• Boddhisatva@lemmy.world
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    16 days ago

    Let me be honest with you: I don’t like either party right now. My Republicans have forgotten the beauty of the free market, driven up deficits, and rejected election results. Democrats aren’t any better at dealing with deficits, and I worry about their local policies hurting our cities with increased crime.

    Spoken like a true republican.

    Democratic administrations are better with the economy than republican administrations in virtually every case for the last 75 years. Plus, don’t forget that Clinton not only balanced the budget during his term, he left office with a projected budget surplus that Gee Dubya threw away with his tax cuts for the rich and unfunded wars.

    As for crime, crime rates have been steadily dropping for decades and continued to drop under the Biden administration. In fact, violent crime rates are near a 50-year low!

      • LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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        16 days ago

        MAGA is fascism, full stop. That’s not just my opinion – if you can read this list with honesty and not conclude they’re fascists, you’re lying to yourself:

        1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism
        2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights
        3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause
        4. Supremacy of the Military
        5. Rampant Sexism
        6. Controlled Mass Media
        7. Obsession with National Security
        8. Religion and Government are Intertwined
        9. Corporate Power is Protected
        10. Labor Power is Suppressed
        11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts
        12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment
        13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
        14. Fraudulent Elections (or claims thereof)

        It’s outright fascism. That is not hyperbole. And fascism is always a suicide cult. It destroys everything it touches, including itself.

        • ChickenLadyLovesLife@lemmy.world
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          16 days ago

          7. Obsession with National Security

          I think they’ve quietly dropped this one, since they don’t seem to mind Trump being owned by a Russian dictator, his son-in-law getting two billion dollars from the Saudis, or Trump stealing classified documents and casually leaving them lying around for foreign agents to help themselves to.

          • LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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            16 days ago

            Once he’s back in office, though, this will be one of their main foci again. They’ll go all in on Patriot Act II, barring all foreign entry on the grounds of national security. They basically say that now, just with different words. No more asylum seekers, no more immigrants (which will crash the economy, and they’ll somehow blame that on immigrants, too).

          • SLVRDRGN@lemmy.world
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            15 days ago

            Oh they let more than that drop. Remember just earlier where they said democrats/government engineered the hurricane, yet at the same time humans cannot affect the climate?

      • Funderpants @lemmy.ca
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        16 days ago

        MAGA is just another level of republican. Like in dragonball, MAGA is nearly the final form, but the final form is fascism.

        • BassTurd@lemmy.world
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          16 days ago

          I disagree, but only because I equate MAGA and facism. They look exactly the same to me, MAGA just hasn’t had the opportunity to exercise their fascist views in full.

        • PrimeMinisterKeyes@lemmy.world
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          16 days ago

          Excerpts from a short piece, called “Back to the Wall,” by a famous writer; abridged:

          The individual soul is under attack…
          Ten years ago it may have been inconceivable that the great sweet “cassaba melon” as it was called of “American Century” prosperity was really a great psychic hoax a mirage of electronic mass-hypnosis…
          The choice given - or CHOSEN? by us between an oldfashioned politician…, which is to say conservative, and an outright Authoritarian rightwinger? We never had a choice between middle and left, we were always stuck between middle and right. Finally it becomes too much to fight. But the stakes are too great to lose…
          To live in a country which supposedly dominates the entire planet and to be responsible for the outrages of ones Own country! Woe to the Germans silent under Hitler woe to the Americans silent now.
          Not a matter of Policy, rational discourse etc.
          Things no longer merely out of proportion, things are UNREAL. Manipulating the unreal from centers of power - how can the soul endure?
          Movie blather, news broadcast blather … social blather of a totally maladjusted tribe engaged in struggle to retain power-dominance and control over an entire planet (nay an entire solar system!)

          He also mentions a “synchronistic putch.” The writer is called Allen Ginsberg and this piece was published 1966.
          Which is to say, the Overton window has been shifting for a long time and Nazism has never been truly defeated, only forced to hibernate. And certainly not just in the US. At least that’s my pessimistic conclusion at this point.

    • Admiral Patrick@dubvee.orgOP
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      16 days ago

      Spoken like a true republican.

      That aside (I’m not arguing or disagreeing on that point): he is putting country over party which is something very, very few Republicans are capable of doing and even fewer are actually doing. On that alone, I can throw him some respect.

      • classic@fedia.io
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        16 days ago

        And he is speaking language that will make voting for Harris more palatable to at least some Republicans

        • Signtist@lemm.ee
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          16 days ago

          This is the biggest thing. If he were to actually tell the full truth here, he’d be less successful in getting his message across to the people who listen to him. Full truth is the ultimate goal, but we’re so far from it that for half the country it’s an impossibly huge leap to go from where they are now to the truth in one bound.

        • Boddhisatva@lemmy.world
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          16 days ago

          This is a very good point. That line of my post above was a visceral reaction to the whole both-sides are the same argument he’s using, but as you say, whatever it takes to get people to feel okay about vote=ing for Harris is worth it.

        • TopRamenBinLaden@sh.itjust.works
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          16 days ago

          I didn’t see anyone claiming otherwise. Still, I would bet money that polarized/partisan voting is a much bigger issue with Republican voters.

          • DarkThoughts@fedia.io
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            16 days ago

            He very specifically mentioned this to be a Republican trait. Also, this is about politicians, not voters.

    • Wrench@lemmy.world
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      16 days ago

      Meh. I’d happily return to the ideological difference of the 90s / 2000s where maybe some facts don’t support beliefs. But we’re in a very different ballgame now.

      And the fact that he’s endorsing Harris instead of just saying don’t vote for Trump is commendable. Many of my Republican friends that reject Trump can’t stomach voting for Harris. It’s apparently a very big bridge to cross for them.

    • jj4211@lemmy.world
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      15 days ago

      Frankly it’s the kind of endorsement that is more helpful. If a moderate Republican retains the rhetoric but otherwise rejects Trump, well that might sway moderate Republican voters. If he declared the entire party was mistaken, well he loses those folks and only appeals to the folks that were already in the Harris column.

      A republican saying that the Democrats are still bad, but Trump is uniquely worse and has lead the Republican leadership to lose its way, that might appeal to some people that thought to vote r no matter what, even if they had doubts about Trump.

    • Carmakazi@lemmy.world
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      16 days ago

      I’ll throw in with the other replies. Everything in this comment is political discourse from 2006. Disagreeing with the opposition’s policy and at most suggesting that they’re dishonest about it.

      Right now we’re worried about the GOP and their figurehead bringing about one-party rule and loosing the military on their domestic opposition.

      I’d want to wind the clock back too, even if it means having to eye roll at conservative rhetoric like this now and then.

    • samus12345@lemmy.world
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      16 days ago

      “Your guilty conscience may force you to vote Democratic, but deep down inside you secretly long for a cold-hearted Republican to lower taxes, brutalize criminals, and rule you like a king!”

    • ChickenLadyLovesLife@lemmy.world
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      16 days ago

      he left office with a projected budget surplus

      It wasn’t a projected surplus, it was an actual surplus for his final two years. I suppose you could say it was also a projected surplus, but Bush II and Dick “Reagan Proved Deficits Don’t Matter” Cheney took care of that right quick.

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        16 days ago

        You’re right, but I think the point they were trying to make was that dubya inherited a surplus.

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        16 days ago

        well if we start legalizing mushrooms and continue with lead free paint and environmentally perserving economies it might continue to drop! (mushrooms are a natural antidepressant people, get on the funky town ride)

    • LesserAbe@lemmy.world
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      16 days ago

      I’m not familiar with all his policies, but he’s been good on gerrymandering which is my pet issue, and which I think is key to making progress on pretty much every other issue.

  • ViperActual@sh.itjust.works
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    16 days ago

    I truly wish we had more politicians that behave in this manner. It should never boil down to my political party versus yours. There shouldn’t be any sides to governing this country.

    • LordCrom@lemmy.world
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      16 days ago

      Don’t you miss the days where presidentak candidates stood up for each other … When GOP McCain defended Obama against outlandish rumors he was a secret Muslim. Seems like those days are long gone.

      • GreenKnight23@lemmy.world
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        16 days ago

        That’s because none of the candidates were Russian assets.

        In this election it’s almost as if all of them are Russian assets except one.

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          16 days ago

          Except RFK, right? Right? Or maybe except Bernie?

          I mean, OK, Kamala is not an asset, she’s an equal partner. Trump is an asset.

          And “Russian” should be replaced with some international network of thieves and murderers.

      • AA5B@lemmy.world
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        15 days ago

        Like just a couple days ago when Sanders stood up for Harris about the Gaza situation?

      • LifeInMultipleChoice@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        16 days ago

        Imagine if we banned parties. Made lobbying illegal and funded all of the campaigns for qualified members paid for by the government. Encouraging government figures to campaign less as it saves taxes for their constituates.

        • BigAssFan@lemmy.world
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          16 days ago

          No way that government will have a majority to make this happen anytime soon. Interesting idea though.

          • LifeInMultipleChoice@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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            15 days ago

            If you want to hear a really dumb but interesting one. A while back I joked about a reality TV show where government figures participated and we got retired presidents/governors/advisors to go on and give situations/lectures where they collected how the participants would react in the situations, then reviewed what real life events it actually correlated to and what response(s) were actually taken, and discuss why they were good/bad ideas. Thus actually educating the up and coming members with real life scenarios and letting the public slowly learn more about the cause/effects of each members actions while also showing what decisions the members would want to take if ever elected.

            Many would lie obviously as they would lean pro populous on the show, and end up still being pro corporations when elected though, so it wouldn’t end up being so good in practice.

            …but it would be the first ever reality TV show I would want to watch. Also gives an opportunity for retired officials to make income post office so they don’t have to assume once out of office they have no hire-ability, making a bribe in office less life changing.

            Imagine hiring a president or governor at your local anything… It can’t really happen.

    • BilboBargains@lemmy.world
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      15 days ago

      He’s an interesting character. I don’t agree with a lot of his ideas but they feel like they come from a genuinely altruistic place. The antithesis of maga.

      • AA5B@lemmy.world
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        15 days ago

        Seriously, he’s another Republican I’d trust to actually want to do the right thing even if I disagree on how.

        Interesting parallel to us in Massachusetts with Romney. A blue state electing a Republican governor and generally being happy with it. Also you wouldn’t expect much from an actor or vulture capitalist, but they deliver

      • MehBlah@lemmy.world
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        15 days ago

        When he says something its honest as opposed to the majority of republicans just project their intentions on their enemies. The important thing here is their idea anyone who doesn’t agree with them is a enemy.

  • JaggedRobotPubes@lemmy.world
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    15 days ago

    He did some dumb god damn shit in California back in the day, and he’s doing the obviously right thing now that things are so different. We gather every partial win and stand together against the limpdicks.

    Vote.

  • JasonDJ@lemmy.zip
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    16 days ago

    In one corner, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

    In the other corner, Hulk Hogan.

    What year is it?

  • Not_mikey@slrpnk.net
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    16 days ago

    This is the type of republican endorsement Harris should be touting. His politics may be shit but at least he’s got broad popularity across the aisle , unlike Cheney and the five delusional people who still think his opinion is worth considering.

    • curbstickle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      16 days ago

      I actually think the opposite shows more.

      “The orange idiot calls me a communist, but even these pieces of shit are voting for me over him.”

      I think too many people are confusing am endorsement by a piece of shit and supporting that piece of shit, like Cheney’s endorsement somehow will mean Harris agrees with him.

      All it means is a massive turd is saying “Don’t vote for the diaper full of massive fascsist turds”.

      • FuglyDuck@lemmy.world
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        16 days ago

        Let it sink in:

        Angela Davis - an avowed Marxist-Leninist- and Dick-fucking-Cheney both agree Kamala is the way to go.

        How the hell is this election even close?

        (And we can add Liz Cheney to that. She and her dad are both neo-con warmongers.)

        Edit: any one have a good punchline to “Dick Cheney and Angela Davis walk into a bar….”?

        • can@sh.itjust.works
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          16 days ago

          any one have a good punchline to “Dick Cheney and Angela Davis walk into a bar….”?

          I don’t know who she is but maybe something to do with getting (a) shot?

        • NoneOfUrBusiness@fedia.io
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          16 days ago

          How the hell is this election even close?

          I understand the sentiment, but I think it’s obvious why this election is close. Harris fucking sucks as a candidate. Apart of whether or not people should vote for her, she’s a coward that refuses to take a stand (or even make promises) on literally anything while actively alienating two significant demographics in the swing states she needs to win and opting instead to get the five or so swing voters that exist in America to vote for her. If Trump was slightly more competent she’d have had no chance.

              • can@sh.itjust.works
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                15 days ago

                I’m not American. Could you elaborate? Is this your personal experience as part of said demographic(s)? I understand if you don’t wish to disclose that. I’m just curious as this election will affect me nonetheless.

                • NoneOfUrBusiness@fedia.io
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                  15 days ago

                  Not American either, but the stats are clear that these two particular demographics are not okay with the current situation.

  • Fedizen@lemmy.world
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    16 days ago

    he’s a little shit but I guess he has limits on how much fake bullshit he’s willing to sling.

  • Media Bias Fact Checker@lemmy.worldB
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    16 days ago
    The Guardian - News Source Context (Click to view Full Report)

    Information for The Guardian:

    Wiki: reliable - There is consensus that The Guardian is generally reliable. The Guardian’s op-eds should be handled with WP:RSOPINION. Some editors believe The Guardian is biased or opinionated for politics. See also: The Guardian blogs.
    Wiki: mixed - Most editors say that The Guardian blogs should be treated as newspaper blogs or opinion pieces due to reduced editorial oversight. Check the bottom of the article for a “blogposts” tag to determine whether the page is a blog post or a non-blog article. See also: The Guardian.


    MBFC: Left-Center - Credibility: Medium - Factual Reporting: Mixed - United Kingdom


    Search topics on Ground.News

    https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/oct/30/arnold-schwarzenegger-endorses-kamala-harris-i-will-always-be-an-american-before-i-am-a-republican

    Media Bias Fact Check | bot support

    • neatchee@lemmy.world
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      16 days ago

      I’m not gonna pretend the clemency was an ethical move - though there is a lot to question about that plea agreement - I will say that if you think this is “as crooked as they come” you are woefully sheltered.

      Cutting the sentence in half of a political-rival-turned-ally’s son is messed up but the hyperbole of calling it “the most crooked you can be” is absurd

      • TheTechnician27@lemmy.world
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        16 days ago

        I think you meant to say “cutting the sentence in half of a crony’s son who brutally and unambiguously stabbed an innocent man to death at the literal last minute of your time in office so there are effectively no consequences”?

        • neatchee@lemmy.world
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          Can you read? Did you read the article? Unambiguous my ass. There is literally witness testimony that says it was the other assailant that stabbed the victim. Seriously, read the article that was linked so you don’t sound quite so willfully ignorant

          Also calling Nunez a crony of Schwarzenegger is hilarious given their history.

          • TheTechnician27@lemmy.world
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            16 days ago

            Okay, I want to clarify two things:

            1. Only one of the witnesses said Jeff was the one who landed the blow on Luis in the left ventricle, so what you have then is instead the sum of the witness evidence. However, if you and your friend come up and try to start stabbing me and the person next to you just happens to be the one whose knife gets to me first, you’ve effectively stabbed me to death. Just like if you and your friend start opening fire intentionally trying to hit me but your friend’s bullet just happens to hit me first, you’ve still shot me to death; that’s again even assuming that one witness out of several was the correct one. This never went to trial to figure out whose knife actually pierced Luis’ heart thanks to the plea bargain, but with the 7/11 evidence of them getting gasoline to burn their clothes and weapons, it’s unambiguous they were both responsible.

            2. Nunez was Schwarzenegger’s crony; did you not read the entire-ass section of the article called “Foes to friends” that goes over exactly how this happened? Nunez started by derailing Schwarzenegger’s agenda, but after this, they began working closely together to make sure legislation made its way through – basic politicking: I scratch your back, you scratch mine. If Nunez wasn’t a crony, why did Schwarzenegger do this for Nunez specifically, one is led to wonder? And why did he do it at the absolute last minute of his term? If they were bitter political rivals, it could be seen as an act of good faith among the public rather than the shallow, naked cronyism that it was.

            • neatchee@lemmy.world
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              16 days ago

              Honestly, at this point, I don’t even care, because the main point I was trying to make stands either way: this is not, by an stretch of the imagination, as crooked as they come. Seriously. You must see that at this point. Like, the fact that we’re even having this discussion over the nuances of the case is itself proof that it’s not the worst form of crooked.

              Do I really need to start listing off the people throughout history who have been far more crooked? Or can you just admit you were being hyperbolic and exaggerating for effect?

              • TheTechnician27@lemmy.world
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                the fact that we’re even having this discussion over the nuances of the case is itself proof that it’s not the worst form of crooked.

                Lmao what? The fact that you’re trying to muddy the waters over Nunez’s son stabbing a man to death by deliberately misunderstanding the case makes this “nuanced”?

                I can do that too: Rod Blagojevich actually wasn’t super corrupt because he accidentally tripped and fell on a button that made him try to sell Obama’s Senate seat. He was impeached unanimously, but I think he actually just appointed Roland Burris because Burris was such a great politician. His crime wasn’t unambiguous, and the fact that Trump pardoned him means that there’s obviously more to the story than you’re letting on. Please come discuss these points with me that I may argue you pointing out how stupid and wrong what I’ve said is itself constitutes nuance.

                • neatchee@lemmy.world
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                  I see that you won’t even bother trying to address the initial point of my reply so I’m done here. I’m not trying to debate the merits of a case that never even went to trial, when the whole point of my reply was to simply point out that you were being outrageously hyperbolic

                  Address the actual complaint or gtfo.