Not a good week

[HALL85]

Manchin torches the Dem party on his way out;

Hochul taking victory laps about reducing crime in the subway only hours after a woman is set on fire and dies at the hands of an illegal migrant;

Biden commutes the sentences of 37 death row inmates;

Biden's own staff now admitting he was out of it as far back as the beginning of 2021.;

And I supposed to be concerned about Musk’s influence on Trump?

 

[dehere23]

The Biden story should be the biggest political story in however long.

 

[PiratePride]

The Biden story should be the biggest political story in however long.

Where was the press and the democrats who made excuses for Biden for 4 years and supported the Biden family fortune (27 million)? HYPOCRITES.....If I ever hear a dem virtue signal about ANYTHING anymore, I will puke.

Hilarious how the new dem narrative was floated out there.... Musk will be the shadow president..... Have to hand it to them though, they know how to spin a false tale. People aren't buying it anymore..... so keep spinning.

 

[Shaheton]

Where was the press and the democrats who made excuses for Biden for 4 years and supported the Biden family fortune (27 million)? HYPOCRITES.....If I ever hear a dem virtue signal about ANYTHING anymore, I will puke.

Hilarious how the new dem narrative was floated out there.... Musk will be the shadow president..... Have to hand it to them though, they know how to spin a false tale. People aren't buying it anymore..... so keep spinning.

Ugly out there

 

[HALL85]

Where was the press and the democrats who made excuses for Biden for 4 years and supported the Biden family fortune (27 million)? HYPOCRITES.....If I ever hear a dem virtue signal about ANYTHING anymore, I will puke.

Hilarious how the new dem narrative was floated out there.... Musk will be the shadow president..... Have to hand it to them though, they know how to spin a false tale. People aren't buying it anymore..... so keep spinning.

The whole anti-Musk narrative makes me burst out laughing.

He’s done more for the environment and reducing greenhouse gases than anyone with Tesla.

He’s enabled the government to outsource NASA at a lower cost with faster results.

Gave Star-link access to Ukraine was probably one of the most strategically important decisions that helped them communicate in the early stages of the war.

And again to help the hurricane victims in North Carolina.

He’s created hundreds of thousands of high paying jobs in the U.S.

And the potential of Neuro-Link may have major implications on the health of our population.

We are pretty lucky that he is devoting time to help streamline the government.

 

[Merge]

Hilarious how the new dem narrative was floated out there.... Musk will be the shadow president..... Have to hand it to them though, they know how to spin a false tale. People aren't buying it anymore..... so keep spinning.

I mean, Musk is leaning into it.



Musk and Trump are two very ego driven people. I’d guess it’s not going to end well when a disagreement comes up, or one of them starts to feel like the other doesn’t respect them enough.

 

[HALL85]

I mean, Musk is leaning into it.

View embedded media

Musk and Trump are two very ego driven people. I’d guess it’s not going to end well when a disagreement comes up, or one of them starts to feel like the other doesn’t respect them enough.

You’re an expert on guys with big egos? Didn’t know that.

We now know Biden was in decline for essentially his entire term and his team (and the MSM) covered it up. It happened and it happened for four years. Still think he rates a “B”?

Now the position is Musk and Trump’s egos might collide. Might? Pure speculation.

Musk is leaning in? That’s no shocker…he does that all the time. That’s who he is.

 

[Merge]

You’re an expert on guys with big egos? Didn’t know that.

Acknowledging that both have large egos requires expertise? Not really.

We now know Biden was in decline for essentially his entire term and his team (and the MSM) covered it up. It happened and it happened for four years. Still think he rates a “B”?

Not happy about the reports about Biden, but as far as grading their performance, at the end of the day, it’s the results that matter. What did they walk into, how did they handle their situation, what did they accomplish etc.
In my opinion, there was some good and some bad. He also clearly should have always been a one term president as well, so his unwillingness to step aside and hurting the party’s chances in a general knocks him down a bit as well. C ish overall.. give or take.

Now the position is Musk and Trump’s egos might collide. Might? Pure speculation.

That’s what we do here. We speculate… Hence the words “I’d guess”

Musk is leaning in? That’s no shocker…he does that all the time. That’s who he is.

Indeed it is, how much patience Trump will have for someone else trying to take the spotlight is another question.

 

[dehere23]

I’m ususally a “results matter” guy myself.

But, sorry, if our Chief Executive wasn’t mentally capable of handling the most important job in the country, after the “bunker strategy” campaign conducted under the guise of COVID, and the folks around him in government were complicit in this cover up, that is the biggest political story in years. It raises a million legit questions, including who was actually making the decisions Biden was elected to make. This should be getting non-stop coverage and it would if it was a Republican. Let’s be fair about it.

 

[chickenbox]

This should be getting non-stop coverage and it would if it was a Republican. Let’s be fair about it.

Ever heard of Ronald Reagan?

 

[HALL85]

Acknowledging that both have large egos requires expertise? Not really.

You were speculating what will happen and I was comparing that to what did happen.

Not happy about the reports about Biden, but as far as grading their performance, at the end of the day, it’s the results that matter. What did they walk into, how did they handle their situation, what did they accomplish etc.
In my opinion, there was some good and some bad. He also clearly should have always been a one term president as well, so his unwillingness to step aside and hurting the party’s chances in a general knocks him down a bit as well. C ish overall.. give or take.

Have to agree to disagree on that. The reports just confirm what we all saw. Remember how Robert Hur was criticized. His decision (or his family’s decision) to run and then putting the party in a desperate situation with Harris…

That’s what we do here. We speculate… Hence the words “I’d guess”



Indeed it is, how much patience Trump will have for someone else trying to take the spotlight is another question.

Have no idea, but as long as both have much to gain from the relationship.

 

[Merge]

I’m ususally a “results matter” guy myself.

But, sorry, if our Chief Executive wasn’t mentally capable of handling the most important job in the country, after the “bunker strategy” campaign conducted under the guise of COVID, and the folks around him in government were complicit in this cover up, that is the biggest political story in years. It raises a million legit questions, including who was actually making the decisions Biden was elected to make. This should be getting non-stop coverage and it would if it was a Republican. Let’s be fair about it.

He was elderly and frail and did not have the stamina needed for the job, but I wouldn’t go as far as saying he was incapable of making decisions. As noted, stories about Reagan’s last year or two sound a lot like the stories about Biden. Probably some good days and some bad.

He shouldn’t have been running again though. I thought it was clear he would be a 1 term president when he ran in 2020, and I think running again ruined whatever legacy he would have had when people look back on his term… but in my opinion it was still around average on results, not just where we are today but setting up for the future as well (CHIPS act, IRA, infrastructure etc) but failing on the border and refusing to step aside on the other end. Just my opinion.

 

[Merge]

but as long as both have much to gain from the relationship.

Exactly. Elon will want to maintain the same level of influence (which is a lot right now) but post election, does Trump really want Elon having that much influence? Does Trump still benefit from Elon post election?

I think there was a large benefit of embracing Elon during the campaign. I don’t see the relationship nearly as mutually beneficial anymore now that the election is over.

 

[HALL85]

Exactly. Elon will want to maintain the same level of influence (which is a lot right now) but post election, does Trump really want Elon having that much influence? Does Trump still benefit from Elon post election?

We’ll see how it plays out, but with Musk leading DOGE, Trump probably has the best individual to lead that effort to identify the waste and provide credibility. Having read Musk’s biography, and how he avoided aligning with politicians up until now, this seems right up his alley. He has succeeded in private business, and now he can have a significant impact on Government reform. That’s a pretty good legacy.

I think there was a large benefit of embracing Elon during the campaign. I don’t see the relationship nearly as mutually beneficial anymore now that the election is over.

I actually seen as more beneficial because of what I stated above, and this will only create more value for X as Musk tweets out DOGE findings that the MSM will ignore.

Hard to argue with this…


https://www.yahoo.com/news/opinion-list-democrats-biggest-lies-173000582.html

 

[SHUSA]

isnt yahoo the msm? super odd to immediatly post a yahoo article.

 

[HALL85]

isnt yahoo the msm? super odd to immediatly post a yahoo article.

Why? Came up on my news feed.

 

[Merge]

I actually seen as more beneficial because of what I stated above, and this will only create more value for X as Musk tweets out DOGE findings that the MSM will ignore.

I see a benefit in the relationship for Musk. I don’t see it as much for Trump. He doesn’t really “need” Elon at this point. He helped get him elected, that was his usefulness to Trump.

The relationship is easy now since there is nothing to actually do, but I do think their egos will get in the way of who is making the decisions and who deserves the credit (and blame)

Just my opinion, we’ll see how it plays out.

 

[SHUSA]

Why? Came up on my news feed.

because you trash msm all the time and threw a jab the sentence before you cited an article from the msm. you dont see the irony? guess only when it supports your argument

 

[HALL85]

because you trash msm all the time and threw a jab the sentence before you cited an article from the msm. you dont see the irony? guess only when it supports your argument

Because the MSM leans hard left, so anytime they criticize Dems is unusual …it’s pretty obvious for most.

 

[NYShoreGuy]

Because the MSM leans hard left, so anytime they criticize Dems is unusual …it’s pretty obvious for most.

Please define MSM and Big Tech objectively with no bias

 

[HALL85]

I see a benefit in the relationship for Musk. I don’t see it as much for Trump. He doesn’t really “need” Elon at this point. He helped get him elected, that was his usefulness to Trump.

I would disagree on that. Trump has the luxury of having Musk as his outsider “pit bull” to identify all the savings opportunities. Musk provides credibility and cover.

The relationship is easy now since there is nothing to actually do, but I do think their egos will get in the way of who is making the decisions and who deserves the credit (and blame)

Trump is always going to take credit, but he seems to be comfortable with Musk at his side. He did imply that Musk helped him win the election.

Just my opinion, we’ll see how it plays out.

Yup, this will be interesting and time will tell.

 

[knowknow456]

Musk does not pose a threat to Trump but the two of them should get their act together. By tweeting up a storm about the impending CR before Trump had said anything, Musk made it seem like Trump was sleeping on the issue. Trump didn’t help himself by then doubling down and demanding a suspension of the debt ceiling. Thirty eight Republicans torpedoed that idea and Trump had to take the loss when the CR was eventually passed without the suspension. It was embarrassing for the President-Elect but he’ll be better the next time.

 

[Rockaway]

Gee I thought Republicans did whatever Trump wanted guess that is what Dems do like always voting the way Schumer tells them .

 

[HALL85]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/...ing-for-commuting-death-sentences/ar-AA1wAltW

Manchin continues to take Biden to task before he retires.

 

[dehere23]

He was elderly and frail and did not have the stamina needed for the job, but I wouldn’t go as far as saying he was incapable of making decisions. As noted, stories about Reagan’s last year or two sound a lot like the stories about Biden. Probably some good days and some bad.

He shouldn’t have been running again though. I thought it was clear he would be a 1 term president when he ran in 2020, and I think running again ruined whatever legacy he would have had when people look back on his term… but in my opinion it was still around average on results, not just where we are today but setting up for the future as well (CHIPS act, IRA, infrastructure etc) but failing on the border and refusing to step aside on the other end. Just my opinion.

Forget about not running again, which I agree with you on.

The stuff coming out from the moment he took office in 2021 is disturbing, and the media and so many others seem to have been covering it up. This isn’t an end of presidency thing.

 

[knowknow456]

For the second time in two weeks, the President-Elect has been playing catchup with the dynamic Elon Musk. Musk is a big supporter of the H-1B visa, going so far as to say on X (formerly Twitter), “Take a big step back and eff YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.” Musk seemed pretty committed to the visas.

Many MAGA supporters want tighter immigration laws, which would include reducing or eliminating the H-1B program. After several days, someone roused the President-Elect who then called the New York Post in support of Musk and the H1-B program. “I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas….I have many H-1B visas on my properties.” Trump seems pretty committed to the visas.

Like many Trump related statements, that’s not entirely true. In 2016 he ran on a platform that would “forever end the use of the H-1B as a cheap labor program.” Musk has also backtracked a little saying “I’ve been clear that the program is broken and needs major reform and I’m confident that the changes made in the @realDonaldTrump administration will make America much stronger.”. The important thing is Trump and Musk have finally gotten on the same page. They both seem to like that.

 

[Shaheton]

For the second time in two weeks, the President-Elect has been playing catchup with the dynamic Elon Musk. Musk is a big supporter of the H-1B visa, going so far as to say on X (formerly Twitter), “Take a big step back and eff YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.” Musk seemed pretty committed to the visas.

Many MAGA supporters want tighter immigration laws, which would include reducing or eliminating the H-1B program. After several days, someone roused the President-Elect who then called the New York Post in support of Musk and the H1-B program. “I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas….I have many H-1B visas on my properties.” Trump seems pretty committed to the visas.

Like many Trump related statements, that’s not entirely true. In 2016 he ran on a platform that would “forever end the use of the H-1B as a cheap labor program.” Musk has also backtracked a little saying “I’ve been clear that the program is broken and needs major reform and I’m confident that the changes made in the @realDonaldTrump administration will make America much stronger.”. The important thing is Trump and Musk have finally gotten on the same page. They both seem to like that.

The important thing is that now I know that x was formerly known as twitter

 

[PiratePride]

I mean, Musk is leaning into it.

View embedded media

Musk and Trump are two very ego driven people. I’d guess it’s not going to end well when a disagreement comes up, or one of them starts to feel like the other doesn’t respect them enough.

So..... the narrative???? all the usual suspects had chimed in on the "Musk wants to be the de facto president" narrative...... the media has not learned it's lesson. They keep doubling down. What do you think about the..... the ever present left wing echo chamber and how it has continued? I'm not sure you have ever commented on it. Asking a specific question here.

 

[Merge]

What do you think about the..... the ever present left wing echo chamber and how it has continued? I'm not sure you have ever commented on it. Asking a specific question here.

That’s not really a specific question, not sure if you’re talking about politicians or pundits or something else. An example would be helpful but generally I’m not a fan of democrats as a party. They are very misguided on a lot of issues that Americans care about, and they’re “united” in that approach, also not something I’m a fan of. I’d rather see honest opinions good or bad. Some of my views are more liberal but I’m not a democrat.

I preferred republicans this year over Biden or Harris, just not Trump. I think he’s a con man who is not worthy of the office. Still rooting for his success though.

 

[Shaheton]

That’s not really a specific question, not sure if you’re talking about politicians or pundits or something else. An example would be helpful but generally I’m not a fan of democrats as a party. They are very misguided on a lot of issues that Americans care about, and they’re “united” in that approach, also not something I’m a fan of. I’d rather see honest opinions good or bad. Some of my views are more liberal but I’m not a democrat.

I preferred republicans this year over Biden or Harris, just not Trump. I think he’s a con man who is not worthy of the office. Still rooting for his success though.

If you think Trump is a con man what do you think of multi millionaire President Biden?

 

[Merge]

If you think Trump is a con man what do you think of multi millionaire President Biden?

Not the guy I wanted for 2020 or 2024.
He made most of his money after his stint as VP from public speaking and book deals in 2017 and 2018. I don't really have an issue with someone overpaying him to speak or write.

I'm going to guess you don't really have an issue with "multimillionaires" in office making money though.

 

[PiratePride]

Not the guy I wanted for 2020 or 2024.
He made most of his money after his stint as VP from public speaking and book deals in 2017 and 2018. I don't really have an issue with someone overpaying him to speak or write.

I'm going to guess you don't really have an issue with "multimillionaires" in office making money though.

Are you still giving Biden a pass on the at least 27 million he and his family have gotten through their shell companies from foreign entities? You talk about his speaking fees. That's a laugh.

 

[HALL85]

The press conference was cringe worthy yesterday. Yukking it up right before and right after giving the update on New Orleans. Senile and tone deaf.

 

[Merge]

Are you still giving Biden a pass on the at least 27 million he and his family have gotten through their shell companies from foreign entities? You talk about his speaking fees. That's a laugh.

We've already had that discussion here. None of the facts have changed, so my opinion is the same.
Hunter is a scumbag who was profiting off of his father. There is no evidence of Joe receiving anything, other than the suggestion that he would on the deal that fell apart but would have been legal in 2017 anyway.

Yes, his speaking fees and book deals earned him about $15 million which is where he got the money for the Rehoboth house and where about half of his net worth is.

It's amusing that you can't let that go but support the guy who earned far more from foreign countries while in office than that $27 million, and don't care at all about Jared's $2 billion deal? Come on...

 

[PiratePride]

We've already had that discussion here. None of the facts have changed, so my opinion is the same.
Hunter is a scumbag who was profiting off of his father. There is no evidence of Joe receiving anything, other than the suggestion that he would on the deal that fell apart but would have been legal in 2017 anyway.

Yes, his speaking fees and book deals earned him about $15 million which is where he got the money for the Rehoboth house and where about half of his net worth is.

It's amusing that you can't let that go but support the guy who earned far more from foreign countries while in office than that $27 million, and don't care at all about Jared's $2 billion deal? Come on...

Can't let go of the likelihood that there was some quid pro quo for that 27 million dollars Biden family reaped from foreign actors? You bet.
So sweep it under the rug says Merge. You are not as "objective" as you make yourself out to be.

 

[Merge]

Can't let go of the likelihood that there was some quid pro quo for that 27 million dollars Biden family reaped from foreign actors? You bet.
So sweep it under the rug says Merge. You are not as "objective" as you make yourself out to be.

You say that like my opinion is what determines an investigation.

Sorry if it upsets you, but I have not seen any evidence, or even a suggestion that Joe did something improper related to Hunters activities.

If there was evidence that Joe was guiding US policy because of his son’s business dealings, then I would change my opinion.

as it stands, it just seems more like Hunter was taking advantage of his name and relationships but Joe did not cross a line of what would be legal.

Now what do you believe Saudis got for their 2 billion?
What do you believe China got for their millions paid to Trump? Qatar?

You want to talk about objectivity? you assume Joe is guilty based on less evidence than we have for Trump as he actually received foreign money while in office. I don’t automatically assume Trump did something improper though because I haven’t seen any evidence of that either.

 

[shu09]

Seems as if Merge hasn't heard of plausible deniability. Presidents of both parties go to great lengths to keep their dealings secret.

 

[PiratePride]

You say that like my opinion is what determines an investigation.

Sorry if it upsets you, but I have not seen any evidence, or even a suggestion that Joe did something improper related to Hunters activities.

If there was evidence that Joe was guiding US policy because of his son’s business dealings, then I would change my opinion.

as it stands, it just seems more like Hunter was taking advantage of his name and relationships but Joe did not cross a line of what would be legal.

Now what do you believe Saudis got for their 2 billion?
What do you believe China got for their millions paid to Trump? Qatar?

You want to talk about objectivity? you assume Joe is guilty based on less evidence than we have for Trump as he actually received foreign money while in office. I don’t automatically assume Trump did something improper though because I haven’t seen any evidence of that eitherYou have been

Once again you ignore the real issue. What service did the Biden family give for the 27 million? You keep avoiding that little question and instead muddy the issue going on and on about Trump. Comparing the two enterprises is just gas lighting. Just answer the question about the Biden family enterprise. Out.

 

[Merge]

Seems as if Merge hasn't heard of plausible deniability. Presidents of both parties go to great lengths to keep their dealings secret.

Not really. People are just assuming a crime without actually understanding what would have been against the law.

The only thing that would have been illegal for Biden would have been do act on behalf of his sons business interests. I have seen no evidence of that occurring, or even a hint of that really.

 

[Merge]

Once again you ignore the real issue. What service did the Biden family give for the 27 million? You keep avoiding that little question and instead muddy the issue going on and on about Trump. Comparing the two enterprises is just gas lighting. Just answer the question about the Biden family enterprise. Out.

First, the family didn’t get 27 million. Hunters related entities did, about half went to Hunter. The other half was to hunters business partners.

The payments were for lots of things. Primarily investment deals. The acted as an agent and earned commissions. Hunters name naturally gets him in a room with people most wouldn’t have access to.

Could Joe have made calls to help his son make money? Yes. I don’t care if that occurred because unless Joe did something to act on their behalf with US policy, it really doesn’t matter.
Trump likely did the same for his children as well.