OT Election Thread

[League Circles]

Trump has been insane but the repubs will out out stronger candidates in 4 years, people like Dan Crenshaw types that could out up a very strong, possibly favored, challenge to the dems. Basically both parties need to rebuild badly, I just think the repubs are probably a little more aware of that overall.

I think the problem is that Trump has proven that the base (30% of the country) LIKES the insane part. Guys like Crenshaw, Cotton, Rubio, Cruz, DeSantis and Hawley may end up cannibalizing each other if they all enter the race. You have a group of Rockefeller Republicans in the northeast (Hogan, Scott, Baker) who could really compete nationally, but would have a tough time getting through a primary. That doesn't even include a QAnon or media-type (Trump Jr or Tucker Carlson). You also have Pence and Nicki Hayley who aren't going anywhere.

Trump only got roughly 30% of voting age citizens to vote for him, and I'd guess at least half of them don't like him a bit. The only Trump voters I know dislike him FWIW.

[MrSparkle]

If/when Biden takes office, I would really like for Pelosi to offer to step down sooner from her Speaker role. I believe I read she agreed to step down in 2022, which I suppose would align with mid-terms. We’ll see, but the Dem. party would be in a good place if they find a good younger leader who doesn’t draw GOP rage.

[johnnyvann840]

If/when Biden takes office, I would really like for Pelosi to offer to step down sooner from her Speaker role. I believe I read she agreed to step down in 2022, which I suppose would align with mid-terms. We’ll see, but the Dem. party would be in a good place if they find a good younger leader who doesn’t draw GOP rage.

I think there's a good chance she gets voted out anyway.

[dougthonus]

Neither here nor there, but I've had CNN in the background since election day, and I'm generally democrat leaning, but I can see why republican's hate CNN. Just watching it was enough to make me want to lean republican at times.

[Leslie Forman]

Neither here nor there, but I've had CNN in the background since election day, and I'm generally democrat leaning, but I can see why republican's hate CNN. Just watching it was enough to make me want to lean republican at times.

You're watching Rick Santorum spew his diarrhea all over TV and that's your takeaway?

[dougthonus]

You're watching Rick Santorum spew his diarrhea all over TV and that's your takeaway?

I've got no knowledge of anyone on the shows history so don't know anything about Rick Santorum, but watching it, they won't even let any of the republican people on there even finish a sentence. Its like the hosts on the show are simply bizzaro Trump.

[PlayerUp]

The goal is to move forward and leave the past 4 years behind with lessons learned. She has to get over it and help her party and the country. It serves no purpose to rub salt in the word.

Agree put Trump in the rear-view and start focusing on policies again. Look at Florida, they passed a $15 minimum wage with 61% of the vote, while Biden will get about 48%. Without Trump sucking up all the air in the room, maybe the country can focus on actual issues. Remember, the President provided literally zero plans for what he would do in a second term, which is just amazing on it's face, but seems hard for any other candidate to pull off. If we can get back to policies rather than grievances and division, the Democrats have a clear advantage. Their peril is when they allow themselves to be labeled "socialists" or divide everything by race. Focus on the kitchen table economics; raise the minimum wage, lower taxes for people under ~$75k, healthcare access, rebuilding infrastructure, guaranteed family leave. Tell me how you will make my life better.

All these are reasonable policies and if McConnell has problems with this, then they deserve to lose the senate to be honest.

We don't need to go 4 years without progress like he did with Obama. Either get out of your old ways and work with democrats or let democrats take control so we can get stuff passed. Newt was able to do it just fine.

[PlayerUp]

If/when Biden takes office, I would really like for Pelosi to offer to step down sooner from her Speaker role. I believe I read she agreed to step down in 2022, which I suppose would align with mid-terms. We’ll see, but the Dem. party would be in a good place if they find a good younger leader who doesn’t draw GOP rage.

Pelosi has proven to be an awful leader for her party. There are already reports people inside want a change of leadership.

[PlayerUp]

Another popular potential GOP candidate of the future.

Candace Owens

Not likely. The backlash to her candidacy would be more harmful than good for the GOP.

Yeah, I can't see this one. She's way too polarizing, and while I admit she's an intelligent person, she always looks foolish when she tries to debate her points. And a big part of me thinks that's because she doesn't believe in what she's arguing. Will just say controversial things because she knows she'll get attention for it.

What you're describing above is exactly what Trump is and he won the presidency. The reason he won is because Trump built up this base and people wanted to go out and support him. If you aren't unique or someone people are attracted to, you have 0 chance these days to win the presidency. That's how Romney lost is America could not connect with him.

I'll give you an example. Lets say Oprah decided to run for office instead of Biden in 2020. Oprah has no political experience, she likely would lose alot of her debates but because she is a well known figure and well liked, people would go out to see her and she actually may have won more popular vote than Biden.

Your character has just as much sway to voters these days if not more than your actual political experience/political views.

[johnnyvann840]

Neither here nor there, but I've had CNN in the background since election day, and I'm generally democrat leaning, but I can see why republican's hate CNN. Just watching it was enough to make me want to lean republican at times.

It is bad but not nearly as bad as FOX is the other way. Neither of them are even news sources anymore, just cheerleaders for each respective party.

[PlayerUp]

I'm of the belief most of the republicans currently in DC are more than happy with getting rid of Trump all while suffering no real damage in Congress.

They didn't suffer much damage in Congress in 2020, but what happens going forward may be different. It is clear that Trump has put the base in charge of the party. Will he just step away? Will he run in 2024 as a Republican? If they abandon him, will he create a new party (absolute worst case scenario for Republicans)? Can Republicans get this type of turnout without Trump at the top of the ticket (also a question Democrats have to answer)?

After thinking about this more, I don't think Trump runs again in 2024.

- Trump will be 78 in 2024

- Trump pretty much maxed out his appeal to new voters

- If any Trump runs, it's more likely to be Don Trump Jr (Bush and Bush Jr)

- The new wave of GOP candidates are much younger and if Biden runs a 2nd term, that will be a way for them to be more attractive to younger voters

- My guess is more likely than not he will just sit on the side but help the GOP like Obama did at getting large crowds out.

[PlayerUp]

Neither here nor there, but I've had CNN in the background since election day, and I'm generally democrat leaning, but I can see why republican's hate CNN. Just watching it was enough to make me want to lean republican at times.

It is bad but not nearly as bad as FOX is the other way. Neither of them are even news sources anymore, just cheerleaders for each respective party.

CNN is just as bad as Fox.

If you want to get your news, look towards lesser known alternative options. There are hundreds of good options. Cable is dying and it's time to support alternative media and tech.

[Ben Wilson25]

I'm of the belief most of the republicans currently in DC are more than happy with getting rid of Trump all while suffering no real damage in Congress.

They didn't suffer much damage in Congress in 2020, but what happens going forward may be different. It is clear that Trump has put the base in charge of the party. Will he just step away? Will he run in 2024 as a Republican? If they abandon him, will he create a new party (absolute worst case scenario for Republicans)? Can Republicans get this type of turnout without Trump at the top of the ticket (also a question Democrats have to answer)?

After thinking about this more, I don't think Trump runs again in 2024.

- Trump will be 78 in 2024

- Trump pretty much maxed out his appeal to new voters

- If any Trump runs, it's more likely to be Don Trump Jr (Bush and Bush Jr)

- The new wave of GOP candidates are much younger and if Biden runs a 2nd term, that will be a way for them to be more attractive to younger voters

- My guess is more likely than not he will just sit on the side but help the GOP like Obama did at getting large crowds out.

Not to mention he may also be a convicted felon at that point. Not being hyperbolic or one of those “Lock ‘em up!” zealots. He objectively looks to have some serious tax issues being investigated in NY that he won’t be immune to once he’s out of office. I wonder if/when it’s clear he’s lost how he tries to pardon himself out of it.

[Leslie Forman]

You're watching Rick Santorum spew his diarrhea all over TV and that's your takeaway?

I've got no knowledge of anyone on the shows history so don't know anything about Rick Santorum, but watching it, they won't even let any of the republican people on there even finish a sentence. Its like the hosts on the show are simply bizzaro Trump.

Nope. That's a false equivalence. Trump is the damn president and is literally straight up lying and encouraging conspiracy theories and election interference in an official capacity, I highly doubt CNN's milquetoast democrats are doing anything close to that. If they're not letting a republican finish their thought, guess what, it's probably because they're trying to spew facebook conspiracy theories.

Go put on Hannity tonight and you'll really get a sackful of whackjob Trump-level bullsh*t. "Sharpiegate" good god these people are idiots.

[PlayerUp]

They didn't suffer much damage in Congress in 2020, but what happens going forward may be different. It is clear that Trump has put the base in charge of the party. Will he just step away? Will he run in 2024 as a Republican? If they abandon him, will he create a new party (absolute worst case scenario for Republicans)? Can Republicans get this type of turnout without Trump at the top of the ticket (also a question Democrats have to answer)?

After thinking about this more, I don't think Trump runs again in 2024.

- Trump will be 78 in 2024

- Trump pretty much maxed out his appeal to new voters

- If any Trump runs, it's more likely to be Don Trump Jr (Bush and Bush Jr)

- The new wave of GOP candidates are much younger and if Biden runs a 2nd term, that will be a way for them to be more attractive to younger voters

- My guess is more likely than not he will just sit on the side but help the GOP like Obama did at getting large crowds out.

Not to mention he may also be a convicted felon at that point. Not being hyperbolic or one of those “Lock ‘em up!” zealots. He objectively looks to have some serious tax issues being investigated in NY that he won’t be immune to once he’s out of office. I wonder if/when it’s clear he’s lost how he tries to pardon himself out of it.

How many times have we heard a politician will go to jail? Literally there are 50 politicians in office that potentially did something criminal and rarely anything happens to them. Nothing will happen to Trump. He'll resume his business and everyone will move on.

[dougthonus]

Nope. That's a false equivalence. Trump is the damn president and is literally straight up lying and encouraging conspiracy theories and election interference in an official capacity, I highly doubt CNN's milquetoast democrats are doing anything close to that. If they're not letting a republican finish their thought, guess what, it's probably because they're trying to spew facebook conspiracy theories.

Well actually watching it no. They'd ask a question, then the guy would start to answer it with something, and they'd cut him off and start yelling. It was grotesque. Not arguing for FOX or the other side or anything else, I just left it on CNN since its 24/7 election coverage, not sure if I had another channel option that would do the same thing on youtube tv, but it was literally god awful crap on CNN.

Go put on Hannity tonight and you'll really get a sackful of whackjob Trump-level bullsh*t. "Sharpiegate" good god these people are idiots.

Don't even know who Hannity is, nor do I particularly care if there is someone even worse than CNN, I mean sure, there's probably something worse. Maybe FOX is worse. Maybe MSNBC or someone else is worse. I don't know. I don't regularly watch political news. Watching CNN and wanting just general coverage was an awful experience and I came very suspicious of anything on CNN as a news source for the future.

[Ben Wilson25]

After thinking about this more, I don't think Trump runs again in 2024.

- Trump will be 78 in 2024

- Trump pretty much maxed out his appeal to new voters

- If any Trump runs, it's more likely to be Don Trump Jr (Bush and Bush Jr)

- The new wave of GOP candidates are much younger and if Biden runs a 2nd term, that will be a way for them to be more attractive to younger voters

- My guess is more likely than not he will just sit on the side but help the GOP like Obama did at getting large crowds out.

Not to mention he may also be a convicted felon at that point. Not being hyperbolic or one of those “Lock ‘em up!” zealots. He objectively looks to have some serious tax issues being investigated in NY that he won’t be immune to once he’s out of office. I wonder if/when it’s clear he’s lost how he tries to pardon himself out of it.

How many times have we heard a politician will go to jail? Literally there are 50 politicians in office that potentially did something criminal and rarely anything happens to them. Nothing will happen to Trump. He'll resume his business and everyone will move on.

A President can pardon uncharged crimes (see Nixon). I wonder if on the way out the door he can say “I hereby pardon Donald J Trump for all crimes committed before January 20, 2021”.

[PlayerUp]

Not to mention he may also be a convicted felon at that point. Not being hyperbolic or one of those “Lock ‘em up!” zealots. He objectively looks to have some serious tax issues being investigated in NY that he won’t be immune to once he’s out of office. I wonder if/when it’s clear he’s lost how he tries to pardon himself out of it.

How many times have we heard a politician will go to jail? Literally there are 50 politicians in office that potentially did something criminal and rarely anything happens to them. Nothing will happen to Trump. He'll resume his business and everyone will move on.

A President can pardon uncharged crimes (see Nixon). I wonder if on the way out the door he can say “I hereby pardon Donald J Trump for all crimes committed before January 20, 2021”.

Is that even possible? If so, then I would think any president would do that even ones that may have not committed a crime just in case to be safe.

[Ben Wilson25]

How many times have we heard a politician will go to jail? Literally there are 50 politicians in office that potentially did something criminal and rarely anything happens to them. Nothing will happen to Trump. He'll resume his business and everyone will move on.

A President can pardon uncharged crimes (see Nixon). I wonder if on the way out the door he can say “I hereby pardon Donald J Trump for all crimes committed before January 20, 2021”.

Is that even possible? If so, then I would think any president would do that even ones that may have not committed a crime just in case to be safe.

We’re probably about to find out if it’s possible
The only limit to a President’s pardon power is that it only applies to Federal Offenses.

[Leslie Forman]

Don't even know who Hannity is, nor do I particularly care if there is someone even worse than CNN, I mean sure, there's probably something worse. Maybe FOX is worse. Maybe MSNBC or someone else is worse. I don't know. I don't regularly watch political news. Watching CNN and wanting just general coverage was an awful experience and I came very suspicious of anything on CNN as a news source for the future.

I'm no fan of CNN, but go watch fox news for a bit.

Then you'll really see why our country is so F'n stupid.