Mega-Thread: Trump Focused Discussion

[Bluespiderman57]

If Nikki Haley can control the weather...setting her sights on being President of the US is really lacking in ambition.

I don’t know. There is a supervillain in DC comics that has these powers and yet, Lex Luthor still decided to become President. So I think this tracks.

[Evil Midnight Bomber]

I don’t know. There is a supervillain in DC comics that has these powers and yet, Lex Luthor still decided to become President. So I think this tracks.

Well, DC comics also lacks ambition.

[Breccia]

And so, it has come to this.

Trump turns on Ramaswamy, taking MAGA with him. Because anyone who is not Trump, is not Trump, and anyone that's even a speed bump between him and the WH is an enemy.

This is a NYTimes article, so you know I'm going to quote a lot of it.

Trump attacked Vivek Ramaswamy, who is most closely aligned with him in the race for the Republican nomination, accusing the wealthy entrepreneur of engaging in “deceitful campaign tricks.”

"A vote for Vivek is a vote for the ‘other side’ — don’t get duped by this,” Mr. Trump said on social media, adding that “Vivek is not MAGA.”

An hour earlier, a senior adviser for Mr. Trump, Chris LaCivita, also attacked Mr. Ramaswamy on social media as a “fraud” in response to a photo showing supporters of Mr. Ramaswamy wearing shirts displaying Mr. Trump’s mug shot that said “Save Trump, vote Vivek.”

The attacks from Mr. Trump and one of his top aides in quick succession suggest that the Trump campaign has deliberately shifted toward attacking Mr. Ramaswamy in the final days before Monday’s Iowa caucuses.

In a video posted to social media that appeared to be an indirect response to the attacks, Mr. Ramaswamy offered effusive praise for Mr. Trump, though he argued in conspiratorial terms that “the system” would keep Mr. Trump out of the White House and instead elect former Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina, whom Mr. Ramaswamy called a “puppet.”

This was not a random off-the-record ad lib. This was a coordinated attack. Either Team Trump decided to do this, or Trump did and ordered his people to follow.

So, there are several options here.

1) Christie is out, so Trump is just fucking going after everyone. This will cost him a blindly loyal VP, but to be fair, Trump could pick a better VP choice than someone his own base think is a Mexican illegal.

"WHOA! Super racist!"

I know, they are. They probably don't even know he was born in Ohio.

2) Some told Trump Ramasawamy said something negative about him once, poisoning him. Based purely on his history, I think this is a realistic outcome. I don't think Trump and Ramasawamy talk often, if at all, and turning Trump against him would be trivial.

The person doing this would be going for the VP seat, of course, so I'm thinking it's Stefanik. No it's not Lake, Trump knows Lake is a loser.

3) The most likely cause, I think, is that Trump is slipping in the polls -- he's losing ground to Haley and also losing in court so shedding support. Ramasawamy had like 1.1% of the votes, but Trump needs all he can get. To Trump, life is a zero-sum game and he thinks taking Ramasawamy's votes is a good move -- even though he's killing one of his strongest supporters.

What do you think? Is it one of these, or can you think of another?

[Cthulhu 2020]

I will never understand why anyone would think Trump speaks for God or anything like that when he's cheated on multiple wives and probably had even more affairs than those. We know for a fact that he slept with porn stars that he paid hush money to and raped others. He's oggled teenagers in changing rooms and spoken repeatedly about sexual assault. Many of his associates and people he put into high ranking positions were very close and often worked for Jeffrey Epstein. He's a narcissist sociopath who's in it for himself and his own enrichment. That doesn't mean other politicians aren't, but Trump seems to be uniquely corrupt beyond all measure among his peers.

It's a cult. Always has been, always will be.

[Captain N]

I will never understand why anyone would think Trump speaks for God or anything like that when he's cheated on multiple wives and probably had even more affairs than those. We know for a fact that he slept with porn stars that he paid hush money to and raped others. He's oggled teenagers in changing rooms and spoken repeatedly about sexual assault. Many of his associates and people he put into high ranking positions were very close and often worked for Jeffrey Epstein. He's a narcissist sociopath who's in it for himself and his own enrichment. That doesn't mean other politicians aren't, but Trump seems to be uniquely corrupt beyond all measure among his peers.

It's a cult. Always has been, always will be.

Based on what we've seen of the Republican Party and a small collection of posters here, they have all done some of the same things. They want people to suffer for any number of malicious reasons and Trump makes it very public that it's OK for them to be horrible to those people. It's likely why 46% of the Republican Party wants a dictator (based on the Reuters poll). These are weak people who thinks an iron fist is the only type of strength there is -- and when a cosplay strongman like Trump shows up and makes the people those 46% want to see punished are afraid of simply existing they go all in on him.

[Evil Midnight Bomber]

And so, it has come to this.

Trump turns on Ramaswamy, taking MAGA with him. Because anyone who is not Trump, is not Trump, and anyone that's even a speed bump between him and the WH is an enemy.

This is a NYTimes article, so you know I'm going to quote a lot of it.



This was not a random off-the-record ad lib. This was a coordinated attack. Either Team Trump decided to do this, or Trump did and ordered his people to follow.

So, there are several options here.

1) Christie is out, so Trump is just fucking going after everyone. This will cost him a blindly loyal VP, but to be fair, Trump could pick a better VP choice than someone his own base think is a Mexican illegal.

"WHOA! Super racist!"

I know, they are. They probably don't even know he was born in Ohio.

2) Some told Trump Ramasawamy said something negative about him once, poisoning him. Based purely on his history, I think this is a realistic outcome. I don't think Trump and Ramasawamy talk often, if at all, and turning Trump against him would be trivial.

The person doing this would be going for the VP seat, of course, so I'm thinking it's Stefanik. No it's not Lake, Trump knows Lake is a loser.

3) The most likely cause, I think, is that Trump is slipping in the polls -- he's losing ground to Haley and also losing in court so shedding support. Ramasawamy had like 1.1% of the votes, but Trump needs all he can get. To Trump, life is a zero-sum game and he thinks taking Ramasawamy's votes is a good move -- even though he's killing one of his strongest supporters.

What do you think? Is it one of these, or can you think of another?

The only one of the other candidates that ever had even a shot of being Trump's running mate was Nikki Haley. Vivek was never going to be a "value add". Trump's had it in for DeSantis even just for ever considering running. Pence was "disloyal". Christie was always a no go. And I can't even remember who any of the other candidates were and I doubt Trump does either.

[Kaleredar]

The only one of the other candidates that ever had even a shot of being Trump's running mate was Nikki Haley. Vivek was never going to be a "value add". Trump's had it in for DeSantis even just for ever considering running. Pence was "disloyal". Christie was always a no go. And I can't even remember who any of the other candidates were and I doubt Trump does either.

Trump is probably going to pick some upstart MAGA goon congressman from a "tactical" state as his running mate. I would be intensely surprised if any of the people pretending to run for the nominee thinking it'll ingratiate them to him will be picked for his VP.

[Evil Midnight Bomber]

Trump is probably going to pick some upstart MAGA goon congressman from a "tactical" state as his running mate. I would be intensely surprised if any of the people pretending to run for the nominee thinking it'll ingratiate them to him will be picked for his VP.

He's going to want someone that has the potential to bring in votes he wouldn't get otherwise...but also someone that will be "loyal" to Trump over party and country.

Bascially he wants an "Earth-2" Pence that would have "had the guts to do the right thing" on Jan 6.

[Gorsameth]

I will never understand why anyone would think Trump speaks for God or anything like that when he's cheated on multiple wives and probably had even more affairs than those. We know for a fact that he slept with porn stars that he paid hush money to and raped others. He's oggled teenagers in changing rooms and spoken repeatedly about sexual assault. Many of his associates and people he put into high ranking positions were very close and often worked for Jeffrey Epstein. He's a narcissist sociopath who's in it for himself and his own enrichment. That doesn't mean other politicians aren't, but Trump seems to be uniquely corrupt beyond all measure among his peers.

It's a cult. Always has been, always will be.

American Christian conservatives are not about morals or values, we know that because as you say, they support Trump who would be cast to the deepest pits of hell, but it is about control. The women is subservient to the man and cannot be allowed to control her own body (contraceptives/abortion) because I say so The book says so. The importance of hierarchy, do as you are told and don't question why, ect.

[Poopymonster]

I will never understand why anyone would think Trump speaks for God or anything like that when he's cheated on multiple wives and probably had even more affairs than those. We know for a fact that he slept with porn stars that he paid hush money to and raped others. He's oggled teenagers in changing rooms and spoken repeatedly about sexual assault. Many of his associates and people he put into high ranking positions were very close and often worked for Jeffrey Epstein. He's a narcissist sociopath who's in it for himself and his own enrichment. That doesn't mean other politicians aren't, but Trump seems to be uniquely corrupt beyond all measure among his peers.

It's a cult. Always has been, always will be.

Why do they keep backing the guy who's breaking all the rules of their religion?
It's an article of their faith.
Outside of one particular thing, you can be forgiven for ANYTHING if you really really super duper mean it.
As long as that remains part of their dogma, almost anything can be forgiven.

[Breccia]

As long as that remains part of their dogma, almost anything can be forgiven.

Hmm, this brings up an interesting point. Hands up, everyone who thinks Trump has asked for forgiveness for cheating on his wives.

Bear in mind, he was caught on tape "moving on her like a bitch" and said nothing until, not just the tape was released, but it caused his numbers to drop.

"But Breccia, he only has to ask forgiveness from God and the confessional."

Well, we can't ask them, but I don't think he's done that, either. But Trump does not act Christian in any way. I don't think he prays and I don't think he's gone to confession since his father was alive.

[Nastard]

Hmm, this brings up an interesting point. Hands up, everyone who thinks Trump has asked for forgiveness for cheating on his wives.

It's more likely that Trump has demanded his wives apologize to him when he cheats on them. He wouldn't have had to do it if they were younger, hotter, and less pregnant. He'd also be the kind of person to demand the apology and then reject it when they oblige.

[Endus]

Why do they keep backing the guy who's breaking all the rules of their religion?
It's an article of their faith.

Because the same book also talks of forgiveness, and how only God can judge, and all this shit is interpreted in exactly the way that is most useful to those in power, and the followers are stupid/ignorant/gullible/indoctrinated enough to accept everything they're told without examining it critically in any way whatsoever.

It's the same reason the Southern Baptist Convention (among others, but they're a biggie) has constant sexual abuse scandals they cover up, by pastors in their ranks.
It's the same reason Evangelicals will absolutely refuse to acknowledge clear contradictions in their holy book, but insist that it's 100% infallible and literal anyway.
It's how megapastors squeeze their followers for more tithing so they can buy a second personal jet, while those same devoted followers who eagerly donate are struggling to feed their kids.

This isn't even a bug. It's a feature. It's how thoroughly indoctrinated this populace really is. Shut your brain off, do what you're told, and God will make everything perfect for you later.

The only reason it generally doesn't get labelled as a "cult" is size. Cults that get too big are just "religions", regardless of the extremity of their views.

[Breccia]

In a letter to the judge, Carroll's lawyers said Trump did this as a test run, and was about to do it in front of her jury.

UPDATE: Team Trump has responded. Yes, I know it's Sunday. I was surprised, too.

However, my keen tauren mind (have you seen our heads? they're huge) caught one key word in the filing that makes all the difference.

"Testify".

Trump's lawyers are saying that Carroll saying mean things...sorry, putting restrictions on the lies Trump is allowed to tell...will hurt his ability to testify.

Now, no cheering yet. They used "in the event Trump decides to testify". So, they're upset about what they claim is an unfair restriction, on his testimony, which he might not give. It's like complaining that Grotto's Pizza doesn't have blueberry pancakes when they don't open until 11 and don't have any breakfast at all.

I don't see Trump testifying, I think Carroll's lawyers are right, he's thinking about another closing statement where he can lie without consequence, be shut down by the judge, and claim it's all rigged. Great for the cameras. Until his fat ass hits the stand and he's sworn in, his words mean nothing.

[Gorsameth]

UPDATE: Team Trump has responded. Yes, I know it's Sunday. I was surprised, too.

However, my keen tauren mind (have you seen our heads? they're huge) caught one key word in the filing that makes all the difference.

"Testify".

Trump's lawyers are saying that Carroll saying mean things...sorry, putting restrictions on the lies Trump is allowed to tell...will hurt his ability to testify.

Now, no cheering yet. They used "in the event Trump decides to testify". So, they're upset about what they claim is an unfair restriction, on his testimony, which he might not give. It's like complaining that Grotto's Pizza doesn't have blueberry pancakes when they don't open until 11 and don't have any breakfast at all.

I don't see Trump testifying, I think Carroll's lawyers are right, he's thinking about another closing statement where he can lie without consequence, be shut down by the judge, and claim it's all rigged. Great for the cameras. Until his fat ass hits the stand and he's sworn in, his words mean nothing.

"not being allowed to lie or threaten the court would inhibit my clients ability to testify" sure is a take.

[Poopymonster]

Hmm, this brings up an interesting point. Hands up, everyone who thinks Trump has asked for forgiveness for cheating on his wives.

Bear in mind, he was caught on tape "moving on her like a bitch" and said nothing until, not just the tape was released, but it caused his numbers to drop.

"But Breccia, he only has to ask forgiveness from God and the confessional."

Well, we can't ask them, but I don't think he's done that, either. But Trump does not act Christian in any way. I don't think he prays and I don't think he's gone to confession since his father was alive.

Minor point, but it helps to be exact given the number of variations of the faith: Confessionals is a Catholic thing. Trump was confirmed a Presbyterian, but not claims to be non-denominational.

[Benggaul]

So Trump filed for another extension of the Carroll case. He did so by email, 3:59PM, just before the holiday weekend.

The pressing legal grounds? Attending Melania's mother's funeral, which Trump scheduled for the 18th.

Now...think poorly of me all you want, but yes, I am wiling to say Trump was using his wife's mother's funeral to delay the trial, to the point that I think he scheduled it on a Wednesday on purpose. I think such a callous move fits a narcissistic sociopath.

So, about that...

Trump Has Rally on Day He Sought to Skip Trial for ‘Family’

Donald Trump lied to the judge overseeing his defamation case against writer E. Jean Carroll about his reason for needing to push the trial back a week, according to Carroll’s attorney.

The former president had told Judge Lewis Kaplan he needed the postponement to attend the funeral of his mother-in-law, who passed away earlier this week. His lawyer, Alina Habba, argued in a last-minute letter to the judge Friday that Trump needed to spend next Wednesday and Thursday with his family in Florida.

But in a letter addressed to Judge Kaplan on Saturday, Carroll's attorney Roberta Kaplan (no relation) said “a campaign event featuring Mr. Trump has been scheduled” in New Hampshire on Wednesday, one of the days he claimed to need to be with family. The letter also noted that “there was no mention made of any scheduling conflict in connection with Mr. Trump’s presidential campaign” in his postponement request to the judge.

[Gorsameth]

Oh yeah, lying to a judge. that is sure to be helpful...

[Kathranis]

I will never understand why anyone would think Trump speaks for God or anything like that when he's cheated on multiple wives and probably had even more affairs than those.

Trump is quite literally a living and breathing incarnation of the seven deadly sins. Each and every one, brazenly on display. If anyone were to be the antichrist, it would be him. And yet they somehow are able to ignore or excuse all of it. It's really quite incredible, psychologically speaking.

Granted, their delusions even reach the level of imagining Trump to be attractive and muscular, so I guess all things are possible through the power of god cognitive impairment.

[Breccia]

So, about that...

Oh yeah, lying to a judge. that is sure to be helpful...

(sighs)

While we all knew Trump would ditch court to hold rallies, since he has no legal defense to anything anyhow, this feels offensive, even by his standards.





Screenshotted from his campaign website, in case he takes it down. I'm not linking it, I even went there using, well, let's just say "one of my the voices in my head".

Funny story: I went to the Trump site last, after looking with a more generic search. Um...nobody's covering this. Good on Carroll's lawyers for pointing this out. As shown, the event starts at 7, meaning Trump is likely taking all of that day to travel to, be in, speak at, and then leave, New Hampshire, what with his slow travel time due to security concerns and weighing a metric fuckton.

Trump got his lawyers to lie for him, again. I hope Goresameth is right, I hope the judge takes one casual look at this and says "well, I have nearly unfettered discretion when it comes to punative damages".

- - - Updated - - -

GA DA responds to the allegations that she's fucking the special prosecutor by not dignifying them with a response, but mocking them in a way so subtle that Trump supporters didn't notice.

The best part was when she pointed out there were three special prosecutors, and they were all being paid the same. I think the implication was "am I fucking all three or none?"

She took one hell of a swipe at GOP hypocrisy,

Dear God, I do not want to be like those that attacked me. I never want to be a Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has never met me but has allowed her spirit to be filled with hate. How does this woman, who has the honor of being a leader in my state, how is it that she has not reached out to me?

She can tell me, ‘I don’t agree with anything you’re doing, but I do not agree with people threatening your life or the life of your family. How did such a woman come to think that it was normal and normalized that another woman was worthy of such cruelty? I would never wish for her to have the experiences or the threats that I receive, the derogatory name calling, the being doxed multiple times.