Weekend Open Thread
[guest post by Dana]
This is going to be a brief open thread because what should have been a trip involving 5 hours of flying and layovers ended up being 18 hours instead! Don’t ask why because I really don’t know. Something about a flooded airplane bathroom floor, technical issues, and i guess the need to give passengers an hour long tour of the tarmac. . .
Let’s go (*yawn*). . .
First news item
He did what?! Eh, I can’t even pretend to be surprised that Trump “personally pressured two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers not to sign the certification of the 2020 presidential election. . .”
Second news item
Jake Tapper asks *the* double-standard question that Harvard very carefully avoids answering:
“Is Harvard University really holding its president, Dr. Claudine Gay to the same standards when it comes to plagiarism that they would assail for students committing the same offense?”
Charles C.W. Cooke explains plainly why Congress has a responsibility to be involved in this brouhaha:
Why are members of Congress “probing Harvard”? Because Harvard receives hundreds of millions of dollars from Congress, that’s why. Per Harvard’s own financial reports, the college was given $625 million by the federal government in 2021 — a number that “accounted for approximately 67 percent of total sponsored revenue.” Between 2018 and 2022, records show, Harvard was handed more than three billion federal dollars. If Harvard wishes to be completely “independent” of Congress — as, say, Hillsdale is — then it must also become completely independent of Congress’s wallet. It cannot pick and choose. With subsidy comes oversight. That isn’t a threat to “our democracy”; that is our democracy.
Third news item
Never Back Down, the pro-Ron DeSantis Super PAC that’s become embroiled in infighting and big-name resignations, pulled all of its 2024 advertisement reservations in New Hampshire and Iowa on Friday, the ad tracking company AdImpact reported. It’s the latest sign of turmoil at the PAC, which has crumbled from being a so-called political “death star” with $100 million in the bank to being what a political insider told The Daily Beast this week is the “maybe the worst-orchestrated effort in modern presidential history”—a clear distraction on top of the Florida governor’s faltering campaign.
Fourth news item
G7 officials have intensified talks in recent weeks on spending some of the roughly $300bn in immobilised Russian sovereign assets, a radical step that would open a new chapter in the west’s financial warfare against Moscow
The push comes as two crucial financial aid packages for Ukraine worth more than $100bn faltered this week, as Republicans in the US Congress and Viktor Orbán of EU member Hungary took a stand against funding Kyiv.
Seizing Russian assets could provide an alternative stream of funding for Kyiv, especially given the expected huge costs of postwar reconstruction.
Have a great weekend!
—Dana
Hello!
Dana (aac8e9) — 12/22/2023 @ 9:26 am@Dana:
oooof… sorry about your “scenic route” on the tarmac.
Air travel these days makes me really consider simply driving then dealing with all that headaches.
whembly (5f7596) — 12/22/2023 @ 9:57 amIt could have been worse of DeSantis. At least the PAC didn’t switch to running ads for Nikki Haley.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 9:57 amAir travel these days makes me really consider simply driving then dealing with all that headaches.
I’ve been to Phoenix and back twice in the last 6 months. Both time’s I’ve driven (4-500 miles, depending on route). Not only didn’t I want to deal with the airlines (or pay them money), but I ahve a new car and I wanted to see how it handled the trip. I gotta say that adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping are both fine features to have.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 9:59 amUkraine Shoots Down Three Russian Warplanes in Blitz Operation
I expect some GOP Congressperson to complain about this misuse of the Patriot system.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 10:24 amThe Biden doctrine, according to Rich Lowry:
https://nypost.com/2023/12/19/opinion/biden-does-nothing-as-iran-backed-houthis-humiliate-us
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/22/2023 @ 10:58 amThe United States and Israel -maybe more the United States than Israel – are in agreement on the next step in Gaza: The leaders of Hamas must be hunted down.
The United States thinks then the war will be over.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/22/2023 @ 11:00 amLOL! Hunt down the leaders of Hamas? They been negotiating with them in Qatar. Everyone knows where they are.
Rip Murdock (dee8eb) — 12/22/2023 @ 11:14 amut they are also trying to hunt them down.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/21/world/middleeast/hamas-leaders-sinwar-israel-gaza.html
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/22/2023 @ 11:17 amThat and Biden is a cautious politician, and doesn’t want to get too far ahead of public opinion. He’s already out in a limb for his support of Israeli combat operations.
Rip Murdock (dee8eb) — 12/22/2023 @ 11:17 amThe leaders in Qatar are for later. They are trying to hunt down the leaders in the Gaza Strip.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/22/2023 @ 11:19 amIsrael has been too restrained in its approach to Gaza out of fear of harming the hostages. They need to get tougher.
Rip Murdock (dee8eb) — 12/22/2023 @ 11:20 amhttps://www.cnn.com/2023/12/20/politics/blinken-israel-hamas-surrender/index.html
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/22/2023 @ 11:28 amhttps://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/382111
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/382272
Two of these three hostages were Jews; the other was Bedouin.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/22/2023 @ 11:34 amhttps://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/from-ivory-towers-to-castles-of-hate/2023/12/21
It gradually got worse. There was no problem with Arab students in the 1970s she says. It started in the 1990s And started to get bad in the 2010s
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/22/2023 @ 11:39 am@4 what car did you get?
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/22/2023 @ 11:43 amhttps://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/23-624.html
No document yet to go along with that entry.
BuDuh (d6ee90) — 12/22/2023 @ 11:43 am@17
Back to the Appellate Court we go!
whembly (5f7596) — 12/22/2023 @ 12:11 pmI’m shocked!
Rip Murdock (dee8eb) — 12/22/2023 @ 12:42 pmSupreme Court to Donald Trump: Merry Christmas!🎁
Rip Murdock (dee8eb) — 12/22/2023 @ 12:44 pmFirst hearing in the Circuit Court is Jan 9.
It’s not that far away.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/22/2023 @ 12:56 pm@22
Pretty sure the DC case is done.
The regardless what this round the Circuit Court, if they rule against Trump, his team has 90 days to request an en banc.
Then, the result of the en banch, Trump can petition the SCOTUS, which they can take it up for fall 2024.
Smith needs to focus on his classified document case.
whembly (5f7596) — 12/22/2023 @ 1:01 pmSCOTUS can still expedite a hearing after a decision has been made in the circuit court.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/22/2023 @ 1:08 pmLesley Wolf Refused To Explain Order To Remove Joe Biden From Search Warrant In Hunter Biden Case
It must be nice having the DOJ run interference for you.
And, before we make the case for Congressional oversight of Harvard, maybe we need to get Congressional oversight of federal agencies straightened out. Baby steps.
lloyd (768611) — 12/22/2023 @ 1:12 pm“Smith needs to focus on his classified document case.”
Against Biden? Oh wait….
lloyd (768611) — 12/22/2023 @ 1:13 pmhttps://dailycaller.com/2023/12/22/jonathan-turley-lays-out-supreme-court-just-threw-wrench-jack-smith-holiday-plans/
BuDuh (d6ee90) — 12/22/2023 @ 1:14 pmSupreme Court to Donald Trump: Merry Christmas!
So, when the trial is pushed back a couple months and the jury is deliberating during the Republican Convention, which story do you think the media will cover more?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 1:15 pmLooks like I have crow to chew on. Rip, do you have good recipe or do I just have to eat this stuff raw….
Appalled (5c1978) — 12/22/2023 @ 1:59 pmI have no reason to eat crow. Some others might on January 24th. Nothing I have said will be contradicted by primary results. It was all said based on the polling at the time.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:07 pmRip doesn’t actually want the wind to come from Vichy, he’s just reporting the weather. Of course, he LOLs anyone who thinks the wind might someday come from somewhere else.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:17 pmFirst News Item:
It could have been worse. Inquiring minds want to know: why Ron DeSantis hasn’t removed her from the Sarasota County School Board?
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:17 pmWe’ll see who is proven correct on January 24th.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:19 pmAgainst Biden? Oh wait….
This is why Trumpies are so tiring. They ignore the beam in their own eye, but find something microscopic in someone else’s eye and demand it be treated the same.
What Trump did was willful, to the point of paying people to hide the stuff after it was repeatedly requested. As someone who has held a clearance, I gotta say defending Trump on this stuff is intolerable.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:20 pmAs long as Biden is President, he is immune from prosecution, the same as every president since 1973.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:23 pmThe White House Clemency Recipient List:
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:26 pmAccording to Trump, he has a permanent get-out-of-jail-free card.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:27 pmDespite for my dislike for Haley, I wouldn’t mind seeing her come in first in New Hampshire. I just don’t see her winning the nomination.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:30 pmClemency Recipient List
All drug distributors. It has to be asked: How many did Hunter Biden know?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:30 pm@4 what car did you get?
2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid SEL.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:55 pmQuinnipiac University National Poll 12/20/23
Top lines at above link. Trend lines March – Dec. 2023.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:55 pmSCOTUS can still expedite a hearing after a decision has been made in the circuit court.
They may just want the DC Circuit to do the heavy lifting.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:56 pmWe’ll see who is proven correct on January 24th.
I’ve never said that Haley will win in NH. I’ve said that she might and that her doing so would badly affect Trump’s prospects. Also, it’s by far the outcome I’d prefer.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 2:59 pmI disagree it will harm Trump’s prospects. If four indictments and sexual assault accusations won’t nothing will.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/22/2023 @ 3:01 pmNational polls are meaningless. Only polls in places that there is actual campaigning, and voting is upcoming, matter. Opinions in places that there is no upcoming contest are not well considered.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 3:01 pmI disagree it will harm Trump’s prospects. If four indictments and sexual assault accusations won’t nothing will.
Trump’s lead dissipates where primaries approach. When people are forced to consider their actual vote instead of mere posturing, those trials take their toll.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 3:04 pmIt could have been worse. Inquiring minds want to know: why Ron DeSantis hasn’t removed her from the Sarasota County School Board?
Ha, ha, ha! For what? For being a moral, Christian, conservative Republican?
Technically, he cannot remove her unless she has been convicted of a crime.
nk (6b9c64) — 12/22/2023 @ 3:12 pm@39 nice. I have 2023 Kia Niro EV, their driver assistance features are pretty good – and I assume similar to the Hyundai implementation.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/22/2023 @ 4:19 pm@31 methinks that you’re referring to the Zeiglers and not WI?
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/22/2023 @ 4:21 pmCitation? DeSantis has removed other school officials for less egregious behavior.
I guess moral turpitude cases involving supporters get a pass.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/22/2023 @ 5:01 pmWhat trials? A lot of primaries will occur before any trials. There will be eight contests before Super Tuesday and the original date of his (soon to be rescheduled) election interference trial. If that trial is postponed until after Super Tuesday (highly likely), you can add an additional 16 primaries.
National polls create perceptions, and the current perception is that Trump rules the Republican campaign alone. We’ll see if the polls change the closer we get to Iowa (24 days away) or New Hampshire (32 days). So far there’s no evidence of that happening, either nationally or in Iowa or New Hampshire polls.
Trump leads nationally (+52 over DeSantis and Haley, who are essentially tied); in Iowa (+32 over DeSantis and +34 Haley); and New Hampshire (+18 over Haley; +37 over DeSantis.)
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/22/2023 @ 5:29 pmhttps://nypost.com/2023/12/22/news/hillary-clinton-says-release-of-israeli-hostages-not-top-priority-for-netanyahu-report/
The Hillary Clinton that so many supported over the mean tweeter.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/22/2023 @ 5:57 pmhttps://nypost.com/2023/12/22/news/missouri-baby-girl-born-4-months-early-and-14-ounces-home-in-time-for-christmas/?dicbo=v2-5JeNCmD
God bless.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/22/2023 @ 6:55 pmhttps://nypost.com/2023/12/22/news/hamas-hostage-with-ny-ties-first-american-dead-in-captivity/
Disgusting passive voice when speaking about Hamas murdering a hostage.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/22/2023 @ 7:16 pmDespite sponsoring successful legislative thefts from the Public Domain in 1976 and 1998, Disney will finally lose control over Mickey Mouse in 2024.
https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/mickey-mouse-public-domain-disney-copyright-lawsuits-1235844322/
Sonny Bono is spinning in his grave.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 7:45 pmTrump leads nationally (+52 over DeSantis and Haley, who are essentially tied);
in Iowa (+32 over DeSantis and +34 Haley);
and New Hampshire (+18 over Haley; +37 over DeSantis.)
Proving my point pretty exactly. As the primary date approaches, people reconsider. Thanks!
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/22/2023 @ 7:47 pmTrump’s national lead has been increasing, and Haley’s polling gains have been at the expense of Christie and DeSantis, not Trump. And as I have pointed out in the past, neither Iowa or NH have been determinative of who the Republican nominee will be. Your point hasn’t been proven.
Rip Murdock (dee8eb) — 12/22/2023 @ 8:21 pmWhether Trump “wins” Iowa or New Hampshire by 5 or 15 points doesn’t matter, it would still be a “win.” Nobody cares about who comes in second place.
Rip Murdock (dee8eb) — 12/22/2023 @ 8:24 pmTrump say he will consider nikki haley for veep. Desatan says he has visited all 55 counties in Iowa and the more he visited the more he dropped in the polls. To know him is to hate him!
asset (5bcc99) — 12/22/2023 @ 8:25 pm@52 A black woman in Ohio is being prosecuted for having a miscarriage while a corrupt senile old fool sits in the white house and does nothing as Ohio rethug legislators say they will ignore the peoples vote to protect abortion rights.
asset (5bcc99) — 12/22/2023 @ 8:30 pm@51 Thanks for the info NJ Robb now I dont hate hillary as much as I did even though she is so corrupt!
asset (5bcc99) — 12/22/2023 @ 8:33 pmOoooof.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/22/2023 @ 10:23 pmHillary hates Netanyahu because Netanyahu congratulated Trump on winning the 2016 election even though Hillary won in a landslide but Trump stole the election from her.
nk (6b9c64) — 12/23/2023 @ 6:11 amI hope so, but if Haley allowed herself to become his running mate it would prove everything I’ve said about her: no principles except those that further her career.
However, MAGAWorld is quite opposed to the idea:
And there are 99 counties in Iowa.
Rip Murdock (dee8eb) — 12/23/2023 @ 7:53 amNational polls tell you who the vast majority of Republican voters support and as we enter the primary season it’s Donald Trump.
Rip Murdock (dee8eb) — 12/23/2023 @ 7:57 amHappy Festivus everyone!
I will dispense with the “airing of grievances” to also wish everyone here a Merry Christmas.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 8:20 amMAGAWorld will blindly obey the Orange Baboon with the exception of when MAGAWorld is quite opposed to the Orange Baboon.
And all it took was a “sources say” rumor.
Some monolithic voting bloc you have there.
BuDuh (506405) — 12/23/2023 @ 8:22 amYeah, they couldn’t even overthrow the government properly.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 8:46 amWhat percentage of Trump’s 2020 voters got involved in the attempted overthrow?
Derp.
BuDuh (506405) — 12/23/2023 @ 9:04 amWhat Trump’s satellites say, for or against, about anyone, anywhere, anyplace, has the same worth as what ducks leave in the village pond.
nk (6b9c64) — 12/23/2023 @ 9:12 amI rounded the Wikipedia vote count down to 74,000,000.
Do you think 10% of Trump’s voters tried to overthrow the government? That would be 7,400,000 rioters?
1% at 740,000?
.1% at 74,000?
.01% at 7,400?
Haha!
MAGAWorld!!!!!!!!
BuDuh (506405) — 12/23/2023 @ 9:15 amTrump’s voters. What percentage, after setting out for the rally in Washington, ended up in Tacoma?
nk (6b9c64) — 12/23/2023 @ 9:19 amOne thing that a Trump nomination would do is guarantee that I’d spend the next four years attempting to tolerate my government. It used to be that I’d only have to do that half the time, but with two huge statists competing for how they wanted to ignore the Constitution and bedevil the populace, I’d probably just check out until 2028.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/23/2023 @ 9:57 amI’m more interested in what percentage still believes the election was “stollen”, and what percentage denies an insurrection took place, and what percentage feels that the jailed J6 criminals are “political prisoners”, because there lies the Cult of Orange Jesus.
Paul Montagu (d52d7d) — 12/23/2023 @ 10:35 amToday:
Stupid Trump isn’t aware that “sources” say he wants Birdbrain as his VP????
What an idiot.
BuDuh (506405) — 12/23/2023 @ 10:45 amPolls have consistently shown that a large percentage of Republican voters believe that Biden is an “illegitimate” President and/or the 2020 election was “stolen.”
Source
And:
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 11:36 amEveryone is entitled to their opinion and to call the events of January 6th whatever they want.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 11:40 amStupid Trump isn’t aware that “sources” say he wants Birdbrain as his VP????
There is no way that Trump would tolerate a VP who might know about the 25th Amendment.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:05 pmIn November’s WaPo/Monmouth University New Hampshire poll:
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:05 pmWell, one could charge Trump with incitement of insurrection even if the insurrection was a bust.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:06 pmIt’s not a question about what percentage of Trump’s supporters went to Washington DC for the insurrection; the question should be what percentage would have accepted the result if Trump succeeded in preventing Biden from assuming office.
Fortunately, that is unknowable.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:10 pmTell Paul.
BuDuh (506405) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:12 pmBut it does not, and will not, stop the consternation.
BuDuh (506405) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:15 pmOther takeaways from that Monmouth poll:
Favorable – unfavorable:
Trump 59-36 = 23
Haley 56-31 = 25
DeSan 47-40 = 7
Those that think that the 2020 election was honest, only 8% favor Trump. Those that think Trump committed a crime after the election, 0% favor Trump. Basically, Trump’s supprt is isolated to those that believe his lies, and those that don’t want anyone else.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:17 pmOf those that think that Trump did nothing wrong on J6, 85% back Trump.
Of those who think the election was stolen, 85% back Trump.
Clearly, mental health is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:21 pmAssuming Trump isn’t impeached and removed from office (highly unlikely), or becomes physically disabled, the only way for the VP to become President is if the cabinet votes to remove him under Section 4. The VP can’t do initiate a removal on their own. Such an action would also need to be confirmed by a 2/3 vote of the House and Senate. Again, highly unlikely.
I’m sure Trump will nominate and a Republican Senate will confirm a cabinet of sycophants so he would have nothing to worry about a boardroom coup.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:25 pmAnd everyone is free to criticize everyone else’s opinion.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:27 pm👍
BuDuh (506405) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:29 pmGiven Trump’s national polling (~60%) that’s a lot of Republican voters who believe his lies.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:32 pmGiven Trump’s national polling (~60%) that’s a lot of Republican voters who believe his lies.
Quite a few “Republican voters” are now independents. Self-selection, etc.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:41 pmWhen you get down to it, Trump’s voters are saying “We don’t trust you” to what they call the Establishment. And to be fair, there’s quite a lot not to trust. See Harvard and other colleges, the Southern Border, sexual social agendas, even distrust of police and other state institutions that were formerly seen as apolitical.
That Trump is not the man to fix it isn’t really the issue as he’s seen as the one who will tear new assh0les, and that’s sufficient to satisfy the rage.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:46 pmI’m sure Trump will nominate and a Republican Senate will confirm a cabinet of sycophants so he would have nothing to worry about a boardroom coup.
Congress can, by law, create a different body to serve in place of the Cabinet. That could conceivably happen in a Lame Duck Congress after a Trump victory, should Trump’s legal status be unstable. Both to allow for removal in some circumstances and to prevent a phony “incapacity” to effect a pardon.
Not that I’d bet on it, but if it happened, it would happen like that while Biden can still sign it.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:53 pmAnd how would such a proposal get through a MAGA dominated House?
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:55 pmAnd they’re supporting the Lilliputians.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:57 pmYou see the Southern Border problem continuing at its current pace under a future Trump administration?
BuDuh (506405) — 12/23/2023 @ 12:57 pmI think I’m going to put “poll” on my blocking script.
nk (6b9c64) — 12/23/2023 @ 2:00 pmFraudulent stolen election No evidence and proven so in courts of law. But fair also no rigged yes. Voters who wanted to vote for green party were not allowed too as democrat party had them taken off ballot with ballot access rules put in by republicans to keep libertarian party off ballot. I had to write in both green party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates so my vote was counted ;but many others didn’t understand write in rules. Green partys jill stein made the ballot in 2024.
asset (502268) — 12/23/2023 @ 6:52 pmAnd how would such a proposal get through a MAGA dominated House?
A 4 vote margin is not domination, and not all Republicans are MAGA. MAGA has maybe 30% of the House votes anyway. Another 20% or so are Republican.
Of course, it would require a few of those Republicans to show some balls.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/23/2023 @ 7:17 pmAnd they’re supporting the Lilliputians.
For someone who doesn’t like Trump, you sure to seem to carry his water. A lot.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/23/2023 @ 7:17 pmYou see the Southern Border problem continuing at its current pace under a future Trump administration?
No, but I don’t see him fixing immigration either. And rounding up 11 million people and putting them in camps would make Andersonville look like a resort.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/23/2023 @ 7:19 pmHardly-I’ve never endorsed any of Trump’s policies or proposals.
Acknowledging the obvious that Trump’s opponents have not caused his polling numbers (both nationally and in Iowa and NH) to diminish is not “carrying Trump’s water.” Trump’s numbers have remained remarkably consistent (nationally his numbers have increased from a 44% share to 62% share among Republican voters between January 2023 and today).
In NH, there is no doubt Haley’s polling gains have been at the expense of DeSantis and Christie, not Trump. Trump has consistently polled in mid-40s in NH, and Haley’s rise hasn’t affected those numbers.
I know you think Trump’s poll numbers will collapse once his trials start. The election interference trial will be probably delayed until sometime after Super Tuesday, and it is likely that Trump could accumulate the necessary delegates by the end of May. It’s not “carrying Trump’s water” to say so. It’s just a fact that circumstances have made possible.
Trump will probably be the Republican nominee when his classified documents trial starts in June.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 8:08 pmSource
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 8:14 pmTell me what? I showed the definition of insurrection–a violent uprising against an authority or government–and made an easy conclusion. Others may have different opinions but, as I may have said more than once, words mean things.
Paul Montagu (d52d7d) — 12/23/2023 @ 8:23 pmTrump NH polling, April 2023 to date.
Trump Iowa polling, May 2023 to date.
Trump’s support by Republican voters is what it is, not what you wish it to be.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/23/2023 @ 8:25 pmThis:
BuDuh (ed358d) — 12/23/2023 @ 9:16 pmIn other words, you see the Southern Border problem improving.
So do I.
BuDuh (ed358d) — 12/23/2023 @ 9:19 pmIt will take a few years ;but the immigrant situation will resolve itself when the young ones grow up and vote starting with the dreamers. More babies are being named juan then john. More then half the babies born in az, ca. and tex. are latinx. Over 300,000 minority kids turn 18 every month and counting dreamers its even more. This is why AOC will become president.
asset (ad03f2) — 12/23/2023 @ 11:12 pmIts time for Xmas movies: Most consider die hard or lethal weapon the best Xmas movie. I prefer the seventh seal with the seventh sign a close second.
asset (ad03f2) — 12/24/2023 @ 2:19 am“Birdbrain”.
Trump For President: The ultimate consummation of dumpster-diving.
nk (bb1548) — 12/24/2023 @ 5:53 amI have my opinion, you have yours. I have no authority to force you to my point of view, no matter how much you personally redefine “insurrection” to suit your political agenda, so what’s the big deal?
Paul Montagu (d52d7d) — 12/24/2023 @ 7:45 amIn other words, you see the Southern Border problem improving.
Under Trump I just see a different chaos.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:16 amTrump For President: The ultimate consummation of dumpster-diving.
Some see Trump as chaotic good. Others see him as chaotic evil. I just see chaos.
It’s like a box of chocolates … that has been trampled by bison. You never know what you’ll get out of it, but it will be a mess whatever you pick.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:20 amRemember the Night (1940)-Barbara Stanwyck & Fred MacMurray
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:23 amThe GOP doesn’t want to solve the border issue: just as with other far-right anti-immigrant parties around the world, it is too useful an issue to allow real reform to pass.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:31 amSo, what IS the best Christmas movie that doesn’t have Bruce Willis in it? OR just a good one to watch.
Standard responses:
Miracle on 34th St
Love, Actually
A Christmas Story
A Christmas Carol (various)
It’s a Wonderful Life
Home Alone
Some that have been recommended to me:
The Santa Clause
The Sure Thing
3 Godfathers (John Ford version)
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:39 amLeave me out of your argument with Paul. Who cares (outside of you) what AJ or Jonah thinks what an “insurrection” may or may not be, it’s just their personal opinion. They’re not the last word on how the English language should be used.
Under one common definition it’s “ an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government,” January 6th was, as the rioters attempted (and temporarily succeeded) to delay the Electoral College process. An insurrection doesn’t require firearms, but the insurrectionists certainly used what they found as weapons.
If whatever Democrat defeats Trump next year, I expect the same thing will happen, except that Insurrection 2.0 will attract a much larger crowd and will be better prepared.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:40 amThe Democrats don’t want to solve the border issue: just as with other far-left group-identity factional parties around the world, it is too useful an issue to allow real reform to pass.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:42 amIf whatever Democrat defeats Trump next year, I expect the same thing will happen, except that Insurrection 2.0 will attract a much larger crowd and will be better prepared.
And will be put down just as certainly, but with many deaths and subsequent hangings.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:43 amI would agree with A Christmas Story and the George C. Scott and Alistair Sim versions of A Christmas Carol, but I have a real dislike of Love, Actually. I also don’t care for It’s a Wonderful Life.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:44 amOTOH, the GOP could choose to win rather than fight the Lost Cause to the bitter end.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:44 amDoes a proper Christmas movie require schmaltz, or is that a defect?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:45 amI’ve seen arguments that the Magoo version of A Christmas Carol is the best one. But yes, I like the George C Scott version a lot.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:47 amThe Nightmare Before Christmas.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:48 amThe Capitol Police will be a lot more aggressive in defending themselves during Insurrection 2.0.
Rip Murdock (218e40) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:51 amThe Capitol Police will be a lot more aggressive in defending themselves during Insurrection 2.0.
The DC Marine barracks will be on alert.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:52 amIt should always be remembered that all Trump had to do to win in 2020 was embrace mail-in balloting. Sure, he didn’t like the election rule changes, but refusing to use them to his advantage was a terrible mistake. It allowed Biden’s forces to have a much greater voting window.
Trump may have gotten 2/3rds of the vote on day-of, but adding 1% to his total through mailed ballots would have carried the day.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 8:56 amY’all remember “The Ref” with Dennis Leary?
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/24/2023 @ 9:05 am@115 SamG, up is not down, and right is not left. Reality check. Rishi Sunak allies with Meloni. Macron allies with Le Pen. The reforms are coming from the far right, and Europe is to the right of the US. The Democrat crafted insurrection at the southern border wouldn’t be tolerated in any other country on the planet.
lloyd (8dc1e3) — 12/24/2023 @ 9:20 amOn a similar theme, here’s my list of the best Hallmark or Hallmark-adjacent Christmas movies…
Paul Montagu (d52d7d) — 12/24/2023 @ 9:27 am• Naughty or Nice (funny and irreverent, and supporting actor Gabriel Tigerman stole the show)
• Snow Bride (good fast dialogue, Katrina Law)
• My Norwegian Holiday (one of the best of 2023)
• A Biltmore Christmas (also a 2023 best)
• Sealed With A List (2023 runner-up)
• Noel Next Door (good performances by Natalie Hall and Corey Sevier)
• Christmas in Homestead (Taylor Cole)
• Jolly Good Christmas (good writing)
• Hitched for the Holidays (Emily Hampshire from 12 Monkeys is underrated)
• Bride For Christmas (also good writing, and Arielle Kebbel)
• Mrs. Miracle and Call Me Mrs. Miracle (which may have migrated to Great American Family, Doris Roberts was completely charming)
• Christmas to Remember (schmaltzy, but I’m a Mira Sorvino fan)
• The Christmas Secret (even schmaltzier)
• Christmas Waltz (my one nod to the omnipresent Lacey Chabert)
• On the Twelfth Day of Christmas (good performances by both leads)
• Naughty and Nice (to be mistaken for Naughty or Nice, starring Lizzy McGuire’s sister)
• Christmas on 5th Avenue (charming Kathryn Davis)
• Holiday Engagement (cute, quirky)
I tend to bristle at the term “far-right”, not because there is no such thing but that the media often misuses it.
To me, it would mean a group that is two standard deviations off the mean, comprising a little over 2% of the populace. In the USA that would be the Constitution Party, or maybe the Libertarians depending on what your idea of “Right” is. The far-Left would be the Greens or some of the Socialist Labor-type parties.
But Donald Trump is no more far-right than Bernie Sanders is far-left.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 9:29 amLike Malcolm X told Jill Stein at Talladega, you can always deport Venezenaguans but you cannot deport Alabamans.
I read somewhere that the Migra is giving out release letters with an appearance due date in 2031. (I think it was here.)
They’re keeping their current crop of wooly lambs content and kicking the problem two administrations and four Congresses down the road.
nk (5f5478) — 12/24/2023 @ 9:32 amGood call on The Sure Thing, Kevin. I totally forgot it was a Christmas movie.
Paul Montagu (d52d7d) — 12/24/2023 @ 9:33 amThe real problem with “left” and “right” is that out political system exacerbates extremes.
The People comprise a Gaussian (bell-curve) distribution, with a peak at the center.
The elected representatives comprise a bimodal distribution (two separated bell curves with a null at the center), and lately the gap has been widening.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 9:34 amI read somewhere that the Migra is giving out release letters with an appearance due date in 2031.
It’s pretty much the same for legal immigrants, too, which is a different problem.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 9:37 amGazans who protest Hamas in Gaza are brave, just like the anti-war protesters in Moscow.
Paul Montagu (d52d7d) — 12/24/2023 @ 9:37 am@132 Yes, unbelievable. Here’s a link to that.
lloyd (8dc1e3) — 12/24/2023 @ 9:38 amThe Republicans don’t want to reduce the processing time, or make resettlement work, lest blue states get more House members starting with the 2032 election, nor so they now want to build detention spaces; they are saying they want to reduce “encounters” which means they don’t want to reach any agreement with Biden, so they can attack him. So Ukraine aid will fail, and there will be long lasting partial government shutdown.
There is nothing Biden can agree to on immigration that will satisfy the Republicans, because then they won’t have the issue,
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/24/2023 @ 11:01 amBiden wants to put a cap on the number of people the smugglers can bring to the border (by having tougher rules kick in at that point)
He proposes 5,000 a day. Republicans are insisting on 3,000, and 3,000 may not pass.
Jere’s an argument against that. Why not zero it asks. Duh. Because
they are trying to deter the cartels. And the whole premise of the Republican proposals is based on deterrence.
https://nypost.com/2023/12/17/opinion/biden-migrants-move-proves-us-border-crisis-could-end-now
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/24/2023 @ 11:11 amPart of the filing includes a quote stating that the President is an officer.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GCHvuPlbsAAsWd3?format=jpg&name=large
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/24/2023 @ 11:57 amTrump Civil Litigation Watch:
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/24/2023 @ 11:58 amSince Gouverneur Morris’s death predated the ratification of the 14th Amendment by 52 years, I doubt he was referring whether the president was an “officer of the United States” as described in Section 3.
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/24/2023 @ 12:09 pmHe was referring to impeachment and the punishment for it, which should be limited solely to removal from office – as an officer of the USA.
While this is reference to double-jeopardy, I don’t think it’s helpful to Trump’s argument to not be an officer to provide a quote stating that POTUS is an officer.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/24/2023 @ 12:46 pmHe’s not.
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/24/2023 @ 2:24 pmBrutal:
Everybody denies anything has gone wrong.
Ron DeSantis’s reaction to the article.
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/24/2023 @ 2:58 pmWhy vote for Trump lite when you can vote for the real guy?
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/24/2023 @ 3:02 pmRemember the Night (1940)-Barbara Stanwyck & Fred MacMurray
Indeed. Watched it on your recommendation. It’s a gem.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 6:19 pmWhile this is reference to double-jeopardy, I don’t think it’s helpful to Trump’s argument to not be an officer to provide a quote stating that POTUS is an officer.
It was stated quite plainly in 1787 that prosecution could follow impeachment and that the two procedures were not the same thing.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 6:22 pmDeSantis should drop out now and back Nikki if he has any hope of being her VP pick.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 6:23 pmChristmas Eve, 1968
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/24/2023 @ 7:11 pmNeither of these two things will happen.
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/24/2023 @ 7:13 pmVery funny movie.
lurker (cd7cd4) — 12/24/2023 @ 7:14 pmBad Santa
lurker (cd7cd4) — 12/24/2023 @ 7:15 pmMerry Christmas to all.
He is born!
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/24/2023 @ 7:22 pmThe link in post 156 should not have been blockquoted.
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/24/2023 @ 7:40 pm@115 look what happened to gop when abortion issue got “solved” Justice tenny solves the slavery issue with dread scott decision. John Brown I think I will appeal the decision to a higher court sitting at harpers ferry and if I fail there I will appeal to the highest court in the land sitting on cemetery ridge, Gettysburg Pennsylvania starting on july 3 1863.
asset (c658c2) — 12/24/2023 @ 9:37 pm@136 don’t forget kent state may 4 1970.
asset (c658c2) — 12/24/2023 @ 9:44 pmA lot of ifs
Yes, but they don’t all have to happen. Any two or three will be enough.
He could also be struck by lightning out of a clear blue sky.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 10:15 pmNone of your picks beats seventh sign let alone the seven seal for Xmas movies. Merry Xmas & happy kwansaa!
asset (c658c2) — 12/24/2023 @ 10:58 pmHow about a donald trump Xmas movie festival. Top 5 The blob. alien, preditor, the nineth gate and 120 days of salo. I would have added ed wood ;but trump is a draft dodger.
asset (c658c2) — 12/24/2023 @ 11:03 pm@160 if he is struck it probably wont be lighting.
asset (c658c2) — 12/24/2023 @ 11:06 pmMerry Christmas, everybody!
nk (5f5478) — 12/25/2023 @ 5:03 amHappy deranged Christmas, from my party’s standard bearer.
Paul Montagu (eb6306) — 12/25/2023 @ 6:58 amKevin M (ed969f) — 12/24/2023 @ 6:22 pm
Right. But Trump is arguing that prosecution cannot precede impeachment, even after a president’s term has expired. Now, not all criminal acts caan precede impeachment, And he’s also arguing that he can’t be prosecuted for anything within the outer scope of his official duties.. But that Supreme Court ruling was meant to cover things like illegal wiretaps (where there was a theory of law that it was allowed for national security purposes.)
The only thing that comes close is his attempt to get the Department of Justice to declare that iit had found evidence of election fraud – but I don’t think that blatant misuse of official powers will be held to be non-prosecutorial. Perhaps a certain higher degree of intention might be required.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/25/2023 @ 7:11 amShould be: Now, not all criminal acts can be legitimate grounds for impeachment.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/25/2023 @ 7:13 amMerry Christmas, to all those celebrating it today.
Jim Miller (879e46) — 12/25/2023 @ 7:23 amThey did not The FBI carefully avoided doing that. They spied on a few people who were no longer affiliated with his campaign (to make Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid happy)
James Comey told a big lie (which had to be corrected very soon after) right before he was fired, about some of Hillary Clinton’s emails being on Anthony Weiner’s computer because they had been sent to Huma Abedin to be printed. At first, people in Congress thought that Trump used that as a grounds fir firing him
Yes, and routinely no doubt,
Not really,
Nonsense, but Trump will bring up any anti- immigration arguments until he is contradicted
That decision was made on the political level, not by the “permanent government”
Not everybody is simmply a2 tool for Joe Biden.
Well, you could have a case for calling it that, but it could also be considered legitimate.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/25/2023 @ 7:24 amI forgot to mention the Christmas Eve message from the leader of my party. No matter how hard I squint, I’m not seeing any peace on Earth and goodwill toward men, just crazybus bile.
Paul Montagu (eb6306) — 12/25/2023 @ 7:57 amBut Trump is arguing that prosecution cannot precede impeachment, even after a president’s term has expired.
Well, that’s nuts. Among other things, “impeachment” is not a criminal proceeding, but a political one. Some crimes don’t lead to impeachment and some things that do are not punishable as crimes.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/25/2023 @ 8:03 amThere are, however, no crimes that CANNOT lead to impeachment. You could impeach a president for ripping off the mattress tag if you have the votes.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/25/2023 @ 8:05 amMerry Christmas, Y’all
Focus on things that make you happy. Eat something really good.
Dustin (8c16cd) — 12/25/2023 @ 8:33 amA lot of those “ifs” and “mights” are extremely unlikely, just like your suggestion. It will be surprising that if any happened before the end of March. So far the court rulings are going Trump’s way (to the extent they delay his trials beyond Super Tuesday); and the prospects that Haley will come in first in NH are marginal at best.
Depending on “any two or three” is like a football team that needs other teams to win or lose in order to get into the playoffs. The odds are better that Trump will clinch the nomination by the end of March than the “hope” of his rivals that his poll numbers will decline before then or that Republican voters get “tired” of the drama. So far they feed off the “drama.”
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/25/2023 @ 9:03 amI pray that everyone’s Christmas is better than this family.
Paul Montagu (eb6306) — 12/25/2023 @ 9:06 amAmen!
nk (bb1548) — 12/25/2023 @ 9:09 amDouble Amen.
Spending Christmas day squirting about TrUmP!!! is a shame.
Merry Christmas everyone!
BuDuh (4214e4) — 12/25/2023 @ 9:29 am“Donald, shut up about last election. Is Christmas.”
Paul Montagu (eb6306) — 12/25/2023 @ 9:55 am–Melania
Christmas In Sarajevo by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
nk (db9d6f) — 12/25/2023 @ 10:05 amTrump should have aired his grievances on Saturday, which was Festivus.
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/25/2023 @ 10:12 amAiring a grievance today about someone airing their grievances today is funny in an idiot sort of way.
BuDuh (4214e4) — 12/25/2023 @ 10:20 amI meant “ironic.”
BuDuh (4214e4) — 12/25/2023 @ 10:21 amWhy does anyone care about the ravings of a crazy old man with a dirty nappy? Merry Christmas everyone!
Appalled (6dbd88) — 12/25/2023 @ 10:25 amRight.
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/25/2023 @ 11:47 amAnd my comment wasn’t a grievance, I was pointing out that Trump missed the perfect opportunity for his.
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/25/2023 @ 11:49 amSo just a complaint.
🙄
BuDuh (4214e4) — 12/25/2023 @ 11:51 amCurrent VP candidate Kari Lake had a similar, classless Christmas message along the lines of her mentor.
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/25/2023 @ 11:55 amAn observation.
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/25/2023 @ 11:56 amYour choice of words.
Have a great day, Rip!
BuDuh (4214e4) — 12/25/2023 @ 12:01 pmIt was also humor and sarcasm, since Festivus doesn’t really exist as a holiday. Sorry you failed to understand that.
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/25/2023 @ 1:00 pmThe best humor needs to be explained.
/sarc.
BuDuh (4214e4) — 12/25/2023 @ 1:30 pmKari Lake keeps digging her hole:
An investigation into the printing issue didn’t find any evidence of intentional misconduct but attributed the problems to equipment failures. The fact that the report was released prior to the time Lake made her charges was enough for the court to allow a jury to decide whether Lake’s claims amounted to defamation.
Rip Murdock (dace88) — 12/25/2023 @ 1:49 pmThe Bidens Would Rather Snub All Their Grandkids Than Hang A Christmas Stocking For Navy Roberts.
lloyd (3cd4cc) — 12/25/2023 @ 2:15 pmIn Bethlehem manger square they have a baby lying in a pile of rubble.
asset (f13803) — 12/25/2023 @ 2:19 pmAh, lloyd, thank you for making me thankful that Biden is in office. I remember when Trump was in office almost every day there would be something he did or said that made me pretty angry.
With, Biden, we have to find our anger over… checks notes… him hanging stockings for the grandkids at Camp David (where they are spending Christmas) instead of the White House (where they are not spending Christmas). But then we can imagine nefarious reasons why he might hang his stockings where he’s having Christmas instead of where he isn’t.
Nate (1f1d55) — 12/25/2023 @ 6:21 pmIs that the only thing that Biden has done that your find fault with?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/25/2023 @ 8:54 pmIt’s really funny to watch the doctrinaire partisans post back and forth.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/25/2023 @ 8:55 pmNate, you forgot to include a link to your story. Maybe because there is none. But, thanks for the fact-free claim. The facts I linked to have been around for four weeks, giving Biden plenty of time to concoct a better look. Kicking your four year old granddaughter to the curb isn’t really a big deal. Don’t get so upset about the Big Guy looking like a POS.
lloyd (bbfc1c) — 12/25/2023 @ 9:00 pmTrump and Biden are tied among immigrant voters
Quick, someone tell the Democrats. Replacement theory isn’t working.
lloyd (bbfc1c) — 12/25/2023 @ 10:05 pm@199 misleading as older immigrant voters more likely to vote republican. Also young people think biden sucks almost as bad as hillary. Lucky bubba got his name redacted from epstein list. Generation Z votes democrat at higher rate then any other group and only half have turned 18. Millenials now out number boomers as republicans found out the hard way in 2022/2023 elections. Just finished watching movie about trump’s life its called “the blob!”
asset (0be757) — 12/26/2023 @ 12:15 am@199 misleading as older immigrant voters more likely to vote republican
Immigrants who come from legal immigration and naturalization are probably terribly upset at the 10-year delays now occurring in processing legal immigrants due to the flooding of the system by pretend asylum seekers and Biden’s cosigning of their bullsh1t.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 12:26 amLike Max von Sydow told Malcolm X at the showing of “The Third AOC” at the Kent State Film Festival, Trump’s supporters can let Trump poop on their Christmas if they want to, like he does with every holiday, holiday after holiday, but I would rather plan on leaving room for a slice of apple pie and half a dozen chocolate chip cookies. And it worked out just fine.
You still like me, right?
nk (db9d6f) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:04 amlloyd (bbfc1c) — 12/25/2023 @ 10:05 pm
It’s the Republicans who need to be told that it is not in line with reality. There’s no such plan to replace voters. (Maybe you can ascribe that poll result to malpractice of politics, if you want. Biden does not want to be seen as favoring immigration – he just wants to turn that into a non-issue so he gets nothing from either side)
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/26/2023 @ 6:34 amBiden is also closing some border crossings, affecting some border communities. The whole matter is beyond his capabilities, although it also will be for most other politicians. (The Republican position is: Just bring back Trump)
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/26/2023 @ 6:39 amhttps://nypost.com/2023/12/25/news/marjorie-taylor-greene-gets-unwelcome-christmas-day-surprise/
Leftists behaving badly.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:10 amProcessing times, asylum claims… All things that Congress needs to deal with, like providing more funds for immigration judges so more cases can be processed in a timely manner.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:11 amNot to be outdone with his deranged morning Christmas, Trump’s late morning deranged Christmas message starts with “Merry Christmas to all” and concludes with “ROT IN HELL” and “AGAIN, MERRY CHRISTMAS!” and heaping amounts of DARVO.
The RCP average has 63.8% of my party in favor of this lunatic’s nomination for president.
Paul Montagu (966377) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:27 amlloyd, it was in your link.
Nate (1f1d55) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:32 amI want to thank you once again for your tireless searching for all things Trump, Paul.
You are better at this than any other fan of his that I have seen on the internet.
BuDuh (4214e4) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:37 amI think most of us had seen that one, BuDuh. Something about mixing a celebration of Christ with telling people to rot in hell made it stand out.
Nate (1f1d55) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:40 amFrontotemporal dementia. Or Satanism.
Probably both.
Trump is mentally ill, and whichever of his stooges write these tweets for him intend to inflame anger and hate in his supporters and elicit anger and resentment from his opponents.
nk (db9d6f) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:43 amFunny that you keep lying about that, BuDuh. There was no “searching”, tireless or otherwise.
Paul Montagu (966377) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:51 amWe’ll see what happens in July. DeSantis excels in party infighting. If he maneuvers himself into being the VP, and they win, I foresee Trump being 25thed (Amendment) within six months. Maybe even before being sworn in.
If they win.
nk (db9d6f) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:54 am@206
Or, ya know, we can simply deport them back to Mexico and follow proper immigration pathways.
The problem with illegal immigration, is that the incentives/disincenvites are whacked.
Change that, and the illegal immigration would change.
whembly (5f7596) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:56 amROT IN HELL is trending on Xitter. This one was mildly humorous.
Paul Montagu (966377) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:57 am@207
Blame the GOP leadership and big donors. They f’ed up royally such that Trump saw an opening.
You’d think they learn this lesson, but looks like the beatings will continue.
whembly (5f7596) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:58 amI blame McConnell. He could’ve whipped his caucus to a two-thirds vote and a conviction.
Paul Montagu (966377) — 12/26/2023 @ 8:01 am@217
He’s in that “GOP leadership” I mentioned. 😉
whembly (5f7596) — 12/26/2023 @ 8:13 am@214: asylum claims require due process. It’s the law, not a political preference of any particular administration.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:07 amIt’s quite literally legal immigration.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:08 amIt’s the Republicans who need to be told that it is not in line with reality. There’s no such plan to replace voters
I watch people’s feet, and Biden’s feet seem to be on that path.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:15 amProcessing times, asylum claims… All things that Congress needs to deal with, like providing more funds for immigration judges so more cases can be processed in a timely manner.
Or how about rejecting bogus “magic word” claims without a hearing? Customs agents don’t need a hearing to refuse entry at an airport. Fewer claims to adjudicate, fewer judges needed.
Biden’s claim is that, after ramping up the influx that he needs more judges. Only a really dimwitted Republican would buy that.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:18 am@222 – because due process and the legal rights of asylum claimants.
I’m old enough to recall wait times for legal entry being over 20 years – from reports over a decade ago.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:21 amThe only way to stop the terrible and dangerous trek though Central America by people obviously desperate for a better life is to make it clear there is no pot of gold at the end.
Failing that, reform our laws so that legal, truthful immigration by young workers with saleable skills (and their families) from Central America is given preference in normal order. That way they don’t have to pay criminals to bring them north and subject them to all kinds of danger and heartbreak, while simplifying the process.
Apply at an embassy, get a number, when the number comes up, get on an airplane.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:26 amIf there are really millions of people fleeing repressive governments, as they might be in Venezuela, Nicaragua or Honduras, maybe we should look at regime change instead. I mean MILLIONS? How do we allow that?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:26 amI’m old enough to recall wait times for legal entry being over 20 years – from reports over a decade ago.
I know for a fact this is utter BS.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:27 amLOL! I doubt someone nicknamed “DeSanctimonious” will end up as the Nicknamer-in-Chief’s VP. And as I pointed out above, only the cabinet can invoke the 25th Amendment, and it would need to confirmed by a 2/3 vote of the House and Senate. At the rate things are going for DeSantis, he may end up with fewer than a 100 delegates at the Republican Convention.
Trump v. DeSantis polling:
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:29 am@214: asylum claims require due process. It’s the law, not a political preference of any particular administration.
It’s a law, and the GOP is holding everything hostage to change that law. There is no constitutional right to asylum here. And try to enter the USA for a visit with a drug conviction at home. There is not hearing at all, they just put you back on a plane.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:30 am@224 so we’re back to Congress changing the law. Thank you.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:32 am@225 it’s not just their governments: it’s that “the applicant must establish that race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion was or will be at least one central reason for persecuting the applicant.” Their governments don’t have to take direct persecutory action against them for this to apply.
Or, ya know, we can simply deport them back to Mexico and follow proper immigration pathways.
The problem with illegal immigration, is that the incentives/disincenvites are whacked.
The problem with legal immigration is that there is no legal pathway for someone who does not already have family here. NONE.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:32 am* for someone FROM CENTRAL AMERICA who does not have family here.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:33 am@228 our laws regarding refugees (e.g. asylum claimants) stems from our membership in the Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees treaty of 1967. Our laws fulfill the obligations of those treaties, and any changes must fulfill those obligations as well.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:37 amThis thread and infographic are pretty useful for understanding how difficult it is: https://x.com/David_J_Bier/status/1668576125809745922?s=20
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:42 amSamG, why are you so defensive of this nonsense? You are making JUST the kind of arguments that make people think there’s a hidden agenda.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:43 amIt is my understanding that conservatives respect the law and the legal obligations. “Shutting down the border” doesn’t meet our legal obligations; deporting an asylum claimant without due process violates our own laws – and thus the 5th and 14th amendments come into play.
My points have been that it is incumbent on Congress as a whole to make a workable system that is efficient; meets our legal obligations; and that it is not in the interest of the GOP to actually do so.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 9:54 amhttps://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/prevention-cures/3541196-california-will-offer-health-insurance-to-all-undocumented-immigrants/
Why does it feel like the Communist left is trying to Cloward-Piven society and destroy America?
NJRob (808fcc) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:00 amOnce again, asylum requests state that they must stay in the first “safe nation. ” By traveling through Mexico they are violating the law. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.
Immediate deportation. No hearing needed
NJRob (808fcc) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:03 amSince when is Mexico a safe nation?
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:06 amThere is no requirement that the US admit any particular number of refugees, only that it have a process for admitting some. US law also prohibits discriminations of various types.
Normal immigration into the US is limited to an annual quota, and a subquota per country of not more than (iirc) 7% of the total. This makes immigration from Central America much harder than immigration from, say, Morocco, as proximity and economic desire drive application from Central America.
On top of that is a preference system, ranging from spouses of US citizens at the top, through children, through relatives of US residents and down a the bottom of that list are those who have no prior connection. This makes the immigration tend to favor dependents of current residents and disfavor economic migrants from nearby countries.
But wait! All this can be bypassed, and country quotas can be ignored, if one claims to be a displaced person or other refugee. So the “magic words” which everyone uses. Apparently, the US allows several million refugees to enter every year — without a country quota — and proximity drives the numbers.
It’s gaming the system and everyone knows it. Like preferences lately for dishonest people, the “law” is used by people with no actual respect for it in order to get over and all those who defend this — knowing it’s a game — because “it’s the law” are beneath contempt.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:11 amKevin, that means making a better immigration and asylum claim system which requires Congress – not POTUS – to invest money and resources to process applications in an efficient and timely manner.
That is not the proposal from the GOP.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:15 amSince when is Mexico a safe nation?
Compared to what? Lebanon? Syria? Angola? I could argue that Washington DC or Baltimore are unsafe by some measures.
But that’s not the point.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:15 amThat is not the proposal from the GOP.
No, the GOP proposal is to lower the asylum quota and to admit refugees in a way that the existing judges are not swamped. This does not contravene ANY treaty as the several immigration and refugee treaties are extremely vague about numbers and methods.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:18 amSam,
Do you argue that most of these asylum seekers came here out of fear, or do you admit they come out of economic necessity?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:20 am@242 changing the number that gets approved does nothing to change the number of applications that are submitted. You still need personnel to process those in a timely manner, and that means funds/resources to do so. The GOP plan is to put lipstick on a pig.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:21 am243 ¿Porque no los dos?
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:22 amMore importantly:
Due. Process.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:24 amThe GOP plan is to put lipstick on a pig.
Then, if it would not do a thing, why don’t you let them?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:25 amDue. Process.
No due process is required at the border. No foreign person has a right to enter.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:27 am’cause I view it as a waste of time and continuation of pig-headed obstinacy in lieu of real reform efforts that are sorely needed, solely for the purposes of their electoral prospects.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:27 am243 ¿Porque no los dos?
Because the latter is not a valid reason for entry and the fact that they all claim “asylum” is indicative not of the Rule of Law, but in its breakdown.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:28 amOh, so a particular social group cannot be persecuted via economic means?
Due process is required the minute they make claim to be a refugee. And – because of proximity – Central Americans present themselves at the border. That puts them into our jurisdiction: so again, more resources to process such claims in a timely manner is in all of our interests.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:37 amDue process is required the minute they make claim to be a refugee.
“Due process” means very little actually. I get “due process” when I get a speeding ticket, but it’s really rather streamlined.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:45 amDue process is required the minute they make claim to be a refugee.
So, you admit that these are “magic words” that cause us to do stupid things?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:46 amThe speeding ticket itself is a summons: the due process part is whether you plead guilty and pay the ticket, or decide to go to court to plead not guilty – where resources are required to process the claim from the state and your arguments against said claims.
Here’s the thing: I think you and I are ultimately in agreement that a streamlined system for legal immigration is sorely needed, where one can apply for and receive approval/denial for various purposes outside the US prior to entry.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:52 amhttps://freebeacon.com/biden-administration/they-justified-hamas-terrorism-now-biden-is-letting-them-dole-out-taxpayer-dollars/
Biden handing out tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to terrorist supporting organizations because they are anti-American leftists.
Keep supporting him
NJRob (0e6723) — 12/26/2023 @ 11:09 amSince the law stipulates they are.
NJRob (0e6723) — 12/26/2023 @ 11:10 amThe law does not stipulate Mexico is a safe third country, and there is no agreement between the US and Mexico that it is one – which is required under the law.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 11:20 amYes it does. Your desire to support the invasion of the US speaks volumes about how you feel towards the nation and people that granted you such a cushy life.
NJRob (0e6723) — 12/26/2023 @ 11:23 amNo, it does not.
We have an agreement with Canada, we do not have one with Mexico.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 11:29 amYou may be think about the “Remain in Mexico” rule from the Trump admin – which is not a law – which was enjoined by the courts.
Here’s the thing: I think you and I are ultimately in agreement that a streamlined system for legal immigration is sorely needed, where one can apply for and receive approval/denial for various purposes outside the US prior to entry.
The problem I have is that the US needs to be able to enforce its border and processes that game the law and entry are wrong. Just wrong. You talk about “due process” but over a million people have been admitted to this country and been given work permits, with NO DUE PROCESS, only a claim of refugee status.
Is it a lack of due process to refuse admission until after some process is complete? Is it “due process” to accept claims at face value and offer maybe a decade of parole without even a cursory check? I think the answer to both of those is “No.”
I think that what is happening is that the wind is being sown, and the whirlwind that comes in reaction will not be to my liking, or yours.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 12:17 pmThe claim starts a process: that the process takes so damn long is an indictment of our abilities to process claims, not that claims are being made.
Treat root causes, not symptoms: otherwise we just kick the can further down the road.
The whole point of not doing so is to sow discontent. That should not be rewarded, and it’s better to be honest about that strategy.
If there was any actual desire to resolve the issue we’d dust off the 2013 immigration bill, update it, and get it passed – at least in the Senate – and put that ball in the House’s court.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 12:25 pmThe compromise needs to be twofold:
One, no one is admitted under an asylum claim unless the expected time until adjudication is reasonable. Right now it is not.
Two, some increase in ability to adjudicate is needed, in order to reduce the backlog, but attempting to match the influx will simply increase the demand.
Now, it would help A LOT if there is a higher bar for admission, with weaker claimants required to wait in Mexico. The more people waiting in Mexico the less attraction there will be fore more dubious claimants.
And even after all that, there needs to be a limit. We cannot accept the world’s refugees. Some sparrows may fall. You only need to look at what mass immigration has done to Southern California, Arizona, Texas and New York.
Infrastructure cannot be built fast enough and internal displacement is at least as bad as displacement elsewhere. A crappy 2 bedroom apartment in Los Angeles is out of the reach of much of the working class. Traffic in L.A. is back above pre-pandemic levels and there are shantytowns developing wherever government allows them.
I get it that there is a desire to help people, but you cannot save every puppy in the pound.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 12:28 pmTreat root causes, not symptoms: otherwise we just kick the can further down the road.
Conquer central America, replace their governments and police forces, institute a $3 minimum wage and build schools and hospitals, with an eye to eventual admission as states.
That is what you would have to do to treat the “root causes.”
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 12:29 pmLack of housing is due far more to local regulations preventing housing from being built in the numbers/density to meet demand.
Allow builders to build, and there’ll be more than enough infrastructure to support demand.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 12:37 pmAt minimum: invest in the Americas, improve their economies, with requirements for anti-corruption benchmarks.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 12:38 pmWith what money? We are trillions in debt with no ability to repay.
Are you housing any illegal aliens? Any fake asylum seekers? Or do you just pretend and cheerlead the destruction of the US?
NJRob (2d325d) — 12/26/2023 @ 12:50 pmDestruction of the United States!??
I guess The extreme right Republicans need you to believe in that in order to gain support for their policies. Disease! Terrorists! Lots of (there are no terrorists coming yet, not only because any smuggler would fear what would happen to them but because no terrorist organization would risk a plot being discovered. They are claiming they stopped people, but not that they detained people or stopped a plot. This is like the TSA lists no doubt. Not that something couldn’t happen later, but they have plenty of people allied with terrorists in the USA already, and are trying to gin up others to join in something.)
Even if this migration was bad, there is a lot of ruin in a country, said Adam Smith.
What about people being released from prison?? Or never being prosecuted at all? These people are an improvement over some other people. And every New Yorker or ex-New Yorker knows that
The latest complaint? People are wandering miles from Floyd Bennet Field begging. Obviously they wouldn’t be doing that if people weren’t giving them something.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:08 pmhttps://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2023/12/21/us-troops-in-iraq-and-syria-have-faced-over-100-attacks-since-october/
Here’s the Biden so many love and think is a better President than the alternative.
NJRob (2d325d) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:10 pmSammy, how many illegals have you let stay at your home?
NJRob (2d325d) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:11 pmOne article fills out something in the other.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/21/world/middleeast/abu-toha-palestinian-poet-gaza.html
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/01/01/a-palestinian-poets-perilous-journey-out-of-gaza
Not clear if he still in Egypt. This guy worked for UNWRA
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:13 pmNJRob (2d325d) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:11 pm
This is not the same thing. The question is if, not only do you not want to help, but you want to stop everybody else from helping.
Because maybe keeping people poor makes other people rich. Or what is the thinking? The failure of the welfare state?
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:15 pmSamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 12:38 pm
Won’t happen without the rule of law. And why not complain that any money invested there could instead create American jobs?
Very difficult to do. That’s sort of the Biden policy, which is nonsense. And you’d have to improve the living standard of at least dozen people to prevent one migrant.
And if they are real, and if they are not met, what then?
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:19 pm264. SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 12:37 pm
There are so many ways to reduce the cost of building new housing (like prefabricated housing) but government policy for the past 75 to 90 years has been to drive up the price of housing.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:21 pmSammy,
you want everyone else to pay for your preferences. At least put your money (and home) where your mouth is.
Should Israel be required to let in unlimited illegals like you want us to? Right of return?
NJRob (2d325d) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:23 pmKevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 12:29 pm
And of course you’d get more migration – maybe mostly legal – in the meantime. You’d also get more US citizens retiring there.
The most important root cause is previous migration, and international communications. Telephones, Facebook, money transfers, tourism.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:25 pmok.
NJRob (2d325d) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:23 pm
The cost is trivial. And that argument applies both to legal and illegal immigration, except that illegal, or conditional, immigration is cheaper. Unless you arrange things so that it costs money, and people feed off the crisis.
It’s actually a net benefit But that argument can’t be used – it amounts to “replacement.”
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:28 pmI agree that cultural or demographic considerations could be a valid argument in certain places, but the economic ones are crackpot ideas.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:30 pmNot held by any serious economist.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:30 pmKevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 12:28 pm
True. But it is one thing to have circumstances prevent it, and it is another thing to have law. People hate kill shelters.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:32 pmThe Republican border policy is deterrence, not control. And everyone knows that the best deterrent is the death penalty and that is what would happen.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:34 pmSammy,
you deny cultural differences and the incentives put in place to ensure criminal immigration on the dole. Our society will collapse under your desired outcome.
NJRob (2d325d) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:36 pmSammy should Israel be required to accept illegals the same way you think we should?
NJRob (2d325d) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:36 pmDeterrence not control, because control costs money – and lots of it.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:37 pmIt is replacement. There’s no such thing as America being a magic place that will forever be the destination of choice. Your choices ensure our destruction just as leftist policies do.
NJRob (2d325d) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:38 pmPeople hate kill shelters.
But the money is somehow never there. In part because people want low taxes and in part because the shelters just hire more staff with more money and still can’t pay for the food.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 1:48 pmSeeing the writing on the wall:
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/26/2023 @ 2:25 pmThe importance of charging someone in the jurisdiction where the crime was committed:
This is why Trump was indicted in Washington DC for election interference, and in Florida for violating the Espionage Act.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/26/2023 @ 2:33 pmVivek Ramaswamy’s presidential campaign has stopped spending money on television ads
Trump is concerned about his margins and has told his catspaw to get out and endorse him
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 2:47 pmThe importance of charging someone in the jurisdiction where the crime was committed:
That pesky 6th Amendment:
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 2:49 pmSamG @259 “You may be think about the “Remain in Mexico” rule from the Trump admin – which is not a law – which was enjoined by the courts.”
It was enjoined because Biden was intent on ditching the policy, not because it wasn’t a law, or that there was anything legally problematic about it. Two states sued to keep it in place, and the courts held that the president could halt it. Biden could’ve continued it, if he wanted to. He didn’t want to. There was nothing wrong with Remain in Mexico, other than it worked to stem the tide, and that’s not what Democrats want. To claim the problem is waiting for a solution from Congress is just bullsh1t.
lloyd (68d2f8) — 12/26/2023 @ 4:04 pmCongress has a solution, anyway. It’s called HR2 which the Democrats don’t want. The Democrats don’t want anything other than more money to keep the turnstiles rotating. They have no solution, because they don’t want one, and they’ll stop Ukraine aid to make the point.
lloyd (68d2f8) — 12/26/2023 @ 4:08 pmIt used to matter more than it does now. Lawyers cost money. It doesn’t make much of a difference to Hunter Biden where he is charged,
But this is still a precaution against judge and jury shopping
Sammy FInkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 4:26 pmlloyd (68d2f8) — 12/26/2023 @ 4:04 pm
It was a loophole and required the consent of Mexico, which could be achieved by pressure, but yes, Democrats didn’t want it.
Sammy FInkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 4:28 pm242. Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:18 am
How can you have a quota on asylum? That’s grading on a curve.
Republicans refuse to add more judges.
Sammy FInkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 4:33 pmRevie w of the year, and some predictions:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/full-transcript-of-face-the-nation-on-december-24-2023
Sammy FInkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 4:38 pmSammy?
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/26/2023 @ 4:41 pmBien will probably agree to turn over to Ukraine seized Russian
As for the bill – the Senate negotiators are reaching for a bill that will lose 10 Republican Senators because they don’t want aid to Ukraine anyway and 20 because they don’t like the immigration provisions and will lose 20 Democratic Senators because they don’t like the changes in immigration law – and whereever they wind up that’s the Senate bill.
The House may not accept it. preferring to go to the public on the issue of who is too stubborn and who should give in.
If no supplemental aid bill, probably no continuing resolution either.
Sammy FInkelman (1d215a) — 12/26/2023 @ 4:44 pmHow can you have a quota on asylum? That’s grading on a curve.
No, that’s allowing only so many in at a time. We are not required to accept the entire population of Central America just because they show up at the door. We are only required to accept *some*.
Republicans refuse to add more judges.
Then you have to limit the applicant pool, which is, oddly, exactly what the GOP is demanding.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:06 pmSammy should Israel be required to accept illegals the same way you think we should?
After all, prior to 10/7, many Palestinians wanted to be free of Hamas and could easily call themselves “refugees.” But Israel was not letting them in.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:08 pmBusinessmen don’t get rich by throwing good money after pad. Ramaswamy’s numbers in Iowa (6%) and New Hampshire (about the same) are trivial when compared to Trump’s current leads (Trump +38 in Iowa and +19 in NH).
Even if Trump comes in second place in either state, he wins delegates. Neither will be the death of his campaign.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:11 pmAccording to a Washington Post columnist (initials MT) they’re ;looking for 60 votes, half Dem and half Rep
I wrote
I meant for a total 20 Rep Senators,
The House may not accept it,”Then both parties will go the country on the issue of which party should have given in in order to pass a bill: The Republicans on Ukraine aid, or the Democrats on immigration law changes? Or the Republicans on the continuing resolution because this will be stuck in limbo too,
Aid to Israel will be passed separately, with the issue being how and whethhhher it is “paid for”
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:13 pmAs I suggested before, Biden’s insistence on accepting every Central American who is not patently lying about being a refugee is going to sow the wind. It is one of the things that drive people into MAGA’s arms. And should Trump win office again, it will be the whirlwind.
Picture 100 square miles of West Texas fenced off as deportation holding, policed by the Texas national Guard. Manzanar writ large. It could happen if this goes on long enough and people get fed up.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:14 pmEven if Trump comes in second place in either state, he wins delegates. Neither will be the death of his campaign.
No, but Ramaswamy is Trump’s creature.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:14 pm@290 so then you agree Mexico is not legally a safe third country under the law, just under this policy; and adding in @293 for this point: Mexico has stated in February 2023 that they reject any efforts to re-instate the policy. It’s going to take an actual legal agreement between the US and Mexico to get them to be a legal STC.
@302 gotta prove their claims are invalid. The GOP is going to have to negotiate on what happens, and assumedly there is no interest in doing so because they don’t really want the issue to be solved.
So break out your favorite method of making popcorn, and pull up a seat.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:20 pmKevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:08 pm
It did extract a few intelligence assets, Israel wanted other countries to let Gazans emigrate.
About 10%, mostly young, left in the past five years (not to Arab countries mostly – they weren’t allowed)- the ones who got an education legally, the ones who did not illegally and some drowned trying to go to Europe.
Israel is still interested in that:
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-minister-calls-voluntary-emigration-gazans-2023-11-14/
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:21 pmBefore October 7:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/poor-living-conditions-trigger-mass-migration-from-gaza/3009581
Hamas was still counting them.
But on October 7 or so, the border to Egypt was tightky sealed,
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:28 pmRamaswamy is running to be Trump’s successor in 2028; but I think that works only if Trump wins in 2024. If he loses the general election, the ties that bind MAGAWorld together will fray.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:42 pmSammy,
Should Israel be required to let all the refugees from their neighboring states enter the nation and gain status as you demand of us?
This isn’t a difficult question. Why are you refusing to answer it?
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:48 pmThe only question that should guide immigration policy — including asylum — especially asylum — is “What’s in it for us?” “Us” meaning America.
Unfortunately, to the people making immigration policy “us” means themselves. Their constituencies, their special interests, their Benjamins. And there’s a lot of promiscuous backscratching — “I’ll vote for yours if you vote for mine” — involved. And it has been out of control since the early 1970s.
nk (bb1548) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:48 pm@304 “so then you agree Mexico is not legally a safe third country under the law, just under this policy”
No. The law says nothing about Mexico being safe or unsafe. Nor does Biden’s policy of not making use of Remain in Mexico. He simply isn’t interested in using it, because it’s effective. It has nothing to do with Mexico being unsafe.
lloyd (753f61) — 12/26/2023 @ 5:49 pmRemain in Mexico worked. It helped drastically reduce illegal aliens invading our nation and reduced a lot of the pressure on southern states. But that isn’t of interest to the left who wants to ruin southern states because they vote primarily for Republicans and because the left wants to Cloward-Piven the nation.
I want to know why Sammy thinks we should allow open borders for all who reach here but refuses to answer if Israel should be held to the same idea.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/26/2023 @ 6:03 pmThat’s just too bad:
I would hate to be in Shoigu’s shoes. One day he will take trip too many to Putin’s office to give him bad news.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/26/2023 @ 6:08 pmThat article was published October 6, 2023
More:
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/26/2023 @ 6:18 pmIsrael is Displacement Theory, NJRob. It has to take in every person with a Jewish grandparent.
It is more than a poem on Israel’s figurative Statue of Liberty. It is Israel’s foundational law.
And not all of them move on to Long Island to run for George Santos’s seat. They stay to share nightmarish future prospects with the Palestinians.
nk (4965e7) — 12/26/2023 @ 6:23 pmIf you live in CA, or maybe even if you don’t, please sign this change.org petition opposing the CA legislature’s disingenuous proposal to gut Prop 209 (that outlawed racial preferences in state government).
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 6:34 pmRamaswamy is running to be Trump’s successor in 2028;
Mini Me
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 6:35 pmNk,
so their ancestry and heritage matters. I agree.
Now do America.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/26/2023 @ 6:41 pmNow do America.
I already did:
nk (4965e7) — 12/26/2023 @ 6:47 pmYou did nk. I stand and applaud.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:01 pmhttps://hotair.com/headlines/2023/12/26/the-us-migrant-invasion-was-carefully-planned-n601090
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/26/2023 @ 7:02 pm@207 what makes you think its still your party unless you are a populist. 64% trump also add vivak & desatan you get close to 75% of rethugliKKKan party populist. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!
asset (6541f4) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:31 pm@263 Not that needed. Just tell the dictators of central and south america except for nicuragua and venezuela we put in place. Stop them from leaving or our C.I.A. who put you in power will replace you with those waiting to be given power by our C.I.A. Remember what we did to Allende, Lumumba, Mosadek, Diem and many others like grenada and dominican republic 1965. Send in the marines!
asset (6541f4) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:48 pmTrotting out all the canards.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:55 pmAmerica’s theologian AOC that like the palestinian children of today Jesus was born in a manger under threat of death and Abraham was the father of both!
asset (6541f4) — 12/26/2023 @ 10:59 pm@323 Glad you agree. For AOC’s critiques who yelled for Barabbas when pilate tried to save him. Who ordered the deaths of all the babies in bethlehem? How many of the thousands of dead babies killed by netanayahu’s angry failure attacked Israel on Oct. 7?
asset (6541f4) — 12/27/2023 @ 12:33 amJust a reminder that the ramblings of asset are what you support when you vote for leftist candidates.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/27/2023 @ 4:25 amhttps://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2023/12/26/22-50144.pdf
Former Rep Fortenberry’s conviction for allegedly lying to the FBI has been overturned.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/27/2023 @ 5:33 am@246
The can have Due. Process.
In Mexico, or the next closest safe harbor nation.
Or, better yet, I want the POTUS to shut down the border in defense of this country.
whembly (5f7596) — 12/27/2023 @ 6:37 amasset is a put-on. Just trolling to annoy.
But he does do a yeoman’s job with a “there but for the grace of God” patina that makes people reluctant to flame him; and syntax and spelling designed to defeat writing style analysis programs.
nk (4965e7) — 12/27/2023 @ 6:47 amTrump to remain on Michigan’s primary ballot:
Trump is the leading Republican candidate in Michigan according to a WaPo/Monmouth University poll released a couple of weeks ago; with Trump +50 over DeSantis and Haley tied at 13 percent.
Michigan’s primary is on February 27th.
Rip Murdock (906288) — 12/27/2023 @ 6:48 amOn jurisdictional grounds but not on the merits.
Fortenberry was convicted of lying in Los Angeles when the lying took place in Lincoln NB and Washington DC. He can be retried in those jurisdictions. See post 287.
Rip Murdock (906288) — 12/27/2023 @ 6:58 amWould “shutting the border down” include all cross border trade and travel?
Rip Murdock (906288) — 12/27/2023 @ 7:04 amA Republican being tried in LA or DC is the same as a Chinese dissident being tried in Peking.
NJRob (83230b) — 12/27/2023 @ 7:08 amUnfortunately for Donald Trump, Washington DC is the jurisdiction where his alleged election interference crimes took place.
Rip Murdock (906288) — 12/27/2023 @ 7:15 amThe 6th amendment is contradictory. Trump cannot get the impartial jury he’s constitutionally entitled to in the district where his alleged crimes took place.
lloyd (e8e092) — 12/27/2023 @ 7:26 am“Unfortunately for Donald Trump, Washington DC is the jurisdiction where his alleged election interference crimes took place.”
It’s also unfortunate for the prosecution, unless you believe the State has no interest in having the verdict taken seriously.
lloyd (e8e092) — 12/27/2023 @ 7:32 amlloyd (e8e092) — 12/27/2023 @ 7:26 am
The defendant can ask for a venue.
But courts have rules that in mot cases an impartial jury can be selected (with the big exceptions being where there is a case of extensive pretrial publicity.. THe new venue has to be better than the original)
The Florida documents case will be tried in the home court of the trial judge, toward central Florida, and not in Miami, but I am not sure what is the reason.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/27/2023 @ 7:42 amIf Trump had not had bone spurs, the Army would have taught him the dangers of operating from inside enemy territory. He would have avoided the New York trials also.
Trump has said that he wants the Constitution suspended. But then he thinks that Christmas is about him too.
He got a bigger break than he deserved with the Florida cases and Judge Cannon. The sun cannot shine on the same carpet bag all the time.
nk (4965e7) — 12/27/2023 @ 7:56 amRIP Tom Smothers (86).
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/27/2023 @ 9:19 amThat has yet to be determined, as questioning potential jurors has has yet to begin. However, apparently the process has started:
It is also unlikely that a request to change the venue will succeed.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/27/2023 @ 9:51 amFortenberry was convicted of lying in Los Angeles when the lying took place in Lincoln NB and Washington DC. He can be retried in those jurisdictions.
But, as Donald Trump would assert, jurisdiction matters.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/27/2023 @ 11:51 amOn jurisdictional grounds but not on the merits.
How often, would you say, do appeals courts overturn a conviction “on the merits”?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/27/2023 @ 11:52 amThe 6th amendment is contradictory. Trump cannot get the impartial jury he’s constitutionally entitled to in the district where his alleged crimes took place.
Sure he can. It’s just harder. And a notable failure to provide such a jury is grounds for appeal.
But the idea of the jurisdiction being fixed is to protect the defendant, preventing the prosecution from dragging a case from, say, Florida to, say, DC. In the colonial period, the British would sometimes transport the accused to England for trial rather than try them in a more hospitable colonial court.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/27/2023 @ 11:58 amThe Florida documents case will be tried in the home court of the trial judge, toward central Florida, and not in Miami, but I am not sure what is the reason.
It’s the same state and district.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/27/2023 @ 11:59 am@338: Flag on the play. Too many mixed metaphors.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/27/2023 @ 12:00 pmQuestion: Do jurors in a DC case have to live in the District, or can they be drawn from Virginia and Maryland if they work in the District?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/27/2023 @ 12:02 pm@332
Probably not, but definitely ought to have increased inspection/surveillance.
whembly (5f7596) — 12/27/2023 @ 12:09 pmDistrict residents.
Rip Murdock (906288) — 12/27/2023 @ 12:12 pm@346:
You must live in DC:
whembly (5f7596) — 12/27/2023 @ 12:12 pmhttps://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/sites/dcd/files/jury-FAQ.pdf
That’s the way it is everywhere. Voting address or taxpaying address probably
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/27/2023 @ 1:14 pmWho knows what Donald Trump means by that? Probably nothing specific actually. It just can sound good to some people and he will dare any opponent to disagree with him,
Now maybe Stephen Miller or Stephen Bannon has explained that.
The term was used in 2019:
https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/01/politics/stephen-miller-trump-shut-down-border/index.html
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/27/2023 @ 1:19 pmSorry for overpasting
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/27/2023 @ 1:20 pmWould “shutting the border down” include all cross border trade and travel?
That’s all it would mean. Shutting down legal crossings and inspection points. People would still be crossing everywhere else along it.
Trump! His diamonds in platinum are zircons in pot metal.
nk (11dd8b) — 12/27/2023 @ 1:33 pmRIP Gaston Glock (94). Inventor of the Glock handgun.
Rip Murdock (906288) — 12/27/2023 @ 1:57 pm@347 If shut down. How can cancun ted get to cancun when it gets freezing in texas?
asset (097af2) — 12/27/2023 @ 2:25 pm@354 Burning in hell. Hopefully soon joined by wayne lapierre.
asset (097af2) — 12/27/2023 @ 2:28 pm@350
The issue is whether or not such area can supply enough jurors who can set aside their partisan belief on such a politically charged court case.
DC has about 750,000 resident. It’s pretty densely populated in such a tiny area.
About how much of that count, are able to sit in as a juror?
That’s not taking account to the fact that DC votes Democrats nearly 95% rate.
Is there any other court district that is even that comparable? I mean, the state of Washington went to Biden by only 19%… but, in their court district, its hard to argue that one couldn’t get an unbiased juror pool.
Rational people can point out the obviousness here. But, if you’re dismissing this concern, it only fuels the lack of distrust in these institutions.
whembly (5f7596) — 12/27/2023 @ 2:36 pm@355
The stupid here…
It burns…
whembly (5f7596) — 12/27/2023 @ 2:37 pmI hope not. He developed some great firearms.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/27/2023 @ 3:53 pmMore:
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/27/2023 @ 4:23 pmThere’s nothing in that section of law that disqualifies Trump if he does not meet the eligibility criteria of the federal constitution, or authorizes any challenge on that basis. And Maine cannot adjudicate that anyway. Maine cn authorize its Secretary of State to remove someone from the ballot if, in her opinion, he is disqualified, but it must do so explicitly.
The 14th amendment does not apply to the election process but only to the assuming of office. The 20th amendment foresees the possibility of a president being elected who does not qualify for the office, And even if Trump were disqualified, the disqualification is not absolute – Congress, by a 2/3 vote of both houses can remove such disability, unlikely as that might be.
But, anyway, a primary election for president is not an ordinary election – it is merely a service to a political party and a political party is free to award delegates in any way it wants to, regardless of how state law says they are too be apportioned, or to run a caucus itself instead, or in addition, or a so called firehouse primary.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/27/2023 @ 4:53 pmAgain, Trump will not be the nominee so a lot of this is moot.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/27/2023 @ 4:59 pm<blockquote>Again, Trump will not be the nominee so a lot of this is moot.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/27/2023 @ 4:59 pm
An assumption without facts.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/27/2023 @ 5:00 pmI’ll take that bet.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/27/2023 @ 5:03 pmShow your work.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/27/2023 @ 5:04 pmRepublican news: ND rethug state rep. nico rios asked to resign after video of his drunk driving arrest where he tells offcers Do you know who I am. I am an important republican in this republican state! then makes homophobic and racist slurs as he threatens to get them. Speaking of homophobes rethug congresscriter tim walberg praises the murder of homosexuels saying I wish we could kill them too! Reslut bobbert is switching districts in co. say the people in my district are tired of my behavior.
asset (4037a9) — 12/27/2023 @ 10:09 pm@363 I will take you up on that bet and I hope you win and I lose the bet.
asset (4037a9) — 12/27/2023 @ 10:13 pmasset seems to be drifting into happyfeet territory, trying to get a rise.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/27/2023 @ 11:15 pmAnecdotally this tracks with me…
whembly (5f7596) — 12/28/2023 @ 7:05 amhttps://www.npr.org/2023/12/27/1217878506/gen-x-conservative-disapprove-biden
Huh?
Really? As a candidate for governor she endorsed the Confederate flag and defended secession when it was politically convenient for her campaign. Then again, at least she has been consistent on her belief about why the Civil War was fought. It’s one thing she hasn’t changed her position on.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/28/2023 @ 7:15 amVideo of Haley’s response to the Civil War question.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/28/2023 @ 7:20 amOf course, Haley is now conceding that slavery was somehow involved in the Civil War. As I’ve said in the past, whenever a politician has to “clarify” or “apologize if anyone was offended”, you can be sure that their original comments revealed their true beliefs.
Whether the questioner was a “Democrat plant” or not, she still needs to explain why slavery as a cause of the Civil War wasn’t the first thing that popped into her head.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/28/2023 @ 7:31 amDang, dang, dang! Nikki, you just lost all of Biden’s base.
nk (8f9963) — 12/28/2023 @ 7:33 amAnyway, as the Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges, the Civil War was fought so that Harriet Beecher Stowe could marry Harriet Tubman. Slavery, shmavery!
!
nk (8f9963) — 12/28/2023 @ 7:39 amshe still needs to explain why slavery as a cause of the Civil War wasn’t the first thing that popped into her head.
Easy. She is not a 20-year old undergrad at an American college.
nk (8f9963) — 12/28/2023 @ 7:41 am@377
This:
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/nikki-haleys-sin-isnt-racism/
The Civil War wasn’t fought solely for the south to maintain slavery, but it was a huge part of a very complicated conflict.
There is a debate, not a good one imo, but a debate that if slavery didn’t exist and everything else stayed the same, there wouldn’t be a CW.
What history does say though, that at the time, the south lost a lot of influence in the federal government to the north and the question over slavery was one of the major pretext for this conflict.
Nikki’s gaffe here is going to hurt…and would be a major attack in the general.
If a politician wanted more nuance, one could say the CW was started primarily over slavery and the right of the states to secede.
whembly (5f7596) — 12/28/2023 @ 8:08 amThe Civil War was fought because the industrial North needed a secure breadbasket to feed its factory workers. Control of agriculture.
The same thing in the Dred Scott decision scared the pants off both the Northern industrialists and the abolitionists. Its application to the territories. But for entirely different reasons.
The abolitionists because slavery made their hearts bleed. The industrialists because slavery would be the litmus test whereby expanding America would align with the industrial North or the agricultural South.
nk (8f9963) — 12/28/2023 @ 8:20 amThe main grievance of South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Virginia is how the federal government (and the northern states) treated slaves and slavery, at least according to their Declaration of Causes of Seceding States. They were pretty upfront about it.
As I pointed out, Haley’s response reflected her long held position. It wasn’t a gaffe.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 8:53 amWhich is why she should have know better. A 20-year old undergrad would be too busy looking it up on their phone.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 8:57 amGiven her history discussing the Civil War, the question should have been predictable.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 8:59 amWe’ll see if she loses some NH independents to Christie, who presumably knows that slavery was one of the causes of the Civil War.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:01 amNikki gaffing is like airplanes crashing. It’s news because it’s so unusual. You try 24/7 campaigning and see how YOU do.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:07 am“Gen X is the most Republican of the generations,”
People in their prime working years generally don’t favor the taxers and regulators. With the Boomers, it was Reagan who made that connection, although Nixon had tempered that some (being a taxer and regulator par excellence, and a crook).
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:11 amIt’s not a gaffe, it’s the same answer she gave 13 years ago when running for governor. It’s her stated position.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:17 am“Slavery” was not the cause of succession. There was no way that the federal government could have ended it any time soon. What WAS the cause was the effort to limit the spread of slavery, in particular keeping it out of most of the Mexican Cession. See the Wilmot Proviso for where the wheels came off.
The secession very nearly happened circa 1850, but (Whig) Millard Fillmore’s yeoman support for the Compromise of 1850 put that off for a decade. Sadly, the next two Democrat presidents favored slavery and Dredd Scott put an end to compromise.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:18 amIt’s her stated position.
MY stated position is that slavery (itself) did not lead to secession, and it is secession that caused the Civil War. President Buchanan’s inaction and acquiescence led the South to think they might get away with it.
There was no chance that Abraham Lincoln could have done squat about slavery in those states where it existed. That wasn’t the reason.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:22 amDespite what South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Virginia said in their declarations justifying their secession?
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:23 amThat’s fine, but you’re not running for President; Haley is, and her answer in NH repeated what she said when running for governor. It’s in her blood.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:25 amThe main grievance of South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Virginia is how the federal government (and the northern states) treated slaves and slavery
It was A grievance, but it was not the main one. The federal government had great power over the vast new territories of the West and Southwest, and it was clear that slavery was going to be isolated as much as possible to those states where it already existed.
This would have harmed the Southern economy, which was inseparable from slavery (and tariffs didn’t help), but it eventually would have eliminated the Slave Power veto in the Senate as new free states were admitted.
The split happened long before Lincoln’s election. The Democrats split, north and south, and the Whigs were utterly destroyed by their own split, with most of the northern Whigs becoming “Republicans.”
You could say that it was “about slavery” but it was really about the South losing power.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:28 amDespite what South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Virginia said in their declarations justifying their secession?
Yes. Sometimes politicians lie to justify themselves. Read a book.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:30 amGen X is the one paying for everything at this point and knowing they’ll be shafted the most by this racist government and those demanding their freebies.
It’s only logical they’d be the most conservative. They’re the first generation that was treated to the modern leftist racism, they are paying for social security and Medicare and they are being told they don’t matter and need to be replaced by illegal aliens.
NJRob (7414f7) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:32 amAnd they weren’t completely indoctrinated in school even though those pressures heavily existed at the time.
NJRob (7414f7) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:33 amTry David M. Potter’s The Impending Crisis, 1848-1861. It won the Pulitzer.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:34 amIt’s only logical they’d be the most conservative. They’re the first generation that was treated to the modern leftist racism, they are paying for social security and Medicare and they are being told they don’t matter and need to be replaced by illegal aliens.
Odd thing about Gen X, formerly called the “Baby Bust” generation. At one point it was about half the size of the Boomer cohort, but immigration 1980-2000 swelled their numbers markedly, incidentally helping Social Security out of a hole.
The funny thing about immigrants is that they ALL work and work hard. Not natural adherents to socialism. This is why the Democrats are so dead set on racist division — and why Donald Trump is the Democrats’ best friend.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:40 amEasy. She is not a 20-year old undergrad at an American college.
That person would have said “white Supremacy” or maybe “Enslavers” but would not have said “Slavery” as that might suggest it was the slaves’ fault.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:45 amKevin,
I feel you would not be as conciliatory and forgiving if DeSantis or Trump make the same gaffe.
NJRob (7414f7) — 12/28/2023 @ 10:03 amDigging deeper:
Ouch!:
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 10:09 amI have, and it doesn’t change the fact that the immediate causes were the northern states (and federal government) refusals to acquiesce to the southern states demands to accept and enforce their slave laws. Sometimes politicians do state what they believe in, both historically (the Declarations) and today (Haley’s long held views on the Civil War).
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 10:17 amAbsent slavery, there would have been no Civil War.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 10:18 amKevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:22 am
But Abraham Lincoln wasn’t going to appoint any southgerner to national office, so long as a southerner supported slavery, and it was impossible, after about 1835 or 1840, for any southern politician not to support slavery.
And the shunning of southern politicians would continue indefinitely, and would be reinforced by the admission of more free states. Worse, the South was demanding that slavery be endorsed by others.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/28/2023 @ 10:51 amhttps://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/gettysburg.htm
Or would the losers in an election, or those who came from a place where any candidate for the top office would be doomed to lose all foreseeable elections, and not even be able to hope for a high ranking lower office, attempt to split up that nation and carve out a new nation where they could hold all the high offices.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:00 amhttps://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/speech-president-lincoln-second-inaugural-address-0
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:05 amI feel you would not be as conciliatory and forgiving if DeSantis or Trump make the same gaffe.
Not Trump, certainly, but in his case it would just be more ignorance in a long train of ignorant statements. DeSantis? I’m not hostile to him, but think that his turn towards anti-Wokism was a mistake and lost his message in trivialities (“Never argue with idiots”).
I’d still vote for him over Biden.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:08 amAnd the shunning of southern politicians would continue indefinitely, and would be reinforced by the admission of more free states. Worse, the South was demanding that slavery be endorsed by others.
The Democrat Party would win some elections and Lincoln being unable to alter the reality of slavery would have eventually tired people of listening to the abolitionists.
Sure, as the Southern economy moved away from agriculture and slavery, as it would have had to, and as new free states came it, slavery was eventually doomed, even within southern states.
But no one starts a civil war because they won’t get appointed to a sinecure.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:13 amAbsent slavery, there would have been no Civil War.
I could as easily say “without cotton there would have been no Civil War” or “without high tariffs there would have been no Civil War” or “without the Mexican Cession there would ave been no Civil War” even “had the Democrat Party not split, there would have been no Civil War.”
All of those contributed, none were “the cause.”
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:18 amLet me answer your hyperbole with “my own.”
Wasn’t Jan6th about 1 person doing just that, for that same reason? Isn’t that part, implicitly or otherwise, the “message” on all the news channels, and what exactly are the courts doing – since they do not operate in a vacuum?
felipe (546e7a) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:29 amWasn’t Jan6th about 1 person doing just that
OK, No sane person starts a civil war because they won’t get appointed to a sinecure.
Also, the Presidency is not a sinecure.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:32 amPersonal Memoirs of U.S. Grant
Davethulhu (0f7efc) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:38 amNow, I absolutely agree with Kevin, because I take as his meaning, that it takes more than one to accomplish civil war. Such as a multitude of selfish actors who feel threatened by the possible loss of their sinecures of something changed.
That multitude, by necessity, must exist on opposing sides for a civil war to come to fruition. A necessity satisfied in the past and, possibly, today. Maybe all that is lacking, is a “Dredd Scott decision” of our own.
felipe (546e7a) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:41 amHeh! Not to the likes of us…
felipe (546e7a) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:43 amSpeaking of sinecures, Lauren von Silicone really is looking to poach a safe()r district instead of running for reelection in hers.
nk (8f9963) — 12/28/2023 @ 12:02 pmI saw that nk. Her problem though is that the same primary challenges she had in the 3rd district will still be there in CO-4 (which had been electing the Reagan-RINO Ken Buck, who retired).
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 12:06 pmThey saw their power waning, and this led them to encroach upon the prerogatives and independence of the Northern States by enacting such laws as the Fugitive Slave Law. By this law every Northern man was obliged, when properly summoned, to turn out and help apprehend the runaway slave of a Southern man. Northern marshals became slave-catchers, and Northern courts had to contribute to the support and protection of the institution.
This was a degradation which the North would not permit any longer than until they could get the power to expunge such laws from the statute books.
This is particularly insightful. In order to get past the secession crisis of 1850, Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Law (part of the Compromise). And in doing so, extended the Institution to the North. In Dredd Scott, the SC went further and said that Slavery itself was legal everywhere, due to property rights. These incursions into the lives of free men were unacceptable and hastened the day when Slavery would end.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 12:14 pmIf you think that people today are upset about having to compete for work with illegal aliens, imagine the prospects for northern factory workers who faced having to compete for wages with slaves. Not that they were paid a lot as it was.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 12:25 pmKevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 12:14 pm
No it didn’t. That was what Abraham Lincoln and others said would be the next Dred Scott decision.
The trap that the abolitionists had set for slavery supporters in the Dred Scott case was that either the court would declare that Dred Scott did nit become free when he was taken into Wisconsin, or he did become free and then if he became a slave again when taken into a slave state that could only be because a state legislature could declare anyone a slave – and if it could, it could also make white people into slaves!
The Supreme Court got around that by saying that Dred Scott could not sue because he was not a citizen because people of African origins were not citizens..
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/28/2023 @ 12:55 pmKevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 12:06 pm
What Lauren Boebert nearly lost in 2022 was the general election.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/28/2023 @ 12:57 pmHaley has a long, long history on being wishy-washy on the Civil War. This is from back in 2010:
Source is a CNN article from February:
https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/21/politics/nikki-haley-secession-confederate-history-month-flag-kfile/index.html
Haley may have been “set up”, but somebody knew to set her up. Bad gaffe? I don’t know. My guess is that Haley made the mistake of saying what she believes about the Civil War, which might be the result of bad education in her hometown of Bamberg SC. I doubt the explanations (she’s scared of MAGA) actually apply here.
Appalled (03f53c) — 12/28/2023 @ 1:08 pmThe problem with that theory, as Abraham Lincoln said, was:
https://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/lincoln1.asp
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/28/2023 @ 1:08 pmThe Civil War, after o more than two years, became a fight over slavery.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/28/2023 @ 1:10 pmCD-4 is a friendlier district; fewer Democrats, more Republicans. The gap between registered Democrats and Republicans in CD-3 is about 34,700; in CD-4 it’s 90,400.
CD-3 Party Registration, 12/1/23
Dem 23%
Rep 30
Unaffiliated 46
Other 2
CD-4 Party Registration, 12/1/23
Dem 17%
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 1:18 pmRep 35
Unaffiliated 46
Other 2
407 Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:13 am
But no one who supported slavery would hold any national position.
If that’s what they’ve set their sights on, why not?
They didn’t expect a war or hoped it would not last long..
https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/speech-president-lincoln-second-inaugural-address-0
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/28/2023 @ 1:18 pmHaley was being nice, and also thinking about why the soldiers fought,
The important things about Haley is what she is nt, and where she fits on the political spectrum.
No Labels has more chances, and they should have different candidates for president in red states and in blue states, with a resulting competition to see who comes in third in Electoral votes, and therefore maybe president, and one candidate for vice president: Probably Lisa Murkowski. The Republican Senate will select her over Kamala Harris, even if the House is deadlocked..
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/28/2023 @ 1:23 pm400. Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 10:17 am
Secession would get Northern sattes to return runaway slaves??
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/28/2023 @ 1:26 pmKevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:28 am
And that was caused by attitudes about slavery.
It meant there were no exceptions and no coalitions possible.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/28/2023 @ 1:29 pmBorbert will be the big fish in the CD-4 primary; much better known than any of the other candidates, one of whom has called for treason indictments against the Colorado Supreme Court judges who ruled for Trump’s disqualification.
Compared to him Boebert almost sounds sane. I said, almost.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 1:35 pmThe secessionist compliant was that the northern states weren’t returning their runaway slaves.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 1:36 pmNo it didn’t. That was what Abraham Lincoln and others said would be the next Dred Scott decision.
The decision said that
1) Dred Scott had no standing.
2) Dred Scott did not become free by entering a free state.
3) The Compromise of 1820, where it outlawed slavery in some states, was unconstitutional.
That second point meant that slaves could be imported into free states and would remain slaves IN that “free” state. The third point meant that any state could become a slave state.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 1:53 pmThe Civil War, after no more than two years, became a fight over slavery.
No, it did not. What happened was that Lincoln used slavery for several purposes:
1) The Emancipation Proclamation made it impossible for England, which has already outlawed slavery, to intervene on the side of the Confenderacy (which they wanted to do to divide their breakaway colonies)
2) The Emancipation Proclamation was a direct attack on the economy of the Confederacy, with the hope that it would create slave uprising behind the lines. It also allowed Union occupation troops to free, and then utilize blacks in the war effort.
3) It added a purpose to the War, but it was ALWAYS about the Union. Even slave-holding border states favored keeping the Union. Four slave states never seceded, not counting West Virginia.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 2:01 pmCD-4 is a friendlier district; fewer Democrats, more Republicans.
Friendlier to the Republican candidate. But not necessarily to Boebert in the primary. Ken Buck despised Boebert and MAGA.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 2:02 pmNo Labels has more chances
If Trump is the candidate, and No Labels does not want to help Trump, they will run someone mildly right-of-center. They will not run Manchin. It’s conceivable they could run Haley — not all that likely, but more likely than she’d be Trump’s VP.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 2:05 pmWhites were taught in the south that the civil war was about northern aggression and states rights and don’t you dare ask the right to do what. The south had legal segregation up until the mid 1960’s
asset (1a2419) — 12/28/2023 @ 2:13 pmand don’t you dare ask the right to do what.
A question you never ask about abortion.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 2:19 pmThe south had legal segregation up until the mid 1960’s
But not between 1866 and some time in the 1880s. Jim Crow was slow to build as the southern politicians had to tread carefully for a while. The post-Reconstruction Supreme Court helped.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 2:21 pmOK lets get the history right. The south was winning with the dread scott decision and the election of douglas over lincoln. The president was pro slavery and so was supreme court. Southern filibuster dominated the senate. Look what happened to charles sumner. There was no need for secession and south was not planning one. So Capt. John Brown who was busy with his work in kansas took time off to kick fred douglass and the other wimp abolitionists in the rear end and said time to end slavery! I am going to the armory at harpers ferry and pass out guns to the slaves and that will end slavery! You coming fred? Harriet tubman is coming. No she isn’t we wimp abolitionists are going to lock her in a closet and stand guard so she doesn’t go with you. The south thought everyone in the north was part of John Brown’s conspiracy including Lincoln who was horrified like the other wimp republicans. That is why when lincoln was elected thanks to John Brown splitting the democrat party into three candidates the south secceeded
asset (1a2419) — 12/28/2023 @ 2:41 pmKen Buck probably quit because he knew he couldn’t win reelection.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/28/2023 @ 3:52 pmThat may be, but why would you trade down?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 4:16 pmOK lets get the history right.
And to think you follow that with nonsense.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 4:18 pmI see that the reliably leftist media is making a lot out of Haley’s comments. It’s a “You people” moment for them. They desperately need Trump running so that Newsom has it greased.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 4:19 pmSo, Maine kicks Trump off the ballot. I think they’re wrong. I also think that if anyone deserves this, it is Donald Trump.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 4:39 pmThe Convention will not seat delegates selected in a primary where a leading candidate is disqualified for non-procedural reasons.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 4:41 pmBrokered convention.
nk (8f9963) — 12/28/2023 @ 5:45 pmDeSantis and Haley give their delegates to Trump.
DeSantis is nominated for VP.
Haley is promised Secretary of State.
Fast forward six months. Biden is too debilitated to take the oath of office. Kamala is sworn in as President on January 20, 2025.
I stopped making predictions after Trump was nominated in 2016.
Paul Montagu (d52d7d) — 12/28/2023 @ 8:25 pmIt doesn’t seem to matter how many indictments or how many whiny crazybus social media posts, Trump is only getting more GOP support in the polls.
Since the Trump campaign will be controlling the convention through its Rules Committee (and the fact it will probably have a majority of delegates), it will be in a position to overturn any attempt to do so. Nominating a convicted felon will be the ultimate “owning of the libs.”
It will make for great television. Comedy gold!
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/28/2023 @ 8:47 pmFor we all know, Boebert could be a trade up.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/28/2023 @ 8:50 pmOnly if she doesn’t want a future in the Republican Party.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/28/2023 @ 8:53 pmTrump will be on the Colorado primary ballot:
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/28/2023 @ 9:06 pm@435 I am telling you what they say as they only want states rights to do evil like slavery and banning abortion. These states rights racists don’t want black people to vote and allow their citizens to vote on abortion. Only vote for them in their gerrymandered districts.
asset (02167c) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:09 pmActually Haley is pulling a hillary and crying that she should have mentioned slavery. Even I am feeling sorry for her! All publicity is good publicity and unlike clinton she is not hated. This will actually help her with ignorant southern white trash racists and most everybody else will be like me and fill sorry for her. We all forgive you haley!
asset (02167c) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:18 pm@440 I see you can’t point out any nonsense because its all true.
asset (02167c) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:23 pm@444:
I’m sure there is worse available.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:34 pmNominating a convicted felon will be the ultimate “owning of the libs.”
They could nominate Putin instead. They’ve already shown they don’t care about eligibility.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:35 pmOnly if she doesn’t want a future in the Republican Party.
TR would have been the nominee in 1920 had he not died in 1919.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:36 pmI am telling you what they say as they only want states rights to do evil like slavery and banning abortion.
Last I looked Republicans ended slavery over the actual insurrection of the Democrats.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/28/2023 @ 11:37 pm@456 around 1964 they changed sides. Strom thurmond became a rethugliKKKan and by 1980 the klan joined the republican party in a deal with the devil as trump is rosemary’s baby.
asset (02167c) — 12/29/2023 @ 1:20 am@457
This is the most pervasive misinformation in my lifetime, I can only applaud the purveyors of how successful they are in getting stupid people to believe this.
No…asset… the party didn’t “switch sides” on this issue.
Strom Thurmond isn’t the whole entirety of the Republican Party… Just as Grand Keagle of the KKK Robert Bird (whom Biden to this day considers as a dear friend) isn’t the whole entirety of the Democratic Party.
whembly (5f7596) — 12/29/2023 @ 6:05 amStrom thurmond became a rethugliKKKan and by 1980 the klan joined the republican party in a deal with the devil as trump is rosemary’s baby.
The worst part of it was that they kept Jill Stein off the NASCAR Honeys centerfold.
nk (3fdcb7) — 12/29/2023 @ 6:35 amWhembly,
it’s all they have. They need to believe their side is always pristine and pure while their adversary is always evil. And then they support policies that are known throughout history to cause misery and suffering.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/29/2023 @ 6:37 amJVW’s sweetheart calls it correctly. But some support this because they want to be rid of Trump. Even though it will wreck the nation they support this tyrannical behavior. Rule of law be damned.
NJRob (5750b5) — 12/29/2023 @ 7:51 amNothing in the Constitution bars Trump (or anyone else currently running) from becoming president, as all are at least 35 and natural born citizens. Now maybe someone under indictment or convicted shouldn’t be eligible, but that would take a Constitutional amendment.
Presidential eligibility fantasy camp.
Your point? There’s a world of difference between the Republican Party of 1919 and 2024. TR or any other past Republican president couldn’t elected in today’s Republican primary. TR was the ultimate big government Republican.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/29/2023 @ 8:10 amTrump to remain on California’s primary ballot
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/29/2023 @ 8:22 amit’s all they have. They need to believe their side is always pristine and pure while their adversary is always evil.
To be fair, Donald Trump is the actual embodiment of all the leftist perceptions of the GOP. Straight from left-wing “central” casting.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/29/2023 @ 9:07 am457, you missed the recent anniversary of Gen.George Patton’s death, many a Twitter/X loon believe Trump to be either a reincarnation or an immaculate-or-illicit conception, based on shared stocky build and ruddy face.
urbanleftbehind (014eee) — 12/29/2023 @ 9:11 amYour point? There’s a world of difference between the Republican Party of 1919 and 2024.
Teddy didn’t run in 1916 as there were still hard feelings on both sides. A few years after Trump is gone from the scene the damn few who stood up to him will be honored Republicans.
Were Nikki to stand up against Trump and in favor of Republican values, the other side of the GOP civil war would have an actual champion. Trumpism will not survive Trump.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/29/2023 @ 9:14 amNah. That’s just your interpretation. He’s more leftist than I’d prefer as he’s pro-abortion and easily influenced by lefty media. But it’s the usual “all current Republican candidates are the devil incarnate” nonsense that we get every 4 years.
It’s just sad that some on the right support this evil as well.
NJRob (185d7a) — 12/29/2023 @ 9:47 amBut it’s the usual “all current Republican candidates are the devil incarnate” nonsense that we get every 4 years.
You are blind in this.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/29/2023 @ 10:15 amTo be fair, Donald Trump is the actual embodiment
of all the leftist perceptionsof the new GOP.FIFY
Rip Murdock (786ccd) — 12/29/2023 @ 10:27 amWith the exception of Christie, who has “stood up” to Trump?
Since you have conceded that Haley is not that champion, who is?
I disagree about Trumpism not surviving Trump. There are other (if less popular) populist Republicans who could assume his place. His sons, for example. The Trump Republican Party is a populist movement.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/29/2023 @ 10:41 amRip Murdock has morphed into the less hyperbolic DCSCA.
urbanleftbehind (014eee) — 12/29/2023 @ 10:49 amThere’s no need to be insulting. Prove your statement.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/29/2023 @ 11:33 amI just think the Republican Party has changed (admittedly for the worse). Look who controls the House Republican Caucus. It’s not moderate Republicans.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/29/2023 @ 11:36 amThis is a beefy analysis of whether or not the elected position of the Presidency is a “officer of the United States” for the purpose of the 14th Amendment.
Well worth a read.
https://reason.com/volokh/2021/02/18/if-donald-trump-is-convicted-of-violating-18-u-s-c-%C2%A7-2383-will-he-be-disqualified-from-serving-as-president/
How much do you want to wager, that Special Counsel is going to issue a super-seceding § 2383 insurrection indictment?
I’d bet the house.
whembly (5f7596) — 12/29/2023 @ 11:38 amI’ll take that bet. If Smith was going to indict Trump for insurrection it would have happened at the same time as the election interference indictment (or instead of). An insurrection trial wouldn’t happen until after Nov. 5th, so there wouldn’t be the opportunity to disqualify Trump from running. All judicial proceedings would need to start over.
Even if Smith had evidence of an act insurrection, there are good reasons not to prosecute, such as the threat of political violence. Prosecutorial discretion.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:03 pmAnd if such a trial (and conviction) occurred after the election and Trump won, the Electoral College could conceivably vote for another candidate, or Trump might be impeached after being sworn into office.
Rip Murdock (786ccd) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:07 pmSource
Since the Supreme Court has said that inflammatory speech cannot be prosecuted “unless it directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action”, I doubt that anything Trump said on January 6th would meet that standard.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:29 pmRip, this isn’t argument, it’s contradiction.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:40 pmhttps://www.breitbart.com/sports/2023/12/29/ohio-gop-gov-mike-dewine-vetoes-bill-protecting-kids-from-transgender-experimentation-trans-participation-girls-sports/
Kevin,
you may not like socially conservative government, but this is what you get when you elect a squish as governor instead of a DeSantis. You tell confused children that they can magically be someone they are not and then harm their bodies permanently.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:42 pmLook who controls the House Republican Caucus. It’s not moderate Republicans.
I used to like playing RISK, but then I met someone who would “suicide” against anyone who didn’t let him have what he wanted.
The MAGA folks in the Caucus are like that. Really they ought to be shown the door. If someone did that to Sam Rayburn they’d be in a window seat for the rest of their term.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:44 pmRip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:29 pm
The House impeachment resolution and the Jan 6 committee pretended – and I mean pretended – the opposite and that was one basis for the Colorado removal – the other being that state law supposedly authorized the removal of unqualified candidates.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:45 pmNow Mike DeWIne is a squish. *sigh*
You may not realize just how much you are proving everyone’s point about how far down the sewer the “new” GOP has flowed.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:46 pmRip Murdock (786ccd) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:07 pm
I was hoping that would happen with Clinton, but it took five years and then was not successful/
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:46 pmAnd if such a trial (and conviction) occurred after the election and Trump won, the Electoral College could conceivably vote for another candidate
That would lead to a large armed rebellion and multiple states seceding. You may argue that they would lose, but the 5 million dead would end the country.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:47 pmHe would have been nominated in 1920 had he not died, and then Charles Evans Hughes had his daughter Elizbeth not had then incurable diabetes.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:49 pmIf Smith was going to indict Trump for insurrection it would have happened at the same time as the election interference indictment
Maybe he just didn’t have enough time to line up the ducks. But now, with the trial delayed ….
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:49 pm@482
On social issues, he is a bit of a squish.
More accurately, you can say he’s for smaller-government… as if, he’s more libertarian on some issues.
whembly (5f7596) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:51 pmThis is a beefy analysis of whether or not the elected position of the Presidency is a “officer of the United States” for the purpose of the 14th Amendment.
Well worth a read.
No, it’s not. It is the epitome of a technical argument that only interests the most anal of lawyers. Anal-gazing, to coin a term.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:52 pmOn social issues, he is a bit of a squish.
I am therefore pro-squish. The whole social-conservative agenda is Big Government.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/29/2023 @ 12:54 pmDo you think it’s acceptable to mutilate children? He proved as much a coward as our former VP did as Governor of Indiana.
The war for our future is happening whether you want it to or not. You can just sit quietly and wait to die or stand up and be counted.
NJRob (cae44c) — 12/29/2023 @ 1:04 pmNot sure what your point is, but in order to convict someone for inciting an insurrection the government would need to prove the inflammatory speech was “directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action”.
I don’t think Trump crossed that line. His followers may have thought he directed to attack the Capitol, but how they interpreted the speech is immaterial.
I agree, and it would happen if Trump was charged with insurrection.
LOL! As I mentioned above, any trial wouldn’t happen until after the election, which would make it a moot point.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/29/2023 @ 1:51 pmNostalgia for earlier times isn’t productive when analyzing current politics.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/29/2023 @ 1:56 pmPutting the cart before the horse:
LOL! I guess DeSantis forgot he needs to win the Republican nomination first before he can do anything about Jack Smith. I’m also certain there are more pressing issues for Republican voters.
Trump +50 over DeSantis (now tied nationally Haley)
Trump +32 in Iowa
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/29/2023 @ 2:13 pmTrump +33 in NH
124 palestinian children have been killed on the west bank so far this year by Israeli settlers and security forces. What are the netanyahu apologists excuse for killing children on the west bank where the attack on Israel did not come from.
asset (12a4b0) — 12/29/2023 @ 2:47 pmAsset,
getting your numbers from Hamas again?
NJRob (cae44c) — 12/29/2023 @ 3:57 pm@495 No! Unicef agency hamas does not control the west bank. So killing 124 children is ok?
asset (864729) — 12/29/2023 @ 4:29 pm2 Republican congressmen SWATTED for Christmas. Jonathan Turley SWATTED yesterday. Where are the consequences for these attempted murders?
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/29/2023 @ 5:20 pm@497 Maine sec. state and colorado judges getting thousands of death treats. Trumpsters harassing them at home. AOC is shown pictures daily of people wanting to kill her. Trump knows what an evil devil he is so takes precautions. Your swatters will be prosecuted if caught.
asset (864729) — 12/29/2023 @ 5:28 pmNot sure what your point is
It’s a line for Monty Python, directed at a nay-sayer.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/29/2023 @ 6:05 pmRob, you and I don’t often agree but I’ll say this:
I’m with you 100% on the swatting deserving stiff penalties. Unacceptable ever.
That said I think the consequences are pretty high and if caught they will be held accountable.
Nate (1f1d55) — 12/29/2023 @ 6:58 pmDeWine is not a libertarian. Look at his totalitarian policies regarding COVID.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/29/2023 @ 7:21 pmNate,
SWATTers are almost never held accountable. There’s evidence on this site if you look in the history.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/29/2023 @ 7:22 pmHere are a few arrests for swatting just this year:
Bremerton, Washington man indicted for three-month ‘swatting’ campaign that threatened victims across the USA and in Canada
Juvenile Arrested for Conducting Swatting Attacks Targeting Synagogues and Other Institutions
Pennsylvania teen arrested in at least 9 false-alarm ‘swatting’ calls across US, including one in SW Bend
Man who made ‘swatting’ calls in Redwood City and Kansas City arrested
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/29/2023 @ 9:32 pmRip,
I said almost never and told you to look at this site for reference. Your cherry picking doesn’t change that.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/30/2023 @ 4:41 amhttps://legalinsurrection.com/2023/12/biden-border-crisis-agents-encounter-over-276000-migrants-in-december-setting-a-new-record/
Invasion by mostly military aged men. What could possibly go wrong?
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/30/2023 @ 6:40 amDeWine is not a libertarian. Look at his totalitarian policies regarding COVID.
And not a libertine, either, I guess. Or he wouldn’t have done it because masks, social distancing, and lockdowns are surefire cockblocks when political cronies are looking for a little group sex on the side.
Maybe if Plaxovid investors had slipped him $11 million for his campaign chest?
nk (eb5322) — 12/30/2023 @ 6:44 amThe CBP is doing us a disservice by not providing a breakdown of the types of encounters: how many are arrests, detainments, explosions, or denial of entry?
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/30/2023 @ 7:09 amThe CBP is doing us a disservice by not providing a breakdown of the types of encounters: how many are arrests, detainments, explosions, or denial of entry?
A suspicious person would think there’s a reason they don’t.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 10:08 amOne of the sadder things in politics these days is how opposition to leftist authoritarians leads to support of rightist authoritarians. Wanting to tell other people what to do is the root of all evil.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 10:55 amExplosions?
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/30/2023 @ 11:20 amAccommodating:
Nikki Haley doubles down on Trump pardon
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/30/2023 @ 11:22 amExpulsions*
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/30/2023 @ 11:22 am@508 indeed: if we knew how many were denials of entry (went to a port of entry and were turned away), then we’d have a better idea of where resources and reform were needed.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/30/2023 @ 11:24 amHere are the statistics by federal fiscal year (October 1-September 30).
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/30/2023 @ 11:38 amMore CPB statistics.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/30/2023 @ 11:40 amEven more CPB statistics.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/30/2023 @ 11:43 amSouthwest Border Operations statistics by FFY, type, demographic, legal authority, country, encounter type and count.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/30/2023 @ 11:52 amNikki Haley doubles down on Trump pardon
Trump needs a pardon from the next president.
Trump is not going to be the next president
Haley needs MAGA to vote for her.
Some assembly required.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 12:32 pmI don’t think Trump’s voters in NH will switch their vote to Haley over this statement, but it could cause independents who were planning to vote for her to vote for Christie.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/30/2023 @ 12:37 pmHaley needs MAGA voters in the general election, but she has no chance of them as long as Trump’s in the primary race.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/30/2023 @ 12:40 pmAnd MAGA despises Haley.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/30/2023 @ 12:42 pm@Rip but that’s not how they talk about it: they just say X number of encounters without elaborating. Their web dashboard doesn’t list those either, just the Title used: see https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/southwest-land-border-encounters for example.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/30/2023 @ 12:49 pmFrom that last spreadsheet:
685 inadmissibles – individuals encountered at ports of entry by officers of the Office of Field Operations (OFO) seeking lawful admission into the United States but are found ineligible for entry under Title 8. These can also include people seeking humanitarian protection and people who voluntarily withdraw their admission application
667 expulsions – Noncitizen expelled under Title 42 authority to their country of last transit or, if a person cannot be returned to the country of last transit, to their country of origin (see Title 42).
570 apprehensions – temporary detainment of people by the US Border Patrol (USBP) who crossed the border illegally between ports of entry. They may or may not be arrested under Title 8. These individuals are able to file for asylee status
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/30/2023 @ 1:02 pmSee post 517.
Rip Murdock (3a0431) — 12/30/2023 @ 1:03 pmWhat I would do is copy the spreadsheet in post 517 into Excel and run a pivot table.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 1:08 pmI can’t help that.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 1:09 pmI don’t think Trump’s voters in NH will switch their vote to Haley over this statement, but it could cause independents who were planning to vote for her to vote for Christie.
You’ve been missing the point all day. Haley is focused on winning the general election, and needs MAGA for that. This won’t move the needle much in the primary, but that’s not the focus.
Trump has a dandy chance of winning the nomination, of course, but he CAN NOT win the general election against Newsom.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 1:11 pmAnd MAGA despises Haley.
If it’s Haley vs a Democrat and Trump needs a pardon, they’ll get over it PDQ.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 1:12 pmThese individuals are able to file for asylee status
One thing should be changed in the law then: If you enter illegally, you cannot claim asylum.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 1:13 pm525 maybe when I’m back at my laptop. For that last one I just did some countif on the type.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/30/2023 @ 1:14 pm@526 not blaming you: it goes back to my original point that they do us a disservice by combining it all in “encounters”
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/30/2023 @ 1:15 pmRelated:
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 1:34 pmNot sure how bad a problem it is in summarizing CPB statistics, I found the links I posted in about 30 seconds.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 1:37 pmIf that is true, like DeSantis (and his promise to fire Jack Smith), Haley is putting the cart before the horse. Neither can do anything until Trump is defeated as the nominee and either one secures enough delegates for the nomination. For Trump’s challengers, running a general election campaign now is fool hardy.
Alienating independent voters she needs now to defeat Trump in the NH primary (24 days to go) probably isn’t a good strategy.
We’ll see if it has an impact in upcoming polls.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 1:56 pmVince Fong, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s chosen successor, can run for Congress because the state law restricting candidates from running in multiple races simultaneously no longer applies, a Sacramento County Superior Court judge ruled (on Thursday).
Just a few days ago I was assured that this would not happen and that Fong was an idiot for even trying.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 1:57 pmHaley is putting the cart before the horse.
Perhaps. BUt again, this isn’t a normal contest, where you have one candidate who is under about a dozen clouds, but no one who hopes to pick up his support when he explodes can actually run against him.
Chris Christie isn’t running to be President, he’s running to ensure that Donald Trump is not elected. Sadly, he will probably be the one who ensures Trump’s nomination.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 2:04 pmWhatever the narrowness of her path, Nikki Haley is walking it a lot better than Ron DeSantis.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 2:05 pmChang ruled in favor of Fong. 真是一個驚喜 (Quelle surprise!)
nk (eb5322) — 12/30/2023 @ 2:08 pmTouché, but the question is what happens to the voters in his assembly district who voted for Fong (assuming Fong wins both elections). Are they disenfranchised (yes)?
Since the judge blocked the law as it applies to “jungle primary” offices, does that mean a single candidate run in all elections and then pick the one he/she wants?
My assumption was the judge could foresee such consequences, but apparently not.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 2:13 pmChristie will be out of the race by January 31st, one week after the NH primary. He doesn’t have anywhere near the support he has in NH in any other state. He won’t be the cause of Trump winning the Republican nomination, it will Republican voters in the remaining states.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 2:18 pmCorrection:
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 2:23 pmHe won’t be the cause of Trump winning the Republican nomination, it will Republican voters in the remaining states.
He will be the cause of Trump winning NH by a large margin, instead of maybe getting embarrassed in NH. This is what Trump did in 2016 — he won a bunch of early contests with pluralities until it was too late for anyone else to rally. In each of those early contests he would have lost each one to Cruz or Rubio if the vote wasn’t split 8 ways.
Voters are imbeciles. They tend to vote for the campaign with momentum and anything that shifts momentum back to Trump (who has been losing support in NH and IA right along) helps him.
Christie’s ego is Trump’s best friend.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 3:47 pmChristie will be out of the race by January 30th one week after the NH primary.
Too little, too late. Just like Rubio stopped Cruz in Florida.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 3:49 pmSince the judge blocked the law as it applies to “jungle primary” offices, does that mean a single candidate run in all elections and then pick the one he/she wants?
My assumption was the judge could foresee such consequences, but apparently not.
It’s not the judge’s job to write new law where there is none currently. I would expect the legislature to fix this. There also should be a rule about candidates dropping out at the last minute — that could be abused given collusion.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 3:51 pmNote really. Trump’s support in both states has remained remarkably consistent since spring. In Iowa he’s polled in the 40-50 percent range (it’s at 50% right now); and in NH it’s been in the mid-40s. All of the polling movement in both states has been among the other candidates cannibalizing each other’s supporters.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 4:21 pmCourts construe laws all the time to avoid illogical results. I expect the court of appeals to do just that.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 4:24 pmI also expect Ramaswamy to drop out after NH, and his supporters will go to Trump, which will offset any Christie support going to Haley. If/when DeSantis drops out, I expect his supporters to go to Trump also.
DeSantis is Trump’s Mini-Me, and Ramaswamy is Trump’s Mini Mini-Me.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 4:30 pmI wrote the other day: (Thursday December 28) No Labels has more chances, and they should have different candidates for president in red states and in blue states, with a resulting competition to see who comes in third in Electoral votes, and therefore maybe president, and one candidate for vice president: Probably Lisa Murkowski. The Republican Senate will select her over Kamala Harris, even if the House is deadlocked..
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 12/28/2023 @ 1:23 pm
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/30/2023 @ 4:40 pmWhy would Republicans not vote for Donald Trump and his VP candidate, especially if they didn’t receive a plurality of electoral votes? What incentives would House and Senate members have to vote for a No Labels candidate, especially if they were from outside the political establishment? What would the political base in Congress be for a No Labels candidate not tied to either party?
Yeah, let’s mess up our political system even more than it already is. No Labels fantasy camp.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 5:13 pmAs a corollary, what incentives would Democrats have to vote for someone who is not of their party and/or supportive of their policies?
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 5:23 pmMaine sec. state has just been swatted along with some colorado officials.
asset (ff53b6) — 12/30/2023 @ 6:17 pm@549: Because it’s their last chance to be done with Trump and Trumpism?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 6:35 pmMaine sec. state has just been swatted along with some colorado officials.
https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/30/politics/maine-secretary-of-state-bellows-swatted/index.html
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 6:37 pm911 calls should contain IMEI info and GPS.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 6:39 pmYou’d think law enforcement would have a DB of politicians’ and celebs’ addresses so they can prevent these incidents.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/30/2023 @ 7:08 pmThe whole No Labels thing is a political fantasy (especially Sammy’s idea of running separate presidential/VP teams in red and blue states). But I think Trumpism is a majority view of among the House Republican conference. I don’t see either House/Senate Republicans or Democrats supporting someone outside their parties.
It’s highly unlikely that any No Labels candidate would win electoral votes anyway; but if people thought that the House Republican deadlock over the speakership was bad, it will be worse if Congress needs to pick among four different factions.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 7:43 pmSince you believe Christie’s current presence in the NH primary will lead to Trump winning the Republican nomination (he will probably win whether Christie’s in the race or not), running a No Labels campaign in the general would certainly flip marginal states to Trump and make him president.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 7:52 pmI believe 911 calls do contain identifying information so operators know if someone calls but can’t respond to questions (injured persons or hostages).
Apparently there are ways to track down swatters, as evidenced by these arrests.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 8:01 pmRIP British actor Tom Wilkinson (75).
Wilkinson also received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Michael Clayton. He was also in the Girl With the Pearl Earring and In The Name of the Father.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 10:40 pmIt’s highly unlikely that any No Labels candidate would win electoral votes anyway
Assumes facts not in evidence. Two of the last 3 major alternative candidates won electoral votes, one came in second. The other one got 19% of the vote — and he led in the polls at one point.
Pointing to noisome fringe candidates isn’t meaningful.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 11:22 pmI also expect Ramaswamy to drop out after NH
He will drop out whenever he’s no longer useful to Trump.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 11:23 pmTrump’s support in both states has remained remarkably consistent since spring
Trump’s support in state where people are campaigning is notably less than in states where they are not.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 11:27 pmrunning a No Labels campaign in the general would certainly flip marginal states to Trump and make him president.
Depends greatly on who the No Labels candidate is. If they’re center-left, it will ahrm Biden. If they’re center-right, it will harm Trump. And anyway, Trump has likely more GOP-leaning voters who he repels that Biden repels Dem-leaners.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 11:29 pmI believe 911 calls do contain identifying information so operators
It depends on the 911 system. Cell phones do send GPS information on 911 calls, but many 911 systems are antiquated and do not record that data. It’s a problem.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/30/2023 @ 11:31 pmThe last third party candidate to get electoral collage votes by winning a state was wallace in 1968.
asset (ff53b6) — 12/31/2023 @ 12:19 amI’m sure any politician would love to have the leads that Trump has now less than a month before voting begins. But who knows, there may be a 32 point flip within the next two weeks in Iowa or a 19 point flip in NH within the next three weeks. You never can tell.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/31/2023 @ 7:28 amUnless the No Labels candidate has a regional base of support (like Wallace), or is extremely popular, it would be unlikely a NL candidate would win any electors. Perot is a case in point. He received nearly 20% of the vote but it was spread across 50 states.
No one would describe any of the potential NL candidates (Manchin, Hickenlooper, Murkowski, Larry Hogan, etc.) as extremely popular or charismatic. For example, Manchin is in the same age group as Biden and Trump. They are politicians really no different than any of the candidates who are currently running (except in the number of pending indictments), who couldn’t win reelection in their home states or were termed out.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/31/2023 @ 7:57 amThey’re political leftovers.
Rip Murdock (edc33f) — 12/31/2023 @ 8:00 amSo far he’s only repelling 38% of Republican voters.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/31/2023 @ 8:04 amAnd a lot of them will end up voting for him in the general election.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/31/2023 @ 8:05 amCorrection to post 567:
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/31/2023 @ 8:08 amAnd a lot of them will end up voting for him in the general election.
Barring extreme events (e.g. Kamala Harris taking over) I will not vote for Donald Trump, as I have not done 4 times previously.
I find it odd that people think that non-whackjob Republicans will vote for Trump instead of Biden, then go on to say that No Labels holds no attraction for anyone.
People may vote strategically, but they poll by strict preference. If polls show that No Labels has a reasonable chance, those strategic voters will consider them. Despite being unlikely to win, Ross Perot got 19% of the vote.
That’s one in 5 voters that said “FU” to the major parties, at a time when neither major candidate was senile or crazy and both parties were still mainstream.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/31/2023 @ 9:39 amHow far outside the mainstream can the two parties get before the center rejects them both? There must be a point.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/31/2023 @ 9:42 amIt may have been a big FU to the mainstream political establishment, but one of those parties actually won.
Rip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/31/2023 @ 9:45 amRIP legendary Las Vegas comedian Sheckey Greene (97).
Rip Murdock (0ba5f5) — 12/31/2023 @ 11:27 amSheckey=Shecky
Rip Murdock (0ba5f5) — 12/31/2023 @ 11:29 amThanks for proving my point. Republican voters may oppose Trump in the primary, but most will find an excuse to vote for him in the general election.
Rip Murdock (0ba5f5) — 12/31/2023 @ 2:06 pmAnd the band played on as the titanic slowly sank.
asset (d22a1f) — 12/31/2023 @ 2:19 pmRepublican voters may oppose Trump in the primary, but most will find an excuse to vote for him in the general election.
Only i there is no preferable alternative. To me, Biden is not as terrible a choice as Trump. I will vote for someone else unless it’s close, then I’ll vote for Biden.
This is not because I prefer Biden’s policies, but because he is not a deranged child who will kill us all. If it comes down to Biden vs Trump, I will be praying for God to step in.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/31/2023 @ 4:10 pmRepublican voters may oppose Trump in the primary, but most will find an excuse to vote for him in the general election.
I wonder how many people here believe they will vote for Trump if he’s the GOP candidate versus Biden or Newsom?
I won’t. I’d pretty much bet that Paul, nk, lurker, Appalled, Jim Miller, Dustin, Nate and our host will never vote for Trump.
Most of these people would have been considered partisan Republicans in 2015. Trump BROKE that. Sure, he attracted a lot of flibbertigibbets to his cause, but he repelled a goodly portion (probably a majority) of those who voted for Romney in 2012.
George W Bush and his father voted for Hillary, as did Condi Rice. To say that actual Republicans would fall in line is absurd. The people who call themselves Republicans now are either people with out backbone or people without character. Or both.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/31/2023 @ 4:40 pmThe Dispatch has a column about wingnuts. My quick test: Anyone who uses the term “RINO” is a wingnut.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/31/2023 @ 4:41 pmSorry, whackjob, not wingnuts. I apologize to the mere wingnuts.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/31/2023 @ 4:42 pmThey spit on the Constitution, but Kevin you act like under Biden it’s business as normal. Get a grip.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/31/2023 @ 5:22 pmTrump is a million times better than any Democrat. The media and the establishment will do everything possible to undermine him. They won’t coverup his crimes. They will attack him for the slightest transgression. While under any leftist regime they act tyrannically under the cover of darkness and with a fully compliant pravda media.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/31/2023 @ 5:23 pmI agree with Rob that the Biden administrations has a chilling impact on free speech. (I assume that’s what he meant under the rage and hyperbole)
While the government has its own speech rights and private companies have their own rights to speech in this case the policy goes too far.
Time123 (f04709) — 12/31/2023 @ 5:44 pmHere’s something interesting:
There have been 18 completed 4-year Presidential terms since 1948. Dems for 8, GOP for 10.
SamG (4e6c22) — 12/31/2023 @ 5:46 pm6 Dem terms ended with lower unemployment than they began. 1 ended higher, and 1 stayed the same.
8 GOP terms ended with higher unemployment. 2 ended with lower.
How does that break down by control of the House and the Senate, Sam?
BuDuh (6a7d21) — 12/31/2023 @ 6:49 pmThey spit on the Constitution, but Kevin you act like under Biden it’s business as normal. Get a grip.
I will not change one statist for another, especially one who I judge insane.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/31/2023 @ 9:50 pmThe best case you can make for Trump is that there will be people trying to stop his insanity? Biden may be senile, but people can actually tell him NO.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/31/2023 @ 9:51 pmWhy is low unemployment a measure of success? And why do we only measure presidents?
How about we measure Congresses and deficits?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/31/2023 @ 9:54 pmTrump has talked about setting up concentration camps for suspected illegals and using the armed forces to do it. He has declared that members of the military are traitors and should be executed. I have no reason to believe he cares about free speech for those who disagree with him, and has used the national guard to remove protesters who got in the way of his photo-op.
The man is fukking crazy. A mere assh0le like Biden is much less of an issue.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 12/31/2023 @ 9:59 pmDriving around midnight on freeway passed dps patrol suv pulling over black dodge charger he takes off and leaves dps suv like he was standing still. As he passed my car his tail lights went out and you could hardley see it. I think he pulled off the off ramp and the dps suv kept going. lic. plate was in down position. Thats my new years. Home now.
asset (b564c1) — 1/1/2024 @ 12:38 amHappy New Year.
I will avoid partisanship today. Enjoy the day.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 1/1/2024 @ 5:40 amHappy New Year, everybody!
nk (d0eaff) — 1/1/2024 @ 5:54 amThread on the last ~30 years of spending/deficit/debt by party control of POTUS/Senate/House at https://x.com/TheValuesVoter/status/1660164533833420801?s=20.
It’s likely all coincidence: still interesting how those coincidences work out.
SamG (4e6c22) — 1/1/2024 @ 6:27 amI just saw Boys in the Boat last night. Excellent film, and I’m praying that my present-day Huskies play like Olympic gold medalists today.
Paul Montagu (d52d7d) — 1/1/2024 @ 8:23 amHappy New Year.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 8:47 amHere’s a New Year’s salutation from the mentally unhinged freakshow who leads my party and has 62.5% support for the nomination. For me, I’ll just Happy New Year to all, even you losers, cranks and haters.
Even his blond-hued three-weave combover is a lie.
Paul Montagu (d52d7d) — 1/1/2024 @ 9:27 amThe sedition continues.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 9:42 amSedition:
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 9:43 amIf you don’t think that
is seditious, please show some evidence that this is happening, or has happened.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 9:46 amIt’s a false accusation of the beginnings of an attempt to steal the election;it is not sedition – if anything it accuses the opposing party of sedition.
It also is believable only to someone who doesn’t think. It assumes you need real one-time in person voters to steal an election
It’s as stupid as thinking you can prevent climate disaster by personally using less oil.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 1/1/2024 @ 11:02 amIt is seditious libel, plain and simple, since it has no basis in fact.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 11:35 amSeditious libel is libel with the purpose of supporting sedition – violence against constituted authority. You could say this claim, if repeated, could eventually lead to that if things go a certain way, but there’s nothing to rebel against yet.
Anyway, Trump made this claim in order to supply a disrreputable, and amti-Republican, motive for the Democrats to support more illegal immigration, or oppose HR2
Sammy Finkelman (b434ee) — 1/1/2024 @ 2:47 pmKevin M (ed969f) — 12/31/2023 @ 9:59 pm
One (former) member of the military, the then Chairman iof the Joint Chiefs of Staff because he wrote in a book after he retired that he had communicated with China behind his back, telling them the United States did not plan to go to war with China and he would tell them if it did.
Sammy Finkelman (b434ee) — 1/1/2024 @ 2:54 pmI’m not certain what your point is. “Seditious libel” hasn’t been a thing since the Sedition Act of 1798, which
The Sedition Act expired in 1801. Prosecutions would be clearly unconstitutional under current US Supreme Court First Amendment rulings.
There is no crime of “sedition” or “seditious libel,” only seditious conspiracy.
Trump’s statements are neither sedition or seditious conspiracy.
Rip Murdock (0ba5f5) — 1/1/2024 @ 2:56 pmKevin M (ed969f) — 12/31/2023 @ 9:54 pm
The assumption is that opinion about the economy this affects how people vote for president. regardless of who or what is really responsible.
Sammy Finkelman (b434ee) — 1/1/2024 @ 2:58 pmStrike out the word “this” after the word economy.
Sammy Finkelman (b434ee) — 1/1/2024 @ 2:59 pmI was speaking of the 38% in national polls, not anyone here, that now say they will vote for a non-Trump candidate.
As I’ve said in the past, I expect 50% (if not more) of DeSantis’s supporters, 100% of Ramaswamy’s, and maybe even a few of Haley’s, will support Trump if he is nominated.
Rip Murdock (0ba5f5) — 1/1/2024 @ 3:52 pmMany people assume – based on political mythology of “Republicans are better for the economy” – that recessions and unemployment would be better under GOP presidents. And for whatever reason that doesn’t seem to be the case. Dunno the reason why it is – it’s just interesting.
SamG (4e6c22) — 1/1/2024 @ 5:00 pmI’m not certain what your point is. “Seditious libel” hasn’t been a thing since the Sedition Act of 1798, which
It’s still a thing. It may not be a crime, but it’s still a thing. And it may well be libel.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 8:16 pmIf Trump said that Biden was letting people into the country so that they could be registered to vote in 2024, it could be a libel, even under Sullivan
Untrue, recklessly so, and spawned by actual malice. To the degree that “Truth” Social is under Trump’s control, it may not have the CDA safe harbor either.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 8:19 pmThe assumption is that opinion about the economy this affects how people vote for president. regardless of who or what is really responsible.
That was not what he was saying at all. He was saying that GOP presidents are responsible for unemployment.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 8:20 pmI was speaking of the 38% in national polls, not anyone here, that now say they will vote for a non-Trump candidate.
I will vote for Jill Stein before I vote for Trump.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 8:20 pmDunno the reason why it is – it’s just interesting.
How about this one: The Mommy party lets the kids draw on the wall with crayons, the Daddy party makes them clean it up.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 8:22 pmSeditious libel is libel with the purpose of supporting sedition – violence against constituted authority.
No it is not, and the definition I quoted SAYS it is not. It simply needs to encourage disaffection, and in this case it casts doubt on the entire voting system, the immigration process, naturalization and, well, the entire federal government.
Eff him. Joe McCarthy would have been embarrassed to say that and Roy Cohn had more class.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 8:26 pmEven if everything you say is true (and I don’t think it is) Biden wouldn’t sue over what would be considered by any court to be protected political speech or opinion.
It’s like when Biden says Trump is a threat to democracy. It’s an exaggeration to make a political point.
What is the source of your definition of “seditious libel”? Is it enforceable through the courts?
Rip Murdock (0ba5f5) — 1/1/2024 @ 9:19 pmAnd who would have standing to enforce a “seditious libel” claim against Trump?
Rip Murdock (0ba5f5) — 1/1/2024 @ 9:22 pmThere’s that imagination again.
Rip Murdock (0ba5f5) — 1/1/2024 @ 10:07 pmEven if everything you say is true (and I don’t think it is) Biden wouldn’t sue over what would be considered by any court to be protected political speech or opinion.
Is there nothing a politician can say that would constitute libel?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 11:26 pmWhat is the source of your definition of “seditious libel”? Is it enforceable through the courts?
All libel is enforceable through the courts.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 11:27 pmBUt really, all I said that what he said was seditious and libelous. Both of which are patently true (or do you think that Biden is secretly registering asylum seekers to vote?)
I did not say it was a crime. YOU put those words in my mouth then denounced me for them.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/1/2024 @ 11:29 pmSeditious libel was one of the small “g” grievances of the American Revolution which led to the First Amendment. “The bigger the truth, the bigger the libel” it was said.
If you wanted it to fly, today, you would need a World War with universal conscription and judges whose retirement investments were in ordnance and MREs.
nk (072ba3) — 1/2/2024 @ 6:07 amNot every false statement is libelous, and certainly not ones that are exaggerations for effect. I believe under the First Amendment there is very little a politician could be sued for saying, especially about a political issue. Trump, in his statement quoted in Paul’s post 598 is not “libelous” against Biden personally (“they”) ; it is an expression of opinion, which the Supreme Court has said is protected by the Constitution. At best Trump “libeled” the government, and I don’t know of any statute that would allow the government to sue in its defense. Under English common law “seditious libel” was used to protect the sovereign from criticism. I don’t think we want to go back to that.
Politicians have been mudslinging among themselves throughout our history, and Trump’s statements are mild in comparison (footnotes omitted):
If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of kitchen.
Rip Murdock (0ba5f5) — 1/2/2024 @ 6:12 am@613 I specifically did not make such an allegation, nor stated any particular cause. These are just things that are true.
Another coincidence: since the Great Depression ended, every GOP 4-year Presidential term – excepting Reagan’s second – had a recession begin. The Dems had 3 terms where a recession began, the last one being Carter.
SamG (4e6c22) — 1/2/2024 @ 6:30 amIf you can’t stand the heat, stay out of kitchen.
If you can’t stop misrepresenting, then stop talking.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/2/2024 @ 7:39 amThe Jefferson-Adams election was a low point of political discourse. I would not use it as the bar. But even then, neither politician attacked the Constitution or the fabric of government, only that the other was somehow wanting.
Trump is attacking the foundations of the American system with statements that — if true — would be cause for revolution. Which is his goal. He wants not only to be re-elected, but to sow the seeds for overthrowing the constitutional order.
As such it is seditious — speech intended to attack the state and the legitimacy of the government — not speech intended to disparage a candidate. Trump is running against the Constitution, not Joe Biden. That Biden plays chicken with the Constitution isn’t the same thing.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/2/2024 @ 7:51 amRip Murdock (2b4e42) — 12/30/2023 @ 7:43 pm
It is only a fantasy – AT LEAST MY IDEA – that there will be some at least bad No Labels ticket running in many states has a greater than even chance of being done – because it is hard to see someone important taking it up.
No, I said different presidential candidates in red and blue states (whichever one polls higher) but the same vice presidential candidate everywhere, probably Lisa Murkowski. This is based on what the Whig Party, somewhat accidentally, did in 1836, modified somewhat..
26 states are needed and a state can be deadlocked, and 6 states’ votes (Vermont, Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Alaska) are decided by a single member of Congress. In practical terms, more than a majority of the House (around 57% if no switches are made) is necessary to pick a president. The House is likely to be deadlocked at first. But there are likely to be about 8-12 key members who could determine the result by switching,
Ifn states where either Biden or Trump polls third, their support is likely to drop away, and if there is competition for third place that is even more reason for someone to vote No Labels. And already third party is polling at 17% (with both Biden and Trump in the mid-30s – the rest undecided, or no answer
No, the House can pick from only the top three. That’s a key point. (if there’s a tie for 3rd and 4th place, the constitution has no answer)
And the Senate only from the top two vice presidential candidates.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 1/2/2024 @ 8:01 amAgain, as far as I can tell there is no federal “seditious libel” statute that allows the government to sue anyone over such language. The First Amendment protects his right to say what he wants about the president or the government.
Rip Murdock (0ba5f5) — 1/2/2024 @ 8:12 amEven those who advocated the violent overthrow of the US government were found to be protected by the First Amendment.
Rip Murdock (0ba5f5) — 1/2/2024 @ 8:18 am@603
Then explain why Democrats are for open borders?
whembly (5f7596) — 1/2/2024 @ 8:21 amThen explain why Democrats are for open borders?
Do you believe that they are registering new arrivals to vote in 2024? Even a few?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/2/2024 @ 8:53 amEven those who advocated the violent overthrow of the US government were found to be protected by the First Amendment.
In one case. Not in all cases. Yates only limited the scope of the law in question. That law had been held constitutional, and convictions under it were upheld in Dennis, which was never overturned.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/2/2024 @ 8:59 am@632
I believe that Democrats believes that they unfettered illegal immigration will be a net-positive for Democrat’s electoral changes in maintaining power.
I believe that if Democrat’s believes they can get away with it, they’ll register illegals to vote in any elections.
whembly (5f7596) — 1/2/2024 @ 9:02 am18 U.S. Code § 2385 remains on the books.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/2/2024 @ 9:04 amLol: doesn’t matter what Democrats say or do, there will always be a segment of the GOP that screams “OPEN BORDERS”.
Sam G (8d2ed1) — 1/2/2024 @ 9:07 amI believe that if Democrats believe they can get away with it, they’ll register illegals to vote in any elections.
I am going to assume that you mean “some Democrats” and possibly even “some Democrat officials”, and not something that is inherent in being a member of the Democrat Party.
As such, I will point out that there are PLENTY of current Republicans who will burn ballot boxes, or storm the Capitol, to help Donald Trump.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/2/2024 @ 9:07 amLol: doesn’t matter what Democrats say or do, there will always be a segment of the GOP that screams “OPEN BORDERS”.
I doubt it. There are some who used to say that, but that has been put to rest. Only projection, or deception, by Democrats suggests that remains viable in the GOP..
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/2/2024 @ 9:09 am@636
This year, I’m a single issue voter. The border.
My son lost TWO friends due to fentanyl overdoses. So, shove a cacti up where it doesn’t shine with your flippant retort here.
The border is untenable, for the following reasons:
a) massive illicit drug trade
b) massive human traffiking
c) massive boon for Cartels
d) massive security concern
It’s not so much I have a xenophobic position on this topic, as I don’t mind legal immigration at all.
But these Biden border policies is flat out impeachable and any GOP candidate, including Trump, is lightyears better than the current administration.
whembly (5f7596) — 1/2/2024 @ 9:19 am@637
It takes ALL of them.
Democrat leadership setting open border policies knowing EXACTLY what is going to happen.
“Some” Democrat grassroots, “Some” Democrat-adjacent NGOs facilitating the illegal migrations.
ALL of them, doing so with the belief that illegal immigration will become voters at some point whom would vote Democrats because the illegal immigrants want to stay here.
So, to me, it’s a problem solely on the Democrat Party, and we should vote accordingly.
whembly (5f7596) — 1/2/2024 @ 9:22 amThe Court distinguished Yates from Dennis:
The Court drew a distinction between the “advocacy and teaching of forcible overthrow as an abstract principle” and the “advocacy and teaching of concrete action for the forcible overthrow of the Government.” Yates limited the Smith Act so much it nearly became unenforceable.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 1/2/2024 @ 9:26 am18 U.S. Code § 2385 is the Smith Act, which has been reduced to a nullity by Yates and other court decisions.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 1/2/2024 @ 9:32 am@639 fentanyl comes through legal ports of entry. More fentanyl has been seized under the Biden admin than ever was under Trump.
Democrats are just as interested in eliminating illegal immigration as Republicans – perhaps more so, considering the GOP refuses to make a deal so they can keep immigration an election issue. More immigrants have been detained under Biden than Trump; and you don’t care because it’s Democrats and not Republicans that are doing so, just as Obama deported more immigrants than Trump ever did.
Sam G (8d2ed1) — 1/2/2024 @ 9:55 amAnd yet, the Dennis appellants remained convicted. Donald Trump on J6 could have gotten to that point had he gone down to the Capitol and encouraged the assault. God only knows what he was saying on his (burner) cell phone.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/2/2024 @ 9:59 amMore fentanyl has been seized under the Biden admin than ever was under Trump.
Does not mean less is coming through.
Democrats are just as interested in eliminating illegal immigration as Republicans
But they want to do it by removing the illegality, not by enforcing the current law.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/2/2024 @ 10:01 amThank you for demonstrating exactly what I’m talking about: Democrats increase enforcement and show it, and that’s used to say that the Democrats are failing at enforcement.
That is not anywhere near accurate. The deal that Ron Johnson crows about killing would have reportedly made asylum claims tougher, allowed CBP to more easily remove migrants that are found to be ineligible; invested more into border security than originally proposed by Biden (>$14bil); and reformed policies to deter illegal crossings and encourage legal applications for migration.
Sam G (8d2ed1) — 1/2/2024 @ 10:17 amOur drug policies are failing us: we target supply instead of demand, we treat addiction as a crime instead of a health issue. We refuse to take the steps necessary to combat drug usage on a moral basis, rather than an evidence-based approach.
Sam G (8d2ed1) — 1/2/2024 @ 10:25 amWhembly, it sucks that your son’s friends died of fentanyl overdoses. I’m sorry that so many refuse to back the support systems that would have either prevented them from being users in the first place, or helped them get treatment/support to stop using.
Sam G (8d2ed1) — 1/2/2024 @ 10:28 amDennis was decided in 1951 while Yates (involving a different set of defendants) was decided in 1956.. The SC reversed the convictions of five defendants and remanded for new trials the remaining nine. Of the nine, apparently only one was retried and convicted.
In addition to Yates, the SC in 1969 ruled in Brandenburg v. Ohio:
Dennis v. United States was overturned in this decision.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 1/2/2024 @ 10:36 amBrandenburg specifically did not overturn Dennis, and cited it as an authority. It did limit the Smith Act to incitement of imminent events, but in those events Smith still holds.
Now, does Trump’s speech immediately prior to the J6 events matter here? Probably not as far as the Smith Act, as there was no attempt to OVERTHROW the government, but that does not mean that his speech was protected.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 1/2/2024 @ 11:24 amKevin M (ed969f) — 1/2/2024 @ 9:59 am
He wasn’t going to encourage the assault. It only interfered with his plans. Remember, stopping the certification through Jaan 20 would not extend his tenure by a minute – it would only make Nancy Pelosi Acting president.
Is that the phone he used to talk to Senator Tommy Tuberville, urging him not to drop his objections? Trump was worried the rampage would accelerate the certification process.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 1/2/2024 @ 11:34 am@Whembly AFAICT, Democrats are not for open borders. They do appear to be for looser immigration laws. However, given the choice between harsh enforcement that seems to harm people or less stringent enforcement that doesn’t seem to, they will tend toward choosing less stringent enforcement. I suspect that given the resources to more quickly process asylum requests and visa renewals, even under Democrats far fewer people would be illegally staying in the US.
Nic (896fdf) — 1/2/2024 @ 1:36 pmCorporate establishment democrats are afraid open borders will allow AOC to take over the party and become president.
asset (872ba3) — 1/2/2024 @ 5:40 pm@652
This is laughably and demonstratively untethered to reality.
The situation at the border is a choice by the Biden Administration, with all the usual Democrats supporting it.
They let it be known that illegals gets to stay here by gaming the system.
So, yes, it is Democrats who want’s open borders.
You can tell this by all the hemming and hawing over GOP’s demands for stricter border policies for any additional funding for Ukraine.
whembly (5f7596) — 1/2/2024 @ 5:44 pm