America Votes! Civil war predictions

[SENC]

Fully agree that it is a sad state of affairs when a country of this size and resource can't find better candidates - but then I've been saying that now for about 30 years and it just gets worse with each election.

As for the divide, I think it is very real, but among a smaller portion of the population than it may seem. In my experience and that reported by those I know well in other areas of the country, a majority seems to fit in the middle and want positive changes but also feel strongly violence is not the way to achieve them. Unfortunately, the middle 80 or so don't have much of a voice in today's polarized environment. Just my perception.

[USA64]

Setting aside his manner, what Trump policy is so disliked? I have yet to get an answer.

[steve lyle]

Setting aside his manner, what Trump policy is so disliked? I have yet to get an answer.

Here’s the answer his opponents would give:
1) He doesn’t take Covid seriously, while we’re setting records for new cases. His policy is to leave it to the states, and then complain.
2) He believes global warning is a hoax his policy is to burn more coal and eliminate regulations.
3) He’s a racist, per his sister, his niece, and his long time personal lawyer, as well as his audible dig whistles (good people on both sides of a white supremacist rally and counter demonstration. His policy is to take no action against police forces that act as occupation forces.
4) He gave a tax cut that increased our deficit by $1.5 trillion, where 95% of the benefit went to the top 1%
5) He wants to eliminate Obamacare in the middle of a pandemic, eliminating health insurance for millions, with no replacement proposed. His lawyers go to the Supreme Court to argue that case next week.

There’s more, but that’s a start.

[steve lyle]

The one thing that amazes me, and perhaps an American friend can explain, is why in such a vast and talented country these two come up for election for President. Surely there are hordes of people out there that could do a better job?

I don't think Trump is going to be a good loser if that is what happens...................Good luck old friends.

Lol, I’ll explain it to you, if you can explain to me how your PM is the best you can do.

[Slowtus]

Lol, I’ll explain it to you, if you can explain to me how your PM is the best you can do.

Possibly not the "best you can do" but despite his myriad errors - in so many areas - he is aware of his flaws even as and when he denies them - the man at least has a moral compass.

Trump lacks both morality and a compass, probably depends on braying voices and GPS to make his arrogant, ignorant unfortunate decisions.

Trump is fundamentally unaware of everyone and everything around him despite the best efforts of everyone and everything around him - unless it is directly connected to and focused on his ego.

The majority of the thinking world is embarrassed on your behalf.

[2cams70]

Possibly not the "best you can do" but despite his myriad errors - in so many areas - he is aware of his flaws even as and when he denies them - the man at least has a moral compass.

A politician with a moral compass?? - you've got to be kidding me!!!

[mbell]

Imo boris is worse. He has some understanding of what he is doing and does it anyway.

Trump simply lives in a different reality to most of us and has no clue that's actually the case. I think he honesty believes the stuff that comes out of his mouth or simply doesn't realise it's all a protection mechanism for his ego. The issue with Trump was he was voted in despite obviously being completely unfit to be president.

Imo there are worse people in US politics, that fully understand the reality but they choose to ignore it to push there own agendas.

[h20hamelan]

I believe Trump is sort of a rock bottom, for the old boys club. That said, it would be a different story if he wasn’t getting a whack of the Hispanic vote. Doubt too many African, or Asian after the whole Meng Wanzhou - Huawei affair.
It is racially true, N America was found on UK beliefs in a way. At least Western
Suspect like Germany or France now a days, it is tough to say no to a minority.
Where the funds will hold up, paying Old Age Pensions and societal burdens. The Rich in America ( out of 8,000 of the richest US famlies in the past 4 years, only 7 families have been audited).

There is no doubt in my mind, free trade and allowing the CEO’s of the world to take more than 5% over the average worker has destroyed Western society.
Fact is, y’all in the UK lost your currency over 100 years ago. You have made out fine since then. China is taking us all over.
Was Trump the last hope?
Don’t know. This middle of the road Politicians we all have these days is where its at it seems. If any politician has ever really had a spine.
Seems to me, they all sell out to the lowest denominator and corporate capitalist greed. Vs Communism, Democracy or true Socialism. The lack of anything outside of fake economic progress is astounding.
Our area just lost its last corner store. Too many Amazon Wal-Mart Costco big box stores feeding $0.38 per day salaries.

If the true Co-Op model is not the best, what is.
I also believe in Regionalism, New Zealand seems to be dong fine.

[alan.barker]

Imho i'm pleased that Trump is out and not been pushed to the top by the the Russian Maffia who financed his Trump Tower. (to launder money).I don't think Trump ever had the Covid and it was a "fakenews" like a Rambo scene.
Boris is an idiot who now has got the UK in the shit with Brexit. In the UK the problem are the older people who still think there is still a British Empire. This was finished not long after the second world war.
Some in the UK walk around with posters saying save the British Pound (decimal pound) which has only existed since 15th Feb 1971. They never knew the old pound with 240 pence, shillings, sixpences,farthings etc. The PM who caused this problem was Cameron and the vote to stay in EU or not.
Sorry,
It's only my personal meanderings from someone who is for Europe and the EU.
Good luck to the USA and i hope you can get back to normal soon
Alan

[alan.barker]

CHILL DONALD CHILL

[pharriso]

Setting aside his manner, what Trump policy is so disliked? I have yet to get an answer.

Really? You have to ask... amazing

[Craven]

Politics like many things in life, It’s who you know not what you know.

[TBG]

"Boris is an idiot who now has got the UK in the shit with Brexit"

Alan - We were not talking about him - rather trying to give unpartisan support to our American friends who I suspect have real worries about the immediate future. I do so hope it all turns out well for them but I have my fears.

[alan.barker]

Hi TBG,
sorry yes you're right i got carried away.
But Trump has also got the USA in the shit and if he can't be a man and admit to defeat like a Gentleman people are going to loose their lives.
A sad state of affairs indeed.
Good luck to America
Alan

[SENC]

Hard not to mix personal opinions and beliefs with well-wishes in these cases, but I do think (and appreciate) that the intent from all is well-wishing.

Though I'm one who thinks the pendulum had swung too far to the left and that we got Trump because the federal government stopped listening to the people and became too powerful, he was never going to be the answer. Too abrasive, too inconsistent, too egotistical. I couldn't vote for him the first time based on my feelings about his morals, his business history, and his general buffoonery - despite thinking his opponent would be 10x worse. In many ways, his presidency has proven better than I thought it would be (I had admittedly low expectations), and if he had even an iota of humility and ability to keep his mouth shut I'm not sure he wouldn't be judged much differently. But rather than healing the divisions the previous president sparked he amplified them and stoked enough hatred and distrust that he cannot lead the country in my opinion.

I see Biden as a low-character version of Jimmy Carter, and likely to be weak and ineffective. I was extremely fearful of that in the context of a Democrat majority in both House and Senate, as I believe today's polarization is pulling all to the extremes and he would not have stood up to it. It think that would have risked as much split and potential for violence as a Trump 2nd term. The fires at the poles, IMO, are truly that hot even if the vast majority in the middle are staying well below a simmer.

With a split Congress, I don't think any major damage can be done and I will hope Biden is successful at working across the aisle. I agree with an earlier comment that split government and gridlock has some risk of highlighting division - but I think there is a good chance of that split forcing some compromise that could be healing, and don't see any chance for healing with either party in complete control. Personally, I've always felt the economy and everyday people do better when the government does less.

I did chuckle at H20's comment implying Trump is a representative of the old boy's club, that is a funny but maybe understandable misreading of politics from the outside. Trump was largely elected because of a massive populist movement to support someone perceived to be outside the old political power structure, regardless of whether he was suited for or capable of the job - and Trump was hated and reviled from day one by that old political power structure on both sides of the aisle because he showed them no respect or deference.