President Trump and US politics catchall

[CrazyIslander]

I really hope Trump loses but it's going to be close imo.

Sadly Americans are stupid enough to vote him in again.

Yeah it seems like it. He's using nationalism/religion/race divide to win support. His supporters don't care about his performance, corruption, gaffes etc. Essentially, each side should've made up their minds now. There shouldn't be an undecided voter out there.
So Trump is now working on suppressing votes. He may win.

[Rinkals]

I really hope Trump loses but it's going to be close imo.

That, to me, is just so incomprehensible.

Surely, if you were American, the notion that this man represents the best of you would be shameful?

Unless, of course, he DOES represent the best of them.

[Ted.]

So, in the latest round of "What kind of repugnant, messed-up shit does Trump have to do before he gets completely rejected?" he has played a blinder! Slagging off the US military!

US President Donald Trump making disparaging remarks about members of the US military who have been captured or killed, including referring to the American war dead at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France in 2018 as “losers” and “suckers.”

Old Bone Spurs wouldn't be found dead being captured, injured or killed by the enemy. No siree.

[Rinkals]

I read the article in the link and assumed that this was more plausible conjecture than actual fact.

That the moron has specifically denied it promotes the story from that level of plausibility to almost certainly factual.

[CrazyIslander]

I would believe the journalist more than Trump.
He really doesnt give a shit about anyone but himself.

[Slick]

If a Presidential candidate taking the piss out of a disabled person and doing an impression of them doesn't stop people voting for him I really don't think anything will.

The country is fucked and I have a real loathing for it now.

[Thommo]

If a Presidential candidate taking the piss out of a disabled person and doing an impression of them doesn't stop people voting for him I really don't think anything will.

The country is fucked and I have a real loathing for it now.

Yep. The US is a dumpster fire. He's going to win again and shit will kick off. If he loses? Shit will also kick off.

[CrazyIslander]

Problem is that the US plays a very important role around the world and is the standard bearer for democracies and freedom. Sure it has it's failings but the world needs its military to keep order.

[Sinkers]

The police shooting of this Reinoehl fella is unlikely to end well

[Slick]

Problem is that the US plays a very important role around the world and is the standard bearer for democracies and freedom. Sure it has it's failings but the world needs its military to keep order.

But Trump is fucking all that up and splitting international coalitions like NATO. Countries around the world are hedging their bets and slowly moving away from the USA and Trump is speeding this process up. It's no cooincidence that China and Russia want him in.

[CrazyIslander]

Problem is that the US plays a very important role around the world and is the standard bearer for democracies and freedom. Sure it has it's failings but the world needs its military to keep order.

But Trump is fucking all that up and splitting international coalitions like NATO. Countries around the world are hedging their bets and slowly moving away from the USA and Trump is speeding this process up. It's no cooincidence that China and Russia want him in.

Definitely, Russia and China wants Trump, they have imperialist plans and need the US to back off.

The US managed to tear down the Soviets through cultural and economic influence. Russia has returned the favour with a chaos agent as US president. I wonder if die hard Soviets like Putin see Korbachev the same way we see Trump.

[BnM]

Reading this on Twitter last night whilst watching the tennis. Atlantic is 'officially' very highly rated for fact checking by this reputable fact checking analysis place/site that I can't recall. And it has never failed a fact check. This has also been corroborated by other journalists who have spoken to sources at Pentagon etc etc.

He's made shitty comments about McCain being looooooser for getting caught, so he has priors.

I just don't understand how he's still in the running. I do know the reasons but ffs America.

[Hugo]

Problem is that the US plays a very important role around the world and is the standard bearer for democracies and freedom. Sure it has it's failings but the world needs its military to keep order.

This may have been how the US portrayed itself (and was perceived) during the cold war but I think its time we moved on from this mythology.

The mass shootings, gun violence in general, militarized police forces, the hawkish foreign policy, lack of universal healthcare, the lobbying power of Big Business are just some of the really big problems facing the US.

I think its time to stop buying into this Hollywood fantasy that America is a model democracy or a model society.

[Ali Cadoo]

Problem is that the US plays a very important role around the world and is the standard bearer for democracies and freedom. Sure it has it's failings but the world needs its military to keep order.

This may have been how the US portrayed itself (and was perceived) during the cold war but I think its time we moved on from this mythology.

The mass shootings, gun violence in general, militarized police forces, the hawkish foreign policy, lack of universal healthcare, the lobbying power of Big Business are just some of the really big problems facing the US.

I think its time to stop buying into this Hollywood fantasy that America is a model democracy or a model society.

You forgot the homelessness - it’s truly disgusting to see camps of homeless people scattered all over the place. Thousands. Everywhere.

[CrazyIslander]

Problem is that the US plays a very important role around the world and is the standard bearer for democracies and freedom. Sure it has it's failings but the world needs its military to keep order.

This may have been how the US portrayed itself (and was perceived) during the cold war but I think its time we moved on from this mythology.

The mass shootings, gun violence in general, militarized police forces, the hawkish foreign policy, lack of universal healthcare, the lobbying power of Big Business are just some of the really big problems facing the US.

I think its time to stop buying into this Hollywood fantasy that America is a model democracy or a model society.

It's not perfect, but the US gives a certain level of security to people around world, especially smaller countries. The Hollywood image itself is an effective tool to spread the idea of US dominance.

Let's not forget human history of wars, invasions and the strong dominating the weak.

US leadership has helped spread the idea of freedom and human rights where smaller nations can question stronger ones, even the US itself. No other country has the strength to intervene around the globe.

Eastern Europeans, Taiwanese, South Koreans are at the forefront of this protection. Look at the Kurds after Trump pulled out. There are so many that depend on US protection that it's worrying to see what's happening there internally.

[Hugo]

Problem is that the US plays a very important role around the world and is the standard bearer for democracies and freedom. Sure it has it's failings but the world needs its military to keep order.

This may have been how the US portrayed itself (and was perceived) during the cold war but I think its time we moved on from this mythology.

The mass shootings, gun violence in general, militarized police forces, the hawkish foreign policy, lack of universal healthcare, the lobbying power of Big Business are just some of the really big problems facing the US.

I think its time to stop buying into this Hollywood fantasy that America is a model democracy or a model society.

It's not perfect, but the US gives a certain level of security to people around world, especially smaller countries. The Hollywood image itself is an effective tool to spread the idea of US dominance.

Let's not forget human history of wars, invasions and the strong dominating the weak.

US leadership has helped spread the idea of freedom and human rights where smaller nations can question stronger ones, even the US itself. No other country has the strength to intervene around the globe.

Eastern Europeans, Taiwanese, South Koreans are at the forefront of this protection. Look at the Kurds after Trump pulled out. There are so many that depend on US protection that it's worrying to see what's happening there internally.

The freedom and human rights stuff sounds great but just doesn't stand up to scrutiny - US spent about two hundred years actively oppressing some of its own citizens because of the colour of their skin. It operates profit making prisons and imprisons more people than any country on earth. Places like Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago are on par with actual war zones when it comes to the violence and deprivation.

The US military is really a mixed bag. It might provide a security blanket to certain peoples but its also been incredibly destructive in destabilizing the middle east and causing the humanitarian crisis which led to huge numbers of refugees descending on Europe.

Then you've got the interfering and meddling in Latin America, the clandestine CIA stuff with trying to influence foreign elections or overthrow leaders of countries who won't comply with American demands.

I just think its time to stop this childlike fawning and be more realistic.

[Hugo]

Problem is that the US plays a very important role around the world and is the standard bearer for democracies and freedom. Sure it has it's failings but the world needs its military to keep order.

This may have been how the US portrayed itself (and was perceived) during the cold war but I think its time we moved on from this mythology.

The mass shootings, gun violence in general, militarized police forces, the hawkish foreign policy, lack of universal healthcare, the lobbying power of Big Business are just some of the really big problems facing the US.

I think its time to stop buying into this Hollywood fantasy that America is a model democracy or a model society.

You forgot the homelessness - it’s truly disgusting to see camps of homeless people scattered all over the place. Thousands. Everywhere.

Which must be a function of economics - a society of haves and have nots.

[Hugo]

And the crazy part about US foreign policy excursions is they enjoy very modest support from American citizens.

They have more than enough problems to contend with at home to be in a place to afford the luxury of commiting vast resources to policing the globe. Especially when many of their jobs have disappeared overseas.

[Uncle fester]

Problem is that the US plays a very important role around the world and is the standard bearer for democracies and freedom. Sure it has it's failings but the world needs its military to keep order.

This may have been how the US portrayed itself (and was perceived) during the cold war but I think its time we moved on from this mythology.

The mass shootings, gun violence in general, militarized police forces, the hawkish foreign policy, lack of universal healthcare, the lobbying power of Big Business are just some of the really big problems facing the US.

I think its time to stop buying into this Hollywood fantasy that America is a model democracy or a model society.

It's not perfect, but the US gives a certain level of security to people around world, especially smaller countries. The Hollywood image itself is an effective tool to spread the idea of US dominance.

Let's not forget human history of wars, invasions and the strong dominating the weak.

US leadership has helped spread the idea of freedom and human rights where smaller nations can question stronger ones, even the US itself. No other country has the strength to intervene around the globe.

Eastern Europeans, Taiwanese, South Koreans are at the forefront of this protection. Look at the Kurds after Trump pulled out. There are so many that depend on US protection that it's worrying to see what's happening there internally.

The US destabilised the whole middle East when GW and his buddies decided to play Arabian warlord.

[BnM]

Even Fox news now saying TRump did disparage the War dead etc.

[Sinkers]

Oooh. Ordering Stars and Stripes to cease publication. A pissy $15mill budget problem apparently.

Not looking good with the military at the moment

[Ali Cadoo]

Well, doesn't this just look like it shits all over right wing views that BLM are a violent organisation. I guess the right wing neckbeard insurgent, agent provocateur types can't be everywhere at once.

[Niegs]

Problem is that the US plays a very important role around the world and is the standard bearer for democracies and freedom. Sure it has it's failings but the world needs its military to keep order.

But Trump is fucking all that up and splitting international coalitions like NATO. Countries around the world are hedging their bets and slowly moving away from the USA and Trump is speeding this process up. It's no cooincidence that China and Russia want him in.

Kinda feels like we're in a Tom Clancy novel!

[Niegs]

Reading this on Twitter last night whilst watching the tennis. Atlantic is 'officially' very highly rated for fact checking by this reputable fact checking analysis place/site that I can't recall. And it has never failed a fact check. This has also been corroborated by other journalists who have spoken to sources at Pentagon etc etc.

He's made shitty comments about McCain being looooooser for getting caught, so he has priors.

I just don't understand how he's still in the running. I do know the reasons but ffs America.

And yet how many cry absolute bloody foul on Kapernick for disrespecting the honour of their veterans / troops by kneeling during the anthem (to protest police brutality, not anything against the troops).

I get megalomaniacs and pockets of nutbar supporters, but that he has so many hypocrites brainwashed / following the grand old party regardless is more baffling to me.

[CrazyIslander]

This may have been how the US portrayed itself (and was perceived) during the cold war but I think its time we moved on from this mythology.

The mass shootings, gun violence in general, militarized police forces, the hawkish foreign policy, lack of universal healthcare, the lobbying power of Big Business are just some of the really big problems facing the US.

I think its time to stop buying into this Hollywood fantasy that America is a model democracy or a model society.

It's not perfect, but the US gives a certain level of security to people around world, especially smaller countries. The Hollywood image itself is an effective tool to spread the idea of US dominance.

Let's not forget human history of wars, invasions and the strong dominating the weak.

US leadership has helped spread the idea of freedom and human rights where smaller nations can question stronger ones, even the US itself. No other country has the strength to intervene around the globe.

Eastern Europeans, Taiwanese, South Koreans are at the forefront of this protection. Look at the Kurds after Trump pulled out. There are so many that depend on US protection that it's worrying to see what's happening there internally.

The US destabilised the whole middle East when GW and his buddies decided to play Arabian warlord.

I'm not excusing what Bush did, however, American presence in the MW has left it relatively stable compared to it's history of various minorities being oppressed by whoever is in charge. Take Iran for example, there are various minorities that have been robbed and subjugated by the Persians.

[Rinkals]

Reading this on Twitter last night whilst watching the tennis. Atlantic is 'officially' very highly rated for fact checking by this reputable fact checking analysis place/site that I can't recall. And it has never failed a fact check. This has also been corroborated by other journalists who have spoken to sources at Pentagon etc etc.

He's made shitty comments about McCain being looooooser for getting caught, so he has priors.

I just don't understand how he's still in the running. I do know the reasons but ffs America.

And yet how many cry absolute bloody foul on Kapernick for disrespecting the honour of their veterans / troops by kneeling during the anthem (to protest police brutality, not anything against the troops).

I get megalomaniacs and pockets of nutbar supporters, but that he has so many hypocrites brainwashed / following the grand old party regardless is more baffling to me.

And to me.

CI is right: the US might not be the paragon of democracy that they claim, and may be ranked pretty low in terms of the freedom it offers its citizens, but Trump's rise has empowered dictators all over the world.

[Steve]

4 more years

[Hugo]

4 more years

Its a long way to election day but as of right now I agree, I think he will win re-election. I remember reading in 2004 that Americans always re-elect wartime Presidents and I think that same dynamic applies here as it pertains to COVID.

I think BLM, CHAD, the riots in Portland and these types of things will have cost the democrats huge support amongst the quiet, apolitical type of voters who don't care about the finer details but surely hate seeing their country in such disarray.

Under normal circumstances these types of things would be a black mark on the incumbent but the perception exists that the democrats have stoked the flames and enabled the rioting.
That they actually welcome it because it helps them politically. They have condemned the rioting but they were not proactive and able to get in front of it. After chastising the right wingers who violated the lockdown in April & May they did not condemn the BLM protests in equal measure. It was an obvious inconsistency that eroded their credibility.

I think Biden's candidacy is very problematic also because they are asking people to vote for someone who will almost certainly not run for re-election in 2024 and who may not see out a full term. If Biden was to have run at any time it would have made more sense in 2016. Him running this time around seems like an act of desperation.

[Slick]

In The Times:

Heavily armed black militias marched on the Kentucky Derby and white protesters carrying guns clashed with Black Lives Matter activists as violence erupted in cities across America.

A right-wing group led by a man known as the Angry Viking and a black brigade that calls itself the Not F***ing Around Coalition manoeuvred through the streets of Louisville on Saturday during what was regarded as the strangest Derby Day in history.

[Lobby]

Well, doesn't this just look like it shits all over right wing views that BLM are a violent organisation. I guess the right wing neckbeard insurgent, agent provocateur types can't be everywhere at once.

Trumps supporters will just ignore this and say this is CNN fake news again, and will point to the images of CNN reporters in front of burning buildings, claiming the protests have been 'mostly peaceful'.

[Hong Kong]

https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/l ... e-offense/

Oh how are the orange shitgibbonists going to spin this?

[CrazyIslander]

https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/l ... e-offense/

Oh how are the orange shitgibbonists going to spin this?

Simple, rig the election then put a couple more judges in the Supreme Court.

[Fonz]

interesting question ; here's another one ; who has created more instability globally leading directly and indirectly to civilian deaths ; Obama or Trump ? consider what he has done/not done in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel/Palestine, free pass to poison pen pal Putin, Kurds ; not to mention domestic terrorism
ps Obama doesn't get a pass either btw especially for standing by on the not so red line on Syria

What should we have done in Syria?

TBF I have to hand it to Barry on that one. Granted, he got manipulated by the neocon contingent into believing that the uprising in Egypt heralded the coming of liberal democracy (lol) and threw our friend Mubarak under the bus ("that'll show the world what decades of loyalty to us is worth!"), and facilitated the overthrow of the Libyan government (fun fact: still at war to this day), but by the time Syria was on the docket he at least had realized that this half-assed interventionism was doing more harm than good, and at last he resisted the lunatics. His "red line" comment was dumb, but he made the right decision at the end of the day and he deserves credit for that.

Third time's the charm I guess.

[Fonz]

The country is fucked and I have a real loathing for it now.

Now you guys are starting to get it

This country is a grotesque experiment that's gotten terribly out of hand. Our destiny is to become an English-speaking Brazil, but with uglier girls and worse weather.

I wish you all would have the decency to just nuke us into oblivion instead of letting us embarrass ourselves like this.

[Fonz]

Problem is that the US plays a very important role around the world and is the standard bearer for democracies and freedom. Sure it has it's failings but the world needs its military to keep order.

This may have been how the US portrayed itself (and was perceived) during the cold war but I think its time we moved on from this mythology.

The mass shootings, gun violence in general, militarized police forces, the hawkish foreign policy, lack of universal healthcare, the lobbying power of Big Business are just some of the really big problems facing the US.

I think its time to stop buying into this Hollywood fantasy that America is a model democracy or a model society.

You forgot the homelessness - it’s truly disgusting to see camps of homeless people scattered all over the place. Thousands. Everywhere.

Except I live in one of the largest cities in the country and there is no such thing here. I guess we must be the exception. Probably the only one.

[Fonz]

4 more years

Its a long way to election day but as of right now I agree, I think he will win re-election. I remember reading in 2004 that Americans always re-elect wartime Presidents and I think that same dynamic applies here as it pertains to COVID.

I actually think he was gonna walk it until Covid. Now he will more likely than not lose I think. You make a lot of very fair points in that post, but I think it's too easy to tie mayhem to Trump and people just want shit to go back to "normal". Putting it at about 60-40.





Maybe 59-41.

[stunt_cunt]

So what exactly have the Democrats offered as a counter to Trump?

And apart from being a loudmouth yank with a grandiose opinion of himself has Trump actually done wrong in his 4 years?

[SaintK]

So what exactly have the Democrats offered as a counter to Trump?

And apart from being a loudmouth yank with a grandiose opinion of himself has Trump actually done wrong in his 4 years?

Hmmmm, I'd need to think about that for a while

[-RB-]

This may have been how the US portrayed itself (and was perceived) during the cold war but I think its time we moved on from this mythology.

The mass shootings, gun violence in general, militarized police forces, the hawkish foreign policy, lack of universal healthcare, the lobbying power of Big Business are just some of the really big problems facing the US.

I think its time to stop buying into this Hollywood fantasy that America is a model democracy or a model society.

You forgot the homelessness - it’s truly disgusting to see camps of homeless people scattered all over the place. Thousands. Everywhere.

Except I live in one of the largest cities in the country and there is no such thing here. I guess we must be the exception. Probably the only one.

Oh well move on then. Nothing to see here then.

Serious question Fonzee, have you travelled much, specifically to other western developed nations? You are clearly a very smart guy with your finger on the pulse as to what is going on there, people's motivations, historical context, minority background etc I enjoy your informative and insightful posts.

But...

...I don't think you really get just how abhorrent some of us from other first world nations on here view the rampant gun violence, the homelessness, the fucked up healthcare, the prison system, the cost of tertiary education, the lobbying, the opiod epidemic, the covid situation etc etc...

Look it's clearly a great place for the majority but nonetheless it's majorly messed up. It's not just america bashing all the time. It is possible to hold these views and still be thankful the US is around to keep all the bastard regime shitholes in check and be also remain aware of the problems in one's own backyard.

It's a perspective thing and being the US everyone has one.

[JM2K6]

Just more fuel for the fire of internal screaming: https://time.com/5887437/conspiracy-the ... 0-election