WATCH LIVE: President Obama’s Press Conference, Without Cable Chatter

The issue of Russia
Politics • Views: 39,278

YouTube

I’ve been hearing from sources in Washington DC that this is going to be a very important press conference, dealing with the Russian cyberattacks against our presidential election.

UPDATE at 12/16/16 11:27:29 am by Charles Johnson

And some important news just coming in:

ReplyReply w/ Quote

Jump to bottom

408 comments
1
makeitstop  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:20:30am

Take it to them, Mr. President.

2
Kragar  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:22:58am
ReplyReply w/ Quote
3
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:24:44am
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
4
Unshaken Defiance  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:25:03am

Early guess-Sanctions.

5
Kragar  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:25:06am
ReplyReply w/ Quote
6
b.d.  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:25:49am

I believe that Mr. Trump is about to be painted into a corner.

7
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:26:36am

re: #5 Kragar

Whoo boy.

8
Jebediah, RBG  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:26:46am

re: #5 Kragar

Wonder what the FBI’s view is on their own intervention.

9
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:26:58am

re: #6 b.d.

I believe that Mr. Trump is about to be painted into a corner.

As well as he should. His concerns as president should be, in order: America.

10
makeitstop  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:28:19am

re: #6 b.d.

I believe that Mr. Trump is about to be painted into a corner.

I’m thinking so, too.

Obama’s about to go all ninja on him, then wait for the incriminating Tweets.

11
Jebediah, RBG  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:29:37am

re: #10 makeitstop

Trump does not have the intellectual tools to fight that kind of battle against someone as smart and disciplined as our President.

12
Skip Intro  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:30:09am

re: #3 Charles Johnson

Doesn’t he mean when Fox “News” gave him the questions to one of the Republican “debates”?

13
Jebediah, RBG  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:30:25am

Has it not started yet for everybody, or just me?

14
coin operated  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:30:30am

re: #5 Kragar

3 for 3…CIA, FBI, DNI. Can’t wait for the tweets this weekend.

15
Kragar  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:31:08am
ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
16
Skip Intro  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:31:38am

re: #14 coin operated

Jerry Falwell Jr. to be named new FBI director. Steve King to head CIA.

17
coin operated  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:31:47am

re: #13 Jebediah, RBG

I’m not seeing anything yet either. Possible 11-dimensional chess move..let the wapo story get out first.

18
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:31:49am

re: #13 Jebediah, RBG

Has it not started yet for everybody, or just me?

It has not started yet (as of 2:31 EST). The WaPo tweet is no doubt tied to this.

19
Franklin  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:31:53am

re: #13 Jebediah, RBG

Has it not started yet for everybody, or just me?

Must just be you.

POTUS just announced a tax free weekend and an end to the war in Eastasia.

20
Sir John Barron  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:33:03am

re: #19 Franklin

Must just be you.

POTUS just announced a tax free weekend and an end to the war in Eastasia.

You mean Eurasia

21
Timothy Watson  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:33:31am

re: #19 Franklin

Must just be you.

POTUS just announced a tax free weekend and an end to the war in Eastasia.

We were promised cake!1!!! AND UNICORNS!!!1!

22
Franklin  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:33:45am

re: #20 Sir John Barron

You mean Eurasia

Eurasia, Myasia. Everyonesasia.

23
makeitstop  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:33:59am

re: #21 Timothy Watson

We were promised cake!1!!! AND UNICORNS!!!1!

Also hoverboards.

24
Sir John Barron  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:35:14am

re: #19 Franklin

Must just be you.

POTUS just announced a tax free weekend and an end to the war in Eastasia.

What about The People’s Front of Judea?

25
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:35:27am

re: #21 Timothy Watson

We were promised cake!1!!! AND UNICORNS!!!1!

re: #23 makeitstop

Also hoverboards.

Don’t forget flying cars and Smell-O-Vision.

26
Barefoot Grin  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:35:27am

re: #23 makeitstop

Also hoverboards.

Hey, we got the Cubs WS win. Let’s not get greedy.

27
b.d.  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:36:28am

re: #19 Franklin

Must just be you.

POTUS just announced a tax free weekend and an end to the war in Eastasia.

And Obama also said that the new slogan of the Democratic Party is going to be “Make America greater than great.”

28
Unshaken Defiance  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:36:55am

Other news, China seized a US Navy drone from international waters. Great, now they can tell the resolution of those sensors. Ballsy, illegal and a tad dangerous.

29
The Vicious Babushka  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:37:41am
ReplyReply w/ Quote
30
Franklin  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:39:19am
ReplyReply w/ QuoteImages
31
b.d.  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:39:21am

Obama is announcing a ban on gold hair dye.

32
The Vicious Babushka  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:39:32am
ReplyReply w/ Quote
33
Franklin  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:39:49am

Stream is live, no POTUS yet.

34
Grunthos the Flatulent  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:40:06am

re: #24 Sir John Barron

What about The People’s Front of Judea?

Splitters.

35
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:40:32am

re: #29 The Vicious Babushka

re: #32 The Vicious Babushka

The dominos are all starting to fall.

36
calochortus  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:40:52am

re: #11 Jebediah, RBG

Trump does not have the intellectual tools to fight that kind of battle against someone as smart and disciplined as our President.

Also lacks the intellectual tools to keep his mouth shut (or his fingers off his phone.)

37
Barefoot Grin  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:40:56am

That proves it: the Mainstream media are all fake news! //

38
Franklin  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:41:25am

LIVE

39
Sir John Barron  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:41:41am

Obama now spiking football about fake news unemployment rate!!!

40
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:41:45am

re: #31 b.d.

Obama is announcing a ban on gold hair dye.

Spray tanner.

41
b.d.  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:41:52am

It’s 10:30 in Moscow on a Friday night, happy weekend Putin.

42
GlutenFreeJesus  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:41:54am

re: #29 The Vicious Babushka

So Comey admits he’s on Putin’s payroll?

43
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:42:10am

Now Trump will have to turn to Russia. He won’t be able to trust any of the American intelligence gathering organizations.

44
Franklin  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:42:27am

Year End Presser. I imagine it morphs into something else.

45
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:42:43am

re: #42 GlutenFreeJesus

So Comey admits he’s on Putin’s payroll?

Comey’s influence is an entirely separate thing.

46
The Vicious Babushka  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:42:44am

First the good news.

47
Jebediah, RBG  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:42:53am

re: #19 Franklin

Dang, and I missed it!

48
Bass Reeves  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:44:32am

Lots of qualifiers on that statement to get around Boston.

49
Dave In Austin  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:44:33am

Wingnuts are raging

50
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:45:37am

But your successor will have no problem saying you (Obama) left America a mess and the wingnuts will buy it as he (Trump) takes America down a troubled path.

51
Sir John Barron  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:46:12am

OBAMA BLAMING RUSSIA HEROES FOR VIOLENCE IN SYRIA!!

IMPEACH!!!!!!!!

52
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:46:56am

re: #49 Dave In Austin

Wingnuts are raging

When are they not?

53
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:47:16am
ReplyReply w/ Quote
54
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:47:27am

Uh oh…calling Russia out in regards to Syria. Donnie isn’t going to like that. He’ll have to explain that later tonight in his daily call to Vlad.

55
b.d.  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:47:28am

LEAVE PUTIN ALONE!!!!

56
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:47:41am

re: #53 Charles Johnson

ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
57
Barefoot Grin  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:47:45am

re: #53 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

Wait, I was being sarcastic.

58
Dave In Austin  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:47:52am

re: #52 Myron Falwell (no relation)

Moar splody than usual

59
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:48:52am

re: #49 Dave In Austin

Wingnuts are raging

Impotently raging. The best kind of wingnut raging.

60
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:48:56am

re: #53 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

Somebody put a plug in Hoft’s mouth! He’s crying because he knows he has nothing but fake bullshit.

61
Sir John Barron  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:48:58am

Obama also hasn’t said Merry Christmas yet.

///

62
Sir John Barron  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:49:21am

re: #61 Sir John Barron

Obama also hasn’t said Merry Christmas yet.

///

Didn’t say it the right way though. Too late!

///

63
Bass Reeves  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:50:04am

So…

64
Sir John Barron  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:50:18am

re: #62 Sir John Barron

Didn’t say it the right way though. Too late!

///

Also didn’t say Radical Islamic Terrorism!!!

//

65
Franklin  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:51:39am

I don’t think this presser will be too revealing.

66
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:51:59am
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
67
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:53:24am

Hoft is repeating #FakeNews over and over.

68
Sir John Barron  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:54:06am

re: #67 Charles Johnson

Hoft is repeating #FakeNews over and over.

Well it’s what he knows best.

69
scottslemmons  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:54:53am

re: #67 Charles Johnson

Hoft is repeating #FakeNews over and over.

I note he’s also retweeted neo-Nazis… Methinks he’s giving the game away…

70
Big Beautiful Door  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:55:30am

re: #66 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

Now that Sheriff Joe has proved that Obama’s birth certificate was a forgery, he can finally be removed from the White House, in just a matter of weeks! Thanks, Sheriff Joe!//

71
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:55:42am

The integrity of the election process is already ruined. I’m not sure what could be done to uphold it now.

72
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:56:16am

I can see it now. No one is going to like anything he is saying about the election and DNC hack. Either side…and their extremes. Sigh.

But that usually means the truth, correct?

I think he is saying to the press…do your fucking jobs…in Obama’s own way.

73
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:56:38am

re: #71 Myron Falwell (no relation)

The integrity of the election process is already ruined. I’m not sure what could be done to uphold it now.

The idea now is to constrain Trump. Make it toxic to cooperate with Putin.

74
Sir John Barron  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:56:45am

Any punishment for Russia, or punishments that can be discussed openly?

75
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:58:03am

Isn’t this supposed to be the part where Obama declares himself President for Life?

/

76
Franklin  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:58:09am

BAMMMMMMM. Taking it to the press right now about obsessing over the leaks.

77
blueraven  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:58:17am

POTUS calling out the media for being duped.

78
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 11:59:37am

re: #77 blueraven

POTUS calling out the media for being duped.

They weren’t duped, they were co-conspirators.

79
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:00:32pm

It is all but assured now that Trump WILL be in violation of the Constitution as soon as he takes office.

80
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:00:33pm

re: #73 Belafon

The idea now is to constrain Trump. Make it toxic to cooperate with Putin.

Hell, if it was possible, work to make it virtually impossible for Trump to literally do anything. Make him a lame-duck right out of the gate.

81
Ziggy_TARDIS  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:00:33pm

re: #71 Myron Falwell (no relation)

Also, the Democrats need to take the gloves off.

We need a new constitution. Modeled on Germany’s. This will enshrine tolerance, and essentially ban the activities Republicans would like to do. Also, this will allow for the US Government to put a shield around the US Muslim Community, protecting it from outside influences.

82
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:01:32pm

Also, interesting timing on this speech. We are only days away from the EC vote…

83
Bass Reeves  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:01:48pm

re: #81 Ziggy_TARDIS

Oh you crazy Dreamer, I love ya!

84
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:01:59pm

re: #78 MsJ

They weren’t duped, they were co-conspirators.

Some unknowingly because they are dense and refuse to think things through…others maliciously for political gain for their boy.

85
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:02:50pm

re: #84 ObserverArt

Some unknowingly because they are dense and refuse to think things through…others maliciously for political gain for their boy.

You are too kind. Stupidity in that profession is malicious.

86
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:03:21pm

re: #82 Eclectic Cyborg

Also, interesting timing on this speech. We are only days away from the EC vote…

This has to be the bully pulpit speech aimed at the electors.

87
Interesting Times  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:04:24pm

I’ve been traveling, so didn’t realize @ezlusztig is suspended - does he have a new account? If so, what’s the name?

88
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:04:40pm

I hold little hope that the electors will do what needs to be done.

And I have no idea what the population will do if they do so.

This is a no-win situation no matter how you look at it.

89
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:04:56pm

re: #85 MsJ

You are too kind. Stupidity in that profession is malicious.

I won’t argue! Just remember I was schooled by nuns and then hippie-era artists.

90
Shiplord Kirel  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:05:02pm

re: #74 Sir John Barron

Any punishment for Russia, or punishments that can be discussed openly?

If it were up to me, the dachas reserved for Trump, Bannon, and Alex Jones would have some unfortunate structural accidents.

91
Kilroy was here  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:05:05pm

re: #77 blueraven

POTUS calling out the media for being duped.

I think it was a combination of laziness (the news writes itself) and wanting to make it a horse race (Like Trump would ever win anyways)/

92
Big Beautiful Door  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:06:18pm

re: #91 Kilroy was here

I think it was a combination of laziness (the news writes itself) and wanting to make it a horse race (Like Trump would ever win anyways)/

Also hatred of the Clintons.

93
Ziggy_TARDIS  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:06:40pm

re: #83 Bass Reeves

Demographics should help.

Not to mention, many people will realize they have been duped.

The German Separation of Church and State also provides something of a solution in regards to Deviant Islam:

The German constitution guarantees freedom of religion,[46] but there is not a complete separation of church and state in Germany. Officially recognized churches operate as Körperschaften des öffentlichen Rechts (corporations of public, as opposed to private, law). For recognized religious communities, some taxes are collected by the state;[47] this is at the request of the religious community and a fee is charged for the service.[48] Religious instruction is an optional school subject in Germany.[46] The German State understands itself as neutral in matters of religious beliefs,[49] so no teacher can be forced to teach religion. But on the other hand, all who do teach religious instruction need an official permission by their religious community.[50] The treaties with the Holy See are referred to as concordats. They are the legal framework for cooperation between the Roman Catholic Church and the German State.

Foreign influences because of a lack of state support and protection, combined with neglect and poor treatment of the Muslim Community, are the cause of this problem. By making Mosques corporations of the Public, it could be used to delouse the Mosques of Germany of nutcases, and deport the one spreading the Wahhabi filth that come from other countries.

94
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:08:17pm

Definition of Troubling. Press do your fucking jobs. You didn’t. Pundits…you too.

95
Unshaken Defiance  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:08:59pm

re: #86 Myron Falwell (no relation)

This has to be the bully pulpit speech aimed at the electors.

Hope so, so far what are we going to actually respond with?

96
The Vicious Babushka  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:09:07pm

Oh.

ReplyReply w/ Quote
97
Sir John Barron  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:09:54pm

Obama sort of back-handedly criticizing Hillary’s campaign.

98
Kragar  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:10:20pm

re: #87 Interesting Times

He quit after getting death threats

99
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:10:20pm

re: #96 The Vicious Babushka

Oh.

[Embedded content]

Ouch Keith.

100
b.d.  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:10:54pm

re: #96 The Vicious Babushka

Oh.

[Embedded content]

I certainly ain’t aboard the love train on this reboot of Keith

101
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:11:10pm

re: #88 MsJ

I hold little hope that the electors will do what needs to be done.

And I have no idea what the population will do if they do so.

This is a no-win situation no matter how you look at it.

Trump lost, but won on a technicality. He’s not popular in the least and will only become exceedingly unpopular.

Throw in the SPECTRE (sorry) of Trump as a Putin puppet and it only gets worse.

Then the GOP rank-and-file overreach on all of their wet dreams and the republic simply explodes.

102
Franklin  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:11:16pm

Obama for DNC Chair.

103
Ziggy_TARDIS  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:11:52pm

re: #102 Franklin

I am thinking so too.

104
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:12:52pm

re: #98 Kragar

He quit after getting death threats

Elliott reactivated his account a few hours earlier and explained that he was removing anything personal about his real identity (someone claiming to be a journalist asked him those questions). Chances are he’s still making sure anything remotely incriminating is expunged.

105
Bass Reeves  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:13:45pm

re: #96 The Vicious Babushka

I am not sure he doesn’t quite have a point. If this is NFLTG Obama, it’s extremely measured. Not enough specifics on really anything to satisfy the people on the fence. But that’s just my imho.

106
The Vicious Babushka  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:14:04pm

Trump in no way will become “more Presidential” once he realizes the gravity of his office. He became POTUS in order to promote his business and that is what he will do. That is all.

107
Franklin  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:14:09pm

It’s amazing. Listen to the camera shutters everytime POTUS makes hand gestures. Clockwork.

108
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:15:55pm

re: #106 The Vicious Babushka

Trump in no way will become “more Presidential” once he realizes the gravity of his office. He became POTUS in order to promote his business and that is what he will do. That is all.

Shit, he’s not even constitutional. Everything he does will be in total violation of the Constitution.

109
The Vicious Babushka  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:15:56pm

Folks has a sad

ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
110
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:16:19pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
111
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:16:35pm

re: #106 The Vicious Babushka

How much you want to bet he will make it mandatory for government employees to stay at Trump hotels while on official travel?

112
The Vicious Babushka  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:16:57pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
113
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:16:59pm

So, I just finished binge watching The Wire —not Sci-Fi for a change.

It’s a very well done show. Explains alot.

114
Timothy Watson  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:17:41pm

re: #109 The Vicious Babushka

Folks has a sad

[Embedded content]

Obama didn’t declare martial law and declare himself President for Life?! Elections have consequences?! Holier than thou millennials are upset they voted for Stein or sat on their asses?!

OUTRAGE!1!!!!

115
The Vicious Babushka  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:17:54pm
ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
116
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:18:05pm

re: #110 Charles Johnson

Someone should tell Jim to go back to Russia.

117
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:18:15pm

How soon after Trump takes office will Putin make a White House visit?

I say less than a week.

118
Big Beautiful Door  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:18:22pm

re: #111 Eclectic Cyborg

How much you want to bet he will make it mandatory for government employees to stay at Trump hotels while on official travel?

Even he knows better than that. Employees on official travel will just know to book at Trump hotels when possible.

119
Timothy Watson  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:18:26pm

re: #113 Birth Control Works

So, I just finished binge watching The Wire —not Sci-Fi for a change.

It’s a very well done show. Explains alot.

Probably my favorite non-science fiction show. :)

120
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:18:34pm
ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
121
Franklin  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:18:39pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
122
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:20:03pm

re: #112 The Vicious Babushka

[Embedded content]

I’m not going to start criticizing Obama now because he is being reasonable. It is one of the traits I admired from the get-go.

I think he is telling smart people they were not so smart…use your fucking heads for once and stop being fooled by fools. Lead by example and maybe the idiots can learn a thing or two along the way by watching.

123
Big Beautiful Door  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:20:35pm

re: #119 Timothy Watson

Probably my favorite non-science fiction show. :)

I’ve been meaning to watch that, but never get around to it, like many other shows. I’ll be watching The Man in the High Castle this weekend.

124
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:20:36pm

re: #120 Charles Johnson

Trump won’t. What would be useful is if everyone - the public and the press - held him to that standard anyway, and criticized him when he failed.

125
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:20:52pm

re: #119 Timothy Watson

Probably my favorite non-science fiction show. :)

A show that truly shows how reality does suck.

Fantastic writing, some of the best acting and character building I think I’ve seen.

126
Timothy Watson  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:21:00pm

re: #121 Franklin

[Embedded content]

And you’re upset that you got Robert Duvall telling you to act like an adult instead?

127
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:21:14pm

re: #123 Big Beautiful Door

I’ve been meaning to watch that, but never get around to it, like many other shows. I’ll be watching The Man in the High Castle this weekend.

I saw the first season. Never read the book.

128
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:22:07pm

Medical Emergency at the presser

129
The Vicious Babushka  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:22:11pm

Somebody fainted or vomited or something.

130
Big Beautiful Door  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:22:14pm

re: #127 Birth Control Works

I saw the first season. Never read the book.

I don’t think I have read any of his books, even though I love the movies.

131
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:22:37pm

re: #117 Eclectic Cyborg

How soon after Trump takes office will Putin make a White House visit?

I say less than a week.

Is he going to address Congress like Netanyahu?

132
Franklin  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:22:40pm

re: #129 The Vicious Babushka

Somebody fainted or vomited or something.

FALSE FLAG!!!!!

133
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:22:43pm

re: #130 Big Beautiful Door

I don’t think I have read any of his books, even though I love the movies.

books are worth reading —usually fast reads.

134
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:23:08pm

re: #129 The Vicious Babushka

Somebody fainted or vomited or something.

They realized that Obama is leaving, they helped elect a moron and the entire country is fucked.

I would be puking, too.

135
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:23:40pm

re: #134 MsJ

They realized that Obama is leaving, they helped elect a moron and the entire country is fucked.

I would be puking, too.

Panic attack and lose conciousness.

136
The Vicious Babushka  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:24:13pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
137
Franklin  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:24:23pm

POTUS is truly unflappable.

138
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:24:28pm

re: #135 Birth Control Works

Panic attack and lose conciousness.

Only if I can go into a coma for four years.

And hope there is something to come back to at that time.

139
Big Beautiful Door  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:24:39pm

re: #133 Birth Control Works

books are worth reading —usually fast reads.

I read tons of science fiction when I was young. Now I mostly read stuff on the internet, like this blog, and rarely read books. Probably a mistake.

140
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:25:18pm

re: #138 MsJ

Only if I can go into a coma for four years.

And hope there is something to come back to at that time.

those around me need the constant reminder (by my presence) that there are those who believe differently than do they.

141
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:25:28pm

re: #122 ObserverArt

I’m not going to start criticizing Obama now because he is being reasonable. It is one of the traits I admired from the get-go.

I think he is telling smart people they were not so smart…use your fucking heads for once and stop being fooled by fools. Lead by example and maybe the idiots can learn a thing or two along the way by watching.

I think this really is the reason behind the press conference. That sounded like a searing evisceration of the press and media to me.

If that’s the “boost” the media needed to cover the Russian election interference, then so be it.

142
Tyrion  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:25:33pm

I wanted him to go over and help the person and make it all better just to see how the wingnuts would attack him on that.

143
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:25:43pm

re: #139 Big Beautiful Door

I read tons of science fiction when I was young. Now I mostly read stuff on the internet, like this blog, and rarely read books. Probably a mistake.

audible.com and bluetooth headset and you are good to go!

144
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:26:12pm

The days I know I am more of a centrist than I had realized before coming here are the days where some of the more liberal voices I follow on Twitter really grate.

145
Citizen K  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:26:34pm

re: #115 The Vicious Babushka

[Embedded content]

ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
ReplyReply w/ Quote
146
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:26:41pm
ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
147
Bass Reeves  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:27:12pm

em>re: #141 Myron Falwell (no relation)

“Searing” is taking it too far. He had more visible anger when he got interrupted by the medical emergency.

148
Stanley Sea  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:27:14pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
149
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:27:19pm

re: #141 Myron Falwell (no relation)

I think this really is the reason behind the press conference. That sounded like a searing evisceration of the press and media to me.

If that’s the “boost” the media needed to cover the Russian election interference, then so be it.

Holding my breath I will not.

150
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:28:32pm

Just saw this guy on a TV show before the Presser. Still doing his thing:

The angel of Lower Wacker Drive

151
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:29:02pm

The media could have run with the most fantastic story since Watergate if they had pursued Russian interference when it was first brought up last year. It would have garnered them praise and restored some of their reputation. Instead they got distracted by Trump.

152
Interesting Times  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:29:05pm

re: #122 ObserverArt

I think he is telling smart people they were not so smart…use your fucking heads for once and stop being fooled by fools. Lead by example and maybe the idiots can learn a thing or two along the way by watching.

Hahahaha, how well did that work out for these past 8 years? :(

Remember several months ago, when Obama said: “Donald Trump will not be president. I have too much faith in the American people!”

Well, the American people sure showed him, didn’t they now?

Honestly, for him to give anyone the benefit of the doubt at this point seems, dare I say, willfully obtuse.

And if I sound bitter, it’s because I’m remembering another presser he did, shortly after tRump began his blathering about “rigged elections” and hinting he wouldn’t concede. Obama said that if tRump were the winner, he’d expect HRC to make “a gracious concession speech” and that he would welcome tRump to the White House as per the usual transition process.

At the time, I had a horrible vision of everything he said playing out, and was inwardly screaming, ARRRRRRGH stop, stop right now! You’re jinxing her!

Now, however, I realize another reason that statement of his was so thoroughly destructive and wrong - he legitimized tRump. He made it seem like him winning was no big deal, just politics as usual. He totally contracted his earlier statements about tRump having an unprecedented lack of qualifications and being temperamentally unfit. I mean…how can you make statements like that, and then turn around and essentially say, “Eh, no big deal if he wins though, we’ll just act like everything’s normal.”

Well it’s not. Though I didn’t watch this presser (internet issues), I have a horrible feeling (based on how others are reacting) that it was a modern equivalent of “peace in our time” :(

153
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:31:11pm

re: #151 Belafon

The media could have run with the most fantastic story since Watergate if they had pursued Russian interference when it was first brought up last year. It would have garnered them praise and restored some of their reputation. Instead they got distracted by Trump.

The depth of quality is no longer there. People don’t want such a meaningful story. Those that are able to write it well are probably not employed by major news media. At least that is not what they are paid to do.

We’ll read about it in 10-15 years in a large well-written book by Ron Chernow.

154
calochortus  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:31:39pm

re: #151 Belafon

The media could have run with the most fantastic story since Watergate if they had pursued Russian interference when it was first brought up last year. It would have garnered them praise and restored some of their reputation. Instead they got distracted by Trump.

Well, yeah, but eyeballs now, right this minute, is more important than a payoff in respect next month.

155
Citizen K  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:31:49pm

Much as I want firebrand Obama like everyone else does, I realize the sobering reality. Obama can’t be that man, he shouldn’t be that man. Because if politics has made a cynic out of Barack Obama, then what hope do we really have?

156
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:32:03pm

re: #152 Interesting Times

I think Peace in our Time is over.

At least if “Justice” is figured into the definition of Peace.

I think we’ll have Peace by big stick with no carrot.

157
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:32:13pm

re: #146 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

Did you (anyone ) catch the part in the Tucker Carlson Kurt Eichenwald YouTube dust-up posted last night where Eichenwald was talking about getting Trump’s records from his doctor back in the late 80s or so, and that Doctor Bozo ( pictured in your Tweet) was not his doctor?

Just another example of Trump doing the Circus Clown Act. Put up a false report from a quack hack and be done with it. And people bought it.

158
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:32:32pm

re: #153 Birth Control Works

We’ll read about it in 10-15 years in a large well-written book by Ron Chernow.

Pretty sure that the book will be titled, “The Decline and Destruction of the American Experiment.”

159
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:32:48pm

re: #157 ObserverArt

Did you (anyone ) catch the part in the Tucker Carlson Kurt Eichenwald YouTube dust-up posted last night where Eichenwald was talking about getting Trump’s records from his doctor back in the late 80s or so, and that Doctor Bozo ( pictured in your Tweet) was not his doctor?

Just another example of Trump doing the Circus Clown Act. Put up a false report from a quack hack and be done with it. And people bought it.

and his taxes?

grrr

160
Unshaken Defiance  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:32:51pm

re: #15 Kragar

ReplyReply w/ Quote
161
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:33:19pm

Josh Barro said a few weeks ago he was leaving the GOP. He’s backsliding now, going right back to bashing “libs” again. I knew it was bullshit. We’re going to see almost all of those “Never Trump” people go right back to the same old shit.

162
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:33:37pm

re: #155 Citizen K

Much as I want firebrand Obama like everyone else does, I realize the sobering reality. Obama can’t be that man, he shouldn’t be that man. Because if politics has made a cynic out of Barack Obama, then what hope do we really have?

President Obama has to cede power the way it’s been done since the second election.

163
Citizen K  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:35:13pm

re: #162 Belafon

President Obama has to cede power the way it’s been done since the second election.

Exactly. And my (rather depressing) thought is that if he thought there was a way to undo this goddamn catastrophe, he would do it, but the only options might be salting the earth in his wake, and that’s something he probably doesn’t want to do. Not for Trump’s sake, but for the integrity of the entire gov’t going forward’s sake.

164
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:35:19pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
165
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:35:29pm

re: #158 Myron Falwell (no relation)

Pretty sure that the book will be titled, “The Decline and Destruction of the American Experiment.”

What is it? True Republics can only last 200-300 years —they they have to transition into something else… .

7.4 billion people on the planet.

166
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:35:46pm

In 34 days, Obama will be a private citizen. He will then be one of many private citizens, like us, whose job will be to prevent the destruction of the US.

167
Dave In Austin  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:35:49pm

Reagan Roll!!

168
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:36:05pm

re: #162 Belafon

President Obama has to cede power the way it’s been done since the second election.

Thus, the point behind Olbermann’s tweet. Not that any of us were alive to witness James Buchanan’s year-end presser after 11 states seceded at once…

169
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:36:12pm

re: #167 Dave In Austin

Reagan Roll!!

Yeah, that was awesome.

170
William Lewis  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:36:32pm

I’ll just remind people that unless you really want violence in the streets - either leading to a fascist crackdown or to open civil war - there is a limit on what Obama can do and say as president.

And never forget that as hated as “peace for our time” is now, it gave the UK enough time to build sufficient Hurricanes and Spitfires to win the Battle of Britain. Without that temporary pause the Wehrmacht would have taken all of Europe in 1939 rather than being stopped at the channel in 1940.

The real resistance is up to the rest of us.

171
Barefoot Grin  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:36:48pm

Say it! Say it! It happened because they hate who I am.

172
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:38:11pm

re: #163 Citizen K

Exactly. And my (rather depressing) thought is that if he thought there was a way to undo this goddamn catastrophe, he would do it, but the only options might be salting the earth in his wake, and that’s something he probably doesn’t want to do. Not for Trump’s sake, but for the integrity of the entire gov’t going forward’s sake.

He may also want to not start Civil War 2 and get out of office alive. If that is an excuse, then I just excused him.

173
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:38:18pm

re: #171 Barefoot Grin

Say it! Say it! It happened because they hate who I am.

we all hate who you are

//

174
Jayleia  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:38:44pm

re: #161 Charles Johnson

Josh Barro said a few weeks ago he was leaving the GOP. He’s backsliding now, going right back to bashing “libs” again. I knew it was bullshit. We’re going to see almost all of those “Never Trump” people go right back to the same old shit.

I think Rick Wilson, that Egg McMuffin guy and Ana Navarro are about it…

175
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:39:12pm

re: #170 William Lewis

The real resistance is up to the rest of us.

This.

176
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:39:20pm

re: #165 Birth Control Works

What is it? True Republics can only last 200-300 years —they they have to transition into something else… .

7.4 billion people on the planet.

If we’re lucky, a simple peaceful splintering into multiple countries takes place, or the country is downgraded into confederation status.

At worst, we are the central player in a violent proxy war between China and Russia.

177
Barefoot Grin  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:39:31pm

re: #173 Birth Control Works

we all hate who you are

//

I’d never join a club….

178
scottslemmons  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:39:32pm

re: #164 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

I don’t know what you think he could do. He can’t block Trump from the White House. He can’t declare Hillary the winner. He’s not the Green Lantern.

179
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:39:52pm

re: #163 Citizen K

Exactly. And my (rather depressing) thought is that if he thought there was a way to undo this goddamn catastrophe, he would do it, but the only options might be salting the earth in his wake, and that’s something he probably doesn’t want to do. Not for Trump’s sake, but for the integrity of the entire gov’t going forward’s sake.

A lot of people really wanted Obama to be the adult in the room and save us from ourselves, ignoring that the reality of being an adult is doing what he did today.

And now people are disappointed because what they really wanted was a superhuman savior who would somehow magically open people’s eyes to the mess that’s coming in such a way that it would miraculously divert it and instead the EC would present Hillary with a unicorn and the presidency or something. I don’t know. It remains incredibly unclear what Obama was actually supposed to accomplish, especially given the reality of how much people listen to him as demonstrated by Republicans over the last 8 years, but apparently he failed at it according to the left.

But hey, let’s all just give up now! HOORAY!

Fuck that, I may need to check out from politics for the rest of the day if that’s what it’s going to consist of. When the emotional reactions are past and we’re ready to talk pragmatics instead of blame and woe and doom and gloom, then we can finally start to get somewhere.

180
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:40:30pm

re: #176 Myron Falwell (no relation)

If we’re lucky, a simple peaceful splintering into multiple countries takes place, or the country is downgraded into confederation status.

At worst, we are the central player in a violent proxy war between China and Russia.

As long as there is electricity I don’t think we’ll splinter.

181
Smith25's Liberal Thighs  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:41:12pm

President Obama has been showing us the way for 8 years. He didn’t let us down; WE LET HIM DOWN. WE didn’t show up for Mid-term elections and off year elections.

182
Citizen K  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:41:38pm

re: #179 klys (maker of Silmarils)

No lie, really tempted to screen cap that and share it (w/credit of course), because that’s about where I’m at currently.

183
Timothy Watson  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:42:03pm

re: #179 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Fuck that, I may need to check out from politics for the rest of the day if that’s what it’s going to consist of. When the emotional reactions are past and we’re ready to talk pragmatics instead of blame and woe and doom and gloom, then we can finally start to get somewhere.

Hear, hear.

184
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:42:20pm

re: #179 klys (maker of Silmarils)

I think a lot of people wanted Obama to fix it. When the proper way to fix it is to do what happened in Kansas, where the Democrats organized like mad, talked to people, and gained the most seats of any state.

185
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:42:40pm

re: #182 Citizen K

No lie, really tempted to screen cap that and share it (w/credit of course), because that’s about where I’m at currently.

Feel free to screencap the text. I don’t need credit (and would prefer my username not attached on the chance it goes viral, honestly >.>).

186
Citizen K  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:43:14pm

re: #185 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Feel free to screencap the text. I don’t need credit (and would prefer my username not attached on the chance it goes viral, honestly >.>).

Fair enough.

187
Tyrion  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:43:29pm

I don’t need a Democratic equivalent of Trump, this man is the guy I voted for, supported and will always consider him the best President in my lifetime.

Almost every step of the way the last eight years, Obama had reacted and provided the type of leadership I think I would have provided if it had been me in his shoes.

He may not be showing enough anger for some, but he is showing his class and that is something that I admire about him.

188
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:43:42pm

We sure as hell cannot forget that Obama’s study was The U.S. Constitution.

Think about it.

189
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:43:52pm

re: #176 Myron Falwell (no relation)

If we’re lucky, a simple peaceful splintering into multiple countries takes place, or the country is downgraded into confederation status.

At worst, we are the central player in a violent proxy war between China and Russia.

I’ve read enough Sci-Fi to have been given enough examples of how many possible outcomes could work. Most of the ones that do work have global levels of bureaucracy. More like the dreaded Open Society concept. People have to be willing to travel for work and be adaptable to different situations. Those that want to stay down on the farm are more and more marginalized.

190
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:43:58pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
191
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:44:18pm

re: #186 Citizen K

Fair enough.

Also now I feel better that I didn’t post my first comment, which was much less clear and used the word fuck a lot more.

192
bratwurst  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:44:40pm

re: #179 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Fuck that, I may need to check out from politics for the rest of the day if that’s what it’s going to consist of. When the emotional reactions are past and we’re ready to talk pragmatics instead of blame and woe and doom and gloom, then we can finally start to get somewhere.

I have been rationing my LGF time for this very reason.

I get feeling horrible, I am right there with you.

We are entitled to process this in our own way…but when it comes to doom and gloom or (even worse) paranoid fantasy, I will find something better to do.

193
Donkey With No Name  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:44:50pm

re: #164 Charles Johnson

Dude, this is angry, passionate Obama.

194
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:45:03pm

re: #184 Belafon

I think a lot of people wanted Obama to fix it. When the proper way to fix it is to do what happened in Kansas, where the Democrats organized like mad, talked to people, and gained the most seats of any state.

people want a Merlin —and forget that Merlin usually give the problem back to human and says “You have the power to solve this yourself.”

195
Bass Reeves  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:45:29pm

re: #170 William Lewis

So here is how I see this. Some communities are ALREADY seeing violence towards them. Some communities have been promised a fascist crackdown. And President Obama in no way has more power as a private citizen than he does as the CINC. I don’t expect him to bar the doors to the WH, I just expected him to lay out the case more directly for the people in the cheap seats.

196
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:46:10pm

re: #193 Donkey With No Name

Dude, this is angry, passionate Obama.

This.

197
Mike Lamb  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:46:15pm

re: #110 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

Unreal that Putin would be treated at face value…

198
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:46:32pm

re: #192 bratwurst

I have been rationing my LGF time for this very reason.

I get feeling horrible, I am right there with you.

We are entitled to process this in our own way…but when it comes to doom and gloom or (even worse) paranoid fantasy, I will find something better to do.

same here. I stay off the internet and submerse myself in fiction. I’m not busting a blood vessel over this crap. No politician is worth it.

All I can do to remain sane is to continue to work in my community as best I can.

199
BeachDem  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:46:45pm

Glad he used the term “domestic propagandists” rather than fake news. Baby steps.

Yes, in my heart I wanted him to blow Trump out of the water, but I understand that he really can’t—and that’s why he is the president and I am commenting on a blog.

200
scottslemmons  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:47:43pm

re: #179 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Fuck that, I may need to check out from politics for the rest of the day if that’s what it’s going to consist of. When the emotional reactions are past and we’re ready to talk pragmatics instead of blame and woe and doom and gloom, then we can finally start to get somewhere.

I’m torn between writing some sci-fi/superhero stories and grinding a few levels on Overwatch…

201
Interesting Times  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:48:04pm

re: #178 scottslemmons

I don’t know what you think he could do. He can’t block Trump from the White House. He can’t declare Hillary the winner. He’s not the Green Lantern.

Well, it might be more because of the build-up to this press conference - many people (myself included) were hoping for some kind of bombshell-smoking-gun so big and so obvious that it could no longer be ignored. And all Obama had to do was reveal whatever it was.

But if it doesn’t exist, it doesn’t exist.

Truth be told, however, Obama’s biggest mistake was not fighting the GOP hard enough from the get-go. How many times was their unprecedented obstruction mentioned by him during his DNC convention speech? Instead, he praised Paul Ryan. That kind of thing embittered the Dem base and led some to conclude establishment Dems were deliberately playing passive enabler to GOP shitbaggery.

This wasn’t an election to run against tRump. It was an election to run against the entire GOP and the nihilistic, burn-it-all-down, if-we-can’t-have-the-country-no-one-can psychopath they’ve become.

202
Citizen K  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:48:07pm

re: #191 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Also now I feel better that I didn’t post my first comment, which was much less clear and used the word fuck a lot more.

Never be afraid of the f-bomb unless you’re in front of grandparents or someone who is/may end up being your boss.

203
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:48:13pm

re: #191 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Also now I feel better that I didn’t post my first comment, which was much less clear and used the word fuck a lot more.

and in the appropriate context!

204
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:48:17pm

re: #198 Birth Control Works

same here. I stay off the internet and submerse myself in fiction. I’m not busting a blood vessel over this crap. No politician is worth it.

All I can do to remain sane is to continue to work in my community as best I can.

I keep pushing others to do it, but I’m going to redirect my worry into the local Democratic party, and make sure I stand up for those who feel threatened.

205
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:50:01pm

re: #204 Belafon

I keep pushing others to do it, but I’m going to redirect my worry into the local Democratic party, and make sure I stand up for those who feel threatened.

Those who are threatened are woman.

Planned Parenthood and your local women’s shelter are the one’s that need support. If women see they are not alone, they can be quite fierce.

206
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:50:13pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
207
Timothy Watson  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:50:29pm

re: #185 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Feel free to screencap the text. I don’t need credit (and would prefer my username not attached on the chance it goes viral, honestly >.>).

Just shared this on my Facebook account:

208
Bass Reeves  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:50:32pm

re: #200 scottslemmons

vZjIJQJ38SLlGEcKcxhELUXNpD9WcMPeB/3Vt33fb1O7vWWS625UB8HzdThWQ//Ri/rH9chlcH/L4g9tJzSmHCcKL9xqO8OkA/bAhFC85miBXuN9QR9fdIekx3JXbc7cCSiQY9vBind1Ke73MqahGQ==

209
b.d.  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:50:38pm

I am going to miss President Obama a lot and I am not going to take any ironic joy watching the people who are bitching about Obama now hoping that any POTUS in the next 20 years acts like him.

210
Dave In Austin  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:50:47pm

A angry and resigned.

211
BeachDem  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:51:22pm

re: #199 BeachDem

Glad he used the term “domestic propagandists” rather than fake news. Baby steps.

Yes, in my heart I wanted him to blow Trump out of the water, but I understand that he really can’t—and that’s why he is the president and I am commenting on a blog.

Adding—I do like that Martha Raddatz kept calling him merely “Trump” and not president-elect or any other title of respect.

212
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:51:44pm

re: #209 b.d.

I am going to miss President Obama a lot and I am not going to take any ironic joy watching the people who are bitching about Obama now hoping that any POTUS in the next 20 years acts like him.

Assuming that there’s another POTUS, of course.

213
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:51:44pm

I went to DK, and since I can’t watch the video, I don’t know what was being said. Someone should have mentioned these, though:

On declassification—we will provide evidence that we can safely provide. But a lot of it is classified and the way we catch folks is by knowing stuff we don’t want them to know we know. Says if people don’t believe the CIA, the FBI, the whole intelligence community are less trustworthy than the Russians, then people should pay attention to what our intelligence agencies are saying. “The Russians can’t change us,” they’re smaller, weaker, don’t innovate, but “they can impact us if we lose track of who we are, abandon our values.” “What I worry about … is certain folks in the Republican party and Republican voters find everything we stand against is okay because they don’t like Democrats.” He’s finally getting a little sharper in his criticism here.

..

“Over a third of Republican voters approve of Vladimir Putin, former head of the KGB. Ronald Reagan would roll over in his grave.”

Edit: I believe it’s the stuff in quotes that an actual direct quote.

214
rhuarc  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:52:22pm

Does anybody have a link to the tweetstorm from yesterday (I think) where the person was talking about how liberals in Nazi Germany tried to “debunk” wild Nazi claims, but that didn’t help at all. That these claims were used as a means to enact horrible policies? I can’t find it now.

215
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:53:26pm

I can see it now. Tons of Tweets, posts and comments about Obama being a “pussy”*

If we wanted him to dump on Trump I will repeat…he is still President and he (and I) hopes to makes it out alive. And I will say it, in these times that IS a concern that so many on the ‘net will never have. And it is a concern I’ve had for the man since he has been president.

If he caused Trump in any way to not take office…how long before there were attempts to do some seriously bad stuff? Don’t think so…go stand in front of the man.

* Sorry for the use of the derogatory word…but you know it is coming and I am not one that is going to facilitate it.

216
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:53:32pm

When I think of Trump actually being POTUS, I come near to vomiting.

I may have to ignore all media for the next 4 years.

217
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:53:51pm

re: #192 bratwurst

I have been rationing my LGF time for this very reason.

I get feeling horrible, I am right there with you.

We are entitled to process this in our own way…but when it comes to doom and gloom or (even worse) paranoid fantasy, I will find something better to do.

We mock Fox News for the endless outrage and yet fail to recognize when we’re at risk of falling into the same cycle - not necessarily that the outrage isn’t justified here, but as scenarios become more and more extreme, stuff that previously seemed out there becomes normal. We know this. We’re talking about it all the time in terms of what the media is doing.

That’s dangerous. Both from a mental health perspective (again, because despair does not generally inspire one to get up and go and do) but also from a talking with people outside the group perspective. Because you arrived at a point incrementally along with the rest of the group, following a logical progression, it seems obvious. But then you mention it to someone outside the group and it’s going to look like it’s coming out of left field, and you’re going to have to do a fair amount of scrambling not just to convince them but to re-establish your credibility in the first place. Not really the best use of time and something that can be, to some extent, guarded against by making sure you’re not falling into a cycle of self-reinforcement.

218
scottslemmons  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:54:54pm

re: #208 Bass Reeves

[Embedded content]

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

219
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:55:25pm

re: #200 scottslemmons

I’m torn between writing some sci-fi/superhero stories and grinding a few levels on Overwatch…

Holiday boxes on Overwatch right now.

220
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:56:04pm

re: #215 ObserverArt

I can see it now. Tons of Tweets, posts and comments about Obama being a “pussy”*

.

I think that is what really confuses me the most about people. So called mature adults really want a national leader that is a Clint Eastwood Character.

People who know better what a POTUS who will say it like he is on the street. It doesn’t work that way and yet they know it, but still want it.

I guess Trump comes closest to the Bad-Ass Superhero meme that anyone else.

221
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:56:53pm

re: #217 klys (maker of Silmarils)

We mock Fox News for the endless outrage and yet fail to recognize when we’re at risk of falling into the same cycle - not necessarily that the outrage isn’t justified here, but as scenarios become more and more extreme, stuff that previously seemed out there becomes normal. We know this. We’re talking about it all the time in terms of what the media is doing.

That’s dangerous. Both from a mental health perspective (again, because despair does not generally inspire one to get up and go and do) but also from a talking with people outside the group perspective. Because you arrived at a point incrementally along with the rest of the group, following a logical progression, it seems obvious. But then you mention it to someone outside the group and it’s going to look like it’s coming out of left field, and you’re going to have to do a fair amount of scrambling not just to convince them but to re-establish your credibility in the first place. Not really the best use of time and something that can be, to some extent, guarded against by making sure you’re not falling into a cycle of self-reinforcement.

Yes, you are correct.

222
Timothy Watson  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:58:02pm

re: #217 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Yep, that’s why I was cringing when the “voter fraud” shit started being pushed by liberals.

223
Bass Reeves  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:58:04pm

re: #219 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Ana and Soldier 76 are my joints.

re: #218 scottslemmons

IGaI0qjvCoJeSRpRjs+RJAnyruxwyzbIYim0upmFsuKD7DQ8BzjtrtQGBnlZqeBFT51V4GfchL4mWyQKvM/RYAzeNauNQeEDpP1U7ZmBVrg=

224
scottslemmons  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:58:28pm

re: #219 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Holiday boxes on Overwatch right now.

Hell, yeah. I saved up my dough just so I could buy a bunch of loot boxes. Haven’t gotten Zarya’s emote or Widowmaker’s highlight intro, but aside from that, I’ve been able to grab almost all the costumes I wanted. :)

225
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:59:34pm

re: #220 Birth Control Works

I think that is what really confuses me the most about people. So called mature adults really want a national leader that is a Clint Eastwood Character.

People who know better what a POTUS who will say it like he is on the street. It doesn’t work that way and yet they know it, but still want it.

I guess Trump comes closest to the Bad-Ass Superhero meme that anyone else.

All falls under that “Political Correctness” BS…that even folks like Bernard Sanders distorts.

226
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:59:40pm

re: #223 Bass Reeves

I play sporadically and suck, but I like Mercy and Lucio. I don’t have good enough aim to play Ana.

227
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 12:59:55pm

OMG, I finally found this graphic!!

I wanted to to share it during a previous discussion about domestic terrorism.

228
Bass Reeves  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:01:09pm

re: #226 klys (maker of Silmarils)

I don’t zoom, aim assist is the truth. I can’t mess with Hanzo or Widowmaker.

229
Arkansawyer  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:01:28pm

re: #227 Birth Control Works

[Embedded content]

OMG, I finally found this graphic!!

I wanted to to share it during a previous discussion about domestic terrorism.

A terrible event. We had something similar happen here.

230
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:02:00pm

re: #228 Bass Reeves

I don’t zoom, aim assist is the truth. I can’t mess with Hanzo or Widowmaker.

I really really really like the concept of Widowmaker.

But I suck.

231
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:02:44pm

232
Jayleia  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:02:53pm

re: #220 Birth Control Works

Bad-Ass Superhero

NO. He is not related to anything referred to as “Bad-Ass” or “Superhero”

He’s the closest thing the US has provided to a Lex Luthor. Except without the cunning, taste or intelligence. A certain Russian elf that is connected with Trump more closely resembles Luthor though…

233
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:02:57pm

re: #219 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Holiday boxes on Overwatch right now.

I’ve been decorating my tree and “Snowitzer” in world of tanks.

234
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:03:24pm

re: #232 Jayleia

NO. He is not related to anything referred to as “Bad-Ass” or “Superhero”

He’s the closest thing the US has provided to a Lex Luthor. Except without the cunning, taste or intelligence. A certain Russian elf that is connected with Trump more closely resembles Luthor though…

true that

235
scottslemmons  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:03:49pm

re: #223 Bass Reeves

Ana and Soldier 76 are my joints.

[Embedded content]

Xn+Fy2uWE9tj3b7ERbk60IkPfT8oKQPvl0hNYOkq7a9wxzhfpTvEAz+ziaMOf+vV7AQav/sDqWpXEYm27vIbjBjRF133Z7G4xiVWyR3F8ewMg6J8sL5+rp3nEc+k5o1Gw5IKkLFANPziHvu9YAlPjH0C+Hlt6ge15QDEOd5ocAhGO+0yN9bVsnsDqui9wEEL+0ByUKyxIIdgWizp55wpaw==

236
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:04:04pm

re: #233 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

I’ve been decorating my tree and “Snowitzer” in world of tanks.

I play some incredibly stupid phone games (shut up, they’re fun and I can do them for like 5 minutes at a time) and I am currently unlocking Kristoff in Disney’s Magic Kingdoms because holiday events!

And pygmy seahorses in Splash. Because fishes!

237
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:04:52pm

re: #205 Birth Control Works

Those who are threatened are woman.

Planned Parenthood and your local women’s shelter are the one’s that need support. If women see they are not alone, they can be quite fierce.

and NOTHING will change without a united female electorate.

238
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:05:19pm

He keeps saying “if we have a strong message.” I wonder what he means?

Oh don’t worry…I know. I hear it a lot.

Problem is everyone has their own interpretation as to what that message is.

For some reason Republicans get to have less than 10 messages and the Democrats have to have 324 million.

That’s a mighty steep hill, but everyone demands a Democrat to climb it.

239
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:07:38pm

re: #236 klys (maker of Silmarils)

I play some incredibly stupid phone games (shut up, they’re fun and I can do them for like 5 minutes at a time) and I am currently unlocking Kristoff in Disney’s Magic Kingdoms because holiday events!

And pygmy seahorses in Splash. Because fishes!

LOL, my wife plays a lot of phone games. I am currently hooked on World of Tanks again, especially with the release of the swedish tanks.

240
scottslemmons  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:07:43pm

re: #226 klys (maker of Silmarils)

I play sporadically and suck, but I like Mercy and Lucio. I don’t have good enough aim to play Ana.

I try to play all the characters, but I’ve never been brave enough to try Hanzo, Genji, or Zenyatta. I’ve tried Widowmaker a few times, and I suck tremendously. My best ones are Junkrat, Roadhog, Symmetra, and a few of the offense characters…

241
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:08:43pm

And it is over. Now starts more of the reality of it all.

242
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:09:00pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
243
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:09:07pm

re: #240 scottslemmons

I try to play all the characters, but I’ve never been brave enough to try Hanzo, Genji, or Zenyatta. I’ve tried Widowmaker a few times, and I suck tremendously. My best ones are Junkrat, Roadhog, Symmetra, and a few of the offense characters…

I really like Zenyatta, actually.

244
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:09:09pm

And with that, there goes possibly the very last farewell address I’ll ever see.

245
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:09:20pm

re: #238 ObserverArt

Until people in Kentucky on Obamacare stop allowing Republicans to lie, it will be easier to be a Republican. Until people stop believing that money defines your worth, it will be easier to be a Republican. Until white people stop believing that they’re better than blacks, it will be easier to be a Republican.

246
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:09:29pm

need more coffee —bbl

247
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:10:16pm

re: #244 Myron Falwell (no relation)

And with that, there goes possibly the very last farewell address I’ll ever see.

We’re just going to have to make sure the next one happens.

248
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:10:32pm

re: #242 Birth Control Works

[Embedded content]

And there it is. So predictable.

249
scottslemmons  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:11:23pm

re: #243 klys (maker of Silmarils)

I really like Zenyatta, actually.

Zenyatta is my brother’s favorite character, but I just can’t get him figured out. I’ve tried him on the training ground, and I just feel like I can’t get him to make sense. There’s a reason he’s a three-star difficulty, at least for me…

250
BeachDem  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:12:00pm

re: #227 Birth Control Works

[Embedded content]

OMG, I finally found this graphic!!

I wanted to to share it during a previous discussion about domestic terrorism.

Not that it’s a burning issue, but that’s why I am so disappointed that they decided to make a movie of “Live By Night,” the second book of Dennis LeHane’s trilogy, skipping over “The Given Day,” which features the Tulsa horrors as part of the story of one of the main characters.

251
Birth Control Works  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:12:14pm

Redi-Whip is in short supply this year. YOu may have to make home-made whip-cream.

The explosion at the Airgas-owned Nitrous Oxide Corp. facility in Cantonment, Fla., had far more dire consequences than a whipped cream shortage. One Airgas employee was killed in the blast. A company investigation into the cause of the accident is still ongoing, Airgas spokeswoman Sarah Boxler said in an email.

The plant’s operations were affected “indefinitely” and the company’s supply of nitrous oxide — also used for medical purposes — was temporarily limited, Boxler said. As Airgas has built its supply back up, the priority has been on meeting the needs of its medical customers, not food manufacturers.

“Airgas Nitrous Oxide is making all possible efforts to remedy the situation as quickly as possible and impacted customers have been notified directly,” Boxler said.

252
scottslemmons  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:12:40pm

re: #249 scottslemmons

Zenyatta is my brother’s favorite character, but I just can’t get him figured out. I’ve tried him on the training ground, and I just feel like I can’t get him to make sense. There’s a reason he’s a three-star difficulty, at least for me…

…And, by the way, I really need to play him some, because I managed to unlock the Nutcracker skin for him…

253
GlutenFreeJesus  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:14:19pm

I don’t want President Obama to act like Trump. Ever. I was fine with the press conference.

254
Sir John Barron  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:15:11pm

Why am I still watching CNN after the president’s press conference is over?

Click.

255
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:16:55pm

re: #251 Birth Control Works

Redi-Whip is in short supply this year. YOu may have to make home-made whip-cream.

Whipping cream, vanilla extract (or vanilla seed) and a little powdered sugar and it beats Redi-Whip by a mile. My hand blender makes the best whipping cream. (BTW, if you whip it up and down while the beater beats, the cream whips up faster [yes, whacking off the cream makes it peak faster]) :-)

There ya go. Sexual juxtaposition improves everything in life.

256
DuckDharma  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:17:07pm

I understand people saying they do not want Obama acting like Trump. On the other hand, I found no reassurance in what he said today. The last few moments The President spoke during this press conference were actually brutal to watch. His demeanor, tone and acceptance of next admin, came off as basically “I tried everyone, have a nice life, hope it works out.”

257
Barefoot Grin  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:18:20pm

re: #253 GlutenFreeJesus

I don’t want President Obama to act like Trump. Ever. I was fine with the press conference.

I think the signal moment was when he reminded us that there will be a report. Better to do the talking then than talking too wildly now.

258
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:18:35pm

Anyone thinking Hillary just cut Barack off the Christmas card list?

If people here wanted more, I’m thinking one campaign wanted more too.

What a mess this election has been, continues to be…Thanks Obama
Trump America.

259
The Vicious Babushka  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:19:13pm

I have to sign off now but I will leave this here so y’all don’t feel too bad.

ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
260
Unshaken Defiance  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:20:35pm

re: #253 GlutenFreeJesus

I don’t want President Obama to act like Trump. Ever. I was fine with the press conference.

To the former-Me neither, to the latter though… Not me not by a long shot.

261
GlutenFreeJesus  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:21:02pm

re: #255 MsJ

Don’t forget a splash of bourbon. :)

262
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:21:55pm

Later Lizards. I’m going to go start dinner and tune guitars and turn on some extra heat in the ol’ music room/studio. Also a good time to let all this settle…

263
GlutenFreeJesus  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:22:25pm

re: #258 ObserverArt

He doesn’t owe her anything. His duty is to the country. Not his preferred candidate for the election.

264
HappyWarrior  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:22:32pm

Haven’t seen the presser yet since I’ve been busy with work. I’m just sad by the whole thing. Bummed that this was even close enough to have the Russians mess up. I’m a lot more cynical about our fellow Americans than I’ve been.

265
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:23:13pm

re: #263 GlutenFreeJesus

He doesn’t owe her anything. His duty is to the country. Not his preferred candidate for the election.

And I bet you if anyone understands that, it’s Hillary. That’s why she would have made a good President.

266
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:23:47pm

One quick word…Malcom Nance is making sense on MSNBC. Later.

267
HappyWarrior  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:24:28pm

re: #265 klys (maker of Silmarils)

And I bet you if anyone understands that, it’s Hillary. That’s why she would have made a good President.

It’s why she made a good SoS too. All things considered, Obama did a lot for her and she for him.

268
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:24:39pm

re: #256 DuckDharma

I understand people saying they do not want Obama acting like Trump. On the other hand, I found no reassurance in what he said today. The last few moments The President spoke during this press conference were actually brutal to watch. His demeanor, tone and acceptance of next admin, came off as basically “I tried everyone, have a nice life, hope it works out.”

What would you, specifically, have wanted Obama to do or say? Invalidate the election? Instill martial law? Call Trump names? There is nothing he can do. The electors could but won’t because either would result in out and out civil war.

I don’t know what people expect but there is no win-win here. There is absolutely nothing Obama can do.

Personally, I would like to see him throw Comey in prison for a few decades but that won’t happen either.

269
GlutenFreeJesus  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:24:40pm

re: #256 DuckDharma

Not sure what else he’s supposed to do. Short of something similar to the hijinx that’s been going on in NC. That kind of thing is uncalled for, no matter who is doing it.

270
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:24:52pm

re: #263 GlutenFreeJesus

He doesn’t owe her anything. His duty is to the country. Not his preferred candidate for the election.

Agreed…I may have left that door open. I was just trying to make an observation.

271
GlutenFreeJesus  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:25:07pm

re: #265 klys (maker of Silmarils)

And I bet you if anyone understands that, it’s Hillary. That’s why she would have made a good President.

Totally.

272
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:31:52pm

re: #269 GlutenFreeJesus

Not sure what else he’s supposed to do. Short of something similar to the hijinx that’s been going on in NC. That kind of thing is uncalled for, no matter who is doing it.

I would love to know a way to stop what’s going on in NC.

273
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:32:05pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
274
Donkey With No Name  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:32:43pm

My take: Obama is, as always, extremely conscious of his role in the office. He’s not going to do anything that he feels is going to damage the Constitution. He’s not scrupulous because he’s the First Black President; he’s scrupulous because he is. He’s decided that forcing a constitutional crisis to keep an elected successor out is not the right thing to do, and, honestly, I think he’s right. (Same reason I’m not really happy with all the elector-talk; do we really want to establish the precedent of having a bunch of minor state party functionaries deciding on their own who the president should be? But, fine, I’d be OK with them throwing the election to the house.)

In his manner, he really had it in for the press and the American public, and I think he got it right: the issue was not that Russia was injecting stuff into our election, it’s that we allowed it to dominate the discourse. As said upthread, he’s not a superhero who will fix everything for us (and neither is Trump) - and the American experiment doesn’t work unless people recognize this fact, that nobody’s going to save them from themselves, in the end.

275
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:32:49pm

re: #272 Belafon

I would love to know a way to stop what’s going on in NC.

I am thinking the only thing Cooper can do is sue the legislature and have it go before the NC Supreme Court.

276
unproven innocence  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:33:17pm

re: #213 Belafon

I went to DK, and since I can’t watch the video, I don’t know what was being said. Someone should have mentioned these, though:

Edit: I believe it’s the stuff in quotes that an actual direct quote.

I believe ALL of that was Obama’s own words.

277
HappyWarrior  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:33:22pm

re: #272 Belafon

I would love to know a way to stop what’s going on in NC.

I would too. You know the GOP wouldn’t stand for it all if McCrory won in a tight margin and the NC Dems pulled that shit.

278
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:33:32pm

re: #275 MsJ

I am thinking the only thing Cooper can do is sue the legislature and have it go before the NC Supreme Court.

He’s pretty much said he’s going to, from an article excerpt I saw floating by on Twitter.

279
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:34:18pm

re: #278 klys (maker of Silmarils)

He’s pretty much said he’s going to, from an article excerpt I saw floating by on Twitter.

I don’t see any other recourse.

Just more proof that the biggest threat to the US is republicans.

280
HappyWarrior  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:35:35pm

re: #279 MsJ

I don’t see any other recourse.

Just more proof that the biggest threat to the US is republicans.

It also speaks to the problem of treating your political party of choice like a favorite sports team.

281
Interesting Times  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:37:17pm

Human nature is a rich and strange thing.

On the one hand, non-violent protest in certain contexts can be incredibly powerful and effective, making the aggressors look weak and cowardly and the peaceful, strong.

Yet on the other hand, people also gravitate toward jerks, bullies, and those who fight dirty, deriding those who play by the rules as “pussies” and weaklings.

Why the disconnect?

282
Jebediah, RBG  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:37:23pm

re: #280 HappyWarrior

Right! There are bigger, more important priorities than running up the score.

283
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:38:00pm

I don’t want Obama to scream and yell, and that would have disappointed me even more. But Donald Trump didn’t suddenly become qualified for the Oval Office, and after months of appropriately calling him out as unfit to be president, I really wish Obama had said something to reach out to his base of progressives and liberals. Because like many other people, I’m not just unhappy about Trump taking office, I’m frightened and I’m not ashamed to say so.

Obama is a thoughtful man and that’s why I’ll always see him as the best president of my lifetime. But I can’t help being disappointed at politician-speak right now. This country is in real danger.

284
HappyWarrior  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:39:14pm

re: #282 Jebediah, RBG

Right! There are bigger, more important priorities than running up the score.

Not merely that but these are issues that effect lives.

285
Jebediah, RBG  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:39:53pm

re: #283 Charles Johnson

I agree with all that. But I did get a grim little chuckle out of the fact that when he referred to his meetings with trump, all he would say was that they were cordial. Nothing to even hint that he had any confidence in trump at all.

286
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:42:39pm

re: #283 Charles Johnson

I don’t want Obama to scream and yell, and that would have disappointed me even more. But Donald Trump didn’t suddenly become qualified for the Oval Office, and after months of appropriately calling him out as unfit to be president, I really wish Obama had said something to reach out to his base of progressives and liberals. Because like many other people, I’m not just unhappy about Trump taking office, I’m frightened and I’m not ashamed to say so.

Obama is a thoughtful man and that’s why I’ll always see him as the best president of my lifetime. But I can’t help being disappointed at politician-speak right now. This country is in real danger.

Would you have felt better if Obama had said we were all screwed because Trump got elected?

I’m asking because I genuinely don’t understand what people appear to have wanted out of Obama, just that they are disappointed that they didn’t get it.

287
Unshaken Defiance  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:42:45pm

re: #283 Charles Johnson

There is miles and miles of room for Obama to show some measured level of intensity and make a far larger impact than today and stay well out of Trump tantrum range. IMHO this morning should have included some steps that had already been taken, and hurt Putin

ReplyReply w/ Quote
288
blueraven  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:45:41pm

re: #253 GlutenFreeJesus

I don’t want President Obama to act like Trump. Ever. I was fine with the press conference.

This is the man we elected…twice. I really don’t know what was expected.
No drama Obama.

289
Interesting Times  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:46:29pm

re: #283 Charles Johnson

Obama is a thoughtful man and that’s why I’ll always see him as the best president of my lifetime. But I can’t help being disappointed at politician-speak right now. This country is in real danger.

This right there goes a long way toward explaining why tRrump won. So many of his supporters essentially said, “sure, he’s a horrible person, but at least he speaks his mind!”

Honestly, it’s like enough of the American electorate in the states that mattered went, fuck it, we’re voting for the troll.

290
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:47:49pm

re: #286 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Would you have felt better if Obama had said we were all screwed because Trump got elected?

I’m asking because I genuinely don’t understand what people appear to have wanted out of Obama, just that they are disappointed that they didn’t get it.

Salvation? Justification? Catharsis?

I think at some level, we all wanted him to make it not be true.

291
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:49:46pm

re: #286 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Would you have felt better if Obama had said we were all screwed because Trump got elected?

I’m asking because I genuinely don’t understand what people appear to have wanted out of Obama, just that they are disappointed that they didn’t get it.

Welp, again - no, I’m not saying he should have gone overboard in any way. But some kind of acknowledgment that Trump is scaring the living hell out of many people in this country would have been appropriate in my opinion, rather than saying Trump will go through a “sobering process” when he’s in office. That’s not going to happen and it really rubbed me the wrong way.

I’m still on Obama’s side. But this press conference was not his best moment, IMO.

292
scottslemmons  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:50:51pm

re: #289 Interesting Times

Honestly, it’s like enough of the American electorate in the states that mattered went, fuck it, we’re voting for the troll.

There’s a lot of nihilism going around. Lots of people were disappointed the world didn’t end in 2000, were disappointed when the Black Guy in the White House won two elections, were disappointed they’re less and less influential. A lot of people decided they wanted to watch the world burn, and they figured at least Trump would be entertaining while he was setting the world alight.

293
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:51:17pm

re: #292 scottslemmons

There’s a lot of nihilism going around. Lots of people were disappointed the world didn’t end in 2000, were disappointed when the Black Guy in the White House won two elections, were disappointed they’re less and less influential. A lot of people decided they wanted to watch the world burn, and they figured at least Trump would be entertaining while he was setting the world alight.

And now it’s the left’s turn to join in on the doom and gloom party!

294
Targetpractice  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:52:28pm

re: #283 Charles Johnson

I don’t want Obama to scream and yell, and that would have disappointed me even more. But Donald Trump didn’t suddenly become qualified for the Oval Office, and after months of appropriately calling him out as unfit to be president, I really wish Obama had said something to reach out to his base of progressives and liberals. Because like many other people, I’m not just unhappy about Trump taking office, I’m frightened and I’m not ashamed to say so.

Obama is a thoughtful man and that’s why I’ll always see him as the best president of my lifetime. But I can’t help being disappointed at politician-speak right now. This country is in real danger.

I still consider one of the biggest mistakes of his presidency coming into office with a very Ford-like “Let’s let the past lie and move forward” towards the acts of the Bush admin. I get that the Great Recession was an on-going issue that needed to be addressed, but by just sweeping everything under the rug in the name of “bipartisanship,” he set the stage for much of the rest of his presidency. The GOP got to dump the entirety of their complicity in the actions of Dubya on him and wash their hands of the whole mess, emboldening them at a time when he should have been holding them accountable.

295
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:52:33pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
296
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:52:35pm

Mrs. FBW and I differ in our approach to this whole debacle.

I cannot abide getting little bits of hope, only to have them dashed again. To me it’s like getting hit with the whole thing again. She wants the little bits of hope, even if they’re dashed, so she doesn’t have to accept the whole thing all at once.

297
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:53:42pm

I think a question that should be asked is “who was the target audience for this press conference?”

I’m not sure I know what the answer is, but I suspect it was not the Democratic base.

298
Belafon  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:55:13pm

re: #293 klys (maker of Silmarils)

And now it’s the left’s turn to join in on the doom and gloom party!

I know I keep harping on this, but when I met the Democrats in my county (where only 1/3 of the people here are Democrats), I can tell you they weren’t into doom or gloom. They were ready to fight. Ready to start the next year and do some work. They laughed way more than I did, and one of the people there ran for the state senate and lost.

299
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:55:14pm

You better watch out,
You might want to cry,
You might scream and shout,
I’m telling you why,
Donald Trump is
Coming to town.

He’s making a list,
Checking it twice,
Gonna find out who’s
Left wing or Right
Donald Trump is
Coming to town.

300
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:56:11pm

re: #298 Belafon

I know I keep harping on this, but when I met the Democrats in my county (where only 1/3 of the people here are Democrats), I can tell you they weren’t into doom or gloom. They were ready to fight. Ready to start the next year and do some work. They laughed way more than I did, and one of the people there ran for the state senate and lost.

They sound like a much nicer bunch than the folks on Twitter, these days.

301
Targetpractice  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:56:12pm

re: #297 klys (maker of Silmarils)

I think a question that should be asked is “who was the target audience for this press conference?”

I’m not sure I know what the answer is, but I suspect it was not the Democratic base.

Honestly, I can’t think of anyone who will look on this speech favorably. The GOP think the whole Russian hacking story is a political play by the admin, while their base think it’s blatant propaganda because their buddy Assange tells them so. And the DNC is unlikely to take the whole “Trump will come around” bit any more seriously than their base does.

302
Clearly a Country For Sick Old Haters  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:56:40pm

re: #113 Birth Control Works

So, I just finished binge watching The Wire —not Sci-Fi for a change.

It’s a very well done show. Explains alot.

The Wire is great. You should also see The Corner.

303
Interesting Times  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:59:04pm

re: #286 klys (maker of Silmarils)

I’m asking because I genuinely don’t understand what people appear to have wanted out of Obama, just that they are disappointed that they didn’t get it.

I wanted him to drop a bombshell so earth-shattering that even a good chunk of tRump supporters would say, well shit, faithless electors, do yo’ thang. You know, the mega-oppo drop that @therickwilson kept hinting at, the “there” that was supposed to be there.

But I suppose it’s obvious now there’s no such animal.

Barring that, he could have also avoided (as Charles said) giving tRump the benefit of the doubt, since doing so at this point is enabling the normalizing of fascism.

But really, the damage that enabled the rise of tRump was done a long time ago, and yes, Obama made it worse (e.g. failing to call out GOP obstructionism in a meaningful way at the right time and kneecapping HRC in the rust belt states with the TPP)

304
jeffreyw  Dec 16, 2016 • 1:59:13pm

Imgur

Imgur

Imgur

Imgur

305
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:02:04pm

/sigh

Later, Lizards.

306
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:02:16pm

On a related topic, I have never in all my days seen so naked an exercise of partisanship in governance as is happening now in North Carolina. It is appalling. The fact that it is being normalized worries me as much as Trump does. It’s basically Calvinball, written into State law.

My understanding is that when the GOP took over the Governor’s mansion, there were 500 positions appointed by the Governor. The GOP Legislature expanded that to 1500 under McCrory. Now that a Democrat will be Governor, they’re cutting it back to 300. And that’s just one example.

It really does boil down to ‘whatever we can get away with’.

307
wrenchwench  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:03:50pm

I think having gone to bed on Nov. 8th before the reality was known reduced the trauma of Trump’s election. I think those who watched the results in real time are suffering more.

This is not meant to minimize anything. The trauma is real in both situations, but those, ‘oh my god, NONONONO!’ memories in combination with the immediate knowledge of the possible consequences make for a noxious brew.

I could not stay up. I count myself lucky in hindsight.

308
DuckDharma  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:08:51pm

re: #268 MsJ

I guess there’s no way to criticize the imbecile about to be in charge of the country without calling him names, then. I think a lot of folks were expecting Obama to be with them and at least address the fear in the country right now and the doubt surrounding the election. What happened was he just looked and sounded so checked out. A lot of talk about faith in institutions that to many people are ready to collapse next month. In between a cavalier attitude about how the Russians can’t change us the only time he veered away from being on complete diplomat autopilot was the expression of disappointment and almost exhaustion in his voice when he said that voting matters, and when he said Trump has made it very clear what’s important to him, and when he reminded us again of what his admin has done. I thought it was clear at that moment that he felt let down. So it was just pretty depressing to see that yeah, in fact, there is nothing that can be done before the inauguration

309
EPR-radar  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:09:41pm

re: #303 Interesting Times

I wanted him to drop a bombshell so earth-shattering that even a good chunk of tRump supporters would say, well shit, faithless electors, do yo’ thang. You know, the mega-oppo drop that @therickwilson kept hinting at, the “there” that was supposed to be there.

But I suppose it’s obvious now there’s no such animal.

Barring that, he could have also avoided (as Charles said) giving tRump the benefit of the doubt, since doing so at this point is enabling the normalizing of fascism.

But really, the damage that enabled the rise of tRump was done a long time ago, and yes, Obama made it worse (e.g. failing to call out GOP obstructionism in a meaningful way at the right time and kneecapping HRC in the rust belt states with the TPP)

Not only is there no such thing as that earth-shattering revelation, it is categorically impossible for such a revelation to exist.

No possible news about Trump will make a damn bit of difference in what the electoral college does in a few days. Maybe, if we’re very lucky, years of disaster under POTUS Trump will sink in with the electorate, and the good guys can make progress in 2018 and 2020.

310
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:09:58pm

re: #293 klys (maker of Silmarils)

And now it’s the left’s turn to join in on the doom and gloom party!

Honestly, it is hard not to.

I have seen a couple of picks Trump made which were ok (meaning not completely insane) but the majority of his selections for everything are unskilled, unqualified or horrible people. I am mostly tuning out because when I tune in, doom and gloom is pretty much all I feel.

311
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:11:09pm

re: #295 Charles Johnson

ReplyReply w/ Quote
312
Sir John Barron  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:11:10pm

re: #307 wrenchwench

I think having gone to bed on Nov. 8th before the reality was known reduced the trauma of Trump’s election. I think those who watched the results in real time are suffering more.

This is not meant to minimize anything. The trauma is real in both situations, but those, ‘oh my god, NONONONO!’ memories in combination with the immediate knowledge of the possible consequences make for a noxious brew.

I could not stay up. I count myself lucky in hindsight.

Yeah, it was a terrible experience. Believe me. Worse than 1994 and 2010.

313
wrenchwench  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:14:27pm

re: #312 Sir John Barron

Yeah, it was a terrible experience. Believe me. Worse than 1994 and 2010.

I remember 1980, the morning after, riding my bike to work in Orange County, California. Swearing.

314
William Lewis  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:18:18pm

This might be why Obama didn’t push things as much as we’d hoped:

bbc.com

The US has issued a formal request to China to deliver an unmanned underwater drone that was seized in international waters, US officials say.

The Chinese navy seized the US underwater research vessel in the South China Sea on Thursday, the US alleges.

The incident took place just as the USNS Bowditch, an oceanographic survey ship, was about to retrieve it.

The device, dubbed an “ocean glider”, was used to test water salinity and temperature, officials say.

The data was part of an unclassified programme to map underwater channels, Pentagon spokesman Capt Jeff Davis told reporters. “It was taken” by China, Capt Davis said during a press briefing on Friday. “The UUV [unmanned underwater vehicle] was lawfully conducting a military survey in the waters of the South China Sea,” he added.
“It’s a sovereign immune vessel, clearly marked in English not to be removed from the water - that it was US property.”

Thanks Trump for already fucking up US/Sino relations.

315
retired cynic  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:18:46pm

re: #313 wrenchwench

I remember 1980, the morning after, riding my bike to work in Orange County, California. Swearing.

I was sick in 1972, really sick in 1980, sick in 1988, devastated in 2000 and 2004, and you can put all of them together for last November.

316
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:19:53pm

Some pretty raw emotions here. But I’m expressing my honest opinion about what I just saw. I’m not turning on Obama, and of course I don’t want him to act like Trump.

ReplyReply w/ Quote
317
retired cynic  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:20:10pm

Opinion piece in WP by John Podesta about the FBI:

washingtonpost.com

318
Donkey With No Name  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:22:47pm

re: #308 DuckDharma

I guess there’s no way to criticize the imbecile about to be in charge of the country without calling him names, then. I think a lot of folks were expecting Obama to be with them and at least address the fear in the country right now and the doubt surrounding the election. What happened was he just looked and sounded so checked out. A lot of talk about faith in institutions that to many people are ready to collapse next month. In between a cavalier attitude about how the Russians can’t change us the only time he veered away from being on complete diplomat autopilot was the expression of disappointment and almost exhaustion in his voice when he said that voting matters, and when he said Trump has made it very clear what’s important to him, and when he reminded us again of what his admin has done. I thought it was clear at that moment that he felt let down. So it was just pretty depressing to see that yeah, in fact, there is nothing that can be done before the inauguration

Sorry, going to totally disagree. I didn’t see a “checked-out” Obama. What I saw was a man who was still President and has a fundamentally optimistic opinion of the capacity of the American people. And if we on the left throw that out and ask for our own strongman to fix all the problems by running roughshod over our institutions, well, that’s as much the end of the experiment.

319
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:23:21pm

Get a load of this pandering piece of shit.

ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
320
HappyWarrior  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:23:43pm

re: #312 Sir John Barron

Yeah, it was a terrible experience. Believe me. Worse than 1994 and 2010.

The worst is when you don’t expect it. Thus 2016 and 2004 were tough for me. I know 2004 wasn’t a surprise really but I was young and idealistic.

321
retired cynic  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:24:16pm

re: #319 Charles Johnson

Get a load of this pandering piece of shit.

[Embedded content]

He has no bottom.

322
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:24:30pm

re: #319 Charles Johnson

Get a load of this pandering piece of shit.

[Embedded content]

Oh, for fuck’s sake!

323
sagehen  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:24:49pm

re: #303 Interesting Times

m.

But really, the damage that enabled the rise of tRump was done a long time ago, and yes, Obama made it worse (e.g. failing to call out GOP obstructionism in a meaningful way at the right time and kneecapping HRC in the rust belt states with the TPP)

The whole point of TPP was that CHINA ISN’T A PART OF IT!! It’s to allow us to have continuing priority in those dozen nations that without TPP they’ll fall into China’s sphere of influence.

324
HappyWarrior  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:26:26pm

2010 stank but you saw it coming and honestly the GOP didn’t gain the Senate as expected.

325
petesh  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:27:38pm

re: #233 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

I’ve been decorating my tree and “Snowitzer” in world of tanks.

We’ve been decorating our physical tree with the Obama ornaments we made with the kids eight years ago. We cut a bunch of cartoons and photos out of magazines and mounted them; and kept them with the Christmas ornaments. It’s good to see them again. And weren’t they young!

326
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:28:11pm

re: #323 sagehen

The whole point of TPP was that CHINA ISN’T A PART OF IT!! It’s to allow us to have continuing priority in those dozen nations that without TPP they’ll fall into China’s sphere of influence.

TPP is the Common Core of Foreign Policy - hated by many, understood by few, and completely different from what most people think it is.

327
Donkey With No Name  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:28:50pm

re: #323 sagehen

The whole point of TPP was that CHINA ISN’T A PART OF IT!! It’s to allow us to have continuing priority in those dozen nations that without TPP they’ll fall into China’s sphere of influence.

Exactly. That and the fact that a lot of the non-manufacturing heartland was for TPP - more markets for agricultural products for instance.

I’ll say it before, I’ll say it again - I think TPP got all the angst about trade agreements projected on it, rather than being evaluated on its merits. If copyrights and the ability of companies to sue countries was the big issue for you, OK, but if the main objection was “NAFTA bad therefore no TPP!” the point was totally missed.

328
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:29:28pm

re: #223 Bass Reeves

W4Etc2DF6Yx/kjJ0JdrFWD9ZcoiTlngU7v6tLdN/+JueNUM7MkgEbeq3uKwuSN+ICmQ2orwavuF2DkhJoP7Z/w==

329
EPR-radar  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:29:59pm

re: #318 Donkey With No Name

Sorry, going to totally disagree. I didn’t see a “checked-out” Obama. What I saw was a man who was still President and has a fundamentally optimistic opinion of the capacity of the American people. And if we on the left throw that out and ask for our own strongman to fix all the problems by running roughshod over our institutions, well, that’s as much the end of the experiment.

It’s true that it’s game over if the left joins the right in abandoning the institutions.

However, it remains to be seen if it is game over anyway. The nation cannot endure forever half-free and half-FauxNews. It must eventually become one or the other. Assuming the final failure of the GOP wrecking crew without sufficient evidence is obviously a fool’s errand.

330
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:32:14pm

re: #317 retired cynic

Opinion piece in WP by John Podesta about the FBI:

washingtonpost.com

Page not found.

331
wrenchwench  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:34:11pm

It’s almost 2 years old, but it has become timely again.

ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
333
sagehen  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:35:07pm

re: #330 MsJ

Page not found.

TPM has an excerpt, and commentary about it

talkingpointsmemo.com

334
blueraven  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:35:37pm

re: #308 DuckDharma

I guess there’s no way to criticize the imbecile about to be in charge of the country without calling him names, then. I think a lot of folks were expecting Obama to be with them and at least address the fear in the country right now and the doubt surrounding the election. What happened was he just looked and sounded so checked out. A lot of talk about faith in institutions that to many people are ready to collapse next month. In between a cavalier attitude about how the Russians can’t change us the only time he veered away from being on complete diplomat autopilot was the expression of disappointment and almost exhaustion in his voice when he said that voting matters, and when he said Trump has made it very clear what’s important to him, and when he reminded us again of what his admin has done. I thought it was clear at that moment that he felt let down. So it was just pretty depressing to see that yeah, in fact, there is nothing that can be done before the inauguration

That is the reality tho. There is no way to determine how many votes Hillary lost and where they occurred that might have been a result of the Russians/wikileaks.

At this point, all we can do is press on…hold Trump, GOP, and Dems feet to the fire. Get organized for 2018 and 2020.

335
DuckDharma  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:36:57pm

re: #318 Donkey With No Name

Hmm. Not hoping for a strongman for the left to fix things for us. But the POTUS giving his final presser in this chit-chatty way, trailing off on answers, glossing over the abnormality of the last month while people are fucking scared to death out there was not much of a pep talk.

336
Donkey With No Name  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:37:57pm

re: #329 EPR-radar

However, it remains to be seen if it is game over anyway. The nation cannot endure forever half-free and half-FauxNews. It must eventually become one or the other. Assuming the final failure of the GOP wrecking crew without sufficient evidence is obviously a fool’s errand.

Of course. But it’s up to us. Obama’s not going to save us, Warren isn’t going to save us, even Bernie’s not going to save us.

And I realize this is is easy to say - I don’t have an awful lot of good ideas beyond bugging my idiot congressmen, trying to stand up for the existence and value of the truth, and not being apologetic for the values of the Democratic Party. But I’m going to try, damn it.

337
sagehen  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:38:22pm

re: #334 blueraven

At this point, all we can do is press on…hold Trump, GOP, and Dems feet to the fire. Get organized for 2018 and 2020.

On the off-chance that there will actually be elections in those years?

338
Skip Intro  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:39:50pm

re: #337 sagehen

On the off-chance that there will actually be elections in those years?

There will still be elections. The question is who will still be allowed to vote after 2/4 years of complete GOP control and and a couple of Trump SC justices.

339
blueraven  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:40:00pm

re: #337 sagehen

On the off-chance that there will actually be elections in those years?

There will be. Even Trump can be impeached.

340
William Lewis  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:41:41pm

re: #339 blueraven

There will be. Even Trump can be impeached.

Oh, I expect he will be. The GOP far prefers Ayatollah Pense in charge instead of the Thief In Chief. That will be actually worse for the nation if slightly better for the world.

341
Donkey With No Name  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:42:18pm

re: #335 DuckDharma

Hmm. Not hoping for a strongman for the left to fix things for us. But the POTUS giving his final presser in this chit-chatty way, trailing off on answers, glossing over the abnormality of the last month while people are fucking scared to death out there was not much of a pep talk.

Plenty of time for D pep talks when it’s not a presidential press conference.

Have you ever seen Obama respond to questions? He always parses his responses extremely carefully; there were a couple of occasions where he clearly bit back what he wanted to say in favor of something more neutral.

343
Stanley Sea  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:44:57pm

re: #319 Charles Johnson

Get a load of this pandering piece of shit.

[Embedded content]

I like the name The Red Hats. Brown shirts, red hats. Potato pahtato.

344
Interesting Times  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:45:33pm

re: #327 Donkey With No Name

I’ll say it before, I’ll say it again - I think TPP got all the angst about trade agreements projected on it, rather than being evaluated on its merits. If copyrights and the ability of companies to sue countries was the big issue for you, OK, but if the main objection was “NAFTA bad therefore no TPP!” the point was totally missed.

Yes, plus a heaping pile of other measures that would’ve been especially craptastic for Canada.

I don’t object to trade deals per sae, but I do object to corporate giveaways.

345
gocart mozart  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:45:38pm

This link works

ReplyReply w/ Quote
346
DuckDharma  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:45:39pm

re: #334 blueraven

re: #341 Donkey With No Name

This is why people are complaining. Again with this? Really? Not now! The presser’s “neutrality” was the equivalent of a CNN headline. Extremely frustrating.

347
goddamnedfrank  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:49:40pm

Obama is President of this national crap sandwich and everyone’s going to take a bite. There’s no responsible way for him to either sell that as a yummy proposition or to tell us that we’re all about to die of e-coli poisoning. He has to try and mitigate what’s coming in a way that does the least damage to the entire country. People looking at the situation in hindsight and wishing he’d done this or that differently, myself included, are in many cases ignoring the inherent risk in those options. It’s been his curse that throughout most of his time in office he’s had no adult to partner with on the Republican side and far too many cowards among his own Democratic allies.

348
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:50:13pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
349
Timothy Watson  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:51:59pm

Facebook Post

350
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:52:11pm

re: #333 sagehen

TPM has an excerpt, and commentary about it

talkingpointsmemo.com

Thanks!

351
retired cynic  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:53:09pm

re: #330 MsJ

Page not found.

I’m sorry! It had a long email link and I truncated it in the wrong place.

washingtonpost.com?

352
MsJ  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:53:30pm

re: #340 William Lewis

Oh, I expect he will be. The GOP far prefers Ayatollah Pense in charge instead of the Thief In Chief. That will be actually worse for the nation if slightly better for the world.

There is no winning anywhere. What you said is completely on the money.

353
retired cynic  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:56:39pm

re: #338 Skip Intro

There will still be elections. The question is who will still be allowed to vote after 2/4 years of complete GOP control and and a couple of Trump SC justices.

I guess I am about to the point that I want the Democrats to filibuster and block all of Trump’s SC nominees. I know that way lies madness, but what other options do we have for any sort of input?

354
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 16, 2016 • 2:56:59pm

The other side is playing this like Calvinball, totally without scruple or principle. They have convinced themselves it’s a fight for their very survival, and internalized the idea that there are no rules in a fight for your life.

355
gocart mozart  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:01:26pm
ReplyReply w/ QuoteImages

so this is a thing #CatsJudgingKellyanne

356
wrenchwench  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:04:31pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
357
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:05:31pm

re: #340 William Lewis

Oh, I expect he will be. The GOP far prefers Ayatollah Pense in charge instead of the Thief In Chief. That will be actually worse for the nation if slightly better for the world.

Such a choice is like asking if you would prefer your execution by the guillotine or by being eaten alive by fire ants…

358
ObserverArt  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:06:20pm

re: #340 William Lewis

Oh, I expect he will be. The GOP far prefers Ayatollah Pense in charge instead of the Thief In Chief. That will be actually worse for the nation if slightly better for the world.

re: #352 MsJ

There is no winning anywhere. What you said is completely on the money.

Following a bit while munching on dinner…

Maybe a decent scenario could come from Pence taking over after a Republican congress impeaches Trump.

Should it happen, the Trump supporters, many Republican, many Independents, would be livid their guy got run out of office by the party. This would go back on the party making Trump sign a statement he would back the Republican candidate. They would think Trump got back stabbed big time.

That would then cause them to distrust Pence because they didn’t vote for him. That may cause a huge rift in the Republican party and cost them some of their own members and all of those Independents.

Just a quick thought.

359
allegro  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:12:00pm

Late to weighing in… I was first kinda stunned at Obama’s seeming “no big deal” attitude WRT Russia. Eh, I told Putin to stop and he did. When asked about Trump and team’s ties to Russia it was, Eh, the Senate will ask questions. Like others have said his comments about Trump “sobering” once he’s in power I found actually chilling because we all know better. Like Charles said, we’re frightened by what we’re seeing and for damn good reason and now I think I may be feeling even more scared by this added normalization of what is so NOT NORMAL.

I’m depressed.

360
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:12:01pm

ICYMI, this was tweeted during Obama’s presser:

ReplyReply w/ Quote

followed by this:

ReplyReply w/ Quote
361
wrenchwench  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:12:25pm

re: #355 gocart mozart

[Embedded content]

so this is a thing #CatsJudgingKellyanne

ReplyReply w/ Quote
362
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:13:20pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
363
thedopefishlives  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:15:04pm

Evening Lizardim. So what all did I miss while I was prepping for the Snowpocalypse?

364
Timothy Watson  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:17:38pm

re: #362 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

Anita Kumar is a name I haven’t seen in years, she used to cover Virginia politics for The Washington Post and I remember reading a lot of her stuff during previous state elections and General Assembly sessions.

365
Donkey With No Name  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:19:21pm

re: #359 allegro

What do you want him to say that would actually be productive?

366
Honey Punch!  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:21:26pm

re: #206 Charles Johnson

He’s not wrong.

367
Jebediah, RBG  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:25:24pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
368
wrenchwench  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:27:58pm

re: #366 Honey Punch!

He’s not wrong.

Care to elaborate?

369
allegro  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:32:11pm

re: #365 Donkey With No Name

What do you want him to say that would actually be productive?

Good question. I think it may have helped to feel as though our fears were acknowledged, concerns with Trump’s blatant conflicts of interests and a call, a challenge if you will, to Congress to stand up and do their jobs they swore to uphold the constitution that Trump is already shredding. Maybe at least lay some guilt on them in his own Obama kinda way to at least feel bad about killing all us poor and olds off with their intended actions.

370
Timothy Watson  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:35:02pm

Politics break:

DMX - Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

371
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:35:07pm
ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
372
Targetpractice  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:36:10pm

re: #360 Backwoods_Sleuth

ICYMI, this was tweeted during Obama’s presser:

[Embedded content]

Putin’s “strength” lies largely in the sycophants he is cultivating not only at home, but also abroad who are assisting him in weakening Russia’s traditional rivals. And yes, Lindsey, that includes chucklefucks like yourself who willfully sabotage your commander-in-chief than call him “weak.”

373
William Lewis  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:36:25pm

re: #368 wrenchwench

Care to elaborate?

It goes back to the sense of disappointment on the Left after Obama was in office for a few months and turned out to be exactly what he campaigned as - an economic moderate and a slightly left of center socially president. Many expected him to turn into this flaming socialist and were massively disappointed when he didn’t. This lead to the curbstomping we took in 2010 as the disappointed stayed home like the spoiled brats they were. I wasn’t surprised then as I’d been listening to what he said not what was being projected upon him.

I think they’re arguing that this sense of “Why won’t he do more” is simply more of the same projection and that he is being the same president he always was and is more concerned with protecting the nation as a whole than pandering to people.

374
Donkey With No Name  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:40:11pm

Here’s the thing. I’m in several categories of persons who have a lot to worry about under a Trump administration. And I worry for those who are in a worse situation than me. But Obama’s point wasn’t to specifically chew out Trump, which he will have plenty of opportunity to do in the future once things are more tangible - it’s not like it’s illegal to have an entire cabinet from Goldman Sachs.

What he was clearly angry with was the climate that enabled Trump to happen in the first place - one in which the federal government is treated as a reality show. That’s a problem of the press, of a collapse of civic engagement, of both-sider cynicism, of a consumerist attitude to life … Perhaps it’s too late to try to fix these, but his general attitude seems to be that he’s not going to be the one to give up on the republic.

375
wrenchwench  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:41:02pm

re: #373 William Lewis

It goes back to the sense of disappointment on the Left after Obama was in office for a few months and turned out to be exactly what he campaigned as - an economic moderate and a slightly left of center socially president. Many expected him to turn into this flaming socialist and were massively disappointed when he didn’t. This lead to the curbstomping we took in 2010 as the disappointed stayed home like the spoiled brats they were. I wasn’t surprised then as I’d been listening to what he said not what was being projected upon him.

I think they’re arguing that this sense of “Why won’t he do more” is simply more of the same projection and that he is being the same president he always was and is more concerned with protecting the nation as a whole than pandering to people.

What it goes back to is white (liberals and otherwise) thinking that ‘angry negro’ and ‘magic negro’ are terms that can be used without looking like an ignorant bigot. IMHO. (Not you.)

376
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:45:01pm

re: #349 Timothy Watson

“The event was dubbed “the Deploraball” - a proposal was issued, as seen in a tweet from one of the organizers.”

Oh for fucks sake.

377
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:46:26pm
ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
378
Interesting Times  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:47:03pm

Hahaha:

ReplyReply w/ Quote
379
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:48:21pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
380
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:49:38pm
ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
381
wrenchwench  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:54:48pm

re: #380 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

Pink underwear for the rest of his life.

382
retired cynic  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:56:44pm

re: #380 Backwoods_Sleuth

THIS is fine.

383
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:57:51pm

re: #366 Honey Punch!

He’s not wrong.

Seriously? You think I wanted Obama to be an “angry negro?” What the fuck.

384
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 16, 2016 • 3:59:04pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
386
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:04:33pm
ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
387
BlueGrl21  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:06:55pm

Folks, we are ramping up a covert cyber-war with the Russians. It will operate in secret. There is a very limited amount of information President Obama can convey.

He also cannot tip his hand to Trump if there is emerging evidence Trump colluded with the Russians. The evidence must be gathered and taken to Congress because when Trump is in office he would bury it as well as fight ANY sanctions put in place against Russia.

This is the ultimate 11-dimensional chess. We have a Russian puppet about to take office and that cannot be stopped Constitutionally. What is left is impeachment and we MUST have the evidence needed to do so. Quickly. Strong enough that it can be publicly released to the media because we know the Republicans will not impeach unless forced with iron-clad evidence of collusion.

There is only so much he can say or do publicly and the clock is ticking.

388
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:07:11pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
389
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:09:29pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
390
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:11:56pm

re: #389 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

“But it was the strawberries! That’s when I knew they were all against me!”

391
Jebediah, RBG  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:16:17pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
392
Targetpractice  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:16:24pm

re: #389 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

Dubya at least waited until after he’d gotten the war he wanted before turning the CIA into his patsy. Trump is just going ahead and declaring war on the CIA before he’s even in office.

393
Stanley Sea  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:17:06pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
394
Scottishdragon  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:17:44pm

Dumping politics for tonight. Saw Star Wars: Rogue One last night and loved. Better than The Force Awakens IMO.

However…

Click to Reveal

Even on low power setting, the Death Star does a lot of damage when it shoots at something…especially targets on the ground. Now, causing a nuclear apocalypse in your neighborhood is bound to be unhealthy for anybody nearby, and you can see plenty of evidence of that as massive slabs of bedrock get thrown into the air and ejecta actually leaves the atmosphere similar what might be seen in a bolide impact. That being said, shock waves travel through the ground real fast…much faster than in the air. After all, the atoms are much closer together in a solid, allowing for more efficient transmission of wave energy. So when the Death Star creates a 10+ on the Richter Scale catastrophe, there would not be any people running outside to watch the oncoming nightmare or trying to get to the convenient starship. They would be unable to even stand as the wave front proceeding the ground disintegration made any sort of movement impossible. You would die without even being able to see or understand what killed your and the continent you were just standing around on.

395
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:21:50pm

re: #393 Stanley Sea

Sinclair Broadcast Group also has close ties to Armstrong Williams, who not only heads “Howard Stirk Holdings” (a shell company intended to function as a license holder for a station run by Sinclair) he also serves as Ben Carson’s spokesman.

396
Charles Johnson  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:22:43pm

Current mood.

397
Stanley Sea  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:23:35pm

Other stuff is going on

ReplyReply w/ QuoteRetweetVideo
398
Myron Falwell (no relation)  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:23:42pm

re: #379 Backwoods_Sleuth

They’ll try to book lemonade instead.

399
Stanley Sea  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:27:42pm

re: #395 Myron Falwell (no relation)

Sinclair Broadcast Group also has close ties to Armstrong Williams, who not only heads “Howard Stirk Holdings” (a shell company intended to function as a license holder for a station run by Sinclair) he also serves as Ben Carson’s spokesman.

The grift game is strong.

400
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:30:06pm

re: #397 Stanley Sea

Other stuff is going on

[Embedded content]

ReplyReply w/ QuoteRetweetVideo

Chief Gregory Dean gives the go-ahead to the Tower 3 crew to lift #KaheemSavesDC atop the @Newseum so that this mission can be accomplished

401
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:32:43pm
ReplyReply w/ QuoteImage
402
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:35:13pm

re: #386 Backwoods_Sleuth

A secret server! Wow what fancy tech talk.

403
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:35:33pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
404
BeachDem  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:37:18pm

re: #395 Myron Falwell (no relation)

Sinclair Broadcast Group also has close ties to Armstrong Williams, who not only heads “Howard Stirk Holdings” (a shell company intended to function as a license holder for a station run by Sinclair) he also serves as Ben Carson’s spokesman.

And was also a paid propagandist for the Bush administration.

405
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:39:00pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
406
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 16, 2016 • 4:43:00pm
ReplyReply w/ Quote
ReplyReply w/ Quote
407
retired cynic  Dec 16, 2016 • 5:36:35pm

“But I already told you that I can’t even.”

“You have to even. We need you to even, out there with all the rest of us.” - John Scalzi

408
sagehen  Dec 16, 2016 • 5:53:58pm

re: #403 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

So Hillary’s entire popular vote margin is less than her California margin. The rest of the country, not counting Cali, really did overall prefer the yam.


This article has been archived.
Comments are closed.

Jump to top

Create a PageThis is the LGF Pages posting bookmarklet. To use it, drag this button to your browser's bookmark bar, and title it 'LGF Pages' (or whatever you like). Then browse to a site you want to post, select some text on the page to use for a quote, click the bookmarklet, and the Pages posting window will appear with the title, text, and any embedded video or audio files already filled in, ready to go.
Or... you can just click this button to open the Pages posting window right away.
Last updated: 2023-04-04 11:11 am PDT LGF User's Guide RSS Feeds

Help support Little Green Footballs!

Subscribe now for ad-free access!Register and sign in to a free LGF account before subscribing, and your ad-free access will be automatically enabled.

Donate with
PayPal Cash.app
Recent PagesClick to refresh
Once Praised, the Settlement to Help Sickened BP Oil Spill Workers Leaves Most With Nearly Nothing When a deadly explosion destroyed BP’s Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico, 134 million gallons of crude erupted into the sea over the next three months — and tens of thousands of ordinary people were hired ...
Cheechako
3 hours ago
Views: 44 • Comments: 0 • Rating: 0
Texas County at Center of Border Fight Is Overwhelmed by Migrant Deaths EAGLE PASS, Tex. - The undertaker lighted a cigarette and held it between his latex-gloved fingers as he stood over the bloated body bag lying in the bed of his battered pickup truck. The woman had been fished out ...
Cheechako
4 days ago
Views: 160 • Comments: 0 • Rating: 1