As we enter the home stretch to this election, we are bombarded with so much news the only way to make sense of it is to divide it into categories. The president is angry and self-pitying while campaign officials are trying to tip the election with the dubious laptop story. Administration officials are also working as quickly as they can to push through whatever they can while they are still in power, hoping what they are doing flies under the radar with so much going on. And this flurry of activity means there are bad slips.
This Letter is why we wake from our sleep to read your work. How you link threads, determine which is credible and which not, and cut through clickbait and overwrought headlines to help us track threats to democracy. Every. F#$&ing. Day. Is heroic. Thank you.
This is a whole lot of crazy to unpack. What's so troubling to me is how easily people are led astray, or worse, willingly choose to believe, by Trump's rants without seeking any further clarification.
I live in an affluent zip code. My immediate community is well educated and, on the surface, successful in many business and professional fields. Yet, in the largest of four blue SMSAs in an historically red state, Trump voters outnumber others by about 4:1. Among my friends are many parents, especially fathers, of daughters. These people were first in line to help me after a bad cancer diagnosis a couple years back. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out Trump's appeal. They'd swear they're drawn by economic policies but I find that hard to believe given that None of these people suffered under Onama's Administration, despite the impact of the 2008 financial crisis which, of course, predated Obama's election.
It's virtually impossible to get a straight answer from them. Few will outright defend Trump, but revert to Obama or Hillary or somesuch non-response. Despite appearances to the contrary I'm left to conclude there's more racism and misogyny than I'd care to admit.
Kamala Harris was in town yesterday. Trump was here as well, less than 15 miles away. The text threads were full of pro Trump memes and pictures of Diamond and Silk, as well as nasty memes of Harris and Biden.
I'd hate to walk away from relationships with people who I'd trust with my life but not with my country, but it's coming to that. Their tacit approval of all Trump has done beyond economics (read tax cuts and deregulation) isn't something I can look past while making nice at a golf or club event.
Will they still agitate for Trumpist goals if/when Biden is elected, or will they revert to being "fiscal conservatives" without all the baggage of implied hate, racism, and xenophobia? I don't know but I'm not sure I can wait to find out.
The video of Biden reacting to Chris's son just.wrecked.me. How painfully I want this kind man to regain control of the executive is like a living thing running thru my veins, making me wake in a fever every morning around 5am...to read this newsletter. Thank you thank you thank you....
Yes, y'all, I saw clips from it last night on CNN. I'd check Youtube, and if you find it, believe me, it is worth the search. He REALLY tore into Trump in ways I have never heard. Reporters last night said it is unprecedented in modern times that an ex-President has ever publicly berated and attacked their successor to this degree. It was delicious. Obama obviously has been sitting back for the past 4 years watching his legacy ruined and listening to a President* insult him and run him down. He is FINALLY letting it all out, and it's about damned time! He nails it. I'm glad he's in the fray for the next couple weeks!!
*I always use an asterisk to describe this President* as it means, "in name only."
Thank you, HCR! It’s an avalanche of news. These are my secular prayers: I’m praying that Biden keeps his cool tonight. I’m praying that I never have to see or hear Trump, McConnell and Barr after January 2021. I’m praying that we all vote and help get out the vote for BidenHarris and to flip the Senate. Finally, I’m praying for my country and all of us who have been hurt in so many ways during the Covid Era and the Orange Clown’s presidency. Let’s get this done and over with. Vota. Vote. ❤️🤍💙
Thanks Heather for this recap of a roller coaster day. Filled with "what the absolute hell Rudy", to a truly fantastic speech from President Obama. I watched the speech, or more so a dress down of a current President by a former President live. My understanding is that has not happened before or atleast to that degree. We heard President Obama say what we all think but don't have the venue to express it. I've said it before, but what do other countries think when they see this uber corrupt, outrageous Administration with its daily foray of bullshit? I can only imagine what the Trump show will bring for tonight. Get out the popcorn.
I have watched the video of Biden comforting Hixon's son multiple times through tears. Good Lord willing that our country be a worthy recipient of such a compassionate and caring person as our leader.
Appreciate your good work. I find comfort in the fact America has survived other crazy administrations. I’m reading Wounded Knee: the Political road to an American Massacre, aloud to my 12 & 14 year old grandchildren. They are staying involved and I have been impressed with the parallels to today’s administration, especially the packing of agencies with political cronies.
I live in NC and the early voting has been unprecedented. I’m hopeful for the outcome.
As trump more and more drills holes in the bottom of his own life raft the harder and harder his supporters try to bail him out. I am still running across people whose only reason (excuse) to vote for him is because "he doesn't kill unborn babies". ssmmmhhh. I am just waiting for someone like Hannity or Limbaugh to say that the video of Biden comforting that young man shows him molesting a minor. To see and hear president Obama sounding like what he was and still is .. a leader...was a breath of fresh air and reminded me of what coherent sentences and well thought out points of discussion actually sound like.
Keep up the great work Prof Heather and thank you for being a candle in this darkness.
I would like to see a retired OPM executive give their take on today's executive order. It is convoluted to read and you'd have to be an expert in civil service statutes and regulations to understand its potential effect. Coming from Trump's sycophants it is almost certainly sinister.
I have a client whose husband she says is a Drumph supporter. When I asked the question, why, she responded, he doesn’t want socialism. My response was number one, we already have socialism except that the money goes to support the 1%.
Then what she explained was not socialism but his confusion with communism.
I give up. We need to educate our population. The ignorance and misinformation is so dangerous.
When a community of people support a dim witted, criminal, inarticulate dope into the White House we are in serious serious trouble.
I really really like Joe Biden. For a while, many liberal friends have said they didn't like Biden but would vote against Trump. I have always said, I am voting FOR Joe Biden. He has made mistakes in his life and career, and he doesn't always go as far left as I would like, but he is a good man and public servant. I cannot wait for him to be our President!
I have a cousin whom I used to say had “drunk the kool-aid”. I now say that she bathes in the stuff. She is an influential author and speaker, and has many “followers”. 😩
Taken from her Facebook page yesterday: “The owner of a small repair shop is going to save the republic. God truly does work in mysterious ways. “ (no, she was not being sarcastic) and advised her friends/followers “the laptop from hell. Watch the white house channel and newsmax/OANN/Rush Limbaugh because the corrupt news news won’t cover this and it is incredibly damaging. “
I have no words, and realize how deeply “his” followers have been indoctrinated in to the cult that is trumpism.
This Letter is why we wake from our sleep to read your work. How you link threads, determine which is credible and which not, and cut through clickbait and overwrought headlines to help us track threats to democracy. Every. F#$&ing. Day. Is heroic. Thank you.
This is a whole lot of crazy to unpack. What's so troubling to me is how easily people are led astray, or worse, willingly choose to believe, by Trump's rants without seeking any further clarification.
I live in an affluent zip code. My immediate community is well educated and, on the surface, successful in many business and professional fields. Yet, in the largest of four blue SMSAs in an historically red state, Trump voters outnumber others by about 4:1. Among my friends are many parents, especially fathers, of daughters. These people were first in line to help me after a bad cancer diagnosis a couple years back. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out Trump's appeal. They'd swear they're drawn by economic policies but I find that hard to believe given that None of these people suffered under Onama's Administration, despite the impact of the 2008 financial crisis which, of course, predated Obama's election.
It's virtually impossible to get a straight answer from them. Few will outright defend Trump, but revert to Obama or Hillary or somesuch non-response. Despite appearances to the contrary I'm left to conclude there's more racism and misogyny than I'd care to admit.
Kamala Harris was in town yesterday. Trump was here as well, less than 15 miles away. The text threads were full of pro Trump memes and pictures of Diamond and Silk, as well as nasty memes of Harris and Biden.
I'd hate to walk away from relationships with people who I'd trust with my life but not with my country, but it's coming to that. Their tacit approval of all Trump has done beyond economics (read tax cuts and deregulation) isn't something I can look past while making nice at a golf or club event.
Will they still agitate for Trumpist goals if/when Biden is elected, or will they revert to being "fiscal conservatives" without all the baggage of implied hate, racism, and xenophobia? I don't know but I'm not sure I can wait to find out.
The video of Biden reacting to Chris's son just.wrecked.me. How painfully I want this kind man to regain control of the executive is like a living thing running thru my veins, making me wake in a fever every morning around 5am...to read this newsletter. Thank you thank you thank you....
Yes, y'all, I saw clips from it last night on CNN. I'd check Youtube, and if you find it, believe me, it is worth the search. He REALLY tore into Trump in ways I have never heard. Reporters last night said it is unprecedented in modern times that an ex-President has ever publicly berated and attacked their successor to this degree. It was delicious. Obama obviously has been sitting back for the past 4 years watching his legacy ruined and listening to a President* insult him and run him down. He is FINALLY letting it all out, and it's about damned time! He nails it. I'm glad he's in the fray for the next couple weeks!!
*I always use an asterisk to describe this President* as it means, "in name only."
Thank you, HCR! It’s an avalanche of news. These are my secular prayers: I’m praying that Biden keeps his cool tonight. I’m praying that I never have to see or hear Trump, McConnell and Barr after January 2021. I’m praying that we all vote and help get out the vote for BidenHarris and to flip the Senate. Finally, I’m praying for my country and all of us who have been hurt in so many ways during the Covid Era and the Orange Clown’s presidency. Let’s get this done and over with. Vota. Vote. ❤️🤍💙
Thanks Heather for this recap of a roller coaster day. Filled with "what the absolute hell Rudy", to a truly fantastic speech from President Obama. I watched the speech, or more so a dress down of a current President by a former President live. My understanding is that has not happened before or atleast to that degree. We heard President Obama say what we all think but don't have the venue to express it. I've said it before, but what do other countries think when they see this uber corrupt, outrageous Administration with its daily foray of bullshit? I can only imagine what the Trump show will bring for tonight. Get out the popcorn.
I have watched the video of Biden comforting Hixon's son multiple times through tears. Good Lord willing that our country be a worthy recipient of such a compassionate and caring person as our leader.
Appreciate your good work. I find comfort in the fact America has survived other crazy administrations. I’m reading Wounded Knee: the Political road to an American Massacre, aloud to my 12 & 14 year old grandchildren. They are staying involved and I have been impressed with the parallels to today’s administration, especially the packing of agencies with political cronies.
I live in NC and the early voting has been unprecedented. I’m hopeful for the outcome.
Beautifully done! You are tracking "a 30-ring circus," and doing so with bravado, pizzaz, and great insight! Thanks!
As trump more and more drills holes in the bottom of his own life raft the harder and harder his supporters try to bail him out. I am still running across people whose only reason (excuse) to vote for him is because "he doesn't kill unborn babies". ssmmmhhh. I am just waiting for someone like Hannity or Limbaugh to say that the video of Biden comforting that young man shows him molesting a minor. To see and hear president Obama sounding like what he was and still is .. a leader...was a breath of fresh air and reminded me of what coherent sentences and well thought out points of discussion actually sound like.
Keep up the great work Prof Heather and thank you for being a candle in this darkness.
Tyranny vs humanity was on display today and you captured it to perfection!
I would like to see a retired OPM executive give their take on today's executive order. It is convoluted to read and you'd have to be an expert in civil service statutes and regulations to understand its potential effect. Coming from Trump's sycophants it is almost certainly sinister.
I have a client whose husband she says is a Drumph supporter. When I asked the question, why, she responded, he doesn’t want socialism. My response was number one, we already have socialism except that the money goes to support the 1%.
Then what she explained was not socialism but his confusion with communism.
I give up. We need to educate our population. The ignorance and misinformation is so dangerous.
When a community of people support a dim witted, criminal, inarticulate dope into the White House we are in serious serious trouble.
I really really like Joe Biden. For a while, many liberal friends have said they didn't like Biden but would vote against Trump. I have always said, I am voting FOR Joe Biden. He has made mistakes in his life and career, and he doesn't always go as far left as I would like, but he is a good man and public servant. I cannot wait for him to be our President!
I have a cousin whom I used to say had “drunk the kool-aid”. I now say that she bathes in the stuff. She is an influential author and speaker, and has many “followers”. 😩
Taken from her Facebook page yesterday: “The owner of a small repair shop is going to save the republic. God truly does work in mysterious ways. “ (no, she was not being sarcastic) and advised her friends/followers “the laptop from hell. Watch the white house channel and newsmax/OANN/Rush Limbaugh because the corrupt news news won’t cover this and it is incredibly damaging. “
I have no words, and realize how deeply “his” followers have been indoctrinated in to the cult that is trumpism.
It makes me so sad, and terrified.
Dr. R, when do you ever sleep? Inquiring minds want to know!