If Democrats can’t get one half of one branch of government with this guy running the show, then either a) the system is rigged (Russians/gerrymandering/whatever the fuck) or b) the Republic deserves its fate because the electorate sucks.
It’s always wise to bet on Democrats blowing it.
Nesrie
4839
We already know the system is rigged, freaking NC had their attempt declared unconstitutional, but does that make a difference, no, because that’s how screwed up the voting system is today.
(Those of you citing movement pro, or con to Democratic chances over Kavanaugh should probably remember that it was October 7, 2016 when the Access Hollywood tape broke.)
Timex
4841
Pessimism, mainly.
And partly because I think that I worry about stuff that would have really profound negative impacts, and worry that their likelihood is higher than I would otherwise think.
So, for this, I worry that the Dems will fail to take the house, because if that happens, I fear that our country will actually suffer massive, irreparable damage.
And really, although I know this always pisses Trigger off, 2016 shook my faith in what a lot of folks predict about how things play out in politics. I’m still afraid that some aspect of what my brain says “is likely to happen” is based more on what I want, or think should happen, and that there’s some blind spot not being accounted for… like the truly appaling number of racists who voted in 2016. I didn’t think folks would elect Trump, because he’s so obviously terrible. And yet here we are.
I understand that feeling, and I get it.
And I would say right now here in early October: things look good.
But even “looks good” carries with it the caveat that I think that it’s still a chance much closer to 50% than 0% that the Republicans narrowly hold both houses. (I’d put it right now around 35-40%.)
Oghier
4843
That ad is awesome… is that Amy Pietz?
KevinC
4844
Honestly, given everything we’ve witnessed over the past two years, if US citizens choose to ignore the election or cast their votes for the Republican party, then this Republic is sunk. At that point, the citizenry will have abdicated any responsibility they had for their own governance.
It sure sucks that the rest of us get dragged along for the ride, though.
Oghier
4845
I feel the same way: There is a real chance that Democratic voters will sit home in large numbers again, and the GOP will take things completely off the rails.
If we lose, we deserve to. That will have been our decision.
Timex
4846
Honestly, there’s a chance that corrupt forces will freaking rig stuff. We know the Russians hacked into all kinds of crap, and our current government did essentially nothing to address those issues.
So we’re in a situation where the Russians could simply rig things if they’re close.
Last I looked he was elected President, but yah you go on believing that his political skills suck.
Timex
4848
Yeah, until he loses something, we can’t be sure what any of this stuff means.
If the GOP gets totally ground into paste in November, THEN we can say that he’s an idiot.
KevinC
4849
No, I am totally comfortable in stating that he’s a fucking idiot. The problem is that a lot of Americans are as well.
But aren’t the Chinese counter-rigging them to stick it to Trump? So we’re all good.
I think the Chinese aren’t unhappy to have Trump in charge. In the short-term the trade war is bad, but in the long-term the damage he is doing to the country is good for them.
Nesrie
4852
Yeah Trump is moving us out of the international circles, taking away our world influence which opens it to countries like China and Russia.
JoshL
4853
It’s far worse than that. Democrats have to win the popular vote by about 9% just to get a majority in the house (due to gerrymandering and other issues). Think about that. The Republicans will hold the house unless the Democrats win an overwhelming victory. Democracy!
My favorite trait in Tropico was “bonus for the lowest quartile of intelligence”, I think it is foolish to underestimate Trump’s propoganda and political skills.
None
4855
I suppose it does take a certain skill to get a bunch of stupid motherfucking idiots to believe you.
Accidentally, against his will, and no one was more surprised by it than he was. So that’s some canny skill!
I worry more that they will take the House, but that it will make very little difference. Most of Trump’s excess is the result of unilateral executive branch action combined with a Congress unwilling to check him. I struggle to see how a House controlled by Dems will change that. And the things he’s already legislated, e.g. the tax cuts, can’t be undone by the Dems in the House.
