MAGA Republicans are seething with rage because Biden hit his target
here’s a question for those Republicans: What exactly in Biden’s speech was wrong?
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
MAGA Republicans are seething with rage because Biden hit his target
By Greg Sargent
Columnist|Follow
September 2, 2022 at 11:18 a.m. EDT
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Republicans are in a rage over President Biden’s speech in Philadelphia, in which he flatly declared that the American democratic experiment is in serious danger due to Donald Trump and the Republicans who remain allied with his political project.
So here’s a question for those Republicans: What exactly in Biden’s speech was wrong?
Many objections have been general: Republicans say his speech disparaged millions, that it was angry, or divisive, or political, or hateful, or depicted Republicans as the enemy.
In coming days, these Republicans will retreat into right-wing media safe spaces to fulminate without facing cross-examination. But when they venture into mainstream forums, they should be pressed on specifics.
Let’s take Biden’s most fundamental claim about the MAGA-fied GOP and democracy:
Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our Republic.
Biden elaborated:
MAGA Republicans do not respect the Constitution. They do not believe in the rule of law. They do not recognize the will of the people. They refuse to accept the results of a free election.
Some Republicans insist they do respect the Constitution and the rule of law. But Biden carefully distinguished between MAGA and non-MAGA Republicans, casting only the former in these terms.
The category of “MAGA Republicans” is vague. But we can certainly say a whole lot of them — including members of Congress — were largely supportive of Trump’s effort as president to overturn his election loss.
That MAGA coup attempt included extraordinarily corrupt pressure on many government actors, including law enforcement, which flouted the rule of law on its face. It involved pressure on Vice President Mike Pence to violate his constitutional duty. Pence himself said he was being asked to betray basic tenets of constitutional democracy.
Many Republicans who are now professing outrage supported all that. A review of their own conduct proves Biden right.
Biden also said this:
They look at the mob that stormed the United States Capitol on Jan. 6, brutally attacking law enforcement, not as insurrectionists who placed a dagger at the throat of our democracy, but they look at them as patriots.
Biden went on to accuse “MAGA forces” of fanning “political violence.”
Republicans sometimes say those who committed violent crimes should be prosecuted. That may be sincere in some cases, but again, what Biden said just does apply to Trump and the GOP’s MAGA wing.
This week, Trump strongly suggested that if elected again, he would pardon untold numbers who violently attacked the U.S. Capitol to prevent a legitimately elected government from taking power. Trump also said he would issue a government apology, meaning the Jan. 6 defendants are persecuted victims. This drew not a peep from most elected Republicans.
Meanwhile, other MAGA Republicans actually have called the Jan. 6 defendants “political prisoners” or have otherwise described the rioters as patriots. Many continue to hand-wave away or actively cover up Trump’s own role in inciting that violence, implying it was perhaps excessive but motivated by an underlying just cause.
Here’s more from Biden on MAGA:
They’re working right now as I speak in state after state to give power to decide elections in America to partisans and cronies, empowering election deniers to undermine democracy itself.
He amplified:
And they see their MAGA failure to stop a peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 election as preparation for the 2022 and 2024 elections.
Which part of this do Republicans deny?
Right now, dozens of Republicans are seeking positions of control over election machinery, with Trump’s active support, while campaigning explicitly on their refusal to acknowledge that Biden was legitimately elected president. All of that represents a threat to use the power of their offices to treat future Democratic election wins as subject to nullification.
And so, the openly declared intentions of Trump and those MAGA Republicans show that they undeniably do pose a threat to our democratic system at a bedrock level.
Does that mean the system couldn’t recover if all Jan. 6 defendants walked or if Trump (or an imitator) and his allies illicitly overturn a future presidential election?
Not necessarily. But their actions are plainly a threat to our foundational democratic bargain, in which electoral losses are accepted as binding and the losers live to fight another day, and a hard line is drawn at political violence.
On that latter score, in fact, some scholars of political breakdown fear that the MAGA takeover of large swaths of the GOP really does portend future political violence and instability. Not civil war, necessarily, but higher levels of violence directed at influencing or contesting political outcomes.
And so, at a fundamental level, Biden’s core claim — that Trump and the swaths of the GOP allied with him pose a foundational threat — is absolutely reasonable.
Here’s the most basic point of all. Despite screams that Biden’s speech was dictatorial and cast MAGA as the enemy, he said this:
There are far more Americans, far more Americans from every background and belief, who reject the extreme MAGA ideology than those that accept it. And folks, it’s within our power, it’s in our hands, yours and mine, to stop the assault on American democracy.
That’s a call for Americans to defeat Trump and MAGA in a manner that is peaceful and democratic. Biden is saying that an anti-MAGA majority exists in this country that can and must mobilize to stabilize our system.
And the idea that this majority is out there and exists for the rousing — well, that’s what enrages Republicans most of all.
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The reaction of conservatives to Biden's speech has been very instructive.
They (the right) wants to be left alone to damage democracy, damage our elections, and damage the nation's progress.
President Biden served the Trumpian hoard a dose of their own medicine. Then they howled like scalded pigs being butchered. Apparently they do not like it...
Why would you scald a pig before butchering, sounds like torture.
Many years ago (1940) , as a 21 year old my father had a job at a meat packing plant at the Chicago stockyards. My dad's sole job was to hit a cattle in the head with a steel mallet while the cow was strung up upside down in an "assembly line".
Making meat is not a humane business.
Yep, guess it must be a liberal thing .....
I can only imagine the suffering the gop is feeling!
Can you explain why Joe hurt their feels so badly?
No, I believe that we are responding for our own feelings.
Chicago
They tell me you are wicked and I believe them, for I have seen your painted women under the gas lamps luring the farm boys.
And they tell me you are crooked and I answer: yes, it is true I have seen the gunman kill and go free to kill again.
And they tell me you are brutal and my reply is: On the faces of women and children I have seen the marks of wanton hunger.
And having answered so I turn once more to those who sneer at this my city, and I give them back the sneer and say to them:
Come and show me another city with lifted head singing so proud to be alive and coarse and strong and cunning.
Flinging magnetic curses amid the toil of piling job on job, here is a tall bold slugger set vivid against the little soft cities;
Fierce as a dog with tongue lapping for action, cunning as a savage pitted against the wilderness,
Bareheaded,
Shoveling,
Wrecking,
Planning,
Building, breaking, rebuilding,
Under the smoke, dust all over his mouth, laughing with white teeth,
Under the terrible burden of destiny laughing as a young man laughs,
Laughing even as an ignorant fighter laughs who has never lost a battle,
Bragging and laughing that under his wrist is the pulse, and under his ribs the heart of the people,
Laughing!
Laughing the stormy, husky, brawling laughter of Youth, half-naked, sweating, proud to be Hog Butcher, Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat, Player with Railroads and Freight Handler to the Nation.
www.cnn.com /2022/09/04/politics/trump-rally-nazi-sympathizer-january-6-rioter/
Trump rally highlighting January 6 case of alleged Nazi sympathizer sparks criticism
Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a member of the House panel investigating the January 6, 2021, insurrection, on Sunday called out former President Donald Trump for featuring a speaker during his Saturday rally who highlighted the plight of a January 6 rioter and alleged Nazi sympathizer who was convicted on all five charges he faced in May.
“When President Biden warned there are some elements in this extreme group that are semi-Fascist, maybe he didn’t need to use ‘semi,” the California Democrat told CNN’s Jim Acosta on “Newsroom,” referring to the current President’s recent remarks about “MAGA Republicans.”
Biden in late August rebuked Republicans who have stuck to the credo of his predecessor, labeling it “semi-fascism.”
The speaker at Trump’s Pennsylvania rally was Cynthia Hughes, the leader of a support group for January 6 defendants like Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, whose case went viral after the Justice Department released photos of him sporting a distinctive “Hitler mustache.”
Trump’s decision to feature a speaker highlighting such a case, when there are hundreds of other Capitol riot defendants to cite as examples, prompted a pointed response from Lofgren, also a member of the House Judiciary Committee: “Being a supporter of Adolf Hitler does put you in the Fascist category; there is no semi about it. I do think this is troubling.”
Signaling support for Capitol rioters was just one example of how Trump used his first rally since the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago to pander to his base, railing against Biden, whom he called an “enemy of the state,” the FBI and Justice Department, and only briefly touting the Pennsylvania Senate and gubernatorial candidates he was in Wilkes-Barre to campaign for. The rally came just days after the former President said he would “very, very seriously” consider full pardons for Capitol rioters if he runs in 2024 and wins.
During the Saturday rally, Hughes pointed to the fact that Hale-Cusanelli, whom she called her nephew, had been kept in jail since his arrest nearly two years ago as an example of what she called the broader injustice facing defendants in January 6-related cases. While true that Hale-Cusanelli was not charged with any violent crimes, the judge in his case decided he should remain in jail while he awaited trial because he posed a threat to the public and that there was a potential for an “escalation of violence” from his alleged long-held neo-Nazi beliefs.
“I am very concerned about the statements after January 6 suggesting that the defendant is looking forward to a civil war,” federal Judge Trevor McFadden said at a court hearing roughly two months after Hale-Cusanelli’s arrest in January 2021.
“Every judge is afraid of releasing somebody who then goes crazy,” McFadden, a Trump appointee, said during the March 2021 hearing. “There’s a lot in here that makes me worried about that.”
Prosecutors had brought up police reports from 2020 where Jewish people accused Hale-Cusanelli of harassment. They said they were worried he might go after an informant who gave the FBI information that helped their case. And they mentioned that some coworkers at the Navy base where he worked in New Jersey felt afraid to confront him about his racist and sexist comments.
During his May trial, prosecutors played video of Hale-Cusanelli yelling a sexist slur at a female police officer during the riot and played audio and showed text messages from the defendant where he expressed anti-Semitic views, accusing Jewish people of controlling Biden, and said he wanted civil war.
Hale-Cusanelli, who claimed he didn’t know Congress met at the United States Capitol, has denied being a member of any White supremacist groups. He testified that he is half Jewish and half Puerto Rican – and that his racist slurs were always meant to be “ironic” and “self-deprecating humor.”
A jury convicted him on all counts earlier this year and he’ll be sentenced later this month.
He was the fifth January 6 rioter to be convicted by a jury in Washington, DC, and faces up to 20 years behind bars for the felony of obstructing an official proceeding. The ultimate sentence, however, will likely be far lower.
Marshall Cohen contributed to this report.
Trump has sweatshops overseas turning out brown shirts so that he can form his new army.
Comparing apples to atomic bombs again?
Can't tell the damn difference between a Trump Campaign paid for event; and a tax payer funded National address with Brandon being framed by two Marines?
One where Brandon threatens US citizens with military force?
Brandon was alive for the Vietnam war; or at least he pretended to be. He was also president for the failed withdrawal from Afghanistan. So he should know what a bunch of individuals with guns can accomplish.
But all you bring is "But Trruuummmmppppp!!!!!!" If Trump had pulled the shit Biden just did during a National address Democrats would already have had him impeached in the House; and be screaming bloody murder at Republicans in the Senate to do the same. You would be right there with them.
Brandon just used the power of the Presidency and the military to threaten US citizens that don't agree with him. He needs to be impeached now.
How is it over there off the deep end?
MAGA is devoted to Donald Trump, the worst person ever to hold the office of president of the United States. This is not a nothing thing, it is a big thing.
The country will never go forward as long as "trumpism" exists. Reformulate your conservative beliefs around more worthy leaders.
If you have to ask, just imagine your reaction had Trump pulled the speech that Biden just delivered as a National address; framed by two marines in uniform.
Democrats are devoted to ensuring their one party rule. They are so devoted they completely overlook the Human Fuck Up Machine that they put into office; who will go down as the single worst president ever.
This country will never go forward so long as Brandon and Democrats are in power; and use the IRS, FBI, and DOJ to attack those that do not agree with them.
How many times do you need this fucking repeated before it sinks into your TDS driven head. I can't stand Trump; if he drops off the face of the planet today I will not shed a tear- so long as fucking Democrats have nothing to do with it. I am not pro Trump; I am anti Democrat for what they have put this country through ever since Trump took that infamous trip down the escalator to announce his candidacy. Democrats don't deserve to be in power at any level of government, period. So if Trump is again the GOP leader then I will vote straight Republican ticket like I did in 2020. It will not be a vote for Trump; it will be a vote to remove Democrats from power and to make sure that they stay out until they learn they are not the damn law of the land!
That would lead to critical comments of Democrats AND critical comments of Trump; especially the lack of defense for the indefensible. It would not logically lead to defending Trump's myriad bad actions in his Big Lie con-job or his stubborn holding of classified (some TS/SCI) documents at his residence.
One could vote straight R except for PotUS. Indeed, although not likely, what if the choice for PotUS was against a person like JFK Jr. (had he lived) or any other D (e.g. Governor John Bel Edwards) you would find to be a good PotUS and Trump? Would you not be inclined to vote straight R except for PotUS? To achieve a solid R representation without the irresponsible, irrational and unpatriotic act of reelecting Trump?
Lol .... spin baby ..... spin!
What did Biden say that was incorrect?
He spoke the truth and Magats are allergic to the truth.
Good to see you Paula.
Notice that question is never answered.
Almost everything that comes out of his mouth.
[deleted]
[Just like shotgun Joe.]
Notice it was answered in 4.1.4 then censored.
There is no doubt that MAGA responded like scalded dogs (figure of speech), but what did Biden say that is wrong? MAGA still, to this day, supports Trump's allegations that the election was stolen. This is UN -AMERICAN, period. On top of that Trump tried to steal the election through highly unethical and possibly illegal machinations and threats. Yet MAGA stays behind him. That is what Joe Biden was addressing, and he was 100% right to do it.
Well then, we’ve been watching “scalded dogs” on the left rant and rave the last six years. Non stop.
Not even a close comparison with what’s going on right now, exception being, some of those liberal dogs are still scalding six years later......
[Deleted] I would love to never mention him again, but he keeps doing everything possible to keep himself in the spotlight. He makes Narcissus look humble by comparison. We can’t ignore him because he won’t allow himself to be ignored.
And oh yeah, he broke the fuckin law yet again, why aren’t you upset about that? Aren’t you all supposed to care about law and order or are the Dems/liberals gonna have to do that too? Seriously, what part of responsible governing are you [Deleted willing to do?]
[Deleted]
Once again you have nothing to actually say, just like your party. [Deleted]
[Deleted]
They are always saved by the bell.
Biden isn’t wrong, as far as I can tell Trump holds utter contempt (at best) for democracy in principle and utterly despises it in practice. And watching his supporters try to lick his asshole at every turn definitely makes me think that if he somehow regains office that will be the last real election any of us see.
Biden is a lying buffoon.
Making the wrong decisions and choices for nearly 50 years.
His last win was cornpop ...... allegedly .....
Wrongo! Joe Biden was a longtime United States Senator and then served two terms as Vice President. He then whooped Donald Trump badly and now serves honorably as The President of the United States of America!
And has still done more than the asshole you can't break your tongue away from.
Biden is far from perfect but at least he doesn't lie with every breath.
It never ceases to amaze how "MAGA" think this could ever end well for their ideology. Sooner or later the lies and nonsense that prop this movement up will lose their appeal.
The MAGA individuals likely will just move on to some other handle. Their beliefs will remain. They will follow candidates who call them true patriots, support guns, nationalism, Christianity, male dominance, etc. Their ideology will simply take on a new label with a new voice.
What amazes me is how the GoP leaders (not the electorate but those working in direct support of the party) do not see how detrimental Trump is to the party. Possibly they have concluded that the damage is already done and breaking free of Trump now is too little too late. Might be. But there is nothing to be gained by having candidates kowtow to Trump — especially those slimy fucks who go along with his Big Lie.
Fuck Off!
More delusional nonsense.
Biden will go down in history as one if the worst Presidents in US history.
The divider in chief ….. shotgun Joe.
Anyone who supports Biden is just as big a buffoon as Biden is. Mindless worker drones, one and all.
Unless of course one likes record inflation, record gas prices, record food prices, record utility prices, non stop divisiveness etc, etc
Fools one and all
LMAO!!! Anybody serving honorably wouldn't abandon citizens in a war zone.
Not much truth hereabouts, but a lot to laugh at. That's entertainment!
Right here:
One of the most divisive speeches given.
And they called Trump unpresidential …. Typical left wing hypocrisy from the usual sources.
It would be nice if you could actually make a point once in a while.
is not a point or an argument for your beliefs.
Just because YOU missed the point, doesn't mean it's not there.
Some people here can present facts and logical arguments for what they are saying, and some people just say "TDS" and "Biden sucks" all the time.
You dont have a point when all you can do is say things like
lol …. The point is made and it’s spot on. Not my problem if some are too TDS ridden, dull and/or biased to recognize that.
See above
[deleted]
I know it its a hopeless case, but I can explain this to you. The attempted "coup" on Jan 6 was a definite sign of disrespect for the Constitution. The Constitution designated that day for the completion of the election process. The "rioters" purpose was to , at the least, delay the completion of the election process so that Trump could continue to try and devise a way to steal the election. The vast majority of the rioters, if not all of them, could be fairly described as "MAGA". Thus MAGA Republicans do not respect the Constitution.
Got it?
How do you reconcile that with the 1st Amendment?
You wanted to know how Joe Biden could fairly and honestly say that MAGA people do not respect the constitution, and I just told you.
There are likely some MAGA who respect the constitution and the duty to it involved on Jan 6, but Biden made a generalization, as all human beings do about something every single day.
he said nothing that was wrong.
I guess you didn't read 8 above.
That's not true and you can't prove otherwise. Sweeping generalization!
Except Biden claims everyone who opposes him is a MAGA republican, not just Jan 6th rioters.
I dont think so. MAGA refers to Trumps most devoted followers. I wouldnt call an independent who voted for Trump in 2016 MAGA. I would call them naïve at the time, but I wouldnt call them MAGA.
I explained it to you, quite specifically, once. I am not going to do it twice just because you want to kill time with foolish questions.
[deleted]
Biden is recycling attacks he used against mitt Romney, the guy a hysterical Biden claimed would enslave blacks, and applying them to “maga”.
how anyone takes this shrill dotard seriously is beyond me. All he’s doing, all he ever does, is rant and claim the sky is falling so democratic voters will ignore how democrats actually govern and vote out of fear. That’s why the maga hysteria re-emerged sixty days before an election. It’s fear mongering to excite the gullible democratic base.
[deleted]
Im going to let this one go. Dont make any more comments suggesting I didnt answer your question. The next ones will be deleted as trolling.
[deleted]
[deleted]
Quite to the contrary. Jeremy asked a question up the thread, and I specifically answered it. Specifically.
Since I gave him his answer he has tried to repeat the same point three or four more times, trying to claim that I didnt answer him. That is trolling.
You answered with your opinion, an opinion he didn’t agree with. A difference of opinion isn’t trolling. I realize you don’t like opinions that don’t agree with yours but that’s your problem. Not the person you are debating.
When someone answers you, even if you dont like the answer, you dont keep saying they didnt answer you. I told him why Biden was right to say MAGA disrespects the constitution. If he disagrees he can make an actual rebutttal, not keep saying I didnt answer him. Case closed.
Lol ….. hardly ….
Then answer the question. How do you reconcile your statement in 8.2 with the 1st Amendment?
Invading the Capitol with the intention to disrupt a congressional proceeding is not a first amendment issue.
But a protest is. So how do you reconcile those?