US Politics Thread

[Federberg]

You mean that they can just blame her loss on racism and ignore the giant pink haired elephant in the room?

exactly. Why really look at their own weaknesses if there's a ready scapegoat to deflect from genuine growth and accountability. Let me be clear the GOP failed to do the same, and they got away with it because the left are batshit crazy. It's even entirely possible, given where we are in the cycle and Trump's anti- growth policies that the Dems might end up winning the next one because Republicans make a mess of things (in fact I think this is quite likely given the level of hubris). But we know that these progressive ideas are a dead end...

 

[Kieran]

exactly. Why really look at their own weaknesses if there's a ready scapegoat to deflect from genuine growth and accountability. Let me be clear the GOP failed to do the same, and they got away with it because the left are batshit crazy. It's even entirely possible, given where we are in the cycle and Trump's anti- growth policies that the Dems might end up winning the next one because Republicans make a mess of things (in fact I think this is quite likely given the level of hubris). But we know that these progressive ideas are a dead end...

Yeah it’s going to be interesting. They had a gilt edge opportunity to reach out to conservatives and present a Biden presidency for all Americans, and they choose instead to double down on brainless fads, dangerous ideological fashions - and lunacy. Insurgency under the guise of “compassion” and “activism.”

It was really a moment wasted, and they deservedly got their balls kicked in the election…

 

[Fiero425]

ironically this is Kamala Harris's fault. If she wasn't such a poor candidate it would be clear to these progressives that voters don't want this. But in her they have an alternative case for why these insane policies are vote killers.

Who TF are you kidding? This has nothing to do w/ a person's qualifying candidacy or Hillary would have won the Presidency back in 2016! No one was or has been more qualified; & a conservative to boot? The patriarchal system won't allow women to really run things which is just as well! If they think Trump can do a better job than 2 other women, we see where their collective heads are; "up their arses!" Women help sabotage themselves all the time or they'd have more representation in Congress! We just have an over-abundance of a-#ole, idiots, bigots, & misogynist pigs in this country; men & women alike! Women determine elections these days so it's on them when they're undermined, taken for granted, & made to observe laws written by men for men! Trump has done such a great job of having his supporters turn on him; even the hardcore Maga-flag wavers are griping in the MSM! They're PO'd as his promises fall by the wayside, but since I skip the news, I couldn't GAF either way!

 

[Kieran]

Who TF are you kidding? This has nothing to do w/ a person's qualifying candidacy or Hillary would have won the Presidency back in 2016! No one was or has been more qualified; & a conservative to boot? The patriarchal system won't allow women to really run things which is just as well! If they think Trump can do a better job than 2 other women, we see where their collective heads are; "up their arses!" Women help sabotage themselves all the time or they'd have more representation in Congress! We just have an over-abundance of a-#ole, idiots, bigots, & misogynist pigs in this country; men & women alike! Women determine elections these days so it's on them when they're undermined, taken for granted, & made to observe laws written by men for men! Trump has done such a great job of having his supporters turn on him; even the hardcore Maga-flag wavers are griping in the MSM! They're PO'd as his promises fall by the wayside, but since I skip the news, I couldn't GAF either way!

You think women should vote for women just because they’re women?

 

[Federberg]

Who TF are you kidding? This has nothing to do w/ a person's qualifying candidacy or Hillary would have won the Presidency back in 2016! No one was or has been more qualified; & a conservative to boot? The patriarchal system won't allow women to really run things which is just as well! If they think Trump can do a better job than 2 other women, we see where their collective heads are; "up their arses!" Women help sabotage themselves all the time or they'd have more representation in Congress! We just have an over-abundance of a-#ole, idiots, bigots, & misogynist pigs in this country; men & women alike! Women determine elections these days so it's on them when they're undermined, taken for granted, & made to observe laws written by men for men! Trump has done such a great job of having his supporters turn on him; even the hardcore Maga-flag wavers are griping in the MSM! They're PO'd as his promises fall by the wayside, but since I skip the news, I couldn't GAF either way!

not sure what this has to do with patriarchy. Or being qualified? Or HRC... Quite clearly a whole load of women don't see representation in Congress as self sabotage. And I don't blame them. Frankly at this point I'm not sure how the most raging feminist could dare to claim that women are disadvantaged in America. But anyway it's tragic they're doubling down on these crazy policies

 

[Federberg]

My goodness! He absolutely roasted them!

 

[Kieran]

My goodness! He absolutely roasted them!

They just repeat talking points that they don’t understand. “Shredding the constitution” - sounds like he knows what he’s talking about, until you ask him a question…

 

[Federberg]

well that was a disaster in the White House. We are watching history folks. Not sure NATO survives this

 

[Fiero425]

not sure what this has to do with patriarchy. Or being qualified? Or HRC... Quite clearly a whole load of women don't see representation in Congress as self sabotage. And I don't blame them. Frankly at this point I'm not sure how the most raging feminist could dare to claim that women are disadvantaged in America. But anyway it's tragic they're doubling down on these crazy policies

Having representation only makes sense! IMO, women have disappointed themselves so much of late, I figure they deserve the repercussions of their apathy! They're obviously not paying attn. as feminists went too far and there's been a backlash! The "Me Too" movement solidified the extremism, just like "BLM!" You can't keep punishing ignorant people out there! They are too many out there; hence the sitation we're in now around the world! Here in the USA, sooner or later it had to happen! They snapped and just started saying to themselves, "I don't GAF how we come off! We need to take back our power!" There's no more shame out there as the Party of "family values" has turned their principles inside out & upside down! There are too many out there willing to support tyranny which is threatening our very democracy! As long as they feel as if they have a voice, they don't seem to care as Trump pardoned those clowns from Jan. 6th! Democracy's barely hanging on here as Dems. haven't learned their lessons yet! How smart are they to allow Neanderthals to out-manuever them? A pox on both their HOUSES!

 

[Kieran]

well that was a disaster in the White House. We are watching history folks. Not sure NATO survives this

Yeah, that was an example of a right wing form of madness, the lure of the so-called “strong man” leader, which we find in some people who think Putin is a saviour of some sort, an anti-woke defender of Christian values, when actually he’s just a bog standard cannibalistic tyrant with delusions of empire.

These public meetings with country leaders are not a good format either, they bring out the worst in Trump, wanting to grandstand in front of the world..

 

[don_fabio]

I am also surprised by the public format they went with yesterday. I only watched 4 minutes of a heated conversation that looked more like a half-drunk talk in a local pub than presidents. Looks like Zelenski was ambushed here and all the talks leading to this yesterday hinted (Trump called Zelenski a dictator??) this visit could end ugly. I like that Zelenski held his own and said that there is no diplomacy with Putin. It is also better for him not to have signed that contract for minerals, which would probably only harm Ukraine. I don't know anything about this JD Vance, but he seems like a sleazy character to me.

In any case, I think that it is not in anyone's interest that Russia expands and seizes other people's territories and the current control of 20% of Ukraine is unacceptable. I strongly doubt that, if someone were to occupy California tomorrow, the USA would agree to the same except to return its territory. I don't know how this situation with war, which seems very complex, will be resolved. If America stops supporting Ukraine, can Europe fight against Russia on its own?

 

[Federberg]

I am also surprised by the public format they went with yesterday. I only watched 4 minutes of a heated conversation that looked more like a half-drunk talk in a local pub than presidents. Looks like Zelenski was ambushed here and all the talks leading to this yesterday hinted (Trump called Zelenski a dictator??) this visit could end ugly. I like that Zelenski held his own and said that there is no diplomacy with Putin. It is also better for him not to have signed that contract for minerals, which would probably only harm Ukraine. I don't know anything about this JD Vance, but he seems like a sleazy character to me.

In any case, I think that it is not in anyone's interest that Russia expands and seizes other people's territories and the current control of 20% of Ukraine is unacceptable. I strongly doubt that, if someone were to occupy California tomorrow, the USA would agree to the same except to return its territory. I don't know how this situation with war, which seems very complex, will be resolved. If America stops supporting Ukraine, can Europe fight against Russia on its own?

that's the trillion dollar question. What's Europe going to do? I think that many things are unclear, but one thing has become a consensus among American allies and adversaries alike... It is no longer tenable for the United States of America to be the "leader" of the world. I honestly don't think Trump has properly understood the consequences of that. I think he just assumes that the caucasian world will come together under his leadership when the shit hits the fan. I don't think that's what the game theory outcome will be. It's more likely Germany, Japan and South Korea all equip themselves with nuclear weapons as a direct consequence of Trump's behaviour. Ukraine might be collateral damage or Europe might be able to keep them ticking while trying to play nice with Trump. It's all so unclear!

 

[the AntiPusher]

I am also surprised by the public format they went with yesterday. I only watched 4 minutes of a heated conversation that looked more like a half-drunk talk in a local pub than presidents. Looks like Zelenski was ambushed here and all the talks leading to this yesterday hinted (Trump called Zelenski a dictator??) this visit could end ugly. I like that Zelenski held his own and said that there is no diplomacy with Putin. It is also better for him not to have signed that contract for minerals, which would probably only harm Ukraine. I don't know anything about this JD Vance, but he seems like a sleazy character to me.

In any case, I think that it is not in anyone's interest that Russia expands and seizes other people's territories and the current control of 20% of Ukraine is unacceptable. I strongly doubt that, if someone were to occupy California tomorrow, the USA would agree to the same except to return its territory. I don't know how this situation with war, which seems very complex, will be resolved. If America stops supporting Ukraine, can Europe fight against Russia on its own?

No, European countries are not strong enough to fight Russia on its own. It's the 1930s again but this time the Predator is not in Germany but in the US white house.

 

[Federberg]

No, European countries are not strong enough to fight Russia on its own. It's the 1930s again but this time the Predator is not in Germany but in the US white house.

really? So Ukraine can devastate the Russian army, wipe out its Black Sea fleet and you're telling me the Europeans aren't strong enough to fight Russia? Lol! No! The problem is that up until now they've abdicated their own self defence. Trump IS right about that. But that's going to change now. I'll say it again... the one thing EVERYONE agrees on is that a world where America sets the rules and bullies everyone is over. The issue is that I'm not sure Trump really wants or understands the consequences of that realisation amongst American allies

 

[don_fabio]

that's the trillion dollar question. What's Europe going to do? I think that many things are unclear, but one thing has become a consensus among American allies and adversaries alike... It is no longer tenable for the United States of America to be the "leader" of the world. I honestly don't think Trump has properly understood the consequences of that. I think he just assumes that the caucasian world will come together under his leadership when the shit hits the fan. I don't think that's what the game theory outcome will be. It's more likely Germany, Japan and South Korea all equip themselves with nuclear weapons as a direct consequence of Trump's behaviour. Ukraine might be collateral damage or Europe might be able to keep them ticking while trying to play nice with Trump. It's all so unclear!

It's definitely quite chaotic and unpredictable since Trump took office. It's also visible in the stock market, a lot of uncertainty; tariffs, layoffs of federal workers, geopolitical tensions...

The current leaders of the USA (including Elon) should not be anywhere near where they are. Europe should invest in defense and weapons, I agree. I would also mention hot potato in the Far East and the situation with Taiwan. It is predicted that in 2-3 years, China could try to regain control over Taiwan in some form and with the current leaders in the USA, it may be the best moment for such a thing. It's not that I'm advocating wars (actually I hate wars), but the fact is that Taiwan is of great strategic importance as far as chip production is concerned. Imagine what chaos on the global scale would that bring if the production of those chips is halted or even stopped completely.

 

[don_fabio]

No, European countries are not strong enough to fight Russia on its own. It's the 1930s again but this time the Predator is not in Germany but in the US white house.

Not if what happened yesterday in oval office unifies Europe.

 

[Federberg]

It's definitely quite chaotic and unpredictable since Trump took office. It's also visible in the stock market, a lot of uncertainty; tariffs, layoffs of federal workers, geopolitical tensions...

The current leaders of the USA (including Elon) should not be anywhere near where they are. Europe should invest in defense and weapons, I agree. I would also mention hot potato in the Far East and the situation with Taiwan. It is predicted that in 2-3 years, China could try to regain control over Taiwan in some form and with the current leaders in the USA, it may be the best moment for such a thing. It's not that I'm advocating wars (actually I hate wars), but the fact is that Taiwan is of great strategic importance as far as chip production is concerned. Imagine what chaos on the global scale would that bring if the production of those chips is halted or even stopped completely.

I actually think the Russia-Ukraine war has probably delayed a potential Taiwan invasion. There have now been 3 wars over the last 150 years that are the most important.

(1) American Civil War - the first 20th century style war
(2) World War 2 - nuclear bombs
(3) Russia-Ukraine - drone warfare

I think all the militaries around the world are scrambling and wondering if they even have the right equipment for modern warfare. Ships, tanks, fighter planes are all being made to look potentially redundant. It's not clear to me that China will make any move until they have the right counter measures in place. These are fairly profound changes. It could take a decade to fully re-tool

 

[Kieran]

Trump lied about his stance against Putin to get into the WH again. Europe had to know this and should have NEVER waited for yesterday if that what it took to be unified. Putin was ALWAYS BEEN CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER.

Not according to Barack Obama who famously thought that such language was outdated 1980’s foreign policy stuff. America’s history with Russia since the happy day the Soviet Union collapsed has not always been to our benefit…

 

[the AntiPusher]

Not according to Barack Obama who famously thought that such language was outdated 1980’s foreign policy stuff. America’s history with Russia since the happy day the Soviet Union collapsed has not always been to our benefit…

It was during a debate vs Romney, President Obama question him about Mitt saying Russia was a bigger threat at time than al Qaida in 2012. Obama said. "You said Russia. And the 1980s are now calling to ask for their foreign policy back. Because the Cold War has been over for 20 years. But Governor, when it comes to our foreign policy, you seem to want to import the foreign policies of the 1980s, just like the social policy of the 1950s, and the economic policies of the 1920s." Barack NEVER said that Putin wasnt a threat.

 

[Kieran]

It was during a debate vs Romney, President Obama question him about Mitt saying Russia was a bigger threat at time than al Qaida in 2012. Obama said. "You said Russia. And the 1980s are now calling to ask for their foreign policy back. Because the Cold War has been over for 20 years. But Governor, when it comes to our foreign policy, you seem to want to import the foreign policies of the 1980s, just like the social policy of the 1950s, and the economic policies of the 1920s." Barack NEVER said that Putin wasnt a threat.

Nope, Mitt Romney had told Obama that (from CNN):

“Russia, this is, without question, our number one geopolitical foe,” Romney, who would be the Republican presidential nominee in the 2012 race against President Barack Obama, told Wolf Blitzer in March of that year. “They — they fight every cause for the world’s worst actors.”

It’s time to admit it: Mitt Romney was right about Russia​

Who was the American president who let Putin take Crimea in 2014? He was lousy on the international stage, and made Putin brazen. Trump is getting Putin similarly wrong…