He ABSOLUTELY must be tried. This country must respect and follow (in words, attitudes and deeds) the rule of law. Far too much time has passed while we wait for real accountability. I have faith in Jack Smith.
Hey, Bryan. This article by Elie Honig - a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York - presents a disturbing (to me) argument about Jack Smith and Judge Chutkan's actions in the case. I'm wondering if after reading, you would comment about his thoughts. Thanks!
Thanks, Sally. I am reaching out to Bryan because his experience as an attorney would give him a better understanding of the rules of evidence that are required. Honig, having successfully prosecuted mobsters, seems to be poking holes in Smith's prosecution of this case. I am hoping that Bryan can counter his arguments in that regard.
I also found this detailed response from a lawyer to Elie Honig's criticisms of Jack Smith. The author has a degree in economics and political science from the University of Oregon and a JD from NYU Law School. He also worked as a litigator for two law firms doing both criminal and civil cases for about 12 years before moving into a writing career. I think you'll find it interesting.
Ooh, thank you, CC! I will listen and read right away! I "picked" on Bryan because of his self-described career in the law, and particularly litigation. I read with interest Honig's "Up Against the Mob" series in Cafe a few years ago. His latest anti-Smith stance, and now Chutkan, has given me an uneasy feeling, for sure.
Happy to help! Honig's viewpoint seemed odd to me so like you, I was interested in whether he had a valid point or if he had another angle or ulterior motive.
Scroll back to Honig’s August 16 post wherein he described Smith’s options in presenting evidence to Judge Chutkan to respond to the immunity ruling. He says that the judge might hold a hearing with live testimony or simply ask for proffers from the prosecution about which evidence should be acceptable at trial. He mentioned a live hearing with witnesses in September that might occur & noted the impact it could have on the election. No comment on the propriety of this event. Then when the judge seeks & Smith provides the proffer (not really a motion) a few days into October Honig is outraged. He did a 180 degree turn from his August stance. Wonder why?
Elie Honig is one reason I don't bother with CNN. He is clearly biased against Jack Smith offering subjective criticisms that ring hollow to me. For example he says he is "dubious of Jack Smith’s motives. My criticism of Jack Smith is, obviously he’s pushing to get this in before the election, I think for good reason. But there’s a level of disingenuousness in his refusal to say that’s why." So, Elie is the one who truly understands the motives of Jack Smith? He also criticizes the DOJ for taking 2.5 years to bring the case, a standard talking point from the right. Read a few of the links in the linked article above and you'll see a lack of context or omission of the full quote like, "[Chutkan] acknowledged that Smith’s request to file first was “procedurally irregular” without adding that "judges routinely depart from court rules". He argues for following strict procedures even though there is flexibility built into the legal system ("we can walk and chew gum at the same time") I could go on but listening to this guy is a waste of time. If you want a real conservative and objective take on legal matters, spend time with Advisory Opinions podcast from the Dispatch, a conservative media company. As for level of redaction criticism remember that JS wanted maximum redaction in the original filing to protect witnesses, etc. and the failed former president's team wanted the opposite (I'd have to find CD w JV coverage to properly cite). After a delay, delay, delay strategy his legal team now cries foul about the timing and lack of redaction of key facts. btw, I am NOT an attorney and I have never taken a course on law.
Maybe itʻs something personal between Honig and Smith. Maybe Honig is jealous that Smith is getting so much attention. Never underestimate the pettiness of people.
Let me be as polite as I can about this. Honig is an opportunistic hack in the mold of Jonathan Turley, the rabid right's favorite apologist. Had some cred originally when he first showed up as a legal talking head but obviously decided there was more to be gained (I assume financially) by being a contrarian or taking a negative position. More to the point however, it's Judge Chutkan who calls the shots, not Jack Smith --- something Honig conveniently overlooks.
Interesting. Hope to hear a response. I just want to add that depending on who you talk to and who is affected, it always seems to be too close to an election these days. I do not like our justice system being superseded by the always present election cycle.
Thanks for the link, Lynell - read that post and the earlier one. The legalities he states? I'll wait for Bryan's take. It would appear from both of these posts he never was a fan of Jack Smiths. Which seems to be obvious in his writing. As CaroleAnn posted below - I remember (WHEN I watched any cable) of being put off by his take on things.
Hey, Maggie. I, too, am hoping to hear from Bryan. But I am happy to get all of these comments. I never had cable, so only get limited access once in a while. And I only joined Cafe to be able to read Heather and Joanne's Now and Then series.
I watched part of his interview with Kaitlyn Collins last week, and I was so nauseated by his ridiculous comments that I switched to another channel. I used to think he was a smart man. Now I think he’s been into the kool aid once too often.
Yes, Trudy! Of course Trump must be made to submit to the rule of law. Who in their right mind would make such a cavalier statement that people won't care about what Trump did if he loses, so we shouldn't try him for his crmes!
Our laws are not for retribution or the satisfaction of the public, even if some people find those feelings in certain legal outcomes. Our laws are what bind this country together and preserve a semblance of civility so we can go about our lives in relative peace and fairness. Our laws prevent constant chaos or a takeover by anarchists, oligarchs or dictators.
They've worked reasonably well to acheive that goal--flaws and all--for 250 years. Not only should a mentally ill, power hungry, lying, cruel, immoral man-child who played at being our president for his own gain and who has flaunted our rules for the world to see, be tried for his crimes. Everyone must see that he was tried. And if he is found guilty, he MUST be punished. Not less than the average defendant, but equally.
No one should ever again think they can try to destroy our democracy and abuse so many of our people without paying for their evil behavior if they are found guilty in a court of law. NO ONE. We owe no less to ourselves and to future generations.
C C, I do wonder why so many people do not want to see Trump face the legal system for his crimes, and they should know that had a Democratic president done anything close to what Trump has done, they would be screaming for his/her head. The hypocrisy is strong with these ones. We need a fair trial for Trump. And, should Trump want the case dismissed should he be elected (God forbid), the case should be brought up again after Trump is out of office, possibly reconfigured. That is what should be happening with the case Judge Cannon dismissed, something she should have had no right to do. In fact, she shouldn't even be sitting on any court. That stolen documents case should be restated and reintroduced if necessary. Trump committed the crimes, knew what he was doing, hoped for a different outcome (him staying in power he didn't deserve, and being able to sell our secrets to other entities for his own personal gain). No matter how one looks at it, there are crimes here.
I wholeheartedly agree. Trump, his co-conspirators and the sedition-loving SCOTUS justices who pretended that they have the power to give presidents immunity when they try to overthrow our system of government need to be remined of the primary point of our Constitution. I've already written more fully about this, so I'll just provide the links.
I agree with you. I mean the Supreme Court made a ruling just for him because they said they get to determine whether a president has immunity, and they are clearly planning on giving him immunity. I feel that the Supreme Court members who are not following the Constitution because of their religious beliefs as Christian Nationalists, which tells them their racist, sexist, anti-environment, biblical beliefs over Constitution should be tried as well.
It's not just CN, it's good old greed. Trump's entire life has been about the grift. He's always been the Wizard of Oz. His huge success in politics could not have come about if Roberts had not pushed through Citizens United. Citizens United enabled political power to be sold to the highest bidders. The same bidders who had business before the Court. The same bidders making private jets, big yachts, and fancy islands available to Thomas and Alito and even Scalia.
Not just greed, but something even more sinister. I was reading a discussion of how these Trump items he has been selling is a way for people to buy influence. For example a watch that the most expensive model is $100,000 can be bought in bulk by say, a Saudi leader to buy influence. And, apparently he is selling AR-15s and ammo to people. Someone in another Substack said he got an ad for this. He was worried that Trump is arming his followers in preparation for the election. So, he both arms them and sells influence, and gets around campaign finance laws, and bribery laws.
What I thought both interesting and scary, was that the watches could be be bought with bitcoin. Bitcoin is untraceable, so we cannot know who is busily buying up Trumps favor. And now we learn that he is selling arms and ammunition to people. THAT is very scary.
It is very sinister. When this person in The Bulwark used Saudis as an example, it seemed super plausible. There have to be more rules made up to make it difficult to get illegal monies in a campaign, and more things should be illegal.
Linda, interesting perspective. I had not thought of Trump's grift that way. I should have, though because I know the "quality" of the people he surrounds himself with, and that Trump is experiencing dementia at a significant level. At this point, Trump will go along with anything that will get him money, power, attention, or all three and will hardly remember what he has agreed to. The American people need to know that they are only voting for Trump the icon. Their person is hardly with us anymore. They are really voting for Vance, and the whole cadre of men and a few women who are as corrupt as Trump but still have better-working brains, and whole lifetimes of cheating, lying, and working to override our Constitution. That's what they will get for voting Trump into office again. That is disgusting, but the minions have no clue.
Ruth, right when Vance was selected I had read that Peter Thiel and other Tech Bro Billionaire backers have chosen Vance to replace Trump, by waiting until "they" are elected and then using Article 25 to remove Trump by claiming he is incompetent and then taking over the White House. That is them buying the White House, and either of the MAGA choices is unacceptable.
Trump's success in politics has *also* come about, in large measure, because of the false mystique that was created for and about him by television producer Mark Burnett, through the show "The Apprentice." As recent articles have pointed out, he was on the verge of yet another bankruptcy just before that show was created, poorly managing his inheritance and working out of shabby and decrepit offices. Literally living the life of huckster that he was. To quote the article that I cannot now find, "that show made him a billionaire by pretending that he was one." It gave him a kind of Rocky Balboa hero status among people who vicariously enjoy stories about lifestyles of the rich and famous. And lastly, once that profile was raised, it allowed him to give voice and to normalize all of the seething hatred, racism, and misogyny among his fans.
My Democrats Abroad region is going to see the film The Apprentice, that Trump tried to get banned in the US, together in Hamburg this month. It will be showing together with ads for Vote from Abroad.
Last month a member of another Substack posted a psychological explanation for the Trump voters. Here is is.
Reader comment by Robert Ritchie in Joyce Vance’s Substack on Sept 9, 2024
The Cult of Opposition: Understanding the Psychology Behind Trump’s Supporters
In modern political discourse, the relationship between leaders and their supporters often reflects a symbiotic exchange—one of mutual benefit. Typically, a leader provides tangible improvements to the supporters’ lives, who in turn offer their allegiance. However, Donald Trump's presidency introduced a paradigm shift that baffled many analysts. A significant portion of Trump’s base does not measure his success by what he does *for* them, but rather by what he does against those they consider adversaries. This phenomenon raises a critical question: why do Trump's supporters define his success not by policy achievements or personal benefit but by his ability to antagonize perceived enemies? In this research paper, we explore the psychology, sociocultural factors, and communication strategies behind this phenomenon, offering a deep dive into the mechanisms that sustain this unwavering loyalty.
The Psychology of "Othering"
At the heart of this dynamic lies a fundamental psychological concept known as *othering.* Othering refers to the process of creating a division between "us" and "them," where "them" are people deemed different or antagonistic to one's own group. Social identity theory posits that individuals derive part of their self-worth from their membership in groups (Tajfel & Turner, 1979). When Trump attacks certain groups—be they immigrants, Democrats, or marginalized communities—his supporters feel that their in-group (conservative, predominantly white Americans) is being validated. The "other," typically those outside their cultural or political bubble, becomes a target of scorn and aggression. By constantly positioning himself against these groups, Trump reassures his supporters that they are on the winning side of a cultural war.
This is where the success metrics diverge from typical political calculations. Success, in the eyes of Trump's supporters, is not rooted in economic growth or policy achievements, but in the symbolic victories won over those they disdain. Trump’s antagonistic rhetoric serves as a rallying cry for a base that measures success by how effectively he torments the "other."
Fear as a Unifying Emotion
The divisiveness Trump exploits is not built solely on disdain for others but on deep-rooted fear. Research has shown that political conservatism often correlates with heightened fear responses (Hibbing, Smith, & Alford, 2014). These fears manifest in concerns over demographic changes, perceived threats to cultural identity, and economic anxiety—particularly in the wake of globalization and immigration. For Trump’s base, he offers not only validation of their fears but also an outlet for their anxiety: the vilification of outsiders.
By acting against these outsiders—whether through harsh immigration policies, vilification of the media, or incendiary tweets targeting "leftist elites"—Trump provides a sense of catharsis to his supporters. It’s not about building bridges or creating new opportunities; it’s about protecting their identity and keeping perceived threats at bay. In their minds, Trump’s success is defined by his defense of the status quo against forces of change.
The Appeal of a Strongman
This dynamic is exacerbated by the allure of authoritarian leadership, often characterized by a leader who promises protection and order while silencing dissent. Trump's rhetoric—filled with hyperbole, aggressive language, and dismissive attitudes toward political correctness—resonates deeply with those who feel disempowered by societal changes. Studies have shown that authoritarian personalities are drawn to leaders who project strength and offer simple, binary solutions to complex problems (Feldman, 2003). Trump’s combative style against the "other" fits neatly into this framework.
In this context, Trump is seen as the protector, someone who will go to any length to defend his supporters from external threats. His aggressive behavior—though often condemned by critics—is perceived by his base as a strength. In their eyes, his relentless attacks on groups like the media, the "deep state," or racial minorities are evidence of his success as a leader willing to do whatever it takes to secure their safety and identity.
The Role of Media and Propaganda
An essential factor in maintaining this dynamic is the role of right-wing media in amplifying Trump’s actions *against* others while downplaying or ignoring any lack of substantive achievements. Fox News, Breitbart, and other conservative outlets often frame Trump’s attacks on immigrants, liberals, and the media as necessary battles in a larger cultural war. Through selective reporting, these outlets reinforce the idea that Trump’s presidency is less about improving the lives of his supporters through policy and more about the symbolic victories he achieves through opposition to their perceived enemies.
Trump himself understood the power of media manipulation, often stoking controversy to keep his name in the headlines. As noted by philosopher Hannah Arendt, in authoritarian regimes, propaganda serves to simplify the world into friend versus foe (Arendt, 1951). By keeping the public focused on his skirmishes against the "other," Trump ensured that his base remained engaged and energized, even when his policies provided little material benefit to their lives.
The Social Contract of Aggrievement
This relationship between Trump and his supporters can be understood as a kind of *social contract of aggrievement.* While traditional politicians offer economic benefits, infrastructure improvements, or social programs, Trump offers emotional validation. His base, particularly those who feel marginalized by economic shifts or demographic changes, finds solace in his outward displays of aggression. His ability to provoke outrage in the "other" reassures them that they are still relevant in a world they fear is changing too fast.
Interestingly, this contract does not require Trump to follow through on traditional metrics of success like job creation or healthcare reform. His supporters are not primarily concerned with how he improves their lives directly. Instead, they focus on how he reinforces their worldview—one where they are under constant attack and where Trump is their defender. This emotional satisfaction creates a loyalty that transcends policy, rooted instead in the shared sense of grievance and resentment.
Conclusion: A Loyalty That Transcends
In understanding Trump’s success, it is critical to recognize the unique metrics by which his supporters measure his achievements. His base does not primarily seek economic relief or policy victories; they seek validation of their fears and grievances. By acting *against* the "other," Trump provides emotional and psychological sustenance that traditional political figures often fail to deliver. His success, therefore, lies in his ability to symbolize and enact opposition rather than constructively improve the lives of his supporters. As long as Trump continues to antagonize those perceived as threats, his base will remain loyal, even in the absence of tangible benefits.
In the end, the tormenting of the "others" does more than sustain them—it defines them.
So, while The Bulwark points out that it is over 50 Republicans who are more likely to switch to Harris, because they don't recognize their party or their values (thought I do), it is the Gen Z males who are really attracted to Trump's persona. It comes across as an Animal House sort of frat boy mentality even if it is not people in college, but guys getting away with stuff they should not be doing, carried to the nth degree.
Excellent comment. Learning at the feet of his father running Brooklyn Apts and at the feet of Roy Cohn learning how to game the legal system were foundational. Big surprise to the rest of us that those lessons were good enough to make him our President.
This Scrotum Court has to be held accountable for vicious anti American rulings. For not holding up the Constitution or acting in the best interests of the Country rather than their own personal religious beliefs and their own greed,, impeachment is on the Table, the Puppet Trump Court 5 can be easily replaced with REAL Jurists! The Clowns retire with no pension or any governmental benefits. The will be lucky to remain out of jail! And pay their taxes on their Bribes.
Conservatism requires that there be an in-group that is protected by the law but not bound by it, and an out-group that is bound by the law but not protected by it. The Supremely Corrupt Court has defined the size of the in-group: one.
Trump is the Trojan horse for Heritage and 2025. That needs to be taken into consideration as well . These guys have the torch ready for the burning of the constitution and a direct line to the militas to start purges, mass arrests and assasinations.
After these next cases, if he is still treated differently than any other indicted, convicted criminal, it is only fair to unlock all cell doors in every prison in the country. Either way we are in danger with criminals roaming free.
I just received my invitation to purchase a Trump Edition handmade AR15?!?!? This is insane, is he going to ship these homes if when MAGA crowd buy one??? US Law says you have to pick-up fire-arms at a licensed dealer so the background check can be done. He is arming his followers. I’m not going click on a link to see how many versions he’s offering, or how much they cost, but your purchase includes free training (“a $1500 value, plus 5 other free gifts”?!?!). He has to be tried!!
This CAN'T be legal if Trump has sanctioned or sold the use of his name on this gun. It is pure insurrection. Charge him! If Trump is not involved, charge the makers and marketers with insurrection.
Exactly!! He’s selling to his base what they already own!!
“Understanding gun ownership in the US can help inform debates about firearm laws (or lack thereof). Obtaining a precise picture, however, is challenging because no definitive database of gun sales exists. What we have to rely on then are polls and survey data from think tanks and academic researchers, which vary somewhat in their estimates. Still, there are some broad trends that stand out.”
“ Take, for example, a report published in 2017 by researchers at Harvard and Northeastern universities. The authors estimate that of the 265 million privately owned firearms in the US, about half are owned by 3% of the US adult population. And while about half of gun owners own one or two guns, 8% of gun owners own 10 or more -- a figure that amounts to about 40% of the total US gun stock, according to the report.”
"of the 265 million privately owned firearms in the US, about half are owned by 3% of the US adult population." I remember when I first read this, I was blown away. As time went by, I realized that it made complete sense.
"Accordian hands rapist" has his name on bibles and now a weapon for mass murder?? Dispicable Orange Donable Lector truly is pushing for the official title of 'The Anti-Christ."
Forwarded your post to Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Hopefully he will get it. If he can't do something, he probably knows someone who can.
Depending on what state you are in you could try to contact your Attorney General if he is a good one.
Also law enforcement should be aware.
It could be a
scam, but either way someone needs to shut the person down that is sending these.
Thank you for posting, and hopefully someone can track the person down.
WA Attorney General Bob Ferguson works with other Democratic AGs across the country. I can't imagine he won't initiate action on this - at the very least by delegating attention to it to some relevant law enforcement agency if his office can't deal with it owing to the fact he is currently running for Governor. He has already successfully sued Trump multiple times.
We do not have any Democratic State Office holders in Alabama. Let me refresh all our memory’s. Trumps first (and “worst” per him) US Atty General was a Republican Senator from here, and we all remember how Jeff Sessions was stuck so far up his bosses butt you couldn’t see anything except his toe rings! And more recently, a retired (actually, it cost my college alumni association $5M to “retire” him) football coach who “secretly” lives in FL (a house he purchased with my alumni dues) but claims a house he owns here in the state as his residence where another family member lives, a newer Senator from our state that doesn’t know the 3 branches of US government, bust is best known for being an Armed Forces “darling”, Senator “Coach” Tommy Tuberville. It’s sad, but I hope to make my escape soon. And interestingly, years ago I decided my final residence would be in Washington State watching sunsets over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Do you not your Geography?? I’ll be in the north, not the east! Just kidding. I just read an Article recently on that very thing. I hope to get to Port Townsend. The article was about Port Angeles and how pro-Democratic that WA town was. If I have to, I can drive the short distance from Port Townsend to Port Angeles to shop/eat/talk with like-minds. Where I’m at now in Alabama, I think Port Angeles WA is still the closest area I would have to drive to to be among Sane people.
I’m in Alabama, our Attorney General is probably complicit. The guy that builds/sells them is apparently licensed, and is also located here in AL. He’s built (or maybe building?) 6 already. It has Trump’s name engraved on it. If Trump didn’t authorize it, I’m sure HE will find the guy. I can’t imagine Trump would stop him, he will just want all except $5 of the $3000 price!
I've seen what these rifles can do. Never thought I'd see another when I came home from Vietnam. It truly is a WMD and the Republicans act so casual about it.....until they're swimming in their own guts and it's too late.
I’m sorry to send you back to that dark time. As the Draft was abolished shortly after I registered in the ‘70’s, I never Served in the military. That makes me all the more humbled, and appreciative of your Service, Thank you!
Newsweek did an article on him 3-days ago so it’s not a secret. He’s engraving Trump’s name on them, so I assumed the email was like the Trump designer watch grift last week. If Trump didn’t approve his name on them, do you think he’ll make the gun dealer stop assembling them?? No, he’ll want in on the money.
“Moon Kook-jin, also known as Justin Moon, is a Korean American religious leader, businessman, and gun manufacturer. He is the son of Sun Myung Moon and Hak Ja Han. His father is the founder of the Unification Church and his mother is its present leader.”
Ramping up his cult to create chaos with violence. Why is our country so reluctant to recognize it? Trump wants people afraid of being shot on the street when they go cast their vote for his opponent. It’s so obvious what he’s doing
I found this -- but itʻs not the "battle" rifle. I wonder if Trump has a licensing agreement and gets a portion of the sales price on these?
Kahr Firearms Group and Auto-Ordnance continue its series of President Donald Trump commemorative firearms, with the "Commander in Chief" custom AR15 rifle.
This elaborately finished and engraved rifle honors the patriotism of the 45th President, and his determination to "Keep America Great". This motto is engraved on the right side of the upper receiver, and "The United States of America" on the aluminum free floated, M-Lok forearm. The left side of the upper receiver is engraved with President Trump's name and title, "Commander in Chief" of the Armed Forces. The lower receiver has beautiful relief cuts, along with "45th" noting his position in our nation's long line of presidents. The American flag, and a star pattern are detailed on the grip and forearm. The president's likeness in front of the White House adorn the left magazine well, with the Presidential Seal on the right. "In God We Trust" is placed on the forward assist housing.
Orange Donable Lector would use the Presidential Seal to as taget practice, before he puts a torch to it........The new seal as his Orange spray tan/orange hair trnsplanted.....bloated sagging dripping Orange wrinkled face on it.
My husband is an old white man in California. He googled Project 25 and immediately got on the MAGA mailing list. Hmmm. I thought he knew nothing about Project 25.
I have never responded to any of the many MAGA emails, texts, or calls, but I am in AL, I’m old, and I’ve had the same Email for years. I was a member 15 years ago of a shooting range here in town. I bought my first firearm when I was 55, a 22 caliber magnum revolver, and only then because a coyote walked out of the woods and straight toward me on the bush hog in the middle of the day (coyotes are nocturnal) in the middle of summer. I assumed the coyote was rabid, and all I had on that tractor to defend myself was an empty Gatorade bottle! It’s possible this Gun dealer building the Trump AR’s bought email lists from gun ranges, assuming all members (at least in my state) were 2nd amendment diehards, a synonym for MAGA (did I use synonym correctly!!).
Thank’s , since the original escalator incident in 2015(?), I’ve suffered memory whiplash. If it’s something I should remember to be able to effectively communicate with the sane, I don’t.
I'm an old white man living in a majority GOP town in CT (if you can believe it). I get emails to support Ted Cruz! And about the coming end-of-the-world from Jim Jordan. I hit "Junk" but they keep coming back.
Dr Ben-Ghiat: “Jack Smith's focus on the private and personal nature of Trump's actions highlights the corruption that has overtaken the GOP, which now places Trump over party and country to the detriment of our democracy.”
And they plan to succeed this time! Bannon has been working on their Precinct Strategy. Here’s an entertaining way to learn about that threat: HGA: Trump 2024: https://youtu.be/KHuMjIhS6t0?si=zUwtCorlocAti1gm
The Christofascists will try to steal this election and not just POTUS. I have a friend who was involved with the Trump administration. He feels there is a real threat that red state governors will use all means available to suppress and/or not count votes in blue counties. For instance, D-TX Colin Allred is running against MAGATX Cancun Cruz; my friend believes a possible scenario is MAGATX gov Greg Abbott activates his TX Guard units and sends them into Harris, Bexar, Travis & Dallas counties to stop the vote counts and make sure Rs win House and Senate races. Even if the Rs don't take back the Senate and lose the House, if tRump is POTUS, shielded by the insane immunity granted him by the SCOTUS Trump v US decision, the US as we know it is finished.
July at Oshkosh’s Airventure, the Wisconsin Guard put on a demo of their combined arms capabilities. https://youtu.be/raMOZhHBwg0 As I watched I didn’t know whether the WI Gov was R or D so I immediately googled to discover he is a D! Tony Evers. Dr Timothy Snyder’s Bloodbath Candidate Thinking About immediately came to mind. https://snyder.substack.com/p/the-bloodbath-candidate
What happens if Red State governors send their Army and Air Guard units to support Trump? POTUS needs to activate, or have a plan to immediately activate, all red state governor Guard units from 1 November to 31 January to have them under his command!
Please settle down :-). First, there are truly only 7 states in play: NC, GA, WI, MI, PA, AZ and NV. The rest of the "red states" are already going to vote for Trump (although FL and TX might change a little, but not too likely). The three critical states are WI, MI and PA. ALL are run by Democratic governors, not GOP minions. If Harris wins all three states, even by just one vote in each state, she will win the election. The other four states (AZ, NV, GA and NC) do not have enough electoral votes to tip the election to Trump even if there are TONS of Trump votes counted there. So I think the fears outlined in the above post are highly unlikely to be influential on the final results, especially if enough pro-Harris voters turn out in the three key states.
I am just counseling caution, don't fear-monger this election... that is likely to go badly for everyone. It will be close. And yes, Harris could even lose it in the electoral college. But in general, if the states that won for Biden in 2020 by more than a few percent repeat their performance (and the polls say they will) and the three key battleground states go for Harris (hopefully), the rest will just be a lot of pathetic whining by Trump.
You are forgetting that these RWNJs (Right-Wing-Nut-Jobs) almost pulled off this plan of kicking the election to the House back on 6 January 2021. I believe that if they had had their co-conspirators delay everything until dark and then had the MAGA mob attack the Capital, they may well have succeeded. What they are planning with Bannon’s Precinct Strategy is most likely Constitutional; it has happened before. Heather Cox Richardson’s 20 September 2024 Letter from an American https://open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/september-20-2024?r=5k7fz&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email gives this example: “But almost immediately, the Electoral College caused a different crisis. In 1824, electors split their votes among four candidates—Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay and William Crawford—and none won a majority in the Electoral College. Although Jackson won the most popular votes and the most electoral votes, when the election went to the House, the state delegations chose Adams, the son of former president John Adams.”
Gerrymandering has pretty much guaranteed that the Rs will have a majority of House reps in a majority of state delegations. The Rs have been quietly packing school boards, county and state reps with the goal of having veto proof majorities. They have figured out that they are having a harder and harder time achieving a majority of votes cast in statewide and nationwide elections. That is why my friend is concerned that R governors will suppress or just not count the votes in their blue counties. That may well cost Colin Allred the election and have the Rs take back the Senate. R governors have been testing their authority to send their Guard troops to support another R governor, Greg Abbott, by sending troops to MAGATX to support Operation Lone Star. The threat is real.
We need the House, Senate and Oval Office to make the changes that must be made to bring our country back to majority rule. The Rs have stacked the deck. I hope November, December and January are just a huge, blue celebration; but, to ignore history is foolhardy. Drs Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Timothy Snyder are history professors who are experts on authoritarianism. Here just a few links to their thoughts on these subjects:
I've read Dr ben-ghiat's articles but thanks for the Snyder articles. I agree it's a rough situation. Nothing I'd like more than a blue wave in November but I am also realistic.
As in 2020, I think the most dangerous time is going to be between when the election is called and Inauguration Day. Stocking my pantry. Don't have a gun or I'd keep that handy. Sad.
At what point does this dangerous threatening behavior become terrorism? Don't we have laws specific to terrorism? I doubt that they would ever be enforced, but they should without question.
Speech vs actions... speech vs actions... it's a critical distinction. Please try to keep that in mind. It's tough sometimes but turning speech protected by our Constitution into crimes would make us a lot like Russia.
Mine wasn’t a link, it was an email (scary!). I don’t know how I got on the AR15 MAGA mailing list, so I assume it was sent to all of us old white men located in AL where the guns are being built.
I don’t know where he saw this advertisement for the gun. I just Googled it and this is what came up: a small gun manufacturer in Alabama is selling 20 AR15s with the Trump MAGA brand on it.
Hey Rocky, I found this Newsweek article from 3 days ago detailing what you have posted. IMO the concept is definitely warped and I hope it fails miserably, like a lot of things Trump touches…
From the Newsweek article: "As of March 2023, one in 20 Americans owned an AR-15, which was approximately 16 million people nationwide, according to research from The Washington Post and Ipsos."
Thank you for the link. This crazy guy building these is in my home state (Alabama), go figure!! The article says these are $3000, I hope the lower 99 percentile of Gun purchasers in my state can afford one!?!?!
You are welcome. Let’s hope the price is out of range for most. My fear would be if it doesn’t sell, maybe they will try selling the ammo autographed by Trump. He really has no redeeming qualities and frankly is a piece of 💩.
I was trying to make a point that AL residents are not the intended target market. I hope they don’t sell a rifle, bible, watch, Air Jordan crypto whatever, bankrupt casino, cheat able golf course, or used “gold plating”.
Wow, first, you've gotta wonder why a maga-fanatic would want to buy something like this - the same model of gun that someone used to attempt to take out their leader. Isn't using the same weapon-type that he narrowly escaped with his life, and with his name stamped into it, kinda weird/questionable to them? Like trump said, if he had turned his head, it wouldn't have been his ear that got shot. Second, trump won't stand for his name to be used without a licensing agreement where he makes the larger percentage out of that deal. I have no idea how much any type of gun costs, however; at a hefty-sounding $2997each, that might already be a trump-licensed price.
So, just when you think the 2024 election has gotten as bad as it can possibly get, when you hear about trump's lying to hurricane victims that financial assistance is being exhausted because it was given to illegal immigrants, instead, so they'd vote for Kamala Harris, trump's lying about Biden not taking the Hurricane-damaged states Governors' calls, and the maga attempts to pre-rig their state's election certification, now this gun company is, for some reason, circulating emails to white men selling "battle guns" (note it's a plural, and they want the recipient to also see it's a plural, lots of guns, come and get them). While it's not a crime to advertise, it does seem like a dog-whistle to target specific parts of the public that haven't done business with them ever before, so they'll know "Trump" AR-15s are available and being sold right now. I'll bet Homeland Security and the FBI probably already know about this. I wish for your peace of mind (and ours too) for you to be able to discover how the sender of the gun-email got your email address and who was the entity who paid for this bulk emailing operation to all those people (all men?) who they feel are the stereotypical "trump supporter"? Glad you shared that email with us - pretty enlightening.
I used the link from Kris Geiger's link above and found a similar article about these guns and their manufacturer in The Financial Times, it adds a little more info in addition to the one in Newsweek article above: https://www.ft.com/content/a2a4ce3a-a59f-43b4-822a-e056aa0c52d6
"Wow, first, you've gotta wonder why a maga-fanatic would want to buy something like this - the same model of gun that someone used to attempt to take out their [dear] leader." Given the average IQ of the MAGAs, I doubt that most would get the irony.
That is very bad, and I agree it is alarming that he is arming his followers. Does he have a gun dealer license? As a criminal he should not be able to get one. I assume Putin is buying them. I also read Oklahoma is requiring all schools in the state to buy Trump bibles. I recently read an article in the Bulwark that pointed out that these items that seem to us just ordinary folks to be Trump's grift to fund his campaign, are actually ways for people, particularly bad players to get around campaign finance laws and bribing laws. Whenever anyone, say a Saudi prince buys a multimillion dollar amount of something Trump is selling and profits from, like watches or bibles, they are buying access. So, the Republican governor of Oklahoma is buying access to Trump with this illegal use of state money. Putin can buy access and arm his people, with Trump selling arms like this.
Trump isn't getting these rifles, it's a small Alabama gun manufacturer who is using trump's name stamped into its guns to help sell them. Trump's campaign was asked to comment on this development but hasn't done so, according to The Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/a2a4ce3a-a59f-43b4-822a-e056aa0c52d6
This is truly special: P.S. Remember: True quality takes time. If you can't wait for this collector’s edition work-of-art to be hand-built for you, then this is NOT for you. But for those MAGA Patriots who understand the value of American craftsmanship, don't miss out, go here NOW
The Newsweek article link is provided in above in this thread. Unlike the “Commander” Edition in your article, this has Trump’s name engraved on it. I would think the gun builder would need a signed Agreement to use his name (if Trump didn’t authorize it, he will be so he can get his grifter share!). Of course in this State (AL), legalities are not observed (I’m not bragging!).
As someone who has had a Top Secret clearance, I think the most important case that needs to be tried is the one relating to Trump's retention of Top Secret documents and his utterly cavalier treatment of them. I think these crimes are even greater than his inciting insurrection on Jan 6. 2021, and his continual attempts to undermine the Constitution and the norms of democracy. I also am certain that if he was convicted on the charges, he would end up in isolation at the Colorado Supermax for the rest of his life. Which would be wholly and entirely fitting.
I've had a security clearance, though not the top security clearance. And I find it hard to believe we allow people who could not possibly qualify for any level to be our top leaders.
I agree as to an absolute need to prosecute him for his criminal retention of Top Secret documents and his surreptitious efforts to hide them rather than to surrender them! My guess is that entire process plus appeals would take two to three years! Probably he would then be 82 years old? Under those circumstances I would doubt the trial judge would send him (and his Secret Service personnel) to a federal prison, but more likely to strict house arrest in his Florida home (bedroom, bathroom and eating area)!
Since we've seen a range of temperaments in trump's judges, where he serves his sentence (like home of fed prison) might be up to which judge that docs case (hopefully) gets reassigned to. There's no requirement he be sent home with an ankle bracelet. I'd love him to get sent to whatever prison a regular-idiot gets sent to who committed the same crime. Also, there's a bill in the House, sponsored by Rep Bennie Thompson of Mississippi to remove trump's Secret Service protection upon conviction of a state or federal felony, so if it were to pass both houses and a Pres. Harris signs it, no Secret Service complication - trump can go to jail like anyone else. Here's a copy of and info for that bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8081/text
My understanding is that she threw it out on the basis that the special counsel was illegally appointed, which wasn't at issue. The appeals court is looking at that.
The thing about these top secret documents he squirreled away in Palm Beach that gets me is: who actually did it? I can't see Trump even knowing where in the White House documents were kept or filed. I can't see him actually physically lifting anything. I don't think he reads anything, even a newspaper. He never read his Briefing Books. Did he just say to his minions in January 2020: "Take everything here, we'll sort it our later?" Aaaarrrggghhh!
Anyone who has been through the rigorous process of getting a security clearance, military or civilian (and I have been through it for both), knows the care with which you are instructed and promise to follow of the material that you are privileged to handle. It is appalling to see the cavalier way all of these elected officials have treated our country’s most important secrets.
I don't see any chance he'd be imprisoned in a supermax, unless the court had absolutely no discretion to order some other venue for his carceral sentence.
In my opinion Nixon’s misdeeds pale in comparison to Reagan’s in Iran-Contra. He escaped accountability by not remembering, and his minions were pardoned by his successor GHW Bush. That failure of Justice is equally responsible for our predicament as Ford’s pardon of Nixon.
One would hope a prosecutor would NOT consider pardoning a convicted felon. I sincerely hope that Kamala asks the DOJ why they have not charged the rest of the insurrectionists. Many are walking free thru the halls of Congress and will do their utmost to steal this election. At least Fani Willis in GA has used RICO and gotten guilty pleas and hopefully will hold Trump and others accountable.
Jason, I would be very surprised if Kamala Harris even thought about the possibility of pardoning trump. She cares very much about people, but from what I've seen (and read in her book) she doesn't have a lot of patience for criminals. I'm with you in wanting to see the congressional insurrectionists put on trial.
As I understand the sitting President has the power to pardon. A prosecutor doesn’t have the ability to pardon. If the convicted felon appeals, the Justice Department through the prosecutor will oppose the appeal.
On the other point, some portion of the R caucus’s of both the House and Senate are unindicted co-conspirators in the J6 insurrection attempt
Ron - concur! I should have been clearer. As POTUS Kamala will be a former prosecutor and I sure hope she doesn’t pardon tRump! And, I hope she chooses an aggressive Attorney General who prosecutes all insurrectionists past, present and future!
Totally agree, Joyce. I might argue that priority 1A is electing VP Harris & The Guv, is priority 1B: making sure TFG stands trial. If he* does not, someone worse will be the Republican candidate for president* in 2028. Rich, white, men MUST be held accountable.
>>>The pardon of Nixon gave us Trump. We must do everything in our power to make sure history doesn’t repeat.<<<
Absolutely agree with the letter and this closing statement in particular. The thru-line can definitely be traced. The rule of law must be shown to work as it was intended, even if the "wheels of justice are sometimes slow". He must not be allowed to skate.
The absolutely worst possible thing would be to give Demento a pass when he loses. Apart from the necessity of vigorously confirming that no one is above the law, any such grace would be considered an admission by the Dark Side that his prosecutions were politically motivated. Then there is this whole incomprehensible immunity business from the Imperial Court that has to be put to rest.
Absolutely on point. Now if Joyce could get this published on social media and in newspapers across the country - not just the WaPo and NYT. If each reader shares this with 2-3 other people, we can make our own Trial for Trump movement.
Who gets to decide if Trump goes to trial? Perhaps his SCOTUS legal team?
Well, unless he pleads guilty, he will go to trial. Caveat: if he wins the election, what will really happen on Day 1 is he will order the Justice Department to drop the federal cases against him.
Very well said, Joyce! I for one am really looking forward to the trials and really want to see them go forward, the sooner the better. trump has already gotten better treatment than anyone else who has ever been indicted. I have been waiting a long time to see him go to trial and be convicted, and that's something I won't let go of. I want to see Fani Willis get her case moving, and I want to see the Mar-a-Lago case restored and tried. Sooner is better, IMO.
He needs to be held accountable for what he did perhaps if he had been treated like any other person over the years we wouldn’t be in this mess. But if you are allowed to get away with things over and over again you have the idea that you really are above the law.
He ABSOLUTELY must be tried. This country must respect and follow (in words, attitudes and deeds) the rule of law. Far too much time has passed while we wait for real accountability. I have faith in Jack Smith.
Jack Smith & his Team are ready for Trial before Judge Chutkan. Call your first Witness.
Mr. Smith comes to Washington.
Hey, Bryan. This article by Elie Honig - a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York - presents a disturbing (to me) argument about Jack Smith and Judge Chutkan's actions in the case. I'm wondering if after reading, you would comment about his thoughts. Thanks!
https://cafe.com/elies-note/jack-smiths-october-cheap-shot/
Trump committed crimes. He must face a jury.
Thanks, Sally. I am reaching out to Bryan because his experience as an attorney would give him a better understanding of the rules of evidence that are required. Honig, having successfully prosecuted mobsters, seems to be poking holes in Smith's prosecution of this case. I am hoping that Bryan can counter his arguments in that regard.
Hi Lynell. Perhaps this isn't helpful regarding your question to Bryan. But while you're waiting for his response, I thought this video might shed some light on your question. https://www.mediaite.com/tv/cnns-elie-honig-gets-heated-over-panelists-defense-of-jack-smith-hold-on-my-turn-now/
I also found this detailed response from a lawyer to Elie Honig's criticisms of Jack Smith. The author has a degree in economics and political science from the University of Oregon and a JD from NYU Law School. He also worked as a litigator for two law firms doing both criminal and civil cases for about 12 years before moving into a writing career. I think you'll find it interesting.
https://abovethelaw.com/2024/10/elie-honig-makes-pitch-to-become-donald-trumps-favorite-legal-analyst/
Ooh, thank you, CC! I will listen and read right away! I "picked" on Bryan because of his self-described career in the law, and particularly litigation. I read with interest Honig's "Up Against the Mob" series in Cafe a few years ago. His latest anti-Smith stance, and now Chutkan, has given me an uneasy feeling, for sure.
Happy to help! Honig's viewpoint seemed odd to me so like you, I was interested in whether he had a valid point or if he had another angle or ulterior motive.
thanks for these links. I watched and read all of them and I get the general impression that Mr. Honig has a specific agenda.
Thanks for sharing this!!!
Scroll back to Honig’s August 16 post wherein he described Smith’s options in presenting evidence to Judge Chutkan to respond to the immunity ruling. He says that the judge might hold a hearing with live testimony or simply ask for proffers from the prosecution about which evidence should be acceptable at trial. He mentioned a live hearing with witnesses in September that might occur & noted the impact it could have on the election. No comment on the propriety of this event. Then when the judge seeks & Smith provides the proffer (not really a motion) a few days into October Honig is outraged. He did a 180 degree turn from his August stance. Wonder why?
Elie Honig is one reason I don't bother with CNN. He is clearly biased against Jack Smith offering subjective criticisms that ring hollow to me. For example he says he is "dubious of Jack Smith’s motives. My criticism of Jack Smith is, obviously he’s pushing to get this in before the election, I think for good reason. But there’s a level of disingenuousness in his refusal to say that’s why." So, Elie is the one who truly understands the motives of Jack Smith? He also criticizes the DOJ for taking 2.5 years to bring the case, a standard talking point from the right. Read a few of the links in the linked article above and you'll see a lack of context or omission of the full quote like, "[Chutkan] acknowledged that Smith’s request to file first was “procedurally irregular” without adding that "judges routinely depart from court rules". He argues for following strict procedures even though there is flexibility built into the legal system ("we can walk and chew gum at the same time") I could go on but listening to this guy is a waste of time. If you want a real conservative and objective take on legal matters, spend time with Advisory Opinions podcast from the Dispatch, a conservative media company. As for level of redaction criticism remember that JS wanted maximum redaction in the original filing to protect witnesses, etc. and the failed former president's team wanted the opposite (I'd have to find CD w JV coverage to properly cite). After a delay, delay, delay strategy his legal team now cries foul about the timing and lack of redaction of key facts. btw, I am NOT an attorney and I have never taken a course on law.
Thanks, Martin!
Elie Honig is a Trump sympathizer!
Trump is an INSURRECTIONIST. FULL STOP. END OF STORY
I used to think Honig was smarter than this.
Maybe itʻs something personal between Honig and Smith. Maybe Honig is jealous that Smith is getting so much attention. Never underestimate the pettiness of people.
Let me be as polite as I can about this. Honig is an opportunistic hack in the mold of Jonathan Turley, the rabid right's favorite apologist. Had some cred originally when he first showed up as a legal talking head but obviously decided there was more to be gained (I assume financially) by being a contrarian or taking a negative position. More to the point however, it's Judge Chutkan who calls the shots, not Jack Smith --- something Honig conveniently overlooks.
Thanks, Dale. I have had limited "exposure" to him, and without cable, knew nothing of his views. I'm so glad to see so many here are calling him out,
Interesting. Hope to hear a response. I just want to add that depending on who you talk to and who is affected, it always seems to be too close to an election these days. I do not like our justice system being superseded by the always present election cycle.
Thanks for the link, Lynell - read that post and the earlier one. The legalities he states? I'll wait for Bryan's take. It would appear from both of these posts he never was a fan of Jack Smiths. Which seems to be obvious in his writing. As CaroleAnn posted below - I remember (WHEN I watched any cable) of being put off by his take on things.
Bryan??????????
Hey, Maggie. I, too, am hoping to hear from Bryan. But I am happy to get all of these comments. I never had cable, so only get limited access once in a while. And I only joined Cafe to be able to read Heather and Joanne's Now and Then series.
Yes , disturbing. It does not would like Elie Honig. This was Smith’s response to SCOTUS order, not a cheap shot.
Bothered me too.
I watched part of his interview with Kaitlyn Collins last week, and I was so nauseated by his ridiculous comments that I switched to another channel. I used to think he was a smart man. Now I think he’s been into the kool aid once too often.
Absolutely!
Yes, Trudy! Of course Trump must be made to submit to the rule of law. Who in their right mind would make such a cavalier statement that people won't care about what Trump did if he loses, so we shouldn't try him for his crmes!
Our laws are not for retribution or the satisfaction of the public, even if some people find those feelings in certain legal outcomes. Our laws are what bind this country together and preserve a semblance of civility so we can go about our lives in relative peace and fairness. Our laws prevent constant chaos or a takeover by anarchists, oligarchs or dictators.
They've worked reasonably well to acheive that goal--flaws and all--for 250 years. Not only should a mentally ill, power hungry, lying, cruel, immoral man-child who played at being our president for his own gain and who has flaunted our rules for the world to see, be tried for his crimes. Everyone must see that he was tried. And if he is found guilty, he MUST be punished. Not less than the average defendant, but equally.
No one should ever again think they can try to destroy our democracy and abuse so many of our people without paying for their evil behavior if they are found guilty in a court of law. NO ONE. We owe no less to ourselves and to future generations.
C C, I do wonder why so many people do not want to see Trump face the legal system for his crimes, and they should know that had a Democratic president done anything close to what Trump has done, they would be screaming for his/her head. The hypocrisy is strong with these ones. We need a fair trial for Trump. And, should Trump want the case dismissed should he be elected (God forbid), the case should be brought up again after Trump is out of office, possibly reconfigured. That is what should be happening with the case Judge Cannon dismissed, something she should have had no right to do. In fact, she shouldn't even be sitting on any court. That stolen documents case should be restated and reintroduced if necessary. Trump committed the crimes, knew what he was doing, hoped for a different outcome (him staying in power he didn't deserve, and being able to sell our secrets to other entities for his own personal gain). No matter how one looks at it, there are crimes here.
Well said!
I wholeheartedly agree. Trump, his co-conspirators and the sedition-loving SCOTUS justices who pretended that they have the power to give presidents immunity when they try to overthrow our system of government need to be remined of the primary point of our Constitution. I've already written more fully about this, so I'll just provide the links.
SCOTUS Justices' Own Words Prove Extreme Deceit (and Irrelevance) of Trump Immunity Decision (Part I) https://blackcollarcrime.substack.com/p/scotus-justices-own-words-prove-extreme?r=30ufvh
SCOTUS Justices' Own Words Prove Extreme Deceit (and Irrelevance) of Trump Immunity Decision (Part II) https://blackcollarcrime.substack.com/p/scotus-justices-own-words-prove-extreme-b67?r=30ufvh
First WIN THE DAMN ELECTION.
GOTV
https://www.mobilize.us/
Rule of law? Why wasn't Joe Biden indicted for classified documents? Hillary Clinton?
Hunter Biden? And on and on....
Don't say because Joe cooperated. Hillary didn't. Its a farce.
The answer? Because they are Democrats.
Who exactly do you think you are fooling?
Now do George Bush
So well said Joyce! I totally agree, he should be treated like any other defendant.
He hasn’t been treated like any other defendant ever.
I agree with you. I mean the Supreme Court made a ruling just for him because they said they get to determine whether a president has immunity, and they are clearly planning on giving him immunity. I feel that the Supreme Court members who are not following the Constitution because of their religious beliefs as Christian Nationalists, which tells them their racist, sexist, anti-environment, biblical beliefs over Constitution should be tried as well.
It's not just CN, it's good old greed. Trump's entire life has been about the grift. He's always been the Wizard of Oz. His huge success in politics could not have come about if Roberts had not pushed through Citizens United. Citizens United enabled political power to be sold to the highest bidders. The same bidders who had business before the Court. The same bidders making private jets, big yachts, and fancy islands available to Thomas and Alito and even Scalia.
Not just greed, but something even more sinister. I was reading a discussion of how these Trump items he has been selling is a way for people to buy influence. For example a watch that the most expensive model is $100,000 can be bought in bulk by say, a Saudi leader to buy influence. And, apparently he is selling AR-15s and ammo to people. Someone in another Substack said he got an ad for this. He was worried that Trump is arming his followers in preparation for the election. So, he both arms them and sells influence, and gets around campaign finance laws, and bribery laws.
AAAaaarrrgggh!
Ditto.
What I thought both interesting and scary, was that the watches could be be bought with bitcoin. Bitcoin is untraceable, so we cannot know who is busily buying up Trumps favor. And now we learn that he is selling arms and ammunition to people. THAT is very scary.
It is very sinister. When this person in The Bulwark used Saudis as an example, it seemed super plausible. There have to be more rules made up to make it difficult to get illegal monies in a campaign, and more things should be illegal.
Linda, interesting perspective. I had not thought of Trump's grift that way. I should have, though because I know the "quality" of the people he surrounds himself with, and that Trump is experiencing dementia at a significant level. At this point, Trump will go along with anything that will get him money, power, attention, or all three and will hardly remember what he has agreed to. The American people need to know that they are only voting for Trump the icon. Their person is hardly with us anymore. They are really voting for Vance, and the whole cadre of men and a few women who are as corrupt as Trump but still have better-working brains, and whole lifetimes of cheating, lying, and working to override our Constitution. That's what they will get for voting Trump into office again. That is disgusting, but the minions have no clue.
Ruth, right when Vance was selected I had read that Peter Thiel and other Tech Bro Billionaire backers have chosen Vance to replace Trump, by waiting until "they" are elected and then using Article 25 to remove Trump by claiming he is incompetent and then taking over the White House. That is them buying the White House, and either of the MAGA choices is unacceptable.
Trump's success in politics has *also* come about, in large measure, because of the false mystique that was created for and about him by television producer Mark Burnett, through the show "The Apprentice." As recent articles have pointed out, he was on the verge of yet another bankruptcy just before that show was created, poorly managing his inheritance and working out of shabby and decrepit offices. Literally living the life of huckster that he was. To quote the article that I cannot now find, "that show made him a billionaire by pretending that he was one." It gave him a kind of Rocky Balboa hero status among people who vicariously enjoy stories about lifestyles of the rich and famous. And lastly, once that profile was raised, it allowed him to give voice and to normalize all of the seething hatred, racism, and misogyny among his fans.
My Democrats Abroad region is going to see the film The Apprentice, that Trump tried to get banned in the US, together in Hamburg this month. It will be showing together with ads for Vote from Abroad.
Last month a member of another Substack posted a psychological explanation for the Trump voters. Here is is.
Reader comment by Robert Ritchie in Joyce Vance’s Substack on Sept 9, 2024
The Cult of Opposition: Understanding the Psychology Behind Trump’s Supporters
In modern political discourse, the relationship between leaders and their supporters often reflects a symbiotic exchange—one of mutual benefit. Typically, a leader provides tangible improvements to the supporters’ lives, who in turn offer their allegiance. However, Donald Trump's presidency introduced a paradigm shift that baffled many analysts. A significant portion of Trump’s base does not measure his success by what he does *for* them, but rather by what he does against those they consider adversaries. This phenomenon raises a critical question: why do Trump's supporters define his success not by policy achievements or personal benefit but by his ability to antagonize perceived enemies? In this research paper, we explore the psychology, sociocultural factors, and communication strategies behind this phenomenon, offering a deep dive into the mechanisms that sustain this unwavering loyalty.
The Psychology of "Othering"
At the heart of this dynamic lies a fundamental psychological concept known as *othering.* Othering refers to the process of creating a division between "us" and "them," where "them" are people deemed different or antagonistic to one's own group. Social identity theory posits that individuals derive part of their self-worth from their membership in groups (Tajfel & Turner, 1979). When Trump attacks certain groups—be they immigrants, Democrats, or marginalized communities—his supporters feel that their in-group (conservative, predominantly white Americans) is being validated. The "other," typically those outside their cultural or political bubble, becomes a target of scorn and aggression. By constantly positioning himself against these groups, Trump reassures his supporters that they are on the winning side of a cultural war.
This is where the success metrics diverge from typical political calculations. Success, in the eyes of Trump's supporters, is not rooted in economic growth or policy achievements, but in the symbolic victories won over those they disdain. Trump’s antagonistic rhetoric serves as a rallying cry for a base that measures success by how effectively he torments the "other."
Fear as a Unifying Emotion
The divisiveness Trump exploits is not built solely on disdain for others but on deep-rooted fear. Research has shown that political conservatism often correlates with heightened fear responses (Hibbing, Smith, & Alford, 2014). These fears manifest in concerns over demographic changes, perceived threats to cultural identity, and economic anxiety—particularly in the wake of globalization and immigration. For Trump’s base, he offers not only validation of their fears but also an outlet for their anxiety: the vilification of outsiders.
By acting against these outsiders—whether through harsh immigration policies, vilification of the media, or incendiary tweets targeting "leftist elites"—Trump provides a sense of catharsis to his supporters. It’s not about building bridges or creating new opportunities; it’s about protecting their identity and keeping perceived threats at bay. In their minds, Trump’s success is defined by his defense of the status quo against forces of change.
The Appeal of a Strongman
This dynamic is exacerbated by the allure of authoritarian leadership, often characterized by a leader who promises protection and order while silencing dissent. Trump's rhetoric—filled with hyperbole, aggressive language, and dismissive attitudes toward political correctness—resonates deeply with those who feel disempowered by societal changes. Studies have shown that authoritarian personalities are drawn to leaders who project strength and offer simple, binary solutions to complex problems (Feldman, 2003). Trump’s combative style against the "other" fits neatly into this framework.
In this context, Trump is seen as the protector, someone who will go to any length to defend his supporters from external threats. His aggressive behavior—though often condemned by critics—is perceived by his base as a strength. In their eyes, his relentless attacks on groups like the media, the "deep state," or racial minorities are evidence of his success as a leader willing to do whatever it takes to secure their safety and identity.
The Role of Media and Propaganda
An essential factor in maintaining this dynamic is the role of right-wing media in amplifying Trump’s actions *against* others while downplaying or ignoring any lack of substantive achievements. Fox News, Breitbart, and other conservative outlets often frame Trump’s attacks on immigrants, liberals, and the media as necessary battles in a larger cultural war. Through selective reporting, these outlets reinforce the idea that Trump’s presidency is less about improving the lives of his supporters through policy and more about the symbolic victories he achieves through opposition to their perceived enemies.
Trump himself understood the power of media manipulation, often stoking controversy to keep his name in the headlines. As noted by philosopher Hannah Arendt, in authoritarian regimes, propaganda serves to simplify the world into friend versus foe (Arendt, 1951). By keeping the public focused on his skirmishes against the "other," Trump ensured that his base remained engaged and energized, even when his policies provided little material benefit to their lives.
The Social Contract of Aggrievement
This relationship between Trump and his supporters can be understood as a kind of *social contract of aggrievement.* While traditional politicians offer economic benefits, infrastructure improvements, or social programs, Trump offers emotional validation. His base, particularly those who feel marginalized by economic shifts or demographic changes, finds solace in his outward displays of aggression. His ability to provoke outrage in the "other" reassures them that they are still relevant in a world they fear is changing too fast.
Interestingly, this contract does not require Trump to follow through on traditional metrics of success like job creation or healthcare reform. His supporters are not primarily concerned with how he improves their lives directly. Instead, they focus on how he reinforces their worldview—one where they are under constant attack and where Trump is their defender. This emotional satisfaction creates a loyalty that transcends policy, rooted instead in the shared sense of grievance and resentment.
Conclusion: A Loyalty That Transcends
In understanding Trump’s success, it is critical to recognize the unique metrics by which his supporters measure his achievements. His base does not primarily seek economic relief or policy victories; they seek validation of their fears and grievances. By acting *against* the "other," Trump provides emotional and psychological sustenance that traditional political figures often fail to deliver. His success, therefore, lies in his ability to symbolize and enact opposition rather than constructively improve the lives of his supporters. As long as Trump continues to antagonize those perceived as threats, his base will remain loyal, even in the absence of tangible benefits.
In the end, the tormenting of the "others" does more than sustain them—it defines them.
So, while The Bulwark points out that it is over 50 Republicans who are more likely to switch to Harris, because they don't recognize their party or their values (thought I do), it is the Gen Z males who are really attracted to Trump's persona. It comes across as an Animal House sort of frat boy mentality even if it is not people in college, but guys getting away with stuff they should not be doing, carried to the nth degree.
Interesting read.
Excellent comment. Learning at the feet of his father running Brooklyn Apts and at the feet of Roy Cohn learning how to game the legal system were foundational. Big surprise to the rest of us that those lessons were good enough to make him our President.
This Scrotum Court has to be held accountable for vicious anti American rulings. For not holding up the Constitution or acting in the best interests of the Country rather than their own personal religious beliefs and their own greed,, impeachment is on the Table, the Puppet Trump Court 5 can be easily replaced with REAL Jurists! The Clowns retire with no pension or any governmental benefits. The will be lucky to remain out of jail! And pay their taxes on their Bribes.
Yes they should be! We the people need to insist on holding them accountable.
It's incredible. So far, way too many are above the law.
Name a single "lawmaker" who has been tried and convicted of the 1/6 insurrection. One.
sadly true... but there's a golden opportunity here to show otherwise 💯🎯
If he isn't, our laws are meaningless!
Conservatism requires that there be an in-group that is protected by the law but not bound by it, and an out-group that is bound by the law but not protected by it. The Supremely Corrupt Court has defined the size of the in-group: one.
Trump is the Trojan horse for Heritage and 2025. That needs to be taken into consideration as well . These guys have the torch ready for the burning of the constitution and a direct line to the militas to start purges, mass arrests and assasinations.
After these next cases, if he is still treated differently than any other indicted, convicted criminal, it is only fair to unlock all cell doors in every prison in the country. Either way we are in danger with criminals roaming free.
I just received my invitation to purchase a Trump Edition handmade AR15?!?!? This is insane, is he going to ship these homes if when MAGA crowd buy one??? US Law says you have to pick-up fire-arms at a licensed dealer so the background check can be done. He is arming his followers. I’m not going click on a link to see how many versions he’s offering, or how much they cost, but your purchase includes free training (“a $1500 value, plus 5 other free gifts”?!?!). He has to be tried!!
This CAN'T be legal if Trump has sanctioned or sold the use of his name on this gun. It is pure insurrection. Charge him! If Trump is not involved, charge the makers and marketers with insurrection.
"Pure insurrection" is correct. It's horrifying!
He just wants to make sure all of his followers are armed for the next insurrection.
No question about it.
They already are
Exactly!! He’s selling to his base what they already own!!
“Understanding gun ownership in the US can help inform debates about firearm laws (or lack thereof). Obtaining a precise picture, however, is challenging because no definitive database of gun sales exists. What we have to rely on then are polls and survey data from think tanks and academic researchers, which vary somewhat in their estimates. Still, there are some broad trends that stand out.”
“ Take, for example, a report published in 2017 by researchers at Harvard and Northeastern universities. The authors estimate that of the 265 million privately owned firearms in the US, about half are owned by 3% of the US adult population. And while about half of gun owners own one or two guns, 8% of gun owners own 10 or more -- a figure that amounts to about 40% of the total US gun stock, according to the report.”
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/06/02/us/gun-ownership-numbers-us-cec
It’s just another means to promote his cult to engage in violence. Implicit permission!
"of the 265 million privately owned firearms in the US, about half are owned by 3% of the US adult population." I remember when I first read this, I was blown away. As time went by, I realized that it made complete sense.
Dave, we are too. If not with weapons, then with rage.
This is horrible!!
Gold sneakers is one thing. Automatic rifles with Trump's name on it is another. This is clearly a set-up for J6, 2025.
James:
I betcha there are signed bullets to go along with the AR-15 weapon. It is kind of ridiculous, is it not?
"Accordian hands rapist" has his name on bibles and now a weapon for mass murder?? Dispicable Orange Donable Lector truly is pushing for the official title of 'The Anti-Christ."
Could it be a sting operation? Maybe the DoJ learned something from Mossad.
Wow. After this I did a quick google. Trump has his name all over AR-15s and other weapons .
Here’s the email heading: Trump's Custom Battle Rifle: See This Limited Edition Firearm Now. Note, it includes the word “battle”???
Forwarded your post to Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Hopefully he will get it. If he can't do something, he probably knows someone who can.
Depending on what state you are in you could try to contact your Attorney General if he is a good one.
Also law enforcement should be aware.
It could be a
scam, but either way someone needs to shut the person down that is sending these.
Thank you for posting, and hopefully someone can track the person down.
NK
WA Attorney General Bob Ferguson works with other Democratic AGs across the country. I can't imagine he won't initiate action on this - at the very least by delegating attention to it to some relevant law enforcement agency if his office can't deal with it owing to the fact he is currently running for Governor. He has already successfully sued Trump multiple times.
We do not have any Democratic State Office holders in Alabama. Let me refresh all our memory’s. Trumps first (and “worst” per him) US Atty General was a Republican Senator from here, and we all remember how Jeff Sessions was stuck so far up his bosses butt you couldn’t see anything except his toe rings! And more recently, a retired (actually, it cost my college alumni association $5M to “retire” him) football coach who “secretly” lives in FL (a house he purchased with my alumni dues) but claims a house he owns here in the state as his residence where another family member lives, a newer Senator from our state that doesn’t know the 3 branches of US government, bust is best known for being an Armed Forces “darling”, Senator “Coach” Tommy Tuberville. It’s sad, but I hope to make my escape soon. And interestingly, years ago I decided my final residence would be in Washington State watching sunsets over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
And you are choosing the best side of the state.....the east side votes red. :(
Not all of us!
Do you not your Geography?? I’ll be in the north, not the east! Just kidding. I just read an Article recently on that very thing. I hope to get to Port Townsend. The article was about Port Angeles and how pro-Democratic that WA town was. If I have to, I can drive the short distance from Port Townsend to Port Angeles to shop/eat/talk with like-minds. Where I’m at now in Alabama, I think Port Angeles WA is still the closest area I would have to drive to to be among Sane people.
I’m in Alabama, our Attorney General is probably complicit. The guy that builds/sells them is apparently licensed, and is also located here in AL. He’s built (or maybe building?) 6 already. It has Trump’s name engraved on it. If Trump didn’t authorize it, I’m sure HE will find the guy. I can’t imagine Trump would stop him, he will just want all except $5 of the $3000 price!
I've seen what these rifles can do. Never thought I'd see another when I came home from Vietnam. It truly is a WMD and the Republicans act so casual about it.....until they're swimming in their own guts and it's too late.
I’m sorry to send you back to that dark time. As the Draft was abolished shortly after I registered in the ‘70’s, I never Served in the military. That makes me all the more humbled, and appreciative of your Service, Thank you!
Awful.
Could it be a company using Trump’s name to induce sales?
Newsweek did an article on him 3-days ago so it’s not a secret. He’s engraving Trump’s name on them, so I assumed the email was like the Trump designer watch grift last week. If Trump didn’t approve his name on them, do you think he’ll make the gun dealer stop assembling them?? No, he’ll want in on the money.
Here's a link to the article:
https://www.newsweek.com/maga-themed-version-ar-15-assault-rifle-shot-trump-1962070
Paging down in that article to the next article on was this obscene one.
https://www.newsweek.com/giant-naked-donald-trump-statue-sparks-maga-fury-despicable-1961924
The emperor has no clothes.
Hmmm, nudity versus violence. You can guess which one offends the MAGA’s!!
Perhaps he’s not the only one??
https://www.auto-ordnance.com/commander-in-chief-ar15/
The owner of the Kahr
Firearms Group:
“Moon Kook-jin, also known as Justin Moon, is a Korean American religious leader, businessman, and gun manufacturer. He is the son of Sun Myung Moon and Hak Ja Han. His father is the founder of the Unification Church and his mother is its present leader.”
“Moonies” Cult
Probably but Trump is very particular about who gets to use his name. He would have HAD to sanction this
Ramping up his cult to create chaos with violence. Why is our country so reluctant to recognize it? Trump wants people afraid of being shot on the street when they go cast their vote for his opponent. It’s so obvious what he’s doing
I found this -- but itʻs not the "battle" rifle. I wonder if Trump has a licensing agreement and gets a portion of the sales price on these?
Kahr Firearms Group and Auto-Ordnance continue its series of President Donald Trump commemorative firearms, with the "Commander in Chief" custom AR15 rifle.
This elaborately finished and engraved rifle honors the patriotism of the 45th President, and his determination to "Keep America Great". This motto is engraved on the right side of the upper receiver, and "The United States of America" on the aluminum free floated, M-Lok forearm. The left side of the upper receiver is engraved with President Trump's name and title, "Commander in Chief" of the Armed Forces. The lower receiver has beautiful relief cuts, along with "45th" noting his position in our nation's long line of presidents. The American flag, and a star pattern are detailed on the grip and forearm. The president's likeness in front of the White House adorn the left magazine well, with the Presidential Seal on the right. "In God We Trust" is placed on the forward assist housing.
Also arenʻt there some legal restrictions on the use of the Presidential Seal?
Orange Donable Lector would use the Presidential Seal to as taget practice, before he puts a torch to it........The new seal as his Orange spray tan/orange hair trnsplanted.....bloated sagging dripping Orange wrinkled face on it.
This is horrible!
And in my defense, I’m an old white man who lives in Alabama, I assume all us old white men are on the MAGA mailing list.
My husband is an old white man in California. He googled Project 25 and immediately got on the MAGA mailing list. Hmmm. I thought he knew nothing about Project 25.
I have never responded to any of the many MAGA emails, texts, or calls, but I am in AL, I’m old, and I’ve had the same Email for years. I was a member 15 years ago of a shooting range here in town. I bought my first firearm when I was 55, a 22 caliber magnum revolver, and only then because a coyote walked out of the woods and straight toward me on the bush hog in the middle of the day (coyotes are nocturnal) in the middle of summer. I assumed the coyote was rabid, and all I had on that tractor to defend myself was an empty Gatorade bottle! It’s possible this Gun dealer building the Trump AR’s bought email lists from gun ranges, assuming all members (at least in my state) were 2nd amendment diehards, a synonym for MAGA (did I use synonym correctly!!).
Re synonym--yes, you did!
Thank’s , since the original escalator incident in 2015(?), I’ve suffered memory whiplash. If it’s something I should remember to be able to effectively communicate with the sane, I don’t.
They must be. My husband is an old white man living in El Paso, TX, and he gets that kind of crap all the time..
I'm an old white man living in a majority GOP town in CT (if you can believe it). I get emails to support Ted Cruz! And about the coming end-of-the-world from Jim Jordan. I hit "Junk" but they keep coming back.
Leader of the pro-Trump Project 2025 suggests there will be a new American Revolution
Kevin Roberts said the revolution will be bloodless “if the left allows it to be.” https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/04/leader-of-the-pro-trump-project-2025-suggests-there-will-be-a-new-american-revolution-00166583
Dr Ben-Ghiat: “Jack Smith's focus on the private and personal nature of Trump's actions highlights the corruption that has overtaken the GOP, which now places Trump over party and country to the detriment of our democracy.”
And they plan to succeed this time! Bannon has been working on their Precinct Strategy. Here’s an entertaining way to learn about that threat: HGA: Trump 2024: https://youtu.be/KHuMjIhS6t0?si=zUwtCorlocAti1gm
The Christofascists will try to steal this election and not just POTUS. I have a friend who was involved with the Trump administration. He feels there is a real threat that red state governors will use all means available to suppress and/or not count votes in blue counties. For instance, D-TX Colin Allred is running against MAGATX Cancun Cruz; my friend believes a possible scenario is MAGATX gov Greg Abbott activates his TX Guard units and sends them into Harris, Bexar, Travis & Dallas counties to stop the vote counts and make sure Rs win House and Senate races. Even if the Rs don't take back the Senate and lose the House, if tRump is POTUS, shielded by the insane immunity granted him by the SCOTUS Trump v US decision, the US as we know it is finished.
July at Oshkosh’s Airventure, the Wisconsin Guard put on a demo of their combined arms capabilities. https://youtu.be/raMOZhHBwg0 As I watched I didn’t know whether the WI Gov was R or D so I immediately googled to discover he is a D! Tony Evers. Dr Timothy Snyder’s Bloodbath Candidate Thinking About immediately came to mind. https://snyder.substack.com/p/the-bloodbath-candidate
What happens if Red State governors send their Army and Air Guard units to support Trump? POTUS needs to activate, or have a plan to immediately activate, all red state governor Guard units from 1 November to 31 January to have them under his command!
Dr Timothy Snyder has a new Thinking About: Trump's Hitlerian Month. It is well worth your time! https://snyder.substack.com/p/trumps-hitlerian-month
Drs Ben-Ghiat and Snyder are sounding the alarm. I sure hope POTUS is listening.
Please settle down :-). First, there are truly only 7 states in play: NC, GA, WI, MI, PA, AZ and NV. The rest of the "red states" are already going to vote for Trump (although FL and TX might change a little, but not too likely). The three critical states are WI, MI and PA. ALL are run by Democratic governors, not GOP minions. If Harris wins all three states, even by just one vote in each state, she will win the election. The other four states (AZ, NV, GA and NC) do not have enough electoral votes to tip the election to Trump even if there are TONS of Trump votes counted there. So I think the fears outlined in the above post are highly unlikely to be influential on the final results, especially if enough pro-Harris voters turn out in the three key states.
I am just counseling caution, don't fear-monger this election... that is likely to go badly for everyone. It will be close. And yes, Harris could even lose it in the electoral college. But in general, if the states that won for Biden in 2020 by more than a few percent repeat their performance (and the polls say they will) and the three key battleground states go for Harris (hopefully), the rest will just be a lot of pathetic whining by Trump.
Jon - Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
You are forgetting that these RWNJs (Right-Wing-Nut-Jobs) almost pulled off this plan of kicking the election to the House back on 6 January 2021. I believe that if they had had their co-conspirators delay everything until dark and then had the MAGA mob attack the Capital, they may well have succeeded. What they are planning with Bannon’s Precinct Strategy is most likely Constitutional; it has happened before. Heather Cox Richardson’s 20 September 2024 Letter from an American https://open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/september-20-2024?r=5k7fz&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email gives this example: “But almost immediately, the Electoral College caused a different crisis. In 1824, electors split their votes among four candidates—Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay and William Crawford—and none won a majority in the Electoral College. Although Jackson won the most popular votes and the most electoral votes, when the election went to the House, the state delegations chose Adams, the son of former president John Adams.”
Gerrymandering has pretty much guaranteed that the Rs will have a majority of House reps in a majority of state delegations. The Rs have been quietly packing school boards, county and state reps with the goal of having veto proof majorities. They have figured out that they are having a harder and harder time achieving a majority of votes cast in statewide and nationwide elections. That is why my friend is concerned that R governors will suppress or just not count the votes in their blue counties. That may well cost Colin Allred the election and have the Rs take back the Senate. R governors have been testing their authority to send their Guard troops to support another R governor, Greg Abbott, by sending troops to MAGATX to support Operation Lone Star. The threat is real.
We need the House, Senate and Oval Office to make the changes that must be made to bring our country back to majority rule. The Rs have stacked the deck. I hope November, December and January are just a huge, blue celebration; but, to ignore history is foolhardy. Drs Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Timothy Snyder are history professors who are experts on authoritarianism. Here just a few links to their thoughts on these subjects:
https://snyder.substack.com/p/the-bloodbath-candidate
https://snyder.substack.com/p/trumps-hitlerian-month
https://snyder.substack.com/p/autocracy-and-poverty
https://lucid.substack.com/p/the-age-of-the-authoritarian-bully
https://lucid.substack.com/p/special-counsel-jack-smiths-new-filing
I've read Dr ben-ghiat's articles but thanks for the Snyder articles. I agree it's a rough situation. Nothing I'd like more than a blue wave in November but I am also realistic.
Wow.
As in 2020, I think the most dangerous time is going to be between when the election is called and Inauguration Day. Stocking my pantry. Don't have a gun or I'd keep that handy. Sad.
Yes it is!!
YIKES!
At what point does this dangerous threatening behavior become terrorism? Don't we have laws specific to terrorism? I doubt that they would ever be enforced, but they should without question.
Speech vs actions... speech vs actions... it's a critical distinction. Please try to keep that in mind. It's tough sometimes but turning speech protected by our Constitution into crimes would make us a lot like Russia.
More: Each MAGA Patriot AR-15 endures full-auto testing, ensuring it's ready when America needs it most.
O. M. G.!!!!! Have you seen this in ANY headlines??!
No, I just received it in the last 30 minutes. I’m hoping Joyce sees this.
*** JOYCE: READ WHAT ROCKY SULLIVAN HAS POSTED!!! ***
CRITICAL INFORMATION.
I Google it. Here's what came up:https://www.ft.com/content/a2a4ce3a-a59f-43b4-822a-e056aa0c52d6
Mine wasn’t a link, it was an email (scary!). I don’t know how I got on the AR15 MAGA mailing list, so I assume it was sent to all of us old white men located in AL where the guns are being built.
I don’t know where he saw this advertisement for the gun. I just Googled it and this is what came up: a small gun manufacturer in Alabama is selling 20 AR15s with the Trump MAGA brand on it.
Hey Rocky, I found this Newsweek article from 3 days ago detailing what you have posted. IMO the concept is definitely warped and I hope it fails miserably, like a lot of things Trump touches…
https://www.newsweek.com/maga-themed-version-ar-15-assault-rifle-shot-trump-1962070
From the Newsweek article: "As of March 2023, one in 20 Americans owned an AR-15, which was approximately 16 million people nationwide, according to research from The Washington Post and Ipsos."
Great, I’m glad to know I’m not high on the MAGA mailing list if I’m in a Day 3 Batch!!
Thank you for the link. This crazy guy building these is in my home state (Alabama), go figure!! The article says these are $3000, I hope the lower 99 percentile of Gun purchasers in my state can afford one!?!?!
You are welcome. Let’s hope the price is out of range for most. My fear would be if it doesn’t sell, maybe they will try selling the ammo autographed by Trump. He really has no redeeming qualities and frankly is a piece of 💩.
At 3k most Alabamans won’t afford that. We do you hope they can afford one? Is that a typo?
I was trying to make a point that AL residents are not the intended target market. I hope they don’t sell a rifle, bible, watch, Air Jordan crypto whatever, bankrupt casino, cheat able golf course, or used “gold plating”.
Wow, first, you've gotta wonder why a maga-fanatic would want to buy something like this - the same model of gun that someone used to attempt to take out their leader. Isn't using the same weapon-type that he narrowly escaped with his life, and with his name stamped into it, kinda weird/questionable to them? Like trump said, if he had turned his head, it wouldn't have been his ear that got shot. Second, trump won't stand for his name to be used without a licensing agreement where he makes the larger percentage out of that deal. I have no idea how much any type of gun costs, however; at a hefty-sounding $2997each, that might already be a trump-licensed price.
So, just when you think the 2024 election has gotten as bad as it can possibly get, when you hear about trump's lying to hurricane victims that financial assistance is being exhausted because it was given to illegal immigrants, instead, so they'd vote for Kamala Harris, trump's lying about Biden not taking the Hurricane-damaged states Governors' calls, and the maga attempts to pre-rig their state's election certification, now this gun company is, for some reason, circulating emails to white men selling "battle guns" (note it's a plural, and they want the recipient to also see it's a plural, lots of guns, come and get them). While it's not a crime to advertise, it does seem like a dog-whistle to target specific parts of the public that haven't done business with them ever before, so they'll know "Trump" AR-15s are available and being sold right now. I'll bet Homeland Security and the FBI probably already know about this. I wish for your peace of mind (and ours too) for you to be able to discover how the sender of the gun-email got your email address and who was the entity who paid for this bulk emailing operation to all those people (all men?) who they feel are the stereotypical "trump supporter"? Glad you shared that email with us - pretty enlightening.
I used the link from Kris Geiger's link above and found a similar article about these guns and their manufacturer in The Financial Times, it adds a little more info in addition to the one in Newsweek article above: https://www.ft.com/content/a2a4ce3a-a59f-43b4-822a-e056aa0c52d6
"Wow, first, you've gotta wonder why a maga-fanatic would want to buy something like this - the same model of gun that someone used to attempt to take out their [dear] leader." Given the average IQ of the MAGAs, I doubt that most would get the irony.
There’s a ridiculous typo in that Newsweek article. It says 20 Americans own AR 15s but it likely meant 20 %
That is very bad, and I agree it is alarming that he is arming his followers. Does he have a gun dealer license? As a criminal he should not be able to get one. I assume Putin is buying them. I also read Oklahoma is requiring all schools in the state to buy Trump bibles. I recently read an article in the Bulwark that pointed out that these items that seem to us just ordinary folks to be Trump's grift to fund his campaign, are actually ways for people, particularly bad players to get around campaign finance laws and bribing laws. Whenever anyone, say a Saudi prince buys a multimillion dollar amount of something Trump is selling and profits from, like watches or bibles, they are buying access. So, the Republican governor of Oklahoma is buying access to Trump with this illegal use of state money. Putin can buy access and arm his people, with Trump selling arms like this.
WHAT???!!!!!
Where is Trump getting these rifles? Is he a licensed gun dealer?
Another follower provided this article from 3-days ago:
https://www.newsweek.com/maga-themed-version-ar-15-assault-rifle-shot-trump-1962070
It’s a guy here in Alabama. It’s the same model Trump was shot at with, $3000 each.
Trump isn't getting these rifles, it's a small Alabama gun manufacturer who is using trump's name stamped into its guns to help sell them. Trump's campaign was asked to comment on this development but hasn't done so, according to The Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/a2a4ce3a-a59f-43b4-822a-e056aa0c52d6
This is truly special: P.S. Remember: True quality takes time. If you can't wait for this collector’s edition work-of-art to be hand-built for you, then this is NOT for you. But for those MAGA Patriots who understand the value of American craftsmanship, don't miss out, go here NOW
Grifting off the grifter!
Report it to the Attorney General
Is it Trump or just someone cashing in? For example;
https://www.auto-ordnance.com/commander-in-chief-ar15/
The Newsweek article link is provided in above in this thread. Unlike the “Commander” Edition in your article, this has Trump’s name engraved on it. I would think the gun builder would need a signed Agreement to use his name (if Trump didn’t authorize it, he will be so he can get his grifter share!). Of course in this State (AL), legalities are not observed (I’m not bragging!).
As someone who has had a Top Secret clearance, I think the most important case that needs to be tried is the one relating to Trump's retention of Top Secret documents and his utterly cavalier treatment of them. I think these crimes are even greater than his inciting insurrection on Jan 6. 2021, and his continual attempts to undermine the Constitution and the norms of democracy. I also am certain that if he was convicted on the charges, he would end up in isolation at the Colorado Supermax for the rest of his life. Which would be wholly and entirely fitting.
Absolutely agree. The entire truth must be revealed. Then, more safeguards put in place.
I've had a security clearance, though not the top security clearance. And I find it hard to believe we allow people who could not possibly qualify for any level to be our top leaders.
Don't get me going on felons!
I agree as to an absolute need to prosecute him for his criminal retention of Top Secret documents and his surreptitious efforts to hide them rather than to surrender them! My guess is that entire process plus appeals would take two to three years! Probably he would then be 82 years old? Under those circumstances I would doubt the trial judge would send him (and his Secret Service personnel) to a federal prison, but more likely to strict house arrest in his Florida home (bedroom, bathroom and eating area)!
Since we've seen a range of temperaments in trump's judges, where he serves his sentence (like home of fed prison) might be up to which judge that docs case (hopefully) gets reassigned to. There's no requirement he be sent home with an ankle bracelet. I'd love him to get sent to whatever prison a regular-idiot gets sent to who committed the same crime. Also, there's a bill in the House, sponsored by Rep Bennie Thompson of Mississippi to remove trump's Secret Service protection upon conviction of a state or federal felony, so if it were to pass both houses and a Pres. Harris signs it, no Secret Service complication - trump can go to jail like anyone else. Here's a copy of and info for that bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8081/text
Need a trifecta for that! Let’s support all the competitive Senate seats…MT, OH, TX, FL, WI, MI, PA, MD, MO, AZ, NV.
But didn't drumpf's judge, Cannon, throw that case out? (Incredibly, unbelievably, horrifically)
Yes, but as I understand it, Jack Smith is appealing it to the 11th Circuit. That court doesn't have a lot of patience with Aileen Cannon.
That decision can be appealed, and if the election goes to Harris, will be appealed. Jack Smith is nothing if not patient and canny.
He is, indeed. When I heard that Mr. Smith was coming to Washington, I felt so reassured.
My understanding is that she threw it out on the basis that the special counsel was illegally appointed, which wasn't at issue. The appeals court is looking at that.
Yes, she did, but the special counsel is appealing that dismissal.
Yes.
The thing about these top secret documents he squirreled away in Palm Beach that gets me is: who actually did it? I can't see Trump even knowing where in the White House documents were kept or filed. I can't see him actually physically lifting anything. I don't think he reads anything, even a newspaper. He never read his Briefing Books. Did he just say to his minions in January 2020: "Take everything here, we'll sort it our later?" Aaaarrrggghhh!
Anyone who has been through the rigorous process of getting a security clearance, military or civilian (and I have been through it for both), knows the care with which you are instructed and promise to follow of the material that you are privileged to handle. It is appalling to see the cavalier way all of these elected officials have treated our country’s most important secrets.
I don't see any chance he'd be imprisoned in a supermax, unless the court had absolutely no discretion to order some other venue for his carceral sentence.
In my opinion Nixon’s misdeeds pale in comparison to Reagan’s in Iran-Contra. He escaped accountability by not remembering, and his minions were pardoned by his successor GHW Bush. That failure of Justice is equally responsible for our predicament as Ford’s pardon of Nixon.
One would hope a prosecutor would NOT consider pardoning a convicted felon. I sincerely hope that Kamala asks the DOJ why they have not charged the rest of the insurrectionists. Many are walking free thru the halls of Congress and will do their utmost to steal this election. At least Fani Willis in GA has used RICO and gotten guilty pleas and hopefully will hold Trump and others accountable.
"Many are walking free thru the halls of Congress" -- and if that doesn't scare the bejesus out of you, I don't know what will.
Jason, I would be very surprised if Kamala Harris even thought about the possibility of pardoning trump. She cares very much about people, but from what I've seen (and read in her book) she doesn't have a lot of patience for criminals. I'm with you in wanting to see the congressional insurrectionists put on trial.
I'd be both shocked, and horrified, if she did.
I would, too.
As I understand the sitting President has the power to pardon. A prosecutor doesn’t have the ability to pardon. If the convicted felon appeals, the Justice Department through the prosecutor will oppose the appeal.
On the other point, some portion of the R caucus’s of both the House and Senate are unindicted co-conspirators in the J6 insurrection attempt
Ron - concur! I should have been clearer. As POTUS Kamala will be a former prosecutor and I sure hope she doesn’t pardon tRump! And, I hope she chooses an aggressive Attorney General who prosecutes all insurrectionists past, present and future!
The comment above was referring to the future President, the former prosecutor, I think.
Correct!
Totally agree, Joyce. I might argue that priority 1A is electing VP Harris & The Guv, is priority 1B: making sure TFG stands trial. If he* does not, someone worse will be the Republican candidate for president* in 2028. Rich, white, men MUST be held accountable.
To include half of congress and probably half of the supreme court.
Joyce, yes, we absolutely must restore accountability!
>>>The pardon of Nixon gave us Trump. We must do everything in our power to make sure history doesn’t repeat.<<<
Absolutely agree with the letter and this closing statement in particular. The thru-line can definitely be traced. The rule of law must be shown to work as it was intended, even if the "wheels of justice are sometimes slow". He must not be allowed to skate.
💯 agree
The absolutely worst possible thing would be to give Demento a pass when he loses. Apart from the necessity of vigorously confirming that no one is above the law, any such grace would be considered an admission by the Dark Side that his prosecutions were politically motivated. Then there is this whole incomprehensible immunity business from the Imperial Court that has to be put to rest.
DETERRENCE!
For next idiot. And the current idiots.
Justice is Justice and is outside politics.
Whoever breaches the Law, Republicans, Democrats, citizens of any board, Justice is Justice.
Absolutely on point. Now if Joyce could get this published on social media and in newspapers across the country - not just the WaPo and NYT. If each reader shares this with 2-3 other people, we can make our own Trial for Trump movement.
Who gets to decide if Trump goes to trial? Perhaps his SCOTUS legal team?
Well, unless he pleads guilty, he will go to trial. Caveat: if he wins the election, what will really happen on Day 1 is he will order the Justice Department to drop the federal cases against him.
Very well said, Joyce! I for one am really looking forward to the trials and really want to see them go forward, the sooner the better. trump has already gotten better treatment than anyone else who has ever been indicted. I have been waiting a long time to see him go to trial and be convicted, and that's something I won't let go of. I want to see Fani Willis get her case moving, and I want to see the Mar-a-Lago case restored and tried. Sooner is better, IMO.
He needs to be held accountable for what he did perhaps if he had been treated like any other person over the years we wouldn’t be in this mess. But if you are allowed to get away with things over and over again you have the idea that you really are above the law.
Absolutely. I can't believe some people are even considering the alternative.