Election 2020

[Darren]

Indeed! Say hallelujah!

http://www.house.ga.gov/SiteCollectionI ... Vernon4898

"Long a polarizing figure in Georgia politics, (Vern) Jones told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he views Trump as a transformative president, yada, yada, yada..."

OK, Darren, that's one misguided black vote for our Orange Mussolini. Who is #2?

I lost count last year, Ray. What's his name, the singer, who married the woman who had some sort of TV show was already a high number.

Kanye Omari West

[Scooter]

The founding members of Oreos for Trump.

[Gob]

Donald Trump’s declared suspension of funding of the World Health Organization in the midst of a pandemic is confirmation – if any were needed – that he is in search of scapegoats for his administration’s much delayed and chaotic response to the crisis.

The US is the WHO’s biggest donor, with funding over $400m a year in both assessed contributions (membership fees) and donations – though it is actually $200m in arrears.

Theoretically the White House cannot block funding of international institutions mandated by Congress. But the administration has found ways around such constitutional hurdles on other issues – by simply failing to disburse funds or apply sanctions, for example.

The funding could be formally rescinded, but that would require Senate approval, or “reprogrammed” by being diverted to another purpose that the White House could argue is consistent with the will of Congress.

“Whatever form it takes, this is a deeply shortsighted and dangerous decision - at any time, let alone during a ... pandemic,” said Alexandra Phelan, assistant professor at the Center for Global Health Science and Security at Georgetown University.


“It’s a bizarre decision that would be profoundly detrimental to global public health,” said Gavin Yamey, the director of Duke University’s center for policy impact in global health. “He’s trying to distract from his own errors that have led to the worst government response to Covid-19 on Earth.”

Public health officials generally agree that the WHO’s response to the pandemic has not been perfect, but much improved on the organisation’s lambasted performance in the face of the Ebola outbreak in 2014, and immeasurably better than how the US has handled Covid-19.

The WHO first raised the alert over the Wuhan outbreak on 5 January, and beginning on 7 January it was briefing public health officials from the US and other national governments on the outbreak in regular teleconference calls. On 9 January the WHO distributed guidance to member states for their own risk assessment and planning.

Trump and his supporters have focused on a 14 January WHO tweet reporting the findings of preliminary Chinese studies suggesting “no clear evidence” of human-to-human transmission.

While the WHO was obliged to report on the latest findings of a member state at the source of the outbreak, its officials told their counterparts in technical briefings on 10 and 11 January, and briefed the press on 14 January, that human-to-human transmission was still a strong possibility given the experience of past coronavirus epidemics and urged suitable precautions.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/202 ... -19-crisis

[Darren]

OK, Darren, that's one misguided black vote for our Orange Mussolini. Who is #2?

I lost count last year, Ray. What's his name, the singer, who married the woman who had some sort of TV show was a already high number.

Darren, you're too smart for me. OK, how about one more black person voting for the Cheeto Bandito?
[/quote]

Kanye West

[Darren]

Tommy Sotomayer

[Lord Jim]

Posted in its entirety because it is well worth the read and I know some folks have issues with accessing the Post for non-coronavirus stories:

We’ve never backed a Democrat for president. But Trump must be defeated.

By
George T. Conway III,
Reed Galen, Steve Schmidt, John Weaver and Rick Wilson
April 15, 2020 at 11:35 a.m. PDT

The authors are on the advisory board of the Lincoln Project.

This November, Americans will cast their most consequential votes since Abraham Lincoln’s reelection in 1864. We confront a constellation of crises: a public health emergency not seen in a century, an economic collapse set to rival the Great Depression, and a world where American leadership is absent and dangers rise in the vacuum.

Today, the United States is beset with a president who was unprepared for the burden of the presidency and who has made plain his deficits in leadership, management, intelligence and morality.

When we founded the Lincoln Project, we did so with a clear mission: to defeat President Trump in November. Publicly supporting a Democratic nominee for president is a first for all of us. We are in extraordinary times, and we have chosen to put country over party — and former vice president Joe Biden is the candidate who we believe will do the same.

Biden is now the presumptive Democratic nominee and he has our support. Biden has the experience, the attributes and the character to defeat Trump this fall. Unlike Trump, for whom the presidency is just one more opportunity to perfect his narcissism and self-aggrandizement, Biden sees public service as an opportunity to do right by the American people and a privilege to do so.

Biden is a reflection of the United States. Born into a middle-class family in coal-country Pennsylvania, he has known the hardship and heartbreak that so many Americans themselves know and that millions more are about to experience.

Biden’s personal tragedies and losses tested his strength, his faith and his determination. They were enough to crush most people’s spirit, but Biden emerged more compassionate toward the suffering of others and the burdens that life imposes on his fellow Americans.

Biden did what Americans have always done: picked himself up, dusted himself off and made the best of a bad situation. In the years since he first entered office, Biden has consistently demonstrated decency, empathy and humanity.

Biden’s life has been marked by triumphs that didn’t change the goodness in him, and he is a man for whom public service never went to his head. His long record of bipartisan friendship and cross-partisan legislative efforts commends him to this moment. He is an imperfect man, but a man who loves his country and its people with a broad smile and an open heart.

In this way, Trump is a photonegative of Joe Biden. While Trump has innumerable flaws and a lifetime of blaming others for them, Biden has long admitted his imperfections and in doing so has further illustrated his inherent goodness and his willingness to do the work necessary to help put the United States back on a path of health and prosperity.

Unlike Trump, Biden is not an international embarrassment, nor does he demonstrate malignant narcissism. A President Biden will steady the ship of state and begin binding up the wounds of a fractured country. We have faith that Biden will surround himself by advisers of competence, expertise and wisdom, not an endless parade of disposable lackeys.

For Trump, the presidency has been the biggest stage, under the hottest klieg lights in a reality show of his making. Every episode leaves the audience more shocked and divided. Trump’s only barometer is his own ego. The country, our values and its people do not factor into Trump’s equation.

Biden understands a tenet of leadership that far too few leaders today grasp: The presidency is a life-and-death business, that the consequences of elections have real-world effects on individual Americans, and that all of this — all of the struggle, toil and work — is not a zero-sum game.

The coronavirus crisis is a terrifying example of why real leadership looks outward. This crisis, the deaths and economic destruction are immeasurably worse because Trump and his administration were unwilling to do what was necessary to mitigate its worst effects and bring the country back as quickly as possible.

We asked ourselves: How would a Biden presidency handle this crisis? Would he spend weeks lying about the risk? Would he look to cable news, the stock market and his ratings before taking the steps to make us safer? The answer is obvious: Biden will be the superior leader during the crisis of our generation.

We’ve seen the damage three years of corruption and cultish amateurism can do. This country cannot afford to be torn apart for sport and profit for another term, as Trump will surely do. If Biden takes office next January, he won’t need on-the-job training.

We are in a transcendent and transformative period of American history. The nation cannot afford another four years of chaos, duplicity and Trump’s reality distortion. This country is crying out for a president with a spine stiffened by tragedy, a worldview shaped by experience and a heart whose compass points to decency.

It is our hope that when the next president takes the oath of office in January, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. will be the president for a truly united America. The stakes are too high to do anything less.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions ... -defeated/

Well, I might have been a little less effusive in my praise of Biden then the authors of the piece, (all f whom I have real respect for, especially Steve Schmidt.) These are serious minded, principled and patriotic conservatives. Such a stark contrast to the feckless, Vichy Republicans, who have abandoned conservatism in favor Trumpism. That lot constitutes the true "RINOS"...Mr, Reagan would be deeply ashamed and embarrassed by Darren and his ilk.

But when it comes to characterizing Trump, the existential threat he poses to the country, and the stakes involved in this election, they are absolutely spot on.

And in their general points about how vastly superior a choice for the Presidency Joe Biden represents by any yardstick one could wish to apply, (Experience, competence, personal integrity, empathy, etc.,) is also right on the mark.

And with at least the leadership of the various factions within the Democratic Party on board many months before the election, Biden as the nominee is very well positioned to re-assemble the broad 2018 coalition ranging from principled conservatives and moderates at one end to progressives on the other, that led to the Demo takeover of the House..

He'll also have boatloads of cash to carry his message, (from small contributors to the Bloomberg cash and national organization)

And the turnout numbers from the primaries strongly indicate that he is able to motivate (or perhaps its the determination to be rid of Trump that's doing most of the motivating; it doesn't really matter the results are the same) the kind of turnout numbers among key demographic groups needed for victory. (like African Americans and suburban women) he needs to bring an end to our national menace.

And here for anyone interested is the link or The Lincoln Project; they're doing The Lord's work:

https://lincolnproject.us/news/the-urge ... -all-of-us

[Lord Jim]

Since Darren is such a fan of cherry picked individual data points, here's one I found very encouraging...

In 2016, Trump carried the state by 23,000 votes...

Last week, in a non general election where the state GOP did everything humanly possible to tank the chances of the challenger, Jill Karofsky defeated the incumbent Daniel Kelly by 120,000 votes...

If that doesn't have Trump shivern' in boots, it certainly ought to...

I have no doubt that if I looked at the overall records of both candidates I would find myself in agreement with Kelly far more than with Karofsky...

But that's of little importance under the current circumstances, and doesn't prevent me from celebrating Karofsky's victory...

The reason for this that Trump very publicly sought to make this election about him; he wrapped himself closely to Kelly, and even came to Wisconsin to give a rally for him (technically this is a non-partisan job; no one runs as a Republican or as a Democrat)

Trump sought to make this vote a referendum on himself, and we learned that the coalition of constituencies dedicated to defeating him were more willing to risk there own well being to vote on election day then the snowflake MAGA hat wearers...

[Darren]

The rallies should be on again in June. Watch the states where the rallies are held to see which ones are close according to the Trump campaign's internal polls. So far the campaign is following the same strategy as 2016.

Expect Trump to rally in states that were of no interest before like New Mexico.

[Lord Jim]

The rallies should be on again in June.

Please provide the link that indicates that there is some governor in this country (even the most brain-dead Trumpist) who is actually stupid and reckless enough to lift the ban against mass gatherings (something the scientific community believes will be the last restriction lifted, and even most political leaders won't happen until the introduction of a vaccine) by this June...

But maybe he'll find one. I guess if Trump wants to kill off a bunch of his own supporters who am I to interfere?

He'll certainly find some willing to step up and put their heads in the noose, if the idiot Trumpazees showing up at these shelter-place-orders defying protests are any indication.

AS I said before, it's a pity that this virus doesn't only target idiots. Then I might be able to adopt Darren's "do nothing let 'em die" approach...

Of course Darren himself would be running around with his hair on fire...

I'm sure he realizes quite well what a sudden die-off among idiots would do to Trump's re-election prospects...He can't afford to lose them...

[BoSoxGal]

Thanks for sharing that editorial Jim, I’ve been itching to read it since I saw Steve Schmidt on The 11th Hour with Brian Williams two nights ago, but WashPo figured out my incognito browser trick so it was no love for me. The segment with Williams was really good by the way, if you have YouTube TV or another way to watch past episodes online - Schmidt is one of my favorite Republican commentators and I agree with you that The Lincoln Project is doing noble work; it can’t be easy to admit the party you devoted your life to has been ruined nearly entirely, and to be left adrift in such a way.

[Lord Jim]

it can’t be easy to admit the party you devoted your life to has been ruined nearly entirely,

I can assure you, it isn't..

[rubato]

Trump is the logical result of Reagan's "government is the problem" rhetoric.

that is why the entire GOP has sucked ass to him so far.

yrs,
rubato

[Scooter]

Poll finds Americans support mail-in voting for November

A survey finds a solid majority of Americans strongly support the idea of universal mail-in voting being allowed for the November election, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

The survey, taken in March, finds even a solid majority of Republicans supported the idea, though the survey was taken before President Donald Trump harshly attacked universal mail-in voting last week, including with tweets that declared it to be “horrible” and “corrupt.”

The Brennan Center at New York University Law School is a non-partisan institute, named for former Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan.

The liberal-leaning center also released an analysis it contends refutes claims by Trump and Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel that mail-in voting can lead to widespread vote fraud.

“Trump’s claims are wrong, and if used to prevent states from taking the steps needed to ensure public safety during November’s election, they will be deadly wrong,” the Brennan Center contended in its report released Friday. “Mail ballot fraud is incredibly rare, and legitimate security concerns can be easily addressed.”

In Florida, mail-in voting already can be done on a wide scale, as the state does not require voters to give a reason to request a mail ballot. However, Florida is not pursuing programs instituted in Washington and other states that automatically mail ballots to all registered voters.

Traditionally, Florida Republicans have been more active in encouraging mail-in voting, though Florida Democrats now are trying to up their vote-by-mail game.

In the Brennan Center survey, taken March 22-24 of 1,550 adults, 78% said they agree that “all states should be required to allow vote by mail or unexcused absentee ballots to ensure people can vote with ease and without being in long lines or crowds.” That includes 55% who said they “strongly agree” and 23% who said they “somewhat agree.”

Since then, as much of the nation has shut down, Democrats have advocated for additional universal mail-in voting programs. Trump and Republicans have increasingly pushed back.

Clearly, there is a partisan divide, though Republicans didn’t dislike the idea when the Brennan Center asked.

In the poll, again, taken before Trump’s harshest comments, 57% of Republicans agreed that states should be required to allow vote by mail. That included 24% who strongly agree and 33% who somewhat agree.

There was almost no uncertainty among Democrats: 97% agree at some level, including 81% who strongly agree and 16% who somewhat agree.

Independent voters position: 57% strongly agree and 22% somewhat agree, for a total of 79% supporting.

According to the Brennan Center report, five states — Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah, and Washington — have mail balloting as the primary method of voting. In 28 additional states, including Florida,, all voters have had the right to vote by mail ballot if they choose, without having to provide any reason or excuse.

Over time, a growing number of voters have chosen that option. Since 2000 more than 250 million votes have been cast via mailed-out ballots, in all 50 states, according to the Vote at Home Institute. In 2018, more than 31 million Americans cast their ballots by mail, 25.8% of election participants, the Brennan Center reported.

Despite that increase, there have been no significant reports of voter fraud associated with mail-in ballots, according to the Brennan Center, and none of the five states that hold their elections primarily by mail has had any voter fraud scandals since making that change.

[Lord Jim]

I've realized for years that you know fuck all about Mr. Reagan

Well let's see...

For my conclusions about Mr. Reagan, I rely on sources like the renowned and respected Presidential historian Michael Beschloss...

And you've got...

"Spitting image"...

and oh yeah, that renowned and respected Presidential historian, rubato:

Trump is the logical result of Reagan's "government is the problem" rhetoric.

that is why the entire GOP has sucked ass to him so far.

yrs,
rubato

Thanks for proving my point...

ETA:

BTW, I am NOT trying to initiate yet another discussion about the Reagan Presidency and legacy, just responding to a couple of swipes...

Going into another dead pony flogging exchange over events from more than thirty years ago at a time when our nation faces such dire circumstances demanding comment and focus in the here and now, seems like a waste of time and energy...

Precisely the type of diversionary rabbit hole the Darrens of the world would love to see us jump down...

[Scooter]

Texas judge rules all registered voters can vote by mail if they fear catching coronavirus

A Texas judge on Friday ruled that all registered voters in the state should be allowed to request and use mail-in ballots due to the coronavirus pandemic.

District Judge Tim Sulak, in a ruling filed Friday in Travis County, issued a temporary injunction that eases the definition of "disability" in Texas' vote-by-mail provision, making it apply to all registered voters who fear for their health in casting ballots in person for the state's upcoming elections.

Texas' election code defines "disability" as "a sickness or physical condition that prevents the voter from appearing at the polling place on election day without a likelihood of needing personal assistance or of injuring the voter's health." Voters who meet this definition and wish to vote by mail must submit applications.

Sulak acknowledged during a court hearing on Wednesday that he expects an appeal from the state attorney's office, which has issued guidance that fear of Covid-19 does not qualify as a disability.

"Moreover the evidence shows that voters and these Plaintiffs ... are reasonable that voting in person while the virus that causes Covid-19 is still in general circulation presents a likelihood of injuring their health, and any voters without established immunity meet the plain language definition of disability thereby entitling them to a mailed ballot," the order read.

In late March, Gov. Greg Abbott postponed dozens of election runoffs statewide for party nominations to congressional and local offices, set for May 26, until July 14. The new date was made to coincide with a competitive special election for a Texas state Senate seat. In issuing the delay, Abbott didn't weigh in on whether to expand mail-in voting access.

In a separate ruling on Friday, Sulak also aligned the dates for early voting for the special election and the runoff to July 6-10.

The Texas Democratic Party, the original plaintiff in the case, rushed to declare victory after leaving court on Wednesday, in anticipation of the court ruling in their favor. The group argued that Covid-19 posed a significant health threat to voters if they were forced to cast ballots in person.

"We cannot allow this public health crisis to be the death of our democracy when it is taking so many of our loved ones," Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said in a press release.

"Our state is better off when more Texans participate in our democracy. Voting by mail is safe, secure, and accessible. It allows more voters to participate in our democracy, and it's a commonsense way to run an election, especially during a public health crisis," Hinojosa added.

"We just won a preliminary injunction in Texas. All voters get to vote by mail in the primary. No individualized excuses necessary. The coronavirus is a universal excuse. GREAT WORK," David Cole, national legal director for the ACLU, said Wednesday in a Twitter post.

In response, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, in a statement late Wednesday, expressed disappointment, saying in part that the district court had ignored the plain text of the state election code in order to allow healthy voters to take advantage of special protections made available to Texans with illnesses or disabilities.

"This unlawful expansion of mail-in voting will only serve to undermine the security and integrity of our elections and to facilitate fraud. ... My office will continue to defend Texas's election laws to ensure that our elections are fair and our democratic process is lawfully maintained," Paxton, a Republican, said in the statement.

The Texas state attorney's office, in response to the court ruling, filed a notice of appeal late Friday.

[Bicycle Bill]

I thought Texas was going to secede from the Union and go it alone — several different times over several different things, in fact.
What happened?

-"BB"-

[Scooter]

[BoSoxGal]

Massachusetts requires an excuse for use of absentee ballot, but the Secretary of State has already extended the disability excuse to encompass anyone who fears exposure to covid19 by accessing a physical polling place.

I worry about the states that are bringing the matter to court and what SCOTUS might do between now and November, given the recent terrible ruling on Wisconsin’s primary.

[Econoline]

[Guinevere]

Massachusetts requires an excuse for use of absentee ballot, but the Secretary of State has already extended the disability excuse to encompass anyone who fears exposure to covid19 by accessing a physical polling place.

I worry about the states that are bringing the matter to court and what SCOTUS might do between now and November, given the recent terrible ruling on Wisconsin’s primary.

That’s not exactly correct. Chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020 makes changes to Massachusetts election law only for annual municipal elections, and some special state electionz. Section 4 of the law states:

For an election held on or before June 30, 2020 any person taking precaution related to COVID-19 in response to a declared state of emergency or from guidance from a medical professional, local or state health official, or any civil authority shall be deemed to be unable by reason of physical disability to cast their vote in person at a polling location.

Section 5 also allows voting by mail, in the same annual municipal and special state elections.

The Legislature has not taken any action with respect to any election after June 30,2020, and the Secretary of State does not have the authority to make similar further changes. Either more legislation, or a court order, is required.