The inability to see what is right in front of us

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   Willowarborposted 6 hours ago

   No one is questioning the fact that gerrymandering itself has a long history in the US.  But Trump's recent actions represent a huge shift in presidential involvement in a specific aspect of the process: urging states to conduct mid-cycle redistricting for partisan advantage because of unpopular policies .   It's an unprecedented level of presidential involvement. 
   
   If the country is as "hot" as he says it is, voters of all political persuasion would vote to continue the course.... But we all know the reality.

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   1. 84

      Sharlee01posted 61 minutes agoin reply to this

      Why do you think Trump’s policies are unpopular? He won the election based on those very policies. He has only been in office for six months, yet many of his initiatives have already made an impact. Do you think some people will overlook his accomplishments? I understand that you may not agree with my views on Trump, but it’s important to recognize that many people do support him.
      
      Interestingly, some suggest that Trump shouldn't have encouraged gerrymandering even when it could benefit Republicans. But it’s only natural for a president to work to increase his party’s power in Washington; this is something all presidents have historically done. Why would it be surprising for Trump to do the same? It has nothing to do with the country being “hot” or not. Trump represents the Republican Party and his agenda, the agenda that got him elected. Consider that he hopes to leave office, setting the stage for a new Republican president to continue his policies. He will most certainly fight with every tool at his disposal.

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      1. 60

         Willowarborposted 42 minutes agoin reply to this

         "Why do you think Trump’s policies are unpopular?"
         
         because the american public is loudly saying so?
         
         Have you looked at the polls?  He doesn't crack 50% approval on anything.
         
         It's interesting that previously your posts were very on top of every single one of Biden's poll numbers.

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         1. 84

            Sharlee01posted 26 minutes agoin reply to this

            Oh, who are those people?
            
            I have not looked at polls; I listen to what the majority are saying on social media. I think I can say comfortably, the polls have been wrong more than right as of late.  I have shared this before, and charts will prove my view--- Trump has never ever enjoyed good polls. Check the polls on the very days he won his elections.  I think Tim put together a good point about Trump never doing well in the polls, and enjoying better polls this time around.
            
            I only post polls during a presidential election pr if someone asks me a question to make a point.  I think others here might verify that. I have used them if the conversation or thread was concerning polls.

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            1. 60

               Willowarborposted 17 minutes agoin reply to this

               You used polls HEAVILY and frequently in making a case against Biden during his entire term. But now polls don't matter?  All the Biden polls were stellar in their execution and accurate result but Trump's aren't?  Nah.

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         2. 84

            Sharlee01posted 22 minutes agoin reply to this

            I have shared this before-- Trump has never enjoyed high polls. I mean, check out a chary, or check his very poor polls on the days he won his elections.
            
            I only post polls during a presidential election or if someone asks me a question to make a point. I believe others here could verify that. I use them when the conversation or thread specifically involves polls.

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      2. 60

         Willowarborposted 35 minutes agoin reply to this

         "this is something all presidents have historically done. Why would it be surprising for Trump to do the same?"
         
         What?  Can you give a historical example where a president ordered congressional seats?  And I mean a direct call for seats.
         
         There's no evidence of previous presidents making such an explicit and public request for states to undertake mid-decade redistricting solely to secure more seats for their party.
         
         Am I surprised? No because it's the only thing he has left.  He knows he can't win on the strength of his ideas and performance.

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         1. 84

            Sharlee01posted 13 minutes agoin reply to this

            "this is something all presidents have historically done. Why would it be surprising for Trump to do the same?"" Willow
            
            I did not suggest that all presidents have asked for gerrymandering. Context matters. I have not, and do not intend to, claim that any other president openly requested it—I actually have no idea if that ever happened. My point was clear: it is natural for a president to work to increase his party’s power in Washington, which is something all presidents have historically done. I simply wanted to note that Trump used this tool to strengthen his party’s position, which is precisely what gerrymandering can do.
            
            "Why do you think Trump’s policies are unpopular? He won the election based on those very policies. He has only been in office for six months, yet many of his initiatives have already made an impact. Do you think some people will overlook his accomplishments? I understand that you may not agree with my views on Trump, but it’s important to recognize that many people do support him.
            
            Interestingly, some suggest that Trump shouldn't have encouraged gerrymandering even when it could benefit Republicans. But it’s only natural for a president to work to increase his party’s power in Washington; this is something all presidents have historically done. Why would it be surprising for Trump to do the same? It has nothing to do with the country being “hot” or not. Trump represents the Republican Party and his agenda, the agenda that got him elected. Consider that he hopes to leave office, setting the stage for a new Republican president to continue his policies. He will most certainly fight with every tool at his disposal."Shar

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