Is it President Biden, or really President McConnell?

1. 79

   Credence2posted 4 years ago

   "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss"?
   
   There remains a bitter aftertaste in my drink toasting Biden's victory.
   
   When I realize that exchanging Biden for Trump was really not much more than changing the label on a package with fundamentally the same contents. Much like taking the image of "Aunt Jemima" from the pancake box, cosmetic in nature, solely.
   
   The problems with the system, structural inequities and dominance by the corporate class, for example, remain undisturbed and will quietly continue once the bombastic poster boy, Donald Trump, is removed from office. The floodlights have been removed, but the points where the light have been shining still remain. So, this has been a win for the milquetoast moderates from either party, fundamentally status quo, and unacceptable. That was what Bloomberg and the Wall Street apparatchiks were all about, maintain the status quo and divert public attention away from it.
   
   And while Biden's victory has been decisive, looking at the total numbers it was not a mandate.
   
   Conservatives continue to irritate me, however. I had to listen to all this rubbish about the qualifications of now Supreme Court Justice Barrett,  this religious fruitcake and  right wing ideologue firebrand as to why we should all kumbaya and accept her based on her qualifications.
   
   But then, on the other hand, the Senate in its advise and consent capacity, with McConnell as Senate Majority Leader, will virtually block and control Biden's selections for the members of his own cabinet. The blocking has nothing to do with qualifications of Biden's choices, but is an ideological litmus test. So, this is the first undermine of Biden and his agenda as President.  "Machiavelli Mitch" has never been interested in parity as much as he is interested in raw power and control. Such people are not open to any kind of reason or agreement , just ask Barack Obama.
   
   So much for this high road, low road stuff.
   
   Stacey Abrams of Georgia has a daunting task. The Democrats must bring out the vote in the Senate races there to give Biden a chance to govern, removing a rank Republican controlled Senate, otherwise, for progressives this "victory" will be short lived. She was critical in turning Georgia from red to blue for the presidential election. More of her magic will be needed at this upcoming critical juncture.
   
   Victory is only attained with the total routing of the Right and Republicans in Washington. Without GOP total capitulation and unconditional surrender, Biden's administration and agenda amounts to an exercise in futility.
   
   I don't believe Biden understands the hyper partisan nature of today's Republican Party, who is not interested in bi-partisanship but wants to control it all. He comes from a period of "reaching across the isle". How quaint, just like the days of" smoke filled rooms" in politics.
   
   His adversaries are ruthless in nature and cannot be reasoned with. If he ever hopes to accomplish anything, he needs to counter and prepare to respond accordingly.

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   1. 77

      jackclee lmposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      Wow, spoken like someone who is willing to reach out to the other side of the political spectrum? I guess not.
      The election of Biden, if verified, will only bring back the old smoke room politics that we were accustomed to.
      You like to blame Republicans for all the ills but ignore the partisanship last 4 years. It is like the bible say, "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?"

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      1. 79

         Credence2posted 4 years agoin reply to this

         What political spectrum? I have tasted the bitter dregs of Trump and Trumpism over the last 4 years and I want him and any vestige of him removed completely.
         
         Well, there is a new sheriff in town, Jack, and I want him to get his agenda rolling, the same agenda that the majority of voters and the Electoral College voted for, without obstruction or impediment.
         
         And if we need to play "hard ball" to accomplish that, then so be it.

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         1. 77

            jackclee lmposted 4 years agoin reply to this

            That was what Obama tried in 2008. That was how we ended up with ACA, a most partisan bill. How did that work out?
            It is my contention that the failed Obama admin., lead to the election of Trump. A failed Biden admin. will bring more extreme down the road.
            That is how it works...
            From a personal perspective, speaking as a bystander, I see Trump has done more good for the average people than most past Admin. from both parties. That is Trump's legacy. He was the antidote to the progressive Obama.

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            1. 79

               Credence2posted 4 years agoin reply to this

               As if Republicans don't have partisan initiatives? When has been the last time that you have seen any serious bi-partisanship  in Washington?
               
               Yes, you do speak from a personal perspective and I can respect that and yet still strongly disagree
               
               Let's face it Trumps inadequacy led to him being only President since GHW Bush to be denied a second term, but at least Bush could have blamed Ross Perot for that.
               
               An actual out and out repudiation was only last seen with Jimmy Carter in 1980. That has got to be a distinction that has to really stick in Trump's craw. 40 years, how is that for that ego of his?

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   2. 87

      Sharlee01posted 4 years agoin reply to this

      First, why the name-calling?  "religious fruitcake}
      
      At this point, it looks as if Joe Biden will be the next President. He will certainly walk into a hyper-partisan Senate, and that is something anyone should realize at this point. "Machiavelli Mitch" is a pure conservative of the old school, and oh yes he will use his power to stop any bill that he feels goes against the Constitution and conservative values --- That's' politics, nothing new there.
      
      I must laugh --- why the heck would you think Biden does not understand the hyper-partisan nature of today's Republican Party? My God, he was a Dem Senator for decades.
      
      And for Obama, when he walked into that office he had the House and the Senate for over two years.  I must ask why do you feel he did not push for more of what he promised. I would think you might realize as a rule the Senate and House are split through much of or history. As a rule, this has worked. It is clear, and IMO not the case for some years now. Not sure why you felt just due to a new president this would change. We voted out a president that got things done with sheer grit. So, yes the spotlights need to be turned off. We now have a president that has a history of doing nothing in his time in Washington. Hopefully, he will do well. 
      
      Again, why would you think the Republicans would reach across the aisle? I think this is almost an unrealistic thought. The Democrats did nothing but disrespect and attack the outgoing president for four years. I would also think you would have taken all the concerns you have shared in this thread about a Biden presidency into consideration before voting for him. Nothing you have shared is a surprise. They all could have been foreseen. We had a  Republican Majority Senate, and a very conservative hyper-partisan Senate majority leader, and an angry bunch of Republicans in the Senate. Many stumbling blocks that could work to stymie a Dem president.
      
      If you want to really be discouraged you may want to check Biden's list of what he will do the first days?
      Economy: Reverse Trump's corporate tax cut
      Environment: Make the U.S. an international leader on climate change
      Racial equity: Extend the Voting Rights Act
      Immigration: Comprehensive immigration changes
      
      Biden has said that on his first day as president he will produce comprehensive immigration legislation that creates a pathway to citizenship for 11 million migrants living in the U.S. illegally. It would also provide a pathway to citizenship for people commonly known as DREAMers, who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
      
      Immigration: End Trump's executive order banning travelers from some Muslim-majority countries
      
      Stop construction of  U.S.-Mexican border wall
      
      I did not note any form of actions that would benefit Systemic racism. I only bring this up due to a few of your previous posts where you expressed that you felt Biden would address the issue.
      
      I wonder what he will do with Opportunity Zones, and School of Choice?
      
      Just my opinion but I think some of these decisions will be negative in some respects to the Black community. 
      
      I am confused about your sudden epiphanies...

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      1. 79

         Credence2posted 4 years agoin reply to this

         Well, as far as I am concerned, the colorful metaphor I used is most appropriate
         
         https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/op … story.html
         
         You have referred to Biden in company using the term "corrupt" more than once and from the perspective of a progressives' more evolved sensibilities, what is good for the goose.......
         
         Mitch is just playing politics, it is all good as long as the Republicans do it, when the Democrats do the same it brings the house down and I don't buy it. And so, no one reaching across the isle and we are back where we have been for the last 20 years, gridlock, right? To answer a question about Obama, his heart in mind were in the right place, but with an obstructive GOP Congress for 75 percent of his term, he did all he could do toward the goal that I believed were most important. This hyperparisan stuff has only really been around for the last 30 years or so. I say that Biden operated within a more cooperative environment which is a thing of the past. I don't know if the "split" works because nothing ever gets moved forward. My point is that things will not change unless the Democrats control the Senate, this is the thing that keeps McConnel awake nights.
         
         You would, by now, know that I don't share your opinion as to Trump's accomplishments and obviously neither did the residents of Detroit and Wayne County. Those black folks were quite ungrateful in not acknowledging all the wonderful things Trump and his administration had done for them, which was reflected in how they cast their ballots and it had the effect of turning your red state blue. I take everything into consideration, but getting rid of Trump was a priority.
         
         I am more than satisfied with what it is that Biden is proposing for his first days in office.
         
         Biden in having a substantial minority participation in the transition and propose members of his cabinet is on the correct tract already.
         
         Trump's Wall idea has always been a Rube Goldberg, or fools errand, there are for more effective ways to control this problem.
         
         Biden would attempt to attack inequity in a more substantial way than giving lip service or symbolic gestures and while that may not be enough for me, it is better than Trump.
         
         There is nothing to be confused about, I am making myself crystal clear.
         
         PS I would like you to give your opinion regarding another Republican/Conservative view expressed in the thread "Is it Tyranny Peeking"

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         1. 82

            GA Andersonposted 4 years agoin reply to this

            ". . . progressives' more evolved sensibilities,"
            
            
            
            
            Hopefully, if I study hard and attend the required number of campfires I can one day be deemed 'enlightened' too. Then I can join you at the altar of the god Government.
            
            GA

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            1. 79

               Credence2posted 4 years agoin reply to this

               Step onboard, you have an honorary membership.

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               1. 82

                  GA Andersonposted 4 years agoin reply to this

                  Ha! I would never join any club that would have me for a member.
                  
                  GA

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   3. 89

      wildernessposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      I get the very strong impression that your concept of working together with those of a different opinion means "Give me what I want and forget whatever it is you want."  YOU will be king, with a total disregard for anyone that disagrees with your plans.

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      1. 87

         Sharlee01posted 4 years agoin reply to this

         Makes me really wonder if this wonderful new found "we should all work together " concept would have played out if the left would have adopted this thought process when President Trump entered that office at the White House. Can't imagine how much more he would have accomplished in his four years? One thing I can say, the mindset of the Biden supporter is so unrealistic but totally expected. Oh my gosh...

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      2. 79

         Credence2posted 4 years agoin reply to this

         Isn't that what "your side" has been doing?

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         1. 77

            jackclee lmposted 4 years agoin reply to this

            There you have it...Isn't it funny how rational intelligent people can see things so differently depending on their political persuation?
            Hence, the divide in our country will continue.

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            1. 79

               Credence2posted 4 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks, Jack, that is a correct assessment.

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   4. 70

      Ken Burgessposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      How you perceive DC politics to work, and how they really work in today's world are two very different realities.
      
      The Biden Administration will accomplish most things through Executive Order and via Federal Government Agencies, very little of what is to come will be controllable or blockable by the Senate.
      
      This may not be the "correct" way in which our government was meant to run, but we are living in a world that is nothing like the world of even 50 years ago... let alone 250 years ago when the concept of America and Independence was first being bantered about.
      
      The world is changing at a pace that we can no longer keep up with in a societal or comprehensive way.  There used to be time to adjust to new technology and new systems of social order, but change is coming too fast today for people to be able to adjust from one generation to another.
      
      Teenagers of today will be the last generation to drive for themselves.
      
      They will be the last generation to have to deal with physical money.
      
      They will be the last generation to remember a time when everything they do and everything they are (physical health to items purchased) is private.
      
      They will be the last generation to remember a time when America was the world's leading and most powerful nation in all facets.
      
      The world is changing, it was going to occur no matter what, Covid has just facilitated it occuring now, with emphasis and urgency across the globe.
      
      How America is governed, and the "authority" of Congress (House or Senate) as well as the Supreme Court, will be diminished and subjugated to higher authority (International Law and International Agencies).
      
      The disruptor was Trump, the delayer of these substantial changes to America was Trump, once he is removed (and he will be removed) our country will fastrack a significant course correction, navigating back to where it had been heading four years ago.
      
      You have little to worry about.

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      1. 79

         Credence2posted 4 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks, Ken
         
         Biden will be forced to use Executive orders to get a around a rank Republican dominated Senate. The people in this last election decided who was to be in charge. Frankly, I hope that he has a better approach to getting around GOP obstructionists.
         
         I can only anticipate that 50 years from now, things can only be that much more unrecognizable.
         
         But I quote from the movie "The Time Machine", "time changes space".
         
         I don't see all this as a threat to our national sovereignty.
         
         Trump,was not this savior you all seem to think that he was, and yes, I do worry but not about the things you worry about.

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   5. 80

      Eastwardposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      I do my best to avoid US politics as much as possible these days, Cred, but I do share your concerns. I am happy that Trump lost, but not really happy that Biden won. Either way, we are left with two corporatist parties, right of the international center. I hope Biden surprises me, but I am more inclined to  think we'll see more of an Obama 2.0 administration. So, I'll be spending my time trying to improve my Mandarin.

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      1. 79

         Credence2posted 4 years agoin reply to this

         Nice to see you again, Eastward.
         
         It is like I said, "Meet the now boss, same as the old boss"
         
         The kinds of candidates that were really desirous and able to shake up the corporate based system were quickly and efficiently discredited and dismissed. That, in itself, speak volumes about the true nature of this society.

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         1. 80

            Eastwardposted 4 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks, Cred. Nice to hear from you, too. It is very much as you said. I don't expect the new boss to do any shaking up of the corporate-based system, which doesn't make it easy to be optimistic. I do see inauguration day protests planned against Biden that have nothing to do with right wing conservatives, MAGA, Q-Anon, Proud Boys, or any of that. So, that's something anyway.

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   6. 82

      GA Andersonposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      I can really feel the angst in your comment. However, as the optimist that I am, I think we will find some solace and progress, in Pres. Biden's bipartisan efforts. I am really hopeful that this coming presidency will lead to some bipartisan compromises.
      
      I believe there is a middle ground to be found.
      
      GA

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      1. 70

         Ken Burgessposted 4 years agoin reply to this

         You don't find "middle ground" with white supremacists, you don't compromise with those that supported a tyrant that allowed "concentration camps" on the border and was a known rapist and conspirator with Russia.
         
         Credence (in this and his other recent thread) is giving voice to the concerns of those Americans that have been forced to witness the horrors carried out by Trump and his supporters, reported by factual and accountable news sources for years.
         
         It is not enough that Biden won, there must be a reckoning, there must be justice, so that this evil can never again be allowed to take root, so that we never veer so close to tyranny, inhumanity and wanton racism being in control of America again.
         
         Biden winning does not mean the battle is over, it is only the beginning.

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         1. 89

            wildernessposted 4 years agoin reply to this

            Nor do you pay much attention to those that refer to "concentration camps" on the border, accuse others of being a "known rapist" without any proof or conspiring with Russia after years of effort produced nothing to show it was true.
            
            At least for me, I don't put much belief when gross exaggerations are used; they merely represent, to me, that the speaker has a different agenda in mind than what the words are.  As in demonizing without listing specific reasons.

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         2. 82

            GA Andersonposted 4 years agoin reply to this

            Remember Ken, I always hold an optimistic view. Even when I am wrong I only suffer the angst of being wrong when I find out that I am wrong. A pessimist lives with that same angst all the time, and even when they are wrong, and the sky didn't fall, they then get a double dose of that angst just for being wrong in the end. ;-)
            
            My hope is that the public's perception of Pres. Trump's character and his Republican Party's actions will force Pres. Biden to at least make an effort towards some type of bipartisan compromise. That alone will be a baby-step in the right direction, even if the issue of the effort has no other significance.
            
            I agree, the "battle" is not over. Now we get to see how a new commander proceeds into the next one.
            
            GA

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      2. 79

         Credence2posted 4 years agoin reply to this

         It is most commendable, GA, that you can find a sliver lining in the darkest of dark clouds, while I only can forcast upcoming storms.
         
         Let's hope that the "great conciliator" can introduce bi-partisanship without selling out the store. Otherwise, Biden's tenure could just be another perverse form of Republican administration.

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         1. 89

            wildernessposted 4 years agoin reply to this

            Am I right in assuming that anything outside of the far left agenda will be "selling out the store"?  That "bipartisanship" means "everything the left wants, nothing the right wants", without any cooperation or compromise?

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            1. 79

               Credence2posted 4 years agoin reply to this

               But another rightwing oriented agenda for the next four year is hardly what I voted last November 3rd.....
               
               So, it has to be MORE LEFT than that.

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               1. 89

                  wildernessposted 4 years agoin reply to this

                  But was I right in what I said?

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                  1. 79

                     Credence2posted 4 years agoin reply to this

                     No, you were not, I said further left, not far left radical. Joe Biden is hardly the more progressive left's ideal candidate, but if he can swing it over some, it has got to be better than the Trump based conservatism we have been living with.
                     
                     So, compromise has to mean that the current status quo will have to change in our direction and that has nothing to do with Molotov cocktail chucking radicals.

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                     1. 70

                        Ken Burgessposted 4 years agoin reply to this

                        I think Biden will be swept aside by those within the Party, and Harris established as the President, if Biden is unwilling to pursue every single item of the following (within his first 100 days).
                        
                        Open Borders (following the Global Compact on Migration)
                        Covid 19 Testing/Vaccinating (mandatory for anyone going out in public)
                        Universal Income (necessary when more than half of working Americans will have no access to jobs paying a "living wage")
                        Green New Deal (rejoining the Paris Accord and pursuing more)
                        Medicare-for-all (or something its equal even if named something else)
                        Adherence to International Agencies (IMF, WB, WTO, WHO, etc.) authority in place of or above Federal/National law and authority.
                        Creation of a Social Credit system and Digital wallets which all Americans will be required to have just as they are required to have a SS#.
                        Critical Race Theory and Anti-Racism being required in education (all levels) and for all federal government positions.
                        Protecting Women and LGBTQ Rights (as stated in Agenda 2030)
                        Ending the Epidemic of Gun Violence (stricter gun control & access)
                        
                        Democrats believe America can do better. Indeed, we must.
                        We will start by righting the wrongs of the Trump Administration.
                        
                        Democrats will rescind President Trump’s fabricated “National Emergency,” which siphons funding away from our men and women in uniform to construct an unnecessary, wasteful, and ineffective wall on the southern border.
                        
                        We will immediately terminate the Trump Administration’s discriminatory travel and immigration bans that disproportionately impact Muslim, Arab, and African people, and invite those whose visas have been denied under these xenophobic and un-American policies to re-apply to come to the United States. We will support legislation to ensure that no president can enact discriminatory bans ever again.
                        
                        We will reinstate, expand, and streamline protections for Dreamers and the parents of American citizen children to keep families together in the communities they have long called home.
                        
                        Democrats believe that our fight to end systemic and structural racism in our country extends to our immigration system, including the policies at our borders and ports of entry, detention centers, and within immigration law enforcement agencies and their policies and operations. And
                        Democrats will immediately halt enforcement of and rescind the Trump Administration’s policies regarding immigration and border control.
                        
                        Democrats will implement robust mechanisms for oversight, accountability, and transparency to ensure immigration agencies abide by our values, the U.S. Constitution, and international law.
                        
                        A 21st century immigration system that honors our values is an essential prerequisite not just to recovering from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, but to strengthening our democracy and  guaranteeing America’s long-term economic competitiveness. That’s why
                        Democrats believe in improving and increasing opportunities for legal, permanent immigration.
                        
                        Climate Change
                        
                        Democrats recognize that the United States does not stand alone in the fight against climate change and global environmental degradation. We will fully integrate climate change into our foreign policy and national security strategies, and we will restore U.S. global climate leadership.
                        
                        Democrats will immediately rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, commit the United States to doing its fair share and lead the world in the effort to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and convene a world summit aimed at new and more ambitious global targets to reduce
                        greenhouse gas pollution. We will revive and expand climate-related foreign assistance including by recommitting to the Green Climate Fund.
                        
                        *** The above is just some of the Democratic Party Platform of 2020 ***
                        
                        People who debate (argue) on here about what is going to happen really need to read the documents and listen to the transcripts of what their "Party" is saying, or what the UN is saying, or what the World Bank or World Economic Forum...
                        
                        Have you ever read this?
                        
                        https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12
                        
                        Have you ever seen this?
                        
                        https://www.weforum.org/great-reset/
                        
                        If you haven't, then you don't really have any clue what our "leaders"  in DC support and what they plan on moving America toward.
                        
                        Did you know about this?
                        
                        https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52885178
                        
                        Did you ever read this?
                        
                        https://g20.org/en/media/Documents/G20S … ing_EN.pdf
                        
                        Probably not, issues like these aren't covered by the MSM here in America that I can recall.  You have to wantonly go search for the information, you have to want to find the facts for yourself.
                        
                        We are way beyond being a Sovereign Nation... Trump's efforts to revitalize Nationalism at a time when the world is literally becoming one big International community with borders melting away was not going to be long tolerated, America's isolation was never going to be allowed.

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