35 Comments

I think CC highlights the reason why Trump is going to be the GOP nominee. It’s Biden vs Trump 2.0. And this time democracy and America is actually on the line. I understand there is a cult like mentality to non college and very conservative Republicans towards Trump. They cannot be moved. Period. But the rest of the country, can differ on political ideology and policies, but the one thing that I hope unites them in an effort to defeat Trump, is a love of America; it’s democracy; the freedoms we have. Because it is in actual jeopardy. I know Biden is not as popular with the democratic base as the Trump base is fanatical about him. But I am fanatical about the idea of America, what it stand for, and protecting it from fascism. I hope others are too.

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So sad that the craziest, meanest, psychopathic, racist, xenophobic insurrectionist and sexual predator can come out on top of all other Republicans. Trump is a malignant cancer on the United States.

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Here’s the thing: if trump is elected, America dies. Full stop. Plus: a LARGE number of republicans are “no trump” so they either vote Biden or stay home. In this theory Biden wins. Not all republicans are uneducated morons. Imagine the FBI arresting you Chris, for your liberal vermin views. Trump is ahead in the polls, but he loses in the general when independents kick-in. The message will sharpen. Trump will destroy America.

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Except that third party candidates may hand Trump the win…..

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Yep, I worry that the younger liberal cohort will either go third party over the Gaza conflict (they really are entrenched in their anti-Israel if not tipping over into full on antisemitism) or sit out.

And I fully expect No Labels to completely fuck it up and run a Manchin/Hogan, or Manchin/Sununu ticket. That will likely tip the EC strongly to Trump's favor, and we get a second Trump administration.

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On a “normal” planet this news would almost guarantee that Trump would pick Haley as his VP, which would be a fine choice for the Republicans. But as our host CC has pointed out, OrangeMan likes to surprise people, control the narrative, and most important: DOESN’T WANT HIS VP OUTSHINING HIM

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This maybe would've mattered in 2012, but the Koch brothers (brother now) haven't been relevant in forever.

This feels like the Times thinking the old playbook still works, ignoring how Trump has forever changed the status quo.

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100% agree Sam. And this lack of understanding that the "rules" to the game are being played by a new playbook is the EXACT issue that media has when attempting to cover a Trump or a Trump style candidate.

Well said sir.

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Whew! I was worried that Trump was going to go all emo again and stop eating. No one wants that. Especially Kevin McCarthy who’d have to go force feed him KFC.

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The Secessionist-in-Chief certainly hasn't had an issue with not eating becuase his recent pics show him sized out in his obesity at maybe 6 feet tall and full 250 pound girth.

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I'd subscribe to that on Only Fans....

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Let’s not forget that tRump might be imprisoned by the time of the presidential election. That could truly change the equation!

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But I question whether a conviction will dissuade ANY of Trump’s diehard fans from voting for him, and I question how many “moderate Republicans” are left. Maybe a conviction would matter to independents, but the third-party noise, along with the anti-Israel youth and the disaffected Latinos, may just tilt things ever so slightly in Trump’s direction, offsetting any affect of conviction(s).

Ugh. It’s just an ugly time in American politics....

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Perhaps (hopefully) convicted, but no way the Wannabe Dictator will see the inside of a public prison.

The best case scenario is that Mar-a-Largo is converted to a private prison in which a portion of the House will be converted to a private prison.

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It does not change the status of the race one iota. Trump is sailing to the nomination and will have it clinched rapidly, IMO. His base will not care if he is convicted, he will still be the top vote getter in the primary. Praying that in the general, the independents go for Biden. I am not holding my breath for that as 2018

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Hit send to quickly...should say, i M not holding my breath for that as in 2016 showed us what can happen. It is very frightening and democracy is at stake.

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More than sucks for DeSantis. That man has been lain threadbare and exposed on the sands of quickly disappearing Miami Beach, and that Beach is being circled by vultures and pterodactyls. A complete and total fraud. He was unable to play the role of Savior, quite unfortunate for Koch types. Folks, this is part of Project 2025. DeSantis, Moms for Liberty, banning books, culture wars, etc. Religious extremists. God forbid Josh Hawley or a similar MAGA guy were playing the ”Florida Governor” role right now. I think DeSantis only somewhat believes his schtick, coupled with legitimately bad acting skills. He has no future other than political appointee.

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And to that, I add that Trump is a distractor. Project 2025 seeks complete control of the Executive Branch. Mike Johnson is currently the Speaker. My biggest fear now is who Trump might pick as his VP.

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RE: DeSantis campaign dropping like a ton of bricks.

The Cuadillo now has a song to reintroduce himself to Floridians:

"Don't cry for me DeSantistan.

Truth is, I never left you

During my campaign days

When I learned nobody likes me

And my authoritarian ways.

So, I now can spend more time with you,

Since The Donald continues insulting me, while Nikki kicks my ass."

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"I think there is a clear desire for there to be a real race for the Republican nomination. I think this desire is based, primarily, among the largest donors to the GOP...." -- Chris Cillizza

Yes, but...The desire seems also based, strongly, among the mainstream media. The desire for clicks far outpaces the desire to really report real news. Sad, but true.

We should also remember that in 2015 the Koch machine was all in for Scott Walker. And look what happened with that dream of influence. AFP did a good job promoting their name and spending lots of money. Neither effort did any good for the then-governor of my state, Wisconsin. Walker lost his next election because people not named Koch realized he was incompetent and mean-spirited. The Koch machine has a big name, a big payroll, a big bank account and very little real influence. The Koch endorsement probably means Haley will get more close scrutiny from the media. That won't do her much good, either.

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I think everything you’re saying makes complete sense and is probably how things will play out. Maybe I’m crazy, but if Trump were to ultimately fail, I think this is the way it has to happen. Not from one huge blow that changes everything, but from a gradual movement and realization of what a second term would look like. I know what the numbers say, and maybe it’s false hope. But I’m hoping, and even as a Democrat almost rooting for Haley, just to take Trump out of the mix, to whatever degree that’s possible, and dent his argument that the libs are rigging the election. The election is still 11 months away and the primaries havent happened yet. We’ll see how it plays out.

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Interesting. I have mixed feelings on Haley. I mean, do I think she has respect for the US Constitution and the ideals and freedoms of America? Yes! Between her and Trump, would I rather have her as president? Yes! But in someway I feel that if Biden could defeat Trump again, it puts a final nail in his coffin. I’m not saying he’ll go away quietly, but I feel that an official defeat in another election sends a clear message BY THE PEOPLE OF THIS NATION: NO MORE TRUMP!!!

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Exact same here. I actually donated $10 to Haley to do my part. Even if in the general I would just vote old Uncle Joe again

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The cataclysm would be if Trump is convicted prior to the election. Fingers crossed on that account.

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There are just so many variables at play. There are 11 months between now and the election and that is a lifetime in politics where the landscape changes at the drop of a hat. I’m hard pressed to really get a sense of what a conviction would do to/for Trump. But I do believe it becomes chaotic, contentious and creates more division in our country. Sad about this. But Trump not being able to run because of a conviction would at least protect America.

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Since Trump is going to continue to call Nikki Haley birdbrain, I’m willing to donate to her, at no cost, Donald “birdbucket” Trump.

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Is it a Haley Mary by the Koch broeders??

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Trump will be the Republican nominee, or he will run on a “MAGA” ticket and split the Republican vote. As the nominee, he may very well win the electoral college and take the presidency for a second time. In fact, that is quite likely.

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Many things can happen in a year...Hopefully an errant bone in his KFC barrel. ;--)

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Yes, many things can happen in the next year.

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Trump’s awful physical condition may save us from a second term…or yup, the errant bone…..

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