2020 Presidential Election

[homoe]

Trump Encourages Voters To Break The Law

The BBC Radio World Service News

Trump has encouraged voters in NC to attempt to cast their ballots twice - once by mail and once in person to "test" the electoral system. He does not like that so many people can vote by postal mail.

Voting twice in a U.S. election is illegal.

* * *
What about a candidate encouraging crowds of voters to vote twice - shouldn't that be illegal too???

It's such a serious election this year, but this does remind me of an old joke about voting back in the day in Chicago's 1900s when it was used in relation to the activities of organized crime figures. On election day, of course this was when there was ONLY in person voting...."vote early and vote often"

[C0LLETTE]

In May, ABC News released the results of an investigation that showed 54 criminal cases where Donald Trump was specifically cited in violent attacks or threats of violence. (Forty-one cases were committed by the President’s supporters.)

ABC couldn’t find a single case in which presidents Obama or George W. Bush had been similarly cited.

[Cin]

Attorney General thinks it might be okay to vote twice in elections.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/03/barr-repeatedly-claims-he-doesnt-know-whether-its-illegal-vote-twice-following-trump

For people who claim to stand for law and order, Trump and his white house break the law at will and with impunity.

[homoe]

Attorney General thinks it might be okay to vote twice in elections.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/03/barr-repeatedly-claims-he-doesnt-know-whether-its-illegal-vote-twice-following-trump

For people who claim to stand for law and order, Trump and his white house break the law at will and with impunity.

OMG, this Barr is a complete idiot!

[Orema]

If Biden is elected and there’s an opening on the Supreme Court, I’m hoping he’ll nominate an American Indian or Anita Hill. Of course, I don’t want anyone to have to work with their abuser (!), but I’d get some satisfaction if Thomas had to work with Hill as an equal on the highest court in the U.S.

And it’s long overdue for an American Indian to be a Supreme. Of course, the same case can be made for others.

[Cin]

This guy is such an asshole. I can't believe he gets away with this crap.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/12/do-not-do-what-president-directs-warns-north-carolina-ag-trump-once-again-urges

'Do Not Do What the President Directs,' Warns North Carolina AG as Trump—Once Again—Urges Residents to Commit Felony by Voting Twice

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein on Saturday pleaded with residents of his state to "not do what the president directs" after President Donald Trump yet again advised people to attempt to vote twice—once by mail and once in person on Election Day—in violation of both state and federal law.

"To make sure your ballot COUNTS, sign and send it in EARLY," Stein tweeted, mimicking the president's use of all caps for emphasis. "Then track it online with Ballottrax. Do NOT vote twice (it's a felony), or waste your time, or unnecessarily risk exposure to more people."

"The only GOOD thing about the president's tweet is that he FINALLY encourages voters to VOTE BY MAIL. It's an easy, safe, and secure way to cast a ballot," Stein added, linking to North Carolina's Absentee Ballot Request Portal.

Stein's tweets came after Trump repeated advice he originally offered during a trip to North Carolina earlier this month.

"NORTH CAROLINA: To make sure your Ballot COUNTS, sign and send it in EARLY," the president tweeted Saturday morning. "When Polls open, go to your Polling Place to see if it was COUNTED. IF NOT, VOTE! Your signed Ballot will not count because your vote has been posted. Don't let them illegally take your vote away from you!"

In a statement issued a day after Trump's visit to the state, Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, reminded residents that "attempting to vote twice in an election or soliciting someone to do so... is a violation of North Carolina law."

Critics warned that the president's recommendation could sow further chaos on Election Day by driving voters who have already cast mail-in ballots to in-person polling places, lengthening lines and increasing the risk of spreading Covid-19.

"Trump's goal here," said attorney Susan Simpson, "is to cause the 2020 election to be the biggest clusterfuck the U.S. has ever seen."

[Cin]

'A Matter of Life and Death': After 175 Years, Scientific American Backs Biden With Magazine's First-Ever Endorsement
The editors blast Trump's rejection of "evidence and science," especially "his dishonest and inept response to the Covid-19 pandemic."

With unprecedented wildfires burning across western states, the Gulf Coast bracing for a hurricane, and the coronavirus pandemic still raging, Scientific American on Tuesday gave Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden its first-ever endorsement in the magazine's 175-year history.

Although SciAm had refrained from supporting any political candidates up until now, "this year we are compelled to do so," the editors explain in an endorsement published online. "We do not do this lightly."

"The evidence and the science show that Donald Trump has badly damaged the U.S. and its people—because he rejects evidence and science," the editors charge, calling "his dishonest and inept response to the Covid-19 pandemic" just the "most devastating example."

SciAm's editors note that in addition to his "catastrophic" handling of the ongoing public health crisis, Trump "has also attacked environmental protections, medical care, and the researchers and public science agencies that help this country prepare for its greatest challenges."

"That is why we urge you to vote for Joe Biden, who is offering fact-based plans to protect our health, our economy and the environment," they write. "These and other proposals he has put forth can set the country back on course for a safer, more prosperous and more equitable future."

The rest of the article here:
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/15/matter-life-and-death-after-175-years-scientific-american-backs-biden-magazines

[Cin]

Why the stability of the 2020 race promises more volatility ahead

In a presidency of unprecedented disruption and turmoil, Donald Trump's support has remained remarkably stable. That stability, paradoxically, points toward years of rising turbulence in American politics and life.

Trump's approval ratings and support in the presidential race against Democratic nominee Joe Biden have oscillated in a strikingly narrow range of around 40%-45% that appears largely immune to both good news -- the long economic boom during his presidency's first years -- and bad -- impeachment, the worst pandemic in more than a century, revelations that he's disparaged military service and blunt warnings that he is unfit for the job from former senior officials in his own government. Perhaps the newest disclosures, in the upcoming book from Bob Woodward, that Trump knew the coronavirus was far more dangerous than the common flu even as he told Americans precisely the opposite, will break this pattern, but most political strategists in both parties are skeptical that it will.

The durability of both support and opposition to Trump shows how the motivation for voters' choices is shifting from transitory measures of performance, such as the traditional metrics of peace and prosperity, toward bedrock attitudes about demographic, cultural and economic change. The immovability of the battle lines in 2020 captures how thoroughly the two parties are now unified -- and separated -- by their contrasting attitudes toward these fundamental changes, with Trump mobilizing overwhelming support from the voters who are hostile to them, no matter what else happens, and the contrasting coalition of Americans who welcome this evolution flocking toward the Democrats.

"That is certainly what gives Trump a floor: By stoking those cultural war fires you are going to win over a certain share of the electorate that has this more racist and sexist and xenophobic views," says Brian Schaffner, a Tufts University political scientist who has extensively studied the correlation between political preferences and cultural attitudes. "But it also prevents him from winning over these other people who would otherwise be conservative or be open to voting Republican, but simply can't stomach that culture war stuff he is so focused on."

In the near term, this alignment has produced a campaign dynamic in which Trump consistently trails Biden, but not so severely that despite all the controversies that might have capsized an earlier incumbent, he cannot squeeze out another narrow win in the Electoral College.

Over the long term, the durability of attitudes toward Trump spotlights the likelihood of a widening rift between two Americas fundamentally diverging in both their exposure to and attitudes about such fundamental dynamics as the nation's growing racial and religious diversity, rising demands for greater racial equality, changing gender roles and the transition from an industrial to an information age economy.

"When your identity and view of [the nation's] identity overlaps with your partisan identity so much, it's hard to ever consider shifting sides," Schaffner says.

The article is too long to post. If interested the rest can be read here:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/15/politics/2020-election-american-voter-worldviews/index.html

The bottom line is regardless of what happens, a cultural war is looming.

[homoe]

Schmidt, who quit the GOP in 2018 over its support for Trump, is one of the cofounders of The Lincoln Project, a group of “never Trump” conservatives working against the president’s reelection.

He said Trump’s efforts to downplay the virus made the United States the world’s epicenter of coronavirus death and suffering, and pointed to a shattered economy, mass unemployment, interrupted education and a still-rising death toll.

A death rate similar to Germany would have meant 140,000 fewer deaths in the United States. Instead, Trump seems to be pushing for herd immunity, which Schmidt described as “the most immoral plan ever articulated in the history of the country by a president.”

Schmidt cited estimates that a herd immunity approach without a vaccine could lead to nearly 3 million deaths.

[BullDog]

One of the worst possible things that could have happened before the election just occurred. Ruth Bader Ginsberg has died. May she rest in peace for all that she has done for our country.

I think there is zero chance that McConnell won't try to ram through a conservative justice. My guess is they will wait to vote until after November 3 during the lame duck session. I don't know if the Democrats can do anything to stop it.

[girl_dee]

One of the worst possible things that could have happened before the election just occurred. Ruth Bader Ginsberg has died. May she rest in peace for all that she has done for our country.

I think there is zero chance that McConnell won't try to ram through a conservative justice. My guess is they will wait to vote until after November 3 during the lame duck session. I don't know if the Democrats can do anything to stop it.

Yes it is the worst possible thing. What makes it worse is that she told her granddaughter she wanted to outlive the election.

[A. Spectre]

Moscow Mitch picking a new judge isn't a done deal


Losing RBG was a cruel blow and I hit the scotch hard last night, pounded my fist on the table and got the rage out of my system and now I am ready to fight like hell. We have Murkowski and we need 3 more defectors. This game isn't over by any means. Time to ratchet up the heat on these moderate republicans. Are they organizing massive demonstrations like the women’s march? Tell me where and when and I am there. Sent another big donation to Biden and the Democrats. No whining. Biden’s lead has been quietly expanding in the battleground states and this is looking like a landslide. Worst case scenario and Moscow Mitch succeeds? After we win we will just expand the USSC to 13, increase the number of federal judges and flood the courts with our picks and push Puerto Rico to embrace statehood giving us 2 more Senators. But we have to win big first. Fight my sisters and brothers! FIGHT! This is our country and we are taking it back.

I am a tad concerned that the death of RBG will take needed focus on Covid-19 and trump's criminal activities off the news cycle.

[A. Spectre]

Trump to his female supporters: I hope your husbands okayed you attending my rallies.


THIS is the same predator in the same speech who said he will nominate a female for SCOTUS. How many women who have come forward alleging unwanted sexual advances to outright rape against this sadist? Too many people out there who have the power to vote believe a lying, stupid, deranged less-than-human mass murderer to be at the helm another 4 years.

But Hillary's emails. *sigh

[Kätzchen]

Team Pelosi newsflash: Nancy Pelosi will "use every arrow in the quiver" to stop GOP/TP from nominating a USSCJ.

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pelosi-democrats-arrow-quiver-block-trumps-supreme-court/story?id=73121750&cid=clicksource_4380645_1_heads_hero_live_hero_rel ated

[C0LLETTE]

WASN'T ME!

(CNN)A woman suspected of sending a letter containing the poison ricin to President Donald Trump was arrested as she tried to enter the US from Canada at a border crossing in New York state, a US law enforcement official said.

[BullDog]

Bernie Sanders gave a great speech yesterday. I also saw him on Rachel Maddow last night. He is planning to give more speeches and hopes to do some campaigning if possible within the constraints of the virus.

It's great to see someone doing everything he can to defeat Trump and strongly back Joe Biden instead of spending all their time bashing Democrats. I was never a fan of him running for president but I greatly applaud and appreciate his efforts!

9hNJHiQ7-xQ

[C0LLETTE]

MY UNSOLICITED ADVICE:

During the Debate on Tuesday, I sure hope Biden comes out swinging and quickly slaps Trump as hard and as often as he can...right from the start..right away.. surprise and shake him..accuse him of something ( doesn't really matter what).then move off that quickly and let Trump figure out if he should defend himself.

Perhaps he asks : you say you love the military, the veterans ...well, while my son was serving his country, where were your sons?

... and then leave Beau to at least to half time. Beau isn't running.

But for sure leave out the loveable folksy rambling digressions . Stay out of the weeds and long complicated nuanced answers.

Be nice enough and reassuring at the end but start out hard. Let Trump do the defending because if you're responding and explaining, you're losing.

[C0LLETTE]

MORE UNSOLICITED ADVICE:

During the Debate on Tuesday, I sure hope Biden doesn't beat around the bush looking for euphemisms. Call Trump a racist, sexist pig then move on quickly to an unrelated part of the Dem platform and stay on that so Trump has to respond to platform while the "racist, sexist pig" arrows are still sticking out of his head.

P.S. Now you know why I was never a high school debating coach but I am enjoying myself

[Cin]

MORE UNSOLICITED ADVICE:

During the Debate on Tuesday, I sure hope Biden doesn't beat around the bush looking for euphemisms. Call Trump a racist, sexist pig then move on quickly to an unrelated part of the Dem platform and stay on that so Trump has to respond to platform while the "racist, sexist pig" arrows are still sticking out of his head.

P.S. Now you know why I was never a high school debating coach but I am enjoying myself

Sounds like you debated like I played basketball. I always fouled out by halftime. I tried to make up in aggression what I lacked in height. I think you're right though, Biden's got to come out hard. I do like your strategy pull a Trump and get personal then go back into character and focus on the issues. It would be fun to watch how that played out. Won't happen though.

[BullDog]

I totally agree Colette, Biden should be aggressive! I think he will be but maybe not as down and dirty as Coach would like. I've been really looking forward to the debates for a long time. I can't wait!

MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhl interviewed Joe Biden for the Latino-themed L’Attitude virtual event that aired today. A preview of what he plans for the debate.

“Look, the people know the president’s a liar.” I mean they know that. It’s not like it’s gonna come as a surprise to them. And so I’m prepared to go out and make my case as to why I think he’s failed, and why I think the answers I have to proceed will help the American people and the American economy and make us safe internationally.”

Biden predicted Trump’s strategy will be “just straight attack, they’re going to be mostly personal, it’s the only thing he knows how to do,” then told Ruhle that Trump “doesn’t know how to debate the facts because he’s not that smart. He doesn’t know that many facts. He doesn’t know much about foreign policy, he doesn’t know much about domestic policy, he doesn’t know much about the detail.”

He concluded by saying Trump’s debate performance will be “mostly personal attacks and lies, but I think the American people are on to him.”

Video clip:

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/watch/biden-on-whether-he-should-debate-trump-the-people-know-the-president-is-a-liar-92608069669

[C0LLETTE]

I totally agree Colette, Biden should be aggressive! I think he will be but maybe not as down and dirty as Coach would like. I've been really looking forward to the debates for a long time. I can't wait!

MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhl interviewed Joe Biden for the Latino-themed L’Attitude virtual event that aired today. A preview of what he plans for the debate.

“Look, the people know the president’s a liar.” I mean they know that. It’s not like it’s gonna come as a surprise to them. And so I’m prepared to go out and make my case as to why I think he’s failed, and why I think the answers I have to proceed will help the American people and the American economy and make us safe internationally.”

Biden predicted Trump’s strategy will be “just straight attack, they’re going to be mostly personal, it’s the only thing he knows how to do,” then told Ruhle that Trump “doesn’t know how to debate the facts because he’s not that smart. He doesn’t know that many facts. He doesn’t know much about foreign policy, he doesn’t know much about domestic policy, he doesn’t know much about the detail.”

He concluded by saying Trump’s debate performance will be “mostly personal attacks and lies, but I think the American people are on to him.”





If the above is true, I predict disaster.

Most people don't know much about foreign or domestic policy and sure don't know details. It will be left to "pundits" to interpret for them and mostly what will be remembered are any gaffes and Biden correcting himself whenever he gets a statistic wrong...and how dull he sounds ... A field day for the right wing pundits who don't care about all those details either.

[homoe]

:goodpost:

100 per cent with the above post!

Also being polite, respectful, and playing by the rules will NOT work with Trump! Joe has got to get down and get a bit of mud on his hands or to fling whichever work best IMHO!

[BullDog]

I think Biden will do quite well. He's going to talk about how Trump has failed and make the case for his own presidency. I think he will be aggressive but if he tried to get in an outright brawl he would lose.

I can't wait to see it!

[C0LLETTE]

I'm not suggesting he get into a brawl. I am suggesting he stay away from numbers, details, specifics and anything else his personality obliges him to get "right".

[A. Spectre]

Welcome to Susan Sarandons' SCOTUS


With her NEVER HILLARY positions, THIS is where we are. Amy Coney Barrett will replace the notorious RBG unless the democrats delay and derail. Not the way I enjoy politics, but all the gloves are off. Just in case you did not know, Amy:

1. She wrote recently that only virtuous citizens should have the right to vote. (guess I should sign up to be a virtuous police officer, lotsa work)

2. She supports killing the ACA (wrong usage of a word there) She supports the drowning of the ACA, therefore KILLING many Americans who will be part of the gristmill due to preexisting conditions.

3. Any woman here who knows a female or is a female wanting an abortion? THAT will go buh-bye, for Amy believes every life is precious but not the birth mother. (I'll probably make a killing in investing in orphanages)

3A. They'll chant "Pro-Life!" as they are killing immigrant children and our elderly as soon as Medicare is privatized.

4. The ERA continues to be a pressing issue. Without the ERA in the constitution, any and all rights to women can be judicially nullified.

5. She accepted monies from an organization who believe same sex couples rights should be revoked and even penalized with the possibility of imprisonment. Trans folks would be sterilized.

___________________________

This is the worst possible case scenario, Susan Sarandon was not a visionary, with her help, hundreds of thousands possibly a few million voted Green in 2016. I am grieving for this country, I know I am thinking of a plan B, plan C.

[C0LLETTE]

Even More Unsolicited Advice

Joe, don't bury the lead.

Make your main point first and clearly. Don't lead with explanations.

Largely ignore Trump's answers except maybe to dismiss them succinctly and quickly ( it's ok to be strongly dismissive of his lies but not ok to go on to explain them ) " We all know that's a lie Mr Trump" then move right on to your own points.

Except...if he keeps interrupting you can turn to him and tell him, like a scolding schoolteacher/parent that if he has anything to say he can wait his turn. "This is a debate, Mr Trump, not a rude shouting match"

[C0LLETTE]

And More

Trump interrupts so...

Biden : "Be Quiet. If you have anything to say that isn't a lie or a rude ugly personal attack, you can wait till it is your turn. Till then, be quiet.

But one thing he shouldn't do is look like he's helplessly looking to the moderator to stop Trump.

And every time he does it...just say "Be Quiet" and go back to your point.
Trump's interruptions will be pointed out and will annoy people.

Wishing you the best, Joe.

[Kätzchen]

Welcome to Susan Sarandons' SCOTUS


With her NEVER HILLARY positions, THIS is where we are. Amy Coney Barrett will replace the notorious RBG unless the democrats delay and derail. Not the way I enjoy politics, but all the gloves are off. Just in case you did not know, Amy:

1. She wrote recently that only virtuous citizens should have the right to vote. (guess I should sign up to be a virtuous police officer, lotsa work)

2. She supports killing the ACA (wrong usage of a word there) She supports the drowning of the ACA, therefore KILLING many Americans who will be part of the gristmill due to preexisting conditions.

3. Any woman here who knows a female or is a female wanting an abortion? THAT will go buh-bye, for Amy believes every life is precious but not the birth mother. (I'll probably make a killing in investing in orphanages)

3A. They'll chant "Pro-Life!" as they are killing immigrant children and our elderly as soon as Medicare is privatized.

4. The ERA continues to be a pressing issue. Without the ERA in the constitution, any and all rights to women can be judicially nullified.

5. She accepted monies from an organization who believe same sex couples rights should be revoked and even penalized with the possibility of imprisonment. Trans folks would be sterilized.

___________________________

This is the worst possible case scenario, Susan Sarandon was not a visionary, with her help, hundreds of thousands possibly a few million voted Green in 2016. I am grieving for this country, I know I am thinking of a plan B, plan C.

There is a lot I could say about the things you reference in your post, Ace, but just today, I saw that Dwayne Johnson is placing his efforts and vote to the right people campaigning for POTUS (Biden/Harris Ticket).

I also read this past week, that Nancy Pelosi could end up being interim POTUS if TP refuses to vacate the WH until post-election issues are straightened out. If that happens, it will be the closest our country has ever been to a woman presiding as POTUS (Madam President Pelosi).

Keep the faith that all will be as it should be, that American voters will send a huge message that Biden/Harris is who should lead our country and that frog-marching consequences will take place as soon as voters vote them out.

[cathexis]

And More

Trump interrupts so...

Biden : "Be Quiet. If you have anything to say that isn't a lie or a rude ugly personal attack, you can wait till it is your turn. Till then, be quiet.

But one thing he shouldn't do is look like he's helplessly looking to the moderator to stop Trump.

And every time he does it...just say "Be Quiet" and go back to your point.
Trump's interruptions will be pointed out and will annoy people.

Wishing you the best, Joe.

Biden will do well during this debate. His only potential problems would be the gaffs, which it seems he's done with. Must have had ongoing speech preparation over the past year.

People watching will observe that Biden genuinely cares about the regular worker and farmer; whereas, Trump's arrogance, disdain, and rude behavior will be on ripe display.

This debate is not very worrisome for me. As my Partner says of the Trump supporters, they "already drank the Kool-aid." We really have no chance to recruit the "deplorables," a lost cause group. Biden knows the groups he must play to. The suburban women, college educated white men, and rust belt labor are his goal and forte. He has most labor, people of color, and the college educated in his corner.

The only worry I have will be the emotional feelings on November third, and that's a personal problem brought on by mail in votes. Not a nailbiter now, but its either that or go to bed early (not likely).

[C0LLETTE]

Funny thing, I'm thinking the CNN pundits have been reading my advice to Biden... problem is that his campaign advisors have not and they keep insisting it's important to stop and fact check him....therein lies disaster for Biden.

Ignore Trump.

[~ocean]

Funny thing, I'm thinking the CNN pundits have been reading my advice to Biden... problem is that his campaign advisors have not and they keep insisting it's important to stop and fact check him....therein lies disaster for Biden.

Ignore Trump.

I agree ~ Trump sinks himself ~ he will come out slinging lies and crap ~ he's self destructive.

[BullDog]

I think Biden and his advisors have the debate well in hand. Biden just needs to execute and he's shown plenty of evidence lately of being very focused and disciplined.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/28/why-the-debate-is-crucial-for-trump-and-biden-422319

Excerpts:

With those stakes in mind, POLITICO interviewed more than a dozen campaign aides and outside allies about the candidates’ preparations and expectations for the 90-minute showdown at 9 p.m. Tuesday. Here’s a look at what we learned.

Biden’s imperative: Don’t play Trump’s game

Stick to Covid-19 and the economy. Don’t waste valuable time fact-checking the president, except perhaps his most egregious falsehoods. And be ready for Trump to go after your kid — and your brothers.

These are among the pointers Biden’s advisers are giving the candidate in prep sessions ahead of the debate.

“The goal for this debate is to not be a fact-checker of Donald Trump. His goal is to communicate directly to the American people and to outline his vision for how we overcome the pandemic, finally,” said a second person familiar with the Biden campaign’s thinking.

----------

Meanwhile, Trump and his idiotic followers (and sadly some on the left) have been spending months claiming Biden is senile. They are violating one of the cardinal rules of debates which is never lower expectations for your opponent. Now Trump is claiming Biden is taking performance-enhancing drugs which explains his coherence. Ridiculous. All this will just make Biden look even stronger and clearer when it is obvious he isn't the slightest bit senile.

I can't wait!

[C0LLETTE]

Who needs enemies...

"Meanwhile, Trump and his idiotic followers (and sadly some on the left) have been spending months claiming Biden is senile." Bulldog

It's probably the longest unbroken tradition on "The Left"....stabbing each other in the back until they slip and slide in each other's blood off the political stage.

I'm very fond of the film, "The Death of Stalin".

[BullDog]

Okay, I will be honest, I didn't think Biden was quite as strong as I would have hoped, but that almost seems unfair given the shit show and constant interruptions.

Biden did make some good points. Maybe they will get out in short clips on TV and social media.

I can't see how Trump helped himself at all. I don't see how anyone who wasn't already going to vote for him would be convinced to vote for him now.

Moderators should have a mute button where they can cut off the mic of the person who isn't supposed to be speaking.

I don't expect this will change the dynamics of the race.

What a disgrace. I just hope Trump doesn't turn a lot of people off from voting.

[homoe]

9mzcW0zUSKg

[Cin]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EjKjkV6XgAMl7Lu?format=jpg&name=small

[homoe]

Donald Trump showing mild 'cold-like symptoms' – reports
Trump is showing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, but mild ones, according to two people familiar with his condition, reports the New York Times. Maggie Haberman writes:

The president has had what one person described as cold-like symptoms. At a fund-raiser he attended at his golf club at Bedminster, New Jersey, on Thursday, where one attendee said the president came in contact with about 100 people, he seemed lethargic.

A person briefed on the matter said that Mr. Trump fell asleep at one point on Air Force One on the way back from a rally in Minnesota on Wednesday night.

A White House official said that as of Thursday night, the president’s treatment plan was still being discussed. So was a possible national address or a videotaped statement from the president to demonstrate that he was functioning and that the government is uninterrupted.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2020/oct/02/donald-trump-tests-positive-coronavirus-covid-mike-pence-joe-biden-us-politics-live-latest-news

[Orema]

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– Sign Up to Serve as an Election Day Poll Worker (https://lifehacker.com/sign-up-as-a-poll-worker-for-election-day-1844534846?customKinja=1638514584)

– The Most Common Voter Suppression Scams and How to Get Around Them (https://lifehacker.com/the-most-common-voter-suppression-scams-and-how-to-get-1830095243?customKinja=1638514584)

– What to Do If You Get Turned Away at the Polls (https://lifehacker.com/what-to-do-if-you-get-turned-away-at-the-polls-1829664675?customKinja=1638514584)

– What Do Poll Watchers Do? (https://lifehacker.com/what-do-poll-watchers-do-1845230065?customKinja=1638514584)

https://lifehacker.com/s/voter-guide

[BullDog]

The Biden campaign is pulling their negative ads for now. At first I thought, oh no we need every dirty tactic to beat this guy. But it might be the best. Focus on articulating your vision for the Biden/Harris administration. Everyone knows how bad Trump is and how bad he has handled the virus. Just show leadership and articulate your vision as your closing argument. I think it's good.

Hopefully, I'm not being a naiive liberal.

[Kätzchen]

We have a community of like-minded business owners, and tonight on my way home i saw a powerful message on a business store billboard.

"The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression," ~ W. E. B. DuBois.

It was great to see this message. Especially after all the excess tactics by the current DC/WH admin.

We have had four years of an repressive regime by TP & the GOP.

No more.

The best is yet to come and I wholeheartedly believe that the Democrats will come in strong and take control of a very terrible page in American politics.

[BullDog]

Biden gave a great speech in Gettysburg today. Many are calling it the best speech of his campaign so far. Strong powerful closing argument.

NdIsv-SNJzQ

[dark_crystal]

Texas adds nearly 300,000 more voters in two-week period (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Texas-adds-nearly-300-000-more-voters-in-two-week-15641066.php)

Texas Republican Party sues Harris County over drive-thru voting (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/houston/article/Texas-Republican-sues-Harris-County-drive-voting-15644165.php)

Harris County breaks record for the first day of early voting with hours to go before polls close (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/houston/article/harris-county-shatter-voting-record-early-election-15644246.php)

:huhlaugh::superfunny::cracked::rofl::clap:

[dark_crystal]

Texas adds nearly 300,000 more voters in two-week period (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Texas-adds-nearly-300-000-more-voters-in-two-week-15641066.php)

Texas Republican Party sues Harris County over drive-thru voting (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/houston/article/Texas-Republican-sues-Harris-County-drive-voting-15644165.php)

Harris County breaks record for the first day of early voting with hours to go before polls close (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/houston/article/harris-county-shatter-voting-record-early-election-15644246.php)

:huhlaugh::superfunny::cracked::rofl::clap:

In the 2016 presidential election, Harris county registered record high of 68,000 first-day early-voters. Today we reached 68,000 between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm, with five more hours to go.

Houston says "NO, ACTUALLY IT IS YOU WHO ARE FIRED SIR"

[BullDog]

Great job Houston, Harris County, and the great state of Texas.

I voted by mail. I mailed my ballot in on Friday and it was received by my county clerk today! I felt confident that the mail would be reliable here and that I had plenty of time. In-person voting is happening in the basement of our county courthouse and that building has horrible circulation. So I decided to vote by mail, but I do love seeing all the in-person voting. It's awesome. Either way, it's all good.

I am very excited by all the early voting. We just need our peeps to follow through and the Blue Wave will happen.

[Orema]

‘Simpsons’ Lists 50 Reasons Why Re-Electing Trump Is Terrifying in Exclusive ‘Treehouse of Horror’ Clip

Isp_KJY9RZU

There’s nothing scarier than the 2020 election, which makes it the perfect opener for this year’s edition of “The Simpsons” Halloween-themed “Treehouse of Horror.”

Variety has an exclusive first look at the 31st installment, which opens on Election Day 2020. Marge calls Homer to remind him to vote, and he gets to the polling station just in time — where he seems decided in just about every position (including Amazon Alexa for Governor) except for the presidential race.

That’s when a flummoxed Lisa can’t believe that, after everything that has happened these past four years, her father is still undecided. (To be fair, when asked to remember what’s happened since 2016, Homer can only picture one headline: “Faye Dunaway gives Oscar to wrong movie and is never seen again.”)

A helpful scroll then lists just a fraction of some of the things that Donald Trump has done that makes him unfit for president. (And the list misses plenty, such as the millions of dollars his businesses have charged the Secret Service, or the 280 days of golf that has cost taxpayers an estimated $141 million.)

Here is that list:


Made it okay to shoot hibernating bears
Put children in cages
Called Mexicans rapists
Imitated disabled reporter
Looks lousy in a tennis outfit
Can’t get wife to hold hand
Called third world countries ****holes
Called Tim Cook ‘Tim Apple’
Said Jewish people who vote Democrat are disloyal
Showed top secret documents at Mar-A-Lago restaurant
Called white supremacists ‘fine people’
Leaked classified information to Russian ambassador
Asked the president of Ukraine to investigate the Bidens
Called for China to investigate the Bidens
Walked into the dressing room at Miss Teen USA pageant
Pressed the Australian prime minister to help Barr investigate Mueller
Talked about grabbing *****
Lied about the size of his inauguration
Refused to release tax returns
Gutted the E.P.A.
Confiscated and destroyed interpreter’s notes after meeting with Putin
Tweeted classified photo of Iran missile site
Called Baltimore a ‘disgusting, rat and rodent-infested mess’
Described Meryl Streep as ‘over-rated’
Leaked information to the press about the 2017 Manchester arena bombing
Did not attend any White House correspondents’ dinner
Said Megyn Kelly had ‘blood coming out of her whatever’
Called Carly Fiorina ‘horseface’
Ruined impeachment
Brought Ivanka to the G7 summit
Corrupted Congress
Appointed and didn’t fire Betsy DeVos
Put Jared in charge of Mideast
Served McDonald’s to Clemson football team
Destroyed democracy
Lost Hong Kong
Threatened Marie Yovanovitch
Pulled the U.S. out of climate agreement
Allowed bounties on soldiers
Invaded Portland
Withdrew from W.H.O.
Bragged about knowing the date
Commuted sentences
Said to swallow bleach
Person, woman, man, camera, TV
Destroyed post office
Paid $750 in taxes
Wants third term
Wanted to be on Mount Rushmore

And we haven’t even said the worst one

Meanwhile, “Treehouse of Horror XXXI” also includes parodies of Pixar, “Toy Story,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and Netflix’s “Russian Doll.” The 688th episode of “The Simpsons,” “Treehouse of Horror XXXI” airs on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/the-simpsons-treehouse-of-horror-xxxi-donald-trump-1234801745/#!

[Kelt]

I am wondering if Biden‘s promise to repeal the 2017 tax law would include repealing the portion of it that altered the SALT tax situation that appeared to target several heavily democratic states.

Inquiring minds...

[homoe]

~~~
Is how did the Trump Town Hall event hosted by Savanna Guthrie, scheduled to air against Biden's Thursday night, come about? NBC call Trump or vice versa?

[Orema]

https://i.postimg.cc/zGYBzJ2L/13rice-super-Jumbo.jpg
Credit...Illustration by Jim Datz; Photographs by Dem10/Getty Images and Jim Watson/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Taken from an article written by Susan Rice on This Year From Hell.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/opinion/2020-trump-vote.html

[C0LLETTE]

HIGH NOON AT THE TOWN HALL

People tuning into the Biden town hall will likely do so to hear his ideas.
People tuning into the Trump town-hall will likely do so to see Trump blow himself up again.
Trump's ratings will be higher but if I were him I would not be bragging about that.
Counting "eyeballs" has nothing to do with counting hearts or votes.

Voyeurism doesn't mean you want to have sex. ( Should I have stopped before I typed that last bit? LOL)

[BullDog]

HIGH NOON AT THE TOWN HALL

People tuning into the Biden town hall will likely do so to hear his ideas.
People tuning into the Trump town-hall will likely do so to see Trump blow himself up again.
Trump's ratings will be higher but if I were him I would not be bragging about that.
Counting "eyeballs" has nothing to do with counting hearts or votes.

Voyeurism doesn't mean you want to have sex. ( Should I have stopped before I typed that last bit? LOL)

I agree. Trump's ratings will likely be higher because people want to see a trainwreck. If he doesn't treat people well who are asking questions in a townhall it will not go well for him.

The so-called "undecided" voters who might want to compare the 2 won't be able to make up their minds which one to watch so they won't tune into either. They will remain as clueless as ever.

I really am furious at NBC for airing Trump at the same time as Biden. I don't really watch NBC but they are the parent company of MSNBC which I do watch. NBC sucks!

[Kätzchen]

I hope more tv viewers watch Biden.

I am not watching T---p because he has ruined the lives of Americans and other citizens globally. I will not reward that deranged person with any of my time or attention.

<<<<<<~~ Biden-Harris ticket is the best choice, go Blue!

[nhplowboi]

I read an article today that said the decision by NBC to give Trump air time opposite of Biden has caused quite the ruckus and NBC is getting considerable backlash over this. We have to remember "The Apprentice" ran on NBC back in the day and brought in big ratings for them. I am sure Trump still has plenty of "friends" there with whom he colluded with to bring this about. As for us, we will be watching Biden tonight as we will not give Trump a viewer stat. We can watch all the stupid things Trump says later on CNN or MSNBC.

[~ocean]

I read an article today that said the decision by NBC to give Trump air time opposite of Biden has caused quite the ruckus and NBC is getting considerable backlash over this. We have to remember "The Apprentice" ran on NBC back in the day and brought in big ratings for them. I am sure Trump still has plenty of "friends" there with whom he colluded with to bring this about. As for us, we will be watching Biden tonight as we will not give Trump a viewer stat. We can watch all the stupid things Trump says later on CNN or MSNBC.

all trump does is insult never talks ABOUT WHAT HE CAN DO FOR THIS COUNTRY oops sry caps. I'm going to watch Biden as well. ~ bonsoir

[homoe]

~~~
Is how did the Trump Town Hall event hosted by Savanna Guthrie, scheduled to air against Biden's Thursday night, come about? NBC call Trump or vice versa?

Well I'm still not sure how it call came about BUT what I am sure about, is how well it was choreographed & well coiffed!

IMHO, those stepping up to ask questions were not just picked at random, they were too well "put together" if you get my drift!

[homoe]

Well I'm still not sure how it call came about BUT what I am sure about, is how well it was choreographed & well coiffed!

IMHO, those stepping up to ask questions were not just picked at random, they were too well "put together" if you get my drift!

Oh, I just read someone's post and YES it could of had to do with ratings, good observation...:hangloose:

[C0LLETTE]

Crazy Uncle vs Mr Rogers.

.. .frequent Fox News contributor, one Mercedes Schlapp, took to Twitter to pronounce on one half of the TV event: “@ABCPolitics town hall feels like I am watching an episode of Mister Rodgers Neighborhood.”

This was meant to be derisory, but just as Schlapp misspelled the TV icon’s name, she missed the point. People like Mister Rogers. They grew up with him, as they grew up with Joe Biden being around, and they like Mister Rogers' neighbourhood. It’s nice there.

Through one failure in Twitter sarcasm, this Fox News contributor inadvertently nailed down the entirely of the TV event. It was crazy uncle versus Mister Rogers. There are crazy uncles everywhere, Fox News teems with them, but there’s only one Mister Rogers.

Globe and Mail
October 16, 2020

[homoe]

Crazy Uncle vs Mr Rogers.

.. .frequent Fox News contributor, one Mercedes Schlapp, took to Twitter to pronounce on one half of the TV event: “@ABCPolitics town hall feels like I am watching an episode of Mister Rodgers Neighborhood.”

This was meant to be derisory, but just as Schlapp misspelled the TV icon’s name, she missed the point. People like Mister Rogers. They grew up with him, as they grew up with Joe Biden being around, and they like Mister Rogers' neighbourhood. It’s nice there.

Through one failure in Twitter sarcasm, this Fox News contributor inadvertently nailed down the entirely of the TV event. It was crazy uncle versus Mister Rogers. There are crazy uncles everywhere, Fox News teems with them, but there’s only one Mister Rogers.

Globe and Mail
October 16, 2020

Even Savannah tossed around the "crazy uncle" theme.......

[Cin]

It literally makes me sick to see that after all that has happened Trump still has plenty of supporters. I wonder what it would take for people to open their eyes. Also the Republicans despite they're abhorrent behavior and lack of interest in helping people effected by this pandemic seem to be holding their own in the senate races that are up for grabs. I really don't get it. This should be a slam dunk all around. Democrats should have the White House and control the Senate and the House in 2021. In a sane world they would. But I worry we are not living in a sane world at all. It's a Mad World - "Hide my head, I want to drown my sorrow No tomorrow, no tomorrow"

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/10/19/election-2020-polls-trump-surges-florida-biden-up-georgia/3678023001/

[Kätzchen]

It literally makes me sick to see that after all that has happened Trump still has plenty of supporters. I wonder what it would take for people to open their eyes. Also the Republicans despite they're abhorrent behavior and lack of interest in helping people effected by this pandemic seem to be holding their own in the senate races that are up for grabs. I really don't get it. This should be a slam dunk all around. Democrats should have the White House and control the Senate and the House in 2021. In a sane world they would. But I worry we are not living in a sane world at all. It's a Mad World - "Hide my head, I want to drown my sorrow No tomorrow, no tomorrow"

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/10/19/election-2020-polls-trump-surges-florida-biden-up-georgia/3678023001/

Md8kADJwMQ0

[Cin]

Your post made me think of this song (mad world)

That's good cause it was supposed to.:flowers:

[Cin]

Trump doesn't like the subjects to be discussed during the debate Thursday. The topics are Fighting COVID-19, American Families, Race in America, Climate Change, National Security and Leadership. Apparently he wants more focus on foreign policy, the long standing central focus of the last debate. Except this isn't the actual last debate since Trump opted out of the 2nd debate. So some flexibility ought to be exercised. Although foreign policy according to Trump might be a bit amusing to unpack. He's such a whiny baby.

[BullDog]

Yeah, the topics are fine. Even if they were going to discuss foreign policy Biden is very knowledgeable and experienced in that area and would blow Trump out of the water. I thought Biden's best response at the townhall was his answer on foreign policy where a person asked if Trump should get credit for there being more peace around the world.

I think Trump thinks foreign policy means talking about Hunter Biden.

[Cin]

I think Trump thinks foreign policy means talking about Hunter Biden.

LOL. No doubt.

[C0LLETTE]

The highlight of Trump's foreign policy experience was harassing the contestants at his Miss Universe competition in Moscow in 2013.

[~ocean]

Trump's foreign policy " ridding double on a horse with Kim Jong un and then ridding double on one of Kim's missiel's " isn't dump the trump just amazing !! ~

[homoe]

President Donald Trump's wife Melania canceled a rare joint appearance with him at a campaign rally Tuesday due to a "lingering cough" following her infection with the coronavirus, a spokeswoman said. "Mrs Trump continues to feel better every day following her recovery from COVID-19, but with a lingering cough, and out of an abundance of caution, she will not be traveling today," Stephanie Grisham said in a statement.

The first lady's appearance with Trump in Erie, Pennsylvania, was to have been her first at a campaign rally in more than a year.

Right, I'm S U R E that's the reason! She just didn't want to be with that L O S E R!

[Orema]

I love the local political tv ads in my area. I catch most of them on PlutoTV. They are great. Very dramatic and very amateurish—exactly what's needed. We don't need all the glitter and shine.

Usually the ad is taped locally with music that's cheery and up with puppies and children and parks, then when they talk about the conservative candidates the clouds turn gray and dark and the music is gloomy. I love it! And I watch every liberal-leaning commercial from start to finish.

And it's even better when it's in Spanish.

[Cin]

If you haven't mailed your ballot yet, don't. Drop it off or vote in person. Try to make sure your vote counts.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/29/dangerously-authoritarian-trump-says-hopefully-courts-will-stop-states-counting

President Donald Trump on Wednesday once again openly voiced hope that U.S. courts—now packed with his right-wing judges—will intervene and stop states from counting legally submitted ballots after November 3, remarks that came just before the U.S. Supreme Court suggested it could invalidate late-arriving Pennsylvania votes after Election Day.

"Hopefully the few states remaining that want to take a lot of time after November 3rd to count ballots, that won't be allowed by the various courts because as you know we're in courts on that," Trump said during a press conference in Las Vegas.

Trump went on to tout as a "big victory" the Supreme Court's ruling earlier this week barring Wisconsin from extending its absentee ballot deadline past November 3 at 8:00 pm local time.

"The president is essentially saying he will litigate to try and stop the count of absentee ballots (the count of which is never completed on Election Day)," tweeted Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. According to one estimate, "about 10 percent of all votes" cast in the 2016 election were counted after Election Day.

"Also, when is he imagining that military mail-in votes will be counted?" asked Ifill. "He is trying to make this sound normal. It's not."

The Supreme Court late Wednesday permitted North Carolina and Pennsylvania to extend their arrival deadlines for mail-in ballots, blocking Republican efforts to require strict Election Day deadlines.

But, the high court left open the possibility of invalidating late-arriving Pennsylvania ballots shortly after the election. Conservative Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch, said he only "reluctantly" denied the Pennsylvania GOP's push for the rejection of ballots that arrive after Election Day and said the high court could take up the case again after November 3.

"The Supreme Court may throw out ballots that arrive after Election Day—even though they are valid under current law," warned Slate's Mark Joseph Stern. "DO NOT MAIL YOUR BALLOT. Drop it off or vote in person. Don't leave your vote in the hands of the Supreme Court."

[Cin]

Citing Widespread Election-Related Delays, Federal Judge Invokes 'Extraordinary Measures' to Ensure On-Time Delivery, Counting of Ballots

A federal judge on Friday ordered the United States Postal Service to take "extraordinary measures" at numerous processing centers in order to guarantee the timely delivery of millions of ballots by Election Day.

Reuters reports U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan said the order is in line with the USPS's October 20 "Extraordinary Measures Memorandum," (pdf) which states that "the proper handling and timely delivery of election mail... remains our number one priority."

USPS said the measures include, but are not limited to, "expedited handling, extra deliveries, and special pickups... to collect blank ballots entered by election officials to voters, or completed ballots returned by voters."

Affected locations include: Alabama; Alaska; Atlanta; central Pennsylvania; Colorado; Detroit; Fort Worth, Texas; Indiana; Louisiana; the mid-Carolinas; Mississippi; northern New England; Oklahoma; South Carolina; and other areas.

Sullivan said the measures apply to places where election mail processing scores did not exceed 90% for at least two days between October 26 and 28.

The Washington Post reports Sullivan also ordered the Postal Service to provide written explanation for each district where less than 80% of ballots are delivered on time each day. Attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice blamed staffing issues and increased mail volume for such delays.

"At the same time that staffing unavailability has become a factor, there has been an increase volume in package and market dominant products," John Robinson, a DOJ lawyer, said in a legal filing reported by the Post.

Friday's order comes three days after Sullivan directed postal employees to complete as many late trips as needed to boost USPS's on-time delivery rate. Earlier this month, the judge—who is an appointee of President Bill Clinton—ruled that it is in the public interest to block USPS policies that have caused widespread delays since July.

Earlier this week, USPS urged voters to mail their ballots by October 27 in order to ensure on-time arrival and counting eligibility by Election Day, which is November 3.

While postal workers have tried to keep up with deliveries, the sheer number of early ballots cast, as well as what critics call politically motivated delays caused by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, have resulted in major issues affecting delivery times.

Last week, the USPS inspector general issued a report (pdf) that found changes made by DeJoy—including reducing extra delivery trips and changes in the way mail is sorted—"negatively impacted the quality and timeliness of mail delivery."

On Thursday, USPS said it had delivered over 122 million ballots, both blank and completed, as Tuesday's election fast approaches. Early voting has occurred at a record pace in 2020—according to the U.S. Elections Project at the University of Florida, more than 85 million Americans have already cast their ballots.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/30/citing-widespread-election-related-delays-federal-judge-invokes-extraordinary

[Martina]

I just learned that if a contingent election of the President ends up in the House, it's decided by state, not by congressperson. There are more red states than blue. It would be the incoming Congress that decides, but there will still be more red states than blue. So if various states fail to certify the election results or, less likely, Congress questions a state's decision, or there is a legitimate tie, there could be no majority of electoral votes won and a contingent election would go to Congress, the House electing the President and the Senate the VP. In the Senate, the decision is made by individual Senator's votes. So, if Dems win the Senate, Congress could elect Trump but not Pence.

[theoddz]

I just learned that if a contingent election of the President ends up in the House, it's decided by state, not by congressperson. There are more red states than blue. It would be the incoming Congress that decides, but there will still be more red states than blue. So if various states fail to certify the election results or, less likely, Congress questions a state's decision, or there is a legitimate tie, there could be no majority of electoral votes won and a contingent election would go to Congress, the House electing the President and the Senate the VP. In the Senate, the decision is made by individual Senator's votes. So, if Dems win the Senate, Congress could elect Trump but not Pence.

Now THAT, my friend, is scary. I mean S-C-A-R-Y. :twitch:

Thanks for posting that. I had no idea how that scenario would play out.

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[theoddz]

How things might pan out and what the United States has the propensity to become, post 2020 Election:

YoLnHpPd1Og

It's all up to the American voter to decide now.

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[Kätzchen]

Here at home, we've already seen a tide of destruction to work campus property: big glass windows shattered out of the east side of our building and buildings nearby also are missing big panes of glass windows. Many buildings were also spray painted with graffiti (violent memes by right wing members of the metro area).

It was a nerve wracking day at work today and downtown, people have been feverishly boarding up business and other building with key offices to our state infrastructure. It's getting real ugly here and it is going to get worse before the week comes to a close.

So tonight, I came across a well written op-ed, over on CNN.

I hope others find this author's opinion as refreshing, well stated, and filled with hope, as we wait to usher in a Biden-Harris Administration.

:vigil:

(To read the original article, please click on this LINK (https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/02/opinions/biden-only-decent-choice-2020-election-soifer/index.html))

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


CNN Opinion: The Only Decent Choice In The Election

by Halie Soifer.

(CNN) My Jewish husband grew up in 1970s Germany. When asked to give up his seat on public transit for senior citizens, he would often hesitate, wondering whether those individuals played passive or active roles during the Third Reich. While perhaps unfair, younger generations judged Germans who lived through the Nazi era as though they were complicit and could have changed the course of history.

Similarly, we will all be judged by what we do -- or do not do -- at this moment in American history. This is not in any way to compare the atrocities of the Holocaust with what we are seeing in the US today, but there are similarities to this moment and the rise of Nazism in the 1930s. Today, we stand at a precipice, yet unlike Germans in the lead-up to World War II, we have the chance to vote a rising authoritarian out of power.

For four years, President Donald Trump has increasingly threatened our country and our future. He has assaulted, undermined, and weakened our democracy, using hatred and disinformation to divide Americans, sow confusion, and incite domestic unrest. He has repeatedly aligned himself with America's adversaries and alienated our allies. Amid an unprecedented public health crisis, he has demonstrated a wanton disregard for human life, intentionally misled us, and denied science as Americans die in record numbers. He's explicitly threatened Americans exercising their First Amendment rights, including his political opponents and the media, issued statements widely viewed as calls to arms and incitement to violence.

Trump has a clear record of fanning the flames of hatred, including equating neo-Nazis with peaceful protestors in Charlottesville, using racist epithets, repeating anti-Semitic tropes, and fueling xenophobic conspiracy theories, which I have argued contributed to the worst anti-Semitic attack in American history. At the first 2020 presidential debate, Trump had a chance to demonstrate to the American people where he stood on the issue of racially motivated violent extremism, which his own FBI director recently warned is one of the greatest threats facing Americans.

Instead of denouncing this virulent form of hatred, Trump pointedly refused and instead encouraged a far-right extremist group to "stand back and stand by." He later tried to walk back his remarks, after they were celebrated by the far-right. Less than three weeks later, Trump repeated the same offense at a presidential townhall when he legitimized a QAnon conspiracy theory, and refused to denounce this dangerous movement that has infiltrated the Republican Party.

The threat posed by Trump to our democracy has become even clearer in the lead-up to the election. In July, he suggested the illegal postponement of the election. Despite constitutional term limits, Trump has asserted he's entitled to more than two terms as president. He's refused to commit to the peaceful transfer of power if he's defeated, and questioned the validity, without proof, of mail-in ballots, which he himself previously used to vote.

He has baselessly repeated claims of voter fraud, as the Justice Department has loosened its 40-year policy on launching an investigation on voter fraud during an election cycle, and indicated he expects the Supreme Court to rule in his favor if the election is litigated. All of this comes at the end of a presidential term that was rife with illegality, impropriety, and his impeachment by the House.

Now, on the eve of the election, reports indicate that Trump plans to prematurely claim victory if it looks like he is close to 270 electoral votes on election night. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and Trump have denied that the claims are true, but Trump and his team have signaled their plans to litigate the counting of mail-in ballots after Election Day.

But if the President is indeed planning on do this, it would improperly disregard postmarked mail-in ballots in states like Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania secretary of state, there may be as many as 10 times the number of mail-in ballots in 2020 than there were in 2016 in this critical swing state, which can legally accept mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day until November 6. The dubious legal groundwork for this position was recently laid by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who served on the Republican legal team that stopped the presidential election recount 20 years ago.

Though some of us have become numb to the daily outrages, we cannot forget this simple fact: Trump's behavior is that of an authoritarian. What may feel like a tumultuous and frenetic daily news cycle is the clear erosion of our democracy during Trump's presidency.

As this monumental election comes to a close, it's important to remember what's at stake and how future generations will view the choice facing Americans at this critical crossroads. Will we choose the path of authoritarianism and hatred with Trump, or will we choose decency and democracy with Joe Biden? While we cannot know the outcome at this point, we do know that history will judge those who abandon their values and allow rise of bigotry and hate. Your children and grandchildren will someday ask whether you stood up for your values or whether you were a passive bystander, and a vote for Biden must be part of your answer. It's the only decent choice.

_________________________________

Editors Note: Halie Soifer is executive director of the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA), which is a national organization that endorses Democratic candidates for elected office and advocates for progressive policy. She previously served as national security adviser to Sen. Kamala Harris, as foreign policy adviser to Sens. Chris Coons and Ted Kaufman, and as senior policy adviser to U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author. View more opinion articles on CNN.

[C0LLETTE]

The Banality of Evil (Hannah Arendt )

... when we do not examine in depth the sources and reasoning for our "moral" choices .

[Kätzchen]

How is everybody holding up tonight?

I've had CNN streaming live on my phone all day long. I could not even listen to NPR on the way home. I have no idea if anybody else has noticed a shift in content and coverage by National Public Radio but after this week, I may never listen to that station again.

I am worried and very anxious and my anxiety level is off the charts.

There is some good news, though. Tonight, Maricopa County in Arizona is turning the state blue. I seriously hope Arizona will be a Democratic state.

Pennsylvania is not even no where close to being done with ballot counting but there is reason to believe that Pennsylvania will turn Blue (Democrat).

My heart hurts to learn that certain states will remain under the control of the GOP. It hurts to see that not only is it a close race for the Presidential race but it is also a close race in the House and the Senate.

I can hardly watch or hear what I am hearing tonight.

I will be heart sick and heart broken if America remains under the control of the authoritarian dictator who currently occupies the WH.

I anxiously await for any good news that we as a country are liberated from the toxic hold of poisonous political strongholds.

:vigil: :vigil: :vigil:

PS/ I will never live in any state that is controlled by the GOP. I just won't and can't and it's a deal breaker for me if a person's politics aligns with the Republican Party. I left my home state years ago (Idaho), because of the mindset of those who are Republican (GOP) and the toxic stranglehold that has held that state hostage, for years.

[Cin]

So from what I am looking at here at the associated press map Biden has 270 as long as nothing changes in Wisconsin, Michigan and Nevada. And it doesn't look like there is enough votes left for Biden to lose Michigan or Wisconsin. Michigan is 96% reporting, Wisconsin is 95% the only problem would be Nevada at 67% reporting. But since it's all mail in votes now I believe, chances are Biden will hold that lead. This map is interesting in that it shows what's going on in the Senate and the House as well.

https://www.google.com/search?q=who+won+the+election+2020+president&oq=who+&aqs=chrome.1.69i59j35i39j69i59j69i57j69i61l2j69i65 j69i60.5715j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[BullDog]

So from what I am looking at here at the associated press map Biden has 270 as long as nothing changes in Wisconsin, Michigan and Nevada. And it doesn't look like there is enough votes left for Biden to lose Michigan or Wisconsin. Michigan is 96% reporting, Wisconsin is 95% the only problem would be Nevada at 67% reporting. But since it's all mail in votes now I believe, chances are Biden will hold that lead. This map is interesting in that it shows what's going on in the Senate and the House as well.

https://www.google.com/search?q=who+won+the+election+2020+president&oq=who+&aqs=chrome.1.69i59j35i39j69i59j69i57j69i61l2j69i65 j69i60.5715j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Yeah, I agree with this. I think Biden is going to pull it out based on the above.

I am extremely angry and depressed. How the hell could over 65 million Americans vote AGAIN for that monster. What does that say about our country? How is anything going to get done if we don't have the Senate? The Repugs will want Biden to fail.

Maybe Biden will win Georgia. That would be a bright spot. I will feel a bit better once Biden wins.

[Cin]

From NowThis Politics:
LIVE RESULTS—BIDEN WINS MORE VOTES THAN ANY CANDIDATE IN U.S. HISTORY: We’re tracking the latest 2020 results. Overnight, Joe Biden developed narrow leads in key battlegrounds Wisconsin and Michigan, with Trump’s path in both states ‘looking bleak,’ according to a NY Times analysis of the outstanding votes. If Biden were to capture Michigan, ‘he would have the advantage in states that would push his total past the 270-electoral-vote threshold’ to win, the Times noted. Nationally, Biden has now received more votes for president than any other candidate in U.S. election history, with over 69.5 million. He leads Trump by roughly 3 million votes total, with millions more left to be counted. If the current trend holds, Democrats will have won the popular vote in 7 of the last 8 presidential elections (1992, 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020), despite not holding the White House for 12 of those years.


I think we need to look at changing this ridiculous electoral college. I do agree with BullDog though, it is depressing to realize that so many American could vote for Trump...AGAIN. But looking at the popular vote is heartening.

Another thing I think that could use a tweak is polling. I think we can all agree polls are not terribly reliable.

[Kätzchen]

Yeah, I agree with this. I think Biden is going to pull it out based on the above.

I am extremely angry and depressed. How the hell could over 65 million Americans vote AGAIN for that monster. What does that say about our country? How is anything going to get done if we don't have the Senate? The Repugs will want Biden to fail.

Maybe Biden will win Georgia. That would be a bright spot. I will feel a bit better once Biden wins.

I got to thinking about that last night. The how and why, the many reasons why people will vote for someone who deliberately incites violence at the expense of others and assaults women, assaults the very social institutions that comprise the frame work of our society.

I think it can be traced back to ones roots: like, where you grew up, maybe.

I think it is traceable to ones perception of social rules and decorum, maybe even other reasons too.

But I feel there is an incredible burden to teach people why authoritarian values and tenets is not a good way to live life or such.

We have many examples of why authoritarianism is not the answer to solving problems in life.

Not sure if others would process this like I do. But this is just my thoughts.

Thank you Cin and Bulldog for uour posts today.

[Kätzchen]

Just saw that Wisconsin went Blue. Way to go, Wisconsin!!

Now to pick up more senate seats. Atm, we have 44 vs 47 (gop). We need to be in the majority, in the senate too.

Go Blue!!!

:blueheels:

[BullDog]

Just saw that Wisconsin went Blue. Way to go, Wisconsin!!

Now to pick up more senate seats. Atm, we have 44 vs 47 (gop). We need to be in the majority, in the senate too.

Go Blue!!!

:blueheels:

Great news on Wisconsin.

NBC has called Michigan for Biden! Almost there!

Some networks have called Arizona for Biden already, NBC has not.

He just needs Nevada, Pennsylvania, or Georgia (plus Arizona).

[Kätzchen]

Great news on Wisconsin.

NBC has called Michigan for Biden! Almost there!

Some networks have called Arizona for Biden already, NBC has not.

He just needs Nevada, Pennsylvania, or Georgia (plus Arizona).

Indeed!!

I saw that Biden leads in Nevada, so it wont be long before Biden has the Electoral votes needed to hurdle us to the win.

[Cin]

He's not going to get PA soon, if at all, but Arizona is surely in the bag. I don't think he's getting Georgia, but he doesn't need it. He will get Nevada and that's game, set, match.

[Kätzchen]

He's not going to get PA soon, if at all, but Arizona is surely in the bag. I don't think he's getting Georgia, but he doesn't need it. He will get Nevada and that's game, set, match.

True story, Cin!

Secretary of State for AZ was just interviewed. Voters are over-performing in 3 major counties for the Biden win.

Also, Georgia voters are over-performing in favor of Biden, in the Atlanta area.

Georgia just might go Blue, soon.

I feel the excitement as we watch history in the making.

What a fabulous moment of joy, once we cross the finish line.

Biden and Harris are showing up as Leaders of the American Democracy, and heart felt thanks go out to all voters and organizers who put in over-the-top efforts to help save our country.

[theoddz]

The pundits are all talking about tRump refusing to "go quietly", but I'm starting to get just a lil' nervous about the reaction/repercussions from his nutjob supporters. From everything that Dear Wife and I have been seeing, hearing and reading about, the yahoo contingent here in Texas might be inclined to throw a violent tantrum over their loss. From our perspective, we definitely have some crazies here in this state.

It may get knarly......here in Texas and in other places. :twitch:

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[C0LLETTE]

It isn't just Trump.

Biden may very well win the Presidential election but he will have to contend with the fact that over 68 million of his fellow citizens voted for Trump, a bigoted, racist, sexist, right-wing neo-fascist with a penchant for rousing all the vilest impulses of his followers.

Trump's followers are morally corrupt but it isn't just Trump who corrupted them. They were already there. All they really needed was a "leader" to come along and tell them it was ok to be amoral and behave like beasts.

It is a sad thing to see the veneer of "exceptionalism" peeling away.

Question is: what can Biden et al do about that or is it already too late.

[BullDog]

Cross your fingers that David Perdue drops below 50% of the vote in his Senate race against Jon Ossof. He is at 50.2% as I post this. Or even better, Ossof goes over 50% and wins. I'm not sure that's possible.

If Perdue goes under 50% the race goes to a run-off in January.

Reverend Warnock is already in a run-off against Loeffler.

Right now, the Senate is 48 R to 48 D (includes the 2 independents who caucus with Democrats). 4 outstanding races. The 2 Georgia races above, and 2 Republicans Tillis (NC) and Sullivan (Alaska) are leading their races.

If the 2 Democrats were able to win the runoffs, the Senate would probably be 50-50. Vice President Kamala Harris would break tie votes and Schumer would be majority leader.


Crazy!

[Kätzchen]

Cross your fingers that David Perdue drops below 50% of the vote in his Senate race against Jon Ossof. He is at 50.2% as I post this. Or even better, Ossof goes over 50% and wins. I'm not sure that's possible.

If Perdue goes under 50% the race goes to a run-off in January.

Reverend Warnock is already in a run-off against Loeffler.

Right now, the Senate is 48 R to 48 D (includes the 2 independents who caucus with Democrats). 4 outstanding races. The 2 Georgia races above, and 2 Republicans Tillis (NC) and Sullivan (Alaska) are leading their races.

If the 2 Democrats were able to win the runoffs, the Senate would probably be 50-50. Vice President Kamala Harris would break tie votes and Schumer would be majority leader.


Crazy!

I think it represents a testament to the will of the people; that people care enough to put a stop, lay an indelible check mark on the rampant abuse of power we have seen by the crooked party who has occupied the WH.

I will be forever grateful if votes lead toward a shift in power that leads to members of the democratic party taking charge of what is left of our democracy and mending the damage done by TP (et al).

I see tonight that the AP is reporting that Biden and Harris have 264 electoral votes and that they also lead in the popular vote (71.9 M votes and counting).

It's going to happen, whether TP clogs up the system with lawsuits.

In fact, this is what is so upsetting to me: That TP will tap tax payer funding for his litigations which proves he is fired beyond all expectations. Fired.

End of story.

Now to march him out of office and make an example of him and his ilk before all the world, so this will deter crooked politicians from using our system for their own criminal purpose.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for the win. Go Blue!

And Go Blue Voters in America! Thank You So Very Much!!!

[~ocean]

I think it represents a testament to the will of the people; that people care enough to put a stop, lay an indelible check mark on the rampant abuse of power we have seen by the crooked party who has occupied the WH.

I will be forever grateful if votes lead toward a shift in power that leads to members of the democratic party taking charge of what is left of our democracy and mending the damage done by TP (et al).

I see tonight that the AP is reporting that Biden and Harris have 264 electoral votes and that they also lead in the popular vote (71.9 M votes and counting).

It's going to happen, whether TP clogs up the system with lawsuits.

In fact, this is what is so upsetting to me: That TP will tap tax payer funding for his litigations which proves he is fired beyond all expectations. Fired.

End of story.

Now to march him out of office and make an example of him and his ilk before all the world, so this will deter crooked politicians from using our system for their own criminal purpose.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for the win. Go Blue!

And Go Blue Voters in America! Thank You So Very Much!!!



^ 5 Katzchen !!

[~ocean]

Trump better calm down or he will end up w/ a diaper rash ~ just saying ~

[homoe]

Chris Christie, Rick Santorum scold Trump for fraud claims, declaring victory.


R E A L L Y after all Trump has done in these past four years, this is what these two idiots decide to speak up and scold him on!?


https://www.aol.com/2020-11-04-chris-christie-rick-santorum-scold-trump-for-fraud-claims-declaring-victory-24675358.html

[Cin]

protestors outside PA ballot counting sites screaming stop counting votes
protestors outside AZ election facilities yelling keep counting votes

One can only expect this kind of thing from Republicans. They have a particular mindset that belies logic. They really believe the right thing to do coincides exactly with the thing they want to have done. They see nothing wrong with telling Obama that he can't appoint a Supreme Court justice because there is only 8 months left before an election and then turning around and telling Democrats that Trump is going to appoint a justice 2 weeks before an election.

These people and by these people I mean the Republican Party and all it's supporters, so if you identify as Republican and support this party in it's current incarnation I am talking to you, have no moral compass. Things are not right or wrong; things are only good or bad for Republicans. And this is the same party whose members always claim the high ground, who claim to be more religious, more patriotic, more righteous, more interested in what is moral than any other Americans.

I guess it makes perfect sense to them because they are not plagued by trying to do what is honorable and fair. They only need to do what furthers their agenda. They have a Machiavellian moral code. The ends justify the means. The kind of morals the rest of us struggle with are off the table for them. They don't concern themselves with the kind of morality that encourages a person to be fair in all their dealings, to be accountable for their actions to their fellow humans and eventually to their god. This morality is of little consequence when put against getting their way and pushing their agenda.

It's perfectly fine to be that type of person to these Republicans because they are certain in their righteousness. They truly believe one does not have do the right thing to be righteous. The ends justify the means because they know that the really right thing is exactly what they want it to be. They are not plagued by a conscience telling them to treat other people with empathy and fairness. That's why their leader thinks it's perfectly acceptable to make fun on a national stage of disabled people, military heroes and just about anyone he feels is beneath him, which pretty much encompasses the world. These morally superior, god fearing republicans truly believe the rest of us are so inferior as to not deserve equal treatment. I can't wait to have as my president a person who at the very least believes everyone, even those who don't agree with him, even those who haven't voted for him deserve equal treatment. I can't wait to have a leader who will put all Americans on equal footing and do his best for them all.

[Cin]

I saw something on fb that made me laugh. Apparently many people have become so anti intellectual that they are against counting!

[Cin]

Trumpian logic

Remember when Trump explained we only have so much covid because we keep testing.

And now he is only losing because we insist on counting the votes.

[Cin]

Trump calls it some type of nefarious black magic, the rest of us call it counting.

[BullDog]

The goons and Chump are also trying to stop counting in Michigan even though Trump is behind. Real stable geniuses there.

The goons are also surrounding a vote-counting place in Arizona.

I hope most of the states can finish counting today so that those counting the votes - who are volunteers - will not be at risk anymore. What a disgrace.

[C0LLETTE]

I do wonder whether "The Trump Deplorables" ( Hillary should have gotten the Presidency just for that dead-on descriptive.) are "Republican" because they've read the policies and agree or because "Republicans" are now so Fascist and dirty that only they are willing to wrap their arms around them and give them a "respectable " name that doesnt include the words "White Supremecist" or " Fascist Neo-Nazi" in it.

Even Republican Neo-Cons don't want them. So, ask yourself, who are these "Republicans" that do? Who and what is in that welcoming tent for them?

It's all just so ugly, so predictable, and so relentlessly reoccurring that it takes tremendous will ( and maybe blind faith ) to keep it from finally crushing the human spirit; and keep it from finally vacuum-sucking-out whatever is left of your soul.

[Kätzchen]

@Bulldog: hey, here at home the TP-ers are still causing near accidents in traffic, with their tom-foolery. They have nearly hit me twice, on pupose, and i have no political identifiers on my vehicle. Those ppl are down right scary.

@C0LLETTE: RE Hillary Clinton. She is the epitomy of what brilliant women in politics can be. She is bold, out spoken, and calls it like it is. I think she is brilliant. And I think she nailed it the first time around.

Off topic, sort of: I heard today on KBOO that the Democratic party is blooming into a multi-racial party of members and that the GOP is representative of the toxic White culture.

I agree with that opinion expressed on air (Democracy Now).

That is all I have right now.

I await the Sledgehammer of the Democratic voters in states of Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona.

*Go Blue*

[BullDog]

Looks like we are going to have to wait one more day. I just heard that the Biden campaign is not expecting a final result until tomorrow.

[~ocean]

NEVADA is a JOKE ~ the whole vote count is fraud. TRUMP <<< he wants to delay because some votes weren't filled out properly ~ HELLO they get tossed out ~ that orange PIG is behind all of this.

[Kätzchen]

NEVADA is a JOKE ~ the whole vote count is fraud. TRUMP <<< he wants to delay because some votes weren't filled out properly ~ HELLO they get tossed out ~ that orange PIG is behind all of this.

Not sure I understand your comment about Nevada.

As of a few minutes ago, spokesperson from Nevada Elections says that the Biden lead has expanded from 7K+ to more than 11K+.

Nevada gives 6 electoral votes.

Every vote counts. Seriously.

I believe AZ, NV, GA and PENN is going to go BLUE.

Check out the percentage point leads in all county's which still have votes to count in progress.

It is going to happen, soon enough.

:vigil:

[Cin]

I do wonder whether "The Trump Deplorables" ( Hillary should have gotten the Presidency just for that dead-on descriptive.) are "Republican" because they've read the policies and agree or because "Republicans" are now so Fascist and dirty that only they are willing to wrap their arms around them and give them a "respectable " name that doesnt include the words "White Supremecist" or " Fascist Neo-Nazi" in it.

Even Republican Neo-Cons don't want them. So, ask yourself, who are these "Republicans" that do? Who and what is in that welcoming tent for them?

It's all just so ugly, so predictable, and so relentlessly reoccurring that it takes tremendous will ( and maybe blind faith ) to keep it from finally crushing the human spirit; and keep it from finally vacuum-sucking-out whatever is left of your soul.

I'm not sure that any Republican even remotely resembles what Republican meant at one point in time. I don't know what their policies are today exactly except to bring about the 'end times'. Barry Goldwater was able to read the writing on the wall “Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [Republican] party, and they're sure trying to do so, it's going to be a terrible damn problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can't and won't compromise. I know, I've tried to deal with them.” Apparently when you are acting in the name of God you can lie, cheat, steal even kill. You can treat other human beings horribly if they are of a different religion, ethnicity, political persuasion or sexuality. I wonder what God thinks about these people acting that way in His name? Anyway it's particularly frightening to understand that at least 48% of the United States agrees with this way of being Republican, this type of conservatism.

Republican is now synonymous with the Religious Right. And it's becoming synonymous with white supremacy. I can't believe close to 69 million Americans are okay with that. That is soul crushing.

[Kätzchen]

A quiet PS/ CNN and other major news outlets will broadcast the final outcome of the PENN vote @ 9pm EST.

:vigil: :praying: :vigil:

[BullDog]

A quiet PS/ CNN and other major news outlets will broadcast the final outcome of the PENN vote @ 9pm EST.

:vigil: :praying: :vigil:

Yes, now I heard we might get PA tonight. Things keep changing. The election officials and vote counters are doing an outstanding job. The sooner we get results the better - for safety purposes. Although brace for what happens after Trump loses.

[Kätzchen]

Yes, now I heard we might get PA tonight. Things keep changing. The election officials and vote counters are doing an outstanding job. The sooner we get results the better - for safety purposes. Although brace for what happens after Trump loses.

Skkkh, Skkkkh, Copy That.

I was just listening to a vote counter rep from Georgia giving an update. IF, Georgia voters carry us across the finish line, I hope Stacey Abrams and her tribe can rectify the voting system. It is so easy here in Oregon. Each election year in the past the Georgia voters hace been disinfranchised by their hokey set of voting rules. It's glaringly disingenious, and I hope that this is corrected so Georgian votes are never disenfranchised again.

Ps/ The Biden Harris War Room will kick it across the finish line.

Joe & Kamala are on duty. :)

[Kätzchen]

Cross your fingers that David Perdue drops below 50% of the vote in his Senate race against Jon Ossof. He is at 50.2% as I post this. Or even better, Ossof goes over 50% and wins. I'm not sure that's possible.

If Perdue goes under 50% the race goes to a run-off in January.

Reverend Warnock is already in a run-off against Loeffler.

Right now, the Senate is 48 R to 48 D (includes the 2 independents who caucus with Democrats). 4 outstanding races. The 2 Georgia races above, and 2 Republicans Tillis (NC) and Sullivan (Alaska) are leading their races.

If the 2 Democrats were able to win the runoffs, the Senate would probably be 50-50. Vice President Kamala Harris would break tie votes and Schumer would be majority leader.


Crazy!

Bulldog???

Perdue dropped below 50% (this afternoon, west coast time).

Can you tell us what a run off is and when does it take place?

Do voters vote again on this issue alone? I ask, because I dont know.

Thanks!

<<<<<<<---- terribly excited about news we all will learn about battle ground states tonight.

ETA: last night as I wandered around the property at home, i saw a blazing shooting star, which seemed like it was close range.....I saw it buzz across the tree line. That was exciting to see last night. Naturally I made a wish. For Biden and Harris. Here's hoping that wish comes true!

[BullDog]

Yes, Perdue has dropped below 50!% I sure hope it holds. I believe a lot of the uncounted vote is in Democrat territory so it's possible. Also, Biden is getting closer to overtaking Trump.

Some states have runoff rules for elections if certain requirements are not met in a race, then it goes to a runoff election. In the Georgia Senate races if no candidate gets 50% plus one vote, then the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes go to a runoff election.

That has already happened with Reverand Warnock and Kelly Loeffler who have advanced to a runoff.

If Perdue goes over 50% he will defeat Jon Ossoff. However, if he fails to get at least 50%, then the 2 of them will also be in a runoff.

Election day for the runoffs is January 5, 2021.

Absentee ballots can be requested starting on November 18.
Deline for registering to vote in the runoff is December 7.
Early voting for the runoff will start on December 14, 2020.

I am sure the Democrats will make a huge effort to get out the vote if Ossoff can get to the runoff along with Reverand Warnock. Go Blue! It's exciting what is happening in Georgia.

[Kätzchen]

Yes, Perdue has dropped below 50!% I sure hope it holds. I believe a lot of the uncounted vote is in Democrat territory so it's possible. Also, Biden is getting closer to overtaking Trump.

Some states have runoff rules for elections if certain requirements are not met in a race, then it goes to a runoff election. In the Georgia Senate races if no candidate gets 50% plus one vote, then the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes go to a runoff election.

That has already happened with Reverand Warnock and Kelly Loeffler who have advanced to a runoff.

If Perdue goes over 50% he will defeat Jon Ossoff. However, if he fails to get at least 50%, then the 2 of them will also be in a runoff.

Election day for the runoffs is January 5, 2021.

Absentee ballots can be requested starting on November 18.
Deline for registering to vote in the runoff is December 7.
Early voting for the runoff will start on December 14, 2020.

I am sure the Democrats will make a huge effort to get out the vote if Ossoff can get to the runoff along with Reverand Warnock. Go Blue! It's exciting what is happening in Georgia.

Thanks Bulldog for explaining how that run off works!

Me too#

(I might not get much sleep tonight, this election is vitally important)

[Orema]

My ballot was receive and accepted on Oct 24, my mama’s birthday.

Ballot Accepted
10/24/2020
Your ballot has been accepted! Your ballot was received by your county elections office and will be counted.

:bow:

[~ocean]

on CNN they just said FRIDAY @ 5' ish they will have a final vote count for PA ~ I wonder if Pence filed for unemployment yet ?

[Kätzchen]

on CNN they just said FRIDAY @ 5' ish they will have a final vote count for PA ~ I wonder if Pence filed for unemployment yet ?

I heard an interesting perspective by an CNN anaylst that TP will most likely take a wrecking ball to anything he can wreck before he is forced out of office.

And a Penn state rep from the elections office interviewed on CCN said that they cant give a final count yet until they wade through ballots from members of the service overseas and a few other voting sectors yet.

I got the impression that we are still a few days away from knowing if PENN will be called for Biden.

I think it will be real soon, when we know the final outcome.

[~ocean]

I heard an interesting perspective by an CNN anaylst that TP will most likely take a wrecking ball to anything he can wreck before he is forced out of office.

And a Penn state rep from the elections office interviewed on CCN said that they cant give a final count yet until they wade through ballots from members of the service overseas and a few other voting sectors yet.

I got the impression that we are still a few days away from knowing if PENN will be called for Biden.

I think it will be real soon, when we know the final outcome.


lol it's been a day of misinformation ~ all speculation ~ I get so sick of the 2016 voter numbers ~ being compared to 2020's ~ 2016 was a rigged election. they should be packing their clothes. I keep getting an image of Donny Dolly Hands ~ dressed in orange prison colors ~ not a good look ! lol he would look like a giant angry sunflower ~

[Kätzchen]

Votes for Joe Biden in Georgia have surpassed votes for T---p!

Way to go, voters in Georgia!


Both Georgia and Pennsylvania will most likely go Blue today (per, CNN breaking news).

[Kätzchen]

Stacey Abrams has done a fantastic, over-the-top job on organizing to help people in Georgia. Maybe there is a place she can serve in the Biden-Harris administration.

I am so excited and happy for people who live in Georgia!


Just a bit longer today before we know the final outcome.

Fantastic work Democratic Voters!!!

[Martina]

Whoever said Bernie would have been bad for down ballot Democrats needs to rethink. Biden seems to have been the kiss of death.

[BullDog]

Whoever said Bernie would have been bad for down ballot Democrats needs to rethink. Biden seems to have been the kiss of death.

That's ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. The country is obviously center-right at best and you think they want way far left? WTF. I have heard so much ridiculous nonsense from Sanders people. It's unreal. You are so completely out of touch.

The Repugs big weapon is calling Democrats radical socialists - it's ridiculous but it works with some people.


How the hell could you even think this??????


Biden was the best person to win the Presidency. No one else had the combination of strong support with black voters, appeal to some white working-class voters, appeal to seniors, appeal to suburbanites.

He was the one who could win Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.

Unreal. Seriously unreal.

[Kätzchen]

I agree with you Bulldog.

On a different note:

I think the pandemic plays a critical role in discovering flaws that could be overcome.

Here is my round table idea:

Create a separate agency by third party design to handle election matters (processing of votes, etc). Take USPS out of the equation. We have learned this time around that even a goverment organization like USPS leadership was tainted by a partisan political support and backed a dangerous personality.

Not sure if my idea is reasonable, but the idea is to treat election votes with serious attention it deserves and keep it free from partisan politics.

Also, I think legislation should be drafted, signed and passed into law that if an incumbent refuses to concede after being booted from office that there should be serious consequences.

Thats all I got today. Except have faith in our Democracy and that deranged ppl like TP will not ruin our society.

Biden and Harris for the Win.
We the people, said so.

[BullDog]

The Senate can mainly be explained by Red State, Blue State, Incumbent. It's definitely disappointing but we do have the 2 Georgia runoff races, which is very exciting.

I haven't analyzed the House. It definitely sucks that they lost seats. At least we still have the majority. I think the most effective argument used against Democrats is "radical socialist" - which is ridiculous.

I want to know WTF is wrong with so many people voting for Trump. That's the really disturbing thing. And it's also the main reason why so many of them voted for Republican senators.

Democrats have both promising signs and troubling signs but it's not because of Biden. Just insane.


Incumbent Democrat Loss

Tommy Tuberville - Very red state and as far as I know he's not a pedophile. Unfortunately, Doug Jones had no chance.


Democrat Holds

Gary Peters (MI) - Plenty of Republicans but overall a blue state (Governor, etc.), incumbent


Democrat Flipped Seats

Mark Kelly (Arizona) - things are changing in Arizona, 2 Democratic senators and Biden will probably win the state too. People really don't like McSally

John Hickenlooper won (CO) - Blue state, Hickenlooper well-known former Governor, Gardener weak candidate

Republican Holds

Thom Tillis (NC) - Trump is winning the state plus Cunningham's sex scandal

Joni Ernst won (IA) - Trump won the state, incumbent, she rides around on a motorcycle (eye roll)

Steve Daines won (MT) - Red state, Bullock popular but not enough to overcome red - has nothing to do with Biden

Susan Collins won - WTF???? I have no explanation for this one other than she is the incumbent, but what the hell would Biden have to do with it?

[C0LLETTE]

Katzchen:
"...Also, I think legislation should be drafted, signed and passed into law that if an incumbent refuses to concede after being booted from office that there should be serious consequences."

But before you kick Trump and his larcenous family out of the WH, be sure to count the silverware and everything else of any value.

[Kelt]

I thought it was interesting in reading financial news over the last couple of days that there is a fair amount of thinking a number of Republicans who didn’t like trump but we’re very wary of the tax increases is being proposed by Biden had voted to oust Trump but still voted repub for senate. The last few days market rally some think is being fueled by hopes for a split Congress.

Some thing else I found quite surprising was news sources quoting demographics stats on special interest groups voting more heavily for Trump this year than they did in 2016 (hispanic, black). Apparently twice as many LGBTQ. :blink:

[nhplowboi]

Hallelujah!!!!!

[Kätzchen]

Thank you Kelt for posting the demographic information you've come across, in your readings. I agree: Why is it that members of the LGBTQ vote for GOP policy and chaos, rather than peaceful progress and strong, proven leadership of the Democratic contenders (Biden & Harris)?

I have no answer for the problematic decisions others make that place our country in jeopardy, except to say that it is possible to find inter-complexity of answers within the framework of the IRS, the Economy, the public health sector and how those 3 sectors together are fueling a toxic molotov cocktail of danger and gatekeeping by the partisan political contenders who care only for their own gains and riches vs the poverty inflicted on mass Americans who have no access or representation to ease their pain and lack of support to help them live their day to day lives.

I just listened to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' formal statement from last night. Joe has a heart. TP does not. Joe understands pain and loss. TP does not. Joe has a plan for economic recovery and stemming the dangerous tide of Covid-19. TP has proven the past 4 years that he has NO plan to stem the tide of Covid-19 or the economy except what he can do to enrich himself and his crooked supporters.

It's Joe Biden and Kamala Harris who have the proven leadership and qualifications to occupy the WH and represent ALL Americans, not just the so-called Plutocrats who dominate and suffocate our country. TP has NO qualified background or extended history in making lives better for Americans or for others on a global spectrum. In FACT, TP has destroyed relationships with Allies and destroyed American Policy. That is not a resume of experience that leads to positive results and we've seen the past 4 years how his style of thinking and leadership proves destruction rather than positive construction and support.

Thankfully, over 74 Million citizens voted their conscience and chose to elect two people who will guide our country by building back better (BBB) rather than destroying our country.

I love it that Joe Biden has a heart. His speech last night brought me to tears. Long live Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Go Blue!

[Pacificblu]

Congratulations to Joseph R. Biden and Kamala Harris!

Just announced the results on CNN

[Kätzchen]

Bulldog? Now that Biden and Harris have been chosen as the 46th President and Vice President of the United States, what might be the case for The Senate and House of Representatives? Is it possible for Democrats to be in control of the Senate and HOR?

[Stone-Butch]

CONGRATS USA on getting a real President. Now if we can get a real Prime Minister all will be well.

The first black female Vice President, can't get much better eh.

[Orema]

My bestie in North Carolina called and broke the news to me. Loved that she was the one to tell me. She's in Chapel Hill, near UNC, and she can hear them cheering outside. She doesn't see anyone, but she can hear them.

Not quite ready to exhale. Still on edge and waiting for the worse—whatever that may be. He won't give up easily. There may be a fracture in his family. Jr wants to fight this out but I'm not so sure about Mini-me and Jared. The rebel rousers are standing by.

Still, President Biden and Vice President Harris have given me reason to rejoice.

Hallelujah, indeed.

[~ocean]

YrLk4vdY28Q

[Dominique]

Pennsylvania came through in a big way - Deciding this election. I have always been proud to be a Pittsburgher, but never more proud than I am today!

Vice President elect, Kamala Harris, you have broken through barriers that I never, ever thought I would see in my lifetime. Today is truly historic for women!

[BullDog]

Hallelujah indeed!

I feel a combination of relief, gratitude, and jubilation!!!!

Kätzchen, Dems will control then House, but our margin has been cut. We have to win the 2 Georgia runoffs to get to a 50-50 tie in the Senate.

Congress will be very narrowly divided. It's going to be tough because the Republicans have every incentive for Democrats to fail so they can re-take power in 2022 and 2024. Biden will remind Americans every day how we must come together as a country and that's our best hope I think.

To me, we all started to take our country back with the Women's marches that took place on the day after Chump's inauguration. I was at the one in Albuquerque, NM. We all were shaking our heads, especially us "older" ones, not believing we still had to fight this hard, but we do. We need to keep fighting. The Republicans want us to fail. We need to keep fighting.

I'm sad that John Lewis did not live to see all the amazing things happening in Georgia, but he helped change our country and the world, and now Stacey Abrams and others have taken the torch and carry on his work.

This victory was fueled by black voters in places like Milwaukee, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. We need to never forget that.

[Vincent]

From Aust

You did it

Amidst all the intimidation and violence and madness that this 4 years has produced.

In Aust we are celebrating too

The Whole world is watching,with relief.

Now lets keep fighting

but for now
Congratulations America

That human waste should be charged with crimes against humanity for all the covid deaths in the US in the hague

[BullDog]

Thank you Vincent and to everyone around the world for their support.

We now have the chance to be good neighbors to our allies around the world again and work together on critical issues like climate change.

Also, we will have a President who stands up against authoritarians and dictators once again.

[Gemme]

Joe and Kamala and the Secret Service are going to have to go through every inch of the White House and all Presidential meeting rooms/areas because you KNOW the Cheetoh is going to try to do some secret recording to "prove" he was right or to find a way to sneak back in. After all, it's the cheater/illegal recorder that accuses the other one of cheating/illegally recording, right?

[Martina]

You can always find reasons for complex phenomena, but the fact is the centrists over and over and over foregrounded the argument that Biden would bring along down ballot Democrats. Whatever bullshit you want to spew, the fact is that he did not.

[BullDog]

Martina you can spew your far left-wing nonsense all you want. It doesn't make a lick of sense and no one cares.

The country overall doesn't share my political views either, but at least I'm smart enough to know it.

BIDEN/HARRIS WON!!!!!! WE DID IT!!!!

[C0LLETTE]

Looking at all those celebrations in the streets of America you'd think it was New Years Eve...or maybe the overthrow of some Latin American dictator. I'm thinking it must feel a lot like the latter.
:getout:

Well done America but please don't ever go there again.

[C0LLETTE]

Strange thing about "The Far Left" is that they don't realize how much they have in common with "The Far Right".

[Kätzchen]

Been reading about who could be appointed to take former Senator, now Vice President Elect Kamala Harris' seat in the Senate. I saw one name that seems like a great choice, Attorney General for California, Xavier Becerra. Not sure if this person will be chosen, but he seems like a great choice to fill her shoes.

And, C0LLETTE, I was just thinking the same thing. Ha! Not only a great NYE prezzie but the BEST Christmas present ever. :stillheart:

Now to listen to the Drive-in broadcast of Joe Biden's acceptance speech and to hear what our Vice President Kamala Harris says in their first time as elected President and Vice President of the United States of America.

[Kätzchen]

HONK, HONK, HONK!!!

[C0LLETTE]

Thanks Katzchen! Look at all the stuff I just learned.

"Jingoes
The British war party during the Russo-Turkish struggle of 1877-8, when there was grave likelihood of this country interfering. The term became popular through the refrain in G. H. Macdermott’s famous song: “We don’t want to fight, but, by Jingo, if we do, We’ve got the ships, we’ve got the men, we’ve got the money too.” For a time the Jingo Party was in the ascendant."

"by Jingo"...euphemism for "by Jesus"

[~ocean]

Strange thing about "The Far Left" is that they don't realize how much they have in common with "The Far Right".

exactly we are PEOPLE left right WHO CARES as long as we stand in unity to progress if life's battles together ~ the names they give are a form of prejudice and I don't believe in separatism . Political views with names separates us . RZB96cvBjy8 TO ALL OF YOU ~

[Kätzchen]

Thanks Katzchen! Look at all the stuff I just learned.

"Jingoes
The British war party during the Russo-Turkish struggle of 1877-8, when there was grave likelihood of this country interfering. The term became popular through the refrain in G. H. Macdermott’s famous song: “We don’t want to fight, but, by Jingo, if we do, We’ve got the ships, we’ve got the men, we’ve got the money too.” For a time the Jingo Party was in the ascendant."

"by Jingo"...euphemism for "by Jesus"

Oh, well I am not familiar with the information you have found (see my answer below your most recent post).

Strange thing about "The Far Left" is that they don't realize how much they have in common with "The Far Right".

My rep comment to you, C0LLETTE, was in response to your post above:

Jingoism, true story :( (Kätzchen)

Jingoism is a term I learned about in an upper-Ed class of Sociology: The Sociology of Religions.

In that class I learned that excessive, chauvinistic oppressive views, which bring or cause harm to others, and finds its roots in irrational nationalistic views is called ....Jingoism (n) or Jingoistic (v).

In your post, you intimated that Far Right views and Far Left views find a lot in common with each other. I think your assessment of that is accurate and I added my thoughts that both sides are a form of Jingoism and often at times jingoistic. That is what I meant by using the term Jingoism/Jingoistic.

The drive-in President-Elect and Vice President Elect address is almost ready for on air broadcast, so I think it's time for me to go now.

Hooray, for Biden and Harris and all the people who cast their vote and made their voice heard!! Thanks to all!!! XO

[BullDog]

VP Elect Kamala Harris walking out to speak dressed in suffragette white. How thrilling. I'm so happy.

[Pacificblu]

You can always find reasons for complex phenomena, but the fact is the centrists over and over and over foregrounded the argument that Biden would bring along down ballot Democrats. Whatever bullshit you want to spew, the fact is that he did not.

We faced an uphill battle to get us up off of our knees before our democracy was lost. To say that you didn’t get everything you want is your prerogative, but most of us are happy to be leaving 4 years of Hell.

Now is the time to get out and support candidates who will make the changes you want to see in the world.

[Orema]

Trump Dumps 3 Agency Leaders In Wake Of Election

https://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/shared/npr/styles/placed_wide/nprshared/202011/932384591.jpg
Lisa Gordon-Hagerty of the National Nuclear Security Administration discusses global nuclear threats in Albuquerque, N.M., in 2019. She was removed from her post in an abrupt round of departures at three agencies. Susan Montoya Bryan/AP

The Trump administration abruptly dumped the leaders of three agencies that oversee the nuclear weapons stockpile, electricity and natural gas regulation, and overseas aid during the past two days, drawing a rebuke from a prominent Republican senator for one of the decisions.

The sudden departures included:


Lisa Gordon-Hagerty, administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, the first woman to oversee the agency in charge of the nuclear stockpile. She was required to resign on Friday.
Bonnie Glick, deputy administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. She was replaced by acting Administrator John Barsa, who had run out of time for his more senior role under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.
Neil Chatterjee, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and a former aide to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. He was replaced as chairman, though he will remain at FERC, an independent agency, as a commissioner.
The firings were overshadowed by the prolonged drama of the presidential election.

The White House declined comment on the firings and declined to say whether there would be more in the wake of the election.

Sen. Jim Inhofe, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued a statement criticizing Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, who he said "effectively demanded" the resignation of Gordon-Hagerty. (The National Nuclear Security Administration is a semi-autonomous agency that is part of the Energy Department.)

Inhofe called Gordon-Hagerty "an exemplary public servant and remarkable leader" and said Brouillette's decision "during this time of uncertainty demonstrates he doesn't know what he's doing in national security matters and shows a complete lack of respect for the semi-autonomous nature of NNSA."

https://www.npr.org/sections/live-updates-2020-election-results/2020/11/06/932376507/trump-dumps-3-agency-leaders-in-wake-of-election?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews

[Kätzchen]

Biden Plans Immediate Flurry of Executive Orders to Reverse T---p Policies (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/biden-first-executive-orders-measures/2020/11/07/9fb9c1d0-210b-11eb-b532-05c751cd5dc2_story.html)

by Matt Viser, Seung Min Kim and Annie Linskey
(November 7th, 2020. The Washington Post)


President-elect Joe Biden is planning to quickly sign a series of executive orders after being sworn into office on Jan. 20, immediately forecasting that the country’s politics have shifted and that his presidency will be guided by radically different priorities.

He will rejoin the Paris climate accords, according to those close to his campaign and commitments he has made in recent months, and he will reverse President Trump’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization. He will repeal the ban on almost all travel from some Muslim-majority countries, and he will reinstate the program allowing “dreamers,” who were brought to the United States illegally as children, to remain in the country, according to people familiar with his plans.

Biden’s top advisers have spent months quietly working on how best to implement his agenda, with hundreds of transition officials preparing to get to work inside various federal agencies. They have assembled a book filled with his campaign commitments to help guide their early decisions.

Biden is planning to set up a coronavirus task force on Monday, in recognition that the global pandemic will be the primary issue that he must confront. The task force, which could begin meeting within days, will be co-chaired by former surgeon general Vivek H. Murthy and David Kessler, a former Food and Drug Administration commissioner.

There has also been a recognition of those around him that he may have to lean more on executive actions than he had once hoped. He can reorient various federal agencies and regulations, and he can adopt a different posture on the world stage.

But pushing major legislation through Congress could prove to be a challenge.

Although the Democrats will hold a narrowed majority in the House, the final makeup of the Senate is not yet clear. That will be decided on Jan. 5, with two runoff elections in Georgia. Democrats would need to win both races to effectively have control of the Senate — with Vice President Kamala D. Harris serving as the tie-breaking vote — while Republicans would retain a narrow advantage by winning at least one.

“The policy team, the transition policy teams, are focusing now very much on executive power,” said a Biden ally who has been in touch with his team who, like others interviewed for this story, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. “I expect that to be freely used in a Biden administration at this point, if the Senate becomes a roadblock.”

A Republican-held Senate — or even one with a narrow Democratic majority — probably will affect Biden’s Cabinet picks given the Senate’s power to confirm nominees.

One option being discussed is appointing Cabinet members in an acting capacity, a tactic that Trump also used.

“Just by virtue of the calendar and how many positions are filled, that’s always a possibility,” the person said. “Because the Senate moves so slowly now, so much more slowly than it used to.”

On Saturday afternoon, about two hours after networks called Biden the winner of the election, the president-elect had a brief call with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), who called to congratulate Biden on a “tremendous victory,” according to two Democratic officials.

Schumer called while en route to a celebration in Brooklyn, holding his flip phone out the window so that Biden could hear the cheering crowd.

If Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) stays as majority leader, he would be trying to manage a conference torn between two factions with different interests, but neither necessarily eager to help Biden — one with senators running for reelection in swing states in 2022, and another with those seeking the national spotlight as they vie for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

“In the old days, the mandate meant that the other side would be more amenable, or feeling they had an impetus to work,” said Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. (D-Pa.). “I’m not sure that applies any longer.”

A closely divided Congress could hamper Biden’s efforts to do sweeping legislative actions on immigration changes. He has also said he would send a bill to Congress repealing liability protections for gun manufacturers, and close background-check loopholes. He has pledged to repeal the Republican-passed tax cuts from 2017, an effort that could be stymied if Republicans hold the Senate majority.

Without congressional cooperation, however, Biden has said that he plans to immediately reverse Trump’s rollback of 100 public health and environmental rules that the Obama administration had in place.

He would also institute new ethics guidelines at the White House, and he has pledged to sign an executive order the first day in office saying that no member of his administration could influence any Justice Department investigations.

Biden has long pledged to rejoin the Paris climate accords by executive order, but he has also said that he would attempt to persuade other nations to adopt higher standards in an attempt to curb the impacts of climate change.

Sen. Christopher A. Coons (D-Del.), a longtime Biden ally who holds the seat Biden had for 36 years, offered a broad overview of Biden’s initial agenda: “Get us out of this pandemic that’s been made far worse by Trump’s bungled mishandling of it, rebuild our economy in a way that’s more sustainable and more inclusive, and deal with division and inequality.”

Biden has long pledged to rejoin the Paris climate accords by executive order, but he has also said that he would attempt to persuade other nations to adopt higher standards in an attempt to curb the impacts of climate change.

Sen. Christopher A. Coons (D-Del.), a longtime Biden ally who holds the seat Biden had for 36 years, offered a broad overview of Biden’s initial agenda: “Get us out of this pandemic that’s been made far worse by Trump’s bungled mishandling of it, rebuild our economy in a way that’s more sustainable and more inclusive, and deal with division and inequality.”

Biden also wants to quickly appoint a supply commander to oversee production and distribution of testing — and, when ready, vaccines — as well as materials such as masks and gowns.

The coronavirus — and Biden’s response to it — could also significantly impact the traditional spectacle that surrounds the transfer of power. Inaugural balls could be altered. And while Biden has previously said he wouldn’t envision wearing a mask while being sworn in, he has said they could try to limit the traditional throngs that fill the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

(Special Note: This is an exceptionally well written news article, which is very long but filled with vital information. Click on the WaPo title to go directly to the original article for further reading).

[Vincent]

I have never ever seen this before in my life

In Brisbane Aust there was fire works when it was announced Biden/Harris beat trump.
the tweet was posted by our ex PM Kevin Rudd,
for fact check

also in parts of OZ church bells were ringin.WTF we are Athiests,30% of us any way,LOL

[Martina]

We faced an uphill battle to get us up off of our knees before our democracy was lost. To say that you didn’t get everything you want is your prerogative, but most of us are happy to be leaving 4 years of Hell.

Now is the time to get out and support candidates who will make the changes you want to see in the world.

Who says I'm not? It's a separate point. Centrists used the argument that only Biden could bring along down ballot Dems over and over against progressives just as they are now trying to blame BLM and Bernie supporters for the fact that there was not a blue wave. Hell, they initially tried to blame urban Blacks for not coming out in large enough numbers before they regained their senses. White voters voted for Trump in about the same percentages that they did in 2016. Without Black and Latino voters, Biden would not be President Elect as he acknowledged in his speech. AOC and others are pushing back against this vile rhetoric. Don't tell me or any other progressive to get on the god damned bandwagon again.

[BullDog]

People of color indeed fueled Biden's victory. I noted that earlier as did many others. Some younger people of color are progressives but overall these voters are more on the moderate side.

All of the white people who voted for Trump are the ones who suck - not Biden or those who support him. I don't get the logic or all the bitterness trying to blame Biden and bash Democrats. Anyone more left than Biden would have definitely lost considering how many people voted for Trump. Biden had many strengths against Trump that other candidates didn't have.

Almost all the Senate races voted along party lines - blue state, red state. Coming on with some huge attack on Biden and "centrists" (I don't know anyone who calls themselves that) is ridiculous. I think having progressives in the mix and incorporating their ideas into our overall agenda is good, but if we don't keep in mind where the overall country is at, we will lose big time. The country is at best in the middle. Personally, I think it's somewhat right of center.

I sometimes mix it up with Trump supporters. I know I shouldn't but I do. Everything out of their mouths is about us being socialists and communists and Antifa and that we are destroying the cities. That and the wackadoodle conspiracy theories about Joe and Hunter Biden. So unfortunately being seen as too extreme is indeed very prevalent. I don't think it's just the hardcore Trump supporters who are susceptible to thinking this way.

I don't get why putting up far-left solutions would make any lick of sense whatsoever since most Democrats don't agree with them let alone anyone else. Like if Saint Bernie was the nominee we would have swept the senate. We definitely would not have and Sanders would have lost to Trump in a landslide. No worries I'm not going to ask someone with an attitude like this to jump on the bandwagon. You keep threatening to vote third party, so go ahead.

[BullDog]

Something I forgot to say in my previous post. It’s pretty obvious but many of the very same people of color voters who propelled Biden’s victory over Trump also propelled him to victory in the primary over more progressive candidates like Sanders and Warren. They knew we absolutely had to win this election.

I think it’s great to have progressives in the mix. I don’t always agree with her but people like AOC have a bright future. In states and districts where they can win seats then awesome. The general election is an entirely different story.

[Martina]

AOC would laugh at your "bright future" condescending tokenism. She can't be coopted. She is thinking seriously of leaving politics because centrist Dems resist every effort to help working people. This election was energized by progressives, many of whom were BIPOC. I myself phone banked extensively through a progressive union and gave money. It wasn't just our votes. And now progressives are being blamed for there not having been a blue wave. Please God, we will never face a fascist threat like Trump again. But if Biden forgets his promises, there will be no help from the left again. Try to do without our organizations, money and votes. Trump got 71 million votes. Good luck without us because it looks like that's what's going to happen.

[BullDog]

It isn't condescending tokenism but WTF ever Martina. Progressives can't get anything done without us either. There are way more of us than you. Progressives did contribute to the victory and so did many other people too. Yes, there were disappointments but the work goes on.

Once again, why are you blaming Democrats for legislation not getting passed? The House has passed tons of bills and they are sitting in McConnell's graveyard. Why don't you fight the real enemy?

Such bullshit for you to come in here and blame and be so nasty and divisive when we just scored a great victory. Eff off.

[Kätzchen]

It isn't condescending tokenism but WTF ever Martina. Progressives can't get anything done without us either. There are way more of us than you. Progressives did contribute to the victory and so did many other people too. Yes, there were disappointments but the work goes on.

Once again, why are you blaming Democrats for legislation not getting passed? The House has passed tons of bills and they are sitting in McConnell's graveyard. Why don't you fight the real enemy?

Such bullshit for you to come in here and blame and be so nasty and divisive when we just scored a great victory. Eff off.

***Coalition Building***

(Biden's stategy, which works the best).

[Medusa]

Y'all.


I've received several reports of folks being rude and shitty to each other in here. Stop it.

I really, REALLY want folks to be able to have these discussions because we have SO MUCH to untangle and talk about as a queer community and as human beings with this latest election.

PLEASE DO have these discussions with each other but DO NOT be hateful or tell each other to "fuck off" or call someone "condescending" under the guise of what someone else might think.
Just be adults.

You all are making some fantastic points in here but we are never going to hear each other if we are too busy cyber-slapping each other.

Carry on.

[Kätzchen]

I read, somewhere today, that former President Bush reached out to Joe Biden and congratulated him on the historic win. I thought that was so nice of him and as a former Republican president, it made me see his statemanship in a different, positive light. I think it speaks well of former President Bush.

I also noticed that Georgia flipped a House seat, so that is wonderful. Last count I saw for the House stands at 222. So the Democrats definitely have majority control of the House.

I sure do hope that Georgia wins the two seats in the Senate. So very close, the Senate race.

[Gemme]

wRuHo33zE5g

[BullDog]

According to NBC exit polls:

White voters: 41% Biden, 58% Trump (67% of elecorate)
Black voters: 87% Biden, 12% Trump (13% of electorate)
Hispanic/Latino Voters: 65% Biden, 32% Trump (13% of electorate)
Asian voters: 61% Biden, 34% Trump (4% of elecorate)
Other voters: 55% Biden, 41% Trump (4% of electorate)

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-elections/exit-polls

[Martina]

11.08.2020

Before the Dust Has Settled, Corporate Democrats Are Already Attacking AOC and the Left by David Sirota


We’re all exhausted, and understandably so. It’s been an unspeakably horrific year. The election psychologically drained everyone, and we all just want a break. But here’s the thing: money never sleeps, and money is already hard at work trying to make sure nothing fundamentally changes in politics — and if nothing fundamentally changes in Washington, then everything is going to change for the worse in the real world.

Since the election was called for Joe Biden, there has been a multitiered effort to blame disappointing election results on progressives, even as exit polls and voting results show that progressive organizing rescued Democrats from the jaws of a presidential defeat. While the country was celebrating the defeat of Trump, here’s what the voices of Big Money have been doing since the election:

Democratic leaders are insisting that the party must abandon modestly progressive health care positions in order to boost the party’s chances in Georgia, even though polling says exactly the opposite.

Republican John Kasich — who was given a DNC speaking slot by Team Biden and who nonetheless failed to help Democrats win his home state of Ohio — went on CNN to bash progressives, insisting that Biden’s top priority should be appeasing Trump voters.

Ian Bremmer — a Morning Joe character who is a reliable barometer of elite thought — echoed Kasich, suggesting that the first thing Democrats should do is reach out and appease Trump supporters.

Joe Scarborough himself asserted that the election proves Democrats must run away from the left, even though their entire strategy was running away from the left, and that strategy resulted in disappointing down-ballot losses.

Politico published a list of alleged front-runners for Biden cabinet slots, filled mostly with corporate-friendly Democrats and Republicans.
The American Petroleum Institute and the US Chamber of Commerce are publicly offering to work with the Biden administration, pledging a desire to “support bipartisan policies” and “break through the gridlock.”

As GOP operatives at the Lincoln Project explore turning their operation into a media empire, they are turning their attacks on US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the party’s few stars with a large national following.

Democratic leaders and the House Blue Dog Coalition — the corporate wing of the party — have spent the week attacking progressives, blaming them for a handful of moderate freshman lawmakers’ losses — even as data show that Democrats in swing districts lost vote share as they moved further and further to the right.

Before the election, I told you that no matter the election outcome, the Left would be blamed or shamed. That doesn’t make me Nostradamus — it was an obvious truth, even if it was taboo to dare speak.

Just as Republicans always spin every economic policy as a reason to cut rich people’s taxes, corporate Democrats and their allies have a left-bashing propaganda machine powered by a finely tuned algorithm designed to silence progressive leaders — whether it’s AOC, Bernie Sanders, or anyone else — and to turn every election result into a rationale to protect billionaires, corporate power, and the status quo.

The election, though, was the opposite of a demand for stasis — indeed, Democrats almost lost because they once again let Trump portray himself as the candidate of economic change, and they only got away with that because COVID-19 and organizing defeated Trump’s reelection bid. If they run back the same campaign in a COVID-19–free environment, there’s a good chance they would lose in a landslide. Here’s what I told NPR’s All Things Considered yesterday:

The focus on trying to moderate a message in order to attract so-called Biden Republicans. That was a failure. The data shows that the better strategy is to try to pull out your own voters and voters who haven’t been voting. And I do think the Democrats did a decent job of that. But the amount of money — and we’re talking about tens of millions of dollars that went into focusing on trying to appeal to a mythical Republican swing voter — the data shows that that was not a good strategy . . .

An inanimate object should have been able to win a landslide against Donald Trump in the middle of a pandemic and economic crisis . . . The other thing that comes out in the polling data is that the Democrats paid a price for not having a very strong economic message. I mean, I do think the Biden campaign was shrewd in some of what it did, focusing on the pandemic and the like. But without having a strong economic message repeated over and over and over again, you saw an exit poll that showed Donald Trump won 82 percent of voters who said that the economy was their top issue.

That is a huge problem. It was a huge problem in the election. I’m certainly glad that Joe Biden won. But moving forward, if the Democrats do not have a strong populist, progressive economic message heading into 2022 and 2024, we could get something worse than Donald Trump.

What Comes Next?
I’m sorry to be the one to deliver the news, but here’s the truth: as exhausted as you feel, as tired of this shit as we all are, there’s just no rest for the weary. Assuming you don’t want nothing to fundamentally change, then we’re going to have to fight — and the first way to fight is to know some basic truths.

Disengaging and going back to brunch is a formula for a repeat of 2010 and 2016 — commit yourself to being involved in causes and groups that will demand local, state, and federal lawmakers to enact policies that materially improve people’s lives.
Participate in demonstrations and protests in your own community focused on concrete policy outcomes.

Sending money to sham groups like the Lincoln Project for them to light it on fire or use it to set up a conservative media outlet is destructive — if you want to pitch in resources, give it to a news organization doing journalism that holds politicians accountable.

Run for an office in the 2022 election — and don’t be afraid to run in a primary against a Democrat who is part of the problem.

These are not perfect solutions, and everyone is going to have to try to decide which specific organizations, causes, and campaigns they are going to participate in. But the point is, that the next few weeks and months are going to determine the next four years.

If you hear people tell you to just shut up and celebrate and take some time off, they are ignoring the insomnia of money. Corporate interests don’t rest — they are like a T-1000 Terminator interminably pursuing their prime directives, which is to continue enriching the billionaire class.

The election has not deterred them, which means we sleep at our own peril.

https://www.jacobinmag.com/2020/11/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-democrats-aoc-biden-trump

[BullDog]

I'm blaming the 58% of white voters who voted for Donald Trump. Just because a few people are popping off doesn't mean they represent all of us. In-fighting between Democrats just plays into the right's hands. The Repugs will be thrilled.

[Kätzchen]

CNN article talking about how big the win is for Biden-Harris. And it is big. By the time all the counting is done, Biden & Harris will have over 80 Million votes.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/11/politics/joe-biden-2020-election-win/index.html

•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•

To all the voters who ignored TP and the right-wing lies?
I ♡ you.

To all the Republicans who grew a conscience and stepped up to congratulate Joe Biden & Kamala Harris?
I ♡ you.

To those of you who support coming together under new leadership of Biden & Harris?
I ♡ you.

We must move forward for the sake of our country. For our own safety and security.

Many blessings of peace and encouragement to all.

XO :bunchflowers:

[nhplowboi]

Hey Donald.....maybe there wasn't a "blue wave" but there was a "landslide"!

[dark_crystal]

I'm blaming the 58% of white voters who voted for Donald Trump. Just because a few people are popping off doesn't mean they represent all of us. In-fighting between Democrats just plays into the right's hands. The Repugs will be thrilled.

Re: the Repugs will be thrilled

Rank and file Republicans like my family have no idea we fight about anything. My parents were SHOCKED in 2016 when i mentioned how many voters would be holding their noses while voting for Clinton.

My relatives have spent the entire time since Biden was projected posting ominous "get ready for socialism" rants on facebook.

I have broken my 5-year anti-commenting rule to inform them that there ARE a bunch of ACTUAL socialists that will be happy to explain that NOT being Socialist was ultimately how Biden got nominated (ultimately, not exclusively-- just during those few weeks when it came down to him and Bernie)

Once again, their minds are blown. Like they literally had no idea our entire party does not march in lockstep on our mission to murder the unborn.

Their media bubble portrays us as much more unified (and badass) than we actually are :superfunny:

[Kätzchen]

My mom has been so upset with the carnage of the political party she was once a life time member of....that she wrote to the RNC last week and delivered a scathing rebuke and rebuttal of the toxic GOP politics which has turned rogue with TP supporters.

She got her point across rather quickly and will never cast a vote for the GOP, ever again.

She is now on the right side of democracy, as a full fledged Democrat.

She told me this over the phone, the other day. I love my mother for seeing critical flaws in the GOP thinkers of America.

Never again will my mom cast a vote for any GOP official.

In fact, she is now a grass roots supporter for Democrats in Idaho. Her Blue Wig Marge Simpson hairdo is now her wig for the Democrat Party.

:cheerleader: :hk20: :stillheart:

[dark_crystal]

My mom has been so upset with the carnage of the political party she was once a life time member of....that she wrote to the RNC last week and delivered a scathing rebuke and rebuttal of the toxic GOP politics which has turned rogue with TP supporters.

She got her point across rather quickly and will never cast a vote for the GOP, ever again.

She is now on the right side of democracy, as a full fledged Democrat.

She told me this over the phone, the other day. I love my mother for seeing critical flaws in the GOP thinkers of America.

Never again will my mom cast a vote for any GOP official.

In fact, she is now a grass roots supporter for Democrats in Idaho. Her Blue Wig Marge Simpson hairdo is now her wig for the Democrat Party.

:cheerleader: :hk20: :stillheart:

I wish my parents could be that rational. They were given Trump bumper stickers and yard signs and put them straight into the TRASH, but they still "had" to vote for him because Biden's pro-choice.

[Kätzchen]

Wow, what a cliff-hanger day it has been. I saw headline news about the Michigan results being thwarted but then suddenly there was no issue. But WTF is wrong with Sen. Graham? Wow. That is serious what he did and three cheers for the Republican Secretary of State who is taking some serious heat and thankfully, he had the foresight to include a participant who backs up his account of what Senator Graham said. Just wow.

Some serious serious stuff is going down.


Consequences for the GSA person who is delaying incoming administration access to government areas necessary to transition processes?

Consequences for Graham, too?

*tick tock*

[Kätzchen]

Sure do hope both of the men win seats in the Senate. Really good article covering both campaigns. Keep up the good fight in Georgia, Georgian voters!

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/us/politics/with-senate-control-hanging-in-balance-crazytown-cash-floods-georgia.html

[BullDog]

Re: the Repugs will be thrilled

Rank and file Republicans like my family have no idea we fight about anything. My parents were SHOCKED in 2016 when i mentioned how many voters would be holding their noses while voting for Clinton.

My relatives have spent the entire time since Biden was projected posting ominous "get ready for socialism" rants on facebook.

I have broken my 5-year anti-commenting rule to inform them that there ARE a bunch of ACTUAL socialists that will be happy to explain that NOT being Socialist was ultimately how Biden got nominated (ultimately, not exclusively-- just during those few weeks when it came down to him and Bernie)

Once again, their minds are blown. Like they literally had no idea our entire party does not march in lockstep on our mission to murder the unborn.

Their media bubble portrays us as much more unified (and badass) than we actually are :superfunny:

When I said the Repugs would be thrilled about the in-fighting I was actually thinking of elected ones like McConnell and them finding ways to exploit it. However, I did not specify that in my post.

Yes, I agree it's common for the rank and file to think of us as all socialists - which is exactly what the moderates in Congress are objecting to - although I think they are blaming the wrong side. I think the bickering is very counterproductive and they should work on actual issues and not worry about whether some policy is moderate, progressive, etc.

[Kätzchen]

"Yes, there is election fraud and it's coming from inside the White House," ~ Joshua A. Douglas, Law Professor @ University of Kentucky.

Opinion: Trump is the true perpetrator of election fraud

https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/19/opinions/trump-perpetuate-election-fraud-michigan-douglas/index.html

[Orema]

Radical agitation helped bring Social Security and much of the New Deal into being.

Jamelle Bouie
By Jamelle Bouie, New York Times Opinion Writer

https://i.postimg.cc/gjCYtbhr/merlin-179157579-64500a33-6b11-41e5-98ab-d4ccccb01ce7-super-Jumbo.jpg
Joe Biden’s pilgrimage to Warm Springs, Ga. Credit...Brian Snyder/Reuters

Not long before Election Day, Joe Biden traveled to Warm Springs, Ga. to deliver a speech on the healing of America.

This place, Warm Springs, is a reminder that though broken, each of us can be healed. That as a people and a country, we can overcome a devastating virus. That we can heal a suffering world. That yes, we can restore our soul and save our country.

The location was intentional. Warm Springs is where Franklin Delano Roosevelt went to rest and recover, beginning in 1924, after his polio diagnosis and subsequent paralysis in 1921. As president he made it, along with his home in Hyde Park, N.Y., a kind of winter White House. He died there in 1945, just a few months after taking the oath of office for a fourth time. The town remains a shrine to the 32nd president, an ideal stop for someone who hopes to channel Roosevelt’s ambition (and also saw electoral opportunity in the state).

We now know that Biden will be president, but he won’t have the votes for F.D.R.-size legislation. This doesn’t mean he’s dead in the water, but it does mean that Biden will have to marshal every resource and rely on every possible ally to win whatever victories he can. And he should know, as Roosevelt did, that this means grappling with the left — all of the left, including its most radical edges.

The Social Security Act of 1935, which established the nation’s old age and unemployment insurance programs, as well as its first stab at maternal assistance, represents traditional Democratic Party liberalism at its best: simple, broad-based and pragmatic. The basis for the American welfare state — and derided by opponents at the time as an example of “creeping socialism” — it remains a potent example of the power of government to help ordinary people. What the public knows is that it was the product of Roosevelt and the New Deal. Missing from this story is how much the law owes to the activism and agitation of the American left.

On Feb. 10, 1931, four years before Senator Robert Wagner of New York and Representative David Lewis of Maryland introduced President Roosevelt’s social security legislation to Congress, tens of thousands of Americans nationwide took to the streets at the height of the Great Depression to march for unemployment assistance and food aid. Organized by a then-burgeoning Communist Party, demonstrations ranged from peaceful protests to tense confrontations with law enforcement. In Boston, noted The New York Times in a contemporaneous report, “Two hundred Communists and sympathizers and about as many police staged a series of fights and scuffles along the Boston Common.” In St. Paul, Minn., “Communist-led demonstrators jammed their way into the House chamber of the Minnesota Legislature and held possession for more than two hours while they demanded relief for the unemployed.”

In New York City, similarly, “nearly 4,000 men, women and children heard half a dozen speakers call upon the government to grant unemployment insurance, stop evictions and to furnish free food, heat and light to the unemployed.”

These demonstrations weren’t just for the idea of unemployment insurance. The Communists had a particular bill in mind: the Workers’ Unemployment Insurance Bill, which the party had drafted the previous year. The Workers’ Bill, as it was called, promised generous assistance for the unemployed, for the sick and the old, and for new mothers, all financed by taxes on corporate income and inheritances.

With ongoing activism and agitation came greater support; rank-and-file pressure from within the American Federation of Labor, for example, led to the creation of the A.F.L. Trade Union Committee for Unemployment Insurance and Relief, headed by Louis Weinstock of the New York Painters’ Union, himself a communist. The committee endorsed the bill, which was later introduced to Congress by the Minnesota Farmer-Labor congressman Ernest Lundeen on the urging of Herbert Benjamin of C.P.U.S.A., who led the party’s effort to organize the unemployed.

Lundeen’s version of the “Worker’s Bill” quickly became a rallying point for unions and associations of the unemployed across the country. Here is the historian James J. Lorence in “Organizing the Unemployed: Community and Union Activists in the Industrial Heartland”:

Although the Lundeen Bill drew only lukewarm congressional backing, its strong rank-and-file support helped shape the debated that ended in the creation of the American unemployment insurance system.

Over the course of 1934, grass roots organizers arranged marches, letter-writing campaigns and conferences in support of the bill. “The popular pressure crested in January 1935 with a major national demonstration to support the Lundeen Bill,” Lorence writes. “Among the groups endorsing the legislation were MESA [Mechanics Educational Society of America]; AWU [Auto Workers Union]; Railway Carmen; Machinists; Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers; the rebel AFL unions; and a large number of ethnic and fraternal organizations.”

Concurrent with the demonstration was a Communist-organized National Congress for Unemployment and Social Insurance. There, thousands of delegates from dozens of states agitated for its passage. Proponents of the Lundeen bill, like Thomas Arnold Hill of the National Urban League, urged its passage:

There must come before the Congress of the United States, legislation that will guarantee, for all workers regardless of age, occupation, color, sex, or political belief, full compensation for all loss of time occasioned by involuntary unemployment, industrial accident, and sickness. Minimum standards must be set below which this compensation must not fall. Costs must be placed not upon workers, but upon Government and capital; and workers must not be excluded from administering the benefits of such a plan.

Aware of the Roosevelt proposal, which had been percolating within the administration for most of the previous year, proponents held out the Workers’ Bill as the only viable solution to the unemployment crisis. “It is the position of the Communist Party that it is the responsibility of the national government to provide, against all those vicissitudes of life which are beyond individual or group control, a guarantee of a minimum standard of decent livelihood equal to the average of the individual or group when normally employed,” declared Earl Browder, the leader of C.P.U.S.A., in a statement made at Senate Finance Committee hearings on the Wagner-Lewis Bill. “The Communist Party opposes the administration bill because it violates each and every one of these conditions for real social insurance.”

On March 9, 1935, the House Committee on Labor, following hours of testimony from a cross-section of Americans, voted to send the Lundeen bill to the House floor, where it was promptly defeated by an overwhelming majority of Democrats and Republicans. In death, however the Lundeen bill, as well as the activism that brought it to Congress, helped clear the way for Wagner-Lewis, a proposal which even in its modesty redefined the relationship between state and citizen.

https://i.postimg.cc/kMQqqzWN/20bouie2-super-Jumbo.jpg
F.D.R. arrives in Warm Springs, Ga., with Eleanor and their daughter Anna, after winning the 1932 election. Credit...Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Paul H. Douglas, a University of Chicago economist and future senator from Illinois, made this clear in his 1936 book on the Social Security Act (as quoted in the essay “A Decade of Dissent: The New Deal and Popular Movements,” by Gertrude Schaffner Goldberg).

The radical and sweeping nature of its proposals enabled the administration forces to say to the indifferent and to the conservative that unless the latter accepted the moderate program put forward by the administration they might later be forced to accept the radical and far-reaching provisions of the Lundeen bill.

From roughly 1930 to 1935, an amalgamation of leftists and laborers — employed or otherwise — made social insurance an urgent priority for the federal government. It is possible that something like the Social Security Act would have passed without this agitation, but knowing how difficult it is to move the American government in any direction without the pressure of organized public opinion, I doubt it.

Let’s return to the present. The conditions of January 2021 will be very different than those of January 1935. The situation isn’t as dire and the left isn’t as strong. Neither is the Democratic Party. What, then, can Democrats take from this story?

Simply put, an ambitious, active left is one that widens the scope of reform. It’s a left that, even if you disagree with it, helps clear the pathways for action. It brings energy and urgency to liberal politics. And if nothing else, it’s a foil against which moderates can triangulate and make the case for more than marginal change, should they want it. Roosevelt was often frustrated with the left, but recognized its power and the importance of its vitality to his own cause.

There was no building the American welfare state without the left, and if it’s to be rebuilt, the left will have to be part of it. Democrats, especially would-be heirs to F.D.R., should take care to remember that fact.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/20/opinion/biden-fdr-left-new-deal.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

[Kätzchen]

Joe Lockhart Op-ed @ CNN presents the argument on why TP must be held accountable once he is forced from office.

I agree with Joe Lockhart.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/20/opinions/trump-needs-to-be-held-accountable-lockhart/index.html

[GeorgiaMa'am]

Barack Obama, on NPR's Fresh Air, 11/19/2020:

"Donald Trump is uninhibited and willing to say anything even if it doesn't sound plausible."

What a nice way to say 'Donald Trump is a liar.'

[Orema]

Watch out for this misinformation when Congress meets to certify the election.
Jan. 6, 2021, 6:00 a.m.
By Davey Alba and Sheera Frenkel

https://i.postimg.cc/yd6hnBGx/merlin-180015702-c6103948-6f27-4316-a0f7-01d367ab4ac4-super-Jumbo.jpg
An audit of election ballots in Atlanta in mid-November.Credit...Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

As Congress meets on Wednesday to certify Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s victory in the November election, President Trump and his supporters continue to spread rumors, conspiracy theories and misinformation about the vote.

Here are six false voter fraud claims that may be repeated during the proceedings on Wednesday.

_______________
No, ‘glitches’ in Dominion Voting Machines did not change vote tallies.

Claim: Dominion Voting Systems, which makes software that local governments around the nation use to help run their elections, deleted votes for President Trump.

Fact: There is no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, including the machines with Dominion software, according to the federal agency that oversees election security.

Background: In the weeks after the election, President Trump and his supporters spread baseless claims about Dominion. The claims included theories that “software glitches” changed vote tallies in several states, including Michigan and Georgia. No such changes were ever found.

Mr. Trump and his supporters subsequently claimed that Dominion had hidden evidence of voter fraud, both by destroying machines or removing parts within the machines. Mr. Trump repeated those claims during a call with Georgia’s secretary of state last weekend. Gabriel Sterling, a top election official in Georgia, said Monday of the claims of election fraud in the state, “This is all easily, provably false.”

_______________
No, politicians in Georgia did not prevent an analysis of absentee ballots.

Fact: Election officials have audited absentee ballots and found “no fraudulent absentee ballots.”

Claim: President Trump and his supporters have claimed that absentee ballots in Georgia were rife with fraud and that state officials have not fully investigated.

Background: The Georgia secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, ordered law enforcement and election investigators to conduct an audit of more than 15,000 absentee ballot envelopes in Cobb County, based on a complaint that signatures were not adequately checked there. The audit found no fraud. Mr. Raffensperger has said that he also plans a statewide audit of each county’s signature-match policies and procedures.

_______________
No, thousands of votes in Arizona were not changed to favor Biden.

Claim: In an interview on the conservative cable channel Newsmax in December, the Arizona Republican chairwoman, Kelli Ward, said 200,000 ballots were digitally changed to give the victory to Mr. Biden, and Representative Paul Gosar amplified the falsehood on Twitter.

Fact: Audits in Arizona have found no evidence of voter fraud, or changed vote tallies.

Background: While early results in Arizona showed a close race, the final count revealed that Mr. Biden had won the state by more than 10,000 votes.

Audits in Arizona’s four largest counties, which make up 86 percent of all votes in the state, turned up no evidence of systematic voter fraud.

_______________
No, election workers didn’t stuff fraudulent ballots into suitcases.

Claim: President Trump’s supporters have pointed to a video as proof that ballots were pulled from a “suitcase” at a vote-counting center in Atlanta.

Fact: Election officials have said the surveillance video shows normal ballot processing. It is not unusual practice for poll workers to store ballots that still need to be counted on-site at the polling center.

Background: As reported by The New York Times, late on Nov. 3, election workers in Fulton County, Ga., heard that they would be allowed to stop the vote-counting and retire for the evening. So they packed uncounted ballots into suitcases and prepared to lock up. When word came that they couldn’t leave yet, they dragged the suitcases back out and began counting the ballots again.

But that scene of election workers taking out suitcases of ballots was selectively edited and pushed by allies of President Trump as one of the many false theories purportedly proving widespread election fraud. The conspiracists also named the election worker Ruby Freeman as a specific player in this false conspiracy event.

_______________
No, there isn’t evidence that Pennsylvania election officials violated state law.

Claim: President Trump’s campaign has claimed that Pennsylvania election officials improperly handled tens of thousands of mail-in ballots in violation of state election law.

Fact: The Trump campaign’s legal efforts to disqualify votes in Pennsylvania have been unsupported by evidence.

Background: The Trump campaign filed several claims in court seeking to invalidate Pennsylvania’s election results, and one ally of Mr. Trump, Senator Josh Hawley, has said he would challenge the results because he believed “some states, particularly Pennsylvania, failed to follow their own state election laws.”

But the Trump campaign has included no evidence that any vote had been cast illegally.

In a hearing on Nov. 17, President Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudolph W. Giuliani, acknowledged he had no proof to back up his claims of voter fraud in Pennsylvania. “This is not a fraud case,” Mr. Giuliani said.

Four days later, the judge overseeing the case dismissed the lawsuit. It was also shot down last month by Judge Stephanos Bibas, a Trump appointee to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, who said in a ruling, “Calling an election unfair does not make it so. Charges require specific allegations and then proof. We have neither here.”

_______________
No, Pence does not have the power to change the election result.

Claim: Vice President Mike Pence can reject state electors in the Electoral College.

Fact: Federal law stipulates that the vice president’s role is to count Electoral College votes, not decide whether they are valid.

Background: President Trump on Tuesday falsely claimed on Twitter that Mr. Pence has the power to reject electors when the Electoral College vote is certified.

As president of the Senate, Mr. Pence is expected to preside over the pro forma certification of the Electoral College vote count in front of a joint session of Congress. The only electoral certifications available for Vice President Pence to preside over are the ones approved by each state.


Ben Decker and Jacob Silver contributed research.
Davey Alba is a technology reporter covering disinformation. In 2019, she won a Livingston Award for excellence in international reporting and a Mirror Award for best story on journalism in peril. @daveyalba

Sheera Frenkel covers cybersecurity from San Francisco. Previously, she spent over a decade in the Middle East as a foreign correspondent, reporting for BuzzFeed, NPR, The Times of London and McClatchy Newspapers.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/06/business/watch-out-for-this-misinformation-when-congress-meets-to-certify-the-election.html?action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=Homepage