" (His treacherous betrayal of Ukraine and unabashed cheerleading for Putin triggered an unusual bipartisan backlash, demands for investigation, proposals to countermand the diesel bailout, and further questions about his personal and financial motives.)"
Despite his multiple malevolent flaws, this one hits me the hardest.
Trump is willing to sacrifice the LIVES of millions in order to make business deals with Putin.
He is so opposed to democracy that he will enable a murderous dictator to take over a sovereign country, violating our NATO pledges and every. single. principle. of our American history and culture.
Can't wait till he is permanently gone from this world.
Where is the appropriate word to describe Trump’s colluding with the enemy to make business deals, illegal lifting of sanctions, including release of Russian oil and fawning bending to the will of Putin? Let’s call it what it is - treason.
Russia is an active ally of Iran. Russia is sending materiel & intelligence that Iran uses to attack USA troops & USA assets in the Middle East. While no WAR has been declared between the United States & Iran, right now an active war between the United States & Iran is actually in progress. These facts make Trump's COLLABORATION with Russia an actual act of TREASON. Trump is acting against the interests of the USA & giving aid and comfort to war enemies of the USA.
Definition of Treason:
According to the Constitution Annotated, treason against the United States consists strictly of:
• Levying war against the United States (requiring an actual assemblage of people for a treasonable purpose, rather than a mere conspiracy).
• Adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.
"Where is the appropriate word to describe Trump’s colluding with the enemy to make business deals..."
Even during the Cold War, we had trade with the Soviet Union. China is most definitely an enemy to our way of life and that country is one of our biggest trading partners.
That's a "what aboutism" argument. One bad thing over there doesn't justify the bad thing over here. Or do you really want to say that supporting Russia in their insane war of conquest of Ukraine is a good thing? Not to mention that Russia is supporting Iran in an "axis of evil"?
"Trump is willing to sacrifice the LIVES of millions in order to make business deals with Putin."
I'm not sure Trump thinks of the lives in Ukraine so much as he thinks of his faltering popularity. As a business man he's more transactional, and for him everything is a zero-sum game. He will always look for any deal he thinks makes him look like a winner. He knows he can't pressure Putin, but he can pressure Zelensky.
Hal, only thing is, it is a very poor business deal as Paul Krugman detailed not long ago. It would mildly benefit Putin and not be worth more than 1/2 a day's need of oil for the US. It is just Trump wanting to stay on the World stage. Heck here at home he can't even draw a crowd in so called red states, and he doesn't even try in blue states where republican candidates have been cut out of funding. Even the attempt to rally Texas behind Paxton was pathetic.
"Hal, only thing is, it is a very poor business deal as Paul Krugman detailed not long ago."
No arguments there. I'm not agreeing at all with Trump's actions. He has let his ego dictate his actions for too long, and now he's finding out that he can't bend others to his will any more. The worst part is that he won't listen to the saner heads in his orbit. The only bright spot I see in the administration is Marco Rubio.
Yes. Good. Because what’s coming is an alignment of Trump with Putin and Xi, not just against Ukraine but against Democracy everywhere. It has been in the works for a long long time.
Republicans, shameless opportunists that they are, are only coming around to save their political skins. Where were they when Trump pardoned all the J6-ers? Initiated tariffs? Sent ICE after American citizens? Destroyed the east wing of the White House? Etc, etc.
Liz Cheney's admonition, "Tonight, I say this to my Republican colleagues who are defending the indefensible: There will come a day when Donald Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain" is really starting to show.
My friend, a conservative poli-sci guy, told me he is terrified for the next 2 weeks. But I'm terrified for what happens January 3 when that simpering cult recruiter Mike Johnson has to seat the next Congress. I know he won't because of how terrible he is. Will the 7 reachable members on the Court do something about that?
The speaker has historically done the swearing in but I’ve heard it doesn’t have to be him. A judge could be recruited to swear them in and then they simply seat themselves. We can not allow another Adelita nonsense. Ask your poli-sci guy.
The only poll that counts is the one conducted on November 3. The daily polls are only a snapshot in time and may represent the feelings of voters at that time but just remember that pollsters have been padding the GOP score to account for GOP voters that don't participate in polls and infrequently show up to vote. The polls could be over counting Republican voters, and we will find out on November 3. One thing I do see is a complete lack of enthusiasm from my Republican neighbors since there isn't a single sign out for GOP candidates and in the past there would have been dozens.
Jennifer I would not consider the left to be showing "paranoia." In terms of the voting for midterms sure, we are only gaining voters as he shows desperation. But in terms of actual physical destructiveness, he does have the power to do much more. His mental condition trends toward more and more wrathful violence and the only remedy is physical containment. Ruth Ben-Ghiat informs us of these consequences in other similar situations in history. Bandy X. Lee, MD, the psychiatrist expert on violence, and the World Coalition of mental experts she has formed, have informed us about his mental condition.
I don't agree that the left is "paranoid." Note Paul Krugman's article today, on the pattern of people aware they are on the cusp of a business failure, and add to that the mental condition of DJ Trump: they are impulsive with a higher chance of physical destructiveness as they realize they have almost nothing left to lose. Escalating international warring is no small consequence.
Contrarians, Our biggest mission when we take control of Congress is to get money out of politics. It is breaking my heart to see Brown and Talarico losing support as Musk’s money floods OH and TX. Our Fix List: 1. The Supreme Court and Citizen’s United. 2. Political Corruption at all levels but especially in the Executive Branch. 3. Public Education (because the Conservative push to privatise schools is akin the simultaneous push to undermine elections—breaking our communities)
Congressional Democrats have some heavy lifting ahead even if they have a majority. So write or call your representatives and encourage them to "stay the course". It's going to be a long two years I'm afraid.
"...reversing policy blunders, holding wrongdoers responsible, and erecting reforms to restore democratic institutions and place our constitutional system on firmer footing."
We voted on Saturday, by mail, and dropped the ballot off at an open polling place here in Pittsburgh. Yesterday we received notice that our ballot had been received and was being securely held until Nov. 4, when it would be recorded. The state-sponsored message we received contained a link we can access to see if and when our votes are actually recorded. Love my country, and my PA. Get out there, everyone. This is our time.
"Democratic majorities are urgently needed to keep him on a short leash. (His treacherous betrayal of Ukraine and unabashed cheerleading for Putin triggered an unusual bipartisan backlash, demands for investigation, proposals to countermand the diesel bailout, and further questions about his personal and financial motives.)"
Two things:
1. The shortest leash would, of course, be prison; and
2. Let's not forget that he called on a foreign power to bomb the United States. Why isn't this being called out as high treason?
Trump is aligning himself with Putin who is supplying intelligence to the Iranians to attack and kill our USA service men and women in the middle east. This is treason.
As deeply as I respect Ms. Rubin's acumen, I would point out that the Empire State Building could be papered inside and out with all the articles of the form "he's finally done it this time" that have been written, and he is still here ruining the entire world. That won't stop if the Dems can retake Congress - see Jeffrey Toobin's piece in the NYT yesterday. Please, no more "the wheels are really coming off the bus this time" articles. I shall believe it when we see it actually happening, and as encouraging as indications are at present, they are merely that - indications. We have a LONG way to go.
"The paranoia on the left runs deep, with many insisting Trump is “more dangerous than ever.” But they should not confuse desperation with danger, nor impulsiveness with potency. Though Trump’s nutty rhetoric may intensify and his executive edicts may multiply, democracy forces should refrain from treating him as a political colossus. Swinging and missing does not make Trump more powerful; it convinces his congressional allies to distance themselves, judges to forcefully rebuke him, and his former supporters to turn the page."
I believe Jennifer has correctly summarized the situation. The stink of loser is unmistakable, and he made a point of surrounding himself with the most incompetent people and while some are somewhat more capable than others, these people couldn't organize a bucket brigade to put at a burning sheet of paper. The orange moron has always used bluster and yelling as his command of power and he will just get louder and more impotent as his foolish sycophants abandon him. His current traveling carnival show is drawing only small crowds (of the most despicable people) and he goes on and on about how wonderful he is and rambles about bat shit crazy things. No Republican seems to be able to avoid this milestone hung around their necks, and that is good since they deserve to get just what they have sown.
Here in central Pennsylvania, there are very few signs for GOP candidates and when I do come across them, they are on the side of the road at farm fields and rarely in front of houses. The GOP candidates seemed to be just as toxic and unpopular as the orange moron.
" (His treacherous betrayal of Ukraine and unabashed cheerleading for Putin triggered an unusual bipartisan backlash, demands for investigation, proposals to countermand the diesel bailout, and further questions about his personal and financial motives.)"
Despite his multiple malevolent flaws, this one hits me the hardest.
Trump is willing to sacrifice the LIVES of millions in order to make business deals with Putin.
He is so opposed to democracy that he will enable a murderous dictator to take over a sovereign country, violating our NATO pledges and every. single. principle. of our American history and culture.
Can't wait till he is permanently gone from this world.
Traitor. Scoundrel.
Where is the appropriate word to describe Trump’s colluding with the enemy to make business deals, illegal lifting of sanctions, including release of Russian oil and fawning bending to the will of Putin? Let’s call it what it is - treason.
Russia is an active ally of Iran. Russia is sending materiel & intelligence that Iran uses to attack USA troops & USA assets in the Middle East. While no WAR has been declared between the United States & Iran, right now an active war between the United States & Iran is actually in progress. These facts make Trump's COLLABORATION with Russia an actual act of TREASON. Trump is acting against the interests of the USA & giving aid and comfort to war enemies of the USA.
Definition of Treason:
According to the Constitution Annotated, treason against the United States consists strictly of:
• Levying war against the United States (requiring an actual assemblage of people for a treasonable purpose, rather than a mere conspiracy).
• Adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.
"Where is the appropriate word to describe Trump’s colluding with the enemy to make business deals..."
Even during the Cold War, we had trade with the Soviet Union. China is most definitely an enemy to our way of life and that country is one of our biggest trading partners.
Purity tests and false equivalences do not rise to this occasion.
Sometimes you sound like a Russian chatbot, Hal.
"Purity tests and false equivalences..."
Merely stating historical and current facts, nothing more. Infer what you want, but I'm not a bot.
That's a "what aboutism" argument. One bad thing over there doesn't justify the bad thing over here. Or do you really want to say that supporting Russia in their insane war of conquest of Ukraine is a good thing? Not to mention that Russia is supporting Iran in an "axis of evil"?
"Trump is willing to sacrifice the LIVES of millions in order to make business deals with Putin."
I'm not sure Trump thinks of the lives in Ukraine so much as he thinks of his faltering popularity. As a business man he's more transactional, and for him everything is a zero-sum game. He will always look for any deal he thinks makes him look like a winner. He knows he can't pressure Putin, but he can pressure Zelensky.
Hal, only thing is, it is a very poor business deal as Paul Krugman detailed not long ago. It would mildly benefit Putin and not be worth more than 1/2 a day's need of oil for the US. It is just Trump wanting to stay on the World stage. Heck here at home he can't even draw a crowd in so called red states, and he doesn't even try in blue states where republican candidates have been cut out of funding. Even the attempt to rally Texas behind Paxton was pathetic.
"Hal, only thing is, it is a very poor business deal as Paul Krugman detailed not long ago."
No arguments there. I'm not agreeing at all with Trump's actions. He has let his ego dictate his actions for too long, and now he's finding out that he can't bend others to his will any more. The worst part is that he won't listen to the saner heads in his orbit. The only bright spot I see in the administration is Marco Rubio.
The situation is a total loss if Marco Rubio is considered a "bright spot". In my opinion, Marco Rubio is just another enabler!
He willingly let hundreds of thousands die during Covid by spreading disinformation and lies to protect his political career.
I voted Saturday. I hope you are right. But I do think we need a Plan B.
Fortunately, I understand that planning by the progressive front for Plan B has been underway for awhile now. Stand by and be willing to stand up.
Project 2025 also has a Plan B. It ain't pretty.
Yes. Good. Because what’s coming is an alignment of Trump with Putin and Xi, not just against Ukraine but against Democracy everywhere. It has been in the works for a long long time.
Republicans, shameless opportunists that they are, are only coming around to save their political skins. Where were they when Trump pardoned all the J6-ers? Initiated tariffs? Sent ICE after American citizens? Destroyed the east wing of the White House? Etc, etc.
Liz Cheney's admonition, "Tonight, I say this to my Republican colleagues who are defending the indefensible: There will come a day when Donald Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain" is really starting to show.
My friend, a conservative poli-sci guy, told me he is terrified for the next 2 weeks. But I'm terrified for what happens January 3 when that simpering cult recruiter Mike Johnson has to seat the next Congress. I know he won't because of how terrible he is. Will the 7 reachable members on the Court do something about that?
And this is, indeed, a nail-biter.
The speaker has historically done the swearing in but I’ve heard it doesn’t have to be him. A judge could be recruited to swear them in and then they simply seat themselves. We can not allow another Adelita nonsense. Ask your poli-sci guy.
I try to avoid paying attention to the poll results. We have been very badly burned in the past.
The only poll that counts is the one conducted on November 3. The daily polls are only a snapshot in time and may represent the feelings of voters at that time but just remember that pollsters have been padding the GOP score to account for GOP voters that don't participate in polls and infrequently show up to vote. The polls could be over counting Republican voters, and we will find out on November 3. One thing I do see is a complete lack of enthusiasm from my Republican neighbors since there isn't a single sign out for GOP candidates and in the past there would have been dozens.
Jennifer I would not consider the left to be showing "paranoia." In terms of the voting for midterms sure, we are only gaining voters as he shows desperation. But in terms of actual physical destructiveness, he does have the power to do much more. His mental condition trends toward more and more wrathful violence and the only remedy is physical containment. Ruth Ben-Ghiat informs us of these consequences in other similar situations in history. Bandy X. Lee, MD, the psychiatrist expert on violence, and the World Coalition of mental experts she has formed, have informed us about his mental condition.
This is a magnificent inventory of Trump failings! I do not know how you manage to keep up with it all, Jen, but I m grateful.
I don't agree that the left is "paranoid." Note Paul Krugman's article today, on the pattern of people aware they are on the cusp of a business failure, and add to that the mental condition of DJ Trump: they are impulsive with a higher chance of physical destructiveness as they realize they have almost nothing left to lose. Escalating international warring is no small consequence.
Contrarians, Our biggest mission when we take control of Congress is to get money out of politics. It is breaking my heart to see Brown and Talarico losing support as Musk’s money floods OH and TX. Our Fix List: 1. The Supreme Court and Citizen’s United. 2. Political Corruption at all levels but especially in the Executive Branch. 3. Public Education (because the Conservative push to privatise schools is akin the simultaneous push to undermine elections—breaking our communities)
Congressional Democrats have some heavy lifting ahead even if they have a majority. So write or call your representatives and encourage them to "stay the course". It's going to be a long two years I'm afraid.
You've succinctly summed up the challenges ahead:
"...reversing policy blunders, holding wrongdoers responsible, and erecting reforms to restore democratic institutions and place our constitutional system on firmer footing."
Thanks!
Our work is cut out for us.
We voted on Saturday, by mail, and dropped the ballot off at an open polling place here in Pittsburgh. Yesterday we received notice that our ballot had been received and was being securely held until Nov. 4, when it would be recorded. The state-sponsored message we received contained a link we can access to see if and when our votes are actually recorded. Love my country, and my PA. Get out there, everyone. This is our time.
Illinois has been doing the same thing. My ballot was received, verified, and recorded already.
Heart and Guy Standing Up for the Flag emojis all the way down.
"Democratic majorities are urgently needed to keep him on a short leash. (His treacherous betrayal of Ukraine and unabashed cheerleading for Putin triggered an unusual bipartisan backlash, demands for investigation, proposals to countermand the diesel bailout, and further questions about his personal and financial motives.)"
Two things:
1. The shortest leash would, of course, be prison; and
2. Let's not forget that he called on a foreign power to bomb the United States. Why isn't this being called out as high treason?
Trump is aligning himself with Putin who is supplying intelligence to the Iranians to attack and kill our USA service men and women in the middle east. This is treason.
As deeply as I respect Ms. Rubin's acumen, I would point out that the Empire State Building could be papered inside and out with all the articles of the form "he's finally done it this time" that have been written, and he is still here ruining the entire world. That won't stop if the Dems can retake Congress - see Jeffrey Toobin's piece in the NYT yesterday. Please, no more "the wheels are really coming off the bus this time" articles. I shall believe it when we see it actually happening, and as encouraging as indications are at present, they are merely that - indications. We have a LONG way to go.
"The paranoia on the left runs deep, with many insisting Trump is “more dangerous than ever.” But they should not confuse desperation with danger, nor impulsiveness with potency. Though Trump’s nutty rhetoric may intensify and his executive edicts may multiply, democracy forces should refrain from treating him as a political colossus. Swinging and missing does not make Trump more powerful; it convinces his congressional allies to distance themselves, judges to forcefully rebuke him, and his former supporters to turn the page."
I believe Jennifer has correctly summarized the situation. The stink of loser is unmistakable, and he made a point of surrounding himself with the most incompetent people and while some are somewhat more capable than others, these people couldn't organize a bucket brigade to put at a burning sheet of paper. The orange moron has always used bluster and yelling as his command of power and he will just get louder and more impotent as his foolish sycophants abandon him. His current traveling carnival show is drawing only small crowds (of the most despicable people) and he goes on and on about how wonderful he is and rambles about bat shit crazy things. No Republican seems to be able to avoid this milestone hung around their necks, and that is good since they deserve to get just what they have sown.
Here in central Pennsylvania, there are very few signs for GOP candidates and when I do come across them, they are on the side of the road at farm fields and rarely in front of houses. The GOP candidates seemed to be just as toxic and unpopular as the orange moron.
"The GOP candidates seemed to be just as toxic and unpopular as the orange moron."
Can't imagine why.
Vote and drive a stake through the heart of the split.