President Trump and US politics catchall

[Kiwias]

The pardons make good sense. Drumpf's attacks on them would be purely political so why not cut off the fool before he can get his revenge strokes in.

Excellent move by Biden.

[TB63]

[convoluted]

Been watching the coverage solely on CNN, greatly enjoying their frustrated angst because their normal stunt is to just cut Trump off when he starts dismantling any of their false years-long narratives. But as it was the inauguration then this time they couldn't flick the switch on him.

Trump's two addresses, the official one and then an informal one, would have been the first time that many dedicated CNN viewers had been exposed to the realities of the last four years as Trump firstly indicted the cringing shriveling-up Biden to his face and then later when Trump told how the Jan 6 committee had illegally destroyed the bulk of the given testimony because it cleared Trump. He also reaffirmed that Pelosi had denied his offer of 10,000 troops at the Capitol.

On that latter point I genuinely fear for the mental health of some of our posters when it comes to be revealed that yes, the 2020 election was stolen, that yes, the Jan 6 'insurrection' was staged by the Democrats themselves, that yes, all the bogus civil and federal charges against Trump were coordinated by the White House, that yes, Fauci was responsible for the Covid outbreak, and that yes, the jabs and lockdowns were all about instigating and normalizing control of the populace and had nothing to do with necessity.

[convoluted]

The pardons make good sense. Drumpf's attacks on them would be purely political so why not cut off the fool before he can get his revenge strokes in.

Excellent move by Biden.

but .. but .. but .. before president-elect Biden took office he himself warned against preemptive pardons as then-speculation swirled that Trump would pardon his children and personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani: "It concerns me in terms of what kind of precedent it sets and how the rest of the world looks (at) us as a nation of laws and justice," Biden said at the time in an interview with CNN in December 2020.

And the big difference was that Trump's children had done nothing wrong and it was the allegations against them that were 'purely political' Enzedder, whereas massive and inexplicable foreign payments were routed to various Biden family members through torturous 'financial gymnastics' involving at least 20 shell companies in failed attempt at concealment.
The family pardons today were made under cover of darkness, just 22 minutes before the official changeover of power and while Trump was making his address and was thus in the dark and unaware and not able to then make mention.

With regard to the earlier pardons, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas stated "Implication is that they needed the pardons ... So, let’s call them all before Congress and demand the truth. If they refuse or lie – let’s test the constitutional ‘reach’ of these pardons with regard to their future actions."
Ron DeSantis on Fauci: "One of Biden’s greatest abuses of power was the forcing of mRNA shots by executive fiat (which Florida successfully blocked). Now, on his way out the door, Biden pardons the chief henchman of that and so many other abuses. The swamp protects its own."
Rand Paul: "If there was ever any doubt as to who bears responsibility for the COVID pandemic, Biden’s pardon of Fauci forever seals the deal. As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I will not rest until the entire truth of the coverup is exposed. Fauci’s pardon will only serve as an accelerant to pierce the veil of deception."

[Niegs]

For those who might want to look into (or should!) the falsehoods from the speech: https://www.factcheck.org/2025/01/factc ... l-address/

[Kiwias]

For those who might want to look into (or should!) the falsehoods from the speech: https://www.factcheck.org/2025/01/factc ... l-address/

B-b-b-but what about Hunter's laptop? [/convoluted]

[Guy Smiley]

On that latter point I genuinely fear for the mental health of some of our posters when it comes to be revealed that yes, the 2020 election was stolen, that yes, the Jan 6 'insurrection' was staged by the Democrats themselves, that yes, all the bogus civil and federal charges against Trump were coordinated by the White House, that yes, Fauci was responsible for the Covid outbreak, and that yes, the jabs and lockdowns were all about instigating and normalizing control of the populace and had nothing to do with necessity.

wow. Full House.

[Niegs]

If you saw this in a movie you’d say it was far fetched.

[Hugo]

I think the way this is all playing out I think a Cold War type scenario is now emerging.

Roughly speaking you will have a bloc of American aligned nationalist right wingers (so the likes of Milei, Farage, Meloni etc) and anyone left of centre in the other. This is part of an overarching thing whereby the US is really striving to maintain its hegemony in an increasingly multipolar world.

I say Cold War because I think the US under Trump will push countries to either align with his administration (culturally, politically, militarily) or pay a price. Washington has never looked favourably upon non aligned countries anyway but I feel like Trump is really going to hammer this home - you are either in my good books or you will be ostracised. I'm not sure what that means for social Democrats in Europe who were openly hostile to him in his first term but who seem resigned to collaborating with him this time around.

[Slick]

If you saw this in a movie you’d say it was far fetched.

Presumably they expect to come back and collect them? Why are people being allowed to rummage through?

[Uncle fester]

I think the way this is all playing out I think a Cold War type scenario is now emerging.

Roughly speaking you will have a bloc of American aligned nationalist right wingers (so the likes of Milei, Farage, Meloni etc) and anyone left of centre in the other. This is part of an overarching thing whereby the US is really striving to maintain its hegemony in an increasingly multipolar world.

I say Cold War because I think the US under Trump will push countries to either align with his administration (culturally, politically, militarily) or pay a price. Washington has never looked favourably upon non aligned countries anyway but I feel like Trump is really going to hammer this home - you are either in my good books or you will be ostracised. I'm not sure what that means for social Democrats in Europe who were openly hostile to him in his first term but who seem resigned to collaborating with him this time around.

Guardian did a piece earlier in the week saying that US Democrats and liberals are worn out from the fighting and any opposition from within the Republican party has been purged.

[Sandstorm]

The only way Republicans lose ground is if the stock market freefalls and the economy tanks. Can’t blame that on Biden or the Mexicans. Then hopefully the MAGAs wake up…..

Oh and I fully expect Musk’s “efficiency drive” to bring out a repeat of Government Worker strikes and that won’t play well in Guntown.

[Raggs]

[laurent]

voilà...

[Paddington Bear]

I think the way this is all playing out I think a Cold War type scenario is now emerging.

Roughly speaking you will have a bloc of American aligned nationalist right wingers (so the likes of Milei, Farage, Meloni etc) and anyone left of centre in the other. This is part of an overarching thing whereby the US is really striving to maintain its hegemony in an increasingly multipolar world.

I say Cold War because I think the US under Trump will push countries to either align with his administration (culturally, politically, militarily) or pay a price. Washington has never looked favourably upon non aligned countries anyway but I feel like Trump is really going to hammer this home - you are either in my good books or you will be ostracised. I'm not sure what that means for social Democrats in Europe who were openly hostile to him in his first term but who seem resigned to collaborating with him this time around.

Guardian did a piece earlier in the week saying that US Democrats and liberals are worn out from the fighting and any opposition from within the Republican party has been purged.

There’s just a different vibe this time isn’t there. No real resistance, the tech bosses all in line, corporate America secretly or not so secretly delighted and the Democrats exhausted and hopelessly divided. And he can issue pre-emptive pardons now. Interesting times ahead

[boere wors]

Daniel Craig?!

[Yeeb]

Been watching the coverage solely on CNN, greatly enjoying their frustrated angst because their normal stunt is to just cut Trump off when he starts dismantling any of their false years-long narratives. But as it was the inauguration then this time they couldn't flick the switch on him.

Trump's two addresses, the official one and then an informal one, would have been the first time that many dedicated CNN viewers had been exposed to the realities of the last four years as Trump firstly indicted the cringing shriveling-up Biden to his face and then later when Trump told how the Jan 6 committee had illegally destroyed the bulk of the given testimony because it cleared Trump. He also reaffirmed that Pelosi had denied his offer of 10,000 troops at the Capitol.

On that latter point I genuinely fear for the mental health of some of our posters when it comes to be revealed that yes, the 2020 election was stolen, that yes, the Jan 6 'insurrection' was staged by the Democrats themselves, that yes, all the bogus civil and federal charges against Trump were coordinated by the White House, that yes, Fauci was responsible for the Covid outbreak, and that yes, the jabs and lockdowns were all about instigating and normalizing control of the populace and had nothing to do with necessity.

Wtaf if real

But Bravo sir if you are doing inflammatory posts, puts some of my ‘saffas ain’t funny / kiwis ming / irish love rape’ type posts to shame.

[Yeeb]

The only way Republicans lose ground is if the stock market freefalls and the economy tanks. Can’t blame that on Biden or the Mexicans. Then hopefully the MAGAs wake up…..

Oh and I fully expect Musk’s “efficiency drive” to bring out a repeat of Government Worker strikes and that won’t play well in Guntown.

No real reason for free fall to happen, the US is pulling away in terms of productivity , capitalisation, new listings etc, especially as Eu stagnant, UK driving away investment, BRICS stalling, de dollarisation being taken in its stride.
Am pretty happy i plonked my pension in a US-heavy split tbf, am actually thinking of de-weighting it slightly as this good run cannot go on (or can it ?)
Was an interesting article in Money week about the US stock market performance which including AI and big seven is powering ahead , excluding those it’s actually on par with the other major markets recently. The dominance of Nvidia, Apple etc is quite remarkable.

FYI Argentina is the best recent performer , be a brave investor to put money there - next best is Isreal


https://www.lazyportfolioetf.com/world- ... s-returns/

[Sandstorm]

Am pretty happy i plonked my pension in a US-heavy split tbf, am actually thinking of de-weighting it slightly as this good run cannot go on (or can it ?)

No other major economy is growing, so I suspect USA & Dollar will keep on truckin'.

[Sandstorm]

https://www.lazyportfolioetf.com/world- ... s-returns/

Jeez, S Korea looks shite right now

[Raggs]

Daniel Craig?!

Putin you dafty.

[Yeeb]

https://www.lazyportfolioetf.com/world- ... s-returns/

Jeez, S Korea looks shite right now

Like any stat it’s open to interpretation , I wouldn’t get too worked up about a short term. I’m uncertain if those indices take into account income , ftse is relatively strong on that score despite a woeful decade of return.

With Trump back in it’s going to be a very interesting time on investing , BP and shell for example up 13% in a month as his ‘let’s drill’ vibe spread.

[boere wors]

Daniel Craig?!

Putin you dafty.

[lemonhead]

Daniel Craig?!

Putin you dafty.

If so he's made an appalling job of it, can see why they retired him.

[Thor Sedan]

Been watching the coverage solely on CNN, greatly enjoying their frustrated angst because their normal stunt is to just cut Trump off when he starts dismantling any of their false years-long narratives. But as it was the inauguration then this time they couldn't flick the switch on him.

Trump's two addresses, the official one and then an informal one, would have been the first time that many dedicated CNN viewers had been exposed to the realities of the last four years as Trump firstly indicted the cringing shriveling-up Biden to his face and then later when Trump told how the Jan 6 committee had illegally destroyed the bulk of the given testimony because it cleared Trump. He also reaffirmed that Pelosi had denied his offer of 10,000 troops at the Capitol.

On that latter point I genuinely fear for the mental health of some of our posters when it comes to be revealed that yes, the 2020 election was stolen, that yes, the Jan 6 'insurrection' was staged by the Democrats themselves, that yes, all the bogus civil and federal charges against Trump were coordinated by the White House, that yes, Fauci was responsible for the Covid outbreak, and that yes, the jabs and lockdowns were all about instigating and normalizing control of the populace and had nothing to do with necessity.

Well personally I think it is great that we have attracted Russians to the wonderful game of Rugby - and nice to see that they can post freely on here.

[tabascoboy]

Guys, apparently it was just a slightly clumsy way of making a "...from the heart" gesture. We've got it all wrong

[inactionman]

Just bad luck then. What are the chances. How could poor Elon possibly know that the nazis used the exact same gesture. I'm sure we've all accidentally sieg heiled when we're attempting to express sincerity.

[sockwithaticket]

Been watching the coverage solely on CNN, greatly enjoying their frustrated angst because their normal stunt is to just cut Trump off when he starts dismantling any of their false years-long narratives. But as it was the inauguration then this time they couldn't flick the switch on him.

Trump's two addresses, the official one and then an informal one, would have been the first time that many dedicated CNN viewers had been exposed to the realities of the last four years as Trump firstly indicted the cringing shriveling-up Biden to his face and then later when Trump told how the Jan 6 committee had illegally destroyed the bulk of the given testimony because it cleared Trump. He also reaffirmed that Pelosi had denied his offer of 10,000 troops at the Capitol.

On that latter point I genuinely fear for the mental health of some of our posters when it comes to be revealed that yes, the 2020 election was stolen, that yes, the Jan 6 'insurrection' was staged by the Democrats themselves, that yes, all the bogus civil and federal charges against Trump were coordinated by the White House, that yes, Fauci was responsible for the Covid outbreak, and that yes, the jabs and lockdowns were all about instigating and normalizing control of the populace and had nothing to do with necessity.

Well personally I think it is great that we have attracted Russians to the wonderful game of Rugby - and nice to see that they can post freely on here.

He's a Kiwi, iirc. And one of just two people I have blocked on here because there's no dealing with that kind of drivel. You'd have better luck conversing with a table.

Unfortunately, the internet has global reach and Trumptards have been cultivated in all corners of the globe. A mate of mine has an older half brother in Ireland who's fully fallen down the internet right wing conspiracy hole with a particularly Republican/MAGA slant to it.

[Niegs]

Been watching the coverage solely on CNN, greatly enjoying their frustrated angst because their normal stunt is to just cut Trump off when he starts dismantling any of their false years-long narratives. But as it was the inauguration then this time they couldn't flick the switch on him.

Trump's two addresses, the official one and then an informal one, would have been the first time that many dedicated CNN viewers had been exposed to the realities of the last four years as Trump firstly indicted the cringing shriveling-up Biden to his face and then later when Trump told how the Jan 6 committee had illegally destroyed the bulk of the given testimony because it cleared Trump. He also reaffirmed that Pelosi had denied his offer of 10,000 troops at the Capitol.

On that latter point I genuinely fear for the mental health of some of our posters when it comes to be revealed that yes, the 2020 election was stolen, that yes, the Jan 6 'insurrection' was staged by the Democrats themselves, that yes, all the bogus civil and federal charges against Trump were coordinated by the White House, that yes, Fauci was responsible for the Covid outbreak, and that yes, the jabs and lockdowns were all about instigating and normalizing control of the populace and had nothing to do with necessity.

Well personally I think it is great that we have attracted Russians to the wonderful game of Rugby - and nice to see that they can post freely on here.

He's a Kiwi, iirc. And one of just two people I have blocked on here because there's no dealing with that kind of drivel. You'd have better luck conversing with a table.

Unfortunately, the internet has global reach and Trumptards have been cultivated in all corners of the globe. A mate of mine has an older half brother in Ireland who's fully fallen down the internet right wing conspiracy hole with a particularly Republican/MAGA slant to it.

I was saying to my no-interest-in-the-internet 85 year old grandmother recently that the big downside of it is that it's brought together so many loons, amplified their misinformed thoughts to others, allow them to spread disinformation with increasingly sharper quality. When I first started as a librarian in 2010, we were teaching basic information literacy to kids with simple cues. Amateur designed websites that weren't far off gluing random words onto a sheet in their aesthetics or so rambling that it was clear the creator was off. Now it's much harder to tell given how 'professional' some are, not to mention bite-sized boldly stated mis/disinfo in social media, and it seems information/media literacy isn't taught or at least not very well.

[Niegs]

Who says the Germans aren't funny? Well, unintentional, but still hilarious...

https://www.threads.net/@mistakenotmy/post/DFFg2lwNJ3x

[Gumboot]

He's a Kiwi, iirc.

Nah, he's a plastic Kiwi. Doesn't appear to have the sightest interest in rugby... it's like he was searching the interwebz for like-minded souls and accidentally stumbled into this place. He's probably stoked at the attention he's getting, even if it is all mildly-amused pity. Trolls gonna troll...

[Uncle fester]

It's a merk but please tell me it's not supposed adults doing the merking.
https://doge.gov/

[Uncle fester]

It's been a long 24 hours. How are we going to get through the next 4 years?

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/vid ... dApp_Other

[Hugo]

One thing I'd forgotten is how much Trump dominates the news when President.

Went on the BBC news site earlier and it's just wall to wall Trump, it's super annoying tbh when you are looking for other news. Everything gets buried.

[Niegs]

[Rhubarb & Custard]

If you saw this in a movie you’d say it was far fetched.

Presumably they expect to come back and collect them? Why are people being allowed to rummage through?

Because Trump didn't pay for anyone to adequately secure the event, atop piss poor planning that saw people dumping stuff to begin with, presumably because Trump is scared of being shot by one of his own

And why can't they rummage? Okay they probably need to take steps to locate an owner before simply keeping an item or items, and I suppose if it'd be over a certain value you might be obliged to hand it in to the police. Just for all we know these upstanding citizens are doing their civic duty

[Uncle fester]

RTE news : Trump calls Washington bishop 'nasty', demands apology

http://www.rte.ie/news/us/2025/0122/149 ... -trump-us/

He's incredibly thin skinned.

[robmatic]

One thing I'd forgotten is how much Trump dominates the news when President.

Went on the BBC news site earlier and it's just wall to wall Trump, it's super annoying tbh when you are looking for other news. Everything gets buried.

The news media absolutely love Trump for the constant content. That's probably why he gets an easy ride for all the dumb shit he comes out with - it's an entertaining spectacle.

[Slick]

One thing I'd forgotten is how much Trump dominates the news when President.

Went on the BBC news site earlier and it's just wall to wall Trump, it's super annoying tbh when you are looking for other news. Everything gets buried.

It’s bringing back happy memories of waking up and checking what bat shit stuff he has been up to.

[sturginho]

Don't we need to rename the Fred now?