Choosing A President --- Both With Visible Baggage

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   Sharlee01posted 7 months ago

   
   
   In my view,  in a democracy, the act of voting is not merely a privilege; it is a  responsibility. It is an expression of the people's collective will, a cornerstone of civic duty. But what happens when the choices before us in an election are less than ideal? What should we do when both candidates are flawed, under investigation, or burdened by legal issues? The answer, in such circumstances, is clear: we must vote.
   
   In the complex landscape of modern politics, it's not uncommon to find ourselves facing a difficult choice at the ballot box. This dilemma becomes particularly pronounced when both leading candidates have evident flaws. On one hand, we have an incumbent leader whose tenure has been marked by disappointment, pushing the nation down a path that a majority of citizens have voiced their displeasure about. On the other hand, there is an opposition candidate with a track record of accomplishments while he was president,  but is encumbered by legal issues.
   
   In my view, one must choose the lesser of two evils  -  Yes, It is tempting to throw up our hands and abstain from voting when faced with this challenging decision. However, this would be a grave mistake. The principle of "choosing the lesser of two evils" is not an endorsement of imperfection but a recognition of the practical realities of politics. It signifies a pragmatic approach that seeks to make the best of the available options.
   
   In a democracy, we have the power to hold leaders accountable and influence the direction of our nation. By abstaining from voting, we relinquish that power and leave the decision to others. Even when both candidates are flawed, your vote can make a difference in shaping the future.
   
   The act of voting for a candidate who might not align perfectly with our values can be seen as a form of compromise. It's an acknowledgment that we may not get everything we desire in a leader but that we are making a choice that, on balance, we believe will move the country in a better direction.
   
   Additionally, voting is not just about the presidential candidate.  It involves choosing representatives at various levels of government who can also influence the nation's course.  By participating in the election, you can help elect individuals who may better align with your values in other positions, as well as ideologies.
   
   Remember that democracy thrives on the participation of its citizens. When faced with a choice between two flawed candidates, voting allows us to have a say in the direction of our country, even if it means opting for the lesser of two evils.
   
   I've expressed my views, and now, I invite you to share yours. Are you willing to make a commitment to selecting what may be seen as the more preferable option among two imperfect choices?

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      TheShadowSpecterposted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Sharlee01?  What I'm about to say may sound a little bit harsh, but I'm going to say it anyhow.  My parents once told me that back when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, many Americans cried.  Even some of the most solid Republican Americans were upset about President Kennedy's assassination, even though they didn't vote for him.  My mother has always been a Republican, and she was upset when she got the news about his assassination back in 1963.
      
      On the other hand, if Joe Biden were to meet the same tragic fate as President Kennedy did, somehow I don't think anyone would be shedding tears for him.  Even the most diehard Democrats would not be expressing any pity for him.  And the Republicans and the Independents?  They would be saying, "Oh, no.  Now we're going to be stuck with Kamala Harris."
      
      Don't get me wrong.  I would never wish something so horrible on anyone in The White House as what happened to President Kennedy back in 1963.  However, in view of all the problems that Joe Biden has caused our nation coupled with the frustration that he is running for reelection in spite of everything he has done to hurt our nation, I simply don't believe that anyone would ever see him as any major loss if he were to croak tomorrow. 
      
      The best thing that Joe Biden could ever do for the American people at this point in time is resign from office.  Should he drop out of the 2024 presidential election?  My answer to that question is that he should never have run for president in 2020.  Unfortunately, his wife was too stupid to discourage him from doing so.

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         Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

         As I read in an article somewhere not too long ago, Biden is the one President in 40 years, that makes Democrats long for Jimmy Carter.

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         Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

         Thank you for sharing, not many have. Not sure what that says. I think your view is really honest right from the hip. As was Ken's post.
         
         I agree with your sentiments --- and in regard to Jill Biden, she certainly should have discouraged him from running in 2020. She should be doing everything in her power to keep him out of the public eye, and discouraging him from running once again.  However, I believe Joe is senile and listens to no one anymore --- not even the ones that stuck him in the office -- he appears to have gone rogue.

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         Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

         What I am going to say to you is just as harsh, Shadow.
         
         
         I was a grade school lad on November 22, 1963, I lived through the events of that day first hand. Yes, we were all stunned, the events of that day changed the course of history giving a definition to what was known as the "turbulent sixties". There was nothing since Pearl Harbor in the past or 9-11 in the future that could compare with it.
         
         It reveals a sort of callousness in your character to suggest that assassination of our Chief Executive would be a gift to any American citizen. I did not like Reagan's politics, but I still did not wish him ill after the attempted assassination on him in 1981. As a matter of fact, I admired his spunk and courage in the face of what had happened. When we lose our President in such a manner, we should all be shedding tears, as the worse should not be allowed to prevail over the best. Most decent Americans would mourn the passing of Joe Biden, particularly in such a manner. What you believe about Biden and whether his passing would be lamented is pure conjecture on your part.
         
         Well, I don't care for Trump as the least palatable Republican ever to run for the office, but to assassinate him? I would rather see him in prison, or disqualified from being a candidate, rather than make a martyr of him. That is all we need.

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            TheShadowSpecterposted 7 months agoin reply to this

            But you overlooked something in my post.  I stated that:
            
            "Don't get me wrong.  I would never wish something so horrible on anyone in The White House as what happened to President Kennedy back in 1963."
            
            I wasn't talking about what I would want to see happen to Joe Biden.  I don't want anyone in The White House getting assassinated.  I was talking about all the negativity that I've witnessed unfold around me in the past three years.  Biden is the first president that I have ever seen have an inauguration day that had as tight military security as he did.  All of the preceding presidents were able to shake hands with people in the public at their inauguration.
            
            Even when Biden was campaigning for president in 2015 and 2016, the security had difficulty controlling a group of people who were yelling hateful things to him from the audience on a number of occasions.  I later found out that these were not Trump supporters but rather former Biden supporters who were furious that he had failed to keep promises he made to them regarding immigration laws.
            
            When Biden was first in the White House, the national guardsmen were doing their darndest to protect him, and he had the audacity and insensitivity to leave them sleeping in the underground parking lots in the bitter cold.  No other president would have treated the national guardsmen that way.
            
            No, I wouldn't want Joe Biden to be assassinated, but I am not going to deny that he is someone who has lived more dangerously than any other occupant of the Oval Office that I have known.

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               Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

               Ok. Understood, Shadow.
               
               I am not familiar with the examples and instances that you have mentioned here. It just that in contentious times  like these, I am more concerned about the President's security than I have ever been before.

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      tsmogposted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Enlightening! Good question!
      
      First, it is a myth that choices are binary according to logic. It is known as the false dilemma. You pointed that out with the option to not vote, however there are always other parties, fortunately. Yet I, as you, believe that voting is the responsibility of citizens.
      
      Today, I am befuddled frankly. With all that I have learned since 2015 after retiring with plenty of free time, I went on a great adventure of learning about government, governing, and the wild woolly game of politics as I see it. That includes history, philosophies, ideologies, as well as current issues. 
       
      I am faced with the dilemmas between values, of which some have changed, principles, of which many were embedded throughout my life, beliefs while I take the perspective those are dynamic and not static, and my gut ‘feeling’, which could be construed as impacted mostly by emotion, and by all those thoughts running around haphazardly in the subconscious mind mixing it up between themselves.
      
      One challenge I have is I have liberal views and conservative views. I have a longer history with conservatism than I do liberalism as far as my life journey goes. Currently I am an independent voter.
      
      I will look long and hard at present-day issues while considering those views. It will be a challenge regarding what value to assign them to weigh it out. One factor I will consider is how well a candidate represents my concerns, values, etc.
      
      Right now I am not enamored with Biden, Trump, or DeSantis. I have a liking for Haley while holding out hope. No matter what I will vote even if it is like I did in the last two elections. I wrote in Teddy Roosevelt.

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         Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

         In the past, I considered both job performance and values crucial when selecting a president. However, the current state of the country is so chaotic that I find myself caring very little about values this time. Unfortunately, our current predicament won't be resolved solely by adhering to values. Both candidates appear to have questionable values, creating a genuine dilemma. I never thought I'd be in such a predicament.
         
         In my opinion, the presidency is a position of immense responsibility, requiring effective leadership and alignment with the electorate's values and concerns. Sadly, the current candidates fall short on both fronts. Biden's governance has been lacking, and our existing problems could worsen with another four years. Trump or another republican candidate may be an alternative, or perhaps a third-party candidate could emerge, which would be a welcome change. The Demacrats are very much unrecognizable to me as a party that follows or respects our Constitution.

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            Castlepalomaposted 7 months agoin reply to this

            It's about 5 times per capita worst in Canada for over immigration. We have become one of the most expensive countries in the world. Building houses,  at a greater rate  in the 1970s than today. Now many immigrated go straight to homelessness tent cities.  Too bad my solutions of tiny villages and urban farming have been blocked. So they will have to eat cake

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               abwilliamsposted 7 months agoin reply to this

               Castle, long time, no see....words from you. Hope you are doing well!

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                  Castlepalomaposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  Chainsaw carving is really doing well in custom wood carving orders. It won't be long, that Canadian will have to choose between a tiny house or a 15 minute city. Hope I don't have to get a gun. Working on a podcast called FearlessArts due to 50 years in the business.
                  
                  How about yourself?

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            tsmogposted 7 months agoin reply to this

            I could wander quite a bit on what you shared, Sharlee. We are blessed, for what, the first time in history to be able to compare/contrast two actual presidents with their job performances, though Biden hasn't served a full term. That is one contributing factor to determining if to vote for one or the other. As you shared, for some it is enough. For others, it isn't.
            
            An example is keeping a sharp eye on the economy not only through the macro experience, which is always debatable, but most voters look through the micro perspective. That, IMO, is not debatable. It is said a good percentage of everyday voters only remember the last six months leading up to voting. I am sure a long discussion, as in the past, could arrive with that.
            
            As said, I am rooting for Haley. I appreciate her governance of South Carolina and as our ambassador to the United Nations. If by the graces of the cosmos she does make it to being the Republican candidate she has my vote at this time. However, the ebb and flow of things may alter that as time marches forward.

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               Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

               I also like Haley. I feel she would be an excellent president. I also feel she would win hands down. She is the entire package.

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      Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

      "I've expressed my views, and now, I invite you to share yours. Are you willing to make a commitment to selecting what may be seen as the more preferable option among two imperfect choices?"
      
      Most certainly....

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         Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

         I give you credit... Not many but you and I have stepped up to share a view on yes, we would choose.  Even though that could be looked at as controversial.  You did not do a wonderful dance or recite a tarte salad of words.   Do you see why we get along, even though we stand on opposite sides of the divide?
         
         I still hold out for a miracle, and that I am sent into research mode over two new candidates.  I can't see that the Democrats would ever accept it if Trump won, and we would have continued turmoil. I would trust Trump to be president once again. I think he did a good job.

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            Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

            Yes, we only fence and no one is supposed to get hurt.
            
            I have no problems seeing Democrats accepting the result of elections. They did in 2000 and in 2016 when the electoral tallies were much more in contention between the two candidates then what they were in 2020. We won't agree as to the nature  the job Trump did while he was in office.

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               Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

               The problem is we cannot continue on with this level of incompetence in the Executive Office, I am not just talking about Biden, but the whole Administration.
               
               All the wonderful social agendas and signaling aside that the Administration has done... we have three years of continued collapse within our cities, an escalating war, escalating immigration problems, escalating economic woes... to not see how terrible this Administration has been for the American people is to be wantonly blind to it.

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                  Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  Ken, we will let the voters decide in 2024, who and what is incompetent in regards to how things are managed in Washington, could you live with that?

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                  Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  I share your concerns, Ken. Enduring another four years under this administration seems challenging. I hope that the media will provide more footage, like the clip you shared from San Francisco, as it has opened my eyes to the severity of the situation. It's disheartening to witness parts of Philadelphia being looted and businesses vandalized. Unfortunately, it appears that some of these businesses may never recover, potentially leading to the transformation of certain areas into neglected slums.
                  
                  Ideally, this kind of destruction should remain limited to cities with a Democratic leadership that has embraced and endorsed this mindset. It's possible that residents of these cities will eventually realize that they don't want to live in areas plagued by crime and abandoned neighborhoods that deteriorate into slums. In my view, they got what they voted for.
                  
                  Despite the current circumstances, I maintain my faith that the majority of the US population will vote for change in the 2024 elections and bring a new administration to power.

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      abwilliamsposted 7 months agoin reply to this

      No dilemma for me, Trump all the way!
      The D.C. swamp hasn't convinced me that he is the problem and not them!!
      Let's get him back in there, conducting business and doing  the work of the American people. Putting this Nation at the top once again!
      Love him, hate him - he gets things done which benefit this Nation and us!
      
      Biden hasn't been involved; he wasn't involved in any campaign and he has remained uninvolved...President or not! He has managed to screw things up though, by following the whims of his advisors. Whomever is telling him to get off the stage quickly; he is always afraid he will get in trouble with someone!
      Oh my!
      
      Plus, it is all coming out, the Cinderella story of Joe Biden, from lowly politics to a multi-millionaire, "the big guy" is in deep, deep doodoo, whether he realizes it or not.

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         TheShadowSpecterposted 7 months agoin reply to this

         The interesting thing is that despite that President Trump has not appeared at either of the two Republican debates, he is still far ahead of his competitors for the Republic nomination.  However unconventional or conventional he may be in handling his presidential campaign, all I can say that he must be doing something right in running for president.  The other night the polls indicated that he was tied with Joe Biden.  Let's cross our fingers that he gets ahead of him and creams him in the 2024 election.

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            abwilliamsposted 7 months agoin reply to this

            That goes without saying, but TIED...with Joe Biden!?!
            How? Why? Trump would be more than happy to debate Joe Biden, but I don't see that happening.

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            Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

            US elections 2024
            Poll showing Trump up 10 points over Biden for 2024 election criticized
            A Washington Post-ABC poll showed results that diverge from most other surveys, and even the pollsters issued a caveat
            
            I might think it might be even higher due to this poll being conducted by far left WAPO.

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               TheShadowSpecterposted 6 months agoin reply to this

               Let's hope that President Trump keeps getting further ahead of Joe Biden in the polls.  Maybe Joe Biden will wake up and do the smart thing and resign from office.  Of course, if he did, I'd want him to take Kamala Harris with him when he leaves.

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                  Sharlee01posted 6 months agoin reply to this

                  I am so hoping Biden steps away gracefully. I just do not find he is fit in any respect to be president.

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                     Ken Burgessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                     Better chance he will start WWIII than give up the power he has pursued his whole life.

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   Ken Burgessposted 7 months ago

   Whelp, the best you can do is prioritize the issues and then identify how the two options will most likely address them.
   
   If you do that, the choices can become easier to make.
   
   For me it goes something like this:
   
   1) Avoid WWIII - normalize relations with Russia.
   
   2) Avoid Economic Collapse - normalize relations with those nations that can best help us with that (IE - Russia, Saudi Arabia, etc.)
   
   3) Protect Children from Predators - This includes predatory psychologists and doctors that would aid minors in being permanently mutilated; as well as the normalization of pedophilia (IE - MAPs).
   
   So for me if it comes down to those two as our options, it is a no brainer.

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      Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Thank you Ken for adding your comment. Your issues are on my list.  I could add so many more issues I myself have considered.  Yes, I agree it is a no-brainer.  I hope more will share their thoughts on this issue.

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         Ken Burgessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

         Another good watch from Tucker:
         
         https://twitter.com/TuckerCarlson/statu … 4588791862
         
         As I said, they will strip Trump from the ballots, they will not allow Americans to choose him as President.  Interesting.
         
         I predicted this 3 years ago, Democracy my arse.

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      TheShadowSpecterposted 6 months agoin reply to this

      Ken?  As far as your first two talking points are concerned, I'm on board with you on them.  As far as your third talking point is concerned, well, I believe the United States can start protecting children from predators by eliminating parental testamentary freedom.  I don't believe that any father who beats or molests his 7-year-old daughter should have the right to cut her out of his will under any circumstances. The fact that parents can disinherit their own children in most state jurisdictions of our nation is disgusting.
      
      As for your point about the normalization of pedophilia, well, let me just say this.  Whenever discussing the topic of pedophilia, I always adhere to how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition ("DSM-5") defines it, because I don't want to fall into the same predicament as Elon Musk.  Someone sued him for accusing them of being a pedophile, based upon the premise that he took writer's license with the definition of that same term in a shaming manner.
      
      I find way too many people using the terms “pedophile” and “pedophilia” as misnomers to describe situations that have nothing to do with that same paraphilia.  Perhaps it is because our nation is sadly confronted with a 14-percent illiteracy rate.  Who can really say?
      
      I avoid using the term "MAP" or "MAPS" altogether, because it promotes the idea of fake pedophilia.  Kamala Harris even had a field day with it once back when she was the Attorney General of California.  In any event, I agree with you on most of what you stated in your post.

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         Ken Burgessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

         The point regarding #3 is that we have and Administration that is supporting and propagating the idea that it is OK for minors to have sex changes, and to a lesser degree, trying to take away the stigma attached to Pedophilia.
         
         https://capitalresearch.org/article/bid … genderism/
         
         You either support it, or you don't.
         
         #1, #2, #3 those are my priorities and that will dictate who I support.
         
         In the larger scheme, I also know the Biden Administration is fully on board with UN Agenda 2030 and the WEF's Great Reset, right along with Canada's Trudeau and EU's Brussels.
         
         The effort to create a one world government, ruled by an unelected technocratic "elite" is very real.
         
         World Economic Forum founder, Klaus Schwab, declared:
         "[a globalized world is best managed by a] self-selected coalition of multinational corporations, governments (including through the UN system), and select civil society organizations."
         
         "[Governments are no longer] the overwhelmingly dominant actors on the world stage [and] the time has come for a new stakeholder paradigm of international governance."
         
         https://www.weforum.org/partners
         
         https://www.weforum.org/communities/glo … e-councils
         
         World Economic Forum and UN Sign Strategic Partnership Framework
         
         https://www.weforum.org/press/2019/06/w … -framework
         
         You either support the idea of a Borderless World, a world run by Corporations, Institutions and Trillionaires in which the common man has no vote, no say, and a limited ability to control one's destiny, or you do not.
         
         You either want a Nation, with a Constitution that guarantees you certain unalienable rights, or you want Global Governance that will prioritize the desires and determinations of the few, the elites, over the many.
         
         I would say that 99% of Americans are clueless to what is really going on, have no idea what UN Agenda 2030 or the WEF is, or that the leaders they have today running the Nation are doing everything in their power to ensure that it comes to pass.

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   Ken Burgessposted 7 months ago

   This is must watch... Carlson interviewing O'Rielly... lots of interesting insight into Trump and Biden.
   
   https://twitter.com/TuckerCarlson/statu … 8861229467

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      tsmogposted 7 months agoin reply to this

      A heads up. For me I get a 'This page is down' message. I am interested in the interview.

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      Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Watched -- pure truth. Hopefully, more here will take the time and watch.

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         tsmogposted 7 months agoin reply to this

         Thanks for the heads up the link is working now. Watched it and am impressed with what O'Reilly shared.

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            Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

            I've consistently appreciated Bill O'Reilly for his straightforward approach and his adept use of common-sense analogies.

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   abwilliamsposted 7 months ago

   But, do they learn Sharlee? I think many have resigned themselves to accept these conditions in their cities. When they go to vote (if they go to vote) they look for a familiar name or the (D) and go with that person. Therefore, nothing ever changes for them for the better, it only gets worse! It's the craziest thing to me!

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      Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

      History suggests that learning from past mistakes may not be a strong suit in this context. However, I implore and hope you will consider the following questions: Have we ever before witnessed such turmoil emanating from the White House and its administration? Have we observed such a deliberate effort to deviate from democratic principles? Has there ever been such a war on values, where what was once deemed good is now considered bad?
      
      Furthermore, have we ever encountered such blatant lies? For instance, the assertion that our borders are closed while the administration expedites the processing of illegal migrants with increased staffing. Or the claim that our economy is thriving when we're experiencing rising costs across the board. Additionally, the assurance that it's safe to establish battery plants and mine corrosive minerals that could harm our environment, all in the name of our well-being. The list goes on. This bunch lies openly, and often.
      
      Considering these many concerns, do you believe that Americans will eventually recognize what is plainly before them? I have maintained faith in the American mindset, and I sense a growing awakening to the myriad schemes and lies that have unfolded. My observation of polls indicates that more and more people are starting to face the truth that's right in front of them, giving me hope for the future.

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         Crmagooposted 7 months agoin reply to this

         Good Day,  I would like to enter additional fact in response to the posting.
         The Biden administration’s new immigration policy has drastically reduced the number of migrants allowed to apply for asylum at the border. They have not in any manner whatsoever been expedited . This is very much patently false.
         
         Since the start of what is known as “asylum ineligibility,” only 46% of single adult migrants who have crossed the southern border have been allowed to claim asylum, compared to 83% from 2014 to 2019. This is stated and referenced in the  court filing.  The same case on which will send Biden's rules that violate code 1158 to the Supreme Court.  Biden's restriction on asylum violates federal law and the international obligations of the U.S.  The feeling among advocacy groups such as mine is that we will see the permanent strike down of these rules.
         I am no stranger to the anti-immigrant sentiments of some within the country but Biden still must follow the laws.

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            wildernessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

            Unfortunately, the whole concept of asylum has been turned into a joke by those training illegal aliens to speak the magic words upon entering.  It is only a tiny fraction of those people that are actually eligible for asylum, so the rest are simply supported on the American dime until the years long backlog of fraudulent claims can be cleared.
            
            We need to change that, but until it happens something else must change.  If that means that the letter of the law is ignored in favor of the intent then so be it.

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               Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

               To quote a man smarter than me:
               
               "Illegal immigration needs to stop, but I’m super in favor of greatly expanding and simplifying legal immigration.
               
               Anyone who proves themself to be hard-working, talented and honest should be allowed to become an American. Period."

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                  Kathryn L Hillposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  ~ but "expanding and simplifying legal immigration " is not an aspect of he current dilemma.

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                  Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  I believe you are right up there with Elon...  You indeed share some of his perfect common sense and are quick on your feet.

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                     Castlepalomaposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                     Vivek Ramaswamy is smarter than Biden and Trump combined.  for these kind of answers.  Yet The powers to be, are not looking to select well rounded and solid president like him.

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                        Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                        I find Vivek very intelligent, very transparent, and unafraid to share his truth. He has done his homework on what needs fixing in America. I like the fact he is young, and he seems to have good common sense, which I highly respect. I would have no problem voting for Vivek. I also like Haley, and DeSantis, the rest I am hoping fall away. These three are American first candidates. I am down with America first at that time in the growth of our nation.

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                           Castlepalomaposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                           ***

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                           Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                           Are you kidding? He wants the raise the national voting age to 25, that has got to be dead on arrival. I don't think younger voters will  appreciate his desire to disenfranchise them.

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                              Castlepalomaposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                              Minds and bodies are not fully developed until the age of 25. Same for transgender surgery. If America want to improve their quality of life  For every 10 years a person is wiser in their personal growth and intelligence.
                              
                              
                              I like his Immigrating testing also for a higher startard of merit to enter  America.

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                                 Credence2posted 6 months agoin reply to this

                                 No way, Castle, that is dead on arrival.

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                                    Castlepalomaposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                                    It's why I don't trust politics, because the best Man doesn't win.Like Vivek and people like Ron Paul.

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                              Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                              Notably, a relatively low percentage of young adults, approximately around 20%, tend to participate in voting. Given this, it's conceivable that if there were discussions about raising the voting age to 25, we might witness a surge in their participation.
                              
                              Recently, I came across the news that JFK Jr. is planning to run as an independent candidate, and this development could potentially create a complex political scenario. I've had the opportunity to watch several of his town halls and interviews, and I must admit that I'm quite impressed with what he brings to the table. Listening to his well-reasoned arguments and his articulate presentation, it becomes easier to set aside some of the conspiracy theories that have surrounded him. His agenda seems compelling and has the potential to attract a substantial number of voters. Positioned squarely in the middle of the political spectrum, he poses a challenge to both Trump and Biden, which will add an interesting dynamic to the upcoming election.

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                                 Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                                 Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and American “NeoCons” of intentionally provoking Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Monday. In a paragraph-long tweet, the Democratic presidential candidate claimed that Zelensky could have prevented the invasion by just saying the five words “I will not join NATO.” Instead, Kennedy said, Zelensky cozied up to NATO, bowing to alleged pressure from “NeoCons in the Biden White House” and “fascist elements” in his own government.
                                 
                                 [Voting in Ukrainian Parliament to put into law the taking of Crimea] along with the positioning of nuclear-capable missile launchers along the Russian border, were purposeful “provocations” designed to cross well-known “red lines” established by the Russian government. Kennedy brought his diatribe home with a comparison to the ill-fated U.S. intervention in Iraq, claiming the same “NeoCons” were responsible for both conflicts.
                                 
                                 "In 2019 actor and comedian Volodymyr Zelensky ran as the peace candidate winning the Ukrainian presidency with 70% of the vote. As Benjamin Abelow observes in his brilliant book, “How the West Brought War to Ukraine,” Zelensky almost certainly could have avoided the 2022 war." Kennedy stated in a Twitter post.
                                 
                                 “We have neglected many, many opportunities to settle this war peacefully,” Kennedy said. “I think the way that we have conducted the war is bad.”
                                 
                                 https://www.thedailybeast.com/robert-f- … of-ukraine
                                 
                                 Yeah... there is NO WAY they let him near the White House. Never going to happen.  To those running the show, he is probably considered even worse than Trump... non-war, non-vax, non-illegal immigration.
                                 
                                 Did you see what he said about Biden's plans for the hundreds of thousands of immigrants flooding the country now?
                                 
                                 “Giving 470,000 migrants work visas is a signal to the rest of the world that anyone who comes to this country is going to get a work visa. And that’s the last thing we want to signal at this point," Kennedy said. "Until the border is secure, we should not be talking about work visas for anybody.”
                                 
                                 https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/poli … ng-we-want

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                                    Kathryn L Hillposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                                    Eric Clapton raised 2 million dollars toward his campaign:
                                    
                                    "Eric Clapton performed at a fundraiser for presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a private estate in Brentwood near Los Angeles.
                                    
                                    The event raised $2.2 million for Kennedy: $1 million for the campaign and $1.2 million for a PAC supporting the candidate.
                                    
                                    'I am deeply grateful to Eric Clapton for bringing his musical artistry and rebellious spirit to my gathering in Los Angeles last night,” Kennedy said in a statement. “I sometimes think that in our divided society, it is music rather than any kind of intellectual agreement that has the most potential to bring us together again.'”
                                    
                                    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ … candidate.
                                    
                                    
                                    https://www.google.com/search?client=sa … 4pnNc,st:0

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                                       Ken Burgessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                                       I think RFK is the perfect solution for Biden.
                                       
                                       The situation facing Biden is similar to the situation that Trump faced in 2020.
                                       
                                       There is a certain percentage (growing) of the population that will vote for anyone to get the Biden administration out of there.
                                       
                                       If Biden can split the voters who want him gone between RFK and Trump, he wins.  This is similar to what allowed Bill Clinton to win against Bush, if not for Perot running as an Independant, Clinton would have lost.
                                       
                                       Biden has a base of about 40% of the voters that will stick with him, he has that 30% Democrat voters thick or thin.
                                       
                                       Trump has a base of about 30% of the voters that will stick with him no matter what.
                                       
                                       That leaves about 30% of the voters, who will base their decision on the economy, the state of the country (how they feel about immigration and how it is impacting their town/city, the violence and turmoil they see in their State, etc.).
                                       
                                       The war in Ukraine will only become a factor if it starts involving American troops or starts impacting Americans in a way they can see and feel, which today it really does not. 
                                       
                                       I think RFK as an Independant secures Biden another 4 years.

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                                          TheShadowSpecterposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                                          But you know something?  When Gary Johnson ran for president on the Independent ticket back in 2016, a lot of people thought that it was going to guarantee Hillary Clinton the victory; but it didn't.  She did end up with more popular votes than President Trump, but the electoral college gave him the victory in that election.  However, if Gary Johnson had never run for president, President Trump would likely have had more popular votes than Hillary Clinton on top of having more electoral votes than her as well.
                                          
                                          If Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. runs for president on the Independent ticket, it's possible that Joe Biden will win more popular votes than Trump in 2024, whereas President Trump will win more electoral votes than him and President Trump will be our next president.
                                          
                                          In presidential elections, history has a strange way of repeating itself.  President Trump will mirror how President Grover Cleveland got to serve two different presidential terms although not back to back.

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                                    Castlepalomaposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                                    I'm in agreement with Kennedy over the Ukraine Nazis topics. Just more in agreement with Vivek holistic approach. Best approach since Ron Paul.

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                                       Ken Burgessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                                       I am in agreement with just about anyone with the common sense to force Ukraine to the negotiation table, or leave them to their fate.
                                       
                                       We are not just supplying them with dangerous weapons that are going to lead us into WWIII, we are paying for the entire nation's budget.
                                       
                                       Its a damned shame so many Americans are so gullible, so ignorant, that their government can lead them into WWIII as we invade Russia, and they think Russia is at fault for it.

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                                    Castlepalomaposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                                    Kennedy dose have a chance to get in

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                                 Credence2posted 6 months agoin reply to this

                                 RFK Jr. Is an unacceptable compromise toward the goals and objectives of Republicans, in my mind he is not a viable candidate.

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                                    Sharlee01posted 6 months agoin reply to this

                                    Well, I a pleased to see a spoiler step in. No way of knowing if he will pick up speed. I feel he would be a strong leader, no fluff from this man.  He does appear more conservative than Democrat. He is a Democrat of old.

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                                       Credence2posted 6 months agoin reply to this

                                       The Democrat of old is not a Democrat., no more than the Republican of say, 1980 would be out of place with the party today. The political parties were in different places 25 years ago let alone, 50 or 60.
                                       
                                       Time changes space, political alliances and ideologies change with it. 2023 cannot be compared with 1960, no more than a pineapple can be compared with a hand granade.

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                                       Crmagooposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                                       RFK Jr would be a strong leader? With no fluff? 
                                       I consider this at least falling into the category of fluff if not outright lunacy.
                                       
                                       "Covid-19 targets certain races and gives others immunity: Kennedy Jr. was caught on camera telling fellow diners that “Covid-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people” and “the people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese,” according to a video made public in the New York Post, which also shows him saying the U.S. “put hundreds of millions of dollars into ethnically targeted microbes” and labs in Ukraine collected Russian and Chinese DNA “so we can target people by race"
                                       
                                       If this is what passes for a strong leader these days maybe I do need to go back to Guatemala. And that's just one of his conspiracy theories.

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                                          Ken Burgessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                                          First question would be, is that scientifically possible?
                                          
                                          Second question would be, what led to that belief?
                                          
                                          If it is scientifically possible, and something is out there that suggests it might have been done, then it is something to consider and not just write off as conspiracy.
                                          
                                          When I see effort, especially across the scope of the MSM, put forth something that should be considered a conspiracy...IE- when politicians and the MSM claimed Trump was a Russian Puppet:
                                          
                                          https://www.gq.com/story/donald-trump-puppet-report
                                          
                                          https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2020/09 … tin-puppet
                                          
                                          Something that went on for four+ straight years (as seen in the examples above). One has to wonder what is a conspiracy and what is the truth being condemned as a conspiracy.
                                          
                                          How many times do "conspiracy theories" end up being proven true... while the "truth" being pushed daily in the MSM proves to be a lie?
                                          
                                          When exposing a crime is treated as committing a crime, you are being ruled by criminals.

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                                          Sharlee01posted 6 months agoin reply to this

                                          As I said, I feel he would make a strong leader, one who is not a sheep and has no views that he is allowed to share. I appreciate this form of human being. He would be a strong leader, and gain back world respect that we lost with Biden.
                                          
                                          I would need to see direct interviews in full to determine what RFK shared in regard to his views on COVID-19, and the vaccine. I don't ever grab onto a sentence or two from the media.

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                        abwilliamsposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                        I like Vivek, would love to see him as Trump's second.
                        But, for me, it has to be Trump for 4 more; he was robbed and he was cheated, but it's not about revenge.
                        It is because he can get things done, in record time and get us back on the right path.

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                           Castlepalomaposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                           I won't depend on that America dream, until I see it.

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   Crmagooposted 7 months ago

   Greetings all, a curious thought. Do you trust a man at the helm of the world's largest economy when he has been found guilty of repeatedly violating fraud laws in relation to his business?

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      Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Well, he did a great job the first time around.  Why would anything of voting for a man that set this country into a long inflationary period, that we are not about to get out of fast? Please don't quote me the inflation rate. I can show you all the increases I personally endured monthly, for over two and a half years now.  So please do not attempt to put lipstick on a pig.

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         Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

         I had a moment of insight, allow me to share it:
         
         No one who was going to vote for Trump, or even would consider voting for Trump is going to care if he is convicted on any or all of the charges he is facing.... if anything it just proves how corrupt the system has become to them.
         
         Trump has always been the anti-establishment candidate... the DRAIN THE SWAMP candidate... from firing FBI chiefs to calling out the "fake news".
         
         Considering that, no amount of guilty verdicts will change the minds of those 71 million voters who voted for Trump in 2020.
         
         What remains to be seen is how many millions now look at Biden and Harris and see the disaster they have been.
         
         How many have been shocked by their Transgender protections?
         
         How many have been shocked by the full assault on children?
         
         How many are alarmed by the millions of migrants pouring in?
         
         How many fear the possibility of WWIII and the horrors going to war with Russia could bring?
         
         How many MILLIONS of voters would now vote for ANYONE to be rid of Biden and Harris?
         
         I'd be willing to bet it's a lot.

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            Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

            Great point and recent polls indicate that a significant majority of people are disillusioned not only with Biden/Harris but with the entire Democratic party. Their ideologies, in my view, are unAmerican and harmful to the nation's fabric.
            
            I foresee more challenges ahead for Joe Biden. The economy's struggles are affecting the majority of Americans, and immigration issues are particularly impacting blue states due to their policies of offering sanctuary and other benefits. Many blue cities are grappling with high levels of crime, homelessness, and an influx of migrants. It's becoming increasingly evident that his mental health is deteriorating, and more citizens are becoming critical of his views on gender-related matters. Moreover, he has alienated many parents with his actions.
            
            Ken, it's like the final straw is that he seems to be plagued by bad karma. It's possible that he has faced negative karma throughout his entire life.

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   Credence2posted 7 months ago

   OReilly and Carlson, two rightwing ditto heads sharing idle banter. I will simply change the channel.

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   Ken Burgessposted 6 months ago

   Some things to consider...
   
   First, the US is not a true Democracy.
   
   The closest country to a true Democracy is Switzerland.
   
   The citizens there actually vote on legislation.
   
   What we have in America purports to be a Representative Democracy.
   
   You don't get to vote on legislation, you get to vote on someone to represent you, who votes on, writes, amends legislation.
   
   That's called a republic.
   
   I wouldn't even call it that, not even a republic today, because so much of government is assigned by representatives (Congress or the Executive Office), and those assigned positions stay in power long after those voted into office have gone.
   
   Are you really able to vote for a Representative?
   
   Pelosi, Schumer, McConnell, Biden... how many decades have they been powerbrokers in DC... 3 decades... 4 decades... doesn't seem like people have been able to vote for much change, though it seems they have been wanting serious change for decades now.

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