Trump doesn’t act in a vacuum. He’s a very useful idiot. The real genius—the sitting in a big chair stroking a cat genius-is the sociopath of all time—PUTIN! Putin sent Orban to tutor Trump. Then, you have the Federalist Society. They have their hand so far up Trump’s ass, he can now rest on a puppet stand. All any oligarch has to do with Trump is wave money at him. He has promise of a Tower in Moscow and world power, and so do his flying monkeys, Bannon and Carlson. Trump is no genius.
The thing to consider with Trump is, if you gets reelected he is not going to leave office. If the corporations that run the county try to make him leave if he if defeated, Trump will use his cult followers to start a second Civil war.
Trump said as much with his bloodshed remarks, which he tried to say he was taken out of context. No, we understood exactly what he meant, the traitor.
It is standard procedure for the lunatics, after spewing their psychotic rants, to after the public, showed their distain, for what they said, then they would simply just say, oh, that was taken out of context. They previously lied about saying anything the public did not like, before everything they said was recorded, and could be played back.
Yah, she sure took lies, propaganda, and disinformation to a new level. Trump, Kelly Ann Conway and many others need to be in institutions, where they can get the help they need.
I am confused about why we speak about politicians as if they do what the people want them to do. The corporations own and run the country, and when elections happen the corporations spend money on the candidates they sponsor, and just flat out own. We are a fascist, oligarchy, empire building, authoritarian, dictatorship, with no Democracy, with no working Constitution for the poor, and middle class, where people have no say in the running or decisions on how the government is run.
In a Democracy with a working Constitution, people say how the government is run, and politicians, they elect to office work for them. In a working Democracy, politicians stand up in front of a crowd of people and spew lies, propaganda, and disinformation, and when a voter calls them out on their lies, these politicians have security to throw that person out, that is not Democracy. The government owns the news outlets, that is how the people are brainwashed, and controlled by our corporate government, the government does not tell the people the truth, They tell the people Lies, propaganda, and disinformation.
From what I understand this money the Pentagon cannot account for, has gone to CEO's of the companies that comprise the Military industrial complex. The way it works is Congress passes the Pentagon budget and billions of dollars in taxpayer money goes to the Military contractors, and then money does into the political campaigns of those who voted for the Pentagon budget, and when it comes time for the audit, the money given to the CEO's of the military Industrial Complex is (from 20-30 million bonuses) hidden, and the Pentagon, then covers up for the bribes, by saying we just don't know where the money has gone.
The corporations, Fossil Fuel Industry, the Military Industrial Complex, and the rich are actually running the country, and our politicians just work for them. The people have no say in the running of the country. We do not have a democracy, freedom or a Constitution that works for the poor and middle class. We have a fascist, oligarchy, empire building, authoritarian, dictatorship, with no input on how the country is run, by the people, the people have no say at all. The government uses propaganda, lies, and disinformation to control the people, so they think there votes count and they have a Democracy with freedom and a Constitution that work for them.
I am so exhausted from all the powerlessness and fear I'm carrying. With all the truly brilliant Democrats and many, many others who oppose this movement to destroy our country, I cannot believe they do not seem to be doing whatever it takes to fight him/them. There are more of us but it doesn't seem so.
Honestly. Is Trump EVER going to be truly held accountable? This weekend he saluted to the J6 choir of ‘hostages’ and said if he isn’t elected it’ll be a bloodbath. And would guess not a single voter changed their mind about him good or bad. What are we actually going to do? And WHAT ON EARTH was Fani W thinking? I’m sooooo disappointed. Of course HE is the one on trial. But she had to know that the entire situation and especially the appearance of a coverup/perjury would perhaps irrevocably damage the most important criminal case in the history of the modern age.
This country is so corrupt, the corporations that runs the country and that includes the Justice Department. People have forgotten that Biden could have opened enough positions on the supreme Count to stack the court in favor of the Democrats, and didn't. Why would Biden not want the court, out of the hands of the republicans? Because Biden is not in total control of the government, Biden does what is corporate masters want, namely those who funded his campaign for the presidency.
The recent SCOTUS ruling that overturned Colorado's legally sound decision to disqualify Trump from their primary ballot greenlit a fuse for more political violence. No wonder Trump is sounding more unhinged and threatening more violence. Add to that the U.S. support of Israel's slaughter of Palestinians, and 2024 looks scarier than ever to me. I'm going to do my part, just as I've done in most elections since 1968, but I have seen enough electoral failures to KNOW that there are scenarios that can propel a Trump victory. That's what truly frightens me.
Yep. Electoral college has to go. Lifetime appointments scotus have to go. Multiple changes needed if we are going to save USA democracy from getting knocked down.
https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/ . I asked Michael Moore to consider adding this to his future discussion. Would be more useful than talking about the UK royals, esp to USA people. The movement is underway but obviously facing resistance in red states. Without trying to do away with the electoral college, the states pledge to give their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote. This wud neuter the electoral college without having to pass an amendment to replace the electoral college.
thank you for your input and your perspective. Perhaps it isn’t that Trump is smarter than us, it is because he can do horrible things for the lack of a conscious or empathy. he is a sociopathic narcissist.
Again, “FOCUS ON THE LOVE AND TRUST THE PROCESS”…..
Me too! I just spent 30 days in a rotten hospital after contracting bacterial meningitis in the OPERATING ROOM for simple back surgery!! This country sucks & so does this tirade about the royals‼️ WTF, Michael⁉️
TFG if he were not born with a silver spoon we would most likely never would have heard of him. The two-tier legal system we have, one for the wealthy and one the those who can't afford attorneys who can file appeals and delay and delay justice. But the fact that HE has never been held accountable is a travesty. A person with no, not one, redeeming virtue. There has never been a public figure so lacking in character. Even Hitler liked dogs.
Yes,.... And one other thing..... Trump doesn't know how to tell joke! I have never heard him try to use humour , ever ,.....in any circumstance ! He's a total ignoramus full of hate.
Good point. I'm trying to think of anything humorous that Trump ever did intentionally. Making up mean names for people he doesn't like is the closest he's come, like what little kid bullies do.
I am 81. Complete pacifist. No Biden. Joined GreenParty. Live in Oregon we are BLUE. My consciense wont allow me to vote for a murderer. CAPITALISM KILLS!! We gave up after 60s. Big big mistake
This is perhaps the one and only time you will need to put your country ahead of your ideals. I am close to you in age and philosophy, and I understand your concerns. But this is election cycle is very different. A vote for a 3rd party is a vote for Trump, and we can't afford that. There is too much at stake. Trump offers chaos, and WW-2 authoritarian-style dictatorship. He has promised as much.
Trump plans to stack the courts and his cabinet with followers. He plans to use executive orders and legal loopholes to turn the US Constitution on its head. He plans to release the Jan 6th killers, and to establish martial law wherever he feels it necessary - his words.
Trump also plans to pardon himself and his many enablers.
The US could survive another 4 years under Biden, but it could not survive another 4 years under Trump.
I don't live in Michigan, and it sucks that we have an Electoral College that allows idiots like Bush 2.0 and Mussolini 2.0 to become President. I can't fix that. Wish somebody would.
And my Youth, ah yes, I remember it well... I was 18 and Nixon got reelected by a landslide. I saw it coming and joined the Army that day instead of voting. The Draft had been paused, and 18 year olds were given the right to vote and drink alcohol... Because the song "Eve of Destruction" sort of made the wishes of young people somewhat relevant to the vote that cycle.
I expected the war to go on and on, and it did for a few more years, but I had a "Guarantee" that the Army would send me to Germany instead of Vietnam. And some years later, when young cannon fodder was no longer needed, the drinking age returned to 21. But the good news was kids old enough to kill were finally old enough for voting. And the draft has not returned, and never will, I hope.
Biden does need to tell Netanyahu to go fuck himself. Israelis shouldn't behave like Nazis. Have we humans learned nothing?
For me its simple yes Joe has messed up at times but when push comes to shove any vote for any third party candidate or protest by staying home in November elects Trump and that my friends is unacceptable.
Michael, why don't you use your platform to talk the third-party voters into voting for Biden? We've pressured him on the genocide in Gaza in a way that didn't help Trump. Good. Now the way forward is to vote for him in November because the only alternative is Trump. It's that simple. In fact, Trump will actually deport many of the people in Dearborn who put the pressure on Biden. He certainly will not be any kinder to them than Biden would be. People who say they will vote third party in this election seem to have an impenetrable mental block. If anyone can get through to them, YOU can! You're more sympathetic to them than I am. I fear them too much for their ability to hand the election over to Trump to engage them with the kind of even-handed, respectful persuasion they deserve.
Can we take a few minutes to scope out the playing field / battleground?
There are a total of 538 electoral college votes in this election -- FOUR more than in 2020, as a result of the census that year. RED states picked up electoral college votes while blue states lost some.
Michael Tomasky (New Republic) makes a case for a 269 to 269 tie -- meaning the election would be decided in the House, with each state getting ONE vote. And since there are more red states than blue, the Republican wins -- no matter what the national popular vote total is.
What I would like to emphasize is that we have to work SMART as well as hard.
Although Michigan is my home state -- a proud product of Dearborn -- I've lived in Georgia for the past 40 years, working to turn it more blue. In 2020, we elected TWO Democrats to the US Senate, and Biden became the first Democrat since 1992 to pick up our 16 electoral votes.
This year, in the months leading up to the election, our secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger will have removed roughly 400,000 names from Georgia's voting rolls. Stacey Abrams' group -- Fair Fight Georgia -- which was instrumental in getting out the vote in 2018 and 2020, is a skeleton of its former self. I would count Georgia this year as LESS winnable than Ohio.
I hasten to add that if Nikki Haley was the Republican nominee, she'd mop the floor with Joe Biden. Ironically, Biden stands a much better chance against Trump. But still....
If "Palestine" costs Biden the election this year, it will be because of EAST Palestine. Whenever Senator Sherrod Brown is running in a presidential election year both he and the Democratic party do very well -- with high turnout rates. Ohio WAS winnable -- 17 electoral votes. (Obama won the state twice.) But our leadership handled the derailment like Flint water.
East Palestine is on the border with Pennsylvania -- another critical state.
Add Arizona's 11 electoral votes to Georgia's 16 going back to the Republicans. The last incumbent Democrat to run in Arizona was Barack Obama against Romney -- and Romney beat him easily. The Republicans have wisely made the border a big issue -- and Arizona voters care about that. At this point the race becomes extremely tight. Biden could not afford to lose Nevada, for example, and its 6 electoral votes.
You cannot have it both ways Michael. Biden politically has a very difficult tightrope to walk with voters. Israel is a lose lose situation. Biden has made his statements challenging Netanyahu, but that has had no effect. The Israelis will do what they are going to do despite any threats by the US to cut or limit aid.
And it is my understanding and shocking that a majority of Israelis support the carpet bombing of Gaza. Here is what I got asking CoPilot (MSFT's AI platform):
Israeli public opinion is **fragmented** regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. While some Israelis support a firm commitment to the offensive, others express concerns about civilian casualties and the impact on regional peace³. Polls indicate varying perspectives:
1. **Hawkish Views**:
- **57.5%** of Israeli Jews believe that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are using too little firepower in Gaza.
- **36.6%** consider the IDF's use of firepower appropriate.
- Only **1.8%** believe the IDF is using too much firepower, while **4.2%** are unsure⁴.
2. **Humanitarian Concerns**:
- Some Israelis are deeply concerned about the impact on civilians, especially given the densely populated areas in Gaza.
- Families of hostages and civilians caught in the conflict have differing views on the offensive.
3. **International Pressure and Red Lines**:
- U.S. President Joe Biden has emphasized the need for credible civilian protection plans. He considers an Israeli invasion of Rafah (a densely populated area in Gaza) a "red line" without such plans in place².
- The international community closely monitors the situation, urging restraint and protection of civilians.
So, if you want prevent Trump from being re-elected, then all the Democrats who are threatening to not vote in 2024 because of Gaza, or the blacks and hispanics who will not vote in 2024 for whatever reasons, then keep pushing this view that we must force Biden into actions that will guarantee that Trump will win. If he wins the death in Gaza will pale in contrast to the kinds of humanitarian crisis that will result from a man who cares nothing about people. You cannot have it both ways. Trump loves is when we Democrats rip ourselves apart trying to solve every problem all at once. You can be sure that there are negoatiations going on with Israel and the opposition to try to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, but will most Israelis supporting the massacres in Gaza and two million Israelis in the occuppied territories, the prospects of effecting Israeli policy are slim to none. And Israel, if they cannot get aid from the US will get it from somewhere else. They have a strong economy. So keep it up Michael and all your friends in Michigan and other states will bring our worst nightmare to fruition. With Trump in the White House the war is lost and our ability to effect positive change in the world will be gone.
We have a friend whose husband was a refusnik in Russia and eventually, when the Soviet Union disappeared, was able to emigrate to the US. Their car was blown up in Russia, they were constantly followed, her husband, a brilliant physicist was not able to work, he had a heart condition and could only get medicine by getting it smuggled in. He died about 10 years ago and his wife, a dear friend, had a get-together with all the people that helped them before they came to America while in Russia, and when they finally came here to Boston. I asked her about the situation in Israel. She does not allow her present partner to talk about politics. She has had enough of politics. Her view of what is going on in Gaza is that is it a very small part of the world. She is here is America and believes that her only concern is what is happening here and that we should not be trying to influence and control politics in Israel. I am not sure that I agree, but it got me to thinking that not everyone believes that it is our job to police the world. I am angry about what is going in Gaza, but feel helpless because there are powerful forces at work that make it very difficult to stop the violence. It appears that countries like Saudi Arabia who want to normalize relations with Israel are happing when the Israelis attack groups like Hamas and Hezzbolah which are funded by Iran. The Saudis take a very different view of their role in the Middle East. They want peace because it is good for business. The Iranians believe that conflict is the way forward.
Trump doesn’t act in a vacuum. He’s a very useful idiot. The real genius—the sitting in a big chair stroking a cat genius-is the sociopath of all time—PUTIN! Putin sent Orban to tutor Trump. Then, you have the Federalist Society. They have their hand so far up Trump’s ass, he can now rest on a puppet stand. All any oligarch has to do with Trump is wave money at him. He has promise of a Tower in Moscow and world power, and so do his flying monkeys, Bannon and Carlson. Trump is no genius.
The thing to consider with Trump is, if you gets reelected he is not going to leave office. If the corporations that run the county try to make him leave if he if defeated, Trump will use his cult followers to start a second Civil war.
Trump said as much with his bloodshed remarks, which he tried to say he was taken out of context. No, we understood exactly what he meant, the traitor.
It is standard procedure for the lunatics, after spewing their psychotic rants, to after the public, showed their distain, for what they said, then they would simply just say, oh, that was taken out of context. They previously lied about saying anything the public did not like, before everything they said was recorded, and could be played back.
I blame Kelly Ann Conway. She started the whole nonsense of making stuff up with her 'alternative facts' bs.
Yah, she sure took lies, propaganda, and disinformation to a new level. Trump, Kelly Ann Conway and many others need to be in institutions, where they can get the help they need.
I am confused about why we speak about politicians as if they do what the people want them to do. The corporations own and run the country, and when elections happen the corporations spend money on the candidates they sponsor, and just flat out own. We are a fascist, oligarchy, empire building, authoritarian, dictatorship, with no Democracy, with no working Constitution for the poor, and middle class, where people have no say in the running or decisions on how the government is run.
In a Democracy with a working Constitution, people say how the government is run, and politicians, they elect to office work for them. In a working Democracy, politicians stand up in front of a crowd of people and spew lies, propaganda, and disinformation, and when a voter calls them out on their lies, these politicians have security to throw that person out, that is not Democracy. The government owns the news outlets, that is how the people are brainwashed, and controlled by our corporate government, the government does not tell the people the truth, They tell the people Lies, propaganda, and disinformation.
From what I understand this money the Pentagon cannot account for, has gone to CEO's of the companies that comprise the Military industrial complex. The way it works is Congress passes the Pentagon budget and billions of dollars in taxpayer money goes to the Military contractors, and then money does into the political campaigns of those who voted for the Pentagon budget, and when it comes time for the audit, the money given to the CEO's of the military Industrial Complex is (from 20-30 million bonuses) hidden, and the Pentagon, then covers up for the bribes, by saying we just don't know where the money has gone.
The corporations, Fossil Fuel Industry, the Military Industrial Complex, and the rich are actually running the country, and our politicians just work for them. The people have no say in the running of the country. We do not have a democracy, freedom or a Constitution that works for the poor and middle class. We have a fascist, oligarchy, empire building, authoritarian, dictatorship, with no input on how the country is run, by the people, the people have no say at all. The government uses propaganda, lies, and disinformation to control the people, so they think there votes count and they have a Democracy with freedom and a Constitution that work for them.
I am so exhausted from all the powerlessness and fear I'm carrying. With all the truly brilliant Democrats and many, many others who oppose this movement to destroy our country, I cannot believe they do not seem to be doing whatever it takes to fight him/them. There are more of us but it doesn't seem so.
Trump is not a genius, he is a bully who sees his bullying technique works, even a 13 year old bully can figure that out.
Honestly. Is Trump EVER going to be truly held accountable? This weekend he saluted to the J6 choir of ‘hostages’ and said if he isn’t elected it’ll be a bloodbath. And would guess not a single voter changed their mind about him good or bad. What are we actually going to do? And WHAT ON EARTH was Fani W thinking? I’m sooooo disappointed. Of course HE is the one on trial. But she had to know that the entire situation and especially the appearance of a coverup/perjury would perhaps irrevocably damage the most important criminal case in the history of the modern age.
This country is so corrupt, the corporations that runs the country and that includes the Justice Department. People have forgotten that Biden could have opened enough positions on the supreme Count to stack the court in favor of the Democrats, and didn't. Why would Biden not want the court, out of the hands of the republicans? Because Biden is not in total control of the government, Biden does what is corporate masters want, namely those who funded his campaign for the presidency.
Fani effed up, and now she tainted and delayed the case. Big mistake.
The recent SCOTUS ruling that overturned Colorado's legally sound decision to disqualify Trump from their primary ballot greenlit a fuse for more political violence. No wonder Trump is sounding more unhinged and threatening more violence. Add to that the U.S. support of Israel's slaughter of Palestinians, and 2024 looks scarier than ever to me. I'm going to do my part, just as I've done in most elections since 1968, but I have seen enough electoral failures to KNOW that there are scenarios that can propel a Trump victory. That's what truly frightens me.
Yep. Electoral college has to go. Lifetime appointments scotus have to go. Multiple changes needed if we are going to save USA democracy from getting knocked down.
How can we make those things happen?
https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/ . I asked Michael Moore to consider adding this to his future discussion. Would be more useful than talking about the UK royals, esp to USA people. The movement is underway but obviously facing resistance in red states. Without trying to do away with the electoral college, the states pledge to give their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote. This wud neuter the electoral college without having to pass an amendment to replace the electoral college.
thank you for the link.
Dear Michael,
thank you for your input and your perspective. Perhaps it isn’t that Trump is smarter than us, it is because he can do horrible things for the lack of a conscious or empathy. he is a sociopathic narcissist.
Again, “FOCUS ON THE LOVE AND TRUST THE PROCESS”…..
who gives a shite about the royals. Geez Michael, I am surprised.
Me too! I just spent 30 days in a rotten hospital after contracting bacterial meningitis in the OPERATING ROOM for simple back surgery!! This country sucks & so does this tirade about the royals‼️ WTF, Michael⁉️
TFG if he were not born with a silver spoon we would most likely never would have heard of him. The two-tier legal system we have, one for the wealthy and one the those who can't afford attorneys who can file appeals and delay and delay justice. But the fact that HE has never been held accountable is a travesty. A person with no, not one, redeeming virtue. There has never been a public figure so lacking in character. Even Hitler liked dogs.
It;s funny what you said about Hitler and dogs. Trump never had any pets even as a kid.
Yes,.... And one other thing..... Trump doesn't know how to tell joke! I have never heard him try to use humour , ever ,.....in any circumstance ! He's a total ignoramus full of hate.
Good point. I'm trying to think of anything humorous that Trump ever did intentionally. Making up mean names for people he doesn't like is the closest he's come, like what little kid bullies do.
I am 81. Complete pacifist. No Biden. Joined GreenParty. Live in Oregon we are BLUE. My consciense wont allow me to vote for a murderer. CAPITALISM KILLS!! We gave up after 60s. Big big mistake
This is perhaps the one and only time you will need to put your country ahead of your ideals. I am close to you in age and philosophy, and I understand your concerns. But this is election cycle is very different. A vote for a 3rd party is a vote for Trump, and we can't afford that. There is too much at stake. Trump offers chaos, and WW-2 authoritarian-style dictatorship. He has promised as much.
Trump plans to stack the courts and his cabinet with followers. He plans to use executive orders and legal loopholes to turn the US Constitution on its head. He plans to release the Jan 6th killers, and to establish martial law wherever he feels it necessary - his words.
Trump also plans to pardon himself and his many enablers.
The US could survive another 4 years under Biden, but it could not survive another 4 years under Trump.
Trump will thank you.
Where is Melania? Who is her body double? What was in the casket with Ivana’s ashes?
Who is funding all the minor party candidates?
Trump plays “I am rubber you are glue, what you call me bounces off and sticks to you”.
Let’s show we know the game and have a split screen with Trump copying what is said about him.
EEEEEEK !!!!
My first thought upon reading your intro.
But now…. Breathe… Breathe… now, I will listen to the podcast….
OK, I listened.
AAARRRGGGHHHH !!!!!
I don't live in Michigan, and it sucks that we have an Electoral College that allows idiots like Bush 2.0 and Mussolini 2.0 to become President. I can't fix that. Wish somebody would.
And my Youth, ah yes, I remember it well... I was 18 and Nixon got reelected by a landslide. I saw it coming and joined the Army that day instead of voting. The Draft had been paused, and 18 year olds were given the right to vote and drink alcohol... Because the song "Eve of Destruction" sort of made the wishes of young people somewhat relevant to the vote that cycle.
I expected the war to go on and on, and it did for a few more years, but I had a "Guarantee" that the Army would send me to Germany instead of Vietnam. And some years later, when young cannon fodder was no longer needed, the drinking age returned to 21. But the good news was kids old enough to kill were finally old enough for voting. And the draft has not returned, and never will, I hope.
Biden does need to tell Netanyahu to go fuck himself. Israelis shouldn't behave like Nazis. Have we humans learned nothing?
For me its simple yes Joe has messed up at times but when push comes to shove any vote for any third party candidate or protest by staying home in November elects Trump and that my friends is unacceptable.
Michael, why don't you use your platform to talk the third-party voters into voting for Biden? We've pressured him on the genocide in Gaza in a way that didn't help Trump. Good. Now the way forward is to vote for him in November because the only alternative is Trump. It's that simple. In fact, Trump will actually deport many of the people in Dearborn who put the pressure on Biden. He certainly will not be any kinder to them than Biden would be. People who say they will vote third party in this election seem to have an impenetrable mental block. If anyone can get through to them, YOU can! You're more sympathetic to them than I am. I fear them too much for their ability to hand the election over to Trump to engage them with the kind of even-handed, respectful persuasion they deserve.
Can we take a few minutes to scope out the playing field / battleground?
There are a total of 538 electoral college votes in this election -- FOUR more than in 2020, as a result of the census that year. RED states picked up electoral college votes while blue states lost some.
Michael Tomasky (New Republic) makes a case for a 269 to 269 tie -- meaning the election would be decided in the House, with each state getting ONE vote. And since there are more red states than blue, the Republican wins -- no matter what the national popular vote total is.
What I would like to emphasize is that we have to work SMART as well as hard.
Although Michigan is my home state -- a proud product of Dearborn -- I've lived in Georgia for the past 40 years, working to turn it more blue. In 2020, we elected TWO Democrats to the US Senate, and Biden became the first Democrat since 1992 to pick up our 16 electoral votes.
This year, in the months leading up to the election, our secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger will have removed roughly 400,000 names from Georgia's voting rolls. Stacey Abrams' group -- Fair Fight Georgia -- which was instrumental in getting out the vote in 2018 and 2020, is a skeleton of its former self. I would count Georgia this year as LESS winnable than Ohio.
I hasten to add that if Nikki Haley was the Republican nominee, she'd mop the floor with Joe Biden. Ironically, Biden stands a much better chance against Trump. But still....
If "Palestine" costs Biden the election this year, it will be because of EAST Palestine. Whenever Senator Sherrod Brown is running in a presidential election year both he and the Democratic party do very well -- with high turnout rates. Ohio WAS winnable -- 17 electoral votes. (Obama won the state twice.) But our leadership handled the derailment like Flint water.
East Palestine is on the border with Pennsylvania -- another critical state.
Add Arizona's 11 electoral votes to Georgia's 16 going back to the Republicans. The last incumbent Democrat to run in Arizona was Barack Obama against Romney -- and Romney beat him easily. The Republicans have wisely made the border a big issue -- and Arizona voters care about that. At this point the race becomes extremely tight. Biden could not afford to lose Nevada, for example, and its 6 electoral votes.
You cannot have it both ways Michael. Biden politically has a very difficult tightrope to walk with voters. Israel is a lose lose situation. Biden has made his statements challenging Netanyahu, but that has had no effect. The Israelis will do what they are going to do despite any threats by the US to cut or limit aid.
And it is my understanding and shocking that a majority of Israelis support the carpet bombing of Gaza. Here is what I got asking CoPilot (MSFT's AI platform):
Israeli public opinion is **fragmented** regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. While some Israelis support a firm commitment to the offensive, others express concerns about civilian casualties and the impact on regional peace³. Polls indicate varying perspectives:
1. **Hawkish Views**:
- **57.5%** of Israeli Jews believe that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are using too little firepower in Gaza.
- **36.6%** consider the IDF's use of firepower appropriate.
- Only **1.8%** believe the IDF is using too much firepower, while **4.2%** are unsure⁴.
2. **Humanitarian Concerns**:
- Some Israelis are deeply concerned about the impact on civilians, especially given the densely populated areas in Gaza.
- Families of hostages and civilians caught in the conflict have differing views on the offensive.
3. **International Pressure and Red Lines**:
- U.S. President Joe Biden has emphasized the need for credible civilian protection plans. He considers an Israeli invasion of Rafah (a densely populated area in Gaza) a "red line" without such plans in place².
- The international community closely monitors the situation, urging restraint and protection of civilians.
So, if you want prevent Trump from being re-elected, then all the Democrats who are threatening to not vote in 2024 because of Gaza, or the blacks and hispanics who will not vote in 2024 for whatever reasons, then keep pushing this view that we must force Biden into actions that will guarantee that Trump will win. If he wins the death in Gaza will pale in contrast to the kinds of humanitarian crisis that will result from a man who cares nothing about people. You cannot have it both ways. Trump loves is when we Democrats rip ourselves apart trying to solve every problem all at once. You can be sure that there are negoatiations going on with Israel and the opposition to try to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, but will most Israelis supporting the massacres in Gaza and two million Israelis in the occuppied territories, the prospects of effecting Israeli policy are slim to none. And Israel, if they cannot get aid from the US will get it from somewhere else. They have a strong economy. So keep it up Michael and all your friends in Michigan and other states will bring our worst nightmare to fruition. With Trump in the White House the war is lost and our ability to effect positive change in the world will be gone.
We have a friend whose husband was a refusnik in Russia and eventually, when the Soviet Union disappeared, was able to emigrate to the US. Their car was blown up in Russia, they were constantly followed, her husband, a brilliant physicist was not able to work, he had a heart condition and could only get medicine by getting it smuggled in. He died about 10 years ago and his wife, a dear friend, had a get-together with all the people that helped them before they came to America while in Russia, and when they finally came here to Boston. I asked her about the situation in Israel. She does not allow her present partner to talk about politics. She has had enough of politics. Her view of what is going on in Gaza is that is it a very small part of the world. She is here is America and believes that her only concern is what is happening here and that we should not be trying to influence and control politics in Israel. I am not sure that I agree, but it got me to thinking that not everyone believes that it is our job to police the world. I am angry about what is going in Gaza, but feel helpless because there are powerful forces at work that make it very difficult to stop the violence. It appears that countries like Saudi Arabia who want to normalize relations with Israel are happing when the Israelis attack groups like Hamas and Hezzbolah which are funded by Iran. The Saudis take a very different view of their role in the Middle East. They want peace because it is good for business. The Iranians believe that conflict is the way forward.
Israel has no respect for Biden.