World, Writing, Wealth discussion
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Want to talk about the 2024 election? Possible candidates? Platforms? Predictions?
To my MP's credit he's just written (or his secretary did) a letter back after my complaints to him. It's a party political claiming credit for improvements while ignoring the failures e.g. inflation failing while ignoring its rise under same government. More to the point he was claiming Brexit success and new trade agreements and how they are better than EU trade while claiming that EU trade was unhindered. One for Beau's BRICS to contemplate. No mention of why he was sat with Truss and Farrage - I hear there are spare seats in 'I'm a Celebrity' perhaps Truss and he can join him.
There's more to all these alliances than trade, Philip. It's about ideology and future political direction.
The US is at a crossroads. In an absolute maximum of 5 years time, Trump and Biden will be gone. Should the US go down the Newsom path long term, I would not want to be anywhere near a special relationship.
I think we need to rejoin the EU (still can't help but like Nigel tho, even if he is demeaning himself on the tele). But even BRICS would be preferable to Newsom.
The US is at a crossroads. In an absolute maximum of 5 years time, Trump and Biden will be gone. Should the US go down the Newsom path long term, I would not want to be anywhere near a special relationship.
I think we need to rejoin the EU (still can't help but like Nigel tho, even if he is demeaning himself on the tele). But even BRICS would be preferable to Newsom.
Beau wrote: "There's more to all these alliances than trade, Philip. It's about ideology and future political direction. The US is at a crossroads. In an absolute maximum of 5 years time, Trump and Biden will..."
Not sure I would agree with some BRICS ideology. US is still our biggest ally and trade there outstrips BRICS (China excluded) Also look at ownership of our biggest so called UK companies. Lots of US connections. Five Eyes is embedded everywhere (that's the real special relationship)
Sunak is nothing but a US puppet remember he still held a Green Card while he was chancellor a conflict if ever there was one. His own connections to shady deals is slowly coming out. He like Johnson are going to be on the stand for COVID in next few days.
Starmer will be PM next election - can't see that changing or the economy improving enough in next 12 months to save Conservatives. Every time one of them opens their mouth's its another loss of votes. Of course Starmer has his own issues and his own party don't like him just like Blair, and Blair won!
All you can hope for with allies, is that the leaders will get on. Another reason why the US needs a better direction. It may be the world's largest economy (with accompanying debt) but it still needs allies unless it really wants 1930s type isolationism. If they go down that route how will the billionaires become trillionaires?
I can't see Starmer winning a majority, Philip. Best he can hope for is to be PM in a coalition government.
I used to be a grateful Westerner but that was when we stood for our old values. I'm sorry to say I don't really align with the dominant Western ideology nowadays, or the new right alternative.
Yes, but you wouldn't want to live in China or Russia, people say. I know. So what? Doesn't mean I have to approve of what's happening in the West. I'm beginning to despise our leaders' hypocrisy and faux 'good guy' stance, and the alternative far right nihilism. Both ideologies are nauseating. At least the world's 'bad guys' seem to care about their own countries and are pretty up front about their values.
With the US at a crossroads, and Canada and Australia full on woke, I'm not sure I want us to be part of 5 Eyes either. I'd rather replace those 3 with some likeminded European countries.
I used to be a grateful Westerner but that was when we stood for our old values. I'm sorry to say I don't really align with the dominant Western ideology nowadays, or the new right alternative.
Yes, but you wouldn't want to live in China or Russia, people say. I know. So what? Doesn't mean I have to approve of what's happening in the West. I'm beginning to despise our leaders' hypocrisy and faux 'good guy' stance, and the alternative far right nihilism. Both ideologies are nauseating. At least the world's 'bad guys' seem to care about their own countries and are pretty up front about their values.
With the US at a crossroads, and Canada and Australia full on woke, I'm not sure I want us to be part of 5 Eyes either. I'd rather replace those 3 with some likeminded European countries.
Another US by-election as Santos is kicked out of Congress.... Rumours that McCarthy may also quit
Graeme wrote: "[3] [Above 80%, highly likely] Gavin Newsom, will be parachuted into the candidency for president by DNC fiat (no contest will be held due to 'lack of time,' or some other excuse). Harris may [20% unlikely] be his running mate, there is a [3.a] [Above 80%, highly likely] that a new running mate will be selected. In this case, [3.b] [Above 80%, highly likely] the VP candidate will be Michelle Obama....."Now enabled.
"Iowa Democrats can now begin requesting ballots for the party's first-ever mail-in presidential caucus, with the results to be announced on March 5, Super Tuesday.
The Iowa Democratic Party announced in May that it would move in 2024 to an absentee caucus system for casting presidential preferences to improve access and participation. In October, party leaders said they would acquiesce to national Democrats and give up their long held first-in-the-nation status in favor of a Super Tuesday contest in March."
REF: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/sto...
100% mail-in ballots counted by the DNC without oversight or audit.
“Those who vote decide nothing. Those who count the vote decide everything.”
― Joseph Stalin REF: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/2140...
PUBLIC RATIONALE: Inclusivity.
PRIVATE RATIONALE: The sponsors of the DNC leadership will pick the next presidential candidate without reference to the lower echelon members of the party.
Gavin Newsome is still my first pick for parachutee...
A rising gold price is typically not a sign of a robust economy.REF: https://finviz.com/futures_charts.ash...
Given that rising gold (at record highs now) is a leading indicator for inflation, it looks like the US FED has peaked on interest rates, and the next move will be to cut interest rates in response to a recession.
Stagflationary recessions are terrible for incumbent politicians (and nearly everyone else...)
How will politicians respond to a stagnant, inflationary economy in 2024?
Are the rats deserting the ship?REF: https://ballotpedia.org/List_of_U.S._...
There's a more than a 2 to 1 ratio of Democrats to Republicans retiring from congress in 2024?
Does this mean something? Anything? Or is it simply an idle coincidence?
Graeme wrote: "Are the rats deserting the ship?REF: https://ballotpedia.org/List_of_U.S._...
There's a more than a 2 to 1 ratio of Democrats to Repub..."
It is a little of all three. There are always retirees every election. There are also those that have just had enough every election. so it is probably a little coincidence. Some elections it is Democrats retiring in large numbers and some elections it is Republicans. I would have to see who is retiring and where they are from in the country. That might say something.
So Russia Today is boosting Texas secessionists?
I wonder how a seceded Texas would operate without federal money.And talking about the national debt, have any of you in the U.S. noticed all the commercials telling people that if they already have Medicaid or Food Assistance that they can get even more benefits? Ones that the working class will be forced to pay for and that will add to our debt.
We can always start anew. Cancel mullah, debts, whatever, give everyone 100k for a starter and let the best man/woman/trans win 🏆
Scout wrote: "I wonder how a seceded Texas would operate without federal money.And talking about the national debt, have any of you in the U.S. noticed all the commercials telling people that if they already h..."
They could establish their own currency.
The Florida Democratic Party has decided to cancel their primary and just put Biden on the November ballots in Florida.https://youtu.be/UXOtNJtjoow?si=Jk6I7...
Interesting, J.No opportunity for the rank and file to participate which is an implication of my predictions above.
This also sets precedent to enable swapping in another candidate if Biden's health deteriorates.
Doug Burgum has ended his 2024 Republican campaign for President.I don't know who that is or that he was even running
Philip, neither do we. That's why he quit.
McCarthy quits"I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways."
Bet y'all looking forward to those new ways.
Liz Chaney apparently quoted as stating she may run as 3rd party candidate
I'm not entirely sure that Liz Cheney isn't actually Dick Cheney in drag.
Liz Chaney is a lesson of what happens when one lets personal animosity get the better of you.
Philip wrote: "McCarthy quits"We have video of his announcement.
https://youtube.com/shorts/ONKoZWRG25...
Well that's the basics anyway.
Resolution to impeach Biden moves to a vote next week.REF: https://armstrong.house.gov/media/pre...
If Biden gets impeached, is this a trigger for the DNC to parachute in another candidate? Esp' given the precedent for set recently for skipping caucus votes.
That's interesting. I didn't know that you could reject a subpoena. That needs to stop if the truth is going to come out.
The topic of covid vaccine side effects cropped up in the 4th Republican debate:
https://youtu.be/1PpIwZNlBAE?si=kQ2Uw...
I've been scanning the MSM for opinions as to who won this 4th debate. The unequivocal answer is DeSantis.
Republicans, going back to the vaccine, never forget that it was Trump who initiated its hasty rollout with his silly little Operation Warp Speed.
Trump is all mouth and trousers when it comes to taking on the establishment swamp. He is part of the establishment swamp. He's paid opposition. He's a fraud.
https://youtu.be/1PpIwZNlBAE?si=kQ2Uw...
I've been scanning the MSM for opinions as to who won this 4th debate. The unequivocal answer is DeSantis.
Republicans, going back to the vaccine, never forget that it was Trump who initiated its hasty rollout with his silly little Operation Warp Speed.
Trump is all mouth and trousers when it comes to taking on the establishment swamp. He is part of the establishment swamp. He's paid opposition. He's a fraud.
Scout wrote: "That's interesting. I didn't know that you could reject a subpoena. That needs to stop if the truth is going to come out."Ask McCarthy he still has not testified after nearly 600 days following a congressional subpoena. Hunter not that he's a public official holding any office has agreed to testify in a public hearing. He doesn't seem afraid after all MJT showed pictures of him naked in a public hearing.
Beau wrote: "The topic of covid vaccine side effects cropped up in the 4th Republican debate:https://youtu.be/1PpIwZNlBAE?si=kQ2Uw...
I've been scanning the MSM for opinions as to who won this 4th de..."
Haven't seen any of debate has a 48hr near break from social media
Beau wrote: "Trump is all mouth and trousers when it comes to taking on the establishment swamp. He is part of the establishment swamp. He's paid opposition. He's a fraud..."If he was a knowing paid opposition, he did an excellent job of pretending to be opposition.
In retrospect, the key features of his tenure to me are as follows.
[1] No new wars.
[2] Closed the border.
[3] Did ok on the economy until the pandemic response hit
[4] Surrounded himself with people who hated him, and/or hated what he stood for.
[5] Pushed the pandemic response in all its dark glory and continues to take credit for the rushed (warpspeed) development of the covid vaccines.
I remember seeing video of him shortly after winning the election. He looked shell-shocked, like "what the F***!" Like he was actually surprised he won, or was suddenly having an 'Oh S***!' moment of realization that he was really going to have to be president.
I think he was naive about the depth of entrenched hatred for him within the major organs of the US government, and the corporate space (esp, media).
If he gets a 2nd go, he won't be as naive. His running mate will matter a lot.
Don't forget the tax reform. Big biz may be still doing standing ovation while upping the prices to squeeze others dry...
Scout wrote: "That's interesting. I didn't know that you could reject a subpoena. That needs to stop if the truth is going to come out."You cannot. If you do, you open up to criminal charges.
You can't refuse a subpoena, but you can duck process servers. There are some folk who have made an Olympic sport out of avoiding blue envelopes.
J. wrote: "You can't refuse a subpoena, but you can duck process servers. There are some folk who have made an Olympic sport out of avoiding blue envelopes."Senior Republican congressmen have not ducked subpoenas just refused to testify and nothing happened.
"According to The Hill, GOP Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio, Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Mo Brooks of Alabama, and Kevin McCarthy, were all subpoenaed by the panel for various reasons regarding the events leading up to Jan. 6, 2021. While all of the congressmen have refused to cooperate, the panel may be unable to refer them for prosecution, due to constitutional limits on Congress holding members accountable to the justice system."
Graeme, in answer to your question to me about Trump being paid opposition...
What did Trump actually do that was radical or anti establishment? Yes, there was the rhetoric but what did he actually do to break the mould?
The only thing I can think of was his dismissal of the US's carbon commitments but, let's be honest, none of the other world leaders take their commitments on this seriously anyway. He was simply more open about it.
Yes, on balance, he did a decent enough job as president, but he always operated within the established policy framework. That's because, despite the rhetoric, he's an establishment kind of guy.
What did Trump actually do that was radical or anti establishment? Yes, there was the rhetoric but what did he actually do to break the mould?
The only thing I can think of was his dismissal of the US's carbon commitments but, let's be honest, none of the other world leaders take their commitments on this seriously anyway. He was simply more open about it.
Yes, on balance, he did a decent enough job as president, but he always operated within the established policy framework. That's because, despite the rhetoric, he's an establishment kind of guy.
Philip wrote: "J. wrote: "You can't refuse a subpoena, but you can duck process servers. There are some folk who have made an Olympic sport out of avoiding blue envelopes."Senior Republican congressmen have not..."
It is a different horse on that case. Congress has lots of rules in place to prevent the use of the subpoena for political purposes. Both sides do this and both sides abuse it.
Beau wrote: "What did Trump actually do that was radical or anti establishment? Yes, there was the rhetoric but what did he actually do to break the mould?..."Close the border is the big one, but in regards to handling the 'deep state,' that was a total failure.
I think he's clueless about the depth of the challenge, but that may have changed by now. But, I'm not sure. If he wins and I think he'd win any free and fair election, then who he surrounds himself with really matters.
He also needs to seriously prune the three letter agencies with wholesale turnover of the top three layers, and changing hiring practices etc...
Pre shift in the West's Overton window to wacky world, nation states having a border was the norm. It's hardly radical stuff.
Trump is better than Biden but he's not the saviour some think him to be.
You're right tho, he's got a monumental challenge. All the institutions are captured by people who can't decide if women have penises, think you should inject healthy people with gumph, and fret that the end of the world is nigh because the sun comes out in summer.
Good luck, Mr Trump. You'll need it.
Trump is better than Biden but he's not the saviour some think him to be.
You're right tho, he's got a monumental challenge. All the institutions are captured by people who can't decide if women have penises, think you should inject healthy people with gumph, and fret that the end of the world is nigh because the sun comes out in summer.
Good luck, Mr Trump. You'll need it.
Graeme wrote: "If he wins and I think he'd win any free and fair election,..."Not sure where you stand on Trump. I am no fan, lived within his shadow in NYC for far too long. Yet, the elections were fair and proven to be fair. Him crying is standard for the losing side. 2008, the Democrats screamed the election was stolen. It goes with the territory. BTW, I think Biden is a travesty as a President, but the election was fair.
If he is the Republican nominee, I am not so sure he wins again. He is the one candidate that unites to opposition. The last time I saw that was Hillary.
Biden unites the opposition, too. But I think you have a point about Trump's ability to win, regardless of what the polls are showing. There are many voters out there who just won't be able to make themselves vote for him, regardless of his record. They don't care that he put America's interests first. I'm not sure they'll see Biden's lack of ability, strength and leadership until it's too late.
Papaphilly wrote: "If he is the Republican nominee, I am not so sure he wins again. He is the one candidate that unites to opposition. The last time I saw that was Hillary...."The polls are strongly in Trump's favour at the moment. Clearly, still plenty of time for that to change, but the trend is there.
However, it appears RFK-Jr is taking more Democrat than Republican votes, so his run weakens Biden.
There is also the issues with Hunter's business dealings potentially blowing back on Joe Biden with upcoming investigations just waiting to occur.
I still think there is a high likelihood that Biden will fail to run for a 2nd term, and that the DNC leadership will skip the caucus process and drop in a new candidate to defeat the 'existential threat,' of Trump.
Biden is running unless he dies. I am not paying much attention to the polls right now. Trump certainly sucks the oxygen out of the room. As Scout mentions, I just do not see him winning due to opposition to him personally. Biden is not beloved, but he does not create the animosity that Trump does.
I'd say that Uncle Joe's chances just did a nose dive.She’s with him: Hillary Clinton steps out as a key player in Biden’s re-election effort
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024...
We could start a drinking game on every time she calls voters deplorables.
Our livers vs her ego? The halls of Valhalla would tremble at that challenge.
J. wrote: "Our livers vs her ego? The halls of Valhalla would tremble at that challenge."I'm tough, but not that tough....
Papaphilly wrote: "Biden is running unless he dies. I am not paying much attention to the polls right now. Trump certainly sucks the oxygen out of the room. As Scout mentions, I just do not see him winning due to opp..."DNC/Democrat obsession with Trump and their own hubristic belief in their own moral righteousness drives their incessant dumping of oxygen on Trump.
The DNC/Democrat campaign is doing three things really well.
[1] Proving that hubris really does beget nemesis.
[2] Providing the dictionary definition of counterproductive.
[3] Putting Trump back in the White House
And once they have done this they will blame everyone but themselves.
World, Writing, Wealth
Books mentioned in this topic
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Purely in terms of what was said, DeSantis hammered him. This shouldn't come as any surprise as Newsom's record at state level is dire. However, Ron has a problem, which was particularly evident when Newsom mocked his showing vs Trump in the polls...he can't control his facial expressions. He looked like a naughty schoolboy, who'd been caught doing something he shouldn't have done. It's bad for TV, and I'd imagine even worse if you play poker.
However, I have something to thank Newsom for...he's cured me of Biden Derangement Syndrome.
Compared to this guy, old Uncle Joe doesn't seem so bad after all. I'd heard about Newsom's bday party during lockdown but didn't realise he'd also sent his kids to an open private school while his state's schools were closed. He really is the lowest of the low. Lower than even the lowest of low swamp creatures. The absolute pits.