Mega-Thread: Trump Focused Discussion

[Benggaul]

blast hardcheese!

Slab Bulkhead!

In Trump/DeSantis news it seems "omg he loves LGBTQ!" is pretty much the new totally-normal "insult" used to disparage one candidate over the other:

String of anti-gay ads from DeSantis force Trump supporters to flip on LGBTQ support

Opponents of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) are rebuking mailers sent to Iowa households that boasted about former President Donald Trump's LGBTQ+ record.

The Iowa mailers do not appear to be sent from the DeSantis campaign, however, they follow a recent string of pro-DeSantis ads that seek to portray Trump as being vehemently pro-gay and transgender rights.

The recent mailers thank Trump for standing up for LGBTQ+ rights and note that he "celebrated gay marriage victory at Mar-a-Lago Party with Log Cabin Republicans," a Republican organization that advocates for LGBT rights. They also dubbed Trump a "transgender trailblazer" in reference to his decision to allow transgender model Jenna Talackova to compete in a Miss Universe competition when he owned the pageant.

Right-wing commentator Mike Thernovich Cernovich shared images of the "'attack ad' DeSantis supporters are running in Iowa against Trump," adding, "I don't get it, truly I don't see the winning play here."

Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and vocal Trump supporter, said the DeSantis campaign was "desperate" and employing "a dirty trick that won't work."

"Republicans don’t hate gay people. Ron DeSantis is out of touch," she added.

"It should be obvious to everyone at this point that DeSantis has crossed the line from channeling legitimate cultural grievances to weaponizing bigotry," commented another user.

The mailers, however, were not sent from the DeSantis campaign itself, as they lack a disclaimer that they were paid for by it, a mandatory requirement by the Federal Election Commission for any public communications made by a political committee. The mailers instead state that they were paid for by Advancing Our Values, an organization that first registered as a 504 non-profit in Iowa on June 27.

Bolded for citation needed, but c'mon.

[PosPosPos]

You can say it. Conservatives need a big strong Daddy to boss them around and tell them what to do, a hunky masculine husband who can protect them and keep them safe, a tall drink of water they can cuddle up to at night and--sorry, I lost my train of thought there. They need a Big McLargehuge they can rally behind and support who will actually do things, or appear to do things.

You mean morbidly obese people with 0 impulse control and have the tendency for abusing their family members?

Because what you mentioned sounds sexy, safe and consensual, there's barely any of those in conservatism.

[Benggaul]

There's also the time and energy factor. If you come home from working all day, especially a long shift, it can be really difficult to muster up the energy you need to prepare a meal and clean up afterwards. That's not even including the extra time and planning shopping takes. I would eat better if someone did the extra work for me, but sadly I live alone and cannot afford a robot maid.

Unfiltered had already mentioned the time cost so I didn't reiterate, but yes, I agree.

[Breccia]

Trump did not send a video.

Wow. That's some seriously low energy.

[Edge-]

Slab Bulkhead!

In Trump/DeSantis news it seems "omg he loves LGBTQ!" is pretty much the new totally-normal "insult" used to disparage one candidate over the other:

String of anti-gay ads from DeSantis force Trump supporters to flip on LGBTQ support



Bolded for citation needed, but c'mon.

I continue to delight in groups like the Log Cabin Republicans being offended over DeSantis's ads and talking about how "this isn't the Republican party we know and love." and like jesus fucking christ how do so many people manage to live daily lives while they're in a completely comatose state?

This is the fuckin Republican party lol. Same group that would be phoning in their to rat out their gay lovers and then acting surprised when the gaspacho round them up, too.

[Teriz]

https://www.reddit.com/r/TikTokCring...me_is_uncanny/

"It's not a cult!"

A man in a MAGA hat says between mouthfuls of his Trump Tower burger at Trump Burger, where the walls are lined with Trump flags and posters and cutouts and the tops of buns have Trump's name burned into it. They purchased a "Biden sniffs kids" shirt on the way out.

8oz of red meat with 4 slices of cheese in a single sandwhich......
JFC!

Really though, I don't think even a small minority of libs built whole-ass identities around Obama in the way that seemingly around 1/4 of the Republican party have built their lives around Donald Trump.

Not even close. I mean Obama gets a lot of love among the democratic base, but it's nowhere near the level of idolatry that Trump gets. If Obama committed the crimes that Trump did, people who love and respect Obama would still say that he should be punished if he commits a crime. We have Trump supporters who are saying that Trump should be above the law whether he did it or not. It's highly disturbing.

[Chonogo]

Not even close. I mean Obama gets a lot of love among the democratic base, but it's nowhere near the level of idolatry that Trump gets. If Obama committed the crimes that Trump did, people who love and respect Obama would still say that he should be punished if he commits a crime. We have Trump supporters who are saying that Trump should be above the law whether he did it or not. It's highly disturbing.

Obama was praised for his charisma and ability to relate. Trump's charisma is objectively crass and bombastic.

So praise is understandable, but you have to wonder what traits are being praised by respective followers, and more importantly, why. If you're a fan of working together to solve problems grounded in reality, Obama tends to be one you praise. If you're a fan of insulting others, Trump tends to be the one you praise.

I know which guy I'd prefer to praise. One's an entertainer and one's a serious person. Give me the serious one if we're talking about politics. Give me the entertainer if I want to see a show.

- - - Updated - - -

This would be hilarious if it wasn't so sad...scratch that, it's kinda hilarious.



https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/10/politics/house-freedom-caucus-future-plans/index.html

Those remarkable tensions reached an all-time high when a majority of members voted to oust firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia from the caucus just before the July Fourth recess, with many members fed up with Greene – not for her string of controversial rhetoric – but for continually bashing some of her Freedom Caucus colleagues. They’ve also taken issue with Greene’s fierce loyalty to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which they feel runs counter to the founding mission of the Freedom Caucus – a crew that built its reputation as a thorn in the side of leadership.

“People don’t feel comfortable talking in Freedom Caucus meetings because of Marjorie and others, so the group has sort of broken up,” one GOP lawmaker told CNN, who worried Greene would reveal their floor tactics to McCarthy ahead of time. The “Freedom Caucus is not what it was when (former Republican House Speaker John) Boehner was in office,” the lawmaker said.

[D Luniz]

Slab Bulkhead!

In Trump/DeSantis news it seems "omg he loves LGBTQ!" is pretty much the new totally-normal "insult" used to disparage one candidate over the other:

String of anti-gay ads from DeSantis force Trump supporters to flip on LGBTQ support



Bolded for citation needed, but c'mon.

to be fair, republicans might not view gay people as people.
It its like Putin's claim "there are no gay people in russia."

- - - Updated - - -

I continue to delight in groups like the Log Cabin Republicans being offended over DeSantis's ads and talking about how "this isn't the Republican party we know and love." and like jesus fucking christ how do so many people manage to live daily lives while they're in a completely comatose state?

This is the fuckin Republican party lol. Same group that would be phoning in their to rat out their gay lovers and then acting surprised when the gaspacho round them up, too.

considering how the GOP has made up an alternate past, and present (42% unemployement that vanished the moment Obama was out of office)
making an alternate party is cake

[Breccia]

to be fair, republicans might not view gay people as people.
It its like Putin's claim "there are no gay people in russia."

Iran said the same thing. Tried to "what he meant was" their way out of it, but yeah, same thing.

Viewing human beings as anything other than your fellow people is such a pre-1865 mindset. When Republicans call themselves The Party of Lincoln, maybe they need to put an asterisk by it.

[Poopymonster]

There's also the time and energy factor. If you come home from working all day, especially a long shift, it can be really difficult to muster up the energy you need to prepare a meal and clean up afterwards. That's not even including the extra time and planning shopping takes. I would eat better if someone did the extra work for me, but sadly I live alone and cannot afford a robot maid.

I can easily say when I quit my shit management job and became a stay-at-home Catdad for a year, the meals my SO and I had were healthier, tastier, and had more variety. Shit was homemade, whether it was sauces, sides, or even pizzas. I'd start around 11 or noon, and be done around 6ish.

The leftovers for their lunch at work were fantastic. We both lost a few pounds.

Today? I'ma gonna go boil some Cavatappi, toss with some store bought pesto, and go to bed early because today was full of bullshit in the doc's office I work in.
Almost like it was Baskin Robbins, todays bullshit was in 31 different flavors.

- - - Updated - - -

Iran said the same thing. Tried to "what he meant was" their way out of it, but yeah, same thing.

Viewing human beings as anything other than your fellow people is such a pre-1865 mindset. When Republicans call themselves The Party of Lincoln, maybe they need to put an asterisk by it.

Nah mano. They are the Party of Lincoln.
Elmo Lincoln. His bulging muscles, sweaty body, and well rounded loincloth in Tarzan of the Apes.
Uncivilized. Barely verbal. Tarzan even means "white skin" in the ape language from the book!
From there you get to today, with Trumpzan of the Rapes.

[Sunseeker]

I can easily say when I quit my shit management job and became a stay-at-home Catdad for a year, the meals my SO and I had were healthier, tastier, and had more variety. Shit was homemade, whether it was sauces, sides, or even pizzas. I'd start around 11 or noon, and be done around 6ish.

The leftovers for their lunch at work were fantastic. We both lost a few pounds.

Today? I'ma gonna go boil some Cavatappi, toss with some store bought pesto, and go to bed early because today was full of bullshit in the doc's office I work in.
Almost like it was Baskin Robbins, todays bullshit was in 31 different flavors.

Being recently out of work from a hella stressful work environment, I can absolutely attest I am eating less(not just bad food, just less in general) and I am eating better. Tonight is Soba and leftover Sushi(which me and my GF made yesterday).

[Chonogo]

Being recently out of work from a hella stressful work environment, I can absolutely attest I am eating less(not just bad food, just less in general) and I am eating better. Tonight is Soba and leftover Sushi(which me and my GF made yesterday).

I'm currently eating a salad and my 20 year old self is laughing hysterically at me.

[Endus]

Nah mano. They are the Party of Lincoln.
Elmo Lincoln. His bulging muscles, sweaty body, and well rounded loincloth in Tarzan of the Apes.
Uncivilized. Barely verbal. Tarzan even means "white skin" in the ape language from the book!
From there you get to today, with Trumpzan of the Rapes.

You say that, but Lincoln was a really solid wrestler in his day.

And there's this statue of young Lincoln outside the LA federal courthouse, made in 1941;

[Imbas Forosnai]

I wouldn’t necessarily say that a masculine body isnt preferred or desirable, in some capacity. I think we look more towards our leaders exhibiting great health, both physical and mental.

So staying in shape is important and so is looking the role of a leader, imo. I think that’s just basic human nature, tbh. Like a subconscious thing.

[Edge-]

You say that, but Lincoln was a really solid wrestler in his day.

And there's this statue of young Lincoln outside the LA federal courthouse, made in 1941;

Lincoln, more like Twinkoln...amiritebros?

Honestly that's probably the first realistic likeness I think I've seen of him in his younger days without a beard. If that's remotely accurate dude was a bit gaunt but quite the looker.

Kinda funny polar opposite of Trump, he's even holding a book.

[Breccia]

I don't know where to put this. I don't feel it deserves its own thread.

So myself and other people who are not myself have been discussing the upcoming RNC debates, which may or may not be Trump-free, and their gating requirements. Basically standing on the street corner and yelling "I AM RUNNING FOR REPUBLISiDENT!" doesn't get you on stage. There may or may also be an oath requirement.

Anyhow, someone found a "clever" way to get on stage.

Republican presidential candidate Doug Burgum is promising $20 gift cards to 50,000 people who donate $1 to his campaign, he announced Monday.

It's an unprecedented move by a presidential candidate and underscores the extreme efforts long-shot candidates are taking to qualify for the August debate stage.

Candidates must receive 40,000 donors, including at least 200 unique donors in each of 20 states, to qualify for the August debate.

"The burden on American families caused by the Democrats is unruly, and Joe Biden is doing nothing to fix it," Burgum wrote on a WinRed page soliciting donations.

"We want to help, so we’re offering YOU a $20 gift card, and all YOU have to do is contribute $1 to claim it," he wrote.

"You can't pay someone for their vote!"

Well, in an actual election, no. This isn't an actual election, it's just getting the required donors in the required states. The RNC's rules didn't say how you got the donors. They didn't see this move coming.

"But this is blatant--"

I'ma stop you right there. Yes. This is clearly unethical and the Republican Party put themselves in this situation.

From the NYTimes, June 2, we know the RNC was setting these rules to thin out the herd, to keep 2024 from being a bigger circus than the three-indictment circus it already is. 40k donors was supposed to be a significant obstacle. Now, it's something handled by a million dollars and an Excel spreadsheet. Some candidates were asking for >1% in the polls, but that doesn't seem to have made the final cut.

Jordan Libowitz, the communications director at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, called it the "single thirstiest thing" he's seen in politics.

"In a way it makes sense that it's this desperate maneuver to get onto a debate stage to raise a profile, but it's weird," he added.

"The whole point they have this threshold is because they only want actual, serious candidates on the stage," Libowitz said.

"I seem to remember Trump announcing Sept, 2015. The first debates, plural, are set for August and hence these cutoffs. What's the hurry?"

Trump got indicted. The RNC is looking for a replacement for their plurality...majority?...leader, who is facing the prospect of multiple state and federal felony convictions that could happen during the 2024 season. By getting out in front of that, they hope to have someone depose Trump during the debates -- and Trump does much better AoE than single-target. Clinton wrecked him all three times. Biden beat him so hard, Trump almost died. But Trump continued to survive in 2016 by, well, eating the smaller candidates one at a time. The RNC isn't keen on giving him a second chance to do that.

And the punch line, of course, is Trump might not even show up. He knows he has no facts to work with, he knows his opponents have four years worth of objectively grounded criticisms like "you didn't build the wall" or "my god, man, you're over 300 pounds you fat fuck". He knows people like DeSantis or Christie would, in a fair debate, rip him apart -- and FOX News, at least, seems to be done protecting him personally.

The RNC and FOX News aren't going to form a shadowy conspiracy. They don't have to. They both know Trump is the front runner, and they both know he's likely to lose. Each will take steps to make the 2024 Republican runoff more likely to have a serious non-felon candidate, and both will count on the other to do the same.

[ringpriest]

Bad omen for how Trump's case is going to go:

Trump lawyers agree to delay pretrial conference in classified documents case

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump say they agreed with federal prosecutors to delay to next week a pretrial hearing to discuss how classified information is handled in court as he faces federal charges that he illegally hoarded classified documents at his Florida estate.

The hearing to discuss the Classified Information Procedures Act had previously been set for Friday. But an attorney for Trump's valet Walt Nauta, who was charged alongside the former president, said he has another bench trial this week in Washington preventing him from appearing Friday in South Florida.

The attorneys said in their filing that they can appear at the pretrial conference to go over the 1980 law on July 18, adding they had also checked with U.S. attorneys on moving the date.

The judge in the case, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, still needs to agree to the new date.

Nauta's lawyers (paid for - illegally by Trump's PAC), who have no serious reasons for the delay (but plenty of unserious ones), are painting us a picture. They will drag their heels as much as possible, letting Trump's own lawyers (the idea that they're independent is ridiculous on its face, but both the court and the prosecution will play along) protest that they have done nothing to delay the case, then in January 2024 (or later) Cannon will delay or suspend proceedings on the basis that she can't interfere with a presidential campaign. All of which will be enabled by the Justice Department bending over backwards to prove (to absolutely no one) that they're not biased when prosecuting an ex-President traitor.

I fear this is going to be the death knell for America's moribund legal system; Trump should be appealing his death sentence right now, while his attorneys try to cut a deal with the Justice department where he only has to spend the rest of his life under house st with no public contact.

[Chonogo]

Bad omen for how Trump's case is going to go:

Trump lawyers agree to delay pretrial conference in classified documents case


Nauta's lawyers (paid for - illegally by Trump's PAC), who have no serious reasons for the delay (but plenty of unserious ones), are painting us a picture. They will drag their heels as much as possible, letting Trump's own lawyers (the idea that they're independent is ridiculous on its face, but both the court and the prosecution will play along) protest that they have done nothing to delay the case, then in January 2024 (or later) Cannon will delay or suspend proceedings on the basis that she can't interfere with a presidential campaign. All of which will be enabled by the Justice Department bending over backwards to prove (to absolutely no one) that they're not biased when prosecuting an ex-President traitor.

I fear this is going to be the death knell for America's moribund legal system; Trump should be appealing his death sentence right now, while his attorneys try to cut a deal with the Justice department where he only has to spend the rest of his life under house st with no public contact.

I don't know if I'd call it a death knell in this regard. If I'm not mistaken, many trials get pushed back for various reasons, though most aren't political campaigns. More of "my kids sick", I have a medical procedure, stuff like that. The whole "I can't make it because I'm on trial for other things" is pretty hilarious though.

It does continue the cycle that Trump does with our government, though. Test, rather than respect, every boundary.

[ringpriest]

I don't know if I'd call it a death knell in this regard. If I'm not mistaken, many trials get pushed back for various reasons, though most aren't political campaigns. More of "my kids sick", I have a medical procedure, stuff like that.

It does continue the cycle that Trump does with our government, though. Test, rather than respect, every boundary.

To be clear, I don't mean that this particular pushback is the death knell, but rather that is what I fear this trial as a whole is going to become. "Nauta's" lawyers don't have any excuse, and Cannon ought not let them push things back as a result. If she does (and to be fair, she hasn't ruled on this yet, so far as I know), it will be a sign that her courtroom is open for any bullshit delay Trump's team wants to bring, and that in turn could turn the trial into a painful, drawn-out joke. And that will be a death-knell.

[Breccia]

Nauta's lawyers

Agent Smith is not a fan.

Special Counsel Jack Smith fired back at former President Donald Trump’s aide and co-defendant Walt Nauta on Monday after his lawyer filed a motion seeking to delay a hearing scheduled for Friday.

Nauta, whose arraignment in the case over the mishandling of sensitive White House documents was twice delayed, is requesting that Judge Aileen Cannon push back the Friday conference because one of his lawyers will be attending an unrelated trial in Washington, DC.

The Trump aide also said his side needs more time to obtain the necessary security clearances needed to view the government’s evidence against him.

“An indefinite continuance is unnecessary, will inject additional delay in this case, and is contrary to the public interest,” Smith wrote in response to Nauta’s request in a court filing.

Smith also claimed that Nauta’s lead lawyer – Stanley Woodward – has failed to file the paperwork required to receive an interim security clearance.

“Perhaps more to the point, as of this writing, Mr. Woodward has yet to complete his Form SF-86, which is necessary for him to receive both an interim clearance and final adjudication, despite having been put in contact with the Litigation Security Group on June 12, some three-and-a-half weeks ago,” Smith writes.

It takes a while to get any form of clearance. You know what speeds that up? Applying. Nauta's lawyers are asking for an extension because they ignored Cannon's orders in the first place.

The latest request made by Nauta’s team did not suggest a new date for the hearing on the handling of classified evidence in the case, only arguing that the Justice Department and Nauta should find a time that “is mutually agreeable to all necessary counsel of record.”

Ah, we've seen that on these very forums, haven't we? The Trump side being unreasonable, then asking for concessions under the disingenuous guise of compromise.

I'm not sure Cannon can do what you're suggesting, however. Nobody wants to set legal prescedent that someone running for office can't be brought to trial for things that happened 2 years prior. If Cannon sets that, I'm filing the paperwork for 2024 then knocking over a gas station.