Speaking in Sioux Center a few days before the Iowa Caucuses in 2016, Donald Trump did something more rare than a sighting of Halley’s comet: he made a true statement: “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, OK? It’s, like, incredible.”
It is. He proved it again on Election Day 2024 with that 312-226 win over Kamala Harris, the most decisive since Obama’s in 2012 and the most prescient: Trump’s body count on American soil since 2016 has not been minor. Prepare more body bags.
Underestimating America’s capacity for folly is the flip side of a country that habitually makes fairytale stick figures of its past presidents and forgets its atrocities at home or abroad, all the while fabricating mythologies for school kids about “the oldest democracy on earth.” In context, Trump’s second win, picking up where his first term’s insurrection ended, is not that extraordinary.
We had the near fascism of Coolidge and Prohibition in the 1920s, Eisenhower’s AWOL presidency in the 1950s, the Kennedys’ private little wars in the early 60s, Nixon’s (absence of) law and order police state and, at least in private, Trump-like lawbreaking until more balanced courts at the time did Nixon in until Ford’s pardon. Ronald Reagan ran the most corrupt administration since Ulysses Grant, put the country on its debt-ridden path to a second-rate empire and ended his senescent second term in complicity with Iran’s mullahs and Nicaragua’s terrorists. The second Bush’s White House was a black site.
Trump was watching. It was all Sesame Street to him. He’s known what boomer-crashing Americans and their kids have a hard time admitting to themselves: the democratic moment is over.
It may not explain how Democrats manage so spectacularly to fumble a layup. But Monday-morning-quarterbacking Democrats’ mistakes is a dead end. Let’s say Harris had eked out a win, or even won by the same margin that Trump did. It would still be a win for Trumpism, because it wouldn’t change the fact that the country is evenly divided and in a state of cold civil war. Like 2020, it would have been a calamity deferred.
Because the question isn’t why Harris lost. The question isn’t whether she picked the right vice president, did the right interviews, nailed her theses to the right houses of worship, laughed and scolded too much or too little and played by the media’s cynical rules enough. The question is why any Democrat, however unlikable, uninteresting, uncharismatic, uninspiring, could possibly not win against Trump by at least 80 percent.
There are no doubt a thousand and one valid answers. That enough Americans are no longer interested in representative democracy should be near the top of the list. Most don’t know who 99 percent of their representatives are and don’t care. They put more trust in their favorite fount of disinformation on social media than they do in their friends’ opinions–not because they’re deplorable, but because the society of like-minded ignorance bred on DIY “research” and conspiratorial certainties rings more true than the condescension of mass media, or this column.
The more The New York Times talks of Trump’s fascism, the more the disillusioned of democracy loathe the New York Times and worship Trump. The more the nation declines from uncontested global supremacy abroad and uncontested white supremacy at home, as it is declining precipitously in both, the more they cheer a strongman to tell them what they want to hear: you’re great. We’re great. They’re the enemy. Democrats are still talking facts, science, morals, law, justice, democracy. Maga-world laughs and pisses in the Rubicon.
The Harris campaign and the liberal press’ echo chamber went into hysterics about maga’s Madison Square Garden rally last week, for good reason. There’s little question that Trump in his perpetual ignorance–he gets even his own references wrong–was dog-whistling the German-American Bund’s Madison Square rally of February 1939, when that orgy of anti-Semitism, xenophobia and Nazism was billed as a celebration of George Washington’s birthday and speakers addressed the crowd as “my fellow Christian Americans.” Fritz Kuhn, national Fuehrer of the Bund, told the crowd they were determined “to protect themselves, their children and their homes against those who would turn the United States into a Bolshevik paradise.” The words were identical to Trump adviser Stephen Miller’s KKK-inspired “America is for Americans and Americans only,” among the milder words spoken that day.
The difference is that the 22,000 people who paid 40 cents to $1.10 to attend the 1939 rally were close to the sum total of that era’s maga movement. The 20,000 at Madison Square last Sunday were the lucky few who snapped up free tickets. If Trump had held the rally at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, he’d have filled those 82,000 seats. America is his Giant Stadium now.
The Bund, rebranded as John Birchers after the war and as tea partiers during the Obama years, boosted Republicans from Goldwater to Bush II but could never manage to do what Trump pulled off. The “paranoid style in American politics” Richard Hofstadter identified in 1964, on the first anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination, is now the dominant style of American politics. The “nice people” of Charlottesville have gone mainstream. Nothing Harris could do about it. Not even if she was Jesus Christ, who could now be Trump’s victim on Fifth Avenue.
I don’t think I’m exaggerating. Dostoevsky anticipated Trump’s famous line. He wrote the script to this election in The Brothers Karamazov, his 1888 novel, where he tells a story within the story: Christ returns to 16th century Seville in Spain, “in the most terrible time of the Inquisition.” The masses recognize Him, huddle around Him and are filled with wonder–until the Grand Inquisitor appears and all but spits in Christ’s face.
Your freedoms have only destroyed men, the Inquisitor tells Him. They’ve made them miserable. They don’t want your freedom, your science, your love. They want our bread, our myths, our infowars of the divine. We are their god, and so “they gather around us like fearful chicks to a hen.” You are nothing but a trouble-maker. “I will condemn you and burn you at the stake as the worst of heretics,” the inquisitor tells Christ, and “at a sign from me your own flock will fuel the pile roasting your limbs.” Christ kisses the Inquisitor on the lips and walks on, vanquished.
The maga masses are right to deplore the Harris press’ comparison of the Madison Square bacchanal to Nazi sympathies. The more appropriate comparison, the comparison J.D. Vance would approve–because that’s what his neo-Catholic world view is aiming for–is the Inquisition, what you could fairly call fascism with an inhuman face.
So it wouldn’t have mattered who ran against Trump–Biden, Whitmer, Newsom, Christ. You saw the fearful chicks gathered around the henhouse that was Madison Square, chirping and flapping over democracy’s curdles as Trump pledged allegiance to Christian nationalism. The feeling of resurgence is as glorious as a shot of fentanyl, especially when the resurgence is synthetic. Maga is riding an incredible high because it cannot thank Trump enough for the euphoria of denialism.
We’re a nation in decline. We can’t control wars, climate, inequality, debt. We spend more just to pay the interest on our growing debt ($1 trillion a year) than we do on the military or Medicare. This is not sustainable under any scenario, no matter what illusionists of American power like Peter Zeihan and Steve Bannon tell you. We are no longer capable of influencing the international scene. It’s a matter of time before Putin annexes his third of Ukraine, China reclaims Taiwan and Israel disappears Palestine like so many corpses in Pinochet’s concrete walls. America’s majority-white reign has withered as surely as the globalist consensus. So how do we create a new order if not around national, racially selective greatness, the one illusion you can always fabricate?
Trump didn’t make this moment. It was made for him, in no small part by liberalism’s abdication. The more liberalism projected self-loathing without a hint of pride in country or redemptive hope for it, the more it ceded the ground to “a bottom-up populist revolt,” as Richard Rorty foresaw in 1998. It’s not Nazism. But it’s nearer to the easy fixes of fascism than to any democratic experiment we’ve known–an American fascism as only this country can appropriate and transfigure into yet another myth of god-given exceptionalism: The city on a hill. The world’s last great hope. Sea to shining sea. Manifest destiny. New frontier. Morning again in America. Maga.
Imagine Trump’s triumph on Jan. 20, the Supreme Court majority he appointed at his feet, immunity at his fingertips. Watch his left hand. That ring he’ll be wearing isn’t his wedding ring. It’s the Ring of Gyges, the ring that gives him ultimate power of invulnerability (invisibility not being in Trump’s vocabulary). Herodotus tells us that Gyges reigned for 38 years. Clearly, Trump thinks he can do better. After this election, no one can doubt it.
Pierre Tristam is the editor of FlaglerLive. Reach him by email here. A version of this piece airs on WNZF.
Eva says
This entire article made me sick to my stomach, and sad for our country. Like a bad dream we can’t seem to wake up from.
Pierre Tristam says
Imagine having to write it. I was Baker Acted eight times writing it this week. My shrink was Baker Acted after having to listen to me.
Eva says
Omg, funny not funny but I needed that smile. Just praying there are more Americans first than dare to speak out.
Brian Chrestoff says
Eva…………I’ll let you in on a little secret. After the morons of January 6th had their 15 minutes of fame there were many like myself who were a bit embarrassed and a little angry at the spectacle of what transpired that day at the Capital. I voted f/ Trump and was angry and so were many of my conservative friends. I can remember saying we needed to look elsewhere for leadership. But then we all watched in horror, as did our allies overseas, as the Democratic Machine went into a war footing to use everything at its disposal to remove Trump from their sight. I hate the now overused phrase Weaponization of the Justice Dept but employing Soviet Era tactics to rid yourself of your political opponents w/ the use of show trials designed to have Trump in court when he should be out shaking hands probably more than any other tactic turned this election cycle around f/ the Republicans. Harris and her Defund the Police idea came in a close second. The entire nation was treated to nightly news stories describing the anarchy that was played in out in our large Northern Blue cities as a result of the anti-police movement. We even had their Black Political Leaders crying f/ help on the evening news. And those cries f/ help turned into screams as the disastrous Open Border Policy that Biden and Harris pretended was not happening flooded this country w/ unwanted criminal gangs that were released from South American prisons and that are now organizing in our Northern Cities. Watching Antifa and their Black Lives Matters allies burn our cities because a career criminal died whose heart was so badly damaged by his drug use dies while being arrested because he could not process enough air during the struggle. He was not murdered by white police. I read his autopsy. Listening f/ 4 years to white Liberals who had nothing good to say about my country and blame all of the world’s problems on white males while making a folk hero out of George Floyd has backfired on the Left to a degree they cannot comprehend just yet. The use of the words fascist and fascism in reference to Trump and his supporters was over played to such a degree that even Pierre T. should be ashamed of himself. The problem is he knows Trump is going to win this election and his depression got the better of him in this opinion piece. The Left has handed this election to Trump and his supporters. Here we are 4 days before Election Day and Uncle Joe is calling me and my wife “garbage”. You gotta love Joe. Well…..no you don’t. He wanted to call us fascists but couldn’t remember his lines and “garbage” came out. America Matters Eva…………not the America you and Pierre envision but the one my grandfather immigrated to in 1908 through Ellis Island. He couldn’t wait to learn the language and become a productive citizen. You and Pierre should follow his example.
Jim says
It sounds like you drank the KoolAid, threw up, then drank it again.
Eva says
Oh so sorry, Brian…let me let YOU in on a little secret…I am also you, Republican Conservative all my life, as was the majority (not all) of my family who emigrated through Ellis in 1898 so no preaching from you on what example I need to follow, I had the BEST. My grandfather would be the first to say that Trump is a fascist, a mafia wannabe, and has been for 50 years. We watched him in NY, long before this horrific ten year period to take over the country in any manner necessary. He has always been a conman and a liar his whole life. And now, I believe he has been used as a pawn by much more evil behind him, in my view. You are talking about the “left” as the enemy within, eh? You are indoctrinated, again. Praying for all Americans, that we all learn the only enemy within today is the darkness in the GOP that must be left behind.
Bob stanley says
Looks like it’s 4 years of good luck again!
Deborah Coffey says
Dear God, Pierre. They will need to Baker Act every one of us if the reality you describe so precisely ends in a Trump win. The problem is, no one will care about Baker Acting us; they will be concentrated on killing us, ridding themselves of the filth they believe is in the way of their Grand Inquisitor’s delightful wishes. You’ve written a masterpiece here. But, the question still remains…will Jesus demand His justice? Come on over and drink a few bottles of wine with us while we wait and see.
Pierre Tristam says
You read my mind. Cheryl, my son and I are drowning ourselves in beer and martinis in our P-Section (as in the Paris of Palm Coast) driveway.
Ray W, says
We each have our own private Idaho. A driveway here. A pool deck there. Somewhere a beach chair beckons. Or a sunset from a pontoon boat.
Enjoy!
Thank you again for what you do.
JimboXYZ says
Pelosi recommends ice cream, at least that’s what she was in 2020. Boozed up in the driveway, be careful with that, one of your neighbor’s might invite FCSO to the party if it gets too loud & rowdy.
Pierre Tristam says
I have dibs on sheriff’s protection already.
Judith G. Michaud says
It’s not over until the fat lady sings ! His threat to Liz Cheney should be enough for more people turning away from him. It sickens me that he would ever be able to put his disgusting hand on the Bible and lie again ! I pray to God your wrong Pierre !
Eva says
AMEN, Judith, Amen!
SunnyD says
His direct quote was this: “She’s a warhawk. If she had to face the consequences of battle, she wouldn’t be doing it… she is actually a disgrace.”
Ray W, says
Hello Sunny D.
Thank you using the three periods (…) in your quote. That lets all FlaglerLive readers know that you are editing out part(s) of Trump’s statement. You know, the part(s) about Trump talking of Cheney facing nine rifles pointed at her while holding a rifle of her own.
This raises a separate issue. Just what were you thinking? How can you even attempt to try to persuade FlaglerLive readers to rely on you on any subject if you butcher out of your quote the most relevant point to the discussion? It is difficult to gain someone’s trust when you leave out the most relevant point in the entire Trump comment thread and then phrase it as a “direct quote”. Your partially accurate comment exposes you to possible characterization as a “disinformation launderer.” Again, why would you do this to yourself?
I, too, use the “…” method, and quite commonly. If a quote I use contains a reference to a graph, I might leave out the language referring to the graph and use the … method.
If a paragraph references three different issues, I might take the language about the issue I want to use and leave out the rest.
Sometimes, I just include the entire paragraph, but that makes many of my comments too long.
Then again, my goal is not to persuade people that I am right. My goal is to persuade readers that my data is right and worth considering.
And I commonly ask FlaglerLive readers to “Make of it what you will.” By this technique I am telling FlaglerLive readers that my comment might not be the best possible comment out there.
I want readers to look things up for themselves.
Sometimes, I announce that I am using a “bullet point” format. That let’s every FlaglerLive reader know there is more out there.
In a comment from two days ago I used a Cato Institute study about Trump releasing more than 300 convicted immigrant murderers from border custody during his term in office.
Yes, according to a Cato Institute study of Trump administration executive orders, his administration held over 300 convicted immigrant murderers in custody at various points in time and then released them into the country, along with 92,000 other already convicted immigrants. Some 11,000 of the 92,000 released convicts were arrested again for new crimes, including rape and murder.
Before my use of a Cato Institute summary in that comment, I announced to FlaglerLive readers that I was using a partial quote, as the actual summary of the issue was quite long.
Foresee says
Really Ray? Sunny D’s comment was useful. You could have just filled in the missing info and left it at that. Why pontificate and excoriate her on what you yourself called “a separate issue”. The bulk of your comments were just plain mean, self absorbed and only your opinion.
Ray W, says
No, Foresee, SunnyD’s comment was a form of misinformation laundering. The first three words of the comment were: “His direct quote …” Then, SunnyD left out the most important words of the direct quote. Sorry, Foresee, that type of comment is useful. Intentional misinformation laundering is not useful.
You are right that I excoriate people who engage in misinformation laundering.
I have asked many times for true conservatives to start commenting on this site, using reason based on the exercise of intellectual rigor. I still hope for such a person to emerge.
All we seem to get from the so-called conservative side is misinformation launderers and others who can’t understand that it is wrong for people to launder misinformation.
Skibum says
If you want to repeat his direct quote, as least be honest enough to give the entire quote that he said about Liz Cheney, including what came out of his mouth about having nine guns shooting her in the face!!! It is quite disingenuous for you to put quotation marks as if that is the entire statement, and then conveniently leave out the most damning part of that same statement, as if it didn’t exist.
c says
Truth, Justice, or the Republican Way :)
Ray W, says
Thank you, Skibum. You said it better than I did. Perhaps that is why Foresee didn’t respond to your comment.
Foresee says
@Ray W You are getting close to becoming a conspiracy theorist and vote suppressionist. You accuse Sunny D of “information laundering”. My reading is Sunny D simply shortened the quote for brevity rather than deliberate “intentional misinformation laundering”. You jumped to a guilty verdict based on nothing more than your opinion written in your own Thought Police rule book for proper commenting. You even said up front “Thank you using the three periods (…) in your quote. That lets all FlaglerLive readers know that you are editing out part(s) of Trump’s statement.” Then why go on and make an accusation of “intentional misinformation laundering”? Maybe you just can’t stand brevity.
Ray W, says
Here’s the direct quote of Trump’s comment:
“She’s a radical war hawk. Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her. … Okay, let’s see how she feels about it. You know when the guns are trained on her face — you know, they’re all war hawks when they’re sitting in Washington in a nice building.” (my use of “…” omitted “Trump said.”)
Judith G. Michaud then wrote of her concern of a Trump threat.
SunnyD, claiming it a “direct quote”, then left out all reference to rifles shooting at former Congresswoman Liz Cheney.
I then pointed out that SunnyD had engaged in misinformation laundering.
You then replied by arguing that what SunnyD had written was “useful.”
Do all FlaglerLive readers understand the steps of how misinformation laundering takes place?
Let’s repeat what happened.
Trump utters a comment that evokes imagery of a firing squad aiming at a political opponent.
A FlaglerLive commenter then expresses worry about Trump’s violent rhetoric.
SunnyD, claiming it to be a “direct quote”, then leaves out the violent rhetoric.
I call SunnyD out.
You then claim what SunnyD wrote is “useful.”
Step by step, an act of misinformation laundering occurred on this site.
You, Foresee, are the necessary third step of the four steps in the process of misinformation laundering. Without you, no one, neither Trump nor Vance nor anyone else, can later use the “people are saying” card. If you don’t defend SunnyD’s untruthful act, others, including Trump and Vance, can only say “one person is saying.”
Again, you are the necessary third of four steps to complete the misinformation laundering cycle.
Let’s use Springfield as an example. A person could not find a cat. Someone heard about a missing cat from a friend and commented on Facebook, joking that an immigrant had eaten the cat. The issue spread on Facebook.
After the issue blew up into the national imagination, when contacted, the initial commenting woman said she was sorry for the untruthful comment. The cat had been found in a basement.
Other people kept repeating the original comment.
Trump used the untruthful comment during the debate, before it was reported that the cat had been found.
Later, Vance followed Trump’s lead, and then doubled down. When asked, Vance initially defended his position by saying “people” (not a person) were still saying this on the internet. When confronted again, Vance said that if it took his fabricating a story to get political commenters to talk about something he wanted them to talk about, he would continue fabricating stories.
Do you now understand why it is unimportant what you say about me? You lost significant credibility when you defended someone who intentionally left out what Trump violent imagery.
You started from a losing position in your first response on this comment thread. You continue to comment from a losing position.
It is difficult to win an argument when one starts from a losing position.
Once again, SunnyD’s comment was not “useful”; it was an act of misinformation laundering.
As an aside, Arizona’s Attorney General (D) has ordered the opening of a criminal investigation into whether Trump’s utterance constitutes a threat under Arizona law.
Personally, I wonder whether Trump’s commentary approaches the criminal threshold, but I haven’t read Arizona’s relevant statutes on that issue.
Threats are commonly not criminal unless the commenter has the present ability to carry out the threat. For example, if a person tells another “I am going to shoot you in the face tomorrow”, that constitutes a future threat. If tomorrow comes, and the commenter approaches the target with a pistol, yesterday’s future threat is transformed without words into a present threat.
Sherry says
@foresee. . . let me be very, very “brief” here for you. Ole sunny could have been “brief” in a thousand different ways. . . but, she/he did so in a way that completely “distorted” the whole truth by leave out the hate filled/evil part of what trump said. . . which is pure and simple maga “misinformation” AKA “LYING”! Got It foresee?
You, foresee, lamely trying to call it “brevity” is nothing more than more “maga” lying BS! Is that brief enough for you? Or, are you so far gone that you can’t even conceive of the whole truth anymore?
dave says
Agree, use the facts means state all the facts. What trumpo said about Cheney would have a person locked up in some states. The man is so full of hate his word salad just smears everything and everyone it touches and yet people just laugh about it, Oh his just joking the man has never made a joke in his life, evil doesn’t joke. Man I hope people really vote.
Laurel says
dave: Have you ever noticed that Trump never laughs? Did you know that his official political portrait, he uses now, was taken seven years ago? If Trump left off his orange makeup, his followers would see what age he really looks like, so you know the orange jokes are better than reality.
BillC says
@SunnyD “She’s a warhawk.” That coming from the brave war hero Trump-
Trump got 5 deferments (4 student, 1 medical) to avoid being drafted into the Viet Nam war.
The fall after he graduated, Trump was granted a 1-Y medical deferment due to a foot condition.
“I had a doctor that gave me a letter — a very strong letter on the heels,” he told The New York Times. “They were [heel] spurs,” Trump said of his condition. “You know, it was difficult from the long-term walking standpoint. [It was] not a big problem, but it was enough of a problem.” “Over a period of time, it healed up,” Trump said.
Trump kept his 1-Y status until 1972, when he became 4-F and was permanently disqualified from military service in Vietnam.
— from The Hill 8/02/16
Laurel says
BillC: Which is why Trump hated John McCain so much, a real deal hero, whom Trump could never, ever live up to.
Dennis C Rathsam says
Sunny, these folks don’t want to hear the truth…..Harris & Walz have been lying since they kicked Biden out. She was the 1st one to quit in the last ellection, not one ellectoral vote! Now she,s the greatest thing since sliced bread!!!!! Your all delusional with TRUMP derangement syndrome. We are still waiting on the answer to the 1st question of her FOX interview, still waiting….It was asked over & over again…. by many reporters, still no answer…. She keeps bringing up Nazi,s, & calling TRUMP names…. While TRUMP gives you clear, presice, answers to how he,LL FIX everything Biden & HARRIS destroyed.
FlaPharmTech says
Incomplete, invalid quote. So over your torture of the truth. She is NO DISGRACE. Liz is a patriot, country over party. Spray tan orange 45 and LOSING BIGLY is Public Enemy #1. ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!
Brynn Newton says
I am waiting for Agent Orange to explain that he was just making a joke about Liz’s dad’s hunting mishap.
Sherry says
@brynn. . . either you are being sarcastic or a mindless maga cult member. Which is it, please?
Pierre Tristam says
Sherry, Brynn is as maga as you or me are.
Sherry says
Thanks Pierre. . . In reading Brynn’s comment again, I get it. I sincerely apologize Brynn!
Yes, the maga cult members are always trying to dismiss all of trump’s hate filled remarks as jokes. That is precisely what Fox does. Flimsy, disgusting excuses, at best.
GO KAMALA! Vote as if our democracy depends on it. . . It Does!
John Bertolacci says
That was a nightmare. I hope this Tuesday it won’t be true.
I lost my party to these MAGA. It was my party that stormed the Capital Building on Jan 6th. The last time a Capital Building was storm was by the British in 1812.
Bob stanley says
Nostradamus? Wow, what a great prediction!
Ken says
So Funny!
You still lost.
JimboXYZ says
Not to worry, the Democrats have creatively found a way to nominate Harris without ever winning a primary delegate, they’ll find a way to lower & defeat the Democratic process and give the win to Harris-Walz somehow being short of 270 EV’s to win too. How does the bar get lowered that much to become a POTUS ? Hate Trump all you want, but has he lost a Primary since 2016 ? Without fact checking it as waste of time to look for a meaningless primary loss, he even won all the primaries as the incumbent that were held in 2020. Republicans, at least they elect their party nominee, Democracy in action, Democracy saved. We all get one vote, FWIW, it may not be much, but the Democrats stole that from anyone registered a Democrat. And somehow they pulled off their own coup of the Delaware word salad babbler for his protege of word salad in July 2024. No wonder they understood each other, they speak the same language. I’d like to see both of them go head to head in a competition, which one can one up the other with babbling nonsense, the winner obviously is the DNC nominee that Democrats can vote for. How many years with reduced abortions state by state ? I’m sure that’;s why only 12K jobs were created in Oct 2024, why 818K over a rolling year. Biden-Harris claims of hiring Americans for jobs that never existed. It just gets better in America doesn’t it. As this fraud of Biden-Harris crumbles, it’s amazing the polls indicate she still has any chance of winning.
I can’t imagine any voter that would stand for that & somehow come away that America is better for that. So be a good little Democrat & go vote who they told you that you were going to vote for and continue thinking inflation is a roaring economy. The fact that Flagler county has a food bank, an energy bank seeking donations to pay others grocery & electricity bills at the level those are in Q4 2024 is just the most disappointing 4 years any POTUS-VPOTUS team has ever accomplished in 4 years. Here’s a thought, instead of donating to Harris-Walz, send that $ 47 directly to a random address in Asheville, NC. That would be money better spent than getting a non-profit involved to skim their salaries. It saddens me, makes me ill, to read that Americans are suffering at this level nationwide when FEMA has spent 100’s of millions on illegals for humane deportations. And that there are Americans that think the worst that can happen in 2024 is that Harris will lose an election she has been a part of the team that most deservedly earned that “L” next Tuesday-Saturday for however long it takes to convince themselves they fixed this election at every turn to be poll close even. And after going after Trump, the D’s are more worried about him coming after them for exactly what they did to him ? Trump has enough to keep him busy trying to fix a Biden-Harris mess for 4 years without having to be vindictive about it. 2 Assassination attempts, they’ll have their hands full protecting a POTUS from the loonies Biden has been egging on all election year with bullseyes, crosshairs, & lock him up rhetoric. Funny, Biden can’t find it in himself to say lock him up about his drug addict son Hunter ? What are the Vegas odds Hunter Biden gets a pardon from Biden or Harris, even Trump ?
Pierre Tristam says
Not to mention Trump never losing a primary in Russia, Iraq, Equatorial Guinea, West Virginia and Israel, either. It’s just—incredible. Still waiting on returns from the Oort Cloud. They use the same voting machines as in Pennsylvania.
Let's Go Brandon says
Pierre, I am sure happy you don’t believe in Jesus or God. I would hate to have to spend eternity with such smart azz like you. You’re def a cuckold at home. We all know it after reading your anti-Trump articles over the years. Truth be told, even if Nikki Haley was the (R) vs. Kamala Harris (D), you still be flying your Violin about the end of democracy come Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. It is the same ole playbook by you Libs. I bet if Honest Abe was running as a (R) all of y’all would call him a Nazi too. Even though he was dead before the 20th century. Now kiss my Florida born cracker azz. And next time, please leave the room when your wife gets some. Enough with your P. Diddy lifestyle.
Pierre Tristam says
And there it is. The Trump surrogacy in full fecal mode. It isn’t enough to disagree (the vile one even makes a good point about that Abe business) but you must slander author and family in the scummy terms of your hero’s liturgy. These are our neighbors, ladies and gents. This is what passes for our community, mirror-image of the national disgrace unfolding before our eyes and glorified by commenters like this.
Jim says
Yes, what a fine Christian he is…
BillC says
@ Let’s go “flying your violin”? Hmmm. A Russian AI trollbot maybe?
Whathehck? says
Please read your own comments and realize how vile your writing is. You are imitating your god like creature [you shall have no other god before me] by vilifying what you perceive as an enemy and worst by insulting his sacrosanct family [You shall not give false testimony].
May God find mercy on your pool soul.
Laurel says
Whathehck: Yes! I’m not a Christian, and I am constantly shocked at the promotion of evil these so called *Christians* align themselves with! The nastiness and the bigotry! Poor Jesus, right now it looks as if he died for nothing. Trump’s people’s God is one I don’t care to know, not when portrayed as so hateful towards creation.
My Christian husband wants to tell them that “you do not walk the walk, brother/sister.” He, too, is very offended by this very un-Christian behavior.
FlaPharmTech says
Sorry, no god. Mother Nature only.
Tomas says
This is a perfect example of the uneducated and/or unwise that has nothing to add or debate because they don’t have any facts. Instead, they just get caught up in the moment because someone probably told them that they will get more money if they vote for Trump. Americans are so entitled these days it is out of control.
So instead of debating a fact to say Hey Pierre, I think you are wrong and here is why I think that, they have no information and rely on name calling or degradation of someone’s character because they have nothing intelligent to add to the conversation.
You know who else does this… Children. If you don’t like that reference @Let’s go Brandon, then pull your big boys pants up, come to the adult table and actually contribute to the conversation. Unfortunately, I doubt that will happen, but we will be here when you do.
FlaPharmTech says
WTF!!!/?!!! I’m so sorry you bought the trump doctrine. Harris and Walz will do their almighty best to support ALL Americans, even you, Brandon. So state your issues about Libs cuz I wanna know. And I’m here to remind you of the MESS your leader left behind for Biden and Harris to sterilize. You are an anomaly, and your brethren as well; why are y’all so susceptible to Trump’s will? THINK and pray your way and see the light. And WTF do you mean “when your wife gets some”?????? Done with misogyny. Look it up and lock trump up!
Peace and conversation is what our democracy needs now.
bob stanley says
he’s baaaack!
Deborah Coffey says
Time to move on from the world of lies you live in, Jimbo. It always sounds so miserable in there. Maybe if you came out into the real world, you’d find more happiness. Prayers for you.
Pogo says
@One-word
Fucking-spoilers.
BillC says
Pierre: you need to take a vacation. Kamala will win.
Eva says
Amen, please God, deliver us from evil, Amen.
FlaPharmTech says
I second both!
Samuel L. Bronkowitz says
It’s systemic failure. We’re an oligarchy.
JOHN A BINKLEY says
This essay is based on a wholly fallacious assumption, which is that the winner of the election based on the electoral college result tells us what America is about. I don’t know who will win, but I’m confident that Harris will get more actual votes cast by real people, as has been achieved by the progressive candidate in every election but one since 2000, and that is what tells us about the soul of America. Nearly every recent Republican president failed to receive a majority of the actual votes, notably including Trump in 2016. The electoral college is an abomination 100% rooted in slavery, but which we have all grown up with and accept without reflection as to what is going on and how it has distorted our politics and ultimately our society. Pierre has fallen into the trap. He should have and could have done much better.
JW says
A lot of talk about God. But history tells us a very simple message: God did not create the people, no, we the people created our gods (many of them over time).
And we keep doing it as we speak. It is an angry, uncivilized one this time. But ignorant people don’t see it: they only want more easy entertainment. It is too late to start teaching history seriously, not like we are the greatest nation on earth, because we are not.
But, please let’s wake up and actively THINK, yes all of us! and NOT passively hope and pray.
Let’s all vote for a civilized mix of cultures and educate ourselves NOW.
Make that PRAGMATIC choice and DO something for the benefit of ALL of us: vote for HARRIS!
Sherry says
Thank you JW! We’ve already voted for sanity, democracy and civility, and that means Harris! This article is Pierre’s “Voodoo” to make the opposite happen. Hopefully it works!
What Else Is New says
Pierre, I have so much respect for you and for years have applauded your excellent journalism. Thank you for this thought provoking, intelligent expression most of Americans believe to be true. Forget the naysayers. They have consumed much too much Kool Aid. They have swallowed the lies of their wanna be dictator. They care nothing for his desire to execute former Congresswoman Liz Cheney and others who he deems the enemies within.
Pierre, you have always made us better thinkers. Thank you.
Tomas says
It is pretty simple really…. Go out and research the facts for yourself. You can fact check everything yourself without listening to what “others” say. YOU know why, cause “other’s” get there info from “others” none are which are rarely fact checked. The information is right there for you, but most are too lazy to look for themselves and instead just go on what they here from someone else, that may or may not be correct. The candidates running are Trump and Harris (not Biden) oh and wait, there are more than just two candidates, how about Chase Oliver or Jill Stein or others…
Most have pretty detailed plans on the subjects that people want to hear, Economy, Health care, Immagration, ect…. Except Trump, he has not shared any of his personal information he is required to such as his Health and Income. He has not released any type of plan, except that he is going to make other countries pay and he is going to get the “Enemy Within”.
Since 2015, before he became President he talked about his upcoming health care plan, then again in 16,17,18 and then finally in 2019 he said that “plan” was coming out. Still has not and now his plan is to turn it over to RFK – who has no idea or plan or is an expert in this area.
Trump talks about Tariff’s and how he is going to make other countries pay. Except it is proven this does not work and just mean that the average person will pay more for goods. They say that will boost American made products, which it does but now that $100 item raises to $120 from another country which the tariff is now being paid by you, not the other country and now that American made products see that you will pay $120 raise their prices from to adjust for that increase, so now YOU pay more. This is proven through the Chicken Wars and through the most conservative news outlet in the US, The Wall Street Journal. Please feel free to look it up. Next would be Trickledown economics which Regan proved doesn’t work because the tax breaks for the rich doesn’t mean they will spend any more money like they say, it just means YOU get taxed more. So, You still pay more while the ultra-rich like Trump and Musk get more, why do you think Musk is with him. Four years ago, he hated Trump so much he kicked Trump off of Twitter so he couldn’t spread his rhetoric. Now all he sees is more $$$
I could go on all day on This Immagration and how that will destroy the economy when he takes away the people that perform the jobs most do not want to do or anything else. It is all there… He has destroyed many small businesses by not paying them and even laughs about it on his last rally.
Be upset all you want but really watch a rally or multiple like I have… All he does the whole time is say “I” or “me” or myself” he puts himself on a pedal stool and talks about how great he is with no mention about anyone else, just how great he is and what he has done with no objective or plan. Classic narcissist behavior and when you combine that with a position of this magnitude you get Dictator. For those who say well he wasn’t one the on his first term, wrong because he tried to have his election results overturned and incited a riot he could have stopped and had he become the President on a second term, there would be an election now because he probably wouldn’t abdicate the office willingly.
And this comes a person that is not a Democrat……
Jim says
AND, in addition to all the other unethical things Trump and GOP do, Trump is the only candidate in years NOT to sign the transitional and inaugural agreements that limit and make public the contributions for these things, so that he can again accept unlimited bribes from foreign governments and corporations, and put them in his pocket. NO ONE has ever done that.
https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2024-10-31/new-law-makes-dueling-presidential-transitions-possible
https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2021/08/foreign-lobbyists-gave-millions-to-influence-2020-foreign-influence-concerns/
Laurel says
Thomas: You are so right. I’m not a Democrat either, but I cannot abide by this fool Trump.
People mention a lack of facts, as I have many times, but these MAGA are not fueled by facts, they are fueled by emotion. Trump, who has little, or no, empathy, has convinced them that he is a victim like they see themselves to be. A born rich guy, handed money like his supporters can only imagine. It’s actually very sad, but he keeps pushing those buttons.
Yes, the Nobel Laureate winning economists state Trump will be devastating to the economy, but keep in mind that those with a great deal of money benefit during a recession or depression. The rich get richer as there are bargains galore for them, houses, businesses, and the middle class shrinks even more as they fight to survive during hard times. These very rich were given tax breaks, and there will be more in store, for the rich, should Trump win.
Will people put emotion aside, and start looking for real facts that may actually benefit them? No, I think it is too late. Trump will continue to blame others, make wild statements, lying the whole time, and the MAGAs will become even angrier towards those who are not the one doing them the harm. It’s a very frightening time!
Dennis C Rathsam says
DAAAAAAAAA! 1.4% inflation, 3% interest rates, $ 2.00 gas, affordable groceries, no new wars, peace in the Middle East,no invaders raping & murdering our young American girls! A strong military, no one invadered any other country when TRUMP was president! Ya’ll must smoke too much pot, cause you cant remember the truth! 76% of Americans say the country is headed in the wrong direction! Its Biden/Harris the creators of disfunction, & lies. You all know you were better off 4 years ago….Your just to pig headed to admit it! Pierre,s right TRUMP will win in a LANDSLIDE….Its the economy stupit!
Hillbilly says
Musk didn’t kick Trump off of Twitter. He didn’t own it back then. You mentioned research.
John Bertolacci says
I lost my post so I will say it again.
I lost my party to MAGA.
I was my party that stormed MY capital building on Jan 6th. The last time a capital building was stormed was by the British in 1812. All Republicans should all be ashamed.
It was my party that used flag staffs to beat the police defending my capital building and my Congress trying to carry out their constitutional duties. The other end of those stafts was my American flag! As republicans, we should all be ashamed. There are no words or justification that. When I see trucks with four letter word on flags flying from their truck, they are not Democrats. In fact, I have never seen one Democrat truck was a four letter word.
What happened to my party?
Laurel says
John Bertolucci: That’s a really good question! The Republican Party has been completely highjacked. Republican Jeff Flake tried to warn us, and Congress, early on, but was ignored by his fellow Republicans who preferred personal power over country, so then they started carrying on the lies too. They saw how vengeful, and nasty, Trump was, and feared him. So, out of fear, and a desire to hang onto power, they stopped criticizing him (though he insulted their family members) and joined in on the lies. Many loyal Republicans believed them. Now, they are all in so deep that they cannot admit they are wrong.
My husband is a lifelong Republican, and he too is shocked at this behavior. He feels that Trump is a disgusting liar, and cannot believe that people cannot see the obvious. As an Independent, it’s hard for me too, as I prefer balance and working across the isle. That will not happen with Trump.
Opinion shows, like Fox and MSNBC, are far more interested in ratings than they are in unbiased truth. Fox is especially bad, to the point of treason, in my opinion.
These times are the true test of democracy, and we all sit on the edge waiting to see what happens. Russia, North Korea and China are watching too, but not passively. They very much have a hand in the game, and Trump welcomes it.
FlaPharmTech says
John, fight to rebuild it!
Callmeishmael says
Mr. Tristam, you’ve been hacked!
Pierre Tristam says
We all have been. We’re on the sinking Pequod and ‘Dick won.
John Bertolacci says
Pierre
You have truly created a fire storm. Congratulations
Pierre Tristam says
I think the guy running has been doing that for yard last nine years. We’re just running out of chiropractors from ducking and double takes.
Atwp says
Hope the title is a fantasy that will never happen. If Trump does win the election, we African Americans can expect to see our past progress, start regressing. Getting back to the lynching years, no political voice, all of our licenses, our degrees, and our bank accounts will probably become invalid. That will lead to African Americans and other people of color losing everything we worked for. It will not happen without a fight. Some cops are in jail for killing innocents, that will change under a Trump Administration. Complete qualified immunity will probably be the order of the first month in office, thereby making murdering innocents at will and facing no punishment. If Trump is the President, we need to get ready for a deadly bloody long Civil War. African Americans have tasted freedom we will not let them take it away without a bloody fight.
Laurel says
Atwp: Same for women, yet many wear MAGA hats. They know not what they do.
I sincerely hope women get out and vote this craziness away. It is possible!
Atwp says
Laurel, so do I. It would be nice if every person who can vote will vote. If Trump win the election, some people might not have that chance again.
FlaPharmTech says
WE ARE NOT GOING BACK. Future awaits…la, la,la la.
Seriously? says
Antwerp, Nobody is lynching you or stealing your bank, don’t be a drama queen Sir. Civil War? Here in Palm Coast? There will be none of that as Sheriff Stally wouldn’t begin to allow it and I think you know this.
JimboXYZ says
Campaign donation emails triggered me again, just got done deleting those emails from Spamala Harris & her POTUS by committee campaign. Let’s see Spamala herself, her husband, then there’s Walz & his wife begging for $ 47. Who did I miss ? Oh yeah, the Obama’s want money for that cause too. I’ve already unsubscribed, but par for the course, that link doesn’t seem to accomplish anything towards being unsubscribed. Funny the campaign donation requests started off as a $ 25 amount, but the Bidenomics and it’s now $ 47, go figure, a $ 22 increase in the last few weeks. I am surprised that Joe & Jill haven’t sent out email spam asking for $ 47 to elect the apprentice/intern Spamala ? Could be Joe & Jill are still a little salty over the step aside July thing ?
Ray W, says
I feel your pain, JimboXYZ. Decades ago, I gave the statutory maximum to a Republican candidate for office in Florida. I couldn’t believe how much mail that act generated. Phone calls inviting me to Washington to meet with Republican House members and Senators, too. It took years of asking them to stop calling and mailing, but I am only receiving a few Republican text messages asking for money. It could be worse.
Ld says
The $ donated to political campaigns would be better spent on social service programs for legal American citizens. Those rallies have already cost lives and injuries.
Laurel says
See, here’s the thing: The Obamas, the Harris’, and the Walz people taik like nice, intelligent, caring human beings, trying to lift us up. Trump, and the Trumplicans, speak in nasty, blatantly bigoted, violent lies, and there are many who prefer the later!
So, you want change, but want it done in the gutter?
And you talk about religion? This whole “Christian National” thing just solidifies my lifelong belief that organized religion does more harm than good.
Way to go, Republicans.
Jake from state farm says
Ah yes… calling half the country Nazi’s and garbage… Telling Christian attendees to her rally they they are at the wrong place…. The nice people of the Democrat party.
Laurel says
Jake: It was very much Trump who started calling our country garbage at more than one of his rallies and was followed up with a *comedian* calling Puerto Rico, you know, an American territory, “floating garbage” at his rally. The guy was hired as an insult driven comedian. He was much more of an ass than a comedian. Trump and Vance pretended to not hear it, which both you and I know is bullshit.
As far as half the country, Trump has made several nasty comments about Democrats, women, black people and anyone who doesn’t support him. Do you not listen to him?
Harris cut off hecklers, people who were yelling inappropriately, at her rally, by saying they were at the wrong rally. They weren’t praying. Did Fox Entertainment tell you differently?
Stick with the truth, and drop the double standard. No one, but no one, speaks nastier than Trump about Americans living in a garbage country, and name calling many different Democrats, not to mention their families.
If Trump is so wonderful, no one should have to lie about Harris, right? His supporters should not have run after him constantly and tell us what he “really means.” We all know what he really means. He means to keep his own, sorry ass out of prison, on your dime.
Deborah Coffey says
Nazi is as Nazi does, Jake.
Jake from state farm says
Epic Melt down Pierre and your like minded. I pray is continues after election day. It is great comic relief.
This is what happens when you call half of America, Nazi’s, racists, garbage and the other terms the left has uses. This is what happens when the media including FL only provides half the story, and only provides “stories / opinions” and not facts. We are tired of it. We all know that our politicians on both sides are corrupt and worthless. We all know there are extremes on each side that don’t belong in the party. If the media really cared and did not do things in their best interest they would report to the middle with facts and not opinions, the majority of Americans would listen.
By the way, the lack of reporting of Kamala and Tim in FL speaks volumes, As in this opinion peace, the Democrat party has failed to put up a decent candidate, They put up tools to be used to run the country just like they did with Joe.
weldon ryan says
Why wasn’t the candidates good? Must she be a male? The VP choice resonated with the common man! It certainly wasn’t the candidate!
jake says
I would comment, but the bullshit is so deep I’m struggling to stay afloat.
Joe D says
Pierre….you scared the “hell” out of me with that title!
Took about 30 seconds for me to figure out it was SATIRE….and meant to be tongue in cheek ( and a bit humorous). However, it wasn’t HUMOROUS…it was ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING!
Everything you referenced was true…and I just CAN’T BELIEVE, after the mountains of FACT DISPROVEN LIES, 47% of the US voters want Donald Trump 2.0 BACK in OFFICE!
Like his “anti-average man” policies the first time around weren’t bad enough the first time around? Those PENNIES he tossed at the “average man” in the form of (unpaid for) tax cuts, keep coming up in glowing conversations about the first TRUMP years. I saw an article that listed the ACTUAL spread of tax cuts (I’m sure SOMEONE will correct my statistics). It was something like $250 tax savings for those making (?) $35k or less, $1800 savings for those (?) $35k -75k, but (?) $46,000 tax savings for people in the top 3%. And that’s not counting the corporate tax rate cuts, making corporations pay less in taxes than the average teacher, nurse, firefighter! I personally paid $2400 MORE in taxes, because many of my prior deductions were no longer possible.
I don’t doubt that your writing this article was emotionally draining. Looking over your historical references, were also frightening, in that people just don’t see the history of oppression repeating itself. Scarier still is that fact that 50% of US citizens probably don’t know WHO or WHAT you are talking about when you make those references to past historical events and figures. It’s like they pushed all those history classes out of their brain, the moment they were out of school. That phrase that went something like “Those that fail to LEARN from the mistakes of the past are doomed to REPEAT them,” keeps spinning around in my head.
I am a moderate/conservative Democrat (Sometimes voting Republican), Christian (Catholic actually), 70 year old man, who simply cannot watch Donald Trump, when he presents himself as the REPRESENTATION of CHRISTIAN IDEALS…What a Hypocrite ( although as a “Christian” I shouldn’t “judge” others)…but Trump knows that the WHITE CHRISTIAN NATIONALIST vote is powerful (if not EXTREMELY gullible when it comes to excusing Trump’s lies, and behavior)..and if he locks in their vote (incredibly!!), he has a good chance of beating Harris at the polls. Not that I agree with EVERYTHING the Harris Campaign stands for…but even POPE Francis alluded to the US voters’ having the choice of voting for “the LESSER of two evils”…without specifying…
God HELP us on November 6 (or January 6)!
Tony truth says
Sorry you can not be a practicing Catholic and support abortion
Joe D says
For: Tony Truth
Sorry this response is so DELAYED…but I’ve had connectivity and access issues for the past month due to cell service “upgrades “😡
Actually I AM a PRACTICING CATHOLIC, and very involved in my local Parish. I am NOT in support of Abortion ON DEMAND (only in the case of physical harm to the mother).
I AM however NOT a ONE ISSUE voter! When I look OVERALL at the Democratic platform of inclusion/support for the needy/looking out for others/and giving everyone the chance to the CONSTITUTIONAL “Right to the pursuit of happiness,”
VS the documented lies, the abysmal personal behavior, the preference for wealthy WHITE men and BEAUTIFUL young WHITE women surrounding Trump’s advisors, the ANTI IMMIGRANT RETORIC ( only 1/2 of my German/French Grandfather’s siblings were born in the United States, and my Grandmother could only speak German), along with tax cuts aimed at mostly benefitting the wealthy, I cannot simply vote Republican because he is (or should I say “was” anti Abortion …now post election when he is “backsliding” as usual by saying ABORTION guidelines should be left to the individual States ).
And as the GOOD Christian you hint that you are: remember the Bible verse…. “Judge not, lest YOU be judged.”
Have a BLESSED DAY!
Clueless Pierre, again. says
Lol. Another delusional article by Pierre. Why do you want so much doom and gloom? Sorry to tell you but Kamala is winning and winning big. It’ll be over by midnight Tuesday. It won’t even be a contest. Why? Listen to the people around Trump. They are panicking. Reports say he’s not even talking politics with his staff anymore. He’s talking about businesses and investing and doing other things. He. Is. Losing. Cry more Pierre. I’ve never seen someone so out of touch with what’s really happening around the country. You’re assuming republicans that are voting are all voting for Trump. 😂 Assuming makes you look like an ass. Madam President is happening. Deal with it.
Dennis C Rathsam says
HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Jim says
Well, this is up there with War of the Worlds radio broadcast, isn’t it?! So many passionate, emotional replies. I have to figure out how to turn off my notification dings on my cellphone. Fortunately, no reports of jumping out of windows! I wish there were more options to indicate one’s reaction, and not just a thumbs up. One for WTF, BS, spot on, etc. Maybe a menu of responses? Okay, I’m being half facetious… I am hopeful from the replies by Harris leaning Republicans that enough have preserved their own free agency, haven’t drunk the KoolAid, etc. We shall see.
Mikey Casttle says
Let’s go TRUMP!!!! America needs a true leader!
Laurel says
Go away Trump! America need a true leader!
FlaPharmTech says
So hilarious! And delusional.
Atwp says
Pierre, did you know something we didn’t know? He won the election.
Hank says
Ahh yes.. Pierre is a Nostradamus. You can not believe how happy I am that the melt down can continue. Again the lack of any positive endorsements / reporting from FL, indicated you knew the Democrats put up a bad candidate.
To many of those in the above posts, this is what you get when you call half the country Nazi’s, racists, garbage and the never ending list that you spew. It’s what you get when you listen to and actually believe the crap that the biased media feeds you one side and only opinions and fails to give you facts and let you decide.
jake says
November 6, 2024, Democrat heads exploding everywhere. It’s a good day for America.
Pogo says
@GAZA
Help is not on the way: certainly not from Herr dump, or the Europeans who used to be US allies, or Putin, and the rest of the world’s oil and gun companies.
Buy Exxon, the price of gas is going to Mars — with Musk.
November 6, Project 2025, where will the pigs wallowing in today’s trump puddle be?
Next to each other in the bread, dread, and gas lines — talking about houseboats…
Skibum says
My last image last night before going to bed was of that despicable MAGA presidential candidate standing on the podium in front of his admiring flock of fools… mimicking giving his microphone a blow job. Now, after waking up this morning, there’s not much left to say (as I fake clap back) but wow… well done America, you really did it this time.
Laurel says
And just like that. Overnight, the United States of America has lost its place in the world. It joins the ranks of North Korea and Russia. China will rise. Ukraine is screwed, and Europe will become wary.
The Heritage Foundation and Federalist Society, along with never happy billionaires, have successfully dumbed down Americans. Americans have told the world that they would rather have immature thieves, cons, criminals and liars run the country and that women and girls are the lesser citizens.
What a terrible loss for our country.
John Bertolacci says
We lost last night but promise I will not strorm the capital building on the 6th or gather a bunch of fake electors. I will not claim the election was stolen but I will abide by the voters decision and pray he will a good president for all the people.
John libawitz says
What a beautiful day to be an American! Such a sweet red wave across the country! Let’s go Trump!!!!
BOB says
Some of you people are so hell bent on Trump, you get sick about the Historic Win! He won the electoral and popular vote. Now maybe some of you LIBS can go to sleep and forget about it for a while. Like 4 years and have a nice trip!
Mortified black voter says
Old saying, don’t cut your nose to spoil your face. I’m so disgusted that more than half of America is so recentful despite having all the privilege compared to the few with disproportionate wealth and less opportunities. Misagyny and racism is too simple to use. But the evidence is clear. White women chose not to free themselves from this patriarchal yoke. Americans as poor as dirt felt it was their time to decide the faith of half the American populus. I hear from so many on mass media that we will work on fixing the Dems and get back the White House in four years. Will there be an election? Will there be a worthy economy, healthcare system, etc? Fear of changing democraphics, a female president and pronouns? Why punish ones selve to halt the progress of good posibilities for this broken nation to prosper just to feel good in doing so? We will see how ugly things get in this country these next four years and years to come with Dictators in power!
D W Ferguson says
PROPHETIC Pierre….trust the next four years offer you much new material to cover, hopefully some that can be considered favorably and not all critically…
FlaglerLive says
Yes Dave, and actually I’m looking forward to a calmer, more productive period locally (as in: local governments). That’s the subject of my next commentary.
John Bertolacci says
Actually only to the midterm elections. The voters will realize that they made a big mistake and Tump will lose the Senate and the House.
Sebelus Montfried VI says
This piece is only 50% accurate at best; the rest is merely a shoddy blame game — the dynamic that rules American culture. Yes, the country’s in trouble; the culture is in decline, and perhaps fall; the chances for mass enlightenment are about nil. But “liberal abdication” is woefully inaccurate. Sticking to the liberalism v. conservatism dynamic — a rather shallow, and often misrepresentative category — has been part of a delusional, reductionist characterization that actually reveals very little. For better or worse, America has been and still is a liberal democratic republic, especially compared to nations and cultures that don’t protect fair voting, religious freedom, relatively free markets, 1st Amendment rights that allow writers like you to postulate and writers like me to disagree. The list is extensive; no need to elaborate. In the history of the world these are noteworthy and, strictly speaking, liberal accomplishments.
Sure, Blacks, females, ethnic and native people, non-binary individuals, and many others treated as Other languish in inequitable circumstances. But Feudalism, slavery, and females being forbidden to vote, a mandatory 12-hour work day, and Jim Crow laws were overcome via various forms of liberalism. Compared to the generally oppressive conditions still existing in many parts of the world, the so-called father of modern conservatism, Edmund Burke, imparted many liberal views, particularly regarding freedom. And F.A. Hayek, one of the so-called conservative (Austrian School) pillars of modern Capitalism, features a fair number of policies in his “Road to Freedom” that are reasonably liberal, especially when compared to National Socialism and totalitarian Communism, which he was reacting against.
The tragic mistake Americans have made for all too long is that they so willingly accept the binary-delineated, dichotomous forms of Us vs. Them, believers vs. atheists, Liberals vs. Conservatives as if there’s an enormous gulf existing between each faction. Of course there are significant differences but not ones truly indicating they’re opposites, and irreconcilable, although in the current environment that doesn’t appear to be true. That’s because demonization, scapegoating, and a frenzied mass acceptance of illogicality — emotional conditions that interfere with the kinds of cognitive functionality capable of discerning facts, truth, and rationality as opposed to rationalization. — influence consciousness at large and thus shape the zeitgeist. Psychologists may argue that we are, collectively, out of our minds. On the other hand, neurologically we are not customarily in our rational mind — areas of the brain capable of processing and accepting facts and truth, which mainly exist in the prefrontal cortex — and thus are subjected to the forces of subjectivity and the arena of feelings. Americans are, quite simply, disproportionately influenced by the area of the brain called the amygdala — the center of fear, fight or flight.
One of the reasons for this? Liberalism that was spread during and after the Enlightenment that evolved into Romanticism, which emphasized the supremacy of feeling over thought. To a great extent the liberators were reacting to the repressive measures that prevailed during the Middle Ages that endured well into the 18th Century. The new sprightly mood: Lighten up, let yourself go, if it feels right it is right. Compared to rigorously enforced Puritanical values, it was a breath of fresh air, but one that has over time led to the subordination of reason, rationality, and in the end the significance of truth and facts. It may be difficult to believe that during the 50s in America many stores, and in some areas all stores, were closed on Sundays. This was a vestige of culturally conservative traditions that were prevalent in the Old World. Today, individuals in their underwear can shop, gamble, and imbibe all night, every night on their phones. Ironically, it was the power of commercialism and monetization — forces often associated with the “conservative” powers of Big Money — that shaped these conditions, a fact comprehensively covered in Daniel Bell’s brilliant masterpiece, “The Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism.”
Sorry, as so-called conservative as you think you are, except for extreme ascetics like the Shakers, you are living in a liberal, democratic republic. You may have voted against abortion and legalization of marijuana but they are token choices that don’t define one’s aggregate identity. You may worship routinely but millions of Americans don’t. Indeed, when you are on here, when Joe Rogan and the right wing propagandists, or for that matter when left wing propagandists, express themselves, when individuals can open-carry military style weapons, when drugs like fentanyl are widely consumed, when drivers are routinely driving 90+ miles an hour on interstates, when individuals and businesses can easily declare bankruptcy and dismiss massive debts, which in some countries would lead to debtors’ prison, when you vote by mail and trust mail carries and voting officials, for the most part, to process that vote without corruption, when you can move at will across an expansive nation and live where you want if equipped to do so, if you can walk in your neighborhood without fear of being attacked, you are living in a liberal country.
No, it’s hardly “liberal abdication” that led to the mess we’re in. It’s a matter of cognitive abdication that led to this delusional, mythological, and horrifically surreal arena known as American culture. It’s the abandonment of reason, complicated and meaningful discourse, diligent and empirical research that unearths the facts so that, collectively, we can move on beyond this nightmare. And, worst of all, it’s not the fault of the right wing, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, or whatever bogeyman you chose to blame. It’s us, the great mass of unthinking individuals who don’t fairly delineate between cultural and political responsibilities. It’s us who has failed to reckon with history and its lessons, with ethical laxity and its consequences, and a palpable loss of the sense of community that keeps us apart. And it’s us who are too eager to blame others — liberals, conservatives, Marxists, Fascists, politicians, etc. — for problems that only we can solve mainly on a cultural basis. Indeed, what this country needs most is not a political revolution. Where will that lead if it’s not based on facts and logic? What it needs is a cultural revolution so that we become involved in truly understanding the burdens and requirements of what a truly glorious form of governance — liberal democracy — needs in order to lead to a more perfect union.
Ken says
You’ve drilled down, way too far!
You should never be a campaign strategist, you’d lose 100% of the time. Simple, the majority rules in every sector of the world. This country has been on a destructive tract for a while now, we’re fortunate that it is being corrected.
Govern yourself accordingly!
The dude says
Nothing will be “corrected” until you olds let go and let those, whose future will most be affected by decisions made today, take the reins.
Until then it’s a Groundhog’s day of old white folks attempting to apply 20th century solutions to 21st century problems and achieving the same result over and over.
FlaPharmTech says
Agree, with remorse for we “olds”. We should still have some traction tho. Peace always.
Mortified black voter says
I’m now suspecting that there had to be a computer hack on the voting machines. The results are to great in Trump votes to be real. The numbers are fixed. What better ways to fool America. First you tell MAGA you don’t have to vote anymore and not to vote.
Claim election fraud then to call MAGA out as you seemed so sure of victory by not campaigning during the last few days. The election was rigged by the Russians and Eli Musk! They know technology! They knew that Dems will not question the votes and challenge the count to not to show discord. The overwhelming number of never Trumpers and Republicans backing the VP saying she has their vote. It smells. There’s rotton fish in the fish market!!!
Foresee says
@RayW, Skibum, Sherry, et al Maybe now it’s beginning to dawn on you why Kamala lost to Trump. You all contributed in your small way to the loss by your attitude of self righteousness and moral superiority. Trump should have lost but you helped him win.
Sherry says
@foresee. . . Three cheers to happily living in a highly principled “factual reality”! It’s very simple. . . trump didn’t win because of those who believe in the constitution, and who are intelligent, educated, compassionate, ethical, honest, trustworthy, law abiding, open minded and patriotic. He won because those who are not voted for him.
Sherry says
@foresee. . . gloating is just so “you”! LOL! LOL! LOL!
Ray W, says
Hello Foresee.
I just saw your comment. I have no ideas of how many comments I have missed on the FlaglerLive site.
And, I have never clicked on the box notifying me of follow-up comments. If I see a reply to one of my comments, I might reply. If I don’t, so what.
As I heard untold numbers of times from my father, a hundred years from now, it’ll never make a difference.
As an aside, my father also commonly reminded me that most of the things we worry about never come to pass. It’s the things that come out of the blue that bite us in the butt.
Churchill wrote of a similar sentiment that he held after his many worries of September 1940 had passed:
“When I look back on all those worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened. Certainly this is true of my life in September 1940. The Germans were beaten in the Air Battle of Britain. The overseas invasion of Britain was not attempted. In fact, by this date Hitler had already turned his glare to the East. The Italians did not press their attack on Egypt. The tank brigade sent all round the Cape arrived in good time, not indeed for a defensive battle of Mersa Matruh in September, but for a later operation incomparably more advantageous. We found means to reinforce Malta before any serious attack from the air was made upon it, and no one dared to try a landing upon the island fortress at any time. Thus September passed.”
I don’t really care if a Democrat is elected, or a true conservative is elected. Constitutional checks and balances, viewed through a Hegelian lens, moderates any worry. But if a vengeful no longer conservative candidate promising retribution were ever to emerge, that is another story.
I have always opposed the vengeful among us, just as I have opposed the professional lying class of one of our two political parties, plus those among us who engage in the misinformation laundering of the lies spread by the professional liars.
Mine have been acts of moral imperatives, not of moral superiority. There is a difference.
I did not start commenting with purpose on FlaglerLive until I read of the local Republican politician who had asked over the air just when it would be time to begin beheading Democrats. If anyone is to be opposed, it is that type of politician. He is running for office again. I oppose him again, and I oppose anyone who supports him. He was not joking; he meant what he said, if given the chance.
That you equate my consistent and purposeful opposition to the vengeful among us to an act of moral superiority instead of an act of a moral imperative speaks volumes about your lack of understanding of the importance of moral character.
I did not tell people to vote for a Democrat. I did argue on occasion that if democracy was the least bad form of government ever tried by mankind and, therefore, I had to choose between two bad choices, then I would choose the candidate who was not vengeful over a candidate who was vengeful. So, yes, I encouraged everyone to vote against the vengeful among us.
I will never support a candidate who says that some people need killing, or that if elected he will slit throats, or one who claims that he intends to crush vermin.
I have always argued that we are in the early years of a long-term wave of political violence that will affect us all at some point or another.
Sound familiar? Please disabuse yourself of the delusion that you have formed about me.
Joe D says
Trump might have WON the vote, but whether the AMERICAN people have “won” is yet to be seen!
I give it 18 months into a Trump 2.0 presidency, for us to see the CHAOS ( both nationally and internationally ) the majority of voters unleashed in an effort to “punish” Harris for high food and rent prices, immigration, and the Middle East Crisis….little of which did she have any REAL control over!
We’ll see what the professional LIAR actually DOES to improve the day to day lives of those who voted for him. More National Debt adding additional unpaid for tax cuts? More price raising tariffs on imported products (Walmart, Amazon and Target are ALREADY FREAKING ) at the increase in customer prices they are going to have to make to pass on the Tariff costs (the outside countries don’t pay the tariffs, YOU DO as the end customer)!!!
And if all those trained and experienced Federal Department Heads are replaced by inexperienced Trump “LOYAL” Flunkies…we are going to be set back 50 years ( RFK going “Crazy” at the CDC, FDA, and Health and Human services?!? Elon Musk in charge of a new “Department of Government Efficiency”…yes by taking Union workers powers away like he’s done and threatened to do in his PRIVATE companies !?! Betsy DeVos back for round 2 to dismantle the other 1/2 of the Department of Education, she didn’t destroy the first time around!?! Massive illegal immigrant deportations..who’s going to pick your fruit? Your potatoes, dig up the farms for Spring planting? Work in your low paying food processing plants where few US workers want to work)!?! Whose going to make up for the BILLIONS of $$$ those worker contribute in employment taxes, and the loss of $$$ PRODUCTIVITY for those jobs lost (few US citizens want to do that work for THOSE SALARIES)!
Yep, the voters punished those incompetent Democrats alright… by placing a DOCUMENTED serial lying, self centered FELON in office instead.
Guess we will SEE in about 18 months after he takes office…I HOPE I’m wrong…but given Trump’s behavior the FIRST time around, I can only guess ( based on his “day one” promises, which I’m HOPING were just more lies to fool his voters) …what a disaster Trump 2.0 will be.