It's such a serious election this year, but this does remind me of an old joke about voting back in the day in Chicago's 1900s when it was used in relation to the activities of organized crime figures. On election day, of course this was when there was ONLY in person voting...."vote early and vote often"

In May, ABC News released the results of an investigation that showed 54 criminal cases where Donald Trump was specifically cited in violent attacks or threats of violence. (Forty-one cases were committed by the President’s supporters.)

ABC couldn’t find a single case in which presidents Obama or George W. Bush had been similarly cited.

Attorney General thinks it might be okay to vote twice in elections.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/20...ollowing-trump

For people who claim to stand for law and order, Trump and his white house break the law at will and with impunity.

OMG, this Barr is a complete idiot!

If Biden is elected and there’s an opening on the Supreme Court, I’m hoping he’ll nominate an American Indian or Anita Hill. Of course, I don’t want anyone to have to work with their abuser (!), but I’d get some satisfaction if Thomas had to work with Hill as an equal on the highest court in the U.S.

And it’s long overdue for an American Indian to be a Supreme. Of course, the same case can be made for others.

This guy is such an asshole. I can't believe he gets away with this crap.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/20...ce-again-urges

'Do Not Do What the President Directs,' Warns North Carolina AG as Trump—Once Again—Urges Residents to Commit Felony by Voting Twice

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein on Saturday pleaded with residents of his state to "not do what the president directs" after President Donald Trump yet again advised people to attempt to vote twice—once by mail and once in person on Election Day—in violation of both state and federal law.

"To make sure your ballot COUNTS, sign and send it in EARLY," Stein tweeted, mimicking the president's use of all caps for emphasis. "Then track it online with Ballottrax. Do NOT vote twice (it's a felony), or waste your time, or unnecessarily risk exposure to more people."

"The only GOOD thing about the president's tweet is that he FINALLY encourages voters to VOTE BY MAIL. It's an easy, safe, and secure way to cast a ballot," Stein added, linking to North Carolina's Absentee Ballot Request Portal.

Stein's tweets came after Trump repeated advice he originally offered during a trip to North Carolina earlier this month.

"NORTH CAROLINA: To make sure your Ballot COUNTS, sign and send it in EARLY," the president tweeted Saturday morning. "When Polls open, go to your Polling Place to see if it was COUNTED. IF NOT, VOTE! Your signed Ballot will not count because your vote has been posted. Don't let them illegally take your vote away from you!"

In a statement issued a day after Trump's visit to the state, Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, reminded residents that "attempting to vote twice in an election or soliciting someone to do so... is a violation of North Carolina law."

Critics warned that the president's recommendation could sow further chaos on Election Day by driving voters who have already cast mail-in ballots to in-person polling places, lengthening lines and increasing the risk of spreading Covid-19.

"Trump's goal here," said attorney Susan Simpson, "is to cause the 2020 election to be the biggest clusterfuck the U.S. has ever seen."

'A Matter of Life and Death': After 175 Years, Scientific American Backs Biden With Magazine's First-Ever Endorsement
The editors blast Trump's rejection of "evidence and science," especially "his dishonest and inept response to the Covid-19 pandemic."

With unprecedented wildfires burning across western states, the Gulf Coast bracing for a hurricane, and the coronavirus pandemic still raging, Scientific American on Tuesday gave Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden its first-ever endorsement in the magazine's 175-year history.

Although SciAm had refrained from supporting any political candidates up until now, "this year we are compelled to do so," the editors explain in an endorsement published online. "We do not do this lightly."

"The evidence and the science show that Donald Trump has badly damaged the U.S. and its people—because he rejects evidence and science," the editors charge, calling "his dishonest and inept response to the Covid-19 pandemic" just the "most devastating example."

SciAm's editors note that in addition to his "catastrophic" handling of the ongoing public health crisis, Trump "has also attacked environmental protections, medical care, and the researchers and public science agencies that help this country prepare for its greatest challenges."

"That is why we urge you to vote for Joe Biden, who is offering fact-based plans to protect our health, our economy and the environment," they write. "These and other proposals he has put forth can set the country back on course for a safer, more prosperous and more equitable future."

The rest of the article here:
https://www.commondreams.org/news/20...iden-magazines

Why the stability of the 2020 race promises more volatility ahead

In a presidency of unprecedented disruption and turmoil, Donald Trump's support has remained remarkably stable. That stability, paradoxically, points toward years of rising turbulence in American politics and life.

Trump's approval ratings and support in the presidential race against Democratic nominee Joe Biden have oscillated in a strikingly narrow range of around 40%-45% that appears largely immune to both good news -- the long economic boom during his presidency's first years -- and bad -- impeachment, the worst pandemic in more than a century, revelations that he's disparaged military service and blunt warnings that he is unfit for the job from former senior officials in his own government. Perhaps the newest disclosures, in the upcoming book from Bob Woodward, that Trump knew the coronavirus was far more dangerous than the common flu even as he told Americans precisely the opposite, will break this pattern, but most political strategists in both parties are skeptical that it will.

The durability of both support and opposition to Trump shows how the motivation for voters' choices is shifting from transitory measures of performance, such as the traditional metrics of peace and prosperity, toward bedrock attitudes about demographic, cultural and economic change. The immovability of the battle lines in 2020 captures how thoroughly the two parties are now unified -- and separated -- by their contrasting attitudes toward these fundamental changes, with Trump mobilizing overwhelming support from the voters who are hostile to them, no matter what else happens, and the contrasting coalition of Americans who welcome this evolution flocking toward the Democrats.

"That is certainly what gives Trump a floor: By stoking those cultural war fires you are going to win over a certain share of the electorate that has this more racist and sexist and xenophobic views," says Brian Schaffner, a Tufts University political scientist who has extensively studied the correlation between political preferences and cultural attitudes. "But it also prevents him from winning over these other people who would otherwise be conservative or be open to voting Republican, but simply can't stomach that culture war stuff he is so focused on."

In the near term, this alignment has produced a campaign dynamic in which Trump consistently trails Biden, but not so severely that despite all the controversies that might have capsized an earlier incumbent, he cannot squeeze out another narrow win in the Electoral College.

Over the long term, the durability of attitudes toward Trump spotlights the likelihood of a widening rift between two Americas fundamentally diverging in both their exposure to and attitudes about such fundamental dynamics as the nation's growing racial and religious diversity, rising demands for greater racial equality, changing gender roles and the transition from an industrial to an information age economy.

"When your identity and view of [the nation's] identity overlaps with your partisan identity so much, it's hard to ever consider shifting sides," Schaffner says.

The article is too long to post. If interested the rest can be read here:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/15/polit...ews/index.html

The bottom line is regardless of what happens, a cultural war is looming.

Lincoln Project Co-Founder Names Trump's 'Greatest Lie In American History'...
 

Schmidt, who quit the GOP in 2018 over its support for Trump, is one of the cofounders of The Lincoln Project, a group of “never Trump” conservatives working against the president’s reelection.

He said Trump’s efforts to downplay the virus made the United States the world’s epicenter of coronavirus death and suffering, and pointed to a shattered economy, mass unemployment, interrupted education and a still-rising death toll.

A death rate similar to Germany would have meant 140,000 fewer deaths in the United States. Instead, Trump seems to be pushing for herd immunity, which Schmidt described as “the most immoral plan ever articulated in the history of the country by a president.”

Schmidt cited estimates that a herd immunity approach without a vaccine could lead to nearly 3 million deaths.

One of the worst possible things that could have happened before the election just occurred. Ruth Bader Ginsberg has died. May she rest in peace for all that she has done for our country.

I think there is zero chance that McConnell won't try to ram through a conservative justice. My guess is they will wait to vote until after November 3 during the lame duck session. I don't know if the Democrats can do anything to stop it.

Moscow Mitch picking a new judge isn't a done deal


Losing RBG was a cruel blow and I hit the scotch hard last night, pounded my fist on the table and got the rage out of my system and now I am ready to fight like hell. We have Murkowski and we need 3 more defectors. This game isn't over by any means. Time to ratchet up the heat on these moderate republicans. Are they organizing massive demonstrations like the women’s march? Tell me where and when and I am there. Sent another big donation to Biden and the Democrats. No whining. Biden’s lead has been quietly expanding in the battleground states and this is looking like a landslide. Worst case scenario and Moscow Mitch succeeds? After we win we will just expand the USSC to 13, increase the number of federal judges and flood the courts with our picks and push Puerto Rico to embrace statehood giving us 2 more Senators. But we have to win big first. Fight my sisters and brothers! FIGHT! This is our country and we are taking it back.

I am a tad concerned that the death of RBG will take needed focus on Covid-19 and trump's criminal activities off the news cycle.

Trump to his female supporters: I hope your husbands okayed you attending my rallies.


THIS is the same predator in the same speech who said he will nominate a female for SCOTUS. How many women who have come forward alleging unwanted sexual advances to outright rape against this sadist? Too many people out there who have the power to vote believe a lying, stupid, deranged less-than-human mass murderer to be at the helm another 4 years.

But Hillary's emails. *sigh

Team Pelosi newsflash: Nancy Pelosi will "use every arrow in the quiver" to stop GOP/TP from nominating a USSCJ.

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pelo...e_hero_related

WASN'T ME!

(CNN)A woman suspected of sending a letter containing the poison ricin to President Donald Trump was arrested as she tried to enter the US from Canada at a border crossing in New York state, a US law enforcement official said.

Bernie Sanders gave a great speech yesterday. I also saw him on Rachel Maddow last night. He is planning to give more speeches and hopes to do some campaigning if possible within the constraints of the virus.

It's great to see someone doing everything he can to defeat Trump and strongly back Joe Biden instead of spending all their time bashing Democrats. I was never a fan of him running for president but I greatly applaud and appreciate his efforts!

MY UNSOLICITED ADVICE:

During the Debate on Tuesday, I sure hope Biden comes out swinging and quickly slaps Trump as hard and as often as he can...right from the start..right away.. surprise and shake him..accuse him of something ( doesn't really matter what).then move off that quickly and let Trump figure out if he should defend himself.

Perhaps he asks : you say you love the military, the veterans ...well, while my son was serving his country, where were your sons?

... and then leave Beau to at least to half time. Beau isn't running.

But for sure leave out the loveable folksy rambling digressions . Stay out of the weeds and long complicated nuanced answers.

Be nice enough and reassuring at the end but start out hard. Let Trump do the defending because if you're responding and explaining, you're losing.

MORE UNSOLICITED ADVICE:

During the Debate on Tuesday, I sure hope Biden doesn't beat around the bush looking for euphemisms. Call Trump a racist, sexist pig then move on quickly to an unrelated part of the Dem platform and stay on that so Trump has to respond to platform while the "racist, sexist pig" arrows are still sticking out of his head.

P.S. Now you know why I was never a high school debating coach but I am enjoying myself

Sounds like you debated like I played basketball. I always fouled out by halftime. I tried to make up in aggression what I lacked in height. I think you're right though, Biden's got to come out hard. I do like your strategy pull a Trump and get personal then go back into character and focus on the issues. It would be fun to watch how that played out. Won't happen though.

I totally agree Colette, Biden should be aggressive! I think he will be but maybe not as down and dirty as Coach would like. I've been really looking forward to the debates for a long time. I can't wait!

MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhl interviewed Joe Biden for the Latino-themed L’Attitude virtual event that aired today. A preview of what he plans for the debate.

“Look, the people know the president’s a liar.” I mean they know that. It’s not like it’s gonna come as a surprise to them. And so I’m prepared to go out and make my case as to why I think he’s failed, and why I think the answers I have to proceed will help the American people and the American economy and make us safe internationally.”

Biden predicted Trump’s strategy will be “just straight attack, they’re going to be mostly personal, it’s the only thing he knows how to do,” then told Ruhle that Trump “doesn’t know how to debate the facts because he’s not that smart. He doesn’t know that many facts. He doesn’t know much about foreign policy, he doesn’t know much about domestic policy, he doesn’t know much about the detail.”

He concluded by saying Trump’s debate performance will be “mostly personal attacks and lies, but I think the American people are on to him.”

Video clip:

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/watch/bi...ar-92608069669

If the above is true, I predict disaster.

Most people don't know much about foreign or domestic policy and sure don't know details. It will be left to "pundits" to interpret for them and mostly what will be remembered are any gaffes and Biden correcting himself whenever he gets a statistic wrong...and how dull he sounds ... A field day for the right wing pundits who don't care about all those details either.

I have to agree........
 

:goodpost:

100 per cent with the above post!

Also being polite, respectful, and playing by the rules will NOT work with Trump! Joe has got to get down and get a bit of mud on his hands or to fling whichever work best IMHO!

I think Biden will do quite well. He's going to talk about how Trump has failed and make the case for his own presidency. I think he will be aggressive but if he tried to get in an outright brawl he would lose.

I can't wait to see it!

I'm not suggesting he get into a brawl. I am suggesting he stay away from numbers, details, specifics and anything else his personality obliges him to get "right".

Welcome to Susan Sarandons' SCOTUS


With her NEVER HILLARY positions, THIS is where we are. Amy Coney Barrett will replace the notorious RBG unless the democrats delay and derail. Not the way I enjoy politics, but all the gloves are off. Just in case you did not know, Amy:

1. She wrote recently that only virtuous citizens should have the right to vote. (guess I should sign up to be a virtuous police officer, lotsa work)

2. She supports killing the ACA (wrong usage of a word there) She supports the drowning of the ACA, therefore KILLING many Americans who will be part of the gristmill due to preexisting conditions.

3. Any woman here who knows a female or is a female wanting an abortion? THAT will go buh-bye, for Amy believes every life is precious but not the birth mother. (I'll probably make a killing in investing in orphanages)

3A. They'll chant "Pro-Life!" as they are killing immigrant children and our elderly as soon as Medicare is privatized.

4. The ERA continues to be a pressing issue. Without the ERA in the constitution, any and all rights to women can be judicially nullified.

5. She accepted monies from an organization who believe same sex couples rights should be revoked and even penalized with the possibility of imprisonment. Trans folks would be sterilized.

___________________________

This is the worst possible case scenario, Susan Sarandon was not a visionary, with her help, hundreds of thousands possibly a few million voted Green in 2016. I am grieving for this country, I know I am thinking of a plan B, plan C.

Even More Unsolicited Advice

Joe, don't bury the lead.

Make your main point first and clearly. Don't lead with explanations.

Largely ignore Trump's answers except maybe to dismiss them succinctly and quickly ( it's ok to be strongly dismissive of his lies but not ok to go on to explain them ) " We all know that's a lie Mr Trump" then move right on to your own points.

Except...if he keeps interrupting you can turn to him and tell him, like a scolding schoolteacher/parent that if he has anything to say he can wait his turn. "This is a debate, Mr Trump, not a rude shouting match"

And More

Trump interrupts so...

Biden : "Be Quiet. If you have anything to say that isn't a lie or a rude ugly personal attack, you can wait till it is your turn. Till then, be quiet.

But one thing he shouldn't do is look like he's helplessly looking to the moderator to stop Trump.

And every time he does it...just say "Be Quiet" and go back to your point.
Trump's interruptions will be pointed out and will annoy people.

Wishing you the best, Joe.

There is a lot I could say about the things you reference in your post, Ace, but just today, I saw that Dwayne Johnson is placing his efforts and vote to the right people campaigning for POTUS (Biden/Harris Ticket).

I also read this past week, that Nancy Pelosi could end up being interim POTUS if TP refuses to vacate the WH until post-election issues are straightened out. If that happens, it will be the closest our country has ever been to a woman presiding as POTUS (Madam President Pelosi).

Keep the faith that all will be as it should be, that American voters will send a huge message that Biden/Harris is who should lead our country and that frog-marching consequences will take place as soon as voters vote them out.

Biden will do well during this debate. His only potential problems would be the gaffs, which it seems he's done with. Must have had ongoing speech preparation over the past year.

People watching will observe that Biden genuinely cares about the regular worker and farmer; whereas, Trump's arrogance, disdain, and rude behavior will be on ripe display.

This debate is not very worrisome for me. As my Partner says of the Trump supporters, they "already drank the Kool-aid." We really have no chance to recruit the "deplorables," a lost cause group. Biden knows the groups he must play to. The suburban women, college educated white men, and rust belt labor are his goal and forte. He has most labor, people of color, and the college educated in his corner.

The only worry I have will be the emotional feelings on November third, and that's a personal problem brought on by mail in votes. Not a nailbiter now, but its either that or go to bed early (not likely).

Funny thing, I'm thinking the CNN pundits have been reading my advice to Biden... problem is that his campaign advisors have not and they keep insisting it's important to stop and fact check him....therein lies disaster for Biden.

Ignore Trump.

~
 

I agree ~ Trump sinks himself ~ he will come out slinging lies and crap ~ he's self destructive.

I think Biden and his advisors have the debate well in hand. Biden just needs to execute and he's shown plenty of evidence lately of being very focused and disciplined.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/0...d-biden-422319

Excerpts:

With those stakes in mind, POLITICO interviewed more than a dozen campaign aides and outside allies about the candidates’ preparations and expectations for the 90-minute showdown at 9 p.m. Tuesday. Here’s a look at what we learned.

Biden’s imperative: Don’t play Trump’s game

Stick to Covid-19 and the economy. Don’t waste valuable time fact-checking the president, except perhaps his most egregious falsehoods. And be ready for Trump to go after your kid — and your brothers.

These are among the pointers Biden’s advisers are giving the candidate in prep sessions ahead of the debate.

“The goal for this debate is to not be a fact-checker of Donald Trump. His goal is to communicate directly to the American people and to outline his vision for how we overcome the pandemic, finally,” said a second person familiar with the Biden campaign’s thinking.

----------

Meanwhile, Trump and his idiotic followers (and sadly some on the left) have been spending months claiming Biden is senile. They are violating one of the cardinal rules of debates which is never lower expectations for your opponent. Now Trump is claiming Biden is taking performance-enhancing drugs which explains his coherence. Ridiculous. All this will just make Biden look even stronger and clearer when it is obvious he isn't the slightest bit senile.

I can't wait!

Who needs enemies...

"Meanwhile, Trump and his idiotic followers (and sadly some on the left) have been spending months claiming Biden is senile." Bulldog

It's probably the longest unbroken tradition on "The Left"....stabbing each other in the back until they slip and slide in each other's blood off the political stage.

I'm very fond of the film, "The Death of Stalin".

Okay, I will be honest, I didn't think Biden was quite as strong as I would have hoped, but that almost seems unfair given the shit show and constant interruptions.

Biden did make some good points. Maybe they will get out in short clips on TV and social media.

I can't see how Trump helped himself at all. I don't see how anyone who wasn't already going to vote for him would be convinced to vote for him now.

Moderators should have a mute button where they can cut off the mic of the person who isn't supposed to be speaking.

I don't expect this will change the dynamics of the race.

What a disgrace. I just hope Trump doesn't turn a lot of people off from voting.

The Guardian is reporting.........
 

Donald Trump showing mild 'cold-like symptoms' – reports
Trump is showing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, but mild ones, according to two people familiar with his condition, reports the New York Times. Maggie Haberman writes:

The president has had what one person described as cold-like symptoms. At a fund-raiser he attended at his golf club at Bedminster, New Jersey, on Thursday, where one attendee said the president came in contact with about 100 people, he seemed lethargic.

A person briefed on the matter said that Mr. Trump fell asleep at one point on Air Force One on the way back from a rally in Minnesota on Wednesday night.

A White House official said that as of Thursday night, the president’s treatment plan was still being discussed. So was a possible national address or a videotaped statement from the president to demonstrate that he was functioning and that the government is uninterrupted.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/...ve-latest-news

Vote 2020
 

VOTE 2020
https://lifehacker.com/s/voter-guide

– Cast Your Ballot With This Comprehensive 2020 Voting Guide

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https://lifehacker.com/s/voter-guide

The Biden campaign is pulling their negative ads for now. At first I thought, oh no we need every dirty tactic to beat this guy. But it might be the best. Focus on articulating your vision for the Biden/Harris administration. Everyone knows how bad Trump is and how bad he has handled the virus. Just show leadership and articulate your vision as your closing argument. I think it's good.

Hopefully, I'm not being a naiive liberal.

We have a community of like-minded business owners, and tonight on my way home i saw a powerful message on a business store billboard.

"The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression," ~ W. E. B. DuBois.

It was great to see this message. Especially after all the excess tactics by the current DC/WH admin.

We have had four years of an repressive regime by TP & the GOP.

No more.

The best is yet to come and I wholeheartedly believe that the Democrats will come in strong and take control of a very terrible page in American politics.