Gas Bandit's Political Thread V: The Vampire Likes Bats

Another small silver lining, maybe this will finally destroy neoliberalism and the democratic party, while the GOP will more than likely cannibalize itself. And from the ashes of that will rise something new.

It'll probably be worse, it'll be like the super nazi party or something, but by that point everyone will be dead from climate change anyway.

Did I say silver lining? I'm drunk.
 
Another small silver lining, maybe this will finally destroy neoliberalism and the democratic party, while the GOP will more than likely cannibalize itself. And from the ashes of that will rise something new.

It'll probably be worse, it'll be like the super nazi party or something, but by that point everyone will be dead from climate change anyway.

Did I say silver lining? I'm drunk.
In that line of thinking:
Silver lining, Trump might accidently hit the nuke button while reaching for a hamburger and kill us all before we actually have a chance to see him become a dictator.
 
The only thing keeping my mental state from a complete spiral is that Colorado had it's shit together this election.
 
I'm worried for my gay friends. I'm worried for someone I knew years ago who is now trans and has always been a great person. I'm worried for all the women I know who now have to worry if they have to be on death's door before getting basic Healthcare. I'm worried about my parents who may lose their Social Security and Medicare because of Project 2025.

I'm terrified at what the implications of a dumb, weak president in a world with increasing aggression.

I have said it before in other places, but good luck America.
 
Oh, and with all the people who will be hurt or die because of this shit, there is no silver lining. For fuck's sake, we get one life. To say there is a silver lining to this discounts all the lives this affects.
 

Dave

Staff member
Sam just had surgery. Not getting into specifics but it was plumbing related. Had she gotten pregnant before the surgery, she would have HAD to abort or face the possibility of permanent damage or death. we're exceedingly thankful that she was able to get her surgery before the election because who knows what's going to happen now. They will outlaw all abortions and women medical care and are going after birth control next.If you want Plan B better stock up now and horde that shit. Expect Planned Parenthood to be closing all over the US.
 

GasBandit

Staff member
America elected the first convicted felon to serve as president of the United States. Trump – the twice-impeached, four-times indicted, once-defeated former president – overcame 34 felony convictions, 88 criminal charges, accusations of insurrection as part of his attempt to overturn the 2020 election, civil lawsuit judgments totaling more than a half-billion dollars, allegations by his entire first-term cabinet that he’s unfit to serve, his openly fascist intentions, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, his failed response to the Covid-19 pandemic that led to more than 400,000 deaths from a virus he repeatedly claimed was “going to disappear,” his repeated overt acts of racism, at least 26 public accusations of rape, kissing, and groping without consent, his promises to prosecute his political opponents, and the threats encapsulated by the Project 2025 agenda, to become the nation’s 47th president. Trump is the second president — and the first since Grover Cleveland in the 19th century — to retake the White House after a reelection defeat. And, at the age of 78, Trump is the oldest man ever elected president – breaking a record held by Biden, whose mental competence Trump repeatedly savaged. “We just witnessed the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States of America,” Trump said in his victory speech. He declared he was the leader of “the greatest political movement of all time” and that he would take office with an “unprecedented and powerful mandate” while promising “the strongest economy, the most secure borders and safest cities.” He added: “This is a magnificent victory for the American people […] This will truly be the golden age of America.” Kamala Harris, meanwhile, conceded Wednesday, telling Trump she’d ensure a peaceful transfer of power from the Biden administration to his. “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” Harris said in her concession speech. “The fight, the fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people, a fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation, the ideals that reflect America at our best, that is a fight I will never give up.” Trump ended up with at least 292 electoral votes after clinching wins in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin. Harris has won at least 226 votes. Alaska, Arizona, and Nevada are still counting votes. Trump is currently on pace to win the national popular vote, too. Trump defeated Kamala Harris, in part, by promising to curb inflation, crack down on undocumented immigrants, and end overseas conflicts. He achieved an electoral college majority by maintaining his majorities with men and White voters without college degrees, while over-performing with key Democratic groups, including Latinos and young voters. Although Harris won Latinos by about 14 points, it was much narrower than Biden’s 33-point margin in 2020, and Clinton’s 38-points in 2016. Latino men, in particular, have moved significantly since 2016: Clinton won their support by 31 points, Biden won by a 23-point margin in 2020, and Trump won by a 12-point margin in 2024. Harris also lost support among the youngest voters: In 2020, Biden won 18-to-29-year-olds by 24 points compared to 11 points for Harris in 2024. Among 30-44-year-olds, Biden won their support by 6 points compared to 1 point for Harris. (New York Times / Washington Post / Associated Press / NPR / CNN / NBC News / ABC News / Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal / Axios / Politico / CBS News)
  • Exit polls: 2024 / 2020 / 2016
  • The Trump agenda: Here’s what to expect from his second term. “Armed with a better understanding of government, Trump is expected to pursue a bigger agenda, faster than he did in his first term.” (Politico)
Republicans gained control of the Senate, while the House is still up for grabs. Senate Republicans flipped seats in West Virginia, Montana, and Ohio to secure at least a 51-seat majority. To gain control of the House, Democrats need to flip four seats from Republicans, while holding all of their own. Republicans entered Election Day holding a 220-212 majority. (NBC News / Associated Press / CBS News / New York Times)

Special Counsel Jack Smith is preparing to drop the two federal criminal cases against Trump to comply with long-standing Justice Department policy that a sitting president can’t be prosecuted. The department policy put in place in 2000 states: “The indictment or criminal prosecution of a sitting President would unconstitutionally undermine the capacity of the executive branch to perform its constitutionally assigned functions.” Smith charged Trump with illegally trying to remain in office after the 2020 election. In a separate case, Smith charged Trump with illegally retaining classified documents and obstructing federal efforts to retrieve them after he left the White House. Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed to the bench by Trump, dismissed the documents case in July on the ground that Attorney General Merrick Garland had no authority to appoint Smith in the first place. Smith has been appealing that decision. Trump recently said he’d fire Smith “within two seconds” after he returned to the White House. (NBC News / ABC News / Bloomberg / New York Times / Washington Post)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister while the world’s attention was focused on the U.S. election. Yoav Gallant, one of the most vocal and prominent critics of Netanyahu’s war strategy, was pushing for a ceasefire in exchange for a hostage release deal. Gallant’s firing removed the main advocate for such a deal. Netanyahu has called for “total victory” in the war, and rejected pressure domestically and from the U.S. to accept a ceasefire deal. “In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust is required between the prime minister and the minister of defense,” Netanyahu said. “Unfortunately, although in the first months of the campaign there was very fruitful work, during the last months this trust cracked between me and the minister of defense.” Harris was widely expected to continue the Biden administration’s policies toward Israel, which included supplying Israel with weapons, but periodically slowing their shipment to pressure Israel into providing more humanitarian aid to Gazans. Trump, however, is widely believed to be less critical of Netanyahu’s policies. (Wall Street Journal / NBC News / New York Times / Washington Post / CNN / ABC News)

North Korean troops deployed to Russia have come under Ukrainian fire in Kursk. A U.S. official said a significant number of North Korean troops were killed in the “small engagement.” President Volodymyr Zelensky called the development a “new page of instability in the world.” North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, sent about 10,000 soldiers to Russia to bolster forces in the Kursk region, a Russian border area where Ukrainian forces seized territory in a surprise attack over the summer. Russia initially provided the North Korean troops with “training of a one-month period” with artillery and drones, but that has been shortened to one week “so that they can get engagement on the battlefield.” The Pentagon, meanwhile, said it was unable to confirm reports that North Korean troops are “gorging on pornography” with their new, expansive internet access in Russia. (New York Times / Associates Press / BBC / Reuters / The Guardian / Washington Post)

Notables
  1. Trump won. Now what? “The United States is about to become a different kind of country.” (The Atlantic)
  2. Where to start to explain Trump’s win. “Widespread changes require a broad explanation.” (Good Authority)
  3. America, again, chooses Trump over a woman. “Vice President Kamala Harris lost the presidency to former President Donald Trump.” (The 19th)
  4. For second time in eight years, a loss for a woman presidential candidate. “Donald Trump’s win means that the tradition of electing a man to the nation’s highest office remains unbroken after more than 200 years.” (Washington Post)
  5. Liberals just lost the Supreme Court for decades to come. “There are many dire consequences of Kamala Harris’s loss to Donald Trump. This is one of the worst.” (New Republic)
  6. Here’s how badly Kamala Harris has lost Arab American voters. “Voters in Dearborn, Michigan, the largest majority Arab American city, have delivered a stunningly bad verdict on Democrats.” (New Republic)
  7. Latino men were the big defectors—but they weren’t the only story. “Here’s how Harris failed to replicate Biden’s 2020 victory over Trump.” (New Republic)
  8. Why Democrats are losing Hispanic voters. “The left has alienated America’s fastest-growing group of voters just when they were supposed to give the party a foolproof majority.” (The Atlantic)
  9. Donald Trump has won — and American democracy is now in grave danger. “Trump’s second term poses an existential threat to the republic. But there’s still good reason for hope.” (Vox)
  10. It’s not alarmist: A second Trump term really is an extinction-level threat to democracy. “Why a second Trump term is a mortal threat to democracy — though perhaps not in the way you think.” (Vox)
  11. Donald Trump, candidate of retribution, is restored to power. “So begins a dark new chapter in American history.” (Mother Jones)
  12. America hires a strongman. “This was a conquering of the nation not by force but with a permission slip. Now, America stands on the precipice of an authoritarian style of governance never before seen in its 248-year history.” (New York Times)
  13. Americans just voted to burn it all to the ground. “This is an even more decisive turning point than 2016.” (Slate)
  14. America deserves Donald Trump. The world doesn’t. “The president-elect has no philosophy or policy, and his incoherence about global relations is not feigned.” (Bloomberg)
  15. How the Democrats lost the election. “For nearly a decade, Democrats have tried to convince voters that Donald Trump is an existential threat to the country’s future. That effort has clearly failed.” (New Republic)
  16. Why Kamala Harris lost the election. “Harris refused to make a clean break from the last four years.” (Politico)
  17. Kamala’s wasted youth. “Sure, young white dudes broke for Trump. But Harris also underperformed with almost every kind of young person: young white women, young Black voters, and young Latinos.” (Puck News)
  18. This is why Trump won. “Trump’s victory amounts to a public vote of no confidence in the leaders and institutions that have shaped American life since the end of the Cold War 35 years ago.” (New York Times)
  19. What Trump understood, and Harris did not. “The former and future president got one big thing right.” (The Atlantic)
  20. Trump beat the system. “He turned the 2024 presidential election into a referendum not just on the country’s direction, but his own freedom, and that double-barreled strategy has now been vindicated. In the end, Trump got away with it.” (New York Magazine)
  21. How Donald Trump won – by being Donald Trump. “He promised to fix the economy and the border, but credit for Trump’s victory also goes to an unbroken habit of speaking whatever is on his mind.” (Wall Street Journal)
  22. Republican self-degradation continues. Democratic self-sabotage helped. “Republicans’ decline is obvious. Let’s look at how Democrats helped reinstall Trump.” (Washington Post)
  23. The law should have locked him up. “Donald Trump has spent his whole career evading the law. But the law helped him escape.” (Slate)
  24. America makes a perilous choice. “But the final responsibility for ensuring the continuity of America’s enduring values lies with its voters. Those who supported Mr. Trump in this election should closely observe his conduct in office to see if it matches their hopes and expectations, and if it does not, they should make their disappointment known and cast votes in the 2026 midterms and in 2028 to put the country back on course. Those who opposed him should not hesitate to raise alarms when he abuses his power, and if he attempts to use government power to retaliate against critics, the world will be watching.” (New York Times)
  25. Democracy is not over. “Americans who care about democracy have every right to feel appalled and frightened. But then they have work to do.” (The Atlantic)
  26. This Was the Second COVID Election. “Joe Biden won the first COVID election. Donald Trump just won the second.” (The Atlantic)
 
I thought Boebert got elected again, too?
Not my district at least, she literally carpetbagged and took Ken Buck's old seat because she got scared out of her old one.

But Colorado enshrined right to abortion and the ability to use public funds for it in the constitution, as well as gay marriage, so those are nice things. Also pretty sure my district is going to keep our Dem rep and the cop running on the GOP is losing to people voting 3rd party even after the GOP pressured the libertarian candidate to drop.

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That said, my teen realized they were gender fluid and aro/ace during the pandemic, and it made them so much happier and sure of themselves, and now I have to fear for them constantly, but at least my state isn't a shithole, and they are going to school in Boulder.
 
And that is why I still don't think it was a mistake for Democrats to call Trump's people "weird." That really got under their skin.
 
Fuck Donald Trump. Fuck letting him ruin our lives. Fuck letting him scare us from our own country. That would just be fewer people wanting to actually make this country great again. We’ve got four more years of bullshit and we can endure it. We can ban together and keep him from crushing our hope for a better future. These next four years are likely going to be some of the worst that our country has seen in a long time. That’s why we need to be ready in four years to fix shit. Let him grant himself immunity to his many crimes. He was unlikely to spend a day in jail anyway. Even if he lives through this 2nd term , we at least don’t have to deal with this level of nightmare after that. There are good people in this country. Even some of them that voted for the Cheeto dust covered testicle. If he really tries to fuck things up I have to have faith that we can stop him together.
 
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GasBandit

Staff member
Biden vowed to ensure a “peaceful and orderly transition,” calling on Americans to “accept the choice the country made” and to “bring down the temperature.” During his six-minute remarks, Biden said he hopes the 2024 election “can lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system. It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent, and it can be trusted − win or lose.” He added: “I’ve said many times, you can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree.” Biden’s speech comes exactly four years to the day he was declared the winner of the 2020 election against Trump, who refused to accept his loss, attempted to have the results overturned, and spent the years since insisting that the election was rigged. (USA Today / Axios / Politico / Washington Post / ABC News / NBC News / CNN / NPR / Associated Press)

Trump’s MAGA allies admit that “Project 2025” was always “the agenda” for a second term. Project 2025 outlines a plan to expand the power of the executive branch, purge thousands of civil servants and replacing them with Trump loyalists, eliminate of the Department of Education, dissolve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shrink the social safety net, end student debt relief, deport immigrants, and a de facto national abortion ban. “Now that the election is over I think we can finally say that yeah actually Project 2025 is the agenda. Lol,” right-wing podcast host Matt Walsh wrote on social media about the 900-plus-page extremist guidebook. Steve Bannon quickly praised Walsh and amplified his post on his podcast. And, then right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson said, “It is my honor to inform you all that Project 2025 was real the whole time.” Even though Trump spent the campaign distancing himself from the draconian policy package prepared by the Heritage Foundation, Russell Vought, a potential next chief of staff, said that Project 2025 was the plan and the distancing tactic was just campaign necessity. (Axios / Mother Jones / Rolling Stone)

Trump said there is “no price tag” on his plan for the “largest deportation effort in American history.” In an interview, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to mass deportations, saying his top priority is to make the U.S. border “strong and powerful.” He credited his immigration stance for drawing a diverse voter coalition, including notable gains among Latino voters, despite the logistical and financial challenges officials have warned such a plan would entail. Nevertheless, Trump said he has a mandate “to bring common sense” to the country and that he has “no choice” but to carry mass deportations. (NBC News)
  • What’s at stake? Trump’s mass deportation proposal could significantly impact millions of undocumented immigrants and reshape America’s immigration system. While Trump views his election as a mandate for “common sense” policies, executing a large-scale deportation plan could drain federal resources and require unprecedented coordination across multiple agencies, including ICE, the DOJ, and potentially the Pentagon. Such action may strain the U.S. budget and risk international criticism, as well as deepen divisions within the country. For communities with high numbers of undocumented immigrants, these policies could lead to economic disruption, family separations, and a surge in fear and instability. Ultimately, the country’s approach to immigration—balancing security with inclusivity—hangs in the balance, potentially altering the U.S.’s identity as a nation built by immigrants.
After spending more than $130 million to help Trump win re-election, Elon Musk aims to secure regulatory benefits for SpaceX and Tesla. Musk has requested Trump appoint SpaceX employees to government roles, particularly within the Defense Department, which is a key client for SpaceX. Musk is reportedly seeking reduced federal scrutiny of Tesla and SpaceX. His six companies also rely heavily on federal contracts and subsidies. Trump, meanwhile, has hinted at placing Musk in charge of a “Department of Government Efficiency” to oversee extensive budget cuts, potentially slashing funds from programs like Social Security, Medicare, and national defense. (Slate / New York Times)
  • Why does this matter? The return of a loyalty-driven administration raises concerns about government transparency, the safeguarding of democratic principles, and the influence of wealth over politics. With wealthy supporters likely receiving appointments or policy influence, Americans could see a shift in government priorities that emphasize elite interests over public good, fostering policies that might undermine regulation in sectors critical to everyday life, such as health, technology, and climate. By prioritizing transactional relationships with billionaires, Trump’s administration risks fostering a governance model that subverts democratic ideals, emphasizing loyalty and monetary backing over competence and impartiality, which could erode the public’s trust in fair governance for years to come. (Bloomberg)
  • Elon Musk’s $1M voter giveaways were fixed lotteries, lawsuits say. The lawsuits accuse Musk’s America PAC of pre-screening participants’ social media profiles to ensure they aligned with pro-GOP views, undermining claims of random selection. Despite a Justice Department warning on the legality of the lottery, America PAC continued its operations, ultimately distributing checks to selected “winners.” A court hearing revealed that winners were not truly chosen by chance, with some being described as paid spokespeople for Musk’s PAC, amplifying concerns about transparency. (Washington Post)
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points for the second time this year. The move reduces the Fed’s benchmark rate to about 4.6% – down from a four-decade high of 5.3% before September’s half-point reduction – and reflects the Fed’s renewed focus on the job market and inflation. In a statement, the Fed said the “unemployment rate has moved up but remains low,” and while inflation has fallen from 9.1% in 2022 to closer to the central bank’s 2% target, it “remains somewhat elevated” at 2.1%. The Fed, however, said the “economic outlook is uncertain” – a possible reference to Trump’s promises to impose tariffs on U.S. imports, deport undocumented immigrants, and renew expiring tax cuts that most mainstream economists say would “reignite” inflation. When asked whether he would resign if Trump pressured him to leave, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell replied simply: “No.” He added that it’s “not permitted under the law” for the president to fire or demote a Fed chair or any other Fed governor with a leadership position. Powell’s term ends in May 2026. (Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg / Washington Post / New York Times / Associated Press / NBC News / CNBC / Axios / ABC News)
  • What’s at stake? The independence of the Federal Reserve—a cornerstone of the U.S. economy’s stability—is under potential threat as Trump reenters office. By prioritizing his short-term economic goals over the Fed’s more measured approach, Trump could attempt to sway interest rate policies to boost consumer spending and economic growth, which may help him politically but could introduce economic risks. If he succeeds in appointing compliant officials, or even creating a “shadow chair” to telegraph policy changes, Trump’s influence could diminish the Fed’s ability to independently manage inflation and employment goals. This risks pushing the U.S. into a cycle of unsustainable economic policies reminiscent of the 1970s when political pressures on the Fed led to runaway inflation. Maintaining a politically independent central bank helps insulate the economy from short-term political priorities, allowing the Fed to act in the best interests of the economy over the long run. If this independence erodes, it could set a precedent for future presidents to exploit Fed policy for political gain, ultimately destabilizing the economy. (New York Times)
  • Why should I care? Trump’s policies could raise prices on everyday essentials and drive up loan costs, affecting everyone’s budget. If corporate tax cuts and tariffs spark inflation, groceries, gas, and other basics may become more expensive, while higher government borrowing could push up interest rates, making mortgages and credit card payments pricier. For savers and investors, this could also mean more market volatility, adding uncertainty to retirement plans and financial security. Understanding these risks is crucial, as they directly impact both what we pay for goods and how we plan for the future. (Bloomberg)
  • Why does this matter? A truly independent Fed is vital to maintaining economic credibility and stability. If Trump or any president can sway the Fed’s monetary policy, it would diminish the institution’s role as a nonpartisan body, turning interest-rate policy into a political tool. This matters because central bank independence is foundational to a stable economy; when markets believe the Fed’s actions are based on long-term stability rather than political pressures, they respond with confidence, keeping interest rates manageable and inflation in check. Any shift away from this independence risks eroding trust in U.S. economic leadership and could trigger a ripple effect, where businesses hold back on investments, inflation spirals, and everyday expenses like mortgages or car loans become unaffordable. (Wall Street Journal)

✏ Notables.

  1. Trump’s second term promises sweeping changes that could challenge U.S. democratic norms. In his second term, Trump has vowed radical actions that could alter core democratic structures, promising both to purge federal institutions and pursue political adversaries, moves that have raised concerns about his potential to undermine rule of law and further divide the country. Trump’s campaign rhetoric, often dark and confrontational, resonated with voters who feel alienated by the current political system and sought upheaval, leading many to support his promise of a “restored” democracy that includes reining in perceived overreach by military and civil institutions. (Associated Press)
  2. Economic concerns and desire for change propel Trump to White House despite fears of authoritarianism. Economic anxiety, inflation, and immigration concerns led a majority of voters to back Trump over Harris, with many seeing him as better suited to address their financial hardships. While many voters expressed reservations about Trump’s character and potential authoritarianism, these concerns were outweighed by frustration with the status quo and a demand for strong action on economic and immigration policies. Trump also made gains among key Democratic constituencies, including younger and nonwhite voters, as his economic message resonated across demographic lines. (Associated Press)
  3. Economic dissatisfaction fuels a national shift toward Trump, overturning expectations of a tight race. Trump won decisively, with gains across nearly all demographics and regions – a reflection of widespread frustration with economic conditions and incumbency fatigue. Analysts attribute this shift to deep discontent with inflation and economic instability, which drove many demographic groups uniformly toward Trump and led to swings in once-reliable Democratic areas, including urban centers. This “second pandemic election” shows the lingering political impact of COVID-19-era economic upheaval and marks a continuation of anti-incumbent sentiment seen in recent global elections. (The Atlantic)
  4. Harris’s democracy-focused campaign message fails as voters prioritize economic concerns in Trump’s 2024 victory. Despite Kamala Harris’s emphasis on protecting democratic principles, voters overwhelmingly prioritized concrete issues like inflation, rent, and job security, propelling Trump to the White House. Voter interviews reveal that Harris’s appeals to safeguard democracy felt distant compared to daily financial struggles, as Americans grappled with inflation, housing costs, and frustration over government aid distribution. (New York Times)
  5. Trump’s win exposes the limitations of identity politics, with key shifts among nonwhite and working-class voters. Trump’s 2024 victory was driven by a significant shift of Hispanic, working-class, and even some traditionally Democratic voters toward the Republican Party, revealing a potential flaw in Democrats’ reliance on identity politics. This election underscored that focusing on race-based group appeals may miss the broader economic and cultural concerns that drive individual voting choices, particularly among diverse communities. With income and education levels now defining party lines more than race, analysts argue Democrats may need to rethink their approach to coalition-building and voter outreach. (Noahpinion)
  6. Trump’s populist anger and relentless campaigning resonate with disaffected voters. Trump’s victory in the 2024 election hinged on his ability to transform personal grievances into a powerful populist message that aligned with millions of frustrated Americans, while Kamala Harris struggled to distance herself from Biden and failed to effectively counter Trump’s aggressive campaign. Though Trump faced legal challenges and erratic controversies, his strategic focus on key voter groups, like young men and working-class minorities, combined with an unapologetic brand, ultimately outmaneuvered Harris’s efforts to position herself as the candidate of stability and continuity. (New York Times)
  7. Harris lost 2024 due to loyalty to Biden’s legacy and missed opportunity for a distinct vision. Harris’s inability to distance herself from Biden’s unpopular economic record and forge a clear independent identity weakened her appeal in a climate where voters wanted change. Despite efforts to spotlight Trump’s controversial rhetoric, Harris’s campaign struggled with infighting, a lagging ground game, and missed opportunities to connect with key voter groups, contributing to a sweeping Republican victory and prompting Democrats to call for deep introspection. (Politico)
  8. Trump’s appeal among young men boosts his 2024 victory, signaling a shifting youth vote. While young people have historically favored Democrats, a realignment in the 2024 election saw a significant portion of young men rally behind Trump, especially in swing states – a shift attributed to his focus on economic issues, masculinity, and targeted outreach via nontraditional media. Although most young voters still lean Democratic, exit polls reveal that the gender gap among under-30 voters is widening, with young men increasingly turning to Trump’s message and diminishing Democrats’ traditional youth support advantage. (Axios)
  9. Trump’s return to the White House threatens to derail global climate efforts. Environmental advocates fear Trump’s re-election will undermine international climate goals, particularly if he withdraws the U.S. from the Paris Agreement and dismantles domestic green policies. Trump’s agenda to cut environmental protections and increase fossil fuel production risks accelerating climate change impacts, reversing much of the recent progress toward cleaner energy. Although cities, states, and other countries may continue pursuing climate solutions independently, experts caution that the absence of U.S. leadership in climate diplomacy could have far-reaching consequences for global efforts to curb emissions. (Mother Jones)
  10. Trump set to target key climate policies that reduce emissions, but experts say state and local action will persist. Climate policy experts warn that Trump’s re-election could undo major U.S. climate initiatives, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, methane regulations, and emissions rules for power plants, which have been crucial in reducing greenhouse gases. While Trump aims to increase fossil fuel production and roll back environmental protections, local and state governments and renewable energy markets are expected to continue driving some climate progress, although federal setbacks may slow overall emissions reductions. (Associated Press)
  11. Climate experts say Trump’s re-election ends hopes for 1.5°C warming limit but stress the importance of ongoing action. With Trump’s re-election, experts agree the 1.5°C warming target is virtually unreachable, a change that could intensify extreme climate impacts like heatwaves, wildfires, and sea level rise. However, they emphasize that limiting the temperature increase even fractionally could still mitigate the damage, urging continued efforts at state, local, and global levels to preserve a livable climate. International leaders, particularly from countries like China and the EU, may need to fill the void left by the U.S., while renewable energy developments and local climate policies in the U.S. offer some hope for climate progress. (HEATED)
 

GasBandit

Staff member
In the interests of sparing the sanity of those who can't help clicking this thread despite the need to preserve their mental health, I will be spoilering doom and gloom for a while

 
These right-wing provocateurs (eg. Matt Walsh and Jon Miller) love to portray themselves as whiskey connoisseurs so they can seem like Don Draper. The difference is Don Draper realized he was self-destructive and toxic. His alcoholism was a defense mechanism so he could avoid confronting hard truths. He accepted himself for who he was at the end of Mad Men and was able to start helping others and himself. These douchebags are just cruel.
 
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He might be in a bit of a panic cause now he has to be the president again which is harder to do than just endlessly grift.

Like he's still going to grift it's just that he'll have meetings he can't cancel in between which is boring.
 
He might be in a bit of a panic cause now he has to be the president again which is harder to do than just endlessly grift.
It’s really not. He can do whatever he wants and Vance will be happy to be his surrogate for any meeting/decision he doesn’t want. Sorry but there’s no “wow this is actually bad for Trump” this time. He won life more than maybe anyone ever has.
 
But now he must shut down his only source of income, campaigning. He also can not now campaign which offers legal protections for what he says.
 
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