Comments on: Cleveland, Day Four -- Trump's Big Night

By: Michale

Michale — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 20:13:07 +0000

you WERE right about the nomination, and i was wrong, along with neil, nate silver and pretty much everyone else in the intelligentsia. you were also right about the 2014 midterms. make a note of these please, next time you say nobody admits when you're right. I tattooed it on my forehead.. :D IF you turn out to be right about this year's general election, i promise to give credit where it's due. there's no way i'm betting a t-shirt (or anything else) on this one. That's one of the best concession I could ever desire.. :D whether any of those things will matter, who the hell knows? yet another thing i think you're right about (TAKE NOTE!) is that this election is NOT typical. there are many dimensions influencing voter behavior, and i don't think anyone on ANY side ought to be counting their chickens. It's like we're practically twins!!! hehehehehehe :D Note taken.. :D Michale

By: nypoet22

nypoet22 — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 18:00:14 +0000

The *FACT* that I was dead on ballz right on Trump and Nate (and ya'all incidentally) were dead on WRONG on Trump, gives me a bit more credibility... :D you WERE right about the nomination, and i was wrong, along with neil, nate silver and pretty much everyone else in the intelligentsia. you were also right about the 2014 midterms. make a note of these please, next time you say nobody admits when you're right. IF you turn out to be right about this year's general election, i promise to give credit where it's due. there's no way i'm betting a t-shirt (or anything else) on this one. that said, there are a number of factors in the general election that didn't apply to the midterms or GOP primaries, as well as some factors that applied to the GOP primaries and midterms that don't apply to the general election. on the whole, black people really like and identify with hillary, and really despise donald. the hispanic vote is a wild card, with polling all over the map. the turn-out for presidential general elections is generally higher and more diverse than all other elections. if you pushed me to guess i'd say that trend may be even more pronounced this time than typical presidential general elections. whether any of those things will matter, who the hell knows? yet another thing i think you're right about (TAKE NOTE!) is that this election is NOT typical. there are many dimensions influencing voter behavior, and i don't think anyone on ANY side ought to be counting their chickens. JL

By: Michale

Michale — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 16:19:23 +0000

that's not accurate. the first time i saw neil pull out the prediction, i said i wouldn't bet on it. i haven't been there all the time, but that's simply because i'm not on-line all the time. Touche' :D I don't recall that, but won't dispute it.. :D Michale

By: nypoet22

nypoet22 — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 15:47:43 +0000

You DON'T say it when Neal[sic] or Paula or anyone else predicts that Hillary will win that's not accurate. the first time i saw neil pull out the prediction, i said i wouldn't bet on it. i haven't been there all the time, but that's simply because i'm not on-line all the time. JL

By: Michale

Michale — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 15:40:40 +0000

but failure to at least attempt to figure out how the electoral math will work means your prediction is worth even less than nate silver's.

The *FACT* that I was dead on ballz right on Trump and Nate (and ya'all incidentally) were dead on WRONG on Trump, gives me a bit more credibility... :D

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 15:38:14 +0000

individual states always matter in presidential elections, no matter when you're trying to anticipate their outcome. as i've said, i think it's ridiculous to try to predict at all this early. b But you *ONLY* say it's ridiculous when I say that Trump is going to win... You DON'T say it when Neal or Paula or anyone else predicts that Hillary will win and/or Trump will lose.. THAT is why I take your statements with a grain of salt... If it's ridiculous to predict a winner in the here and now, then it SHOULD be ridiculous regardless of who is predicting whom... If it's not equal, then it's just the PIFs at work... Michale

By: nypoet22

nypoet22 — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 15:20:13 +0000

individual states always matter in presidential elections, no matter when you're trying to anticipate their outcome. as i've said, i think it's ridiculous to try to predict at all this early. but failure to at least attempt to figure out how the electoral math will work means your prediction is worth even less than nate silver's.

By: Michale

Michale — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 14:47:40 +0000

Specifics matter. Individual states matter.

In the weeks immediately prior to the election.. Yes...

In the here and now, the big picture rules...

The betting markets are a perfect example. Nate Silver is a perfect example..

They went SPECIFICs-city and "proved" that Donald Trump would NEVER be the GOP nominee...

But those of us who looked at the big picture knew better...

Michale

By: nypoet22

nypoet22 — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 14:40:54 +0000

If the big picture mattered more than the electoral college then bush wouldn't have won in y2k. Specifics matter. Individual states matter. If Donald hopes to be the potus he'd best pay attention to Florida, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina and other swing states,as well as vulnerable blue states like Pennsylvania.

By: Michale

Michale — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 11:40:47 +0000

Sure, you can tie me all up with specifics and we can discuss the definition of IS all day long..

If one examines the minutia and cherry picks the details they want to address they can convince anyone that Clinton is going to win..

I am looking at the big pictures..

Big pictures like Union members flocking to Trump...

Big pictures like Progressives don't like Clinton's VP pick...

Big pictures like 70% of Americans don't want an Obama 3rd Term...

Big pictures like the ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT candidate will win this election...

All those factual big pictures point to one inescapable conclusion...

The "Blue Wall" that the Left Wingery is counting on won't mean squat... The Electoral College advantage, while warm and fuzzy and comforting in theory, won't mean diddley squat..

The gut that told me that the Democrats were going to get nuclear shellacked in 2014 is the same gut that's telling me that the Left Wingery's complacency re: Trump is going to lead to a Dem massacre in 2016....

My suggestion was simply that anyone who chooses to shoot smoke at this question, be it Neil, Michale or nate silver, be specific about which states they are predicting to go which way, and why.

Fair enough.. When Neil and Nate start speaking specifics, I will surely follow suit...

But for now, the big pictures make the case ever so nicely.. :D

Michale

By: nypoet22

nypoet22 — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 10:38:43 +0000

As I've indicated repeatedly, i am not assuming anything. My suggestion was simply that anyone who chooses to shoot smoke at this question, be it Neil, Michale or nate silver, be specific about which states they are predicting to go which way, and why.

@michale,

You say you have done this, but i don't see the name of a single state. Let's start easy with Florida and its 29 electoral votes - what evidence do you have that Florida will not be its typical razor thin swing state self?

Once that is done, then move on to "sure thing" states like new York

By: Michale

Michale — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 09:39:48 +0000

In this atypical election, that's not a good assumption to make..

And you know what happens when you make an assumption..

You make an ass out of u and umption.. :D

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 06:52:24 +0000

The electoral college doesn't depend on an election being typical or atypical. No, but who WINS those states IS dependent on a typical/atypical election.. All I'm saying is if you want to speculate, regardless of who you are guessing will win, be specific about what states and how many electoral votes. I have... States that were "sure things" for Democrats are now battleground states... You are assuming that any state that Obama won is a safe state for Hillary... In this atypical election, that's not a good assumption to make.. Michale

By: nypoet22

nypoet22 — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 03:08:33 +0000

The electoral college doesn't depend on an election being typical or atypical. All I'm saying is if you want to speculate, regardless of who you are guessing will win, be specific about what states and how many electoral votes.

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 18:38:26 +0000

in other words, there are a dozen states that ya'all are claiming are "safe states" and they really ain't...

When Trump starts bringing over to his side a Dem mainstay like UNIONS, ya'all just HAVE to know yer in trouble..

Plus, the FACT that every terrorist attack and every attack on LEOs means more votes for Trump and less votes for Hillary...

Ya'all are relying on conventional wisdom and this election has defied that wisdom at every turn...

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 18:31:38 +0000

Joshua,

Your problem is you are looking at the Electoral Map as if this was a normal election..

It's not...

All safe generic assumptions are out the window...

Michale

By: John From Censornati

John From Censornati — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 17:09:58 +0000

JL [96],

Moore was not specific at all. He simply asserted that every white man will vote. Joy Reid tried to talk demographics with him, but Maher just egged him on. Maher stated clearly that his own goal was complacency avoidance and the whole thing seemed like a bit.

By: nypoet22

nypoet22 — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 16:45:53 +0000

here's RCP's electoral map to get us started:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2016/president/2016_elections_electoral_college_map.html

By: nypoet22

nypoet22 — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 16:44:43 +0000

if we're going to blow smoke out our collective rectums, let's at least be specific about it. which states does michael moore think donald and hillary will win, for how many electoral votes each? which states does he believe are still up for grabs? i've always maintained that both candidates have a chance, but what is each candidate's best chance?

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 16:16:36 +0000

So Donald, please keep insulting people's race, orientation, and intelligence, you are only making it easier for Hillary.

Of course, if Trump WAS insulting people's race, orientation or intelligence, you would have a point.

But he doesn't so you don't...

You can spin all you want, Neal... But the facts are clear...

Hillary is going to lose and lose big..

Once you see the HUGE debacle that the Democrat Convention is, you'll understand.. I don't expect you to concede the facts, but the facts WILL be clear..

Michale

By: neilm

neilm — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 15:43:37 +0000

Michael Moore is "predicting" a Trump victory in November (see Bill Maher's Real Time on Wednesday night). I think he might just be trying to remove any complacency (a la Brexit referendum), however Maher took the bait and double-clicked.

Moore's reasoning was that this would be the election when "10,000 years of white male supremacy was lost" and that there would be a huge turnout of white males, particularly non-college educated white males, that would say "not on our watch".

I've tried to stress test this using fivethirtyeight's "What would it take to flip" tool (http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2016-swing-the-election/).

I'm not moving any of the dots except the non-college educated white vote, which I moved from 57% turnout to a totally unrealistic 100% turnout. I left the horizontal vote value at 62%.

Trump still loses 272-266 to Hillary.

If we move it to a more believable 80%, you have to increase the vote axis to 66% to get a Trump presidency - and this also means Trump has to hold on to the 29% Latino vote that Romney got. Move that to a more likely 15% and Trump needs 68% of the non-college educated white vote.

This also assumes he doesn't lose any of the white college-educated white vote. I live in white college-educated land, and many of the Romney voters from 2012 want nothing to do with Trump (they tend to as difficult questions of Trump, like "How are you going to .... ?".

So Donald, please keep insulting people's race, orientation, and intelligence, you are only making it easier for Hillary.

JFK conspiracy theories anyone?

By: Paula

Paula — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 15:32:51 +0000

The more Iearn about Tim Kaine the more I like him. I think he's going to turn out to be a very good choice. He's got a 100 from Planned Parenthood and and "F" from the NRA. He's a Catholic with Jesuit training -- those guys are smart. He grasps and fully supports choice even while personally opposed to abortion. That's what choice is. I read that he lives in a predominately black neighborhood and attends a predominately black church. His kids went through the public school system. I read several comment threads on FB and in different blogs last night. There were several comments on the variation of "I'm from Virginia and I love him!" Also many accounts of how his peers -- fellow Senators, people in Virginia govt etc. all like him. He's apparently a genuinely nice guy (like Biden). The meme about him trying to "help the banks" is incorrect. He was, with several Democrats, working to make sure smaller banks and Credit Unions were protected from rules intended to reign in the big banks; rules that would be too onerous for smaller institutions. He's reportedly a good debater. He has more broad experience than any of the others who were vetted. In that way he's a "resume" choice. But, as some folks put it, there's campaigning, and then there's governing. He's a governing choice -- someone who could take over if that was needed. He's never lost an election. He and Hillary get along well. TPP? We'll see. Other than that the main objection I've read is he won't make Bernie-holdouts happy. OTOH I've also read polls indicating 85% of Bernie's folks have already come on board for Hillary. In the end she'll probably get a chunk of the last 15% anyway; the rest will vote Stein or do write-ins or whatever. I think it's going to work out well.

By: John M

John M — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 15:05:59 +0000

Michale wrote:

"If you have the quote, I'll have the response.. :D"

Yes, here is just the most RECENT one that I could find. There is also another one from 2013 that I can post as well if you need it.

“WALLACE: But -- but just to button this up very quickly, sir, are you saying that if you become president, you might try to appoint justices to overrule the decision on same-sex marriage?” TRUMP: “I would strongly consider that, yes.” [Fox News Sunday, 1/31/2016; VIDEO]

By: John M

John M — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 14:48:53 +0000

Michale wrote:

"Virginia is likely in the Clinton Camp even without Kaine..."

Nice of you to make that concession. But he does help make Virginia solid for Clinton. Though I agree he is an uninspired choice, he is fluent in Spanish, which helps. And with both Sanders and Warren campaigning for Hillary, I doubt she will need help in those areas VP wise. Most important of all was that she run with someone who she is very comfortable with, and who is also very qualified to fill the role of President if needed.

Also, Michale, have you really looked at the Electoral map? Assuming Clinton lost, and Trump carried ALL of the following states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Iowa, Clinton would still win the election with a majority of the electoral college! Just by carrying the rest of the remaining states that Obama did in 2012.

By: John M

John M — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 14:39:22 +0000

Michale wrote:

"It's going to be the Reagan years all over again! :D"

So, I guess that means that you and the Republicans don't care about the national debt or deficit anymore??? What about the tea party? Since Reagan increased both more than any other modern President in recent history, and since Trump's economic and budget proposals will do exactly the same thing, since he has promised both big tax cuts and big increase in defense spending.

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 14:27:05 +0000

Like I said...

The Kaine pick only helps Hillary with the ONE group that she is strongest with..

ESTABLISHMENT..

Virginia is likely in the Clinton Camp even without Kaine...

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 14:20:30 +0000

No, the funny thing is that you defend Trump for doing that! No, I don't.. "I said I understand. I didn't say I approve." -Spock, STAR TREK, A Taste Of Armageddon :D As long as their actions are for equal rights and non-discriminatory legislation, they can say whatever the hell they want to. Exactly.. And TRUMP's actions prove he is for equal rights and non-discriminatory legislation.. Hillary's actions prove that she is not... Hillary's team see Virginia as a must win state, and Kaine helps make sure that happens. He's a solid choice. He's got far more government experience than some of the other names that were being thrown around Yea, like I said. He is an ESTABLISHMENT pick.. In an election that the ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT candidate will win... Michale

By: ListenWhenYouHear

ListenWhenYouHear — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 14:02:52 +0000

Michale,

Hillary's team see Virginia as a must win state, and Kaine helps make sure that happens. He's a solid choice. He's got far more government experience than some of the other names that were being thrown around. While Warren would have made for an awesome ticket, I think Warren could be better used in other places than as VP. There are a few big Cabinet positions that she could really cause some much needed change to how things have been done for far too long!

By: ListenWhenYouHear

ListenWhenYouHear — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 14:02:43 +0000

Michale,

By: ListenWhenYouHear

ListenWhenYouHear — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 13:53:29 +0000

Michale, In other words, both candidates are saying what their respective supporters want to hear.... Funny thing is, you only slam Trump for that.. :D No, the funny thing is that you defend Trump for doing that! As long as their actions are for equal rights and non-discriminatory legislation, they can say whatever the hell they want to. Trump's an insecure little man whose biggest desire for what this convention was going to convey to those that viewed it was how "liked" he was by everyone. I can just see him standing in front of a mirror after the convention doing his best Sally Fields' impersonation, "They liked me! They really, really liked me!"

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 11:07:07 +0000

No one (except you, me and Joshua) wants to give the GOP credit for ANYTHING...

Liz probably will join the ranks of the NEN on this issue. She hasn't weighed in yet, I don't think...

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 11:05:11 +0000

See what I mean, CW??

No one (except you, me and Joshua) wants to give the GOP credit for ANYTHING...

PIFs are fully engaged...

Michale

By: John From Censornati

John From Censornati — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 10:48:58 +0000

"They've still got a long way to go as a party on the issue, but these are very important baby steps they are taking and deserve everyone's applause, mine included." No thank you. They were applauding his anti-muslim sentiments. The applauders were the people who wrote that vile anti-gay GOP platform and the speaker plays footsie with anti-gay hate groups. When Republicans start talking about protecting gay people from Hocus Pocus on the Family, there'll be something to applaud.

By: John From Censornati

John From Censornati — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 10:32:05 +0000

Well, Cruz has been vindicated. The Orange One is talking trash about Cruz's father again. Disgraceful!

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 10:08:38 +0000

Liz,

I have a question for you..

Why do you think Hillary chose Kaine??

As I understand it, a VP pick is supposed to shore up a flaw or weak area of the presidential candidate... A hispanic pick to help with hispanics, etc etc..

The only group that Kaine brings to the table is a group that Clinton is already strong with.. Corporatists, Big Banks, Wall Street, Globalists... Matter of fact, it's the ONLY group that Clinton is strong with..

Hell, Clinton is super duper weak with the youth vote.. Hillary should have picked Miley Cyrus.. :D

But seriously.. I would think that Kaine is the LAST person Hillary would pick..

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 08:53:54 +0000

BigGuy,

I am the same way.. When I see someone who posts attacks on Trump by calling him names or bastardizing his name or other 3rd grade playground antics, I totally treat those comments as non-serious....

So, you and I are in complete agreement on that point...

I hope you stick around, as I have been wanting to have this debate/discussion for a LONG time.. :D

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 08:52:31 +0000

Yes, Michael, she sure did! That was back in 1996. Of course Trump supported marriage equality until he accepted the role of Republican candidate. I guess his views regressed while Hillary's evolved.

In other words, both candidates are saying what their respective supporters want to hear....

Funny thing is, you only slam Trump for that.. :D

Michale

By: ListenWhenYouHear

ListenWhenYouHear — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 08:22:17 +0000

Michael,

Yes, Michael, she sure did! That was back in 1996. Of course Trump supported marriage equality until he accepted the role of Republican candidate. I guess his views regressed while Hillary's evolved.

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 08:10:08 +0000

And, in our READ 'EM AND WEEP segment..

CNN probably regrets polling viewers after Trump’s RNC speech because, well… WOW
http://www.bizpacreview.com/2016/07/22/cnn-probably-regrets-polling-viewers-trumps-rnc-speech-well-wow-368574

73% of Americans liked Trump's speech and said that Trump would likely move this country in the right direction....

56% of Americans said the speech would make them more likely to vote forTrump...

Sorry, my fellow Weigantians....

The facts are in.

Everyone wants Trump... :D

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 08:01:15 +0000

Joshua,

simpsons forums insist that it was not a part of any episode, but myself and many others have very clear memories of homer on-screen singing it. i think it may have been pre-youtube, first five seasons or so - if not an episode per se then maybe a TV trailer?

I got nuttin... :(

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 07:14:32 +0000

(see upcoming T-shirt he's about to wear because he lost a bet in these comments -- Michale, got a link?). yea, yea... "Yer not the one who is going to have to call a press conference when this is all over!" -Amanda Peterson, CAN'T BUY ME LOVE :D heh I'll have a link and login for ya'all later in the morning. Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 07:12:35 +0000

Listen,

Are you freakin' kidding me?!?!

And yet, you support Hillary who pushed the DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE act....

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 06:58:42 +0000

Liz,

Kaine signed a letter recently where he urged the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to make sure that their rules regarding banks would not cause problems for these banks..

If Hillary wanted to bring Bernie supporters into the fold, Kaine is the WORST pick imaginable...

If Hillary wanted to drive Bernie supporters into Trump's loving embrace :D then Kaine is the BEST pick imaginable.. :D

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 06:52:10 +0000

CW, Thanks also for the kind words. We're a (mostly) civil lot here... well... except for that one guy (hey Michale!). Hay now.. I am the epitome of civil.. :D It just doesn't look that way because I respond to a lot of un-civil comments with un-civility as well.. :D But while you sometimes have to tune him out, the rest of the comment threads here are usually pretty high-level. Shurley, you jest... :D "orange one"?? Drumpf?? 'nuff said.. :D 've always said I don't get the most comments, but I do get the best and most thoughtful... Why, thank you. It's nice to be noticed.. :D heh Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 06:46:13 +0000

BigGuy,

Most of all I hope the families of the candidates are spared; they do not deserve it.

Once again, you and I are in complete agreement??

Given that, I am curious...

What's your take on the senseless attacks on Trump's wife??

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 06:44:44 +0000

Liz,

Hey, Michale! What do you think of Tim Kaine for Vice President!?

Liberals hate him...

Increases the chances of a total schism at the upcoming Democrat Convention...

Makes the Democrat ticket a complete and utter ESTABLISHMENT ticket thru and thru...

I love him!!! :D I think it's the best pick that Hillary could have made to insure that she loses.. :D

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 06:41:15 +0000

BigGuy,

First off...

"Welcome to the party, pal!!!"
-John McClane, DIE HARD

With that segue, the one troubling aspect of this site is the use of unflattering names for political leaders. This would include referring to candidate by a color or bastardizing the president's name to infer he is stupid (when he clearly is not). Doing so makes me more much likely to dismiss the accompanying opinion. As humans and as leaders of the country and our political parties thy deserve a level of respect.

I completely, whole-heartedly and unequivocally agree with you.. Without reservation...

I am the same way.. When I see someone who posts attacks on Trump by calling him names or bastardizing his name or other 3rd grade playground antics, I totally treat those comments as non-serious....

So, you and I are in complete agreement on that point...

Michale

By: ListenWhenYouHear

ListenWhenYouHear — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 05:54:18 +0000

CW said, Trump, as I stated earlier, has singlehandedly gotten the GOP out of the swamp of gay-hating, and he is right to draw attention to the fact that it is now OK for a GOP crowd to cheer the phrase "LGBTQ." Are you freakin' kidding me?!?! Have you bothered to look at the Republican's party platform at all? It is the most anti-LGBTQ piece of horseshat imaginable! It calls for overturning a Supreme Court ruling that gave gays the same right to marry the person that they love that the straight community has benefitted from! It's one thing to deny a person of a right that they have never had, but it is entirely a different thing to strip a person of that right once they have acquired it based on nothing but pure hatred and bigotry! The Republican platform also fully supports the use of "conversion therapy" to "fix" gays -- a therapy that has been dismissed as having absolutely no beneficial qualities by every major medical board and psychiatric / psychological group in the country. Furthermore, the therapy is linked to a massive increase for the risk of suicide and severe depression by those who are subjected to it! Those who go through it are tormented with the belief that something is very wrong with them and that they can be "fixed" so that they are "normal" like everyone else. Most go willingly into the therapy, but not all. The saddest thing is that there is nothing wrong with these individuals -- there is nothing to fix! It's not that the therapy doesn't do anything....what it does accomplish is what makes it so horrible! Any person who thinks that this isn't a twisted form of torture is incorrect. The GOP has officially called for the death of homosexuals -- they just want us to kill ourselves so their hands don't get dirty. And I am not impressed just because Trump used "LGBTQ"! That has become much more accepted because the transgender community is not homosexual for the most part; and the Republicans definitely don't want them to be left out of their hatred! Trump is a social networking whore, "LGBTQ" is shorthand and its usage doesn't necessarily show support for or against the community. Granted, it is better than if he'd just used the term "faggots", but I am not going to ignore the Republicans declaration of war against us just because the turd it came wrapped in had a pretty bow on top of it!

By: Elizabeth Miller

Elizabeth Miller — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 04:48:33 +0000

Kaine is a definite plus.

By: nypoet22

nypoet22 — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 04:39:36 +0000

thank you :)

By: nypoet22

nypoet22 — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 04:39:09 +0000

plus, pence and kaine are boring.

By: Elizabeth Miller

Elizabeth Miller — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 04:36:48 +0000

Good.

And, sorry. I'll try not to do it again.

By: nypoet22

nypoet22 — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 04:11:32 +0000

@liz,

not even slightly. and quit shortening my first name.

Joshua Lynn

By: Elizabeth Miller

Elizabeth Miller — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 03:39:35 +0000

AnalogKid ...aka, ak ... Heh.

Welcome!

So, what does that article you cite have to say about Trump getting the GOP out of the anti-gay swamp?

By: Elizabeth Miller

Elizabeth Miller — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 03:32:49 +0000

Big Guy[40]

I think I'm going to like you! And, that's just after reading the first half of your first comment ...

Welcome to the site!

By: Chris Weigant

Chris Weigant — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 03:30:56 +0000

nypoet22 [56] -

That does sound familiar, I have to admit.

My favorite has always been Homer's take on "I Feel Pretty"... "see the pretty deer on the lawn..."

Heh.

OK, really, gotta go...

-CW

By: Chris Weigant

Chris Weigant — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 03:28:53 +0000

AnalogKid [30] - and BigGuy [40] - Welcome to the site! Sorry for the delay in approving your first comment, but it's a busy time of year for me... From now on, you will be able to post your comments and have them appear instantly, as long as you only post one link per comment. Multi-link comments get held automatically by my filter, and as you can see sometimes it takes me a while to get around to approving them. But limit it to one link per comment and you should be OK. My autofilter is kind of beefy, which also leads to comments getting held for no real reason -- I apologize in advance if it happens, and I try to get them approved as soon as possible. In any case, welcome again to the site. Now, as for your comments, AnalogKid [30] - Yeah, I know. Their platform also is pretty scathingly anti-gay as well. But, like I said, baby steps. Remember what they were like 4, 8, and 12+ years ago? They've lost a gigantic social issues battle, they're licking their wounds, and hopefully they'll decide to just essentially give up on the whole thing (especially if they lose this Nov -- they'll have to if they ever want a chance at the White House again). Oh, and thanks for the kind words! It's a lot of work transcribing all the notes, so I'm glad people get some use out of it all. :-) BigGuy [40] - Thanks also for the kind words. We're a (mostly) civil lot here... well... except for that one guy (hey Michale!). However, he pays his dues in more ways than one (see upcoming T-shirt he's about to wear because he lost a bet in these comments -- Michale, got a link?). But while you sometimes have to tune him out, the rest of the comment threads here are usually pretty high-level. I've always said I don't get the most comments, but I do get the best and most thoughtful... :-) OK, gotta run, lots to do... -CW

By: Elizabeth Miller

Elizabeth Miller — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 03:16:50 +0000

Okay, Michale, I'll go first ... Tim Kaine is ya'all's personification of Canada's very own 'sunny ways'. Guess which apostrophe's are out of place! :-)

By: Elizabeth Miller

Elizabeth Miller — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 03:08:03 +0000

Josh,

Are you drunk?

By: nypoet22

nypoet22 — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 03:06:53 +0000

completely unrelated question: why is there no sign anywhere online of the clip from the simpsons where homer sings the do-re-mi song from the sound of music, but with beer? (dough, the stuff that buys me beer, ray, the guy who brings the beer, me, the guy who drinks the beer, far, a long long way for beer, etc.)

By: Elizabeth Miller

Elizabeth Miller — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 02:15:17 +0000

Hey, Michale! What do you think of Tim Kaine for Vice President!?

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 20:52:57 +0000

Grinning Obama JOKES during Munich carnage press conference as he shifts gears to talk about daughter Malia leaving the nest for college

President Obama briefed reporters Friday afternoon on the unfolding mass-murder in Munich, Germany

He noted how terrorism undermines people's freedoms and lifestyles in the absence of good law enforcement

Then Obama cracked wise about daughter Malia leaving the nest for college, drawing laughter from the entire room

Unfazed, he shifted gears back to the somber subject matter

Obama had held a joint press conference with Mexco's president, one hour before the Munich carnage began, criticizing Donald Trump for exaggerating terrorism threats
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3703975/Grinning-Obama-JOKES-Munich-carnage-press-conference-shifts-gears-talk-daughter-Malia-leaving-nest-college.html#ixzz4FAmbev9p

That's our POTUS.. COMPLETELY self-absorbed....

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 20:36:04 +0000

Internal emails show DNC staffers conspired to develop anti-Bernie ‘narrative’

There’s more evidence that the Democratic National Committee rigged the election against Bernie Sanders and in favor of Hillary Clinton.

WikiLeaks posted an email from Mark Paustenbach, the Democratic Party’s national press secretary & deputy communications director, to other staffers discussing how they could create an anti-Sanders narrative the described his campaign in disarray.
http://www.theamericanmirror.com/wikileaks-dnc-staffers-conspire-undermine-bernie-sanders/

That's ya'all's candidate... By hook or by crook....

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 20:18:25 +0000

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/22/shots-fired-at-munich-shopping-centre/

More votes for Trump...

Less votes for Hillary....

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 20:17:32 +0000

announced Trump is a racist:

And yet, not ONE SINGLE person here can provide ANY factual evidence that Trump is a racist..

NOT A SINGLE ONE....

I know, I know.. Ya'all don't need any FACTS to attack someone unfairly...

Ya'all Partisan Ideological Filters provide all the justification ya'all need...

That's the Democrat Party way....

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 19:58:25 +0000

Expert on being a racist announced Trump is a racist:

Person who condemns another person now accepts that person's word as gospel because said person now agrees with the person of the first part...

In short... Nothing but Partisan Ideological Filter at work...

Michale

By: neilm

neilm — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 19:24:51 +0000

Expert on being a racist announced Trump is a racist:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/07/22/former-kkk-leader-david-duke-citing-trump-announces-senate-bid/

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:49:36 +0000

You shouldn't be scared, Michale .. *I* am not scared... I think a President Trump is going to be AWESOME!!! It's going to be the Reagan years all over again! :D a President Trump will soon learn that he has to play in the same sandbox as everyone else and he simply won't be able to do all that he says he'll do even if he actually means what he says. Funny... That wasn't the spin when another charismatic and inexperienced Senator from Illinois was running for POTUS.. :D Well, unless he dissolves your great democracy. If he's capable of that, then you should probably be scared. Let me put it this way.. He has as much capability in that regard as President Obama had when he was elected.. The difference is, Obama actually TRIED to dissolve democracy... I don't think Trump will try that.. But if he does, ya'all only have Obama to blame... Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:45:37 +0000

Looks like another terrorist attack in Munich...

Like I said.. Every attack makes Hillary's numbers go down and Trump's numbers go up...

Michale

By: Elizabeth Miller

Elizabeth Miller — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:45:31 +0000

You shouldn't be scared, Michale ... a President Trump will soon learn that he has to play in the same sandbox as everyone else and he simply won't be able to do all that he says he'll do even if he actually means what he says. Well, unless he dissolves your great democracy. If he's capable of that, then you should probably be scared.

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:44:51 +0000

Michale [38] I suppose that you won't be surprised that you and Michael Moore agree on that.

It was at the time I learned it.. I didn't mention it because it was so..... so..... embarrassing.. :D

But ya gotta admit.... Moore has absolutely NO REASON to spin anything....

Michale

By: Balthasar

Balthasar — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:30:59 +0000

Michale [38] I suppose that you won't be surprised that you and Michael Moore agree on that.

Paula [39] Very good!

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:24:25 +0000

Credit where credit is due..

That IS funny.. :D

But it's also going to be doubly accurate during the Dem Convention..

After all, over 70% of Americans believe that the best word to describe Hillary Clinton is "LIAR"... :D

Michale

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:21:23 +0000

[29] Balthasar: my favorite tweet of the night, from Joe Biden:
My thoughts and prayers go out to the fact checkers.

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:16:26 +0000

Why should we all be scared by a Trump victory in November? I wish I could give you a LONG version, but it's quite simple.. Ya'all think that Trump is Hitler's and Satan's love child... Ya'all think that Trump is going to destroy civilization.... If *I* believed those things, I would be VERY scared right now because Trump keeps avoiding ALL of the Left Wingery predictions.. In short, with as much fear-mongering ya'all have put forth about Trump, the fact that he is very likely to win in November should have ya'all petrified... Michale

By: BigGuy

BigGuy — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:09:42 +0000

We will try this as a first comment. I am a left leaning centrist. I have found the comments on Chris's site a refreshing change from other sites where people seem to think if you speak "louder" and call others with conflicting opinions names they will change their beliefs. All the while they too are shouting and calling you names

That many of these political leaders have greatly contributed to making political speech more crass with all substantive content removed is especially troubling. Governor Huckabee's corruption of Secretary Clinton's first name is particularly egregious coming from a minister, governor, and former presidential candidate. Most of all I hope the families of the candidates are spared; they do not deserve it. Perhaps Mr. Clinton could be an exception being a former president.

Thanks for listening. I have been saving up on this and a few other subjects for a while. Guy

By: Elizabeth Miller

Elizabeth Miller — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:09:21 +0000

Michale,

Why should we all be scared by a Trump victory in November?

And, I'd like the long version, please ... :)

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 17:55:32 +0000

Best line of the night, hands down: The best line of the entire convention... "You're on fire!!!! You're on fire, stupid!!!" -Cleveland Police Officer to Democrat Protester :D Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 17:02:52 +0000

Anyone who supports Trump may not be a "true" Republican...

But they ARE a "true" American...

And that's good enough for me...

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 17:02:04 +0000

It is amazing to me how many true Republicans want Trump to lose. It's amazing to me how ya'all are orgasmically gushing over "true" Republicans when they say EXACTLY what ya'all want to hear.. :D We need an absolute landslide in November You WILL see an absolute landslide in November... For Trump.... Michale

By: neilm

neilm — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 16:43:47 +0000

One of the voices of reason in the Republican Party has just resigned because of Trump. Very sad when a reasonable person, such as Chris Ladd, is forced in this position.

https://goplifer.com/2016/07/22/resignation-letter/

It is amazing to me how many true Republicans want Trump to lose. They know it means at least four years of Hillary and a SCOTUS that may swing left for a generation, but Trump really is that crazy.

We need an absolute landslide in November in Hillary's favor so we open a door for a responsible center right party or renaissance in the current Republican Party. We have seen the crazies take over the Republican Party, and we should not be so complacent to think that the Democratic Party could not spawn its own Tea Party insurgency.

Trump is playing the classic populist strong man card, and you can see how it appeals to the voters with an overactive sense of entitlement, middle school intellect and weak emotional intelligence.

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 16:22:55 +0000

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Hillary+Clinton+Hillary+Clinton+Campaigns+-eHst-tMBNAl.jpg

I swear to the gods... Paint her green and put a wart on her nose and she is the spittin' image of the Wicked Witch Of The West....

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 16:17:19 +0000

Cruz supporter...

'nuff said...

My bust...

Murphy was a Jeb consultant... He was the guy who got Jeb to dish out 50 million dollars per delegate..

Yea.. THERE's a credible source.. :D

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 16:15:27 +0000

- Mike Murphy, Republican Consultant

Cruz supporter...

'nuff said...

Michale

By: Balthasar

Balthasar — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 16:08:46 +0000

Best line of the night, hands down: "It was a dark, brutal speech. I had no idea we lived in Gotham City." - Mike Murphy, Republican Consultant

By: AnalogKid

AnalogKid — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 16:06:52 +0000

1. Thanks for an EXCELLENT week of reporting.

2. Your comments about Trump pulling the GOP out of the anti-gay swamp would be great if they were correct. Unfortunately, they are not:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-real-feelings-queer-people_us_57920f33e4b00c9876cef2bf?section=

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 15:59:23 +0000

If ya'all aren't scared that Trump could actually win...???

Ya'all should be....

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 15:55:23 +0000

“In my father’s company, there are more female than male executives.”
-Ivanka Trump

Hillary Clinton cannot make that same claim..

Barack Obama can't make the same claim...

Once again, once ya'all get past yer spin, the facts are clear....

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 15:51:13 +0000

“We cannot afford to be so politically correct anymore. So if you want to hear the corporate spin, the carefully crafted lies, and the media myths, the Democrats are holding their convention next week. Go there.”
-Donald Trump

OUCH....

And the ref takes a point away!!! :D

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 15:42:11 +0000

But before you do, know this..

What Trump has actually DONE in the past has a LOT more bearing than what Trump SAYS he will do in the future...

Ya'all don't believe that Trump will build a wall..

Why do you believe Trump when he says he will use gay marriage as a litmus test?? If, in fact, he actually DID say that...

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 15:19:01 +0000

How about on the planet where Trump explicitly says that he will appoint Supreme Court Justices who will REVERSE the marriage equality ruling??? Do you have a response to that???

If you have the quote, I'll have the response.. :D

Michale

By: John M

John M — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 15:09:41 +0000

Michale wrote:

"Trump was hiring and promoting gay people to executive positions while Hillary and Bill were pushing the DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE act...

And, somehow, TRUMP is the bad guy on gay issues???

On what planet??"

How about on the planet where Trump explicitly says that he will appoint Supreme Court Justices who will REVERSE the marriage equality ruling??? Do you have a response to that???

By: TheStig

TheStig — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 14:45:58 +0000

NYPOET -13,14

Have you read "Black Earth The Holocaust As History and Warning" by Timothy Snyder?

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 14:19:36 +0000

Let's face reality, people..

Ya'all were hoping that Trump would crash and burn...

The reality is Trump's speech has solidified Trump as serious candidate fully and unequivocally qualified to be President...

Ya'all have no arguments left...

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 14:16:11 +0000

or fans of "Dad's Army" it sounded like Private Frazer: "We're doomed, doomed I tell you!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsx2vdn7gpY

heh

This speech had a sell by date of 1972 when Nixon first dished it out. Fortunately I expect it to be maggot ridden by Monday.

And the typical ideologue rebuttal, Part Duex..

Ya'all's problem is that over 70% of Americans GET that speech....

Ya'all's problem is that Hillary Clinton is Wall Street's Candidate.. The Corporatist's Candidate.. The Globalist's Candidate... The Terrorist's Candidate...

Donald Trump??? He's the PEOPLE'S CANDIDATE>...

"These are the facts of the case. And they are undisputed.."
-Captain Jack Ross, A FEW GOOD MEN

Michale..

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 14:15:24 +0000

or fans of "Dad's Army" it sounded like Private Frazer: "We're doomed, doomed I tell you!" (watch 13 sec clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7RIgs3eygo )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsx2vdn7gpY

heh

This speech had a sell by date of 1972 when Nixon first dished it out. Fortunately I expect it to be maggot ridden by Monday.

And the typical ideologue rebuttal, Part Duex..

Ya'all's problem is that over 70% of Americans GET that speech....

Ya'all's problem is that Hillary Clinton is Wall Street's Candidate.. The Corporatist's Candidate.. The Globalist's Candidate... The Terrorist's Candidate...

Donald Trump??? He's the PEOPLE'S CANDIDATE>...

"These are the facts of the case. And they are undisputed.."
-Captain Jack Ross, A FEW GOOD MEN

Michale..

By: neilm

neilm — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 14:02:41 +0000

Trump: You're all going to die, but only I can save you!

For fans of "Dad's Army" it sounded like Private Frazer: "We're doomed, doomed I tell you!" (watch 13 sec clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7RIgs3eygo )

And just because pesky facts like the FBI crime stats don't match up to the "end of times" unreality, we're told to ignore them because "Hillary! Benghazi!!!".

This speech had a sell by date of 1972 when Nixon first dished it out. Fortunately I expect it to be maggot ridden by Monday.

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 13:54:04 +0000

Donald Trump needed to give the speech of his life. He did that, and much more. He laid out an inspiring American Manifesto for our troubled times.

And he did it his way.

Not surprisingly, from start to finish, it is muscular and bold, leavened only by appeals to racial harmony and pledges of compassion for all. It offers a prominent nod to Bernie Sanders’ supporters in a bid to get some to jump the Democratic ship.

Most important, it keeps faith with his campaign themes of putting forgotten Americans first. In contrasting his view with his opponent’s, the Republican nominee put it this way: “Americanism, not globalism, will be our credo.”

And “I am your voice.”

And then this: “There can be no prosperity without law and order.”

Trump then added: “This administration has failed America’s inner cities. It’s failed them on education. It’s failed them on jobs. It’s failed them on crime. It’s failed them at every level.”
http://nypost.com/2016/07/21/donald-trumps-rnc-address-could-mark-the-start-of-an-american-revival/

That's the speech that over 70% of Americans saw and heard....

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 13:34:46 +0000

Sorry, my fellow Weigantians..

Senator Tim Kaine Likely VP Pick But Liberals Balk
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/22/us/politics/tim-kaine-hillary-clinton-vice-president.html

No VP Warren for ya'all..

Told ya :D

Michale

By: Michale

Michale — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 13:33:05 +0000

speaking as a history teacher, i sincerely hope you give the origin of the phrase more than a cursory glance.

As I said, it's history is bad.. No two ways about it..

Just like, in a hundred years, it's likely that "BLACK LIVES MATTER" will seem completely racist and not a good slogan to resurrect..

But the CONCEPT of both slogans.. The WORDS and the literal MEANINGS of those words..

THAT's the point I am making..

Michale