World, Writing, Wealth discussion
World & Current Events
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Want to talk about the 2024 election? Possible candidates? Platforms? Predictions?
Philip wrote: "J. wrote: "Mr. Ramaswamy recently gave an interview to an old liberal gadfly.https://youtu.be/lrpW-SUchFo"
And this on 9/11. Think the GOP need to think again. No wonder they think DJT is best ca..."
I wonder why people would have issues with the US government's handling of 9/11...
Pentagon considering plea deals for defendants in 9/11 attacks
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pentagon...
Boom!
RFK Jr has largest cross party support.
Boom!
Ramaswamy and DeSantis praise RFK Jr.
Boom!
A growing appetite for someone who isn't Biden or Trump, as Americans seek to unify the nation.
https://www.statnews.com/2023/08/22/r...
Biden and the Orange Man seek division and take your votes for granted. The former is running multifaceted smear campaigns against anyone who threatens his plans to install Kamala as the unelected president, should he win the election.
Americans, cast aside old tribal differences and ignore the negatively. Biden and Trump don't want you to dream of change. It's not in their selfish interests. Vote them out. Vote for change. And above all, vote for elected change.
RFK Jr has largest cross party support.
Boom!
Ramaswamy and DeSantis praise RFK Jr.
Boom!
A growing appetite for someone who isn't Biden or Trump, as Americans seek to unify the nation.
https://www.statnews.com/2023/08/22/r...
Biden and the Orange Man seek division and take your votes for granted. The former is running multifaceted smear campaigns against anyone who threatens his plans to install Kamala as the unelected president, should he win the election.
Americans, cast aside old tribal differences and ignore the negatively. Biden and Trump don't want you to dream of change. It's not in their selfish interests. Vote them out. Vote for change. And above all, vote for elected change.
Beau wrote: "Boom!RFK Jr has largest cross party support.
Boom!
Ramaswamy and DeSantis praise RFK Jr.
Boom!
A growing appetite for someone who isn't Biden or Trump, as Americans seek to unify the nation.
..."
You're really excited about the coming US election. Are you as excited about the UK election that has to happen before the end of January 2025?
In short, J, no.
We have a choice between a bloke who's alright on a personal level, in charge of the worst government of all time vs a sly, untrustworthy ex lawyer, in charge of a motley crew of wokes. The third party think that men who believe they're women need to be given free tampons, and the remaining parties are extreme versions of the above.
Such is the state of our Parliament and why I would rather just hand over sovereignty to the EU, in the hope that Viktor Orban (or similar) launches a coup.
On the other hand, I'm excited about the US elections because...
1. I really like 3 of the candidates: DeSantis, Ramaswamy and, yes, RFK Jr. He was a complete pillock for teetering on the brink of anti semitism re the vaccine but I'm prepared to put it down to his being anti vax, rather than actually being anti semitic. And I have no probs with anti vax cause since the response to covid, I've sort of become one too.
2. Trump, like him or loathe him, is box office. If he wins, it's popcorn time.
3. A good election benefits from a good villain(s), and in my humble opinion, the current president and his sidekick are just that. I can honestly say, hand on heart, I prefer Little Rocket Man and Xi to that pair.
We have a choice between a bloke who's alright on a personal level, in charge of the worst government of all time vs a sly, untrustworthy ex lawyer, in charge of a motley crew of wokes. The third party think that men who believe they're women need to be given free tampons, and the remaining parties are extreme versions of the above.
Such is the state of our Parliament and why I would rather just hand over sovereignty to the EU, in the hope that Viktor Orban (or similar) launches a coup.
On the other hand, I'm excited about the US elections because...
1. I really like 3 of the candidates: DeSantis, Ramaswamy and, yes, RFK Jr. He was a complete pillock for teetering on the brink of anti semitism re the vaccine but I'm prepared to put it down to his being anti vax, rather than actually being anti semitic. And I have no probs with anti vax cause since the response to covid, I've sort of become one too.
2. Trump, like him or loathe him, is box office. If he wins, it's popcorn time.
3. A good election benefits from a good villain(s), and in my humble opinion, the current president and his sidekick are just that. I can honestly say, hand on heart, I prefer Little Rocket Man and Xi to that pair.
Beau wrote: "Watched some of it. V informal and not particularly presidential, but I guess that's the fashion nowadays.Nothing controversial and no questions to answer re 9/11, as far as I'm concerned.
A hu..."
Actual quote - available as audio from The Atlantic.
"I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers. Maybe the answer is zero. It probably is zero for all I know, right? I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero."
His press office had claimed he was misquoted and was talking about Jan 6 not 9/11. He does talk in later sentences about Jan 6. By the way it's not zero on the planes, in the Pentagon or in the Towers.
The full list is here, many other have since died or suffered from ill health due to toxic fumes primarily from the dust and debris. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualt...
I'm sorry, Philip, what is your issue with that statement? Why do you find it controversial or disrespectful to the victims of 9/11?
The Democrats' progressive wing have already smeared DeSantis as a racist and RFK Jr as anti semitic. They have a problem fitting Ramaswamy into those categories so they add brown skin and 9/11 questions together to form what exactly? You've guessed it, a 9/11 conspiracist, who probably supports terrorism.
There are a lot of negative things circulating about all 4 candidates (from both parties) who stand any chance of beating Biden. Funny that the US can only produce a 'criminal', a 'racist', an 'anti semite', and a 'terrorist sympathising conspiracist' to contest the election against Biden, isn't it? Bit like all those unsuitable candidates who 'contest' elections in Belarus, Russia et al.
Is there anybody in US politics who isn't some kind of 'monster'? Of course there is! The guys who don't stand a chance of beating Biden, that's who. And should one of them emerge as a serious contender, they will probably develop 'monstrous' traits too.
I don't believe for a minute that the American public buy into any of this. The media might, their polls might, but when the time comes to vote, the public won't.
The Democrats' progressive wing have already smeared DeSantis as a racist and RFK Jr as anti semitic. They have a problem fitting Ramaswamy into those categories so they add brown skin and 9/11 questions together to form what exactly? You've guessed it, a 9/11 conspiracist, who probably supports terrorism.
There are a lot of negative things circulating about all 4 candidates (from both parties) who stand any chance of beating Biden. Funny that the US can only produce a 'criminal', a 'racist', an 'anti semite', and a 'terrorist sympathising conspiracist' to contest the election against Biden, isn't it? Bit like all those unsuitable candidates who 'contest' elections in Belarus, Russia et al.
Is there anybody in US politics who isn't some kind of 'monster'? Of course there is! The guys who don't stand a chance of beating Biden, that's who. And should one of them emerge as a serious contender, they will probably develop 'monstrous' traits too.
I don't believe for a minute that the American public buy into any of this. The media might, their polls might, but when the time comes to vote, the public won't.
Beau wrote: "I'm sorry, Philip, what is your issue with that statement? Why do you find it controversial or disrespectful to the victims of 9/11?The Democrats' progressive wing have already smeared DeSantis a..."
I find it disrespectful that he believes that no federal or police were killed, when they were along with the thousands of other victims.
He then conflated that attack and investigation with Jan 6 claiming that federal and police were effectively instigating the riot. If he believes that then he is a conspiracy theorist. I didn't claim Ramaswamy supported terrorism.
If the others make racist and antisemitic statements or support those that do say and do those things then they are racist and antisemitic. As I said poor candidates everywhere.
On Ramaswamy, you're adding 1 and 1 together to try and make 3.
Anyone who runs against the US deep state and Biden will be savaged. Words twisted, questions slanted, meanings implied, etc, etc. As I said before, they are going to endure a s***storm.
They want to demoralise and disorientate the electorate. Bog them down in irrelevant detail so the really important issues are never discussed.
Americans, this election is simple. Do you want another year of Biden, then 3 of Harris, or do you hope for change? If you want change, don't let the hope be crushed out of you by this constant negatively surrounding the other candidates.
If Biden warranted re election, he would have something positive to say about himself and his record. The fact that he's only interested in smearing others tells you all you need to know about him.
Anyone who runs against the US deep state and Biden will be savaged. Words twisted, questions slanted, meanings implied, etc, etc. As I said before, they are going to endure a s***storm.
They want to demoralise and disorientate the electorate. Bog them down in irrelevant detail so the really important issues are never discussed.
Americans, this election is simple. Do you want another year of Biden, then 3 of Harris, or do you hope for change? If you want change, don't let the hope be crushed out of you by this constant negatively surrounding the other candidates.
If Biden warranted re election, he would have something positive to say about himself and his record. The fact that he's only interested in smearing others tells you all you need to know about him.
Whenever they say some appalling or controversial stuff they'll be called out. It's an axiom. The real mudslinging will commence later. Maybe I'm not sufficiently curious, but I don't even find the bunch of early runners, who have slim chances to make it late, that interesting at this stage. It's the beginning of 2024 when things will start to warm up...
I think another point is we usually do not know what happens because news reporting in the US seems to have lost its way and become more oriented to feeding the guys who buy their tripe what they want to hear. The days of someone like Cronkite have gone.
I've watched some of last night's debate and read some more about the candidates.
Where to start? It's a good job I'm not a politician because I'm getting a canny knack for u-turning. I wasn't impressed at all and probably owe Philip an apology for questioning his dismissal of the candidates yesterday. Philip, you were right. My enthusiasm for this election is already dwindling.
Ramaswamy appears a bit of a gobby so and so. Macron/ Blairite spin but with far less substance. A political lightweight with a big mouth. He comes across better in print than he does in person. I was left wondering if he was on a wind up with some of the things he said. Was it Christie who described him as Chat GPT? He was right.
Desantis appears, to me anyway, to have done a good job in Florida but he was almost anonymous. A shrinking violet on this stage. What has happened to him?
Some of the others seemed okay and relatively inoffensive but, honestly, I can't see how any of them are going to beat Biden. It's like watching our own Conservative party's journey in the wilderness under Howard and Hague all over again. But worse.
At this early stage, Trump looks to me like by far the strongest candidate. Head and shoulders above the rest. I suppose the polls say what they say for a reason. But he could be eating porridge by Christmas. Where does that leave the GOP?
Oh dear, oh dear. President Harris :(
My only other thought is perhaps Rishi isn't so bad, after all.
Where to start? It's a good job I'm not a politician because I'm getting a canny knack for u-turning. I wasn't impressed at all and probably owe Philip an apology for questioning his dismissal of the candidates yesterday. Philip, you were right. My enthusiasm for this election is already dwindling.
Ramaswamy appears a bit of a gobby so and so. Macron/ Blairite spin but with far less substance. A political lightweight with a big mouth. He comes across better in print than he does in person. I was left wondering if he was on a wind up with some of the things he said. Was it Christie who described him as Chat GPT? He was right.
Desantis appears, to me anyway, to have done a good job in Florida but he was almost anonymous. A shrinking violet on this stage. What has happened to him?
Some of the others seemed okay and relatively inoffensive but, honestly, I can't see how any of them are going to beat Biden. It's like watching our own Conservative party's journey in the wilderness under Howard and Hague all over again. But worse.
At this early stage, Trump looks to me like by far the strongest candidate. Head and shoulders above the rest. I suppose the polls say what they say for a reason. But he could be eating porridge by Christmas. Where does that leave the GOP?
Oh dear, oh dear. President Harris :(
My only other thought is perhaps Rishi isn't so bad, after all.
3 other thoughts...
1. (Blushes as he says it and hopes Papaphilly misses what he says) I thought Christie...ahem...came across...coughs and looks away...quite well.
2. Don't agree with all that Nicky Haley says but she seems to have integrity.
3. Why were all the blokes dressed the same? Was one of those awful blue suits, a red tie and stars and stripes lapel badge a prerequisite for attending the debate?
1. (Blushes as he says it and hopes Papaphilly misses what he says) I thought Christie...ahem...came across...coughs and looks away...quite well.
2. Don't agree with all that Nicky Haley says but she seems to have integrity.
3. Why were all the blokes dressed the same? Was one of those awful blue suits, a red tie and stars and stripes lapel badge a prerequisite for attending the debate?
Beau wrote: "I've watched some of last night's debate and read some more about the candidates. Where to start? It's a good job I'm not a politician because I'm getting a canny knack for u-turning. I wasn't im..."
From what I have seen Haley came across well - especially in Defence of Ukraine as did Pence. DeSantis was truly awful, no charisma or personality. Christie got in some digs but if he wants to be the bully candidate there's someone else better at it. Ramaswamy demonstrated lack of political skill, backbone or even understanding of the policies. Not that any of them spoke much about policy. The hands up section was embarrassing in its simplicity but was better than them speaking.
In this day and age an 8-1 male female split (inc Trump) is another sign of failure.
My winner was Haley then Christie but none of them succeeded. It was a chance for them to shine without Trump and they all failed.
As Beau says, they made our own appalling choice look good.
Perhaps its the different political systems i.e. all PMs are MPs since 1st World War. Perhaps its that direct constituency link or more likely Sunak aside they aren't all pampered millionaires enthralled to a pseudo-demi-God - sorry forgot Boris.... And Tony and Maggie....
Whatever happened to policies rather than personalities.
In US case - what is their policy on Iran, Trade sanctions on China, Immigration (not just a wall) i.e. would they cancel some of Biden's infrastructure spending if so what? They may claim to deny climate change policies but will they not build that solar or wind farm? Cancel those jobs?
Meanwhile Trump claims"I am leading Biden in almost all polls"
https://twitter.com/RpsAgainstTrump/s...
Philip, you are absolutely right on every count. From what I've seen, I would also rank Haley and Christie as 1 and 2. I will watch more later with a stiff drink.
I've also got to say that I based my assumption on the negative headlines you alerted the group to on my natural preference for positive campaigning and the candidates being credible. You were, tho, right to alert the group to the negativity because Ramaswamy (for one) is not credible. He's absurd. Much as I dislike negative campaigning, based on last night, I wouldn't put any quote past him. He's a rabble rouser, who, if elected, will make Trump look like a moderate and a statesman.
All in all, it was a v, v poor show. I'm trying to think of something positive to cling onto but I can't. Other than not being eligible to vote there, of course.
I've also got to say that I based my assumption on the negative headlines you alerted the group to on my natural preference for positive campaigning and the candidates being credible. You were, tho, right to alert the group to the negativity because Ramaswamy (for one) is not credible. He's absurd. Much as I dislike negative campaigning, based on last night, I wouldn't put any quote past him. He's a rabble rouser, who, if elected, will make Trump look like a moderate and a statesman.
All in all, it was a v, v poor show. I'm trying to think of something positive to cling onto but I can't. Other than not being eligible to vote there, of course.
1.) These are the GOP contenders who wanted to go up against Trump, or get his attention in hopes of scoring a job in his administration. The real political animals are waiting and watching.2.) That's DeSantis without editing or his wife.
3.) A Christie campaign would be dead by October. He has to many skeletons in his closet and calories in his diet.
4.) Do not underestimate how much people despise Biden and how close the Electoral College can get for him.
I must confess that since we have an election in about six or seven weeks, I have little interest in these opening openings. My view follows J in his last sentence of point 1.However, while many may despise Biden, Biden got where he is because people also despise Trump as a person. If yo9u think back to Biden's campaign he did not win because of the brilliance of the campaign; he won more in spite of its clear deficiencies.
J's points are interesting. Point 1 gives rise to hope.
I agree with your post, Ian.
Humour and wind ups aside, I do not like Trump but prefer him to Biden. Neither will unite the nation.
Barbara won't agree but theres someone I've been impressed with in print and on tv...Tulsi Gabbard 😍
Could she be one of J's political animals waiting in the wings? I hope so, but she'll need to get a move on. And pick a party, I suppose?
I agree with your post, Ian.
Humour and wind ups aside, I do not like Trump but prefer him to Biden. Neither will unite the nation.
Barbara won't agree but theres someone I've been impressed with in print and on tv...Tulsi Gabbard 😍
Could she be one of J's political animals waiting in the wings? I hope so, but she'll need to get a move on. And pick a party, I suppose?
I think Tulsi is capable, but she is probably a natural Democrat but at war with the DNC and the Clintons. Our American friends may well throw cold water over that, but I think her chances with the Dems currently is negligible, and the GOP won't want her.There remains a slightly chaotic option: Biden's health gives out BEFORE the election. Do the Dems really want to put up Harris? Then of course the GOP may draw the line at Trump campaigning from behind bars.
According to her campaign Haley did very well in terms of getting donations.https://twitter.com/KLF/status/169512...
Perhaps she'll steal some of Christie's anti-Trump gains
Reading a bit about state led reversals right to life legislation after Roe v Wade overturn. It seems this could be a losing issue for many Republicans who have assigned themselves to that cause regardless of own thoughts. (see vote during debate). Several minor elections have already gone against GOP candidates alongside the failed attempt to change a state constitution to prevent a referendum on the issue.
Irrespective of the rights and wrongs of the case for and against abortion do the voting Americans on this forum think it will change the outcome in some states to affect 2024?
https://news.gallup.com/poll/321143/a...
According to that poll only 13% believe it should be completely illegal (which appears to be the Republican standpoint)
Whatever the personal opinions, my question is will it play a part in 2024 Presidential, Senate and House votes? Alternatively will it be the economy, defence, or some other issue that's not the former President's legal troubles.
People deal with the economy every day. They may take a good economy for granted. But they will despise anyone whom they view as the cause of a bad economy. So of course, Uncle Joe has started saying, "Bidenomics".
I don't like Ramaswami's stance on Ukraine. He's pretending not to understand what it would mean to give Putin free rein in that area. And he's arrogant, inexperienced, and he shows those unnaturally white teeth too often when there's nothing to smile about :-) Nikki Haley makes a lot of sense and is better than the rest, but I don't think it's time yet for a female president who would have to deal with countries who have no respect for women. It's not her fault; it's just the way the world is.
I don't think Trump can win a national election. People only look at his devoted followers, but there are lots of undecided voters out there who don't like his attitude toward women, his brazen manner, and don't like these indictments. The undecideds win elections, and he can't win them over. The same people who voted against him in the last election will do so again and vote for an incompetent and morally compromised guy instead, leaving us with a totally incompetent Kamala as president (imagine her as president). Yet they'd rather have that than vote for Trump.
As for DeSantis, sorry Nik, but people in the States don't want to have a beer with him. He doesn't have charisma. No sense of humor. And Trump, as usual, came up with the best nickname for him: Ron DeSanctimonious.
Christie can't win, and neither can Pence.
With all this said, I'd hope that Haley is nominated. She's the best of them. But it's not going to happen. What a mess this is. Republicans want Trump, and Democrats would rather throw this country to the wolves than vote for a Republican.
Is there no John McCain like character waiting in the wings to jump in and save the Republicans?
I haven't watched the debates. Our news reported that it benefited Trump the most, but strangely claimed that Ram was the best among the participants, which deviates from Philip's and Beau's impression. I remember Nikki as sharp witted and smart person from UN times, while I haven't seen talk any other contenders, nor I think any of them has a real chance unless Trump is somehow derailed.
With Biden it's an interesting situ - he didn't run in favor of Hillary when it was most appropriate and is pushing it now, although I claim that the job is "rejuvenating" and somehow keeps him one piece. I watched him at a joint press conference with Zelenski a while back and he was pretty sharp with some humorous notes. Then, there are those compilations of situs when he clearly gets "lost". Far from a good candidate, yet more "mainstream" than Trump to gain broader support.
Overall, my impression is that controversial Trump vs questionably functional Biden is the poorest possible pair of contestants, yet the most likely at this stage, but there is still a lot of time ahead, so things can change.
A rare unity btw democrats (69%) and republicans (89%), both viewing Bidie as too old to keep running (or lying or whatever he's doing): https://nypost.com/2023/08/28/stagger...Doesn't mean they'd vote Trump if he's the alternative
J. wrote: "Philip wrote: "J. wrote: "Mr. Ramaswamy recently gave an interview to an old liberal gadfly.https://youtu.be/lrpW-SUchFo"
And this on 9/11. Think the GOP need to think again. No wonder they think..."
Anytime there is talk of a plea agreement, people's nerves will be on edge. This is not about trust, but about how the system works. Someone is not going to be happy no matter what.
Philip wrote: "Beau wrote: "Watched some of it. V informal and not particularly presidential, but I guess that's the fashion nowadays.Nothing controversial and no questions to answer re 9/11, as far as I'm conc..."
It is a bit of a misnomer and backseat driving. On one hand it is fair and I agree, but it would not have mattered. It is back seat driving because the implication is Federal Marshall's and the like could have prevented the hijacking. Yet, the misnomer is that at that time in history, all were told to sit and be quiet. It was recognized that hijackers would not hurt passengers in general because it did not help their cause. it was the threat of hurting passengers that gave them the power.
The 911 hijackers were out to kill everyone and that was a first. Nowadays, people are going to fight back because they have come to realize never again and everyone fights back. Airlines also did not have many if any Air Marshall back then and mostly they were doing prisoner movements. Nowadays they are on and the airlines are fighting that due to lost monies for a seat. Go figure.
Philip wrote: "Is there no John McCain like character waiting in the wings to jump in and save the Republicans?"John McCain did not save the Republicans. He lost the election.
McConnell reported as having a moment during interview.
Papaphilly wrote: "Philip wrote: "Is there no John McCain like character waiting in the wings to jump in and save the Republicans?"John McCain did not save the Republicans. He lost the election."
I wasn't pretending that he did but at least he was respected by both sides and worldwide (except Trump). He was also saddled with Sarah Palin. That may have kept the Republican right but I doubt it won him many other votes.
Philip wrote: "Papaphilly wrote: "Philip wrote: "Is there no John McCain like character waiting in the wings to jump in and save the Republicans?"John McCain did not save the Republicans. He lost the election."..."
His big failure was he was swimming against history in this case. He picked a terrible running mate that turned into a clown show. Mostly, the country wanted a change and we was seen as part of the establishment. For those of us that either know our history or old enough to remember, I see him as a Republican version of Hubert Humphrey.
Papaphilly wrote: "Philip wrote: "Papaphilly wrote: "Philip wrote: "Is there no John McCain like character waiting in the wings to jump in and save the Republicans?"John McCain did not save the Republicans. He lost..."
Sadly, I was unable to find any Gonzo articles on McCain so I can't be certain what Hunter thought of him. Though I would not expect a high opinion of McCain, he might have hated Hubert more.
DeSantis and Biden praising each other over Florida relief effort. No politics for once. Makes me think humanity still has a chance.
Philip wrote: "DeSantis and Biden praising each other over Florida relief effort. No politics for once. Makes me think humanity still has a chance."Today...
I note that when Maui burned, Biden had to be shamed into doing something. Yet Biden will be touring the hurricane damage in Florida, today.I wonder if the difference is that Hawaii has only four Electoral College votes (and is deeply Democrat), while Florida casts thirty votes and may become a swing state.
The first US Republican debate has left me completely disillusioned with politics. I had such high hopes but they've all been dashed.
Philip was like the kid who tells you Father Christmas doesn't exist. You argue with him, resent what he's saying but, alas, he is proven right.
It's damage limitation for me now. To get Biden out, as Scout said, you need to occupy the centre ground, even if some of it is unpalatable.
That is why I'm now joining Team Haley.
But, as they say, a week's a long time in politics 😉
Philip was like the kid who tells you Father Christmas doesn't exist. You argue with him, resent what he's saying but, alas, he is proven right.
It's damage limitation for me now. To get Biden out, as Scout said, you need to occupy the centre ground, even if some of it is unpalatable.
That is why I'm now joining Team Haley.
But, as they say, a week's a long time in politics 😉
Beau wrote: "The first US Republican debate has left me completely disillusioned with politics. I had such high hopes but they've all been dashed.Philip was like the kid who tells you Father Christmas doesn't..."
The kid whose great joy is disillusioning his/her peers about Father Christmas has no understanding of the holiday's meaning and will therefore likely never find any joy in it, save for whatever baubles his/her parents leave beneath a meaningless tree.
A tentative first step into noir film directing...
The scene opens 3 1/2 hrs after the first Republican debate, right outside the venue.
A young couple sit on the kerb, with forlorn looks on their faces.
One of them is a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit. He is a veteran, clad in denim, with a small stars and stripes enamel badge on his jacket.
The other is a Midwest farmer's daughter, wearing a cheesecloth dress - the perfect picture of innocent, wholesome American beauty.
They hug each other, seeking comfort at the horrible thought of what another 4 years of Bidenonomics will do to their already tough lives.
A piece of tumbleweed blows across the street.
The camera moves to take in a car, turning the corner onto the street. It's Philip in his top-of-the-range electric car.
Adrian is in the passenger seat. He's wearing a $50k wrist watch, bought with the proceeds of a share deal, recommended to him by the Biden family.
They're off to a Democrat fundraising dinner. The cost per head is equal to the city boy's annual pay cheque.
A DeSantis 2024 balloon blows across the street. The electric car accelerates over it. The balloon bursts.
The boy, a look of dejection on his face, stares at the floor. The girl cries.
The scene ends.
The scene opens 3 1/2 hrs after the first Republican debate, right outside the venue.
A young couple sit on the kerb, with forlorn looks on their faces.
One of them is a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit. He is a veteran, clad in denim, with a small stars and stripes enamel badge on his jacket.
The other is a Midwest farmer's daughter, wearing a cheesecloth dress - the perfect picture of innocent, wholesome American beauty.
They hug each other, seeking comfort at the horrible thought of what another 4 years of Bidenonomics will do to their already tough lives.
A piece of tumbleweed blows across the street.
The camera moves to take in a car, turning the corner onto the street. It's Philip in his top-of-the-range electric car.
Adrian is in the passenger seat. He's wearing a $50k wrist watch, bought with the proceeds of a share deal, recommended to him by the Biden family.
They're off to a Democrat fundraising dinner. The cost per head is equal to the city boy's annual pay cheque.
A DeSantis 2024 balloon blows across the street. The electric car accelerates over it. The balloon bursts.
The boy, a look of dejection on his face, stares at the floor. The girl cries.
The scene ends.
Beau wrote: "One of them is a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit..."You have a Journey song stuck in your head, don't you?
Beau wrote: "A tentative first step into noir film directing...The scene opens 3 1/2 hrs after the first Republican debate, right outside the venue.
A young couple sit on the kerb, with forlorn looks on thei..."
A good thing the scene ended. Tumbleweed across a street with a Dem fundraising dinner??? You don't raise money in a small ghost town :-)
Nik, Biden may look "sharp" at times, but there are very few of those times. Have you seen the lost look in his eyes? Have you noticed that he hasn't had a press conference in ages? And when he has had to speak and is questioned by the press, he turns his back and refuses to engage? Can you imagine him in a debate? He won't do it because he's not capable of doing it. And this is our president, the most powerful man in the world, supposedly. What's unbelievable is that Democrats are running him again. He's ineffective now, and they want 4 more years of this? What will happen if he wins is that Kamala will become president. Let's think a minute about her as president. She can't make sense in a short sound bite, and she's going to run the country? She appears to me not to have proved herself worthy of being vice-president, much less president. She seems confused, incoherent, and incapable of doing much of anything. As Nikki Haley says, "A vote for Biden is a vote for Kamala." Yet this is what Democrats want for our country. How can it be anything but a disaster?
There is another way of looking at this. It is possible that the democrats don't want to poison the last year and a half of the Biden presidency. They may have someone else sorted out. Primaries? You think that bothers the DNC?
I wish Biden wasn't planning to stand. Harris is VP and may or may not stand/be chosen for next election.Which Democrats might stand/be presidented? (Sorry) Which other Republicans may enter the race? E.g. Liz Chaney is doing a lot of talking. I have no idea about her broader beliefs other than she doesn't like Trump. She would appeal across the aisle because she didn't run from her duties.
I said I thought Haley had done well in the debate. If she sharpens her approach to Trump she could steal Chris Christies' sound-bites
Beau wrote: "A tentative first step into noir film directing...The scene opens 3 1/2 hrs after the first Republican debate, right outside the venue.
A young couple sit on the kerb, with forlorn looks on thei..."
Ha Ha. If only I have enough money to attend a fund raiser. It may surprise you to know it wouldn't be a Democrat one, that's if Ilived in US and wanted to take part. At the moment I'm trying to get my local MP to stop being a sound bite for corrupt British politicians. Not much hope there either.
As for Adrian I'm sure he can speak for himself.
Yes, J. It's one of my favourite soft rock classics. Couldn't remember the verse about the girl so drew on the Wizard of Oz and Beach Boys for inspiration.
Tumbleweed was director's artistic licence, Ian. When Star Wars came out and your children were excitedly watching the film, did you keep interrupting their enjoyment by giving scientific reasons why Luke and Hans's exploits weren't possible? ;)
Philip and Adrian, hope you took your cameos with a huge pinch of salt. I only cast you because I know you're both wary of the American new/ alt right, and because I have a lot of affection for you both.
After a poor reception from film critics, I'm now calling time on my directing career.
Tumbleweed was director's artistic licence, Ian. When Star Wars came out and your children were excitedly watching the film, did you keep interrupting their enjoyment by giving scientific reasons why Luke and Hans's exploits weren't possible? ;)
Philip and Adrian, hope you took your cameos with a huge pinch of salt. I only cast you because I know you're both wary of the American new/ alt right, and because I have a lot of affection for you both.
After a poor reception from film critics, I'm now calling time on my directing career.
Ian wrote: "Beau wrote: "A tentative first step into noir film directing...The scene opens 3 1/2 hrs after the first Republican debate, right outside the venue.
A young couple sit on the kerb, with forlorn ..."
Tumbleweeds aren't limited to ghost towns.
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-w...
They were originally introduced to the Southwest as erosion control. They have been spreading ever since then.
Occasionally, they will swamp a town. This is especially dangerous as the tumbleweeds are basically dry tinder in areas with numerous ignition sources.
Philip wrote: "McConnell reported as having a moment during interview."The Toad is getting old and occasionally his OP crashes into the blue screen.
If you want to understand how bad Congressional senility has become take a look at Senator Feinstein of California. Upon returning to the Capitol, following a hospitalization and home convalescence, she was questioned by a reporter.
https://youtu.be/gdhEUnR30MQ?si=hqU_2...
If the Senator resigns, Congressman Ro Khanna will try to get Governor Newsom to appoint him in her place. Because Ro has a skin color that works for DEI, Newsome might do it.
However, Congresswoman Pelosi has promised that Senate seat to Congressman Adam Schiff. Schiff is the idiot who pushed for Trump to be impeached over a telephone call. An impeachment which failed.
Their plan seems to be to keep Feinstein in office until the election, so that Schiff won't have to run against an appointed incumbent. To that end, Pelosi's daughter has been acting as Feinstein's "aide".
https://youtube.com/shorts/eZLku9hJPR...
J. wrote: "Philip wrote: "McConnell reported as having a moment during interview."The Toad is getting old and occasionally his OP crashes into the blue screen.
If you want to understand how bad Congression..."
Saw McConnell as well. Wisdom and elders come to mind - not. Instead we nave decrepitude crossed with dementia and a desperate need to cling to power.
Where is the 35-45 dynamic leader? Oh forgot they are all making money and ensuring they have no dependence on any government. The idea of service is anathema to them.
World, Writing, Wealth
Books mentioned in this topic
The Anti-Federalist Papers and the Constitutional Convention Debates (other topics)The Federalist Papers (other topics)
The Anti-Federalist Papers and the Constitutional Convention Debates (other topics)
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis (other topics)
Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72 (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
J.D. Vance (other topics)Tulsi Gabbard (other topics)
Smedley D. Butler (other topics)
Robert Iger (other topics)
Larry Elder (other topics)
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Nothing controversial and no questions to answer re 9/11, as far as I'm concerned.
A humongous improvement on the current incumbent and Trumpie, so wish him well.
Gather the first debate is coming up soon and hoping for a revitalised Ron. Would appreciate thoughts of Americans that watch it.