Fumbleweed 481 Posted April 15 Sometimes, when I read the political threads here at the GC, I marvel at all the name calling and such. And, I think one side generally believes Trump can do no right and the other believes Trump can do no or little wrong. He remains the more polarizing figure of the two candidates as few people actually get excited or encouraged about Biden as a candidate. They just either think he's a better one than Trump or they don't. I will admit my biases before I speak on this any further. At the federal level, I'm an Anti-Democrat. Can't stand the party and what they stand for. I am a registered Republican, but the GOP hardly excites me as a group and I basically just find them more tolerable. That's the best I can do on that. I live in a very conservative state and have voted for state level democrats a number of times as I think individually, the party's candidates in this state are better than the extremities noted in the (R) candidates. With all that said, here is what I think the whole situation we're in now boils down to. Trump was not a popular president with the majority of Americans from a personality standpoint. Sure, there are people that actually like his personality, but not the majority and not many that grow in the more independent soil. Many of the things leftists say about Trump from a personality standpoint are fairly accurate. As a participant in policy making, however, Trump probably had majority support on a number of issues. Immigration, energy independence, general economic ideals, and foreign relations being a few that come to mind. Christian Evangelicals largely disapprove of Trump as a person even though leftists like to state that he is beloved in Christian circles. Generally, he isn't. But, Christians felt much more protected with him in the oval office than with Obama or Biden and so there is widespread support for him there even if many Christians hold their noses while they vote for him. What this boils down to then is that Trump is far too unpopular to ever be re-elected if Biden and the democrats had done one thing and one thing only. That is, admit that while they were more than happy to replace Trump in January 2021, some of his policies needed to remain in place. That would have sealed a victory for them in 2024 as independents would be onboard with that way of thinking. Instead, it became Biden and the Democrats' instant mission from day one to erase the Trump presidency. To basically un-do anything he had done based not on what was best for the country, but to wipe Trump's fingerprint out. There was some good policy in place under Trump. It was eradicated. Or mostly so. The Democrats have been unable to wipe out the Supreme Court's impact on things and I think that galls them significantly. I don't know how an election with two very flawed candidates will turn out. I don't even know why I'm weighing in on something that has been beaten to death ten times over. I just think what gets lost in the all the in-fighting is the essence of how we got in this mess. I'm just one voice and often not a very good one at that, so take this for what little it may be worth. 4 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MTSkiBum 1,620 Posted April 15 Well thought out post 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TBayXXXVII 2,341 Posted April 15 20 minutes ago, Fumbleweed said: Sometimes, when I read the political threads here at the GC, I marvel at all the name calling and such. And, I think one side generally believes Trump can do no right and the other believes Trump can do no or little wrong. He remains the more polarizing figure of the two candidates as few people actually get excited or encouraged about Biden as a candidate. They just either think he's a better one than Trump or they don't. I will admit my biases before I speak on this any further. At the federal level, I'm an Anti-Democrat. Can't stand the party and what they stand for. I am a registered Republican, but the GOP hardly excites me as a group and I basically just find them more tolerable. That's the best I can on that. I live in a very conservative state and have voted for state level democrats a number of times as I think individually, the party's candidates in this state are better than the extremities noted in the (R) candidates. With all that said, here is what I think the whole situation we're in now boils down to. Trump was not a popular president with the majority of Americans from a personality standpoint. Sure, there are people that actually like his personality, but not the majority and not many that grow in the more independent soil. Many of the things leftists say about Trump from a personality standpoint are fairly accurate. As a participant in policy making, however, Trump probably had majority support on a number of issues. Immigration, energy independence, general economic ideals, and foreign relations being a few that come to mind. Christian Evangelicals largely disapprove of Trump as a person even though leftists like to state that he is beloved in Christian circles. Generally, he isn't. But, Christians felt much more protected with him in the oval office than with Obama or Biden and so there is widespread support for him there even if many Christians hold their noses while they vote for him. What this boils down to then is that Trump is far too unpopular to ever be re-elected if Biden and the democrats had done one thing and one thing only. That is, admit that while they were more than happy to replace Trump in January 2021, some of his policies needed to remain in place. That would have sealed a victory for them in 2024 as independents would be onboard with that way of thinking. Instead, it became Biden and the Democrats' instant mission from day one to erase the Trump presidency. To basically un-do anything he had done based not on what was best for the country, but to wipe Trump's fingerprint out. There was some good policy in place under Trump. It was eradicated. Or mostly so. The Democrats have been unable to wipe out the Supreme Court's impact on things and I think that galls them significantly. I don't know how an election with two very flawed candidates will turn out. I don't even know why I'm weighing in on something that has been beaten to death ten times over. I just think what gets lost in the all the in-fighting is the essence of how we got in this mess. I'm just one voice and often not a very good one at that, so take this for what little it may be worth. Good post... I think you got one thing wrong, but overall, you're pretty spot on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonmx 1,972 Posted April 15 Trump is not hated by the people. Trump is hated by those in power who control the entertainment industry, the news media, the education system, big tech, much of the federal bureaucracy, along with much of big corporate America. In turn, Trump has been hit with endless propaganda which villianizes him, and this is what has caused the great divide. Any leader who threatens the power of the establishment will be deemed divisive and hateful. This is the battle as old as time. It is the battle of the elites who want all the riches and power vs. the people who want to live in freedom. America was the idea which the people finally broke away from chains of the elites and won their freedom. Now we have lost much of our freedoms to the institutions who work in the interests of the elites. You can toss 99% of the issues out the window. Unless we start to loosen the grip of tyranny, our future is doomed to be nothing but slaves. 2 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hawkeye21 2,148 Posted April 15 10 minutes ago, jonmx said: Trump is not hated by the people. That doesn't sound accurate at all. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fnord 1,549 Posted April 15 11 minutes ago, jonmx said: Trump is not hated by the people. Lordy, you live on Mars, don't you? Your information bubble is focking airtight. Kudos, I guess, at being so talented at shutting out everything but your preferred narrative. It's sadly impressive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pimpadeaux 2,403 Posted April 15 Well stated. I know that in my neck of the woods, evangelical Christians absolutely love him and think he's an instrument of God. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zsasz 338 Posted April 15 33 minutes ago, jonmx said: Trump is not hated by the people. Trump is hated by those in power who control the entertainment industry, the news media, the education system, big tech, much of the federal bureaucracy, along with much of big corporate America. In turn, Trump has been hit with endless propaganda which villianizes him, and this is what has caused the great divide. Any leader who threatens the power of the establishment will be deemed divisive and hateful. This is the battle as old as time. It is the battle of the elites who want all the riches and power vs. the people who want to live in freedom. America was the idea which the people finally broke away from chains of the elites and won their freedom. Now we have lost much of our freedoms to the institutions who work in the interests of the elites. You can toss 99% of the issues out the window. Unless we start to loosen the grip of tyranny, our future is doomed to be nothing but slaves. Yup. The man who craps on a solid gold toilet and who has a skyscraper and who has golf courses around the world and a waterfront resort in FL is NOT elite. He's just a regular guy, who like other regular guys, does NOT want riches and power. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron_Artest 767 Posted April 15 34 minutes ago, jonmx said: Trump is not hated by the people. Trump is hated by those in power who control the entertainment industry, the news media, the education system, big tech, much of the federal bureaucracy, along with much of big corporate America. In turn, Trump has been hit with endless propaganda which villianizes him, and this is what has caused the great divide. Any leader who threatens the power of the establishment will be deemed divisive and hateful. This is the battle as old as time. It is the battle of the elites who want all the riches and power vs. the people who want to live in freedom. America was the idea which the people finally broke away from chains of the elites and won their freedom. Now we have lost much of our freedoms to the institutions who work in the interests of the elites. You can toss 99% of the issues out the window. Unless we start to loosen the grip of tyranny, our future is doomed to be nothing but slaves. Yeah the billionaire elitist who worships autocrats and craves power is here to save us from the other rich elites. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zsasz 338 Posted April 15 54 minutes ago, Fumbleweed said: Sometimes, when I read the political threads here at the GC, I marvel at all the name calling and such. And, I think one side generally believes Trump can do no right and the other believes Trump can do no or little wrong. He remains the more polarizing figure of the two candidates as few people actually get excited or encouraged about Biden as a candidate. They just either think he's a better one than Trump or they don't. I will admit my biases before I speak on this any further. At the federal level, I'm an Anti-Democrat. Can't stand the party and what they stand for. I am a registered Republican, but the GOP hardly excites me as a group and I basically just find them more tolerable. That's the best I can do on that. I live in a very conservative state and have voted for state level democrats a number of times as I think individually, the party's candidates in this state are better than the extremities noted in the (R) candidates. With all that said, here is what I think the whole situation we're in now boils down to. Trump was not a popular president with the majority of Americans from a personality standpoint. Sure, there are people that actually like his personality, but not the majority and not many that grow in the more independent soil. Many of the things leftists say about Trump from a personality standpoint are fairly accurate. As a participant in policy making, however, Trump probably had majority support on a number of issues. Immigration, energy independence, general economic ideals, and foreign relations being a few that come to mind. Christian Evangelicals largely disapprove of Trump as a person even though leftists like to state that he is beloved in Christian circles. Generally, he isn't. But, Christians felt much more protected with him in the oval office than with Obama or Biden and so there is widespread support for him there even if many Christians hold their noses while they vote for him. What this boils down to then is that Trump is far too unpopular to ever be re-elected if Biden and the democrats had done one thing and one thing only. That is, admit that while they were more than happy to replace Trump in January 2021, some of his policies needed to remain in place. That would have sealed a victory for them in 2024 as independents would be onboard with that way of thinking. Instead, it became Biden and the Democrats' instant mission from day one to erase the Trump presidency. To basically un-do anything he had done based not on what was best for the country, but to wipe Trump's fingerprint out. There was some good policy in place under Trump. It was eradicated. Or mostly so. The Democrats have been unable to wipe out the Supreme Court's impact on things and I think that galls them significantly. I don't know how an election with two very flawed candidates will turn out. I don't even know why I'm weighing in on something that has been beaten to death ten times over. I just think what gets lost in the all the in-fighting is the essence of how we got in this mess. I'm just one voice and often not a very good one at that, so take this for what little it may be worth. I generally agree with this sentiment.....but I'd add that the Republicans had the ability to nominate someone, who would have beat Biden, in 2024 who would have given them politically 99.9% of what Trump would have given them....but they chose to pick him...and now there's a real danger of them losing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Honcho 4,573 Posted April 15 Trump and Biden in a nutshell---that would be one big nut! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Engorgeous George 1,642 Posted April 15 36 minutes ago, Pimpadeaux said: Well stated. I know that in my neck of the woods, evangelical Christians absolutely love him and think he's an instrument of God. Sort of indicting god. His instrument would be far grander than the orange nubbin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore troubadour 13,864 Posted April 15 Trump got 12 million more votes in 2020 than he did in 2016. Saying the people don’t like him is one of the dumber things ever said here. But not surprising. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RaiderHaters Revenge 3,950 Posted April 15 solid take, pretty much where I stand don't like Trump as a person miss the policies and hope they return I dont like open borders, sanctuary garbage and wars, thats how I vote 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pimpadeaux 2,403 Posted April 15 8 minutes ago, Hardcore troubadour said: Trump got 12 million more votes in 2020 than he did in 2016. Saying the people don’t like him is one of the dumber things ever said here. But not surprising. ^^^^^^^^^^^ No, this post is one of the dumbest things ever. You consistently fail to factor in that voter registration and turnout set records, and it likely will happen again this year. Using the additional 12 million voters as a means to underscore that Clownzo isn't disliked is moronic. That Biden, whom hardly anyone likes, got 81 million votes shows you how much people dislike Clownzo. Michelle Obama would have crushed Clownzo in an embarrassing landslide. Nikki Haley would have beaten Biden, but MAGAturds just had to put their beloved Clownzo back on the ballot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonmx 1,972 Posted April 15 1 hour ago, Ron_Artest said: Yeah the billionaire elitist who worships autocrats and craves power is here to save us from the other rich elites. When will you get it through you moronic skull that being rich is not which makes one an elitists. An elitist is one who thinks people are too stupid to be trusted with freedom and we must have the superior people control everything. Today's leftist/democrat/establishment typed are the elitists and they are cut from the same cloth as the Commies/fascists/dictators/royalty who have oppressed the masses since the beginning of mankind. We either wake the fuk up and put those bastards in their place or we repeat history and the great American experiment is dead. Bow down to you elite rulers, you fuking moron. What happened to the country which once valued our freedoms. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weepaws 2,908 Posted April 15 Love the title, because that’s exactly where they are , together. Same team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fumbleweed 481 Posted April 15 1 hour ago, zsasz said: I generally agree with this sentiment.....but I'd add that the Republicans had the ability to nominate someone, who would have beat Biden, in 2024 who would have given them politically 99.9% of what Trump would have given them....but they chose to pick him...and now there's a real danger of them losing. Totally correct. Biden would go down in flames most likely vs. any other decent Republican candidate. The choice of Trump actually gives him a fighting chance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fumbleweed 481 Posted April 15 1 hour ago, Pimpadeaux said: Well stated. I know that in my neck of the woods, evangelical Christians absolutely love him and think he's an instrument of God. Only the sith deal in absolutes... Seriously, though, this is kind of a lazy take. You're acting as if a massive group of people all share some sort of groupthink on this. I think if you took the time to speak with evangelicals one by one, you'd find a wide range of feelings about Trump varying from allegiance to disdain and everything in between. Kind of like saying "in my neck of the woods, all blondes love him and think... I don't have a clue how you feel about evangelicals. But, give the group a shred of credit in that most people at the end of the day have the capacity to think for themselves on who they support and to what level. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
double tour 90 Posted April 15 This country needs a guy like Trump after the pussification antics of Obama and Biden. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore troubadour 13,864 Posted April 15 Trump had the largest increase for an incumbent in history. The man is appreciated by so many. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weepaws 2,908 Posted April 15 9 minutes ago, double tour said: This country needs a guy like Trump after the pussification antics of Obama and Biden. Yea we need a criminal to run things. . But doesn’t matter, they both are sitting on the same team, just two puppets. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weepaws 2,908 Posted April 15 1 minute ago, Hardcore troubadour said: Trump had the largest increase for an incumbent in history. The man is appreciated by so many. Criminals love the guy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Baker Boy 1,631 Posted April 15 Biden / Trump more government / less government. America last / America first equal ending for all / equal start for all. open borders / close borders with orderly immigration. Socialist / Capitalist Equity / merit Color of skin / content of character Anti-constitution / pro constitution guns kill people / people kill people. 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weepaws 2,908 Posted April 15 both parties just buy them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maximum Overkill 1,203 Posted April 15 18 minutes ago, Baker Boy said: Biden / Trump more government / less government. America last / America first equal ending for all / equal start for all. open borders / close borders with orderly immigration. Socialist / Capitalist Equity / merit Color of skin / content of character Anti-constitution / pro constitution guns kill people / people kill people. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore troubadour 13,864 Posted April 15 I remember after 9/11 that it was revealed that Bush had received a briefing in august of 2001 saying that Bin Laden was determined to launch an attack within the United States. He was vilified for that by the left, as he should have been. Fast forward to today and the FBI director has been in front of congress for the third time warning of attacks within the US. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edjr 6,228 Posted April 15 I was expecting this to be about the PGA Championship Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonmx 1,972 Posted April 15 33 minutes ago, Hardcore troubadour said: I remember after 9/11 that it was revealed that Bush had received a briefing in august of 2001 saying that Bin Laden was determined to launch an attack within the United States. He was vilified for that by the left, as he should have been. Fast forward to today and the FBI director has been in front of congress for the third time warning of attacks within the US. Our government wants attacks. They love the opportunity to grab a whole bunch more power. The only reason the FBI director is warning about attacks now is because he wants his warrantless FISA powers left in tact. Sure they are really sad when tragedy strikes, but believe me they have a 2000 page bill in their back pocket just waiting to hoist it on the American people striking away more of our rights. The FBI director has told so many blatant lies to Congress, I don't trust one word out of that two-faced bastard. He sits in front of Congress and just lies and stonewalls, refuse to address tough questions as they endlessly retaliate against anyone who dares to whistleblow. The real enemy of the Washington establishment are not terrorist, their enemy are whistleblowers who expose their corruption. They thrive on wars and brainwashing public opinion as they constantly power grab more and more of our rights away. There are tons of good people inside the government, but not at the top where only the most corrupt rise to the top. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MLCKAA 481 Posted April 15 2 hours ago, zsasz said: Yup. The man who craps on a solid gold toilet and who has a skyscraper and who has golf courses around the world and a waterfront resort in FL is NOT elite. He's just a regular guy, who like other regular guys, does NOT want riches and power. My belief, and I can’t say it’s anything more than that, is that Trump would love for everyone to have success and wealth. Whereas the political machine, of which Biden is a part, cares about their hold on power and what it can do for them personally regardless of the people. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pimpadeaux 2,403 Posted April 16 4 hours ago, Fumbleweed said: Only the sith deal in absolutes... Seriously, though, this is kind of a lazy take. You're acting as if a massive group of people all share some sort of groupthink on this. I think if you took the time to speak with evangelicals one by one, you'd find a wide range of feelings about Trump varying from allegiance to disdain and everything in between. Kind of like saying "in my neck of the woods, all blondes love him and think... I don't have a clue how you feel about evangelicals. But, give the group a shred of credit in that most people at the end of the day have the capacity to think for themselves on who they support and to what level. If you talked to the evangelicals around my neck of the woods, they'd tell you they would have a human sacrifice using their own children if it gave Trump an edge in the upcoming election. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore troubadour 13,864 Posted April 16 13 minutes ago, Pimpadeaux said: If you talked to the evangelicals around my neck of the woods, they'd tell you they would have a human sacrifice using their own children if it gave Trump an edge in the upcoming election. This from a guy that’s ok with actual child mutilation. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fumbleweed 481 Posted April 16 25 minutes ago, Pimpadeaux said: If you talked to the evangelicals around my neck of the woods, they'd tell you they would have a human sacrifice using their own children if it gave Trump an edge in the upcoming election. Never mind. I didn’t realize you were acutely familiar with the hearts and minds of thousands of people you’ve never met. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pimpadeaux 2,403 Posted April 16 13 minutes ago, Hardcore troubadour said: This from a guy that’s ok with actual child mutilation. This from a guy who is a fountain of misinformation and fabrication. I've expressed nothing but opposition and disgust to gender-changing procedures on minors. Keep trying. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fnord 1,549 Posted April 16 4 hours ago, MLCKAA said: My belief, and I can’t say it’s anything more than that, is that Trump would love for everyone to have success and wealth. Whereas the political machine, of which Biden is a part, cares about their hold on power and what it can do for them personally regardless of the people. Interesting angle you're taking there, I'd never thought of it that way. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pimpadeaux 2,403 Posted April 16 4 minutes ago, Fumbleweed said: Never mind. I didn’t realize you were acutely familiar with the hearts and minds of thousands of people you’ve never met. I am acutely familiar with the hearts and minds of thousands of people in my own community. Are you acutely familiar with the hearts and minds of thousands of people in my community? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fnord 1,549 Posted April 16 3 minutes ago, Fumbleweed said: Never mind. I didn’t realize you were acutely familiar with the hearts and minds of thousands of people you’ve never met. Holy fukin shlt thank you. Awesome post that you could have directed and damn near everyone here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Real timschochet 5,006 Posted April 16 Three points: 1. My main problem with the OP is that I don’t think Trump’s policies were good for this nation. I think they were awful. But then I don’t share his governing philosophy. 2. But beyond that, the most important thing a President is supposed to do is protect us in time of emergency. Not every President has an emergency so we can’t judge them on this. Trump was unfortunate enough to have one the this country’s greatest emergencies on his watch: the Covid crisis. That’s not his fault, he was just unlucky. But we can and should grade him for how he responded. I give him a D-. 3. Finally I believe Donald Trump betrayed the Constutition by trying to reverse the results of the 2020 election. This is not a question of Trump being a jerk, or a bad guy with good ideas, as the OP wants to believe. He betrayed the Constitution and that should make him ineligible. 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites