US US Politics 2024

[Lou]

I first learned about the Electoral College in high school- ....

As to the rationale for it: ...

I read a really good article by a black professor of American history. I'll try to come up with with his name and Thea link to the article if anyone is interested.

Anyway his premise it that all American history can be viewed thru the lens of racism. Even the constitution. Back in the 18th century it was basically slave states vs free states. The slave states were predominately rural and had less people living in them. the free states had more people AND more economic clout. So the slave states were afraid that the free state could dominate them in all political maters. Thus the Electoral College was born.

Oh, I went and looked for the article. but found this instead.

The Troubling Reason the Electoral College Exists

The Founding Fathers had something particular in mind when they set up the U.S. presidential election system: slavery

time.com

 

[Tom L.]

@Lou WHOA. I hadn't come across that line of reasoning. Needless to say (but I'm gonna say it anyway)... If the article you linked to is true, it's beyond ironic that the enslaved population of the Southern states gave those states extra electoral clout- even though the slaves themselves were not allowed to vote.

 

[KLS52]

This woman is helping to keep me (semi)sane.

On a lighter note, this made me smile:

"Meanwhile, Vice President Harris today held rallies in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and La Crosse, Wisconsin. In La Crosse, MAGA hecklers tried to interrupt her while she was speaking about the centrality of the three Trump-appointed Supreme Court justices to the overturning of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that recognized the constitutional right to abortion.

“Oh, you guys are at the wrong rally,” Harris called to them with a smile and a wave. As the crowd roared with approval, she added: “No, I think you meant to go to the smaller one down the street.” "

October 17, 2024

In a new rule released yesterday, the Federal Trade Commission requires sellers to make it as easy to cancel a subscription to a gym or a service as it is to sign up for one.

heathercoxrichardson.substack.com

 

[Brian W]

I think so-called Christian nationalists have done a lot of damage to the voting intentions of many genuine Christians.

 

[Second Summer]

"Politics Girl" on YT says we're being flooded with Republican-sponsored polls at the moment, so therefore the polling average is favouring Trump.

I don't see any clear evidence of that, at least not on RCP, but I don't know the polling organisations well enough to say for sure.

 

[Lou]

"Politics Girl" on YT says we're being flooded with Republican-sponsored polls at the moment, so therefore the polling average is favouring Trump.

I don't see any clear evidence of that, at least not on RCP, but I don't know the polling organisations well enough to say for sure.

It's that and some other stuff going on.

Another thing that I have been hearing is that Millions of Christians, despite their leaders promoting Trump are planning on voting for Harris or at least not voting at all. There are two reasons for this. Many Christians think Trump is too "icky". also now that he has distanced himself from the Pro life movement - they are seeing him as too weak on abortion to vote for.

 

[beancounter]

I don't get it. If a nationwide abortion bane was possible, SCOTUS would have already delivered it.

I think they've taken their stance as far as it can go (nationally), so there isn't an urgency to vote for Trump anymore.

At this point I assume they would be focusing all of their energy on state level elections.

 

[KLS52]

After seeing this headline and at the risk of repeating myself, I just don't understand how there can be so many fellow Americans supporting this piece of doo doo

 

[Lou]

After seeing this headline and at the risk of repeating myself, I just don't understand how there can be so many fellow Americans supporting this piece of doo doo

During Kamala Harris' Fox interview, Brett Whatshisname asked the Vice President something like if Trump is so vile how come so many support him. I was really interested in her answer. Unfortunately Brett interrupted her so often I don't think she ever got to put in more than a few words.

And at the risk of repeating Myself, I still pretty much fall back on what Mark Twain said, picture the average American and now remember that half of all Americans are stupider than him.

Brett actually suggested stupidity to Kamala. She didn't take the bait. However, I can't think of a better reason. In 2015, I was convinced it was racism. Now I'm not sure if there is an easy answer.

Looking for good news?
Trump has been walking back some of his abortion rhetoric. He claims he doesn't support a national ban. Probably because abortion is a losing proposition. ( see 2022 elections). That has prompted some back lash. Christian Nationalist ministers are now encouraging their congregations not to vote. They think Trump is too weak on abortion.

Harris played some video of Trump at her rally in order to show the public how dangerous he is. Although it played well with her supporters - they don't really need more convincing or evidence. When Trump supporters were asked about it they said they don't believe it. Not that they don't believe he said it. They don't believe he meant it. Even they know he lies about everything - so they think he is lying about that too.

Which brings us back to the original question? How stupid to you have to be to vote for a guy who you don't believe means what he says. Maybe it is just racism.

 

[Chryssie]

I am so sick of the political ads that are on TV constantly! There are so many lies and misinformation in them! Opposing sides are contradicting each other right and left. It is making me crazy!
And I am so upset with my brother David. He is a fundamentalist Christian for Trump. He calls me every week to chat and has mentioned that he goes to flag waving events for Trump. I just bite my tongue; he knows I am on the opposite side and I will not engage in debate with him. I know I will never change his closed mind. I love him dearly and he is a very good person but sadly has been convinced of several conspiracy theories and somehow thinks Trump is Christian. My other brother, Jon, who is a Republican for Harris has tried to talk to David and will call him out on his misinformation. I just avoid controversy!

 

[Brian W]

I didn't understand the argument but in this video it is recommended to vote early to help encourage a blue win.

 

[Brian W]

And I am so upset with my brother David. He is a fundamentalist Christian for Trump

 

[Lou]

^


Traditionally or maybe historically Dems vote early. Back in 2000 that didn't happen as much maybe because of Covid or perhaps we were worried about the post office breaking down
Anyway early voting may not be that indicative except that I think getting the vote out may favor Dems.

I have some questions about that video. First off that neighbor hood in Florida with all the blue signs. I thought Florida was destroyed. that neighborhood looks great. And the lady with all the signs. She is wearing a winter jacket - I wonder where she lives

 

[Lou]

I keep hearing that Trump is losing the Christian vote because his stance on abortion is too weak.

 

[Chryssie]

Early voting started in Florida and there are long lines and record setting numbers. I don't know if this is good or bad....

 

[KLS52]

I think I will go vote early one day this week.

 

[Andy_T]

High voter turnout is usually good for Democratic candidates, so I am hoping for the best.

 

[beancounter]

Time for intermission.

 

[Lou]

High voter turnout is usually good for Democratic candidates, so I am hoping for the best.

yes it is but... I've heard that since Republicans know this they are trying to early vote too.
I'm going to work on my ballot later today. I usually go to the polls on Election Day. the lines here are never very long. Sometimes I see my neighbors. and then I get a sticker. I also don't like clogging up the US Mail.
I may just keep a look out for a ballot box to drop it off in.

 

[Chryssie]

When I dropped my ballot off at the Supervisor of Elections office/voting place, the parking lot was very full and there was a line out the door. Then when I drove down Clara Ave. in a lower to middle income area, I saw lots of Harris/Walz signs. I am really worried though. Stupid Electoral College favors Trump.