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Election Day Jitters

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2024
Posted on Tue Nov 05, 2024 at 02:33:11 PM EST
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I have them. I'm sure any rational person does, when considering the possibility, however slight, that Donald Trump, the most unfit person to run for President ever might win. Trump keeps escalating his hate-filled attacks and doom and gloom characterizations of our nation. He is now Mr. Negativity.

Make sure to vote. Your vote counts. Never believe that your vote is so small it wouldn't change a thing. It can and it will.

We get the Government we elect. Don't let Donald Trump bring the nation down, down, and down, until it's run into the ground. Get up and vote. The dry cleaners, bank and grocery store can wait until tomorrow. America can't.

My Prediction: The polls are all wrong and Kamala wins by a large margin in all but a few of the most hard-wired, radical-right states with the most under-informed and bitter voters.

I'll be back tonight to cover the madness.

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    Yes (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Nov 05, 2024 at 03:58:45 PM EST
    Politics has largely sucked since Trump came on the scene spewing his vitrol

    Fani Willis (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 05, 2024 at 08:26:47 PM EST
    Reelected easily in Fulton Co GA

    Well I'm just disgusted. (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by desertswine on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 10:15:58 AM EST
    It's going to be a new and much uglier America.

    Ugly, like (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by KeysDan on Mon Nov 11, 2024 at 03:15:09 PM EST
    the Tesla Cybertruck.

    Parent
    So, what happened? (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 10:41:30 AM EST
    We heard for two weeks that there was "record turnout" - only it turns out that 20 million less of us turned out this year than in 2020. I've never been more disappointed in my own country and fellow Americans than I am today. A few thoughts in the immediate wake of this political disaster:

    1. By almost any statistical and legislative measure of accomplishment, particularly given our polarizing times, Joe Biden's tenure in the White House was incredibly successful. So why were so many in the media so eager to denigrate his presidency and so willing to tear him down?

    2. The 2024 campaign was fought over our longstanding principles of democracy, the rule of law, and protection for the least amongst us, and for our values of basic common decency and respect for the rights of others. Well, those principles and values didn't just lose yesterday. They lost badly.

    3. Historically, I think Attorney General Merrick Garland will be remembered as not unlike George B. McClellan, the timid Union commander whose stubborn insistence on doing things strictly by the book allowed his nimbler Confederate adversaries to twice wiggle free and escape his grasp.

    Garland had one job to do: corral Donald Trump in the wake of the January 6 plot and bring him to justice. By dithering for well over a year before finally being prodded by Congress to act, he not only failed in his duty, but he ensured that the coup plotters got away with it. Justice delayed will be justice denied.

    4. The greatest existential threat to U.S. security is not Russia, China, Iran or any combination thereof. Rather, as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once counseled us over 60 years ago, nothing is more dangerous than our own sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

    5. Democracy ensures that people get the government they deserve. So, enjoy the ride, America - and remember: You asked for it.

    Aloha.

    Post Mortem (none / 0) (#20)
    by coast on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 02:20:49 PM EST
    The post mortem on this election will take time and will be studied for years to come.  However the initial question that needs to be delved into is the one you open with - what happened to the democratic vote from 2020.  15-20 million varinace from the previous election is gigantic.  How was there this level of apathy when the overwhelming message was democracy was at stake?  It simply doesn't make sense.

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#21)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 02:27:02 PM EST
    A lot of people have those same questions about turnout. I guess one day we will find out

    Parent
    4x as many people in Florida (none / 0) (#26)
    by jondee on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 02:56:02 PM EST
    voted for Biden than voted for Harris?
    Did I read that right? Or was that just in one county? Either way, it's weird.

    Parent
    The margin of misogyny, plus (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by Peter G on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 04:43:25 PM EST
    the margin of racism?

    Parent
    Racism, (5.00 / 2) (#38)
    by KeysDan on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 07:47:46 PM EST
    misogyny , and ignorance.   For starters.

    Parent
    We've never had a queen (none / 0) (#77)
    by jondee on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 02:58:11 PM EST
    or an empress here. And people don't read very much. Or care to.

    Parent
    I am sure that had a lot to do with it. (none / 0) (#34)
    by vml68 on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 04:59:43 PM EST
    But, I wonder if she had had more time, instead of just the 100+ days to campaign if the results might have been different.

    She may be the VP but she was definitely not as familiar as the felon. Whereas, Tr*mp has been on the airwaves day in and day out for almost a decade. I guess, familiarity does not always breed contempt.

    A few days ago, I mentioned a Republican neighbor of mine who told me she had voted for Kamala. I didn't mention that she also said that she had heard Tr*mp was going to win the popular vote this time. I laughed and told her that was impossible.
    Don't I look like the idiot now?

    Parent

    Key word in there: felon (none / 0) (#42)
    by jondee on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 08:47:48 PM EST
    and a habitual liar and a conspiracy-mongering, fascistic, un-American, anti-democratic insurrectionist.

    And they still like and respect him enough to vote for him.

    I don't know what you do with people like that. Did someone dump a massive amount of LSD into the groundwater down there or something?

    Parent

    I talked with a cousin of mine in Illinois. (none / 0) (#47)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 03:49:23 AM EST
    She had but three words to say about Trump's re-election:
    "I feel mortified."

    That pretty much summed it up.

    Parent

    I think way more people (none / 0) (#49)
    by jondee on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 10:39:51 AM EST
    than we realize 'snapped' during Covid and never came back completely. And a fair number of them are in positions of influence, like Musk.

    Parent
    I think (none / 0) (#67)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 06:45:21 AM EST
    You are onto something. I read that people spent too much time on YouTube going down conspiracy rabbit holes during covid. Some came back but apparently not enough.

    Parent
    Yeah, they really did (none / 0) (#72)
    by jondee on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 12:00:09 PM EST
    People are suffering from information dysphoria. In a "I don't know what to believe anymore" state. Clutching at straws and willing to buy into whatever these conspiracy theorist/agents of chaos like Musk and RFK and Joe Rogan were selling, which was mostly some variation on Covid being grossly exaggerated or utterly fabricated by 'Them' for the purposes of controlling us.

    Parent
    Must have been a county (none / 0) (#28)
    by coast on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 03:13:23 PM EST
    Biden received 5.3m in FL in 2020.  Harris is at 4.7m.

    Parent
    Merrick Garland (none / 0) (#22)
    by jondee on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 02:27:26 PM EST
    I read a little more deeply about Garland's relationship with Jamie Gorlick their history together and clients they've worked for and came away with the distinct impression that nether believes in anything more meaningful than a luxury condo in Miami Beach in the next few years and a second home in Martha's Vinyard.

    As George Carlin one succinctly put it, these people belong to the same club and you ain't in it.

    Parent

    He has proven to be (none / 0) (#55)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 04:22:42 PM EST
    a worthless milquetoast.

    Parent
    I honestly didn't know (none / 0) (#78)
    by jondee on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 03:58:26 PM EST
    much about him. After reading his history, it all makes sense.

    Again, they've got their own little club, and you ain't in it.

    Parent

    The press is awful (none / 0) (#24)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 02:34:13 PM EST
    They were awful to Hillary kamala too. The good news is they have been replaced by other outlets and if they think they are going to get the subscribers they get before they are in for an awakening

    Parent
    I can't comprehend (5.00 / 2) (#27)
    by jondee on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 03:01:45 PM EST
    how people are perfectly fine with the U.S being represented in the world by a semi-literate, barely-cognizant slob.

    Are we now a nation of semi-literate, barely-cognizant slobs? I'm starting to think so.

    Parent

    I never thought so. (none / 0) (#29)
    by vml68 on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 03:17:59 PM EST
    But, when Tr*mp won the first time. It became apparent that it definitely is.

    Parent
    A fair number of people (none / 0) (#35)
    by jondee on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 05:05:00 PM EST
    are saying they voted for Trump because of the Cheneys and the neocon factor. Talk about an alliance that backfired.

    I don't buy for a second the "Trump is anti-war" trope, but a lot of details-averse people did.

    Parent

    Well, Tr*mp is "anti-war" in the (none / 0) (#39)
    by Peter G on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 07:50:22 PM EST
    isolationist sense, like the original America First crowd. Interestingly, the anti-WWII America First Committee was founded at Yale Law School, by a blue-blood law student who was a Princeton grad (same educational pedigree as Alito).

    Parent
    I'm not even sure (none / 0) (#46)
    by jondee on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 10:55:17 PM EST
    if he's really even an isolationist, considering all the drone attacks he greenlighted. Wouldn't those be considered acts of war?

    "No new wars" was in reality more like no new major conflicts the U.S was directly involved in. Talk about a low bar.

    Parent

    I am not even (none / 0) (#62)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 06:01:45 PM EST
    Sure he will stay out of a war. He has a major Iran war hawk on his team and can see when things go south for him going to war with Iran for a distraction

    Parent
    We'll be OK.... (none / 0) (#74)
    by desertswine on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 12:02:56 PM EST
    until the first real or manufactured national emergency demands some extreme authoritarian actions.

    Parent
    Whatever else (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 06:26:25 AM EST
    It's not on Kamala. She did everything right.

    She was amazing.  

    Here's what might be a hopeful detail.  I don't think Trumpism is transferable.  No republican but him IMO could have done this.

    And while him dying (a distinct possibility) in office won't solve anything in the short term Vance will never be president.

    Trumpism won't survive after Trump.

    Not that cheering I know but it's the best I can do.

    We're in a Catch 22 (none / 0) (#50)
    by jondee on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 11:04:13 AM EST
    Imo, the only way Trumpism won't survive and his proteges, like Don Jr and Vance don't ride on his coat tails forever is if he's an absolute of horror as a president, and if he's an absolute horror it could damage the country irrevocably, which no sane person wants. It's obviously already damaged enough.

    Parent
    Speaking of Catch 22... (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by vml68 on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 01:51:05 PM EST
    I have been vacillating between hoping things don't get as bad as I anticipate it will and wanting to let it all burn to the ground so people wake the f*ck up. Rage-filled and bitter, not me :-)!

    I was talking to a guy I know recently. His wife was diabetic but couldn't be bothered to take the prescribed medications because the pills were "too large". They pretty much live on junk food. She is obese, can barely walk and spends most of her day watching TV or gaming. Years of this and now in her mid 50s her kidneys are failing. She is on dialysis and has been put on a kidney transplant list.

    I expressed concern about how expensive it must all be because they are low income. He cheerfully informed me that while the bills for the dialysis are close to $200K/month, Medicaid covers pretty much all of it and will also cover all the costs of the kidney transplant. Tr*mp supporter and decries "socialism".

    I wanted to scream but just bit my tongue. I don't wish them harm but how do you get through to someone like that.


    Parent

    Maybe they will figure it out (none / 0) (#53)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 04:19:19 PM EST
    when the first $200K bill hits their mailbox. Because the Medicaid spigot got cut off. And it will.

    Parent
    He will (none / 0) (#61)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 05:58:40 PM EST
    Collapse the economy within six months. A friend of mine who is a econ prof at Penn State says his plan will produce 6% negative GDP in short order. So it will be high inflation and high unemployment. The bad thing is he can still destroy our institutions even with a low approval rating and if course he is going to continue committing crimes throughout

    Parent
    Early Birthday wishes for Keysdan and Fishcamp. (5.00 / 2) (#52)
    by vml68 on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 01:58:10 PM EST
    I am going to tune out for sometime so I can maintain my sanity.
    Will spend most of my time gardening and training my new puppy.

    Thank-you all for not letting me feel alone in this nightmare we find ourselves in.

    Your remembering (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by KeysDan on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 04:26:35 PM EST
    my Birthday means a lot to me.  So, thank you.

     Yes, being in a community of grievers helps. Haven't determined if so much of the electorate is ignorant or stupid.  Maybe, some of each, differences being in the proportions. Apparently, some civically untethered thought Joe Biden was on the ballot.  And, then there were those who voted to include the right to abortion in their state constitutions, but then voted for the guy who  made it necessary to do so.  Go figure.

    And, it is all so confusing.  On Monday, Democracy was on the line by Trump and his minions and on Wednesday, a smooth transition is being pledged along with an invitation to the White House to discuss the transition to fascism.

    Parent

    Yes yes Happy Birthday all (5.00 / 2) (#58)
    by jondee on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 04:38:38 PM EST
    and as the Irish say, May you escape the gallows, avoid distress, and be as healthy as a trout.

    I've never been a big house plant person, but I've decided to take the plunge in a big way, figuring that having a lot of things green and growing in the house is a symbol of hope, if nothing else. And I could use one about now.

    Parent

    Thank you vml68. (5.00 / 2) (#69)
    by fishcamp on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 07:32:23 AM EST
    Gardening with your new puppy sounds like a wonderful way to survive the horrors we are now faced with.  We can't have gardens down here because the iguanas eat everything that grows except the mangroves.  Hope to see you back with us soon.

    Parent
    Do they have some sort (none / 0) (#79)
    by jondee on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 04:02:02 PM EST
    of bounty on those iguanas? I heard people in Central America eat them, but maybe those are just travelers tales.

    Parent
    It's "a common delicacy" (none / 0) (#80)
    by jondee on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 04:14:19 PM EST
    in Mexico, Central, and South America, according to Google.

    There ya go, Fish. Necessity is the mother of invention. They do have a nasty tail whip, so be careful.

    Parent

    Iguanas down here (none / 0) (#85)
    by fishcamp on Sat Nov 09, 2024 at 07:17:36 AM EST
    are called "chicken of the tree".  Some of my Latino friends say they are tasty.

    Parent
    I am over (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 05:47:58 PM EST
    The grief stage and onto the FAFO stage. I told the magats today good luck if your child gets kidnapped and taken across state lines with an FBI filled with incompetent Trump sycophants. I guess it sucks to be you. Good luck to you. And I told them I am expecting free food on Jan 20 because isn't Trump supposed to automatically deliver cheap food. I am so over these idiots. And when Trump takes all the farm workers and construction workers out of the country I am sure they will step up to take the jobs.lol.

    They stupidly think liberals are soft. They have no idea how tough liberals are and liberals immediately started preparing for the impending disaster while they are sitting around high fiving themselves. We already had to fight this one time. So we know while they are clueless as to what tarrifs are going to do.

    /rant

    They (none / 0) (#63)
    by KeysDan on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 06:33:13 PM EST
     voted for him because he says things he won't do.  He lies all the time and they dismissed  as a lie those things they didn't like.  And, he is an entertainer and, to them, funny.  Democrats are boring what with their serious governance.   Also the price of eggs was too high a year ago.  And, don't get them started on gas prices a couple of years ago.

    Parent
    Angertainment (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 09:32:18 PM EST
    And grievance. too bad so sad that no prices are going to go down.I don't know how many times I have had to regurgitate college economics today. Hated that class in college but it has served me well lately

    Parent
    Captain (5.00 / 2) (#66)
    by jmacWA on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 04:29:26 AM EST
    Have a great day.

    I am finding I don't want to talk about (5.00 / 3) (#89)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 10, 2024 at 04:25:12 PM EST
    politics.

    Or think about it or see anything that reminds me of it.  I am off political news till further notice.  That alone is a pretty massive reordering of my life.

    I will want to talk about politics again but I feel some time in my shell would be good,

    I didn't want you to think the election had given me a stroke or something

    Imo (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Nov 10, 2024 at 04:31:15 PM EST
    We all need self care to come back when needed.

    I am finally going to be closing on my house so I will be busy. Both of us are beyond tired if living with my sister. We spend more on gas than we ever have going places

    Parent

    Come back (5.00 / 4) (#91)
    by KeysDan on Sun Nov 10, 2024 at 06:40:12 PM EST
    soon.  

    Parent
    I've been doing the same. (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Nov 11, 2024 at 07:53:43 AM EST
    Personally, I think simple and easy answers were an alluring siren call that simply got the better of and seduced far more of our fellow countrymen than we had realized, particularly in the wake of COVID. And now, we're in the unenviable position of finding ourselves captive to events that beyond our control. These are unnerving times, to say the least.

    So, I'm still processing what happened. There's a lot that simply doesn't make any sense unless I turn into a crackpot conspiracy theorist myself and then, they're coming to take me away, ha-ha, they're coming to take me away, hee-hee, ho-ho, etc. And I refuse to go there.

    Anyway, take all the time you need to self-nurture the soul and recalibrate your trajectory. We probably all need to do that.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Today, Veterans Day, (none / 0) (#96)
    by KeysDan on Mon Nov 11, 2024 at 11:21:15 AM EST
    is not helping the recovery process.   Parades, flag-waving Trumpists, solicitations from straight white VFW  members.  Voters whose guy finds  the dead and wounded losers and suckers.  And , likes members of the military who don't get captured.

    Parent
    It also didn't help that I'm presently in ... (5.00 / 1) (#121)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Nov 15, 2024 at 01:10:53 PM EST
    ... north-central Illinois halfway between Rockford and Chicago, and it's a major Trumpapallooza out here. I flew to Chicago for a family matter, and I am so happy I'm leaving today at 3:00 p.m. after six days of keeping my effing mouth shut.

    As I told one of my few non-Trumpist cousins, "I love them all, but their drama is not my drama." Except that now it is, of course. They've made it everyone's drama.

    I mean, WTF! Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence? Matt Gaetz as Attorney General? RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary? (Sigh!) As my sister - the one who lives in France - said, "We're trapped in a Fellini film."

    Anyway, aloha. See you all back in Hilo.

    Parent

    In the words of the late great (none / 0) (#100)
    by jondee on Mon Nov 11, 2024 at 03:10:03 PM EST
    Doug Kenney, it's the most beautiful day I've ever ignored.

    Parent
    I want to thank you, Howdy, for (5.00 / 7) (#95)
    by Peter G on Mon Nov 11, 2024 at 08:38:31 AM EST
    your persistent, confident optimism for the last several months. I relied on it to keep from having repeated anxiety attacks.

    Parent
    I guess (5.00 / 2) (#97)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 11, 2024 at 02:25:25 PM EST
    there was a point to it all then

    Parent
    There's still a lot (5.00 / 1) (#98)
    by jondee on Mon Nov 11, 2024 at 03:01:36 PM EST
    of great, amazing people out there, which we tend to forget at times like these.

    The good news is that this country may have reached the nadir of stupidity and insanity and there's no way to go but up.

    Parent

    We can stay (5.00 / 2) (#99)
    by KeysDan on Mon Nov 11, 2024 at 03:08:47 PM EST
    away from politics, but politics won't stay away from us. At this point, it's seems important to evaluate and comment on some of specious reasons for the Democratic loss and, worse, the wobbly remedies.

      And, starting with the "jump the gun" erroneous reporting that 20 million Democrats stayed home.  And, then look at some of the sterling finger-pointing such as that of Rev Al Shapton's " latte Democrats", Rep Seth Mouton's and MorningJoe's claim that Kamala focused on trans kids or worries that Seth's little girls would be tackled by men (trans girls) in sports.  

    Parent

    I have (5.00 / 1) (#102)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Nov 11, 2024 at 08:23:24 PM EST
    No patience for that nonsense when Trump is a rapist

    Parent
    Hey Peter, swinging by to check on you guys (5.00 / 3) (#112)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Nov 14, 2024 at 02:52:12 PM EST
    The family is good. Josh graduated from college, was actually able to attend during the pandemic since his college utilized waste water detection in the dorms and caught cases before anyone could spread it. I was a wreck though, but they made it work. It was pretty amazing what they accomplished when they put themselves to the task. He did get ill after graduation. Not exactly sure what was going on there and I'm thinking we may never. Did he contract a case of silent Covid? Don't know. His heart and lungs were involved and not functioning well for a time. Then it passed, and heart function was okay.

    Other things are complicated with our daughter...sigh. We have custody of our oldest grandchild now. Wish it wasn't so, it is what it is. I hope this finds you and your family all well, and as happy as we can be considering the situation.

    I'm glad and grateful to be in Maryland is all I can say. Glad we are no longer an active duty family. We were for a time under Trump, and nothing came apart thank God too badly. This will be something else.

    Parent

    When it comes to ladder pulling, this guy (5.00 / 2) (#120)
    by vml68 on Fri Nov 15, 2024 at 12:27:47 PM EST
    takes the prize.

    "first-generation, college-educated and gay Mexican American with undocumented family in the United States, including a mother who was previously deported to Mexico"
    He voted for Tr*mp.

    "Seeing my undocumented family members, who have been in the U.S. for more than 20 years, work, pay taxes and buy their own homes with zero benefits, then watching millions of new migrants skip the line with government-funded help, only inflamed me and other Latinos like me. When my mother came to America as a single mother of two, she did not get any benefits. This election became personal. It was about my family!"
    LINK

    Wow. (5.00 / 1) (#123)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Nov 15, 2024 at 01:23:51 PM EST
    Reading that, I'm reminded of my grandfather's admonition: "Life is hard - but it's a lot harder if you're stupid."

    And that thought process was six-days-before-Sunday stupid. He can surely take comfort in Trump's rationalization that "it doesn't cost $60,000 to bury a f---ing Mexican."

    Good luck to him as a gay Latino. He's going to need it.

    Parent

    Team loyalty (5.00 / 1) (#125)
    by BGinCA on Sat Nov 16, 2024 at 02:13:43 PM EST
    His bio neglects to mention that he is a life-long Republican. His White House stint was in Bush II. Wonder what his stance is on ending birthright citizenship. What a putz.

    Parent
    It sounds as if he is looking to be... (none / 0) (#126)
    by Jack E Lope on Sat Nov 16, 2024 at 03:54:29 PM EST
    ...hired by the Orange Administration.

    Maybe he can report directly to Stephen Miller.

    Parent

    That guy may be a college graduate (none / 0) (#128)
    by Peter G on Sat Nov 16, 2024 at 06:28:41 PM EST
    but he is not "college-educated."

    Parent
    A challenge (none / 0) (#129)
    by KeysDan on Sun Nov 17, 2024 at 10:58:01 AM EST
    to educate a fool--he doesn't care to know the knowable.

    Parent
    Although I am on pins and needles.... (none / 0) (#2)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Nov 05, 2024 at 04:43:16 PM EST
    Jeralyn, I think your prediction is spot on. The polls don't count first time voters (and there a lot). I think two or three states won by Orange Doofus will go to Harris this time around. Most likely NC, IA and KS.

    There is an abortion ballot measure (none / 0) (#3)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 05, 2024 at 04:45:42 PM EST
    in FL!

    and they usually report pretty early I think.

    Parent

    Florida already called for Tr*mp. (none / 0) (#5)
    by vml68 on Tue Nov 05, 2024 at 07:46:00 PM EST
    My county where Biden barely managed to win by a little over a 1000 votes (.22%) has gone all in for the felon. An almost 27k vote (over 5%) difference.
    Not feeling very positive about Amendment 4 passing.
    I am depressed.

    Parent
    That ballot measure (none / 0) (#9)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 05, 2024 at 08:20:00 PM EST
    Is very disappointing

    Parent
    It's like the Senate's filibuster rule (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by Peter G on Tue Nov 05, 2024 at 08:23:47 PM EST
    The requirement of a 60% majority to amend the state constitution is daunting. I still want to wait for all the votes, including all mail-ins, to be counted, since the measure apparently is getting over 58%.

    Parent
    Nothing makes sense anymore. (none / 0) (#13)
    by vml68 on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 03:23:57 AM EST
    I was already shocked that my county (Pinellas) voted for Tr*mp with such a wide margin but Hillsborough county (right next door), a reliably blue county, also voted for Tr*mp with a similar margin.

    I just don't get it.  I was hoping FL would go blue but I knew that the odds were infinitesimal. But, counties that always vote blue switching, I did not see that at all.

    What are we missing? How could we have been so wrong?

    P.S.-  Happy Birthday, CaptHowdy. I hope you get to enjoy your day.

    Parent

    It won't be easy (5.00 / 6) (#14)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 07:45:20 AM EST
    But I will try.

    I'm pretty devastated.  Not sure what to do next.

    Parent

    I retired today. (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 05:10:48 PM EST
    I cannot be a "good german." I cannot continue to work for a corporation whose only customer is same military that will, within 2 or 3 years, be using that corporation's weapons systems on the US public. We are witnessing the dawn of the Fourth Reich.


    Parent
    Congratulations on your (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by Peter G on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 07:51:55 PM EST
    retirement! I hope you have good plans for using your time and talents.

    Parent
    Not really a cause for celebration. (none / 0) (#56)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 04:25:58 PM EST
    I will be taking a couple of big financial hits. I was originally going to retire in January 2025. After Tuesday, I just could not continue in the defense industry.

    As of January 20, I will be stateless and an enemy combatant in the country I once served.


    Parent

    Congratulations.. (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by desertswine on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 09:28:53 PM EST
    It's nice.  You're gonna like it.  Have some fun.  Your only job now is to stay healthly.

    Parent
    Happy Birthday (5.00 / 3) (#37)
    by Zorba on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 07:45:30 PM EST
    Anyway, Capt. I know we're really unhappy (and appalled) at the election results.
    But celebrate yourself.  {{Hugs}}


    Parent
    You, me and millions of others. (none / 0) (#15)
    by vml68 on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 08:26:40 AM EST
    I cried when Hillary lost. This time I am numb.
    My brain is unable to process what just happened.

    Parent
    Not particularly logical (none / 0) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 09:19:43 AM EST
    but I can't stop thinking about the Ukrainians

    Parent
    And Gaza or what's left of it. (none / 0) (#17)
    by vml68 on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 09:25:07 AM EST
    And the West Bank.

    Parent
    Me too (none / 0) (#23)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 02:32:14 PM EST
    No tears this time but a lot of frustration that we have to do this yet again. Some of this I can lay on the feet of Biden where he should have not run again.

    Maybe the house will flip blue that will be some cushion against the autocrats. Though to be honest I don't think they should block much of Trump's crazy because Americans need to feel the consequences

    Parent

    yeah (5.00 / 2) (#25)
    by leap2 on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 02:38:50 PM EST
    When TrumpMusk tariffs slam the people that wanted this--such as eastern Washington fruit and grain growers--I will just laugh at them.


    Parent
    We have a good friend (college classmate (5.00 / 2) (#30)
    by Peter G on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 04:41:30 PM EST
    of my wife's) who is a farmer of organic wheat and other grains in NE Oregon and Eastern WA. He took four days off to canvass for KH in Pennsylvania last month (staying at our house). He doesn't deserve anything bad at all.

    Parent
    I am sorry for your friend. (none / 0) (#32)
    by leap2 on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 04:46:21 PM EST
    He doesn't deserve what's coming. But an awful lot of his farmer/rancher neighbors who have those huge Trump signs by the sides of their fields, deserve it.

    Parent
    Your friend (none / 0) (#33)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 04:59:05 PM EST
    Absolutely doesn't deserve it and bon either do a lot if other people. Same as last time. Though this time I am going to be mean and relish the suffering of maga because they knew who hat they were doing

    Parent
    Don't know what to say. (none / 0) (#10)
    by vml68 on Tue Nov 05, 2024 at 08:21:13 PM EST
    Effort to add abortion rights to Florida's Constitution fails

    Parent
    The resolution got over 57% of the vote (none / 0) (#41)
    by Peter G on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 07:53:38 PM EST
    Unfortunately, it needed 60% to make it into the state constitution. Which honestly I don't think is a bad rule, in general, for constitutional amendments.

    Parent
    I agree with your prediction (none / 0) (#4)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 05, 2024 at 04:50:34 PM EST
    I think she will win big and in very surprising places

    Nebraska (none / 0) (#7)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Nov 05, 2024 at 07:52:49 PM EST
    1was called for her already

    Parent
    I think (none / 0) (#6)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Nov 05, 2024 at 07:52:05 PM EST
    Harris will win. Trump is melting down begging people to vote in blue wall states. The exit polls if they are correct show a solid Harris win in PA and that is the ballgame. I think NC flips but Georgia? Not sure. Trump is doing better in the rural but worse in the suburbs.

    A 50-year old, always-single, white male neighbor (none / 0) (#8)
    by Peter G on Tue Nov 05, 2024 at 08:08:13 PM EST
    who is a skilled sprinkler fitter -- one of the few non-college, true working class folks on the block -- told us he voted today for the first time. (My wife had talked him into registering a few years ago, but we still couldn't get him to vote.) May be related to the fact that he recently took in a nephew (and the nephew's wife) to share the house he inherited from his parents. And they put two Harris-Walz signs in the front yard. He didn't tell us how he voted.

    Trying to Think Positively (none / 0) (#43)
    by RickyJim on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 09:23:48 PM EST
    I'll spare you all from my standard rant of blaming what happened on the fact that we still use  the US Constitution, whose use by date occurred around 200 years ago, rather than claiming that the current citizenship of the US is stupid as I have been reading in this thread.

    Some hope for optimism in the next four years comes from Trump's transactionalism.  Maybe he will decide that he doesn't need Miriam Adelson's money any more and will adopt the same stance towards Israel as he has towards the Ukraine and stop both wars (with only 2 phone calls :-).  Maybe he will get tired of EM and RFK Jr's showboating and fire them early on.  Just hoping.  What else is there to do?

    I could sell you a bridge in Brooklyn. (none / 0) (#54)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 04:21:45 PM EST
    Keep grasping the unicorns and rainbow.

    The US Constitution is done. Not worth the paper it is printed on. SCOTUS has already proved that.

    It is only valid if it can be enforced. Who is left to do that?

    Parent

    Obviously, You Didn't Understand Me (none / 0) (#59)
    by RickyJim on Thu Nov 07, 2024 at 05:34:01 PM EST
    If the Constitution had a reasonable way to select a chief executive, neither Harris nor Trump would have survived the process. I have mentioned one such way previously:
    1. An electoral college of elected officials (e.g. governors and mayors of large cities) votes for their favorites in June.
    2. The 10 highest vote getters from 1, face a national popular vote referendum (state boundaries irrelevant) in August.
    3. There is a runoff among the top 2 from 2 in November.  The need to name their Vice President ahead of the vote.

    A new constitution needs to be proposed and subject to a popular referendum. It is very important that the individual states have no role.
    If the framers of such a new constitution do a good job and are good at selling it, it will pass overwhelmingly and eventually lead to its adoption. And of course it should have built in, restrictions on judicial activism.

    Parent
    What the f*** are you even talking about? (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 02:17:37 AM EST
    RickyJim: "If the Constitution had a reasonable way to select a chief executive, neither Harris nor Trump would have survived the process."

    Did you drop acid before posting? How exactly does the Constitution disqualify Kamala Harris? As someone who engaged in insurrection, Trump was ineligible to hold public office under Amendment XIV, Sec. 3 - that is, he was until the Supreme Court twisted themselves into a legal logic pretzel to void it.

    "A new constitution needs to be proposed and subject to popular referendum."

    After the results we just witnessed on Tuesday night, the mere fact that you would even suggest such an absurdity renders you an unserious person.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Please Read My Posts Again (none / 0) (#73)
    by RickyJim on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 12:00:57 PM EST
    I don't think I write that obscurely.  The proposed method to select the president is unconstitutional according to the 1787 document but would be a big selling feature if incorporated into a new proposed constitution. I apologize for trying to get people here to think outside the box, but will continue to do it until Jeralyn bans me. :-)

    Parent
    The only way that is ever going to happen (none / 0) (#71)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 10:43:57 AM EST
    is the result of a civil war where the rebellion (the anti-government forces) wins.

    This country will NEVER, EVER have a constitutional convention, and if they did, it would never pass.

    Parent

    This is not 1787 (none / 0) (#75)
    by RickyJim on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 12:12:35 PM EST
    In the age of the Internet and podcasts, it would be very possible to get big public support for a new constitution, if the right advocates spoke up.  I do agree that violence is possible, but only if a new constitution which passed a national referendum by a big majority, was not put into effect by the currently ruling powers.

    Parent
    No. But we are headed into (none / 0) (#127)
    by Chuck0 on Sat Nov 16, 2024 at 04:24:52 PM EST
    1887 territory.


    Parent
    Goodbye Jack Smith... (none / 0) (#45)
    by desertswine on Wed Nov 06, 2024 at 09:52:49 PM EST
    I can't say it's been swell.

    Special counsel prosecutors will shut down their criminal cases against Donald Trump before he takes office, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter.
    So my (none / 0) (#68)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 06:49:33 AM EST
    Trumpet sister in law wants us all to go on vacation with her. The first time I let her off the hook but I can't give her that grace this time putting a convicted felon in office.

    Any advice from people in similar situations would be appreciated

    For me personally (5.00 / 3) (#70)
    by coast on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 07:41:56 AM EST
    Losing friends or famliy over politics is ridiculous.  I see this on FB and other places - friends de-friending each other.  I don't understand it at all.  I disagree with much of what is posted here, but I'm sure I could sit down with any of you and have a cordial discussion, even on politics.  I say go on the trip and simply say "I don't want to discuss politics.  Your guy won, let's see what he does."  Just my thoughts, you do what's best for you.

    Parent
    That is good advice when (5.00 / 2) (#103)
    by MO Blue on Tue Nov 12, 2024 at 08:17:29 AM EST
    Dealing with people who understand boundaries like "I don't want to discuss politics." Unfortunately, there are people who will not let the subject go. They will keep on and keep on...making more and more outlandish statements.

    When discussing politics with you, I believe that we would be discussing real issues, not how it is really true that Haitians were eating pets...because you actually watched it happen on X. And of course Democrats groom children for sex rings etc.

    Parent

    A lot of people (none / 0) (#76)
    by jondee on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 02:05:20 PM EST
    are in a bit of a 'state' at the moment and venting online.

    People have been saying since the beginning of time that it's better to try to step back and regain your equilibrium first before you engage with people you have disagreements with, so that you don't do and say things you'll regret later.

    Parent

    I will regret nothing. (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 04:15:27 PM EST
    With regard to disdain for Americans and their political choices.

    It took 65 years, but I've learned some new things in life. I have learned that the path to success in America is to be a vile, despicable felon.

    I will take this knowledge into retirement. I plan to be the vile, despicable old guy on the block that everyone hates.


    Parent

    I get it (none / 0) (#82)
    by jondee on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 05:30:38 PM EST
    I personally can't get too worked-up because it exacerbates some health issues I'm dealing with.

    I come from a military family with generational PTSD. My Russian Revolution/Civil War grandfather would laugh in my face if I went on for too long about how bad the current situation is. This too will pass.

    Parent

    "This too will pass." (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Nov 11, 2024 at 08:05:03 AM EST
    You're right. I've been telling myself this over the last couple of days. This is a time to keep both our heads and our cool. We'll figure this out. We always do.

    Parent
    That (none / 0) (#84)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 09:03:14 PM EST
    Is good advice. She was groomed into this at a young age by an evangelical church but that does not relieve her of her current personal responsibility for her poor choices. first time she could have been fooled but the second time after trump being convicted she absolutely knew and did it anyway. She won't be one of the ones to duffer though

    Parent
    Tbh (none / 0) (#83)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Nov 08, 2024 at 08:56:47 PM EST
    The silver lining of this whole nightmare is I have found some awesome conservatives and made connections with people I never would have through our shared embrace of democracy. If you had told me 10 years ago I would be concerned about democracy I would have laughed in your face. Say Nikki Haley won. I wouldn't have liked it but I all know she would not appease the Kremlin. So I would have had a lot less worry about my country. I just can't believe we are going to go through this yet again. And while here we are we didn't have to be with the numerous opportunities to get rid of Trump.

    Parent
    I don't trust anyone who (none / 0) (#108)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Nov 13, 2024 at 04:51:34 PM EST
    supports the Orange Moron's judgement or thinking skills. Thus, I have nothing to talk to them about. Period. They can all eff the hell off. I don't care if they are life long friends or relatives. They have brought on the down of the Fourth Reich. There will not be another election. This country (as we have known it) is done.


    Parent
    Raw nerves (5.00 / 3) (#86)
    by KeysDan on Sat Nov 09, 2024 at 07:18:05 AM EST
    as well as intuitively knowing that Trumpism will outdistance my imagination have formed, perhaps, an imperfect opinion.  However,  at this point it is difficult to warm to those who support those whose  raisin d'etre is to hurt or harm  vulnerable fellow Americans.  My encounters, to date, have found Trumpists to be sore winners, or,  " magnanimously " we are all Americans now.  Apparently, this includes Democrats--if you  go along with Trump.

    In the case of friends and relatives, it is worth the effort to maintain relationships, although I do not subscribe to "when they go low, we go high", despite my admiration for Michelle Obama. Continued interactions would be a good effort, but a vacation may be a lot of togetherness if there are tensions.

    On Monday of this past week we faced an existential threat to democracy--it has not abated as of Saturday.  It is not as though Mitt Romney had won or that we can mediate differences on tax rates or best approaches to civic issues. We will be feeling the effect of guys such as Stephen Miller who seem like Joseph Goebbels, without the charm--or hair.  Fascists are not our friends nor are there collaborationists.  

    Parent

    I remember (none / 0) (#87)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Nov 09, 2024 at 11:37:49 AM EST
    last time he was say worse than I expected and I expect it to be even worse this time.

    I have noticed this sore winner attitude since 2004. In 2004 Republicans were so angry. I remember Kos calling it the "anger of the enfranchised". You know, I didn't expect the GOP to be excited about Clinton or Obama being elected and certainly didn't expect them to bow down and worship them, only to accept the results of the election which ironically even then they didn't but not to the point of insurrection. The attitude seems to be we were born to rule and you peons should all just go along. The magnanimous attitude I actually would appreciate if it was someone not named Trump. We know he is never that way so trying to all of a sudden be "friends" comes of as faked and forced. My SIL even went to the point of posting that we shouldn't mention anyone's past because they were a "new person" now. They are so terrified of anyone pointing out what a POS Trump is. Honestly I think there is a lot of guilt about what they did.

    I am setting boundaries for myself. I am not forced to interact with her directly until Jan so maybe I will be calmed down by then.

    Parent

    IMO (none / 0) (#88)
    by jmacWA on Sun Nov 10, 2024 at 06:34:42 AM EST
    the issue is that the 'Trump enthralled' have been told for so long that they are looked down upon that you need to think about how they will interpret anything you say.  It has become a chore to talk to these folks about anything because they will interpret anything as a slight.  I am not sure there is a solution that allows one* to continue talking to them.

    * Normally I would say you (and I know that you, KeysDan, would understand it) but the 'Trump enthralled' see the word you and assume that it is about them.  

    Parent

    It's okay to say no. (5.00 / 3) (#94)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Nov 11, 2024 at 08:15:13 AM EST
    It's also okay to tell your sister that you're prioritizing your own present needs over her desires. There's nothing wrong with putting your relationship on the back burner for now, particularly if you find that relationship to be a source of aggravation.

    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#104)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Nov 12, 2024 at 08:47:42 PM EST
    It seems FAFO has arrived. Jake Sherman says these crazy locks won't go through. I am the entire GOP is nothing but sycophants. Maybe if he had not sane washed Trump we wouldn't be here

    Matt (none / 0) (#105)
    by FlJoe on Wed Nov 13, 2024 at 02:37:40 PM EST
    Gaetz for AG! MTG must be jealous as hell, I mean even Tulsi got a plum. These picks are getting weird.

    Bonus Elon Musk as shadow president.

    Selected (5.00 / 1) (#107)
    by KeysDan on Wed Nov 13, 2024 at 04:11:17 PM EST
    from the dartboard of deplorables.

    Parent
    These appointments are, of course, designed.. (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by desertswine on Wed Nov 13, 2024 at 06:29:58 PM EST
    for failure.  The inability of the government to function is the goal.  What's next, Bobert as Sec. of Education?

    Parent
    Don't underestimate Bobert (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by Jack E Lope on Thu Nov 14, 2024 at 03:31:21 PM EST
    What's next, Bobert as Sec. of Education?
    I'm sure she is similarly qualified to lead most any agency into failure.

    Or, it doesn't have to be an entire agency. There are lots of appointed roles we seldom hear about:

  • Member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

  • Treasury Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing

  • Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

    • Or, she might have the desired level of incompetence for some appointments that outlast a President's term:

  • Director of the Mint (five-year term of office)

  • Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission (five-year term of office)

  • Member of the National Credit Union Administration (six-year term of office)

  • Governor of the Federal Reserve System (14-year term of office)!

    • Those are just a few ideas that haunt me, not because of Bobert but because of the Appointees of Orange.

    Parent

    You forgot Secretary of Underwater Spacemen (5.00 / 1) (#124)
    by desertswine on Fri Nov 15, 2024 at 01:54:12 PM EST
    Relations

    Lauren Boebert Told Congress She Is Worried About Space Aliens Operating From Underwater "Bases"

    The theater enthusiast also threw in her suspicions about birds, the moon landing, and a secret government project to create "hybrid" humans.

    Vanity Fair

    Parent

    If failure (none / 0) (#111)
    by KeysDan on Wed Nov 13, 2024 at 08:27:23 PM EST
    is their goal, it is sure-fire that they will do so.  And, Democrats should do their level-best to help them achieve this goal.  

    Parent
    What not to do. (none / 0) (#116)
    by KeysDan on Thu Nov 14, 2024 at 04:06:49 PM EST
    Jeh Johnson, former counsel for DOD, and Secretary of Homeland Security in the Obama Administration, was asked by Alex Wagner, for his opinion of the Pete Hegseth nomination as Secretary of DOD.  Johnson replied that "he would give him the benefit of the doubt".  Johnson noted Hegseth's Ivy education and his National Guard service.  

    Parent
    This is how all this started. (5.00 / 2) (#117)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Nov 14, 2024 at 06:25:25 PM EST
    Giving the MAGAts the benefit of the doubt. That's what every German did in 1931 and 1932. How'd that work out. Jeh Johnson is a numbskull for this statement alone.

    I am disgusted. Disgusted with this country and the people in it. I do not want to be here.

    Hunter Thompson's last words resonate with me more and more now. "67. That is 17 years past 50. 17 more than I needed or wanted." I think I've figured out my expiration date. I will be 67 in mid-2026. Things will really start getting bad by then.

    By 2027, people will be taking to the streets. There will be a thousand Kent States. A thousand Fergusons. There will be no restraint. There will be troops on the streets with live ammo and rules of engagement to use it. They will do to peaceful protestors what the Capitol Police SHOULD have done on Jan 6, 2021.


    Parent

    Another one: (none / 0) (#118)
    by KeysDan on Thu Nov 14, 2024 at 06:51:49 PM EST
    The Democratic Governor of Colorado is "excited" by the appointment of Robert Kennedy as Secretary of HHS.   He will do great things, he claims.

    Parent
    Good news (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Nov 15, 2024 at 05:26:54 AM EST
    Is they are weeding themselves out for 2028

    Parent
    No need for MTG to be jealous, she will (5.00 / 1) (#122)
    by vml68 on Fri Nov 15, 2024 at 01:17:45 PM EST
    probably be offered the Administrator position at NASA.

    Parent
    RFK (none / 0) (#106)
    by FlJoe on Wed Nov 13, 2024 at 02:40:10 PM EST
    still waiting. Brainworm Czar is still open.

    Parent
    Holy (5.00 / 3) (#113)
    by FlJoe on Thu Nov 14, 2024 at 03:00:35 PM EST
    roadkill, he got HHS.

    We are doomed.

    Parent

    Ronnie (5.00 / 1) (#114)
    by FlJoe on Thu Nov 14, 2024 at 03:04:51 PM EST
    Jackson for Surgeon General, or is that going to DR. Oz?

    Parent
    These (none / 0) (#110)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 13, 2024 at 07:14:52 PM EST
    Creepy pics are something. Gets is the best so we can tell maga Trump appointed a coked up pedo to be AG

    Parent

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