President Biden and US politics catchall

[Rinkals]

Trump's problem at the moment is that he can't declare his intention to run for the Presidency because that would limit the way that he can spend the money he's raised.

Mind you, that hasn't really bothered him before now.

[Sinkers]

Conversely, the longer he doesn’t declare the more money he can mug off of his gullible MAGA crowd to do what he wants with.

[TB63]

FCPv2epVkAATdlG.png (413.54 KiB) Viewed 1649 times

[Calculon]

I can see how you might have completed the canvas without realising what that entailed

I think it's more likely that my name was added to the voter's roll on the basis of my owning property.

The point is that I never applied to be on the voter's roll as I wasn't a citizen at the time and I didn't think I was eligible.

This undermines the suggestion that photo ID is necessary for registration to vote in the UK as I didn't have any. (My Zimbabwean passport was refused renewal due to me not being black).

Owning property doesn't automatically get you on the roll - in fact there's no method to automatically get on the roll. It's a pro-active thing that you have to complete a form. if a civil servant thinks that you should be on the roll, they can't add you - but they can instruct you to register.

I agree that you don't need any sort of ID to get on the roll. The annual canvas is literally enter the person's name, gender, a DOB on a form. From memory, the instructions are for a single member of the household to complete it for everyone living there who will be 18 or over by x date

I have to agree with Rinkals here. Maybe it has changed since but I was also able to vote in a UK general election without being a citizen and certainly without actively trying to get on the voter roll. I was automatically added and I also didn't know I was eligible to vote until just before I actually voted.

[Thor Sedan]

The worst thing about Youngkin's win - is the pure joy trump will be experiencing right now.

Democrats have got to be the worst major political party in the world when it comes to power and knowing what to do with it.

[eldanielfire]

The worst thing about Youngkin's win - is the pure joy trump will be experiencing right now.

Democrats have got to be the worst major political party in the world when it comes to power and knowing what to do with it.

The Dems problem is to much of the party is to much blue Republicans. To anti-health care, despite it's widespread support even among republicans, to Corporate and enacting what the donor class wants and to metropolitan in it's perspective. The working classes feel abandoned by them; Clinton's trade agreements hollowed out many blue color industries, the language and perspectives are too elitist and dismissive of the working classes and the culture they are proud of. This is sad because the USA already has the Republicans to not help the working classes out.

[Thor Sedan]

Doesn't help that the current President is literally an 'anybody but trump' President.

I guess we all get to watch the US disappear down the domestic destruction hole again in a few years. trump will run - get another term and then the trump dynasty will take over - junior, ivanka - all the spawns that crawled out of trumps hellmouth.

And the democrats will sit their rubbing their hands together wondering how all this happened.

Such a weird country.

[Gumboot]

Doesn't help that the current President is literally an 'anybody but trump' President.

I guess we all get to watch the US disappear down the domestic destruction hole again in a few years. trump will run - get another term and then the trump dynasty will take over - junior, ivanka - all the spawns that crawled out of trumps hellmouth.

And the democrats will sit their rubbing their hands together wondering how all this happened.

Such a weird country.

They thought they created democracy and then thought they were better at it than everyone else. Hubris.

[GogLais]

The worst thing about Youngkin's win - is the pure joy trump will be experiencing right now.

Democrats have got to be the worst major political party in the world when it comes to power and knowing what to do with it.

What perplexes me is that the Democrats had fiftyish senators, a couple of hundred congressmen and I'd guess twenty or thirty state governors and out of that nearly three hundred they ended up with Biden as their candidate. And if not Biden it would have been somebody else approaching senescence.

[TheNatalShark]

I have to agree with Rinkals here. Maybe it has changed since but I was also able to vote in a UK general election without being a citizen and certainly without actively trying to get on the voter roll. I was automatically added and I also didn't know I was eligible to vote until just before I actually voted.

It's been a while since I updated but you list your nationality when registering your residence with council.

A friend from SA living in UK with Austrian passport wasn't permitted to vote in UK general elections. Edit: to note she became eligible after she subsequently also listed SA nationality. Electoral roll chooses one that gives you right to vote.

If you're from the commonwealth and qualify (as far as I remember just living here) you are able to vote. Aussie and Kiwi mates from rugby club at the time were able to vote in 2016 referendum and they were here on holiday visas.

[Calculon]

I have to agree with Rinkals here. Maybe it has changed since but I was also able to vote in a UK general election without being a citizen and certainly without actively trying to get on the voter roll. I was automatically added and I also didn't know I was eligible to vote until just before I actually voted.

It's been a while since I updated but you list your nationality when registering your residence with council.

A friend from SA living in UK with Austrian passport wasn't permitted to vote in UK general elections. Edit: to note she became eligible after she subsequently also listed SA nationality. Electoral roll chooses one that gives you right to vote.

If you're from the commonwealth and qualify (as far as I remember just living here) you are able to vote. Aussie and Kiwi mates from rugby club at the time were able to vote in 2016 referendum and they were here on holiday visas.

I was at university and assumed the university registered me to vote, the voting station was inside the university

[Uncle fester]

The worst thing about Youngkin's win - is the pure joy trump will be experiencing right now.

Democrats have got to be the worst major political party in the world when it comes to power and knowing what to do with it.

What perplexes me is that the Democrats had fiftyish senators, a couple of hundred congressmen and I'd guess twenty or thirty state governors and out of that nearly three hundred they ended up with Biden as their candidate. And if not Biden it would have been somebody else approaching senescence.

As far as they are concerned, Sanders and Warren are far left radicals so you need somebody fairly inobjectionable to appeal to the "middle" in US politics.

[GogLais]

The worst thing about Youngkin's win - is the pure joy trump will be experiencing right now.

Democrats have got to be the worst major political party in the world when it comes to power and knowing what to do with it.

What perplexes me is that the Democrats had fiftyish senators, a couple of hundred congressmen and I'd guess twenty or thirty state governors and out of that nearly three hundred they ended up with Biden as their candidate. And if not Biden it would have been somebody else approaching senescence.

As far as they are concerned, Sanders and Warren are far left radicals so you need somebody fairly inobjectionable to appeal to the "middle" in US politics.

Indeed. My sympathies are Democratic but like any left of centre party in the West you’re not going to win with what the majority regard as extreme policies. The Democrats have made their bed and have to lie in it, that’s their privilege but it’s not so good for women’s rights for example.

[Gumboot]

House Democrats have passed a $1tn bill to rebuild the nation’s ageing infrastructure after months of delay, delivering Joe Biden a long-awaited legislative victory that he boasted would put the US “on a path to win the economic competition for the 21st century”.

Applause filled the chamber as a bipartisan group of lawmakers gave final passage to the measure late on Friday night, sending it to Biden’s desk. The vote was 228 to 206, with 13 Republicans supporting the bill and six leftwing Democrats opposing it.

Approval of the legislation fulfils one of the president’s central campaign promises to “build back better” in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as his vow to work across the aisle with Republicans, even as he pushes the rest of his agenda forward on a party-line basis.

In a second vote, held shortly after midnight, the House voted 221-213 to clear a procedural hurdle that paves the way for a final vote on a $1.75tn domestic policy and climate change bill, which they hope to pass before Thanksgiving.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/202 ... age-latest

The art of the deal.

[Marylandolorian]

[Slick]

Idiot Americans.

Former President in Glasgow:

Since we’re in the Emerald Isle here, let me quote the bard, William Shakespeare

[Rinkals]

^ That's certainly not the most stupid thing a former POTUS has said. Not even close.

Things entering an interesting phase with the arrest and indictment of Bannon.

[Hal Jordan]

House Democrats have passed a $1tn bill to rebuild the nation’s ageing infrastructure after months of delay, delivering Joe Biden a long-awaited legislative victory that he boasted would put the US “on a path to win the economic competition for the 21st century”.

Applause filled the chamber as a bipartisan group of lawmakers gave final passage to the measure late on Friday night, sending it to Biden’s desk. The vote was 228 to 206, with 13 Republicans supporting the bill and six leftwing Democrats opposing it.

Approval of the legislation fulfils one of the president’s central campaign promises to “build back better” in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as his vow to work across the aisle with Republicans, even as he pushes the rest of his agenda forward on a party-line basis.

In a second vote, held shortly after midnight, the House voted 221-213 to clear a procedural hurdle that paves the way for a final vote on a $1.75tn domestic policy and climate change bill, which they hope to pass before Thanksgiving.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/202 ... age-latest

The art of the deal.

Got to get those arseholes Manchin and Sinema on board. Boy, did she ever get burrowed comfortably into the system in record time.

[Gumboot]

President Biden on Monday signed into law a sweeping $1.2 trillion infrastructure measure, notching an achievement that had long eluded his predecessor in the White House, Donald Trump.

Republicans and Democrats gathered at the White House on Monday as Biden signed the legislation, which is aimed at improving the country’s roads, bridges, pipes, ports and Internet connections.

Trump had repeatedly tried and failed to secure a bipartisan infrastructure deal.

“Here in Washington, we’ve heard countless speeches, promises and white papers from experts. But today, we’re finally getting this done,” Biden said.

Promises made, promises kept.

[Marylandolorian]

^ That's certainly not the most stupid thing a former POTUS has said. Not even close.

Things entering an interesting phase with the arrest and indictment of Bannon.

He just has to say that he was following his lawyers instructions, answers vaguely 2 or 3 questions and he’ll be out the same day.

[Rinkals]

At the risk of banging a repetitive drum, Nichols is a Trump-appointed judge.

Bannon appeared to be very combative, threatening to take down "the Biden regime".

I'd get popcorn, but the cynic in me tells me that this will all drag on until 2025, when Trump expects to be re-elected and Bannon will simply get another pardon.

[Slick]

^ That's certainly not the most stupid thing a former POTUS has said. Not even close.

Things entering an interesting phase with the arrest and indictment of Bannon.

Yes, but he's meant to be the good one

[Enzedder]

A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced Jacob Chansley, known as the "QAnon Shaman," to 41 months in prison.
Chansley struck a deal to plead guilty to one count of obstruction for his role in the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
The sentences ties for the harshest punishment handed down to a Capitol rioter thus far.

https://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/crime/qa ... d=msedgdhp

[Uncle fester]

Pretty powerful stuff from Biden today.

[robmatic]

Pretty powerful stuff from Biden today.

I think that ship has well and truly sailed from the Republican Party though.

[Uncle fester]

For sure. Quite sad seeing how the wingnuts transferred directly from the 50/60's democratic party to the republican party.

Their ...ehhh...way of doing politics will probably provoke another civil war.

[JM2K6]

They are certainly mobilised at the local level. It almost doesn't matter what the senior Republicans do at this point to bring things back from the brink.

[dpedin]

I watched the speech and it was powerful. It was almost like Biden was goading Trump into doing something stupid ... again! Calling him a loser is like a red rag to a bull, I wondered if there is something going on in the background that led to the tone of his speech and in particular his attack, justified in my opinion, and calling out the previous President?

I agree with others that the battle lines have been drawn and the nutters and swivelled eyed loons from QAnon and right wing paramilitaries will also see this as a challenge to them. It will be interesting to see what the 'tub of lard with a door mat on his heid' says in his planned speech.

[Uncle fester]

I watched the speech and it was powerful. It was almost like Biden was goading Trump into doing something stupid ... again! Calling him a loser is like a red rag to a bull, I wondered if there is something going on in the background that led to the tone of his speech and in particular his attack, justified in my opinion, and calling out the previous President?

I agree with others that the battle lines have been drawn and the nutters and swivelled eyed loons from QAnon and right wing paramilitaries will also see this as a challenge to them. It will be interesting to see what the 'tub of lard with a door mat on his heid' says in his planned speech.

Was pointed out on this thread that if Chump declares his intention to run again, the funds he's raised will come under scrutiny.

[dpedin]

I watched the speech and it was powerful. It was almost like Biden was goading Trump into doing something stupid ... again! Calling him a loser is like a red rag to a bull, I wondered if there is something going on in the background that led to the tone of his speech and in particular his attack, justified in my opinion, and calling out the previous President?

I agree with others that the battle lines have been drawn and the nutters and swivelled eyed loons from QAnon and right wing paramilitaries will also see this as a challenge to them. It will be interesting to see what the 'tub of lard with a door mat on his heid' says in his planned speech.

Was pointed out on this thread that if Chump declares his intention to run again, the funds he's raised will come under scrutiny.

Good!

[fishfoodie]

I watched the speech and it was powerful. It was almost like Biden was goading Trump into doing something stupid ... again! Calling him a loser is like a red rag to a bull, I wondered if there is something going on in the background that led to the tone of his speech and in particular his attack, justified in my opinion, and calling out the previous President?

I agree with others that the battle lines have been drawn and the nutters and swivelled eyed loons from QAnon and right wing paramilitaries will also see this as a challenge to them. It will be interesting to see what the 'tub of lard with a door mat on his heid' says in his planned speech.

If you don't, lockup; & otherwise call to account the leaders of a coup attempt ... what happens the next time ?

The GOP hasn't noticeably shifted from the bullshit, lies & frankly; Treason; of Jan 6th 2020; & they've done their level best to stop the truth of what happened; & who was responsible; from coming to light.

There's another set of elections coming up; & the GOP have been running state officials thru the farce in Arizona; with the express intention of overturning any results that don't go their way; & they've also been busy, to disenfranchise anyone they think won't vote for them.

American democracy is under threat; & it's past time to start taking the battle to the bastards intent upon turning the US into a dictatorship.

[Rinkals]

I watched the speech and it was powerful. It was almost like Biden was goading Trump into doing something stupid ... again! Calling him a loser is like a red rag to a bull, I wondered if there is something going on in the background that led to the tone of his speech and in particular his attack, justified in my opinion, and calling out the previous President?

I agree with others that the battle lines have been drawn and the nutters and swivelled eyed loons from QAnon and right wing paramilitaries will also see this as a challenge to them. It will be interesting to see what the 'tub of lard with a door mat on his heid' says in his planned speech.

If you don't, lockup; & otherwise call to account the leaders of a coup attempt ... what happens the next time ?

The GOP hasn't noticeably shifted from the bullshit, lies & frankly; Treason; of Jan 6th 2020; & they've done their level best to stop the truth of what happened; & who was responsible; from coming to light.

There's another set of elections coming up; & the GOP have been running state officials thru the farce in Arizona; with the express intention of overturning any results that don't go their way; & they've also been busy, to disenfranchise anyone they think won't vote for them.

American democracy is under threat; & it's past time to start taking the battle to the bastards intent upon turning the US into a dictatorship.

It's odd that they can't seem to see it.

I suppose the inherent scope for corruption of the American system with corporate lobbying and financial incentives to influence lawmaking (the gun lobby being a case in point) means that lawmakers are not necessarily acting for their constituents, so trust in their politicians has been eroded and the fallacy of a successful businessman [sic] running the country may have its attractions.

I have had it pointed out to me that the US is not Democracy as such, but is something called a Democratic Republic.

The 14th, 15th and 19th Amendments actually fly in the face of the intentions of the Founding Fathers, who wanted a qualified franchise system rather than universal suffrage as they didn't trust an uneducated electorate.

Regardless, amusing lolz though it may be to see Trump return in 2024, I don't think it is too dramatic to feel that this would spell the end of most Western Democracies.

Some 17 Republican-controlled States have recently enacted laws which severely restrict voting access and even allow representatives to overturn the vote on the mere allegation of voter fraud and this, together with Gerrymandering of voter districts could very well make Trump's reelection a reality. And any restraints he may have been under in his first term will no longer apply, giving him unfettered power.

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states ... eport-says
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/04/poli ... index.html

[Slick]

It all does have a kind of end of empire feel.

[TheFrog]

Wonder what the tendencies are in the Western democracies, but it stroke me after a recent poll in France that politics are drifting strongly to the right in my home country.

That poll had Macron ahead with 26%. I would argue that Macron is center right, as a lot of his policies for the last 5 years would have had Chirac and Sarkozy proud.

Pecresse, from the Républicains has 16% and she is the candidate of the traditional conservative right.

The worrying part is that the far right cumulative 16% with Lepen and 13% with Zemmour. A third of the French are willing to vote for a far right party!

The left only gather 26% of the voting intentions, its leader being the far left candidate Melanchon at 9%, well ahead of the Green candidate Jadot (7%) and the Socialist Mayor of Paris Hidalgo (4%).

One thing is sure. The Socialist Party in France, which had become a Social-Democrat party through the years, doesn't have a voice any longer. The moderate left is now represented by the Green Party.

Adding numbers together, extremist parties reach above 40%. It shows that people are divorced from traditional politics and want a brutal change. Yet it looks like Macron or Pecresse are likely the next President.

[laurent]

Wonder what the tendencies are in the Western democracies, but it stroke me after a recent poll in France that politics are drifting strongly to the right in my home country.

That poll had Macron ahead with 26%. I would argue that Macron is center right, as a lot of his policies for the last 5 years would have had Chirac and Sarkozy proud.

Pecresse, from the Républicains has 16% and she is the candidate of the traditional conservative right.

The worrying part is that the far right cumulative 16% with Lepen and 13% with Zemmour. A third of the French are willing to vote for a far right party!

The left only gather 26% of the voting intentions, its leader being the far left candidate Melanchon at 9%, well ahead of the Green candidate Jadot (7%) and the Socialist Mayor of Paris Hidalgo (4%).

One thing is sure. The Socialist Party in France, which had become a Social-Democrat party through the years, doesn't have a voice any longer. The moderate left is now represented by the Green Party.

Adding numbers together, extremist parties reach above 40%. It shows that people are divorced from traditional politics and want a brutal change. Yet it looks like Macron or Pecresse are likely the next President.

Both will finish off public education and health , and make sure only the very rich can retire.

[Hugo]

I watched the speech and it was powerful. It was almost like Biden was goading Trump into doing something stupid ... again! Calling him a loser is like a red rag to a bull, I wondered if there is something going on in the background that led to the tone of his speech and in particular his attack, justified in my opinion, and calling out the previous President?

I agree with others that the battle lines have been drawn and the nutters and swivelled eyed loons from QAnon and right wing paramilitaries will also see this as a challenge to them. It will be interesting to see what the 'tub of lard with a door mat on his heid' says in his planned speech.

If you don't, lockup; & otherwise call to account the leaders of a coup attempt ... what happens the next time ?

The GOP hasn't noticeably shifted from the bullshit, lies & frankly; Treason; of Jan 6th 2020; & they've done their level best to stop the truth of what happened; & who was responsible; from coming to light.

There's another set of elections coming up; & the GOP have been running state officials thru the farce in Arizona; with the express intention of overturning any results that don't go their way; & they've also been busy, to disenfranchise anyone they think won't vote for them.

American democracy is under threat; & it's past time to start taking the battle to the bastards intent upon turning the US into a dictatorship.

It's odd that they can't seem to see it.

I suppose the inherent scope for corruption of the American system with corporate lobbying and financial incentives to influence lawmaking (the gun lobby being a case in point) means that lawmakers are not necessarily acting for their constituents, so trust in their politicians has been eroded and the fallacy of a successful businessman [sic] running the country may have its attractions.

I have had it pointed out to me that the US is not Democracy as such, but is something called a Democratic Republic.

The 14th, 15th and 19th Amendments actually fly in the face of the intentions of the Founding Fathers, who wanted a qualified franchise system rather than universal suffrage as they didn't trust an uneducated electorate.

Regardless, amusing lolz though it may be to see Trump return in 2024, I don't think it is too dramatic to feel that this would spell the end of most Western Democracies.

Some 17 Republican-controlled States have recently enacted laws which severely restrict voting access and even allow representatives to overturn the vote on the mere allegation of voter fraud and this, together with Gerrymandering of voter districts could very well make Trump's reelection a reality. And any restraints he may have been under in his first term will no longer apply, giving him unfettered power.

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states ... eport-says
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/04/poli ... index.html

Good post.

The big problem western democracies face imo is a political class that is out of synch with the proletariat.

[fishfoodie]

If you don't, lockup; & otherwise call to account the leaders of a coup attempt ... what happens the next time ?

The GOP hasn't noticeably shifted from the bullshit, lies & frankly; Treason; of Jan 6th 2020; & they've done their level best to stop the truth of what happened; & who was responsible; from coming to light.

There's another set of elections coming up; & the GOP have been running state officials thru the farce in Arizona; with the express intention of overturning any results that don't go their way; & they've also been busy, to disenfranchise anyone they think won't vote for them.

American democracy is under threat; & it's past time to start taking the battle to the bastards intent upon turning the US into a dictatorship.

It's odd that they can't seem to see it.

I suppose the inherent scope for corruption of the American system with corporate lobbying and financial incentives to influence lawmaking (the gun lobby being a case in point) means that lawmakers are not necessarily acting for their constituents, so trust in their politicians has been eroded and the fallacy of a successful businessman [sic] running the country may have its attractions.

I have had it pointed out to me that the US is not Democracy as such, but is something called a Democratic Republic.

The 14th, 15th and 19th Amendments actually fly in the face of the intentions of the Founding Fathers, who wanted a qualified franchise system rather than universal suffrage as they didn't trust an uneducated electorate.

Regardless, amusing lolz though it may be to see Trump return in 2024, I don't think it is too dramatic to feel that this would spell the end of most Western Democracies.

Some 17 Republican-controlled States have recently enacted laws which severely restrict voting access and even allow representatives to overturn the vote on the mere allegation of voter fraud and this, together with Gerrymandering of voter districts could very well make Trump's reelection a reality. And any restraints he may have been under in his first term will no longer apply, giving him unfettered power.

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states ... eport-says
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/04/poli ... index.html

Good post.

The big problem western democracies face imo is a political class that is out of synch with the proletariat.

It's probably true, that the division of politicians, doesn't reflect reflect the classes in society; but the responses from the Political parties, hasn't worked so far.

We've had the likes of Chávez; bankrupting a wealthy nation; to buy off the poor; then we have the shitgibbon, pretending to give a shit about the poor; while giving a trillion dollars in tax cuts, to the most wealthy: & Orban, Erdoğan, etc; trying variations on the theme of toxic Nationalism; mixed with buying votes; while knowing it's all unsustainable.

Populism seems to be the default response; & it's always is shittier, in the medium/long term.

The Problem for Democracy is the people voting; all too often; aren't educated enough, or smart enough, to see thru the scumbags who want to hold power; & the Democratic systems; don't have the controls to protect themselves from bad actors. Add to that; the increasing actions by Nations; interfering in other Nations elections; & it's a tough time for Democracy.

[Uncle fester]

I watched the speech and it was powerful. It was almost like Biden was goading Trump into doing something stupid ... again! Calling him a loser is like a red rag to a bull, I wondered if there is something going on in the background that led to the tone of his speech and in particular his attack, justified in my opinion, and calling out the previous President?

I agree with others that the battle lines have been drawn and the nutters and swivelled eyed loons from QAnon and right wing paramilitaries will also see this as a challenge to them. It will be interesting to see what the 'tub of lard with a door mat on his heid' says in his planned speech.

If you don't, lockup; & otherwise call to account the leaders of a coup attempt ... what happens the next time ?

The GOP hasn't noticeably shifted from the bullshit, lies & frankly; Treason; of Jan 6th 2020; & they've done their level best to stop the truth of what happened; & who was responsible; from coming to light.

There's another set of elections coming up; & the GOP have been running state officials thru the farce in Arizona; with the express intention of overturning any results that don't go their way; & they've also been busy, to disenfranchise anyone they think won't vote for them.

American democracy is under threat; & it's past time to start taking the battle to the bastards intent upon turning the US into a dictatorship.

It's odd that they can't seem to see it.

I suppose the inherent scope for corruption of the American system with corporate lobbying and financial incentives to influence lawmaking (the gun lobby being a case in point) means that lawmakers are not necessarily acting for their constituents, so trust in their politicians has been eroded and the fallacy of a successful businessman [sic] running the country may have its attractions.

I have had it pointed out to me that the US is not Democracy as such, but is something called a Democratic Republic.

The 14th, 15th and 19th Amendments actually fly in the face of the intentions of the Founding Fathers, who wanted a qualified franchise system rather than universal suffrage as they didn't trust an uneducated electorate.

Regardless, amusing lolz though it may be to see Trump return in 2024, I don't think it is too dramatic to feel that this would spell the end of most Western Democracies.

Some 17 Republican-controlled States have recently enacted laws which severely restrict voting access and even allow representatives to overturn the vote on the mere allegation of voter fraud and this, together with Gerrymandering of voter districts could very well make Trump's reelection a reality. And any restraints he may have been under in his first term will no longer apply, giving him unfettered power.

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states ... eport-says
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/04/poli ... index.html

Another way of looking at it is to question if their democracy was really that good to begin with. The nation was pretty much founded by religious extremists who left England because it was too liberal for them.

It wasn't till 100 years after the civil war that some of the southern states were dragged kicking and screaming into something resembling a democracy and they've never forgiven "the libs" for this.

I still see this playing out like the Spanish civil war and with the victim complex/ entitlement to power of the right being so strong that they won't need much in the way of "provocation" to set them off. As the guardian said last year, the next wannabe dictator will be a lot more competent than Chump.

[petej]

Wonder what the tendencies are in the Western democracies, but it stroke me after a recent poll in France that politics are drifting strongly to the right in my home country.

That poll had Macron ahead with 26%. I would argue that Macron is center right, as a lot of his policies for the last 5 years would have had Chirac and Sarkozy proud.

Pecresse, from the Républicains has 16% and she is the candidate of the traditional conservative right.

The worrying part is that the far right cumulative 16% with Lepen and 13% with Zemmour. A third of the French are willing to vote for a far right party!

The left only gather 26% of the voting intentions, its leader being the far left candidate Melanchon at 9%, well ahead of the Green candidate Jadot (7%) and the Socialist Mayor of Paris Hidalgo (4%).

One thing is sure. The Socialist Party in France, which had become a Social-Democrat party through the years, doesn't have a voice any longer. The moderate left is now represented by the Green Party.

Adding numbers together, extremist parties reach above 40%. It shows that people are divorced from traditional politics and want a brutal change. Yet it looks like Macron or Pecresse are likely the next President.

Is France as generationally divided as the UK with most of the far right support coming from the older age groups?

[Hugo]

It's odd that they can't seem to see it.

I suppose the inherent scope for corruption of the American system with corporate lobbying and financial incentives to influence lawmaking (the gun lobby being a case in point) means that lawmakers are not necessarily acting for their constituents, so trust in their politicians has been eroded and the fallacy of a successful businessman [sic] running the country may have its attractions.

I have had it pointed out to me that the US is not Democracy as such, but is something called a Democratic Republic.

The 14th, 15th and 19th Amendments actually fly in the face of the intentions of the Founding Fathers, who wanted a qualified franchise system rather than universal suffrage as they didn't trust an uneducated electorate.

Regardless, amusing lolz though it may be to see Trump return in 2024, I don't think it is too dramatic to feel that this would spell the end of most Western Democracies.

Some 17 Republican-controlled States have recently enacted laws which severely restrict voting access and even allow representatives to overturn the vote on the mere allegation of voter fraud and this, together with Gerrymandering of voter districts could very well make Trump's reelection a reality. And any restraints he may have been under in his first term will no longer apply, giving him unfettered power.

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states ... eport-says
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/04/poli ... index.html

Good post.

The big problem western democracies face imo is a political class that is out of synch with the proletariat.

It's probably true, that the division of politicians, doesn't reflect reflect the classes in society; but the responses from the Political parties, hasn't worked so far.

We've had the likes of Chávez; bankrupting a wealthy nation; to buy off the poor; then we have the shitgibbon, pretending to give a shit about the poor; while giving a trillion dollars in tax cuts, to the most wealthy: & Orban, Erdoğan, etc; trying variations on the theme of toxic Nationalism; mixed with buying votes; while knowing it's all unsustainable.

Populism seems to be the default response; & it's always is shittier, in the medium/long term.

The Problem for Democracy is the people voting; all too often; aren't educated enough, or smart enough, to see thru the scumbags who want to hold power; & the Democratic systems; don't have the controls to protect themselves from bad actors. Add to that; the increasing actions by Nations; interfering in other Nations elections; & it's a tough time for Democracy.

Good post.

In addition to what you have said democracies have major flaws with short election cycles.

Challenging problems require long term planning and long term solutions. Difficult problems cannot be fixed overnight. Two year elections (as in the US model) provide no scope for long term planning because control of government see saws so frequently.

Its a massive advantage China holds over the west.