In Which Joe Biden Suggests He Might Pick a Republican as Running Mate [VIDEO]

Politics • Views: 24,365

YouTube

Yeesh.

I’m beginning to realize that Joe Biden’s going to be the Democratic nominee, and this statement shows again why I’m really not feeling all that great about it. In which universe is he going to find a Republican worthy of being a dog catcher, let alone a vice president?

I know he’s trying to project that image of quiet old white normalcy, but after what’s happened this kind of stuff feels nearly as delusional as one of Trump’s rants.

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201 comments
1
Barefoot Grin  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:11:03pm

Welp.

2
I Would Prefer Not To  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:11:42pm

Private message to Joe Biden: check your calendar, we are no longer living in the 1970s.

3
retired cynic  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:19:11pm

Someone last thread had more context. He said something like find me a reasonable one and I’ll consider it.

edited typo

4
Dread Pirate  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:21:27pm
5
PhillyPretzel  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:21:31pm

re: #3 retired cynic

At this point I cannot see anyone who would fit the bill. Joe would better off with a former governor or mayor type as a running mate.

6
Charles Johnson  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:21:42pm

Oh yeah, he says that in the video above. Nonetheless he absolutely did say he’d be open to the idea of picking a Republican, and followed it with a statement about the “really decent Republicans out there.”

I dunno if the context really makes it all that much better, and this is just the latest in a line of similar statements.

7
Charles Johnson  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:25:47pm

People jumping to correct me on Twitter now, based on the headline without reading the post or watching the video. Of course.

8
William Lewis  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:26:07pm

Charles, i wouldn’t bore everyone with a repeat, but I ranted in the last thread about the simple fact that the Republicans are enemies of the nation.

GOP Delenda Est.

9
Charles Johnson  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:26:50pm

The headline’s accurate - he did suggest he’d consider a Republican.

10
Charles Johnson  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:28:01pm
11
I Would Prefer Not To  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:29:46pm

Also, Joe is old. If he dies while in office the VP takes over. It’s fucking stupid to even consider this. when asked a question like this use to say what you are fighting for: healthcare, the environment, dream act, etc. THERE ARE NO REPUBLICANS THAT SUPPORT WHAT WE WANT. You might as well ask if he would have a Unicorn for VP. Or the tooth fairy. Is Santa Claus available after Christmas?

/rant. I’m hungry, going to get some dinner.

12
RinaX  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:33:13pm

Nice to see this website jump on the hysteria bandwagon. I read that as a nice burn on the likes of Flake and Collins, but no, its gotta be that Biden is dying to have a Republican running mate.

It has become extremely difficult to take criticism of Republican misinformation efforts seriously when I see things like this.

13
Rightwingconspirator  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:39:13pm

Bah. this is a distraction. Red Herring play by Joe.

14
PhillyPretzel  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:40:51pm

re: #13 Rightwingconspirator

I agree. Joe knows how to play the game.

15
The Pie Overlord!  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:43:02pm

I am updating my inactive website right now to put ©2020 in the page footer instead of ©2019 and I HAVE NOT ADDED ANY NEW CONTENT SINCE 2017.

I am ashamed, but too lazy to put in new content.

16
retired cynic  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:46:44pm

re: #13 Rightwingconspirator

Bah. this is a distraction. Red Herring play by Joe.

And CNN. They know how to push buttons.

17
retired cynic  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:47:19pm

re: #15 The Pie Overlord!

I think our old website is 10 years old. I don’t even look…

18
PhillyPretzel  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:49:59pm

I got to get up early tomorrow. We start one hour earlier than normal but get off at 3 PM. At least they still give us a little time off. :)

19
Dread Pirate  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:50:27pm
20
Charles Johnson  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:52:11pm

re: #12 RinaX

Nice to see this website jump on the hysteria bandwagon. I read that as a nice burn on the likes of Flake and Collins, but no, its gotta be that Biden is dying to have a Republican running mate.

It has become extremely difficult to take criticism of Republican misinformation efforts seriously when I see things like this.

Seriously? You think it’s just hysteria to criticize Joe Biden? I’m about as far from hysterical over this as can be. I’m resigned to it, in fact, but I’m not shutting down my critical faculties because of it.

21
Dread Pirate  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:55:34pm
22
Joe Bacon 🌹  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:56:13pm

23
gocart mozart  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:56:34pm
24
goddamnedfrank  Dec 30, 2019 • 5:57:35pm

I’ve seen smart people react strongly to this and I don’t know, it’s just meh for me. I don’t think Biden is going to actually consider a Republican for VP, but instead that this is just part of a larger campaign strategy of not pivoting too much during the primary. I understand why that’s a strong turn off for some, it just doesn’t bother me that much.

It also wouldn’t have made a ton of PR sense at this point in the impeachment proceedings for him to play into a public framing that is anything other than bipartisan and reasonable. Particularly given the GOP’s intent to once again try to turn him into a distraction.

25
retired cynic  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:00:50pm

re: #24 goddamnedfrank

Better said that I could.

26
goddamnedfrank  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:00:54pm
27
bratwurst  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:02:46pm

re: #24 goddamnedfrank

I’ve seen smart people react strongly to this and I don’t know, it’s just meh for me. I don’ think Biden is going to actually consider a Republican for VP, but instead that this is just part of a larger campaign strategy of not pivoting too much during the primary. I understand why that’s a strong turn off for some, it just doesn’t bother me that much.

It also wouldn’t have made a ton of PR sense at this point in the impeachment proceedings for him to play into a public framing that is another other than bipartisan and reasonable. Particularly given the GOP’s intent to once again try to turn him into a distraction.

You know what would make this concept remotely plausible? If there were ONE SINGLE never-Trump Republican that could help Biden get more than a few dozen extra votes he wouldn’t already get.

There isn’t. Not. One.

28
mmmirele  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:03:49pm

I got CL’ed. Herewith, another woman on the subject of Titanic and Little Women.

I didn’t read “Little Women” as a girl because I just wasn’t into it. My favorite fiction book as a kid was “Harriet the Spy,” which is pretty far from “Little Women.” I’d note that “Harriet the Spy” gave me a weird look on upper-class New York City in the 1960s. I’m still amazed it got published because it is so incredibly subversive. What other book has an adult character tell the central kid character “sometimes you have to lie”?

But for comfort books, books I’d check out of the library when I just wanted to do some comfort reading, those were the astronomy books. Every single time. And yes, I know I’m weird.

I did read “Little Women” as an adult but it wasn’t like something I just loved. Just like I saw Titanic one time and took away from it how insane the class differences were. There’s a scene where Rose’s mother is helping her dress, lacing her into a corset and basically telling her she has to marry the creepy guy because their finances require it. Mom is so emphatic she laces Rose VERY tight. I’m pretty sure that’s not what James Cameron wanted me to get out of it, but I did.

29
bratwurst  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:05:17pm
30
retired cynic  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:05:18pm

re: #27 bratwurst

You know what would make this concept remotely plausible? If there were ONE SINGLE never-Trump Republican that could help Biden get more than a few dozen extra votes he wouldn’t already get.

There isn’t. Not. One.

I don’t think Biden is looking for a running mate that will help him win never-Trumpers. I think he is trying to stake out a position where he doesn’t scare the pants off conservative dems. As I said, he wasn’t my favorite to start with, age being important to me. But I’m not turned on by anybody now. It’s just going to be Vote Blue no matter Who.

31
Charles Johnson  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:05:35pm

Sorry, but I don’t like it when Joe does this “I’ll work with Republicans” thing he keeps doing. When the GOP is in full-on war mode and there’s a white nationalist in the White House, I just think it’s nuts to talk like this.

32
retired cynic  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:06:17pm

re: #29 bratwurst

What an Idiot!

33
bratwurst  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:07:28pm

re: #30 retired cynic

I don’t think Biden is looking for a running mate that will help him win never-Trumpers. I think he is trying to stake out a position where he doesn’t scare the pants off conservative dems.

You just made my point for me. Do you really imagine there is ONE conservative Dem in this entire country who would think “Boy, that Biden is just a bit far to the left for my tastes…but having Jeff Flake by his side makes me feel more comfortable”.

I don’t.

34
goddamnedfrank  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:08:35pm

re: #27 bratwurst

You know what would make this concept remotely plausible? If there were ONE SINGLE never-Trump Republican that could help Biden get more than a few dozen extra votes he wouldn’t already get.

There isn’t. Not. One.

Which is basically what he followed up with.

35
retired cynic  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:10:10pm

re: #33 bratwurst

You just made my point for me. Do you really imagine there is ONE conservative Dem in this entire country who is thinking “Boy, that Biden is just a bit far to the left for my tastes…but having Jeff Flake by his side makes me feel more comfortable”.

I don’t.

I didn’t make myself clear. I don’t _think_ he is considering an R running mate. Just trying to convince conservative Ds that he is not too far left to consider voting for. Am I to his left? Oh, yeah! And I am with our host that I wish he would quit biting at media flies like this. But they keep casting and he keeps biting.

36
The Pie Overlord!  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:11:28pm
37
Dread Pirate  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:15:02pm
38
bratwurst  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:17:23pm

re: #35 retired cynic

I didn’t make myself clear. I don’t _think_ he is considering an R running mate. Just trying to convince conservative Ds that he is not too far left to consider voting for. Am I to his left? Oh, yeah! And I am with our host that I wish he would quit biting at media flies like this. But they keep casting and he keeps biting.

I am with you, this is never going to happen, it’s just him putting soundbites out there that ring differently than what folks hear from the left side of the field. I agree with Frank, while this is silly and totally not plausible, I cannot relate to those who are flying off the handle over this.

39
Hecuba's daughter  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:23:31pm

re: #28 mmmirele

I got CL’ed. Herewith, another woman on the subject of Titanic and Little Women.

I didn’t read “Little Women” as a girl because I just wasn’t into it. My favorite fiction book as a kid was “Harriet the Spy,” which is pretty far from “Little Women.” I’d note that “Harriet the Spy” gave me a weird look on upper-class New York City in the 1960s. I’m still amazed it got published because it is so incredibly subversive. What other book has an adult character tell the central kid character “sometimes you have to lie”?

But for comfort books, books I’d check out of the library when I just wanted to do some comfort reading, those were the astronomy books. Every single time. And yes, I know I’m weird.

I did read “Little Women” as an adult but it wasn’t like something I just loved. Just like I saw Titanic one time and took away from it how insane the class differences were. There’s a scene where Rose’s mother is helping her dress, lacing her into a corset and basically telling her she has to marry the creepy guy because their finances require it. Mom is so emphatic she laces Rose VERY tight. I’m pretty sure that’s not what James Cameron wanted me to get out of it, but I did.

As someone who loved “A Night to Remember”( think it was the first Titanic movie) and who likes romance films, I hated Cameron’s Titanic. The only parts of the film that engaged me were those scenes that dealt with real events and did not include anything related to Rose or Jack or her fiancee. I cannot express the depth of my contempt for that story line, which was outright ridiculous.

As to Little Women: I read the novel in high school and remember nothing, except that I enjoyed it at the time.

40
Dread Pirate  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:27:45pm

Still on their quest for the holy grail of, “Not me, you!”

41
Citizen K  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:35:03pm

re: #31 Charles Johnson

Sorry, but I don’t like it when Joe does this “I’ll work with Republicans” thing he keeps doing. When the GOP is in full-on war mode and there’s a white nationalist in the White House, I just think it’s nuts to talk like this.

My issue with it is the same issue I have with the ridiculous endless equivocating from the media. It’s the acceptance of the idea that Dems cannot and should not be the ones trusted to be in charge, that they and they alone are expected to defer to Republicans for legitimacy, otherwise they are to be treated as illegitimate and suspect by default. Whether Joe realizes it or not, this is the impression he sends.

42
jaunte  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:38:47pm
43
Citizen K  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:47:04pm

re: #42 jaunte

[Embedded content]

Wow.

It’s almost like when you don’t handicap research funding into green tech, you can get some impressive shit….

But nah, coal for the coal god, oil for the oil god, the only American Green is the greenback….

44
Patricia Kayden  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:50:45pm

re: #29 bratwurst

He doesn’t get his wisdom from anyone since he lacks wisdom. Why attack Frank anyways? I don’t get it. Seems so unnecessarily mean spirited.

45
William Lewis  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:50:47pm

re: #38 bratwurst

I am with you, this is never going to happen, it’s just him putting soundbites out there that ring differently than what folks hear from the left side of the field. I agree with Frank, while this is silly and totally not plausible, I cannot relate to those who are flying off the handle over this.

The problem is that Obama and Biden kept reaching out to the rabid dogs and wondered why they got bit instead of helped. I think Joe really is fool enough to think that there are Republicans who will work with him and that will prevent him from dealing with the scum the way that he should.

GOP Delenda Est.

46
jaunte  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:51:27pm

“…The fluid is actually a molecule in liquid form that scientists from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden have been working on improving for over a year.

This molecule is composed of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, and when it is hit by sunlight, it does something unusual: the bonds between its atoms are rearranged and it turns into an energised new version of itself, called an isomer.

Like prey caught in a trap, energy from the sun is thus captured between the isomer’s strong chemical bonds, and it stays there even when the molecule cools down to room temperature.

When the energy is needed - say at nighttime, or during winter - the fluid is simply drawn through a catalyst that returns the molecule to its original form, releasing energy in the form of heat.”
sciencealert.com

47
jaunte  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:52:39pm

“…The hope is that this warmth can be used for domestic heating systems, powering a building’s water heater, dishwasher, clothes dryer and much more, before heading back to the roof once again.

The researchers have put the fluid through this cycle more than 125 times, picking up heat and dropping it off without significant damage to the molecule.

“We have made many crucial advances recently, and today we have an emissions-free energy system which works all year around,” says Moth-Poulsen.

After a series of rapid developments, the researchers claim their fluid can now hold 250 watt-hours of energy per kilogram, which is double the the energy capacity of Tesla’s Powerwall batteries, according to the NBC.”

48
sagehen  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:54:16pm

re: #4 Dread Pirate

[Embedded content]

When they were protecting him as candidate, during the transition, and protecting Melania and Barron the first few months of his presidency when they hadn’t moved to DC yet, the secret service rented a floor in Trump Tower as their command center. The rent per square foot was about double what any of the other tenants were paying.

Then the secret service decided this was bulllshit; they gave up that space and bought themselves an RV to use as a command center (parked it around the corner). Oddly, that’s just about when Trump decided not to visit his home anymore.

49
Patricia Kayden  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:55:26pm

re: #36 The Pie Overlord!

Wow. I hope now that this video is being publicized, arrests can be made. That’s awful. Thugs.

50
Patricia Kayden  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:56:36pm

re: #36 The Pie Overlord!

51
Charles Johnson  Dec 30, 2019 • 6:58:11pm
52
Dread Pirate  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:01:19pm
53
Dread Pirate  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:03:54pm
54
retired cynic  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:11:01pm

re: #53 Dread Pirate

good grief… nothing better to do…

55
Jay C  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:13:43pm

re: #53 Dread Pirate

[Embedded content]

YHGTBFKM.
This is what our Executive Branch spends its time “investigating”?

56
I Would Prefer Not To  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:18:51pm

Final thought about Biden’s answer. Imagine how AOC would answer the question. She would at the very least challenge it. “Yes, I would support a Republican if they were pro choice and wanted to protect the environment, immigrants, voting rights…. “

We need to put republicans on the defensive, make them defend their unpopular opinions.

We are not going to win by being nice.

57
CleverToad  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:21:54pm

re: #28 mmmirele

I got CL’ed. Herewith, another woman on the subject of Titanic and Little Women.

I did read “Little Women” as an adult but it wasn’t like something I just loved. Just like I saw Titanic one time and took away from it how insane the class differences were. There’s a scene where Rose’s mother is helping her dress, lacing her into a corset and basically telling her she has to marry the creepy guy because their finances require it. Mom is so emphatic she laces Rose VERY tight. I’m pretty sure that’s not what James Cameron wanted me to get out of it, but I did.

Another woman checking in. Never saw Titanic, suppose I should someday for the memes. (Never saw Gone with the Wind either; don’t need to, I know all the memes.) Have never seen any of the movie adaptations of Little Women, and I’m eyeing this one warily.
I read Little Women when I was ten or eleven, have re-read at least six times over five decades or so, each time with a better perspective of history and wider vocabulary; with a better understanding of both the times and the author. Made more sense once I figured out it was set during the Civil War and I knew what ‘the Civil War’ was. (Also what a ‘fortnight’ is.) Have read all of Alcott’s other novels and most of her short stories. Was interesting to re-read the scenes with Jo and her editor after reading the sensational stories Louisa May was selling to keep afloat — some of the dynamics in her respectable works take on a murky cast in her thrillers.
If I really liked a book, I get cranky watching a director mangle the source. I’m tired of contemporary takes on historical characters that try to re-cast them to fit current sensibilities and awareness. I know a screenwriter has to cut a lot to fit a long book into a short movie, but I get annoyed when they throw in an extra scene for drama, or twist the plot out of recognition. Not rushing out to see this version unless I get a recommendation from somebody who also knows the book and thinks they managed to keep the characters in character — I would be interested in hearing opinions from the Lizards who do go see this take.

Cranky rant off. Gave up a long time ago with Disney, you just have to accept that the movie and the source are different entities with only an occasional coincidence of names or plot points, and enjoy each for what it is.

58
jaunte  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:24:15pm
59
retired cynic  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:25:05pm

re: #56 I Would Prefer Not To

Final thought about Biden’s answer. Imagine how AOC would answer the question. She would at the very least challenge it. “Yes, I would support a Republican if they were pro choice and wanted to protect the environment, immigrants, voting rights…. “

We need to put republicans on the defensive, make them defend their unpopular opinions.

We are not going to win by being nice.

“If they agreed with the majority of Americans about abortion rights, equality for all, about climate change, about voting rights, about immigration…” Frame it that way.

60
piratedan  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:27:04pm

for me the tell that this is just the usual Media framing of all things GOP is that Trump would NEVER be asked what Dem would he consider to run with him to provide unity for the nation…..

As Citzen K noted, this is just the same old bullshit that Democrats have to keep wading thru time and time again… the media clamors for a plan… plan is provided, media and GOP response is you’re not specific enough; whereas the reverse is I’m gonna build a wall and Mexico is gonna pay for it….

no one ever asks the GOP to show the math, show their work, roll out a plan; that shit is only in play for Dems. Hence I get why people are pissed off about Biden’s response, but at this point, if Joe came forth and stated that all of these treasonous asshats need to be thrown into jail for the rest of their fucking lives for the SHIT that they’ve already freely admitted to have done; then we’d have endless takes about how Dems have predetermined the guilt of this administration and therefore it justifies all of the heinous shit that the GOP has ALREADY FUCKING DONE.

We’re fighting multiple battles here, the low information voters and folks who would like any semblance of normalcy restored; the politically awoke Dems who want some motherfuckers to pay; the Media itself, complete with GOP carpentry for framing of any potential question or issue. The thing is, any answer is seemingly going to piss off someone, already including the GOP who lives to be pissed off about anything and will parse any response to remove any context to sow outrage with any group that bites.

61
retired cynic  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:28:30pm

re: #60 piratedan

applause

62
Teukka  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:31:35pm

Mood music: Adagio in G Minor (Albinoni)

63
The Pie Overlord!  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:37:15pm
64
gocart mozart  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:41:47pm
65
Joe Bacon 🌹  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:46:06pm

re: #29 bratwurst

[Embedded content]

Did you honestly expect that third rate asshole Dennis Prager to say anything that deviates from the Communist Republican Party Line?

66
Dread Pirate  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:50:36pm
67
The Pie Overlord!  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:52:40pm

re: #66 Dread Pirate

[Embedded content]

I actually do believe it because they probably fired all the career China policy experts.

68
BeachDem  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:53:14pm

OK, sounds like we need a little something nice this evening. My friend, Liz, once again has made the national news with an NBC “feel-good” Christmas appearance.

She and Gisele have been featured on Today (the best of all the interviews, when Al Roker offered to babysit) CBS, CNN, WaPo, USA Today, and a ton of other media outlets. It’s just such a sweet story, and Liz is such a wonderful person.

Take a deep breath, everyone, and ENJOY!

A Special Christmas For A Nurse And Her Adopted Daughter | NBC Nightly News

69
retired cynic  Dec 30, 2019 • 7:56:42pm

re: #68 BeachDem

I remember!

70
goddamnedfrank  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:09:38pm

Wait, what?

71
Teukka  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:10:28pm

In other news, perfect decal for a dent:

72
BigPapa  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:14:24pm

Trump Cat

73
FFL (GOP Delenda Est)  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:17:53pm

If Biden is worried that conservative Democrats are going to vote for Trump, or stay home, unless he hedges about cooperating with them I think he should instead be concentrating on advocating voter turnout, increased registration, and the various pro-democracy actions instead of wishy-washy statements about an across the aisle running mate.

And he could have answered the question along those lines.

74
Joe Bacon 🌹  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:28:22pm

Oh sweet Cthulhu why is “#It’s OK To Be White” trending on Twitter?

75
Disloyal Archangel  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:29:09pm

Think the reply covers the sentiments of most if not all of us at this point:

76
TedStriker  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:31:11pm

re: #64 gocart mozart

[Embedded content]

Can’t go wrong with Fascinating Aida…

77
retired cynic  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:31:16pm

re: #75 Disloyal Archangel

Think the reply covers the sentiments of most if not all of us at this point:

[Embedded content]

In The Hill, where it scraped up some space from John Solomon’s writing, and with a smile and dimples… what an absolute POS.

78
FFL (GOP Delenda Est)  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:31:58pm

re: #75 Disloyal Archangel

Think the reply covers the sentiments of most if not all of us at this point:

[Embedded content]

Yep. And if Tulsi was serious why didn’t she vote against rather than the fence-sitting “present”?

79
KGxvi  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:38:32pm

Biden, or whomever the presumptive nominee will be, could nominate a Republican for VP and the national committee and/or the delegates at the convention could tell him to kindly fuck off and nominate someone else

That’s basically what happened in 2008 when McCain wanted Lieberman as his running mate

80
Jay C  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:40:31pm

re: #73 FFL (GOP Delenda Est)

If Biden is worried that conservative Democrats are going to vote for Trump, or stay home, unless he hedges about cooperating with them I think he should instead be concentrating on advocating voter turnout, increased registration, and the various pro-democracy actions instead of wishy-washy statements about an across the aisle running mate.

And he could have answered the question along those lines.

TBH, I think those efforts are what EVERY Democratic candidate should be promoting in the next campaign: from President/VP down to county-supervisor level: and every office in between.

81
Charles Johnson  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:41:31pm

It’s OK to not approve of everything Joe Biden says and does. It really is.

82
Charles Johnson  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:42:40pm

re: #73 FFL (GOP Delenda Est)

If Biden is worried that conservative Democrats are going to vote for Trump, or stay home, unless he hedges about cooperating with them I think he should instead be concentrating on advocating voter turnout, increased registration, and the various pro-democracy actions instead of wishy-washy statements about an across the aisle running mate.

And he could have answered the question along those lines.

Exactly. He could have, but instead he fell back on bullshit.

83
Ace Rothstein  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:43:43pm

Biden’s nominee will be Sen. Kamala Harris. Period.

84
KGxvi  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:45:57pm

re: #83 Ace Rothstein

Biden’s nominee will be Sen. Kamala Harris. Period.

Eh. She can do more as a member of the Senate than as the president of the Senate.

Quite frankly, I still don’t understand why anyone would want to be VP

85
William Lewis  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:50:48pm

re: #84 KGxvi

Quite frankly, I still don’t understand why anyone would want to be VP

A Klingon promotion? /////////////////

86
Hecuba's daughter  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:52:24pm

re: #58 jaunte

Diana Yaqo Sarkisian
@DiYaqSar
This is Australia. A modern country with unlimited resources where it’s leaders refuse to acknowledge climate change is real. Hope everyone in #Mallacoota is safe.

…

This is absolutely terrifying — and the most pressing crisis facing the planet — yet both the United States and Australia are run by morons. But it’s not just these individuals — it’s the tycoons of the fossil fuel industry who have made it their mission to deceive the public about the dangers posed. It’s not clear how we are going to survive this interlude unless the GOP either has a “coming to Damascus” moment (hah!) or is completely destroyed in the 2020 elections; anything else, and our fate is sealed.

87
vgranucci  Dec 30, 2019 • 8:58:14pm

re: #75 Disloyal Archangel

How is this woman still in the campaign for the nomination?

88
Joe Bacon 🌹  Dec 30, 2019 • 9:02:35pm

re: #84 KGxvi

Eh. She can do more as a member of the Senate than as the president of the Senate.

Quite frankly, I still don’t understand why anyone would want to be VP

Biden is 78. He isn’t going to be a two-termer. I still intend to vote for Warren in the primary but if it is a Biden-Harris ticket I will vote for them.

89
jaunte  Dec 30, 2019 • 9:08:46pm

Thread:

90
Disloyal Archangel  Dec 30, 2019 • 9:12:45pm

This seems perfectly plausible, even though it’s still an eternity in political terms:

91
uriel  Dec 30, 2019 • 9:22:01pm

re: #349 plansbandc

tRump followers remind me of the Flagg followers in The Stand.

I tend towards Greg Stillson.

Same glorification of ignorance, same fervent appeal to the worst in us, same catastrophic legacy.

Unfortunately, we seem to be out of quirky, vocally dissonant psychics to save us.

92
makeitstop  Dec 30, 2019 • 9:22:14pm

re: #74 Joe Bacon 🌹

Oh sweet Cthulhu why is “#It’s OK To Be White” trending on Twitter?

Weird tag, in this case having to do with J-Pop singer/dancers. Needless to say, various interests are confused.

93
Hecuba's daughter  Dec 30, 2019 • 9:43:49pm

re: #91 uriel

I tend towards Greg Stillson.

Same glorification of ignorance, same fervent appeal to the worst in us, same catastrophic legacy.

Unfortunately, we seem to be out of quirky, vocally dissonant psychics to save us.

The Dead Zone is one of the few Stephen King novels that I can tolerate and really enjoy. Am not a fan of either supernatural horror or apocalyptic novels.

94
Belafon  Dec 30, 2019 • 11:09:06pm

re: #84 KGxvi

Eh. She can do more as a member of the Senate than as the president of the Senate.

Quite frankly, I still don’t understand why anyone would want to be VP

I think it will either be Harris or Abrams if Biden is the nominee. And while she might get more done on an individual basis as a Senator, getting a woman to the number two position is no simple accomplishment. You still vote for VP.

95
Don't Blame Me, I Voted for Kodos  Dec 30, 2019 • 11:11:38pm

re: #92 makeitstop

Weird tag, in this case having to do with J-Pop singer/dancers. Needless to say, various interests are confused.

It started out that way, then the neo-Nazis swarmed it.

96
Dr Lizardo  Dec 30, 2019 • 11:49:47pm

re: #86 Hecuba’s daughter

Australia’s PM is a fundie wingnut - he belongs to Horizon Church, so it’s no surprise he doesn’t believe climate change is real. Horizon Church is a Pentecostal church affiliated with Australian Christian Churches, which is the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God.

97
Hecuba's daughter  Dec 30, 2019 • 11:54:24pm

re: #96 Dr Lizardo

Australia’s PM is a fundie wingnut - he belongs to Horizon Church, so it’s no surprise he doesn’t believe climate change is real. Horizon Church is a Pentecostal church affiliated with Australian Christian Churches, which is the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God.

Religion can be a force for good in the world, but too often it seems to bring out the worst in people and promotes dangerous ignorance about the world in which we live.

98
Dread Pirate  Dec 30, 2019 • 11:55:09pm

Harry Nilsson - I Want You To Sit On My Face

Never force an artist to produce content.

99
FFL (GOP Delenda Est)  Dec 31, 2019 • 12:27:39am

Brave Sir Robin

Ah, Neil Innes died on the 29th. (He’s the head minstrel of Sir Robin in the clip.)

100
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 31, 2019 • 12:45:52am

re: #55 Jay C

YHGTBFKM.
This is what our Executive Branch spends its time “investigating”?

shows how serious they are about fighting corruption

101
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 31, 2019 • 12:46:56am

re: #56 I Would Prefer Not To

Final thought about Biden’s answer. Imagine how AOC would answer the question. She would at the very least challenge it. “Yes, I would support a Republican if they were pro choice and wanted to protect the environment, immigrants, voting rights…. “

We need to put republicans on the defensive, make them defend their unpopular opinions.

We are not going to win by being nice.

Does he think that he can attract enough “never Trumpers” to put him over? I just cannot begin to fathom his strategy.

102
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 12:52:14am

The Guardian is running live coverage of the fire situation in Australia, and some of the photos are like something straight out of a Mad Max film.

theguardian.com

103
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 31, 2019 • 12:54:08am

re: #102 Dr Lizardo

The Guardian is running live coverage of the fire situation in Australia, and some of the photos are like something straight out of a Mad Max film.

theguardian.com

Australia is ruled by a government that believes wealth and prosperity are to be measured in the amount of resources we extract and consume.

104
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 12:58:13am

re: #103 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

Austra;ia is ruled by a government that believes wealth and prosperity are to be measured in the amount of resources we extract and consume.

Unfortunately, that’s the sad reality of what Australia faces. It seems that like in the USA (and other parts of the Western world*) a whole lot of people are in denial about climate change…..because they simply don’t want to have to change their lifestyles.

*I added that because climate change denialism is pretty strong here in Czech Republic as well.

105
Dread Pirate  Dec 31, 2019 • 1:04:02am
106
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 1:07:47am

Meanwhile, in Baghdad:

Hundreds of Iraqi mourners tried to storm the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, following deadly U.S. airstrikes this week that killed 25 fighters from an Iran-backed Shiite militia in Iraq.

Shouting “Down, Down USA!” the crowd tried to push inside the embassy grounds, hurling water bottles and smashing security cameras outside.

The U.S. military carried out the strikes Sunday against the Iranian-backed Kataeb Hezbollah militia, calling it retaliation for last week’s killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base that it blamed on the group.

The U.S. attack — the largest targeting an Iraqi state-sanctioned militia in recent years — and the calls for retaliation, represent a new escalation in the proxy war between the U.S. and Iran playing out in the Middle East.

Tuesday’s attempted embassy storming took place after mourners held funerals for the militia fighters killed in a Baghdad neighborhood, after which they marched on to the heavily fortified Green Zone and kept walking till they reached the sprawling U.S. Embassy there.

apnews.com

JFC, imagine an Iranian-style hostage crisis with Trump as POTUS. Yeesh.

107
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 1:09:39am

re: #106 Dr Lizardo

Also happening in Baghdad:

The American ambassador to Iraq left Baghdad to an unknown destination, Al Arabiya sources reported on Tuesday.

Washington on Monday accused Iraqi authorities of having failed to “protect” US interests, the AFP reported, a day after deadly American air strikes against a pro-Iran group sparked anger.

US carried out air strikes in Iraq and Syria against the Kataib Hezbollah militia group in response to the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base, US officials reportedly said.

At least four local Kataib Hezbollah commanders were among the dead, the sources told Reuters. One of the strikes had targeted the militia group’s headquarters near the western Qaim district on the border with Syria, the sources added.

english.alarabiya.net

108
Targetpractice  Dec 31, 2019 • 1:49:37am

re: #26 goddamnedfrank

[Embedded content]

And so, after acting like total dickheads on the national stage rather than treating it as suspect until investigated further, the department is going to quietly sweep it under the rug after the asswipe who perpetuated this hoax was flung out the door. And McDonald’s, after getting all sort of negative press for something they didn’t do, will now be expected to just accept the “apology” and move on because making an effort to hold these cops responsible for their actions will simply make them look “vindictive.”

109
Love-Child of Cassandra and Sisyphus  Dec 31, 2019 • 2:12:26am

Our secret weapon, chlorinated chicken, is back on the table (metaphorically) in the UK:

Farmers’ stark warning over imports of chlorinated chicken after Brexit

FOOD imports such as chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef must not be allowed on to supermarket shelves after Brexit, farming leaders have warned.

In reality, the farmer are just afraid that American BigAg will put them out of business.

Probably a valid fear.

110
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 2:22:55am

Meanwhile, in Baghdad:

news.sky.com

Embassy staff and the US Ambassador have already been evacuated.

111
Love-Child of Cassandra and Sisyphus  Dec 31, 2019 • 2:42:26am
112
teleskiguy  Dec 31, 2019 • 3:05:03am

I’ve seen Umphrey’s McGee in concert 69 times as of this morning. First time sober.

113
teleskiguy  Dec 31, 2019 • 3:22:42am

He’s up early, taking a shit with iPhone in hand.

114
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 3:37:22am

re: #113 teleskiguy

He’s up early, taking a shit with iPhone in hand.

[Embedded content]

Guess he couldn’t sleep; Milk and cookies impeachment must be keeping him awake.

115
Love-Child of Cassandra and Sisyphus  Dec 31, 2019 • 4:13:58am

For some reason Facebook is inserting adverts for Hillsdale College into my timeline.

I guess all my Trumper relatives as Friends must have triggered the algorithm.

116
Dave In Austin  Dec 31, 2019 • 5:20:27am

After we #Winning now?

117
jaunte  Dec 31, 2019 • 5:40:29am
118
HappyWarrior  Dec 31, 2019 • 5:43:16am

re: #29 bratwurst

[Embedded content]

Yeah and I don’t get my education from the inspiration for Officer Barbrady.

119
Ace Rothstein  Dec 31, 2019 • 5:43:24am

I’m looking forward to the two years of investigations into the BAGHDAD!!!! embassy attack.

120
Barefoot Grin  Dec 31, 2019 • 5:47:30am

Something to consider:

121
jaunte  Dec 31, 2019 • 5:52:32am

Very specific “protesters.”

“…Many were wearing militia uniforms and carried flags signifying their allegiance to the Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia, which had vowed to retaliate for the U.S. airstrikes on Sunday that killed 25 militia members.

Among the crowd were some of Iran’s most powerful allies in Iraq, including Hadi al-Amiri, leader of the Badr Organization; Qais al-Khazali, who heads the Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia and was once imprisoned by the U.S. military; and Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, better known by his nom de guerre Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, who spent years in prison in Kuwait for bombing the U.S. Embassy there.”
washingtonpost.com

122
HappyWarrior  Dec 31, 2019 • 5:53:05am

Welp. Not good news to wake up to.

123
jaunte  Dec 31, 2019 • 5:54:44am

Kata’ib Hezbollah
en.wikipedia.org

124
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 5:55:24am

re: #116 Dave In Austin

I posted earlier just imagine an Iranian hostage crisis redux, but this time, with Donald fucking Trump as President.

Sweet Cthulhu, talk about a nightmare.

125
Jay C  Dec 31, 2019 • 5:56:13am

re: #87 vgranucci

How is this woman still in the campaign for the nomination?

Running
Untethered
By
Lying
Everywhere
Significant

126
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 5:57:07am

re: #123 jaunte

And here’s the Wiki entry on the Popular Mobilzation Forces (al-Ḥashd ash-Shaʿbī):

en.wikipedia.org

127
steve_davis  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:03:00am

re: #6 Charles Johnson

Oh yeah, he says that in the video above. Nonetheless he absolutely did say he’d be open to the idea of picking a Republican, and followed it with a statement about the “really decent Republicans out there.”

I dunno if the context really makes it all that much better, and this is just the latest in a line of similar statements.

Look, Joe’s been a politician for a long time, and he’s worked nationally, where you don’t get to stand in front of adoring audiences breathlessly grateful for discussion of universal health care. If you want to win places like Michigan and Wisconsin, you’re going to do it by letting right-leaning independents and the handful of decent Republicans left in the world know that you aren’t going to crucify people upside down if you’re elected. So yes, you provide some pablum, when asked, about how you would run with a Republican, IF you found an eminently decent one, which isn’t going to happen, so it’s not really a concern.

128
Dangerman (misuser of the sarc tag)  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:06:50am

re: #90 Disloyal Archangel

This seems perfectly plausible, even though it’s still an eternity in political terms:

[Embedded content]

Sotu surely was one reason

Plus this

129
jaunte  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:08:50am

How long will it take for Republicans to understand there are negative consequences for electing a corrupt, incompetent, irresponsible, emotionally empty person to power?

130
jaunte  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:10:44am

Oh, and I forgot to include: a Russian puppet.

131
HappyWarrior  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:12:48am

re: #130 jaunte

[Embedded content]

Oh, and I forgot to include: a Russian puppet.

I’m sure that’s just comforting to the families of the embassy employees and the Marines stationed there.// God, he really is a fucking Putin errand boy.

132
Dangerman (misuser of the sarc tag)  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:14:25am

re: #129 jaunte

How long will it take for Republicans to understand there are negative consequences for electing a corrupt, incompetent, irresponsible, emotionally empty person to power?

50 years after they lose power they may begin to wonder why

133
Dave In Austin  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:14:42am

The Base is drooling heavier than usual this morning

134
HappyWarrior  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:14:43am

re: #129 jaunte

How long will it take for Republicans to understand there are negative consequences for electing a corrupt, incompetent, irresponsible, emotionally empty person to power?

I don’t think ever at this point. They just don’t care which is why Biden acting like this is just mere disagreement annoys people. It doesn’t matter who Biden chooses, the right will back Trump. Pick someone reasonable and Democratic. It’s not hard.

135
HappyWarrior  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:15:28am

re: #133 Dave In Austin

The Base is drooling heavier than usual this morning

[Embedded content]

If he’s really a sergeant, he’s an idiot.

136
Jay C  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:16:06am

re: #127 steve_davis

Look, Joe’s been a politician for a long time, and he’s worked nationally, where you don’t get to stand in front of adoring audiences breathlessly grateful for discussion of universal health care. If you want to win places like Michigan and Wisconsin, you’re going to do it by letting right-leaning independents and the handful of decent Republicans left in the world know that you aren’t going to crucify people upside down if you’re elected. So yes, you provide some pablum, when asked, about how you would run with a Republican, IF you found an eminently decent one, which isn’t going to happen, so it’s not really a concern.

Agree: and on the list of Dumb Things Joe Biden Says, this one (IMO) doesn’t even rank particularly high. Old Joe is a long-time, old-school Party guy: he’s running for President on the Party line, by the Party rules, and knows that he’s going to have to have his nomination confirmed by the Party, at the National Convention next summer (in the full glare of the media) - even if he wanted to have his best friend in the world, the most reasonable Republican in Washington* as his running mate, he’d still have to convince the rest of the entire Democratic Party apparatus that it is a good idea. Which, just as a SWAG, Ain’t. Gonna. Happen.

* a fantasy construction, to be sure: as repeatedly noted

137
jeffreyw  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:18:14am

Good morning!

138
Jay C  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:19:11am

re: #129 jaunte

How long will it take for Republicans to understand there are negative consequences for electing a corrupt, incompetent, irresponsible, emotionally empty person to power?

If, and ONLY IF the “electing” part stops working.

139
Dangerman (misuser of the sarc tag)  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:21:14am

re: #136 Jay C

Agree: and on the list of Dumb Things Joe Biden Says, this one (IMO) doesn’t even rank particularly high. Old Joe is a long-time, old-school Party guy: he’s running for President on the Party line, by the Party rules, and knows that he’s going to have to have his nomination confirmed by the Party, at the National Convention next summer (in the full glare of the media) - even if he wanted to have his best friend in the world, the most reasonable Republican in Washington* as his running mate, he’d still have to convince the rest of the entire Democratic Party apparatus that it is a good idea. Which, just as a SWAG, Ain’t. Gonna. Happen.

* a fantasy construction, to be sure: as repeatedly noted

He’s running as a more or less centrist, and a “uniter”
He had to *say* something like this.

We really need to see context and calm down
He said

“The answer is I would, but I can’t think of one now. Let me explain that. You know, there’s some really decent Republicans that are out there still, but here’s the problem right now: they’ve got to step up.”

What do you think ” step up” means?

This is a lot of campaign nothingness.

140
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:21:43am

I’ve heard that the US Ambassador and the Embassy staff in Baghdad were evacuated, so I’m wondering if they got some intel that shit was gonna go down, or if it was just a precautionary move because of the recent US airstrikes.

141
makeitstop  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:31:35am

Woke up with a bad feeling, even before reading about the embassy. Literally woke up with dread.

Everybody stay safe and keep your eyes open tonight.

142
HappyWarrior  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:33:03am

re: #141 makeitstop

Woke up with a bad feeling, even before reading about the embassy. Literally woke up with dread.

Everybody stay safe and keep your eyes open tonight.

I’ve never been so worried about our world’s future.

143
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:34:31am

LOL - from the police in Bern, Switzerland.

Kantonspolizei Bern Star Wars Weihnachtsspot (Kantonspolizei büsst Stormtrooper auf dem Bundesplatz)

144
Belafon  Dec 31, 2019 • 6:56:44am
145
jaunte  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:00:05am
146
Dangerman (misuser of the sarc tag)  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:01:25am

President Donald Trump’s 10 biggest false claims in 2019 (NBC News)

Here are 10 baseless, misleading or confounding claims Trump made this year

Claim 1: Ukraine interfered in the 2016 election
Claim 2: Biden acted corruptly as vice president to benefit his son
Claim 3: The whistleblower made a “false account”
Claim 4: Article II of the Constitution lets me “do whatever I want”
Claim 5: We’re “taxing the hell out of China” with tariffs
Claim 6: The Mueller report “totally exonerated” Trump

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., asked the former special counsel about this claim during a congressional hearing: “Did you actually totally exonerate the president?”

“No,” Mueller said.

Claim 7: Where Hurricane Dorian was expected to hit
Claim 8: Windmills cause cancer
Claim 9: Toilet flushes are up
Claim 10: Mars and the moon - “We’ll be going to Mars very soon,” - uh, no, no one on mars for at least 10 years or more

147
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:01:55am

re: #145 jaunte

Yes, he should. But he probably won’t.

148
jaunte  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:03:21am

re: #147 Dr Lizardo

He’s tweeted about it. I guess that’s what passes for official communication these days.

149
HappyWarrior  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:13:07am

re: #148 jaunte

He’s tweeted about it. I guess that’s what passes for official communication these days.

Fucking Twitter.

150
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:15:47am

re: #148 jaunte

He’s tweeted about it. I guess that’s what passes for official communication these days.

Typical. Can’t bother to have a presser or anything; he might get asked uncomfortable questions.

151
HappyWarrior  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:17:21am

re: #150 Dr Lizardo

Typical. Can’t bother to have a presser or anything; he might get asked uncomfortable questions.

Twitter is the ultimate safe space for politicians too chickenshit to deal with the media. I know that wasn’t Dorsey’s intention but it’s what has happened. It’s made elected leaders and their subordinates less accountable because they can just go on Twitter and see only praise.

152
Hecuba's daughter  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:23:05am

re: #145 jaunte

Pompeo probably needs Trump’s approval for making a public statement — and he hasn’t received it. The Sunday attack seems like something Bolton would authorize but maybe Pompeo is on the same page. Or could this be a distraction from the impeachment?

153
retired cynic  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:28:35am

re: #101 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

Does he think that he can attract enough “never Trumpers” to put him over? I just cannot begin to fathom his strategy.

I don’t think he is seriously going for never Trumpers. I think he is going for the conservative end of the Democratic party: the group that voted for Obama and then switched to Trump, but who might stay with him if the Democratic nominee was pretty far left.

154
A hollow voice says, Guilty, guilty, guilty!  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:31:36am

re: #139 Dangerman (misuser of the sarc tag)

He’s running as a more or less centrist, and a “uniter”
He had to *say* something like this.

We really need to see context and calm down
He said

“The answer is I would, but I can’t think of one now. Let me explain that. You know, there’s some really decent Republicans that are out there still, but here’s the problem right now: they’ve got to step up.”

What do you think ” step up” means?

This is a lot of campaign nothingness.

Actually, what I think he should have said is, “We’re not short of Democrats to do the job.”

Since when were members of one party asked to consider members of the other party as their candidates?

155
plansbandc  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:38:03am

re: #28 mmmirele

Beverly Cleary books were definitely my thing too. But I also read a bunch of “boys’” sports books too. No Little Women though.

When I was little, I wanted to be an astronomer, so yeah astronomy books for sure.

See what we have in common? :D

156
HappyWarrior  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:38:38am

re: #154 A hollow voice says, Impeachmoot now!

Actually, what I think he should have said is, “We’re not short of Democrats to do the job.”

Since when were members of one party asked to consider members of the other party as their candidates?

I’ve never seen that question asked of Republican candidates. It really feels there is extra pressure for Democrats to be seen as bipartisan with little if any for Republicans. And absolutely. There are a lot of Democrats that would be great for the job just as he was great for the job for Obama. Anyhow, I asked my Dad who he liked for Biden, he said Harris. I think that would be a good ticket. I know there’s an impression that Kamala’s talents would be wasted as VP but I think she would do good in that role. I definitely think Biden should if he’s the nominee seriously consider a woman and or a POC and Harris fits that but not only that, she’s qualified. She’d be a great attack dog but she’d also be great on policy too.

157
Hecuba's daughter  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:44:20am

re: #156 HappyWarrior

I’ve never seen that question asked of Republican candidates. It really feels there is extra pressure for Democrats to be seen as bipartisan with little if any for Republicans. And absolutely. There are a lot of Democrats that would be great for the job just as he was great for the job for Obama. Anyhow, I asked my Dad who he liked for Biden, he said Harris. I think that would be a good ticket. I know there’s an impression that Kamala’s talents would be wasted as VP but I think she would do good in that role. I definitely think Biden should if he’s the nominee seriously consider a woman and or a POC and Harris fits that but not only that, she’s qualified. She’d be a great attack dog but she’d also be great on policy too.

Biden doesn’t need someone with FP expertise as a running mate; if the ticket wins, this would provide perfect positioning for Kamala to gain that experience and then run to succeed Biden.

158
HappyWarrior  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:49:06am

re: #157 Hecuba’s daughter

Biden doesn’t need someone with FP expertise as a running mate; if the ticket wins, this would provide perfect positioning for Kamala to gain that experience and then run to succeed Biden.

Precisely. I’m not really worried about Biden on FP to be honest. I’m more worried about him domestically since he comes off a little naive about the reality of the opposition but we could do worse than Biden.

159
Joe Bacon 🌹  Dec 31, 2019 • 7:52:17am

160
plansbandc  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:04:15am
161
Teddy's Person  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:09:05am

Good thread

I thought this was in Jared’s portfolio.

162
HappyWarrior  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:10:49am

re: #161 Teddy’s Person

Good thread

I thought this was in Jared’s portfolio.

Trump only has the best people in charge. //

163
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:13:40am

So, I’m about a half-hour into Knives Out and holy shit, what a great film! Great cast, and a sharp screenplay from writer/director Rian Johnson. A wonderful callback to classic whodunnits.

Rian Johnson got a lot of shit for The Last Jedi, but on this film, damn, he 100% nailed it. Right out of the ballpark.

164
Jay C  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:18:32am

re: #161 Teddy’s Person

Good thread

[Embedded content]

I thought this was in Jared’s portfolio.

It is.
And he’s probably been boosting his “portfolio” by selling short…..

165
NO SMOCKING GUN!  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:26:36am

The insanity of America’s healthcare system

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166
Eventual Carrion  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:29:29am

re: #26 goddamnedfrank

[Embedded content]

Which should bring into question EVERY person in jail because of his testimony at trial.

167
danarchy  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:30:58am

re: #161 Teddy’s Person

Good thread

[Embedded content]

I thought this was in Jared’s portfolio.

4/ Israeli/Palestinian peace slips out of reach.

To be fair, this has never really been within reach, at least not since the Oslo Accords in 94

168
NO SMOCKING GUN!  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:30:59am

re: #163 Dr Lizardo

So, I’m about a half-hour into Knives Out and holy shit, what a great film! Great cast, and a sharp screenplay from writer/director Rian Johnson. A wonderful callback to classic whodunnits.

Rian Johnson got a lot of shit for The Last Jedi, but on this film, damn, he 100% nailed it. Right out of the ballpark.

My wife really wants to see it, so we may go tomorrow. Are you texting from a theater in the middle of a movie?

169
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:34:59am

re: #165 NO SMOCKING GUN!

The insanity of America’s healthcare system

[Embedded content]

I saw an article a few days ago about some U.S. Vietnam veterans that had decided to MOVE TO VIETNAM because it would be easier and more affordable to get healthcare there than it would be here.

That’s so fucking disgraceful.

170
NO SMOCKING GUN!  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:37:43am

re: #169 Eclectic Cyborg

I saw an article a few days ago about some U.S. Vietnam veterans that had decided to MOVE TO VIETNAM because it would be easier and more affordable to get healthcare there than it would be here.

That’s so fucking disgraceful.

And the GOP thinks our healthcare system isn’t fucked up enough, so they are fighting to make it even worse in the courts.

171
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:39:41am

re: #170 NO SMOCKING GUN!

And the GOP thinks our healthcare system isn’t fucked up enough, so they are fighting to make it even worse in the courts.

A small group of people is getting stupidly rich in the healthcare industry…and they are donating a lot of that money to GOP politicians to keep the gravy train rolling.

172
NO SMOCKING GUN!  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:41:26am

re: #171 Eclectic Cyborg

A small group of people is getting stupidly rich in the healthcare industry…and they are donating a lot of that money to GOP politicians to keep the gravy train rolling.

That is what its all about to the GOP; plundering the country on behalf of a tiny sliver of the richest people in human history to make them even richer, no matter how much death and misery they have to inflict on everyone else.

173
Hecuba's daughter  Dec 31, 2019 • 8:46:36am

re: #168 NO SMOCKING GUN!

My wife really wants to see it, so we may go tomorrow. Are you texting from a theater in the middle of a movie?

I was wondering that myself. Absolutely verboten here, but he’s in the Czech Republic.

It’s an Agatha Christie-style movie, except with humor. Very entertaining.

174
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 9:02:24am

re: #173 Hecuba’s daughter

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175
Hecuba's daughter  Dec 31, 2019 • 9:10:07am

re: #174 Dr Lizardo

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176
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 31, 2019 • 9:13:32am

re: #175 Hecuba’s daughter

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177
Hecuba's daughter  Dec 31, 2019 • 9:16:49am

Would this take be right — the current Iranian-US conflict in Iraq is directly due to the Trump abrogation of the Iran nuclear deal? Under a Clinton presidency, would we have been continuing with a deescalation of our conflicts with Iran and heading toward a more peaceful relationship?

178
Joe Bacon 🌹  Dec 31, 2019 • 9:34:03am

re: #177 Hecuba’s daughter

Would this take be right — the current Iranian-US conflict in Iraq is directly due to the Trump abrogation of the Iran nuclear deal? Under a Clinton presidency, would we have been continuing with a deescalation of our conflicts with Iran and heading toward a more peaceful relationship?

Part of me thinks that but the other part of me remembers how Tom Cotton undercut Obama’s foreign policy to please Booby Nincompoopo.

179
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 31, 2019 • 9:37:27am

There’s a club here in town having a Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve party tonight, with the fancy dress and everything.

I’m somewhat tempted to go, even if only for a little while.

180
Shiplord Kirel, Friend of Moose and Squirrel  Dec 31, 2019 • 9:43:08am

re: #161 Teddy’s Person

Good thread

I thought this was in Jared’s portfolio.

This is the kind of thing that makes you appreciate the vast difference between Nixon the crook and Trump the crook. Nixon would have nailed down this deal. In fact, he would probably have gone to Tehran, gotten the treaty, pilfered the palace silverware, and left the mullahs honored and pleased to have been of service.

181
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 9:46:02am

OK, we got done watching Knives Out and really, great film. I can definitely see some Oscar nods for Best Film, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor (Chris Evans was great, LOL, and such a nice break from his Captain America role), maybe Best Original Screenplay and Best Director.

182
retired cynic  Dec 31, 2019 • 9:46:29am

Striking Photographs Capture Ornate Patterns of Historic Iranian Mosques and Palaces
All images © Fatemah Hosein Aghaei / Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran

Many beautiful photos!

183
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 31, 2019 • 9:54:31am
184
gocart mozart  Dec 31, 2019 • 9:55:35am

Roy’s end of year blog post

Last year blew, and the new one’s already riding in on a shit-wave. As mobs descend on the American embassy in Baghdad, I imagine John Bolton slamming back Jägermeister and crying “If only I was there to guide Fatso’s tiny finger to the Iran War button!” (Not sure where Stephen Miller is on this; maybe as we speak he’s sifting through a racial analysis of projected invasion casualties, and will decide based on the damage to the Aryan race.)

In New South Wales, Australia, brush fires driving people into the sea give us a terrifying preview of our globally-warmed future. And wingnuts are boasting that Texas allows concealed carry at religious observances because one carrier stopped a shooter (after, eh, a coupla deaths) — without even considering that maybe a country where our churches and synagogues have to be patrolled by armed guards is actually going backwards, civilization-wise.

185
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 31, 2019 • 9:55:39am
186
ckkatz  Dec 31, 2019 • 9:55:51am

Well, the sharks are circling as our MidEast policy since the 1970’s goes down the drain. And we are in the process of getting badly rolled.

Erdogan of Turkey saw weakness in Trump and jumped ship to the Russians.

Trump sold out the pro-Democracy Syrian Sunnis and the Kurds to placate the Turks. So they are no longer our allies.

Trump tried to pick a bunch of fights with the Iranians and backed down every time things got serious.

Once ISIS was no longer an existential threat to Iraq, Iran had their proxies start shelling us. We bombed the proxies. And Iran is angry that we help start significant domestic problems that cost thousands of lives to suppress.

Now Iran has its proxies bum-rushing us out of Iraq.

The only real questions are:

- Will our isolated groups of military in Iraq and Syria be able to get out without significant casualties.

- How long before MBS and Saudi turns on us as well? What will that do to MidEast oil. (Remember the Russians are trying to sell their oil. And reap the influence that goes along with it.)

- How long can Jordan and Egypt stand against these tides?

187
Jay C  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:00:41am

re: #182 retired cynic

Striking Photographs Capture Ornate Patterns of Historic Iranian Mosques and Palaces
All images © Fatemah Hosein Aghaei / Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran

Many beautiful photos!

[Embedded content]

See ‘em now before they get bombed to rubble…..

re: #177 Hecuba’s daughter

Would this take be right — the current Iranian-US conflict in Iraq is directly due to the Trump abrogation of the Iran nuclear deal? Under a Clinton presidency, would we have been continuing with a deescalation of our conflicts with Iran and heading toward a more peaceful relationship?

I’m not sure that us having better relations with Iran (well, ANY, really) would solve any but a handful of the current problems (the Syria-related ones, anyway which seem to be the main flashpoint of the region): but, I think, at least it would be a start.

Unfortunately, for domestic political reasons, there’s little upside* to having better relations, while there is still some sort of crop of political hay to be made with keeping Iran as the Designated Boogeyman Villain Of The World. So not much is likely to change while Trump and his vile creatures are in power. More’s the pity.

*The upside is the cause of peace, in general, but then, with Republicans in power, we know how much of a shit they give about THAT….

188
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:02:46am

moron

189
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:03:34am
190
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:05:04am

re: #189 Backwoods_Sleuth

“Trump seems to suggest that he went to his golf club for 52 minutes for a “meeting on the Middle East, the Military, and Trade.”

191
Eventual Carrion  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:07:45am

re: #117 jaunte

[Embedded content]

Yes, that is what this reminds me of. Hope they get everyone out safe.

192
Dr Lizardo  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:09:08am

re: #190 Eclectic Cyborg

193
ckkatz  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:13:58am

re: #177 Hecuba’s daughter

Would this take be right — the current Iranian-US conflict in Iraq is directly due to the Trump abrogation of the Iran nuclear deal? Under a Clinton presidency, would we have been continuing with a deescalation of our conflicts with Iran and heading toward a more peaceful relationship?

The Iranian part certainly inflamed things.

Iran has been on the rise since we destroyed any strong opposition to it, by destroying Iraq as a unified nation under Bush 43. But it got Bush 43 re-elected, and Cheney and his ilk made billions, so it’s all good right?

It was merely a matter of time until Iran began exploring and trying to expand the limits of their power. They have pretty much captured Iraq and Syria now. And are threatening Saudi.

But it has been the incoherence and weakness that is the underlying problem. Trump has lost many of our most important allies - Turkey, Kurds, Pro-Democracy Sunnis in Syrian and Iraq. Would you bet your life and that of your beloved ones on this imbecile?

194
Eventual Carrion  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:17:04am

re: #145 jaunte

[Embedded content]

Too busy digging up dirt for tRump to give a fuck about Americans.

195
ckkatz  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:17:43am

Well, got to run some errands and then head out of town. I may be able to check in later tonight.

Happy New Year everyone! Woo-Hoo!

196
Dangerman (misuser of the sarc tag)  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:19:43am

re: #185 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

Very good meeting on the Middle East, the Military, and Trade. Heading back to The Southern White House (Mar-a-Lago!). Updates throughout the day

He had a meeting
Wow

Once again it’s all “see what I did mommy?!”

197
b.d. (Lock Him Up!)  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:20:17am

Howdy Lizards:

198
Dangerman (misuser of the sarc tag)  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:31:01am

Lindsey is precious

199
HappyWarrior  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:36:00am

re: #198 Dangerman (misuser of the sarc tag)

Lindsey is precious

[Embedded content]

Oh fuck you Lindsay.

200
Eventual Carrion  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:42:20am

re: #179 Eclectic Cyborg

There’s a club here in town having a Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve party tonight, with the fancy dress and everything.

I’m somewhat tempted to go, even if only for a little while.

My daughter and her boyfriend are going to one in Denver tonight. Guess it is a pretty big thing.

201
BeenHereAwhile  Dec 31, 2019 • 10:57:16am

re: #175 Hecuba’s daughter

Makes sense! Whenever I watch a movie at a friend’s house, we often stop the film to discuss particular points — the advantage of seeing it at home instead of at the theater.

My wife had never watched “Die Hard [The Christmas Movie],” so we viewed it Christmas eve. I’ll watch anything with Alan Rickman.

Dis-construction ensued by my wife while watching, and it won’t be on our Christmas Movie list next year.


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