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TheCatt wrote:

Leisher wrote: The blank line was for any name because I've heard every candidate from Bush to Obama to Trump all be compared to Hitler.

I know. I was just making a funny.

Calling Trump Hitler is the comedy level it takes to host the Daily Show. Keep it up.

TheCatt wrote: Orders of magnitude in both content and quantity matter.

It does and it doesn't. The constant "well, our side doesn't do it as bad" horseshit needs to end. Lowering the bar for behavior whether you're nudging it down or dragging it down is still moving it down. We need to demand better from our "leaders" on both sides of the aisle not just one or the other based on the subjective "who is acting worse".

At no point should a president EVER act the way Trump has. But at no point should a candidate act the way Biden has either.

TheCatt wrote: Yeah, but I feel like one represents America better than the other. Who basically represents himself.

I get the argument of "restoring dignity" and all that. It's one of the things I hope is true if Biden wins, along with him not being in favor of packing the court (which will inevitably just lead to more court packing when Rs take control again). However, I do not believe either man should have the job.

Leisher wrote: But at no point should a candidate act the way Biden has either.

By being a basically decent human being?

Leisher wrote: However, I do not believe either man should have the job.

I mostly agree. But I 100% agree on Trump, and about 60% agree on Biden.

I wonder what the Republican party is post-Trump? Cuz right now, it's just Trump.

You know who had great respect for the office and wouldn't even remove his suit jacket while in the Oval Office?

Richard M. Nixon.

I think "dignity in office" stopped mattering when Obama gifted the Queen of England, on the occasion of her state visit, DVDs of his life story and rise to power. DVDs that were the wrong region for UK DVD players.

That's when "don't be a buffoon in office" stopped being relevant.

But I will grant you that shitter tweets while tripping balls sets the bar a whole lot lower... or higher? However you look at it.

It crossed my mind that it would be hilarious if in 10 years some historian is asking him about his twittering while in office, and it turns out he never once used twitter, never heard of it, and it was a troll the entire time. Or someone gave an orangutan a smart phone and it accidentally created a believable Trump satire account.

" Biden is a decent human being" makes me LOL.

He's a bigger criminal than you could be if you worked it full time for a hundred years.

GORDON wrote: " Biden is a decent human being" makes me LOL.

He's a bigger criminal than you could be if you worked it full time for a hundred years.

Proof?

Because my felonies were court record.

TheCatt wrote:By being a basically decent human being?

He can act like a politician, absolutely. His handlers have done a good job of keeping him in check, but when he snaps and gets angry, you see the real Biden. Whether he's declaring "you ain't black if you don't vote for me", saying he didn't want his kids' school to be a jungle due to black students, calling a voter fat, also stating he won't accept the election unless he wins, and all his other little dust ups.

Like I said, he won't be tweeting about CA going to hell (I still cannot believe that happened...for ffs), but he's one missed nap away from calling someone a "n-word" during a press conference.

Plus, let's be really honest, if he was an R, we'd probably be hearing a lot more negative news about him. I'm quite certain his kid's job in the Ukraine would be far more of a target for CNN, The Daily Show, and SNL.

But again...fuck 'em both. And just for the record, I don't think Pence would get my vote either. Seems like a jackass and is way too religious. I'm undecided on Harris. I suppose I really should get to know her more since there's a pretty solid chance she'll take over once Biden strokes out.

Not sure it's worth going on with on this. I suspect you are making bad faith what-if comparisons. "What if Biden starts raping everyone!" "Starts living large and doing cocaine!" "Starts an Instagram page and sells ads to Chinese companies!

What if, Occam's Razor, he just spends most days taking a nap and lets professionals do their jobs instead of unqualified yes-men. Like he did on his campaign. I'd be thrilled.

Have we ever had a President so poorly lacking in basic science and healthcare knowledge? During a freaking Pandemic, no less. Medical science literally saved his life and yet his supporters have completely politicized mask wearing to the point we are now well past the point of avoiding a really bad winter.

Troy wrote: Not sure it's worth going on with on this.

Are you talking to me? Because if so, I didn't know we had anything going on? Seriously, are we debating? I'm not being dismissive or snarky, I truly didn't think I was debating anything with anyone here. Figured we were just talking about this shit show.

Also, do you think I'm defending Trump or advocating a vote for him, because if so, you really need to calibrate your prism.

Side note: I genuinely think this is a huge issue in our society at the moment. It really seems like people no longer hear anything except the extremes. It's like everyone is stuck in a "you're either 100% with us or you must be 100% with the other side". It's not just politics either. I've been accused of having positions I don't have elsewhere simply because I pointed out inaccuracies, sketchy reporting, and so on one way or the other. But this is a human behavior conversation for elsewhere.

And that side note might be the whole reason for your post? I'm not staunchly pro-Trump or anti-Biden.

My stance is pretty simple: In my humble opinion, neither man deserves my vote. End of story.

And that's not a judgment on anyone who votes for either.

Trump is an unmitigated disaster in almost every way. Sure, he had the economy trucking along, but at what cost? He's a laughing stock throughout the world. He openly condemns his opponents. Pushes wild conspiracy theories. Mocks disabled people. Has no issue allowing big oil to destroy more protected lands. Has a constantly shifting moral compass. Has zero respect for women. Has been accused of sexual assault multiple times. Has ties to Epstein. Lies like we breath. Understands nothing. Hires all of his family like they're a monarchy. And is genuinely an awful human being. I could probably write this list until my fingers bled and still have more to type...

Biden didn't do much as VP aside from benefit off of people's worship of Obama. He didn't run for president last time, which was pretty curious. He ran this time at the urging of Dem leadership who thought he was the only chance to beat Trump, and his performance in the primaries was pretty sketchy. If you remember, he was almost eliminated in the beginning. Everything I said above about him is true. Those weren't "what ifs" they were actual examples of his behavior. Biden's a career politician, who also happens to be a multi-millionaire (it amazes me how rich these politicians get working for tax payers...), whose kid somehow got a ridiculously high paying cushy job he wasn't qualified for during a time when Biden was dealing with that country. Nothing sketchy or shady about that though because the MSM tells me it's nothing! He has also been accused of sexual assault or harassment multiple times.

However, I fully understand someone voting for either. Maybe Trump insulted your state and you? Maybe you don't like how the Dems are clearly manipulating social trends to get votes (a strategy that genuinely impresses me)? Maybe you're sick of a 3 year old that missed his nap being the president? Maybe you don't like that the Dems are just as childish threatening to change all the rules if they don't get their way? Maybe you are hoping Trump can get the economy going again? Maybe you're hoping Biden can restore the image of the presidency? Maybe you don't want more taxes to pay for illegals or people who refuse to work? Maybe you don't think corporations should be destroying the environment so they can get a slightly larger yacht? Or maybe you just vote for a letter? All totally understandable.

That all being said, I'm hopeful a Biden win will return us to our previously shitty, but less embarrassing situation. If Trump wins again, I will genuinely laugh because what do you have to do to get people to not vote for you? But I'll also hope he can get the economy going again while doing as little damage to our society and reputation as possible.

I just cannot accept either man as someone who I want as the leader of the free world. I didn't vote for Trump or Clinton and I won't be voting for Trump or Biden.

I've been very open about the fact that I'm voting for JoJo because, while I don't really love her, I see it as a vote against the two party system that is currently strangling the life out of our country. Plus, I'm pretty sure she hasn't condemned me to hell or molested anyone lately!

Anyway, thanks for reading my little ranting explanation if you did, and I hope it clears up my stance.

Leisher wrote: whose kid somehow got a ridiculously high paying cushy job he wasn't qualified for during a time when Biden was dealing with that country.

Of course it's sketchy, but it's Hunter using his name, there's no evidence (per the WSJ and others) that Joe had anything to do with it. So there's no drum to beat.

TheCatt wrote:

Leisher wrote: whose kid somehow got a ridiculously high paying cushy job he wasn't qualified for during a time when Biden was dealing with that country.

Of course it's sketchy, but it's Hunter using his name, there's no evidence (per the WSJ and others) that Joe had anything to do with it. So there's no drum to beat.

"Hire my son into a super cushy job if you want me to help you out. Oh, and make sure you document all of this so there's a paper trail that can be used to incriminate me later."

I'm certain that Ukranian company's board was sitting around thinking, "We need a new board member with no skills or experience in our industry." and then they just happened to hire Hunter. What a coincidence!

By the way, I also think OJ is guilty even though he was found innocent.

Leisher wrote: "Hire my son into a super cushy job if you want me to help you out. Oh, and make sure you document all of this so there's a paper trail that can be used to incriminate me later."

I'm certain that Ukranian company's board was sitting around thinking, "We need a new board member with no skills or experience in our industry." and then they just happened to hire Hunter. What a coincidence!

So far, everything points to "Hey, my dad is VP, you should hire me to get in good with the US"

If it wasn't so one sided, your optimism would be adorable.

GORDON wrote: If it wasn't so one sided, your optimism would be adorable.

Sorry for reading unbiased news.

Don't be sorry, I don't care. But if you keep having an emotional reaction to everything trump says and does, you'll continue to be miserable.

GORDON wrote: Don't be sorry, I don't care. But if you keep having an emotional reaction to everything trump says and does, you'll continue to be miserable.

I feel like you're arguing with someone else.

That's fine too. Just be happy.

GORDON wrote: That's fine too. Just be happy.

you can't tell me what to do.

But he can

TheCatt wrote:

Leisher wrote: "Hire my son into a super cushy job if you want me to help you out. Oh, and make sure you document all of this so there's a paper trail that can be used to incriminate me later."

I'm certain that Ukranian company's board was sitting around thinking, "We need a new board member with no skills or experience in our industry." and then they just happened to hire Hunter. What a coincidence!

So far, everything points to "Hey, my dad is VP, you should hire me to get in good with the US"

How did he find out about the job? How did he get connected to the appropriate people?

I'm not saying you are wrong, I'm just saying a LOT more unlikely stuff has to take place for Hunter to have gotten this gig on his own. And let's not undersell that he's also an addict during all of this.

TheCatt wrote: Sorry for reading unbiased news.

Where do you go for news? This isn't being judgmental. I need a new source for a bit because CNN has become nothing more than the propaganda arm for the Democratic party. I've been considering Al Jazera.

Leisher wrote: How did he find out about the job? How did he get connected to the appropriate people?

I'm not saying you are wrong, I'm just saying a LOT more unlikely stuff has to take place for Hunter to have gotten this gig on his own. And let's not undersell that he's also an addict during all of this.

I figure it's pretty easy for 1) him to just reach out on his own or 2) people reaching out to him. The # of people who use "So my dad/mom is XXX, let's talk" is legion.

Leisher wrote: Where do you go for news? This isn't being judgmental

For neutral news, I read the WSJ + AbcNews.com. The WSJ editorial page has become terrible, however. Half of it may as well be Fox News.