Trump, The Republicans, And Other People , Greatly Underestimated Kamala Harris
By any reasonable metric, the rollout of Kamala Harris has been a disaster for the GOP and Trump. In less than a month widespread polling results show the presidential race has been turned upside down. 7 out of 9 national polls in the most recent Real Clear politics array show Harris ahead. In the aggregate she is ahead by over a point. Nate Silver says it is more likely than not that Harris will win, albeit by a small margin. Swing state polls have tightened and even in a few cases show a Harris lead.
What went wrong for the GOP?
I would submit the biggest factor is that Republicans and conservatives have spent the last 5 years trying to ridicule Harris. She "cackles", she makes word salads, she's not that intelligent, she was a "DEI" hire. They thought they had successfully made her a national laughing stock. They thought the cake had been baked.
I guess you could say Harris was keeping her powder dry. Her campaign has rocketed out of the starting block, and almost all of that is because of the way Kamala Harris has performed on the biggest stage.
The right got her all wrong and now are paying the price.
I dont want to take too much credit, but I was one of the few here that was arguing, even a year or two ago , that she was being greatly underestimated.
Mike Barnacle of MSNBC predicted today that the debate may help her open up even a wider gap on Trump, and I think he's probably right. Kamala Harris is not afraid of Trump.
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Trump is panicked, but even more importantly maybe, is that Fox News is panicked, and Republicans like Nikki Haley and Lindsay Graham are panicked.
'Cackles' - that pisses me off - she has a wonderful sense of humor and likes to laugh.
What the fuck is wrong with her?
which is a sign of intelligence and wit - must be why the maga are so pissed and mock her, so lacking in the qualities that define decency
If Harris is so wonderful, why this?
Democrats Want Kamala Harris Off Ticket As Well—Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - Newsweek
Democratic leaders want the party to stop its Kamala Harris pile-on ahead of 2024 | CNN Politics
The Case for Biden to Drop Kamala Harris (nymag.com)
That was then.
This is now.
How can you tell when she has flipped on all of her precious socialist views, will not speak to the press and has a VP that lied about his deployment status and retirement grade.
Do democrats thrive such bullshit?
Don’t answer. We already know
I applaud her expressed desire to help everyone advance their station in life. If you call that socialist, so be it.
Walz was what he claimed to be. Then he retired and was reduced because he had not completed the requirements to retire at the E9 pay grade. Oh well. He served his country. And he continues to serve to this day as a public official. Sounds pretty good to me.
I wouldn't know. I am not a Democrat. But I am certainly pleased that I have someone who is relatively youthful and energetic to vote for. But I would have voted for Biden if the alternative was Trump.
If they beat Trump, that is all that matters. There is no possible way that they can harm the country as much as Trump could.
harm the country as much as Trump could.
The sad thing is we have two presidents with records from their administration, and you can’t say with a straight face that Biden has done a better job with policies than Trump.
Unfortunately, most leftists think mean tweets outweigh a prosperous economy and far less illegal immigration.
Biden has done a way better job policy wise than Trump!
Without using memes that someone else has made, tell us what those policies are.
Its pretty obvious what's going on!
Trump has absolutely no skill at foreign relations. His idea of foreign relations is whatever pops into his head at the moment. The only thing he was successful at was driving wedges between us and our allies and pal-ing up with dictators in a most obsequious manner.
He has no policy but "I am right" and "Do what I say" . Re-entering the office of president will give him the keys to the country when he has definitively shown that his interests are "Me, Myself, and I". He does not believe in the rule of law. He does not believe in the Constitution. He has proven this on many separate occasions.
I told Vladimir 'don't do that, it will be bad!' 'I told him things I had done and he said 'No Way' and I said 'Way'
The way all diplomats and world leaders converse.
His whole life, I don't imagine anyone has ever dared to tell him no except in whatever twisted dysfunctional upbringing he went through.
It's disgusting how some lie about how Walz has allegedly lied about his service record.
That didn’t answer the challenge. I asked, without using memes someone else made, how was Biden’s policies better than Trump’s.
Highly intelligent people will tell you they did better under Trump than at any time under aBiden.
I am within the bell curve of intelligent people. Therefore, I realize that Presidents have very little to do with the economy and hence your posit is non sequitur.
Bidens policies have healed relations with allies that were frayed by Trump's non-policies.
His policies have started the rebuilding of manufacturing here in the the US and taken action to address climate change. Trump tried to and would gut the very agencies emplaced to protect our environment.
Those who understand the economy know that a PotUS (and that includes Trump) has very little to do with an economy. Each PotUS gets credit / blame for the economy that manifests during their watch. It is unfair to them when bad and gives them unearned advantage when good. But that simplistic model is how the electorate works even though it is fundamentally flawed.
Not only does a PotUS have little power over the economy, the influence he or she has typically would manifest years later.
Now let's apply this to Trump's term. Likely the most influential policy to improve the economy were the tax cuts of 2017. These mostly favored businesses but would naturally encourage growth and thus jobs. The downside is that this created a larger deficit and further increased our national debt which, as you might know, is a contributor to inflation (remember the years later effect).
The following chart shows GDP growth as a percentage. Note that GDP growth dipped from 2015 but then rose in 2016. Trump could not possibly have done anything to influence that. There was another similar growth between 2017 and 2018. If this was a result of Trump's tax cuts then this would have had to had an immediate effect (act was signed in late Dec, 2017 and went into effect in 2018). GDP growth dipped from 2018 to 2019; so much for the big positive impact of the tax cut. Then COVID hit which is certainly the major factor for the dip in 2020. In short, Trump's policies had little effect on the GDP. They were no doubt a positive factor but, as noted, just one small part of a very complex equation.
In short, one can give modest credit to Trump for policy that should have been positive for the economy (tax cuts) and blame the poor economy on the pandemic. But Trump portrays himself as some kind of a economic god (and his supporters blindly buy that nonsense) yet at best the results were modest at the price of greater deficit spending and an increased national debt (contributing to future inflation).
Now note the big rise after COVID. Biden took credit for this; but this was mostly natural market forces returning to a norm — the result of the economy surging after the major phase of the pandemic passed. After that the GDP growth rate stabilized back to its normal range in 2022.
Bottom line, those who are voting for Trump because they feel they 'did better' when he was PotUS apparently (falsely) believe Trump has some magical power over the economy while ignoring the fact that this magical power had little positive effect and did not prevent the major GDP drop due to COVID.
Trump has no magical economic powers. He is a bullshit artist.
So no proof
What is funny is everything tou said is well known to be true so you didn’t have to write a book to show it.
Everyone knows that a president does not have control of everything but their POLICIES have an effect.
Trump’s policies, as you stated, had modest effect. COVID was unavoidable so there were adjustments due to a closed economy, mainly by blue states and the federal government.
Biden’s policies have made it difficult for the lower and middle classes to make ends meet.
Thank you for agreeing to everything I posted.
First for everything.
Clearly you did not understand what I wrote. Instead you simply declare that I agree with you. A dishonest tactic to try to disguise your lack of a rebuttal.
I responded to this from you (quoting you yet again):
My response, in brief, is that people who actually understand the economy know that Trump was not the reason for a perception of 'doing better'. And, importantly, they understand that Trump, if elected, is not going to make any significant difference in the economy ... the economy will follow its complex (a function of many variables) path regardless of who is the PotUS.
So we still agree. It’s not the person, it’s the policies enacted.
I don’t understand why you want to argue against this when we already agreed.
When it comes to the economy, it is neither the person nor the policies that make much of a difference — especially within the time frame of a presidential term.
One caveat to the above is that bad policy can significantly harm the economy. But I am trying to emphasize that policies alone are not going to magically improve an economy significantly.
To wit, Trump is full of shit. He is blowing smoke and Trump supporters seem to buy his bullshit.
No different than any other politician. Problem most on the left have is they know their politicians are lying but always want to deflect to the R side
As I stated already, when a president has a policy voted in by Congress, or when a president says something that could affect the economy, the economy usually responds, my assessment is correct. A president coupled with his policies have affects on the economy.
Glad we can agree.
Amazing that a Trump supporter would find the temerity to make such a hypocritical comment.
A new tactic? You just declare that we agree when clearly we do not?
I presume you are trying to say that a president's policies can have some effect on the economy. As I noted, this is one of many factors in a complex equation. So 'some' effect is accurate; but it is often a delayed effect (next term). And, as I noted, a PotUS could indeed have a significant negative effect; a significant positive effect is much more difficult to achieve. But Trump does not claim 'some' effect, he claims a god-ike ability to quickly return prices to pre-pandemic levels. The man is a delusional narcissist.
To wit, Trump's grandiose promises of economic magic are pure bullshit. Do you believe his promises?
‘I presume you are trying to say that a president's policies can have some effect on the economy.’
I didn’t presume anything. That is what I said.
‘ But Trump does not claim 'some' effect, he claims a god-ike ability to quickly return prices to pre-pandemic levels. The man is a delusional narcissist.’
So he is a politician. Then you feel the same way when Harris claims to bring down prices on day one( why not in the last 3.5years?). Or she will build 3 million houses during her term, but spent billions building 8 charging stations.
I did not suggest you presumed anything. Nevermind, I am not going to break down everything multiple times.
Correct. Harris should focus on monopolistic practices, improving supply-chain (infrastructure, deregulation, trade agreements, etc.), cut wasteful programs and use that to fund new initiatives, etc.
I have plenty of disagreement with Harris' policies but I am voting for her because the GOP nominee is unfit.
Charging stations is a sensible part of infrastructure. Your use of ridiculous hyperbole suggesting that the clearly abysmal progress has cost billions of dollars does not help the credibility of your argument.
You didn't ask for proof, you asked, "...how was Biden’s policies better than Trump’s."
I very much doubt that any level of proof would satisfy.
It might even go better for her if Trump doesn't have the guts to show up.
He doesn't have the guts Buzz and I'm sure he's having his team of ass kissers try to find a way, any way, to get him out of it. One of the world's biggest wusses.
He\s playing up to his MAGA base to suggest Fox, but I'll bet his fear of debating Harris in a more neutral setting makes the independents realize he doesn't have the balls to debate a woman, a person a lot smarter than he is.
'She's a Prosecutor, I'm a Convicted Felon'
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Kamala Harris
This is a snapshot of the trajectory of the RCP polling aggregate since Harris became the candidate on July 21.
2024 General Election: Trump vs. Harris Polls | RealClearPolling
I do believe she has energized her base
True, but there is more to it than that. She is not the incompetent that the right has spent years promoting her as. Unfortunately some of the mainstream media played along with the smears.
Because they aren't stupid.
Wait, wait, wait, did I just hear a conservative praise the "Mainstream Media"? So apparently when they expose Trump and his conservative sycophants for being the moronic self-serving vile crotch munchers they are, according to conservatives the "MSM" is a part of the "deep state" and is lying and shouldn't be believed. But when they report on Democrats doing anything wrong or being ineffective, they're praised as being an intelligent source of news and truth...
If that is what you "heard", perhaps an auditory exam is needed. I said they aren't stupid.
Sadly but "not stupid" can be considered a complement by some folks on the left. Similar to Kamala is great because she is not stupid.
Whoa-- wait a minute!
If you are a Conservative you're supposed to bash the media-- criticize it at every opportunity!
Media not stupid? Don't you realize that for a Republican saying positive things about the media is verrrrrry politically incorrect!
You, as well as at least one other, read that completely wrong.
So, correct them. Enlighten us.
What exactly was it supposed to mean because I'm a tad confused myself.
If they were stupid, I doubt they would have cleared journalism school. That doesn't mean they aren't biased and full of shit at times.
Link?
I appreciate the 'splanation.
that's actually funny
How can any anyone have underestimated her? She literally hasn't done anything. She hasn't spoken more than 10 words that weren't off a script. Her campaign consists of hiding and letting the media do her work for her. She's the same person who had record low levels of unpopularity as VP, but now the media is working to cover up her failures and literally rewriting history to protect her.
Everyone knew that the media would atone for acting like actual independent media for the last two weeks of the Biden campaign, but the extent of their blatant cheerleading is still shocking. Republicans are guilty of probably underestimating how in the tank the media would be, how unpopular Biden really was and Trump is, and how gullible and susceptible to the media pushing "Harris vibes" the american people are. The media is letting her be a "generic Democrat" without holding her responsible for any of the positions of the Biden/Harris admin, which is a tremendous gift.
Keep underestimating her and see where that gets you.
lol. She's hiding John. If you want to credit her for knowing she's completely incapable of offering policies and defending them, go right ahead.
IF she wins, Biden and Harris will have turned the PResidency into a ceremonial role. Like Queen Elizabeth, they get wheeled out for photo ops, but the actual executive power will be wielded by others, who will be completely shielded from public scrutiny. Democracy dies in the darkness, indeed.
For some bizarre reason this has become a ubiquitous conservative conspiracy theory over the past few years. There is always someone else "pulling the strings".
It's just another glaring example of their insurmountable hypocrisy. When a Democrat leader suggests changing something or making new policy in concert with other Democrat leaders in the house and Senate, conservatives proclaim there's some dark hidden fantasy "deep state" pulling the strings. But when conservative leaders do the exact same thing it's supposedly the "will of the American people!". I think this stems from the fact that conservatives have, for many decades, imagined themselves as the "true Americans" while anyone else who doesn't look like them, speak like them or worship the way they do are unamerican "outsiders" trying to take over what conservatives see as "their" America. Sure, the vast majority of Democrats and their supporters ARE American and have deep roots and were born here, and there is NO evidence of any widespread voter fraud being perpetrated by undocumented immigrants, but many conservatives don't recognize those born in big cities or in States that weren't once part of the confederacy so anyone from those places pushing ideals like equality and diversity are "outsiders" that are part of some fantasy "deep state". Sure, conservatives who believe that shit are fucking insane, but sadly that's become so common among them it's almost a litmus test in order to be part of their sad whiny little shit eating Qanon believing club.
Really? You can't think of any reasons why people don't think Joe Biden has been calling the shots the last few years? None?
So, you think Trump going on X to be interviewed by a sycophant for an hour of softball questions is not hiding. I believe Nikki Haley has some advice for you.
Lol. Trump had a press conference last week, answered press questions today and will have a press conference tomorrow as well had a 2 hour discussion about policies with Musk.
Harris read things from a teleprompter.
Two hours. A nation fell asleep.
Trump does not answer questions, he replies to them. Not the same thing.
Press conferences, l
But...but...but..
Not only is she hiding John-- but she's responsible for putting Tampons in the Boy's John!
(If that isn't a cause to dislike her, I don't know what is!!!!)
Harris read things from a teleprompter.
And sucks at that
At least she did not lie about her deployment status and retirement grade while in the Guard.
That would be her VP pick, but you knew that
Newsflash!
Joe Biden is not running for president-- Harris is!
Indeed!
Yet another trump talking point with no substance at all.
Then what has she done? Do tell? And what is her platform? Her agenda? So far she's given stump speech's and not answered any questions as to what she plans to do in the White House beyond very general talking points.
I think the silence you have received so far reflects how the Harris campaign reacts to anything.
I'm afraid it's also indicative of the knowledge of just who she is also.
Oh they know who she is otherwise the democratic overlords would not have forced her on democrat voters because if they allowed it, she would show the same progress she did in 2020…….zero
.....means I have this thing called, "a job".
Its true-- all of her speeches have been on stage-- before a YUGE audience!
(Although maybe Tim Walz should give a speech on a stump-- you know, for the "rural vote" and all!)
Some folks think that they have slayed us with the 'truth' and are afraid.......of what, I don't know
Never claimed you didn’t.
The one she most recently gave had 250 people.
Is that huge in your eyes?
Talk about a retarding premise, they right can't underestimate Harris, There is nobody left for her to sleep with to become president, I can't imagine what she promised to do to lock down the nomination without a vote being taken.
[✘]
Of course you could also say the same thing about Trump!!!
Have you ever seen trump? nobody would ever believe he used his body to get ahead.
He just grabbed them by the pussy. When your rich they let you do that. And then he engendered MAGA, he can grab them by the pussy also, because every one of them is emasculate.
That;s obvious.
(But that's nothing to be ashamed of)
Isn't it though?
What, exactly, has she done to create such "joy" and excitement in the in the minds of the uninformed sheep who are the core constituency of the Democrat base. What programs and accomplishment has she achieved as VP?
All she seems to be capable of is spewing the same ongoing mindless prattle and progressive propaganda we've heard for four years.
The only think I can figure that she's done to create "joy" was to be available once Biden proved beyond all doubt that he could no longer carry/win an election. Once Biden showed just what he has in the tank at that debate, I think people were just overjoyed there was anybody else who could step in. And I figured it would have to be her, the Biden campaign had way too much money in the bank they didn't want to lose should both Biden and Harris be replaced.
But she's not shown any policy yet. All we have to go on is what her policy was back in the 2020 primaries and what she's supported while in the House. Her campaign is saying that she's changed positions on a lot of those things, but we don't know why she's changed her position and she's said nothing to explain it either.
I think what we are seeing is relief more than joy. The two can look similar.
You are not alone-- I've seen many people who don't understand what she's done.
You're not alone-- many people can't see the difference between "relief"-- and "joy".
Think of it this way-- people often refer to "a sigh of relief". Relief is definitely positive-- but its not "exciting".
Have you ever heard someone say "he' breathed a sigh of joy"? Joy is much higher energy-- its exciting!
The Monmouth poll, which called the result of the 2020 popular vote within .5 % , has a new poll today
Harris 48, Trump 43. Not only that , 49% of respondents say a definite "no" to Trump.
In Mid August 2020, that poll had Biden winning by 10.
In August 2016, that poll had CLinton winning by 12.
Biden did win.
The 2016 election was rigged.
The percentage of Democrats who are enthusiastic about their nominee has tripled since February.
Biden did win
Did he win by 10?
The 2016 election was rigged.
There's no arguing with conspiracy theories.
Exactly, contrast that dem general population growth with the flat line among NT Dem. They were aalways entusiastic about Biden as well.
Take it up with trump, he's the one that said it...many times in fact.
I thought she lost because of Russian interference.
These polls are pointless. Hillary was heavily favoried in 2016, and we can see how that ended up.
Like trump said, the election was rigged.
You said it was rigged.
"October Surprise".
Something happened in the last few days that turned it around.
Anyone remember what (or perhaps I should say "who") it was?
You can see how-- but can you see why?
What happened?
Trump said the election was rigged...
"Russia if you're listening..."
Yep.
In fact , he actually said it was rigged before it even happened!
Well, it turned out that Russia actually was listening!
Actually Hillary and Kamal are different people!
(But you already knew that)
Who?
(The general population Dems or the NT Dems?)
That really pissed me off - the Comey October Surprise
Many people don't remember that.
Hillary was ahead-- if not for that she would've won.
Many people don't remember what happened (some didn't know it happened in the first place!).
And some are still obsessing about whether or not its OK to put a Tampon dispenser in the Boys room...or whether or not Kamela's rallies are joyful...or or whether there was no crowd-- because maybe crowd size was all done with artificial intelligence.(???)
But Tessylo remembered! (
)
(See comment 7.2.17 , above
)