The last few days have been enough to drive one away from both polling services and news outlets. From Donald Trump shamelessly pushing for one of his failing resorts to host next years G-7--or if The Big Orange Guy has his way--G-8 conference to outright lying about the amount of relief funds Puerto Rico received after Hurricane Maria it was a bad week for the truth in more than one venue.
Of course we've grown used to Trump's complete ignorance of the Constitution he swore to uphold, his unbridled greed, and the utter disdain he holds for honesty and verifiable facts. What truly turned us around a couple of times this week was, first, a presidential election poll by the normally accurate Monmouth University Polling Institute, and second, an on air report by MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell.
The Monmouth poll radically departed from every other survey taken recently. It showed former Vice President Joe Biden falling from a solid lead in the democratic race for the nomination into third place. It was precipitous drop of 14 points which no one saw coming. Especially Biden who immediately claimed the numbers were all kinds of wrong.
Within 48 hours the Monmouth people agreed with him. They issued a statement saying their poll, which had an unusually large margin of error, was a complete outlier. In short, they screwed the pooch. What they didn't say, but everyone knows, is in the future every alt right MAGA hack in the nation will cite this week's fuck up if and when the university publishes a poll showing Don Trump trailing anyone by even the slightest margin.
Then we come to Larry O'Donnell. On his Tuesday night show he reported--and this should have been a huge red flag--that a single source had told him Deutsche Bank had copies of El Don's tax returns and for several years he had paid little, or no U.S. income tax. Not only that, but to secure numerous loans Deutsch Bank had required him to have cosigners to guarantee them. Those cosigners, according to O'Donnell, were Russian billionaires who had close ties to Vladimir Putin.
Twitter went nuts with liberals claiming the news was the sum of all their suspicions while Trump's people did what they always do, threatened to sue the shit out of both O'Donnell and NBC. The first sign of something being amiss came the next morning. Neither MSNBC, or CNN were following up on what should have been a huge story. By Wednesday afternoon O'Donnell tweeted out a retraction and apology for reporting what he did. It was a fiasco which played straight into the hands of Trump's never ending, "fake news," blitzkrieg.
Yes, things had taken a serious turn for the worse, causing many to cringe and fascists everywhere to rejoice. Luckily for huge numbers of us this weekend brought a well needed distraction from all the vile folderol.
Thankfully the college football season has arrived along with all its faux ancient Roman pageantry. The season of color, tradition, and violence has returned to TV screens and stadiums across the land. In the weeks to come new rivalries will bloom and old ones will be renewed. Some will cheer deliriously while others gnash their teeth in anger and frustration. School colors and mascots will mean more than they should. At least in short bursts, politics and disasters both natural and man made will be pushed into the blessed dark recesses of our consciousness.
Given recent events it arrived at the perfect moment.
On to Norman, ladies and gentlemen. Tomorrow night the University of Houston comes to town to play my beloved Sooners.
Indeed, it is time, as Billy Shakespeare wrote, for the team I have lived and died with for nearly 65 years to go, "..once more into the breach..." and for me to say, screw everything else. Well, at least until Monday morning.
8-31-19
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Monday, August 26, 2019
The Latest Monmouth Poll: A Three Horse Race and at the Finish Line, The Great Orange Dragon
The latest Monmouth University Polling Institute numbers have the talking heads on MSNBC and CNN buzzing. This despite the fact the poll's admitted error range, plus, or minus 5.7%, is huge compared to others.
In the latest survey Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders lead the pack with 20% each and former Vice President Joe Biden is running a close third with 19%.
This tectonic shift away from Mr. Biden can best be blamed not on anything Sanders and Warren have done, or said, but rather Biden himself. Obama's former VEEP, who has always had a reputation for goofs and gaffs, went out of his way in the past few weeks to make himself look, not just shaky, but outright senile.
First Mr. Biden confused Burlington, Iowa with Burlington, Vermont. Next he went delusional on a Trumpian scale, claiming he was Vice President when the Parkland, FL school shooting took place and as such spoke with survivors of the nightmare. For those who have had their memories numbed by the never ending exercises in murderous American behavior, that particular mass shooting took place about a year and a half after Biden left office.
Perhaps the biggest indicator of Joe B's slide came from the age demographic. Monmouth's poll showed his support at 33% of democrats over the age of 50, but at a mere 6% of dems younger than 50.
That doesn't mean it is high tide and green grass for Bernie and Liz though. 22% of those asked were in favor of junking all private insurance in favor of medicare coverage. 53%, on the other hand, were more comfortable with a public option. In other words they want a choice of keeping their private coverage, or deciding to go with medicare, something both progressive senators have refused to support.
When it comes to Sanders' idea of immediately wiping out private medical insurance, 22% approve while a public option plan leading toward medicare for all has the support of 33% of democrats. A full 21% want only minor tweaks in America's health care system.
That is a lot of democrats who don't agree on a major issue with both Warren and Sanders. Only time will tell if it is a deal breaker for most of them despite their general contempt for the current resident of the White House.
The rest of the vast democratic field is in a world of hurt. Senator Kamala Harris polled at 8%, Cory Booker and Mayor Pete Buttigieg were at 4%, while Andrew Yang, the $1,000 a month man, was at 3%. Despite strong debate performances Julian Castro is stuck at 2% along with Beto O'Rourke, and Marianne Williamson. Bill de Blasio, Tulsi Gabbard, and Amy Klobuchar are at 1%. Everyone else, including NY Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is polling at less than 1%.
Those kind of numbers, without something truly unexpected happening--like winning a huge Power Ball jackpot--means donors will be fleeing from you at a rate that soon even a camping trip to Iowa might end up busting the campaign budget.
Yes at some point coming quickly the one, two, and three percenters are going to have to face reality. This simply isn't their year. Quit the race, do everything you can to defeat Don Trump, and hope for a cabinet post, or ambassadorship somewhere.
Meanwhile we know what the GOP propaganda machine is going to throw at whoever the winner eventually is. He, or she will become, according to FOX, the Russians, and right wing internet trolls everywhere, the next coming of Karl Marx, Leon Trotsky, and Joe Stalin all wrapped up in one. Indeed, every democrat running will be a Socialist Vegan ready to take away your guns, hamburgers, and gas burning cars while they make your kids become flaming gay activists. And that is even before we get to the whole southern border thing.
There might be a long way to go, but it doesn't take a crystal ball to see what is going to happen. Barring a miracle the democratic race is going to come down to Sanders, Warren, and Biden. Then, God be with the winner, because at the end of the gauntlet lurks the Great Orange Dragon, Donald John Trump, his wildly faithful mob of howling fascists, and a never ending torrent of paranoid conspiracies, lies, and petty name calling.
sic vita est
8-26-19
In the latest survey Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders lead the pack with 20% each and former Vice President Joe Biden is running a close third with 19%.
This tectonic shift away from Mr. Biden can best be blamed not on anything Sanders and Warren have done, or said, but rather Biden himself. Obama's former VEEP, who has always had a reputation for goofs and gaffs, went out of his way in the past few weeks to make himself look, not just shaky, but outright senile.
First Mr. Biden confused Burlington, Iowa with Burlington, Vermont. Next he went delusional on a Trumpian scale, claiming he was Vice President when the Parkland, FL school shooting took place and as such spoke with survivors of the nightmare. For those who have had their memories numbed by the never ending exercises in murderous American behavior, that particular mass shooting took place about a year and a half after Biden left office.
Perhaps the biggest indicator of Joe B's slide came from the age demographic. Monmouth's poll showed his support at 33% of democrats over the age of 50, but at a mere 6% of dems younger than 50.
That doesn't mean it is high tide and green grass for Bernie and Liz though. 22% of those asked were in favor of junking all private insurance in favor of medicare coverage. 53%, on the other hand, were more comfortable with a public option. In other words they want a choice of keeping their private coverage, or deciding to go with medicare, something both progressive senators have refused to support.
When it comes to Sanders' idea of immediately wiping out private medical insurance, 22% approve while a public option plan leading toward medicare for all has the support of 33% of democrats. A full 21% want only minor tweaks in America's health care system.
That is a lot of democrats who don't agree on a major issue with both Warren and Sanders. Only time will tell if it is a deal breaker for most of them despite their general contempt for the current resident of the White House.
The rest of the vast democratic field is in a world of hurt. Senator Kamala Harris polled at 8%, Cory Booker and Mayor Pete Buttigieg were at 4%, while Andrew Yang, the $1,000 a month man, was at 3%. Despite strong debate performances Julian Castro is stuck at 2% along with Beto O'Rourke, and Marianne Williamson. Bill de Blasio, Tulsi Gabbard, and Amy Klobuchar are at 1%. Everyone else, including NY Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is polling at less than 1%.
Those kind of numbers, without something truly unexpected happening--like winning a huge Power Ball jackpot--means donors will be fleeing from you at a rate that soon even a camping trip to Iowa might end up busting the campaign budget.
Yes at some point coming quickly the one, two, and three percenters are going to have to face reality. This simply isn't their year. Quit the race, do everything you can to defeat Don Trump, and hope for a cabinet post, or ambassadorship somewhere.
Meanwhile we know what the GOP propaganda machine is going to throw at whoever the winner eventually is. He, or she will become, according to FOX, the Russians, and right wing internet trolls everywhere, the next coming of Karl Marx, Leon Trotsky, and Joe Stalin all wrapped up in one. Indeed, every democrat running will be a Socialist Vegan ready to take away your guns, hamburgers, and gas burning cars while they make your kids become flaming gay activists. And that is even before we get to the whole southern border thing.
There might be a long way to go, but it doesn't take a crystal ball to see what is going to happen. Barring a miracle the democratic race is going to come down to Sanders, Warren, and Biden. Then, God be with the winner, because at the end of the gauntlet lurks the Great Orange Dragon, Donald John Trump, his wildly faithful mob of howling fascists, and a never ending torrent of paranoid conspiracies, lies, and petty name calling.
sic vita est
8-26-19
Thursday, August 22, 2019
The Wayne Allyn Root Prophecy and the Guy Who Believes Him
Wayne Allyn Root is one wild and crazy guy. Years ago he was one of those people who claimed Barack H. Obama wasn't born in the United States. Actually he and Obama attended Columbia University during the same time frame. At first Mr. Root stated Obama was never there, but after a while changed his story and said Obama was there, but as a foreign exchange student. He has also stated Obama is gay and referred to him on occasion as, "Bathhouse Barry." In addition he once stated he had information gleaned from Chicago friends of Obama which concerned the former President's, "sordid past." Why he has yet to reveal that information remains a tad foggy.
Brother Root also believes Hillary Clinton, or others high up in the democratic party murdered DNC staffer Seth Rich, because it was Rich, not the Russians who sent Ms. Clinton's emails to Wikileaks. Rich was killed during a mugging on a Washington D.C. street. His parents have had to threaten to sue clowns like Wayne Allyn Root because they refuse to stop using his name and images on social media and TV while promoting the conspiracy.
When it came to the nightmare in Charlottesville, VA, Root claimed the trouble between white nationalists and those protesting against them was caused by paid actors, or infiltrators hired by George Soros. On the day of the massacre in Las Vegas he immediately, "reported," the city was under a coordinated attack by Muslims.
So who would listen to such a complete crank?
How about the President of the United States of America.
The week had started off with religious overtones for Donald J. Trump when he told everyone, "Any Jewish people that vote for a democrat--I think that shows either a total lack of knowledge, or great disloyalty."
The critics of Trump immediately began to howl like half starved wolves, among them not just a few Jews. Not to worry though, because along came Wayne Allyn Root to the President's rescue.
Now it wasn't scary that someone like Root would tweet such crazed bilge like he did. Hell, we've all come to expect complete insanity emanating from the Trump universe. No, the scary part is the man who is capable of launching nuclear weapons not only enjoyed it, but quoted him in full over three tweets.
If you run the tweets together it went like this. "Thank you to Wayne Allyn Root for the very nice words. 'President Trump is the greatest President for Jews and for Israel in the history of the world, not just America, he is the best President for Israel in the history of the world and the Jewish people love him ...like he is king of Israel. They love him like he is the second coming of God, but American Jews don't know him, or like him. They don't even know what they're doing, or saying any more. It makes no sense! But that's okay if he keeps doing what he's doing, he's good for all Jews, Blacks, Gays, everyone. And importantly he's good for everyone in America who wants a job.' Wow!"
We'll never confuse Mr. Root's compositions with those of, let's say, F. Scott Fitzgerald, but obviously that didn't matter to Don Trump. Indeed, it was the content that counted, not the semi literate style.
Later in the day, in keeping with the messianic theme, during a discussion about the trade war with China, Mr. Trump looked to the sky for a moment and proclaimed himself, "the chosen one," to wage it.
Being an Episcopalian I'll admit to having a limited knowledge of biblical prophesies. However, I'm pretty sure Donald John Trump isn't the king of Israel, the second coming of God, or even the divine, chosen one. And I'm pretty sure it would take some truly convoluted interpretations of The Good Book to think it says so.
Others agree. #Twentyfifthamendment began trending on Twitter minutes after his last statement. The 25th amendment allows a sitting cabinet to remove a President from office if he is physically incapable, or just too bat shit crazy to perform his duties as chief executive.
Of course chances of that happening are nil. Hey, Trump's cabinet members have been around him long enough to consider themselves apostles at this point--and for all we know, Putin, Kim, and that boob in Brazil are liable to show up at the White House parking garage some time soon bearing gifts.
Well, El Don is probably hoping they will.
Ladies and gentlemen, the nation is in trouble. If you didn't think so before, you should realize it now. The man is unraveling right before our very eyes. There is no other explanation for the behavior we've seen this week.
8-22-19
Brother Root also believes Hillary Clinton, or others high up in the democratic party murdered DNC staffer Seth Rich, because it was Rich, not the Russians who sent Ms. Clinton's emails to Wikileaks. Rich was killed during a mugging on a Washington D.C. street. His parents have had to threaten to sue clowns like Wayne Allyn Root because they refuse to stop using his name and images on social media and TV while promoting the conspiracy.
When it came to the nightmare in Charlottesville, VA, Root claimed the trouble between white nationalists and those protesting against them was caused by paid actors, or infiltrators hired by George Soros. On the day of the massacre in Las Vegas he immediately, "reported," the city was under a coordinated attack by Muslims.
So who would listen to such a complete crank?
How about the President of the United States of America.
The week had started off with religious overtones for Donald J. Trump when he told everyone, "Any Jewish people that vote for a democrat--I think that shows either a total lack of knowledge, or great disloyalty."
The critics of Trump immediately began to howl like half starved wolves, among them not just a few Jews. Not to worry though, because along came Wayne Allyn Root to the President's rescue.
Now it wasn't scary that someone like Root would tweet such crazed bilge like he did. Hell, we've all come to expect complete insanity emanating from the Trump universe. No, the scary part is the man who is capable of launching nuclear weapons not only enjoyed it, but quoted him in full over three tweets.
If you run the tweets together it went like this. "Thank you to Wayne Allyn Root for the very nice words. 'President Trump is the greatest President for Jews and for Israel in the history of the world, not just America, he is the best President for Israel in the history of the world and the Jewish people love him ...like he is king of Israel. They love him like he is the second coming of God, but American Jews don't know him, or like him. They don't even know what they're doing, or saying any more. It makes no sense! But that's okay if he keeps doing what he's doing, he's good for all Jews, Blacks, Gays, everyone. And importantly he's good for everyone in America who wants a job.' Wow!"
We'll never confuse Mr. Root's compositions with those of, let's say, F. Scott Fitzgerald, but obviously that didn't matter to Don Trump. Indeed, it was the content that counted, not the semi literate style.
Later in the day, in keeping with the messianic theme, during a discussion about the trade war with China, Mr. Trump looked to the sky for a moment and proclaimed himself, "the chosen one," to wage it.
Being an Episcopalian I'll admit to having a limited knowledge of biblical prophesies. However, I'm pretty sure Donald John Trump isn't the king of Israel, the second coming of God, or even the divine, chosen one. And I'm pretty sure it would take some truly convoluted interpretations of The Good Book to think it says so.
Others agree. #Twentyfifthamendment began trending on Twitter minutes after his last statement. The 25th amendment allows a sitting cabinet to remove a President from office if he is physically incapable, or just too bat shit crazy to perform his duties as chief executive.
Of course chances of that happening are nil. Hey, Trump's cabinet members have been around him long enough to consider themselves apostles at this point--and for all we know, Putin, Kim, and that boob in Brazil are liable to show up at the White House parking garage some time soon bearing gifts.
Well, El Don is probably hoping they will.
Ladies and gentlemen, the nation is in trouble. If you didn't think so before, you should realize it now. The man is unraveling right before our very eyes. There is no other explanation for the behavior we've seen this week.
8-22-19
Monday, August 19, 2019
A Bizarre Week: Ilhan and Rashida's Road Trip is Canceled, Steve King Defends Rape and Incest, and Don Trump Makes the Danes an Offer They Refused
Yes, last week was exceptionally bizarre which, given the past couple of years, is saying a lot.
First we had Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib wanting to go all Thelma and Louise on Israel. The two Muslim members of the lower house weren't entirely clear on why they were planning to travel there, although Tlaib's grandmother does live in a West Bank settlement. Suspicions however were this particular half of, "The Squad," wanted to raise some hell at the very source of their political ire. Hey, there is nothing quite as headline grabbing as demanding a boycott of Israel from Israeli soil.
Don Trump, who knows a thing or two about headline snatching, suspected as much. He let Israel know, via Twitter, they would be considered weak--he said by the world, but he really meant by him alone--if they let the two women in. The Israelis took the bait and banned both Omar and Tlaib.
The shit, as it were, immediately hit the fan. Everyone not named Donald J. Trump began to criticize the Jewish State. Within hours, it seemed, the Israeli government said, Ms. Tlaib could come, but only to visit her grandmother and only if she promised not to say anything about her proposed boycott of the nation. Omar, not having a relative anywhere near the West Bank, remained persona non grata.
The Congresswoman from Michigan, wildly indignant about the restrictions, immediately refused the offer. By passing on the visit to dear old Grandma she confirmed what every right wing hack had believed all along, that her trip was going to be nothing more than political theater. Plus she turned a possible victory of sorts into what can best be described as a cynical ploy gone awry.
Then there was Steve King--not to be confused with Stephen King. Stephen King writes horror stories while Steve King is one. Last week, in an effort to defend a ban on abortion even in cases of rape and incest, the Iowa Congressman claimed if it wasn't for people committing those two crimes against nature throughout history humans would have gone the way of the Neanderthal by now.
That's right, according to Steve King, without rape and incest there would no longer be a human race, because apparently not even the Chinese and Indians do enough fucking to sustain it. Of course knowing King's past remarks we can assume he was referencing Caucasians rather than everyone else because in his mind they're the only ones who count.
Then we come to the President's latest obsession. Last week the news broke Mr. Trump wants to buy Greenland. You know, the world's largest island, that one which has an incredibly thick layer of ice covering over three fourths its surface.
Okay it isn't a new idea. Right after the United States purchased Alaska in 1867 a proposal was floated in the Senate to buy Greenland and Iceland--although Senators were warned the Icelanders probably wouldn't go along with the idea without a fight. The idea was with Alaska in the west and Greenland in the east our old foe, those dangerous Canadians, would be nearly surrounded and therefore more apt to give up the British Crown to join us. The proposal was literally laughed out of the chamber.
In 1946, knowing the Russkies were up to no good, Harry Truman offered the Danes $100 million in gold for the island. Denmark refused the offer, but let the U.S. build Thule AFB there free of charge. It remains the northernmost American military facility in the world and we're still not paying anyone a dime for it.
There are currently 56,480 people who are citizens of Greenland. To put that in perspective, if they all, each and every man, woman, and child, were to take a seat in the University of Oklahoma's football stadium, there would still be right at 30,000 empty spaces.
That doesn't mean Donald John Trump is the only one with designs on the island. There are theories the place is loaded with minerals and there is the possibility of oil and natural gas deposits. Among others the Canadians, Russians, and Chinese are interested in developing those resources.
However, Trump's main problem is, even though Denmark subsidizes Greenland, the island obtained home rule in 1979 and in 2008 the act was expanded even further. In other words, as the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen said today, "Denmark doesn't own Greenland, Greenland owns Greenland." She also said any talks about the purchase of Greenland would be, "absurd."
After the news hit last week the Prime Minister of Greenland, Kim Kielsen took to Twitter himself and wrote, "Greenland is open for business, but not for sale."
Subtleties such as national sovereignty have never bothered Trump though. He keeps blathering on about Greenland being a, "great real estate deal," and maintains, "a lot of things can be done." Then he said, "Greenland is hurting Denmark, they pay $700 million a year to support it."
The President then then said his next European excursion might include Denmark, although talks about buying Greenland wouldn't be on the agenda if he does make a stop there.
Right. Then why bring this nonsense up at all, which is exactly what Trump's people did, especially when you're close to visiting the place?
Some have speculated Donald Trump wants to buy Greenland to enhance his presidential legacy. The rest of us aren't so sure since we suspect his true legacy will be to nullify next years election if he loses. If he wins it will be suspending the constitution four years further down the road so he can run for a third term. It isn't like he hasn't, "joked," about both during his rallies.
Whatever the case, be careful Denmark. The guy in the Oval office is increasingly erratic and now he is starting to act like a Michael Corleone telling Moe Green The Family wants to buy him out of the ice bound island business.
And--way back then we all saw what happened to Moe before the end credits ran.
8-19-19
M
First we had Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib wanting to go all Thelma and Louise on Israel. The two Muslim members of the lower house weren't entirely clear on why they were planning to travel there, although Tlaib's grandmother does live in a West Bank settlement. Suspicions however were this particular half of, "The Squad," wanted to raise some hell at the very source of their political ire. Hey, there is nothing quite as headline grabbing as demanding a boycott of Israel from Israeli soil.
Don Trump, who knows a thing or two about headline snatching, suspected as much. He let Israel know, via Twitter, they would be considered weak--he said by the world, but he really meant by him alone--if they let the two women in. The Israelis took the bait and banned both Omar and Tlaib.
The shit, as it were, immediately hit the fan. Everyone not named Donald J. Trump began to criticize the Jewish State. Within hours, it seemed, the Israeli government said, Ms. Tlaib could come, but only to visit her grandmother and only if she promised not to say anything about her proposed boycott of the nation. Omar, not having a relative anywhere near the West Bank, remained persona non grata.
The Congresswoman from Michigan, wildly indignant about the restrictions, immediately refused the offer. By passing on the visit to dear old Grandma she confirmed what every right wing hack had believed all along, that her trip was going to be nothing more than political theater. Plus she turned a possible victory of sorts into what can best be described as a cynical ploy gone awry.
Then there was Steve King--not to be confused with Stephen King. Stephen King writes horror stories while Steve King is one. Last week, in an effort to defend a ban on abortion even in cases of rape and incest, the Iowa Congressman claimed if it wasn't for people committing those two crimes against nature throughout history humans would have gone the way of the Neanderthal by now.
That's right, according to Steve King, without rape and incest there would no longer be a human race, because apparently not even the Chinese and Indians do enough fucking to sustain it. Of course knowing King's past remarks we can assume he was referencing Caucasians rather than everyone else because in his mind they're the only ones who count.
Then we come to the President's latest obsession. Last week the news broke Mr. Trump wants to buy Greenland. You know, the world's largest island, that one which has an incredibly thick layer of ice covering over three fourths its surface.
Okay it isn't a new idea. Right after the United States purchased Alaska in 1867 a proposal was floated in the Senate to buy Greenland and Iceland--although Senators were warned the Icelanders probably wouldn't go along with the idea without a fight. The idea was with Alaska in the west and Greenland in the east our old foe, those dangerous Canadians, would be nearly surrounded and therefore more apt to give up the British Crown to join us. The proposal was literally laughed out of the chamber.
In 1946, knowing the Russkies were up to no good, Harry Truman offered the Danes $100 million in gold for the island. Denmark refused the offer, but let the U.S. build Thule AFB there free of charge. It remains the northernmost American military facility in the world and we're still not paying anyone a dime for it.
There are currently 56,480 people who are citizens of Greenland. To put that in perspective, if they all, each and every man, woman, and child, were to take a seat in the University of Oklahoma's football stadium, there would still be right at 30,000 empty spaces.
That doesn't mean Donald John Trump is the only one with designs on the island. There are theories the place is loaded with minerals and there is the possibility of oil and natural gas deposits. Among others the Canadians, Russians, and Chinese are interested in developing those resources.
However, Trump's main problem is, even though Denmark subsidizes Greenland, the island obtained home rule in 1979 and in 2008 the act was expanded even further. In other words, as the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen said today, "Denmark doesn't own Greenland, Greenland owns Greenland." She also said any talks about the purchase of Greenland would be, "absurd."
After the news hit last week the Prime Minister of Greenland, Kim Kielsen took to Twitter himself and wrote, "Greenland is open for business, but not for sale."
Subtleties such as national sovereignty have never bothered Trump though. He keeps blathering on about Greenland being a, "great real estate deal," and maintains, "a lot of things can be done." Then he said, "Greenland is hurting Denmark, they pay $700 million a year to support it."
The President then then said his next European excursion might include Denmark, although talks about buying Greenland wouldn't be on the agenda if he does make a stop there.
Right. Then why bring this nonsense up at all, which is exactly what Trump's people did, especially when you're close to visiting the place?
Some have speculated Donald Trump wants to buy Greenland to enhance his presidential legacy. The rest of us aren't so sure since we suspect his true legacy will be to nullify next years election if he loses. If he wins it will be suspending the constitution four years further down the road so he can run for a third term. It isn't like he hasn't, "joked," about both during his rallies.
Whatever the case, be careful Denmark. The guy in the Oval office is increasingly erratic and now he is starting to act like a Michael Corleone telling Moe Green The Family wants to buy him out of the ice bound island business.
And--way back then we all saw what happened to Moe before the end credits ran.
8-19-19
M
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Jeffrey Epstein Croaks and Social Media Goes Berserk
Jeffrey Epstein was 66 years old. In his adult life he made boatloads of money, although no one is exactly sure how. During his salad days he hobnobbed with all manner of people, including Bill Clinton, Don Trump, Alan Dershowitz, and other famous elites both in and out of politics.
He was also a horribly dirty old man who loved to have sex with underage girls. Worse--if anything like that sort of shit can get worse--he liked to pimp them out to his pals. His reason for that particular predilection is also unclear, although the words influence and blackmail immediately come to mind.
About 12 years ago he was charged on an array of counts pertaining to his strange and awful fetish in Florida. His attorney, the increasingly infamous Mr. Dershowitz, struck a deal with then federal prosecutor, Alexander Acosta. Epstein pleaded down to two state counts of sexual weirdness with teenagers in exchange for 18 months in a county jail. In addition to the reduced sentence he was put into a work release program which allowed him to go about his business, supervised by local deputies,12 hours a day.
Since he paid the county for the deputies' overtime no one seemed to care. One Florida official later told the media he basically spent the nights in his cell, but was gone the rest of the time. After 13 months of his year and a half sentence he was officially released. Mr. Acosta, who would later become Donald Trump's Secretary of Labor, failed to inform Epstein's victims of the plea deal until nearly a year after it had been struck. That was and still is a violation of federal guidelines.
It would seem F. Scott Fitzgerald was correct when he wrote, "Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different than you and me."
Nationally all this contemptable nonsense came to light thanks to a series of articles the Miami Herald published earlier this year. Once the facts were known the public went, what could easily be described as, ape shit.
By July our man Jeffrey was back in another slammer, this time in New York City. He was charged with sexual crimes dating from 2002 to 2005. He was either simply dismissive, or naively ignorant of the outrage. Hey, he had bought his way out before, why not now? Mr. Epstein attempted to get himself released to his NYC town home by offering the court over $500 million in collateral. Much to his shock the judge refused and he remained confined in a lower Manhattan lockup along with all manner of the social underclass.
A couple of weeks ago one of three things happened. Epstein either tried to kill himself, was attacked by another inmate, or faked a suicide attempt so he could move on to more pleasant surroundings. Whatever the case he was kept in the Manhattan Correctional Center and put on suicide watch.
Now, as Mack Davis once said in a movie, comes the weird part. Earlier today, Jeffery Epstein was found dead in his cell of apparent suicide. According to reports he was taken off the watch a few days ago, a decision which provided him with the means to kill himself. He had been, it is also being reported, confined in solitary where supposedly there were frequent checks on his well being by correction officers.
The conspiracy crowd had already began to gather on social media after the first incident. Today, on places like Twitter they went berserk. A quick survey of what was trending on the site included hashtags which read, #EpsteinMurder, #ClintonBodyCount, #Arkancide, and #TrumpBodyCount. In addition the names, Bill Clinton, Dershowitz, Epstein, Prince Andrew, and Vince Foster were also getting huge numbers of tweets. Most, if not all, were speculating about the real cause of Jeffrey Epstein's death and who was the perpetrator.
Even MSNBC's Joe Scarborough tweeted, "He reportedly tried to kill himself two weeks ago. And is allowed to finish the job now? Bullshit."
The majority of posters were of a right wing bent. Since they're far more practiced at conspiracy shit, they dominated the discussion, as it were, arguing the Clintons were behind Epstein's demise. One tweeted, "Well folks, they've finally done it. Jefferey Epstein has been successfully suicided." The post was accompanied by a photo of Hillary Clinton smiling away. Another wrote, "Is anybody surprised #ClintonBodyCount is trending. It didn't take long for democrats to murder this disgusting man."
My personal favorite of the lot was a guy who tweeted, "Mass shootings were premeditated to distract from Epstein exposing the tip of a pedophile iceberg." Well why not? It makes sense, in a convoluted sort of way, to combine all the QAnon and Alex Jones conspiracies into one. After all, it saves time and space.
Others, more than a few actually, claimed Russian bots were behind the anti-Clinton hashtags and many of the most virulent posts. Maybe so, let's face it, the wily bastards are all over social media, like flies on potato salad at a picnic.
Meanwhile, Congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez demanded an investigation into the affair. On the other side, GOP congressman, Matt Gaetz insisted the House Judiciary Committee should immediately drop its investigations into the Kavanaugh confirmation and the, "Russian hoax, (which never happened)," in order to prioritize an inquiry into Epstein's death.
Actually I have a theory myself. It goes this way. Epstein, who knew he was as guilty as you can get, was facing a maximum of 45 years in the joint--a term which amounts to a life sentence for a guy his age. It had finally dawned on him his vast wealth couldn't buy his way out of the mess, plus his high powered friends were running away from him as fast as they could. In other words he was fucked. His opulent lifestyle, as twisted as it was, was gone forever. So, given his bleak future and yes, thanks to the incompetence, or indifference of the correction officers in charge of watching him, he took his own life.
It isn't as much fun as blaming the Clintons, or even Trump, but, listen, sometimes reality just isn't as complicated as the conspiracy crowd wants you to believe.
sic vita est
8-10-19
He was also a horribly dirty old man who loved to have sex with underage girls. Worse--if anything like that sort of shit can get worse--he liked to pimp them out to his pals. His reason for that particular predilection is also unclear, although the words influence and blackmail immediately come to mind.
About 12 years ago he was charged on an array of counts pertaining to his strange and awful fetish in Florida. His attorney, the increasingly infamous Mr. Dershowitz, struck a deal with then federal prosecutor, Alexander Acosta. Epstein pleaded down to two state counts of sexual weirdness with teenagers in exchange for 18 months in a county jail. In addition to the reduced sentence he was put into a work release program which allowed him to go about his business, supervised by local deputies,12 hours a day.
Since he paid the county for the deputies' overtime no one seemed to care. One Florida official later told the media he basically spent the nights in his cell, but was gone the rest of the time. After 13 months of his year and a half sentence he was officially released. Mr. Acosta, who would later become Donald Trump's Secretary of Labor, failed to inform Epstein's victims of the plea deal until nearly a year after it had been struck. That was and still is a violation of federal guidelines.
It would seem F. Scott Fitzgerald was correct when he wrote, "Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different than you and me."
Nationally all this contemptable nonsense came to light thanks to a series of articles the Miami Herald published earlier this year. Once the facts were known the public went, what could easily be described as, ape shit.
By July our man Jeffrey was back in another slammer, this time in New York City. He was charged with sexual crimes dating from 2002 to 2005. He was either simply dismissive, or naively ignorant of the outrage. Hey, he had bought his way out before, why not now? Mr. Epstein attempted to get himself released to his NYC town home by offering the court over $500 million in collateral. Much to his shock the judge refused and he remained confined in a lower Manhattan lockup along with all manner of the social underclass.
A couple of weeks ago one of three things happened. Epstein either tried to kill himself, was attacked by another inmate, or faked a suicide attempt so he could move on to more pleasant surroundings. Whatever the case he was kept in the Manhattan Correctional Center and put on suicide watch.
Now, as Mack Davis once said in a movie, comes the weird part. Earlier today, Jeffery Epstein was found dead in his cell of apparent suicide. According to reports he was taken off the watch a few days ago, a decision which provided him with the means to kill himself. He had been, it is also being reported, confined in solitary where supposedly there were frequent checks on his well being by correction officers.
The conspiracy crowd had already began to gather on social media after the first incident. Today, on places like Twitter they went berserk. A quick survey of what was trending on the site included hashtags which read, #EpsteinMurder, #ClintonBodyCount, #Arkancide, and #TrumpBodyCount. In addition the names, Bill Clinton, Dershowitz, Epstein, Prince Andrew, and Vince Foster were also getting huge numbers of tweets. Most, if not all, were speculating about the real cause of Jeffrey Epstein's death and who was the perpetrator.
Even MSNBC's Joe Scarborough tweeted, "He reportedly tried to kill himself two weeks ago. And is allowed to finish the job now? Bullshit."
The majority of posters were of a right wing bent. Since they're far more practiced at conspiracy shit, they dominated the discussion, as it were, arguing the Clintons were behind Epstein's demise. One tweeted, "Well folks, they've finally done it. Jefferey Epstein has been successfully suicided." The post was accompanied by a photo of Hillary Clinton smiling away. Another wrote, "Is anybody surprised #ClintonBodyCount is trending. It didn't take long for democrats to murder this disgusting man."
My personal favorite of the lot was a guy who tweeted, "Mass shootings were premeditated to distract from Epstein exposing the tip of a pedophile iceberg." Well why not? It makes sense, in a convoluted sort of way, to combine all the QAnon and Alex Jones conspiracies into one. After all, it saves time and space.
Others, more than a few actually, claimed Russian bots were behind the anti-Clinton hashtags and many of the most virulent posts. Maybe so, let's face it, the wily bastards are all over social media, like flies on potato salad at a picnic.
Meanwhile, Congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez demanded an investigation into the affair. On the other side, GOP congressman, Matt Gaetz insisted the House Judiciary Committee should immediately drop its investigations into the Kavanaugh confirmation and the, "Russian hoax, (which never happened)," in order to prioritize an inquiry into Epstein's death.
Actually I have a theory myself. It goes this way. Epstein, who knew he was as guilty as you can get, was facing a maximum of 45 years in the joint--a term which amounts to a life sentence for a guy his age. It had finally dawned on him his vast wealth couldn't buy his way out of the mess, plus his high powered friends were running away from him as fast as they could. In other words he was fucked. His opulent lifestyle, as twisted as it was, was gone forever. So, given his bleak future and yes, thanks to the incompetence, or indifference of the correction officers in charge of watching him, he took his own life.
It isn't as much fun as blaming the Clintons, or even Trump, but, listen, sometimes reality just isn't as complicated as the conspiracy crowd wants you to believe.
sic vita est
8-10-19
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Candice Keller Explains It All. Really
Since last Saturday morning in El Paso,TX and that night and early Sunday morning in Dayton, OH it hasn't been a good week for the republic. Over 30 human beings are dead and dozens were wounded in two separate acts of wanton mayhem.
Before opening fire at an El Paso Wal Mart, Patrick Crusius left an anti immigrant, "manifesto," on an 8chan message board. Some of his wording mirrored what Donald J. Trump has been saying during his political rallies of late and throughout his brief political career. Young Mr. Crusius was so intent on murder he drove six hundred miles from a Dallas suburb to begin his attack. It was, he said online, to stem, "the Hispanic invasion of the United States."
Thirteen hours later, Connor Betts showed up at a popular Dayton entertainment district. He was wearing body armor and packing a military style assault weapon with a 100 round ammo drum. He was apparently unaware Dayton cops were nearby. Within 30 seconds of Betts' opening up he was dead from police gunfire. He had, in that half minute, murdered nine people and wounded over 20. One of those killed was his sister. It has later been learned, that besides being obsessed by acts of ultra violence, Connor Bett's computer history had links to far left web sites.
The reaction on social media was immediate and visceral. Both sides of the political spectrum accused their evil opposition for the violence with a ferocity not seen since the days just prior to the civil war. The NRA, Mitch McConnell's legislative inaction, and Trump's rhetoric were to blame in Texas. Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and the Antifa clods were at fault in Dayton. The availability of military style arms were the cause some said, while others, including the President, claimed it wasn't the guns, but the crazy people who pulled their triggers.
However, the solution to the conundrum was quick to arrive if you knew where to look. On Sunday, Ohio state representative Candice Keller explained to all of us why these horrors took place. She is in her second term serving Ohio's 53rd house district. It is located SW of Dayton and NW of Cincinnati next to the Indiana line.
According to her, the answer is simple, although extensive. She opened her Facebook post by writing, "After every mass shooting, the liberals start the blame game. Why not place the blame where it belongs."
Then she got into the meat of it, so to speak. "The breakdown of the American family (thank you transgender, homosexual marriage, and drag queen advocates); fatherlessness, a subject no one discusses, or believes is relevant; the ignoring of violent video games; the relaxing of laws against criminals (open borders); the acceptance of recreational marijuana; failed school policies (hello parents who defend their misbehaving students)"
But wait, as they say on TV ads, there is more. She continued with, "...disrespect to law enforcement (thank you Obama); hatred of our veterans (thank you, professional athletes who hate our flag and National Anthem); the Dem Congress, many members of whom are openly anti-Semitic; the culture which totally ignores the importance of God and the church (until they elect a President); state office holders who have no interest in learning about our Constitution and the Second Amendment; and snowflakes who can't accept a duly-elected President."
She finished with, "Did I forget anybody? The list is so long. And the fury will continue."
In the past, she has compared Planned Parenthood to the Nazis and appeared on a radio show hosted by a White Power advocate. At a rally, after the Parkland, Florida school massacre, she told supporters, "A month ago we weren't having this conversation and all of a sudden a 15 year old on television who would just as soon be eating Doritos and playing video games wants to tell me that my Constitution needs to be changed. Really?"
Some local republicans have condemned her ghastly bullshit and at least one has demanded she resign. She refuses to do so.
In Candice Keller's first Ohio legislative race she won 61% of the vote in her heavily republican district. Two years later the total was 65%. Encouraged by all this electoral success she is now running for a vacant Ohio state senate seat.
To hell with the so called, "red flag," legislation designed to stop certifiable lunatics from getting guns. Just ban the fucking weapons out right, then pass a law preventing them from holding public office.
Yes, as Ms. Keller said in a different context, really.
8-7-19
Before opening fire at an El Paso Wal Mart, Patrick Crusius left an anti immigrant, "manifesto," on an 8chan message board. Some of his wording mirrored what Donald J. Trump has been saying during his political rallies of late and throughout his brief political career. Young Mr. Crusius was so intent on murder he drove six hundred miles from a Dallas suburb to begin his attack. It was, he said online, to stem, "the Hispanic invasion of the United States."
Thirteen hours later, Connor Betts showed up at a popular Dayton entertainment district. He was wearing body armor and packing a military style assault weapon with a 100 round ammo drum. He was apparently unaware Dayton cops were nearby. Within 30 seconds of Betts' opening up he was dead from police gunfire. He had, in that half minute, murdered nine people and wounded over 20. One of those killed was his sister. It has later been learned, that besides being obsessed by acts of ultra violence, Connor Bett's computer history had links to far left web sites.
The reaction on social media was immediate and visceral. Both sides of the political spectrum accused their evil opposition for the violence with a ferocity not seen since the days just prior to the civil war. The NRA, Mitch McConnell's legislative inaction, and Trump's rhetoric were to blame in Texas. Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and the Antifa clods were at fault in Dayton. The availability of military style arms were the cause some said, while others, including the President, claimed it wasn't the guns, but the crazy people who pulled their triggers.
However, the solution to the conundrum was quick to arrive if you knew where to look. On Sunday, Ohio state representative Candice Keller explained to all of us why these horrors took place. She is in her second term serving Ohio's 53rd house district. It is located SW of Dayton and NW of Cincinnati next to the Indiana line.
According to her, the answer is simple, although extensive. She opened her Facebook post by writing, "After every mass shooting, the liberals start the blame game. Why not place the blame where it belongs."
Then she got into the meat of it, so to speak. "The breakdown of the American family (thank you transgender, homosexual marriage, and drag queen advocates); fatherlessness, a subject no one discusses, or believes is relevant; the ignoring of violent video games; the relaxing of laws against criminals (open borders); the acceptance of recreational marijuana; failed school policies (hello parents who defend their misbehaving students)"
But wait, as they say on TV ads, there is more. She continued with, "...disrespect to law enforcement (thank you Obama); hatred of our veterans (thank you, professional athletes who hate our flag and National Anthem); the Dem Congress, many members of whom are openly anti-Semitic; the culture which totally ignores the importance of God and the church (until they elect a President); state office holders who have no interest in learning about our Constitution and the Second Amendment; and snowflakes who can't accept a duly-elected President."
She finished with, "Did I forget anybody? The list is so long. And the fury will continue."
In the past, she has compared Planned Parenthood to the Nazis and appeared on a radio show hosted by a White Power advocate. At a rally, after the Parkland, Florida school massacre, she told supporters, "A month ago we weren't having this conversation and all of a sudden a 15 year old on television who would just as soon be eating Doritos and playing video games wants to tell me that my Constitution needs to be changed. Really?"
Some local republicans have condemned her ghastly bullshit and at least one has demanded she resign. She refuses to do so.
In Candice Keller's first Ohio legislative race she won 61% of the vote in her heavily republican district. Two years later the total was 65%. Encouraged by all this electoral success she is now running for a vacant Ohio state senate seat.
To hell with the so called, "red flag," legislation designed to stop certifiable lunatics from getting guns. Just ban the fucking weapons out right, then pass a law preventing them from holding public office.
Yes, as Ms. Keller said in a different context, really.
8-7-19
Friday, August 2, 2019
The Second Democratic Debate: Everyone Shoots at Biden and Many Hit Obama, Harris Appears to Falter, Warren and Bernie Stay the Course, and Why Aren't Julian Castro's Numbers Climbing
The second democratic debate was a tad edgier Tuesday and Wednesday in Detroit. Even some in the crowd got involved when they began to chant, "Fire Pantaleo," as Cory Booker spoke. Why Booker, especially when the Mayor of New York, the guy who could actually fire the rogue NYPD cop was on the stage? Probably because they knew Bill de Blasio would just amp up his volume enough to drown them out. He was certainly seemed on the verge of being able to do it when he was slashing away at Joe Biden with all the subtlety of Stephen Miller.
He wasn't the only one. On Wednesday night everyone was taking shots at the former Vice President. In fact, by the end of the evening you would have thought Biden had served as the VEEP in a republican administration instead of Barack Obama's. It became so weird, one news agency ranked the former president, who has a 95% approval rating among democrats, as the big loser of the night.
Although Biden seemed better prepared, both with his responses and willingness to strike back, he once again proved himself not the greatest of debaters. The truth is it has become painfully obvious debates are simply not his forte and he is far more comfortable and effective when he has a stage to himself. That being said, despite a couple of fumbles he generally held his own and, most importantly, his lead in the polls.
Obviously desperation has set in for the second tier candidates because it wasn't just Joe Biden having to counter punch. On Tuesday night Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren found their health care plans under prolonged attacks from the more moderate hopefuls. On Wednesday Kamala Harris' health care plan was also roundly criticized, although health care isn't where she was hurt the most. Representative Tulsi Gabbard slammed the California Senator's record as a prosecutor in the San Francisco area and Harris, frankly, struggled to respond.
So who won, or at least stayed where they were? On Tuesday our living room split when it came to Warren and Sanders, although both of us felt they did well. One gave the edge to Bernie and the other to Ms. Warren. It was agreed Mayor Pete Buttigieg once again proved his intelligence, although not his leadership abilities, while the consensus was former congressman Beto O'Rourke is at the helm of a small, floundering, boat.
Meanwhile, Steve Bullock, John Delaney, John Hickenlooper, and Tim Ryan all need to take the same sort of reality pill Congressman Eric Swalwell downed the other day, so we can move on without them. And it was concluded, Marianne Williamson, who is undoubtedly immune to such medication, should retreat to an ashram somewhere on the planet Saturn.
On Wednesday Biden was, at last, feisty and engaged, as was Cory Booker and Tulsi Gabbard. Senator Amy Klobuchar seemed game, but she is still far back in the field. Andrew Yang proved, as suspected, to be a one note Johnny. Kamala Harris seemed to never recover from Gabbard's attack and her campaign might have taken a hit. Bill de Blasio once again came across as a giant bully. Meanwhile Gillibrand, Inslee, and Bennet are likely done for.
For the second straight debate, former HUD secretary, Julian Castro was impressive. In truth he could easily be declared the winner if you combined both performances. His numbers still, mysteriously, languish though, even if you have to think they will begin to climb.
The field will narrow on August 28th. By that date if a candidate has not hit 130,000 individual donors and at least 2% in four different polls they will not be on the stage in Houston in mid September.
At this moment, Biden, Booker, Buttigieg, O'Rourke, Harris, Sanders, and Warren have made the cut. According to reports Castro, Yang, and Klobuchar are on the cusp and appear poised to get there. Everyone else will be left to wander in the wilderness.
What we do know is the lines between the progressives and the moderates within the party are becoming more defined and how to rework American health care has become the sharpest divide.
We also know these debates are now providing The Big Orange Guy with ammunition when the real fight comes next year. The eventual democratic candidate is going to have every single argument used by the also rans against him, or her. That's in addition to the normal level of barbaric hysteria, lies, and conspiracies we know Trump and his Russian pals will employ.
Indeed, thanks to Donald John Trump, the new American political ethos is, to paraphrase, Dante, abandon all civility and truth, ye who enter here.
8-2-19
He wasn't the only one. On Wednesday night everyone was taking shots at the former Vice President. In fact, by the end of the evening you would have thought Biden had served as the VEEP in a republican administration instead of Barack Obama's. It became so weird, one news agency ranked the former president, who has a 95% approval rating among democrats, as the big loser of the night.
Although Biden seemed better prepared, both with his responses and willingness to strike back, he once again proved himself not the greatest of debaters. The truth is it has become painfully obvious debates are simply not his forte and he is far more comfortable and effective when he has a stage to himself. That being said, despite a couple of fumbles he generally held his own and, most importantly, his lead in the polls.
Obviously desperation has set in for the second tier candidates because it wasn't just Joe Biden having to counter punch. On Tuesday night Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren found their health care plans under prolonged attacks from the more moderate hopefuls. On Wednesday Kamala Harris' health care plan was also roundly criticized, although health care isn't where she was hurt the most. Representative Tulsi Gabbard slammed the California Senator's record as a prosecutor in the San Francisco area and Harris, frankly, struggled to respond.
So who won, or at least stayed where they were? On Tuesday our living room split when it came to Warren and Sanders, although both of us felt they did well. One gave the edge to Bernie and the other to Ms. Warren. It was agreed Mayor Pete Buttigieg once again proved his intelligence, although not his leadership abilities, while the consensus was former congressman Beto O'Rourke is at the helm of a small, floundering, boat.
Meanwhile, Steve Bullock, John Delaney, John Hickenlooper, and Tim Ryan all need to take the same sort of reality pill Congressman Eric Swalwell downed the other day, so we can move on without them. And it was concluded, Marianne Williamson, who is undoubtedly immune to such medication, should retreat to an ashram somewhere on the planet Saturn.
On Wednesday Biden was, at last, feisty and engaged, as was Cory Booker and Tulsi Gabbard. Senator Amy Klobuchar seemed game, but she is still far back in the field. Andrew Yang proved, as suspected, to be a one note Johnny. Kamala Harris seemed to never recover from Gabbard's attack and her campaign might have taken a hit. Bill de Blasio once again came across as a giant bully. Meanwhile Gillibrand, Inslee, and Bennet are likely done for.
For the second straight debate, former HUD secretary, Julian Castro was impressive. In truth he could easily be declared the winner if you combined both performances. His numbers still, mysteriously, languish though, even if you have to think they will begin to climb.
The field will narrow on August 28th. By that date if a candidate has not hit 130,000 individual donors and at least 2% in four different polls they will not be on the stage in Houston in mid September.
At this moment, Biden, Booker, Buttigieg, O'Rourke, Harris, Sanders, and Warren have made the cut. According to reports Castro, Yang, and Klobuchar are on the cusp and appear poised to get there. Everyone else will be left to wander in the wilderness.
What we do know is the lines between the progressives and the moderates within the party are becoming more defined and how to rework American health care has become the sharpest divide.
We also know these debates are now providing The Big Orange Guy with ammunition when the real fight comes next year. The eventual democratic candidate is going to have every single argument used by the also rans against him, or her. That's in addition to the normal level of barbaric hysteria, lies, and conspiracies we know Trump and his Russian pals will employ.
Indeed, thanks to Donald John Trump, the new American political ethos is, to paraphrase, Dante, abandon all civility and truth, ye who enter here.
8-2-19
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