238 Comments

Please refer to the man as a psychopath. He is not a huckster. His is not to grift but to persecute and cruelty is the point. Please do not downplay what the man really is. It denies the experience of the women he sexually assaulted, the POC he persecuted and the hundreds of people from whom he has stolen large sums of money.

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Mustn’t forget how his bumbling incompetence and apathy cost the nation probably hundreds of thousands of American lives, due to his severely delayed response to the pandemic. He’s beyond psychopathic. He’s one of the worst American criminal offenders I can think of. Somehow too much of the media treats him with a glancing respect. This, in itself, should be considered criminal activity. Yes he’s also a huckster. It’s just not his main gig anymore.

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All this, and yet he's TIED in the polls, with no "thanks" to FOX News and other right-wing media, and to mega-rich techies who all spread disinformation with zero accountability.

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Every day I think of the damage the Citizens United decision has done to democracy -- letting the billionaire class pour unlimited funds into elections by way of PACS. I don't know how it will happen, but that decision needs to be overturned.

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And one of the deciding votes in Citizens United was none other than Clarence "my vote's for sale" Thomas. The wealthy literally bought almost unlimited further riches through Justice Thomas.

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I agree. Term limits would at least get rid of the worst of these unelected foul creatures.

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Have been on my soapbox ever since that decision but, unfortunately, most folks just nod with a bit of a blank face. That one decision of the Robert's court has done so much damage to democracy. More than the orange turd that some in this country thought, and still think, would be qualified to lead this country. He's not even qualified to be a human being.

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Tech Bros are more than just spreading disinformation, they are bankrolling Trump's election. It is us who gave them their wealth and we ought to seriously think about how to affect their bottom line. Boycotting Tesla would that even work? In fact, saw on Lawrence O'Donnell show on MSNBC this morning that 51% of Americans feel that Trump is mentally fit to be president, as opposed to Harris with 64% saying she is mentally fit. So, what is the polling sample and how did they get it? It seems like Republicans are more likely to answer polls from what I have read. I know no one I know is answering a poll coming from their email or phone.

https://youtu.be/hBVLB19syZ0?si=SZhrO32zo9OoZlqZ

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Or the same Russian spies are still working to pretend to be Americans. After 10 years, they have gotten pretty good.

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Russian Spies and Russian Bots.

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How can anyone question whether Harris is mentally fit? Wth is wrong with people?

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What's wrong with them? THEY are not mentally fit. Just sayin'.

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It was never about age with Biden, but the media and tech Oligarchs trying to get rid of Biden so they could make sure that no one takes them on like the Biden administration has. Look at Google today. They are hoping that either Harris or Trump does not keep Lena Khan going after the Tech Bro oligarchs. So, they can go after anyone and say anything. Saying she is mentally unfit is just saying Blacks, or Women, and someone who is both are not mentally on the level to rule. She will show them, but they may still not get it.

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If it is true that Republicans answer polls more, then it holds that their voices compiled the polls used against Biden. Media should have known better than to broadcast tainted information 24/7 that helped oust a great man

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Media? I thought it was me telling DNC that I was not going to contribute until they fixed the ticket.

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Doesnt matter how many dems vs reps answer the poll. It is always weighted to correctly match the number registered in that county.

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Speaking of Faux News, I'd like to think that this was just a bad dream, but I'm pretty sure that Trump --- the slug (my apologizes to slugs, because they keep more beneficial creatures well fed) who said he did NOT want to debate Harris at all --- has now decided he'll do it but only IF Faux News is the host.

Is that true? If so, she's too nice to say this, but I'd tell him "Oh, hell to the no!"

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I don't think that is true. I think that is fake news. See what Tiedrich has to say. Scroll down to Friday. https://substack.com/home/post/p-147159145

I guess I read that Trump offers a Fox News Debate on the 4th now, but Harris has said she will be there on the agreed upon 10th at ABC, and Trump can either show up or not. ABC is the station that Trump just disparaged at the Black Journalists Convention.

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This was so well played by Harris. She effectively said "oh, hell to the no!" to him - but with amazing poise and grace. No way a rapist, pedo felon dictates terms with a prosecutor. That's not how any of this works, weirdo.

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☝️💙💙💙

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He's such a whiny coward.

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Aug 8·edited Aug 10

tRump has accomplished the biggest con and grift in world history as president of the USA.

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As you probably know, Dr. Bandy Lee along with the support of 25 forensic psychiatrists detailed "The Dangerous Case of Donal Trump" back in 2017, before the APA & NYT smeared her. Dr. Lee was crystal clear back then & remains focused this very day on the duty of medical professionals to warn intended victims of the danger of violence.

Dr Lee & Team are actively involved now in a media campaign on the sentencing & needed restrictions on Defendant DJT, because of his 34 felonies & 10 Contempt rulings now set for a sentencing hearing on September 18, 2024.,

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Huckster: “a person who employs showy methods to effect a sale, win votes, etc.:”

“: HAWKER, PEDDLER

especially : one who sells or advertises something in an aggressive, dishonest, or annoying way”

Trump is many things but he is famously known as a “huckster”.

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And life itself.

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tRump has accomplished the biggest con and grift in would history as president of the USA.

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I just love Tim Walz. That's all.

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I'm glad to know that he served in the military. That would be a good plus for members of the Armed Forces. He would be familiar with the life of a soldier and understand issues that soldiers, and their families face each day.

Who wouldn't love a man who loves animals as much as Joyce does?

Both of these gentlemen would make excellent choices. What a huge difference between their backgrounds and qualifications, versus Trump's "clone" running as the GOP VP.

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A scarecrow in the north 40 is a better choice than Boy Couchfucker.

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The Scarecrow might, after all, have a brain.

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You made me catch my breath with that one.

I've heard them called Couch Humpty and Dumpty.

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And a teacher as well!

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With good reason. My Governor is the real deal. Making life better for all Minnesotans is what makes him tick. With a razor-thin margin in the Senate here, 2022 was the best year I have ever lived through in terms of passing legislation that improved lives, improved the economy, protected the planet, and moved the ball forward in protecting kids and seniors. Best of all, the man genuinely loves kids and dogs. Minnesota’s first dog, a big Rottweiler mix named Scout, is a fan favorite on social media. Definitely have mixed emotions about losing him as Governor but know how good he would be for the country!

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I do, too. He is a person with whom I would love to have a beer. I love his smile and the fact that he loves animals. And yet, he can be a force when provoked.

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Me too! Who wouldn’t love a man who walks around with a piglet!

Governor Walz is a true down to earth good person.

He would be my choice. And he is my Governor.

Also Minnesota is the world capital of Vice Presidents!

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I think the country would as well. ...even Magas

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Shapiro’s ardent support of the Israeli genocide in Gaza will divide the party if Harris picks him, and cripple attempts to mobilize the youth vote.

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Yes, exactly. Walz is everybodys favorite uncle, who actually knows how to get things done.

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Ransom, this mornings Talking Points Memo (TPM) names Walz.

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So does the Washington Post, as of 10 am. EDT, citing "sources."

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Let me interject, Pa Governor Josh Shapiro facilitated the repair of I95, a major thoroughfare, in 6 weeks! He’s a guy who knows how to get shit done! Plus he’ll bring Pennsylvania along for the ride…he’s my favorite.

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I agree the DNC could look like chaos and protests. While he could potentially bring 19 electoral votes, his myopic, rigid stance of the genocide perpetrated by Bibi will be divisive.

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My older Jewish friends are mostly in support of Israeli military action. "Palestinians are the perpetual victims " is a commmon sentiment.

Well yes, they would be if they're essentially prisoners.

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Additionally, Shapiro failed to respond in a timely manner to a sexual harassment complaint against an ally of his who allegedly harassed a female employee and then fired her in retaliation. If the selection of a VP is guided by the “do no harm” principle, this would clearly be a problem that Harris doesn’t need.

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He also curses on national TV which is not in character for anyone in the position of Vice President of our country.

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The two who actually have the national and international experience - are Pete Buttigieg and Mark Kelly. I like both Shapiro and Walz, very much. However, neither has the same stature as Kelly and Buttigieg - both of whom I can imagine stepping into the Oval were it necessary.

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teresafbrooks, Speaking solely of Kelly, regrettably he was seen applauding when Netanyahu, while addressing Congress, referred to protesters as Iran’s “useful idiots.” Moreover, I understand organized labor has concerns about him.

The foregoing notwithstanding, I also understand Harris is set on a partner with executive experience, which leaves either Shapiro or Walz. Contrary to Shapiro’s condemnation of college protesters plus his support for school vouchers, Walz, despite some lapses throughout his tenure as governor, has not compromised, in my view, his overall record of mighty impressive progressive policy accomplishments. Hence, as one who holds as sacrosanct, above all else, do no harm, I truly hope and believe Harris will name Walz.

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Mark Kelly might well be replaced in arizona by a Republican senator, which we cannot want. I think waltz would bring in the folksy charm and different background, as much as I like Kelly. I've heard that he's also kinda boring, as very technical people often are. I know I am.

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I think that would be somewhere down the line, because if I recall correctly, the governor would appoint someone to finish out his term. And the governor is currently a democrat.

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He would have been replaced by a Democrat, so that particular issue was not relevant. As to boring, that is intriguing. Astronaut is incredible tedious, punctuated by a few hours of absolute mayhem every once in a while. I can imagine it takes a certain personality. But for sure calm in a crisis!

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It shouldn't matter, but I don't think Kelly has the charisma or presence to be a good campaigner with Harris - though I admire the man very much

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Laurie, While I agree Kelly is deserving of our admiration, regrettably, his applauding the reference to protesters as Iran’s useful idiots was highly offensive to a wing of the party, compromising the very unity we very much need to win in November.

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I totally agree -- I didn't mean to downplay that!

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Thanks for your comments.

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My vote is for Pete.

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Pete's time will come, I don't think nows his time. First let's overwhelmingly elect a Black woman with a solid non-controversial running mate.

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Pete is just 42. Eight years in a Harris Admin will give him more experience. and 50 is a good age for a President. I see Pete as a Statesman on the world stage, not just a politician.

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Support for Israeli genocide is disqualifying. I respect the Israeli people and mourn their suffering, but nothing, nothing justifies the prolonged cruelty in Gaza.

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There was a brutal and murderous attack on Israelis in Gaza before Netanyahu's war cabinet unleashed their incommensurate slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza, otherwise innocent Gazan "human shields." How did Shapiro embrace that ardently, anymore than any other democrat in Washington, in the State Department, or in the Pentagon? When they insisted that Israel has the right to defend itself, everyone seemed to deny all the buildings falling on children and families. There has been a grudging aknowledgement of that slaughter by the Biden administration, but we failed to stop sending bombs. I think there are plenty of American politicians who devalue Palestinian lives because they are racists. I am not sure Josh Shapiro is one of them.

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That's my worry too -- though I have not yet heard his position on the war articulated -- is he an ardent supporter?

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Walz with the piglet, and his "pup cups" post with the black Lab enjoying an ice cream cone - I had a positive impression of him since his name came up and these just seal the deal. All kidding aside, he seems like a good and decent human being and everything I've read about him is positive. I hope he becomes Harris's pick, while also hoping there is no hidden baggage lurking in his past.

Thanks for these pics in this edition of Civil Discourse. It almost offsets the stink of more SCOTUS corruption in this issue.

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Decent and appealing guy for sure, but IMO not enough experience to handle national/international crises should he be called to the Presidency. Not from a swing state either, so what exactly does he bring to the ticket? My personal choice would be Mark Kelly, but the rumor mill says he's out? Still hoping . . .

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You mean the fact he did all the progressive things he did in Minnesota with a 1 vote majority in each house of the Minnesota Legislature doesn't mean anything? That and he doesn't have a ton of Pro-Nitwityahoo baggage to hide.

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No, I didn't mean that.

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Pamela, I like Mark Kelly too, but that could leave Arizona without a Democratic senator which I am thinking might pose some problems for the people of Arizona.

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Democrat Gov Katie Hobbs would appoint a Dem to fill that seat. Until the next election anyway. Probably a moot point though.

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Democratic governor(?), I thought, would choose his replacement.

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Yes, Gov. Hobbs would choose his replacement (Dem). That person would serve until the next election.

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MN has been becoming more purple over the years. It is not as "true blue" as it was when it was the only state in the nation to go for Mondale for President--loyalty is big here.

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Loyalty is big in maga world too, cuts both ways!

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Walz is the safe choice. His long-time representation of a largely rural (and usually reliably Republican) Minnesota district is also a big plus. He obviously connects with people, having been re-elected to the House five times and now twice as governor. Shapiro can still get out the vote in critical PA and I would be surprised if he didn't figure prominently in the administration for his efforts. He's young enough to be at the head of the pack for many years to come.

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Aug 6·edited Aug 6

I have difficulty with Walz because he doesn't add much political importance to the ticket, which we need in order to eke out every vote we can. MN is a blue state and not a battleground state, Walz is unknown on policy positions and while he's a great governor and all-round great guy, is perceived as leaning left (wonderful if all we need are progressive Democrats)! He doesn't have the standing or the resume that Mark Kelly brings. Kelly checks every major "box" and as I understand it, is very easy-going but highly effective. Shapiro isn't the right choice now due to the Israel-Gaza crisis. We can't lose young voters and those who are very upset with this administration over how we've given in to Israel. Our high energy would just crash to the ground with the choice of Shapiro.

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Walz brings young voters every election. MN is becoming purple. Yes, he leans to the left--in this political climate that means he leans towards equality, and that's a good thing. He is the current chair of the national Governors organization, and I think many governors would actively support him. He LISTENS to all sides before proceeding. His Lt. Gov. is a woman. The biggest drawback to Walz is that I don't want to lose him here in Minnesota.

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KEM, this morning Talking Points Memo, TPM, sates it is Walz.

Walz was outside shooting baskets yesterday ... Swish 🏀. Understands media & emojis.👌

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As does the WaPo.

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Fact is, a vice president rarely, if ever, adds true "political importance" to a ticket. They're usually selected to fill in any sociopolitical "blanks," with the assumption they have the right mixture of political know-how and appropriate life experience and, of course, the wherewithal to become the chief executive, if ever needed. Walz ticks all the right boxes as a down-home kind of guy, with a well-honed sense of humor and the ability to throw a well-aimed punch. He also brings an unmatched (by other candidates) wealth of legislative and executive management experience at both the national and state levels, down to his having been a Command Sergeant Major --- from a practical standpoint, pretty much the civilian equivalent of a corporate COO. And, in terms of his political "leanings," don't forget he represented what was a largely Republican district for five terms in the House. He both complements and supplements his urban woman of color presidential running mate: her style, experience and abilities. Although Kelly is a fine candidate and has the flashier credentials, given the state of play in the Senate, he is far more valuable to Democrats in his present position for the time being. He and Shapiro can certainly still get out the vote in their important swing-states and can play key surrogate roles in the campaign and maybe ultimately serve in prominent positions in the administration. But, as I said, Walz is the safe and certainly highly competent choice IMO.

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He’s the Tim Kaine of our generation.

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I’m glad we know that no matter who Kamala chooses for her running mate it will be excellent! Putting more fuel on the fire! I love it when a judge says “NO” to Trump’s attorney trying to block sentencing.

Thank you for explaining why Mo. AG was challenging DA in NYC. I hope more people will join Jenna Ellis and turn on don.

The group Republicans For Harris must be feeling like a nail in his coffin to don.

Country over Party. Democracy over Dictatorship.

Tomorrow is going to be another big day!

Thanks so much Joyce for keeping us so informed.

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Jenna E. & her Attorney, Matthew B., have cut a Plea deal with the AZ AG on 8/5/24.. See, my comment below. Thank you reporters, Kyle Cheney & Betsy Swan/

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I wonder if or when Liz Chaney will join this group.

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Me too. I am concerned about her silence.

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I think one issue is that Cheney will need to set aside her deep rooted anti-abortion stance to support a candidate who has and is the leader in the reproductive choice movement. I can only hope her commitment to keep the X-45 out office is stronger than her abortion stance.

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Debi, I find it so hard to have respect for anyone whose opposition to abortion means what they believe superceeds everyone else's beliefs. That's not what a democracy is supposed to be. You may believe abortion is wrong, but to impose a ban of any kind on others means your faith is seen by you as above everyone else's. That's not OK. I like Liz Cheyney, but not so much I want her anti-abortion poison to add to what is already out here. Women alone should choose what happenes with her pregnancy/birth control/IVF treatments with the help of their medical provider, partner, and others if she decides to include them. How any woman can stand against other women's choices as to what happens to her body is ridiculous and hateful. And no man should have a say when it comes to abortion. PERIOD!

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I really think single-issue voters--or single-issue representatives in Congress or the White House--are what lead to the breakdown in politics that are effective and reasoned. If--IF--Cheney is so entrenched in a single issue, that diminishes her. This election is about democracy in ALL its facets. Equality under the law is the direct opposite of anti-abortion stances. And, as an aside, there is no morality without choice, so laws that outlaw abortion are not even a moral stance.

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KEM, I like your statement that there is no morality without choice. I don't think people understand that. So many folks believe that if they are doing what they are told, and it has some religious flavor to the telling, it is moral; It isn't.

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Ruth, Thanks, and no, definitely not. If you want a "biblical" take on it, in the Garden of Eden, God did not say "I will not let you eat the apple." He simply said "Don't do it," and the choice was theirs. I could go on, but you get my drift--choice is a necessary component of any concept of good and evil.

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I think we agree. I was trying to say Cheney might be able to change her mind about her abortion stance. She has made weird and extreme statements about abortions happening in the 9th month in the past.

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Ruth, I agree with you completely. I believe that one has to be ignorant to not understand that most abortion is not about choice, but rather about medical need. I long ago realized that I was not sure I could go through an abortion, but I would never have said everyone else has to believe that way. In the last year I've listened to too many stories from women who almost died because they needed an abortion with a wanted pregnancy. My heart goes out to those women. And because of them I understand like never before, about the medical/biological necessity of abortions. I appreciate that Liz Cheney is pro democracy, but as you said, anti-abortion is not democratic in any way, shape or form.

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I think Liz Cheney is ardently committed to saving our democracy and that policy differences with Kamala would not prevent her from supporting Harris. Maybe they are waiting for the Convention for Cheney to endorse her.

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Remember her interview with Rachel Maddow? Rachel tried her best to be cordial to Cheney and all she got was bare civility.

Cheney is not the brightest bulb on the porch, despite having a spine. She very much liked Mike Johnson, after all.

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Let's hope for that - or sooner would be great.

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Not sure this would be a deciding factor for Cheney. She has indicated very often that this election is about saving the republic. I'm confident Liz Cheney will support Harris at the right moment.

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She's as stiff necked as her father, so I doubt it. Her support would bring more republicans maybe, if they're still so party-bound they think the Republican Party exists.

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Thanks Joyce, so much going on, but it’s “rich” that prosecutions will continue in J6 with Judge Chutkan and sentencing in New York. It is time for Republicans who have not sold their soul to the devil to stand up.

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I’m for Tim Walz too. He just seems like the right guy. He can be the good uncle as well as the attack dog if/when needed against Vance and Felon45. His comment about being a liberal who wants to see kids fed breakfast and lunch makes him horrible is a fantastic put down to the MAGA branch of evil.

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Beware the baggage https://alphanews.org/court-transcript-sheds-new-light-on-walzs-dui-arrest/

The VP doesn't need it

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From Media bias factcheck:

Overall, we rate Alpha News Questionable based on extreme right bias, poor sourcing of information, promotion of conspiracy theories, and anti-Islamic propaganda, as well as a lack of transparency regarding ownership.

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Thanks for pointing this out. I visited the Alpha News website, and it certainly appears like a mini-Fox News outlet.

I imagine the report would come up if Walz is the VP pick. How would it not, considering the scrutiny that's given.

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While I was reading the digital version of the NYT article about Thomas' most recent Harlan Crow non disclosure, an ad for a private jet service popped up. Someone coding the ad algorithms has a great sense of humor!

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The TikTok babble has me worried about Shapiro losing the Gen Z vote. That demographic is very focused on Palestine right now and they perceive him as anti-Palestine (right or wrongly).

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I would imagine that Kamala is quite aware of his image with younger voters...and is taking that into consideration. It is a bit odd, but SHE seems like the 40-45-year-old, so Walz could help pull in the Medicare set. Yes, he is only 1 year older, but as someone said, he is like everybody's favorite Grampa.

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I’m always grateful for the opportunity to learn from Joyce and the other smart people in the chat. Thanks so much. Democracy must prevail. Writing postcards as I read this missive. Inspired!

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Have I missed something?

Is Civil Discourse going to report on Judge Amit Mehta's decision in the case United States of America vs Google LLC? The court concluded: Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly. It has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act."

This is BIG; it's ENORMOUS! What about the remedy? Both parties are to propose a schedule for the remedy phase by September 4.

Joyce, where are you on the United States of America vs Google LLC?

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There's only so much time in a day. I received this email at 11:40 pm!

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Yeah, that is a very BIG DEAL!

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'I don’t have any confidence in either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris to continue this antitrust regime, and they will both be tempted to settle this case, and others like it, on the cheap. Congress won’t be happy if they do that, and neither will the media. So I don’t think it’s likely that they do end this case, but it’s something that worries me.'

'In terms of remedies, it’s not totally clear what the government will ask for. I have faith in the Antitrust Division leader, Jonathan Kanter, who has shown foresight and courage in his job.'

'Legally speaking, Judge Mehta has broad latitude to craft a remedy, though Mehta is quite cautious. He will likely end the exclusive dealing contracts. But he could go much further, breaking up Google, separating out Android and Chrome from the search function. He could force Google to share its ill-gotten data with rivals to let them create quality products, or he could mandate they delete it. Technical oversight committees, break-ups, choice screens, interoperability, and prohibitions on self-preferencing of Google products are all possibilities.' ___Matt Stoller, (BIG) See link below.

https://open.substack.com/pub/mattstoller/p/boom-judge-rules-google-is-a-monopolist?r=dvi9g&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

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You obviously have no knowledge of Harris' record at CaliforniaAG in going after companies, Fern.

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Ah, but I do have knowledge of it and more. I would not have used the quote by Stoller if I thought it likely that she would keep that team. I also know the records of Obama and Holder who she is quite close to.

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Thanks for this, Fern. Probably more important than the Jenna Ellis story but perhaps we'll hear more about this soon.

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Jen, there are front page pieces about the decision re United States of America vs Google LLC on The New York Times, the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and here is one from Dow Jones:

'Google monopoly ruling is just one of many antitrust cases now facing Big Tech'

Provided by Dow Jones

Aug 5, 2024 7:30pm

By Lukas I. Alpert

'Apple, Meta and Amazon all also face government efforts to rein in their influence over the market'

'A federal judge's ruling on Monday that Google operates an illegal monopoly over online search is just the opening salvo in a wide-ranging antitrust effort by the U.S. government to rein in the power of Big Tech.'

'Silicon Valley's biggest tech giants - including Apple Inc. (AAPL), Meta Platforms Inc. (META) and Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) - all also have government lawsuits pending that accuse them of operating in anticompetitive ways. And Alphabet Inc.'s Google (GOOGL) (GOOG) still faces a separate case brought by the Justice Department that accuses it of abusing a monopoly over certain aspects of online advertising.'

'The investigations by the DOJ, the Federal Trade Commission and numerous states' attorneys general into these tech companies' practices date back to the Trump administration, but kicked into high gear after Joe Biden became president and are only now approaching their climax.'

'Here's where the cases against Big Tech stand.'

'Amazon.com'

'Last year, the FTC and 17 states' attorneys general filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, accusing it of using strategies that stifle competition on price and product selection and severely limit the possibility of real competition to ever arise.'

'The suit argues that Amazon punished retailers that attempted to offer lower prices than Amazon itself does, and claims it gave unfair benefits to sellers that utilized Amazon's shipping services.'

'Amazon has argued that the suit, which was brought in federal court in Seattle, is "wrong on the facts and the law" and has vowed to fight, asking a judge to toss the case out. A trial date has been set for October 2026.

The online retail giant also faces a separate case brought by the FTC that accuses it of making it unduly complicated for customers to cancel using Amazon's Prime service.'

'Meta'

'The social-media giant was among the first of the Big Tech companies to face legal pressure from the government, becoming the target of a 2020 FTC lawsuit accusing it of engineering a monopoly by buying any competitors that threatened the dominance of Facebook.'

'The suit argued that the company's acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp denied users the ability to genuinely choose which social-media company they wanted to use, as they all were owned by the same corporation.

Meta has countered that it didn't buy Instagram and WhatsApp a decade ago to stifle competition and has argued for the case to be thrown out.'

'In 2021, the judge handling the case did throw out the complaint, arguing that the FTC hadn't adequately defined the market that had been harmed by Facebook's acquisition spree. But he allowed the government to refile its complaint the following year and it has carried on.'

'Apple'

'In March, the Justice Department and 16 states sued Apple, accusing it of blocking competition in the smartphone market by preventing competitors from offering their products to Apple customers.'

'The case came after a five-year investigation and argued that Apple used its dominant position in the market for smartphones and servicing apps to prevent customers from switching phones or using non-Apple products on their iPhones.'

'Apple has argued that the DOJ's suit is a misguided attempt to recreate its success in an antitrust suit against Microsoft a quarter-century earlier.'

'Google'

'Separate from Monday's ruling that found that Google functioned as a broad monopoly over online search, the tech giant also faces another DOJ suit that accuses it of operating a monopoly in the online-advertising market.

The suit accuses Google of cementing its dominance over online ads through a series of acquisitions and of bullying publishers and other online customers into using its ad products. The DOJ calls for breaking up Google's online-advertising business, which generates approximately 80% of the company's revenue.'

'Google has argued that it faces stiff competition in online advertising from several other companies including Meta, Amazon and Comcast Corp. (CMCSA), and so isn't a monopoly at all.'

-Lukas I. Alpert

'This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.'

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Will Arizona Republicans for Harris endorse Ruben Gallego? That would be something... Rejecting Kari Lake might not be a step too far from where they've arrived. McCain voters?

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No worries. In the 2022 elections, 11% of us AZ Republicans turned out to vote against all election deniers. The Democrats had a lower voter turnout and without so many votes from Republicans, we would have had Kari Lake, a repulsive human being as Governor. Also, another election denier named Abe Hammadeh would have been Attorney General, and there would have been no election interference indictments, just like 2020-21 when our old A.G., Mark Brnovich, threw the evidence from then Secretary of State Katie Hobbs right in the trash and did not pursue charges. BTW, I expect Kamala Harris to beat Joe Biden's five percent of Republican voters by a large margin.

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My new shirt came in today’s mail: “Make America Laugh Again.” Tim Walz is our guy!

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Thing is Sam the Sham and Walmart Thomas are now just openly giving us the bird. No pretense about law or heaven forfend precedent anymore. It's like the Orange 1 defense --- "Because we say so" "Do something about it suckers!" Chances are, should the Democratic/democratic trifecta take place as planned, they will retire anyway to avoid the embarrassment of going through the impeachment process. Problem is Clarence may find himself having to buy his own RV tires and Alito may be reduced to actually paying for trips again. Not a pretty sight to contemplate.

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I wonder if we can go after the Coirt's appropriation to itself of ruling on constitutionality. Yes it's very old, Marbury v Madison, but these clowns pick and choose what precedents they think worth following. That one has always been wrong.

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