I get the idea regarding mass communication & Edwards. However, communicating (solely) about natural disasters seems like it should be an exception. I can understand, even, if there were limits around not saying things like “my opponent won’t fight for your recovery” or such. But straightforward information about it? I think that should be an exception they add.
I agree. Especially at this time, when people think FEMA won't help them, having a Republican member of Congress tell them that here's what FEMA can do, is a good thing.
I tend to agree. But I think Edwards blew his credibility standing behind trump implicitly endorsing trumps lies about disaster relief. Despite Edwards comments that the response has been good, he should have not shown up with trump (or walked off the stage).
I pray that Independents and a good percentage are breaking toward Harris...I have spend most of my life in politics, most of those years as a Republican, an elected person, who devoted more hours and donations to the Party than I can count. Since the Party has become the Party of Trump, I now consider myself an Independent and will continue to do so unless the Party can find itself to reform...
I used to vote 50/50. (I'm a Texan, but lived a good part of my adult life in Indiana.) I used to consider myself moderate, but now I think of myself as a liberal -- my views have shifted left somewhat, but mainly what qualifies as conservative is just drastic. I mean, if you compare today's GOP with Reagan's, they are much more right leaning.
I do not consider myself a Democrat, but since we only have two parties, I've been voting straight Democrat since Trump was nominated by the GOP. I want the GOP to suffer for allowing him power, and to become a cautionary tale to all political people the next time some wannabe dictator tries to brainwash America. And I know that next time it could be the Democrats! They're not immune to doing stupid things; they're just not the ones doing most of the stops things right now.
The sooner the GOP falls apart, the sooner they will reform in a way that is based in reality and democracy, and the sooner they can work with Democrats to come up with the best solutions for America. So I'm trying to help them hit bottom so they get sober, so to speak. Trump is a dangerous drug.
A lot of NC voters are registered independent so people can choose the primary they want to vote in. It’s also a fairly purple state. Legislature is often Republican lately as districts are so heavily gerrymandered in their favor, but the governor is often a Democrat as he is now. Republican candidate for governor will not win with the recent scandals, so he’s not an added draw to the poles in my opinion. The state has not gone for a democrat president since 08 with Obama. Trump won in 2020 by 75k votes. Most new migration to the state has been to the larger blue cities. So I think it looks positive for Harris, but Hurricane Helene aftermath may affect voting and if it does I think it would favor Trump. Most of Western NC is pretty red, but it’s mostly smaller populations. The only big one being Asheville, which I believe Biden won with like 55% in 2020. So if a lot of people moved (even temporarily) that could affect the outcome if they don’t go out of their way to vote.
I recently had a long drive through a large part of the rural middle of NC. In years past, that drive was marked with regularly-appearing Trump signs. I was surprised this time, though, to only see a handful of them and also a handful of Harris signs.
I’m trying not to hold out any hope that we go for Harris, but I am really looking forward to the results map, so I can see how areas shifted or not.
If you are in NC, could you please tell me whether the Helene victims are able to vote? I obviously don't want Trump to win, but I also hate the idea of people being disenfranchised for any reason.
That was one of my first thoughts. Western NC is nearly solid red minus Asheville, but that doesn't mean I don't want them to vote. Sadly, I've seen such comments. :/
The state acted quickly to make some changes for those affected. Turnout has been quite good in that part so far.
I don't want them to be disenfranchised. I want them to be able to vote, absolutely. That said, I wouldn't mind, however, if a bunch of MAGA voters became so disenchanted with Trump that they chose not to vote. That's almost as good as changing their votes to Harris.
Months ago you were critical of the GOP house for not being in session and pounding the Dems on several issues. I am beginning to think that it was a smart move. I had almost forgotten just how abysmal they are at actually passing even the most basic legislation. Being inept and not showing up for their jobs might be the only thing they are good at.
I think it's despicable that Trump wants to fire Jack Smith. Does it matter, though? Because Smith can't investigate a sitting president, so he will be out of a job anyway if Trump wins. We'll just have to hope Trump remains alive and able to participate in his own defense until he leaves office. I really want him to have to face justice before he dies. And I refuse to believe that the Secret Service can't protect him in prison. Seems like that would be easier than protecting him in the hotel where he lives now.
The GOP in NC can't seem to remember that unaffiliated voters outnumber both parties in our state. Too often they rely on their gerrymandered map to win, but loose when votes are state wide.
Texas is getting there. Our statewide votes get closer and closer, but gerrymandering means that our legislature is dominated by Republicans, and controlled by the crazy Republicans.
I think your optimism is justified. Texas has a solid history of world-class Liberals. Ann Richards, Barbara Jordan and Molly Ivins come to mind. And Beto O'Rourke is a formidable figure much admired by the next generation. His energy and habit of jumping on a chair in the midst of a crowd to make a speech with no speaker is one of the most impressive qualities I have ever seen. I think he's stumping for Harris in Arizona. Is he running for something?
He ran against Cruz last time, and then against Abbott. I don't think he has an office currently. He's just helping others.
And yeah, Ann Richards is one of my heroes. I saw her speak when I was a citizen at Texas Girls State. Her overall message was that men aren't the enemy, and that we have to take responsibility for our own lives.
Then she told a great story about how some man came and tried to tell her how to do her job after she was elected state treasurer. He "honeyed" and "sweetied" her until she pulled a Bowie knife out of her desk drawer and started cleaning her fingernails with it! The it stopped. She refused to say who it was, but said they had a good working relationship after that.
Like, was she expecting the mansplaining, and planned ahead by putting a Bowie knife in her desk drawer? Had she done this before? Or did she think of it on the spot, and just always had a Bowie knife halfway? What a boss!
I was driving in rural Oklahoma this week, and I saw a Harris Walz sign. I work in a conservative industry, and I am hearing less right wing rhetoric than I heard in 2020 and 2022. I have learned about more colleagues who lean blue than previously.
For me personally, as a former Boortz listener who voted 3rd party until 2020, I personally feel more anti-GOP than I have ever felt. I feel motivated, and have donated to political campaigns and PACs consistently since early 2020.
I am optimistic, but I am still cautious. I am dreading Jan 6th this year, but I am also on the lottery list for inauguration tix from my Rep after 2021 inauguration was not open to public. I was there. I did walk around. And I have flagged from the display on the National Mall after the street was opened. I would like to be able to return in 2025 and be part of celebrations.
Also, careful, Jaime about using language like “trolling”. We all know how upset some of the conservatives get when you use such biased language about Trump. I’m sure they’ll be consistent and call you out for using it against Biden. ;)
I'm in Georgia. For weeks, we've been getting flyers from Democrats, Republicans, and third parties encouraging us to vote early. Though most of them have been from the Republican side. The third party flyers are surprising to me. Some of them are actual, non-partisan flyers. They encourage voting but don't mention any candidates or parties.
I get the idea regarding mass communication & Edwards. However, communicating (solely) about natural disasters seems like it should be an exception. I can understand, even, if there were limits around not saying things like “my opponent won’t fight for your recovery” or such. But straightforward information about it? I think that should be an exception they add.
Not to mention that candidates for national office are apparently above the law.
I agree. Especially at this time, when people think FEMA won't help them, having a Republican member of Congress tell them that here's what FEMA can do, is a good thing.
I tend to agree. But I think Edwards blew his credibility standing behind trump implicitly endorsing trumps lies about disaster relief. Despite Edwards comments that the response has been good, he should have not shown up with trump (or walked off the stage).
If not for Edwards, that disgusting affront to all veterans never would have gotten his Special French Fry Maker Award.
I pray that Independents and a good percentage are breaking toward Harris...I have spend most of my life in politics, most of those years as a Republican, an elected person, who devoted more hours and donations to the Party than I can count. Since the Party has become the Party of Trump, I now consider myself an Independent and will continue to do so unless the Party can find itself to reform...
I used to vote 50/50. (I'm a Texan, but lived a good part of my adult life in Indiana.) I used to consider myself moderate, but now I think of myself as a liberal -- my views have shifted left somewhat, but mainly what qualifies as conservative is just drastic. I mean, if you compare today's GOP with Reagan's, they are much more right leaning.
I do not consider myself a Democrat, but since we only have two parties, I've been voting straight Democrat since Trump was nominated by the GOP. I want the GOP to suffer for allowing him power, and to become a cautionary tale to all political people the next time some wannabe dictator tries to brainwash America. And I know that next time it could be the Democrats! They're not immune to doing stupid things; they're just not the ones doing most of the stops things right now.
The sooner the GOP falls apart, the sooner they will reform in a way that is based in reality and democracy, and the sooner they can work with Democrats to come up with the best solutions for America. So I'm trying to help them hit bottom so they get sober, so to speak. Trump is a dangerous drug.
Absolutely!!!!
Your lips to God's ear.
A lot of NC voters are registered independent so people can choose the primary they want to vote in. It’s also a fairly purple state. Legislature is often Republican lately as districts are so heavily gerrymandered in their favor, but the governor is often a Democrat as he is now. Republican candidate for governor will not win with the recent scandals, so he’s not an added draw to the poles in my opinion. The state has not gone for a democrat president since 08 with Obama. Trump won in 2020 by 75k votes. Most new migration to the state has been to the larger blue cities. So I think it looks positive for Harris, but Hurricane Helene aftermath may affect voting and if it does I think it would favor Trump. Most of Western NC is pretty red, but it’s mostly smaller populations. The only big one being Asheville, which I believe Biden won with like 55% in 2020. So if a lot of people moved (even temporarily) that could affect the outcome if they don’t go out of their way to vote.
I recently had a long drive through a large part of the rural middle of NC. In years past, that drive was marked with regularly-appearing Trump signs. I was surprised this time, though, to only see a handful of them and also a handful of Harris signs.
I’m trying not to hold out any hope that we go for Harris, but I am really looking forward to the results map, so I can see how areas shifted or not.
I’m noticing the same in SW Ohio.
If you are in NC, could you please tell me whether the Helene victims are able to vote? I obviously don't want Trump to win, but I also hate the idea of people being disenfranchised for any reason.
That was one of my first thoughts. Western NC is nearly solid red minus Asheville, but that doesn't mean I don't want them to vote. Sadly, I've seen such comments. :/
The state acted quickly to make some changes for those affected. Turnout has been quite good in that part so far.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/north-carolina-changes-election-rules-help-voters-hit-by-hurricane-helene-2024-10-07/
I don't want them to be disenfranchised. I want them to be able to vote, absolutely. That said, I wouldn't mind, however, if a bunch of MAGA voters became so disenchanted with Trump that they chose not to vote. That's almost as good as changing their votes to Harris.
Oh, I knew you weren’t suggesting that!
Months ago you were critical of the GOP house for not being in session and pounding the Dems on several issues. I am beginning to think that it was a smart move. I had almost forgotten just how abysmal they are at actually passing even the most basic legislation. Being inept and not showing up for their jobs might be the only thing they are good at.
I think it's despicable that Trump wants to fire Jack Smith. Does it matter, though? Because Smith can't investigate a sitting president, so he will be out of a job anyway if Trump wins. We'll just have to hope Trump remains alive and able to participate in his own defense until he leaves office. I really want him to have to face justice before he dies. And I refuse to believe that the Secret Service can't protect him in prison. Seems like that would be easier than protecting him in the hotel where he lives now.
The GOP in NC can't seem to remember that unaffiliated voters outnumber both parties in our state. Too often they rely on their gerrymandered map to win, but loose when votes are state wide.
Texas is getting there. Our statewide votes get closer and closer, but gerrymandering means that our legislature is dominated by Republicans, and controlled by the crazy Republicans.
I think your optimism is justified. Texas has a solid history of world-class Liberals. Ann Richards, Barbara Jordan and Molly Ivins come to mind. And Beto O'Rourke is a formidable figure much admired by the next generation. His energy and habit of jumping on a chair in the midst of a crowd to make a speech with no speaker is one of the most impressive qualities I have ever seen. I think he's stumping for Harris in Arizona. Is he running for something?
He ran against Cruz last time, and then against Abbott. I don't think he has an office currently. He's just helping others.
And yeah, Ann Richards is one of my heroes. I saw her speak when I was a citizen at Texas Girls State. Her overall message was that men aren't the enemy, and that we have to take responsibility for our own lives.
Then she told a great story about how some man came and tried to tell her how to do her job after she was elected state treasurer. He "honeyed" and "sweetied" her until she pulled a Bowie knife out of her desk drawer and started cleaning her fingernails with it! The it stopped. She refused to say who it was, but said they had a good working relationship after that.
Like, was she expecting the mansplaining, and planned ahead by putting a Bowie knife in her desk drawer? Had she done this before? Or did she think of it on the spot, and just always had a Bowie knife halfway? What a boss!
I was driving in rural Oklahoma this week, and I saw a Harris Walz sign. I work in a conservative industry, and I am hearing less right wing rhetoric than I heard in 2020 and 2022. I have learned about more colleagues who lean blue than previously.
For me personally, as a former Boortz listener who voted 3rd party until 2020, I personally feel more anti-GOP than I have ever felt. I feel motivated, and have donated to political campaigns and PACs consistently since early 2020.
I am optimistic, but I am still cautious. I am dreading Jan 6th this year, but I am also on the lottery list for inauguration tix from my Rep after 2021 inauguration was not open to public. I was there. I did walk around. And I have flagged from the display on the National Mall after the street was opened. I would like to be able to return in 2025 and be part of celebrations.
I'm hoping that Harris has the enthusiasm edge this time. It's the only way the polls are not wrong about Trump winning the battleground states.
*flags from the display of all the state flags and USA flags that were put into the ground on the Mall during Biden inauguration.
Also, careful, Jaime about using language like “trolling”. We all know how upset some of the conservatives get when you use such biased language about Trump. I’m sure they’ll be consistent and call you out for using it against Biden. ;)
Jamie,
I would say many independent and possibly Democratic voters would not admit to voting for Trump if polled, which may explain her lead in the polls.
I thought Trump encouraged folks to vote on election day so his margin changes once election day votes are counted.
I'm in Georgia. For weeks, we've been getting flyers from Democrats, Republicans, and third parties encouraging us to vote early. Though most of them have been from the Republican side. The third party flyers are surprising to me. Some of them are actual, non-partisan flyers. They encourage voting but don't mention any candidates or parties.