Osler's Razor

Don't hate me, but I haven't decided yet. Biden just seems so old! And Trump has done some good things. I like his Supreme Court picks, and hope for more of those. But Trump seems a little unhinged, too.
 

I voted for Biden, because Trump *IS* evil as well as corrupt, and because Biden is both decent *and* wise enough to surround himself with really smart people to whom he is willing to listen.
 

You apparently wrote this before he pardoned 5 people yesterday who were incarcerated for drug offenses. One of the few good things he has done these past 4 years and yes it would be nice if it was even more. I fear it is so he can boast about such in these final weeks before the election and at tonight's debate. "Black people love me"....

I am a middle of the road person, registered "Not Affiliated", who has some strong progressive leanings. One can care about the purse strings and still care for and advocate for social justice and the environment. They are not mutually exclusive.

Biden was not my choice in the primary. I was a Mayor Pete supporter as I think we need younger people taking the helm. But I have never supported Trump. I never watched his reality show except to know what he was peddling. One has to be able to participate in vapid office conversations. He had a season of the Apprentice geared to the winner building a "Trump" branded property along the Hillsborough River in Tampa. They fenced off the property, pounded in some pilings and walked away. Almost 20 years later the property is still fenced in and vacant. It is prime riverfront property. The 'winner" that season came to town was seen driving around in a Rolls Royce, smoking Cohiba's and sipping scotch. The pattern has existed for a very long time. It left a sour taste in my mouth all those years ago.

So I am "Ridin' with Biden" and his "Build Back Better". Well, I voted almost a month ago.
I won't be easy but it will hopefully be less exhausting. Just reversing all of Trump's executive orders will be a step in the right direction; especially the ones impacting the environment. We purchase our healthcare in the ACA Marketplace so that is a huge issue. Can it be improved - YES, but I don't need the takedown looming in the back of my mind each and every day. We live with cancer in our household and if you have seen the cost of cancer meds you would understand how quickly someone goes bankrupt and loses hope.

I feel he will have a great team around him to help move the nation forward domestically and internationally. Some will be young and progressive and inexperienced in working the channels of the Federal government apparatus and some will be there to offer sage advise when needed and guide those younger minds.

Go JOE!
 

Anon 9:07 - I hope you will expand on your reasons for liking the make up of the Supreme Court. Is it the reversal of corporate regulation or is it purely the human issue? Not just abortion but LGBTQA rights, health care and others...

We don't throw stones on this blog, it is a place of respect in dialogue. I think many who respond to this blog may offer you some insight. Hopefully Mark's father will respond as he always has sage wisdom to impart.
 

Hey, Christine-- Actually, I knew about the 5 commutations when I wrote this, but while HUGE to those 5 people it is not nearly on the scale that we need. I have a piece coming up on CNN today about that.
 

Mark - I know that number will never be large enough. Really it is just a tease. Look forward to reading your new piece.
 

I will vote -- well, already did -- for Joe Biden, for several reasons. One of them came from Trump himself: Joe will listen to scientists. Pretty good endorsement, don't you think?

The shenanigans with the Supreme Court also figure in it. The right wing and the Federalist Society have turned it into a nakedly political institution. The Federalist Society has controlled the last three nominations under a president who gained the office without majority support.

The Roberts Court is going to be grouped with the Taney and Hughes Courts in the history books. Roberts may "moderate" himself occasionally to try to head it off, but I don't think it'll work.


 

Roberts will also be in for some obloquy if the Court is packed, well, it's already been packed, but never mind, on his watch.
 

This is why this daughter/granddaughter of mostly Republicans grew up to vote mostly Democratic. It's probably too simplistic but I align with a party that more closely resembles my country. Neither party truly looks like America but the Dems come far closer than the Repubs. That’s why I trust the Dems to represent me and my needs in government. To me, it’s just common sense. I don't always vote a straight ticket, but after reviewing my ballot's candidates and their positions, I did end up voting straight Democratic this year, from local school board and metro council all the way up to president/VP.

https://www.facebook.com/jill.scoggins/posts/10222405286593582 (my post)

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=3365864093448897&set=a.176505852384753 (originator Ben Cohn's post)


 

I voted for Joe Biden because I believe that he will restore decency to the office of President of the United States. Donald Trump lies too much that I refuse to listen to him anymore. I also believe that Joe Biden will follow the advise of experts to get coronavirus virus under control.
 

Anonymous makes a good point. Donald J Trump has done a few good things. There are wealthy Americans who are better off because of his presence in the White House. Unfortunately our children and grandchildren will be asked to finance his generosity. The United States of America was in a better place before Trump came to office than it is today. Many Americans are struggling and our federal government's ability to respond has been neutered. Donald Trump came to office with little experience to lead and refused to learn while in office. We got by until he was challenged by the pandemic. Old Joe Biden has a history of getting out of the way and let more talented people do their work. Donald Trump's narcissism didn't allow this to happen. He surrounded himself with sycophants and sent them out on errant political tasks. Deceit, incompetence, cruelty and self serving posturing are our new norms.
I would suggest that anyone who is still questioning who should lead America should listen carefully when he speaks. Then look at the cliff that our somewhat crazed,hands off the wheel President is taking us over. He will be telling us who is important to him. He will be sharing his reality with us. We are in a scary place and he is now telling us how lucky we are for not being New Zealand, because of his handling of the pandemic. Please separate facts from delusion and exaggeration when deciding who will get your vote. This election will have both immediate and long term consequences. Your children's futures depend on the outcome.
 

Hey, Dad! I'm your child. Are you saying my future depends on this election? (I guess it kind of does).
 

I'll vote for:
Biden-- because I think he actually understands foreign policy and will listen to people who have made foreign policy their entire career. Oh, and climate change.

Warner for Senate -- not the best on climate change, but better than the other guy

Connelly for House -- climate change, climate change, climate change

state reps and town mayor and council -- did I mention climate change?
 

Biden. Character counts.

Biden. Not a Socialist. Trump aguably is the most socialist President ever: His trade policy is socialistic wealth redistribution both via tariffs paid by U.S. Consumers, NOT China, and his payments to favored (and failing) industries such as coal.

Biden. A realistic foreign policy that favors our allies and those who share our values and punished our enemies and ideological foes.

Biden. Believes in the promise of a diverse nation and individual determination.

Biden. Not self-dealing.
 

I am voting for the reelection of Senator John Cornyn of Texas because he has played a vital role in securing Supreme Court seats for two incredibly talented and principled justices (with high hopes for a third) as well as 200-plus exceptional federal court judges. He has supported the president in his successful remaking of the Middle East with the isolation of Iran and the peace accords between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Cornyn continues to support the president in his bid to rebalance federal regulation of business, industry, and American life after two decades in which the pendulum seemed to swing toward a stifling command economy. His success in aiding the construction of a booming economy before COVID will be just as instrumental as we move forward to restart growth in the next year. In a related vein, Cornyn has supported the rethinking of a Title IX regime that insisted on guidance that led to a de-emphasizing of traditional rules of due process on college campuses. And Cornyn continues to navigate the many tensions between justice, mercy, de-carceration, law and order, equality under the law, and increased opportunity. I feel confident in moving forward with this senator based on his experience, his values, and his track record.
 

Desiree-- But what about climate change?