The Political Junkie Thread

[CrazyNotCrazie]

Anyone else think the race might be interesting again? There seems to be a lot of excitement building around VP Harris. MAGAworld is all upset for various ridiculous reasons, which makes me happy.

And can we please talk about the bizarre ear bandages at the RNC? Bunch of crazy cult members.

I think we certainly have a more interesting race with Kamala taking over for Biden. Biden was just a slow train wreck to a blowout I think.

The Electoral map still favors Trump, but at least both sides are fully engaged instead of just one. Gonna be an interesting sprint to the end.

Agreed. I want to see a debate. I think Kamala would chew Donnie up and spit him out. What’s the over-under on Trump coming up with some ridiculous excuse to weasel out of the debate?

Could Harris’s VP choice swing things more in her favor?

I think that by normal scoring rules, Harris would clobber him. But given that MAGA nation does not abide by anything normal, they will claim victory even though Trump will just be spewing lies and racist dog whistles the whole time. It continues to amaze me that these morons don't see through this charlatan. I am a broken record (sorry for my dated reference) but they truly have a different belief system, way of communicating, and overall values.

I think the VP might move things on the margins. All candidates are great until you dig deep - no one is perfect. I am fine with most of the options being discussed - some are slightly better than others, but no huge difference. But I'm not the one they have to convince.

[ArkieDukie]

I think we certainly have a more interesting race with Kamala taking over for Biden. Biden was just a slow train wreck to a blowout I think.

The Electoral map still favors Trump, but at least both sides are fully engaged instead of just one. Gonna be an interesting sprint to the end.

Agreed. I want to see a debate. I think Kamala would chew Donnie up and spit him out. What’s the over-under on Trump coming up with some ridiculous excuse to weasel out of the debate?

Could Harris’s VP choice swing things more in her favor?

I think that by normal scoring rules, Harris would clobber him. But given that MAGA nation does not abide by anything normal, they will claim victory even though Trump will just be spewing lies and racist dog whistles the whole time. It continues to amaze me that these morons don't see through this charlatan. I am a broken record (sorry for my dated reference) but they truly have a different belief system, way of communicating, and overall values.

I think the VP might move things on the margins. All candidates are great until you dig deep - no one is perfect. I am fine with most of the options being discussed - some are slightly better than others, but no huge difference. But I'm not the one they have to convince.

Fair point. A FEMALE colleague told me yesterday that she doesn’t believe a female should run the country. She believes that only a male can project the power needed. My response was something along the lines of, “Trump is male and projects power. Would you prefer that?” The answer was no. She thinks this is a huge issue that will turn voters to Trump. She also brought up the DEI issue, which is infuriating to me.

I told her that most people who hold her line of thinking were never going to vote for anyone other than Trump. Most sane, moderate, undecided voters will vote for Harris over Trump because she is more qualified and more sane. I also believe that a strategic VP selection is huge - and I say that as someone who could not vote for McCain because of Palin. Not because she was female, but because she was awful in more ways than I can even list.

As for the whole DEI thing, I cannot wait for my avid Fox News viewing dad to mention that in my presence. I’ll ask questions about whether he thinks I only got my job because I’m female. I’ve had to deal with sexism for my entire career, so I can say with great confidence that I’ve had to work extra hard to prove my competence. That’s probably doubly or triply true for VP Harris. His favorite granddaughter is finishing her last year of vet school, certainly not a job someone in my dad’s generation would view as being suitable for a female. Actually, maybe I’ll lead with that one.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Anyone else think the race might be interesting again?

Wait...did something happen?

[CameronBornAndBred]

She also brought up the DEI issue, which is infuriating to me.

This DEI shit is disgusting to me. Not just per Harris, but anyone who is either female or of color. It's yet another thin cloth cloak of racism. These people are so threatened by the fact that someone with breasts and non white skin has earned their way into positions of power and respect. Just like all of these movements, it's both hate and jealousy based. Hatred for those that are different, and jealous that they have a job earned by hard work instead of being handed to them through white privilege. See how that is flipped? "The job should be mine, because of who I am, yet it's hers because of work, so therefore I'm going to say she got it gifted and it's now stolen from me!"


Lost on those people is that Harris has provenly earned her way, as in every single job (aside from VP), she was elected. It took a collective of hundreds of thousands to "gift" her employment every stage of her career.

[CrazyNotCrazie]

Agreed. I want to see a debate. I think Kamala would chew Donnie up and spit him out. What’s the over-under on Trump coming up with some ridiculous excuse to weasel out of the debate?

Could Harris’s VP choice swing things more in her favor?

I think that by normal scoring rules, Harris would clobber him. But given that MAGA nation does not abide by anything normal, they will claim victory even though Trump will just be spewing lies and racist dog whistles the whole time. It continues to amaze me that these morons don't see through this charlatan. I am a broken record (sorry for my dated reference) but they truly have a different belief system, way of communicating, and overall values.

I think the VP might move things on the margins. All candidates are great until you dig deep - no one is perfect. I am fine with most of the options being discussed - some are slightly better than others, but no huge difference. But I'm not the one they have to convince.

Fair point. A FEMALE colleague told me yesterday that she doesn’t believe a female should run the country. She believes that only a male can project the power needed. My response was something along the lines of, “Trump is male and projects power. Would you prefer that?” The answer was no. She thinks this is a huge issue that will turn voters to Trump. She also brought up the DEI issue, which is infuriating to me.

I told her that most people who hold her line of thinking were never going to vote for anyone other than Trump. Most sane, moderate, undecided voters will vote for Harris over Trump because she is more qualified and more sane. I also believe that a strategic VP selection is huge - and I say that as someone who could not vote for McCain because of Palin. Not because she was female, but because she was awful in more ways than I can even list.

As for the whole DEI thing, I cannot wait for my avid Fox News viewing dad to mention that in my presence. I’ll ask questions about whether he thinks I only got my job because I’m female. I’ve had to deal with sexism for my entire career, so I can say with great confidence that I’ve had to work extra hard to prove my competence. That’s probably doubly or triply true for VP Harris. His favorite granddaughter is finishing her last year of vet school, certainly not a job someone in my dad’s generation would view as being suitable for a female. Actually, maybe I’ll lead with that one.

Great post. Thanks. I'm sorry you have to be around such ignorant people at work. Wow. I would have a lot of trouble biting my tongue and calling her a moron (and worse things). And good luck dealing with your dad. That has to be really hard.

Last night I had my now annual dinner with a group of guys I used to see more often - we were a group organized through our synagogue of "dad's with young kids" (our kids are now older) that met monthly pre-covid. Despite being a bunch of NYC Jews, who tend to skew very liberal, most of the group of about 10 is pretty Republican. However, the bulk of them are very moderate and strongly anti-Trump. However, one clown is very MAGA and likes to try to push my buttons (his wife works for News Corp.). He threw out his back so had to bail on dinner last night so it made for a much more pleasant evening. I have had a rough week and had no patience for him.

Totally agree with both of you on DEI. This is another excuse for them to avoid issues and appeal to the worst among them. Do you think Trump and his kids got into Penn because of their brilliance? It is funny that the Republican party seems to have proudly taken its spot as anti-establishment and the party of the less educated common man, yet now they are questioning intellectual merit? Trump is a blithering idiot. And one of their patriarchs, Clarence Thomas, is the poster child for DEI.

[ArkieDukie]

Now that you mention it, Trump’s inheritance from Daddy is a great way to rebut any of the DEI nonsense. Trump inherited a lot (don’t know the exact amount) and squandered it. Multiple bankruptcies. He definitely didn’t get into Penn on his own merits, and several accounts say he did not do well there. So, yeah, bring on the DEI claims, MAGAland. I see the conversation now: “That’s an interesting question, and I want to hear your perspective. How do you define DEI?” “So, you’re saying you don’t like someone unqualified being chosen because they’re a minority? How about if they are rich?”

[ArkieDukie]

[url] https://x.com/sundaedivine/status/18216 ... GpDgnvQ3Lw [\url]
Funniest thing I’ve see. In a while.

[CameronBornAndBred]

[url] https://x.com/sundaedivine/status/18216 ... GpDgnvQ3Lw [\url]
Funniest thing I’ve see. In a while.

[richardjackson199]

Someone posted OY that they thought I went on the Presidential thread with a goal of getting it locked. That is absolutely not true. That never even crossed my mind. I didn't blow any whistles or report a single post. I was just trying to defend myself and my values. When people started telling me that they were judging me, that I should be judged based on casting a vote, etc.; well I just said goodbye because why would I want to be part of a community who judges me. Most of my best friends have different political views from me but still see the good in me just as I do in them.

I feel bad because I'm sure it is my fault that it got locked. I'm sorry. I know many of you really enjoyed that thread. Of course I respect the mods decision and understand the reasons for it. I hope they choose to open it back up. If they do, I promise you won't have to worry about me posting on there or getting it locked.

Maybe you all could discuss politics over here until they open that thread back up. Or this could be a good space for it if they don't.

Sorry again.

[Phredd3]

First and foremost, you shouldn’t at all feel responsible for what happened to that thread. You were not the one throwing rocks. Others were. They were the reason the thread was shut down. Not you.

Second, I mentioned elsewhere that I thought the reaction you got was predictable. Don’t for one second take that to mean that I thought the reaction was acceptable. And I hope you don’t associate me with the reaction you got. As you know, I have very different political views from you. I’m a political junky, and I’m fascinated by the differences. I’d love to find out more about why you hold the views you do, and how “my side” is failing to address them. But you’ve said you don’t want to discuss your political views with me, and I will respect that for as long as that remains your view.

Anyway, I wanted to be sure you were aware that none of this is your fault, and you have nothing to feel sorry for. Whether or not that thread re-opens, we will all be just fine. I just wish my fellow liberals could recognize when they are looking at a reasonable human being who just doesn’t happen to agree with their view. Politics should not dissolve friendships or even simply end conversations.

[richardjackson199]

Thanks! And I really appreciate you defending me when someone started saying that I went on there with a goal of trying to get the thread locked. I'm glad I happened to see that accusation so that I could respond to it too.

No I definitely never associated any of that kerfuffle with you. I'm sure I bear as much responsibility for it as anyone else. I'm not going to lie, I got defensive and upset.

My wording in several of my posts wasn't good, and my wording to you wasn't either. I just meant I don't want to discuss politics with anyone right now because I need to cool off. If you're in a hole, rule #1 is to stop digging. I was triggered and I should cool off before talking politics with anyone. Right now I'm honestly leaning toward it's probably better if I just don't talk politics with anyone again ever period. I've never seen the vitriol against "the other side" at levels like this in my lifetime.

Cheers brother - we're good and always have been. I need to get that thick skin to stay level like you have. I've gotten better than I used to be with it, but I'm not there yet to where I have any business posting anything political on a public politics thread.

[Phredd3]

Thanks! And I really appreciate you defending me when someone started saying that I went on there with a goal of trying to get the thread locked. I'm glad I happened to see that accusation so that I could respond to it too.

No I definitely never associated any of that kerfuffle with you. I'm sure I bear as much responsibility for it as anyone else. I'm not going to lie, I got defensive and upset.

My wording in several of my posts wasn't good, and my wording to you wasn't either. I just meant I don't want to discuss politics with anyone right now because I need to cool off. If you're in a hole, rule #1 is to stop digging. I was triggered and I should cool off before talking politics with anyone. Right now I'm honestly leaning toward it's probably better if I just don't talk politics with anyone again ever period. I've never seen the vitriol against "the other side" at levels like this in my lifetime.

Cheers brother - we're good and always have been. I need to get that thick skin to stay level like you have. I've gotten better than I used to be with it, but I'm not there yet to where I have any business posting anything political on a public politics thread.

It occurs to me that I still belong to a forum that uses them:

[CameronBornAndBred]

Harris had a really good town hall last night, hopefully it had a decent viewership. She was asked a wide variety of questions by "undecideds".

[Furniture]

Harris had a really good town hall last night, hopefully it had a decent viewership. She was asked a wide variety of questions by "undecideds".

Not according to CNN though especially people like Dana Bash and Abby Philip. I thought she did struggle to answer some questions but it’s so normal for politicians to do that. As one (honest) CNN talking head said I definitely think that Harris and Trump and not taking the same exam. She has to be flawless whereas he….well. You know.

[Furniture]

Someone posted OY that they thought I went on the Presidential thread with a goal of getting it locked. That is absolutely not true. That never even crossed my mind. I didn't blow any whistles or report a single post. I was just trying to defend myself and my values. When people started telling me that they were judging me, that I should be judged based on casting a vote, etc.; well I just said goodbye because why would I want to be part of a community who judges me. Most of my best friends have different political views from me but still see the good in me just as I do in them.

I feel bad because I'm sure it is my fault that it got locked. I'm sorry. I know many of you really enjoyed that thread. Of course I respect the mods decision and understand the reasons for it. I hope they choose to open it back up. If they do, I promise you won't have to worry about me posting on there or getting it locked.

Maybe you all could discuss politics over here until they open that thread back up. Or this could be a good space for it if they don't.

Sorry again.

Don’t lose any sleep. I actually think two things. People that went on there saying that the mods have fallen asleep probably pissed them off so that didn’t help secondly they have over reacted imho by closing it down for so long. Yes, it’s a heated election and things may get out of hand. Give out the infractions, delete the posts. Move on. It’s a shame.

[CameronBornAndBred]

She has to be flawless whereas he….well. You know.

Well apparently he doesn't even have to show up.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Trump and Company love to complain and attest that all of Harris interviews are edited. Again, it's a pot calling the kettle black claim. This is from a recent visit that Trump made to a barbershop that was aired on Fox.

But the version of the visit shown on television was, to borrow a hairstyle metaphor, a crop cut. Fox edited out many of Trump’s rambling comments and false claims. Participants had to repeatedly follow up when Trump meandered away from the original point of their questions.

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/fox- ... 42138.html

[acdevil]

Just found my way over here.

Richard - Don’t feel bad. I agree with the others.

Bash’s reaction was pretty ridiculous. If I’m not mistaken they talked to 5 undecided voters and 2 decided to go with Harris. The others were still undecided.

Frankly, if you can convert 40% of the people who are somehow still undecided at this point with one town hall, that was a good performance.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Just found my way over here.

Richard - Don’t feel bad. I agree with the others.

Bash’s reaction was pretty ridiculous. If I’m not mistaken they talked to 5 undecided voters and 2 decided to go with Harris. The others were still undecided.

Frankly, if you can convert 40% of the people who are somehow still undecided at this point with one town hall, that was a good performance.

One thing that I liked was seeing Harris interact with voters after. She made a point of engaging with the Republican who wasn't a Trump fan but also had issues with Harris over abortion. It's rare to see a politician interacting with someone directly like that, making her case while respecting his views.

PS...welcome!

[OPK]

Just FTR, it was no one’s fault that the thread was temporarily locked. That engine had been building towards overheating for a while.

And for those venturing over here for the first time, welcome. This too is an excellent Duke community. Kudos to CB&B for a great job, even if his chatbot hates me.

Let’s beat the SMUstangs and then take our talents to South Beach!