You were doing it briefly in the summer before everything turned upside down, but I loved the idea of turning the Friday Chris Crucial over to some trivia.
If Dick Cheney of all people can endorse Kamala Harris, it's time for George W. Bush to speak up. Frankly, it's very disappointing he hasn't
So, the second post this week about Kamala’s changing positions. Can we expect two about Trump’s changing positions next week. You said in #1 the best way to beat trump is at the ballot box. Calling some attention to his flip flops might help in that effort.
Many of your subscribers -- including me -- despise Trump as a threat to our country. I know you get that. I wish your subscribers would get that YOUR job is not to be analogous to FOX and simply be the publicity arm of one side.
One of the many great parts about being self-employed is that nobody else makes the rules -- you do.
You can't do Chris Crucial on Friday evening or late afternoon any more in a reasonable stress-free way, so it needs to move. Just tell readers it will either be at noon on Friday or 10 am on Saturday (or again, whatever time and day you choose).
Chris, I appreciate that you use quotation marks when writing about Trump's so-called press conference today. It's understandable that news organizations cover these events, if only to be there when he goes off the rails. But it would be more accurate to describe his recent pressers as a monologue or a soliloquy. Certainly, there is no dialogue with reporters. Maybe you can come up with a new term. Instead of saying that Trump is holding a press conference, how about saying that Trump is speaking at the press. Or, let's be honest, the wannabe king holds court.
Good points. I've often seen Dutch and others point out, rightly so perhaps, that Harris isn't doing press conferences. In reality I have asked myself, is Trump? Is it really a press conference when he doesn't actually answer any questions. His answer today about child care costs was baffling.
Also expect questions on Trump's flipflop on Abortion and the other many issues as well as his multiple criminal convictions to be thoroughly discussed during the debate on Tuesday
I'm sure there will be PLENTY of post-debate analysis here and elsewhere. I'm hoping Kamala hits it out of the park. It has the potential to be THE turning point of the campaign.
This is what I keep thinking and I think it is very possible. She's smart, articulate and thinks well on her feet. The thought that she is not all that bright or is somehow intimidated by Trump is laughable.It is entirely possible that she crushes him. Think not? Listen to his answer on how to reduce child care costs today.
Flip flopping on policies is a great thing to do. Why is that a problem? And job growth coming down guarantees a soft landing and prompts interest rate cuts. Also a great thing.
So if your spouse flip flops on how often they want to have sex, how much discretionary income they want to spend, and how much they want to help with parenting, that’s great? You wouldn’t question their motivations or what they really want? It’s hard to depend on people who flip flop.
The problem with political ideologues is they DON’T learn, don’t listen to others with opposing views so politics fails as a means to resolve disagreement without violence. Harris has clearly listened to alternative points of view over the years and changed her position. This is not a bad thing. But it is used by Republicans who hate democrats to undermine her. Meanwhile Christian fundamentalists refuse and will always refuse to prioritize the life of a mother above that of an unborn fetus. So what we have now is a civil war.
I’m not a Republican, political ideologue, or Christian fundamentalist. I’m just an engaged independent voter. Other than protecting what’s left of pro-choice, I’m not sure how the Democratic Party will govern under Harris because she’s all over the place and/or playing zone defense on policy. She doesn’t seem to be a talented politician like Obama.
Yes! I thought the same when looking at the chart...economists kept saying the job growth is too high & needs to slow down...now it has and they're saying that bad 🤦♀️
Chris, I watched that entire press conference while cooking and watching the eagles/ packers game. Not sure if I should cancel my subscription because you said I should watch it lol. He's nuts. He's seriously nuts and I can't believe he's the republican nominee. If this were Biden they'd call for the 25th amendment. Iagree the press is giving me him too much leeway. Someone should recommend a psychologist. Love your work, keep it coming and congrats on your teaching gig! Tomorrow's leaders need more instructing from people who've lived it not just taught it.
You do a great service in providing links to DTs unraveled “addresses/press conferences, impromptu whining when moving from one courthouse to another, cry-baby sessions. No comments are needed. Just as you did today….a link and a recommendation to look at it.
So Dick Cheney, who is right of Darth Vader thinks Trump is threat to the country. But Chris, you somehow don't see that and think he is not a budding fascist (by the way look up the definition. They have his picture as part of the definition). At what point do you think the Trump menace is sufficient to take a side? Or is this your "secret sauce", normalizing him to demonstrate your journalistic impartiality and carve out a niche for yourself? As someone once said, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
I've been defending Chris -- not that he needs me -- on being soft on Trump, but I do think he needs to explain why he feels Trump's OVERT declarations towards authoritarianism and suppression of opposition a la Orban shouldn't be taken seriously.
When has he ever said it shouldn’t be taken seriously? I think Chris has always aimed to showcase and explain Trump’s worldview and motivations. He flat out said Trump probably wants to be a dictator but it’s HIGHLY unlikely Trump would be successful. As someone that is actually willing to be open-minded, I agree with this view. Trump would need buy-in from A LOT of people (elites and voters) to pull that off. So forget about Trump, your real concern should be that many of your peers feel that that way of life (a populist dictatorship) is preferable to a progressive democracy. People on the left are so fixated on this election being America vs Trump, completely ignoring why MAGA has been a successful movement. People on the left desperately want this election to be about Trump’s character and lies, but the MAGA movement has nothing to do with Trump’s personal liabilities or his lies. Independents that don’t care about Trump or Harris personally are deciding whether they support populism or progressivism. It might surprise you that this is not an obvious decision.
I believe Dick Cheney over any Political Pundits as far as Trump's threat to Democracy is concerned. His own Vixe President who worked with him doe 4 years refused to endorse him. What else does anyone need to know the guy is not fit for the office he's seeking.The legendary Bob Marley said you can fool some people some of the time but you can't fool all the people all of the time.This assertion stands the test of time people. Don't let any Pundit fool you people
I don’t disagree with what you’ve been saying about Kamala Harris. And I fully support and respect your approach to content. I also think we should trust in the system to protect against someone like Trump, though I wonder how much more the system can bend before it breaks. All that being said, I believe Trump is more dangerous now than he was four years ago. I know you say he’s always been this way, and I’m not saying he’s got dementia or anything like that, but he is becoming even more reckless. His speeches are more rambling and his mindset is even more unpredictable. And without the guardrails he had previously, he could cause some big problems. And to me, the risk doesn’t come close to equating to Kamala not sharing more about what she would do. Should she say more? Probably. Might it be better for her to not reveal as much and let Trump’s crazy drive the campaign narrative? I’ll say yes.
You already write more than enough to keep us all engaged this year. Cut yourself some slack!! I don't understand Kamala's change on fracking. I haven't been paying attention since one of the few things Hogan got right was to ban fracking in Maryland. Have people not watched the Frontline episodes years ago from Pennsylvania where people's water coming out of the kitchen tap was able to ignite? Has it gotten safer?
Off topic, but I want to send a shout out RIP to Sergio Mendes who died today at 83 due to the effects of long covid. My older sisters brought home an album Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66 and it began my life long love of Latin American music.
You were doing it briefly in the summer before everything turned upside down, but I loved the idea of turning the Friday Chris Crucial over to some trivia.
If Dick Cheney of all people can endorse Kamala Harris, it's time for George W. Bush to speak up. Frankly, it's very disappointing he hasn't
That was my reaction. I'll bet those conversations are taking place now.
Kamala Harris can change her position on another dozen or so issues, and it won't drive me to vote for Trump...
So, the second post this week about Kamala’s changing positions. Can we expect two about Trump’s changing positions next week. You said in #1 the best way to beat trump is at the ballot box. Calling some attention to his flip flops might help in that effort.
I've made this point a few times but I will make it again: I am not trying to "beat" Trump. That's not my goal.
As for a look at places where he has flip-flopped, I think that's a good idea. And will do it.
Many of your subscribers -- including me -- despise Trump as a threat to our country. I know you get that. I wish your subscribers would get that YOUR job is not to be analogous to FOX and simply be the publicity arm of one side.
Thank you. I do too.
One of the many great parts about being self-employed is that nobody else makes the rules -- you do.
You can't do Chris Crucial on Friday evening or late afternoon any more in a reasonable stress-free way, so it needs to move. Just tell readers it will either be at noon on Friday or 10 am on Saturday (or again, whatever time and day you choose).
I came here to suggest exactly this.
I can live without Chris Crucial on Friday. You’ve committed to your students. Give them your undivided attention.
I agree Lucy.
Chris, I appreciate that you use quotation marks when writing about Trump's so-called press conference today. It's understandable that news organizations cover these events, if only to be there when he goes off the rails. But it would be more accurate to describe his recent pressers as a monologue or a soliloquy. Certainly, there is no dialogue with reporters. Maybe you can come up with a new term. Instead of saying that Trump is holding a press conference, how about saying that Trump is speaking at the press. Or, let's be honest, the wannabe king holds court.
Good points. I've often seen Dutch and others point out, rightly so perhaps, that Harris isn't doing press conferences. In reality I have asked myself, is Trump? Is it really a press conference when he doesn't actually answer any questions. His answer today about child care costs was baffling.
A few Friday afternoon post ideas:
* Bank interviews earlier in the week
* Paul Harvey-style stories (which were traditionally bankable and repeatable)
* Substack reshare from another newsletter (and you can trade them back with one of yours each week)
* Excerpts from Power Players (magazine excerpt-length); sell those books!
* Share the class topic for the day and open the comments for group discussion
* Dance breaks
Love these ideas. Especially the last two. Alternate them?
Also expect questions on Trump's flipflop on Abortion and the other many issues as well as his multiple criminal convictions to be thoroughly discussed during the debate on Tuesday
I'm sure there will be PLENTY of post-debate analysis here and elsewhere. I'm hoping Kamala hits it out of the park. It has the potential to be THE turning point of the campaign.
This is what I keep thinking and I think it is very possible. She's smart, articulate and thinks well on her feet. The thought that she is not all that bright or is somehow intimidated by Trump is laughable.It is entirely possible that she crushes him. Think not? Listen to his answer on how to reduce child care costs today.
Flip flopping on policies is a great thing to do. Why is that a problem? And job growth coming down guarantees a soft landing and prompts interest rate cuts. Also a great thing.
So if your spouse flip flops on how often they want to have sex, how much discretionary income they want to spend, and how much they want to help with parenting, that’s great? You wouldn’t question their motivations or what they really want? It’s hard to depend on people who flip flop.
The problem with political ideologues is they DON’T learn, don’t listen to others with opposing views so politics fails as a means to resolve disagreement without violence. Harris has clearly listened to alternative points of view over the years and changed her position. This is not a bad thing. But it is used by Republicans who hate democrats to undermine her. Meanwhile Christian fundamentalists refuse and will always refuse to prioritize the life of a mother above that of an unborn fetus. So what we have now is a civil war.
I’m not a Republican, political ideologue, or Christian fundamentalist. I’m just an engaged independent voter. Other than protecting what’s left of pro-choice, I’m not sure how the Democratic Party will govern under Harris because she’s all over the place and/or playing zone defense on policy. She doesn’t seem to be a talented politician like Obama.
Yes! I thought the same when looking at the chart...economists kept saying the job growth is too high & needs to slow down...now it has and they're saying that bad 🤦♀️
Chris, I watched that entire press conference while cooking and watching the eagles/ packers game. Not sure if I should cancel my subscription because you said I should watch it lol. He's nuts. He's seriously nuts and I can't believe he's the republican nominee. If this were Biden they'd call for the 25th amendment. Iagree the press is giving me him too much leeway. Someone should recommend a psychologist. Love your work, keep it coming and congrats on your teaching gig! Tomorrow's leaders need more instructing from people who've lived it not just taught it.
You do a great service in providing links to DTs unraveled “addresses/press conferences, impromptu whining when moving from one courthouse to another, cry-baby sessions. No comments are needed. Just as you did today….a link and a recommendation to look at it.
Kamala shifting to the middle...duh. She wants to win. She needs barely republicans to do that. No brainer.
Re friday, how about a quick friday evening post about the most interesting thing you heard/talked about with your students?
So Dick Cheney, who is right of Darth Vader thinks Trump is threat to the country. But Chris, you somehow don't see that and think he is not a budding fascist (by the way look up the definition. They have his picture as part of the definition). At what point do you think the Trump menace is sufficient to take a side? Or is this your "secret sauce", normalizing him to demonstrate your journalistic impartiality and carve out a niche for yourself? As someone once said, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
I've been defending Chris -- not that he needs me -- on being soft on Trump, but I do think he needs to explain why he feels Trump's OVERT declarations towards authoritarianism and suppression of opposition a la Orban shouldn't be taken seriously.
Or why Harris’ movement from past positions is relevant when tRump’s “policy statements” are demented word salads
When has he ever said it shouldn’t be taken seriously? I think Chris has always aimed to showcase and explain Trump’s worldview and motivations. He flat out said Trump probably wants to be a dictator but it’s HIGHLY unlikely Trump would be successful. As someone that is actually willing to be open-minded, I agree with this view. Trump would need buy-in from A LOT of people (elites and voters) to pull that off. So forget about Trump, your real concern should be that many of your peers feel that that way of life (a populist dictatorship) is preferable to a progressive democracy. People on the left are so fixated on this election being America vs Trump, completely ignoring why MAGA has been a successful movement. People on the left desperately want this election to be about Trump’s character and lies, but the MAGA movement has nothing to do with Trump’s personal liabilities or his lies. Independents that don’t care about Trump or Harris personally are deciding whether they support populism or progressivism. It might surprise you that this is not an obvious decision.
I believe Dick Cheney over any Political Pundits as far as Trump's threat to Democracy is concerned. His own Vixe President who worked with him doe 4 years refused to endorse him. What else does anyone need to know the guy is not fit for the office he's seeking.The legendary Bob Marley said you can fool some people some of the time but you can't fool all the people all of the time.This assertion stands the test of time people. Don't let any Pundit fool you people
I think he was quoting Abraham Lincoln.
I don’t disagree with what you’ve been saying about Kamala Harris. And I fully support and respect your approach to content. I also think we should trust in the system to protect against someone like Trump, though I wonder how much more the system can bend before it breaks. All that being said, I believe Trump is more dangerous now than he was four years ago. I know you say he’s always been this way, and I’m not saying he’s got dementia or anything like that, but he is becoming even more reckless. His speeches are more rambling and his mindset is even more unpredictable. And without the guardrails he had previously, he could cause some big problems. And to me, the risk doesn’t come close to equating to Kamala not sharing more about what she would do. Should she say more? Probably. Might it be better for her to not reveal as much and let Trump’s crazy drive the campaign narrative? I’ll say yes.
So I'm guessing there's not too many Democrats calling Cheney a war criminal today. His vote just might swing Wyoming.
You already write more than enough to keep us all engaged this year. Cut yourself some slack!! I don't understand Kamala's change on fracking. I haven't been paying attention since one of the few things Hogan got right was to ban fracking in Maryland. Have people not watched the Frontline episodes years ago from Pennsylvania where people's water coming out of the kitchen tap was able to ignite? Has it gotten safer?
Off topic, but I want to send a shout out RIP to Sergio Mendes who died today at 83 due to the effects of long covid. My older sisters brought home an album Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66 and it began my life long love of Latin American music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrZBiqK0p9E