Sadly, without using those exact words, that is The Number One Reason much of his base will cast their votes for him. We all know the Number Two and Number Three reasons. They are, in no particular order, "I am, to some degree or another, a racist, and I am afraid of losing my privilege and my place atop society", and "I am voting with my wallet, which is an extension of my penis."
It's not lost on me that these reasons may all be interconnected and blended into One Big Reason for many people. Fear is a great motivator. And fear-mongering has been a tactic of republican campaigns for decades. Or republicans in general. 45* and his campaign people are merely studying previous campaigns, both real and fictional (he got some of his pointers from the TV show The West Wing: "Let Bartlett be Bartlett"), hence his reliance on catchphrases like calling himself a Wartime President and harping on Law and Order, a la Nixon.
Another Reason, and one which I find so terribly frustrating, is for the Single Issue Voters, and that is abortion. A segment of the electorate will overlook a raft of egregious behaviour, a multitude of sins in a panoply of categories, if this individual purports to be against abortion.
Which leads me to this: is anyone truly, enthusiastically for abortion? That's not really what the issue is, now is it? I resent that the people who are Anti-Choice are called Pro-Life. What bullshit. I. Am. Pro-Life. I am all about Life. I am against the Death Penalty. I am, however, Pro-Choice.
But I digress.
I know of one 45* voter who said, "I wish he'd just shut up. And stop tweeting." Why? Why is this a dealbreaker for you? This is Who He Is. These are his words, and they are his thoughts. This is the man you voted for. If he embarrasses you, if his thoughts and words shame him and you, then what do you think of his actions? This same voter STILL HAS NOT MADE UP HIS MIND ABOUT WHO TO VOTE FOR IN THE GENERAL ELECTION IN NOVEMBER! He said, "I have to wait to hear from Biden."
!!
Really? Haven't you heard enough from 45*? Immigrant children forever separated from their mothers; staff now in jail; impeached; under active investigation by the state of New York for financial crimes; accused of sexual crimes and rape by more than a dozen women; mocking and disrespecting government leaders; a bungled and slow response to COVID-19 that cost more than 100,000 lives and he takes no responsibility; he threatens his own citizens with their military...the list is endless. What could you possibly hear that would be worse than this?
These people are Part Of The Problem, and I'm done being tactful and pleasant. All of them are getting Blunt Truth from here on out. I'm just Over It. And that includes diehard Bernie people who are whiny toddlers at this point. It's Blue No Matter Who and Go Joe. Don't you dare give us 2016 again just because you can't get your way. Step up and do the Right Thing this time.
My anger and frustration are minuscule and do not even begin to compare to what the black community is feeling and expressing since the murder of George Floyd. How can anyone view the recorded evidence of these episodes and not be shocked and outraged? I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak of having to raise my own sons with a talk about how to behave when approached by law enforcement, knowing it could be a life or death situation. There is a cultural shift at work now that is long overdue. I'm heartened that the people are taking the initiative with commitment and resolve, knowing that there is no support from the White House for this important work.
Which leads me to this: I became aware of a website and Twitter feed, Republican Voters Against trump. On the site, former republicans share brief video stories of why they will never vote for 45* again, and, in some case, never vote republican again. It reaffirmed my faith in human beings, especially after some of the stories I have read and seen in the news. Here is one former republican, Paul, whose story really resonated:
Please share this website with anyone who needs to be aware of it. Sometimes I listen to a video just to reassure myself that there are still some Good People out there who just made one mistake.
Stay engaged, stay safe, stay kind, but Stand Firm. Don't let the Bad Guys win.
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I am so glad you wrote this post. I agree that fear and racism feed voters who support the current man in Office. Doing what I can right now to support Joe Biden. Each nasty gram that comes in the mail to me, in Wisconsin, with Joe Biden's photo gets cut out and placed in a collage I am making of this good man who is a capable and experienced leader. I plan to watch your video clip with my hubby after dinner. Thank you
ReplyDeletekathy b--Wisconsin is a pivotal state this year. Your vote will be important!
DeleteYou're welcome.
Amen. sister! You said it. I agree. As I keep saying: you elect a clown, you get a circus. I hate circuses. And clowns.
ReplyDeleteAlly Bean--Thank you.
DeleteI actually like clowns, but not accidental ones. And not evil ones. And not scary ones.
I couldn't have said it better myself. I am so tired of hearing the Orange Clown's worshippers defend his indefensible acts...
ReplyDeletePraying for a Blue Wave and despite from this craziness...
Wishing you and yours a pleasant summer...
Denise--There you are!
DeleteThey always find a way, don't they? But if you listen closely, all they really do is deflect and blame and set up a straw man argument, just like their cult leader. It's all Fox talking points. Their ignorance is breathtaking.
I'm hoping for a Blue Wave as well. Dems have to turn out and take this country back before it's far too late.
All of this. Every. Single. Word.
ReplyDeleteBridget--Glad to know you're with me. Or us.
DeleteEvery day a new crisis and I torture myself with: "What if Hillary had won?" I think 2016 was fixed and I'm not sure it won't be rigged in 2020 again. We must vote in such huge numbers that our votes cannot be denied. Thank you for expressing what so many are feeling.
ReplyDeleteEileen--I feel the same way about the news cycle and the daily crises. I long for scandals as meek as a Tan Suit. I do not share your belief that 2016 was a corrupt election; we can thank the goofy Electoral College for that debacle, along with stupid voters and foreign interference and gullible Facebook users. I heartily wish Facebook was destroyed. More disinformation and conspiracy theory gets spread on there than anything useful.
DeleteDemocratic turnout is crucial, you are absolutely correct. Please do what you can to help. Thanks for reading, and I hope I see you here often.
Finally in the state of Pennsylvania we have mail in voting. I have signed up and will never have to go to the horrible republican polling place where they ridicule my last name.
Deletesusan q--I have many relatives in PA. They're staunch Democrats, but they're in a mostly red area. I'm glad you're looking forward to mail-in voting, and I'm truly sorry that you've had such an immature reception at the polling place. How awful and unnecessary and incredibly rude.
DeleteDee--aka "batshit crazy". But seriously, there are more complex reasons than being stubborn, although for some, yes, that's part of it. But when the voter is in the booth alone or marking that ballot in the privacy of his/her own home, what's the power of that reason then?
ReplyDeleteAnd that's when we fall back on batshit crazy.
Sitting upside the border watching you lot struggle with great sympathy and not a little fear. The checks and balances in your system are surely creaking under the strain. I think all of us are fed up. Our government is not doing a stellar job either, but I think the Parliamentary system holds up a little better under the kind of extreme stress a pandemic causes. Or at least I did until I took a closer look at Great Britain just now. You know what scares me almost more than Trump at the moment is the mess in the EU.
ReplyDeleteIt is almost time for things to start going better, no?
Mary--Canada, thank goodness, is a benevolent ally who watches us struggle with compassion. Other countries are watching with less kind intentions. As we weaken and descend into chaos, other countries are looking to take advantage of the US's new vulnerable status. This is what 45* voters do not understand. We have been brought low by this imbecile. We are weak, and we are vulnerable to predators.
DeleteAnd the predators are out there, patient and ready.
It is way past time for things to get better. I hope more and more people see that, and that they vote for it in November with Biden and Democrats in the Senate.
I am sick of all the republicans who say they are in the former party. Are they ready to vote for Biden or any Democrat? Like Steve Schmidt, David Jolly, Joe Scarborough? I don't have a problem with them criticizing 45 but that's not enough. Neither is not voting. Everyone must oppose him.
ReplyDeletesusan q--The Non-Voters are in a Hell unto themselves. Like John Bolton, who says he won't vote for Biden, but will write in the name of a deserving conservative republican. Well, aren't you the principled one? There were so many people in 2016 who simply couldn't bring themselves to vote for either candidate, so they voted third party or not at all. Thanks. Thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteAnd here we are.
You're right. Former or old-party republicans need to vote Democratic and show the republicans who gave cover to 45* that there is a price to pay. The opposition is the message.
I agree with you and sure hope for a change in November. I worry about getting my hopes up (I was so sure that Hillary would win in 2016) but can't even think about what will happen if Biden doesn't win. He must win and I hope it is a decisive, big win! Thanks for your strong words!
ReplyDeleteEllen D--Thank you, and you're welcome.
DeleteI understand your reticence regarding this election. 2016 was a bitter, terrible blow for us all. I just read a terrific perspective by Matt Bai in The Washington Post, which was carried in my Cleveland Plain Dealer. It was titled "What Democrats Get Wrong about the 2016 Election." If you can, please Google and read this. I think it will help. But as a party and its individual Democrats, we have to work and get out our vote.
PREACH! In fact, I am thinking of just copying & pasting your whole post on my blog (with attribution of course). ESPECIALLY the abortion part for my "Christian" aunts who will forgive Armageddon as long as the pre-born babies are safe. But only until they're born - after that they apparently could give a flip based on their voting history. VERY CRAZY-MAKING!
ReplyDeleteBug--Please don't copy and paste me at your spot. You can use a couple of quotes and then send your readers here, but that's it. (It's quite flattering, but please don't.)
DeleteMost of these so-called Pro-Lifers are also the very same ones who abhor welfare and other social programs for the babies once they are here. They don't volunteer to provide care, childcare, food, formula, or any real help. They just flap their religious tenets and proselytize self-righteously, as if that makes a damn bit of difference. We all know it doesn't. Not. One. Bit.
There are a lot of Fake Christians around who would condemn the actions of their Jesus if he were here today. But they'd never admit it.
oh....yes yes yes yes!! Well stated. We MUST make sure people get out and VOTE!!
ReplyDeleteI am also so surprised at the very people who proport to be prolife...are willing to brush off seniors, disadvantaged, and mentally challenged as people whose lives don't count; if they are truly PROLIFE...then socially distance and wear a mask for goodness sake!!!
steph--Hello, and welcome to the Dept.!
DeleteThank you. I appreciate your compliment and your comments. Voting is critical.
You make such a cogent and salient point. These pro-lifers are not masking. They're showing a vast disregard for the vulnerable in our communities. And for what? I honestly have no idea anymore. Wear a mask. Show some respect and compassion and concern. Don't be so damn selfish.
If this is their culture war, they have the right leader. He has been disrespectful, selfish, irresponsible, and narcissistic his entire life.
Oh, please allow me to joing the AMEN chorus! I can't watch the news without a stream of profanity spewing from my mouth. This has become a national emergency and I don't care if Biden is in a coma (God forbid!) on election day, he must be elected.
ReplyDeleteKaren--Nice to hear from you. (I kind of thought I might.)
DeleteIt really is a national emergency and our democracy, our national security, and our credibility and trust as a world power are at risk. It almost goes without saying that the stakes are even higher with the spectre of a second wave of the pandemic looming in the fall and winter.
It's completely disgusting and shocking how the current GOP has cowered before this madman. They have a grim legacy to contend with.
I'm hopeful that sanity will prevail and that Vice President Biden will be elected. He has a wealth of foreign policy knowledge, relationships, and credibility that can undo a great deal of the damage done by this administration.
"I am voting with my wallet, which is an extension of my penis." = Which is why I need to walk around with an AK-47, also an extension of my penis. Nuff said.
ReplyDeleteEvery idiot who stayed home in 2016 because ‘they didn’t particularly like HRC and figured she would win anyway’ contributed to DJT’s electoral win. That, and from what I have read, some ‘minor’ cooking of the books (read: vote count) in critical states where his electoral wins were incredibly slim margins: just enough to cross the finish line, but not so much that anyone would demand a re-count.)
I, too, feel that the movement sparked by the horrific death of George Floyd has sparked a revolution that is more than the usual temporary outrage. Blacks are so done with having to live in abject fear every. single. waking. moment. of. their. lives. Thankfully, a whole lot of support is also coming from folks of every stripe.
Thanks for the link to the vid on Republican Voters Against Trump. Will share. Reminds me of the ones put out by The Lincoln Project, which is also an organization for R’s against 45. You are no doubt familiar with it, but just in case: https://tinyurl.com/vnl7d87
(One of the founders is George Conway, Kellyanne’s husband. How they even cohabit anymore is a mystery to me. I’m gonna’ leave it there because I could go on all day about that infuriating woman.)
For some comic relief on all of this, in case you haven’t seen anything by this woman, below is a cut-and-paste from my comment on your May 29th post (which I did not find out about until several days later due to spam folder issues, so I don’t think you saw it) —
“On the lighter side, I don't know if you have seen any of Sarah Cooper's lip syncs of 45, but she is brilliant!! Here is a link to one of her lip syncs of Trump's responses in an interview a while back about his views on the Bible: https://tinyurl.com/ybcngwp9 ”
Stay well, my friend, and let’s hope Big Blue makes an even greater comeback in 2020 than 2018. I am petrified of voting issues, especially with COVID.
Ortizzle--Blogger is in flux right now, as is Chrome. Both are owned by Google. Additionally, Windows updated on my computer. We are all not playing nicely together, so lots of things are getting lost, including comments sent to my email.
DeleteI am very aware of all the things you mentioned. Sarah Cooper is a genius. I share her with my family often. And The Lincoln Project is the source of so much wonderful, thoughtful anti-45* media. I would also offer The Meidas Touch for similar work. Both are quite powerful and thought-provoking. Let's hope the right people (pun intended?) see their work.
You might also like the work of Randy Rainbow, who does song parodies skewering 45*. They are cutting and clever.
I am hoping every day for a Blue Wave to sweep both houses and the White House. With COVID and the corruption and fear-mongering of the republicans, I am fearful as well. He is like a cornered animal now that he has seen the polls and some intra-party dissent. And we know he has no Low.
Stay well. XO
Blogger--- Well, I have decided just to click on your blog more frequently and also check my spam folder. *sigh*
DeleteI figured you would know about all that stuff. Re: Sarah Cooper--- Just read an article about her in the NY Times: "Sarah Cooper doesn't mimic Trump: She exposes him." Here's a link, although you likely have also seen it: https://preview.tinyurl.com/ydar8y4y
I ADORE Randy Rainbow!!! Another genius of satire who helps keep us sane these days--- which isn't easy given how apocalyptic things are getting.
Back to the proverbial salt mines. My summer 5-week course is winding down, and thank God, because the prep for 2-hour live daily online conferences is killer. I really miss interacting with my students in person, but... this is going to be my M.O. for fall classes as well. And... nobody is saying this at the uni so far (they are sending out vibes for gradual 're-population' of the campus for obvious reasons), but... Texas is having a huge spike in COVID cases thanks to our a$$hole governor, and I honestly see myself teaching online next spring as well. 2 more years to retirement is all I can say, lol.
Ortizzle--I did not see that NYT story on Cooper, so thank you!
DeleteI've been wondering about universities in hot spots--which are happening all over, now--and whether or not they'll be all virtual for the coming academic year. I can't help but think I wouldn't like online school. TWO MORE YEARS! YAY!
You know I feel the same way with exactly all you said. Today I was working in a very Trumpian home. I was talking to the mother of the kids I work with. She was complaining about her SIL and his intense political views. When I explained to her that her husband and SIL are hypocrites because they are so Christian yet vote and worship a man who lies, cheats, abuses women, separates children from their families and would be disgusted with him if he was a democrat, she was speechless. I told her the difference with me and her family is that I would be disgusted with this man if he was a demarcate I am disgusted with this man, his GOP lovers and his worshipers. not because of my favored political party but because I am a human being with some compassion and sense of what is right and wrong. She had never thought of it that way. Preach on my friend, we need people to speak out and blogs can't always be about pretty flowers.
ReplyDeleteMeredith--Good for you, speaking out. I think it's high time we all spoke out and claimed our Truth. Perhaps being presented with a challenging viewpoint and a new perspective will shake at least one of them off their Fox talking points.
DeleteI do understand, however, why so many of us don't write about it on our sites. We are so exhausted from it all. We like to escape from it a bit and are given respite from it and comfort by seeing that normal, sane life still goes on in our homes. I know my Dear Readers feel the way I do.
But we are at Another Level right now. And I was at my Breaking Point.
Amen to all that. I'm in Hudson, which is as far right probably as you can be. I'm waiting until August to put my Biden yard sign out...and no one better touch it.
ReplyDeleteElle--Hudson is a pretty little town, and it has some big money. But it has its pockets here and there of The Resistance, I know.
DeleteI ended up putting my Hillary sign in my front window. I lost one to vandals. There are a couple of 45* signs and one obnoxious flag out already in our neighborhood that weren't there in 2016. There are obviously some Ride Or Die supporters. Pitiful.
Nice to see you here again. I'm glad you're well.
You said is ALL! I can't even add to it because you spoke my Heart. I too am beyond shocked that anyone who is decent could still support this Administration with a clear conscience! But they do and I too am at the end of my patience and tolerance for THEM, they will be complicit in the continued destruction of our Country by trying to elect unfit Leaders. This Country can't withstand another Four Years of this Lunatic!
ReplyDeleteBohemian--That is The Word--Complicit. It especially applies to the republicans who have turned a blind eye to him all this time just so they could remake the federal judiciary (200 judges now, and so very many of them absolutely unqualified) and rebuke President Obama's legacies. They will have shameful legacies.
DeleteAll I can say is, I agree with you. Great post.
ReplyDeleteMinerva--Thank you. Glad to hear it.
Delete2nd try at a comment...sorry if my first one is just waiting for approval somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI am so sick of Trump, I can barely stand it. I never thought I would be nostalgic for Bush. I pray that we never have a President that makes me nostalgic for this asshat. Kanye?
When they tear gassed peaceful protestors so Trump could have a photo op, I asked Ted to look into Canadian citizenship. He was born there, and we’re pretty sure he is therefore a citizen. I am not a quitter and prefer to stay here and FIX things. But I need an exit strategy before this turns in to Gilead.
J--Blogger is messing around with changes, so things are goofy right now.
Delete45* makes me forget my Outrage with GWB, who, remember, I called The Angel Of Death and hated steadily throughout both of his terms. But it seems abstract to me now and a little silly compared to this constant barrage of shame, degradation, and outright incompetent damage and corruption. That there are still supporters makes me profoundly sad and scared.
Right now, I completely understand your thinking. We felt the same way after GWB got his second term. Rick is of Canadian descent, (his great grandmother was born and lived in Ontario), and we wondered if it was worth it to investigate. Some Canadian friends of ours said the same thing you did, that we should not give up; that we needed to fight for our country.
So many are fighting for it now. This is a terrible year. But I think if we follow up our fight with our vote, the change will come.