"That’s because Trump’s a racist but don’t expect the Times to connect the dots that are actually just one large flaming cross."
This is why you write, and I just read. The imagery is magnificent. Thank you and keep it coming!
And Nikki Haley saying "We win on policy"? Trump wouldn't recognize a policy if you rolled it up real tight and drove it into his left ear. He won (and almost won again) on hate and grievance. If Haley doesn't like that, maybe she should have thought about it BEFORE she endorsed the Orange Menace.
And if he wins this time, it'll be on hate and grievance and the invertebrate toadying of people just like Nikki "He's not fit to serve but he has my endorsement" Haley.
It is continuously deeply hilarious that Rs keep urging PAB to "stick to the policies" after over 10 years of hearing what that madman has to say. The same guy whose "Infrastructure Plan" reveal was derailed by his praise for white nationalists and then became the running "two weeks away" gag.
I actually hope he does bring up his reverse logic "tariffs" policy that is going to solve every problem in America tonight, so that Harris can school him on the fact that tariffs cost consumers and don't generate money for us at all.
Would it be inappropriate to watch the debate as if it were a game show? The winner gets an all expenses paid for (by donors) trip to the White House. If you mumble incoherently or lie you automatically lose.
At best, given the corporate media landscape, the debate won't move the needle. But that will require Kamala to wipe the floor with Donnie. The narrative is already baked-in, full of both-sides, non-committal headlines and articles that don't really capture who won the debate, deceiving polls and focus groups of "undecideds" supposedly splitting their votes. It's 2016 all over again.
I'm fucking tired of the white glove treatment the Orange Degenerate continues to get; the excuses, low expectations, and dangerous normalization of his criminal behavior. What the fuck makes him so special?
There’s nothing special about Trump. Nothing. He’s below average at best. He doesn’t have any knowledge that he commands. He doesn’t have any skills to speak of. He’s not even charismatic and likeable. He has zero redeemable qualities.
But what he has had his entire life is an endless supply of suckers who have helped him create the illusion that he is someone special.
His ghostwriter Tony Schwartz created the illusion that he was a great deal maker. Apprentice Showrunner Mark Burnett created the illusion that Trump was a genius businessman. And now Fox News and the rest of the MSM are creating the illusion that he is a normal every day Presidential candidate who offers something worthy our consideration.
It’s very concerning that so many people cannot see that the Whimperor has no clothes.
Very well put. Kamala is putting up a good coherent, knowledgeable argument, Trump just doesn’t realize if! He’s more “crafty” than “smart”. He speaks to the lowest common denominator, that’s why some people listen to him.
Harris debate challenge: She must juggle chainsaws while balancing on the shoulders of a bear riding a tricycle. All while answering tough questions about her flip flops and introducing herself because she’s untested.
B. Republicans do not ‘win’ on actual policies. They ‘win’ by convincing voters that abortion, deregulation, and tax cuts for the rich matter above all else (voting against their own best interests), and that if they somehow win the lottery, the third will prevail as most important.
I’m struck by the NYT’s outdated and elitist language, such as “full Lee Strasberg method-acting mode.” How many media consumers these days have any clue who Lee Strasberg was, or care, let alone get the allusion the Times is trying to make? This phrase must be stored away in the NYT’s special file of handy, stale relics from the 1960s, along with Maureen Dowd, David Brooks, and their ludicrous tireworn “both-sides!” malarkey.
And as you point out, “If the Times can confirm that the former president uses ‘misogynistic language’ to describe the current vice president, they should specify what that language is rather than seemingly protecting Trump from his own grossness.” Again, it’s as though the NYT considers itself above using the coarse language of the modern era. In the vacuum of this bargain, though, what they leave to the reader’s imagination isn’t just due to their stubborn clinging to mockably lofty tone; it’s suppression of the message. At this point, you kind of have to wonder if it’s clueless or intentional.
And then, from Fox, we’re treated to classic abuser framing: “‘Kamala Harris is going to try to do is get him into this race war, right?’ Jones said. ‘To be vicious, to attack her as a woman. Don’t put voters in that position where they have to choose between their economic situation and feeling sympathetic or personal.’” See what you made him do, Kamala, you witchy Black woman? Using your Blackness and female-ness to drag this poor man into such ugliness! You need to be put in your place, like “Dr.” Ronnie Jackson said yesterday, for making him be mean to you. I could go on and on but I won’t because life is too short. Great stuff, Stephen, thank you.
Stephen, in addition to "...dodging backwards and in high heels," she is connected to a ball and chain. Hillary Clinton only had to dodge backwards and in high heels, being white, but Kamala Harris, being Black has the added indignity of the ball and chain. And isn't it interesting that according to the legacy media, all trump has to do is to show up? No matter what happens tonight, the legacy media will proclaim trump the winner.
I’m having some deja vu this morning, from June’s Biden-Donnie debate, when I thought for sure Ol’ Handsome Joe would kick his loathsome ass all over the stage.
These media events that pass for debates don't determine who would make the best president, because the things that make for a good media event don't make a good president. I wish they would stop with these events.
Great analysis. We continue to deal with a commentator class and legacy media apparatus that exists in a state of moneyed delusion, instead of being clear about the stakes and behavior that Trump is presenting to Americans. This stasis is exactly why the man can run for president again with little to no pushback from his party even after engaging in a violent activity that hasn't been seen at the Capitol since the early 19th century.
The Atlantic had a very interesting take on Trump and his "Kamala is dumb" comments; he has the hots for her (he does). He can't denigrate her looks so he has to denigrate her intellect.. He's had a thing for her since 2019 and went on about her Time magazine cover too, before the narcissist part reminded him that HE'S the fairest of them all.
I liken it to the Seinfeld bit where his brain and his penis are arguing with each other. I THINK the penis won.
And this is exactly why these debates do not matter on substance. It is all style and the Republican-owned MSM will launder and divine President Klan Robe's word salad. Yet only Kamala Harris will receive scrutiny.
That is the power of Murc's Law.
Not only are Democrats the only party with political agency, only Democrats have behavior that can face accountability.
Speaking of just that...do we have widespread condemnation from the media about the straight-up blood libel against Haitians coming from Shady Vance on down? I remember the fainting couches being whipped out when we enjoyed the joke about that public hair golem humping the sofas. But where are the scolds now? This is literally going to get people killed.
These fascists do not care. They are not “real Americans” and thus are to be demonized and dehumanized. It is just like when federal level demagogues spend their time shitting on cities.
If Trump walks out, drops his Depends™️, and takes a giant dump on stage; the corporate media will marvel at Trump’s “radical approach to debate conventions” and the headlines tomorrow will report that, “Trump issues new economic policies in sharp contrast to Harris’ proposals.”
"That’s because Trump’s a racist but don’t expect the Times to connect the dots that are actually just one large flaming cross."
This is why you write, and I just read. The imagery is magnificent. Thank you and keep it coming!
And Nikki Haley saying "We win on policy"? Trump wouldn't recognize a policy if you rolled it up real tight and drove it into his left ear. He won (and almost won again) on hate and grievance. If Haley doesn't like that, maybe she should have thought about it BEFORE she endorsed the Orange Menace.
And if he wins this time, it'll be on hate and grievance and the invertebrate toadying of people just like Nikki "He's not fit to serve but he has my endorsement" Haley.
Longest 6 weeks of our lives.
It is continuously deeply hilarious that Rs keep urging PAB to "stick to the policies" after over 10 years of hearing what that madman has to say. The same guy whose "Infrastructure Plan" reveal was derailed by his praise for white nationalists and then became the running "two weeks away" gag.
I actually hope he does bring up his reverse logic "tariffs" policy that is going to solve every problem in America tonight, so that Harris can school him on the fact that tariffs cost consumers and don't generate money for us at all.
even an ABC moderator splained it to him — so obvz the only takeaway is "they treated me so unfairly, nothing like this has ever happened before"
Pittsburgh is actually a very nice city. (Full disclisure: I've only been there 5 or 6 times.)
maybe SER played a little too much Fallout 76 — what with all that free time on his hands
Haley is 'on standby' to jump in like Al Haig did with Reagan when Trump croaks:
'OK Everybody, I'm in Charge Here!!!'
"because he’s clearly more interested in yelling at clouds"
Hilarious
Would it be inappropriate to watch the debate as if it were a game show? The winner gets an all expenses paid for (by donors) trip to the White House. If you mumble incoherently or lie you automatically lose.
At best, given the corporate media landscape, the debate won't move the needle. But that will require Kamala to wipe the floor with Donnie. The narrative is already baked-in, full of both-sides, non-committal headlines and articles that don't really capture who won the debate, deceiving polls and focus groups of "undecideds" supposedly splitting their votes. It's 2016 all over again.
I'm fucking tired of the white glove treatment the Orange Degenerate continues to get; the excuses, low expectations, and dangerous normalization of his criminal behavior. What the fuck makes him so special?
They’re scared of him?
pressed have been trashed by mobs before ...
*presses!
There’s nothing special about Trump. Nothing. He’s below average at best. He doesn’t have any knowledge that he commands. He doesn’t have any skills to speak of. He’s not even charismatic and likeable. He has zero redeemable qualities.
But what he has had his entire life is an endless supply of suckers who have helped him create the illusion that he is someone special.
His ghostwriter Tony Schwartz created the illusion that he was a great deal maker. Apprentice Showrunner Mark Burnett created the illusion that Trump was a genius businessman. And now Fox News and the rest of the MSM are creating the illusion that he is a normal every day Presidential candidate who offers something worthy our consideration.
It’s very concerning that so many people cannot see that the Whimperor has no clothes.
Very well put. Kamala is putting up a good coherent, knowledgeable argument, Trump just doesn’t realize if! He’s more “crafty” than “smart”. He speaks to the lowest common denominator, that’s why some people listen to him.
Harris debate challenge: She must juggle chainsaws while balancing on the shoulders of a bear riding a tricycle. All while answering tough questions about her flip flops and introducing herself because she’s untested.
By the WaPo and NYT
A. Of course the question is rhetorical.
B. Republicans do not ‘win’ on actual policies. They ‘win’ by convincing voters that abortion, deregulation, and tax cuts for the rich matter above all else (voting against their own best interests), and that if they somehow win the lottery, the third will prevail as most important.
I’m struck by the NYT’s outdated and elitist language, such as “full Lee Strasberg method-acting mode.” How many media consumers these days have any clue who Lee Strasberg was, or care, let alone get the allusion the Times is trying to make? This phrase must be stored away in the NYT’s special file of handy, stale relics from the 1960s, along with Maureen Dowd, David Brooks, and their ludicrous tireworn “both-sides!” malarkey.
And as you point out, “If the Times can confirm that the former president uses ‘misogynistic language’ to describe the current vice president, they should specify what that language is rather than seemingly protecting Trump from his own grossness.” Again, it’s as though the NYT considers itself above using the coarse language of the modern era. In the vacuum of this bargain, though, what they leave to the reader’s imagination isn’t just due to their stubborn clinging to mockably lofty tone; it’s suppression of the message. At this point, you kind of have to wonder if it’s clueless or intentional.
And then, from Fox, we’re treated to classic abuser framing: “‘Kamala Harris is going to try to do is get him into this race war, right?’ Jones said. ‘To be vicious, to attack her as a woman. Don’t put voters in that position where they have to choose between their economic situation and feeling sympathetic or personal.’” See what you made him do, Kamala, you witchy Black woman? Using your Blackness and female-ness to drag this poor man into such ugliness! You need to be put in your place, like “Dr.” Ronnie Jackson said yesterday, for making him be mean to you. I could go on and on but I won’t because life is too short. Great stuff, Stephen, thank you.
The NYT has zero interest in detaching themselves form their reputation as a bunch of silver spoon-fed assholes at a Manhattan cocktail party.
So it would seem.
Thanks!
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒅𝒐 𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒔, 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒓𝒉𝒆𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 (𝒘𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆) 𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆’𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔.
Stephen, in addition to "...dodging backwards and in high heels," she is connected to a ball and chain. Hillary Clinton only had to dodge backwards and in high heels, being white, but Kamala Harris, being Black has the added indignity of the ball and chain. And isn't it interesting that according to the legacy media, all trump has to do is to show up? No matter what happens tonight, the legacy media will proclaim trump the winner.
I’m having some deja vu this morning, from June’s Biden-Donnie debate, when I thought for sure Ol’ Handsome Joe would kick his loathsome ass all over the stage.
There are only two possible responses we are going to get from the legacy media.
“Harris did better than expected but it won’t move the needle.”
Or
“Did Trump just stop the Harris momentum in its tracks?”
These media events that pass for debates don't determine who would make the best president, because the things that make for a good media event don't make a good president. I wish they would stop with these events.
hear, hear! unfortunately the sophists have historically always had a leg up.
Great analysis. We continue to deal with a commentator class and legacy media apparatus that exists in a state of moneyed delusion, instead of being clear about the stakes and behavior that Trump is presenting to Americans. This stasis is exactly why the man can run for president again with little to no pushback from his party even after engaging in a violent activity that hasn't been seen at the Capitol since the early 19th century.
The Atlantic had a very interesting take on Trump and his "Kamala is dumb" comments; he has the hots for her (he does). He can't denigrate her looks so he has to denigrate her intellect.. He's had a thing for her since 2019 and went on about her Time magazine cover too, before the narcissist part reminded him that HE'S the fairest of them all.
I liken it to the Seinfeld bit where his brain and his penis are arguing with each other. I THINK the penis won.
Sperm for brains and just as wasted.
Makes sense.
And this is exactly why these debates do not matter on substance. It is all style and the Republican-owned MSM will launder and divine President Klan Robe's word salad. Yet only Kamala Harris will receive scrutiny.
That is the power of Murc's Law.
Not only are Democrats the only party with political agency, only Democrats have behavior that can face accountability.
Speaking of just that...do we have widespread condemnation from the media about the straight-up blood libel against Haitians coming from Shady Vance on down? I remember the fainting couches being whipped out when we enjoyed the joke about that public hair golem humping the sofas. But where are the scolds now? This is literally going to get people killed.
c'mon, he wouldn't be caught dead wearing PUBLIC hair. 😉
Ahhhhhhh the typo! The autocorrect got me!
autocorrect is the enemy!
Aren't these folks his CONSTITUENTS!!? He's a horrible Senator, and a horrible person.
These fascists do not care. They are not “real Americans” and thus are to be demonized and dehumanized. It is just like when federal level demagogues spend their time shitting on cities.
If Trump walks out, drops his Depends™️, and takes a giant dump on stage; the corporate media will marvel at Trump’s “radical approach to debate conventions” and the headlines tomorrow will report that, “Trump issues new economic policies in sharp contrast to Harris’ proposals.”