Current Affairs The 2020 United States Presidential Election

[wm02]

I just got back from a weekend trip to Page County and the Luray area of Virginia. Truly frightening country, poetic in its breathtaking beauty. Trump signs everywhere - I mean this with all seriousness - it was 90/10 Trump/Biden.

Did you visit Luray caverns? We did a tour of the caverns in late Feb

 

[TN Toffee]

He's always had a harder time performing well against fellow Democrats than against Republicans. But Trump's no garden variety lying Republican so we'll see if Biden can maintain his composure.

I don't know why people think these debates will be significant for the outcome. They'll be an oddity and a spectacle, but I don't think they stand likely to change anyone's mind in the present circumstances.

I read an article the other day that made the case that in our modern media environment they’re essentially useless and should be done away with. In the early days of radio and then television, they were truly an opportunity for candidates to win voters because it could realistically be the first/only time some people heard from them. In 2020, if you’re engaged enough to even consider voting, you’re long since familiar with the candidates by the time the debates roll around.

 

[Deleted member 48881]

The annoying thing with Biden is that he IS going to stumble over some words and such. You know why? Because he has a speech impediment. But that is goign to be used against him.

I say 2 debates and call it a day. One on Fox, one on whatever else and that's it. There literally cannot be any "undecideds" right now.

three debates are scheduled though right?

 

[riddick]

three debates are scheduled though right?

Oh, thought there were loads like 2016. I feel like there were 5 or so then.

 

[TN Toffee]

Oh, thought there were loads like 2016. I feel like there were 5 or so then.

I’m pretty sure there were only three. There is also a VP debate this year just like every other time.

2016 probably just seemed like more debates than usual because of the primary process. With it being an open election, both parties were doing them trying to narrow their fields down. In my recollection there was some sort of debate every 2-3 weeks from about mid-2015 until the actual election, which is absurd.

 

[riddick]

I’m pretty sure there were only three. There is also a VP debate this year just like every other time.

2016 probably just seemed like more debates than usual because of the primary process. With it being an open election, both parties were doing them trying to narrow their fields down. In my recollection there was some sort of debate every 2-3 weeks from about mid-2015 until the actual election, which is absurd.

Genuinely more excited for the VP debate than the Biden/Trump debate. Harris is going to open a figurative can on Pence.

 

[wm02]

Because usually blue states are where the urban centers are. Nevada is an outlier b/c most of their population live in and around Las Vegas, which is very transient, and its economy isn't normal compared to most other cities/states - it's all tourism/gambling based. For me, it's not surprising to see this.

Probably has one of the highest percentages of organized labor as well due to all the casino, hote workers

 

[LinekersLegs]

Just one poll etc but still pretty encouraging

 

[abelard]

So weird that the party of the rich gets most of their support from the undereducated.

There are only two parties in the United States, and both of them are for the rich. One is for the genteel rich and the other is for the vulgar.

Why would poor people vote for a party of the rich?

Most of them don't vote at all, knowing full well that it's pointless: 'nothing will fundamentally change'.

But those who do tend to choose the party that bothers paying phoney lip service to their few remaining sources of pride, over the one that lectures them, scorns them, humiliates them and sniggers at them for not knowing how to comport themselves in the presence of their betters.

 

[WA Toffee]

A debate can only be bad for Biden. I'm terrified. I've said it once and I'll say it again - I don't want to hear him speak before the election. Just let Trump hang himself. Bubble wrap him up and wheel him out on November 4th when Trump challenges the election results.

It will be interesting to see what strategy he uses. Does he ridicule trump, call out his lies or rise above and just talk about policies?

 

[BirkenheadBlue]

There are only two parties in the United States, and both of them are for the rich. One is for the genteel rich and the other is for the vulgar.

If Trump gets re-elected, he wants to give the 10 richest billionaires in the US a tax cut worth $17 BILLION and wipe out healthcare for millions, while removing protections for those with pre-existing conditions.

Biden's plan would raise taxes on the top 1%, raise taxes on big business, cut taxes for the middle class, implement a $15 minimum wage, give free college if you're making less than $125k, expand rent subsidies and give 12 weeks of paid family leave while expanding the availability of healthcare.

But yeah, "one is for the genteel rich and the other is for the vulgar"

 

[BirkenheadBlue]

It will be interesting to see what strategy he uses. Does he ridicule trump, call out his lies or rise above and just talk about policies?

He needs to be angry, but on behalf of the country rather than himself. Trump will try to get him riled up with attacks on his family etc (you know, like any sensible leader would) - he needs to brush that off and pummel Trump on his actual performance.

 

[abelard]

If Trump gets re-elected, he wants to give the 10 richest billionaires in the US a tax cut worth $17 BILLION and wipe out healthcare for millions, while removing protections for those with pre-existing conditions.

Biden's plan would raise taxes on the top 1%, raise taxes on big business, cut taxes for the middle class, implement a $15 minimum wage, give free college if you're making less than $125k, expand rent subsidies and give 12 weeks of paid family leave while expanding the availability of healthcare.

But yeah, "one is for the genteel rich and the other is for the vulgar"

Ah yes, the plan that Biden's financial advisor described to a private meeting of Wall Street donors as 'just an exercise to keep the Warren people happy" and "don't read too much into it"?

You can vault me when the bill is tabled.

 

[BirkenheadBlue]

Ah yes, the plan that Biden's financial advisor described to a private meeting of Wall Street donors as 'just an exercise to keep the Warren people happy" and "don't read too much into it"?

You can vault me when the bill is tabled.

Oh I'm sure not every element will get implemented (just like - I dunno - EVERY election policy platform in history) but are you honestly saying that you believe that the policy tilt will be the same no matter who gets into power?

 

[abelard]

Oh I'm sure not every element will get implemented (just like - I dunno - EVERY election policy platform in history)

Hence, vault me when the bill is tabled, not passed.

but are you honestly saying that you believe that the policy tilt will be the same no matter who gets into power?

Where did you read that? There are obviously minor differences, but not enough that either party can plausibly deny that it primarily represents the rich; not enough to prompt anyone who doesn't normally vote to pay attention; and not enough to actually address any of the terminal problems the United States is facing.