QuoteIn the 34-year history of USA TODAY, the Editorial Board has never taken sides in the presidential race. Instead, we’ve expressed opinions about the major issues and haven’t presumed to tell our readers, who have a variety of priorities and values, which choice is best for them. Because every presidential race is different, we revisit our no-endorsement policy every four years. We’ve never seen reason to alter our approach. Until now.
This year, the choice isn’t between two capable major party nominees who happen to have significant ideological differences. This year, one of the candidates â€" Republican nominee Donald Trump â€" is, by unanimous consensus of the Editorial Board, unfit for the presidency.
From the day he declared his candidacy 15 months ago through this week’s first presidential debate, Trump has demonstrated repeatedly that he lacks the temperament, knowledge, steadiness and honesty that America needs from its presidents.
Whether through indifference or ignorance, Trump has betrayed fundamental commitments made by all presidents since the end of World War II. These commitments include unwavering support for NATO allies, steadfast opposition to Russian aggression, and the absolute certainty that the United States will make good on its debts. He has expressed troubling admiration for authoritarian leaders and scant regard for constitutional protections.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2016/09/29/dont-vote-for-donald-trump-editorial-board-editorials-debates/91295020/ (http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2016/09/29/dont-vote-for-donald-trump-editorial-board-editorials-debates/91295020/)
Good read. Really sums up the election so far. I particularly liked that they acknowledged that Trump has pointed out some legitimate problems (a broken clock is right twice a day) while maintaining that his overall platform is utterly unacceptable.
In other news: a new study shows that getting shot in the head by a 12-gauge shotgun may be detrimental to your health. Stay tuned for more on this shocking revelation.
Just because Churchill convinced Truman to be anti-Stalin ... is not a reason for us to be anti-Putin. Putin is no Stalin. Based on precedence, the US should be anti-British. "Fit for Presidency" ... is not part of the Constitution. It is no different than being a male chauvinist who figures that Hillary, being a woman, is unfit for that reason. I find any member of either major party, to be Unfit for the Presidency, because I consider both parties to be psychopathic (which surely makes anyone unfit).
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on October 04, 2016, 11:58:57 AMIn other news: a new study shows that getting shot in the head by a 12-gauge shotgun may be detrimental to your health. Stay tuned for more on this shocking revelation.
Yeah, not anything we didn't already know. But I found it interesting that they haven't taken sides on any presidential race for three decades (mum on W Bush and on McCain/Palin) but this election cycle has been so outrageous that they can't help but implore the reader to not vote for Trump.
Trump Supporters Read:
USA Today: Trump definitely unfit for the presidency
Quote from: TomFoolery on October 04, 2016, 04:16:24 PMTrump Supporters Read:
USA Today: Trump definitely unfit for the presidency
I've heard those people rail at Fox News as a liberal network to say nothing of the lamestream media. Trump's going to get those votes regardless. Best case scenario is these non-endorsements start to pile up and successfully get some sliver of the population to think twice at the ballots.
That USA is breaking its tradition of neutrality is a significant change. I suppose it will have some effect, but not huge. That's a matter of perspective of course. If somehow it could be shown the USA changed the vote by 2%, a case could be made that 2% was huge. I don't know how much effect media actually has. The political position of newspapers, radio, and television may do more to satisfy an ideology than shape it. Although, that could be up for debate, I suppose.
I'm pretty sure trumps getting elected. I hate it but can't think of a good way to stop it.
Quote from: doorknob on October 04, 2016, 08:42:23 PM
I'm pretty sure trumps getting elected. I hate it but can't think of a good way to stop it.
Going out and voting for someone else seems like a pretty good start to me.
Interesting that they merely come out against Trump, not for anyone especially. Fair enough.
Quote from: trdsf on October 04, 2016, 09:52:51 PM
Interesting that they merely come out against Trump, not for anyone especially. Fair enough.
It is very unusual that a media outlet is opposing a candidate without supporting one. Although, it makes sense. That is in line with a large block of the voters this year.
Quote from: doorknob on October 04, 2016, 08:42:23 PM
I'm pretty sure trumps getting elected. I hate it but can't think of a good way to stop it.
"There may not be anyone you would vote FOR in an election, but there is always someone you should vote AGAINST."
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on October 06, 2016, 06:37:22 AM
"There may not be anyone you would vote FOR in an election, but there is always someone you should vote AGAINST."
This morning, NPR interviewed the former head prosecutor who doggedly pursued the Clintons believing they were guilty of criminal activity during the Whitewater Scandal. Turns out he's endorsing Hillary.
Quote from: doorknob on October 04, 2016, 08:42:23 PM
I'm pretty sure trumps getting elected. I hate it but can't think of a good way to stop it.
I want to think you are wrong, but not willing to bet you on it. Trump is getting a lot of shit lately, often times from ardent Republicans. I would think than even the mentally challenged would stop to reconsider whether voting for Trump is the right thing to do. On the other hand, the reason Trump is so popular is that those very people in the Republican Party who are dissing Trump, have let the rank and file Republicans down too many times, or so the rank and file seems to believe.
But, I can still drive any direction from my house for 50 miles and see Trump Pence signs in every other backyard. Actually, I can't remember seeing a "Vote Clinton" this year. I'm going to start looking. But honestly, I don't remember seeing a Clinton sign. And I just realized something else. Trump and Pence are using all blue signs without the Republican Red. I wonder what the strategy is behind that?
I'd bet on it. Like I've said before, it's going to be close. (At the time, a lot of people didn't think it'd even be close - that it'd be a blowout for Clinton. That tune has changed.)
From the forecasts I've seen (http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/2016/forecast/president), Clinton's going to win. There's even a good chance NC will go blue this time around. Of course, the situation could change but I'm not expecting it to change by much.
The election is going to be rigged, but only of Trump loses. Trump is a winner and winner don't lose.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Op9Bkpeu4s
Quote from: Hydra009 on October 06, 2016, 09:06:30 AM
I'd bet on it. Like I've said before, it's going to be close. (At the time, a lot of people didn't think it'd even be close - that it'd be a blowout for Clinton. That tune has changed.)
From the forecasts I've seen (http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/2016/forecast/president), Clinton's going to win. There's even a good chance NC will go blue this time around. Of course, the situation could change but I'm not expecting it to change by much.
With a month to go, Hillary's chances of winning on November 8 are currently 78% (Source: 538). This is higher than Obama's chances at this stage 4 years ago.
Of course, voters are fickle beasts, and things can change on a dime.
I'm cautiously optimistic about a Clinton win, but I won't be betting any money on it. I know what the Republicans are capable of: their strategy for winning has been "lie, cheat and steal" since Reagan. Republicans know how to dupe those of below average intelligence (i.e. half of the population).
1. NC is getting a hurricane ... proof of gays etc
2. Being a winner in spite of reality is an Americanism
3. On either candidate, be careful of what you wish for
I am voting for Hillary. I know that some here will disagree and some agree; and that some will be pissed off. But then, I'm voting for me and not you. And to keep Trump out of office--and I wish we could vote him off this island..................he is a blight to our society in ways that Hillary cannot even imagine being.
I'm voting for Hillary because the GOP needs a fucking wake-up call. Being out of the White House for sixteen years should do that nicely.
At this point, after the lewd comments fiasco, I think the Republicans should "fire" Trump and have Pence as the Republican presidential candidate. If the Republicans agreed to fire Trump but Pence, Paul Ryan or pretty much any top Republican would be guaranteed the presidency I would take that deal. Trump is really that bad.
Quote
Quote from: GSOgymrat on October 07, 2016, 08:58:28 PM
At this point, after the lewd comments fiasco,
Which lewd fiasco? This one?
http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/07/politics/donald-trump-women-vulgar/
Quote
Trump bragged on hot mic about being able to grope women
He also said: "When you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything ... Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything."
Suave Devil!
Quote from: GSOgymrat on October 07, 2016, 08:58:28 PMAt this point, after the lewd comments fiasco, I think the Republicans should "fire" Trump and have Pence as the Republican presidential candidate. If the Republicans agreed to fire Trump but Pence, Paul Ryan or pretty much any top Republican would be guaranteed the presidency I would take that deal. Trump is really that bad.
Pence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikax0Y0NJsY) has his own issues. The weakness of the Republican Party is the reason Trump was such a success this time around and more of the same is going to kill them in the long-term - which I guess is better than quicker death Trump is leading them down. Imo, the Republicans should try to rein themselves back on the social issues and present a more moderate and inclusive front if they want to get back in the White House again. Hell, maybe they could even try to find common cause with the Libertarians. And if the social issue nutcases want to break away, let 'em and watch them crash and burn in a decade or so.
Quote from: SGOS on October 07, 2016, 09:40:12 PM
Which lewd fiasco? This one?
http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/07/politics/donald-trump-women-vulgar/
Yes. Of course this isn't the worst thing Trump has done but it just adds to the mountain of evidence that he is unqualified to be commander-in-chief and would be an embarrassment as representative of the US. Unfortunately the GOP has fallen for the sunk costs fallacy.
Democrats should hang this dirty fuck around republican necks for the next 50 years just for nominating him, but more importantly for putting our national interest at stake to such a degree. I suspect even more dirt is going to come out before the election if he isn't indicted and arrested for some dirty dealing. Can you imagine the FBI perp walking the republican nominee for president? That would be a hoot.
Even George Will decided to leave the republican party because of trump and his bullshit..
Quote from: AllPurposeAtheist on October 08, 2016, 04:24:04 AM
Democrats should hang this dirty fuck around republican necks for the next 50 years just for nominating him, but more importantly for putting our national interest at stake to such a degree. I suspect even more dirt is going to come out before the election if he isn't indicted and arrested for some dirty dealing. Can you imagine the FBI perp walking the republican nominee for president? That would be a hoot.
I was hoping he's the final nail in the coffin for a national GOP.
Quote from: The Skeletal Atheist on October 08, 2016, 04:28:24 AM
I was hoping he's the final nail in the coffin for a national GOP.
The power behind the throne owns all parties. I don't think Dick Cheney will allow whoever he is keeping prisoner in his "man sized safe" to escape so easily. The son of JEB is already being groomed.
Quote from: GSOgymrat on October 07, 2016, 10:22:59 PM
Yes. Of course this isn't the worst thing Trump has done but it just adds to the mountain of evidence that he is unqualified to be commander-in-chief and would be an embarrassment as representative of the US. Unfortunately the GOP has fallen for the sunk costs fallacy.
Yes, so much better to be molested by Bill Clinton and the other Demon-crats ;-)
Quote from: GSOgymrat on October 07, 2016, 08:58:28 PM
At this point, after the lewd comments fiasco, I think the Republicans should "fire" Trump and have Pence as the Republican presidential candidate. If the Republicans agreed to fire Trump but Pence, Paul Ryan or pretty much any top Republican would be guaranteed the presidency I would take that deal. Trump is really that bad.
Yes, Pence is the most presidential of the four ... Kaine is like a Chihuahua. Paul Ryan is the ideological head of the GOP ... not the messiah Cruz.
Quote from: AllPurposeAtheist on October 08, 2016, 04:24:04 AM
Democrats should hang this dirty fuck around republican necks for the next 50 years just for nominating him, but more importantly for putting our national interest at stake to such a degree. I suspect even more dirt is going to come out before the election if he isn't indicted and arrested for some dirty dealing. Can you imagine the FBI perp walking the republican nominee for president? That would be a hoot.
Even George Will decided to leave the republican party because of trump and his bullshit..
Can you imagine the FBI perp walking the democrat nominee for president? Don't worry, the FBI is bought. The FBI and the Justice Department have been whores since the 60s and 70s.
Romey had is 47%. Now Trump will be forever known as 'Grab them by the pussy." Trump. That would make a great T-shirt for the next two debates. That would make a great bumper sticker! :))
Quote from: Mike Cl on October 08, 2016, 11:54:59 AM
Now Trump will be forever known as 'Grab them by the pussy." Trump.
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14632985_10154582939236081_3211606646647617209_n.jpg?oh=7ad5b78c9d94af52cc645aa0ae9fe1e7&oe=589FC51D)
People for Trump are like religious zealots. Randy Carson is probably one. They are in so far and so deep and so committed that even if they found out that Trump was a child porn advocate and a leader of the KKK they would still go with him to save themselves the embarrassment of being shown wrong.
Trump: ‘I Know That Was Pretty Bad, But Let’s Just Say You’re Going To Want To Save Your Energy’ (http://click1.email.theonion.com/atpdzpshdsvnddkmnybvznlybdntkysczmgywlymmyyl_ldnwhkwm.html)
Lewd Donald Trump Tape Is a Breaking Point for Many in the G.O.P. (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/09/us/politics/donald-trump-campaign.html)
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on October 09, 2016, 09:59:42 AM
Trump: ‘I Know That Was Pretty Bad, But Let’s Just Say You’re Going To Want To Save Your Energy’ (http://click1.email.theonion.com/atpdzpshdsvnddkmnybvznlybdntkysczmgywlymmyyl_ldnwhkwm.html)
Lewd Donald Trump Tape Is a Breaking Point for Many in the G.O.P. (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/09/us/politics/donald-trump-campaign.html)
I was almost taken in by the first one, even after I read the article. I was confused for a bit until...
Quote from: SGOS on October 09, 2016, 10:10:40 AM
I was almost taken in by the first one, even after I read the article. I was confused for a bit until...
Everybody gets bit by The Onion at one time or another, present kaiju included.
Well if Hitlery zealots or anti-Trump zealots get their way, and Hitlery starts WW III soon next year ... then at least those folks won't be alive much longer (dark humor ... I want everyone to have a happy new year).
The Republican base is angry at being left behind in the world economy and rightly so. That does not their current champion (Trump) the best leader, but their anger is legitimate.
Desperate people follow Banana Republic Leaders like Trump.
The solution is for a rational leader to rebuild the middle class. Infrastructure jobs would be a good start. My hope is that there is someone out there who will combine the "you didn't build it on your own" of Elizabeth Warren with the "we need to put people back to work" of some Union leader with an inspirational person like Obama or Biden thrown into the mix.
Clinton is a place-holder of general competency while we nurture and raise that person.
Quote from: Cavebear on October 11, 2016, 10:24:48 AM
The Republican base is angry at being left behind in the world economy and rightly so. That does not their current champion (Trump) the best leader, but their anger is legitimate.
Desperate people follow Banana Republic Leaders like Trump.
The solution is for a rational leader to rebuild the middle class. Infrastructure jobs would be a good start. My hope is that there is someone out there who will combine the "you didn't build it on your own" of Elizabeth Warren with the "we need to put people back to work" of some Union leader with an inspirational person like Obama or Biden thrown into the mix.
Clinton is a place-holder of general competency while we nurture and raise that person.
The "Take us back to the 1950s" crowd don't seem to be aware that Trump won't make that happen, and will probably make things worse. I can see a point where the moderate Republicans and Democrats are united against him.
I was born in 1950 and grew up in "the good old days". I know what those were like. Dads back from the War carrying "military discipline" with them and Moms making dinner every day. Tha wasn't perfect either.
Today, we have to find a way for all adults to gain satisfaction in lives and careers, equality in marriages of all forms, and rational use of planetary resources to benefit everyone. A rising tide DOES lift all boats. The rising tide just has to be more equal.
Quote from: Cavebear on October 11, 2016, 10:45:54 AM
I was born in 1950 and grew up in "the good old days". I know what those were like. Dads back from the War carrying "military discipline" with them and Moms making dinner every day. Tha wasn't perfect either.
Today, we have to find a way for all adults to gain satisfaction in lives and careers, equality in marriages of all forms, and rational use of planetary resources to benefit everyone. A rising tide DOES lift all boats. The rising tide just has to be more equal.
1951 for me. I lived in a small town in Indiana, where the Sheriff returned a runaway kid to his parents because "you belong with your family". The kid was dead two weeks later, beat to death by the mother because he had demons in his heart. Good old days, indeed.
I trust that was sarcasm. Which is fine; I admire good sarcasm. If you meant it literally though, that's scary!
Quote from: Cavebear on October 11, 2016, 11:04:07 AM
I trust that was sarcasm. Which is fine; I admire good sarcasm. If you meant it literally though, that's scary!
I meant it literally. Further investigation showed that she had been married before, but that husband and three children couldn't be found.
Gawdzilla and Cavebear I'm from '45, and I saw what each of you describe. My dad was a Dept. of the Army civilian and so we lived in or near military housing. I grew up with my mom at home and dad worked. But mom was not the typical stay-at-home, for she had a feminist streak in her before that was even a word. But I pretty much grew up traditional in that area. But I was aware of kids being beaten along with dogs, because a man's home was his castle and he could do whatever the hell he wanted. But wife beating, child beating and animal abuse was not talked about. And sense I lived in Alabama for 5 years, (in the area of those wonderful signs 'colored' and 'white' plastered everywhere) racism was not talked about either. But all those topics are now openly talked about; there isn't more of any of it, just much more noticed and talked about today, than then. That's a good thing.
As for Trump and the anger of his followers, I think is sort of related to the above. A patriarchal man is no longer assumed to be in charge and no longer assumed to be able to do what he wants. Traditionally, he could and did rule his castle. Most of Trumps followers seem to be white. And things are a-changing for them, too. Change brings disorientation and anger. Plus, the have's have been getting more and more and demanding more and more. The middle class is being depleted and squeezed. That causes anger. So, Trump has learned to tap into that anger; the anger the Repubs have been flaming since Reagan. They have masterfully used sound bytes, fear and artful lies to keep their base riled up. They grew Trump--and now they have to live with it. I see him destroying the traditional Rep. party, since he does not give a shit about it. He simply believes in and works for Trumpism. I don't think he is even running for Pres right now. I think he is running to use his base to form a Media outlet that is anti-Hillary. That will make him money and keep him in the spotlight. Trumpism is what he wants, and as many followers as he can get, for that spells money for him.
We had Populism under Huey Long back in the 1930s ... but that was before my time.
Quote from: Mike Cl on October 11, 2016, 01:10:47 PM
He simply believes in and works for Trumpism. I don't think he is even running for Pres right now. I think he is running to use his base to form a Media outlet that is anti-Hillary. That will make him money and keep him in the spotlight. Trumpism is what he wants, and as many followers as he can get, for that spells money for him.
I agree and have said so on my personal blog. Its a scam, but he is pulling to an inside straight. If he gets lucky, he will run with it. If not, he will just make more money in a new scam.