Thank you Steve. I have now officially left the grief stage and have entered the anger stage. I'm mad as hell and ready to fight. Whatever it takes right?! Hope my ptsd can take it. Lord help us. My heart breaks for Zelensky and Ukraine. God damn them.
Thanks for being so courageous dear friend. And for all you do. Stay strong everyone. We need each other now more than ever!! ❤️🇺🇸
Me too John D I am furious and we can’t let these fascist pigs get away with ruining our Democracy. What is the tater with these people didn’t they grow up here and make their good lives here? Why are they so vicious? Why do they want to destroy us?
Right there with you, Lisa!❤️🇺🇸 Yes, be strong everyone and take care of yourself. Together, we'll navigate the rough seas ahead the best we can. Yes, thank you Steve Schmidt! ❤️🇺🇸
It would be nice if someone actually had a plan. I’ll fight back, when I know we have the resources to get the job done. I haven’t heard anyone come forward with a viable plan, or any plan for the matter…..:)
You can’t announce a plan, without the opposition knowing. Work at the local level putting good people in office. That is where you actually have a real individual effect. We turned our city council blue for the first time ever 2 years ago.
I understand how you feel. I'm disabled and I can't do much, but I have been making preparations to defend myself and my family from possible problems presented by the implementation of Project 2025 and Agenda 47. I'll branch out from that when others present larger plans that I can connect to.
At what point do we dispense with the pleasantries and call the core MAGA cultists what they really are? The answer is they are our enemy. The fact that they are american citizens, in some cases our former friends and/or present family, negates this not a bit. I don't know, but when someone supports a movement that wants to imprison or kill me if I disagree with it, wants to impose a fascist regime that we may never get rid of in our lifetimes, that strikes me as being an enemy to my freedom and that of my beloved country. Yet still we scratch around trying not to offend these rogues because they are american voters. The core maga group is evil. Even if many of them have individually been duped by Fox news and a snake oil salesman, the group itself is evil and is preparing, as we speak, to do evil on a massive scale. They have forfeited any right to be treated as our civil fellow citizens. They must be opposed and defeated by any legal means possible. So yes, they are evil and they are our enemy and we must summon our inner Churchill and call them what they are and fight them at every turn, or they will devour us like wolves. God damn them.
And being "misinformed" is NOT an excuse. They're adults and should make the effort to educate themselves. Turn off f&%$ing Fox "News" and pick up a legacy newspaper!
Sometime, along about the coming of spring, we need to begin an advertising campaign on FoxNews and Joe Rogan and whatever podcasts and platforms are trumpiest that constantly report on what has happened since the election, that consistently point to musk as jd vance’s vice president, not donald trump’s, that poke fun at trump’s body and orange makeup and golf predilection, and begin immediately to sow the seeds of discord and make clear that something better can return. It needs to be relentless, sometimes humorous and mocking, sometimes strident and disgusted. It doesn’t need to be aimed at the converted, it needs to be aimed at the Americans who have hurt themselves and are just beginning to feel the pain. As my daughter said last night, they won’t put the gun away until they shoot themselves in the foot. When that happens, let’s continually remind them.
I agree that we need to get a message to trumpers through Fox and Rogan. But I think it should be fact-based, not the sophomoric ad hominem attacks. What Pete Buttigieg did. We can’t ever go as low as they can, and we don’t want to.
I’m actually in favor of a shotgun approach, facts, attacks, sophomorelic humor, well reasoned alternatives.
I want to see them all. Putting something in front of trump voters that is as effective as the trans ads and the what would you have done differently ads is the short, sharp way to get people to begin to question themselves. Certainly, logic has its place. But Trump has been around for 10 years, he has so many negatives in his column, obscene negatives, and yet here we are. I don’t think mayor Pete alone can turn the tide.
I think one problem with Democrats is that they always want to play it safe. Where did that get us? I’d like them to now be the nastiest opposition party imaginable. Do outrageous things. Why not? What do we have to lose? I’d like Biden to resign tomorrow making Kamala our first female president. It wouldn’t change much but it would shock the MAGA. They see us as weak…I think we are. I remember every day of his first presidency, waking up each day not knowing who he had insulted or offended or what terrible (outrageous) plan he wanted to implement. I know I have to but I can’t imagine having to bear this again, day after day, and it will be worse this time, I’m sure.
Interesting take. Let me ask you a serious question: why in the hell would Fox or Rogan EVER agree to do this? Advertising revenue? Musk will just pay more to shut facts down. These people encased in the right's media echo chamber for years have not heard the truth, why do you think they'd hear it going forward?
Rogan used to be a Bernie supporter, Harris screwed up not going on his program and giving the MAGA crowd the truth about Trump. Was she fearful? If so, then maybe she shouldn’t be president.
"Was she fearful? If so, then maybe she shouldn’t be president." Silly comment considering she lost the election and now you're projecting your feelings, without any evidence, on to her for not appearing on his show. The fact of the matter is that the right wing media and SM echo chamber and ecosystem is vastly superior to anything on the left. So, you'll assume you know why she didn't appear there, but give Trump a pass for failing to show and refusing a second debate, ad nauseam. Got it.
Trump did not bother to show up to the Republican Party debates during the primaries. The effect was to consign those who did show up to the "children's table."
I am tuning out. For my own mental health. I am deeply distraught and must carry on despite this tragedy. But I have canceled all my Substacks, avoid cable news, and only listen to Beatles and classical music in the car. I can't stand hearing or seeing his name, his face or his voice. I voted, I stayed optimistic and then I cried.
I am trying, now, to help people navigate the legal system and do my part to contribute to ease societal suffering that way. I am now seeking bliss through ignorance. Thank you, Steve, and everyone who is fighting the fight, but I'm an exhausted octogenarian and I can't keep this misery at the forefront of my life. It's too disturbing.
I have been winding things down myself. Having lived in North Jersey most of my life, I’ve seen this Demented Buffoon now for 45 years. I found ten Buddhist principles to remain unaffected by anything. This is an excellent 25 minutes on the road to wellness.
Thanks for the link. Over the years, I have found much comfort in Buddhist teachings. Buddhism is a way of thinking and interpreting life and reality, it is not faith based in its origins. A great book, written to make Buddhist teachings easier to understand by people brought up in the Western cultural world is, "The Book." I read it and re-read over the decades. I can not find the author's name. Does anyone remember who wrote "The Book"?
I am not sure what your point is. Alan Watts considered Jesus to be an enlightened but human being, however Buddha is never mentioned in any of Jesus' utterances. Personally, I do not believe Jesus Christ ever lived, as no one has ever performed the miracles attributed to him, from raising the dead to changing water into wine. No one was ever born of a virgin or ascended bodily into "heaven." I believe in the moral teachings of the New Testament but they are reflected in many religious and secular views of morality. Many people calling themselves Christians do not practice the morality attributed to Jesus, especially the Sermon on the Mount.
No doubt there have been, throughout history, men and women whose consciousness transcended their individuality and who understood their true selves. The subtitle of "The Book" is the taboo against knowing who you are.
Janet: thank you for your work and engagement. Yes, I feel as you do. I do not want to read a headline, see a photo, hear that voice nor the images and voices of anyone around him. The cruelty and stupidity are overwhelming. Best to avoid
My best. Thank you for helping others and having a kind spirit. Know you are making a better day and tomorrow for others. I hope our life memories of better days can sustain those of us who had them. Be happy.
Those German Jews who sought "bliss through ignorance" went up in smoke. Better to keep an eye on the troublemakers so as to know when it's time to run for safety.
“The first year of the Trump presidency will seed the catastrophe to come. At first the people will cheer, but then it will start to slip away day by day by day. Trump will be undone by his own overreach, arrogance and insecurities. Democrats don’t have to do much but antagonize him, by referring to Elon and JD as co-presidents. Musk and Vance will destabilize the administration, and bring it to its tip-over point at a rapid pace.”
Steve, while everything you say is true, who’s going to stop Trump and his minions when he becomes undone, and America finally awakens from its perennial stupor?
Who will be left to act? Congress? I don’t think so; our country is more divided than ever, and the only thing Congress is good for, is naming post offices, and conducting sham investigations.
Will it be SCOTUS? Hell No! They are just as corrupt as Trump, and even more ideologically fascist. They’ll give him Carte Blanche to conduct his deportation policies with impunity; they even gave him a road map from the last time he tried to deport Muslims and immigrants, or utilize his family separation policies.
Will it be America? I don’t think so, especially when he has an entire media ecosystem that will support and defend him with unlimited vigor. Not to mention, Musk and Zuckerberg own social media. Zuckerberg doesn’t allow political speech on its platforms, or has reduced their content distribution, and Musk, who turned Twitter into the new 4Chan; it is a racist, misogynistic, and fascist paradise. Expect Musk to keep the troops entertained, while blocking any and all opposition, and original thought’s on his platform.
Let’s face it, there is no effective opposition left. All the MSM outlets have legitimized Trump’s behavior, and are now just a distraction, and a deflection from what really got Trump elected: social engineering, nefarious algorithms that promote Trump’s hate and vengeful rhetoric, and the censorship of democrats, Democratic priorities and policies.
This election was over before it began. These nefarious actors have been plotting since Trump lost the 2020 election, and are executing their authoritarian agenda with perfection. Before we know it, the senate won’t be confirming any more cabinet nominees, because the anointed one; or ultimate decider with presidential immunity, and a willing and able cast of incompetent brown and black shirts; capable of carrying out his worst impulses, are salivating at the chance to exact revenge, and turn this nation into an authoritarian kakistocracy.
Is it lost on anyone why Trump wants the senate to just allow him to have recess appointments? Three reasons come to mind. One, two or all three could be valid, and most likely are:
One: he doesn’t want any of his nominees to be questioned under oath, or have their past come back to haunt them.
Two: he’s testing all republican senators to see which ones will oppose him, so he and his minions can make sure they primary them when they’re up for reelection, and they don’t get any plum committee assignments in the meantime: carrot and stick approach.
Three: He’s flexing his Unitary Executive power; this will be the first of many laws he breaks, including not signing on the presidential transition agreements (federal law and requirement). Thus, he wants to show he is above the law, is untouchable, and this is the test case to show that no one can stop him, and any and all opposition will be futile.
Lastly, the way I see it; we have no options left, at least, and until, we can get the tech-bro oligarchs and the media to step up. Oh wait, they had their chance and failed miserably! In fact, most of the tech-bro’s have shown fealty to the mango
Mussolini.
So Steve, instead of just galvanizing us to act, give us a battle plan, because the why I see it, we are up a creek, without a paddle! Feel free to prove me wrong! IMHO!…:)
Actually Robert you can still do a lot of Political things on Facebook and Instagram. All is not lost there. I'm involved in several good Groups on FB plus I reclaimed my Page yesterday. Fuck caring what my Trump loving family thinks anymore. This is War. For America. 💔🇺🇸
Nothing is going to work until there's an agreement on what is true (in English). A lot might have to come apart before we can get there. First have the same facts, and then the same meanings of those words and/or ideas. Could people really not desire to live in a democracy again?
Trump has also said he will get rid of MSNBC, the only cable network that consistently opposes him, he better not even try. The way he talks though is certainly that of a Dictator. Did the average American voter actually realize that he was serious? I knew he was I think they were just thinking he was saying one day but he has no intention of being a one day Dictator, he has designs on the whole thing and remember he said if you vote for me it’s the last time you will have to vote! Well at 78 that’s highly unlikely but he’s got that dreadful VP so who knows. The idiots that voted for him will live in deep regret. We have to make sure it is only 4 years we can not allow the Republican Party to become our Dictators! It’s so shocking that they would betray us this way, it’s unbelievable and despicable but I honestly think that’s what they’re up to they’ve already packed the courts! They are traitors and should be punished! The way he behaved at his rallies and how he talks you can tell he’s sliding into Dementia, both parents had it. You only have to watch him to see he’s slipping! The Republicans know very well that he’s losing it but in their desperate desire to be the only party they don’t care how they get that power! Traitors is what they are, buying the courts, the Presidency etc! We have to fight back before Adolph Donald gets too much power. The man is an idiot.
Suzy, he may not have to shut down MSNBC. I have read that their viewersip has dropped precipitously as Democrats are so disillusioned they've quit watching the news in general. So that station may may not survive in corporate world where viewers/dollars are all that counts.
You present a very realistic and frightening analysis of how Trump and his allies, especially Musk and Vance, will come to control every arm of the federal government. This is how democracies die. From within, as fascistic parasites, backed by the frightened and narrow-minded segment of the population they have seduced, worm their way into powerful positions by ignoring norms and the Constitution, as well as utilizing every Constitutional power they have to subvert every governmental institution. They have accomplished this with SCOTUS and are currently working on other government agencies.
If they take over the military, our future is indeed bleak. I join you in hoping someone, Steve or anyone, can explain how we can restore our democracy and continue to struggle for human rights; guide us to the light at the end of this darkening tunnel.
What’s just as interesting is the blue state governors that think they’ll be able to thwart Trump’s nefarious plans. Wait until he refuses to release Medicaid, Education, highway, and FEMA funds to these states, and we will see how many of the states voting constituents continue to support the governors when they start feeling the pain, just for a bunch of immigrants who can’t even vote.
Trump’s “think tank” crazies, have been gaming every possible outcome of this election, and how to steal power for the last four years, and SCOTUS was part of this.
Additionally, I wouldn’t put it past Trump to threaten a federal abortion ban, if these governors don’t fall in line, and profess fealty to the man….:)
It wouldn’t change a thing. Corporations and individuals could still be charged with tax evasion, and not only have to pay the taxes, they could be sent to jail. It wouldn’t work and would only cause more fear and anxiety and unnecessary pain.
not if it's part of the mass resistance movement. That's how change happens. And given that we know that the Trump and his cronies in congress will ignore the constitution and the rule of law, that breaks the Constitutional obligation. Hundreds of thousands or millions of people do this What could the federal government possibly do? They don't have the means to enforce it. They don't enforce tax law.
I have a feeling he will send in the national guard or military and cause mass arrests. And if some of the protesters are violent, then you can be sure everyone will be charged with treason. And if everyone is
T violent, he’ll manufacture a crime by inserting miles within the movement.
This time is different. He has immunity, he can give out immunity to anyone who carries out an illegal order, and he has the SC in his pocket.
So the majority of Americans voted for him, which makes the resistance a minority. He has the law on his side, the army, police, and unlimited resources, but you think a non violent resistance will make the difference? I hope you’re right, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. The resistance would be seen as criminals, and most of the media networks will cover them as such.
Let’s galvanize, organize and deploy a massive and sustained nonviolent movement fueled by a thousand tentacles that strangle the Trump fascist MAGA cult of shared psychosis that bespeaks the political, social and cultural deformation of Jonestownesque delusion and death. Make no mistake, Trump helms one of the most pernicious anti-life crusades the world has ever known.
Ken, I agree with this strategy. But, what forms will this nonviolent movement take? Mass marches on Washington and red state capitals? Boycotts, (Tesla comes to mind)? Non-payment of taxes? Work stoppages? Sit-ins? etc.
And who will organize and manage these protests?
What do we do when Trump's brutish emissaries employ violence against us?
Trump is already destroying the concept of checks and balances, and making it a test of loyalty. If Biden would only expand SCOTUS by 2 seats in the limited time there is, it would be *something*. I think Trump will do it next year.
Waste of time. On January 20th, by your reasoning, Trump will just add more. And 2 justices still leave it at a 6-5 deficit. So, he adds 4. Then Trump adds two. What the hell is the good or point of that? Stacking the court has NEVER been the answer, albeit understandably appealing in some ways. Nothing new will be before the court between now and inauguration.
I completely understand. We're grieving and that manifests itself in different ways. Hang in there, we'll get through this. Bumpy road and awful, but we will.
I have said this till I’m blue in the face: Even if the courts rule against an order or action, Trump will simply ignore them since they have no enforcement mechanism.
Your point #1 is what this is all about Robert, just look at who he’s been anointing, the ICE creep and the Kennedy malcontent, they are unconfirmable even with a maggot majority senate, it seems that even the worms have a limit. We will know in a couple days if the senate is going to cave in due to their institutional rottenness. The secret vote for majority leader may be all that protects us. 🤬
I hope you’re right, but I don’t think so. He’s consolidated all the power in the party. He even controls the purse strings for the RNC. If these clowns haven’t moved on him yet, knowing he will enter office as the most powerful president in US history (immunity), then it’s fair to say these spineless wonders, will do little to stop him when he is sworn in.
Although I appreciate the sentiments about better days ahead, I am not convinced we will see that. If history is any teacher, the decline to destruction has been set.
I have two police officers in my family. One passed away and the other is retired. The shock to the system will be tough when the January 6 barbarians receive their pardons.
This is just ust one of the dozens of amazing quotes from his interview of Professor Heather Cox Richardson on John Stewart’s “ The Weekly Podcast,” (nothing like the Daily Show). Smartest analysis of where we are that I’ve ever heard. If you’re feeling depressed about the election, listen to this. Do yourself a favor.
I intend to listen to it two more times because it was so mind-blowing.
Just another short comment,, actually a question, why are these right wingers so obsessed with tearing apart our country? Hasn’t this country been really good to them, look at Trump and all those ultra wealthy supporters of his, don’t they ever have enough ? Why do they want to destroy our country? Hasn’t this country been really good to them hasn’t it been really good to Trump? What more do they need? Why do they want to take away benefits from hardworking Americans who spent their lives saving and paying for their Medicare and into their Social Security? It seems so evil and incredibly cruel and selfish. I just want to understand why they want to do destroy peoples lives when they themselves have so much? Why must they have it all at the expense of the middle and the working class and most of all why did millions vote against their own self interests? It makes no sense?
It is evil. Evil exists. Trump and his goons are sociopathic, merciless, depraved, murderous individuals. They are bent on destroying democratic norms and values and anyone who stands in their way in their quest to amass more power, more wealth. And they can never ever have enough. Hardworking Americans of the middle and working classes are meaningless to them, except as pawns to be manipulated.
Millions of Americans voted against their own self-interests because they have lost their footing, thanks in part to de-industrialization and globalization, and Trump tapped into their rage and their fears, and assured them that as an outsider, a messiah, he alone could fix their lives.
It's just othering, hatred of "the other"- and following the path of Putin. Total greed, suck your country dry for your own benefit. Our local news media is our best bet in the future to cover the human stories of lives destroyed.
Part of it is now wanting more and keeping "others", by whatever definition, out of their club. tearing it apart secures their role in the ruling class and provides them power and control, and removes it from we the people. It's a far cry from "a rising tide raises all boats" (JFK). Going forward, the rising tide will only apply to yachts. It's pretty fucked up.
They chose tax breaks for the wealthy over country. The well to do and the middle class who think they’re well to do but actually rely on a generous strong government will wake up to daily horrors, but won’t care until it affects them. Perhaps if they have to pay more for the pool installation, the new home build, or the house cleaning they’ll realize they made the bad deal. But the cultural wars to follow were not the defining issue of this vote. I have college educated successful relatives who think babies are being killed after birth and voted to save the dogs and cats of Ohio. Russia, if you’re listening: get the fuck out of my country.
The fact that Donald Trump Junior would belittle the efforts of valiant Ukrainians to defend themselves and their democracy against Russian aggression by referring to our aid to them as an allowance that will be cut off, says a lot about the foreign policy of the incoming administration, pro-Russian, the nature of its leaders, bullies, and its moral considerations, none.
Well, taking queues from his daddy, who infamously said he "would tell Putin to do whatever he wants." They just don't care and yet America and the world will suffer. SMFH.
Everything you've said is true. Everything you've predicted is what I've seen in my minds eye. I'm frightened, and I'm arrested. So I know at least my life is changing, my Electric company is raising their rates 11% starting in January. i Thank You for just being here for us, Steve, It means a lot 🙏 this morning ☕ and will reStack ASAP 💯👍
Try this: slave owners didn’t “hate” their slaves. They just put up with the occasional runaway while they reaped enormous benefits. That was the oligarchy that Lincoln had to fight. The Republican oligarchy has now successfully manipulated the middle class (using digital technology and social media) to convince the majority of Americans that their true enemy is the Mexican invasion.
That’s what fascists do; they and corporations get filthy rich while the poor and middle class complain about an “enemy within” eating their pets, raping their women, changing their culture. And then they make us hate everyone who voted for them. Putin‘s dream come true; Americans hating each other.
Half of us did NOT choose it, and what the other half chose were the false promises of a traitor out for money and power, and most of all, applause.
Let's be sure when those who voted for him start to complain, the lies are pointed out to them, and the solutions are pointed out as well. Let's join into one team against the real enemy...America's oligarchs and those looking to erase the Constitution and the rule of law, the "little things" that keep us free.
More than half of U.S. did not choose this. The election was stolen. The simple rewriting of a few lines of code to flip a percentage of Harris votes to dump votes was all it took. Too many things don’t add up. If I’m wrong, let a complete forensic audit prove it.
Please stop the fraudulent or stolen election bullshit. We mocked the "stop the steal" fuckers for 4 years. What, now that we lost, you want to be one? That's hypocrisy.
No, I will not stop. There is no hypocrisy here. When Trump claimed we cheated, he had nothing to go on. We have much to go on. I recognize that we do not yet have hard evidence, but there are many indicators that an investigation is warranted.
The huge rallies for Harris contrasted with the half empty venues for Trump. The ginormous amount of money raised for Harris by millions of small donors. The endorsements of Harris by prominent Republicans and the rank and file old-school Republicans who will have listened to them. The Haley voters. The surge in early voting, which should have shortened the lines at the polls on election day. They did not. Instead, there were massive lines at polling places where historically there had never been long lines. The many, many people who were never politically active before who spent hours and hours handwriting postcards to Democratic leaning in frequent voters swing states. These people do not suddenly turn around and vote red.
We know that Trump stole 2016 because, thanks to Stormy Daniels, we know one of the methods he used. We know he tried to steal 2020. We know he has been convicted on 34 felony counts, and very likely guilty of many more.
He bragged about stealing this election when he told a bunch of religious nuts at a turning point convention that he did not need votes. They did not need to worry, he said, because the RNC would “take care of it”.
He wants you to make the argument you made that we should not be poor sports the way they were. Don’t fall for it.
The odds that he did not cheat are slim to none.
I know in my gut that he stole this. I also recognize that at this moment, there is no proof. We need proof, one way or another.
100% agree and share the obvious conviction that they stole this. That no one will investigate is only more of the same weak tea the democratic party has offered us as we face atrocity. I don’t give a flying f#€k if my justified suspicion of Republican’s theivery looks “just like them”. What a stupid argument to make in the face of the obvious fact that they will and did do ANYTHING to gain absolute power. As conditions and behavior devolves maybe enough of these people who want to take some moral “high road” will understand that when you fight for your actual life, all bets are off. Yep. War is hell and we are now at war whether they realize it or not. The normalization crap is gonna come to a screeching halt, in a very short time. Don’t listen to people who scoff at those of us who are pointing out the obvious- I intend to keep insisting that the right wing treachery, and theivery definitely includes this stolen election. One day we will be proven correct. If there’s anything left of the country and democracy that makes that matter…
I concur, and if there was fraud, I hope the DOJ and/or responsible Democratic politicians are seriously examining this. Musk has too much access, as well as security clearance, and I don't trust him one bit. He could have manipulated the results.
Either way, we still have to do things according to the law, a thing that the orange traitor and his "people" simply ignore. If it happened, there will be evidence.
I am tired of fighting shit asses. I’ve done it since I was 17 and I am now 78. Things go forward 2 steps and back 1, but this time it looks like it will be back 10. I have to have some calm in my last years. Yesterday I became a spectator. Sorry Steve, call me when you reach 78. Joe Rogan calling on Trump to unite us, was my end point.
I listened to James Carville with Tim Miller. On The Bulwark, “bonus edition.” It is from
Nov 8.
Carville says the message that has to get out as the Trump voters see that they are not getting their economic relief in any way: BETRAYAL.
Maybe not with such a polysyllabic, educated word, but tell voters at every turn they they have been betrayed.
Dear Leader will do many dreadful, splashy, showy, cruel things on day one.. this will make the fools believe he is following through and making good on promises. Short term satisfaction.
But as time goes on, the clown car will derail. When he forces through financial gains for the wealthiest … betrayal.
When the price of their stuff rises due to tariffs… betrayal
When they can’t get food for their salad bars because the ag workers have been deported…. Betrayal.
They harped on the price of bacon? Let’s see what happens to it over the next 4 years… betrayal
At some point only the most depraved MAGAts will stand with him.
He will trash everything around him: they is what he has done with everything inherited or managed. Vance has no experience at anything except being groomed by tech bro’s. Musk is wicked and twisted and greedy but may be a backstop against total ruin.
The old nonsense from Dems is done. We can’t go back. The timidity of Biden, Garland and “gentlemanly” behavior will not work in the political sphere.
By the way, I am a Californian and support Newsom for this state. He will never be president and is the epitome of what boils voters’ blood in the vast space between thr two coastlines. We cannot go back to anything that seemed plausible recently.
Thank you Steve. I have now officially left the grief stage and have entered the anger stage. I'm mad as hell and ready to fight. Whatever it takes right?! Hope my ptsd can take it. Lord help us. My heart breaks for Zelensky and Ukraine. God damn them.
Thanks for being so courageous dear friend. And for all you do. Stay strong everyone. We need each other now more than ever!! ❤️🇺🇸
Me too John D I am furious and we can’t let these fascist pigs get away with ruining our Democracy. What is the tater with these people didn’t they grow up here and make their good lives here? Why are they so vicious? Why do they want to destroy us?
MAGA-Cult brainwashing about grievance, anger, fear, retribution...and broken promises.
And misinformation!
Right there with you, Lisa!❤️🇺🇸 Yes, be strong everyone and take care of yourself. Together, we'll navigate the rough seas ahead the best we can. Yes, thank you Steve Schmidt! ❤️🇺🇸
It would be nice if someone actually had a plan. I’ll fight back, when I know we have the resources to get the job done. I haven’t heard anyone come forward with a viable plan, or any plan for the matter…..:)
You can’t announce a plan, without the opposition knowing. Work at the local level putting good people in office. That is where you actually have a real individual effect. We turned our city council blue for the first time ever 2 years ago.
It still doesn’t solve the federal issues, for which Trump can be dangerous.
I understand how you feel. I'm disabled and I can't do much, but I have been making preparations to defend myself and my family from possible problems presented by the implementation of Project 2025 and Agenda 47. I'll branch out from that when others present larger plans that I can connect to.
I suggest we all start locally. Be vocal to your representatives and in 2 years we'll see if there are options.
Same here: anger after a period of depression (the opposite order of the 12 stages of grief, btw). At what? Half of my fellow Americans.
Same here Ron. Including most of my family. Not sure how I'm going to handle that yet. 😢
Must be hard to bale on your family. I don't have that problem, fortunately.
We're not a trauma-informed society. There is/will be trauma, grief, anxiety;Take Care❤️
At what point do we dispense with the pleasantries and call the core MAGA cultists what they really are? The answer is they are our enemy. The fact that they are american citizens, in some cases our former friends and/or present family, negates this not a bit. I don't know, but when someone supports a movement that wants to imprison or kill me if I disagree with it, wants to impose a fascist regime that we may never get rid of in our lifetimes, that strikes me as being an enemy to my freedom and that of my beloved country. Yet still we scratch around trying not to offend these rogues because they are american voters. The core maga group is evil. Even if many of them have individually been duped by Fox news and a snake oil salesman, the group itself is evil and is preparing, as we speak, to do evil on a massive scale. They have forfeited any right to be treated as our civil fellow citizens. They must be opposed and defeated by any legal means possible. So yes, they are evil and they are our enemy and we must summon our inner Churchill and call them what they are and fight them at every turn, or they will devour us like wolves. God damn them.
And being "misinformed" is NOT an excuse. They're adults and should make the effort to educate themselves. Turn off f&%$ing Fox "News" and pick up a legacy newspaper!
Sometime, along about the coming of spring, we need to begin an advertising campaign on FoxNews and Joe Rogan and whatever podcasts and platforms are trumpiest that constantly report on what has happened since the election, that consistently point to musk as jd vance’s vice president, not donald trump’s, that poke fun at trump’s body and orange makeup and golf predilection, and begin immediately to sow the seeds of discord and make clear that something better can return. It needs to be relentless, sometimes humorous and mocking, sometimes strident and disgusted. It doesn’t need to be aimed at the converted, it needs to be aimed at the Americans who have hurt themselves and are just beginning to feel the pain. As my daughter said last night, they won’t put the gun away until they shoot themselves in the foot. When that happens, let’s continually remind them.
I agree that we need to get a message to trumpers through Fox and Rogan. But I think it should be fact-based, not the sophomoric ad hominem attacks. What Pete Buttigieg did. We can’t ever go as low as they can, and we don’t want to.
I’m actually in favor of a shotgun approach, facts, attacks, sophomorelic humor, well reasoned alternatives.
I want to see them all. Putting something in front of trump voters that is as effective as the trans ads and the what would you have done differently ads is the short, sharp way to get people to begin to question themselves. Certainly, logic has its place. But Trump has been around for 10 years, he has so many negatives in his column, obscene negatives, and yet here we are. I don’t think mayor Pete alone can turn the tide.
Democrats have for too long relied on appeals to rationality and the intellect. They need to add a MAGA-like appeal to emotions like fear, anger, etc.
I think one problem with Democrats is that they always want to play it safe. Where did that get us? I’d like them to now be the nastiest opposition party imaginable. Do outrageous things. Why not? What do we have to lose? I’d like Biden to resign tomorrow making Kamala our first female president. It wouldn’t change much but it would shock the MAGA. They see us as weak…I think we are. I remember every day of his first presidency, waking up each day not knowing who he had insulted or offended or what terrible (outrageous) plan he wanted to implement. I know I have to but I can’t imagine having to bear this again, day after day, and it will be worse this time, I’m sure.
Interesting take. Let me ask you a serious question: why in the hell would Fox or Rogan EVER agree to do this? Advertising revenue? Musk will just pay more to shut facts down. These people encased in the right's media echo chamber for years have not heard the truth, why do you think they'd hear it going forward?
Rogan used to be a Bernie supporter, Harris screwed up not going on his program and giving the MAGA crowd the truth about Trump. Was she fearful? If so, then maybe she shouldn’t be president.
"Was she fearful? If so, then maybe she shouldn’t be president." Silly comment considering she lost the election and now you're projecting your feelings, without any evidence, on to her for not appearing on his show. The fact of the matter is that the right wing media and SM echo chamber and ecosystem is vastly superior to anything on the left. So, you'll assume you know why she didn't appear there, but give Trump a pass for failing to show and refusing a second debate, ad nauseam. Got it.
Trump did not bother to show up to the Republican Party debates during the primaries. The effect was to consign those who did show up to the "children's table."
I get that. Was not talking about the primaries. He wasn't going to lose to those clowns anyway. Specifically addressing the debate with Harris.
I am tuning out. For my own mental health. I am deeply distraught and must carry on despite this tragedy. But I have canceled all my Substacks, avoid cable news, and only listen to Beatles and classical music in the car. I can't stand hearing or seeing his name, his face or his voice. I voted, I stayed optimistic and then I cried.
I am trying, now, to help people navigate the legal system and do my part to contribute to ease societal suffering that way. I am now seeking bliss through ignorance. Thank you, Steve, and everyone who is fighting the fight, but I'm an exhausted octogenarian and I can't keep this misery at the forefront of my life. It's too disturbing.
I have been winding things down myself. Having lived in North Jersey most of my life, I’ve seen this Demented Buffoon now for 45 years. I found ten Buddhist principles to remain unaffected by anything. This is an excellent 25 minutes on the road to wellness.
https://youtu.be/mBt4C5wUvK4?si=t9HYy8mtyxrD3Les
Thanks for the link. Over the years, I have found much comfort in Buddhist teachings. Buddhism is a way of thinking and interpreting life and reality, it is not faith based in its origins. A great book, written to make Buddhist teachings easier to understand by people brought up in the Western cultural world is, "The Book." I read it and re-read over the decades. I can not find the author's name. Does anyone remember who wrote "The Book"?
His name was Alan Watts.
That is correct I believe, that was the name that first came to mind.
I love Alan Watts. Here is three minutes of Alan Watts telling us not to overthink our current predicament.
https://youtu.be/9rOqc89HUcM?si=qDotNP1w7tP36zQg
"We are so tied up in our minds we've lost our senses."
John, Thanks for the tip. That quote from his three minute presentation is priceles; as are his comments about confusing symbols with reality."
You do realize that Jesus was a Buddhist monk?
I am not sure what your point is. Alan Watts considered Jesus to be an enlightened but human being, however Buddha is never mentioned in any of Jesus' utterances. Personally, I do not believe Jesus Christ ever lived, as no one has ever performed the miracles attributed to him, from raising the dead to changing water into wine. No one was ever born of a virgin or ascended bodily into "heaven." I believe in the moral teachings of the New Testament but they are reflected in many religious and secular views of morality. Many people calling themselves Christians do not practice the morality attributed to Jesus, especially the Sermon on the Mount.
No doubt there have been, throughout history, men and women whose consciousness transcended their individuality and who understood their true selves. The subtitle of "The Book" is the taboo against knowing who you are.
You can find "The Book" by Alan Watts on Amazon Prime and other book sellers.
Thanks, John, I will watch it. :-)
This was so helpful to me, John, Thanks so much!
Good for you! I too am no longer a NYTimes, Washington Post subscriber and have never
been on social media. Mentally and physically I am unable to deal with this horrific
end to our nation. I am a direct descendent of a signer of the Dec. of Independence from
Maryland, come from a long line of career military but will bow out now. I don’t see an end to this evil.
Janet: thank you for your work and engagement. Yes, I feel as you do. I do not want to read a headline, see a photo, hear that voice nor the images and voices of anyone around him. The cruelty and stupidity are overwhelming. Best to avoid
Janet,
My best. Thank you for helping others and having a kind spirit. Know you are making a better day and tomorrow for others. I hope our life memories of better days can sustain those of us who had them. Be happy.
Janet,
Those German Jews who sought "bliss through ignorance" went up in smoke. Better to keep an eye on the troublemakers so as to know when it's time to run for safety.
They did, you're right. Along with those who hid and were found. They were all scared to death before they were put to death.
Do wacha gotta do for yourself, Janet.
“The first year of the Trump presidency will seed the catastrophe to come. At first the people will cheer, but then it will start to slip away day by day by day. Trump will be undone by his own overreach, arrogance and insecurities. Democrats don’t have to do much but antagonize him, by referring to Elon and JD as co-presidents. Musk and Vance will destabilize the administration, and bring it to its tip-over point at a rapid pace.”
Steve, while everything you say is true, who’s going to stop Trump and his minions when he becomes undone, and America finally awakens from its perennial stupor?
Who will be left to act? Congress? I don’t think so; our country is more divided than ever, and the only thing Congress is good for, is naming post offices, and conducting sham investigations.
Will it be SCOTUS? Hell No! They are just as corrupt as Trump, and even more ideologically fascist. They’ll give him Carte Blanche to conduct his deportation policies with impunity; they even gave him a road map from the last time he tried to deport Muslims and immigrants, or utilize his family separation policies.
Will it be America? I don’t think so, especially when he has an entire media ecosystem that will support and defend him with unlimited vigor. Not to mention, Musk and Zuckerberg own social media. Zuckerberg doesn’t allow political speech on its platforms, or has reduced their content distribution, and Musk, who turned Twitter into the new 4Chan; it is a racist, misogynistic, and fascist paradise. Expect Musk to keep the troops entertained, while blocking any and all opposition, and original thought’s on his platform.
Let’s face it, there is no effective opposition left. All the MSM outlets have legitimized Trump’s behavior, and are now just a distraction, and a deflection from what really got Trump elected: social engineering, nefarious algorithms that promote Trump’s hate and vengeful rhetoric, and the censorship of democrats, Democratic priorities and policies.
This election was over before it began. These nefarious actors have been plotting since Trump lost the 2020 election, and are executing their authoritarian agenda with perfection. Before we know it, the senate won’t be confirming any more cabinet nominees, because the anointed one; or ultimate decider with presidential immunity, and a willing and able cast of incompetent brown and black shirts; capable of carrying out his worst impulses, are salivating at the chance to exact revenge, and turn this nation into an authoritarian kakistocracy.
Is it lost on anyone why Trump wants the senate to just allow him to have recess appointments? Three reasons come to mind. One, two or all three could be valid, and most likely are:
One: he doesn’t want any of his nominees to be questioned under oath, or have their past come back to haunt them.
Two: he’s testing all republican senators to see which ones will oppose him, so he and his minions can make sure they primary them when they’re up for reelection, and they don’t get any plum committee assignments in the meantime: carrot and stick approach.
Three: He’s flexing his Unitary Executive power; this will be the first of many laws he breaks, including not signing on the presidential transition agreements (federal law and requirement). Thus, he wants to show he is above the law, is untouchable, and this is the test case to show that no one can stop him, and any and all opposition will be futile.
Lastly, the way I see it; we have no options left, at least, and until, we can get the tech-bro oligarchs and the media to step up. Oh wait, they had their chance and failed miserably! In fact, most of the tech-bro’s have shown fealty to the mango
Mussolini.
So Steve, instead of just galvanizing us to act, give us a battle plan, because the why I see it, we are up a creek, without a paddle! Feel free to prove me wrong! IMHO!…:)
Actually Robert you can still do a lot of Political things on Facebook and Instagram. All is not lost there. I'm involved in several good Groups on FB plus I reclaimed my Page yesterday. Fuck caring what my Trump loving family thinks anymore. This is War. For America. 💔🇺🇸
Hey Lisa, my point is the algorithms don’t promote political speech, they suppress it, so it gets fewer views from the Facebook community.
Gotcha. I see.
And bluesky….alternative to “x”
Have you tried it out yet? I'm still on X but I rarely use it.
Nothing is going to work until there's an agreement on what is true (in English). A lot might have to come apart before we can get there. First have the same facts, and then the same meanings of those words and/or ideas. Could people really not desire to live in a democracy again?
Trump has also said he will get rid of MSNBC, the only cable network that consistently opposes him, he better not even try. The way he talks though is certainly that of a Dictator. Did the average American voter actually realize that he was serious? I knew he was I think they were just thinking he was saying one day but he has no intention of being a one day Dictator, he has designs on the whole thing and remember he said if you vote for me it’s the last time you will have to vote! Well at 78 that’s highly unlikely but he’s got that dreadful VP so who knows. The idiots that voted for him will live in deep regret. We have to make sure it is only 4 years we can not allow the Republican Party to become our Dictators! It’s so shocking that they would betray us this way, it’s unbelievable and despicable but I honestly think that’s what they’re up to they’ve already packed the courts! They are traitors and should be punished! The way he behaved at his rallies and how he talks you can tell he’s sliding into Dementia, both parents had it. You only have to watch him to see he’s slipping! The Republicans know very well that he’s losing it but in their desperate desire to be the only party they don’t care how they get that power! Traitors is what they are, buying the courts, the Presidency etc! We have to fight back before Adolph Donald gets too much power. The man is an idiot.
Suzy, he may not have to shut down MSNBC. I have read that their viewersip has dropped precipitously as Democrats are so disillusioned they've quit watching the news in general. So that station may may not survive in corporate world where viewers/dollars are all that counts.
You present a very realistic and frightening analysis of how Trump and his allies, especially Musk and Vance, will come to control every arm of the federal government. This is how democracies die. From within, as fascistic parasites, backed by the frightened and narrow-minded segment of the population they have seduced, worm their way into powerful positions by ignoring norms and the Constitution, as well as utilizing every Constitutional power they have to subvert every governmental institution. They have accomplished this with SCOTUS and are currently working on other government agencies.
If they take over the military, our future is indeed bleak. I join you in hoping someone, Steve or anyone, can explain how we can restore our democracy and continue to struggle for human rights; guide us to the light at the end of this darkening tunnel.
What’s just as interesting is the blue state governors that think they’ll be able to thwart Trump’s nefarious plans. Wait until he refuses to release Medicaid, Education, highway, and FEMA funds to these states, and we will see how many of the states voting constituents continue to support the governors when they start feeling the pain, just for a bunch of immigrants who can’t even vote.
Trump’s “think tank” crazies, have been gaming every possible outcome of this election, and how to steal power for the last four years, and SCOTUS was part of this.
Additionally, I wouldn’t put it past Trump to threaten a federal abortion ban, if these governors don’t fall in line, and profess fealty to the man….:)
.Blue states fund this country and they need to start collecting and holding federal income tax.
It wouldn’t change a thing. Corporations and individuals could still be charged with tax evasion, and not only have to pay the taxes, they could be sent to jail. It wouldn’t work and would only cause more fear and anxiety and unnecessary pain.
not if it's part of the mass resistance movement. That's how change happens. And given that we know that the Trump and his cronies in congress will ignore the constitution and the rule of law, that breaks the Constitutional obligation. Hundreds of thousands or millions of people do this What could the federal government possibly do? They don't have the means to enforce it. They don't enforce tax law.
I have a feeling he will send in the national guard or military and cause mass arrests. And if some of the protesters are violent, then you can be sure everyone will be charged with treason. And if everyone is
T violent, he’ll manufacture a crime by inserting miles within the movement.
This time is different. He has immunity, he can give out immunity to anyone who carries out an illegal order, and he has the SC in his pocket.
So the majority of Americans voted for him, which makes the resistance a minority. He has the law on his side, the army, police, and unlimited resources, but you think a non violent resistance will make the difference? I hope you’re right, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. The resistance would be seen as criminals, and most of the media networks will cover them as such.
they also need to refuse to enforce abortion band, immigrant roundups and protect their local press
Let’s galvanize, organize and deploy a massive and sustained nonviolent movement fueled by a thousand tentacles that strangle the Trump fascist MAGA cult of shared psychosis that bespeaks the political, social and cultural deformation of Jonestownesque delusion and death. Make no mistake, Trump helms one of the most pernicious anti-life crusades the world has ever known.
Ken, I agree with this strategy. But, what forms will this nonviolent movement take? Mass marches on Washington and red state capitals? Boycotts, (Tesla comes to mind)? Non-payment of taxes? Work stoppages? Sit-ins? etc.
And who will organize and manage these protests?
What do we do when Trump's brutish emissaries employ violence against us?
This is my point. No one has an actionable plan. Just the usual peaceful protests and boycotts. I wish some of the experts would weigh in…:)
Trump is already destroying the concept of checks and balances, and making it a test of loyalty. If Biden would only expand SCOTUS by 2 seats in the limited time there is, it would be *something*. I think Trump will do it next year.
He can’t without Congress, and good luck with that…:)
Small Senate majority remains at this brief moment....? The D's there don't get it by now?
Waste of time. On January 20th, by your reasoning, Trump will just add more. And 2 justices still leave it at a 6-5 deficit. So, he adds 4. Then Trump adds two. What the hell is the good or point of that? Stacking the court has NEVER been the answer, albeit understandably appealing in some ways. Nothing new will be before the court between now and inauguration.
It's just the helplessness I can't stand, I suppose
I completely understand. We're grieving and that manifests itself in different ways. Hang in there, we'll get through this. Bumpy road and awful, but we will.
I have said this till I’m blue in the face: Even if the courts rule against an order or action, Trump will simply ignore them since they have no enforcement mechanism.
Agreed, it will be like Andrew Jackson when he said, “John Marshall has made his decision, now let’s see him enforce it.”
It didn’t end well for the natives during the Trail of Tears!….:)
Your point #1 is what this is all about Robert, just look at who he’s been anointing, the ICE creep and the Kennedy malcontent, they are unconfirmable even with a maggot majority senate, it seems that even the worms have a limit. We will know in a couple days if the senate is going to cave in due to their institutional rottenness. The secret vote for majority leader may be all that protects us. 🤬
I hope you’re right, but I don’t think so. He’s consolidated all the power in the party. He even controls the purse strings for the RNC. If these clowns haven’t moved on him yet, knowing he will enter office as the most powerful president in US history (immunity), then it’s fair to say these spineless wonders, will do little to stop him when he is sworn in.
Although I appreciate the sentiments about better days ahead, I am not convinced we will see that. If history is any teacher, the decline to destruction has been set.
I have two police officers in my family. One passed away and the other is retired. The shock to the system will be tough when the January 6 barbarians receive their pardons.
Agree John. Even the ones who pled guilty because they know they were. WTF, it was a "day of love" according to the president elect. 🤬
I have already warned my Trump-supporting brother that if he says one word to me about how the election results were a good thing, we are done.
I'm asking my son to agree to a 1 year moratorium on talking between ourselves about politics. I may agree to reopen the subject in a year.
Good idea. The holidays are going to be interesting this year for sure.
Just want to bring your attention to this:
“The only way out, is through.”
This is just ust one of the dozens of amazing quotes from his interview of Professor Heather Cox Richardson on John Stewart’s “ The Weekly Podcast,” (nothing like the Daily Show). Smartest analysis of where we are that I’ve ever heard. If you’re feeling depressed about the election, listen to this. Do yourself a favor.
I intend to listen to it two more times because it was so mind-blowing.
YES, that was excellent!! I saw it too. She is so incredible. 😍
Here's the Link too for anyone who wants to watch it. Jon Stewart and Dr. Heather Cox Richardson.
https://youtu.be/tZZ3vzSFy48?si=j1gtq1FJXOy6spmC
Didn’t you feel your brain expanding while you listened? She’s amazing.
Just another short comment,, actually a question, why are these right wingers so obsessed with tearing apart our country? Hasn’t this country been really good to them, look at Trump and all those ultra wealthy supporters of his, don’t they ever have enough ? Why do they want to destroy our country? Hasn’t this country been really good to them hasn’t it been really good to Trump? What more do they need? Why do they want to take away benefits from hardworking Americans who spent their lives saving and paying for their Medicare and into their Social Security? It seems so evil and incredibly cruel and selfish. I just want to understand why they want to do destroy peoples lives when they themselves have so much? Why must they have it all at the expense of the middle and the working class and most of all why did millions vote against their own self interests? It makes no sense?
It is evil. Evil exists. Trump and his goons are sociopathic, merciless, depraved, murderous individuals. They are bent on destroying democratic norms and values and anyone who stands in their way in their quest to amass more power, more wealth. And they can never ever have enough. Hardworking Americans of the middle and working classes are meaningless to them, except as pawns to be manipulated.
Millions of Americans voted against their own self-interests because they have lost their footing, thanks in part to de-industrialization and globalization, and Trump tapped into their rage and their fears, and assured them that as an outsider, a messiah, he alone could fix their lives.
It's just othering, hatred of "the other"- and following the path of Putin. Total greed, suck your country dry for your own benefit. Our local news media is our best bet in the future to cover the human stories of lives destroyed.
Part of it is now wanting more and keeping "others", by whatever definition, out of their club. tearing it apart secures their role in the ruling class and provides them power and control, and removes it from we the people. It's a far cry from "a rising tide raises all boats" (JFK). Going forward, the rising tide will only apply to yachts. It's pretty fucked up.
They chose tax breaks for the wealthy over country. The well to do and the middle class who think they’re well to do but actually rely on a generous strong government will wake up to daily horrors, but won’t care until it affects them. Perhaps if they have to pay more for the pool installation, the new home build, or the house cleaning they’ll realize they made the bad deal. But the cultural wars to follow were not the defining issue of this vote. I have college educated successful relatives who think babies are being killed after birth and voted to save the dogs and cats of Ohio. Russia, if you’re listening: get the fuck out of my country.
Dog Killer is going to be Secretary of Homeland Security. We reap what we sow.
We should have Noem that this was coming!
I think we should always refer to her as Dog Killer Noem.
The fact that Donald Trump Junior would belittle the efforts of valiant Ukrainians to defend themselves and their democracy against Russian aggression by referring to our aid to them as an allowance that will be cut off, says a lot about the foreign policy of the incoming administration, pro-Russian, the nature of its leaders, bullies, and its moral considerations, none.
Well, taking queues from his daddy, who infamously said he "would tell Putin to do whatever he wants." They just don't care and yet America and the world will suffer. SMFH.
Everything you've said is true. Everything you've predicted is what I've seen in my minds eye. I'm frightened, and I'm arrested. So I know at least my life is changing, my Electric company is raising their rates 11% starting in January. i Thank You for just being here for us, Steve, It means a lot 🙏 this morning ☕ and will reStack ASAP 💯👍
Try this: slave owners didn’t “hate” their slaves. They just put up with the occasional runaway while they reaped enormous benefits. That was the oligarchy that Lincoln had to fight. The Republican oligarchy has now successfully manipulated the middle class (using digital technology and social media) to convince the majority of Americans that their true enemy is the Mexican invasion.
That’s what fascists do; they and corporations get filthy rich while the poor and middle class complain about an “enemy within” eating their pets, raping their women, changing their culture. And then they make us hate everyone who voted for them. Putin‘s dream come true; Americans hating each other.
I'm always looking for good words, and man, Steve does not disappoint!
Nitwittery
Idiotized
Half of us did NOT choose it, and what the other half chose were the false promises of a traitor out for money and power, and most of all, applause.
Let's be sure when those who voted for him start to complain, the lies are pointed out to them, and the solutions are pointed out as well. Let's join into one team against the real enemy...America's oligarchs and those looking to erase the Constitution and the rule of law, the "little things" that keep us free.
More than half of U.S. did not choose this. The election was stolen. The simple rewriting of a few lines of code to flip a percentage of Harris votes to dump votes was all it took. Too many things don’t add up. If I’m wrong, let a complete forensic audit prove it.
Please stop the fraudulent or stolen election bullshit. We mocked the "stop the steal" fuckers for 4 years. What, now that we lost, you want to be one? That's hypocrisy.
No, I will not stop. There is no hypocrisy here. When Trump claimed we cheated, he had nothing to go on. We have much to go on. I recognize that we do not yet have hard evidence, but there are many indicators that an investigation is warranted.
The huge rallies for Harris contrasted with the half empty venues for Trump. The ginormous amount of money raised for Harris by millions of small donors. The endorsements of Harris by prominent Republicans and the rank and file old-school Republicans who will have listened to them. The Haley voters. The surge in early voting, which should have shortened the lines at the polls on election day. They did not. Instead, there were massive lines at polling places where historically there had never been long lines. The many, many people who were never politically active before who spent hours and hours handwriting postcards to Democratic leaning in frequent voters swing states. These people do not suddenly turn around and vote red.
We know that Trump stole 2016 because, thanks to Stormy Daniels, we know one of the methods he used. We know he tried to steal 2020. We know he has been convicted on 34 felony counts, and very likely guilty of many more.
He bragged about stealing this election when he told a bunch of religious nuts at a turning point convention that he did not need votes. They did not need to worry, he said, because the RNC would “take care of it”.
He wants you to make the argument you made that we should not be poor sports the way they were. Don’t fall for it.
The odds that he did not cheat are slim to none.
I know in my gut that he stole this. I also recognize that at this moment, there is no proof. We need proof, one way or another.
“Did not suddenly turn around and vote red”. I can’t edit on my phone.
100% agree and share the obvious conviction that they stole this. That no one will investigate is only more of the same weak tea the democratic party has offered us as we face atrocity. I don’t give a flying f#€k if my justified suspicion of Republican’s theivery looks “just like them”. What a stupid argument to make in the face of the obvious fact that they will and did do ANYTHING to gain absolute power. As conditions and behavior devolves maybe enough of these people who want to take some moral “high road” will understand that when you fight for your actual life, all bets are off. Yep. War is hell and we are now at war whether they realize it or not. The normalization crap is gonna come to a screeching halt, in a very short time. Don’t listen to people who scoff at those of us who are pointing out the obvious- I intend to keep insisting that the right wing treachery, and theivery definitely includes this stolen election. One day we will be proven correct. If there’s anything left of the country and democracy that makes that matter…
I concur, and if there was fraud, I hope the DOJ and/or responsible Democratic politicians are seriously examining this. Musk has too much access, as well as security clearance, and I don't trust him one bit. He could have manipulated the results.
Either way, we still have to do things according to the law, a thing that the orange traitor and his "people" simply ignore. If it happened, there will be evidence.
I am tired of fighting shit asses. I’ve done it since I was 17 and I am now 78. Things go forward 2 steps and back 1, but this time it looks like it will be back 10. I have to have some calm in my last years. Yesterday I became a spectator. Sorry Steve, call me when you reach 78. Joe Rogan calling on Trump to unite us, was my end point.
I listened to James Carville with Tim Miller. On The Bulwark, “bonus edition.” It is from
Nov 8.
Carville says the message that has to get out as the Trump voters see that they are not getting their economic relief in any way: BETRAYAL.
Maybe not with such a polysyllabic, educated word, but tell voters at every turn they they have been betrayed.
Dear Leader will do many dreadful, splashy, showy, cruel things on day one.. this will make the fools believe he is following through and making good on promises. Short term satisfaction.
But as time goes on, the clown car will derail. When he forces through financial gains for the wealthiest … betrayal.
When the price of their stuff rises due to tariffs… betrayal
When they can’t get food for their salad bars because the ag workers have been deported…. Betrayal.
They harped on the price of bacon? Let’s see what happens to it over the next 4 years… betrayal
At some point only the most depraved MAGAts will stand with him.
He will trash everything around him: they is what he has done with everything inherited or managed. Vance has no experience at anything except being groomed by tech bro’s. Musk is wicked and twisted and greedy but may be a backstop against total ruin.
The old nonsense from Dems is done. We can’t go back. The timidity of Biden, Garland and “gentlemanly” behavior will not work in the political sphere.
By the way, I am a Californian and support Newsom for this state. He will never be president and is the epitome of what boils voters’ blood in the vast space between thr two coastlines. We cannot go back to anything that seemed plausible recently.