General Mattis finally breaks his silence

[Demon]

And criticizes Trump.

James Mattis Denounces President Trump, Describes Him as a Threat to the Constitution

In an extraordinary condemnation, the former defense secretary backs protesters and says the president is trying to turn Americans against one another.

www.theatlantic.com

 

[lovedogs]

And criticizes Trump.

James Mattis Denounces President Trump, Describes Him as a Threat to the Constitution

In an extraordinary condemnation, the former defense secretary backs protesters and says the president is trying to turn Americans against one another.

www.theatlantic.com

YES! This is important. Mattis is highly respected among conservatives, folks in the military, etc. Him denouncing Trump (which I suspected he would do eventually) is going to take votes away from him.

 

[doberman]

Finally! We need more voices like this to drown out President Tweety and his moronic self-congratulations. And these people need to take one step further and endorse Biden. I don't care if they're only lukewarm toward him, he's the only hope we've got to get rid of this narcissistic dictator-in-training.

 

[lovedogs]

Finally! We need more voices like this to drown out President Tweety and his moronic self-congratulations. And these people need to take one step further and endorse Biden. I don't care if they're only lukewarm toward him, he's the only hope we've got to get rid of this narcissistic dictator-in-training.

This. I have hope that GWB will endorse Biden (or at least denounce Trump and say he's willing to vote Biden to get Trump out). I am not a fan of GWB, but think his voice would be hugely influential to conservatives.

 

[doberman]

@lovedogs
I hope so too. He's come very close to denouncing Trump a couple of times recently. Say what you will about GWB, he never sought to divide the country into the haves vs the have-nots, the people of color vs white people, big business vs the consumer and the environment.

 

[Matata]

And these people need to take one step further and endorse Biden. I don't care if they're only lukewarm toward him, he's the only hope we've got to get rid of this narcissistic dictator-in-training.

Speaking of which, he did good yesterday. Managed to give a decent speech without tripping over himself.

'He Thinks Division Helps Him': Biden Condemns Trump's Protest Response

Speaking in Philadelphia, the presumptive Democratic nominee says President Trump's actions show he "is more interested in power than in principle."

www.npr.org

 

[kenny]

@lovedogs
I hope so too. He's come very close to denouncing Trump a couple of times recently. Say what you will about GWB, he never sought to divide the country into the haves vs the have-nots, the people of color vs white people, big business vs the consumer and the environment.

I'd take GWB back in a microsecond if it meant getting rid of 45.

Is it too late for the repubs to hold a primary.
Surely, they have someone better than 45.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

And criticizes Trump.

James Mattis Denounces President Trump, Describes Him as a Threat to the Constitution

In an extraordinary condemnation, the former defense secretary backs protesters and says the president is trying to turn Americans against one another.

www.theatlantic.com

thank you for posting

 

[MakingTheGrade]

This is super scary and concerning. He used the military to assault citizens peacefully protesting and exercising their right. For what? A photo op.

This is the behavior of a dictator, how can a democracy allow this? Ugh. I’m not surprised that Mattis is choosing this moment to draw a line. This has been the most blatant constitutional violation of all in my opinion.

Peaceful Protesters Tear-Gassed To Clear Way For Trump Church Photo-Op

After U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops pushed demonstrators out of Lafayette Park, President Trump walked from the White House to St. John's Church where he posed for pictures with a Bible.

www.npr.org

 

[Dancing Fire]

Surely, they have someone better than 45.

You can say the same about Biden.

 

[Karl_K]

You can say the same about Biden.

I think im just going to have to leave it blank because I can not bring myself to support Trump or Biden.

 

[kenny]

I think im just going to have to leave it blank because I can not bring myself to support Trump or Biden.

So please vote for whomever you feel is the least-worst candidate.

Have your say.
Don't waste your vote.
If you do, whomever you feel is worse might win by one vote, yours.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I think im just going to have to leave it blank because I can not bring myself to support Trump or Biden.

I dislike Biden but I’m horrified of Trump and what he’s done.
I’m not voting Biden so much because I support all his views, more that if Trump gets re-elected I couldn’t live with myself for not voting to prevent that. 4 more years of the current administration, emboldened by re election despite their actions of the prior 4 years....scares me to think what would happen.

 

[missy]

I think im just going to have to leave it blank because I can not bring myself to support Trump or Biden.

So please vote for whomever you feel is the least-worst candidate.

Have your say.
Don't waste your vote.
If you do, whomever you feel is worse might win by one vote, yours.

This is critical. Please vote. It is not always a matter of voting for your favorite candidate but voting for the one you dislike the least. Sad but true and under many circumstances not voting is a vote for the candidate you dislike the most so please get out and vote and make yourself heard.

 

[asscherisme]

So please vote for whomever you feel is the least-worst candidate.

Have your say.
Don't waste your vote.
If you do, whomever you feel is worse might win by one vote, yours.

I 100% agree. Recent history of how close Gore lost to Bush shows that every vote does matter. I am not thrilled with Biden but I will vote for him because I fear how much further our country will sink if I don't. I feel strongly that Trump needs to go, so if Biden is the only way that will happen, I will vote for Biden. All my friends and family feel the same way. Nobody is thrilled about Biden, but we still plan on voting for him.

 

[Karl_K]

So please vote for whomever you feel is the least-worst candidate.

Have your say.
Don't waste your vote.
If you do, whomever you feel is worse might win by one vote, yours.

Maybe I will look at 3rd party and see if there is anyone interesting running.
Maybe its time to try 3rd parties, the 2 party system is not working.
Biden is going to win IL no matter what I do anyway so its a protest vote\nonvote at the quality of the canidates more than anything.

 

[Demon]

This is super scary and concerning. He used the military to assault citizens peacefully protesting and exercising their right. For what? A photo op.

This is the behavior of a dictator, how can a democracy allow this? Ugh. I’m not surprised that Mattis is choosing this moment to draw a line. This has been the most blatant constitutional violation of all in my opinion.

Peaceful Protesters Tear-Gassed To Clear Way For Trump Church Photo-Op

After U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops pushed demonstrators out of Lafayette Park, President Trump walked from the White House to St. John's Church where he posed for pictures with a Bible.

www.npr.org

Yep. Nothing but a stupid photo op. And Barr is who gave the orders to clear the protesters. Both need to go. It took Mattis a long time, but I'm so glad he finally spoke out. Maybe that will make some on the right realize just how bad Trump is. I doubt it, but maybe.

 

[Tekate]

What criteria do you want in a candidate? You are close to extreme libertarian with a lot o right wing thrown in .. Who do you think would be a GOOD candidate given your political beliefs.?

Maybe I will look at 3rd party and see if there is anyone interesting running.
Maybe its time to try 3rd parties, the 2 party system is not working.
Biden is going to win IL no matter what I do anyway so its a protest vote\nonvote at the quality of the canidates more than anything.

 

[Karl_K]

What criteria do you want in a candidate? You are close to extreme libertarian with a lot o right wing thrown in .. Who do you think would be a GOOD candidate given your political beliefs.?

Number 1 criteria is being able to lead, something both Trump and Biden fail at.
Number 2 is respect for the constitution including the second amendment.
Number 3 not in the pocket of big business.
Number 4 supports expanded medicaid, it is the best part of obamacare and helped a lot of people. To go along with that supports the ban on pre-existing conditions meaning you can never get insurance.
Number 5 eliminate much of the federal government departments. Fund program through block grants as needed.
Number 6 end all foreign aid.
Number 7 pull all our troops out of the middle east and Europe.

I dont know of a perfect candidate so no matter who it was it would be a compromise but really number 1 on my list should not be compromised on! I know 3,5,6,7 are not likely to happen no matter who runs and wins.

I kinda chuckled at your description, my friends on the left call me right wing and my friends on the right call me a liberal at heart.

 

[mom2dolls]

Please please please VOTE!! A non-vote is a vote to re-elect Trump!

 

[Tekate]

@Karl_K said:

Number 1 criteria is being able to lead, something both Trump and Biden fail at.

I think they are both leaders, just they both lead in programs and commitments you don't like or want.

Number 2 is respect for the constitution including the second amendment.

All presidents respect the constitution, why do you think Trump and/or Biden don't or won't respect the constitution?

Number 3 not in the pocket of big business.

I'd say Trump isn't in the pocket of big business but he aligns with big business and not with the poor. I've not checked how much Biden is in the pocket of big business but both parties usually are in one way or another.

Number 4 supports expanded medicaid, it is the best part of obamacare and helped a lot of people. To go along with that supports the ban on pre-existing conditions meaning you can never get insurance.

This will require an expansion (a huge one) of the federal government and a huge raise in taxes, don't think that will fly with the right but it's noble to want this.

Number 5 eliminate much of the federal government departments. Fund program through block grants as needed.

So why have a 'federal government? Are you saying you want the USA to be isolated in the world and states to provide for themselves? So how would you fund the medicaid expansion if you fund programs through block grants? If you would read the below and tell me your opinion on how to overcome these problems? I'm not a proponent of block grants or an opponent, I just especially do not like that states can disperse the money the way they want.

The Problems with Block-Granting Entitlement Programs | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Block grants are fixed pots of money that the federal government gives to states to provide benefits or services.

www.cbpp.org

Number 6 end all foreign aid.

A rich country like our country not giving foreign aid? This goes back to my isolationist comment..

Number 7 pull all our troops out of the middle east and Europe.

Sounds good to me I'm for eliminating the whole military machine.

I dont know of a perfect candidate so no matter who it was it would be a compromise but really number 1 on my list should not be compromised on! I know 3,5,6,7 are not likely to happen no matter who runs and wins.

There are progressives - I'm one, I'd say you are regressive - not a bad thing just different than how I see this country but we both have regressive and progressive thoughts on a good leader.

I kinda chuckled at your description, my friends on the left call me right wing and my friends on the right call me a liberal at heart.

I'm sure your friends no the right listen to your idea on medicaid for all and just stare, that is not something they would ever agree too I believe.

Of course there are tons of other things to talk about in our government, but I appreciate your stating what you desire

I would say I want a New Deal for our country. I would like a president who has compassion, caring, clear headed, strong, intelligent and like you, not beholding to any business.. I suppose we can dream on that

 

[Matata]

All presidents respect the constitution, why do you think Trump and/or Biden don't or won't respect the constitution?

Trump does not respect the Constitution as has been abundantly clear even before he took office.

Trump vs. the Constitution: A Guide

It may be true that Donald Trump has read the Constitution. But it’s unclear if he understands it.

www.politico.com

President Trump, Mocking the Constitution | Constitutional Accountability Center

In the Trump era, Congress and the courts are like cops walking the beat to protect the rule of law. Unfortunately, President Donald Trump is thumbing his nose at both of them. The question remains: When will there be consequences for the unprecedented level of shameless, flagrant corruption and...

www.theusconstitution.org

Trump and the Constitution: A year in review and our coverage | The National Constitution Center

In the year since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2017, a myriad of constitutional issues has so far arisen during his term in office. Here is a review of our coverage of these important topics.

constitutioncenter.org

Trump Is Threatening to Subvert the Constitution

A president cannot just make Congress disappear when he wishes.

www.theatlantic.com

and so much more.

 

[AGBF]

Number 1 criteria is being able to lead, something both Trump and Biden fail at.

You are being ridiculous here, Karl. Joe Biden is not intellectually impaired. He is not only a law school graduate, but he distiguished himself in foreign affairs when he was a Senator. Donald Trump cannot concentrate to read. That may not be his fault. He may have learning disabiities. If he does have them, however, and he somehow wound up becoming president, it would behoove him to get all the help possible to be briefed orally on important topics. He has not done that. He has run away from all the experts who have attempted to brief him and to help him to understand the world.

edited to add: I thought you wrote "read"

As Emily Litella said, "Never mind".

 

[AGBF]

For those of you who don't know Emily Litella:

 

[Karl_K]

For those of you who don't know Emily Litella:

Rofl that is funny thanks!!!!

 

[Alexiszoe]

I am starting to see some conservative family members who were pro Trump and initially very vocal about supporting him become increasingly silent about him. One family member and his wife are choosing a similar route as @Karl_K and not going to vote in the next election.

I think there's a growing silent minority of conservatives/people who voted for Trump who are choosing to abstain from voting as a way of expressing dissent.

 

[Karl_K]

There is a little sign of sanity the 82nd airborne has been sent home from DC.

Esper orders hundreds of troops from 82nd Airborne home from D.C. area

This is the second time this week Esper has ordered the troops to head home.

www.politico.com

 

[Tekate]

True.

Trump does not respect the Constitution as has been abundantly clear even before he took office.

Trump vs. the Constitution: A Guide

It may be true that Donald Trump has read the Constitution. But it’s unclear if he understands it.

www.politico.com

President Trump, Mocking the Constitution | Constitutional Accountability Center

In the Trump era, Congress and the courts are like cops walking the beat to protect the rule of law. Unfortunately, President Donald Trump is thumbing his nose at both of them. The question remains: When will there be consequences for the unprecedented level of shameless, flagrant corruption and...

www.theusconstitution.org

Trump and the Constitution: A year in review and our coverage | The National Constitution Center

In the year since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2017, a myriad of constitutional issues has so far arisen during his term in office. Here is a review of our coverage of these important topics.

constitutioncenter.org

Trump Is Threatening to Subvert the Constitution

A president cannot just make Congress disappear when he wishes.

www.theatlantic.com

and so much more.

 

[Karl_K]

@Bayek I dont want to do a huge quote so im not.

I dont see where Trump has shown any leadership ability with the corona virus or with the current unrest.
If anything he has made both situations worse instead of better.
A leader of a country does not pour gasoline and tnt on a bad situation like Trump has done in the last couple of days.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

may i ask what people don't like about Biden ?
from afar i think the Dems need someone who will have mass appeal with the swing vote
they need to get a significant portion of the soft right vote