***Official Political Discussion Thread***

[Nike Jordan]

trump hitting new lows:

Once it hits 60% disapproval I think there will be political capital for impeachment proceedings to begin.

"Half da country doe."

 

[BIG LEEMELONE]

This is what I wanna know.....once trump is gone, what is actually gonna change from a practical standpoint? We're still gonna get bent over but it will be less entertaining? What should we expect from a pence or ryan presidency? To me his impeachment would be just like the muslim ban. Something for people to celebrate and feel a sense of triumph meanwhile the agenda just rolls along

 

[whywesteppin]

This is what I wanna know.....once trump is gone, what is actually gonna change from a practical standpoint? We're still gonna get bent over but it will be less entertaining? What should we expect from a pence or ryan presidency?

There are 3 major things in play now:

1) major bat-**** crazy trump stuff that threatens to send us into a major war or escalation that we can't come back from.

2) conservative republican agenda that threatens civil liberties, deports immigrants, etc.

3) long-term gerrymandering, control of the house and senate, etc.

Getting rid of trump takes care of problem #1. It would help with #2 and #3 because it would be a black eye on the party, limit the fake "mandate" that republicans think they have right now (pence or ryan would be politically neutered coming off an impeachment of a republican president chosen overwhelmingly by their party, and they don't have the same delusions of grandeur of trump to completely ignore that fact), and potentially lead to democrats taking back the senate and maybe the house in 2018.

But that's just one step. Both parties need to transform. If republicans are forced to disavow the alt-right, tea party, white nationalist, anti-science factions of their party, that will benefit the country in the long term. Democrats need to project a clearer and more unified message along with pushing through policies that eliminate gerrymandering. We need modern solutions to the changing economy, to immigration, to education (notice that these need not be partisan issues). If we kept the momentum that Obama had started, we could have realized those gains in the coming decade. Now it will take even longer and even more work but it can be done.

 

[RIP sleazyy]

Many Dems and even some Repubs have been phoning and emailing their Senators about their concerns
People have been protesting outside Repubs town halls
What do you want?
NT is just a small fraction of the political spectrum.

I'm definitely referring to the mainstream media, even though NT can be a sample of that.

People been phoning in / protesting Scott Pruitt?

Maybe I missed the fuss that was made for this guy. I know the EPA wrote a ton of letters , but that's really the only movements I've seen.

I feel like Scott Pruitt coverage / interest is a fraction of Betsy Devos, the AG, and Munchin'

I been getting emails a few times a week from Senator Ebbin's mailing list, and people are definitely contacting him about these appointees and executive orders trying to see where our state stands. Last one I got was about trying to extend voting rights and some other stuff about how the Senate budget removed some funds that were supposed to help uphold the integrity of our voting process here in VA.

Remember, just because you don't see it on TV or the internet doesn't mean it isn't happening.

This is what I wanna know.....once trump is gone, what is actually gonna change from a practical standpoint? We're still gonna get bent over but it will be less entertaining? What should we expect from a pence or ryan presidency? To me his impeachment would be just like the muslim ban. Something for people to celebrate and feel a sense of triumph meanwhile the agenda just rolls along

Everything's going to go back to being done in secret. That's the only change I see coming

 

[whywesteppin]

The other benefit (I hope) is that the American public will realize the dangers of voting for a salesman who continually dodges specifics and will realize the importance of voting for competent leaders in the midterms as well.

The increased level of public engagement in politics is not necessarily a positive thing but with the right mix of conditions it could be a positive long-term change.

 

[dathbgboy]

So I messaged Toomey since his phone lines were down before the DeVos pick and he finally replies w/ a generic email about school choice and a bunch of nonsense.

February 16, 2017

Dear Dathbgboy,
Thank you for contacting me about the Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. I appreciate hearing from you.
As you know, on January 20, 2017, President Trump nominated Betsy DeVos to serve as the Secretary of Education. For 28 years, Secretary DeVos worked on behalf of children, parents, and teachers to ensure that all children, regardless of income level or zip code, are not trapped in low-performing or failing schools. Because of Secretary DeVos's work to expand charter schools, virtual schools, school choice, tuition tax credits, and education savings accounts, hundreds of thousands of children that had been trapped in low-performing and failing schools have gained access to a quality education.
Secretary DeVos understands the necessity of a high quality education for all Americans, including students with disabilities. Secretary DeVos is dedicated to enforcing the rights of students with disabilities and giving them the best education possible-including giving their parents the freedom to choose the best school or environment to help their children thrive. Secretary DeVos has also stated that she will direct the Department of Education to fund research on evidence-based practices that best aid in educating students with disabilities.
Like Secretary DeVos, I have long been a supporter of education reforms that allow parents to choose the schools their children attend. No one cares more about a child, or knows a child better, than the child's parents. Giving parents the ability to choose the best school for their children can only help children achieve their potential. Many states and cities around the country have already implemented successful school choice programs, resulting in increased test scores, graduation rates, and a brighter future for children.
These reforms are a positive game-changer for our country by harnessing badly needed competition to lift education standards for all children - especially those from lower income families who often otherwise must attend sub-par schools.
On February 7, 2017, the Senate voted 50-50 on Mrs. DeVos's nomination to be Secretary of Education, with Vice President Pence casting a tie-breaking vote to confirm her. I look forward to working with Secretary DeVos and the Department of Education to ensure that all children are able to attain a quality education.
Thank you again for your correspondence. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,


Pat Toomey
U.S. Senator, Pennsylvania

 

[whywesteppin]

Many Dems and even some Repubs have been phoning and emailing their Senators about their concerns
People have been protesting outside Repubs town halls
What do you want?
NT is just a small fraction of the political spectrum.

I'm definitely referring to the mainstream media, even though NT can be a sample of that.

People been phoning in / protesting Scott Pruitt?

Maybe I missed the fuss that was made for this guy. I know the EPA wrote a ton of letters , but that's really the only movements I've seen.

I feel like Scott Pruitt coverage / interest is a fraction of Betsy Devos, the AG, and Munchin'

"Environmental activists and many Democrats pushed to delay the confirmation vote until those emails are released -- probably sometime next week -- but Republicans had no interest in a delay, especially after Democrats deliberately slow-walked the confirmation process for many of President Donald Trump's Cabinet."

http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/17/politics/senate-epa-scott-pruitt/

They will release the emails in batches instead over the next couple weeks but couldn't get the confirmation vote to be delayed. In general this was a known losing battle with republicans in control of the house and senate. The goal is not necessarily to block every action that trump does because that is not possible, but increasing coverage and getting people to call, protest, and organize is possible and is happening. trump's idiocy keeps trying to distract the public but people are catching on.

I agree that it would be better if there was more engagement and less distraction over inane topics in this thread, but there is a fair amount of pro-civic movement here. A few of us were fairly vocal about making sure people voted in the election and about calling senators about these confirmations. And a few pages back someone posted a radio show he called to air his grievances about trump's lies. More of that would of course be great and I'm sure I and others would be supportive of anyone who posts such information in this thread.

edit: see the post above mine for an example of what I'm talking about.

 

[everysingletime]

This is what I wanna know.....once trump is gone, what is actually gonna change from a practical standpoint? We're still gonna get bent over but it will be less entertaining? What should we expect from a pence or ryan presidency? To me his impeachment would be just like the muslim ban. Something for people to celebrate and feel a sense of triumph meanwhile the agenda just rolls along

One thing I have to think is that if it was Pence or Ryan they wouldn't have appointed Bannon to the NSC. They would be smoother in diplomatic calls with foreign leaders. They wouldn't have proceeded with the blanket travel ban in a unilateral fashion. They wouldn't already be traveling to Florida every weekend. What they would do though, I can't say

 

[EddieDoyers]

Many Dems and even some Repubs have been phoning and emailing their Senators about their concerns
People have been protesting outside Repubs town halls
What do you want?
NT is just a small fraction of the political spectrum.

I'm definitely referring to the mainstream media, even though NT can be a sample of that.

People been phoning in / protesting Scott Pruitt?

Maybe I missed the fuss that was made for this guy. I know the EPA wrote a ton of letters , but that's really the only movements I've seen.

I feel like Scott Pruitt coverage / interest is a fraction of Betsy Devos, the AG, and Munchin'

Yes
Hell the media last night reported that judge ruled to force him to release his emails
I can agree the media has been focused on trump a lot, but there has been political groups and activists that have been at the whole admin regardless of media attention.
It really depends on your selective attention.

 

[handullz]

Yes
Hell the media last night reported that judge ruled to force him to release his emails
I can agree the media has been focused on trump a lot, but there has been political groups and activists that have been at the whole admin regardless of media attention.
It really depends on your selective attention.

But for the non-core followers of politics, wouldn't that be the problem?

When it ventures outside of the hardcore networks and into Good Morning America.

It's an unfair ask from my part, however, to think that the GMAs of the world will switch completely to covering politics... But at the same time, the GMAs of the world will LEAD to more eyeballs which leads to Oprah getting involved, ya know?

 

[the qbz]

Mr steal your bbw....sheriff clarke

 

[AEA18]

Oh boy got serious problems

Butter biscuits got him out there bad!

 

[everysingletime]

Sounds like McCain just ethered Trump

 

[AEA18]

John McCain just systematically dismantled Donald Trump’s entire worldview

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...umps-entire-worldview/?utm_term=.e0e847e29e53

 

[Mr.Guy]

Mr steal your bbw....sheriff clarke

Ninja when he gets older.

 

[tsubasa]

mccain been a rino...

too much nytimes washpo citing here, you boys need to quite reading that #fakenews

 

[RustyShackleford]

Mr steal your bbw....sheriff clarke

Ninja when he gets older.

So in like 2 years

 

[everysingletime]

Fox host Shephard Smith criticizes the president, and butt hurt Trump fans go on his social media to slander him smh

 

[rolaholic]

He did that in front of EU officials too,damn . Looks like McCain might officially off the Trump train for good...

Trumps old tweets are the best

@realDonaldTrump 22 Oct 2014:
An interesting cartoon that is circulating.

 

[RustyShackleford]

mccain been a rino...

too much nytimes washpo citing here, you boys need to quite reading that #fakenews

Nomad, real talk, no shade, go seek help from a qualified mental health professional.

 

[AEA18]

The comments on that McCain video

Those same people probably voted for him in '08 are now against him because of their unwavering loyalty for da orange clown.



Pretending like they actually care about someone being a warmonger.

 

[Mr.Guy]

Trump was more open with his racist views than McCain so of course racist whites and self-hating Blacks like ninja love him.

 

[chadleroy]

Mccain gave no dambs. He was name dropping everywhere.

 

[EddieDoyers]

Yes
Hell the media last night reported that judge ruled to force him to release his emails
I can agree the media has been focused on trump a lot, but there has been political groups and activists that have been at the whole admin regardless of media attention.
It really depends on your selective attention.

But for the non-core followers of politics, wouldn't that be the problem?

When it ventures outside of the hardcore networks and into Good Morning America.

It's an unfair ask from my part, however, to think that the GMAs of the world will switch completely to covering politics... But at the same time, the GMAs of the world will LEAD to more eyeballs which leads to Oprah getting involved, ya know?

That I can't answer because I do not own or do any reporting for the networks out there
But I can agree that there has been a disconnect of media in some areas that common people should know about.

 

[EddieDoyers]

McCain is always hated on by the Alex Jones type of people and anti globalists