Trump Just Can't Stop Attacking DeSantis:<br> "The real Ron is a RINO GLOBALIST, who closed down Florida and even its beaches"

Trump Just Can't Stop Attacking DeSantis:
"The real Ron is a RINO GLOBALIST, who closed down Florida and even its beaches"

I wanted to avoid this -- I hate being at odds with any readers -- but Trump won't let it go.

Trump is attacking DeSantis for, he claims, "shutting down Florida."

And that DeSantis is a "RINO GLOBALIST." I know his supporters and surrogates have been workshopping that attack line for half a year now.

Trump has two related problems:

1, Ron DeSantis is seen as a genuine hero who stood up to relentless media attacks to defy Trump's Regime medical advisors to open up Florida.

2, While some credit Trump for expressing a pro-opening agenda in speeches and on Twitter, many can't help but notice it was Trump's advisors -- Fauci, Birx, Watson, Wallensky, etc. -- who issued the directives and "guidances" that states and municipalities cited as justification for forced shutdowns, forced masking, and forced vaccination. And they also can't help but notice that while Trump might complain about these people on Twitter, he left them all in office rather than risking the media firestorm and firing their asses.

In addition, Trump continues bragging about the vaccines he helped develop, and seems unaware that most of his base is fairly skeptical of those vaccines, if not outright hostile to them. Particularly about mandates. Which Trump's advisors made possible.

The leftwing fake Republican -- who always is being paid by liberal outlets to attack conservatives -- Matt K. Lewis talks about the vaccines as a possible "knockout punch" against Trump.

The case for nominating DeSantis is precisely that he's just as tough and "MAGA" as Trump--but more competent. In addition to this, DeSantis has a specific opening, too: "I think the blood-in-the-water knockout blow is the vaccines," former conservative radio host John Ziegler told me recently, "because Trump is so deluded into believing that the vaccines--because he wants to take credit for them--were the greatest thing ever. That's where, with way more than 50 percent of the Republican base, DeSantis can strike a knockout blow."
In a rational world, Operation Warp Speed would be something worth bragging about. But the Republican primary electorate isn't a rational world. As such, greenlighting the COVID-19 vaccine is potentially a serious vulnerability for Trump in a Republican primary. Meanwhile, DeSantis--who wants to empanel a grand jury to look into COVID-19 wrongdoing--is positioned to lodge such an attack. But will he?

I don't think DeSantis will do that. That's another NeverTrumper fever dream, in which both people they hate mutually destroy each other so that Nikki Haley can be the nominee.

But DeSantis will make an issue of Trump not pushing back against Fauci, Birx, Wallensky and Watson.

Here's my bias: If Trump was wrong, I was wrong right along with him. I was never a crusader against the vaccines; I'm still not certain they're responsible for "#suddendeathsyndrome," for example.

I completely understand Trump being flummoxed by the conveniently-timed plague of unknown origin; it was unprecedented. Not the pandemic part, but the all-out Information Operation blitz from The Regime about it.

I understand his instinct to take "the middle course" and kind of go along with Regime "scientists" while also cautioning them against going too far. This kind of "muddling through" is a completely understandable and often-deployed response to crises.

It's what people tend to do when they're not sure what to do. Not a great plan -- but a common one.

I myself was a Middle Courser and supported "muddling through."

Behind the scenes, I talk with some of the most passionate conservatives there are. They are both very pro-Trump and also very anti-Covid fearmongering. They wound up prioritizing being anti-covid-fearmonger and mandates above supporting Trump; I took the position of generally supporting Trump, even if I wasn't sure that all of this lockdown crap was needed.

I was in the position of defending Trump's "muddle through" agenda, and against their position of taking a very strong position that most of the covid fear was Regime Destabilization Theater and that Trump was c*cking out by going along with this crap.

I think my more-anti-covid-hysteria correspondents turned out to be more right than I did. I thought Trump's strategy of "giving baby its bottle until it stops crying" was the best of bad options.

I know many commenters here demanded that Trump be more assertive in declaring that the emergency was mostly bullsh!t and that lockdown orders were illegal for anyone. I was thinking more politically strategically -- and wrongly -- and thought that if Trump just went along with them halfway, we could halfway get out of the crisis mentality and win the election.

But giving baby its bottle did not work. The Regime baby never did stop crying for more and more covid restrictions, did it? They had a government to destabilize.

So Trump's strategy -- let me give them most of what they want so that we can get back to normal before November 2020 -- failed, because the Regime was determined that it should fail.

I don't blame Trump for being wrong here. I was wrong here too.

But, while I don't blame him for being wrong, he was still wrong. Understandably wrong, yes.

I totally do not understand how he now shifts his own bad decisions on to the shoulders of Ron DeSantis.

But that's what he's doing.

See, it was Ron DeSantis who shut down Florida's beaches, not Trump and Trump's advisors who shut down the country, and filled the air with constant hair-raising panic and "medical guidance" telling blue governors and mayors to SHUT IT ALL DOWN.

Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday to criticize Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis for allegedly being a "RINO GLOBALIST" hours after DeSantis responded to Trump's constant attacks.
"The real Ron is a RINO GLOBALIST, who closed down Florida and even its beaches," Trump posted. "Loved the Vaccines and wasted big money on 'testing.' How quickly people forget!"

I saw a Trump surrogate blaming DeSantis for the masking and school closures ordered by mayors in blue cities. In other words, not anything DeSantis ordered as governor, but what mayors and schoolboards did (even if in contradiction of his own orders).

But if DeSantis is responsible for what the mayors of Palm Beach and other blue cities did, then Trump is responsible for what the governors of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and California did.

I don't think Trump would agree with that.

Trump says that DeSantis closed the beaches -- but he left open most of them for spring break 2020, in March, just months after the outbreak of the pandemic, and gave the order to open them in mid-April 2020.

So the argument is that from December 2019 to mid-April 2020, some but not all beaches were closed?

April 17, 2020:

Florida officials were criticized for leaving beaches open during part of the spring break period last month. Most counties closed their beaches in response or kept them open under very restrictive conditions. Other more high-profile beaches in South Florida -- including Miami Beach -- were closed by state order.
At a news conference in Fort Lauderdale, Gov. Ron DeSantis said some municipalities should feel free to start opening up parks and beaches, if that can be done safely, with distancing guidelines remaining in place.
The governor said it was important for people to have outlets for getting exercise, sunshine and fresh air.
"Do it in a good way. Do it in a safe way," DeSantis said.

And what was Trump doing during this period?

Why, he was criticizing Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for reopening his state too early.

Trump actually argued against reopening, taking the side of his Regime "scientists" against a Republican governor. For example, Trump okayed Georgia governor Brian Kemp's plan to start reopening in that state -- before reversing himself and criticizing Kemp for reopening too early.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence repeatedly told Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp that they approved of his aggressive plan to allow businesses to reopen, just a day before Trump pulled an about-face and publicly bashed the plan, according to two administration officials.
The green light from Pence and Trump came in separate private conversations with the Republican governor both before Kemp announced his plan to ease coronavirus restrictions and after it was unveiled on Monday, the officials said. Trump's sudden shift came only after top health advisers reviewed the plan more closely and persuaded the president that Kemp was risking further spread of the virus by moving too quickly.
"I told the governor of Georgia Brian Kemp that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities," Trump said Wednesday, just a day after telling reporters that he trusted Kemp's judgment. "He knows what's he's doing."

On Thursday, he was even harder on the governor: "I wasn't happy with Brian Kemp, I wasn't at all happy."
The extraordinary reversal -- and public criticism of a GOP ally -- is only the latest in a series of contradictory and confusing messages from the president on how and when he believes governors should ease stay-at-home orders intended to stop the spread of the deadly virus. It demonstrates the political risk for governors in following the unpredictable president's guidance.

And yet DeSantis took that risk, and did the right thing.

Another account:

"I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of the Phase I guidelines for the incredible people of Georgia," Trump said during Wednesday's coronavirus task force news briefing.
"It's just too soon," Trump continued. "I think it's just too soon."

But DeSantis is the bad guy for ordering beaches to reopen April 17, and Trump is a Covid Hero for criticizing Georgia for reopening "too soon" on April 24?

Again, I've never been critical of Trump for trying to muddle through this unprecedented pandemic and the attendant Information Operation. I understand that mistakes will be made here and there.

But what's this bullshit of now attacking Ron DeSantis for closing Florida beaches?

DeSantis got ripped for opening them -- and ripped by Trump's incompetent Regime advisors.

Representative Donna Shalala of Florida strongly criticized the decision from her state's governor, Ron DeSantis, which allowed beaches to re-open as the coronavirus pandemic continues, calling the move "reckless."
During a Friday news conference, DeSantis, a Republican, gave the greenlight for local leaders in municipalities across Florida to reopen beaches as long as social distancing guidelines are followed. DeSantis previously drew criticism for acting slowly to close-down beaches throughout his state as the coronavirus pandemic grew nationwide, with images of crowded shorelines shared widely online and in the media.
"It's not only putting Floridians at risk, Jacksonville is right across the border from Georgia," Shalala, a Democrat who previously served as the Secretary of Health and Human Services under former President Bill Clinton, told CNN on Monday. Jacksonville was one of the first areas to re-open its beaches after DeSantis' Friday announcement.
...

"We've got to stick with the science," Shalala added.

What science? Oh right, the "Science" pushed by Antony Fauci, Frances Watson, Rachel Wallensky, and Deborah Birx.

This wasn't just something Trump said today: apparently he thinks this is a winning attack line.

TRUMP: "Florida was actually closed for a great, long period of time. You remember, [DeSantis] closed the beaches and everything else. You know, they�re trying to rewrite history." pic.twitter.com/WuvWviLLHa
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 30, 2023

A lot of rewriting of history is going on, Bub.

So Trump's attack boils down to: "Ron DeSantis was an c*ck idiot for listening to my advice. He should have known better."

This is bullsh!t on steroids. As RedSteeze says, "The next step will be Trump criticizing DeSantis for not firing Anthony Fauci."

Trump seems to have doubled down on this attack partly because DeSantis batted it away and didn't even acknowledge Trump in doing so.

https://t.co/80lRHHv4Oq
— Florida�s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) January 31, 2023

I don't know if DeSantis' mention of being comfortably reelected was intended as a dig at Trump.

One complaint I've had with Trump again and again is that he allowed the Deep State to do what it wanted, and then would merely complain about it at rallies or on Twitter, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he was head of the executive branch and could do more than complain.

Trump seems to believe that his various complaints were his actual policy. So if he complained about what his government was doing, we should treat his complaint as the policy and ignore what he was actually allowing his government to do.

I don't know how many times I shouted: Get the hell off Twitter and put this all in an Executive Order, Mac.

But anyway, we cannot forgive Ron DeSantis for empowering Anthony Fauci like this.

Meanwhile, DeSantis makes news on his own, without bothering with the public mud-wrestling match that Trump wants.

DeSantis to defund all DEI programs at public universities.

Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pledged to defund all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs at public universities during a Tuesday press conference in Bradenton, Florida.
DeSantis outlined several higher education reforms for state public universities including defunding DEI programs, which he referred to as "ideological" and "political filters," readdressing required courses to teach western civilization and restructure tenure review. Tuesday's announcement expanded on the administration's recent work to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding so-called woke initiatives on college campuses.
"People want to see true academics and they want to get rid of some of the political window-dressing that seems to accompany all this, so that's no longer going to be in the state of Florida," DeSantis said during the press conference.
The first set of reforms DeSantis announced steers higher education away from "indoctrination" by prohibiting universities from "using political filters like DEI statements in hiring practices" and "supporting campus activities or programs that promote divisive concepts like DEI or CRT," according to a paper distributed at the press conference.
Public universities would also be required to provide a "strong educational foundation" in general courses to not "promote ideological indoctrination" and prioritize degrees that will "lead to high-wage jobs."
"We don't want students to go through at taxpayer expense and graduate with a degree in zombie studies," he said.

Trump is trying to get in on the game on education, too.

Former President Trump on Friday released a video blasting public education for being taken over by "radical left maniacs" and vowed to give power back to the parents.
"Here is my plan to restore power to American parents. First, we will cut federal funding for any school or program pushing critical race theory, gender ideology or other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content onto our children," Trump said in the video.
"We're not going to allow it to happen," he added.
Trump added that he will "direct the Departments of Justice and Education to open civil rights investigations into any school district that has engaged in race-based discrimination."
Further details on Trump's plan warn that the "major problem" is that "we have 'pink-haired communists teaching our kids.'"

I mean -- true. Can't argue.

But once again, Trump is making statements. DeSantis is making policy.

Trump is good at insulting people and wants the primary to be fought on that plane.

DeSantis is good at governing and wants the primary to be fought on that plane.

For every Trump insult, DeSantis can just announce a new policy:

NEW: Governor DeSantis announces that gas stoves will be TAX-FREE in his recommended budget for the state of Florida! #FrameworkForFreedom 🐊 pic.twitter.com/JxQgGPAV95
— DeSantis War Room 🐊 (@DeSantisWarRoom) February 1, 2023

That's a little trollish, yeah, but he's doing something, not just putting out "Truths."

He's actually operating the levers of government to create real outcomes, not just complaining.

I know Trump think these attacks will "work," and I think his supporters think that too.

But... DeSantis has an actual record. There are actual facts about it.

You can't just decide that 2020 happened differently than it did. The battle for reopening was led from Florida, not from the Trump White House.

There's an old rule that you can tell who the front-runner is by who is attacking whom. The front-runner doesn't bother attacking people. It's those behind who attack the front-runner.

I don't know if that rule holds with Trump because Trump just likes insulting and attacking people.

But I don't think it looks good for Trump that he's hacking at DeSantis, and DeSantis is shrugging it off and continuing mission.

I don't think Trump's insult strategy is still working. I think it's just background noise now.

It was unexpected and refreshing in 2016, but it's we've seen an awful lot of it by now. I think a lot of people are rolling their eyes at this stuff now.

So obviously this is a Trump v. DeSantis post. Agitate away, and criticize me as you like.

Posted by: Ace at 04:17 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 SPONGE!

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:17 PM (XvPQV)

2 Also, I hate politics.

Not ragging on Ace or Lamont even. But I KNOW that the process of clawing your way into power is a dirty one and nobody is actually friendly, I just don't like being reminded of the ugliness.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:18 PM (XvPQV)

3 And now:

Boobs
( . ) ( . )

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:19 PM (XvPQV)

4 Particularly about mandates. Which Trump's advisors made possible.

Yeah, anyone with a functioning brain understood that the vaccines were always going to be mandated by the same crowd that was insiting on mask mandates, social-distancing mandates, mandatory business closures etc.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls - an election is simply a festival for the majority at February 01, 2023 04:19 PM (ppBhU)

5 Shorter Trump:

"You fucked up. You trusted us."

Posted by: Tex Lovera at February 01, 2023 04:20 PM (wtvvX)

6 "I wanted to avoid this -- I hate being at odds with any readers -- but Trump won't let it go."

*sniffs, wipes away a tear remembering when ace would call us inbred retards*

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:20 PM (zZu0s)

7 Don't know and don't care. I'm not voting for DeSantis at this point. He has no foreign policy experience and has been dealing with a friendly legislature. And I feel pretty sure he'll be trotting out the usual RINO consultants, should he run.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 01, 2023 04:20 PM (4IUUf)

8 I'm not super fussed about the attacks on a potential primary opponent (or vice versa).

As far as the vaccine thing goes, I think that's political posturing towards the general. Trump tends to be very flexible in his public positions.

It may be an effective angle of attack in the primaries for DeSantis should he choose to run.

And as you note, DeSantis's move is political theater. But political theater is an important skill in a candidate, as is being able to take heat or deliver heat(personally or via surrogates).

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 04:20 PM (eYoxG)

9 Facts are facts.

Posted by: griff at February 01, 2023 04:21 PM (iWXHo)

10 Trump needs to stop this $hit and fire everyone that is advising him.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 01, 2023 04:21 PM (uNylN)

11 It all seems pointless with the constant election thefts.

Posted by: Max Power at February 01, 2023 04:21 PM (Hucnr)

12 6 "I wanted to avoid this -- I hate being at odds with any readers -- but Trump won't let it go."

*sniffs, wipes away a tear remembering when ace would call us inbred retards*

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:20 PM (zZu0s)

We long for the unbridled cruelty of our generous host!!

Posted by: Tex Lovera at February 01, 2023 04:21 PM (wtvvX)

13 >>>
Not ragging on Ace or Lamont even. But I KNOW that the process of clawing your way into power is a dirty one and nobody is actually friendly, I just don't like being reminded of the ugliness.

yeah I don't like it either and wish we could all just be in agreement but I guess the primary season is upon us now.

i don't like disagreeing with commenters. I hope everyone knows that.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:22 PM (C1Zwz)

14 If you aren't smart enough to recognize DeSantis as the neocon and globalist choice, I don't know what to tell you. Ron is playing dirty, letting his henchmen do all the dirty work for him. I strongly suspect he is Skull and Bones from Yale, just look at the rest of his pedigree. The guy absolutely GLOWS. Pushaw, his mouthpiece, is straight outta the WEF charm school, and helped put Zelensky in power. Voted FOR TPP, wants to be Paul Ryan, and lauds Mr. New World Order George HW Bush. Trump sucks on the jabs, but DeSantis is Boehner's boy.

Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 04:22 PM (IrS5h)

15 12 6 "I wanted to avoid this -- I hate being at odds with any readers -- but Trump won't let it go."

*sniffs, wipes away a tear remembering when ace would call us inbred retards*

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:20 PM (zZu0s)

We long for the unbridled cruelty of our generous host!!
Posted by: Tex Lovera at February 01, 2023 04:21 PM (wtvvX)

It was too cruel! I mean, I'm not inbred.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:22 PM (XvPQV)

16 DeSantis has very unfortunate surrogates and "allies" though. Unless he gets out in front of it quickly, he's going to be defined by the people who brought you "JEB!"

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 04:22 PM (eYoxG)

17 But if DeSantis is responsible for what the mayors of Palm Beach and other blue cities did, then Trump is responsible for what the governors of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and California did.

I don't think Trump would agree with that.
------

Bullshit. Governors have more power over what mayors can and cannot do than the president has over what governors can or cannot do. Governors don't work for POTUS, and his power over state governments is limited.

Posted by: Colorado Alex in Exile at February 01, 2023 04:25 PM (pnjn4)

18 The entire Wuhan flu hoax was designed to allow illegal mail in ballots in order to subvert the 2020 election.

Period.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 01, 2023 04:25 PM (lTGtQ)

19 We needed Trump in 2016. He is a fighter.
Now we need a fighter and administrator. Trump is not that, DeSantis seems to be.

Posted by: From abot that Time at February 01, 2023 04:25 PM (4780s)

20 Trump made vaccines, thus mandates, is such a stretch for culpability I don't even think it should be bothered to be addressed, but Trump didn't and wouldn't have mandated it. Curiously, when that was going on, did DeSantis protect the people in Florida from mandates? Seems he pushed the jabs at Publix quite a bit too. And he DID shut the beaches, and has yet to repeal Florida's Red Flag laws.

Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 04:25 PM (IrS5h)

21
ace,

You are entitled to your opinion as is everyone here. I like when you disagree with opinions here. You make me evaluate both sides of an issue. It would be boring if we all had the same opinions.

And it's your house

Posted by: four seasons at February 01, 2023 04:25 PM (ichPI)

22 >>> DeSantis has very unfortunate surrogates and "allies" though. Unless he gets out in front of it quickly, he's going to be defined by the people who brought you "JEB!"

this is another attack line I've seen from "Sundance."

In case you haven't noticed, Trump is Loved Up with the Establishment himself.

How many establishment people has Trump endorsed? He used to be pals with McConnell; he was determined to get McCarthy elected speaker. His people supported Ronna McDaniels.

But you never notice that.

Why is DeSantis the only person who isn't allowed to have Establishment supporters?

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:26 PM (C1Zwz)

23 We be all hopping thas are House member fights to gets fundering for the Brattleboro FART Tubes Program to helps fight Globil Warming ........

Posted by: Mary Clogginstein from Brattleboro, VT at February 01, 2023 04:26 PM (snpvX)

24 Trump's attacks on DeSantis don't have to be "logical"(or fair). They have to wear down potential positive differentiators or exaggerate supposed flaws.

This is also true conversely.

In terms of real angles of attack available to DeSantis, he doesn't have a wide range of options. The most obvious conventional one is personal behavior and conduct(serial divorce and presumed playboy lifestyle), but Trump managed to hugely neutralize that in regards to himself.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 04:26 PM (eYoxG)

25 It's fair to go after Trump. He is his own worst enemy. Part of the reason I voted for him was because he was supposed to hire the best people. He did not. However, I won't vote for anyone that is going to keep sending money to Ukraine.

Posted by: ryukyu at February 01, 2023 04:26 PM (4n6fw)

26 Friggin no-nooders.

Posted by: Jordan61 at February 01, 2023 04:27 PM (DRSnL)

27 >>>Bullshit. Governors have more power over what mayors can and cannot do than the president has over what governors can or cannot do. Governors don't work for POTUS, and his power over state governments is limited.

yeah? How about having power over his Regime panel of experts? Could he have fired Fauci and Birx? Could he have told them to stop putting out "guidances" that then served as legal justification for mayors and governors imposing lockdowns?

Yes, he could have.

But instead: he tweeted.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:27 PM (C1Zwz)

28 I'm not going to call this "Republican infighting", as Trump was barely within the "party" to begin with. Thus, calls for "party unity" would be somewhat misplaced.

But I'd still prefer that Trump tone it down (hilarious request, I know).

Posted by: Tex Lovera at February 01, 2023 04:27 PM (wtvvX)

29 But you never notice that.

Why is DeSantis the only person who isn't allowed to have Establishment supporters?
Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:26 PM (C1Zwz)

Because Trump has successfully built a yuuuge mental brand. It's not easy to alter people's perception of him.

I'm saying DeSantis needs to do that before less savory types define his brand.

DeSantis is presently "undefined" to most potential voters.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 04:27 PM (eYoxG)

30 Why is DeSantis the only person who isn't allowed to have Establishment supporters?
Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:26 PM (C1Zwz)

Consistency is the hobgoblin of little, furry minds.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:28 PM (zZu0s)

31 DeSantis as a fighter? Really? Is that why he voted FOR the TPP? Is that why he backed down against Disney? Is that why he refuses do anything on the Red Flag Laws in his state?

Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 04:28 PM (IrS5h)

32 All I have to say is this:

Nickelback.

Not even once.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:28 PM (LvTSG)

33
And he also attacked Kemp for reopening, choosing to align himself with the Regime "scientists."

But DeSantis, you know -- he's the bad guy. He's the coward here.

Because he didn't have the balls to tell Trump to stuff it.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:28 PM (C1Zwz)

34 I wouldn't get too upset about Trump and DeSantis taking shots at each other. This is campaign season and nothing is off the table.

Ultimately the two men are in a contested election for the presidency of the United States and negative attacks are part of the game. I am sure Trump knows his vaccine position is unpopular with his base (I think he actually got pushback from an audience once over it) and I doubt he really believes DeSantis is a hardcore lockdowner. These are calculated attacks meant to rile up the base.

I don't really like it, but I frankly expect DeSantis to respond to these attacks in kind with equally unfair attacks on Trump. I would be disappointed if he doesn't at least use proxies to hit back at Trump. This is how campaigns usually go, sadly.

Posted by: Doomberg at February 01, 2023 04:28 PM (DwtjC)

35 As a Trump supporter, I agree with everything you said Ace. I don't know why you have be so defensive though. Trumpers aren't mindless bots, closed to reasoned arguments.

Posted by: MattyCO at February 01, 2023 04:28 PM (7DHQv)

36 So Trump either bought Fauci et al's bullshit - the apocalypse! - or didn't buy it but went along thinking his mortal enemies would let him off the hook. I voted for him both times, eagerly, but it's time for Trump to stick to golf, where you can take a mulligan and joe biden doesn't end up as president.

Posted by: Fat Jonah of Krypton at February 01, 2023 04:28 PM (eDqf7)

37 Vaccines will be a tough needle to thread. On one hand 80+% took the shot. I suspect a large percentage of those are not satisfied with their choice but they are living with the possibility that it did them harm. Many think it was great and there those who would not take it (myself included). None of these will make a majority. This is a divisive issue and will be difficult to use as a campaign platform. I suspect that those who feel that it should not be coerced are in a majority. That is a valid platform as the real authoritarians are to the left.

Posted by: Chicago Vota at February 01, 2023 04:28 PM (mbH6j)

38 Why is DeSantis the only person who isn't allowed to have Establishment supporters?

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:26 PM (C1Zwz)

Because the Trump Cult Of Personality would break down if his acolytes were logical rather than emotional. De Santis is obviously Trump's biggest challenge, and they must destroy him with whatever guilt-by-association they can conjure.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 04:29 PM (XIJ/X)

39 *groan*

Yeah, I don't want to see this. But Trump is gonna Trump. He's handling this wrong, imo. "This" being what he considers his main challenger. I dreaded this, but knew it was coming. I don't know what to think of DeSantis as far as being a stalker GOPe kinda guy. That rumor certainly is going around. But so far, I'm not seeing. Not at all. So far...I like Ron.

Posted by: Lady in Black at February 01, 2023 04:29 PM (sVtYq)

40 Here's why: The most popular Republican presidential candidate is Donald Trump. He wins every time they do a poll. So let's just dump him and then we can run the usually RINO loser.

And I know Trump would put the same financial team in there that he had last time. Who would DeSantis use?

Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 01, 2023 04:29 PM (4IUUf)

41 35 As a Trump supporter, I agree with everything you said Ace. I don't know why you have be so defensive though. Trumpers aren't mindless bots, closed to reasoned arguments.
Posted by: MattyCO at February 01, 2023 04:28 PM (7DHQv)

Yes, we need ace to preface every comment with 'not ALL Trumpists...'

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:29 PM (zZu0s)

42 >>>Nickelback.
Not even once.

these cosplay girls in YouTube shorts always play a song that I just found out was nickleback.

it's super-annoying and they all play the same part of it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfB_K4RGtDo

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:29 PM (C1Zwz)

43 You can love Trump and realize he's past his sell by date.

Posted by: Indignacio Vindacatorem at February 01, 2023 04:30 PM (oWBc3)

44 What Trump says is mostly irrelevant to me now - Trump's Day is Done, and I think even he feels it. (Hence the whining) Trump deserved to be on top until something better came along - now it has, and it's called DeSantis. So good-bye Donald, Welcome Ron, and please Donald, try to show some class and don't stink the place up on your way out.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 01, 2023 04:30 PM (trdmm)

45 31 DeSantis as a fighter? Really? Is that why he voted FOR the TPP? Is that why he backed down against Disney? Is that why he refuses do anything on the Red Flag Laws in his state?
Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 04:28 PM (IrS5h)

=======

I've seen it asserted that DeSantis is backing down against Disney, but the most I've been able to find is some FL backbencher in the legislature saying vague things about changing things back, which is a far cry from DeSantis signing a repeal of the thing he signed last year.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:30 PM (LvTSG)

46 Anyone Paul Ryan endorses, I'm a hard no. That said, pretty sure one co-blogger has already pointed out that there is no path to 270 for a republican candidate now, so all this is "candidates attack" is trivial.

Posted by: KJP is a race and gender swapped Side Show Bob at February 01, 2023 04:30 PM (QpUKb)

47 I would like to build a Cult of ... Personality around Tessa Fowler's Boobs. It should not be hard.*

*rimshot

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:30 PM (zZu0s)

48 >>>5 As a Trump supporter, I agree with everything you said Ace. I don't know why you have be so defensive though. Trumpers aren't mindless bots, closed to reasoned arguments.
Posted by: MattyCO a

that's true, sorry for that implication. I do get some grief, though. But I should, as they say, "toughen up, buttercup."

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:30 PM (C1Zwz)

49 you know I was all trumpy in 2015. it got so hot here when I supported him, I had to leave!

so it's hard for me to say now - he's lost it.

he just lost it.

Posted by: BlackOrchid at February 01, 2023 04:30 PM (w0NJk)

50 42 it's super-annoying and they all play the same part of it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfB_K4RGtDo
Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:29 PM (C1Zwz)

========

This is what DeSantis wants for all of us!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:30 PM (LvTSG)

51 Bullshit. Governors have more power over what mayors can and cannot do than the president has over what governors can or cannot do. Governors don't work for POTUS, and his power over state governments is limited.

Posted by: Colorado Alex in Exile at February 01, 2023 04:25 PM

Nope. Here in Texas and in Florida during the plandemic both States had Counties and Cities ignoring the mandates from the Governor. In Texas it took almost a year of lawfare before the Dallas County Judge clay jenkins complied with the stuff that governor abobt laid out.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 01, 2023 04:31 PM (uNylN)

52 I don't mind Nickelback. Their big hit 'Photograph' is a neat little song about nostalgia. I get it.

I think most of the hate is just meme fuel, but what do I know. I like Neil Diamond unironically.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:31 PM (XvPQV)

53 Could'a been first, but I read the content. Rookie mistake.

Posted by: a.moron at February 01, 2023 04:31 PM (tu3iY)

54 If you can't recognize DeSantis as the establishment trying to trick the GOP base back into the neocon fold, I can't help you. Ron would send endless money, weapons, and men into harm's way overseas, while simultaneously sending jobs abroad too. Oh, and don't examine his energy policy in Florida. Ooops.

Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 04:31 PM (IrS5h)

55 We've presently got roughly three groups of people trying to define DeSantis.

1. Actual allies of DeSantis (who don't seem to have a very loud bullhorn) who are trying to position him as "Better Trump". Not a great differentiator but clearly a positive angle.
2. Those who want to use DeSantis to get rid of Trump. These people have terrible political instincts and are actually hurting him generally by association.
3. Allies of Trump, who will smear DeSantis. Current angle is globalist RINO, which because the base is primed to believe this from many historical betrayals, is a fairly easy angle of attack. Also made easier by group 2.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 04:31 PM (eYoxG)

56 >>>Yeah, I don't want to see this. But Trump is gonna Trump. He's handling this wrong, imo. "This" being what he considers his main challenger. I dreaded this, but knew it was coming. I don't know what to think of DeSantis as far as being a stalker GOPe kinda guy. That rumor certainly is going around. But so far, I'm not seeing. Not at all. So far...I like Ron

the rumor you are talking about is planted by the Trump people.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:31 PM (C1Zwz)

57 Easy to forget that Trump's name recognition is 100% and DeSantis' is not.

Plus, Trump reaches people that the GOP sans Trump does not.

These attacks are about muddling the waters on the issue Trump is most vulnerable on.

FWIW, I like DeSantis' policy fine, but the Presidency is another matter. The GOP wants desperately to get past Trump and set things right again with corporate multinationals. They're willing to toss (grudingly) some red meat to the base ok culture war issues, CRT, Youngkin-like school reforms, etc.

But they wont follow Trumpian economic or foreign policy. They wont follow an "America First" nationalist foreign policy.

Posted by: Revenant at February 01, 2023 04:31 PM (wsx8x)

58 Trump is both looking for attention and trying to get the jump on the primaries because he knows the only person who stands a chance against him is DeSantis because what he did with Florida has been more impressive than what Trump did as president.

Not sure Trump even believes half of what he is saying, but as he saw done to him, don't even acknowledge inconsistencies or hypocrisies, just keep attacking. It's unfortunate, but it seems very likely that DeSantis is running, as I selfishly wanted to keep him through his whole term in Florida. That said, it may not matter who the nominee is if the Democratic voting machine is allowed to exist. Rs need to step up and do the work to clean up their states.

Posted by: Nutsy at February 01, 2023 04:32 PM (OfVjg)

59 Well if he can defuse Trump somehow it will certainly prove DeSantis's diplomatic talents.

Posted by: DaveA at February 01, 2023 04:32 PM (FhXTo)

60 did trump ever like, apologize for siccing all those people on Kathy Barnette?

hmm?

just cos he is new to politics doesn't mean he's not acting like your typical politico here. grabbing at the power he lost.

Posted by: BlackOrchid at February 01, 2023 04:32 PM (w0NJk)

61 59 Well if he can defuse Trump somehow it will certainly prove DeSantis's diplomatic talents.

he's already being smart by not responding

Posted by: BlackOrchid at February 01, 2023 04:33 PM (w0NJk)

62 Ron >>>>> Don.

'nuf sed.

Posted by: Joe Mama at February 01, 2023 04:33 PM (WmGrA)

63 >>> If you can't recognize DeSantis as the establishment trying to trick the GOP base back into the neocon fold, I can't help you. Ron would send endless money, weapons, and men into harm's way overseas, while simultaneously sending jobs abroad too. Oh, and don't examine his energy policy in Florida. Ooops.

yes Sundance is always claiming this, without evidence.

oh, he'll claim that Desantis is taking money from an establishment donor... without noting that Trump took money from that guy from 2016-2021. Apparently it was okay for Trump to take the money, but now that he's turned away from Trump, his money is poison.

Again, there is a completely false claim perpetuated by Trump that he doesn't take campaign money and self-finaced his campaigns. That is not true. He didn't even self-finance the 2016 primary -- he gave himself loans to get through it, which he then repaid (to himself) by money raised from donors.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:33 PM (C1Zwz)

64 I'll be more explicit: seems to me we had a long, multi-post spanning conversation about generalizations and people taking criticism of one part of a group someone identifies with and feeling like the comments were made about them.

People. People never change.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:34 PM (zZu0s)

65 Don't worry, DeSantis is going to do everything Trump did except betterer and smarterer.

He's going to pull all of his people out of Florida and get the Senate to confirm them, then he's going to tell all of those humps, what's what and how it's going to be, because even though he was already a useless, unaccomplished congressman for eight years, he's going to use what he has learned from having a fully on board and compliant Florida legislature and Harvard/Yale/MIC trained MAYYYIND to bend the Uniparty to his will.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at February 01, 2023 04:34 PM (3ywJ4)

66 I've always only liked Trump to the extent I thought he was useful. Trump's flaws have always irked me. I just thought they were worth the price. I'm less sure now. I have to say his most ardent admirers make me less and less likely to show up. I'm really tired of the endless excuse machine.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls - an election is simply a festival for the majority at February 01, 2023 04:34 PM (ppBhU)

67 Trump is not going to be the nominee.

At this point, the Trump supporters sound like the Sarah Palin supporters. Just sort of sad and small.

Posted by: Indrid Cold at February 01, 2023 04:34 PM (9BmSv)

68 64 I'll be more explicit: seems to me we had a long, multi-post spanning conversation about generalizations and people taking criticism of one part of a group someone identifies with and feeling like the comments were made about them.

People. People never change.
Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:34 PM (zZu0s)

=========

I will never forgive fans of Nickelback.

NEVER.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (LvTSG)

69 I don't think DeSantis will respond in kind, even though Trump wants him to. I think that DeSantis will respond much like Patrick Mahomes would respond to some tubby 12 year old whining about him on the internet.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (trdmm)

70 Meh. I can muster enough interest in Florida politics to harbor any outrage. This is local politics and a local story until it isn't. Just two old seasoned warriors jousting and honing their skills.

Posted by: Dr. Bone at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (Jg7EG)

71 Trump was the perfect hand grenade to throw at Hillary. He exposed the deep state and many of our governments ills. I love him for that. He can not manage, however. His staffing choice were an outright disaster. From ineffectiveness to outright treason, they often worked against him. He cannot manage a federal bureaucracy. DeSantis has shown himself to be a capable manager and aligned on most issues. He comes with less of a circus and that is important as we need to clean house and get things done.

Posted by: Chicago Vota at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (mbH6j)

72 >>>did trump ever like, apologize for siccing all those people on Kathy Barnette?
hmm?

no, i don't even think he admitted it had anything to do with him, even though the attacks were fronted by one actual campaign employee, Ric Grennell, and one water-carrier, Sean Hannity.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (C1Zwz)

73 but it seems very likely that DeSantis is running, as I selfishly wanted to keep him through his whole term in Florida. [

b]That said, it may not matter who the nominee is if the Democratic voting machine is allowed to exist.
Posted by: Nutsy

If DeSantis is so stupid as to not see that, he deserves to flame out.

Posted by: rickb223 at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (ZVVGW)

74 We all know elections don't matter anymore, so this is just for entertainment. And Trump is funny as hell. Bigly. Curious people cannot connect the dots that the uniparty would definitely let Ron run up the score in Florida to help end populism in the GOP. You think they wouldn't cheat to help end Trumpism? They created and released a virus to end his presidency. Trump kinda sucks, but my word, DeSantis might as well start selling Ron! Guacamole bowls.

Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (IrS5h)

75 >>>How many establishment people has Trump endorsed? He used to be pals with McConnell; he was determined to get McCarthy elected speaker. His people supported Ronna McDaniels.

Trump also recently attacked DeSantis for being "disloyal" for even considering a 2024 run. So you can add a feeling of entitlement to be the nominee to Trump's establishment traits.

Posted by: Mark1971 at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (xPl2J)

76 I think most of the hate is just meme fuel, but what do I know. I like Neil Diamond unironically.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:31 PM (XvPQV)

Hmmm, fair enough. He was probably annoying as fuck back in the 60s/70s though on the radio.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (zZu0s)

77 Wow, a whole bunch of nics come out that I have never or rarely seen when these trump vs. desantis threads are posted.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (uNylN)

78 61 59 Well if he can defuse Trump somehow it will certainly prove DeSantis's diplomatic talents.

he's already being smart by not responding
Posted by: BlackOrchid at February 01, 2023 04:33 PM (w0NJk)

I think that's only true if DeSantis doesn't plan on running in 2024. Silence didn't serve George W Bush well against repeated smears.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (eYoxG)

79 59 Well if he can defuse Trump somehow it will certainly prove DeSantis's diplomatic talents.
Posted by: DaveA at February 01, 2023 04:32 PM (FhXTo)

So far DeathSantis hasn't fallen into the Ted Cruz trap. He's ignoring the attacks, which is the best move, regardless of his 2024 plans.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:36 PM (XvPQV)

80 The smartest thing we could do is focus on getting good strong governors in place and figure whoever runs for President this time will just be a sacrificial candidate. But no, let's not consider that. Ron DeSantis just reminds me of Scott Walker 2.0. Can't seem to shake the feeling that he would be a lot different as a President than his supporters think.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 01, 2023 04:36 PM (4IUUf)

81 All firing brix and Fauci would have done is made them into bigger heroes. It wouldn't have changed a thing with regards to the behavior of blue state governors.

Posted by: Colorado Alex in Exile at February 01, 2023 04:36 PM (nv7nB)

82 Trump has two related problems:
++++
There's a third: he went after Kemp for opening up - and Kemp opened up GA before DeSantis opened up FL. Kemp beat DeSantis to the line on that one, and drew some ire from Trump on it.

This is a stupid attack point for him, because his record is pretty clear. He didn't try to enforce any kind of national lockdowns or other crap, but he did go along with the local stuff initially and went after those who backed off first. This is a very, very weak argument for him to be making.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 04:36 PM (t0OGg)

83 "he's already being smart by not responding"

This is stupid. DeSantis absolutely should respond to these attacks, at least by having his proxies attack Trump even if DeSantis himself doesn't attack Trump directly.

Refusing to tear the other guy down is a major campaign error. It's one thing to PRETEND to be above the fray, but actually being above the fray almost never works.

Posted by: Doomberg at February 01, 2023 04:36 PM (DwtjC)

84 the rumor you are talking about is planted by the Trump people.

it sure is

and btw I knew a bunch of kids who were at spring break in 2020 and had a blast (in Florida)

so, that was the beginning right? they were so happy to be THERE and not HERE in stupid Pennsylvania

remember we had to pass a constitutional amendment here to be free of Tyrant Wolfie. Trump didn't help us. when people asked him, begged him, he just said "it's up to your governor pressure him."

FUCKING HOW

once trump called for the SOE we were all fucked. and btw he had PLENTY of time to take the state of emergency away after he lost the election. why didn't he? he left us all totally fucked over by that and now Biden is even saying "the USSC has to end it" because that May 11 thing is a ruse they will NEVER END IT

Posted by: BlackOrchid at February 01, 2023 04:36 PM (w0NJk)

85 I like President Trump, but his time is quickly fading.

If he runs, I support him. If DeSantis runs, I support DeSantis.

May The Best Pimp Win!

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at February 01, 2023 04:36 PM (yEMHD)

86 I will never forgive fans of Nickelback.

NEVER.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (LvTSG)

Look at this guy, he thinks he is some sort of 'Rockstar'
'Tired of standing in line
to clubs he'll never get in...'

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:36 PM (zZu0s)

87 Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:30 PM (LvTSG)

DeSantis is not backing down against Disney. In fact he is going forward with more changes to the ridiculous city within a city deal that Disney has.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 04:36 PM (XIJ/X)

88 I like Trump very much and I know he loves America, but I believe he may be beyond his ability to govern. DeSantis is fresh and young blood and if elected most likely work with Trump and his ideas. Trump is Radio-Active with the press and has a tendency to get personal. DeSantis appears to be calm and stick to the facts and knows how to handle the idiot Liberal press. Just my thoughts....

Posted by: Ferd Berfall at February 01, 2023 04:37 PM (X++p7)

89 I like Neil Diamond unironically.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:31 PM (XvPQV)

Hmmm, fair enough. He was probably annoying as fuck back in the 60s/70s though on the radio.
Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (zZu0s)

Anything overplayed loses its charm. I get that. I am very late to 70's music, so I'm listening to it all fresh.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:37 PM (XvPQV)

90 If MI, PA, GA, AZ and probably NV's fraud machines aren't fixed, isn't all of this moot anyway? Sure seems so.

Posted by: Lady in Black at February 01, 2023 04:37 PM (sVtYq)

91 >>>
1. Actual allies of DeSantis (who don't seem to have a very loud bullhorn) who are trying to position him as "Better Trump". Not a great differentiator but clearly a positive angle.
2. Those who want to use DeSantis to get rid of Trump. These people have terrible political instincts and are actually hurting him generally by association.
3. Allies of Trump, who will smear DeSantis. Current angle is globalist RINO, which because the base is primed to believe this from many historical betrayals, is a fairly easy angle of attack. Also made easier by group 2.

I don't think you realize how big group 1 is.

Which is because a lot of people are off the trump train but have not had the guts yet to make that public. There IS a lot of whispering in private and playacting in public.

but behind the scenes, a lot of the hardcore trump support is off of the trump train.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:37 PM (C1Zwz)

92 I've cooled on Trump
for better or worse, deserved or not, the sun has set on his presidential hopes

IMO, YMMV

someone newer, younger please

Posted by: DB at February 01, 2023 04:37 PM (geLO8)

93 82 Trump has two related problems:
++++
There's a third: he went after Kemp for opening up - and Kemp opened up GA before DeSantis opened up FL. Kemp beat DeSantis to the line on that one, and drew some ire from Trump on it.

This is a stupid attack point for him, because his record is pretty clear. He didn't try to enforce any kind of national lockdowns or other crap, but he did go along with the local stuff initially and went after those who backed off first. This is a very, very weak argument for him to be making.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 04:36 PM (t0OGg)

That's assuming voters are going to do a detailed analysis and give a fair hearing to all sides. Repetition tends to win frankly.
Not responding is clearly 3D chess /s

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 04:38 PM (eYoxG)

94 I will never forgive fans of Nickelback.

NEVER.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:35 PM (LvTSG)

Sounds like the kind of talk a Ridley Scott apologist might make...

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:38 PM (XvPQV)

95 87 Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:30 PM (LvTSG)

DeSantis is not backing down against Disney. In fact he is going forward with more changes to the ridiculous city within a city deal that Disney has.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 04:36 PM (XIJ/X)

========

Yeah, I occasionally look for news about it because it's just not front page stuff outside of FL anymore, and all I've been able to find over the last week is that next week is supposed to be some special session in the legislature to deal with Reedy Creek, but it sounds like it's about organization of state resources for the new management of the area more than anything else.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:38 PM (LvTSG)

96 90 If MI, PA, GA, AZ and probably NV's fraud machines aren't fixed, isn't all of this moot anyway? Sure seems so.
Posted by: Lady in Black at February 01, 2023 04:37 PM (sVtYq)

This. We are like the Mensheviks and the Trotskyites.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:38 PM (zZu0s)

97 I voted for Trump twice. I believe he did a great service for this country and he loves America.

However, he supported Ronna the Weasel, McCarthy the douche and various other establishment RINOs. No thank you.

I see DeSantis actually making conservative policy and doing things that benefit his state and the citizens as a conservative would do them.

I will vote for DeSantis. I love Trump but he cannot win. Too much baggage. DeSantis is young and is doing a lot of conservative things while he cracks liberals brains in half.

Posted by: Czech Chick at February 01, 2023 04:38 PM (6Tc2R)

98 I see jasmine coming out in SC again. I suspect they are Yankmes who will vote hold their nose for GOPe Nancy Mace and Miss Lindsey

Posted by: Regular joe at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (nnp+f)

99 94 Sounds like the kind of talk a Ridley Scott apologist might make...
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:38 PM (XvPQV)

========

To be fair, I can't really stand Thelma and Louise.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (LvTSG)

100 In a rational world, Operation Warp Speed would be something worth bragging about. But the Republican primary electorate isn't a rational world. As such, greenlighting the COVID-19 vaccine is potentially a serious vulnerability for Trump in a Republican primary.
++++
He can thread this needle, but he'll need be careful. Warp Speed was about much more than the vaccine. He was also able to tackle the problems of PPE and medicine availability, refill the strategic stockpile, get manufacturing moving (it turns out that it was pointless in the realm of ventilators, but it was still a major accomplishment), get testing spun up (also useless because the tests were lousy, but again - it was a major accomplishment and just how bad the tests were wasn't known), etc. and then he did the very sensible thing of directly opposing any kind of a mandate.

The Warp Speed argument *can* be turned around on anyone who uses it, but he needs to be fairly careful in laying the groundwork for that and historically, he isn't careful when it comes to argumentation.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (t0OGg)

101 So obviously this is a Trump v. DeSantis post. Agitate away, and criticize me as you like.

Posted by Ace at 04:17 PM Comments

Nope. Not gonna do it. Wouldn't be prudent.
Trump wouldn't have been President other than the D's insisted on putting that HAG up as the candidate, and there was no fucking way she was getting my vote. Enough of America felt the same way and Trump was the beneficiary of a monumental mistake by the Dems.

The same exact campaign as last time is fighting the last war.

Posted by: OneEyedJack at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (FCbAQ)

102 FL R’s wanted their guy, Putnam, for governor in 2018, including Rick Scott. On his way out the door, Scott filled Boards and Bureaus w the typical RINOs. Gov D fought to get them not seated.

The R’s talked Gov D into closing short-term rentals in April 2020, while their corporate buddies w hotels stayed open. It took less than six weeks for the Gov to figure that was not constituent-pleasing and had Counties decide on closure of STRs and beaches. That was announced on a Friday, by Tuesday a number of Panhandle counties were open for business. Ron DeSantis works to please his voters. He is not a RINO.

Posted by: EveR at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (MUpk6)

103 And if I get elected, I'll pardon those January 6ers that DeSantis refused to pardon when I was President!

Posted by: Donald Trump's ads less chaos NFT at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (OrA9x)

104 To be fair, I can't really stand Thelma and Louise.

Which is still better than Prometheus.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls - an election is simply a festival for the majority at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (ppBhU)

105 >>>83 "he's already being smart by not responding"
This is stupid. DeSantis absolutely should respond to these attacks, at least by having his proxies attack Trump even if DeSantis himself doesn't attack Trump directly.

hard disagree. I think Trump is making himself look weak and a little sad and DeSantis can just sit back and let that happen while he looks, what's the word, presidential.

also a lot of people are pretty passionately in favor of trump and DeSantis will need their votes in the general. He doesn't want to alienate them and look like "yet another Trump hater" and have them sit out the general.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (C1Zwz)

106
A LOT more groundwork needs to be done in advance of any Republican getting to 270.

Trump has already lost the votes of a lot of people I know who were to the wall with him last two elections.

Posted by: Auspex at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (j4U/Z)

107 DeSantis was about the best elected official in regards to COVID in America.

In fact, he individually, is the reason we didn't get vaxports.

Has Trump apologized for operation warp speed yet?

Or for not trying to help his supporters arrested on Jan 6?

Or for not being at all prepared for The Steal?

Sorry Trump, its time to hand the torch off.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (lc5cP)

108 The airing of grievances make for stronger candidates--if Trump is disabled by still supporting the vaxx and his reaction to covid which I predicted would be his weakest point, then so be it.

Better in primary than in general. If DeSantis cannot stand unfair attacks in the primaries then he will melt in the general.

But, what Trump is outright telling DeSantis that he will not be able to draft (Nascar refererence) behind Trump and then swing out sometime during the primaries to launch attacks. Cruz tried it and got burned--then he overreacted and melted down as a candidate.

To me, the most significant issue right now-. is Peace in Ukraine and Trump is boldly alone in arguing that the US needs to stop what it is doing there before we get into a major war.

There is no other major politician arguing that in the GOP or the Dems.

Posted by: whig at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (9gg1V)

109 Both Trump and Desantis have bad breath !!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Dorcus Blimeline at February 01, 2023 04:40 PM (0vFtj)

110 83 "he's already being smart by not responding"

This is stupid. DeSantis absolutely should respond to these attacks, at least by having his proxies attack Trump even if DeSantis himself doesn't attack Trump directly.

Refusing to tear the other guy down is a major campaign error. It's one thing to PRETEND to be above the fray, but actually being above the fray almost never works.
Posted by: Doomberg at February 01, 2023 04:36 PM (DwtjC)

Uh huh. Ok, cool story, bro.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:40 PM (XvPQV)

111 I heard that if you play a Nickleback album backwards, you'll hear messages from the devil. On the other hand if you play it forwards you hear Nickleback, so it's kind of a wash.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 01, 2023 04:40 PM (trdmm)

112 We have almost two years to go. That's an eternity in politics. All kinds of crazy shit is going to happen up until election day given the current state of events. I would keep your powder dry. No sense getting to worked up.

Posted by: Max Power at February 01, 2023 04:40 PM (Hucnr)

113 all RDS has to say is "why didn't you fire Fauci?", and Trump has no good answer

Posted by: Bitcoin Fixes Everything at February 01, 2023 04:40 PM (V6W16)

114 Warp speed was wonderful.....except the FDA conspired with Pharma to hide serious side effects, AND deny Known risks (such as genetic damage for reverse transcription) while he was President. Setting up the very framework for the mandates.

There was a complete mismanagement of the CDC, the NIH and the FDA during the crisis that led to many of our problems. In short yes we were in an unprecedented health crisis, however it fell upon him as the President to look at the whole picture, not just the crisis at hand, manage the response of that crisis including official recommendations against the long term good of the country. He allowed the health organizations to take over the country and in their myopia harm the US especially our children.

He was too scared of being wrong to do what was right. And that is a huge black mark against him in my book.

Posted by: mikethemoose at February 01, 2023 04:40 PM (T/vhV)

115 Trump is insane.

I was reminded of this when I went to the local vape shop to purchase some now very expensive E-juice.

Vote DeSantis to stop the madness.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at February 01, 2023 04:40 PM (D25PY)

116 Trump lost me when he blamed the pro-lifers for the disappointing results of the mid-term elections.

Now he is cuddling with Miss Lindsay.

Eff him. He's lost his mind.

Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at February 01, 2023 04:40 PM (94wrE)

117 If there's no possible path for a Republican to win in 2024, and I personally subscribe to this theory, then what fucking difference does it make who is on the Republican ticket?

It's a throw-away "election."

Why waste a good candidate, Trump or DeSantis, on what will be another 4 year run by some as-yet-to-be-named Democrat?

Let one of the back-benchers who wouldn't stand a realistic chance if there was an "honest election" run so we can sit around and bitch about that.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 01, 2023 04:41 PM (Q4IgG)

118 If you think a grown man with a law degree from Harvard and an undergrad from Yale that still has student loans as an adult is going to challenge the deep state or corporate interests you seriously need help. Yale and Harvard. Bush. Boehner. Ryan. Trump has problems, sure, but come on. Notice the tells. Selected, groomed, promoted, and supported.

Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 04:41 PM (IrS5h)

119 >I heard that if you play a Nickleback album backwards...

it's still bad

Posted by: DB at February 01, 2023 04:41 PM (geLO8)

120 I love Trump, but he is full of crap on that. I know because I lived through all of these mandates with the other mandates on steroids that we have in California.
I did also have the pleasure of spending multiple vacations in the free land of Florida to escape Emperor Newsom and it was a pleasure. DeSantis has most definitely impressed me. But Trumps gonna Trump.

Posted by: keena at February 01, 2023 04:41 PM (RiTnx)

121 >>> Trump has two related problems:
++++
There's a third: he went after Kemp for opening up - and Kemp opened up GA before DeSantis opened up FL. Kemp beat DeSantis to the line on that one, and drew some ire from Trump on it.

i should have put that in the post!!!!

j/k

i know no one reads the posts. I don't know why I worry about people getting angry about the posts. They don't read them.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:41 PM (C1Zwz)

122 How much does a fabulous GM or Kodak ventilator go for on the open market these day?

Posted by: Maj. Healey at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (D25PY)

123 Why, he was criticizing Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for reopening his state too early.
++++
This is the kill shot, in my opinion, and there is no way around it. Making this kind of argument about an opponent who didn't reopen soon enough, or went too far, or whatever absolutely *will* blow back on him because of Kemp.

This is a very bad path to go down.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (t0OGg)

124 "The real Ron is a RINO GLOBALIST, who closed down Florida and even its beaches"
---
Wow. Trump is doing himself no favors here.

Or with the vax, for that matter.

Thing is, I don't want DeSantis to run. Because there is *no* reason to use up what I see as "our bench". However, Trump is moving toward, IMO, ineluctability. He could be campaigning his way out of a base.

Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (krQz2)

125 Here's the thing, ace:

When it comes to COVID, hindsight is NOT 20/20 It's more like 20/300 with severe astigmatism and a touch of macular degeneration.

And when the optometrist flips the lenses and asks, "Which is better, number one..." *flip* "...or number two?" I go, "Eh, they're both pretty blurry."

(I'd better quit with the optometry analogy before I make a spectacle of myself!)

Posted by: Muldoon at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (ykeLU)

126 "...... who closed down Florida and even its beaches"

I feel like I read that earlier today in the comment section.

interesting....

Posted by: Miss Issippi at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (sI15f)

127 I've often wondered if Trump had won 2020 if the whole vaccine dynamic would have reversed. Would the entire establishment have been antivaxxers, and would the truebloods be provaxxers right now? I would love to peer into that alternate universe to see how differently the vaccine controversy turned out.

Posted by: DFCtomm at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (xge03)

128 Trump delusionally said on TS that he fired Birx.

A chink in Trump's armor is his inability to put up the wall he campaigned on. RDS has made it clear to donors that he will attack Trump on the wall Mexico was supposed to pay for.

Posted by: Valiant at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (cy2xC)

129 To be fair, I can't really stand Thelma and Louise.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (LvTSG)

I was forced to watch Thelma and Louise in one my English classes and write an essay on it. I ripped it up and down. Dunno why I didn't get an F on that one. I think I called it 'Immoral'.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (XvPQV)

130 Nickleback is like ABBA- all hooks.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (zZu0s)

131 105 also a lot of people are pretty passionately in favor of trump and DeSantis will need their votes in the general. He doesn't want to alienate them and look like "yet another Trump hater" and have them sit out the general.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (C1Zwz)

========

I just don't know how DeSantis wins a primary if he delays entry into the race for months. He could announce tomorrow, but having just won the governorship for a second term, it'd be a weird timing. Could happen, but I doubt it.

The longer it goes on, the less DeSantis is in the active conversation about the GOP primary at all, and the narrative changes to just Trump vs. everyone else (the GOPe, mostly). When we get months of polls, into June at least, of Trump being 40 points over Nikki Haley, Jeb Bush, John Kasich, and Liz Cheney, is that the kind of environment that DeSantis decides to enter?

Trump wouldn't look weak at all. He'd look very strong, especially after well-funded rivals start dropping before DeSantis even enters the race.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (LvTSG)

132 Trump let Fauci & Co. run the country into the ground. In addition, he wasn’t astute enough to see their intentions with respect to the election. He let them dig his political grave. He’s done. I think DeSantis has been a very good governor. I’d like to see what he could do in DC.

Posted by: Cooldawg at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (rPheK)

133 I just want us to win in 2024. Bottom line. And I voted for Trump 2x but now want him to fade into the background. I use a neighbor as a barometer: she is a registered Dem and reluctantly voted for Trump both times. She wouldn't vote for him again but would pull the level for DeSantis in a heartbeat, she loves him and what he's doing. Even so, we need to get up to snuff on the Dem's ground tactics in order to win with the mail in fraud etc implemented under the covid rules......I would love to see a 'mossad-style' covert op that figures out what exactly the dems did in the swing states, I can dream, right? Think Ronna & Co. are up to that? Doubt it, raising money instead of creating strategies seems to be their forte.

Posted by: beckster at February 01, 2023 04:43 PM (wjfO4)

134 Do people not know if Trump had fired Fauci he would have been impeached? Instantly?

Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 04:43 PM (IrS5h)

135 If Biden runs and gets the nomination will people vote for this Cluster-F**k ?????

Posted by: Ferd Berfall at February 01, 2023 04:43 PM (LrYuZ)

136 I've often wondered if Trump had won 2020 if the whole vaccine dynamic would have reversed. Would the entire establishment have been antivaxxers, and would the truebloods be provaxxers right now

The left was "anti-vax" until Biden won so, yeah.

And I still would not have taken it, which is I think true for most purebloods.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 01, 2023 04:43 PM (lc5cP)

137 Warp Speed

Warp Speed was wrong no matter what. Rushing a drug to market, without the usual requirements, and exempting them from liability to an even greater extent than vaccines ordinarily are, for problem like Covid? Look, if you've got a Spanish Flu style epidemic on your hands, maybe. But why for Covid? It makes no sense on any terms other than political ones, and the politics surrounding Covid was completely fake and gay, and that was discernible from almost the outset.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls - an election is simply a festival for the majority at February 01, 2023 04:43 PM (ppBhU)

138 129 I was forced to watch Thelma and Louise in one my English classes and write an essay on it. I ripped it up and down. Dunno why I didn't get an F on that one. I think I called it 'Immoral'.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (XvPQV)

========

Just calling the main characters blinded by their ideology to the point of stupidity should be on point enough, I think.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:43 PM (LvTSG)

139 And Trump had an excellent scientist MD in Scott Atlas and he just let him dangle in the wind. No respect from me on that one.

Posted by: keena at February 01, 2023 04:43 PM (RiTnx)

140 >>>Refusing to tear the other guy down is a major campaign error. It's one thing to PRETEND to be above the fray, but actually being above the fray almost never works.

Every attack Trump levels against someone who hasn't even declared candidacy makes him look sacarse and extremely weak. DeSantis' response of pretty much nothing allows Trump to continue

Posted by: mikethemoose at February 01, 2023 04:43 PM (T/vhV)

141 126 "...... who closed down Florida and even its beaches"

I feel like I read that earlier today in the comment section.

interesting....
Posted by: Miss Issippi at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (sI15f)

You did. Not surprising, we all get a form of 'talking points' it is just where we get them from and whether people agree with them as to whether it is noticed.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:43 PM (zZu0s)

142 >>>I was reminded of this when I went to the local vape shop to purchase some now very expensive E-juice.

Vote DeSantis to stop the madness.

you're saying that's trump's fault? Because Gottlieb did it at the FDA or whatever?

yeah I can see that. this gets at my problem with Trump, he lets a LOT of stuff slide. he just doesn't pay attention. his bureaucrats can pretty much do whatever they want unless it's about something he pays attention to, which is a short list

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:44 PM (C1Zwz)

143 This is the kill shot, in my opinion, and there is no way around it. Making this kind of argument about an opponent who didn't reopen soon enough, or went too far, or whatever absolutely *will* blow back on him because of Kemp.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (t0OGg)
---
Trump is a CEO type. He works with what his advisors are presenting to him. He also thinks "outside the box", which is why he could ask the question (of his advisors) "Why can't be use nukes if we paid so much for them?"

Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 04:44 PM (krQz2)

144 I feel like the people left that are insisting Trump be the nominee also don't believe he really has an actual chance at being President again.

It's almost like they just want this perpetual martyrdom where they wallow in how he was wronged.

It's just laughable to think Trump has a viable path into the White House anymore. He slipped in because Hillary was incredibly unlikable, but people can't seem to let it go that it meant something bigger.

Posted by: Indrid Cold at February 01, 2023 04:44 PM (ub+u6)

145 This should be fun.

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 04:44 PM (chxhW)

146 I read your post ace!!!

and I will never forget the thing where he bitched at Kemp. it was also sad.

Trump did NOT cover himself in glory with the covid response. sorry but no. and no I don't believe he was "boxed in" - he was fucking SCARED. he's a GERMOPHOBE

Posted by: BlackOrchid at February 01, 2023 04:44 PM (w0NJk)

147 fever dream, in which both people they hate mutually destroy each other so that Nikki Haley can be the nominee.

Someone’s been reading my email.

Posted by: Karl Rove, genius at February 01, 2023 04:44 PM (Fj8Gx)

148 135 If Biden runs and gets the nomination will people vote for this Cluster-F**k ?????
Posted by: Ferd Berfall at February 01, 2023 04:43 PM (LrYuZ)

The Dead are always with us.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:44 PM (zZu0s)

149 Trump's biggest weakness is his inability to stop stepping on his own dick -- and by extension, ours.

Trash Lindsay Graham. Trash Lisa Murkowski. Trash Biden till the cows come home. But stop making up reasons to trash a guy like DeSantis, who is about as pure a pragmatic, outspoken, erudite conservative as I've seen since Reagan.

Posted by: red speck at February 01, 2023 04:44 PM (gS3OW)

150 I just want us to win in 2024. Bottom line. And I voted for Trump 2x but now want him to fade into the background.

Fix the cheating or it doesn't matter.

Show the road to 270 with the cheat in place.

Posted by: rickb223 at February 01, 2023 04:44 PM (ZVVGW)

151 Have any of you seen this?

https://www.bitchute.com/video/zUpmUU92ZIK4/
AN OPEN LETTER TO ANDREW HILL, MD BY DR TESS LAWRIE

Or, article about same:
https://www.worldtribune.com/researcher-andrew-hills
-conflict-a-40-million-gates-foundation-grant-vs-a-half-
million-human-lives/

It is from Dec. 2021, and R Kennedy Jr.'s book, and pretty damning so I am wondering why I have not seen it in any of the singular website I read for news.

I mean, if this is real it ends the debate about IVM suppression as another win for the tinfoil haberdasher brigade.

Posted by: Gentlemen, this is junta manifest at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (Tik0g)

152 >If Biden runs and gets the nomination will people vote for this Cluster-F**k ?????

Posted by: Ferd Berfall

I see him getting 200-300 million 'votes', sure

Posted by: DB at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (geLO8)

153 130 Nickleback is like ABBA- all hooks.
Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (zZu0s)

I....I kinda like ABBA too....

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (XvPQV)

154 meh, I'll vote for Trump or DeSantis if they are the nominee. But, I don't think either has a path to 270 at this point. Just saying...

Posted by: lin-duh at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (UUBmN)

155 (I'd better quit with the optometry analogy before I make a spectacle of myself!)
Posted by: Muldoon at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (ykeLU)

You are focusing on the right things.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (PY/t0)

156 127 I've often wondered if Trump had won 2020 if the whole vaccine dynamic would have reversed. Would the entire establishment have been antivaxxers, and would the truebloods be provaxxers right now? I would love to peer into that alternate universe to see how differently the vaccine controversy turned out.
Posted by: DFCtomm at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (xge03)

Check masking. Trump came out as pro-masking very early on. Nor was there a massive embrace of the MRNA vaccine by the right between their announcement and Biden taking office.

That's just not how it works.

Political leaders tend to be towards the center of both bases.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (eYoxG)

157 Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:38 PM (LvTSG)

You're reading the wrong sources. Read Zero Hedge and ConservativeTreeHouse for the real scoop!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (XIJ/X)

158 Show the road to 270 with the cheat in place.

The important part here is to lose with dignity.

Posted by: Nikki Haley at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (lc5cP)

159

This. We are like the Mensheviks and the Trotskyites.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:38 PM (zZu0s)

Hey, I got a condo in Mexico you can rent cheap if things don't work out!

Posted by: Auspex at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (j4U/Z)

160 >>>139 And Trump had an excellent scientist MD in Scott Atlas and he just let him dangle in the wind. No respect from me on that one.

one point a correspondent makes is that Trump has no one he can hire for a hypothetical 2nd term, because he's let so many people dangle and get savaged. No one would want to work for him -- it's a guarantee you'll be prosecuted and harassed, and it's unlikely you'll really have Trump backing you up

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (C1Zwz)

161 152 >If Biden runs and gets the nomination will people vote for this Cluster-F**k ?????

Posted by: Ferd Berfall

I see him getting 200-300 million 'votes', sure
Posted by: DB at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (geLO

========

PA, AZ, GA, and MI will manufacture every vote necessary. After the past two cycles, I don't know why anyone thinks otherwise.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (LvTSG)

162 my 79 year old mom who loved Trump says he's lost the plot and is yesterdays news.

his actions the last few months confirms that view, to me at least, a lot of unforced errors.

Posted by: joe fingerblaster at February 01, 2023 04:46 PM (ZZEwZ)

163 But I don't think it looks good for Trump that he's hacking at DeSantis, and DeSantis is shrugging it off and continuing mission.
++++
It's early yet. So far, DeSantis is looking better but there's a lot of game left to play (and DeSantis hasn't announced yet). The attacks on big GOP money backing DeSantis are going to be harder to shrug off when the time comes, and I suspect some of this might be a discovery process to see how things land when it's still too early to matter.

I dunno. I also don't really care. Either Trump or DeSantis would be better than what we have now, but even that doesn't really matter to me because I'm not at all convinced that the presidency matters at all at this point. The GOP, charitably, needs improvement. I have no expectation that DeSantis would be any more successful than Trump against the deep state or Congress. I don't really care about the presidency any more. DeSantis, bluntly, is probably *more* valuable as governor.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 04:46 PM (t0OGg)

164 157 Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:38 PM (LvTSG)

You're reading the wrong sources. Read Zero Hedge and ConservativeTreeHouse for the real scoop!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (XIJ/X)

==========

Political news is scarce at blu-ray.com, to be sure.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:46 PM (LvTSG)

165 but no one hums snippets of Nickelback to themselves

Posted by: DB at February 01, 2023 04:46 PM (geLO8)

166 That's assuming voters are going to do a detailed analysis and give a fair hearing to all sides. Repetition tends to win frankly.
Not responding is clearly 3D chess /s
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 04:38 PM (eYoxG)
++++
The voters won't need to. DeSantis will tell them all about it.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (t0OGg)

167 I've often wondered if Trump had won 2020 if the whole vaccine dynamic would have reversed. Would the entire establishment have been antivaxxers, and would the truebloods be provaxxers right now? I would love to peer into that alternate universe to see how differently the vaccine controversy turned out.
Posted by: DFCtomm at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (xge03)

Yes, absolutely. Kamala and Joe were both poo-pooing the vaccine. Blow Job Queen even said during the debate, "I wouldn't take a Trump vaccine" she was signaling the fall back position if Trump won.

Posted by: JoeF. at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (mR6Gs)

168 i know no one reads the posts. I don't know why I worry about people getting angry about the posts. They don't read them.
Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:41 PM (C1Zwz)

Come on, Champ. We love your posts. See we are printing them out and sticking them to the fridge with a magnet- so we can always look at them while we cook.

There.

Want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Go watch your shows and I'll bring it out to you.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (zZu0s)

169 yeah I can see that. this gets at my problem with Trump, he lets a LOT of stuff slide. he just doesn't pay attention. his bureaucrats can pretty much do whatever they want unless it's about something he pays attention to, which is a short list

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:44 PM (C1Zwz)
---
That's a pretty big exaggeration.

Trump works with and within his advisors and people who work with him. This is the relative weakness of Trump. If his advisors are screwing with him, then his range is relative to that--until he finds out they are, and he *fires* them.

Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (krQz2)

170 Trump was better when he only counter-punched.

Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (94wrE)

171 Yeah its what he does. He attacked Cruz the same way, with silly crap like implying Cruz' dad whacked Kennedy. He attacks people he views as rivals or a potential threat. Compare his approach to Nikki Haley saying she'll run for president "I would welcome the competition". She's not a threat. That's how he treats people he does not view as a rival.

But in the end yes, this is the bottom line:

Fix the cheating or it doesn't matter.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (0hOvj)

172 Trump is too old. I am sick of these geriatrics. We as a nation need to move on.

Posted by: Ted Torgerson DeSantis/Lake 2024 at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (vN+oL)

173 This right here is why I look forward to a primary challenge. There are a lot of things that are going to be thrown at Trump in the election. If his response is always going to be ad hominems, ego vacations, obfuscation of the truth and a bunch of unintelligible crap, we lose.

Posted by: Marcus T at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (M5z+9)

174 [66 I've always only liked Trump to the extent I thought he was useful. Trump's flaws have always irked me. I just thought they were worth the price. I'm less sure now. I have to say his most ardent admirers make me less and less likely to show up. I'm really tired of the endless excuse machine.

agree totally here with everything the bear with assymetrical balls said

Posted by: BlackOrchid at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (w0NJk)

175 I was a Cruz supporter until spring of 2016 when Trump supporters were attacked at my alma mater UIC in Chicago and Cruz's response was "meh". After that I was Trump come hell or high water.

Now I am at Hell *and* high water. DeSantis kept his state mostly open, won re-election, and is sticking it to DEI, the Alphabet People, and the Disney groomers.

Trump's attacks against DeSantis are tone-deaf and delusional. DeSantis should calmly call him out on it, the facts are on DeSantis' side.

Posted by: Chuck C at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (xttsV)

176 The attacks on DeSantis by Trump and his allies on Truth are already tiresome.

I'd vote for Trump if he gets the nom and I'd leave POTUS blank if we get a JEB! But he has a gazillion other targets, including Haley now, and still taking shots at DeSantis? The man has issues.

Posted by: Fool Otto at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (DB16e)

177 Remember to always read ZeroHedge articles - they've been about the best news source for the last few years.

But also remember to never read ZeroHedge comments.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (lc5cP)

178 Trump going after Kathy Barnette was a bad sign.

Trump's proactive attacks against DeSantis are a worse sign.

He cares more about leading a movement than building its strength.

Ruling in hell > serving in Heaven is supposed to be a liberal principle.

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (KbCG3)

179 Hey, I got a condo in Mexico you can rent cheap if things don't work out!
Posted by: Auspex at February 01, 2023 04:45 PM (j4U/Z)

No ice axes!

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (zZu0s)

180 Trump has shown that he learned nothing from his mistakes

DeSantis 2024 to when I die of old age

Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (VTu1l)

181 i don't like disagreeing with commenters. I hope everyone knows that.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:22 PM (C1Zwz)

It would be really, really annoying if you agreed with everyone.

Who agrees with everyone, anyway?

Despite some protests to the contrary, this "community" is not in lockstep about very much.

We did have a lot of fun for the first few years of Trump (post-election), though. Probably the most fun ever had here. Oh well.

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 04:48 PM (chxhW)

182 Here's what else Trump can't get around: He lost to Biden once already. I know the Dems have historically done dumb shit like continually nominating William Jennings Bryan and Adlai Stevenson just to see them lose again, but can't we do better?

Posted by: Wally at February 01, 2023 04:48 PM (FJYfm)

183 I voted for Trump twice and if nominated I'll vote for him again. If Desantis is nominated I'll vote for him. Trump is fighting his way and harder because the election "loss" wounded his ego.
That being said this fighting between various Republican factions better cease once there is a candidate. Otherwise we'll be like the Russians fighting the Bolsheviks in the Russian civil war. They could never unify and the Bolsheviks picked them off one by one. No politician is perfect and if you want someone who thinks exactly like you do , then only you can run. The left knows only power and are determined to get it and keep it. Act accordingly

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 01, 2023 04:48 PM (StQQf)

184 This was all predicated on the premise that SARS-2 COVID-19 was an extinction level event. Some people came to the realization that it was not, sooner than others. Bad policy was made at all levels for varying lengths of time. Arguing over who beat who in coming to that realization is pointless. But here we are.

Posted by: Muldoon at February 01, 2023 04:48 PM (ykeLU)

185 Sometimes the truth hurts.

Posted by: redridinghood at February 01, 2023 04:48 PM (NpAcC)

186 If all Trump can do it criticize Ron Desantis for closing the beaches for a few months, then Ron Desantis has my vote. Closing those beaches were probably good for the ocean and the creatures that live in it for that time being.

If Trump's the nominee, I'll not vote. I can't stand the guy now.

Posted by: Miss Issippi at February 01, 2023 04:48 PM (sI15f)

187 162 my 79 year old mom who loved Trump says he's lost the plot and is yesterdays news.

his actions the last few months confirms that view, to me at least, a lot of unforced errors.
Posted by: joe fingerblaster at February 01, 2023 04:46 PM (ZZEwZ)

Is this our form of 'My 8 year old daughter mused to me the other day...'?

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:48 PM (zZu0s)

188 the dims are soda drinkers
and the pubs are scotch drinkers

as long as the dim nominee isn't New Coke

the dims win

Posted by: sofasaver at February 01, 2023 04:49 PM (us2H3)

189 >>>
Trump did NOT cover himself in glory with the covid response. sorry but no. and no I don't believe he was "boxed in" - he was fucking SCARED. he's a GERMOPHOBE

a lot of things going on.

One thing, though, is this: was there ANY good play? Or did the Regime operation leave him with nothing but bad plays?

I don't know if there was a winning series of choices for anyone the Regime was "boxing in" with the covid op.

But as a departed friend (RIP) taught me about poker: "Muddling through," which is calling a bet, is usually the worst play. The best plays are either to fold or to raise the bet. Completely the opposite of each other, but both decisive plays that put the burden on the opponent to make tough choices and stop him from imposing his will on you.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:49 PM (C1Zwz)

190 I was forced to watch Thelma and Louise in one my English classes and write an essay on it. I ripped it up and down. Dunno why I didn't get an F on that one. I think I called it 'Immoral'.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:42 PM (XvPQV)
========
Just calling the main characters blinded by their ideology to the point of stupidity should be on point enough, I think.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:43 PM (LvTSG)

They literally drove themselves nuts and boxed themselves into a corner like wild animals. And the movie framed this as some sort of romantic ending. I was gritting my teeth so hard, I think I chipped a molar.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:49 PM (XvPQV)

191 182 Here's what else Trump can't get around: He lost to Biden once already. I know the Dems have historically done dumb shit like continually nominating William Jennings Bryan and Adlai Stevenson just to see them lose again, but can't we do better?
Posted by: Wally at February 01, 2023 04:48 PM (FJYfm)

=========

No matter who runs on the GOP ticket, they're going to lose. No matter who runs on the Democrat ticket, they're going to win.

Jesus vs. rancid bagel: The bagel wins.

Why? Because voting is fucked in just enough places to make winning a legit election impossible, and nothing is being done about it.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:49 PM (LvTSG)

192 Hey, great job everyone! Conservative inc is fixated on this, so... we must be too. Super smart.

You do realize you're an inch away from "but the mean tweets" territory.

Maybe we should just wait to see who is and isn't going to run, and THEN, see whose actual intended policies look better. Right now there is NONE of that

but, but, but he's mean to Ron

Posted by: deadrody at February 01, 2023 04:49 PM (kYmXc)

193 I like Trump and I want him to win, but I think Trump has so internalized the 2020 theft that he feels like he should just be INSTALLED as president in 2024.
He just wants to be appointed to the job at this point.

He's flailing about

Posted by: JoeF. at February 01, 2023 04:49 PM (mR6Gs)

194 185 Sometimes the truth hurts.
Posted by: redridinghood at February 01, 2023 04:48 PM (NpAcC)

Sometimes love just ain't enough.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:49 PM (XvPQV)

195 Wallensky is a Biden appointment

Posted by: Avi at February 01, 2023 04:49 PM (cBCwV)

196 Imagine not recognizing the hidden hand of globalism pushing people on the right back into the nonthreatening camp of conservatism, which is a guaranteed loser, instead of embracing populist nationalism. Ron loves sending jobs, troops, and money overseas while he champions Paul Ryan and the Bush family. What a winner.

Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 04:49 PM (IrS5h)

197 I have been following Ace since after 911. I am a native born New Yorker, and I always adored Donald Trump but I will say, now that I live in the free state of Florida, I truly admire Ron DeSantis.

Trump exposed the deep state, and he did a good job while he was in office. When I was younger, he was always touring New York City and touting his accomplishments, which was great. But now, I do believe it is time for some new blood. DeSantis is my governor and well many of my friends believe that he should stay in office here in my beautiful state. I think we need him to run, just my O2 cents. Thanks for reading and love to all.

Posted by: Linda Sina at February 01, 2023 04:49 PM (Grew6)

198
I'm not voting for DeSantis at this point. He has no foreign policy experience

What foreign policy experience did Trump have?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (63Dwl)

199 Fire of Unknown Origin >> Plague of Unknown Origin.

Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (krQz2)

200 Trump's going to run against DeSantis if DeSantis wants to run against him.

It's going to be messy and dirty. It's going to be muddy and cheap. They are big boys and they can take it.

We're all supposed to be big boys and girls too. Oh, and neither is squeaky clean and neither will give you everything you want. We're allowed to pick a horse we like better and get called names for it. It's not exactly a new thing.

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (chxhW)

201 This is all very interesting but regardless of candidate how do you plan to win GA, AZ, PA and MI? I like both Trump and DeSantis but I have noticed the Dems have built a Really Fucking Big Blue Wall to never let DC and Deep State be commanded by anyone not approved of by Manhattan, San Francisco and Chicago. Just sayin.

Posted by: Puddihead at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (4vi12)

202 This was all predicated on the premise that SARS-2 COVID-19 was an extinction level event. Some people came to the realization that it was not, sooner than others. Bad policy was made at all levels for varying lengths of time. Arguing over who beat who in coming to that realization is pointless. But here we are.
Posted by: Muldoon at February 01, 2023 04:48 PM (ykeLU)

Agreed. Thank you, Muldoon.

Posted by: Jordan61 at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (DRSnL)

203 Trump is too old. I am sick of these geriatrics. We as a nation need to move on.

Were it even possible for a Republican to win, this would be my biggest concern. He's old, really old, and we have had too many dinosaurs already in power.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (0hOvj)

204 The voters won't need to. DeSantis will tell them all about it.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (t0OGg)

I'm saying he needs to get cracking on that before it's too late. If certain portrayals are allowed to stand for months very loudly before a rebuttal comes in, well that's a very hard narrative to change.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (eYoxG)

205 Fortunately I am black pilled and don't even waste any intellectual or emotional energy on federal "elections" as to who would make for the best _______.

DeSantis has had the benefit of a very friendly and politically supporting state legislature, so it was easy to do the Right Thing and get it done with only the usual barking from the usual ankle biters.

Trump, OTOH, had evil and wicked people surrounding him and in at every level of the White House and all the way through the party and into the Deep State.

Given that it is obvious that the Deep State answers to no one, and a gig in the Legislative branch is purely for grift, prestige and under-age pussy; the White House is for nominal management of a multi-trillion dollar international slush fund.

Elections are for romantics.

Posted by: Reuben Hick at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (l7lsb)

206 I've decided that if no Republican can win the Presidency in 2024, then I want Trump to be my loser. He's the only one that has won a Presidential race that most everyone said he couldn't win.

Posted by: fd at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (gIQx1)

207 I hadn't realized Trump was doing this. Either Trump is losing his grip on reality, like Biden -- though nowhere near as badly -- or he is being badly advised. And he is listening to these "advisers."

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (J2vNu)

208 201 This is all very interesting but regardless of candidate how do you plan to win GA, AZ, PA and MI? I like both Trump and DeSantis but I have noticed the Dems have built a Really Fucking Big Blue Wall to never let DC and Deep State be commanded by anyone not approved of by Manhattan, San Francisco and Chicago. Just sayin.
Posted by: Puddihead at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (4vi12)

========

We just need to run better candidates, then Philly will cheat less.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (LvTSG)

209 Fix the cheating or it doesn't matter.
___

I don't see mail-in voting going away in blue states.

Posted by: SMH at what's coming at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (xMdtr)

210 137 >>>Warp Speed was wrong no matter what. Rushing a drug to market, without the usual requirements, and exempting them from liability to an even greater extent than vaccines ordinarily are, for problem like Covid?

No one knew for sure what the hell this thing was or how devastating it'd be. I don't blame early decision makers for their ignorance. The problem came with the single solution mindset: that it was all fixed now, since pharma had come up with mRNA vaccines. No further exploration into monoclonal treatments or tracking ivermectin. In fact, they were vilified and those in charge went into 100% binary mode.

Trump's biggest mistake was putting so much trust in people who ended up being disastrously untrustworthy -- in fact, leaders of the malevolent mindset. Truth is still fighting what seems to be a losing battle, despite three years of data.

Posted by: red speck at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (gS3OW)

211 The majority of the gun community hates Trump. He lied to us about his full support of the 2A (Bumpstocks, ERPO, Silencers, NFA, Reciprocity, etc.)

Posted by: Maj. Healey at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (D25PY)

212 hiya

Posted by: JT at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (T4tVD)

213 199 Fire of Unknown Origin >> Plague of Unknown Origin.
Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (krQz2)

Rodents of Unusual Size? I don't think they exist.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (zZu0s)

214 Loved Trump. I’ll vote for him if he’s the last man standing.

But he surrounded himself with the most useless people. And he allowed Paul Ryan to walk over him.

So not my first choice.

Speaking of Paul Ryan. He could have adopted Michelle Bachmanns idea that if the debt limit wasn’t passed (or budget) the old year one was adopted at 95% funding. That would have been a good law. F’ing Paul Ryan.

Posted by: Justin Castreau at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (V8yYW)

215 209 Fix the cheating or it doesn't matter.
___

I don't see mail-in voting going away in blue states.
Posted by: SMH at what's coming at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (xMdtr)

========

Or bright red states like AZ. Yeah, I think AZ is bright red.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (LvTSG)

216
1. I don't think the vaccine narrative would have been reversed had DJT won. TPTB had the vaccine plan for a while and only diverted to anit-vax to attack DJT before the election. After they would have gone back to vaccine idolatry.

2. I just wish we could hold off on the DeSantis/Trump cage match until at least the summer or fall. But DeSantis is wise to lay low as it is clear Trump will do his job without any help.

Posted by: Gentlemen, this is junta manifest at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (Tik0g)

217 So much of the rhetoric around COVID amounts to misrepresentations of timelines.

It's just remarkable.

Posted by: KT at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (rrtZS)

218 The really big problem is Trump went along with just about every lie Fauci et al. said about the disease and treating it, while all the while the left blamed Trump for once mentioning the drugs that Fauci effectively banned for the very sick.

Fauci et. al lied about the efficacy of:

* HCQ, Ivermectin, Azithromycin, Other antibiotics, Aspirin, ACE inhibitors, and finally Antihistamies.

(I had that in a list but the hamsters didn't like it)

Often with the help of fraudulent studies whose origin has not been sufficiently studied by counterintelligence personnell.

In addition, they pedaled a fake cure, Remdesivir, which in total I think did more harm than good.

This is far more important than any BS about the lockdowns.

And the lies are _transparent_ but they still got to be The Authorities.

The guy who claimed credit for writing the paper saying most people who died of Spanish flu died from secondary infections was also the guy who was adamant, in February, before the outbreak, that We Weren't Going To Use Antibiotics to treat it.

And thus far he's gotten away with it.

And all Trump can talk about is DeSantis closing down?

Posted by: Yeti struggling with the hamsters at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (gHSfI)

219 I agree, we should bail on Trump. The RINO's, the Dems, the media, and the entertainment industry were right all along. The deep state's efforts finally have convinced me.

Posted by: Eskimo at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (L498I)

220
Trump supporters are Trumptards, cultists, weak and living in the past.

DeSantis supporters are blind, deluded, traitors and globalists.

There.

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 04:52 PM (chxhW)

221 The attacks on DeSantis come from the Conservative Treehouse circuit - a circuit that was literally wrong about every prediction they made going into the election and after the fraud went down.

They are a joke.

Posted by: EtcEtcEtc at February 01, 2023 04:52 PM (bunM0)

222 >>>165 but no one hums snippets of Nickelback to themselves

but this is a permanent earworm to me because of thots

https://youtu.be/IfB_K4RGtDo?t=76

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:52 PM (C1Zwz)

223 My mom loves Trump as well but thinks he is being assho and would support DeSantis instead given the choice

The big thing as Lamont points out is that he is completely tone deaf to how angry we are about the vax and his stupid as fuck decisions in supporting Fauci over Atlas

All of that would have been forgivable if Trump mega culpaed about his staff picks and promised to do better and move on but nope

At this junction I wouldn’t be surprised if he picked Haley as his VP

Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger at February 01, 2023 04:52 PM (VTu1l)

224 i know no one reads the posts. I don't know why I worry about people getting angry about the posts. They don't read them.
Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:41 PM (C1Zwz)
++++
Damn. That one was at me. I do read the posts, but I tend to respond sort of real-time. I see something, quote it and respond. In articles this long, it's too easy to lose track of a point otherwise. I did spot that later, and commented on it.

I proudly associate with the minority that reads the posts!

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 04:52 PM (t0OGg)

225 I want to go back to filling up my tank for 24 dollars. Hey there's probably a campaign slogan there.

Posted by: Corona Exile-Back_in_exile at February 01, 2023 04:52 PM (NjM6e)

226 211 The majority of the gun community hates Trump..

Posted by: Maj. Healey at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (D25PY)

*arches eyebrow*

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:52 PM (XvPQV)

227 And I actually just read someone at Ace of Spades HQ claim "Trump already lost to Biden once"

Are you FUCKING KIDDING ME ? If you're going to accept the level of fraud and fuckery that took place in 2020, you're not winning another national - let alone an important statewide election - EVER AGAIN.

Do you retards get that ?

Holy shit.

And in case you're too dumb to get it, when you consider all this and conclude "you know, but Trump's flaws...", that's EXACTLY what Conservative Inc WANTS YOU TO DO

Posted by: deadrody at February 01, 2023 04:52 PM (kYmXc)

228 I hadn't realized Trump was doing this. Either Trump is losing his grip on reality, like Biden -- though nowhere near as badly -- or he is being badly advised. And he is listening to these "advisers."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 01, 2023 04:50 PM (J2vNu)

Who are we kidding?
Trump is his own advisor.

Posted by: JoeF. at February 01, 2023 04:52 PM (mR6Gs)

229 We just need to run better candidates, then Philly will cheat less.
--------------
Snort.

Posted by: Puddihead at February 01, 2023 04:52 PM (4vi12)

230 I don't think you realize how big group 1 is.

Which is because a lot of people are off the trump train but have not had the guts yet to make that public. There IS a lot of whispering in private and playacting in public.

but behind the scenes, a lot of the hardcore trump support is off of the trump train.
Posted by: ace
------
Ace,
You might consider doing a post on how the support for DeSantis v. Trump works on when SES class is considered. One poll conducted in the last thirty days or so highlighted that DeSantis and Trump have very different bases in the party.

Basically Trump's base in the GOP is lower SES including education markers and income. DeSantis does better with those having more education credentials and income.

Trump is a populist candidate that often swings wildly before deciding on a policy. DeSantis is more typical of the buttoned down Ivy League class of politicians. Effectively they appeal to different parts of the GOP electorate.

Posted by: whig at February 01, 2023 04:53 PM (9gg1V)

231 DeSantis is a doody-head and a fart sniffer.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at February 01, 2023 04:53 PM (ZqJGw)

232 Trump has no reason to attack deSantis. But he does it anyway. petty , vindictive , small-minded . His attacks are petty and small- minded. He is stubbornly reaching for Presidency, but his time has passed.

Posted by: runner at February 01, 2023 04:53 PM (6F7eb)

233 The extinction level event wasn't the covid. The event was/is Marxism power.

Posted by: humphreyrobot at February 01, 2023 04:53 PM (GSgQ8)

234 The best plays are either to fold or to raise the bet. Completely the opposite of each other, but both decisive plays that put the burden on the opponent to make tough choices and stop him from imposing his will on you.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:49 PM (C1Zwz)

And Trump was best when he was decisive and not trying to collate oceans of data and advice.

The Abraham Accords is a perfect example.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 04:53 PM (XIJ/X)

235 Who hires a Scaramucci and doesn't expect to get shanked in a kidney in the near future?

Posted by: Maj. Healey at February 01, 2023 04:53 PM (D25PY)

236 >>>I agree, we should bail on Trump. The RINO's, the Dems, the media, and the entertainment industry were right all along. The deep state's efforts finally have convinced me.

this is the most annoying form of rebuttal.

It's basically the "You're not really a sk8ter, bro! You just subscribe to Thrash magazine but that doesn't mean you really sk8t!"

whatever, you're so hardcore, all the rest of us are cowardly c*cks, I wish I could be strong like you

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:53 PM (C1Zwz)

237 Trump's biggest mistake was putting so much trust in people who ended up being disastrously untrustworthy

But that's his entire presidency in a nutshell, beginning with his dipshit first AG onward. Don't you think by year 3 or 4, Trump should have taken a step back and said to himself, "You know maybe I shouldn't be so trusting."

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls - an election is simply a festival for the majority at February 01, 2023 04:54 PM (ppBhU)

238 They literally drove themselves nuts and boxed themselves into a corner like wild animals. And the movie framed this as some sort of romantic ending. I was gritting my teeth so hard, I think I chipped a molar.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023

***
I refused, and continue to refuse, to watch Thelma and Louise not only because of the relentless anti-male beat, but the fact that in the story they destroyed that beautiful Thunderbird!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 01, 2023 04:54 PM (J2vNu)

239 Trump's time is done. And it was Trump that decided that. A lot of us forgave him for his kind of stupidity and his awful judgment of characters around him because he was the only one STANDING UP and defiant. His polices were rigth.

But he's not the only one anymore. So his cringe stupidity doesn't have to be looked past anymore.

If he wins the nomination, I will start looking past it again. But right now? Nope.

Posted by: Tommy V at February 01, 2023 04:54 PM (GCivW)

240 I'll be the first one to admit that Trump's biggest and most pronounced failure was his germophobic response to the Wuflu. It's the failure that brought down everything that he otherwise stood for during his term. He himself made his time in office moot.

Will I vote for him again? Yes. DeSantis raises too many questions in my mind also. Will I vote for him if nominated? Yes.

Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at February 01, 2023 04:54 PM (BdMk6)

241 I like 'Next Contestant', good workout song.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:54 PM (XvPQV)

242 Just got here so haven't read the co9mments yet.
I hate this. Trump should be touting what DeSantis is doing in Florida as a model for other Republican governors which would make his job as President much easier. In a way, DeSantis is testing out policies that Trump should putinplace if/when he wins. I don't like what he is doing. He should go after RINOs like Nikki Haley and Sununu and the former governor of MD who was so dynamic i can't even remember his name.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 01, 2023 04:54 PM (Y+l9t)

243 I will say, contra-Trump, that many others didn't feel as badly when Trump went after Cruz.

Cruz didn't present himself the best in the scuffle, but Trump launched the first attacks, and they were kinda "below the belt".

All of a sudden when its DeSantis, I hear a lot less of "Politics ain't softball" than I did when Trump was castigating Cruz for DISLOYALTY to MCCONNELL!!

Does any kerchief-ringer remember THAT?!

Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 04:54 PM (krQz2)

244 I would love to see Trump answer this hypothetical; if you lose the primary to DeSantis, will you support him in the general?

Posted by: Marcus T at February 01, 2023 04:54 PM (M5z+9)

245 People are forgetting, it isn't a problem of blue states, it was the GOPe that has sold us out in the important purple states. The same billionaires openly funding and pushing DeSantis are the same ones that made sure that even if populists won any primaries, they would be almost guaranteed to lose the general. We're under hostile foreign occupation, but we aren't allowed to have that conversation, let alone any historical remedies.

Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 04:54 PM (IrS5h)

246 And in case you're too dumb to get it, when you consider all this and conclude "you know, but Trump's flaws...", that's EXACTLY what Conservative Inc WANTS YOU TO DO

Posted by: deadrody at February 01, 2023 04:52 PM (kYmXc)

Trump's flaws are enough to push away many of the voters who voted for him in 2020.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 04:55 PM (XIJ/X)

247 I am going to watch this play out and let the best candidate stand. At the end of the day, I will vote R. And at the endest part of the day it won’t matter, because no one will do jack about elections being stolen brazenly.

Yes, I know it’s not a word.

Posted by: Piper at February 01, 2023 04:55 PM (ZdaMQ)

248 >>>244 I would love to see Trump answer this hypothetical; if you lose the primary to DeSantis, will you support him in the general?

lol you know the answer to that, no, he won't support him, he'll campaign against him and even run 3rd party or support a 3rd party candidate

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:55 PM (C1Zwz)

249 Trump was better when he only counter-punched.

Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (94wrE)

Only counterpunching is a strategy to use against the general population, but if someone is running against you in an election, all is fair in love and war, you're going to throw some unwelcome haymakers.

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 04:55 PM (chxhW)

250 People running for office attack each other. It's stupid but true. And Trump is particularly...rude...when he does.

I honestly don't care either way. I'm annoyed by the attempts to manipulate us one way or the other. I still like Cruz. I still like Rand Paul. There's a bunch of people that would be better than any Democrat and certainly better than Joe Biden. The "lets you and him fight" thing is really old and I'm old enough to notice when it's happening.

All those people trying to promote DeSantis, half of them won't vote for him. If Trump said, "You know what? I'm going to hang out with my grandkids and decide where to build another Hotel," and DeSantis would be literally Satan ready to fill up the cattle cars with Gay people before sundown. Once we understand THAT we can stop lying to ourselves about "electability".

Posted by: Synova at February 01, 2023 04:55 PM (BD/yx)

251 Are you FUCKING KIDDING ME ? If you're going to accept the level of fraud and fuckery that took place in 2020, you're not winning another national - let alone an important statewide election - EVER AGAIN.

I think there are two kinds of people who say that sort of thing

1) People who realize the truth but cannot stand it and avoid thinking about it by going along with the official narrative. This sort gets a lot of their info from places like Hot Air.
2) People who are afraid to admit how bad things really are and refuse to believe it

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 04:55 PM (0hOvj)

252 Thrasher Magazine was gnarly bro

Posted by: Quilter's Irish Death at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (OgrpQ)

253 Just got here so haven't read the co9mments yet.
I hate this. Trump should be touting what DeSantis is doing in Florida

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 01, 2023 04:54 PM (Y+l9t)
---
I think that Trump knows that's not the way to win the nomination.

If he runs against DeSantis, that is a loser. (I think).

Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (krQz2)

254 So many nics I don't recognize.

It really is weird.

Maybe ace can do another post after this one about Jewish Weather Machines to see how many more new nics we can get in one day.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (LvTSG)

255 What I hate most about all this is that my repeatedly-stated belief about '24 (that DeSantis won't challenge Trump directly, sparking a fight that would do no one any good) was predicated on the assumption that DeSantis would see there was no value to be derived from a primary challenge, and that the smart move would be to wait for the next cycle.

But Trump launching attacks like these changes the math, because if DeSantis no longer believes he'll be anointed as the heir apparent in the MAGA movement, he may conclude he's got nothing to lose by running now. So, yeah: we may well end up seeing a Trump vs. DeSantis battle (the last thing I wanted to see), which will do no one any good, and it's Trump's own fault.

Posted by: Dr. T at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (tp+tP)

256 "And he allowed Paul Ryan to walk over him."

What the actual fuck ? Was Trump supposed to imagine into existence an alternative Congress ?

Jesus Christ on a pogo stick. We're so incredibly fucked if you people are still thinking these kind of retard thoughts

Posted by: deadrody at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (kYmXc)

257 Trump is too old. I am sick of these geriatrics. We as a nation need to move on.

Bullshit.
That Biden is a demented old POS alzheimer's doesn't make Trump "too old."

Posted by: JoeF. at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (mR6Gs)

258 All things said:

I would vote for Trump

I would vote for DeSantis

If anyone else wins the nomination I am staying home and looking into job opportunities at Antarctica

Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (VTu1l)

259 this is the most annoying form of rebuttal.

It's basically the "You're not really a sk8ter, bro! You just subscribe to Thrash magazine but that doesn't mean you really sk8t!"

whatever, you're so hardcore, all the rest of us are cowardly c*cks, I wish I could be strong like you
Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:53 PM (C1Zwz)

I just thought of Avril Lavigne for the first time in about 20 years.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (zZu0s)

260 "One complaint I've had with Trump again and again is that he allowed the Deep State to do what it wanted, and then would merely complain about it at rallies or on Twitter, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he was head of the executive branch and could do more than complain. Trump seems to believe that his various complaints were his actual policy."

This, so much this. Trump was a much-needed ice breaker in 2016. But he floundered when it came to implementing policy, especially on education and other culture-war issues. He simply doesn't have the administrative or legal chops to understand the ins and outs of policy implementation. And he has shown no growth on this.

In Trump's recent statements, he airily says he will "order" the bureaucracy to do this and that, but he should know by now it's not that simple. DeSantis has learned how to tame a bureaucracy enough to get it to do the things he wants done. As a lawyer and former congressman and war veteran, he understands the government better than most anyone else.

Posted by: Rusty Trawler at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (1gif2)

261 Fix the cheating or it doesn't matter.
___

I don't see mail-in voting going away in blue states.
Posted by: SMH at what's coming at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (xMdtr)

========

Or bright red states like AZ. Yeah, I think AZ is bright red.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

That's just arterial blood.

Posted by: rickb223 at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (ZVVGW)

262 lol you know the answer to that, no, he won't support him, he'll campaign against him and even run 3rd party or support a 3rd party candidate

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:55 PM (C1Zwz)

Why are you so sure about that? Did Trump support Democrats in primaries over Republicans he didn't like or that beat his guys? No, he supported them. And got roundly criticized by conservatives for it.

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (chxhW)

263 Maybe ace can do another post after this one about Jewish Weather Machines to see how many more new nics we can get in one day.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (LvTSG)

I recognize most of them, honestly. A couple here or there, though.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (zZu0s)

264
Will it be Trump? Should it be Trump? Will it be DeSantis? Should it be DeSantis?

I guess it's gonna be this, or some permutation of this, for the next couple years. This cycle's new form of #TwoWeeks, #BlahBlahWillCome.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (oINRc)

265 @105 hard disagree. I think Trump is making himself look weak and a little sad and DeSantis can just sit back and let that happen while he looks, what's the word, presidential.

----

In this case, I agree. Dubya looked weak when he never responded to anything. But Trump has a reputation for being an overly aggressive hot-head, so DeSantis doesn't need to respond to him right away. He'll need to respond eventually if he plans on running in 2024. But he can spend some time ignoring Trump's attacks.

Bonus points if DeSantis announces his campaign by stating, "I was going to sit this election out, but I kept getting attacked as if I was going to run so..."

Posted by: junior at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (PTw5h)

266 I just thought of Avril Lavigne for the first time in about 20 years.
Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (zZu0s)

That's because she was replaced with a body double after her first album.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (XvPQV)

267 211 The majority of the gun community hates Trump. He lied to us about his full support of the 2A (Bumpstocks, ERPO, Silencers, NFA, Reciprocity, etc.)
------------------
Unless you just like blowing off a lot of expensive ammo Bump Stocks make absolutely no fucking sense. I've been around guns my entire life and never even knew what bump stock was until the Vegas shooting occurred.

Posted by: Puddihead at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (4vi12)

268 >>I will say, contra-Trump, that many others didn't feel as badly when Trump went after Cruz.

Cruz didn't present himself the best in the scuffle, but Trump launched the first attacks, and they were kinda "below the belt".

All of a sudden when its DeSantis, I hear a lot less of "Politics ain't softball" than I did when Trump was castigating Cruz for DISLOYALTY to MCCONNELL!!

...

a lot of people complained about that. I was a Cruz supporter. I didn't like Trump because of all this nasty low-class shit.

And now I'm seeing it all again, and remembering, "Oh yeah, he's kind of a scumbag isn't he?"

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (C1Zwz)

269 this is the most annoying form of rebuttal.

It's basically the "You're not really a sk8ter, bro! You just subscribe to Thrash magazine but that doesn't mean you really sk8t!"

whatever, you're so hardcore, all the rest of us are cowardly c*cks, I wish I could be strong like you

That's really cool how you spell sk8ter.

Posted by: Eskimo at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (L498I)

270 Red on Red fighting isn't helping either

Posted by: Skip at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (xhxe8)

271 Had lunch today with a conservative friend. She said she's weary of Trump. Didn't like his line about DeSantis be "disloyal". What is this the fucking Godfather?

Posted by: jewells45 fuck cancer at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (nxdel)

272 By the way, the bigger problem is the RNC which is still being run by Rona McRomney and the big donors. They are not doing jack shit to change the electoral strategy and the person doing all the heavy lifting in challenging the Democrats subversion (Harmeet) just lost to Trump's favorite RNC Chairperson, continuing his streak of picking horrible people.

Posted by: Marcus T at February 01, 2023 04:58 PM (M5z+9)

273 Trump's flaws are enough to push away many of the voters who voted for him in 2020.

Eh, I remember the 2016 election too well when everyone everywhere just KNEW Trump was a clown and a fake candidate who said crazy things, and was doomed because he mocked McCain being shot down, promoted socialized medicine, and every so often said something just off the wall. Nobody could take him seriously, nobody would vote for a bozo like that.

Until they did.

So I'm not buying the "he's losing support and cannot win because of that" line, having watched him do all this before and win.

Its just that the machine is too firmly in place now, so it doesn't matter HOW he runs or who runs. The Democrat wins.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 04:58 PM (0hOvj)

274 Trump's flaws are enough to push away many of the voters who voted for him in 2020.

They'll vote for him if he's the choice, but more and more people would rather it be DeSantis. This behavior isn't helping him at all.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 04:58 PM (eOEVl)

275 Oh, and for the record, for those who poo-poo this "Ron's a Rino" narrative, what is the correct way to deal with Jeb! making you his chosen candidate ?

Tell establishment RINO wannabe Jeb! Bush to fuck off and take his scumbag Bush stank with him.

But that's NOT the way so far, is it ?

Posted by: deadrody at February 01, 2023 04:58 PM (kYmXc)

276 In Trump's recent statements, he airily says he will "order" the bureaucracy to do this and that, but he should know by now it's not that simple. DeSantis has learned how to tame a bureaucracy enough to get it to do the things he wants done. As a lawyer and former congressman and war veteran, he understands the government better than most anyone else.
Posted by: Rusty Trawler at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (1gif2)

There's no such thing as taming the bureaucracy. Trump's plan is simply to fire as many as he can. Unclear what DeSantis's plan is but he's not yet defined his positions broadly.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 04:58 PM (eYoxG)

277 That's because she was replaced with a body double after her first album.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (XvPQV)

Oh, I thought she just hit puberty.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 04:58 PM (zZu0s)

278 254 So many nics I don't recognize.

It really is weird.

Maybe ace can do another post after this one about Jewish Weather Machines to see how many more new nics we can get in one day.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (LvTSG)

Was just noticing that. They all seem to be of the wrecking ball variety, as well.

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at February 01, 2023 04:58 PM (KbCG3)

279
Yeah, fix the cheat, blah blah blah.

When there's blood pouring out of the cubicles at the Justice Department Political Division I'll start listening.

Posted by: Auspex at February 01, 2023 04:58 PM (j4U/Z)

280 267 Unless you just like blowing off a lot of expensive ammo Bump Stocks make absolutely no fucking sense. I've been around guns my entire life and never even knew what bump stock was until the Vegas shooting occurred.
Posted by: Puddihead at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (4vi12)

========

Didn't a federal court strike that rule down recently, saying that the ATF didn't have the statutory authority to ban them?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:58 PM (LvTSG)

281 That's really cool how you spell sk8ter.

Posted by: Eskimo

Sick burn, bruh.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (eOEVl)

282
I don't understand why Trump wants to run again. He has a great wife, children and grandchildren and lots of money. I think his family has to deal with too much angst, and they shouldn't be subjected to all the shit again.

Posted by: four seasons at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (ichPI)

283 Pretty clear to anyone who didn't fall prey to the hype and hysteria that the "vaccines" were nothing to have injected into your body. The utter lack of real testing, the surrounding circumstances, the attacking of well-established therapies against similar illnesses, all of it. And then the attacks if you weren't at least supportive. How could you support the jab?

Posted by: Son of Dad at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (8JB5s)

284 But also remember to never read ZeroHedge comments.
Posted by: 18-1

Things have changed. The antisemitism seems to be mostly gone, and there are a lot of banned-by-google links sometimes.

Posted by: Gentlemen, this is junta manifest at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (Tik0g)

285 Posted by: deadrody at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (kYmXc)

"...you people?"

Take it down a notch or two.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (XIJ/X)

286 >>>
Why are you so sure about that? Did Trump support Democrats in primaries over Republicans he didn't like or that beat his guys? No, he supported them. And got roundly criticized by conservatives for it.

well, for one thing, Trump always refused to say that he would support a Republican who beat him in 2016.

Also, you're talking about third parties who defeated another third party. I think when you beat trump himself, you become a Life Enemy. He can't accept that and he won't let you prosper from beating him. He'll do what he can to make the Republican lose to prove "No one can win without me."

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (C1Zwz)

287 264
Will it be Trump? Should it be Trump? Will it be DeSantis? Should it be DeSantis?

I guess it's gonna be this, or some permutation of this, for the next couple years. This cycle's new form of #TwoWeeks, #BlahBlahWillCome.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 01, 2023 04:57 PM (oINRc)

Yeah really just all entertainment at this point innit?

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (eYoxG)

288 I don't think Trump should run again, I think his time is past. I also don't think DeSantis will have any more support from the DC establishment than Trump did. They will probably undermine DeSantis just as much as they did Trump. Also, the elections are rigged by the deep state.

The point I'm trying to make is, we are screwed. We are screwed and we'll be lucky to not be living as stone age hunter gatherers in 10 years.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (UuD2k)

289 282
I don't understand why Trump wants to run again. He has a great wife, children and grandchildren and lots of money. I think his family has to deal with too much angst, and they shouldn't be subjected to all the shit again.

Posted by: four seasons at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (ichPI)

========

Because they made it personal. I mean...I get it.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (LvTSG)

290 Every hardcore Trump supporter I know in "real life" (and I used to be in that column) has abandoned Trump.

Not only abandoned him, but actually hates him now.

Posted by: Indrid Cold at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (9BmSv)

291 Someone has already made a "no mean tweets" joke, right?

Posted by: 50% real inflation at February 01, 2023 05:00 PM (/F4Jb)

292 Oh, and for the record, for those who poo-poo this "Ron's a Rino" narrative, what is the correct way to deal with Jeb! making you his chosen candidate ?

Tell establishment RINO wannabe Jeb! Bush to fuck off and take his scumbag Bush stank with him.

?

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:00 PM (eOEVl)

293 And now I'm seeing it all again, and remembering, "Oh yeah, he's kind of a scumbag isn't he?"

Yeah he fights dirty (at least he does it personally instead of through proxies like Romney, but still dirty). A lot of people defend that as being "New Yorker" style, and maybe there's something to that but I still don't like it.

But like you say, he was like that before, and won and did a lot of good, so I mean... okay. Its just, it doesn't even matter any more.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:00 PM (0hOvj)

294 Trump should be President, he isn't. Thinking he can win in 24 is actually mindless, the system is now anaphylactic. . Rather than playing Sysiphus, you take the best of Trump overlain on a winning candidate and move forward. Breaking up is hard to do for some it seems.

Posted by: Indignacio Vindacatorem at February 01, 2023 05:00 PM (oWBc3)

295 Trump was better when he only counter-punched.

Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (94wrE)
---
But he didn't. While Cruz was only talking about their comparative level of experience, Trump was sucker punching Cruz about the Senate censure that Cruz got for saying "I did not believe my party leader would lie to me like that", in reference to McConnell. Cruz broke decorum; you cannot criticize somebody of lying even though they *did*.

Trump took that and called Cruz "disloyal" and said nobody in the Senate wanted to ~~play with him on the playground~~work with him.

And I can't remember the exact timing before Trump started in on his wife.

If you all find this problematic JUST now, fuck you.

Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 05:00 PM (krQz2)

296 247...Yes, I know it’s not a word.
Posted by: Piper at February 01, 2023 04:55 PM (ZdaMQ)

Is too! You just used it. In English, that makes it a word.

Posted by: Flyover at February 01, 2023 05:00 PM (Rbu5d)

297 well, for one thing, Trump always refused to say that he would support a Republican who beat him in 2016.

Also, you're talking about third parties who defeated another third party. I think when you beat trump himself, you become a Life Enemy. He can't accept that and he won't let you prosper from beating him. He'll do what he can to make the Republican lose to prove "No one can win without me."
Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (C1Zwz)

I think he was right to withhold in 2016 given that he was facing a field full of Rinos. DeSantis being the heir-apparent to the MAGA movement should fill him with pride.

Instead, it'll kill him.

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at February 01, 2023 05:00 PM (KbCG3)

298 Look, I get it. Happy Days was once a great show. Then it got old. And then Fonzie jumped the shark.
Good luck on those water skis, people. But many of the original fans have moved on, and no new ones are coming in.

Posted by: Wally at February 01, 2023 05:00 PM (FJYfm)

299 282
I don't understand why Trump wants to run again. He has a great wife, children and grandchildren and lots of money. I think his family has to deal with too much angst, and they shouldn't be subjected to all the shit again.

Posted by: four seasons at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (ichPI)

Same reason as the first time.

Country is in terrible shape.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 05:01 PM (eYoxG)

300

I stand with Ace...

Posted by: Dr Smith-Jones at February 01, 2023 05:01 PM (lwaHO)

301 I think people are looking at this from the perspective of 2023 and not 2020. Back then, the active theory was that the wuhan flu was a chinese bioweapon. That makes for very different decisions.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 01, 2023 05:01 PM (lTGtQ)

302 Posted by: deadrody at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (kYmXc)

"...you people?"

Take it down a notch or two.

Hysteria is the mark of people confident in their candidate.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:01 PM (eOEVl)

303 We can all agree that "elections" don't really happen anymore. That's why I'm still backing Trump at this point. I want them to do the same nonsense as last time, but make it even more obvious. I want those left with discernment prepared for what is coming. People need to realize that if you are reading this, you're a January Sixer, and your government can' t wait to put you in the gulag too. It hates you and wants to punish you. Wake up, grow up, and get ready. Prepare for the worst.

Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 05:01 PM (IrS5h)

304 Trump's flaws are enough to push away many of the voters who voted for him in 2020.

*********

Maybe, depends on whether parts of the country have been closed off due to the nuclear fallout from Pedo Joes brillliant leadership

Posted by: The Unmasked and Unvaxed Ranger at February 01, 2023 05:01 PM (VTu1l)

305 "Unless you just like blowing off a lot of expensive ammo Bump Stocks make absolutely no fucking sense. "

This is a forest through the trees issue. Most people hate bump stocks, but that wasn't the point. That action gave the ATF license to write regulations they had no statutory authority to author. But Trump had to satiate the mob and his ego. Meanwhile they just had their asses handed to them. It was all unnecessary but classic Trump.

Posted by: Marcus T at February 01, 2023 05:01 PM (M5z+9)

306 Trump's flaws are enough to push away many of the voters who voted for him in 2020.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo
----
My brother is one

Posted by: lin-duh at February 01, 2023 05:01 PM (UUBmN)

307 Any Trump vs. DeSantis battle would be long, ugly, vicious, and damaging. And if he loses, Trump would certainly take any opportunity to stick the knife in DeSantis and the media would give him all the time in the world to do it.

That's not meant as a criticism of Trump. It's just reality and the people talking up a DeSantis run who clearly are in denial of that are silly.

Mike

Posted by: MBunge at February 01, 2023 05:01 PM (2tWdQ)

308 This behavior isn't helping him at all.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 04:58 PM (eOEVl)

I agree, and one of the vital things in 2024 besides minimizing the cheat is to energize the Trump base. And him taking potshots at DeSantis makes people scratch their heads...not rush out to vote.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 05:01 PM (XIJ/X)

309 One big problem Trump has is that his tactic is all wrong. He is only going to alienate more people in his party with these attacks. He needs those voters. He doesn't have the popularity that he once had and he only motivates the left to vote.

The left will vote for a glass of water rather than have Trump as POTUS.

If Trump becomes the nominee I will vote for him, but a lot of people won't if he starts trashing DeSantis.

Posted by: redridinghood at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (NpAcC)

310 Oh, is DeSantis running? What's that? He hasn't even announced yet? Then why the eff should I care about a media driven feud?
If he does run, he probably should've told his constituents that he was gonna be a bitch and bail halfway through his term prior to running.

Posted by: VAR1ABLE at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (9KhW1)

311 Trump after COVID and the 2020 steal is like Husband Kimmel after Pearl Harbor. In both cases the disaster that happened on the leader's watch is not necessarily the leader's fault, but you need new leadership for the recovery and rebuild.

The US Navy had plenty of talented people at the ready to take Kimmel's place. I've been thinking that's not the case with conservative alternatives to Trump. Now I'm starting to wonder.

Posted by: Jack Squat Bupkis at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (dQfJF)

312 This slender brunette has no political opinions, but she sure does love going to the beach:
https://is.gd/EdbPOO

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (t0OGg)

313 276 There's no such thing as taming the bureaucracy. Trump's plan is simply to fire as many as he can. Unclear what DeSantis's plan is but he's not yet defined his positions broadly.
Posted by: Red Turban

He hasn’t announced a run. Just Nikki. Hogan, that great conservative stalwart from MD who hasn’t met a mask mandate he didn’t love, said maybe because we need a hero. Super big eye roll.

Posted by: Piper at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (ZdaMQ)

314 *peeps in* *runs away*

Posted by: IC - #FJB #MitchTheBitch at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (mnUzy)

315 I was temporarily posting with another 'nic because the hamsters were fighting me. I should be back now.

It's hard to tell where the invisible red lines are.

Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (gHSfI)

316 >>>I don't understand why Trump wants to run again.

I do. He was screwed. The Democrats beat him by either actual fraud or by changing the rules to make fraud legal. Which sounds a lot like fraud.

I understand he wants vengeance, and vindication. And I'd support him in that, if I thought he could achieve those things.

But I don't think he can. This is three cycles in a row in which the majority of voters seem to view Trump poorly. It's not like everyone hates him. But by a thin majority, more see him unfavorably than favorably, and not only can Trump not do anything about that, but he doesn't even want to try. He keeps doubling down on the same abrasive crap that makes people not like him.

And I don't even think that "Trump's tweets" and that bullshit is a GOOD reason to oppose him. But a thin majority of people do oppose him, and we have to confront that reality.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (C1Zwz)

317 No more Baby Boomer Presidents.

And as for the Silent Gen, there was a reason that we never had one as President until Senile Joe stumbled in.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (1m0r6)

318 Yea, I really don't want to watch this movie...

Posted by: Paladin at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (5S+8W)

319 "...you people?"

"What do you mean, 'you people?'?"
--Alpa Chino

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (0hOvj)

320 312 This slender brunette has no political opinions, but she sure does love going to the beach:
https://is.gd/EdbPOO
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (t0OGg)

========

I somehow doubt that she pays her own way...well, with money.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, watching some Best Pictures at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (LvTSG)

321 Here's what I think will happen - Trump will run as will DeSantis. They will crush the Goper Fuckwhits and we will get a real debate between Trump and DeStantis about our Nation's Future. The Dems will arrange a new Fuck Doll and put him/her up early as the nominee. So everyone will listen to Trump v DeSantis debates on issues. Then the Dems will steal the election for the Fuck Doll. Then, and only then, will the Supremes have to find Standing for any number of States asking for an audit. So back to square one - all over again.

Posted by: Puddihead at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (4vi12)

322 196 Imagine not recognizing the hidden hand of globalism pushing people on the right back into the nonthreatening camp of conservatism, which is a guaranteed loser, instead of embracing populist nationalism. Ron loves sending jobs, troops, and money overseas while he champions Paul Ryan and the Bush family. What a winner.

Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 04:49 PM (IrS5h)
----------------------

Imagine not recognizing you're repeating the same thing over and over and over again.

Posted by: Bea Arthur's Dick at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (TU8Tj)

323 Yeah he fights dirty (at least he does it personally instead of through proxies like Romney, but still dirty). A lot of people defend that as being "New Yorker" style, and maybe there's something to that but I still don't like it.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:00 PM (0hOvj)
---
I *never* liked it. But he got the nomination *fairly* (all things considered) and then I'm only thinking about Supreme Court appointments.

Hillary would have placed Levrentiy Garland back on the docket.

Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (krQz2)

324 The worst part will be when DeSantis gets to DC and has to learn four years of lessons Trump already learned while being surrounded by people who aren't part of his state government but their own government.

President Trump, vp DeSantis, then 8 years of DeSantis

That's a joke, BTW. There is no path to 270.

Posted by: 50% real inflation at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (/F4Jb)

325 I'm reminded of the Dark Knight movie with the Joker--break the damn pool stick, give each man a piece, and best one wins. Period.

If Trump quit tomorrow, we wouldn't get DeSantis because the Deep State would quickly torpedo him. If DeSantis can withstand the fire, then good for him. Don't we need a fighter to take back America? So what? Just because Trump attacks there is no need to get panties in a wad. Best fighter wins.

Posted by: Scoob at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (7rlWo)

326 Every hardcore Trump supporter I know in "real life" (and I used to be in that column) has abandoned Trump.

Not only abandoned him, but actually hates him now.
Posted by: Indrid Cold at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (9BmSv)

That's right there is some bona fide bullshit

Posted by: JoeF. at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (mR6Gs)

327 312 This slender brunette has no political opinions, but she sure does love going to the beach:
https://is.gd/EdbPOO
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (t0OGg)

Oh wow. Oh wowwowwow....wow

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (XvPQV)

328 The majority of the gun community hates Trump. He lied to us about his full support of the 2A (Bumpstocks, ERPO, Silencers, NFA, Reciprocity, etc.)

Posted by: Maj. Healey at February 01, 2023 04:51 PM (D25PY)

Bullshit. That is a ridiculous statement and completely unsupported by the facts.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (XIJ/X)

329 I just wish I was smart as the rest of you guys

Posted by: sofasaver at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (us2H3)

330 Trump or DeSantis, I'll vote for. Any random GOPe stalwart: No.

Posted by: Blake - semi lurker at large at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (1EFfL)

331 This slender brunette has no political opinions, but she sure does love going to the beach:

Looks like Diamondhead.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:04 PM (eOEVl)

332 The longer it goes on, the less DeSantis is in the active conversation about the GOP primary at all, and the narrative changes to just Trump vs. everyone else (the GOPe, mostly). When we get months of polls, into June at least, of Trump being 40 points over Nikki Haley, Jeb Bush, John Kasich, and Liz Cheney, is that the kind of environment that DeSantis decides to enter?

Trump wouldn't look weak at all. He'd look very strong, especially after well-funded rivals start dropping before DeSantis even enters the race.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
--------
Trump looked at his worst last fall versus DeSantis, current polling though shows DeSantis fading again. Simply put, someone not running a state (and DeSantis with his rep as a careful manager cannot let Florida slide while running) has an advantage over someone that doesn't.

Essentially what Trump is doing for his followers is defining DeSantis before DeSantis can do it himself and also preempting possible lines of attack. People without a job and a megaphone can do these sorts of things--a governor has more difficulty in doing that.

Posted by: whig at February 01, 2023 05:04 PM (9gg1V)

333 314 *peeps in* *runs away*
Posted by: IC - #FJB #MitchTheBitch at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (mnUzy)

Probably wise. Mummy and Daddy have had a bit to drink. They are still in the warm up before the throw down anger sex.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:04 PM (zZu0s)

334 I would like DeSantis asked about what he would do about the J6 people if elected. Just curious.

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 05:04 PM (chxhW)

335 *peaks into thread*

*slowly backs away*

Posted by: Heavy Meta at February 01, 2023 05:04 PM (NgqoH)

336 Seems like a good day for me to have been busy. New nics, Trump versus DeSantis, soft mea culpa in Newsweek.

Mehta. I'm with ace on this. I was wrong too.

Posted by: BifBewalski at February 01, 2023 05:04 PM (3CCua)

337 This slender brunette has no political opinions, but she sure does love going to the beach:
https://is.gd/EdbPOO
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (t0OGg)

nice

Posted by: JoeF. at February 01, 2023 05:04 PM (mR6Gs)

338 240 I'll be the first one to admit that Trump's biggest and most pronounced failure was his germophobic response to the Wuflu...
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons

Yet if you read the Lefty sites,
- "Trump was anti-vax"
- "Trump refused to lockdown"
- "Trump policies killed millions"
...
He had no way to win, and chose a path that got him the most legitimate votes.
I don't blame his bad decisions in hindsight.

Posted by: Gentlemen, this is junta manifest at February 01, 2023 05:04 PM (Tik0g)

339 Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (XIJ/X)

And CBD is far from Trump's greatest fan

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (chxhW)

340 327 312 This slender brunette has no political opinions, but she sure does love going to the beach:
https://is.gd/EdbPOO
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at February 01, 2023 05:02 PM (t0OGg)

Oh wow. Oh wowwowwow....wow
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (XvPQV)

What he said. That is a long torso. Creamy skin. Nice smile.

+1

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (zZu0s)

341 321 Here's what I think will happen - Trump will run as will DeSantis. They will crush the Goper Fuckwhits and we will get a real debate between Trump and DeStantis about our Nation's Future. The Dems will arrange a new Fuck Doll and put him/her up early as the nominee. So everyone will listen to Trump v DeSantis debates on issues. Then the Dems will steal the election for the Fuck Doll. Then, and only then, will the Supremes have to find Standing for any number of States asking for an audit. So back to square one - all over again.
Posted by: Puddihead at February 01, 2023 05:03 PM (4vi12)

Sounds about right. Though I don't think a Trump v DeSantis debate will be all that informative. Just isn't that much genuine disagreement. Could be entertaining.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (eYoxG)

342 >>>If he does run, he probably should've told his constituents that he was gonna be a bitch and bail halfway through his term prior to running.

yes yes, and he's a "liar" because he said he wouldn't run in 2024 but oh wait no he never said that, that's just some bullshit that pro-trump stalwarts keep lying about.

DeSantis was repeatedly demanded by Charlie Crist to say he'd serve out his four year term. He repeatedly REFUSED to promise that, saying he couldn't predict the future.

So he told them it was a possibility.

Also, his supporters chanted "TWO MORE YEARS! TWO MORE YEARS!" at his crushing victory rally.

Two years. Not four.

They know.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (C1Zwz)

343 I have zero doubt that if Trump and DeSantis get into a bitter primary and DeSantis wins, Trump will do everything in his power to try and throw the election to Biden.

And deep down, even his supporters know this is true.

Posted by: Indrid Cold at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (9BmSv)

344 Metha = Meh

How in the eff does Autocucomber get that horse apple in there?

Posted by: BifBewalski at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (3CCua)

345 I think Trump ran the government awfully good for 3 years. Then the AI of the Deep State had analyzed his behavior patterns enough that they could trap him in something like the shamdemic shut down.

Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (krQz2)

346 The worst part will be when DeSantis gets to DC and has to learn four years of lessons Trump already learned while being surrounded by people who aren't part of his state government but their own government.

President Trump, vp DeSantis, then 8 years of DeSantis

That's a joke, BTW. There is no path to 270.

Then why do you care who the candidate is?

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (eOEVl)

347 This slender brunette has no political opinions, but she sure does love going to the beach

Lovely girl. Could use some cheeseburgers.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (0hOvj)

348 334 I would like DeSantis asked about what he would do about the J6 people if elected. Just curious.
Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 05:04 PM (chxhW)

I would like all of these asshats asked that. Every motherfucking one.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:06 PM (zZu0s)

349 In Trump's recent statements, he airily says he will "order" the bureaucracy to do this and that, but he should know by now it's not that simple. DeSantis has learned how to tame a bureaucracy enough to get it to do the things he wants done. As a lawyer and former congressman and war veteran, he understands the government better than most anyone else.
Posted by: Rusty Trawler at February 01, 2023 04:56 PM (1gif2)

DeSantis has a legislature that's willing to pass laws allowing DeSantis to face FL's deep state. Without that he would be faring no better than Trump did with the deep state in DC.

Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at February 01, 2023 05:06 PM (BdMk6)

350 Trump will do everything in his power to try and throw the election to Biden.

And deep down, even his supporters know this is true.
Posted by: Indrid Cold at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (9BmSv)
---
I do not know that, Madame Cleo.

Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 05:06 PM (krQz2)

351
Anyway, my take on it is that while I like both candidates a lot, Trump's probably fucked - too damaged, too familiar, the whole thing is already over in most people's minds.

Also that DeSantis is probably fucked; too nerdy, too unfamiliar, and he has all the charisma of a boot full of piss.

All of that only matters in the context of clean elections, so not at all.

But if either one somehow beats the cheat and the natural political headwinds, against all odds, then his Presidency will be a sad repetition of '17-'21, with all of the corruption, intrigues, grandstanding, and backstabbing, ending in another disaster.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 01, 2023 05:06 PM (oINRc)

352 >>>0 I'll be the first one to admit that Trump's biggest and most pronounced failure was his germophobic response to the Wuflu...
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons

if the vaccine is proven to cause more harm than good, for the first time ever, the media will begin calling it "Trump's vaccine."

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 05:06 PM (C1Zwz)

353 As a Florida resident, I do not want DeSantis running in 2024. Finish his governor term, think about 2028. If 2024 has "no path" let Trump take the loss, leave DeSantis for 2028.

Oh, and remember, Trump is a meaniehead and "that's not who we are!"

Posted by: Ann at February 01, 2023 05:06 PM (rBu2O)

354 I just wish I was smart as the rest of you guys

Posted by: sofasaver
___

I'm just a dumb housewife who shares memes.

Posted by: SMH at what's coming at February 01, 2023 05:06 PM (xMdtr)

355 Lovely girl. Could use some cheeseburgers.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (0hOvj)

I can get my own cheeseburgers.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:07 PM (zZu0s)

356 By the way, that doesn't mean I'm all in on DeSantis either. I believe he needs some national mileage on him before we can be sure he's the right person. But Trump attacking him like that tells me he sees DeSantis as a pretty good rival.

Posted by: Marcus T at February 01, 2023 05:07 PM (M5z+9)

357 The worst part will be when DeSantis gets to DC and has to learn four years of lessons Trump already learned while being surrounded by people who aren't part of his state government but their own government.
Posted by: 50% real inflation

DeathSantis was the FL Rep in 2012. He's had 4 years of DC experience.

Posted by: Lucifer at February 01, 2023 05:07 PM (XF9Gj)

358 Then why do you care who the candidate is?

I do only in the sense that I don't want to see DeSantis be mangled by the election machine. I want him to stay in Florida and keep doing what he's doing.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:07 PM (0hOvj)

359 I always figured that Trump and Ron had a "gentleman's agreement" that Trump would have 2024 and Ron would have 2028--and beyond.

Or maybe Trump THOUGHT they did.

Posted by: JoeF. at February 01, 2023 05:07 PM (mR6Gs)

360 SASQUATCH!

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 01, 2023 05:07 PM (07+Zf)

361 231 DeSantis is a doody-head and a fart sniffer.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at February 01, 2023 04:53 PM (ZqJGw)

I like this comment. It perfectly encapsulates the sturm and drang of these threads.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:07 PM (zZu0s)

362 Every hardcore Trump supporter I know in "real life" (and I used to be in that column) has abandoned Trump.

Not only abandoned him, but actually hates him now.
Posted by: Indrid Cold
-

Hahaha

Even knowing there's no path to 270, I don't know of a single one who wouldn't crawl over broken glass to vote for him

Posted by: 50% real inflation at February 01, 2023 05:07 PM (/F4Jb)

363 343 I have zero doubt that if Trump and DeSantis get into a bitter primary and DeSantis wins, Trump will do everything in his power to try and throw the election to Biden.

And deep down, even his supporters know this is true.
-----------
No we don't. Trump will put up a fight cuz he fights. If DeSantis bests him Trump will be his best friend and confidant. Hell, DeSantis putting Trump in as AG would fucking be yuge, classy and marvelous.

Posted by: Puddihead at February 01, 2023 05:07 PM (4vi12)

364 360 SASQUATCH!
Posted by: nurse ratched at February 01, 2023 05:07 PM (07+Zf)

Only that one time and I was really drunk.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at February 01, 2023 05:08 PM (UuD2k)

365 Essentially what Trump is doing for his followers is defining DeSantis before DeSantis can do it himself and also preempting possible lines of attack. People without a job and a megaphone can do these sorts of things--a governor has more difficulty in doing that.

That may be what Trump THINKS he's doing, but he's really defining himself, and not to his benefit.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:08 PM (eOEVl)

366 >>>346 The worst part will be when DeSantis gets to DC and has to learn four years of lessons Trump already learned while being surrounded by people who aren't part of his state government but their own government.

DeSantis experienced the most savage media attacks of any prospective president not named "Donald Trump."

People keep claiming he's "untested."

The media has been attacking him relentlessly for four years.

He gets it.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 05:08 PM (C1Zwz)

367 Warts and all, I think that PDT was one of our greatest Presidents in modern history. That being said, I would rather vote for DeSantis than Trump for a variety of reasons. Hate that Trump is name calling DeSantis when he has also, had a very productive/successful Governorship of a large, diverse state. I just don't see DeSantis as a RINO/Globalist but I could have missed something big.

Posted by: Cheri at February 01, 2023 05:08 PM (oiNtH)

368 Sasquatch is the new squirrel?

Posted by: Blake - semi lurker at large at February 01, 2023 05:08 PM (1EFfL)

369 I'm just a dumb housewife who shares memes.
Posted by: SMH at what's coming

Yeah, right !

Posted by: JT at February 01, 2023 05:08 PM (T4tVD)

370 Tried to get caught up and only ended up farther behind.
You can alwasy tell the trolls because they are nasty. They alwasy use language to demean instead of making a cogent argument.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 01, 2023 05:08 PM (Y+l9t)

371 282 I don't understand why Trump wants to run again.
Posted by: four seasons

IF
If you can be cheated out of a win, and get up to fight again.

Posted by: Zombie Kipling at February 01, 2023 05:08 PM (Tik0g)

372 Also that DeSantis is probably fucked; too nerdy, too unfamiliar, and he has all the charisma of a boot full of piss.

Yeah, he's even less charismatic than Bush the younger. At least Bush had that "aw shucks I'm just a simple Christian" thing going, even if it wasn't true. DeSantis is about as charismatic as a plank of oak.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:08 PM (0hOvj)

373 And I don't even think that "Trump's tweets" and that bullshit is a GOOD reason to oppose him. But a thin majority of people do oppose him, and we have to confront that reality.

Posted by: ace
--------
Polling has been consistently unreliable Ace regarding Trump. I suspect that is because he brought back the shy Trump voter syndrome and also reaches beyond the traditional GOP base.

Assuming that DeSantis positions himself to continue American first against corporatists on financial matters and follows Trump's peace everywhere rebuke, then I have no problem with him. But, there is an eerie pattern of GOPe type pol-bots that use social issues to define themselves and then promptly pivot toward corporate knob gobbling and bombs away.

Notice GWB was positioned that way until he went into office.

Posted by: whig at February 01, 2023 05:09 PM (9gg1V)

374 356 By the way, that doesn't mean I'm all in on DeSantis either. I believe he needs some national mileage on him before we can be sure he's the right person. But Trump attacking him like that tells me he sees DeSantis as a pretty good rival.
Posted by: Marcus T at February 01, 2023 05:07 PM (M5z+9)

This reminds me of a story I have seen repeated in a lot of media- it is almost a parable. A man is falling off a cliff. There is nothing to grab onto but a small tuft of grass. He has to know that it will give way, but he grabs it still.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:09 PM (zZu0s)

375 Who did Trump say that to?

Was it during his speech to the sodomite Republicans where he promised to work hard for butt-humpers?

Posted by: Bitter Clinger at February 01, 2023 05:09 PM (aa0td)

376 I'm sure the commenters in here that think Trump can still win in 2024 also think that Kari Lake will somehow still win the AZ governorship. And I voted for Trump twice. The more he goes attacks other Republicans, the more I think he'll be a third party candidate, thereby giving Biden a second term.

Posted by: toddg at February 01, 2023 05:09 PM (B3RQo)

377 Trump cannot win. He won't ever be allowed to be President again.

I want him to just bow out. Go away. He's toxic.
I appreciate much of what he did. But I will not support him in the primaries.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 01, 2023 05:09 PM (07+Zf)

378 well, for one thing, Trump always refused to say that he would support a Republican who beat him in 2016.

Also, you're talking about third parties who defeated another third party. I think when you beat trump himself, you become a Life Enemy. He can't accept that and he won't let you prosper from beating him. He'll do what he can to make the Republican lose to prove "No one can win without me."
Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:59 PM (C1Zwz)

Ok but *saying it* in the middle of a primary (accepting a hypothetical where you are a "loser" and elevating an active opponent, which is not Trump's style at all) and doing it are two different things.

If nothing else, Trump doesn't want to be known forever as a Loser, and a third party run where he gets 10% of the vote or whatever, and a Democrat elected, would be some fuckin' way to go out. Complete and utter loserdom. Don't see it.

Maybe we'll get a chance to find out.

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 05:09 PM (chxhW)

379 SASQUATCH!
Posted by: nurse ratched
___

"That's President Sasquatch to you, peon."

Posted by: Michelle Obama getting ready for 2024 at February 01, 2023 05:09 PM (xMdtr)

380 173 This right here is why I look forward to a primary challenge. There are a lot of things that are going to be thrown at Trump in the election. If his response is always going to be ad hominems, ego vacations, obfuscation of the truth and a bunch of unintelligible crap, we lose.
Posted by: Marcus T at February 01, 2023 04:47 PM (M5z+9)

With respect, if this were true how do Dems ever win?

Posted by: Inogame, Ruski Botski at February 01, 2023 05:09 PM (53oGX)

381 >>>They'll vote for him if he's the choice, but more and more people would rather it be DeSantis. This behavior isn't helping him at all.
Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 04:58 PM (eOEVl)

======

Yep. You have perfectly described me and my family.

Posted by: Turn Two at February 01, 2023 05:09 PM (JfxgE)

382 So, Trump said and did so many great things, but in pride and ignorance has been gaslighted and bamboozled. Flummoxed.

"I realize that this may be hard for some to forgive but I ask that you look at my 9+ years of public service and not just this one terrible decision."

Oh, wait, that quote wasn't Trump.....
😛

Posted by: mindful webworker of the department of deplorable webworkers at February 01, 2023 05:10 PM (mP6Ur)

383 DeathSantis was the FL Rep in 2012. He's had 4 years of DC experience.

-

As a non-executive. I don't doubt that he got a taste of the machine, but he absolutely didn't experience telling the military to withdraw from Syria and them saying "nah bruh"

Posted by: 50% real inflation at February 01, 2023 05:10 PM (/F4Jb)

384 Yeah, he's even less charismatic than Bush the younger. At least Bush had that "aw shucks I'm just a simple Christian" thing going, even if it wasn't true. DeSantis is about as charismatic as a plank of oak.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:08 PM (0hOvj)

Hmmm, disagree. He is far better than say Jindal or Walker as examples.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:10 PM (zZu0s)

385 Trump's current problem is he is being muted by Manhattan Media via ignoring him. If you get a Trump v DeSantis cage fight going then Manhattan Media will wet itself to cover the match. Both Trump and DeSantis win in this scenario. So does America. Duh.

Posted by: Puddihead at February 01, 2023 05:10 PM (4vi12)

386 I do not know that, Madame Cleo.

That's Miss Cleo. "Call me, mon."

HBO had a documetary on her, which started out interesting enough, as she faked her background and had legal problems. But she was gay, don't you know, and that trumps everything in Year Zero America. So the documentary devolved into this weird homosexual praise and worship service.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls - an election is simply a festival for the majority at February 01, 2023 05:10 PM (ppBhU)

387 *waves to whig*

Posted by: SMH at what's coming at February 01, 2023 05:10 PM (fRiS1)

388 "Notice GWB was positioned that way until he went into office.

Posted by: whig at February 01, 2023 05:09 PM (9gg1V)"

The fact that some of his top campaign advisors worked with Christie is concerning. I see the tact to the middle strategy as having potential.

Posted by: Marcus T at February 01, 2023 05:10 PM (M5z+9)

389
Yeah, he's even less charismatic than Bush the younger. At least Bush had that "aw shucks I'm just a simple Christian" thing going, even if it wasn't true. DeSantis is about as charismatic as a plank of oak.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:08 PM (0hOvj)

I disagree

Posted by: JoeF. at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (mR6Gs)

390
Hmmm, disagree. He is far better than say Jindal or Walker as examples.
Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:10 PM (zZu0s)

Yes; Walker is a flaccid cuck, and so is Jindal, but Jindal is also a fey robot.

DeSantis is a better candidate by miles than either of those two walking jokes.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (oINRc)

391 Perspective is a funny beast...these statements are in response to questions. Funny how those aren't usually included in the framing of the "gotcha!" soundbites.

Both Trump and DeSantis are being baited. And at this point, neither of them has had a particularly stellar record with the media shell game. Trump is older and set in his ways, De Santis does sometimes come across as rather sanctimonious in some of his pronouncements.

So, qui bono if the two major players in the populist movement destroy each other? You know, like what happened to the Tea Party?

The Uniparty.

Posted by: Si vis pacem fac bellum at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (tfCQg)

392
So are we back to thinking an election, any election, will ever make a difference?

Posted by: Eromero at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (i2P4a)

393 343 I have zero doubt that if Trump and DeSantis get into a bitter primary and DeSantis wins, Trump will do everything in his power to try and throw the election to Biden.

And deep down, even his supporters know this is true.
Posted by: Indrid Cold at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (9BmSv)

There is no evidence of this.
I'd argue that he fights to win, and in the end he will always love America more than being sour about losing.

Posted by: Inogame, Ruski Botski at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (53oGX)

394 America is absolutely doomed, as are many here.

Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (IrS5h)

395 Then why do you care who the candidate is?
Posted by: Archimedes

I agree that there is no path to 270, and I don't care who get the ticket at this point.

I hate these Trump/DeSantis cage match posts.

Posted by: Gentlemen, this is junta manifest at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (Tik0g)

396 I think the pandemic will be behind us when the election starts to heat up. This line of attack on who was better will be meaningless.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (Y+l9t)

397 Cue the circular firing squad.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (rh25V)

398 Or bright red states like AZ. Yeah, I think AZ is bright red.

To win abortion mouse got rid of about 10% of the real vote so I think you are right.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (lc5cP)

399 376 I'm sure the commenters in here that think Trump can still win in 2024 also think that Kari Lake will somehow still win the AZ governorship. And I voted for Trump twice. The more he goes attacks other Republicans, the more I think he'll be a third party candidate, thereby giving Biden a second term.
Posted by: toddg at February 01, 2023 05:09 PM (B3RQo)

But your pointing out of Kari Lake gets to the rub of what those talking about it all being meaningless deck chair feng shui- the vote has to be real, or this is all pointless anyway.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (zZu0s)

400 I'd prefer Trump accept the mantle of the elder statesman and king maker. But he won't. His ego won't let him.

Will the GOPe rally around DeSantis? Possibly, begrudgingly. But only after he curb stomps whatever meat puppet they put up against him in the primary.

This and buck fifty will get you a coffee at WaWa.

Posted by: Heavy Meta at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (NgqoH)

401 DeSantis is about as charismatic as a plank of oak.

I disagree with this. But I'm an idiot who actually thought Phil Gramm should have been president. So my judgment may be impaired on the subject of charisma.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls - an election is simply a festival for the majority at February 01, 2023 05:12 PM (ppBhU)

402 Hate that Trump is name calling DeSantis when he has also, had a very productive/successful Governorship of a large, diverse state. I just don't see DeSantis as a RINO/Globalist but I could have missed something big.

That's the problem in a nutshell. DeSantis has a long, positive record of being highly effective on the issues of concern to conservatives. Trump calling him these names just makes Trump look petty and small - not a good look for a President.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:12 PM (eOEVl)

403 You big dummy!

Posted by: Fred G. Sanford at February 01, 2023 05:12 PM (fs1hN)

404 394 America is absolutely doomed, as are many here.
Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (IrS5h)

Maybe. Everyone and everything dies.
Better to die fighting than to live as mewling quim.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 05:12 PM (XvPQV)

405 Remember the hospital ships that CA and NY governors said they desperately needed back then? Remember the tents put up by Samaritan's Purse in Central Park? Pure BS. Pure Regime Destabilization Theater, and Trump or his surrogates should have lit into them.

So, good that he's not a politician; bad he's not a politician as well.

Posted by: Ultra pj at February 01, 2023 05:12 PM (G1dq6)

406 >>>As a Florida resident, I do not want DeSantis running in 2024. Finish his governor term, think about 2028. If 2024 has "no path" let Trump take the loss, leave DeSantis for 2028.

why would there be "no path" in 2024? The Democrats will have put the country into an official recession for 2024.

If you mean no path due to cheating, why would that situation clear up by 2028?

I hear the "no path" thing from Trump supporters who nevertheless want Trump to run and win in 2024. They keep saying there is no path to victory -- and then they say, so let trump win

I do not believe they believe there's No Path or else they wouldn't keep insisting that trump get the honor of losing a no-win election. It sounds like an attempt to convince DeSantis he shouldn't bother.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 05:12 PM (C1Zwz)

407 Trump won't throw the election to Biden if Desantis wins the nomination. Trump loves Trump, but he also loves the country.

Posted by: Eskimo at February 01, 2023 05:12 PM (L498I)

408 YYYYEEEEAAAAARRRGGGGGHHH

Tension breaker. Had to be done.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at February 01, 2023 05:12 PM (u73oe)

409 He is far better than say Jindal or Walker as examples.

Yeah but that's like saying a musician is better than Biz Markee and Yoko Ono, its not exactly an endorsement. I like DeSantis policies and actions, I like his statements, I like that he's not 800 years old. But he's not exactly Blazing with raw dynamic personal charisma.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:13 PM (0hOvj)

410 Ok, you are right, TJM.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:13 PM (zZu0s)

411
I disagree with this. But I'm an idiot who actually thought Phil Gramm should have been president. So my judgment may be impaired on the subject of charisma.

A president Gramm in 1996 would have led to a much better, much stronger America.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 01, 2023 05:13 PM (lc5cP)

412 America is absolutely doomed, as are many here.
Posted by: Laslof
___

Without Jesus Christ, this is true.

Besides, He saves individuals, not nations.

And with all they baby-mutilating, child-raping going on...I just don't see God being too merciful to us at the moment.

Posted by: SMH at what's coming at February 01, 2023 05:13 PM (fRiS1)

413 408 YYYYEEEEAAAAARRRGGGGGHHH

Tension breaker. Had to be done.
Posted by: Duke Lowell at February 01, 2023 05:12 PM (u73oe)

Summer School. With a pretty decent Kirstie Alley.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:13 PM (zZu0s)

414 In the upcoming super bowl featuring Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs, I hate both teams and will be rooting for injuries.

In the upcoming primary battle between Trump and DeSantis, I am just the opposite, I am just rooting for no injuries. Whoever wins, God bless him, and go get the Dems.

I am grateful to Trump for taking the scales off all of our eyes and exposing all of the corruption and managing to freakin' recalibrating our entire political system. However, I'm kinda tired of his schtick. I will happily vote for him again, but would kinda prefer if he threw the weight of his movement behind DeSantis as a new torch bearer. I'll support either, and my primary desire is to make the process civil and not damaging to either.

Posted by: tommylotto at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (6QQM8)

415 356. @marcus T

I need help understanding this argument. DeSantis was in DC 4 years. Trump had nothing, no foreign policy, no government experience at all.

I will vote for Trump, but right this minute, I am liking DeSantis. But he hasn’t announced. And I am very jaded on elections in general.

Posted by: Piper at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (ZdaMQ)

416 No, you won’t let it go ACE and President Trumps right, DeSantis IS a globalist

Follow the money

He’s being cute by 2

Great plan though, looks amd acts like a MAGA, but those knifes in President Trumps back, they are real

Posted by: Gonzotx at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (t4poC)

417 A guiding principle that I learned early in my career and applied frequently is that when faced with a novel situation, or one in which outcomes are not clearly defined, is to keep as many options open as possible, and don't burn bridges.

I wish that this strategy had been applied at both the federal and state levels with COVID, rather than trying to adopt a one-size-fits-all standard and then making it mandatory.

(For example, at the state level metro Denver is not the same as rural Alamosa when it comes to exposure risk vis-a-vis masking, social distancing, public spaces, etc.). A thousand laboratories of democracy and all that.

Posted by: Muldoon at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (ykeLU)

418 DeSantis experienced the most savage media attacks of any prospective president not named "Donald Trump."

People keep claiming he's "untested."

The media has been attacking him relentlessly for four years.

He gets it.

Posted by: ace
----

Except I'm not talking about the media.

I'm talking about the FBI, the CIA, the ATF, etc. The embedded government. Not the deep state. Just the state.

Posted by: 50% real inflation at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (/F4Jb)

419
People keep claiming he's "untested."

The media has been attacking him relentlessly for four years.

He gets it.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 05:08 PM (C1Zwz)

Sure, DeSantis is tested but he hasn't faced even a scintilla of what he WILL face as a nominee. It's a valid argument, especially as compared to Trump. If someone wants to say Trump was tested and failed, fine.

But DeSantis is not tested on the level of a Republican nominee. Nowhere near.

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (chxhW)

420 RDS gets called a globalist, and we get a rehash of COVID responses. Seems to be a common theme among pundits. When will we be discussing RDS' neocon foreign policy, his trade deals, etc?

Posted by: Darth Kong at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (5g4nE)

421 Better to die fighting than to live as mewling quim.
___

Hooah.

Posted by: SMH at what's coming at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (fRiS1)

422 "If you mean no path due to cheating, why would that situation clear up by 2028? "

It won't change until there are major leadership and structural changes at the RNC. Period. And Trump can now be counted on the record as being in favor of that status quo.

Posted by: Marcus T at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (M5z+9)

423 394 America is absolutely doomed, as are many here.
Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 05:11 PM (IrS5h)

So be it.

Plus, you do not have to sound so excited.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (zZu0s)

424 Trump is bumming me up, more and more every day.

He needs to focus and stay positive. I thought he might be doing that for about 3 minutes. He only used to strike back, which is what we loved about him. Not going after the best we got on our team.

He's going to alienate more people than win them over. If he'd stay positive DeSantis would probably stay out of the race. This kind of shit is more of a challenge.

Posted by: clutch cargo - Now fortified with CPM-S90V at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (zB/T/)

425 But I'm an idiot who actually thought Phil Gramm should have been president.

The record producer? OK, but I don't know if he has the experience or skills.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (0hOvj)

426
Who to back, who to back, hmmm.

I know, let's find out who Lindsey Graham is endorsing!

Posted by: Chuck Martel at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (fs1hN)

427 This post is so out of character. I'm shocked.

Posted by: DOYLE at February 01, 2023 05:15 PM (Z8Yh2)

428 DeSantis is about as charismatic as a plank of oak.

That's a gross overstatement, but he could do with some coaching on how to give a speech. Still, he actually speaks in complete sentences and uses English words, as opposed to the Dem candidates.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:15 PM (eOEVl)

429 Even more than touting how great the vaccines are, what bothers me is all of the Establishment he endorses. Behind the scenes he and his team were whipping for Ronna, so don't tell me he is listening to the base.

Maybe at one time, but not any more.

Posted by: abbynormal at February 01, 2023 05:15 PM (CIl8X)

430 “One complaint I've had with Trump again and again is that he allowed the Deep State to do what it wanted, and then would merely complain about it at rallies or on Twitter, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he was head of the executive branch and could do more than complain”

…… Yes and no. It was pretty clear that any move against Fauci et al would’ve been met with impeachment, and the Senate GOP would not have protected him. Also, his orders would’ve been met with immediate bureaucratic doublecrosses, as well as the Hawaiian judge ordering them stopped. So yes, he should’ve tried, but no, there was no way in hell he was ever gonna get this done.

Posted by: Trumpy at February 01, 2023 05:15 PM (5f0Sh)

431 As a non-executive. I don't doubt that he got a taste of the machine, but he absolutely didn't experience telling the military to withdraw from Syria and them saying "nah bruh"
Posted by: 50% real inflation

Moving the goal posts. Strike one.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 01, 2023 05:15 PM (XF9Gj)

432
why would there be "no path" in 2024? The Democrats will have put the country into an official recession for 2024.

I do not believe they believe there's No Path or else they wouldn't keep insisting that trump get the honor of losing a no-win election. It sounds like an attempt to convince DeSantis he shouldn't bother.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 05:12 PM (C1Zwz)

The most prominent no pathers (such as myself, YD, TJM, CRT) I don't believe are suggesting Trump will actually win.

DeSantis doesn't hear what we say anyways.

I think we had a recession in first half of 2022, kind of skeptical we'll be in one come election season.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 05:15 PM (eYoxG)

433 Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 05:12 PM (C1Zwz)

"No path" was in quotes as is posted in comments almost daily here since the 2022 election. "Republicans have no path to 270 in 2024." The Eeyore-ism is strong.

Posted by: Ann at February 01, 2023 05:15 PM (rBu2O)

434 We're fighting over Don and Ron, but the GOPe really wants a Youngkin/Nikki ticket, or the reverse.

Ryan wants DonRon to tear each other into pieces so that a Rino ticket will lose to Newsom

Posted by: JoeF. at February 01, 2023 05:16 PM (mR6Gs)

435 Cue the circular firing squad.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm

Spider man finger pointing meme. Amirite?

Posted by: BifBewalski at February 01, 2023 05:16 PM (3CCua)

436 Yeah but that's like saying a musician is better than Biz Markee and Yoko Ono, its not exactly an endorsement. I like DeSantis policies and actions, I like his statements, I like that he's not 800 years old. But he's not exactly Blazing with raw dynamic personal charisma.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:13 PM (0hOvj)

And as I tried to say with the story about clutching onto the available tuft of grass- I do not really give a shit about charisma. If that is our only good option, then we take it.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:16 PM (zZu0s)

437 I'm generally a lurker here - amazing how many new nics there are in this thread.

Posted by: Heavy Meta at February 01, 2023 05:16 PM (NgqoH)

438 Can anyone name the Sugeon General in 2020? You know, the country's doctor whom Trump should have had front and center instead of Fauci?

Posted by: Cicero Kaboom! Kid at February 01, 2023 05:16 PM (3Or4S)

439 I don't think Biden will last out the year. I think people will want the geriatric era to end. There are a number of civil cases and grand juries about to start eating away at Trump. I like him. I admire how he has stood up to all this but just imagine if he got behind DeSantis. Said it's tiime for new blood. I do not want Trump debating Newsom. It gives the Dems an out. Someone they can vote against Trump and feel righteous.
Biden's done.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 01, 2023 05:16 PM (Y+l9t)

440 "If you mean no path due to cheating, why would that situation clear up by 2028? "

It won't change until there are major leadership and structural changes at the RNC. Period. And Trump can now be counted on the record as being in favor of that status quo.

Excellent point, although I'm not as pessimistic as you.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:16 PM (eOEVl)

441 I'm sure the commenters in here that think Trump can still win in 2024 also think that Kari Lake will somehow still win the AZ governorship. And I voted for Trump twice. The more he goes attacks other Republicans, the more I think he'll be a third party candidate, thereby giving Biden a second term.

Posted by: toddg at February 01, 2023 05:09 PM (B3RQo)
---
Don't be so sure. You're lobbing straw men now.

Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 05:17 PM (krQz2)

442 DeSantis won't declare until he's through all legislating this year. He is a powerful undeclared candidate when he's doing things, so he'll continue to do them from his perch of power.

It's a brilliant strategy, if it's the one he's decided on...

Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2023 05:17 PM (exHjb)

443 392
So are we back to thinking an election, any election, will ever make a difference?
----------------
I guess the Retard Fetterman to Autistic AZ Governor result just flew over their heads.

Posted by: Puddihead at February 01, 2023 05:17 PM (4vi12)

444 Criticizing DeSantis like this is just a dumb move by Trump. It's unnecessary and it's disingenuous. Everybody sees through it. It serves only to make Trump appear petty and vindictive.

Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at February 01, 2023 05:17 PM (sWM8x)

445 Is that who's in the Superbowl. I honestly didn't know. When I unplug from something, I go dark.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at February 01, 2023 05:17 PM (Y5qcH)

446 We're fighting over Don and Ron, but the GOPe really wants a Youngkin/Nikki ticket, or the reverse.

They can want whatever they want. It's not going to happen. Just ask Jeb!

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:17 PM (eOEVl)

447 Can anyone name the Sugeon General in 2020? You know, the country's doctor whom Trump should have had front and center instead of Fauci?
Posted by: Cicero Kaboom! Kid at February 01, 2023 05:16 PM (3Or4S)

Don't remember his name, but I can see his face. Bald black guy with a baby face.

Posted by: Jordan61 at February 01, 2023 05:18 PM (DRSnL)

448 Trump had to move out of New York permanently and reside in the state run by DeSantis.

Posted by: redridinghood at February 01, 2023 05:18 PM (NpAcC)

449
Yeah but that's like saying a musician is better than Biz Markee and Yoko Ono

------

Fair, but saying Jindal lacks charisma is an understatement.

It's like if Haley Barbour went to a cut-rate witch doctor with the corpse of an accountant from Bangalore, and said "reanimate this thing. Whatever works. Give him the soul of a rock or something."

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 01, 2023 05:18 PM (oINRc)

450 The media has been attacking him relentlessly for four years.

He gets it.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 05:08 PM (C1Zwz)

never underestimate an ace overestimate

Posted by: sofasaver at February 01, 2023 05:18 PM (us2H3)

451 365 That may be what Trump THINKS he's doing, but he's really defining himself, and not to his benefit. Posted by: Archimedes
--------
Look, I don't really care who the GOP nominates in 2024 because unless state by state voting is changed in enough states, the GOP will lose to whomever the Dems put forward.

On DeSantis, he has issues as a candidate as well as plusses. His negatives that are apparent right now is lack of charisma (you are not getting Trump rallies by a DeSantis--it simply is not in him) that limits bringing out non-traditional GOP voters that Trump got, his radio silence on foreign policy right now, he has a state to run, and some of his 'friends" and backers are suspect.

Trump, is a bloviator, egotist, and can and will take cheap shots (in other words, he runs like a Democrat). He also has a past history and still some legal woes out there. But, Trump is still standing and is running. Trump has high negatives especially for people like you or Ace of a particular SES. So, Trump is driving up negatives on DeSantis with his base--unfairly if you will but that is politics. Politics ain't fair--no way, no how.

Posted by: whig at February 01, 2023 05:18 PM (9gg1V)

452 See I missed the mask thread, of course. Doesn't really add anything to what was known (and talked about here, among other places) as far back as May 2020, when CDC comically reversed their "guidance". And of course it was generally known for decades - RCTs (yes ace randomized controlled trials, not Regimental Combat Teams) showed this *since the 1940s*.

Oh, and Redfield was Trump's buffoonish, incompetent, pathetic CDC director. Wallensky is Biden's ditzy, idiotic CDC director.

Posted by: rhomboid at February 01, 2023 05:18 PM (OTzUX)

453 DeSantis won't declare until he's through all legislating this year. He is a powerful undeclared candidate when he's doing things, so he'll continue to do them from his perch of power.

It's a brilliant strategy, if it's the one he's decided on...

Yes it is, and I'm quite sure that's his strategy. Trump is trying to goad him into saying something stupid, but he won't take the bait.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:18 PM (eOEVl)

454 "I will vote for Trump, but right this minute, I am liking DeSantis. But he hasn’t announced. And I am very jaded on elections in general.
Posted by: Piper at February 01, 2023 05:14 PM (ZdaMQ)"

The state spotlight is not the national spotlight. Go back and look at the history of Republican primaries- it's a much different game. DeSantis also went all in for Harmeet at the RNC. Trump went for the status quo and donors in Rona. If you don't think that matters, it does. So does who you pick to help run your campaign. DeSantis will need to adjust for the National race. It's yet to be seen if he can. He may, but nobody knows that right now.

Posted by: Marcus T at February 01, 2023 05:18 PM (M5z+9)

455 Don't remember his name, but I can see his face. Bald black guy with a baby face.
Posted by: Jordan61 at February 01, 2023 05:18 PM (DRSnL)

Yeah, talked like a fag. I remember that guy.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at February 01, 2023 05:19 PM (Y5qcH)

456 The Trump Cultists have failed to show me DeSantis is the establishment devil. On the other hand, the publicly funded defective medical product known as the COVID "vaccine" is Trump's Achilles heel.

Posted by: Fed Up at February 01, 2023 05:19 PM (uZn/X)

457 SHARE

As of January 2021
Trump Administration Accomplishments
Unprecedented Economic Boom

Before the China Virus invaded our shores, we built the world’s most prosperous economy.

America gained 7 million new jobs – more than three times government experts’ projections.
Middle-Class family income increased nearly $6,000 – more than five times the gains during the entire previous administration.
The unemployment rate reached 3.5 percent, the lowest in a half-century.
Achieved 40 months in a row with more job openings than job-hirings.
More Americans reported being employed than ever before – nearly 160 million.
Jobless claims hit a nearly 50-year low.
The number of people claiming unemployment insurance as a share of the population hit its lowest on record.
Incomes rose in every single metro area in the United States for the first time in nearly 3 decades

Posted by: Gonzotx at February 01, 2023 05:19 PM (t4poC)

458 448 Trump had to move out of New York permanently and reside in the state run by DeSantis.
Posted by: redridinghood at February 01, 2023 05:18 PM (NpAcC)

How is that an indictment of Trump? Trump was not governor of New York, so he cannot be blamed for the hostility there which, indeed was going strong even while he was president.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:19 PM (zZu0s)

459 Trump has high negatives especially for people like you or Ace of a particular SES. So, Trump is driving up negatives on DeSantis with his base--unfairly if you will but that is politics. Politics ain't fair--no way, no how.

I see. The only reason anyone would support DeSantis is that they're upper class snobs, or at least wannabees. Is that it?

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:20 PM (eOEVl)

460 I guess the Retard Fetterman to Autistic AZ Governor result just flew over their heads

It is very hard, depressing, and scary to really realize that voting is done in this country. Its an awful thing to swallow and I understand why despite all overwhelming evidence some do not.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:20 PM (0hOvj)

461 This is horrible Trump strategy. It highlights one of his major flaws - perhaps the major flaw - in the eyes of the conservative base. Any voter who thinks about this issue - and Trump is blatantly tempting them to think about this issue - will likely conclude that DeSantis has performed better on COVID than Trump.

Trump may have be thinking "Hey, the Democrats blamed me for their flaws, and they won doing it!" But the conservative base knows better than anyone what the Democrats did, and they can see what Trump is doing.

Trump 2016: I'm going down fighting for what I'll do if elected.

Trump 2020 : I'm going down fighting for what I did after being elected.

Trump 2024: I'm going down fighting for what I probably should have done after being elected. And don't vote for that guy who did what I should have done.

Posted by: NCC at February 01, 2023 05:20 PM (He0GI)

462 I liked Laslo F way better when he was living in the walls more quietly

Posted by: BlackOrchid at February 01, 2023 05:20 PM (w0NJk)

463 It's a brilliant strategy, if it's the one he's decided on...
Posted by: Nova Local

------
Not really, it has been done. Last time was by GWB but TX governor is a far weaker post than FL governor is. Essentially, commissions and the Lt Gov run a lot of it.

Posted by: whig at February 01, 2023 05:20 PM (9gg1V)

464 We're fighting over Don and Ron, but the GOPe really wants a Youngkin/Nikki ticket, or the reverse.

---
Youngkin has been doing some good things in Virginia as far as I've heard.

And at least I haven't lived 4 years hearing "It's Youngkin's turn." (GAAA!!)

Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 05:20 PM (krQz2)

465 444 Criticizing DeSantis like this is just a dumb move by Trump. It's unnecessary and it's disingenuous. Everybody sees through it. It serves only to make Trump appear petty and vindictive.
Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at February 01, 2023 05:17 PM (sWM8x)

I don't think you need the word "appear" in the last sentence...

Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2023 05:20 PM (exHjb)

466 Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (C1Zwz)

Will you stop being so mad at every single Trump supporter? Or most of them or whatever? Or grouping them like they're all one thing?

It is *reasonable* to still want the guy who got elected president twice. It is also reasonable to support DeSantis over him if that's your bag.

Pointing out all these "holes" in arguments among groups of people whose opinions clearly vary by picking out things that different people say that contradict each other, is some attempt to persuade, I get it. But it's grating.

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 05:20 PM (chxhW)

467 Trump’s accomplishments

Delivered a future of greater promise and opportunity for citizens of all backgrounds.

Unemployment rates for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those without a high school diploma all reached record lows.
Unemployment for women hit its lowest rate in nearly 70 years.
Lifted nearly 7 million people off of food stamps.
Poverty rates for African Americans and Hispanic Americans reached record lows.
Income inequality fell for two straight years, and by the largest amount in over a decade.
The bottom 50 percent of American households saw a 40 percent increase in net worth.
Wages rose fastest for low-income and blue collar workers – a 16 percent pay increase.
African American homeownership increased from 41.7 percent to 46.4 percent.
Brought jobs, factories, and industries back to the USA.

Created more than 1.2 million manufacturing and construction jobs.
Put in place policies to bring back supply chains from overseas.
Small business optimism broke a 35-year old record in 2018.
Hit record stock market numbers and record 401ks.

Posted by: Gonzotx at February 01, 2023 05:20 PM (t4poC)

468 But DeSantis is not tested on the level of a Republican nominee. Nowhere near.
Posted by: ...

Again, goal-post moving. And even then, he's taken a magnitude more of fire from the MSM/Dem complex than any other GOP governor.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 01, 2023 05:21 PM (XF9Gj)

469 We will win in 2024.

For certain definitions of "we"

And certain definitions of "win"

Later y'all. Have fun storming the castle!

Posted by: Muldoon at February 01, 2023 05:21 PM (ykeLU)

470 134 Do people not know if Trump had fired Fauci he would have been impeached? Instantly

So? Trump got played....anyone with a brain knew by Easter 2020 what the end game was. Well, everyone but Trump.

Posted by: Esperman at February 01, 2023 05:21 PM (ONQo9)

471 462 I liked Laslo F way better when he was living in the walls more quietly
Posted by: BlackOrchid at February 01, 2023 05:20 PM (w0NJk)

Victor Laslo? Shouldn't he be in Czechoslovakia?

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:21 PM (zZu0s)

472 Trump’s accomplishments

Rebuilding and investing in rural America.

Signed an Executive Order on Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products, which is bringing innovative new technologies to market in American farming and agriculture.
Strengthened America’s rural economy by investing over $1.3 billion through the Agriculture Department’s ReConnect Program to bring high-speed broadband infrastructure to rural America

Posted by: Gonzotx at February 01, 2023 05:21 PM (t4poC)

473 I see. The only reason anyone would support DeSantis is that they're upper class snobs, or at least wannabees. Is that it?

lol no it's just that people in Florida have jobs and money and us losers in blue states are bleeding out economically I think

seriously we are So. Incredibly. Fucked.

Posted by: BlackOrchid at February 01, 2023 05:21 PM (w0NJk)

474 "Trump had to move out of New York permanently and reside in the state run by DeSantis."

Yes. Now DeSantis can't pick him as a running mate.

Posted by: NCC at February 01, 2023 05:21 PM (He0GI)

475 It's all for political gain. DeSantis is not a Jeb Bush or anyone else. Just like they dirty up Trump he muddy ups opponents. There will be only one running for president so let punch it out. No worries

Posted by: SOMEASSHOLESTOLEMYPEN at February 01, 2023 05:21 PM (ytSiK)

476 448 Trump had to move out of New York permanently and reside in the state run by DeSantis.
---------------
Meh, DeSantis barely beat a Black Homo in FL the first time.

Posted by: Puddihead at February 01, 2023 05:21 PM (4vi12)

477 Summer School. With a pretty decent Kirstie Alley.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:13 PM (zZu0s)

And that blond smokeshow whose name I have forgotten...or probably never knew.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 05:22 PM (XIJ/X)

478 Yeah but that's like saying a musician is better than Biz Markee and Yoko Ono, its not exactly an endorsement. I like DeSantis policies and actions, I like his statements, I like that he's not 800 years old. But he's not exactly Blazing with raw dynamic personal charisma.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:13 PM (0hOvj)

I don't agree; DeSantis has at least some charisma, or else he wouldn't be in his present position, with people cheering the idea of a presidential run. But even if he doesn't have that much, he's successfully projected such an air of competence that it compensates to a high degree.

Posted by: Dr. T at February 01, 2023 05:22 PM (tp+tP)

479 Have a good night Muldoon.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:22 PM (zZu0s)

480 More Trump.

Donald Trump gives Nikki Haley his blessing in announcing her presidential candidacy: “I would welcome the competition.”

-
I'm interpreting that as, "I don't consider her competition."

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Not a Real Simulation at February 01, 2023 05:22 PM (FVME7)

481 Yes. Now DeSantis can't pick him as a running mate.
----------------
Sure he can.

Posted by: Puddihead at February 01, 2023 05:22 PM (4vi12)

482 I want the primary decided by a dead lift competition.

Posted by: Marcus T at February 01, 2023 05:22 PM (M5z+9)

483 Trump had to move out of New York permanently and reside in the state run by DeSantis.

Posted by: redridinghood at February 01, 2023 05:18 PM (NpAcC)

---
Have you ever heard of the Peter Principle?

Two *different* jobs.

Posted by: Axeman at February 01, 2023 05:23 PM (krQz2)

484 Trumps accomplishments

Achieved a record-setting economic comeback by rejecting blanket lockdowns.

An October 2020 Gallup survey found 56 percent of Americans said they were better off during a pandemic than four years prior.
During the third quarter of 2020, the economy grew at a rate of 33.1 percent – the most rapid GDP growth ever recorded.
Since coronavirus lockdowns ended, the economy has added back over 12 million jobs, more than half the jobs lost.
Jobs have been recovered 23 times faster than the previous administration’s recovery.
Unemployment fell to 6.7 percent in December, from a pandemic peak of 14.7 percent in April – beating expectations of well over 10 percent unemployment through the end of 2020.
Under the previous administration, it took 49 months for the unemployment rate to fall from 10 percent to under 7 percent compared to just 3 months for the Trump Administration.
Since April, the Hispanic unemployment rate has fallen by 9.6 percent, Asian-American unemployment by 8.6 percent, and Black American unemployment by 6.8 percent.

Posted by: Gonzotx at February 01, 2023 05:23 PM (t4poC)

485 I don't think Trump could win Georgia, but I do think DeSantis could.

Posted by: redridinghood at February 01, 2023 05:23 PM (NpAcC)

486 I see. The only reason anyone would support DeSantis is that they're upper class snobs, or at least wannabees. Is that it?
Posted by: Archimedes

No--it is simply that DeSantis and Trump do not appeal to the same folks right now--if you care to take a look at it, there is primary polling out that shows it when they do the breakdowns. Simply put, different social classes look for different things in candidates--no more--no less. But, assuming that what you want is universally applicable is simply bad political science.

Posted by: whig at February 01, 2023 05:23 PM (9gg1V)

487 I don't agree; DeSantis has at least some charisma, or else he wouldn't be in his present position, with people cheering the idea of a presidential run. But even if he doesn't have that much, he's successfully projected such an air of competence that it compensates to a high degree.
Posted by: Dr. T at February 01, 2023 05:22 PM (tp+tP)

His support is from results not from charisma. He barely scraped by originally.

But he doesn't get a term as President before running for President.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 05:23 PM (eYoxG)

488 And that blond smokeshow whose name I have forgotten...or probably never knew.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 05:22 PM (XIJ/X)

Courtney Thorne-Smith?

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:23 PM (zZu0s)

489 I totally do not understand how he now shifts his own bad decisions on to the shoulders of Ron DeSantis.

If Trump knows something he ought to let it ride.
He ought to STFU about DeSantis, if he has something there will be a much better time to play this card.

Posted by: Braenyard, _ want nuremberg trials? badger your congressman at February 01, 2023 05:23 PM (TuwZN)

490 470 134 Do people not know if Trump had fired Fauci he would have been impeached? Instantly

So? Trump got played....anyone with a brain knew by Easter 2020 what the end game was. Well, everyone but Trump.
Posted by: Esperman at February 01, 2023 05:21 PM (ONQo9)

So what? He was impeached twice anyway...

Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2023 05:23 PM (exHjb)

491 Trump’s accomplishments

Tax Relief for the Middle Class

Passed $3.2 trillion in historic tax relief and reformed the tax code.

Signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – the largest tax reform package in history.
More than 6 million American workers received wage increases, bonuses, and increased benefits thanks to the tax cuts.
A typical family of four earning $75,000 received an income tax cut of more than $2,000 – slashing their tax bill in half.
Doubled the standard deduction – making the first $24,000 earned by a married couple completely tax-free.
Doubled the child tax credit.
Virtually eliminated the unfair Estate Tax, or Death Tax.
Cut the business tax rate from 35 percent – the highest in the developed world – all the way down to 21 percent.
Small businesses can now deduct 20 percent of their business income.
Businesses can now deduct 100 percent of the cost of their capital investments in the year the investment is made.
Since the passage of tax cuts, the share of total wealth held by the bottom half of households has increased, while the share held by the top 1 percent has decreased.

Posted by: Gonzotx at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (t4poC)

492 The substance of Trump's attacks on DeSantis depress my enthusiasm for Trump and don't change my enthusiasm much for DeSantis (maybe a slight uptick).

So sue me.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (fs1hN)

493 485 I don't think Trump could win Georgia, but I do think DeSantis could.
Posted by: redridinghood

No, he would not unless Dem fraud is fixed and with Kemp and Ratshitburger as SOS, that ain't happening.

Posted by: whig at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (9gg1V)

494 I see. The only reason anyone would support DeSantis is that they're upper class snobs, or at least wannabees. Is that it?
Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:20 PM (eOEVl)

We don't know for sure that DeSantis is even running. But if he does, I'm going to be very aware of who his donors are. It'll be interesting.

Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (BdMk6)

495 485 I don't think Trump could win Georgia, but I do think DeSantis could.
Posted by: redridinghood at February 01, 2023 05:23 PM (NpAcC)

I agree.

Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (exHjb)

496 If Trump knows something he ought to let it ride.
He ought to STFU about DeSantis, if he has something there will be a much better time to play this card.

again, I already watched this movie with Barnette

and they had nothing on her they just hyped it up and slimed her

Posted by: BlackOrchid at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (w0NJk)

497 480 More Trump.

Donald Trump gives Nikki Haley his blessing in announcing her presidential candidacy: “I would welcome the competition.”

-
I'm interpreting that as, "I don't consider her competition."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Not a Real Simulation at February 01, 2023 05:22 PM (FVME7)

Yeah that's literally what it is. She's an easy punching bag.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (eYoxG)

498 We're fighting over Don and Ron, but the GOPe really wants a Youngkin/Nikki ticket, or the reverse.

I very much doubt Youngkin would accept Nikki as a running mate.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (eOEVl)

499 485 I don't think Trump could win Georgia, but I do think DeSantis could.
Posted by: redridinghood
------------------------------

No Republican wins Georgia unless they fix the cheat.

Posted by: Braenyard, _ want nuremberg trials? badger your congressman at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (TuwZN)

500 Seems like those Reps that aren't Rinos are good at attacking other Reps. United we Stand, Divided we Fall. The leftists are mostly bundled together like fasces, like good Fascists.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (ynpvh)

501 When will we be discussing RDS' neocon foreign policy, his trade deals, etc?
Posted by: Darth Kong

When he actually has one. That'd be a good place to start.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 01, 2023 05:25 PM (XF9Gj)

502 Trump’s accomplishments

Jobs and investments are pouring into Opportunity Zones.

Created nearly 9,000 Opportunity Zones where capital gains on long-term investments are taxed at zero.
Opportunity Zone designations have increased property values within them by 1.1 percent, creating an estimated $11 billion in wealth for the nearly half of Opportunity Zone residents who own their own home.
Opportunity Zones have attracted $75 billion in funds and driven $52 billion of new investment in economically distressed communities, creating at least 500,000 new jobs.
Approximately 1 million Americans will be lifted from poverty as a result of these new investments.
Private equity investments into businesses in Opportunity Zones were nearly 30 percent higher than investments into businesses in similar areas that were not designated Opportunity Zones.

Posted by: Gonzotx at February 01, 2023 05:25 PM (t4poC)

503 Victor Laslo? Shouldn't he be in Czechoslovakia?

No, no he got out, but he needs Letters of Transit.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:25 PM (0hOvj)

504 the one thing about the AOS
it's a totally citation free blog

Posted by: sofasaver at February 01, 2023 05:25 PM (us2H3)

505 Not that Rinos aren't good at it, but I count them amongst the dems.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at February 01, 2023 05:25 PM (ynpvh)

506 Trump’s accomplishments

Massive Deregulation

Ended the regulatory assault on American Businesses and Workers.

Instead of 2-for-1, we eliminated 8 old regulations for every 1 new regulation adopted.
Provided the average American household an extra $3,100 every year.
Reduced the direct cost of regulatory compliance by $50 billion, and will reduce costs by an additional $50 billion in FY 2020 alone.
Removed nearly 25,000 pages from the Federal Register – more than any other president. The previous administration added over 16,000 pages.
Established the Governors’ Initiative on Regulatory Innovation to reduce outdated regulations at the state, local, and tribal levels.
Signed an executive order to make it easier for businesses to offer retirement plans.
Signed two executive orders to increase transparency in Federal agencies and protect Americans and their small businesses from administrative abuse.
Modernized the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the first time in over 40 years.
Reduced approval times for major infrastructure projects from 10 or more years down to 2 years or less.

Posted by: Gonzotx at February 01, 2023 05:26 PM (t4poC)

507 I very much doubt Youngkin would accept Nikki as a running mate.
Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (eOEVl)

Really? I could buy Youngkin as a stealth rino more than DeSantis at this point. Not to say that he IS, but he does not quite have the track record set up yet.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:26 PM (zZu0s)

508 Seems to be a lot of new randos.

Posted by: Infidel at February 01, 2023 05:26 PM (YJQJ8)

509 493 485 I don't think Trump could win Georgia, but I do think DeSantis could.
Posted by: redridinghood

No, he would not unless Dem fraud is fixed and with Kemp and Ratshitburger as SOS, that ain't happening.
Posted by: whig at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (9gg1V)

If Kemp likes the candidate, we win GA in a heartbeat...if he's on the VP slot, it's automatic...

Neither would be true with Trump at the top...

So, yes, we win GA with DeSantis...

Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2023 05:26 PM (exHjb)

510 No Republican wins Georgia unless they fix the cheat.

Posted by: Braenyard, _ want nuremberg trials? badger your congressman at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (TuwZN)
******
Kemp won.

Posted by: redridinghood at February 01, 2023 05:26 PM (NpAcC)

511 Again, goal-post moving. And even then, he's taken a magnitude more of fire from the MSM/Dem complex than any other GOP governor.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 01, 2023 05:21 PM (XF9Gj)

It's not goalpost moving. It is literally the argument.

When a Trump supporter says "DeSantis isn't tested" they are clearly meaning in comparison to Trump. And it's true. He's not tested.

Tested is when the entire global media has the story about you sexually abusing seventeen 6 year old cripples, and then beating your ex sister-in-law who has come forward with an accusation. That's the beginning of tested. Then we can move on to the accusations of tax fraud, espionage, and throwing black people out of apartment buildings.

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 05:26 PM (chxhW)

512 it's a totally citation free blog

There's one parked in the lot, next to Aetius451AD's Aztek

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:26 PM (0hOvj)

513 Seems to be a lot of new randos.
___

Yep.

Posted by: SMH at what's coming at February 01, 2023 05:26 PM (fRiS1)

514 14 If you aren't smart enough to recognize DeSantis as the neocon and globalist choice, I don't know what to tell you. Ron is playing dirty, letting his henchmen do all the dirty work for him. I strongly suspect he is Skull and Bones from Yale, just look at the rest of his pedigree. The guy absolutely GLOWS. Pushaw, his mouthpiece, is straight outta the WEF charm school, and helped put Zelensky in power. Voted FOR TPP, wants to be Paul Ryan, and lauds Mr. New World Order George HW Bush. Trump sucks on the jabs, but DeSantis is Boehner's boy.

Posted by: Laslof at February 01, 2023 04:22 PM (IrS5h)

And listen to what the RNC stooges and donors are saying. We gotta get back to the way it was and they all support DeSantis. A vote for this guy is a vote for Failure Theater Redux The Extended Version with Extra Ass Fucking (it's anyone who votes for this guy who will be playing the bottom).

I'm going to vote for Trump because I want his ideas out there for another four years and I also want to personally kill every GOPe cuck he can get his hands on. That's obviously unlikely to happen sadly, but any damage Trump can do these traitors is greatly appreciated.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at February 01, 2023 05:27 PM (QRdjz)

515 467 Trump’s accomplishments
Delivered a future of greater promise and opportunity for citizens of all backgrounds.
Unemployment rates for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those without a high school diploma all reached record lows.
Unemployment for women hit its lowest rate in nearly 70 years.
Lifted nearly 7 million people off of food stamps.
Poverty rates for African Americans and Hispanic Americans reached record lows.
Income inequality fell for two straight years, and by the largest amount in over a decade.
The bottom 50 percent of American households saw a 40 percent increase in net worth.
Wages rose fastest for low-income and blue collar workers – a 16 percent pay increase.
African American homeownership increased from 41.7 percent to 46.4 percent.
Brought jobs, factories, and industries back to the USA.
Created more than 1.2 million manufacturing and construction jobs."

Then Trump let his own admin burn it all down..

Posted by: Esperman at February 01, 2023 05:27 PM (ONQo9)

516 I very much doubt Youngkin would accept Nikki as a running mate.
Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (eOEVl)

I also agree. He's not a politico (with Gov of VA his 1st post), and you can see who he brought along with him...NOT RINOs...

Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2023 05:27 PM (exHjb)

517 Trump’s accomplishments

Successfully rolled back burdensome regulatory overreach.

Rescinded the previous administration’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, which would have abolished zoning for single-family housing to build low-income, federally subsidized apartments.
Issued a final rule on the Fair Housing Act’s disparate impact standard.
Eliminated the Waters of the United States Rule and replaced it with the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, providing relief and certainty for farmers and property owners.
Repealed the previous administration’s costly fuel economy regulations by finalizing the Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles rule, which will make cars more affordable, and lower the price of new vehicles by an estimated $2,200.
Americans now have more money in their pockets.

Deregulation had an especially beneficial impact on low income
Cut red tape in the healthcare industry, providing Americans with more affordable healthcare and saving Americans nearly 10 percent on prescription drugs.
Deregulatory efforts yielded savings to the medical community an estimated $6.6 b

Posted by: Gonzotx at February 01, 2023 05:27 PM (t4poC)

518 Tested is when the entire global media has the story about you sexually abusing seventeen 6 year old cripples, and then beating your ex sister-in-law who has come forward with an accusation.

Sure, but Trump wasn't tested like that at first either, he was a non-politician who got softballed by the press for months because they figured he'd throw the election.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:27 PM (0hOvj)

519 Right this moment if nothing changes in mail voting it won't matter a whit what Republican runs.

Posted by: Skip at February 01, 2023 05:28 PM (xhxe8)

520 I still think that Trump nor DeSantis will be allowed to win. I truly believe the deep state already knows who the next prez is going to be.

Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at February 01, 2023 05:28 PM (BdMk6)

521 If Kemp likes the candidate, we win GA in a heartbeat...if he's on the VP slot, it's automatic...

Neither would be true with Trump at the top...

So, yes, we win GA with DeSantis...
Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2023 05:26 PM (exHjb)

Not sure I'm on board with that bargain with the devil.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 05:28 PM (eYoxG)

522 I'd rather see DeSantis stay as Gov of Florida. Local and State level is where a difference can be made. The FedGov is lost and desperately needs to be fumigated with a flamethrower. The GOP is too weak to do that so things will go disastrously along, until they don't. Everything is Broken.

Posted by: Puddleglum is pessimistic at February 01, 2023 05:28 PM (sAmhv)

523 Right this moment if nothing changes in mail voting, it won't matter a whit what Republican runs.
___

This^

Posted by: SMH at what's coming at February 01, 2023 05:28 PM (fRiS1)

524 500 Seems like those Reps that aren't Rinos are good at attacking other Reps. United we Stand, Divided we Fall. The leftists are mostly bundled together like fasces, like good Fascists.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (ynpvh)

They can be pretty savage in primaries too.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy - The Republic is already dead! at February 01, 2023 05:29 PM (eYoxG)

525 I very much doubt Youngkin would accept Nikki as a running mate.
Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:24 PM (eOEVl)

Really? I could buy Youngkin as a stealth rino more than DeSantis at this point. Not to say that he IS, but he does not quite have the track record set up yet.

I really don't think he is a RINO, but what he is is extremely canny. He's demonstrated that by running a very smart campaign, and emphasizing education in his governance. He won't want to associate himself with a guaranteed loser like Haley.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 01, 2023 05:29 PM (eOEVl)

526 it's a totally citation free blog

There's one parked in the lot, next to Aetius451AD's Aztek
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor

That's gonna leave a mark.

Posted by: BifBewalski at February 01, 2023 05:29 PM (3CCua)

527 Sometime in March of '21, Trump became the 1st Duke of Monmouth, in my mind: his time has come and gone. We won't know if Desantis is William of Orange or even if such a character is even alive yet.

Posted by: Jamaica NYC at February 01, 2023 05:29 PM (Eeb9P)

528 >>>Right this moment if nothing changes in mail voting, it won't matter a whit what Republican runs.

Threadwinner.

Posted by: Dr. T at February 01, 2023 05:29 PM (tp+tP)

529 Beginning to think that Gonzox is a paid shill.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 01, 2023 05:29 PM (Y+l9t)

530 There's one parked in the lot, next to Aetius451AD's Aztek
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:26 PM (0hOvj)

Damn man. If you were going to saddle me with an ugly car, as least make it something like a 1950's land barge that is really beautiful but all these younguns think is ugly.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:29 PM (zZu0s)

531 Make Alex Jones press secretary

Posted by: Hatari somewhere on Ventura Highway at February 01, 2023 05:30 PM (M+Lyo)

532 I'd rather see DeSantis stay as Gov of Florida. Local and State level is where a difference can be made.

High five.

The fed is hopeless. States can make a difference, individually. Why do you think the Democrats worked so very hard to stop Kari Lake? They need to prevent that kind of governor from being in office in any more states. At all costs.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:30 PM (0hOvj)

533 "I don't think Trump could win Georgia, but I do think DeSantis could."

No do PA, MI, WI, NV, and AZ.

Or actually, don't. This entire discussion is almost entirely unmoored from mundane political realities.

It's also entirely missing any serious, adult reasons to support one or the other. Policies. That's all that matter. Trump made that ridiculous comment about Cruz's father and JFK's assassination, right? Incredible. Almost as idiotic as whatever Obama (or often, Clinton) would say every week, or 15 minutes. Significance: bupkis. Policies.

Posted by: rhomboid at February 01, 2023 05:30 PM (OTzUX)

534 Trump and DeSantis?

Great. Once the public gets a load of those two, my time will come! Make way for the studied statesman approach!

Posted by: Mittens Romney at February 01, 2023 05:30 PM (1EFfL)

535 but any damage Trump can do these traitors is greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Dack Thrombosis

Maybe if he re-hires Rinsed Penis, he'll really get one over them!

Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 01, 2023 05:30 PM (XF9Gj)

536 Nood.

Posted by: Aetius451AD Work Laptop at February 01, 2023 05:30 PM (zZu0s)

537 Beginning to think that Gonzox is a paid shill.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 01, 2023 05:29 PM (Y+l9t)

___

No, he's not.

He's a regular commenter at the Conservative Treehouse.

Posted by: SMH at what's coming at February 01, 2023 05:30 PM (fRiS1)

538 I love DeSantis as governor of Florida. My personal fear is that running to be the 2024 R nominee would hobble him from being great as governor and then the GOPers turn wishy washy if DeSantis gets the nom and/or aid and abet the Ds as theycheat to the win the same way they did with Trump.

I don't believe those beltway grifters hated Trump because of Trumps giant ego. They hated Trump because he was threatening to reduce their grifting opportunities and unless they think DeSantis can be coaxed onto the grifting bandwagon they'll hate him even more.

Posted by: PaleRider at February 01, 2023 05:30 PM (3cGpq)

539 I don't agree; DeSantis has at least some charisma, or else he wouldn't be in his present position, with people cheering the idea of a presidential run. But even if he doesn't have that much, he's successfully projected such an air of competence that it compensates to a high degree.
Posted by: Dr. T
------
Depends on what you mean by charisma--there is the halo effect and then there is genuine celebrityhood. DeSantis out of office would be about like any other GOP type like Rick Perry, etc.

Posted by: whig at February 01, 2023 05:31 PM (9gg1V)

540 nood

Posted by: guy with a finger up his butt at February 01, 2023 05:31 PM (iayUP)

541 529 Beginning to think that Gonzox is a paid shill.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 01, 2023 05:29 PM (Y+l9t)

At least he's likely a Trump campaign one, and not a stealth democractic paid operative...

Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2023 05:31 PM (exHjb)

542 Maybe the real Trump vs Desantis was the trolls we met along the way?

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo, food, water at February 01, 2023 05:31 PM (XvPQV)

543 Has Desantis even hinted that he is running? Does he have an exploratory committee?

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 01, 2023 05:31 PM (mtTvd)

544
Sure, but Trump wasn't tested like that at first either, he was a non-politician who got softballed by the press for months because they figured he'd throw the election.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:27 PM (0hOvj)

I was an early Trump supporter. I think you missed the summer of 2015.

He was basically the Klan, those five cops, and a big stupid dummy fantasist who could never be president, all rolled into one.

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 05:31 PM (chxhW)

545 I'm not tanned but I'm rested.
*hic

Posted by: Hillary at February 01, 2023 05:31 PM (OUiUM)

546 So apart from a boring and pointless re-litigation of C19 issues, what are the *policy* differences - relevant to actually being president starting in 2025 - between the two?

Can't wait for this to be explained to me.

Posted by: rhomboid at February 01, 2023 05:31 PM (OTzUX)

547 Legal Mindset did a good job of Breaking down the Disney situation, Desantis repealed Disney Charter so if they reform the Charter again Disney will have to follow all current laws on Charters which they were exempt from, The Gov of Fla will now be able to appoint the Trustees of the Disney Charter and the one guy that is going to be on the Board is the one that is taking on the CRT in the Florida colleges and has all the left screaming

Disney really screwed themselves. No more having flax hiring Police officers, Fireman or Inspectors, The board can even raise taxes.

Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at February 01, 2023 05:32 PM (dKiJG)

548 532 I'd rather see DeSantis stay as Gov of Florida. Local and State level is where a difference can be made.

High five.

The fed is hopeless. States can make a difference, individually. Why do you think the Democrats worked so very hard to stop Kari Lake? They need to prevent that kind of governor from being in office in any more states. At all costs.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:30 PM (0hOvj)

Youngkin is the tanned, ready DeSantis replacement - he brought 2 true Repubs to his lower offices on this coattails, so VA would not be lost if he made a run...Sears and Miyares are based...

Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2023 05:32 PM (exHjb)

549 Beginning to think that Gonzox is a paid shill.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 01, 2023 05:29 PM (Y+l9t)

At least he's likely a Trump campaign one, and not a stealth democractic paid operative...
Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2023 05:31 PM (exHjb)

I'm thinking he cuts and pastes talking points as good as any Lefty troll.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 01, 2023 05:32 PM (mtTvd)

550
Trump has developed a severe case of dementia of the mouth.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at February 01, 2023 05:32 PM (pNxlR)

551 the NT poison still runs deep in the GOP
this will not be solved in 2024 an probably not in the near future

Posted by: sofasaver at February 01, 2023 05:32 PM (us2H3)

552 Posted by: Gonzotx at February 01, 2023 05:26 PM (t4poC)

You are obviously cutting and pasting from some Trump website. Maybe just provide the link?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2023 05:33 PM (XIJ/X)

553 Jeebus, our country is swirling the toilet and you all are arguing which direction to go.

Happy thoughts-I'm having fried chicken wings and caesar salad for dinner.

Posted by: Infidel at February 01, 2023 05:33 PM (YJQJ8)

554 You're too dense to see Cucksantis is bought and paid for. SAD.

Posted by: MikeN at February 01, 2023 05:33 PM (6OvyN)

555 513 Seems to be a lot of new randos.
___

Yep.
Posted by: SMH

Relax. Probably some server in a basement in Jamestown, NY. Some new algorithms being tested.

Posted by: Puddleglum is pessimistic at February 01, 2023 05:33 PM (sAmhv)

556 There is much more of President Trumps accomplishments, I just think you all forget, I mean those tweets, he’s just not nice.
Well 95% of Trumps money is small donors amd 95% of DeSantis is globalist

Do the math

Waiting

Posted by: Gonzotx at February 01, 2023 05:34 PM (t4poC)

557 Honestly, let's tear the band aid off now. Trump is a pussy. If you're a MAGA retard, you're a pussy. Trump is incompetent and the sooner we get some of his more vocal twitter/astro army away, the better. 90% of people who voted for Trump will vote for Desantis. We like him better.

Posted by: Leonidas Peter at February 01, 2023 05:34 PM (YAKfm)

558 Trump was a great President. Economy was great and getting better, however he was bamboozled by the faucis and such. Made horrible staff selections, people that stabbed him in the back. Spent too much time twitter-fighting. Allowed people that he had the ability to fire, to screw him over and over, bill barr comes to mind. Now, he is attacking de Santis, another mistake in this long list. I understand that he was under constant scrutiny by the press, the demonrats and other traitors, and still delivered a good economy, however many of those were underlings that he could have fired, and he did not. He should help de Santis become President, at this height of the game, he should use his power to help those who can help the country, not to continue to self promote at the expense of others.

Posted by: kilroy at February 01, 2023 05:34 PM (qkLE4)

559 552
I tried to pro if the link and the algorithms of this site wouldn’t post,
But there is much more, it blows my mind what he was able to do despite all the media, fbi, cia, military, RINOs, his own VP, Judiciary, globalists stabbing him in the back day in and day out

Posted by: Gonzotx at February 01, 2023 05:37 PM (t4poC)

560 Sundance has constantly barked about Trump vs DeSantis. Trump ain't getting back in DC. This whole Trump vs DeSantis is wasted space.
We'll get whoever the Uniparty decides it wants. We don't have a say in the matter anymore. Most folks can't admit it.....they just want to play phantasy political football.

Posted by: Esperman at February 01, 2023 05:37 PM (ONQo9)

561 Hell no

“Honestly, let's tear the band aid off now. Trump is a pussy. If you're a MAGA retard, you're a pussy. Trump is incompetent and the sooner we get some of his more vocal twitter/astro army away, the better. 90% of people who voted for Trump will vote for Desantis. We like him better”.

Posted by: Gonzotx at February 01, 2023 05:38 PM (t4poC)

562 I wa t to support Trump

It would be nice to see . . not rending of garments . . but some level of "here's what I've learned" reflection.

DeSantis may be effective in Florida. Could be be co-opted as a requirement for getting needed help to become Prez? Yeah, that would be a good thing to discuss. Maybe someone with a national audience could help that along instead of dwelling on who closed what.

Posted by: 2009Refugee at February 01, 2023 05:39 PM (8AONa)

563
So obviously this is a Trump v. DeSantis post. Agitate away, and criticize me as you like.

Nah, the truth is the truth. But Trump is a complete idiot if he keeps insisting that 'Operation Warp Speed' was anything other then Anthony Fauci and Pfizer pulling Trumps underwear up over his head.

An 'Atomic Wedgie' of historic proportions. Trump needs to deal with that - perhaps suggesting an historic city like Nuremburg, Germany would be a good place to discuss it.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at February 01, 2023 05:39 PM (enJYY)

564 Trump's accomplishments... blown away by the wind. And here we are.

Posted by: runner at February 01, 2023 05:40 PM (6F7eb)

565 Covid was a perfect storm orchestrated by the deep state. Cucksantis would have taken even more draconian actions. Stupid weak argument you make.

Posted by: MikeN at February 01, 2023 05:40 PM (6OvyN)

566 495 485 I don't think Trump could win Georgia, but I do think DeSantis could.
Posted by: redridinghood at February 01, 2023 05:23 PM (NpAcC)

——-

And who would that slice of electorate be?

Certainly the Chamber of Commerce globalist Republicans

Posted by: MAGA_Ken at February 01, 2023 05:41 PM (cMXNt)

567 The only way for Trump to stay relevant now is to attack DeSANTIS. Good plan...

Posted by: runner at February 01, 2023 05:41 PM (6F7eb)

568 I think it's probably time to embrace SMOD.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 01, 2023 05:42 PM (Q4IgG)

569 Seems to be a lot of new randos.
___

Yep.
Posted by: SMH

-

One of them is that jerk Moron Robbie who keeps changing his name field constantly.

He's a bad dancer, too. Also ends sentences with a preposition.

Jerk.

Posted by: 50% real inflation at February 01, 2023 05:44 PM (/F4Jb)

570 543 Has Desantis even hinted that he is running? Does he have an exploratory committee?
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth

He should announce by unilaterally setting up a robust GOTV/harvesting org in every single county in the country.

If you're going to take Vienna, take Vienna.

Posted by: I have an idea at February 01, 2023 05:44 PM (dnjPu)

571 RDS chief flak is a Volodymyr
Zelenskyy fangirl. Somehow I don't see Ron not giving weapons and cash to Ukraine endlessly.

And his congressional record is dubious at best. Plus he's on tape saying he wants to be Paul Ryan.

At the end of the day, you get in the ring and take the punches. But stop this crying please it makes RDS look even worse.

Posted by: Shaitanshammer at February 01, 2023 05:44 PM (TzuGp)

572 Ace, Thank you for this intelligent analysis of the situation. I appreciate your focus on the actions and not words.

Posted by: Roland F Hirsch at February 01, 2023 05:44 PM (oMkPq)

573 Sure, Trump is calling DeSantis a RINO globalist, but are we sure this is meant as an insult and not Trump stating his intention to offer Ron a big cabinet position should the Swamp allow Trump a second term?

Posted by: eddie at February 01, 2023 05:48 PM (4+Tgo)

574 ...don't have a say in the matter anymore. Most folks can't admit it.....they just want to play phantasy political football.

Posted by: Esperman at February 01, 2023 05:37 PM (ONQo9)

***
True words never spoken. Long shot on Trump just like 2016. That's all we got. America is over otherwise.

Posted by: MikeN at February 01, 2023 05:48 PM (6OvyN)

575 BTW, looking toward any politician as a silver bullet to win the culture war is...a waste. Some will be more useful but neither will have a magic wand.

Posted by: I have an idea at February 01, 2023 05:48 PM (dnjPu)

576 I'm real close to voting a full pedal to the metal communist ticket, just to get this party started, instead of this slow boil track the "elites" have had us on for decades.

The longer it takes, the more rebellious/Constitutionalists of us die off, and the more younger generation is brainwashed in the schools/culture...
Americans will be born into slavery without a fight.

Posted by: VAR1ABLE at February 01, 2023 05:49 PM (k3lB/)

577 If you were going to saddle me with an ugly car, as least make it something like a 1950's land barge

I mean, I'd say a 56 Nash Rambler but I don't think the new nicks are old enough to even know a Nash was a car.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:53 PM (0hOvj)

578 Trump is the only one who could have gotten the Deep State to completely unmask itself, no pun intended, revealing the extent it existed and the depravity it is willing to engage in, to get what it wants. All is revealed. No matter his shortcomings, no one else, NO ONE ELSE, could have given us that.

The problem is, while Trump has been in much litigation, he does defer to his lawyers who tell him the bounds of his authority, and he more or less allowed them to handcuff him. The establishment lawyers told him to hold back. Imagine that.

DeSantis has a law degree as I understand it, which will give him a better understanding of where gray areas are, and where he can push.

I prefer DeSantis right now, although I think he is a little cozy with the israel lobby, and I'm concerned about what wars he might be lured into. Trump was not lured into any war except staying longer in Afghanistan.

Completely agree, Trump didn't understand the contours and extent of his powers, which I believe will be DeSantis' advantage.

DeSantis however, will not have a legislature which agrees with him. We haven't seen him with the divided and acrimonious national stage.

Posted by: Close That Fed at February 01, 2023 05:56 PM (LeNk3)

579 People seem to forget there would be no DeSantis without Rick Scott, he saved that election and Florida from the machine and DeSantis is finishing the job. I dont care what DeSantis is, I want another 4 years of him as my Governor. Get Elon Musk to run if Trump cant do it.

Posted by: firehorse at February 01, 2023 05:57 PM (2pSmc)

580 Jeebus, our country is swirling the toilet and you all are arguing which direction to go.

Clearly, counterclockwise is the only direction a true patriot would go

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2023 05:57 PM (0hOvj)

581 Something about DeSantis is short-circuiting Trump's political instincts. He's met his match.

Posted by: Ordinary American at February 01, 2023 05:59 PM (H8QX8)

582 Desantis' recent, "oh yeah, well I won" comment basically removed him from consideration for me.

Trump won and fraud stole the election. If you can deal with that, fraud will continue. That is not about Trump, it's about Democracy. Those were not Trump's votes, those were OUR votes.

Posted by: Karen at February 01, 2023 06:00 PM (2NMG6)

583 I think it important to note that regardless of what Trump did or didn't say and did or didn't do, Republicans were feckless if they thought Trump was going to win the 2020 election. Dems could NOT LET THAT STAND after 2016.

In terms of his record, however, Trump clearly should have fired more people sooner during his term of office--Antifa, BLM, and the Cominterm Media be damned.

Posted by: Kurtz at February 01, 2023 06:04 PM (0YZ6P)

584 Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 05:05 PM (C1Zwz)

Wow, okay... I guess I didn't have as much of a hard on for him as you do.. and I didn't watch his celebration nor his debates.
My bad bruh.

I still don't think it matters. It's a done deal.
I'm ready to put the pedal down and vote straight commie... let's get this party started already.

This decades of slow boil bs is how they will enslave the U.S. Most of us Americans will die off and be replaced by the brainwashed kids and foreign imports.

Posted by: VAR1ABLE at February 01, 2023 06:11 PM (K4rH3)

585 Haven't read anything warranting criticism.

Posted by: aelfheld at February 01, 2023 06:23 PM (Zy9Yy)

586 Voted 2X for him and I'll support Trump again if I have to, but Ron D is a can-do SOB who doesn't get distracted and isn't the leader of a self-love cult that turns off people in the middle.

Posted by: MikeG at February 01, 2023 06:29 PM (VsUo2)

587 hard disagree. I think Trump is making himself look weak and a little sad and DeSantis can just sit back and let that happen while he looks, what's the word, presidential.

also a lot of people are pretty passionately in favor of trump and DeSantis will need their votes in the general. He doesn't want to alienate them and look like "yet another Trump hater" and have them sit out the general.

Posted by: ace at February 01, 2023 04:39 PM (C1Zwz)
==
I'm a bit late to the party. But this is all theater. I'm wondering if I'm DeSantis why I would run in 24. Trump cannot win the general, but as long as he is actively in the game for the nomination in 24 no GOP nominee will win 24. IF Trump wins the primary, the establishment will beat him, as Trump has done nothing to improve GOP chances in VA, PA, MI, AZ, NV, and alienated the machine in GA, twice. With no path to win any of these states he will lose the general. And if anyone else wins the primary, Trump advocates will stay home in enough numbers to hand it to the dems.

Checkmate.

Posted by: Black JEM at February 01, 2023 06:33 PM (UVyKP)

588 Ace, you are right about DeSantis v. Trump.

Posted by: Ralph at February 01, 2023 06:54 PM (wnTj5)

589 I am making $100 an hour working from home. I never imagined that it was honest to goodness yet my closest companion is earning $16,000 a month by working on a laptop, that was truly astounding for me, she prescribed for me to attempt it simply. I highly recommend everyone to apply… www.Payathome7.com

Posted by: www.Payathome7.com at February 01, 2023 06:57 PM (WvS5N)

590 Well, as one of the "incredible people of Georgia", I never shut down shit. Didn't get any of the fake non-vaccine shots either. I feel great!

Posted by: ccoffer at February 01, 2023 07:05 PM (NTqR2)

591 Something about DeSantis is short-circuiting Trump's political instincts. He's met his match.

Posted by: Ordinary American at February 01, 2023 05:59 PM (H8QX

LOL let's revisit in 12 months

Posted by: ... at February 01, 2023 07:23 PM (BXxcV)

592 I'm suspicious of people pushing DeSantis forward. There are people who absolutely want mutual destruction so that a bland go-along-get-along can walk right up the middle. In 1880, Grant, Sherman, & Blaine cancelled each other out for Garfield to take the prize.

When people encouraged John Howard & Peter Costello to fight each other rather than cooperate harmoniously, or Jean Chretien & Paul Martin, or Tony Blair & Gordon Brown, their parties were thrown from office for a very long time.

Donald Trump has unfinished business to attend to at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in '25. DeSantis could be helpful, could be the heir, but apparently it's not to be. Instead we have two scorpions circling to strike the other, to the delight of #NeverTrumpers & Dems.

Posted by: Willard Whyte at February 01, 2023 08:03 PM (hvfJj)

593 9 Facts are facts.
Posted by: griff at February 01, 2023 04:21 PM

Now stop right there, keemosabe

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 01, 2023 08:15 PM (23eD8)

594 Faux, Birx & Co. were "the experts" and envysted burocrats career employees. The guy running the COVID thing was Mike Pence... DeSantis did have the State lock down, but soon saw his error. He has been drawn in by the Uniparty Republicans and is likely to be Jeb Bush on ,Andro"... An unmentioned fact is that RDS has the carisma of week old halibut. He will self combust in,a debate. Also, who was PDJT Chief of Staff? Trump may be very capable, but he's not a "one man band". One has to understand that he had enemies in his own administration, liberal career employees at all levels of the executive branch. Many of the fiascos blamed on him were actually due to malicious compliance by underlings.

Today, Trump is ahead of RDS and every other boot-licking GOPe hack who is weighing a run at "The People's Champion".

Posted by: Carlos Rodriguez at February 01, 2023 08:39 PM (hFTyh)

595 Dangit Ace, you did a good post while busy at work and now the fire has died down.

Again I ask this: By stabbing Trump in the back by running now, thus making it double personal for Trump (2020 stolen and guy you helped in '18 turns on you as well), and we Trump supporters see this, why would we vote for Desantis? We'll just be what that bitch Romney did and throw away a vote, or we'll do what Ace said he'd do years ago and just vote democrat because at least they win.

And it's telling you mention two attacks on Desantis, lockdowns and he's a globalist, but you ignore the globalist part. This ties back to stabbing Trump in the back; will Ron not do the same by saying "oh well guys, I wrote a letter voicing my displeasure but you red state soldiers are gonna go die in Ukraine because my donors demand it" or "Sorry now-red Ohio (thanks Trump!), you're gonna be mad but I'm signing the TPP 2.0 and you're all fucked because muh free markets and Ben Shapiro told me to."

At some point instead of shitting on Trump's GA chances, how about you start putting pressure on Kemp and Raffensperger to do legitimate fixes? Is that too mean for the GA wine moms?

Posted by: UwU_Power at February 01, 2023 09:21 PM (Urw9F)

596 This is why I stand with Ace.

Ace of Spades, sic balls!

Posted by: insurgens ad opus at February 01, 2023 09:31 PM (M5vv0)

597 I also have one more thing to add: if you want to call out the Trump people and surrogates coordinating with their attacks on Desantis, you cannot ignore Desantis people are doing the same thing.

Oh wow, Will Chamberlain, ever contrarian Thernovich, Clay and Buck (ie the Chamber of Commerce generic show, Rush is rolling in his grave), John Cardillo, Dave Reaboi, they're all just so conveniently chirping the same things and getting upset when people are seeing the same coordination you are saying you see on the Trump side.

It doesn't bother me that Cruz people are flocking to another person not Trump, saw it in '16, but don't try and tell me my lying eyes are wrong for sticking with the guy who gave me the best financial years of my life, to such a degree I'm using that windfall to help alleviate my family's burdens over the past two years. It's personal for Trump, it's personal for me too. I'm sorry Christina Pushaw thinks I'm just going to abandon that because perpetually online twitter users say Orange Man Bad yet again.

Posted by: UwU_Power at February 01, 2023 09:40 PM (Urw9F)

598 Trump is retarded and so are the idiots who think he’s playing 5D chess. The only thing Trump is doing is counting the Benjamins that are rolling in as campaign cash. He has no cash flow outside of grifting. If he got back into the White House, he’d just complain about the fake news for 4 years while the country burns under the rule of the Deep State.

Posted by: Fire at WILL at February 01, 2023 09:45 PM (TLedf)

599 Trump had his chances. Delegated to his daughter.

Posted by: Your Sensesi at February 01, 2023 09:52 PM (L5yo0)

600 I went along with the whole "muddle through it approach" too, Ace. But now that the 3rd anniversary of "two weeks to slow the spread" is upon us, I have no more sympathy, understanding or acceptance of Trump and his abhorrent handling of the Covid crisis. He. Got. Played. If he makes it through the primary process and he is the last guy standing, sure, I'll vote for him. But I will do so with eyes wide-open knowing he has feet of clay.

Posted by: NAB at February 01, 2023 10:02 PM (3sHsl)

601 Ace, I think your take on this post is accurate.

Bigger picture though, I am fatalistic, because I don’t see ANY credible Republican contender taking on the GLOBALISTS (Chamber of Commerce; Club for Growth; Koch Industries; etc.), including especially DeSantis.

So big picture, best case is we get a eRepublican Pro-Jeb! President in DeSantis (oh, he is the anti-groomer deluxe); and I just hope he (unlike the two Bush’s) doesn’t send American military personnel to die in some pointless war we have no intention of winning — let alone getting us in a nuclear war over fu@king Ukraine!

By the way Ace, why don’t you tell us again how badly Ukraine is going for Putin and how it is likely Putin (or Germany, you knucklehead) blew up their own pipeline? Sh*t for Brains, is what those takes were.

It’s going so badly for Putin that we are doing to be sending F-16s (and then nukes) to Zeleneskyyyy.

You know why we know it’s going to happen? Because Biden said we will not send Big-Z F-16s and nukes; which is what the figurehead already says before the shadow President says yes.

Posted by: Dummy #43 at February 01, 2023 10:07 PM (z8wBP)

602 Donald Trump should be running against Biden, the cheaters, etc.

I don't think congratulating Ronna McDaniel, supporting Kevin McCarthey, and attacking Ron DeSantis is helping him in any way.

If he wants to use the globalist line, he needs to stop bowing down to the RNC.

Posted by: realiytman at February 02, 2023 07:19 AM (7NSrk)

603 You guys need to understand that:

1) DeSantis is a lawyer and professional politician

2) As such, he belongs to the multinational donors

3) DeSantis just mentioned the other day that he WON re-election and Trump didn't. Thanks to the multinational donors and Molly Ball at Time that told us about it.

Most importantly: Trump is strategically fighting back against the silent, yet obvious donor class. I have no problem with him being himself.

Frankly, common sense dictates that a Trump/DeSantis ticket would win in a fucking landslide and DeSantis isn't taking that route.

Posted by: Danimal28 at February 02, 2023 07:37 AM (klw0w)

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Trump Just Can't Stop Attacking DeSantis: "The real Ron is a RINO GLOBALIST, who closed down Florida and even its beaches"

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Trump Just Can't Stop Attacking DeSantis:
"The real Ron is a RINO GLOBALIST, who closed down Florida and even its beaches"