even know she was AG for two terms in CA, and was very successful for the people in our great state. In 2024 we have found out how many voters are totally uninformed and how many Americans stayed home and didn't vote. That is extremely sad living in a country that Democracy vs fascism was on the ballot and it is our civic responsibility to vote. Harris was better known than in 2020 and had a great campaign and support for the short time she had to campaign. She is very qualified. Trump only won by 1.6%. Not even close to a mandate. Another lie. What I hear from you is we were stuck with Harris for VP. Harris did many good things as VP here in the US and in foreign relations. Tulsi Gabbard? Please! There was election interference again by Russia and likely Iran. Also years of disinformation and a party of fascists that lie every time they speak and call themselves Christians when they are as far from Christians that one can be. That is not open for debate to me, Americans that aren't idiots know it. Like I said racism and misogyny is alive and well and a black qualified woman was a candidate many Americans wouldn't vote for, they wouldn't vote for trump so they stayed home. Idiots. Hence, why liberty and justice for all still has not been recognized in our systemically racist country. The fascist right want voters to stay dumb. Wonder why?
Lizz, you apparently didn't comprehend my response. Harris didn't get above 3% in her HOME STATE of California in the 2020 primaries, and it's BECAUSE they knew who she was and didn't WANT to have her as our President. Also, you're misinformed if you think Trump only won by 1.6% because that's the popular vote margin, but the president is elected by the Electoral College. Trump got 312 while Harris got 226, so that is 58% for Trump and 42% for Harris, which is a 16% margin, and 10 times higher than the popular vote. It's also more than the 306 that Biden got in 2020, and Harris got fewer votes than Biden in 45 states AND in DC! Trump has gotten more votes in every election: 63 million in 2016, 74 million in 2020, and 77 million in 2024, while Harris got 6.8 million fewer votes than Biden got in 2020. As far as the mantra of election interference, it's only an issue with Democrats when they lose, similar to how they're whining about the $250 million that Musk put into Trump's campaign, but they had no problem with the $400 million that was donated by Zuckerberg and his wife to get Biden elected. You just need to face the facts, as Obama said in January 2009, "Elections have consequences."
Here's an article from CNN, which is definitely NOT a right-leaning media outlet.
No shit Sherlock trump won the electoral college which is useless and the popular vote should determine president. I guess you didn't understand me when I said a lot of people didn't know Harris in 2020 and we are talking about the 2024 election. Trump didn't even get 50% of the popular vote and yea Harris was very close to trump in the popular vote, definetly not a mandate and Biden beat Trump decisively. I also guess you missed the fact that a large number of voters didn't vote and they chose to stay home, most of which were likely swing voters. Sure looked like Harris had the momentum and was ahead in the majority of polls. And yes election interference is the lies told by Trump every time he opens his mouth and maga the so called holy rollers lie like don the con. Pretty sorry that to win you have to sell your soul to the devil. Why do you think trump said he likes dumb people? Maga are not the brightest bulbs and believe anything they are told and the conspiracy theories just add to the weird cult following maga is. Trump is as dumb as they come and he leads the other dipships because he is the king sociopath dipshit. The world is laughing at him and the country again. You are a maga worshipper too aren't you Joe. You don't know shit about Kamala Harris but you sure sound like you have an issue with an intelligent Black woman. A lot of people don't have a clue about what the AG has done in their state. They don't care as long as it doesn't affect them. She must be well liked in CA she won every election she ran for in the state. DA, AG twice, Senate, became VP, and was a great qualified candidate for President and people liked her. If you ever watched her rallies she had packed arenas, etc and the people were hyped. Elon musty giving money to people to get people to vote=election interference because it's illegal. Russia propaganda from fox, fascist Congress, etc. I see you have something to say about every post that is not maga. Trump thinks he knows everything too and project 2025 needed trump because no one else could get the supporters he has. The deplorables, white supremacists, ignorant, violent, and I don't think I need go on. Nothing else to say we see the world differently Joe.
Lizz, I'm sorry to say, but this is the type of nonsense that caused Democrats to lose the House, Senate, and the White House. Everything with Democrats now is all about abortion, gender, race, White supremacy, misogyny, and other things that aren’t at the top of the list for most folks. However, if y'all want to keep this up in the future, Republicans will be glad to keep winning elections. Cheers!
He already overplayed his hand in 2020 - and got away with it. He's been getting away with bluffing ever since. Hopefully, the Republican party will implode in 2026, and it's contingent on the Democratic party to help them do so in every way possible.
But, more democratic people needed to be well preapared and ready to use nowadays means and strategies to fight back! Otherwise, anotehr scenario, different from what described in the article may arise
verb: pounce; spring or swoop suddenly so as to catch prey.
"the wolf pounced on the rat"
spring forward suddenly so as to attack or seize someone or something.
"the democrats pounced on Trump after he ran our country into an authoritarian ditch and we knocked him out of office by retaking the senate and house"
notice and take swift and eager advantage of a mistake, remark, or sign of weakness.
" voters felt lied to about costs and harm to our benefits and pounced upon trumps mistakes to take advantage and run him out of office.”
noun
noun: pounce
a fine resinous powder formerly used to prevent ink from spreading on unglazed paper or to prepare parchment to receive writing.
“We used the pounce to rewrite the constitution barring felons from taking office.”
He didn’t blame them on Trump. He said that Trumps policies paired with global trends points to a similar outcome. We are already in another gilded age of income inequality, and his policies will contribute further to that. Paired with the global clashes in Russia, China, the Middle East, etc, 2025 looks a lot like 1929.
By the way, Rick, did you catch his comment about having multiple accounts at multiple FDIC institutions? Did you know that Trump and his buddies have suggested doing away with the FDIC insurance limit? What could go wrong? Let’s bring back bank runs!
Literally unable to look at your own candidate. Always moving the goalposts and creating new conspiracies. So James Comer spent 6 months investigating the Bidens, has proof of these bank accounts, and has a majority in Congress, yet wouldn’t call a vote of impeachment? Man your side is really letting you down!!! Years of investigations into Hillary, Obama, Joe Biden, you have the votes to impeach, you have the courts on your side, and you APPARENTLY have loads of irrefutable evidence, so much evidence that every Trumper on the street can list 40 crimes that Biden committed without a doubt, yet somehow they just keep slipping through your grasp… 🤣🤣🤣
Trump 1.0 tariffs were a big cause of the inflation surge, he was just lucky to hand the consequences over to Joe. Joe Biden did a great job with inflation. Better than any western country, wayyy ahead of Canada and the UK and France and Germany. Our job market is strong, inflation is easing, we didn’t fall into recession and we just had the biggest Christmas spend in history. Americans hate the higher prices but they sure love the higher wages, forgiven student loans, and increased global buying power. Trump 2.0 will be the same with more tariffs, fewer workers, higher ag prices, weakened dollar, and another Dem will be elected to clean it up in 2028. Biden deserved a second term. Breaking things is easy and free. Fixing them is expensive and unpopular.
Captain Shazam, you should look at the ACTUAL data on inflation. It was at 1.4% when Biden was sworn in, and it topped out at 9.1% in June 2022, which was 18 months AFTER he took office, due to his poor economic policies. Here's a link to the monthly inflation rates 2000-2024 if you care to look at them Cheers!
When were you born Joe? I’m just wondering if you remember that we had a global pandemic that started in 2020 and was still going in 2022, when inflation topped out. This didn’t have anything to do with President Biden‘s policies, this had to do with the global breakdown of our supply and logistics industries. None of this was helped by the trade wars that Trump conducted over soy beans, lumber and steel. You seem very certain that this Covid disruption that led to inflation was President Biden‘s fault. Please point to the economic policy that he enacted after coming into office in 2020, that led to 9.1% inflation in 2022? And if those policies were so bad, why are we now sitting at 2.7% inflation, whereas the rest of the world is well above 3 to 5%?
I was born in 1956, and I've got a business degree, so I can tell you that the bad economic policies that Biden enacted, along with most of the other major countries around the world, was to print an outrageous amount of money out of thin air to try to get a handle on the pandemic and the stupid shutdowns that were also enacted around the world. The pandemic was NOT a threat to young children (unlike many other respiratory diseases), and those who were younger than 65-70, unless they had multiple comorbidities, so the bad one-size-fits-all Covid policies just added to the insanity. This is borne out by looking at the countries that had very strict shutdowns versus those that didn't, and the death rates were similar, and mostly consisted of those who were either over 70 years old, or had multiple comorbidities. If you believe in anything else, then you're either ignorant or brainwashed.
Biden didn’t do the shut downs. Trump started that and then each state made their own policies. Trump also sent out the first stimulus checks. If you’re worried about governments printing money, then why aren’t you talking about Trump adding $7.8T to the debt? And getting rid of the debt ceiling.
No, there were NO federal shutdowns under Trump, they were all state-based as you said, and the first federal ones were under Biden. I didn't agree with Trump's stimulus checks, but the inflation rates didn't start going up until Biden did two additional stimulus checks as well as deficit spending for other non-Covid budget items. Biden’s total deficits will exceed Trump's, but the Trump tax cuts actually INCREASED revenues to the federal government due to corporations bringing money bact to the U.S. from overseas accounts due to the LOWER tax rates. You can listen to talking heads who like to gaslight you, or you can download the data from the IRS website and see for yourself.
Government prints money and ease of access to $$$ via cheap interest loans is always going to put more money into system. Wasn't so in before great Recession? Where was inflation then? I tell you what - 3.8%. it's estimated that monetary stimulus impact contributed about 30% to overall inflation. That's about 2.2% increase and making it 3.46% by itself. However, you seem to forget disrupted supply chains, Ukraine invasion and impact it had on gas prices, pent-up demand after lockdowns, tight job market. All those played big hand in the rest of 9.1% figure. But again, If you account for extra stimulus, it was inline with previous recessionary economic state in 2008. But you know what, somehow we managed to get it down back to 1.26% before 2016. Under Trump though, it peaked to 2.4 in 2018 due to tarrifs. But decreased to 1.8 in 2019 due to overall world economic slow down. Then Pandemic happened and it was down to 1.2 in 2020. Of course no one was doing serious outside shopping, except ordering stuff from Amazon. So let's not forget what went into that inflation figure and just how much of it was Biden responsibility. Oh, and you can just Google all of it, or use Chat to explore. All the same, don't cherry pick ok?
Please, you're going to talk about cherry picking, and try to blame high gas prices on Putin invading Ukraine?! Gas was high before Putin invaded due to Biden’s poor policies on energy, and the inflation rates peaked at 5.6% in 2008, not 3.8%, which was the average for the entire year. Face it, Bidenomics didn't work, any more than inflation was transitory, as Yellen tried to say. None of it matters now, because the voters have decided, and Biden, then Harris, were rejected.
Bidenomics actually tilted the economy towards labor for the first time in a century and the billionaires didn’t like that. That’s literally all it was. People had the power to resign, to move into other jobs, to go back to school and to demand higher wages. All of this benefited the American worker. Trump will wrest power away from the labor force and put it back in corporations, which I guess is where you think it belongs. By his own promises and actions, he plans to: ruin unions, put a heavier tax burden the middle class (per the 2017 plan), destroy any ragged semblance of a safety net, kill Medicare and SS, and deliberately raise our prices through tariffs. He has no plan to improve or fix or “repeal and replace” the ACA, he hasn’t said a peep about family leave, or child care costs or junk fees. He will remove protections for schoolkids who need any accommodations, he will remove any regulations designed to keep our air and water clean, and he will drill in our national public lands for private profit. Joe, what is the upside to Trump’s economy, if you are not a billionaire CEO?
also your info about Trump‘s tax cut lacks any factual evidence to back it up. Before the tax cuts, the CBO projected tax revenues of $668 billion for 2018 and 2019. After it was enacted they lowered that projection to $519 billion, and corporate tax revenue over that period came in at $435 billion—a $233 billion drop. Also, many corporations ended up paying no taxes at all! So how was more money coming into the country? Not one single company re-entered the US because of these tax cuts, however corporate profits went through the roof.
Joe, you can have your own opinion, but you can’t have your own facts.
Shazam, you're own article says that the shutdowns were VOLUNTARY, but the Biden shutdowns were MANDATORY, so that's what I was talking about. As far as your tax numbers YOU'RE the one who has your own facts. Why look at CBO PROJECTIONS when you can look at the ACTUAL data?! Corporate taxes did go down by a little over $21B in 2018 ($900B) compared to 2017 ($921B) due to the new rules allowing for 100% write offs in capital expenses, however, the overall revenue went UP from $3.32T in 2017 to $3.33T in 2018. Here are the links if you want to be honest with what ACTUALLY happened after the tax cuts.
You are correct about the higher tax receipts, but you’re wrong about the source of that income. Individuals pay more than half of our total tax receipts while corporations pay less than 7% of the total receipts. Corporations lobby and bribe elected officials to lower their taxes, as I am sure you know, and the middle class, without such a voice, carries the rest of the nation on its back. What is your tax bracket, Joe?
Biden never ever had a mandatory shut down. The only shut down was the initial shut down that Trump put into place. The states took over from there. Yes it was “voluntary,”but it sure didn’t feel like that when I was in Texas and couldn’t see my doctor or dentist and could only go to the grocery store for an hour a day. Things were starting to reopen by the time Biden came along and he continued that trend. Stop making stuff up, man.
Trump inflation resurgence is coming on the heels of the last half of 2025 like “the last fire truck out of hell “ Bob Dylan).
His boneheaded red meat immigration and economic policies if enacted will likely cause a recession. If you look at charts of the roaring 1920’s and compare them to the roaring 2020’s there is an eerie similarity to over valuation, the gilded age of billionaires capitalism, and the loud whispers of a coming world war. History repeats itself because mysterious human sentiment guides these things beyond pivots on policy and the rest. Lots of folks argue with this but there is at least a 70% chance we revisit these death throes in my opinion. This next year is an important year be to battle harden your assets, reduce your debt and be vested at multiple banks with FDIC insured rates in solid banks not over exposed to commercial real estate.
Trump is likely going to topple the Jenga tower. There is no reason to fear any of it but e dey reason to prepare as the charts indicate a trump depression at the end of his term when the CIA says China will likely attack Taiwan and cause a global economic crash.
The threat was never really Trump, who is ignorant and lazy, but rather others in his orb who would do the work that he has no interest in or facility for.
That’s why the rise of the techno-oligarchs is so dangerous. It will be wonderful if the inside forces collapse the always bizarre and fragile “new MAGA” coalition. But Trump has already showed that he’s more inclined to pass the levers to the Musks than to the Loomeys/Bannons and this is not just dangerous on the federal level, but - because we’ve allowed all our elections to be so dominated by money - on the local and global level as well. Musk’s aspirations are clearly global - as we see from his private meetings with Iranians, his endorsement of Germany neonazi far right party, and his support for Russia. ONLY if we address campaign financing VERY QUICKLY will we be able to hobble Musk in his carrot/stick bribery/blackmail scheme to call all elections in his own favor.
BINGO, Amy. All Trump wanted was to stay out of jail, make money, and wreak revenge. He’s lazy, illiterate, and has dementia. I never thought Trump 2.0 would actually do anything to govern except preen for the cameras, throw tantrums and hold out his hand for the lackeys to kiss. And maybe continue his love affair with Putin, Kim Jong Un and Xi. It’s the South African Tech Bros, Bannon and Miller we have to watch.
Sarah, it's pretty easy to find out what Trump's policies are if you'd venture out from the echo chamber you're trapped in, and stop listening to the left-leaning talking heads who are trying to push class warfare on U.S. citizens.
He wants to close the border & deport the illegal immigrants, starting with the ones who have a criminal record.
He wants to open up leases on federal land for fossil fuel production to help get the energy sector as productive as possible. Many on the left point out that fossil fuel production is at the highest level ever in the last year, which is true, but it's NOT due to Biden’s energy policies, it's in SPITE of them, due to production on private land.
He wants to rein in crime by having DAs who will actually prosecute criminals, and put them in jail, rather than let them out with little or no bail, so they can prey on more innocent victims.
He wants NATO countries to pay their fair share of support, which they hadn't done for years until his first term, and they've stopped again because of the weak policies of Biden.
These are just a few of the top policies that Trump ran on, but there is more if you'd just do a little research. Cheers!
Joe maybe you need to do your research because you are incorrect on several statements you made. Trump has no policies and talks nonsense when asked. Read up on the energy production under President Biden. He used energy to make a few billion $ I believe which he used to bring down the debt. Trump added 8 trillion largest in history I believe. Biden set records for stock market, job growth, and our economy is the best in world post COVID, check the numbers. Infrastructure finally done and great things finally happening on that front. Last one I'll point out is Joe Biden got us back on the world stage as a leader and superpower, after Trump had foreign leaders laughing at him and the country. Trump isn't even in office and he is on track to do the same thing he did last presidency, fuck off our reputation, the economy he inherited just like when Obama left him a good economy he screwed that up. As far as NATO they are our ALLIES and they stood firm with us especially after 9/11. The US pays more because we are much larger and richer than other countries, the members are to pay a % to NATO based upon I believe their GNP and they are smaller countries with less wealth than the US. So don't respond do your research please.✌️
Lizz, I have done my research, but I see that you've believed everything that the left-leaning talking heads have told you. Biden’s energy policies have been terrible, and the ONLY reason that the U.S. is producing as much energy as we are is because of production on private land, and NOT due to Biden’s policies. Take a look at Biden’s debt because he will end up exceeding Trump's debt, and the last time the debt was reduced was in the late 1990s and early 2000s when Gingrich was Speaker of the House, and Clinton VETOED the balanced budgets that they passed, but due to the popularity of the balanced budgets, he FINALLY signed the budgets when it was clear that if he vetoed them for the third time he was going to destroy his legacy. It's the deficit that finally came down after the final Covid spending in FY 2021, not the debt, and the deficit has continued to grow every year since then, and it was over $1.8 trillion for FY 2024, which is the highest non-Covid deficit in history!
As far as the job growth numbers, it's all smoke and mirrors since the majority of the jobs "created" were folks returning to work after the pandemic shutdowns, and many had to take two or three part time jobs. This is evidenced by the labor force participation rate, which is STILL lower than it was pre-pandemic.
Just remember, on foreign policy, Robert Gates, Obama's SecDef, said Biden had been "wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades." Nothing has changed since then. Obama also said, "Never underestimate Joe's ability to fuck things up." Just look at how it's gone under Biden: Putin invaded Ukraine after seeing Biden’s weakness based on the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, and Biden’s policies allowed Iran to gain billions of dollars in oil revenues, which allowed them to fund the Hamas attack on Israel. NATO wasn't paying their fair share of the agreed amount of their GDP for many years, then Trump got them to meet their obligations, and as soon as Biden took office, they're back to not meeting their obligations. Take a look outside of the echo chamber you're trapped in, and you might learn a thing or two. Cheers!
"Biden’s energy policies have been terrible, and the ONLY reason that the U.S. is producing as much energy as we are is because of production on private land"...Annnnnd, no source to back up those claims. Shocker.
Joe: sounds to me you are guilty of what you claim others are guilty of i.e., echo chamber. Sounds to me that you are in the DJT echo chamber. We all will see soon after DJT has time to tear down more of what took this country 250 yers to build. No president is perfect. Especially when you have half the country against you before you start. But I will say that Biden was able to pass the IRA (if your not aware stands for the Inflation Reduction Act). In addition, he passed the Chips and Science Act which has led to new semiconductor manufacturing facilities in 15 states. But as I said, no one is perfect. There are certainly some things he could have done better. But to throw out information that you have not shown one shred of proof of, doesn't help any debate. Stick to the facts that you can prove if you are going to debate. And all that chart shows me, and its my opinion, is that
1.) Labor has gone down as technology has gone up.
2.) The pandemic was devastating for this economy and the health of americans. I don't think a lot of people realize how bad it was interms of jobs and the deaths that occured. Just think where we would be if we all would have taken bleach to get rid of the virus.
Jerry, there's plenty of info on the issues that I brought up if you care to venture outside of the echo chamber. As far as the IRA, like many pieces of legislation, its name has nothing to do with what it really accomplished. Just look at all of the pork that DOGE is finding throughout every different department, which was either put in specifically knowing that there was no time to debate every line item in the bill, or that was a chunk of cash designated for a department, and then the unelected bureaucrats in that department would funnel the money to their pet projects.
At this point, it doesn't really matter if you believe anything I say because a lot of folks are waking up to the fact that their tax dollars were spent on things that they would never agree with, which is why Democrats are losing support, and Republicans are gaining support. The pipe dreams that I see a lot of liberals talking about on social media, like "we have to resist until the midterms, and then we'll take back the House," are never going to come true if the Democrats continue trying to fight for all of the ridiculous things that been exposed. Cheers!
Just so you know, I am not a liberal. I am an independent. Voted for republicans many times over the years. This situation is different as you will see as time goes on. I'm through disgussing this issue. Have a good day.
OK, I agree, this situation is a LOT different than in the past when BOTH parties said that they wanted to cut government fraud, waste, and abuse, then they got elected and nothing changed. I, and many others on BOTH sides, are happy with how things are going. That's why the main policies are so popular. Here's the Harris poll numbers (not a right leaning polling outfit) of those who agree with the following: deporting criminal migrants = 81%; eliminating government fraud & waste = 76%; enacting reciprocal tariffs = 61%; closing the border = 76%; and hiring on merit (not DEI) = 70%. The data is pretty clear. Cheers!
As an FYI, criminal immigrants continue to be on the enforcement list, as they have typically been since time immemorial. There is zero new about that - except that the fascist felon is pretending it's something that law enforcement hasn't been handling.
More importantly, law enforcement knows all too well that it is criminal Americans who commit far, far more infractions and felonies than do immigrants - documented or otherwise. After all, think about it: If you were in a foreign land trying to make enough money to send home to your family, would you want to jeopardize your status by breaking a law?
Lastly, reading up on the large bills and EOs that Biden's Congress and his office have put forth will set you straight on how much he has helped the emerging necessity to move from fossil fuel to clean energy. Lots and lots of jobs are just one part of that. Trump's major policy is lying. The felon doesn't qualify for influence over other humans. Dispute that.
Apparently, you're NOT very clear headed, otherwise, you'd know that there are thousands of criminal illegal immigrants in the country that are NOT locked up, due to the bone headed DAs in sanctuary cities who do NOT notify ICE when they're arrested (IF they're arrested) OR the demoralized police in these sanctuary cities don't arrest them in the first place. As far as criminal citizens committing crimes at a higher rate than illegal immigrants, you're correct, however, ALL of the crimes that illegal immigrants commit would be ZERO if they were not here, so they are just adding more crimes to the already high crime rate.
As far as the billions spent on green energy, it's useless because solar and wind are not as cost-effective. It would have been MUCH BETTER to spend that money on nuclear fusion research, and if it wasn’t for the environmental activists freaking out about the nuclear accidents at the first generation nuclear plants like 3-Mile Island and Chernobyl, we'd have a lot more of the safer new generation nuclear plants and be a lot further along with nuclear fusion research. Looking at just a few narrow facts, and ignoring the other unintended consequences of many decisions is what's wrong with our country, and folks like you just keep perpetuating the problems.
Joe: Not being cost eeffective doesn't mean they are not worth investing in. If we are to survive as a race, we better get away from fossil fuels and move to clean renewable energy. Next you are going to tell me that climate change is a hoax.
Jerry, investing in something that is not only not ready for prime time, but is also not cost effective, to the exclusion of more reliable sources of energy, is not smart. As they become more feasible in the future, that's one thing, but to throw money at them now doesn't make sense. When it comes to climate change, I'm glad that they changed it from global warming because the temperature was pretty level from 1997-2011. The hoax isn't that the climate is always changing, it's that there was never a 97% "consensus" among climate scientists, and what's worse is that the scientific method actually goes AGAINST consensus! It's SUPPOSED to be about always questioning the status quo, and looking forward to what data is telling us, but the "new" scientific method is that everybody has to agree with what the "experts" say, even when there many others who may have a different opinion. The problem with climate science is that much of it relies on computer models, but even NOAA said on their website, "The feedback loop in which water is involved is critically important to projecting future climate change, but as yet is still fairly poorly measured and understood."
If you look at all of the major earth and weather related scientific predictions over the past 50 years, not a single one has come true, so forgive those of us that hold to the "old" scientific method, and take with a grain of salt what the "experts" say. Cheers!
Well, Granny, if you disagree with me, lay out your alternative solutions, or do you just spout off nonsense based on whatever the liberal talking heads tell you to believe? That's a lot of the problem these days, when folks just disagree to be disagreeable, but they have no real solutions. They pretend that they're knowledgeable on certain issues, but in reality, they're clueless.
"lay out your alternative solutions" We have, cupcake. Numerous times. And you've blithely dismissed them every single time, while providing no reliable sources to back up YOUR claims. Funny, that.
"it's useless because solar and wind are not as cost-effective" Link, or lie. And from a reliable source, please, not some two-bit YouTube video or libertarian crank blog.
"nuclear fusion research"...produces an awful lot of nuclear waste. Yeah, THAT will be fun to deal with.
You got it! And little Ricky who likes to spend all of his waking hours on here to pontificate loves to say Trump has policies. He has nothing. His cronies are creating them. Trump has zero clue about policies. He incites and that is all folks. Enjoy the mess made and when the curtain falls and it’s not OZ don’t come a crying.
Vance went over there and went and met with the leader of the afd instead of the sitting chancellor of Germany or the incoming chancellor of Germany.. he chose the Nazis who are in third place
The “threat” on a channel like this one is Bob himself. And the widespread belief he won’t budge from that the Democratic Party in any way represents our working class wage earning interests. It doesn’t. And Bob R. won’t stop talking like it does. The role of the Democratic Party is the PROTECT the Republican Party, the “right wing” and economic ruling class FROM the left and the economic interests of the wage-earning working class 95% of the country. Think on that for a minute. The Democrats protect the Republicans against YOU. Anyone like Robert Reich who continues to support this party is no longer telling you the truth about what’s in your interest going forward. The Democrats can’t be trusted. Kamala couldn’t even bring herself to campaign on Medicare for all, wiping out student debt, and especially raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy which her own CEO brother in law told her to cut from her messaging immediately… and she dutifully did so. The Democrats are just another party of the rich ruling oligarchy. Time we saw that clearly and got off our a**es and DO something about that. Stop listening to Bob here until he admits this simple truth about them.
The last time a candidate ran on those issues he had a lead in the delegate race and was charging toward the nomination, leading in 13 of 15 states a week from Super Tuesday. Then the MSM, led by CNN's Chris Cillizza and several others, began running daily fear-mongering articles on the perceived dangers of what they dishonestly called a socialist takeover. The acknowledged leading Dem Party media mouthpiece - MSNBC - followed suit, steering conversation away from the leading candidate Bernie Sanders at every turn, with former faux-progressive reporter from The Nation converted to TV establishment weasel Chris Hayes infamously shushing a guest who tried to bring Bernie into the conversation. At that point the DNC rallied feverishly around Sleepy Joe, the candidates sitting at #2 and #3 in the delegate count backed out uncharacteristically early, then threw their support to the #4 guy Biden - the only time in history since 1824 this kinda thing happened and once again, the plutocrat-owned Dem Party protected its moneybase and forced upon us an establishment candidate who would never consider universal health care even if the bought and paid for Nancy Pelosi who promised to never introduce such a bill, wasn't Speaker and able to protect the profits of big pharma and the insurance racket. We need to recognize and accept that the Dem Party is about 90% corrupt and useless to the working class; little more than rubber-stampers protecting the plutocracy. As far as I'm concerned the Party isn't worth fighting for when the only wing worth saving - the Progressive Caucus and the so-called Squad contingent - comprise a tiny minority compared to the Republican-lites the rest of the party represents. So how do progressives ascend to power in a country dominated by two corrupt, corporate-owned parties boosted and protected by corporate-owned media with ALL players fighting to maintain the dying and self-destructive status quo with more than half the voting public permanently dumbed down and brainwashed into voting against their own interests that both parties represent to protect this endgame status quo? I fear the only way out will be an economic or political crisis of such huge magnitude the somnambulent voters will be forced out of their collective stupor and stop acting like elections are just fan-club voting exercises. What's it gonna be - dictator Trump and his pitbull co-President Mush? Or will it be a depression brought on by deficit-exploding tax cuts to the rich with uncontrolled spending that wipes out the social safety net which keeps tens of millions out of destitute poverty? A painfully rude awakening awaits.
Lots of words here and well written. So I am listening but need you to provide what you believe we should do. Saying that we should stop listening to anyone, Bob included, without providing insight is frankly disingenuous.
You are so right! Trump is not running this machine. He thinks he is but he’s just a little puppet being played by a much bigger group that drafted the Project 2025 agenda. He loves the attention and the power he thinks he has. He has sold hi soul.
I just don’t get any of it. Why wouldn’t you just enjoy life if you are Elon Musk? Why do you want to bring the end of the human race? Because that’s where it ends up. I have to believe that in the end the good guys win. But the carnage before that happens is the scary part .
"Everyone" was not in love with Musk. Millions ditched X when he bought it. (One problem, of course, is corporate capture of the news media.)
And there are many of us who have been yelling at corporate owned Dems, including Pelosi, about the need to get back to our FDR roots. Unsuccessfully because we're a binary system: the electoral college all but mandates that there be only two parties. And yes, money has captured both of them.
Ranked choice voting would broaden the range of candidates available to us. EXCLUSIVE public funding of campaigns would go a long way towards loosening the grip of money on campaigns, as would a reinstated and strengthened Fairness Doctrine, and time limits on campaigning up to and including primaries.
Why? How cynical. The chaos isn’t unintentional you know. The chaos is to provide cover for and to excuse the actions of the richest and the worst intended US oligarchs over the coming years. Chaos isn’t a bug of the GOPs method of rule. It’s a feature. During the chaos the rich will simply use their wealth and influence to speed up their acquisition of all the assets of the country. This should outrage you, dude. Not entertain you. Ugh. Their chaotic politics is DESIGNED to distract you from their actual economic pillaging of the country. And disgusting support of foreign murderous regimes.
I agree; Trump will continue to say and do crazy things to divert attention. Meanwhile, he and his wealthy friends will be stealing the rest of us blind. The U.S. has gotten that stupid.
Harris lost because of racists and misogynists like you. Gullibility and cowardice played a large role too: white folk scared that they will be eaten alive by dark skinned people.
Tokenism isn’t the same as equality. The misguided unclassconscious thinking, and the thoroughgoing cynicism and misanthropy that the rich ruling class have encouraged us all to grow within the working class soul over the last several decades is so very discouraging. But it can and will be overcome. Socialism or barbarism citizens. Socialism or barbarism.
Oh you mean the flip flop over H1b’s, Musk influencing policy, the Speaker election, the debt ceiling bs are all intentional? Bro you have serious TDS if you think Trump is in control. He doesn’t know what he is saying from one meeting o the next, just making promises with his hand out for the check. He ran for president to stay out of jail, he has no interest in governing whatsoever. Keep coping bro.
See, the fact that you believe that there weren’t any cases against him whatsoever, proves your Trump derangement syndrome. These are the facts, I’m sorry your blind adoration of one of the worst humans to ever exist on the planet doesn’t allow you to see reality. You live quite happily in a right wing bubble, and you’re allowing yourself to be fooled by a bunch of billionaires who do not give a crap about you. Enjoy getting screwed over by the people you admire most!🤣🤣🤣🤣
So what? Thanks to Citizens United, that’s just fine, right? However, Kamala wasn’t planning to give them extra-governmental positions where they get to slash benefits for normal Americans. Who thinks the world’s richest man has any idea how normal average middle class Americans live or what they need? He won’t be confirmed by the senate, won’t go through background checks, and gets to decide if kid with cancer get treatment or not. What could possibly go wrong???? Go look up the word Oligarch—there’s a picture of Musk. He just tweeted his support of the German Nazi party. Basically, supporting Musk is a betrayal of the US and everything it stands for. Shame.
You are literally suggesting treason to the US. You think a South African Nazi should be the leader of the free world? Man, when God handed out brains, he skipped you.
It appears that the magic word is 'Nazi' to rid oneself of an ignorant fool. He may be able to get a post in the new administration with a nose that continues to grow increasingly browner.
Except they are killing women by denying emergency medical care for women with failing pregnancy and miscarriage. They are poised to deny needed vaccines should a pandemic happen, along with many other things that run counter to running a Democracy. Like free and fair elections.
There HAVE to be " Underground", covert help..( like the Underground R.R., etc.), where women in need go to get good care for the help they need.. I'd go Medical School if I were younger..! Underground pop-up clinics..we can fund these privately..organize!!
Springer was not as exploitative as DJT in his way, whereas Trump will try to get you to sign ownership of blood, blood plasma, bone marrow, vital organs & MAYBE YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, NIECES, NEPHEWS, etc.
Oh, look, everyone! Rick just confirmed he's a troll. Not unlike his troll brethren in the Trump Cult, he can't spell, doesn't use Spell Check, and doesn't proofread.
What would you do if you faced death because you were denied medical care, and the policy is going to be expanded to all states? Would you be so cavalier? So blase`?
This is a very interesting and inspiring piece. My fear is that with all the money we have in politics we will never elect a charismatic leader. The system rewards cronyism, and the Bernies and AOCs and David Hoggs don't have a chance. Perhaps if Ben Wikler is elected head of the DNC, maybe. But we need radical change in the Democratic Party, which means the old guard pretty much has to go.
The old oligarchs have to go (and the younger ones, of course). Money doesn’t want change unless it puts change in their pockets. If they don’t get their crony into office they will crony-ize the new office holder.
And the cronies inside the system are so good at manipulating. “You want to get on that committee? Sure, but I need a little favor.” “You want your Bill introduced? Well, first you have to vote like your colleagues on this Bill…” “We’re going out for lunch; want to join us? BTW, thanks for voting against that Bill. I’ll buy you a drink.”
Yes, there are incorruptible senators and representatives. But are there enough of them? And can the rest hold out against the carrots and sticks?
Paula, I know it’s not popular to tell you that I think it’s hopeless. But I think it’s hopeless. I worked in government for thirty years and was very successful at creating incremental change. I believe in dedicated government employees to minimize the damage of some politicians. But those are the very people Project 2025 wants to get rid of.
It doesn't matter if what you're saying is popular, Marge. If you feel that way you should say it. I don't have your experience so I can't judge whether you're right or not. I hope you're wrong but only time will tell.
The solution is to remove lobbyists from government. Cap election spending. The likelihood is slim to none as government work is all about the kickbacks these days and not about civic duty. This is why the old guard is there into their 80s. It’s all money and power. We need term limits for everyone and transparency about their income as they get bribed and also engage in insider trading. Lots of crimping and drugging going on unfortunately
Term limits do nothing against an entrenched political philosophy dictated by the media and protected by oligarchs and their big money interests who will promote their next lackey so hard that respectable candidates get lost in the dust. All this does is cause us to lose good reps while the plutocracy shuffles in one lackey after another to do their bidding.
#DemExit. The Democratic Party, and anyone who still talks about it seriously as reformable, or an institution that might reform the country, should be given up on. Get off the couch and off liberal mainstream social media and join a new radical party and get ACTIVE in furthering your WAGE EARNING WORKING CLASS ECONOMIC INTERESTS! Bernie had several chances and sold us out. AOC too. They keep going back to the Democratic trough. Try the Green Party. Insist it remain socialist and anti-capitalist and pro-working class (NOT ownership class … they’ve got BOTH main parties already … and many of their offshoots like the not very socialist Democratic Socialists … who are nevertheless quite on the side of rich capitalists) and get ACTIVE in your community DOING THINGS that support actual working people and their lives. #DemExit
Bernie sold us out? I seem to recall Bernie mysteriously falling in the shower and coming out looking like he'd been mugged while the MSM/DNC conspired to overtake him with Biden. I wished we could've had an honest recount of Super Tuesday in 2020. Never has anyone fallen so sharply in the polls in one week. Not Nixon during the 18-month Watergate saga, not Gary Hart after having his affair exposed, not Ed Muskie after CREEP's rat-fucking operation in 1972 and not even George McGovern after doing a disgraceful 180° pivot on Tom Eagleton. And Bernie did nothing to scare voters away. It was all the MSM and the DNC.
I agree with most of your premise. I'm curious how you think Bernie "sold us out"? Do you mean by aligning himself with the Democratic party instead of a third party?
I think she makes some excellent points. But seriously how much more empathetic, qualified, intelligent, down to earth, explicitly in favor of the 99% with actual doable policies, and reaching out to conservatives could our candidate be than Kamala? I just can’t buy this narrative. She ran an absolutely brilliant campaign right out of the gate, especially with the cards she was given. We offered a 180 degree difference from the opposition, and voters chose a serial liar, con man fraudster, convicted felon who tried to overthrow an election anyway. There’s something here that’s not about charisma. Or making a rational choice.
Trump won because a whole lotta voters couldn’t stand the idea of a black woman being in the Oval Office. Racism and sexism is more prevalent in this country than I wanted to believe.
Racism, as Abraham Lincoln observed, poses an existential threat to the USA. Yet we let Fox News and other outlets fuel it for purely venal reasons. It was Biden's biggest mistake not clamp down these people.
👍 Agree, Karen, I thought Harris/Walz campaign was superb…it sure engaged, inspired and activated this old broad!!! Ditto my friends and extended family…we were excited by the possibilities…alas, once again too many voters sat this one out. Damn shame.
Agreed! When Biden won, no one credited his charisma — it was because he was clearly more competent, less corrupt, etc. etc. Yet when Clinton and Harris lost to the same candidate, somehow it was because they just weren’t likeable enough.
Interesting how such a subjective characteristic like charisma has seemed to surge in importance right around the time when women with objectively impressive resumes emerge as viable presidential candidates.
Totally agree. A brokered Dem convention barely 100 days out from the election would’ve been a blood bath.
At this point when writers assert that a brokered convention would’ve given voters more “choice” and therefore Dems would’ve won is crystal ball bs that’s a cover for refusing to believe that misogyny and racism are the real culprits.
She was also jammed down our throats without a vote to nominate her. She pulled around 5% when she ran in 2020. Kamala had ugly baggage too, with her AG stint lowlighted by forcing inmates to fight fires after earning, but not receiving parole. Not a smart campaigner either or drump would be toast.
I think Kamala was a DEI hire when she was nominated for veep. She checked a lot of boxes. But she was not a strong presidential candidate with a strong and clear identity. She was never going to win any Republican voters. She did run a good campaign, on a very tight time schedule, especially with the cards she was given, as you said. And she was a total contrast to Trump. But I am still amazed that he said, around 10 years ago, "I could shoot somebody on fifth Avenue and get away with it." And that's what's happening." How can you beat someone like that?
Trump won because he dangled every carrot (solution to grievances) in front of a gullible public: but he lied to win, unfortunately they believed his lies.
Trump is already violating campaign promises he made to his base. He vowed to bring down the price of groceries, but recently admitted that it is too hard. He vowed to end the war in Ukraine on day one, but both Russia and Ukraine have rejected his plan. He vowed to close the borders but now sides with Musk and the Tech billionaires to import skilled workers rather than educate and train American workers. He promised to reduce the national debt but tried to eliminate the debt limit so he could add $5 trillion to our debt by further reducing taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals. He promised to reduce "the dark swamp" but is appointing to key government positions billionaires who will feather the nests of shareholders, not Trump's supporters. He promised to ban US companies from investing in China and Chinese companies. Yet he supported Musk in getting the ban on investing in China deleted from the budget deal.
He will likely violate more campaign promises. We need to hammer home this information to his
supporters who will see that their interests are not being served.
Don't wait Rick, I'm conferring with my Mother right now..oh, and I was referring to his Cemetery visit! ( You, know his ACTIONS spoke louder than words that day..)
I lurch from utter despair to glimmers of hope, but I do think there ARE some sane republicans like Liz Cheney who’ll vote with Democrats. The Republicans have a very slim majority, which hopefully will get slimmer, so - fingers crossed and keep up the good work!
There will be some Rs, especially from blue states, that will be siding with Ds on some of the more radical and extremist bills because their seats will be on the line. Not EVERY SINGLE REPUBLICAN will be in lockstep with 45 on every issue and I wish some people realize that. Hell, two of the ten Rs that voted to impeach him after Jan 6 are still in the House (To my knowledge at least, correct me if I’m wrong)
You’re welcome! Same with the courts. Not every single federal judge 45 appoints will fall in line and say “yes dear leader” on his ideas that WILL face judicial challenge. That’s been proven time and time again (with some exceptions unfortunately😒).
Liz Chaney will save us? Say that out loud and imagine yourself saying that fifteen years ago? Yeah … it’s mental. There is no longer any reform to be had. Revolution or nothing. Like Rosa Luxembourg said a century ago. What we’re looking at here is “socialism or barbarism”. Because it’s our insane refusal to abandon capitalism that has put us in this situation. We need to pull off the bandaid. Not jiggle it around a little with the likes of a “reformed” Liz Chaney. That’s what’s unimaginable. That that looney idea will fix anything.
Before the election there was fear that if Trump won he’d be more organized and ready to start tearing down the government.
Trump won but he is no more organized than he was eight years ago. He is chaos driven if you’ve ever listen to his speeches he jumps from one subject throws in another unrelated point the something else and on and on. He calls it the “weave”. I call it ADHD.
He also has to be in charge and the only guy in the room. Now he’s surrounded himself with billionaires who each have to be “the only guy in the room”. His coalition is getting pretty crowded. Already there is disruption, name calling and the wealthiest man on earth posting on his platform “…F#CK YOU IN THE FACE!!!” The hash tag was mine, he spelled it out quite clearly. Of course! Who would dare sensor their boss?
The big scary all powerful MAGA has split in two. While Trump made immigrants the boogey man the billionaires want to expand HIB visas to import people who actually will take American’s jobs.
.The HIB Visas are contingent on having the job that qualified the person for the visa. Musk has made it quite clear that he thinks people who join unions should be fired. But that’s illegal . So what better way to have an employee do whatever you tell them to do, work seven days in a week of ten hour days on a salary, no overtime. (It scares me that I can see all these evil motivations before they happen)
The jobs that the people who are willing to risk their lives for, who’ll trek 100’s of miles through the desert are not the jobs most citizens are willing to do. Ask a farm holder, or a meat packing company or one of the companies employing children.
The billionaires are saying there aren’t enough qualified Americans to fill the tech jobs in their companies. So why are they wanting to destroy the Department of Education? Why aren’t they helping to build up our education, offering scholarships, starting mentorship’s?
They’ll say the government agencies have become too mismanaged too sprawling. And yet they are thrilled about DOGE. So creating another department will save money? Or will it just make the richest man on earth wealthier?
As much as I dread the next four years I see an upside. It’s been impossible to reach the MAGA adherents with the truth about their chosen leader. We won’t have to, when unions are weakened and jobs get lost, when the economy tanks they’ll see it firsthand. Am I happy about that? Absolutely not. My wish is for a UNITED States,where everyone can live their lives and thrive.
Will be unabashedly the fascist he’s always wanted to be. He’ll tank the economy as he favors billionaires and corporations and prices will further increase.
Particularly the cost of food. What do you think will happen with his mass deportations? Who’s going to work the farms? So as our agri-business collapses that leaves importing produce from Mexico. But that’ll cost 25% more because of the tariffs he plans to impose. And food is a necessity you can’t just stop eating.
They said the democrats lost because of inflation. Inflation was at 2.4% that’s hardly a much. What led to higher prices was corporate greed.
There are about 5 or 6 corporations that own the various grocery stores in the country. In California the major grocery stores all belong to the same corporation. I consider that a monopoly. Trump doesn’t care about the people he got to vote for him, he used them. The people he cares about are the billionaires. This term it’ll become quite clearly he doesn’t care about his MAGA followers. He got what he wanted from them he’s done with them. So yes they’ll notice he’s not their savior he’s not their friend.
Democrats don’t need to “get the microphone.”They can just sit back and watch all hell break loose.
Her insights are valuable and must be heard. There are some jarring notes. I want to scream every time I even hear the phrase "identity politics." What the hölle does it even mean? Any Democrat who is thinking "Oh, let's not stand up for the civil rights that we have defended for the last sixty years, because it might annoy some allies" - that Democrat does not have my support. Period.
Economics, as Robert has expounded on so eloquently (and Paul Krugman is doing also on his Substack) is the core message. Jettisoning our principles does not help us.
There is also a jarring note in implying that the Democrats made a mistake by "after smartly pushing aside President Joe Biden ...bypassing the primaries and handpicking a candidate." Huh? Alert from outer space: the primaries were past when Biden was pushed/stood aside.
With those caveats Organize and Resist: absolutely!
Yes! I want to know what Reich means by identity politics. My and my wife’s civil rights affect our economic security. Will my wife have her driver’s license revoked because she’s changed gender markers? Will I be able to inherit my wife’s social security earnings if I survive her? My SSDI is incredibly low.
It was Asli Aydintasbas who used the phrase "identity politics." Reich was steadfast over all those campaign months listing civil rights (including transgender rights and LGBTQ in general). This Turkish journalist is not tuned in to our traditions there, I think.
I am in the same position as your wife, and that would be a dealbreaker for me in this country. I can (and will) stay and fight like hell as long as "I" am "me." Not only driver's license: she won't be able to even leave the country without declaring herself to no longer exist. (Echos of the Jews in 1933... - ironically, that's the country I would go to now.)
I invite you to peruse my book (it's a novel, not another "screed," and people do tell me it's good. 😏 https://jaynasheats.com/ or directly at https://www.bedazzledink.com/hannas-ascent.html. Unfortunately I'm known as a scientist and not a writer, so it's slow going. But I hope you might appreciate it.
It’s good to meet you, only if online. Yes, Reich has been clear up to now about supporting trans/queer rights, which is why this essay is so upsetting. My wife and I have been discussing what to do.
We’re in New Mexico, where she grew up (grandfather Gov Miles). It’s not as blue as people think even though it’s a trans refugee state. She hasn’t been dressing as fully herself as she’d like. She experienced several really bad discrimination incidents in healthcare, such as an infectious disease doctor refusing to treat her for a hip arthroplasty strep infection; he wanted “accommodation” for his anti-transgender religious beliefs.
I am a “theythem” and feel the need to disguise my hair in public. Some of the discrimination has been directed at both of us as a couple, like the time an ophthalmology tech who obviously didn’t like my wife changed the same digit on both of our new prescriptions and we didn’t find out until we got our new glasses and had to throw them out
Anyway we’re working on moving to the San Diego area where my mother and sister live, the only stable family we have. Not perfect, but better city, county and state legal protections.
Reich needs to clarify asap. How many dead trans youth are acceptable for the Dems, for instance.
One example is Harris' implied message to Black men: they should vote for Democrats because they are Black. Same for Latinos, the young, the old, etc. When a politician appeals to people as group members and not as individuals, that's identity politics.
This was one of the first articles I read after 45 won the election and it helped me a lot with my nerves. We won’t become an autocracy or dictatorship on day 1…or ever.
I have a feeling this will be like Bush’s second term but kicked up a notch. He thinks he has a mandate (which he doesn’t), thinks he can get away with anything because of it and will try to do things that will be extremely unpopular and will be the reason Rs lose congress in 2026.
It will be. They won’t be able to rig elections in two years. States will still control elections. We have more states that have a blue trifecta or blue congresses than we did when 45 took office in 2017. They will definitely try and disenfranchise people, but that shouldn’t deter us from voting and putting competence back into congress.
All the more reason to have an investigation of each of the swing states' two precincts to see if hand recounts jibe with the data in the tabulators. If they were hacked. It would be obvious.
I’m stuck! Because I still find it incredulous that a felon convicted of sexual assault ( rape in New York State), a compulsive liar, a cheat who declares bankruptcy and stiffs creditors, a con, a malevolent narcissist, on record of demeaning the sacrifice, deaths, of American soldiers, of mocking the disabled, is even ELIGIBLE for public office let alone a winning candidate. America, I despair.
That is the biggest challenge for me to understand. If anyone wants to look up this guys record, they'll see that he's cheated contractors out of money throughout his time in business. He has boasted about that and paying low taxes. So people who talk about his policies and how great they are have sold their soul to a few policies and don't care about ethics or integrity AT ALL...while the world watches. As long as he does 'the great policies' he can shoot someone in the street and still get votes.
How, as an educator, could I forget to mention the miscreant whose fraudulent university deceived thousands of guiless people; did the 25 million dollar law suit settlement reimburse them all. I think there should have been damages set at least 300 million.
What Robert is trying to say is that, now that Trump doesn't need the MAGAts and all that Christian nationalism nonsense anymore, the orange turd will whore himself to such a degrading degree to make every buck he can from multi-billionaires inside and outside the US that the Democrats might be able to make something of it, if they can somehow claw into the American information space, which is currently flooded with right wing lies, racism, misogyny, xenophobia and other intolerances.
If we didn't have a GOP captured Congress and Supreme Court, I would have more confidence in repercussions for his abuse. However, every time we think he's gone too far, the goal posts get moved, and the rules we've all lived by, don't apply.
It's essential each of us gets politically active now instead of waiting for Trump and his regime to implode. Keep tabs on your state legislature; join, start, and get active with Indivisible (indivisible.org) or another pro-democracy group; contact your Members of Congress frequently, support good candidates for local office or run for office yourself, volunteer and donate to support pro-democracy causes; share pro-democracy info&opinions on social medial, letters to the editor, conversations. Make a fuss to make everyone's life better. Onward!
The headline says it all and my advice has been to let him do it and then pounce at the end of 2025 when his inflation surges and 2026 when we take the midterms.
I agree with Robert's advice. "Any grassroots action must be coupled with a clear, relatable economic message and showcase the leadership potential of Democratic mayors and governors. Identity politics alone won’t do it."
The price of eggs supposedly lost the election, so kitchen table issues must be emphasized.
Also of supreme importance: "Charismatic Leadership Is a Non-Negotiable."
Charisma is undefinable- for me Kamala had it. tRump does not- apparently other qualities sucked people in (lying, bragging, belittling, stupidity, name-calling, not sure which).
I agree - Kamala Harris IS charismatic!!!!
Who cares what racist dipshits on the right say about her? Anyone saying she wasn't charismatic is full of shit.
She ran an excellent campaign all the Monday quarterbacks are geniuses in retrospect. The Republican States spend 4 years suppressing the Democratic voters with all kinds of rule changes making it harder to vote and removing voters from the registration rolls.
tRump claimed 2020 was stolen because they tried everything possible to steal it, and succeeded this election.
In tRump's tiny mind, he won by a landslide except he didn't even get a majority of the vote. He claimed a landslide in PA, he won by a staggering 1.7% margin not even close to a landslide.
Can you imagine the USA has installed a despicable character as president who lacks any credibility? Evidence that there is something horribly wrong with the electorate that were ok with someone with his history and lack of character.
Remember, every accusation the Republicans level at the Democrats is actually a confession.
It might be useful for you to understand the difference between “Facts & Beliefs”! Your beliefs clearly don’t line up with the actual facts. Do the research.
Don’t talk to Sender. He has no sense of his own shortcomings.
Blah, blah, blah. Without an iota of evidence in support.
Most of us are not arguing with that election result though it does not say much for an electorate that chooses a professed sexual assaulter misogynist bigoted racist who cuddles up to Putin (a rejected cuddle; oh dear) and fascist Orban. But then, who can argue with befuddled adoration (trumpians' for trump, trump's for putin)?
The U.S. was nearly “evenly divided” when President-elect Trump won the 2024 presidential election over Vice President Harris.
It was less than 50 percent of the electorate who said this is what we want.
Trump won far LESS of the popular vote than either Obama and Biden. (And don’t go into “Biden lost/stole the election” palaver—it’s long been adjudicated with generous EVIDENCE that Trump lost.)
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report shows that Trump won 49.8 percent of the popular vote, compared to Harris’s 48.3 percent.
Trump won both the Electoral College and the popular vote, though PBS reported his margins over his Harris “were small by historical standards.” His win, as reported by PBS, was the fourth-smallest victory since 1960.
Trump beat Harris by 1.62 percent for votes counted through Nov. 20, which is smaller than any victory since 2000 — when then-GOP candidate George W. Bush beat then-Vice President Al Gore, by just over half a percentage point.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/the-size-of-donald-trumps-2024-election-victory-explained-in-5-charts
I am having a difficult time deciphering what you are saying. Please reread what you have written and rewrite your thoughts in a way that actually coneys a point.
First of all there is no condition Joe Biden is hiding. That is something MAGA made up. Your brain on FoxNews Entertainment! Trump is the one displaying signs of dementia left and right and it runs in his family. Second Kamala's attitude and laughter is one of her strong suits. Her positive messages is very appealing. She is highly qualified having worked her way up from local politics to the VP. She is smart, competent and intelligent. Third in the end it came down to 230000 votes in the swing states that she lost. Not a the landslide victory MAGA makes it out to be. There were many factors why she wasn't successful and most of them are reasons to be ashamed of this country. Her gender, her skin color, her heritage. That people would vote for a guy who mishandled the pandemic and made a laughing stock of the US in the rest of the world is sad. Not to mention being a racist, a felon and an adjucated rapist. But it is also a teaching moment and hopefully Democrats learn something from it.
Dr. Robert Reich's optimism and analysis are thoughtful, but they significantly underestimate the gravity of the situation we’re facing. With all due respect, he seems to lack a full understanding of the historical parallels, psychological dynamics, and the unprecedented scale of the threat posed by this resurgence of authoritarianism. This isn’t merely a political issue—it’s a psychological phenomenon akin to mass mental illness, driven by propaganda, manipulation, and brainwashing.
The reality is stark: Donald Trump and his movement operate using tactics straight out of the fascist playbook. This is "Fascism 101"—eerily reminiscent of Hitler’s rise to power. And just as in the 1930s, once these forces gain momentum, they do not stop. The propaganda machine—amplified by outlets like Fox News—relentlessly reinforces the same lies, over and over, creating a psychological lock on millions of people worldwide. Estimates suggest that over 100 million individuals have been brainwashed to varying degrees. The repetition, coupled with cognitive biases and group dynamics, makes breaking this cycle extraordinarily difficult.
Dr. Reich seems to believe that the decentralized nature of American governance and the resilience of democratic institutions will prevent a complete descent into authoritarianism. While these factors provide some safeguards, they are not impervious. History shows that even robust systems can be eroded when propaganda takes hold and public resistance is divided or complacent. The comparison to figures like Erdoğan, Orbán, or Poland’s ruling Law and Justice Party misses the mark; the psychological grip of Trumpism represents a far more entrenched and dangerous phenomenon.
To address this crisis, the source of the problem must be confronted directly. The relentless propaganda that fuels this movement needs to be dismantled, and the leaders perpetuating these lies must be held accountable. Without this, the cycle of misinformation and manipulation will continue to grow, locking more people into an alternate reality that undermines democracy and corrodes the rule of law.
Dr. Reich’s position, while well-meaning, fails to grasp the psychological and systemic depth of the crisis. This is not a situation where patience and resilience alone will suffice. To preserve democracy, decisive action must be taken to combat the propaganda networks and dismantle the mechanisms that have allowed this authoritarian movement to flourish. Anything less risks not only the loss of democratic norms but the very freedoms and values they are meant to protect.
"To preserve democracy, decisive action must be taken to combat the propaganda networks and dismantle the mechanisms that have allowed this authoritarian movement to flourish." PLEASE: list the decisive actions we must take. Feel free to list them RIGHT HERE.
Liberals really lose me with a view like this. Kamala was a terrible if not one of the worst candidates in history and that is why she lost. She was so bad she couldn't win with the help of hollywood, the msm, the courts, and the full bureaucracy. She was beat by one of the worst if not the worst people to run for president in the history of the country. Start with acknowledging facts on both sides.
You are gross. She was elected six times to four different positions.
Don’t talk to Sender. He has no sense of his own shortcomings.
"the name of cackling kneepads" is a typical misogynistic invention of low-testosterone chads, who can't handle a woman of ability.
Harris was a highly successful state Attorney General, then Senator. She was smart enough to get out of the primaries in 2020 because Biden had too big of a lead. She crushed Trump in their only debate ...sending him crying to the exits ... and the only think that his weak-minded supporters could do is attack her laugh because they just can't emotionally handle the fact that she's smarter than they are.
She lost the election because Trump has been on TV for almost 20 years and is a familiar face, and she isn't.
This article is full of truth, and the fact that Trump will spend the next 4 years golfing and selling national defense information to anyone who flatters him changes nothing.
Don’t talk to Sender. He has no sense of his own shortcomings.
You should learn about propaganda. And fascism. Https://leavingmaga.org
Https://daryldavis.com
Dr. Robert Reich's optimism and analysis are thoughtful, but they significantly underestimate the gravity of the situation we’re facing. With all due respect, he seems to lack a full understanding of the historical parallels, psychological dynamics, and the unprecedented scale of the threat posed by this resurgence of authoritarianism. This isn’t merely a political issue—it’s a psychological phenomenon akin to mass mental illness, driven by propaganda, manipulation, and brainwashing.
The reality is stark: Donald Trump and his movement operate using tactics straight out of the fascist playbook. This is "Fascism 101"—eerily reminiscent of Hitler’s rise to power. And just as in the 1930s, once these forces gain momentum, they do not stop. The propaganda machine—amplified by outlets like Fox News—relentlessly reinforces the same lies, over and over, creating a psychological lock on millions of people worldwide. Estimates suggest that over 100 million individuals have been brainwashed to varying degrees. The repetition, coupled with cognitive biases and group dynamics, makes breaking this cycle extraordinarily difficult.
Dr. Reich seems to believe that the decentralized nature of American governance and the resilience of democratic institutions will prevent a complete descent into authoritarianism. While these factors provide some safeguards, they are not impervious. History shows that even robust systems can be eroded when propaganda takes hold and public resistance is divided or complacent. The comparison to figures like Erdoğan, Orbán, or Poland’s ruling Law and Justice Party misses the mark; the psychological grip of Trumpism represents a far more entrenched and dangerous phenomenon.
To address this crisis, the source of the problem must be confronted directly. The relentless propaganda that fuels this movement needs to be dismantled, and the leaders perpetuating these lies must be held accountable. Without this, the cycle of misinformation and manipulation will continue to grow, locking more people into an alternate reality that undermines democracy and corrodes the rule of law.
Dr. Reich’s position, while well-meaning, fails to grasp the psychological and systemic depth of the crisis. This is not a situation where patience and resilience alone will suffice. To preserve democracy, decisive action must be taken to combat the propaganda networks and dismantle the mechanisms that have allowed this authoritarian movement to flourish. Anything less risks not only the loss of democratic norms but the very freedoms and values they are meant to protect.
Your pro-trump writings are a clear example of the cult-mentality of his supporters. Those who use the word "resist" when anticipating his, and his criminal organization's, installation into power may be "spitting into the wind" out of hope that there can be resistance to the very dark storms that are coming to our country, but that hope may be the last vestige of memory of what it means to BE an American.
If you really believe your own words, "....the rebirth of America and the sunshine that lies ahead....." then I submit that you have never really understood what "America" is and if that is true, then you are certainly following the leader who embodies that same mentality.
I don't know your age, obviously, but I hope you are young enough to be able to live long enough to finally have the "scales lifted from your eyes" so that you will see what you and the voters who voted for him (and those who didn't vote at all and thus voted for him) have wrought, and that there are still those around with "institutional memory" to be able to tell the survivors what it used to be like to live in America.
To revert to an age-old expression of hope and desperation: God help us.
We are the most backward technically advanced nation in the world. Advanced nations require their voters to vote, motivating them to learn about and engage with their governments. Advanced nations underwrite primary, secondary and collegiate education for their citizens. Advanced nations base their health care not on profit but as s public service. Citizens in every single one of those nations are healthier, better educated, more productive AND happier than Americans, an inordinate number of whom still think they're fighting the Civil War. Your Trump was right, but about the wrong country - his United States is the sh*thole country, and the laughing stock of every other country in the world. They don't need us. They don't want us. They're moving ahead without us.
Don’t talk to Sender. He has no sense of his own shortcomings.
And another thing: Those among us who know fascism - millions of whom have family ties forced into this country over four hundred years sgo - well know Trump and his fascist, racist brethren. That you refuse to see it marks you as either a cult member or a conspirator. My draft number was 70. We will defeat you.
Why do you people keep repeating that trump won the election. You are not talking to election deniers.
Your comment makes no sense. So you’re saying Trump cares about you and knows policy? Share with me a policy he has expanded on beyond 5 words of gibberish. Are you wearing your ear gauze???
Don’t talk to Sender. He has no sense of his own shortcomings.
Your logic leaves a lot to be desired. What you are saying is: she is not charismatic because some people (including me) do not like her. Had Shapiro or Newsom jumped in, would you be calling them an "invention of DEI?"
hard-head.....millions do not think this way!
Don’t talk to Sender. He has no sense of his own shortcomings.
Well said. Trump's nonsense requires no thought, effort or analysis of which many of his followers are incapable. Just blind belief and hope. Any awakening to reality will mean paying a heavy price.
I think the advice is poor. Do not become more centrist. Do not listen to this woman. The American ideal is one of "l"iberalism, not ANY other way around it. "Scaring" the conservatives should be Rule number 1.
Racism
To be charismatic is to be larger than life. Despicable as he is, Trump qualifies. Harris is a fine human being. Larger than life she is not.
Did you watch any of her rallies?!?!?!? I don't know how you could experience watching the energy at those rallies and then claim she is not charismatic. Millions of people find her inspirational, people cried in awe at every event she hosted, people love her, maybe not you but millions of us do.
I think that was a huge problem- people didn’t see her rallies and interviews. Watching her response to a question one night my husband punched the air like he does when he’s watching a hockey game b/c she NAILED it, she was just so sharp and measured.
Kamala is just wonderful, but I must believe that, for whatever reasons, the real issue is that our country still is not ready for a woman president.
Kamala came so close in spite of the media sanewashing her incoherent, unqualified opponent and an overall media landscape that prevented people from making an informed decision, not to mention successful attacks on voting rights.
Imagine how people might have voted if there had been a true side-by-side comparison of what each candidate had to offer. (Especially given that in a double blind scenario, they picked Harris/Walz)
Sad and sickening, but true. And Trump pushed the macho crap all the way.
Dr. Robert Reich's optimism and analysis are thoughtful, but they significantly underestimate the gravity of the situation we’re facing. With all due respect, he seems to lack a full understanding of the historical parallels, psychological dynamics, and the unprecedented scale of the threat posed by this resurgence of authoritarianism. This isn’t merely a political issue—it’s a psychological phenomenon akin to mass mental illness, driven by propaganda, manipulation, and brainwashing.
The reality is stark: Donald Trump and his movement operate using tactics straight out of the fascist playbook. This is "Fascism 101"—eerily reminiscent of Hitler’s rise to power. And just as in the 1930s, once these forces gain momentum, they do not stop. The propaganda machine—amplified by outlets like Fox News—relentlessly reinforces the same lies, over and over, creating a psychological lock on millions of people worldwide. Estimates suggest that over 100 million individuals have been brainwashed to varying degrees. The repetition, coupled with cognitive biases and group dynamics, makes breaking this cycle extraordinarily difficult.
Dr. Reich seems to believe that the decentralized nature of American governance and the resilience of democratic institutions will prevent a complete descent into authoritarianism. While these factors provide some safeguards, they are not impervious. History shows that even robust systems can be eroded when propaganda takes hold and public resistance is divided or complacent. The comparison to figures like Erdoğan, Orbán, or Poland’s ruling Law and Justice Party misses the mark; the psychological grip of Trumpism represents a far more entrenched and dangerous phenomenon.
To address this crisis, the source of the problem must be confronted directly. The relentless propaganda that fuels this movement needs to be dismantled, and the leaders perpetuating these lies must be held accountable. Without this, the cycle of misinformation and manipulation will continue to grow, locking more people into an alternate reality that undermines democracy and corrodes the rule of law.
Dr. Reich’s position, while well-meaning, fails to grasp the psychological and systemic depth of the crisis. This is not a situation where patience and resilience alone will suffice. To preserve democracy, decisive action must be taken to combat the propaganda networks and dismantle the mechanisms that have allowed this authoritarian movement to flourish. Anything less risks not only the loss of democratic norms but the very freedoms and values they are meant to protect.
Harris ran a terrific campaign for those who believe in hope and a positive outlook on life. I am one of those people.
But...she had a very short window of time to connect with people.
And...we didn't describe the pain in this country. The economic struggles of the average working class family have been addressed on a macro level - chips factories, etc. But we have not channeled the enormous amounts of economic suffering in America.
Kamala Harris would have been one of the finest presidents ever - if she had the chance. Off the charts charisma and enthusiasm. But people are too angry to be receptive to it.
The next campaign must be based on a new Economic Populism that says: "I feel your pain, I feel your anger, I feel your frustration."
"Every American that is willing to work hard has the right to housing, clean water, adequate food, healthcare and a good education. Everyone!" Add in some help with child care and elder care.
As the new administration flounders along and becomes the new "Deep State" we can blame everything on the president. It's an American tradition!
Not sure about “finest.” I would have been happy with “competent.” And that was not assured.
Her biggest failure was not breaking with Biden’s blind support for Israel. It cost her Michigan for sure.
LOL no there's zero proof of that, from what I heard those arabs in Michigan were already against a lot of progressive stuff, in one town a council made up of Arabs actually passed anti-LGBTQ laws so i'm not convinced they ever would've voted for Harris to begin with, bunch of morons.
I agree with you. I've lived in Michigan and Okland County for much of it,but now reside in a 99 percent red ,ultra religious county .Trump is their God
I became enraged after listening to those so called spokespeople of the Dearborn area protestors and family members who were rightfully mourning and agonizing over the horrors and losses of family members and friends in the ongoing brutality and slaughter of the citizens of Gaza. That being sad,the extortionistic measures,the punitive and demanding behavior they exhibited was both counterintuitive and inappropriate,if ther main goal was to collaborate and support our President and government to escalate a seize fire ,and bring an end to the attacks.They came across,not as diplomatic,but rude and Maga like with intolerant , belligerent ,insulting and disrespectful behavior. My thoughts were they ,as the saying goes,'were cutting off their noses to spite they face' . I couldn't find the logic of them completely ignoring the source of this genocide,Netanyahu,and also the fact that Trump was secretly conspiring with him to prolong his rampage until after the election for whatever nefarious reasons that could benefit them both . I saw quotes and posts on Twitter from this community that were supportive of Trump ,even with all his mass deportation threats as part of his campaign.
Trump never cared about this community, or what was occuring in Gaza. Them seemed blind to his apathy.
I am in no way unsympathetic to the Palestinian people and have my own misgivings about how Biden botched his approach to Israel's so called defensive actions. It cost him many young people's support.
But I do think they could have made better,more effective progress with a more diplomatic and mature detent instead of abstaining from voting and some actually switching over to the 'enemy camp.
Time will tell us all ,when the dust settles in Gaza and the reconstruction begins. Who will be the funders and who will be the exploiters ready to make a profit on the bombed out massive graveyard that used to be the home of millions of people. I pray it never happens again, anywhere, but we seem to forget all too soon and keep making the same mistakes over and over again.
The conservatism of the Arab community in Michigan and of their local leaders was key. But noted progressives like Rashida Tlaib made a point of not endorsing Harris. That extraordinarily self-defeating stance was a failure of leadership and political intelligence on the part of Tlaib. But Harris also failed to find a way to address the Israeli war against Gaza in a way that condemned not just Hamas for the October 7 attack but Netanyahu for his genocidal campaign.
You are confusing antisemitism with opposition to the war crimes Isreal is committing in Gaza. J Street is a Jewish organization that opposes what Israel is doing under Netanyahu. Are theseJews antisemitic?
BTW, I'm also a member of J Street.
I disagree. As you’ll recall Harris actually had a small lead in the polls over trump following her nomination which evaporated the longer she was in the public spotlight.
There’s no way she’ll be the nominee in 2028 precisely because she’s not perceived as charismatic and the electorate is not enthusiastic about her- she received below the baseline number of votes that any Democratic candidate would receive merely by showing up.
Failure to connect with voters forced Harris to drop out of the 2020 primary. She was the '24 Dem presidential candidate solely because of Biden actions, not because Dems ever voted for her over Dem presidential rivals
This is sadly true. I was fully engaged with her campaign. Making calls, donations, had a sign on my lawn (sadly the only sign for anyone in my highly educated, well off neighborhood in an Ivy League college town).
But I must recognize that she failed to connect with voters. The reasons were many, and some key reasons had nothing to do with her as a politician, including the short amount of time she had, the multiple ways in which Republicans deterred voters and the deep conservatism of voters in certain key states (Arabs in Michigan among them). But after a short honeymoon, enthusiasm for her dipped and never recovered.
If we are to recover, we must start by recognizing the reality around us. One aspect of it is that we need, as has been said above, a larger than life politician. Another is that too many people aren't ready for a female of color to lead the country.
That's exactly the way it looked to me as somebody just watching. I think the disconnect caused the loss, but if she *were* charismatic racism would be far more of a factor. Think of the unprovoked hatred Obama aroused.
wrong troll
Anyone who speaks about "merit" or USA = meritocracy is gaslighting. There is and has NEVER BEEN meritocracy in this country. It is and always has been about who you know (and how much money they have), not what you know.
https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/the-myth-of-meritocracy-runs-deep-in-american-history/
Don’t talk to Sender. He has no sense of his own shortcomings.
she did not connect you racist moron and it was the rethugs that sabotaged border bills, you can fuck right off with your xenophobic "illegals" nonsense Bill Maher.
Yes! All true - she is inspirational! And loved by MILLIONS!
Don’t talk to Sender. He has no sense of his own shortcomings.
It must be catching. I thought trump was the proponent of measuring popularity by rally reaction. I was among 27,000 people who packed NYC's Washington Square Park to cheer Bernie Sanders. Enthusiasm at rallies does not elect candidates, not even the big liar.
HA HA HA HA. you are gullible
Don’t talk to Sender. He has no sense of his own shortcomings.
Tariffs will cure all, his only policy.
I watched her rallies and was not impressed by her. Her nasal voice is a turnoff. I know, it is petty but it affects peoples’ perception.
I can't stand Trump's voice but that's not a reason not to vote for him, there are tons of other reasonable and thoughtful reasons.
I agree. Despite her voice, I voted for Harris.
I 'Liked' this comment before noticing elsewhere that "Rick Sender" is a prolific troll (bot?). BE FOREWARNED, folks.
Warning not required: this persons bent is apparent in every choice he makes in how to interpret everything. Reading a few of his posts makes it very clear.
Christopher Gavin Freebairn—Back when AOL was papering the nation with its CDs—just before the internet went public—AOL forums were full of guys like "Sender" apparently 86d by their local bars. This thread was like a time warp.
I am not new to this forum. You must be a bot if you think I need to have it mansplained.
Don’t talk to Sender. He has no sense of his own shortcomings.
She came into the campaign not having shown much charisma — but she was highly charismatic during the campaign. Just too late.
Trump, when he wants to, has an absolutely P-T-Barnum-like ability to grab attention and win the support of “admirers.” We do need to demonstrate his feet of clay.
I would call Harris highly popular with supporters. Charisma doesn't come and go. Teddy Kennedy was totally unqualified when he ran for his first (and only ever) elective seat. One volunteer I read about worked her tail off for his accomplished opponent. The morning after Teddy was elected she was found weeping—for her vote, not for Teddy's win. She just couldn't help herself, she said. She voted for Teddy. … That's charisma. It's inborn. And it makes MAGAts vote against their self-interest.
she lost cause of right-wing disinformation courtesy of Muskrat genius.
someone's racist.
Performance is learned. Trump's timing is not unique to him. He learned it from childhood training in survivable and power mongering. Acting class can do the same thing.
Total nonsense. That's troll quality right there.
Manners are taught and something you choose to do. Being likable is a quality.
He appeals to instincts that glorify rebellion, the pursuit of wealth, and the allure of fame and celebrity. Additionally, hate proves to be a powerful motivator. Conversations with his supporters often reveal a remarkable capacity for rationalizing anything. For instance, frustrations about high egg prices might translate into support for a figure promising unrealistic solutions, like persuading chickens to lay more eggs. His rhetoric tends to alienate those who approach issues with critical thinking.
In other words those that lack education and are easily swayed or have one interest and run with that without seeing the entire picture or consequences. Serious critical thinking skills are severely lacking in this country and so is our educational system.
Sarah, I agree with you, but I'm not sure you realize that the majority of our teachers and college professors are left-leaning Democrats, and they have indeed ruined the educational system in our country. They focus very little on critical thinking skills, and indoctrination is their main focus, which is why we're in the situation we're in these days.
AOC is my pick for president if she runs.
Her fire is keeping me sane.
What I felt was missing from Kamala during the campaign wasn't charisma in the strictest sense, but authenticity. You can tell her campaign message was carefully crafted, and she didn't deviate from her talking points to her detriment. We need someone who is willing to speak the truth, even if the truth is complicated and grey.
"Voters seek authenticity and a connection — give it to them."
As my brother likes to say to me - we live on different worlds. The thought that someone thinks Kamala has charisma is stunning to me. Between her phony accents, her tangled and repetitive streams of non-sentences, her lies about Trump (she literally called him a fascist and then went to the inauguration), her see-through flip-flops on policy, horrible campaign (no one votes for a candidate b/c Oprah or JLo told them to) and outright lying (worked at McDonald's but can't tell us which one - I know where every single part-time job I worked on as a kid is) and so forth, she seems more like the poster-child for charisma deficit. I'm shocked, now post-election, some people really think she had any.
The median IQ in this country is 100, meaning half the country is in double digits. 85% are within one standard deviation (85-115). Add in the rich, who want to ride Trump's coattails to greater wealth and power, and Trump doesn't need intelligent people's votes.
There's an old story (not sure if it is apocryphal) of Adlai Stevenson when he was running against Eisenhower. After a particularly articulate & insightful speech, a woman came up to him and said, "It was a wonderful speech. Surely you will win all the votes of smart people." He looked at her sadly and replied, "Unfortunately, I need a majority."
"The greatest argument against Democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter,"
- Winston Churchill
To me, Republican succeed by always selling the negative, never the positive. For them, it's never about "Morning In America"; rather, it's about the high price of eggs, it's about those immigrants pouring over the border. And they get a lot of heads nodding in agreement. Ironically, these are the best of times. But income inequality and wealth concentration, features of Republican plutocracy, see to it that wealth bypasses ordinary people and flows to the very top.
Ironically, these are the best of times.
That's a powerful sentiment. Best economy in the world etc, yet Trump convinced millions it is not so!
This is a post covid trauma response. Ppl hate inflation & high interest rates, bc they hurt.
That they were unavoidable, & if uncontrolled hurt even more, is a bitter pill more than half of all ppl won't swallow. This is evident globally, in western democracies.
Republicans benefit from ignoring all of that, & blaming every little thing on Biden & hence Harris.
Note how quickly & incorrectly Trump & his echo chamber blamed the two terrorist events on Biden Harris, when at least the Tesla guy was a white supremacist trumper.
And his absurd claims on California water, & Springfield's cars & dogs.
That is the measure of the Republicans & Trump - no lie is too outrageous, no ethical or moral boundary sacrosanct.
This is the politics of evil: it could hardly be clearer. The blatant self serving of Musk is exhibit 1.
There are a lot of uneducated dunces out there who think that because the shriveled yam has a terrible personality and hates all other human beings, it's okay for them to as well!
So was Adolph Hitler. Would you vote for him?
What's your problem?
There are individuals alive today that share some of Adolph Hitler's traits, like his mustache. That doesn't make them equivalent to Hitler.
Lose elections? By pointing out Trump's flaws? Why try to sweep his character flaws under the rug? He is a convicted felon; that's a fact.
Lastly, I deeply resent your calling me" ignorant and an "indecent human being." You know virtually nothing about me so stop with the simplistic name calling.
Take your judgmental nonsense elsewhere.
Laughable.
Irgun, Lehi, the Stern Gang, Likud etc - modern terrorism was the defining feature of the establishment & maintenance of Israel.
This is a well documented fact, which you seem ignorant of: tho in fact choose to ignore for your own political reasons.
Indecent? You dare use such words while displaying such partisan motives?
You are in denial.
Trump was convicted of 37 felony counts of by a jury of 12. That's a fact; suck it up! And because he was convicted at the state level there is nothing the federal government can do to reverse his conviction or to pardon him.
There is a good chance that Trump will be imprisoned when he leaves the White House in four years. That would be poetic justice.
So you are saying that the VP elect is not in his right mind? RFK Jr is not in his right mind? Trump himself is not in his right mind for wishing he had Hitler’s generals? Agreed on all those.
He’s not exactly Hitler. His end game is not the genocide of the Jew's, he’s not looking to start a land war in Europe (just maybe North America). You don’t have to be exactly Hitler to warrant comparison with Hitler’s methods for gaining power. He’s a con man using the authoritarian playbook on dupes who think he loves them to loot the country with his billionaire friends. He and his buddies are laughing at people like you. Unless you are extremely rich you have just screwed yourself and your progeny for generations and are now spending time arguing that your idol isn’t “exactly Hitler”. Way to go.
Well we do agree that we have nothing further to discuss. I am not going to waste my time debating with a intensely biased fool.
The similarities are noted by professional historians who study such things, ie the ways & means of authoritarianism.
The claim is not a knee jerk partisan reaction, tho that is how Fox adherents characterise it.
Come to think of it, your views are remarkable similar to theirs.
While trump may not BE Hitler, he certainly aspires to be like he. He speaks admiringly about his generals and the one book he kept on his night stand (as per Ivana) was by Hitler.
Don’t talk to Sender. He has no sense of his own shortcomings.
Wanker - a good Aussie word that describes you mate.
Don’t talk to Sender. He has no sense of his own shortcomings.
k Putin
I agree with everything except the charismatic leadership comment.
Kamala Harris was a fantastic candidate, as was Tim Walz. I can’t imagine anyone being more charismatic, more beloved by Democrats than Kamala. What defeated her? I think that, along with plain old bigotry and ignorance, it was an electorate that was unwilling to make that leap of logic into a “women can lead” mindset. We must change that for 2028.
cause of right-wing disinformation courtesy of Muskrat and cause of an anti-incumbency trend in elections worldwide cause of COVID dumbass, my god you are brain-dead.
Don’t talk to Sender. He has no sense of his own shortcomings.
Yeah, but where? Maybe AOC... but I hope we can get someone older and frankly, male... but as smart.
Good question. I like AOC for her enthusiasm and vigor. The problem is, and I hate to say it, but you already did: a) she is a woman, and 20% of women don't want a female president. Huge problem. And b) even more importantly, she has an immense amount of recorded baggage, like "defund the police" which can, and will, be used against her again and again.
Gavin Newsom is regarded as too liberal, but would be a better choice. So far, I favor Josh Shapiro, who checks the boxes. He is young but not too young, smart, charismatic, masculine and not afraid to spar with Trump.
I think Kamala Harris was the right candidate: charismatic, brilliant, experienced on the best issues. Must I die having lived under all but one white male President? How do we move this fakakta country to trust women leaders?
Joan, it won't happen in our lifetime; however, that time is coming! I love the use of 'fakakta'!
Peggy, fakakta is a good go-to when little else fits. Thanks!
Ms Eisenstodt,
O how I have longed for a female to lead our nation!
We get the best of the best to step forward but the support disappears in the voting booth. I truly hope you are wrong about passing away without seeing that come to pass. We have momentum in this direction maybe not so apparent at this time but progress is being made.
If Nikki Haley had been nominated you would have had a woman president. I don’t particularly like her or many of positions but she would have been a solid president.
Her take on policies were not mine. She’s not impressed me as a person of convictions.
No way, next to Harris she is wooden, ie more masculine, proving the point that the anti woman thing is a thing.
highly doubt it, many male rethugs are too sexist to vote for any woman even one of their own.
Lol, 20% women don't want a woman.....how about what percentage of men.... see what you said...let's work together
that i don't understand. Women are as smart as males and have been good leaders in other countries. Is it the religious crap that makes this so.
Exactly. This "country for old white men" needs to d*e already. They've had almost 250 years to get it right and haven't yet! And never will but I digress...
It is culture. It infects the young from the old.
Penny, see my response to Hana, above.
I'm all in favor of a woman President, and I voted for Harris. I am an admirer of several great women leaders. Unfortunately, the country is not there yet. Do you disagree?
Kamala got almost half the vote and started her campaign late. If Biden hadn't run again her chances would have been much better.
I look at equality, and no offense at all but, ready for WHAT.....the time is now, for the love of.......ahh Rock n roll...lol........we don't have cooties
Doesn't it piss you off, your Mom, sister, aunt or daughter aren't worthy enough..... yet ?
Totally not picking at you, I think we should have more conversations with the other half of our population;
Hana, with all due respect I think you have to actually read what I wrote. The fact is that 20% of American women don't want a female president. I don't share that opinion - you and I are on the same side - but it happens to be a fact. Two female DNC candidates went up against an orange clown with the IQ of a peanut, and they both lost.
Unrecognized (let alone accepted) internalized misogyny. Painful and destructive whether one recognizes it or not.
Exactly.
It's not only about women ... it's about which woman.
I believe it's any women, maybe decades from now. Two capable experienced women,lose to narcissistic felon. I hope all people support equality
We all have contributions to add
Having a billionaire kick in $250, O00,000 didn’t hurt 45’s campaign. There there’s the nonstop lying. Plus, the noncoverage of the Harris campaign by the corporate media was a factor as well. Then a lot of voters acted as though 2024 was an ordinary election, and thought they’d sit things out. There is nothing in the world that 45 will make better because everything Trump touches, dies.
Having read the 50 or so above posts everyone should remember that the final certified results for the 2016 election had Hillary defeating DT in the popular vote by 2.9 million. Actually a landslide by any definition.
This proves that Americans will elect a woman for President. The challenge for either party of course is always the Electoral College! For sure a stupid way to run an election but it seems we are stuck with it for the foreseeable future.
Somehow the DEMs have to find a way to secure the seven or eight states that have been deciding our elections for the past few decades. Out of 152,322,830 votes cast fewer than a million decide the election every time!
Happy New Year to all... GH
Didn’t 54% of women vote for Trump?
I don't know exactly but my point, is WE, as men and women have far to go to even reach wage equality.
Lots of other countries have women leaders.
Id say the EXACT same thing to both men AND women about WHY, they voted for Trump. Here's another point, I vote not by gender, that would be insane
I wonder what % of men voted for her? Or voted against her because she is a woman.
Dialogue is great. I want to start researching term limits....I wasn't raised in a political family and thought how wild in 2015, everyone I met was a pli sci major...light humor there!
Hey...not all the old white men are nuts...I voted for Harris and Hillary and for the ticket that Geraldine Ferraro was on..because they were the best and the brightest. America is still stuck partially in the MAGA past of fear and ignorance...that's gotta change soon...
Shapiro? Please -- Mr. "Pro Israel no matter what"? That cost the Dems substantially last year -- and will only worsen as the atrocities continue to unfold.
Newsflash: criticizing apartheid israel is NOT antisemitic. Geeze.
Well, technically Palestinians and other Arabs are also considered Semitic peoples. To maintain that Semitism applies only to Jews implies that the others are not really people. Is that your position?
For the record, Israel is great - it’s the Zionist aspect where the problems seem to set in.
Anti-semetic is generally considered anti-jewish and MANY wonderful Jews criticize the Zionist policies of apartheid israel.
Rick, I’ve been curious; is it possible for someone who holds your beliefs to acknowledge the basic humanity of the Palestinian? Can you state without qualification (i.e. no “but-but-buts”) that in principle, a Palestinian is a full human being, deserving of the rights and privileges of any other human being?
If not, that underscores why this situation seems so intractable, and is only likely to get worse.
Not that I’m being “holier than thou”. We white Europeans did pretty much the same thing to the Native American Indians upon our arrival.
She is too young. Dems must not mistake talent and intelligence for leadership ability. She will develop at her own pace, as she is given more responsibility in the House.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is ready for more responsibility, and a leadership role, but Pelosi had to screw it up. If the Democrats want to get back in the game, they need to start getting younger talent in. At the rate the party is going now, their leaders have one foot in the grave, and the other foot is about to step on a banana peel in a puddle of oil.
RELATIVE youth, yes. AOC, no! She needs another 25 years, and it will not be easy for her. But, if the DNC nominates her, I will vote for her.
AOC needs to be 60 years old to be given responsibility??? Maybe in Pelosi's and Biden's world. I'm older than either of them and I say Enough of the damned Dem gerontocracy.
Right, I think all positions should have age limit and new term limits. I am starting my research on all the above. Let’s take back our country the right way, peacefully & productively and make our grandchildren proud. I cant wait to celebrate MLK Day………:)
Wait another 25 years.
What will 25 years guarantee? Knowledge?! Experience? Wisdom? So many things can happen in 25 years, but very few certainties. If there is one thing I have learned, years only guarantee age. I should know, being 62. And there are still some things I have yet to figure out
I stand by my previous post. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is ready to step up to the plate.
I agree. We need someone (like Biden and Pelosi) who knows how Congress works, can get things done. How did Biden and Pelosi get the Infrastructure bill and all that other legislation passed with such a divided Congress? They were a power couple. AOC isn't there yet. But of course Obama wasn't either and he managed to get the ACA through in the short window he had enough votes.
With Biden’s and Pelosi’s help. Just saying.
nah you're ready for the loony bin dumb nazi troll. Supporting Palestine isn't the problem you racist piece of shit.
Buzz off, Ricky
Michael, I like Shapiro too, but he is Jewish and with the Gaza being torn apart by Israel, and a general antisemitism in this country, it is hard to see that he could win. Maybe in 4 years things will be different. Republicans or the party of negativity, they don't have to have anyone charismatic, it seems. Trump is a loud-mouthed bully who knows nothing but grifting. Musk is a toddler-man, rich beyond comprehension who cares for no one and nothing but himself, his money and getting more of it, and power. Vance has absolutely no charisma, but is pliable and will do whatever he is told, even to lying about his own state's constituents if it would help build the hatred and anger that could get Trump and himself elected. What can Dems put up against that insanity and the nearly half of the voters who voted "R" in this election? I am thinking, we need to tackle the media somehow to force them to cover more than Trump and Kump. They covered Baby Donnie this past 4 years more than Biden who was actually president. That is ridiculous and let people believe Biden had done nothing for them and that Baby Donnie would be their savior from the price of eggs (which was high to a significant extent due to bird flu which our media mostly ignored too, particularly the Fox/Musk media). Anyone who cares about this nation has a lot on our plates. Which to try first may be of great importance.
See, I believe you have hit the nail on the head.
Republicans are the party of negativity. a 30 year campaign of character assassination worked against HRC and they did the same thing to Biden. Biden did so many really good things for the country, but the right wing media machine buried that and covered it with lies about him being a failure.
The Dems can't message their way out of a wet paper bag. It was just requests for donations. Why not mobilize people to do their messaging, to fight the right wing lies? We all need to do it ourselves until the Dems can get it together.
Agreed on Dems not being able to message their way out of a paper bag. And that is a direct result of having a gerentocracy in charge of the party. They keep playing by the old media playbook, which does NOT work in our modern media environment. The legacy news media will always skew in favor of Republicans. They consistently have a double standard (which was super glaring in this last election). Our social media strategy is...apparently non-existant. The GOP has invested in ownership of media, from legacy TV networks to podcasts to armies of social media trolls. The Dems just kept using the same old playbook, and we've been utterly destroyed in the public sphere. We need to empower younger leadership and start building up our own media presence. Which is especially critical now, that the Chump regime is going to start censoring legacy media.
DeLani, it makes me laugh every time I see someone say that the legacy news media is controlled by, and the coverage favors Republicans. I've watched ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, and NPR, and they ALL cover Trump 85-90% negative, and Biden and Harris were covered 85-90% positive. I know that the truth can be hard to accept, but you should stop listening to the talking heads who are trying to push class warfare on U.S. citizens, and take a look at reality.
k troll
JOSH SHAPIRO would be great but Netanyahu's war crimes will make it very difficult for any of Jewish persuasion
That's so wrong, that's the world we live in
Mikey and Michael, really? You are going to cave to the republican’s misogyny battle cry. Where is your moral courage? Where is your humanity? Rather than join the misogyny bandwagon, I would urge you to fight to change others mind and come s century, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem, Which side of history do you want to find yourself on?
Linda: Oh Paleeese.
I(n politics, especially American winner take all politics, you need to be on the winning side.
I, too, like AOC. To me, she seems genuine. Unfortunately, I think being charismatic can also mean being able to fool people. I like Beto O’Rourke. To me, he is not only genuine, but he checks a lot of other boxes too. He is good looking, telegenic, and married with a beautiful family. He also speaks Spanish fluently, and since those who say that being a white male is still important are, unfortunately, probably correct, he is that too.
Of course. I wish I'd thought of O'Rourke. He'd be a great candidate, and he's a Southerner too. Almost beat slimy Ted Cruz, in ruby red Texas no less.
Sec of Transportation Pete Buttigieg gets me every time I hear him speak. Razor focused, smartest in any room he’s in…fearless and brave personally, politically, militarily …
Totally agree. His sexual orientation might be a problem, nevertheless the key thing is that he has a progressive agenda including universal healthcare, improved gun control, and high taxes on the wealthy, higher taxes on corporations, etc. Then, I think being gay may not matter.
And yet… let’s not forget… Hillary Clinton received 3 million more votes than Donald Trump in 2016.
Either one of those, too.
I agree with everything you say about Josh Shapiro, BUT will our country elect a Jew for the presidency? I wish I were not so doubtful.
Mikey and Michael, really? You are going to cave to the republican’s misogyny battle cry. Where is your moral courage? Where is your humanity? Rather than join the misogyny bandwagon, I would urge you to fight to change others mind and come s century, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem, Which side of history do you want to find yourself on?
In politics, especially American winner take all politics, you need to be on the winning side.
Ideology is great, but not the hill to die on.
Pete Buttigieg?
Pete Buttigieg, Jamie Raskin, Gavin Newsome, Ben Wikler, Jasmine Crockett or someone who thinks like Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren.
AOC is who I want. Pete B could be good too.
We have that: Bernie Saunders.
With courage which we are not yet seeing.
What about the 93 million eligible voters who sat this one out? Why are they disengaged?
That's because of a few things, but especially, as Bannon said it, flood all media with shit. That's what right wing media did. Dems on the other hand failed to flood it at all. Their messaging was horrible.
I am afraid a large number of our citizens are not ready for a woman president. Sad, disturbing, but I think true.
I loved Kamala and yes, she fired everyone up at the rallies. She's likeable and smart. But that's not the same as charisma. A lot of people just didn't feel excited about her. We were excited about the election. We were excited about beating Trump and what a good campaign she was running, but many people weren't excited about Kamala herself. Same thing with Hillary. I'm not sure if it was a woman thing or just a lack of charisma. President Obama is an example of someone who had it. We have over 300 million people in the United States. We can't find another Obama?
speak for yourself plenty of people like myself were excited about her.
Yeah, darkness is a good name for you, since you seem to have your head in the sand. If you were excited about Harris, you mustn't get out much. She dropped out of the 2020 primaries before the first votes were cast, and she couldn't get above 3% in her home state of CA, because they knew how vapid she was.
nah only one with their head in the sand that's "vapid" here is you brain-dead racist cocksucking piece of fucking dogshit. Go back to sucking off Putin Russian troll bot.
Trump is here to tear down institutions. We need to preserve the best of those institutions for 2026. Trump will lose big in 2026.
I found both Harris and Walz to be extremely charismatic.
Who would you pick to run for President in the next election? Gavin Newsome?
I'd vote for him. He checks a lot of boxes, including, I think, being anti-woke. But I don't know what his baggage is. Trump's team (which may include Russian input) is very skilled at voter suppression. People may not want to vote for Trump, but they may also not go out to vote. I suspect this is what did Harris in, especially with women.
I live in RED North Carolina and our former BLUE Govenor Roy Cooper would make a wonderful candidate.
Gavin Newsom. Let’s see what happens with the politics of the fires. I Wonder if 45/47 will give CA proper aid. He hates Newsom and Shiff.
Who might that be????
Just who is the "charismatic leader" the Democrats need?
This entire thread was hijacked by troll Rick Sender. Clearly a professional.
Gloria J. Maloney - This piece was not written by Robert Reich. He only shared it. Please re-read Reich's introduction: " . . I sometimes share with you perspectives about what we’re up against from non-American writers and journalists. Asli Aydintasbas, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington D.C., and a former journalist, published this short essay recently in Politico Magazine. As we prepare for Trump’s regime, I thought you’d find her views useful."
And your point is? Robert Reich brought it to our attention. It’s a good, well written spot-on piece Reich could well have written himself. Thank you Robert Reich for sharing with us this valuable article by a talented journalist with its spot on information and insights. That Robert shared it with the rest of us who may well not have found it otherwise speaks volumes about his integrity and humility.
The point is that Gloria attributed a quote to Robert Reich incorrectly. It stood out to me also. It’s not wrong to help each other with reading comprehension. In fact it is necessary now more than ever.
Molly - my only point was for Gloria to accurately attribute the comment to the author, Ms. Aydintasbas. I did not intend any disrespect for Mr. Reich. Lauren
Thanks for clarifying. I initially assumed it was Reich writing until the narrative described being a high-power journalist watching fascism encroaching in Turkey, prompting me to re-read the intro paragraph. I will make sure not to gloss the intro in the future!
Exactly, he shared with us because of the relevancy of Asli's experience.
And NOW the price of eggs WILL skyrocket! Good job, window-lickers and tampon-munchers! (YES: if you voted for a rapist-pedophile, convicted felon and bankrupt pretend "billionaire" who TANKED the economy under It's FIRST regime, you are a "FUCKING MORON.")
Daniel, you're showing your ignorance in public. The only thing that tanked under Trump in his first term was the number of jobs lost in his last year due to the Covid shutdowns. Most of those were recovered before he left office, and it was Biden’s poor economic policies that drove up inflation, which was 1.4% when Biden was inaugurated in January 2021, and topped out at 9.1% in June 2022, which was a full 18 months AFTER he took office. Here's a link to the actual inflation numbers from 2000-2024 if you're interested.
https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/
While we had high inflation so did the rest of the world. We came out of the pandemic better and faster than other nations.
Troll much??
Now Daniel, Don’t hold back on how you really feel! Talk about calling a spade a spade!
Only idiots vote over the price of eggs
Can’t argue with that!
If the price of eggs lost the election. Then a lot of people need to wake up
The cost of eggs much less anything else is not controlled by the potus
Eggs cost rose due to bird flue as they continue to do. If you think trump is going to fix this,you need to pull your head out of your Ass and wake up. We have the strongest economy in the world we need wages to keep up and government out of health care.
I could go on all night
Goodnight
Gloria--I still can't understand how naïve some people are. The bird flu is the cause of the elevated cost of eggs, not Bidens economy. Fox news lied, Trump lied, social media lied, they all lied, and the people believed every word of it.
tRump lies constantly. It's his MO.
Donald, that might be relevant if the cost of eggs was the only thing affected by Biden’s poor record on the economy. Inflation was 1.4% in January 2021 when Biden was inaugurated, and it topped out at 9.1% in June 2022, which was 18 months AFTER he took office. Here's a link to the monthly inflation rates from 2000-2024 if you're interested.
https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/
> The price of eggs supposedly lost the election,..
It wasn't the actual price, but the perception of the price and why. Lots of people believed the ignorant narratives they were being fed (including some producers who jacked up prices and realized record profits).
The real battle is between ignorance and truth.
"the price of eggs" was a missed point...whether running for office or a reporter facing/questioning someone with what's wrong in their life...as soon as "economy" was stated they dropped it.. when that was stated next question should have been "how did it personally effect that person" if it was "eggs" or anything else for that matter, next question should beeen "where do they shop?"... whether they name the store or not, the next statement /question should have been "does the government own that store?" no one bothers to point this simple fact out and the orange one fills the gap with "it's the D's /governments' fault for the price of eggs"...he's not even in office and he is backtracking... give me a break.
Ginger, it was MUCH MORE than just the price of eggs. EVERYTHING is a lot higher due the inflation caused by Biden’s poor economic policies. When Trump left office in January 2021, the monthly inflation rate was 1.4%, and due to Biden’s economic policies, it topped out at 9.1% in June 2022, which is 18 months AFTER he took office. You might want to look at the ACTUAL monthly inflation rates from 2000-2024 to see what caused Democrats to lose the 2024 election.
https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/
Honesty, decency and integrity lost the election. That's the real problem.
Kamala was going set up first time home buyers, with 25k for downpayment. She was going to award small businesses with a 50k grant from the federal government, had detailed plans to combat price gouging. We lost this election due to ignorance, pure and simple. Because too many women allowed their husbands to vote against our own interests. My partner refused to vote, and I almost dumped him for it, after she lost.
The democrats failed to communicate WHY eggs cost more! It seems the leadership doesn’t understand that farmers produce eggs, meat, vegetables ,,, and farmers are rural Americans not urban elites that get their food from the store, their power comes from the outlet on the wall, light from the switch, gas from the pump,,, they FAILED to tell the full story out of their own ignorance/arrogance that there are only seven meat producers in the US, that Trump orchestrated the sale of oil refineries to the Saudis (who paid Jerad Kirshner 3bb) the bird flu virus killed 40% of the laying hens, E. coli break out shut down and distorted tons of beef in meat packing facilities,,,, where do I stop? NEITHER PARTY can be trusted with democracy because both are ruled by greed.
The Democrats need to let Bernie speak more. He has been consistent on this message.
Eggs were the rationale. Hate/anti is what people voted for. Ant - the list is long but for starters: Elite East Coaters, the government, civil rights and trans rights being a major factor in that there was a vast anti-trans campaign where they used Harris's comments out of context that sold really well. And if not for voting rule changes and voter suppression and voter rolls 'cleansed'. Harris may well have won.
DE-BILLIONAIRE AMERICA
Which is why the Democrats lost. They have all these advisors & consultants whose only advice since Bill Clinton ran is "move further to the middle." By now, the middle is far away in their rear-view mirror. Unfortunately, the true progressives have been marginalized for so long, they've given up and all that remains are the fauxgressives who are so busy supporting the terrorist state of Gaza and 450 million Arabs against "genocide" by the 6 million Jews in Israel, where 1/4 of the citizenry is Muslim - and votes and holds political & judicial offices. Find me 1 Arab country with a single Jew in power. [Note: although Iran is not Arab, but Caucasian, its governing body has Eastern Orthodox Catholics, Zoroastrians, and - yes - Jews serving in their congress. Only Bah'ais are banned]. The faugressives were so determined on teaching Biden & Harris a "lesson" for their slow-walking support of Israel & failure to support the Oct 7 terrorists that they sat out the vote (costing Harris the election). This is called "cutting off your nose to spite your face." Now, Trump is 100% on fellow crook Bibi Netanyahu's side & has threatened that, unless every hostage is released before he takes office, he's going to destroy Gaza (or arm Netanyahu to do it for him). So, by spurning Biden's half-way support of Israel, all they accomplished was guaranteeing Gaza's destruction. The couldn't find anything in America to protest?
Eggs 9.99 now pre his kingly rule
In the mean time, keep asking the Maga folks if they think billionaires running the government is a good thing. It's a simple message and should be spot on.
They probably do think it's a good thing. For too many people in this country, wealth=brains. "The country should be run like a business!" I remember when Dumpy first announced in 2015, so many commenters in the NYT (of all places!) said, "He's a wealthy businessman! He's a genius! He'll be a great president!" It was all a myth, and prosperity gospel, etc., but lots of people still believe it.
My magat BIL thinks musk and vivek are just ‘concerned citizens who want to help our country’. He is a rich nice guy…. I will never understand.
The MAGATS are still gonna think that DJT is a mix of Superman, Captain America & Jesus.
Put a fraud felon in charge, say goodbye to your country. And honestly, couldn’t happen to nicer folks. F*ck MAGA. All those farmers that lined up to vote for this felon: bye bye subsidies. All those old folks that voted for that fraud: bye bye to Social Security.
You get what you voted for.
FELON Trump will be recorded in the Annals of History as the BIGGEST and WORST Mistake America EVER made.
I will be wearing this "isn't it past your jail time?" t-shirt the next four years 👇
https://libtees-2.creator-spring.com/listing/jailtm
How about us old folks who voted for Harris? The schadenfreude of seeing those who voted for Trump's losing their SS isn't worth it to us who didn't.
We can take heart knowing those Traitorous fucking morons ALREADY can't get ANYTHING done. As Bunkerboy's Alzheimer's gets worse, and as "Illegal Alien" President elon gains more power, Our SS checks will be too difficult to steal. 🤣
God bless you, and ALL decent humans, in this New Year, Maureen!
Thank you.
Exactly what I was going to say. So we get to starve in the last years of our lives. Not on your life! Some of us are angry that he lives a life of luxury and we might lose all we have paid in. He is a dictator and he and his party can go to hades. What will he do with those who live on the streets already? Spit on them? Dock his pay please.
Amen
You will not use SS; it will be privatized.
Then we'll lose it because it is money that will have gotten into the wrong hands (Read: Billionaires and others who don't need it).
Not if a horde of angry senior citizens have anything to say about it.
NO! That sends more wealth to the top 1%.
IF THEY WHINE, I'll bitch - slap them like a deft dexterous octopus or squid & TELL 'EM TO STOP WHINING like a baby Trump whenever he doesn't get his way.
*TWO years! 'Muricans are NOT ONLY dumb as a sack of rocks, BUT ALSO they have 30 second memory spans! (I am from a New York family of hard-workers and educators; I got lucky.) President elon and VP Bunkerboy have THREE MONTHS before the calls for impeachment heat up after nothing is done . . . AGAIN.
Be careful about that thick sticky black tar you’re spreading- and who you’re actually enabling with it because we have enough division.
Citizens of all genders, beliefs, ages, political ideology and walks of life stayed home rather than vote for anyone including Trump. More people voted for someone other than Trump than for Trump.
Our MSM, and social media, heavily manipulated by Oligarchs, Russia, and others were more successful than the enormous door knocking campaigns carried out on behalf of candidates.
The MAJORITY loses because of Trump and his cronies, including the rest of the world.
It’s time to join hands and fight together for democracy worldwide, as well as here in the US.
Social security cannot go anywhere. It’s a bank of its own. It’s not part of the debt whatsoever. It is its own entity. They can’t cut it- but the other programs like Medicare and Medicaid with snap all can be cut.
He has an Achilles heel, everyone does. It just has to be discovered.
For someone with two legs Trump has an amazing number of Achilles heels. First one: as he has already admitted he will not be able to lower prices. Deportations will distract but not mollify voters. MAGA are already discovering that Trump does not care for them. Democrats must already field an army of charismatic challengers. No time to waste.
He does. A FOSSILIZED COPROLITE in his cranium !
Now that's pretty funny.
I think Trump is animated Coprolite
That's not FAT ! That's dino - shit !
LOL!
Trump's Achilles heal is his ego.
Exactly! It has always been his ego all the way back to his childhood.
I think it is not being able to connect realistically with the people who really cannot fathom what a million dollars is, let alone a billion. Many in my town live paycheck to paycheck, and that last week before a check, welfare or SS or paycheck, well, the food bank is a busy place.
I used to work at a food bank. Any season can be BUSY. Big warehouse, crackerbox office, BEST JOB I EVER HAD.
Our food bank is mainly volunteer run. Very small for our smallish town. But we are supplied by a large city in the state. I run a nonprofit in the county and people are quite generous to the food bank. They recognize the need.
Kenny Rogers did a benefit for our food bank network in the 80's. We got a chance to meet him backstage. I got lost / misdirected.
He cannot stand to be ignored by media
One of the TRADEMARKS of a malignant narcissistic- he has to hear his name just about every 5 - 10 minutes. AT LEAST.
And corporate media obliges.
We saw it in the courts but no one was willing to give consequences, problem is our people do not have COURAGE as of now. Let us see what the next few days show. Whomever does not demand the recount, deny Trump the Presidency due to ammendment 14, and that he cannot take the Oath will NOT be eligible to be in the Democratic leadership. They were tested and failed.
DC Washington, as I said, they certified the election results with no mention of the 14th Amendment, or any other such nonsense. Better luck in 2028. Cheers!
I've seen your comment about this issue in comments on several different articles, but it's a pipe dream. Just because a liberal court in CO made a ruling based on flawed analysis of the 14th Amendment doesn't mean that it will stand up to scrutiny, if and when it ever comes before the Supreme Court. Not only was Trump not CONVICTED of insurrection, but he wasn't even CHARGED with insurrection. Just because you WISH something would happen doesn't mean that it will. It's basically the same reason why the CO court was overruled in their attempt to remove Trump from the ballots. Cheers!
Trump is nothing but Achilles heels, and that’s not even accounting for bone spurs.
His pathological narcissism and outright immaturity
He is an Achilles heel.
He has many but his party of Christian Nationals doesn’t care. They are not really Christian’s anyway. Just great pretenders.
Not if we , bite out tongues, and politely let them know they got screwed over. Give precise examples . Especially where he has flip flopped. And about the Billionaires club trying to reduce consumer protections ( regulations) to benefit profits and how the tax breaks for the few at top and more proposed put burden on and cut services to middle and poor.
If they stop worshipping faux news
Yeah thanks to fox and x and tRumps lying social and MSM channels sanewashing.
But he is none of those things. He WILL fail. Just look at his first term. The Dems need to find an opposition leader this next four years who can convey the “common man” vs “super rich” wealth disparity and how the “current system” is rigged. A younger person with a Bernie Sanders mindset and charisma?
For a while … but that’s what made this article so thought provoking. We are in Dallas with good family members watching the news unfold about the New Orleans incident. Our family was watching the news and a comment was made about not watching because of our sensibilities since our candidate lost. Out response was to reinforce that the other side won, he will be our president and will be responsible for what happens next and that we wish him well for the sake of the country. Not only did it defuse the situation, I also felt like it put the pressure on the “other side”. When those prices go up, when the incompetence and infighting begins to be seen …. I believe there will be repercussions and that more people will be open to what the Democrats have said all along.
Whut?
Another grift idea 💡
We're so sure Republican overconfidence will sink them that we must take care not to err on the side of passivity. I emphatically agree with every point Asli Aydintasbas made. Sexism and racism didn't defeat Harris, e g. A charisma deficit—not her fault—had eliminated her before Slow Joe inexplicably pulled her back in for VP in 2020, then left us with no other practical choice in '24. Thanks for sharing.
I disagree. Harris would have been an excellent president and is a good person. Charisma doesn't solve the issues in a country or help the people. Harris was a fantastic choice for the party and she didn't lose by a landslide and there was no mandate. If there was election interference from Russia and Iran, or musk, or due to MSM BS reporting and lies; she did extremely well. Let's get real; many Americans wouldn't vote for a black woman. Sad. We have a long way to go to realize liberty and justice for all.
Lizz, you seem to be forgetting the fact that Harris couldn't even get above 3% in her home state of California in the 2020 Democratic primaries, and she dropped out before the first votes were cast in Iowa. The only reason that she was picked by Biden as his VP, is because he locked himself in by saying that his VP would be a woman, and then a little later, he said it would be a woman of color. At that time, the only other woman of color in the primaries was Tulsi Gabbard, and the Dems had already decided that she wasn't going anywhere, so Biden picked Harris. If she was a good candidate, she should get another shot in 2028, and I hope that Democrats nominate her, which I doubt that they will, but it would mean an easy victory for the Republicans.
2020 Harris wasn't well known and some didn't even know she was AG for two terms in CA, and was very successful for the people in our great state. In 2024 we have found out how many voters are totally uninformed and how many Americans stayed home and didn't vote. That is extremely sad living in a country that Democracy vs fascism was on the ballot and it is our civic responsibility to vote. Harris was better known than in 2020 and had a great campaign and support for the short time she had to campaign. She is very qualified. Trump only won by 1.6%. Not even close to a mandate. Another lie. What I hear from you is we were stuck with Harris for VP. Harris did many good things as VP here in the US and in foreign relations. Tulsi Gabbard? Please! There was election interference again by Russia and likely Iran. Also years of disinformation and a party of fascists that lie every time they speak and call themselves Christians when they are as far from Christians that one can be. That is not open for debate to me, Americans that aren't idiots know it. Like I said racism and misogyny is alive and well and a black qualified woman was a candidate many Americans wouldn't vote for, they wouldn't vote for trump so they stayed home. Idiots. Hence, why liberty and justice for all still has not been recognized in our systemically racist country. The fascist right want voters to stay dumb. Wonder why?
Lizz, you apparently didn't comprehend my response. Harris didn't get above 3% in her HOME STATE of California in the 2020 primaries, and it's BECAUSE they knew who she was and didn't WANT to have her as our President. Also, you're misinformed if you think Trump only won by 1.6% because that's the popular vote margin, but the president is elected by the Electoral College. Trump got 312 while Harris got 226, so that is 58% for Trump and 42% for Harris, which is a 16% margin, and 10 times higher than the popular vote. It's also more than the 306 that Biden got in 2020, and Harris got fewer votes than Biden in 45 states AND in DC! Trump has gotten more votes in every election: 63 million in 2016, 74 million in 2020, and 77 million in 2024, while Harris got 6.8 million fewer votes than Biden got in 2020. As far as the mantra of election interference, it's only an issue with Democrats when they lose, similar to how they're whining about the $250 million that Musk put into Trump's campaign, but they had no problem with the $400 million that was donated by Zuckerberg and his wife to get Biden elected. You just need to face the facts, as Obama said in January 2009, "Elections have consequences."
Here's an article from CNN, which is definitely NOT a right-leaning media outlet.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/27/politics/election-voters-harris-what-matters-dg/index.html
No shit Sherlock trump won the electoral college which is useless and the popular vote should determine president. I guess you didn't understand me when I said a lot of people didn't know Harris in 2020 and we are talking about the 2024 election. Trump didn't even get 50% of the popular vote and yea Harris was very close to trump in the popular vote, definetly not a mandate and Biden beat Trump decisively. I also guess you missed the fact that a large number of voters didn't vote and they chose to stay home, most of which were likely swing voters. Sure looked like Harris had the momentum and was ahead in the majority of polls. And yes election interference is the lies told by Trump every time he opens his mouth and maga the so called holy rollers lie like don the con. Pretty sorry that to win you have to sell your soul to the devil. Why do you think trump said he likes dumb people? Maga are not the brightest bulbs and believe anything they are told and the conspiracy theories just add to the weird cult following maga is. Trump is as dumb as they come and he leads the other dipships because he is the king sociopath dipshit. The world is laughing at him and the country again. You are a maga worshipper too aren't you Joe. You don't know shit about Kamala Harris but you sure sound like you have an issue with an intelligent Black woman. A lot of people don't have a clue about what the AG has done in their state. They don't care as long as it doesn't affect them. She must be well liked in CA she won every election she ran for in the state. DA, AG twice, Senate, became VP, and was a great qualified candidate for President and people liked her. If you ever watched her rallies she had packed arenas, etc and the people were hyped. Elon musty giving money to people to get people to vote=election interference because it's illegal. Russia propaganda from fox, fascist Congress, etc. I see you have something to say about every post that is not maga. Trump thinks he knows everything too and project 2025 needed trump because no one else could get the supporters he has. The deplorables, white supremacists, ignorant, violent, and I don't think I need go on. Nothing else to say we see the world differently Joe.
Lizz, I'm sorry to say, but this is the type of nonsense that caused Democrats to lose the House, Senate, and the White House. Everything with Democrats now is all about abortion, gender, race, White supremacy, misogyny, and other things that aren’t at the top of the list for most folks. However, if y'all want to keep this up in the future, Republicans will be glad to keep winning elections. Cheers!
He already overplayed his hand in 2020 - and got away with it. He's been getting away with bluffing ever since. Hopefully, the Republican party will implode in 2026, and it's contingent on the Democratic party to help them do so in every way possible.
But, more democratic people needed to be well preapared and ready to use nowadays means and strategies to fight back! Otherwise, anotehr scenario, different from what described in the article may arise
"pounce"??? That is adult thinking...or cultist fanatical thinking...
verb
verb: pounce; spring or swoop suddenly so as to catch prey.
"the wolf pounced on the rat"
spring forward suddenly so as to attack or seize someone or something.
"the democrats pounced on Trump after he ran our country into an authoritarian ditch and we knocked him out of office by retaking the senate and house"
notice and take swift and eager advantage of a mistake, remark, or sign of weakness.
" voters felt lied to about costs and harm to our benefits and pounced upon trumps mistakes to take advantage and run him out of office.”
noun
noun: pounce
a fine resinous powder formerly used to prevent ink from spreading on unglazed paper or to prepare parchment to receive writing.
“We used the pounce to rewrite the constitution barring felons from taking office.”
POUNCE is a very mature adult word
Pounce describes the 'Democrats' to a T
Elections do have consequences
Agreed. Let him do his worst so his followers actually see him and what his "vision" of America means for the non wealthy majority of the country.
He didn’t blame them on Trump. He said that Trumps policies paired with global trends points to a similar outcome. We are already in another gilded age of income inequality, and his policies will contribute further to that. Paired with the global clashes in Russia, China, the Middle East, etc, 2025 looks a lot like 1929.
By the way, Rick, did you catch his comment about having multiple accounts at multiple FDIC institutions? Did you know that Trump and his buddies have suggested doing away with the FDIC insurance limit? What could go wrong? Let’s bring back bank runs!
Literally unable to look at your own candidate. Always moving the goalposts and creating new conspiracies. So James Comer spent 6 months investigating the Bidens, has proof of these bank accounts, and has a majority in Congress, yet wouldn’t call a vote of impeachment? Man your side is really letting you down!!! Years of investigations into Hillary, Obama, Joe Biden, you have the votes to impeach, you have the courts on your side, and you APPARENTLY have loads of irrefutable evidence, so much evidence that every Trumper on the street can list 40 crimes that Biden committed without a doubt, yet somehow they just keep slipping through your grasp… 🤣🤣🤣
That is well said and needs to be repeated way more often on many more sites! Thank you Captain!
Trump 1.0 tariffs were a big cause of the inflation surge, he was just lucky to hand the consequences over to Joe. Joe Biden did a great job with inflation. Better than any western country, wayyy ahead of Canada and the UK and France and Germany. Our job market is strong, inflation is easing, we didn’t fall into recession and we just had the biggest Christmas spend in history. Americans hate the higher prices but they sure love the higher wages, forgiven student loans, and increased global buying power. Trump 2.0 will be the same with more tariffs, fewer workers, higher ag prices, weakened dollar, and another Dem will be elected to clean it up in 2028. Biden deserved a second term. Breaking things is easy and free. Fixing them is expensive and unpopular.
Captain Shazam, you should look at the ACTUAL data on inflation. It was at 1.4% when Biden was sworn in, and it topped out at 9.1% in June 2022, which was 18 months AFTER he took office, due to his poor economic policies. Here's a link to the monthly inflation rates 2000-2024 if you care to look at them Cheers!
https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/
When were you born Joe? I’m just wondering if you remember that we had a global pandemic that started in 2020 and was still going in 2022, when inflation topped out. This didn’t have anything to do with President Biden‘s policies, this had to do with the global breakdown of our supply and logistics industries. None of this was helped by the trade wars that Trump conducted over soy beans, lumber and steel. You seem very certain that this Covid disruption that led to inflation was President Biden‘s fault. Please point to the economic policy that he enacted after coming into office in 2020, that led to 9.1% inflation in 2022? And if those policies were so bad, why are we now sitting at 2.7% inflation, whereas the rest of the world is well above 3 to 5%?
I was born in 1956, and I've got a business degree, so I can tell you that the bad economic policies that Biden enacted, along with most of the other major countries around the world, was to print an outrageous amount of money out of thin air to try to get a handle on the pandemic and the stupid shutdowns that were also enacted around the world. The pandemic was NOT a threat to young children (unlike many other respiratory diseases), and those who were younger than 65-70, unless they had multiple comorbidities, so the bad one-size-fits-all Covid policies just added to the insanity. This is borne out by looking at the countries that had very strict shutdowns versus those that didn't, and the death rates were similar, and mostly consisted of those who were either over 70 years old, or had multiple comorbidities. If you believe in anything else, then you're either ignorant or brainwashed.
Biden didn’t do the shut downs. Trump started that and then each state made their own policies. Trump also sent out the first stimulus checks. If you’re worried about governments printing money, then why aren’t you talking about Trump adding $7.8T to the debt? And getting rid of the debt ceiling.
No, there were NO federal shutdowns under Trump, they were all state-based as you said, and the first federal ones were under Biden. I didn't agree with Trump's stimulus checks, but the inflation rates didn't start going up until Biden did two additional stimulus checks as well as deficit spending for other non-Covid budget items. Biden’s total deficits will exceed Trump's, but the Trump tax cuts actually INCREASED revenues to the federal government due to corporations bringing money bact to the U.S. from overseas accounts due to the LOWER tax rates. You can listen to talking heads who like to gaslight you, or you can download the data from the IRS website and see for yourself.
Government prints money and ease of access to $$$ via cheap interest loans is always going to put more money into system. Wasn't so in before great Recession? Where was inflation then? I tell you what - 3.8%. it's estimated that monetary stimulus impact contributed about 30% to overall inflation. That's about 2.2% increase and making it 3.46% by itself. However, you seem to forget disrupted supply chains, Ukraine invasion and impact it had on gas prices, pent-up demand after lockdowns, tight job market. All those played big hand in the rest of 9.1% figure. But again, If you account for extra stimulus, it was inline with previous recessionary economic state in 2008. But you know what, somehow we managed to get it down back to 1.26% before 2016. Under Trump though, it peaked to 2.4 in 2018 due to tarrifs. But decreased to 1.8 in 2019 due to overall world economic slow down. Then Pandemic happened and it was down to 1.2 in 2020. Of course no one was doing serious outside shopping, except ordering stuff from Amazon. So let's not forget what went into that inflation figure and just how much of it was Biden responsibility. Oh, and you can just Google all of it, or use Chat to explore. All the same, don't cherry pick ok?
Please, you're going to talk about cherry picking, and try to blame high gas prices on Putin invading Ukraine?! Gas was high before Putin invaded due to Biden’s poor policies on energy, and the inflation rates peaked at 5.6% in 2008, not 3.8%, which was the average for the entire year. Face it, Bidenomics didn't work, any more than inflation was transitory, as Yellen tried to say. None of it matters now, because the voters have decided, and Biden, then Harris, were rejected.
Bidenomics actually tilted the economy towards labor for the first time in a century and the billionaires didn’t like that. That’s literally all it was. People had the power to resign, to move into other jobs, to go back to school and to demand higher wages. All of this benefited the American worker. Trump will wrest power away from the labor force and put it back in corporations, which I guess is where you think it belongs. By his own promises and actions, he plans to: ruin unions, put a heavier tax burden the middle class (per the 2017 plan), destroy any ragged semblance of a safety net, kill Medicare and SS, and deliberately raise our prices through tariffs. He has no plan to improve or fix or “repeal and replace” the ACA, he hasn’t said a peep about family leave, or child care costs or junk fees. He will remove protections for schoolkids who need any accommodations, he will remove any regulations designed to keep our air and water clean, and he will drill in our national public lands for private profit. Joe, what is the upside to Trump’s economy, if you are not a billionaire CEO?
Do you think we are just going to swallow this, Joe? I lived through Covid. There most certainly was a federal shut down under Trump. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2020/03/29/president-trump-extends-coronavirus-shutdown-until-april-30/
also your info about Trump‘s tax cut lacks any factual evidence to back it up. Before the tax cuts, the CBO projected tax revenues of $668 billion for 2018 and 2019. After it was enacted they lowered that projection to $519 billion, and corporate tax revenue over that period came in at $435 billion—a $233 billion drop. Also, many corporations ended up paying no taxes at all! So how was more money coming into the country? Not one single company re-entered the US because of these tax cuts, however corporate profits went through the roof.
Joe, you can have your own opinion, but you can’t have your own facts.
Shazam, you're own article says that the shutdowns were VOLUNTARY, but the Biden shutdowns were MANDATORY, so that's what I was talking about. As far as your tax numbers YOU'RE the one who has your own facts. Why look at CBO PROJECTIONS when you can look at the ACTUAL data?! Corporate taxes did go down by a little over $21B in 2018 ($900B) compared to 2017 ($921B) due to the new rules allowing for 100% write offs in capital expenses, however, the overall revenue went UP from $3.32T in 2017 to $3.33T in 2018. Here are the links if you want to be honest with what ACTUALLY happened after the tax cuts.
https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/B075RC1Q027SBEA
https://www.thebalancemoney.com/current-u-s-federal-government-tax-revenue-3305762
You are correct about the higher tax receipts, but you’re wrong about the source of that income. Individuals pay more than half of our total tax receipts while corporations pay less than 7% of the total receipts. Corporations lobby and bribe elected officials to lower their taxes, as I am sure you know, and the middle class, without such a voice, carries the rest of the nation on its back. What is your tax bracket, Joe?
Biden never ever had a mandatory shut down. The only shut down was the initial shut down that Trump put into place. The states took over from there. Yes it was “voluntary,”but it sure didn’t feel like that when I was in Texas and couldn’t see my doctor or dentist and could only go to the grocery store for an hour a day. Things were starting to reopen by the time Biden came along and he continued that trend. Stop making stuff up, man.
Trump inflation resurgence is coming on the heels of the last half of 2025 like “the last fire truck out of hell “ Bob Dylan).
His boneheaded red meat immigration and economic policies if enacted will likely cause a recession. If you look at charts of the roaring 1920’s and compare them to the roaring 2020’s there is an eerie similarity to over valuation, the gilded age of billionaires capitalism, and the loud whispers of a coming world war. History repeats itself because mysterious human sentiment guides these things beyond pivots on policy and the rest. Lots of folks argue with this but there is at least a 70% chance we revisit these death throes in my opinion. This next year is an important year be to battle harden your assets, reduce your debt and be vested at multiple banks with FDIC insured rates in solid banks not over exposed to commercial real estate.
Trump is likely going to topple the Jenga tower. There is no reason to fear any of it but e dey reason to prepare as the charts indicate a trump depression at the end of his term when the CIA says China will likely attack Taiwan and cause a global economic crash.
Joe did a better job with inflation than any other country in the world. You are just so mean that you won’t acknowledge reality.
Dumbest thing I have read this year!!! Pay attention and shut off Fox News!!!
The threat was never really Trump, who is ignorant and lazy, but rather others in his orb who would do the work that he has no interest in or facility for.
That’s why the rise of the techno-oligarchs is so dangerous. It will be wonderful if the inside forces collapse the always bizarre and fragile “new MAGA” coalition. But Trump has already showed that he’s more inclined to pass the levers to the Musks than to the Loomeys/Bannons and this is not just dangerous on the federal level, but - because we’ve allowed all our elections to be so dominated by money - on the local and global level as well. Musk’s aspirations are clearly global - as we see from his private meetings with Iranians, his endorsement of Germany neonazi far right party, and his support for Russia. ONLY if we address campaign financing VERY QUICKLY will we be able to hobble Musk in his carrot/stick bribery/blackmail scheme to call all elections in his own favor.
BINGO, Amy. All Trump wanted was to stay out of jail, make money, and wreak revenge. He’s lazy, illiterate, and has dementia. I never thought Trump 2.0 would actually do anything to govern except preen for the cameras, throw tantrums and hold out his hand for the lackeys to kiss. And maybe continue his love affair with Putin, Kim Jong Un and Xi. It’s the South African Tech Bros, Bannon and Miller we have to watch.
I would love for someone to tell me what his policies are beyond 5 words of gibberish insults because I’ve heard nothing
Me, me, me, me, me
Sarah, it's pretty easy to find out what Trump's policies are if you'd venture out from the echo chamber you're trapped in, and stop listening to the left-leaning talking heads who are trying to push class warfare on U.S. citizens.
He wants to close the border & deport the illegal immigrants, starting with the ones who have a criminal record.
He wants to open up leases on federal land for fossil fuel production to help get the energy sector as productive as possible. Many on the left point out that fossil fuel production is at the highest level ever in the last year, which is true, but it's NOT due to Biden’s energy policies, it's in SPITE of them, due to production on private land.
He wants to rein in crime by having DAs who will actually prosecute criminals, and put them in jail, rather than let them out with little or no bail, so they can prey on more innocent victims.
He wants NATO countries to pay their fair share of support, which they hadn't done for years until his first term, and they've stopped again because of the weak policies of Biden.
These are just a few of the top policies that Trump ran on, but there is more if you'd just do a little research. Cheers!
Joe maybe you need to do your research because you are incorrect on several statements you made. Trump has no policies and talks nonsense when asked. Read up on the energy production under President Biden. He used energy to make a few billion $ I believe which he used to bring down the debt. Trump added 8 trillion largest in history I believe. Biden set records for stock market, job growth, and our economy is the best in world post COVID, check the numbers. Infrastructure finally done and great things finally happening on that front. Last one I'll point out is Joe Biden got us back on the world stage as a leader and superpower, after Trump had foreign leaders laughing at him and the country. Trump isn't even in office and he is on track to do the same thing he did last presidency, fuck off our reputation, the economy he inherited just like when Obama left him a good economy he screwed that up. As far as NATO they are our ALLIES and they stood firm with us especially after 9/11. The US pays more because we are much larger and richer than other countries, the members are to pay a % to NATO based upon I believe their GNP and they are smaller countries with less wealth than the US. So don't respond do your research please.✌️
Lizz, I have done my research, but I see that you've believed everything that the left-leaning talking heads have told you. Biden’s energy policies have been terrible, and the ONLY reason that the U.S. is producing as much energy as we are is because of production on private land, and NOT due to Biden’s policies. Take a look at Biden’s debt because he will end up exceeding Trump's debt, and the last time the debt was reduced was in the late 1990s and early 2000s when Gingrich was Speaker of the House, and Clinton VETOED the balanced budgets that they passed, but due to the popularity of the balanced budgets, he FINALLY signed the budgets when it was clear that if he vetoed them for the third time he was going to destroy his legacy. It's the deficit that finally came down after the final Covid spending in FY 2021, not the debt, and the deficit has continued to grow every year since then, and it was over $1.8 trillion for FY 2024, which is the highest non-Covid deficit in history!
As far as the job growth numbers, it's all smoke and mirrors since the majority of the jobs "created" were folks returning to work after the pandemic shutdowns, and many had to take two or three part time jobs. This is evidenced by the labor force participation rate, which is STILL lower than it was pre-pandemic.
https://www.bls.gov/charts/employment-situation/civilian-labor-force-participation-rate.htm
Just remember, on foreign policy, Robert Gates, Obama's SecDef, said Biden had been "wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades." Nothing has changed since then. Obama also said, "Never underestimate Joe's ability to fuck things up." Just look at how it's gone under Biden: Putin invaded Ukraine after seeing Biden’s weakness based on the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, and Biden’s policies allowed Iran to gain billions of dollars in oil revenues, which allowed them to fund the Hamas attack on Israel. NATO wasn't paying their fair share of the agreed amount of their GDP for many years, then Trump got them to meet their obligations, and as soon as Biden took office, they're back to not meeting their obligations. Take a look outside of the echo chamber you're trapped in, and you might learn a thing or two. Cheers!
"the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal"...which was organized by Trump, not Biden. Oops.
"Biden’s policies allowed Iran to gain billions of dollars in oil revenues" Once again, prove it.
"NATO wasn't paying their fair share of the agreed amount of their GDP for many years, then Trump got them to meet their obligations" Again, prove it.
"Take a look outside of the echo chamber you're trapped in" You first, cupcake.
"Cheers" *Bronx cheer directed right at you*
"Biden’s energy policies have been terrible, and the ONLY reason that the U.S. is producing as much energy as we are is because of production on private land"...Annnnnd, no source to back up those claims. Shocker.
Joe: sounds to me you are guilty of what you claim others are guilty of i.e., echo chamber. Sounds to me that you are in the DJT echo chamber. We all will see soon after DJT has time to tear down more of what took this country 250 yers to build. No president is perfect. Especially when you have half the country against you before you start. But I will say that Biden was able to pass the IRA (if your not aware stands for the Inflation Reduction Act). In addition, he passed the Chips and Science Act which has led to new semiconductor manufacturing facilities in 15 states. But as I said, no one is perfect. There are certainly some things he could have done better. But to throw out information that you have not shown one shred of proof of, doesn't help any debate. Stick to the facts that you can prove if you are going to debate. And all that chart shows me, and its my opinion, is that
1.) Labor has gone down as technology has gone up.
2.) The pandemic was devastating for this economy and the health of americans. I don't think a lot of people realize how bad it was interms of jobs and the deaths that occured. Just think where we would be if we all would have taken bleach to get rid of the virus.
0
Jerry, there's plenty of info on the issues that I brought up if you care to venture outside of the echo chamber. As far as the IRA, like many pieces of legislation, its name has nothing to do with what it really accomplished. Just look at all of the pork that DOGE is finding throughout every different department, which was either put in specifically knowing that there was no time to debate every line item in the bill, or that was a chunk of cash designated for a department, and then the unelected bureaucrats in that department would funnel the money to their pet projects.
At this point, it doesn't really matter if you believe anything I say because a lot of folks are waking up to the fact that their tax dollars were spent on things that they would never agree with, which is why Democrats are losing support, and Republicans are gaining support. The pipe dreams that I see a lot of liberals talking about on social media, like "we have to resist until the midterms, and then we'll take back the House," are never going to come true if the Democrats continue trying to fight for all of the ridiculous things that been exposed. Cheers!
Just so you know, I am not a liberal. I am an independent. Voted for republicans many times over the years. This situation is different as you will see as time goes on. I'm through disgussing this issue. Have a good day.
OK, I agree, this situation is a LOT different than in the past when BOTH parties said that they wanted to cut government fraud, waste, and abuse, then they got elected and nothing changed. I, and many others on BOTH sides, are happy with how things are going. That's why the main policies are so popular. Here's the Harris poll numbers (not a right leaning polling outfit) of those who agree with the following: deporting criminal migrants = 81%; eliminating government fraud & waste = 76%; enacting reciprocal tariffs = 61%; closing the border = 76%; and hiring on merit (not DEI) = 70%. The data is pretty clear. Cheers!
"Obama also said, "Never underestimate Joe's ability to fuck things up" Prove it, bub. And from a reliable source.
As an FYI, criminal immigrants continue to be on the enforcement list, as they have typically been since time immemorial. There is zero new about that - except that the fascist felon is pretending it's something that law enforcement hasn't been handling.
More importantly, law enforcement knows all too well that it is criminal Americans who commit far, far more infractions and felonies than do immigrants - documented or otherwise. After all, think about it: If you were in a foreign land trying to make enough money to send home to your family, would you want to jeopardize your status by breaking a law?
Lastly, reading up on the large bills and EOs that Biden's Congress and his office have put forth will set you straight on how much he has helped the emerging necessity to move from fossil fuel to clean energy. Lots and lots of jobs are just one part of that. Trump's major policy is lying. The felon doesn't qualify for influence over other humans. Dispute that.
Apparently, you're NOT very clear headed, otherwise, you'd know that there are thousands of criminal illegal immigrants in the country that are NOT locked up, due to the bone headed DAs in sanctuary cities who do NOT notify ICE when they're arrested (IF they're arrested) OR the demoralized police in these sanctuary cities don't arrest them in the first place. As far as criminal citizens committing crimes at a higher rate than illegal immigrants, you're correct, however, ALL of the crimes that illegal immigrants commit would be ZERO if they were not here, so they are just adding more crimes to the already high crime rate.
As far as the billions spent on green energy, it's useless because solar and wind are not as cost-effective. It would have been MUCH BETTER to spend that money on nuclear fusion research, and if it wasn’t for the environmental activists freaking out about the nuclear accidents at the first generation nuclear plants like 3-Mile Island and Chernobyl, we'd have a lot more of the safer new generation nuclear plants and be a lot further along with nuclear fusion research. Looking at just a few narrow facts, and ignoring the other unintended consequences of many decisions is what's wrong with our country, and folks like you just keep perpetuating the problems.
Joe: Not being cost eeffective doesn't mean they are not worth investing in. If we are to survive as a race, we better get away from fossil fuels and move to clean renewable energy. Next you are going to tell me that climate change is a hoax.
Jerry, investing in something that is not only not ready for prime time, but is also not cost effective, to the exclusion of more reliable sources of energy, is not smart. As they become more feasible in the future, that's one thing, but to throw money at them now doesn't make sense. When it comes to climate change, I'm glad that they changed it from global warming because the temperature was pretty level from 1997-2011. The hoax isn't that the climate is always changing, it's that there was never a 97% "consensus" among climate scientists, and what's worse is that the scientific method actually goes AGAINST consensus! It's SUPPOSED to be about always questioning the status quo, and looking forward to what data is telling us, but the "new" scientific method is that everybody has to agree with what the "experts" say, even when there many others who may have a different opinion. The problem with climate science is that much of it relies on computer models, but even NOAA said on their website, "The feedback loop in which water is involved is critically important to projecting future climate change, but as yet is still fairly poorly measured and understood."
If you look at all of the major earth and weather related scientific predictions over the past 50 years, not a single one has come true, so forgive those of us that hold to the "old" scientific method, and take with a grain of salt what the "experts" say. Cheers!
Keep going, your ignorance would be laughable if it were not so hurtful to our country….which needs clear headed thinkers…which
obviously you are sadly not.
Granny
Well, Granny, if you disagree with me, lay out your alternative solutions, or do you just spout off nonsense based on whatever the liberal talking heads tell you to believe? That's a lot of the problem these days, when folks just disagree to be disagreeable, but they have no real solutions. They pretend that they're knowledgeable on certain issues, but in reality, they're clueless.
"lay out your alternative solutions" We have, cupcake. Numerous times. And you've blithely dismissed them every single time, while providing no reliable sources to back up YOUR claims. Funny, that.
Now sit down.
"that there are thousands of criminal illegal immigrants in the country" Prove it, bub. And from a reliable source.
"it's useless because solar and wind are not as cost-effective" Link, or lie. And from a reliable source, please, not some two-bit YouTube video or libertarian crank blog.
"nuclear fusion research"...produces an awful lot of nuclear waste. Yeah, THAT will be fun to deal with.
Gee, Joe it must be great to know it all, and from On High ,pontificate….my goodness, is all this wisdom a result of “research”.?
Wow🥁
Granny
Yep, I think Joe likes drinking that guy's, whose name I shall not utter, Kool-Aid.
Simple, Read Project 2025.
You got it! And little Ricky who likes to spend all of his waking hours on here to pontificate loves to say Trump has policies. He has nothing. His cronies are creating them. Trump has zero clue about policies. He incites and that is all folks. Enjoy the mess made and when the curtain falls and it’s not OZ don’t come a crying.
Well said.
Where is the information re Elon Musk endorsement of the neonazi far right ?
It’s on his own twitter feed and all over media. He endorsed the neonazi far right party in Germany.
Vance went over there and went and met with the leader of the afd instead of the sitting chancellor of Germany or the incoming chancellor of Germany.. he chose the Nazis who are in third place
The “threat” on a channel like this one is Bob himself. And the widespread belief he won’t budge from that the Democratic Party in any way represents our working class wage earning interests. It doesn’t. And Bob R. won’t stop talking like it does. The role of the Democratic Party is the PROTECT the Republican Party, the “right wing” and economic ruling class FROM the left and the economic interests of the wage-earning working class 95% of the country. Think on that for a minute. The Democrats protect the Republicans against YOU. Anyone like Robert Reich who continues to support this party is no longer telling you the truth about what’s in your interest going forward. The Democrats can’t be trusted. Kamala couldn’t even bring herself to campaign on Medicare for all, wiping out student debt, and especially raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy which her own CEO brother in law told her to cut from her messaging immediately… and she dutifully did so. The Democrats are just another party of the rich ruling oligarchy. Time we saw that clearly and got off our a**es and DO something about that. Stop listening to Bob here until he admits this simple truth about them.
The last time a candidate ran on those issues he had a lead in the delegate race and was charging toward the nomination, leading in 13 of 15 states a week from Super Tuesday. Then the MSM, led by CNN's Chris Cillizza and several others, began running daily fear-mongering articles on the perceived dangers of what they dishonestly called a socialist takeover. The acknowledged leading Dem Party media mouthpiece - MSNBC - followed suit, steering conversation away from the leading candidate Bernie Sanders at every turn, with former faux-progressive reporter from The Nation converted to TV establishment weasel Chris Hayes infamously shushing a guest who tried to bring Bernie into the conversation. At that point the DNC rallied feverishly around Sleepy Joe, the candidates sitting at #2 and #3 in the delegate count backed out uncharacteristically early, then threw their support to the #4 guy Biden - the only time in history since 1824 this kinda thing happened and once again, the plutocrat-owned Dem Party protected its moneybase and forced upon us an establishment candidate who would never consider universal health care even if the bought and paid for Nancy Pelosi who promised to never introduce such a bill, wasn't Speaker and able to protect the profits of big pharma and the insurance racket. We need to recognize and accept that the Dem Party is about 90% corrupt and useless to the working class; little more than rubber-stampers protecting the plutocracy. As far as I'm concerned the Party isn't worth fighting for when the only wing worth saving - the Progressive Caucus and the so-called Squad contingent - comprise a tiny minority compared to the Republican-lites the rest of the party represents. So how do progressives ascend to power in a country dominated by two corrupt, corporate-owned parties boosted and protected by corporate-owned media with ALL players fighting to maintain the dying and self-destructive status quo with more than half the voting public permanently dumbed down and brainwashed into voting against their own interests that both parties represent to protect this endgame status quo? I fear the only way out will be an economic or political crisis of such huge magnitude the somnambulent voters will be forced out of their collective stupor and stop acting like elections are just fan-club voting exercises. What's it gonna be - dictator Trump and his pitbull co-President Mush? Or will it be a depression brought on by deficit-exploding tax cuts to the rich with uncontrolled spending that wipes out the social safety net which keeps tens of millions out of destitute poverty? A painfully rude awakening awaits.
Lots of words here and well written. So I am listening but need you to provide what you believe we should do. Saying that we should stop listening to anyone, Bob included, without providing insight is frankly disingenuous.
💯💯💯💯💯
You are so right! Trump is not running this machine. He thinks he is but he’s just a little puppet being played by a much bigger group that drafted the Project 2025 agenda. He loves the attention and the power he thinks he has. He has sold hi soul.
I would disagree as I believe he is soulless.
I just don’t get any of it. Why wouldn’t you just enjoy life if you are Elon Musk? Why do you want to bring the end of the human race? Because that’s where it ends up. I have to believe that in the end the good guys win. But the carnage before that happens is the scary part .
"Everyone" was not in love with Musk. Millions ditched X when he bought it. (One problem, of course, is corporate capture of the news media.)
And there are many of us who have been yelling at corporate owned Dems, including Pelosi, about the need to get back to our FDR roots. Unsuccessfully because we're a binary system: the electoral college all but mandates that there be only two parties. And yes, money has captured both of them.
Ranked choice voting would broaden the range of candidates available to us. EXCLUSIVE public funding of campaigns would go a long way towards loosening the grip of money on campaigns, as would a reinstated and strengthened Fairness Doctrine, and time limits on campaigning up to and including primaries.
Take the money out of politics! You have a system that leaves it wide open to bribery.
Thank you. You actually have solutions to offer rather than repetiton of the obvious complaints. Thanks, Gumby's Mama.
Well said!
You admire Elon, don’t you?
There’s bound to be chaos and infighting in the next administration so I’m going to enjoy the show.
Why? How cynical. The chaos isn’t unintentional you know. The chaos is to provide cover for and to excuse the actions of the richest and the worst intended US oligarchs over the coming years. Chaos isn’t a bug of the GOPs method of rule. It’s a feature. During the chaos the rich will simply use their wealth and influence to speed up their acquisition of all the assets of the country. This should outrage you, dude. Not entertain you. Ugh. Their chaotic politics is DESIGNED to distract you from their actual economic pillaging of the country. And disgusting support of foreign murderous regimes.
I agree; Trump will continue to say and do crazy things to divert attention. Meanwhile, he and his wealthy friends will be stealing the rest of us blind. The U.S. has gotten that stupid.
We,, said!
What good is outrage? I’ve been furious for a full decade now. Doesn’t change a damn thing.
Harris lost because of racists and misogynists like you. Gullibility and cowardice played a large role too: white folk scared that they will be eaten alive by dark skinned people.
THIS!!! The white man is scared. You nailed it sister!
He’s a troll. Ignore. Constantly tries to subvert on HCR’s Substack.
Tokenism isn’t the same as equality. The misguided unclassconscious thinking, and the thoroughgoing cynicism and misanthropy that the rich ruling class have encouraged us all to grow within the working class soul over the last several decades is so very discouraging. But it can and will be overcome. Socialism or barbarism citizens. Socialism or barbarism.
Oh you mean the flip flop over H1b’s, Musk influencing policy, the Speaker election, the debt ceiling bs are all intentional? Bro you have serious TDS if you think Trump is in control. He doesn’t know what he is saying from one meeting o the next, just making promises with his hand out for the check. He ran for president to stay out of jail, he has no interest in governing whatsoever. Keep coping bro.
See, the fact that you believe that there weren’t any cases against him whatsoever, proves your Trump derangement syndrome. These are the facts, I’m sorry your blind adoration of one of the worst humans to ever exist on the planet doesn’t allow you to see reality. You live quite happily in a right wing bubble, and you’re allowing yourself to be fooled by a bunch of billionaires who do not give a crap about you. Enjoy getting screwed over by the people you admire most!🤣🤣🤣🤣
So what? Thanks to Citizens United, that’s just fine, right? However, Kamala wasn’t planning to give them extra-governmental positions where they get to slash benefits for normal Americans. Who thinks the world’s richest man has any idea how normal average middle class Americans live or what they need? He won’t be confirmed by the senate, won’t go through background checks, and gets to decide if kid with cancer get treatment or not. What could possibly go wrong???? Go look up the word Oligarch—there’s a picture of Musk. He just tweeted his support of the German Nazi party. Basically, supporting Musk is a betrayal of the US and everything it stands for. Shame.
You are literally suggesting treason to the US. You think a South African Nazi should be the leader of the free world? Man, when God handed out brains, he skipped you.
It appears that the magic word is 'Nazi' to rid oneself of an ignorant fool. He may be able to get a post in the new administration with a nose that continues to grow increasingly browner.
GET THE POPCORN READY ! This shit'll be better than Jerry Springer !
Except they are killing women by denying emergency medical care for women with failing pregnancy and miscarriage. They are poised to deny needed vaccines should a pandemic happen, along with many other things that run counter to running a Democracy. Like free and fair elections.
There HAVE to be " Underground", covert help..( like the Underground R.R., etc.), where women in need go to get good care for the help they need.. I'd go Medical School if I were younger..! Underground pop-up clinics..we can fund these privately..organize!!
Like some states where people have raised $$to help women and girls get travel assistance to states that serve women's health needs.
Can we go to Canada and get vaccines?
MAGA is the same demographic as Springer’s guests, except now they have a “champion” to speak for them instead of down to them
Springer was not as exploitative as DJT in his way, whereas Trump will try to get you to sign ownership of blood, blood plasma, bone marrow, vital organs & MAYBE YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, NIECES, NEPHEWS, etc.
There already is and we aren’t taking advantage of it.
Not true, we have your multiple comments after all
Poor baby troll
Oh, look, everyone! Rick just confirmed he's a troll. Not unlike his troll brethren in the Trump Cult, he can't spell, doesn't use Spell Check, and doesn't proofread.
What would you do if you faced death because you were denied medical care, and the policy is going to be expanded to all states? Would you be so cavalier? So blase`?
Is death a pearl? Huh troll?
a shameless troll Rick is.
This is a very interesting and inspiring piece. My fear is that with all the money we have in politics we will never elect a charismatic leader. The system rewards cronyism, and the Bernies and AOCs and David Hoggs don't have a chance. Perhaps if Ben Wikler is elected head of the DNC, maybe. But we need radical change in the Democratic Party, which means the old guard pretty much has to go.
The old oligarchs have to go (and the younger ones, of course). Money doesn’t want change unless it puts change in their pockets. If they don’t get their crony into office they will crony-ize the new office holder.
And the cronies inside the system are so good at manipulating. “You want to get on that committee? Sure, but I need a little favor.” “You want your Bill introduced? Well, first you have to vote like your colleagues on this Bill…” “We’re going out for lunch; want to join us? BTW, thanks for voting against that Bill. I’ll buy you a drink.”
Yes, there are incorruptible senators and representatives. But are there enough of them? And can the rest hold out against the carrots and sticks?
Do you have a solution to this, Marge? Or are we stuck with it?
Paula, I know it’s not popular to tell you that I think it’s hopeless. But I think it’s hopeless. I worked in government for thirty years and was very successful at creating incremental change. I believe in dedicated government employees to minimize the damage of some politicians. But those are the very people Project 2025 wants to get rid of.
It doesn't matter if what you're saying is popular, Marge. If you feel that way you should say it. I don't have your experience so I can't judge whether you're right or not. I hope you're wrong but only time will tell.
The solution is to remove lobbyists from government. Cap election spending. The likelihood is slim to none as government work is all about the kickbacks these days and not about civic duty. This is why the old guard is there into their 80s. It’s all money and power. We need term limits for everyone and transparency about their income as they get bribed and also engage in insider trading. Lots of crimping and drugging going on unfortunately
Term limits do nothing against an entrenched political philosophy dictated by the media and protected by oligarchs and their big money interests who will promote their next lackey so hard that respectable candidates get lost in the dust. All this does is cause us to lose good reps while the plutocracy shuffles in one lackey after another to do their bidding.
Totally agree, Loren.
What about Obama. He was charismatic enough to be elected twice and he came out of nowhere.
Wes Moore is the next Obama.
#DemExit. The Democratic Party, and anyone who still talks about it seriously as reformable, or an institution that might reform the country, should be given up on. Get off the couch and off liberal mainstream social media and join a new radical party and get ACTIVE in furthering your WAGE EARNING WORKING CLASS ECONOMIC INTERESTS! Bernie had several chances and sold us out. AOC too. They keep going back to the Democratic trough. Try the Green Party. Insist it remain socialist and anti-capitalist and pro-working class (NOT ownership class … they’ve got BOTH main parties already … and many of their offshoots like the not very socialist Democratic Socialists … who are nevertheless quite on the side of rich capitalists) and get ACTIVE in your community DOING THINGS that support actual working people and their lives. #DemExit
The Green Party has to start in local elections. Voting Green Party in national elections has only lost us Roe v Wade and elections.
Bernie sold us out? I seem to recall Bernie mysteriously falling in the shower and coming out looking like he'd been mugged while the MSM/DNC conspired to overtake him with Biden. I wished we could've had an honest recount of Super Tuesday in 2020. Never has anyone fallen so sharply in the polls in one week. Not Nixon during the 18-month Watergate saga, not Gary Hart after having his affair exposed, not Ed Muskie after CREEP's rat-fucking operation in 1972 and not even George McGovern after doing a disgraceful 180° pivot on Tom Eagleton. And Bernie did nothing to scare voters away. It was all the MSM and the DNC.
I agree with most of your premise. I'm curious how you think Bernie "sold us out"? Do you mean by aligning himself with the Democratic party instead of a third party?
Exactly
I think she makes some excellent points. But seriously how much more empathetic, qualified, intelligent, down to earth, explicitly in favor of the 99% with actual doable policies, and reaching out to conservatives could our candidate be than Kamala? I just can’t buy this narrative. She ran an absolutely brilliant campaign right out of the gate, especially with the cards she was given. We offered a 180 degree difference from the opposition, and voters chose a serial liar, con man fraudster, convicted felon who tried to overthrow an election anyway. There’s something here that’s not about charisma. Or making a rational choice.
Trump won because a whole lotta voters couldn’t stand the idea of a black woman being in the Oval Office. Racism and sexism is more prevalent in this country than I wanted to believe.
Racism, as Abraham Lincoln observed, poses an existential threat to the USA. Yet we let Fox News and other outlets fuel it for purely venal reasons. It was Biden's biggest mistake not clamp down these people.
So true. I’m astonished that more people don’t say this outloud.
👍 Agree, Karen, I thought Harris/Walz campaign was superb…it sure engaged, inspired and activated this old broad!!! Ditto my friends and extended family…we were excited by the possibilities…alas, once again too many voters sat this one out. Damn shame.
Agreed! When Biden won, no one credited his charisma — it was because he was clearly more competent, less corrupt, etc. etc. Yet when Clinton and Harris lost to the same candidate, somehow it was because they just weren’t likeable enough.
Interesting how such a subjective characteristic like charisma has seemed to surge in importance right around the time when women with objectively impressive resumes emerge as viable presidential candidates.
CK, you are so right.
Totally agree. A brokered Dem convention barely 100 days out from the election would’ve been a blood bath.
At this point when writers assert that a brokered convention would’ve given voters more “choice” and therefore Dems would’ve won is crystal ball bs that’s a cover for refusing to believe that misogyny and racism are the real culprits.
31% of eligible voters chose trump. And he barely won. He still won (assuming all was legit), but most of America is not on board with his agenda.
She was also jammed down our throats without a vote to nominate her. She pulled around 5% when she ran in 2020. Kamala had ugly baggage too, with her AG stint lowlighted by forcing inmates to fight fires after earning, but not receiving parole. Not a smart campaigner either or drump would be toast.
I think Kamala was a DEI hire when she was nominated for veep. She checked a lot of boxes. But she was not a strong presidential candidate with a strong and clear identity. She was never going to win any Republican voters. She did run a good campaign, on a very tight time schedule, especially with the cards she was given, as you said. And she was a total contrast to Trump. But I am still amazed that he said, around 10 years ago, "I could shoot somebody on fifth Avenue and get away with it." And that's what's happening." How can you beat someone like that?
David Clarkson, not sure if you meant to demean Harris in your first two sentences. But it comes across that way.
By going to the root of the rot: racism.
If she would have run on Medicare for All she would have sweeped
One of the reasons we don't have medicare for all is that we have Medicare for some.
Trump won because he dangled every carrot (solution to grievances) in front of a gullible public: but he lied to win, unfortunately they believed his lies.
It’s because she is a woman and a woman of color.
It’s not a question of if he’ll overplay his hand, but when. The guy acts like he won 400 EVs.
Maybe they will all blow up a la Trump Las Vegas
Trump is already violating campaign promises he made to his base. He vowed to bring down the price of groceries, but recently admitted that it is too hard. He vowed to end the war in Ukraine on day one, but both Russia and Ukraine have rejected his plan. He vowed to close the borders but now sides with Musk and the Tech billionaires to import skilled workers rather than educate and train American workers. He promised to reduce the national debt but tried to eliminate the debt limit so he could add $5 trillion to our debt by further reducing taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals. He promised to reduce "the dark swamp" but is appointing to key government positions billionaires who will feather the nests of shareholders, not Trump's supporters. He promised to ban US companies from investing in China and Chinese companies. Yet he supported Musk in getting the ban on investing in China deleted from the budget deal.
He will likely violate more campaign promises. We need to hammer home this information to his
supporters who will see that their interests are not being served.
Tyrants always overreach.
True!
Empires also. Often much the same thing.
Where was the border open? Do you mean that there wasn't a wall?
I asked him to clarify. That's all. He elaborated, and got a little tiny bit clearer.
Are you talking about the wall Trump promised Mexico was going to pay for?
Ha..tRump still has wall supplies stacked here and there..WHY wasn't the f'in wall finished then Rick?? Tell us!?
Well, that was a condescending answer..Holy Crap!! and total B.S..
Well, the tunnels were complete...the walls do zilch any way ya cut it..! What a f-in joke !
Seriously, Rick..!? tRump speaks kindly? Insults the handicapped. Veterans..on and on..did YOU miss a FEW incidents!? Come ON!
Don't wait Rick, I'm conferring with my Mother right now..oh, and I was referring to his Cemetery visit! ( You, know his ACTIONS spoke louder than words that day..)
This wall? The one he kept promising Mexico would pay for?
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/11/us/politics/trump-mexico-pay-wall.html
Bannon still faces state charges for his build the wall scam, and Trump can’t pardon him if he’s convicted.
I lurch from utter despair to glimmers of hope, but I do think there ARE some sane republicans like Liz Cheney who’ll vote with Democrats. The Republicans have a very slim majority, which hopefully will get slimmer, so - fingers crossed and keep up the good work!
There will be some Rs, especially from blue states, that will be siding with Ds on some of the more radical and extremist bills because their seats will be on the line. Not EVERY SINGLE REPUBLICAN will be in lockstep with 45 on every issue and I wish some people realize that. Hell, two of the ten Rs that voted to impeach him after Jan 6 are still in the House (To my knowledge at least, correct me if I’m wrong)
Some Republicans have something in their underwear besides a catheter.
Thanks - I’d forgotten that!
You’re welcome! Same with the courts. Not every single federal judge 45 appoints will fall in line and say “yes dear leader” on his ideas that WILL face judicial challenge. That’s been proven time and time again (with some exceptions unfortunately😒).
Liz Chaney will save us? Say that out loud and imagine yourself saying that fifteen years ago? Yeah … it’s mental. There is no longer any reform to be had. Revolution or nothing. Like Rosa Luxembourg said a century ago. What we’re looking at here is “socialism or barbarism”. Because it’s our insane refusal to abandon capitalism that has put us in this situation. We need to pull off the bandaid. Not jiggle it around a little with the likes of a “reformed” Liz Chaney. That’s what’s unimaginable. That that looney idea will fix anything.
Before the election there was fear that if Trump won he’d be more organized and ready to start tearing down the government.
Trump won but he is no more organized than he was eight years ago. He is chaos driven if you’ve ever listen to his speeches he jumps from one subject throws in another unrelated point the something else and on and on. He calls it the “weave”. I call it ADHD.
He also has to be in charge and the only guy in the room. Now he’s surrounded himself with billionaires who each have to be “the only guy in the room”. His coalition is getting pretty crowded. Already there is disruption, name calling and the wealthiest man on earth posting on his platform “…F#CK YOU IN THE FACE!!!” The hash tag was mine, he spelled it out quite clearly. Of course! Who would dare sensor their boss?
The big scary all powerful MAGA has split in two. While Trump made immigrants the boogey man the billionaires want to expand HIB visas to import people who actually will take American’s jobs.
.The HIB Visas are contingent on having the job that qualified the person for the visa. Musk has made it quite clear that he thinks people who join unions should be fired. But that’s illegal . So what better way to have an employee do whatever you tell them to do, work seven days in a week of ten hour days on a salary, no overtime. (It scares me that I can see all these evil motivations before they happen)
The jobs that the people who are willing to risk their lives for, who’ll trek 100’s of miles through the desert are not the jobs most citizens are willing to do. Ask a farm holder, or a meat packing company or one of the companies employing children.
The billionaires are saying there aren’t enough qualified Americans to fill the tech jobs in their companies. So why are they wanting to destroy the Department of Education? Why aren’t they helping to build up our education, offering scholarships, starting mentorship’s?
They’ll say the government agencies have become too mismanaged too sprawling. And yet they are thrilled about DOGE. So creating another department will save money? Or will it just make the richest man on earth wealthier?
As much as I dread the next four years I see an upside. It’s been impossible to reach the MAGA adherents with the truth about their chosen leader. We won’t have to, when unions are weakened and jobs get lost, when the economy tanks they’ll see it firsthand. Am I happy about that? Absolutely not. My wish is for a UNITED States,where everyone can live their lives and thrive.
I’m deeply saddened but I still have faith.
Live your best New Year spread happiness.
Get real. They will blame every poor outcome on Democrats.
It’ll be decades before we are allowed near the microphone again.
But sure, live your best life. We have little choice but to try.
We won’t need a microphone. Trump 2.0
Will be unabashedly the fascist he’s always wanted to be. He’ll tank the economy as he favors billionaires and corporations and prices will further increase.
Particularly the cost of food. What do you think will happen with his mass deportations? Who’s going to work the farms? So as our agri-business collapses that leaves importing produce from Mexico. But that’ll cost 25% more because of the tariffs he plans to impose. And food is a necessity you can’t just stop eating.
They said the democrats lost because of inflation. Inflation was at 2.4% that’s hardly a much. What led to higher prices was corporate greed.
There are about 5 or 6 corporations that own the various grocery stores in the country. In California the major grocery stores all belong to the same corporation. I consider that a monopoly. Trump doesn’t care about the people he got to vote for him, he used them. The people he cares about are the billionaires. This term it’ll become quite clearly he doesn’t care about his MAGA followers. He got what he wanted from them he’s done with them. So yes they’ll notice he’s not their savior he’s not their friend.
Democrats don’t need to “get the microphone.”They can just sit back and watch all hell break loose.
Liz Chaney doesn't vote
Hope so!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Liz Cheney lost. She won’t be voting with anyone. Were you referring to others “like Liz Cheney”? Like who?
Alas, the Democratic Party needs to shake off the corporate shackles. As Bernie so clearly points out a single issue can and should be healthcare.
Her insights are valuable and must be heard. There are some jarring notes. I want to scream every time I even hear the phrase "identity politics." What the hölle does it even mean? Any Democrat who is thinking "Oh, let's not stand up for the civil rights that we have defended for the last sixty years, because it might annoy some allies" - that Democrat does not have my support. Period.
Economics, as Robert has expounded on so eloquently (and Paul Krugman is doing also on his Substack) is the core message. Jettisoning our principles does not help us.
There is also a jarring note in implying that the Democrats made a mistake by "after smartly pushing aside President Joe Biden ...bypassing the primaries and handpicking a candidate." Huh? Alert from outer space: the primaries were past when Biden was pushed/stood aside.
With those caveats Organize and Resist: absolutely!
It's not like the Republicans didn't run on identity politics.
Yes! I want to know what Reich means by identity politics. My and my wife’s civil rights affect our economic security. Will my wife have her driver’s license revoked because she’s changed gender markers? Will I be able to inherit my wife’s social security earnings if I survive her? My SSDI is incredibly low.
It was Asli Aydintasbas who used the phrase "identity politics." Reich was steadfast over all those campaign months listing civil rights (including transgender rights and LGBTQ in general). This Turkish journalist is not tuned in to our traditions there, I think.
I am in the same position as your wife, and that would be a dealbreaker for me in this country. I can (and will) stay and fight like hell as long as "I" am "me." Not only driver's license: she won't be able to even leave the country without declaring herself to no longer exist. (Echos of the Jews in 1933... - ironically, that's the country I would go to now.)
I invite you to peruse my book (it's a novel, not another "screed," and people do tell me it's good. 😏 https://jaynasheats.com/ or directly at https://www.bedazzledink.com/hannas-ascent.html. Unfortunately I'm known as a scientist and not a writer, so it's slow going. But I hope you might appreciate it.
Oh my gosh you were born in SW CO and live in CA too? I’m Lisa Rayner on Bluesky. My wife is there too.
It’s good to meet you, only if online. Yes, Reich has been clear up to now about supporting trans/queer rights, which is why this essay is so upsetting. My wife and I have been discussing what to do.
We’re in New Mexico, where she grew up (grandfather Gov Miles). It’s not as blue as people think even though it’s a trans refugee state. She hasn’t been dressing as fully herself as she’d like. She experienced several really bad discrimination incidents in healthcare, such as an infectious disease doctor refusing to treat her for a hip arthroplasty strep infection; he wanted “accommodation” for his anti-transgender religious beliefs.
I am a “theythem” and feel the need to disguise my hair in public. Some of the discrimination has been directed at both of us as a couple, like the time an ophthalmology tech who obviously didn’t like my wife changed the same digit on both of our new prescriptions and we didn’t find out until we got our new glasses and had to throw them out
Anyway we’re working on moving to the San Diego area where my mother and sister live, the only stable family we have. Not perfect, but better city, county and state legal protections.
Reich needs to clarify asap. How many dead trans youth are acceptable for the Dems, for instance.
One example is Harris' implied message to Black men: they should vote for Democrats because they are Black. Same for Latinos, the young, the old, etc. When a politician appeals to people as group members and not as individuals, that's identity politics.
My wife commented below. LynnAnnRose here and on Bluesky
This was one of the first articles I read after 45 won the election and it helped me a lot with my nerves. We won’t become an autocracy or dictatorship on day 1…or ever.
I have a feeling this will be like Bush’s second term but kicked up a notch. He thinks he has a mandate (which he doesn’t), thinks he can get away with anything because of it and will try to do things that will be extremely unpopular and will be the reason Rs lose congress in 2026.
If voting is still allowed and not rigged.
It will be. They won’t be able to rig elections in two years. States will still control elections. We have more states that have a blue trifecta or blue congresses than we did when 45 took office in 2017. They will definitely try and disenfranchise people, but that shouldn’t deter us from voting and putting competence back into congress.
It's already rigged..Elon said it could be hacked..and he showed us..!
All the more reason to have an investigation of each of the swing states' two precincts to see if hand recounts jibe with the data in the tabulators. If they were hacked. It would be obvious.
I’m stuck! Because I still find it incredulous that a felon convicted of sexual assault ( rape in New York State), a compulsive liar, a cheat who declares bankruptcy and stiffs creditors, a con, a malevolent narcissist, on record of demeaning the sacrifice, deaths, of American soldiers, of mocking the disabled, is even ELIGIBLE for public office let alone a winning candidate. America, I despair.
American's love an outlaw. Rage against the machine. And ... a very very Illiterate electorate.
Pathetic, isn’t it.
That is the biggest challenge for me to understand. If anyone wants to look up this guys record, they'll see that he's cheated contractors out of money throughout his time in business. He has boasted about that and paying low taxes. So people who talk about his policies and how great they are have sold their soul to a few policies and don't care about ethics or integrity AT ALL...while the world watches. As long as he does 'the great policies' he can shoot someone in the street and still get votes.
How, as an educator, could I forget to mention the miscreant whose fraudulent university deceived thousands of guiless people; did the 25 million dollar law suit settlement reimburse them all. I think there should have been damages set at least 300 million.
P.A. Colon
What Robert is trying to say is that, now that Trump doesn't need the MAGAts and all that Christian nationalism nonsense anymore, the orange turd will whore himself to such a degrading degree to make every buck he can from multi-billionaires inside and outside the US that the Democrats might be able to make something of it, if they can somehow claw into the American information space, which is currently flooded with right wing lies, racism, misogyny, xenophobia and other intolerances.
EXACTLY! Thank you, Bill!
a big if
Robert? Or Aydintasbas?
If we didn't have a GOP captured Congress and Supreme Court, I would have more confidence in repercussions for his abuse. However, every time we think he's gone too far, the goal posts get moved, and the rules we've all lived by, don't apply.
It's essential each of us gets politically active now instead of waiting for Trump and his regime to implode. Keep tabs on your state legislature; join, start, and get active with Indivisible (indivisible.org) or another pro-democracy group; contact your Members of Congress frequently, support good candidates for local office or run for office yourself, volunteer and donate to support pro-democracy causes; share pro-democracy info&opinions on social medial, letters to the editor, conversations. Make a fuss to make everyone's life better. Onward!