The pollsters underestimated the Trump vote in 2016 and even in 2020 so they weighted their sample accordingly. Today, I think pollsters have underestimated Republicans voting for Harris. I also think they've seriously underestimated women voters and have not properly weighted their samples. Men always underestimate women, especially since most women don't threaten violence when they don't get their way. But, they do take actions, many of which are not seen by men because most women don't draw attention to their actions - the result is more important than the recognition. Overall, women in the US are pissed about patriarchy and misogyny. They were pissed before Dobbs, but that decision and the resulting pain and tragedy it caused is at the forefront of most women voters and we'll see the result soon.
2016 was a clusterfuck, excuse the expression. Years long right wing vilification of the Clintons, with specious charges and whispers, along with Russian interference, Hillary's campaign screwing up about the swing states, and James Comey putting his finger on the scale 11 damn days before Election Day with the email redux were lethal.
it just occurred to me that the HRC campaign should have recognized the damage Comey did and accelerate their efforts in Michigan, Wisconsin & Pennsylvania....to run thru the finishing tape. Instead they arrogantly coasted past finish line...and the rest is history
What you wrote had me thinking. Am I mad at the patriarchy? No, not exactly. I am mad at Republicans, in general and specifically. Because Republican women can be, and mostly are, as bad as their menfolk. I’ve gotten to the point in the last eight years or so, that I just can’t deal with them.
I’m hoping things will calm down down and I can have Republican friends again.
Don’t hold your breath. That sounds lovely in theory,, but R’s, including their women are a different breed now. They will be holding a grudge if “he” loses. Graciousness and good sportsmanship no longer exists in Maga world.
The tide is turning, and my faith in American democracy is stronger than ever. In times like these, I’m especially grateful for leaders like Steve, whose courage, strength, and unwavering commitment have inspired us all. His leadership reminds us of the power of resilience and the promise of a better future.
Right on Sisters!!! I'm more hopeful today than I have been in a month!! Reading Steve's brilliant essay, Harris is improving in the polls and did you see her opening for SNL last night?! Had me in tears....You're right Cali and Lisa; we've got this!!!! ❤️🇺🇸💙
I couldn't imagine a more dire threat to the country than a man steeped in Qanon conspiracy nonsense, Christian Nationalism, and a retired Lt. Gen. in the U.S. military, achieving unlimited power in the U.S.A. Empowered by Donald Trump in the presidency, Michael Flynn would destroy everything decent in our country.
Michael Flynn should be in jail for violating his oath to the Constitution. Two questions: 1) How on earth did he become a lieutenant general in the army? 2) What in the hell happened to him that he is so crazed now?
It will be left to the historians to figure out what sort of worms are crawling around in this man's head. It is left to us to make sure he doesn't get anywhere near ANY sort of power.
2 types of leader in the military. Those that demand respect from their subordinates, and those that earn it. Flynn is a self-important, national disgrace to all men and women in uniform.
Mr. D., There is no doubt that AG Garland's tmidity, his paralyzing fear, are major reasons this country faces the threat of a full-blown fascist future.
With a strong AG, Trump would have been indicted and likely convicted well before he became the GOP nominee.
Don’t forget Flynn’s brother is the four star in charge of Pacific Command, the army’s largest command. Do we have any idea of his political leanings? Just asking for a friend…:)
When the votes are tallied and Trump loses but anyway claims victory due to fraud—the Trump playbook—Biden should executive order his arrest for inciting violence and threats to the constitution. He’s got a green light from the Supremes. Go.
So, if the SCOTUS deems what a president does in office is basically legal, I think Joseph Robinette Biden should pull out all the stops to save democracy.
There were NO repercussions after Jan 6, '21 for executive Maga Leadership. A big factor in the first insurrection was due to Mike and Charles Flynn's actions.
Racism has spread from the SE U.S. to all other areas of oour country.
Until they are punished appropriately they will continue to try and destroy our constitution.
Act appropriately DOJ, something you have failed to do thus far.
Part of the problem today with the traitorous behavior of people like Trump and his enablers is that treason was not punished after the Civil War. The politicians in the Confederate Congress as well as Jefferson Davis and his VP and cabinet plus the officers like Robert E. Lee should have gone to jail for life at the very least. Dr. Mudd, who treated John Wilkes Booth was treated more harshly than Robert E. Lee, who became president of a college and had statues erected in his honor. What kind of country erects statues to its traitors?
We would not be in the terrible place we are, had Biden chosen Adam Schiff or Jamie Raskin as AG. It is an affront to justice that men like Flynn, Trump and top associates are not behind bars while the dupes who carried out their commands have been justly punished for their criminal behavior.
Like you,, many of us wait and hope for the best but also fear the violence which has begun to intrude upon our daily lives. I hope preparations are readied. Justice has not been served for the last insurrection.
Richard explains some of Trump's stunts to sway young male voters with Professional Wrestling stunts (I had a feeling he was doing this), and to scare suburban women about violent immigrants breaking into their homes and murdering them. If readers here haven't read it, I recommend it.
Trump gravitated to the lamest ‘acting stylings of pro wrestling’ he walked right into it and did pick up the dopiest behavior that theatre ever came up with with one exception, that would be the least funny ‘comedian’ in the world at MSG!
On Saturday (yesterday) I saw on television Trump simulating fellatio on a microphone in front of a large audience. It was truly surprising as well as obscene. I tried to imagine George Washington or Abraham Lincoln or even Ronald Reagan doing that. I couldn't imagine it. Are there really Trump supporters out there willing to overlook such a mockery of our political system?
They think he is their modern-day Cyrus, chosen by God, though a bad man himself, to lead them through chaos. They are told this by their pastors as part of the talking points the evangelical ministers are given by the political establishment that supports Christian nationalism in order to overthrow democracy. Hence, the flock fully embraces him even as he is an obvious pig! I just watched a screening of Bad Faith. Wow. The brainwashing is DEEP.
“when fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”
Steve, you missed your calling as a history professor; you’d be a great one.
That said, while I agree with everything you say, apparently fascism is already here. We have a SCOTUS, that has been reliably and deliberately taking a sledgehammer to the Constitution; dismantling the administration state, one slow, painful cut at a time (eg. Chevron ruling, Citizens United, Voters Rights Act, etc..).
Not to mention, SCOTUS continues to question whether our constitution actually calls for a separation of church and state. Not surprisingly, SCOTUS hasn’t heard of the Establishment Clause, which is a provision of the First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing a religion or favoring one religion over another.
It’s clear as day in the constitution, but is apparently GREEK, to at least six of the justices who are charged with interpreting the most important, and ambiguous document in US government’s possession; yet, they can’t even be trusted to fill out financial disclosure form properly.
Additionally, we have a political party that engages in, and has become a party of enablers of violence against racial and ethnic groups, and political adversaries. They’ve called the media the enemy of the people. They drape their hate in patriotism, and we know at least 50% of the party wouldn’t mind living under authoritarian rule, if they control the government.
We may not have gone full fascist, but the seeds have been planted and sowed, since the turn of the 21st century. And if we’re not diligent and fight for every inch of democracy, the center will no longer hold, and our republic will suffer a slow, painful death, by a thousand cuts! IMHO!…:)
Robert, as to separation of Church and state, necessary to a democratic system, I do not know how the imperative for government neutrality in religious matters could be stated more clearly than, "Congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." A bit archaic but perfectly clear to everyone except the "conservative" members of SCOTUS, evangelical Christians, and other assorted bigots and ignoramuses.
Agreed! That said, religion is essentially fascist by definition, since their freedom revolves around a belief system, neither based on logic, reason or science. So they could never inherently be free to choose anything, their leaders decide for them.
So while everyone should have the right to believe and practice what they want, religion in government, is the antithesis of freedom, and the enemy of democracy. IMHO..:)
Yes I don't know where I would be without EVERYONE in this community. Thanks for all you guys do, too, to educate us Robert and Anthony!! You make great partners with Steve and the rest of us.😍 Couldn't have made it through all of this mess without you!!! ❤️🇺🇸💙
8 are Roman Catholic and at least three are opus dey a fundamentalist cult that wears barbed wire their ankles and whip themselves with a chain. And if he wins it will be 8:1 and democracy dies and Putin Kim Xi split the world’s wealth. That is the plan as sure as shit and only way to stop it is to have a blue wave that gives us a result by midnight
For what it’s worth I think there is a 60:40 shot at just that.
In times like these, I'm leaning on my patience and an overall faith in humanity. Collectively, we've faced challenging moments, and we've gotten through them by maintaining our composure and believing in each other's fundamental decency. Our shared future depends on it. Steve has prepared us, so nothing that happens over the next week will be a surprise. And we have all the people in this community to provide the clarity and balance we likely will need.
Steve, thank you for another great piece. You are a clear and reasoned voice raising the alarm that “MAGA is coming!” We will learn if the alarm is heeded.
Looks like he was compromised by a Russian female agent during a trip to Moscow where he sat next to Putin. Moscow Mike is tied to the proud boys. Another serious criminal pardoned by The Asshole.
Flynn is an f'ing disgrace and a psychopathic nut-job. As a former military officer (NATO fighter pilot), I am deeply offended by him, his beliefs and his actions.
He should be serving a lengthy spell in prison.
At the very least, he should be recalled to service, court martialled and cashiered, with a loss of stars, pension and liberty.
Yes!! Thank you!! And thank YOU for your service. It's so nice to hear another service member say this about General Flynn. He IS a total disgrace to the Flag and most would call him a Traitor. I do.
The maga nation always refers to our country as a Republic. They do not understand the meaning of the word, Republic and have no loyalty to the Constitution. To me that is the most egregious of their movement, for it is the Constitution that gives them the right to have their own opinion. When I was a boy, we gave a pledge of allegiance to the USA before the start of our school day. They also taught civics in school where we learned about our government and how it works. We need to reinstate these affirmations to the Constitution for the good of our country.
Many Republicans, especially MAGA, don't understand that a republic is not a form of government. They will say "We're not a democracy, we're a republic." There are dozens and dozens of republics in the world, some even ruled by dictators. Being a Republic simply means that the country is not ruled by another country that controls them or by a King/Queen or royal family. In other words, it is self-ruled. Republics come in a variety of forms of government. The United States happens to be a constitutional representative democracy. MAGA just hates the word democracy because, you know ... Democrats.
The pollsters underestimated the Trump vote in 2016 and even in 2020 so they weighted their sample accordingly. Today, I think pollsters have underestimated Republicans voting for Harris. I also think they've seriously underestimated women voters and have not properly weighted their samples. Men always underestimate women, especially since most women don't threaten violence when they don't get their way. But, they do take actions, many of which are not seen by men because most women don't draw attention to their actions - the result is more important than the recognition. Overall, women in the US are pissed about patriarchy and misogyny. They were pissed before Dobbs, but that decision and the resulting pain and tragedy it caused is at the forefront of most women voters and we'll see the result soon.
2016 was a clusterfuck, excuse the expression. Years long right wing vilification of the Clintons, with specious charges and whispers, along with Russian interference, Hillary's campaign screwing up about the swing states, and James Comey putting his finger on the scale 11 damn days before Election Day with the email redux were lethal.
it just occurred to me that the HRC campaign should have recognized the damage Comey did and accelerate their efforts in Michigan, Wisconsin & Pennsylvania....to run thru the finishing tape. Instead they arrogantly coasted past finish line...and the rest is history
People still thought Trump was a joke. Remember everyone's shock when he won?
He won, but he is still a joke. It is the people who are behind him from JD Vance on down who are the real threat to our nation.
What you wrote had me thinking. Am I mad at the patriarchy? No, not exactly. I am mad at Republicans, in general and specifically. Because Republican women can be, and mostly are, as bad as their menfolk. I’ve gotten to the point in the last eight years or so, that I just can’t deal with them.
I’m hoping things will calm down down and I can have Republican friends again.
Don’t hold your breath. That sounds lovely in theory,, but R’s, including their women are a different breed now. They will be holding a grudge if “he” loses. Graciousness and good sportsmanship no longer exists in Maga world.
The tide is turning, and my faith in American democracy is stronger than ever. In times like these, I’m especially grateful for leaders like Steve, whose courage, strength, and unwavering commitment have inspired us all. His leadership reminds us of the power of resilience and the promise of a better future.
We got this y’all!! 🇺🇸🌎
Right On, CaliWyo1 -We got this! Vote!🇺🇸🌎 (Thank you, Steve, powerful work you deliver!)
Lisa, I’ll be thinking about you & all we’ve been thru together from afar ❤️🤍💙
Right on Sisters!!! I'm more hopeful today than I have been in a month!! Reading Steve's brilliant essay, Harris is improving in the polls and did you see her opening for SNL last night?! Had me in tears....You're right Cali and Lisa; we've got this!!!! ❤️🇺🇸💙
Right On, Lisa!! ❤️🇺🇸💙 (Loved the SNL -watched it a couple times!)❤️
Heart-warming, thank you!❤️🤍💙
I couldn't imagine a more dire threat to the country than a man steeped in Qanon conspiracy nonsense, Christian Nationalism, and a retired Lt. Gen. in the U.S. military, achieving unlimited power in the U.S.A. Empowered by Donald Trump in the presidency, Michael Flynn would destroy everything decent in our country.
Michael Flynn should be in jail for violating his oath to the Constitution. Two questions: 1) How on earth did he become a lieutenant general in the army? 2) What in the hell happened to him that he is so crazed now?
It will be left to the historians to figure out what sort of worms are crawling around in this man's head. It is left to us to make sure he doesn't get anywhere near ANY sort of power.
Vote blue right down the line 2 days from now.
I already have!
2 types of leader in the military. Those that demand respect from their subordinates, and those that earn it. Flynn is a self-important, national disgrace to all men and women in uniform.
(2) Messianic religious fanaticism
Anthony, remember Obama warned Trump about Flynn? Appears it just made Trump all the more supportive of Flynn.
Flynn agreed to plead guilty(twice) so his son would be spared charges. Garland should have charged Flynn’s son after the pardon.
Mr. D., There is no doubt that AG Garland's tmidity, his paralyzing fear, are major reasons this country faces the threat of a full-blown fascist future.
With a strong AG, Trump would have been indicted and likely convicted well before he became the GOP nominee.
Don’t forget Flynn’s brother is the four star in charge of Pacific Command, the army’s largest command. Do we have any idea of his political leanings? Just asking for a friend…:)
NSS
When the votes are tallied and Trump loses but anyway claims victory due to fraud—the Trump playbook—Biden should executive order his arrest for inciting violence and threats to the constitution. He’s got a green light from the Supremes. Go.
I certainly hope Buden uses hi superpower.
So, if the SCOTUS deems what a president does in office is basically legal, I think Joseph Robinette Biden should pull out all the stops to save democracy.
Agreed
What do you have in mind?
The least armed and most vulnerable to a militia are all blue, those governors must call out the guard at first sign of trouble.
This will keep you up tonight: what if they don’t obey because they are maga?
From Maris Shriver’s Sunday Paper today:
We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
I saw that too, thank you for noting it.
There were NO repercussions after Jan 6, '21 for executive Maga Leadership. A big factor in the first insurrection was due to Mike and Charles Flynn's actions.
Racism has spread from the SE U.S. to all other areas of oour country.
Until they are punished appropriately they will continue to try and destroy our constitution.
Act appropriately DOJ, something you have failed to do thus far.
I'm glad Biden is still the president.
Part of the problem today with the traitorous behavior of people like Trump and his enablers is that treason was not punished after the Civil War. The politicians in the Confederate Congress as well as Jefferson Davis and his VP and cabinet plus the officers like Robert E. Lee should have gone to jail for life at the very least. Dr. Mudd, who treated John Wilkes Booth was treated more harshly than Robert E. Lee, who became president of a college and had statues erected in his honor. What kind of country erects statues to its traitors?
Add to this the misstep of allowing Richard Nixon to escape justice via Ford's presidential pardon.
“Merrick, the Meek“
We would not be in the terrible place we are, had Biden chosen Adam Schiff or Jamie Raskin as AG. It is an affront to justice that men like Flynn, Trump and top associates are not behind bars while the dupes who carried out their commands have been justly punished for their criminal behavior.
Merrick Garland has failed at his job in a spectacular fashion. He should have been $hitcanned 3 years ago.
Amen!!
How profound and written and timed perfectly.
Like you,, many of us wait and hope for the best but also fear the violence which has begun to intrude upon our daily lives. I hope preparations are readied. Justice has not been served for the last insurrection.
Heather Cox Richardson, Nov.1st: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/november-2-2024
Richard explains some of Trump's stunts to sway young male voters with Professional Wrestling stunts (I had a feeling he was doing this), and to scare suburban women about violent immigrants breaking into their homes and murdering them. If readers here haven't read it, I recommend it.
Of the things I’ve worried about, violent immigrants breaking into my home has not been on the list.
Trump gravitated to the lamest ‘acting stylings of pro wrestling’ he walked right into it and did pick up the dopiest behavior that theatre ever came up with with one exception, that would be the least funny ‘comedian’ in the world at MSG!
I was figuring it would be Hulk Hogan driving Trump's dump truck (DJT cannot drive.)
On Saturday (yesterday) I saw on television Trump simulating fellatio on a microphone in front of a large audience. It was truly surprising as well as obscene. I tried to imagine George Washington or Abraham Lincoln or even Ronald Reagan doing that. I couldn't imagine it. Are there really Trump supporters out there willing to overlook such a mockery of our political system?
Unfortunately the fundamentalists Christians are at the front of the line. Hypocrisy rains supreme…
They think he is their modern-day Cyrus, chosen by God, though a bad man himself, to lead them through chaos. They are told this by their pastors as part of the talking points the evangelical ministers are given by the political establishment that supports Christian nationalism in order to overthrow democracy. Hence, the flock fully embraces him even as he is an obvious pig! I just watched a screening of Bad Faith. Wow. The brainwashing is DEEP.
“when fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”
Steve, you missed your calling as a history professor; you’d be a great one.
That said, while I agree with everything you say, apparently fascism is already here. We have a SCOTUS, that has been reliably and deliberately taking a sledgehammer to the Constitution; dismantling the administration state, one slow, painful cut at a time (eg. Chevron ruling, Citizens United, Voters Rights Act, etc..).
Not to mention, SCOTUS continues to question whether our constitution actually calls for a separation of church and state. Not surprisingly, SCOTUS hasn’t heard of the Establishment Clause, which is a provision of the First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing a religion or favoring one religion over another.
It’s clear as day in the constitution, but is apparently GREEK, to at least six of the justices who are charged with interpreting the most important, and ambiguous document in US government’s possession; yet, they can’t even be trusted to fill out financial disclosure form properly.
Additionally, we have a political party that engages in, and has become a party of enablers of violence against racial and ethnic groups, and political adversaries. They’ve called the media the enemy of the people. They drape their hate in patriotism, and we know at least 50% of the party wouldn’t mind living under authoritarian rule, if they control the government.
We may not have gone full fascist, but the seeds have been planted and sowed, since the turn of the 21st century. And if we’re not diligent and fight for every inch of democracy, the center will no longer hold, and our republic will suffer a slow, painful death, by a thousand cuts! IMHO!…:)
Robert, as to separation of Church and state, necessary to a democratic system, I do not know how the imperative for government neutrality in religious matters could be stated more clearly than, "Congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." A bit archaic but perfectly clear to everyone except the "conservative" members of SCOTUS, evangelical Christians, and other assorted bigots and ignoramuses.
Agreed! That said, religion is essentially fascist by definition, since their freedom revolves around a belief system, neither based on logic, reason or science. So they could never inherently be free to choose anything, their leaders decide for them.
So while everyone should have the right to believe and practice what they want, religion in government, is the antithesis of freedom, and the enemy of democracy. IMHO..:)
Yes I don't know where I would be without EVERYONE in this community. Thanks for all you guys do, too, to educate us Robert and Anthony!! You make great partners with Steve and the rest of us.😍 Couldn't have made it through all of this mess without you!!! ❤️🇺🇸💙
Thank you!
Ditto!!😍
All so true.
8 are Roman Catholic and at least three are opus dey a fundamentalist cult that wears barbed wire their ankles and whip themselves with a chain. And if he wins it will be 8:1 and democracy dies and Putin Kim Xi split the world’s wealth. That is the plan as sure as shit and only way to stop it is to have a blue wave that gives us a result by midnight
For what it’s worth I think there is a 60:40 shot at just that.
I like those odds!!
In times like these, I'm leaning on my patience and an overall faith in humanity. Collectively, we've faced challenging moments, and we've gotten through them by maintaining our composure and believing in each other's fundamental decency. Our shared future depends on it. Steve has prepared us, so nothing that happens over the next week will be a surprise. And we have all the people in this community to provide the clarity and balance we likely will need.
Steve, thank you for another great piece. You are a clear and reasoned voice raising the alarm that “MAGA is coming!” We will learn if the alarm is heeded.
Looks like he was compromised by a Russian female agent during a trip to Moscow where he sat next to Putin. Moscow Mike is tied to the proud boys. Another serious criminal pardoned by The Asshole.
Fuck this traitor.
Flynn is an f'ing disgrace and a psychopathic nut-job. As a former military officer (NATO fighter pilot), I am deeply offended by him, his beliefs and his actions.
He should be serving a lengthy spell in prison.
At the very least, he should be recalled to service, court martialled and cashiered, with a loss of stars, pension and liberty.
Yes!! Thank you!! And thank YOU for your service. It's so nice to hear another service member say this about General Flynn. He IS a total disgrace to the Flag and most would call him a Traitor. I do.
The maga nation always refers to our country as a Republic. They do not understand the meaning of the word, Republic and have no loyalty to the Constitution. To me that is the most egregious of their movement, for it is the Constitution that gives them the right to have their own opinion. When I was a boy, we gave a pledge of allegiance to the USA before the start of our school day. They also taught civics in school where we learned about our government and how it works. We need to reinstate these affirmations to the Constitution for the good of our country.
Many Republicans, especially MAGA, don't understand that a republic is not a form of government. They will say "We're not a democracy, we're a republic." There are dozens and dozens of republics in the world, some even ruled by dictators. Being a Republic simply means that the country is not ruled by another country that controls them or by a King/Queen or royal family. In other words, it is self-ruled. Republics come in a variety of forms of government. The United States happens to be a constitutional representative democracy. MAGA just hates the word democracy because, you know ... Democrats.
For sure Patrick. I loved my Civics classes growing up. That's a must to get our country back on track.