General US Politics Discussion

[CosmicBuffalo]

1 minute ago, sivispacem said:

If you're not able to explain each article's conclusions, never mind their specific relevance to the topic at hand, then your assertion that they are relevant is entirely meaningless.

 

But in reality I don't think you ever expected to be challenged on the subject, because you desperately hoped a hopelessly transparent Gish gallop would deflect from your repeated inability to respond to other contributors' actual points rather than imaginary straw men.

He asked for articles...read the abstract yourself.

[Raavi]

You just wasted an hour because a good half of those don't even address anything I said. Let alone counter anything I said. Numerous actually support my treatise to some degree. Suspiciously absent is also anything to disprove the bail studies. You also included a number studies about genetics and race in what I conclude has to be some vague attempt to explain away racial disparities which doubles down on you really just being a racist. And just to drive home the point you really have the intellectual abilities of a damp tea towel you included a bunch of hyper partisan right wing opinion pieces.

 

Stick to playing pretend-sheriff in RDR bud.

 

 

[sivispacem]

26 minutes ago, CosmicBuffalo said:

He asked for articles...

So what you're saying is you've got no idea whether they're relevant or not, you just posted them in the hope it would stop people ridiculing you?

[Creed Bratton]

So, Buttigieg suspends his campaign just before the Tuesday vote, which helps everyone other than Sanders. Most of all it helps Biden. How convenient. Almost as if his entire existence served to f*ck with Bernie's campaign. This is the fix folks.

 

Bernie should still continue to run as an independent candidate if he doesn't get the nomination, and force the DNC nominee to back off unless they want to lose to Trump again.

[Awful Waffle]

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-buttigieg/pete-buttigieg-plans-to-endorse-joe-biden-in-democratic-primary-idUSKBN20P2U9

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/02/us/politics/amy-klobuchar-drops-out.html

the corporate fix is in.

they're going to try and bury Bernie again.

 

it's so disgusting. these private parties are useless.

we can just push the Republicans and Democrats into a ditch, light it on fire, and start over?

 

vote of No Confidence, innit?

Edited March 2, 2020 by Awful Waffle

[TheGodDamnMaster]

The smart thing for Sanders to do right now is cut his losses, drop out and run third party. I would have infinitely more respect for the man if he gives the finger  to the party that has gangraped him.

 

Or better yet, establish a progressive party. He's the only one with enough clout to make it possible.

 

Never Biden.

Edited March 3, 2020 by TheSpectre

[Tchuck]

Wouldn't that be something incredible? Of course it wouldn't happen in a million years and given the way the American system is setup, even if he did his candidacy would be dead in the water as the Democrat/Republican political machine is just way too powerful. 

 

Fun thing about living in Japan is that by the time I wake up this Wednesday, Super Tuesday will be done and I'll catch up with the whole thing on my train to work.

[TheGodDamnMaster]

6 minutes ago, Tchuck said:

Wouldn't that be something incredible? Of course it wouldn't happen in a million years and given the way the American system is setup, even if he did his candidacy would be dead in the water as the Democrat/Republican political machine is just way too powerful. 

 

Be honest: Are you guys laughing at just how absurd our two (really one) party system is?

[Svip]

If the comparison is that both Sanders and Trump are populist candidates trying to hijack an established party machinery, the main difference is; the RNC did not really disagree with Trump and they were apparently also far less competent to coalesce a candidate to stop him.  The DNC - in comparison - appears far more cunning and cynical.

 

Sanders may have the clout to establish a third party, but it would not matter.  The reason there are no real third parties is party organisation.  In the US, the government provides very little infrastructure for candidates, and they have to rely on the party machinery to help them win elections.  This means that from federal to local elections, it's predominantly a choice between Democrat and Republican candidates.  There are exceptions of course, but those are so few and far in between, that they are more the exception that proves the rule.

 

The DNC and the RNC has been around for over 100 years, so they got the entire political regime in the US by the throat.  Despite being technically and legally distinct from the government and state apparatuses, they are - practically speaking - part of it.

 

For another party to establish that kind of organisation would require an enormous amount of money.  There is a reason why Sanders is running to get the Democratic nomination, and Trump went for the Republican nomination, because the only way to be a serious contender in a US Presidential election is to be one of the two major party nominees.  Doing what Roosevelt did in 1912 is hardly something that's likely to happen again, the system has become far more entrenched since then.  And the reflection upon Roosevelt's and Taft's public fight is that it handed the election to Wilson, rather than a tale of the problems with a two party system.

 

But even ignoring the wealth and party machinery Sanders would need to build up, particularly to be competitive in a general election (although his momentum in the primaries would give him some weight, but it wouldn't be enough), it would actually not be legally possible for him to drop out and become a third party candidate, at least not for this election.  Ever since Ross Perot tried to get the Republican nomination in 1992, then dropped out and ran as a third party candidate beginning in October that year, most states have introduced a 'sore loser' law, meaning that one cannot run as a candidate of a different party, if they failed to win the nomination of the party for which they were on the ballot in the same state.  Put simpler way; if Sanders is on the ballot in state X (and he is on the ballot in all primaries), loses the nomination, state X would deny him to run as an independent.

 

Add to that, that the deadline for even appearing on the ballot for the general election has incredibly early deadlines.  So even if they don't have any 'sore loser' laws, the deadlines are coming up soon, and Sanders would need to make a choice fast for those remaining states that it would be possible.  But in any case, he would not be on enough ballots to have a chance at the presidency.  The main takeaway would be that he was a spoil candidate like Roosevelt, or later examples like Perot or Jill Stein, and not what his actual core message was about.

[TheGodDamnMaster]

 

 

I'm gonna laugh when Biden's brains spill out on the debate stage.

 

I'm gonna laugh when Trump destroys him in the general.

 

I'm gonna laugh when the neoliberal pundits on TV and social media bitch and moan like they did in 2016.

 

And then I'm gonna remind them it was their fault when RBG croaks and Trump replaces her with someone even more conservative than Kavanugh.

 

 

[Svip]

If you are being that bleak, you could hope that Biden catches the coronavirus and kicks the bucket before the convention.

[Awful Waffle]

on the bright side? Trump's ascension means that anything can happen in this country...

where a mere 8 years ago people had assumed that the GOP was out to pasture, in an ironic twist, we may actually be witnessing the beginning of the end for the DNC. the President himself exposes the hollow decadence of the American Right since he's not even remotely Conservative, let alone a card carrying Republican, and is probably the epitome of the modern RINO. concerning its capacity to control and maintain its constituencies, the 2-party system is perhaps experiencing its greatest ever stress test.

 

Trump was already a wrench cast directly into the gears of this system by an angry electorate.

this additional exposure of the Democrats ugly corporate machinery could become one of those straws that finally breaks the old camel's back.

[gooeyhole]

Was hoping Bernie would do better. I think his lack of black support killed him in the south, plus the voter turn out for young people still sucks.

[Raavi]

Some thoughts. This perfectly illustrates that twitter politics doesn't really translate to real world politics. Retweets and likes, really don't mean a whole lot when push comes to shove. Young potential voters however vocal they may appear online simply just have a nasty habit of being far less likely to actually turn out to vote. Whereas the block that helped Biden significantly, more seasoned (i.e older voters) do in droves. Biden also managed to capitalise on his favourability within certain minority demographics. Sanders had significant backing in the latino community, but not enough to make a substantial enough different. What also did not work in Sanders' favour is the proportional representation system of allocating delegates. Which granted is a fair system.

 

I would be lying I said that I was displeased with this outcome. Whilst everyone still running is objectively way too old. I like Biden's moderate temperament, am convinced he will restore foreign relations and rejoin the global community, rejoin the Paris accord, and restore the executive back to a degree of normalcy which after Trump is exactly what the doctor ordered. That said, I do prefer Sanders social policy platform more, albeit it to the a lesser degree severity, it is obviously more European and has been proven to work here for many years. I am also convinced it will eventually find its way to the US. Keep in mind that demographics are rapidly changing, as the old guard expires, swats of new people become of voting age. Gen Z appears to be a lot more politically inclined than their millennial-counterparts, with recent efforts like the youth climate strikes and the climate movement coming to mind

 

With that in mind, If you are a Sanders supporter, and/or love the firebrand politics of someone like an AOC don't fret just yet. Don't throw the toys out the pram and protest-vote / not-vote or god forbid flip to Trump. DO get out to vote, help get progressive down-ballot candidates elected. Show the political establishment the viability of these progressive candidates and help pave to way a future progressive nominee, future progressive president. 

[Eutyphro]

I'm just wondering where Melchior is now that his commie revolution that would start out with Bernie becoming President is facing serious blows? If there has ever been a reason not to get behind Bernie it must be Melchior types.

But anyway, I don't think Democrats can be truly satisfied with serial gaffe artist creepy Joe Biden. I think he would be alright as president, and definitely way better than Trump of course, but he's just too old and doesn't really have a policy platform except for "I'm going to continue what Obama did", which obviously isn't an original policy platform at all. Hopefully he beats Trump, but I'm not sure.

[TheSantader25]

I'm not that into politics but I feel like Bernie could have a higher chance against trump. Though Trump will probably win anyway. 

[TheGodDamnMaster]

Bernie is f*cking spineless. I was a fool for thinking he could take on Trump.

 

 

I have family and friends suffering from this f*cking disgusting backwards-ass healthcare system we have and he's playing softball with the Alzheimers patient who wants them to continue suffering. I'm f*cking done.

Edited March 4, 2020 by TheSpectre

[sivispacem]

Is describing someone as a "very decent human being" not the mainstream political equivalent of calling them a thundercunt? 

[TheGodDamnMaster]

23 minutes ago, sivispacem said:

Is describing someone as a "very decent human being" not the mainstream political equivalent of calling them a thundercunt? 

It's not sarcasm. Americans are big on strength, toughness. They will see this as weakness and it is. 

 

Americans are also incredibly stupid. We elected a game show host our president and guzzle down mainstream televised news like its oxygen.

 

The South especially has some of the most illiterate, racist, homophobic people on planet Earth who also happen to be the biggest religious bigots. My boyfriend, for example; his family is mostly in Kentucky. He told me his Aunt came to visit him last night and there happened be a rainbow in the sky. She said that the "fa**ots will be throwing another homo parade". He is out to his father and sister but can never be out to his extended family. They will expunge him like a tumor.

 

 

The fact of the matter is that some parts of the country are holding the rest of us back. There is very little that "unites" us despite "United" being in our name. We are a dysfunctional, alcoholic, drug-addicted family that is getting ready to burn down the house.

Edited March 4, 2020 by TheSpectre

[Awful Waffle]

1 hour ago, TheSpectre said:

The fact of the matter is that some parts of the country are holding the rest of us back.

another great contender for understatement of the millenia...

 

 

[Ned Bingham]

Joe Biden v Donald Trump... is that the best the USA can muster ? Not that the UK did much better in last December's vote.  Blowjo v Magic Grandpa.

 

 

[Flachbau]

After Super Tuesday I am quite bummed out, but I will try to keep my hope up for the following primaries. I don't particularly like Biden. He's not very enthusiastic or motivating, he's just another safe, boring pick. Himself and his surrogates are also quite arrogant and condescending when it comes to trying to "win" other candidates' supporters over. You see it all the time on social media. I am so worried that Biden, if he secures the nom, will lose to Trump on a much larger scale than Clinton's loss in 16. Either way, I may not like him as much, but I will support him in November.. I just hope it's enough to make it happen

 

Also, no way Bernie would ever run third party. That would make it too easy for Trump and his second term would just be handed to him. We are already split up in the Dem primary, let's not make matters worse.

 

EDIT: Warren just suspended her campaign.

[TheGodDamnMaster]

I love Jimmy Dore.

 

 

[uq7451]

Joe is Hillary but with dementia and the peculiar habit of insulting interviewers with random things that his brain conceives

and he apparently is also a caucus

Edited March 5, 2020 by uq7451

[Creed Bratton]

Man, if Biden gets the nomination, the right will have a field day with this

 

 

Edited March 5, 2020 by DareYokel

[Raavi]

That 'creepy uncle' stuff is just silly and overblown. Further if trump / trumpets bring it up, glass house meet giant stone.

 

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/list-trumps-accusers-allegations-sexual-misconduct/story?id=51956410

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump_Access_Hollywood_tape

https://www.glamour.com/story/a-history-timeline-of-donald-trump-sexual-assault

[Awful Waffle]

59 minutes ago, Raavi said:

glass house meet giant stone.

 

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/list-trumps-accusers-allegations-sexual-misconduct/story?id=51956410

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump_Access_Hollywood_tape

https://www.glamour.com/story/a-history-timeline-of-donald-trump-sexual-assault

were you alive in 2015?

literally nobody cares.

 

the people who are explicitly going to vote for or against this President will do so based on gut feelings and niche policy issues.

Christians are so concerned with when exactly life begins that they overwhelmingly endorsed this grotesque hypocritical representation of everything they ostensibly believe in and little else has changed in the last 4 years.

[TheGodDamnMaster]

1 hour ago, Raavi said:

That 'creepy uncle' stuff is just silly and overblown. Further if trump / trumpets bring it up, glass house meet giant stone.

 

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/list-trumps-accusers-allegations-sexual-misconduct/story?id=51956410

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump_Access_Hollywood_tape

https://www.glamour.com/story/a-history-timeline-of-donald-trump-sexual-assault

 

Dude, Biden is gonna get trounced. It will be a massacre. He has dementia for f*ck's sake.

 

 

Edited March 5, 2020 by TheSpectre

[Raavi]

Lmao. Kyle Kulinski.

 

As for Biden "getting trounced"? Wanna put money it? The election is 8 months out, literally anything can happen in that period and the polls / projections / magic octopus predictions will change accordingly.

 

As said, both are too old. Both Biden and Sanders are fossils that should be enjoying their retirements spread across their multiple plush residences. If you honestly think gaffes equate a clinical diagnoses of dementia then W. Bush must have been legally insane. Hell, today Sanders blurted out with a straight face "he would love to have Warren's disappointment", must be dementia right? This trivialising and meme-ifying of one of the most debilitating illnesses anyone can get is just really f*cking low. As someone who has someone in their family who is actually suffering from Alzheimers, and is aware what this actually means, I just want to say: f*ck you.

 

 

1 hour ago, Awful Waffle said:

were you alive in 2015?

literally nobody cares.

 

the people who are explicitly going to vote for or against this President will do so based on gut feelings and niche policy issues.

Christians are so concerned with when exactly life begins that they overwhelmingly endorsed this grotesque hypocritical representation of everything they ostensibly believe in and little else has changed in the last 4 years.

 

Nobody really cares about the Biden stuff either aside from some shouty voices on twitter. And even those don't actually care, but it gets them retweets likes, hearts or whatever. Which as we once more saw illustrated beautifully this past Tuesday doesn't really translate to actual votes.

[make total destroy]

I'm actually stoked for a potential Biden presidency. Would be historic for a President to poop his pants during a SOTU address.