A Deeply Fractured US

[Brad Sallows]

This 2018 article from Business Insider quotes Michael Wolff author of "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" which mentions Trumps fear of being poisoned as the reason for eating fast food.

I figured that was all - which is to say, not very much - that was behind it.

 

[kkwd]

The case against Trump in Florida has been dismissed. Seems it has to so with the irregular appointment of Jack Smith. More info to come as this story is minutes old.
CBS Story

 

[Brad Sallows]

It's shaping up to be quite a week.

 

[Remius]

If there was a week to make uncomfortable announcements this is the one.

 

[kkwd]

Here is the text of judge Cannon's decision for those so inclined. It doesn't have to be said, we all know there will be hot and heavy appeals by the government.
Decision Text

 

[Quirky]

Let's see how the Biden camp does now since they can't push the 'Threat to Democracy' rhetoric. The Democrats are awful at attacking Trump policies, they just stir up their base with fear tactics. It's quite pathetic.

 

[The Bread Guy]

... The Democrats ... stir up their base with fear tactics ...

For sure, but they're not alone in that, are they?

 

[Quirky]

For sure, but they're not alone in that, are they?

Nope. Let me know when Trump calls for Biden to be put in a bullseye.

 

[Lumber]

The case against Trump in Florida has been dismissed. Seems it has to so with the irregular appointment of Jack Smith. More info to come as this story is minutes old.
CBS Story

This is absolutely astounding.

 

[Brad Sallows]

For sure, but they're not alone in that, are they?

On the "Democracy In Danger" plank, they are pretty much alone. And it's an odd position for them to take, because they are overwhelmingly the source of calls to make major changes to the institutional status quo.

 

[kkwd]

This is absolutely astounding.

The Justice Department still has the capability to file charges through the local US Attorney as they had been investigating Trump 2 years prior to the appointment. Just supposing you know but it seems logical.

 

[Brad Sallows]

This is absolutely astounding.

Not really. This has been low-key, but it has been out there for a while. The theory of the objection is straightforward. It also isn't something that was just engineered to extricate Trump - it drew the support of people who have wanted to end special counsel appointments unless and until Congress passes legislation granting authority to make them.

 

[The Bread Guy]

On the "Democracy In Danger" plank, they are pretty much alone ...

With a few exceptions - this from late last year

https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/16/politics/new-hampshire-republican-primary-trump-immigration/index.html

... they are overwhelmingly the source of calls to make major changes to the institutional status quo.

As opposed to "drain the swamp"? It all depends on the changes being called for, I guess.

I'm comfortable with the idea that both sides gust to extremist rhetoric as tools to get 'er done narratively and electorally on their respective sides.

 

[Brad Sallows]

With a few exceptions - this from late last year

https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/16/politics/new-hampshire-republican-primary-trump-immigration/index.html

View attachment 86602

As opposed to "drain the swamp"? It all depends on the changes being called for, I guess.

I'm comfortable with the idea that both sides gust to extremist rhetoric as tools to get 'er done narratively and electorally on their respective sides.

"Drain the swamp" is about the players in the processes. Democrats want to make substantial process changes. Examples: court-packing, electoral college. There's an obvious bright line between trying to get one's players in the game, and changing the rules of the game.

[Add: regardless, it's the Democrats who are posing themselves as "defenders of democracy" at the same time as they openly attack the integrity of its institutions.]

 

[KevinB]

"Drain the swamp" is about the players in the processes. Democrats want to make substantial process changes. Examples: court-packing, electoral college. There's an obvious bright line between trying to get one's players in the game, and changing the rules of the game.

[Add: regardless, it's the Democrats who are posing themselves as "defenders of democracy" at the same time as they openly attack the integrity of its institutions.]

Pretty sure that both parties reliving in glass houses at this point in time.

We just need a moderate third party with a lot of rocks

 

[The Bread Guy]

... We just need a moderate third party with a lot of rocks

Agreed, but dare to dream

 

[QV]

Here is the text of judge Cannon's decision for those so inclined. It doesn't have to be said, we all know there will be hot and heavy appeals by the government.
Decision Text

He dodged another bullet?

 

[Brad Sallows]

Pretty sure that both parties reliving in glass houses at this point in time.

We just need a moderate third party with a lot of rocks

What do you think are keystone moderate policies and views/interpretations of the constitution?

 

[kkwd]

The Justice Department still has the capability to file charges through the local US Attorney as they had been investigating Trump 2 years prior to the appointment. Just supposing you know but it seems logical.

Thinking it about it for a while there may be problems with the obstruction charges which occurred under Jack Smith's tenure. Anyway, the appeal courts will figure it out, that is their job.

 

[QV]

https://nationalpost.com/news/donald-trump-shooting-ubc-prof-x-post-social-media/wcm/c38062ea-508f-4778-b8f0-40b95660e312

A sample of the kinds of educators we subject our youth to. Is this person just a victim of the media narrative or would they truly celebrate the assassination of the leading candidate for POTUS?

(wasn't really sure what thread this would fit...)